Welcome to the August edition of Leading Sheep’s monthly eBulletin – Around the Camp. This edition showcases a number of new and updated sheep-related websites so make sure you check them out. Plus there are 18 events across Queensland that you could attend, so there’s sure to be one that is in your area and of interest. Happy reading!
- Qld entry requirements for OJD
- Influence of dingoes on sheep distribution in Australia
- What is your wool really worth, and why?
- New LiceBoss website
- Producers guide to sheep husbandry
- Drought information
- Interactive pest mapping
- Bestprac case study – Looking at Wirrealpa through new eyes
- Improved website for woolgrowers
- Mecardo – market information like never before
- Upcoming events
- eBulletins
1. Qld entry requirements for OJD
The Queensland Government has changed the entry requirements for sheep coming into Queensland, in line with the new five-year National Ovine Johne’s Disease (OJD) Management Plan which came into effect from 1 July 2013.
Click here for more information on Queensland’s entry requirements for sheep
Back to the top
2. Influence of dingoes on sheep distribution in Australia
Rangeland production of wool and sheep meat is predicted to disappear within 30-40 years if the present rate of industry contraction continues unchecked. Understanding the influence of dingoes on sheep production may help refine disease response strategies and help predict the future distribution of sheep.
Click here for more information on the role of the dingo in the rise and fall of sheep numbers
Back to the top
3. What is your wool really worth, and why?
Sydney University researcher Dr Elizabeth Nolan has pinned down the value of virtually every characteristic in the Australian wool clip – from high-value ultrafine wool to carpet fibre and everything that affects the price on the auction floor.
Click here to read the full report
Back to the top
4. New LiceBoss website
Lice infestations reduce fleece weight and downgrade wool quality, costing the sheep industry $120 million each year in treatment costs and lost production. The LiceBoss website has been redesigned and includes the latest information to help: prevent new infestations, detect infestations through monitoring, eradicate infestations in short and long wool sheep and manage chemical residues in wool.
Click here to visit the new LiceBoss website
Back to the top
5. Producer’s guide to sheep husbandry
Sheep producers now have access to a practical, easy-to-follow guide on sheep husbandry practices. Developed by the Sheepmeat Council of Australia and Meat and Livestock Australia, A Producers Guide to Sheep Husbandry Practices features up-to-date best practice techniques for a number of husbandry practices.
Click here to download the guide
Back to the top
6. Drought information
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is helping primary producers manage their business through a range of drought services, including financial assistance, livestock nutrition and animal welfare information, and business-management strategies.
Click here to access drought information and subsidies
Back to the top
7. Interactive pest mapping
Desert Channels Queensland has developed a smart phone app (Fulcrum) to record feral animals and weeds that producers may see on their property or while travelling to town.
Click here to request this app
Back to the top
8. Bestprac case study – Looking at Wirrealpa through new eyes
Warren and Barbara Fargher own and manage “Wirrealpa Station”, a 1500 square kilometre pastoral station located 30km east of Blinman on the eastern edge of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. This case study tells how a sequence of events since 2009 has allowed Warren and Barbara see their station through new eyes.
Click here to read the full case study
Back to the top
9. Improved website for woolgrowers
With a stronger focus on market intelligence and on-farm tools to lift profitability, wool.com is now open and ready for business. The major rebuild of the Australian Wool Innovation website is designed specifically for woolgrowers seeking information on lifting profitability through initiatives such as Lifetime Ewe Management, Cost of Production calculator, WormBoss and LiceBoss. The site provides access to AWI publications and reports together with information of where woolgrower levies are invested and the measurement of the companies performance.
Click here to check out the new wool website
Back to the top
10. Mecardo – market information like never before
The combined experience and knowledge of Ag Concepts Unlimited and other selected industry experts now brings you the innovative Mecardo website to assist your business. Mecardo provides the very latest market indicators, weekly market commentary and in-depth analysis for cattle, sheep, wool and grain markets.
Click here to try for yourself for 30 days for free
Back to the top
11. Upcoming events
Looking beyond the horizon National Bestprac Forum 21 & 22 August Bourke
Succession planning 3 & 5 September Dirranbandi and Charleville
South West Qld Next Generation MeatUp Forum 4 November Charleville
12. eBulletins
Wool market review – week ending 12 July 2013
WormBoss News July 2013 – state outlooks and feature article
This email was sent on behalf of the Leading Sheep project.
Click here to find out more about Leading Sheep.