Preparing for drought a necessity for producers

Some are questioning their enterprise mix. Many cattle producers (at least on the Central Tablelands), found it challenging to feed breeding cows last winter and spring.

In part this was because they fed a hay based ration, which was expensive and too low in energy and protein. Breeding cows are also more difficult to quit as they can’t be sold in late pregnancy or when they have small calves at foot.

Ewes can also be demanding in a drought although most sheep producers find that trail feeding or self-feeders work well. However lambing in a dry year is always challenging and like breeding cows, ewes are hard to quit in late pregnancy and lactation.

Over the years many farmers have run some merino wethers or steers in part because they are less labour and can be sold at any time if necessary.

Proponents of rotational grazing argue that their systems enable then to handle droughts better. They consider that with paddocks shut up in front of their stock, they can estimate their future feed supply and if necessary sell stock well before both stock and pastures deteriorate. They also comment that these systems favour perennial species that are more productive and respond rapidly to rain.

How much feed should be stored in preparation for drought? Neville McMichael, whose company has successfully run large farming enterprises across eastern Australia for many years, addressed this and other questions at a farmers’ gathering late last year. While acknowledging every enterprise is different, Neville likes to have three months feed on-hand.

Another topic of discussion is decision points for buying and selling stock. Of course this will also vary with the enterprise and the ability/willingness of the producer to feed through a drought. At least on the tablelands most agree that late April is an important decision point. If we don’t have adequate pasture and soil moisture, then we know we will have to feed until the spring. March-April often suits to sell not pregnant and less productive ewes and cows.

For spring calvers and lambers, June or July also provides another opportunity to quit stock before late pregnancy and lambing/calving. The next option for many is November December after early weaning.