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News
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In this issue
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SheepOnline launch
The 1st July 2008 saw the launch of SheepOnline with an impressive 20,000 hits prior to launch due to some early promotion. Current estimates are that July will see an even greater number of visitors to our site and the feedback we are getting from participating businesses is extremely favourable. With even bigger plans for SheepOnline, we are confident that it will become a high traffic site and benefit all involved in the Australian sheep industry.
Many thanks to all businesses that have assisted with our launch and we look forward to continuing our association into the future.
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Sheep numbers
The uncertainty of climate has certainly played a huge part in the reduction of sheep numbers across all states of Australia. Currently we are at historically low numbers and with high grain prices working against the sheep industry from all directions, recent indications are that numbers are going to fall even further in the short term. However the future is much brighter with Australia probably the only nation capable of supplying the lamb required for an overseas market that is demanding more lamb. All countries except China are reducing sheep numbers, and with lamb continuing to increase in popularity in a growing number of countries, we should be confident about the future of our sheep industry. All we need is some good seasons and the promise of increased returns.
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• SheepOnline launch
• Sheep numbers
• Australian Sheep & Wool Show
• Inland Botanics
• Name our sheep
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Australian Sheep & Wool Show-Bendigo
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The 131st Australian Sheep & Wool Show will be held at Prince of Wales Showground, Bendigo from the 18th-20th July. With 28 different breeds of sheep goats and alpacas, it is the largest show of its type anywhere in the world. This year the feature breed is the Corriedale and with around 150 entries expected, it will be one of the largest displays of the Corriedale breed ever seen in Australia.
There is something for everyone at Bendigo, not just the sheep breeder, with fashion parades, wool craft displays, food and wine and over 250 trade sites to look around. Make the trip to Bendigo and spend some time at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show, one of Australia's premier sheep shows.
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Feedback from visitors
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Since our launch, we have been receiving some great feedback on the SheepOline concept from all areas of the sheep industry. We have further plans for the future of SheepOnline and are working on those at present but would appreciate any comments on how we can improve the site in its current format to meet your needs.
We are receiving some positive reports of web traffic being received from the SheepOnline site, exactly what it is intended to generate. Many thanks to those who have contacted us.
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Nitrate poison ALERT
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The situation arises every year at this time when sheep that have been on relatively low quality feed are put into cereal crops or paddocks containing broadleaf weeds that have substantially higher levels of nutrition. In many cases this can lead to Nitrate poisoning.
A few points to note;
- Don't put hungry stock onto suspect crops, give them a feed of hay prior to putting them onto the paddock.
-Introduce animals slowly to allow the rumen bugs time to adjust to higher levels of nitrates.
Courtesy
Amanda Lockyer
Landmark
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Inland Botanics
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 "Old Man Saltbush"- We have all heard about the outstanding drought resistance capabilities of this native Aussie plant. Once established, it has the capabilities to grow anywhere and survive not only scorching heat and large amounts of sunlight but also frosts, Old Man saltbush can provide all year round fodder and fill feed gaps in many regions of Australia. Our livestock pioneers recognised the importance of saltbush as a fodder source and mention of Old Man Saltbush can be found in many of their diaries and stories about those early years where it assumes almost legendary status.
Decimated in many areas by the rabbit plagues of the early 1900's, Inland Botanics have a vision of livestock once again grazing through forests of saltbush, but not just for the value of the fodder it produces. In the current climate of Carbon emissions trading, Old Man saltbush offers a potentially alternative benefit through the carbon it stores. It is estimated that an established stand can store as much as 15-20 tonnes/ha of Carbon, a lucrative return from a plant that will continue to grow in some of our harshest regions.
Inland Botanics can not only supply your seedling requirements, but also professional advice on everything from soil pH testing through to tailoring an establishment plan that will assist you to gain maximum benefit for your business.
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Name our sheep 'Online'
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 Many visitors to our site have commented on our 'little mate' sitting at the computer within our logo. Most want to know what we call him, (all have assumed it is a ram) so we are asking for suggestions. Email us |
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Dorpers - Changing our thinking
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 There is no doubt that the make-up of the Australian sheep flock has changed forever. From the tradition of being a Nation with Merino sheep coast to coast, we now have a much more varied mix of sheep breeds and no other breed has grown more in popularity than the Dorper/White Dorper. With currently 493 members nationally across all states, the past 12 months has seen close to a 40% increase in membership. The Dorper Sheep Society of Australia was founded in 1997, not long after the first introduction of Dorper genetics in to Australia. The next 11 years has proven that Dorper genetics are definitely designed for the today's environment, both climatic and workplace. High feed conversion, ability to thrive where most breeds struggle, no need for shearers and generally a very easy care breed ideally suited to todays requirements and above all, fits very nicely into our lamb market specifications. Many processors are beginning to realise the excellent carcass qualities of lambs containing Dorper genetics with high meat yields and excellent muscling.Increasingly, Dorper genetics are being used to produce maternal lines of easy care sheep that are making a big impact in the marginal pastoral areas of our agricultural regions.
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