While some are managing through drier conditions, there are still practical steps to make the most of the season ahead.
By preparing early, farmers can protect herd health, optimise feed resources, and ensure pastures deliver as much as possible.
Dairy Australia has developed a suite of resources to support decision-making and help farm businesses stay on track through spring and summer.
Well-managed transition cows and dry cows are the foundation of herd performance.
Tools like the Checklist for Transition Cow Management and Feeding Early Dry Cows Well show how nutrition at this stage directly influences future production and fertility.
Complementary resources such as Feed Value Varies in Different Feeds and Impacts of Your Feeding Decisions provide guidance on weighing up feed options, while Observing and Quantifying Cow Signs supports daily herd monitoring to ensure timely adjustments.
For many, water and feed availability remain tight.
Summer cropping can provide flexibility, and Dairy Australia’s guides on chicory, millet, sorghum and turnips offer insights into establishment, feed value and risk management.
Farmers already mapping out summer rotations will find these resources valuable in fine-tuning decisions to suit local conditions.
Maximising what spring delivers is equally important.
Fact sheets such as Making the Most of Spring Pasture and Managing Pasture Paddocks in Dry Conditions outline grazing strategies to sustain productivity.
Maximising Spring Feed with Nitrogen steps through targeted fertiliser use, helping farmers stretch limited feed and maintain herd performance through a dry season.
All resources, including fact sheets, videos and decision-support tools, are available via Dairy Australia’s Spring Preparation in Drought hub at: dairyaustralia.com.au/murray
Farmers are also encouraged to call the Dairy Australia Murray team on (03) 4811 6008 for a chat. Our team is here to meet on-farm or over the phone to help you prepare, adapt and focus forward this spring and summer.
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