By Bruce Wardley
SOUTH Gippsland is in the grips of a green drought despite above average rain in July and farm dams across the region starting to fill at last.
Wonthaggi rain gauges reached 119.4mm for the month compared to the July average of 97.6mm, but annual totals are well down.
While 94.7mm fell in June, the previous six months all struggled to top the 30mm mark, providing no autumn break for pastures.
Rhyll recorded 76.8mm last month compared to a July average of 67.6mm, Wilson’s Promontory 161.8mm compared to an average of 122.5mm, Yarram 59mm compared to a July average of 46.8 mm and Pound Creek 87.8 compared to an average of 83.9.
But the rain came too late according to Kernot farmer Peter Brown.
“We’re in a green drought because of the cold,” he said.
“It’s green, but there’s not much grass there.
“Dams are starting to fill but they have a long way to go.”
Peter said it could take another four weeks before there’ll be enough feed for cattle.
“But there are signs spring is on the way,” he said.
“We’ll continue to feed out for at least another month until spring.”
Local farmers say it could take until mid-September before the pasture is growing strongly enough to sustain stock.
“Farm dams will be unlikely to fill this year,” they said.
“Most dams are only a quarter full, we need more run-off.”
Drought support was announced by the State Government over a month ago but according to Nationals MP Melina Bath local farmers are still trying to access it.
“They have either received no response or been told the government is taking Expressions of Interest only,” said Ms Bath.
“It is unthinkable that the Labor government would announce support then leave our farmers waiting.”
The Nationals are calling for fodder, agistment and water support.
The Victorian Government’s drought package includes $144 million in direct support to help farmers and communities across the state with grants up to $5000 for on-farm improvements to help manage the drought, and an additional $5000 top-up in 11 local council areas where the drought has hit hardest.
Farm management advice and planning help is available, however service providers to support the delivery of the program have still not been finalised.
Farmer Clive Hollins said cattle prices are good now, but he had to unload stock when prices were down because they simply ran out of feed due to the lack of rain.
“I’m still feeding out despite the rain,” said Clive.
“We bale hay and make our own silage but this year we had to buy in hay.”
“We have 24 rolls left which might just be enough to get us through.”
According to Ian Hitchings it’s the worst season since 1975 when farmers had to start shooting cattle because they were worthless.
“Saleyard prices then slumped to $10/head for cattle.”
Fortunately, according to local producers the Americans are taking all the beef they can get at the moment particularly chopper cattle for grinding beef.
“All their cattle come from feedlots and they’re too fat, they have to mix it up with Australian beef.
“China and Japan buy the better quality beef,” said Graham Wood.
Agriculture Victoria has suggested farmers use urea to boost winter growth.
After a poor spring and summer and a late autumn break Agriculture Victoria Livestock Industry Development Officer Nick Linden said the need to grow more feed is now a top priority.
A number of local events might help:
* AgVic is holding a webinar on Monday, August 11 at 12pm for livestock farmers focused on using urea to boost pasture growth this winter and spring. Farmers can register for the AgVic urea webinar at https://tinyurl.com/5286pf7x
* South Gippsland Landcare Network is holding a ‘Dry Season Preparing for Spring and Summer’ event at the Buffalo Hall on Monday August 18 from 9.45am – 2.30pm presenters include Dale Grey (weather outlook), Fiona Baker (setting ourselves up for spring), James Paulet (on six new soil-moisture probes and weather stations and how farmers can use them), farmers Chris Nixon and Trevor Caithness on strategies they used to get through the three-year drought in East Gippsland. There’ll also be a visit to Ross Batten and Madeline and Bernard Buckley’s farm. Register on the landcare website at www.sgln.net.au
* South Gippsland Landcare Network is holding a 7-week Climate Smart Whole Farm Planning Course, at several South Gippsland farms, starting on Wednesday, August 13 from 10am–3pm. More information: cassie@sgln.net.au or 0448 739 559.
* For more information on drought support go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on 136 186.
