Stock Wise pulls together the resources and expertise of respected industry experts, online tools and information along with practical hands-on workshops to help producers make smart decisions about their business.
Many livestock producers will face complex and emotive decisions regarding their business, animals and pasture resources over the coming months.
Download audio: John Francis (Holmes Sackett, NSW) audio interview (mp3, 1MB - Runs: 4 minutes)
Download pdf summary of key messages of this interview (PDF, 74KB)
Stock Wise tips from Holmes Sackett and Associates
- Which sheep to keep: Know what livestock you can afford to feed through to the break and get a realistic valuation of all stock in the current market conditions so that you can determine effective selling options.
- Plan for the future: Consider the value of maintaining your genetics and animal health status relative to selling and re-buying after the drought as well as the longer term impacts on your pasture base.
- Get a handle on your cost of production: Work out what it will cost to feed the core of your flock until the season breaks including feeding costs, overheads, drawings and debt servicing costs.
- Support is available: Seek professional advice and involve others in decision making.
Hope is not a plan…
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Download audio: Mike Stephens (MS&A, VIC) audio interview (mp3, 1MB - Runs: 4 minutes)
Download pdf summary of key messages of this interview (PDF, 90KB)
Stock Wise tips from Mike Stephens & Associates
- Which sheep to keep: Know what livestock you can afford to feed through to the break and get a realistic valuation of all stock in the current market conditions so that you can determine effective selling options.
- Get a handle on your cost of production: Work out what it will cost to feed the core of your flock until the season breaks including feeding costs, overheads, drawings and debt servicing costs.
- Talk to your friends, family, team members or advisors and seek planning assistance and support.
- Take action based on your financial, feed and management assessment of your enterprise.
Hope is not a plan …
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Download audio: John Squires (Rural Directions, SA) audio interview (mp3, 1MB - Runs: 3:51 minutes)
Download pdf summary of key messages of this interview (PDF, 68KB)
Stock Wise tips from Rural Directions
- Which sheep to keep: Do a feed budget taking into consideration cost of feeding livestock and the benefits or consequences of selling. Decide which classes you can not afford to keep and set firm trigger points for when to sell or keep.
- Get a handle on your cost of production: Work out what it will cost to feed the core of your flock until the season breaks including feeding costs, overheads, drawings and debt servicing costs.
- Support is available: Seek professional advice and involve others in decision making.
- Take action based on the facts: Act now and regularly assess and update your stocking program as the season and markets progress.
Hope is not a plan …
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Download audio: Bob Hall (JRL Hall and Co, WA) audio interview (mp3, 1MB - Runs: 4:11 minutes)
Download pdf summary of key messages of this interview (PDF, 102KB)
Stock Wise tips from ICON Agriculture
- Audit your farm resources: farm, water, feed, sheep and finances. Know what livestock you can afford to feed and get a realistic valuation of all stock so you can determine effective selling options.
- Consider yourself: Get assistance by talking to others. Include your whole family in decision making and make time for recreation.
- Plan: Write it down and cost it out. Grants are often available to get the right professional assistance.
- Act: Select which sheep to keep, secure feed and sell surplus sheep.
- Review your progress regularly, especially after weather events.
Hope is not a plan …
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