Top Country Seasonal Update – Keep in Front of the Changing Season

The average rainfall for Queensland throughout the month of October was 83.6% below the 1961-1990 average, the lowest recorded since 2006 (Bureau of Meteorology, 2023). Unseasonal rainfall in July in Queensland alleviated some pressures for Northern Australia, however it was not enough to improve sub-soil moisture reserves, which are at below average. (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2023). However, minimal rainfall for the vast majority of Queensland between the months of August to November has seen a further decline in soil moisture levels, negatively impacting pasture quality.

The drivers of climatic conditions directly influence the long-range forecast, more specifically the currently active El Nino. Recent times have seen above average expected rainfall for the current stage in the season, with consistent falls predicted for the coming weeks. Irrespective of this, livestock supplementation is essential to ensure livestock health and wellbeing is maintained. At Top Country we offer a broad range of customisable supplements for the dry season, wet season, and everything in between.

Many Top Country customers are currently feeding dry season supplements formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of poor-quality pastures and lactating livestock. Due to the recent rain events, there has been an influx in fresh pasture growth. As a result, cattle have started refusing higher protein and urea-based supplements whilst they chase the green pick. This rapid shift in diet negatively impacts on the rumen microbes as they adjust to the fresh pasture. Therefore, it is important to continue supplementary feeding as the paddocks change to ensure some continuity in diet.

Top Country encourages producers to carefully monitor their livestock’s consumption rates and consider alternative products that may better suit the climatic conditions. This may include reducing the level of urea in the supplement or increasing the level of phosphorous.

Please consider the following if wet weather continues:

• Feed spoilage: Wet feed may lead to the growth of mycotoxins and mould, which can negatively impact on livestock health and performance.
• Poor Acceptance: Ruminants have the nutritional wisdom to understand what they require. As a result, once their mineral and nutrient stores are replenished, consumption can fluctuate.
• Urea Toxicity: Urea dissolves rapidly in water, so urea-based supplements are best fed in covered feeders, such as the Top Country Skid Feeda, or shelters to mitigate the risk.

If you are unsure of what you should be supplementing or if you have any questions, please contact us on (07) 4622 8330 to speak to one of our nutritionists or enquire here for more information.

Disclaimer: All animal stockfeed should be fed as part of a nutritious, balanced diet to match the livestock’s specific requirements. Ensure that animals always have plenty of fresh, clean water available for drinking. Top Country makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the suitability of any of the products supplied to the specific requirements of your livestock. It is recommended that you consult your ruminant nutritionist before making any major dietary changes. This product does not contain restricted animal material.