While some communities have taken the hit more than others, flooding across the Western Plains is seemingly taking its toll on everyone, and local livestock are no exception.

With dams and waterways at capacity and many LGAs experiencing moderate to major flooding, Local Land Services (LLS) is urging landholders to review their farm emergency plan, ensuring that animals are factored in. 

Local Land Services Emergency Management Coordinator Piers Harper said having a farm emergency plan will reduce stress, allow clearer thinking and improve the chances of keeping you and your livestock safe should flood waters arrive. 



“Planning will not only protect your home, property and business. You also have an obligation to protect your livestock and pets from drowning,” Mr Harper said. 

"We encourage you to identify and move livestock to a ‘safe’ area on your property where they are away from danger but still have access to food and water," Mr Harper said. 

“You should remove pumps from waterways, secure moveable objects like bale feeders and where possible, move farm equipment to higher ground,” he said. 

"It's also important to store all chemicals securely and out of potential flood water levels.” 

The LLS has also warned that stock holders need to remain vigilant in checking for diseases that could accompany the recent flood waters. 

According to the LLS, “Animals are often physiologically stressed, leading to reduced immune system function and have softened feet and skin as a result of prolonged wetting. This combined with better survival conditions for bacteria, biting insects and worm eggs and larvae results in a far higher risk of disease in flood affected stock”.

Livestock diseases to be on the lookout for include:

• gastro-intestinal diseases such as yersinia (flood mud scours)
• parasites such as barbers pole, small intestinal worms and liver fluke
• lameness as the result of trauma or bacterial infections of the hoof, such as Strawberry Footrot
• mastitis
• clostridial infections, including blackleg and botulism
• toxicities due to poisonous plants.

For those with flooded paddocks impacting stock feed, a new permit recently announced by the state government is tasked with helping farmers needing to truck feed in.

The new Agricultural Commodities Permit will allow farmers to apply to have heavy vehicle access to all local roads in regional NSW. 

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said that the balance is difficult when it comes to preserving key transport links and keeping stock fed. 

“We all know that the recent rain has wreaked havoc on our road network but it has also damaged pastures and fodder supplies, and is hampering farmers’ efforts in getting feed to livestock,” Mr Farraway said.  

“The new permit means our farmers can now apply to have heavy vehicle access to all local roads in regional NSW.  

“We recognise just how difficult it is to move livestock at this current time and this initiative will better support access for heavy vehicles carrying larger loads to safely and efficiently move feed to flood affected areas.” 

A Farm Flood Readiness Kit can be found at the Local Land Services website, as well as a wide range of resources from the SES to help plan and prepare your property and livestock. 

If you need assistance with emergency fodder, stranded or injured livestock contact the Ag and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.