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It’s surprising how much the countryside has dried out in the last month with warm temperatures, just a few frosts and plenty of wind. Notwithstanding, the spring is strong for most areas except the East Coast. Even the Fingal Valley has had a few showers and the countryside is starting to move. Widespread rain last weekend topped up the spring over most parts of the state.
We are in the worm doldrums: lamb marking is in full-swing and although some mobs of ewes and lambs are a bit daggy, overall they look good and there is sufficient tucker that neither ewes nor lambs should need a drench. You can firm–up the decision with a worm egg count (WEC).
Planning for weaning should have been done in autumn and winter, but just in case it slipped the committee’s mind herewith some thoughts:
Big Moves: While working on (arguably) Tasmania’s largest sheep property a few weeks ago I noticed that the marked lambs were unmulesed. This is a big step as the staff–sheep ratio is low and managing flies will present some challenges. However, if they can do it, so can all Tasmanian producers with a bit of planning. Remember that compared with many mainland areas the fly challenge is low, in spite of what many may think.
Animal welfare is the bottom line. No point in making the change if you cannot manage it. However, you would be living in cloud cuckoo land to think that mulesing will always be available. Nor can we reasonably expect a mulesing alternative to be available. Make your own alternative with plain-bodied sheep and some management changes.
This new FlyBoss page will set you on your way: Making the transition to a ceased-mulesing flock.