In 2003 the economic, social and environmental impacts of five areas of research and extension where NSW Agriculture has made significant investments were evaluated. These investment areas included net feed efficiency in beef cattle; the management of temperate weeds in temperate pastures;...

The replacement of perennial grass species by undesirable annual grass weeds not only results in lower productivity but is also contributes to a range of external costs. In particular, shallow rooted annuals result in greater deep drainage and therefore a greater potential for salinity, and...

An assessment of the economic, environmental and social impacts of extension activities by NSW Agriculture related to water use efficiency is reported. The main vehicle for these extension activities has been a four day vocational course delivered to about 4,400 irrigators under the auspices of...

Wheat genetic materials developed from research at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico for developing countries have provided spillover benefits to Australia. Varieties developed from those genetic materials have resulted in yield increases in Australia....

A study was made of the changes from 1965 to 1997 in wheat varieties grown in selected shires representing farming systems across NSW. The eight shires examined were Wagga, Temora, Cowra, Carrathool, Lachlan, Coonabarabran, Gunnedah and Narrabri. In each shire, approximately 8-10 varieties were...

Ricecheck, a best management practices extension program for rice production in Australia, was developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries advisory staff, Finley, in 1986. The program is based on eight best management practice recommendations called ‘Key Checks’ that are considered...

This report presents a detailed description of the software program StockPlan® including a description of the calculations used within the program. StockPlan® has been developed as a decision aid for farmers and their advisors during drought and during the drought recovery stage. StockPlan®...

A ‘broad brush’ picture of farming in the pastoral zone of NSW is presented in this report. The pastoral zone of NSW is characterised by wide variations in climatic conditions, soil type and vegetation species. Hence representative faming system analysis was conducted for three sub-regions -...

This review examined the characteristics of the main aquaculture industries in NSW with respect to current impediments to growth, market development and future opportunities. Within this context, it examined the nature, funding and impacts of the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ current...