Around the Camp: campaign for wool / managing climate risk / sheep movement conditions / funding for producer groups

Welcome to the June edition of ‘Around the Camp’. This month’s edition contains a wide variety of articles – hopefully you will find something that interests you! As always if you have a suggestion for an article or any feedback then please let us know.

Campaign for wool
Managing climate risk: the new age of dynamical modelling
Moving sheep from interstate into Queensland
OJD and sheep movement conditions
Making More from Sheep funding is available for producer groups
Upcoming events
e-Bulletins

1. Campaign for wool

The Campaign for Wool is a global endeavour initiated by its patron, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, in order to raise awareness amongst consumers about the unique, natural and sustainable benefits offered by wool. Encouraging collaboration between an international community of woolgrowers, major fashion designers, retailers, manufacturers, artisans and interior designers, the Campaign has been instrumental in educating consumers about the versatility of wool, and reconnecting them with its myriad uses – from luxurious fine merino knitwear to fire-retardant insulation for the home.

To find out more about the campaign for wool click here.

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2. Managing climate risk: the new age of dynamical modelling

A new age of dynamical modelling for seasonal outlooks has been introduced by the Bureau of Meteorology and will provide farmers, who are keen to accurately manage their climate risk, a new valuable tool for informed decision making.

Bestprac’s newest Innovation Case Study profiles how pastoral wool producer, James Walker, is using the physics based dynamical weather model the “Predictive Ocean Atmosphere Model for Australia” (POAMA) and it has already helped. In October 2012, as a result of a neutral dynamical outlook or a 50-50 chance of getting average rainfall, they destocked some of their cattle. This decision paid off when a very late and a poor ‘wet season’ set in.

Click here to view the case study and supporting video.

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3. Moving sheep from interstate into Queensland

Requirements apply to the introduction of sheep, from other states and territories, into Queensland. These requirements are designed to protect Queensland’s livestock industries from pests and diseases. All sheep entering Queensland MUST be accompanied by a:

NVD/Waybill
Queensland Certificate of Health (unless consigned directly to an approved abattoir for immediate slaughter)

A National Sheep Health Statement is also strongly recommended. Click here to view a guide to help you fill out this Statement – prepared by James Tyson, SheepConnect Tasmania.

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4. OJD and sheep movement conditions

In particular the Queensland Government and industry are committed to protecting Queensland against the spread of ovine Johne’s disease (OJD). There have been significant changes to the National OJD Management Plan which have applied since 1 July 2013.

For more detail on the movement conditions and entry requirements for OJD click here.

To view a map of areas within New South Wales which have an approved Regional Biosecurity plan which provides protection against OJD to a standard comparable with that of Queensland click here.

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5. Making More from Sheep funding is available for producer groups

Queensland Making More from Sheep is providing groups, new and existing, with the opportunity to address a specific sheep industry issue. Funding (a maximum of $5,000) is available to help support an ongoing learning pathway for producer group/s over a 12 month period. Only two groups are being funded in Queensland.

To find out more and obtain the expression of interest form please contact Alex Stirton on 0428 109 620 or email alex.stirton@daff.qld.gov.au

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6. Upcoming events

6 June PsychAware workshop – recognising and supporting people in crisis in Morven, click here to view flyer.

6 June 12:30pm Early weaning using a high starch diet for rumen development – webinar, click here to register.

PsychAware workshops – recognising and supporting people in crisis
- 17 June Bollon, click here to view flyer.
- 18 June St George, click here to view flyer.
- 19 June Roma, click here to view flyer.