More than 19,000 land managers across the Hunter who pay Local Land Services rates or have a property identification code received return notices in June.

The information collected from the returns helps Local Land Services build a statewide picture of agricultural use and livestock numbers.

Local Land Services general manager Brett Miners said it was important to complete a land and stock return—even if land managers have no stock.

“Collecting this information is an essential part of understanding the state’s biosecurity risks and ensuring that domestic and export livestock markets remain open for NSW producers,” Mr Miners said.

“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.”

The returns are essentially a census for livestock on 30 June each year and include all stock six months of age or older, regardless of whether they belong to the landholder, are agisted or on the property for any other reason.

“NSW produce is free of many of the pests and diseases found in other parts of the world,” Mr Miners said.

“That is why Local Land Services works with land managers to monitor herds and flocks and share up-to-date advice and information.

“In the Hunter region, the range of stock includes, but is not limited to cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry flocks.

“This information helps us go directly to the people whose land or stock may be affected in an emergency in our region.”

Pigs of any age should be counted, as well as flocks of 100 or more poultry.

Land managers can lodge their returns online at lls.nsw.gov.au

If the Annual Land and Stock Return isn’t lodged by  August 31, an animal health rate and meat industry levy will automatically be applied to next year’s rates notice.