Western Queensland sheep and wool producer Jim King believes the erection of exclusion fences to reduce wild dog pressure is one of the most positive moves his industry has seen in more than a decade.
The Longreach property owner said the fences had given the sector a much-needed shot of confidence, prompting some producers to return to sheep and ensuring the future security of others.
“Exclusion fencing has changed the long-term outlook for western sheep and wool enterprises, it means many producers can now focus on improving productivity and profitability without the anxiety and financial impact of stock losses to wild dogs,” he explained.
Being optimistic about his industry’s future and wanting to play a role helping producers make gains at grassroots’ level has been the catalyst for Mr King’s involvement with Leading Sheep, a proactive network of Queensland sheep and wool businesses.
Initially a member of one of the three regional Leading Sheep co-ordinating committees, Mr King is now a producer representative on the network’s 10-member state advisory panel. The panel helps identify industry and producer priorities and opportunities for extension and information-sharing geared towards on-farm gains.