Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Stock Issues For Summer And Autumn

As we head into the hot and dry time of the year livestock owners are reminded that they must ensure their animals have adequate food and water at all times.

By Department of Primary Industries - 19th January 2005 - Back to News

Here are some points to keep in mind over the summer and autumn period:

• Do I have enough water to carry animals through until May next year?
• Do I have the resources (money, time, and equipment) to feed my animals the required amounts until May next year?
• How much will it cost me?
• Is it worth it?
• What will it cost to replace my animals at the end of the dry period?

Spring and early summer this year have had periods of substantial rainfall which have improved supplies of feed and water but, to be on the safe side, plan for little rain before May 2005.

Water: This is the most important issue: a lactating cow will drink 60 litres of water a day. This coupled with evaporation over the hot summer months, means that dams empty very quickly. For more information see DPI's Landcare Note (LC0073) 'How long will my dam water last?’ Work out if your dam water will last through to May. If not, consider selling stock now.

Feeding: Even if you have enough water to carry stock through, are you prepared to feed every day, or every second day, for the next 6 months? Very time consuming and a real tie to the farm.

Selling: If feed and water are already in short supply a realistic option may be to sell stock now and replace them at the end of the dry period. You will be saving money, time, pasture and soil resources. There will be less stress on you and your family. Take the time to talk to your livestock agent.

Don't overgraze: Overgrazing pastures so that bare soil is visible increases risks of soil being blown away over the summer and washed away during summer thunderstorms. Your soil and pasture are valuable resources. Most of the important nutrients are in the topsoil, so don't let it blow or wash onto someone else's property.

For further information, or if you would like copies of the drought feeding books for sheep and cattle, please contact your local DPI office. The DPI website of www.dpi.vic.gov.au has a range of information sheets, which will also be off assistance.

DEVELOPING A FIRE PLAN FOR LIVESTOCK

The development of a fire plan that can be quickly implemented in the event of a fire can help to prevent stock losses. One of the key factors in minimising risk to stock is to identify the safest areas on the farm.

On days of extreme fire danger stock should be moved to lower risk areas. Listen to the radio and observe your own environment to help you decide when to put your plan into action.

Lower fire risk areas include paddocks with green summer crops or lucerne, bare paddocks with no dry feed or a ploughed paddock. Firebreaks are imperative. They may be a bare laneway or a ploughed break. Cattle and sheep can be held in yards with bare or ploughed surrounds, which can be wet in advance, however the yards must be well defended as the fire front passes.

In the case of horses they should not be locked up in small areas or stables, but rather be moved into an open lower risk paddock so they can move freely. Horses are good at moving to safe open areas and suffer minimal burns if left to do so. All equipment including rugs, halters and flyveils should be removed as the plastic may melt and buckles may burn the animal. More information is available on the DPI website of www.dpi.vic.gov.au. Select Notes Information Series, then Animals and Livestock, next Horses, then Horses and bushfires.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• East Gippsland Shire Council issues additional ferry passes for Raymond Island landowners and renters ahead of new system
  East Gippsland Council will mail additional 2025/26 ferry passes to Raymond Island landowners and renters, ensuring fairness while developing a new sticker-based pass system launching August 2026.
• GPAC’s Summer Nights series brings free outdoor movies and family fun to Gippsland community on 13, 14, 21 February and 20 March 2026
  GPAC’s Summer Nights brought families together with free outdoor movies, live entertainment, and food trucks, drawing strong community attendance and extending the series due to popular demand in Gippsland.
• Gumbuya World kicks off summer fun with Oasis Springs reopening and family-friendly GumBOOya Halloween extravaganza
  Gumbuya World reopens Oasis Springs on November 1, launching summer's splash season after GumBOOya Halloween. Families can enjoy slides, wildlife encounters, cabanas, and year-round thrills just 50 minutes from Melbourne.
• Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
  Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation.
• East Gippsland Libraries join Big Summer Read, inspiring children to read, build literacy, and combat the ‘summer slide’
  This summer, East Gippsland Libraries join the Big Summer Read, encouraging children aged 0-18 to read, build literacy skills, earn badges, and stay engaged while combating the "summer slide."
• East Gippsland Water expects no summer restrictions, yet climate change makes long-term conservation vital
  East Gippsland Water predicts sufficient rainfall this summer, making restrictions unlikely, but warns climate change and future droughts mean ongoing water conservation remains essential for communities.
• Meet with South Gippsland Mayor Hersey to discuss ideas or issues that matter to you and your community and other council updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council is offering multiple opportunities for community engagement, upcoming events, free workshops, grants, vaccination sessions, and council services throughout Summer 2026 for residents and local businesses.
• Danny O'Brien urges Allan Labor government to fix online rebate issues affecting CFA and SES volunteers' access to support
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Allan Labor Government to fix the online-only rebate system, saying CFA and SES volunteers struggle to access support and deserve easier, paper-based application options.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery launches Autumn 2026 season, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage and environment
  Latrobe Regional Gallery’s Autumn 2026 season opens 7 February, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage, identity, environment, and connections to place, including works by Lucy Hersey and Janina Green.
• Head south to Lake Tyers Beach, admire Stony Creek Trestle Bridge, enjoy swimming, fishing, picnics, then dine at Lake Tyers Beach Tavern
  Morwell River Falls Reserve, near Boolarra, offers a fern-filled valley, cascading waterfalls, and scenic pools, just over two hours from Melbourne, perfect for a short, peaceful bushland walk.
• Latrobe City outdoor pools set to reopen for summer with weather-based opening days ahead
  Latrobe City’s outdoor pools reopen 29 November, operating on days forecast at 25 degrees celsius. Moe and Yallourn North offer family-friendly facilities, with Yallourn North free. Council highlights community enjoyment and water-safety benefits.
• East Gippsland community invited to provide feedback on Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival foreshore location and improvements
  East Gippsland Council invites community feedback on continuing the Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival at its foreshore location, seeking ideas on layout, activities, accessibility, and improvements for future planning and safety.
• East Bairnsdale drain transformed into natural wetland enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, and facilities near Jones Bay
  A neglected East Bairnsdale drain has been transformed into a natural wetland near Jones Bay, enhancing stormwater management, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and community amenity through a $1.43 million collaborative project.
• Gippsland Water welcomes five local women into STEM internships, promoting diversity, innovation, and career pathways for students
  Gippsland Water welcomed five local women into STEM internships, providing real-world experience, mentoring, and career pathways while promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation across multiple departments this summer.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• South Gippsland farmers dig into practical carbon farming at Down to Earth field day
  Thirty-five South Gippsland farmers explored carbon farming at Malabar Farm, learning practical ways to improve soil health, reduce emissions, and farm sustainably while sharing knowledge with peers.
• Tim Bull criticises Labor government for mismanagement, volunteer cuts, and inadequate fuel reduction ahead of high-risk summer season
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull warns communities face extreme bushfire risk this summer due to Labor’s volunteer cuts, ageing CFA fleet, inadequate fuel reduction, and failure to implement Royal Commission recommendations.
• Gippsland’s top picnic spots: Gardens, wineries, hot springs, and historic settings for relaxing outdoor feasts
  Discover Gippsland’s magical picnic spots: Broughton Hall gardens, Metung Hot Springs, The Gurdies Winery, and Old Gippstown - each offering stunning views, serene settings, and unique outdoor dining experiences.
• East Gippsland Council cuts planning approval times, boosting efficiency for residents, landowners, and businesses
  East Gippsland Council has nearly halved planning permit approval times to 43 days, improving efficiency, reducing red tape, and supporting residents, landowners, and businesses with faster project approvals.
• Omeo Mountain Bike Trails update - new website, shuttle services, and summer 114km launch
  Omeo Mountain Bike Trails has launched a new website and shuttle services, with 40 km open now and the full 114 km network officially debuting this summer for riders nationwide.
• Darren Chester presented to Five CHC Helicopter crew awarded National Emergency Medals for heroic Black Summer bushfire service
  Five CHC Helicopter personnel based at East Sale RAAF Base received National Emergency Medals for courageous, lifesaving service during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires across Gippsland communities.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
  West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.