Managing the Green Drought Transition - Advice for local producers

Our recent rainfall has brought a welcome green flush across our landscape; however, the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services (LLS) is reminding producers that greener paddocks does not necessarily mean adequate feed for livestock.

Known as a ‘green drought’, this transitional period occurs when our paddocks begin to recover following on from rainfall but have insufficient cover to meet livestock nutritional requirements.

LLS is encouraging producers to continue monitoring pasture availability, livestock condition and nutritional needs, particularly for young stock, lactating animals and those already under stress.

Key considerations include maintaining supplementary feeding until adequate pasture growth is established, assessing feed quality, managing stocking rates and protecting groundcover to support long-term pasture recovery.

Local Land Services provides free feed, water and soil testing, to help producers throughout these changing seasonal conditions.

Northern Tablelands LLS also provides practical advice through its Productive Producer Podcasts, including strategies for managing feed shortages, selecting appropriate supplements and balancing livestock nutrition with feeding costs.

For further information or assistance, contact Northern Tablelands Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

Source: Northern Tablelands Local Land Services – Seasonal Advice for Farmers