Fellow farmers, despite prospects and predictions of a favourable rainy season, the reality on the ground seems to hit differently. The land is simply too barren and hardy in most parts of the country. And, as the prospect of good showers wanes, so does hopes for bumper harvests or better calving for livestock. At such times, farmers have two options - hang their heads low in despair, or raise their chests and prepare to cushion the blow. I would choose the latter.

Experience has shown that preparation - which would incorporate a great deal of preventative measures - is far better than ‘cure’. As we stare another possible drought in the eye, the least we could do is prepare for the worst but hope for the best. Many times, we start preparations for this event too late and lose a lot as a result. A bad rainy season is a definite recipe for drought; we need not be told - the writing is on the wall. Let’s put measures in place so we are not found wanting.

In my books, the most important preparation for livestock farmers is to ensure that your livestock have access to good quality licks as per season. Licks not only help livestock develop immunity against diseases, but are vital in ensuring that the bone structure of your livestock is strong enough to carry it through the drought. 

Always keep fresh licks in your feeding though so livestock can have around the clock access to them. Never compromise on this; spend your last to sustain the momentum. It will come in handy in the end.

Another strategy would be to let go of your weakest link so that your ‘chain’ can remain strong and your circle impenetrable. This would mean letting go of your weakest and most frail livestock - old cows, bulls that have reached their maturity and sick cattle. Sell them off, save the money - you will need such when hard days come. Keeping this group of livestock in your herd adds to your cost. You might need to put a lot of money in fodder for these livestock as they are most likely to be the first to be affected by drought. You can restock when better days come. 

Talking of fodder; make sure you have enough hay to feed livestock when grazing becomes completely depleted in the field. Sending animals out into a barren and overgrazed field and wondering why they die in the end is the definition of insanity. Without proper grazing, they will die. It’s a given. Having some bales of hay, or lucerne if you are one of the few lucky ones to afford such - would mean the difference between life and death for your livestock.

Make sure you stick to your vaccination schedule. Having sick animals during the dry period could result in a double jeopardy situation for you. Vaccinate, and timely report or treat sick animals so that they can retain their strength to fight the drought. 

Most importantly, keep a close watch over your livestock. As the Afrikaners would say, “...ver van jou goed, naby jou skade…”. Loosely translated, the age-old idiom means if you do not take care of matters yourself, you must expect losses. This is not to say you should be physically present at all times, but simply urges you to be involved in the running of your farm - especially during trying times.

The good news is that the rainy season is not yet over and rain could be in the offing, but it is most probably better to be prepared than to be caught off guard, right? I thought as much too. - tjatindi@gmail.com