Recently, Feed Sales Manager, Jonathan Langan, spent time in the Kimberley region catching up with station owners and managers ahead of this year’s muster. Given the widespread damage caused by the enormous flooding that occurred in the region, he was not quite sure what would greet him. What he found was that station owners, managers and workers, like many Australian farmers, have undeniable tenacity and heart, and are rebuilding ready for a very busy, though shorter, 2023 muster.
The aftermath of the devastation of the floods has seen a great season develop. The flood waters have receded, leaving behind plenty of water and green pastures. Many pastoralists commented that the early start to the wet season, in late October, and regular rain through to mid-April, had provided one of the best wet seasons for a very long time. As a result, the cattle are happy and fat – a silver lining after the destruction. Due to delays caused by water levels and limited access, many stations are starting muster some 4-6 weeks later than they would have liked. A couple of managers commented that they would simply not have time to do their normal two round muster and were making changes to focus on doing a good single round. The consequence of this is that they will be taking more weaners off cows at muster and putting them on to Early Weaner. Normally they may only do this with 10-15% of weaners but, due to the fact that a second round may not be possible, they will be pulling off and feeding a few more weaners this year.
One manager of a number of stations did his sums and decided it makes good sense to do a single muster, bring the weaners into pens for feeding, and spend about $75/head on Milne Early Weaner pellets, instead of more than $1 million on a second round muster. This process allows him to take the weaners off mum, and feed them on pellets until the rumen is fully developed and the weaners are in excellent condition, then send them out on to good grass. Some of these weaners may only be 120-130 kg but can still be turned out IF their coats are shiny and they have lost their poddy calf stomach. Using this strategy, a single muster is cost effective, produces more advanced weaners, and also allows for improved condition, fertility and conception in cows, and therefore results in better calves. It is a strategy that has proved greatly successful for many stations in recent years.
Whilst the Fitzroy River is still flowing strongly, the crossing is now open, mainly for cars, but several single trailer crossings have been trialled successfully. It is hoped that access to triples will not be too far away.
Aside from cattle being in good condition as the result of good grass growth, the birds are flocking in and the flowers are in full bloom, as seen in these magical photos of the flood plains on Liveringa Station. We wish everyone all the best for the mustering season.
