Preparing for summer

While summer will give many producers the opportunity to take a break, it can also see many parts of the country facing challenging weather events, such as floods and bushfire. 

Record-keeping 

It’s worth taking the time now to make sure your record-keeping is up to date, and that you’re well-prepared for any sudden changes in the conditions. 

• Producers should conduct a PIC reconciliation annually to ensure they have accurate livestock records. Access ISC’s how-to guide to conduct a PIC reconciliation.
• Make sure your records are up to date with the range of LPA record keeping templates available on the ISC website.
  
  

Biosecurity planning 

Biosecurity risks escalate during disasters, so it’s crucial to review and update your biosecurity plan to ensure the relevant risks are reflected in your plans. 

• The LPA farm biosecurity plan template contains a range of recommended practices for producers to consider, including: 
  - where practical, segregate, observe and treat returning livestock as required 
  - records should be kept on all feed introduced to the property as well as which livestock received it 
  - document feral animal, wildlife and weed control plans as required 
  - identify biosecurity activities to be undertaken over the next 12 months 
  - undertake regular property inspections for actual or potential biosecurity issues.
• For more information on biosecurity within LPA, visit the LPA biosecurity web page. 
  
  

Disaster management planning 

Make sure you have plans in place to deal with extreme weather conditions, including: 

• An evacuation plan for people and livestock, as well as the locations the stock should be moved to in an emergency. Include a map and possible agistment options.
• Plans for the purchase and storage of emergency fodder.
• Plans for the provision of safe water if infrastructure is destroyed.
• A list of emergency contact details, including:
  • Local fire brigade
  • Local council
  • State department of primary industry
  • Local vet
  • Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888
• Ongoing management plan to ensure that livestock are effectively identified and that stock transfers, stock registers and livestock vaccinations are up to date.
  
  

Further guidance 

The following additional resources will help you prepare for, deal with and recover from a natural disaster: 

• Flood information for livestock producers
• MLA Bushfire Hub
• ISC Natural Disaster Response Hub