Stories from Local Livestock Producers in South Australia

Summary

Ben and Krie Hinrich, farmers from Black Springs, manage an 800-hectare farm with a focus on Australian White stud sheep and their 'Wonderbar Lamb' brand. They employ technology, such as EIDs and auto-drafters, to streamline processes, ensure precise vaccine administration, and identify top producers through preg scanning. This approach enhances efficiency and consumer confidence in their high-quality, ethically raised lamb products.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🌾 Ben and Krie Hinrich are farmers from Black Springs who run a mixed farming operation.
• 🐑 They manage Manafield Australian Whites and Wonderbar Lamb, a paddock-to-plate branded lamb enterprise.
• 🌾 Their farming operation includes approximately 800 hectares of crops, which consist of legumes, cereals, and export hay.
• 🌱 They also have sown pastures for summer feed, supporting their livestock's nutritional needs.
• 🐄 They graze 200-250 head of Australian White stud sheep, with plans to increase this number annually.
• 💰 They have around 500 commercial sheep, from which they breed the Wonderbar Lamb.
• 📈 The Wonderbar Lamb brand aims to provide consumers with confidence in the quality and ethical raising of their lamb products.
• 🔧 Technology plays a significant role in their farming practices, with the introduction of EIDs (Electronic Identification Devices).
• 💉 Auto drafters and EIDs help in tracking vaccinations and ensuring animals receive them at the right time, reducing unnecessary handling.
• 📊 Technology also aids in identifying top-producing sheep, which can improve the efficiency of their flock through selective breeding.
• 🐑 The use of preg scanning technology helps in identifying ewes that consistently produce lambs or twins, enhancing the overall productivity of the flock.

Q & A

Who are Ben and Krie Hinrichs?

Ben and Krie Hinrichs are mixed farmers from Black Springs, Australia, specializing in Australian White stud sheep and a paddock-to-plate branded lamb enterprise called Wonderbar Lamb.

What type of farming operation do the Hinrichs run?

The Hinrichs run a mixed farming operation that includes cropping approximately 800 hectares of legumes, cereals, and export hay, as well as grazing hills for their Australian White stud sheep and commercial lambs.

What is the goal of the Wonderbar Lamb enterprise?

The goal of the Wonderbar Lamb enterprise is to provide a high-quality, paddock-to-plate lamb product that is raised to high standards, ensuring consumer confidence in the quality of the product.

How many Australian White stud sheep do the Hinrichs currently have?

The Hinrichs currently have 200 Australian White stud sheep, with the aim to increase this number year by year.

What is the significance of the 'blueprint' mentioned in the transcript?

The 'blueprint' likely refers to the business model or operational strategy of the Wonderbar Lamb enterprise, which helps to ensure that the lambs are raised to high standards and that consumers have confidence in the product.

How has technology impacted the Hinrichs' farming practices?

Technology has had an exciting impact on the Hinrichs' farming practices, allowing for the introduction of EIDs (Electronic Identification Devices) and auto drafters, which streamline processes and reduce the need for manual handling of animals.

What benefits do EIDs provide in managing livestock?

EIDs provide benefits such as tracking individual animals, recording vaccination batches and dates, and ensuring that each animal receives the necessary care at the appropriate time.

What is an auto drafter and how does it help in livestock management?

An auto drafter is a device that helps in sorting and managing livestock based on specific criteria, such as ear tags, allowing for efficient identification of top producers and streamlined management of the flock.

How does the use of technology help in identifying top-producing sheep?

Technology, such as preg scanning, helps in identifying top-producing sheep by determining which ewes are most likely to get in lamb or have twins, leading to a more efficient flock.

What is the importance of culling less productive animals from the flock?

Culling less productive animals is important for maintaining a high-performing flock, ensuring that resources are focused on animals that contribute most to the overall productivity and efficiency of the operation.

How does the Hinrichs' approach to farming reflect modern agricultural practices?

The Hinrichs' approach reflects modern agricultural practices by integrating technology, data tracking, and selective breeding to optimize the health, productivity, and quality of their livestock and crops.