In this edition

New cattle pen trial area at KRS

2013 NT mango orchard workshop in Katherine

Weed Management Branch welcomes new faces

Thatch grass

Gamba grass assistance program rolling out in Katherine

KPIAC is still kicking goals for the Katherine beef industry

Have you seen it?

2014 rangelands management course and stock course

All the information in the one place

KRS says goodbye to Heidi Wright

Attention cattle producers

Round the region

New cattle pen trial area at KRS

Neil MacDonald, Regional Director, Katherine Research Station

Katherine Research Station has fine new research infrastructure in the form of a pen trial area with 30 pens and a capacity of 150 head. This will allow us to test cattle growth rates and various diets with sufficient precision, sample size and repetition to assure scientific accuracy. This is the only facility of its type in the Australian tropics and is part of an effort to ensure that Katherine stays at the forefront of northern cattle research.

The main part of this project was completed before Christmas and the pens will be used for the first time for a trial on weaners starting in May.

This trial will establish the nutritional requirements for weaners to grow at 0.1 kg per day through their first dry season after first round weaning. Minimum weaning sizes are one area where there is no consensus, with some stations leaving calves on their mothers till they are 150 or even 180 kg. Others take them off much smaller. We favour the smaller end of the scale and wean strictly from 100kg.

We have always found that our small weaners grow well on saved native pastures after ten days on a weaner diet in the yards, along with weaner training. Despite demonstrating this for a number of years, this approach is not accepted throughout, and it will just be anecdotal until we complete this rigorous research and can put some real figures against the diet.

The trial will involve two weight ranges of weaner heifer, five diets and three repetitions with five weaners in each pen. At the end of the dry season, the weaners will go onto wet season pastures and will be kept until their breeding success and ability to meet market specifications can be measured.

This trial is being carried out in partnership with the University of Queensland and will be conducted by a PhD student from Brazil by the name of Tiago Alves Corrêa-Pãtanero de Silva (I think we might just call him Tiago) who will arrive in Katherine in April.

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2013 NT mango orchard workshop in Katherine

Grant Cutler, Technical Officer, Katherine Research Station

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In early December, Katherine Research Station hosted a Northern Territory mango orchard nutrition workshop in conjunction with guest speaker Ted Winston from Tropical Horticultural Consulting in Queensland. The aim of this workshop was to provide growers and agri-business advisors with outlined key strategies for the development and maintenance of healthy and productive orchards that can deliver quality fruit.

The workshop covered most aspects of mango orchard nutrition from essential nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium, through to timing of application during specific annual phenological events for maximum effectiveness. The role of four important elements (nitrogen, calcium, boron and potassium) was discussed in depth, covering areas from their specific roles in mango orchards and effect on mango production to correct application rates and timing. The summary of this section of the workshop outlined that nitrogen and calcium act as building blocks for tree health and fruit quality whilst boron activates with potassium and is responsible for the size and sweetness of the fruit. The final area covered in the workshop outlined the effect soil pH has on mango production and the overall health of mango orchards.

After lunch the group travelled to Piñata Farm to partake in a particle demonstration of soil sampling and leaf sampling techniques. The sampling, under Ted’s supervision, gave a good demonstration of the recommended procedure for sampling and the correct areas where samples should be taken. Soil samples are commonly taken to determine nutrient levels within the soil and their availability to the plant. Leaf sampling was also demonstrated as a method for determining nutrient levels within the trees themselves. Using both methods allows a suitable nutrition program to be implemented.

Overall it was an enjoyable and informative workshop with thanks going out to the local producers and agronomists who participated. Additional and resounding thanks to Ted Winston for sharing his knowledge. Special thanks also go to Horticulture Australia (HAL) and the Australian Mango Industry Association for funding this activity. For more information on mango orchard nutrition contact Ted Winston (Tropical Horticultural Consulting) on
(07) 4068 8796 or Warren Hunt (DPIF) on
(08) 8999 2143.

Ted Wilson (THC) and Sarah Phillips (DPIF) survey leaf samples taken during the practical field session

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Weed Management Branch welcomes new faces

The Department of Land Resource Management is pleased to introduce three starters to the Katherine Region Weed Management Branch.

/ Kirsten Tasker started working with the Weed Management Branch in August 2013. Kirsten hails from South East NSW and was previously working in Ranger and Firefighting roles throughout NSW and the ACT. Since starting with the Weed ManagementBranch, Kirsten has been busy surveying and managing rubber vine in the Gulf Country, chinee apple throughout the Katherine township and other priority weeds in the Katherine region. In her spare time Kirsten enjoys motocross riding, so if you see her down at the motorcycle club, be sure to say hello.
Will Parker joined the Weed Management Branch in December 2013 after moving to Katherine from Melbourne. Will has a background in ecological consulting and catchment management in Victoria. Since Will’s commencement, he has had involvement in grader grass herbicide trials and has been busy getting up to date with the major weed issues affecting the Katherine region. Since moving to the NT, Will has been playing AFL for the Wanderers in Darwin. He is looking forward to getting involved with one of the local sides in the Katherine competition this dry season. /

The Katherine Weed Management Branch is aiming to extend their services further in 2014 with the increase in staff, and a focus on pastoral land. Staff will be contacting landholders throughout the region in the immediate future to organise weed mapping, identification, and control projects. If you would like to find out more about extension services, contact the Weed Management Branch in Katherine.

OfficeDepot

32 Giles Street, Katherine11 Crawford Street, Katherine
Monday–FridayFriday
8.00am–4.21pm1.00pm–4.15pm
Phone 08 8973 8857

Thatch grass

Control this potential weed before it becomes established in the NT

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Thatch grass (Hyparrhenia rufa)is a competitive, introduced grass that was previously trialled in the Northern Territory as a pasture species, but is no longer recommended or used. It is well adapted to fire, and once established in an area it can increase fuel loads, resulting in higher fire frequency and intensity.

Evaluation through the Northern Territory Weed Risk Assessment System found thatch grass to be a high weed risk, but that the opportunity exists for effective control due to its current limited distribution. In accordance with these findings, it was recently declared a Class A weed in accordance with the Weeds Management Act and must be eradicated.

In the Northern Territory, thatch grass is restricted to a relatively small number of locations around Darwin, Palmerston and other parts of the Top End. Because thatch grass distribution remains limited, there is still opportunity to avoid the impacts which are seen interstate and overseas. The early onset of the Wet season means that thatch grass should be controlled now, while it is actively growing, but before it sets seed. It is readily controlled with glyphosate herbicides, although it requires a 2% solution, double that required for gamba and mission grass.

Weeds Branch do not think that thatch grass has persisted in the Katherine region, even though it was trialled in the area probably in the 1980s. If you think you may have thatch grass on your property, please contact the Katherine Weeds Branch. It is recommended that land managers learn to recognise thatch grass, so that it can be treated as soon as possible and so that spread can be prevented. The Weed Management Branch can assist with identification and recommend appropriate management actions. Phone 8973 8857 or visit the web site

Thatch grass was one of five weed species declared in 2013, with the other species being:

  • leaf cactus (Pereskia aculeata) Class A (to be eradicated)
  • fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus) Class B (growth and spread to be controlled)
  • Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius)Class A (to be eradicated north of 18° latitude) Class B (growth and spread to be controlled south of 18° latitude)
  • parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) Class A (to be eradicated).

Information on these species, as well as the attached identification sheet and weednote for thatch grass, is available online at

Vinod Chejara, formerly of the Weed Management Branch, showing the distinctive thatch grass seed heads that can normally be seen around April or May

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Gamba grass assistance program rolling out in Katherine

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Gamba grass was introduced into the Northern Territory as a pasture grass in the 1930s. Ensuing research and trials showed gamba grass to be a highly productive and palatable fodder in pastoral and agricultural areas of the Top End. It is acknowledged that gamba grass can provide valuable grazing in the NT, but it needs intensive grazing management to ensure it does not set seed and invade into non-pasture areas.

Gamba grass was declared a weed in the NT in 2010. The Gamba Grass Weed Management Plan 2010 and declaration zones are currently being reviewed, but gamba grass is considered a Class B weed north of the Katherine River, meaning its growth and spread needs to be controlled. It is a Class A weedsouth of the Katherine River, which means it needs to be eradicated, although a permit to use a declared weed may be granted in specific situations within the Class A zone.

This means that all landholders in the Katherine Region should be diligent about controlling gamba grass, especially near Katherine township. Huge gamba infestations in the Darwin Rural Area have significantly increased the risk of extreme dry season fires which can threaten people and property, and modify the vegetation communities and biodiversity. Weeds Branch do not want this situation to develop in Katherine, where communities and residents in areas such as along Florina Road, the Victoria Highway, the Venn blocks and Stuart Estate would be threatened in cases of intense fires.

The 2013–14 Gamba Grass Assistance Program commenced on 26 November 2013. The program provides free herbicide, planning and weed management advice, and spray equipment loans to private properties as a means to increase the land manager’s ability to control gamba grass and reduce existing infestations in affected areas.

The Katherine distribution point is at the Weeds Branch Crawford Street depot, which is open on Friday afternoons. This season will also see the Weeds Branch increasing liaison with participants in the program to ensure they are getting the most out of their herbicide.

Please contact the Katherine Weeds Management Branch (8973 8857) if you require more information.

Brad Sauer, Katherine District Weeds Officer, ready to hand out herbicide for the Gamba Grass Assistance Program

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KPIAC is still kicking goals for the Katherine beef industry

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The Katherine Pastoral Industry Advisory Committee (KPIAC) was injected with some new blood in 2013, with three new members joining the committee (Carley Bidstrup from Montejinni Station, Lisa Dyer from Sturt Plains Station and Robert Venturin from Murranji Station). Sadly, we farewelled a valued member, Henry Townsend, and nearly said goodbye to Tony Searle! Tony has moved interstate but is still actively involved in the NT pastoral industry through his consultancy services, and remains on the committee as a Top End representative.

KPIAC meets twice a year, as well as responding to special out-of-meeting items through teleconference calls or emails. KPIAC serves two main roles; to advise DPIF on its research, development and extension priorities; and to act as one of the 11 northern Australian regional beef research committees. Keith Holzwart, the Chair of KPIAC, also Chairs the Northern Beef Industry Committee (NBIC) which is made up of 11 northern producer group Chairs. NBIC determines which northern beef projects are funded by MLA. Altogether, about a month of Keith’s time every year is spent in these roles, which is an amazing commitment.

The 11 regions of the northern Australian beef research committee

As well as providing valuable feedback to DPIF throughout the year regarding new and ongoing projects, the committee also had a big win. Keith’s persistence ensured the support and funding of a collaborative genetics project lead by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit of University of New England (AGBU) and including Queensland’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (QDAFF) and NT DPIF. This project involves the Selected brahman herd and aims to increase the accuracy of current fertility trait Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), and potentially develop new fertility EBVs. The ultimate goal of the project is to lift weaning rates in northern Australia through improved genetics in the major tropical breeds.

If you have any burning research ideas, feel free to contact a KPIAC member, or the Katherine Pastoral Production team.

Member / Company
Keith Holzwart (Chair) / Avago Station
Tony Searle / Searle Pastoral Management Services
Allan Andrews / Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC)
Mick Underwood / Riveren Station
Helen Armstrong / Gilnockie Station
Steve Petty / Northern Development Company
Shane McWhirter / Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC)
Jay Mohr-Bell / Mathison Station
Carley Bidstrup / Montejinni Station
Lisa Dyer / Sturt Plains Station
Robert Venturin / Murranji Station
Graeme Fagan / Department of Land Resource Management

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Have you seen it?

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Thinking of investing in some new technology in 2014 but don’t know where to start? Well, Sally Leigo and the CRC-REP team have taken all the hard work out of it for you.

Whether you’re thinking of something pasture or cattle related, this review will help you decide which product is the most relevant to you and your desired outcome. The review has grouped each product on the basis of operation and purpose for easy comparison. Groups include:

  • remote pasture monitoring
  • pasture modelling
  • mapping programs
  • management software
  • remote monitoring of cattle
  • herd modelling
  • remote management
  • livestock management software.

Each product reviewed has information detailing its application, features, requirements and availability. Readers may be surprised by the number of do-it-yourself mapping and cattle record keeping programs currently available.

Overview of technology products for the beef industry of remote Australia is available for free. Download it from

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2014 rangelands management course and stock course

Expressions of interest

An interactive course developed for station staff to enhance their skills and knowledge in the area of land and production system management in the VRD/Katherine or Sturt Plateau regions.

What: 1½–2 day course covering pasture species; dynamics and management; weed management and poisonous plants; animal nutrition; and biodiversity

Where: On-station

When: March–May, dates on request from stations

For more information or to organise a course on your station, please contact:

Trudi OxleyJodie Ward

(08) 8973 9763(08) 89739 730

@nt.gov.au

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All the information in the one place

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FutureBeef is a collaborative program for the northern Australia beef industry with partners Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries (DPIF);Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF);Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA); and Meat& Livestock Australia (MLA).

The aim of the FutureBeef program is to support sustainable and profitable productivity gains for northern beef producers by building on and complementing:

  • investment and outcomes of past and future research, development and extension(RD&E) conducted by FutureBeef partners and industry
  • the sharing and collaborative development of information, knowledge and resources to more effectively service industry
  • delivery of ‘National Beef Production RD&E Strategy’ outcomes.


What does this mean for you?