Sheep producers urged to join initiative

WA sheep producers achieving outstanding lambing rates are being encouraged to take part in the 100%+ Club initiative.

Department of Agriculture and Food development officer Katherine Ayres said producers achieving a whole-farm average marking percentage of more than 100 per cent were invited to nominate.

Nomination forms |

"Marking rates from 2013 are now finalised and we are encouraging producers to nominate themselves or someone they know who is achieving these percentages," she said.

"We had 34 members take part in the inaugural year of the program, which is a good result but we know there are many producers across WA who are marking in excess of 100 per cent.

"We are encouraging these producers to take part. It's a fabulous opportunity to network and share information and expertise. Last year we held some great events exclusively for club members including a tour of a live export feedlot and live export vessel.

"We've had a number of producers renominate, which is a sign that they have got real value out of being part of this group."

The 100%+ Club is open to sheep producers who run a minimum flock of 500 ewes and have reached 100 per cent lamb marking across the entire breeding flock for the 2013 season, irrespective of breed.

In addition to events and ongoing support, all eligible nominees go into a draw to win an iPad.

100%+ Club is part of the More Sheep initiative, an industry-wide collaboration between the department and Sheep Industry Leadership Council to build the WA sheep flock.

The average marking rate in WA in 2011-12 was 85 per cent (across all breeds) and 84 per cent for Merino lambs.

Nominations close on February 15.