Preparing for Summer

The dry season continues to be of high concern for South Australian dairy farmers, and the Dairy Australia SA team encourages farmers to keep the following in mind in preparation for summer.

The past summer has proven how important feed budgeting is, and we urge all farmers to take stock of their on farm feed levels as they finish harvest to begin assessing their position for the coming dry season. The Dairy Australia team has resources available to assist you with calculating feed budgets if needed, you can find them here. 

Making sure your hay and silage is correctly tested for nutritional value will also support your feed budgeting and assist your vet or nutritionist to balance the ration correctly across the season. Focusing on what you can control will help with feelings of instability and unsureness. Knowing your numbers is essential, and preparing contingency plans can assist with feeling more secure as we head into drier months.

Don’t get caught out unprepared and consider the impacts of the decisions you make now on your production in future years. Quickly adjusting inputs like feed, nitrogen, animal health, labour and breeding strategies will have roll on effects over multiple years. Assessing every part of your business and acting with the whole picture in mind will help to make timely and efficient decisions.

Tight feed supply can result in adverse health events for dairy cattle, especially during warmer months. Consider holding a team meeting with your staff and farm vet to discuss common signs and symptoms in dairy cows, and to upskill any workers who lack confidence or experience with spotting problems. Revisiting your Standard Operating Procedures with employees trusted to treat animals can also assist with continuity and consistency of care for the whole farm team.

It is highly recommended to formally contract in purchased fodder and grain, allowing both parties the security of a written agreement and an avenue for dispute should issues with supply, delivery or quality arise. Verbal contracts can be sufficient but come with a much higher risk, especially during periods of stress and low supply like we saw last summer. Purchased feed should also come with feed tests where possible to assist your vet or nutritionist in creating a balanced ration.
 
In cases of heavy insect load, it’s best to store bales on bare soil and stack as high as is safe. Regular monitoring of your silage stacks will ensure you catch potential damage early and your local agronomist can assist with sprays or solutions for your situation.

Changing rainfall patterns has meant greater planning for long-term water security is essential. Discover resources and more information on water use and management, here.

As we head into summer, we urge everyone to keep their communication lines open and active with friends and family. Sometimes, the simple act of picking up the phone and calling a friend can reduce an all-consuming problem into one that is more manageable.

The Dairy Australia team in SA are here to help. Please reach out to one of us to see what resources best suit the challenges you’re facing.

Mental Health & Rural Support

Dealing with the dry season can be a stressful and traumatic time. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. To be put in contact with our counselling service please contact one of our SA team members. For social support and wellbeing please contact Lifeline on: 13 11 14

To find out what programs and services may help you prepare for, manage and recover from dry conditions, please visit the Drought, disaster and rural support website.

Dry Season Response Discussion Groups

With support from the South Australian Drought Hub, Dairy Australia is hosting three workshops to help with planning for managing the current dry conditions on farm. Join agronomist Anthony Pearce and Dairy Australia's Shannon Logan and develop a plan to navigate the summer season. Discuss feed, stock and water options, as well as available support and resources.

River & Lakes Region
Tuesday 26 November, Murray Bridge
Register: https://bit.ly/3Axy1Dl

Fleurieu Region
Wednesday 27 November, Mount Compass
Register: https://bit.ly/4fRf3GN

Barossa/ Adelaide Hills Region
Thursday 28 November, TBC
Register: https://bit.ly/3AI6cYS