Drought conditions are now affecting the majority of the region, with feed and water supplies in some areas critically low. Our staff are here to help landholders manage during drought conditions and make the tough decisions in a deteriorating season. We understand many are currently struggling and urge producers to reach out to support services wherever possible. We recognise it can be a challenge to find information on drought support. Our new Drought Support Links has programs and contact numbers for support available. We have our Drought Factsheet which focuses on practical support for managing your property and livestock.

Please see below for information about the Regional Producer Update field days in Scone, Tocal and Wingham next week that will focus on drought management tools and market advice for beef producers. There is still space to RSVP. There's plenty of other events on too, you can keep abreast of it all via our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Don’t self-assess when it comes to drought support

Hunter Local Land Services is urging landholders across the region battling ongoing deteriorating conditions to seek expert advice when it comes to managing their herd and properties. Hunter Local Land Services staff can help with on ground advice from our agricultural extension staff, district vets and biosecurity team. Landholders are encouraged to connect with services including the Rural Assistance Authority, Rural Financial Counsellors and the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program for more advice on managing through drought conditions. Landholders are encouraged to visit the DPI Droughthub (https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub) for information on the services and support available during drought conditions. Find out more about how Hunter Local Land Services is here to help.

Regional Producer Updates

We're hosting field days at Wingham, Tocal and Scone to update local producers on managing current conditions, industry reforms from Meat and Livestock Australia and seasonal animal health issues. The Upper Hunter event will focus on dealing and recovering from drought. Want to know more or RSVP?

Click on the locations below for more information about each event.

• Wingham
• Tocal
• Scone

Meet our Agricultural Extension Team

Hunter Local Land Services has recently expanded our agricultural extension team. Our Agriculture Extension Team of ten is now fully stocked, and have a strong agenda to support primary producers to increase the productivity and profitability of the region's agricultural industries. This occurs through localised and regional field days and events, offering skills and training and focusing on local producer success stories and best practice methods to help improve landholder productivity. Read more about the Agricultural Extension team is here to help.

Rates reminder

Just a gentle reminder that rates are due on 26 February. Please talk with one of your local Customer Service Team if a payment plan would help you during these dry times.

Rates are a vital source of income for Local Land Services - supporting the organisation’s biosecurity, emergency response and animal health work across NSW.

To find out what your rates pay for and how they benefit you watch this short video. Remember - Rates are due 26 February 2018. You can read more about what your rates.

A patch in time for Pinkeye treatment

Many producers in the Manning Great Lakes and wider Hunter district are experiencing issues with  Pinkeye in cattle. Pinkeye is a painful bacterial infection of the eye caused by a bacteria, Moraxella  bovis.The bacteria produces a toxin that causes an aggressive inflammation of the eye and if  untreated can result in blindness and loss of the eye. Read tips on treatment by District Veterinarian, Dr Lyndell Stone.

Upcoming events

• Manning Great Lakes Producer Update - 20 February, Wingham
• Lower Hunter producer update - 21 February, Tocal
• Upper Hunter Producer update -  22 February, Scone
• Sheep and goat FAMACHA training course - 23 February, Tocal
• Port Stephens weed control workshop - 26 February, Salt Ash
• Pokolbin weed control workshop - 8 March, Pokolbin
• Sheep and Goat FAMACHA training course - 16 March, Scone
• Sheep and Goat FAMACHA training course - 17 April, Wingham

Check upcoming events on our website for a full list of field days, workshops and community events in your area.

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