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DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES ALICE SPRINGS RURAL REVIEW ARID ZONE RESEARCH INSTITUTE VOL 52 March 2013 KEEPING THE EYE ON THE BULL … BALANCING ISSUES FOR HERD BULL SELECTION J. Coventry, Pastoral Production Officer, Alice Springs In November 2012, NT-DPIF Alice Springs were hosts to a bull session in the yards with managers of S. Kidman & Co and two guest presenters: Professor Mike McGowan of the Queensland University Veterinary School and John Bertram, Beef Cattle Consultant. The day began with some background information about the Old Man Plains (OMP) by Bryan Gill, Cattle Manager of OMP. Bryan discussed breeding objectives for the herds and Pieter Conradie, Pastoral Production Regional Manager, provided an overview of some of the current research. Figure 1. Bryan Gill presenting background information on the research herds Over the next couple of hours, the guest presenters brought together the balance of issues that managers need to consider when selecting herd bulls. Professor McGowan and John Bertram used some of the excess sale bulls from the department’s Droughtmaster herd to demonstrate important issues for selection … starting with an inspection as bulls moved through the yard and finishing with key aspects of a breeding soundness examination and semen analysis for individual bulls. Figure 2. John Bertram outlining criteria for assessing bull structural soundness WHAT’S INSIDE: What, When & Where Three steps for suitable herd bulls Calling all photographers A note from the editor Indigenous Pastoral Program – Cattlemen’s Workshop on April 9-11 Welcome Doug McDougall Department of Land Resource Management (DLRM) move to AZRI NTCA Conference and AGM on March 21-22 Polledness in Cattle NT Quarantine Information Soil Conservation: short videos available online Benefits of the Territory Conservation Agreement Pastoral Production Officer Required Chief Vet Retires – almost! Chris Materne’s Grasses Pastoral Market Update Contact Details ISSN 0813-9148

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Page 1: DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES ALICE … · 2020-01-03 · J. Coventry, Pastoral Production Officer, Alice Springs In November 2012, ... guest speakers, Mike McGowan

DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES

ALICE SPRINGS RURAL REVIEW

ARID ZONE RESEARCH INSTITUTE VOL 52 March 2013

KEEPING THE EYE ON THE BULL … BALANCING ISSUES FOR HERD BULL SELECTION J. Coventry, Pastoral Production Officer, Alice Springs

In November 2012, NT-DPIF Alice Springs were hosts to a bull session in the yards with managers of S. Kidman & Co and two guest presenters: Professor Mike McGowan of the Queensland University Veterinary School and John Bertram, Beef Cattle Consultant.

The day began with some background information about the Old Man Plains (OMP) by Bryan Gill, Cattle Manager of OMP. Bryan discussed breeding objectives for the herds and Pieter Conradie, Pastoral Production Regional Manager, provided an overview of some of the current research.

Figure 1. Bryan Gill presenting background information on the research herds

Over the next couple of hours, the guest presenters brought together the balance of issues that managers need to consider when selecting herd bulls. Professor McGowan and John Bertram used some of the excess sale bulls from the department’s Droughtmaster herd to demonstrate important issues for selection … starting with an inspection as bulls moved through the yard and finishing with key aspects of a breeding soundness examination and semen analysis for individual bulls.

Figure 2. John Bertram outlining criteria for assessing bull structural soundness

WHAT’S INSIDE:

What, When & Where Three steps for suitable herd bulls Calling all photographers A note from the editor Indigenous Pastoral Program – Cattlemen’s Workshop on April 9-11 Welcome Doug McDougall Department of Land Resource Management (DLRM) move to AZRI NTCA Conference and AGM on March 21-22 Polledness in Cattle NT Quarantine Information Soil Conservation: short videos available online Benefits of the Territory Conservation Agreement Pastoral Production Officer Required Chief Vet Retires – almost! Chris Materne’s Grasses Pastoral Market Update Contact Details

ISSN 0813-9148

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During a demonstration with a bull in the race, Prof. McGowan provided details on the anatomical features that are assessed during a breeding soundness examination, and explained why a comprehensive examination of the bull’s reproductive tract is required to detect and reject bulls with abnormalities.

Figure 3. Professor McGowan explaining the use of rectal palpation during a bull breeding soundness examination.

The S. Kidman & Co cattle company is commended for their initiative in bringing such high calibre guest speakers to their conference in Alice Springs. The Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries has been pleased to support these initiatives – including the presentations by the department beef cattle researchers, as well as the department cattle and yards which enable these practical demonstrations.

Postscript: Early in 2013, guest speakers, Mike McGowan and John Bertram, were asked for an overview of the important points that they had addressed at the conference last year. The table on page three reviews the three steps for cattle producers to consider when selecting suitable bulls in their breeding herd.

UPCOMING EVENTS What, When & Where MARCH

AGES 19-20 March21 Alice Springs NTCA AGM & Industry Conference 21-22 March Alice Springs Aileron Bush Weekend 30-31 March Aileron Easter 29 March – 1 April Public Holiday APRIL

ACA Campdraft Finals 18-20 April Kilkivan QLD NT ICPA Conference 23-24 April Public Holiday ANZAC Day 25 April Mataranka Boulia Campdraft & Rodeo 27-28 April Boulia MAY

Daly Waters Campdraft 3-5 May Daly Waters May Day 6 May Public Holiday Alice Springs Cup 6 May Alice Springs Tennant Creek Races 18 May Tennant Creek

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DID YOU KNOW … bovine ephemeral fever (3-day sickness) is carried by biting flies (Culicoides spp.), probably as far south as the NT-SA border in high rainfall years like in 2009-10.

reference: http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/NAMP-11-

Three steps towards suitable herd bulls

1. Select the package of genetics … best suited to your herd’s needs

Measure current herd performance for key traits affecting herd profitability (fertility, growth and carcass).

Understand current and future market requirements.

Use this information to determine the traits to select for and the relative emphasis to place on each trait.

2. Select bulls … capable of efficiently delivering selected genetics

Identify bulls which have undergone a systematic bull breeding soundness examination and have met current recommended standards for each component of the examination,

i.e. they are structurally sound, have normally developed internal and external genitalia, and are capable of producing semen with a high proportion of progressively motile and anatomically normal sperm.

Bulls that are to be used for single sire mating should always be assessed for normal mating ability.

3. Manage bulls … to ensure fertility is maintained

Vaccinate bulls to prevent death (e.g. botulism), illness (e.g. ‘3-day’ sickness) and venereal disease (e.g. vibrio).

Allow sufficient time to acclimatise to the environment of your property before first mating.

Maintain purchased bulls in moderate body condition until first mating.

Mate bulls in same age group.

To reduce the risk of injuries during mating use a bull-to-female ratio of no greater than 3%.

Check bull soundness annually prior to mating.

Use foetal aging to assess the proportion of herd calving in an optimum period.

Source: M. McGowan & J. Bertram, January 2013

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CALLING ALL HAPPY SNAPPERS! Have you got a great photo which captures the character of the Alice pastoral region? Well, we are looking for a local photo of cattle or the landscape to put on the cover of the Alice Springs Pastoral Survey, which will be launched at the Alice show. The last survey carried out in 2004 provided valuable information on the region and the reports have been widely used as an industry bench marking and planning tool. The winning photo will not only grace the cover of the Alice survey report, but will also earn the photographer a copy of Scott Bridle’s magnificent collection of bush photographs in his book, Outback

So please send your winning entry to [email protected]!

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR … The weaning process has been completed at the department research station. This year’s weaners and breeders are overall in good condition, which is a general indication of the quality of our natural pastures. Different weaning methods have been evaluated over the past two years and in conjunction with the weaner booklet, recently published by MLA, our staff can provide excellent information on weaning methods based on both scientific research and practical experience. With no significant summer rain to date, and a recent record of seventeen consecutive days with temperatures above forty degree Celsius, providing sufficient stock water has become a challenge in parts of the district. Many stock water systems are under pressure and some producers have had to move stock to ensure a sufficient water supply, while in extreme situations water is being carted to supplement limited resources. A number of explanations can be provided to explain the situation such as higher evaporation from dams, old bore infrastructure put under pressure, increased water consumption by animals and the fact that after the past good seasons many stations have increased numbers. The regional pasture growth projections (page 6 and 7) indicate below average growth. With the carry over effect of the exceptional 2010 season gone, it is a good time to do forage, and water, budgeting and consider options to reduce stocking rate. AZRI is fortunate to have two very experienced rangeland staff that will gladly assist you to assess the available forage on your property and plan accordingly.

There are a few new faces at AZRI with local Jack Bird on a short term contract with Farm Services as well as Douglas McDougall who has joined the Horticulture section as a field assistant. The Department of Land Resource Management are in the process of relocating to AZRI, which will become a ‘one stop shop’ providing Alice Springs producers with a range of services.

The department will have a stall at the upcoming NTCA conference in Alice with a focus on central Australia. Come and visit us there and get a copy of the latest research material available in support of pastoral production. Enjoy reading Pieter Conradie

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New Staff Member at AZRI Doug has recently moved to Alice Springs from Melbourne where he worked for twenty years as a horticulturist at the Werribee Zoo and various gardens within the Melbourne City Council. At the Zoo he helped grow plantation to feed the animals and was also involved in developing various animal exhibits. He is enjoying being surrounded by the natural beauty of Alice Springs and is looking forward to doing some big hikes when the weather cools down – although he’s already walked a section of the Larapinta Trail five years ago, which he enjoyed immensely. He also enjoys riding his bicycle and seeing films at the Araluen Centre. Doug joined the Plant Industry team at

AZRI in February on a fixed term role for four years. He will be assisting with the activities focussing on dates and bush tomato projects. Say hi to him when you see him around.

Douglas McDougall, Field Assistant, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 08 8951 8106 (o) 0412 762 470 (m) Email: [email protected]

Department of Land Resource Management move to AZRI Complex Department of Land Resource Management (DLRM) are relocating from their premises within the Alice Plaza to AZRI and will take up residence within the general complex – with many moving into the Tom Hare Building (Parks and Wildlife), such as Rangeland Monitoring, and the balance into the main AZRI building (Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, and the Department of Mines and Energy), such as Corporate Management.

A total of thirty employees will eventually be relocated to the AZRI Complex, which includes Corporate Management, Land Resource Management, Rangeland Monitoring, Land & Vegetation Management, Water Management, Water Resource Assessment, Spatial Data and Mapping, Weed Management and Drilling Services. It is anticipated that DLRM will relocate to AZRI around the end of March.

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POLLEDNESS IN CATTLE Tim Schatz, Principal Pastoral Production Officer – Telephone 89992332

Whether cattle are horned or polled (without horns) is determined by their genes. The main gene that influences polledness is the horn/poll gene and all cattle have this gene. In some cattle this is the only gene affecting polledness, but there are two other genes that can also affect polledness in some cattle. These are the Scur gene (which can occur in all breeds) and the African horn gene (which only occurs in tropical breeds). The frequency of the African horn gene (Af) in different breeds is not known but is generally considered to be quite low. The frequency of the Scur gene is more common than the African horn gene, but both of these genes play a minor role in affecting polledness in comparison to the horn/poll gene, and in fact only interact with or modify the expression of the horn/poll gene. The way the genetics of polledness works is as follows: All animals inherit a pair of alleles (form of a gene) for the horn/poll gene (they get one copy from each parent). The gene for polledness (P) is dominant to the gene for horns (H) and so when an animal has copy of the polled gene it will be polled even if its other copy of the gene is for horns. Animals with one

of each copy of the gene (that is ‘PH’) are known as being heterozygous polled and appear polled even though they carry one copy

of the gene for horns. Heterozygous polled animals can produce horned offspring when they pass on a copy of the gene for horns (H) to their offspring, and their offspring also get a copy of the gene for horns (H) from their other parent (and so are ‘HH’). Therefore if a producer is trying to breed a polled herd it is better to use homozygous polled (PP) bulls

as they will always pass on a polled gene (P) to their offspring. The following table shows the percentage of polled progeny that result from parents with different combinations of the horn/poll genes. However it should be noted that when the Scur and African horn genes are present in a herd that the percentages of offspring that are visually polled and horned are likely to be different as some of the cattle with the horn/poll genes for polledness (that is, ‘PP’ and ‘PH’) can have scurs or horns due to the effects of the Scur and African horn genes (this will be explained later in this article).

Table 1: The percentage of polled and horned offspring from parents with different horn/poll genes Parents Offspring

Bull Cow Homozygous polled (PP)

Heterozygous polled (PH)

Homozygous horned (HH)

Homozygous polled Heterozygous polled 50% 50% Homozygous polled Homozygous horned 100% Homozygous polled Homozygous polled 100% Heterozygous polled Heterozygous polled 25% 50% 25% Heterozygous polled Homozygous horned 50% 50% Heterozygous polled Homozygous polled 50% 50%

Note: Homozygous polled (PP) appear polled, Heterozygous polled (PH) appear polled, Homozygous horned (HH) appear horned.

A polled F1 Senepol x Brahman calf bred at the Victoria River Research Station

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Unfortunately where the Scur and African horn genes are present in a population (herd), then the genetics of polledness is more complicated and the proportion of polled and horned offspring is more difficult to work out. These genes interact with the horn/poll gene to determine whether progeny appear polled, horned or scurred. (Scurs are generally loose and movable beneath the skin; they are not attached to the skull. The size of scurs is quite variable; ranging from small scabs to growths about 15 cm long, although they are usually short). The gene for scurs is transmitted separately to the horn/poll gene and so has no effect on the presence or absence of horns. Scurs can only be seen in animals that have the horn/poll genes for polledness (that is, ‘PP’ and ‘PH’), as all animals with the horn/poll genes

for horns (HH) will have horns and this will not allow any expression of the Scur gene to be seen. As with the horn/poll gene, animals inherit one copy of the Scur gene (either ‘Sc’ or ‘Sn’) from each of their parents. However the gene for scurs is expressed differently to the horn/poll gene. The way the gene for scurs is expressed depends on the sex of the animal. In males the Scur gene (Sc) is dominant, so heterozygous males (ScSn) appear scurred, and to appear polled a male must have two copies of the gene for no scurs (SnSn). In females the Sc is recessive so heterozygous females (ScSn) appear polled and only females with two copies of the Scur gene (ScSc) have scurs. The following table shows how the horn/poll and Scur genes interact to determine the horn status of animals.

horn/poll Gene Scur gene Females Males

PP ScSc Scurred Scurred PP ScSn Polled Scurred PP SnSn Polled Polled

Note: the outcomes are the same for heterozygous polled (PH) animals, but all horned (HH) animals will have horns and this will not allow any expression of the Scur gene to be seen.

While the frequency of the African horn gene is much lower, it can also effect whether animals appear horned or polled when it is present. The African horn gene works similarly to the Scur gene in that the African horn gene (Af) is dominant to the polled gene (An) in males and recessive in females. Therefore if an animal has the African horn and Scur genes (as well as the horn/poll genes); for a male to be actually polled it must have the horn/poll genes for polledness (that is, be ‘PP’ or ‘PH’) and two copies of the Scur genes for polledness (SnSn) and two copies of the African horn gene for polledness (AnAn). It is generally believed that the incidence of the African horn gene is very low but where a homozygous polled (PP) bull is used over Brahman females and a small percentage of the male calves have horns then this would be due to the African horn gene (Af) being present in the cows. As a result of the way the genetics of polledness works, it is not possible to predict with accuracy the incidence of polledness in

the offspring from PP or PH bulls in herds where the Scur and African horn genes are present. In these situations the percentage of polled animals will be affected by the frequency of the Scur and African horn genes in the cow herd (and there are not currently tests for these genes). However if homozygous polled bulls (PP) that are actually visually polled (and so must be SnSn and AnAn if they have Scur and African Horn genes) are used, then over time the frequency of the Scur and African horn genes will be diminished and the incidence of polledness will increase. While the breeding of a polled herd will be quicker if only PP bulls are used (identified by DNA testing) and cows that are not polled are culled, selecting for a single trait such as polledness is not advised as it can be at the expense of other economically important traits (that is, growth, fertility, etcetera). Rather a more balanced approach to selection with a priority for polled animals is recommended.

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Look after Australia Remember not to take fruit and vegetables, flowers, plants, soil and/or seed with you over State and Quarantine borders as they may carry pests and diseases.

Restrictions apply to each State and Territory for the movement of these items to protect Australia’s valuable local and overseas markets. These restrictions operate under State and Territory legislation.

Movement of fruit and vegetables into NT Fruit Fly Free Zones, such as Ti Tree Farms Area, and others, may introduce a pest which can result in expensive controls being implemented and loss of markets, which impacts on both producers and the community financially and can cost jobs.

Bringing Produce and Plant Material into the Northern Territory

The Territory is free of a number of major pests that occur in other areas of Australia including Mediterranean fruit fly from Western Australia, which may be introduced in untreated fruit which are known to be infested by this pest. The NT is also free of Western Flower Thrips, a serious pest of horticultural crops, which can be introduced in fresh produce such as leafy vegetables or flowers.

There are movement requirements for household and nursery plants, fruit and vegetables, seed and grain, soil/compost and potting mix, agricultural equipment and other particular plant-related materials.

Requirements can change as new pests and diseases are detected.

CONTACT NT QUARANTINE for up-to-date entry requirements

TELEPHONE (08) 8999 2118. And if you are travelling interstate, contact the relevant authority in the destination state for movement condition advice. There is also a free call National Quarantine Domestic hot line number phone 1800 084 881

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SOIL CONSERVATION:

Short videos now available online Peter Clifton, N.T. Regional Landcare Facilitator

The NT’s Regional Landcare Facilitator has developed some short videos about gully erosion and rehabilitation. You can view the videos on the LandcareNT YouTube channel (search YouTube using “LandcareNT”). Unfortunately, public servants will not be able to access YouTube while at government computers. • Episode 5: Gully

erosion • Episode 6: Pegging

diversion banks • Episode 7:

Diversion banks The videos were developed with several stakeholders including CLMA and the NT Government. They discuss: • how gully erosion forms, the impacts it can

have on land and how it can be managed, • how to use a level and staff to peg a

diversion bank and • how to build a diversion bank and spillway.

Col Stanton, long time soil conservation officer with the NT Government in Alice Springs, explained to LandcareNT how gullies can be caused and avoided. "Normally the cause is a fence-line or access track cut below natural surface level. This allows water to drop and scour the base, causing a headwall to form. Continued undermining and collapse of the headwall causes the gully to move upslope. “A lot of people using graders to maintain fence-lines think they need to have a full blade of dirt. But cutting into the surface with the

blade creates a drop perfect for starting erosion. I think we would be better off sweeping the surface instead. “With sweeping you don’t get a full blade of

dirt. You just sweep like a comb. The secret to sweeping is to establish the track first without gouging, then maintaining it by sweeping. “If you don’t maintain it and it becomes overgrown, the first thing you want to do is dig deep with the grader and get rid of

all the shrubs. “You can also maintain

by spreading your load when driving along tracks. This helps to avoid using machinery so often.” “Location is another part of avoiding erosion. Fence to the terrain. Follow ridges and contours. If you do that you will reduce the need for maintenance.” It is recommended that you get technical advice before commencing works. For assistance contact Nicole Canning at NT Government on 8951 9208 or CLMA on 8953 4230. More information on the videos can be found on the LandcareNT blog (search LandcareNT and click on the “erosions control” topic). Also, you can order more detailed videos though the Victoria River District Conservation Association on 8971 0368. CLMA rep for Alice Springs is Camilla Osborn on 89534230 or by email [email protected]

NT Government’s Col Stanton and Max Lines feature in videos shot at Coniston Station

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The Benefits of the Territory Conservation Agreement (TCA) Heidi Groffen, Arid Lands Regional TNRM Coordinator, Alice Springs In 2011, Territory Natural Resource Management (TNRM) introduced the Territory Conservation Agreement (TCA) to help landholders establish conservation management actions that can protect areas of high conservation significance on their lands. TCAs are voluntary; terms are worked out between landholders and facilitators.

A TCA is a type of management plan designed to protect the core environmental values of significant sites and factors in the broader management goals for the property. The aim to encourage innovative multiple-use strategies which can demonstrate production benefits as well as delivering conservation outcomes. The agreement is a ten year contract, committing the landholder to manage the nominated site, but it is not registered on the property title or binding upon future owners. Management actions can be modified in response to changing conditions at the specified site during the period of the agreement.

The agreement enables landholders to conserve key parts of their property, enhancing the sustainability of their production operations and increasing the value of their land. Any individual, group or corporation that owns land or leases land from the Crown can apply for a TCA. Funding for establishment costs can be up to a maximum of $50,000 per site and can cover the costs of actions including site conservation planning, grazing management, water quality, soils stabilisation, revegetation, weeds, as well as feral animal and fire management. For more information on the TCA process, including case studies and/or to download an Expression of Interest form, go to the website http://www.territorynrm.org.au/funding/tcas or contact your Arid Lands Regional TNRM Coordinator Heidi Groffen, on 8951 9284 [email protected] or Tablelands Regional TNRM Coordinator, Ilse Pickerd on 8951 9207 [email protected].

Pastoral Production Officer Required DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES Professional 1

Remuneration Package Range $60 180 - $77 670 (comprising salary $52 243 - $67 372, super, leave loading and the value of 2 weeks extra rec leave)

Pastoral Production Tennant Creek – Fixed vacancy for 12 months An exciting career opportunity exists for an energetic person to be involved in research and development for sustainable pastoral production in the Barkly region, one of the premier cattle producing areas of the Territory. The work is varied and includes managing both field and office-based research, and developing and executing extension activities. The successful candidate will have demonstrated technical and communication skills and a willingness to work as part of a small team in a remote location.

For further information contact Pieter Conradie at 89518101 or mobile 0438848023.

For a copy of the Job Description and to apply online please visit www.nt.gov.au/jobs

Quote vacancy number: 92130018 Closing date: 31 March 2013

The Northern Territory Government is an equal opportunity employer and values an inclusive and diverse workforce. www.nt.gov.au/jobs - 1300 659 247

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After 35 years with the department, and the past 13 years as Chief Veterinary Officer for the Northern Territory, Dr Brian Radunz has – almost – retired! Although he won’t be formally retiring from the department until 17 September 2013, until then Brian will take some well-deserved leave and finalise several projects he has been working on. Brian has worked with the department for 35 years over three separate stints, starting as a veterinary cadet in 1969, again as a vet in January 1972 and became the Territory’s Chief Vet in 1989. His career as an NT Government employee began as a Veterinary Officer for Darwin and Katherine in 1972, and since then has held many roles including District Veterinary Officer, Regional Coordinator, Senior Veterinary Officer, District Veterinarian, Regional Veterinarian, Regional Manager and Principal Veterinarian in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. As the CVO, Brian developed a highly experienced animal health team, performed an excellent job representing the Territory’s interests at national forums and worked closely with industry to negotiate and gain agreement on a number of challenging issues.

One of his great achievements was to gain national consensus on several contentious issues, such as agreement on policy issues related to Bovine Johne’s

Disease (BJD), as the chair of the national BJD Working Group. Brian is held in high regard by his interstate CVO peers, members of the animal health/biosecurity community as well as his staff, colleagues, and members of the Northern Territory’s primary industries. A sign of the great esteem to which he is held by his veterinary peers was reflected when he was asked to serve for a second term as

chair of the Animal Health Committee in 2010. In 2008, in recognition of the outstanding contribution Brian made to the NT cattle industry and to

animal health in particular, he was awarded the department’s Star Awards. More recently, in 2011 Brian received the Chief Minister’s Public Service Medal, in recognition for his contribution to animal health and support for the NT livestock industry. During his time with the department, Brian has been based in all four regions of the Territory, and says he has seen some enormous changes in the Territory.

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When he first started with the department, Palmerston did not exist. Feral buffalo, bull catchers and pet-meaters were everywhere, and

Territory shorthorn cattle were the norm. In the Top End there were two commercial piggeries and four commercial chook farms;

abattoirs were active and cattle live exports were a trickle. There were freight trains from Larrimah to Darwin, no breathalysers on the roads and Brian recalls having to stop at river crossings between Katherine and Darwin regularly to wait for the water to go down. Brian joins a long line of well-known Northern Territory Chief Veterinary Officer’s, including Colonel Lionel Rose after whom part of the Darwin Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory is named.

TELEPHONE CONTACT LIST PASTORAL PRODUCTION TEAM Pieter Conradie Senior Pastoral Production Officer 8951 8101 0438 848 023 Coral Allan Pastoral Technical Officer 8951 8131 Jocelyn Coventry Pastoral Production Officer 8951 8142 Bryan Gill Pastoral Advisory Officer 8951 8127 0401 118 127 Dale Jenner Pastoral GIS Officer 8951 8152 Sally Leigo Principal Research Leader 8951 8144 0467 770 661 Chris Materne Pastoral Production Officer 8951 8135 0458 605 883

INDIGENOUS PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT Danny Hoogstraten Pastoral Development Officer 8951 8133 0477 700 922

ANIMAL BIOSECURITY TEAM Greg Crawford Regional Livestock Bio Officer 8951 8125 0401 118 125 Peter Saville Regional Veterinary Officer 8951 8181 0401 118 181

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FARMS Deb Roberts Farm Manager 8951 8120 0401 118 120

QUARANTINE Richard Tucker Regional Quarantine Officer 8951 8166 0401 118 166

SUSTAINABLE PLANT INDUSTRIES Vivek Bhat Research Horticulturist 8951 8168 0401 455 225

WATER LAB Cinzia Rovida Lab Manager, Microbiology 8951 8110 0458 518 218

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GLOSSARY

ASPIAC: CAGLM: CLMA: CSIRO: DAFF: DCQ: DET: DK-CRC: DNRETAS:

Alice Springs Pastoral Industry Advisory Committee Central Australian Grazing Land Management Central Land Management Association Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry Desert Channels Queensland Inc. Department of Education & Training Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport

DPIF: GRASSp: MLA: NABRC: NBRUC: NLIS: NLP: NTCA PIC: RFID: VRD:

Department Primary Industry & Fisheries Pasture Growth Model Meat & Livestock Australia North Australian Beef Research Council Northern Beef Research Update Conference National Livestock Identification System National Landcare Program Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Property Identification Code Radio Frequency Identification Device Victoria River District

If undeliverable return to: Arid Zone Research Institute PO Box 8760 ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871 Alice Springs Rural Review

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PP54270/00020

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AUSTRALIA

Produced by Department of Primary Industry & Fisheries