The Department of Primary Industries is taking seasonal advice to farmers over the next few weeks. The "Cuppa and Feed" information and advice sessions are being held in local communities where farmers and landholders can access all the information they need as well as networking.
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A group of around 20 local farmers met at the Gundillion Hall at Krawarree, about 40 kilometres to the south-west of Braidwood, on Thursday morning, to hear LLS Agricultural Advisor, Helen Smith, and vet, Louise Baskind, talk about the seasonal outlook and best management for land and stock across the coming spring and summer. With no drought-breaking rain forecast in the short or medium term, the focus was on decisions to be made regarding feeding and destocking.
Ms Smith said that the Cuppa and Feed sessions were focused on the key questions for the season. "We're looking at things like the circumstances surrounding whether or not to keep animals, when and how to feed them, water availability and quality", she said. "The important thing is to get out to different locations to help farmers think through the issues". As well as the agricultural advisors and vets, the Cuppa and Feed mornings are also attended by the rural financial counsellor, rural mental health counsellors and other allied professionals.
In the Southern Tablelands region, the soil moisture is at the bottom 25 percent. Ms Smith said that the Bureau's seasonal outlook is that the region has "an equal likelihood of receiving its median rainfall for the season", but she stressed that these outlooks are typically inaccurate and that warming means that readings are frequently out by quite a bit.
The advice to farmers regarding destocking is to sell off low value animals. These may be ewes or cows that did not become pregnant or which had difficulties in birthing or raising lambs or calves. Also consider carefully stock with poor conformation or poor temperament. Both Ms Smith and Dr Baskind stressed the importance of having a plan for destocking and dealing with animals and to look ahead across the whole season at the pros and cons of destocking versus feeding.
LLS offices have water quality and feed quality testing kits available. Farmers are also encouraged to ensure they have an up to date biosecurity plan. Ms Smith said that when farmers are buying in hay and other feed, there is always a risk of importing weeds and other noxious plants, the spread of which can compromise their pasture.
- The DPI's publication, "Managing and preparing for drought 2018" is available at LLS offices and can be downloaded from droughthub.nsw.gov.au