Sheep management

Annual pasture production is often severely affected by low rainfall 'dry seasons'. There are good economic and risk management reasons to retain sheep in a farming enterprise, and this requires early planning and timely management in a dry season.

Managing good nutrition of sheep requires constant monitoring and planning. The department has a comprehensive range of information resources for producers wanting to achieve good management of livestock.

In Western Australia (WA), supplementing pasture feed in autumn is standard practice. In drier than usual seasons, supplementary feeding may extend for long periods.

Managing sheep health throughout the year is important from both a productivity and an animal welfare perspective. Information in the sections below allow you to identify issues and manage sheep health accordingly.

Electronic identification (eID) technology offers producers the opportunity to streamline data collection for on-farm management and decision making.   

Running an efficient and profitable sheep enterprise is reliant on correct stocking rates, weaner management, the right infrastructure and an efficient use of labour. However, the nutritional management of breeding ewes and the selection of replacements is also key.

These tools, calculators and resources are designed to help producers manage their ewe flock more effectively and make better management decisions about feed budgeting and grazing. Use them in conjunction with information on feed budgeting and grazing management.