Levelling out?

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By Dwain Duxson - An Ag Enthusiast

Levelling out? - I was thinking the other day about how we have made dramatic gains in the number of Lambs we have been able to wean in the Sheep industry. I remember 30 or so years ago when a 70 percent weaning rate was considered ok. Now, if your not getting 130 per cent you are disappointed.

These Lambing rates have enabled us to keep ahead of costs and make profits (except for the last couple of years) in the Sheep/Lamb industry. But what happens when the Lambing rate gains level out? There is only so far you can push the humble Ewe, and those getting the big results are pushing the boundaries with feed and managing a program down to the minute to ensure that they get the best result possible.

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As soon as those Lambs are weaned it’s about getting that Ewe in the right condition to be able to do it all again. Some are going back further. It’s now a full-on program that needs to be followed, and you have to swing the changes when the season varies.

But how far can we push this system? If we start levelling out, where are the genetic gains going to come from once that chook is roasted? Maybe we are talking top end here, and the middle to bottom have plenty of scope for improvement. But only some are prepared to follow a full on program that has extra costs attached. Do you reckon there is more improvement with weaning rates? Where might we make other gains in the Sheep/Lamb industries? Reply to dwaind@farmtender.com.au

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