Elders Seasons Magazine - Winter 2021 by Elders Limited

Winter 2021

FARMING

NEWS

FOR

AUSTRALIAN

FARMER S

FUNGICIDE SPRAY WINDOW IN SOUTHERN CANOLA CROPS A GAME CHANGER

NEW TANK MIX PARTNER A ‘PRIORITY’ FOR BROADLEAF WEEDS

PROGIBB SG FILLS THE WINTER FEED GAP

A GREEN FUTURE FOR NITRATE FERTILISERS

HOW TO MAKE STYLO A WEIGHT-GAIN STAR.

WHAT’S IN THE TOOL KIT FOR WINTER?

How post-emergence nutrition AFFECTS YOUR BROADACRE CROPS

BACKING YOU, BACKING THE RFDS Every edition of Seasons, we bring you the expertise and equipment that supports you in the paddock but when we say Elders is for Australian agriculture, we’re talking about something that goes far beyond the boundary fence. Every farmer and everyone who wears a pink shirt is part of a community that pulls together. That’s why Elders is backing the people who back you and your family, the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As a major sponsor of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Central Operations, which serves South Australia and Northern Territory, Elders is making a $300,000 contribution towards the upgrade of its fleet of flying intensive care units. The medically-equipped RFDS aircraft VH-FXW, or ‘Whiskey’ as it is known, will continue to airlift two patients a day throughout South Australia bearing the Elders brand on its fuselage. Over the past year alone, ‘Whiskey’ has flown over 470,000 kilometres and airlifted almost 1,000 patients from 55 different regional and remote communities to specialist medical treatment. VH-FXW is one of 20 aircraft operated by RFDS Central Operations located across its SA/NT network of aeromedical bases in Adelaide, Port Augusta, Alice Springs and Darwin.

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With the capacity to transfer two stretchered and critically-ill patients at any point in time, ‘Whiskey’ will continue to serve the community through: > emergency evacuations of the injured or critically-ill from outback communities; > aeromedical transfers of patients interstate for life-saving surgery such as organ transplant and heart surgery on newborn babies; > delivery of essential primary health care such as GP consultations and immunisation of children during ‘fly-in’ health clinics to remote communities; and > transfer of patients from regional and bush hospitals to major hospitals in Adelaide, Port Augusta, Alice Springs and Darwin for higher levels of care. Doing our bit for RFDS, a vital part of our community, is just one of the ways Elders stands for Australian agriculture.

Contents Backing you, backing the RFDS

Pastoral AG & The Hunter River Company

Fungicide spray window in southern canola crops a game changer

Complete options for weed control with Arylex active products

Managing winter cereal crops for maximum performance

Stamina grazing-tolerant lucerne with true grazing tolerance.

Farmer trades livestock without putting down a dollar

Early eason fly treatment: Act now to reap benefits throughout the fly season!

Need a fence quote? Waratah can help. New tank mix partner a ‘priority’ for broadleaf weeds

Combination vs rotation: the big question in lice management

ProGibb SG fills the winter feed gap

A green future for nitrate fertilisers

The new tech that’s changing the way properties sell

What’s in the toolkit for winter?

How Post-Emergence Nutrition Affects Your Broadacre Crops

New Gallagher S12 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer aids in pasture renovation

Mollusc mitigation – what risks do snails and slugs pose?

SST and the good oil for spray adjuvants

Revolutionary Remote Walk Over Weighing delivers individual animal weights from the paddock

Next generation aphid control for canola growers

Feed Quality impacting Animal performance – Reducing the challenge of storage Mycotoxins

Start the season with a clean, clear boom sprayer

Diesel Essential Portable Ute Packs

Poly Silos, Clearly a Better Solution.

GlanEry combines two sheep vaccines in one

Plasson extends sponsorship of endangered Tasmanian Devil

Dual-active cattle drench a game-changer for cattle producers

Hoof care and managing pain in lame cattle

Fungal disease control in every droplet.

Group 3 Fungicide Prothioconazole

Leafshield™ Rainfast in under an hour in most conditions

Control a range of harmful fungal diseases in barley, wheat, canola, chickpea, faba bean, field pea and lentil crops with Aviator ® Xpro®. This class-leading fungicide sets the standard in disease management, providing excellent leaf coverage and rapid rainfastness.

Contact your advisor or search Aviator Xpro to learn more.

PURCHASING EARLY PAYS OFF.

PAYMENT TERMS ARE EXTENDED TO 31 DECEMBER 2021 FOR ALL AVIATOR XPRO AND PROSARO PURCHASES MADE BETWEEN 1 MAY TO 30 JUNE 2021. ®

Conditions apply. Offer available on Aviator Xpro 10 L, 1,000 L and Prosaro 10 L packs. Speak to your Bayer agent to find out more.

Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd, ABN 87 000 226 022. Level 1, 8 Redfern Road, Hawthorn East VIC 3123. Technical Enquiries 1800 804 479 enquiries.australia@bayer.com Aviator ®, Xpro® and Prosaro® are Registered Trademarks of the Bayer Group. © 2021 Bayer Group. BAY0620

Group 7 Fungicide Bixafen

Crop Protection

FUNGICIDE SPRAY WINDOW IN SOUTHERN CANOLA CROPS A GAME CHANGER The introduction of Aviator Xpro to control sclerotinia in canola on Mark Harmer’s Victorian property has delivered both a significant yield advantage, and a much wider spray application window. Sclerotinia can seriously damage canola yield on the thirdgeneration grower’s Dookie property, producing significant yield penalties when in-crop disease control isn’t right. With the management of sclerotinia an absolute priority, Mr Harmer has, in recent seasons, turned to Aviator Xpro, a protective and curative fungicide from Bayer, which controls a range of fungal diseases in canola, wheat, barley, chickpea, lentil, faba bean and field pea crops. Aviator Xpro brings together active ingredients from two different fungicide groups, prothioconazole (Group 3) and bixafen (Group 7), to deliver a broad spectrum of disease control benefits, which are enhanced by Leafshield technology, the unique adjuvant package which delivers exceptional crop coverage, rapid rainfastness and high foliar retention. Mr Harmer said Aviator Xpro could deliver up to a 30 per cent yield increase in high disease-pressure seasons at Dookie and, in such a high yielding district, that can be a significant amount of money. “Aviator Xpro has been a game changer,” he said. “And it's all based around the surfactant package - it's just incredible when you see it applied to a crop, it just spreads across the leaf so rapidly and gives fabulous coverage. “By the time you’ve been around the paddock and come back again, it's dried off. It's just amazing technology and the difference between Aviator Xpro and other fungicides we've used is chalk and cheese.” Importantly, the rainfast advantage delivered through the surfactant package of Aviator Xpro has opened up the possibility of longer spraying days and more flexibility. Mr Harmer said the product completely changed what has traditionally been a tight fungicide application window. Aviator Xpro is applied in canola at 30 to 50 per cent flower, normally around August to September, a period during which wet weather can impact on the time sprayers can spend in the paddock. However, the superior rainfastness of the product has given Mr Harmer the confidence to spray for longer. “Using Aviator Xpro definitely affords us an extra two to three hours spraying a day, which can be up to 150-hectares in any one day. If we've got rainfall events coming, it can shorten our

spray window, and that's where we see the big advantage in the product,” he said. “It's something I've never really seen with other fungicides. Normally we don't look at the application on the plant, but this is the first time I've ever seen something so impressive.” The longer spray window had also been a game-changer for aerial spray operators such as Stuart Hall from SGE Helicopters. Applying fungicides through the Riverina, north-eastern Victoria, and southern NSW is a big part of the company’s spring spray program and helicopters are an efficient method of getting over the crop quickly, especially in wet seasons. The rainfast advantage of Aviator Xpro is a key reason why 75 per cent of SGE Helicopter clients use Aviator Xpro to get an effective fungicide out onto canola crops at the right time. “The under one hour rainfast period for Aviator Xpro really opens up the window of spraying throughout the day,” Mr Hall said. “Any extra hour we can get in, it's another hundred hectares for us, which is good for us as a company and good for the grower.” Operations manager and senior pilot at Hazair, based in Albury and Brocklesby, Adam I'Anson, said the rainfastness of Aviator Xpro was a massive advantage when applying fungicides through fixed-wing aircraft. “With an extra couple of hours of spraying time available, you can confidently spray anywhere from an extra 200 to 400 hectares, and it's more efficient for us and it's more efficient for the grower,” he said. “Compared to a lot of other fungicides on the market, Aviator Xpro also mixes a lot more easily, and when we are finished spraying it cleans up really well, and really there's no residue left. It means less time for us, and less stress to mix more and keep the job going.” Mark Harmer believes using Aviator Xpro has been a game changer for sclerotinia control. “It means we can get the fungicide on at the appropriate time and get the best result, which gives us the best economic return - as a rule, we'll apply Aviator Xpro every season,” he said.

Crop Protection

COMPLETE OPTIONS FOR WEED CONTROL WITH ARYLEX ACTIVE PRODUCTS Four herbicides, based on Arylex active, are providing growers with options for weed controland use patterns, especially in winter cereal crops. Paradigm, Trezac, Pixxaro and Rexade Arylex active from Corteva Agriscience, have been formulated to suit a range of different scenarios. Corteva Agriscience area sales leader and technical specialist Ian Corr said the product line-up was designed to make sure there was an option for any weed scenario in winter cereals. “We have options to get most of the spectrum you need, as well as having that selectivity and tank mixability to not cause issues in terms of compatibility and rotation,” he said. The range of Arylex products have been showcased at the Corteva Agriscience facility at Breeza in northern NSW over the past few seasons. In 2020, the Breeza site included the full range of products in tank mixes with other herbicides and across a wide range of cereal and pasture species. “Paradigm is really forming into a mainstay product,” Mr Corr said. “It has a fantastic spectrum. It has great crop safety, selectivity, really good in terms of mixability. The mix with MCPA LVE, in particular, has really exceeded expectations.” Paradigm is registered for post-emergent control of a wide range of broadleaf weeds in wheat, barley, triticale, oats, fallow and established ryegrass pastures. Mr Corr said that, along with the cereal crop uses, the pasture registration was a great option for livestock producers. “It has a really strong fit for the weed spectrum in many pastures,” he said. “It targets the key weeds in pastures without having a detrimental impact on established ryegrass.” Paradigm can be used to control volunteer forage brassicas early in the ryegrass phase and provide the base for long-lasting pastures. “Controlling volunteers from brassicas, in previous crops, is really the key to success if you want a productive pasture that is going to last for a long time,” Mr Corr said. Trezac Arylex active herbicide was launched in 2020 as a replacement for Hotshot herbicide and an alternative for metsulfuron-based tank mixes in many situations in northern cropping regions. “Hotshot had been the mainstay for buckwheat or bindweed control,” Mr Corr said. “With the registration for Trezac Arylex active, we see that standard being surpassed.” He said Trezac offered flexibility in terms of mixing partners and mixing partner rates. “For small Bindweed, you can manage the rate of Starane down for six to eight leaf or for bolting bindweed you can still keep that rate up and get very robust control,” Mr Corr said. 6

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“Aminopyralid in Trezac brings the additional residual control, widens the weed spectrum and compliments Arylex on many weeds.” Trezac mixed with Tordon 242 is another option for additional spectrum on Deadnettle and otherweeds without the antagonism and the plantback limitation of Metsulfuron and other herbicides. “There is very robust volunteer legume control and some good residual on Milk thistle, based on the Tordon 242,” Mr Corr said. “As we go further west, they are looking for more residual and we see Trezac fitting into those use patterns.” Trezac is designed as a key mixing partner for the control of key weeds in wheat, durum or barley, in northern black soil cropping zones. Pixxaro Arylex active herbicide is a new herbicide for the control of broadleaf weeds in wheat, barley, oats and triticale as well as knockdown control of broadleaf weeds, when mixed with glyphosate, in fallow situations. Mr Corr said Pixxaro was particularly suited in fallow situations, as an alternative to Group B and G chemistries, for the control of marshmallow, sow or milk thistle, prickly lettuce, volunteer legumes and many other weeds in combination with glyphosate and other products. “It is very soft on winter cereal crops controlling a range of problems weeds and has a short plantback period to canola, winter cereals and summer cereals,” he said. Rexade Arylex active herbicide is a selective herbicide for postemergent control of grass and broadleaf weeds in triticale and conventional wheat. With six grass weeds and twenty-four broadleaf weeds on the label and good compatibility with other products, it offers a one-pass herbicide solution. Rexade is particularly useful for growers wanting to rest their Group A grass herbicides as wild oat resistance to those products increases in many areas. It also has a flexible application timing and short plant-back period. “With our Arylex range of Rexade, Paradigm, Pixarro and Trezac, we really feel like we’ve got all weed situations covered in the northern cereal market,” Mr Corr said. “There is an offering to suit every use pattern.”

My farm, our future

Arylex active ®

Paradigm Pixxaro Trezac Rexade

Growing winter cereals? Use a crop protection approach that works in one pass, one time, for years to come. Arylex® active products contain powerful broad spectrum, low-dose actives with desirable environmental profiles. Combined with wide compatibility and rotational cropping flexibility, they often require fewer herbicide applications – protecting and maintaining your land for future growing seasons. For more information about protecting your legacy with the Arylex® active family of herbicides, contact your Corteva Agriscience™ representative or call 1800 700 096

Spectrum covers major winter cereal weeds

Works on its own or mixed with partner herbicides

Rotational cropping

Short grazing withholding period

Short rainfast period

®,TM

Finance

FARMER TRADES LIVESTOCK WITHOUT PUTTING DOWN A DOLLAR Ray McNamara turns a handy profit trading livestock without being at the market or putting a dollar down. The Elders Camperdown client and wife Cathie have assembled a team around them to spot the right pens, buy them and arrange the finance while the McNamaras focus on their day-to-day work. The McNamaras run the home farm at Colac in Victoria’s Western District, and Mr McNamara also manages properties for a client. “It’s pretty simple for us,” Mr McNamara said. “Our agent, Corey Baulch, is at the market once or twice a week and, if he sees something under the odds because it’s too hot or there weren’t enough people there on the day, he picks it up for us. “I’ll get a phone call and the truck will roll in and we’ve got cattle.” Mr McNamara uses a StockCo facility through Elders to seize those opportunities. The facility, Mr McNamara said, was convenient and preserved the family’s cashflow because funding costs were only deducted from sale proceeds once the livestock were sold.

In just eight months, Mr McNamara made a return of more than $30,000 on the purchase of 30 head of cattle. “Our motto is ‘buy cheap, sell dear’,” Mr McNamara said. “If you’re going to trade, you need to work closely with a good agent you can trust and Corey is the backbone of what we do with our cattle. “The association we have with Elders and StockCo is gold. That’s what I tell people, don’t do anything else, just deal with those two.”

“We like having everything under one roof to keep it simple,” he said.

Image - Ray McNamara on property 8

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HOW STOCKCO WORKS

FLEXIBLE FINANCE FOR PROFITABLE FARM DECISIONS

StockCo is a specialised livestock funder, which offers 100 per cent invoice funding and cash advances against commercial sheep and cattle for trades, backgrounding and feedlotting.

Farmers can use StockCo livestock financing to cover 100 per cent of the purchase cost of new stock and even unlock the equity in existing stock with a cash advance to top-up cashflow.

Agri-finance manager James Bik said traditional financiers could be reluctant to lend for working capital purposes, unless security could be taken over farmland. In contrast, StockCo would fund 100 per cent of the value of the livestock and GST.

Elders agri-finance manager James Bik said StockCo facilities were mostly used by farmers to fund livestock trades.

“There are no establishment charges or other fees. The facility holder doesn’t pay anything upfront,” he said. No repayments are required, as charges are deducted from sales proceeds when the stock are sold and Mr Bik said the StockCo facility was designed to be nimble. “Elders understands how rapidly the livestock market can move and quick facility establishment is one of the key features of StockCo,” he said. “It typically takes around a week to convert an enquiry into a facility ready to trade, and often happens even faster.” Interest charges vary and are subject to assessment, but Mr Bik said pricing was typically at 1 per cent per month on the drawn balance. “The biggest benefit is that you don’t outlay any funds - you pay it back when you sell.”

“We provide the finance that covers the whole cost of the livestock purchase, including GST, and take security over the stock,” he said. “StockCo owns the livestock, so other financiers’ security is unaffected. “No repayments are required. The interest charges are deducted from sales proceeds on behalf of the farmer when stock is sold.” StockCo also has options for funding for the purchase of commercial breeding stock, with three to four-year terms and annual repayments available. Then, producers could arrange a cash advance against the progeny or to sell progeny to offset the original borrowing. “Farming is all about getting the timing right,” Mr Bik said. “If unlocking the equity in your stock provides the cashflow to get that seed in the ground at the ideal time, that might just set you up for a successful year. “StockCo finance can give you the freedom to make profitable, marke-driven decisions.” 9

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LIVESTOCK FENCING

ENTER YOUR CONTACT DETAILS & CHOOSE YOUR WARATAH DISTRIBUTOR

EXCLUSION FENCING

GET PLANNING TODAY!

Visit www.waratahfencing.com.au to find out more.

SUBMIT YOUR QUOTE REQUEST

Fencing

NEED A FENCE QUOTE? WARATAH CAN HELP. Request a quote for some of the most common livestock and feral exclusion fence designs used across Australia today, on the Waratah fencing website. Select what you’re trying to fence in/out, enter the fence length, where you are and who you like to shop with – then Waratah will chase it up for you! There are multiple designs on our website including: sheep, cattle, and mixed livestock fencing, and wild dog, wild pig, general feral, and rabbit exclusion fencing, as well as a conservation fencing design. You will be able to find a design that’s best for your needs. If you want to make a change or want to add something simple fill out the notes section with any changes. Waratah understands how busy producers are and trying to get your fencing in order during the day was often being put at the bottom of the to do list. Waratah answered the call and developed an easy to use system to get your fencing quote under way.

It's super easy to do just follow the instructions below! □ Visit www.waratahfencing.com.au and click on the type of fencing you want. □ Have a look at the post, wire and accessories of the suggested fence design. □ At the request a quote section enter in your fence length (minimum size 1000m) and what post spacing you would like for your fence. □ Enter your contact details, preferred fencing month & select ‘next’. □ Review the quote summary, make any necessary notes (such as changes to design) & select ‘next. □ Use the map & search tool to select up to two of your preferred distributors to receive your quote from. □ Once submitted you’ll receive an email with your bill of materials. □ Our sales team will then be in contact with you to ensure you have everything you need and the store or our sales team will then follow up with the relevant pricing! There has never been a better time to start planning your fencing project than now! Receive top fence design advice from the market leaders, with the quick and easy quote request today! So next time you need fencing think Waratah - visit www.waratahfencing.com.au.

Crop Protection

NEW TANK MIX PARTNER A ‘PRIORIT Y’ FOR BROADLEAF WEEDS GRAIN growers will have the option to strengthen and broaden their cereal crop management plans in relation to controlling broadleaf weeds, volunteer pulses and canola in the coming season following the development of a new, more flexible and cost-effective herbicide tank mix partner. Priority, a Group B post-emergent herbicide launched by ADAMA Australia, importantly offers excellent crop safety and allays residue concerns particularly in oaten hay and also following crops. ADAMA Australia Portfolio Manager – Herbicides, Rob Walker, said Priority was an ideal first choice for tank mixtures to broaden the weed spectrum and enhance the performance of tank-mix partners, targeting up to 54 broadleaf weeds depending on the tank-mix partner utilised, and to control volunteer pulses and nonimidazoline tolerant varieties of canola. Priority contains florasulam, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor, in a suspension concentrate formulation and once absorbed via weed foliage or roots, it is translocated to the growing points via the xylem and phloem. “An important benefit of florasulam is that it does not bind to stubble or plant material and has a relatively short half-life in the soil. Reduced soil residual enables greater flexibility for rotation crop options compared with other Group B herbicides such as metsulfuron or clopyralid (Group I),’’ Rob said. Priority is effective against susceptible weeds from the two to eightleaf stage, depending on the weed species and/or weed size. It can be applied with registered tank mix partners including LVE MCPA 570, Triathlon®, Picoflex® plus MCPA 750, Flagship® 400, Bronco® MA-X, Zulu® XT, 2,4-D Amine and 2,4-D Ester, between the three and flag leaf crop stages (GS13-37). “Additional tank-mix options are an ongoing proposition, with extensive research continuing to aim for expanded mixing options into the future,’’ Rob said. ADAMA Australia Market Development Manager – Victoria, Alistair Crawford, said the cost-effectiveness of Priority meant it could be used with several other herbicide modes of action, including Group C, H, I, F and potentially G herbicides.“Growers will be able to use it early, from three-leaf to early tillering, with other modes of action, and later (Z32-37) with 2,4-D Amine or 2,4-D Ester,’’ Alistair said. “Priority is really broad spectrum, so there will be a mix that can control most broadleaf weeds. It will be a cost-effective tank-mix or spike compared with alternatives, which, when you add other modes of action and oil, can be quite expensive.’’

He said the crop safety and favourable pre-harvest interval and plant-back profile would make it ideal for use in oats in Victoria, as well as cereal crops in the Mallee to control volunteer pulses and wild radish. Alistair said tank mixes with Priority also would be effective for controlling summer weeds including marshmallow, as well as broadleaf weeds in ryegrass pastures. Brett Atkin, Elders Broadacre Agronomist based at Swan Hill, says Priority will have widespread uptake in the Victorian Mallee. “It’s great to see Florasulam as a stand-alone, competitively priced active. This enables flexible mixing partners to achieve the desired result with minimal plantbacks, without having the need to use problematic actives like clopyralid”, he said. “Priority is fantastic on a wide range of weeds including hard to control vetch / tares.” Priority herbicide is registered for post-emergent application in wheat, barley, oats, triticale, established ryegrass pastures and fallow. For further information on the new tank-mix partner, growers can contact their local ADAMA Australia or Elders representative, or visit ADAMA.com.

Photos: Top - Pictured in a trial at Elmore last season showing the excellent control of volunteer vetch 49 days after treatment Middle - Pictured shows the uncontrolled volunteer vetch at the Elmore trial site. Bottom - Elders representatives inspecting ADAMA trials. 12

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Priority

The flexible option for your rotation.

New Priority herbicide from ADAMA is an ideal tank mix

• Controls 54 key broadleaf weeds, including volunteer pulses and canola (non-imi varieties), depending on the tank-mix partner

partner for the control of

• Apply between three and flag leaf stage (GS13-37)

broadleaf weeds in winter

• Relatively short plant-back intervals

cereals, established ryegrass pastures and fallow.

Scan here for more information

• Apply safely in oats in a range of tank mixtures • Compatible and concentrated formulation

HERBICIDE ®Registered trademark of an ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Company. ADA20297

WANT TO FILL THE WINTER FEED GAP? can generate 30 - 60% more dry matter within 3 weeks of application.

For more information on ProGibb SG please scan here

www.sumitomo-chem.com.au ProGibb® is a registered trademark of Valent BioSciences LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Crop Protection

PROGIBB SG FILLS THE WINTER FEED GAP One of the biggest issues facing livestock producers is keeping stock fed during the winter feed gap. Pasture depletion during cooler weather and cold soil temperatures can significantly affect farm income as a consequence of increased costs caused by supplementary feeding or reduced stocking rates. Chris (Desi) Toohey is a senior agronomist with Elders in Albury and has been recommending ProGibb SG as way to effectively increase grass growth and feed quantity during periods of reduced winter pasture production. ProGibb SG from Sumitomo stimulates plant growth by stimulating cell expansion, which results in leaf and stem elongation. Applying ProGibb SG to freshly-grazed pastures leads to rapid foliage growth. Visual responses can often be seen inseven days, although maximum dry matter production does not occur for three to four weeks. Commercial demonstrations have shown increases in dry matter ranging from 30 to 60 per cent. Additionally, milk processors across Australia approve the use of ProGibb SG as a farm input as no residues occur as a result of using ProGibb SG. Mr Toohey said he first came across ProGibb some 10 years ago. Having been impressed by trial work, he decided to give it a go and has been recommending it ever since. “There wasn’t a great need to recommend it last year, with lower stocking rates from the previous two years drought and therefore an abundance of feed from a great autumn that couldn’t all be utilized,” Mr Toohey said. “We had a mild winter and reduced stocking rates in areas of our districts due to drought management. Now that the rains are back, and producers are restocking, I can see a good fit for it over the coming winter, particularly if it’s a traditional, cold one”. Mr Toohey is mainly recommending it into the phalaris, cocksfoot and ryegrass pastures that dominate the perennial grass pasture base in his area and is regularly seeing biomass increases of over 20pc.

Because it is compatible with a wide range of herbicides and fertilisers, ProGibb SG can fit in well with previously planned pasture management operations. “I had a client with a phalaris and sub clover pasture which was planted two years ago,” Mr Toohey said. “I recommended Progibb SG to help increase dry matter over winter and suggested that we leave an untreated strip in the pasture as a comparison. “The difference was quite marked, with the treated area producing over 30pc more dry matter within a few weeks. That client has been using it ever since.” Mr Toohey said clients considering trying ProGibb SG for the first time found the benefits compelling. “It’s quite an easy discussion,” Mr Toohey said. “When you consider the cost per hectare of ProGibb versus buying in extra feed or the potential, it gives for increased stocking rates, it is well worth it.”

Photos: Top Right -Untreated strip in middle of paddock 15

How to make Stylo a weight-gain star. The right choice of legume can add a vital extra 20 to 30kg liveweight gain a year to store cattle, making the difference between achieving cut-offs for exports markets or missing them. In the dry tropics of northern Australia, cattle gain weight early in the wet season, then slow down as grass matures and protein becomes limiting. They maintain weight in autumn but lose it over the winter and into the dry season. Store cattle must gain at least 160 kilograms of liveweight a year to meet the weight-for-age requirements of our export markets. To reach this, graziers must either supplementary feed or oversow legumes in the pasture to maintain growth during autumn and stop weight loss during the dry. Adding Stylosanthes (mainly Stylosanthes scabra cv. Seca and S. hamata cv. Verano) legume species to native pastures can add an extra 20 to 30kg liveweight gain a year to store cattle. Native pastures oversown with stylos produce higher annual weight gains, improved weaner and heifer nutrition and have reduced risk to drought compared to grazing native pastures alone. Stylos have been successfully sown on at least 1 million hectares of northern Australian pasture lands. Average native pasture yields on light textured, largely phosphorusdeficient soils across north Queensland are approximately 1000–2000kg dry matter a hectare (depending on seasonal rainfall). Stylos are less affected than native grass by seasonal conditions and, under usual grazing conditions, can add a further 1000-2000kg DM/ha of forage (Cooksley 2003). Stylos are not particularly palatable, and cattle prefer to graze the grass component of these pastures, particularly early in the growing season. This favours the persistence of stylos, so they increase under heavy grazing. The average stocking rate on these extensive northern native pastures is one adult

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Verano Stylo

equivalent to 10ha, but these legumes allow for stocking rates to be increased, placing pressure on the grass component of pastures. Oversown native pastures need to be managed to ensure stylos do not dominate pastures to the exclusion of perennial native grasses. This potentially increases the risk of weed invasion, accelerated soil erosion, increased variability in animal production, and soil acidification. Native perennial grasses are displaced by stylo because of: 1. increased grazing pressure on grasses during the growing season reducing their ability to seed; and 2. competition from stylo plants (Cooksley 2003). Areas of greatest risk to stylo dominance are usually lighter textured, low-fertility soils with high grazing pressure. Stylos prefer light, sandy-textured soils which can keep growing during period of moisture stress, given their deep taproot and tap into moisture too deep for most grasses. On heaviertextured clay soils, bluegrasses (for example Dichanthium, Bothriochloa species) and silky browntop and so on are more competitive, while areas of frost also reduce stylo competition. Stylos fix their own nitrogen, even on lightertextured sandy soils and this can lead to soil acidification on poorly buffered soils (low CEC).

Seca stylo and grass Varying the overall grazing pressure and wet-season spelling are two options for restoring native grasses. Fire kills at least some stylo plants and intermittent burning therefore offers a potentially potent way of managing the balance of native grass and stylo. Paddock spelling over summer strengthens individual grass tussocks and allows a heavier seed set. As well, new grass seedlings have an opportunity to establish (Orr 2010).

Stylos produce a large seed bank (hundreds of seeds per square metre)

Queensland Department of Primary Industries found: • “At light stocking rates only, spelling was required to restore native 3P grass (perennial, productive, palatable) yields to natural levels (1200 – 1500 kg DM/ ha), but they comprised only 10% of total yield. • Medium stocking rates, burning was necessary to restore the native 3P grass component and there was a further significant response to spelling. Stable native grass-stylo systems with a grass component of 30% to 50% of total yield were achieved. • Heavy stocking rates - spelling was ineffective in restoring native 3P grasses. • In this environment, there was little response until seasonal rainfall events were in the average range or above (>800mm rainfall in a growing season) before any changes became apparent regardless of treatment” (Cooksley, 2003). Cooksley (2003) reported from DPI trial work that, at moderate stocking rates, combinations of pasture spelling and burning can successfully rehabilitate pastures dominated by oversown stylo species. It has been shown that the 3P grass component of degraded stylo-augmented native pasture systems can be restored using a combination of burning and spelling even though seed reserves were very low. Burning without spelling is largely ineffective in restoring the 3P grass component although the total grass component improved as a result of higher yields of unpalatable “increaser” grass species, like wiregrasses (Cooksley 2003). Introducing improved pastures is also an option for restoring a stable grass/legume balance; particularly species like Urochloa (Sabi) grass (adapted to the low fertility soils), Indian couch and Buffel on better areas such as alluvial frontage country, basalt country and some heavier box soils. References: Cooksley, D.G. (2003) Managing native pastures and stylo. Meat and Livestock

Seca stylo dominating pasture – not in balance with grass

Australia Project NAP3.221 Final Report. Orr, D.M. (2010) Managing the grass-legume balance in Stylosanthes scabra cv. Seca pastures in central Queensland. Tropical Grasslands (2010) Vol. 44. 174-183.

An alternative strategy is replacement of the grass component by oversowing introduced grass species, such as Urochloa (Sabi) grass or Buffel, that may compete and persist better under current management. The grass component of grazed, stable stylo-native grass pastures then should yield >1000 kg DM/ha and represent 30-50 per cent of total pasture yield.

Thomas Elder Consulting can advise on native and improved pastures, pasture mixes, soils and climate; The best methodologies moving forward in pasture recovery.

In trials conducted during the 1990s near Mareeba, the then

Peter Spies, Thomas Elder Consulting 17

We’ve done all the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Trojan’s microcapsule formulation delivers massive results from easy-to-use small packs: • Low use rates • Excellent crop safety and significantly reduced risk of paraesthesia • Compatibility with a wide range of mix partners • Controlled release leading to extended residual control Trust the world’s most potent synthetic pyrethroid

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Bringing research to the farm gate The Thomas Elder Institute (TEI) is Elders research, development and extension arm. TEI is centred around key partnerships with public and private research organisations, educational institutions, industry bodies and producer. The purpose of TEI is to drive progression of Australian Agriculture by bridging the gap between research and the farm gate. TEI achieves this through participating in: • strategic industry collaborations, • contract industry funded research, development and extension projects, • private commercial research, development and commercialisation and, • Professional development of the Elders advisory network. For more information please visit the TEI website at thomaselderinstitute.com.au

Crop Protection

A GREEN FUTURE FOR NITRATE FERTILISERS GLOBAL fertiliser giant, Yara, is banking on ‘green’ ammonia in its bid to slash its carbon footprint by 30 per cent within a decade and became carbon neutral by 2050. Ammonia is an intermediary chemical used in the production of urea and nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) compound fertilisers. More than 180 million tonnes of ammonia are produced globally every year, with the vast majority of this used in agriculture as fertiliser. Whereas ‘brown’ ammonia is produced using fossil fuels, typically natural gas, ‘green’ ammonia is produced using renewable ingredients, namely hydrogen, obtained through the electrolysis of water and nitrogen obtained from the air. In turn, these processes are driven by renewable energy sources, such as hydro-electric, solar power or wind turbines. Yara has already commenced a ‘green’ ammonia pilot study at its Pilbara plant in Western Australia in partnership with ENGIE, a French energy company that specialises in developing industrial-scale renewable hydrogen solutions. Yara Crop Nutrition Commercial Director – Australia and New Zealand, Michael Waites, said the technology s part of a range of initiatives the company is undertaking to reduce its carbon footprint. “Our ammonia plants are energy efficient and continuously improving, leading to lower natural gas consumption and less carbon dioxide emissions,” he said. “Our nitric acid plants are among the best for greenhouse gas emissions thanks to the development and adoption of catalyst technology. Mr Waites said the technology significantly reduces emissions of nitrous oxide – a potent greenhouse gas – associated with the production of nitric acid. “EU producers are recognised as being more climatefriendly due to the widespread use of nitrous oxide abatement technology and the fact it doesn’t use coal as an energy source for the production of ammonia,” he said. The carbon footprint of urea production in Russia and China (assuming 75pc of plants are coal powered and 25pc are gas powered), is 25pc and 126pc higher, respectively, than in Europe.1,2 Likewise, the carbon footprint for NPK fertilisers produced in Russia and China is 72pc and 141pc higher, respectively, than in Europe.1,2 Mr Waites said Yara is one of the few fertiliser manufacturers that has determined its carbon footprint and has had this data verified by a third-party expert.

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“We are often asked by food producers to provide certified data about the carbon footprint of our products to determine the carbon footprint of their end products,” Mr Waites said. Australian farmers has, an important role to play in reducing their carbon footprints. “Agriculture accounts for about 20pc of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and is the second-largest contributor to Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. 3,4 “Farmers rely on their land to profitably grow food and fibre, so they have a vested interest in minimising any negative impact on the environment. “Using quality nitrate-based fertilisers and adopting management practices that improve fertiliser efficiency are two simple ways they can reduce the carbon footprint of their farm, their industry and the world.” In Australia, Yara is committed to a range of other initiatives that support environmental sustainability, including its partnership of the Farm Waste Recovery and drumMUSTER programs. Working in partnership with manufacturers, industry associations and local councils, the Farm Waste Recovery program aims to collect, recycle or dispose of the polypropylene and polyethylene bags commonly used to store fertiliser and stockfeed. drumMUSTER is the national program for the collection and recycling of eligible non-returnable crop production and animal health product chemical containers. YaraVita fertilisers are packaged in 10-litre ‘A Pack’ fully recyclable polyethylene bottles, including the labels and caps. REFERENCES

1. Brentrup, F., Lammel, J., Stephani, T. (2018). Updated carbon footprint values for mineral fertilizer from different world regions. 11th International Conference on Life Cycle Assessment of Food 2018 (LCA Food) 17-19 October 2018, Bangkok, Thailand. 2. Hoxha, A., Christensen, B. (2018). The Carbon Footprint of Fertiliser Production: Regional Reference Values. Proceedings 805. International Fertiliser Society Conference 8 May 2018, Prague, Czech Republic. 3. FAOSTAT 2020. 4. Climate Council of Australia (2018). Australia’s Rising Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Climate Council, Potts Point, Australia.

Improving productivity needn’t cost the earth. Quality nitrate fertilisers from Yara can optimise the yield and quality of crops – and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your farm. We’ve already reduced the carbon footprint of our nitrate fertiliser production by 40% by making our production plants and processes among the most energy-efficient in the world. Our ongoing development of ‘green’ ammonia technology and climate-smart agricultural practices means we’re on track to reduce emissions by another 30% within a decade and carbon neutral by 2050. Contact Yara and find out how our integrated crop nutrition programs can deliver better agronomic, business and environmental outcomes for your farming business. © 2021 Yara YAR21211

1800 684 266

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Crop Protection

WHAT’S IN THE TOOLKIT FOR WINTER? Having the right tools and the knowledge of how to use them is critical as we progress through winter to set us up for spring. If you are a broadacre or horticultural grower Omnia has products that offer compelling benefits for winter applications. Winter pruning in tree and vine crops and foliar trace element sprays in broadacre crops are two topics of interest to progressive growers. PRUNING Winter pruning of grapes, apples and cherries means it is time to prepare the pruning tool kit. Dead arm disease, Botryosphaeria dieback and Silverleaf can be devastating diseases in these crops and unprotected pruning wounds can be a source of infection. Sharp pruning tools, well trained operators and products like SPRAYSEAL and GREENSEAL should be essential components of your pruning toolkit as they can all help reduce the incidence of disease and improve the longterm production of orchards and vineyards. Larger pruning wounds, where re-working of vines involves major surgery, should be treated with GREENSEAL. This forms a tough and durable weather resistant skin on the wound and contains an effective fungicide to prevent and control infection following pruning. It is available with its own applicator so treating your pruning wounds is simple and fast. For smaller cane pruning wounds we recommend SPRAYSEAL. It is applied up to 6 days following pruning by spray application. Spraying equipment should be adjusted to provide adequate coverage of the pruning wounds on the vines, while reducing spray drift. If re-circulating shielded sprayers are available they will reduce wastage. Applying SPRAYSEAL reduces labour costs and ensures the wound treatment process is efficient, meaning your pruning schedule stays on track.

FOLIAR TRACE ELEMENTS In broadacre crops now is the time to consider trace element applications. In paddocks with a history of trace element deficiencies or when higher than average yields are expected, winter is a great time to apply foliar trace elements. The OmniSure range is formulated using the latest chelation technology which enables efficient plant uptake and improved compatibility with commonly applied crop protection products such as 2,4-D Amine and Propiconazole. This reduces the number of sprayer passes over the crop reducing costs and ensuring spray applications occur in a timely fashion. Omnia Sales and Marketing Manager Darren Thomas said, “Our OmniSure range of trace elements is quite unique. In cereals trial results they match EDTA chelates for plant uptake and have a better compatibility profile. They offer a significant value benefit to broadacre growers.” Mr Thomas concluded with, “Trace elements are often overlooked, particularly in high yielding situations when focus switches to top-dressing nitrogen. OmniSure offers growers a convenient and cost-effective way to add trace elements to the system through foliar application.”

Independent trial photos showing how OmniSure outperforms EDTA regarding crop damage

For more information go to www.omnia. com.au or contact your Elders Agronomist.

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Grains are about to get exciting. Andrew Whitelaw

I love this time of year. It is not only that we have everything ahead of us in Australia, but it’s also when the grain market starts to get interesting. The last half-year has been atypical. We would not usually get the excitement in markets we have recently had. Apart from what is happening locally, the market is generally quite dull during the year’s end and start. It is from around May until August that things typically get exciting, but why is that?. The reason for the buzz at this time of year is due to the weather risk. The approaching period is the global weather risk window. The majority of the world’s grain and oilseed crop will be harvested between May and September, so all eyes are on production.

Traders and analysts watch the crop earnestly and, if they see an inkling of things going wrong somewhere, it tends to pump the market up. At times it will be overdone and just a rash movement that will go as quickly as it came but it makes for opportunity and excitement. So this is the make-or-break period for the global grain and oilseed crop. In Australia, we tag along at the end of it once everyone else is finished! The charts below detail both the combined and individual crops and what percentage of each will be harvested in a given month.

For more market insights please visit: thomaseldermarkets.com.au

Crop Protection

HOW POST-EMERGENCE NUTRITION AFFECTS YOUR BROADACRE CROPS Post-emergence in broadacre crops is a critical time to set up crops for flowering, pollination, and harvest. Plants undergo extreme growth at this time, which means proper nutrition is crucial to support this growth. Post-emergence nutritional sprays boost nutrition easily during this growth stage. It’s vital to maximise root and shoot growth during postemergence. The stronger the root structure of a plant, the greater its capacity to access and utilise vital nutrients and water, and to withstand harmful environmental effects. A strong, resilient root system is essential for overcoming stress conditions in any crop. Furthermore, a robust root system leads to greater leaf development, providing strength and hormone balance throughout the plant’s entire system. “Providing nutrients at early establishment and pollination are critical to maximising yield and profitability. Strong flowering and good pollination will set the plant up for good seed setting and yield,” Stoller technical manager Domenic Cavallaro said. Vital trace elements aid in the metabolic processes of plants, and any imbalance in the hormone cycles at any time can stop a plant from reaching its full genetic potential. Ensuring you have the right levels is key to ensuring a healthy crop. Copper, manganese, and zinc are all needed to synthesise proteins and create chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is needed for the process of photosynthesis and, when photosynthesis is impacted, it can lead to a reduction in yield. Zinc is needed for auxin production, a plant hormone that is vital for vegetative growth. Zinc deficiency will also cause plants to have more problems with “sucking insects” and with unchecked zinc deficiency yields can be greatly reduced.

yield and better fruit shelf life. Post-emergence is the ideal time to apply it on your broadacre crop, improving nutrition and strengthening the plant, ready for flowering. The calcium in Action 10 signals auxin movement, which in turn improves pollen tube formation and pollen viability, leading to increased pollination. The polysaccharides in Action 10 provide energy to the plant for increased photosynthesis. The Amino Acids are precursors to stress resistance, hormone activity, increasing root growth, and photosynthesis. Action 10: > Aids root growth > Improve a root biological rhizosphere > Strengthens plant establishment with improved uniformity > Improves pollination > Maximises yield potential and increased profits > Builds strong cells and promotes healthy growth > Creates plants less susceptible to pests, diseases, and physical failure For more information on Action 10 and Stoller’s Solutions for broadacre, contact Stoller on info@stoller.com.au or FREECALL 1800 337 845.

Stoller’s products and programs are built on this understanding – the link between nutrients, physiology, hormones and crop health. When plants are functioning at their best, yield, quality and production benefits will follow. Healthy crops are also less susceptible to pests, diseases, and environmental stress like drought and frost. Stoller’s Action 10 is a specifically-formulated calcium product that promotes root growth, improves pollination, and improves stress tolerance in broadacre crops. Calcium is the building block for cell walls in new tissue. It makes strong cells that assist in higher marketable 26

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Stoller Technical Manager Domenic Cavallaro

stoller.com.au

Stoller is a global company celebrating 50 years throughout the world and 25 years in Australia. Our products are based on an in depth knowledge of Plant Physiology and nutrient interaction for a variety of broadacre, horticulture, tree and vine crops. Our Australian team undertake trials and demonstrations throughout the country to deeply understand the way our products impact plant potential in a variety of conditions. Stoller employ skilled representatives that work nationwide with growers, agronomists and distributors. Our products are made in Australia and manufactured throughout the country.

Product Focus n Aids root growth n Improves pollination n Builds strong cells and promotes healthy growth

n Creates plants that are less susceptible to pests, disease and physical failure

Refer to our website for Action 10 & Stoller Solutions.

Stoller will help your crops reach their full potential. Ask us how today. Contact Stoller on FREECALL 1800 337 845 or info@stoller.com.au

SLUGS & SNAILS LOVE IT TO DEATH

METAREX INOV All Weather Slug & Snail Bait developed from science & nature providing superior control based on unique technology for enhanced delivery

Maximum Attractiveness Enhanced Palatability Faster Efficient Kill Persistent Control

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Crop Protection

MOLLUSC MITIGATION – WHAT RISKS DO SNAILS AND SLUGS POSE? “If you have to clean snails out at harvest, you have not done your job properly at the start of the season.” Control of snails and slugs requires timely application of baits, based on understanding when and where the greatest threats exist, the makers of Metarex say. Snails and slugs are adapted to the variable Australian climate “lottery”, with numbers fluctuating between seasons. Recent GRDC research highlighted the interaction between climatic conditions and snail and slug numbers, with available moisture being the main factor. Good growing seasons equal larger snail and slug populations, hence greater risk to crops. Wet conditions continuing into 2021 across most of eastern and southern Australia have been ideal for snail and slug breeding. Following two dry seasons, small numbers of snails were observed in the autumn of 2020 across most vineyards, so bait was not applied. By spring, large numbers of snails were observed, with baiting required to protect new growth. Applications of an attractive product, Metarex Inov, resulted in excellent control. Italian snails from vineyards in south-east South Australia on average were 5-7 millimetres larger than previous years, indicating 2020 was an excellent year for numbers to build up. Larger adults produce more eggs. Autumn applications of Metarex Inov, before eggs are laid, will provide the best reduction of snails. A recent trial on garden snails in citrus orchards indicated a doubling of efficacy when Metarex Inov was applied in March compared to winter. Similar results have been

observed across broadacre crops. This season, in early March, a 100 per cent kill was achieved on Italian round snails using Metarex Inov under ideal conditions: dewy mornings followed by dry, warm days with snails being active after mating. Last year also favoured the build-up of slug populations, with breeding continuing all year in some areas due to good soil moisture (>30pc v/v). Monitoring from southwest Victoria (Fig. 1) supports observations that there are massive populations of grey field slugs awaiting canola to emerge. Application of Metarex Inov at sowing, after rolling, will protect seed and seedlings. Follow-up monitoring is required to ensure bait remains, hence continuing to protect seedlings. Also, follow-up applications of Metarex Inov may be required this year, with the confidence that juvenile slugs will be controlled as was observed last spring in poppies. Proactive baiting using an attractive, palatable, persistent product that delivers a lethal dose, integrated with cultural practices and conservation of natural enemies, will protect crops and eliminate contamination of produce.

Crop Protection

SST AND THE GOOD OIL FOR SPRAY ADJUVANTS SST Australia’s Kwickin Spray Adjuvant is a high-quality esterified oil-based adjuvant made from a blend of Australian canola oil and non-ionic surfactants. It is suitable for use as a spray adjuvant with a wide range of agricultural pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, defoliants and desiccants where oil-based spray adjuvants are specified on the pesticide label.

Developed and registered in the 1990s, SST national sales manager Mike Cobden – said Kwickin has been manufactured in Melbourne by SST Australia since 1997 and is extensively supported by many herbicide manufacturers and has a successful record of sound and reliable performance. “Kwickin provides an enhanced performance when compared with mineral oil or vegetable oil-based adjuvants and under cold conditions (less than 10 Degrees Celsius), “Kwickin is preferred to other crop oil adjuvants when used with certain herbicides as recommended on their label.” Kwickin is manufactured using only Australian canola oil and all of the surfactant components are produced from food crops, meaning that Kwickin is free of any synthetic surfactants such as Nonyl Phenol which Mr Cobden said was now banned in many parts of the world. “Kwickin is the safe choice where an esterified recommended and is the preferred option by agronomists and end users because it is soft on and is thus less damaging to crops than most esterified oils and petroleum oils,”

oil is many crops other

“SST Australia has never sought to change the raw material inputs for inferior or less sustainable sources like palm oil, ensuring that the characteristics of the performance of Kwickin are never compromised, giving peace of mind for the end users.”

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According to its makers, Kwickin is a highly biodegradable yet highly-penetrating oil and the outstanding wax solubility and penetration characteristics of Kwickin enhance pesticide uptake through the waxy cuticle of the plant leaf. Mr Cobden said the unique combination of surfactants and oils in Kwickin assisted contact with the cuticle interface through better coverage and droplet spread. “Kwickin will also help reduce losses from spray drift as less driftable droplets are produced, ensuring that more of the pesticide hits the target, which enhances pesticide availability and absorption by the plant,” he said. “Kwickin also helps reduce spray droplet evaporation once the droplets have reached their target.” Its makers recommend Kwickinis suitable to be used’s in cold water because it mixes with pesticides better than most mineral oil adjuvants in cold water.

KwicKin The safe choice where an esterified oil is recommended. DeriveD from 100% AustrAliAN CANolA oil • Soft on crops • Soft on the environment • Highly biodegradable

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Crop Protection

NEXT GENERATION APHID CONTROL FOR CANOLA GROWERS Canola growers will have access to a powerful new insecticide for aphid control this season following the registration of MainMan 500WG insecticide in canola crops. MainMan (500g/kg flonicamid) controls the three major sucking pests in canola – green peach, cabbage and turnip aphids. As the only Group 29 insecticide in Australia, it provides a new mode of action in canola to control aphids resistant to other insecticides.

“MainMan is very specific to the Hemiptera Order and so a wide range of tolerant predatory insects will be preserved, thus contributing to overall pest control,” Mr Cass said, “making MainMan highly compatible with IPM programs.”

UPL Australia’s head of marketing and business development, Ian Cass, said the company was delighted to have MainMan registered in time for this season.

A systemic and translaminar insecticide, MainMan works via contact to the aphid but mainly by ingestion, with aphids ceasing feeding within 15–30 minutes after ingestion. It is active on both nymph and adult stages of target insects.

“We’re extremely pleased to announce the registration of MainMan in canola,” Mr Cass said. “It offers canola growers and agronomists an effective new mode of action that can be used in rotation with commonly used Group 4 insecticides.” MainMan acts by disrupting the function of chordotonal stretch receptor organs, which are critical for the senses of gravity, balance, awareness of the position and movement of the body. This disrupts feeding very quickly in target insects. Due to its novel target site, MainMan shows no crossresistance to pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, sulfoxaflor, pirimicarb and organophosphate insecticides. “The unique mode of action is fast-acting and effective whilst also allowing for true rotation to manage aphid resistance, making it an excellent fit for IRM programs in Australia,” Mr Cass said. MainMan has been used extensively in Europe, Japan and Brazil for over 10 years, with no indication of aphid resistance reported. Mr Cass added that the other key defining feature of MainMan was the application window in canola, allowing for use up to end of flowering BBCH 69 stage. “MainMan can be used up to the end of flowering in canola,” he said. “It is not classified as toxic to bees.” However, as it may have adverse effects on honeybees for a short period after application, if applying during flowering, it’s advised to spray in the early morning or late evening when bees are not foraging.

“We believe that MainMan will provide canola growers and agronomists with a very flexible tool for aphid control,” he said. “There are no restrictions for applying in cooler weather as MainMan has been proven to work in temperatures from 50C to 350C.” He added that it is also rainfast in three hours, can be applied by air or ground application, and is compatible with most common mixing partners. Please contact your UPL representative if you have any question regarding compatibility. To be effective MainMan requires thorough coverage and only medium spray droplets according to ASAE S572 definition for standard nozzles should be used. Water volumes should be adjusted according to the crop growth stage to ensure thorough coverage. MainMan insecticide will be available from all good agricultural retailers for the 2021 Canola season. “UPL is excited to bring to market an important new aphicide for Australian canola growers,” Mr Cass said. “Having a new, effective and unique mode of action available to control aphids in canola means that Australian growers will have more products to rotate to when controlling aphids.”

General Merchandise

START THE SEASON WITH A CLEAN, CLEAR BOOM SPRAYER Urging farmers to prepare for the cropping season with a thorough decontamination of boom sprayers, AgNova says just one residue breach is all it could take to devastate a market. The supplier of All Clear DS, which removes chemical residues, AgNova is conducting a major education program to protect crops from damage due to contamination of boom sprayers and export markets from maximum residue limit breaches.

“Another reason to completely decontaminate the spray rig is to protect Australia’s agricultural markets from chemical residues breaching MRLs. Just one detection of chemical residues in food could devastate a whole market – that makes it imperative to get cleanout right.

It is offering farmers boom sprayer tank stickers twith a QR code linked to All Clear DS online resources, including label, safety data sheet, the list of chemicals removed by All Clear DS and a 10-minute instructional video on the complete boom sprayer cleaning and decontamination procedure.

“From a spray contractor’s point of view, this has a label specifically for cleaning a boom sprayer, giving them extra confidence and protection. All Clear DS is a very effective formulation for spray boom decontamination.”

Spray Safe and Save trainer Craig Day said it was important for farmers to prepare carefully for spraying. with boom sprayer inspection, maintenance and full decontamination. “The farmer must become proficient with this process and understand all the capture points such as the nozzle bodies, filters, the granni pot (venturi mixers) and the tank itself,” he said.

Image (Right) - Boom prayer tank sticker Scan the QR code to be taken to the instructional video on boom sprayer decontamination 34

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According to its supplier, tests showed All Clear DS was the most consistent tank cleaner for the widest range crop protection products. All Clear DS is available at your local Elders branch.

Suction filter cleaned with All Clear DS.

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Animal Health

GLANERY COMBINES TWO SHEEP VACCINES IN ONE Combining two sheep vaccinations in one, Zoetis Australia is about to launch GlanEry 7 in 1 B12. The product is a new formulation that combines Glanvac 6 B12 and Eryvac. GlanEry 7 in 1 B12 will protect sheep and lambs against seven endemic sheep diseases in Australia; Erysipelas arthritis, Cheesy Gland (CLA) and the five main clostridial diseases (pulpy kidney, tetanus, malignant oedema, black disease and black leg), all in a convenient 1 millilitre dose. According to Meat & Livestock Australia, these diseases collectively cost the Australian sheep industry approximately $90 million annually2. Zoetis Livestock Veterinary Team associate director Dr Kelly Graham said the addition of Erysipelas protection into the Zoetis Glanvac 6 in 1 range was important. “Erysipelas arthritis, caused by the bacteria Erysipelas rhusiopathiae, is the most common cause of lame lambs on farm and results in significant losses both on farm and at the abattoir,” Dr Graham said. “Losses on farm are due to culling, poor growth rates and reduced trading options if animals are unfit to load, and abattoir losses are associated with trim, reduced carcase weights and potential carcase condemnations.” There are three common bacteria associated with arthritis; Erysipelas, Chlamydia and pus-forming bacteria, all of which are commonly found on the sheep’s skin, in the soil and the environment. Although it is difficult to isolate the causative bacteria when investigating arthritis, recent survey work in southern Australia by Joan Lloyd3 (2016) found that 57.6 per cent of culture positive samples included Erysipelas. In a Western Australia study, Paton et al4(2003), showed that 100pc of culture positive cases included Erysipelas. In a southern NSW survey, Ferguson and Munro5 (2014) showed that 86.3pc of culture positive samples included Erysipelas. This research confirms that Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is the most common cause of bacterial joint infections in Australian lambs. Arthritis causes significant loss of production as a result of poor weight gain and reduced wool production in lame lambs, and failure to thrive in lambs with chronic arthritis. An abattoir study1 showed that lambs with arthritis had a reduction in total carcase weight of (HSCW) 1.2 kilograms compared to healthy lambs without arthritis. This does not include the losses due to trim, which have been estimated at approximately 3kg per carcase6. In Western Australia, Paton et al4 (2003) also estimated that 1.4pc of lambs born, died before weaning or are culled due to arthritis. 36

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”Erysipelas is found all over Australia and it can persist for a long time in the environment, including in water,” Dr Graham said. “It is carried on to a farm by many ways; from introduced sheep i.e. sheep that are chronically infected, by feral pigs, and a variety of other native animals, in fact over 30 species of wild birds and at least 50 species of wild mammals are known to harbour Erysipelas, as well as cattle, dogs, kangaroos and mice. “All these animals and birds provide an extensive reservoir, as a source of environmental contamination. So, given this bacterium can survive in the environment and is carried by a range of animals, contamination on any farm can change from year to year, therefore if a farm doesn’t experience infection one year it does not mean it won’t experience problems in subsequent years.” The most recently published annual report (2018 – 2019) from the National Sheep Health Monitoring Project7, representing the abattoir findings of approximately 8.7 million sheep inspected across Australia, showed a high percentage of sheep lines had evidence of arthritis. Erysipelas arthritis is a significant issue in Australia. GlanEry 7 in 1 B12 has been developed in Australia and is manufactured in Melbourne, Victoria. GlanEry 7 in 1 B12 provides the convenience of 2 vaccines in 1 with premium disease protection, so will save time, labour and cost whilst making sheep vaccination simple and easy. REFERENCES:

1. Lloyd et al (2018) Trimming and production losses associated with bacterial arthritis in lambs presented to an abattoir in southern Australia, Animal Production Science 2. MLA 2015 Priority list of endemic diseases for the red meat industries, Project B.AHE.0010 3. MLA 2016 An investigation of the potential link between arthritis and tail length in sheep, Project B.AHE.0238 4. Paton et al, Effect of mulesing and shearing on the prevalence of Erysipelthrix rhusiopathiae arthritis in lambs, Aust Vet J, Vol 81, No 11, November 2003 5. Ferguson E, Munro J (2014) Incidence over a 3 month period of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae as a cause of polyarthritis in sheep carcasses in abattoirs in Southern NSW, The official Newsletter of the Australian Sheep Veterinarians 6. Farquharson B (2007) Arthritis in Prime Lamb Sheep, A Review. MLA Project B.AHW.123 7. NSHMP Annual Report 2018-19

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Animal Health

DUAL-ACTIVE CATTLE DRENCH A GAME-CHANGER FOR CATTLE PRODUCERS Research has found a dual-active moxidectin and levamisole cattle drench resulted in steers that were 11 kilograms heavier than untreated animals and 8kg heavier over 63 days than those who had been treated with doramectin pour-on Virbac Australia has partnered with two independent research groups in northern and southern Australian cattle regions to uncover the most effective cattle drench in different conditions. Research conducted by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and North Coast Local Land Service found that untreated yearling steers or those treated with an ineffective product were 15 kilograms lighter after 90 days. The recent study looked at the response to a range of pour-on drenches in 245 mixed-breed steers, 9-11 months old sourced from over 50 NSW farms, with a mean starting weight of 300 kilograms and naturally infected with Ostertagia, Haemonchus and Cooperia. The research found that Cydectin Platinum - as a dualactive moxidectin and levamisole cattle drench -resulted in steers that were 11kg heavier than untreated animals and 8kg heavier than those who had been treated with doramectin pour-on. A second study conducted by James Cook University in Queensland found that the dual-active drench was the most effective at worm control. The study involved 172 mixed-sex weaner beef cattle from a local research herd; the animals had a mean starting weight of 280kg, mixed infections of Haemonchus, Cooperia and Oesophagostonum.

Cydectin Platinum had 100 per cent efficacy against worms at day 14 and 4.4kg weight gain compared to controls and 2.4kg compared to single active doramectin pour-on over 42 days. The single active doramectin pouron was also the least effective and only achieved an efficacy of 88 percent compared to controls. Virbac senior livestock technical services manager Dr Matt Ball encourages farmers to ensure they choose the most effective cattle drench to fight parasites. “We now recognise that single active pour-on drenches are no longer effective enough to control all key worms or protect productivity,” Dr Ball said. “Farmers need effective products that don’t just remove some of the worms but also add excellent growth rates in their cattle. Over time, the products that we use become less and less effective and that is fundamentally the problem. If we use an ineffective drench, we lose productivity – our cattle don’t grow as well. “With Cydectin Platinum, we’ve created a drench that not only improves worm control and holds off resistance, but it also keeps benefits like potency, persistency and ease of use. When it comes to animal health, don’t settle for the second best. Make sure you’re using the right products and that your drench protects your productivity.” Its manufacturer, Virbac, said Cydectin Platinum was the world’s first dual-active cattle drench containing moxidectin and levamisole. It also uses DMI-SorbTM technology to increase absorption. The first veterinary use of its kind in Australia according to Virbac, DMISorbTM works by keeping the product concentrated to the areas where it was applied and reduces absorption variability. It also provides enhanced stability for the two active ingredients - moxidectin and levamisole. You can watch more online here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LvZUtE_nuI 39

Animal Health

PASTORAL AG & THE HUNTER RIVER COMPANY Off the back of trusted relationships forged over time, Elders would like to introduce Pastoral Ag and the Hunter River Company animal health companies. The Pastoral Ag and Hunter River Company brands were purchased by Elders in 2018 and 2019 respectively to provide animal health solutions to Elders clients across Australia. Pastoral Ag and the Hunter River Company offer a wide range of sheep and cattle products including drenches, lousicides, along with tick and fly treatments to assist in protecting your livestock against parasite pressure, resulting in an increase in productivity. Donnie Haydon from Elders Dubbo in NSW speaks highly of the Pastoral Ag product range. Donnie commented, “as Elders clients continue to rebuild their core breeding flock and herd, they are always looking for options when considering animal health inputs. The Pastoral Ag animal health range of products offers exactly that, providing our clients choice and value without substituting quality”. Pastoral Ag and the Hunter River Company are committed to adding new products to their existing portfolios of sheep and cattle products. The recent launch of Moxistar Long Acting Injection for Cattle is testament to this.

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Moxistar Long Acting Injection for Cattle has been specially formulated to provide a prolonged release of moxidectin in cattle. It is ideal for long-term protection against key internal and external parasites including cattle tick, with persistent activity against internal parasites for up to 120 days or cattle tick for at least 51 days. From the laboratory to farmgate, Elders is committed to delivering high quality products, value and service. All Pastoral Ag and Hunter River Company products are manufactured locally to Australian GMP standards, making them a trusted choice for the Australian sheep and cattle producer. Please visit your local Elders branch to enquire about the Pastoral Ag or Hunter River Company range of animal health products or online at www.pastoralag.com.au or hunterriverco.com.au

ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 100 MG/ML MOXIDECTIN

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Moxistar Long Acting Injection has been specially formulated to provide a prolonged release of moxidectin in cattle. It is ideal for long term protection against key internal and external parasites including cattle tick. With persistent activity against internal parasites for up to 120 days or cattle tick for at least 51 days, no other product offers longer term protection ensuring optimum health, performance and fertility. MOXISTAR LONG ACTING INJECTION FOR CATTLE is effective against sensitive strains of the following parasites: Internal parasites: Mature (adult) and immature (L4): Barber's pole worm, Ostertagia ostertagi / Ostertagia lyrata (including inhibited larvae), Black scour worms, Small intestinal worm, Nodule worm, Hookworm, Whipworm, Lungworm and Adult nematodes. External parasites: Lice (Sucking lice). Aids in the control of Bovicola bovis (biting lice), Mites and Ticks.

DUNG BEETLES

PROTECTION PERIOD When MOXISTAR LONG ACTING INJECTION FOR CATTLE is used at the recommended dose rate as a single subcutaneous injection, it prevents re-infection of cattle with parasites as in the following table: Parasite Species

Persistent Protection Period

Ostertagia spp.

112 days

Haemonchus spp.

120 days

Trichostrongylus axei

72 days

Cooperia spp.

21 days

Dictyocaulus viviparus

120 days

Oesophagostomum radiatum

120 days

Linognathus vituli

133 days

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus)

51 days

Talk to your local Elders team about HRC Moxistar Long Acting Injection for Cattle. For more information, please visit hunterriverco.com.au

NO KNOWN EFFECT ON

1 Based on a calendar season and registered label claims of Haemonchus placei and Ostertagia ostertagi.

Dieback is killing a growing area of pastures in Queensland and northern New South Wales. What’s the solution to this mysterious problem? Dieback is killing a growing area of pastures in Queensland Grass species found to have been affected: New South Wales. What’s the solution to this mysterious problem? • Kikuyu • Buffel (cv. American, death of native and improved sown pastures by affecting Pasture dieback is a growing, dying problem • Blackspear Gayndah) plant health and function, rit has been observed in a range of Dieback is killing a growing area of pastures in Queensland and northern New South Wales. A • Desert Mitchell and • Bisset Creeping Bluegrass soil types and grass species and is not going away. condition that causes the death of native and improved sown pastures by affecting plant health and function, rit has been observed in a range of soil types and grass species and is not going away. Forest bluegrass • Urochloa or Sabi grass The condition occurs episodically, with the current outbreak • Digitaria sp. (Pangola, • “Woolybutt” or Golden Strickland fingergrass) Beard grass • Brachiarias Signal Grass species found to have been affected: • Buffel (cv. American, and ParaGayndah) grass (but • Bisset Creeping Bluegrass not Tully Humidicola) • Urochloa or Sabi grass • Digitaria (Pangola, Strickland • sp.Paspalum sp. fingergrass) • Setaria (cv. • Brachiarias - Signal and Para grass Kazungula). (but not Tully Humidicola) Reports • Paspalum sp. Purple pigeon not first identified in early 2015 and spreading across eastern The condition occurs episodically, with the current outbreak first identified in early 2015 and • (1998) Setaria (cv. Kazungula). Reports spreading across eastern Queensland in subsequent years. It’s not new. Graham and Conway affected Queensland in subsequent years. It’s not new. Graham and recorded dieback in central Queensland buffel grass pasture in 1993. Specifically, American and Purple pigeon not affected • noted Rhodes • grasses Rhodes grasses Conway (1998) recorded central Queensland buffel Gayndah cultivars were affected, while the dieback taller Biloela in cultivar was not. Summerville (1928) mealybugs as the cause of dieback in paspalum pastures in the Cooroy district, and also on the • Just about all Panics • Just about all Panics grass pasture in 1993. Specifically, American and Gayndah a Atherton Tablelands. The mealybug named after him, Heliococcus summervillei, has been found • Floren Bluegrass few times in different grassaffected, species on thewhile Athertonthe Tablelands Brachiaria (signal) grass, cultivars were tallerincluding Biloela cultivar was • Kikuyu• Floren Bluegrass Setaris, Paspalum and Rhodes grass at Tarzali, Rocky Creek and also in Kairi. • not. Summerville (1928) noted mealybugs as the cause of Blackspear • Desert Mitchell and Forest bluegrass Pasture dieback has also been confirmed in northern NSW. Reliable estimates of pasture affected by All sown improved dieback in paspalum pastures in the Cooroy district, and also dieback are currently not available, however, AgForce has predicted the outbreak to cover a•large“Woolybutt” or Golden Beard grass area of Queensland, with estimates ranging between 400,000 hectaresafter and potentially onproductive the Atherton Tablelands. The mealybug named him, up pastures are vulnerable to 4.4 million ha. Allin sown improved pastures are vulnerable to dieback, which less common in native pastures. to dieback, which is less common in isnative pastures. Biloela Heliococcus summervillei, has been found a few times Biloela buffel and some varieties of setaria are less susceptible. Dieback does not affect legumes and buffel and some varieties of setaria are less susceptible. different grass species on the Atherton Tablelands including broadleaf weeds. Dieback does not affect legumes and broadleaf weeds. Brachiaria (signal) grass, Setaris, Paspalum and Rhodes grass When dieback is most likely at Tarzali, Rocky Creek and also in Kairi. Dieback is more prevalent in humid weather and long dew periods. It is common in un-grazed areas WHEN DIEBACK IS MOST LIKELY and where there is a bulk of pasture biomass. Not common in heavily grazed paddock where pasture Dieback is more prevalent humid weather long dew Pasture dieback has also been confirmed in northern isNSW. short and in native pastures. Not as common inin cell-grazed paddocks. and New pasture seedlings periods. is common in un-grazed areas and where there Reliable estimates of pasture affected by dieback areeventually succumb (StuartItBuck, DPI, 2019). is a bulk of pasture biomass. Not common in heavily grazed currently not available, however, AgForce has predicted the outbreak to cover a large area of productive Queensland, with paddock where pasture is short and in native pastures. Not Thomas Elder Consulting-Your as common in cell-grazed paddocks. New pasture seedlings 400,000 and potentially 1 | Pestimates age t r u sranging t e d A d vbetween isors in B e e f P r o dhectares uction eventually succumb (Stuart Buck, DPI, 2019). up to 4.4 million ha. Synopsis for website: New DiebackSouth is killing aWales. growing area of pastures in Queensland and northern and northern A condition that causes the

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is short and in native pastures. Not as common in cell-grazed paddocks. New pasture seedlings eventually succumb (Stuart Buck, DPI, 2019).

Additional management options are under investigation by MLA and Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in a replicated field trial of 14 treatments at Brian Pastures Research Station, Gayndah.

Could it be by insects? COULD IT spread BE SPREAD BY INSECTS?

Past research largely failed to identify any specific cause, nor appropriate management solutions for affected graziers. Although it is not definitive, there are strong indications that pasture mealybugs (Heliococcus h othe m aleading s E l d ecause r C o of n s dieback; u l t i n g - and Y o uisr summervillei nr.) Tare 2|Page trusted Advisors in Beef Production the only known species from this genus known to occur in Australia. Meat & Livestock Australia and researchers from the Queensland University of Technology M believe the pasture mealybug is a causal agent, whilst the University of Queensland has found the white ground pearl, Margarodes australis, at about a dozen pasture dieback sites. Experiments have not yet confirmed mealybugs are causing dieback,although they have been widely detected on pasture grasses showing symptoms of pasture dieback. However, research also indicates there are secondary causal factors at play and understanding these is key to understanding why episodic outbreaks occur.

Mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei nr.) Mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei nr.)

The THE symptoms SYMPTOMS The symptoms of pasture dieback generally occur initially

The symptoms of pasture dieback generally occur initially as patch as patches in otherwise seemingly healthy pastures. If a pastures. If a producer suspects pasture dieback on their property producer suspects pasture dieback on their property, they for: should be on the look-out for:

• •Yellowing, reddening or bronzing of the leaves, Yellowing, reddening or bronzing of the leaves, starting fro starting from the tip and progressing down towards towards the ligule. the ligule. • Typically develop in the oldest leaves first, then spreading • Typically develop in the oldest leaves first, then It’s possible that mealy bugs and ground pearl are the • A reduction in root system and grass density. spreading to the whole plant. vector for other diseases Mealybugs may be swooping • Plants that become ill-thrifty and eventually die. • A reduction in root system and grass density. in when the grass’ immune system is deficient. Whether Pastures that become grey and disintegrate • •Plants that become ill-thrifty and eventually die.once dead. Th it is dieback or not, a plant that has diminishing health is patches plants orgrey parts ofdisintegrate a paddock toonce whole paddocks • Pastures thatofbecome and going to be susceptible to secondary parasites or fungus. •dead. Other plants establishing in bare patches especially weeds This can happen as single plants, patches of Dieback is a complex issue and varies across landscapes, •plants Stock avoiding or parts of aaffected paddockplants. to whole paddocks. pastures and symptoms. Symptoms are more evident the start of the growing/w • •Other plants establishing in bareat patches especially •weeds, The broadleaf syndromeforbs is notand to be confused with drought or pastu legumes. Other causes still under investigation by MLA consultants • Stock avoiding affected plants. and DAF (Stuart Buck, DPI, 2019). Initially, patches of dieback are roughly circular, ranging from 2 to6 • Symptoms are more evident at the start of the can grow irregularly, spreading at speeds ranging from one square growing/wet season. Possibly, mealybugs represent an opportunistic secondary colder monthst to aishectare a week in thewith wetter, warmer • The syndrome not to be confused drought or months infection that arrives when the plant is weak and the large, dead areas. pasture rundown. movement of the fluids in the plant are making it attractive for mealy bugs. Initially, patches of dieback are roughly circular, ranging from 2 to60 metres in diameter. These areas can grow DIEBACK TREATMENT irregularly, spreading at speeds ranging from one square Currently there are no pesticide registrations for treating centimetre a week in the drier, colder monthst to a hectare dieback and there is a risk of exceeding meat residue a week in the wetter, warmer months. Multiple patches levels as well as destroying beneficial soil insects and microbes. Predatory beneficial insects (e.g. Cryptolaemus can join to form large, dead areas. Thomas Elder Consulting-You ladybird) may naturally build up in numbers over time to 4|Page trusted Advisors in Beef Produc suppress pasture mealybug. 43

Research is needed to explore the biological or cultural Producers have also observed that dieback is most methods that can be employed to promote recovery and severe in areas of long grass with large amounts of Producers have also observed that dieback is most severe in areas of long grass with large amounts increase groundcover with cost-effective approaches. thatching – for example, under fence lines and areas of ofrank, thatching – for example, under fence lines and areas of rank, moribund older growth – like along moribund older growth – like along roadsides. WHAT IS BEING DONE? There have been theories espoused that dieback may roadsides. DAF Future Beef https://futurebeef.com.au/knowledgebe a “soil health issue”.If that is the case, why is dieback There have been theories espoused dieback a “soil health issue”.If that is the case, why centre/pasture-dieback/ is found on ungrazed roadsidesor where athat fire has been may be MLA’s https://www.mla.com. pasture is unaffected? isthrough diebackandnew is found on ungrazed roadsidesor where a fire haspasture been dieback throughhub andnew pasture is au/research-and-development/Grazing-pastureWe believe pasture dieback may not be associated with unaffected? management/pasture-dieback/ one causal agent, either disease-wise, or vector. DPI NSW https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/ If it is a soil health issue – it is unlikely to be nutritional. We believe pasture dieback may not be associated with one causal agent, either disease-wise, or pastures-and-rangelands/establishment-mgmt/pestsIf it is a soil out of balance, then it may be biological. vector. and-diseases/pasture-dieback One or several pathogens (fungal or bacterial) may QUT pasture mealybugs https://cms.qut.edu.au/__data/ be responsible and a “superbug - agent” needs to be If found it is atosoil health issue – it is unlikely to be nutritional.assets/pdf_file/0006/786066/pasture-mealybugsIf it is a soil out of balance, then it may be control the pathogen,whether w Pythium, biological. OneRhizoctonia or severalorpathogens may be responsible and a “superbug technical-note.pdf Phytophthora, Fusarium. (fungal or bacterial) UQ research into ground pearl and pasture dieback or To use needs the “Gotham analogy (the lawthe of pathogen,whether agent” to beCity” found to control w Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia http://www.agetal.com.au/resources/pasture-diebackoccupancy) – “… when the good guys are not present, Fusarium. research/ the bad guys take over. When the good guys are present, Applied intoare pasture badthe guys are suppressed… we need(the a “Superbug”. Totheuse “Gotham City” analogy law of occupancy) – “…Horticultural when the Research good guys not dieback present, https://ahr.com.au/blog/pasture-dieback Microbes increase the availability of both macro the bad guys take over. When the good guys are present, the bad guys are suppressed… we need a and micronutrients in the soil. Improving soil health “Superbug”. ANY TREATMENTS AND POSSIBLE CONTROLS? through soil amendments and the addition of beneficial Currently there are no APVMA approved and registered microorganisms is increasingly considered as an Microbes increase the alternative availability of both use. macro and micronutrients in the soil.toImproving soil health chemicals which can be used treat pasture dieback. environmentally-friendly to chemical through amendments and themicrobial addition of beneficial microorganisms is Confidor increasingly considered However, Bifenthrin and (Imidacloprid) are Throughsoil manipulating and stimulating known to protect clumps and strips from dieback, when communities in the soil, restoring the biological balance, as an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical use. the dieback was spreading in trial pasture situations. we could provide a platform for developing a solution to This indicated controlling the mealybug, seemed to pasture dieback. Through manipulating and stimulating microbial communities in the soil, restoring the biological

balance, we could provide a platform for developing a solution to pasture dieback.

Research is needed to explore the biological or cultural methods that can be employed to promote recovery and increase groundcover with cost-effective approaches. What is being done? DAF Future Beef https://futurebeef.com.au/knowledge-centre/pasture-dieback/

eldersrural.com.au

Thomas Elder Consulting-Your

by dieback.

HOW TO MINIMISE SPREAD control the dieback. These chemicals are most-likely • ensure all staff and visitors are instructed in hygiene cost-prohibitive for extensive pasture situations. APVMA requirements. Wash vehicles down when known Minor Use Permits for pasture mealybug control in small outbreak areas in NSW T h and o mQld a spastures. E l d e r C o n s u l t i n tog have - Y obeen u rin affected areas, note hay sources – where from? • Imidacloprid (eg Confidor) http://permits.apvma. Page t r u s t e d A d v i s o r s i n B e e f P r o d u c t Feed i o nhay in known areas that can be monitored. gov.au/PER87423.PDF - NOTE : 24 week grazing • monitor your pastures regularly WHP. • keep good records • Spirotetramat (eg. Movento) http://permits.apvma. gov.au/PER88482.PDF 14 days Grazing WHP. References: • Chlorpyrifos (eg. Lorsban or Cobalt) http://permits. Buck, Stuart (2019) Latest insights into pasture dieback. Future apvma.gov.au/PER90238.PDF - as per label Beef – Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries https:// futurebeef.com.au/knowledge-centre/latest-insights-into-pasturerequirements dieback/ • Carbaryl, Diazinon, Malathion, or Methomyl (eg. Graham, T.W.G., and Conway, M. (1998). Some sick buffel. TGS News and Views. Tropical Grassland Society of Australia 14, 6. Kendon Carbaryl, Barmac Diazinon, Hy-Mal, MLA. (2017). Action plan for pasture dieback in central Queensland. Lannate-L) http://permits.apvma.gov.au/PER90239. https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/mlalaunches-action-plan-for-pasture-dieback-in-central-qld/ PDF - as per label requirements It has also been hypothesized that micronized Diatomaceous earth, may control the mealy bug (a bit like glass chards cutting them in soil. It would be interesting to see if soils high in silica are affected by dieback. Treatments may include commonly used and newly developed biological compounds, micronized diatomaceous earth and compost extracts etc. The use of fire could be a possible control. When mealybugs can be seen on grass and on the soil surface, burning will reduce their numbers. However, mealybugs will generally return as they have been found in the soil profile up to 800mm.

Summerville, W. (1928). Mealy bug attacking Paspalum grass in the Cooroy district. Queensland Agricultural Journal 30, 201-209.

Certainly, a mixture of grasses and legumes within a pasture sward buffer the effect of dieback and builds resilience. Areas of replanting should be based on a pasture mix. Thomas Elder Consulting can advise on such mixes, for the soils and climate, and best methodologies moving forward in pasture recovery. Peter Spies, Thomas Elder Consulting

Bond Oats

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PROVEN HIGH PERFORMING FORAGE OATS Bond and Austin are proven high performing forage oats, suitable across both the northern tablelands and coastal beef and dairy systems of NSW and southern QLD. • High level of resistance to current races of crown rust. • Strong initial growth, regrowth and high total seasonal yield. • Good tillering ability and strong recovery after cutting or grazing. • Great silage or hay option.

Available at your local Elders store today or contact AusWest Seeds / Stephen Pasture Seeds

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Animal Health

MANAGING WINTER CEREAL CROPS FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE With most regions of Australia experiencing good seasonal conditions heading into winter, management of autumn-sown forage and dual-purpose cereal grazing crops to fill winter feed gaps is critical to maximising both crop and livestock performance. GRAZING MANAGEMENT AND STOCKING RATES Under good growing conditions, most cereals can be grazed 6-8 weeks after plant emergence. Any seed treatments used for disease and insect control may delay the time to first grazing, depending on their withholding periods.Stocking densities will also depend on animal production targets and available dry matter. Early dry matter production of cereals can be deceptive. Knowing how much dry matter is available will influence stocking rates for early grazing. The true forage types, such as Bond oats, have a semi-erect to erect growth habit, so are more suited to cattle grazing. Dual-purpose cereals, especially those with a strong vernalisation requirement (winter habit), are more prostrate in growth and more suitable for sheep grazing. Where grazing and grain recovery is the preferred option for dual-purpose cereals, awnless varieties should be considered for frost-prone areas. Many livestock producers are moving from a monoculture cereal to planting companion species (for example, ryegrasses, vetch, brassicas and turnips) with their grazing cereals, to improve animal diets and extend the quality of the feed on offer later into the season. The number of grazings is largely dependent on the time of sowing, growing conditions and grazing system. In 2020, many cereal crops were not grazed (due to low stock numbers and good growth), so producers took the option of early silage to replenish fodder supplies and build drought resilience. The latest grazing time and severity of grazing on crops intended for grain recovery or silage/hay production should be based on growth stage. Ideally, stock should be removed by growth stage Z31. Grazing later than this stage will not only reduce dry matter recovery but also delay maturity and grain recovery. However, the losses associated with any decrease in grain yield can be outweighed by the income generated from liveweight gain, especially with current lamb and cattle prices.

FERTILISER Nutritional requirements vary with climate, soil type and paddock history. Where nitrogen fertiliser is required, split applications are suitable for forage and dual-purpose cereals after grazings, when for hay/silage or grain production. WEED CONTROL Weed control is important to maintain clean paddocks in a rotation in preparation for future crops or pastures and also to produce the highest-quality grain or hay/silage possible. This is especially important in early-sown crops where weed germinations did not occur before planting. Spray-grazing techniques can also be used effectively for many broadleaf weeds, especially where feed is short. Timing of weed control options needs to be matched with grazing requirements so that chemical withholding periods are observed. LIVESTOCK HEALTH Several health conditions or mineral and vitamin imbalances can affect stock grazing cereals, so growers should have vaccination and supplementation plans in place. PLANNING FOR SPRING SILAGE/HAY OPTIONS In tablelands and higher rainfall areas, late winter/early spring planting options can be considered for grazing, hay or silage. Paddock preparation should be undertaken well in advance of anticipated sowing windows to take advantage of any rainfall events. Options to sow can include straight cereal or combinations of cereal/field pea or cereal/vetch mixes in different combinations to maximise the quality of the hay or silage being produced. If planting mixes, it is important to understand the growth habit and maturity of the varieties being sown to synchronise flowering for the ideal stage of cutting. Choose a cereal with a spring habit that is preferably awnless (wheat), or has reduced awns (triticale), especially for hay production. Seeding rates need to be at the higher end as spring habit cereals produce fewer tillers than cereals sown in autumn. Paddock selection (e.g., free of rocks) is also important if considering using contractors to make hay or silage. 47

Animal Health

STAMINA GRAZING-TOLERANT LUCERNE WITH TRUE GRAZING TOLERANCE. When identifying lucerne cultivars for true grazing tolerance, PGG Wrightson national product development manager Isaac Berry recommendsStamina GT varieties that persist under set-stocked grazing for prolonged periods and have been trialled in Australia over many years under the internationally recognised Standard Test Protocol.

According to PGG Wrightson, Stamina grazing-tolerant lucernes provide: > high yields and strong stand density > improved traffic tolerance > lower crown height, causing less stress on crowns > long term, reliable feed (five more more years of grazing) > persistence under multiple grazings > reduced risk of weed invasion by maintaining stand density for longer > high return on investment > strong recovery from drought > the ability to tolerate pests and diseases such as aphids, Sitona Weevil, fungi and viruses > quality hay production Mr Berry said the Stamina range of grazing-tolerant lucerne offeredpremium-quality hay and true grazing tolerance. The range includes Stamina GT5, Stamina GT6 and limited quantities available of the new highly winter active, grazing-tolerant lucerne, Stamina Torrens GT8. TORRENS GT8, A TRUE DUAL-PURPOSE LUCERNE Combining winter activity and grazing tolerance, Torrens GT8 provided flexibility not previously available, Mr Berry said. The low crown height protected the plant from heavy grazing, high tyre traffic or hoof damage, which meant the variety suited farm systems from hay production and crop rotations to grazing enterprises. It also gave producers more management options and the ability to respond to variable conditions. “The new Torrens GT8 is an exciting, highly winter-active lucerne for the PGG Wrightson Seeds portfolio,” Mr Berry said. “In recent grazing-tolerance trials, it was a true standout for persistence and ground cover compared to other winter-active lucerne cultivars.

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“After two years of consistent periods of set stocking, Torrens GT8 was the only highly winter-active lucerne remaining, giving farmers confidence that Torrens GT8 can persist during times of feed shortages.” Stamina GT5 and Stamina GT6 varieties will also persist under set-stocked grazing for prolonged periods and produce premiumquality hay, Mr Berry said. Robert Cameron grows Stamina GT5 in Barrabool, Victoria. “If you are after grazing tolerance, Stamina GT5 is the way to go,” Mr Cameron said. “I am in my fourth year of grazing and it keeps persisting, regardless of how hard we graze it. “Choosing a grazing tolerant lucerne is a decision that should not be made lightly, and is something you really want to investigate yourself as opposed to just following what that glossy advertising suggests. “For my operation, lucerne is a seven to 10 year investment and Stamina GT5 was definitely the right investment.” GT6 also met with approval on farm from David Ferguson of New South Wales. “We are particularly happy with how GT6 established in very tough conditions, the strike was terrific,” Mr Ferguson said. “Persistence under heavy grazing is great, that’s why Stamina GT6 is our preferred variety when looking for a long-term lucerne stand.”

Uses Beef

Dairy

Sheep

Hay

Silage

Sowing Rate 5-25kg/ha

The Stamina® range. Premium quality hay and grazing tolerance. INTRODUCING STAMINA TORRENS GT8 NEW HIGHLY WINTER ACTIVE GRAZING TOLERANT LUCERNE

Ready to Graze 90-120 days

Rainfall / Irrigation Minimum 350mm p.a

Stamina

Torrens GT8 (8)

GRAZING TOLERANCE AND WINTER ACTIVITY THE ULTIMATE COMBINATION

THE ULTIMATE CHOICE FOR GRAZING TOLERANT LUCERNE

THE FIRST GRAZING TOLERANT LUCERNE FOR THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET

Torrens GT8 is the first grazing tolerant, highly winter active lucerne to be released to the Australian market*. This product was selected from highly winter active survivors in grazing tolerance trials at Leigh Creek (Victoria) and Gundagai (New South Wales). With a high leaf to stem ratio and fine stems it produces high quality forage for premium hay production or grazing.

Stamina GT5 is a high performing lucerne variety that will produce quality hay and grazing opportunities for seven to ten years. While grazing for lamb finishing should be rotational grazing, Stamina GT5 is a true grazing tolerant lucerne which has been trialled over many years under the internationally recognised Standard Test Protocol for grazing tolerant lucernes.

Stamina GT6 combines useful winter growth, great persistence and the ability to tolerate set stocking of sheep (though not recommended for lamb finishing). It provides excellent yield and quality during warmer growing months. Stamina GT6 was the first lucerne released for Australian farmers trialled under the internationally recognised Standard Test Protocol for grazing tolerant lucernes.

NEW VARIETY: LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE * Torrens GT8 is the first highly winter active, grazing tolerant lucerne to be released to the Australian market that has been tested under the Internationally recognised Standard Test Protocol for grazing tolerant lucerne.

Follow us on Facebook for more information on the Stamina lucerne range, and other PGG Wrightson Seeds varieties. Contact us today by visiting pggwrightsonseeds.com.au or by calling us on 1800 619 910.

NOW INDICATED FOR USE ON SHEEP OFF-SHEARS OR WITH ANY LENGTH WOOL!

CLiK Extra protects against blowfly strike for up to 29 weeks, as well as protecting mulesing and marking wounds. •

30% active ingredient compared to CLiK1

•

protection against flystrike (up to five weeks)

•

protection against breech strike

•

protection against development of resistance

• For

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peace of mind

CLiK Extra Spray-On Meat WHP now 21 days. Wool WHP remains 3 months. Always read and follow the label directions. Good agricultural practice is essential for optimal blowfly strike prevention. 1CLiK Extra Spray-On contains 65 g/L dicyclanil and provides up to 29 weeks protection from blowfly strike. CLiK Spray-On contains 50 g/L dicyclanil and provides 18–24 weeks protection from blowfly strike. 2When used for protection against breech strike, or body and breech strike. Insecticide resistance in sheep blowfly larvae: http://www.flyboss.com.au/files/pages/treatment/insecticide-resistance/Resistance_download_130410.pdf CLiK™, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. © 2021 Elanco or its affiliates. PM-AU-21-0252. EAH21201A.

Animal Health

EARLY EASON FLY TREATMENT: ACT NOW TO REAP BENEFITS THROUGHOUT THE FLY SEASON! It seems odd to be discussing blowfly prevention while the days are short and temperatures cold. However, the seasonal nature of fly activity provides a unique opportunity to plan ahead. Strategically treating sheep early in the season with an effective and long-lasting chemical prevents fly numbers from building up by removing the host environment required for flies to reproduce. This can significantly reduce subsequent fly pressure and the risk of flystrike in the season ahead.

CLiK Extra contains dicyclanil, a potent insect growth regulator (IGR). These products provide long lasting protection from flystrike and break the lifecycle – ideal for strategic control.

The Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina is the primary fly species responsible for flystrike. This species of blowfly is largely dependent on sheep as a breeding resource.1

On-farm research into early season treatment identified that chemicals used for this purpose have to be relatively long acting to suitably cover the full period of spring emergence. 2 The availability and ease of application of insect growth regulators to protect sheep for extended periods makes them ideal for this purpose.4

Fly numbers can build up very rapidly under suitable environmental conditions, assuming susceptible sheep are available.

CLiK Extra contains 30 per cent more dicyclanil than CLiK and sets the benchmark in flystrike prevention. CLiK Extra has a registered protection period of up to 29 weeks, ideal for early season treatment – even in years with a late or delayed start to the fly season.

In cooler conditions at the end of the fly season, development is inhibited or “arrested” at the prepupae stage and development is not resumed until conditions are again suitable. The increase in soil temperature in spring in south-eastern Australia has been shown to trigger synchronous emergence of the first generation of flies for the new season,2 regardless of exactly when the larvae were deposited.

CLiK Extra is indicated for use on sheep either off-shears or with any length wool, with a meat withholding period of 21 days, wool withholding period of three months and ESI of 63 days. Always read and follow the label directionsor call your local Elders expert for advice.

If chemical treatment is applied to sheep before flies emerge at the start of the fly season, sheep are essentially removed as a resource for the propagation of the fly population when the first generation appear. As emergence is relatively synchronous and the first generation is typically small, this can have a significant effect in reducing fly numbers and the risk of flystrike for the rest of the fly season.

1. McKenzie, J.A. & Anderson, N. (1990). Insecticidal control of Lucilia cuprina: strategic timing of treatment. Aus Vet J 67(10):385–386. 2. DeCat, S. et al. (2012). Survival over winter and spring emergence of Lucilia cuprina (Diptera Calliphoridae) in south-eastern Australia. Aus J of Entomology 51:1–11. 3. Larsen, J.W.A. et al. (2012). Prevalence of breech-strike in mulesed, clipped and unmulesed Merino hoggets in south-eastern Australia. Aus Vet J 90(5):158– 166. 4. Bowen, F.L. et al. (1999). H.R.: Long-lasting prevention against blowfly strike using the insect growth regulator dicyclanil. Aus Vet J 77:454– 460. PM-AU-21-0245

Optimum fly control will also depend on farm management practices. Integrating early season treatment with strategically-timed shearing or crutching will further reduce susceptibility to flystrike and contribute to reducing fly numbers3 – remembering to be conscious of wool withholding periods. 51

OUTFOX LICE FOR * LONGER IN SHEEP WITH FENNEC POUR-ON ®

The power of 2 actives offering: 4 Outstanding efficacy 4 Class leading 5-weeks protection from re-infestation 4 The best way to fight lice resistance

PURCHASE 16 DRUMS OF FENNEC POUR-ON FOR SHEEP AND RECEIVE A GENESIS POWER DOSER™ VALUED AT $680^ Visit www.ahredeem.com.au to redeem your Power Doser™ Ask in store for more information. Promotional period 1 January to 30 December 2021, while stocks last. T&C’s apply.

*Compared to other knockdown lice control products when applied within 24 hours after shearing. See product label for full claim details and directions for use. ^Claim Power Doser™ by redemption through www.ahredeem.com.au, T&C’s apply. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia Pty. Ltd. Level 1, 78 Waterloo Road, North Ryde NSW 2113 Australia. ABN 53 071 187 285. GENESIS POWER DOSER is a trade mark of Genesis Industries Pty Ltd. ®FENNEC is a registered trademark of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group. AU-OVI-0006-2021.

Animal Health

COMBINATION VS ROTATION: THE BIG QUESTION IN LICE MANAGEMENT Combination vs rotation: the big question in lice management While combination drenches for worm control are widely accepted by sheep producers, there has not been a dual action product for lice control – until now. Fennec, Australia’s first combination lice treatment, also offers 5-weeks protection from reinfestation*. Fennec’s dual active ingredients – imidacloprid and abamectin, have given producers a new weapon in the war against lice, which costs the industry $120 million a year.

“Imidacloprid and abamectin both cause paralysis of the lice but studies have shown that the actives act in different ways, so, Fennec offers a two-pronged attack against lice.

Dr Yan Laurenson, senior research fellow with the School of Environmental and Rural Science at the University of New England, said using a double active was “the responsible thing to do”.

“In addition, the actives do not have a common resistance pathway. This is important, as it is less likely that lice will develop resistance to either actives when used together than to one of them alone, which in turn can slow the onset of resistance on a farm.”

Dr Laurenson, whose research areas include parasite drug resistance, said the chances of lice developing resistance to two actives given at the same time was “very, very small”. “This is a step beyond using a traditional rotation, which may inadvertently allow resistance to build,” Dr Laurenson said. “With lice, the goal is complete eradication. Any lice that may be resistant to the first active will be killed by the second active.” Boehringer Ingelheim’s cattle and sheep technical manager, Dr Gareth Kelly, said the efficacy of Fennec’s dual action would resonate with sheep producers looking for a simple and easy to use treatment to eradicate lice and prevent wool cut losses. “The combination offers sheep producers a solution to safeguard their flock from lice and most importantly preserve the efficacy of current actives for much longer,” Dr Kelly said. “History has shown that sheep lice are highly capable of developing resistance to single active lousicides. The use of a dual action product can decrease the chance of resistance building up.”

Dr Kelly said effective lice control was not just an economic consideration for the producer, but also a big issue for the industry. If left unchecked, sheep lice infestations can cause reductions in wool cut of up to 1 kilogram per head. They downgrade wool quality by reducing yield and increasing the amount of wool placed in inferior lines because of un-scourable colour and cotting. Fennec is quick acting and long lasting. Sheep are protected from reinfestation for five weeks after application, when applied within 24 hours of shearing. “While the science behind Fennec is more complex, it is just as simple and easy to use as traditional pourons, but its dual active ingredients pack a much bigger punch,” Dr Kelly said. To find out more about Fennec Pour-On, head to www.fennecpouron. com.au or visit your local Elders branch. 1. Lice in sheep - Victorian Farmers Federation www.vff.org.au › Factsheet_Livestock_LiceinsheepV2 2. http://www.liceboss.com.au/sheep-goats/about-lice.php

Real Estate

THE NEW TECH THAT’S CHANGING THE WAY PROPERTIES SELL New technologis set to revolutionise the way properties are presented to potential buyers. These changes are being accelerated by COVID restrictions but as the technology progresses further, virtual inspections are here to stay and will play an increasing role in rural property marketing. Virtual inspections will not eliminate physical inspections, but they will make properties far more accessible earlier in a marketing campaign.

Virtual inspections will also help to engage foreign buyers. A greater appreciation of a property’s attributes can now be gained from high quality images and maps from anywhere in the world, opening the market to far more buyers than has been possible in the past. WHAT DO WE MEAN BY VIRTUAL INSPECTIONS? Virtual inspections range from relatively simple highquality images of key aspects of a property taken by experienced agents using hand-held devices to sophisticated aerial images merged to create threedimensional models. 54

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Some of the tools that are becoming more widely available include: > Mobile phones fitted into a gimbal that stabilises the image as the agent moves around (frequently used in residential inspections). These can be used to capture a wide variety of images across the farm, including infrastructure, accommodation, equipment, fencing and water points. They are also able to be used to provide images of landscapes, pastures and crops. > Drones capturing video footage, panoramic views, high quality two and three-dimensional maps. Drones are increasingly used for videography but new cameras and software that can turn multiple images into maps are now available and increasingly used in other industries. > Aerial images and maps using fixed-wing aircraft can capture images of much larger areas and carry imaging equipment able to record not just visible light but a range of other sections of the light spectrum. > Satellites routinely capture images of all areas of Australia. The images they capture are becoming far cheaper to access and analyse. > Even the now humble Google Earth is widely used to review properties prior to inspections. Not all these tools need be used. They should be selected and combined to present key aspects of the property to potential buyers that engage them and builds interest, encouraging prospects to find out more.

THE ROLE OF AGENTS IN THE NEW PROPERTY MARKETING ERA But virtual inspections are not just about imagery – commentary from experienced agents on the images is an important part of presenting a property to buyers. This can be recorded while using the device or added to the images later and presented in a video or an online format. The images also need to be accessible to the market; loaded onto a website or distributed digitally. Speaking directly to an agent, using a web-based video platform (Zoom or Teams for example) where images and footage can be shared, and questions asked will be a common feature of property marketing in the future. There are number of platforms becoming available where any property can be viewed using publicly available images captured by satellites, and where any number of additional data layers can be added to create a profile of the property. All this technology is creating greater expectations from

the market as to the way in which properties are presented for sale. Also, the greater use of digital platforms as a medium for presenting properties, means that more highquality content needs to be produced. As more information can be collected and presented to the market, the greater the need for experienced agents, backed by local knowledge, to advise the best combination of technology and marketing media to use. Once the property is in the marketplace, it is also important to have experienced and knowledgeable agents to present it to potential buyers. Elders is investing in a range of new technology and platforms for use by our Farmland Team to capture the most important features of a property to present to potential buyers. These technologies and our agents are backed by over 500 technical, crop, livestock and other specialists working in all major agricultural areas of Australia. Contact your local branch to discuss your next farmland property investment decisions.

Jo Williams Lucerne Research & Development

“If you want a lucerne that has high forage, great pest and disease profile and produces really good quality, then S&W lucerne is the lucerne for you.”

Eyre Peninsula running the NVT trials, Jo Williams returned home to her family farm with her husband at Field in the upper southeast of South Australia. At the same time, she began work for S&W Seed Company Australia in lucerne research and development. Over the last 11 years, this role has progressed into lucerne breeder for the Australian program. Lucerne has always been a passion for Jo and her family. Their 5,000 breeding merino sheep operation relies heavily on lucerne pastures, providing a much needed, high quality feed option for their stock. They also produce up to 300 hectares of dryland lucerne seed each season. The global lucerne-breeding program at S&W is heavily focused on producing high forage and seed yielding varieties, with high resistance across the pest and disease profiles. The breeding program is also focused on a range of traits, including salt tolerance, low lignin, and high-quality varieties. Having a global program, allows the breeders at S&W to take advantage of the two growing seasons in both the northern and southern hemispheres each year. This means that they can concurrently run the screening trials globally. Jo elaborates on the benefits of simultaneous breeding programs, “For the farmer this means quicker turn-around of material going from the evaluation stage to the commercial stage – Best genetics, faster.” Plant selections are made across all major lucerne growing regions globally. These selections are then crossed to produce F1 seed, the first generation of seed of a new variety. This breeding line is then entered into all screening programs, including, dormancy, forage, seed, salt, pest, and disease trials. Once a breeding line has shown to meet the high standards that all S&W lucerne varieties must achieve to progress in the program, the breeding line is then advanced to the seed build up stage and then onto commercialisation. This process can take up to seven years to ensure that all varieties produced from the S&W breeding program continue

swseedco.com.au

Image: Jo Williams S&W Seed Company Lucerne Research & Development

to be leaders in the marketplace. There are some very exciting new products that will shortly be available to domestic growers from the global breeding program. These include varieties with a range of dormancy from 5-10, catering for all domestic lucerne growing regions and end use systems, whether it be cut and carry or grazing. These varieties have been extensively screened through the forage and seed yield as well as the pest and disease trials, producing elite, high quality lucerne varieties. S&W Seed Company Australia SW6330 is a high forage yielding lucerne variety with a dormancy rating of 6. It is a versatile variety suited to grazing, hay and silage production. SW6330 is a fine stemmed variety with a high leaf to stem ratio, producing high feed value forage. It recovers rapidly from grazing or cutting, showing excellent persistence, both in

commercial operations in replicated trials, persistence rated at 100% after the four years of trials. It has an impressive pest and disease package, being resistant to Bacterial Wilt, Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose, Phytophthora Root Rot, Spotted Alfalfa Aphid, Pea Aphid and Southern Root knot Nematode and moderately resistant to Blue Alfalfa Aphid and Stem Nematode. Jo continues to enjoy the challenge of breeding lucerne varieties that fit a global marketplace with exceptional yields and quality. She gains great joy and satisfaction from seeing the S&W lucerne varieties performing well for growers and adding to the profitability of their farming businesses. When she’s not busy breeding lucerne or sheep farming, you will find Jo with her husband and two children enjoying the beach, savouring a glass of bubbles.

SW6330 Lucerne

   

High leaf to stem ratio High yielding High pest and disease rating Rapid regrowth after grazing or cutting

SW6330 Lucerne Medicago sativa Seeding Rate

kg/ha

Dryland 4-8 High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20 Seed Treatment

Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™

Description Recovers rapidly from grazing and cutting and has shown excellent persistence Market Segment/Target Grazing, hay and silage Features High pest and disease rating Moderately active High leaf to stem ratio Benefits High yielding Recovers rapidly after cutting and grazing High stand persistence

“In comparison to our other varieties of lucerne we have on the farm that were closed for silage on the same date, the SW6330 outperformed in overall dry matter yield & quality” Jonathan Pietzsch Lake Ellen, South Australia

l n speak with your loca For further informatio . branch about SW6330 Elders agronomist or

The power of light

S12 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer Harvesting the power of light to keep your livestock where they are meant to be. - Faster charging, longer lasting lithium battery - Lightweight, portable power - Built-in earthing through a mounting post For more information, contact the Gallagher team on 1800 425 524.

Discover more at am.gallagher.com

*Ring Top Post/Earth stake not included

Fencing

NEW GALLAGHER S12 LITHIUM SOLAR FENCE ENERGIZER AIDS IN PASTURE RENOVATION A compact, light and fast-charging fence energiser from Gallagher will make it easier to protect new pastures this season. “Autumn is the perfect time for resellers to help their customers to plan establishing or renovating pastures,” Gallagher marketing manager Ben Winter said. He said slow growing perennial pasture in particular needed extra initial care in controlling livestock access. “The new Gallagher S12 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer could help here with pasture management, offering a solution that’s more portable than ever before,” Mr Winter said. “It’s our most compact design yet and very easy to install and move.” Mr Winter said the reliable fence energizer is lighter than other models, with a faster-charging battery and longerlasting power, to keep stock and pastures well managed – regardless of sunshine hours or weather conditions. Built-in earth The S12 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer also features a built-in earthing terminal. “This energizer’s development was aided by farmer feedback,” Mr Winter said. “With incorrect earthing cited as a common cause of poor fence performance, the R&D team removed it completely and the energizer is now earthed directly through securely mounting a stake, such as a Gallagher Ring Top Post.” Mr Winter said the Gallagher S12 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer’s compact size allowed it to be uniquely mounted to a post, preventing grass shading the solar panel and keeping the energizer out of rising water. The size and lightness of weight also made it highly portable. “Graziers can easily transport the S12 Lithium Solar Energizer by attaching it to a Gallagher Ring Top Post strapped onto a bike,” he said.

SMART TECHNOLOGY The S12 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer’s smart technology tracks the amount of solar energy coming in for maximum efficiency. “It makes sure the energizer can still operate effectively during extended periods of low light, such as in winter or on overcast days, adjusting itself to keep stock where they should be, and protecting pastures, while not overdischarging the battery,” Mr Winter said. Only about 60 per cent of a lead-acid battery’s capacity can be used, otherwise it won’t recover, Mr Winter said, while lithium batteries are better at holding their charge and can be depleted to almost zero and yet still be fully regenerated. “Because you can use a lithium battery’s whole range of capacity, it can be smaller in size,” he said. “It can also manage many more charge/discharge cycles, lasting up to a decade – much longer than a conventional battery.” The Gallagher S12 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer is ideal for pasture management and strip grazing on cattle operations, as well as equine properties. “The S12 comes with fence lead, rechargeable lithium battery and solar panel, meaning the fully integrated solution is ready to use: customers simply mount it on a suitable metal post, and connect it to the fence,” Mr Winter said. “All of this means the new Gallagher S12 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer is well suited as an aid in winter pasture establishment or renovation. “Gallagher has also developed a smaller, lower powered S6 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer. Just as the S12 can aid in pasture management, the S6 can help keep pets in, or wandering livestock out of, the farm garden.” 59

STOP THE GATE!

Cyclone’s gate stop is designed to keep your gate open while driving through with your vehicle, tractor or herding stock.

CLICK HERE to see how it works! P: 1800 199 450

E: sales@cycloneproducts.com.au

BetterBeef

Mobile and Automated WEIGHT MONITORING with REMOTE Walk over Weighing

• Monitor weights on every animal and maximise returns with Datamars Livestock cloud software

www.tru-test.com

• Agile and flexible, easily moved by one person • Suitable for both fixed and rotational grazing deployments

• Flexi comes in a 4G or a satellite connection option to cover all regions • Get started quickly - get set up and operating in under 3 minutes

How are you tracking? Let’s talk. 1800 641 324

Technology

REVOLUTIONARY REMOTE WALK OVER WEIGHING DELIVERS INDIVIDUAL ANIMAL WEIGHTS FROM THE PADDOCK A remote walkover and drafting system has saved the Salter family a labour unit and rewarded the Dalby farmers with low-stress handling and better performance monitoring. When Warren and Meg Salter first considered Tru-Test Remote Walk Over Weighing Flexi Drafter, they were running an 18,000head cattle feedlot with a backgrounding program, turning over 60-80,000 head a year.“From the start, we were into collecting weigh data and driving outcomes to meet target requirements,” Mr Salter said. “In the intensive world, it is all about individual animal identification and monitoring. We were not working on lot averages but on individual animal performance and dealing with the selection criteria. “We had had some contact with producers using the Remote Walk over Weighing systems and saw benefits such as cattle handling, limiting stress, all the positive factors that came out from the data they were collecting.” By the time the Salters purchased the system, they were transitioning from intensive to extensive farming and looking for work-life balance. Located near Dalby, Queensland, on the edge of the Darling Downs, they now run a mixed farming and grazing operation breeding Angus stud bulls and females adapted for the climatic conditions, and a commercial backgrounding and finishing operation. With the shift, the Salters had to define a new structure and decide whether to bring on one or two work units outside of the family. The Tru-Test Remote Walk Over Weigh Flexi Drafting product came in to play. When placed next to a water or food source, the Remote Walk over Weigh Flexi Drafter product weighs cattle in the paddock and drafts off top performers with little or no human intervention. The new lighter-weight, more mobile Walk Over Weighing Flexi Drafter system saved labour costs and stress, while delivering consistent, useful individual animal data. It was also easily moved to where stock were located, rather than animals moving to the weigh system. Mr Salter said it immediately saved one of those labour units.

remote Flexi system, and we can have data presented to us as soon as the cattle are going through the crate,” he said. The weighing system also meant that, know the weights of any mob, the Salters could plan more effectively. “We can select which animals we need from which herd, put the Flexi Autodrafter there, and the cattle are ready to pick up, whether they are ready for sale, or ready to move into a new program with our heifer joining weights or our stud program,” Mr Salter said. ”That’s a huge benefit.” The Salters are confident that the labour savings, low-stress handling and better performance monitoring have justified the investment in the system. “Initially, I would have said return on investment was in the first 12 months, but I believe it is less than six,” Mr Salter said. “With challenging conditions, management is more critical and needs to be timely. Remote Walk Over Weighing is an awesome system, certainly during the challenging seasons.” Part of the appeal of the system for the Salter family was its ease of use. While there is a new mobile trailer option, the Salters relocate it with a skid steer. “Our own bred cattle are familiarised with the unit while they are still with their mothers, Mr Salter said. “There is no training to be had. Mum does it for us.” To introduce newly purchased cattle to the system, the Salters remove the spears from the drafting unit. “Within a day, they are using the box, totally relaxed,” Mr Salter said. “With the weighing system it is hassle free, there is nothing to do really. You just present them in the right conditions and the cattle just train themselves. “The Tru-Test Remote Walk Over Weighing Flexi Mobile Drafter makes a lot of sense.”

“If you are collecting weigh data manually, it is obviously labour intensive, whereas we don’t need to be anywhere near the 63

Animal Health

FEED QUALIT Y IMPACTING ANIMAL PERFORMANCE – REDUCING THE CHALLENGE OF STORAGE MYCOTOXINS Mycotoxins are known to present a dynamic risk to feed quality. The challenge starts in the field with Fusarium toxins such as the trichothecenes, zearalenone and fumonisin, or the Aspergillus species like aflatoxin. However, even if the feedstuff is not directly contaminated at the time of harvesting, the quality of harvested grains and forages can deteriorate significantly during storage. If the right conditions for mycotoxin proliferation are met over the months of storage, the feed that the animals eventually consume may pose just as much of a problem. This post-harvest mycotoxin risk can come from the exacerbation of mycotoxins that were already present pre-harvest, or the development of Penicilium toxins, such as ochratoxin and citrinin, which more commonly develop during the storage of ingredients and feedstuffs.

growth and subsequent mycotoxin risk. Ideally, ensile all forages at between 32-36pc dry matter (DM) and maintain those levels by sealing the clamp thoroughly and regularly monitoring to ensure an anaerobic environment is maintained throughout storage.

There are several key management practices that producers can use to limit the potential risk of fungal growth and mycotoxin contamination in stored grains and forages, helping to reduce the threat to animal productivity and farm profitability.

TESTING FOR MYCOTOXINS As part of an effective mycotoxin control plan, regular testing can play a crucial role in measuring how the risk of mycotoxins is evolving during the storage period. Rapid testing tools like Alltech RAPIREAD provide a quick and inexpensive way to carry out mycotoxin testing on-farm or in the feed mill. Using this in combination with Alltech 37+ mycotoxin analysis will ensure the most effective decisions can be made regarding the adjustment of management practices or the potential need for a mycotoxin adsorbent to reduce the threat to animal productivity. Proper sampling is crucial to delivering accurate mycotoxin testing. Alltech has prepared a comprehensive guide to assist producers in ensuring the most representative ingredient and finished feed samples are sent for testing. Visit knowmycotoxins.com to find out more.

MANAGEMENT OF GRAIN DURING STORAGE Moisture, incorrect grain temperatures or insect damage can all provide the necessary conditions for fungi to thrive during grain storage. For short-term storage, dry grain to less than 16 per cent moisture content as soon as possible after harvest. For longer-term storage (6-12 months), grain should be dried to less than 14pc moisture. Avoid moisture build-up and maintain sufficient aeration in grain stores and silos and check that is being maintained byregularly monitoring grain temperatures and humidity. Thoroughly clean and inspect stores and silos between different batches of grains and feedstuffs and, where practical, use ingredients on a ‘first in, first out’ basis. Application of a mould inhibitor, such as MOLD-ZAP® can help to reduce fungal growth. MANAGEMENT OF FORAGE DURING STORAGE As mould requires oxygen to grow, attaining and maintaining an anaerobic environment is key to reducing 64

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Move across the feed face as quickly as possible (ideally, five days maximum) and prepare the total mixed ration (TMR) using forage freshly removed from the clamp. Remove uneaten feed daily, prior to placing fresh feed in front of livestock, ensuring all mixing and feed areas are kept clean and free of mouldy feed residues.

MYCOTOXIN BINDERS As productivity in modern animal production increases, so do the challenges and risks that can affect herd health and performance. Many moulds and mycotoxins are undetectable by a visual assessment alone. It is important to safeguard your animals and include Mycosorb A+ a proven broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder, which tackles mycotoxin challenges as a whole, rather than dealing with individual mycotoxins.

Mycosorb® A+. Protect your herd from the dangers of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins impact animal health and your profits. Mycosorb® A+ aids in the management of adverse effects that may result from mycotoxin contaminants which could be present in stock feeds. The unique technology behind Mycosorb® A+ can help you fight the threat of mycotoxins in your herd’s feed. Choose the best protection and keep your herd and your profits healthy with Mycosorb® A+ and Alltech Lienert. For more information on the threat from mycotoxins visit alltechlienert.com.au/our-solutions/mycotoxin-management/ or call a member of our On Farm Team on 1800 649 231.

Animals are your business. Protecting them is ours.

Alltechlienert.com.au

AlltechLienert

@Alltech

General Merchandise

DIESEL ESSENTIAL PORTABLE UTE PACKS A versatile and robust ute pack designed and manufactured in Australia to safely store and dispense your diesel. These tanks are strong and manufactured to withstand the treatment

in the back of the ute. A strong, reliable Italian designed pump will deliver the diesel every time, with an auto-shutoff nozzle to ensure you don’t overfill. Ranging from 100ltr to 800ltr, these units are all equipped with Piusi designed pumps and are perfect for the back of the ute. The ‘Cubestyle’ sits perfectly in the tub of a dual cab and can be fitted with a secondary bund for added security. Includes: > Upto 50LPM Piusi Diesel Pump > 5 year warranty > Lockable lid – protects all components > UV protected > Earth strap > Auto trigger nozzle > 4mtr Diesel-grade hose > Isolation switch > Alligator clips

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From February we are including a FREE pair of ProFit Non Slip Work Gloves with every purchase of a Diesel Essential Ute Pack. These gloves are breathable, abrasion resistant, have reinforced palms and are made for comfort, they are the ideal glove you need when handling Diesel. To get your hands on the Essential Ute Pack from Polymaster Diesel Tanks, simply drop into your local Elders store or jump onto the Polymaster website for more information – polymaster.com.au. The Polymaster customer service team are also a helpful bunch and more than happy to sort out any of your questions on 1300 062 064

DIESEL ESSENTIAL PORTABLE UTE PACKS • • • • •

Up to 50LPM Piusi Diesel Pump Diesel Auto Trigger Nozzle 5 Year Warranty Lockable Lid UV Protected

• • • •

Earth Strap Isolation Switch 4M Diesel Hose Alligator Clips

DMP800E DMP600E

DMP200E

DMPQ400E

DMP100E

DMP400E

FREE GIFT ProFit Non Slip Work Gloves Breathable, abrasion resistant, with reinforced palms, made for comfort and ideal for handling Diesel.

FREE with purchase of a Diesel Essential Ute Pack. *Limited stock.

Poly Silos SMARTER THAN YOUR AVERAGE SILO Stakka Bin

UV stabilised polyethylene silo | Gal steel frame Cooler Storage Temperatures | No rust | Gal steel frame Stainless steel outlet | Remote opening lid Fully weather sealed 45 & 60 degree high flow cone 1.75m³ - 60m³ capacity available | Polycarbonate sight glasses Suitable for feed, liquid or fertiliser storage Suitable for water clarification operations Australian made from Australian products AGRI PRODUCTS | LAWN PRODUCTS | AQUA PRODUCTS CONTACT US P 1800 502 267 E sales@enmach.com.au

enmach.com.au

General Merchandise

POLY SILOS, CLEARLY A BETTER SOLUTION. Australian manufacturer Enmach offers silos with extraordinary durability and a 20-year plus lifespan. The harsh Australian climate can have a devastating impact on the equipment we utilise in our outdoor occupations and lifestyles. A spokesman for Enmach says the Bundaberg-based company has reinvented and redesigned products made from traditional materials and manufactures them from materials such as polyethylene and stainless-steel to extend lifespan and durability. Enmach have the largest range of Poly Silos in the world and is the only rotomoulder in Australia dedicated to manufacturing and installation of independently F.E.A engineered Poly Silos that are cyclonic wind rated and load tested. Enmach poly products are lighter than the steel products they replace, have one of the world’s best UV protection ratings, resist rust and have compounded colour that will not fade or scratch off. Ultimately, Enmach has created the poly advantage – unbeatable durability. The company has been in operation for 30 years and offers a range of silos in capacities from 1 tonne to 50 tonnes or 1.75m3 to 60m3. The silos are suitable for bulk storage of a variety of products and can be used in any industry, from mining to farming, water clarification to breweries, fertiliser to coffee bean storage. The range starts with the industry leading Stakka Bin. The innovative Stakka Bins are the biggest in their class at 1.75m3 which will store around 1.3 ton of wheat and fertiliser. They have a full galvanised steel frame with extendable legs, an integrated ladder as standard and a stainless-steel knife gate that will not buckle when the bin is full. There are two heavy duty forklift pockets at the base of the unit complete with a safety chain and a fully removable lid. The largest silo in the range is the massive 60m3 silo that will contain 46 tonnes of wheat or fertiliser. Some of Enmach’s poly silo range are unique in the fact that they can be added to at a later date simply by adding further rings to the silo thus increasing the capacity. Another great feature of the Poly Silos is the ability to configure the silos to store liquid. The flagship of the liquid storage range is the 35000 litre Liquid Storage silo. This silo will hold up to 50 ton of liquid, great for storing molasses or liquid supplement for feeding cattle in the dry times. The liquid silos can also be configured for service in water clarification and

separation. The range of Patented 60-degree cone silos which encompasses storage sizes from 27m3 to 57m3 are ideally suited to the storage of feed pellets and slow flowing products. This design has a unique reverse angle top section for increased flow. Polyethylene has proved to be a winner in the manufacture of silos. Sweating is greatly reduced or removed as the insulation properties of polyethylene keeps your feed cooler resulting in reduced incidence of sweating. All silos heat up during the day and then on nightfall the outer steel skin of a steel silo cools rapidly. Poly silos are thicker than steel, 10 to 30 millimetres thick to be exact, and this thickness helps to keep your feed cooler during the day and then on nightfall, the temperature change is more gradual resulting in a slower dissipation of stored heat and less or no incidence of sweating. Having a silo made with polyethylene also gives you peace of mind by removing the threat of degeneration through rusting. The poly silo bin is encapsulated in a galvanized steel frame with a stainless-steel knife gate at the base of the silo and the silo is delivered fully assembled. Any bolts through the silo wall are all stainless steel to further enhance our no corrosion claim. To stand behind this, Enmach offers a 10-year warranty on their Poly Silos, “Where else do you get a warranty like that on a silo?” Enmach will deliver and install its range of poly silos Australia wide with crane-equipped trucks and trained drivers who can erect and bolt down a silo within hours. They also offer a full custom manufacturing service for polyethylene molded and steel fabricated products. Enmach combines innovation and durability with a highly equipped, in-house research and development department and a focus on service. Call the team at Enmach today on 1800502267 or explore further at www.enmach.com.au

General Merchandise

PLASSON EXTENDS SPONSORSHIP OF ENDANGERED TASMANIAN DEVIL Plasson’s global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been part of the company’s values, goals, and activities from the beginning of its history. Making a mark in saving the native wildlife of Australia has been close to their heart.

Therefore, they are happy to continue their support by sponsoring the Tasmanian Devil at “Devils@Cradle”, a unique Tasmanian conservation sanctuary located at the entrance to the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park. After sponsoring the devil “Plasson”, they have now extended support to two of mummy Plasson’s joeys, and they named them “Smart” and “Fuse”. WHY THEY SELECTED THE NAME “SMART” AND “FUSE”? The SmartFuse technology enables plumbers and contractors to capture quality relevant data during the 70

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welding process - a digital welding logbook kept on your smartphone. That is smarter plumbing. Plasson is convinced that their newly adopted devils are as intelligent as their technology. “Smart” (top of picture) is a very confident young lady who’s grown up chasing her brother “Fuse” around. “Fuse” is not as assertive as his sister, preferring to snooze in the sun rather than investigate his surroundings. Photo credit: Devils@Cradle Author: Sabrina Ehrle

ENGINEERED TO LAST

Water is precious. The next best thing to rain

is the retention of every precious drop of water. When leaking fittings are wasting valuable water and costing you money, you need a name you can rely on to supply your polyethylene pipe fittings. Plasson fittings have more than 40 years of successful use on Australian farms. No leaks No callbacks Ask for Plasson

Phone: 1300 752 776 Fax: 1300 248 027 Email: sales@plasson.com.au

w w w . p l a s s o n . c o m . a u

Stay one step ahead of hoof problems. Get ahead this season with Shoof’s range of quality hoof care products.

10% OFF Walkease Range

10% OFF

Bovi-Bond Original Vettec Gun 210ml

Visit your local Elders store or view our full catalogue online at shoof.com.au

Animal Health

HOOF CARE AND MANAGING PAIN IN LAME CATTLE

As the weather continues to cool into winter and change of seasons brings wetter conditions hoof care and managing hoof pain in lame cattle once again becomes a focus.

Lameness in dairy herds has a significant impact on production and reproductive performance, as well as causing affected animals considerable pain and discomfort. The cost of lameness can be significantly overcome through preventative and effective management strategies to help cows return to health and full productivity as quickly as possible. Maintaining good balance in the hoof is a useful preventative measure to averting hoof problems so visual inspections and quick actions are a must. Make regular hoof inspections and trimming a critical part of your regular routines. Ninety per cent of lameness comes from damage within the hoof, so close, regular attention is key to picking up any issues before they become major problems. Preparation is key – gather a basic tool kit for the hoof care focus season and for general use throughout the warmer months. Having a tool kit on hand when needed is invaluable in managing lameness quickly and effectively. Include items such as: hoof rasp, hoof knives, hoof trimmer and hoof pick, along with hoof blocks and adhesive. Knowledge of corrective hoof care techniques will allow you to get a start on repairing hooves as soon as possible. In cases where preventative management hasn’t been successful, we move towards early intervention solutions. That’s when your preparation in assembling a hoof care tool kit will pay off most. Hoof blocks are ideal for cows that have not been lame for very long and will effectively manage pain by reducing the weight bearing load. In addition to managing pain after trimming, we effectively increase the healing rate by also using hoof blocks. Suitable hoof blocks are either wooden or rubber depending on the conditions and preference.

Vettec’s Bovi Bond adhesive in conjunction with wooden or rubber blocks allow you to manage quick, precise applications with no wastage. Strong and quick setting – Bovi Bond sets in 30 seconds and is weight bearing in two to three minutes. Rubber hoof blocks give great traction and comfort on wet and slippery surfaces and can provide maximum impact suspension for hard surfaces. Wooden hoof blocks – look for hardwood rather than pine for longevity and wooden blocks are ideal for cows on softer surfaces. Shoof’s Walkease is a new generation claw prosthetic made from Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA). EVA is a common material used in support of running shoe soles. Used in combination with fast-drying cyanoacrylate adhesive, it is fast and effective to apply to the hoof of the cow. Walkease blocks will naturally compress and thin after 10 to 14 days of wear. Walkease is especially easy to use as blocks can be used either way up, so suit both left and right claws as required. No matter which blocking solution you prefer, the benefits to managing pain are evident immediately upon application. Maintaining balanced hooves regularly will keep your cows pain-free with consistently high productivity through the winter and spring. Shoof’s range of hoof care products are available from your local Elders branch or can be viewed in our catalogue online at www.shoof.com.au

FARMING

NEWS

FOR

AUSTRALIAN

FARMER S

Elders Seasons Magazine - Winter 2021

Articles inside

Hoof care and managing pain in lame cattle

Plasson extends sponsorship of endangered Tasmanian Devil

Poly Silos, Clearly a Better Solution

Feed Quality impacting Animal performance – Reducing the challenge of storage Mycotoxins

Diesel Essential Portable Ute Packs

Revolutionary Remote Walk Over Weighing delivers individual animal weights from the paddock

The new tech that’s changing the way properties sell

New Gallagher S12 Lithium Solar Fence Energizer aids in pasture renovation

Combination vs rotation: the big question in lice management

Early eason fly treatment: Act now to reap benefits throughout the fly season

Stamina grazing-tolerant lucerne with true grazing tolerance

Pastoral AG & The Hunter River Company

Managing winter cereal crops for maximum performance

Dual-active cattle drench a game-changer for cattle producers

Start the season with a clean, clear boom sprayer

GlanEry combines two sheep vaccines in one

Next generation aphid control for canola growers

SST and the good oil for spray adjuvants

How Post-Emergence Nutrition Affects Your Broadacre Crops

Mollusc mitigation – what risks do snails and slugs pose?

What’s in the toolkit for winter?

New tank mix partner a ‘priority’ for broadleaf weeds

Farmer trades livestock without putting down a dollar

ProGibb SG fills the winter feed gap

Need a fence quote? Waratah can help

A green future for nitrate fertilisers

Complete options for weed control with Arylex active products

Backing you, backing the RFDS

Fungicide spray window in southern canola crops a game changer