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Farm census an opportunity to keep NSW safe and protect livestock out by a cold snap
With the winter season upon us and many areas experiencing their first frosts , Local Land Services is reminding livestock producers of the management options at their disposal to protect their animals .
In cold and wet conditions , stock will use energy to keep warm , so it ’ s important producers are prepared and taking relevant precautions to ensure their stock remain in the best possible condition .
There are a number of measures producers can take to prepare for cold snaps and wet weather to reduce the effects on their livestock , including :
- making sure livestock have access to shelter
- ensuring animals are getting enough food for their requirements
- ensuring animals that are most at risk including newborns , lambing ewes and calving cows , animals in low condition and sick animals , are provided with shelter , enough fee and are checked regularly
- increasing feed levels by up to 20 % during severe weather ( ie wind , rain and cold temperatures ).
Local Land Services Animal Biosecurity and Welfare Program Lead Scott Ison encouraged landholders wanting specific advice to get in touch with their nearest district veterinarian .
“ We have district veterinarians based across NSW who are working with producers to provide advice and support relevant to their local seasonal conditions ,” Mr Ison said .
“ In areas where rainfall has been limited for example , cold temperatures and frosts will further slow pasture growth , so it ’ s important those producers are aware of this and speaking with our expert staff to get this advice .
“ Taking the necessary precautions are well worth the added effort and expense in the long run to ensure the health of your mob or herd and the return you receive when joining or sending stock to market .”
Livestock producers wanting to speak with their Local Land Services district veterinarian can call 1300 795 299 or visit their nearest Local Land Services office .
Further livestock advice is available on the Local Land Services website – www . lls . nsw . gov . au .
Livestock producers are also encouraged to access weather forecasting tools to help them prepare for cold and wet weather events . Landholders can visit www . bom . gov . au to access weather forecasts and radar .
[ Courtesy Local Land Services ]
One hundred and seventy thousand farmers are being encouraged to report their livestock numbers and land use information to keep NSW safe and help the state respond to emergencies such as bushfires and biosecurity outbreaks .
Local Land Services Acting CEO Rob Kelly said the 2024 Annual Land and Stock Return would build a statewide picture of agricultural land use and livestock across NSW .
“ This information helps us in many ways , such as supporting land managers during disasters and if there was a biosecurity outbreak ,” Mr Kelly said .
“ This ensures the NSW Government can quickly and accurately respond to priority incidents to keep this state safe while supporting farmers , their businesses and animals through challenging times .
“ It also helps us understand what land managers are using their properties for , with this information
playing a role in shaping the services we deliver to support NSW farmers .”
The returns also help to :
• protect the state ’ s ‘ clean and green ’ reputation and environment against pests and diseases
• monitor flocks and herds for emergency animal diseases
• keep domestic and international markets open .
Mr Kelly said landholders without stock still needed to complete their returns to avoid unnecessary fees .
“ It is important all land managers complete their form regardless of whether they carry livestock on their properties or not ,” he said .
“ The Animal Health and Meat Industry Levy is automatically applied to their next rates notice if they fail to complete their return .
“ That is why we encourage all rural landholders to make time to complete their Annual Land and Stock Return .”
Streamlining the process over recent years has made submitting Annual Land and Stock Returns even easier .
Submit returns online via www . lls . nsw . gov . au / aslr or via the paper form , which can be returned via mail or to your nearest Local Land Services office .
The 2024 Annual Land and Stock Return portal opened 30 June 2024 and closes 31 August 2024 . For more information , visit www . lls . nsw . gov . au .
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34 ISSUE 170 // JULY 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT