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.