David Blackwood

Product Range: MegaMin Extra Sulphur, MegaMin Graze & Grow and MegaMin Extra Sulphur Block

Region: Ballandean, QLD

For several seasons Ballandean has seen the benefits of supplementing with Sulphur.

• Increased weight gain
• Reduced buffalo fly and other parasites
• Improved utilisation of paddocks
• Increased wool growth

During his years at Ballandean Station, David Blackwood was a strong advocate for MegaMin Extra Sulphur at strategic times of the year.

EXTRA WEIGHT GAIN

Last year, stock that were grazing silk sorghum with access to MegaMin Extra Sulphur performed better with improved weight gain and better utilisation of the paddock.

“These steers grazed the sorghum to the ground, and ended up going over the intended weight for the feedlot market.”

REDUCED BUFFALO FLY

Last summer was the worst buffalo fly season they had seen. David had cattle on MegaMin Extra Sulphur running alongside cattle with no access to extra Sulphur. When asked what the results were this is what they had to say:

“There were clearly more buffalo fly on the stock with no sulphur this meant they were more agitated, and not able to graze so well and could not put on the kilos. Cattle with the extra sulphur still had a few fly, but with only a 4-strand barbed wire fence between them, we were amazed at how visible the difference was. Now I’m a firm believer in using sulphur to aid buffalo fly control and I also see potential benefits to help control internal and external parasites in sheep.”

SAFE EFFECTIVE SUPPLEMENT

Previously sheep had been lost on the station through urea poisoning and MegaMin has provided a safe, economical and effective alternative to urea based supplements.

Results speak for themselves
“MegaMin has proven itself in the performance of our livestock. The added bonus of the MegaMin supplements is that they benefit all stock, and with horses in the paddocks as well, we don’t have to worry about any health issues with urea.”

MegaMin Graze & Grow Producing Massive Weight Gains Despite Drought

• Increased weight gain despite drought (0.7kg/day)
• Improved dry feed utilisation

The tough conditions in the 2013/14 drought provided the ideal time to introduce MegaMin Graze & Grow into the paddocks at Ballandean Station. In September 2013, store steers weighing 450 – 480kg were split into two mobs. Graze & Grow was introduced to one mob to increase intake of dry feed while the second mob was supplemented with minerals only. Following a dry winter with no follow up rain, the conditions extended into a severe drought with a lack of protein in the paddock.

Initially, steers running on dry, frosted lovegrass and native grasses had an average compensatory weight gain of 34kg/head (1.8kg/day) in the first 2 weeks of the trial. At the end of the trial period late in February 2014, steers had an average weight of 580kg with a top weight of 725kg. The average growth was 130kg over 180 days or 0.72kg/day despite severe drought conditions. Highlighting how tough paddock conditions were, the 2nd group supplemented with minerals only gained less than 0.1kg/day.

The crucial difference was that the steers supplemented with Graze & Grow gained weight and were sold direct to the abattoir while the 2nd group of steers weren’t finished and had to be sent to a feedlot. This trial also identified the need for varying salt levels to cater for district variations in soil type and salt requirements.

SEE THE RESULTS!