In the face of adversity, Victorian farmer Dusty Pascoe is taking a bold approach to sheep farming, sparking curiosity and debate among industry experts. Adapting to the tough conditions, Pascoe has decided to join more ewes this year, a move that goes against the grain.
Pascoe, a mixed farmer, strategically supplements his flock's feed with grain and hay grown on his farm, and also owns a feedlot for finishing lambs. With wool prices on the rise, producers across the nation are facing a challenging environment that impacts their lamb production. But here's where Pascoe's strategy gets interesting: he's increasing his breeding flock when others are reducing theirs.
"I kept some surplus ewes because they were too cheap to sell, and I've joined them with a White Suffolk ram," he explains. This surplus mob can be sold scanned-in lamb or lambed down if needed. Pascoe's foresight lies in anticipating a potential break in the weather, which would make scanned-in lambs a valuable asset.
His adaptability is further showcased in his feeding strategy. "I run it tight, maximizing everything," he says. By constantly assessing conditions, he decides when to favor-feed specific groups, ensuring the best feed goes to those who need it most. This approach keeps his ewes in excellent condition for pregnancy scanning, which is crucial for lambing success.
Pascoe's choice of May lambing aligns with his cropping enterprise, utilizing lucerne pastures that thrive with rain. In drier years, he finishes lambs with grain, hay, or straw from his farm. He also highlights the importance of faba beans, which work exceptionally well in dry times, both in feeders and on the ground.
The relationship between cropping and sheep farming is symbiotic, according to Pascoe, who aims for a 75% cropping and 25% sheep ratio for optimal results. However, the wool market's recent improvement may not be enough to compete with the profitability of cropping or meat production, as Mr. Pascoe points out.
Alister Carr, a wool representative, attributes producers' decisions on stocking rates and joining to challenging seasonal conditions, particularly water scarcity. This lack of confidence in the environment is a significant hurdle, despite improved profitability in the sheep and wool sector. Many producers are awaiting a proper autumn break before increasing their sheep numbers and wool production.
David Hart, a wool manager, notes that the positive wool market is encouraging Merino retention in areas with good conditions. However, in drought-affected regions, the focus is on the art of the possible, with wool production taking a back seat to maintaining sheep health. Hart believes that the upward trend in the wool market may influence joining decisions, favoring Merino rams.
The availability of feed is a critical factor, with many producers relying on containment feeding before winter lambing. Low grain prices offer an opportunity for feedlotting, but the industry also needs a certain level of wool production to sustain itself. Producers are aiming for strong lambing percentages to rebuild their breeding flocks, anticipating a potential surge in ewe prices after a seasonal break.
But here's the controversial part: is Pascoe's strategy a risky gamble or a brilliant adaptation? Will the wool market's recovery be enough to compete with other farming ventures? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's explore the diverse opinions on this intriguing approach to farming in challenging times.
