Relationships between water quality and production with Dr Sarah Mika
Channel: Local Land Services NSW
Date: 2020-10-14

During the drought of the last couple of years, water quality was a topic high on the list of enquiries made to the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services team. Many farmers asked about the impacts of livestock on water quality, the impacts of water quality on livestock, how to interpret water tests, how to manage livestock around riparian zones and more. 

While the Local Land Services team could supply general answers, it quickly became obvious that a comprehensive source of specialist knowledge was needed to cover different production and environmental aspects of water supply. As a result, a series of water quality films has been developed to provide clients with both a broad overview of issues and specific advice so that producers can develop effective water management strategies for their own properties. This video is one in the series of four videos.

The films are extremely comprehensive. They are detailed and practical and are designed to offer livestock producers genuine options and strategies for improving water quality for livestock production and the environment.
Water quality experts were engaged to share their knowledge and experience in the following:

- On-farm water supply options and livestock management with Todd Andrews - Beef Development Officer, NSW DPI
- Relationships between water quality and production with Dr Sarah Mika - Senior Research Fellow in Aquatic Ecology, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England (this video)
- Importance of water quality to ecosystems and natural capital with Dr Debbie Bower - Lecturer in Ecology and Zoology, University of New England
- Water for ruminant production with Professor Paul Cusack - Australian Livestock Production Services

For further information regarding water quality for production and the environment or for a copy of the water quality films on USB, please contact Northern Tablelands Local Land Services on 02 6732 8800.