South East current advice

Seasonal advice for farmers in the South East

Cost-effective pasture options

With fuel and fertiliser prices soaring and supply uncertain, dairy farmers are being forced to make faster, sharper feed decisions this season without taking on more cost or risk than the business can carry.

Advice from Local Land Services suggests ryegrass can still stack up as one of the more cost-effective options in today’s market. Ryegrass feed is estimated at roughly $200 - $300 per tonne of dry matter, compared with more than $600 per tonne for purchased grain or hay.

The key message, though, is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right approach depends on production targets, expected feed demand, cashflow, and the true cost of a feed shortfall if the season turns. Learn more about ryegrass planting options considering fertiliser and fuel supply.

Fox control

Foxes continue to be one of the most significant pest animals impacting livestock and native wildlife across the South East. In some parts of the region, fox densities have been recorded at four to seven foxes per square kilometre, placing heavy pressure on lamb survival and native species.

It is an important time for fox control. Targeting foxes now aligns with key stages of their life cycle and helps reduce impacts heading into and during autumn lambing, when lambs are most vulnerable. Reducing fox numbers early delivers longer‑lasting benefits and helps limit population recovery later in the year. You can get pesticide training to use chemical controls, collect baits from your local office and join group control programs in your local area.

Feed and fodder risks

Feeding mouldy hay, grain or silage can pose serious risks to livestock health and productivity. Silage, hay baled too wet, and old grain or silo screenings are common high-risk feed sources. Keep an eye out for warning signs like mould, heating, clumping or musty smells, although toxins can still be present even when mould isn’t obvious. When in doubt, it’s safer to discard suspect feed rather than risk animal health and production losses.

If you suspect contaminated feed, speak with your local veterinarian or Local Land Services Agricultural Advisor about testing and management options. You can also read more about managing feed and fodder risks.