The problem

Local producer who owns a slaughter facility and imports mature/cull sheep for slaughtering and markets whole and halve mutton to restaurants was missing out on easily obtained net profits for his mutton business by not properly feeding or handling the sheep that he was holding for a short period before slaughter. 

Educational Program. 

I worked one on one with the producer on how to evaluate the sheep as they were unloaded and how to  cheaply and organically (so their would be no residual residue issue) worm those that needed it. We also used examples from a local flock on how to notice when a sheep is showing early signs of sickness or general unthriftiness. we also discussed the benefit of selecting healthy but thin ewes to remove from each group and feed grain and quality hay for a period of time until they are able to gain weight. 

Response. 

The producer responded by running the numbers, he determined that simply working the healthy but thin ewes and holding them for 3-5 weeks and feeding grain and forage he could on paper increase his net profit of over .50$ per pound of gain. He is currently putting this into practice.