Each week central west producers are being offered free livestock and production advice to help them stay on top of things during the dry conditions.
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Hosted by the Central West Local Land Services, the weekly drought drop-in sessions are held at Coonamble, Dubbo, Nyngan, Forbes, Condobolin and Lake Cargellico.
Central West LLS district veterinarian for Dubbo, Evelyn Walker said while the sessions were held weekly, she encouraged farmers seeking advice to come in at any time to the Victoria Street office.
Ms Walker said advice varies depending on the producer, but includes nutrition and animal health information.
As the drought conditions continue, farmers are getting desperate and feeding their animals feed that isn’t substantial or nutritious, Ms Walker said.
“The hard truth is people should of made decisions four weeks ago and not wait to that point where they’re trying to find unusual feed for those animals,” she said.
“Now you’ve got animals that are calving and they don’t have enough energy to push the calf out or they’re dry and can’t give any milk.”
Ms Walker said producers need to make decisions now while they’ve still got feed available.
“If you put it off it’s going to be too late by the time you start thinking about it,” she said.
“And don’t start looking at this weird stuff (feed for animals), because if you’re starting to look at that it’s just not good and you’re only going to go backwards.”
Ms Walker and the Dubbo biosecurity officers also attend fox baiting and livestock health groups on proeprties around the central west.
Not only do the biosecurity officers distribute baits, but local livestock issues are addressed and questions are answered on feeding.
“People that attend those tend to be a mix of (cattle and sheep) producers,” Ms Walker said.
As the fox baiting groups have been held over a number of years, Ms Walker said they always get a huge turnout of producers.
If you have any questions regarding any of the drought sessions or baiting workshops please call 1300 795 299.