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WHO’S NEW IN THE ZOO?

On 22 February, the Tennant Creek Department of Resources (DoR) office welcomed new Livestock Biosecurity Officer, Greg Maguire. Greg is originally from Grafton, northern NSW, and after leaving school at the end of 1994, worked on a local cattle station for 4 years. After a taste of the beef industry, he then set off north and spent 6 years working on Mt Sanford in the VRD, 4 of these as Headstockman. At the end of 2004, Greg then transferred to Moolooloo Station where he worked for 18 months, again as Headstockman. He then decided to return to his homeland and for 12 months, was the Assistant Manager on a smaller place near Grafton. In 2007 Greg broadened his horizons and took on 4 months of work in America working on a ranch and

a Thoroughbred Stud. On his return to Australia, Greg went back to Moolooloo as the bore runner/mechanic until the end of the season in 2007. Previous Mt Sanford Manager, Paul Stone, then asked Greg to return to Mt Sanford to run the camp for the 2008 and 2009 season. Greg has settled into town life well so far but is also looking forward to getting out and seeing the Barkly first-hand. Hopefully he didn’t become too attached to trees during his time in the VRD!

• Who’s New in the Zoo? • TC & District Show • Barkly Beef Dinner • Bluebush = LWG • Note from A/RD • KRS Open Day • We want your thoughts • Barkly Course • BRAC Update • NGS Project • Rubberbush Debate • Water Belly • HGP Hygiene • Forage Budgeting • Aussie Grass Update • Brunette 100 Years • Parkinsonia Dieback • Learn your plants • Rangelands Conference • Athel Pine Control • Media Releases • Around the traps • Notices/Reminders • PD Courses • In the Spotlight/TOTT • What, When & Where • Pastoral Market Update

ISSN: 1325-9539

MARCH 2010

DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES BARKLY BEEF www.nt.gov.au/dor 2


BLUEBUSH PADDOCK ON THE BARKLY PRODUCES DRY-SEASON WEIGHT GAINS Sarah Streeter, Beef Research Officer, DoR Tennant Creek

Bluebush (Chenopodium auricomum), is an upright, soft-wooded shrub that grows in the heavy clay soils of the Barkly, usually on flood plains or low-lying areas. It may be known as Northern, Swamp or Queensland Bluebush, and is of the same plant family as the saltbushes. It is highly nutritious, with crude protein levels as high as 20%, and is readily grazed by stock.

A mob of 2009 weaner steers recorded average dry-season weight-gains of 0.31kg/day, grazing a paddock with a mix of Mitchell grass (Astrebla spp.) and bluebush with no supplementation. The paddock contains approximately 18% of the Sylvester landsystem, which grows bluebush. The weight gains by far exceed 0.06kg/day recorded on a second Barkly mob (supplemented) and -0.11kg/day in a third mob (unsupplemented), all grazing predominantly Mitchell grass paddocks, containing no Bluebush, on other properties.

Diet quality of the steers was determined by collecting mob faecal samples over the dry season months, which have been analysed using F.NIRS (faecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy). Figure 3 shows the results for crude protein (%) and non-grass (%) of the steers over these months. The bluebush component of the diet is represented in the non-grass results (including other forbs) (red line on graph), which reached as high as 64% of the diet. We can see that the crude protein content of the diet follows these levels closely. The protein intake of the animals remained above maintenance requirements

(shown by the reference line) over this time. While there may be other property factors affecting weight gain of this mob compared to other Barkly properties, the F.NIRS results demonstrate that a positive plane of nutrition was in effect.

Figure 3: Dietary crude protein (%) and non-grass (%), and crude protein maintenance requirements (%) of a group of weaner steers grazing a Mitchell grass/bluebush pasture in the Barkly Region.

The Sylvester landsystem, which grows bluebush, follows the ‘blacksoil plains’ area through the centre of the Barkly. It is a valuable component of a mixed native pasture, and this data shows that it can sustain a considerable level of animal production during the dry season when pasture grasses lack nutritional value.

Figure 2: Project animals in forward condition in October

Crude protein (%)

non-grass (%)

Crude protein (%)

maintenance requirementJun Jul Aug Sep Oct

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Figure 1: Bluebush growing in amongst Mitchell grass tussocks on the Barkly

This information was collected as part of the NT Liveweight Gain Project, a collaborative project between DoR and Meat and Livestock Australia. For more information, please contact Sarah Streeter on (08) 8962 4487 or [email protected]


A NOTE FROM THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR (ACTING) Neil McDonald, Tennant Creek A/Regional Director, DoR Katherine

I hope all our Barkly Beef readers are enjoying some rain. It is certainly pouring today in Tennant Creek. I see that the forecast for March is for good pasture growth so that by the end of the wet it should have been an average or above average season over most of the Barkly. I hope the Bureau have got it right. Many parts of the region do not seem to have got their fair share so far. Ted Martin is still laid up with his injured leg but tells me that it is getting better. He has the cast off and is starting to put more weight on it. He should be able to start getting around more in a few weeks, though full recovery will be a slow business. I would like to warmly welcome Greg Maguire who has joined us as a biosecurity officer specifically to address the current tick outbreak. Many will know Greg as he has worked on NT stations for many years. I remember him well from Mt Sanford and other VRD properties. Scott Wauchope has given an update on the senior Pastoral Production position for the region. Our last attempt at advertising did not attract any suitable candidates. This has led to a re-think about how the Department can best service the Barkly industry and support our staff in Tennant Creek. With the support of industry, the decision has been made to move the P3 position to Alice Springs to increase the chance of getting a suitable applicant. This new position will also manage and lead the Alice Springs team, providing better integration and cooperation between the teams of both centres. Meanwhile recruitment to fill Ken Scott’s position in Tennant Creek is in progress. There were some good applicants and we are confident that we can appoint a suitable team member.

There are some other changes within the Pastoral Production Division and Primary Industries Group which should provide additional support to the team in Tennant Creek. Tim Schatz has been appointed to lead cattle research across the Territory and to provide guidance to local staff. Many will know Tim from his work on heifer performance which has had an impact across many parts of the North Australian cattle industry. Dionne Walsh has become the coordinator of the Department’s rangelands program across the NT. Dionne has only recently joined the Government but has had extensive experience in both Central Australia and the Katherine Region in private enterprise and as a member of the Centralian Land Management Association.

Sarah Streeter is expected to move to Katherine in the next few months. Although located in Katherine Sarah will still play a significant role across the Barkly.

I will remain as Katherine Regional Director and will also be taking on a broader role to oversee and lead research across the Primary Industries Group. Finally I would like to add my thanks to Geoff Murrell for being such an active chairman of the Barkly Region Advisory Committee (BRAC). In this role Geoff has raised the profile and reputation of the Barkly industry, and has been a great source of advice for us. I am not sure how he manages to balance all his different responsibilities, but I am glad that he has been prepared to devote so much energy to the BRAC chairmanship. I warmly welcome Di Sorley from Lake Nash to the role of BRAC chairman. Neil MacDonald Regional Director Katherine


Resignation of Geoff Murrell as Chairman

Geoff Murrell (Helen Springs station) has completed his tenure of four years as BRAC Chairman, since recently

taking on the role as branch Chairman for NTCA.

The region has been very fortunate to have someone with Geoff’s passion and progressiveness ensuring that

our region has input into the direction of MLA funding for RD&E across northern Australia. One such example

of this is Geoff’s perseverance with pushing Rubberbush invasiveness on pastoral lands as a regional priority,

which has seen MLA accept a preliminary proposal to fund in excess of $600 000 in research in this area^.

Holding up to four committee meetings per year, and attending biannual Northern Beef Industry Committee

(NBIC) and North Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC) meetings, Geoff has put in a considerable amount of

his time fulfilling the Chairperson duties. On behalf of the local industry and DoR, I would like to thank Geoff for

the dedication he has shown in the position.

[^ See page 8 for further details of recent planning in Rubberbush research]

Introducing Di Sorley as new BRAC Chairperson

Di brings to the BRAC Chairperson position an impressive breadth of relevant experience and technical

knowledge. Di completed a veterinary science degree with the University of Queensland in 1991, after which

she spent time working on cattle stations in the Katherine region. Di moved on to worked for four years with

K&B exports, dealing with all aspects of live cattle trade to Japan and Libya. Concurrently she spent a number of

breeding seasons doing reproductive work within the US and Australian horse industries, including time as

resident vet for Doc’s Freckles Oak. Di completed her MBA while working as the Technical Services Manager for

Coopers Animal Health, moving on to Elanco Animal Health as a Technical Sales Rep covering the Territory, Gulf

and Kimberley regions up until 2002. Di moved to Tanbar Station, Windora in 2003 when she married George

Scott.

Di and George moved to Lake Nash station in the Barkly region in 2004, where she has been raising her young

family, whist doing occasional vet work on the station (as much as possible with two young children!).

A note from Di:

I am really excited to be offered the position of Chairperson of BRAC. My very proactive

husband has continuously encouraged me to be more involved, but previously I have found

this impossible due to family commitments. Research and extension is essential for the

future progress of the northern beef industry, and I firmly believe it has to be collaboration

between producers and scientists that drives the success of this. In this position I’m

looking forward to communicating with owners and managers of stations in the Barkly

region, finding out what they believe is important, and using this knowledge to work with

extension staff and researchers.

Di will be attending the NBIC and NABRC meetings in Perth 15-18th

March.

Sarah Streeter

BRAC Secretariat

Ph: 08 8962 4487

E: [email protected]


THE GREAT (RUBBERBUSH) DEBATE Sarah Streeter, Beef Research Officer, DoR Tennant Creek

Government Departments, University and Community Groups push forward Rubberbush research Representatives from DoR, NRETAS, QDEEDI, Barkly Landcare Conservation Assn., Victoria River District Conservation Assn. and Charles Darwin University, met in Darwin on the 28

th

January to plan rubber bush research for the next 4 years. Most would agree that there was a great mix of knowledge, experiences and resources present in the group. The meeting was timely to provide input into a full funding application for a project titled: Investigating invasiveness, impacts, biology and control of rubber bush (Calotropis procera) in northern Australia; being developed by Shane Campbell of QDEEDI for submission to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). A preliminary application has been supported by MLA. The one-day meeting resulted in the following outcomes:

• Secured a commitment to a collaborative approach between the NT and Qld and clarify the roles and responsibilities of the groups.

• Crystallised the main themes for research (biology, invasiveness, population dynamics and control methods).

• Identified a list of research ideas under each of the funding opportunities proposed (a combination of laboratory and field research).

• Began identifying research methodologies that would be used in the research • Confirmed that two funding proposals would be developed. • Confirmed the commitment and available resources of each group present at the meeting.

It is expected that a full MLA proposal will be submitted by March, and if successful, the project will commence around April this year. The Barkly Region will be a focus for field research.

FROM THE WEBSITE…

http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/natres/weeds/find/rubberbush.html Rubber bush is declared a Class B (spread to be controlled – south of 16°30’S latitude) and Class C (not to be introduced to the Northern Territory) weed in accordance with the NT Weeds Management

Act 2001.

Rubber bush is native to tropical Africa and Asia. It was probably introduced to Australia as a garden plant, or in the packaging of camel saddles brought from India in the early 1900s. Rubber bush first became established in the Katherine area and then spread along the Roper River in the early 1950s. Rubber bush has now spread into Western Australia and through the Barkly Tablelands to Tennant Creek.

Rubber bush poses a significant risk to valuable grazing land in the NT. It has the potential to colonise large parts of the Barkly Tablelands and Victoria River District, where it competes with native pastures.

The plant contains several toxic compounds and may be poisonous to humans and stock. Dense thickets of rubber bush can form on disturbed and degraded soils, inhibiting access to watering points, bores and dams.


CASE STUDY: WATER BELLY (OBSTRUCTIVE UROLITHIASIS) Renee Golding, Beef Research Officer, DoR Katherine

John Eccles, Regional Veterinary Officer, DoR Katherine

Late in 2009, a Barkly property reported losses of approximately 100 head, mostly steers and between 12-18 months of age. All animals were grazing in one of the better paddocks containing Blue Bush and Annual Verbine and a good supply of surface water. The animals were not being supplemented with lick and had been vaccinated for Botulism. An autopsy was completed by the Biosecurity group and findings indicated that these animals were suffering from a condition known as Obstructive urolithiasis, commonly known as Water Belly.

What is Water Belly?

Water Belly occurs when the urethra becomes obstructed by calculi or uroliths. These are mineral concentrations which are formed by the mineralisation or crystallisation of mineral salts. This obstruction causes a blocking of the urethra and results in rupture of the urethra or bladder and death. While the condition is most predominant in steers it can also occur in heifers.

What causes Water Belly?

There is a close relationship between the composition of uroliths and types of feed available, leading to the disease having both nutritional and/or management factors contributing to its prevalence. Some predisposing factors include:

• Excessive mineral intake; this has been associated with highly mineralised artesian water or from high concentrate diets.

• Diets high in magnesium • Concentrated urine, which can be the result of animals not having ready access to water or the water is

poor quality. Water deprivation can also be exacerbated by sweating in arid environments

Above: Steer with gross swelling in the perineal area.


• Increased presence of muco-protein in urine can increase the formation of calculi. Muco-protein presence is increased in high concentrate rations and rations high in phosphate

• Ingestion of certain plants containing high levels of oxalate, oestrogens or silica

Clinical signs of Water Belly

• Straining • Dribbling of blood stained urine • Kicking at the belly • Twitching of the penis • Protrusion of the rectal area with a noticeably raised tail butt • Stilted gait when moving • If the obstruction is not relieved, rupture generally occurs within 48

hours Rupture of the bladder gives temporary relief, followed by: • The underline fills with fluid (water belly) • Depression • Loss of appetite • Peritonitis • Death Note: There was 100% mortality in animals showing these clinical signs

How can it be prevented?

• Increasing water intake by supplementing with salt: o For yearling steers (300kg), daily consumption of 50g of salt will not prevent calculi formation.

200g/day of salt will significantly reduce calculi formation and 300g/day will almost eliminate formation.

o Providing supplements containing up to 12% salt is effective in eliminating siliceous calculi. It is suggested that calves start on a non-salt creep before weaning and once established on the supplement, the salt content be increased to 12%.

• Adequate intake of Vitamin A should be ensured during drought periods. • Castration at a later stage to allow the urinary system to develop (however this may have limited

application on extensively run properties) Note: Total losses were estimated to be approximately 150 out of a susceptible herd of 10,500. Supplementary salt was introduced and once a green pick became available at the start of the wet there were no further losses.

HGP PART 2: PUT YOUR HAND UP IF YOU LIKE WASTING MONEY! Trisha Cowley, Pastoral Production Officer, DoR Katherine

The importance of hygiene and correct implantation techniques in HGP use

I bet no-one put their hand up, but I hope that I caught your attention!! This is the second article in a 3 part series looking at hormone growth promotant (HGP) use in northern Australia. Here we will look at correct implantation methods and the implications of poor hygiene and technique.

Above left: Bladder lining showing extensive haemorrhages and the presence of large calculi; Above middle: Enlarged bladder with haemorrhage of the mucosal lining;

Above right: Kidney showing presence of both large and small urinary calculi

For further information, please contact: John Eccles Regional Veterinary Officer, Katherine P: (08) 8973 9716 M: 0437 527 372 E: [email protected]


A single dose of 400 day Compudose costs around $8. If this is implanted incorrectly or poor hygiene is used, not only will it be a waste of $8, but you will have also lost the additional 10kg it could have supplied - which is potentially $17 per beast. (NB – 10kg is a conservative estimate but based on CSIRO research in HGPs in northern Australia). This is an opportunity cost of $25. Below are some tips to correct implantation procedures which can help ensure you don’t waste money!

Implanting technique • Insert the HGP in the middle third of the back of

the ear (see Figure 1 below). This is important to allow adequate blood flow across the implant that is required for efficient hormone absorption.

• While holding the point of the ear, slide the needle under the skin towards the base of the ear, being careful to remain above the cartilage

• Withdraw the gun to allow room for the implant to be inserted while squeezing the trigger — this is particularly important for compressed pellet HGPs as it prevents crushing of the pellets which negatively effects the hormone release

• Ensure you leave at least 1cm of skin between the HGP and the wound entry

• Pinch the injection site closed and check a HGP has been inserted. These last two points are important to help prevent HGPs falling out.

While a correct insertion technique is important for a functional implant, good hygiene techniques are

extremely important to ensure the implant remains in place. An infection at the implant site can lead to an abscess and then expelling of the HGP. Alternatively, it could lead to scarring which impacts blood flow to the implant and so effects absorption. Local research has found a significant difference between stations in HGP retention rates which confirms the importance of correct implantation techniques. The NT Liveweight Gain Project funded by MLA has been noting hygiene during implantation and then recording infection and HGP loss 2 weeks later. Table 1 shows loss rates for two stations in the NT. While it is difficult to say what has led to the large differences between these 2 properties, we do know that Property B dipped the applicator into an antiseptic solution between each animal, while Property A did not. If this is indicative of HGP loss and infection rates across the entire property, Property A stands to lose a significant amount of income due to poor technique. It is likely that the infected implants will fall out (we will know the true loss rate when we sample the steers again after the wet) so 35% of implants will be ineffective. If property A implants 1000 steers a year they stand to lose close to $6000 in weight gain (350 steers x 10kg of additional weight x $1.70/kg = $5950) with a total opportunity cost of $8750. Good hygiene practices are easy and they are worth it! Table 1: HGP infection and loss at 2 weeks after implantation on 2 NT properties

Good hygiene involves the following…

• ensure the needle is sharp (rough edges catch and spread dirt and animal matter • disinfect the needle of the applicator in between each animal (simply dip into a hibitane solution) • regularly clean the applicator with an antiseptic solution • take great care not to drop HGPs onto the ground, touch etc – these all add dirt contamination which

greatly increases the likelihood of infection and loss • if HPGs are dropped, rinse them thoroughly in a strong antiseptic solution before implanting

(implanting a new HGP isn’t cost effective as the HGP will cost $16 for a $17 weight gain)

Property A Property B Status of HGP Number Percent Number Percent Good 145 65 112 96 Infected 61 27 2 2 Fallen out 18 8 3 2.6 Total 224 100 117 100

Figure 1: Correct placement of HGPs NB: This site ensures adequate blood flow over the implant for efficient absorption


• Keep the crush area as clean as possible to minimise the risk of dirt contamination during implantation

Katherine Pastoral Production offers the Stock Course which is a free course for stockcamps and includes hands on training in correct HGP application techniques. To register your interest in this course or to get more information relating to the NT Liveweight Gain Project or HGP use in general, please contact Trisha Cowley on (08) 8973 9770 or email [email protected].

HOW MUCH FOOD DO I REALLY HAVE? – PREPARING A FORAGE BUDGET Whitney Dollemore, Grazing Land Management Officer, Katherine

Forage budgeting and forward planning of stock numbers is a valuable management tool, but why? Pasture is our main ingredient when it comes to growing beef. However as we all know, for pasture growth to occur, it needs 3 things: rainfall, sunlight and nutrients.

But the amount and quality of pasture grown each season is dependant on land condition.

Forage budgeting is a useful tool to calculate how much feed has been grown over the wet season; how much feed we have for our cattle and thus how many cattle that paddock can sustain for a set number of days. This allows us to set stock numbers in accordance with the seasonal requirements which is particularly important coming off a long dry season followed by a short wet. If we use forage budgets annually we will set stock numbers correctly so that we can maintain or improve land condition. Land condition is of vital importance as any decline in land condition will affect your bottom line. Consider a 20,000ha property, comparing good and poor land condition on the same property. The property is an export steer enterprise stocked at a carrying capacity where the cattle consume 25% of the annual pasture growth. The poor land only grows 40% of the pasture grown on the land in good condition.

Knowing your feed = knowing carrying capacity

Good Condition Poor Condition Carrying Capacity (head) 3,625 2,290 Weight gain steers (kg/hd/yr) 125 125 Net revenue at sale ($/kg) 1.70 1.70 Direct costs ($/kg/yr) 50 50 Overhead costs 150,000 150,000 Profit before tax ($/yr) $439,063 $222,125

Have I got your attention??? Great! Here are some simple steps to enable you to calculate a forage budget for a particular paddock.

1. Estimate the yield of the paddock – to help with this process there are photo standards, instructions (below) or assistance on measuring pasture yields available from Department of Resources.

2. There is an amount of pasture that gets trampled, dropped from the animal’s mouth and defecated on AKA detachment value which is 15% of the yield of the paddock. This must be deducted from the yield of the paddock.

3. Estimate the percentage of useful species – these include your 3P grasses – perennial, palatable and productive (e.g. Kangaroo grass, bluegrass, ribbon grass). Deduct this from the amount of pasture left after detachment. This is the total amount of useful pasture.

4. Not all the pasture can be eaten, so you need to decide based on the starting amount an acceptable amount of pasture to be left at the end of the season. About 1000kg/ha is probably a sufficient

IT’S A LEGAL THING! It should also be noted that there are legal requirements related to the use of HGPs. Producers must:

⇒ Complete and keep a copy of signed declaration at point of sale ⇒ Use only on property listed on declaration ⇒ Identify implanted animals with triangle ear notches in offside ear ⇒ Keep records of HGP use including batch number and wastage ⇒ Keep record of treated stock purchased and sold


amount of ground cover to be left to prevent land degradation – erosion/loss of pasture species during the wet season. Once deducted from the total amount of useful pasture this gives you the amount of pasture available for stock.

5. Next we look at the animal side. Your animals must be converted into animal equivalents (AEs) – a spayed cow at 450kg is equal to 1AE. Breeders (>3yrs) are 0.93AE, breeders with calves is 1.35AE, heifers are 0.68AE, steers are (1yo) 0.68AE and (2yo) 0.93AE.

6. Each AE eats 10kg of feed per day. So, Multiply the AEs by 10kg/hd. This is how much feed will be consumed daily. If you divide the amount of feed consumed daily by the amount of pasture available for stock and times that by the size of your paddock in hectares. This will give you the number of days you can feed those animals for in that paddock.

If you are interested in learning about land condition and carrying capacities for your property, I recommend you get yourself to a Grazing Land Management / Stock take course. Enquiries about the GLM courses, forage budgeting and pasture yield assessments can be forwarded to Whitney Dollemore on (08) 8973 9749 / [email protected].

HHHHAAAAVVVVE AAAA LLLLAAAAUUUUGHHHH! Send your jokes to [email protected]

A man and a woman were having dinner in a fine restaurant. Their waitress, taking another order at a table a few

paces away noticed that the man was slowly sliding down his chair and under the table, with the woman acting

unconcerned. The waitress watched as the man slid all the way down his chair and out of sight under the table. Still,

the woman dining across from him appeared calm and unruffled, apparently unaware that her dining companion had

disappeared. After the waitress finished taking the order, she came over to the table and said to the woman, 'Pardon

me, ma'am, but I think your husband just slid under the table.' The woman calmly looked up at her and replied firmly,

'No he didn't. He just walked in the door.'

HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR PASTURE YIELDS

1. Randomly place a 1m x1m square on the ground 2. Tare off empty paper bag on the scales 3. Cut all pasture inside square (discard any pasture falling over or under the edge of the square)

and place in the paper bags 4. Dry all pasture in microwave (instructions below) until pasture is completely dry 5. Weigh bag with dry pasture and record (dry weight)

Calculations To convert the dry weight of your pasture (g/m) into kg/ha

(Total standing dry matter) TDSM (kg/ha) = dry weight (g) x 10

YOUR PADDOCK: Getting accurate estimates – you need to cut, dry and weigh 10-15 1m x 1m squares and take an average. To avoid bias placement of the squares walk 10 paces and place the square in front of your toes.

How to dry the pasture safely

• Place paper bag of fresh grass in the microwave with a ½ cup of COLD water. • Microwave on high at 2 minutes intervals • Weigh the grass after every 2 minutes (in bag). Continue to weigh grass at 2 minute intervals

until the weight of the grass stabilises. You then know your pasture is completely dry. Discard water after every 2 minutes and replace with more COLD water – this prevents burning of the pasture. You need to use only ½ a cup and discard water every 2 minutes to prevent it boiling over and wetting your pasture. This is a very rough calculation and is complicated by a number of factors however, this basic calculation could save you a lot of money in the long run!


AussieGRASS – February 2010 Update

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

Past Pasture Growth Relative to Historical Records since 1957

Figure 1: Past 3 – Months Pasture Growth Figure 2: Past 12 – Months Pasture Growth (1

st December 2009 to 28

th February 2010) (1

st March 2009 to 28

th February

2010)

Modelled pasture growth for the past three months (Figure 1) suggest the majority of the NT has experienced at least average growing conditions over the 2009/10 season to date, with the exception of areas around the Katherine and Arnhem Land which are showing below average to extremely low growth. The Darwin, Barkly Tablelands, and the Eastern Alice Springs regions are also showing above average to extremely high growth indicating a very good 2009/10 growing season is being experienced. The past 12 months modelled growth (Figure 2) reflects the influence of the present good 2009/10 season being experienced over the Barkly Tablelands and Eastern Alice Springs regions by showing average to above average growth there, while generally showing below average to extremely low growth over the remaining parts of the NT.


Present Figure 3: Total Standing Dry Matter (TSDM) as of 28th February 2010

Future Growth Predications

Figure 4: Chances of exceeding Median Growth Figure 5: LEPS Growth Forecast Skill From March to May 2010 Based on SOI Phase 3 in February 2010

Total standing dry matter (TSDM) is estimated by incorporating pasture carried over from previous seasons (less grazing, fire and detachment) and the current season’s growth. The TSDM map in figure 3 indicates pasture quantity continues to vary considerably across the NT. The majority of the Alice Springs and Barkly pastoral regions show generally less than 1000kg/ha of standing grass.

PERSONALISED PROPERTY MAPS Are you interested in obtaining detailed AussieGRASS maps for your property?

If so get in touch with Chris Materne DRDPIFR Alice Springs (89518135) [email protected]. General NT and Australia scale maps are available on line at:

http://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/RainfallAndPastureGrowth/

Figure 4 represents the chance of exceeding median pasture growth over the coming three months period based on the SOI index, and indicates that the chance of exceeding the median growth across the majority of the NT is very good to extremely good, with the exception of the Tanami and far south western Alice Springs district that are generally showing below average chance. Figure 5 shows the level of skill or confidence in these growth predictions, and generally across the entire NT skill is high to extremely high.


PARKINSONIA DIEBACK TRIALS Adam Northey, Victoria River District Conservation Association

Background Parkinsonia dieback is a disorder affecting Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata) which has been observed in several locations across northern Australia for many decades. Parkinsonia dieback typically causes adult plants to become weakened and eventually die. Field observations by landholders and researchers suggest that this disorder can also take out seedlings, and in some locations, has the ability to slowly move through a population of Parkinsonia plants effectively killing all adult plants and preventing recruitment from the seed bank. In some sites, Parkinsonia has been permanently eradicated as a result of this disorder, while other members of the plant community appear to be un-affected.

Research on Parkinsonia dieback commenced at the University of Queensland in 2004 as an informal investigation by Dr Vic Galea of a series of stems from BLCA in Tennant Creek (NT). These stems had been collected from some dieback affected Parkinsonia plants collected from Newcastle Waters Station, and they were found to contain internal fungi which may possibly have been the cause of the disorder. In 2005, a Ph.D. student (Naomi Diplock) continued this investigation under the supervision of Dr Galea and Dr Rieks van Klinken (CSIRO) to determine if the fungi caused the dieback, or if it was merely a secondary invader taking advantage of the weakened plants. Naomi’s work has involved a three

year study of a natural dieback site near Hughenden (Qld), the collection of dieback samples from across northern Australia to establish a collection of fungi (approximately 200 isolates) associated with these plants and a series of glasshouse and field trials involving the inoculation of Parkinsonia plants. Some of these isolates are from sites in Queensland and the NT. In January 2009 the Victoria River District Conservation Association (VRDCA) in partnership with the University of Queensland (UQ), the Roper River Landcare Group (RRLG), the Barkly Landcare and Conservation Association (BLCA) and Savanna Solutions received a Caring for our Country grant to build the capacity of the partners and stakeholders to establish a Parkinsonia dieback control model to test the dieback as a weed management mechanism. The trials also aim to test the dieback in as many different climates and land types possible to determine if it is a viable management tool for a range of situations. To date approximately 50 trial sites have been set up across the VRD, Barkly, Gulf and Kimberly regions.

The Trials The trials are set up using a standardised experimental design with the same set of four treatments. These treatments consist of three different fungal isolates selected from the UQ culture bank and a control (blank treatment) for baseline comparison. The trial requires 40 trees to be inoculated (10 of each treatment and 10 controls). Inoculation is done by drilling a 10mm hole into the trunk of the tree and inserting an inoculating capsule into the hole and sealing with gap filler. The trees are then

Above: A tree in the Barkly region being treated.

Above: A dieback affected tree in the Barkly region

Above: A before and after shot of a tree treated on Delamere Station in the Victoria River District


tagged for identification and an initial assessment for condition is made which completes the set up of the site. Then, at six monthly intervals, the trial will be assessed again to determine any changes in condition which may have resulted from the inoculation treatments.

Initial Observations Most sites were set up between April and May and were monitored between October and November. Initial observations show that some sites were showing signs of stress which could be due to moisture or heat stress and then others showed successful dieback in some trees. At four of the dieback effected sites (two on Delamere Station and two on Newry Station) branch samples were taken and sent to UQ for analysis to determine if it is the fungi affecting the trees and in some cases killing them or if another factor is at play. At the time of print, the analysis of these samples was not complete.

Further Information Further information on the trials or to get involved please contact: Adam Northey Alice Beilby VRDCA Savanna Solutions [email protected] [email protected] Ph (08) 8971 0368 Ph 8972 1000

NEW: LEARN YOUR PLANTS Source: Purdie, Materne, Bubb, ‘BLCA’s Plants of the Barkly Region’ Starting in this edition, in each issue of Barkly Beef we will profile two of the region’s plant species. Hopefully this will enable you to more readily identify the pasture plants contributing (or not) to the growth of your cattle.

BLUEBUSH (Chenopodium auricomum)

Family Chenopodiaceae

Where is it found? Bluebush grows in black and red clay

soils, particularly on flood-plains or low-lying areas, where it can occur as a large colony. Characteristics

• Upright • Soft-wooded bluish-green shrub • 1-2m high • Oval leaves - 2-5cm long (known to have an odour similar to cat urine) • Small, pale yellow to brownish flowers - clustered in terminal spikes (up to 10cm long) • Fruit is papery. Contains 1 black seed. Bluebush is very drought resistant and withstands periods of flooding. The density of plants is greatly influenced by seasonal flooding. Bluebush is highly nutritious and is readily grazed by cattle (can be subjected to over-grazing).

MITCHELL GRASS – Bull, Barley & Weeping (Astrebla spp.)

Family Poaceae

Where is it found? Mitchell Grass is found on black and red clay plains. Bull

Mitchell is found on heavy cracking clay coils, especially in seasonally flooded areas.

Crude protein 2-20%

Phosphorus 0.05-0.24%

Digestibility 52-71%

Energy 6.7-10.2 MJ/kg


Bull (Astrebla squarrosa) Barley (Astrebla pectinata) Weeping (Astrebla elymoides)

Coarse, perennial tussock 0.5-1.2m

high

Perennial tussock up to 90cm high Perennial tussock up to 50cm high

Hairless leaves – largest of all Mitchell

grasses

Deep green leaves Seed heads droop in one direction

Have a distinct white mid-vein on the

upper surfaces and strong keel below

the mid-vein

Thin covering of hairs on upper surfaces,

especially near the leaf-stem joint

Deep green leaves

Tiller has a flat appearance, especially

at the base

Seed heads-stand above the foliage-3-8cm

long

Leaves have flat and hairless upper

sufaces

Slightly curved seed heads, 5-8cm

long-stand above foliage

Seed heads are 2 distinct rows of spikelets

along the single stalk

Yellow-green seed heads are narrow

spikes, 15-30cm long

Prickly seed heads due to rigid awns Highly palatable with good nutritional value Seed heads have individual spikelets

lying against the main axis

CP – 2.5-9.5%; Phosphorus 0.02-

0.15%; Digestibility 30-50%; Energy

3.4-6.8 MJ/kg

CP – 3-12%; Phosphorus – 0.03-0.22%;

Digestibility 30-60%; Energy 2.8-8.2 MJ/kg

CP – 2.5-8%; Phosphorus – 0.03-0.23%;

Digestibility – 35-54%; Energy – 2.8-8.5

MJ/kg

‘Moderate to low palatability and

moderate nutritional value’

‘The most widespread & important Mitchell

grass on the Barkly. It is responsible for

providing the feed bulk that sustains stock

through the dry season. A good density of

tussocks indicates good land condition.’

‘The least common of the Mitchell

grasses on the Barkly tablelands.’

‘RAIN ON THE RANGELANDS’ CONFERENCE September 2010 – Bourke, NSW

The next Biennial Conference will be held in Bourke, New South Wales, 26-30 September 2010. This popular conference brings together managers, carers and users of rangeland resources for discussion of 'hot topics' and current rangeland issues. The conference will feature the latest research and development and

the synthesis and application of knowledge.

The theme for the upcoming Conference is 'rain on the rangelands'. Water issues have become increasingly important for the Nation and the drylands in particular. Bourke, on the bank of the Darling River, is an ideal and iconic location, to discuss rain and water. Climate variability is very high here and strongly influences the conduct of rangeland businesses. The allocation of river water to cropping businesses, towns

and wetlands in these drylands is strongly debated and policies are changing. Bourke, a major town in the dryland portion of the Murray-Darling Basin, is being affected (socially and economically) by changes to water allocations. The first day of the Conference will be field trips to local sites to see and hear about the issues.

In addition to keynote addresses on rain and water issues, the Conference will also feature cutting edge research and developments in a range of topics including Indigenous communities, precision pastoralism, resource restoration, sustainability indicators, wetland conservation, pest management and marginal cropping. The Conference will as usual provide the venue for discussion of any rangeland topic. The call for posters and talks has now been issued.


Download a flyer: http://www.austrangesoc.com.au/site/whatson_conference.php

For further information, please contact conference organiser: Natalie Bramble Management (02) 6884 4654 / [email protected]

ATHEL PINE CONTROL @ RENNER SPRINGS Chris Brown, Regional Weeds Officer, NRETAS Alice Springs

In November 2009, the Weed Management Branch (WMB), NRETAS undertook control of several separate localised naturalised populations of Athel pine (Tamirix aphylla) surrounding the Renner Springs Roadhouse in the Barkly Region.

Amenity plantings of Athel pine which had originally been planted within a large turkey nest dam and adjacent to a homestead at the roadhouse had spread extensively in confined areas forming dense thickets of stunted trees along drainage lines leading away from the dam and in other low lying areas.

Control was undertaken by WMB staff and focussed on treating the larger mature trees located along the steep banks of the turkey nest dams and a large tree adjacent to the homestead as these were identified as the seed source for naturalised infestations.

Many of the smaller outlying athel pine trees were chemically controlled by the owner of Renner Springs. Significant amounts of athel pine still remain untreated on site as they are located adjacent to aboriginal sacred sites. The manager of Renner Springs intends to control these remaining infestations once approval is granted by the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA).

The extent and spread of athel pine in and around Renner Springs is one of the first recorded incidences of athel pine colonising the black soil environment of the Barkly region.

The naturalisation of the species at Renner Springs highlights the ability of the species to invade and colonise black soil country and landholders within the region should therefore be wary of the plants potential to invade and spread from amenity plantings.

Landholders within the Barkly region should take note as athel pine has been planted extensively as an amenity tree at homesteads, dams etc in the region and should remain vigilant for signs of plants spreading around dams and along watercourses.

Athel Pine was declared a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) in 1999 listed as one of the top twenty of Australia’s worst weeds based on the weeds invasiveness, potential for spread, environmental and social impacts.

To report an occurrence of athel pine please contact your local weeds officer or email [email protected]

For more specific information on identification of the species see the weblink below http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/natres/weeds/find/athelpine/index.html


MEDIA RELEASES

MLA: Value of livestock exports almost 1 billion Australian dollars in 2009 9/02/2010 Overseas demand for high quality Australian livestock delivered its strongest returns in seven years in 2009, with export earnings reaching a total of A$996.5 million* and cattle exports to Indonesia at a record high.

The number of live cattle exported from Australia increased by almost 10% in 2009, contributing a record A$662 million to the Australian economy. Australia exported 948,240 cattle last year, an increase of 80,000 from the 868,510 head exported in 2008.

Goat exports also experienced significant growth in 2009, with a 22% increase totalling 97,621 goats and a value of A$11.5 million.

While the volume of sheep exports softened by 15% to 3.5 million head in 2009, the value remained stable at A$323 million, reflecting stronger sheep prices for the year for Australian sheep producers.

MLA Livestock Exports Manager Michael Finucan said it is encouraging to see that demand for high quality, healthy and disease-free Australian livestock remained strong in 2009 while many other industries’ revenues decreased significantly as a result of the global financial crisis.

“The volume of live cattle exported from Australia last year was at its highest level since 2002, with the value of these cattle at an all time high of A$662 million,” said Mr Finucan.

“The trade was also greatly beneficial in providing an alternative market to cattle producers when the global financial crisis impacted demand for beef in markets such as the United States and Japan.

“Indonesia remains Australia’s largest market for cattle, primarily from northern Australia, with the 768,133 cattle exported there last year representing 81% of total export numbers.

“Demand for Australian cattle was strong on the back of a growing Indonesian economy, and the

need for affordable protein to feed Indonesia’s rapidly growing communities.

“We also saw 59,000 head of high quality breeding dairy cattle exported in 2009, with 55% of these going to China to support the ongoing development of its dairy herd,” said Mr Finucan.

Kuwait was again the largest market for Australian sheep in 2009, with the 950,000 sheep exported there representing 26% of total exports. Bahrain was the second largest market, taking 747,000 head.

“The decline in exports of sheep to the Middle East was a result of the ongoing pressure on sheep supply in Australia. Saudi Arabia has dropped back to our third largest market after years of being our leading market because supply issues have increased the prices of Australian sheep,” said Mr Finucan.

“We are now seeing some countries in the Middle East replacing our sheep with sheep from North Africa, Iran and Eastern Europe because we cannot keep up with the strong demand from these markets.”

Malaysia remained the major destination market for Australian goats, with a market share of 91%. “A total of 99% of all goat exports were delivered by air, a fast and efficient way of delivering specialised small consignments to our markets to meet their needs,” said Mr Finucan.

Mr Finucan said in addition to the strong export volumes and value, delivery rates remained high with over 99% of all Australian livestock delivered fit and healthy at their destinations after being well cared for during the journey.

For further information contact: Anna Inglis, Communications Manager: (02) 9463 9189 or 0416 189 775 or visit www.liveexportcare.com.au

* Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

MLA: Australian red meat uses less carbon 28/01/2010

A study undertaken by the University of New South Wales, to be published in the Environmental Science &Technology Journal, has revealed that Australian red meat production is much more efficient than often reported.

The three year Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study across three production systems in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia has shown that the carbon emissions from sheep and cattle meat production were amongst the lowest in the world.


Based on figures from the research, eating red meat three times a week results in between 164kg* to 258kg**of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions a year - vastly different to figures quoted that claim up to 1.5 tonnes.

Meat & Livestock Australia's (MLA) Managing Director, David Palmer said that this credible and reliable data gave an accurate reflection of carbon emissions for Australia’s unique production systems.

“Most Australian cattle and sheep are raised in a natural environment feeding on pastures with little or no use of fertilizers and it is unfortunate that until now inaccurate and exaggerated figures have been used”. “These Australian figures enable us to start having a more meaningful discussion about the industry’s environmental impact”.

The LCA process is a form of cradle-to-grave analysis that attempts to quantify the important environmental impacts of all processes involved in a production system; however it does not take into consideration the ability of soil and trees on farms to absorb carbon. A recent report released by the Queensland Government looked at the total carbon balance on grazing lands in Queensland (47% of Australia’s cattle production) and found they were close to carbon neutral and may in the near future be a net carbon sink.

The United Nations, Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) also released a report earlier this month that found grazing lands have the potential to help minimise net greenhouse gas emissions through specific practices, especially those that build soil and biomass carbon.

David Palmer said that the LCA figures were useful to provide a benchmark.

“Importantly the figures give us a baseline from which to continue to improve the industry's performance in regards to emissions, however

they do not paint a complete picture and should never be looked at in isolation of other environmental factors such as water and biodiversity". “Most people are not aware that livestock is the only production industry in Australia to have reduced greenhouse emissions since 1990. According to the Australian Greenhouse office we have reduced our emissions by 7.5%, compared to increases in other industries such as transport and electricity, up 26.9% and 54.1% respectively; we now have a better basis to track improvement in the future”.

“The study shows that when you look across the supply chain from paddock to processing, more than 80% of the carbon emissions come from the natural process of digestion of feed by the animal, which is why MLA has co-invested with the Federal government and other partners in a $28 million program with 18 research projects that are looking at how to reduce emissions from livestock”.

About the Life Cycle Assessment

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a form of cradle-to-grave or cradle-to-gate systems analysis that attempts to quantify the important environmental impacts of all processes involved in a production system using detailed input data for that system.

The University of NSW LCA showed that sheep meat was estimated to be 7 to 8 kg CO2-e per kg HSCW (unit of product used for red meat) while for beef values ranged from 8 to 11 kg CO2-e per kg HSCW.

* Based on lower figure from UNSW LCA (7kg per kg for sheep meat) and a 150g serve

** Based on highest figure from UNSW LCA (11kg for beef) and a 150g serve

Released by: Pip McConachie, MLA Environment Communications Manager, ph. 02 9463 9156.

DODODODO YOUYOUYOUYOU HAVEHAVEHAVEHAVE ANYANYANYANY SUGGESTIOSUGGESTIOSUGGESTIOSUGGESTIONSNSNSNS FORFORFORFOR BARKLYBARKLYBARKLYBARKLY BEEF?BEEF?BEEF?BEEF?

Please email [email protected]


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

IMPORTANT NOTICES / REMINDERS

Photo: Cassie Duggan

Photo: Trisha Cowley

Photo: Trisha Cowley

Below: The heavens opened on Tennant Creek in January causing flooding throughout the town.

Photos: Thomas Haines


IMPORTANT NOTICES / REMINDERS: NEW LOOK FOR THE NT BRANDS REGISTER

Visit http://pic.primaryindustry.nt.gov.au/ Visit http://brand.primaryindustry.nt.gov.au/


IMPORTANT NOTICES / REMINDERS cont…

LET US KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE BARKLY BEEF VIA EMAIL?

Fax (08) 8962 4480

Or phone (08) 8962 4483

Or email [email protected]


GREG MAGUIRE

DoR, Tennant Creek

Job: Livestock Biosecurity Officer (Stock Inspector) | No. of years in the

Territory: 10 | Originally from: Grafton, NSW | Favourite movie: Gladiator |

When I was growing up I wanted to be: A pilot | Described in 3 words I am:

Honest, respectful and quiet | 3 people I would like to have dinner with:

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Russell Crowe & Tiger Woods | The thing I enjoy

most about my job: Travel | Right now I should be: Moving house |

Favourite thing about the Territory: Lifestyle | Least favourite thing about

the Territory: Price of fuel

In the spotlight!In the spotlight!In the spotlight!In the spotlight!

PREGNANT OR EMPTY?? Here’s your chance to learn the difference by…

…holding a Pregnancy Diagnosis Course on your station

…participating in a Pregnancy Diagnosis Course

Next course: June 2010 Venue: Mataranka Station

Date: TBC Contact: CDU on (08) 8973 8311

Courses are run by CDU - Charles Darwin University (Katherine Rural College)

If you are interested, please contact Cassie on the details below:

Department of Resources – Tennant Creek Ph: (08) 8962 4483

Email: [email protected]

MEXICAN POTATOESMEXICAN POTATOESMEXICAN POTATOESMEXICAN POTATOES

Serves 6 (Cooking time: 20 minutes) Ingredients 1.5kg sebago potatoes, peeled, cut into 2cm cubes | 2 tablespoons olive oil | 20g butter | 2 garlic cloves, crushed | 1/4 teaspoon chilli flakes | 2 x 400g cans diced tomatoes | 1 cup Mexican style shredded cheese | 1/4 cup coriander leaves

Method 1. Preheat oven 180°C. Place potatoes in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water. Bring to the boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, for 5 to 6 minutes or until just tender. Drain. 2. Heat oil and butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add garlic, chilli and potatoes. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until potatoes begin to turn golden. Stir in tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and bring to the boil. 3. Spoon potato mixture into a 6-cup capacity, 5cm deep, 15cm x 24cm (base) baking dish. 4. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and melted. 5. Sprinkle with coriander and serve.

TASTES OF THE TABLELANDS

MEXICAN POTATOES


WHAT, WHEN & WHERE

Your event not listed here? Email [email protected]

For more information, call MLA on 1800 675 717 or visit www.mla.com.au/beefup

Coming Soon!

Beef-Up Forum More beef, more money

Daly Waters, NT

Date to be advised

Practical tools &Practical tools &Practical tools &Practical tools & information to information to information to information to

beef up your businessbeef up your businessbeef up your businessbeef up your business


MONTH DATE CONTACT March St Patrick’s Day Races Tennant Creek, NT

13 TC Race Club: (08) 8962 2210

Katherine Research Station (KRS) Open Day Katherine, NT

20 KRS: (08) 8973 9737

CWA Art Exhibition & Photographic Award Tennant Creek, NT

20-24 Helen Kempe: 0418 825 856

NTCA Conference & Dinner Darwin, NT

25-26 NTCA: www.ntca.org.au

April Borroloola Barra Classic Borroloola, NT

2-4 Dee Waugh: [email protected]

Boulia Campdraft Boulia, Qld

2-4 Nada Grover: (07) 4746 1211

Aileron Bush Weekend Aileron, NT

3-4 www.aileronbushclub.com.au

Hughenden Campdraft Hughenden, Qld

9-11 Sharon Jonsson: (07) 4741 5007

DRA Winton Campdraft Winton, Qld

16-18 Patrice Elliot: (07) 4657 3945

Blackall ACA National Finals Blackall, Qld

22-24 Dale Davison: 0428 574 684

Camooweal 6-a-side Cricket Comp. Camooweal, Qld

TBC Charlie Hawkins: (07) 4745 4942

POSTPONED Paradise Lagoon Campdraft Rockhampton, Qld

22-25 July

Fiona McCartney: 0400 372 380

Daly Waters Campdraft/Rodeo Daly Waters, NT

30-2 Amanda Murphy: (08) 8975 9941

May

Races/Bull Ride Gregory, Qld

2 Anne Webber: (07) 4748 5524

Katherine Country Music Muster Katherine, NT

1-3 www.kcmm.com.au

Alice Springs Cup Alice Springs, NT

3 www.alicespringsturfclub.org.au

Barkly Women’s Day Barkly Homestead, NT

TBA

Molly’s Bash Old Andada Station, NT

TBA [email protected]

Julia Creek Campdraft Julia Creek, Qld

14-16 Sarah Acton: (07) 4746 8892

Ord Valley Muster Kununurra, WA

14-30 www.ordvalleymuster.com.au

Beef-Up Forum Daly Waters, NT

TBA www.mla.com.au

Katherine Cup Katherine Turf Club, NT

29 Katherine Turf Club


DOR TENNANT CREEK — STAFF LIST

BARKLY HOUSE

First Floor, 99 Paterson St

PO Box 159, Tennant Creek, NT, 0861

Fax: (08) 8962 4480

Regional Management

A/ Regional Director Neil MacDonald 08 8973 9746

Executive Officer Helen Kempe 08 8962 4484

Administration Officer Skye-Lea Ries 08 8962 4488

Biosecurity & Product Integrity

Regional Livestock Biosecurity Officer Ted Martin (On Leave) 08 8962 4490

A/Regional Livestock Biosecurity Officer Thomas Haines 08 8962 4458

M: 0401 113 445

Livestock Biosecurity Officer Greg Maguire 08 8962 4484

M: 0457 517 347

Pastoral Production

Beef Research Officer Sarah Streeter 08 8962 4487

Pastoral Technical Officer Vacant 08 8962 4493

Pastoral Technical Officer Cassie Duggan 08 8962 4483

DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES www.nt.gov.au

Photo: Cassie Duggan


POSTAGE

PAID

AUSTRALIA

If undeliverable, please return to:

Department of Resources

PO Box 159

TENNANT CREEK NT 0861

who’s new in the zoo? - futurebeef · • who’s new in the zoo? ... meanwhile recruitment to...

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