Spring Newsletter 2025

Welcome to AWI Extension WA’s Spring Newsletter for 2025. This newsletter is packed with the latest resources and information to help WA woolgrowers. 
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In this newsletter, we cover:

1. Sustainable worm control with summer-autumn drenching - Hot, dry WA summers once supported “summer drenching,” but this approach drives drench resistance by leaving resistant worms to multiply. This article explains how to slow resistance, when to drench different sheep classes across rainfall zones, and how WEC tests support sustainable worm control

2. Mastering Sheep Breeding Values and Selection Indexes - Getting started with ASBVs and Selection Indexes can help woolgrowers make faster, smarter breeding decisions and improve flock profitability. This article breaks down the basics, including how ASBVs work, what Selection Indexes do and practical steps stud and commercial breeders are taking to make these tools work for you

3. Optimising management of grazing stubbles - Crop stubbles can be a handy feed source over summer, but their quality declines quickly once the grain is eaten. Planning ahead is key to getting the best out of them. This article provides the key stubble grazing strategies to help you keep your flock in good condition this summer

4. Water-Smart Wool: How to make the most of every drop - Getting started with water-smart management on-farm can boost productivity and future-proof your wool business. It’s not just about surviving dry seasons — understanding your water resources helps improve efficiency, sheep performance and profitability. This article breaks down the basics, including where water challenges lie, how to assess your system using simple tools, and what practical steps woolgrowers are already taking to make their water work for them.

5. Wool trivia challenge - Test your knowledge with a quick 10-question trivia challenge. Wool ewe take the challenge?

6. Upcoming AWI Extension WA workshops and initiatives - Keep up to date with our next workshops and initiatives                             

We've also provided a bunch of additional resources and information to help throughout the articles in this newsletter. 

Scroll down to check it all out!

As always, please get in touch with Georgia or Amy with any comments, suggestions, feedback or requests for workshops in your region, visit contact us.

Wool trivia challenge!

Click on the following link to access the quiz and view the answers: https://forms.gle/cNtJisgCpYYxZept8

Submit your answers then click on "View accuracy" to see how you went.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Wandering Ramping Up Repro Workshop  

Want to get more from your rams? Join us for this hands-on, interactive workshop designed to boost ram performance, longevity, and your financial returns.

 

100% of past participants recommend this workshop!

Wandering – Westwood Farming Co

Monday 13th October 2025

9:00 am – 2:30 pm

$75 per person (includes morning tea, lunch & workshop materials)

Presented by Dr Michylla Seal – Genstock Pty Ltd

Click on the link below to register. Registrations close on Monday 6th October: https://www.awiextensionwa.com/events/ramping-up-repro-workshop-wandering-2025/

Click on the link below to register. Registrations close on Monday 6th October: https://www.awiextensionwa.com/events/ramping-up-repro-workshop-wandering-2025/

Other AWI Extension WA Initiatives

As always, make sure you stay tuned via our social media platforms to keep up to date with the latest research and advice. We're also currently working on releasing some podcast episodes to further support WA woolgrowers, so keep an eye out for these over the next few months!

If you haven't already, make sure you catch up on our webinars held this year. You can watch full replays on YouTube by clicking on the following links:

• Making Money Out of Wool Webinar - https://youtu.be/3HZV8rKdHtY?si=DhAHBo6lKjaGn0Cl
• Using EID for profit and productivity Webinar - https://buff.ly/sa6nJEM
• Making cent$ of carbon and emissions on-farm Webinar - https://buff.ly/bPmksM9
• Water-smart management strategies Webinar - https://buff.ly/3yRYxbt
• Making Sense of ASBVs & Selection Indexes Webinar - https://buff.ly/FCS8LHu

You can learn more about our events and workshops, register your interest in attending or having one held in your region, or make any other suggestions or comments by completing the following form: https://forms.gle/5tjD4ij81ejt1qbQ9

Newsletter Articles Spring 2025

We’ve carefully crafted four articles for your perusal to support you through the next few months and set you up for future success.

Sustainable worm control with summer-autumn drenching

Hot, dry WA summers once supported “summer drenching,” but this approach drives drench resistance by leaving resistant worms to multiply. Current advice is a summer–autumn drenching program guided by Worm Egg Counts, with strategies like refugia, drench rotation and combination treatments. This article explains how to slow resistance, when to drench different sheep classes across rainfall zones, and how WEC tests support sustainable worm control.

Mastering Sheep Breeding Values and Selection Indexes

Getting started with ASBVs and Selection Indexes can help woolgrowers make faster, smarter breeding decisions and improve flock profitability. This article breaks down the basics, including how ASBVs work, what Selection Indexes do and practical steps stud and commercial breeders are taking to make these tools work for you.

Optimising management of grazing stubbles

Crop stubbles can be a handy feed source over summer, but their quality declines quickly once the grain is eaten. Planning ahead is key to getting the best out of them. This article provides the key stubble grazing strategies to help you keep your flock in good condition this summer.

Water-Smart Wool: How to Make the Most of Every Drop

Getting started with water-smart management on-farm can boost productivity and future-proof your wool business. It’s not just about surviving dry seasons — understanding your water resources helps improve efficiency, sheep performance and profitability. This article breaks down the basics, including where water challenges lie, how to assess your system using simple tools, and what practical steps woolgrowers are already taking to make their water work for them.