Around the Camp May 2013

Welcome to this edition of “Around the Camp”, Leading Sheep’s monthly update of sheep industry news and information.  As always your suggestions of articles for inclusion are always welcome.  This is another bumper edition – so enjoy!

  1. Australia secures market access for lamb to India
  2. Wanted: six producers
  3. Nuffield Scholarships now open
  4. Researching the fate of baits
  5. The farmer wants a life to do list
  6. Managing ewes and pregnancy
  7. Try the new WormBoss
  8. Australian Wool Innovation strategic plan
  9. Landline story: The golden fleece
  10. Leading Breeder forum presentations online
  11. Darryl Hill Grader Workshops
  12. E-newsletters

1. Australia secures market access for lamb to India

The Federal Government Trade Minister and Agriculture Minister announced that Australia had secured market access for Aussie lamb to India.  Australian lamb is being allowed into India free of quotas, based on Australia’s compliance with India’s food safety requirements.

Click here to read more about this market access to India.

2. Wanted: six producers

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has announced a program that will challenge six Australian producers to compete over the next 12 months to improve the productivity and profitability of their businesses.

Click here to find out more about this challenge.

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3. Nuffield Scholarships now open

Nuffield Australia has recently opened its application process for 2014 Scholarships.  The application period runs for three months until 30th June.  Successful applicants spend a total of 16 weeks travelling – including six weeks of group travel to countries such as China, India, Brazil, USA, Canada through Europe.  Scholars then travel for a further 10 weeks by themselves drilling down into a research topic of interest and of value to the industry.

To find out more about these scholarships and application process click here.

4. Researching the fate of baits

Western Australian research has given producers confidence about the effectiveness of aerial baiting.  The vast majority of baits deployed from aircraft will be available to wild dogs.

To read more about this research on aerial baiting click here.

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5. The farmer wants a life to do list

Leading Sheep in conjunction with BMO Accountants held a series of successful workshops across southern Queensland in February.  These workshops were called “The Farmer Wants a Life and covered a whole series of business management topics including estate planning, superannuation, tax tips and workplace health and safety.

Click here to find out the key points from these workshops.

6. Managing ewes and pregnancy

Management of ewe nutrition during pregnancy optimises lamb birth weight and survival.  Ewes in condition score 3 at lambing are likely to wean more lambs.

Click here to read the full article on managing ewes at joining and during pregnancy and the benefits of pregnancy scanning.

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7.Try the new WormBoss

When it’s time to implement a worm control strategy or carry out some testing, knowing the basic principles or the steps involved make the job clearer and easier.  WormBoss Tests and Tools provides: step-by-step instructions for carrying out various worm-related tests; easy to understand principles so you know why and how worm control strategies are effective; and service provider contacts for tests, training and advice.

Check out WormBoss by clicking here.

8. Australian Wool Innovation strategic plan

The Australian Wool Innovation Strategic Plan 2013/14-2015/16 is in the final consultation process.  A draft of this plan is now available online.

Click here for further information and to view the draft strategic plan.

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9. Landline story: The golden fleece

Landline recently ran a great story on ‘proof of profit from ASBVs’.  The story was based on the work done by a producer group and features a producer from Kangaroo Island.

If you missed the program, please click here.

10. Leading breeder forum presentations online

Sheep Genetics hosted a national forum to make the latest on sheep genetics and breeding technology available to breeders.

Click here to view the forum presentations online.

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11. Darryl Hill Grader Workshops

The Royal Flying Doctor Service are hosting some free grader workshops in western Queensland during June.

  • 4th June “Corfield” (north of Winton)
  • 5th June “Baratria” (east of Winton)
  • 6th June “Rosebank” (south of Longreach)
  • 8th June “Greenlaw” (Yaraka)
  • 9th June “Stirling” (Barcaldine)
  • 11th June Augathella – to be confirmed

For more information contact Liz Lynch at the RFDS on 07 4652 5800 or email lynche@rfdsqld.com.au

12. E-newsletters