V 37 (5 - 6) May - June 2004 - FutureBeef · Page 1 V 37 (5 - 6) May - June 2004 IN THIS ISSUE →...

V 37 (5 - 6) May - June 2004

IN THIS ISSUE

→ Pastoral Market Update→ Update on the Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Project→ Survival and Production in Arid Areas - Part 3→ New Peak Horticulture Body Announced→ Get Involved in Central Australia’s Grazing Land Management

Workshop→ 50th Anniversery of Bull Sale at AZRI→ NIRS Faecal Analysis→ 2nd Nutrition Edge Workshop→ DBIRD Updates→ Owen Springs/OMPRS Update→ Kids Learn How to Handle Cattle→ How to Find a PIC for NT Properties→ Its Showtime in The Alice→ Changes in the Procedures for Reporting Notifiable Diseases of

Livestock→ Notes from the Regional Director→ DBIRD Contact Phone Numbers→ Monthly Review of Temperature and Rainfall

E-mail contact: [email protected]

Website: www.dbird.nt.gov.au

Alice Springs Rural Review - May - June 2004

2004April, 2004

LIVE CATTLE EXPORTS VIA DARWIN PORT# Please note that the “NT CATTLE” figures are NT cattle exported through the Port of Darwin only, some NT cattle are exported throughinterstate ports.

Destination TOTAL CATTLE (including interstate) # NT CATTLE

2002 2003Lastyear

30/04/03

YTD30/04/04

1-30Apr

PreviousMonth

Difference

2002 2003

Lastyear

30/04/03

YTD30/04/

04

1-30Apr

PreviousMonth

Difference

BRUNEI 19,085 16,572 7,537 3,246 0 909 -909 12,012 13,574 5,791 3,246 0 909 -909

EGYPT 10,873 0 0 0 0 0 0 10,873 0 0 0 0 0 0

INDONESIA 199,327 182,624 68,784 43,126 15,701 1,665 +14,036 133,763 145,274 46,035 42,409 14,984 1,665 +13,319

PHILIPPINES 65,931 51,792 11,720 10,948 2,883 2,162 +721 52,692 46,243 8,203 10,948 2883 2,162 +721

SABAH 318 224 0 0 0 0 0 17 224 0 0 0 0 0

SAUDI ARABIA 6,550 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,066 0 0 0 0 0 0

SARAWAK 1,033 320 320 0 0 0 0 846 92 92 0 0 0 0

VIETNAM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

W-MALAYSIA 18,765 9,028 6,960 893 893 0 +893 13,839 7,055 4987 893 893 0 +893

EAST TIMOR 32 58 0 0 0 0 0 0 58 0 0 0 0 0

JORDAN 688 0 0 0 0 0 0 688 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 322,602 260,618 95,321 58,213 19,477 4,736 +14,741 229,796 212,520 65,108 57,496 18,760 4,736 +14,024

-37,108 -7,612

"April at a glance"

• 19,477 head through the Port of Darwinduring April, 14,741 head more than March,but 12,020 less than April last year.

• The first upward motion of the graph for2004! And the first trickle (717) of interstatecattle

Live Cattle Exports thru the Port of Darwin(last 10 years)

0

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TOTAL Live Cattle Exports thru Port of Darwin2003 v 2004

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2003 2004

NT Live Cattle Exports thru Port of Darwin2003 v 2004

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2003 2004

PREVIOUS 7 YEARSTotal Cattle, Port of Darwin NT Cattle, Port of Darwin

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003383,535 448,196 219,439 280,011 299,179 258,127 322,602 260,618 189,918 246,389 160,412 192,441 222,669 193,172 229,796 212,520


2004April, 2004 Continued

OTHER LIVESTOCK EXPORTS VIA DARWIN PORT (includes NT and Interstate Stock)Buffalo Camels Goats Deer Horses Sheep Pigs

Destination 2003 2004 1-30Apr 2003 2004 1-30

Apr 2003 2004 1-30Apr 2003 2004 1-30

Apr 2003 2004 1-30Apr 2003 2004 1-30

Apr 2003 2004 1-30Apr

BRUNEI 2,774 547 0 94 48 0 3,295 864 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 352 0 0 0 0 0EAST TIMOR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0W-MALAYSIA 32 0 0 145 0 0 6,436 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 625 0 0 0 0 0SAUDI ARABIA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0SARAWAK 0 0 0 100 0 0 239 0 0 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0PHILIPPINES 0 0 0 0 0 0 223 100 100 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0INDONESIA 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0THAILAND 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0TOTAL 2,806 547 0 339 48 0 10,227 964 100 60 0 0 7 2 0 977 0 0 0 0 0

NATIONAL CATTLE PRICES - W/E 30/04/04JAPANESE OX KOREAN STEER

Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg) Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)

SALEYARDS O.T.HOOKS SALEYARDS O.T.HOOKSNSW QLD SA AV (Aust)

NSW QLD SA AV (Aust)



This week 290 292 nq 290 288 296 295 290 Thisweek 282 284 298 284 264 nq nq 264

Last week 290 299 287 293 284 296 295 290 Lastweek 284 293 281 289 267 nq nq 267

Year ago 330 317 321 323 302 328 315 312 Yearago 308 298 325 308 296 305 nq 301

US MANUFACTURING COW DOMESTIC TRADE STEEREstimated dressed weight price (cents/kg) Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)





This week 240 272 254 252 228 246 230 223 Thisweek 310 314 322 315 279 274 260 287

Last week 243 265 251 254 235 nq 230 224 Lastweek 310 312 318 311 284 280 255 287

Year ago 238 253 242 242 232 259 223 222 Yearago 343 333 340 342 296 288 290 314

LIVE EXPORT QUOTESEstimated live weight price (cents/kg)

LIGHT STEERS(280-400 kg)

HEAVY STEERS(400+ kg)

Darwin F/mantle Darwin F/mantle

This week 155 150 155 150

Last week 155 nq 155 nq

Year ago 155 nq 155 nq

Prices courtesy of:Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATESKey Currencies

1AUD =Current30.04.04

Previous week23.04.04

3 months ago30.01.04

1 Year ago30.04.03

Pre-devaluation01.07.97

Brunei Dollar 1.2294 1.076Egyptian Pound 4.4971 2.56Euro 0.6031 N/AIndonesianRupiah

6399.62 1830

Libyan Dinar 0.9852 0.27Malaysian Ringgit 2.7413 1.9Philippine Peso 40.5684 19.84

Sorry, comparative rates unavailabledue to Internet crash!

Prepared by the NT Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development.

This publication contains commodity market information prepared for DBIRD staff use in strategic research and extension planning. While DBIRD exercise care in the compilation and preparation of this information, no responsibility is taken for itsaccuracy or for the completeness of any information that is reproduced from other sources. DBIRD denies any loss or damage to any person whether caused directly or indirectly by the use of any of the information provided.

2004


May, 2004

LIVE CATTLE EXPORTS VIA DARWIN PORT# Please note that the “NT CATTLE” figures are NT cattle exported through the Port of Darwin only, some NT cattle are exported throughinterstate ports.Destination TOTAL CATTLE (including interstate) # NT CATTLE

2002 2003Lastyear

31/05/03

YTD31/05/04

1-31May

PreviousMonthDifference

2002 2003

Lastyear

31/05/03

YTD31/05/04

1-31May

PreviousMonthDifference

BRUNEI 19,085 16,572 9,168 4,924 1,678 0 +1,678 12,012 13,574 6,482 4,908 1,662 0 +1,662

EGYPT 10,873 0 0 0 0 0 0 10,873 0 0 0 0 0 0

INDONESIA 199,327 182,624 90,947 60,190 17,064 15,701 +1,363 133,763 145,274 62,288 59,354 16,945 14,984 +1,961

PHILIPPINES 65,931 51,792 11,720 10,948 0 2,883 -2,883 52,692 46,243 8,203 10,948 0 2883 -2,883

SABAH 318 224 0 0 0 0 0 17 224 0 0 0 0 0SAUDIARABIA 6,550 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,066 0 0 0 0 0 0

SARAWAK 1,033 320 320 0 0 0 0 846 92 92 0 0 0 0

VIETNAM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

W-MALAYSIA 18,765 9,028 7,301 2,186 1,293 893 +400 13,839 7,055 5,328 2,186 1,293 893 +400

EAST TIMOR 32 58 0 0 0 0 0 0 58 0 0 0 0 0

JORDAN 688 0 0 0 0 0 0 688 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 322,602 260,618 119,456 78,248 20,035 19,477 +558 229,796 212,520 82,393 77,396 19,900 18,760 +1,140

-41,208 -4,997

TOTAL Live Cattle Exports thru Port of Darwin2003 v 2004

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NT Live Cattle Exports thru Port of Darwin2003 v 2004

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2003 2004

"May at a glance"

• 20,069 head through the Port of Darwin duringMay, 592 head more than April but 4,066 lessthan May last year.

• Total interstate cattle at 31 May 04 = 852Total interstate cattle at 31 May 03 = 37,063Total interstate cattle at 31 May 02 = 24,942Total interstate cattle at 31 May 01 = 38,563

Live Cattle Exports thru the Port of Darwin(last 10 years)

0

50000

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Catt

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ead

Total Cattle NT Cattle

PREVIOUS 7 YEARSTotal Cattle, Port of Darwin NT Cattle, Port of Darwin

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003383,535 448,196 219,439 280,011 299,179 258,127 322,602 260,618 189,918 246,389 160,412 192,441 222,669 193,172 229,796 212,520

2004


May, 2004 ContinuedOTHER LIVESTOCK EXPORTS VIA DARWIN PORT (includes NT and Interstate Stock)Buffalo Camels Goats Deer Horses Sheep Pigs

Destination 2003 2004 1-31May 2003 2004 1-31

May 2003 2004 1-31May 2003 2004 1-31

May 2003 2004 1-31May 2003 2004 1-31

May 2003 2004 1-31May

BRUNEI 2,774 852 305 94 82 34 3,295 1,294 430 0 0 0 0 0 0 352 0 0 0 0 0EAST TIMOR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0W-MALAYSIA 32 0 0 145 0 0 6,436 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 625 0 0 0 0 0SAUDI ARABIA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0SARAWAK 0 0 0 100 0 0 239 0 0 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0PHILIPPINES 0 0 0 0 0 0 223 100 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0INDONESIA 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0THAILAND 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0TOTAL 2,806 852 305 339 82 34 10,227 1,394 430 60 0 0 7 2 0 977 0 0 0 0 0

NATIONAL CATTLE PRICES - W/E 28/05/04JAPANESE OX KOREAN STEER

Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg) Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)





This week 307 302 310 304 297 310 300 296 Thisweek 300 301 324 303 277 nq nq 277

Last week 301 306 308 303 289 300 295 291 Lastweek 296 296 nq 296 272 nq nq 272

Year ago 310 295 304 306 286 278 285 285 Yearago 303 278 315 291 282 263 nq 273

US MANUFACTURING COW DOMESTIC TRADE STEEREstimated dressed weight price (cents/kg) Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)





This week 255 272 259 265 230 262 238 223 Thisweek 324 323 324 323 290 283 260 297

Last week 245 269 256 256 226 257 235 225 Lastweek 314 314 319 314 287 281 260 292

Year ago 232 232 219 231 212 213 195 198 Yearago 330 299 321 326 286 258 285 304

LIVE EXPORT QUOTESEstimated live weight price (cents/kg)

LIGHT STEERS(280-400 kg)

HEAVY STEERS(400+ kg)

Darwin F/mantle Darwin F/mantle

This week 155 nq 152 nq

Last week 150 nq 150 nq

Year ago 145 nq 145 nq

Prices courtesy of:Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATESKey Currencies

1AUD =Current31.05.04

Previous week24.05.04

3 months ago29.02.04

1 Year ago31.05.03

Pre-devaluation01.07.97

Brunei Dollar 1.2334 1.2197 1.3251 1.1518 1.076Egyptian Pound 4.4421 4.3873 4.8058 3.9212 2.56Euro 0.5839 0.584 0.6199 0.5544 N/AIndonesianRupiah

6629.45 6349.33 6522.17 5422.5 1830

Libyan Dinar 0.9742 0.9544 1.0555 0.7986 0.27Malaysian Ringgit 2.7143 2.6758 2.9298 2.4781 1.9Philippine Peso 40.0689 39.2475 43.8042 34.7608 19.84Thai Baht 28.9695 28.5691 30.3664 27.2967 18.6744US Dollar 0.7148 0.6994 0.7742 0.653 0.752

Prepared by the NT Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development.

This publication contains commodity market information prepared for DBIRD staff use in strategic research and extension planning. While DBIRD exercise care in the compilation andpreparation of this information, no responsibility is taken for its accuracy or for the completeness of any information that is reproduced from other sources. DBIRD denies any loss or damageto any person whether caused directly or indirectly by the use of any of the information provided.


UPDATE ON THEENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS(EMS) PROJECT

Dionne Walsh, Centralian Land ManagementAssociation, Alice Springs

What is an EMS?

An EMS is a process used by businesses to identifyand achieve continuous improvement inenvironmental management. The process helps youto:

− Identify where you currently are with yourmanagement.

− Work out where you want to be.− Identify how you are going to get there.− Monitor your progress.

There is already so much good environmentalmanagement going on - an EMS helps to recordthese things as well as identifying areas needingsome improvement.

What have we done so far?

The fifteen producers who volunteered to be part ofthe project have received satellite images and mapsabout land types, water resources, weedinfestations, fire histories, threatened flora and fauna,landcare works and scientific projects on theirstations. Some have also recorded their historicaland current management practices so that they cansee how these change over time. An example copyof an EMS folder (using Owen Springs data) can beviewed at the CLMA office.

Two stations have already been awarded Envirofundfunding to control weeds and we believe that havingan EMS was helpful in them getting this funding.

What will we be doing this year?

The participants will be identifying the biggestenvironmental risks to their businesses and puttingtogether some work plans to deal with them.

How can you find out more?

Give Dionne a call on (08) 8953 4230 or get in touchwith a project participant near you (Amburla, Alcoota,Hamilton Downs, Mt Riddock, Murray Downs,Andado, Lilla Creek, Mt Ebenezer, Temple Bar,Erldunda, Lyndavale, Palmer Valley, Tieyon orUmbearra).

ThanksThis pilot project is partially funded by the NaturalHeritage Trust. CLMA acknowledges the support of ourpartners in this project: the Department of Business,Industry & Resource Development, Department ofInfrastructure, Planning & Environment, CSIRO (AliceSprings), Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association andthe Threatened Species Network (Alice Springs).

Survival and Production in AridAreas – Part 3

Dr. Keith Locke, Sadadeen Veterinary Clinic,Alice Springs

Bos indicus vs Bos taurus

One of the significant advancements in cattle herds ofextensive Australia has been the introduction of Bosindicus and B. indicus-infused cattle. These cattlehave better survival rates than straight Bos taurusstock because they have a superior ability to digestfibrous feed, as demonstrated by Hennessy et al(1995). Bos indicus cattle are able to recirculatesome blood urea from body metabolism into therumen, in order to assist rumen microbes to converthigh fibre feeds into energy. This has some similarityto the camel digestive system.

Progress in the Pastoral Industry

Pastoralists face many variables, ranging fromextreme seasonal conditions to market fluctuations.The pastoral industry has managed many of thosevariable risks by upgrading control measures—through improved fencing, more waters, better controlof stock, weaning, land use, nutrition, breedselection, improved health and welfare plus marketflexibility.

The experience of cattle owners and managers,livestock agents and pastoral groups, together withextension of technical and scientific data bycommercial, research and government agencies hasmade industry what it is today.

References:Hennessy, D.W., Kohun, P.J., Williamson, P.J.,Brown, D.A., Nolan, J.V. (1995) ‘The effect of nitrogenand protein supplementation on feed intake, growthand digestive function of steers with different Bosindicus, Bos taurus genotypes when fed a low qualitygrass hay’ Australian Journal of AgriculturalResearch, 46 (6): 1121-1136.


NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENTMEDIA RELEASE

17 May 2004

KON VATSKALIS MLAPrimary Industry and Fisheries Minister

NEW PEAK HORTICULTURE BODY ANNOUNCED

The future of horticulture in the Territory will be strengthened by the formation of a new bodycharged with providing strategic advice and guidance for the whole of the industry.

Primary Industry Minister, Kon Vatskalis, said the new group - Horticulture Partnership Group(HPG) - replaces the Horticulture Advisory Committee.

“The major difference now is that HPG membership is based on skills rather than representing aparticular sector of the industry,” he said.

“HPG is made up of people with specific skills relating to the industry, an independent Chair, andtwo positions each for producers from Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs and one membereach with skills in packing/transport, marketing and business. The positions were advertisedacross the Territory.”

· New independent Chairman is Mr Vincent Lange.· Packer and transport interests are provided by Mr Peter Delis.· Marketing expertise is provided by Mr Graham Penfold.· Darwin producer members are Ms Lee Berryman and Mr Haig Arthur.· Katherine producer members are Mr John Etty and Mr Ken Mille.· Alice Springs producer member is Mr Trevor Sowman.

Two positions are yet to be filled - one from Alice Springs producers and another meeting criteriain the business skills area.

In addition to these members, the President of the NT Horticultural Association, Tom Harris, andthe Director of DBIRD’s Horticultural Group, Dr Niranjan Dasari, have also been appointed.

Minister Kon Vatskalis says that he has commissioned an independent review of the NorthernTerritory Horticultural industry to assist HPG with its deliberations.

“The review will be conducted by eminent scientist Dr Nigel Scott, previously the Deputy Chief ofCSIRO Division of Plant Industry, and the man responsible for all CSIRO horticulture researchprograms,” he said.

The review will look into the DBIRD Horticulture Group’s capacity in research and development,and will also investigate how R&D could be improved through collaborations with CSIRO, CharlesDarwin University, and other agencies in the Territory, Australia and overseas. The review will alsoexamine the future industry development issues in relation to national and international trends andwill formulate future strategies to bolster developments in the NT.

“I am confident this approach will help put the NT’s horticultural industry on the front foot to goforward in a more effective and sustainable development path and become an even moresignificant contributor to the Territory economy,” said Mr Vatskalis


Get involved in CentralAustralia’s Grazing LandManagement Workshop!

Jo Rodney, Centralian Land ManagementAssociation, Alice Springs

The Centralian Land Management Association(CLMA) is seeking your assistance to tailor aGrazing Land Management (GLM) training packageto central Australian conditions. CLMA is thelandcare group of the pastoral industry in centralAustralia, and is actively involved in improving thecapacity of the pastoral community to bettermanage the semi-arid and arid rangelands.Membership extends from northern SA to TennantCreek in the NT.

GLM training is an initiative of Meat and LivestockAustralia’s (MLA) Northern Beef Program. Theworkshop has been developed in four regions ofnorthern Australia but has not yet been modified tocentral Australian conditions.

The 3-day workshop gives participants anappreciation of environmental and ecological issuesin the arid rangelands. Participants use a locallyrelevant case study property to look at differentmanagement options culminating in thedevelopment of a grazing land management plan fortheir own land. A follow up day and on going supportfor participants is a feature of the workshop.

The workshop currently covers the following topicswith potential for additions:§ Maintaining healthy native pasture systems§ Understanding the relationships between water,

soil and native vegetation§ Understanding impacts of fire, weeds & feral

animals on biodiversity and productivity§ Managing the environment for climate variability§ Meeting market targets whilst ensuring long

term sustainability§ Determining the financial implications of grazing

management options.

The workshop is essentially designed forpastoralists, however it will be of immense value toall people working in and servicing the pastoralindustry in central Australia (eg. Landcare groupsand personnel, research and extension staff ingovernment, regulatory and monitoring agencies.)

CLMA has contracted Joanne Rodney to collateexisting research and knowledge into the GLM‘package,’ over-coming the common problem thatGovernment agencies face in delivering valuableresearch information to people on the land. Thisinvolves cross-border networking as she seeks

participation of Government and industry in SA, NTand QLD. A steering committee has beenestablished with representation from DBIRD, DIPE,CSIRO, Desert Knowledge CRC, CLMA and localland managers. Workshop notes and resources willbe reviewed with the steering committee and a pilotwill be run with local producers prior to thepublication of the central Australian GLM workshopresources.

If you have any information that can be used todevelop a profile on the case study property or will“beef up” (no pun intended!) the above topics pleasecall Jo Rodney at the CLMA office on ( 08) 89534230. Alternatively, call 0428 981 026 or [email protected].

50 Year Anniversary of the FirstBull Sale held at AZRI

A little bit of history will be created on the 1st July2004 when the 50th anniversary of the first Bull Salebeing held at AZRI will be celebrated.

The first Bull Sale was held on the 23rd April 1954with 73 Shorthorn, Poll Shorthorn, Poll Hereford andRed Poll Herd and Stud Bulls sold for an average of129 guineas/head.

Agents on the day were Goldsbrough Mort & Co.

The top priced Bull was a Red Poll sold at 775guineas, which was believed to be an AustralianRecord for the breed.

All Bulls were transported from studs in NSW, VIC & SA by Rail

This year there are 54 Santa Gertrudis bulls on offerwith the Sale to commence at 3:30pm and we lookforward to seeing you all out here at AZRI.Catalogues are available from Landmark or forfurther enquires phone (08) 8952 1722


NIRS Faecal Analysis… a new tool for managing cattle nutrition?

Jocelyn Coventry, Pastoral Production-Alice Springs and David Coates, CSIRO-Townsville

This article summarises the Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology for cattle faecalanalysis, plus it describes where there is potential for practical application and development of NIRS faecalanalysis by pastoralists and researchers in the Alice Springs district.

The NIRS faecal analysis technology might be described as “looking at dried cattle faeces with a red light”to quickly find out the current state of cattle nutrition …. but it is not that easy.

NIRS faecal analysis has been developed in Australia at the CSIRO–Townsville laboratory, initially usingBrahman-cross cattle and pastures in the north-east speargrass region of Queensland. Collection of cattlefaeces and data from other areas of Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory isdeveloping the calibration equations. Preliminary research in the mulga and spinifex areas of Queenslandand Western Australia, plus results from a NIRS faecal sampling trial at AZRI has relevance to most cattleproducers in the Alice Springs district. However, before NIRS faecal analysis can be a practical andreliable tool for cattle properties in the arid zone, a lot more field sampling and laboratory testing would berequired to develop essential, highly correlated NIRS calibration equations for the arid rangeland pastures.

Currently, NIRS faecal analysis has acceptable relevance and reliability for cattle grazing mainly tropicalgrasses in northern Australia, but unproven reliability for cattle with significant levels of non-leguminousforbs, herbage, topfeed or temperate-type grasses in their diet. Table 1 below gives a quick summary ofthose currently calibrated NIRS faecal analyses that have some potential for reliable application in northernAustralia.

For updates and information about NIRS faecal sampling and interpretation for cattle in the Alice Springsdistrict, Contact: Jocelyn Coventry, Pastoral Production-Alice Springs, Phone (08) 8951 8139

Level of potential: good (+ + +); average (+ +); poor ( + ); little practical field use (—)

Table 1 Potential for use of NIRS faecal analyses on different cattle diets.

CATTLE DIETNIRS analysis Mainly grass Significant amounts

of forbs and herbageSignificant amounts

of topfeed

% dietaryprotein

+ + + + + +

% dietarydigestibility

+ + + + + +

% dietarynon-grass

+ + +northern Australia

+ +northern Australia

+ +northern Australia

average weight gain(kg/h/d)

+ +Speargrass, Kerosene grass

& Wiregrass pastures

+ +Speargrass, Kerosene grass &

Wiregrass pastures—


Second Nutrition Workshop tobe held in Alice Springs

Ian McLean, FarmBis NT

Following on from the success of the first NutritionEDGE workshop held in Alice Springs in February,another is being held in July (Wed 14 - Fri 16) at theArid Zone Research Institute. The Nutrition EDGEworkshop is part of Meat and Livestock Australia’sEDGEnetwork suite of workshops.

The Nutrition EDGE product was designed specificallyfor Northern Australian producers and is delivered ina way that makes it relevant and adaptable to localproducers. This led to the success of the firstworkshop, because it delivered a complex subject ina way that Central Australian Producers could easilyadapt to in the management of their operations.

This practical hands-on workshop will help youdetermine the most cost effective and profitablesupplementation strategy for your operation.

Presenting the workshop will be Joe Miller and MattAhern of Alliance Consulting and Management. Joehas a PhD in Animal Production Systems and isrespected for his practical approach to commercialbeef production and grazing land management. Hehas delivered to a variety of groups on many aspectsof management for cattle production, includingnutrition, grazing management, animal production,pasture technology, project planning and computing.

Matt has a wealth of experience and practicalknowledge of Australian meat and livestock industrieswith particular emphasis on beef cattle production.His extensive experience in beef production holdshim in good stead to combine the relevant technicalinformation provided with practical ‘know how’ toproduce information useful for participants.

FarmBis support is available for the course that willreduce the cost to you from $1,340 to around $300but early registration is encouraged to get this support.

To register for the workshop fill out and fax theregistration form or for more information on thecourse, contact;Sally Leigo DBIRD Pastoral Team 08 8951 [email protected] White FarmBis NT 08 8973 [email protected] Boughen Alliance Consulting andManagement 07 3367 [email protected]

The workshop will finish at lunchtime on the Friday,after which CLMA is hosting a presentation byHugh Pringle, from the WA Department of

Agriculture. Hugh has done a lot of work withpastoralists in WA helping them to find methods ofimproving the sustainability of their operations. Hughwill be talking about his experiences in WA and how toimplement more sustainable production systems intoextensive pastoral operations.

DBIRD Updates

Congratulations to Doug Wilson for his 30 years ofservice to the NT government, on the 3rd June 2004 -thats along time to be playing with pooh! A smallpresentation was made to Dougie from the PrimaryIndustries group and a display cabinet with some ofthe more antique equipment from the nutritionlaboratory days was also presented to Dougie.

Doug and his cabinet

Welcome to the Minerals Group of DBIRD who madethe trek out from town to AZRI. They moved into theirrevamped wing of AZRI on the 4th May 2004.

The Minerals Group in their new Resource area

Phil Anning announced at the NTCA meeting heldrecently at Old Man Plains Research Station (OwenSprings) that Peter Saville would be the new PastoralManager for the Alice Springs District. He will stillmaintain his current position, as Regional VeterinaryOfficer with a view that 40% of his time will be spenton animal health and 60% of his time spent asmanager for the pastoral group. It is hoped that laterdown the track another veterinarian will be appointedto ease the workload on Peter. Thank you to Bryan Gillwho has been acting as the manager since MichaelCobiac finished in January.

We look forward to seeing you all over the Showweekend.


How will The Nutrition EDGE benefit me?On completion of The Nutrition EDGE you will be able to:

Understand ruminant nutritionrelative to the production cycle ofcattle.

Apply principles of pasture growthand quality

§ Assess the availability,composition and quality of pasturein relation to the season.

§ Assess the impact of soils onpasture growth and quality.

§ Develop a pasture productionmap, relevant to your ownproperty.

Assess and predict the performance of cattlerelative to the available nutrition

Manage nutritional deficiencies

§ Develop a plan for your enterpriseto manage nutritional deficiencies.

§ Know the best methods ofsupplementing your cattle.

§ Know what data you need fordecision making in nutritionmanagement.

§ Make informed financial decisions.§ Tailor your nutrition management

to produce cattle that meet marketrequirements.

Apply appropriate methods to assess and predict pasturequality

Apply cattle performance and grazingmanagement principles

§ Match cattle production with long termsustainability.

§ Predict the performance of cattlerelative to available nutrition.

§ Balance stocking rates.

Understand mineral nutrition of cattle

§ Know the major and trace mineralsimportant to cattle production.

§ Detect mineral deficiencies.§ Understand the importance of the

mineral ratios.

Know what supplements are needed and when they shouldbe provided to achieve a desired result

For further information contact: Naomi Boughen,

Alliance Consulting and Management (07) 33671113 or [email protected]


Owen Springs (Old Man Plains)Update

Rain!Like much of central Australia, good rainfall wasreceived on Old Man Plains in late May (66mm atNo.1 Dam). The country looks fantastic! Theweather was warm enough to promote significantgrowth of buffel, couch and native grasses. Therehas also been some herbage growth.

FencingConstruction work on the first internal fence willbegin in July and will be undertaken by AZRI farmstaff. The fence line was cleared earlier in theyear and is aligned on flat, sandy soils and avoidsmost drainage areas. Care was taken to avoidchannelling water along the fence as this cancause erosion gullies. When clearing the fenceline, care was taken not to create windrows andto cross drainage lines at right angles to thedirection of flow. Creek lines can be divertedalong fence lines where the cleared line runsclose to drainage lines and this causes erosionand droughting of down stream pastures.

StockAll the AZRI breeders have gone over to the 12Mile Paddock on Owen Springs, this will spell theBorefield paddocks. The bulls were taken out atthe end of April and the breeders will all runtogether until they are split into three groups formating again at the end of January 2005.

Surplus breeders may be coming down fromResearch Farms in the north once the fence iscompleted. They are to go into the new paddockwatered by Pine Gap and Mulga Dam.

ProjectsThe Pastoral Production Branch has prepared alist of potential project ideas for Old Man Plains.This list has been given to the newly formedASPIAC and they will consider these ideas alongwith projects of their own initiation. Some of thebroad subjects include; weaner management,heifer management, breed efficiencies,supplementation, rotational spelling, fire as amanagement tool, stocking rates and carryingcapacities.

VisitsThe Pastoral Land Board had quite an extensivetour of the area at the beginning of May. They arekeen to see how the area develops and wereinterested in the potential of looking at carryingcapacities for the area.

The NTCA also had a visit to Mulga Dam in themiddle of June. There is no doubt that there is a lotof interest and commitment on behalf of industry inmaking the most of a pastoral research facility incentral Australia. This was an excellent opportunityto reform ASPIAC.

Kids Learn How to Handle Cattle

Anna Barry, Marketing & Communications, AliceSprings

28 kids from local properties came into AZRI onSunday 6 June to learn the finer points on handlingcattle in preparation for the Alice Springs ShowJunior Handlers Competition.

The competition sponsored by the Centralian BeefBreeders Association gives the winner a chance toattend and compete in the Adelaide Heifer Show thefollowing year.

The kids, ranging in age from 5-12, learnt knot tying,how to make a harness, grooming, handling andleading cattle. The kids and their parents had a ball.

Organiser Greg Crawford was ably assisted by hisdaughter Deven, a previous competition winner, andwork colleague Bryan Gill. By the end of the dayeveryone had the young heifers smelling great,brushed and shining and ready for the grand finale ofleading them all out to the big paddock for a practiserun around the arena.

Look out for these young handlers over the showweekend, there is bound to be some competitionbetween them now they know the inside information.

Lindsay Wright from the Countryhour interviewedsome of the young handlers and this was aired as aseries of interviews on ABC radio, the CentralianAdvocate also featured some of the activities in theirFriday paper.

Thanks to Greg, Gilly and Deven for their time andeffort and the Mums and Dad’s for helping out withfood, drinks and encouragement.


How To Find a Property IdentifierCode (PIC) For a NT Property

Brian Radunz, Chief Veterinary Officer

Property Identification Code (PIC)

It is a mandatory requirement for owners of a holdingwhere cattle or buffalo are kept to register their holding.Owners are issued with a certificate listing the PIC,the property portion number and owner details.

The PIC is used for all waybills and most documentsrelating to cattle and buffalo. The property name andPIC are provided to the NLIS national database. Thereare currently 500 operational PIC’s in the NorthernTerritory.

A new Property Identification Code (PIC) search facilityis now available on the DBIRD Internet to assist cattleand buffalo industry personnel.

It is located on the DBIRD Internet site located withother important issues relating to LivestockIdentification and Movement atwww.primaryindustry.nt.gov.au or through the directURL: http://pic.primaryindustry.nt.gov.au

We envisage the users of this database will include:• Producers• Agents;• Livestock exporters;• Saleyards;• Tag Manufacturers;• Processors;• State Departments.

How to use the Search Engine

Searching on PIC

PICs are of the format ‘THDG9999’. All PICs muststart with the letter T, for Territory.Type in the PIC and click on ‘Search’. The propertyname and region will be displayed.

Searching on Property Name

Type in the name of the property (or any part thereofe.g. Sun for Sunnyside) and click on ‘Search’. Theresults will be sorted by the property name.

Note

Searches are not case-sensitive. Searches returnmatches on any part of the field. To clear thesearch fields, click on ‘Reset’.

Wildcards

Wildcards can be used for advanced searching. Theallowable wildcards are shown below:%: matches zero or more characters and _ :matches any single character eg %abc will list alldata with “abc” within any part of the text.

For further information on livestockmovements and livestock identification pleasecontact:

DarwinDave Russell

Regional Stock InspectorPh: 08 8999 203 Fax:08 89992146

KatherineBluey Lunn


Tennant CreekTed Martin


Alice SpringsGraham Coleman


For updating data please contact:PIC Database Manager, Veterinary Services

DarwinPhone: 08 8999 2033 Fax: 08 8999 2146

E-mail: [email protected]


It’s Showtime in the Alice

Anna Barry, Marketing & Communications,Alice Springs

There’s something for everyone at the DBIRDdisplay at this year’s Alice Springs Show.

Information and a demonstration on the NationalLivestock Identification System (NLIS) will explainthe latest on this scheme. Bryan Gill and SallyLeigo will be on hand to show how the systemworks.

Local pastoralists are encouraged to visit thedisplay and have a chat to the Pastoral team aboutyour ideas and suggestions on research projectsand the further development of the new researchfacility at Owen Springs. We want to run theprojects that are relevant to your operation so comeand talk with us.

We will have cattle in pens and heaps ofinformation. There will be citrus tasting and someinteresting giveaways. If you feel like a cuppa theurn is always hot with tea, coffee and milo ready togo.

Don’t miss the model factory that shows howbauxite is turned into aluminium; this provides anexcellent learning tool and a bit of fun at the sametime for children and adults alike.

A connection to the DBIRD website will give visitorsa chance to explore the new and improved sitenavigation and check out the recently launchedMinerals and Energy Diamond and SITE databases,the very interesting Titles Information System (TIS)and the Territory Business Channel.

The very popular kids fishing competition is back.Kids of all ages can have a go at catching a fishand if they can successfully identify their ‘catch’they will win a prize. The open pit mine site willprovide lots of fun for young ones to play in thesand with mining trucks, graders and diggers.

The theme of the display is TeamDBIRD, providingan opportunity for everyone to find out more aboutwho we are and what we do through the people ofthe department. Staff of DBIRD will be featured inthe display along with an explanation of what theydo in their special area of the department.

We will be running a hamper competition, so comeand check out the TeamDBIRD display inside thepavilion and answer the easy questions for a chanceto win a great prize.

We are a big department that works hard to developand keep safe the resource and business sectorsacross the Territory. Whether you’re into mining,exploration, petroleum, pastoral, horticulture,manufacturing, service or supply or any otherbusiness areas, the staff of the department arethere to help.

So come along and see who is in the display orworking on the day, have a chat and find out a bitmore of what is happening in your part of theTerritory.

Photo courtesy of Alice Springs Town Council

Photo Gallery

Some more photos from the Junior Handlers schoolheld recently at AZRI.

Greg Crawford teaches the kids how to male rope halters

Toni Braitling puts her sholder into it


Changes in the procedures forreporting Notifiable Diseases of

Livestock

Peter Saville, District Veterinary Officer,Alice Springs

On June 1st 2004, amendments to the Stock DiseasesAct changed the procedures for reporting NotifiableDiseases of Livestock. The objective of these changesis to reduce the potential impact of diseases.

The ‘Protect Australian Livestock’ campaign has beenrunning for a number of years to create the awarenessthat stock owners must report any unusual signs intheir livestock to their vet or stock inspector to enableearly detection of emergency animal diseases. Earlydetection will minimise the spread of disease andreduce the cost of the disease outbreak response.Look, check, ask a vet is the current slogan.

Funding for a rapid response to the 63 specifiedemergency livestock diseases is assured through thenational emergency animal disease responseagreement between Commonwealth and StateGovernments and industry, however the availability ofemergency funding will be dependant upon the earlyrecognition of disease.

Failure to report the initial case of Foot & MouthDisease (FMD) at the start of the UK FMD epidemicin 2001 allowed sheep to spread the virus for 3 weeksbefore the disease was detected. The result was anumber of outbreaks at different locations in the UKand in Europe, which were difficult to contain and mayhave been prevented.

To reduce the risk of a similar occurrence happeningin the NT, the changes to the Stock Diseases Actnow make it obligatory for owners, their employees,stock agents and veterinary surgeons to reportsuspected outbreaks of emergency and exoticdisease. Failure to do so could incur a penalty of upto $55,000.00. Reporting is also required if there is apositive laboratory result for one of the listed diseases.Failure to report an emergency animal disease withinthe first 24 hours, could mean that the owner is noteligible for compensation

Although the emphasis for reporting has been placedon the diseases which are classed as emergency orexotic, there is also a requirement to report suspectedcases of the sixteen listed endemic diseases (anationally agreed list). The sixteen endemic diseasesare diseases, which occur in Australia, but are usuallyconfined to specific areas. Of particular importancein the NT are suspected outbreaks of bovinetuberculosis, acaricide resistant strains of cattle tick

(Boophilus microplus) and the presence of cattle ticksin a tick free area.

The main emphasis for reporting of emergency orexotic diseases will still focus on those diseases,which represent the greatest economic threat toAustralia, such as foot and mouth disease. It isunlikely that property owners and their employees willbe familiar with all the notifiable diseases on the list,but they should be prepared to report outbreaks ofdisease, particularly cases where they are not familiarwith the clinical signs and there is a suspicion thatthe disease may be notifiable.

Copies of the disease reporting form are available onthe Internet at: www.nt.gov.au/dbird/animals/index.shtml

Tom Price AwardInnovations in N.T. Agriculture

The Department of Business Industry and ResourceDevelopment (Primary Industries Division) inconjunction with the Royal Darwin Show Society issponsoring the Tom Price Award for innovation inagriculture. The award commemorates Tom Price,Departmental Extension Officer who worked in NTagriculture for over 30 years.

An innovation is any new product, practice orprocess that improves the economic viability ofprimary production. Individuals, groups orbusinesses actively pursuing innovation areencouraged to nominate

The Award is judged in two classes, EmergingIndustry and Established Industry. There is a

$500 first prize for each category.

Nominations need to be made by June 21st throughthe Royal Darwin Show Society. Entry forms anddetails are in Section C of the Show Book.

For further information on criteria, eligibility etc contactChris Regan 8999 2340, Fergal O’Gara, 8999 2233 orthe Show Society


DBIRD Primary Industries News

Notes from the Regional Director

DBIRD- PRIMARY INDUSTRIESALICE SPRINGS

Phone: (08) 8951 8111 Fax: (08) 8951 8112

Regional Director

Phil ANNING 8951 8100

[email protected] 0401 118 100

Pastoral Production

Chris MATERNE 8951 8135Pastoral Production [email protected]

Alison KENNEDY 8951 8184Pastoral Production [email protected]

Sally LEIGO 8951 8144Pastoral Production [email protected]

Jocelyn COVENTRY 8951 8139Pastoral (Livestock) [email protected] 0401 115 940

Greg CRAWFORD 8951 8125Pastoral Extension [email protected] 0401 118 125

Bryan GILL 8951 8127Pastoral Extension [email protected] 0401 118 127

Animal Health

Peter SAVILLE 8951 8181Pastoral Manager & Regional Veterinary [email protected] 0401 118 181

Graeme COLEMAN 8951 8182Regional Stock [email protected]

Horticulture Inquiries

Phone: (08) 8999 2357 Fax: (08) 8999 2049www.horticulture.nt.gov.au

A meeting of the Alice Springs branch of the NTCAat Bohning Yards on Friday 18 June combined thebusiness agenda with an interesting demonstrationand field visit.

The location of the meeting was designed forindustry representatives to experience theoperations of a reader capturing data from cattlefitted with electronic tags. DBIRD’s Greg Crawforddemonstrated and explained how the systemworked and how it is being used in a number ofstates as part of the National LivestockIdentification System (NLIS).

Greg demonstrates NLIS at the Bohning Yards

A visit to the new research and development (R&D)site, Old Man Plains Research Station (a portion ofOwen Springs Station), marked the beginning of theformation of a new Alice Springs Pastoral IndustryAdvisory Committee (ASPIAC). A high level ofinterest and involvement in being part of the groupwhich over views the pastoral R&D program wasevident from the acceptances of nominations toASPIAC.

The Alice Springs NTCA meet at Mulga Dam

The committee has an important role in ensuringthat programs carried out by DBIRD both at OldMan Plains Research Station and throughoutCentral Australia align with the needs of thepastoral industry and help to position the industryinto the future. The pastoral R&D program at theArid Zone Research Institute is focussed on arange of new projects, many of them on Old ManPlains Research Station and a range of potentialprojects were introduced, for discussion byASPIAC.Best wishes,Phil Anning


Monthly Review of Temperatureand Rainfall for May 2004

WEATHER DETAILS PROVIDED COURTESY OF THEBUREAU OF METEOROLOGY, DARWIN. PLEASENOTE THAT THIS INFORMATION IS BASED ON

UNCONFIRMED DATA

Monthly Review of Temperatureand Rainfall for April 2004

Temperature

Mean monthly maximum temperatures were nearaverage in the northwestern portion of the Barklydistrict grading through to 2oC - 3oC above average inits far southeastern parts. Large portions of thewestern, eastern and central areas of the AliceSprings district also experienced mean monthlymaximum temperatures 2oC - 3oC above average.Elsewhere in the district they were 1oC - 2oC aboveaverage. The highest mean monthly maximumtemperature was 35.1oC shared by Brunette Downsand Rabbit Flat, and the lowest, 29.3oC at Kulgera.The hottest day reached 38.3oC at Rabbit Flat, onthe 6th, and the coolest day reached 21.5oC atKulgera, on the 25th.

Mean monthly minimum temperature behaviour in theBarkly district mirrored that of the mean maximumtemperatures discussed above with near averagefigures in northwestern parts ranging through to 2oC -3oC above average to the far southeast. Meanminimum temperatures in the Alice Springs districtwere near average in its northwestern areas rangingthrough to 2oC - 3oC above average to the east and tothe south. The lowest mean monthly minimumtemperature was 13.1oC at Alice Springs Airport andthe highest, 21.2oC at Tennant Creek Airport. Thecoolest night was 4.1oC at Kulgera on the 30th. Thewarmest night was 27oC shared by Jervois (on the1st) and Wulungurru (on the 5th).

Rainfall

Well below average rainfall was recorded in the farnorthwestern parts of the Barkly district gradingthrough to near average (17.1mm) to the southeast.The eastern half of the Alice Springs district recordedbelow average rainfall with mostly near average rainfall(17.6mm) being recorded elsewhere. No stationreported more than one rain day. Papunya reportedthe highest total monthly rainfall of 23.1mm which infalling on one day (the 1st) also marked the highestreported daily rainfall.

Temperature

Mean monthly maximum temperatures were within1oC of average throughout the Barkly district. Thegreater part of the southern two thirds of the AliceSprings district experienced mean monthly maximumtemperatures of 1oC - 2oC below average. Elsewherein the district they were within 1oC of average. Thehighest mean monthly maximum temperature was30.3oC at Brunette Downs and the lowest, 20.7oC atArltunga. The hottest day reached 35.3oC at BrunetteDowns, on the 18th, and the coolest day reached9.2oC at Yuendumu (a May record), on the 29th.

Mean monthly minimum temperatures were closeto average in the north western portions of the Barklydistrict and mostly 1oC - 2oC above averageelsewhere. Virtually the entire Alice Springs districtexperienced mean minimum temperatures of at least1oC - 2oC above average. Scattered portions withinthe district were warmer still, reporting meanminimum temperatures of 2oC - 3oC above average.The lowest mean monthly minimum temperature was9.6oC at Kulgera and the highest, 17.3oC at TennantCreek Airport. The coolest night was 1.6oC at Kulgeraon the 3rd. The warmest night was 22.7oC at BrunetteDowns on the 27th.

Rainfall

Much of the Barkly district experienced aboveaverage (8.3mm) rainfall with a small portion in theMittiebah area reporting well above average rainfall.The north eastern corner of the Alice Springs districtexperienced average (19.1mm) to above averagerainfall. Elsewhere very much above average rainfallwas received with some stations reporting theirhighest May rainfall on record. Many stationsreported 10 rain days or more, the highest of whichwas Papunya’s 15. The highest reported monthlyrainfall was Papunya’s (Alice Springs district)143.3mm - its highest ever for May. The highest dailyrainfall was also reported from Papunya with 54.3mmfalling on the 18th, exceeding its previous highestMay figure of 44.5mm recorded on the 10th of May1968.

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