- AgForce’s Sheep and Goat Blueprint
- The Shear Positives
- Sheep Health in Wet Conditions
- Winners Wear Wool
- Upcoming Leading Sheep events
- Upcoming events
- eBulletins and podcasts
AgForce’s Sheep and Goat Blueprint.
“The sheep, wool and goat (SWAG) industries in Queensland currently have a rare opportunity for a major surge in both numbers and productivity.”
The mission is to double the value of sheep and goat production in Queensland to $350 million per annum by 2026. The scrolly-telling website complements the release of AgForce’s Blueprint to Enhance the Growth of the Queensland Sheep and Goat Industries in 2021.
On the website, an interactive enterprise calculator based on current commodity prices and reproduction rates models the gross margin $/ha of various enterprises for your specified region and property size. This aims to increase the level of interest and investment in the benefits of diversification into sheep, wool and goats. The website sets the scene of current markets and production figures compared to historical records. It uses video case studies to showcase adaptive producers who have capitalised on opportunities.
Have you visited the website yet? No? Click here.
Read more about the Blueprint here.
The Shear Positives
Throughout COVID-19 the labour shortage saw young novice shears retained on stands, leading to a rapid development of skill and experience. Of note, 260 learner shearers are currently on stands and 209 shearers entered the Southern Australian and Victorian industries in the past 18 months, a figure that barely reached 25 new shearers per state in 2018.
AWI has pledged $10.5 million over the next three years for national shearer/handler training. Similar to previous models, 800 days of novice schools, 500 days for improver training and 900 in-shed training days are included. This recognises that entry into shearing typically progresses from shed hand to wool presser to classing or shearing. Specific upright shearing training will be available and an additional 10 expo days and 15 three-day wool handling workshops will target high school students looking at their career options.
Sheep Health in Wet Conditions
As wet weather continues, keep a close eye on your flock to make sure you’re making the most of the green feed. Good management of flies, worms and disease during high risk periods brought about by warm, humid weather will keep your flock productive.
Have you noticed a dramatic increase in mozzies?
Just like us, these insects can cause significant stress to sheep and transmit diseases. One of these is Mycoplasma ovis, which can be transmitted between sheep and lambs, leading to anaemia and jaundice, and can be fatal. Historical surveys have shown 68% of Queensland farms surveyed had the infection and flock infection ranged from 2-80%.
If you notice any strange symptoms in your flock, contact your local veterinarian or biosecurity officer for advice.
AWI’s factsheet is a useful resource to jog the memory on things to look out for in particularly wet seasons. The Paraboss website is a wealth of information with regards to parasite risk and management plans.
Winners Wear Wool
The Sonder Monster race of the West Macs Monster ultra-marathon event is a 231km run through the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. And what does it take to win?
Well, the 2022 race winner Nick Bamford from Brisbane credits his Australian Merino thermals for keeping him comfortable throughout the sweltering days and chilly 5°C nights. Nick wore Merino Country’s wool leggings and long sleeve thermal top which are not only temperature regulating, but breathable, odour resistance, durable, soft and elastic. Great for active pursuits and, apparently, smart enough to wear out to dinner!
“I’m not exaggerating when I say I wouldn’t have been able to finish without the Merino thermals,” Nick said. Not only did he finish first, he completed the race in under 47 hours.
So if you’re ever considering running 231km through the desert, or even just 3km through the local park, think Australian Merino apparel.
Read AWI’s article here.
Upcoming Leading Sheep events
Upcoming events
- 2 November: Growing the Ag Workforce ‘Workplace Relations 101’ Webinar. Delivered by CHRRUP. Click here for event details.
- 2 November: AgForce SIQ Farm Safety Workshop, Goondiwindi. Delivered by AgForce and DAFF. For more information and to register click here.
- 2 November: Business Basics and Community Resilience, Mitchell. Delivered by Aus Rural Leadership Foundation Graduates. For more information and to register click here.
- 3 November: AgForce SIQ Farm Safety Workshop, St George. Delivered by AgForce and DAFF. For more information and to register click here.
- 3 November: Business Basics and Community Resilience, Morven. Delivered by Aus Rural Leadership Foundation Graduates. For more information and to register click here.
- 4 November: AgForce SIQ Farm Safety Workshop, Injune. Delivered by AgForce and DAFF. For more information and to register click here.
- 4 November: Business Basics and Community Resilience, Bollon. Delivered by Aus Rural Leadership Foundation Graduates. For more information and to register click here.
- 7 November: AgForce Farm Safety Workshop, Winton. Delivered by AgForce. For more information and to register click here.
- 9 November: Growing the Ag Workforce ‘Improving business performance through people development’ Webinar. Delivered by CHRRUP. Click here for event details.
- 9 November: Excel Spreadsheets Grazing Enterprises, Charleville. Delivered by ConnectAg. For more information and to register click here.
- 10 November: Excel Spreadsheets Grazing Enterprises, Augathella. Delivered by ConnectAg. For more information and to register click here.
- 11 November: Building Business Resilience Workshop, Warwick. Delivered by DAF. For more information and to register click here.
- 16 November: Growing the Ag Workforce ‘Workplace Health & Safety 101’ Webinar. Delivered by CHRRUP. Click here for event details.
- 21st November: Beginner Microsoft Excel Workshop, Goondiwindi. Delivered by Sam Noon Training and Consulting. For more information and to register click here.
- 12th December: Beginner Microsoft Excel Workshop, Goondiwindi. Delivered by Sam Noon Training and Consulting. For more information and to register click here.
