North West current advice

Seasonal advice for farmers in the North West

• Drought support - With much of the North West already looking very dry, soaring fuel costs and the seasonal forecast suggesting that drought conditions are likely to continue in the coming months, North West Local Land Services are offering:
  • free grain to assist landholders with feral pig control
  • free feed and water tests.
    Call your local office on 1300 795 299 to speak with our staff.
• Impact of urea prices on nitrogen application rates - Recent spikes in urea prices, driven by global disruptions creates pressure on farming businesses. Learn more about the impacts on nitrogen application rates.
• Stock water quality and quantity - Stay ahead of emerging water quality challenges due to drought conditions and protect stock health.
• Stock containment areas - Stock containment areas are not just a drought response - when planned well, these areas can play an important role in an overall livestock management strategy year-round. 

Animal health advice

3 day sickness - With the warm weather continuing into autumn and early winter, though uncommon, the possibility of some late 3-day sickness cases in cattle could be on the cards.

Plant intoxications during drought - As conditions continue to remain dry going into autumn the risk of livestock eating potentially toxic plants increases. To avoid issues with stock eating these plants, producers should: 

• fence off access to known areas containing these plants    
• closely monitor stock when moving into new paddocks
• initiate supplementary feeding early to avoid hungry stock seeking alternative feeds
• avoid areas that have been heavily stocked, or had concentration of stock such as holding yards after rain events as new growth of plants are often high in nitrates
• not move hungry stock into new areas - feed them up on hay before moving. 

If you do experience stock losses, call your local District Veterinarian on 1300 795 299 to investigate if a toxic plant is the cause.