Greater Sydney current advice

Spring advice for farmers in Greater Sydney

• Review and update your Farm Biosecurity Plan.
• Springtime risk of pulpy kidney is high, contact your Local Land Services District Veterinarian if you see symptoms.
• Toxic weeds are emerging in pastures after a very wet winter, keep on top of stock and monitor for any signs of poisoning.
• To support dairy farmers this season, Local Land Services in partnership with Dairy Australia, will be deploying 5 Fall armyworm (FAW) monitoring traps on dairy farms within the Greater Sydney region. These RapidAIM traps provide real-time data straight to your phone giving you early warning of pest activity and helping you make fast, cost-effective decisions. If you’re noticing signs of FAW or are concerned about its impact on your farm, please contact us - we can visit your farm, offer expert advice, provide access to monitoring tools like RapidAIM, and link you to further support.

Animal health conditions to watch out for

Pulpy kidney - With warmer weather approaching and fresh pasture growth on the way, now is a good time to check that your livestock vaccinations are current and up to date. If you experience multiple sudden deaths and suspect pulpy kidney in your herd or flock, please contact your local private veterinarian or a Local Land Services District Veterinarian.

Signs of poisoning - We’re reminding landholders to keep an eye out for toxic weeds, especially following a very wet winter - as these plants often emerge in spring. Some are toxic in even small quantities, while others can have a cumulative effect, causing internal damage over time. Being able to recognise some of the signs of poisoning in livestock and the toxic plants in your area are important for any producer. If you have stock showing signs of poisoning contact your local veterinarian or a Local Land Services District Veterinarian. 

Pasture and cropping advice for producers

Understanding kikuyu and temperate grasses - Kikuyu, a warm-season perennial, might look like it's starting to green up in late August, but don't be fooled - this is a false spring. Don’t trust green tips alone: kikuyu’s true growth kicks in when soils are reliably warm (12°C+). Temperate grasses are earlier but still soil-temp driven: watch for consistent 8–10°C soil temps. Avoid early inputs: premature fertiliser or grazing can stress pasture and waste resources. Consider your microclimate: paddock orientation and soil type make a big difference. A little patience now can mean better pasture performance and better returns in the season ahead. If you want to improve your soil or pasture knowledge, join the Greater Sydney Grazing Group.