More than 25,000 land managers across the North Coast who pay Local Land Services rates or have a Property Identification Code will soon receive their Annual Land and Stock Returns in a bid to build a state-wide picture of agricultural use and livestock numbers. These are among 150,000 annual returns across NSW that are due to be lodged by 31 August in a process that is essential for ensuring the continuation of vital market access for NSW producers. The returns are essentially a census for livestock on June 30 each year and include all stock six months of age or older, regardless of whether it belongs to the landholder, is agisted or on the property for any other reason. Pigs of any age should be counted, as well as flocks of 100 or more poultry. Land managers can lodge their returns online at www.lls.nsw.gov.au and returns must be lodged by August 31. Returns not lodged by that date will have an animal health rate and meat industry levy automatically applied to next year’s rates notice. Jo McGoldrick, Manager Biosecurity and Emergency Services said it was important to complete an Annual Land and Stock Return – even if land managers have no stock. “Biosecurity is a shared responsibility which involves a range of approaches, including preventing pests, diseases and weeds entry into NSW; quickly finding, containing and eradicating any new entries and effectively minimising the impacts of those pests, diseases and weeds that cannot be eradicated.” Along with the stock identification and traceability systems Local Land Services manages, the information is invaluable in the event of an emergency disease outbreak, such as avian influenza or Hendra virus. Effective animal biosecurity and welfare is insurance to maintain market access for livestock producers, now and in the future. For more information land managers should contact their nearest Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299 or visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au