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Help us help the Regent Honeyeater
VOLUNTEER TREE PLANTING EVENTS
We are supporting Birdlife Australia and Capertee Valley Landcare to re-establish habitat for Regent Honeyeaters in the beautiful Capertee Valley and are calling on all interested folk to lend us a hand or two.
Regent Honeyeaters are a striking black and yellow song bird which used to dominate the skies in the woodland areas of the Central Tablelands and beyond.
However, their numbers have plummeted with the loss of their woodland habitat and the species is now critically endangered, with less than 300 birds surviving in the wild.
Click to read more about what activities are taking place to support this beautiful bird in our region and how you can lend a hand.
Image - Stuart Dawson
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Blue heliotrope management
HELP CONTRIBUTE TO BEST PRACTICE
What’s your experience in managing blue heliotrope in the Central Tablelands?
Would you like to contribute to developing best practice management for blue heliotrope?
An opportunity for additional land managers to participate in a forum NEXT WEEK in Bathurst has just come available.
At the forum we will be workshopping issues Central Tablelands land managers face managing blue heliotrope. Participants will be working with Department of Primary Industry, Local Land Services, local council weed officers and other land managers to contribute knowledge to best management practices for blue heliotrope in the Central Tablelands.
Interested? Are you available to join us in Bathurst on Tuesday 5 April from 10am to 2pm? If so, please send a short note to marita.sydes@lls.nsw.gov.au about why you would like to be involved or give Marita a call on 0439 334 282.
Places are limited and further details will be provided. Please contact Marita before 9am Monday 4 April (next Monday) if you are interested so that we can confirm attendees ASAP Monday morning at the latest.
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Farm biosecurity - People, vehicles and equipment
If it can move, it can carry diseases, pests and weeds. For this reason, people, vehicles, and equipment pose a high biosecurity risk and should be managed accordingly.
This video from Farm Biosecurity talks about what steps you can take and see how others are protecting their farms. Visit www.farmbiosecurity.com.au for gate sign templates, record sheets and other resources to implement biosecurity measures on your farm.
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Preparing for autumn baiting programs
ARE YOU TAKING PART?
Autumn is the busiest season in the calendar for our Biosecurity Team as we confirm participants and recruit new ones in the autumn wild dog and fox aerial baiting campaign, meticulously plan baiting lines, keep up with the administrative and record management requirements, all the while continuing our coordinated ground baiting programs to manage feral pigs and foxes.
To acquire and use 1080, Pindone, RHDV, or PAPP baits for ground baiting in NSW, you must be accredited (or under the direct supervision of an accredited person) with an AQF3 Chemical Accreditation or Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training (VPIT) course accreditation.
Our online VPIT course takes approximately two hours to complete and mirrors traditional face-to-face training using video and other online learning methods. Once you successfully complete the eight modules and five exams within the session, you will be emailed a certificate which is valid for up to five years.
If you would like to participate in one of our coordinated pest animal control programs, please contact your nearest Biosecurity Officer on 1300 795 299.
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Developing a property plan
PLAN TO MAKE A PLAN
Planning is an important aspect of everyday life. If you are hosting a celebration, you need to have a plan to enable you to make decisions and ensure everyone has a good time.
We can apply the same idea to most aspects of farming.
Growing crops or breeding livestock? You need to have a plan to enable you to make the right decisions for your property.
Without a plan you can be unsure of the direction you are headed or the markets you are aiming for. A well-developed plan can not only help you to achieve your goals but can also allow them to become clearer and easier to achieve.
Developing a property plan can allow elements within your business to become clearer and allow you to include all aspects of your enterprise. They can be especially useful for all entities within the business to understand what the plan is and have clear sight of direction.
Previously a five-and-a-half-day workshop, we are taking the fundamentals of our Property Planning workshop and condensing it into a compressed format over two days in Bathurst and Lithgow -
- Bathurst - May 24 and 25 - course tailored to commercial, profit oriented farm businesses
- Lithgow - June 7 and 8 - course tailored to lifestyle and small hobby farm operations
Resources including aerial poster sized maps of your property will be provided to assist you to develop a physical plan for your property. The course will cover soil, water, vegetation, production, biosecurity and financials. The cost of the workshop is $50 per farm business for up to 2 participants.
For more information, contact Casey Proctor on 0429 110 072 or via email - casey.proctor@lls.nsw.gov.au
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Winter crop variety sowing guide
AVAILABLE NOW
Every year NSW DPI compiles a ‘Winter crop variety sowing guide’ to help farmers make informed decisions. It covers key considerations, variety choice and sowing times on winter cereal crops such as wheat, oats, triticale and barley. The booklet also looks at canola, faba beans, lentils, field peas, chickpeas and lupins.
The guide provides useful highlights and changes for the 2022 growing season, including tips and tricks, crop management, variety trial results and information on seed dressings, foliar fungicides and options for control of grain insects.
With many producers using oats in the Central Tablelands area as a winter forage crop, this booklet covers sections on varieties, timing of sowing, sowing amounts, and grazing management. It also has useful table on diseases and susceptibility ratings of some of the varieties.
Click here for the online guide. Our offices also have a limited number of paper copies.
There is also a ‘Weeds in winter crop’ guide that is also published by NSW DPI which is also a handy and valuable reference.
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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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Lumpy skin disease
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Lumpy skin disease has never been recorded in Australia before but it has recently been detected in neighbouring Indonesia.
A viral disease affecting cattle and water buffalo, it is primarily spread by biting insects such as flies and mosquitoes, and possibly ticks. Originally limited to Africa, the disease has spread rapidly across the globe since 2019.
A few weeks ago, Indonesia reported cases of lumpy skin disease on the island of Sumatra and the disease is expected to continue to spread east and south through the rest of the Indonesian archipelago. Once it reaches the island of Timor it will only be 800km from the Australian mainland and well within striking distance for infected insects travelling across the ocean on the monsoon.
If it enters the northern Australian cattle and wild buffalo populations, lumpy skin disease is likely to have serious immediate and direct impacts on our beef, dairy, and buffalo industries. The disease can cause serious illness and production losses.
Click to read more about the disease and what to look out for, particularly if you are introducing cattle from the northern states.
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Understanding Japanese encephalitis risk
VIRAL DISEASE DETECTED IN NSW
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has been detected in NSW. JEV is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes and can affect people and livestock.
Most signs of disease are mild. However, severe encephalitis can occur which may be fatal.
Be alert to the signs. If you see any unusual disease, behaviour, or death in your animals, immediately report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
- Information about Japanese encephalitis in livestock and what signs to look out for - click here
- Information about Japanese encephalitis and people - click here
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2022 Carbon Forum
JOIN US IN APRIL IN ORANGE
Jointly hosted by NSW Department of Primary Industries' Farm Business Resilience Program, Climate Change Research Strategy and NSW Local Land Services, the 2022 Carbon Forum is designed to provide farmers with information on the production benefits of on-farm carbon management and practical information on accessing carbon markets.
Throughout the three-day forum, farmers will have the opportunity to learn from other farmers, scientists and industry stakeholders about current feasible and emerging options for on-farm emissions reduction and carbon sequestration. This will allow integrated carbon farming activities to be embedded into everyday farm businesses.
For the full event program and to book tickets, click here.
For further information please contact Casey Proctor on casey.proctor@lls.nsw.gov.au or farmbusiness@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
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Conservation in Action
CLIMATE BUSHFIRE WILDLIFE
The Black Summer bushfires of 2019/2020 caused unprecedented devastation to a large portion of the eastern seaboard of Australia. Born from this have been new conservation and natural resource management challenges in responding to the impacts of fire, but also in considering current and future impacts of climate change.
The delivery of on-ground, practical and applied conservation initiatives have never been more critical to the conservation of biodiversity, soil and water. Central Tablelands Local Land Services has partnered with ANU Sustainable Farms, and Central West Councils Environment & Waterways Alliance (CWCEWA) to organise Conservation in Action 2022; a conference that will showcase key conservation and resources management initiatives from local practioners and industry leaders.
The conference Is being held at Orange Ex-services Club from 2-4 May 2022. The three-day event consists of five symposia, with fieldtrips planned for the afternoon of the second day. The conference includes two social and networking events; welcome drinks, and a dinner on the evening of the last night featuring Craig Reucassel from the ABCs Fight For Planet A: Our Climate Challenge.
Given the work challenges of the last two years, Conservation in Action 2022 provides an excellent opportunity for face-to-face collaboration and learning. This event is relevant to anyone working in conservation and natural resource management, including Landcare.
The conference program can be found here. Tickets can be secured here.
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Mycology in May
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED - THERE WON'T BE MUSH ROOM
 We are excited to announce we are partnering with the Regional Landcare networks to launch Mycology in May. Mycology is the study of fungi – a popular topic with our customers and communities.
Throughout May there will be fungi surveys in Cowra, Rylstone, Lithgow, Mt Canobolas and Goobang National Park.
We’ll be hosting workshops and “Café Champignon” a discussion panel with: Walter Jehne (soil microbiologist), Alison Pouliot (ecologist and author), Sapphire McMullan-Fisher (ecologist) and Richard Cornish (Food author and chef).
Registrations open mid-April. For more information follow us on Facebook to be the first to register for an event in your area - numbers are limited and places at our fungi events always go quick.
Image - Alison Pouliot
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SOILS MONITORING
Up to $10,000 is now available for farmers and other land managers to access low-cost soil sampling and certified testing in exchange for sharing their data.
The Australian Governments Pilot Soil Monitoring and Incentives Program will be delivered by Southern Cross University (SCU) over two years. SCU will work with farmers and scientific labs, including the University’s Environmental Analysis Laboratory, to offer a comprehensive suite of soil sampling and testing and put land managers in touch with soil extension officers to interpret soil test results to better manage their valuable assets and enhance soil productivity, health and resilience.
For more information and to apply visit: Pilot Soils Program - Southern Cross University
PRODUCER TECHNOLOGY UPTAKE PROGRAM – CLOSES 8 APRIL
Building on the success of the 2021 pilot program, AgriFutures Australia is rolling out Round 3 of the Producer Technology Uptake Program to support eligible producer groups and Agricultural High Schools to increase adoption of technology solutions on-farm. Producer groups and Agricultural High Schools can apply for up to $20,000 of funding.
PROTECT OUR PLACES – NSW ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST CLOSES 8 APRIL
Grants of up to $80,000 are available to empower and provide opportunities for Aboriginal organisations to undertake projects that contribute to ongoing sustainable management of significant Aboriginal cultural landscapes in New South Wales and contribute to healthier environments and communities.
STRENGTHENING RURAL COMMUNITIES – CLOSES 12 APRIL
The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program aims to give the thousands of small rural, regional and remote communities across Australia an opportunity to access funding to support broad community needs. The Rebuilding Regional Communities (RRC) funding stream has two tiers – grants up to $10,000 and grants up to $50,000 to respond to ongoing impacts and recovery from the COVID pandemic.
BOB HAWKE LANDCARE AWARD – NOMINATIONS CLOSE 1 MAY
Inspired by the Hon. Bob Hawke AC, this award publicly recognises an individual involved in championing the national Landcare movement through encouraging others to take action on their own property or as part of their involvement in a Landcare group. Nominations are invited for outstanding leaders and innovators in Landcare across Australia who have demonstrated a commitment to natural resource management and sustainable agriculture.
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PASTURE PLANT ID WALK - HARTLEY
Learn how to recognise some of the more common pasture plants in your area. Join us as we look at the recognition features on some of the local grasses, clovers and broad leaf weeds that are in our paddocks this year, with a specific focus on native grasses. Participants will receive a ‘Grasses of the NSW Tablelands’ book.
Saturday 2 April 2022 - Hartley
TREE PLANTING FOR THE REGENT HONEYEATER - CAPERTEE VALLEY
Join the continuing effort to help the Regent Honeyeater at these weekend tree planting events.
23 & 24 April 2022
30 April & 1 May 2022
SWAMPCARE VOLUNTEER DAY – NEWNES
With your help, we will be undertaking a variety of on-ground activities to improve the condition of swamps on the Newnes Plateau. Activities include weed control, erosion control and rehydration, access management, monitoring, and revegetation.
Friday 29 April 2022
CONSERVATION IN ACTION CONFERENCE – ORANGE
Bringing together industry leaders in the conservation field. From scientists to policy makers, program managers through to specialists in implementing works in the field, this event will bring together all disciplines of natural resource management to facilitate the transition of cutting-edge environmental research into on-ground action.
2-4 May 2022
SO YOU'VE BOUGHT THE FARM; WHAT NEXT? - BORENORE
This is a huge networking opportunity for weekend farmers. This event will help you understand the basics by providing unbiased advice to help you enjoy and grow your farming experience.
Saturday 7 May 2022
PROPERTY PLANNING - BATHURST
This course focuses on soil and water management, biodiversity, vegetation, production, farm biosecurity and basic financials. The course is tailored to commercial, profit orientated farm businesses. Numbers are limited, with preference given to properties above 40ha.
Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 May 2022
SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOP - WOODSTOCK
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 26 May 2022
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 farm operations. Numbers are limited, with given to those farms above 10ha.
Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 June 2022
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