North Coast current advice

Spring advice for farmers on the North Coast

• Important update: Diazinon deregistration 
  Diazinon (an organophosphate insecticide) products were deregistered last September, with a 1-year phase out period. This includes diazinon-containing buffalo fly ear tags as well as other animal health products such as cattle and sheep dips and sprays. From 9 September 2025, it will be an offence to possess, store, or use these deregistered products.  Do not apply diazinon tags either before or after 9 September 2025, to avoid being in possession of a banned chemical product. Check the labels of the chemicals in your shed and dispose of any products containing diazinon, following the disposal instructions on the label.

Animal health conditions to watch out for

Liver fluke - Now is a good time to treat cattle for liver fluke to minimise eggs contaminating pasture and continuing the cycle. As most liver fluke present in animals at this time of the year tend to be adults, a chemical that just targets adults is sufficient.

Tick management - Be aware of the following ticks affecting cattle in the region:

• Cattle tick (Rhipicephalus australis) - occasional outbreaks can occur, especially in the far north of the region
• Paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) - most active from late winter to mid-summer
• Bush tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) - peaks in spring and summer, making up about 90% of ticks on cattle in NSW.

Pasture and cropping advice for producers

Review soil health - Wet conditions and recent flooding have created the perfect environment for invasive weeds across the North Coast. Giant Parramatta Grass, Cuphea (Colombian Wax Weed) and Tropical Soda Apple are the main species of concern. These weeds can spread rapidly in warmer months, particularly in flood-prone or heavily grazed areas.

Early action is the best defence. Landholders are encouraged to use proven control methods when conditions suit and to quarantine new or returning stock to prevent the spread of seeds. For up-to-date identification and management advice, refer to the WeedWise website and the new NSW Weed Handbook.

Following prolonged wet weather, rebuilding soil structure and ground cover, and soil testing should come before any investment in fertilisers. Once conditions improve, a soil test will provide the clearest picture of nutrient gaps and the most cost-effective options for renovation. Testing feed quality is equally important to ensure livestock are receiving value for money and the right balance of energy and protein. Tools such as the NSW DPI Feed Cost Calculator can support better decision-making.