Central Tablelands current advice

Summer advice for farmers in the Central Tablelands

Conditions across the region remain dry. While Mandurama, Toogong and Trunkey Creek saw some relief in mid-November, most sites are still below average for rainfall. Soil moisture is limited, especially below 20 cm.

We're seeing stock in lighter condition, particularly first-calf heifers.

Before weaning, aim for cows in fat score 2.5-3.5, and consider early weaning if they drop below.
For sheep, aim for a fat score of 2.5-3 (Merinos) and 3-3.5 (meat breeds).

Feed smart - test hay for energy, protein and nitrate levels, especially millet and canola hay from dry finishes.

Plan ahead:

draft off lighter stock
sell non-performers before holiday closures
prep weaning paddocks with good pasture and low worm risk
monitor water quality – blue-green algae is a risk in low dams
set up safe areas in case of fire.

And don’t forget pest control – now is the time to manage feral pigs and rabbits around water points.

2025 summer seasonal conditions update | Advice for Central Tablelands farmers
As 2025 winds down and summer heats up, it's time for our seasonal condition update!
As 2025 winds down and summer heats up, it's time for our seasonal condition update!
Conditions across the region remain dry. While Mandurama, Toogong and Trunkey Creek saw some relief in mid-November, most sites are still below average for rainfall. Soil moisture is limited, especially below 20 cm.
We're seeing stock in lighter condition, particularly first-calf heifers. Before weaning, aim for cows in fat score 2.5-3.5, and consider early weaning if they drop below. For sheep, aim for a fat score of 2.5-3 (Merinos) and 3-3.5 (meat breeds).
Feed smart - test hay for energy, protein and nitrate levels, especially millet and canola hay from dry finishes.
Plan ahead:
draft off lighter stock
sell non-performers before holiday closures
prep weaning paddocks with good pasture and low worm risk
monitor water quality – blue-green algae is a risk in low dams
set up safe areas in case of fire.
And don’t forget pest control – now is the time to manage feral pigs and rabbits around water points.
From all of us at Central Tablelands LLS, stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy the holidays.
Read transcript

Animal health conditions to watch out for

Calf scours- A number of cases of calf scours (calf diarrhoea) have been seen across the region recently. Calf scours can quickly spread to multiple calves in a herd, resulting in dehydration, inappetence, lethargy, and often death. The best way to minimise spread of disease and protect yourself is through good hygiene. Prompt diagnosis of the cause and commencement of treatment provide the best outcome for affected calves. Seek veterinary advice if you have scouring calves.
Brucellosis- There have been multiple hunting dogs in the region test positive for Brucella suis. Affected dogs may have reproductive problems, back pain, lameness, or blood in the urine. If you suspect your dog may be affected, seek veterinary advice. Appropriate hygiene practices and protective equipment should be utilised to minimise disease in humans.
Summer pneumonia - Minimising stress and reducing dust are key factors in preventing summer pneumonia in livestock.
Transitioning stock onto green feed - It takes the rumen approximately 2 weeks to adapt to any change in diet. It is important to put steps in place to manage this transition and avoid animal health and production issues. Sheep and cattle should never be introduced into a new paddock hungry and given the opportunity to gorge. Fill them up with good quality hay beforehand and ideally let them into the paddock later in the day. Feed hay for the first 2 weeks after moving onto green feed while the rumen is adapting.

Pasture and cropping advice for producers

Toxic summer weeds - Producers should check paddocks with summer grasses and weeds, especially for catheads and panic grasses. Avoid these paddocks if you can but otherwise graze with caution and be ready to remove livestock at the first sign of photosensitisation, which is usually seeking shade and swollen, drooping ears.
Water for livestock - Regularly assessing pasture condition around water points is recommended to ensure they are not over grazed and maintain ground cover.
myStockPlanner - myStockPlanner brings together the best features of existing drought and feed calculators into one simple dashboard.
Feed nutrition - Testing feed before purchasing large quantities, can help you assess the quality and nutritional value. Feed samples can be sent to a laboratory for analysis, which may reveal any deficiencies in the feed, allowing an informed decision about whether it is suitable for your stock.