Griffith Livestock Producers Prepare for Cold Snap

This week’s cold front has brought with it rain, sleet and snow, prompting Local Land Services to urge livestock producers to prepare for winter conditions.

There are several ways landholders can reduce the impacts of a cold snap, including moving at-risk livestock such as freshly shorn sheep, sick animals, calving cows, lambing ewes and newly born lambs and calves to sheltered paddocks.

It’s also important to increase their feed to meet the extra energy requirements the cold weather brings. This is because research shows stock need a ten to twenty per cent increase in calories to safeguard against rain and strong winds.

The cold snap is a timely reminder for producers to think about the feed requirements they will need through winter, especially given that when days are cooler and daylight is shorter, you end up with slower pasture growth.

Agriculture and Plant Biosecurity Business Partner Andrew Lieschke said that, “Understanding your available pasture and animal requirements will allow producers to predict their feed gap and stay as productive as possible through winter.”

If you think about this now, you can forward plan and make on farm management decisions early.

If you would like further advice on managing livestock during cold snaps and winter, please contact your local veterinarian, ag advisor or closest Local Land Services office by calling 1300 795 299.

For the latest weather information and warnings, visit the Bureau of Meteorology website.

• Topics:

• Rural Roundup
• Weather
• Agriculture & Farming