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Feeding Sheep Through Dry Times

BESTWOOL/BESTLAMB is bringing renowned ruminant nutrition specialist, San Jolly, and Lachlan Campbell,

By From the Department of Primary Industries - 8th November 2006 - Back to News

NSW farmer who has been through five years of drought, to Sale for a workshop about Feeding Sheep Through Dry Times.

The workshop is to be held on Thursday 30 November at the Sale Greyhound Racing Club, Sale Maffra Rd. Registration begins at 9.30am, with presentations starting at 10.00am - morning tea and a light lunch will be provided.

San will discuss supplementary feeding in the paddock, which feed sources are most cost efficient, health issues such as acidosis and weaning management. Lachlan will talk about the big picture from a strategic point of view and how to manage your business, land and people through a drought.

This workshop promises to deliver producers invaluable information to help their operations and they are encouraged to bring along any questions they may have, said Mr Lyndon Kubeil, BESTWOOL/BESTLAMB Project Manager.

"Strategic nutrition at critical times can greatly improve livestock productivity," says Lyndon.

"Understanding the basic nutritional requirements of your livestock will enable you to make the right decisions when selecting or purchasing supplementary feeds."

There is no cost for BESTWOOL/BESTLAMB members. An attendance charge of $80 will apply to other participants – a $30.00 early bird discount is available for those who register by 17 November.

For more information or to register, please contact Annette Taylor at DPI Ararat on

03 5355 0531.

FARMERS FACE DIFFICULT DECISIONS

As the season continues farmers should be assessing their options about retaining livestock over the summer.

DPI Maffra District Veterinary Officer, Dr Jack Winterbottom, is urging farmers to assess their current situation, the assets and resources they have on hand and their future requirements before making any decisions. The major strategies are feeding, selling or agistment. Agistment is unobtainable so feeding stock or selling stock or both are the basis of most drought on-farm plans.

The most difficult decision will be which stock are to be sold, and when that will take place.

"Younger breeding stock are the most valuable genetics. To get good lambing or calving percentages next year, they need to be kept in good condition," said Dr Winterbottom.

The cost of feeding and watering the core breeding stock for an extended period may still be cheaper than selling them and having to purchase new stock at a premium in the future to build up numbers again.

Dr. Winterbottom advises producers to make a plan, write it down and work through it to identify problems.

With low levels of available feed, many growers are looking at stock containment areas to help minimise the impact on their pastures, as well as lowering the amount of energy livestock will use.

"Prices for livestock have dropped in recent weeks, but it may be better to sell excess stock now so that you can feed your remaining stock well."

"Allowing stock to die of starvation is not only unacceptable, it is also against the law," stressed Dr Winterbottom.

If you have any stock-related issues such as nutrition, feed budgeting, condition scoring or any other questions or concerns, please contact your local DPI office, your veterinarian or your farm consultant.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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