• PARTHENIUM in TC • Pastures for Horses • Barkly GLM • TC Show & Beef Dinner • Raining in July? • Next Gen Beef Up Forum • Polled Gene Test • Horse Levy & Disease Response • ‘A Woman’s Capacity’ • RIRDC Women’s Awards • BRAC Column • New Pastoral Leader • Learn Your • Replace your Athel Pines • Media Releases • Barkly Women’s Day • Around the Traps • AussieGRASS • In the Spotlight • Tastes of the Tablelands • Barkly Gold Rush C/Draft • Notices/Reminders • What, When & Where • Pastoral Market Update ISSN: 1325-9539

SEPTEMBER 2010

PARTHENIUM WEED FOUND IN TENNANT CREEK Steve Wingrave, Acting Director, Weed Management Branch The vigilance of the Barkly Land Care Association Parthenium weed is a native of Central and South has paid dividends with the early detection of an America. It was first recorded in Australia in 1955 outbreak of parthenium weed at the Tennant when it was accidentally introduced in a shipment Creek stockyards in July. of grain seed. It has since spread through central and where it is The identification was confirmed by the Pastoral now well established. It is a major problem in Production Division of the Department of rangelands and cropping areas of Queensland Resources. Weed Management Officers of the costing farmers and graziers more than $22 Department of Natural Resource, Environment, million a year in reduced production and The Arts and Sport immediately took steps to increased management costs. contain the infestation. All parts of the parthenium at any stage of Parthenium weed poses a serious threat to the growth are toxic to humans and animals. It has . Parthenium weed can been shown to be related to health problems for germinate, grow, mature and set seed in as some people living or working in close proximity to little as 28 days. It is a prolific seed producer it, resulting in allergy-type responses. An capable of producing 100 000 seeds per plant. absence of allergic symptoms should not be assumed to indicate a lack of sensitivity, since it may take up to 20 years for symptoms to show.

It is toxic to cattle, and meat from livestock that spraying as well as manual removal and the plant eat the weed, can be tainted. It can cause was successfully eradicated from this area. dermatitis with pronounced skin lesions on all Smaller infestations have been reported and animals, mouth ulcers with excessive salivation if controlled in the Katherine and Borroloola areas. eaten and eye irritation in working dogs. In serious cases loss of condition in farm animals To the best of our knowledge, these are the only can cause death due to rupturing and known successful eradication sites for parthenium haemorrhaging of internal tissues and organs. weed in Australia and were largely successful because of the early detection, containment, Parthenium weed grows best on alkaline, clay- control and monitoring activities undertaken. loam to heavy soils in areas where rainfall is greater than 500 mm per year and falls Follow up inspections of the Tennant Creek predominantly in summer. infestation have identified new seedlings which have been chemically treated. A broader survey In 1977 parthenium was discovered in the of the stockyard grounds has been undertaken Northern Territory along Elsey Creek in the and the infestation appears to be limited to a small Mataranka district. The infestation had spread 8 number of stockyards. Parthenium weed requires km downstream from the Roper Highway. This sufficient rain to enable germination. Inspections infestation was the subject of an intensive and monitoring of the surrounding areas will eradication program, involving aerial and ground continue.

PASTURES FOR HORSES IN THE BARKLY DISTRICT Arthur Cameron, Principal Pastures & Extension Agronomist, DoR Darwin

Horses can be adequately fed by grazing on native pastures, using rain grown improved pastures, using irrigated pastures, using purchased feed, or by using a combination of all of the above.

When grazing on native pastures, remember that a horse is generally equivalent to 1.2 cattle animal equivalents (AE), so horses should be grazed at a lower stocking rate than cattle. Blacksoil plains in good condition which can safely carry 8 to 10 cattle AEs/km2 will only carry 6 to 8 horses per km2. Good red soil areas in good condition which can safely carry 3 to 4 cattle AEs/km2 will only carry 2 to 3 horses per km2. Poor red soils will carry less than one horse per km2 and should be avoided.

The range of improved pastures adapted to the Barkly District is limited. Most of the Barkly District receives below what is regarded as the lower safe limit for sowing improved pastures of 600 mm annual rainfall. The choices of pasture grasses are American buffel, Gayndah buffel and Birdwood grass. The choices of legumes are Amiga or Verano stylos.

A fully improved pasture on good red soil areas will be able to carry 10 cattle AEs, or 8 horses per km2. A mixed pasture containing grasses and legumes is preferred to provide a better diet for the horses. A problem with the buffel grasses is that they have a high oxalate content which may cause ‘Big Head’, an induced calcium deficiency in horses. Horses should not be grazed on pure stands of buffel grass.

An augmented pasture is one where some of the native species, generally up to one third, are replaced by an improved pasture, which is generally a legume, but may be a grass. Good augmented pastures can be stocked at 5 cattle animal equivalents or 4 horses per km2.

Irrigated pastures would only be used for valuable horses. An irrigation system could range from a sprinkler on a lawn to provide green pick for horses to a high input system capable of carrying 2 or more horses per hectare on a year round basis. Because of the cost of pumping irrigation water in the Northern Territory, growing an area of irrigated perennial grass to provide green pick is the most likely scenario. The possibilities for selection of a perennial grass to use in this system are limited. Finecut Rhodes grass is used in the Top End for irrigated hay production. Kikuyu grass is used as a lawn and for irrigated pasture for horses around Alice Springs. Kikuyu grass is currently the best option as it has more tolerance of cold weather and would produce green feed for longer into the dry season in the Barkly District.

Landholders on small blocks or those keeping horses in smaller paddocks near the house which are not big enough to sustain their horse or horses (10 to 12 hectares per horse are needed on good blacksoils, and 33 to 50 hectares per horse on good red soils) will have to purchase supplementary feed to maintain their horses in good condition and to maintain their native pasture in good condition.

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DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES BARKLY BEEF www.nt.gov.au/dor 3 BARKLY GRAZING LAND MANAGEMENT COURSE Jodie Ward, Grazing Land Management Officer, Katherine

Calling all on the Barkly Tableland…

As the Barkly region now has available the recently developed pasture growth models developed from data collected for the carrying capacity project (SWIFTSYND), we are now able to offer the Grazing Land Management (GLM) Course to producers. Attending the (GLM) course will assist you in applying this information to your grazing management planning to help you objectively match stocking rates with your country’s carrying capacity, and identify potential strategies for improvement. High importance is placed on combining a mixture of local knowledge with the latest research data available.

Undertaking the course helps you to relate the theory from the following subject areas directly to your situation:

• How to increase the better pasture plants on your property • How to manage stocking rates and better understand carrying capacity • How to assess land condition • How to assess pasture quality and quantity • How to even out grazing pressure

• Know how to evaluate different grazing systems

• Managing weeds

GRAZING LAND MANAGEMENT workshop - Optimising outcomes for cattle and country

WHAT IS A GRAZING LAND MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP? A GLM workshop presents tools and principles that can be used to work out, specifically for your own operation, how to optimize land condition and production.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Those with an interest in beef production and ensuring the protection of country under their management for future generations.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE & HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? This 3 day workshop will be held on the 22-24th of November 2010 for properties on the Barkly Tableland. Registration costs $450 per property.

For further information or to register your interest, please contact: Jodie Ward, Grazing Land Management Officer, Katherine Ph: (08) 8973 9730 or [email protected]

DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES BARKLY BEEF www.nt.gov.au/dor 4 2010 TENNANT CREEK & DISTRICT SHOW WEEKEND Cassie Duggan, Pastoral Technical Officer, DoR Tennant Creek

Cattle Section Who would have thought that rain would be a The triumphant Kidman & Co team problem during show time in July? For the 2010 Tennant Creek & District Show, rain did wreak just a little bit of havoc and made for an interesting few days leading up to the show. However with the combination of a grader, body truck, 8 people, very quiet Droughtmaster cattle and a little bit of wishing and hoping, problems were solved and major disasters averted. As to how those items were used or involved in the process is up to you to figure out! Photo: Helen Kempe The 2010 Cattle Section entrants were not deterred by the rain and much to the appreciation of show organisers, did everything they could to ensure their cattle made it to the show. Exhibiting stations were Brunette Downs, Helen Springs, Brunchilly and Phillip Creek, all consistent supporters of the show. Hopefully next year we’ll see some more competition from the Barkly region and south of Tennant Creek. Pen numbers were up on last year with a total of 26 pens. See results below.

Results for the 2010 TENNANT CREEK & DISTRICT SHOW CATTLE SECTION CLASS 1ST 2ND 3RD 1. Pen of 2 Bulls Glenlands Medway Latrobe Sponsored by Watershed 2. Single Local Bull Brunette Downs Kidman & Co Sponsored by Helimuster 3. Pen of 3 Mature Breeding cows Brunette Downs Kidman & Co Sponsored by Coopers Animal Health 4. Pen of Heifers (250-350kg) Phillip Creek Kidman No. 2 Kidman No. 4 Sponsored by Landmark Alice Springs 5. Pen of Heifers (350-450kg) Kidman No. 2 Kidman No. 3 Kidman No. 1 Sponsored by Oamps Insurance Brokers Ltd. 6. Pen of Steers (250-350kg) Phillip Creek Kidman No. 2 Kidman No. 1 Sponsored by Donaldson Family 7. Pen of Steers (350-450kg) Kidman No. 2 Brunette Downs Kidman No. 1 Sponsored by Oamps Insurance Brokers Ltd. 8. Led Calf Sandy Bauer Benita Bauer Sponsored by Territory Communications

COMPETITION WINNER MAJOR AWARDS Judging Competition Andrew 'Woody' Thies President’s Cup: Highest Sponsored by Coopers Animal Health (Brunette Downs) Aggregate Points Guess the Weight - 776kg Emma Sauer Helen Springs Sponsored by Outback Outfitters (Helen Springs) How many Eartags? – 111 Wendy Brown Supreme Exhibit Sponsored by Coopers Animal Health (Latrobe Droughtmasters) Kidman No. 2 in Class 7 Guess the Breed Clint Hawkins Pen of heavy steers Sponsored by Watershed (Herbertvale Droughtmasters)

Once again we would like to thank our valued sponsors Cooper’s Animal Health, Watershed, Outback Outfitters, the Donaldson Family, the Droughtmaster Society (NT Droughtmaster Group), Oamps Insurance Brokers Ltd, Territory Communications, Landmark Alice Springs and Helimuster for their continued support of the Cattle Section. Thank you also to Jim Phillips Earthmoving and TC Sand Supply for their assistance over the week of the show; Chris Materne and Bryan Gill (Gilly) for making the trip from Alice Springs to help the Tennant Creek office ensure everything ran smoothly and the NT Droughtmaster Group for their help and support.

DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES BARKLY BEEF www.nt.gov.au/dor 5 Barkly Beef Dinner The Barkly Beef Dinner held each year on the night of the show was again a great opportunity for town and country folk to get together and enjoy great food, great company and great music. Darwin band the ‘Meccana Men’ ensured the dance floor was rarely empty and thanks to MC Shaun Coutts, the night ran smoothly. Quality 1824 beef was enjoyed by all thanks to the Australian Agricultural Company and was cooked and served to perfection by the Tennant Creek Hotel’s chefs. Anna & Ryan Jenkins, owners of the Tennant Creek Hotel also again kept the drinks flowing all night and ensured everyone remained in good spirits. Special mention goes to Garret Goring for his part in the organisation of the event despite an unsettling few months prior to the dinner. The organisers would again like to thank the sponsors of the 2010 Barkly Beef Dinner and look forward to seeing you again next year!

UNEXPECTED RAIN BRINGS SMILES & FROWNS ACROSS THE BARKLY Casey Collier, Pastoral Technical Officer, DoR Tennant Creek

The Barkly Tablelands has seen some unusual weather conditions over the last couple of months, with some unexpected widespread rain prompting mixed reactions from Barkly locals. The rain’s affect was regional with some areas responding well and others suffering, leaving producers silently cursing. In areas where the feed had already significantly dried off, producers were concerned that recent rain would potentially harm the Mitchell grass tussocks, while areas with a reasonable amount of green pick were able to reap the benefits of the recent rain.

It has been documented that during the dry season, a large variation in Mitchell grass response to rain can occur, with this variation highly dependant on the duration of the previous wet season and the quality of the grass available. In areas where the Mitchell grass is growing in really heavy clay soils and has dried off, a good soaking of rain is needed to produce a positive effect; any less than this may cause the plant to become mouldy and reduce the quality (such as decreased protein levels) as has been reported across the northern Barkly. If, however, the feed remains green, rain such as that seen over the last couple of months may stimulate plant growth and increase the quality (protein levels), especially when accompanied with the unseasonably warm weather conditions experienced lately on the Barkly (Brunette Downs averaged 28.7oC in July).

Rainfall has been quite varied over the Barkly with 38mm received on Lake Nash during July on the eastern side of Barkly, bringing the YTD total to 359mm. Helen Springs on the western side of the Barkly received 24mm in July bringing its YTD total to 621mm YTD. Brunette Downs on the northern side of the Barkly has received 395.9mm YTD (no rain falling in July/August) while Alexandria on the north-eastern side of the Barkly has received 425mm YTD, and has received steady rain nearly every month (Rainfall data sourced from Di Sorley). See the table below for some of the region’s rainfall figures for 2010.

STATION/LOCATION REGION JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Alexandria North-East 145.2 115 16.8 36.4 22.1 0.0 5.2 0.0 Brunette Downs North 87 202.8 38.4 49.7 18 0.0 0.0 0.0 Helen Springs West 191.1 238.3 26.1 13.0 77.0 0.0 24 ? Lake Nash South-East 91 179 34 ? 26 0.0 38 ? Tennant Creek South-West 116.8 275 13.2 46.6 53.6 0.0 37.8 0.4 Kurundi South of TCK 45.8 221.4 43.2 13.2 57.2 ? 38.8 ?

So what will the 2010/11 wet season have to offer?

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IS POLLED IS GOOD! Polled Gene Test for Australian Cattle Breeds Cassie Duggan, Pastoral Technical Officer, DoR Tennant Creek Renee Golding, Beef Research Officer, DoR Katherine (on leave)

Dehorning and its negative impact on productivity and its animal welfare implications are well understood by the Australian beef industry. The industry has been taking steps to develop cost-effective and permanent alternatives.

Introducing the ‘Polled Gene Test for Australian Cattle Breeds’… Collaboration between the Beef Co-operative Research Centre (Beef CRC), Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU) at the University of New England and the University of Queensland (UQ) has developed a new DNA test to predict polledness in Australian beef cattle herds. Research trials conducted across Australia in Brahman, Santa Gertrudis, Droughtmaster, Hereford, Limousin, Brangus and Belmont Red cattle have proven successful with a high level of accuracy. Although there have previously been tests available Above: One of the internationally for Brahman/Senepol European breeds, this crosses produced from the Department’s Senepol will be the first test crossbreeding project aimed at the Australian cattle herd which is comprised predominately of Bos indicus and Bos indicus cross animals.

What will the test tell me? Firstly it is important to note that the polled characteristic is dominant over the horned gene. This means that although a bull may be polled, he is still capable of siring horned calves (carries 1 polled gene and 1 horned gene otherwise known as heterozygous). Whereas if a bull is ‘true polled’, he carries 2 copies of the polled gene (homozygous) and will sire predominantly polled calves when joined to horned, scurred or polled females. The test will help you determine if your bull is ‘true polled’ (homozygous) or just polled (heterozygous). See the table below for possible Source: ‘New DNA test for polled cattle: Developed for genetic combinations for the polled and horned Australian breeds’ Beef CRC, MLA, CSIRO, 2010 phenotypes (animals physical appearance).

Genotype Phenotype Description PP Polled The animal carries 2 copies of the dominant polled gene and sires ‘True polled’ predominantly polled calves. Homozygous PH Polled & scurred The animal is polled but carries a copy of the recessive gene for horns and Heterozygous will throw a proportion of horned calves. This genotype is also associated with scurs. HH Horned The animal possesses a double copy of the recessive horn gene and will Horned sire horned calves.

How do I get my animals tested? Producers will need to provide a DNA sample of the animal they want to test as well as the phenotype of the animal (eg. Horned, polled, scurred or unknown). A DNA sample is easily obtained by pulling 30-40 hair follicles from the animals tail. Contact the UQ Animal Genetics Laboratory or your breed society to order hair collection kits.

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What will it cost me? The test is being offered to industry at $33.00 (inc.GST). This is a reduced price as the test is still in a validation phase to determine its accuracy in more extensive cattle populations.

For more information on this test visit http://www.beefcrc.com.au/PolledGeneMarkerTest Source: Beef Bulletin and associated flyers (ed. July 2010). Published by the Beef CRC, MLA & CSIRO

A more detailed explanation of the polled and horned characteristics of cattle can be found in the ‘Cattle and land management best practices in the Katherine region manual’, page 65.

HORSE LEVY & ANY FUTURE EXOTIC HORSE DISEASE RESPONSE Brian Radunz, Chief Veterinary Officer, Darwin

Australia has a government and industry response agreement including cost sharing for 64 specified emergency diseases. There are 12 diseases where horses are the primary host and another 3 diseases where horses may be affected.

The horse owner organisations are not a signatory to the exotic disease response agreement due to the lack of a levy mechanism to provide horse industry funding despite a willingness to be a party to the response agreement.

The Commonwealth Government will not again underwrite the horse sector funding for any future disease responses and agreed to a 6 month delay until 1 December 2010 to enable the horse sectors to agree to a horse levy mechanism. If there is no agreement, there will be no national response to any exotic horse disease.

The current favoured approach is a levy on worming treatments and manufactured horse feed. A levy would be initiated for up to 10 years and only following an emergency horse disease response.

For More information, go to: www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au Click on Horse Industry and EADRA box or at http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/aahc/horse-owners- and-the-eadra/horse-owners-and-the-eadra_home.cfm

I suggest that horse owners consider the issue and provide feedback to your relevant horse organisation.

An interesting read…

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RIRDC RURAL WOMEN’S AWARDS

What is the RIRDC Rural Women’s Award? The RIRDC Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s pre- eminent Award that recognises and encourages rural women’s contribution to primary industries, resource development and rural Australia. While the Award acknowledges past achievements, it is focused on the future and provides rural women with financial and practical support to implement their visions for primary industries and rural Australia, and to enhance their leadership and representative capacities. You could become one of the seven state and territory winners and go on to become the Australian winner. But the Award is much more than just winning a title. It is a life changing experience that will open up a positive and powerful network of like-minded women across the country who are passionate about primary industries and rural Australia.

What is the bursary? The Award is very clearly a leadership and capacity building initiative that is designed to help build your skills and assist you to contribute more effectively to leadership and decision making in primary industries. The $10,000 bursary is the major prize for each state and territory winner to support your professional development, by providing you with the resources to develop your vision into a new project or initiative that will benefit primary industries and rural Australia. Examples of some of the initiatives the bursary CAN be used for include: • Formal training in leadership and business management • Overseas study tours • Networking at forums and conferences to grow your knowledge of industries, innovations and markets • Developing educational, promotional campaigns, training programs & information technology initiatives • Publishing books Examples of what you CANNOT use the bursary for are: • Buying capital equipment (without explicit approval from RIRDC) • Further education such as a Masters or Doctorate degree.

What is the process? • Nominations open on 1st August 2010 and close on World Rural Women’s Day—15th October 2010 • Applicants will be short-listed and interviewed in each state and territory. • Successful applicants will be announced at formal state presentation events • Award winners AND runners-up will be invited to attend the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course in Canberra. • State and territory winners will be interviewed by a national selection panel for the title of the Australian RIRDC Rural Women’s Award 2011 winner and runner-up who will be announced at the Award’s national celebratory dinner in May 2011 in Canberra during the week of the Company Directors Course.

What is RIRDC? The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation is an Australian Government Statutory Authority. Our mission is to maximise knowledge outcomes for industry and government from our R&D investments. The Rural Women’s Award is a RIRDC initiative in partnership with relevant state and territory agencies who manage the Award at a state and territory level. National partners are the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. National sponsors are ABC Radio, Rural Press Ltd and Westpac Banking Corporation.

For more information or to enter yourself or someone you know, visit http://www.ruralwomensaward.gov.au/default.htm

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REPORT ON NABRC AND NBIC MEETINGS 2-4 AUGUST 2010, BRISBANE Di Sorley, BRAC Chairperson

The second 2010 NABRC and NBIC meetings were held in Brisbane from the 2-4 August, including a tour of the University of Queensland Centre for Advanced Animal Science (CAAS) at the Gatton campus. There were 33 participants at the NABRC meeting, including representatives from MLA, State Departments, CSIRO, Cattle Council and Agforce.

Don Heatley and David Palmer from MLA spoke about the Productivity Commission Review with reference to the Rural Research & Development Inquiry. Amongst other things, this inquiry will examine the rationale for the Commonwealth Government’s investment in rural research and development and the appropriateness of current funding levels and arrangements - particularly levy arrangements, and matching Commonwealth contributions. Industry levies used for research and development (which can be up to 0.5% of gross value of production), is currently matched on a 1:1 basis by the Australian Government. In 2008-09 expenditure on R&D was approximately $460 million, which included $207 million from the Australian Government. Currently 159 Submissions are under review and a draft report is to be made available in September, with a final report to Government in February 2011.

Dr Peter Carberry from CSIRO spoke about the CSIRO Sustainable Agriculture Flagship. The CSIRO Sustainable Agriculture Flagship in discussion with MLA has agreed to initiate a discussion paper identifying sustainable pathways to increase intensification and productivity in the northern beef industry. This flagship has initiated a proposal for a scoping study to identify and quantify alternative pathways for intensification and increasing productivity of the northern beef industry, and its impacts on land and water resources and its consequential greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Relevant research, development and extension (RD&E) priorities of the National Beef Production RD&E strategy, NABRC and MLA have also been taken into consideration. This jointly funded MLA and CSIRO study will provide the opportunity for industry stakeholders to review and amend the portfolios of scenarios put together for each regional basis (e.g. agro-ecological regions or major production systems).

Keith Walker from MLA delivered an informative and interesting summary of the ‘Pesti’ Virus of which we are all hearing a lot about. Clinical signs, persistently infected (PI) animals, antibody development, and the economic implications of Pesti Virus were explained. Some of the clinical signs seen include; if a naïve cow or heifer is affected at the time of AI or mating they will usually return to service in approx 30 days; if infected in the first trimester and the foetus is not aborted, the calves may become PI animals, infection in the second trimester may cause the foetus to develop abnormalities and can present as a small weak calf, or with third trimester infection – the calf born is normal, with maternal antibodies for Pesti Virus present. If you are considering purchasing stock the sample size for testing is 20-25 samples in up to 1000 animals, this will detect antibodies at a 95% confidence level. Other methods of management include the strategic use of PI animals in a herd, particularly to expose weaners to antibodies. There is a vaccine available and manufacturers are interested in a one-shot vaccine technology.

Dr John Taylor, the coordinator of the Rangeland Management program at UQ spoke about Australia’s only postgraduate coursework programs in Rangeland management. Australia’s rangelands cover 80% of the landmass and appropriately 53% of the enrolments were owners and managers of pastoral-based enterprises, with around half of these having entered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL: entry without prior degree). In testament to the quality of the courses offered, enrolment has grown by 650% over the last 3 years.

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REPORT ON NABRC AND NBIC MEETINGS 2-4 AUGUST 2010, BRISBANE cont…

Some of the rangeland-specific courses include sustainable production systems and regions, managing self, developing and retaining others, grazing land management, animal nutrition and behaviour, and rangeland monitoring and adaptive management. More information is available at www.rangelands- australia.com.au.

Additional funding for the ‘Senepol crossbreeding to increase marketing options for NT cattle producers’, project being conducted by NT DoR was approved unanimously. There is also a training opportunity for members or potential members of BRAC to attend a fully subsidised ‘Leading Teams to Action Workshop’ that will be held in Brisbane early next year. If anyone is interested, please contact me.

This was the last meeting for outgoing Chair John Cox who has reached the end of his term. John’s wealth of knowledge has been a significant asset for NABRC and we have valued his contribution immensely. I would like to welcome our new NABRC Chairman, Ralph Shannon.

Unfortunately, Sarah Streeter who has been in the role of Secretariat of BRAC for the last 3 years is taking a well earned 6 month break to go home to the family property in central Queensland…all the best to Sarah, and a big thank you for your outstanding contribution to the Barkly region. As mentioned in the last newsletter, Cassie Duggan, Technical Officer with DoR Tennant Creek will take on the role as the new Secretariat.

Our next meeting will be held in Tennant Creek on the 1 September at the conclusion of the NTCA meeting. Any interested persons are encouraged to attend.

Di Sorley Cassie Duggan BRAC Chairperson BRAC Secretariat Ph: (07) 4748 4877 Ph: (08) 89624483 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

NEW ALICE/TENNANT PASTORAL PRODUCTION TEAM LEADER Scott Wauchope, Director, Pastoral Production

It has taken a while but I am pleased to announce the appointment of a new Alice Springs / Tennant Creek Pastoral Production Team Leader.

Mr Pieter Conradie has accepted the position and will commence with DoR on the first of October 2010. Pieter has a B.Sc in Animal Science from Stellenbosch University in South Africa (1988) with Honours in Agricultural Extension (1989), and an M.Phil in Natural and Rural Systems Management from the University of Queensland (2004).

Pieter has had 19 years experience working for the Department of Agriculture in South Africa as an Extension Officer, Assistant Director of Agricultural Extension and latterly as Deputy Director of Pasture Research. He is currently project Manager for an ACIAR-funded project establishing legumes in rangeland areas within South Africa.

Pieter and his family have moved to Australia and have been living in Alice Springs since January 2010.

We look forward to working with Pieter when he takes up the position in October.

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LEARN YOUR PLANTS Source: Purdie, Materne, Bubb, ‘BLCA’s Plants of the Barkly Region’

In each issue of Barkly Beef we will profile two of the region’s plant species. Hopefully this will enable you to more readily identify the pasture plants contributing (or not) to the growth of your cattle.

ANNUAL VERBINE (Cullen cinereum)

Family: Fabaceae Where is it found? Grows on flood plains, swamp margins, creek bands and roadsides.

Annual Verbine (Cullen cinereum) Perennial or Erect or spreading, greyish green, usually annual annual? forb Height Height: Up to 1m Consist of 3 prominently veined leaflets, 2.5-5cm Leaves long and 1.2-3cm wide, dotted with glands on both upper and lower surfaces, toothed margins Pink to purple pea flowers are produced in groups Flowers of 3 along a flowering spike up to approx. 20cm long Small kidney-shaped pods, 2.5-3.5cm long and Pods 0.1-0.2cm wide, mature to dark brown or black colour Nutritious when young and grazed by stock once Palatability they become familiar with it Crude Protein (%) 10-20 Phosphorus (%) 0.15-0.25 Digestibility (%) 60-77 Energy (MJ/kg) 8.2-12.2

It can be confused with Cullen australasicum (Tall Verbine), which is taller up to 2m high and has slightly larger flowers.

BLUEGRASS

Family: Poaceae Curly Bluegrass Queensland Bluegrass Where is it found? Desert Bluegrass – Red clay based plains & on creek banks; Curly Bluegrass – Clay & alluvial soils, on plains & along creeks & is often found in gilgais (melon holes) on black cracking clay plains; Qld Bluegrass – Red & black clay soils

Queensland Bluegrass, Silky Desert Bluegrass Curly Bluegrass Bluegrass (Bothriochloa ewartiana) (Dicanthium fecundum) (Dicanthium sericeum) Tufted slender perennial/annual Perennial or Perennial tussock Leafy perennial tussock grass with a ring of white hairs annual? around the stem nodes (joints) Height Height: 60-90cm high Up to approx. 1m high Height: 0.1-1.2m high

Blue-green & up to 22cm long, 0.3- Hairy, 10-25cm long, 0.2-0.5cm Leaves: Hairy, 8-15cm long and 0.2- 0.6cm wide, usually flat and taper to wide, flat or loosely rolled, end in a Leaves 0.4cm wide, flat or folded & often a long fine point, become reddish fine point, bluish-green when bluish with young with age young and dry to a reddish brown Composed of 4-12 finger-like spikes, Consist of 1-3 (occasionally up to Silky, and consist of 2-4 bluish/pale Seed heads each 3.5-5cm long 6) fingers, 4-6cm long green ‘fingers’, 4-8cm long Almost hidden by long, silvery-silky Paired and occur along the ‘fingers’, hairs and golden-brown, twisted Occur in pairs and have short, Spikelets have silvery hairs and a brown awns. After seeds fall, small fluffy brown awns (bristles) bristle, 1.2-1.8cm long white tuft remains at top of seed head stem Very palatable to stock with good Palatability Moderately palatable when young Palatable to stock when young nutritional value

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Queensland Bluegrass, Silky Desert Bluegrass Curly Bluegrass Bluegrass (Bothriochloa ewartiana) (Dicanthium fecundum) (Dicanthium sericeum) Crude Protein 2-11% 3-10% 2-9% Phosphorus 0.03-0.14% 0.02-0.16% 0.02-0.13% Digestibility 30-50% 30-48% 33-51% Energy 3.3-7.5 MJ/kg 2.8-6.1 MJ/kg 3.3-7.4 MJ/kg Bothriochloa bladhii (Forest Bluegrass) is similar but taller, 1-1.3m high, longer seed heads up to 14cm long and numerous side branches

PLAN TO REPLACE YOUR ATHEL PINES Kay Bailey, National Athel Pine & Mimosa Coordinator Plan to Replace your Athel Pines!

Do you have athel pine trees in your garden, next to the Homestead, the back shed or the bore, or along the fence? Then develop a 5 year plan to put in replacement plants and remove the athel pine trees. Choose suitable local replacement species that are adapted to the conditions and will give you what you need – shade, wind break, beauty!

Suggestions for replacement: River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis); Lancewood (Acacia shirleyi); Supplejack ( viminalis); Yellow Hakea (Hakea arborescens); Coolibah (Eucalyptus microtheca).

Need advice on removing your athel pine – contact: Chris Brown, Regional Weeds Officer, Weed Management Branch NRETAS (08) 89519210 / [email protected]

From this… To this…

Athel pine (Tamarix aphylla) is a Weed of National Significance

HHHAVVVE AAA LLLAAAUUUGHHH! Send your jokes to [email protected] A Texan farmer goes to Australia for a vacation. There he meets an Aussie farmer and gets talking. The Aussie shows off his big wheat field and the Texan says, "Oh! We have wheat fields that are at least twice as large".

Then they walk around the ranch a little, and the Aussie shows off his herd of cattle. The Texan immediately says, "We have longhorns that are at least twice as large as your cows". The conversation has, meanwhile, almost died when the Texan sees a herd of kangaroos hopping through the field. He asked, "And what are those"?

The Aussie replies with an incredulous look, "Don't you have any grasshoppers in Texas"?

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MEDIA RELEASES

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Australian cattle industry cuts emissions by 6.5% per kg of beef produced 10 August 2010

• Australia's beef industry has consistently reduced emissions intensity for producing beef since 1990 • Continued R&D aims to find ways to further reduce emissions while increasing productivity

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) today announced that the Australian beef industry has achieved a 6.5% reduction in emissions per kilogram of beef produced since Kyoto protocol reporting began in 1990.

The announcement came at an environment debate titled 'Can Red Meat Be Green?' that featured leading environmentalists, including Tim Flannery, Corey Watts and Arron Wood.

Speaking at the debate, MLA's Managing Director David Palmer said that the industry had been focussed on increasing productivity whilst reducing emissions.

"A reduction in emissions per kilogram of beef produced is a great achievement for Australian cattle farmers. The Australian beef industry has increased production by 25.4% over the same period, which demonstrates that we are able to produce more beef with less emissions", said Mr Palmer.

The debate was held at the University of Queensland for local high school and university students as well as members of the general public, who were given the opportunity to hear from, and ask questions, of the panel members:

• Tim Flannery, High profile environmentalist and Australian of the Year 2007 • Arron Wood, Young Australian of the Year for Environment in 2001 and United Nations Individual Award for Outstanding Service to the Environment in 2006 • Corey Watts, Regional Projects Manager, The Climate Institute • Michael Lyons, Queensland beef farmer • Beverley Henry, Manager Environment, Sustainability & Climate Change from Meat & Livestock Australia

Professor Tim Flannery discussed his belief that cattle managed in the right way can be part of the solution.

"I believe that in a world facing a food shortage and a climate crisis, livestock represent a potent weapon in the fight to stabilise our climate," Professor Flannery said.

Corey Watts, formerly from the Australian Conservation Foundation and now Regional Projects Manager at The Climate Institute, called for industry-wide targets to be set for emissions reduction, innovation and investment in low-emissions farming and the need for broader political support for a package of "carrots and sticks".

David Palmer said the industry acknowledges its contribution to Australia's emissions profile, which is why it is undertaking extensive R&D in order to find ways to further improve the efficiency of production.

"By improving the efficiency of our production the Australian beef industry can further reduce our emissions while producing much-needed food for Australian and global consumers,

"The industry is committed to being transparent, which is why we are being proactive and holding public debates to put the issues on the table and discuss them. The industry has also recently launched a website called www.RedMeatGreenFacts.com.au in order to provide the current facts and figures on the industry's environmental performance across emissions, water and land management in one easy location", said Mr Palmer. Ends

[1] 6.5% is calculated from Australian Government national emissions data for 2008 and MLA beef production data

[2] Meat and Livestock Australia together with the Australian government Climate Change Research Program jointly fund a $28 million program called Reducing Emissions from Livestock Research Program. The program is funding 18 separate projects to research ways to measure and reduce livestock emissions. All major research groups in Australia with expertise in rumen biology, nutrition and livestock management are collaborating in the program.

Media contact: Pip McConachie, MLA Environment Communications Manager, 0402 448 745, [email protected]; Released by: Belinda Roseby, MLA Media Affairs Manager, (02) 9463 9269

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AROUND THE TRAPS Have you taken a good photo? Send it into [email protected]

Photo: Casey Collier

Above & left: Chris Materne & Bryan Gill (Gilly) both of DoR Photo: Helen Kempe Photo: Casey Collier Alice Springs made the trip to help out the Tennant Team with show preparation. Thanks very much to Chris & Gilly…it was Above left: Peter Saint (Kurundi) was the 2010 Cattle Section greatly appreciated! Judge Photo: Casey Collier

Photo: Cassie Duggan

Photo: Casey Collier Above: Ross Myhill, Garret Goring & Broccoli (Helen Springs) try their luck with some of the competitions offered at the 2010 Above: Maree O’Hara & Ray Aylett (Muckaty) enjoy Tennant Creek Show. Unfortunately they didn’t walk away with the Droughtmaster beef and Lion Nathan beer at the goods. the show.

Above left: Ross Myhill and Charlie Easley (Helen Springs) enjoy their first beers for the night with with Greg Maguire (DoR, Tennant Creek) Above centre: Shaun Coutts was once again willing to help out where possible and was MC for the night. Thanks again Shaun! Above right: Helen Kempe holds the fort during the show. Left: Casey Collier & Sarah Gardiner did a great job of decorating the Civic Hall for the Dinner and can be seen here enjoying some much deserved downtime. Right: Beef Dinner Co-organiser, Garret Goring thanks sponsors and helpers of the 2010 Barkly Beef Dinner. Photos: Helen Kempe & Casey Collier

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AussieGRASS – August 2010 Update Chris Materne, Pastoral Production Regional Manager, DoR Alice Springs

AussieGRASS is a valuable tool to help pastoralists make informed land management decisions. It is a spatial modelling framework that estimates various pasture characteristics (such as growth and total standing dry matter) over a given time period and compares it with historical records. It does this by using rainfall, climate, soil and pasture type information to estimate average pasture growth (among other parameters) over 5km x 5km square grids across Australia.

For more information on AussieGRASS see http://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/.

Past Pasture Growth Relative to Historical Records since 1957

Figure 1: Past 6 – Months Pasture Growth Figure 2: Past 12 – Months Pasture Growth (1st February 2010 to 31st July 2010) (1st August 2009 to 31st July 2010)

Modelled pasture growth over the past six months (Figure 1) and 12 months (Figure 2) indicates the majority of the Northern Territory, south of Daly Waters, has had an above average 2009/10 wet season. Results north of Daly Waters reflect the late start and finish to the wet season experienced there, and the ‘out-of- season’ rain that has been received across the northern NT. This ‘out-of-season’ rainfall and subsequent pasture growth is not expected to contribute greatly to the total season’s pasture growth, and is reflected in figure 2.

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Present Total standing dry matter (TSDM) is estimated by Figure 3: Total Standing Dry Matter incorporating pasture carried over from previous season st (less grazing, fire and detachment) and the current (TSDM) as of 31 July 2010 season’s growth.

The TSDM map in figure 3 indicates pasture quantity continues to vary considerably across the NT. The majority of the NT is showing at least 1000kg/ha of biomass, with greater than 4000kg/ha totals showing over the Spinifex country of the Tanami/Tennant Creek and Gulf regions.

Figure 4 represents the chance of exceeding median pasture growth over the coming three month period based on the SOI index, and reflects the general inability of current tools to prediction medium term rainfall and growth at this time of the year. This said, it is predicting an extremely good chance of pasture growth over the next three months across the Alice Springs region from either further rain or carry over soil moisture from winter rainfall. Figure 5 shows the level of skill or confidence in these growth predictions. As is expected minimal rain is expected over the majority of the NT at this time of year with the exception of the Alice Springs district that has the potential to receive rain from southerly frontal Future systems. Growth Predications

Figure 4: Chances of exceeding Median Growth Figure 5: LEPS Growth Forecast Skill between August to November 2010 based on SOI Phase 4 in July 2010

PERSONALISED PROPERTY MAPS Are you interested in obtaining detailed AussieGRASS maps for your property? If so get in touch with Chris Materne DOR Alice Springs (8951 8135) [email protected]. General NT and Australia scale maps are available on line at: http://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/RainfallAndPastureGrowth/

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ROSS PEATLING STATION: ALEXANDRIA NORTH AUSTRALIAN PASTORAL COMPANY In the spotlight! (NAPCO) Job: Manager | No. of years in the Territory: 21 years (20 of these at Alex) | Originally from: Childers, Qld | Favourite movie: Lonesome Dove | When I was growing up I wanted to be: a mechanic in the army | Described in 3 words I am a: poor old bugger | 3 people I would like to have dinner with: my wife and 2 sons| The thing I enjoy most about my job: breeding good quality cattle and equipping new bores | Right now I should be: checking on gear for our fencer | Favourite thing about the Territory: knowing good people | Least favourite thing about the Territory: Barkly Breeze

RAYLEE ARTHUR STATION: Brunette Downs TASTES OF THE TABLELANDS Australian Agricultural Company (AAco) No. of years in the Territory: 2 years | No. of years as a station cook: 2 years | RAYLEE’S BREAD Originally from: Brunswick Heads, NSW | Speciality Dish: 1. Raylee’s Bread 2. Osso Bucco | Favourite thing about station cooking: When there are no complaints and seeing people come back for seconds & thirds | Least favourite thing about station cooking: Having an already short sleep interrupted by noisy station animals! | Cooking inspiration: No one in particular – just always liked cooking! | Favourite meal of staff: Crumbed steak, chips & gravy | Least favourite meal of staff: Stew | Cooking Disaster: Sausages cooked in fly spray. Someone put the fly spray where the cooking spray normally is. Please note the sausages were not served!

Dry Ingredients Other Ingredients 3 cups SR flour 550mL warm water 2 tbls. sugar 4 tbls. oil ½ tsp. salt 3 tsp. Dry yeast If making pizza Herbs or garlic of your choice base, use plain flour instead or use Method (Takes approx. 35 minutes) half & half! 1. Mix together ‘Other Ingredients’ and stand for 10 minutes Photo: 2. Mix with ‘Dry Ingredients’ using a beater or by hand. 3. Pour onto tray / bread tin and leave stand in tray for approximately 30 minutes or until the mixture rises. Then place in the oven until golden brown / tap top of bread Raylee’s Bread can be made into pizza bases, loaves of bread, Turkish bread or a Turkish style bread roll

Photo: Cassie Duggan

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IMPORTANT NOTICES / REMINDERS cont…

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WHAT, WHEN & WHERE

MONTH DATE CONTACT SEPTEMBER Timber Creek ASH Campdraft Jade Andrew: (08) 89712563 4-5 Timber Creek, NT [email protected] Next Generation Beef-Up Forum 10 MLA: 1800 675 717 Cloncurry, Qld Building Expo Chamber of Commerce: (08) 8952 4377 11 Tennant Creek, NT [email protected] Brunette Downs Campdraft 24-26 Sarah Crook (08) 8964 4522 Brunette Downs, NT Diamantina Rodeo Ass APRA Rodeo 25 Winton, Qld Kununurra Bushman’s Night Rodeo (TBC) 25 Kununurra, WA OCTOBER Barkly Goldrush Campdraft/Challenge Tom Haines: (08) 8962 4458 (w) 1-3 Tennant Creek, NT (08) 8962 3392 (h) Barkly Women’s Day Danielle Doyle ‘Mittiebah’: (08) 8964 5562 9 Barkly Homestead, NT Master’s Games 9-16 Alice Springs, NT Warwick Gold Cup (02) 6746 1755 25-31 Warwick, Qld Bushman’s Carnival – Rodeo & Gymkhana Stephen Turner: (08) 8955 5500/0419 465 815 30 Michele Ride (08) 8953 1233 Alice Springs, NT [email protected] NOVEMBER Sturt Plateau & Beyond Ladies Day Amanda Murphy: (08) 8975 9941 13 [email protected] Hi-Way Inn, Daly Waters, NT Cecily Murphy: (08) 8975 9936 DECEMBER AGM & ASH Dinner TBA Katherine, NT

Your event not listed here? Email [email protected]

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE BARKLY BEEF VIA EMAIL?

CONTACT CASSIE BY: Faxing: (08) 8962 4480 Or phoning: (08) 8962 4483 Or emailing: [email protected]

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DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES www.nt.gov.au

DoR TENNANT CREEK — Staff List

BARKLY HOUSE First Floor, 99 Paterson St PO Box 159, Tennant Creek, NT, 0861 Fax: (08) 8962 4480

REGIONAL MANAGEMENT A/ Regional Director Neil MacDonald 08 8973 9746 Executive Officer Helen Kempe 08 8962 4484 Administration Officer Skye-Lea Ries 08 8962 4488

BIOSECURITY & PRODUCT INTEGRITY Regional Livestock Biosecurity Officer Ted Martin 08 8962 4490 A/Regional Livestock Biosecurity Officer Tom Haines 08 8962 4458 M: 0401 113 445 Livestock Biosecurity Officer Greg Maguire 08 8962 4484 M: 0457 517 347 PASTORAL PRODUCTION Pastoral Technical Officer Casey Collier 08 8962 4493 Pastoral Technical Officer Cassie Duggan 08 8962 4483

Barkly Landcare & Conservation Association - Staff List

Project Manager Naomi Wilson 08 8962 4494

Sustainable Farm Practices, Northern Territory

Caring for our Country Facilitator Drew Gracie 08 8962 4487

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POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA

If undeliverable, please return to: Department of Resources PO Box 159 TENNANT CREEK NT 0861

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