In 2021, ASHEEP & BEEF commenced a self-funded and managed project to demonstrate the benefits and differences between 6 month shearing and 12 month shearing intervals in merino ewes. The project was developed from a concept put forward to ASHEEP & BEEF by members Ashley Reichstein and Megan McDowall, who agreed to host the demonstration on their farm situated north-east of Esperance.

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Data being collected includes individual animal weights, condition scores, wool samples and pregnancy scanning results. This information will be used to evaluate the impact of shearing intervals on production and wellbeing of the animals throughout the 3 year trial.

All animals are to be treated the same throughout the trial. There is no special feeding regime for these animals, they are run as per management’s decision on Laurina Farms.