Alternative for S block?

Press, 19 April 1984, Page 24

Alternative for S block?

Lower ewe numbers, but without any lowering of net returns per hectare, could be an acceptable alternative policy for S block at Winchmore Irrigation Research Station, according to a farm consultant. Mr Barry Croucher, a consultant with the Lauriston Farm Improvement Club, spoke at the recent Winchmore field day. He responded to presentation of figures which showed some production difficulties arising on the S

block, which has been an irrigation management showpiece for many years. Mr Croucher suggested a return to around 17.5 stock units per ha, made up of 14 ewes and 3.5 replacements, compared with the present S block stocking of 23.3. From a lower stocking rate he maintained that the returns would be an extra 5 per cent lambing (to 140 per cent); o.Bkg per head of wool (to 4.Bkg); and 50 per cent PM lambs (presently 35 per cent) and 25 per cent YM lambs (18 per cent). Under the Croucher hypothesis (on the same costings as presently used by Winchmore) ewe wool returns would fall slightly to $202 per ha, compared with $220. Meat and wool returns per hectare from lambs would be the same, at around $430 per ha. Mr Croucher’s hogget

wool returns were down also at $69 per ha (compared with $79). Thus total returns would be down about $33 per ha, at $736. But Mr Croucher also maintained that production costs could be reduced by $34 per ha (a reduction in conserved feed, animal health and shearing and an increase in fertiliser) leaving his alternative $1 per hectare to the good. “A jack-up!” he exclaimed. "Seriously,” he said, “S block is supposed to be a low-cost system. “The present S block system and my alternative both have a high management requirement and not everyone is going to be able to do it. “But my lower pressure system is going to be able to take some management lapses," he said.