NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND
FISHERIES
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
ANNUAL EXTENSION REPORT 2012
Copyright ©:
Northern Territory Government, 2013
This work is copyright. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Commonwealth), no part of this
publication may be reproduced by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written
permission of the copyright owners. Neither may information be stored electronically in any form whatsoever
without such permission.
Disclaimer:
While all care has been taken to ensure that information contained in this Technical Bulletin is true and
correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the
accuracy of its information.
The Northern Territory of Australia gives no warranty or assurance, and makes no representation as to the
accuracy of any information or advice contained in this Technical Bulletin, or that it is suitable for your
intended use.
You should not rely upon information in this publication for the purpose of making any serious, business or
investment decisions without obtaining independent and/or professional advice in relation to your particular
situation.
The Northern Territory of Australia disclaims any liability or responsibility or duty of care towards any person
for loss or damage caused by any use of or reliance on the information contained in this publication.
July 2013
Bibliography:
Northern Territory Government (2013). Primary Industries Annual Extension Report 2012. Northern Territory
Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries. Technical Bulletin No. 348.
Contact:
Northern Territory Government
Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries
GPO Box 3000
Darwin NT 0801
http://www.nt.gov.au/d
Technical Bulletin No. 348
ISSN: 1838-1758 (Print)
1838-1766 (Online)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 5
PASTORAL INDUSTRY...................................................................................................... 6
PLANT INDUSTRIES ........................................................................................................ 24
ALL INDUSTRIES ............................................................................................................. 32
INDEX ............................................................................................................................... 35
Technical Bulletin No. 348
INTRODUCTION
This 2012 edition of the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries’ Annual Extension
Report is a summary of the Department’s extension activities in the Primary Industries Division across a wide
range of agricultural industries in 2012.
Extension is a critical component of the Agribusiness Industry Strategy and its vision of thriving regional
economies underpinned by sustainable food and fibre industries. Both the Agribusiness Industry Strategy
and the Primary Industries Extension Strategy were developed in consultation with industry partners to
provide a focus on priority issues for the NT Government.
This Report reflects extension services of the department’s Primary Industries Division for 2012, which are
diverse across the range of activities it is involved in. These services provide critical information to industry,
build knowledge of, and reinforce established best practices and the adoption of new research and
development findings and raise knowledge and awareness amongst industry stakeholders and the general
public in the early detection of exotic disease or pest incursions. Extension officers also provide a vital
feedback mechanism between the production sector, industry researchers and decision-makers.
While research projects are reported separately in the Department’s Annual Research Achievements Report,
it is recognised that research, development and extension activities form part of a continuum of effort and are
planned to integrate and complement each other.
This year’s report continues to be useful and informative to a wide range of readers. Comments and
suggestions are welcome and can be provided to the Department’s Technical Publications Section at:
technical.publications@nt.gov.au.
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PASTORAL INDUSTRY
Departmental officers provide extension services to the NT pastoral and other animal industries to promote
productivity, profitability and, where possible, to protect the environment and human health.
TITLE:
Top End Pastoral Extension
Program/Project Leader:
Arthur Cameron
Contact Details:
arthur.cameron@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
beef cattle, buffalo, pastures, land management
Purpose:
This project disseminates information on pastures, cattle, buffalo and grazing management to primary
producers in the Top End of the Northern Territory (NT). Pastures information includes the development and
management of introduced pastures, native pastures and floodplain pastures.
Design/Method/Approach:
The project uses a range of passive extension methods, such as the electronic and print media,
departmental newsletters, Agnotes, Technical Bulletins and scientific papers, to communicate pasture, cattle,
buffalo, grazing management and land management messages to the pastoral industry and community
stakeholders, as well as peers in the research, development and extension community. Extension officers
also undertake interactive activities such as property visits, media interviews, seminars, field days, tours,
demonstrations, rural shows and conferences. Extension officers represent the department on government
panels related to animal management and land use, including weed management. Linkages are maintained
with industry organisations, such as the NT Cattlemen’s Association, the NT Buffalo Industry Council, the NT
Farmers’ Association, Meat & Livestock Australia, the North Australia Beef Research Council and the
Leucaena network.
A semen storage vat is maintained for participating cattle and buffalo producers for hire on a fee-for-service
basis.
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
Newsletters and Publications
Two editions of the Top Paddock newsletter were produced during 2012. Project
officers contributed ten articles to Departmental newsletters and three articles to
Buffalo News.
The manual “Cattle and Land Management Best Practices in the Top End
Region”, compiled by Arthur Cameron, was released in March 2012. “Heifer
Management in Northern Beef Herds” 2nd edition, was produced by Tim Schatz.
The NT Weeds Booklet “What is that weed and how did it get here?” was cocollated by Arthur Cameron and was republished in 2012. The RIRDC Final
Report: “Enhancing Productivity Improvements in the Australian Water Buffalo Industry” by Barry Lemcke
was published as RIRDC Publication No. 12/055 in July.
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Hay and Seed Survey (2011) for the NT
The survey is conducted annually to record the value of hay and seed production activity in the NT. The
results of the survey are used in budget papers and are provided to the Australian Bureau of Statistics as
official production figures. The 2011 survey was finalised in early 2012 to capture the dry season irrigated
hay production from some properties. Hay production was estimated at 69 740 tonnes valued at $13.9m and
seed production at 187 tonnes valued at $0.73m.
Property Visits
Over 100 visits were made to Top End properties to provide specific advice on pasture development and
management, cattle production, buffalo production, buffalo milk production, and to sample seed for export
interstate and overseas.
Field Days, Open Days, Shows, Tours, Conferences
Extension officers were involved in a number of activities during the year, including:

Beef 2012 in Rockhampton, presenting a seminar.

The Kidman Springs Field Day.

The Sustainable Farm Practices Field Day.

A tour for an Indonesian delegation to Beatrice Hill Farm (BHF).

A tour for Indonesian students to BHF and Douglas Daly Research Farm.

The Fred’s Pass Rural Show and the Darwin Show.

The Australian Agricultural Company managers’ tour of Katherine Research Station.

The Girraween Primary School Open Day.
Practical Implications:
The Top End Pastoral Extension team is an important institutional capital for the NT pastoral industry by
maintaining critical base competence in animal and pasture science, and linkages with the producer
community.
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TITLE:
Katherine Pastoral Production Extension
Program/Project Leader:
Trudi Oxley
Contact Details:
Trudi.Oxley@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
Katherine, extension, pastoral, field days
Purpose:
The Katherine Pastoral Production Extension group services the greater Katherine region, which includes
the Victoria River, Sturt Plateau, Gulf/Roper and Katherine/Daly districts. This project involves the
dissemination of cattle and rangelands research results, and information to producers either one-on-one,
through on-property demonstrations or to larger gatherings, such as meetings, training workshops, seminars,
field days, conferences, and through publications and media presentations. Strong linkages are maintained
with industry stakeholders such as the Northern Territory (NT) Cattlemen’s Association, Meat & Livestock
Australia, the North Australia Beef Research Council and regional Landcare groups.
These extension activities are essential to ensure that the NT beef industry has access to current research
results, information about new technologies and practices, re-enforcing and achieving uptake of proven
technologies and general advice and recommendations. These activities by the Katherine Pastoral
Production Extension group encapsulate the range of general activities not specifically covered by other
projects such the Producer Demonstration Sites project, or activities associated with the Katherine Pastoral
Industry Advisory Committee.
Design/Method/Approach:
The Katherine Pastoral Extension group uses a range of passive and interactive extension methods in its
servicing of the regional pastoral industry. Passive methods include newsletters, the electronic and print
media, and publication of technical resource materials. Interactive methods include such activities as
workshop training, on-property research and
field days.
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
Both electronic and print media were used to
convey key extension messages to beef
industry stakeholders. Five issues of the
Katherine Rural Review regional newsletter
were published in 2012. Subjects included a
range of husbandry and land management
issues such as HGP strategies, understanding
polledness, animal health and bull selection, in
addition to updates of project activities from
around the Territory.
Participants at the 2012 Victoria River Research Station Field
Day
The major Katherine Regional Field Day for 2012 was held at Victoria River Research Station (VRRS). The
theme was “Local Research, Local Knowledge” and topics included profitable supplementation, breeder
mortality, grazing systems and results from a number of local trials. Eighty-two people attended the field day,
40% of whom were producers who collectively manage a combined land area of 28 840 km2. An end of
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session evaluation (Table 1.), revealed that many producers were inspired by the forum content to consider
some type of change in their enterprises.
Table 1. Evaluation results for 2012 Victoria River Research Station Field Day
Using the information you heard today
Did you learn something new today?
If no, did the information reinforce things
you already knew or are doing?
Has the information you heard today
changed your opinion of what is possible
to achieve in your business?
Do you plan to attend any training or seek
further information in the future as a result
of this field day?
Do you plan to make changes to your
business as a direct result of attending
this field day?
Yes (%)
100
No (%)
Not Sure (%)
77
14
9
88
8
4
56
11
33
The Katherine Pastoral Production Extension group organised a display of posters and information handouts
at the 2012 Katherine Show around the theme “Year of the Farmer”, which showcased life on a typical
Katherine region station.
A Grazing Land Management (GLM) Primer workshop was conducted for members of the Territory Natural
Resource Management (TNRM) group. Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries (DPIF) officers
consulted TNRM for a year on the evaluation component of newly implemented Territory Conservation
Agreements (TCAs). This workshop was designed to help the TNRM group to become self-sufficient. The
main aspects of the workshop included what information and measurements need to be made during
assessments of sites within the TCAs to judge the GLM merits of proposals, introduce common
terminologies, concepts and tools and to ensure that TNRM contractors and staff understand how industry
manages grazing land.
Extension staff responded to 25 specific one-to-one pastoral enquiries in 2012 relating to livestock
husbandry, grazing management and seeking regional production and benchmark information.
Practical Implications:
The results of the activities undertaken by the
Katherine Pastoral Production Extension group
ensure that producers are better able to access
relevant information with which to make timely
decisions for their businesses and that is delivered in
varied formats that suit the different learning styles
and requirements of a range of producers in the
region. During the VRRS Field Day a significant
number of producers were challenged in their thinking
around their production systems. Many are likely to
trial various new technologies on their properties as a
The Katherine Pastoral Production team
result of attending the field day. The TNRM team is
now able to assess TCAs sites adequately and competently without continuing reliance on DPIF officers,
while being aware that departmental staff are only a phone call away if they have any queries or require
access to additional resources.
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TITLE:
Tennant Creek Pastoral Production Extension
Program/Project Leader:
Casey Collier
Contact Details:
Casey.Collier@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
extension, beef/pastoral industry, Barkly Tableland
Purpose:
The Tennant Creek Pastoral Production team services the greater Tennant Creek region, including the
Barkly and Eastern Gulf. It assists graziers within the region to develop profitable, sustainable and productive
beef enterprises. Relationships with key industry stakeholders, such as the Northern Territory (NT)
Cattlemen’s Association, Meat & Livestock Australia, the North Australia Beef Research Council and regional
natural resource management groups are essential to ensure capacity building and success of research,
development and extension programs.
Design/Method/Approach:
Extension officers use a range of passive and interactive extension methods to disseminate key research
results and other information to the region’s pastoral industry. Passive methods include newsletters, the
electronic and print media, and published technical materials. Interactive methods include training
workshops, seminars, one-on-one property visits, and field days. Such extension ensures NT cattle
producers receive new research results to facilitate the adoption of proven technologies and practices.
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
Both electronic and print media were used to convey key extension messages to beef industry stakeholders.
Four issues of the department’s quarterly Barkly Beef regional newsletter were published in 2012. Subjects
included a range of husbandry and land management issues, such as HGP strategies, wet season spelling,
weed management, understanding polledness, animal health, bull selection methods, heifer management in
northern Australia, the Carbon Farming Initiative, as well as updates of project activities from around the
Territory.
Training workshops and field days were strong components of the Tennant Creek extension effort. The
department offers rangeland management courses to stations right across the Barkly every two years. The
courses are aimed at first or second-year station staff new to the region, or those wishing to refresh their
knowledge of such issues as pasture species common across the Barkly, weeds of the region, basic animal
nutrition and supplementation, biodiversity and how to recognise different land types and condition. Two
courses were run at different stations in 2012. Feedback from the courses indicated that the participants felt
the information they learnt over the two-day course was a valuable introduction to the region and its pastoral
industry.
A grazing land management (GLM) follow-up workshop was held early in the year at the Barkly Homestead.
Seven producers from the previous 2010 GLM workshop were able to come together and discuss the details
of GLM principles they had implemented on their individual stations over the past 12 months. This also
allowed participants to ask questions on why certain things were, or were not, working and discuss possible
solutions with their fellow peers and presenters.
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Other specific extension events
included a workshop on the Carbon
Farming Initiative, which was hosted in
Tennant Creek in July 2012 and was
attended by several Barkly producers.
Department of Primary Industry and
Fisheries (DPIF) Rangeland Program
coordinator, Dionne Walsh, gave a
power-point presentation entitled ‘Is
there a business case for NT
producers to farm carbon’. Dionne
Walsh also gave a briefing to senior
Participants at the 2012 Alexandria Barkly Rangeland Management
managers of the Australian Agricultural
Course
Company on the range of DPIF
pastoral projects across the Territory, which included several Barkly projects. Casey Collier, assisted by Tim
Schatz, presented a poster and preliminary results from the Brunchilly phosphorus trial at the Kidman
Springs Field Day in August. The Tennant Creek Pastoral Production team organised and conducted the
cattle section at the Tennant Creek Show, including a display of posters and take-away handouts.
The team also conducted collaborative activities with the industry by participating in two Barkly Regional
Advisory Committee meetings. The second meeting in December 2012 was hosted at Brunchilly Station. The
full day meeting was open to all members of the Barkly pastoral community and allowed the department’s
key beef and rangeland research and extension staff to liaise and discuss both current and future projects in
the region and across the Territory. Feedback from the meeting was extremely positive and it was suggested
that a full day meeting of this nature become an annual event. Extension staff also responded to a number of
local enquiries in 2012 relating to livestock husbandry and GLM practices.
Practical Implications:
DPIF staff play a critical role in capacity building in the local pastoral industry through extension of the latest
technologies and research outcomes through workshops, seminars, field days, conferences and associated
media presentations and publications. These extension efforts are vital to ensure the continual increase in
herd productivity across the region. The Tennant Creek Pastoral Production team is an important regional
infrastructure which provides geographically positioned services to the pastoral regions of the Barkly
Tableland and the Eastern Gulf.
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TITLE:
Pastoral Extension – Alice Springs
Program/Project Leader:
Pieter Conradie
Contact Details:
Pieter.Conradie@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
extension, grazing systems, NRM training, best practice
Purpose:
The aim of the Alice Springs Pastoral Production group is to bring producers together and extend relevant
and timely information packages or training programs to advance pastoral industry businesses.
Design/Method/Approach:
Herd
and
land
management,
together with business management,
had been identified as some of the
key focus areas for extension
activities in the Alice Springs region
following consultation with the Alice
Springs Pastoral Advisory Committee
(ASPIAC).
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
Grazing Land Management Trials at
the Old Man Plains Research Station
(OMPRS).
Chris Materne discussing the OMPRS grazing trial
During a field day at OMPRS in May, the results of the Northern Grazing Systems (NGS) project were
presented to ASPIAC members and the local media. The day started off with a paddock walk and discussion
of the NGS trial by Chris Materne. Outputs from pasture growth models developed as part of the project were
presented demonstrating the effects of variables, such as fixed versus variable stocking rates, spelling and
land condition. Modelled economic outputs expected from different grazing strategies were also presented.
The findings of the NGS trial were also described in posters at the Northern Beef Research Update
Conference, through the ABC’s Rural Radio and the departmental newsletter, the Alice Springs Rural
Review.
Following the field day, ASPIAC agreed to serve in an advisory capacity for a new long-term grazing trial that
will further investigate different grazing strategies suitable for Central Australia, while at the same time
identifying options for producing quality beef from native pastures.
Natural Resource Management (NRM) Training Course at OMPRS
Two training courses were presented at OMPRS in conjunction with the Centralian Land Management
Association and the NRM group. The machinery course focussed specifically on training and licensing
operators of heavy machinery, such as graders and dozers, to safely do soil conservation work, such as
clearing fence lines, clearing fire breaks and pushing erosion banks. The landscape literacy course, which is
a continuation of the Ecosystem Management Understanding project, was conducted by Dr Hugh Pringle, an
ecologist with international experience, who is using OMPRS to develop a holistic approach to drainage
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systems ecology. Attendees from the pastoral industry as well as government agencies and NGO groups
found these courses informative. An advanced landscape literacy course is being planned.
The Use of the Droughtmaster Herd to Focus on Best Practice Cattle Management
The Droughtmaster herd at OMPRS was
used as an extension and research tool to
demonstrate best practice management
for cattle under extensive conditions. On
two occasions Dr Geoffrey Fordyce from
the
University
of
Queensland
demonstrated bull breeding soundness to
staff from cattle stations using OMPRS
cattle. Bryan Gill, Research Cattle
Manager from AZRI, explained the herd
management principles applied with
Droughtmasters.
Dr
Fordyce
also
provided practical tips on yard safety
requirements.
Weaning practices, mature cow weight,
the use of growth promotants, the Meat
Standards Australia grading systems and
reproductive loss were also discussed in
departmental newsletters and ABC’s
Rural Radio in 2012.
Training in fat scoring
TITLE:
Indigenous Pastoral Program Phase 3
Program/Project Leader:
Pieter Conradie
Contact Details:
Pieter.Conradie@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
extension, cattle management, infrastructure planning, carrying capacity, pest
management
Purpose:
To support Indigenous people towards achieving improved socio-economic standing and livelihoods through
the development of viable pastoral operations and sustainable management of Indigenous-held land.
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Design/Method/Approach:
As one of six partners in the Indigenous Pastoral Program (IPP), the Department of Primary Industry and
Fisheries worked towards achieving the following objectives:
1. Support the development of
viable,
Indigenous
pastoral
operations and enable economic
opportunity via pastoral activity
on Indigenous-held land.
2. Contribute
to
management of
held land.
sustainable
Indigenous-
3. Provide training to increase
Indigenous employment and the
viability of Indigenous pastoral
operations, thereby enabling
career pathways in the industry.
On ground extension support is provided
through three pastoral advisory officers
with the backing of managers and subject
specialists.
Participants and trainers of the IPP
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
Two new advisory officers started during the year, which necessitated the establishment of relationships with
land managers as well as project partners. Once these relationships had been established, much of the time
was spent in two focus areas as per the objectives mentioned above.
Provide Technical Support towards Cattle Management and Assist with Infrastructure Planning and
Development
Best practice management principles were recommended to managers on weaning, heifer selection, bull
selection, herd structure and improved systems for cattle handling. Southern stations were provided with onground support during mustering and recommendations were made on marketing strategies. Due to the fact
that management options and carrying capacity are severely limited by insufficient operational infrastructure,
a focal point during this period was infrastructure planning and development. Advisory officers conducted an
audit of all infrastructure funded under the IPP program by the Indigenous Land Council (ILC) since 2003.
The completion of this audit report was required to enable future infrastructure funding by the ILC. The report
will also indicate strategies towards future infrastructure development and maintenance.
Sustainable Land Management
With the support of rangeland scientists, extension officers assessed carrying capacities on eight properties,
which formed the basis for property management plans and infrastructure funding applications. Where
possible, land managers were involved in the visual assessment of land condition. Feedback on the carrying
capacity of the properties was given to the landholders. For Atula Station, a full presentation was made to
role players and different options were provided for the sustainable utilisation of pastures with current as well
as proposed infrastructure development.
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Management plans for feral animal and weed control were developed for five properties. These plans were
developed in conjunction with land managers and were approved by project partners. A detailed pest
management plan was developed for Amanbidji and the removal of 2500 feral animals (horses, donkeys and
camels) was done at Amanbidji, MacDonald Yards and Mistake Creek. An application for natural resource
management funding under the Clean Energy Future Biodiversity Fund was submitted and has successfully
gone through the first stage for approval.
Meetings and discussions were held with community members, the Bushfire Council and other role players
to update and develop fire management plans. Communities have experienced severe losses to grazing and
infrastructure due to uncontrolled fires in the past which emphasised the importance of fire management
plans. A presentation was given on the IPP program to Gulf landholders at the Cape Crawford Field Day.
Training and Support
Apart from
supporting the Indigenous
cattleman’s training workshops, ad hoc training
and mentoring were provided to station
managers and staff on record keeping, decision
making and filling funding applications. Two
Indigenous properties, not currently in the IPP
program, have asked to be included and have
been assessed for possible future inclusion in
the program.
Practical implications:
The IPP program is building tangible
operational capacity for both Indigenous
pastoral businesses as well as Indigenous
workers engaged in the NT pastoral industry.
TITLE:
FutureBeef
Program/Project Leader:
Trudi Oxley
Learning how to pull a bore
Contact Details:
Trudi.Oxley@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
extension, communications, research & development, training, best practice
Purpose:
The FutureBeef program for northern Australia is a new five-year
collaborative extension program aimed at bringing the latest research
technologies and best management practice knowledge, skills and
training to northern beef producers. The uptake of these practices onproperty will help businesses respond faster to expansion opportunities.
The FutureBeef program in the Northern Territory (NT) encapsulates
activities undertaken at a regional level by the Department of Primary
Industry and Fisheries (DPIF) staff in addition to those outlined below,
which are produced through collaboration with the project partners.
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Design/Method/Approach:
Launched in May 2012, the FutureBeef program brings together the technical and investment focus of
development and extension activities for the Queensland, NT and Western Australia (Kimberley/Pilbara
regions) agricultural departments, and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).
FutureBeef partners currently engage northern beef producers through a range of face-to-face approaches
including training workshops, producer demonstration sites, field days, RD&E projects, forums (including
Beef Up and Next Gen forums), and property visits. One of the main features of FutureBeef is recognising
the different ways in which adults learn and packaging the latest information to meet their needs. The
program promotes the development and use of technologies such as webinars, online e-bulletins,
smartphone applications and self-paced learning packages to complement face-to-face delivery. Social
media outlets like Facebook and Twitter are also being used to regularly cross-promote news and events as
a way of bringing layers of industry interest groups together.
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
The FutureBeef program collaboration has resulted in a new industry website www.futurebeef.com.au
allowing those working in, or seeking to, enter the beef industry to freely access a range of technical
production resources and tools in areas of animal improvement, grazing land management and business
management. The site also allows visitors to find and register online for events, find out what projects are
happening in their region and their results, view project outlines and detailed reports, source publications,
newsletters and e-bulletins, and download practical tools.
Other new products include a searchable FutureBeef technical library DVD, a compilation of publications and
reports relevant to the northern beef industry (December 2011), particularly for those with no internet access.
There are also two new publications, one on weaner management and the other on heifer management,
released this year.
The ‘Weaner Management in Northern Beef Herds’ publication includes all the research, demonstration and
practical knowledge available on weaning and weaner management in northern Australia. It presents
essential information for northern beef producers, including best management practice for feeding and
educating weaners.
The ‘Heifer Management in Northern Beef Herds’ is a short, user-friendly guide to best practice
management. Both publications were written for graziers, station managers, stockmen and students of
animal husbandry. These publications by Queensland and NT research/extension teams in collaboration with
other agencies are excellent examples of the results that can be achieved through a joint approach to
research, development and extension. Copies of the DVD and both publications can be ordered through
MLA or the FutureBeef website.
FutureBeef Staff Intranet
The FutureBeef staff intranet went live on 5 July 2012. It includes corporate plans, strategy documents and
reports, branding and promotional material, and resources relevant to staff (including information on
extension tools, archived publications and additional topic information). In 2012 there were 79 users from
FutureBeef partner agencies (DAFF Queensland, DAFWA, DPIF and MLA).
The Forum area is live and a Wiki area is being trialled.
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eBulletin
The FutureBeef eBulletin is published every six weeks and aims to
highlight industry news, website updates, upcoming events and training
days. eBulletin subscriptions have increased from 26 to 340 from the
first to the seventh edition. There were 431 subscribers as at 31
January 2013. On average, two new subscribers sign up every day.
Webinars
Fourteen major webinars were conducted across northern Australia,
using either GoToWebinar or GoToMeeting from 1 October to 31
December 2012. These were attended by approximately 188 staff and
447 external participants. A webinar schedule sets out key topics and
also accounts for project outcomes and new resource releases.
Social media
The FutureBeefAu YouTube channel was created on 23 November 2011. From 1 October to 31 December
2012 there were 798 views, and an estimated 3956 minutes (67 hours) watched, across the 44 videos
available of educational content.
Facebook
FutureBeef joined Facebook on 19 January 2012. A strategy has been formulated along with social media
policy and guidelines. The page has attracted 252 fans since that time. In the final quarter of 2012, 136
people visited the FutureBeef website from the Facebook page, translating to 346 website page views.
Activities, including posts, comments and sharing, continue to grow each quarter. The activities centre on
demonstrating shared-values with northern beef producers and hence building trust, education and
influence.
Twitter
FutureBeef joined Twitter on 2 May 2012 and has since attracted 664 followers. Each quarter, FutureBeef
sends out over 150 updates with links to tools, articles, events and information relating to RD&E in the
northern beef industry. There were 82 referrals to the website from Twitter in the final quarter of 2012,
translating to 158 page views. Twitter continues to be a strong medium for promoting events and webinars
as well as encouraging the reading and sharing of new information and research.
In 2012, DPIF field days and projects harnessed the FutureBeef brand in promoting activities and outcomes.
For example, the Kidman Springs Field Day held on 1 August 2012 represented a valuable forum for the
delivery of key extension messages and exchange of local knowledge between staff, pastoralists and
industry stakeholders. The event was co-branded ‘DPIF and FutureBeef’ and was promoted across
FutureBeef online networks and featured in the eBulletin.
Practical Implications:
The FutureBeef program increases the efficiency and effectiveness of extension efforts across northern
Australia. The shared approach widens the resources, information and perspective available to NT
producers without compromising their access to a local extension service.
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Title:
The Implementation of Producer Demonstration
Sites to Increase the Adoption of Research
Findings and Encourage Changes in Practice
Program/Project Leader:
Trisha Cowley
Contact Details:
trisha.cowley@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
producer demonstration sites, adoption, practice change, extension, on farm
research
Purpose:
The purpose of producer demonstration sites (PDS) is to support beef producers by demonstrating,
developing and promoting adoption of priority research technologies and findings. PDS projects aim to
shorten the time lag between technological innovation and the adoption of beneficial key research findings,
adapt research findings to practical commercial implementation, improve producer skills, knowledge and
practices, and improve collaboration and coordination between producers and support agencies.
Design/Method/Approach:
The two PDS projects operating in the Northern Territory (NT) are developing monitoring and evaluation
systems to assess project impacts. Results will be measured using the evaluation systems of Meat &
Livestock Australia’s (MLA’s) FutureBeef program, which will incorporate an annual MLA survey, case
studies and economic analysis of business improvement among PDS participants. The projects are:
1. Boosting steer growth - comparing the profitability of different hormonal growth promotant (HGP)
strategies in the NT (Hayfield Station).
Research in northern Australian beef herds has shown that when used strategically, HGPs can significantly
increase growth rate in steers. What is less certain is what constitutes the most profitable strategy in using
HPGs. There is a need to investigate the effect of variations in timing of the use of HGPs to take advantage
of seasonal conditions and minimising the cost of mustering. There is little previous local data on growth
rates due to HGPs. This project compared the profitability of several strategies of using HGPs under typical
herd management systems in the NT as a guide for producers. Data collection has finished and the final
report is due in June 2013.
2. A practical demonstration of the polled gene marker test to increase the frequency of polled progeny
and the use of fixed time insemination in commercial NT herds (Lakefield and Avago stations).
This project is demonstrating the use of the polled gene marker test to breed polled sires using a nucleus
herd on-property as well as demonstrating best practice artificial insemination (AI) techniques in NT breeding
herds. Currently, very few Brahman breeders in the NT are using polled genes. Until recently, it was not
possible to determine if a polled Brahman was homozygous polled (carried two copies of the polled gene) or
heterozygous polled (carried one horned copy and one polled copy of the polled gene) as both genotypes
could be visually polled. The polled gene marker test now allows people to determine if a sire is homozygous
polled and therefore can only pass on polledness to its progeny. Therefore, producers can use this test to
select sires which will shorten the time taken to reach a 100% polled herd.
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Activities/Findings/Achievements:
HGP Hayfield Station PDS
Clean-skin first-round male weaners were used; 471 in 201 and 498 in 2011. They were weighed over three
occasions: at weaning, at the end of the dry and after the wet. The PDS compared the cost-effectiveness of
four HGP strategies:
1. 2 x 200-day Compudose® implant - inserted at the beginning of the dry season and then at the end
of the dry season/start of the wet season.
2. 200-day Compudose® inserted at the end of the dry season/start of the wet season.
3. 400-day Compudose® inserted at the beginning of the dry season.
4. No HGP (control).
The key results from the PDS were:

All HGP-use strategies resulted in significantly higher growth in animals compared with the control.

The greatest advantage of HGPs occurred during the wet season when growth was highest.

It is reasonable to expect a 10% growth advantage when using an oestrogen-based implant under
NT conditions.

There were some differences between strategies, but this was not consistent over years, leading to
no clear advantages of one strategy over another.

The cost of extra musters has to be carefully considered when determining which strategy will be
more profitable.

400-day Compudose® implanted at weaning was the most cost-effective strategy.
A field day was held at Hayfield Station on 16 October, which was attended by 47 people, including 27
landholders representing 11 properties. The field day received extremely positive feedback, with all
attendees stating that they had learned something new, 75% intended to seek further information as a result
of attending and 37% intending to make changes to their business as a result of attending the field day. Two
webinars were held which were attended by 36 individuals, two ABC Rural Radio interviews were conducted
and four articles were written for the Katherine Rural Review.
Lakefield and Avago Station Polled Gene Marker Demonstration
Both Lakefield and Avago have already been sourcing polled sires for inclusion in their stud herds for several
years. Their aim is to breed their own polled bulls for use in their commercial herds, as polled Brahman bulls
are in short supply. They are using the polled gene marker test to identify the genotype of the animals within
their stud herd to help with selection choices and to source true polled sires for use in their stud herd. An AI
program using semen from true polled animals (bulls which yielded a poll-poll (PP) result, meaning they do
not carry a horn allele), will be carried out in Lakefield and Avago stud herds. Another site is required to
compare the progeny of PP versus poll-horned bulls over horned Brahman cows. This is likely to be done
through an AI program due to the limited availability of polled Brahman bulls.
Lakefield Station carried out an AI program on 46 stud females using semen from three PP bulls in April
2012. PP bulls were used on those cows that did not get pregnant through AI. Calves were weaned in March
and were to be tested for their polled genotype and parentage-tested to determine the success of the AI
program.
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Avago Station carried out an AI program on 70 stud females using semen from PP bulls in December 2012.
They will be pregnancy-tested in June 2013 and the calves will be weaned in early 2014.
Practical Implications:
Hayfield
This project will provide producers some data on which to base their HGP programs as well as increase their
knowledge of how HGPs work and how to determine what strategies will be most cost-effective for their
business.
Lakefield and Avago Stations
Currently very few producers in the NT have started to incorporate polled genes in their herd and fewer still
understand the inheritance of the polled gene or how the polled gene marker test can be used. This project
will address these knowledge gaps and therefore increase the number of producers moving towards polled
herds. This has very important animal welfare implications as it will reduce the number of animals that will
require dehorning.
TITLE:
Technical
Importers
Support
Program/Project Leader:
David Ffoulkes
for
South-East
Asian
Contact Details:
david.ffoulkes@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
cattle, live export, feedlot, slaughter, animal welfare, standard operating
procedures
Purpose:
To support the development of new live cattle export
markets for Northern Territory (NT) cattle producers by
providing technical services to assist importers to
establish facilities and operations in accordance with
Australian animal welfare regulations.
Design/Method/Approach:
In 2012 the Technical Services program continued to
assist in the development of the live export trade in
Vietnam under a funding agreement with Meat &
Livestock Australia to implement the Australian
Government’s Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System
(ESCAS).
Haiphong Operation: DPIF Extension Officer Ben
Beumer supervises ramp construction
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
A number of visits were made to the importer in Haiphong (North Vietnam), to assess their operation,
including a new feedlot facility, for compliance with ESCAS prior to the next shipment, as well to supervise
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Technical Bulletin No. 348
the construction of an unloading ramp and race to replace the temporary structure used during unloading of
the first shipment in 2011.
The program leader visited the Bien Hoa operation
(where a new feedlot was under construction), to
receive a deferred cattle shipment in October 2012.
The implementation of ESCAS standard operating
procedures was discussed in detail with the importer
and a new slaughterhouse was designed specifically to
meet Australian animal welfare standards. In October
2012, both program leaders supervised the unloading
of the shipment and provided post-shipment training in
animal handling and feedlot management.
In December 2012, a third shipment of cattle was
Haiphong Operation: Construction of new feedlot
supervised by one of the program leaders together with
the exporter’s consultant. The ship carried specially
designed unloading bridges fabricated by the department to suit Vietnamese cattle trucks. During each visit
to Vietnam, technical assistance was also provided to a Vietnamese businessman who is developing an
integrated feedlot and slaughter enterprise in Dak Lak Province using imported Brahman cattle. It is
expected that this operation will start importing NT beef cattle by mid-2013.
Practical Implications:
The technical support provided by this program has assisted in the export of 3745 head of NT cattle to
Vietnam in three shipments since September 2011. There are already orders for further shipments in 2013.
With the enforcement of ESCAS regulations in Vietnam commencing in January 2013, the Technical Support
program will continue to work with current and new importers together with the exporters to ensure that these
operations meet Australian animal welfare standards and auditing requirements.
An advantage of the Vietnam market is that its preference for heavier slaughter cattle is compatible with NT
cattle producers and exporters because it does not compete with the lighter weight limit of exported cattle
imposed by the Indonesian market. Vietnamese importers have also indicated that they will also import
buffalo once a slaughter buffalo protocol has been developed.
TITLE:
Regional Beef Research Committees Report
2011-12
Program/Project Leader:
Trudi Oxley
Contact Details:
trudi.oxley@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
northern Australian beef research, Meat & Livestock Australia
Purpose:
The role of Regional Beef Research Committees (RBRCs) is to provide producer input into research,
development and extension (RD&E) and advise the Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries on issues
facing the cattle industry in their region. RBRCs also provide advice on priority areas of RD&E, guide RD&E
projects in their region and provide feedback to the North Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC).
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Design/Method/Approach:
The pastoral industry in the Northern Territory (NT) has three RBRCs:

The Katherine Pastoral Industry Advisory Committee (KPIAC), which also includes members from
the Top End representing that region.

The Alice Springs Pastoral Industry Advisory Committee (ASPIAC).

The Barkly Research Advisory Committee (BRAC).
The RBRCs participate in planning and reviewing the results of pastoral research conducted by the
Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries (DPIF) to ensure they address the region’s priorities. The
RBRCs are made up of producers from the region as well as representatives from DPIF, the Department of
Land Resource Management, Charles Darwin University (CDU) and a member from the live export or
processing industry. DPIF plays a key role in supporting the RBRCs by providing secretarial services and
coordination.
The chairperson of each committee also represents the regions on NABRC and Meat & Livestock Australia’s
(MLA) Northern Beef Industry Committee (NBIC). NABRC is an independent organisation made up of
producer representatives, research organisations and education providers. NABRC does not fund RD&E, nor
employ any RD&E personnel. Rather, its role is to influence the beef industry RD&E agenda in Queensland,
the NT and the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia. NABRC helps ensure that innovation
and learning in the northern Australian beef industry addresses industry’s priority issues. NBIC differs from
the other groups in that it is a formal component of the red meat industry’s R&D, a part of MLA. Its function is
to assess funding proposals for RD&E in northern Australia.
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
NABRC
RBRCs chairmen and DPIF representatives attended two NABRC meetings in 2012. The main focus of
NABRC in 2012 was to develop the RD&E Priorities Prospectus for the Northern Australian Beef Industry.
This document was published and released at a NABRC meeting in Brisbane.
BRAC
Two BRAC meetings were held in 2012. Key outcomes included:
22

Identification of key regional research priorities.

Endorsement and support for an MLA-funded producer demonstration site on using genetic
technologies to breed better bulls at Brunchilly and Helen Springs stations.

Advising on the potential PDS investigating the production effects of poor quality water on grower
cattle in the Barkly.

Reviewing and advising on ongoing projects, such as the Pastoral Industry Survey.

Providing input into the organisation and facilitation of a Barkly Herd Management Forum to be held
on the Western Barkly.
Technical Bulletin No. 348
KPIAC
Two KPIAC meetings and one teleconference were held in 2012. Key outcomes included:

Input to NABRC’s key RD&E priorities.

A combined meeting with the Kimberly RBRC committee chair and secretary following the Breeding
for Fertility workshop.

A meeting with the Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries to discuss the role of KPIAC.

Two new members, Jay Mohr-Bell (Mathison Station) and Shane McWhirter (ILC).

A presentation by Sally Leigo at the Precision Pastoral CRC.

Review of and advice for ongoing projects, such as the producer demonstration sites project and the
NT Pastoral Industry Survey.

Input in the design of project proposals including the CDU wallaby control project, CSIRO’s northern
logistics project, and DPIF’s genetics extension project.
ASPIAC
Two ASPIAC meetings were held in 2012. Key outcomes included:

Continuation of the proposed development of the long-term grazing trial at Old Man Plains Research
Station (OMPRS) with ASPIAC resuming an active role as an advisory committee for OMPRS.

Discussion of the validity of faecal near-infrared spectrometry in the Alice Springs district, with a
proposal to conduct further research in this field.

Endorsement and support for the continued development of OMPRS as well as an investigation into
the possible incorporation of an adjoining piece of land to provide additional research opportunities.

A report by departmental staff on cattle research projects, in particular the growth hormone project
initiated by ASPIAC.

A presentation on the financial benefit of telemetry as a labour-saving device.
Practical Implications:
The respective research committees are essential for maintaining connectivity and relevance with DPIF’s
research and extension.
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PLANT INDUSTRIES
Departmental officers provide extension services to the NT cropping, horticultural and forestry industries to
promote productivity, profitability and, where possible, to protect the environment and human health.
TITLE:
Mango Industry Extension Services
Program/Project Leader:
Warren Hunt
Contact Details:
warren.hunt@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
mango, RD&E forum, fruit quality, foliar calcium, advisory panel
Purpose:
To build the capacity of the Northern Territory (NT) mango industry towards more resilient and profitable
production systems.
Design/Method/Approach:
The Plant Industries group of the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries (DPIF) uses a range of
extension approaches to engage, inform and facilitate changes in mango farm practice. These include
passive processes, such as regular articles in the Plant Industries monthly e-newsletter and the industry’s
quarterly Mango Matters magazine, as well as local ABC radio and television interviews. More interactive
extension activities entail an annual forum, small group meetings (Darwin and Katherine), and action
research activities.
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
The NT Mango Research, Development and
Extension (RD&E) Forum
The annual mango RD&E forum was held at NT
Freight Services and attracted 86 participants
from both farming enterprises and associated
service agencies. Twenty-three farm businesses
attended, many of them the industry’s largest
operators. Topics covered at the forum included
an analysis of industry performance in 2011,
results from studies in fruit defects, fruit-fly risk
management research, research in the control
of mango leafhoppers, rootstock and scion
evaluation, the release of new genes and plans
for a crop manipulation research project.
Small groups in action: Entomologist Austin McLennan
talking through the basics of mango leafhopper identification
and management in Katherine; Source (Carmen Brown,
ABC NT Rural)
Small-group Extension
NT mango growers are showing interest in a pilot project run by DPIF and funded by Horticulture Australia
Limited. This project aims to improve the knowledge systems of the NT mango industry. The small group
process is a self-directed learning initiative that focuses on allowing producers to shape their learning
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Technical Bulletin No. 348
directions in partnership with specialists from the DPIF Plant Industries group and external specialists. There
is evidence in the NT that indicates gaps in knowledge, as well as failures in adoption of best practices
associated with certain agronomic, pest management and post-harvest areas of farm operations. Farmers
have been resorting sometimes to haphazard trial and error methods to resolve problems. To address this
issue, the Plant Industries group is making a concerted effort to boost its RD&E capacity and increase its
impact on the NT mango industry. The project seeks to renew engagement between the RD&E community
and farmers to foster a positive and constructive learning environment where farmers direct RD&E into areas
they wish to learn more about so that they can further enhance their businesses.
The project has piloted the process in both Darwin and Katherine, with 18 businesses taking part through
two regional groups. Currently in its early stages, the project has managed to benchmark practices across
the participants in the groups and identify areas for improvement. On-farm post-harvest handling and issues
around packing and cooling of fruit by transporters were tackled in two discrete extension activities in 2012.
Briefings were also provided to the groups following an industry study tour to Brazil on the manipulation of
mango flowering and fruit bearing. One knowledge gap that emerged in the group sessions was whether
foliar calcium sprays could reduce lenticel damage in fruit. A trial was conducted on a cooperating farm
which suggests no discernible benefit from spraying. Meetings in 2013 considered feedback on this and
other priorities highlighted in 2012. These included an understanding of the lawful obligations between
neighbours where commercial operations are adjacent to derelict former mango farms, feedback from
growers on a visit to the Ord region in October 2012 to inspect new mango varieties due for release and an
update on better understanding mango crop manipulation.
Practical Implications:
The small groups offer an alternative interactive extension process. While participants are not always
inclined to work in groups, meeting to discuss issues in a safe environment with fellow farmers offers the
opportunity to learn not just what others are doing, but also how and, importantly, why. The extension
literature provides considerable evidence of increased levels of technological adoption or changes in practice
amongst such people working in groups.
TITLE:
The Northern Territory Mango Advisory Panel
Program/Project Leader:
Bob Williams
Contact Details:
Bob-C.Williams@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
mango research and development, export, Port of Darwin
Purpose:
The function of the Mango Advisory Panel (MAP) is to identify and begin the process of resolving challenges
facing the Northern Territory (NT) mango industry at a local level.
Design/Method/Approach:
MAP consists of a dedicated group of 14 growers, Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries (DPIF) staff
and mango industry representatives. The panel has been selected by the Director of Plant Industries
following consultation with the industry. The seven growers on the panel are chosen from a cross-section of
the industry and have been picked because of their demonstrated passion for innovation. MAP has been in
existence since August 2011 and tries to meet quarterly. Essential to the functioning of the panel is a
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convention that members contribute constructive criticism and critical thought as to where the NT
Government’s and the industry’s funds can be optimally directed.
MAP looks at the challenges facing the
industry and the community at a local level.
In deciding what direction the NT should
take, it considers the industry’s strategic
plans,
national
strategic
research,
development and extension (RD&E)
priorities, and innovation in other industries
and opportunities that could provide an
advantage to the NT mango industry. DPIF
has a Mango RD&E Plan which has short,
medium and long-term targets which,
consequent to careful planning, are not
constrained by the level of funding required.
Investment, however, is important and
funding strategies are integrated into an
investment plan which we report to the MAP
on an annual basis. The major drivers of the
plan are to:
Marie Piccone of Manbulloo pursues an animated discussion with
Peter Marks during the field tour to Ballongilly
1. Increase productivity and product quality.
2. Develop and maintain markets.
3. Strengthen business adaptability.
4. Enhance sustainability and natural resources.
DPIF is endeavouring to build an RD&E team that is energetic and is complementary to teams across
Australia, but also has the skills, capacity and facilities needed in the NT. Within the context of the national
horticultural research framework, DPIF is the leading agency for mangoes and hence we have a national
responsibility to foster and lead mango RD&E. By the end of this year, we will have mango trial sites from
Darwin to Ti Tree. Katherine Research Station will be our major mango research station and Berrimah Farm
will remain our major laboratory facility. Over the next two years, there will be a number of new staff coming
on board to help build our RD&E capacity.
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Technical Bulletin No. 348
TITLE:
A Systems Approach for the Elimination of Postharvest Disinfestation of Katherine Mangoes for
Fruit Flies
Project Leader:
Austin McLennan
Contact Details:
Austin.McLennan@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
mango, fruit flies, market access, IPM systems approach
Purpose:
This project aims to support the development of alternative market access protocols that would allow
mangoes to be exported to domestic and international markets without the need for post-harvest fruit fly
treatments. Removing the requirement for these post-harvest treatments would deliver advantages to the
industry by maintaining and improving market access for Australian mangoes. The greatest promise for
eliminating reliance on post-harvest fruit fly treatments lies in the development of ‘systems approaches’,
where several measures are used in combination to provide a similar or a greater level of phyto-sanitary
protection as the currently accepted disinfestation treatments.
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
While this project has a strong
research basis, its final success will
depend
on
how
easily
recommended systems approaches
can be adopted across the
Katherine
production
region.
Extension
activities
have
encapsulated close engagement
and cooperation with local mango
producers involved in the research
program, as well as those external
to the research process.
Key design elements of the
extension
and
communication
aspects of this project include:
A Queensland fruit fly on a mango

Communication with the Katherine mango industry by regular visits to participating properties for the
purpose of collecting fruit fly trapping data or collecting fruit for assessment. These visits provide a
useful way to update farm managers/staff/owners on the project’s progress to date and provide a
two-way flow of information between the project and the industry.

Formal updates for project collaborators to explain the project’s findings and implications in more
detail and to secure agreement on the project’s direction for the 2012 mango season. Two updates
were held in 2012, which were important for building industry ownership of the project and its
outcomes. Seven businesses are collaborating with the project and account for over 90% of the local
production in the Katherine/Mataranka area and approximately 20% of national production.
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
Communicating findings to the Northern Territory (NT) and the wider Australian industry via
presentations at the annual NT Mango Industry RD&E Forum in 2012 and at two regional workshops
in Queensland (Ayr and Mareeba) at the request of the Australian Mango Industry Association. The
rural media was also used to build industry and community awareness of the project via occasional
interviews and press releases.
As a result of the above initiatives, the project is delivering its stated extension aims of:

More than 90% of the Katherine mango industry aware of the project and actively participating.

More than 80% of the NT mango industry aware of the project and supportive of the NT Mango
Industry Association funding for the project.

Fifty per cent of the national mango industry aware of project and supportive of funding.
Practical implications:
The extension activities have contributed to a greater awareness amongst producers of factors leading to
increased fruit fly strike risk. In response, some local operators have already started to trial preventative
strategies, such as increased attention to the firmness of fruit when packing for interstate export. The project
will continue until June 2014.
TITLE:
Rambutan
Program/Project Leader:
Megan Connelly
Contact Details:
Megan.Connelly@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
rambutan, propagation, marcotts/marcotting
Purpose:
To extend new knowledge, existing best practices associated with rambutan propagation, genetics and crop
manipulation.
Design/Method/Approach:
Farm walks and hands-on workshop demonstrations.
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
A small-group meeting was held in late 2012 at Coast
Plains Research Station (CPRS) at Middle Point that
attracted seven Darwin rambutan-growing businesses.
The Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries
(DPIF) has commenced a three-year program funded by
the Rural Industries Research and Development
Corporation that aims to consolidate and evaluate
different rambutan germplasm available both in
Australian and from overseas, and develop best
practices for plant propagation.
DPIF researcher Mark Hoult demonstrating
how to marcott
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Technical Bulletin No. 348
The project’s objectives are to:

Identify and secure all Australian rambutan germplasm and introduce select lines that will be held at
a central repository at CPRS.

Identify potential “male” pollinator seedlings/selections from industry orchards and DPIF seedling
blocks and establish field plantings to appraise flowering patterns.

Develop improved clonal propagation methods.

Establish unique stock-scion combinations and evaluate their production.

Strengthen both research and industry communication amongst Australian and international
rambutan stakeholders.
After an initial briefing about the project, growers had the opportunity to see some practical demonstrations
of marcotting of rambutan stems for a potential clonal propagation technique. There were follow up
discussions on manipulating floral induction, as well as the influence of temperature on pollination.
TITLE:
Nursery and Garden Extension
Program/Project Leader:
Megan Connelly
Contact Details:
Megan.Connelly@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
nursery industry, plant biosecurity, NIASA, EcoHort, BioSecure
Purpose:
To assist in maintaining the integrity of Northern Territory (NT) nursery and garden industries.
Design/Method/Approach:
Being involved in program processes at the national level and conducting programmed training and
accreditation activities.
Achievements:
Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries Plant Industries extension staff function in a representation,
facilitation and enabling capacity on various industry committees to ensure that the best interests of the NT
industry are realised. During 2012 the Nursery and Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) implement three key
programs:

NIASA (Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia) targeting business best practices
benchmarking and continuous improvement.

EcoHort – an environmental and natural resource management stewardship program.

BioSecure HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) for managing business biosecurity
risks for both imported and exported material.
NGIA is holding discussions with the Domestic Quarantine Market Access Working Group (DQMAWG) to
enable accredited nurseries under the industry’s Farm Management System, to self-certify interstate
dispatches of product. In 2013 several trial nursery sites will self-certify their green life plant material for
interstate markets. These trials will identify and resolve gaps in the system and provide valuable information
for DQMAWG to make a determination on this issue. This will enhance efficiencies with interstate nursery
trading and compensate for current staff shortages in state quarantine agencies.
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The industry has also applied national plant labelling guidelines that were developed in 2007 to help the
industry to provide clear and accurate information on plant labels. This will include the development of a
website that will act as a repository of useful information, reference materials and a searchable database of
key plants that are potentially harmful to humans.
NGIA has also developed visual extension resources consisting of an array of short on-line clips. The videos
cover key biosecurity issues such as dispatch inspections, surveillance and intake procedures around new
plant stock. They also feature grower testimonials.
Practical Implications:
The practical implication of this extension work is an NT nursery industry that is connected and in step with
the direction of the national industry.
TITLE:
Paving the Way for
Demonstration Plot
Program/Project Leader:
Chris Kelly
Papaya
–
Berrimah
Contact Details for Further Information: Chris.Kelly@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
papaya, Red Lady, pawpaw
Purpose:
To raise awareness of, and elevate interest in, commercial papaya production in the Northern Territory (NT).
Design/Method/Approach:
Farm walk at the Berrimah Farm demonstration plot.
Activities/Findings/Achievements:
A farm-walk aimed to pave the way for the expansion of
the papaya industry in the NT was held at Berrimah
Farm on 11 October. The event attracted 11 proprietors
interested in growing papaya commercially and as many
people from the rural services sector and the general
public. Papaya production is currently a small industry in
the NT, largely focussed on supplying local demand
through the likes of the Parap or Rapid Creek markets.
However, as Bob Williams, Director of Plant Industries,
explained to the group, nearly 95% of the papaya sold
through the Melbourne and Adelaide markets is
Dr Jose Liberato, Plant Pathologist discusses the
imported. This is because all the production of
papaya anthracnose and how the disease can be
Queensland is sold in the Brisbane, northern New South
managed
Wales and Sydney markets. Hence, an opportunity
exists for the NT to exploit a seriously under-valued domestic market opportunity.
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Technical Bulletin No. 348
Berrimah Farm has a demonstration plot of ‘best-bet’,
robust varieties selected from interstate by the
Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries from which
to build an expanded industry. The aim of the plot is also
to showcase these already proven commercial varieties
to potential growers. The morning event covered several
areas of papaya production, such as propagation and
establishment, managing insect pests, disease control (a
critical factor with papaya) and market opportunities. The
event was wrapped up with a taste-testing of the four new
varieties against the local NT benchmark, Red Lady.
Yum yum! Gnawing and scoring the different
hybrids on taste
Bob Williams sums up papaya growing as being a bit like
dairying. “You are sort of married to the farm for a fair bit of the year. They bear year round and you really
need to be there to harvest them twice a week”, adding “papaya can give you a pretty reliable income
stream.”
Practical Implications:
Since the field walk several NT horticultural producers have ordered seed of the different varieties. One large
producer has established around 8 ha of papaya, making it a significant commercial undertaking.
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ALL INDUSTRIES
A number of extension services are provided across all industries in the NT. Departmental officers are also
involved in providing critical supporting functions to the Primary Industries Divisions which directly service
these industries. These activities are described in this section.
TITLE:
LIBRARIES
Program/Project Leader:
Lynne Cooke
Contact Details:
lynne.cooke@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
information gathering, information customisation, information dissemination
Website (if applicable):
Public Access: http://www.nt.gov.au/d/index.cfm?header=Library%20Services NTG
Intranet: http://uluru.nt.gov.au/lrc/
Purpose:
The libraries, which are based at Berrimah Farm in Darwin and at the Arid Zone Research Institute in Alice
Springs, support the extension activities of the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries (DPIF) both
directly and indirectly by providing information services to staff and stakeholders, including industry
members, industry associations, researchers, consultants, home growers and students.
Activities:
The libraries provide a raft of specialised primary industry and fisheries research and development
information to respond to industry needs through the following activities:
32

The collection and organisation of
information i.e. actively identify and source
information relevant to the climate and the
needs of primary industry and fisheries
sectors in the Northern Territory (NT). This
information, which is sourced globally, is
available for reference to all stakeholders
and for loan to Industry members.

The dissemination of information through
searches for, and sourcing of, published
literature on specific topics. Although
usually conducted for DPIF staff, reference
services and searches are also carried out
for industry groups and their clients.

Providing current awareness alerts tailored to meet the needs of DPIF staff. These alerts notify staff
of newly published material enabling staff and external clients to keep up-to-date with relevant
research and best practice extension methodology that can be applied for the benefit of the industry.

Indexing information about DPIF publications and research programs to make it accessible to a
wider audience via external databases and other libraries. Access to DPIF’s information resources
will be further enhanced by the launch of a new library website and newsletter.
Technical Bulletin No. 348

Conducting regular training on how to effectively use resources to help staff and stakeholders
develop skills in information gathering.

Sourcing resource material for DPIF open days and workshops.
Practical Implications:
The libraries form a key source of tailored information for those involved and interested in the primary
industry and fisheries sectors of the NT.
TITLE:
Technical Publications
Program/Project Leader:
Hassan Bajhau
Contact Details for Further Information: technical.publications@nt.gov.au
Keywords:
Agnotes, Technotes, Technical Bulletins, technical information
Purpose:
Specialist research and extension officers in the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries (DPIF)
continually generate a large amount of potentially useful technical information for primary producers and
fishers in the Northern Territory. The Technical Publications Section assembles, edits, publishes and
distributes that information in a variety of suitable publications after ensuring a high standard of accuracy,
consistency, clarity and reliability. It responds to feedback from staff and the public to improve the service.
Activities:
The Technical Publications Section produces three major forms of information for primary producers and the
general public:

Agnotes.

Technotes.

Technical Bulletins.
Agnotes are designed to relay specific information or recommend cultural practices to primary producers and
the public, such as how to grow crops and breed animals, and how to control specific endemic and exotic
diseases of livestock and crops. Agnotes provide direct extension information to producers. They can be
downloaded from the above website.
Technotes are designed for interest groups in the field of agricultural production. They usually report
preliminary results of experiments, interesting facets of experiments or final results and recommendations
from specific experiments. They require a certain level of scientific knowledge in order to be useful.
Technical Bulletins are similar to Technotes in design but are more detailed. They aim to disseminate a
package of technical and/or scientific information where more than one concept is included. Although the
target is a scientific audience, the content is written in such a way as to be easily understood by researchers
not directly involved in the subject, as well as by the general public.
Editing services are also provided for project reports that are internally and externally funded. The Section
ensures that all publications published through it are original works written by DPIF staff and that copyright
and liability laws are fully observed.
33
www.nt.gov.au/d
General feedback from the community and industry reflects the need for easily accessible, accurate and
current extension information that is centrally located. Producers are assured that any information they may
need on most aspects of local agricultural production is available in at least one of the three formats.
However, when such information on a particular issue is currently not available in any of the three types of
publications, clients are introduced to relevant officers in DPIF to address their queries. This helps to
generate new extension information in one of the three formats.
All publications produced by Technical Publications are registered with, and are available from, the National
Library of Australia. Copies of publications are also sent to many NT, other Australian and international
libraries, research institutions, government agencies and universities. Selected items are displayed at
various shows, open days and field days throughout the year. A current Primary Industries Technical
Publications catalogue, listing all the Agnotes, Technotes and Technical Bulletins, is available free on
request. All these publications are available from the Technical Publications Section of DPIF or visit
www.nt.gov.au/d/publications.
34
Technical Bulletin No. 348
INDEX
adoption, 18
advisory panel, 24
Agnotes, 33
animal welfare, 20
Barkly Tableland, 10
beef cattle, 6
best practice, 12, 15
BioSecure, 29
buffalo, 6
carrying capacity, 13
cattle, 20
cattle management, 13
communications, 15
EcoHort, 29
export, 25
extension, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 18
feedlot, 20
field day, 8
foliar calcium, 24
fruit flies, 27
fruit quality, 24
grazing systems, 12
information customisation, 32
information dissemination, 32
information gathering, 32
infrastructure planning, 13
IPM systems approach, 27
Katherine, 8
land management, 6
live export, 20
mango, 24, 27
mango research and development, 25
marcotts/marcotting, 28
market access, 27
Meat & Livestock Australia, 21
NIASA, 29
northern Australian beef research, 21
NRM training, 12
nursery industry, 29
on farm research, 18
papaya, 30
pastoral, 8
pastoral industry, 10
pastures, 6
pawpaw, 30
pest management, 13
plant biosecurity, 29
Port of Darwin, 25
practice change, 18
producer demonstration sites, 18
propagation, 28
rambutan, 28
RD&E forum, 24
Red Lady, 30
research & development, 15
slaughter, 20
standard operating procedures, 20
Technical Bulletins, 33
technical information, 33
Technotes, 33
training, 15
35