Gunnedah North West Local Land Services office offering advice, feed and water testing

NW LLS Matt Davidson said supplementary feed was still high-cost and hard to source because of the drought and the heat would increase the need for water.

"It is crucial that producers take time to consider the workload as well as the emotional and financial costs of ongoing feeding and what other options there might be," he said.

"While many producers have made the difficult choice to destock, we know there are still many landholders trying to hang onto their stock, despite challenges with feed and water availability.

"We are urging producers to make realistic feed and water budgets and honestly consider their options."

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NW LLS said while destocking might be the best option for some producers, there might be a wait to get cattle into saleyards because of the Christmas period.

The government agency is offering free feed testing to help producers determine if their fodder is meeting nutritional requirements of stock and won't risk their health through issues like nitrate poisoning.

Free feed sample bags are available at any of the North West LLS offices and staff are able to assist with interpretation of results to help producers better understand the information.

Water testing is also available to landholders who want to test their supply as it dwindles and they are forced to use alternate sources like bores and wells.