Boosting productivity in sheep farming

Emerging sheep farmers can boost their production and profitability by focusing on quality over quantity. Willem Goosen, production adviser at the National Wool Growers' Association, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about strategies for breeding productive animals and managing them effectively.

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Efficient sheep production starts with making smart decisions - from selecting productive animals and managing grazing to balancing wool and meat output.

Willem Goosen, production adviser at the National Wool Growers' Association (NWGA) in the Eastern Cape, says emerging farmers can thrive by focusing on quality over quantity.

For sheep farmers working on limited land, especially in communal areas, making the most of each animal is essential. Instead of increasing flock size, the real gains come from improving flock quality.

Goosen says identifying and replacing nonproductive sheep with high-yielding animals can significantly boost a farmer's income.

MAXIMISING PRODUCTIVITY WITH LIMITED RESOURCES

"From better wool yields to additional meat production, strategic breeding and proper herd management can transform small-scale operations into profitable ventures," he says.

Goosen points out that one of the most effective ways to supplement feed during periods of drought or low grazing is to make use of crops planted during the summer season.

"In summer, most communal farmers have a piece of land where they normally grow oats or maize. At the end of April or May, they harvest the maize and use it in their own households, and the rest they feed to their animals in winter," he says.

Goosen adds that the maize cobs are bagged and stored in garages or sheds, while the stover left in the fields is grazed down by cattle.

"The maize that is harvested is mostly for small stock like sheep and goats, if necessary. The rest will be utilised by cattle," he says.

When it comes to cost-effective feeding strategies, Goosen encourages farmers to buy feed in bulk during the summer months, when prices are lower.

"If they can buy grass or lucerne bales during summer - any time from November to the middle of April - they'll save money.