A Blackall sheep and wool producer says introducing a pregnancy-scanning program can improve flock fertility by 10 to 15 per cent within a 12-month period, as well as allow producers to fine-tune ewe management. Ben Banks and his wife Oona manage the 46,500 hectare family property, Rivington, west of Blackall, where they run 25,000 Merinos … Read more
There are a number of sheep pregnancy scanners that operate in and/or service Queensland including: Damo’s Preg Testing – Damien Pollett (Tweed Heads), 0447 049 057, dmpollett@bigpond.com D & S Meppem Livestock Services – Damien Meppem (Gurley)- 0439190923, wilwurkkelpies@gmail.com Mike Rival (Goondiwindi), 07 4671 2203, mikerival@bigpond.com Ben Banks (Blackall), 0429 799 807 or 07 4657 5959, … Read more
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 … Read more
Queensland sheep and wool producers have been advised they need to get the right ewes, on the right feed, to successfully raise lambing and weaning rates as the State’s flock rebuilding starts in earnest. Sheep and wool advisor Geoff Duddy from Sheep Solutions is a consultant that has shared his expertise at Leading Sheep webinars … Read more
Buying a better performing ram could earn producers greater annual returns and equate to significant gains in overall enterprise income, according to a sheep and wool adviser. Geoff Duddy from Sheep Solutions has been a guest presenter at Leading Sheep workshops in south western Queensland this year, advising on management strategies to minimise supplementary feeding, … Read more
Queensland producers opting to grain feed lambs should ‘lock in grain supplies and set up forward contracts’ to minimise risk and increase returns, according to a sheep and wool adviser, Geoff Duddy. He said high store lamb prices had made feedlotting ‘reasonably risky’ but there were margins for producers who did their planning and preparation. … Read more
Innovative development and connecting people are key to the future of the Queensland sheep and wool industry, according to producer Pru Barkla. Mrs Barkla and her husband Stuart, run two properties, Mt Molar at Clifton on the Darling Downs and Rosscoe Downs at Cunnamulla and she is one of the newest members of Queensland’s Leading … Read more
This fact sheet, written by Jason Trompf, highlights the following key points for turning reproductive potential into reality and improving lamb survival: target lamb survival rates factors contributing to and ultimate causes of lamb loss critical success factors for lamb survival including: proactive management of ewe condition score tight and effective joining lengths of six … Read more
Selling store lambs ‘less risky’ for most producers Queensland producers should be flexible when making lamb marketing decisions, but the quicker turn off that comes with selling stores generally brings greater returns than grain feeding, according to a sheep and wool adviser. Mr Duddy said high store lamb prices have made feedlotting ‘reasonably risky’ in … Read more
Prime lambs are now being produced in many areas which are a long way to markets and by people new to the sheep industry. This raises the question ‘How do you consign your lambs and sheep so that they arrive in the best possible condition and value?’ Tony Dunn, Livestock Buyer for Fletchers International, suggested … Read more