When setting up a broad acre livestock enterprise, individuals need to decide whether they will run wool sheep, meat sheep or beef cattle, or a combination of these enterprises. The reality is that over a long period of time, in higher rainfall Australia, sheep have been more profitable than cattle. If profit is the primary motive, sheep are likely to give a greater return.
In considering sheep enterprises, land owners need also to consider the work involved, and although there is a good deal more work in running a highly productive beef herd than many people admit, generally speaking it is easier than running sheep. For many people beef cattle is a better choice and if they can afford that choice, running beef cattle can be pleasurable, productive and profitable.
Trading cattle can be profitable but requires careful purchasing and skill in selling stock. As a result, breeding cattle are generally more profitable than trading cattle.
The choices for a sheep production system are:
Sheep primarily for wool
Sheep primarily for meat and
Dual purpose sheep
In a dual-purpose flock some of the sheep are primarily wool producers, with some or all of the ewes being joined to a meat sheep or terminal sires in order to ensure meat quality in the lambs.
MS&A Livestock Production Advice MS&A consultants can assist in helping you select the enterprise that suits your country and that will provide costs and returns.
The team at MS&A can also help with critical decisions such as:
What should the stocking rate be?
What market am I aiming for?
What breed and line of cattle/sheep will help me to best hit that market target?
When should the animals calve/lamb?
At what age should the animals be turned off?
What feeding system do I need to ensure that I can turn off the highest percentage of animals to meet that target?
What should be my animal health program?
So why choose MS&A Farm System Advice? MS&A’s team of consultants are specialists in their fields. Be it agronomy, livestock production, business planning, human resource management, or financial analysis; MS&A knows Australian agriculture.
MS&A’s integrated approach gives you the access to a team of expert consultants, ensuring that you receive specialised advice across your business needs.
MS&A is all about providing Independent, Integrated, Client-Focused Advice.
Last updated: [
] by Mike Stephens & Associates Pty Ltd
