Central West current advice

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Spring advice for farmers in the Central West

Now is an ideal time to identify and manage African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) as surrounding vegetation dies back, making infestations more visible. This is a priority weed under the Central West Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan (PDF 2.18MB).
Instances of lead poisoning have been peaking in the region.
Bloat risk is on the rise after a green start to spring.
It is worthwhile checking what is causing yellowing leaves in crops before applying fungicide.
Making sure you have a healthy population of dung beetles can help you improve pastures on your farm.

Animal health conditions to watch out for

Lead poisoning - Data from the past 14 years in the Central West reveals a distinct “lead season” between August and November. District vets have had reports of calcium, magnesium or phosphorus deficiencies which can increase the chance of both cattle and sheep seeking an alternate mineral source.

Bloat risk - With recent rains and pastures bursting into growth, cattle producers across the Central West are being urged to keep a close eye on bloat this spring. The combination of warmer weather and lush legume-rich paddocks - especially clover and lucerne - creates the perfect storm for this deadly condition.

Real-time updates for bloat

Bloat Alert

Bloat Alert utilises community based reporting to help farmers prevent bloat in their cattle and to track bloat for research purposes with the aim of developing technology to prevent bloat in the future.

Pasture and cropping advice for producers

Dung beetles for pasture health - In the Central West, most species of dung beetles are active over spring and summer. Widely varied seasonal conditions across the Central West may have impacted the populations of dung beetles on your property impacting various stages of the dung beetle’s lifecycle and contribute to reduced emergence of spring and summer-active species. If you are interested in learning more about the dung beetle species on your property and how to support or supplement your population, contact your Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator.

Fungicide use - Yellowing leaves can often indicate a fungal infection or nutrient deficiency. In order to treat with fungicide you should first determine the cause of yellowing. Not all yellowing in wheat crops is disease related. Sometimes there are other suitable explanations which do not need fungicide treatment. For more information contact a local member of our ag team.