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.

Drought preparedness guides

black and brown cows easting grain from a red feeder on the dry bare ground
On-farm drought management

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graphic with a picture of sheep and headline drought plan template with a screenshot of the table in the template
Drought decision-making

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Sheep on dry, dusty paddock with truck carrying hay against blue sky
Drought feeding livestock

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black cattle eating cereal hay at trough in confinement area
Confinement feeding sheep and cattle

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sheep standing around a dam that is surrounded by bare ground and dry grass
Stock water requirements in drought

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LLS staff member standing in paddock with hills in background
Drought video resources

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Drought

Upcoming events with advice on local seasonal conditions and preparing your property for drought.

Murray
three black and white cows drinking water from a blue trough
1 May 2024 (all day)
Stock Water Workshop - Burrumbuttock

Get enough good quality water when and where you need it!West Hume Landcare & Corowa District Landcare invite you to...

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Murray
a landscape of a farm dam surrounded by trees
2 May 2024 (all day)
Stock Water Workshop - Corowa

Get enough good quality water when and where you need it!West Hume Landcare & Corowa District Landcare invite you to...

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Hunter
cattle farmer
9 May 2024 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Ruminant nutrition and animal health workshop | Upper Rouchel

Join Veterinarian and Ruminant Nutritionist Dr Jillian Kelly and Local Land Services Senior Land Services Officer Teresa...

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Murray
a group of people looking at a dam on a property
15 May 2024 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Farm Water Management Workshop – Savernake

Learn how to develop a comprehensive plan that covers water storage, supply assessment, and demand estimation for livest...

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Murray; Riverina
a group of people at a dam using equipment to test the water
16 May 2024 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Farm Water Management Workshop – Henty

Learn how to develop a comprehensive plan that covers water storage, supply assessment, and demand estimation for livest...

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Murray
21 May 2024 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Farm Business Management - Moulamein (2 days)

The overall intent of this workshop is to develop a greater understanding of Farm Business Management, in particular per...

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Murray
22 May 2024 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Farm Business Management - Moulamein (2 days)

The overall intent of this workshop is to develop a greater understanding of Farm Business Management, in particular per...

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Murray
4 Jun 2024 8:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Farm Business Management - Holbrook (2 days)

The overall intent of this workshop is to develop a greater understanding of Farm Business Management, in particular per...

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Murray
5 Jun 2024 8:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Farm Business Management - Holbrook (2 days)

The overall intent of this workshop is to develop a greater understanding of Farm Business Management, in particular per...

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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:

Related information

News & Events

Local Land Services staff live and work in your region to deliver quality, customer-focused services to farmers, lan...

Drought feeding livestock

How you feed your livestock through drought is a crucial decision. Doing a feed budget to understand your options in...

Saving Our Soils During Drought

Saving Our Soils During Drought (SOS) is an adoption project funded by the Future Drought Fund Drought Resilient Soi...