Greater Sydney Spring 2024 Seasonal Update

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has released its most recent seasonal condition outlook for the Greater Sydney region. With largely favourable conditions seen, the agency reports that on-ground conditions continue to improve across the region, particularly in the central and north of the region. Despite recorded below average rainfall for September, The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast above average rainfall, warmer than average days and nights, an increased chance of unusually high temperatures, throughout the October – December period.

Take a look at the Greater Sydney updates below:

• Greater Sydney | State Seasonal Update (nsw.gov.au)
• On ground reporting | State Seasonal Update (nsw.gov.au)
• Farm Tracker App | NSW DroughtHub

Animal health update

Spring has well and truly sprung! As we continue to welcome a season of lush, new pasture growth, livestock producers should remain vigilant about the increased risks that also come with this time of year. Changes in diet and environmental conditions can increase the risk of conditions such as Bloat and Pulpy kidney. Staying vigilant and proactive can help ensure that your livestock remain healthy and productive throughout Spring and into Summer!

The change in season brings with it several disease risks that can be prevented through vaccination. A booster of 5-in-1 or 7-in-1 for cattle and 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 for sheep provides important protection against deadly clostridial diseases. Vaccinate calves/lambs from 6 weeks of age; two doses, 4 to 6 weeks apart. Adult stock of unknown vaccination status should also receive two doses 4 to 6 weeks apart. An annual booster thereafter is recommended.

Last year, we saw a particularly bad year for Barber's Pole Worm (BPW) in our region, and expected rain and warm weather over spring and into summer provides ideal conditions for intestinal worms. Sheep and goat owners need to be on the lookout for signs including;

• affected animals will have pale gums and conjunctiva (inside the eyelid)
• they may develop bottle jaw
• will lack stamina, for example, want to lie down when being moved
• often sheep/goats will go from looking fat and healthy, to dead very quickly with few symptoms.

It takes approximately 21 days for the lifecycle of the worm, so about 3-6 weeks after the rain event is when we expect to see clinical signs. Do not reach straight for the drench gun – do a WormTest. Integrated control programs including paddock and grazing management, and frequent monitoring can help reduce the negative impacts of BPW.

For further animal health information, or assistance with WormTest kits, reach out to our Greater Sydney District Vets or Livestock Officer, Kat katherine.mann@lls.nsw.gov.au.

Pastures update

As warm-season grasses start to flourish, small-scale livestock farmers must manage their pastures carefully. Overgrazing can harm your land and plants, so it is essential to rotate animals between pastures quickly. This will give cool-season grasses time to drop seed and allow warm-season varieties to establish themselves.

With above average rainfall forecast now is also an ideal time to fertilise your pastures to boost growth, however - timing is crucial. Ensure there is an adequate rest period for the fertiliser to break down before allowing your livestock to graze. This will not only maximise benefits but also minimise any possible risk of toxicity within your grazing animals.

Fertiliser withholding periods are precautionary and advisory in nature and are intended to protect the health of grazing animals. Health of livestock could be affected by direct ingestion of recently applied fertiliser from dust lodging on the leaves of the pasture, and plant concentrations of nutrients taken up from the soil may remain high for days/weeks after the initial application, depending on how much rain is received and how quickly regrowth occurs.

Effective pasture management will promote healthy grass growth and maintain a balanced diet for your livestock. By rotating pastures and fertilizing with care, you'll support the health of your animals and your land for the long term. Contact Ben for more information on maximising your pastures - ben.azzopardi@lls.nsw.gov.au

NRM update

With the increase in temperature, growth isn’t limited to only our pastures! A wonderful and breathtaking display of wildflowers are blooming across our region! From delicate native orchids to vibrant wattles and waratahs, our diverse range of wildflowers showcase the incredible beauty of nature right on our doorstep. It is also a great opportunity to get out into the backyard and paddocks to tackle weeds and plant native vegetation.

A range of problematic environmental weeds such as lantana begin to actively grow following slow, to no growth in winter. This is a great time to undertake control with some methods of herbicide application becoming increasingly effective as the weather warms throughout Spring. It is also a great time to plant native tube-stock as it often allows for a few weeks or months for young plants to adjust to site conditions, become established and better able to cope with summer heat and drying weather. Make sure any newly planted seedlings are well watered, with regular follow-up watering for a few months. Contact our NRM team for more information on seasonal activities!

Biosecurity update

With an increased supply of available pasture, we can also see an increase in herbivorous pests such as feral rabbits! Rabbits can negatively impact the growth of new seedlings and plants, leading to reduced establishment and increased competition from weeds. Before planting saplings/seedlings, it’s crucial to assess and manage any existing rabbit populations using trail cameras, spotlight counts or density classifications: High density (many active warrens, rabbits visible at all times), Medium density (active warrens present, noticeable signs like scratches and dung), Low density (minimal signs, few holes), Zero (no signs of rabbits).

Our Invasive Pest team can provide you with more information about control options - contact Jacob French at jacob.french@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0438 073 749.