Search
Contact Details:
ARTICLES
Farmer feedback sought on hunting coordination |
|
It may come as no surprise to both farmers and hunters that better coordination of on-farm hunting activities is required. |
|
The end of Bestprac as we know it... |
|
Bestprac has been operating in pastoral WA, SA, NSW and QLD since 1997. During this time it has evolved from structured facilitated groups into a hub of innovation and information for pastoral wool growers. Sadly June 30 2014, marks the end of the Bestprac project as we know it, but all is not lost. Read More |
|
‘Helping Woolgrowers make Decisions’ Forum at Hay Shear Outback |
|
By Sally Ware, Riverina Local Land Services, Hay |
|
Visual Classing Merino Sheep by Australian Wool Innovation |
|
AWI has released a publication called ‘Visual Classing Merino Sheep’. This publication lists the traits important to classing, which characteristics are desirable in the trait and explains the economic importance of each. Read More |
|
Producers find out what's on the menu for their livestock |
|
Agrihort Communications |
|
Managing climate risk: the new age of dynamical modelling |
|
A new age of dynamical modelling for seasonal outlooks has been introduced by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and will provide farmers, who are keen to accurately manage their climate risk, a new valuable tool for informed decision making. Read More |
|
Webinar on early weaning using a high starch diet for rumen development |
|
Accelerating Pastoral Zone Innovation Webinar |
|
Fiona's leadership in the Pastoral Zone |
|
by Katie Fisher by Agrihort Communication Fifth generation sheep and cattle producer, Fiona Warwick, believes she is blessed to be able to work in Australia’s pastoral industry. With that in mind, she is eager to constantly brush-up her leadership skills in order to take a strong and active role within her small local community in South Australia. Fiona lives with her parents on a 96,000 acre pastoral sheep and cattle property – Holowiliena South Station, 60 kilometres east of Cradock in the Flinders Ranges. Read More |
|
Breeding for resistance best insurance against worms- Sheep CRC |
|
CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation Sheep breeders pursuing worm ‘resilience’ rather than ‘resistance’ could be placing undue pressure on their sheep during the current dry seasonal conditions. |
|
Now is the time to preg scan |
|
CRC FOR SHEEP INDUSTRY INNOVATION In times when stock feed is in short supply, pregnancy scanning allows breeders to identify ewes which are not in lamb for culling, as well as provide targeted nutritional support to twin-bearing ewes. Read More |
|
Are you AWI's next Nuffield Scholar? |
|
AWI sponsors the annual AWI Nuffield Woolgrower Scholarship, in collaboration with Nuffield Australia. The scholarship is a unique opportunity for a woolgrower to study a particular subject of interest, and increase practical farming knowledge and management skills and techniques in the Australian wool industry. |
|
AWI March Market Intelligence |
|
AWI Market Intelligence – March 2014 report |
|
Federal Drought Assistance for farmers |
|
A drought assistance package has recently been released to provide help and support for producers in drought declared regions. If you are one of these producers there may be opportunites for you to recieve help. Read More |
|
Summer Sheep CRC Newsletter |
|
The Summer Sheep CRC Newsletter is now available and has a lot of interesting information inside! Read More |
|
CRC extension ensure bright future for sheep industry |
|
Sheep CRC Media Release Sheep producers can look to the future with confidence with news that the industry’s Cooperative Research Centre has secured funding for a further five years. Read More |
|
Concept to Impact- Registrations now open! |
|
Sheep CRC Final Conference- Adelaide |
|
LambEx 2014 reveals cracker program that tackles tough industry issues |
|
LAMBEX 2014 has today released a cutting edge program featuring a star line-up of new speakers, some familiar faces and – in its trademark style – an array of local and global issues that don’t shy away from any of the big ticket items influencing the sheep and lamb industry’s future. Read More |
|
Field survey of blowfly resistance to dicyclanil/cyromazine |
|
Dr Garry Levot, Menangle Australian Wool Innovation has funded the NSW Department of Primary Industries to conduct a 2 year survey of Australian sheep blowfly populations to measure their susceptibility to registered flystrike insecticides. Read More |
|
New Innovations – Accelerating Pastoral Zone Innovation |
|
Pastoral producers are looking for savvier ways to make life and work easier, more efficient, and more productive. This year Bestprac and Australian Wool Innovation are profiling innovations from Australian pastoral properties to help you find ways to make beneficial changes to your own business Read More |
|
Young Leadership in the Pastoral Zone |
|
Katie Fisher, AgriHort Communications |
|
AWI Drought resources |
|
Dry seasonal conditions need to be planned for, and carefully managed for the sustainability of woolgrowing enterprises, the industry and the environment. |
|
Bestprac Qld State Forum - Friday 4th April, Longreach |
|
What’s on the menu for your Livestock? |
|
MLA research to quantify labour input in Australian sheepmeat and cattle enterprises |
|
Natasha Morley, Rural Directions Pty Ltd Labour contributes a significant cost to running a sheepmeat or beef cattle enterprise however there is little data on how much individual tasks contribute to this cost. In new research, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is looking to industry to help quantify this gap to ensure it can appropriately develop options for improving labour productivity and efficiency. Read More |
|
Fat acts as insurance in tough times |
|
Press release Sheep CRC Superior genetics for fat in sheep can be looked at as an “insurance policy” to protect against tough environmental conditions when managing pregnant ewes, according to The University of Adelaide researcher, Sam Walkom. Read More |
|
Making the RIGHT decisions to survive the dry |
|
AgriHort Communications Far west New South Wales has once again been plagued with a short to medium term weather forecast that predicts no rain for at least the next four months. Therefore, pastoralists now must make some serious business decisions, with feed quality predicted to decline and livestock needing to be maintained. Read More |
|
Leading Sheep QLD Webinar recordings available |
|
Leading Sheep QLD regularly run webinars on subjects for Pastoral Zone wool producers. These recordings are available by following our links below. Read More |
|
Horizon Scholarship |
|
A scholarship for those passionate about agriculture |
|
Genetic Benchmarking; Potential For Further Commercialisation Of AWI Funded Or Part Funded Projects Post June 2015 |
|
AWI welcomes responses to this consultation document to be received by Monday 8 March 2014 by post to Mary Foster, GPO Box 4177, Sydney, 2001 or email to mary.foster@wool.com Read More |
|
Breech Strike Resistance Newsletters Number 6 |
|
CSIRO and Department of Agriculture and Food WA The latest information on research and developments for Breech Strike Resistance has been released in the recent Armidale NSW and Mt Barker WA newsletters. Read More |
|
Sheep CRC Spring Newsletter |
|
Sheep CRC have released their Spring Newsletter download it here |
|
Business Planning |
|
Often producers are kept busy doing the day to day farm jobs, that there is little time left to plan for the future. However, Bestprac’s newest Innovation Case Study shows the value of spending time setting clear goals. These should be both long and short term goals, with a determined path for achieving them. This case study features James and Manny Walker from QLD. Read More |
|
Answers for the Q&A Webinar- 'Ewe Turn- Using Genetics to Tackle Flystrike' |
|
On Thursday October 31, Bestprac coordinated a webinar to discuss the features of the recently released case study, ‘Ewe Turn- Using Genetics to Tackle Flystrike.’ Bestprac has made available the link to watch the webinar as well a full report of the questions and answers. Read More |
|
Wool Meets the Market |
|
By Katie Fisher from Agrihort Communications Meeting the growing trend of a casually-dressed society, the demands of emerging consumer markets in China and the long-time absent market in Russia are the key objectives for wool marketing in Australia this year. Read More |
|
ABC Landline Story: 'Prickle Factor' |
|
On Sunday the 5/10/2013, Landline featured a story on 'Prickle Factor'. Read More |
|
Lifetime Ewe Management continues with added FOO |
|
The Lifetime Ewe Management course (LTEM) continues to be supported with the latest contract extension from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI). Read More |
|
Striving through the Dry |
|
On Thursday November 28, 2013 from 2-6pm, the Rural Financial Councilling Service, ANZ and Bestprac network will be supporting a forum in Broken Hill to help pastoralists manage the recent dry conditions. Read More |
|
AuctionsPlus Wool Webinar- 14 November |
|
AuctionsPlus Wool is the subject of an upcoming Leading Sheep webinar. Our principal speaker will be Tony Benson the Market Operations Manager for AuctionsPlus and Wool Trade. The webinar is on Thursday 14 November starting at 1pm -2.15pm Read More |
|
Drought Relief Assistance Scheme for QLD |
|
DRAS is a scheme set up by the Queensland Government to help primary producers in the grazing industries manage their livestock during and after a drought. Many producers are looking to apply for assistance and there are a number of different packages available: Read More |
|
AWI Market Intelligence- October |
|
In this month's edition, we focus on some of our major manufacturing and end user markets, and some of the issues within these markets which we think are relevant to demand along the entire wool production chain. Read More |
|
Control strategy gets the Goat |
|
There’s no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to feral goats. While the sale of feral goats can provide some additional income to producers, they are estimated to eat roughly the same amount of vegetation as sheep, and their hidden cost should not be underestimated. Read More |
|
Wool producers and social media |
|
By Katie Fisher from AgriHort Communications Farming can be an isolated business but, with the advent of social media, communication in agriculture has been made easier and more enjoyable. For many producers, social media has rapidly become the preferred communication method. It facilitates connecting with like-minded individuals to discuss and share ideas around personal interests that can eventually grow into conversations. Read More |
|
Adelaide LambEx |
|
South Australia will host biennial sheep and lamb conference LambEx 2014 at the Adelaide Showgrounds from July 9-11. Read More |
|
New MLA research to quantify labour input in Australian sheepmeat and cattle enterprises |
|
Labour contributes a significant cost to running a sheepmeat or beef cattle enterprise however there is little data on how much individual tasks contribute to this cost. In new research, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is looking to industry to help quantify this gap to ensure it can appropriately develop options for improving labour productivity and efficiency. Read More |
|
Managing climate variability |
|
AWI's Beyond the Bale September 2013 edition Young Climate Champion woolgrower James Walker from Queensland has modified his production practices in response to climatic and seasonal variability. James has provided more watering points for his sheep, and harvests grass during times of peak production to capture quality feed while it is available. James is also using dynamic weather forecasting models to help predict rainfall patterns. Read More |
|
Launch of Livestock Biosecurity Network |
|
A new Livestock Biosecurity Network (LBN) is being rolled out in all states and territories to encourage farmers and farming organisations to be prepared for possible exotic disease incursions and the risks to Australia’s multi-billion dollar livestock industry. Read More |
|
Ewe Turn: Using Genetics to tackle fly strike |
|
Breech and bodystrike can be major issues for pastoral wool growers. Bestprac has released another Innovation Case Study focusing on using objective and subjective genetic tools to remove wrinkle. The case study features David Thompson and his family from Katanning WA. Read More |
|
Sheep CRC Winter Newsletter |
|
Sheep CRC |
|
Successful Optimum Reproduction Workshops in QLD |
|
Leading Sheep QLD |
|
RamSelect Workshops- Blackall & Longreach |
|
Leading Sheep QLD Rams are purchased on one day of the year but their effect on your flock lasts for many years. Make sure you buy the right genes for production, quality and disease resistance. Read More |
|
Decision Making in All Seasons: |
|
Bestprac, Agencies and Businesses join forces for Collerrina farming community |
|
ASBVs turn Turkey Lane around |
|
CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation This year come to the Bestprac National Forum to hear John Symons from Turkey Lane speak about his success with ASBVs. John and Jo adopted Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs), and made some small changes to his management technique, to increase wool returns by over 400% over the last 13 years. Read More |
|
Follow Andrew Miller in the MLA Challenge |
|
Andrew Miller is the Owner Manager of Coniston Station, Quilpie Qld and has been working on the Bestprac Project Advisory Panel over the past year. Andrew has recently become involved in the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Challenge. Read More |
|
Southern Livestock Adaption |
|
The three year Southern Livestock Adaption program looked at a range of future climate scenarios and the impact on farm profitability and productivity. Information generated from the program is now available. Read More |
|
Total Grazing Pressure |
|
by Liz Guerin |
|
Worm Egg Counts for Queensland Sheep Producers - the way forward |
|
Leading Sheep QLD With the closure of the Queensland Government Wormbuster Laboratory, there have been many people querying who else provides these services and what to do now. Read More |
|
Novel technologies warrant further research for flystrike prevention |
|
Australian Wool Innovation Limited Early trials of two technologies currently used to treat human conditions warrant further research as potential flystrike prevention alternatives according to Australian Wool Innovation (AWI). Read More |
|
WoolBook- from the Shed to the World Wide Web |
|
WoolBook is a productivity tool for recording, analysis, presentation and exchange of accurate and relevant information from across the wool industry to enhance the value of Australian wool. Read More |
|
AWI Market Intelligence |
|
This week’s Wool Market Report on the latest market information of the Australian Wool Market: |
|
Wild dogs may eliminate Pastoral zone sheep production within 40 years |
|
Australian Wool Innovation Ltd |
|
New LiceBoss website empowers producers |
|
CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation The new LiceBoss website, is putting the power in producers’ hands to make informed decisions about the best methods for controlling lice in their specific circumstances. Read More |
|
Weather Watch- July 2013 |
|
by Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) |
|
Draft National Wild Dog Action Plan nearing release |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Providing a helping hand to those who need it |
|
Frontier Services Outback Links, a program run by Frontier Services, matches up skilled volunteers with families in rural and remote Australia who need a helping hand. Read More |
|
Business diversification in the rangelands |
|
Tony and Julie Smith own and manage ‘Rawnsley Park Station’, a pastoral station located 35 kilometres north of Hawker, on the southern side of Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges region of South Australia. Read More |
|
Finding green grant and funding opportunites just go easier with FundingLINK |
|
FundingLINK is one of Australia's most comprehensive searchable catalogue of environmentally focussed grant and funding opportunities available throughout the country. Finding grant and funding opportunities has never been so easy! Read More |
|
Weather Watch- June |
|
by Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) |
|
Observations can help ‘Make more from Sheep’ |
|
By Liz Guerin But the key messages, from the recent Karoonda Veterinary and Animal Health Day, were about keeping it in proportion and using your powers of observation to understand, not only, why you might be losing the odd sheep, but also around knowing and responding to risk. Read More |
|
Secure your farm with new website |
|
Media Release from Johnes Disease Program The refreshed http://www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/ is a one-stop-shop for all information about on-farm biosecurity, including tips and tools such as videos, records and manuals. Read More |
|
Worm control needs a holistic approach |
|
CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation Worms cost Australian sheep producers more in lost productivity than any other animal health problem, a situation made worse with drench resistance now widespread and increasing in severity in all sheep regions. Read More |
|
Participants ‘look beyond the horizon’ at the Hawker Forum |
|
By Pene Keynes After a long period of dry, rain on the roof was a welcome sound at the joint Natural Resources Arid Lands and Bestprac forum, ‘Looking beyond the Horizon’ in Hawker on May 31. Read More |
|
Hay Wool Seminar a Success |
|
By Sally Ware, NSW DPI, Hay With nearly 70 final year, agriculture focused, Sydney and Charles Sturt University students in town, the Wool Seminar held at Shear Outback in Hay was always going to be a success. Read More |
|
Sourcing and utilising climate information for your business |
|
By Pene Keynes Climate is one area that businesses are looking for more information on when making 'on the ground decisions.' Melissa Rebbeck and Susan Carn at the Hawker 'Looking Beyond the Horizon' forum were successful in providing some useful facts and hints on this topic. Read More |
|
Remote Monitoring and Mapping |
|
By Pene Keynes
At the Hawker 'Looking beyond the Horizion forum, Mike Digby, from the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group, demonstrated how spatial information systems, a technology widely used in the military, has been employed to deliver Natural Resources Management outcomes.
|
|
Wool Markets and Emerging Opportunities |
|
By Pene Keynes At Hawker, presenters and producers alike were positive about the direction and future of the wool industry. It was interesting to learn about what Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and producers can do to help maintain and grow this industry. Read More |
|
Ecosystem Management Understanding (EMU)™ |
|
By Pene Keynes
Ecosystem Management Understanding (EMU)™ was discussed at the Hawker 'Looking Beyond the Horizon Forum.' Janet Walton, a Natural Resources Management Officer with Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, has been enhancing the pastoral land management of 17 pastoral properties through the EMU™ project.
|
|
Update and what's still to be done on Operation Biteback |
|
By Pene Keynes |
|
Succession planning for best outcomes |
|
By Pene Keynes Katherine Vincent, Senior Associate from Johnston Withers has seen the best and worst scenarios for succession in farming businesses and at 'Looking Beyond the Horizon' she was willing to share. Read More |
|
Looking at Wirrealpa through new eyes |
|
This case study tells how a sequence of events since 2009 has allowed Warren and Barbara to see their station through new eyes. View full case study here. Read More |
|
Tackling erosion at Willow Springs |
|
This case study tells how Brendan and Carmel became involved in Ecosystem Management Understanding (EMU)™ and outlines some of the intervention works undertaken to improve land management and production. |
|
Drone Technology Potential in Agriculture Creating a Buzz |
|
By Liz Guerin Look up in the sky...is it a bird? Is it a plane? No... it may be a drone, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Long used for military purposes, several Australian companies are using drones for real estate and mining purposes and, with equipment costs falling, the possibilities for applications in both agriculture and pastoral industries are vast. Read More |
|
App adds to online tools for graziers |
|
By David Cussons for Farming Ahead Online Calculating stocking rates and carrying capacity has become a bit easier thanks to a new smartphone application. Read More |
|
Hay Wool Production Seminar – Hay May 23 |
|
By Sally Ware, NSW DPI, Hay Landholders are invited to join final year university students from Sydney, Charles Sturt and Melbourne for a wool production seminar at the Hay Shear Outback Shearing Shed on Thursday, May 23. Read More |
|
Weather Watch (May 2013) |
|
by Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) Last week we drove some friends around our whole property. As I’m chiefly an office girl these days, I don’t get out there much, so I got a real shock to see how dry it had become in just a couple of months! It made me question our decision to lamb down in late Autumn, as we saw a few early lambs, with their mothers, and not a great deal of good stuff to eat. However, the latest outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology, for winter, is for it to be dryer than average. So, if that’s the case it’s a mute point! Read More |
|
Community Wild Dog Control applications open |
|
Australian Wool Innovation Applications are now being sought for the next Wild Dog Control program from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI). |
|
Bestprac Project Advisory Panel – SA Position Available for Producer or Industry Representative |
|
If you are passionate about the future of the pastoral wool industry, this is your opportunity to have your say and represent your industry at a national level. |
|
Weather Watch April 2013 |
|
Weather Watch (April 2013) My life experience has taught me that there is always someone worse off than myself. This belief was reinforced recently when Ben and I were in south-west Western Australia with the Climate Champion Program. Read More |
|
Telemetry |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Young Woolgrower's Passion for Technology |
|
From Beyond the Bale Young woolgrower Dan Korff uses the latest on-farm technology to provide productivity efficiencies on the property he manages, ‘Avington’ in central Victoria. Dan loves the wool industry and is passionate about encouraging the next generation to join it. Read More |
|
Attracting and retaining staff |
|
From Beyond the Bale With many rural-based businesses adjusting to greater competition for skilled labour and the continued migration of people to urban centres, a recent study has highlighted the important role that employers play in attracting and retaining staff in the pastoral livestock industries. Read More |
|
Nuffield Australia Applications open for 2014 |
|
Nuffield Australia has just opened its application process for 2014 Scholarships on 1st April and a record 24 Scholarships are available to primary producers from across Australia. Read More |
|
Producers, industry back new OJD direction |
|
Sheepmeat Council of Australia and WoolProducers Australia Sheep producers and industry bodies are supporting the broad direction of the new Ovine Johnes Disease (OJD) National Management Plan. |
|
The Australian Rangeland Goat |
|
Christine Ferguson- 2010 Nuffield Scholar |
|
Fighting Feral Pigs |
|
Meat and Livestock Australia Researchers suggest populations of feral pigs can triple each year during good seasons if not controlled. Increasing feral pig populations threaten Australia’s agricultural viability, biosecurity and environment, but a number of control measures have been developed with support from MLA. Read More |
|
Ag Apps that work! |
|
Over 130 smartphone Apps have been listed and road-tested in a ‘Smartphone Apps for Farmers’ compendium. The free PDF booklet is available from the SA Ag Excellence Alliance website. Check it out here |
|
Don’t Fence me in- the Virtual Alternative |
|
By Liz Guerin The virtual fencing system could replace ‘traditional’ fixed fences, with virtual fences being drawn and moved using a mouse and computer screen, saving producers money in terms of capital and labour. Read More |
|
Weather Watch (March 2012) |
|
by Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) Last week the Bureau of Meteorology released its Seasonal Outlook for March to May. When I looked at the map I got very excited as my patch has a 65% chance of exceeding median rainfall. Read More |
|
The Hay Ewe Flock Competition – Not Just a Bus Ride – A Two Day Woolgrower Talkfest! |
|
by Kevin Ingram, Pooncarie Hay Merino Breeders Inc recently hosted the 22nd Peppin Shaw Competition in the Western Riverina; this being the world’s largest commercial flock ewe hogget competition. |
|
Trial results prove value of ASBVs in sheep selection |
|
Sheep CRC Key findings: |
|
Industry Welcome Feedback on OJD |
|
Woolproducers Australia and the Sheepmeet Council of Australia Submissions commenting on the discussion paper about the National OJD Management Plan are helping to narrow the issues yet to be finalised. |
|
South Australia’s Position Statement on the National OJD |
|
South Australia Sheep Advisory Group |
|
Climate Kelpie |
|
What's Climate Kelpie? Climate Kelpie is for Australian farmers and their advisors. It connects you to tools and information about climate to help you make decisions about your farm business. Farmer case studies - Folow this link to read about how farmers are working with the climate. |
|
Standard Operating Procedures for foxes and feral cats |
|
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) discuss animal welfare impacts for target and non-target species and describe control techniques and their application, as well as covering health and safety aspects. Read More |
|
Market Intelligence: Australian Wool Market Report |
|
Each week the Market Intelligence and Reporting Team at AWI review the latest market information of the Australia Wool Market. The report provides a week to week tracking of the Australian Wool Market during the season, to give stakeholders a better understanding of weekly wool price movements and factors that may influence or impact upon this movement. Read More |
|
The Good Oil on Guardians– Protecting your Livestock Investment |
|
by Liz Guerin Enter, the guardians! Alpacas, donkeys and maremma dogs are being used with success as the sheeps’ ‘best friend’ (or the friend of any domestic livestock or free range poultry) and can be an effective tool against predators. Read More |
|
Weather Watch (February 2013) |
|
by Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) Australia spent its birthday weekend living up to its reputation; a sunburnt country with droughts and flooding rains. However, I don’t remember tornadoes being mentioned in the famous poem! Read More |
|
The “Why” of Planned Grazing |
|
by Angus Whyte Below are some examples of the type of questions people are asking when they are faced with a shift to a planned grazing system? Read More |
|
DNA testing delivers poll flock fast |
|
The impact of using the Sheep CRC's new DNA test, for identifying carriers of the horn gene in Merinos, is now well defined in a report prepared by Professor Julius van der Werf. Read More |
|
NSW DPI- Western Division newsletter |
|
The Western Division Newsletter is produced by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). It provides landholders living in the western areas of NSW with information relevant to their lifestyle and pastoral enterprises. |
|
Animal Health Australia Presentation |
|
On the 19th of December Animal Health Australia ran an interactive web conference (webinar) to present the findings on the latest results of long-term field tests of Pfizer’s Gudair® vaccine against ovine Johne’s disease. This can now be viewed in full by those who could not participate. Read More |
|
Rangeland Research |
|
Several CSIRO scientists have contributed to a publication marking 100 years of rangeland research in the USA. |
|
Ewe Nutrition in the Pastoral Zone – Realising your Potential |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Growers vote to maintain two per cent levy with record participation |
|
AWI Press Release Australian woolgrowers have voted to maintain the two per cent levy on wool sales to fund research, development and marketing of the natural fibre. Read More |
|
Weather Watch (December 2012) |
|
by Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) Last week I attended the POAMA workshop at the Melbourne Bureau of Meteorology. I had been asked to do a short presentation in which I explained how I first got interested in seasonal forecasts, and later began incorporating them into my farm decision making. Read More |
|
New option for Walk Over Weighing for Sheep |
|
CRC FOR SHEEP INDUSTRY INNOVATION |
|
Key tool released to boost rangeland goat production |
|
The Australian goatmeat industry has experienced strong growth, over the past 20 years, with over 1.5 million goats processed annually. This growth has been largely supported by the sale of goats sourced from the rangelands which accounts for more than 90 percent of production. Read More |
|
New WormBoss website delivers on the spot advice |
|
Sheep producers now have, at their fingertips, access to localised best practice advice for controlling worms, with the launch today of a revamped WormBoss website. Worms cost Australian sheep producers more than any other animal health problem and sustainable management is essential for on-farm productivity. Read More |
|
OJD Vaccination: What you should know |
|
Accurate information about ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) for producers Vaccinating sheep with Gudair® is a key tool in the fight to control the spread of ovine Johne’s disease (OJD), in Australia, but it is not a silver bullet. Read More |
|
Flystrike Management Tools |
|
Preventive chemical application is an important part of flystrike management in sheep. |
|
Agriventure- International Rural Placements |
|
Agriventure is an international program that pairs young people from all over the globe wanting to work in Agriculture and farming businesses requiring staff. Access this site if you want to know more.
|
|
Lifetime Wool- more lambs, better wool, healthy ewes |
|
Lifetimewool has a series of ewe and pasture targets that increase productivity and profitability of the Merino sheep enterprise for regions across southern Australia. There are also management guidelines and tools for ewe flocks at all times of the year. |
|
Guard Animals for Livestock Protection |
|
This publication by the NSW Department of Primary Industries reviews the effectiveness of different guardian species available in Australia for livestock producers. |
|
Landcare Australia Limited |
|
The Landcare online website has information about the Landcare dedicated to managing environmental issues in local communities. |
|
Australian Rangeland Society 'Speaking for the Rangelands' |
|
The Australian Rangeland society is an association of people interested in the management and sustainable use of resources in natural or semi-natural landscapes, such as grasslands, shrublands, and woodlands. This website and society provides a forum for the free exchange of ideas and information regards the rangelands. |
|
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Website |
|
The DAFF website gives businesses access to the Department's information, from climate change, to resource management, biosecurity etc. |
|
Caring for our Country |
|
This website has information regarding Caring for our Country which is one way the Australian Government funds environmental management of our natural resources by supporting communities, farmers and other land managers to protect Australia's natural environment and sustainability. |
|
Sheep Genetics Website |
|
The Sheep Genetics website gives producers information on ASBVs, Breeding tips and most importantly is the hub for LAMBPLAN, MERINO SELECT, and KIDPLAN. These programs have practical information for meat and wool sheep, and goat producers on the genetic potential of their animals and uses a national database of information. |
|
LiceBoss |
|
LiceBoss is a decision support system which can help woolgrowers control lice more effectively, minimise pesticide residues and reduce the cost of lice control. |
|
Nuffield Australia Farming Scholars |
|
The Nuffield Australia Farming Scholars’ website gives you access to blogs and reports from past scholars, current scholars and australian news and information on how to apply for your own scholarship.
|
|
Feral animal management in Australia |
|
Feral animal management in Australia has information on how best to manage this presence to reduce agricultural and environmental impacts of feral animals in australia. |
|
Invasive Animals CRC |
|
The Invasive Animals CRC contains information from the largest integrated invasive animal research program in Australia. The invasive animal CRC creates new technologies and integrated strategies to reduce the impact of invasive animals on Australia's economy, environment, and people. |
|
Wild Dogs Fact Sheet |
|
Wild Dogs Fact Sheet from the QLD Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Contains information on the management of Wild Dogs |
|
Wild Dogs Control- QLD DAFF |
|
Wild Dog Control, QLD Department of Agriculture website This website contains information and a number of links to other valuable websites on this topic including management strategies. |
|
Shearing Contractors' Association of Australia |
|
The Shearing Contractors' Association of Australia is a national industry association, representing the interests of Australian shearing contractors. The website offers membership, and information on news and events, wool harvesting jobs, shearing supplies, finding contractors, and work cover links.
|
|
Climate Change |
|
The Australian Governments, Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Climate Change Website includes all of the relevant information on what you need to know about the topic.
|
|
Shearing World |
|
The shearing world website contains information including available jobs, contractors, industry employers, competitions and a posting of current records.
|
|
Carbon Farming Initiative |
|
The Carbon Farming Initiative website has all the information for farmers looking to earn carbon credits by storing carbon or reducing greenhouse emissions on the land. |
|
Building a Profitable Bank Relationship |
|
by Liz Guerin Murphy’s Golden Rule states that whoever has the gold makes the rules. It was a rule that, in the 1980’s and early 90’s, many banks followed with their agricultural clients and this has resulted in many producers harbouring feelings of dread and distrust when faced with the prospect of dealing with banks (and bank managers). Read More |
|
Celebrating Diversity: People, Place and Purpose |
|
Report on Australian Rangelands Conference at Kununurra, Western Australia September 23-27, 2012 This was a truly applicable theme for the 17th Biennial Australian Rangelands Society Conference held at the Kununurra Leisure Centre, Western Australia. I saw the range of landscape diversity from the East Kimberley Ranges, involving the Durack Family “Kings in Grass Castles” history, to the wildlife activity of the scenic waterways of Lake Argyle and the Ord River. Business diversity was evident in agriculture, horticulture, tourism and mining developments. From indigenous culture and art to future beef production programs, I had a truly extraordinary experience. Read More |
|
Kununurra ARS Conference Report |
|
By Angus Whyte I flew into Darwin very early on Saturday (22nd) morning, spent a few hours going around the Parap markets and getting some supplies for the trip to Kununurra (850km). I had to wait as Annabel Walsh and Becky Kossler flew in to Darwin at 2pm, then we all drove to Katherine, then on to Kununurra on Sunday, arriving in Kununurra at about 3pm local time (to register), after some detours and sightseeing on the drive from Katherine (another story!). Read More |
|
Weather Watch (November 2012) |
|
by Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) Australia has the most variable climate of all agricultural producing countries; but last month that variation was ridiculous! On the 11th October we had snow around the Quorn district and the highest the temperature got that day was 14 degrees. Just 4 days later the temperature reached 35! Read More |
|
AWI Market Intelligence - October 2012 report |
|
This month, we shall provide some context for the current wool prices in Australia, and summarise relevant trade and financial news. Read More |
|
New OJD entry requirements ratified |
|
WoolProducers Australia and Sheepmeat Council of Australia The National Ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) Management Committee has re-confirmed its intention to adhere to 1 January 2013 as the implementation date for the revised OJD management plan. Read More |
|
PestSmart Factsheet: Fumigation for rabbit control |
|
Fumigation is a valuable tool in successful rabbit management programs. It is an effective follow-up technique to poison baiting and warren ripping, and is a particularly useful control method in areas where other techniques cannot be used (eg poison baiting). Fumigation works by replacing the air in warrens with lethal gasses, which are in-turn inhaled by rabbits, causing them to suffocate and die. Read More |
|
Providing a diversity of management to achieve a greater plant diversity |
|
Paper submitted at the Rangelands Conference 2012 By Angus Whyte, Landholder Wyndham Station Wentworth NSW and Peter Jessop Rangeland Scientist DPI Dareton NSW A bit of background and explanation of where we live, Wyndham is a 12,500ha property on the Anabranch River in Western NSW about 200km south of Broken Hill; we graze sheep and cattle as well as from time to time opportunistically crop some of our floodplain country. I’m a fourth generation landholder in the area, my parents live on another property about 20km away and we help them with the running of their property when required. Read More |
|
Making sheds a ‘shear delight’ |
|
For all wool producers, shearing sheds are an important tool of the trade. Bestprac has spent the last month researching different shearing shed redevelopments to provide tips and learning’s to the Bestprac network. The latest innovation case study, Making sheds a ‘shear delight’, includes two videos and two written reviews, providing different perspectives. Read More |
|
Weather Watch (October 2012) |
|
by Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) A spider has taken up residence in my rain gauge! Its thick web completely covers the top. However, I haven’t needed to evict it as we’ve had no rain for six weeks, and there’s nothing much in sight. Read More |
|
Burra’s AWI Wool Clip: a great success |
|
By Pene Keynes |
|
New Age Wools – The Short Wools |
|
By Sally Ware Once known as “prem” wools and seen as a sign of a “last resort” management tool such as shearing early to control lice or flies, short wools are becoming “new age”. Mark Bazeley, principal owner of the wool broking business “Riverina Wool” which has been based in Moama in southern NSW for the past 30 years has been watching the change in demand from wool processors for these type of wools for a number of years. Read More |
|
Sheep CRC Graduate Program - Best Baa None |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Cyromazine (eg Vetrazin) Resistant Flies - Bring out your Maggots! |
|
PROJECT BACKGROUND INFORMATION Early in 2011 a sample of blowfly larvae collected from struck ewe lambs on a Nimmitabel property were submitted to NSW DPI (Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute) as a possible cyromazine1 breakdown. Wether lambs on the same property that had been treated with dicyclanil2 were not affected. The property had a long history of cyromazine and dicyclanil use but it was deduced that the ewe lambs had been under-dosed with a cyromazine spray-on product. Read More |
|
The Merino Ewe – Bred Bullet Proof |
|
Dr Mark Ferguson It is a beautiful thing when science and stockmanship find some common ground. Such is the case for the recent realisation of the value of increasing the genetic fat and muscle in Merino ewes. In what could be described as parallel universes, two dedicated sheep teams made exactly the same discovery: The more genetic fat and muscle a Merino ewe has the better she handles the climatic extremes, that is, the more bullet proof she is. Read More |
|
Rethink required for weed control – a serious threat |
|
Mick Alexander |
|
AgriLife research: Multi-paddock grazing is superior to continuous grazing |
|
Mick Alexander |
|
Ewe are what Ewe eat – Better Nutrition Improves Lambing Percentages |
|
by Liz Guerin In Central Queensland, low lambing percentages have been the ‘norm’ in recent years. However, Longreach pastoralist, Pat Hegarty is bucking this trend, averaging 106% last season, and says his success is due largely to their sheep feeding and supplementation program. Read More |
|
AWI 2012 Flystrike R&D Technical Update |
|
Andrew Miller, Bestprac PAP, member attended the AWI 2012 Flystrike R&D Technical Update on behalf of Bestprac. |
|
Methodical progress with flystrike control |
|
Research and development continues to explore ways to best protect the Australian sheep flock from breech strike. |
|
Spelling paddocks over summer- good for your pastures and your pocket |
|
Nicole Sallur, Extension Officer, Agri-Science Queensland, DAFF |
|
South Australian Murray Darling Basin Soil Reclamation Project |
|
Andrew Graham, Productive Nutrition. |
|
Talking Goats in Ivanhoe |
|
By Allie Jones
|
|
Producer Training - Sheep CRC |
|
The Sheep CRC can provide the following training courses and workshops: Read More |
|
Breeding Leadership Opportunities for Young Pastoralist |
|
by Liz Guerin |
|
Sheep CRC: EID technology for sheep more affordable |
|
Sheep CRC Press release Advances in electronic identification (EID) systems are making precision management of sheep even more simple and affordable. Nathan Scott, consultant with Mike Stevens & Associates based in Victoria, said producers don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve the benefits of EID for their sheep operation. Read More |
|
Profitability of a Merino Sheep Enterprise - Doing the numbers and understanding the levers |
|
Session notes from the Blackall and Stanthorpe AWI Wool Clip events. Profitability of a Merino Sheep Enterprise - Doing the numbers and understanding the levers. |
|
AWI proposes 60:40 Marketing:R&D split for WoolPoll 2012 |
|
AWI Press Release |
|
Select Twin-Bearing Ewes For More Lambs |
|
Goondiwindi vet Dr Mike Rival sees many Merino wool producers fail to maximise the number of lambs on the ground through a lack of attention to ewe selection and nutrition. |
|
Profitability of a Merino Sheep Enterprise |
|
Rural Directions Pty Ltd presentation from the AWI Wool Clip events at Blackall and Stanthorpe. |
|
Breeding future leaders |
|
The next generation of leaders within the wool industry has completed the 2012 Breeding Leadership Course, AWI’s professional development course for young woolgrowers. Read More |
|
OJD management changes coming |
|
Australia’s Ovine Johne’s Disease (OJD) Management Plan finishes at the end of this year. An extensive review of the plan has been undertaken which identified improvements to assist producers to control and prevent OJD. Read More |
|
Flystrike workshops target SA pastoral producers |
|
South Australian pastoral zone sheep producers are improving their flystrike management practices following a series of industry workshops held over the last six months. Read More |
|
Scanning Pays |
|
by Liz Guerin |
|
Weather Watch (July 2012) |
|
Recently I attended a tourism meeting where we discussed the pioneering history of the Flinders Ranges. It got me thinking about how the early settlers coped with, and more often didn’t cope with, drought.
|
|
Genetic and Genomic research |
|
Dear Woolgrowers and Industry Stakeholders, I wanted to write to you to confirm Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) is committed to meaningful and relevant genetic and genomic research. However to gain investment, projects must show a feasible plan for industry uptake. Read More |
|
Worm management and drench resistance |
|
FAST FACTS
|
|
Telecommunications anywhere, anytime |
|
by Liz Guerin |
|
Carbon Farming in the Rangelands – What does it mean for the landholder? |
|
By Jane Garrett The WA Group ran it’s Climate Change Workshop at Hamelin Station on 18th and 19th May with session leader David Galloway from Ferart Design & Northwest Carbon. Read More |
|
Weather Watch (June 2012) |
|
by Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) This month I’ll mention some weather information available from a variety of sources: the internet, mobile phones, television and even a higher power! Read More |
|
Heat and ewe body temperature do influence joining |
|
By Greg Curran Flock scanning in the far north-west by Cousins Merino Services has shown, for the first time, that high daytime temperatures during joining combined with high ewe body temperatures reduces fertility. Read More |
|
The National OJD Management Plan 2012-2017 - What you need to know |
|
Why do we need a National OJD Management Plan? |
|
PestSmart YouTube channel |
|
The PestSmart YouTube channel contains clips of practical instructions on a range of pest animal control methods, new products and monitoring techniques. The PestSmart Toolkit provides comprehensive management information packages on several key vertebrate pest species in Australia including rabbits, wild dogs, foxes, feral pigs, feral cats, carp, and tilapia. More information: Invasive Animal CRC |
|
Feral pigs in Australia videos |
|
Pigs arrived in Australia with the First Fleet and today feral populations inhabit around 40% of Australia. Feral pigs cause agricultural damage through predation of newborn lambs, reduction in crop yields, damage to fences and water sources, and competition with stock for feed by consuming or damaging pasture. They also are considered a major threat to stock as a potential carrier of exotic diseases. Read More |
|
Weather Watch - May 2012 |
|
By Susan Carn |
|
Poor lamb-marking percentages? Let’s ‘webinar’ the topic! |
|
By Allie Jones, Livestock Extension Officer and Charlotte Cavanagh, Veterinary Officer, NSW DPI (Bourke) |
|
National wool production recovery checked |
|
|
|
Ever wondered if you’re making a difference? The truth is, without even trying, everything you do is changing the universe |
|
There is rarely a linear path to create an idea or business. Every decision you make, every action you take in your business, has a flow on effect. The circumstance, the market, the business changes with each decision made. Read More |
|
Award winning business strategies for rangeland producers |
|
This case study focuses on Andrew Dufty, a successful and motivated farmer from western Victoria. Andrew has a message and focus that can be applied to any business; including rangeland businesses. Read More |
|
Webinars – Bringing the Information to You |
|
by Liz Guerin Keeping up to date with the latest information or innovations has always been a responsibility of producers. However in pastoral areas, this becomes an additional challenge for producers when the tyranny of distance is considered. Read More |
|
Weather Watch - April 2012 |
|
by Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) Last month I was fortunate enough to attend the National Press Club lunch in Canberra to celebrate the Climate Champion Program. I am one of 34 farmers from different regions and enterprises across Australia who are working with scientists to bring climate research to the paddock, and we let researchers know what climate tools and information farmers need. Read More |
|
Dr Hugh Pringle, Ecosystem Management Understanding (EMU) - Australian Story 5/3/12 |
|
Australian Story Link |
|
Precision Sheep Management training |
|
Developed by Sheep CRC - A series of recordings from live webinars with an audience of sheep producers interested in introducing Precision Sheep Management to their enterprises, are now available for download. Click here to view. |
|
Bred Well Fed Well Workshops |
|
These free, one-day workshops are supported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and the Sheep Cooperative Research Centre (Sheep CRC) as a part of a national program to increase sheep industry productivity. Read More |
|
Using eID for Sheep Management & Breeding Course |
|
This short course is designed for sheep breeders to increase their understanding of the technology, data collection and analysis. Participants will develop the skills and confidence to effectively implement eID within their enterprise. More Information |
|
Flystrike Management Workshops |
|
Flystrike and Lice Management workshops will be held at locations around Australia and will provide information for sheep producers on an integrated approach to managing breech strike and body strike. More information Read More |
|
Reducing the Flystrike Risk |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Weather Watch - March 2012 |
|
by Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) Gosh it’s autumn already! Summer was cooler and a bit wetter than usual here, which was a nice change. This can be attributed to the current La Niña. During La Niña phases, temperatures tend to be below normal, particularly over northern and eastern parts of Australia. The cooling is relatively strongest during the October to March period. Read More |
|
Media release: National website pinpoints pest animals |
|
You can now go online www.feralscan.org.au to map where wild dogs, feral goats and starlings occur anywhere across Australia, to record sightings, damage and control activities to help manage these pests. Read More |
|
Are the principles of Life Time Ewe Management (LTEM) applicable to pastoral areas? |
|
Yes. |
|
AW Howard Memorial Study Awards |
|
AW Howard Memorial Study Awards for Australian Grazing or Rangeland Extension Consultants, Advisers and Agribusiness Specialists; and Australian Graziers or Rangelands Pastoralists. Read More |
|
FarmDay |
|
FarmDay is when a farm family hosts a city family for a day of real hands-on experiences and a greater understanding of the day-to-day life of the farming family >> www.farmday.com.au |
|
Farmsafe Australia |
|
Improve your businesses safety systems and procedures to improve your productivity >> www.farmsafe.org.au |
|
Global Climate Change |
|
NASA's eye on the earth >> http://climate.nasa.gov/ |
|
Making More from Pastures |
|
A one-stop information package delivering the essential processes for a successful beef business. |
|
Safe Work Australia |
|
Changes to all OH&S Acts that will affect all employers and employees from January 2012 >> www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au |
|
Stress |
|
Submitted from a Bestprac member Read More |
|
Nuffield scholarship a life-changing opportunity |
|
Applications for the 2013 round of Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships will open on the 1st April 2012. Read More |
|
Key Farm Financial Benchmarks |
|
What should I be monitoring? Read More |
|
EMU™ takes flight in the Rangelands |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Water Technology Day: Narromine, 13 December 2011 |
|
By Mark Gardner |
|
Weather Watch - Feb 2012 |
|
By Susan Carn |
|
NSW Version of Climate Dogs – Released |
|
The Climate Smart Agriculture Team have released the NSW version of the Climate Dogs. Read More |
|
National program for Ovine Johne’s Disease supported and set to continue |
|
Sheepmeat Council of Australia and WoolProducers Australia will continue a national program for the control and prevention of Ovine Johne’s Disease after June 2012. Read More |
|
Attracting and retaining staff in Australia’s beef, sheep and pastoral wool industries |
|
The fact sheets on how the beef and pastoral industries can improve staff attraction and retention strategies is based on the findings of Final Report B.NBP.0370 Attracting and retaining staff in Australia’s beef, sheep and pastoral wool industries. Read More |
|
Organics Gives Business Flexibility...but also Frustration |
|
by Liz Guerin |
|
Researching the sheep WOW factor… |
|
A Sheep CRC research trial is underway to establish the fit of ‘Mob-based Walk Over Weighing’ technology Read More |
|
E-sheep Innovation and Co-operation a Winning Combination |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Managing a Variable Climate - On-Farm Strategies |
|
During 2009 and 2010 Bestprac has been delivering a FarmReady Industry Grant Project; “Implementing new practices to manage climate change variability in the Australian Pastoral Zone”. Read More |
|
FlyBoss – valuable information for the flystrike season |
|
Record recent rains through inland Queensland, NSW and Victoria - and the forecast for more rain over summer - has the sheep industry on a flystrike watch. |
|
Guardian Dog Manual |
|
Designed to equip land managers with the knowledge to be self-reliant in livestock and property protection against wild dogs, foxes and other predators >> Guardian Dog Manual
|
|
Bred Well Fed Well campaign gets underway in Qld |
|
By Lloyd Dunlop, Lamb Consultant, Goondiwindi |
|
Superior genes for super sheep |
|
Sheep CRC Read More |
|
Farm Innovation in the broadacre and dairy industries 2006 - 07 and 2007 - 08 |
|
ABARE Report: "Farm Innovation in the broadacre and dairy industries 2006 - 07 and 2007 - 08" |
|
Australian Pastoral Property Innovation Manual |
|
Australian Pastoral Property Innovation Manual - order now Read More |
|
Bestprac Current Project |
|
Implementing new practices to manage climate change variability in the Australian pastoral zoneRead More |
|
FarmReady Reimbursement Grant |
|
Eligible participants are able to claim up to $1500 per financial year to attend FarmReady-registered courses >> www.farmready.gov.au |
|
Cooperation and Connections Key to Rangelands Sustainability |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Going for gold – with Lifetime Ewe Management |
|
Sheep CRC News Release |
|
Sheep Worms Still A Threat In Pastoral Districts |
|
Arthur LeFeuvre, WormBoss |
|
Wormboss |
|
Go to www.wormboss.com.au and subscribe to the monthly worm news. It’s free and keeps you updated on worm activity in your part of the world |
|
It’s ewe time!’ – making sheep even more productive |
|
Making More from Sheep Forums Read More |
|
Flinders Merino - Opening Opportunities and Communication in Wool Marketing |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Is Algae the Key to De-Risking Food Supply? |
|
By Jane Garrett, Gascoyne Bestprac Group Facilitator |
|
Invasive Animal Cooperative Research Centre |
|
The Invasive Animal Cooperative Research Centre: Australia’s largest integrated invasive animal research program. Read More |
|
Feral.org.au |
|
This website and database contains information on vertebrate pest animal species in Australia and New Zealand. Browse the site for general information or use the search function for more specific results. >> www.feral.org.au |
|
Feral Scan |
|
Help map the feral animal sightings in your area >> www.feralscan.org.au |
|
AWI Update on Strategy for Flystrike Control |
|
New strategy for flystrike control - Progress to date |
|
Innovation a way of life |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
McDonald - Leads the way in Grazing BMP |
|
Central Queensland graziers Graeme and Susan McDonald are demonstrating best-practice grazing management (Grazing BMP) on their property “Albeni” Read More |
|
Scanning Ewes makes 'Cents' |
|
By Geoff Duddy, Livestock Officer (Sheep & Wool), Industry & Investment NSW |
|
Calling all farmers to open their gates this FarmDay |
|
“We’ve found that the city families who have participated in FarmDay are now our greatest advocates in metropolitan areas and are educating their friends and family on the importance of supporting Australia’s farmers. Read More |
|
Enterprise Based Conservation |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Wilcannia Bestprac Tour of South Africa |
|
By Sally Ware, Livestock Officer (Sheep and Wool), I & I NSW, Hay Read More |
|
Wild Dog funding to protect the nation’s flock and wildlife |
|
Provided by AWI |
|
PSM unveils new world of possibilities |
|
A step into the world of high-tech livestock identification and weighing is opening up a realm of new opportunities to drive sheep production for NSW Central West farmers, Ray and Belinda Haigh. |
|
Managing Breech Flystrike |
|
AWI has released a new publication to help producers tackle breech flystrike. The 'Managing Breech Flystrike' Publication is designed to help producers reduce their flock’s flystrike risk and develop an effective flystrike control plan. Read More |
|
Sheep Genetics Australia |
|
Sheep Genetics is the national genetic information and evaluation service for the meat and wool sectors of the sheep industry delivered as LAMBPLAN and MERINOSELECT. >> www.sheepgenetics.org.au |
|
Making More from Sheep |
|
AWI and MLA have joined forces to develop Making More From Sheep, a best practice package of information, tools and learning opportunities for Australian sheep producers. >> www.makingmorefromsheep.com.au |
|
ASBVs – Sprinting to Improve Performance |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Handy Math - solutions for technicians |
|
Excellent resource for all the calculations you do in your business such as working out the volume of fuel tanks. |
|
Climate Control |
|
by Liz Guerin Anyone who works on the land will tell you that they are at the mercy of climate. Read More |
|
Futurewise - weather tool |
|
Developed by Grain Growers Limited’s Commercial Services Division, and “It provides rural landholders and other industry stakeholders with information about Australia’s climatic history, current season conditions and long term climate prospects”. Read More |
|
Wool Production Forecast confirms three per cent rise |
|
Press Release - AWI |
|
Carbon Farming – Bestprac Group Webinar |
|
By Wendy Davidson |
|
Pastoral Tourism - Cashing in on Natural Assets |
|
by Liz Guerin Read More |
|
AWI newsletter November 2011 |
|
Take the next step with electronic ID |
|
It’s time for ram breeders and sheep producers to reap the benefits of electronic identification (eID) by registering for a new training course aimed at integrating the technology into existing farm management strategies Read More |
|
NSW Livestock Health and Pest Authorities |
|
Livestock Health and Pest Authorities deliver the frontline livestock health service in NSW. http://www.lhpa.org.au/ |
|
Disappointing lamb marking raises more questions than answers |
|
By Allie Jones, Livestock Extension Officer (Sheep and Wool) |
|
Carbon Farming Initiative & the Carbon Tax |
|
With the Federal Government’s carbon legislation now passed, many wool growers may be wondering what impact the Carbon Tax will have on their existing operations, or how they can take part in a carbon economy. Read More |
|
Managing Invasive Animals |
|
More information, including dates and locations of PestSmart Roadshows can be found at www.feral.org.au/pestsmart. Read More |
|
Invasive Animals CRC Tools to manage the (In)Famous Four |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Lower Nebine Trials Zoom-in on Pest Options |
|
Unbeknown to the wild dogs, pigs, cats and foxes of the Nebine catchment, Candid Camera of a different sort has arrived in the area with the recent delivery of remote monitoring equipment to the Lower Nebine Bestprac Group. Read More |
|
Biteback |
|
For producers living south of the Dog Fence in the sheep pastoral zone of the SA Arid Lands region, wild dogs have become an increasing problem. Read More |
|
Weather Watch |
|
Susan and Ben Carn run a 10,000 hectare property just out of Quorn in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia. Read More |
|
Big Day Out at Tilpa October 2011 |
|
Sally Ware, Livestock Officer, NSW DPI, Hay |
|
Moving Beyond Reasonable Drought |
|
By John Squires |
|
The Sheep CRC |
|
The Sheep CRC, includes all of Australia's leading sheep industry organizations in a program aimed at transforming wool, meat and the sheep that produce them. >> Go to Sheep CRC website
|
|
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) |
|
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is a producer-owned company, working in partnership with industry and government to achieve a profitable and sustainable red meat and livestock industry in Australia. >> go to MLA website |
|
Australian Wool Innovation |
|
Australian Wool Innovation is a not-for-profit company owned by over 29,000 Australian woolgrowers. AWI invests in research, development, innovation and marketing along the global supply chain for Australian wool. >> go to AWI website |
|
Climate Change Resources |
|
Bestprac has received funding through the FarmReady program to undertake the project ‘Implementing new practices to manage climate change variability in the Australian Pastoral zone’. Read More |
|
Australian Farm Institute Research Reports |
|
>> go to Australian Farm Institute Research Reports |
|
MLA Climate Change Resource Centre |
|
MLA has made it easy for sheep producers to access a range of resources on the impact of climate change on Australian livestock industries including tips on adapting to these impacts. >> go to MLA Climate Change Resource Centre website |
|
Australian Farm Institute BLOG |
|
The Ag Forum is a chat room for discussion of current issues in Australian and international agriculture policy. Join the conversation today! |
|
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities |
|
The department is responsible for implementing the Australian Government's policies to protect our environment and heritage, and to promote a sustainable way of life. |
|
Climate Change Australia |
|
OzClim enables you to generate and explore Australian climate scenarios. You can choose from a selection of most requested scenarios or create your own scenario. Read More |
|
Land and Water Australia |
|
Knowledge for managing Australian Landscapes 1990 - 2009 Read More |
|
Grants and Assistance |
|
Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Read More |
|
Participative Action Research |
|
Participative Action Research, or PAR as it is known, is a process by which producers have significant inputs into defining research needs, designing and executing the trial projects. While common in “inside country”, it is not as common in the Rangelands. Read More |
|
Harvey family - Economic Strategy |
|
Coping with a variable climate: Making the most from every drop of rainfall |
|
John Parnell - Environmental Strategy |
|
The Use Of Old Man Saltbush In Assisting With A Changing Climate And Noting The Production Consequences |
|
Working Together |
|
Think Tank: Ensuring Sustainability and Embracing Change in the SA Rangelands |
|
South West Climate Change Forum, Victoria |
|
The Forum was a unique group of primary industry and planning groups formed in 2007 to help south-west Victoria’s primary producers adapt and prepare for changes in climate and climate variability. Read More |
|
The Changing Climate |
|
Impacts and adaptation options for South Australian primary producers |
|
Tools and Resources for Managing Climate Change |
|
Presentation by Tom Wiley at the Climate Forum WA 2010 Read More |
|
Grow Algae: Mitigate Greenhouse Emissions and Produce Food for your Livestock |
|
Helen Scott, Founder CO2 Algae |
|
Tapping Your Carbon Well |
|
Mark Alchin, Industry Development – Pastoral, Department of Agriculture and Food |
|
Coping With Climate Change |
|
Climate Change and the Pastoral Industry in the Murchison - A Case Study |
|
AWI Market Update 2011 |
|
Future price fundamentals for Australian wool |
|
MLA Meat Market Update - sheep, goats, beef |
|
Presentation by Richard Apps at the Bestprac National Forum 2012 Read More |
|
Gain from Genetics |
|
Sheep Genetics Update |
|
Tourism in the Rangelands |
|
Presentation by Brendan and Carmel Reynolds at the Bestprac National Forum 2011 Read More |
|
Marketing Pastoral Lamb |
|
Presentation By Jamie McTaggart at the Bestprac National Forum 2011 Read More |
|
Management Systems on Three Rivers Station |
|
Presentation by Ben Forsyth at the Bestprac National Forum 2011 Read More |
|
Ecosystem Management Understanding in Arid Lands |
|
Presentation by Janet Walton at the Bestprac National Forum 2011 Read More |
|
Principles of Succession Planning |
|
Presentation by John Squires at Bestprac National Forum 2011 Read More |
|
Seasonal Influences on Reproduction |
|
Michelle Cousin's presentation to the Bestprac National Forum 2011 Read More |
|
Flystrike Management |
|
Lu Hogans presentation to the Bestprac National Forum 2011 Read More |
|
Electronic Resources to Understand Climate |
|
Presentation by Susan Carn to the Bestprac National Forum, August 2011 Read More |
|
Rangeland Renewal - 2011 National Bestprac Forum |
|
Forum Presentations available to review Read More |
|
Ben and Susan Carn - Technological Strategy |
|
“Wootoona” Near Quorn in the Upper North of South Australia |
|
Graham and Cathy Finlayson - Environmental Strategy |
|
Bokhara Plains, 35km North of Brewarrina, NSW |
|
Justin and Julie McClure - Economic Strategy |
|
“Kallara”, Darling River flood plain at Tilpa, Western NSW |
|
Exotic Sheep Breed Management in the Rangelands |
|
These guidelines have been formed as a result of the Envirofund/PIRD funded project ‘improving hardy sheep containment in the rangelands’. They are to be used as guidelines only for Best Practice Management. Read More |
|
Weather Watch - December 2011 |
|
By Susan Carn (Hawker/Blinman Bestprac Group) Read More |
|
Weather Watch - November 2011 |
|
by Susan Carn Read More |
|
Weather Watch - October 2011 |
|
by Susan Carn Read More |
|
Weather Watch - September 2011 |
|
by Susan Carn Read More |
|
Doing the 6-month shear |
|
By Sally Ware |
|
Want a better cut? |
|
Eight out of ten shearers could make more money just by giving their handpiece, combs and cutters a little more attention. Read More |
|
Weather Watch - August 2011 |
|
by Susan Carn Read More |
|
Pestsmart Thinking In Practical Pest Animal Management |
|
Invasive Animal CRC launches PestSmart toolkits. Read More |
|
Weaning Innovation inspires Nuffield Study |
|
After some strong results and positive experiences with pen weaning, James Robertson of Chowilla Station near Renmark, is preparing to learn more about intensive livestock management as the recipient of a 2011 Nuffield scholarship supported by Australian Wool Innovation. Read More |
|
Weather Watch - July 2011 |
|
by Susan Carn Read More |
|
Vitamin Vaccines – Snake oil or Sensible? |
|
by Geoff Duddy, Livestock Officer (Sheep & Wool), Industry & Investment NSW |
|
Weather Watch - June 2011 |
|
by Susan Carn Read More |
|
Weather Watch - May 2011 |
|
by Susan Carn Read More |
|
Weather Watch - April 2011 |
|
by Susan Carn Read More |
|
Weather Watch - March 2011 |
|
by Susan Carn Read More |
|
Weather Watch - February 2011 |
|
by Susan Carn Read More |
|
Weather Watch - January 2011 |
|
by Susan Carn Read More |
|
Roadshow to Rehydrate Queensland |
|
By Mick Alexander, Grazing BestPrac |
|
‘Bore-ing’ Chores made simpler with Telemetry |
|
By Liz Guerin Read More |
|
Merino Super Sires 16 Released |
|
The latest Merino Superior Sires has been released onto the Merino Superior Sires website and can be downloaded now at www.merinosuperiorsires.com.au Read More |
|
Blinman/Hawker Bestprac Group Report |
|
By John Squires, Rural Directions Pty Ltd |
|
On the Road in South Africa |
|
By Sally Ware, I & I NSW Read More |
|
New breeding values help to breed against flystrike |
|
Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV) for dag and breech cover have been launched by Sheep Genetics. Read More |
|
Recognising sheep in the natural carbon cycle |
|
The Wool Carbon Alliance (WCA) has resolved to reset the carbon agenda and recognise the role sheep play in the natural carbon cycle, a role not properly recognised under current carbon accounting protocols. |
|
Innovation Corner |
|
Innovation 1 - Prevent shedding sheep from damaging fencing. |
|
Moving Ahead with Rotational Grazing |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Lifetime Ewe Management in the pastoral zone |
|
Deb Maxwell, Sheep CRC |
|
Want to get more out of your saltbush? |
|
Lauren Costin, Productive Nutrition |
|
National Guidelines for Intensive Sheep Feeding Systems |
|
Productive Nutrition |
|
WILD DOGS – Successful Strategies for Control |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
WILD DOGS - Community Co-operation |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
WILD DOGS - Guardian Dogs |
|
By Liz Guerin |
|
Dubbo Forum report: managing in a variable climate |
|
By Mark Gardner Read More |
|
Flystrike Webinar available for you to view on the Sheep CRC website |
|
During August, Bestprac delivered a Flystike Management webinar that was hosted by the Sheep CRC. Read More |
|
FlyBoss all good at Goondiwindi |
|
Mark and Vicki Murphy, ‘Karbullah’ via Goondiwindi have moved-on from a ‘cure’ approach to flystrike. Read More |
|
Wild Dog Control |
|
Feral dogs maim and kill sheep, AWI has two major projects in wild dog control. Read More |
|
Sheep and wool studies |
|
University of New England (UNE) offers the most comprehensive range of sheep and wool units in Australia. Read More |
|
Precision Sheep Management Webinars |
|
The Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation webinars are available on the CRC website. Read More |
|
Time Spent Off-Farm Most Profitable |
|
By Liz Guerin Read More |
|
Managing non- mulesing – A Producer Perspective |
|
by Liz Guerin Read More |
|
Programs designed to replace traditional mulesing with welfare-improved practices – non surgical alternatives |
|
The Australian wool industry has done extensive research to find an effective intradermal agent. Read More |
|
National Wool Declaration (NWD) – the industry perspective |
|
By Liz Guerin Read More |
|
Snowgum offer |
|
Australian outdoor clothing company Snowgum is offering Australian woolgrowers a 20% discount off the price of its Australian superfine Merino apparel. Read More |
|
July Feature: Business Boot Camp |
|
By Liz Guerin Read More |
|
Decline in Plant Poisonings in Western NSW |
|
By Greg Curran |
|
The FlyBoss takes off |
|
A major resource for the entire Australian sheep industry has been launched. Read More |
|
Think Tank: Ensuring Sustainability and Embracing Change in the SA Rangelands |
|
As part of the DAFF Funded project a forum was held in Orroroo, SA, on June 28. Read More |
|
Capitalise on a ‘Carbon Based Economy’ |
|
Climate Change in Western Australia: Positioning Your Industry to Capitalise on a ‘Carbon Based Economy’ Read More |
|
Damara is Delicious |
|
By Lloyd Dunlop |
|
Closing the gap between average and top sheep producers |
|
"Making More From Sheep" Program- co-owned by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) Read More |
|
New OH&S laws for all |
|
What are the model work health and safety laws? Why do we need model work health and safety laws? Read More |
|
Climate Change Forum WA 2010 |
|
Held 10 May 2010, Monkey Mia, WA Read More |
|
50 000 reasons to make every lamb count |
|
.. as the breeding component of the flock continues to drop, producers must make every lamb count.." Read More |
|
Rain Brings Worm Threat |
|
Heavenly blessings often come with a curse. Read More |
|
Innovation Corner - getting around a wet paddock |
|
Stuart Mitchell, PAP Chairperson, submitted another innovation this month - for those of you with wet paddocks! Read More |
|
Praise for UQ rural education initiative |
|
A University of Queensland centre, Rangelands Australia, has become the first University-based initiative to be recognised by an Australian Rural Education Award Read More |
|
Best Practice Health |
|
Step 4: Nutrition Read More |
|
Australia's Declining Sheep Flock |
|
Implications for the Sheep CRC and the Australian sheep industry |
|
Bestprac Group Snapshots from around the Country |
|
Group reports for 2009 activities provided by group facilitators Chelsea Muster, Sally Ware and Jane Garrett. Read More |
|
Breathing Underwater: Climate Change Mitigation Policy and WA Land Use |
|
Charles Crouch, Principal Economist, DEC Office of Climate Change |
|
Climate Variability and Change in the Rangelands of WA |
|
Ian Foster, Research Officer, Department of Agriculture and Food Read More |
|
Best Practice Health |
|
Step 3: Exercise Read More |
|
Climate Change in the Australian Pastoral Zone |
|
- the impacts, issues and tools available Read More |
|
Best Practice Health |
|
Step 2: Motivation Read More |
|
AWI with a LiceSense to Kill |
|
Australian Wool Innovation is helping growers make sense of the increasing problem of lice infestations with a new extension program known as LiceSense. Read More |
|
Putting it together at “Etiwanda” |
|
Mark Gardner, Vanguard Business Services, NSW |
|
Best Practice Health |
|
Step 1: Your Health Check Rod Fardell, Body Options |
|
WA Innovation Road Trip to Cheela Plains |
|
Jane Garrett, WA Bestprac Group Facilitator Read More |
|
SA Road Trip Report - 2009 |
|
Chelsea Muster (Rural Directions Pty Ltd) Cell grazing, planting saltbush, meat sheep, organics, hinge joint fencing and much, much more Read More |
|
Churinga's Rangeland Conservation Program |
|
By Trudie Atkinson, NSW DPI, Trangie and Sally Ware,NSW DPI, Hay Read More |
|
Dubbo Innovation Forum Report |
|
Dubbo 24 August 2009 Read More |
|
Lower Nebine Road Trip Report - 2009 |
|
We were late, we were forgotten, we were early- we had a ball! Read More |
|
Going Goat Trading "Big Time" |
|
By Sally Ware, NSW DPI, Hay Low prices, coupled with the dry seasons were the catalyst for Rick and Jo Gates to look for alternative sources of income on their property “Burndoo”. Read More |
|
Sulphur in the Mulga Lands |
|
Fran Brownhalls, Cunnamulla, Qld Read More |
|
Attracting and Retaining Staff in the Australian Pastoral Industry - Part 1 |
|
Summary of Key Findings By Nandi Herholdt, The Ryder Self Group Read More |
|
Attracting and Retaining Staff in the Aust Pastoral Industry - Part 2 |
|
Industry FeedbackBy Nandi Herholdt, The Ryder Self Group Read More |
|
Determining Cost of Production |
|
By Chelsea Muster, Rural Directions Pty Ltd What are the key profit drivers in your livestock business? How can profit be influenced or increased? Read More |
|
Lag v Lead Indicators |
|
By Chelsea Muster, Rural Directions Pty Ltd |
|
Innovation Corner - Bore Pulling Winch |
|
By Brian and Margie Rowe, Carrieton Bestprac Group Read More |
|
Innovation Corner - Sheep Measurement at Etiwanda |
|
By Sally Ware, NSW DPI Andrew and Megan Mosely believe it is very important to have an objective measurement of the genetic performance of their sheep Read More |
|
Free "Pick of the Draft" DVD on Clip Preparation |
|
By Mary Goodacre, AWI Woolgrowers could literally save themselves thousands of dollars by taking simple steps to improve their pre-sale clip preparation. Read More |
|
Innovative Crutching System Will Cut Your Costs |
|
By Wayne Perkins, Perkinz Managing Director |
|
Bayer Animal Health - Mulesing Update |
|
By Natasha Morley, Rural Directions Pty Ltd Report from Bayer Animal Health information sessions about alternatives to mulesing. Read More |
|
Terra Madre 2008 - Turin, Italy |
|
By Stuart Mitchell - "Cashel Vale", Bollon, Q. During October 2008, I was privileged to be given the opportunity to participate in The Natural Fibres forum at the Slow Food conference, Terra Madre in Turin, Italy. Read More |
|
Responsive Grazing Management Tool Now Available for South Australia |
|
By Chelsea Muster, Rural Directions Pty Ltd Three years in the making, and here it is! South Australian Pastoral producers now have a set of responsive grazing management tools that are specifically designed for South Australian land systems. Read More |
|
www.wool.com |
|
By Australian Wool Innovation Ltd AWI is pleased to launch www.wool.com, the premier online destination for the Australian Merino wool industry. Read More |
|
Fly baits for Fly control |
|
By Chelsea Muster (Rural Directions Pty Ltd) At a recent combined North East Eastern Districts and Yunta Bestprac meeting, members shared how the use of Fly Baits (or Fly Traps) has been successful in helping control fly numbers on their properties. Read More |
|
Business Planning |
|
By Carlyn Mellors (Rural Directions Pty Ltd) Why undertake a business plan? Read More |
|
New Year Goals |
|
By Carlyn Mellors (Rural Directions Pty Ltd) As we move into a new year it is important to reflect on the year that was and set goals for the year ahead. Read More |
|
Holistic Management: Thinking About the WHOLE System |
|
By Chelsea Muster, Rural Directions Pty Ltd The Mosely Family, based at Cobar, NSW, have adopted the holistic management principles to their business, working on balancing social, environmental and economic outcomes, both now and for future generations. Read More |
|
My Strategy for Breech Modification |
|
Update from Stuart Mitchell, PAP Chairperson In September this year, on behalf of the Bestprac network, I attended a breech blowfly strike control research update sponsored by AWI in Sydney... Read More |
|
Water Management Is Important Too! |
|
By Chelsea Muster, Rural Directions Pty Ltd |
|