We are definitely much better off than many of our fellow producers in other parts of Australia, but at the same time with the loss of our winter rain, it has been a battle keeping the Renard herds fed, watered and cool in these shocking 40 – 46 degree days. Even now nearing the end of February we have not seen any decent rain.

We have always known the Blonde breed is resilient and able to handle a range of adverse weather conditions but this summer certainly confirms it. While we worry about their ability to handle the heat, it constantly amazes us that with shade to go to the blondes lie out in the sun and seem to thrive on it .

Farmers are doing it tough there is no doubt about it. On top of the drought, there is the exorbitant water costs, and the scarcity and cost of good quality feed while the floods in North Queensland have had a devastating personal impact on many farming families and the industry in general.

We are currently feeding our dry cows a combination of “anipro” mineral supplement and straw and our cows and calves have had some green feed on our crops of sorghum. For many a long year we have had to wean claves early at 100 kg. and/or at the 3-4 month age and they have been doing very well on wheaten hay.

Amazingly our cattle are holding their own in these tough conditions which is a great testimony for the breed in its ability to handle our conditions here in the Riverina where we have freezing winters and torrid summers at times.

We are also putting in 4 small bores with submersible pumps which will deliver 2mega-litres per day to supplement our irrigation supply as temporary water is $530 per mega-litre.

Hoping for rain soon.