22
Barkly Beef 1 June 2005 Barkly Beef Production on the Right Course Participants from Amungee Mungee, Anthony Lagoon, Avon Downs, Brunette Downs, Beetaloo, Brunchilly, Eva Downs, Helen Springs and Walhallow stations recently attended the annual Barkly Herd Management course hosted by Helen Springs (S. Kidman & Co.) and Eva Downs (Heytesbury Beef) Stations. Conducted over 3 days the course offered participants the opportunity to observe two different management styles and production systems aimed at station middle management, including assistant managers and head stockmen. Topics covered in this years course included beef production, natural resource management, ruminant nutrition, breeding stock selection, weaner management and supplementation strategies. Updates were also given on research conducted by DBIRD, Beef Quality CRC and Heytesbury Beef. Back: (L-R) John Bertram- Beef Quality CRC, Scott Armstrong-Beetaloo, John Dunnicliff- Beetaloo, Michael Curteis- Avon Downs, Geoff Murrell- Helen Springs, Matt Donovan- Brunette Downs, Warwick McCarthy- Eva Downs, Marianne Hetherington- Eva Downs, Steve Tillman- Walhallow, Jim Mayfield- Helen Springs Middle: (L-R) Chris Materne- DBIRD Alice Springs, Lachlan Snow- Brunette Downs, Ruth Allan- DBIRD Tennant Creek, Lisa Stanmore- Anthony Lagoon, Melissa Powell- Anthony Lagoon, Darryl Savage- University of New England, Gehan Jayawardhana- DBIRD Darwin Front: (L-R) Jim Zlotkowski- Amungee Mungee, Jim Lomas- Brunchilly BARKLY BEEF Published by the Northern Territory Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development, Tennant Creek. ISSN 1325-9539 Volume 13 Issue 2 June 2005

BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    2

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 1 June 2005

Barkly Beef Production on the Right Course

Participants from Amungee Mungee, Anthony Lagoon, Avon Downs, Brunette Downs, Beetaloo, Brunchilly, Eva Downs, Helen Springs and Walhallow stations recently attended the annual Barkly Herd Management course hosted by Helen Springs (S. Kidman & Co.) and Eva Downs (Heytesbury Beef) Stations. Conducted over 3 days the course offered participants the opportunity to observe two different management styles and production

systems aimed at station middle management, including assistant managers and head stockmen. Topics covered in this years course included beef production, natural resource management, ruminant nutrition, breeding stock selection, weaner management and supplementation strategies. Updates were also given on research conducted by DBIRD, Beef Quality CRC and Heytesbury Beef.

Back: (L-R) John Bertram- Beef Quality CRC, Scott Armstrong-Beetaloo, John Dunnicliff- Beetaloo, Michael Curteis- Avon Downs, Geoff Murrell- Helen Springs, Matt Donovan- Brunette Downs, Warwick McCarthy- Eva Downs, Marianne Hetherington- Eva Downs, Steve Tillman- Walhallow, Jim Mayfield- Helen Springs Middle: (L-R) Chris Materne- DBIRD Alice Springs, Lachlan Snow- Brunette Downs, Ruth Allan- DBIRD Tennant Creek, Lisa Stanmore- Anthony Lagoon, Melissa Powell- Anthony Lagoon, Darryl Savage- University of New England, Gehan Jayawardhana- DBIRD Darwin Front: (L-R) Jim Zlotkowski- Amungee Mungee, Jim Lomas- Brunchilly

BARKLY BEEF

Published by the Northern Territory Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development, Tennant Creek. ISSN 1325-9539

Volume 13 Issue 2 June 2005

Page 2: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 2 June 2005

An expert group of guest speakers delivered informative and interactive presentations on a range of topics. Geoff Murrell, Manager of Helen Springs Station, gave a brief outline of the current management system on Helen Springs including breeder herd management and the transition from Stanbroke to Kidman ownership. Chris Materne of DBIRD presented the findings of his extensive research into the role of fire on the Barkly following a 5 year study. John Bertram and Rebecca Farrell of the Beef Quality CRC presented results from the latest breeding research and how to apply these results to beef production. They also talked about the role of consumer demands in the beef production supply chain, incorporating the MSA grading system and how this influences decision making in beef production enterprises. John also conducted live cattle assessment of steers and heifers in the yards at Helen Springs. DBIRD vet Dr. Gehan Jayawardhana presented the results of tropically adapted cattle breeding trials and gave a practical demonstration of a bull breeding soundness evaluation. Dr Darryl Savage, Animal Nutrition Lecturer from the University of New England and a former Pastoral Production Officer with DBIRD in Tennant Creek was welcomed back to the Barkly. Darryl facilitated a group discussion on cattle nutritional requirements, supplementation and the decision-making processes associated

with herd and pasture management. He continued these discussions with an emphasis on ruminant nutrition centred on the energy and protein requirements of cattle, the anatomical features of the rumen and how dietary requirements are obtained. On Day 2 the course travelled to Eva Downs, where Heytesbury Beef’s Manager of Research and Development, Dr Steve Petty focussed on the incorporation of research and development projects into Heytesbury’s commercial operations. Steve then teamed up with Ian Hoare, Manager of Eva Downs to outline the weaner management strategies in place at the station. The group then toured the weaner management complex where the weaners are handled. They discussed feeding regimes, supplementation, water medication and the progression of animals through this system. In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest research findings and developments of this collaborative DBIRD and Heytesbury project, investigating different grazing systems and their implementation in Northern Australia. Course organiser Ruth Allan, Pastoral Production Officer with DBIRD in Tennant Creek, commented, “The strengths of the course were the quality of the presenters and the enthusiasm of the participants. The contribution of the host stations was fantastic and their involvement added a great practical dimension to the course”.

Page 3: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 3 June 2005

A Word from the Regional Director

Since the last Barkly Beef there has been significant changes around the office including a departmental name change. DBIRD is no longer with two new departments taking over the operations. These are the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines (DPIFM) and the Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development (DBERD). You can still expect the same great service from a dedicated staff. There have also been staff changes around the office with Genevieve Nash moving on to DPI Longreach and Natalie Koehn moving to the Department of Education here in Tennant Creek. We thank both for their service to DBIRD. Julie Marsh is our new Administration Officer and will be the friendly voice who answers the phone. Margaret and I have been warmly welcomed by the 'Barkly Region" on all our travels, whether socially, or attending meetings on behalf of DBIRD. The show was another great opportunity to meet with many of you. Congratulations to all who attended and entered cattle in the show for helping to make it a very successful event. During June the Pastoral Production Staff ( Andy Bubb & Ruth Allan), assisted by Tom Haines , Ted Martin and Jenny Purdie, have been kept busy travelling across the Region on Drought

Inspections. Across the Northern Territory 52 properties sought Drought status applications, with about 18 of these on the Barkly. Having completed the physical inspections, all reports were recorded and were supplemented by mapping overlays including pasture growth and rain charts and stock movement records. These reports have been centralised in Alice Springs under extremely tight "private - confidential" arrangements. The Tennant Creek Staff handled this logistical challenge very professionally, and I offer my congratulations to all concerned. I attended the Combined N.T.C.A. and BLCA held at Brunette. As well as meeting more of the residents of the region, I was able to take away from the meeting the concerns expressed that I may be able to influence. Among the next meetings I will attend is, the Gulf Extension Group (Regional Development Project) held in mid August. These meetings offer the services of other Government Departmental Officers, to assist in regional development where required. If I can influence any outcomes from this gathering, to help in any way to improve life in the Barkly region, or if you have problems I can take to these meetings please don't hesitate to call me. Paul Black Regional Director

Page 4: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 4 June

2005

2005 Tennant Creek and District Show Cattle Section Round Up

Ruth Allan (Pastoral Technical Officer)

The grass is always greener…at the dog pavilion! Not even the absence of the usually splendid showground lawn could detract from the great time that was had by all at this year’s Tennant Creek Show. The stations of the Barkly supported the cattle section wholeheartedly with exhibitors travelling from all corners of the district to show their cattle. The quality of representation in all classes provided our section’s judge, Jack Clanchy (Landmark- Alice Springs) with a decidedly difficult task. Winners from the steer and heifer classes were especially tough to pick, as entrants in the judging competition found out. The young exhibitors who participated in the led calf class impressed the judge immensely with their handling skills and enthusiasm. The Pastoral Industry BBQ, made possible by our generous sponsors, provided a good atmosphere for exhibitors and spectators to discuss the final results. Thank-you very much to all the sponsors of the 2005 Tennant Creek and District Show-Cattle Section. Without your generous support events like this would not be possible. Thanks must also go to the Chief Cattle Steward, Geoff Murrell and the Cattle Section Judge, Jack Clanchy. Their assistance and support contributed in no small part to the resounding success that was this year’s cattle section.

Congratulations to all exhibitors who participated in the 2005 Tennant Creek and District Show cattle section. Thank you very much for your support and I look forward to seeing you at next year’s Show (hopefully with a bit of green grass under our boots!)

RESULTS CLASS 1: PEN OF BULLS 1st Herbertvale Droughtmasters 2nd Glenlands Droughtmasters 3rd Latrobe Droughtmasters CLASS 2: COMMERCIAL BULL 1st Brunette Downs CLASS 3: MATURE BREEDERS 1st Rockhampton Downs 2nd Avon Downs 3rd Brunette Downs CLASS 4: HEIFERS (250-350KG) 1st Rockhampton Downs 2nd Austral Downs 3rd Latrobe Droughtmasters CLASS 5: HEIFERS (350-450KG) 1st Austral Downs 2nd Eva Downs 3rd Rockhampton Downs CLASS 6: STEERS (250-350KG) 1st Avon Downs 2nd Austral Downs 3rd Eva Downs CLASS 7: STEERS (350-450KG) 1st Austral Downs 2nd Brunette Downs HIGHEST AGGREGATE POINTS TROPHY: Austral Downs

Page 5: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 5 June 2005

Belinda Rasheed Avon Downs, Emily O’Hanlon Brunette Downs and Heidi Wratten Rockhampton Downs at the 2005 Barkly Beef Dinner

(L-R) Patrick Burke Brunette Downs, Benita Bauer Brunchilly and Sandy Bauer Brunchilly

Chief Cattle Steward Geoff Murrell and Cattle section Judge Jack Clanchy

Page 6: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 6 June 2005

(L-R) Geoff Murrell Helen Springs, Ruth Allan DBIRD Tennant Creek, Jack Clanchy Landmark - Alice Springs, Dan Curran Avon Downs, Jim Wreford Austral Downs Bruce Wreford Austral Downs, Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica Burke Brunette Downs, Scott Otto Rockhampton Downs, Kathy Hawkins Mowbray and John Atkinson Katandra

Shaun Coutts LNT - Katherine, Frank Shadforth Seven Emu, Elliot McAdam Tennant Creek catching up at the Barkly Beef Dinner

Page 7: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 7 June 2005

4th Annual NT Droughtmaster Bull Sale

The morning of Saturday 9th July 2005 saw the continued success of the Annual NT Droughtmaster Sale. Buyers from Alice Springs, Borroloola, Katherine and across the Barkly travelled to Tennant Creek for the sale and were not disappointed by the impressive line-up of bulls. The buyers paid an average of $3467 for the 61 quality bulls that were

offered for sale by NT Droughtmaster Sale Group. This price was $450 above last year’s average price. Wally Klein, Orange Creek Station, Alice Springs, paid the top price of $5750 for a 20-month old herd bull offered by the Glenlands stud. The vendors once again pleased to announce a 100 per cent clearance rate for their sale.

Peter, Brenda and Ben Saint, Kurundi, at the 4th Annual NT Droughtmaster Sale.

Page 8: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 8 June 2005

Update on TFAP 2 in the Territory. The Tuberculosis Freedom Assurance Program Part 2 is now into it’s third year and no TB cases have been found in the country in this time. This is great news for the cattle industry, which has invested heavily in this program.

Monitoring programs, including meat inspection, are winding down. Negotiations are proceeding for a further agreement for 2007 and beyond; to manage any TB cases that may be found. More complete details in a recent report can be found at the DBIRD internet page on TFAP; http://www.primaryindustry.nt.gov.au

/servlet/page?_pageid=159&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30&_type=site&_fsiteid=195&_fid=94185&_fnavbarid=26270&_fnavbarsiteid=195&_fedit=0&_fmode=2&_fdisplaymode=1&_fcalledfrom=1&_fdisplayurl= Animal Health Australia is the overall manager for the program. Further information can be found at; http://www.aahc.com.au/tuberculosis/index.htm Kevin de Witte Principal Veterinary Officer Manager TFAP2.

Welfare of Extensively Managed Livestock in Dry

Periods The Territory is currently experiencing below average pastoral conditions that are not likely to improve before the next wet season. Other parts of Australia are also affected and this has a compounding effect on livestock movements. Cattle producers should be considering their options to minimise the overall impact on their animals, their business and the cattle industry. DBIRD has produced an agnote that outlines a reasonable course of action for pastoralists to take in relation to animal welfare. The NTCA has contributed to the paper.

The overall position is that it can be considered reasonable to maintain animals in a lesser body condition than under normal circumstances, but it is unreasonable to let animals die in the paddock. A plan must be in place to protect livestock for as long as possible and to deal with the situation when all other measures have failed. The paper can be found at the DBIRD animal web site under animal welfare. http://www.dbird.nt.gov.au/ or for further information talk to your stock inspector or veterinarian. Kevin de Witte Principal Veterinary Officer. 89739758

Page 9: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 9 June 2005

CATTLE MOVEMENT CONDITIONS 1 JULY 2005

Movement of Cattle within the Northern Territory Store cattle

NT property to NT property NT Waybill Brand

Slaughter cattle

NT property to NT abattoir NT Waybill

Brand Transaction Ear tag or Transaction Tail tag or RFID (exemptions may apply)

Saleyard cattle

NT property to NT saleyards NT Waybill

Brand RFID or Transaction Ear tag or Transaction Tail tag

Export cattle

NT property or Export Depot to Darwin Wharf NT Waybill Brand

Movement of Cattle to Western Australia Store cattle

NT property to WA property NT Waybill Brand WA Health Certificate AD1071 RFID

Slaughter cattle

NT property to WA abattoir NT Waybill

Brand WA Health Certificate AD1071 RFID or a Transaction Ear tag if moving from property of birth to slaughter

Export cattle (to Wyndham Wharf, Broome Wharf, WA Export Depots)

From property of birth in NT NT Waybill Brand WA Health Certificate AD1071 Transaction Ear tag

If not from property of birth in NT NT Waybill Brand WA Health Certificate AD1071 RFID

Page 10: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 10 June 2005

Movement of Cattle to Queensland Store cattle

NT property to Qld property NT Waybill Brand Queensland Certificate of Health/Waybill RFID

Slaughter cattle

NT property to Qld abattoir NT Waybill Brand RFID (Exemption: Cattle moving as deck loads of the same class from the same PIC do not

require a RFID or Transaction Ear tag or Tail tag)

NT property via QLD saleyard for slaughter NT Waybill Brand Queensland Certificate of Health/Waybill RFID AND Transaction Ear tag or Transaction Tail tag

Saleyard cattle

NT property to Qld saleyard NT Waybill Brand Queensland Certificate of Health/Waybill RFID AND Transaction Ear tag or Transaction Tail tag

Movement of Cattle to New South Wales Store cattle

NT property to NSW property NT Waybill Brand RFID

Slaughter cattle

NT property to NSW abattoir NT Waybill Brand Transaction Ear tag or Tail tag National Vendor Declaration (NVD) RFID

Saleyard cattle

NT property to NSW saleyard NT Waybill Brand Transaction Ear tag or Tail tag RFID

Movement of Cattle to South Australia

NT property to all destinations NT Waybill Brand RFID (Exemption for greater than 20 breeders born before January 2004 moving from property of

birth to slaughter. These cattle carry a transaction tag instead of an RFID)

Page 11: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 11 June 2005

Please Note: A National Vendor Declaration/Waybill (NVD) may also be required by your agent, buyer or processor.

If you have any questions regarding NLIS, please contact

Northern Territory NLIS Co-ordinator

Kel Small

Telephone: (08) 8999 2034

Facsimile: (08) 8999 2146

E-mail: [email protected]

Katherine Region

Sue Hourigan

Telephone: (08) 8973 9716

Facsimile: (08) 8973 9759

E-mail: [email protected]

Tennant Creek Region

Ted Martin

Telephone: (08) 8962 4490

Facsimile: (08) 8962 4480

E-mail: [email protected]

Alice Springs Region

Greg Crawford

Telephone: (08) 8951 8125

Facsimile: (08) 8951 8112

E-mail: [email protected]

For confirmation of the Property Identification Code (PIC) contact your

local Stock Inspector or the Brands Clerk on 08 8999 2033.

For all information on Livestock Identification & Movement for the Northern Territory, please check out our website

http://www.primaryindustry.nt.gov.au

Animals

Livestock Identification & Movement

Order Forms

Permanent Identification Devices (NLIS Devices)

Page 12: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 12 June 2005

Interstate contacts:

Department of Agriculture, Western Australia

Phone: 08 9368 3333 Fax: 08 9368 1205 Website: www.agric.wa.gov.au

Kununurra

Ph: 08 9166 4000

Fax: 08 9166 4066

Broome

Ph: 08 9192 2943

Fax: 08 9192 2946

Derby

Ph: 08 9191 0333

Fax: 08 9191 0334

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

Phone: 07 3239 3529 Fax: 07 3239 3510 Website: www.dpi.qld.gov.au/health

Cloncurry

Ph: 07 4742 1311

Fax: 07 4742 1899

Longreach

Ph: 07 4658 4400

Fax: 07 4658 4466

Mt Isa

Ph: 07 4747 2028

Fax: 07 4743 9790

NSW Department of Primary Industries

Phone: 1300 720 405 Website: www.agric.nsw.gov.au

Department of Primary Industries and Resources, South Australia (PIRSA)

Phone: 08 8207 7970 Fax: 08 8207 7852 Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

For further information on NLIS contact the NLIS Help line on 1800 654 743

E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (02) 9463 9136

Website: www.nlis.com.au

MORTALITIES FALL FOR LIVE CATTLE AND SHEEP EXPORTS

Nationally cattle mortalities fell to 0.10% among the 610,000 exported during 2004. Exports to S.E. Asia were characterised by small consignments on short voyages with very low mortalities. Exports from Darwin (182,000 cattle) had the low mortality rate of 0.04% (4/10,000). No mortalities were recorded on half of the voyages to S.E. Asia. Sheep mortalities fell to a record low mortality rate of 0.75% from a total of 3.3 million sheep exported during 2004. Mortalities have steadily decreased from 1.26 % in 2001. While the mortality rates are acceptable, all sectors of the industry

must work to minimise stress and mortality during export of livestock. New export export standards have been operational during 2005 and will be continually monitored and reviewed. There is a research program to provide gaps in scientific knowledge. This summary is extracted from a report on national livestock exports mortality summary 2004 compiled by the Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Meat and Livestock Australia. Dick Morton

Veterinary Officer Darwin

Page 13: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 13 June 2005

Investigation of Parkinsonia Dieback

During April Dr Vic Galea, PhD student Naomi Diplock (University of Queensland, Gatton) and myself spent a week at Newcastle Waters Station (Consolidated Pastoral Company) studying Parkinsonia dieback sites and setting up a research trial.

There have been reports of dieback within populations in various parts of Australia, although until now, combined with the Barkly Landcare and Conservation Association and University of Queensland, Gatton in particular Dr Vic Galea there has been no intensive studies undertaken.

Dr Vic Galea of the university of Queensland drilling into the base of the Parkinsonia

Parkinsonia Dieback is a disorder which causes Parkinsonia plants to dieback from the tips; the leaves droop, turn brown and remain attached to the plant, eventually the plant dies. Dieback progresses through Parkinsonia populations as a front and kills both adult and juvenile plants. Preliminary studies by Dr Vic Galea indicate that the disease may be caused by a fungal pathogen which travels through the stem. It can be recognised by brown staining of the plant’s vascular tissue. The aim of the research is to confirm the true cause of the disease and evaluate it as a possible biological control agent for Parkinsonia. Two promising pathogens have been isolated from diseased samples from

the Barkly and are the focus of initial studies. The recent trial sites set up on Newcastle Waters Station will investigatethe pathogen responsible for the dieback with the intention to develop a biological control agent. The field work involved inoculating healthy Parkinsonia plants with the test pathogens; this involved using a spore suspension of isolates previously made from infected plants collected from that location. The suspension was applied to plants after various wounding methods (hole drilled into stem, stem scraping, root damage or un- wounded control).The trial sites will be monitored over time for successful infection and dieback symptoms. The ecology of the dieback will be explored, looking at the disease cycle in the field and it’s movements through stands of Parkinsonia. Questions such

Page 14: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 14 June 2005

as how the pathogen invades and affects the host and how the pathogen moves through a population will become clearer. If the biology of the pathogen is suitable to use as a biological control agent, then biological control methodology will be developed. It is envisaged that this will involve developing mass rearing methods and inoculation techniques that can easily be implemented by landholders. A sampling protocol and survey is being developed that will enable landholders to return dieback samples for further investigation. This will allow us to see if the disease is caused by the same species/race Australia wide and whether pathogens are always the causal agent of dieback. The surveys will help determine the extent of dieback distribution.

Naomi Diplock is undertaking this Postgraduate project and will also be conducting a range of experiments under controlled conditions in a glasshouse. Different isolates will be tested for virulence on Parkinsonia in the glasshouse and cross infection studies will be carried out on isolates from different regions. Soil samples from different areas will also indicate if the pathogen is present but not affecting other vegetation. The Barkly Landcare group will be sourcing further funding to ensure the continuation of the project. Colleen Westover BLCA Facilitator

Business and Trade Hello to everyone and It was good to catch up with many of you at the TC Show. I would like to thank once again all of the people who have offered advice and support to our Pastoralist Invitation Day. During the next couple of weeks you will all receive the revised edition of the Barkly Business Guide. We have had plenty of great feedback on the publication and the new one is even better. It is also possible to find the guide on the web. If you look up www.tbc.nt.gov.au then go to publications and click on Barkly Business Directory. In order to assist businesses to attract staff to Tennant Creek we have commissioned a DVD to be made entitled “Living and Working in Tennant Creek”. Once this has been produced it will be available free of charge to any local business, department or organisation so they may send to prospective employees etc. If you feel such a product would benefit your employment strategy, particularly the stations nearer Tennant then

please contact the office and we will send one out to you. I have mentioned previously that our goal is to ensure all stations receive the information on which business style workshops we are holding during the year. We are now in a position to plan a year in advance as to what workshops will be available and as soon as the schedule is known we will forward them out to you so if you are planning a visit and the topic is of interest you may attend. Please feel free to contact our office if we can be of any assistance in any business related areas. Cheers Peter Davenport Regional Manager Business and Trade

Page 15: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 15 June

2005

AussieGRASS

What can it tell us about the Drought? 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. So it will average over creek lines and hills if they are within that 5km square area). DBIRD is at present testing the accuracy and usefulness of this model’s predictions and the use in determining exceptional circumstances during drought for the NT.

Past

Figure 1: Pasture Growth (June 2004-May 2005) Relative to Historical Records from 1957.

This map shows modelled potential growth for the past 12 Months and compares it with historical records. White shows average forage levels, pink to red is the below average of all years and blue is above average.

For more information

contact:

Chris Materne

DBIRD, Alice Springs

Tennant

Creek

Alice

Springs

Page 16: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 16 June 2005

Present

Figure 2: Total standing dry matter in kg/haas of end May 2005 (This map shows actualmodelled standing forage in kg/ha as of the endMay 2005).

Future

Figure 3: Chance of exceeding median growth during theJune to August 2005 period (This map shows the likelihood ofgetting higher than average pasture growth for the next threemonths based on the SOI index).

Tennant

Creek

Alice

Springs

Alice

Springs

Tennant

Creek

Legend

Cadastral Boundary

Less than 250

250 - 500

500 - 1000

1000 -1500

1500 - 2000

2000 - 2500

2500 - 3000

3000 - 10000

Greater than 10000

Page 17: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 17 June 2005

Play a role in tracking a nomadic wanderer – the Flock Pigeon

Flock Pigeons are most frequently seen coming to drink at dams or turkey-nests in the early morning and late afternoon.

They tend to occur in groups, and fly in a fast tightly-wheeling flock in a similar fashion to racing pigeons

Researchers are calling on resident pastoralists to become part of a new three year research project that aims to examine the ecology and management requirements of the Flock Pigeon. Flock Pigeons are a large, strong-flying native pigeon that are characteristic of black-soil grasslands. Flock Pigeons were formerly abundant throughout semi-arid Australia, often found in ‘countless millions’. Over the last century their population has declined substantially and vanished from large areas where they were formerly common. Peter Dostine, a PhD student from Australian National University (ANU) will lead the research project with the support of the Australian Research Council and the Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment. “We don’t know much about this bird, but believe they are nomadic seed

eaters that can travel large distances to locate feeding areas after good rainfall,” he said. He said that this mobility made it very difficult to devise conservation strategies for the birds in small fixed reserve areas. Throughout the study Flock Pigeons will be regularly captured and sampled to obtain data on diet and body condition. Some birds will be fitted with satellite transmitters to gain an understanding of habitat use and when, where and why these birds move about their extensive range, as conditions change. The stronghold of these birds is now thought to be in the Barkly Tableland in the Northern Territory and the Channel Country in Queensland, where they can sometimes still occur in flocks of thousands. Resident pastoralists throughout the range of the Flock Pigeon can make a significant contribution to this work.

Page 18: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 18 June 2005

Later this year (2005) a survey will be posted to pastoralists throughout northern and central Australia, seeking information on if and when the birds have been seen on their property. Mr Dostine said that working with pastoralists on the project will provide a long-term landholder perspective on the ecology of this species.

“We hope the project can provide insights as to how country can best be managed for both pastoral productivity and the maintenance of habitat for wildlife like the Flock Pigeon, to ensure they remain and inspiring feature of our landscape,” he said. Peter can be contacted by telephone on (08) 448 475, by email at [email protected], or by mail at PO Box 496, Palmerston, NT 0831.

Page 19: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 19 June 2005

Page 20: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 20 June 2005

Page 21: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 21 June 2005

Page 22: BB June 05 - FutureBeef · In his capacity as Leader of the “Pigeon Hole Project” Steve offered the latest ... Dan Hawkins Herbertvale, Ben Wratten Rockhampton Downs, Jessica

Barkly Beef 22 June 2005

To:

If undeliverd please return to:

Dept of Business, Industry &

Resource Development

PO Box 159

TENNANT CREEK NT 0861