FARMERS presented a united front last week at the Mansfield drought discussion with one thought on their minds, “When is it going to rain?”.

The next question is “Where to now?”

To add insult to injury the state government’s $15.9 million package announced on Friday offered only token support for farmers in the North East according to the Nationals member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland.

“...capped at $5000 per grant with strict conditions that prevent farmers from using it for the most basic and urgent needs like purchasing feed and water,” said Ms Cleeland.

“While we support relief for all drought-affected farmers across the state, it defies belief that areas like Benalla, Strathbogie, and Campaspe — where rainfall deficiencies are as bad or worse than those receiving support — have been completely overlooked."

Cr James Tehan a Bonnie Doon farmer on ABC local radio last Friday morning was reeling from the emergency services levy bill being passed by the state government and the financial impact on farmers.

“January to April has been the driest on record in this area but still not drought declared,” said Cr Tehan.

With drought on everyone’s mind and the ongoing dry conditions, the Mansfield branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) organised a free informative talk for locals on Wednesday May 14, to help tackle these pressing issues.

It was supported by the Mansfield Shire and Nutrien Ag Solutions

A packed function room at the Mansfield Golf Club of more than 150 people was open to VFF members and any other concerned residents.

There were husbands and wives, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters and farm workers among the crowd reflecting the local farming community.

VFF Mansfield branch president Mark Ritchie in his introduction said with “anxiety levels rising” and concerns around “water problems and feed problems” something had to be done.

He thanked Cr James Tehan and the Mansfield Shire for being able to organise the gathering less than a week out.

Representatives from the Mansfield Shire gave a short spiel on community wellbeing resources and other practical assistance like the portable water trailers available through the council.

Those present were urged to reach out to their local council for help.

This was followed by renowned veterinarian and drought specialist, Dr John Webb-Ware, also a cattle farmer from Glenburn.

Dr Webb-Ware said it was a privilege to address the large turnout which was a “reflection of where everyone is headed at the moment”.

While many are thinking it will rain soon, he said, “It is the uncertainty you have to deal with”.

“In mid-spring to late summer you hope for an early autumn break, mid-autumn you are hoping like hell, then by ANZAC Day/late April the anxiety when the rains don’t come,” said Dr Webb-Ware.

There is the need to review your current situation and take stock to inform your decision making, he said.

Farmers in central NSW when faced with drought conditions several years ago did a panic sell off of livestock.

Now that there is a return to plenty of feed in the paddocks without any stock.

“There are consequences of decisions made earlier which come back to haunt you,” said Dr Webb-Ware, “...be comfortable with your decision”.

He outlined the difficulty in relying on Bureau of Metrology to forecast spring rain falls.

“This time of year, the accuracy of those forecasts are not worth looking at, later in winter or early spring, yes,” he said.

“…outside a week or two is in dangerous territory”.

Western Victoria since late last winter has recorded the lowest ever rainfall, with the North East not as bad but “pretty close”.

Using previous autumn rainfall records, how do you make a plan?

“Looking back at the past doesn’t help plan for the future, but historical rainfall records can be used to determine probabilities of rain,” said Dr Webb-Ware.

If the season does not break, then it is time to evaluate the quality of your pastures and future feed costs.

Farmers could be facing an average cost of $350 per ton of mixture grain and hay.

Dr Webb-Ware emphasised the importance of making a decision as to what stock to keep or sell.

“Talk early to your bank about increasing your overdraft,” he urged.

It is all about communication he stressed.

A simple budget was presented to the audience to help calculate the associated costs against the value of keeping stock.

“There are opportunities for offloading stock and some people do well by buying when prices are low,” Dr Webb-Ware said.

Monitoring stock especially sheep by weighing gives good information about stock and is a valuable tool too, he said.

This led to discussion about feeding requirements for different stages of livestock development and pitfalls to avoid.

The use of lime on paddocks was encouraged as a long-term activity.

Supplementary feeding is dependent on quality and what is available in the paddock.

“If uncertain talk to someone,” he said.

As a vet he was able to explain threats to animal welfare and the importance of good nutrition during drought.

Animals in confinement are at greater risk, and he urged with any amount of rain stock were better out.

The next speaker Lachlan McKenzie from McKenzie Ag Services based in southern Victoria provided some hay and grain strategies for producers.

“The export market has softened in the last four weeks with Trump’s tariff announcement,” Mr McKenzie said.

“But all the domestic markets are holding it up,” he added.

Mr McKenzie has vast experience in all aspects of beef and lamb feedlot operations and livestock trading.

His focus was on offering livestock producers in the room a broad range of stockfeed options as well as advice regarding animal nutrition.

His presentation gave alternatives to the traditional hay options and the pros and cons of each including price point.

Mr McKenzie discussed availability of competitively priced customised grain mixes, a range of pellets, cereal grains, protein meals, legumes, hay (vetch, lucerne and cereal) and cereal straw.

He stressed the importance of putting together a feed budget and balancing it against economic outcomes.

“The worst thing you can do is make no decision,” Mr McKenzie said.

Also speak to your neighbours and advisors to help develop a strategy, he added.

Speaking to several attendees after the talk the general consensus was positive about the content.

A passing remark from one local livestock agent summed it up, when clients ask should they sell their stock during this dry spell, he says ask yourself are you sleeping at night?

If the answer is no, then you have your answer, he said.

Anyone interested in contacting the Mansfield Council for assistance can contact the Community Connections Officer on (03) 5775 8515 or jill.o'halloran@mansfield.vic.gov.au