Our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted by recent bushfires. Being in the middle of such devastation can be confronting and challenging.

With this in mind, we have compiled a collection of relevant information from multiple reputable sources, to assist those recovering from bushfires in Queensland during 2023.

In this episode of small farm diaries Liz discusses the importance of having diverse water sources and benefits of a solar pumping system.

All eligible sectors can apply for the NSW Sheep and Goats eID Infrastructure Rebate Scheme.  

The harvestable rights limit for coastal-draining catchments was returned to 10% of rainfall runoff in September 2023 (from 30%, which applied from May 2022). Updates were also made to harvestable rights orders for the coastal-draining and central-inland draining catchments to ensure they are easier to apply and enforce.

The Static Water Supply (SWS) Program is a free service that enables residents to help local firefighters by identifying existing water supplies (such as dams, tanks or swimming pools) on their property that could be used for firefighting purposes.

Livestock contamination is a critical factor of food safety – one which can jeopardise your livestock health and sales.

Key points

Know your risk this bush fire season
The risk of bush fires is returning. With several years of wet weather grass and scrub has grown across NSW. Talk to your local RFS members about the likely risk of bush or grass fire in your local area.

A 33-year-old livestock producer from the South West has been fined $4000 and ordered to pay court costs of $990.30 after pleading guilty in Bunbury Magistrates Court to 13 charges relating to non-compliance with Western Australia’s biosecurity laws.

In this episode of small farm dairies Liz discusses her experience in establishing and maintaining a diverse perennial pasture for grazing cattle or cutting for hay. Along with the importance of the 3 "P's"', for the pasture to be palatable, productive and perennial (not needing to be resown each year).

No one likes starting an article this way, but it's an unfortunate truth that we hope to change. Kids who live on farms are more likely to be injured or killed than their parents or farm workers. Children are naturally curious, so it's important to keep them away from danger. This could be in the form of machinery and equipment, livestock or bodies of water. Keep in mind children under the age of 15 are more vulnerable to on-farm related accidents too. Whilst children learn about farm safety as they develop and grow, they also mimic the behavior of those around them.