Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

What To Do With My Sheep?

With the prospect of a long dry summer ahead, some tough decisions need to be made as to what stock to keep and what to sell. Knowing the cost of feeding stock through a dry

By Department of Primary Industries - 14th December 2006 - Back to News

dry period enables forward planning and budgeting.

Key considerations to take into account are:

• The replacement value of any stock sold (breeding stock can be in high demand when feed again becomes available).
• What feeds are available to me and what is the cost of the feed?
• Have I got the equipment and resources to feed my stock?

After this assessment has been made there are some key steps that need to be taken:

1. Seek advice about the current value of your different classes of stock, your Stock Agent will assist you with this task.
2. Evaluate what feed is on hand, looking at its suitability for the classes of stock. Also estimate its current value. Fodder or grain should be tested to evaluate its feed quality levels for protein and energy. The opportunity cost of the feed on hand should also be evaluated. Selling stock and fodder and buying back in at a later date may be a better option than keeping the fodder and stock over the feed shortage period.
3. Work out how much feed your sheep will eat. For example: a large-framed dry ewe needs 57 megajoules of energy per week. The average amount of metabolisable energy in a kilogram of grain is 12.3 megajoules. The ewe's maintenance requirements could be met by feeding 57 divided by 12.3, ie 4.6 kg of barley per week. Drought Management and Feeding Sheep booklets are available from DPI offices.
4. Calculate the cost of feeding the stock, based on their relative consumption. For example: 4.6 kg per ewe times 16 weeks comes to around $22 per head.

If feeding a high proportion of the ration as grain, some problems can be experienced, such as acidosis and hypocalcaemia. Sheep need to be introduced slowly to grain rations, ensure some fibre available in the diet and watch for shy feeders. If you are not well versed with feeding grain diets to stock, consulting expert advice may be beneficial. DPI has trained staff to assist producers in evaluating farm enterprise options, developing rations and doing budgets.

For assistance contact your local DPI office or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Hazelwood North CFA to receive long-awaited new station under Nationals and Liberals' Latrobe Valley infrastructure commitment
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged a new three-bay Hazelwood North CFA station, replacing inadequate facilities and supporting volunteers through increased regional infrastructure funding.
• East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
  East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.
• Discover Blue Rock Lake, Gippsland’s peaceful summer escape for swimming, picnics, family fun and outdoor adventures
  Blue Rock Lake near Willow Grove offers a peaceful summer getaway with designated swimming areas, picnic facilities, playgrounds, walking trails, fishing, kayaking and nearby dining options.
• Moe’s first women’s cricket team makes history as $11M Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade boosts regional sport and accessibility
  Moe’s Ted Summerton Reserve has received an $11 million upgrade, delivering improved sporting facilities, accessibility and female-friendly change rooms ahead of the town’s first women’s cricket match. The project supported 370 jobs.
• Darren Chester welcomes CBA Branch commitment, calls for stronger long-term regional banking protections across Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while seeking stronger long-term protections for face-to-face banking services.
• East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
• West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
  West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity.