FARMING

We have partially completed some of the more functional and basic aspects of our farming enterprise like: (i) construction of stock proof fencing; (ii) installing a permanent stock water supply plus; (iii) the establishment of a proactive approach to pasture management although, many aspects of the farms redevelopment and clean up remain a work in progress.

In 2021 we acquired 350 Australian White (AW) commercial ewe’s plus our foundation AW stud ewe’s and rams that are true to the breeds shedding type and low management attributes and both the commercial and stud breeding programs are our main operational focus.

The objective of a producing a self-replacing flock of AW’s and the ability to produce marketable prime lambs will remain our focus.  We aim to run a lower than usual dry sheep equivalent (DSE) stocking rate until such time as significant pasture improvement occurs with a good percentage of our native pastures being under sown with suitable pastures for livestock.

Ongoing, our primary task is to breed a well performing flock with a lamb production objective of early growth and high-quality meat features that are consistent with consumer expectation.  Ideally, high lambing survival rates plus early weaning is a target.  Achieving this with sustainable stocking rates and realistic management inputs should result in a profitable system that’s suited to our region.

There are many factors that influence achieving a good survival rate in new born lambs although, with around 90% of mortality from birth to weaning occurring within the first day or two the first 48 hours is a critical time for us.  On the Fleurieu, we have found the harsh winter weather a challenge for new born lamb survival so we have moved lambing to the more favourable to Autumn and Spring seasons.