Drought decision-making
Having a plan when it comes to drought preparedness is the most effective way to get through prolonged periods of dry weather and protect you, the farm and your business.
Your drought response plan should look at how you deal with drought and recognise that it can occur at any time and the signs are often very subtle and can go unrecognised. Often people don’t realise drought is here until it gets to the point where remedial action is needed.
Setting trigger points for decision-making
Implementing drought management strategies regularly, and ongoing is one of the best ways to reduce risks associated with drought. Setting trigger points as part of these strategies can help you identify when particular actions or decisions need to be taken before it gets too late.
These predetermined trigger points allow you to make difficult decisions that will protect both your livestock and your business. Involving your family and farm staff in this process can also ensure that you gather all the information and analysis as a team which makes it easier, and often more reliable when taking action and having to decide what is best for your current situation.
Some examples of predetermined trigger points you could set include:
- water supply becomes unpredictable or insecure
- feed requirements outstrip supply
- feed costs reach a certain point
- funds available to purchase feed fall below a certain point
- reaching a date with no rain for crop or pasture growth.
Download a copy of our drought plan template to help you with your decision-making during drought now.