The NSW DPI is highlighting stock safety measures that producers should have in their sights for the impending fire season. NSW DPI District Veterinary Officer Jeff Cave said in the event of fire, a comprehensive bushfire plan will help to prevent stock losses and reduce risks to personal safety. One of the key factors in minimising risk to stock during a bush fire is for farmers to identify the safest areas on their farm where livestock can be moved to. Either the day before, early on the day of a predicted code red (catastrophic) fire danger, or when there is a fire alert in a district, stock should be moved into these lower risk areas. Horses should not be locked up in small areas or stables but be moved into an open paddock with minimal vegetation so they can move freely.

Preston wheat

A new milling wheat variety, bred by HRZ Wheats was launched at Greenethorpe recently. Named Preston, the long season high yielding wheat variety is deemed well suited to regions where there is an early start to the season in high rainfall zones of NSW, Victoria and South Australia. Preston has triple rust resistance, is MR-MS to Yellow Leaf Spot, MR to Septoria tritici and is expected to achieve APW classification. Seed will be available for sowing in 2010 from AWB SeedNet partners across south east Australia.