However, one of the pitfalls of seeing GREEN, is actually overestimating the amount of feed available. Earlier this year a very experienced producer commented that he had about 750kgs/Ha of feed in the paddock we were assessing. Once we measured the dry matter cuts, there was actually closer to 200kgs/Ha available. Overestimation of feed available during tough times is not uncommon. My own visual estimations on the EverGraze experiment at Panuara varied considerably from season to season - underestimating in good times and overestimating in tough times.

While the quality of the feed available is more than likely excellent, the tricky part is forecasting how long it will last. Typically growth rates of pastures in September would be around 40-50kgs/Ha/Day on the slopes and around 20-30kgs/Ha/Day on the tablelands. Once we get into warmer temperatures in October we can expect these growth rates to really take off for the tablelands to around 40-60kg/Ha/Day. However growth rates will vary considerably due to the different residual pasture quantities and general soil and pasture health.

Five key things when assessing pasture quantity:

1. Fresh green growth could be as high as 70-85% water

2. Leaf weighs less than stem

3. 3cm in height is approx. 1000kgs Dry Matter/Ha and roughly 200kgs for every cm thereafter

4. Drought may have impacted pasture density

5. The lower the density and quantity, the lower the spoilage

When calculating water use efficiency of pastures, research has shown that approx. 15kgs/Ha/mm or rain is close to what you can expect from a pasture that has no nutrient deficiencies. However this figure can vary greatly due to the slope, soil type, pasture species and weather conditions. What we do know is that higher temperatures and evaporation rates will greatly reduce the plant available soil water.Whatever your situation, it is crucial for perennial pastures to wait until the grass has  3-4 new leaves before grazing. This allows the plant to replenish its root reserves and therefore increase its chance of survival before the next dry spell.

Try using the Salvaging Crops Calculator which is designed to help make decisions for crops affected by drought and frost - grazing, hay or grain.



FARMERS BEWARE: THE PITFALLS OF FUNNY FEEDS
Farmers searching for drought feed for hungry livestock are urged to beware of the potential problems that could be caused by unusual feed stuffs.

With traditional feed supplies of hay and grain running low, Central Tablelands Senior Lands Services Officer, Brett Littler, has been inundated with inquiries about unusual sources of stock feed.

According to Brett there is potential for very serious consequences when it comes to some of the feed stuffs being peddled, particularly through social media outlets.

“Funny feeds like onions, potatoes and watermelons have all been advertised as alternative feed sources, but these options can be deadly for sheep and cattle,” warns Brett.  

Onions are toxic to cattle when fed in larger quantities than 1.5 kg per head, while potatoes and turnips are a choking risk for livestock. With other fruits and vegetables, very low dry matter content can make these crops unsuitable as livestock feed, as livestock are unable to consume large enough quantities to supply their energy needs.

“I’ve recently seen watermelons offered on Facebook possibly by people with good intentions trying to help farmers out but they need to understand the water content is so high that cattle fed only water melon as a ration would starve to death.”

Fruit and vegetables with low dry matter content can also be deceptively expensive. “I had a call about cabbages being sold at $570 a tonne delivered, but the dry matter cost worked out to be over $5000 a tonne, not to mention the other issues,” said Brett.

Other issues include the risk of moulds, and also unregistered chemical residues from crops grown for human consumption. Although chemicals used on vegetables may be safe for humans, if they are not registered for use with livestock there is no allowable maximum residue level in meat, creating a residue hazard which could threaten export markets.

“I’ve lost count of the number of strange feeds I’ve been asked about recently, everything from liquorice, cakes and biscuits to carrots and oranges,” said Brett Littler. 

Brett advises the high sugar content in confectionary products can create a laxative effect in animals, and pose a risk for glycosis disease, while carrots can cause animal fat to turn yellow and become runny after slaughter. In severe cases, if the fat fails to set, the carcase will be condemned. 

Brett Littler urges farmers to talk to someone who understands nutritional requirements of stock before feeding unusual products to livestock.

“Given the potential problems related to these ‘funny feeds’, and the low levels of dry matter, in most cases it’s likely cheaper and safer to buy grain which is still widely available.”  

“Even top quality hay is selling for less than $500 a tonne of dry matter, while grain is worth under $500 a tonne, and it’s the dry matter content that counts,” said Brett.

For further advice on livestock feed contact your nearest Central Tablelands Local Land Services vet or livestock officer in Bathurst, Cowra, Lithgow, Molong, Mudgee or Orange.



CARBON TRADING
Lots of you are interested in opportunities to sign up with carbon credits aggregators or carbon credit projects. While Central Tablelands Local Land Services is not involved in delivery of any carbon farming projects here is a brief outline of how carbon trading works, how it is regulated in Australia and how to check if a carbon investment is legitimate.

What is carbon trading?

Carbon trading is when you buy and sell carbon credits (also called carbon offsets). Carbon credits are tradable units that often relate to emissions reduction or sequestration activities, such as tree planting, improving energy efficiency or capturing methane from landfill.

Carbon trading can also involve households, small businesses and farmers participating in carbon credit projects that are set up to generate carbon credits and compete in tenders to sell them to the Commonwealth Government's Emissions Reduction Fund. These projects usually involve a project promoter (an aggregator) who oversees individual emissions reductions or sequestration activities as part of a single, umbrella project (an aggregation) that shares in the revenue from carbon credit sales.

Project promoters can also set up separate projects for individual businesses and farmers. The promoters can then oversee the generation and sale of carbon credits from each project.

If you're interested, you can find out more on the Australian Government Money Smart website. 

ROADSIDE GRAZING
To graze livestock on roadsides, you must apply for a LLS issued Roadside Grazing Permit.  This is subject to approval from your local council.

Roadside grazing permits are normally issued to landholders adjoining a specific section of road. The permit is issued for  a short period of time in times of drought or for hazard reduction. Livestock grazed under a roadside grazing permit are required to be moved back to the property at night.

Roadside grazing permits are issued by LLS but need the consent of the Local Council who will require you to provide a copy of your $20 Million Public Liability Insurance.

Local Land services issues four classes of stock permits:

• walking stock permits

• grazing stock permits

• roadside grazing stock permits

• routine stock movement permits.

Please make sure you contact us to obtain a permit before walking your stock or grazing along roadsides.

TRAVELLING STOCK RESERVES
Like all land in our Regions, our Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs) are being hard hit by the drought. CT LLS has undertaken an extensive independent assessment of all reserves under permit and in many cases has had to destock the TSRs. The assessment looked at things such as ground cover, health of perennial species and water availability. Under current conditions it is unlikely we will be able to issue permits for these TSRs for some months to come. When we assess the TSRs as suitable for grazing again, we will be putting out expressions of interest for their use. Please remember access to a TSR requires a permit and charges apply, it is illegal to use a TSR for livestock without a permit.

• Stronger Communities Programme closes 18 October
• The 2018 Pest Fishing competition is the first national event of its kind and will be run across Australia from 20 October to 25 November 2018. For more information visit their site.
• Wettenhall Environmental Trust grants 
• Farming Together is a monthly newsletter of grants, funding & scholarships
• Farm Innovation Fund - A package to assist producers to identify and address risks. More information here