top of page
20200924_134628_edited.jpg

SUPPORTING SHIFTS TO NON-MULESED SYSTEMS

Project Leader: AgPro Management
Duration: 2020 - 2024
MLA Producer Demonstration Site

Updated 04/10/24

ASHEEP & BEEF took part in a five-year project to support producers who were interested in shifting to non-mulesed systems, run by Ed Riggall and Georgia Reid-Smith of AgPro Management.

 

The MLA-funded Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) project involved six groups of producers across the medium and high rainfall zones of WA. One of those groups involved ASHEEP & BEEF members. The PDS aimed to demonstrate best practice for non-mulesed systems and provide support for producers wanting to shift to, or trial, not mulesing.

 

​The decision to run a non-mulesed system, or not, is based on individual farm circumstances. Mulesing is a tool to reduce the risk of flystrike and thereby improve the welfare and productivity of sheep over their lifetime. Not mulesing can expose sheep to ongoing animal welfare issues.

20200826_145556.jpg

Image: Producers dag scoring during a non-mulesed systems project workshop.

Current mulesing practices differ between farms. Some producers may not mules certain classes of sheep (e.g. lambs that will be sold for meat) but do mules a portion of the flock that is at ongoing risk of flystrike throughout its life (e.g. merino breeding ewes). Some have transitioned to running 100% non-mulesed merino flocks. Some have trialled not mulesing and then returned to it due to negative impacts on their flock and business. There is no one-size fits all model - each farmer manages their farm system by weighing up a range of factors that are unique to their own farm, such as how local environmental conditions impact fly risk and worm burdens, reliability of access to shearers and crutchers at critical times, flock genetics, capacity to handle increased flock management needs, impacts on profitability, target markets, and more.

 

Through involvement in this PDS, ASHEEP & BEEF saw the value in creating a pathway for producers to have access to good information and resources to support their decisions, planning, and management practices.

​

The PDS project explored the impact of shifting to a non-mulesed enterprise on management, production and animal husbandry. Within the PDS, 17 producers formally trialled non-mulesed systems, and over 21 100% non-mulesed producers were involved. The six producer groups across WA experienced periods of very high levels of fly challenge during the project, which was a good way to demonstrate the importance of timely management when running a non-mulesed flock. The level of challenge weaners and hoggets should be exposed to before culling was a key area of discussion. Dag control management was another key focus. Issues raised included discounts on re-sale ewes, and the lack of consistency in securing premiums for non-mulesed wool.

​

Whilst this project has now come to a close, ASHEEP & BEEF can put producers in touch those who took part and the producer WhatsApp groups are still active to share information and ask questions. The following resources to support producers are available:

​​​

​​​​

For producers who do utilising mulesing, resources on best practice methods (including using pain relief) are available:

Project Overview

​

Georgia Reid-Smith, AgPro Management, explained "It’s all about supporting producers through the transition [to a non-mulesed system], coming up with a plan and involving producers who have already shifted to non-mulese. This way, producers can draw on each others’ experiences, anticipate the challenges and support each other.  

​

The project has come about due to the lack of support currently available for those wishing to cease mulesing, or even just wanting to know what the challenges and benefits could be. Following the threats of a mulesing ban in the mid-2000’s, many producers started on the path to stopping mulesing either genetically or through ceasing the practice. Some were successful and have continued to do so, however many failed to sustain change due to management issues & lack of support networks to help the transition. Currently, the national wool clip under 24.5 microns is 7% unmulesed, with WA at even lower rates. The project aims to connect these producers with those wanting to investigate the change on their own properties. It is a great opportunity for producers to see how ready they and their business is for when the inevitable ban comes. 

​

The most common changes required when a farm ceases mulesing is an increase in worm and fly control chemicals, or additional crutching or shearing. There is also of course breeding measures: selecting for low breech & body wrinkle, low dag scores and high worm resistance. In WA, most sheep already have low wrinkle, but this is the first aspect to consider before committing to a shift to cease mulesing. 

​

It is important to analyse a business before making the decision- each farm is unique and require different levels of change, both before and during a shift to non-mulese. It’s also vital to have the right attitude, this will be harder initially than mulesing and will require commitment to be successful."  (2021)

​

Tips for Successful Shifts from AgProManagement

​

  • Each property is different. Consider not just climate, sheep characteristics and husbandry timing, but also management skills and commitment to the shift.

  • PLAN. Make a plan and review it regularly. 

  • Be flexible: the plan may need to change.

  • Genetics – what’s the potential for change?

  • What decision making tools are at your disposal? eg ParaBoss 

  • Have you got the equipment and yards? Increased husbandry means sheep handlers, or better jetting equipment, may save you a lot of time.

​

As mentioned, worm and dag management are key for managing non-mulesed flocks in WA. If you’re considering the shift , one thing that can be managed now is the worm burden in your sheep and pastures.

​

Contact AgPro Management or ASHEEP & BEEF if you would like more information on this project. 

projectupdates
PROJECT UPDATES:
bottom of page