When dry seasons hit, feeding livestock becomes one of the biggest challenges for producers, horse owners, and rural families across regional NSW. With hay prices rising and paddock feed becoming limited, having practical and cost-effective drought feeding solutions is more important than ever.
At Bedwells Feed Barn, we understand the pressure drought conditions can place on farms and families. That’s why we stock a wide range of bulk grain, livestock feed, horse feed, poultry feed, hay, and supplementary feeding options to help support your animals through the tougher seasons.
Hay and Roughage Still Matter
Even when hay is difficult to source, fibre remains essential for maintaining healthy digestion and rumen function in cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. During drought, many producers look at stretching available hay supplies further by incorporating supplementary feeds and bulk grain options into their feeding program.
Depending on availability, producers may combine:
- Hay or roughage
- Bulk barley
- Lupins
- Pellets or concentrates
- Mineral supplements
- Stock feed blends
This can help maintain condition and support livestock when pasture quality declines.
Bulk Grain Options for Drought Feeding
One popular option many producers consider during drought conditions is feeding a combination of barley and lupins.
Why Barley?
Barley is commonly used as an energy source for cattle and livestock. It can help maintain body condition and support energy requirements during dry periods when pasture quality drops away.
Why Lupins?
Lupins provide a valuable protein source and are often used to balance grain rations. When fed alongside barley, they can help create a more balanced supplementary feed option.
A barley and lupin mix is often used by producers looking for a practical way to provide both:
- Energy
- Protein
while helping stretch hay supplies further during tough seasons.
At Bedwells, we offer a range of bulk grain options including:
- Bulk barley
- Lupins
- Oats
- Stock feed blends
- Poultry feed
- Horse feed
- Sheep and cattle feed
- Bulk buy feed options
Whether you’re feeding a few animals at home or managing larger livestock numbers, we can help tailor practical feeding solutions to suit your situation.
Introducing Grain Slowly Is Important
When introducing grain feeding during drought, it’s important to do so gradually. Sudden changes in feed can increase the risk of digestive upset and acidosis, particularly in cattle.
Some key drought feeding tips include:
- Introduce grain slowly over several weeks
- Ensure animals still receive adequate fibre or roughage
- Provide access to clean water at all times
- Feed consistently
- Use quality mineral supplementation where required
Supporting Regional NSW Through Tough Seasons
At Bedwells Feed Barn, we’re proud to support horse owners, poultry enthusiasts, rural families, and producers across regional NSW with dependable stock feed solutions and practical advice.
From hay and bulk grain to complete feed options, our team understands the realities of feeding animals through changing seasons and drought conditions.
Because every family — and every animal — deserves to thrive.
Important Feeding Advice
All livestock have different nutritional requirements depending on age, workload, production stage, and health status. Before making significant dietary changes or introducing high-grain feeding programs, we strongly recommend speaking with your veterinarian, nutritionist, or qualified livestock advisor to ensure feeding programs are suitable for your animals and conditions.