DPIRD Research Station in Katanning opened their doors last month for the “FEED365 and FutureSheep Field Day”. Sam and Caroline attended the day to get the low down for our members! Below is a brief look at 3 of the presentations from the day. For a full list of the presentations head to the event page and get in contact with us if you’d like to know more. EVENT PAGE: Sheep Field Day 2025
A very hot topic was research into methane production, which was not surprising given the industry’s net zero emissions target! One DPIRD & MLA project looking at “potential to select more feed efficient sheep which produce less methane” with an aim to have ASBVs around feed intake & methane production.
Another DPIRD project, ‘SmartEwe’ is researching breeding more resilient, feed efficient merino ewes that can maintain weight & fertility in the face of variable feed due to changing seasonal conditions. The project aims to lower supplementary feeding costs for producers and improve survival and lambing in the varying climate. These ‘efficient ewes’ will produce less methane per unit and aid more sustainable & profitable merino systems.
Georgia Welsh from Murdoch Uni talked about their joint project with CSIRO, UWA and NSW DPI, looking at if there is a positive impact on lamb survival when lambing into ‘edible shelters’ such as shrubs and dual-purpose crops in comparison to traditional pasture paddocks. Murdoch are looking for on-farm research sites in WA to continue to compare survival rates in pasture & ‘edible shelters’. See below for more info and links to WOI if you are interested in being involved.
Shelter and lamb survival 2025
Do you, or have you ever thought about lambing into crops or shrubs?
Murdoch, CSIRO, UWA and NSW DPI are investigating the impact of shade and shelter on sheep reproduction and welfare. As part of this program of work, we are comparing twin lamb survival in traditional pasture lambing paddocks vs. crop and/or shrub lambing paddocks across 28 farms in WA, NSW, SA and VIC. We are currently seeking producers who would be keen to participate in the project in 2025. To express interest, please fill out this form with your contact details.
More information: Edible Shelter Project EOI Protocol Website
EOI Form Shelter and lamb survival 2025