Nudie stud ewes

THE pros and cons of switching to shedding sheep will be the focus of a field day to be held in Hamilton, VIC on 13 July.

Australian sheep producers are increasingly becoming interested in sheep breeds that don’t require crutching, mulesing or shearing. The Becoming a Nudie field day will examine what’s involved in making the switch, and the issues producers need to think about before taking the leap into shedding sheep (Nudies), combined with an industry update on the outlook for the prime lamb industry.

Meridian Agriculture is host the free event on behalf of Nudie breeder, Cashmore Park.

The speaker and topic lineup will include:

• Robert Herman from independent analysts, Mercado, talking on the domestic and international outlook for prime lamb producers
• MLA’s manager for sheep genetics, Peta Bradley, on maternal sheep indexes – the differences and new traits such as weaning rate and its make-up, conception, litter-size and ewe rearing ability.
• Hawkesdale farmer Phillip O’Toole on why he made the change to Nudies, and his experiences so far.
• UNE director and geneticist, Dr Rob Banks, providing proof that genetics genetics works; Australian sheep breeding values (ASBV’s); how to use traits versus indexes; and the financial and management benefits of using ASBV’s instead of guessing.
• Cashmore Park principal John Keiller on Ways to get to shedding sheep; Where shedding sheep are genetically compared to maternal composites. A display of Cashmore Park sheep will be available for inspection.

Becoming a Nudie field day details:

When: Tuesday 13 JULY, 9am

Where: Hamilton Showgrounds, Shakespeare Street

Cost: Free

Registration: Registration is essential to attend, register interest by 11 July in particular for catering. Click here to register.