Information to help producers manage fuel and fertiliser supply challenges

Resources and practical guidance to help producers prepare for and manage the impacts of current fuel and fertiliser supply constraints.

Plan for uncertainty

Putting a clear plan in place can help reduce risk and support decision-making during periods of supply and price volatility. Depending on your operation, strategies may include:

Review inputs and storage

• calculate how much fertiliser, fuel and feed you have on hand, and how long supplies are likely to last
• assess on-farm storage capacity for fertiliser, feed and fuel
• identify opportunities to prioritise or defer input use where appropriate.

Feedbase and stocking decisions

• review your feedbase and pasture production outlook under reduced or delayed fertiliser application
• assess stocking rates to ensure land capability aligns with feed availability and seasonal conditions
• if considering destocking to reduce input costs, identify strategic stock (based on breeding potential and genetics) to retain to support longer-term productivity and recovery.

Manage fuel impacts

• factor higher fuel costs or limited availability into operational planning
• review transport needs for livestock, feed and other inputs
• consider the timing of mustering, planting, harvesting and other machinery-intensive activities
• build contingencies for freight delays or increased contractor costs
• factor fuel requirements for bores, pumps and generators into planning, and identify critical water infrastructure that may need to be prioritised if fuel availability becomes more constrained.

Financial and business planning

• review budgets and cash flow to understand where costs may increase and where expenditure could potentially be reduced
• stress-test business scenarios under higher input prices or shorter supply durations
• speak with your accountant, bank or financial advisor about options and contingencies suited to your business
• take into account any operational flow-on effects – and the impact to cashflow – from:
  • access to feed and water during key periods
  • impacts on livestock transport and booking timelines
  • slaughter and processing timing
  • breeding schedules and feed availability across seasons.

MLA tools and resources to support your planning

MLA offers a range of tools and practical resources to assist producers.

• Australian Feedbase Monitor: Estimate current and future feed availability and plan pasture and livestock management under reduced fertiliser use.
  Australian Feedbase Monitor
• MLA Stocking Rate Calculator: Assess your land’s capacity to support stock and explore different stocking scenarios.
  MLA Stocking Rate Calculator

Look after your wellbeing

Australian red meat producers are no strangers to tough conditions and uncertainty. During challenging periods, it’s important to prioritise your wellbeing, check in with family, friends and neighbours, and seek support when needed. MLA’s Wellbeing and disaster recovery hub provides access to mental health resources, practical tools and support services for producers and regional communities.

Staying informed

MLA will continue to work with industry stakeholders and government to monitor developments affecting fuel and fertiliser supply and to share relevant updates with producers as information becomes available.

To keep up to date, subscribe to The Weekly by updating your myMLA profile to receive industry news.

Producers are also encouraged to stay in touch with advisors, suppliers and local networks to ensure decisions are based on the most current, region-specific information.