Contain stock in dry conditions

May 9, 2025

Agriculture Victoria has advised farmers to consider stock containment in dry conditions. Photo by Megan Fisher

Agriculture Victoria encourages livestock producers to consider effective stock containment strategies to maintain core herd or flock numbers and support pasture recovery.

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Agriculture Victoria’s land management extension officer Kerri Goschnick said dry seasonal conditions and limited rainfall continued to place pressure on grazing operations.

“Stock containment refers to confining livestock in designated areas, where farmers can effectively manage feed, water and shelter,” she said.

“This allows farm paddocks to rest until an autumn break causes pastures to recover and withstand livestock grazing.

“Stock containment doesn’t necessarily require a complicated system; it can be as simple as a sacrifice paddock with good quality water and access for feeding.”

Ms Goschnick said farmers should be aware there was a higher risk of weed infestation when importing feed to supplementary feed livestock.

“Establishing a stock containment area to use supplementary feed will contain the weed seeds to a manageable area,” she said.

“Weeds to look out for include parthenium weed, particularly in fodder sourced from parts of Queensland and NSW.

“It is important that animals in containment have their nutritional, water and shelter needs met.”

For more information go to the Agriculture Victoria website.