January 2025

Dear ,

As we step into 2025, Livestock SA remains focused on delivering results for South Australia’s livestock producers in the face of evolving industry challenges and opportunities.

Livestock SA continues to advocate for producers during these tough seasonal conditions. We remain actively involved in drought advisory meetings in Adelaide and regional forums across the state, ensuring your concerns are heard and that support measures align with industry needs. Mental health support is critical during these times, which is why we currently have a Members Muster open on this issue. Your feedback will inform our advice to government on what is needed and what can be improved.

As part of our drought response efforts, we are supporting over 60 Beyond the Paddock BBQ events around the state, providing an opportunity for producers to connect and support each other. Our popular Sticky Beaks sessions will return in February, bringing a focus on yard design and improvements for an even better sheep business. With an excellent lineup of speakers, these events will offer valuable insights for producers across South Australia.

With a federal election soon and our state election next year, our focus on advising government of the right policies and programs needed to support a strong livestock industry has also intensified. We have seen some government decisions recently that have weakened confidence in our industry and undermined producer livelihoods. Government decisions must be informed by industry experts and based on sound economic and practical considerations. The opportunities are there for the South Australian livestock industry to continue being the backbone for many regional economies and communities and governments can help us achieve this.

Livestock SA commenced trading as a company limited by guarantee on 1 January 2025 and we are finalising the various structural reforms that were supported by members to realise a properly governed, more transparent and accountable organisation. The Board has approved the establishment of a skills-based Livestock Advisory Committee to provide direct input into cattle, sheep and goat industry issues. Nominations are now open. More information is available here.

Livestock SA welcomes Troy Williams as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Farmers’ Federation. We look forward to working with him and the NFF team on key industry issues and ensuring strong representation for livestock producers at a national level.

Kind regards,
Gillian Fennell
Chair, Livestock SA

Regional Round Up - Robe - 7 February 2025

These Livestock SA Regional Round Ups provide an opportunity for our members to connect and network while gaining the latest information on issues impacting the red meat and wool industry in their region. Join us for dinner and share any concerns or topics you wish to discuss. Guest speaker Helen McDonald, Muster Dogs' Trainer.

Nominations are now open for the Livestock Advisory Committee.

The Committee will provide insights on livestock industry issues and make recommendations on the allocation of the Cattle and Sheep Industry Funds. It will also monitor the SA Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030, assess funded project outcomes, and recommend policy and program responses to ensure the success of South Australia’s livestock industry.

If you want to make a difference in your industry, more information about the Committee and how to apply is available here.

Sheep producers invited to Sticky Beak Days this February

South Australian sheep producers are encouraged to attend four Sticky Beak Days in February, offering a firsthand look at innovative yard and shed designs while gaining expert insights into flock structuring and farm finances. Hosted on farms across the state, these events provide a peer-to-peer learning experience, featuring Ben White (Kondinin Group) on yard design, Nathan Scott (Achieve Ag Solutions) on flock management, and Deb Purvis (Purvis Agri-Finance) on financial strategies. Proudly supported by Livestock SA, AWI Extension SA, and AgRi-Silience (funded by the Future Drought Funds Farm Business Resilience Program and the Government of South Australia) , these sessions are designed to be practical, informative, and interactive.

Locations:

Mt Cooper - 4 Feb 2025 - Register Here

Booleroo Centre - 5 Feb 2025 - Register Here

Karoonda - 6 Feb 2025 - Register Here

Conmurra - 7 Feb 2025 - Register Here

Members Muster - Producer Support Services

Livestock SA is gathering feedback from livestock producers on business challenges, wellbeing, and access to support services. The information collected will help determine whether existing programs are meeting industry needs and will be used in discussions with government and industry stakeholders. The survey is anonymous, secure, and takes just a few minutes to complete. Survey closes 14 February.

Complete Members' Muster Here

CIF and SIF Applications opening soon

Applications for the SA Sheep and Cattle Industry Funds are opening soon!

Applications for funding from the Sheep and Cattle Industry Funds will be open from 17 February to 28 March 2025.

Applications will be assessed against the SA Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030 and contribution to achieving Blueprint targets, benefit to the sheep and cattle industry and producers, other co-contributions and state and national industry priorities.

>> More information is available on the Livestock SA website here.

ICYMI - Long Range Forecast Webinar

Watch this recording of the December webinar with Andrew McLean, Agriculture Customer Lead at the Bureau of Meteorology, as he discusses how the Bureau supports Australian agriculture, including its role in achieving the $100B target by 2030. This session covers South Australia’s spring weather recap, summer outlook, improved long-range forecasts, and practical demonstrations of ACCESS-S, My Climate View, and the Australian Water Outlook to assist weather-dependent decision-making. For questions, contact [email protected].

Watch Webinar Here

Last chance to participate in AgRi-Silience!

Do you operate a grain and/or livestock business in the Limestone Coast region and are looking for ways to navigate the current seasonal challenges?

AgRi-Silience workshops are being held in the Limestone Coast next week:

Upper South East – 5 February 2025, Keith Football Club Rooms – 9am-5pm
Lower South East – 6 February 2025, Lucindale Memorial Hall (Supper Room) – 9am-5pm

What is AgRi-Silience?

AgRi-Silience is a program designed to build the strategic management capacity of farmers and farm managers to:

Prepare for and manage risk;
Adapt to changing conditions; and
Improve farm business’s economic, environmental, and social resilience.

By participating you will:

Undertake a comprehensive three-day peer-to-peer workshop program as well as receive one-on-one coaching from your facilitator.
Access $3,500 (ex. GST) worth of subject matter expert consultancy, designed to help focus areas of concern or opportunity identified through the program.
Develop a Resilience Roadmap that helps you plan for and achieve identified goals within your business.

This program is supported by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board offering 50% off the participation cost to the first 12 eligible businesses in each respective region.

>> Click here for more information and to register your interest.

AgRi-Silience is delivered by Livestock SA, jointly funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

SA Footrot Program Legislative Changes

The South Australian Footrot Program is undergoing important changes, aimed at improving disease management while reducing economic and animal welfare impacts.

Here’s a summary of the key updates:

Notifiable Disease Status

Footrot will now be classified as a notifiable (report only) disease.

Movement & Sale of Sheep

All sheep flocks with suspected or confirmed Footrot can be moved or sold directly to another property within SA, provided prior notification of their Footrot status is provided to the purchaser.
Footrot status can be declared via:
- The National Sheep Health Declaration (NSHD)
- A formal sales agreement
- An online selling platform declaration

Movement Restrictions

Sheep from infected or suspect properties cannot move through saleyards, transit or spelling facilities unless approved by the Chief Inspector.

Approved Sale Locations

Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange and Mount Gambier District Sale Yards are approved for selling sheep from properties with known or suspected footrot.
These facilities will display warning signs and mark NSHDs with a warning about Footrot risk.

Saleyard Placarding

No placarding of suspected footrot infected sheep at terminal sales will occur.

Surveillance & Investigation

PIRSA will continue footrot surveillance at saleyards.
Consignments from known infected properties with an accurate NSHD will not be investigated unless there is an associated animal welfare issue.
PIRSA will sample and notify owners if new cases are detected.

Legal Obligations

If a person knows or has reason to suspect that livestock owned by or under his or her control are affected by footrot, they must take all reasonable measures to control or eradicate it.
A person must not do an act intending that or be recklessly indifferent as to whether livestock become affected or further affected with footrot.
A person must not, without the approval of the Chief Inspector, bring footrot into the state or cause footrot to be brought into the state.

Support for Producers
These changes aim to balance effective footrot management and minimise the economic and welfare impacts of footrot.

Ongoing support and resources will help producers manage and eradicate footrot, and we encourage the implementation of on-farm biosecurity practices.

For more information, visit our website or contact PIRSA.

Over 60 BBQs across SA!

The Beyond the Paddock BBQ Series, led by Livestock SA with support from PIRSA and the SA Drought Hub, is helping regional groups host events that bring producers together.

Find a BBQ near you and join the fun!

>> View all Beyond The Paddock BBQ events here

Bulk Fuel Savings Member Benefit

A number of members are now signed up for the Shell Fuel Card and are taking advantage of the benefits with 7 cents off per litre. If you also want to find out more and sign up, click the link below.

>> Register your interest for the Livestock SA member benefit here

Column: Australian Government drought policy and programs

Drought policy is complex. It has improved over time, but it still lacks some of the joined-up structure that is required to have the greatest impact and provide the best support to producers and communities. While only one part of this policy landscape, digestible and relatable public data will be critical for assessing FDF performance and ensuring we have fit-for-purpose policy levers in place.

>> Read more here

Remember to remain vigilant to farm trespass

Livestock SA wishes to remind its members to remain vigilant to any farm trespass that may occur.

If you suspect a trespass has occurred, please report this to the South Australian Police immediately on 131 444. For emergency assistance please call 000.

Preventative measures you can take include:

Review and strengthen security measures – Ensure fences, gates, and surveillance systems are secure and functioning.
Check your Biosecurity Management Plan – Ensure it is up to date and clearly communicated to staff and visitors.

Remaining vigilant helps safeguard not only your business but the broader industry. Stay alert and report any concerns without delay.

MLA calls for industry feedback to shape the 2030 Strategic Plan

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is calling for industry input into a new five-year Strategic Plan that will guide the organisation and the services that it delivers from 2025 to 2030. To have your say, please fill out the following survey: New strategic plan consultation survey

Rabbit Free Australia Update

The latest Rabbit-Free Australia update highlights key advancements in rabbit control, including the appointment of a National Rabbit Management Coordinator and new research into gene-drive technology. The 2025 Rabbit R&D Webinar will focus on gene-drive potential, and new publications on rabbit biocontrols are now available. Read more here.

Dog Fence Rebuild Update

The Dog Fence Rebuild continues to make progress, with 1,034 km completed as of January 2025. Contractors worked through the festive season, installing floodgates, watercourse crossings, and countering new threats like digging goannas. The rebuild is expected to be completed by late 2025. Read more here.

Farming and Agriculture Sector Women’s Development Scholarships

Boost your career with a partial scholarship of $1,000-$5,000 from Women & Leadership Australia. Choose from one of four leadership and workplace skill development courses for women at all levels in Farming and Agriculture. Apply by Friday 28 March 2025, places are limited. More information and apply here.