Boost lamb returns with urea

29 March 2011

Boost lamb returns with urea

Rising lamb prices have given farmers a chance to boost their returns through tactical fertiliser applications, says Ballance Agri-Nutrients’ Head of Research and Environment, Warwick Catto.

‘At this time of year, boosting feed supply is a fast track way to increase weight gain on finishing lambs or achieve liveweight gains on ewes prior to tupping.

‘A $3.08 investment, or 2 kg of nitrogen as urea, will yield 20 kgs of dry matter for lambs being finished and will convert to an extra 1 kg of carcase weight. With lambs fetching $6 a kilo, spending $3 on a kilo of urea to boost grass growth is a sure fire way to almost double your money.

‘An excellent return can also come from liveweight gains on lighter ewes (6 kg DM/kg LWt) and the subsequent impact this has in lifting lambing percentages.’

He says rising lamb prices mean an autumn investment in urea makes good economic sense, particularly for farmers with intensive finishing parcels. The critical step to ensuring extra feed generates a good return is achieving a high level of pasture utilisation.

‘My advice to farmers is to hold on to your lambs, use nitrogen to increase their weight and make the most of good prevailing prices.’

Mr Catto said that farmers could consider applying nitrogen with maintenance fertiliser applications this autumn. Pasturezeal G2 or pasturemag are good options for consideration.

For more information talk to your local Technical Sales Representative on 0800 222 090.

ENDS

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