Around the Camp: Breeding values, Climate Tools, Property Values, Deep dive on Workshop Learnings

  1. Quick picks:Breeding values, Climate Tools, Property Values,
  2. Deep dive – Carbon, Livestock and Sustainability: Workshop Learnings
  3. Upcoming events
  4. Podcasts, eBulletins and surveys

Quick picks

Breeding values update on flystrike resistance:AWI along with the Animal Genetics Breeding Unit (AGBU) is investigating flystrike and DNA results from R&D flocks and private flocks to first produce ‘within flock’ breech and body strike breeding values and then ‘across flock’ multi trait Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs). The aim, depending on sufficient data, is to release ASBVs in 2027. You can read more from AWI by clicking here.

Visual Sheep Scores Guide: The Visual Sheep Scores Guide helps woolgrowers make informed selection decisions by evaluating traits linked to productivity and health, such as body wrinkle, breech cover, and fleece rot resistance. This tool is vital for breeding healthier and more productive flocks. The guide has recently been updated and you can view the updated copy here.

Retaining your top performers:  When we think of our top performers our mind might go to fertility, fibre diameter, or staple length and strength. But have you considered the impact your staff have on your business performance? The red meat industry supply chain is a classic example of a business sector where some staff often operate remotely from the main business. Having remote employees presents unique challenges to management that you may be overlooking. Click here for some top tips on managing remote employees.

Climate and pasture tools online: The Long Paddock is a Queensland Government initiative that has provided climate and pasture information to the grazing community since 1995. The site provides access to rainfall and pasture outlooks and a wide range of decision support tools to support land management decision making and planning for landholders, education, consultants and extension officers. Click here to visit The Long Paddock.

Tools available include:

  • Seasonal climate outlooks and forecasting tools
  • Rainfall and pasture growth maps
  • Australia’s yearly rainfall maps for the years 1890 through to2024
  • Webinar recordings of technical information and products

 

 

 

New grading device paves the way:  A handheld microwave-based device that non-invasively measures intramuscular fat percentage (IMF%) in lamb carcases has recently achieved AUS-MEAT accreditation – paving the way towards the development of premium lamb brands. Developed by Murdoch University as part of an MLA Donor Company project that operated in parallel with the Commonwealth-funded ALMTech project, this new device has the potential to aid in the delivery of fairer and more accurate grading of carcase eating quality. Click here to read about it on the MLA website.

 

Help improve safety of rural farming communities: Have you experienced or know someone who has been impacted by farm crime in Australia? The Centre for Rural Criminology is conducting the Australian Farm Crime Survey to understand and fight farm crime and they need your help to gather important information. To take part click here to complete the survey.  You could win 1 of 10 $100 Visa cards for participating.

Check out the latest property values report: The Rural Bank Australian Farmland Values Mid-Year Update report looks at the trends in farmland pricing for the first six months of 2024 from a national, state and local level. Click here to download the report.

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Deep dive – Carbon, Livestock and Sustainability: Workshop Learnings  

In late October, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) ran a series of Livestock, Carbon and Sustainability workshops throughout Southwest Queensland at Cunnamulla, Charleville, and Quilpie, with several sheep producers in attendance. The biggest takeaway was the alignment between lowering carbon emissions and existing best practices. During the activities, producers brainstormed strategies for achieving and improving the following:

  • What can you use to keep farm records?
  • What practices increase the efficiency of the breeder herd/flock?
  • What practices help improve weight gain?
  • What practices ensure good soil and pasture health?

In this Deep Dive we will explore what graziers are doing on the ground to achieve the above points, which also happen to reduce carbon emissions. I’ve captured the advice shared by producers under each key strategy discussed at the workshops and linked to more resources and information you can access to grow your knowledge and tools. 

Hopefully, you might learn something new or refresh your memory.

 

  1. Keeping Farm Records

Workshop participants shared tools and methods that they use to record farm records. Accurate records help track progress and provide the foundation for informed decision-making about carbon reduction strategies. It was interesting to see a blend of digital and hardcopy resources.

What can you use to keep farm records?

  • Phone and computer: Practical for digital records when internet connectivity can allow quick sharing amongst staff. Can also link in with farm monitoring equipment such as your water monitoring equipment. Click here to access the Leading Sheep water monitoring factsheet.

  • Notebooks and diaries: Still a reliable option, sometimes the only option in areas with poor internet connectivity.
  • MLA Record-Keeping Book: Click here to get your copy.
  • Excel spreadsheets: Helpful for managing livestock data and eID (electronic identification). Check out the links to videos below with some examples of how you can use Excel yourself.
  • NVDs and NLIS databases
  • Farm management and accounting software: Options such as Xero, MYOB, Phoenix, Stockbook, and others offer comprehensive record-keeping solutions.
  • Hot tip from Quilpie Day: “Make sure you remove your pocket diary from your pocket before washing your clothes!”
  1. Increasing the efficiency of breeder herds/flocks

Improving breeding efficiency is a step towards reducing emissions per unit of livestock product. Producers shared strategies for optimising genetics, enhancing reproduction rates, and maintaining overall herd flock health.

What can you do to improve the efficiency of your breeder flock?

  • Scanning ewes: Identify and separate twin and single bearers; cull non-pregnant ewes for efficiency.
  • Vaccinations and Biosecurity measures: Ensures flock health and reduces losses.
  • Timed joining
  • Stress-free stock handling: Improved handling practices result in healthier livestock.
  • Predator management and pest control: Protect livestock to maximise survival rates.
  • Nutrition management: Provide optimal feed during critical breeding and lambing periods.
  • Leading Sheep Webinar Series – “The H Series”: A 10-part series designed to give new and aspiring sheep producers a strong foundation in Queensland’s sheep industry.
  • Mitchell Grass Pastures Factsheet: Learn how dynamic diet composition and pasture quality influence sheep productivity and management strategies.
  1. Improving Weight Gain

The workshops highlighted the strong connection between efficient growth and reduced carbon emissions per kilogram of product.

What practices help improve weight gain?

  • Rainfall: Click here to watch our recent webinar with John McLaughlin to gain insights into the upcoming summer season and its impact on feed availability.
  • Imprint feeding: A strategy to familiarise lambs with feed while still on their mothers. Feed lambs three times with approximately 50 grams of the intended weaning diet to ensure they recognise it later. If using lick feeders or self-feeders during weaning, introduce these feeders during imprint feeding as well.
  • Improved pastures: Establish persistent, perennial, and palatable pastures for year-round nutrition.
  • Stocking rate management: Optimise the number of animals per hectare to ensure adequate feed availability and minimise overgrazing.

What practices ensure good soil and pasture health?

  • Maintain ground cover above 75%: Click here to watch a short video on the importance of why you need ground cover.
  • Maintain Pasture reserve at or above 30%
  • Rest/Recovery – Reducing selective overgrazing
  • Increase watering points
  • Feral Pig Control: Click here to read our recent Deep Dive on feral pig research and control.
  • Fire Management
  • Pasture Monitoring points. Click here to watch a short video on how photo monitoring can assist graziers with grazing land management decisions and how to select and set up photo monitoring sites.

  • Pasture Improvements

The Leading Sheep committee has demonstrated interest in carbon workshops. Carbon workshops will be held on grazier demand. If you want to attend one specifically for sheep producers, please contact Sam Harwood on 0400 256 427. A minimum of 15 participants is necessary. If you are interested in calculating your carbon emissions or what you can do to lower them, get in touch with your local DPI Extension Officer.  

This Deep Dive was written by extension officer Sam Harwood.

Upcoming events

  • 4 December. Cut through the noise: Navigating forecast to assist decision-making this summer, Online Webinar. Register here.
  • 10-12 December. Nutrition EDGE, Longreach. Delivered by Désirée Jackson. For more information, click here, or contact Desiree at 0409 062 692 or desireejackson@djlm.com.au.
  • 27 March. Leading Sheep Forum, Longreach. Delivered by DPI . Information to come.

Podcasts, eBulletins and surveys

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