Finding that extra five kilograms in your lot-fed lambs will be the focus of a Profitable Lamb Production workshop in Inglewood, Queensland, next month.

The workshop about finishing lambs for maximum profit will be at ‘Artunga’, Inglewood, on Wednesday April 1.

The day is an initiative of Leading Sheep, the Traprock Group and local graziers to address producers’ needs for information on the most profitable options for finishing lambs.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Leading Sheep extension officer Alex Stirton said the workshop is open to all producers and will include presentations from local producers and experts.

“The focus is on profitable finishing and marketing of lambs, including the decision-making processes behind whether to feedlot lambs on farm, background for feedlot entry, or sell as stores,” Mr Stirton said.

“The day will be interactive with small group sessions and plenty of opportunity to ask questions of the expert speakers.”

Opportunities and obstacles in finishing lambs

Producers will hear from New South Wales consultant Geoff Duddy on the obstacles and opportunities in finishing lambs on farm, animal nutrition and calculating cost of production (COP).

“Mr Duddy will cover all the options open to you to finish lambs to be as profitable as possible in your particular circumstances,” Mr Stirton said.

“He will look at the option of lamb lot-feeding on farm, but also the importance of turning off as many lambs as possible at store weight to keep COP down and profitability up, particularly for producers in regions without access to adequate supplies of grain.

“He will also touch on scanning, ewe nutrition management and weaning strategies to increase lambing percentages.”

Meat buyer will outline buying criteria

Mr Duddy’s presentation will be complemented by a session with a meat buyer to discuss exactly what they look for when buying lambs, as well as a practical session on condition scoring.

The day is open to all sheep producers and is free for Traprock members, but a cost $20 will be charged to non-members. The day will run from 8:45am – 4:30pm and lunch and smoko will be provided.

Leading Sheep is a joint initiative of Australian Wool Innovation and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and supported by AgForce. For more information or to RSVP visit www.leadingsheep.com.au or call Alex Stirton on 07 4654 4212 or 13 25 23.

 Source: Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.