Managing stock in dry times
Without improvement in seasonal conditions, animal welfare considerations are critical when managing stock during dry times, when feed and water resources are under pressure.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is not an easy time for stock owners, whether on a large or small scale.
But Local Land Services reminds land managers that good information and resources are available from the NSW Government Depatment of Primary Industries’ DroughtHub.
Visit Droughthub for animal welfare assistance, help and wellbeing, finance and loans, skills and training, and other drought related information.
With much of the state in drought or approaching drought, stock owners across NSW need to make decisions to effectively manage their stock.
Your livestock and other farm animals are your responsibility and it is up to you to plan and prepare for their welfare.
By being proactive and making decisions early, you will help ensure good animal welfare outcomes and compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTA).
Understand your circumstances and the options available to you. Seek help and consider expert advice on seasonal conditions, feed, fodder and stock market prices.
Act early. Early intervention ensures good animal welfare outcomes. Prepare a stock management plan to outline arrangements and support early intervention. Develop plans around destocking, stock movement and transport where required. Review feeding and fodder strategies. Develop pasture grazing plans. Implement sacrifice paddocks to protect new pastures and ground cover across the property. Implement business planning and strategic thinking in consultation with your bank, accountant or financial planner. Refer to Droughthub for more information.
Be aware of your legal and moral obligations. You have a legal responsibility to get it right. It is an offence not to ensure the welfare of your animals.
And seek help. The NSW Government is committed to working with you to ensure you get the right help and advice to manage stock during dry times and ensure good animal welfare outcomes.