03 Nov 2025

In Rabobank’s recent report “Managing increased volatility in Australian livestock markets”, the message is clear and well summarised that “while volatility has long been a feature of livestock markets, both the scale and frequency of price swings have intensified significantly over the past five to ten years”.¹ 

According to the report’s author, RaboResearch senior animal proteins analyst Angus Gidley-Baird, “This [managing volatility] requires a strategic approach that reinforces adaptability, promotes resilience and improves predictability.” 

When it comes to livestock production, one of the ways to improve predictability is to ensure efficacy when treating for cattle parasites, to ensure they are growing to their potential. It’s widely accepted that one of the main signs of parasite burdens is weight loss.² Besides autumn, spring is another key time to focus on treatment of animals in order to reduce parasite burdens (both internal and external). Here are 3, short videos which explain why it’s important to treat the “Spring Rise” in relation to parasites in cattle, and, also why producers in northern Australia need to contend with more than just ticks. 

Southern Producers - The Spring Rise & Worms

Northern Producers - The Spring Rise & Ticks

Northern Producers - Blood Sucking Worms, a Hidden Threat 

The Era of Single-Active Drenches Must End

While it’s important to be vigilant in spring when it comes to cattle parasites, it is equally important that treatment of cattle parasites focuses on highly effective drenches. Continuing to use single-active drenches is costing the Australian cattle industry and affecting your bottom line. Here’s a quick snapshot of what that looks like:

Know what drenches are still working with Drench Trax

Drench Trax is the only known postcode interactive tool on drench efficacy in Australia, containing the largest database of drench efficacy results collated from universities, veterinarians, farmers and pharmaceutical companies. See which drenches are still working, and which ones are failing in your postcode, so you can make a more informed decision.

Visit Drench Trax 

References

1. Rabobank. (2025). Australian livestock markets becoming increasingly volatile: Industry report. Rabobank. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://www.rabobank.com.au/news/media-releases/2025/australian-livestock-markets-becoming-increasingly-volatile-industry-report
2. WormBoss. (n.d.). Signs of worms. WormBoss. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://wormboss.com.au/about-worms/signs-of-worms/
3. Southern Productivity Trial. NSW DPI/LLS (2020) Duck Creek Endoparasite Trial (data on file).
4. Southeast Queensland Productivity Trial. Virbac (2022) Comparative Worm/Tick Counts and Productivity in QLD Cattle following Mox/Lev or Doramectin Pour On- Study 620-21- Data on File.
5. Far North Productivity Trial. Virbac (2020) Comparative Efficacy and Productivity in QLD cattle following use of Moxidectin/Levamisole or Ivermectin/Fluazuron- data on file

*DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Information contained in this article has been provided by the manufacturer/ You should not rely on the information in this article, and it should not be considered advice. You should seek professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation. This article does not take into account variable conditions that may impact performance. Always read and follow label directions before using any product in this article. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited and its related associated entities will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising out of any reliance on any information contained in this article.