SHEEP lot feeding options will be explored at a series of free workshops across Western Australia from next week.

Renowned sheep consultant Geoff Duddy, from Sheep Solutions in New South Wales, will speak at the workshops, hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Food as part of its Sheep Industry Business Innovation project.

Mr Duddy will draw on his commercial experience, and 27 years with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, to provide a unique insight into lot feeding lambs. He will discuss feed efficiencies, the cost-benefit analysis between selling store lambs and lot feeding, as well as feedlot alternatives and options.

Department development officer Steve Tunbridge will talk about the distribution of the WA flock, gaps in supply and opportunities.

“With recent export licenses signed with China and strong demand from the Middle East, there is a great opportunity to increase sheep meat supplies and build up the WA flock,” Mr Tunbridge said.

The workshops will provide a valuable insight into feedlot investment and associated issues, he said.

The half-day workshops will be held from 8.45am to 12.30pm at:

 Darkan – Monday, March 14 at the Darkan Sport and Community Centre

 York – Tuesday, March 15 at Boyle’s feedlot, Beverley Road, York

 Merredin – Wednesday, March 16 at the Steve Trevenen Conference Room, DAFWA Merredin.

More information is available on the department website at agric.wa.gov.au and search for ‘feedlotting workshops’.

Workshop numbers are strictly limited and prompt registration is encouraged. Contact Steve Tunbridge by email at [email protected] or phone +61 (0)8 9821 3221.

Source: WA Department of Agriculture and Food.