- Sheep returning as a compelling option in Central West Queensland
- Australia’s new definition of lamb
- On-farm technology and call for producers to get involved in GPS tracking
- Production Pointers Part 4: Drought Feed Calculator
- Upcoming Leading Sheep events
- Upcoming events
- eBulletins
1. Sheep returning as a compelling option in Central West Queensland
Grazing enterprises in Central West Queensland are making the move back to sheep in place of cattle, after wild dog exclusion fences have provided security to what was once classed as a rich sheep and wool area.
Sheep numbers have declined dramatically over the last 30 years, however it has been predicted that by 2026 the current numbers will almost double. Click here to read about expert views on the future of the sheep industry in Queensland.
2. Australia’s new definition of lamb is in place from 1 July 2019
The previous definition gave producers no warning about when a lamb stops being a lamb – the moment a permanent incisor erupts, the lamb is downgraded to hogget.
The new definition gives producers greater certainty and a definitive signal to move on marketing their lambs. The new definition is consistent with the definition in New Zealand – Australia’s biggest lamb competitor in export markets. The change serves to even the playing field between the two countries.
Click here for fact sheets and videos for what you need to know.
3. On-farm technology and call for producers to get involved in GPS tracking
On–farm labour has been identified as a key constraint in the Australian sheep industry, especially in the more remote areas of Queensland and Western Australia. There are a range of labour saving tools and technology systems on the market, however information is required on how best to integrate these technologies, and which products are most suitable to specific sheep enterprises.
When determining the benefits of any new technology, an acceptable pay-back period should be determined prior to investing. The video below discusses five key technologies sheep producers can introduce into their sheep enterprise to optimise management practices by increasing the number of sheep run per labour unit and improving efficiency and productivity.
To view the video click here.
Farm research for sheep and goat producers is about to get up and running in Western Queensland, tracking livestock to optimise grazing landscape utilisation. Central Queensland University and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries have partnered to undertake this research and are seeking producer partners to deploy GPS tracking collars in Western Queensland. To learn more and get involved, click this link: GPS tracking sheep and goats – get involved!
4. Production Pointers Part 4: Drought Feed Calculator
Drought and dry seasons are a major factor affecting the Australian agricultural industry. A tool to help producers dealing with drought and dry seasons is the Drought Feed Calculator. It enables busy farmers to make informed decisions and save money. Farmers in any location can easily and quickly determine the minimum feed requirement for a range of animals with different nutritional needs.
Click here to see how you can download the app.
5. Upcoming Leading Sheep events
31 July Sheep Technology Field Day, Goondiwindi by Leading Sheep. For more information and to register click here.
SAVE THE DATE: 3 September Ramping up Repro training day, Longreach by Leading sheep.
6. Upcoming events
1 August Exploring Opportunities to Improve Goat Profitability, Cunnamulla by AgForce. For more information contact Trish McKenzie here.
2 August Future Food & Fibre Conference, St George. For more information click here.
9-18 August Ekka, Brisbane. For more information click here.
19 August Livestock Advisor Updates, Brisbane. For more information click here.
22 August Powering Productivity for Profit, Roma by Heritage Seeds. For more information and to register click here.
23 August Waterponding Field Day, Cunnamulla by SQ Landscapes. For more information contact Kate Percival here.
26 August Bet on your Books, Cunnamulla by GrazingFutures. For more information and to register click here.
27 August Bet on your Books, Morven by GrazingFutures. For more information and to register click here.
18 September Business EDGE, Warwick by Bush Agribusiness. For more information and to register click here.
17-19 September Nuffield Australia National Conference, Brisbane. For information click here.