CATTLE

CSIRO to tag and track ferals in northern Australia

Satellite tracking will be used to track un-managed cattle and buffalo in northern Australia.

Staff writer
 New tagging and tracking technology is being used by the CSIRO to help manage feral cattle in northern Australia.

New tagging and tracking technology is being used by the CSIRO to help manage feral cattle in northern Australia.

The $4million, 3.5 year project aims to turn the destructive pests into economic, environmental and cultural opportunities for indigenous communities across the region, as well as create new 'best practice' for managing large herds using space technology.

Satellite GPS-tracking tags will be attached to the animals' ears and deliver real-time, geographically-accurate insights into herd density, accessibility, and transport costs.

The animals will be tracked across a combined area of 22,314 square kilometres, taking in the Arafura swamp catchment in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, and Upper Normanby and Archer River on Cape York Peninsula in Queensland.

CSIRO chief executive Dr Larry Marshall said the program demonstrated the opportunities for Australia in growing our own space capabilities and supply chains while also advancing reconciliation.

"Australia's burgeoning space industry is creating exciting new possibilities for innovative science and technology to solve our greatest challenges, like using satellites to manage our wide, open land in more culturally and environmentally sensitive ways," Dr Marshall said.

The collaborative program will see the CSIRO and Charles Darwin University develop the data management tools; James Cook University create the GPS-tracking ear tags; satellite company Kineis provide access to their satellite fleet and technical expertise; and the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance Ltd (NAILSMA) drive efforts on the ground in partnership with Mimal Land Management Aboriginal Corporation, Aak Puul Ngangtam Ltd, and Normanby Land Management.

NAILSMA chief executive Ricky Archer said the program would create opportunities for economic development, landscape restoration and the protection of cultural sites.
The project is being funded by Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment under the National Landcare Program; Smart Farming Partnerships initiative.

 

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Field Days Wrap (November 2024)

Kondinin Group's research team has the low down on the latest gear that was on show at various field days held around the country in the past few months.

editions

Research Report: Trailing Sheep Feeders (October 2024)

Trailing sheep feeders are on the menu for Kondinin Group's October Research Report with nine popular models covered.

editions

Research Report: Livestock Management Software (September 2024)

Kondinin Group's September Research Report looks at a range of livestock management software platforms which can make life a lot easier when it comes to efficient sheep and cattle production.

editions

Research Report: Grain Storage (August 2024)

This month's Research Report from Kondinin Group looks at the benefits and challenges associated with ground level storage with a focus on growers who have done it successfully.