Ensuring Sheep Survival and Welfare
Sheep farmer Charlie Bell, NSW, Australia shares his approach to business and the benefits of using Thermoskin.
Strategic Shearing
When it comes to managing his sheep, Charlie's strategic shearing decisions play a vital role. Previously shearing in August, the unpredictable late-winter weather posed survival challenges for both ewes and their lambs. Realizing the need for a change, he shifted to March/April shearing, drastically improving the well-being and management of his sheep. Now, ewe weaners are shorn in June, and Thermoskin has become a crucial component of the process, ensuring the continuation of life. Wethers are shorn in November, totalling 3 shearings each year. Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 ewes receive Thermoskin protection in June to withstand the cold weather. This change not only saved lives but also made a remarkable impact on weight maintenance. Sheep that shed weight in the cold are at risk, sheep sprayed with Thermoskin maintain weight and increase survival rates.
Fine Wool Merinos
Charlie Bell's family farm spans an impressive 2000 hectares, a picturesque landscape in Taralga, just 70 kilometers north of Goulburn. His farm boasts a dry sheep equivalent (DSE) of 25,000, he tends to about 8,500 Merino ewes producing fine wool, with a target of achieving 16-micron adult fleece. He also has 300 cows and around 5000 Merino wethers, .
Animal Welfare and Sustainability
Thermoskin's role is more than just a financial consideration. It's an essential element in enhancing animal welfare, a factor that's increasingly important in today's agriculture landscape. Charlie's story highlights the importance of ticking all the boxes when it comes to animal welfare and sustainability.
Through the use of Thermoskin, Charlie Bell has found the perfect blend of profitability and animal well-being. It's a story of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to ensuring his sheep not only survive but thrive in the challenging environment. Charlie's journey is an inspiration for every farmer, where taking care of your animals means taking care of your business.
