Southern NSW and north-east Victorian producers still trying to finish lambs will get some handy tips at two field days later this month.

The lamb producers are invited to two field days on ‘Exploring options for finishing lambs’ by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) on October 27 and 28.

DEPI program manager for meat and wool Ashley Paech said the time between weaning and the point of sale is where profits are made or lost.

“After the hard yards of joining ewes and getting lambs on the ground, post weaning growth rates and finishing lambs are critical to maximising production and profitability,” he said.

“Industry specialists will be discussing animal nutrition, optimising growth and feed conversion, grass versus grain finishing, animal health and meeting market specifications, all of which can be the difference between making or losing money.”

Don’t accept average growth rates

DEPI research scientist Nick Linden will present at Kotpuna on October 27 and said producers don’t have to accept average growth rates from their lambs.

“By putting a bit of effort into key management factors such as knowing the lambs’ background and nutritional requirements, monitoring weights and available feed, high growth rates are obtainable, resulting in increased profits,” he said.

Livestock agent, Tim Robinson of Paull and Scollard, will talking on ‘Presenting lambs in the saleyards’, at Corowa on October 28. Mr Robinson said producers can spend 6-12 months preparing lambs for market, but cost themselves money in the 48 hours leading up to sale.

Industry specialists to cover nutrition and market needs

Industry specialists will also discuss:

• Animal nutrition, feed conversion efficiency, cost of production

• Grazing options for finishing lambs: Lucerne and fodder crops

• Grain feeding options: pros and cons of different feed types and systems

• Market specifications and processor requirements, including JBS mobile butcher doing a carcass breakdown

• Improving lean meat yield and eating quality – what you can do on-farm

The field days will be held on –

• Monday, October 27, from 9.45am to 3pm, at Graham and Polly Sudholz’ property, 10 Hancocks Bridge Road, Kotupna

• Tuesday, October 28, from 9.45am to 3.30pm, at Rivalea Feedmill, 575 Honour Ave, Corowa

Lunch will be provided, therefore booking is essential. For more information or to register please contact Gervaise Gaunt at DEPI Rutherglen on 02 6030 4571, 0409 027 115, or [email protected] by Wednesday October 22.