Addressing the immediate impacts of fire on livestock and livestock producers led to the provision of emergency fodder at the Kempsey Showground and Grafton DPI site over the last few weeks. Both theses sites will be closing in the next few weeks with the Kempsey Showground closing on Friday 6 December and the Grafton DPI site will close on Friday 13 December.
NSW Local Land Services (LLS) and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) established the emergency fodder distribution points across the fire-affected regions to provide emergency fodder in support of animal welfare needs in the critical initial stages of the emergency.
North Coast LLS General Manager, Louise Orr, said staff at the emergency fodder distribution sites and fire grounds, have been working tirelessly to provide emergency fodder and stock water, animal assessment, stock euthanasia and burial, livestock feeding and management advice and care of animals in evacuation centres.
‘As the distribution points are winding back operations, support for impacted primary producers and communities will continue as long-term recovery support commences. Support will continue to be provided through the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647,’ Ms Orr said.
Planning for summer
While the immediate impacts of the fire are receding LLS are reminding producers that they need to plan ahead for a summer of drought and how they are going to feed and water their stock.
According to the LLS the entire region is drought impacted, with close to 83 per cent of the region now classified as being in intense drought. Ms Orr said with drought and in some areas bushfires now impacting producers, it’s more important than ever to be planning ahead.
‘While many producers have made the difficult choice to destock, we know there are still lots of landholders trying to hang onto their stock, despite issues with feed and water availability. We are urging producers to make realistic feed and water budgets and honestly consider their options” said Ms Orr.
Nathan Jennings senior land services officer said as temperatures increase water requirements of stock also increase. Supplementary feed remains expensive and difficult to source due to the widespread drought.
‘It is crucial that producers take time to consider the workload as well as the emotional and financial costs of ongoing feeding and what other options there might be,’ said Mr Jennings.
In some cases, the best option is to look to further, reduce stock numbers. With Christmas fast approaching closing dates of saleyards and processing facilities need to be considered. Details of the last sales and reopening dates are listed below.
· Lismore Last Sale Tuesday 10 December, reopens Tuesday 7 January
· Grafton Last Sale Thursday 12 December, reopens Tuesday 7 January
· Kempsey Last Sale Saturday 14 December, reopens Saturday 4 January
· Casino Last Sale Wednesday 18 December reopens Wednesday 8 January
‘Due to current seasonal conditions many processors are already booked up into the New Year and there may be a wait to get cattle in, but please contact your processor to discuss your individual circumstances,’ said Mr Jennings.
‘If you are purchasing stock feed make sure you speak with your local feed supplier now to source quality feed.’
North Coast Local Land Services is offering free feed testing. Testing helps producers be confident purchased fodder will meet the nutritional requirements of their stock.
Drought support has changed in NSW. Landholders are encouraged to visit the DPI Droughthub for information on the services and support available during drought conditions.
Eligible farmers and small business on the North Coast that were hit by the recent NSW bushfires can now access recovery grants of up to $15,000. To apply for a bushfire recovery grant, primary producers and small businesses should contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/
If you need advice to help you make decisions about whether to feed or sell your livestock please contact one of our
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