Resources for dry seasonal conditions
After a few years of good seasonal conditions across much of Australia, drier weather might be on its way. In case it is, AWI provides a range of resources to help woolgrowers plan and carefully manage their enterprises in the lead up to and during dry seasonal conditions.
PHOTO: Jamesbowyer
On 15 August, the Bureau of Meteorology (www.bom.gov.au) announced the continuation of its ‘El Niño Alert’, meaning that there is around a 70% chance of an El Niño developing this spring.
During El Niño, there is a higher chance of reduced rainfall for eastern Australia, warmer daytime temperatures for the southern two-thirds of Australia, increased risk of extreme heat, and increased bushfire danger in south-eastern Australia.
Dry seasonal conditions need to be planned for, and carefully managed for the sustainability of wool-growing enterprises, the industry and the environment.
Some areas of Australia already have drier than usual conditions. While it remains to be seen whether drier than usual conditions eventuate more broadly across Australia this season, AWI has available for woolgrowers a range of planning and management resources, including:
Publications:
- Feeding and managing sheep in dry times
- Managing fodder prices for droughts
- Feeding and managing sheep in dry times
- Managing sheep in droughtlots
- Which sheep do I keep?
- Drought feeding and management of sheep (Agriculture Victoria).
Decision support tools:
- Cost of production calculator
- LifetimeWool feed budget tables
- Feed On Offer library.
More information: These and other resources are available at www.wool.com/drought
Livestock safety during bushfires
AWI also provides a range of information to help woolgrowers with bushfire preparation and recovery. See www.wool.com/bushfires
This article appeared in the September 2023 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
