“Informed decision making is vital in the current conditions,” says Central West Local Land Services Nyngan-based District Vet Erica Kennedy.
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Conditions across the Central West continue to deteriorate and the Bureau of Meteorology predicts below average rainfall patterns will continue for the next three months.
With many producers now hand feeding their remaining livestock, Central West Local Land Services staff are urging them to ensure they can make informed decisions around livestock management.
During drought conditions it is important to understand the energy requirements of livestock, they explained. This can increase as much as two- 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.
“Things are tight for producers,” Erica said.
“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.”
Central West Local Land Services have partnered with RaynerAg and Landcare to roll out a series of workshops to assist producers in the decision making process.
The workshops will 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 it was a great opportunity for producers to evaluate the financial impacts of feeding livestock, and allocate limited resources effectively.
“Producers are under pressure at the moment and many are time poor due to their feeding schedule,” he said.
The free workshop will come to the Forbes Inn from midday to 4pm on August 21.
This is a free event with lunch included, to RSVP please contact Mel Kiel on 6846 4569 or projects@littleriverlandcare.com.au.
The LLS is hosting less formal chats each Wednesday morning, districts vets are available in the Sherriff Street office from 9am to 11am.
