Meat and Livestock Australia

Rangeland goat production inWestern NSW: Where are they now? 29 Property and business development In the past five years, Tasman and Corrinya have continued to be managed in much the same way when considered on a broader business scale. The majority of changes have involved enterprise make up, breeding strategies and marketing. An additional staff member has been employed on a part-time basis and contractors are used to assist with stock work. Despite not increasing enterprise size, labor requirements have increased largely in response to the emergence of wild dogs in the region. Prior to 2012, dogs had never been seen in the region. In the five years since, Randall has killed 17 dogs across the two properties. This has been a big challenge for Randall and something he has dedicated much time to. In the fight against dogs, Randall uses remote cameras which he has found very valuable. One camera is able to send regular photos to his phone via text. This is used to monitor a set trap in order for Randall to be able to respond if it is set off without needing to physically check it. The other cameras store pictures on a memory card which is physically collected and downloaded. This allows general monitoring of dog activity to better direct control strategies. Coordinated baiting programs have also occurred for the last two years in the region. Both properties have had boundaries completely enclosed for 15 years, with the earlier fence designs using eight-line hinge-joint. Newer fences have been constructed using 7/90/30 hinge-joint with a plain at the top of the post and no additional wires. Randall does however believe that his goats have become far easier to contain as they have become more domesticated. He believes barbed wires below the hinge-joint do little to deter pest animals trying to push under. Fencing across the two properties has been completed to a standard capable of retaining goats for some time, with a total of 350 km of hinge-joint currently standing. This level of investment into hinge-joint fencing is a clear indicator of the value it is seen to offer and its ability to maintain integrity over time. A Prattley® handler has been purchased to make tagging goats easier. An auto draft was also purchased some time ago, however has not been used recently as they ceased supplying goats for the domestic market. This is due to the reduced need to achieve specific weight ranges on sale animals. Windmills are gradually being replaced by solar pumps and dams are cleaned out when the need and opportunity arises. In 2012, Randall also indicated his desire to investigate remote water monitoring systems. In the five years since, resources have not allowed this to occur, however telemetry is something Randall still sees great value in and would like to implement. Steel stock yards with covered working area and Prattley® stock handler