Atlex Stockyards can help you with all your Sheep Yard and Cattle Yard OH & S issues
New Designer Joins the Atlex Team
Tom brings extensive experience in livestock management, encompassing 3,000 breeding ewes for both wool and prime lamb. Tom is passionate about livestock, and he understands first-hand the need for highly efficient stockwork operations to minimise costs yet maximise profits.
Tom is looking forward to meeting you (our valued customers) over the next couple of months at one of our Field Day displays in Victoria:
Sheepvention, Hamilton, 2 - 3 August 2010
Mallee Field Days, Speed, 4 - 5 August 2010
Elmore Field Days, Elmore, 5 - 7 October 2010
I will continue to be based on our family farm in Woorndoo, near Lake Bolac. I have been managing the livestock on our farm since 1995.
2. What was your first job?
I've worked on the land my whole life - the land is my passion! My first job was as a farmhand in Lake Bolac where I learnt important livestock handling skills in breeding programs as well as a private feedlot. Of course the usual tractor driving in cropping season and all aspects of fencing were also part of my job!
3. What are the highlights of your farming career to date?
I believe I've achieved a lot since returning home after graduating from Marcus Oldham. This has included:
a. expansion of sheep flock to current winter stocking rates in excess of 16DSE/Ha, while improving wool and lambing yields through improved pasture maintenance. Two year old ewes this year cut above 6.8kg of skirted fleece micron average.
b. Incorporation of six separate flocks of different breeding into a single uniform flock through the use of selective culling and selective breeding from a single stud.
c. Introduction of prime lamb production finishing around 1,800 - 2,000 lambs annually to local store markets.
d. Implementation of a drench control program to minimise risk of work resistance on the property.
e. Consult and assist with the design of whole farm plan incorporating drainage, laneways, shelterbelts and fencing according to soil types, enabling better utilisation of available land.
f. Making the decision to purchase Atlex sheepyards - the ease of livestock handling now has impressed me considerably!!
4. What do you think is the key to efficient stock handling?
Stock handling needs to be efficient, safe and cost-effective! Farmers are constantly looking for innovative ways to transform stockwork into a one-man-and-your-dog type operation.
5. What will your new Atlex role involve?
Primarily I will be travelling throughout Victoria and South Australia to work with clients to design sheep and cattle yards to best suit their site and requirements. At Atlex we use robotic technology to ensure accuracy and it is a two way process involving the input of all the yard users.
6. Will you still be involved in your family farm while working for Atlex?
Yes, I expect to be working with Atlex approximately 30 hours per week and continue to work on our farm as required.
7. What do you like to do in your (limited!) spare time?
Spare time is definitely rare - but I like being kept busy! I have been an active member of both Landcare and the CFA Brigade for a few years. Farm Fencing and regeneration of native trees with 30km plantations keeps us busy, as well as fencing 150ha swamps for salt reclamation purposes. I've also been involved in controlled burns and skills training with the CFA.
If I have any spare time outside this, I love to water ski, travel or get my hands dirty with wood work and metal work.
Come and meet with Tom at one of the Victorian Spring field days -he'll be able to help you transform your livestock operation so you're as impressed as he was!
