“Long-range weather forecasts are predicting above average rainfall for the North Coast’s traditionally wet summer-autumn period,” said NSW Department of Primary Industries livestock officer (dairy) Julie Dart. 

“This is an early reminder for farmers and other landholders to think ahead and make sure they are prepared in case of flooding – with a written flood plan,” she said. 

“In particular, newcomers to an area should become familiar with local, historical flood levels and ensure they have a safe refuge for their animals if they are in a flood prone area.” 

Ms Dart said dairy and beef farmers, and landholders with livestock should: 

• Consider being part of a “phone tree” with neighbours to get additional information on flood heights and river behaviour. 
• Be prepared to act early when moving stock.  Have routes planned for moving stock off farm to higher ground if needed, and have a back up plan in case of road closure.    
• Have contact details of workers, processors, vet and other service providers easily accessible.  
• Have at least a month’s extra supply of stored feed to give stock when they can’t access paddocks.  Ideally this feed should be easily transportable, and not too different from normal feeds to minimise rumen disruption.    
• Keep a close eye on body condition and herd health – and adjust feed rations as necessary.  
• Buy in only good quality feed.  Make purchasing decisions based on dollars per unit dry matter, energy, fibre and protein.   

Ms Dart said farmers and landholders have a responsibility to make sure their animals have access to dry ground and adequate food and water. 

“In previous floods, some animals have been left stranded in flood waters or have been forced to higher ground in an inappropriate location. With proper planning, these situations can be avoided.” 

Ms Dart said dairy farmers across the North Coast would be discussing flood preparedness at Christmas Gatherings at Raleigh Hall on Tuesday next week; Kempsey SES Headquarters on Wednesday; and Taree on a date to be confirmed. Enquiries and RSVP should be made to Lou at NSW DPI Kempsey office on 6563 6800, or you local DPI livestock officer. 

Further information on planning for emergencies including floods is available from the websites of NSW DPI and the State Emergency Services – www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or www.ses.nsw.gov.au 

A useful web page for dairy farmers is Dairy Australia (www.dairyaustralia.com.au) where you can get information on an Emergency Checklist and Feeding & Nutrition. 

Media contact: Phil Bevan 0429 458 053