Make decisions on your livestock – and stick to it

By Dr Jeff Cave

Apr 25, 2025

It is vital that producers assess their livestock situation now and actively plan for the welfare of animals as we wait for the autumn break.

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Livestock may start experiencing the effects of the shortfall of paddock feed. Furthermore, water availability has become a critical issue on many properties.

To ensure livestock make it through this period, some timely decisions need to be made.

Producers need to examine their options carefully and ask themselves questions such as:

Have I got enough supplementary feed on hand?
If not, will I be able to source it at a reasonable price?
Will I need to cart water? How much? And from where?
Is agistment an option, what is the cost and how far will my stock have to travel?
Do I need to sell some stock now?

Decisions need to be made carefully. A well-constructed plan is a valuable tool in assisting with the decision-making process.

By using a timeline with details such as ‘if it has not rained by X date, I need to sell X number of head’, often eases the pressure on producers and their livestock.

Livestock owners have a legislative responsibility for the welfare of their animals under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

For further information, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.

Plus you can contact your local veterinarian, local stock agent or Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officer on 136 186.

– Dr Jeff Cave is Agriculture Victoria’s northern region senior veterinary officer.