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Reconciliation week – Be Brave. Make Change
Change begins with brave actions in your daily life – where you live, work, play and socialise. We acknowledge that no matter where we are or what we are doing, from managing feral animals to tackling erosion on riverbeds, every day our staff are working on Country.
Ngangaanha Yindyamarra Yawali Ngurambanggu - We acknowledge, look after, respect and care for country.
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Annual Land and Stock Returns
THEY'RE COUNTING ON YOU
 Your Annual Land and Stock Return (ALSR) will soon arrive in your letterbox, and we need you to complete it by 31 August 2022.
Annual returns are essentially a ‘farm census’ of the livestock on your property on 30 June each year. It provides us with important information on land use and livestock numbers across the state.
With biosecurity threats like Foot and Mouth disease on Australia’s doorstep, we need to work together to safeguard NSW and keep our markets open for producers. Completing your ALSR means when disease strikes or emergencies occur, we understand how many animals in your area need our help, such as providing a safe place to go, or emergency fodder and water supplies.
Many landholders don’t have any livestock and utilise their property for horticulture and cropping or enjoy their property for its biodiversity and lifestyle value. We still need you to complete your ALSR to ensure you do not occur additional livestock charges on your rates and to make certain our records are up to date in case of emergencies.
The secure online portal will open on 30 June, so you can lodge online via www.lls.nsw.gov.au/alsr
You must complete your ALSR by 31 August 2022, to avoid additional charges being applied to your rates next year.
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World Environment Day
CELEBRATING OUR NATIVE PLANT SPECIES
It’s World Environment Day on June 5, and we’re choosing to celebrate our life-giving plants! With over 2,500 native plant species recorded in the Central Tableland’s botanical division - we have lots to be grateful for. Whether it’s the shade you enjoy, the colour of the flowers or the life they give to others – there’s no rules when it comes to enjoying plants.
Here’s some fun facts about a few plants in our region. Some of which we’re helping to conserve.
 The biggest mouthful and the most showy - Waratah - Telopea speciosissima - It’s our special state emblem, the name of our state rugby team, and in keeping with its name, it is showy! While there’s four species of waratahs in NSW, there’s only one with such a big name. Broken down, its name reflects its bold appearance. Telopea – from the Greek telopos, meaning ‘seen from afar’ and speciosissima – from the Latin speciosus, ‘showy’ and issimus, ‘most’. If you fancy a nerdy laugh, try saying ‘speciosissima’ ten times, and as quickly as you can. You can see waratahs in flower in spring in the eastern sandstone areas of our region.
Keep your eyes peeled - Acacia meiantha – Found only within the Central Tablelands region, and nowhere else in the world, Acacia meiantha is a small shrub species which grows to about 1.5m. Being a wattle, it has showy yellow flowers. It’s only found at four locations within our region, the last of which was just discovered last month by Senior Land Services Officer, Bruce Christie!
The host with the most – Blackthorn - Bursaria spinosa subspecies lasiophylla is the sole host for a threatened species, the Purple Copper Butterfly. The Purple Copper Butterfly feeds and lays its eggs only on this particular sub-species of Blackthorn, which has a more limited distribution than the more common subspecies that many people might be familiar with.
 The spookiest – Tarengo Leek Orchid - Prasophyllum petilum – the Tarengo Leek Orchid is found at only one site in the Central Tablelands which happens to be a cemetery! While this might seem morbid at first, cemeteries often have diverse groundcover. Infrequent mowing and no compaction and nutrient enrichment from stock, mean the groundcover flora in these locations is often more intact than areas surrounding, even if the trees and shrubs have been removed.
Let them eat meat (insects, actually!) – Sundews - Drosera - is a genus of carnivorous plants comprising 90 species around the world. Seven native species have been recorded in the Central Tablelands, some of which are also found in many other countries. Drosera species catch and digest insects by luring them to sticky glandular hairs on the tops of leaves.
To help celebrate World Environment Day and our special native plants, we’re hosting a workshop in Orange on 18 June - further details are in the events section below.
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Come visit us at Mudgee Small Farm Field Days next month
We’ve certainly missed the Mudgee Small Farm Field Days these last two years and can’t wait for next month! Come visit us at site L22 and learn all about the support and advice we can provide to help you look after your piece of the landscape puzzle.
From understanding your biosecurity responsibilities when it comes to managing pests and weed, animal welfare advice, caring for natural resources on your property, or improving the productivity and profitability of your farm business – our staff will be on hand to have a chat and answer your questions. Our vets and livestock officers will also be hosting practical livestock sessions!
We look forward to seeing you there – Friday 8 and Saturday 9 July
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Microlaena
A NATIVE YEARLONG GREEN GRASS
 Microlaena stipoides, also known as weeping grass or weeping rice grass, is a common native grass found across the tablelands.
As a yearlong green species, it produces high quality feed from spring through to autumn. It can also grow during winter, although the growth is slow in colder areas.
Microlaena can be found as a major pasture species in higher elevation areas such as Hartley, Lithgow and Oberon. It tends to be a minor species in the slopes areas like Cumnock and Mudgee. Microlaena is often found under trees and shaded areas.
Click to read more about this useful native grass.
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Livestock market outlook with Simon Quilty
COME ALONG TO A FREE WORKSHOP
 Want to know more about global meat trends and what the likely future is for meat and livestock prices? Join us for a FREE workshop with red meat and livestock market analyst, Simon Quilty. Simon will give a detailed analysis of supply and demand trends across key global markets and his analysis of where our markets are heading.
These events are highly interactive workshops with opportunity to have your questions answered and an opportunity not to be missed for all sheep and cattle producers of the Central Tablelands.
Simon has over 30 years working in the meat and livestock sector and has a very active meat and livestock consulting business working closely with medium size to large meat processors, live cattle exporters, Australian feedlotters, backgrounders and Australian farmers and importers in China, Japan and the US.
Simon is a highly regarded independent meat and livestock analyst in high demand featuring as a speaker at many international meetings and conferences.
See full details and booking details in our events section below.
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Check out this short video for more on what to expect
from the sessions with Simon Qulity
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Improving lamb survival
ENSURING ANIMAL WELFARE WHILST MANAGING PROFIT
 Maximising lamb survival has a positive impact on animal welfare and the sheep producer’s profit. Recent research has demonstrated strategies than can be implemented to improve lamb survival.
Mismothering is the most significant cause of lamb death and a high proportion is due to dystocia (lambing difficulties). Ewes that have prolonged and difficult births do not show effective maternal behaviour and are more likely to reject lambs (mismothering) or have lambs that are unable to nurse adequately (starve).
Click to read advice from our District Vets including:
- Minimising lambing difficulties
- Ewes with single lambs
- Ewes bearing twins
- Hypocalcaemia
- Iodine supplementation
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Real-time weather forecast at your fingertips
ACCESS DETAILED REAL-TIME WEATHER WITH NEW DOPPLER AT YEOVAL
 Farmers in the western parts of our region can now access detailed real-time weather observations received by the new Doppler radar at Yeoval.
The new Doppler radar at Yeoval enables the Bureau of Meteorology to provide accurate, real-time data, determining rain and wind velocity, raindrop and hail size, and the height of bushfire plumes up to 200 kilometres from the radar site.
Primary producers, emergency services and rural businesses in the regional hubs of Orange, Mudgee and Cowra will benefit from the vital information broadcast by the radar, which aids timely and informed decision making. Read more about the news here.
Data from the Yeoval Doppler radar is available by downloading the Bureau of Meteorology weather app or at www.bom.gov.au.
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FMD detected in Indonesia
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY
Last week the International Society of Infectious Diseases forwarded a report that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was detected in cattle from villages near Surabaya, the second largest city in Indonesia. The report states that this is the first report of FMD in Indonesia, although FMD is endemic in neighbouring countries such as Malaysia.
FMD is a major threat to Australia’s livestock industries and having it so close to our borders is of concern, particularly as so many Australians holiday in Bali. The report states that the Australian government is providing financial and technical assistance to Indonesia to assist with identifying the FMD strain and purchasing the appropriate vaccine. While some livestock may be slaughtered, vaccination will be the main control method.
Early detection is the key to controlling an outbreak of FMD whether in Indonesia or Australia.
FMD initially causes cattle to become sick with a fever, blisters in the mouth, around the feet and on the udder. These blisters soon rupture leaving ulcers that heal over a couple of weeks. Calves can suffer fatal heart disease. All cloven hooved animals (goats, pigs and sheep for example) can be affected.
Please contact your veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 if you suspect any exotic or unusual disease.
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Are you a producer on the Central Tablelands? Have you signed up to Ag Advice? Our monthly advisory offers production-based information, advice and updates direct from our District Vets and Agricultural Team. Click the image to sign up.
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Autumn aerial baiting program complete
HIGHLY TARGETED PROGRAM TO SUPPORT LANDHOLDERS
 Aerial baiting is undertaken on land where consent is provided by land managers in areas where ground baiting is unpractical due to the terrain and access. It supports the ground baiting programs undertaken by landholders.
Aerial baiting is used as part of an integrated program that focuses on best practice and strict adherence to legal requirements of pest control. It's a common myth that aerial baiting is carried out indiscriminately across public land. Aerial baiting is highly targeted to areas that pest animals are known to use. GPS equipment is used in the planning and operational stages of baiting programs.
Aerial baiting was undertaken in the Central Tablelands region between 2-15 May 2022 across private and public land, including State Forest, Crown Land and Travelling Stock Reserves.
Weather caused disruptions to the fluidity of the program highlighting the importance of good preparation and flexibility; however, 21,223 manufactured baits were distributed along 533km of trail.
A large-scale map of the autumn program can be found here.
We will be reviewing the 2023 program in the coming months, if you would like to be a part of the 2023 program, please contact your local Biosecurity Officer.
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Partnering with landholders to control feral deer
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT FOR LASTING IMPACT
 This autumn, we again worked with landholders to control feral deer populations with a coordinated aerial program.
2022 was the third year Vittoria farmer Matt Press has participated in a Local Land Services control program as he continues to deal with the impact of feral deer on his 6,000-acre property.
Since taking part in the Local Land Services programs over the last few years, Mr Press says he’s seeing smaller mobs, but is still feeling the impacts from feral deer that are hiding out in the bush of neighbouring properties.
Mr Press believes that controlling pest animals needs whole of community involvement to have lasting impact on numbers.
Click to read more from Mr Press and how we can help you with your pest animal control programs.
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Looking for a wild dog controller?
CONTROLLERS AVAILABLE IN OUR REGION
Last year we were successful in obtaining external funding for the deployment of wild dog controllers within the region in 2021/22.
After a rigorous application process, four controllers were chosen and they have worked within the region to control wild dogs in the Bylong, Sallys Flat, Hargraves and Turondale areas. We would like to thank landholders and pest animal groups who supported this program.
Although this program will cease on 30 June 2022, the wild dog controllers will continue to be available for land managers to engage, as part of their own wild dog control efforts.
The controllers are:
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Ross Garland
Ph: 0458 010 066
Email: ross.garland79@icloud.com
Andrew Hawkins
Ph:0498 495 489
Email: husky125350@gmail.com
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Dan Kingsley
Ph: 0422 699 488
Email: dktrapping@outlook.com
Nick Patterson
Ph: 0428 694 158
Email: nickylie@outlook.com
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EXPANDED HORTICULTURAL NETTING PROGRAM
Horticultural growers will have access to a further $35 million in funding to purchase and install protective netting. Protective netting, which can reduce the impact of weather events and pests, is a significant cost barrier for a lot of horticulturalists.
Eligible horticulturalists in NSW will be able to apply for a rebate of up to 50% of the cost to purchase and install new protective netting or replace damaged netting, to a maximum of $150,000. This program will be opening to applications through the Rural Assistance Authority.
WALTER JEHNE – CARBON SPONGE
If you missed Walter at our recent Bouncing Froward event in Orange, you can watch a similar presentation by Walter with Climate Solutions for a Blue Planet. Walter is a retired CSIRO microbiologist and is the founder of Healthy Soils Australia and co-founder of Regen Earth. Walter has a knack for explaining difficult concepts easily, so well worth a watch.
REBATES FOR SMALL BUSINESS FEES AND CHARGES
Sole traders, small business owners and not-for-profit organisations in NSW may be eligible for small business fees and charges rebate of $3,000. This rebate can help businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and encourages growth by reducing business running costs. Funds can be used to offset the costs of eligible NSW and local government fees, until 30 June 2022.
NUFFIELD SCHOLARSHIP
Interested in driving your knowledge and business further? Annually there are approximately 15-20 scholarships on offer, each valued at $30,000. Scholars will see leading and innovative businesses and identify new best practices and ideas, building capacity in agriculture, forge connections with the global alumni network. Closes 17 June 2022.
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PROPERTY PLANNING - LITHGOW
This course focuses on soil and water management, biodiversity, vegetation, production, farm biosecurity and basic financials. The course is tailored to lifestyle and smaller hobby farm operations. Numbers are limited, with given to those farms above 10ha.
Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 June 2022
LIVESTOCK MARKET OUTLOOK WITH SIMON QUILTY - VARIOUS
Join us at these free workshops with highly regarded independent red meat and livestock market analyst Simon Quilty. You'll hear Simon’s assessment of global meat trends and what the likely future is for Australian meat and livestock prices.
Tuesday 7 June - Bathurst
Wednesday 8 June - Dubbo
Thursday 9 June - Cumnock
Friday 10 June - Cowra
PERSISTENT PASTURES FOR WINTER - BATHURST AND MUDGEE
Join us for a short field day discovering all things that are happening in your pastures. We will be using the MLA Pasture paramedic technical manual and rapid assessment tool to identify current pasture species, and also discuss new pasture species and current research on legumes.
Tuesday 14 June 2022 - Bathurst
Wednesday 15 June 2022 - Mudgee
HEALTHY FARM DAMS - CARCOAR
Dams are essential infrastructure for many farming operations, including for livestock and irrigation. Enhancing a farm dam can lead to improvements in water quality and provide habitat for a wide variety of native wildlife. Join the ANU Sustainable Farms team and Central Tablelands Local Land Services to learn about the latest research into the benefits of enhancing farm dams.
Wednesday 15 June 2022
CONFINED FEEDING BUS TOUR - BATHURST
Central Tablelands Local Land Services, Bathurst Merino Association and Sheep Connect NSW bring you the confined feeding facility bus tour not to be missed. Removing livestock from perennial pastures at key times throughout the year has become a climate adaption management tool widely used by commercial wool, lamb and beef producers. Check out what other farmers have out there and how it may be applied to your operation.
Friday 17 June 2022
CONSERVING THREATENED PLANTS - ORANGE
We’ve teamed up with the Department of Planning and Environment, Australian National Botanic Gardens and the Friends of the Orange Botanic Gardens to bring you a workshop on threatened plant conservation in the Central Tablelands. Come along to learn more about the identification and management of threatened plants in our region. You’ll hear from the Friends of the Orange Botanic Gardens and the Australian National Botanic Gardens on threatened plant propagation and the National Seedbank.
Saturday 18 June 2022
IRRIGATION SCREENS WORKSHOP - BATHURST
Fish-friendly diversion screens save farm businesses water, time and money, protecting the pump from clogging which minimises wear and tear and reduces the amount of time required for pump shutdown to clean secondary filters. The screens also contribute to the health of the river system by preventing native fish, larvae and eggs and other aquatic creatures entering the pump. Join us to learn about the benefits of installing fish screens in your water extraction system.
Wednesday 22 June 2022
SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOP - CUMNOCK
Over two sessions, learn how you can improve soil health, your farm's biggest asset. You will learn practical methods of field assessment and fundamental sampling techniques. If you have a farm of 10ha or more in the Central Tablelands Local Land Services region you will be eligible for two free soil tests. Day one date below, with day two taking place approx 4-6 weeks after.
Thursday 23 June 2022
MUDGEE SMALL FARM FIELD DAYS - MUDGEE
Come visit us at the Field Days and learn all about the support and advice we can provide to help you look after your piece of the landscape puzzle. From understanding your biosecurity responsibilities when it comes to managing pests and weed, animal welfare advice, caring for natural resources on your property, or improving the productivity and profitability of your farm business – our staff will be on hand to have a chat and answer your questions. Our vets and livestock officers will also be hosting practical livestock sessions!
Friday 8 - Saturday 9 July 2022
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