Range Management Newsletter 18/2

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Drought is currently very topical across Australia’s eastern states, in both rangeland and non-rangeland areas. The ABC reports that “Farmers across New South Wales and Queensland are calling it the worst drought in living memory.” In his editorial, David Phelps discusses whether this really is the case and why the rest of Australia may not know about it.

OPPORTUNITY IN SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

The Australian Rangeland Society has an exciting opportunity available for management of its social media. If you have a broad interest in rangelands including natural resource management, primary production, conservation, tourism etc. and are social media savvy (or a keen and quick learner) this may be the job for you!

VALE ANDREW DAVID NICOLSON

The Australian rangelands community is the poorer for the passing of Andrew David Nicolson on Saturday 2nd June, 2018 aged 86 years – but much the richer for the legacy Andrew created.

VALE DAVID WILLIAM GOODALL AM

David William Goodall was a scientist of international stature who made a significant contribution to the disciplines that underpin the understanding of rangeland ecosystems. He made a substantial contribution to our understanding of Australian vegetation communities, numerical methods, statistical ecology and botany over a career that spanned more than 75 years.

STOCK NUMBERS IN THE RANGELANDS

While browsing on the internet, Don Burnside recently discovered a very useful source of information about the number of livestock, presented at the Regional NRM scale.

ARS AGM – PRESIDENT’S REPORT

David’s report highlights the Australian Rangeland Society achievements for 2017, including the very successful Biennial Conference held in Pt Augusta. He also reported that Council made significant progress on two key strategic issues during 2017 – consolidating the Society’s financial position and growing the membership base.

ARS AGM – FINANCIAL REPORT

Don Burnside was pleased to report that the financial affairs of the Society were in a much sounder state at the end of 2017 than at the end of 2016.

HOW WIDELY READ IS THE RANGELAND JOURNAL?

The Rangeland Journal now has a more international focus. While some members may find that the journal’s content is less relevant to their interests, has this trend to internationalisation improved the reach of the journal?

BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS FROM CSIRO PUBLISHING

Did you know that CSIRO Publishing now offers a number of benefits to ARS members? Read more about how you can save on books and journals from CSIRO Publishing as well as receive several other benefits.

UPDATE FROM THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

How has The Rangeland Journal ‘s Impact Factor has changed over the last year? Who is the new Website Editor? How could you use your social media skills to benefit the Society? Read on and find out.

FROM THE EDITOR

The next issue of the newsletter will be coming out in November.