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BULL BREEDING FIELD DAY

HELEN MCMILLAN DEPARTS DPIF

WET SEASON PHOSPHORUS

HI TECH CATTLE PRODUCTION

NT FEED & FODDER PRODUCTION

FREE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS

INTRODUCTION OF NEW NT FARMERS CEO

WHAT WHEN AND WHERE

AROUND THE TRAPS

ISSN: 1325-9539

DECEMBER 2015DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES BARKLY BEEF | page 1www.dpif.nt.gov.au

BULL BREEDING FIELD DAY

HELEN MCMILLAN DEPARTS DPIF

WET SEASON PHOSPHORUS

HI TECH CATTLE PRODUCTION

NT FEED & FODDER PRODUCTION

FREE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS

INTRODUCTION OF NEW NT FARMERS CEO

WHAT WHEN AND WHERE

AROUND THE TRAPS

ISSN: 1325-9539

DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES BARKLY BEEF | page 2www.dpif.nt.gov.au

Bull Selection and Polledness Roadshow visits Tennant, Alice and Katherine.Jodie Ward, Livestock Industry Development, Katherine

‘Select structurally and reproductively sound bulls’ is one of the key messages from the Bull Selection and Polledness Field Day Roadshow organised recently by the department, which generated lively discussion and interaction among pastoralists.

Cattle breeding expert John Bertram and Technical Manager of Genetics Emily Piper from Zoetis were key note speakers and toured field days in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine in mid-September.

John Bertram encouraged attendees to think critically about the value of the bulls they purchase and the impact those bulls have on the breeder herd.

He said it’s important to consider the contribution every bull is making to the herd as one bull’s genetics will stay in the breeding herd for at least 16 years if its daughters are used as replacement heifers.

Beef producers were encouraged to insist on Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluations including analysing semen morphology to ensure bulls are reproductively sound.

This should be carried out before investing in new bulls to ensure the animals are capable of impregnating breeders and meeting breeding objectives.

Emily Piper provided a comprehensive summary of how gene poll markers work and how markers can be used by beef producers to maximum advantage.

Increasing the number of polled or hornless animals in the herd is becoming of greater importance to the industry as animal welfare standards are strengthened. Producersare focusing on methods to reduce the stress of husbandry procedures on young cattle. For example, identifying which bulls carry polled genes and including those animals into the breeding herd.

The overall message of the roadshow was that although there are a number of things to keep in consideration when selecting bulls, such as breed and temperament, it is important not to focus too strongly on one particular trait, as other desirable characteristics relevant to profitability such as fertility or growth will be compromised. A balanced selection criteria as well as a Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation should be considered before purchasing new bulls.

It was great to see so much support for the field days throughout the regions. The roadshow started in Alice Springs at the Quarantine Yards on 11 September, moved on to Helen Springs Station on the Barkly Tableland on the following day and wrapped up on 14 September at Montejinni Station in the Victoria River District. The department would like to thank the industry for its support and particularly the stations that hosted the events.

Free financial support for BusinessA free, independent and confidential financial support service to help primary producers is available in the Northern Territory.

Over the past four years, Rural Business Support has been working with NT primary producers experiencing financial difficulties.


John Bertram encouraged critical thinking when it comes to bull

selection

Support includes financial analysis and preparing business plans and cash flows; supporting businesses with negotiations with banks and financial institutions; identifying and applying for government assistance as well as offering a referral service to other professionals and preparing for succession planning.

Two staff members will visit during the first week in December – Charlie Goode and Lachie Hood.

For further information please Freecall 1800 836 211 or contact either Charlie or Lachie on 0418 850 251.

Tweety’s flown the coop! Helen McMillan’s departure from TCK DPIF

Jane Douglas, Livestock Industry Development, Tennant Creek

Fresh out of university with a Bachelor of Rural Science, with Honours in Soil Science, Helen McMillan, come to be fondly known as ‘Tweety’, joined the Tennant Creek Livestock Industry Development team in May 2013, for what was supposed to be only nine months, while Casey Collier was on maternity leave.

Helen was largely involved in collecting data for rangelands projects throughout the NT, in particular the Alexandria Pasture Spelling Trial and the Precision Pastoral Management Tools project; meaning she was more commonly found out bush than at home. Her in-depth knowledge of precision agriculture, soil and plant sciences made her an invaluable member of the team and she taught her colleagues as much as they hoped to have taught her.

Helen was also a major contributor to the organisation and running of the biennial Barkly Herd Management Forum and the annual Barkly Rangeland Management Courses. Last year these courses were recognised by achieving the Runner-Up for the NT Chief Minister’s Award for Building Regional and/or Remote Economies.

Life in Tennant Creek wasn’t all about work though. March last year she participated in the World’s Greatest Shave, and donated her lovely long locks in order to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Fast forward two and a half years and Helen has decided that it is time to move on. We wish her the best of luck in NSW and already miss her smiling face and quick wit both in the office and in the field.


L-R: Alister Trier, Casey Collier, Helen McMillan, Jodie Ward and Neil

Macdonald with the Runner-up Chief Minister's Award

Helen hard at work grass counting

Lachie HoodCharlie Goode

L-R: Alister Trier, Casey Collier, Helen McMillan, Jodie Ward and Neil

Macdonald with the Runner-up Chief Minister's Award

Helen hard at work grass counting

Wet season phosphorus – Why? When? Who? How much?Whitney Dollemore, Livestock Industry Development, Katherine

A key profit driver for a majority of properties in the Katherine region is to maximise reproductive performance of their breeder herds. Body condition score (BCS) has a great impact on the ability of a cow to conceive, grow a calf, successfully produce a weaner and reconceive. Nutrition is intrinsically linked to BCS and so maximising nutrition at the time of greatest demand will enable preservation of BCS resulting in a higher weaning rate.

Acute phosphorus (P) deficiency can be identified by obvious signs of stiffened gait or peg leg, bone chewing (increasing the risk of botulism) leading to increased mortality, depraved appetite (pica) which includes chewing of rocks, dirt, wood, bones or hair (pica will also occur if an animal is sodium or potassium-deficient) or fragile bones often breaking easily. Chronic phosphorus deficiency, which is rarely diagnosed, is a significant factor affecting the reproductive performance of breeder herds as over 70% of rangelands across northern Australia are severely phosphorus deficient.

It is extremely important economically because it is difficult to identify, manifesting as reduced performance (growth/reproduction). During the wet season energy and protein in pastures are in sufficient quantities to meet animal requirements but phosphorus is not and becomes the limiting nutrient. In order to maximise good quality pasture during the wet season, supplying additional phosphorus to meet the needs of the animal will aid to preserve a body condition score for re-conception or to maximise compensatory growth.

Phosphorus supplementation of breeding animals is hard to justify when an immediate increase in production is not observed in a commercial situation. Breeding animals do have storages of phosphorus in bone which can be mobilised in times of dietary restriction. However, a 400kg cow has only 600g (20-30%) of phosphorus that can be mobilised from bone. If the animal is lactating, during the first four weeks she will use 10g phosphorus per day (300g) and over another eight weeks she will use 5g of phosphorus per day, the remainder of her body reserves. Some phosphorus will be supplied by the pasture however, in regions of acute phosphorus deficiency including most of the NT extra phosphorus will be required through supplementation.

What is the required amount of supplement for a lactating breeder?A calculation based on a 400 kg lactating breeder, maintaining weight over the dry season has the following phosphorus (P) requirements:


The aftermath of the World's Greatest Shave last year

L-R: Skye Spence, Helen McMillan, Jane Douglas (All DPIF) and Olivia Haines

Helen, with Jane Douglas, before the locks came off

Helen, with Jane Douglas, before the locks came off

The aftermath of the World's Greatest Shave last year

L-R: Skye Spence, Helen McMillan, Jane Douglas (All DPIF) and Olivia Haines

1.6gP/L milk produced x 5L milk = 8gP/d + 9gP/day to maintain weight = 17gP/d

A standard black speargrass (Heteropogon contortus) pasture has on average 0.66gP/kgDM. If an animal consumes 3% of their body weight in dry matter per day, this cow will consume 12kgDM/day.

0.66gP/kgDM x 12kgDMI = 7.92gP/day

If the requirement for P is 17gP/day and it consumes 7.92gP/day from pasture that leaves a deficit of 9gP/day. So, expanded to 1,000 breeders for 6 months (Nov-Apr):

1000 breeders x 9gP/hd/day = 9000g/d = 9kg/d x 183 days = 1,647kg of P for the wet season

If the lick was straight Kynofos which has 21% phosphorus, than the amount of Kynofos required to provide 1,000 breeders with enough P for the wet season is:

1,647kgP x 21/100 = 7,843kg = 8 tonne @ a consumption of 42g/breeder/day

However, if the P is supplied in a lick mixture and the Kynofos makes up 40% of the lick:

21% x 40% = 8.4%P in the lick, therefore, 1647kgP x 100/8.4 = 19607kg = 20 tonne of lick @ consumption of 107g/breeder/day

The benefits of wet season phosphorus supplementation have been outlined in the MLA publication – Phosphorus management of beef cattle in Northern Australia, as a 10% increase in weaning rate, a 15kg/year increase in live weight gain and a 2% reduction in breeder mortalities.

Currently, a wet season phosphorus loose lick mix (50% salt, 40% P and 10% Gran am) is estimated at $955/tonne delivered to Katherine. Using Breedcow, the gross margins on adding phosphorus supplementation to a standard dry season lick supplementation regime is shown in the adjacent table. According to this analysis additional supplement cost can be recovered in two years. The economic and production benefits from phosphorus supplementation are shown in case studies of properties across northern Australia in the aforementioned MLA publication available at: http://www.mla.com.au/News-and-resources/Publication-details?pubid=6024.

Although feeding phosphorus in the wet season is the most cost effective supplementation strategy, further minimising of costs could be achieved by segregating animals according to their phosphorus requirements. For example, keeping growing animals together, heifers separate to the breeder herd or separating breeders according to the predicted time of calving/lactation. Phosphorus supplementation is most important for late pregnant heifers and cows, growing stock and lactating cows.

Other strategies to minimise cost may include, not feeding lick to breeders (three years of age or older) that will not lactate in the current year or selecting for a cow with a moderate frame size, therefore lower requirements for phosphorus.

Supplying phosphorus supplements to stock will increase the amount of pasture eaten by each animal and so it is important to calculate stocking rates correctly based on an increase in dry matter intake of 10-30% (Jackson et al. 2012).

Reference:DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES BARKLY BEEF | page 6www.dpif.nt.gov.au

Without P With P

GM/10,000 AE $866,100 $965,800

GM/AE $86.61 $96.58

GM difference/AE $9.97

http://www.mla.com.au/News-and-resources/Publication-details?pubid=6024

Jackson, D., Rolfe, J., English, B., Holmes, W., Matthews, R., Dixon, R. M., Smith, P., and MacDonald, N. (2012). "Phosphorus management of beef cattle in northern Australia", I. Partridge, (ed.). City: Meat and Livestock Australia Limited: Sydney.


Hi-Tech Cattle ProductionSally Leigo, Research Leader, Precision Pastoral Management Tools Project

The Cooperative Research Centre for Remote Economic Participation’s Precision Pastoral Management Tools (PPMT) project may seem to have been a bit quiet over the past couple of years; however, we’ve been heads down and tails up, fervently working on the Precision Pastoral Management System (PPMS) software and conducting field work. In fact, the team has now completed its fieldwork with Glenflorrie Station in the WA Pilbara region, making that the first research site to be wrapped up.

The PPMT project held its first field day at Glenflorrie Station on 28 October, with an excellent representation of beef producers from the Pilbara region. The field day was the first opportunity for beef producers to learn more about the PPMS software and to see the RLMS in the paddock.

What is the PPMS?The PPMS is software (which will be customised for each station) that reports on the trends in cattle and pasture production. Its unique attribute is that it automatically collects, analyses and reports on cattle live-weight and pasture production data, and it does so with little error and without labour expense. Figure 1. summarises how PPMS works:

1. The system receives data collected by a satellite on the pasture greenness.

2. Cattle live-weight data collected via the RLMS is also supplied.

3. On a weekly basis, the beef producer is then able to review trends in cattle live-weight and pasture greenness, to determine whether any actions are required (such as the sale of cattle, supplementation or stocking rate adjustments).

Figure 1. How the PPMS works.


How has Glenflorrie Station found using the PPMS?

We are really excited at the potential benefits that this R&D project looks to deliver to the pastoral industry. The ability to monitor cattle live weights in real time on such a broad scale whilst simultaneously monitoring feed on offer, and make critical decisions before it impacts on the bottom line, is a game changer in my opinion…We have found it [the PPMS] to be a reliable and easy to use system. Murray Grey from Glenflorrie Station

The Grey family has found that the PPMS helped them to minimise weight loss from their cattle through making better timed decisions for their supplementation program, minimising handling stress and adjusting stocking numbers in their paddock.

Murray Grey outlined that by just preventing the weight loss of 10kg/head (on average) for a herd of 400 head, amounted to four tonnes of beef. At $3/kg, preventing the loss of four tonnes of beef added up to the avoidance of a $12 000 loss for one herd, in only one year.

What’s next for the PPMT Project?The PPMT project will be completing its last summer of field work on the four remaining cattle stations involved. Further field days are expected to be delivered in 2016 in the Northern Territory and Queensland. Watch the Rural Review for updates.


Figure 2. Locations of the five cattle stations involved in the PPMT project

You can stay up to speed with the PPMT project via our social media accounts:

You can also sign-up to receive project updates via the PPMT Project website:

Precision Pastoral Management Tools Project

If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call or drop me line:

Sally LeigoResearch Leader – PPMT projectPhone: 08 8951 8144 or 0467 770 661Email: [email protected]

NT fodder and seed production 2014Arthur Cameron, Plant Industries Development, Darwin

DPIF’s Plant Industries Development Group conducted a survey to estimate hay, silage and seed production in the Northern Territory during 2014. These figures include the mulching hay made in the Darwin Rural area. The figures are tabulated below.

The hay production in 2014 at 84 370 tonnes increased from the 50 570 tonnes produced in 2013 on the back of the higher numbers of live cattle exported from Darwin in 2014. This year’s production is the highest recorded in the Northern Territory, exceeding the 2010 total by 1050 tonnes.

Seed production, at 75.5 tonnes was higher than in 2013.

The value of the hay produced in 2014 is estimated at $23.02m and the seed at $1.29m. The high demand for hay following the increased numbers of live cattle exported during the year pushed up the average price of hay.

These figures represent the majority of the production in the NT in 2014.


http://www.crc-rep.com/research/enterprise-development/precision-pastoral-management-tools

The production is presented in Table 1 below by the Australian Bureau of Statistics district.

Table 1. Hay and Seed Production in the NT by District (tonnes)

District Feed Hay Mulch Hay Seed

Alligator 750

Barkly and Central NT 7450

Daly 23200 43.5

Litchfield Shire 18920 2000

Lower Top End 32050 32

Total 82370 2000 75.5

These figures were compiled with the assistance of Departmental Officers Casey Collier (Tennant Creek), Peter Shotton (DDRF) and Coral Allan (AZRI).

Introduction from the new CEO of NT Farmers

My name is Shenal and it gives me great pleasure to introduce myself to you as the new CEO of NT Farmers. I am delighted to be back here in the Northern Territory after a number of years away working in northern Queensland. I recall the time I worked at the Darwin Port Corporation as the opportunity that helped lay the foundation for my career. To be back in the NT working to build a prosperous future for northern agriculture is the best way that I can continue contributing to the northern development agenda.

As a professional I have spent my time in the tertiary education, shipping, port and regional development sectors. I have worked in both urban and rural locations in Australia spending the last seven years in northern Australia, across the Northern Territory and northern Queensland.

I have spent a considerable amount of time supporting the organic and new growth of the agriculture sector in northern Queensland, particularly through advocating for infrastructure and policy priorities that are crucial for sustainable growth. I have experience running my own business as well as working for a large multinational company, and local and state governments in senior positions.


Jarra Hay cutting at Maneroo in April 2014Sabi grass Hay at Katherine Research Station

New CEO of NT Farmers, Shenal Basnayake

I have worked overseas in Sri Lanka, Singapore and Japan with business experience in several other parts of Asia, the Middle East and Europe. All of these experiences and skills gathered along the way have helped me build a strong foundation in the stakeholder engagement, policy, business development and program management spaces which I believe are crucial to driving the future developments planned for NT Farmers and the agriculture sector in the NT.

The Northern Territory is currently the strongest performing economy in Australia. This was not achieved by pure luck, but by dedication and hard work from all you see around you. I believe that the future for agriculture in the NT is bright and what is already a valuable contributor to the health of the NT's economy will have an increasingly greater role to play in helping the NT achieve ongoing growth. During the early stages of my discussions with NT Farmers around this role, I started looking at some of the key statistics and reports around the regions agriculture sector and the challenges it faces. It soon became apparent that there are many challenges that needed to be addressed and quickly, but also the many examples of success and opportunity that needed to be embraced and celebrated.

The current threat posed by breaches to our biosecurity, the need for ongoing improvements to our water, energy, communications and transport infrastructure, land tenure, native title, farm management practices, access to new markets, and foreign investment to name a few are areas of focus for both NT Farmers and me over the coming months. In addition the opportunities presented through the recent release of documents such as the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper and the White Paper on Developing Northern Australia need to be harnessed.

Over the coming months members will see and hear from me as I aim to meet, listen and work with them. NT Farmers members will also have the opportunity to hear about the new NT Farmers strategic plan and how they will be party to contributing to its success. For those who have already been involved in this process I thank you for your time and insights. I believe that a successful organisation is one that evolves with the times and creates a positive culture around its employees and members. The new strategic plan will see us become a more focused and responsive organisation. As a member-based organisation it is crucial that we engage, understand and respond to the issues raised by our members and stakeholders, you can trust me when I say that we are here for you.

NT Farmers has a strong brand and presence within the NT which l will be taking onto the national and international stages. This enables us to showcase our achievements and opportunities as well as help build strategic partnerships that benefit our members and the growth of our industry. I firmly believe in the power of partnerships and being engaged with as many strategic stakeholders as possible, being informed and using this information to influence positive outcomes for our members.

I look forward to meeting with you shortly and thank you in advance for entrusting me with the opportunity to represent you. In the words of Henry Ford

'Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success'


What When & Where

December 2015

Christmas Day 25 December

Boxing Day 26 December

January 2016

Australia Day 26 January

March 2016

NT Cattleman's Assoc 32nd AGM & Industry Conference, Gala Dinner, Ladies Luncheon

17-18 March Alice Springs


Around the TrapsHave you taken a good photo? Send it into [email protected]

Participants discuss bulls at the silent auctionSome of the bulls bred during the Helen Springs Bull

Breeding PDS

Helen McMillan and Casey Collier (DPIF)


Participants at the Barkly Herd Management Forum

Thomas Haines competing in the Challenge at the Barkly Goldrush Campdraft held in Tennant Creek.

Bull guru John Bertram talks bulls with Trisha Cowley (DPIF)

mailto:[email protected]


Santa and Rudolph getting into the Christmas spirit.

Abbey Haines and her team ready to compete in the Junior Draft at the Barkly Goldrush

Campdraft.

Barkly House Staff List

BARKLY HOUSEFirst Floor, 99 Paterson StPO Box 159, Tennant Creek, NT, 0861Fax: (08) 8962 4480

Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries

Regional Management

Executive Officer Helen Kempe 08 8962 4484

Administration Officer Skye-Lea Ries 08 8962 4488

Animal Health

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

Stock Inspector Greg Maguire 08 8962 4492M: 0457 517 347

Pastoral Production

Pastoral Production Officer Casey Collier 08 8962 4493

Pastoral Production Officer Jane Douglas 08 8962 4483

Barkly Landcare & Conservation Association

Landcare Facilitator Angela Carpenter 08 8962 4494

Helen, Skye, Tom, Greg, Case, Jane and Angela wish everyone a wonderful

Christmas and holiday season. May the New Year bring with it luck, cheer, rain

and lots of it! We look forward to catching up with you in 2016!

Helen, Skye, Tom, Greg, Case, Jane and Angela wish everyone a wonderful

Christmas and holiday season. May the New Year bring with it luck, cheer, rain

and lots of it! We look forward to catching up with you in 2016!

If undeliverable, please return to:

Department of Primary Industry & Fisheries

PO Box 159TENNANT CREEK NT 0861

POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA









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