Feedsmart and body scoring

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Feedsmart and Body Condition Score workshop is coming up next week and it will be a workshop suited to all farm staff involved with livestock.

The workshop is being held on Tuesday, March 19 from 9.30am to 4pm, with lunch provided, at Tangihanga Station, 811 Lavenham Road, Waipaoa. The presenters will be Tom Fraser and Mark Harris.

“This FeedSmart programme will help sheep and beef farmers to better manage feed supply and demand, increase feed utilisation and enhance the value of the feed consumed,” Mr Harris said.

“We have also incorporated a Ewe Body Condition Scoring session into this workshop, with a particular focus on ensuring our ewes are in optimal condition heading into mating — learn effective techniques for managing feed supply and demand, optimising feed utilisation, and maximising the value of consumed feed.

“Upon completion, those attending will receive a copy of the demonstrated simple-feed budget software along with supporting resources to aid your continued success.”

The topics to be covered are:

• Factors that can affect pasture growth and pasture quality.

• Measuring pasture quality and pasture mass.

• Animal feed requirements.

• Monitoring animal performance.

• Matching feed supply with animal demand.

• Tools for pasture and feed management.

• Feed budgeting with a simple feed budget calculator.

“Unlock the key to achieving greater success in your sheep farming endeavours and learn how to elevate ewe conception rates, scanning percentages, improve lamb weaning weights, and boost ewe productivity and overall flock profitability.

Topics covered in the Ewe Body Condition Scoring session are:

• Condition scoring at weaning and condition score targets.

• Financial benefits of condition scoring ewes at weaning.

• The value of prioritising winter feed.

• Learn how to split mob approach (based on ewe condition) will utilise your winter feed most efficiently.

• Feed priorities and practical tips post scanning.

• Ewe body condition scoring made easy.

• Please ensure you register for catering purposes. The workshop is on Tuesday, March 19, from 9.30am to 4pm, with lunch provided, at Tangihanga Station, 811 Lavenham Road, Waipaoa.