MANAGING THE TRANSITION TO OUT-OF-SEASON LAMBING - A CASE FARM EXAMPLE

Abstract

A spreadsheet teed budgeting model and gross margin analysis were used to plan an outof- season lambing system for a Manawatu sheep farm. Of the systems investigated, a 30% winter lambing option was predicted to be the optimum for pattern of pasture cover and returns. Poor sheep pariormanoe in the first season of winter lambing (1988) reduced winter stocking rate by 20% and spread lambing dates to reduce peak spring teed demand for the second season. Total income in 1987 was estimated to be $8284 lower than it the traditional lambing policy had been maintained, mainly because higher returns for early-season lambs were insufficient to compensate for production losses resulting from reductions in sheep numbers wintered. The transition to winter lambing required major changes to winter grazing management, increased expenditure on animal health and meant that two tooths entering the early lambing flock had to be grown taster. Regular monitoring of pastures and animal performance was an important component in developing the new farming system. Keywords: spreadsheet modelling. teed budgeting. transition management, out-of-season lambing.