Drought
With predictions for lower than average rainfall over the coming year, it is important that farmers are aware of the services available to them.
Our staff are on the ground to support farmers with advice, resources and contacts leading up to, during and after drought.
Local Land Services role in drought support
We are available with ongoing advice for farmers and landholders planning for and dealing with drought.
Our staff live in regional NSW and are available to offer hands-on support with current, localised information and advice on managing and recovering from drought:
- our livestock officers provide technical advice on feeding and nutrition
- our district veterinarians manage and advise on livestock health and welfare
- our TSR rangers manage permits for grazing on travelling stock reserves and roads
- our drought adoption officers assist in delivering drought planning and preparedness across the state.
Key drought initiatives
We are working closely with the Southern and Northern Drought and Innovation Hubs and the Federal Government to deliver the following projects across NSW.
- Adoption officers: Local Land Services will receive $1 million in funding over the 2022-23 and 2023-24 financial years to employ additional extension officers who will assist in delivering drought planning and preparedness across the state.
- Saving our soils (stock management areas): Local Land Services will lead the saving our soils project over two years. This $1 million project is a partnership with six farming system groups and the Soil Knowledge Network. The project will deliver demonstration sites, case studies, workshops and follow-up design support for producers to establish stock management areas.
- Soil extension funding: LLS also received $750,000 in investment from the Australian government for three projects that will provide soil testing and soil health extension services across five Local Land Service regions.
How can I prepare for drought?
Drought is a risk that needs to be managed, just like any other business risk. The following resources are aimed at helping producers plan and prepare for drought.
- The Farm Tracker App is a simple tool to help you monitor seasonal conditions on your property.
- The Combined Drought Indicator Map will help you understand the emergence of drought in your area, and give you time to put plans in place.
- The State Seasonal Update is produced by NSW DPI to give an overview of seasonal conditions.
- Support is available through programs such as the Farm Innovation Fund and Farm Business Resilience Program and Drought Loan to help you plan and prepare.
- The Managing drought, fire and flood guide covers the range of issues you need to consider, including planning, strategies and a drought action plan.
- A drought plan template is a good resource to help you understand your current situation and what critical decisions you may need to make to prepare for drought.
- Drought and supplementary feed calculator (DPI) is an essential tool for sheep and cattle producers to develop drought feed rations as well as rations for dry periods when supplementary feeding is required.
Drought preparedness guides
Drought
Upcoming events with advice on local seasonal conditions and preparing your property for drought.
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What is the NSW DroughtHub?
The NSW Government’s DroughtHub provides full details of the wide range of practical and financial support available to people and businesses across the state. This includes information on:
- available drought assistance
- latest drought maps
- state seasonal updates
- managing during drought
- water resources during drought
- animal welfare during drought
- wellbeing
- assistance near you
- drought news and media.
Australian Government drought support
The Australian Government has released a drought response, resilience and preparedness plan, with three themes:
- immediate action for those in drought
- support for the wider communities affected by drought
- long-term resilience and preparedness.
Visit the Australian Government's Drought, disaster and rural support page to find out more.
Additional drought information and resources
There are a range of publications, factsheets and apps on the NSW DroughtHub and elsewhere, including:
- A guide to confinement feeding sheep and cattle in NSW. PDF, 5591.67 KB
- Feeding and nutrition (DPI)
- Weeds and drought PDF, 7900.57 KB
- Managing and preparing for drought 2018 (DPI)
- Chemical residues in stock and stock food (DPI)
- Dealing with dry times video series
- North West producer case studies: Drought strategies video series
- Meat & Livestock Australia Fit to load guidelines
Find out more about these initiatives.
Contact your region for drought support
Contact your local office and extension staff for advice on preparing, managing and recovering from drought:
If you’re unsure which region you’re in, you can look it up using our regional map.