Opportunities for improvement in sheep and beef cattle production in the south east of South Australia

Abstract

A random sample of 300 farms in the South East of South Australia was surveyed to determine current management practices and to identify areas where farm profitability could be improved. Eighty one percent of sheep flocks lambed during February - May, and 81% joined ewes for more than 8 weeks. Lambs were weaned more than 14 weeks after lambing in 62% of Merino flocks and more than 17 weeks after lambing in 43% of other breed flocks. No flocks were considered to have adequate worm control. Nearly all beef herds calved during January - May and 78% joined heifers and 83% joined cows for 12 weeks or longer. Less than 25% of herds monitored growth rates or pregnancy status. In most cattle herds worm drenching was excessive in adults and inefficient in yearlings. A conclusion from the survey is that reproductive management and worm control practices of both sheep and cattle can be improved in most flocks and herds. Altering management to a shorter joining, later lambing and earlier weaning in sheep would improve the efficiency of sheep production. For cattle, shorter mating periods for cows and heifers, earlier age of joining for heifers, and the joining of heifers 3-4 weeks earlier than cows would be widely beneficial.