The aim of this research project is to provide a better understanding of:

- What mineral and/or vitamin supplements NSW sheep producer use in their sheep; 

- The health and production effects of supplements and 

- Benefit/cost of any supplementations. 

The project involves a survey of sheep producers via a questionnaire and the running of a number of field trials in southern NSW from April/May 2015 to April/May 2016.

The research will be conducted through Charles Sturt University, School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences. 

The project is seeking participants who run commercial sheep enterprises (a flock of 500 sheep or more). In order to participate you will need to first complete a  questionnaire survey on line – it will take 15-25 minutes to do.  The survey can be accessed at web address: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sheepmineralandvitaminsupplements

If you are then interested in participating in a field trial the project plans to conduct  5-8 field trials between April/May2015 and April/May 2016. The field trials will involve application of supplements to groups of sheep on your property at the start of the trials and then regular monthly visits by research team members to collect data from the sheep and you about sheep production (i.e. weight, scanning results, health, faecal egg counts). Field trial details will depend on the results of the questionnaire survey.

If you are interested to be considered to participate in a field trial, please provide your name and contact details at the end of the questionnaire when prompted and we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss details. The closing date for the survey is April 30.

NOTE: By completing and submitting the questionnaire you are agreeing to freely volunteer to participate in this project. The data collected will be analysed and a report produced. All data collected in this project will be fully anonymous and no participants or their situations will be identifiable in any publications that arise from this work. Information that may identify participants is not disclosed without their prior consent to anyone. 

If you require any further information about this project or participation please contact Luzia Rast Ph. 6933 4233 email: lrast@csu.edu.au, Sally Martin email: smartin777@gmail.com, Marta Hernandez-Jover email: mhernandez-jover@csu.edu.au

New landowners may be interested to know that NSW DPI will be running a one day introductory conventional fencing course on Saturday April 11 at Goulburn. Participants will learn how to maintain, construct and design fences, design and construct strainer assemblies, site fences and place line posts and droppers, strain and tie wires, construct gateways and swinging gates.  The cost is $325 per person (includes lunch, morning and afternoon tea, fencing agskills book and handouts).  For bookings and further information contact Maryke Archbold-Hession or Lex Myhill, NSW DPI on 4640 6333, on 0408 492 039 or email:  maryke.hession@ dpi.nsw.gov.au.