Pastoral Poddy - Australian Farming

Throughout this special series on kangaroo management, we’ve unpacked a range of issues around this wicked challenge. From landowners, conservation groups and the indigenous community to wildlife advocates, industry and the general public, everyone has a different view and story to tell. With focuses varying from economics to morals to conservation issues, it can be challenging to find common ground. In this episode, we’ll hear from an ecologist, the industry and the government about some new strategic initiatives that aim to give a voice to these diverse groups. We’ll see how education, consultation and innovation can be part of the solution. Tune in to hear how a predictive tool for kangaroo populations and new adaptive approaches could help advance kangaroo management in Australia. Guests featured in this episode include: Fiona Garland, Team Leader - Kangaroo Management, Western Local Land Services Dr John Read, Ecologist and Author- johnlread.com Dennis King, Executive Officer, Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia Terry Brill , Senior Team Leader  Kangaroo Management Program NSW Government Other useful resources Improving Kangaroo Management; A Joint Statement - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/emr.12467 Kangaroo Management Taskforce website has several resources including links to a wide range of published research on kangaroos kangaroomanagementtaskforce.com.au/literature/ Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and the kangaroo series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Kangaroos have a cultural and spiritual significance for Aboriginal people, being a totem for some and a source of food and clothing for many. Tune in to learn about the diversity of views that Aboriginal people have about kangaroo management. When caring for country, they use a holistic, sustainable approach. There are still challenges, as traditional methods can sometimes clash with legislation. In this episode, we’ll talk to indigenous community members about what kangaroo harvesting means to them and some of the challenges they face. Join us to hear some ideas of how the industry and government can help improve community access and involvement through the use of cultural tags as well as providing work opportunities for indigenous people. Guests featured in this episode include: Joshua Clarke, Land Services Officer, Aboriginal Communities, Western Local Land Services Lawrence Clarke, community elder and Chair of the Western Local Land Services Aboriginal Community Advisory Group Garry Trindall, indigenous professional kangaroo harvester Dennis King, Executive Officer, Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia Other useful resources The Kangaroo Management Taskforce website has several resources including  several films made with Aboriginal communities Kangaroos as a Food Source video - https://youtu.be/EOt3lvpTEaI Our Country Our Food - https://youtu.be/HBZ2ak8w7Kw Mark Olive cooks kangaroo at the national symposium - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce/videos/541806303049059/ Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and this the kangaroo series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Drought is a stressful time for any farmer trying to balance competing business, livestock and landscape demands. In this episode, we’ll hear from a farmer about his experience living through the latest drought with unmanaged, overabundant kangaroos on his property. Kangaroos also struggle in drought with inevitable dehydration and starvation from lack of food and water.  So what can be done about it? We’ll hear from an animal welfare expert about the different ways kangaroos are managed on agricultural properties, the impact on animals and what the general public thinks.  Join us to see how the use of new tools and how being proactive instead of reactive, will help both landholders and kangaroos in this challenging situation. Guests featured in this episode include: Leon Zanker – Pastoralist from Western NSW Dr. Trudy Sharp - Research Scientist, Vertebrate pest research unit, NSW DPI Dr. Steve McLeod -  Manager Vertebrate Pest Research | Invasive Species Biosecurity Other useful resources The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes (the Code) https://www.agrifutures.com.au/product/national-code-of-practice-for-the-humane-shooting-of-kangaroos-and-wallabies-for-commercial-purposes The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Non-Commercial Purposes https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/wildlife-trade/publications/national-code-practice-humane-shooting-kangaroos-and-wallabies-non-commercial The Kangaroo Management Taskforce website has several resources including a page on Animal Welfare https://kangaroomanagementtaskforce.com.au/animal-welfare/ KMT film launched in 2022 - A Million Dead Icons - https://youtu.be/HsWcYWiOrTM Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce Read Leon Zanker’s story in Ecological Management and Restoration - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/emr.12441 The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and the kangaroo series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Do you struggle with managing Total Grazing Pressure on your property, particularly from unmanaged animals? You're not alone. It can be overwhelming for many landowners in Western NSW to manage their livestock and deal with the challenges of other animals like goats and kangaroos. Kangaroo numbers can fluctuate very quickly across individual properties, uprooting and damaging plants and negatively impacting the land. But there's hope. Research is addressing this challenge, focusing on a positive outcome for both production and biodiversity. Join us in this episode as we talk to a farmer and see how he is better managing kangaroo numbers on his property using this new research. Guests featured in this episode include: Graham Turner – Pastoralist, western NSW Dr. Steve McLeod - Manager Vertebrate Pest Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries Trudie Atkinson - Technical Specialist Grazing Systems, NSW Department of Primary Industries Russell Grant,  Rangeland Ecologist Other useful resources The Rangeland Journal: Managing Total Grazing Pressure in Australia’s Southern Rangelands https://www.publish.csiro.au/RJ/issue/9641 The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes (the Code) https://www.agrifutures.com.au/product/national-code-of-practice-for-the-humane-shooting-of-kangaroos-and-wallabies-for-commercial-purposes The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Non-Commercial Purposes https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/wildlife-trade/publications/national-code-practice-humane-shooting-kangaroos-and-wallabies-non-commercial The Kangaroo Management Taskforce website has several resources including Integrated Options for Kangaroo Management in the Western Region kangaroomanagementtaskforce.com.au/kangaroo-facts/best-practice-management/ Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - www.facebook.com/kangarootaskforce The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and the kangaroo series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Produced by Grow Love Project

Kangaroo management is a complicated, nationwide issue that involves many diverse stakeholders. From landholders to the kangaroo industry to animal welfare groups and everyone else in between, it impacts people across Australia. In this first episode, we’ll talk to an ecologist and an academic to better understand the complex issues surrounding kangaroo management, including diverse approaches such as translocation, fertility control, culling and commercial harvesting.  Want to learn about options on how to help improve the management of kangaroos and the environment in your neck of the woods? Tune in and hear from a researcher who’s looking for solutions by developing a tool for land managers to forecast kangaroo numbers. Guests featured in this episode include: Dr John Read - Ecologist and author - johnlread.com Dr. Steve McLeod - Manager Vertebrate Pest Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries Dr Graham Coulson -  Kangaroo Ecologist Other useful resources Special Issue of Ecological Management & Restoration: Optimum management of overabundant macropods - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14428903/2021/22/S1 Kangaroo management in NSW - https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/Topics/Animals-and-plants/Wildlife-management/Kangaroo-management Kangaroo Management Taskforce website - kangaroomanagementtaskforce.com.au Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - www.facebook.com/kangarootaskforce Short film about the Future Drought Fund research project - https://youtu.be/6f6rBUTiTxE The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and the Kangaroo Series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Ground cover and stubble retention in cropping enterprises is really important for managing soil erosion in western NSW. Dust storms caused by wind erosion not only have a big impact on agricultural productivity but also on towns and cities where dust is quite literally a dirty word. So in this episode we’ll talk to a soil conservationist about how to avoid those dust storms and we’ll hear from a farmer who’s trying a few innovative things like planting into a dry river bed to manage his groundcover and look after his soils. Thank you to our guests  John Leys,  Soil Conservationist  Darren O'Halloran, Farmer  Produced and hosted by Edgars Greste for NSW Local Land Services  For more information https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/western  To get in touch, call 1300 795 299

For a lot of farmers in Western NSW, the sheer scale of managing total grazing pressure in the rangelands can be really overwhelming, not to mention expensive. But it is really important to help maintain the proper functioning of ecosystems to maximise profitability and regeneration. And the experts all agree that, just like healthy food and exercise it might be hard to get started, but its good for you in the long run. So in this episode we’ll talk to some industry experts about the benefits and some strategies to get on top of total grazing pressure. And we’ll hear from a farmer about one strategy that was so successful it even got addictive. Guests featured in this episode: Trudy Atkinson, Technical Specialist (Grazing Systems) NSW Department of Primary Industries  James Leigo, landholder  Russell Grant,  Former NSW Catchment Management Authorities, Operations Officer. 

Have you ever thought about farming goats? Did you know Australia is globally the number 1 exporter of goat meat with export prices seeing almost uninterrupted growth over the last 4 years. So in this episode we’re going to explore the ins and outs of wild harvesting versus managed goats to help you take advantage of a growing opportunity. Western Local land Services https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/western NSW DPI https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/goats

From the moment we’re born we’re constantly learning. The same goes for ewe weaners who have to get through birth, learn to walk and graze, drink milk, and avoid predators.  There’s a lot of new things happening and plenty that can go wrong. And we’ll hear from a farming couple why a good quality feed cart is the key to a successful feeding operation and a happy marriage. Western Local Land Services Sheep and Goat Farming https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/livestock-health-and-production/sheep-and-goats

Did you know that lamb mortality costs the sheep industry about half a billion dollars a year? Some of that is unavoidable. Its natural. But a big part of it comes down to managing the reproduction cycle. So in episode 3 we’re talking about the secrets to successful reproduction strategies. Western Local Land Services Sheep and Goat management https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/livestock-health-and-production/sheep-and-goats

In episode 2 we’re looking at pre-lambing nutrition because a healthy ewe is going to give her lambs the best chance of survival. We’ll hear from industry experts with all the facts and figures and we’ll talk to a farmer who's experienced first hand when nutrition is out of balance. Western Local land Services Sheep and Goat Farming https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/livestock-health-and-production/sheep-and-goats

Only about half of all ewes in Australia get pregnancy scanned. Why is that? In episode 1 we explore how scanning can help you make more informed management decisions to improve your lambing percentages to rebuild and maintain your flock numbers. Western Local land Services Sheep and Goat Farming https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/livestock-health-and-production/sheep-and-goats

Podcast host Edgars Greste chats with Gemma Turnbull from Western LLS about what you can expect to hear from this new podcast.

In this episode of the Going Ahead with Goats podcast, host Kieren Smith interviews Jack Hammond, who entered the goat industry five years ago after purchasing Ashleigh Downs Station. They discuss Jack’s journey from mustering to managing a 52,000-acre station, trading, and finishing smaller goats alongside a meat sheep enterprise. Jack shares insights into infrastructure, labor strategies, and market fluctuations. He also emphasises learning from experience, utilising available resources, and the benefits of working with both sheep and goats. Key topics include rotational grazing, handling techniques, and preparing for the evolving goat industry. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode:Jack HammondFor more information:Going ahead with goats Project - Local Land Services - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-projectThe Going into Goats guide | Meat & Livestock AustraliaFor a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QRTme3XtB7F5-H7QW5cN4EFMcUrVFAo/view?usp=sharing This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

This episode looks at what carbon emissions means for landholders in the rangelands. We learn about how it affects market access, what ways you could see a premium, and how it affects agricultural productivity. There are many questions in the region about rangeland carbon emissions, listen in to hear expert insights into how carbon is cycled in Western NSW. Thank you to our guests who featured in this episode: John Gavin – Director, Remarkable NRMJessica Rigg – Biotechnology and Partnership Lead – Select CarbonSteven Hobbs – Farmer and Director, Yarrock Bioenergy For more information:For further information about Natural Capital - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capitaland On Farm Carbon Advice: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/climate/Low-emissions-agricultureJohn Gavin – Remarkable NRM website - ⁠https://remarkablenrm.com.au/about-john/  ⁠  Steven Hobbs - Yarrock Website - https://www.yarrock.com/AIA Environmental Accounting Platform - https://www.aiaeap.com/This podcast is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government.

This episode looks at natural capital and what it means for landholders in the rangelands. We learn about the new Nature Repair Market, ways to measure natural capital, and what some of the drivers for investment are. Tune in to learn more about expert insights into the benefits and challenges of natural capital. Thank you to our guests who featured in this episode:John Gavin – Director, Remarkable NRMDebbie Dowden – Director, Challa PastoralFor more information:For further information about Natural Capital - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capitaland access to the Natural Capital Service Finder: https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capital/natural-capital-service-finderJohn Gavin - NRM website - ⁠https://remarkablenrm.com.au/about-john/⁠ Debbie Dowden - Challa Station Website - https://challastation.com/This podcast is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government.

In this episode of the Going Ahead with Goats podcast series, host Kieran Smith chats with Kathryn Dawson, a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland, about the impact of gastrointestinal nematodes (worms) on goat health and productivity. Kathryn shares her research on worm prevalence across different goat production systems in Queensland and New South Wales, the challenges of drench resistance, and sustainable parasite control strategies. She also covers worm-related production losses, the differences between sheep and goat worm burdens, and effective testing methods. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice on parasite management and biosecurity for goat producers. If you are interested in getting involved with the gastrointestinal worm surveillance project in Western NSW, get in touch with Western Local Land Services via 1300 795 299 or admin.western@lls.nsw.gov.au.Thank you to our guest featured in this episode:Kathryn DawsonFor more information:Going ahead with goats Project - Local Land Services - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-projectWormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats - Rangelands - WormBoss - https://wormboss.com.au/goatsrangelands/#:~:text=This%20is%20an%20up-to-date%2C%20integrated%20regional%20worm%20control,for%20goats%20in%20the%20Rangelands%20regions%20of%20Australia.Drench groups and actives - https://tools.wormboss.com.au/sheep-goats/tests-tools/management-tools/drenches/drench-groups-and-actives.phpFor a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QRTme3XtB7F5-H7QW5cN4EFMcUrVFAo/view?usp=sharing This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

In this episode of 'Going Ahead with Goats,' host Kieran Smith chats with Trudie Atkinson, Technical Specialist for Grazing Systems with  NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development . They discuss what it is about goats that makes them so well adapted to grazing in Western NSW landscapes as well as grazing management strategies. Trudie shares insights about goat grazing preferences and diet selection, and factors to consider when monitoring goat paddocks, as well as trigger points for decision making. This episode is an excellent resource for land managers wanting to improve their goat grazing management . Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Trudie Atkinson For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project  module7-nutrition-mar2019-web.pdf (mla.com.au) For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14pv0sk5pHlSaHQKoS2Yp667G5FGVy93C/view?usp=sharing  This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

In this episode of 'Going Ahead with Goats,' host Kieran Smith chats with Tanisha Shields from Agrista. They discuss cost of production, characteristics of top-performing goat enterprises, and benchmarking benefits. Tanisha shares insights from her work, highlighting how genetic improvements, efficient grazing management, and record-keeping can increase the profitability of goat enterprises. They also cover labor efficiency and capital investment in goat operations. This episode provides invaluable information for goat producers aiming to improve profitability and optimize the efficiency of their business. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Tanisha Shields For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project  Agrista - https://www.agrista.com.au/  Cost of Production Calculator | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) Goat Productivity and Profitability report -  b.goa.1903-appendix-1-.pdf (mla.com.au) For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18sR324z-dr-Rr44EksB6OmSSmpigSbjd/view?usp=sharing This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

In this podcast episode, host Kieren Smith discusses the rapid genetic gains in goat farming with James Nalder, who, along with his wife Emma, ventured into commercial goat farming in 2020. The episode covers James' involvement with the Kids Plus Project, data collection using EID tags, pregnancy scanning, worm control, and goat management practices at their property near Coonamble, NSW. James shares his insights on the advantages of goat farming, the importance of controlled breeding, and the future potential of the goat industry. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: James Nalder For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project  Kids + | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) - https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/livestock-production/reproductive-efficiency/kids-producers/  For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hHa0ibwPinZ8vQNEvqFhnPj8Yur3cLfd/view?usp=sharing  This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.