21 November 2024
Download media release
With parts of the Riverina now experiencing extremely dry conditions, local farmers are being encouraged to take advantage of a range of free resources designed to boost drought preparedness.
The latest NSW Seasonal Update from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) shows part of the Riverina east of Wagga Wagga is now in drought, while half of the region and that of the Murray, as well as a small section of the South East, are drought affected.
Director of the Southern NSW Innovation Hub Cindy Cassidy said summer conditions had arrived early in the region.
“Dry conditions are impacting green feed availability in large parts of the Southern region as pastures dry off. And warmer than median temperatures are expected over November and January next year, so we are urging farmers to be as ready as they can be,” she said.
”The Hub’s collaboration with partner organisations, such as NSW Local Land Services (LLS), is critical to helping farmers deal with dry times and better prepare for and recover from drought.
“I urge any farmers interested in on-farm, practical help with drought planning and preparedness to reach out to their local Drought Adoption Officer through LLS, it’s a fantastic service and popular with landholders.”
The Drought Adoption Officer program across NSW is funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund through the Southern NSW Innovation Hub and Southern Queensland Northern NSW Hub.
Program Manager with NSW Local Land Services, Nyssa Belton-Liddy, emphasised the value of the Drought Adoption Officer program for farmers navigating challenging conditions.
"The Drought Adoption Officer program is a hands-on initiative designed to give farmers the practical tools and guidance they need to build drought resilience on their properties," she said.
“Whether it's developing a tailored drought management plan, working through feed budgeting, or preparing infrastructure for prolonged dry conditions, our officers are here to offer on-the-ground support”
Ms Belton-Liddy noted that many farmers are already seeing the benefits.
"The local insights and one-on-one support from our Adoption Officers have been incredibly well-received by farmers, helping them implement effective, sustainable practices that can mitigate the impacts of drought."
The Hub’s website also has a range of drought resilience resources which will help with decision making during increasingly dry conditions.
Ms Cassidy said, “Farmers can access everything from a guide to confinement feeding sheep and cattle, to financial counselling information, to a drought and supplementary feed calculator for sheep and cattle producers to develop drought feed rations when needed."
The current NSW Seasonal Update states the current dry conditions are likely to hold in the western Riverina, Murray LLS and South East regions, with expansion of the affected area into the southern Monaro and far south coast expected over the coming three months.
