Key Points

* Make plans early
* Test pasture, grain and fodder sources
* Build up rations during late pregnancy and lactation

The 2006 drought was severe and widespread, affecting all areas of the state. For the high rainfall zone it was a new experience and a steep learning curve, particularly in containment feeding. It is important to take time to reflect on the experience and to identify what worked, what did not work and why.

The low rainfall cereal zone is experiencing a second successive dry year, and up to three poor financial years in five. Many of the issues and decisions they face will be different compared with last year. However, those who have decided to hang onto stock will be able to draw on what was learnt last year.

Five “Drought Review” meetings, funded through community support grants, were held in South Australia in mid 2007. Brian Ashton, Rural Solutions SA, also conducted a survey of high rainfall producers who containment fed. Key findings from these activities are summarised below.

Farmers generally did a very good job of looking after their stock, their land and themselves – under very difficult circumstances. Many said containment feeding was surprisingly simple and worthwhile.

Planning
Make plans early; it reduces stress and saves money. Weigh up the options, do the budgets and develop strategies that enable timely and rational decisions to be made.

When doing budgets, make allowances for feeding until the end of June. Producers were lucky to receive a timely and definite break in 2007. Many had only budgeted until the end of April and would have been in difficulty if the break had been late.

Feed
Feed tests should be utilised to determine energy, protein and dry matter content of feed. This allows more cost efficient rations to be developed that still meet stock nutritional requirements.

Generally, feed quality was very high last year. Many were unintentionally feeding dry/early pregnant ewes above maintenance rations. Feed costs could have been reduced with a feed test. Conversely, ewes in late pregnancy, or lactation, were often underfed.

Hay can be difficult to source and is expensive in droughts. Save the best quality hay for when it is needed most - when introducing stock to grain, during late pregnancy and when stock are released back on to green feed.

Dry pastures were of a very high quality over the summer. People learnt that with feed budgeting, good water supply and rotational grazing, good dry feed can stretch a long way. Get them tested.

Stock lime is an essential part of the diet and is cheap if purchased in ‘bulker bags’. Milk fever (calcium deficiency) was an issue after the drought in lambing ewes.

Stock Management
Draft stock into mobs based on condition score and feed accordingly. This will save on feed.  Good stock can be fed less and it enables poorer animals to get their share. Young stock should be on a high energy and protein ration. Build up rations during late pregnancy and lactation as the ewe’s nutritional requirements are significantly increased. Regularly monitor the condition of stock and adjust management as required.

Early weaning was a good option if lambs could be put on a high protein and energy ration. Creep feeding is another strategy that could be used more.

The importance of careful grain introduction was highlighted with grain poisoning still being a major cause of death. Problems occurred when producers were introducing stock to grain, increasing the ration, changing grain type and when the grain type used by nut manufacturers was changed without informing producers.

Containment feeding
Containment feeding was successful in reducing erosion. It does not have to be an elaborate or expensive set up.

Dust from containment areas was a worry for some producers. It is important not to position containment lots up wind of the house or work areas. Containment areas down to 2.5 square meters per sheep were used successfully. They tended to pack down more quickly, minimising dust problems.

Have a separate pen for sick animals. Also, have a small paddock near the containment area where sheep can be released but still fed the same ration if the containment area gets too wet.

Details: Copies of the “Farmer experiences” report are available from Brian Ashton, ashton.brian@saugov.sa.gov.au or by clicking here

Details: Heidi Goers, Rural Solutions SA and San Jolly, Productive Nutrition P/L.

CONTACT: Heidi Goers, Livstock Consultant, Rural Solutions SA, Roseworthy.  Telephone 8303 7925, Mobile 0422 002 365, goers.heidi@saugov.sa.gov.au