The steps needed for monitoring faecal egg count are outlined in this practice abstract. Carrying out your own tests gives instant results and allows for greater flexibility in monitoring gastrointestinal nematode infections throughout the year. This may be especially important around lambing, when a greater number of transmission stages are on pasture. The costs of the test or equipment is quickly recouped from improved monitoring and management of parasites. The information presented in this abstract is relevant for all sheep farmers looking to reduce the use of deworming agents, which is especially relevant in organic farming.