How can you manage drought conditions on your farm?

Queensland farmers are struggling through some of the worst drought conditions the aptly named Sunshine State has ever witnessed.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. John McVeigh, announced recently that 79 per cent of Queensland is currently "in drought". It's the largest area to be affected by drought conditions since records began.

"Queensland is a big state and there is usually a drought somewhere, but this is the largest area of Queensland that has ever been drought declared at one time," said Mr McVeigh.

This highlights the importance of having a risk management strategy that includes - in addition to farm insurance - procedures for handling drought conditions.

Mr McVeigh explained that local and federal governments are working hard to get emergency aid and funding to Queensland farmers.

However, the best approach to managing drought conditions - as always - is a proactive, rather than a reactive one. While assistance will always be welcome, there are a number of steps you can take to make sure severe weather events such as drought won't spell complete disaster for your farm.

There are a range of factors you'll need to take into consideration when developing a risk management strategy for handling drought conditions. If you own stock, they should be your first priority.

Should drought conditions not only hit your farm, but linger on for months and months, how will your stock survive? You may, for instance, consider selling them or agisting them onto neighbouring properties. It's important to do this sooner rather than later, while your stock are still fit and healthy.

If you can't bear to part with your stock or you don't have the means to replace them with conditions improve, then make sure you have enough feed and water stored away to see them through.

Every risk management strategy should feature insurance that covers you for everything from drought to farm liability claims. For information on arranging a policy, get in touch with Elders Insurance.