Rebuilding a livestock enterprise after a drought

In this article, Dr Louis du Pisani, national manager for production advice and development at the National Wool Growers’ Association, explains how to carry out post-drought recovery and reconstruction of a livestock enterprise to achieve optimal, lasting results.

- Dr Louis Du Pisani

Drought, especially if prolonged, leads to a decline in veld condition, livestock numbers, and the financial situation of a livestock enterprise. Once the drought breaks, the livestock farmer faces a burning question: what are the best practices for repairing drought damage and rebuilding the farm to its former level of productivity?

But before answering this, the farmer has to answer another question: which comes first, the veld, the livestock, or the finances? The answer is that all three should be repaired simultaneously as they are interdependent. But implementation is not that simple.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The following should be borne in mind when carrying out the recovery and rebuilding process:

• A drought-stricken farm, like a patient in an intensive care unit (ICU), needs treatment that produces positive results from the start. There is no time for experimenting or taking risky decisions. The right medicine is often bitter, but essential.

• Seek the advice of a multidisciplinary team consisting of experts in grazing management, animal husbandry and agricultural economy. This team should determine the condition of the farming concern in the ICU and develop a comprehensive turnaround strategy. It is all well and good to hope, but hope on its own is akin to gambling.

• Base all decisions on a sound plan and good judgment. A clear head and self-discipline are also crucial. Sentiment, poor farming practices, emotion, and impulsiveness should be avoided at all costs. • Remember that there are no quick fixes; the process takes time

• Focus fully on the turnaround strategy during the repair and reconstruction process and make timely adjustments when necessary.