Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Managing A Dry Season

With a long dry spell on the horizon dairy farmers are aware that the usual farm management strategies don’t appear to be an option this year.

By Department of Primary Industries - 9th November 2006 - Back to News

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Dairy Officer, Dan Armstrong said farmers may feel overwhelmed by the conditions, but sorting out a plan for managing the season can help provide a way forward.

"This is not a normal year and it could be a long haul to the autumn break, so it is important to have different expectations and evaluate options," Mr Armstrong said.

Rationing out feed is an essential strategy for drought survival. This applies to both pasture and supplements.

Rationing out of pasture can be achieved through the grazing rotation. A quick rotation of 15 - 20 days would reduce growth substantially and leave little pasture for summer. A rotation of 45 days plus is highly recommended for the rest of spring.

Rationing out pasture will highlight a substantial need for supplements. However, it’s important to ration out the fodder on hand for the long haul. Two options are to buy more feed or reduce the need for feed.

"If you decide to buy more fodder, early purchase is recommended as it may take some time to secure fodder. You may need some more cash up front to secure feed. It is best to talk to your financial institute/adviser early to organise a strategy.

"Given the high cost of supplementary feeds, adjusting feed demand to reflect the season may be a good option.

"Cows being fully fed on brought in feed are likely to struggle to produce enough milk income to cover costs. Culling cows early will allow the cheaper home grown feed to go further and reduce the reliance on brought in feed. If the option of culling cows is chosen, it should happen as early in the season as possible.

"Plan with both this season and the recovery in mind. Give some consideration to how options to deal with the drought will impact on future plans.

"Cows will be valuable when conditions improve and culling too heavily will make it harder to recover quickly from the drought," Mr Armstrong said.

If you have already sold all the stock you wish to sell this season and don’t have enough feed to get through there are options to reduce feed demand, which include:

• Produce less milk (feed less per cow in a planned way).
• Go on once a day milking.
• Dry some cows off.

There are a number of issues to consider before adopting one of these options. Every farm situation is different and it is important to seek some for specific support for your individual situation.

Circumstances can change, so it’s important to review your plan regularly.

In summary:

• It’s not a normal year – have different expectations.
• Ration out feed – it is likely to be a long haul.
• Adjust feed to reflect the season – act early.
• Plan with both this season and the recovery in mind.
• Even if you are short of feed, you still have options.

For further information contact your local DPI Dairy Extension Officer at DPI Ellinbank on Tel: 5624 2222, DPI Maffra on Tel: 5147 0800 and DPI Leongatha on Tel: 5662 9900.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery launches spring season with five exhibitions and live mural creation on 19 September 2026 In Morwell
  Latrobe Regional Gallery will launch its Spring Season on Saturday, September 19, featuring five exhibitions and a live monumental mural by Japanese-Australian artist Twoone/Hiroyasu Tsuri during the Morwell event.
• Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
  Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027.
• Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment.
• The Berry Dairy near Maffra offers strawberry picking, farm tours, animal encounters and family-friendly fun this summer
  The Berry Dairy near Maffra offers seasonal strawberry picking, tractor tours, animal encounters, playgrounds and café treats, creating a family-friendly Gippsland destination with fresh produce and farm experiences.
• Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
  Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours.
• East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
• Labor Backpacker Visa changes leave farmers facing worker shortages and application burden
  The National Farmers’ Federation will lodge fast-track backpacker applications amid Working Holiday Maker cuts, as Coalition MPs criticise Labor’s changes and warn farmers face uncertainty securing seasonal workers during peak periods.
• Visa delays threaten regional harvest workforce as farmers and tourism employers demand urgent federal government action before summer
  Farmers, tourism operators and regional employers warn visa delays could cause critical workforce shortages during summer harvest and tourism periods, urging the Federal government to restore timely visa processing.
• Matt Canavan slams Farrell's EU trade deal as farmers face unfair competition and restricted market access
  Matt Canavan criticised Labor's EU free trade deal, accusing it of disadvantageous to Australian farmers through quotas, tariffs, subsidies and inadequate market access, while urging renegotiation.
• The Nationals and farm groups warn EPBC changes create uncertainty for farmers and land management
  Nationals leader Matt Canavan met with farm groups over concerns Labor’s EPBC changes could create uncertainty and regulatory risks. Industry wants amendments, clearer guidance, mapping, support tools and independent review.
• Gippsland Water urges customers to prepare alternative water supplies ahead of bushfire season and fire danger period
  Gippsland Water urges customers to prepare alternative water supplies during the Fire Danger Period, recommending three litres of drinking water per person daily and monitoring service updates during emergencies.
• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.
• Darren Chester urges federal government to restore wild dog funding, backing farmers' calls for national management certainty
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester is urging the federal government to restore national wild dog funding, warning of $302 million annual agricultural losses and significant impacts on farmers, wildlife and regional communities.