Central and eastern parts of Gippsland have for the past 18 months been at a decile one or below. Severe rainfall deficiency has been recorded across large areas, including an area with lowest on record rainfall totals.
As we head into spring there is very little soil moisture, even at depth. The lack of moisture has meant that there is little growth in crops and pastures.
Consequently, farmers have been using cheaper local hay stocks to feed livestock or have reduced the number of stock they are carrying by 30-50 per cent for this time of the year.
The seasonal conditions are changing for the worse as hay supplies are running out. Hard decisions need be made to either reduce stock numbers further or take the risk and keep the stock, sourcing fodder from an ever dwindling, expensive and competitive market.
The present outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology for central to east Gippsland is for well below average rainfall, and the analysis of climate models conducted by Agriculture Victoria’s Fast Break has nine out of 12 indicating a drier three months.
However, it can also be about timing and “fluking” the odd heavy drop of rain, so planning for sowing is a possibility. If we get rain in spring what are the options? What is the plan? The plan could include dry sowing, or sowing that will give quick feed and last for some time, or preserving as much fodder as possible.
The Gippsland Grasslands Society has organised a Ute Drive on August 22 starting at 12.30pm, viewing and discussing fodder options for the spring and beyond. The Ute Drive will visit paddocks looking at time of sowing, silage options, long term persistence of fodder species and fodder options in a dry season.
At the SFS Bairnsdale Trial Site, there will be an opportunity to have a spring forage discussion and “Ask the Agronomist” panel, along with a barbecue. This is an invitation for you to come along and bring your questions. For general enquiries phone Emma McDonald on 0438 736 943 or to RSVP 1300 137 550.
