StockedUp

For WA sheep and cattle industries

Seasonal production advice

Pastures

• If sowing new pastures or forage cereals, prepare to spray paddocks and sow as soon as possible after weed control. Consider using post sowing pre-emergent herbicides for control of grasses and broadleaf weeds. Inoculate legumes if it is the first time the species has been sown in the paddock. 
• Sowing forage cereal crops such as oats or triticale into existing pastures can increase early feed availability. Consider a starter of 5-10 kg/ha of nitrogen followed by 25-50 kg/ha of nitrogen (50-100 kg/ha urea) unless following a good pasture legume rotation.
• Defer grazing of regenerating annual pastures until they reach a Feed On Offer (FOO) of 800 kg DM/ha and control red-legged earth mite.
• Consider confinement feeding as a strategy to reduce grazing pressure on pastures. On the south coast, kikuyu pastures can be grazed while deferring annual pastures.
• Match stocking rates to feed availability following the autumn break, managing grazing pressure carefully to protect newly germinated pastures and maintain ground cover into winter.
•  Applying nitrogen fertiliser to grassy pastures can increase winter feed.
• Be alert for signs of kikuyu toxicity in stock, with reports again this year from stock affected in the Esperance area.

Livestock

• Continue to monitor body condition regularly and ensure stock are meeting their condition score targets for late pregnancy, lambing/calving and lactation to avoid stock losses due to under or over-nutrition.
• Use pregnancy scanning information to prioritise nutrition and supplementary feeding particularly multiple-bearing ewes, late-pregnant cows, and lactating stock as energy demand peaks.
• Monitor livestock during lambing, watching closely for hypothermia, mismothering and metabolic diseases such as pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia.
• Use Pastures from Space for current FOO and Pasture Growth Rates to estimate when adequate FOO will be available to stock, how much supplementary feed is required, and determine when supplementary feeding can cease.
• Pregnant ewes should be released from confinement 2 to 3 weeks before lambing. Provide unlimited hay and continue supplementing for a few days after release to allow the rumen to adapt.
• Ensure calving and lambing paddocks have adequate shelter, secure fencing, reliable water supply and minimal disturbance to support survival of newborns.
• Make sure vaccinations are up to date, especially clostridial vaccinations, to reduce the risk of sudden deaths during periods of nutritional stress and changing pasture conditions.
• Review parasite control programs, monitoring worm burdens through faecal egg counts and managing lice risk in sheep before winter conditions reduce treatment options.
• Act now while stable fly breeding is dormant - weekly clean-up and proper disposal of hay residues and organic waste over the cooler months will reduce spring stable (biting) fly numbers. 
• Best practice when feeding hay to reduce stable fly breeding sites 1) feed on a hard surface 2) spread hay thinly or 3) use a hay ring and weekly removal of hay residues.

For the latest seasonal livestock information, advice and management options, visit the department’s Season 2026 webpage.

Improving lamb and ewe survival

Management decisions made before and during lambing have a significant impact on both lamb survival and ewe mortality. Our Lambing Planner app provides useful information and timely reminders for each stage of the reproductive cycle.

Pregnancy scanning

Pregnancy scanning to identify dry, single, twin and triplet-bearing ewes allows for targeted management and is one of the most effective tools for improving lamb survival. Twin and triplet-bearing ewes are your most productive, have higher nutritional demands and benefit from preferential feeding and access to shelter. 

Scanning supports key management decisions such as:

• projected supplementary feeding quantity and quality required
• which ewes to sell
• differential management of dry, single and multiple-bearing ewes during pregnancy and prior to lambing.

Visit DPIRD’s livestock calculators, including the supplementary feeding calculator for pregnant and lactating ewes to help with feed budgeting.

Condition scoring

Maintaining an appropriate condition score (CS) throughout pregnancy and at lambing is one of the strongest predictors of lamb survival. Aim for:

• Single-bearing ewes: CS 3.0
• Twin-bearing ewes: CS 3.2

Ewes that are below target condition score produce lighter lambs at greater risk of mortality, and spend less time bonding with their lamb while in search of feed. The Condition Scoring app is a useful tool to keep track of the nutrition of pregnant ewes.

Mob size

It is recommended that small mobs at lambing should be prioritised for triplet-bearing ewes, followed by the twins. Research in the last few years has shown that smaller mobs have higher marking rates. Specifically, for each 100 ewe decrease in mob size, lamb survival increases by 5%, and the effect is greater again for triplet survival. This can be achieved by establishing smaller paddocks specifically for lambing, or using temporary fencing to divide paddocks. 

The following recommended maximum for mob size are:

• Multiple bearing ewes - 150
• Single bearing ewes - 500
• Maiden ewes - 400

Smaller mob sizes improve the chances of optimal bonding between the ewe and lamb and will also reduce mismothering and hypothermia in lambs.

Shelter 

Shelter reduces lamb losses from cold stress, wind and rain, particularly during high-risk weather conditions. Effective shelter should be dry, well-ventilated and provide protection from exposure to harsh winter conditions. 

Nutrition and supplementation

Providing adequate nutrition is essential for pregnant ewes, as it supports optimal foetal growth and development, and minimises risks of dystocia. Poor ewe nutrition especially during late pregnancy will reduce lamb birth weight, making it less likely for them to survive the first 48 hours after birth and increases the chances of ewe mortality. Feed demand also increases significantly immediately after birth. A lactating ewe requires 2.5 times the energy of a dry ewe for milk production.

For early lambing ewes onto minimal green feed, 800 kg DM/ha minimum is required at lambing (multiple-bearing ewes will still require supplementation), and for later lambing ewes onto green feed, 1,500 kg DM/ha is required for singles and 1,800 kg DM/ha for twin bearing ewes.

If pasture does not meet these targets, supplementary feeding is still required. Use Pastures from Space to estimate your FOO, or visit our webpage to learn how to measure your own FOO in paddock.

Pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia are metabolic diseases that commonly affect ewes in late pregnancy. To reduce the risk of these conditions, provide access to higher-quality pasture or suitable energy and protein supplements (including calcium to prevent hypocalcaemia).

A veterinarian can assist in diagnosing hypocalcaemia and/or pregnancy toxaemia. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent further progression and deaths. 

If you observe unusual signs of disease, abnormal behaviour or unexpected stock deaths, contact your private veterinarian, local DPIRD field veterinary officer or the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888. 

Grass tetany in livestock

Grass tetany, also known as hypomagnesaemia, is a highly fatal metabolic disease caused by low levels of magnesium in the blood. It can affect both sheep and cattle, although risk varies between classes of stock. Sheep are most vulnerable during pregnancy and lactation, while cattle at greatest risk are older, highly productive cows in the first 4 months of lactation. Growing lambs may also be affected on occasion.

During peak lactation, livestock have a high and constant requirement for magnesium to replace what is lost in milk. Even when dietary magnesium is low, magnesium loss through milk does not decrease, and because animals have no effective body stores of magnesium, blood levels can fall rapidly.

Several factors contribute to the development of grass tetany. Fast‑growing lush pastures and cereal crops are often naturally low in magnesium, a problem that can be worsened by the use of potash and nitrogen fertilisers. High moisture content in green feed speeds up gut transit time, reducing magnesium absorption, while low roughage intake further limits uptake. Stressful events such as transport, yarding and adverse weather, particularly winter storms also contribute.

Clinical signs are often sudden and severe. Affected animals may show muscle twitching, a stiff or uncoordinated gait, excitement, bellowing or apparent aggression, followed by convulsions and collapse. Sudden death is common, with animals often found dead and showing paddling marks.

Treatment focuses on rapidly restoring blood magnesium levels, usually through veterinary administration of an intravenous calcium and magnesium solution. Immediate veterinary assistance is essential. Prevention relies on removing factors that reduce magnesium absorption where possible and providing appropriate magnesium supplementation to animals at risk.

Producers are encouraged to contact a veterinarian if nervous or abnormal behaviour is observed in livestock. Grass tetany can resemble several other serious conditions, including reportable or exotic diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), scrapie or Aujeszky’s disease. Unusual illness or unexpected deaths should be reported promptly to a private veterinarian, a local DPIRD field veterinary officer, or the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888. Subsidies may be available through DPIRD to support disease investigations.

Mandatory electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats

The roll out of eID implementation is almost complete, making it a timely reminder to ensure you are aware of your eID requirements. From 1 July 2026, all sheep and goats leaving your property must be identified with an NLIS accredited eID tag. Stock born on property prior to 1 January 2025, can be marked with either a yellow or year of birth (YOB) eID tag. Stock born prior to 1 January 2025 that have been brought onto your property and are not already eID tagged, can be marked with a pink eID tag.

On 1 January 2025, it became mandatory for all sheep and goats born from this date to be marked with a YOB eID tag by 6 months of age or when they leave your property, whichever comes first.

Western Australia’s tag incentive payment (TIP) scheme has been continued into 2026 with fully accredited orange, yellow and pink eID tags receiving a $0.60 discount at the point of sale. This scheme will run until 31 December 2026.

From 1 July 2026, producers purchasing stock (not from a saleyard) are responsible for recording this movement on the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database. An agent or third party can be engaged to undertake this on the producer’s behalf.  

When transitioning to eIDs, some key things to note:

• Before tagging, check for other eIDs – only one functional eID per animal.
• Do not remove any existing visual tags when applying an eID tag.
• All tags must be embossed with the NLIS logo.
• All eIDs are species specific.

For more information, visit Sheep and Goat eID

Or contact the eID team on 1300 926 547, eIDTeam@dpird.wa.gov.au

Strategic worm control in sheep

Gastro‑intestinal worms remain a major cause of lost productivity in Western Australian sheep enterprises. Control has become more challenging as WA now has some of the highest levels of drench resistance in the world. Relying on drenches alone is no longer effective or sustainable.

Successful worm control requires an integrated approach combining monitoring, genetics, paddock management, nutrition and strategic drenching.

• Know your worms - The main worm groups affecting WA sheep are:
  - Scour worms (black scour worm and brown stomach worm), common across farming regions, especially during autumn to spring. They cause reduced growth, poor wool production and scouring.
  - Barber’s pole worm, which thrives in warm, moist conditions and can cause anaemia, bottle jaw and sudden deaths without scouring.
• Monitor – don’t guess - Faecal worm egg counts (WECs) are the most reliable way to assess worm burdens, decide whether drenching is needed, and check if a drench worked. Regular monitoring around lambing, weaning, spring and after unusual rainfall is essential, particularly for lambs, weaners and lambing ewes. Drench resistance testing every 2–3 years helps identify which products remain effective on your property.
• Breed for worm resistance - Worm resistance is heritable. Using WEC Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) when selecting rams helps reduce worm burdens long term by lowering worm egg shedding onto pasture. Selection should remain balanced with growth, reproduction and wool traits.
• Manage grazing and nutrition - Use low‑risk paddocks where possible for lambs, weaners and lambing ewes, such as stubbles, cropped paddocks or pastures rested long enough for larvae to die. Good nutrition supports immunity and allows sheep to better tolerate worm challenge, particularly young sheep and ewes around lambing.
• Use drenches strategically - Drenches remain important but should be used based on WEC results, seasonal risk and animal class. Accurate dosing, correct technique and effective quarantine drenching of introduced sheep are critical to slow resistance. Avoid unnecessary treatments, especially over summer, without a clear plan.
• Extra tools - Where barber’s pole worm is a recurring problem, Barbervax vaccination may be worth discussing with your veterinarian or sheep adviser. It supports control but does not replace monitoring or good management.

A Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists

Did you know that 2026 is the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP)? This global campaign is about highlighting the economic, environmental and social importance of rangelands, and of pastoralists as their custodians. The Rangelands in Western Australia are hugely important, covering approximately 87% of the State and making a significant contribution to our economy through primary industries.

DPIRD delivers a wide range of programs across WA’s rangelands – from biosecurity, land restoration and sustainability, to supporting the Aboriginal Pastoral Academy and more. These projects reflect the holistic approach needed to support these vast regions, each with its own unique opportunities and challenges.

As we move into the second half of the year, DPIRD will continue to showcase our work in these regions, the people who sustain them, and the important contributions they make to Western Australia.

Keep an eye on our channels to learn more about how we support WA’s rangelands, or visit our rangelands webpage. For more information about the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, visit the campaign website.

Watch a short video on the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists - 2026

Round 2 Farm Business Transition and Livestock Transport Industry Transition grants opening soon!

Round 2 of the Farm Business Transition and Livestock Transport Industry Transition grants are opening soon, as part of the Australian Government’s $139.8 million sheep industry assistance package.

Previews of the Grant Opportunity Guidelines for both programs are now available on GrantConnect via agriculture.gov.au/2028.

Livestock transport operators and sheep producers are encouraged to review the guidelines ahead of the opening date, to provide time to prepare and submit a strong application. 

Applicants who were unsuccessful or received amounts below the maximum available for either program in Round 1 may apply for funding in Round 2, subject to requirements outlined in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

Farm Business Transition Program - Round 2

Open 19 May to 15 July 2026, supporting sheep producers to increase on‑farm adoption and uptake of alternative farming systems and practices.

• Grants of up to $75,000 (GST exclusive) per eligible applicant across both rounds, will be available to support the development of tailored business plans and a range of eligible activities, including infrastructure upgrades, equipment purchases, training, innovation adoption, and alternative management practices.
• Applicants must provide a 1:1 matching cash co-contribution and have actively participated in the live sheep export by sea trade since 1 July 2020.

This program is different to the recently closed Supply Chain Capacity Program, and focuses on planning, advice and on-farm adoption of alternative farming systems and practices, whereas the Supply Chain Capacity Program funded capital works.

Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program – Round 2

Open 15 May to 13 July 2026, assisting livestock transport operators to transition to other transport-related activities in preparation for the end of the trade.

• Grants of up to $40,000 (GST exclusive) per eligible applicant across both rounds will be available to support eligible transition activities.

• Applicants must provide a 1:1 matching cash co-contribution and demonstrate a connection to the trade since 1 July 2020. 

To receive updates on grant programs, please subscribe.

Practical support for WA sheep communities

The Community Wellbeing Program is providing practical mental health and wellbeing support for Western Australian sheep producing communities impacted by the phase-out of live sheep exports by sea.

The $1.5 million program is funded through the Australian Government’s Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package and administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

It is supporting activities across regional WA that help producers, farming families, agricultural workers and communities access support, build skills and stay connected during a period of significant industry change.

Through the program, Rural Aid is offering free, confidential counselling for farmers, farming families and people connected to agriculture, including farm employees, truck drivers, shearers and stock workers. Counselling is not asset or income tested and can be delivered on farm, by phone or via telehealth.

Holyoake is offering free mental health and wellbeing training for farming communities, agribusinesses, grower groups and local networks. Workshops include Mental Health First Aid, Accidental Counsellor and AgriBalance+, helping participants recognise distress, respond safely and connect people with appropriate support. Communities can contact Jo Drayton to arrange a free workshop.

The Blue Tree Project is delivering a regional tour from June 22 to July 2 across Quairading, Kulin/Kondinin, Newdegate, Gibson, Esperance, Jerramungup, Gnowangerup, Katanning and Wickepin. The tour includes school visits, tree paintings, quiz nights and community gatherings designed to build connection and encourage conversations around mental health.

Together, the program provides multiple entry points for support, from one-on-one counselling to local training and community events.

More Beef from Pastures 2.0 supporting the next generation of WA beef producers

Western Australian beef producers are encouraged to join More Beef from Pastures 2.0 (MBfP 2.0), a refreshed program focused on improving productivity and profitability.

Led by the University of Adelaide and supported by DPIRD, the program delivers practical, regionally relevant learning through small peer groups, local engagement and industry expertise.

Designed for self-replacing beef enterprises, participants build skills in herd and pasture performance, decision-making and business management, while trialling new approaches.

MBfP 2.0 builds on 20+ years of success and will continue evolving to 2030, with DPIRD playing a key role in ensuring benefits for WA producers.

For more information, contact Dr Penny Schulz (project lead)

Our projects

Clinton holds a PhD in Agriculture from the University of Western Australia and has extensive experience in annual legume seed dynamics, farming systems, commercialisation of pasture species and industry extension. 

Fun fact - Clinton worked out of the regional centres of Katanning, Merredin and Northam before returning to Perth in 2004.

Latest n-ewes

• FEED365 project delivers year-round feed options to build business resilience and profitability
• MLA opens EOI and tender for new BulkUp producer program
• Video case studies showcase Pilbara Extension Network initiatives
• Exercise Assisi builds Animal Welfare in Emergencies response preparedness
• Listen to the 'Use of virtual fencing to build farm resilience' podcast
• New tool for estimating sheep liveweight and fleece weight
• The new Drought Hardship Loan available through RIC is now open
• AI could reshape "almost every aspect" of red meat processing
• Tune in to the 'How strategic planning helps farmers stay ahead of uncertain seasons' podcast
• Subscribe to DPIRD's other newsletters: Seasonal Climate Outlook, PestFacts WA, and Ovine Observer. 

Events

• PDS Updates webinar: FEED 365
  11 June - Online
• Train the Trainer - BredWell FedWell sheep workshop
  14 - 15 June - Bridgetown
• BredWell FedWell sheep workshop
  15 June - Boyup Brook
• Train the Trainer - BredWell FedWell beef workshop
  16 - 17 June - Bridgetown
• BredWell FedWell cattle workshop
  17 June - Boyup Brook
• ASHEEP & BEEF AGM and conference
  18 June - Esperance
• MLP results seminar
  23 June - Perth
• WAFarmers Grains and Livestock Conference 2026
  25 - 26 June - Albany
• LambEx26
  7 - 10 July - Adelaide
• UWA Industry of Agriculture Industry Forum 2026
  8 July - Perth 
• MeatUp Forum
  12 August - Northam

Further information

WA Sheep and Cattle Industry news from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). If you have any questions, or require further information please email livestock@dpird.wa.gov.au

Subscribe to StockedUp Livestock Industry news

Important disclaimer 
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.

Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2026.