PASTORAL sheep producers are the focus of the latest ‘road-tested’ module in Australia’s practical Making More from Sheep (MMfS) program.

Efficient Pastoral Production is the topic of Module 12 in the program, which was officially launched last week at AgFair, Broken Hill and is now available online at http://www.makingmorefromsheep.com.au/efficient-pastoral-production/index.htm

MMfs is an initiative of Meat & Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation providing sheep meat and wool producers with a best practice package of information, management tools and events aimed at achieving profitable and sustainable sheep production.

National co-ordinator for Making More Money From Sheep Mike Wagg said it was felt a specific pastoral zone MMfs module was needed because things can occur in a different context to other areas.

“Much of the MMfs manual is relevant top pastoral producers, but there are some specific things that are covered in the pastoral module that aren’t really touched on in the remainder of the of the MMfs manual.”

The module consolidates “into one spot” the things that are more directly relevant to pastoralists, with more links to specific resources and information.

MLA’s general manager livestock productivity, Dr Jane Weatherley, said the module takes into consideration issues and management perspectives specific to Australia’s pastoral zones.

“The new module is designed to help pastoral sheep producers increase the productivity and profitability of their enterprises, as well as contribute to the personal satisfaction of operating a successful pastoral business.

“Through this module, pastoral sheep producers can find principles and procedures on the key issues that impact on pastoral sheep business profitability, as well as natural resources and controlling risk,” Dr Weatherley said.

AWI manager, woolgrower extension and adoption, Emily King, said the new module contains seven procedures and each includes ‘must do’ activities, tools to assist in managing the issues identified in the module, and signposts which direct producers to further information and assistance.

The seven procedures in the pastoral module include:

Know your property

Establish a vision and plan for success

Efficient pastoral production

Determine a grazing management approach

Match grazing pressure to feed supply

Manage feral animals

Obtain best production from rainfall received.

Each procedure contains critical ‘must do’ activities, tools to assist you in managing the issues identified in the module, and signposts which direct you to further information and assistance on the particular topic.

Ms King said a team of technical experts and sheep producers identified the critical procedures for each component of a sheep business and the tools needed to make a start on changing enterprise practices.

“The manual was road tested by sheep producers from all pastoral areas of Australia, as well as public and private service providers who operate businesses in those areas.”

MMfS coordinates and delivers events in each of the sheep producing states that align with the MMfS modules. Anyone interested in delivering or attending an event aligned to the pastoral modules should contact the coordinator in each state: http://www.makingmorefromsheep.com.au/contact.htm

Across southern Australia, 11,057 sheep producers have participated in MMfS awareness events and 5634 in MMfS knowledge, skills and confidence events since 2006.

Source: MLA.