With calving complete and attention turning to mating, pregnancy rates, herd management, and summer plans, now is a good time to start thinking ahead to the challenges that dry conditions can bring.

While long stretches of sunshine may be great for holidays and time outdoors, they can create significant challenges on farm. Dry conditions can quickly impact feed availability, pasture growth, milk production, cow condition, and overall farm profitability.

What Could a Dry Summer Mean for Your Farm?

The season discussed in this article was expected to be influenced by an El Niño weather pattern, with forecasts suggesting:

• More frequent and stronger westerly winds
• Prolonged dry spells
• Faster soil moisture loss
• Increased risk of feed shortages

At the same time, warmer sea temperatures can mean occasional intense rainfall events and localised thunderstorms interrupting otherwise dry conditions.

Regardless of seasonal forecasts, planning early helps position your farm to respond quickly if conditions begin to deteriorate.

Planning Ahead for Feed and Production

Proactive management can help maintain milk production, protect body condition, and support farm profitability during dry periods. Some key areas to focus on include:

Identify Feed Deficits Early

Understanding where feed supply may fall short gives you more time and flexibility to respond before conditions become critical.

• Secure Supplementary Feed
  
  • ‍Consider feed options well before demand increases. Supplementary feed and crop planning can provide valuable insurance against feed shortages.
• Make Strategic Management Decisions‍
  
  • Options such as targeted nitrogen use, strategic herd testing, and early culling of low-producing animals may help improve efficiency during challenging periods.
• Review Milking Strategies‍
  
  • Alternative milking schedules, including once-a-day milking or two milkings every three days, may help reduce energy expenditure by lowering walking distances and easing pressure on cows during dry conditions.
• Monitor Body Condition Score Closely‍
  
  • Regular body condition monitoring allows you to identify cows needing additional nutritional support before production or reproductive performance is affected.

Don't Overlook Heat Stress

Heat stress can significantly impact animal welfare and production. During hot weather, cows require:

• Access to ample shade
• Unlimited access to clean drinking water
• Adequate trough space and water flow rates
• Cooling strategies around the dairy
• Milking schedules that avoid the hottest parts of the day

Reviewing herd management practices during peak summer can also help reduce time spent standing in yards and minimise heat load on cows.

Preparation Pays Off

Planning ahead for dry summer conditions can help protect production, maintain cow condition, and support profitability until seasonal conditions improve. While no one can control the weather, early preparation gives farmers more options and greater resilience when conditions become challenging.

If you'd like to discuss feed planning, body condition management, heat stress mitigation, or drought preparation strategies, talk to your local Vetora team.