The Local Land Services Weekend Farmer information session at the Orange Agriculture Institute will feature a diverse range of farming-related topics, including pasture management, fencing demonstrations, livestock health, horticulture and bio-security.

A session on farm irrigation, stock water needs and drought proofing water supplies in a challenging season will be particularly topical.

With just 361 millimetres of rain recorded, the last eight months at the Forest Road facility have been extremely dry.

Since 1900 there are only eight years that have recorded less rainfall: 1982 (the lowest total of just 226 millimetres), 2002, 1904, 1944, 1914, 1901, 1908 and 1905.

The dry spell has created a lot of issues for the district’s smaller farmers, according to Director of Mid West Irrigation Keith Sproule, who will present the farm stock water and irrigation options session.

“There have been a lot of problems this year with inadequate pump lift due to the lowered water tables in many areas,” Mr Sproule said.

“The importance of designing your water system to cover all seasonal conditions cannot be overstated.

“Given that most small holdings are using their water systems for multiple purposes, including domestic supplies, livestock, orchards and the all-important fire safety supply, your watering system is one of the most important functions of a small farming operation.”

According to Phil Cranney from Central Tablelands Local Land Services, there have been anecdotal reports of water tables dropping below historical low levels in areas surrounding Orange, Blayney and Bathurst.

“There is only one thing more heartbreaking than having no feed for your livestock and that is having feed but no water,” Mr Cranney said.

“Water-quality issues can be a real limitation to livestock performance and pasture utilisation.”

The session will run from 9am to 1pm at a cost of $30. Register online at wwwcentraltablelands.lls.nsw.gov.au/resource-hub/events.