Subsidised livestock disease investigations until June 2023
The NSW Government is subsidising veterinary laboratory testing on cloven hoofed animals (species susceptible to FMD) for new livestock disease investigations until 30 June 2023. Samples need to be submitted to the NSW animal health laboratory at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute by your private veterinarian. If you are concerned that your cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas or pigs are unwell and would benefit from a disease investigation please have a chat to your private veterinarian soon.
Many producers have taken up this opportunity and received free laboratory testing that has helped to diagnose a range of endemic illnesses such as pestivirus, respiratory disease, liver fluke and worm burdens as well as skin conditions and mastitis. This project provides individual benefit to producers and also helps provide confidence that Australia remains free of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease.
Emergency animal disease workshops for private vets
In response to the current risk of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease, the NSW Government and the Australian Veterinary Association are working with veterinarians to prepare for and prevent emergency animal diseases in NSW.
Local Land Services and NSW Department of Primary Industries will be holding FREE workshops for veterinarians in Armidale, Sydney, Wagga Wagga and Dubbo and offering Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for participation. e investigation please have a chat to your private veterinarian soon.
Central Tablelands Local Land Services is looking for up to 5 landholders to join a trip to the southern tablelands (Cooma area) to learn more about invasive grass management options.
The tour will include discussions with land managers about the control invasive grasses including serrated tussock and African lovegrass, as well as discussions about the management of herbicide resistance in these grasses. You will join local council weed officers and Local Land Services staff for the trip.
Dates: Departing Bathurst Leaving 6:30am Wednesday 24th of May and arriving back late afternoon/evening on Thursday 25th.
Included: transport, accommodation and food for the trip. Contact: Marita Sydes, 0439 334 282, marita.sydes@lls.nsw.gov.au
If you are interested, please fill in this expression of interest form, including a few words on what you would gain from joining our trip, by 9am Thursday 18th May.
Ground baiting is an effective tool in pest animal control and groups across our region are preparing for the event. This approach increases the effectiveness of the activity - 2 properties (or more) provide greater coverage.
If you have not yet signed up to your local group baiting event, talk to your Biosecurity Officer. Not sure which group to join? That's fine, your local Biosecurity Officer will help you out.
Help with control of regional priority weed Sticky Nightshade
The Newcrest Sustainability Fund has recently announced that it is supporting a collaborative project with partner organisations including the Central Tablelands Local Land Services, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Bullseye Ag and PY Agronomy to support further research into and the on ground control of sticky nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium).
Landholders in the identified core infestation area for sticky nightshade have the opportunity to participate in a new project supporting control this weed through funding the approved control efforts. The core infestation area for sticky nightshade is identified roughly as the area between Canowindra, Blayney and Orange.
If you are interested in learning more about this program please contact Marita Sydes, Central Tablelands Regional Weed Coordinator, 0439 334 282, marita.sydes@lls.nsw.gov.au.
If you would like further information on whether you can join the program to be supported for on-ground control of sticky nightshade on your property contact Sarah Pearson from Bullseye Ag, 0456 019 095 or, sarah@bullseyeag.com
Agricultural production
Orange Agricultural Institute Open Day
Local Land Services and Department of Primary Industries will be at the Orange Agriculture Institute (OAI) on Saturday 20th May for a fun-filled day of scientific collections, farm tours, demonstrations, and more.
Mulching Demonstration – 9:30-10:30am
Phil Cranney from Local Land Services and Joshua Ditchfield from On-Trac Ag Orange discuss the various options for dead pasture paddocks. Pest Control Options – 11:00-11:40am
Kyle Hanns, Local Land Services Biosecurity Officer, will demonstrate the various techniques used to control vertebrate pests safely, including options for farmers living close to town. Hollows for Hinton Tour – 12:00-12:45pm
Join Colleen Farrow on a walking tour of Hinton reserve. Here you can appreciate the beautiful remnant vegetation and learn about how augmented hollows are helping to secure habitat for our rare Superb Parrot and other endangered birds.
There will be plenty of local producers with food and drink options available.
When: Saturday 20 May, 9 am – 4 pm Location: Orange Agriculture Institute, 1447 Forest Road, Orange More information: see the range of tours and speakers at the OAI Open Day
Mycology May 2023 is about making Fungus Connections: Biodiversity, Farming and Food
Join us in exploring the fascinating and incredible world of fungi. Often we hear about our flora and fauna, well fungi is the 3rd 'F' and we’re experiencing a bit of a fungi awakening.
Central Tablelands Local Land Services and Regional Landcare Network have collaborated to bring you a diverse and interesting range of fungi experiences, including:
identification and spore workshops
presentations on soil microbiology
21st century agronomy; vermiculture and a composting demonstration
NSW book launch of Underground Lovers with Alison Pouliot
Fine Arts Fungi exhibition
Underground Conversation installation and much more!
Last month, Dr Kelvin Montagu from Applied Horticultural Research was invited to present at Bathurst Workshop for local vegetable growers looking to improve their soil health and reducing fertiliser use by integrating cover crops into their busy growing schedule.
2022 was a difficult year for vegetable production in the Bathurst area. We surveyed growers coming out of spring and there was a common theme of soil issues after the extremely wet season. In response, erosion, nutrient runoff and infiltration rates were the drivers for the cover crop workshop.
Some of the topics addressed at the workshop were:
cover crop varietal selection
cover crop management & termination
legumes as an alternative nitrogen source
irrigation application
future carbon markets.
If you're interested in attending future workshops, get in touch with Casey Proctor, Senior Land Services Ag Officer, at casey.proctor@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0429 110 072.
Animal health
Managing the winter feed gap
Managing your livestock through the cooler months requires preparation and quick decisions to reduce the impact of seasonal conditions on their health and welfare.
Each year across the region, there is a period of time where pasture quality does not meet livestock energy requirements. The length of this period depends predominantly on seasonal conditions and stocking rates. Did you know that this period of time is your feed gap and it can happen multiple times throughout the year? For any further information or to discuss your livestock production and management contact your local office.
Transporting livestock to minimise stress and welfare risks
Livestock must be transported in a way that minimises stress and animal welfare risks.
The responsibility for the welfare of livestock during transport apply to all people involved including producers, managers, saleyard managers/superintendents, feedlot operators, agents, livestock processing plants, drivers and transporters.
People involved in the transport of livestock should ensure the livestock are adequately prepared for the trip and that the trip is planned to minimise the cumulative effects of stress on the animals.
Watch the 'Fit to load guide' from Meat & Livestock Australia.
Natural resource management
Approaches for landholders to incorporate to promote biodiversity
Central Tablelands Local Land Services is hosting a Field Day to be held at Wattamondara Travelling Stock Reserve. We will be looking at some tricks and tips for you to incorporate on your property to assist with endangered species recovery.
Speakers include Mick Callan from Habitat Innovation & Management, Eleanor Lang from ANU Sustainable Farms and Will Johnson from Lowanna.
After significant flood events, landholders often face the challenge of managing contaminated and spoiled feed (including grain, hay, and silage) and disposing of animal carcases. For producers looking to manage flood spoilage, composting on farm may be the best option.
A reminder to flood and storm impacted primary producers and landholders, a number of Rural Assistance Authority grants will close to new applications on 30 June 2023.
This includes the Special Disaster Grants, Rural Landholder Grants and the Critical Producer Grant made available in response to storm and flood disaster events that occurred throughout 2022.
Primary producers and landholders impacted by these disasters are encouraged to apply for financial assistance before 30 June to support recovery.
Landholders continuing to work on projects post floods
Landholders with projects through the Fencing Northern Basin Riverbank Program are back to work following an enforced layoff due to the major flooding throughout much of inland NSW in the second half of 2022 and start of 2023.
The impacts of the major flooding came on the back of COVID-19 impacts in the first year of the Program (2021-22), which also caused many landholders to experience delays in working on their projects.
Despite the delays, on-ground project work is continuing, with many landholders closing in on completing their projects.
Through the Program, landholders have committed to fencing 250km of riverbanks and protecting nearly 13,000 hectares of riparian areas, helping to keep livestock safe while improving water quality and fish habitat.
In addition to the fence construction, other on-ground work currently underway includes:
weed removal
improvements to fish habitat through re-snagging prioritisation
off-stream stock watering points
minor erosion control works
revegetation and river re-snagging to contribute to a healthier river system.
The Fencing Northern Basin Riverbank Program is delivered under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan by the NSW Government, through funding from the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
For more information on the Program, email fnbr@lls.nsw.gov.au. The Program has been delivered in the Central West, Central Tablelands, Northern Tablelands, North West and Western LLS regions.
Supporting Our Neighbours is a grants program helping landholders with the cost of rebuilding boundary fences adjoining public lands following the 2019/20 bushfires.
The program achieved some great outcomes including 4,561 applications received and 3,473 funded, with nearly 8,500 km of fencing bordering public lands re-constructed.
Due to a number of challenges encountered by landholders completing fencing, including COVID-19 impacts, severe storms, floods and prolonged wet weather and conditions, the administration of the program was extended by 12 months allowing landholders additional time to complete their fencing and submit documentation. This extension period will be closing on the 31st of May 2023.
New applications for this program have closed, however, landholders who received funding and have not submitted their documentation should do this by the 31st of May 2023. This includes returning a signed copy of Schedule C acquittal documentation and 2 photos.
Supporting our Neighbours Program staff are available to discuss submitting your application and contractual obligations at fencing@lls.nsw.gov.au.
Livestock producers are being invited to tender for long-term grazing access to select Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs) across the Central Tablelands.
Stock Permits – Long Term Grazing, previously known as Management Agreement Permits, will be allocated via a robust tender process to give producers grazing access to a TSR for periods longer than 12 months.
Successful tenderers will also agree to undertake positive land management practices on the TSR, such as protecting biodiversity and controlling pests and weeds.
This is part of our commitment to ensuring the state’s TSRs are looked after as it should be, because everybody benefits from a viable, well-maintained and connected TSR network.
While some carefully assessed TSRs will be available for Stock Permits – Long Term Grazing, all TSRs remain available by application for short-term access permits such as walking stock, as well as recreational activities.
All submissions must be lodged online. If you need assistance with submitting the online tender, one of our customer service officers can help you through the process. Call your closest office on 1300 795 299 to book an appointment.
Protect biodiversity on TSRs by not collecting firewood
TSRs are an extremely important refuge for many rare and endangered native plants and fallen logs and standing dead wood can be part of their habitat.
Decaying timber and leaf litter are also important in the process of nutrient recycling back into the soil. Anyone caught removing timber or disturbing vegetation (alive or dead) from a TSR can be fined up to $5,500.
While firewood collection is not permitted on TSRs, you can apply for a permit to collect firewood from selected state forests. For details, visit the Forestry Corporation.
All TSRs are clearly signposted, but if you’re not sure whether you’re on a TSR, you can contact your nearest Local Land Services office to find out. To report any illegal activity on TSRs call Local Land Services on 1300 795 299, or the police assistance line on 131 444.
Our local achievements for 2022
We’re proud to have achieved some remarkable outcomes across the Central Tablelands during 2022. Despite the challenges, our team was on the ground supporting land managers to improve the productivity and sustainability of their land, which included:
* 1,374,239 ha of pest control (vertebrates)
* 558 ha of weed control
* 1,372 ha managed for improved agricultural production
We would like to thank you for your support and input into our successes over the 2022 calendar year. Our excellent relationship with customers and stakeholders is what enables us to be here when it matters, responding to your needs in the best way possible. We look forward to many more years reporting excellent outcomes for the region.
Upcoming events
Mycology May Fungus Connections: Biodiversity, Farming & Food | 9 May - 20 May
Join us to learn about Fungus connections and get more understanding of fungi and their importance to: farming, soils, composting, biodiversity, foods, plant health and future uses. Register for Mycology May
Orange Agricultural Institute Open Day | 20 May
OAI is home to world class researchers in horticulture, soil and water, biosecurity, invasive species management, climate and agricultural technology. Meet our staff and scientists with tours, demonstrations, guest speakers, and workshops. Get more information
Farm Business Free Workshop | 20 May
The Farm Business Resilience Program is hosting a free workshop in conjunction with the Orange Agricultural Institute Open Day. Secure your farm's future with strategies for how to improve your financial business including succession planning. Book online
Re-ageing the bush for endangered species | Wattamondara TSR, 25 May
We’re hosting a field day at Wattamondara travelling stock reserve with practical advice for you to incorporate in your property management to assist with endangered species recovery. More information
Confinement Feeding Bus Tour | 22 June
Learn more designing and choosing a site appropriate for building your own confinement feeding area, by seeing what other farmers have done and how it may be applied to your operation. More information
The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that the information upon which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with the appropriate officer of Local Land Services or the user’s independent adviser. For updates go to www.lls.nsw.gov.au
The Newcrest Sustainability Fund has recently announced that it is supporting a collaborative project with partner organisations including the Central Tablelands Local Land Services, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Bullseye Ag and PY Agronomy to support further research into and the on ground control of sticky nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium).
TSRs are an extremely important refuge for many rare and endangered native plants and fallen logs and standing dead wood can be part of their habitat.
