Talking tactics for the winter ahead with Local Land Services

RECORD-BREAKING saleyard numbers at Scone, Tamworth, and Dubbo signals that cattle producers are selling down, with Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) urging landholders to keep making these proactive decisions as conditions tighten moving into winter.

Three key indicators point to increasing pressure on producers.

Scone’s largest yarding on record, with more than 4,000 head, reflects current on-ground decisions, while the LLS Farming Forecaster shows soil moisture levels in the red zone, and the NSW DPI Seasonal Conditions team expects much of the Hunter to be drought-affected by June.

In response, Hunter LLS is partnering with livestock marketing and nutrition advisors to deliver a six-workshop Livestock Roadshow this May and June, bringing together Livestock Officers and District Veterinarians to provide practical advice on feeding, animal health and sale decisions.

Hunter LLS’ Sustainable Agriculture team leader, Sarah Giblin said the volume of cattle leaving the Hunter to both northern and southern interstate buyers, tells an important story about the drought planning strategies already coming into play at the farm gate this autumn.

“For Hunter producers, managing dry conditions is not new and many have made early destocking decisions to conserve available feed and reduce risk,” she said.

“There has been solid demand in the yards for restocker and feeder cattle, and cattle breeders have met an easier market to sell lighter cows and weaners rather than opting to feed.

“It’s time for land managers to focus on practical strategies for managing a tough winter.

“With dry conditions expected to intensify, our Livestock Roadshow events provide a valuable opportunity to develop a clear, workable plan for your stock, regardless of the size of your operation.”

The livestock roadshow will provide an opportunity for producers to connect with local experts, ask questions and share ideas – whether assessing paddock feed, designing feed rations or navigating the rising costs of fuel, cartage and stock feeding.

The events will focus on building confidence through practical, on-farm tools such as stock feed calculators, feed testing and pasture forecasts.

Taking a planned approach to stock management can help reduce stress, protect groundcover and support long-term productivity, while keeping paddocks ‘rain-ready’.

Livestock Roadshow events will be held across the Hunter region at Krambach on 8 May, Merriwa on 12 May, Millfield on 13 May, Gresford on 14 May, Scone on 20 May, and Denman on 25 May.

To register visit the NSW Government Local Land Services events page.