We have seen a mixed bag of seasonal conditions across the region with some producers reporting a 'really good autumn' while others missed the rain all together, leading to a ‘failed autumn.” Irrespective of the type of season you had we are now well into winter, and we have been getting lots of questions about feeding livestock.
As we become entrenched in the depths of winter, it is important to remember some key livestock feeding and management practices to ensure our stock remain productive and healthy during the colder months.
Ensure clostridial boosters are up to date and consider 3 monthly boosters on lush feed.
Never allow hungry animals the chance to gorge themselves, introduce them gradually with a few hours per day initially (10 am – 2 pm) for seven days.
Consider having hay available, particularly for pregnant and lactating animals, when first introducing to a paddock and during periods of bad weather.
If you have further questions, please give your local ag officer or district vet a call on 1300 795 299.
Animal health risks associated with grazing crops
Grazing winter crops like canola, wheat, and oats can help producers manage winter feed gaps and also maximise crop productivity. As with all feed sources, there are some animal health factors to consider when grazing winter pastures. By being aware of these risks and putting measures in place to reduce them, grazing crops can be a successful and productive feed source for both sheep and cattle.
Trained donkeys have demonstrated their value in protecting sheep from wild dog attacks in an innovative trial in the Central Tablelands.
Trained donkeys have demonstrated their value in protecting sheep from wild dog attacks in an innovative trial we ran in the Central Tablelands recently.
Thanks to landholders Butch and Fiona Pilley who worked closely with our staff to introduce two donkeys as guardian animals into their Hill End grazing operation. The result... no dog attacks recorded over the three years since!
Varroa mite Emergency Order in place
Varroa mites (Varroa jacobsoni and V. destructor) are the most serious pest of honey bees worldwide. The mites are tiny reddish brown external parasites of honey bees.
How is it characterised?
On their own, individual mites are easily identifiable to the naked eye. Left untreated varroa mite will kill any bee hive it infects. All feral and untreated bee colonies will eventually die.
How is it spread?
Drone bees are able to move varroa mites from hive to hive and even between apiaries. Mites are agile, move into hives quickly and transfer through contact between bees. There are strict quarantine requirements in place to protect the Australian honey bee industry.
If you detect Varroa mite, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline to report your detection on 1800 084 881 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).
It’s time to do your Annual Land and Stock Return
It’s easy to complete your return via our improved and secure online portal. If online doesn’t work for you, you can manually submit your form using the reply paid envelope provided.
If you fail to complete your return penalties will be applied to your next Local Land Services rates notice, even if you don’t have any livestock.
Understanding livestock numbers across the state is important and we rely on this information during emergencies.
Even if you report nil livestock, your return helps us build a picture of land use in NSW.
Haven’t received your form in the mail yet? Head to www.lls.nsw.gov.au/alsr to find out what to do.
Current and future livestock market predictions with Simon Quilty
In May, we ran a joint webinar with South East Local Land Services and independent livestock analyst Simon Quilty. This update provided producers with a unique insight into the major domestic and international factors that are driving current and future livestock prices.
Simon had made several predictions on where he sees the future livestock market heading and is applicable to all livestock producers.
Conservation through knowing - Spot a Swifty!
It's that time of year again; so, grab your bins and binos (bird-nerd for binoculars) and help one of the Central Tableland’s most threatened woodland birds, the Swift Parrot. Swift Parrot Search is Birdlife Australia's annual citizen science program for this critically endangered species, which visits our region during winter to feed on flowering eucalypts.
The program is based around a number of fixed monitoring points set up in areas of likely habitat. In the Central Tablelands, these sites are located proximal to the Capertee Valley, Mudgee-Wollar and Cowra. With such low numbers in the wild (approximately 750) it’s vital that scientists know where they are. Having a fixed and replicable monitoring approach allows scientists to understand the dynamics and trajectory of the population at a given point in time, each and every year.
To find out more about the Swift Parrot Search sites near your place, and to become Swifty Spotter, head over to the Birdlife Australia website.
The second monitoring period for the year runs from 15 July – 27 August, 2023.
Protect our TSRs
TSRs are an extremely important refuge for many rare and endangered native plants and animals, 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.
Pete Evans, TSR Coordinator said the restrictions on firewood collection are in place to protect the important biodiversity values of TSRs.
“In addition to their agricultural benefits, TSRs are instrumental in connecting isolated patches of remnant vegetation and provide habitat for many native species” Pete said. “Fallen logs, standing dead wood and decaying timber all play a key role in providing habitat, which is why fines apply to anyone caught removing timber from a TSR."
At Local Land Services, we are committed to managing and protecting our TSR network so they can be preserved for generations to come. “We want people to use and enjoy TSRs for recreational activities such as walking, fishing and birdwatching, as well as agricultural purposes, so we need to make sure the network is being managed responsibly.”
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.
Anyone caught removing timber or disturbing vegetation (alive or dead) from a TSR can be fined up to $5,500.
To report any illegal activity on TSRs call Local Land Services on 1300 795 299, or the police assistance line on 131 444.
Are you prepared for a natural disaster?
Responding to a natural disaster on your property takes significant preparation.
Have you got a plan for your family, animals and farming operation if a bushfire or flood is on your doorstep?
5 Steps to consider for emergencies involving animals:
Could you and your animals evacuate or shelter-in-place?
Have you completed and recently updated your flood, fire and biosecurity plans?
Might a neighbourhood plan improve your disaster safety?
Have you completed your Annual Land and Stock Return and updated your emergency contact details with Local Land Services?
Do you have a Property Identification Code? Getting a PIC is easy and it’s a legal requirement for everybody owning or moving livestock, even a pet sheep, pig or pony!
Sticky nightshade field day
Central Tablelands LLS is partnering with Cowra Shire Council, Bullseye Ag and others to host a field day about sticky nightshade. Come along to find out what’s happening with sticky nightshade in our region.
Wednesday 6 September, 10 am - 2 pm.
There will be:
updates on current technology including drones by PY Ag and Bullseye Ag,
updates from the NSW Department of Primary industries research team, and
time for landholders and contractors to share their experience with this regional priority weed - sticky nightshade.
For more information on the identification and control of sticky nightshade visit NSW WeedWise or contact your local council weed biosecurity officer.
Mudgee Field Day
Thank you to everyone that popped into our site at Mudgee Field Days. Our staff were on hand to answer questions on annual land and stock returns, pest animal control, natural resource management, sheep and goat eID plus much more.
The beef and sheep health talks were a highlight, with landholders learning how to improve their handling and assessment skills. Our buzzer game and taxidermy pests were a hit with both the kids and the adults.
Looking forward to seeing you all again next year!
Events
Vertebrate pesticide training | Cowra
To acquire and use 1080, Pindone, RHDV, or PAPP baits in NSW, you must be accredited with an AQF3 Chemical Accreditation or Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training (VPIT) course accreditation.
This free face to face course will allow you to start or continue to use chemicals to control vertebrate pests in NSW.
Chilean needle grass workshop | Woodstock
This workshop is designed to help landholders identify and control highly invasive weeds species including Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana).
Wild and vast or small and special. Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth and it’s essential for our lives.
The Orange region is home to a multitude of landforms that provide a wide range of habitats for biodiversity. During the month of September, we’re celebrating this biodiversity through a number of events for Orange Biodiversity Month. You can sit back and relax at the movies or get your hands dirty planting a tree; there’s something for everyone.
Biodiversity art and pop up
Pop-in to the cultural precinct between 9.30 am and 2.00 pm to watch award-winning pavement artists from Zest Events bringing local plants and animals to life, participate in a smoking ceremony with the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council and check out the Birds of Australia STORYBOX.
ORM Talks: Dr Ross Crates - the regent honeyeater
Dr Crates is a Postdoctoral fellow with the Difficult Bird Research Group at the Australian National University, whose research investigates the dynamics, monitoring, and conservation genomics of local species the Regent Honeyeater.
The message of the Lyrebird screening The Message of the Lyrebird is an independent feature documentary, produced by Balangara Films to inform, educate, and inspire humanity around nature’s intelligence for the continuation of life, and the effects of human intervention on the environment.
Walk, talk and plant: Ploghmans wetlands care group tree planting and wetland tour
Join the Ploughmans Wetlands Care Group, Orange City Council and Central Tableland Local Land Services for a relaxing guided walk around Ploughman's Wetland to learn about habitat, biodiversity and importance of urban wetlands in future proofing our climate.
Understanding the impact of feral cats and pest animals on rural properties
Join us to hear from expert Biodiversity Conservation Trust ecologists, Local Land Services biosecurity officers and researchers from the Environment and Heritage Group of the Department of Planning and Environment about available control options for feral cat management in NSW, and the impact of feral cats on threatened species.
Understanding private land conservation
Come along to understand more about the role of private land conservation in the landscape and its contribution to the National Reserve System, how the BCT assists landholders achieve conservation outcomes, the range of programs on offer from the BCT and how to get involved.
Waratah wetlands school holiday environmental workshop
Together with Orange City Council we're hosting a fun school holiday environmental workshop at Waratah Wetalnds. So bring the family and participate in tree planting, make some native seed bombs, learn about local bush tucker and perhaps even win a prize! BBQ lunch will be provided. Children must be supervised by an adult.
Creatures of the night: spotlighting at Gosling Creek
Bring your family for some holiday fun spotlighting at Gosling Creek! Learn about our local animals that come out at night, including possums, gliders and owls.
Local Land Services acknowledges that it stands on Country
which always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters,
and we show our respect for Elders past, present and emerging.
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
Thank you to everyone that popped into our site at Mudgee Field Days. Our staff were on hand to answer questions on annual land and stock returns, pest animal control, natural resource management, sheep and goat eID plus much more.
