What if a few simple tweaks to parasite management could help lambs grow faster, finish quicker and boost overall flock productivity?

That’s the question Elanco will be exploring during an interactive Q&A session on its stand at this year’s NSA Sheep Event, giving farmers the opportunity to hear others’ experiences, share ideas and discuss how parasite control strategies are evolving.

Drawing on findings from Elanco’s recent parasite survey of 360 farmers, the session will explore how parasite challenges and treatment timings are changing alongside shifting weather patterns, and what that means for flock performance.

“The discussion will focus on what farmers are seeing on their own farms, when and how they are testing, how those results are influencing management decisions, and the role group 4 and 5 wormers can play within wider flock health plans,” says Fiona Hutchings, ruminant technical and marketing manager at Elanco.

Joining the discussion will be Devon sheep farmer Richard Stanbury, of Weston Farm, who will share how everyday management decisions, such as body condition scoring, weighing, grazing management, and better use of flock data have helped him make more informed choices.

Richard has been working with consultants and advisers as part of a three-year project with Elanco to review current flock performance and identify ways to improve via data collection, regular body condition scoring and faecal egg counts.

The session forms part of Elanco’s new Better Butt campaign, which shines a spotlight on the importance of good worm management in supporting flock performance, explains Fiona.

“Whether it's improving lamb growth rates, increasing feed efficiency, getting lambs finished sooner or improving ewe condition, the campaign is designed to help farmers build on the good work already happening on farm to unlock a little bit more from their flock”, she says.  

Farmers interested in finding out whether there are easy wins to achieve extra performance on their own farm are encouraged to head to the Elanco stand at NSA Sheep Event, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, on 28 July at 2pm for the Q&A session.