Pastoral Board Communique August 2020

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Pastoral Board Communique August 2020
August 2020
Annual stock returns and continuing drought impacts  

The Board sincerely thanks lessees who submitted their 2019-20 annual stock return by the due date of 31 July, or made prompt contact with the Pastoral Unit if the return could not be submitted in time.

This stock return information assists the Board to monitor stocking rates on pastoral leases, and contributes to a valuable historical database on stock production in the SA pastoral lands.

The Board acknowledges the difficult conditions in the pastoral region as evidenced by the destocking, and in some instances stock losses, reported in the submitted stock returns. It’s unfortunate but necessary to destock in these trying times and the Board empathises with South Australia’s pastoralists.

Remember, support is available for producers, businesses and families dealing with drought conditions. PIRSA drought support initiatives include the Family and Business Support Program, council rate rebates and Rural Financial Counselling Services. Learn more about these services and more by connecting with the PIRSA Drought Support hub or calling the Recovery Hotline on 1800 931 314.

As a member of the State’s Dry Conditions Working Group, the Board will strive to ensure that support options are adequate and continue to be available for pastoralists.

Welcome Minister Basham

The Board welcomes the appointment of David Basham as Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, responsible for the administration of the Pastoral Act. The Board looks forward to working closely with him on key issues including the review of the Pastoral Act.

Learn more about Minister Basham.

Pastoral Board Meeting: July 2020
The Board met on 9 July in Adelaide. The outcomes from the meeting include:

Strategic Plan 2020-2022 released
The Plan sets priority areas under three themes: Pastoral Act review; Building credibility and understanding; Enabling pastoral industry development. 

As part of the Strategic Plan, the Board also reviewed its communications methods and channels to ensure it is connecting with pastoralists in the most effective way.

Pastoral Board Guideline for approving non-pastoral purposes
The Board is supportive of alternative land uses on pastoral land, noting that pastoralism should always remain the primary use. Under the current Pastoral Act, lessees must apply to the Board for approval to conduct non-pastoral purposes. The new guideline will assist lessees in applying, and provides a basis for Board decision making.

View the Strategic Plan and the new guideline.

Assessment field work re-commencing
The Board is pleased that pastoral lease assessment field work has re-commenced after being suspended earlier this year due to COVID-19. Assessments are currently underway in the far north.

Tight controls are in place to comply with COVID-19 guidelines, and directions and requirements will be continually monitored. Pastoral Officers from PIRSA’s Pastoral Unit are liaising regularly with the lessees to ensure field work is conducted in a safe manner.

Nominees sought for Livestock SA board

Primary producers with a passion for advancing the State’s livestock industry are encouraged to apply for a position on the Livestock SA Board.     Read more

Outback Futures

The Outback Communities Authority is inviting the pastoral community to contribute to a new project to identify and plan for the long term sustainability of the outback.  Read more

 
 
Pastoral planning for profitability

Livestock producers wanting to improve their business acumen and planning can now sign up to the Red Meat and Wool Program’s Livestock Enterprise Planning sessions.

The Livestock Enterprise Planning program is aimed at assisting farmers to upskill in various aspects of business management including business acumen and skills, risk management and resilience, using Precision Livestock Management Technology for data-based decision making, and improved production efficiency. Workshops will be held in multiple locations across South Australia.

Learn more

Contact the Pastoral Unit

PIRSA Pastoral Unit
Phone: (08) 8429 0333
PIRSA.Pastoral@sa.gov.au 
pir.sa.gov.au/pastoral-board

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