With one hundred percent of the Northern Tablelands region in intense drought and just a few weeks to go until local saleyards wind down for the end of year break, Northern Tablelands Local Land Services is urging producers to consider how they are going to feed and manage water supplies for their livestock over summer.

Image - Cattle at Tenterfield saleyards - local saleyards wind down for the end of year break very soon. Courtesy Northern Tablelands LLS.

Northern Tablelands Local Land Services District Vet, Andrew Biddle, said with drought and in some areas bushfires now impacting producers, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead.

“While many producers have made the difficult decision to destock, we know there are still plenty of farmers who have decided to continue hand feeding, despite the challenges with fodder and water quality and availability.

“We are urging producers to make realistic feed and water budgets and consider their options – as things get hotter the water requirements of stock increase, and feed remains expensive and difficult to source due to the widespread drought.

“In some cases, selling excess stock or destocking is the best option – and with Christmas just around the corner there will be limits to your marketing and processing opportunities”, said Andrew.

Final livestock sale dates around the Northern Tablelands region are as follows:
• Tenterfield cattle sale – 9 December 2019
• Glen Innes sheep sale – 10 December 2019
• Guyra sheep sale – 11 December 2019
• Armidale cattle Sale – 12 December 2019
• Inverell sheep and cattle sale – 17 December 2019.

If you need advice to help you make decisions about whether to feed or sell your livestock please contact any Northern Tablelands Local Land Services office for assistance – Glen Innes on 02 6732 8800, Inverell on 02 6720 8300, Armidale on 02 6770 2000 or Tenterfield on 02 6739 1400.