Sheep exodus takes ‘pressure off’ parched WA producers

Rising Eastern States demand for sheep and lambs alongside enticing prices are providing a valuable outlet for parched WA farmers wanting to reduce stocking rates. Highbury farmer Ashley Wiese loaded almost 2000 ewes, all carrying single lambs, on to a livestock truck destined for New South Wales last week in a bid to “release some pressure” after a false start to the season. The well-known Wheatbelt producer said his farm had received germinating rains earlier this year but a lack of follow-up showers had impacted on pasture growth and forced him to reassess his flock numbers. “I normally assess my ability to carry sheep at the start of April ... I look at the season and how it has developed, then adjust our stocking rate accordingly,” Mr Wiese said. “I’d usually adjust the stocking rates by altering the amount of crop I grow. With the attractive sheep prices at the moment, we decided to adjust the stocking rate by selling sheep.” Mr Wiese is among sheep producers capitalising on the record interstate demand for sheep and lambs from WA, after 514,000 head were sent over the Nullarbor from January 1 to March’s end. Mr Wiese, who mates about 5500 ewes annually, said demand from the Eastern States for sheep and lambs had alleviated his feed and water concerns. “It has taken a lot of pressure off, which is good,” he said. “We now have the land and feed to look after our ewes carrying multiple lambs without having the pressure of running out of feed. “The strong demand has been perfect timing for us because we have ewe lambs which will be mated next year to replace those we sold — we should be back to carrying our normal numbers next year.” Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development livestock research and industry innovation director Bruce Mullan said restocking demand from the Eastern States aided WA sheep producers battling dry spells. “Many parts of WA are short on feed and/or water, being one reason why producers will be off-loading stock for good prices to buyers, regardless if they are local or interstate,” he said. According to the most recent DPIRD figures, the State’s flock was at 14.5 million head in 2017-2018. Mr Mullan said it was unknown how this year’s record sales to the east coast would affect WA’s flock size in years to come. “We are reminding producers to evaluate their selling strategies carefully to ensure the long-term profitability and viability of their enterprise and the industry,” he said. “A big factor will be what the marking rate is for 2020, and if the industry in WA continues to increase productivity per breeding ewe then that is a major factor which will determine the size of the flock.”