November 2011 - Australian White Suffolk Association
Transcription
November 2011 - Australian White Suffolk Association
AWSA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2011 18 12 44 16 12 16 18 25 36 44 36 great breed for busy lifestyle young handlers competition adelaide show results melbourne show results perth show results hamilton sheepvention results PUBLISHING DATES CLOSING DATES april issue - 28th february august issue - 30th june november issue - 30th september ADVERTISING RATES members non-members back cover back cover $440.00 $550.00 | full page | full page $302.50 | $402.50 | DISCLAIMER members are advised that advertisements, information and opinions printed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the association or its members. COVER PHOTO 2011 royal adelaide show photo courtesy of ian turner, superior selections. half page $198.00 half page $230.00 FEDERAL COUNCIL 2011 2012 PRESIDENT julie wiesner “glengarry” ph/fax 02 6029 6141 rmb 113 walla walla NSW 2659 email [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT andrew frick “gypsum hill” ph 08 8765 6005 po padthaway sa 5271 email [email protected] IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT steve milne “waratah” ph/fax 03 5578 6327 po box 15, branxholme vic 3302 email [email protected] COMMITTEE murray long “pendarra” ph/fax 02 6975 7210 ardlethan NSW 2665 e [email protected] ian gilmore “tattykeel” ph 02 6336 3566 265 baringa foleys rd, oberon NSW 2787 e [email protected] allan piggott “illoura” ph/fax 08 8572 3998 po box 234, tailem bend sa 5260 e [email protected] peter button “ramsay park” ph 08 8853 2130 po box 103 minlaton sa 5575 e [email protected] dale moore “penrise” ph 03 6260 4313 po box 6, campania tas 7026 e [email protected] co-opted WA member warren thompson “hedingham” ph 08 9888 7196 po box 151 wickepin wa 6370 e [email protected] craig mitchell “gemini” ph/fax 03 5238 9599 610 urches rd, werneth vic 3352 e [email protected] SECRETARIAT nikki ward - ra&hs of sa ph 08 8210 5230 fax 08 8231 4173 po box 108, goodwood sa 5034 e [email protected] DATA MANAGEMENT & NEWSLETTERS sue piggott - bizboost ph 08 8572 4470 37 princes hwy, tailem bend sa 5260 fax 08 8572 4018 e [email protected] PRESIDENT’S REPORT AUSTRALIAN WHITE SUFFOLK ASSOCIATION FEDERAL COUNCIL PRESIDENT JULIE WIESNER Welcome to the November edition of the AWSA Newsletter. The Spring Show season is drawing to a close and it has been a tremendous year for White Suffolks. Congratulations to all exhibitors at the shows who have presented an exceptional line-up of sheep. I would like to thank the Judges who have given their time to judge. White Suffolks have won: Supreme Allbreeds Exhibit at Dubbo Show Supreme Shortwool Exhibit at Bendigo Show Supreme Shortwool Exhibit (Ram) at Hamilton Sheepvention Supreme Allbreds Exhibit at Adelaide Royal Supreme Lamb Production Group at Adelaide Royal This feat will be hard to repeat. On the commercial front, prime lamb prices have continued to remain buoyant, which should led to good flock ram sales. However, the limiting factor may be the reasonably short supply of ewes to produce prime lambs. This has led to producers using ewes other than the traditional First Cross ewe (Border Leister/ Merino) and Merino ewe as prime lamb mothers. There has been increased interest in the use of Merino cross White Suffolk ewes and White Suffolk ewes as prime lamb dams. We can all encourage these options by using the media to promote successful producers using White Suffolk and White Suffolk cross ewes. As the end of the year approaches, final planning is underway for the 2012 National Conference to be held in Hadspen, Tasmania (12th-15th February). This will be a great opportunity for AWSA members to mix with fellow breeders, listen to informative speakers and help shape the future of the White Suffolk Breed. So mark these dates on your calendar to attend and enjoy this great event. Finally, I would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Regards Julie Wiesner Photo courtesy of Ian Turner 3 SECRETARY’S REPORT NIKKI WARD Due to an error in production a portion of the Secretary’s report was accidently omitted from the August Newsletter. I have included in italics below points still of relevance from this report for your reference: AWSA NATIONAL CONFERENCE – Apology An oversight on my behalf resulted in the omission of Troy, Nette and Brian Fischer in the National Conference acknowledgements of the April newsletter. My apologies to Troy, Nette and Brian – your hard work certainly didn’t go unnoticed, particularly the work Troy put into developing what was probably one of the best conference programs to date. The AWSA appreciates the time and effort you (and the rest of the Committee) put into the event. ANNUAL RETURNS & MEMBERSHIP The Annual Return / Membership Subscription process is now complete and all members should receive a copy of the 2011 Flock Register shortly. Approximately 60% of members utilized WebManager for the Annual Return process. It is pleasing to see the efficiency of the online database reflected through the reduced amount of time spent entering and chasing data. A reminder that is it imperative for you to include your total ewe numbers and rams used for the year with your return. This information is necessary for the Flock Register and is required to be submitted each year regardless if your information changes or not. Thank you to those that promptly completed their stud return and to those that continue to utilize WebManager. PROMOTIONAL BROCHURES / BUMPER STICKERS AWSA Promotional Brochures and Bumper Stickers are available to members for promotional use and can be requested from the Secretariat. Members can be provided with up to 25 brochures (one-sided colour) and 5 bumper stickers free of charge. Additional brochures can be downloaded and printed from the AWSA website, and additional stickers can be supplied at a cost of 50 cents per sticker. Should you require any promotional material, please do not hesitate to contact the Secretariat. 2012 NATIONAL CONFERENCE – Tasmania Included with this newsletter is information regarding the 2012 National Conference to be held in Hadspen, Tasmania from 12th – 15th February. It would be fantastic to see as many members as possible take up the opportunity to attend and support our Tasmanian members. Registrations are NOW OPEN and I encourage you to take advantage of the substantial early bird discount available for registrations received before 12th December. FACEBOOK The AWSA has now joined Facebook as an additional networking tool for the breed and its members. I encourage you to access and “like” our facebook page to stay in touch with news, photos, milestones and events. The page can be accessed via the link www.facebook.com/whitesuffolks or by typing “Australian White Suffolk Association” in your facebook search. 2011 SALE RESULTS A reminder that sale results can be submitted for display on the AWSA website. Visit www.whitesuffolk.com/saleresults to upload your information. PROMOTIONAL CLOTHING / AWSA VEST ORDERS The AWSA Vests are now available to members in 3XL and 5XL sizings. UPCOMING SHOW DATES & JUDGING TIMES I encourage members to support the White Suffolk breed at the following upcoming royal shows across the states. Royal Canberra Show Should you be placing an order, I remind you that stock is no longer held in the office. Please make sure you think ahead and allow at least 14 days for your order to be processed and received. Wagin Woolarama Royal Sydney Easter Show 24th – 26th February 2012 9th & 10th March 2012 5th – 18th April 2012 As this is our last newsletter for 2011, I take this opportunity to wish you all an enjoyable and safe Christmas and New Year break. The AWSA Office will be closed from 5:00pm Friday 17th December and re-open 9:00am on Monday 2nd January 2012 during this time. Regards, Nikki 4 ....tasmanian produce fete and dining at the Red Feather Inn........ time for fishing on the South Esk river..... ....golf at quamby estate ........ breakfast on the launs of Entally Estate and winery...... ...and it’s all tax deductible!... 2012 White Suffolk Conference TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY 12TH WEDNESDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2012 in Hadspen, Tasmania We would like to invite all members and their families to join us for the 2012 White Suffolk conference. Many conference regulars have already indicated they plan on combining it with a Tassie holiday before or after the conference. We hope you can join us Also learn about: • ‘Go the whole hogget’-new cuts & cooking demos. • New Sheep CRC/MLA/Lambplan updates. • New WS products & marketing. • Ring craft & judging. • What lamb & ram buyers actually want-hands on. • Lots more: stay in touch via the White Suffolk web site & facebook. NEW MEMBERS SINCE NOVEMBER 2010 FULL MEMBERS: FLOCK NO PREFIX NAME LOCATION 773 774 775 776 777 778 779 780 781 782 783 784 785 786 787 788 789 790 791 792 793 BURRAPARK BALGILLE WARRINA LIDDERSDALE BON-VUE YADDRA BERKLEY ALINTA NOREMAC LONSDALE GLENTANNA TARONGA PARK KATTATA WELL SARUKE KINBILLY YENDORA GEO-AK MALLEE DALE RYEFIELD WOOLUNDRA PARK KANIMBLA PARK Jessica Hayes & Luke Harding Boyup Brook, WA Harvey & Susan Parker Baxter, VIC Vivian & Rosemarie Pearce (Booligal Park Pastoral Company) Lake Boga, VIC Terrence & Janice Wright Temora, NSW Eric & Susan Patterson Katanning, WA Chloe Fyfe Lake Cargelligo, NSW Joe & Tina Hoban Rowan, NSW Gordon & Pam Oliver Ross Creek,VIC Dean Cameron & Mandy Meulman Englefield, VIC Simon & Eric Beer Neilrex, NSW Adam & Michelle Lehmann (AML Agriculture P/L) Caramut, VIC Tom Munro Hynam, SA Leroy & Rohan Hull (GV Hull Nominees P/L) Streaky Bay, SA John & Janene Fraser (Lower Eyre Peninsula Feedlot) Port Lincoln, SA Patrick Mulqueeney Forbes, NSW Rodney & Sara Morgan Lameroo, SA Brook & Cody Seal Kimba, SA Warwick & Jessica Crawford Crystal Brook, SA Brazier Family Trust (Ryefield Holdings) Armidale, NSW Lindsay & Jacki Marsh Karlgarin, WA Shannon Jaeschke Hamilton ,VIC REACTIVATED: 127 PARAPARAP Donna & Michael Dacres-Mannings Batesford, VIC ASSOCIATE MEMBERS RJ & MJ Addis, Aubin Grove, WA photo courtesy julie klante AWSA MARKETING 2011 Samples of adverts placed in the Rural Press this year: White Suffolk s Supr eme Tr ifecta! N RALIA T S U THE A SUFFOLK E W H I T I AT I O N C O A S S ngratulate o c LKS to wish SUFFOs Exhibit eed ITE E WSuHpreme All Br REN inning on w Suprem e Short wool E x Rene hibit - Bendig o Suprem - Hamilt e Shortwoo l Ex on She epvent hibit (Ram) ion W ingamin 5828 STL113 Suprem e Allbre eds TattykeExhibit - Dub bo el A Ro yal F lush! ! A k K k Q k J k Follo w us on Supre me Exhib Shortw oo it - Ham (Ram) l ilton S Allbre upreme eds Adela Exhibit ide 10 k J k s on Follow u s esuffolk om/whit ebook.c www.fac Sup Shortw reme ool - Bendi Exhibit go K k Supremehibit l Ex Shortwoodigo - Ben k A Q k e Supremxhibit ds E Allbree ubbo -D Supreme Shortwool Exhibit (Ram) Hamilton Supreme Allbreeds Exhibit (Ewe) Adelaide Supr Allbreed eme s Exhi - Dubbo bit STL113 6706 d! n i k a Four of heep y at S displa r u o See www.fa cebook .com/w hitesuff olks www .face book .com /whit esuff olks Supre Product me Lamb ion G Adelaid roup e Your Federal Committee is always keen to hear feedback about their advertising campaigns, new ideas for the future and in particular good editorial pieces about stud and commercial producers using White Suffolk genetics that can be used in the Rural Press, on our website or on our Facebook page. So please send your ideas to [email protected] STL1 1378 78 e Suprem Simply vention 10 k Follow us on 7 GREAT BREED TO SUIT BUSY LIFESTYLE TERRY SIM, 13 SEP, 2011 04:00 AM White Suffolks are the sheep breed for a woman with a busy lifestyle - just ask Alisha Adams at Kyneton. Alisha, 28, established her Kookaburra Park White Suffolk Stud in 2007 and now sells about 45 rams a year. She said the breed was easy lambing and early maturing with good fertility and mothering ability. They have to be; Alisha also runs her own hairdressing business in Kyneton and helps out with the family’s transport business and a horse training-agistment centre. “I went into breeding White Suffolks because of their carcase muscling, easy care and hardiness,” she said. “They have been a great sheep with a lot of great benefits.” This included the breed’s marketability for producing terminal white-faced lambs and its suitability for maternal production. Alisha achieves more than 150 per cent lambs marked from her stud ewes every year with the assistance of CIDRs (Controlled Internal Drug release) to synchronise oestrus. “I often yard mate, which is good for condensed lambing,” Alisha said. “I’ve lambed three times this year, but the lambing only lasts for a week. “Because I am working full-time as well, this saves me having to spend six weeks worrying what is going on in the paddock. Spring-drop ewe lambs that make it to 50 kilograms in their first autumn are joined for a spring lambing, which has been good for increasing the rate of genetic gain in the flock, she said. Up to 80pc of the ewe lambs have conceived most years, with up to 130pc lambs marked from the pregnant ewes. “I find them quite good little mums; I’ve never had any problems with them rejecting lambs,” Alisha said. Alisha started breeding sheep when she was 12 years old, but always had an interest in Suffolks and the meat industry. Her first sheep were Suffolk and Suffolk-cross ewes, with their black-faced lambs sold to generate pocket money. “I’ve found that really successful, it hasn’t really affected conception or lambing rates. “With Dad having the transport business and working around the saleyards a fair bit, I bred a few lambs and I would always sell my own lambs to buy Christmas presents and things like that,” she said. “I like the ewes to lamb just once in a year, but I do early join and I did some artificial insemination in July this year. “The reason I went into the White Suffolks was because of their marketability. “So anything that didn’t get in lamb, and the young ewes, I rejoined to lamb in spring. “I know when I was selling the black-faced lambs I got annoyed with losing money ($10-$15 a lamb discount) because of their skin colour.” “They get two chances (before 18 months of age) and if they don’t get in-lamb then they are out.” Alisha puts a high selection emphasis on twinning in the stud flock with ewes pregnancy scanned to identify twins for better nutrition, but good ewes that have single lambs are retained. “I find people putting a White Suffolk ram over first-cross ewes want twins, but a lot of the Merino breeders don’t always want too many lambs,” she said. 8 Her Kookaburra Park White Suffolk stud started with 16 ewes from the Weaver family’s Catumnal stud. “My interest in White Suffolks was born and I went on to purchase ewes from leading studs and have bred up to 100 breeding ewes,” she said. The purchase of a Booloola stud ram owned by the Baker family at Baringhup, along with continuous support and assistance, has been a tremendous help in starting the stud, she said. “The whole idea at the moment is that I am holding back a fair number of ewes so that I can, when I get the opportunity to get some land, have a flock of ewes to breed lambs for market,” she said. The sires of the 2010-drop rams for sale include Booloola 080122 and Detpa Grove 080026. Having a commercial White Suffolk ewe flock would also allow more intense pressure on stud ewes to perform, she said. The lambs being dropped this year are by Kookaburra 090060 and Gemini 090298. “White Suffolks are a great breed and still on the way up the success ladder,” Alisha said. Alisha scans all her sheep for Lambplan, vaccinates the flock for Ovine Johne’s Disease and has a brucellosis-free accredited flock. “They suit my busy lifestyle and give me great enjoyment.” She enjoyed producing sheep that would perform in the paddock, saleyards and in the show ring. Kookaburra Park sheep have done well at local shows and last year showed the novice ram class winner at Hamilton’s Sheepvention, but Alisha is more focussed on breeding performance-proven sheep that work well under commercial conditions. “I’m looking forward to breeding White Suffolks with good muscling that aren’t too lean,” she said. “I’m not going to change what I’m breeding to win in the show ring.” Her breeding also aimed to balance muscle and fat to help Kookaburra Park sheep perform under cold, harsh conditions. APOLOGIES DUBBO SHOW RESULTS Last newsletter the winner of the Champion Ewe at Dubbo was published incorrectly – it should have been listed as Dugald McIndoe of “Smithson” Smithson Farms P/L. “Being from a quite cold area, I’ve found that the leaner sheep just don’t do as well – our winters are fairly nasty,” she said. Alisha might seem busy enough, but she is also studying to get here professional woolclassing certificate and with her partner, shearer Sam McRae, hoped to expand onto a bigger property to run a commercial White Suffolk ewe operation for prime lamb production, as well as the stud flock. She said pure White Suffolks and White Suffolk-cross ewes were under-appreciated as commercial prime lamb mothers. “I can’t see any fault in them in being commercial ewes, probably the only downside is you don’t quite have the wool quality of a first-cross mother,” she said. The loss of wool quality and quantity would be compensated by getting a heavier, more muscled White Suffolk lamb off to the market earlier, she said. Pictured here is Dugald McIndoe with his Reserve Champion Ram and Champion White Suffolk Ewe. 9 YOUNG HANDLERS COMPETITION 2011 ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW CAITLIN SHILLABEER, WINGAMIN WHITE SUFFOLK STUD This year I participated in, and won, the White Suffolk Junior Handlers competition at the 2011 Royal Adelaide Show. This was one of three new classes for White Suffolks at the Royal Adelaide Show and was sponsored by Gemini White Suffolk Stud. The competition was open for 10-18 year olds and participants were judged on their attire, sheep handling skills and courtesy shown to officials and other exhibitors throughout the day’s judging. I initially hadn’t thought about entering the competition but a last minute phone call from Dad at the showgrounds on Thursday afternoon convinced me I should “have a go” since It was the only chance I would have of being eligible to enter (being 18) and I was intending to hold the sheep at the show anyway. I went about the day’s competition as I normally would without feeling any extra pressure of being watched and judged. I wasn’t even aware of who was judging us. Being amongst the ribbons in every class we entered kept me busy and out on the judging floor most of the day so I probably had a little more advantage over some of the other competitors in regards to exposure. I was particularly thrilled to win the first ram class with this ram going on to win Reserve Senior Champion. He was only 152 kgs (nearly 3 times my weight) so very pleased he behaved for me! I had helped prepare and halter train him and all our show team this year and held the rams at Bendigo and Hamilton so I felt very confident and at ease with handling the rams out on the judging floor. I have always had a real passion for our stud from a young age and sheep work is second nature to me. The other great achievement for me on the day was exhibiting the Champion Ewe who went on to take Supreme White Suffolk Exhibit. Sunday’s supreme judging went equally as well with that ewe taking the Supreme Maternal and Prime lamb Breeds Ewe award and our Breeders Group also winning Supreme All Breeds Group. It capped off a wonderful showing that I’ll never forget. I would like to encourage all young members to become involved and take part in next year’s Junior Handlers competition and thank Craig and Rosalie Mitchell very much for sponsoring this class. 10 Judge Pete Naldner with Caitlin Shillabeer from Wingamin Stud. Caitlin was the winner of the White Suffolk Junior Handlers competition holding the Champion Ewe at the 2011 Royal Adelaide Show. WHITE SUFFOLKS CELEBRATE 20 YRS AT ADELAIDE SHOW BY PAULA THOMPSON AND LOUISE PREECE The White Suffolk breed celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Royal Adelaide Show with record entries and exhibitors. There were 451 entries, 76 up on last year, while there were 42 exhibitors, 12 up on last year. And despite red-hot competition from other breeders, Clive and Deb Shillabeer’s Wingamin stud at Karoonda, SA, took out the supreme exhibit and most successful exhibitor. It was the fifth year in a row the couple have won most successful White Suffolk exhibitor. They also won the breeders group, reserve champion ram and sires progeny group. The Shillabeers won the supreme exhibit with their champion ewe, which weighed 103.5 kilograms, 49-millimetre eye muscle depth and figures of 15.5 for post weaning weight, -1.2 for post-weaning fat and 13.8 post-weaning EMD. The same ewe also went on to win champion shortwool ewe and supreme champion prime lamb and maternal breeds ewe in the interbreed competition on Sunday. The Shillabeer’s champion ewe and reserve champion ewe, with a ram which won the supreme all breeds shortwool exhibit at Hamilton, also won the supreme all breeds group. Tattykeel principal Ian Gilmore, Oberon, has been showing at Adelaide since 2007. He has exhibited every year since, with the exception of 2009 when he judged at the show. “Over the last few years we’ve seen dramatic growth in the White Suffolk breed,” he said. Mr Gilmore, whose stud was established in 1999, was rapt to receive grand champion ram. “It makes the 14-hour drive to get here well worth the trip,” he said. The ram also went on to take out reserve champion shortwool ram in the interbreed competition. Victorian breeders, the Donnan family, Anden, Woomelang, also had their trip made worthwhile, taking out junior champion ram. “The junior champion caught my eye early on,” Mr Nalder said. “He paraded very well, is well-balanced with good muscle, and handled extremely well.” Judge Peter Nalder said the Shillabeer’s champion ewe and reserve champion ewe were stand-outs in the White Suffolk judging. “I remember when the ewes came out in the class, they stood exceptionally well and were just beautiful ewes,” he said. Mr Nalder said he was impressed by the champion’s meat quality. “She looked like a perfectly well-balanced sheep,” he said. Mr Nalder said quality of the White Suffolks right across the board was excellent. “The quality of the breed keeps going from strength to strength,” he said. “The Royal Adelaide Show is recognised at the ultimate White Suffolk show right across Australia.” The Shillabeers have been breeding White Suffolks for 23 years, showing at the Royal Adelaide Show for 16 and said this year was one of the best line-ups. “It was an excellent competition, there’s some really outstanding sheep here,” Mr Shillabeer said. It was their third successive supreme ewe win in the interbreed competition. This tops off a great year for the couple who also took out most successful exhibitor at Bendigo and Hamilton this year. NSW stud Tattykeel, Oberon, were the other star performers, taking out grand champion ram with a 14-month-old that weighed 131kg, with 50mm EMD and 8.5mm fat. Mr Nalder said the champion ram stood out in its class. “There’s just a lot of things right about him,” he said. “He’s got meat there in all the right places and is a solid boned sheep.” Celebrating 20 years of showing at the 2011 Royal Adelaide Show were Geoff Gale, Galaxy Park (back left), exhibitor of the first Champion Ram in 1991; Barry Lang, first White Suffolk judge; and Ian Turner, Renrut, exhibitor of the first Champion Ewe. They are pictured with Brayden Gilmore, Tattykeel, holding the 2011 Grand Champion White Suffolk Ram, and Caitlin Shillabeer, Wingamin, with the 2011 Champion White Suffolk ewe and Supreme Champion White Suffolk exhibit. Photo courtesy Deb Shillabeer 11 ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW RESULTS 2011 SEPTEMBER 2011, ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOWGROUNDS GRAND CHAMPION RAM Class 229 Ram under 1½ years. Born during April, in the yr prior to the show Shorn - untrimmed SUPREME ALL BREEDS GROUP Class 232 Pen of Two Rams. April - June drop 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 2. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 2. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 3. “Bundara Downs” S & R Funke 3. “Illoura” RV Piggott & Son 4. “Gemini” C & R Mitchell 4. “Hayelle” H & M Whittlesea 5. “Days Whiteface” L & L Day 5. “Illoura” RV Piggott & Son 6. “Somerset” L & K McCrae Class 230 Ram under 1½ years. Born during May, in the yr prior to the show. Shorn - untrimmed 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 2. “Tattykeel” I & D Gilmore 3. “Glenarbian” I & B Nitschke 4. “Windy Hill” M Smart 5. “Kurralea” B & L Prentice 6. “Windy Hill” M Smart Class 231 Ram, under 1½ years. Born during June, in the yr prior to the show 1. “Tattykeel” I & D Gilmore 2. “Gemini” C & R Mitchell 3. “Glengarry” JA & JR Wiesner 4. “Anden” A & D Donnan 5. “Leahcim” A & R Michael 6. “Spring Valley” R & S Keen 6. “Glengarry” JA & JR Wiesner Class 233 Ram, under 1½ years. Born during July, in the year prior to the show 1. “Anden” A & D Donnan 2. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill 3. “Burwood” I & J Pfeiffer 4. “Bundara Downs” S & R Funke 5. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 6. “Waratah” S & D Milne Class 234 Ram under 1½ years. Born on or after 1 August, Shorn - untrimmed 1. “Tattykeel” I & D Gilmore 2. “Somerset” L & K McCrae 3. “Anden” A & D Donnan 4. “Anden” A & D Donnan 5. “Leahcim” A & R Michael 6. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill Class 235 Pen of Two Rams. July - September drop 1. “Somerset” L & K McCrae 2. “Leahcim” A & R Michael 3. “Tattykeel” I & D Gilmore 4. “Anden” A & D Donnan 5. “Illoura” RV Piggott & Son 12 CHAMPION EWE & SUPREME CHAMPION PRIME LAMB & MATERNAL BREEDS EWE INTERBREED CHAMPION LAMBPLAN PRODUCTION CLASS WINNERS Photo courtesy of the Stock Journal Class 236 Ram Lamb Class 240 Ram Lamb Performance Class 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 2. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 2. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill 3. “Bundara Downs” S & R Funke 3. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill 4. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill 4. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 5. “Ramsay Park” P & J Button 5. “Bundara Downs” S & R Funke 6. “Bundara Downs” S & R Funke Class 237 Pen of Three Rams under 1½ years Class 241 Ewe over 1½ years with lamb at foot 1. “Rene” D I & S Mitchell 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 2. “Hayelle” H & M Whittlesea 2. “Tattykeel” I & D Gilmore 3. “Ramsay Park” P & J Button 3. “Bundara Downs” S & R Funke 4. “Gemini” C & R Mitchell 5. “Rene” D I & S Mitchell 6. “Leahcim” A & R Michael Class 238 Coles class for White Suffolk 1. “Ramsay Park” P & J Button 2. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 3. “Somerset” L & K McCrae 4. “Tattykeel” I & D Gilmore 5. “Illoura” RV Piggott & Son 6. “Newbold Studs” B Close Class 239 Lamb Production Class. 1. “Ashmore” R B & R J & T M & J I Fischer 2. “Illoura” RV Piggott & Son 3. “Spring Valley” R & S Keen 4. “Waratah” S & D Milne 5. “Leahcim” A & R Michael Class 242 Ewe under 1½ years Born between 1 April and 31 May 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 2. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 3. “Illoura” RV Piggott & Son 4. “Windy Hill” M Smart 5. “Koonawarra” M & J Grossman 6. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill Class 243 Ewe under 1½ years Born between 1 June and 31 July 1. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill 2. “Glengarry” JA & JR Wiesner 3. “Wattle Park” J & M Jamieson 4. “Booloola” S & A Baker 5. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill 6. “Glenarbian” I & B Nitschke 6. “Burwood” I & J Pfeiffer 13 Class 244 Ewe, under 1½ years Born after 1 August, in the year prior to the Show Class 249 Sire’s Progeny Group 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 1. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill 2. “Tattykeel” I & D Gilmore 2. “Illoura” RV Piggott & Son 3. “Leahcim” A & R Michael 3. “Rene” D I & S Mitchell 4. “Bundara Downs” S & R Funke 4. “Wattle Park” J & M Jamieson 5. “Days Whiteface” L & L Day 5. “Wattle Park” J & M Jamieson Class 245 Pen of Two Ewes under 1½ years 1. “Glengarry” JA & JR Wiesner 2. “Illoura” RV Piggott & Son 3. “Koonawarra” M & J Grossman 4. “Glenarbian” I & B Nitschke 5. D S & C J Ferguson & Sons Class 246 Ewe Lamb 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 2. “Illoura” RV Piggott & Son 3. “Hayelle” H & M Whittlesea SENIOR CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK RAM 1. “Tattykeel” I & D Gilmore RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK RAM 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer JUNIOR CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK RAM 1. “Anden” A & D Donnan RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK RAM 1. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill GRAND CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK RAM 1. “Tattykeel” I & D Gilmore 4. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 5. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill Class 247 Ewe Lamb Performance Class CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK EWE 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer RESERVE CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK EWE 2. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 3. “Illoura” RV Piggott & Son 4. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill 5. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill Class 248 Breeders’ Group 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 2. “Glengarry” JA & JR Wiesner 3. “Glenarbian” I & B Nitschke 4. “Wheetelande” I & R Neill 5. “Koonawarra” M & J Grossman SUPREME CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK EXHIBIT 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer MOST SUCCESSFUL WHITE SUFFOLK EXHIBITOR 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer SUPREME ALL BREEDS GROUP 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer CHAMPION INTERBREED LAMB PRODUCTION TERMINAL 1. “Ashmore” R B & R J & T M & J I Fischer SUPREME CHAMPION PRIME LAMB AND MATERNAL BREEDS EWE 1. “Wingamin” C V & D C Shillabeer 14 SPRING INTO ACTION AND STOP WORMS VET TALK, DR STEVEN LOVE, NSW DEPT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES ARMIDALE PUBLISHED IN THE LAND, THURS SEPT 22, 2011 Spring is a great time for worms in livestock. Warmer weather is around the corner and that with a bit of moisture makes things better for both worms and grass. A lot of sheep lamb in spring and in some areas, the southern tablelands for example, this is a time of peak larval availability, ie. pastures are wormy, unless you spent the preceding six months preparing a low worm-risk lambing paddock. This also coincides with the pre-parturient relaxation of resistance. That is, the time from just before lambing and for several weeks after when ewes lose a fair bit of immunity to worms. So, many farms could end up with wormy lambing paddocks. Rather than getting caught with your pants down, it would be a good idea to do a worm egg count (WEC or “WormTest”) on ewes and lambs, using fresh dung samples from the paddock, just before you bring the ewes and lambs in for marking. In “normal” years and with good management, lambs usually don’t have many worms at marking, but sometimes things go awry. Don’t guess, WormTest. You’ll probably have a build up of resistant worms on the lambing paddock too, especially if you used a long-acting wormer pre-lambing. The idea is to stop resistant worms on the lambing paddock from being moved elsewhere on the farm. You might double check by doing a WormTest seven to 14 days after the cleanout or exit drench. Maybe the drench wasn’t as good as you thought it was? What about the paddock itself? You might think the best thing is to put cattle on the lambing paddock for a while after the ewes and lambs have left. While that will reduce the number of sheep worms on the paddock, it won’t reduce the number of worms that are resistant. So, better than cattle is to use relatively wormy sheep that haven’t been drenched for a while, the idea being that resistant worms on the lambing paddock will be ‘diluted’ with drenchsusceptible or at least less resistant worms from the wormy sheep. After that you can put cattle into the paddock to get total worm numbers down. It’s a bit late to talk much about lambing paddock preparation, but we can mention weaner paddock preparation. In most areas, paddock preparation for a spring lambing takes about six months of keeping the paddock basically sheep free because larvae on pasture die off more slowly in cooler months. But weaning may take place in warmer months of late spring or summer, when larval death rates are higher. Depending on how warm it is, it may take from two to 4 months of keeping the weaner paddock sheep free in order to get worm numbers down ready for the weaners. So, what you need is an exit strategy. When ewes and lambs are moved off the lambing paddock at weaning, give them a clean out with a drench that is highly effective and unrelated to the one used pre-lambing. photo courtesy Julie Klante 15 Issue First Issue! Issue 9, September 2011 Have your say through SCA. Real Relevant Results Sheepmeat producers from around Australia sit on the Council making decisions that deliver results to the industry as a whole. SCA works on policy issues at the national level that matter most to your profitability and sustainability on-farm. With close industry ties here and overseas plus a strong relationship with the Federal Government, SCA is positioned to represent and promote your interests. We are sheepmeat producers too. From the President Ovine Johne’s Disease (OJD) has been one of the most contentious and divisive sheep industry issues I’ve had to contend with in my role as President of Sheepmeat Council. As a sheep producer myself, I find this totally baffling as I will do everything I can to keep this insidious disease off my farm, and if I do get it, will do everything I can to minimise what can be potentially huge production losses. I know there are many producers out there who feel the same as me but there are also many out there with their head in the sand making it hard for all of us. Over the past 9 months, an extensive review of the current OJD Management Plan has been undertaken. The review is important to ensure the program remains relevant to producer needs for managing and controlling the disease and also benefiting the sheep industry as a whole. SCA in conjunction with WoolProducers (WPA) and Animal Health Australia engaged independent consultants to assess all aspects of the program; seeking input from individual producers, producer organisations, veterinarians, state government representatives through to stock agents. The findings of the first stage of the review have been summarised in a public discussion paper. Prior to the commencement of the review, one of Sheepmeat Council’s stipulations was that all sheep producers should be given the opportunity to put their views forward on the best strategy to manage OJD nationally. I understand there are varying views among producers and that is why we want to hear from you. All producers need to do is read the discussion paper available on www.ojd.com.au then complete the brief survey. The survey will remain open until 21 October, if you have any problems accessing the internet please call 0431 753 071 and a hard copy will be sent to you. I urge everyone involved in the sheep industry to have your say on the future management of OJD. Kate Joseph, President About SCA SCA is the prescribed industry body for the nation’s sheepmeat producers under the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997. SCA scrutinises the performance of, and strategies to be pursued by, levy funded bodies, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Animal Health Australia (AHA) and the National Residue Survey (NRS). SCA provides practical policy advice at the farm and industry level to the Federal Government. It’s imperative producers have input into the Government’s policy-making process and this is made possible through SCA with your input. SCA is funded by membership subcriptions paid by State Farmer Organisations and through the industry activities it performs for all sheep and lamb levy payers as part of the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC). CONTACT: Sheepmeat Council of Australia PO BOX E10 Kingston ACT 2604 T: 02 6273 3088 F:02 6273 4479 E:[email protected] e1 Sheep health monitoring at abattoirs Tips for managing OJD shedding but research has demonstrated that a percentage of sheep will continue to shed the bacteria even once vaccinated. Producers with the disease in their flock successfully manage infection by integrating vaccination and biosecurity practices such as monitoring for disease and All stock that come onto your purchasing sheep with a property should be accompanied higher Assurance Based Credit by a Sheep Health Statement. score. Whether they are replacement When adult sheep are sent to ewes, rams or even sheep for agistment, you should insist on a the abattoirs you can request your line is inspected for OJD. Sheep Health Statement to There are a number of assess the health status of the abattoirs that routinely sheep before they cause a inspect sheep to support the problem in your flock. Sheep OJD Prevalence Areas but Health Statement’s contain producers can also ask for this important information on the Assurance Based Credit score of to happen. It is useful if you the sheep which should always need additional Assurance be higher than your flock status. Based Credit points or want feedback on the health status The Sheep Health Statement of a mob. You can also ask also has key information on your veterinarian to test your other production limiting sheep on-farm if you suspect conditions such as footrot and your flock is infected or if you treatments for internal want to know if the infection parasites. rate is decreasing. Vaccinating your sheep with Gudair® is a very important part of managing the spread of the disease within your flock. It is very effective in reducing mortalities and the level of If OJD is a condition that has to be managed on your property or you want to minimise the risk of infection to your flock, currently there are a number of options available to suit your needs. Some of these options are discussed briefly here but for further information visit www.ojd.com.au. The National Sheep Health Monitoring Project commenced in 2007, evolving from the OJD abattoir monitoring program where an opportunity was identified to collect information on other diseases. The monitoring project has two aims, firstly to provide animal health status reports to individual producers and secondly, collect information that can be used by producers, industry groups, processors and governments to support ongoing market access. farm. The project currently operates in selected abattoirs across Australia but only NSW and South Australian producers are receiving reports through their state department of primary industry. Discussions are underway on the future of the project and possibly expanding into other abattoirs so all sheep producers can benefit from the information. We also need to encourage other state departments to distribute feedback to producers. There are up to twenty different SCA COUNCIL animal health conditions monitored in the project such as liver fluke, arthritis, sheep measles, cheesy gland and hydatids. The conditions were Kate Joseph Ian McColl Da David David d Boyle Boyl oyle le selected based on productivity President Vice President Treasurer loss and export market VFF NSWFarmers PGA of WA sensitivities. Producers may not be aware that these conditions are present in their flock and subsequently IIan Alexander James Jackson resulting in losses at the Feldtmann MacLachlan NSWFarmers abattoirs through partial or full VFF SAFF condemnations. If producers are aware that the conditions are occurring in their flock, they can be managed or prevented onSubscribe to SCA e-newsletter! sheepmeatcouncil.com.au Scott Mark Murphy Ron Cullen Executive Anderson AgForce TFGA Director Tips cont…. Market Assurance Programs are a voluntary individual flock program that allows producers to gain greater recognition for their flock status. The SheepMAP score also contributes to the ABC scoring system by individual flock testing. For further information visit www.ojd.com.au Sheepmeat Council in conjunction with WoolProducers and MLA continue to invest in research and development to improve the management of OJD. In the short term, research projects are aiming to deliver a safer vaccine and improved diagnostic techniques. WE NEED YOUR INPUT! Visit www.ojd.com.au to have you say on the future management of OJD. Simply read the discussion paper available on the website and fill out a brief survey. SCA state member organisations ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW RESULTS 2011 SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2011, MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS RAM under 1 1/2 years shorn untrimmed born between 1st April and 31st May, year prior to the Show. 1. R & L Collins 2. I J & P R Kyle RAM under 1 1/2 years shorn untrimmed born between 1st June and 31st July in the year prior to the Show. 1. R & L Collins 2. Deppeler Suffolks 3. I J & P R Kyle 4. Yanco Agricultural High School 5. St Pauls College RAM under 1 1/2 years shorn untrimmed born after 1st August in the year prior to the Show. 1. I J & P R Kyle Pen of 2 Rams under 1 1/2 shorn untrimmed born between 1st July or after, in the year prior to the Show. 1. St Pauls College RAM LAMB dropped after 1st April year of Show (Dams not to be exhibited). 1. I J & P R Kyle LAMB PRODUCTION CLASS, TWO RAMS UNDER 1 1/2, SHORN. 1. St Pauls College EWE, over 1 1/2 years, shorn, untrimmed, with lamb at foot. 1. St Pauls College EWE under 1 1/2 years shorn untrimmed born after 1st June and 31st July in the year prior to the Show. 1. Deppeler Suffolks 2. Yanco Agricultural High School 3. St Pauls College 4. Yanco Agricultural High School 18 EWE under 1 1/2 years shorn untrimmed born after 1st August in the year prior to the Show. 1. R & L Collins PEN OF TWO EWES under 1 1/2 shorn untrimmed. 1. St Pauls College BREEDERS GROUP OF 1 RAM AND 2 EWES under 1 1/2 years, animals to be drawn from Ordinary classes and to be bred by Exhibitor. 1. R & L Collins 2. Yanco Agricultural High School 3. St Pauls College SIRE’S PROGENY GROUP, to consist of 3 sheep, under 1 1/2 years, to be sired by one nominated sire. 1. R & L Collins 2. I J & P R Kyle 3. St Pauls College MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR AWARD 1. R & L Collins CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK RAM, any age. 1. R & L Collins RESERVE CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK RAM. 1. R & L Collins CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK EWE, any age. 1. R & L Collins: RESERVE CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK EWE 1. Deppeler Suffolks EWE MANAGEMENT & BODY WEIGHT AT JOINING BOB MARCHANT, FORMER LIVESTOCK OFFICER SHEEP & WOOL FEBRUARY 2007 | PRIMEFACT 332 | REPLACES AGFACT A4.0.23 Lamb marking percentage is one of the factors determining the success and profitability of a sheep enterprise for either Merino or prime lamb production. Farmers will consider many factors when choosing a joining date. These could include: • when the season breaks or dries off in the district; • markets for early prime lambs; fat score unit in Merino ewes at joining results in about 13 extra lambs born per 100 ewes joined. There is considerable variation between flocks in this response so it is important to determine if this response is profitable for any given flock. Producers wishing to ensure high lamb-marking percentages should target a fat score 3 for their ewes at joining. • fitting in with crop enterprises; • the likelihood of supplementary feeding in winter in late pregnancy; • weather conditions at lambing. Early weaning will make consideration of all these factors easier. High body weight or increasing fat score/body weight at joining can ensure a high lamb-marking percentage. When lambs are weaned by 14 weeks, it gives more scope for ewes to regain any body weight or fat reserves lost during lactation. Ewes joined at high static weights and at fat score 5, and who maintain this fat score throughout gestation, are likely to experience difficult births and pregnancy toxaemia. Daylength – effect on ovulation Body weight is not the only factor affecting ovulation. The time of year is also important. Decreasing daylength triggers breeding activity, that is, the oestrus cycle. Also, studies with Merino sheep show that higher ovulation rates occur in autumn. Research has shown that 33 per cent more Merino lambs were weaned per ewe joined in autumn compared with lambs weaned per ewe joined in spring. Fat score and body weight at joining Static body weight is body weight measured at any one point in time. Dynamic body weight measures changes in body weight. If weaning has been early, ewes will have regained body reserves and achieved high static body weight before pasture deteriorates in quantity and quality over summer. Body weight usually declines later in autumn but an early break in the season will see a dynamic increase in body weight. Recent research has shown that change in fat score (dynamic weight) before and during joining had little effect on conception rates. The fact that they reached the joining target was more important than wether they were gaining or losing fat score. An increase of 1 fat score unit will correspond to an increase in body weight of 7–8 kg, regardless of frame size. One extra High conception rates are therefore a combination of factors including the date of joining in relation to seasonal feed supply. • Early weaning gives ewes the potential to regain body weight but also relies on this date in relation to the break in the season or drying-off of the season. • Ewes joined in December in southern NSW rely on high body weight/fat score to give multiple ovulation coming out of spring, as daylength is not yet decreasing. • Ewes joined in February in southern NSW may have a lower static body weight and lower fat score; they benefit from decreasing daylength. • Provided an early autumn season break, ewes joined in April benefit from a dynamic increase in both body weight and fat score as well as from positive effects from decreasing daylength. Twin scanning Ultrasound scanning allows ewes bearing single lambs to be managed, reducing the incidence of difficult birth through overfeeding in late pregnancy. Ultrasound scanning can also be used to determine time of lambing, similarly to the ram harness; however, throughput is slower during the scanning process. Identification of twin-bearing Merino ewes by ultrasound scanning will allow selection of paddocks that provide better nutrition for these animals in late pregnancy. This will improve the weight and quality of fleece on their progeny through effects on the ratio of secondary to primary follicles throughout their lifetime. FOR HOMEWORK, A CLASS IN NSW WERE ASKED TO DRAW THEIR PARENTS AT WORK.... THIS IS JESSICA’S DRAWING: Twin-bearing ewes ideally should be lambed in groups of less than 250. By managing twin-bearing ewes separately, from scanning at 90 days to lamb marking or weaning, similar growth rates can be achieved for twin lambs as for single-born lambs. Use of twin scanning and the ram harness facilitates early weaning and thus the regaining of ewe body condition before the next joining. Where scanning for twin-bearing ewes is practised, nutritional management of those ewes before lambing is made easier by regular fat scoring to ensure adequate body fat reserves for late pregnancy and lactation. Target fat score during pregnancy should be 3 score. Overfat ewes (4 to 5 score) in late pregnancy eat less and are likely to suffer pregnancy toxaemia. Reducing the fat score of these ewes to 3 between days 90 and 120 will increase their lambs’ birth weights and likely survival. Ewes of fat score 2 or less have insufficient body fat reserves for successful lactation. It is difficult and uneconomic to change ewes from 2 to 3 score in late pregnancy by supplementation. The desired fat score of 3 for pregnancy should be achieved soon after joining. HERE'S THE LETTER THE TEACHER RECEIVED THE NEXT DAY: Dear Mrs. J, I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Bunnings and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week after the floods hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had and then I found one more in stock and several people were fighting over who would get it. © State of New South Wales through NSW Department of Primary Industries 2007 ISSN 1832-6668 Replaces Agfact A4.0.23 Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last shovel we had in the store. Check for updates of this Primefact at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/primefacts From now on I will remember to check her homework before she hands it in. Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (February 2007). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of New South Wales Department of Primary Industries or the user’s independent adviser. Sincerely, Erica LEGS AND PASTERNS Age: Over 4 months. When: Anytime, ideally at classing. Legs/Feet is a combined trait. It refers to the overall soundness of the front and back leg and feet structure, in particular the orientation of the legs/feet and angulation of the hocks and pasterns in relation to the feet. How to score: A single score of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. The highest score across the leg and feet components of all four legs is recorded. Rule of thumb: If the stance, hocks and pasterns of the back legs and feet are ‘very good’ (Score 1), but the pasterns of the front legs are ‘very poor’ (Score 5), then Score 5 is the overall score recorded for the trait. Legs/Feet Score 1 Score 3 Score 5 SCORE 1: SCORE 2: SCORE 3: SCORE 4: SCORE 5: Very Good: good width of stance; straight legs that stand squarely over the feet; moderate hock and pastern angulation. Good. Average: significant hock angulation, and/or legs and feet orientating slightly inwards or outwards, and/ or slightly ‘weak’ pasterns. Poor. Very Poor: extreme angulation of hocks, and/or legs orientating inwards with hocks touching or ‘bowed’ outwards, and/or very ‘weak’ pasterns. 21 HOW TO FOLLOW AUSTRALIAN SPAM EMAIL LAWS Everybody hates spam, and while it seems there is no way to avoid the annoying messages, they are currently being made illegal around the world. It is now illegal to send unsolicited messages (which account for around 40% of all internet traffic) to people. Doing so can attract fines of up to $1.5 million per day. Under the Spam Act 2003 it is illegal to send, or cause to be sent, unsolicited commercial electronic messages. The Act covers email, instant messaging, SMS and MMS (text and image-based mobile phone messaging) of a commercial nature. It does not cover faxes, internet pop-ups or voice telemarketing. If your business uses any form of e-marketing, including email, SMS (text message), MMS (image-based text messages) or instant messaging, you must understand and meet the following three key requirements of the Spam Act: 1. CONSENT - the message must be sent with the recipient’s consent. The recipient may give express consent, or under certain circumstances consent may be inferred from their conduct or an existing business or other relationship. 2. IDENTIFY - the message must contain accurate information about the person or organisation that authorised the sending of the message and how to contact them. 3. UNSUBSCRIBE - the message must contain a functional ‘unsubscribe’ facility to allow the recipient to opt out from receiving messages from that source in the future. Unsubscribe requests must be honoured within five working days. You cannot email prospective customers unless express or inferred consent already exists. You need to gain consent through other means, such as a letter, a phone call or a faceto-face conversation. EXPRESS CONSENT When an individual or organisation first provides their email address, and you plan to send them a commercial electronic message, you must first get their express consent. Express consent can be gained in a variety of ways - for example by filling in a form, ticking a box on a website, over the phone, face-to-face or by swapping business cards - as long as the recipient is clearly aware that he or she may receive commercial messages in the future. INFERRED CONSENT If an organisation has a strong business relationship with the holder of an electronic address – for example, the address holder is a member of a club, a subscriber to a service, or a client it deals with on an ongoing basis – consent to receiving messages from that organisation may be inferred. The Australian White Suffolk Association feel they have inferred consent from all members who have provided the Secretariat with their email address and so they do from time to time send emails to members. These email addresses along with all other contact details are published in the Flock Book and online so that potential clients or fellow members can get in contact with you easily. It has been assumed that if you do not want these details published, then you will let us know. The AWSA will NEVER pass on the list of members’ email addresses to anyone by any other means, as this would be a clear breach of the Spam Act. RESOURCES TO FIND OUT MORE: Australian Communication and Media Authority: http://www.spam.acma.gov.au 22 SENDING MASS EMAILS RESPONSIBLY WITHOUT DISCLOSING RECIPIENTS Once you have either Express or Inferred Consent to send out mass emails, then it is VERY IMPORTANT, that you do not add all their email addresses in the TO box of your email. How to Keep Email Recipients Undisclosed? This then means that everyone else will be able to see these email addresses. Next time you send out a mass-email... What is Bad About Disclosing Recipients? If these email addresses are visible then any of the recipients in that list could: 1. Get their email accounts hacked and misused for marketing purposes (spam) – so everyone’s email address is captured and then used for spam emails. 2. Catch a trojan horse on their PC that harvests email addresses to send out spam to all the other recipients. We all have the right to have our email address to be protected from these predators. We all get enough junk mail now, so let’s make sure we don’t increase it! The concept is simple and done in three easy steps: 1. put all recipients in the BCC (blind carbon copy) field of your email software/ client/ interface. (see image - area labellled a.) The recipients in BCC will not be revealed. Nobody but the sender (you) can see all of the recipients and their email addresses (Note – if the BCC does not appear automatically when you go to write a new email, click the To button and you can then add the email addresses in the BCC box that appears). 2. Put your own email address in the TO field of your email software/ client/ interface. (see image - area labelled b.) This way, the email has one disclosed recipient (the sender’s email, which will be disclosed anyway) and many other undisclosed recipients. 3. Write and send your email. Done. b a 23 PERTH ROYAL SHOW RESULTS 2011 OCTOBER 2011, CLAREMONT SHOWGROUNDS CHAMPION AND RESERVE CHAMPION RAMS NOVICE RAM. 1. 1. SASIMWA Glenn Cole RAM 2 years old and over. 1. 1. SASIMWA Glenn Cole 2. 2. Brimfield Stud Max Whyte 3. 3. Valencia Downs Gordon Smith RAM. Under 1 ½ year old. 1. 1. Wesswood Stud MP & Julie Klante CHAMPION AND RESERVE CHAMPION EWES RAM LAMB. 1. 1. Yanda White Suffolk Stud J T & S J Argent 2. 2. Yundabine White Suffolks D Elson 3. 3. Kiara Lockridge Senior High School NOVICE EWE. Any age,to be bare shorn and bred by the Exhibitor. 4. 1. Ambergate Jenny Roberts EWE. 2 year old and over. 2. 2. Brimfield Stud Max Whyte 5. 1. Brimfield Stud Max Whyte 3. 3. Ridge Top D Carter 6. 2. Kiara Lockridge Senior High School 7. 3. Kiara Lockridge Senior High School RAM. Under 1 ½ year old. 1. 1. Brimfield Stud Max Whyte EWE. Under 1 ½ years. 2. 2. Ridge Top D Carter 8. 1. Brimfield Stud Max Whyte 3. 3. Ridge Top D Carter 9. 2. Valencia Downs Gordon Smith 10. 3. Iveston Stud G R & D J Bingham RAM. Under 1 ½ year old. 1. 1. SASIMWA Glenn Cole EWE. Under 1 ½ years. 2. 2. Brimfield Stud Max Whyte 11. 1. Banksia Plains T J & M L Stone 3. 3. Jocklor L J & L Page 12. 2. Iveston Stud G R & D J Bingham 13. 3. Hedingham WD&BM Thompson & Sons PAIR OF RAMS. Under 1 ½ years. 1. 1. Brimfield Stud Max Whyte PAIR OF EWES. Under 1 ½ years. 2. 2. Banksia Plains T J & M L Stone 14. 1. Yanda White Suffolk Stud J T & S J Argent 3. 3. Jocklor L J & L Page 15. 2. SASIMWA Glenn Cole 16. 3. Banksia Plains T J & M L Stone RAM LAMB. 1. 1. Kiara Lockridge Senior High School 2. 2. Ridge Top D Carter 3. 3. Yundabine White Suffolks D Elson 24 EWE LAMB. Autumn born before 31 May in year of competition. 17. 1. Valencia Downs Gordon Smith 18. 2. Ridge Top D Carter LINEUP WITH JUDGE IAN TURNER EWE LAMB. Winter born on/after 1 June in the year if competition. 1. 1. Stockdale L J, J K & B J Fairclough 2. 2. Jocklor L J & L Page 3. 3. Ridge Top D Carter CHAMPION RAM 13. SASIMWA RESERVE CHAMPION RAM 14. Brimfield Poll Dorset Stud CHAMPION EWE GROUP CLASS - RAM AND TWO EWES. To be under 1 ½ year old. 4. 1. Brimfield Stud Max Whyte 5. 2. SASIMWA Glenn Cole 6. 3. Yanda White Suffolk Stud J T & S J Argent GROUP OF THREE WHITE SUFFOLK RAMS. To be under 1 ½ years. 7. 1. Ridge Top D Carter 15. Brimfield Stud RESERVE CHAMPION EWE 16. Banksia Plains CHAMPION EWE LAMB 17. Kiara SUPREME CHAMPION WHITE SUFFOLK EXHIBIT 18. SASIMWA 8. 2. Brimfield Stud Max Whyte 9. 3. SASIMWA Glenn Cole PROGENY GROUP. To be drawn from any Class. 10. 1. Brimfield Stud Max Whyte 11. 2. Yanda White Suffolk Stud J T & S J Argent 12. 3. Jocklor L J & L Page 25 DIVERSIFICATION INTO LAMB PRODUCTION HAS PAID OFF MAIN POINTS • Successful Merino stud diversifies into lamb production while maintaining their large Merino genetic pool • Introducing White Suffolks has overcome lambing problems and introduced consistency and early finishing • Stronger Merino ewes joined to terminal sires • Initial lambing and finishing problems were overcome with genetic selection Medium wool Merino ewes with lambs at Hilton Heath where White Suffolk rams have introduced lambing ease and earlier finishing. Over four decades of successful Merino stud breeding provided an excellent platform for diversification into prime lamb production for the Fiebig family of Hilton Heath Merinos, now at Keith in South Australia’s south-east. But the move wasn’t easy at first with big shoulders, big necks and slow finishing impeding progress. While not part of the initial switch, White Suffolk rams now play an important role especially over maiden ewes. “We’ve never had to pull a lamb by a White Suffolk,” said Matt Fiebig. “We moved into prime lamb production as a way of keeping our options open because our country is suited to it and we needed to take some hard business decisions to make our operation sustainable”, he said. The Hilton Heath Merino stud was founded at Mt Pleasant in the Adelaide foothills in 1969 and a Poll Merino stud was registered in 1981. These medium wool studs are still thriving with major successes at Adelaide Royal and Bendigo (formerly Melbourne). A Hilton Heath fleece was named the ‘Best Wool in the World’ at the World Merino Conference in Tasmania in 1988 and in New Zealand four years later, a Hilton Heath fleece was runner-up for that prestigious award. 26 • The move has resulted in sustainability and profitability • Lambs can be turned off 6 to 8 weeks earlier than most in the district • Lambs weigh 51 to 53 kgs at 16 to 17 weeks and yield 49 to 50% A move to the productive south-east 12 years ago enabled diversification into prime lamb production. To-day 1400 Merino ewes are joined to Merinos while 1000 of the stronger Merino ewes are joined to Poll Dorsets and White Suffolks. This means a large genetic pool of Merinos is maintained. “The initial move created management problems and we had to put a lot of work into finishing the lambs,” said Mr Fiebig. A trip to Adelaide Royal changed this when the Fiebigs saw rams that appealed to them. “So we went to the Bundara Downs sale and identified rams that appealed to us visually and had the figures to suit our program. “This was a move that has made management easier and has boosted production and profitability. “We weigh every lamb and we discovered the progeny of the new rams matured earlier, yielded a lot better and weighed like lead,” he said. “The clover, rye grass and natural grasses plus the fast growing genetics mean we can get our first draft of lambs off six to eight weeks younger than most in the district. “Our lambs are weighing 51 to 53 kgs at 16 to 17 weeks and yielding 49 to 50% with carcase weights in the 23 to 24 kg range sold over the hooks, mainly to JBS. The Fiebigs started off using Poll Dorsets but as they observed a significant improvement in White Suffolks, they now buy rams of both breeds. The Merino ewes that go to the terminal rams are too strong ( 22 to 22.5 micron) or too wrinkly to keep a ram lamb from. “We look for a well shaped ram with the good butt shape and length and we also look for rams that are positive for fat cover for use over the straight Merinos - therefore we are often interested in a slightly different rams to those producers who are using first cross ewes,” he said. That works in the Fiebigs’ favour as there is less competition for the rams that suit their operation. The sandy soils at Keith also mean rams need good feet and legs. “We usually need eight to 10 rams a year so we usually pick out 25 rams from the catalogue and rank them on figures and then physically inspect them and are most often able to buy the rams we need from among our top selections”. “The rams we buy now suit our purpose perfectly. They breed consistently, are above breed average in the important traits, and as a group make us more money,” says Matt Fiebig. GOOD RAM PREPARATION CRUCIAL ARTICLE WRITTEN BY MARY CRAWFORD, RURAL SOLUTIONS SA PUBLISHED IN THE STOCK JOURNAL SEPT 22, 2011 Good ram preparation leading up to joining is essential to ensure that ewes have the best chance to achieve optimum conception rates and a tight joining and lambing period. To increase percentages first you need to ensure you are providing the best opportunities to conceive. Rams need to be regularly checked for lameness, fly-strike, fighting injuries and need to be in optimum body condition. Performing a simple ram check on the five t’s before joining can result in increased conception rates: • Torso • Teeth • Toes • Testes • Tossle The ram paddock should be easily accessible with adequate shade, cool water and access to quality feed. Rams should be in a good condition Score 3.5 (torso) at 2 months before mating. Remember it takes seven to eight weeks to produce mature sperm and to reach maximum fertility, so any setbacks during this period can be disastrous. It goes without saying that rams with poor teeth will have a reduced ability to intake feed, may suffer nutritional deficiencies and may be less fertile. Poor hoof shape or abscess may also reduce the ability of the ram to serve a ewe. The epididymis tail of the testes should be large and firm and of uniform size, not hard and diseased. A ram with abnormal lumps or non-uniform testes should be blood tested for ovine brucellosis. A healthy, well-fed and sexually rested ram may hold up to 100,000 million sperm, of which 75 per cent is stored in the tail of the epididymis. Palpitation of the tail of the epididymis can indicate the level of sperm reserves in an individual ram. A small, soft tail indicates poor reserves of sperm. There is a close relationship between testicular size and sperm production. Rams with small testes may not produce enough sperm throughout the joining period to maintain good fertility. Research has shown that improving the intake of protein and energy with supplementary feed such as lupins for two months before joining can increase testicle size and subsequent sperm production by up to 100 per cent. Ideally the scrotum should measure 30cm in a 2 year old or older ram. Nutritional changes affect testicle size and sperm production much more rapidly than is reflected in the live weight and body condition which highlights the importance of checking the ram’s reproductive soundness prior to joining. Check the ram’s tossle for damage. Damage can easily occur during shearing and may result in a 10 per cent reduction in productivity of the ram. Environmental factors can also affect sperm production and lead to temporary infertility. Heat stress can affect sperm production and viability if the rams cannot keep the testes cool during the eight weeks before joining. Hot weather with temperatures over 32oC for long periods or very high temperature over 38oC for short bursts can affect sperm production. Mature sperm are less likely to be affected than sperm in the developing stages. A ram that has suffered heat stress before joining could successfully serve ewes with the stored mature sperm (2-3 weeks) then there will be a seven week delay before new, viable sperm is produced. photo courtesy julie klante 27 HAMILTON SHEEPVENTION RESULTS 2011 JULY AUGUST 2011, HAMILTON SHOWGROUNDS CHAMPION EWE & SUPREME EXHIBIT Novice Ram Somerset Trophy GRAND CHAMPION RAM Pen of 2 rams A-J drop Elders trophy 1. “Sunnydale” A & R Weidemann 1. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer 2. “Sunnydale” A & R Weidemann 2. “Waratah” S & D Milne 3. “Sunnydale” A & R Weidemann 3. “Gemini” C & R Mitchell 4. “Waratah” S & D Milne Ram U11/2 born April Wakefield Park Trophy 1. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer Ram U11/2 born July Waratah Trophy 2. “Induro” G Treweek 1. “Waratah” S & D Milne 3. “Somerset” L & K McCrae 2. “Days Whiteface” L & L Day 4. “Hayelle” H & M Whittlesea 3. “Induro” G Treweek 5. “Waratah” S & D Milne 4. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer Ram U11/2 born May Deppeler Trophy 1. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer 5. “Glengarry” J & J Wiesner Ram U11/2 b on/aft Aug1 Duenclin trophy 2. “Glenarbian” I & B Nitschke 1. “Somerset” L & K McCrae 3. “Bundara Downs” S & R Funke 2. “Laurel View” 4. “Wattle Park” J & M Jamieson 3. “Glengarry” J & J Wiesner 5. “Glenarbian” I & B Nitschke 4. “Hayelle” H & M Whittlesea Ram U11/2 born June Darlot park Trophy 1. “Gemini” C & R Mitchell 5. “Glenarbian” I & B Nitschke Pen of 2 rams J-S drop Westleigh Trophy 2. “Days Whiteface” L & L Day 1. “Somerset” L & K McCrae 3. “Gemini” C & R Mitchell 2. “Duenclin” 4. “Westleigh” I & D Porter 3. “Sunnydale” A & R Weidemann 5. “Waratah” S & D Milne 28 5. “Glengarry” J & J Wiesner RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION RAMS & JUNIOR CHAMPION Ram Lamb Catumnal Trophy Ewe U 11/2 April-May drop Woodbridge Trophy 1. “Omad” D Hawker 1. “Glenarbian” I & B Nitschke 2. “Hayelle” H & M Whittlesea 2. “Induro” G Treweek 3. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer 3. “Waratah” S & D Milne 4. “Induro” G Treweek 4. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer Lamb Production Class Nulkwyne Trophy & Advanced Livestock Services Prize 1. “Waratah” S & D Milne 5. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer Ewe U 11/2 June-July drop Bundara Downs Trophy 2. “Days Whiteface” L & L Day 1. “Glengarry” J & J Wiesner 3. “Waratah” S & D Milne 2. “Waratah” S & D Milne 4. “Westleigh” I & D Porter 3. “Glengarry” J & J Wiesner 5. “Somerset” L & K McCrae 4. “Wattle Park” J & M Jamieson Novice Ewe Hamilton Produce Trophy 1. “Sunnydale” A & R Weidemann 2. “Sunnydale” A & R Weidemann 5. “Wattle Park” J & M Jamieson Ewe U11/2 b on/aft Aug1 Sunnydale Trophy 1. “Westleigh” I & D Porter 2. “Sunnydale” A & R Weidemann Ewe over 11/2 Adalinda Trophy 1. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer 2. “Hayelle” H & M Whittlesea 3. “Omad” D Hawker 3. “Somerset” L & K McCrae 4. “Wattle Park” J & M Jamieson Pen of 2 Ewes Landmark Trophy 1. “Wattle Park” J & M Jamieson 2. “Glenarbian” I & B Nitschke 3. “Waratah” S & D Milne 4. “Glengarry” J & J Wiesner 29 GRAND CHAMPION RAM Ewe Lamb Hamilton Produce Trophy 1. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer 2. “Hayelle” H & M Whittlesea 3. “Hayelle” H & M Whittlesea Sires Progeny Group Gemini Trophy 1. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer 2. “Gemini” C & R Mitchell 3. “Waratah” S & D Milne 4. “Bundara Downs” S & R Funke 5. “Somerset” L & K McCrae Breeders Group of 3 Doorland Trophy 1. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer 2. “Somerset” L & K McCrae 3. “Waratah” S & D Milne 4. “Glenarbian” I & B Nitschke 5. “Glengarry” J & J Wiesner SENIOR CHAMPION RAM Gypsum Hill Trophy 1. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION RAM AWSA Trophy 1. “Gemini” C & R Mitchell 30 JUNIOR CHAMPION RAM South Barnolut Trophy 1. “Waratah” S & D Milne RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION RAM AWSA Trophy 1. “Somerset” L & K McCrae GRAND CHAMPION RAM Detpa Grove Trophy 1. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer CHAMPION EWE Brecon Breeders trophy 1. “Wattle Park” J & M Jamieson RESERVE CHAMPION EWE LMB Linke Livestock Trophy 1. “Glenarbian” I & B Nitschke SUPREME EXHIBIT Hamilton ‘Spectator’ Prize 1. “Wattle Park” J & M Jamieson MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR AWSA Trophy 1. “Wingamin” C & D Shillabeer BALLARAT SHEEP SHOW RESULTS 2011 JULY 2011, BALLARAT SHOWGROUNDS JUDGE JEFF JOHNSON Champion White Suffolk Ram 1. “Geejay” G & J Davey Kerang Reserve Champion White Suffolk Ram 1. “Fairburn” D & F MacDonald, Porcupine Ridge Champion White Suffolk Ewe 1. “Booloola” P Baker Baringhup Reserve Champion White Suffolk Ewe 1. “Westleigh” I & D Porter Group of Three White Suffolk 1. “Booloola” P Baker, Baringhup FARM WEEKLY, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 PAGE 93 31 tips p & tools ANIMAL PRODUCTION Winning against seeds Seed contamination is the cause of significant financial losses for the sheep industry, for producers, processors and the entire supply chain. Awareness of seeds and proactive management of the issue are essential to remain profitable and competitive. Key benefits • Understand the grass seed issue and become familiar with the seeds affecting your sheep production system • Increase productivity and profit by making better management decisions to produce seed-free products Why manage seeds? Seed infested carcases can be downgraded by $1/kg or $20 per carcase. In addition, seed contamination can reduce sheep and lamb production, product quality and animal health, leading to reduced financial returns for primary producers. On top of this, further losses are incurred throughout the supply chain, with the potential to damage the image and value of the Australian lamb industry. “ “ Seeds are picked up in the animal’s fleece and within days many of these seeds penetrate the skin and move into the carcase. This causes considerable discomfort for affected animals, reducing productivity and leading to the production of downgraded products. Seeds result in large economic losses not only to the processor but to the industry as a whole, and the reputation of Australian product is damaged - Roger Fletcher, Fletcher International Exports Impact of seeds During meat processing On-farm • Reduced growth rates • Poor fibre production and quality • During skin processing Trimming to remove seeds Reduced throughput Downgraded product Potential loss of export market • Puncture marks • Scarring • Abscesses • Loss of product weight • Lower price received • Lower price received • • Deaths due to infection, tetanus and flystrike • • Impeded reproductive performance • • Animals become more susceptible to health problems • Physical damage to eyes, ears, feet and mouth • • • Lower production levels Lower quality product Lower price Wool sales • • Industry • Increased vegetable matter, • seed and shrive Lower price received Damaged image Loss of customers and markets • Influences supply and demand cycle • Affects price 1 Major weed contaminants of lamb, sheepmeat and skin in Australia Source: DPI Vic Brome grass Source: Charels Grach, DPI Vic Chilean needle grass Barley grass Source: Crop Weeds Source: Greg Lodge, DPI NSW Spear grass Source: PIRSA Silver grass Wild geranium Wire grass Grass seed management strategy A four-point plan has been developed to assist producers to understand their particular grass seed issue and a strategy to tackle it. Four-point plan to manage grass seeds 1. Develop an awareness of the grass seed issue and its impact on the sheep industry • Understand the potential scope of the problem throughout the supply chain from the farm to the end product. • Identify problem plant species and their risk period. 2. Determine the impact and cost of seeds to your business • Monitor stock for seed infestation. • Obtain feedback through a trial seed kill. • Identify losses in production and profit as a result of seeds. 2 3. Develop and implement a grass seed management strategy • Explore all management options available for seed reduction and seed avoidance. • Determine the most effective and profitable strategies for your business. 4. Obtain feedback, monitor and review your management strategy and make changes where required • Keep accurate records on key indicators so you can measure your performance. Management options “ “ Seed awareness is now essential and producers who do not find effective methods to manage the problem will fall behind - Peter Krupa & Peter Fowler, WAMMCO There are a wide range of options available to manage seeds in sheep and lamb production, however there is no single management strategy that can be applied to all situations. The key is to look at all the options available and develop an integrated approach that is best suited to your system giving you the most effective and profitable outcome. Short-term strategies focus on the current season; they allow the production of grass seed-free products in the current season but do not necessarily assist management in subsequent years. Reduction strategies are long-term; they tackle the problem head-on by reducing weed seed set, hence reducing the seed bank. Avoidance strategies are short-term; they avoid rather than control the problem, having no direct influence on seed numbers. They are best used in support of long-term and reduction strategies. While seeds only pose a threat to livestock over a few months of the year, your control program needs to be a year-round focus. There is always something to consider in relation to grass seed management regardless of the time of year. Thinking about seeds only during the risk period is inefficient and will not control the problem in the long-term. Common seed management strategies include: • Grazing management – stocking density, grazing rotation • Agronomic management – pasture manipulation, confinement crops, fodder conservation • Stock management – feedlotting, genetics, time of lambing The production of feeder lambs can be a viable option if you are unable to finish ‘clean’ lambs Strategy Short-term Long-term • Target market and turn-off time Winter cleaning The whole farm does not have to be seed free, just enough clean paddocks (2–3) to get lambs through to turn-off or to carry them through to stubbles or other clean feed. Grazing • Spray topping and spray grazing • Irrigation • Feeder lambs • Crop rotation ✗ Genetics ✗ Pasture improvement ✗ Target market ✗ Flock structure/ lambing time ✗ Fodder conservation • Confinement/ forage crops • Feedlotting • Shearing lambs and weaners ✗ Harrowing and slashing ✗ Winter cleaning removes grass and broad leaf weeds from pastures providing a grass seed-free area for lambs Your management strategy should focus on tackling the problem directly and eliminating the core of the problem – the weeds. This can be achieved through the strategic use of seed reduction and long-term strategies, with the support of short-term and avoidance strategies in the interim. Long-term strategies focus on the future; they have a positive influence on management in subsequent years but may not allow the production of seed-free products in the current year. = Yes ✗ = No = Sometimes 3 “ “ Seed infestation of only one or two seeds in primal cuts can cause the carcase to be downgraded - Dale Cameron, Tatiara Meat Company Trial seed kill Processors offer a trial seed kill service, where a portion of a consignment or mob is randomly selected and sent to the processors. These animals are monitored closely through the slaughter process and assessed for seed contamination. Feedback is then provided to the producer about their stock’s seed status. Carcase contaminated with small black seed heads GRASS SEED REPORT LOT NO: KILL DATE: NO. KILLED: Level of grass seed infestation in carcase Carcase location to be checked for seed infestation NIL LIGHT (1-5 grass seeds) MEDIUM (5-10 grass seeds) HEAVY (greater than 11 grass seeds) Loin Hindleg Flank Belly and brisket Other SEED TYPE (Please circle) S = Silver Grass BR = Broome Grass B = Barley Grass W = Wire grass WAS SEED INFECTED % AFFECTED TRIAL RESULT: CONSIGNMENT G = Geranium (Erodium) C = Chilean Needle Grass SP = Spear Grass YES / NO ACCEPTED / REJECTED Comments: Skins assessment / comment: Take action! The production of clean lambs can be achieved through forward planning, an integrated approach and persistence. The key is to establish a production system that manages seeds while maximising profit per hectare. Seeds can be controlled without compromising productivity or reducing product quality. New season sucker lambskins can be discounted by as much as 50% for grass seed penetration and vegetable matter contamination of wool. Further information The MLA publication Winning against seeds takes a whole-of-farm approach to managing seeds in lamb and wool production, from identifying the seeds on your property, to control options and how to integrate these into the farm management program. Call 1800 675 717 to order your free copy 4 Level 1, 165 Walker Street North Sydney NSW 2060 Ph: 02 9463 9333 Fax: 02 9463 9393 www.mla.com.au Printed February 2005 ISBN: 1 74036 623 9 © Meat & Livestock Australia ABN 39 081 678 364 Where possible care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, however MLA cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in the publication. You should make your own enquiries before making decisions concerning your interests