Adverse Weather Affects Cattle Weight Gains in New South Wales

In recent weeks, cattle producers in New South Wales have witnessed firsthand the profound effects of snow and a severe cold front on cattle weight gain. Reports indicate that some producers observed weight losses of up to two kilograms per day due to adverse weather conditions.

With approximately 1500 Optiweigh units deployed across Australia and beyond, cattle producers are now able to track the daily performance of their livestock with precise accuracy. Jess and Hamish Webb, who manage a cattle operation in Myanbah, west of Armidale, utilize two Optiweigh units to monitor their backgrounding and trade cattle effectively.

“During the recent snow, we monitored two groups of F1 steers. The steers grazing on native pastures experienced a drop of 0.7 kilograms daily, while those on oats showed a slightly lesser decline of 0.5 kilograms,” reported Mrs. Webb. “Recovery took some time, but they now regain their weight at rates of 0.7 and 1.3 kilograms daily, respectively.”

Mrs. Webb attributes the initial weight loss to the blanket of snow, which limited the cattle’s access to food, further compounded by the wet conditions that followed the melting snow. “This unique weather event led to difficulties in feeding, but the nitrogen from the snow eventually nourished the grass, aiding in regeneration and improved weight gain,” she added.

Founders of Optiweigh Bill and Jacqui Mitchell.

According to Bill Mitchell, founder of Optiweigh, these units illuminate micro fluctuations in animal weight, allowing producers to take swift action when performance dips below expectations. “Typically, a decrease in weight gain of half a kilo a day may not be detected visually for weeks, but with our technology, producers can react immediately,” stated Mr. Mitchell.

“Each Optiweigh unit sends a daily email alerting the producers to any unexpected changes, prompting them to investigate further,” he added. “Livestock owners are also utilizing this data to enhance animal welfare through timely health assessments, such as fecal egg count tests.”

Managing the Myanbah operation, Jake Cracknell utilizes the Optiweigh data to complement his on-ground observations. “The tool has been invaluable during our ambitious pasture renovations, allowing us to compare the impacts of improved pastures and oats against native grasses throughout different seasons,” Mrs. Webb elaborated. “We have gained significant insights into how pasture quality directly influences weight gain.”

Jake Cracknell managing cattle during the snow in August 2025.

Understanding the Drivers of Weight Gain

Mr. Mitchell explains that Optiweigh was initially designed for effortless weight tracking on pastures without the need for livestock handling. However, its applications have grown extensively. “Producers are increasingly leveraging this technology to analyze weight gain variables, whether feed quality, grazing patterns, or management practices,” he noted.

“We’ve learned that cattle can withstand cold, wet conditions as long as their energy intake is adequate. Conversely, a dip in feed energy can lead to rapid weight loss,” he continued. “We’ve seen cattle in harsh climates, like Canada, gain up to 2kg per day even in -20 degree weather, showcasing the critical role of maintaining their energy supply.”

Mr. Mitchell also emphasized that summer heat stress has emerged as a more detrimental factor for weight gain than previously realized, as humidity and high temperatures contribute to significant weight loss in cattle. “This phenomenon has been consistently observed across various regions, from the Gulf to Victoria,” he concluded.

Through precise daily weight tracking, producers are optimizing their marketing strategies for livestock. “The immediate benefits include booking transport while ensuring cattle reach target weights, reducing the risk of penalties for over- or under-weight animals,” Mr. Mitchell explained. More importantly, the data enables producers to identify productivity gaps early and implement corrective measures swiftly.