Central Tablelands | October news and events

Grant to help flood-impacted primary producers get back on track

NSW primary producers affected by the February and March 2022 NSW Severe Weather and Flooding (AGRN 1012) events now have the opportunity to access additional support through a jointly funded Australian-New South Wales government grants program. 

The $100 million Critical Producer Grant will provide primary producers hardest hit by floods with the support needed to restore and rebuild directly damaged essential infrastructure to a resilient standard that will better withstand future disasters. 

Producers who have sought the full value of the Special Disaster Grant - February 2022 are eligible for additional recovery support through the Critical Producer Grant. 

Reminder to slow down for moo-ving stock 

Following wet conditions and floods across large parts of NSW, many producers are needing to move livestock to safer ground, which can require them to travel across and along public roads.
It is important drivers obey the warning signs and the conditions to avoid an unnecessary accident - both drovers and drivers have a responsibility when it comes to keeping our roads safe.
Drovers with the correct permit have the right to move livestock on public roads and are required to display signs so motorists are warned of the upcoming hazard.

Weed Spotlight | Blue Heliotrope

Blue heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule) is a drought tolerant and poisonous weed which is taking advantage of the current conditions and spreading throughout NSW. Once it takes over, it is difficult to control in bushland, pasture and cropping situations. Early identification and control is critical.

Flystrike control options

As it warms up flies will emerge, having overwintered as pupae in the soil. Lucilia cuprina, the sheep blowfly, is on the lookout for susceptible sheep to strike.
There are great online tools at www.flyboss.com.au to help you find ways to break the lifecycle of Lucilia, including different strategies, and their timings, specific to your geographic location.  
Application and timing of interventions such as crutching, shearing and chemical treatments can significantly change the risk of your sheep being struck. The Flyboss website also gives information on breeding and selection for sheep less likely to be struck, proper use of chemicals to reduce and slow chemical resistance and correct treatment of sheep that do get struck.

Does your bull need a tune-up?

A lot can happen in a year, and just because a bull proved himself last year does not automatically mean you can set-and-forget. Injuries, body condition, fitness, and illness can all play a part in his success.  
Be proactive and check the bull now to give yourself time to treat problems or find a replacement.  He must have good feet and legs and appear strong in his gait with no signs of lameness.
He must have both testicles present, and the testicles should be large (yes, size does matter), similar in size to each other, and firm to the touch without lumps, bumps or scabs. The penis should be checked for any sign of injury or deviation.
He should be in good body condition (he will be using a lot of additional energy during mating) but should not be over-fat. Make adjustments to his nutrition in good time to gain or lose weight before joining.

On-farm biosecurity

Going to a ram sale or calling in on your neighbor and having no time to change your work clothes or boots? Have you thought about how clean your boots are when entering other farms and what you might be carrying on them? Keep a clean pair of boots in your vehicle!
Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses can easily transmit from property to property on muddy boots and vehicles. Simple hygiene (soap, scrubbing brush and plenty of water) can significantly reduce the risk of spreading disease between farms. Come clean, go clean!

The importance of traceability

Let’s face it, some of us are not as good as we should be when it comes to record keeping and planning. However, the speed at which animals can be traced in the event of an exotic disease outbreak has significant and long-term implications for the Australian Livestock industry and is a topic we all should be taking more seriously.
Ensuring traceability during transit and beyond underpins our export market access and provides trading partner confidence in our systems. Producers, truck drivers, sale yard receivers and livestock agents should all carefully inspect livestock for missing tags. We all have an important role to play in ensuring our traceability system is the best it can be.

Have your say on environmental markets

Increasingly, farmers and landholders are being rewarded and recognised for good land management practices through participating in 'environmental markets' - where financial transactions reward enhancing, protecting and restoring the environmental assets managed by farmers and landholders.  
We are interested in your views, beliefs and potential experience regarding participation in environmental markets.  The insights you provide will inform designing and improving programs to help farmers benefit from environmental markets, including the Environmental Markets Leadership Program.
The survey is being led by Monash University who is working alongside NSW Local Land Services and Ethical Fields on the Environmental Markets Leadership Program. 

Spring has sprung

You may be noticing a progression of herbs and orchids signalling the beginning of warmer weather. 
From now on till late November there is a diverse group of orchids that will appear. 
One of the local species that is common and widespread is the Wax Lip Orchid (Caladenia major). The flowers range from light mauve, to lavender or purple and are attractive to bees and wasps. This orchid can grow in a wide range of habitats and unlike most of the Orchids may survive a little land disturbance. 
The Wax Lip Orchid is very showy in spring and can be present in large numbers so next time you are walking in some bush remember to look down. You never know what you will see. 

How do you improve soil carbon?

Why is soil organic carbon important? 

Soil Organic Carbon -SOC plays an important role in stabilising soil structure, holding and releasing plant nutrients and contributing to soil water holding capacity. SOC is also a large sink of carbon with potential to mitigate climate change by storing carbon in the soil that would otherwise be warming the atmosphere. Increasing SOC has production benefits, as well as opportunities to diversify income through carbon markets and sustainability credentials.