Finding a sheep dipping contractor in your local area has never been easier, thanks to the new BESTWOOL/BESTLAMB Dipping Map and availability calendar.

Launched recently on the BESTWOOL/BESTLAMB website, with support from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), the Dipping Map shows contractors in your local area and the dates they will be available, making it easy for producers to schedule and book a suitable time.

According to Lyndon Kubeil, BESTWOOL/BESTLAMB Project Leader, the system is simple to access and utilise.

“To view contact details and dates of dipping contractors in your local area, hover over the coloured dots until a finger is displayed on the map, then click and the contact details of the available dipping contractor are displayed on screen,” Mr Kubeil said.

“The start and end date of each contractor’s availability is also displayed, so you can check your calendar for a suitable date and call the contractor directly.

“If no contractor dot appears in your area, there is also a full list of contractors underneath themap, displaying contact details and the services they offer.

“To date, the Dipping Calendar has had over 450 hits but we expect that number to rise significantly in the coming months,” Mr Kubeil said.

Dipping contractor Greg Richards said he expected the new system to work well. “Not only will this calendar and map assist producers but it also helps contractors plan their work. Producers will know when we will be in the area so they can book up to 4-5 months ahead, if they give us the information,” Mr Richards said.

“What we need as contractors is the number of sheep requiring dipping, locations if more than one, shearing date and some details regarding facilities at the producer’s site, such as water, power and labour supply – then we can schedule them in, it’s that easy.

“The information is all in one place – and if you can’t find what you need, just give your local contractor a call.”

Producers will need to ascertain costs, insurance and daily head amount able to be dipped, which will depend on logistics and number of sheep requiring dipping. Producers should ask this information when they contact the contractor.

Visit www.new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/beef-and-sheep/sheep/bestwoolbestlamb to view the map and calendar under the ‘Featured’ heading, or telephone DPI on 136 186 for further information.

^{Source: Victorian Department of Primary Industries}