bb dec06 word draft - futurebeef.com.au · february hosted the “nutrition edge course”, which...

Barkly Beef 1 December 2006

Investigating Grazing Management Options at Rockhampton Downs

Approximately forty people attended a field day at Rockhampton Downs on the 11 October to hear of the latest findings of grazing systems research being conducted collaboratively by AACo. and DPIFM. The research is investigating the benefits of managing grazing by having only one of five watering points operating at any one time in an effort to promote evenness of grazing across the paddock. Presentations on the day covered topics including an update on the National Livestock Identification System by Kel Small, Principal Veterinary Officer, DPIFM, and an update on “Managing Grazing by Alternating Watering Points” by Suzie Kearins (AACo) and Andy Bubb (DPIFM). The day also saw a practical display of electronic cattle identification was provided by Ted Martin and Tom Haines (DPIFM), and a Barkly Research Advisory Committee (BRAC) and NTCA (Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association) meeting. Manager of Rockhampton Downs, Ben Wratten led a tour of the trial paddock to highlight some of the differences between the grazing system be trialled and traditional continuous grazing. The day concluded at Wogyala community where Mike Farrell of Eco Energy explained the hybrid solar power system in use as part of the renewable energy project being conducted by Ian McLean (NTCA).

Contents

Published by Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines ISSN 1325-9539 VOLUME 14 ISSUE 4 December 2006

Rockhampton Downs Field Day 1 Sustainable Farm Families 2 Regional Director Report 3 Closure Notice 4 Bull Selection 5 BBSE 6 Relocating Bulls Post-Sale 7 Cattle ID Requirements 8 CA Grazing Land Management Course 12 Training and Events Calendar 13

Idracowra Field Day 14 Notices 15 BLCA News 16 Business on the Barkly 17 Bushfires NT News 18 AussieGRASS Update 19 Pastoral Market Update 20 NABRUC 2007 23 DPIFM Staff Contact List 25


Sustainable Farm Families Workshop 15 to 16 November A successful two day health awareness workshop held in Tennant Creek, drew sixteen station managers, wives and staff from the Tennant/Creek Barkly region. The workshop was one of two held in the NT. The other workshop was held in Katherine, which attracted 19 participants on the 12 & 13 November. The Sustainable Farm Families (SFF) project was brought to the Barkly / Tennant Creek region by the Department of Health and Ageing and Western District Health Service (Hamilton Vic), the initiator of SFF. The SFF program has provided a wonderful opportunity for pastoral families in the Barkly region to take positive action about their health. All participants were given a health check and participated in the two full days. Topics covered included the state of rural health, cardiovascular disease, cancer, farm health and safety, stress, gender specific health issues and a supermarket tour. All participants were also given the opportunity of a one on one assessment, where they could go through and discuss their results. It gave pastoralists the knowledge of how to apply their learnings, to improve their health, well being and safety. The Federal Government has supported the two year pilot program for remote Australia. It has funded SFF workshops in the Northern Territory and workshops at Georgetown (QLD) and Mt Surprise (QLD) in 2006, followed with Walgett (NSW) and

Esperance (WA) in early 2007. The workshop will return to deliver the second part of the program in November 2007. SFF was developed by farmers, health services, universities and farm industry groups as a response to higher illness and premature death rates in farming families. Ms Brumby program coordinator from Western District Health Service said, “The good health of a pastoralist and pastoralist family is the single most important investment that an agriculture business can have. Understanding its vital role to you, your family and your business is important and makes good sense.” SFF was initially piloted in broadacre farming families in south eastern Australia. Other agricultural industries recognised its positive impact on farmer health and attitudes to health and farm health and safety, resulting in SFF in the dairy, sugar and cotton industries. So far there have been nearly 500 farms, pastoral family members and individuals who have participated in the program, and 100 per cent have said they would recommend SFF to other pastoral or farming families. Ms Brumby also commented on the distances and commitment the Barkly people put into attending and participating in the program and look forward to returning next year.

Contact Co-ordinator - SFF – Barkly / Tennant Creek

Helen Kempe Dept of Primary Industry & Fisheries -Tennant Creek Ph: 08 89624484 [email protected] www.sustainablefarmfamilies.org.au for more information

Below: The workshop participants


A Word from the Regional Director As Christmas approaches, I join with a lot of you thinking, “What happened to this year?” Well, January saw two new Graduates join DPIFM in Tennant Creek: Sarah Streeter and Harmony James who are now well known to you all. February hosted the “Nutrition Edge Course”, which many of you attended at Barkly House. The “Mitchell Grass Quality & Quantity Guide”, a partnership between DPIFM and BLCA was also published in this month. The June Edition of the ‘Barkly Beef’ included the very successful NT Pastoral Survey, which was hailed as a huge success and generated enormous interest with NT pastoralists. This informative Survey was orchestrated by Andy Bubb who spent many hours around dinner tables across the Barkly on the research-gathering mission. The month of May brought with it the Barkly Landcare and Conservation Association Strategic Planning Workshop. BLCA members met at the Barkly Homestead to discuss the future direction of the association’s goals and projects. The Tennant Creek Show and the Barkly Beef Dinner, followed by the very successful Droughtmaster Commercial Bull Sale, was possibly the highlight for July. The weather being kind over this weekend, caused many station families to enjoy this festive period. I reported to you that I had taken the opportunity to visit Kidman Springs Field Day in August, and still recommend a visit to the research station next year if you can fit it into your busy schedules at that time. Ian McLean & Andy also ran a ‘Breeding Edge Workshop’ during August. A great roll-up of station managers and stockman to Barkly House declared this workshop one of the best held. Then in September Alice Springs hosted the Meat Profit Day, which drew a very large audience from across the Territory and Australia. Another marvellous ‘hands-on day’ was the Rockhampton Field Day on 11 October. Following a beautiful lunch provided by Heidi and Lauren, the large crowd journeyed to the trial paddock and were totally blown away with the excellent results being achieved. All attendees expressed their desire to see this project continued for another five to seven years. The ‘productivity gain’ that has been demonstrated through the increased carrying capacity certainly out-weighs the issues encountered in the first few years of the trial. Well that’s what happened to DPIFM Tennant Creek Office and Staff in 2006. As this is the last edition before Christmas, I take this opportunity to wish you and your families the very happiest and safe festive season. Please give a prayer and a thought to our less fortunate counterparts in the rest of rural Australia who are having a torrid time on their land and the fact that Christmas this year will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Paul Black Regional Director, Tennant Creek Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines


DPIFM OFFICE CLOSURE 27 to 29 December 2006

Please be advised that the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines office in Tennant Creek will be closed:

Wednesday 27 December Thursday 28 December

Friday 29 December

Stock Inspector THOMAS HAINES will be on call for animal health emergencies. Regional Director PAUL BLACK will also be contactable in the case of any other enquires or emergencies. The office will re-open on 3 January 2007 as per normal opening hours.

Emergency contact numbers:

Thomas Haines - 0401 113 445 Paul Black - 0417 227 020

Barkly Beef 5 September 2006

Bull Selection Critical to the long-term profitability of the breeding herd

Fertility is the most economically important of all production traits. However, the role of the bull in contributing to the reproductive performance of herd is often underestimated. It is important to be aware of the potential impacts of choices made during bull selection today on the profitability of the breeder herd in the following years. It is essential to place high importance on reproductive traits when selecting bulls, in order to breed favourable fertility traits into the subsequent breeder animals. It is futile to remove females from the herd for poor reproductive performance if sires with average reproductive potential are added to the herd each year. This process will provide little genetic improvement for fertility and will continue a similar rate of removal of breeders from the herd for poor reproductive performance. Strong emphasis should be placed on scrotal circumference when selecting bulls. Firstly, there is evidence of a significant relationship between testicular size and sperm production in young bulls, and a correlation with achieved pregnancy rates. Secondly, and most important for long-term genetic improvement of the herd, scrotal circumference in yearling bulls (approximately 400 days) is favourably correlated with age of puberty in their female progeny.

Minimal scrotal size for 2-year old tropical bulls

Unfed bull Fed bull In a Beef CRC study, it was found that age of puberty in a group of tropically adapted heifers ranged from 13 months to less than 39 months. This demonstrates that there are early maturing females within these breeds. There are major productivity benefits for the breeding operation in increasing the frequency of females who are genetically capable of reaching sexual maturity by time of joining. If we take a look at a herd under a continuous joining system, there will always be a group of genetically fertile females who will conceive early when joined as maiden heifers. These animals calve at the most favourable time of the year, and wean a calf in first round. There is a higher chance of maintaining adequate body condition when lactating to allow for early re-conception. Similarly, there will be the group of genetically sub-fertile or late maturing females. These heifers may be many months behind in conceiving and subsequently calve in the unfavourable time of the year. Carrying a calf through to second round will have detrimental effects on re-conception, and the sub-fertile cycle (and losses to productivity) continues. Selection for superior scrotal circumference in bulls is easy to measure, and may be an indirect means of increasing the frequency of those females in the herd with the genetic potential to conceive early. For more information on bull fertility factors, please contact Sarah Streeter on (08) 8962 4487 or email [email protected].


Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation Minimise the risk in bull buying

The 2004 Northern Territory Pastoral Industry Survey reported an average bull percentage for the Barkly Region of 3.9 per cent, the lowest rate compared to all other regions across the NT. Eighty percent of pastoralists ranked fertility as the most important trait of their breeding program, yet 71 per cent of stations do not fertility test their bulls. Without fertility testing bulls, actual working bull percentages are an unknown to the pastoralist. A way of limiting this potential threat to the short-term reproductive performance of the herd is to include a bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) into the criteria for bull selection. BBSE is a standardised system developed by the Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV). There are 5 key components of a BBSE: • General physical examination (conformation) and upper reproductive tract • Examination of testes and measurement of scrotal size • Serving assessment to evaluate libido and mating ability • Collection and assessment of a semen sample • Laboratory examination of sperm morphology It may be negotiated between the buyer and the breeder which of the five components of BBSE the bulls must pass for a transaction to occur. Seventy-nine percent of Barkly stations source some or all of their bulls from Queensland stud breeders. Requesting that breeders provide a BBSE on bulls may mean paying a small premium, however the benefits should outweigh the costs. Firstly, the risk of purchasing sub-fertile bulls is minimised. Secondly, the BBSE will include a scrotal circumference measurement, allowing the buyer to request a standard to be set in the selection process. Finally, buying bulls that have passed a BBSE should minimise the risk purchasing animals with penile, sheath and structural abnormalities that will reduce their working life. An interview with Greg and Tanya Bowden, Baratria Pastoral Company, Longreach, published in the MLA Frontier magazine (Spring 2006), reported that it took around 5 hours to test 82 bulls, costing approximately $35 per head. A small price to pay for limiting the purchase of sub-fertile bulls. For more information, please contact Sarah Streeter on (08) 8962 4487 or email [email protected].


Relocation of Bulls Post-sale

Prepare for short-term fertility effects

As part of the Bullpower project, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) investigated the effects of relocation on bull reproductive traits. Results showed that a very high proportion of bulls (approximately 50 per cent) failed a BBSE immediately after sale and relocation. When retested six months after relocation, almost 80 per cent of bulls recovered when under favourable nutritional and management conditions. The effect of relocation was more pronounced in Bos taurus bulls transported to tropical environments. In the study, animals were relocated under conditions better than those experienced by bulls sold under the saleyard system or mixed with stranger animals. As an outcome of the project, industry is encouraged to buy young bulls to allow time for adaptation and to reduce fertility problems associated with relocation. If you require more information or an electronic copy of the full Bullpower report, please contact Sarah Streeter on (08) 8962 4487 or email [email protected].


A First for Central Australia Central Australia’s first Grazing Land Management workshop was held at Tilmouth Well Roadhouse last week attended by six participants from four local stations. Central Australia Grazing Land Management Officer, Ellena Hannah said, “If you operate a cattle business, then this workshop is for you.” While climate and land type are out of our control we can directly influence land condition, which is the country’s ability to respond to rainfall and produce useful forage.” Land condition is the key to healthy land and production outcomes.” The workshop delivered principles and tools for improving land condition as well as providing participants with an understanding of the components of the grazing land ecosystem. How these components are managed controls how much pasture grows and how much cattle can eat. Tools included working out Land Type carrying capacities and calculating forage budgets. Other issues associated with managing a grazing enterprise were covered including the use of fire, pasture improvement and restoration (erosion), weed control and managing the tree grass balance. These topics were discussed within the context of the role they can play in improving land condition, evenness of grazing and diet quality. The workshop exceeded expectation. The participants enjoyed the experience and found the content very relevant to their property. Steven Gaff, manager of Napperby Station said, "it gives you science and maths for deciding your future direction. It is not hard, but it really helps you to make better choices." The group will meet again for a follow up day to report back on progress, reflect on their experience as well as provide an opportunity to revisit the principles presented at the workshop. The workshop was organised by the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association and the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines and supported by FarmBis and the National Landcare Program.

For those who missed out on this workshop another is being held in Alice Springs from the 11 to 14 March. For more information contact Ellena Hannah on 08 8951 8143 or [email protected] The Grazing Land Management EDGE workshop is part Meat and Livestock Australia’s EDGEnetwork. The Central Australia Grazing Land Management workshop was developed by the Centralian Land Management Association in a collaborative project as the result of National Landcare Program and Meat and Livestock Australia funding. FarmBis is a joint Commonwealth and Northern Territory Government initiative, which provides financial support for primary producers and land managers to attend eligible management training activities. How much feed? Cutting grass to determine number of cattle that can be grazed; Steven Gaff, manager Napperby Station, Bryan Gill, Pastoral Production DPIFM, Jim Napier, Manager Tanami Downs, Ellena Hannah, Central Australia Grazing Land Management Officer


2007 Training and Events Calendar

This is a TENTATIVE training and events calendar for next year. If you have any suggestions for training courses or would like to suggest date changes please contact Ruth Allan (NT DPIFM) 08 8962 4493 [email protected] or Ian McLean (NTCA) 08 8952 5122 [email protected]

MONTH DATES EVENT DETAILS REGION CONTACT February 14-16 Nutrition EDGE 3 Day Workshop Alice Springs Ian McLean 08 8952 5122 February 19-21 Nutrition EDGE 3 Day Workshop Barkly Ian McLean 08 8952 5122 February 17 Nutrition EDGE 1 Day Follow-up Alice Springs Ian McLean 08 8952 5122 February 22 Nutrition EDGE 1 Day Follow-up Barkly Ian McLean 08 8952 5122

March 5-6 Jabiru Management Skills Development Course 2.5 Day workshop

March 11-14 Grazing Land Management 3 Day Workshop Alice Springs Ellena Hannah 08 8951 8143 March 14-21 Grazing for Profit 8 Day School Alice Springs Ian McLean 08 8952 5122

March tbc RCS - KIT (Keep In Touch) Day 1 day gathering Alice Springs Ian McLean 08 8952 5122 March 29 MLA Beef Up Forum Katherine Rodd Dyer 07 3620 5234 March 30 NTCA Conference & AGM Katherine NTCA 08 8952 5122 April 16-22 Pregnancy Testing School Alice Springs Bryan Gill 08 8951 8127 April 20-22 Barkly Herd Management Course Barkly Ruth Allan 08 8962 4493 May 7 Beef Up Forum Barkly Rodd Dyer 07 3620 5234 May tbc Grazing Land Management 3 Day Workshop Alice Springs Ellena Hannah 08 8951 8143 May tbc Grazing Land Management 1 Day Follow-up Alice Springs Ellena Hannah 08 8951 8143 June tbc Stock Handling School Alice Springs Ian McLean 08 8952 5122 July ,6 Show Day Alice Springs July 13 Show Day Tennant Crk July 20 Show Day Katherine July 27 Show Day Darwin

August tbc Breeding EDGE Barkly Ian McLean 08 8952 5122 August tbc Breeding EDGE Alice Springs Ian McLean 08 8952 5122

September 24-27 ASSOA In-School week Alice Springs ASSOA November tbc Grazing Land Management 3 Day Workshop Alice Springs Ellena Hannah 08 8951 8143 November tbc Grazing Land Management 1 Day Follow-up Alice Springs Ellena Hannah 08 8951 8143


Spell Country, Save Money with “Moving Water”

Despite dry conditions and busy mustering schedules, pastoralists (from properties both north and south of Alice Springs), government pastoral industry staff and stock and station agents gathered at “Idracowra” Station recently to see first-hand an innovative approach to grazing during dry times in Central Australia. The Field Day, hosted by Jim and Sue Murphy, demonstrated the “Moving Water” concept currently being trialled on the property. This innovative concept involves using a waterpoint moving along a 32km pipeline at 1km/wk, bisecting a 600km² paddock to spell country without additional fencing. This trial is part of the Central Australian Grazing Strategies Partnership project, titled “Rangeland grazing strategies for improved economics and resource sustainability” funded by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry through the National Landcare Program. Project partners involved include Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, NT Dept. of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines; Centralian Land Management Association; CSIRO; and representatives of the central Australian pastoral industry. The project involves a series of trials undertaken in central Australia (Idracowra, Mt Riddock and Old Man Plains Research Station). The project will test various forms of spell and rotational grazing, analysing the environmental, economic and social aspects, which will contribute to the development of industry-acknowledged best practice guidelines for grazing strategies in central Australia. This information will also be included in a nationwide perspective to be developed on practical spelling, applicable to the entire Rangelands (75 per cent of Australia), using extensive pastoralist experience and computer modelling. Trial pastoralist, Jim Murphy, explained the grazing trial implemented at Idracowra to the crowd. “The area of this paddock is 600 sq km assuming a feed radius of 5km; this means up to 80 per cent of the paddock is being rested at any one time. During fast pasture growth, the livestock are moved faster and during slow growth periods such as present conditions the stock are moved slower to allow a

longer rest period for plants to recover. That’s the plan, getting the timing right may be something else. In this case the trough is being moved at a rate of 1km per week at 500 meter intervals. Any larger interval may mean cattle lose track of the trough. So two moves per week. To put that in perspective for this trial the corridor covers 400 sq km. One of our biggest hurdles has been changing animal behaviour. It has not proven to be easy. We find ourselves periodically shifting cattle back onto the water, as there are cases when they walk back down the pipeline instead of staying with the trough. However, this has improved over time and now you just need to give them a start and they will walk up the road without a fuss.” Field Day guests were then treated to some memorable kebabs, prepared by Judith Murphy for lunch, together with a barbeque sponsored by Ausfuel Alice Springs. After lunch, the topic moved from grazing to soil conservation. The Centralian Land Management’s Co-coordinator and Soil Technician, Peter Armstrong, lead the crowd on a tour of soil conservation issues and drew a strong discussion on ways to remedy different erosion problems with the assistance of the CLMA’s laser truck (a vehicle-mounted laser surveying system). Points of interest included location and installation of “whoa-boys” and ponding banks and also identification of catchment erosion and crucial placement of erosion control banks diverting water therefore halting the progress of the erosion. The CAGSP/CLMA team wishes to thank the NT Dept. Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines for their shady tent, and fantastic assistance and Tony Petras Ausfuel Alice Springs, who also erected a corporate tent for the occasion, which was greatly the crowd greatly appreciated. For producers, the Field Day was a chance to evaluate the concept, hear the reasoning behind such an innovation and discuss its application to their own properties. For the first few bore runs back on their own properties after the Idracowra “Moving Water” Field Day some people present on the day may have been rehearsing the notion…


Cattle Pregnancy Diagnosis Course

The NT Rural College is seeking expressions of interest for those wanting to do a short course in cattle pregnancy diagnosis. The course is run over two and a half days and consideration is being given to holding the course on a property in the Barkly Region. If you would like to attend such a course in the early months of 2006, please contact Andy Bubb on 8962 4492 or email [email protected]. Other skills workshops available through the Rural College include ChemCert certification, basic welding, quad/motorbike operation, 4WD techniques, basic vehicle maintenance, tractor operation, stock waters maintenance, and more. Contact Jenni Butterworth, NTRC Course Coordinator, on 8973 8311 for additional information on courses the College offer.


Barkly Landcare & Conservation Association

2006 National Landcare Awards In early October Ruth Allan and I attended the 2006 National Landcare Awards in Melbourne. BLCA were finalists in the Alcoa Landcare Community Group Award – awarded to a community group that has adopted sound land management practices and is working towards sustainable land use and enhancing an area on behalf of the community.

Regional Investment Strategy At the end of October members from Barkly Landcare & Conservation Association met to discuss the issues of priority to be considered for the next round of funding under the Regional Investment Strategy.

Some of the issues discussed included: • Weeds – Parkinsonia, Mesquite, Prickly Acacia, Calotrope, Noogoora Burr • Woody thickening – Gidgee, White wood and Mimosa (native acacia) • Riparian zone grazing • Erosion • Fire

The Barkly priority issues are presented together with other Territory issues to the NRM Board for consideration. More details will be available in 2007.

Erosion Workshop In late November in conjunction with Julalikari Aboriginal council we organised an Erosion Workshop. Topics covered included: • Identify erosion issues and it’s causes • Using laser levels • Appropriate use of machinery to carry out best practice works • Closing and rehabilitating unnecessary drains • Construction of flat bottom drains • Rehabilitating old roads • Construction of Whoa Boys • Windrow removal • Best practice techniques for fence line clearing

Until 2007 …Have a safe and Happy Christmas and New Year

Therese McElligott BLCA Facilitator

Well here we are in December already – where did 2006 go? It has been a busy time for all. This year I have had the pleasure of working with a wonderful group of people and I would like to thank the Landcare group for their enthusiasm and commitment.


Business around the Barkly

(from the Dept of Business, Economic and Regional Development) As some people will be aware I have recently taken extended leave from DBERD which is due to finish in early 2008. I am taking this time out to work in my business ventures and will be 'on the other side of the desk' for a while. Initially my position will be covered by John Gibb until it is filled. It has been a great pleasure to work with business people from all over the Barkly during the past 4 years and I look forward to working with you all again in what ever capacity in the future. It has been great to see people from the pastoral stations using our services and facilities and coming in when they can to attend workshops. I urge you to continue to keep the TBC and DBERD in mind whenever you need business-related information and assistance. I hope everyone has a very prosperous season and that we get the right amount of rain. Please drop in to the shop and say hi when you are in town next year. Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Cheers Peter Davenport Regional Manager Dept of Business, Economic and Regional Development Barkly House


Bushfires NT News

As some of you may be aware Trevor Jansen, Regional Fire Control Officer for the Barkly region resigned in late September and has moved to Wagga Wagga NSW to take up a position there with a fire service. By the time this edition is out there should be a replacement for the position. There have been a few major fires around the area of late noticeably the Tennant Creek Fire (600sq km), the Mittiebah / Mt Drummond fire (2000sq km) Newcastle Waters / Murranji (4000sq km) and a fire that burnt from Annitowa to Soudan and across to Epenarra burning approx 12000sq km and at the time of writing this report there is a large fire to the north of Beetaloo. Most fires have taken several days to control due to changing winds and weather conditions. Several small fires have been lit around the Elliott township area, Attack Creek, Tennant Creek and McLaren Creek areas totalling approximately 1000sq kms. Many thanks must go to the Tennant Creek Volunteer Brigade members who have contributed over three hundred hours towards wildfire suppression so far this year. Both the Elliott-Wauchope and the Barkly regions have had some success with their applications through the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program. Funding has been approved for a fire break to be constructed along the eastern boundary of Tennant Creek station and from the southern

boundary of Rockhampton Downs past Brunchilly to Phillip Creek and out to the Stuart Hwy. This break should be completed by January 2007. The Barkly project has been given the approval by the Traditional Owners of the Nicholson block for the construction of a fire break along the Benmara / Nicholson boundary. This project should get underway after the wet season next year. There were a few requests for training but unfortunately we were not able to conduct any courses because of a training restructure we are undergoing. We will commence training again in March/April 2007. Just a reminder to all that the Equipment Subsidy is still available, so please check your gear and give me a call if you require any information on 8962 4522 When things quieten down for you (mustering) and me (fires) I will be driving around on station visits so I’ll call in and say ‘G’day’. If I don’t see before Christmas, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Brian Dohnt Regional Fire Control Officer Elliott / Wauchope Region P: 08 8962 4522


AussieGRASS – OCTOBER UPDATE Where is our WET SEASON? The wind is still hot, there’s scarcely been a cloud in the sky and it doesn’t even SMELL like rain. So what’s going on? When is this wet season going to start happening? AussieGRASS is a pasture growth model which has predictive applications that can provide you with another dimension to decision making processes. About AussieGRASS AussieGRASS models pasture growth and standing pasture dry matter. The model uses: rainfall, climate, soil and pasture type information to estimate grass growth in 5km square grids across Australia. This means that pasture growth is averaged across all the land within a 5km square area; averaging over creek lines and hills if they are within that 5km square area. In July 2006 DPIFM commenced a project through Land and Water Australia to test the accuracy and usefulness of this model’s predictions and its use in determining exceptional circumstances in the NT. What do you think? How does the model compare with the real world? Have a look at the following maps and read over the comments. How does the information compare with your experiences? We will continue to bring you the latest AussieGRASS outputs over the coming wet season, and will be seeking your input about the models accuracy and usefulness.

Figure 1: Comparing the current season with historical records. This figure describes how the past 12 months modelled pasture growth compares with historical records. According to this map the Barkly district has experienced well above average or extremely high pasture growth in October 2006 in comparison to historical records.

For more information about AussieGRASS and its applications please contact:

Ruth Allan DPIFM – Tennant Creek

08 8962 4493 [email protected]


Figure 2: Describing the pasture in your paddocks at the moment. This map estimates the Total Standing Dry Matter (TDSM) that was on the gr ound as of the 31 st

October 2006 and compares it with the past . The map says the relative standing dry matter in October was either well above average or extremely high for most of the Barkly region.

Figure 3: What are the predictions for pasture growth over the coming wet season? This map predicts the likelihood of pasture growth exceeding its average for this time of year. From this map, the prediction for most of the Barkly is that there is a 40-100% chance of pasture growth exceeding its average for October 2006.


WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE YOUR BARKLY BEEF ONLINE?

If you would, please complete the form below and fax back to (08) 8962 4480. You will receive an email notifying you that the latest BARKLY BEEF is available on the NT DPIFM website. NAME:………………………………………………………………………………… E MAIL ADDRESS:…………………………………………………………………..

Yes, please notify me by email when the BARKLY BEEF is available on the NT DPIFM website

Your information will not be used for any other purpose than to alert you to the electronic availability of the Barkly Beef.

CHECK OUT… Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines

WEBSITE www.nt.gov.au/dpifm

Our Department’s website has recently been updated. You can use the site to:

• Search for Property Identification Codes (PIC) • Find Agnote fact sheets

• Read about our research projects • Find up to date news stories that relate to our business


DPIFM Tennant Creek Staff List

Department of Primary, Industry, Fisheries & Mines (DPIFM)

Barkly House – 1st Floor 99 Paterson St

PO Box 159, Tennant Creek NT 0861

REGIONAL MANAGEMENT & PRIMARY INDUSTRY Fax: 08 8962 4480

Regional Management Regional Director Paul Black 08 8962 4485 Executive Officer Helen Kempe 08 8962 4484 Administration Officer Kate Rush 08 8962 4488 Animal Health Regional Veterinary Officer Vacant 08 8962 4486

M: 0427 003 026

Regional Stock Inspector Ted Martin 08 8962 4490 08 89622559 (a/h)

Stock Inspector Thomas Haines 08 8962 4458 M: 0401 113 445

Pastoral Production Senior Pastoral Production Officer Andy Bubb 08 8962 4492 Pastoral Production Officer Ruth Allan 08 8962 4493 Pastoral Production Technical Officer Sarah Streeter 08 8962 4487 Pastoral Production Technical Officer Harmony James 08 8962 4483


To: If undelivered please return to:

Dept of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines PO Box 159

TENNANT CREEK NT 0861

bb dec06 word draft - futurebeef.com.au · february hosted the “nutrition edge course”, which...

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