South East Local Land Services, in partnership with the Far South Coast Farmers’ Network, is holding a livestock feeding workshop in Candelo on May 29.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The half-day session will provide local beef and sheep producers with information and tips on developing a feeding strategy for livestock during dry times.
“With below average rainfall, declining soil moisture and cooler and windy weather leading to significantly depleted pasture availability, more and more farmers are looking to access alternative feed products to supplement feed they have available on the farm,” coordinator of the Far South Coast Farmers’ Network Wayne Schaefer said.
“Farmers are looking at everything from hay, silage, pellets, grain and molasses, amongst others.
“Which one to choose depends on a lot of factors, including what’s available in the pasture on the farm, the type and class of livestock you have, the quality, cost and availability of the feed product, animal health considerations and equipment and storage required.”
Knowing what your livestock need, what the different feed products will provide and what you have in the paddock are important steps in getting your feeding strategy right
- Phil Pittolo
Phil Pittolo, a local animal nutritionist, will be presenting at the workshop.
“Feed options available vary widely in the protein, energy and roughage they will provide,” he said.
Mr Pittolo said different animals will require different feeding strategies.
“A lactating cow, for example, will have different intake requirements to a pregnant cow,” he said.
“There are some simple tools you can use to help you make these decisions correctly.
“Knowing what your livestock need, what the different feed products will provide and what you have in the paddock are important steps in getting your feeding strategy right”.
Helen Schaefer, district veterinarian with South East Local Land Services, will cover animal health considerations during dry times, both with animal condition and with risks in introducing supplementary feed products.
Steve Jarick from the Rural Financial Counselling Service will be covering what assistance and support is available to farmers during such testing times.
The workshop, made possible with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, will be held at Candelo Hall and will run from 12.30–4pm, starting with lunch.
For more information or to RSVP contact South East Local Land Services on 6491 7800.