While there is some autumn growth still around, planning for the winter months ahead needs to be done now.  Check to see if you have enough feed to last a winter with the numbers you may have on?  Have you got enough supplements like hay, silage etc? Do you have the right class of livestock on for the winter?

Things to take into account when making some of these decisions will be governed by your own individual property characteristics, like is your property wet, or exposed to the elements or sheltered & warm? What is the properties fertilizer history like?

Past history of carrying capacity will help also make these decisions a little easier. If its your first year on the property talk to some neighbours and see if they can throw some light on to it for you. Your agent may also know if they dealt with the previous owner.

Even grass types on your property and the location of saleyards and processing companies can play a part in the timing of some decisions. And lets not forget how much work you want to do yourself in the wet cold months ahead.

Once you have looked at these questions and put some answers together you’ll be able to look at some of the options available.  Buy more livestock?  Hold on to what you have?  Sell  some or all?  Change your class and or age of livestock?

Your decisions in the timing of any selling will be determined by your ability to feed your livestock, so hence the need to plan ahead. See you next month.

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