Getting the Upper Land | Episode 21

To read all the stories mentioned, head to theland.com.au.

Transcript

00:00 Welcome back to another episode of Getting the Upper Land where you get a rundown of

00:14 some of our top stories.

00:16 I'm livestock editor Rebecca Naj and I'm coming to you from the historic property Gunnawang.

00:21 Keep an eye out in a couple of months time for we'll have an update on what the operation

00:26 is doing now, but making news this week, producers have called for stronger biosecurity efforts

00:32 following the detection of red fire ants in New South Wales.

00:36 The Department of Primary Industries has established an emergency biosecurity order and the detection

00:42 triggered the National Fire Ant Eradication Program response.

00:46 But New South Wales Farmers says the Queensland infestations should have been eradicated before

00:51 the colonies became established and were able to spread.

00:55 Summer cropping has gone into overdrive following some significant rainfalls around the state.

01:01 For many, it's provided a much needed boost in confidence after a very dry season, but

01:07 the rain in other areas is expected to impact crop quality.

01:12 The rain's also given an injection into the sheep and lamb market, with Tamworth recording

01:17 some big boosts on Monday.

01:19 Agents say the restock of lamb market had jumped up to $40 a head over a four week period.

01:25 A spike is also expected in the south, but agents say only sheep with quality, shape

01:30 and weight will attract the dividend.

01:33 Those in the field say a shortage of soil scientists is being driven by a lack of career

01:38 prospects and limited long-term contracts.

01:42 Researchers say while interest is strong, few students go on to complete the extended

01:46 study but an experienced workforce will be essential to meet future challenges.

01:53 And producers have been encouraged to consider the optimal joining period for their operation,

01:58 with one vet explaining it can be more profitable to have fewer calves over a shorter period

02:03 to produce a more even line.

02:05 He suggests a six week joining for heifers and nine weeks for cows.

02:09 You can of course read all these stories and more at theland.com.au and don't forget to

02:15 sign up for our daily newsletter and follow us on social media.

02:19 And I'll see you next week.

02:20 [BLANK_AUDIO]