More and more properties are now running out of stock water because dams are dry.

Some producers may have a prospect of spring feed just around the corner but need to know firstly how much water they are likely to need, to be in a position to estimate the costs they could be up for.

On a per head basis, buying subsidised water can add an extra 20-35 per cent to the costs of full hand feeding.

Sheep requirements vary from around one tenth those of cattle when lactating and approximately one fiteenth when not lactating.

Stock water requirements will depend on a number of factors, demonstrated in the following example: 100 British bred cattle, 85 per cent of which are lactating with a four month old calf, drinking water that is not salty, require just over 5000 litres per day, or 50 litres per cow, when the mean temperature is 15°C.

Mean temperature is the middle between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature on that day.

The volume of water required increases significantly during hotter weather.

When mean temperatures increase to 20°C, the 100 cows and 85 calves require 5700 litres.

When mean temperatures reach 25°C and 30°C, daily water requirements for the herd rise dramatically to 7500 and 9900 respectively.

This assumes as well that every litre of water purchased is available to the cattle.

In some situations a lot of waste due to evaporation, spillage and sometimes seepage, means even more water is required.

Producers faced with carting water should consider very closely the costs they may face.

One example: An 11,500 litre load of water carted in NSW cost $135 in freight plus $20 for the water, a total of $155 (GST included); so the cost per 1,000 litres of water in this case is $13.47.

In the 100 cow example, the water cost per day would vary from $77 at an average 20°C to $133 at 30°C.

Even allowing a 50pc freight subsidy for eligible landholders on the transport portion, the costs are still extremely high.

The bottom line is graziers should not become so attached to livestock that they cannot bear to sell them. This is particularly the case when the business is placed in financial jeopardy if the gamble of an early end to the drought is lost.

Total feeding and water costs need to be estimated, for the most likely period until run-off rains are received, and the worst case costs should also be calculated by estimating the longest time period until run-off.

The worst case scenario gives a feel for the risk exposure.

For more detail see the Agfact Water requirements for sheep and cattle at www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/water-livestock /a054.htm

Contact Lloyd Davies, Paterson, (02) 4939 8947, or Ian Blackwood, Paterson, (02) 4939 8941.