ON FARM SHEEP A quick flush Andrew andSNAPSHOT: pays off Jane Hunter, Yerong Creek, NSW S T o his surprise, lamb “It was surprising how little“We manage the ewes as producer Andrew green feed needed to be individuals rather than on Hunter (pictured) in the paddock to make mob averages,” he said. foundthat a short flush a difference to the ewes,”“We simply split off lighter on green feed was Andrew said. animals after condition scoring.” enoughto increase “We ran the ewes through a The heavier ewes (condition reproductiverates in his lucerne paddock that had score 3.2 and above) maternalcomposite ewes. already been eaten over bywill not be flushed at all, Area: the lambs. A bit of leaf andbecause they’ll perform well 1,200ha “The two‑week flush was juststalk was all that was left but as effective as the six‑weekthe flushing effect seemed toregardless of flushing. Enterprise: flush,” Andrew said. work even on that.” “Then I’ll use a short flushPrime lamb and cropping That’s a goodway of The broad results from to increase performance (10–15%) “ conservingthe lucerne the project showed that of the tail end of the ewes,” Andrew said. Livestock: for other stock. available feed of 350kg/DM/ Maternal composites (4,500 Using these principles, ha minimum for seven days “That’ll enable me to prioritiseewes joined) “ before joining and seven days wereraduallypickingg up the good green feed for ’ into joining was enough to fertility through tighter finishing lambs, giving better Pasture: our management. It provide a reproductive benefit.overall returns across theLucerne on better country, means we don’t throw money around Andrew said knowing the farm. If green feed was reallysome phalaris, balance willyilly. We know the thingsb scarce, I’d use lupins to flush is sub‑clover with annual ‑n enefits of a short‑term flushthe lighter ewes. grasses, some native thataregoing to deliver provides him with greater grasses benefits to us. If we can driveoptions in his enterprise,“During the trials, we fertility by management, given that he generally set ourselves up so the Soil: that’s a good thing.” runs a fairly high stockingpaddocks with the green Red‑brown loams, varying to Andrew’s property in rate. Short‑term flushing willfeed were available. It takes granite thesouth‑east Riverina be a useful strategic tool,a bit of organising, but one of 32 Producer especially in years when it’s worth it. The fact that Rainfall: was 575mm long‑term average DemonstrationSites in green feed is in short supply.atwo weeks’ flushing is as projectrun byMLA and Due to the drought, he’s senteffective as six weeks makes AgricultureVictoria that ewes off on agistment, whichit easier to manage. Andrew Hunter investigatedthe practicalitieswill restrict his ability to flush E: arh@hillspark.com.au d them this year. “The real profit driverin our ofshort an long‑term enterprise is fertility.” ■ flushing (see story opposite). LESSONS He said he definitely learnt LEARNED some useful lessons during the project. > Flushing on green feed before and into joining can increase reproductive rates. > A two‑week flush is as effective as a six‑week flush. > Feed on offer of 350kg/DM/ha is enough to provide a benefit. 31