Drought workshops on management options

Sheep-in-drought

At the Dargo workshop on Monday 4 March, local veterinarian Alison Gunn will discuss managing herd/flock health during drought.

Agriculture Victoria is hosting a series of free drought workshops throughout Gippsland in March and April to help farmers prepare for autumn.

Agriculture Victoria’s Regional Manager Meat and Wool Services, Nick Dudley said farming families are encouraged to attend the workshops to discuss options for managing ground cover and pastures in the event of an autumn break, as well as the continued management of livestock through drought conditions.

“The workshops will offer practical strategies for assessing the current state of pastures and managing livestock coming into autumn, as well as planning options if the drought continues.

“Agriculture Victoria staff will be on-hand to discuss support services currently available to producers and a Rural Financial Counsellor will also attend,’’ he said.

Mr Dudley said the workshops will be held at different locations across the region and be presented in partnership with local consultants.

At the Dargo workshop on Monday 4 March, local veterinarian Alison Gunn will discuss managing herd/flock health during drought.

Later in the month, workshops on 27 and 28 March at Woodside, Briagolong and Meerlieu, will discuss how to assess the current state of pastures, opportunities to grow quick winter feed and fertiliser considerations.

The Woodside workshop on 27 March will be presented by consultants Lisa Warn and Alison Gunn. Lisa Warn will also present at the Briagolong and Meerlieu workshops on 28 March.

Alison Gunn runs her own veterinary and animal health consultancy business in East Gippsland and runs three local Better Beef groups. She has worked in clinical dairy practice in most Australian states and was most recently employed as a Senior Lecturer in Ruminant Health at the University of Sydney.

Lisa Warn is an experienced consultant with a long history of working in the grazing industries. She is skilled in pasture agronomy, farm management economics, sustainable farming systems and sheep/cattle management.

Lisa provides independent, evidence-based advice to sheep and beef producers and coordinates a local BestWool/BestLamb group in the region.