Stay informed about travelling stock reserves this dry season
23 Oct 2023
With seasonal conditions drying across the state, Local Land Services is encouraging landholders and drovers to plan ahead when it comes to using travelling stock reserves (TSRs) in their area.
TSRs can play a key role during dry conditions and drought, with reserves providing emergency movement, refuge or fodder for livestock.
Local Land Services Business Partner – TSRs, Sam Hand said if landholders are considering using a TSR in the near future, it’s important to speak to their local TSR ranger first.
“Our TSR teams are regularly assessing the condition of reserves for groundcover, feed and water availability, as well as the potential for grazing impacts to biodiversity values,” Mr Hand said.
“Unfortunately, TSRs are not immune from dry conditions".
“When conditions begin to deteriorate and grass for grazing and water availability decline, we reduce or restrict stock numbers on the TSRs, which is no different to how farmers manage stock on their farms".
“Our teams will assess whether TSRs are suitable for use and can discuss what options are available for drovers and other users such as adjoining and locally based graziers".
“Sometimes teams need to make difficult management decisions to restrict access and usage to TSRs for grazing to ensure the overall longevity and sustainability of the TSR network".
"These decisions aren’t made lightly, and we encourage landholders and drovers to contact their local TSR team to see what reserves and options are available.”
Local Land Services Business Partner – Sustainable Agriculture, Dale Kirby said the key to preparing your farm for dry conditions is to plan and act early.
“Heading into a dry season, we’d urge everyone to start planning early,” Mr Kirby said.
“That means setting some key trigger points for reducing stock numbers, resting paddocks that have been grazed low and carefully assessing feeding options to economically keep stock healthy.”
Local Land Services is responsible for the care, control and management of about 30% of TSRs in NSW, covering about 530,000 hectares, mostly concentrated in the Central and Eastern Divisions.
Landholders and drovers are required to hold a permit before using a TSR.
If you have any questions about TSR usage and management, please call your closest LLS office and ask for a member of the TSR team.