THE SUCCESSFUL launch of the inaugural Southern Prime Lamb Group tour arose from Western District lamb producers wanting to promote high quality lamb production.
Attended by 130 producers and industry, the two-day 'take a look over the fence' tour visited progressive private operations, Levantine Lamb Feedlot and Australian Lamb Company abattoir, where speakers debated opportunities and challenges of western Victoria's prime lamb industry.
The first day of the tour travelled 200-kilometres to visit Chrome sheep studs, Hamilton, Cloven Hills stud and Nareen Station, Nareen, and Levantine Lamb Feedlot, Harrow, where speakers addressed issues including ram selection for specific markets, managing financial and seasonal risk and how to maximise returns on the investment in the animal.
Day two travelled to Manooka, Mortlake, and Australian Lamb Company abattoir at Colac where finishing stock, emerging export markets and abattoir penalties issues was discussed.
Other hot topics included eID, lamb skin values, targeting domestic and export markets and nutrition when lambing. A group of 12 producers from Hay, NSW, also attended the tour.
- Full story in the Stock & Land April 10 edition