Gripped by drought conditions across most of the region, Gippsland producers offloaded 11,600 cattle over Thursday and Friday last week.
North and East Gippsland producers were the first to show the pains of the the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) early 2019 forecast, which expects scorching and dry conditions to continue from February to April across most of the State.
Preempting the impact of the searing conditions on Friday – reportedly the hottest day since the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires – Gippsland producers offloaded huge numbers of cattle.
West and South Gippsland are considered to be in a reasonable to good position seasonally, while central and eastern Victoria have had varied conditions.
Water has now become the biggest issue for producers across the state.
Many of the cattle at Bairnsdale on Friday were drafts from the high country, which would normally be sold in March.
“Our creek has almost stopped running, and we can’t hold off any longer,” Phil Geehman, Ensay, said.
One of the most common auctioneer phrases at the sale was, “these cattle are only here because they have run out of water”
While it has been well reported how much hay has been bought into East Gippsland, as David Young, from Ensay, said “you can buy as much feed as you can afford, but buying water to take to stock is not an option”.
Realistically, the drought starts from Traralgon, which is only 160 kilometers from Melbourne.
Driving through Gippsland to Bairnsdale, many properties have bare paddocks, and some just dirt, with most appearing heavily de-stocked with few sheep and cattle in the paddocks.
And, while many of the dams that could be seen were either empty, or so shallow the water was green, there are few producers who will be able to sustain farming if it does not rain.
The more western areas of Gippsland, particularly the more coastal parts of south and western regions, are in fair to good condition, and water is not an issue for most.
Pakenham agents offered 4000 head, on Thursday, many of these cattle came from the dry areas, as producers sought regions with pasture and water supplies which could absorb numbers.
Quality was a price-sustaining drawcard, with eastern Victoria’s reputation for good breeders saving the day at Bairnsdale.
While much of the drought relief and national commentary has focused on Queensland, and in particular, NSW, much of Gippsland has been neglected in both circumstances.
Holding onto steer and heifer calves for the upcoming annual Mountain Calf Sales, in March, is proving very difficult for high country producers.
The full brunt of the summer heat has also brought with it bushfires threats.
This came to the attention of many attending Bairnsdale, Friday, when an emergency warning was issued for a fire at Timbarra, in Gippsland region.
The fire grew to 8400 hectares on Friday, required 116 vehicles and water-bombing helicopters, and is expected to take two weeks to put out.
Power blackouts to about 200,000 homes due to generators failing at three power stations added to the stress of Victoria’s extreme heatwave.
