Assessing and Managing Livestock
Managing livestock following a disaster can be challenging, particularly when large areas of the farm have been affected. It could take weeks before burnt fencing can be replaced and with pastures blackened, alternative stock feed will be needed.
This loss of pastures and hay requires more intensive farming practices until pastures have re-established and the soil able to withstand livestock without causing erosion or pugging.
The risk of weed invasion increases dramatically after a natural disaster, particularly when bringing in hay and grain. A stock owner is unlikely to turn away donated hay when the welfare of farm animals is utmost in their mind.
Imported weeds may not appear until several months after the emergency has past. By that time the weed may be well established and costly to control.
One of the best ways of minimising weed infestations, erosion and helping pastures to recover is to remove stock from normal paddocks and 'feed-lot' them in carefully selected stock containment areas. This keeps the animals from straying and reduces the area at risk of weed infestation.
If feed and stock containment on your property are too difficult in the short term, you may wish to agist your animals on a property not affected by fire. We recommend you visit our information on Agisting livestock after bushfire.
Assessing sheep after a bushfire
This document describes how fire may affect sheep and how landholders can deal with the situation.
Assessing cattle after a bushfire
This document describes how fire may affect cattle and how landholders can deal with the situation.
Agistment of Livestock that have been affected by Bushfires
Often in the aftermath of fire, the most suitable (or only) alternative is to agist livestock away from affected properties. Information describing some factors to consider in this circumstance.
Disposing of carcasses in response to bushfire, flood or drought
Information about the disposal of carcases as a result of an agricultural emergency.
Horses and bushfires
This document describes how fire may affect horses and how landholders can deal with the situation.
Water for Horses following Fires
This page contains information on how to ensure ongoing access to sufficient clean, fresh drinking water for your horses after a bushfire.
Emergency Stock Containment Areas
Know what to consider when protecting your livestock from bushfire threats.
