SHEEP producers in the Riverina can improve ram selection during this year's selling season with hands on workshops to be held at Oxley and Boorooban.
Sheep Connect NSW will be delivering the RAMping Up Repro workshops, designed to assist producers with best practice ram preparation, to allow optimal transfer of genetic material onto their lambs.
The workshop covers all facets of ram soundness, optimal preparation and animal husbandry, joining time and ram percentages, with a strong focus on practical examination of the five Ts - teeth, toes, testicles, tackle and torso.
All participants will gain some practical experience in undertaking a ram soundness check, supervised by accredited deliverers, who will demonstrate the practice.
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Participants will also be able to undertake a condition scoring activity, and measure scrotal circumference.
Sheep Connect NSW project manager Megan Rogers said the first step in ram selection was determining how many rams are needed by going through the rams that are on hand before the sales to check which ones will be suitable for the next joining.
"This then helps with determining how many to buy at the sale," she said.
With drought continuing in many areas every post needs to be a winner, and joining success depends on preparation of both ewes and rams.
- Megan Rogers, project manager, Sheep Connect NSW
"With drought continuing in many areas every post needs to be a winner, and joining success depends on preparation of both ewes and rams. In addition to the practical activities, there will be much discussion about how to manage the ram team to ensure that they are in top notch condition to take on their 'tour of duty' with the breeding ewes."
The next workshop is at Oxley on September 27, with another planned for Boorooban in mid October.
Registrations are essential. Visit https://sheepconnectnsw.com.au/events/#ramping-up-repro for more information and to register.