Containment feeding is one practical way that livestock producers can manage feed shortages during periods of seasonal and climate variability. When used strategically, it can support livestock productivity while protecting pastures and maintaining ground cover during challenging times.
Dr Penny Schulz, producer and Livestock Technical Adoption Officer at the SA Drought Hub, utilises a containment feeding system as a flexible management option that supports productivity across a range of seasonal conditions. "Containment feeding is a great strategic tool that can be used on farm, not just in tough seasonal conditions like drought, but to fill feed gaps that happen just seasonally every year," she says.
Dr Schulz leads the SA Drought Hub's 'Containment Feeding to Boost Business Performance and Resilience' project, which was developed to address gaps in technical expertise, access to consistent information and producer uptake. While many producers recognise the benefits of containment feeding, implementation can be complex, requiring decisions around animal selection, nutrition, timing, infrastructure and cost that can be daunting to make without support, or during tough times.
The need for this support was accelerated during project development in 2023, when SA producers experienced a failed spring, and rapidly worsening seasonal conditions. Advisor training was prioritised to ensure producers could access timely, practical guidance during one of the state's driest periods on record.
Advisors were upskilled via a 'Train-the-Trainer' model and linked with farming systems groups to support long-term regional capability beyond the life of the project. In addition, resources were developed in parallel to ensure consistent messaging.
Advisor and livestock consultant Ash Wachtel says the program addressed a longstanding gap in accessible, practical resources. "Before, I found resources on containment feeding really scattered. It took a lot of time to find the information you were looking for. This program brought everything into one spot and gave us a really up to date, well-researched resource," says Ash. On-farm visits were a key component, allowing advisors to assess existing or planned infrastructure and provide tailored recommendations.
The training has strengthened advisor confidence as well as technical knowledge. Dr Schulz notes that improved decision-making capability has been one of the most important outcomes, with advisors better equipped to support producers to make informed investments and manage containment feeding systems effectively.
For producers, the benefits have translated directly to on-farm outcomes. Sheep producer Robbie Bateman has invested in containment feeding infrastructure to improve efficiency and protect paddocks ahead of lambing. "It lets the grass grow out in the paddock, leading up to lambing. More grass I grow, the more sheep I can run. The more sheep I can run, the more efficient the business is, and more."
By building practical skills and confidence using containment feeding systems, the SA Drought Hub is helping strengthen drought resilience in livestock production systems and supporting farm businesses to stay profitable during tough times.
