Central Tablelands current advice

The seasonal outlook suggests an increased chance of drier than
usual conditions through spring.
So while things may look greener in many areas, we're still
on a bit of a knife's edge.
June rainfall provided some well welcomed relief across much of the
region, improving feed availability and supporting winter production.
However, conditions remain highly variable.
While drought recovery is continuing in some areas, particularly around Orange,
Blaney, and Cowra, many northerly parts of our region are still in drought
categories and will need further rainfall to maintain those recent gains.
The key message for producers is to use August as a planning month.
Don't wait for spring rainfall to make spring decisions.
Take the time now to assess feed reserves and livestock numbers and
business risk if conditions become drier.
For mixed farming enterprises, now is also the time to assess crop potential.
If you're planning to lock cereals up for grain, timing is critical.
Ideally, this occurs around growth stage thirty when the stem elongation begins
and the developing head is approximately one centimetre above the crown.
Locking up too late can significantly reduce grain yield potential.
If crops have been affected by frost, make sure you do the sums and compare
likely gain returns against hay or graze value before making a decision.
For cattle producers, many feeder cattle are now coming off those winter forage
crops and preparing for feedlot entry.
The biggest opportunity is in preparation.
Background cattle where possible, introduce them to hay and bunk feeding,
minimize mixing and transport stress, and ensure that vaccination programs
are completed well before movement.
The key message is simple: well-prepared, backgrounded, bunk-trained, and
pre-vaccinated cattle consistently perform better and experience fewer
health issues than cattle moved directly from pasture or crop systems.
For our breeding enterprises, now is the time to start checking bulls
eight to ten weeks before joining.
Bulls should be in a fat score three at joining and should be
checked for soundness, mobility, and reproductive health.
Ideally, you would get bulls vet checked, but as a minimum, palpate the
testicles as this can generally pick up sixty to seventy percent of issues.
If joining multiple bulls together, introduce them well before joining
begins to establish that social hierarchy and reduce the risk of injury.
For sheep producers, fly strike risk is increasing and now is the time to plan
ahead for summer parasite management.
Think about your paddock rotations, particularly for those weaners, and
consider whether strategic use of long-acting drenches fits your operation.
Overall, conditions have improved, but recovery does remain fragile.
The producers who are best placed for spring will be those making
proactive decisions now while they still have options available.