Management of farm finances requires a sound record system and strategic planning of every facet of the enterprise.
Examples of a few types of records to keep include:
- Income.
- Expenditure.
- Rainfall
- Lambing and weaning percentages.
- Labour.
Keeping records enables you to plan and manage the following:
- To draw up a budget.
- The entire enterprise is dependent on the budget.
Precision management must be part of farming. Measuring and keeping records is crucial. One must have a sound knowledge of the specific requirements of the abovementioned; for example, ewes require more nutrition than wethers. One must also know about production and production potential. Complete knowledge stimulates interest, which results in the application of better management.
This results in:
- Higher production and reproduction.
- Higher farming income.
- A better lifestyle for ourselves and our children.
The focus on management is to obtain the best income, but success will depend on the control and management of all expenses to make a profit.
Checklist of records to be kept on a sheep farm.
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Records kept |
Mating period |
Mating period |
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March to May |
October to November |
March to May |
October to November |
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Total no. of sheep |
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Total no. of ewes |
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Total no. of ewes – mating period |
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Maiden ewes – mating period (%) |
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Total no. of rams – mating period (5) |
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Total no. of ewes skipped – mating period |
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Conception % – mating period |
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Total no. of lambs scanned – mating period |
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Scanning % – mating period |
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Total no. of lambs weaned – mating period |
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Weaning % |
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Total ewe mortality – mating period |
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Total kg sheep and lamb sold |
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Shearing practice (6-8-12 months) |
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kg Wool shorn |
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Quantity slaughtered |
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Total number shorn |
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Total number of mature sheep |
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Total number lambs |
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kg wool/mature sheep or ewes |
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kg wool/2 tooth ewes |
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kg wool/lambs |
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Micron: |
Average clip |
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Average top lines |
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Rams |
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Mating weights: |
Mature ewes |
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2 Tooth ewes |
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Lambing system: |
Extensive |
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Semi-intensive or intensive |
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Predator losses |
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Rainfall |
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Essential practices and considerations for managing sheep husbandry and financial aspects related to sheep farming encompasses various domains, including sheep husbandry practices, breeding and mating management, lambing systems, and financial management. This information will assist sheep farmers in optimising productivity, ensuring animal welfare, and maintaining financial sustainability in their operations.
Sheep farming requires meticulous recordkeeping and strategic management to maximise productivity and profitability while ensuring the health and well-being of the flock. Some of the essential practices and considerations across different domains of sheep husbandry and financial management include:
- Sheep husbandry practices:
Key practices include weaning selection, culling criteria, health programs, trace elements supplementation, inoculation programs, and breeding practices. These practices encompass selection criteria for replacement ewes, culling based on health and productivity parameters, and comprehensive health programs aimed at disease prevention and management. Additionally, it addresses the importance of trace elements supplementation and inoculation programs to enhance the overall health and performance of the flock.
- Breeding and mating management:
Effective breeding and mating management are crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive sheep flock. The overview discusses practices related to ram selection, mating periods, teaser rams utilisation, and fertility assessment. It emphasises the importance of selecting fertile and dexterous rams, optimising mating periods, and implementing effective feeding strategies to support ewe and ram health during mating and pregnancy.
- Lambing systems:
Different lambing systems, including intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive systems, are evaluated. It discusses the advantages and considerations associated with each system, including scanning value, feeding planning, labour costs, and mortality rates. The overview provides guidance on selecting the most suitable lambing system based on flock size, management capabilities, and resource availability.
- Financial management:
In addition to sheep husbandry practices, financial management aspects are addressed for the economic sustainability of sheep farming operations. It includes a comprehensive budgetary analysis covering income sources (meat and wool production), expenditure items (wages, medical expenses, fodder, etc.), and total direct costs associated with sheep farming. The information aims to assist farmers in optimising financial resources, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring profitability in their operations.