Pastoral AG & The Hunter River Company

Off the back of trusted relationships forged over time, Elders would like to introduce Pastoral Ag and the Hunter River Company animal health companies. The Pastoral Ag and Hunter River Company brands were purchased by Elders in 2018 and 2019 respectively to provide animal health solutions to Elders clients across Australia.

Pastoral Ag and the Hunter River Company offer a wide range of sheep and cattle products including drenches, lousicides, along with tick and fly treatments to assist in protecting your livestock against parasite pressure, resulting in an increase in productivity.

Donnie Haydon from Elders Dubbo in NSW speaks highly of the Pastoral Ag product range. Donnie commented, “as Elders clients continue to rebuild their core breeding flock and herd, they are always looking for options when considering animal health inputs. The Pastoral Ag animal health range of products offers exactly that, providing our clients choice and value without substituting quality”.

Pastoral Ag and the Hunter River Company are committed to adding new products to their existing portfolios of sheep and cattle products. The recent launch of Moxistar Long Acting Injection for Cattle is testament to this. Moxistar Long Acting Injection for Cattle has been specially formulated to provide a prolonged release of moxidectin in cattle. It is ideal for long-term protection against key internal and external parasites including cattle tick, with persistent activity against internal parasites for up to 120 days or cattle tick for at least 51 days.

From the laboratory to farmgate, Elders is committed to delivering high quality products, value and service. All Pastoral Ag and Hunter River Company products are manufactured locally to Australian GMP standards, making them a trusted choice for the Australian sheep and cattle producer.

Please visit your local Elders branch to enquire about the Pastoral Ag or Hunter River Company range of animal health products or online at www.pastoralag.com.au or hunterriverco.com.au

ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 100 MG/ML MOXIDECTIN

SEASON-LONG DEFENCE1

NEW!

PERSISTENT CONTROL OF CATTLE WORMS

PREMIUM CHOICE FOR

TICK MANAGEMENT

NO KNOWN EFFECT ON DUNG BEETLES

Moxistar Long Acting Injection has been specially formulated to provide a prolonged release of moxidectin in cattle. It is ideal for long term protection against key internal and external parasites including cattle tick. With persistent activity against internal parasites for up to 120 days or cattle tick for at least 51 days, no other product offers longer term protection ensuring optimum health, performance and fertility.

MOXISTAR LONG ACTING INJECTION FOR CATTLE is effective against sensitive strains of the following parasites:

Internal parasites: Mature (adult) and immature (L4): Barber's pole worm, Ostertagia ostertagi / Ostertagia lyrata (including inhibited larvae), Black scour worms, Small intestinal worm, Nodule worm, Hookworm, Whipworm, Lungworm and Adult nematodes. External parasites: Lice (Sucking lice). Aids in the control of Bovicola bovis (biting lice), Mites and Ticks.

PROTECTION PERIOD

When MOXISTAR LONG ACTING INJECTION FOR CATTLE is used at the recommended dose rate as a single subcutaneous injection, it prevents re-infection of cattle with parasites as in the following table:

Parasite Species Persistent Protection Period

Ostertagia spp. 112 days Haemonchus spp. 120 days Trichostrongylus axei 72 days Cooperia spp. 21 days Dictyocaulus viviparus 120 days Oesophagostomum radiatum 120 days Linognathus vituli 133 days Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) 51 days

Dieback is killing a growing area of pastures in Queensland and northern New South Wales. What’s the solution to this mysterious problem?

Dieback is killing a growing area of pastures in Queensland and northern New South Wales. A condition that causes the Synopsis for website: Dieback is killing a growing area of pastures in Queensland and northern death of native and improved sown pastures by affecting New South Wales. What’s the solution to this mysterious problem? plant health and function, rit has been observed in a range of Pasture dieback is a growing, dying problem soil types and grass species and is not going away.Dieback is killing a growing area of pastures in Queensland and northern New South Wales. A condition that causes the death of native and improved sown pastures by affecting plant health and The condition occurs episodically, with the current outbreak function, rit has been observed in a range of soil types and grass species and is not going away. The condition occurs episodically, with the current outbreak first identified in early 2015 and spreading across eastern Queensland in subsequent years. It’s not new. Graham and Conway (1998) recorded dieback in central Queensland buffel grass pasture in 1993. Specifically, American and Gayndah cultivars were affected, while the taller Biloela cultivar was not. Summerville (1928) noted mealybugs as the cause of dieback in paspalum pastures in the Cooroy district, and also on the Atherton Tablelands. The mealybug named after him, Heliococcus summervillei, has been found a few times in different grass species on the Atherton Tablelands including Brachiaria (signal) grass, Setaris, Paspalum and Rhodes grass at Tarzali, Rocky Creek and also in Kairi. Pasture dieback has also been confirmed in northern NSW. Reliable estimates of pasture affected by dieback are currently not available, however, AgForce has predicted the outbreak to cover a large area of productive Queensland, with estimates ranging between 400,000 hectares and potentially up to 4.4 million ha.

Grass species found to have been affected: • Buffel (cv. American, • Kikuyu Gayndah) • Blackspear • Bisset Creeping Bluegrass • Desert Mitchell and • Urochloa or Sabi grass Forest bluegrass • Digitaria sp. (Pangola, • “Woolybutt” or Golden Strickland fingergrass) Beard grass • Brachiarias - Signal Grass species found to have been affected: • and Para grass (but Buffel (cv. American, Gayndah) • • not Tully Humidicola)Bisset Creeping Bluegrass Urochloa or Sabi grass • • Paspalum sp. Digitaria sp. (Pangola, Strickland • • Setaria (cv. fingergrass) Brachiarias - Signal and Para grass Kazungula). Reports (but not Tully Humidicola) first identified in early 2015 and spreading across eastern • Purple pigeon not Paspalum sp. Queensland in subsequent years. It’s not new. Graham and • affected Setaria (cv. Kazungula). Reports Purple pigeon not affected Conway (1998) recorded dieback in central Queensland buffel • Rhodes grasses• Rhodes grasses grass pasture in 1993. Specifically, American and Gayndah • • • Just about all PanicsJust about all Panics Floren Bluegrass cultivars were affected, while the taller Biloela cultivar was • •Kikuyu Floren Bluegrass not. Summerville (1928) noted mealybugs as the cause of • Blackspear dieback in paspalum pastures in the Cooroy district, and also All sown improved • Desert Mitchell and Forest bluegrass • “Woolybutt” or Golden Beard grass on the Atherton Tablelands. The mealybug named after him, pastures are vulnerable Heliococcus summervillei, has been found a few times in to dieback, which is less common in native pastures. Biloela All sown improved pastures are vulnerable to dieback, which is less common in native pastures. different grass species on the Atherton Tablelands including buffel and some varieties of setaria are less susceptible. Biloela buffel and some varieties of setaria are less susceptible. Dieback does not affect legumes and broadleaf weeds. Brachiaria (signal) grass, Setaris, Paspalum and Rhodes grass Dieback does not affect legumes and broadleaf weeds. at Tarzali, Rocky Creek and also in Kairi. When dieback is most likely

WHEN DIEBACK IS MOST LIKELY Dieback is more prevalent in humid weather and long dew periods. It is common in un-grazed areas

Pasture dieback has also been confirmed in northern NSW. Dieback is more prevalent in humid weather and long dew and where there is a bulk of pasture biomass. Not common in heavily grazed paddock where pasture is short and in native pastures. Not as common in cell-grazed paddocks. New pasture seedlings

Reliable estimates of pasture affected by dieback are periods. It is common in un-grazed areas and where there eventually succumb (Stuart Buck, DPI, 2019). currently not available, however, AgForce has predicted the is a bulk of pasture biomass. Not common in heavily grazed outbreak to cover a large area of productive Queensland, with paddock where pasture is short and in native pastures. Not 1 estimates ranging between 400,000 hectares and potentially | Page Thomas Elder Consulting - Your trusted Advisors in Beef Production as common in cell-grazed paddocks. New pasture seedlings up to 4.4 million ha. eventually succumb (Stuart Buck, DPI, 2019).

COULD IT BE SPREAD BY INSECTS? Could it be spread by insects?

Past research largely failed to identify any specific cause, nor appropriate management solutions for affected graziers. Although it is not definitive, there are strong indications that pasture mealybugs (Heliococcus summervillei nr.) are the leading cause of dieback; and is the only known species from this genus known to occur in 2 | Page Thomas Elder Consulting - Your trusted Advisors in Beef Production Australia. Meat & Livestock Australia and researchers from the Queensland University of Technology M believe the pasture mealybug is a causal agent, whilst the University of Queensland has found the white ground pearl, Margarodes australis, at about a dozen pasture dieback sites. Experiments have not yet confirmed mealybugs are causing dieback,although they have been widely detected on pasture grasses showing symptoms of pasture dieback. However, research also indicates there are secondary causal factors at play and understanding these is key to understanding why episodic outbreaks occur. It’s possible that mealy bugs and ground pearl are the vector for other diseases Mealybugs may be swooping in when the grass’ immune system is deficient. Whether it is dieback or not, a plant that has diminishing health is going to be susceptible to secondary parasites or fungus. Dieback is a complex issue and varies across landscapes, pastures and symptoms. Other causes still under investigation by MLA consultants and DAF (Stuart Buck, DPI, 2019). Possibly, mealybugs represent an opportunistic secondary infection that arrives when the plant is weak and the movement of the fluids in the plant are making it attractive for mealy bugs.

DIEBACK TREATMENT

Currently there are no pesticide registrations for treating dieback and there is a risk of exceeding meat residue levels as well as destroying beneficial soil insects and microbes. Predatory beneficial insects (e.g. Cryptolaemus ladybird) may naturally build up in numbers over time to suppress pasture mealybug. Additional management options are under investigation by MLA and Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in a replicated field trial of 14 treatments at Brian Pastures Research Station, Gayndah.

Mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei nr.)Mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei nr.)

The symptoms THE SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of pasture dieback generally occur initially as patches in The symptoms of pasture dieback generally occur initially as patches in otherwise seemingly healthy pastures. If a pastures. If a producer suspects pasture dieback on their property, they should be on the look producer suspects pasture dieback on their property, they for: should be on the look-out for: • • Yellowing, reddening or bronzing of the leaves, starting from the tip and progressing down Yellowing, reddening or bronzing of the leaves, towards the ligule. starting from the tip and progressing down towards • • • Typically develop in the oldest leaves first, then spreading to the w • A reduction in root system and grass density. • Plants that become ill-thrifty and eventually die. the ligule. Typically develop in the oldest leaves first, then spreading to the whole plant. A reduction in root system and grass density. • • Pastures that become grey and disintegrate once deadPlants that become ill-thrifty and eventually die. . This can happen as single plants • patches of plants or parts of a paddock to whole paddocks. Pastures that become grey and disintegrate once • Other plants establishing in bare patches especially weeds, dead. This can happen as single plants, patches of • Stock avoiding affected plants. plants or parts of a paddock to whole paddocks. • • Symptoms are more evident at the start of the growing/wet season. Other plants establishing in bare patches especially • The syndrome is not to be confused with drought or pasture rundown.weeds, broadleaf forbs and legumes. Initially, patches of dieback are roughly circular, ranging from • Stock avoiding affected plants. • Symptoms are more evident at the start of the 2 to60 can grow irregularly, spreading at speeds ranging from growing/wet season. one square colder monthst to a hectare a week in the wetter, warmer months• The syndrome is not to be confused with drought or large, dead areas.pasture rundown. Initially, patches of dieback are roughly circular, ranging from 2 to60 metres in diameter. These areas can grow irregularly, spreading at speeds ranging from one square centimetre a week in the drier, colder monthst to a hectare a week in the wetter, warmer months. Multiple patches can join to form large, dead areas.

Thomas Elder Consulting - Your trusted Advisors in Beef Production

Producers have also observed that dieback is most Research is needed to explore the biological or cultural severe in areas of long grass with large amounts of thatching – for example, under fence lines and areas of methods that can be employed to promote recovery and increase groundcover with cost-effective approaches. Producers have also observed that dieback is most severe in areas of long grass with large amounts rank, moribund older growth – like along roadsides.of thatching – for example, under fence lines and areas of rank, moribund older growth – like along There have been theories espoused that dieback may roadsides. WHAT IS BEING DONE? be a “soil health issue”.If that is the case, why is dieback DAF Future Beef https://futurebeef.com.au/knowledgeis found on ungrazed roadsidesor where a fire has been There have been theories espoused that dieback centre/pasture-dieback/ may be a “soil health issue”.If that is the case, why isthrough andnew pasture is unaffected? dieback is found on ungrazed roadsideso MLA’s pasture dieback hub https://www.mla.com.r where a fire has been through andnew pasture is We believe pasture dieback may not be associated with one causal agent, either disease-wise, or vector. unaffected? au/research-and-development/Grazing-pasturemanagement/pasture-dieback/ If it is a soil health issue – it is unlikely to be nutritional. DPI NSW https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/We believe pasture dieback may not be associated with one causal agent, either disease-wise, or If it is a soil out of balance, then it may be biological. One or several pathogens (fungal or bacterial) may vector. pastures-and-rangelands/establishment-mgmt/pestsand-diseases/pasture-dieback be responsible and a “superbug - agent” needs to be found to control the pathogen,whether w Pythium, QUT pasture mealybugs https://cms.qut.edu.au/__data/ assets/pdf_file/0006/786066/pasture-mealybugs-If it is a soil health issue – it is unlikely to be nutritional. If it is a soil out of balance, then it may be Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia or Fusarium.biological. One or several pathogens (fungal or technical-note.pdf bacterial) may be responsible and a “superbug To use the “Gotham City” analogy (the law of agent” needs to be found to control the pathogen UQ research into ground pearl and pasture dieback ,whether w Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia or occupancy) – “… when the good guys are not present, Fusarium. http://www.agetal.com.au/resources/pasture-diebackthe bad guys take over. When the good guys are present, research/ the bad guys are suppressed… we need a “Superbug”. Applied Horticultural Research into pasture dieback To use the “Gotham City” analogy (the law of occupancy) – “… when the good guys are not present, Microbes increase the availability of both macro and micronutrients in the soil. Improving soil health https://ahr.com.au/blog/pasture-dieback the bad guys take over. When the good guys are present, the bad guys are suppressed… we need a through soil amendments and the addition of beneficial “Superbug”. ANY TREATMENTS AND POSSIBLE CONTROLS? microorganisms is increasingly considered as an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical use. Currently there are no APVMA approved and registered chemicals which can be used to treat pasture dieback. Microbes increase the availability of both macro and micronutrients in the soil. Improving soil health Through manipulating and stimulating microbial However, Bifenthrin and Confidor (Imidacloprid) are through soil amendments and the addition of beneficial microorganisms is increasingly considered communities in the soil, restoring the biological balance, known to protect clumps and strips from dieback, when as an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical use. we could provide a platform for developing a solution to the dieback was spreading in trial pasture situations. pasture dieback. This indicated controlling the mealybug, seemed to Through manipulating and stimulating microbial communities in the soil, restoring the biological balance, we could provide a platform for developing a solution to pasture dieback. Research is needed to explore the biological or cultural methods that can be employed to promote recovery and increase groundcover with cost-effective approaches.

What is being done?

DAF Future Beef https://futurebeef.com.au/knowledge-centre/pasture-dieback/

control the dieback. These chemicals are most-likely HOW TO MINIMISE SPREAD cost-prohibitive for extensive pasture situations. APVMA • ensure all staff and visitors are instructed in hygiene

Minor Use Permits for pasture mealybug control in small requirements. Wash vehicles down when known outbreak areas in NSW and Qld pastures. to have been in affected areas, note hay sources – Thomas Elder Consulting - Your 6 | • Imidacloprid (eg Confidor) http://permits.apvma. where from? Feed hay in known areas that can be Page trusted Advisors in Beef Production gov.au/PER87423.PDF - NOTE : 24 week grazing monitored. WHP. • monitor your pastures regularly • Spirotetramat (eg. Movento) http://permits.apvma. • keep good records gov.au/PER88482.PDF 14 days Grazing WHP. • Chlorpyrifos (eg. Lorsban or Cobalt) http://permits. References: Buck, Stuart (2019) Latest insights into pasture dieback. Future apvma.gov.au/PER90238.PDF - as per label Beef – Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries https:// requirements futurebeef.com.au/knowledge-centre/latest-insights-into-pasturedieback/ • Carbaryl, Diazinon, Malathion, or Methomyl (eg. Graham, T.W.G., and Conway, M. (1998). Some sick buffel. TGS News Kendon Carbaryl, Barmac Diazinon, Hy-Mal, Lannate-L) http://permits.apvma.gov.au/PER90239. and Views. Tropical Grassland Society of Australia 14, 6. MLA. (2017). Action plan for pasture dieback in central Queensland. https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/mlaPDF - as per label requirements launches-action-plan-for-pasture-dieback-in-central-qld/ Summerville, W. (1928). Mealy bug attacking Paspalum grass in the Cooroy district. Queensland Agricultural Journal 30, 201-209.

It has also been hypothesized that micronized

Diatomaceous earth, may control the mealy bug (a bit like glass chards cutting them in soil. It would be interesting to see if soils high in silica are affected by dieback.

Treatments may include commonly used and newly developed biological compounds, micronized diatomaceous earth and compost extracts etc.

The use of fire could be a possible control. When mealybugs can be seen on grass and on the soil surface, burning will reduce their numbers. However, mealybugs will generally return as they have been found in the soil profile up to 800mm. Certainly, a mixture of grasses and legumes within a pasture sward buffer the effect of dieback and builds resilience. Areas of replanting should be based on a pasture mix. Thomas Elder Consulting can advise on such mixes, for the soils and climate, and best methodologies moving forward in pasture recovery.

Peter Spies, Thomas Elder Consulting