Land managers across the Northern Tablelands region are reminded to lodge their annual land and stock return by the end of the month.
More than 9,600 land managers across the Northern Tablelands region who pay Local Land Services rates or have a Property Identification Code received their annual return notice during June.
The information collected from more than 150,000 annual returns helps Local Land Services build a statewide picture of agricultural use and livestock numbers.
Melissa McLeod, Northern Tablelands Local Land Services Biosecurity and Emergency Services Manager said it was important to complete a land and stock return—even if land managers have no stock.
“If the Annual Land and Stock Return isn’t lodged by 31 August, an animal health rate and meat industry levy will automatically be applied to next year’s rates notice,” Melissa said.
“Collecting this information is an essential part of understanding the state’s biosecurity risks and ensuring that domestic and export livestock markets remain open for NSW producers.
“Along with the stock identification and traceability systems Local Land Services manages, the information is invaluable in the event of an emergency disease outbreak, such as avian influenza or Hendra virus.”
The returns are essentially a census for livestock on 30 June each year and include all stock six months of age or older, regardless of whether they belong to the landholder, are agisted or on the property for any other reason.
“NSW produce is free of many of the pests and diseases found in other parts of the world,” Melissa said.
“That is why Local Land Services works with land managers to monitor herds and flocks and share up-to-date advice and information to increase productivity.
“In the Northern Tablelands region, the range of stock includes, but is not limited to cattle, sheep, horses, goats, pigs and poultry.
“This information helps us go directly to the people whose land or stock may be affected in an emergency in our region.”
Pigs of any age should be counted, as well as flocks of 100 or more poultry. Land managers can lodge their returns online at www.lls.nsw.gov.au. For more information land managers should contact their nearest Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299 or visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au.
