This event was a Central Murray Bestwool Bestlamb and WMLIG initiative, supported by the Murray Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme. 

22nd May 2017

WMLIG & BestWool BestLamb hosted a review of the 'Elmore Field Days Trial' at the Moulamein Bowling Club. Presenters Kieran Ranson (former DEDJTR consultant) and Lisa Warn (Ag Consulting) compared 5 common bloodlines and their overall enterprise profitability.
Highlights from the night:

• Dual purpose merino can boost profitability
• Lamb growth rate was similar between breeds
• Profit $/DSE =management key
• If management is good then look at genetics
• Genetic improvement can deliver more wool & meat

With the (somewhat arduous) help of 'clicker evaluations' we collected some statistics on the demographics of our audience. The graphs below highlight the type of sheep enterprises within our local area.

What is your current sheep enterprise?
Self replacing Merino 45.95%
Merino ewe terminal sire 24.32%
Crossbred ewes terminal sire 14.86%
Self replacing composite 1.35%
Opportunistic purchasing 5.41%
Other 8.11%

What sire traits are most important?
Fleece (yield) 25%
Fleece (micron) 18.06%
Carcass (growth rate) 38.89%
Lean meat yield 15.28%
Parasite resistance 2.78%

If mixed farming what % of farm income comes from sheep?
0 – 20%    14.29%
20 – 40%   28.57%
40 – 60%   21.43%
60 – 80%    21.43%
80 – 100%  14.29%