Transforming sheep production with Lifetime Ewe Management (LTEM)

Empowering sheep producers for long-term success

RIST and Australian Wool Innovation’s (AWI) Lifetime Ewe Management (LTEM) program continues to prove its value as an essential training opportunity for sheep producers across Australia. The program equips farmers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to improve ewe productivity and reproductive performance year in, year out.

“It unifies the language and the skills across the team,” says Tim Leeming, respected livestock consultant and long-time LTEM trainer. Whether a family-run enterprise or a large-scale operation with multiple employees, LTEM fosters consistent understanding and decision-making across farm teams. Participants learn to accurately assess condition score and pasture quality, and develop practical strategies to optimise flock outcomes.

During six sessions delivered across a 12-month period, participants apply learning in real time, seeing the direct benefits of their management decisions unfold. “Because it’s over 12 months, you see the results of what you’re doing put into practice,” explains Georgie, a farm manager from Nareen, Victoria. “I’ve enjoyed learning about what I’m doing on the farm at a deeper level.”

For Charlie Bennett, who returned to the family sheep farm in Dergholm, Victoria, LTEM has become a go-to resource. “We’ve definitely taken a few tips off the program and implemented them. We’re seeing good results,” he shares. “If something goes wrong, we know how to act, instead of going in blind.”

Why LTEM matters

LTEM is not just another program – it’s a practical, hands-on system that supports producers to make confident, informed decisions in the face of changing seasons and ongoing industry pressures. With a focus on ewe nutrition, condition scoring, lamb marking percentage, and pasture utilisation, LTEM delivers both immediate impact and improved long-term sustainability.

Registration’s for the spring 2025 intake are now open 

Registrations for the next LTEM intake are open now, offering a valuable opportunity for producers to take control of their sheep enterprise with data-backed insights and practical tools.

Learn more about the benefits of the Lifetime Ewe Management program at the button below.