Spring Plan 2026
The busiest season of the year.
Help your lambs get the best possible start, stay ahead of fast-growing grass and prepare for the challenges that arrive with warmer weather.
Spring priorities
Focus on the six things that matter most through spring.
Build Your Spring Plan
Complete each decision below. Open “How to do this” whenever you need the full guidance.
1Manage LambingDecide how you will monitor ewes and newborn lambs.Not startedMake this decision to save to My Block
What this means
Spring is all about observation. Most ewes won't need your help, but regular checks allow you to identify the small number of ewes or lambs that do.
Your job is to notice.
My Spring Plan
Why this matters
The sooner you notice a problem, the easier it usually is to fix.
How to do this+
Step 1: Check The Flock Every Day
You're mainly looking for:
- Ewes lambing
- Newborn lambs
- Lambs feeding
- Mismothering
- Weak lambs
- Ewes needing assistance
Step 2: Avoid Unnecessary Disturbance
Most ewes prefer to lamb quietly. Observe more than you interfere.
Step 3: Pay Extra Attention To
- Twins
- Triplets
- Older ewes
- First-time mothers
Most ewes lamb without assistance. The goal is simply to notice the few that don't.
Step 4: Confirm Your Lamb Drenching Plan
This is one of the few situations where a planned drenching schedule is appropriate.
- When lambs are expected to reach drenching age
- Which drench you intend to use
- How you'll monitor growth before and after drenching
This isn't necessarily the time to drench. It's simply the time to have a plan.
2Support Ewes & LambsReview ewe condition and decide whether supplementation is needed.Not startedMake this decision to save to My Block
What this means
Lambs grow quickly during spring. Healthy ewes produce more milk, raise stronger lambs and recover more quickly after lambing.
My Spring Plan
Why this matters
The first few weeks after lambing place enormous demand on ewes, particularly those raising twins or triplets.
How to do this+
Watch For
- Ewes losing condition
- Lambs falling behind
- Hungry lambs
- Poor milk production
If feed becomes limiting, supplements such as Lamber or Crystalyx can help support lactating ewes—particularly those raising twins or triplets.
Feed the ewe well and she'll usually feed the lamb well.
3Adjust Your Grazing RotationDecide when to move from winter management into spring growth.Not startedMake this decision to save to My Block
What this means
Don't rush into shortening your rotation just because it's spring. Continue your winter rotation until temperatures rise and grass genuinely begins getting ahead of the sheep.
My Spring Rotation
Why this matters
Changing too early can waste valuable recovery. Changing too late allows pasture quality to decline.
How to do this+
Step 1: Continue Your Winter Rotation
Continue your winter rotation until the grass genuinely begins getting ahead of the sheep.
Step 2: Look At Your Paddocks
Ask yourself: “Are sheep beginning to leave noticeably more grass behind than they were a few weeks ago?”
If yes, it's probably time to move into your Spring rotation.
Step 3: Map Your Spring Grazing System
Open the Map My Block guide → and Google Earth. Draw the order you'll graze each paddock.
Unlike winter, you probably won't need as many grazing shifts. The goal now is to stay ahead of fast-growing grass.
Step 4: Combine Grazing Shifts Where Appropriate
If you're not lambing, or grass is growing much faster than the sheep can eat it, consider opening two grazing shifts together. The routine stays exactly the same. Only the amount of pasture changes.
Step 5: Leave Flexibility
Your Spring rotation will probably change more than any other season. Don't worry if you redraw it several times. The map should change with the grass.
Don't follow the calendar. Follow the grass.
4Stay Ahead Of Spring HealthRecord worm risk, feet status and lamb growth.Not startedMake this decision to save to My Block
What this means
Warmer temperatures increase the risk of worms, lameness and other health issues. Regular observation usually identifies problems before they become serious.
My Health Plan
Why this matters
Healthy sheep grow faster and make better use of spring pasture.
How to do this+
Worm Risk
Watch lamb growth, scouring and sheep falling behind.
Lameness
Watch for limping, sore feet and sheep standing apart or kneeling to eat.
Lamb Growth
Watch for slower lambs, poor milk and sheep losing condition.
Open Are Any Sheep Falling Behind? →
Healthy sheep usually tell you they're healthy by growing well.
5Tailing, Tagging & CastratingPlan, complete and record your lamb procedures.Not startedMake this decision to save to My Block
What this means
Most lambs are tailed during spring for long-term health benefits such as reducing the chance of flystrike. This is also the time to identify lambs by year born and castrate ram lambs where appropriate.
My Plan
Why this matters
Doing these jobs at the right age usually makes them easier on both you and the lambs.
How to do this+
Step 1: Choose The Right Time
Most people complete these jobs when lambs are around 3–8 weeks old. Avoid leaving them too late.
Step 2: Prepare Everything First
- Applicator
- Rubber rings
- Disinfectant
- Ear tags and tagger
Step 3: Draft A Simple Plan
- Where you'll work—ideally yards or a similar area
- Who will help
- How ewes and lambs will be separated
- How lambs will be caught and who will do that
- Whether the weather is suitable
Wet, muddy conditions increase the risk of infection after docking and castration.
Step 4: Complete The Procedure
How To Tag Lambs →
How To Dock Lambs →
How To Castrate Lambs →
Step 5: Record What You've Done
Come back to the Spring Plan and save the date completed and number of lambs.
Step 6: Observe Afterwards
- Normal behaviour
- Ewes finding lambs
- No signs of infection
Prepare everything before you catch the first lamb.
6Prepare For Shearing & FlystrikeConfirm shearing and begin monitoring for early flystrike.Not startedMake this decision to save to My Block
What this means
As temperatures rise, wool and flies become increasingly important. Preparing early usually prevents bigger problems later.
My Plan
Why this matters
Good timing helps sheep stay comfortable and reduces the risk of flystrike as the weather warms.
How to do this+
Watch For
- Dirty wool
- Dags
- Warm humid weather
- Early fly activity
- Sheep biting or rubbing
- Discoloured patches of wool
Book shearing well before it becomes urgent. The final three months of the year are a busy period for shearers, so booking early helps ensure you are taken care of.
Flystrike is easier to prevent than treat.
Your Spring Plan
A live summary of your saved Spring decisions.
How I Manage Spring
Read the complete practical guide to spring grazing, lamb management, sheep health and preparing for warmer weather.
Read the Spring Guide →Spring Decision Guides
Remember
Spring changes quickly. You don't need to predict the whole season today.
Build your plan, observe your sheep and make small adjustments as the season unfolds.
The best Spring plans evolve with the grass.