Now is the time for producers to assess their livestock situation as we wait for the autumn break.
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Livestock may start to experience the effects of a shortfall of adequate paddock feed.
To ensure they make it through this period, some timely decisions need to be made.
Producers need to examine their situation and look at their options carefully and ask themselves questions 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 possible cost and how far will my stock need to travel?
- Do I need to sell some stock now?
A careful assessment on your options needs to be made.
A well-constructed plan is a valuable tool in your decision-making process.
By using a timeline with details such as "if it has not rained by this date, I need to sell 100 wethers" often significantly relieves the pressure on producers and the appropriate actions they need to take.
Allowing livestock to simply go hungry is never an option.
Animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria's reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can in turn affect all producers.
There is legislation which enables prosecution of those who allow this to happen.