After a career as a sheep scientist and adviser, Noel O'Dempsey is relishing the challenge of practising what he preached at his Traprock property.
Drought survival strategies have been the priority since he purchased the Traprock property Linallie south of Texas in 2000.
Now enjoying his best spring after recent good rains, Mr O'Dempsey is confident there is a future for wool for committed sheep producers.
"While there hasn't been much money these past few dry seasons, sheep can be profitable if you work at it," he said.
"However, I can understand the attraction of switching to cattle which require less intensive management as the relative economics get closer."
Mr O'Dempsey studied veterinary science at the University of Queensland and joined the then Department of Primary Industries soon after graduating in 1977.
He specialised in sheep research and extension for 22 years, based in Western Queensland at Roma, Blackall and Charleville for all except 12 months..
"Running my own sheep property was something I wanted to do for a while and I was pleased when the opportunity came along to buy Linallie," he said.
The 3450ha property was carrying just over 2000 sheep during the worst of the drought, but numbers have now been built back up to about 4200.
"The place is not huge and it gives me time to do things off-farm," Mr O'Dempsey said.
He works as a veterinary consultant and has also taken on the role of South East Region Co-ordinator for Leading Sheep, a producer extension network.
He has also been an active participant in the local producer group Traprock Wool.
"One of the concerns I had leaving the DPI&F was that I would lose my information flow," he said.
"It's been important to maintain outside links with the industry and other producers to keep me grounded.
"The Leading Sheep network is a model of service delivery which is helping our industry to progress.
"Producers are encouraged to be proactive and seek out the information they need to get the best out of their enterprise.
"We can all learn by sharing our experiences with each other. The network keeps people in touch which is really positive for the industry."
With his interest in sheep husbandry and breeding, Mr O'Dempsey has maintained a ewe flock while running about 2000 wethers on his property.
He has an emphasis on producing healthy sheep, selecting rams for worm resistance with an active worm egg counting strategy to minimise the need for drenching.
Mr O'Dempsey has bred a flock with significantly finer wool while maintaining fleece weights.
About 1000 selected sheep are coated to maximise wool quality and attract premium prices.
Productivity of the property has been improved with the use of superphosphate and improved pastures and he has in interest in Old Man Saltbush for intensive grazing.
Mr O'Dempsey said the availability of skilled labour and the need to encourage young people into the sheep industry were key issues for the future.
"We are particularly keen to involve young producers in the Leading Sheep network where we can benefit from their enthusiasm and they can gain valuable experience," Mr O’Dempsey said.
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