Victoria’s Cattle Industry Faces Challenges Amid Fires

Cattle farmers in Victoria are grappling with a challenging scenario as an unrelenting bushfire season compels the early sale of livestock. The combination of raging fires and extended dry conditions has significantly limited the options for moving cattle.

Movements Prompted by Fires

This month has seen multiple bushfires affecting various regions of Victoria, particularly the Upper Murray, central, and southern areas. As a result, many cattle were forced into agistment in the western districts.

Guy Robertson, a stock agent from TDC, commented on the situation during The Week in Beef podcast, noting that while feed is available in these districts, water scarcity remains a critical issue due to a prolonged absence of rain.

“While the western districts have welcomed numerous cattle for agistment, the lack of sufficient groundwater—some dams are nearly empty—poses a serious concern,” Robertson explained. “There is dry feed available across western and southwest Victoria, but accessing enough water is crucial for utilizing that feed.”

The Urgent Shift to Processing

Consequently, Robertson highlighted that many cattle from bushfire-affected zones are being sold directly to processors, including pregnant cows (PTIC). He explained, “Producers are faced with the tough decision of whether to feed these animals in containment or send them to processing facilities for much-needed cash flow.”

Farmers are worried about potential calving challenges if early rains do not arrive, which complicates decisions about whether to keep cows for longer periods.

Young Cattle on Early Turnoff

Another concern arises as light cattle are being sold earlier than usual, creating increased competition for feedlot spaces. Michael Unthank from Brian Unthank Rural in Albury noted that his clients, particularly those affected by fires, have had to alter their usual marketing strategies.

“We are seeing cattle that typically would be given more time before sale now running through store pens, primarily to allow restockers to acquire them,” Unthank stated. Additionally, older cows are being diverted to processors instead of being held for an extra year of growth.

Long-Term Consequences of Early Turnoff

Unthank warned of the long-term effects of this premature turnoff, noting that producers will face significant challenges in restoring their herds. “Selling off cattle now will disrupt their entire financial program and could severely impact their profitability moving forward,” he added.

Robertson echoed these concerns, pointing out that recent years have already seen numerous cattle sold off during prolonged droughts, exacerbating the current situation of low calf numbers next year. He affirmed that the outflow of livestock will place further pressure on the market in future years.

Conclusion

The ongoing challenges driven by bushfires and drought in Victoria’s cattle industry create a precarious situation for many producers. As they navigate these adverse conditions, the focus will undoubtedly remain on finding sustainable solutions to ensure the future resilience of their operations.