PastoralPastoral PastoralPastoral© State of , 2008. MEMOMEMO

Northern Pastoral Region PO Box 19, Kununurra WA 6743 Phone: (08) 9166 4019 Email: [email protected]

June 2008 ISSN 1033-5757 Vol. 29, No. 2

CONTENTS

Pasture growth relative to historical records from 1957 ...... 2 Welcome from the editor ...... 3 Regional Young Achiever receives well-deserved recognition ...... 4 How many steers should Pete put in Bush paddock? ...... 5 Bull and commercial cattle sale—22 August 2008 ...... 7

Bush nurse ...... 8 Is this the end of horse flu? — Update on the importation of horses into WA ...... 9 Requirements for rodeo cattle...... 10 Farmers taking livestock disease risks without quarantine ...... 11 Cattle Market Update—30 May 2008...... 12 Caring for our country ...... 13 Northern Rangelands Calendar ...... 14 Hold your horses—did you know … ...... 15

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) ...... 16 Praxelis found near Broome ...... 17 Genetic research to benefit wild dog management ...... 18 1080 baiting training ...... 19 Wild dog baiting 2008...... 20 Annual 1080/strychnine application form for wild dog control in pastoral zones...... 21/22 1080 baiting questionnaire ...... 23

EDITOR: Matthew Fletcher

Visit http://www.agric.wa.gov.au PASTORAL MEMO – NORTHERN PASTORAL REGION JUNE 2008

PASTURE GROWTH RELATIVE TO HISTORICAL RECORDS FROM 1957

NOVEMBER 2006 TO APRIL 2007

NOVEMBER 2007 TO APRIL 2008

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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.

Front page photo courtesy of Don Hadden, Mt Barnett

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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

Congratulations to Annabelle Coppin from in the who was awarded the North Australian Beef Research Council Young Achiever Medal for 2008. Annabelle’s commitment and passion to the northern pastoral industry is exciting and deserves the recognition which comes with the award. Read more about Annabelle’s achievements in the northern pastoral industry in this Memo. It is great to see the PGA Kimberley Division will be conducting another bull and commercial cattle sale at the Fitzroy Crossing rodeo grounds on 22 August. Two hundred stud bulls and other commercial cattle are to be auctioned. After the sale a cattleman’s dinner will be held at the Fitzroy Lodge. Let’s hope all stations can get along to the sale and dinner to support the organising committee and make the event a success. Some good rain fell across the central and west Pilbara in March and April—very welcome after the poor start to the 2007–08 wet season. Weather associated with Cyclone Pancho, which was well offshore was responsible for widespread falls in late March south and west of Karratha. Pasture growth during the 2007–08 wet season across the Kimberley was above average to extremely high. Unfortunately for the shire of East Pilbara, pasture growth has been extremely low, reflecting well below average rainfall over the season. Other shires in the Pilbara fared a little better but still only managed average pasture growth over the November to April period. It is interesting to compare pasture growth for the same period for the last two years. Happy reading Matthew Fletcher

Hard spinifex regenerating from butts following a fire late in 2007 http://www.agric.wa.gov.au 3 PASTORAL MEMO – NORTHERN PASTORAL REGION JUNE 2008

REGIONAL YOUNG ACHIEVER RECEIVES WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION

Paul Novelly, Kununurra

Pilbara cattle producer Annabelle Coppin has been awarded the inaugural Young Achiever Medal by the North Australian Beef Research Council. A strong advocate for youth and the industry, Annabelle joins Tom Mann of Charters Towers, retired CSIRO scientist Raymond Jones and Queensland’s Bernie English as NABRC medal recipients for 2008. ‘Annabelle is a 23-year-old cattle producer from the Pilbara who is not only active and passionate about the beef industry but is already a strong advocate for the live cattle industry, her region and agriculture in her state,’ said the chair of the selection panel John Stewart. The NABRC is an independent organisation composed of research and education organisations and producer representatives—John Stoate of Anna Plains represents the Kimberley and Murray Grey of represents the Pilbara. The Pilbara’s Annabelle Coppin, The research council provides leadership and advice to winner of the inaugural NABRC organisations investing in or conducting cattle research, Young Achiever Medal. development and extension across the north. Photo: Lara Jensen Freelance Photography Born in Port Hedland, Annabelle rose from a station hand with Heytesbury Beef to Yarrie Station overseer and head stockperson in five years. She is now a full partner in her family’s East Pilbara Cattle Company. Annabelle supervises the day-to-day running of the 500 000 ha Yarrie Station with its 5500 breeders, and has full responsibility for administration, staff management, livestock management and station maintenance. She is currently collecting information to build the case for greater investment in key research areas in the Pilbara, with a particular emphasis on retaining people in the region. In 2007 Annabelle was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship and studied the live export trade, especially understanding Australia’s competitors and implementing strategies to ensure the trade’s future. An advocate of country life, Annabelle has spoken on the ABC Country Hour and Bush Telegraph and been quoted in The West Australian, Farm Weekly, the Countryman, WA Pastoral Lines and Outback and Rural Remote Regional Women magazines over the past two years. She helped to bring about the Gascoyne Youth Muster in 2004 and was a ministerial nominee to the organising committee for 2006, an event which attracted 120 young people to discuss future directions of the industry.

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Annabelle was an inaugural member of the national Future Farmers Network and helped to establish the WA Farmers Federation Young Advisory Group in 2004. She was an executive member in 2006–07 and is now Executive member, Meat and Pastoral. An outspoken advocate of the live cattle trade, Annabelle has lobbied state and federal ministers and opposed the RSPCA move to end the trade in WA. Since then, she has campaigned to boost the reputation of WA livestock industries. Annabelle was also involved in the development of the Live Export Care website which communicates the producers’ side of the story on live export and animal welfare issues. She contributes regularly to the site. She is one of three producers on the new Livestock Export Industry Spokesperson Network set up by Meat & Livestock Australia and LiveCorp. This extraordinary devotion—as a strong advocate for her region, the state and the beef industry— clearly shows that Annabelle’s award was well deserved.

HOW MANY STEERS SHOULD PETE PUT IN BUSH PADDOCK?

Michael Jeffery, Derby and Matthew Fletcher, Kununurra

Pastoralist Pete has just mustered Bush paddock—done the branding, weaning and drafting—and has decided to put the two-year-old steers (18–30 months) back for a couple of months. Mustering gave Pete a good feel for how far the cattle are feeding from water and which grasses they are grazing (they prefer ribbon grass to spinifex). He also saw large numbers of wallabies and noted three awn grass throughout the paddock. Pete is now wondering how many of his steers can be returned for 60 days without compromising rangeland condition. After cutting a few quadrats (1 m x 1 m) of grass to estimate how much forage is available (total biomass), he estimated that 1500 kg/dry matter/ha exists. Allowing for wastage and detachment (Pete believes about 15 per cent of standing matter will be lost by the cattle walking through the grass) this would leave about 1275 kg/dm/ha of standing matter available for grazing (1500 kg x 85/100). Stock seldom graze three awn grass once it goes to seed or spinifex once it matures and Pete needs to discount the biomass of these grasses and other plants the cattle won’t eat from the available forage estimation. He assumes the three awn grass, spinifex and other unpalatable shrubs (flannel weed and mustard bush) make up about 20 per cent of the forage biomass. This would leave about 1020 kg/dm/ha of useful forage, mostly ribbon grass available for grazing (1275 kg x 80 per cent). Not wanting to overgraze the desirable perennial grasses in bush paddock and also wanting to leave enough groundcover to protect the soil, Pete decides to keep at least 500 kg/dm/ha of useful forage in the paddock, leaving about 520 kg/dm/ha of useful feed available for grazing.

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Bush paddock is 20 000 ha (200 sq km) and is fully watered, with water points 8 to 10 km apart. With this watering, Pete believes the cattle will have good access to all the feed in the paddock and pressure will not be too high in any area, as long as the cattle can be distributed evenly across it.

How much feed does he need?

On good-quality feed, Adult equivalent Average Category an animal will eat rating liveweight (kg) approximately 3 per Pregnancy and calves (< 6 months) 0.35 120 cent of its body weight Females per day; on poor- Weaners (6–8 months) 0.54 200 quality feed, this can drop to as low as One-year-old heifers (8–18 months) 0.68 265 1.5 per cent. Forage in Two-year-old heifers (18–30 months) 0.87 370 Bush paddock is still Dry cows (> 30 months) 1.00 450 moderately green and Males it has been estimated Weaners (6–8 months) 0.54 210 that stock will eat One-year-old (8–18 months) 0.68 275 about 2.5 per cent of Two-year-old (18–30 months) 0.93 405 their body weight per day. 2½-year-old (18–30 months) 1.00 450 Three-year-old (30–42 months) 1.16 545 Using the table , Pete Bulls 1.50 650+ has assumed a two- year-old steer is about Horses 1.20 0.93 cattle units (cu) or Kangaroos 0.10 adult equivalents (ae). Source: Grazing Land Management Notes—Kimberley

The average live weight for a two-year-old steer is 405 kg. 405 kg x 2.5% = 10.13 kg/dm consumed per two-year-old steer unit/day. Each animal will consume 10.13 kg/dm/day or 608 kg in the 60 days (60 x 10.13 kg). Each hectare provides 520 kg/dm, therefore each animal will need 608/520 kg/dm/ha = 1.17 ha. The total number of two-year-old steers which can be run for 60 days is 20 000/1.17 = 17,094 cu. Not discounted for above is the kg/dm/ha consumed by kangaroos. Grazing pressure from kangaroos should be considered when calculating a pasture budget on your pastoral lease.

Final calculation However, Pete knows that if the cattle eat all of his feed in the two months, then he won’t be able to carry any more cattle in the paddock for the rest of the year. To work out how many steers he can put in the paddock for the period and still leave feed for other cattle during the year, Pete redoes his sums for a full year. Feed eaten per day (405 kg steer) 10.13 kg Total feed eaten per head in the year 3700 kg Available feed per hectare 520 kg Area required per head for a full year 7.1 ha Total number he can run all year (similar-sized cattle) 2816

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BUSH NURSE

Joy Motter, Bulka Station

Old age is something none of us can avoid–if we live long enough. The healthier we are in middle age, the better our chances of achieving a healthy old age. However, the manner of our death is mostly beyond our control. Discussion about future housing and care of elderly parents or relatives needs to be talked about within the family early on, worked out gradually and with acceptance. There are occasions where resistance and fear of change can hamper any discussion about the future with anxiety com- pounded by our living in remote locations and having parents and relatives in towns or cities far away. Here are three practical things you can put in place before the need arises: • Ensure your relative has an up-to-date and legal will, preferably prepared through a solicitor. Ask your parents for a list of who gets what in the realm of family treasures (some are not necessarily included in the will). Some parents start allocating items to family members as they downsize their living arrangements. • Acquire an Enduring Power of Attorney. This document gives the legal right to a nominated person to manage the finances of another person if or when that person is unable to do so. This also should be done through a solicitor. • If an elderly person receives an aged pension, arrange for a family member to be a registered contact through Centrelink. If your elderly relative is suddenly incapacitated, you will be advised to apply for guardianship to allow you to make medical and lifestyle decisions on their behalf legally. This is separate from the Enduring Power of Attorney. In some instances it might not be appropriate for a family member to be the appointed guardian. In such cases a public advocate will be appointed. These matters are decided by the State Administrative Tribunal. Information is available over the Internet and is worth exploring. Hospital social workers will be very helpful with this sort of information as well. It also helps to be aware of what aged care services are available (and at what cost) in the relevant shire. These may include Meals on Wheels, senior citizen centres, home help, Silver Chain nursing services, retirement villages, aged care hostels and nursing homes. If you gather information now, you and the ‘oldies’ will be better prepared emotionally and practically if and when these services are needed. Such preparations also help you make decisions about what lies ahead in your own old age.

Reminders • Flu vaccinations for seniors and younger people at medical risk are overdue. If you have not already done so, rush in now and have the needle. • Mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River virus and Murray Valley encephalitis are prevalent so remember to guard against mozzie bites with appropriate clothing and repellent.

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IS THIS THE END OF HORSE FLU? UPDATE ON THE IMPORTATION OF HORSES INTO WA

Matthew Bullard, Veterinary Officer, Broome

Restrictions on the importation of horses and equipment into WA after the recent outbreak of horse flu have been lifted. In short, EI permits are no longer required for any horse, pony, donkey, mule or associated reproductive materials and equipment being brought into WA. Provisional freedom from equine influenza (EI) in Australia has been declared pending the termina- tion of the national response on 30 June 2008 when all remaining ‘green zone’ restrictions turn to white. Australia will regain the status of ‘Freedom from EI’ at the end of 2008 provided no further outbreaks are detected. Despite being able to breathe a big sigh of relief, we must continue to monitor all horses for signs of respiratory disease. The adoption and continuation of good biosecurity practices should be encouraged by all persons and organisations involved with horses. Movement conditions and requirements for all equines leaving and entering WA return to pre- outbreak status and relate to liver fluke, cattle tick and certain declared plant species as summarised below:

Liver fluke Most horses entering WA require pre-entry testing and border treatment for liver fluke followed by 100 days of post-entry quarantine during which a further treatment and test for liver fluke are required. These requirements may be reduced depending on the location of properties of origin and destination of each consignment.

Cattle tick Horses must be inspected and found to be free of cattle tick prior to entry. They may require treatment for cattle tick if originating from an infected area.

Declared plants Horses must have been inspected prior to entry and found to be free of seeds of certain declared plants that may be carried on the coats of livestock. Further details may be obtained from your nearest Department of Agriculture and Food office.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR RODEO CATTLE

Kristie Parker, Derby

Movement requirements for cattle at rodeos were changed from 1 July 2005 to reduce biosecurity threats in terms of animal diseases. If you are going to donate cattle for use at rodeos you are required to comply with the following: • All cattle must be earmarked and/or branded. • Cattle must have been fitted with either a transaction ear tag or an electronic device. • A waybill including the property identification code (PIC) of the property of residence and the PIC of the rodeo grounds must accompany cattle to and from the event. Rodeo ground PIC numbers of the West Kimberley and Pilbara are: Kununurra – WKSG 0014 Halls Creek – WBSG 0042 Fitzroy – WJSG 0004 Derby – WDSG 0003 Broome (Broome Horseriders Club) – WFSG 0015 Broome (Speedway Club) – WJSG 0047 Pannawonica – WKSG 0006 Onslow – WJSG 0012 Note: If the cattle are not returning to the property they came from, an electronic device must be fitted prior to movement off the property. The movement must be transferred on the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database within 48 hours by whoever receives the cattle after the event. If you require assistance with reading the devices and/or transferring the movement of cattle on the database, please contact your local Department of Agriculture and Food office. A copy of NLIS Factsheet No. 13 Campdrafts, Rodeos, Sporting Events and Agricultural Shows can be found at www.agric.wa.gov.au by typing ‘nlis fact sheet’ in the advanced search option and clicking on ‘National Livestock Identification System (cattle)’ then scrolling down until you come to NLIS Factsheets. Please contact your local stock Inspector for further information:

Karratha Derby Kununurra Mick Elliot – 9143 7000 Kristie Parker – 9191 0333 Dave Muirson – 9166 4000

Broome Halls Creek MareeGlasby – 9194 1400 Clint Vanags – 9168 6179

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FARMERS TAKING LIVESTOCK DISEASE RISKS WITHOUT QUARANTINE

Animal Health Australia (AHA) has called on livestock producers to take action on farm biosecurity as new research shows the vast majority do nothing to protect their animals from catching disease from new stock. The research, conducted in April and released today, shows that only 37 per cent of livestock producers isolate new stock – and of those, almost half only quarantine them for a week or less. AHA Manager Disease Risk Mitigation, Duncan Rowland, said that producers were taking significant risks, given that the science recommends that new stock be isolated for 10 days. ‘Introducing new stock is the key way disease can enter properties. Keeping new or returning animals separate from the rest of the herd in a receival paddock is one of the simplest ways to protect your livestock and your business,’ Mr Rowland said. ‘A receival paddock is a place for new stock to adjust to their new environment and empty their stomachs of weed seeds. It also gives time for signs of any disease to show up before they are introduced to existing stock,’ Mr Rowland said. Mr Rowland said that while AHA research earlier this year showed a new interest in farm biosecurity, it was disappointing that so many producers had not learned the most basic lessons from the equine influenza outbreak and recent disease outbreaks overseas. ‘We have seen how easily disease can spread from animal to animal, and placing new stock in a receival paddock inhibits disease spread to existing stock,’ Mr Rowland said. ‘The good news is that 84% of those producers who do isolate new stock report that their receival paddock is either double fenced, or some distance from other stock.’ Mr Rowland said that while it was encouraging that livestock producers were keen to improve their farm biosecurity, the research showed that many need more information about basic biosecurity. ‘We’ve developed an online resource at www.farmbiosecurity.com.au to help livestock producers understand the risks to their properties, and take simple steps to reduce them,’ he said. Any producer noticing unexpected or unusual signs of disease, abnormal behaviour or unexpected deaths in their stock should immediately call a veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888. Animal Health Australia is a not-for-profit public company established by the Australian government, state and territory governments and major national livestock industry organisations. The company manages national animal health programs on behalf of its members.

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CATTLE MARKET UPDATE—30 MAY 2008

Export numbers (Northern Ports 2008)

• 8839 head of cattle left the Wyndham Port as of the end of May 2008

• 2254 head of cattle left the Port Hedland Port as of the end of May 2008

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CARING FOR OUR COUNTRY

Linda Anderson, Community Landcare Coordinator, Pilbara

The future of natural resource management programs across Australia is changing. In March 2008, the Commonwealth Government presented the new phase of NRM funding in Australia, now called Caring for our Country. Caring for our Country is an integration of previous NRM investment programs, including the Natural Heritage Trust and National Landcare Program, and will be rolled out on 1 July 2008. While specific investment areas are yet to be released, the six national priorities to be addressed under Caring for our Country are: • the national reserve system • biodiversity and natural icons • coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats • sustainable farm practices • natural resource management in remote and northern Australia • community skills, knowledge and engagement. Funding of $2.25 billion has been committed over the first five years from1 July 2008 to June 2013. Of this, about 20 per cent of funds will be used to implement election commitments, with the remainder available for priority NRM activities. Under Caring for our Country, locally based community landcare coordinators are not funded. The Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group has identified that for our region, a strong need exists for these positions to continue, and has secured additional funding to continue with Kimberley- and Pilbara-based contracts for 2008–09. Primarily, they will provide a link between community groups, the Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group and Caring for our Country. Other details relating to the roll-out of funds under Caring for our Country have not yet been released. By September, it is expected that the guidelines for project investment will be released, with project applications due for submission in January 2009. Additional information on Caring for our Country is available at 1800 552 008 or http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding/index.html. For details contact Northern Rangelands landcare coordinators: Pilbara – Linda Anderson (08) 9144 1844 or [email protected] Kimberley – Corrin Everitt 0400 693 807 or [email protected]

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NORTHERN RANGELANDS CALENDAR

EVENT LOCATION DATE CONTACT

JUNE International Comedy Festival Karratha 5th & 6th Tel: 9159 6860 Broome Races – Round 2 Broome 7th Doug Milner – 9192 2085 Derby Race Round – Mad Hatters Day Derby 14th Joanne Moore – 9191 1552 Broome Races – Round 3 Broome 21st Doug Milner – 9192 2085 Derby Cup Derby 28th Joanne Moore – 9191 1552

JULY Fitzroy Crossing Campdraft/Rodeo Fitzroy Crossing 4th – 6th Kelly Smith – 9191 4748 Broome Races – Round 4 Broome 5th Doug Milner – 9192 2085 34th Annual Kununurra Agricultural Show Kununurra 11th – 12th Diane Robinson – 9168 2885 Roebourne Races Roebourne 12th John MacGowan – 0417 032 520 Broome Races – Round 5 Broome 12th Doug Milner – 9192 2085 Cossack Art Exhibition Cossack 13th – 3rd Tel: 9186 8559 Broome Races – Round 6 Broome 19th Doug Milner – 9192 2085 Halls Creek Campdraft/Rodeo Halls Creek 25th – 27th Merv & Jenny Wortley – 9168 8915 Kimberley Cup Broome 26th Doug Milner – 9192 2085 Shire of Roebourne – Gold Cup Race Day Roebourne 26th John MacGowan – 0417 032 520

AUGUST Bushman's Annual Rodeo & Campdraft Kununurra 1st – 3rd Joe & Catherine Atkins – 9167 8823 WALSA Bos Indicus Bull Sale Broome 6th Cathy Lovelock – 9654 8026 Ladies Day Broome 6th Doug Milner – 9192 2085 Broome Cup Broome 9th Doug Milner – 9192 2085 Wyndham Races Wyndham 10th Margaret – 0418 949 136 Wyndham Races Wyndham 16th Margaret – 0418 949 136 Draft / Rodeo Gymkhana / Station Challenge Derby 15th – 17th Cathy Brockhurst – 9191 1894 Dog baiting – Kimberley Halls Creek 18th Derek Goddard – 9166 4044 PGA Annual Bull and Heifer Sale Fitzroy Crossing 22nd PGA Ph: (08) 9479 4599 Cattleman's Dinner Fitzroy Crossing 22nd Jim & Joy Motter – 9191 7141 Shinju Matsuri – Festival of the Pearl Broome 22nd – 31st Josie Sloane – 9192 1809 Ladies Day Kununurra 23rd [email protected] Kununurra Cup Kununurra 30th [email protected]

SEPTEMBER Dog baiting – Pilbara Marble Bar 1st Neville McInerney – 9173 1609 Robe River Rodeo Pannawonica 5th & 6th Kerri Renton – 0439 028 369 Pilbara Music Festival Port Hedland TBA Sandy Harris – 9158 9368 Kununurra Bushman's Night Rodeo Kununurra 27th Joe & Catherine Atkins – 9167 8823

OCTOBER Kimberley ZCA meeting Broome 23rd Noel Wilson – 9166 4000 PGA Meeting – Kimberley Broome 24th Jim Motter (Chairman) – 9191 7141 8th Kununurra Apex Barra Bash Skull Rock 26th Mark Furini – 9168 3222 Clean up the Kimberley Kimberley 26th – 28th www.cleanup.org.au/kimberley Pilbara ZCA TBC 31st Richard Watkins – 9143 7000

PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] WITH DATES OF EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR LOCAL AREA.

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HOLD YOUR HORSES—DID YOU KNOW…

Another Pastoral Memo publication is available? The Southern Rangelands Pastoral Memo covers the Gascoyne, Murchison, Goldfields and Nullarbor regions. Pastoralists in the Northern Range- lands who receive this publication have asked me to make others aware of its existence. I have included the table of contents from the December 2007 edition below for your information. Please visit the Department of Agriculture and Food website on the link below to download your copy. www.agric.wa.gov.au/aboutus/pubns/agmemos/srang/index.htm

Table of contents (of the Southern Rangelands Pastoral Memo December 2007 edition ) A note from the editor ...... 2 Mardathuna Ruminant Nutrition Workshop Summary ...... 3 Tapping into the arid interior’s Carbon store ...... 4 Soil Carbon IS part of the Kyoto Protocols ...... 7 ESRM Project update ...... 8 On farm/Station training...... 9 Dam (excavated earth tank) establishment ...... 10 Do sausage baits work with foxes? ...... 12 Coordinated and collaborative weed control in the Goldfields-Nullarbor Region ...... 13 Free station maps! ...... 14 Developing fields of Green Gold ...... 15 Stock management guidelines during this drought ...... 17 Additions to WA’s conservation reserves ...... 18 The cost of doing nothing ...... 21 Promoting Community and Government Partnerships in Natural Resource Management ...... 24 Sustainable Livestock Productivity Project activity summary ...... 26 One of WA’s best rangeland scientists ...... 27 Catching cunning dogs ...... 28 Landcare in the Gascoyne-Murchison ...... 30 Management of invasive species – Mesquite ...... 32 Comment on seasonal conditions ...... 33

Lindy Climas, Mardie Station participating at a Low Stress Stock Handling Course. http://www.agric.wa.gov.au 15 PASTORAL MEMO – NORTHERN PASTORAL REGION JUNE 2008

PARTHENIUM WEED (PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS)

Jessica Paterson, Kununurra

Parthenium weed—one of Australia’s 20 Weeds of National Significance—has recently been discovered near Kununurra. The small number of plants was fortunately found within the quarantine facility at the Kununurra wash-down bay by a Department of Agriculture and Food biosecurity officer carrying out routine surveillance. All plants have been destroyed. The find highlights the effectiveness of state quarantine and the practice of washing down vehicles and farm machinery in allocated wash-down bays. Parthenium weed can germinate, mature and set seed, producing up to 100 000 seeds in four weeks. With its invasiveness, potential for spread and economic and environmental impacts it is one of Australia’s worst weeds. The plant can be toxic to cattle, causing meat to taint, and inhibits the germination and growth of other plants. The pollen can cause allergic reactions such as dermatitis, hay fever and asthma in susceptible people. Already a major problem in the rangelands and summer cropping areas of Queensland, it is costing farmers and graziers over $22 million a year in reduced production and increased management costs. Parthenium weed is a fast-maturing annual with a deep taproot and an erect stem that can grow up to 2 m tall. The leaves are pale green, branched and covered with soft fine hairs. The small white flowers (approximately 4 mm across) have five distinct corners and grow on the stem tips. Each flower produces four or five black wedge-shaped seeds. Parthenium weed can produce a large and persistent soil seedbank. This characteristic, combined with a fast germination rate and ability to undergo dormancy, make it well adapted to semi-arid environments such as the Kimberley.

Information source: CRC Weed Management and the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Heritage

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PRAXELIS FOUND NEAR BROOME

Earlier this year, praxelis weed (Praxelis clemaditea) was identified on a property outside Broome. This is the first known infestation of the weed outside Queensland. It was first discovered growing in the Innisfail/Tully region of Queensland in 1993 and has spread rapidly throughout tropical Queensland. An isolated infestation has also been discovered near Gympie in south-east Queensland. Listed as one of 28 plants on the Alert List for Environmental Weeds, praxelis is capable of spreading quickly over large distances. It has the potential to infest pastoral grasslands, conservation areas and crops such as sugar cane, bananas and other fruit. It may also be toxic to humans and stock, when ingested. Praxelis grows particularly well in disturbed areas and survives on a variety of soil types. Cropping and overgrazed pastures are ideal situations for praxelis to establish itself. An annual herb or short-lived perennial, praxelis grows up to 1 metre tall. The leaves are tear- shaped to diamond-shaped, have a toothed outer margin and are arranged in opposite pairs. The flowers are lilac to blue, cone-shaped and clustered at the end of stems. The seeds are black with a tuft of bristles on the end and are about 3 mm long. Control work was recently undertaken on the Broome infestation of praxelis. It was pulled out and stacked to dry to be burned later. The seedbeds were also burnt. Follow-up work will be carried out to ensure this weed does not spread further.

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GENETIC RESEARCH TO BENEFIT WILD DOG MANAGEMENT

A new project will use DNA to tackle the problems of wild dog management in WA. The Western Australian Wild Dog DNA Project aims to collect DNA samples from across the state in the largest survey of wild dogs ever undertaken in Australia. Movement patterns and interbreeding between dogs and dingoes are the main focus of the study, which is a partnership between the University of Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group, BHP and the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre. Existing scientific information on where dogs roam has mostly come from tracking with radio collars, with major studies having been undertaken in Western Australia. However, these studies focused on relatively localised areas, and broader-scale studies across many regions have not been possible. Similarly, the extent of hybridisation between feral dogs and dingoes is also a matter of major significance for wild dog management in Western Australia, but until recently has been virtually impossible to assess on any reasonable scale. DNA sampling provides opportunities to get a snapshot of animal populations across much larger areas. ‘DNA is a very efficient way to look at dog populations, because you can use the same sample to find out where each dog’s relatives are and also whether they are feral dogs, dingoes or hybrids,’ said University of WA PhD student Danielle Stephens this week. ‘If we can get DNA from enough dogs in each area, we can see how far you have to go across a landscape before dogs are no longer related.’ Similar studies on feral pigs and foxes have been very successful. The DNA approach relies on generating unique ‘DNA fingerprints’ for individual wild dogs like those used in paternity testing or forensics, then mapping them onto the landscape. The genetic similarity between individual dogs provides an indication of how far the interbreeding groups extend. This approach requires accurate information on where the dogs were caught, and the results can be overlaid on landscape features, or different control regimes to determine their role in structuring dog populations. This study will add to the existing scientific information on several key aspects of wild dog ecology in WA. Most prominent will be a better understanding of the movement characteristics of wild dog populations on a much larger scale than was previously possible. It will also reveal the extent of hybridisation between feral dogs and dingoes in different parts of the state. Collectively, this information will be used to evaluate and refine and possibly reinforce existing strategies to tackle wild dog issues, including wild dog control and dingo conservation. The sampling performed in WA will also be integrated into a national survey of dingo purity and genetic variability. Landholders and land managers can get involved in the project by sending in a piece of ear tissue from culled wild dogs. The University of Western Australia is providing simple collection kits, containing five vials for tissue samples, a reply paid envelope and an information sheet. ‘The more samples that we can get in, the better our picture of dog populations will be, and we want to cover a broad range of locations so that we can let people know what we find out in their area,’ Ms Stephens said. For more information or to request a kit, please visit www.wilddogdna.animals.uwa.edu.au or email [email protected]

18 http://www.agric.wa.gov.au PASTORAL MEMO – NORTHERN PASTORAL REGION JUNE 2008

1080 BAITING TRAINING

Under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act (1976), all landholders are required to maintain control of wild dogs on their holdings. It is the Department of Agriculture and Food’s role to encourage and assist the landholder in undertaking that control on and near stocked land. Baits containing 1080 will only be issued to landholders who are trained satisfactorily in the safe use of 1080 and its security during transport and storage. It is a requirement that those handling 1080 and those involved in its distribution, transport and storage are adequately trained. The department is requesting feedback from landholders and staff who will be using 1080 this year regarding their current level of training. Some landholders may wish to do a refresher course or have new staff that require relevant training. Training is available for all persons, including station staff and managers, to ensure that they are competent and aware of their legal obligations when handling 1080. Objectives of the training: • develop an understanding of the potential hazards to the public, wildlife, stock and domestic animals of the incorrect use of 1080 • describe the procedures that must be followed to minimise the hazards to the public, wildlife, stock and domestic animals • describe the conditions and legal obligations placed on the user of 1080 relating to the transport, storage and laying of the 1080 product. We would like to make training available at your convenience. However, we will need feedback on the best delivery method for you and where you would like the training to be held. Please contact your local Department of Agriculture and Food office for further information.

http://www.agric.wa.gov.au 19 PASTORAL MEMO – NORTHERN PASTORAL REGION JUNE 2008

WILD DOG BAITING 2008

A limited amount of commercial baits for baiting are available.

Dog baits will be distributed to properties on a ‘first-in, first-served basis’. You are encouraged to respond with your order as soon as possible. This year there is only one type of bait available for purchase—‘sausage’ bait. Kimberley baits will be charged out at $150 per 1000 or, for example, $75 per 500. Note: Landholders still have the option of making their own baits and there is no charge for the baits to be injected.

*Please return the following documents by Friday 11 July to your local Department of Agriculture and Food office: • 1080 Baiting Application Form (see pages 21 and 22) • 1080 Baiting Questionnaire (see page 23)

KARRATHA DERBY PO Box 1618 (12 Hedland Place) PO BOX 278 (28 Loch Street) Karratha WA 6714 Derby WA 6728 Ph. 9143 7000 Ph. 9191 0333 Fax 9185 3380 Fax 9191 0334

PORT HEDLAND HALLS CREEK PO Box 651 PO Box 73 (Lot 241 Flinders Street) Port Hedland WA 6721 Halls Creek WA 6770 Ph. 9173 1609 Ph. 9168 6179 Fax 9173 4085 Fax 9168 6431

BROOME KUNUNURRA PO Box 5502 (25 Hunter Street) PO Box 19 (Frank Wise Institute) Broome WA 6725 Kununurra WA 6743 Ph. 9194 1400 Ph. 9166 4000 Fax 9192 2646 Fax. 9166 4066

20 http://www.agric.wa.gov.au PASTORAL MEMO – NORTHERN PASTORAL REGION JUNE 2008

ANNUAL 1080/STRYCHNINE APPLICATION FORM FOR WILD DOG CONTROL IN PASTORAL ZONES This application forms part of the annual property plan and must be accompanied by an up-to- date property map that highlights property buffers, high risk areas, locations of warning signs, wild dog leads and habitat and other information as required. Please contact your local Department of Agriculture and Food office if you require assistance with maps. The purpose of this application is to list all poison requirements for the following 12 months and therefore avoid the need to apply for multiple risk assessment applications throughout the year. Please ensure that the declaration on page two is signed and returned along with this page.

Office use only Application No./FRIF No.: Property No.:

Baiting application – the applicant must be the owner or occupier of the land to be baited.

Applicant’s name: Status: owner F occupier F

Telephone: Fax No.: Email address: Mobile:

Property name: (where baits are to be laid) Shire:

Residential and postal address of the property: Total area of property (ha):

Proposed 12-month period when baits will be laid: to .

Type and quantity of 1080 baits required: For ZCA community baiting ¨ Aerial baiting: Traditional dried meat baits ______Wild dog dried meat sausage baits ______¨ Ground baiting: Traditional dried meat baits ______Wild dog dried meat sausage baits ______For individual property use, separate to ZCA community baiting ¨ 6 mg 1080 traditional dried meat baits baits ¨ 6 mg 1080 wild dog dried meat sausage baits baits ¨ 6 mg 1080 Rhodamine oats bottles (100 oats/bottle) ¨ 1080 Concentrate Red bottles (100 mL/bottle [500 baits]) ¨ Strychnine bottles (25 g)

Persons nominated to receive and lay 1080 baits in accord with Poisons (Section 24)(Registered Pesticide 1080) Notice 2000

Nominate the person to receive or lay baits, RECEIVER of bait LAYER of bait identifying them with the relevant number (1, 2 or 3 Name/address Name/address represented below) in the box provided. 1. Owner/Occupier/Nominee (as Approved by Authorised Dept). 2. Authorised Department of Agriculture and Food/DEC Officer. 3. Licensed Pest Control Operator.

Should approval be given, the 1080 Authorisation Form to receive baits will be: Collected personally or by the nominated receiver, or Mailed to (name and address)………………………………………………………………………………………. cont’d over page... http://www.agric.wa.gov.au 21 PASTORAL MEMO – NORTHERN PASTORAL REGION JUNE 2008

ANNUAL 1080/STRYCHNINE APPLICATION FORM FOR WILD DOG CONTROL

Declaration

I, ……………………………………………………………………...... ………… (print full name) of………………………………………………………………………..……… (property address) and being the owner or occupier of the above land state that the above information and the attached map is true and correct and hereby agree that should the use of 1080 products on my property be approved, I will comply with the Directions of Use for 1080. 1. To display poison bait warning signs on property access points as required. 2. To notify neighbours in writing at least 72 hours before baiting is to commence (in aerial baiting programs and other special circumstances, this may be through blanket notification by the Authorising Department). 3. To ensure that baiting will not occur within 100 metres of any dwelling without prior written permission of the occupants. 4. To ensure that 1080 baits are safely secured during transport. 5. To ensure that the poison products issued to me, and subject of this application, will be secured and stored in a safe manner and used in accordance general baiting conditions. 6. To comply with any additional conditions imposed by the Authorising Department. 7. That all persons engaged by me for the purposes of assisting in the management and operation of the poisoning program will be instructed in the safe handling, storage and use of the 1080 poison and that I will be responsible for their actions in respect of the program. I declare that I have appointed the nominated person to undertake receipt of the baits. I declare that I have appointed the nominated person to lay the baits for me. I declare that I have received and read the Department of Agriculture and Food Farmnote, Guide to the Safe Use of 1080 and agree to comply with all necessary requirements and baiting conditions contained in that document.

Signature: ______Date: ______

Landowner/Manager responsibilities All land managers, both private and public, are required to: • develop annual wild dog management plans that outline property buffers, high risk areas, locations of warning signs, wild dog leads and habitat and other information as required • as appropriate, participate in organised community groups for coordinated control to effect greater wild dog control • conduct wild dog population and damage assessments for their lands • where appropriate, assist in the laying of baits and maintain a record of areas baited and areas of current wild dog activity • conduct control programs using the most appropriate and effective methods available for the particular situation (baiting, trapping, shooting etc.) • notify neighbours prior to baiting and maintain poison warning signs to property entry sites • monitor and record the effectiveness of control techniques and provide information to department staff • participate in the annual reviews of their property plan the regional wild dog management plan.

22 http://www.agric.wa.gov.au PASTORAL MEMO – NORTHERN PASTORAL REGION JUNE 2008

1080 BAITING QUESTIONNAIRE

Property name: ______

Contact person: ______

Phone:______

If you do require baits, please indicate numbers required. (Maximum of 3000 per station.)

Do you want to purchase ‘sausage’ baits? $150 per 1000 or, for example, $75 per 500 (price—Kimberley only). (Please circle) Yes No 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000

Will you be making your own baits? (Please tick) (Please indicate if you require either) Yes No Oats Injected with 1080 red

If yes, how many baits will you be making?

Do you require an aircraft to place the baits? (Please tick)

Yes No

If yes, do you have a serviceable airstrip? (Please tick)

Yes No

If no, whose airstrip will you be using? (Please note: besides station/community airstrips, Port Hedland, Marble Bar, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra airports are available for use. Karratha/Broome Airports are not an option.)

Do you have any Aboriginal communities/mining operations, etc. within the boundaries of your lease?

Yes No

Note: It is a legal requirement to notify all neighbours at least 72 hours prior to laying any baits. The aircraft and a bombardier are provided free of charge, however the station will need to provide a navigator who will be responsible for instructing the bombardier on where to drop the baits. Alternatively you can arrange an appointment with your local Biosecurity officer and create an electronic track log using the Ozi Explorer Mapping program to supplement the need for a navigator.

Thank you for your assistance.

http://www.agric.wa.gov.au 23