Producers need to continue assessing their livestock situation.
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As the current dry seasonal conditions continue, animals will be experiencing the effects of less feed in the paddock, so to help your livestock make it through this dry period, some timely decisions need to be made.
Producers should examine their options carefully and consider factors such as:
- Have I got enough supplementary feed on hand?
- If not, will I be able to source it at a reasonable price?
- Is agistment an option, what is the cost and how far will my stock have to travel?
- Do I need to sell some stock now to ensure I can maintain my core breeders?
Considering these issues and a well-constructed plan is valuable in assisting producers with the decision-making process.
Allowing livestock to go hungry and become malnourished is not an option, and legislation exists which enables prosecution of those who allow this to happen.
Agriculture Victoria has developed specific information on feeding and management for livestock in drought. These books help producers break down the daunting planning phase into manageable steps that can be used to plan a successful way forward.
The Drought Feeding and Management of beef cattle and sheep guides are available at http://go.vic.gov.au/5lxjdM
If you have specific questions for Agriculture Victoria animal health or veterinary officers, please call us on 136 186, or in NSW your Local Land Services.
A schedule of activities, farm management and climate outlook information, and a summary of other support and services is available on the Agriculture Victoria website www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons
