CattlenewsNORTHERN TERRITORY Official newsletter of the Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA): Vol 15 No 3 MARCH 2015

Record high 2015 conference gearing for NT live up as another stand-out exports national industry event LIVE cattle exports hit record The NT Cattlemen’s Association is making it a foremost agribusiness highs in 2014 for both number of putting the final touches in place for the conference at a national level,” NTCA Northern Territory cattle shipped much-anticipated highlight of its 2015 president David Warriner says. “It is an event we are enormously proud of and overseas and total numbers calender, the 31st Industry Conference. The day-long conference at the Darwin its success is testament to the grass roots shipped out of the Port of Darwin. Convention Centre, and the gala dinner, strength of our organisation throughout The latest NT Primary Industry under a giant marquee at the Darwin Turf the the Territory and across the regions Department figures show: Club, will be staged on 27 March. represented by our four branches.” l 324,477 head of Territory The NTCA’s AGM will take place the The 2015 conference events have cattle shipped in 2014, with day before, along with the popular attracted unprecedented early bookings. 243,978 going to Indonesia. Ladies’ Luncheon at Parliament House, A month before registrations closed, the l 493,958 head shipped out sponsor’s networking sessions and other NTCA had already received more than of Port Darwin – 282,022 of which events. 500 registrations from members, life went to Indonesia. (The extra cattle “Over recent years the scale and success members, VIPs, sponsors and associated were from northern and western of this event has continued to grow, delegates for both the annual conference Queensland). and the dinner. “The registrations have been overwhelming and further l 134,342 more cattle in total Why is this bike special? reinforces how supportive industry, shipped than in 2013, and 15,693 government and associated stakeholders more Territory cattle than in 2013. are of our organisation and this event,” l 41,391 head of Territory David Warriner says. cattle were also shipped to Vietnam, “The sheer volume of early interest with a total of 64,461 head in forced the NTCA to move the conference shipped there from the Port of from Katherine to Darwin where larger Darwin, compared to 32,806 head capacity facilities were available. “This of Territory cattle and 35,396 in was a difficult decision in view of the total the year before. considerable work that had already gone l Cattle were also shipped into having Katherine host the event, to Brunei, the Philippines, and but we had to consider a range of factors impacting the whole of the NTCA and its Malaysia. l Find out - Page 5 membership.” Hearing date for live export DROUGHT CONCESSIONAL class action a step closer The cattle industry's class action against the Australian Government and former LOANS SCHEME Agriculture Minister, Joe Ludwig, in relation to the decision to temporarily stop live cattle shipments in 2011 is progressing closer towards a hearing date. The action is being lead by Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association member, The Brett Cattle Company, which owns and operates Waterloo Station in the VRD. Northern Territory producers are A spokesman for Minter Ellison, the law firm running the claim, advises that all now able to access the Australian parties were in court in the final weeks of February, making arrangements for Government’s Drought Concessional how evidence will be presented to the Judge and also what other information the Loans Scheme. Government is required to provide the applicants. Eligible producers in drought affected “This is an important stage in the proceedings because, after years of negotiations, areas can submit their applications the Government is now being required to hand over this material – something that has for the 2014 -15 program between 10 been resisted since the ban was placed on the industry,” the spokesman says. December 2014 and 30 June 2015. “Once that evidence is before the court it is likely the class of claimants will need to Loans are for eligible Farm Businesses be finalised so that mediation or a hearing can commence.” for the purposes of restructuring existing Eligible Debt (including a Farm Finance Representatives from Minter Ellison will be in Darwin for the NTCA Industry Concessional Loan), providing new Conference to speak with anyone interested in the claim. If you would like to debt for Operating Expenses or Drought reserve some time with the representatives, please call (02) 6225 3240. Recovery and Preparedness Activities, or a combination of these. Approved loans will be for a maximum loan term of five years and loan amounts will be Alice new NTCA up to 50 per cent of total Eligible Debt to a maximum of $1 million. A variable office manager concessional interest rate initially set at 4 per cent will be applied to approved loans with interest only payments due for There’s been a staff change in the the loan term. NTCA Darwin headquarters with Office The Drought Concessional Loans Manager Tracey Page departing to Scheme in the Northern Territory will be pursue other interests and Alice Gibb delivered by QRAA in Brisbane with all replacing her in that busy role. Alice, 28, application forms available from DPIF. was originally from New Zealand but QRAA is a specialist administrator moved to Australia 10 years ago. of government financial assistance “I lived in Sydney for several years programs to the rural sector. and worked there as both an executive assistant and office manager in many DPIF Industry Programs Officer, different industries ranging from car David Collinson (Phone: 89364089) sales, steel and pharmaceuticals to is available to provide advice and organic baby food,” Alice says. “I then who is based in Darwin with the Air support re: scheme guidelines. decided I needed to get out of the city Force - so I made the move again and and joined the NT Police as an Auxiliary after working with NT Government for Further information including scheme and was stationed in Katherine for two 12 months, jumped at the chance to come guidelines and application forms can years. It was there that I met my partner and work for NTCA. be access through the DPIF website: www.nt.gov.au/primary industry or Email: [email protected] Advertise in Cattlenews

USEFUL WEBSITES l Half page - $330.00 NAFI - for comprehensive North l One-third page - $275.00 Australian fire information: l One-quarter page - $220.00 http://www.firenorth.org.au/nafi2/ l One-eighth page - $120.00 MetEye - for seven-day weather FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT forecasts for all Australian locations: http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/ KERRY SHARP (Editor) - Phone: (08) 8981 4999 meteye/ Mobile: 0419 845 714 - Email: [email protected] Cattlenews - February 2015 2 AACo’s Livingstone Rents waived for cattle Beef officially open stations doing it tough

AACo’s new $91 million north Australian meat processing The NT Government has waived the lease rents for 22 pastoral plant, Livingstone Beef, was officially opened by Prime stations for 12 months as part of its assistance to lessees still Minister Tony Abbott on 22 February. suffering the effects of drought. In a statement to coincide with the opening, AACo said The NTCA has welcomed the decision which will collectively processing at the facility, 50 km south of Darwin, was on track save affected station owners $238,000. and daily throughput continued to increase. It added that only “Pastoralists aren’t interested in handouts but this is a small internal AACo cattle had been processed so far, but external way in which we can make life a bit easier as they struggle cattle supply space would soon become available. with tough seasonal conditions that are out of their control,” Steven Pocock has recently transferred within AACo, moving Land Resource Management Minister Willem Westra van from Brunette Downs Station to the Top End facility, to head- Holthe said. up the coordination and purchase of Livingstone’s cattle “These are people who have dedicated their lives to the land requirements. Ginny Blair will provide business and logistics and the NT Government wants to ensure that families who support. want to stay and work on the land can do so. The company said pricing and supply opportunities would be “While the central region of the Territory has received some communicated soon to coincide with first round mustering. rain of late, it isn’t enough to make a difference to these pastoralists.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION or to add your details to a The Minister said all pastoral lease rent waivers were subject contact list, call or email Steven and Ginny on: to a scientific assessment of the seasonal conditions and how Phone: 1800 228853 / Email: [email protected]. those conditions had a direct impact on earning capacity. “These conditions have prevailed across central Australia for a couple of seasons now and some of the pastoralists are doing NTCA commends AACo’s it pretty hard,” he said. “The recent rains have transformed the centre and there’s been some good growth, but it’s still very ‘outstanding achievement’ early days.” Nine pastoral lease rent waivers were allocated to the southern Speaking as Master of Ceremonies at the opening event, NT region, two in the northern Alice Springs area, Cattlemen’s Association CEO Tracey Hayes acknowledged the five in the Plenty, and three in both the and foresight and investment that had brought the new meatworks Barkly regions. to fruition. She said AACo’s outstanding achievement was a sign of faith in the north. “The concept was seeded in the darkest hours of the Indonesian live export crisis in 2011,” she said. “Today and into the future this facility will bring increased market diversity and opportunity for the northern cattle industry, which is an exciting, innovative, growing and resilient industry that’s integral to much of the fabric of northern Australia.” She said the facility provided an exciting new outlet for regional producers and would add competitive tension to the marketplace in north Australian, where producers have relied heavily on the live cattle export sector. “It’s a significant investment by AACo in the northern beef industry and an indication of an enormous commitment that hopefully the northern beef industry will benefit from.”

3 Cattlenews - February 2015 NTCA industry conference agenda

The 31st NTCA annual industry conference, AGM and dinner will take place in Darwin on 26th Tissue culture beef: Brave and 27th March. The program includes: new way to feed the world Thursday 26 March Researcher Professor Mark Post is environmental and animal welfare burden taking science to far-reaching levels and of current livestock beef production in • Ladies Luncheon (Parliament creating a tissue culture beef substitute some production regions, we envision House, Darwin) in his US laboratory. He’s certain to an alternative by culturing meat from • AGM - Darwin Convention spark immense interest from cattle bovine muscle specific stem cells. In Centre - 3:30pm producers during his presentation as August 2013 we presented the proof of • NTCA / Consolidated Pastoral keynote speaker 2015 NTCA industry concept by producing, cooking and eating Co Welcome Drinks: Darwin conference. His abstract is below: a hamburger from cultured beef. It was Convention Centre - 5:30pm ‘The coming 35 years it is anticipated clear that the product was not perfect and that meat demand will rise with 70% further research was necessary to improve the product and provide conditions for Friday 27 March due to the global population growth and increase in wealth of India and China. To scaling up production. ensure food security and to diminish the For cultured beef to be successful, four • NTCA Industry Conference requirements need to be met. Production Darwin Convention Centre, has to be efficient and sustainable (no Registrations - 7:00am and serum); the eventual product has to Conference start - 8:00am be meat and not a substitute and the • Gala Dinner (Darwin Turf consumer needs to accept it. Club) Technical aspects and current state of • Pre-dinner drinks starting at technology with an estimated path to 6:00pm market introduction will be discussed. In addition to this process technology, we have started to investigate consumer acceptance in traditional market research. We also study what meat means to people, why it has proven so difficult to become vegetarian. Will the meaning of meat Puma Energy has supported the NTCA NETWORKING: change if there are suitable alternatives? for 31 years and is excited to be a partner The key to success Can meat be presented and consumed in with the NTCA again this year for our hitherto unknown shapes and formats? 6th Annual Photographic Competition. NTCA conferences are renowned for The In Vitro Meat Cookbook with The 2015 competition will again feature opportunities not just to keep abreast of imaginary recipes provides a glimpse into the popular Portrait, NT Landscape and industry trends but also to network and a possible future. Industry at Work or Play categories. build new business relationships. The 31st Cultured beef is a multifaceted subject All entries will be prominently displayed conference continues on this path with that will provide insight into many at the NTCA annual conference on 27 welcome drinks, sponsors’ social functions, fascinating biological and psychological March and winners will be announced at the ladies luncheon and, to top it all off, the questions. At the same time, we urgently the gala dinner in the evening. gala dinner on the Friday night. need to find solutions for the upcoming The competition is open to all NTCA For full details,visit: www.ntca.org.au surge in meat consumption. members and associate members and the deadline for entries is Monday 9 March – so if you’d like to participate and haven’t done it yet, you can send your printed photos to: NT Cattlemen’s Association - Puma Energy Photo Competition, GPO Box 4845, Darwin NT 0801. For full details and an entry form, visit: www.ntca.org.au Cattlenews - February 2015 4 ‘Barry the Bike’ doing his bit for rural mental health awareness

2015 conference to challenge thinking on the industry’s way ahead

In keeping with the tradition of past Richard Norton will present an successful NTCA industry conferences, overview of current domestic and the 2015 event will again feature top- overseas markets and trends, and his class national and international guest organisation’s vision for the future. speakers, this time focussing on the South-east Asian industry specialist theme, ‘Unlocking the North’ Ross Ainsworth will also address CEO Tracey Hayes says the expert offshore markets but tackle the issue The Future NTCA group has raised speakers and panelists have been selected from his perspective of living and the status of an ordinary $80 bike from with the view to exposing delegates’ working in Asia. He will talk about K-Mart to promote awareness of the thoughts to a range of opportunities to Asian cosumer trends, markets, cattle major rural issue of mental health and combine ‘dollars, people, markets and movements throughout the region, what the online resources available for bush trade potential’ to attract investment in the sector will look like in the future, people trying to manage anxiety and the north. and what Australia needs to do to supply depression. “We’ve got soil, sunshine, water and those markets. The group will present a conference human capacity which all equate to Another important session will session on its innovative ‘Find opportunities,” she says. “So it’s a matter highlight the industry’s human resource. Your Balance with Barry’ project, of how we then marry those qualities “Presentations will focus on the fact which evolved from a professional with investment and partnering with that we’re very good at positioning development course that required investors, with trade and with markets. our businesses and models to meet members to build a bike and use it to “The challenge is to attract money into challenges and opportunities but not so promote their chosen theme. our industry and match it up with our good at recognising our personal needs,” The group decided that mental health current business structuure, but also Tracey Hayes says. in rural communities needed attention. seek out ways to expand into other areas “The Future NTCA group will present a Hence, Barry the Bike’ embarked on a , partnering with investors and tapping segment on its ‘Find Your Balance with road trip (in a car) around the Territory into new export or domestic market Barry’ project that’s been raising mental to raise awareness among rural opportunites that will advance northern health awareness around the NT (See landholders, their family members and development. “We need to focus on how story at right). friends, about recognising the signs of we develop our business and trade and This year’s panel session will focus on mental health and where to go for help how we attract capital to do that - in the highly-topical northern development to deal with it. other words, what are the key drivers theme. It will be chaired by former Among other things, the project directs to leverage capital to develop northern NFF chief Matt Linegar and include people to www.mindspot.org.au, the Australia. the Office of Northern Australia head website of The MindSpot Clinic, a The first challenging session of the Luke Bowen, a federal Parliamentry free telephone and online service 31st NTCA Industry Conference will representative and other panelists yet to for Australian adults troubled by challenge people’s thinking on issues - be confirmed. “This thought-provoking symptoms of anxiety or depression. like the highly-contentious concept, to be session will debate the question of The Future NTCA group’s presentation put by keynote speaker Professor Mark what developing the north looks like, will include a special guest speaker Post, that a tissue-cultured meat product how it will be paid for and whether it’s to talk about how people can position could one day replace real farmed beef. sustainable beyond the election cycle, themselves to better manage mental The next session will return to safer or whether it should be a policy of the health issues in between the demands ground, focussing on the industry people and not governments.” of daily life and running a business in fundamentals of partnerships, trade, The annual gala dinner will close the rural communities. dollars and people. New MLA head, conference program for 2015. 5 Cattlenews - February 2015 Using satellites to check FUTURE LEADERS what’s happening in ‘You don’t have to be out in the your bottom paddock paddock to be making a difference’

Taking a look around the The properties are in paddock is about to take on Central Australia, Sturt a whole different meaning Plateau, Roper River, for Northern Territory Arnhem Land and the pastoralists, thanks to Barkly region. new satellite mapping Time series remote sensing technology. technology will be used While it might sound like to monitor where land something out of a sci-fi becomes degraded through film, a new project known as overstocking and areas the NRM Spatial Hub aims that have good pasture. to help rangelands cattle Pastoralists will also be producers monitor the health able to access satellite and value of their property data on their land from as Darwin-based survey technician Donal Sullivan (Pictured front using remote sensing far back as 1987 to look right with 2014 Future NTCA participants) took part in the technology. for seasonal changes and RIRDC-sponsored Future Leaders Program in the Territory in The Hub is an Australian historic land use. November and came away with valuable lessons learnt. Rangeland NRM Alliance The satellite images will Donal, who hails from Mataranka’s Cave Creek Station, that will give pastoralists help pastoralists become is involved in the Future NTCA initiative launched at the around Australia and the better informed about the association’s 2014 annual conference. Northern Territory the tools capacity of their land and The two-day RIRDC forum included tours of Darwin’s primary and technology to map their help improve management industry ventures involved in cattle, horticulture, agriculture properties and monitor the and productivity. The and farmed barramundi production. ground cover, land condition information will be kept “We visited cattle export yards, the Darwin Port Authority and and value of their paddocks. secure and will only be also met a Brazilian farmer, Rodolfo Vaz de Carvalho, who The project is one of many accessible by the owner of spoke about the challenges they face at home and the parallels highlighted at the annual the property. he could draw between Brazil and Australian agriculture,” Territory Natural Resource “This system will help Donal said in a recent RIRDC Future Leaders newsletter report. Management Conference in pastoralists with their “There was a really broad range of people and industries and it Darwin late last year. planning processes to was great to get a bit of perspective, as so often we have just all NRM Spatial Hub specialist create new paddocks based cattle themes. Michael Digby said so far on land type as well as “One quote from the conference that stuck out to me was that eight pastoralists, including look at water planning we’re not beef or grain producers, we’re food producers and one corporate, five family and the profile of the we’re all in the food industry.” and two Indigenous groups, landscape for suitable water Communication and personal development specialist Catherine are interested in the project infrastructure,” Michael Marriott also worked with the participants, with covering in the Territory. said. communication, people-related working skills and leadership. “People tend to forget that in agriculture you’re not just dealing with animals for example; you do have to deal with people, including some with really varied viewpoints, so the skills she passed on were really great,” Donal said in the RIRDC report. “Catherine has been involved in the live export industry, so she knows the conflicts and was able to give some great examples of how you can deal with that and either resolve it or come to a mutual agreement — people can get quite passionate, so it was great to have a bit of perspective on how to work with others. “I was also inspired by Catherine’s message that you can be involved in agriculture and not be fixing fences every day — you don’t have to be out in the paddock to be making a difference.” Donal added that she is impressed that different organisations are now investing in young people as future leaders. “It really was the main thing that stuck with me, that people are prepared to invest in me because I’m having a go — it’s opened a lot of Imagery showing fractional ground cover doors for people personally,” she said. Cattlenews - February 2015 6 Members urged to have Biosecurity Fees Fees for NT Government Animal Biosecurity say on Bushfires Act review Services came into effect on 1st January 2015. Fees now apply for tick inspections and treatments, NTCA members have been urged to have their say on future bushfire interstate health certificates for livestock movement, management in the Northern Territory. export certifications and investigations re: breaches Respondents have until 27 March 2015 to submit feedback on a of the Livestock Act. Details are: recommendations paper released as part of the Northern Territory • Cattle tick inspection and supervised treatment Government’s current review of the Bushfires Act. - $44.40 set visit fee + $1.11 per head The paper also includes expert advice on trends in contemporary • Supplying health certificates for interstate bushfire management legislation around Australia. The livestock - $32.19 per certificate recommendations resulted from consideration of feedback to a • Supplying Property of Origin health discussion paper released for public comment between February and declaration - $32.19 per declaration May last year. It generated submissions from a broad cross section of • Weekend horse tick inspection and treatment stakeholders including the pastoral industry. - $144.30 set visit fee + $1.11 per head “This is an opportunity for people to have input into how bushfires • Investigation to follow up breaches of the lifestock - $66.60 per hour. are managed in the Territory in the future,” CEO Tracey Hayes says. NOTE: Weekend surcharges apply “Anyone with issues or queries about this review should contact their local NTCA branch chair person.” To book a call-out, please contact your local The Bushfires Act review is assessing the effectiveness of the existing Livestock Biosecurity Officer: legislation in light of significant changes since its inception in 1980. DARWIN: Ian Doddrell The aim is to improve bushfire management across the Territory. Phone 08 89992030 The document, Recommendations Paper - Review of Bushfires Act, KATHERINE: Josh Haigh is available to view or download at the Department of Land Resource Phone: 08 8973 9754 Management website: http://www.lrm.nt.gov.au/bushfires/review-of-the- TENNANT CK: Tom Haines bushfires-act Phone: 08 8962 4458 SUBMISSIONS should be addressed to: Review of the Bushfires ALICE SPRINGS: Greg Crawford Act, Bushfires NT, PO Box 37346, Winnellie NT 0821 - or emailed to: Phone: 08 8951 8125 [email protected]

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In early February I had the honour of Dave Miller, who has been involved meeting with the Indonesian Consul in every major water project in the Territory since the 1960s, recently General to the Northern Territory, retired from his NT Government and we agreed on many ongoing job and was honoured at a special areas of co-operation regarding trade presentation in Alice Springs. Drilling between our governments. and bore-testing manager Dave covered The Northern Territory cattle While the quota for sale to Indonesia hundreds of thousands of kilometres industry had a bumper year in 2014, in the first quarter of this year is and worked and lived in some of the with live cattle sales and export lower than expected, sale prices for Territory’s most remote locations after numbers through the Port of Darwin live export cattle are currently high. joining the Commonwealth Department setting a new record, surpassing the This means that 2015 is shaping up of Territories at 16 as a junior driller previous high of 364,944 head in to be another good year for Top End in Alice Springs. He transferred to the 2008. cattle producers. NTPS on 1 July 1978 and at the time This success is a result of the And it’s great to hear that so far this of his retirement, was working with incredibly hard work by the cattle season, many Central Australian the Department of Land Resource industry, in conjunction with this pastoralists have enjoyed good rain, Management. Government, to restore and grow the which will certainly help with cattle Dave worked continuously in the NT markets for Territory beef. production in the southern parts of Government’s water drilling section The Government, in conjunction the Territory. except for a period of active service with industry associations, has I recognise that our role as a (1967-1969). He won the Chief worked hard to re-build the live Government is vital in ensuring that Minister’s Public Sector Medal in 2014 cattle trade with Indonesia, and the northern cattle industry continues for outstanding leadership. Throughout establish new long term markets for to thrive, and it is my intention as the his career he was often recognised for Territory cattle and buffalo in other Deputy Chief Minister to work hard his abilities in the management of staff South East Asian countries such as to bring certainty to the Territory and drilling operations, going above and Vietnam. cattle industry and to our trading beyond the call of duty and making his The trade relationship between the partners. job a way of life. Northern Territory and Indonesia There is a unique opportunity for in particular has grown stronger, the Northern Territory to capitalise which is an indication of the solid on the rapidly increasing demand foundation that has existed between for quality food in the Asia Pacific these two Governments dating back region. to the 1980s. New trade relationships with Vietnam Indonesia recently installed a new and Cambodia have seen our markets Government, and it is recognised for live cattle increase, and the that there will be a settling in period Northern Territory Government-led while the new Ministers get across trade missions that helped secure their portfolios. these new trading partners will continue. Regular visits to our trading partners deliver the assurance and respect Pastoral work for NT prisoners? required to ensure long-term and successful partnerships. The NTCA now has a seat on the Correctional Industries Advisory Council (CIAC) Currently the Northern Territory is whose functions were discussed at recent branch meetings. the largest supplier of live cattle and NT Correctional Services is interested in engaging with the pastoral sector to provide buffalo to South East Asia, and the training and jobs for low-risk prisoners through the ‘Sentenced to a Job Program’. Government is determined to see this Territory operators have been invited to submit expressions of interest in continue. participating in proposed prisoner or prison-based programs within their regions. I look forward to catching up with “Correctional Services is also keen to boost its industrial enterprises in both Darwin you at the 31st NTCA Industry and Alice Springs prisons,” NTCA executive officer Tom Ryan says. “They are Conference and AGM in March. already providing services such as making and repairing portable panels and are looking for guidance from the pastoral sector on what opportunities there migh be out Regards there to expand their work within this sector.” Willem Westra van Holthe Cattlenews - February 2015 8 NT CATTLE TICK PROGRAM: Monitoring wild What can move where? dogs impacts The Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries provides the following advice in relation to its NT Tick Program, put in place to minimise the spread of cattle tick DPIF is keen to hear from Katherine and THE ISSUE Barkly region stations interested in being Meat and Livestock Australia reported in 2006 that cattle tick was most expensive involved in monitoring the impacts of wild endemic cattle disease in Australia, costing the industry $146 million. dogs. The study’s two main aims are to The NT Tick Program is in place to minimise the spread of tick as much as possible. To estimate regional and property level rates achieve controls, the program has split the Territory into four ‘cattle tick areas’, namely: for fatal and non-fatal attacks on young 1. Parkhurst Infected Zone (where ticks have been found resistent to Bayticol, cattle, and attempt to estimate the strength Barricade ‘S’, Blockade-S and Tixafly) of the association between reproductive 2. Infected Zone failure rates and observed prevalence 3. Control Zone (where the presence of ticks may change seasonally) estimates for wild dog damage. 4. Free Zone The proposed project is primarily based on The Control Zone is located between the Infected and Free Zones. Properties within the establishing a system to routinely capture Control Zone may have an Approved Property Management Plan which outlines specific frequency data for wild dog damage management measures based on the property’s cattle tick status. in calves and weaners within Territory breeding herds. Therefore, all properties CATTLE MOVEMENTS willing to participate in the study are l Cattle moving from one region into another need to meet specific requirements welcomed and encouraged to contact the for cattle tick. any cattle moving from the Parkhurst Zone into other zones must be inspected department. clean by an authorised officer and have a supervised treatment in an approved Amitraz Station owners/operators interested in plunge dip. taking part or receiving more information l A clean inspection and supervised treatment is also required for cattle moving from are encouraged to contact DPIF’s trhe Infected Zone into the Control Zone and Free Zone. Katherine-based Beef Production Scientist l Cattle from the Parkhurst or Infected zones must be moved within 24 hours Kieren McCosker following the inspection and treatment (There are more specific requirements for properties Phone: 0889739771 under quarantine or with an Approved Cattle Tick Management Program in place) Email: [email protected] l There are no DPIF cattle tick requirements for cattle moving (1) north from the Free Zone to any other zone, (2) north into the Parkhurst Infected Zone (including for export*), or Summary of project method: (3) within a zone. • Collaborators provide the number of * Cattle for live export may have importing country requirements such as ‘Free of Tick’ prior calves and weaners processed and a to landing, which is monitored by the Federal Agriculture Department, Live Animal Exports tally of those observed with wild dog section. Cattle moving from properties in the Control Zone are property-specific as per the bite damage following each muster Approved Property Plan. using a simple paddock tally template (or one similar) FOR FULL DETAILS of the NT Cattle Tick Program, go to the DPIF site via: www.nt.gov.au • Participating properties that monitor the individual performance of cattle CATTLE TICK MOVEMENT TABLE will be identified throughout the project and contacted to discuss accessing individual animal data records to estimate calf loss. • Collaborators will be requested to complete an annual survey to provide property information such as overall branding rates for the year and other property level factors potentially of interest. Project participation must involve: • Keenness to commit to the study and collect and provide the required data • Commitment from project group to collaborators: • Commitment to summarise annually and report back to the collaborator on data collected. • Where individual animal performance monitoring occurs and dog bites are monitored, analyse and report back to collaborators estimates of foetal/calf loss. 9 Cattlenews - February 2015 New NT wild dog advisory committee NTCA wants more Future Leaders The NTCA will be well represented on the new Northern Territory Wild Dog Advisory Committee set up by the government to address what has become a major Bouyed by the success of its ‘future issue for the pastoral industry. The move has been welcomed by the NTCA which leaders’ initiative launched in March has four representatives, one from each region, on the committee. 2014, the NTCA will boost the ranks this Keeping BJD “This new committee has been set up as a result of mounting pressure from the year. “We’re keen to see the program NTCA and our members,” CEO Tracey Hayes says. “The magnitude of the wild dog continue to grow so we’re providing off your property problem and its cost to industry in the Territory is enormous. the opportunity for four successful “This committee will have a regional focus and representation so it presents a good candidates to join the program for the opportunity for our members to raise issues and help come up with a process to 2015-16 year,” CEO Tracey Hayes says. address this issue.” “The program was initiated to optimise WANTED: Photos of station livestock killed or injured through wild dog attacks. the potential of our industry’s youth, Please email to the NTCA at: [email protected] capturing new ideas, networks and enthusiasm. It is widely supported by our industry leaders and designed to enhance and build the reputation and image of the NTCA as an effective and recognised organisation.” Nine inaugural NT participants were NT pastoral industry announced during last year’s 30th NTCA industry conference and have since been active in special capacity-building and pay rates - effective industry-related projects. The NTCA aims to select a candidate each from its four branch areas covering from 1 July 2014 Central Australia, the Barkly, Katherine * and the Top End. Candidates must be 35 years or under, Increases to pay rates and allowances for farming and livestock hands, in currently involved in or closely line with the Pastoral Industry Award 2010 came into affect on 1 July 2014. connected to the cattle industry, and be The following rates apply for ADULTS.The award applies to employees passionate about taking a leadership role engaged in the performance of all work, whether permanent or casual, in within the industry. The successful or in connection with or incidental to the industries or industrial pursuits of candidates will be announced at the the Australian and Northern Territory Cattle Industry of breeding, raising or NTCA conference on 27 March. fattening of livestock and other associated activities. REMINDER: Applications for Future NTCA selection close on Monday 16 March. The application form is available at: www.ntca.org.au 50 years for St Philips

St Philip’s College in Alice Springs celebrates 50 years as a boarding facility with a major three-day reunion of students from 13-15 March. The college has provide a ‘home away from home’ for hundreds of outback children from cattle stations, isolated Aboriginal communities and * FLH1 = Farm and Livestock Hand Level 1 etc mining towns. St Philip’s is Australia’s most remote multi-cultural day and boarding school. A unique aspect is that boarding is offered to students who may JUNIOR EMPLOYEES should now be paid the following percentages choose to attend other town schools. St of relevant adult rate: Under 16 years - 50%, 16 years - 60%, 17 years - Philip’s was originally established as a 70%, 18 years - 80%, 19 years - 90% and 20 years - 100%. residential college in 1965 by the late Rev Dr Fred McKay OA who was successor to FOR FULL DETAILS of pay and overtime rates and allowances, refer John Flynn. All past and current boarders, to the NTCA Wages and Conditions Guide at: www.ntca.org.au families, staff and college friends are invited to the reunion. l FOR FULL DETAILS email: [email protected] Cattlenews - February 2015 10 BIOSECURITY AND THE BEAST

Keeping BJD such as BJD and parasites3. The original waybill/health certificate off your property must accompany the cattle while in transit to the property of desti- nation. Producers in the Australian states where Bovine Johne’s Disease (BJD) is 4. Quarantine new livestock com- unregulated have been managing the risk ing onto your property in a yard 2015 TNRM Pastoral and Agricultural of disease introduction and spread on their or holding paddock with good Champion - Ian Rowbottom (Gulf properties for many years. BJD is notifiable quality feed. After an initial in- Savanna Region – Katherine) in all states and territories. troduction period where animals The greatest risk to your herd comes with can empty out and drop any weed Nearly 50 percent of the Territory is the introduction of new livestock. Cattle seeds they may be carrying in under pastoral lease, and TNRM works are susceptible to both the sheep and cattle coat or faeces, new livestock in partnership with the pastoral landcare strains of BJD1 as well as the bison strain. should be kept away from other groups, providing support and funding Infected animals can pass the bacteria in members for the herd for 2-4 to help them engage with land managers their faeces before showing the typical weeks. and coordinate NRM activities across clinical signs of BJD such as diarrhoea and their areas. Activities may include 5. Vaccination for BJD is currently wasting. Typically, young and suckling field days, training events, sharing under field trials in NSW, Victoria animals in close proximity to infected landcare information and assisting with and Tasmania4. It is not currently shedding cattle are more at risk of being on-ground work to tackle issues such registered for use in the Northern as weeds, pest animals and erosion. infected, but the bacteria can survive in Territory. A predictive cost of $20 soil, water and faeces for up to a year, and The Territory has four main pastoral per vaccination is considered to landcare groups, including the Roper therefore presents a risk to all stock in the be prohibitive by many producers. herd2. Limited information is presently River Group (RRLG) , whose facilitator Ian Rowbottom (pictured above) was available on the survival of bacteria in the A farm biosecurity plan is a good way to recently named the TNRM Pastoral and extensive pastoral environment. identify and manage the risks associated Agricultural Champion for the Gulf Prevention of BJD through good on- with the introduction of new livestock. farm biosecurity is the best option. The Savanna Region. Information supplied by Livestock Biosecurity Network (LBN) has The 20-year-old RRLG promotes Sarah-Jane Wilson - LBN Regional Mgr planning tools available to assist you with the adoption of best practice natural Northern Australia best practice around managing the risk of resource management to achieve BJD introduction. Below are some tips for FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit: biodiversity and sustainable land use better biosecurity when purchasing and www.lbn.org.au or www.farmbiosecurity. outcomes. The group uses its networks introducing new livestock. com.au to build awareness among stakeholders, 1. Ensure you request a Cattle including regional station owners and Health Statement (CHS) from References operators, about key management issues 1 your vendor when purchasing Seargent. E, Keatinge. N, Allan. D and such as weeds, threatened species, feral new livestock. The CHS is NOT Citer. L, (2014) Occurrence of sheep strain animals, fire, and deliver on capacity the same as an NVD/Waybill. Johne’s disease in the Australian beef building activities. The form is a risk management industry. Viewed online at http://www. RRLG activities have successfully declaration that provides you with animalhealthaustralia.com.au/wp-content/ reduced the spread of Parkinsonia and information on the prior health uploads/2014/07/3.-Sheep-strain-Poster_ are now tackling the growing threat history and herd health status of PRINT.pdf Access date 14/12/14 of Bellyache Bush. Control work has the animals you are purchasing or been done on Chinee Apple and the introducing (including agistment). 2 Morcombe. P, (2011) Bovine Johne’s group monitors other emerging weed In some states, these declarations Disease – DAFWA Farm Note. Viewed issues such as Hyptis and Mission Grass are now compulsory. The form online at http://archive.agric.wa.gov.au/ spreading onto the Sturt Plateau along can be downloaded free from objtwr/imported_assets/content/pw/ah/dis/ rail and road corridors. One of their first http://farmbiosecurity.com.au/wp- cat/bjd_farmnote080408.pdf. Access date funded projects was fencing rivers to content/uploads/2012/11/Nation- 12/12/2014 protect riparian vegetation by keeping al-Cattle-Health-Statement.pdf feral animals out, controlling grazing 3 Kearney. S, (2013) Health certificates and and protecting the banks from erosion. 2. If you are purchasing new live- waybills for cattle entering the NT. Viewed stock make sure they are sourced The group’s main current project is from herds tested free of BJD or online at http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Content/ helping the local Mangarrayi people from a recognised BJD free or File/p/Anim_Man/797.pdf Access date build their capacity for employment and protected area. 13/12/14 stewardship of the land. FOR MORE DETAILS, CONTACT: 3. Interstate cattle moving into the 4 Zoetis (2014). Sirilum Compliance Portal. Ian Rowbottom – Facilitator NT require health certification Viewed online at https://compliance. Phone: (08) 8971 1775 - or visit: and/or tests and treatments to pre- silirumaustralia.com.au/default.aspx http://roperriverlandcare.org.au/ vent the introduction of diseases Access date 13/12/14 11 Cattlenews - February 2015 With the NT Climate CLIMATE WATCH Services Centre

The NT wet season so far

A dry start to the wet season The northern wet season began much drier than usual for most Territorians. Tennant Creek Airport went 230 days without any rainfall (from 9 April to 26 November). Darwin Airport did not receive any rainfall in September, which is only the second time this has happened since records began in 1941.

Similarly, September and October combined rainfall ranked as the sec- ond driest on record at many sites throughout the Northern Territory (see image). November and the first half of December was also drier than average Rainfall deciles for September–October for the Northern Territory. For exam- for the Northern Territory As the weather system moved away Outlook for the rest of the wet ple, from 1 October to 15 December it was replaced with a tropical mon- Victoria River Downs measured only soon from the north. The monsoon Seasonal climate outlook models sug- 47.3 mm; the driest start to the wet onset occurred over Darwin on 31 De- gest that there is an equal chance of season since 2006. cember. The slow-moving monsoon above or below average rainfall across most of the Northern Territory for the A drenching for Central Australia trough moved south over the base of the Top End and stayed active for over first three months of the year. Toward the end of the December, a two weeks. Tropical moisture surged This does not necessarily mean aver- inland over the Kimberley bringing trough pushed northward across most age conditions are expected, rather another heavy rainfall event to central of the Territory, reaching the base of that extreme wet or dry conditions the Top End. It brought over 100 mm Australia from 7 to 11 January. alice are unlikely for the season as a whole. of rainfall to some locations includ- springs airports recorded 186.0mm Large scale climate drivers, like El ing Kidman Springs, Victoria River in five days, which is the wettest Niño, have little influence on rainfall Downs and Tennant Creek. Nutwood such period since the end of January patterns across northern Australia af- Downs got soaked, with a new daily 2001. Other notable five-day rainfalls ter the onset of the monsoon. rainfall record of 116.0 mm on 25 De- totals for this period include: Treph- cember and a monthly total of 443.2 ina Gorge - 239.8mm; Alice Springs Likewise, in central Australia, the in- mm. The heavy rainfall continued into Desert Park 234.8 mm and Arltunga fluence of El Niño usually weakens in the New Year. - 218.4 mm (a new January record). January. FROM: Joel Lisonbee, Snr Climate Liaison Officer NT - Ph: +61 8 89203813, Em: [email protected]

NORTHERN SECRETARIAT ALICE SPRINGS BRANCH Suite 9 1st Floor Raffles Plaza Bohning Yards Complex TERRITORY 1 Buffalo Court Darwin NT 0800 South Stuart Highway GPO Box 4845 Darwin NT 0801 GPO Box 2288 Alice Springs NT 0871 CATTLEMEN’S Phone: (08) 8981 5976 Phone: (08) 8952 5122 Fax: (08) 8981 9527 Fax: (08) 8953 4260 ASSOCIATION Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cattlenews - November 2013