The summer of 2024 was the driest on record here in southern Tasmania. This resulted in us spending more than double of our normal feed bill on hay and silage. To cope with the extreme conditions we invested in new infrastructure including a silo, cattle feeders and water troughs. Unfortunately January and February 2025 have been equally dry.
We learnt a number of lessons (or re-remembered) from 2024, including carefully recording weekly use and remaining inventory of hay, silage and pellets, and assessing stock water availability regularly.
While we were well set up for winter feeding, it became clear that in a severe summer drought we were vulnerable. A number of paddocks could not be used as dams dried up and additional hay and silage became extremely difficult to source.
Putting in four new water troughs that sourced water from our more reliable dams enable us to graze all our paddocks. While installing a silo, pellet handling equipment (Jacky bin) and purchasing more feeder’s enabled us to source high quality feed at a competitive price and improve the efficiency of our feeding out.
Managing stud stock under these conditions adds an extra dimension of complexity. We maintained an active AI and ET program during 2024 and and for these animals we placed even more emphasis on good nutrition, ensuring that we maintained the recipients and donors in good body condition, and that they had access to mineral lick blocks at all times. For these stock we endeavoured to provide feed with high energy (carbohydrates) and moderate protein levels.
The shear amount of time required each day in putting out feed and in keeping the feeders flowing was challenging. Despite this we did ensure the continued collection of a full range of performance data on all the stud animals, to ensure that our genetics remained backed by robust data.
We found the “Drought Feeding and Management of Beef Cattle – A Guide for Farmers and Land Managers” to be an excellent resource. https://www.feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Beef-cattle-drought-feeding-guide.pdf
