More than 30 contractors, partners and staff from NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia attended the 3rd National Sheep Dipping Contractors Forum held in Moama recently.

Sponsored by Elanco, the program addressed sheep lice treatment options, dipping best practice principles, improving sheep flow through stockyards, and working dog training, as well as providing plenty of time for social activities.

Guest speakers included Elanco territory manager, David Rathbone; Elanco technical services consultant, Craig Stevenson; Atlex Stockyards designer, Jane Falepau, Wagga Wagga; Doghouse Training principal, Ian O’Connell, Port Fairy; Live & Love Livestock Services principal, Matt Craig, Wagga Wagga; and Farm Assist Stock Handling principal, Lisa Virgona, from Derrinallum, Victoria.

McLennan Transport principal, Luke McLennan, and Farm Assist Stock Handling principal, Lisa Virgona,
both from Derrinallum with Elanco territory manager, Luke Drechsler.  

Elanco national sales manager, Jamie Dowsley, said dipping remains an important method of controlling lice.

“About one third of all sheep treated for lice are dipped – and the vast majority of these treatments are applied by contractors,” he said.

“By way of example, the attendees at this year’s forum account for about 40% of all the sheep dipped in Australia each year."

Given a heavy infestation of lice on sheep with an 18-micron fleece can cost about $17.51 per head in reduction of clean fleece value alone, the contractors present collectively add about $61 million in value to the Australian sheep and wool industry.

Elanco territory manager, David Rathbone, with Matt Craig and
Kynon ‘Weeman’ Phillips from Live & Love Livestock, Wagga Wagga.

“As a leading supplier of lice control treatments, Elanco is delighted to sponsor this important event,” Mr Dowsley said.

“It provides an important opportunity for dipping contractors and their staff to network with their peers and to share their tips and tricks.”