On the family property Bindaree, west of Berridale, Lawrence Clifford acknowledges he is definitely a lot better off than many landholders across the Monaro; but he is not complacent in preparing for what could be a long dry summer before the season does break.
"We've got two silos full, one of grain and one of pellets and I will buy some hay when I can," the third generation farmer said.
"We usually conserve a reasonable amount of hay and silage but the last couple of years have been too dry."
Mr Clifford last made hay two years ago and silage eight years ago but he still has a store of silage which he is feeding to his cattle.
"The seasons have definitely become drier," he said.
"But we've been lucky. I started feeding at the beginning of winter to keep our stock in good condition but was able to stop in the middle of October because there was enough pasture for the sheep."
Mr Clifford has kept feeding silage to his cattle and although he hasn't yet sold any stock other than normal sales of surplus sheep or cattle, he closely monitors the feed situation as he prepares for a dry summer.
"Going into spring we are in a good position, but our pasture growth has not been as good as we liked," he said.
"That does put some pressure on our stocking rates and although the stock are still in good condition it might be a good time to sell those sheep who are really finding the season tough."
There are some advantages in having a dry season test the constitution of his flock and Mr Clifford has identified his oldest commercial ewes as the first to go, if he decides to cut numbers rather than purchase feed for them.
"We will be better off to keep the best of our younger ewes, which should be more productive," he said.
"At least a dry season helps sort out the poor doers and it will also give me a chance to go through all our age groups of ewes and take out the very worst.
"I will also re-class the weaners and sell the bottom end, I will go a bit harder on them and we will still have a very productive flock."
Mr Clifford has already sold some of his older cows and is now down to core breeders.
"I will make a decision if the season gets any worse, but am prepared to sell all the cattle while they are in very good condition."
Meanwhile Mr Clifford and his son Clinton will keep feeding when and for as long as necessary.
"It is not so much of a struggle if you have a plan and some direction," he said.
Keeping an eye on the seasonal outlook
Stock numbers will be reduced at Bindaree near Berridale if Lawrence Clifford decides it best to sell rather than feed.
"At least our sheep are in good condition and should attract a good price," he said.
"Prices for stock through this drought have been exceptional and something I have never seen before."
Mr Clifford noted it was the worst drought he had experienced since assuming the management of the 590ha property in 2005.
His grandfather had purchased the original block in 1937 and subsequent additions had brought it to its present size.
Mr Clifford can remember his grandfather and father catching eels and trout in the stream, which used to flow through the property, but it has only run intermittently for many years.
"In the 1980s drought Dad said we had enough water but no feed for a year and half," he said.
"But this time our water is running out although we have had some pasture growth."
Looking to the future, Mr Clifford is adamant in maintaining the genetic direction of his Merino flock which he has bred to a good standard and he will perpetuate that lift in production levels.
"It is pretty important to keep our productivity through this drought," he said.
"It is hard, but it will rain again and good seasons will return and I want to be in a position to take advantage of the demand for quality stock when that does happen. We hope it is not too far away."
