How to improve foot structure

We spent a whole day and a bit last week scoring foot structure on each of our 2025 drop lambs. Not the most glamourous job I must say!

One of the neXtgen Agri team was scoring. James can keep that job as far as I'm concerned - collecting 8 different data points on every animal, while they cram forwards, push back or jump around. Sheep aren't known for their runway ability! I'd be dreaming about the numbers 1-5 by the end of the day if it was me...

Foot structure is something that is a widespread issue across the merino industry. It appears to me that if you see a stud without foot issues, they are most likely trimming them! Every place I've visited has pretty poor foot structure.

So it's been something we've focused quite heavily on for the last 4 years, when we culled close to a third of the ewes in one year. Given how pervasive it is across the industry, it's not a quick fix.

But it's important, especially for our clients out West where it can be many kilometres between water points.

"Sheep that work for you, not make work for you" only happens if the feet underneath them are sound.

Note that foot structure is different to Footrot. There is a project underway now that is developing Footrot breeding values, and will determine if better foot shape is correlated to better Footrot outcomes.

Feet are tricky - different years (soft vs hard ground) and different weight gains determine how much bad feet are expressed. You really do need to score to make meaningful improvements, but your time is likely better spent improving other things first.

I would recommend commercial growers start with culling the absolute worst in your mob, then work to improve via the rams you buy.

If you do want to take a crack at scoring the feet, head to the neXtgen Agri Resources page to download the scoring guide (Visual Appraisal Guide (AU)).

Finding the right rams

You've got to check what your stud breeder is doing. The main thing will be to see if they are trimming feet to hide the flaws. Check the rams you've bought in the past - what are their feet like now, on your place, with your management and soil? Ask the breeder what they are doing to improve their foot structure.

I won't pretend we've got it perfect yet. But we are well on the way to making our sheep even better adapted to the environment. While continuing to also push worm and fly resistance. All while improving the long, soft, white wool and great carcass.

Our ram sale is coming up on 23 September, so keep an eye on your inbox for more details over the next 6 weeks. Save the date if you haven't already.

If foot structure's given you grief in your own flock, drop a comment below! Always happy to talk it through.

Warm regards
Alan & the Rissmerino team