Drought feeding: inventory first, then decisions
Start a drought feeding review with usable forage, dependable water and the animals that must be fed. Update the inventory from physical checks, separate groups by their needs and set dates to check stock and compare feed offers in HerdMobile. Review supply options early and assess each alternative feed’s composition before planning a change.
Compiled from open-access scientific sources.
What is actually available?
Check forage stocks, pasture condition and the water supply rather than relying on last month’s record. Separate usable stocks from spoiled bales. Note which bale or stack weights came from a count rather than a scale. Identify the groups eating from the same store and update their animal numbers in HerdMobile. Agriculture Victoria’s drought resources place feed planning within a broader review of farm resources. Combine stock counts with group needs and feed analyses to review supplies across the dry period. Select your animal groups and available feeds in HerdMobile to calculate daily quantities and identify purchase needs. Treat interrupted water access as a current problem that needs attention.
How do you compare alternative feeds?
Before ordering, ask for the exact feed name, composition, current analysis, delivery quantity and storage directions. Compare the price using the same moisture basis and include freight in every offer. Check the intended species and feeding directions for an unfamiliar product. Keep the supplier’s offer with its date. Enter the feed values and prices in HerdMobile, select your animal group and calculate the daily ration and cost per head before buying.
What makes a decision date useful?
Set a review date and define the information that will trigger another decision: remaining usable stock, supplier availability, water access or a change in animal condition. Record what was agreed and who will follow up. Budget from actual quotations rather than assumed future prices. Before changing the group, compare animal numbers with usable stocks, purchase costs and daily care jobs. Update the animal and feed counts in HerdMobile so the next purchase plan follows the current herd. Keep animal-health and welfare concerns urgent; consult a veterinarian rather than waiting for the next routine stock review if animals are struggling.
Questions from the farm
Where should drought planning begin?
Count usable feed stocks, check water access and identify the animal groups. Use those observations to set the next purchasing and review dates.
How do I compare an alternative feed offer?
Check product identity, current analysis, quantity, delivery and handling needs. Review the material’s suitability and transition requirements for your animal group.
How do I set a useful decision date?
Choose the observations that will trigger a review, such as remaining usable stock or supplier availability. Record the date and the person following the action.
How HerdMobile helps
Bring your animals, feed stocks and farm accounts together on your Android phone. HerdMobile keeps your daily work moving offline: record events, compare feed quantities and follow sales and payments in one place. Use your own feeds and herd information to prepare a ration, then keep a backup file under your control.
Sources
Continue reading
- Heat stress: a practical dairy-farm checklist
- Winter feeding starts with forage and water
- Eid livestock finishing: plan the feed transition early
- Sheep and copper: check the complete feed label
- Feed library: compare nutrients and dry matter
- Wheat straw: dry matter, protein and fibre
- Farm notebook: seasonal livestock articles
- Why ration matters on your farm
- Herd records that explain what happened
- Farm finance: separate sales, payments and feed use
- How HerdMobile makes farm life easier
- Farm glossary: feed, livestock and money terms explained