This event is a WMLIG and Central Murray BestWool BestLamb joint initiative, made possible through funding from the Murray Local Land Services through the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme.
14th March 2018
Thirty eight landholders heard that deer are the top emerging pest in Australia, during a fencing and biosecurity workshop held in Mallan, NSW.
During his presentation on biosecurity issues including emerging pest risks, John Nolan from Murray Local Land Services (MLLS), indicated that deer have the potential to colonise up to 90% of Australia'a land mass and must be considered a real pest risk.
MLLS re-iterated that they need to hear about any deer sightings so that control strategies can be implemented. Mr Nolan assured participants that the information on deer sightings will be kept confidential so that landholders do not draw unwanted attention, including deer hunters.
District Veterinarian, Scott Ison also presented to the group and outlined the five key diseases sheep producers should be mindful of when considering their biosecurity. Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD), Ovine Brucellosis (OB), lice, footrot and drench resistant worms are all flock diseases which can have significant impact on production but can also be prevented or controlled through good biosecurity practices.
The workshop concluded with a hands-on session for completing the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program form with participants. Scott said it is a requirement that landholders complete this form and have a copy with them on the farm. The Western Murray Land Improvement Group has forms available for producers. Contact Rick Ellis on 0487372357 for more information.
Warratah representative, Mark Thompson was also on hand and presented technical information about fencing material including differences in material construction and application to prolong the life of the fence and make it easier to repair. An interactive session provided participants with the opportunity to try new knots, tools and techniques to consider when fencing.
The Mallan Community Hall benefited out of a partial new fence and gate co-sponsored by Warratah and the Western Murray Land Improvement Group. Thank you to all the community volunteers who helped with fencing and preparation for the day!
Thirty eight landholders heard that deer are the top emerging pest in Australia, during a fencing and biosecurity workshop held in Mallan, NSW.
During his presentation on biosecurity issues including emerging pest risks, John Nolan from Murray Local Land Services (MLLS), indicated that deer have the potential to colonise up to 90% of Australia'a land mass and must be considered a real pest risk.
MLLS re-iterated that they need to hear about any deer sightings so that control strategies can be implemented. Mr Nolan assured participants that the information on deer sightings will be kept confidential so that landholders do not draw unwanted attention, including deer hunters.
District Veterinarian, Scott Ison also presented to the group and outlined the five key diseases sheep producers should be mindful of when considering their biosecurity. Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD), Ovine Brucellosis (OB), lice, footrot and drench resistant worms are all flock diseases which can have significant impact on production but can also be prevented or controlled through good biosecurity practices.
The workshop concluded with a hands-on session for completing the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program form with participants. Scott said it is a requirement that landholders complete this form and have a copy with them on the farm. The Western Murray Land Improvement Group has forms available for producers. Contact Rick Ellis on 0487372357 for more information.
Warratah representative, Mark Thompson was also on hand and presented technical information about fencing material including differences in material construction and application to prolong the life of the fence and make it easier to repair. An interactive session provided participants with the opportunity to try new knots, tools and techniques to consider when fencing.
The Mallan Community Hall benefited out of a partial new fence and gate co-sponsored by Warratah and the Western Murray Land Improvement Group. Thank you to all the community volunteers who helped with fencing and preparation for the day!