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This month's Tablelands Telegraph features extensive information and advice related to drought, due to the ongoing drought conditions across the region
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What's news?
Everything you need to know - assistance, support and resources available
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What's on the go?
A quick look at some of the current projects we're working on and some upcoming events in our region
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NEW DROUGHT PACKAGE
Last month a new drought package for NSW was announced. Click here to read the full details.
AVAILABLE DROUGHT ASSISTANCE
Landholders are encouraged to visit Droughthub to see what assistance is available - this website is a one-stop online destination on all services and support available to prepare for and manage drought conditions. You can also find a PDF version of available drought assistance (as at end of June) here. The most important message is please don't self-assess. If you need assistance, contact the Rural Assistance Authority.
YOUR ANNUAL LAND STOCK RETURN
We understand many farmers are managing tough drought conditions and have sold or agisted their stock off-property. We acknowledge that filling in an Annual Land and Stock Return may be confronting in these conditions. Your return information is still important even if you are not carrying stock:
- if we know where stock are and are not across NSW, we can better manage potential disease outbreaks and other emergencies
- your 2019 rates will have the animal health rate and meat industry levy automatically applied if you do not lodge your return.
Click here to lodge your return by August 31.
2018-19 WEED & PEST ANIMAL DROUGHT PROJECT
Applications are now open from incorporated organisations for the $1.5 million 2018-19 pest and weed drought funding program. Funding will be directed to projects that reduce:
- grazing pressure from pest animals
- stock losses from pest animals
- the spread of weeds.
Funding may be used to develop infrastructure projects such as cluster or total grazing pressure fencing or to target pest and weed management through activities such as:
- baiting
- shooting
- trapping
- the use of remote cameras.
Eligible organisations include local government and other incorporated associations, including Landcare, industry bodies, training and employment organisations and indigenous or environmental groups. Applications close July 18. Approved projects must be completed by June 30 2019. Click here for more info. If you have any questions please contact Paul Gibb - paul.gibb@lls.nsw.gov.au
DROUGHT HANDBOOK: SUPPORT IN THE CENTRAL TABLELANDS
We've developed a Drought Handbook - a go to guide for you on support available in the Central Tablelands to help you manage through drought. Click here to view an online copy or pick up a hard copy at your local office or saleyards.
WEBINARS
SheepConnect NSW has ran a number of webinars lately on drought related topics. Click here to view some of their recordings and resources.
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RAIN BRINGS RISK OF PHALARIS POISONING
The neurological form of acute phalaris poisoning causes sudden death in sheep. This is a different condition to phalaris staggers which occurs after sheep have been grazing a phalaris paddock for at least 10 days and can be prevented by cobalt supplementation where the risk is predicted. Death from the acute neurological form of phalaris toxicity occurs within 12-24 hours of introducing stock onto pastures with new phalaris growth.
In most cases the sheep are hungry when moved onto the phalaris pasture. This may include sheep managed by rotational grazing systems, sheep held with reduced feed for a day or more and sheep that have been transported over long distances.
Rain following a period of moisture stress increases the potential toxicity of phalaris. The first six weeks post autumn break after a dry season is the most risky period for acute phalaris poisoning.
The unknown toxins in the grass stop the sheep clearing ammonia from their systems resulting in ammonia poisoning. Affected stock may be found staggering, wandering aimlessly, blind or convulsing.
Prevention of such poisoning by pasture management strategies is the only way of managing this risk. There is no effective treatment known, neither B12 injection nor cobalt supplementation will prevent this poisoning and the toxicity of the vegetation cannot be tested objectively.
Pasture management strategies include: continuously grazing or set-stocking to keep new phalaris growth during autumn and winter to a minimum; not allowing hungry sheep on previously spelled phalaris dominant pastures, especially following periods of moisture stress or heavy frosts; feeding hay during the introduction of sheep to high risk phalaris paddocks to limit their intake. Testing the potential toxicity of a paddock by placing a small number of sentinel onto the paddock 48 hrs prior to the whole flock having access from autumn through to late winter has been recommended by some.
The risk of acute phalaris toxicity is currently exacerbated by drought conditions and the enhanced toxicity of phalaris after dry periods.
If sheep or cattle show neurological signs the case may be eligible for a DPI subsidised investigation and incentive payment as part of national surveillance for Scrapie and Bovine Spongioform encephalopathy (Madcow disease).
Report unusual disease signs — call your veterinarian, the Local Land Services District Veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
CURRENT PASTURE CONDITIONS - END OF JUNE 2018
Pastures on the Central Tablelands (especially on the higher ground) can be challenging, even during a ‘normal’ winter. This year, following a limited growth in autumn and summer (and, in some cases, a failed previous spring), there is less than 100 kg green DM/ha available in some pastures. Residual dry matter that had grown during summer, such as Redgrass, is also falling in pasture quality.
With a small amount of moisture (from snow in some cases), there has been some increase in green availability. Part of this green is from existing cool season pasture grasses including cocksfoot, phalaris, fescues and bromes. However, there is a germination of cool season winter annuals such as vulpia (also known as rat’s tail fescue or silver grass), ryegrass and barley grass. Other germinating species are the broadleaves like capeweed and thistles (eg black, saffron, nodding).
There has also been a germination of some cool season annual legumes such as sub clover and the naturalised legumes. Some of these will be beneficial in adding to the quality of the livestock intake. However, they are germinating at a late stage and may not deliver the volume that we might normally expect. Additionally, they may not have time to seed down in spring.
This short green pick (less than 2cm in height) can be high in quality – sometimes upwards of 70% digestibility. However, the low quantity can be limiting intake and hence animal maintenance and production. The feed may also contain a large amount of moisture. Height also impacts on intake. Short green pick might be easily accessible to sheep, but not necessarily for cattle. The other limiting factor in many of our pastures is the density of feed. Some of our paddocks have a large percentage of bare ground and scattered plants.
A small increase in pasture height can have a huge follow-on impact on animal intake. So, pasture management is important during a drought. The ability to ‘rest’ paddocks allows for a bulk to develop and to support the persistence of our pastures. In good soil moisture conditions, with a background of soil fertility and a decent content of legumes, a good density temperate perennial pasture could be expected to grow 6-10 kg green DM/ha/day in July - August (source Prograze Manual). Even in drought conditions, with a little bit of rain, these pastures may grow 2–3 kg green DM/ha/day. For some of the temperate pastures, it is recommended to wait until the quantity is around 1000–1200 kg DM/ha before grazing. This will occur at roughly 3–4 cm in height.
There are other pasture issues which appear after rain at this time. For example, pasture–animal impacts, such as sheep chasing short green pick and not getting the required amount. Also consider potential animal health problems such as poisonous plants (eg rock fern) and phalaris staggers/poisoning. Check out pasture pests such as Blue Oat mites and Red Legged mites. These can be devastating on newly sown pastures. Also, inspect feed lines, feed areas, silos and around hay sheds for the germination of unusual plants.
Of course, one of the limiting factors – especially on the higher ground – is soil temperature. Additional soil moisture may not dramatically increase the growth in these areas for a while. Likewise, the warm season native grass pastures need to have an increase in soil temperature before producing green leaf. However, a top up of the soil moisture profile will be valuable for a decent spring, including the longevity of that season.
If you have questions on pastures contact clare.edwards@lls.nsw.gov.au or phil.cranney@lls.nsw.gov.au
POISONOUS PLANTS
Poisonous plants that have existed in a paddock for years without any obvious issues may become a problem during drought. Usually these plants are unattractive to animals but the shortage of feed and hunger forces them to search for additional feed and a green pick. Plants such as rock fern, cathead or heliotrope cause issues such as photosensitization, polioencephalomalacia or pyrrolizidine toxicity. If suspected plant poisoning occurs change paddocks immediately and look for evidence of these plants being grazed.
If you need help identifying plants, contact us, or your independent advisor.
HOW DOES YOUR DAM MEASURE UP?
The prolonged dry period presents a good opportunity to assess your farm dams.
Rain will replenish the water in your farm dam, but the run-off can carry soil, fertilisers, animal dung, pesticides and other pollutants. These can affect water quality and the general productivity of your farm. Over time, soil deposited as sediment will decrease the water holding capacity of your dam. Assess the depth of your dam against the local annual evaporation rate to predict the security of the water source over two dry seasons plus your peak demand requirements. The depth of your dam is the key to water security.
High nutrient levels from fertiliser and nutrient-rich soils can lead to algal blooms that can affect stock health and encourage aquatic weeds. Pathogens and other diseases carried in animal dung can also affect stock health. During extreme rainfall, your farm dam may overflow and carry pollutants and weeds downstream. This can adversely affect waterways, aquatic habitats, and water quality for downstream users.
To maintain clean dam water, you must actively manage the drainage lines and drainage depressions that feed water into your dam and the wider catchment area. Clean water is essential for stock health.
It is also important for farm health, long term viability and productivity. The quality of water flowing into your dam is directly affected by how you manage its catchment. You need to review your ground cover, stock, land management practices, and potential environmental risks that occur upstream or upslope from your farm dam.
Your farm dam is a source of water for your stock, so they naturally gather around it. You need to manage stock access to avoid erosion, pugging (excessive soil disturbance), and damage to the vegetation cover on the banks around the dam. These problems can contribute sediment to the dam and over time they can damage the dam wall and spillway. Preventing or limiting stock access to the dam is the best long-term answer to maintain clean and reliable water, and to minimise damage to your dam. You can control stock access by fencing around the dam and piping water to other watering points such as troughs or tanks. Where it isn’t possible to fence your dam to exclude stock, plan drinking points to allow only limited access at the dam edge. You can use a single access point if it is supported with a hard base made of rock, stone or gravel. However, the inflow, dam wall and spillway areas should be protected from stock access in these designs.
Stock impacts on your dam can increase dramatically during dry periods, as they have to move further into the dam as the water level drops. When this happens, animals can also become trapped in the mud at the bottom of the dam. It is especially important at these times to create watering points away from the dam. By fencing your dam to restrict access, you will also make the area safer for everyone, especially children.
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FEEDING MISCONCEPTIONS
Alternative roughage feeds are often used to provide cattle and sheep with ‘sufficient fill’. The conception that cattle/sheep need to be ‘full’ (ie have a rumen full of feed) is not correct. It is essential to assess the quality and nutritional content of feed rather than only the quantity. The nutritional value of some roughages can actually be equivalent to that of cardboard! In the last few weeks we have started to see some issues arise where animals have been given unlimited access to hay and other roughages. Unfortunately even though the animals are ‘full’, the stock have not been given enough feed to meet their nutritional needs. This becomes even more evident when it gets cold and cows/ewes get into late pregnancy or start to lactate.
Deaths are common with feeds of low digestibility (less than 45%) because cattle and sheep cannot consume sufficient feed to meet their requirements for energy and hence survival. Just because you are giving them all the feed they want does not mean you are meeting their nutritional requirements.
Use tools like the ‘drought feed calculator’ app to work out what you need to feed and if you are meeting your livestock’s nutritional needs. Below is a guide of the minimum requirements.
MINIMUM ENERGY AND PROTEIN LEVELS FOR COWS/EWES
Feed options: Minimum weight (kg) per day ‘as fed’
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| Stock type |
Grain only
(12ME) |
Hay only
(8.5ME) |
50:50
Grain:Hay |
80:20
Grain:Hay |
Silage (35% dry matter 9ME) |
Expected weight gain/day |
Weaner
(250kg) |
3.5 |
5.5 |
4.5 |
4 |
14 |
0.25kg |
Yearling
(330kg) |
4.4 |
7 |
5.5 |
4.8 |
16.8 |
0.25kg |
| Adult dry stock (500kg) |
5 |
7.8 |
6.2 |
5.5 |
18.6 |
Nil |
| Breeder, Late pregnancy (500kg) |
6.1 |
9.3 |
7.4 |
6.6 |
22.4 |
Nil |
| Breeders, lactating (500kg) |
Not Suitable |
12.5 |
9.9 |
8.8 |
29.8 |
Nil |
(Note: These amounts are a guide)
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Feed options: Minimum weight (kg) per day ‘as fed’
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| Stock type |
Grain only
(12ME) |
Hay only
(8.5ME) |
50:50
Grain:Hay |
80:20
Grain:Hay |
Silage (35% dry matter 9ME) |
Expected weight gain/day |
Weaner
(20kg) |
0.62 |
1.08 |
0.80 |
0.68 |
2.54 |
0.1kg |
Weaner
(30kg) |
0.76 |
1.32 |
0.98 |
0.84 |
3.09 |
0.1kg |
| Adult dry stock (50kg) |
0.65 |
0.99 |
0.79 |
0.7 |
2.37 |
Nil |
| Ewes, Last 6 weeks of pregnancy (50kg) |
1.1 |
1.68 |
1.33 |
1.18 |
4.02 |
Nil |
| Ewe and Lamb to one month (50kg) |
Not Suitable |
2.46 |
1.96 |
1.74 |
5.91 |
Nil |
| Ewe and Lamb to 2 or 3 months (50kg) |
Not Suitable |
1.77 |
1.41 |
1.25 |
4.26 |
Nil |
TIME TO PLAN AHEAD
By Brett Littler, Senior Land Services Officer (Livestock)
With the current seasonal condition and fodder prices where they currently sit, it is really time to start to plan ahead. It has become quite clear to me over my career that producers who don’t have a plan and don’t set trigger points to take action can at times get caught out. Some of these decisions taken on the run can have a lasting effect on you and the bottom line.
To help with the planning you should be thinking what can I do and what things are really important, things like managing the fat score of your breeding stock are vitally important and will have a huge effect on conception rates. Below are some ideas to help with your planning.
• It is too expensive to feed all cattle. The most valuable stock should have first priority.
• Cull and feed only a nucleus of cows that are pregnancy tested in calf. Some options are to cull whole age groups and keep the core age groups of 4-7 age group cows. Another option and one I think is best is to cull the late calver’s and poor performing cows across all age groups of cows.
•When full hand feeding, preferably do not feed cows and calves together. Wean and feed separately. Lactating cows require twice as much feed plus roughage.
• Identify shy feeders—draft off (sell them or feed separately, I suggest sell).
• Draft cattle into feeding groups based on similar liveweight and body condition.
• Suggested trough spaces are: adult 60 cm; yearlings 45 cm; weaners 30 cm.
• Feed daily at a regular time if full grain feeding and don’t make any sudden changes to the feeding schedule.
• Always introduce grain/pellets gradually and change grains/pellets gradually (shandy new grains/pellets).
• Water in troughs is best. Boggy dams should be fenced off.
• Low protein roughages (sorghum stubble, some silages and low quality hay) will need some form of protein supplement.
• Cattle need to be trained to eat meal and grain, and time allowed for their rumen to adjust to new foodstuffs.
• Mineral deficiency is generally the least restricting factor under drought feeding conditions. If calcium (via limestone) is added to grain rations and sometimes phosphorus to molasses rations, other minerals usually need not be considered.
• Early weaned calves/lambs should be marked one month after weaning (if not already done)
If you have any questions, please contact Brett - brett.littler@lls.nsw.gov.au
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GIBBERELLIC ACID APPLICATION ON PASTURES TO INCREASE WINTER GROWTH
Meat & Livestock Australia have supported the Mandurama Young Farmer group in investigating options to boost winter feed supply. In June 2017, we applied Gibberellic acid to phalaris dominant pastures near Byng and saw a 16.5kgs/Ha growth rate compared to a 3.5kgs/Ha growth rate of the untreated pasture. During this 30 day period there was less than 5mm recorded on the trial site.
When we have a look at the practical implications for this improved growth rate on pasture, it had a very positive effect on pregnant ewe condition. First Cross Ewes pregnant with twins at Byng modelled on Grazfeed: Nil Treatment ewes grew at 87g/day, compared to the GA treated ewes which grew at 142g/day.
Therefore,in order for the ewes to gain 0.5 fat score, it would take approximately 69 days on the untreated pasture compared to 42days on the Gibberellic treatment. Time is money, when talking about improved fat score in late pregnancy, as illustrated by Dr Sue Hatcher’s research, see link included.
This year we are treating five of the same paddocks that were funded through the MLA Producer demonstration sites in 2017. We have added an extra site east of Blayney and one other site east of Millthorpe. We are very fortunate to be involved in one of the more innovative initiatives in the application of Gibberellic acid (GA) in some time, with the demonstration site set up near Millthorpe comparing aerial and ground application of Gibberellic acid.
Ninety pasture cuts were taken over the eight different treatments on this demonstration site on the corner of Pretty Plains road and Vittoria road, east of Millthorpe. The response to different water rates of GA application on phalaris is being measured over month. We encourage you to come and see for yourself the different treatments on Tuesday 24th July at 2pm till 3pm during a paddock walk.
Key points to consider when applying GA:
- Adequate soil moisture
- Adequate soil fertility
- Not recommended for application on pastures less than 3 years old
- Good perennial grass density, or at least enough growing points exposed to ensure an economic response
- Can be applied with selective broadleaf herbicides
- Compatible with liquid nitrogen products
- Phalaris is most responsive
- The paddock must be rested for a minimum of 20 days
- No further benefit in resting the paddock more than 30 days
If you want more information on how GA can be applied in your system, please contact phil.cranney@lls.nsw.gov.au or clare.edwards@lls.nsw.gov.au
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ARE YOUR LIVESTOCK FIT TO LOAD? This video from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) explains best practice animal welfare when preparing, loading and delivering livestock.
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SOME HELPFUL LINKS
Supplementary feeding
Advice on feeding in drought conditions and formulating rations is available in the following resources:
Water
Information on quality and quantity:
Welfare
All owners have legal and LPA requirements to keep good animal welfare and should have their own copy of Australian Animal Welfare Standards:
Your health
Help is available if needed and please look out for your family and neighbours:
Assistance
For confidential assistance, find your nearest Rural Financial Counsellor
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MUDGEE FIELD DAYS
Visit us at the Mudgee Small Farm Field Days July 13-14 - we're located at site L22 and livestock talks are happening next door at site L23. Click here to view a map.
AGRIBUSINESS TODAY FORUM
Join us for the Agribusiness Today forum and field day in Parkes August 2 -3. Click here for more info or see the full flyer here. Register by July 27!
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The Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF) for the Central Tablelands regions provides information on Landcare across the region and assists landholders and industry groups to collaborate and improve farming systems and our natural environment. Contact Liz Davis if you'd like to know more or promote your event in this newsletter (liz.davis@lls.nsw.gov.au)
LAND MANAGEMENT & BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION REFORMS
Native plants and animals in NSW are protected by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Under the ACT, the management of human-native wildlife interactions is proposed to change to a new risk-based approach. A discussion paper on the proposed changes, a draft revised draft Animal Keepers Species List, and three pro-posed codes of practice for keeping native birds, frogs and reptiles are now available for comment. Comments can be submitted by email, mail or online. Visit OEH to have your say.
BIOCONTROL FOR WEEDS IN THE CENTRAL TABLELANDS
Help improve biological control for weeds in the Central Tablelands by completing this 10 minute survey
TREE ORDERS
Central Tablelands Landcare Nursery are now taking tree orders. If you are interested in putting in orders for locally sourced and grown grassy woodlands species from Bathurst / Molong areas contact the nursery on ctlcnursery@gmail or call Marita on 0429 979 780
UPCOMING EVENTS
8 July | Community Forum on Biodiversity
A community forum will be held at the Orange City Bowling Club from 10am to 4pm. To register or for more information contact Cilla Kinross on ckinross@csu.edu.au or 6365 7651.
13-14 July | Mudgee Small Farm Field Days
Watershed Landcare at site L8 will be hosting talks on: new food & garden waste bins, solar passive design & building with natural materials, backyard chooks. They will also be selling tree tubestock & honey from the Mudgee Bee group.
22 July | Daroo Landcare working bee
In Orange - for more information contact Jane Paul on 6362 3950
28 July | Fruit tree pruning workshop
Hosted by Central Tablelands Landcare in Orange
FUNDING
FIND YOUR CLOSEST LANDCARE CONTACT
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