Rural - Glen Innes News

Mar

22

2025

Local Cane Toad Sighting Reported

Glen Innes Severn Council has been alerted to a report of a cane toad (Rhinella marina) sighting within the local area. Authorities from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Northern Tablelands Local Land Services are collaborating with the individual who reported the sighting, as well as local businesses, to ensure biosecurity measures are in place to conduct inspections. Cane toads pose a significant threat to ecosystems and communities. They can spread by hiding in freight, green waste, and timber, potentially establishing new populations. Under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, they are classified as a declared pest, meaning sightings…

Mar

19

2025

Pasture Legumes: A Game Changer for Honey Bees

The Australian honey bee industry is under increasing pressure from drought, floods, bushfires, and limited access to public lands. As a result, private farmland is emerging as a valuable resource for honey production. One promising but often overlooked option is pasture legumes—plants that support livestock and are a rich source of nectar and pollen for honey bees. The Clover4Bees pilot study, funded by AgriFutures Australia, explored how pasture legumes could benefit honey bees. Over two years, researchers evaluated different legume species at four sites across NSW, including the Glen Innes Agricultural Research Station. The study identified six standout species for…

Mar

12

2025

Sheep & Lamb Sale Report 11.03.25

It was a solid yarding at Tuesday’s sheep and lamb sale, with a total of 922 head penned. The majority of the offering presented in good condition, with well-covered sheep and lambs dominating the yard. Store types were in limited supply, and while all regular buyers were in attendance, competition for restocker lambs remained subdued. Heavyweight crossbred lambs (58kg+) led the market, reaching a top of $230 per head. Trade-weight crossbreds (50-57kg) held firm, ranging from $192.50 to $206 per head. Medium-weight lambs (45-50kg) with good cover made from $157.50 to $191 per head. Lighter, well-framed store crossbred lambs topped…

Feb

05

2025

Why Consider A Mixed Annual Winter Fodder Crop

Across the region, more producers are experimenting with mixed species annual fodder crops to improve their feedbase. But do these mixes actually deliver better results than traditional single-species crops? Oats and annual ryegrass have long been reliable options for filling the autumn–winter feed gap, providing high-quality biomass when perennial pastures are less productive. However, interest is growing in whether combining species can offer additional benefits such as feed reliability, extended grazing and improved livestock production. A typical Northern Tablelands mix includes oats, a brassica or legume, and annual ryegrass. Oats provide bulk feed, ryegrass adds high-quality regrowth, and the brassicas…

Jan

19

2025

Managing Chilean Needle Grass

Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) has surged across the district this year, appearing in areas where it was previously unseen. Effective weed control focuses on exploiting a plant's weaknesses, using all available methods. While chemical herbicides are often the go-to solution, cultural and mechanical strategies also play vital roles. CNG, however, is an exceptional challenge. This invasive grass produces about 20,000 seeds per square meter, with a staggering 98% survival rate. Unlike its relative, Serrated Tussock, which relies on windborne seeds, CNG seeds spread through contact, attaching to animals like sheep and kangaroos, as well as farm machinery and vehicles. This…

Jan

15

2025

Sheep and Lamb Market Report 14 Jan 25

Market Report 14.01.25 897 Lambs and sheep yarded in today’s lamb and sheep sale. With large numbers yarded in surrounding areas, we saw the market drop this week. Heavy-Medium XB suckers Ranged from $142 and topped of at $207, store and forward store XB suckers from $60-$130. Well conditioned Dorper suckers ranged from $125-$169 and the lighter forward store Dorper suckers from $78-$120 Heavy last season XB lambs ranged from $130-$200 with the medium-light, well conditioned XB lambs from $90-$127. The store and forward store XB lambs kicked off at $60 and topped at $85. Medium weight, well covered, Merino…

Jan

09

2025

Zone 13 Glen Innes Pony Camp 2024 – Done and Dusted

From 29th Dec 2024 to 4th January 2025, 61 equestrians from 2 to 25 years gathered at the magnificent Glen Innes Showground for a week of horsemanship and friendship. Sportsmanship and citizenship are core values of the Pony Club. ‘Retired' equestrians, including Grandparent, Parents and Volunteers are as much a part of this annual event as the riders. For nearly 70 years these loyal helpers help set up Judges’ tents, sound equipment, arenas, jumps, poles and barrels and then quickly dismantle them. Meals are provided by a band of dedicated people. All abilities join together from tiny tots to our…

Jan

08

2025

Prime Lamb and Sheep Sale – Market Report 07.01.25

A relatively strong start to the new year in our first Prime Lamb and Sheep sale. 1,376 head yarded at the Glen Innes saleyards with a large majority being new season sucker lambs. The usual major meat processor’s buyers attended with little re-stocker competition. Heavy and fat cross-bred suckers fetched between $205-$227, Not far behind was the medium weight, well conditioned suckers from $180-$204. The forward store conditioned suckers between the $120-$175 mark and the medium to light store suckers from $55-$110. Good conditioned Dorper suckers made up to $190. Heavy, prime conditioned, last seasoned XB lambs Fetched $180-$250. The…

Dec

16

2024

Sheep and Lamb Market- 10 December 2024

1,816 Lambs and sheep were penned in today's prime lamb and sheep sale. The usual buying group attended with little to no restocking competition. A strong yarding of suckers was present and heavily conditioned mutton. Well conditioned suckers with weight sold between $238-$205. Forward store conditioned suckers ranged for $201-$135. The Heavy to medium cross-bred trade lambs fetched between $240-$177. Cross-bred hoggets topped off at $140, and Merino, well-condition hoggets hit $88. On the Mutton front, heavy cross-bred ewes ranged from $75-$142. Merino ewes fetched between $55-$94. with medium, light covered ewes making between $5-$45. All old Merino, Dorper, merino & cross-bred rams ranged between…

Dec

04

2024

Sheep Sale – Market Analysis December 03, 2024

A total of 1,904 lambs and sheep were penned in today's prime lamb and sheep sale. The usual buying group attended to a strong yarding of quality new season suckers, heavy export lambs and well conditioned sheep. Well covered new season cross-bred Suckers sold between $240-$200. Dorper Suckers fetched between $220-$146. Forward store conditioned suckers ranged for $171-$210. The heavy to medium cross-bred trade lambs fetched between $222-$175. Cross-bred hoggets topped off at $132, Merino, light condition hoggets hit $70 and Dorper & Aussie White hoggets fetched $70-$120. On the Mutton front, heavy cross-bred ewes ranged from $90-$136. First cross…