Seasonal update brings together landholders and industry experts

Bill Perrottet, Ruichard Post, Jessira Saunders, Leisa Brown, Nat Mendes, Marijke Hartman, and Jaimi-Lee Edwards

04th Nov 2025

The Guyra Landcare Network hosted a well-attended Seasonal Update on October 23rd, bringing together local landholders and industry specialists for an afternoon of practical advice and shared experience.
Guest speakers included Perry Newman (Northern Tablelands Local Land Services Biosecurity Officer), Dr. Leisa Brown (Guyra District Veterinary Services), Natalie Mendes (NSW DPI Pasture Systems Researcher), and Marijke Hartman (NT LLS Sustainable Agriculture Officer). Local landholder Bill Perrottet also shared his experience managing Chilean Needle Grass.
Perry Newman opened with a discussion on feral animal management, stressing that coordinated efforts between neighbours and an integrated approach are most effective.
“Often working with your neighbours to coordinate management events is more effective,” he said. “Free tools such as baits, traps and training are available through LLS.”
Perry urged producers to plan baiting programs ahead of vulnerable times like calving or lambing.
“You don’t need lots of baits, you just need to know where to put them,” he added.
Dr. Leisa Brown focused on livestock health, warning of the risks of brucellosis in humans and dogs from feral pigs.
“Do not feed your dogs feral pig meat,” she cautioned, adding that infection can occur from urine splash. She also discussed grass tetany diagnosis and prevention, the use of 5-in-1 and 7-in-1 vaccines, and advised testing for worm burdens before drenching to reduce costs and resistance. Watering cattle yards, she noted, can help prevent pink eye outbreaks.
Natalie Mendes shared valuable insights on temperate pasture species and grazing management. She encouraged producers to balance grazing pressure with rest and recovery periods, match stocking rates to available feed, and monitor pastures regularly to maintain productivity and resilience.
Marijke Hartman addressed pasture dieback, a condition now moving into northern NSW, with the nearest confirmed site near Legume. It affects tropical grasses in warm, moist conditions, showing yellow or purple leaf discolouration before grass death. Mealy bugs are often present, though research continues into the cause. Suspected cases should be reported to Local Land Services.
Local producer Bill Perrottet described his approach to Chilean Needle Grass, using brassica crops and selective herbicides to reduce seed set and maintain productivity.
The day concluded with a panel discussion featuring Richard Post, Jaimi-lee Edwards (Southern Queensland Northern NSW Drought Hub), and Jessira Saunders (Meat & Livestock Australia), covering drought preparedness, benchmarking, and livestock insurance.
The event strengthened connections across the district, supported by Elders Guyra, Nutrien Guyra, Grazag, Guyra Rural Services, and Southern New England Landcare.

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Seasonal update brings together landholders and industry experts

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