Small property sheep producers across East Gippsland are set to benefit from a new practical workshop series designed to build confidence, improve flock performance and support more profitable on-farm decision-making.
This friendly, practical mini-series is designed specifically for small landholders and lifestyle farmers wanting to build confidence and make informed, practical decisions in managing their sheep.
The Sheep Management Mini-Series has been developed to provide accessible, hands-on learning for landholders managing smaller livestock enterprises, with a strong focus on practical skills that can be applied immediately within day-to-day farm operations.
The series aims to strengthen both technical capability and business decision-making, particularly in areas where seasonal conditions and input costs continue to challenge producers.
This four-part program will equip small property sheep producers with skills in nutrition, breeding and flock management, along with practical tools to track performance and make informed, evidence-based decisions that support productivity and profitability.
Sessions will be held over four Tuesday evenings from 5.30pm to 8pm at the Gippsland Agriculture Centre.
A light supper will be provided at each session, supporting informal discussion and networking between participants.
The series is structured around key seasonal and production priorities within a sheep enterprise, allowing producers to build knowledge progressively throughout the program.
Session 1 – Reproduction: Setting Up for Profit (Tuesday, May 19)
The first session will focus on reproductive management and its direct link to enterprise profitability.
Topics will include condition scoring, joining preparation, ram management and strategies to improve conception rates and lambing outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on setting up breeding programs to maximise efficiency and reduce reproductive wastage.
Session 2 – Feed Base and Supplementary Feeding (Tuesday, May 26)
The second session will explore pasture management, feed budgeting and supplementary feeding strategies. Producers will examine how to assess feed availability, match livestock demand to seasonal conditions, and make cost-effective feeding decisions during periods of feed deficit or drought stress.
Session 3 – Animal Health: Protecting Performance (Tuesday, June 2)
This session will address key animal health challenges affecting sheep productivity, including parasite control, vaccination programs and early disease detection. Practical strategies will be provided to reduce production losses and maintain flock health throughout the production cycle.
Session 4 – Data, Recording and Economics (Tuesday, June 9)
The final session will focus on performance recording, simple on-farm data collection and the economic drivers of sheep enterprises.
Participants will learn how to use basic records to evaluate flock performance, compare management options and make more informed financial and operational decisions.
Across the series, a strong emphasis will be placed on practical decision-making tools, including monitoring key performance indicators, identifying trigger points for management action and adapting strategies to seasonal conditions.
There will also be ample opportunity for peer learning and local knowledge sharing.
By bringing together small property producers in a supported learning environment, the series provides a platform to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and build stronger agricultural networks across the region.
This project is supported by a Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, funded by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and the Future Drought Fund.
For further information or to register, contact Emma Orgill at the Landcare office in Orbost or the staff at Gippsland Agriculture Group (GAgG).
