Resources and Tools

Calculators

DPI Drought and Supplementary Feed Calculator

Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.The drought and supplementary feed calculator app is free to assist sheep and cattle producers to develop feed rations during drought and dry seasons. A desktop version is also available.

Feedlot Calculator

Profit margins for feedlotting can be low and it is important that producers accurately estimate the profitability of such ventures prior to committing resources to this labour intensive activity.

Feed Cost Calculator

Calculate and compare protein, energy and other components for different mixes of livestock feeds.

Crop Salvage Calculator

This tool was developed to help producers make decisions about salvaging crops affected by drought and/or frost conditions.

Farm Tracker App

Farm Tracker is a simple tool you can use to help monitor seasonal conditions on your property.

Feeding and Nutrition

Feed and Fodder

Requirements for fodder purchased from interstate.

Using hay or silage during drought

A factsheet on using hay or silage to feed drought affected stock

Drought-affected canola and wheat - feed quantity

A fact sheet to maximise the nutritional output from crops during drought.

Potential spread of pasture dieback in fodder

Without precautions the fodder industry could contribute to the spread of pasture dieback across southern Australia.

Drought feeding livestock

How you feed your livestock through drought is a crucial decision

To feed or not to feed: weather forecasts and feeding decisions

NSW DPI's Dr Anthony Clark discusses weather forecasts and feeding decisions

Understanding drought fodder quality

NSWDPI Senior Research Scientist at Wagga Wagga Ag Institute, John Piltz, explains how to interpret feed test results and why they are important.

Drought feeding pregnant and calving cows

Brett Littler from NSW Local Land Services discusses strategies, management tips and feeding options.

Early weaning calves

Brett Littler, Senior Land Services Office (Livestock), discusses the benefits of early weaning.

Videos and case studies

RAA customer stories

The RAA is committed to supporting NSW farmers to become more resilient and better prepared for seasonal challenges. See how our financial assistance has helped farmers improve the productivity, sustainability and viability of their farm businesses in these case studies.

Case Study - NSW Central Tablelands 'Dargo'

How one farming family managed through the drought & their learnings

Drought Preparedness Case Studies

This video series shows you how farmers from different regions in NSW have approached the planning for the next big dry.

Drought Tips video series

Check out our Drought Tips video series to help you navigate and prepare for drought and dry times.

Templates, tools, guides and checklists for farmers

Drought Plan Template

A written drought plan can remind you of what you need to do and when you need to do it. Looking ahead and focusing on the factors you can change or influence is an essential key to managing dry times effectively.

Business Plan Template

Enhance farm management through this business plan template. Strategically plan and manage resources for sustainable agricultural success.

Carbon Opportunity Decision Support Tool

This tool is designed to assist Australian land managers in better understanding carbon farming opportunities and to identify which might be best suited for their enterprise.

Dairy Australia Farm Fitness Checklist

Dairy farmers have the choice of using a range of Our Farm, Our Plan resources. Get started with a self-assessment using the Farm Fitness Checklist.

Beef cattle checklist during drought

Checklist for good beef cattle health and management in drought.

Biosecurity Management Plan

People entering areas where a Biosecurity Management Plan applies must comply with the measures outlined in the plan.

Preparing for drought - a practical handbook

Planning for drought is a complex and difficult business. Too often, good ideas are forgotten once rain falls and business as usual resumes. This publication aims to capture strategies for future use.

Work Health and Safety Toolkit for Farmers

The Young Farmer Business Program has developed a range of videos, factsheets and customisable templates to assist you in getting started with WHS management in your business.

PROGRAZE™ - Profitable, sustainable grazing

PROGRAZE™ addresses the issue of pasture and livestock interaction to provide a basis for more efficient and effective grazing systems. It covers key topics namely in pasture assessment, livestock assessment and plant species recognition, and will explore how these skills can be used in daily decision making on farm.

Drought assistance guide for primary producers

A guide covering information on resources, tools, programs and assistance that can help primary producers during drought.

Support services and tools

SafeWork NSW Farm Safety

Learn more about how to manage the risks and hazards on a farm, including working with animals, vehicles and chemicals.

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program have a number of resources including templates, factsheets, podcasts & videos to assist with your wellbeing.

Rural Wellbeing Toolkit

Ideas and tips for anyone supporting the wellbeing of others in their rural community.

Respectfully engaging with rural communities

A guide for groups and organisations working with rural communities.

Communication preferences of primary producers during adverse advents

A report identifying the communication preferences of primary producers during adverse advents.

2022/23 Regional Wellbeing Survey Report

NSW farmers' exposure to adverse events - an extract of findings from the national Regional Wellbeing Survey.

Webinars

Preparing for dry times is essential to maintaining productivity and viability of farming businesses across Australia. As part of the Saving Our Soils During Drought Program Local Land Services has produced a series of webinars for livestock producers across the state to assist landholders in the decision making and management of their livestock through dry times.