Accessing TSRs after rainfall

29 January 2020

We understand that a lot of stock owners currently have a very low pasture base and will want to access travelling stock reserves (TSRs) when it rains.

Central West Local Land Services will not be issuing permits until the TSR pastures are at a stage where they are self sustaining. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will include assessment of groundcover, pasture growth and bulk.

Due to the length and severity of the current drought pasture recovery is anticipated to be slow and varied across the Central West region.

Recovery will depend on the pasture base as well as rain amounts and frequency. All of which are highly variable across the region especially with recent isolated storm events.

We have attempted to keep groundcover above 50% on TSRs throughout the drought to ensure recovery time is minimised.

In some cases this has not happened and we expect the recovery time to be extended meaning we will not be able to issue permits until pastures are at a stage where they are self sustaining.

We aim to have above 70% groundcover and diverse and palatable pastures on the TSRs in the region and this goal is behind the decision to issue a permit or not.

Whilst some stock owners may see a green tinge on the TSR and believe it is adequate feed, we will not issue permits until an assessment is made and pastures deemed adequate.

For further information contact your local TSR ranger