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Copyright of the Department of Agriculture PO Box 1618, KARRATHA WA 6714 Phone: (08) 9144 2065 Email: [email protected]

March 2006 ISSN 1033 5757 Volume 27, No. 1 Contents Where has the rain been falling?...... 2 Message from the Editor ...... 3 Pilbara Poets Page ...... 4 Pastoral Waterpoint Workbook & Staff Movements...... 5 Congratulations Peter ...... 6 The 2006 Cattle Year—How Good?...... 7 Degradation of meat baits by micro-organisms ...... 9 Vaccinating Cattle—understanding how a vaccine works...... 10 Needles don’t go on vaccine guns any-old-how ...... 13 Bush Nurse ...... 14 Calving difficulty in Beef Heifers...... 15 Feral Pig Control ...... 16 Are you SunSmart?...... 17 Beware of dark cutting on dry pasture...... 18 Practical biosecurity for poultry owners ...... 19 Landcare funding opportunities ...... 21 Of course we haven’t got foot and mouth disease...... 22 Kimberley rangeland management course ...... 23 Kimberley stocktake and Kimberley chemical subsidy...... 24 Infrastructure upgrade for West Canning artesian bores...... 25 Kimberley ZCA—summary of actions...... 26 New Northern Rangelands Landcare Coordinator...... 27 Stock squad information release Kimberley Region ...... 28 Pilbara Mesquite Management Committee update...... 29 Why do farmers do what they do?...... 31 A travellers tale and Reminder—Roebourne/Port Hedland LCDC... 32 Low Stress Stockhandling Schools...... 33 ORD Re-union...... 34 Attention all cattle producers ...... 35 Northern Rangelands Calendar...... 36

ACTING EDITOR: Hayley Turner Visit http://www.agric.wa.gov.au Page 2 Northern Pastoral Memo March 2006

Where has the rain been falling?

Please check the address label on your publication. If it is incorrect or if you would like to be included on our mailing list, let us know!!

Disclaimer: This material has been written for Western Australian conditions. Its availability does not imply suitability to other areas, and any interpretation or use is the responsibility of the user. Mention of product or trade names does not imply recommendation, and any omissions are unintentional. Recommendations were current at the time of preparation of the original publication. © Copyright Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Agriculture 2006.

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Message from the Editor By Hayley Turner, Development Officer, Karratha

Welcome to the first memo for 2006 with yours truly as the relieving editor. Our well known editor Peter Smith was humbly receiving a North Ausrtalian Beef Research Council Award in Toowoomba during the collation of articles, however he still managed to run his eye over the final version! Congratulations Pete! You can read more about Petes acolades in the following pages.

This edition of the memo is as diverse in content as always with articles ranging from chemical subsidies for declared plants to Stock Squad reports and everything in between! Rainfall has also been a hot topic of late and is reflected in the blooming poetic talent amongst pastoralists in the wake of this seasons cyclones.

So while it’s too boggy to move far from the homestead, make yourself a cuppa, sit back, relax have a read. We hope you enjoy this edition and as always your comments and contributions to help us do an even better job are always welcome.

A special thanks to Sonya Jansen for her continued effort and support with the collation of articles for the memo. 

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Pilbara Poets Page By Anon.

Gees Doc, there something wrong, My foot it won’t fit in my thong. ‘Cause between my toes there’s extra skin, And on my back there grows a fin.

I love the water & splash around, But lack a breath when I run aground. And on my nose I have a scale, But what’s that lump, a growing tail?

I have these gills upon my cheek, The sounds are calling along the creek. I’ve come to you, who’ll surely know, To make my symptoms ease or go.

“Now, this is how you help the pain, For what you have is too much rain! You need to share & spread it round, And help relieve the thirsty ground.” All across the country eyes were watching to the north where a little low was marching “So when the rain does finally stop, to the west. Clare they called her And the native grass - a weeping crop. this seasons first daughter To see the next you never know, and she was going to be the biggest blow! For dusty plains may be the go.” No here and there for her, no stop and start or where shall I go. With a hop and skip she danced with joy across the ocean alas in her haste she forgot to open her heart to gather the gifts she should bestow.

The watching eyes began to wonder as she neared the coast and they came under the influence of her playful dance. Rattling the windows and doors she advanced shedding few tears for those waiting below.

But in her wake, hidden from her eye was a pocket of rain along for the ride With a mind of its own to do as it pleased it travelled more easterly and none did it tease And those watchers were left with faces aglow. 

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Pastoral Waterpoint Workbook By Francis Bright, Regional Economist, Kununurra

It’s been a long time coming but the Waterpoint Workbook will be available from DAWA offices in Derby, Karratha and Kununurra from mid April. A copy is available free to Kimberley and Pilbara pastoral leaseholders. Copies of the Waterpoint Workbook are available for $20.

The workbook is tailor made for pastoralists in a tropical environment. It came about as a result of discussions with pastoralists identifying the importance of stock water in the development and running of their cattle enterprises.

The workbook can be used two ways. 1. As a general reference. There is discussion on the costs of providing stockwater, things to consider when investing in new waterpoints and the cost of investing in new waterpoints. 2. As a decision support tool. The workbook has 20 exercises on a CD where pastoralists can estimate their own costs of providing stockwater and investing in new waterpoints.

The authors, Troy Sinclair (ex Derby DO) and Francis Bright (Kununurra DO) have tried to keep the workbook simple and it is written in layman’s terms. Whilst the book does not make the decisions on stockwater for you, it does provide a logical sequence of exercises to assist you in making decisions about watering your cattle.

Even though the workbook was developed with the Kimberley cattle business in mind, the same principles apply in other tropical regions and the temperate rangelands for getting to know the costs of providing stockwater.

For your copy, contact Kununurra DO (9166 4000), Karratha (9144 2065), Derby 9191 0333. 

Staff Movements By Richard Watkins, District Manager, Karratha

In the Pilbara Office there have been a few staff changes. x Valerie Shrubb, Development Officer has transferred to Carnarvon to undertake a new role, working with pastoralists evaluating food on offer for livestock. x Rob Parr, Biosecurity Officer is on extended leave till the end of 2006. x Both vacancies will be advertised in the near future.

In the Broome Office x Ben Madin, District Veterinary Officer will be on long service leave until around the end of June. x Andrew McAllister, Veterinary Officer, resigned to study medicine at the University of Queensland. 

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Congratulations Peter!

Mr Peter Smith, a beef development officer currently based at Karratha, has been awarded the North Australian Beef Research Council (NABRC) Communicator/Extension medal awarded to industry experts who develop ways to share information and research with producers to help them improve their profitability and practices.

His career with the Queensland Department of Primary Industry (QDPI) spanned 36 years working with beef producers and rural communities in Townsville, Gayndah, Ayr, Swans Lagoon, Richmond and Charters Towers.

For the past 4 years, Peter has worked with the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia and cattle producers in the Pilbara region.

Peter’s achievements are too numerous to mention but include working with beef producer groups, using property management planning and benchmarking to improve the efficiency and sustainability of cattle breeding and production in North Queensland and pastoral WA.

Those who know Peter will recognise this award is well deserved.



Photo: Rod Coulthard receiving the Innovative Producer award on behalf of Jim Coulthard, Geoffry Fordyce receiving the Researcher award and Peter Smith receiving the Communicator/Extension award.

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The 2006 Cattle Year – How Good? By Peter Smith, Development Officer, Karratha

I am writing this marooned (not really) in Dampier on the last day of February experiencing the last immediate effects of cyclone “Emma” which crossed the coast just west of here around midday today. Emma dropped falls of 100 to 200 mm of rain on many areas of the central and west Pilbara. As usual, this rain was most welcome by all associated with the cattle industry.

Many areas of the Pilbara have now received rainfall totals approaching or exceeding the long term average annual rainfall, two months before the end of the cyclone or wet season. This has certainly made for a great start to the 2006 cattle season and considered by some pastoralists to be the best start for many years.

I believe there are three issues associated with rainfall during the summer growing season and how well cattle will perform in the following year: 1. When and how the first rains fall. 2. Total rain. 3. When the last useful rains fall. This year the first useful rains were received as scattered storms, commencing before Christmas in some areas, and cattle were generally in reasonable condition as a result of the unseasonal winter rain of July 2005. As a result cattle were generally strong enough to not knock themselves around too much ‘chasing storms’ or getting bogged as a result of big rainfall events on boggy country.

Great start! Generally early rain and not too intense and cattle were strong!

We don’t know as yet what the rainfall total for the summer growing season is likely to be but in some areas at least it already exceeds annual averages by a considerable margin. This has resulted in good pasture growth and there will certainly be plenty of feed; and associated fire opportunities/problems. While quantity of feed is unlikely to be a problem, feed quality can be another issue all together.

Beware the big grass years – they are not necessarily good cattle years!

Cattle can only eat so much feed. The actual amount eaten, always expressed on a dry matter (DM) basis, by individuals is determined by many factors including; feed quality, the poorer the quality the less they will eat; body size – the most cattle will eat is up to 3% of their body weight of a high quality diet; e.g. a 400 kg steer will only eat a maximum of 10 – 12 kg DM of a good quality feedlot ration a day or as little as 5 – 6 kg DM of poor quality pasture.

Pasture growth is determined by many factors but for the purpose of this article I will concentrate on only two, water (rainfall) and soil nutrients. If there is say a matchbox full of nutrients available to grow a plant and only enough rain is received to grow grass 150 mm (6 inches) high then that matchbox of nutrients will be distributed in that quantity of plant material.

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An animal may graze 30% of that plant material in one bite and consume 30% of the matchbox of nutrients.

On the other hand, if there is sufficient rain to grow the same grass plant 300mm (12 inches) high the same matchbox of nutrients is now distributed throughout twice the amount of plant material. The same animal comes along and takes the same bite and consumes only 15% of the plant and 15% of the matchbox of nutrients. As the animal cannot eat twice as much (see above) to make up for the nutrient dilution in the grass, it will not perform as well.

While there are many other factors involved in the nutrient levels in grass, animal grazing behaviour and diet quality that animals select, this is a simple example of the reasoning behind why cattle often do not perform as well in ‘big grass years’ as in lighter grass years. The July rain of 2005 is a recent example. The generally mild weather following the rain allowed reasonable but limited growth of many summer growing species and forbs with obviously good nutrient levels resulting in spectacular cattle performance.

Not too sure about the total rain – may not always be good for cattle performance!

The last rain, hopefully after Easter, determines soil moisture levels going into the dry season and how perennial pastures are likely to respond coming into the spring. Good soil moisture helps maintain pasture quality by maintaining active growth of summer pasture species until other factors, daylight hours, temperature, etc. restrict growth. This results in better quality grazing being available for longer into the year.

Some long term forecasters are predicting useful rain around the end of April – let us hope they are right!

Summary: From a cattle performance year point of view one part is good – generally all had useful rain early in the season. One part should be treated with a note of caution – all that is green is not necessarily good. One part is unknown – we won’t know when the last rain for the season will fall until after it happens.

Cattle are doing pretty well at present but based on the ‘matchbox of nutrients story’ above, I would suggest: x Keeping a close eye on cattle to ensure they continue to perform as well as you think they should – particularly cows with weaner size calves. x Plan for an earlier weaning muster rather than later and treat the late growing season rain, if it eventuates, as a bonus. x Plan to ‘paddock up’ sale cattle where they will be readily accessible for marketing – there have already been enquiries for cattle to load out of Hedland. x Budget for some urea based supplements, particularly for weaners and young breeders for later in the year.

The comments in this article are intended to capture you attention and interest in planning for the forthcoming cattle year. No-one has control of the rain and when it falls but every pastoralist has control of how the effects of rain are managed. 

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DegradationȱofȱmeatȱbaitsȱbyȱmicroȬorganismsȱ Peter Thomson, Research Officer, Vertebrate Pest Research Section

In Brief: The issue of the decay of the meat bait is a x soil-borne micro-organisms (fungi as complex one because the ultimate fate of the well as bacteria) can detoxify 1080 1080 within a bait, and of the bait itself, x lab trials have shown breaking down depends on a number of variables. It is known of 1080 of 43 - 89% of the 1080 over that many soil-borne micro-organisms (fungi 12 days as well as bacteria) can detoxify 1080. It is x follow procedures which minimise the also known that organisms which degrade chance of microbial activity is vital to 1080 are widely distributed in Australia, and improve effectiveness that many species have been identified in arid x contamination is minimised if the baits areas such as central Australia. are dried out properly x Avoid the contact of freshly cut baits In laboratory trials, some of these micro- with soil organisms are very effective at breaking down x There is little difference in1080 loss 1080 (e.g. 43 - 89% of the 1080 over 12 days). from meat baits injected with 1080 as In field conditions, the moisture content of the opposed to those using rhodamine oats soil and the bait, the degree of microbial contamination, and the temperature would all affect the rate at which detoxification occurred.

Although no specific data on microbial breakdown of 1080 in field baits have been obtained, a trial in central Australia showed that completely dried baits can remain toxic for many months, despite the ongoing presence of 1080-degrading organisms in the adjacent soil. The key here was that the baits were dry, meaning that the soil organisms would not have been able to significantly penetrate the matrix of the bait and act on the 1080.

Given that the potential for 1080 loss is clearly high with moist meat and soil conditions, it is prudent to follow procedures which minimise the chance of microbial activity.

It would not be practical to keep meat completely sterile during butchering and bait preparation. Nevertheless, it would be sensible to follow some basic precautions such as not contaminating freshly cut baits with soil. As well, given the fact that the micro- organisms need moisture for their activity, it is wise to dry the prepared baits as rapidly as possible.

Other micro-organisms act directly on the meat, causing it to rot. Again, the process can be minimised if contamination is minimised and if the baits are dried out properly. Drying has the added advantage that the dried baits are less affected by rain which may fall after the baits are laid. This not only slows the potential 're-activation' of detoxifying micro- organisms, but also avoids the chance of rapid direct leaching of the 1080 by the rain.

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The general precautions outlined above should also be followed when baits are made with Rhodamine oats. The oats should be kept in the original container until ready for insertion. As suggested in the documentation issued with the oats, it is better not to use a knife to cut a pocket in the bait, as this may result in the oat dropping out of the over-large hole. A large insertion hole also increases the surface area for microbial contamination. Hence, it is better to use a skewer to make the hole, or insert the oat directly into the meat with fine-nosed tweezers.

There is no evidence that 1080 loss from meat baits is affected by whether the 1080 is injected or applied via an oat. As long as the meat is subsequently properly dried, the potential for 1080 loss should be similar. For further information contact: Peter Thomson, Vertebrate Pest Research Section, Forrestfield Ph: 9366 2310 Fax: 9366 2342 [email protected] 

Vaccinating cattle - understanding how a vaccine works Matthew Bullard, District Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture Broome

Most of the herd vaccination programs in the northern rangelands are conducted in “good faith” through a combination of established vaccination routines and what is practical. To improve the effectiveness of disease prevention by vaccination it is important to fully understand how vaccines work and to set an objective for the program.

Immunity comes from antibodies circulating in the blood. These may be introduced from outside the animal (called passive immunity) or alternatively antibodies can be produced within an animal by its own immune system (called acquired immunity).

Passive immunity is only temporary as these antibodies are filtered out after the first two to three months of life, with no residual benefit, evidence or history of their earlier presence. Colostrums (the cow’s first milk) is the usual source of this passive immunity which protects the calf during its first few weeks of life.

Acquired immunity is produced as a direct response by the animal to a challenge from a foreign agent or antigen that is introduced into the animal. Antigens can be many and varied ranging from disease causing bacteria or viruses; derivatives thereof, such as vaccines, parasites and/or a range of other agents or foreign materials. For the purposes of this article, vaccines are the antigen we are considering.

When the animal first detects an antigen in the form of its first or sensitizer vaccination, there is a reaction by the white cells in the blood producing systems to form a “blueprint”, from which they manufacture antibodies. It takes about 14 days for this primary response to produce significant levels of antibody. With killed vaccines such as some of the clostridia, this antibody response is relatively small and levels of antibody fall below those needed for protection after several months.

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Because the animal has been sensitized (by the first vaccination) a follow up vaccination, ideally 4-6 weeks after the first vaccination, will produce an immediate secondary response, far stronger and longer lasting than a single dose by itself. Hence the animal is protected. Periodic boosters, as recommended by the manufacturers, (usually annually) will maintain adequate levels of immunity for that individual’s lifetime.

Maintaining high levels of immunity is particularly important for breeders to maximise the levels of passive immunity in their colostrums thus maximising the level and longevity of the passive protection passed on to her calf in those first weeks and months before weaning.

It should be noted that any significant delaying for long periods of time after the sensitizing dose may lead to the animal losing the blueprint and ability to respond quickly to a secondary or booster vaccination.

Note: Some vaccines are live vaccines that give a low virulence or modified form of the disease. These usually require only one dose of vaccine. Some vaccines form a sustained action depot of vaccine stimulating the immune system over a long period of time so that either re-vaccination can be delayed for longer periods or only one dose is required, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A comprehensive vaccination program entails: The primary or sensitising dose of a vaccine for the calf, usually given at marking or at the latest at weaning. The secondary booster or vaccinating dose optimally given 4-6 weeks after the first vaccination. Weaners, especially replacement breeders would benefit markedly if managed to enable the second vaccination to be given around the optimum period of 4-6 weeks. An annual booster vaccination for adult breeders should be given every year during mustering to maximise the “catch” and minimise the number of those missed at subsequent musters. (This may vary with some vaccines – follow manufacturers recommendations)

Vaccines available

There are a number of vaccines available for consideration for inclusion in northern rangeland cattle production systems. Vaccines to prevent Clostridial diseases and the infertility diseases Vibriosis and Leptospirosis are most likely to be recommended and produce economic responses in northern herds.

Product selection is usually made by diseases covered, cost, convenience of use and as a matter of personal choice. The vaccine most commonly in use in vaccination programs in the northern rangelands is the Clostridium botulinum types C & D vaccine.

The longevity (length of time each vaccine is effective for) of the different vaccines available varies between manufacturers and their recommendations should be carefully adhered to.

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Which animals need vaccinating for disease protection is determined by the target disease. For Clostridial diseases, all animals should be treated. For the control of infertility problems such as Vibriosis there are a number of vaccination options available to control the disease. The age of the individual animal may also influence the vaccination regime and again, the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed.

It is the author’s recommendation that vaccination boosters for all diseases should be given every year (annually) to maximise individual immunity levels, maximise the coverage within the herd structure and minimise those animals missed from one year to the next.

Other Important points to note: Transport, storage and handling of vaccine at all stages between the manufacture and application are important. Once again follow manufacturer’s recommendations. Site of injection and vaccination technique are also critical to effective disease prevention. These issues are covered in a reprint of an article by Geoff Fordyce of QDPI&F, Charters Towers, Qld, elsewhere in this Memo.

Injectable vitamin and mineral additives such as vitamin B12 and selenium may be included with some vaccines but these are not vaccines and it may or may not be necessary to be used with subsequent vaccinations.

Some vaccines come combined with anthelmintics. The decision whether to use these should be based on the vaccination required and any parasiticide currently being used. These decisions should not be compromised by the convenience of using such products

Please feel at liberty to contact your nearest veterinary surgeon or Dept. of Agriculture District Veterinary Officer if you feel that you have a problem or would like further assistance with any aspect of disease preventative medicine. 

Cartoon Source: “The Cooee Beefplan Group Diary 2003”

http://www.agric.wa.gov.au Page 13 Northern Pastoral Memo March 2006 Needles don't go on vaccine guns any-old-how By Geoffry Fordyce, Research Scientist Queensland Department of Primary Industries &Fisheries, Charters Towers.

If you have injected a mob of cattle with a repeat-vaccinator gun, you will probably have experienced two common problems: · Persistent post-vaccination lumps, especially after using oil-based vaccines. · High resistance to injection on the first attempt, rectified by deeper insertion of the needle at a more perpendicular angle. Both of these problems often have the same cause: incorrect orientation of the needle on the syringe. A needle is a pipe cut at an angle with razor sharp leading edges. The objective when vaccinating is to get the opening of the needle resting between the skin and underlying tissues. This is achieved by orientating the needle so that at entry at about 45o to the skin, THE BEVEL IS PARALLEL WITH THE SKIN. If the bevel faces away from the skin, the opening of the needle may still be in the dermis at first injection attempt, thus the high resistance. A more perpendicular entry is required to

counter this, which results is the leading edge of the needle cutting into underlying tissues, with potential for intramuscular vaccine injection - thus the lumps. I always have a pair of pliers in the vaccination kit so I can correctly orientate the needle. Easily done with a robust metal gun. But it can be a challenge with disposable guns. Using the above approach, I rarely see vaccination lumps after using oil-based vaccines. And I rarely have injection problems - other than caused by faulty gear or cattle that think they don't want a needle! 

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The good rainfall, new tall growth of all kinds of grasses and moisture in the air, bring out insects, moths, creepy crawlies, frogs, geckos and lizards. It’s time for allergies of all kinds – bites, itchy skin, wheezes and sneezes, bung eyes and rashes. It’s a good idea to have a supply of anti- itch cream, anti histamine/allergy tablets and medicine and ventolin puffers for pollen prone sufferers.

CENTIPEDE bites are painful but not normally dangerous. An intense burning pain starts immediately. Apply a cold pack to the bite and seek medical advice and have the painkillers handy.

REDBACK spider bite is a sharp sting with pain at the site – bites are more dangerous for children than adults because of size of the person. Dizziness, nausea and weakness will occur with sweating and rapid pulse, Apply a cold pack and get immediate medical advice.

BUSHFLIES are annoying and go for all areas of the face – eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Sometimes they may bite the soft lids of the eye or the conjunctiva – the white insides. This may cause immediate swelling – “Bung Eye” which is an allergic reaction. It is best treated with an anti histamine tablet or medicine. Young children are most at risk as they don’t chase flies.

MARCHFLY & SANDFLY bites cause itchy lumps which are relieved by applying an anti itch cream – if nothing else available try vinegar.

LIZARDS may bite if picked up. The bite is not dangerous, but can become infected so clean and bandage the area. If the lizard will not let go, put a lighted match to its mouth being careful not to burn the person.

With all the insects about, one may get into an ear canal which is very irritating and noisy. Put a few drops of olive oil (from the kitchen if no medical stuff available) in the ear. It will drown the insect. Tilt head to side to drain the ear or use a dropper/pipette to suck out the oil. If no oil to hand, try clean, at-room-temperature water.

The long scratchy new growth of grasses and weeds that spring up after good rain, may be a source of misery to some people. When they walk through this, the uncovered skin can become extremely lumpy and itchy. Its best to cover up when outside around these grassy areas – long sleeves and long pants; rubber boots; old sox with feet cut out will pull up to the knees etc. Always have an anti allergy cream handy at night when itching can become unbearable. Cold packs to the fiery itch can ease - vinegar may help too.

Q With what do you treat a sick ant?

A Antibiotics. 

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Calving Difficulty in Beef Heifers By Emma Giumelli, DAWA Bunbury

Calving difficulty in heifers can be a source of financial loss due to the deaths of calf and sometimes the heifer. Other costs can include veterinary fees and reduced herd fertility when calving assisted heifers, take longer to conceive again. It is virtually impossible to eliminate calving difficulties, but steps can be taken to minimize them.

What Causes Calving Difficulty? The most common and obvious cause of caving difficulty is excess calf size at birth and inadequate birth canal size. Calves that are heavy at birth will need a larger birth canal for normal delivery compared to lighter calves. This was demonstrated in a trial which looked at 1000 Hereford heifers calving a two years of age. The experiment found that an extra 200 sq cm of birthing canal was needed to accommodate each additional 4.5kg of calf if it weighed between 28kg and 36kg. There are other causes of calving difficulty which include abnormal calf presentation, obstruction of the birth canal by fat deposits, constriction of the birth canal at the vulva, vagina and cervix and poor muscle tone in heifers that are either very thin or too fat.

What is the Optimal Age for First Calving? There is a common belief that difficult calvings arise from joining heifers when they are too young. This is true where heifers are accidentally mated at very light weights or young ages and the birth canal is not fully developed. Producers shouldn’t be discouraged from joining well grown heifers to calve at two years (65% of mature body weight at mating with the aim to calve at 85% of mature body weight). Calving difficulty appears to be a problem of first calvers, irrespective of whether they are calving at two or three years of age. Three year olds may have larger birth canals but they also have proportionally heavier calves. Consequently the incidence of calving troubles is similar between heifers calving at two and three years of age. In some cases three year olds may have more difficulty calving as they can become too fat.

How Do Calving Problems Relate to Breed? Bulls of large cattle breeds will throw heavier calves and should not be mated to heifers of smaller breeds. Some breeds have unfairly gained the reputation of being a “difficult calving breed”, but it is important to remember that within every breed there are “easy calving” and “difficult calving” bulls. Apart from progeny testing , the only useful aid to selecting “easy calving” or “low birth weight” bulls are EBV’s for birth weight (estimates differences in calf birth weight) or the bull’s own birth weight. Birth weight is a moderately heritable characteristic, meaning that bulls with below average birth weight themselves will generally sire lighter calves than bulls that had above average birth weights. Bulls with low EBV’s for birth weight should be considered for mating with heifers, bearing in mind that continual selection for light birthweight alone can lead to lower growth rates later in life and increased chances of female progeny that have poorer calving ability. Therefore it is important to look at EBV’s for both birth weight and growth and find and appropriate balance.

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Feeding During Pregnancy High levels of calving difficulty is expected in fat heifers due to high calf birth weights, obstruction of the birth canal by fat deposits, poor muscle tone and weak labour. Thin heifers will also have problems due to inadequate muscle tone and weak labour. Aim for medium condition score 3 (1 – 5 scale) at calving.

Research has shown that calf weight can be reduced by restricting feed in late pregnancy, however the number of difficult calvings is not reduced because the heifer may experience retarded pelvic growth and weak labour. Producers should not limit feed intake in late pregnancy with the belief that it will decrease the incidence of calving problems. High weight gains at any stage of pregnancy will affect the birth weight of the calf and thus the possibility of calving difficulties.

Editors note: As stated in the article some breeds are likely to sire bigger calves than others. For example the use of European breed bulls over Bos taurus/Bos indicus heifers can potentially produce more calving problems than a smaller breed bull over the same heifers. For this reason it can be a good idea to select large breed bulls for low birth weight EBV's and or mate heifers as a separate group with smaller breed bulls. Once young breeders have successfully calved for the first time, large breed bulls are unlikely to produce calving problems from future matings. 

Feral Pig Control By Richard Watkins, District Manager, Karratha

The Kimberley Zone Control Authority would like to make pastoralists aware that a 100% subsidy is available for grain and poison used for feral pig control. This is in response to successful trials conducted on GoGo station in 2004 and 2005 by the Department of Agriculture. This is to be funded from the Declared Plant & Animal Control Fund which all pastoralists contribute to annually, as part of the APB rates.

If you are interested in reducing your pig population in targeted areas and would like to know more, please contact your local Biosecurity Officer.

Kununurra Derek Goddard 9166 4044 Halls creek Chad King 91686 179 Derby Mick Everett 91910 428 

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Are you SunSmart? By Pauline Pannell, Regional Education Officer, Cancer Council

Whether working with livestock, inspecting crops or fencing in the heat and dust, farming involves long hours working outdoors.

It’s no wonder that international studies have confirmed that farmers are at greater risk of non melanoma skin cancers. Unlike most occupational hazards, where exposure may take place over a 5 day week, farmers are in their work environment seven days a week, often for a lifetime.

The loss of work due to treatment of skin cancer or the loss of a loved one is devastating for families and places particular burden on the operation of the farm.

Western Australia has the second highest rate of skin cancer, second only to Queensland. There were 1053 cases of melanoma in WA in 2003. Melanoma is now the second most common cancer in men and the third most common in women in WA. There were 128 skin cancer deaths in 2003, of which 86 were due to melanoma.

Early detection is vital as more than 90% of skin cancers can be cured if detected early.

Many farmers routinely use safety gear to protect themselves from chemicals and hazards on the farm. A few simple precautions can also be adopted for skin cancer prevention and protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The best protection comes from staying out of the sun when UV radiation is highest (between 10am to 3pm). Sometimes this is impractical for farmers - so when outdoors protect the skin and eyes by: x Wearing protective clothing with close weave fabric (long sleeved collared shirts, long shorts/trousers) x Wearing broad brimmed hats to protect the neck, face and ears. x Wearing close fitting sunglasses or UV protective safety glasses. x Using SPF 30+ water resistant sunscreen so it doesn’t wash off with perspiration. Apply liberally and reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen deteriorates in the heat so don’t store it vehicles. x Checking your skin regularly and consulting a doctor if you notice any unusual changes.

For more information about being SunSmart at work check out the following website: www.cancerwa.asn.au/resources/publications/workplaces or contact Pauline via Fax (08) 9842 2643, Phone (08) 9842 7513 or E-mail [email protected] . To learn more about how to regularly check your skin, talk to your GP. 

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Beware of Dark Cutting on Dry Pasture By Emma Giumelli, Development Officer, Bunbury

It has long been established that consumers like to buy meat that is “cherry red” in colour, often believing that meat that is dark in colour or “dark cutting” is contaminated, or from an old and sick animal. Unfortunately dark coloured or (dark cutting) meat is a common occurrence in Australian beef, and costs the beef industry millions of dollars every year because of discounted carcasses.

Dark coloured meat is linked to pH, with dark meat having a high pH. The optimum pH for meat is between 5.4 and 5.7. A high pH effects more than just dark meat colour – it reduces tenderness, has a shorter shelf life and does not cook at the same rate as normal pH meat.

The muscle of an animal contains glycogen which acts as the energy source for physical activity. The final pH of the carcase is determined by the amount of glycogen in the muscles at slaughter. Post slaughter, the glycogen will break down into lactic acid which accumulates and forces the pH to drop. The more glycogen there is the more lactic acid is produced. This will enable the pH to fall within the acceptable 5.7 and below range. The key is to make sure there is a plentiful supply of muscle glycogen pre slaughter so that enough lactic acid can be produced to force the pH down post slaughter.

Ensuring adequate nutrition is particularly important as pastures start to dry off. High energy feed, such as a feedlot ration or grain supplementation provide enough energy to support body function as well as an excess which is stored as glycogen. If the animal is on low quality feed, such as dry pasture, most of the energy from this feed is used up for maintenance and there is little left over to maintain muscle glycogen levels.

Dark cutting can be reduced by ensuring that cattle are on a rising plane of nutrition prior (at least two weeks) to sending to slaughter. Guidelines prepared by MSA recommend maintaining growth rates of at least 0.6kg/day. When pastures are starting to dry off, the amount of energy in the pasture is steadily declining. Animals on these pastures should be given supplements (grain or good quality hay) to ensure that glycogen levels are kept “topped up”. This will reduce the likelihood of the glycogen supply running low when the animal begins to experience the stresses associated with going to slaughter (handling, transport, lairage etc).

Heavy penalties can result from dark cutting carcasses. Good management, particularly nutrition when pastures start to dry off, can minimize dark cutting and improve your bottom line.

For more information contact your local district office to obtain a copy of Farmnote 61/00 “Reducing dark-cutting in beef carcasses”; or go to the MLA website (www.mla.com.au) to get a copy of MSA Tips and Tools MSA08 “The effect of pH on beef eating quality”. 

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Practical biosecurity for poultry owners By Marnie Thomas, District Veterinary Officer, Geraldton

Biosecurity refers to keeping out unwanted diseases pests and weeds from your farm, from the state or from Australia

Many farmers have backyard chicken flock(s) to provide eggs and maybe even poultry meat for the table. Some producers may also breed fancy breeds for show. Biosecurity is important in these back yard flocks to avoid the introduction and spread of diseases. If your biosecurity measures prevent the introduction and spread of endemic (common) diseases, then it will prevent the exotics as well (examples of exotic diseases in birds include Avian Influenza, and Newcastle Disease).

Some common ways that disease can enter the flock: x Livestock – this can include the transfer of birds from farm to farm introducing diseases and inadequate dead bird disposal can also introduce disease issues x Feed products can be contaminated if wild birds or rodents are allowed access x Other animals having contact – this includes wild birds (especially ducks), feral and domestic animals (pets, insects, rodents and domestic birds) x People – Can introduce disease with contaminated material on footwear, clothing and contaminated hands x Equipment – Handling equipment and feeding utensils can introduce disease x Vehicles – unwashed vehicles and contaminated tyres can be a source of infection x Air – transmission as and aerosol or dust x Water – surface water can attract waterfowl which can introduce disease. Contaminated untreated drinking water can also be a source of disease

So what can you do?… Producers should look at creating barriers to disease entering their flock. Practical changes can make a difference regardless of how big or small an operation and regardless of breed and species (i.e. layers, meat birds, ducks, geese, poultry etc). Bird owners should: x Source birds from properties with a known disease status and vaccination history as this will reduce the risk x Use quarantine pens, especially when introducing new birds, or returning from a show. This is a useful way to detect new diseases and prevent introducing them to your flock x Vaccinate birds for common diseases or purchase only vaccinated birds x Ensure there is adequate security for the sheds and premises (this includes gates, signage, locks and bird/vermin proof cages) x Restrict access of other people and vehicles (e.g. feed trucks). A sign at the front gate will assist with this x Prevent or limit access of poultry to open water sources such as lakes, especially those visited by wild waterfowl and ducks x In preference, use scheme or underground water. If using dam water consider treating and disinfecting with chlorine to improve water quality.

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How can you prevent a disease spreading?

To prevent the spread of diseases on the property it is important to implement some changes in management of the flock: x Inspect and remove sick birds preferably by culling x Correct disposal of carcasses and litter (check with your local council on the options for disposal) x Clean shed regularly and thoroughly x Use batches of birds, this involves keeping birds in groups of similar ages (to avoid mixing young and old birds) x Ensure your staff are taught correct hygiene measures including cleaning footwear and hands before handling the birds

When should you consult the vet?

If you suspect any changes in your flock that appear abnormal (i.e. an unusually high death or sickness rate or unusual disease symptoms) report these to your local Veterinarian or District Veterinary Officer at your local Department of Agriculture. In Australia there is also a National Disease Reporting Hotline 1800 675 888.

For further information consult the Avian Industries Biosecurity Plan www.agric.wa.gov.au 

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Landcare Funding Opportunities By Lara Jensen, Northern Rangelands Landcare Coordinator, PGA

Landcare funding opportunities of up to $50,000 per project are available for small projects aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable resource use. The Australian Government Envirofund is the local action component of the Australian Government’s $2.7 billion Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) and Round 8 opened in late February and will close on April 28th. Works must be completed within 18 months of receiving funds.

Changes to this round include the removal of assistance for TGM Yards and fencing to divide paddocks. Fencing of river systems and wetland areas will still be allowed and include a provision to move water points into other less fragile areas of the paddock. On a positive note, other changes include an increase in the fencing rate to provide up to $2 500 per kilometre to cover the costs of materials and the Envirofund contribution to cover audit costs has increased to $300. More information on the Envirofund grants and application forms can be found on the website:www.nht.gov.au/envirofund or by calling the Envirofund office on 1800 303 863. Assistance in preparing your applications is available from the Landcare Coordinator or local NRM staff: Lara Jensen Northern Rangelands Landcare Coordinator PGA Office – Belmont 9479 4599 [email protected]

Alex Harper Sylvia Clarke Sustainable Land Use Facilitator Biodiversity Facilitator Carnarvon NRM Centre CALM, Kalgoorlie 9956 3337 9921 2677 [email protected] [email protected] Many other funding programs are due to make calls for projects in their next round over the coming months. If you have any ideas for Landcare works either on your property or within your LCDC please contact one of these staff members to discuss your thoughts and prepare applications for funding assistance. 

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Of course we haven’t got foot and mouth disease! By Chris Hawkins, Veterinary Epidemiologist, DAWA, Moora

It’s great to live in a country where there’s no foot and mouth disease, no rabies, no rinderpest, no… the list goes on. We have probably the healthiest animals in the world. We only have one problem, and it’s a growing concern. The world is becoming more skeptical of our freedom from these diseases. And the world is where we market over 80% of our livestock production. So, what do we do about it? We can invite our trading partners to “have a look” at our production systems, but that’s only part of the answer. As you’d be aware, when you visit another country, you only get to see what they want to show you.

We could emphasize that we never see foot and mouth, or any of these other diseases. But the absence of evidence is not the same as evidence of absence (if you get the meaning here!). In other words, just saying we haven’t got the disease is no longer good enough. Sure, we have over a century of freedom from most of these diseases, but unless we can be more active in looking for, and excluding the possibility of these diseases, our markets are at risk. With countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and other South American countries getting on top of their animal health issues, there will be plenty of internationally acceptable cheap beef available to take over our markets.

How do we build up market confidence in our products? One vital way is to be active in gathering information on the causes of deaths in our flocks and herds. Impossible in the pastoral areas? Maybe not. Improvements in technology, such as the use of digital cameras, the internet, and other nifty inventions, along with a willingness to try, will yield results that can add real value to our exports. When deaths occur, it may not always be possible to get an absolute diagnosis, but it will usually be practical to exclude the diseases that would damage our exports. Getting a better handle on the number of deaths in a year will also have spin-offs for pastoral grazing system production: if you know what the deaths are, when and why they are occurring, it may be practical to do something about them. This in turn would raise the profits of the property.

The Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (ABCRC) is funding a nationwide project to find out ways to get a better handle on what’s happening in animal health in regional and remote areas. Producers in WA, Qld and the NT are participating in this project.

Interested? Matt Bullard at Broome (9194 1400) is keen to hear from you. Matt is hoping to work more closely with pastoralists on this project. 

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Kimberley Rangeland Management Course By Michael Jeffery, Development Officer, Derby

Following the success of the Rangeland Course in the Northern Territory, a similar course is being developed for the Kimberley stations and communities. Aimed at all station staff from ringers to managers, this free, one day course provides practical information on a range of everyday station topics. The course covers topics including; x Pasture identification and dynamics x Weed management x Fire management x Animal nutrition, and x Station infrastructure planning Funding for the development and delivery for 10 of these courses across the Kimberley has been provided through the National Landcare Program. The courses will be developed and delivered by PGA and DAWA staff, and are designed to be held on-station.

Local pastoralists are encouraged to host the courses on their property, with staff from near- by properties invited to attend. This will ensure local relevance and ensure topics covered deal with local issues. Delivery of the courses is planned for between May 2006 and June 2008 at times convenient for the pastoralists.

For more information on the course and how to be involved, contact Michael Jeffery, DAWA Derby on 9191 033 or Lara Jensen, PGA Perth on 9479 4569. 

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Kimberley “Stocktake” – Assessing Pasture and Land Condition By Lara Jensen, Northern Rangelands Landcare Coordinator, PGA

Being able to practically assess and document pasture quality and quantity as well as rangeland condition, and then determine the number of animals which can be fed can be a challenging exercise.

The Queensland Department of Primary Industries has developed a software program called ‘Stocktake’. Stocktake is a paddock scale monitoring tool and management package developed to provide land managers with a practical and systemic way to assess land condition, short and long term carrying capacity, calculate seasonal forage budgets and record and store monitoring data.

This program will be demonstrated during a number of field days held in conjunction with LCDC meetings across the Kimberley and utilised as a tool to assist pastoralists in conducting pasture evaluations. It is proposed that these field days will be coordinated to take place at: th th x Drysdale River Station- 12 and 13 May th x Derby-16 May th x Kununurra- 18 May

The field day will be funded under the small grants program Exchange Incentive Fund. This program is run in partnership with Land & Water Australia and Greening Australia, supported by the Australian Government NHT with the aim of helping regional practitioners manage their natural resources by: x Increasing their access to current knowledge and research on native vegetation; and x Generating new knowledge through links to relevant researchers and organisations.  Kimberley Chemical Subsidy for Declared Plant Control By Richard Watkins, District Manager, Karratha

The Kimberley Zone Control Authority would like to remind Kimberley pastoralists they are eligible to claim a subsidy of 100% of the cost of herbicide up to a limit of $3,000 per lease for declared weed control. This is funded by the Kimberley Declared Plant & Animal Control Fund. To be eligible to claim a subsidy the following conditions have to be met: 1. A 3 – 5 year weed management plan (template can be supplied) is developed and is signed off by the local Biosecurity Officer. (Do this before applying chemical) 2. The herbicide has to be used on the property for declared plants. 3. A Biosecurity Officer has inspected the area treated. (No subsidy for herbicide stored in the shed) A Subsidy is claimed by completing a chemical subsidy form (obtained from your local Department Office) and faxing this along with the tax invoice to your local department of Agriculture Office. 

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Infrastructure upgrade for West Canning Artesian Bores By Kris Pascoe, Natural Resource Management Officer, Department of Environment

The Department of Environment has begun a major program to protect the sustainability of the West Canning Artesian Basin by rehabilitating a number of ageing bores in the Pilbara. Many of the 47 bores, which were established in the 1970s, have deteriorated and have created an environmental problem. Because of their age, the bores’ casings have either collapsed or are in danger of collapsing. The continued deterioration will lead to a reduced pressure in the artesian basin and contamination of the overlying aquifer.

The West Canning Artesian Basin Rehabilitation Program is replacing or capping the bores and subsequently preventing approximately 3700 megalitres of groundwater being wasted each year. This is also alleviating other environmental issues such as reducing the amount of grazing material for feral animals while removing a ready water supply for noxious weeds.

National Landcare Program funding is being used to provide reticulation material for the project which is expected to meet both Natural Resource Management objectives as well as pastoral requirements. The total cost of the project is expected to be approximately $550,000.

The West Canning Artesian Basin Rehabilitation Program represents an integrated approach to water management which will rehabilitate the aquifer and reduce the impact on the environment.

The program is being carried out in accordance with Natural Resource Management (NRM) objectives which include: x Water use efficiency; x Reducing the spread of noxious plants; x Supporting local industries; and x The development of partnerships to obtain NRM outcomes.

Additional NRM benefits include the management of feral animals, the protection of local mound springs, rehabilitation of current bore drains and improved biodiversity in the area.

The program is a collaborative initiative between DoE, De Grey Land Conservation District Committee, Main Roads WA, Pardoo and Wallal Downs stations and the Shire of East Pilbara, and is expected to be completed by the end of April, 2006.

For more information call Kris Pascoe on 9144 0213 

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Summary of Actions from the Kimberley Zone Control Authority Meeting By Noel Wilson, District Manager, Kununurra

17th March 2006 Kununurra The original cover letter regarding the processes involved in the Good Neighbour Policy is sent out to all Zone Control Authority members.

Further inspection of the infestation of rubber vine south of Kununurra to be carried out by staff members from the Department of Agriculture.

The ZCA endorses the establishment of a Management Committee for the rubber vine infestation in the West Kimberley and that Peter Kneebone is nominated as ZCA’s representative on the Committee.

That the ZCA make a submission to Rangelands Consultative Group requesting that funding be transferred from the Noogoora Burr NHT1 funded project to be used for the control of rubber vine in the west Kimberley or that rubber vine become a part of the project

Information requested on where the funds from the Cattle Compensation Levy would be deposited once the BAM Bill was enacted.

Information to be provided to the W.A. Weed Committee recommending that, similar to the film industry, there be an increase to 150% tax deductibility for weed control.

Investigate the possibility of funding from MLA for a project to conduct a scientific survey into the effect of feral dogs on calves.

The Broome and Wyndham Shires to be contacted advising that vacancies exist on the ZCA from these two shires.

Before agreeing to the declaration of Bellyache Bush P1 and P3 or P4 above the 26th parallel this ZCA would like to hold further industry consultation in the Kimberley taking in the fact that it is already declared in the West Kimberley and this would have an impact on landholders in the East Kimberley.

The ZCA will contact the APB requesting a response in regard to Executive Officer support for the development of a Regional Biosecurity Plan and further support for the ZCA.

Weed management plans to be promoted further to pastoralists through the Pastoral Memo. 

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NEW Northern Rangelands Landcare Coordinator By Lara Jensen, Northern Rangelands Landcare Coordinator, PGA

My name is Lara Jensen and I have recently been appointed as the Northern Rangelands Landcare Coordinator, following on from Ellena Hannah. I grew up on Yoweragabbie station, a sheep property in the lower Murchison and have worked on pastoral properties in the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Murchison.

For the last three years I have been in close contact with the pastoral industry as a rural journalist with a specific focus on pastoralism. I created the weekly Pastoral Beat section in the Farm Weekly newspaper before moving to the rural reporting team at the West Australian newspaper.

My new position as Northern Rangelands Landcare Coordinator is hosted by the Pastoralists and Graziers Association to ensure a viable basis for industry involvement in the integration of sustainable pastoral enterprises and the management of natural resources.

The position is designed to promote sustainable pastoral management and encourage pastoralists to become involved in Landcare projects. I look forward to working with and learning from pastoralists their accumulated knowledge of country types, land systems and environmental practices as well as helping to develop new Landcare projects in the northern pastoral region.

A key focus of the position is to promote the good work undertaken by groups in the region and raise the awareness amongst the wider community about the sustainable management practices that are being employed by pastoralists. This will be achieved by maintaining close links with print and media associates and linking them with key players in the industry.

Through maintaining close links with pastoralists and organisations in the northern rangelands, it is my aim to assist and coordinate the development and implementation of new projects and initiatives in both the Kimberley and Pilbara to ensure the region is proactive and on the front foot when it comes to submitting project proposals to further develop sustainable production systems. Successful applications will deliver funding for works that will not only provide outcomes of benefit to the state of natural resources and businesses operating in the rangelands.

I can be contacted at Pastoral House in Belmont and I am looking forward to meeting Kimberley and Pilbara people and being informed on any events in the region.

Ph: 08 9479 4599 Fax: 08) 9277 7311 Email: [email protected] 

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STOCK SQUAD INFORMATION RELEASE KIMBERLEY REGION

The WA Police Stock Squad will be operating within the Kimberley Region during the 2006 cattle mustering season with the intent on addressing the following issues:

x Stock Act Compliance – persons involved in the mustering, branding, earmarking, and transport of cattle are advised that a no tolerance stance will be taken by Police for any persons not complying with the requirements of the Stock Act. These requirements exist primarily to protect your industry and any person unsure of what is required should contact their local Department of Agriculture Office.

x Training – Stock Squad officers will be providing training to Police Officers throughout the Kimberley with regard to Stock Act compliance and investigation techniques. These officers will be instructed to actively target transport operators and mustering operations with a view to checking compliance issues.

x Station Visits – Stock Squad officers will take every available opportunity to visit pastoral properties to discuss industry issues and develop partnerships with people within the cattle industry.

x Reporting Offences – Stock Squad actively encourage members of the industry to report anyone known to be involved in illegal activity relating to livestock. The current failure of industry members to report livestock theft, illegal mustering, illegal transport of and dealing in cattle only serves to encourage the persons involved to expand their activities. Please take the time to report matters to your local Police Station, the WA Police Stock Squad on 92503744, or if you wish to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone wishing to discuss these or any other issues can contact Detective Sergeant David BYRNE – Officer in Charge of the WA Stock Squad during office hours on 92503744.

D.J.BYRNE Detective Sergeant 6304 OIC Stock Squad



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Pilbara Mesquite Management Committee update By Linda Anderson, Mesquite Project Officer, Pilbara Mesquite Management Committee

2006 has certainly started off a more promising year that most, and as the pastoralists are saying every inch is worth a million! It has been a while since I’ve updated the activities of the Pilbara Mesquite Management Committee in the Pastoral Memo – so here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to, and what’s coming up over the next year!

…Reflections of 2005… Two meetings of the PMMC were held in 2005, the first at CALM in Karratha and the second at Mardie Station. We welcomed new members to the PMMC and have said good- bye to others. Gary & Kate Schubert (Minderoo Station), Ellena Hannah (Northern Rangelands Landcare Co-ordinator, PGA) and Ann-Maree O’Callaghan (Indigenous Land Corporation, on behalf of Peedamulla Station) were all first-time attendees at PMMC meetings, and we look forward to working with them in the future. We have also said farewell to Ross Doherty from Department of Environment, Hayley Turner from the Rangelands Co-ordinating Group and Ellena Hannah from PGA.

The PMMC made several applications for funding during 2005, of which vary success was achieved. Funding applications submitted by the PMMC are detailed below: x Shire of Roebourne (successful - $346). Increasing the awareness of mesquite and the PMMC by erecting 3 awareness signs at the mouth of the Fortescue River, Fortescue River access road and Fortescue River Roadhouse. x Natural Landcare Program Community Support Component (unsuccessful - $171,050) – For strategic mesquite control on five Pilbara pastoral stations x Envirofunds (successful - $23,142) Fencing the Robe River region to contain mesquite, Mardie Station, WA x Grants for Volunteer Environmental and Heritage Organisations GVEHO (successful for $2,500) Professional development for the PMMC Project Officer x Devolved Grant National Prickle Bush Management Group NPBMG (successful $7,700) Increase the capacity of Pilbara pastoralists to manage mesquite by experiencing first- hand mechanical control techniques employed in Qld x Defeating the Weeds Menace DWM (outcome still to be announced, see below for details)

Maps produced as a result of aerial surveying of mesquite populations in late 2004 were released to members of the PMMC. The map shows the infestations across the entirety of the Mardie Station & Peedamulla leases, and along the Mardie-Yarraloola boundary fence. A copy of the map was published in the June 2005 edition of the Pastoral Memo.

I attended the Queensland Weeds Symposium in Townsville in June, following a week of fieldwork in northern Queensland looking at establishing parallel research trial in several infestations of P. pallida. The Symposium gave excellent coverage of all types of weed issues, and key presentations included reports from the Australian Agricultural Company, individual pastoralists & land owners battling similar weeds to mesquite. The Symposium also gave me the chance to catch up with other representatives of the NPBMG and Department of Natural Resources and Mines.

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Pilbara Iron came to the assistance of the PMMC in late 2005 with the donation of a replacement vehicle for use by the Project Officer. Certainly an invaluable donation and we thank Nev Havelberg and Toni Salmon from PI for their assistance.

A major achievement of the PMMC was the co-ordination and submission of an application for funding under the Defeating the Weeds Menace program for mesquite control in the Rangelands of WA. Whilst we are still waiting on the announcement of the outcomes of the funding (nationally, applications totalling more than double the allotted budget for DWM were received!), we are hopeful that our application will be successful. Across three years, we have asked for $800,000 from DWM with over $1.2 million in-kind committed by pastoralists, state government agencies and local shires. Thanks to all who helped compile figures and create a strategic application.

…and now to the upcoming year… We were hopeful of being able to light some trial fires late last year and early this year…but alas, the climate just wouldn’t agree with our research program! Late last year saw very mild weather conditions comparative to past years, and a lack of extreme heat, easterly winds and low humidity just didn’t prevail (our perfect fire conditions!). This year, the continual rain has caused new influxes of grass growth, which haven’t had a chance to hay off sufficiently to carry a hot fire. Weather conditions have also been against us so far, still with mild temperatures and high humidity throughout the day. Hopefully by the conclusion of this year though, we will have had a chance to light at least two rounds of trial fires.

In addition, we are hoping that some new alternatives to mesquite control may be trialled this year, including the use of alternative mechanical implements for control of young growth and the use of Graslan® herbicide to kill isolated plants and thickets of mesquite away from watercourses.

Other activities this year should include the conclusion of some trials on Mardie Station, with scientific reports being written for journals and general data results distributed to the wider community. These should include some solid data on the impacts of the biological control Evippe spp., impacts of ad-hoc fires and seedling survival from both natural environments and cow dung.

September showcases the 15th Australian Weeds Conference, to which the PMMC has been granted a brief presentation spot on ‘Integrated management of hybrid mesquite: a collaborative fight against one of Australia’s worst woody weeds’.

We will also hold two PMMC meetings again this year, with dates to be advised through the Pastoral Memo.

I look forward to working with everyone in 2006! If you would like to contact me in regards to the PMMC or mesquite activities on Mardie Station, please call me on (08) 9144 1844 or email on [email protected] 

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Why do farmers do what they do? From : Farming Systems Support Project Newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 1, 1984.

Economists, agronomists, and planners of late Have discovered a new way to pontificate Beyond mere jargon, like “success enhancement” Working in all their infinite wisdom They’re trying to define a “farming system” To answer the question for all of you “Why do farmers do what they do?”

At universities and experiment stations ‘round the globe’ In offices, labs, and on farms they probe, Through consultancy services in developing nations Upstream and downstream experimentations With yield rates, inputs and multiple regressions, Attempting to explain that profoundest of questions With the diverse hypotheses they each eschew On why farmers do what they do.

Variability and generalisation, Indigenous knowledge and maximisation, The issues discussed, the factors controlled, Computers click, theories unfold. Papers get published, conferences convened Projects are funded; it becomes obscene When predictably they conclude in the Final Review That a more generous grant might give them a clue As to why farmers do what they do.

Somewhere farmers plough and plant, Milk their cows and chant. After the interviews, trials and calculations, The experts retire to their research stations And the farmers continue to grow their corn, While old women die and children are born. The men swap stories and drink their brew, And they scratch their heads and wonder anew, “Why do scientists do what they do?” 

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A Travellers Tale By Michael Jeffery, Development Officer, Derby

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity of including this tale in the memo after finding out there was an incriminating photo to accompany it! Just goes to show that you can never pack too much equipment for holidays no matter how far from water you are! I hope you enjoy it. Cheers Hayley Turner

With the poor wet across the top of Australia, I decided to take the chance in travelling back to Derby from my Christmas holidays in Cairns through the gulf road. All went well until fate decided I needed waking up...

Just after crossing the Qld/NT border, and driving down the dirt road at 110 km per hour, the bonnet catch gave way and the bonnet came through the windscreen covering me with glass. I had no time to react and all I could do was look out the side window to see where the road was going and try to stop without heading bush which I somehow managed. Thankfully there was no other traffic on the road. I got the bonnet back down after sitting on it and it didn’t move for the next 3000 km.

Two hundred km later, the windscreen finally fell out and I was left driving down the road during the wet season without a windscreen. Two days after New Year, between Booraloola and Burketown, there is little chance of getting a windscreen replaced so I kept driving to Derby. The rest of the trip was relatively uneventful if not very uncomfortable. With the rain between Kalkaringi and Halls Creek and the insects between Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing, I decided the best thing to do was to use some good old Australian ingenuity and put on my diving mask which I had picked up in Qld. Hence the photo, taken somewhere between Halls Creek and Fitzroy as the cicadas, flying ants and dragonflies were trying to hitch a ride. 

REMINDER By Robyn Richardson, Secretary, Roebourne-Port Hedland LCDC

Just as reminder, to those people in the Roebourne-Port Hedland Land Conservation District, that the next meeting is on Tuesday the 2nd May at Mount Florance Station commencing at 8am. Please contact Robyn Richardson on 91898151 or email at [email protected] to advise if you will be attending. Further information will be sent out closer to the date. 

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Low Stress Stockhandling Schools By Jim Lindsay, Low Stress Stock Handling

‘Liveringa’ Derby 18th/19th April Contact: Kerri McInnis 0891914757

‘Wallal Downs’ Port Hedland 21st/22nd April Contact: Craig Etherden 0891765949

‘Bidgemia’ Carnarvon 10th/11th June Contact: Alex Harper 0899563337

Stock handling schools focus specifically on minimum stress stock handling in ALL situations. Good psychological health of stock makes an enormous difference to the bottom line. Safety, and the minimization of human stress whilst achieving this is equally important. These schools are conducted over 2 days, combining hands-on practical situations combined with thorough explanations of the instincts and principles.

Schools cater for someone who has little or no experience in handling stock as well as highly competent stockpeople.

Pricing:

2 Day Stockhandling School $770 incl. GST

Discounts: For members of the SAME business 25% discount for second and subsequent persons. Repeating participants and children under 12 years are ½ full price.

For further information visit our website www.lss.net.au 

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ORD Re-union By Chris Henggeler

In 1996 a joint initiative of the Beef Team and the Ag. Dept. initiated the flow of new “exotic” to “revolutionary” knowledge and information into our Region. x Grazing for Profit x Holistic Management x Bio Business Farming x Introduction to the Soil Foodweb x Basic Environmental Literacy x Biodynamic Agriculture x Low Stress Stockhandling

These courses were all well attended showing local interest in restorative management practices. Where has this “new” knowledge taken us personally? Where has it taken our businesses? What has it done for the region?

Too often our activity leaves little time to compare notes, and the meeting of land-managers is determined by externally dictated agendas... How about taking time out with no set agendas other than to have fun and some time to swap ideas?

When: Saturday 29th April

Where: Alligator Creek, a 35 minute flight from Kununurra in a light charter- aircraft

BYO: Lunch pack and drinks (water, tea and biscuits provided)

Costs: Your share of air-charter costs. (Work on $350/seat)

Booking and other details: [email protected]



http://www.agric.wa.gov.au Page 35 Northern Pastoral Memo March 2006 Attention All Cattle Producers

The Department of Agriculture reminds producers selling cattle through a saleyard, direct to another producer or to an abattoir that all animals must be earmarked and/or branded before leaving your property.

The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) has NOT removed the need for producers to ensure that their cattle are identified with either an earmark and/or a brand.

This is a legislative requirement under the Stock (Identification and Movement) Act 1970. Producers who do not earmark and/or brand their cattle are liable for prosecution.

Abattoir and saleyard operators who accept cattle that are not marked correctly are also committing an offence. Saleyard operators have been vigilant, with some consignments being turned away.

All the costs involved in holding animals over for a later sale after they have been properly marked will be borne by the producer. Animals may only be identified off property after application for a permit to temporarily remove marking pliers from the owner’s property has been applied for through, and approved by, a Stock Inspector. 

How many of your cows are working for you? By Peter Smith, Development Officer, Karratha During mustering there is an opportunity to get a better idea of the reproductive performance and age structure of your herd. Recording how many females are lactating (wet) and how many are dry will provide useful information to help determine just how well your breeders are working at present. Recording the same information at each muster over a period of years will provide a profile of breeder performance in your herd.

This information will be useful to plan and evaluate management changes aimed at improving breeder productivity. An example of a simple tally sheet is included below. 

Date: Yard: Age First Calf Cows Breeders Old Cows

Wet //// /// //// //// // ///

Dry

Total

http://www.agric.wa.gov.au Page 36 Northern Pastoral Memo March 2006 Northern Rangelands Calendar

WHAT'S ON WHEN CONTACT

APRIL 2006 Pilbara Mesquite Management Meeting TBA Linda Anderson, 9144 1844 Dardanup Campdraft Sat 8th - Sun 9th Jo O'Donnell-Fry, 97 269 223 * ANZAC Day Tue 25th * Easter Monday Mon 17th Low Stress Stockhandling School - Liveringa Station (Derby) Tues 18th - Wed 19th Kerri McInnis, 9191 4757 Ashburton LCDC Meeting - Red Hill Station Thurs 20th Leanne Corker, 9184 5136 Low Stress Stockhandling School - Wallal Downs Station (Port Fri 21st - Sat 22nd Craig Etherden, 9176 5949 Hedland) Envirofunds Project Applications - closing date Fri 28th Lara Jensen, 9479 4599 ORD Re-union - Alligator Creek Sat 29th Chris Henggeler, 9161 4346 or [email protected] MAY 2006 Roebourne/Port Hedland LCDC Meeting - Mt Florance Station Tues 2nd Robyn Richardson, 9189 8151 North West Expo - Broome Sat 6th - Sun 7th North West Expo www.expo.westnet.com.au North Kimberley LCDC Meeting & Stocktake Workshop - Drysdale Fri12th - Sat 13th Anne Koeyers, 9161 4326 or River Station (12pm start) Sarah Whyatt, 9191 0333 West Kimberley LCDC Meeting & Stocktake Workshop - Derby Tues 16th Sarah Whyatt, 9191 0333 (venue to be confirmed) JUNE 2006 Race Round commences - Broome Sat 3rd Roebourne Races - Family Day Sat 3rd John MacGowan, 0417032520 * Foundation Day Mon 5th Environmental Literacy Training - Kachana Station Wed 7th - Frid 9th Chris Henggeler, 9161 4346 or [email protected] Low Stress Stockhandling School - Bidgemia Station (Carnarvon) Sat 10th - Sun 11th Alex Harper, 9956 3337 Holistic Management Training - Kachana Station Tues 13th - Fri 16th Chris Henggeler, 9161 4346 or [email protected] Roebourne Races - Ladies Day Sat 17th John MacGowan, 0417032520 Derby Races - Madhatters Day Sat 17th Kerry Leamy, 9191 2005 Environmental Literacy Training - Kachana Station Wed 21st - Fri 23rd Chris Henggeler, 9161 4346 or [email protected] JULY 2006 Fitzroy Crossing Rodeo/Campdraft Sat 1st - Sun 2nd Fitzroy Crossing Tourist Centre, 9191 5355 Derby Races - Derby Cup Sat 1st Kerry Leamy, 9191 2005 Bush Poets Breakfast - Derby Memorial Pool Sun 2nd Robin Bowcock, 91911782 (ah) Australian Society Animal Production 26th Biennial Conference - Mon 10th - Frid 14th Melanie Dowling, 9821 3223 Perth Roebourne Races - Roebourne Cup Sat 22nd John MacGowan, 0417032520 Environmental Literacy Training - Kachana Station Wed 26th - Fri 28th Chris Henggeler, 9161 4346 or [email protected]

TBA = To be advised * = Public Holiday If you have any events you would like advertised in the Northern Pastoral Memo contact the Karratha Office, ph: 9144 2065 or email: [email protected] http://www.agric.wa.gov.au