Conditions across the Central West continue to deteriorate with below average rainfall forecast for the next three months.
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With many producers now hand feeding their remaining livestock, Central West Local Land Services (LLS) staff are urging them to ensure they are constantly looking at the current and future cost of inputs to ensure they can make informed decisions around livestock management.
Central West LLS district vet, Erica Kennedy, Nyngan, said informed decision making is vital in current conditions.
During drought conditions it is important to understand the energy requirements of livestock which can increase as much as two to three times in pregnant or lactating stock.
Quality feed is important and under the current conditions that can mean significant financial investment.
Feed tests are encouraged as they provide an accurate reading of the energy levels of feed, allowing producers to understand exactly what they are paying for and feeding their stock.
“Things are tight for producers. It’s important that they have a clear understanding of the cost of feeding stock so they can make an informed decision about if or when to sell,” Ms Kennedy said
To support landholders in the decision making process, Central West LLS have partnered with RaynerAg and Landcare to roll out a series of workshops to assist producers in the decision making process.
The workshops will allow producers to look at planning a cash-flow budget to readjust strategies based on feeding or selling for the remainder of 2018, resource budget of feed and water based on requirements for stock and resetting key trigger points for livestock.
Little River Landcare project officer, Mel Kiel, said producers are under pressure at the moment and many are time poor due to their feeding schedule.
“These workshops are a great opportunity for them to stop and evaluate the financial impacts of feeding livestock and help them allocate limited resources effectively” Ms Kiel said.
The free workshops will be held across the region throughout August, commencing with Yeoval on August 1. Other locations include Dubbo, Coonabarabran, Albert, Nyngan, Coonamble, Forbes, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo respectively.
To find out more about these workshops or other Central West Local Land Services events, visit centralwest.lls.nsw.gov.au.
