Winter rain, feed to come

The 2024/2025 drought in South Australia has placed significant strain on livestock producers as prolonged dry conditions and below-average rainfall have reduced available pasture and water resources. Many producers have been compelled to sell sheep and cattle to manage stocking densities, aiming to prevent overgrazing and subsequent land degradation. This reduction in stock numbers is crucial to maintaining the long-term productivity of their land, as overstocking during drought exacerbates soil erosion, diminishes vegetative cover, and reduces the resilience of pastures for future seasons.

In addition to destocking, livestock producers have faced heightened production costs by needing to purchase supplementary feed to sustain remaining animals. Feed prices have surged due to increased demand and limited supply, placing financial pressure on producers already grappling with reduced income from lower stock numbers. This reliance on external feed inputs represents a shift from traditional grazing practices and can impact profitability, making effective cost management essential to the viability of livestock operations during extended dry periods.

Implementing feed budgeting and making early, informed decisions on stocking rates and feed requirements are critical strategies for producers aiming to safeguard soil health and improve economic outcomes during drought. By carefully assessing feed availability and animal nutritional needs in advance, producers can optimise stock management, prevent land degradation, and avoid the high costs associated with emergency feeding. Proactive drought planning supports more sustainable land use and helps livestock enterprises maintain resilience, enabling faster recovery once favorable seasonal conditions return.