Information and Articles

New pig welfare standards have been introduced into Victoria and apply to all people involved in pig farming including stock handlers, supervisors, managers and piggery owners.

One of the most significant developments in pasture and grazing management over the last 50 years has been the introduction of electric fencing. This was pioneered by an innovative Kiwi by the name of Bill Gallagher in the 1930's. Faced with a horse 'Joe' who took too much of a liking to using Bill's car as a scratching post, Bill devised a cunning electrical circuit that delivered a shock whenever Joe rocked the vehicle.

Australian Year of the Farmer celebrates the hard work of everyone involved in producing, processing, handling and selling products from 136,000 farms across the country.

Queensland livestock owners are reminded to renew their brand, earmark and tattoo registration details with Biosecurity Queensland by January 31.

Biosecurity Queensland Deputy Registrar of Brands Pat Kalinowski said up-to-date brand and earmark registration enabled the ownership of livestock to be established and ensures brands were being used correctly.

“Any changes to address, name or other details should be made with the annual return,” Mr Kalinowski said.

On some free range egg and broiler (meat bird) farms the outdoor range is a fenced open field with no overhead cover for birds. This does not allow the birds the opportunity to seek shade/shelter while in the range. The number of birds in the range depends on the availability of overhead cover and it is possible to get the birds out of the shed and improve their ranging ability by installing shaded areas.

People are reminded to be vigilant when buying aquatic plants, after two of Australia’s worst water weeds were recently found for sale.

Department of Agriculture and Food research officer Sandy Lloyd said salvinia had been found for sale online, incorrectly named giant duckweed. 

Salvinia is a Weed of National Significance which can devastate waterways and severely impact on the environment, agriculture, and tourism.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has warned of a rapid increase in rabbit numbers across Victoria this summer – and landholders need to act now.

DPI Biosecurity Manager for Established Invasive Animals, John Matthews, said data indicates rabbit numbers are starting to rise from a 15 year low.

A number of landowners in the Glenlyon and Lauriston areas have had Infringement Notices issued for failure to control gorse on their properties.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Biosecurity Officer Martin Deering said the landowners were fined because of their inaction in controlling gorse.

“The Glenlyon and Lauriston communities sought assistance from DPI to deal with poor landowner performance in relation to gorse control,” Mr Deering said.