New technology and decision-support tools have become available from the Australian Sheep Cooperative Research Centre (Sheep CRC) to assist producers achieve precision sheep production and manage sheep flocks in the most productive and profitable way.

Precision sheep production involves selecting and running only those sheep that best fit a production goal, based on target market requirements.

The workshops were an initiative of staff from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) with funding support by the Sheep CRC and promotion via the Leading Sheep network.

DPI&F extension officer Guy Newell said workshop participants were particularly interested in the technology that was now available for automating the process of recording sheep performance data and managing individual animals within a flock.

“Producers in western Queensland were impressed at the efforts by the CRC in making precision sheep production more achievable in the rangeland environment through the continuing development of in-paddock, walk-over-weighing and drafting technologies,” Mr Newell said.

“These technologies allow sheep to be automatically monitored in the paddock and weight reports from individual animals are communicated back to the office using data telemetry systems.

“From these weight reports, managers can then prepare draft lists and when uploaded into the in-paddock drafter, draft off animals that either need special attention or have achieved their market weight.”

Precision sheep production tools and resources are freely available from the Sheep CRC’s website: www.sheepcrc.org.au. For further information please contact Guy Newell on 07 4654 4217 or by email guy.newell@dpi.qld.gov.au.

Leading Sheep is an innovative, regionally-based project working to boost the profitability of the Queensland sheep and wool industry. The project was initiated by Australian Wool Innovation and operates in partnership with the DPI&F and AgForce.

For more information about Leading Sheep visit www.leadingsheep.com.au