The increased drought conditions across QLD & NSW are challenging more producers each week. Droughts are some of the most testing of circumstances for any producer. The indefinite nature of the drought, combined with the pressure to maintain the business & care for stock places a lot of pressure on everyone. One of the hardest things to do in a drought is to maintain your own health and attitude.
I reckon its very easy to get caught up in "drought mode". When that happens, producers stop socialising, or being part of their normal networks. If I've learnt anything in dealing with droughts, is it is just as important to get off the farm, go and see your other friends and give yourself a chance to refresh your outlook and your perspective on things. More than anything, trust your drought plan and take the time to look after your self and your family.
Drought feeding stock is physically demanding. It can also be mentally very draining, particularly when you need to start thinking about what feeds you can use and where can you get them from. As droughts worsen, people often take short cuts, which can result in significant issues. The most immediate issue is physical injury. Sadly its pretty common to hear of injuries which happen when farmers are tired and get in the way of bales of fodder, or machinery used to prepare feeds. The simple message is to think about what you are doing and look after yourself as you do your work. Don't take your mind off your feeding tasks, even if you've done it plenty of times in the past!
The other big risk with feeding occurs when people start using unusual feeds. The difficulty in finding conventional feeds such as grain, hay or silage can lead people to use other feedstuffs. Before you go down that path, you need to consider a few things.
Firstly, what are these unusual feeds you are considering? Are they actually suitable for livestock?
Do these feeds actually pose a risk? Many alternative feeds have been treated with chemicals, which may be ok for their intended purpose, but if eaten by livestock may cause a residue risk and threaten our markets.
I reckon when you're tired and stressed, thinking about residues in feeds, does get a bit forgotten. And this is when issues occur.
Setting a drought plan up early can help avoid this potential risk. Adding a check list for unusual feeds can remind you to check the suitability and value of feeds before you decide to use them. If you can do this before you get tired and stressed it might help avoid a residue disaster.
Just remember if you do purchase this feed, you should ask the vendor for a By-Product Commodity Vendor Declaration. This will help you complete your own NVD is you have to sell livestock.
If you are choosing unusual feeds, think about the practicality and availability of that feed. Can it be stored easily; how will it be fed; is it actually providing value for money.
If you are choosing unusual feeds, or you want to have information to make decisions about these feeds, the NSW DPI have a data base on feed values as well as a useful Prime Fact on unusual feeds.
If feeding stock is part of your drought management strategies, I reckon time taken to consider your options will help prepare you to manage the physical and mental demands feeding involves. I'd like to see you manage these demands without unnecessary risks to yourself and your livestock.