By combining SmartShepherd data with targeted management, the Rissmann family has achieved significant genetic gains across key production traits while improving flock efficiency and reducing the need to manage the whole flock around poorer-performing animals. Their experience highlights how collecting and using the right data can drive long-term productivity, profitability and genetic progress. Read the … Read more
With plenty of cheap cattle making their way north, it’s important to think about biosecurity to make sure the trade isn’t derailed by something preventable. Similarly, good biosecurity can make sure taking on agistment doesn’t also mean taking on a new disease in your own herd. Where possible, ask the vendor about the health and … Read more
The following producer groups are Producer Demonstration Sites (PDS) funded by Meat & Livestock Australia. 1. Optimising the Fertility of Maiden Ewes Who: Making Maidens Weight Duration: May 2023 – June 2026 Location: central west Queensland rangelands (Beaconsfield, Ilfracombe and Dunblane, Barcaldine) Aim : To demonstrate improvements in sheep reproductive performance and mortality rates through the … Read more
For much of Queensland, worm egg counting can be infrequent so it’s understandable that we get a little rusty. This fact sheet helps simplify your options for getting worm egg counts done and compare the pros and cons of the different options. Even though there aren’t a lot of labs in Queensland, there are still … Read more
Dianne and Peter Pidgeon at ‘Glenroy’ have implemented a few key changes to their shearing shed which have meant an increase of about 200 sheep going through the shed each day. Read what changes they have made, their impacts and how much they cost in their case study.
Tagging requirements Queensland is moving to mandatory eID for individual sheep and goats, as part of a national initiative. By 2027, all sheep and managed goats will need to be tagged with an eID if moved from the property of residence. Visual tag system and mob-based movements will no longer be allowed. More information on … Read more
Doug and Lauren Tindall near Longreach have introduced pain relief into their enterprise and haven’t looked back. The big gains for them have been in mothering-up quickly and reduced labour costs, with mobs to move through the system more quickly and back out onto feed. Read more in this case study.
Longreach producers Boyd and Katie Webb have utilised containment feeding to overcome nutritional deficiencies, drought and predation, even lambing in pens. The Webbs ramped up feeding activities in 2014 and Boyd said about the investment “It’s a game changer but it costs a lot of money, when you are under the pump in the drought … Read more
It’s been the season for pastures and parasites! There are strategies and tools to help mitigate flystrike risk in your flock as well as free testing for chemical resistance in your maggots.
Leading Sheep has produced a video on the key outcomes from the Eastwood Grazing Trial. This trial, led by Richard Silcock, ran for 15 years (1967-1982) to document the productivity and persistence of buffel grass pasture sown into cleared gidyea shrubland in central-western Queensland. This video case study will focus on key outcomes from the … Read more