Sheep Farm Monitor Project
The Sheep Farm Monitor Project is an initiative of the Department of Primary Industries and the BESTWOOL/BESTLAMB Program. Seventy (70) wool and lamb producers across Gippsland, North-North East Victoria and South West Victoria who are interested in benchmarking their businesses have been involved in the project.
This project aims to provide DPI and the wool and lamb industries with farm level data relating to productivity gains and profitability as well as identify the key drivers of productivity and profitability growth.
Please note that the Wool Industry Farm Monitor Project was expanded in 2007 - 08 to include lamb production and has changed its name to the Sheep Farm Monitor Project. In 2009/10 the South West and Sheep Farm Monitor Projects have been combined to report on livestock performance across the state. The same methodology and terminology has been used as in previous reports.
Sheep Farm Monitor
2008-09 summary of results
Seasonal Conditions
Rainfall across the state of Victoria for each region is shown in Figure 1. The state had a very dry spring with only the South West receiving any significant rain in October. The usefulness of this rain to translate into meaningful pasture growth was limited due to the timing. All three regions reported significant rainfall in November and December, however depending on the available pasture base, this rainfall produced moderate to minimal useful growth. All regions received rain in March and April, however Gippsland and the North East missed out on the critical May falls needed for a good start to winter.
Whole Farm State Analysis
Whole farm financial analysis is important for gauging the overall performance of the farming business. Table 1 shows that on average participant farms across the state achieved a whole farm per hectare gross income of $411; which was $124 less than the previous year. This was used to cover enterprise costs of $217, overhead costs of $102 and owner/ operator allowance of $78 per hectare, thus giving an operating profit of $14 per hectare. The amount spent per hectare in 2008/09 was no different to that spent in 2007/08 thus the 2008/09 operating profit was $122 less than the previous year. The South West on average showed better farm financial performance per hectare, with the highest per hectare gross income and operating profit, compared to the other regions within the state of Victoria.
2007-08 summary of results
Seasonal Conditions
Rainfall across the state of Victoria for each region is shown in Figure 1. It can be seen that there was a lot more rainfall in the first half of the season, with the second half of the season experiencing lower falls than that of the previous year.
However, overall rainfall was well above that of the 2006/07 period. The South West was the wetter region with considerable rainfalls during the month of November. During the period all of Victoria was Exceptional Circumstances declared.
Whole Farm State Analysis
Whole farm financial analysis is important for measuring the overall performance of the farming business. On average participant farms across the state achieved a whole farm per hectare gross income of $535. This was used to cover enterprise costs of $222, overhead costs of $98 and owner/ operator allowance of $79 per hectare, resulting in an operating profit of $136 per hectare. The South West on average showed better farm financial performance per hectare, with the highest per hectare gross income and operating profit, compared to the other regions within the state of Victoria. This is a reflection of the higher stocking rates in the South West.
2006-07 summary of results
Seasonal Conditions
Rainfall during 2006/07 across all regions can be described as a year of anomalies. Extremely low falls during the second half of the 2006 winter and spring saw Exceptional Circumstances declared over all participating farms. Large, single rainfall events dominated total falls for the first half of 2007. Average temperatures were also higher during the year, with the North-North East experiencing up to 2 degrees higher than average maximum temperatures.
Whole Farm State Analysis
There is a large variation in average farm size, with the North-North East participants managing the greatest area, 31% and 83% larger than the South West and Gippsland respectively. Gippsland participants had significantly more prime lamb and the South West continues to operate the most cropping. The South West also had a higher stocking rate, phosphorus application and labour efficiency than the other two regions.
Case study
Read the Farm Monitor Projects case study to see how these projects are delivering Better Services to Farmers
