Post-mortem workshops held

The Northland Sheep & Beef Council is running three “hands on” post-mortem workshops later this month with the theme ‘Why is that old ewe a cull, and why did that lamb die?’.

The first workshop will be held in the Lower North on July 20, at Dan Birchett’s Topuni Creek Farm, Kaiwaka. This will be followed by Mid North on July 21, at Douglas Conn’s, Tangowhahine, and the Far North on July 22, on Roger Moore’s property at Otoroa.

Participants will have the opportunity to dissect ewes and lambs under veterinary supervision and will learn to identify the causes of death or ill thrift. At the end of the session, farmers will have the skills to carry out a basic post -mortem and diagnose the common causes of sheep deaths and ill thrift on the farm.

Participants are asked to bring a sharp knife and steel. The three hour sessions start at 12.30pm.

Early lambing farms are requested to assist by collecting any dead lambs and freezing them. Call Leo Sloane for details on 09 432 9105.

To register: Phone Malcolm McCallum 09 405 9683 or 027 231 5680, or email malcolm.mccallum@meatandwoolnz.com