Building Sheep Skills - small landholders

Small landholders and lifestyle farmers across East Gippsland are gaining confidence and practical sheep management skills through a new workshop series focused on improving flock performance and farm decision-making.

The Sheep Management Mini-Series, held at the Gippsland Agriculture Centre, was developed to provide small-livestock producers with straightforward, practical information that can be applied directly on-farm. The workshops focus on key areas of sheep production, including reproduction, feeding, animal health, and farm management.

Organisers noted that the first session, held on 19 May and focused on reproductive efficiency and sheep handling, attracted a small group. The smaller group created a relaxed, interactive environment in which producers asked questions and comfortably discussed their own farming experiences.

Participants said the workshop had already prompted them to rethink management practices on their own properties. One attendee said they would begin “doing more specific checks on the sheep,” while another planned to “plan some better yards” to improve sheep flow and handling.

The session covered a range of practical topics, including what to check on rams before joining, when to replace rams, how to assess Body Condition Score (BCS), and the nutritional needs of sheep before pregnancy and after weaning. Producers also discussed the importance of calm sheep handling and yard design in reducing stress on both animals and handlers.

Participants highlighted the value of the smaller group format during the session, describing it as “excellent – small group is easier to ask questions.”

Session two on the 26th of May focused on feeding sheep, including feed requirements, weaning management, and supplementary feeding decisions during seasonal challenges.

The third session on the 2nd of June covered lambing and sheep health, including vaccinations, worm management, lamb survival, and common sheep health issues. Session four on the 9th of June will focus on practical record keeping, animal health calendars, and setting realistic property goals.

Organisers say the workshops are designed not only to build practical skills, but also to encourage local producers to connect, share ideas, and strengthen regional farming networks.

Hopefully other workshops like thes will be run in the future.

The project is supported by a Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator and funded by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and the Future Drought Fund.