Consider seasonal adjustment of stock to suit the conditions

The maximum number of stock that can be carried year-round is usually limited by pasture availability during the period of lowest feed supply. This is usually during the autumn–winter period in both summer and winter rainfall zones. It is critical to get the time of lambing right to optimise the number of ewes that can be carried through the period of lowest feed supply. 
 

The four tools available to manipulate feed demand to better match with feed supply are: 

• Overall farm stocking rate — Consider regional benchmarks for stocking rates or seek advice from local advisors on what is a realistic overall stocking rate given the location, the pasture species, soil types and soil fertility. 
• Time of lambing — During pregnancy, ewe feed requirements double. At 30-day lactation, energy requirements of ewes rearing twin lambs are more than three times that of dry ewes. Match mid-lactation with peak pasture growth to better match feed supply and demand. 
• Time of sale — When surplus stock are sold can markedly affect feed demand. For example, selling cast-for-age ewes before summer-autumn in winter-dominant rainfall areas. Lamb or wether sales can be varied depending on seasonal conditions. 
• Reproductive rate — When making breeding and selection decisions to improve the reproductive performance of your flock, a higher twinning percentage can better utilise peaks in spring feed supply. Keep in mind that the feed demand of ewes rearing twins is 25% higher than for those rearing single lambs.