Time for Land and Stock Returns

HUNTER land managers will be asked to play their part in protecting our region’s $1.2 billion agricultural industry from bio-security threats by completing their annual land and stock returns.

The sheep in Merriwa’s Festival of the Fleeces will be counted in the returns .

More than 19,000 land managers across the Hunter will receive their land and stock returns this week, which help maintain market access for New South Wales livestock producers.

More than 150,000 annual returns across the state collect information on agricultural land use and livestock numbers statewide.

The annual process is a census for livestock conducted on June 30 each year for land managers of properties more than 10 hectares, who pay Local Land Services rates or have a property identification code.

Livestock in the Hunter include cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and poultry and land managers must fill out the return even if they do not currently have stock.

Local Land Services general manager Brett Miners said the process is essential for ensuring the continuation of vital market access for NSW producers.

“Annual Land and Stock Returns are an important tool in ensuring NSW produce is free of many of the pests and diseases found in other parts of the world,” said Mr Miners.

“It is essential that our landholders lodge their returns so that we can improve the level of animal health security and maintain access for Australian produce to many of our international markets,” said Brett Miners.

The information is invaluable in the event of a natural disaster or disease outbreak affecting livestock such as avian influenza or Hendra virus which can threaten our local and national economies.

“By knowing where our stock numbers are across the region, along with the stock identification and traceability systems already in place, our capacity to respond in times of emergency is greatly improved,” Mr Miners said.

“Effective animal biosecurity and welfare is insurance to maintain market access for livestock producers, now and in the future,” Brett Miners said.

Like the human population census land managers must include all stock six months of age or older that is on the property at the time, regardless who owns them.

Pigs of any age are to be counted, as well as flocks of 100 or more poultry.

Returns are due by August 31 and can be lodged online at hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au/livestock/land-and-stock-returns.

If the Annual Land and Stock Return isn’t lodged by August 31 an animal health rate and meat industry levy will automatically be applied to next year’s notice.

For further information contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or visit www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au.