Farmers brace for dry winter

The drier winter will be accompanied by unusually high daytime temperatures and an increased chance of higher overnight temperatures.

While Yarrawonga Weir is sitting at 97.63 per cent capacity, and Dartmouth at 77.63 per cent, the Hume is down to 22.58 per cent, way below the region-wide storage level of 55.79 per cent.

Dr Jeff Cave, senior veterinary officer for the Northern Region said it was vital that producers actively plan for the welfare of animals as livestock may start to experience the effects of the shortfall of paddock feed and water becomes a critical issue on many properties.