Elders Seasons Magazine - Winter 2022 Edition by Elders Limited

SEA S ONS WINTER 2022

WHAT IS THE SCIENCE BEHIND CHOOSING SNAIL AND SLUG BAITS? WHY WE NEED NEW STRATEGIES TO TACKLE WILD OAT RESISTANCE THE IMPORTANCE OF TRACE MINERALS AT WEANING TIME OPTIMISE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN YOUR STOCK

FARMING NEWS FOR AUSTRALIAN FARMERS

CROP PROTECTION

page 14

The science of choosing snail and slug baits

Controlling pests and diseases in crops

33 47

New Uplift fungicide now available for wheat & barley growers Cheers WeatherShield: the formulation you can rely on

CROP HEALTH

FARM MANAGEMENT 55

Regenerative agriculture explained

Deep soil insights key to better cropping returns

Bacstim & Rhizovator - a winning combination

How Post-Emergence Nutrition Affects Your Broadacre Crops

Find Us Online Seasons is brought to you by Elders

elders.com.au

/EldersLimited

eldersrural.com.au

@EldersLimited

eldersrealestate.com.au

@Elders_Limited

eldersinsurance.com.au

@EldersRuralServices

eldersfinance.com.au

eldersrural.com.au

Act fast to minimise viral spreading

The secret to Plasson’s reliability 66

Why weigh this winter

MIRAVIS® Star fungicide delivers value in key pulses and canola

WATER MANAGEMENT

page 23

Short rainfast fungicide suits frequent rain events

GENERAL

All Clear DS tank cleaner, removes more residue

New fungicides delivering multiple benefits

Cyclone steel troughs – an impressive list of features

ORONDIS® Flexi fungicide proves its worth

NEWS Generations in pink

Strategy shift as wild oats resistance becomes a reality

/EldersLimited

Contents

ANIMAL HEALTH

WINTER 2022

Weaning and the importance of trace minerals

Drench resistant parasites are a concern

Exit drenches for long-acting injections and capsules in sheep

Optimising reproductive performance in your stock

FINANCIAL SERVICES FMDs – an end of financial year option

REAL ESTATE Top five livestock regions of 2021

FENCING A new Waratah fence system designed for horses

Gallagher committed to a sustainable future by supporting Landcare projects

SEED Ecotain® ticks all the boxes for winter lambs

A forage barley variety to fill feed gaps

FERTILISER Yara: Fertiliser choice can help to reduce onfarm carbon emissions

As a business, this time of year centres around sharing our results with customers and shareholders. Elders posted a strong performance in the first half of FY22 and we now expect to deliver full year 2022 Underlying Earnings before Interest and Tax (EBIT) in the range of 30 to 40 per cent above full year 2021 Underlying EBIT. Our performance goes hand in hand with the success of Australian agriculture, as the whole industry benefits from high commodity prices and favourable seasonal conditions. Confidence is up in most regions, as evidenced by extreme demand from our customers for chemical and fertiliser in anticipation of another successful Winter crop. The agricultural supply chain hasn’t been without its challenges and I’d like to thank our staff and suppliers

page 47

who have worked tirelessly to secure vital inputs for our customers. Working across a range of products aimed at maximising yield, realising pasture potential and improving the health of livestock.

CEO Foreword

This edition of Seasons covers some of the newest products and findings from some of our top suppliers as we head into another long Winter.

Regards,

Mark Allison

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

Light Moderate

Moderate Strong

Light Breeze

Moderate Strong

Gale Force

! y ra

Sp When You’ve Only Got One Chance The ONE herbicide for wheat that:

Rexade

Arylex® active

HERBICIDE

•

Controls Wild Oats, Brome grass and Phalaris

•

Suppresses 3 other grass weeds

•

Controls more than 24 broadleaf weeds

•

Compatible with many broadleaf herbicides

•

Allows freedom in winter crop rotations

•

Comes in a user friendly GoDRI™ formulation

Giving you the opportunity to spray once and have the job done. Registered for use on triticale and wheat, except durum varieties.

For more information 1800 700 096 Visit us at corteva.com.au ®,TM

Crop Protection

STRATEGY SHIFT AS WILD OATS RESISTANCE BECOMES A REALITY

The increased incidence of wild oats resistance to Group 1 (Group A) resistance means farmers and agronomists are looking at alternative options for control. Group 1 chemistries have been widely used in broadacre cropping over many years. In more recent times their use has increased as generic options became available. Corteva Agriscience ANZ Marketing Director, Dan Dixon, said there was a lot of evidence that overuse of Group 1 herbicides had caused a marked increase in resistance. “It is important for growers to identify resistance issues on their property and look at other alternatives for wild oats control,” he said. “Corteva sponsored wild oat tests from New South Wales and Queensland in 2021 to help identify the extent of the problem.” Group 1 herbicides fall into three subfamilies. They are identified as the “Fops” (e.g. diclofop, clodinofop), the “Dims” (e.g. tralkoxydim, clethodim) and the “Dens” (pinoxaden (e.g. Axial)).

Mr Dixon said the results build on findings from previous years that Group 1 herbicides should not be relied upon to control weeds in broadacre crops in all phases of the rotation., but the use of Select or Factor (Dims) in the pulse phase of the rotation remain a valuable strategy in a lot of areas

In the broadleaf space, Rexade® Arylex® active has very good activity on a wide range of key weeds including bedstraw, climbing buckwheat, deadnettle, doublegee, fleabane, fumitory, Indian hedge mustard, prickly lettuce, sowthistle, wild radish and wireweed.

“Last season there were many incidences of wild oats poking up through chickpea and wheat crops at harvest. This causes issues with an increased seed bank and a likely spread of herbicide resistance across paddocks and farms.”

It will also control volunteer crops from the previous cropping phase such as canola, chickpea, faba bean, field pea, lentil, lupins, sub clover and vetch.

He said growers with Group 1 herbicide issues do have some limited post-emergent options in the Group 2 sector including Sulfonyl Urea (SU), Imidazolinone (imi) and Triazolopyrimidine sufonamides (TPS) herbicides. These products vary in their performance on wild oats, crop selectivity and rotational flexibility.

Mr Dixon said across three years (2019-2021), Charles Sturt University tested 179 wild oat samples to a “fop” herbicide and 128 (71 per cent) were classed as either resistant or developing resistance to that herbicide.

“Fortunately, in the populations tested by Charles Sturt University , TPS herbicides, and, in particular, Rexade® Arylex® active, remains a viable option for growers going forward. Out of the 160 samples tested over the three years only 1% were found to be resistant.

“Unfortunately, we can assume that the “fop” herbicide sub-family is just not working to control significant weeds such as wild oats,” he said.

Rexade® Arylex® active is registered in wheat and triticale as a selective herbicide for post-emergent control of grass and broadleaf weeds.

“In the “dim” sub-group, 7 per cent of wild oat samples were resistant. with Select, Factor and Achieve all of concern.

It provides control of key grass weeds such as wild oats and brome grass and suppression of annual ryegrass, barley grass and silver grass.

Mr Dixon said the excellent control over a wide spectrum of weed species meant Rexade® Arylex® active was the obvious choice when rotating away from the issues with Group 1 herbicides in wheat. “This is a product which also works best in a tank mix with herbicides such as LVE MCPA to further enhance weed control. Unlike other grass herbicides, mixing Rexade with LVE does not cause any reduction in wild oat control.” “It offers excellent flexibility with relatively low rainfall and time required for breakdown to rotate into the following winter crop or summer crops like sorghum, maize, sunflower or mungbeans.” “Most importantly, Rexade® Arylex® active is an alternative mode of action to the failing Group 1 chemistry and an excellent option for growers to control wild oats, along with their broadleaf weeds increasing yields and profitability from their crops,” Mr Dixon said. 5

Crop Protection

NEW FUNGICIDES DELIVERING MULTIPLE BENEFITS

NEW fungicide arrivals for canola and cereal crops are adding more options, flexibility and improved crop safety for growers. ADAMA Australia recently launched Maxentis® EC and Proviso® fungicides to the local industry for use in canola, wheat, barley and oat crops.

“Compared with using other fungicides, growers now have more flexibility to go with various tank mixes from an early stage.’’ Matt said.

Maxentis is a unique co-formulation of prothioconazole and azoxystrobin, providing improved disease control spectrum, efficacy and resistance management in cereals and canola, as well as an important rotation option following commonly used in-furrow and seed treatment fungicides.

He said Maxentis was one of the few fungicides registered for use in canola containing azoxystrobin and it could be included with top-up applications of herbicides like atrazine as early as the four to six-leaf crop growth stage, as could Proviso.

Research has confirmed it offers better crop safety than existing benchmark fungicides whether applied alone or in tank mixes. Rapidly absorbed by leaves, Maxentis controls key diseases including seedling and upper canopy blackleg and sclerotinia in canola, as well as rusts, powdery mildew, septoria, yellow leaf spot, scald and ramularia in cereals, while it also features Australia’s first registered claim for control of physiological leaf spot (PLS) in barley. Proviso is a novel prothioconazole fungicide featuring ADAMA’s unique Asorbital™ technology, which enables enhanced uptake and systemic activity for improved efficacy, compatibility and crop safety. FLEXIBILITY IN THE TANK It can be used in tank mixes with a range of other crop protection and nutrition products, controlling a broader range of diseases in canola and cereals, including fusarium head blight in wheat, and to assist disease management. Proviso can be ideally applied as the first foliar application following the use of Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor (SDHI) or strobilurin-based fungicides on seed or in-furrow. ADAMA Australia Portfolio Manager – Fungicides, Matt Sherriff, said growers would be aware of crop safety and mixing issues when tank mixing various crop protection and nutrition products. 6

eldersrural.com.au

FIGHT RESISTANCE TO TRIAZOLES Maxentis can be applied through to the flag leaf stage in cereals and is particularly valuable as an alternative mode of action group in cases where SDHI fungicide already has been applied on seed or in-furrow. Matt said Proviso was a more costeffective and adaptable fungicide and could be applied with a host of tank mix partners to further enhance its effectiveness. Where resistance may be developing to any triazoles, he said growers also could have confidence that prothioconazole was the most effective of these fungicides and by using Proviso, they could avoid paying for additional active ingredients that may be less effective. EFFECTIVE ON CANOLA AND CEREALS Harry Pickering, Market Development Manager with ADAMA Australia in NSW, said Maxentis was predominantly used to tackle sclerotinia in canola last season, while there were also applications targeting cereal diseases. “Growers appreciated the flexible use of Maxentis across canola and cereal crops last season and the feedback was very positive,’’ Harry said. He said the excellent crop safety meant Maxentis was particularly valuable in early applications for blackleg control as well, including in tank mixtures, and it was ideal in high cereal disease

Blackleg evaluation trial in York WA, featuring Maxentis and Proviso in tank mixtures with herbicides.

pressure situations, providing broadspectrum disease control. Harry said Proviso worked especially well where there were net blotch concerns in barley last season and there were encouraging responses to applications in canola as well. He said Proviso’s compatibility with a wide range of crop protection and input products made it a flexible tool for use in multiple crops including canola, where there can be high pressure on existing fungicides. CONTROLLING DISEASE WITH AN EARLY APPLICATION In WA, ADAMA Australia Market Development Manager Bevan Addison said there was strong use of Maxentis and Proviso in the State last season and growers, agronomists and consultants reported good success, including in mixtures with Flexi-N liquid nitrogen fertiliser. Bevan said the fungicides were predominantly used in canola crops, with Proviso applied earlier and Maxentis used at more traditional application timings. He said many growers sprayed earlier due to the need to get across paddocks before they became too wet under the conditions. “It was earlier than they would traditionally spray, but the disease didn’t progress and while various growers still carried out a second fungicide application, many got away with the one spray,’’ Bevan said. “It showed that going early with a good fungicide is effective, limiting the development of disease later,’’ he said. For further information on the new Maxentis and Proviso fungicides, growers can contact their local Elders branch or visit ADAMA.com

Proviso fungicide ®

Fully adjustable disease control.

Build your foliar disease program around new Proviso fungicide from ADAMA, the most versatile tool in your shed.

Scan here for more information

• Straight prothioconazole in EC formulation • Broad spectrum control of key foliar diseases, including blackleg and sclerotinia in canola, net blotches in barley and Septoria leaf blotch in oats • Flexible application rate • Excellent compatibility and crop safety • Developed and proven for Australian conditions

FUNGICIDE ®Registered trademark of an ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Company.

Star gazing. There’s a name for that feeling when you’ve taken good advice, and made the right call. It goes beyond gazing over your best crop ever ; it’s about knowing you’ve guaranteed its security by choosing the most robust protection against foliar diseases, powered by MIRAVIS®. The name that goes with that feeling? MIRAVIS® STAR, the stellar new broad-spectrum fungicide solution, for canola and pulse growers. For further information talk to your local Syngenta representative or visit syngenta.com.au/Miravis-Star

With a broad label, MIRAVIS® Star fungicide makes a valuable contribution in the management of problem disease across faba beans, chickpeas and lentils.

Crop Protection

MIRAVIS® STAR FUNGICIDE DELIVERS VALUE IN KEY PULSES AND CANOLA Many farmers will get their first good look at MIRAVIS® Star fungicide this season, since its registration mid-way through last year’s crop. And with its significant yield advantages over existing products it is stacking up as a highly valuable tool. A new fungicide offering extended residual control of a wide range of diseases in canola and pulse crops has been released by Syngenta.

seedling blackleg control or from stem elongation to 20 per cent (pc) flower for upper canopy blackleg control,” Mr Wilson said.

MIRAVIS® Star is a combination of Group 7 and Group 12 active ingredients, with significant yield improvement observed across various trials due to the management of key diseases.

He said a key to MIRAVIS® Star was its ability to provide residual activity well into the weeks following application.

In canola this new foliar fungicide has a wide disease spectrum covering seedling and upper canopy blackleg, as well as sclerotinia and white leaf spot. In pulse crops including chickpeas, lentils and faba beans MIRAVIS® Star is a new tool for ascochyta blight, sclerotinia, chocolate spot, botrytis rot and cercospora leaf spot (faba beans only). LONG LASTING RESIDUAL Syngenta Technical Services Lead Pete Wilson said MIRAVIS® Star had been extensively trialled prior to commercial release and demonstrated attributes demanded by the Australian broadacre market. He said the new fungicide was absorbed into the waxy layer of the leaf and slowly released into the plant over time, for robust, residual control that’s a step up compared to existing options. “For canola MIRAVIS® Star can be applied at the four to six leaf range for

MIRAVIS® Star fungicide offers protection against upper canopy blackleg, as well as sclerotinia and white leaf spot in canola.

“When it is applied at the 20pc bloom stage of a canola crop, we are seeing extended residual over that entire flowering period.” IMPROVED YIELD AND PROFITABILITY An advantage of keeping the canola crop clean during this vital stage of development is the added yields demonstrated in the trial programs. “MIRAVIS® Star has the ability to extend the maturity of the crop since it contains an SDHI fungicide,” Mr Wilson said. “We are seeing a stay-green effect which was very evident last year in our extensive trial program.” “Crops remained greener for longer, which produced a yield advantage. We were seeing a 100 to 240 kilogram per hectare yield advantage over products that are currently in the marketplace.”

Pete Wilson, Syngenta Technical Services Lead

strong control over the range of pulse diseases,” Mr Wilson said. “I think it has a significant fit at that canopy closure stage with an ability to keep the crop clean for an extended period. This is helping achiever higher yields.” TRIED AND TESTED FOR AERIAL AND GROUND USE Syngenta product lead fungicides (broadacre) Angus Rutherford said MIRAVIS® Star offers an excellent return on investment given the weeks of residual expected from the product. “Application rates will vary depending on the crop type and target disease,” Mr Rutherford said. “Higher rates should be used when conditions favour severe disease development or when a susceptible cultivar is grown.” He said MIRAVIS® Star had been part of an extensive trialling program that included crop safety and compatibility work.

He said the yield advantage was even more significant under irrigated conditions where there was an exceptionally strong return on investment.

“It has shown excellent crop safety in all the trial work we’ve done to date and good compatibility with a range of products that could be applied to the crops at a similar time.”

“It was not unusual to see yield advantages in excess of 500 kilograms per hectare with MIRAVIS® Star.”

“MIRAVIS® Star has aerial and ground use registrations. When compared to other fungicides at similar use timings, it is fully rain fast in just one hour from application.”

The performance of MIRAVIS® Star has been equally as impressive in pulse crops where it consistently produced higher yields in comparisons with other fungicides currently on the market. “We have seen up to six weeks disease control in crops, with exceptionally

For more information speak to your local Elders branch or visit: syngenta.com.au/miravis-star. ® Registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.

Crop Health

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE EXPLAINED

Regenerative agriculture is not the sole-preserve of organic or bio-dynamics – evidence based science is key says Peter Spies. A specialist agronomist with Thomas Elder Consulting, Peter has spent some time in the regenerative agricultural landscape, and he says he is neither conventional, nor bio-dynamic, or organic. Rather, Peter likes to consider his clients as landing somewhere on a spectrum. “Our clients can span the continuum from conventional to bio-dynamic,” says Peter. “I like to look at a clients’ operation, farming system, values and beliefs to find solutions to issues.” In his line of work, Peter says that unfortunately, and to its detriment, broadacre agriculture is not always an evidence-based industry at producer level. “Yes, there are areas where evidence drives what is done, but it is far from being widespread. Too much attention is placed on current fashions and folks searching for a silver bullet. I am into hard, measurable scientific evidence above anecdotes.” Peter’s definition of “regen ag” is to “regenerate” and not just “sustain”. This means building soil carbon and stimulating soil biology. Growing biomass achieves this with active growing plants sacrificing up to 40 per cent of their sugars to feed microbes in the Rhizosphere and can be done through both synthetic and nonsynthetic (fertilizer) approaches. “I adhere to two rules: one, we need to build soil carbon as this increases cation exchange, moisture-holding capacity and provides a home and foodsource for soil biology; and two, when using fertilizers, opt for sources that are softer on soil biology. For example, less acidifying. “We know many synthetic fertilizers are, in fact, stimulatory on soil biology. Personally, I get tired of hearing some in the regenerative community say that synthetic fertilizers are bad. Both synthetic and non-synthetic sources have their place, especially where source and cost are considered.” On Peter’s own operation, breeding Senepol, and tropical composite bulls on the Atherton Tablelands, he utilises a combination of approaches. This includes applied biology and bacteria; incorporating legumes, and soil ameliorants to obtain high weight gains. 10

eldersrural.com.au

On the red basalt soils of the Tablelands the use of lime to correct pH is important. As the soils have high iron, and a high PBI (Phosphorus buffer index), P-solubilizing bacteria offers promise. This includes: > Nitrogen fixing bacteria and Endophytic Trichoderma to improve growth and vigour of grasses, root development and disease resistance. > Molasses to stimulate soil biology through protozoa. > Catalytic micronutrient inputs such as silica, molybdenum and zinc. According to Peter, there is nothing “mysterious” or new about these approaches – it’s what all good producers and grazing scientists have been encouraging for decades. “You don’t need complicated grazing systems that run animals around in circles to achieve better grazing land management, livestock performance and business performance – and you don’t need to pay thousands on courses to teach you this!” The key in both extensive and intensive pastures, Peter argues, is rest. “You need grass to produce grass, not tax the plant to draw down on its root reserves,” he says. “One does not need to cell or intensively rotationally graze.” A nine-year study, conducted by the NT Department of Primary Industry and Resource at the Douglas Daly Research Farm, 220km south of Darwin, found better cattle performance on set stocked areas than intensively rotationally grazed areas. Growth of cattle was greater both per head and per hectare under continuous grazing compared to intensive rotational grazing. “It is important however, to fence according to land type and reduce grazing pressure on better land types and manage them. Having enough watering points and strategically located to even out grazing pressure and so cattle don’t need to walk more than two to three km, depending on the country. Industry has been advocating this in extension since the early 90s!” Conventional agriculture is neither archaic or unsustainable and new

approaches must be supported by robust science and sound economics, Peter argues. “Our libraries are full of peer-reviewed journal articles on agricultural research conducted since the 1960s that has never been successfully extended,” he says. “The former DPI and CSIRO, through agricultural research conducted in the 1960s through to the 1990s, addressed some of the critical issues that constrained productivity. This material is a veritable goldmine for folks who are serious about undeniable evidence. “My advice is that producers seek evidence-based approaches. Good science starts with a null-hypothesis that is either proven or not proven. Trial work is randomized to avoid bias. It is replicated and it is repeatable. Further, it is peer-reviewed. With livestock it also incorporates a control group. “When I look at several the “regen ag” or holistic management providers I see a lot of broad statements that have no hard evidence and are just anecdotal. That is not to say regenerative ag is bad – to me it is great – but there are many that, in my opinion, are taking something that is good, is altruistic, and milking it for all it’s worth, while much of this information is publiclyavailable.” “Regenerative agriculture can be done through both synthetic or non-synthetic (fertilizer) approaches. Look for the hard, quantifiable evidence rather than anecdotes.” The approaches of Thomas Elder Consulting are based on science and leveraged with technology. The latest research findings, agronomic tools and diagnostic techniques are key ingredients in finding solutions for a clients’ enterprise. The focus is always on proactively working towards the long-term growth and productivity goals from a whole-farm system perspective. REFERENCES 1. Schatz, Tim (2021), A comparison of the growth of cattle grazing buffel grass under two different grazing regimes: High intensity rotational grazing vs continuous grazing. https://futurebeef.com. au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/A-comparisonof-the-growth-rate-of-cattle-grazing-buffelgrass-under-two-different-grazing-regimes-Highintensive-rotational-grazing-vs-Continuousgrazing-PDF-4.77-MB.pdf

Thomas Elder Consulting Your made-to-measure, farm management experts Built by Elders - Australia’s leading agribusiness - Thomas Elder Consulting (TEC) is an independent, specialist agricultural consulting business offering customised, whole farm management advice. Strategically located across Australia, our team of highly specialised TEC consultants provide a premium, all-encompassing consultancy model comprising expertise across all sectors of agriculture including: • Agronomic solutions • Farm business management • Production and farm planning • Livestock production

• Carbon farming • Benchmarking • Precision agriculture • Water scheduling • Decision agriculture • Genomics

Our TEC consultants enhance our clients’ returns and sustainable productivity through the provision of cutting-edge, data-driven advice tailored to drive the desired results for our farming clients. www.thomaselderconsulting.com.au

SLUGS & SNAILS LOVE IT TO

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

Maximum Attractiveness Enhanced Palatability Faster Efficient Kill Persistent Control Innovation. Quality. Solutions.

®Metarex Inov and Colzactive are registered trademarks of De Sangosse SA. 220428

Crop Protection

THE SCIENCE OF CHOOSING SNAIL AND SLUG BAITS

Snail and slug bait technology has come a long way since the traditional bran-based dry process pellets. In Europe, the need to improve delivery of active ingredients to increase the number of snails and slugs killed while reducing environmental impacts has seen the launch of new products with enhanced delivery systems of old active ingredients, resulting in greater return on investment due to less kg/ha of product applied. For example, new formulations of metaldehyde products kill a greater number of snails and slugs using less active under a greater range of conditions.

There are now only two modes of action available on the Australian market, since methiocarb has been withdrawn from sale. The development of new chemical active ingredients is unlikely. Choosing the right snail and slug bait for the situation in which snails and slugs are to be managed is critical to ensure continued access to these crop protectants. For snail and slug baits to work, some basic principles are relied upon. Pests must first encounter a pellet, which requires: > Individual activity – snails or slugs must be actively searching for food, not just moving about to rehydrate; the complexity of habitat is thought to influence snails’ ability to find pellets. > Even number of baits per unit area – the focus on an increased pellet density alone has seen the manufacture of small pellets that increase the likelihood of individuals consuming a sub-lethal dose (see below). Pellets have to

be evenly applied across the full width of application area. Uniform pellet size, weight and density ensure no area is missed. Patchy control can occur when products with high variation are used and/ or application equipment is not calibrated.

> Attractiveness of bait – snails and slugs display non-random movement towards attractive pellets (the true definition of a bait) compared to seedlings. South Australian Development and Research Institute data demonstrated a significant (χ2 = 129.62, df = 2, p < 0.001) number (87%) of Italian snails first touched a Metarex Inov pellet compared to a wheat seedling or not making a choice. Attractive products result in a greater likelihood individuals will encounter a bait than a seedling. Once pests have encountered a snail and slug bait, they must consume a lethal dose, which requires: > Palatability – addition of feeding enhancers (e.g. COLZACTIVE) ensures individuals consume enough active ingredient to ingest a lethal dose. In the case of metaldehyde that causes paralysis, consumption of a sub-lethal dose can be an issue with some products because individuals can’t continue to ingest enough to destroy their mucous cells. > Enough bait for the target population – if product does not remain after a couple of days following application, it is usually

due to large numbers of snails and slugs consuming it all. Reapplication to those “hot spots” will be required. > Enough toxicant in the bait – the loading of active ingredient determines the amount consumed; hence low loading pellets require more total product to be applied. In wet conditions, small pellets with greater surface area to volume ratios lose more active ingredient; hence less toxicant will be consumed. For products containing metaldehyde, it is generally recommended that 30 to 40 g/kg is the optimum concentration. Having a persistent bait that snails and slugs will consume to receive a lethal dose, allows for application before individuals are active. This timing often coincides with rainfall. Bran-based products that breakdown after rain and have low initial loadings of active ingredient need to be reapplied after heavy rainfall, whereas modern rainfast products continue to kill for up to a month after application and rainfall. Some products contain components that make the pellet more resistant to weathering, however snails and slugs are not inclined to feed on these hard, yet rainfast, pellets. Combining what is known about the factors that make a good snail and slug bait has led to the delivery of products that have faster and more efficient mortality, with greater persistence. The continued improvement of delivery technologies has seen less active applied, hence lower environmental loadings, yet better crop protection and snail and slug control, leading to better returns on growers’ investment in snail and slug bait. Figure 1. Attractiveness, as assessed by choice trials where 100 snails were placed individually in Petri dishes with either lettuce or canola (= oilseed rape; OSR) and a pellet of Metarex Inov®, which contains the newly developed attractant COLZACTIVE®. Values in bars indicate the proportion of individuals that were first observed on the bait. If snails were displaying random movement, one would assume only 50% would go to the pellet, as indicated by the top yellow bar.

News

GENERATIONS IN PINK

Farming families are the backbone of the Australian agricultural industry and its communities. While the face of farming has changed over the course of Elders’ 183 years as farms pass through generations, the role of family remains integral to the entire supply chain, and indeed to the fabric of rural communities. Although large, Elders remains rooted in agricultural communities and full of families – with siblings, spouses, parents and offspring all proudly working together in the pink shirt. The Gogel family from the south-east of South Australia are one such proud Elders family. Mum Wendy, Dad Laryn, and now daughter Carly have together racked up 35 years with Elders. Carly currently works as the sales support officer in the Naracoorte branch and says “Elders is not only an employer, but is an extension of our family.” Carly has been with Elders for four years, following in her mum’s footsteps, who worked with Elders for 10 years, also as a sales support officer across the south-east. Carly recalls from a young age attending numerous sheep, cattle, ram and bull sales, rain, hail or shine with her father Laryn who is the livestock manager for southern SA and area manager. Some might say agency is in her genes. The Gogel family are all incredibly passionate about the work they do and the agricultural industry. 14

eldersrural.com.au

It is a fantastic support network when things get tough, and everyone is there to help celebrate when times are good... Carly Gogel, SSO Naracoorte This passion, combined with being a close-knit family, allows them to maintain a good work life balance – although they do admit that kitchen table conversations too often turn to work. Laryn’s role as livestock manager for

southern SA means that his work often crosses paths with his daughters’. Carly’s role at Naracoorte involves attending the store and stud sales conducted at the branch, as well as helping neighbouring branches. She is passionate about her work and ensuring the sales run smoothly for her Elders team and the clients. Carly jokes “we all look fantastic in pink!” Both Laryn and Wendy are proud to see Carly pave her own way within Elders. “Having been an Elders family for a number of years and understanding the number of opportunities that the business offers we were thrilled when Carly was given the chance to join the pink team,” Laryn says. “Agriculture has always been a passion of Carly’s and we are so pleased to see her pursuing a career where we knew she would thrive in.”

Are you looking for a rewarding career in agriculture? Elders has a variety of roles. Scan the QR code for more info.

MOUSEOFF

Australia’s Leading Plague Mouse Control DANGEROUS POISON

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN READ SAFETY DIRECTIONS BEFORE OPENING OR USING

DANGEROUS POISON

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN READ SAFETY DIRECTIONS BEFORE OPENING OR USING

MOUSEOFF ZINC PHOSPHIDE BAIT

MOUSEOFF

ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 25 g/kg Zinc Phosphide

ZINC PHOSPHIDE ECONOBAIT

For the reduction of heavy infestations of mice in agricultural situations.

THIS PRODUCT IS NOT TO BE AVAILABLE EXCEPT TO PERSONS AUTHORISED OR LICENSED UNDER THE RELEVANT STATE OR TERRITORY POISONS CONTROLS FOR SCHEDULE 7 POISONS. DIRECTIONS FOR USE RESTRAINTS DO NOT apply bait to bare ground (Including fallow where there is no vegetative cover). DO NOT apply bait in a trail. DO NOT apply bait if heavy rain is imminent. DO NOT apply to the outer 50m of crop or within 50m of native vegetation. A 50m buffer zone in crop must be employed to reduce risk to birds and other non-target animals. DO NOT apply bait unless monitoring of mouse numbers indicates the potential for crop damage of economic significance. Situation

Pest

Rate

Critical Comments

Grain crops, legume crops, canola, safflower, nut crops, and pasture. (Note: for all situations – only as a post emergent treatment, stubble of harvested crop prior to sowing seed, or when seed have been sown into crop stubble or other similar ground cover).

Mice

1 kg/ha to achieve an even coverage of 2-3 grains/ m2

Bait is only to be applied by aerial application or accurately calibrated ground application equipment to achieve 2-3 grains/m2. It is imperative that all attempts are made to apply bait as evenly as possible to maximize product efficacy and minimize risks to non-target animals. MOUSEOFF Zinc Phosphide Bait will provide a high level of control in most situations. However in areas of extremely high mice densities or areas with significant amounts of alternative feed, sufficient mice may remain to cause damage to crops after treatment. Retreatment after 14 days may therefore be required in certain circumstances. It is recommended pre-treatment estimations of the severity of the mouse problem are performed before applying bait and that postbaiting estimates are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the control operation. For information on the most effective methods for monitoring of mouse populations please contact the government department in your state responsible for vertebrate pest control. Bait may retain activity for several days after light rain or in damp conditions, and light showers can be tolerated. Maximum performance will however be expected under dry conditions.

Net Contents: 125kg

WITHHOLDING PERIOD

Additional information is listed in the MSDS which can be obtained from the supplier. CONDITIONS OF SALE and DISCLAIMER

THIS PRODUCT IS NOT TO BE AVAILABLE EXCEPT TO PERSONS AUTHORISED OR LICENSED UNDER THE RELEVANT STATE OR TERRITORY POISONS CONTROLS FOR SCHEDULE 7 POISONS.

Poisonous if swallowed. Releases dangerous phosphine gas slowly in moist air and immediately if wet. Do not inhale vapour. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Keep away from water and liquids. Keep away from naked flames – forms toxic gas. When opening the container and using baits wear elbow-length PVC gloves and a full face respirator with combined dust and gas cartridge or supplied air respirator. Wash hands after use. After each days use wash gloves and respirator and if rubber, wash with detergent and warm water. FIRST AID

NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE OR IN ANY MANNER CONTRARY TO THIS LABEL UNLESS If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre (phone: 13 11 26). AUTHORISED UNDER APPROPIATE LEGISLATION. Do not give direct mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if swallowed. To protect rescuer, use air-viva, oxyviva or one-way mask. Resuscitate in a well-ventilated area. THIS PRODUCT IS TOO HAZARDOUS FOR USE IN THE HOME GARDEN. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IN THE HOME GARDEN.

GHS statements – Read in conjunction with other label instructions including the safety directions. Harmful if swallowed. Contact with water or acid liberates toxic gas. Wash hands, arms and face thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor. Rinse mouth. Dispose of contents/container in accordance with Federal, State and Local Government regulations.

Batch No:

SITUATION

Trus provt the perf en orme rs

MOUSEOFF ZP 125kg

DOM: APVMA Approval No. 50532/51579

ANIMAL CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES (Australia) Pty Ltd 46-50 Freight Drive Somerton VIC 3062 Australia Emergency Telephone Contact 03 9308 9688

WITHHOLDING PERIOD:

DO NOT apply to bare ground (including fallow where there is no vegetative cover). DO NOT apply in a trail. DO NOT apply if heavy rain is imminent DO NOT apply to the outer 50m of crop or within 50m of native vegetation. A 50m buffer zone in crop must be employed to reduce risk to birds and other non-target animals. DO NOT apply unless monitoring of mouse numbers indicates the potential for crop damage of economic significance.

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

SAFETY DIRECTIONS

Net contents: 125 kg

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: RESTRAINTS:

Bait should be distributed to minimise exposure to non-target wildlife, especially birds and Animal Control Technologies (Australia) Pty Ltd (ACTA) will not accept responsibility for losses or damage arising from the supply or use of these goods other than the responsibility for the livestock. It is preferable to place baits late in the day when birds have finished feeding. Particular merchantable quality of the goods. To the extent allowed by the relevant laws in each State, the care should be taken when baits are applied near native vegetation using aircraft as high bait concentrations may occur on the ground beneath aircraft that need to climb steeply. Spilt bait must liability of ACTA is limited to the replacement of goods in the event that a valid claim of deficiencies in merchantable quality is proven. be collected immediately and applied according to label directions or buried below one metre.

Dispose of use containers by crushing and burying below one metre in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose, clear of waterways, vegetation and roots. Excess or unused baits must be buried below one metre. Empty containers and product must not be burnt.

ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 25 g/kg Zinc Phosphide

For the reduction of heavy infestations of mice in agricultural situations.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

DO NOT harvest any crops or allow livestock to graze baited areas for 14 days after application. PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE, THE ENVIRONMENT AND LIVESTOCK

Grain crops, legume crops, canola, safflower, nut crops, and pasture. (Note: for all situations – only as a post emergent treatment, stubble of harvested crop prior to sowing seed, or when seed has been sown into crop stubble, into cultivated ground or other similar ground cover).

PEST

RATE

CRITICAL COMMENTS

Mice

1 kg/ha to achieve an even coverage of 2-3 grains/m2

Bait is only to be applied by aerial application or accurately calibrated ground application equipment to achieve 2-3 grains/m2. It is imperative all attempts are made to apply bait as evenly as possible to maximize product efficacy and minimise risks to non-target animals. MOUSEOFF® Zinc Phosphide ECONOBAIT® will provide a high level of control in most situations. However in areas of extremely high mice densities or areas with significant amounts of alternative feed, sufficient mice may remain to cause damage to crops after treatment. Retreatment may therefore be required in certain circumstances. It is recommended pre-treatment estimations of the mouse problem severity is performed before applying bait and post-baiting estimates are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the control operation. Bait may retain activity for several days after light rain or in damp conditions, and light showers can be tolerated.

NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE OR IN ANY MANNER CONTRARY TO THIS LABEL UNLESS AUTHORISED UNDER APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION. THIS PRODUCT IS TOO HAZARDOUS FOR USE IN THE HOME GARDEN. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IN THE HOME GARDEN

FIRST AID:

Harvest: DO NOT harvest for 14 days after application. Grazing: DO NOT graze or cut for stock food for 14 days after application. In all circumstances DO NOT allow stock or pets to have access to baited areas unless all bait grains have been recovered or have completely degraded.

If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre. Phone Australia 13 11 26. Do not give direct mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if swallowed. To protect rescuer, use air-viva, oxy-viva or one-way mask. Resuscitate in a well-ventilated area.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

MSDS:

APPLY bait only within the agricultural or horticultural crop affected by rodents where there are indications of rising population numbers or crop damage. Bait is to be ground applied individually by calibrated spreader in agricultural or horticultural crops to achieve an even distribution of 1kg grains per hectare (an even coverage of 2-3 grains/m2) within affected crops. If required, grains (10g) are to be applied in bait stations (10m intervals). NOTE: MOUSEOFF® Zinc Phosphide ECONOBAIT® is prepared using wheat, but unlike MOUSEOFF® Zinc Phosphide Bait, has not been subjected to sterilisation by irradiation. Thus, bait seeds not taken by mice may germinate and give rise to viable volunteer wheat plants. This is a low cost option for large scale mouse management. If the presence of volunteer plants affects crop value it is recommended the fully sterilised version of MOUSEOFF® Zinc Phosphide Bait is used.

Additional information is listed in the MSDS which can be obtained from the supplier. www.animalcontrol.com.au

CONDITIONS OF SALE and DISCLAIMER Animal Control Technologies (Australia) Pty Ltd (ACTA) will not accept responsibility for losses or damage arising from the supply or use of these goods other than the responsibility for the merchantable quality of the goods. To the extent allowed by the relevant laws in each State, the liability of ACTA is limited to the replacement of goods in the event that a valid claim of deficiencies in merchantable quality is proven.

GHS statements – Read in conjunction with other label instructions including the safety directions.

PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE, THE ENVIRONMENT AND LIVESTOCK:

Bait should be distributed to minimise exposure to non-target wildlife, especially birds and livestock. It is preferable to place baits late in the day when birds have finished feeding. Particular care should be taken when baits are applied near native vegetation using aircraft as high bait concentrations may occur on the ground beneath the aircraft that need to climb steeply. Spilt bait must be collected immediately and applied according to label directions or buried below one meter.

Harmful if swallowed. Contact with water or acid liberates toxic gas. Wash hands, arms and face thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor. Rinse mouth. Dispose of contents/container in accordance with Federal, State and Local Government regulations.

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL:

The contents of each container should be used within 3 months of opening. Store in the closed original container in a dry cool well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Store in a locked area away from children, animals, food, feedstuffs, seed and fertilisers. Store away from acids, water and any sources of heat or ignition. Dispose of used containers by crushing and burying below one meter in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose, clear of waterways, vegetation and roots. Excess or unused baits must be buried below one meter. Empty containers and product must not be burnt.

SAFETY DIRECTIONS:

Poisonous if swallowed. Releases dangerous phosphine gas slowly in moist air and immediately if wet. Do not inhale vapour. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Keep away from water and liquids. Keep away from naked flames – forms toxic gas. When opening the container and using baits wear elbow-length PVC gloves and a full face respirator with combined dust and gas cartridge or supplied air respirator. Wash hands after use. After each day’s use wash gloves and respirator and if rubber wash with detergent and warm water.

Animal Control Technologies (Australia) Pty. Ltd. 46-50 Freight Drive, Somerton, Victoria 3062

Mouseoff ZP Econobait 125kg

APVMA No: 68158 BATCH: DOM:

www.animalcontrol.com.au

EMERGENCY NO. 03 9308 9688

MOUSEOFF® & MOUSEOFF® ECONOBAIT® •

MOUSEOFF® 25g/kg ZINC PHOSPHIDE BAIT has been used successfully for 25 years.

•

MOUSEOFF® uses high grade wheat that is irradiated to ensure that there is no germination of the wheat, or any viable weed seeds or pathogens in bait.

•

While other manufacturers may claim ‘sterilisation’ this is sometimes by simple heat treatment to deactivate the wheat. This is a lesser standard process. Beware!

•

Most landholders now require the sterilised premium MOUSEOFF® product, when it is available.

•

To overcome restrictions in radiation capacity, ACTA registered a non sterilised version called MOUSEOFF® Econobait® to be used in emergencies

•

Grain used for MOUSEOFF® Econobait® manufacture is seed quality and fully screened, cleaned and assessed by an accredited testing agency.

•

MOUSEOFF® Econobait® is therefore approximately 30% cheaper than normal MOUSEOFF®. Chemical dosing is the same for both products and at the highest internationally accepted rate.

•

MOUSEOFF® Econobait® is only available in 125kg drums and 500kg Bulka Bags. ZP Dose

Seed type

Attractants

Sterilisation

Seed testing

Germination

Relative cost

25g/kg

High quality wheat (often seed grade)

Yes

Ionising radiation 25kgrey

Higher

MOUSEOFF® 25g/kg Econobait

Seed graded wheat

Yes

NONE

Yes

Yes, if not eaten Lower by mice

MOUSEOFF

We recommend the sterilised product in most situations for maximum biosecurity, but in a major plague we offer the MOUSEOFF® Econobait®, so that as many crops as possible can be saved. Animal Control Technologies (AUST) Pty. Ltd. 46-50 Freight Drive, Somerton, Victoria 3062 enquiries@animalcontrol.com.au www.animalcontrol.com.au ph: 03 9308 9688 fx: 03 9308 9622

Excellence in Pest Animal Management

AUSTRALIA’S HOME GROWN PRE-HARVEST SOLUTION.

Reduce weed seed set with Nufarm CRUCIAL, Australia’s most widely registered herbicide. From pre-sowing to over-the-top (OTT) and pre-harvest, it’s time to get Australia’s most widely registered and efficient gram for gram formulation. Tailor-made for our unique local conditions, Nufarm CRUCIAL, with triple salt, triple surfactant and 600 load is the solution you cannot do without. Make Nufarm CRUCIAL your No.1 this pre-harvest. Talk to your local reseller or visit: nufarm.com.au/product/CRUCIAL for more information.

Crop Health

Sandy soil ready for seeding

DEEP SOIL INSIGHTS KEY TO BETTER CROPPING RETURNS

Beth Sleep is on a mission to reveal what lies beneath the topsoil and unlock the potential of underperforming cropping zones through soil science. The young agronomist at Elders Jamestown has been offering fee-forservice soil consulting for the past year, allowing growers to better understand their data and manage their soils for profit. “Soils change as you go down the profile, literally centimetre by centimetre, as a result of land form processes, parent material, topography and continued introduction of salts and other elements with every application of agricultural inputs,” Beth explained. As every farm is different, Beth always starts by asking growers to set an objective and works back from there to achieve positive outcomes. “Through soil consultancy I can help farmers understand what they’re working with and improve cropping management zone by zone for better returns on investment by spatially matching inputs to localised soil conditions and yield potential,” she said. “This is becoming more important with input prices increasing rapidly.” Head of Technical Services, Graham Page, said that a greater understanding of soil is a major component of the precision ag puzzle. “We are living in an age of big data, but there’s still a lot to learn about how to use this data most effectively,” Mr Page said. “It takes someone with a good agronomic understanding combined with soil knowledge to make sense of it, explain what’s driving the variability

and give growers the power to make educated, confident management decisions that result in good returns on investment. “Having a better knowledge of the drivers simplifies decision making and takes away a lot of the in-season stress of making decisions without knowing all the information.” According to Beth, growers often enquire about soil consultancy to make sense of the variability in their yield maps. A lot of the time, she says it comes down to classifying different zones in the paddock and developing different strategies for each zone to manage yields. “It could be a zone that is performing well, at its most productive capacity, so all that is needed is to maintain it and not mismanage it longer-term to sustain good yield potential. “Taking actions like making sure the nutrients that are being removed are replaced, and that maintenance lime is being used to counteract acidification from cropping when needed.” Then there are zones that are underperforming. “An under-performing zone may already be too acidic, or it may need additional phosphorus because the crop has been taking more than has been put back, or it could be compacted, but there’s something we can do to improve it and boost yields,” she said. “Lastly, there are those zones which perform much worse than the rest of the

farm because of a soil constraint that can’t be fixed. This may be an eroded soil with high concentrations of free lime, locking up nutrients and reducing rooting depth. “What I aim to do is relocate the resources used in this zone, where the return on investment is typically very poor, to zones where the crop can use those inputs to boost or maintain yields and profits. The last thing we want to do is feed these areas for no returns. “Phosphorus is a good example here, because historically a lot of growers used a replacement rate based on their average yield. If the average paddock yield is 4 t/ha, but one patch is only yielding 1 t/ha, the grower is essentially throwing away enough phosphorus for a 3 t/ha crop and that’s accumulating in the soil every year. “It’s a big expense, especially now, when fertilisers are around double to this time last year. “Meanwhile, zones that are achieving better than average yields, say 6 t/ha, are only receiving enough replacement phosphorus for 4 t/ha crop. The soils in these areas will slowly be declining in phosphorus, reducing yield potential over time.” Another common reason behind yield differences is landscape. For example, Beth explained that on eroded hilltops, yield potential is usually severely limited. “These areas have typically lost all their topsoil to lower lying areas through the decades when cultivation was popular,” she explained. 17

Crop Health

Beth Sleep

“If the topsoil has moved down the hill, why not move most of the inputs down there too, because that’s where the yield potential lies?”

“I go into those patches that I can’t explain from machinery error or environmental factors and take a deep soil core,” she said.

While it’s rarely this simple, Beth works with growers to identify the numerous interacting factors at play before recommending changes.

“This soil core goes up on my ute tray where I can characterise it for texture and different yield limiting constraints that may be present and figure out what’s driving yield or limiting yield in that patch.”

GETTING TO THE TRUTH An agronomist’s investigative work is methodical, taking into consideration existing data as well as ground truthing to pinpoint problems. It looks to refine the information with more strategic mapping or testing. After initial investigation, it often only takes one or two more high resolution maps to reveal the rest of the story. “I am wary of over-complicating the process by taking numerous maps upfront which can just cloud the story as well as being an unnecessary expense for the grower,” Beth said. Instead, she collects all the maps and data the grower already has available to learn as much as she can from it, looking for trends across the paddocks and ruling out environmental variability, such as areas which regularly suffer frost damage. “One problem I find with the data is it is only as good as the way it is collected,” she said. “For example, if all the soil tests are taken at the topsoil level in a paddock with subsoil constraints, or in parts of the paddock where there are no issues, the results will probably show that the soils are fantastic. “But it’s not telling the whole story of what’s going on in the subsoil, where the plant’s roots will be in springtime when the grain is filling.” she explained. What Beth can’t explain from her desk, she investigates in the paddock.

Another thing she looks at is the crop roots. “The plant roots tell me a lot because if they stop or start to grow laterally, then I know exactly where I need to look, because there’s obviously something preventing them from growing deeper,” Beth said. “Our biggest limitation in this area is moisture, so if we can get plant roots down deeper, they’re potentially exposed to more moisture and can produce more grain at the end of the year.” Further information may be needed, but then she knows exactly where to investigate, making the investment in testing or scanning paddocks much more targeted. MANAGING FOR LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY “Ultimately, I’m helping growers achieve the optimal yield in every zone,” Beth said. This shouldn’t be confused with evening out paddocks to create consistent yield across the whole paddock. “I am looking to reach a point where every area of the paddock is economically optimised, and this often means poorer areas are not fertilised as much, hence the yield remains low in those areas,” she said.

For advice you can trust, speak to your local Elders agronomist. Scan the QR code to find your local branch.

eldersrural.com.au

“Improvements come through a process of picking off the low hanging fruit that will give the best yield improvements for the investment, and then picking the next highest fruit until we’re managing each zone to achieve its optimal yield. “At this point, decision making is made really easy. The grower knows what is achievable in each patch of the paddock and we can work back to get an exact investment that should be made in that patch for each season. It will still vary between seasons, with clays performing better in wet years and sand in dry years, but we will have that knowledge at our fingertips.” With ever increasing cropping input prices and land values, Beth said growers were very keen to make the most of their existing cropping area and stop leaving attainable yield on the table. “Growers are taking more interest in their soils. Professional consultation can help them understand their soils, their limitations, how to avoid wasting expensive inputs on areas that won’t respond, and where they can increase inputs to get a better bang for their buck,” she said. “The other day I was talking with a young grower who was saying his grandpa used to fence the farm to soil type. But now with modern practices and machinery, paddocks are becoming bigger and bigger and as square as they can possibly be, and this is introducing a lot more variability and complexity in soil management. “If I can help explain why that variability is there and how growers can manage it sustainably, that’s a big step forward.”

Crop Health

PINK SHIRT PROFILE

WHAT IS A SOIL SPECIALIST AND HOW CAN THEY UNCOVER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWERS?

Beth Sleep

Beth Sleep is putting her passion for soil science to good use, helping growers in South Australia’s Upper North better understand their soils and improve crop yields – one zone at a time. As a soil consultant, she provides professional advice to growers on understanding their soils, discovering the reasons behind variability in different zones and guiding management for optimal yield and better returns on their cropping investment. The agronomist and soil consultant at Elders Jamestown grew up just down the road on her family’s farm near Peterborough. “I’ve been intrigued by soils my whole life, from growing up on the farm to studying agricultural science at university and getting into soil judging competitions,” she said. “Soils change as you go down the profile, literally centimetre by centimetre, because of their original parent material or the way different things are introduced with rainfall or products and different chemical reactions. “They’re all different based on the land formation process, what’s happening to them in terms of management and farming history, and environmental effects like rainfall or floods. Soils interest me and I always want to know more.” After completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with the University of Adelaide, she stayed on to complete an Honours course in Advanced Soil Science. Through university, she also took part in soil judging competitions with Soil Science Australia, travelling as far as Brazil to compete for Australia in the world competition and attending the World Soil Congress in Rio de Janeiro in 2018. “Now I’m able to go use those skills I learnt with soil judging to identify layers, characterise soils and identify the best management for each zone

within paddocks,” she said. Beth joined Elders Jamestown as an agronomist two years ago, working with growers to help plan, monitor and manage crops. “I love my work because it’s the perfect balance of science, farming and personal relationships,” she said. “On top of that, I get to spend a lot of time out in the paddock with amazing landscapes and great people and I have the backup of some of Elders’ most experienced agronomists.” Beth’s fee-for-service work as a soil consultant is now taking off, as more and more farmers begin to understand the value she can offer. She said demand for her work was being driven by the growth of precision agriculture, particularly the increasing amounts of data collected by farmers. “Farmers have all this fantastic data, but they need someone with an agronomic understanding combined with that soil knowledge to make sense of it, explain what’s driving the variability and give them the power to make educated, confident management decisions,” she said. “That’s where I can be quite handy.” When working with clients, Beth starts by looking at all the yield maps and data already available on the paddock or farm. What she can’t explain from her desk, she investigates further through ground truthing. “Essentially it comes down to identifying three zones, a high performing zone, a low performing zone that can be fixed with management and a low performing zone that can’t be fixed.”

Beth advises on corrective measures in the zones where there is potential for the best returns on investment. “Ultimately, I’m helping growers achieve optimal yield in every zone,” she said. “It’s a process of picking off the low hanging fruit that will give them the best yield improvement for their investment, and then picking the next highest fruit until we’re managing each zone to achieve its optimal yield,” she said. With increasing input prices and land prices, growers are keen to make the most of their existing cropping area. “Growers are taking more interest in their soils. I can help them understand their soils, their limitations, how to avoid wasting expensive inputs on areas that won’t respond and where they can increase inputs to get a better bang for their buck,” she said. Beth is also part of an extension project with the Upper North Farming Systems group which aims to build the knowledge base of local farmers in soil science. “Our soils have a huge influence onfarm productivity and there is still so much to discover about managing soils in our area,” she said. “As more people begin to understand the terminology of soils and get to know the differences in soils across their farms and how to manage them, that’s good for the whole community.” 19

Crop Protection

ORONDIS® FLEXI FUNGICIDE PROVES ITS WORTH

The Syngenta GrowMore site, at Bowen, in north Queensland has been trialling ORONDIS® Flexi, with impressive results.

Elders Bowen agronomist, Scott Bowan, visited the GrowMore site last year and was impressed with the Syngenta spray program and event, which reinforced for him the benefits of a preventative fungicide program. “There were a few things there that proved to me how good the chemistry was,” said Scott. Disease control was excellent in a rockmelon crop. The spray program contained ORONDIS® Flexi, which contains two modes of action and has activity on downy mildew, powdery mildew and gummy stem blight in a range of cucurbit crops.

Untreated rockmelons at the site

eldersrural.com.au

“They said a week before we were there the untreated was still looking good,” said Scott.

“There was a week of rainy weather and disease got into it. It was chalk and cheese.” “The challenge was trying to find if there was any powdery or anything else where they had been spraying it.” With three key diseases on the label for cucurbit crops, ORONDIS® Flexi fungicide offers growers an excellent preventative option to use within their programme, to keep their crops clean through the season. “I mainly got it in for gummy stem blight,” Mr Hudson said. “We haven’t had it here bad for a while and then this year we just noticed it in a few spots. I was keen to use it after seeing what it had done at the trial.”

Gummy stem blight can occur at any growth stage of the cucurbit crop, restricting water and nutrient uptake resulting in significant damage to both the quantity and quality of the produce. ORONDIS® Flexi fungicide is a preventive tool that can be applied up to 14-day intervals. Application at seven-day intervals ensures optimal protection during humid weather and when the crop is rapidly growing. A maximum of two applications can be used per crop. Scott attests that ORONDIS® Flexi mixed well with other products in the tank and had performed well under commercial conditions this season. For more information speak to your local Elders branch or visit: syngenta.com.au/orondis-flexi

® Registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.

Rockmelons treated with a Syngenta fungicide programme, including ORONDIS® Flexi fungicide.

W E N

Iron-fisted on slugs & snails. Gentle on the environment. Next generation, iron-based, all-weather slug & snail bait that packs a punch in controlling slugs & snails but is soft on the environment, crops & non-target organisms. IRONMAX Pro is the latest development in slug & snail control with technology for maximum attractiveness, palatability & persistent control. Nil withholding period for grazing & harvest. Certified input for organic production. Innovation. Quality. Solutions.

®IRONMAX Pro and Colzactive are registered trademarks of De Sangosse SA. 220428

® IRONMAX Pro and Colzactive are registered trademarks of De Sangosse SA. 210901

An offer not to be missed. Purchase between 1 June and 31 July to receive 30 December payment terms*.

Take advantage of this special offer on broad spectrum disease control fungicides. · Aviator ® Xpro®: wheat, barley, canola and selected pulse crops. · Prosaro®: wheat, barley, oats, triticale and canola.

For more information visit www.crop.bayer.com.au/fungicideoffer2022

*Extended payment terms until 30 December 2022 will apply for Aviator Xpro 1,000 L IBC, 110 L, 10 L and Prosaro 10 L pack purchases. All purchases must be made between 1 June and 31 July 2022 through Bayer agents. 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. © 2022 Bayer Group. BAY0655

Crop Protection

Trevor Piggott, Chapman Valley (left) with Ty Gronow, Bayer (right).

SHORT RAINFAST FUNGICIDE SUITS FREQUENT RAIN EVENTS

Strategic fungicide use in canola paidoff for northern wheatbelt grower Trevor Piggott last year.

In addition to canola, Trevor and his wife Lizzy operate a continuous cropping program of wheat and lupins over 2850 hectares, including share-farmed land, in the Chapman Valley. Trevor said sclerotinia was their main disease challenge in canola and he had heard of upwards of 50 percent crop losses due to the disease in the region prior to its management with fungicides. The family has traditionally applied Prosaro® fungicide in its canola crops for protection against sclerotinia, however abnormally short spraying windows due to frequent rainfall events last season triggered a switch to Bayer’s Aviator® Xpro® due to its short rainfast period, as well as its extra length of protection. “With the constant rain events that came through, we found Aviator Xpro to be very beneficial. It’s rainfast in an hour, so it gives a lot more flexibility and confidence to go out and spray – and you’re not going to be risking a shower of rain and losing money,’’ Trevor said. “It’s a huge benefit, and after reviewing some trials from around the area, it has proven that it has an extra week of crop protection. “Another benefit of using Aviator Xpro is that it introduces a new fungicide group.’’ Aviator Xpro contains bixafen, a novel member of the Group 7 (SDHI) fungicides, which also offers an alternate mode of action for resistance

management, as well as the proven performance of prothioconazole. In addition to controlling sclerotinia and blackleg diseases in canola, it combats a wide range of diseases in both pulse and cereal crops. Offering good compatibility, the fungicide’s patented LeafShield™ formulation technology enhances its activity against diseases and its rainfast period is estimated at around 30 minutes to one hour in most situations. Trevor employed a two-spray strategy with Aviator Xpro last year due to the wet conditions and said in future years if needed, he would probably rotate it with Prosaro to extend the use of the fungicide groups. “As part of a two-spray strategy, we would use Aviator Xpro upfront because we feel it gives us the best protection, and if we feel the season requires extra protection, we would probably come back with Prosaro at around 50 percent flowering.’’ “In a year like last year, with canola prices at record highs – $200 a tonne higher than I have ever heard it before – you want to ensure you are using the best possible protection for your crop to protect your top-end yield. “We have confidence using Bayer products. From using all different Bayer products over the years, we have always found them to be of very high quality – and they work.’’ In response to the wet conditions and, hence, potential for high disease pressure last season, the Piggotts

In a year like last year, with canola prices at record highs – $200 a tonne higher than I have ever heard it before – you want to ensure you are using the best possible protection for your crop to protect your top-end yield. Trevor Piggott applied a mid rate of 650 mL/ha of Aviator Xpro. Via a medium droplet spectrum on their sprayer, the fungicide spray was applied in a total solution volume of 110 L/ha to ensure good penetration into the crop canopy and achieve the best possible coverage. Trevor said the new 110 L packs of Aviator Xpro also would be beneficial for growers. “At the 650 mL/ha rate, we can cover almost 170 ha per 110 L, which helps make the whole operation more efficient,’’ he said. Sclerotinia disease did infect the region last year, but Trevor said he was happy with the results of the fungicide. While there was natural variability across their canola paddocks, the crop where Aviator Xpro was applied achieved yields up to 2.5 tonnes per hectare, whereas their overall canola yield average was 2.2 t/ha. Previously, their best average was around 2 t/ ha, while the long-term average sits at around 1.6-1.7 t/ha. The remaining canola paddocks were treated with Prosaro fungicide only as a single application or two-spray strategy. Aviator® Xpro® and Prosaro® are Registered Trademarks of the Bayer Group. Leafshield™ is a Trademark of the Bayer Group.

Crop Protection

ACT FAST TO MINIMISE VIRAL SPREADING

When aphids start to multiply in broadacre crops, there’s always a danger the infestation will turn into the sort of ‘superspreader event’ we’ve heard so much about in connection to the pandemic.

In this case, there are multiple viruses involved and it’s your crops and yields that are at risk. Acting fast is the key to limiting damage. A new control option from BASF can now shut down the risk of infection in as little as 15 minutes after spraying. That’s a crucial number because 15 to 30 minutes of feeding is all aphids need to infect crops with diseases as damaging as Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV). TuYV can reduce canola yields by as much as 50 per cent if the crop is infected before bolting. The first step towards effective control is spotting the aphids early. Inspect canola crops at budding and early flowering to check amongst the buds and flowering heads. If you can catch them you can spray the crop before dense clusters form, and it becomes harder to get spray coverage of all the aphids. Now that it’s registered for use in canola, wheat and barley as well as fruit and vegetable crops, Versys® Insecticide is an ideal choice for that first spray. Versys disrupts the aphids’ nervous systems and affects 24

eldersrural.com.au

their hearing and balance, inducing a ‘dance’: constant jittery movements that prevent any further feeding – and virus transmission – much more quickly than other insecticides.

Versys is exceptionally efficient in other ways too. Its excellent translaminar and acropetal mobility will control target pests on the underside of sprayed leaves, and it’s effective at low rates. Given that the formulation already has low toxicity, using it at those low label rates poses very little risk to pollinators and the common beneficial arthropods like predatory mites. “Versys has already proved its effectiveness and excellent fit with IPM programs in local horticulture,” says BASF Broadacre Crop Protection Portfolio Manager, Roger States. “It’s been a big hit with fruit and vegie growers and now we expect broadacre farmers will find it adds a lot of value in the canola phase of their rotations,” Mr States says. “Versys will do a great job in wheat and barley as well, but aphid-spread viruses have more economic impact in canola so you’ll get a bigger return on your investment.” Mr States adds that Versys is the only product in the new Group 9D mode-of-action sub-group and can also strengthen growers’ resistance management programs.

“There are some obvious immediate benefits to adding Versys to the insect control program,” he says, “but the bigger picture is the longer-term need to keep taking advantage of new chemistry without waiting until other control methods stop working.” The BASF technical team recommends incorporating Versys into a pro-active approach to aphid management that includes: > controlling summer weeds to prevent a green bridge, then > monitoring canola crops at five points in each paddock with 20 plants at each point, > backing up Versys with biological controls like hoverflies, lacewings, ladybirds and damsel bugs, androtating between chemical groups if more than two sprays are required. With so much potential yield loss at stake, controlling aphid infestations as early as possible is critical. The addition of a new ‘high speed’ solution to the insecticidal rotation makes controlling virus transmission just that little bit easier.

For more information or to order BASF Versys® Insecticide, contact your local Elders branch.

Grower NOW REGISTERED IN CANOLA, WHEAT & BARLEY

Celebrate a big win

Control all aphid species at all life stages in canola, wheat and barley Stop feeding very quickly to minimise virus transmission Control aphids with reduced sensitivity to older modes of action Encourage beneficials and pollinators

Find out more about Versys at crop-solutions.basf.com.au or contact your local BASF representative on 1800 558 399 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. © Copyright BASF 2022 ® Registered trademark of BASF. 211607 04.2022

CAN increase lambs marked by an average of 9%

AND increase weaning weights by an average of 2.3kg1

2.3 kg leading to an additional

$23 per ewe (6:1 return on investment)*

Multimin Injection for Sheep provides a low volume formulation that is rapidly absorbed, readily utilised and provides sustained activity during high demand periods (e.g. weaning, joining, lambing, transport and induction to feedlot)2. au.virbac.com *Calculation based on 100 ewes producing 9 extra lambs sold at $175 each and producing 128 lambs with 2.3 extra kg at weaning. Assuming 46% dressed %, $8 CWT and $350 cost of two Multimin treatments + labour. This is a guide only, outcomes may vary depending on farm management, animal responses and market value. References: 1. Gonzalez-Rivas P.A., Swaney S., Evans R., Chambers M., Liu J. (2021) Effect of a trace mineral injection before joining and lambing on conception rate, marking rate and lamb weights in diverse farms in Victoria. Animal Production in Australia 33, cxxviii. 2. Refer to registered labels (APVMA n 83674 and 61724). The benefits outlined in the above scientific studies may not necessarily be registered label claims. Multimin® is a registered trademark of Virbac.

Animal Health

WEANING AND THE IMPORTANCE OF TRACE MINERALS

High rainfall can lead to large amounts of green feed becoming available for livestock. However, despite the lush appearance, rapidly growing spring pastures are low in trace minerals such as selenium, copper, and cobalt. Livestock, particularly sheep, obtain several essential trace minerals from soil intake when they graze short pastures before the autumn break. Hence, animals grazing rapidly growing pastures have a reduced likelihood of trace mineral intake via the soil.1 LAMBS HAVE A HIGHER DEMAND FOR TRACE MINERALS Further concerns arise as growing lambs have a higher demand for trace minerals; they are born with limited reserves stored in their body, and the milk is a poor source of trace minerals; therefore, they are more likely to suffer clinical or marginal trace mineral deficiencies at weaning.2 THE IMPORTANCE OF WEANING Weaning is one of the most demanding periods for livestock. Lambs undergo dietary changes as they are separated from the ewes resulting in a drop in feed intake reducing trace mineral intake from pasture and other sources. Weaners require trace minerals for optimum growth and immunity. Young sheep have an underdeveloped immune system and are more susceptible to parasites and disease challenges. Trace minerals copper, selenium, zinc, and manganese have strong links with immune function.2 REVIEWING YOUR TRACE MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION STRATEGY It is important for sheep producers REFERENCES 1. Hosking, W.J., et al (1986). ‘Trace elements for pastures and animals in Victoria’. Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Melbourne. 2. Suttle, N. (2010). Mineral Nutrition of Livestock, 4th Edition. CABI, Cambridge. 3. Refer to the registered labels. 4. Hansen (2010) Effects of Multimin®90 on trace mineral status of Angus and Simmental calves. Iowa State University, Department of Animal Science.* 5. Pogge, D. J. et al. (2012). Mineral concentrations of plasma and liver after injection with a trace mineral complex differ among Angus and Simmental cattle. J. Anim. Sc. 90(8), 2692-2698.* 6. Larsen (2017), McKinnon Project, AEC 1714214 7. Shao, T. et al. (2020). Effects of

to review their trace mineral supplementation strategies prior to lambing and weaning. Multimin Injection for Sheep provides sheep with essential trace minerals required at key demand periods such as weaning, joining, lambing, transport and induction to feedlot3. WHY MULTIMIN FOR SHEEP?

well designed oral feed program for optimised performance. Multimin should be used prior to high demand periods such as weaning, joining, lambing, transport and induction to feedlot3. Therefore, to optimise sheep performance, consider using Multimin and oral supplements as part of a complete nutrition program.

Multimin injection is a scientifically proven, rapidly absorbed, ‘top-up’ of four essential trace minerals4-6. There are multiple key strategic times for use of Multimin in sheep - four weeks pre-lambing helps to optimise the health and performance of both the dam and the offspring with a single injection7,8. In ewes and rams, the trace minerals included in Multimin help to improve conception rates, embryo survival and sperm quality9-14. Australian studies have demonstrated that using Multimin® four weeks pre-joining and four weeks pre-lambing in ewes can improve lamb marking rates by an average of 9% and weaning weights by an average of 2.3 kg14 with direct economic benefits for producers. Multimin® can also be used at the same time as vaccination at or before weaning to help improve immune responses to vaccination15-17. MULTIMIN AND ORAL SUPPLEMENTATION Multimin is NOT intended to be used as a replacement for year-round oral trace mineral supplementation in the feed or water. Multimin supports an existing

Maternal Supplementation with an Injectable Trace Mineral Containing Copper, Manganese, Zinc, and Selenium on Subsequent Steer Finishing Phase Performance and Carcass Characteristics. Animals, 10(12), 2226. 8. Hidiroglou, M., & Knipfel, J. E. (1981). Maternal-foetal relationships of copper, manganese, and sulfur in ruminants. A review. J. Dairy Sc., 64(8), 1637-1647. 9. Ghorbani, A. et al. (2018). Influences of dietary selenium, zinc and their combination on semen characteristics and testosterone concentration in mature rams during breeding season, J. Appl. Anim. Res.46(1):813-819. 10. Piagentini, M. (2017). Effect of selenium supplementation on semen characteristics of Brazil’s ram. Reprod. Domest. Anim. 52(3). 355-358. 6. 11. Masters, D.G. et al. (1988). Influence of manganese intake on body, wool and

For more information about how Multimin® can improve the health and performance of your livestock, contact your local Elders Livestock Production Advisor or your local Virbac Area Sales Manager.

AT A GLANCE ■ Weaning is one of the highest demand periods for livestock. ■ Lambs undergo dietary and physiological challenges as they are separated from the ewes resulting in a drop in feed intake, reducing trace mineral intake from pasture and other sources. ■ Trace minerals copper, selenium, zinc, and manganese have strong links with immune function. ■ Multimin® injection is a scientifically proven, rapidly absorbed, ‘top-up’ of four essential trace minerals.

testicular growth of young rams and on the concentration of manganese and the activity of manganese enzymes in tissues. Aust. J. Agri. Res.39:517–524. 12. Underwood, E.J. and Somers, M. (1969). Studies of zinc nutrition in sheep. 1. The relation of zinc to growth, testicular development and spermatogenesis in young rams. Aust. J. Agri. Res. 20: 889–897. 13. Swaney, S, 2014, ‘Increasing conception rates in sheep by using an injectable trace mineral product prior to joining in diverse regions across Australia’, Virbac data on file. 14. Gonzalez-Rivas P.A., et al (2021) Effect of a trace mineral injection before joining and lambing on conception rate, marking rate and lamb weights in diverse farms in Victoria. Animal Production in Australia 33, cxxviii. 15. Arthington, J. D., & Havenga, L. J. (2012). Effect of injectable trace minerals on the humoral immune

response to multivalent vaccine administration in beef calves. J. Anim. Sci., 90(6), 1966-1971.* 16. Palomares, R. et al. (2016). Effects of injectable trace minerals on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus, Bovine Herpes Virus 1 and Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus following administration of a modified-live virus vaccine in dairy calves. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol., 178:88-98.* 17. Ball, M. (2016). Trace mineral injection enhances antibody response to botulism vaccination. AVA Proceedings, Adelaide.* The benefits outlined in the above scientific studies may not necessarily be registered label claims. *Multimin used in this trial contained different levels of minerals compared to those registered in Australia and or was evaluated in species other than sheep. Multimin® is a registered trademark of Virbac.

Animal Health

DRENCH RESISTANT PARASITES ARE A CONCERN

High worm burdens rob cattle of daily weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, milk production and in the worst-case scenario can kill cattle. Producers should consider how to best manage worms through effective parasite management When it comes to cattle, most producers are unaware that anthelmintic resistance in cattle is now a real concern. Anthelmintic resistance is a genetic trait of resistant worms that allows them to survive drench treatments which were previously shown to be effective. Dr Matthew Playford, a veterinary parasitologist with over 30 years of experience in this field, and the owner of Dawbuts, an independent parasitology laboratory, said we are now seeing drench resistant parasites impacting the productivity of cattle in different production systems all over Australia Research conducted in Australia over the last couple of years has confirmed all major production limiting species of worms (Cooperia, Haemonchus and Ostertagia) have demonstrated resistance to our most heavily relied upon drenches - the macrocyclic lactones (the ‘mectins’) - plus other classes of drench. These findings are not limited to one geographical region or climatic zone. DRENCH ADMINISTRATION MATTERS The way we administer a drench also impacts the rate of resistance development. The use of pour-on products results in variable dosing of animals. Some of the pour on product is absorbed across the skin while some is absorbed by licking the product off themselves and other cattle as this can result in underdosing, it should ideally be reserved for scenarios when facilities for cattle handling are poor and human safety is a concern. Injectable or oral drenches are the most effective way to deliver consistent dosing to cattle. HOW TO MANAGE RESISTANCE To manage anthelmintic resistance, Dr Playford advises that producers should be performing, routine faecal worm egg 28

eldersrural.com.au

count (WEC) as a monitoring tool to assess the need for drenching. Worm egg counts are correlated with the total number of worms in the animal, and this in turn is correlated with the product losses which occur. Low worm burdens produce little impact on cattle, whereas high burdens rob cattle of daily weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and milk production. In the worst-case scenario can kill cattle. EFFICACY OF AT LEAST 95 PER CENT IS IMPORTANT Additional to WEC monitoring, farmers should be keeping track of drench efficacy with simple ‘before and after’ drench tests (Drench checks). The WEC obtained can then be used to estimate the percentage of each type of worms killed by a treatment. A benchmark of 95 per cent efficacy is used to indicate whether a drench is performing at an appropriate level of efficacy and to identify resistance. KEY CONSIDERATIONS When drenching on your property, you should be considering the points below from our industry experts at Paraboss (for more information go to; Wormboss. com.au) > Young stock, and cattle under nutritional stress or metabolic stress are more susceptible to worms. Most, if not all cattle will require a drench at weaning. > High stocking rates, especially in wet and cool conditions will favour larval survival and hence increase the exposure of cattle to worm populations. > Drench only when necessary, so perform routine WEC to assess need, especially in adult cattle. > Ask for sensitive tests – those with a sensitivity of 20epg or below.

> Use an appropriate drench – a drench with at least 95 per cent efficacy on your farm. > Combination products, such as Dectomax V, containing actives from different chemical classes that target the same parasites will have greater efficacy (unless the worms present are 100 per cent susceptible to the drench) as the two actives will have different modes of actions to maximise effect. Combination products also delay the onset of resistance as fewer resistant worms can survive treatment. > Oral and injectable anthelmintics are considered best practice as they provide higher and less variable blood levels of the chemical than pour-ons. Oral products, however, are less likely to achieve high concentrations in the tissues such as the intestinal wall and skin compared to injectable products. > Long-acting products should be used with care, as they are likely to increase the levels of resistance (as they have with sheep). > When treating external parasites like ticks and lice, consider products specific for this purpose if worm control is not required at the same time. > Always use a quarantine drench, i.e., combination products, when purchasing cattle, to minimise the introduction of resistant worms onto your property. Dr Matt Playford is the Managing Director of Dawbuts. He is a highly skilled and experienced livestock veterinary parasitologist. Dawbuts is focused on providing parasitology diagnostic services; contract research for pharmaceutical companies both in Australia and overseas; training in animal health, production and biosecurity to pharmaceutical and rural store merchandise employees and producers; and onfarm advisory and consultancy to producers.

effectively KILLS:

ROUND WORMS* effectively CONTROLS:

Cattle ticks* for 30 days

effectively CONTROLS:

sucking lice* for up to 56 days

Premium Performance for Cattle

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST DUAL ACTIVE INJECTABLE DRENCH FOR CATTLE

Financial Services

FMDS – AN END OF FINANCIAL YEAR OPTION

Farm Management Deposits (FMDs) are a valuable risk management tool to assist Australian farmers to manage the volatility of farm incomes. Over the past 12 months national FMD balances peaked at $6.2 billion in June 2021 which is the normal seasonal high. However, unlike previous years where the run-off from the peak was sustained. The past 12 months to March 2022 have shown a much flatter trend. The national FMD balance as at March 2022 was $5.3 billion, 0.3 per cent (pc) higher than March 2021 and only slightly lower than February 2022 down by 0.4pc. Elders Head of Agribusiness Investment Services Mark Barber said that for a large portion of agricultural enterprises, 2021/22 will be a highly successful financial year, driven by strong commodity prices, high yields and overall favourable seasonal conditions. “When combined with the relatively high FMD balances for March 2022, the agricultural industry is well placed to store more cash in FMD’s, helping to mitigate risks such as seasonal conditions and rising input costs,” Mr Barber added.

MEET ONE OF THE TEAM

There are good years and not-so-good years – that’s part of farming. We want an easy way to put aside money in the good years that will help us when things are a bit tougher.

Elders is committed to offering our customers tailored financial services throughout our branch network. Maggie Squire, Sales Support Officer Broken Hill, is available to assist customers with their banking needs, including opening Farm Management Deposits this end of financial year.

Through our financial partners Rural Bank, Elders offer a range of both fixed term and variable rate FMD options.

To see if an FMD is right for you speak to Elders Agri Finance on 1300 618 367 or contact your local branch.

Rural Bank client

“My customers love being able to drop into the branch when they are in town and speak to me about their banking needs. I find it very rewarding to be able to help them. It’s very satisfying to know that customers have confidence and trust in me to assist them at an important time of the year.” Maggie said.

The federal government’s FMD scheme allows primary producers to set aside pre-tax income, which they can draw on in future years when they need it. Your deduction is claimed when the deposit is made, and it only becomes taxable income the year it is withdrawn. To be eligible you’ll need to keep the funds in the FMD for a minimum of 12 months. You can have a combined total of up to $800,000 across multiple FMD accounts.

Maggie Squire, Sales Support Officer, Broken Hill

This information has been prepared without taking into account your personal circumstances, objectives, financial situation or needs. All applications for loans or credit are subject to lending criteria. Before making any investment decision you should consider your situation and consult your taxation adviser to ensure that you meet the legislative requirements and read the relevant terms and conditions available at www.ruralbank.com.au. Products are issued by Rural Bank – A Division of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879 and distributed by Elders Rural Services Australia Limited ABN 72 004 045 121 AFSL 237757 and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited. Elders Rural Services Australia may receive a commission based on the average account balance.

EOFY SOLUTIONS Livestock Funding

Quick and easy application for 100% invoice funding for commercial sheep and cattle. No establishment fee and pay nothing until livestock are sold.

Stud Stock Funding

Up to $100,000 limit for deferred terms to purchase stock for breeding purposes including stud and commercial sires, genetics and stud dams.

Wool Cash Advances

Unlock the equity in your wool clip now. Up to 50% of expected sales proceeds, with up to 6 month term.

Rural Products Prepayment Program**

Prepay with Elders and receive a 4.2% p.a. reward on future Rural Product purchases. For full terms and conditions visit eldersrural.com.au/finservices/ or call 1300 618 367 **Exclusions apply. For full terms and conditions, contact your local Elders branch or financialservices@elders.com.au. Elders has obtained a ruling from the ATO that the prepayment is tax deductible in the year that it was paid under certain conditions. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and you should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisers before engaging in any transaction. You should obtain tax advice before claiming a tax deduction. Elders is not authorised under the Banking Act and is not supervised by APRA. The investment will not be covered by the depositor protection provisions in section 13A of the Banking Act. The investment will not be covered by the financial claims scheme established under Division 2AA of the Banking Act.

Crop Protection

CONTROLLING PESTS AND DISEASES IN CROPS

BIOPEST® is registered for control of insect pests and fungal pathogens in over fifty crops including cotton, brassicas, bananas, avocados, macadamia, stone & pome fruits, nut crops, grapes, olives, vegetables, tree crops and many more. BIOPEST® is a uniquely pure (99.8% USR) food grade nC24 biodegradable paraffinic oil with a phyto safe emulsifier. BIOPEST® provides growers with an IPDM product capable of controlling multiple, unrelated pests and fungal diseases simultaneously. The proprietary formulation is for use in combination with traditional pesticides and/or as a standalone fungicide or insecticide. BIOPEST® is registered for control of insect pests and fungal pathogens in over fifty crops including cotton, brassicas, bananas, avocados, macadamia, stone & pome fruits, nut crops, grapes, olives, vegetables, tree crops and many more. Pests controlled include registrations for aphids, whitefly, leaf hoppers, jassids, thrips, mealy bugs, mites, leaf miner and over ten different scale insects. Sucking pests are generally less mobile than beneficials and are therefore more susceptible to BIOPEST®. Maintaining beneficial insects in crop is very important so they can work together Figure 1. BIOPEST® for Sclerotinea control in Canola

with BIOPEST® to control unwanted pests. Crop safety is a key reason many growers use BIOPEST®. The level of Un-sulphonated Residue (USR) in a spray oil is a measure of the degree of refinement. A paraffinic mineral spray oil requires a minimum USR of 92% with the higher the USR% rating, the less likely to cause phytotoxicity. Sprays Oils with lower USR ratings have aromatic impurities which break down after exposure to sunlight to cause plant burn / phytotoxicity. BIOPEST® has a USR of 99.8% while other oils may only have a USR% of 92% and require the use of a UV sunscreen to prevent phytotoxicity in high light intensity and/ or hot conditions. BIOPEST® has proven to improve droplet dispersion, spreading and to reduce drift. When used as an adjuvant BIOPEST® can therefore enhance pest kill and control when used with traditional pesticides. If BIOPEST® has efficacy on the pest being controlled, when used in combination with other

active ingredients this can form a dual mode of action and form part of a resistance management plan. When used as an adjuvant BIOPEST® can work as a prophylactic spray by reducing the output of volatile compounds from plants to make them less attractive for feeding. This effectively makes the crop an unwelcome target for pests to land, feed and/or lay eggs. Anecdotal evidence of this is where flights of insects have not reached threshold levels for treating in crops which were recently treated with BIOPEST®, while neighbouring paddocks without recent BIOPEST® applications have had to be sprayed with an insecticide to control the out. BIOPEST® has Organic Registration for use in all Horticultural and Cotton applications. Other benefits of BIOPEST® include: > No known resistance > Produces a high rate of rapid mortality > Reduces reliance on synthetic chemistry, aiding in the prolonged life of that chemistry > No persistent residues

environmental

> Safe and easy to use Anthony Snooke, a grower from Meckering WA says they used BIOPEST® as a carrier for their second Roundup Ready herbicide application in canola. “I believe it has a real fit to keep aphid numbers in check while maintaining the beneficial insect numbers,” he said. “We also used it with Prosaro applications later in the season to control leaf rust in barley and sclerotinea in canola with good results and no leaf damage even when mixed with UAN”. 33

Animal Health

EXIT DRENCHES FOR LONG-ACTING INJECTIONS AND CAPSULES IN SHEEP

Many sheep producers rely on long-acting (LA) drenches to manage intestinal parasites in ewes. Utilising an exit drench can remove any worms that have survived the LA treatment thereby reducing pasture contamination of potentially resistant worms. Long-acting (LA) drenches are a popular treatment choice with many sheep farmers at lambing. If LA treatments are used, produces should be aware that resistance to persistent treatments is common and may select further for resistance to the active(s) used. Monitoring Worm Egg Counts (WEC) during the payout period of the LA treatment is routinely recommended to check for effectiveness.1 An ‘exit’ or ‘tail cutter drench is an anthelmintic given to sheep at the end of the protection period of long-acting injectables and capsules. The use of ‘exit’ drenches following LA drenches is considered sound product stewardship for the betterment of sheep and wool producers and the wider industry. The exit drench selected should be an effective short-acting drench of a different chemical class to that of the LA treatment. The purpose of the exit drench is to remove worms that survived the initial treatment or during the ‘tail’ period as drench activity declined – and stop ongoing pasture contamination with worm eggs that will give rise to an increasingly resistant population. An early exit drench is recommended if WEC exceeds 100 epg at any time during the claimed protection period of the LA product.1 Depending on when the long-acting treatment was administered, the exit drench may also coincide with weaning. The administration of a highly effective exit drench to ewes at this time will be both convenient and beneficial. It will 34

eldersrural.com.au

remove the parasite burden, allowing them to return to suitable condition for joining and prevent the spread of resistant worms around the farm.

The additional cost of using an exit drench in combination with a long-acting injectable or capsule is a small investment in terms of what’s at stake in terms of productivity and health. The additional cost of using an exit drench in combination with a longacting injectable or capsule is a small investment in terms of what’s at stake in terms of productivity and health. Monepantel (in Zolvix™/Zolvix Plus) is ideal for use as an ‘exit’ drench in combination with long-acting pre-lambing treatments because monepantel has a unique mode of action, is short-acting and delivers >99.9% efficacy against a broad spectrum of sensitive nematodes, including resistant strains.2,3,4 Zolvix contains 25 g/L of monepantel, the only member of the aminoacetonitrile derivative (AAD or ‘orange’) class of anthelmintics.2 Zolvix is registered for the treatment and control of AAD-sensitive gastrointestinal roundworms, including those

resistant to macrocyclic lactones, benzimidazoles (white drenches), levamisole and morantel (clear drenches) in sheep.2 Zolvix provides very high efficacy against a broad spectrum of sensitive roundworms, including Brown stomach worm, Black scour worm and Barber’s pole worm.4 It has an Export Slaughter Interval of 14 days. Zolvix Plus (25 g/L monepantel + 2 g/L abamectin) is the only combination drench that delivers the power of monepantel. Its new 21-day Export Slaughter Interval is the lowest of any combination drench containing abamectin. Producers should always read and follow the label directions on every product used as good environmental practice, and for optimal worm control. REFERENCES 1. http://www.wormboss.com.au/sheep-goats/ tests-tools/drench-decision-guide/sheep.php 2. Refer to registered label 3. Baker, K.E. et al. (2012) Efficacy of monepantel and anthelmintic combinations against multipleresistant Haemonchus contortus in sheep, including characterisation of the nematode isolate. Vet Para 186(3-4):513-517. 4. Hosking, B. et al. (2010) A pooled analysis of the efficacy of monepantel, an amino-acetonitrile derivative against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. Parasitol Res 106:529-532. Zolvix Plus contains 25 g/L monepantel and 2 g/L abamectin. Zolvix contains 25 g/L monepantel. Zolvix™, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. ©2022 Elanco or its affiliates. PM-AU-22-0279

IS YOUR CURRENT DRENCH REALLY WORKING?

TAKE THE

CHALLENGE UT FIND O

AND FIND OUT! FRE

$230 DRE N CHE CH CK *

THE FIRST CHOICE PRE-LAMBING, WEANING AND SUMMER DRENCH Reduced drench efficacy could be costing you thousands of dollars in lost productivity every year. Zolvix Plus is the only combination drench that delivers the power of monepantel. Its unique mode of action provides >99.9% efficacy against a broad spectrum of internal parasites, including single, double and triple resistant strains.1,2 Its new 21-day Export Slaughter Interval is the lowest of any combination drench containing abamectin. Visit ZolvixPlusRewards.com.au today and take the Zolvix Plus challenge! *Visit zolvixplusrewards.com.au for terms and conditions. References: 1. Refer to registered label. 2. Hosking, B.C. et al. (2010). A pooled analysis of the efficacy of monepantel, an amino-acetonitrile derivative against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. Parasitol Res 106:529-532. Zolvix Plus contains 25 g/L monepantel and 2 g/L abamectin. Always read and follow the label directions. For full product details, contact Elanco Customer Service on 1800 226 324 between 8 am and 5 pm EST Monday to Friday. Zolvix™, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. ©2021 Elanco or its affiliates. EAH21607. PM-AU-21-0862.

FLEX RAIL SYSTEM TM

FEATURES & BENEFITS: LOOKS Like a timber rail fence, but with greater flexibility, no splintering or need to paint. SAFE A highly visible rail that absorbs impact, reducing the risk of serious injuries. ADDED STRENGTH Flex Rail provides strong perimeter protection with the 2.50mm high tensile Longlife Blue® wire reinforcing the strength of each rail. LOW MAINTENANCE Will not splinter or rot. Minimal upkeep is required for a visually appealing fence.

NEW RAN GE

CHECK OUT THE NEW FLEX RAIL SYSTEM ONLINE NOW! SCAN HERE

www.waratahfencing.com.au

13 10 80

Fencing

A NEW WARATAH FENCE SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR HORSES

Waratah have just launched a new horse fence system called Flex Rail. Closely resembling that of traditional timber fencing, the Waratah Flex Rail system offers a simple solution for containing horses safely without losing that timber rail look.

Flex Rail looks like a timber rail but has the bonus of greater flexibility, no splintering or need for painting, it is highly visible and has superior impact absorption, reducing the risk of serious injuries. The black or white Flex rail is complemented with brackets, joiners and tie offs that make installation faster and tensioning maintenance simpler. Unlike other polymer rail products on the market, the Waratah Flex rail is manufactured in NSW Australia, available through reputable rural resellers and supported by the largest fencing sales support team – Waratah.

Features include:

> Flex Rail™ rolls – manufactured with high-quality UV stabilised polymer & 2.50mm high tensile Longlife Blue® colour wire at the top and bottom of the rail provides excellent reinforcing, strength and breaking strain whilst also delivering maximum corrosion protection. The rolls are 120mm wide and 100m in length, available in black or white. > Top rail bracket – designed to hold Flex Rail flush with the top of intermediate posts, while also allowing lateral movement of the rail. The brackets are powder coated for corrosion protection and available in black or white. > Standard rail bracket - Allows lateral movement of the rail when impacted for greater absorption. The brackets are powder coated for corrosion protection and available in black or white.

> Gripple® TL-300 – Allows for wire termination at the strainer post, eliminating the need for conventional tie-off knots. The TL-300 comes with a patented ceramic locking mechanism which provides a strong grip and is suitable for 2.00mm – 3.15mm wires. Drill a hole through your timber strainer post, feed wire through to the TL-300 & apply tension to the rail. > Flex Rail joiner – A sleek wire joiner used to join Flex Rail together, built with smooth edges to ensure there is no snags for horses to catch on. Suitable for Flex Rail 2.50mm Longlife Blue wire.

For more information about the Waratah Flex Rail system or any other Waratah products visit: waratahfencing.com.au or contact your local Elders branch. 37

Real Estate

TOP FIVE LIVESTOCK REGIONS OF 2021

Thanks to the release of the new Elders Rural Property Update, we now have the capability to draw on every rural land sale over 40 hectares. This begs the question – which livestock dominant regions top the list in 2021? Instead of just looking at median price growth which is only one metric to consider when assessing the rural property market, we draw on multiple insights from the database. This exercise isn’t designed to fit a specific investment, it’s purely hypothetical and a means to demonstrate how this data can be used to rank regions across Australia depending on the circumstances of the investor. It’s a fun and insightful way to compare different regions across Australia and a chance to learn something about a region you may have never heard of or considered. Matt Ough, author of the Elders Rural Property Update came up with the criteria below, asked Elders Real Estate specialists in each region for the inside 38

eldersrural.com.au

knowledge on what makes that region so appealing. THE SELECTION CRITERIA > Two double digit quarters of growth in median price per hectare in 2021 > A rolling one-year median price per hectare growth rate of over 3 per cent (pc) per quarter > Liquidity of over 10 transactions per quarter > Low variance in median growth over the past three years > Ranked according to quarterly compound average growth rate for 2021. #5 CENTRAL QUEENSLAND “Central Queensland covers a vast area containing more cattle than the whole

of the Northern Territory. The region is very important for the beef industry and its home to several large family farms which are quick to purchase neighbouring properties when the opportunity comes up.” “Much of the region has been developed over the years, with improved pastures and legumes offering vigorous growth potential in response to rainfall. “Undoubtedly a surge in cattle prices combined with low interest rates and improved seasonal conditions has led to a scenario of very high demand for grazing properties. Buyers in the region are looking into land purchases as being more secure and having greater returns than money in the bank, they see land as having a better rate of return in the long run.” – Virgil Kenny, Elders Real Estate, Rockhampton.

BOOST YOUR LICE CONTROL PROTECT AGAINST REINFESTATION FOR UP TO 4 WEEKS *

For more information, visit pastoralag.com.au * Refer to registered label

elders.com.au

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE FROM

Real Estate

Traditional goldfields property in Victoria, Australia.

#4 SOUTH QUEENSLAND “South Queensland is a region with proximity to several desirable rural centres as well as the city of Brisbane. There’s a larger population compared to other grazing regions around the country.” “These factors, when combined with favourable commodity prices and low interest rates, create a scenario where there’s multiple types of buyers for a listing. As a result, demand remains very high compared to supply, pushing prices higher. “While local graziers do compete for neighbouring properties, outside buyers seeking a multi title property as both a future subdivision opportunity and a reliable farm, make up a large percentage of the market.” – Trevor Leishman, Elders Real Estate, Toowoomba. #3 SOUTH-WEST WESTERN AUSTRALIA “Following a number of years of stable prices and limited growth, farmland values in the south-west have definitely seen significant uplift in the past 24 months.” “This growth has in large part been aided by strong cattle prices, low 40

eldersrural.com.au

interest rates and only a limited number of properties coming onto the market. “For a period, large areas of ex-Blue Gum plantations were offered to the market, with many of these having been purchased by farmers and reverted to productive grazing land. However, far fewer ex-plantation properties are coming onto the market today. “Horticulture, viticulture, lifestyle and forestry also play an important role in the south-west property market, with demand from these buyers also strengthening in the past 24 months.

“Access to water is a key consideration in the region, adding reliability and a scenario whereby intensive farming has grown and will likely continue to grow, offering further support for land prices. “In 2021 obviously red meat prices increased confidence in the rural property market, however, the trend in rising confidence extends beyond the recent peaks. Evidence of beef prices holding firm in 2022 highlights strong underlying demand for the product.

“Historically, land in the south-west has sold at a large premium to most copping and mixed farming areas of WA, however this gap as a percentage has narrowed whilst land values in many of those areas have grown at an even faster rate.” – Simon Cheetham, State Manager Real Estate, WA.

“We expect demand for listed properties to remain high, but the level of strategic decision making is something that’s increased. Buyers are putting more consideration into ticking off things like balanced soil type and property presentation. There’s certainly potential for further growth in land prices, especially when viewing the whole picture.”- Grant Schubert, Elders Real Estate, South-East South Australia.

#2 SOUTH-EAST SOUTH AUSTRALIA

#1 NORTH-EAST VICTORIA

“The south-east region enjoys proximity to several markets with infrastructure creating a seamless link to South Australian ports and processing facilities but also quick access to Victorian markets with links to Portland.”

“The region is renowned for its reliability, proximity and diversity of enterprises. Large rural centres add an element of interest for lifestyle properties, while reliable rainfall and efficient access to a variety of markets make it an attractive region for livestock producers.”

Real Estate

Expert local knowledge backed by data, read the full Elders Rural Property Update online at eldersrural.com.au/ real-estate/elders-quarterlyproperty-update/ or scan the QR code

“Smaller parcels were transacted at a higher rate in 2021, however the strongest increase in median price per hectare was for larger properties. Buyers have drawn confidence from high commodity prices and good longterm prospects for both profitability and capital growth. “Like most regions, demand has exceeded supply, a trend which is likely to continue.” – Nick Myer, State Real Estate Manager, Victoria and Riverina. COMMON TRENDS AMONG THE TOP FIVE The obvious blanket factor of the past decade has been declining interest rates, but that’s something that needs to be backed by profitability on-farm in order to justify a property purchase. Commodity price has been a linking factor between regions along with favourable seasonal conditions. Beef cattle prices have had a major impact on median price per hectare growth in livestock regions across the country. That’s not to downplay the impact of a reliable lamb market or high milk prices. Average national trade steer prices increased by 29 pc in 2021 but it’s been

the price increase since 2019 which highlights the significance of beef cattle prices in the appreciation of rural property values. Since 2019 average national trade steer prices have increased by 71.2 pc, holding at an average peak of between 535-546 c/kg live weight since October 2021. The rapid price increase coincides with a change in weather pattern conducive to restocking at a point of low supply. Queensland was the state with the most to gain from this combination after a tough period of drought and stagnant property prices. In contrast, average trade lamb prices increased by 6 pc in 2021 and 12.4 pc since 2019. However, lamb prices have been steadily trending higher for several years underpinning property purchases in mixed farming regions of New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. Another key factor is the impact of proximity to rural centres and lifestyle appeal, bringing together a diverse range of buyers. Since 2019 transaction volume in the 4050 hectare segment of the market has increased by 35.9 pc across Australia, driven in part by lifestyle buyers and investors but also by demand from

graziers in regions where parcel size is naturally smaller such as northeast Victoria and south-west Western Australia. The result is ultimately more competition for land around regional centres and more incentive for sellers to list. The list of common factors could go on and on, generational change is another driver which has anecdotally resulted in a higher volume of listings in several regions across the country. Perhaps some of the regions were a surprise or perhaps some were already on your radar. To keep tabs on these regions and wider state analysis during 2022, subscribe to Elders Rural Property Update at eldersrural.com.au/real-estate/eldersquarterly-property-update/

RURAL PROPERTY UPDATE Q4 EDITION October - Dece mber

2021

With 14 proprietary brassica cultivars available, DLF Seeds has you covered through Autumn and Spring. Mainstar forage rape:

Pallaton Raphno® raphanobrassica:

The versatile and highly palatable brassica.

Increase your liveweight production per hectare

• • • • •

• • •

Early maturing; 10-12 weeks Drymatter potential of 4-10 t DM/ha Highly palatable with excellent regrowth High leaf percentage with superior animal preference Aphid tolerant

• •

Persistent under multiple grazings (up to 5+) 32% increase in aphid tolerance relative to forage rape 38% increase in water use efficiency relative to Goliath® forage rape Highly palatable Increased liveweight production per hectare

Sown at a rate of 8 kg/ha and available under agency agreement through accredited retailers only.

Sow forage brassica as an alternative to your traditional forage cereal. Commenting on a recent paper published by the CSIRO discussing “The potential of forage brassicas to produce herbage for mixed farming systems” Isaac Berry, Product Development Manager for DLF Seeds Australia said that:

“

“The CSIRO project found that autumn sown Brassicas can be used as an alternative to forage cereals in the mixed farming zone. Brassicas have a wide sowing window and have the capacity to maintain forage nutritive values (Crude protein, Metabolisable energy) later into the season compared to a forage cereal. Forage brassicas have a wider grazing window, can fill a feed gap in early spring and allows for diversification within both crop and forage rotations.”

DLF Seeds varieties are available at all leading retailers. For information on DLF Seeds varieties visit dlfseeds.com.au or get in touch on 1800 619 910. DLF Seeds supplies the complete range of products that were available from PGG Wrightson Seeds, AusWest and Stephens Pasture Seeds, including the Agricom and PGG Wrightson Seeds proprietary products.

Seed

ECOTAIN® TICKS ALL THE BOXES FOR WINTER LAMBS

In a bid to better match feed supply with demand over winter, Rebecca and Dan Gardiner from Ambleside Pastoral compared Ecotain, a mineral rich perennial grazing herb with strong autumn, winter and spring growth, against standard grass-based pastures on selected twin bearing ewe paddocks in 2020. Ecotain® environmental plantain is showing significant advantages for lamb producers in an extensive onfarm grazing trial at Foxhow in Victoria’s Western District. In a bid to better match feed supply with demand over winter, Rebecca and Dan Gardiner from Ambleside Pastoral compared Ecotain, a mineral rich perennial grazing herb with strong autumn, winter and spring growth, against standard grass-based pastures on selected twin bearing ewe paddocks last year. The results are in, and the Gardiners couldn’t be happier with Ecotain’s performance. The Gardiners planted 38 hectares of Ecotain in spring 2020, and it established well through a relatively mild summer. They scanned their ewes in late February 2021 and moved the twin bearing ewes from crop stubbles onto one of two new Ecotain paddocks at stocking rates of 11.5 ewes/ha or 6.5 ewes/ha. This was compared with twin bearing ewes on a phalaris and clover paddock at a stocking rate of 6.5 ewes/ha. Their cross bred ewes average 75 kg with a condition score of 4. Lambing started in April and by lamb marking time at the end of May, the Ecotain paddocks were already starting to show their worth. “Our lamb marking rate was 153% overall, but the really outstanding point when we looked at the data was that our marked percentages increased by 10% on the two Ecotain paddocks compared

with the rates in those paddocks last year,” Ms Gardiner said. On the two Ecotain paddocks they achieved 185% and 179%. She also noticed improvements in ewe health and mothering ability where the ewes were grazing Ecotain. “We didn’t see any mismothering on the Ecotain at either the high or low stocking rate, the ewes were all clean and they had big bags of milk, so you could see they were doing well,” she said. She estimated that the condition score of the ewes grazing Ecotain was about 4 through winter and the lambs also seemed more vibrant and energetic. Despite the cold and wet season, they were thrilled with the results they got from finishing the lambs on Ecotain, with lamb growth rates of up to 260 grams/day. Growth rates were compared across three treatments: weaned twin lambs on Ecotain and clover, unweaned twin lambs on Ecotain and clover and unweaned single lambs on a phalaris pasture and clover. The best growth rates were seen in early weaned twin lambs on Ecotain and clover, with average growth rates of 260 grams/day. Unweaned lambs on the same feed achieved 230 grams/day, while single lambs on phalaris and clover gained 180 grams/day at the same stocking rate. “This was a great result for us because it showed we were obviously better off weaning the lambs early, both from the

point of view of finishing the lambs and giving the ewes a longer break before joining,” Ms Gardiner said. After selling all their lambs, they decided to replant the remaining phalaris twin paddock to Ecotain for 2022. They have also purchased more ewes to top up their flock. “All our twin bearing ewes will be on Ecotain next year. “It really delivered for us last season – our ewes were in such good condition through the winter, our lamb marking rate was good and we were able to finish the lambs early enough to get good prices at the market and clear 100% within six months.” “In a better season, we might even be able to get them out a month earlier.” Geoff Ross, Sales Agronomist for South Central Victoria with DLF Seeds, said there was significant upside potential to grazing Ecotain at Ambleside Pastoral. “Rebecca and Dan are now in a position to refine their system, and with more area under Ecotain to utilise, they’ll be able to refine stocking rates and rotate grazing with fresh plantain paddocks to minimise overgrazing through winter,” he said. Mr Ross added that the contribution of nitrogen from the clover was a significant factor in driving the productivity of the Ecotain grazing system. He encouraged lamb producers to consider Ecotain® environmental plantain for meeting the feed challenge at lambing time, particularly with multibearing ewes, and for lamb finishing. 43

Seed

A FORAGE BARLEY VARIETY TO FILL FEED GAPS

S&W Seed Company’s Kraken Forage Barley is an early maturing forage barley variety that displays excellent growth during the winter months. It is suited to most grazing enterprises, offering quick recovery from grazing events, with up to six grazings per season. Kraken has been specially targeted to fill the traditional feed gap period during the cold months – and growers are singing its praises. Jonathan and Shelby Pietzsch have been growing S&W Moby Forage Barley for the last seven years on properties near Keith and Tintinara, in the southeast of South Australia. They were keen to try its replacement, Kraken, to see if it would outperform its predecessor in their sandy/sandy loam soils. “The Kraken was quick to establish showing early signs of good vigour, the plant tillered exceptionally well and provided cover quickly,” says Mr Pietzsch. “We’re pleased to report that it met and exceeded expectations.” Some Moby was also sown for comparative purposes and Jonathan observed that Kraken had a longer growth window, somewhere in the order of 10 to 14 days, and was later maturing giving increased dry matter production for both grazing and/or hay. Jonathan claimed that their livestock preferred the Moby to all other sources of fodder. He was impressed to find that Kraken has the same outstanding characteristics while also producing 44

eldersrural.com.au

improved biomass over Moby, as well as leaving behind a stronger stubble base. Kraken Forage Barley seeds are sown from Autumn to late Winter, allowing the grower to capitalise on its ability for quick establishment and extended season of production. It produces quick feed for grazing and is an excellent hay option for any enterprise. It is also often used to provide weed control and soil preparatory action prior to planting perennial pastures. This winter forage barley will grow in areas with an annual rainfall greater than 350 millimetres, in well-drained soils, and is tolerant of a broad pH range. It is recommended that Kraken be grazed once it reaches the three-leaf stage of growth when it is anchored into the ground by its secondary roots. Kraken typically boasts a digestibility of 87.2% DMD and has been reported by growers that this past winter forage barley has become the forage of choice for livestock, who typically tend to preferentially graze it over other offered sources of fodder. Jonathan Pietzsch of Lake Ellen SA, is extremely happy with Kraken Forage Barley’s strong stubble base after harvest.

In comparison, Kraken typically matures around nine days later than its counterpart Moby. However, under the conditions of repeat grazing events, Kraken does offer a much longer season of production, due to its ability to recover quickly from these events. Kraken also has improved tiller density and offers superior straw strength and standability to Moby, making it less prone to lodging. For more information contact your local Elders branch or visit: swseedco.com/australia

Kraken

SUITABLE FOR FEED IN News NSW, VIC, SA & WA

Forage Barley “After the continual performance of moby in our operation as both a forage and hay variety, the kraken had big shoes to fill. We’re pleased to report that it met and exceeded expectations.”

KRAKEN IS AN EARLY MATURING FORAGE BARLEY PERFECT FOR SOWING LATE AND GRAZING EARLY

JOHN PIETSZSCH, LAKE ELLEN, SA

Your partner in the paddock.

9 Sow late and graze early 9 Can be used to provide weed control and soil preparatory 9 Fast to establish, very quick feed grown on farm 9 Excellent hay option

Plant with confidence with S&W Establishment Guarantee®

SW0295

www.swseedco.com.au

9 White seeded, awnless

The only combined Trace Minerals and Vitamin B12 injectable for cattle in Australia, in a convenient single dose.

Available at your local rural store. For more information visit marksmin.com.au or call Boehringer Ingelheim Customer Care on 1800 808 691.

*See product label for full claim details and directions for use. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia Pty. Ltd., Level 1, 78 Waterloo Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113 Australia. ABN 53 071 187 285. Marks-Min® is a registered trademark of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group. ©2021 all rights reserved. AU-CAT-0006-2021

Crop Protection

Shaun Cleary, UPL, (middle) with Southern Farming Systems staff members Gina Kreeck (left) and Audrey Gripper (right) in an Uplift barley trial (2020)

NEW UPLIFT FUNGICIDE NOW AVAILABLE FOR WHEAT & BARLEY GROWERS

Wheat and barley growers will have access to a powerful new fungicide for disease control this season following the registration of Uplift fungicide in Australia. Wheat and barley growers will have access to a powerful new fungicide for disease control this season following the registration of Uplift fungicide in Australia. Uplift (280 g/L azoxystrobin + 120 g/L prothioconazole) is a new broadspectrum fungicide combining two highly active fungicides to control some of the major fungal diseases in wheat and barley. UPL Australia’s head of marketing and business development, Ian Cass, said they were delighted to have Uplift available in time for this season. “We’re extremely pleased to bring Uplift to Australian wheat and barley growers,” Mr Cass said. “It offers growers and agronomists an easy to use, compatible SC formulation to considerably reduce the formation of yield robbing foliar diseases.” The new fungicide is registered in wheat to protect against Leaf, Stem and Stripe rusts; Septoria nodorum and tritici blotches; yellow leaf spot and powdery mildew. In barley, Uplift is registered to protect against Net form net blotch, powdery mildew, Spot form net blotch and Leaf rust. Uplift combines the chemical class fungicides of Strobilurin and DMI, offering better protection than standalone DMI treatments. With its

dual modes of action, Uplift provides excellent systemic and protective activity, offering both improved disease control and resistance management. “We’ve trialed Uplift widely in Australia leading up to its registration and we’ve been extremely pleased with the results,” said Mr Cass. “It has demonstrated excellent efficacy against target diseases and can definitely hold its own when compared to other leading industry fungicides.” “Combining two highly effective active ingredients, Uplift offers a fully loaded formulation with two powerful actives for improved resistance management.” With the need to rotate active ingredients for resistance management, Uplift offers a perfect rotation partner to the mix. “If you have used a seed treatment that contains a SDHI mode of action, Uplift is your ideal go-to foliar product to ensure you maximise disease control and rotate between the different modes of action in your cereal disease management program.” Mr Cass added that a key feature of Uplift was its compatibility with a range of products. “Uplift has been extensively tested for physical compatibility with over 25 products to date,” he added. “It has

shown good physical compatibility with many commonly used herbicides, insecticides and UAN fertiliser, which will provide growers with more flexibility in application.” UPL recommend applying Uplift fungicide at the first sign of disease and to always read the label before applying the product. “Applications of Uplift should be made within the crop growth stages between the end of tillering to the end of stem elongation (GS29-GS39),” said Mr Cass. He added that it is important not to apply more than the registered rate of 525ml/ Ha in any one season, and to alternate chemistry if growing successive crops. Uplift is soft on the crop and has been shown not to cause crop phytotoxicity. It is rain fast in three hours after application. Uplift fungicide will be available in 20L and 110L drums for the 2022 winter crop season. “UPL is excited to bring to market a cost-effective solution to help growers maximise yield and grain quality,” said Mr Cass. “Having a new and effective dual mode of action in an easy to use, compatible SC formulation gives cereal growers and agronomists more options for controlling foliar diseases and managing resistance.” 47

Fertiliser

YARA: FERTILISER CHOICE CAN HELP TO REDUCE ON-FARM CARBON EMISSIONS

AUSTRALIAN farmers can help to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions simply by electing to use quality nitrate fertilisers that have a known carbon footprint. Globally, it is estimated that agriculture accounts for 10.2% of emissions, while changing land-use patterns account for another 9.2%. The use of mineral fertilisers accounts for 1.3% of global emissions, while fertiliser production accounts for 1.1% of global emissions.1 Yara Crop Nutrition Country Manager Australia, Tim Erbacher, says there is mounting pressure on all industry, including agriculture, to reduce emissions to stem climate warming. “As one of the world’s leading nitrogen fertiliser manufacturers, Yara takes its obligations seriously,” Tim says. “We have reduced our CO2 emissions by 45% since 2005 and we intend to reduce this by another 30% by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050.”

Yara has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce emissions associated with ammonia and nitric acid production and energy consumption throughout its manufacturing and distribution processes. They include the development and adoption of abatement catalyst technology, which has reduced NO2 emissions from its fertiliser production plants by more than 90%. 48

eldersrural.com.au

Yara has since shared this technology with other manufacturers. Future reductions will stem from ‘green ammonia’ produced from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind or hydro, and carbon capture and storage processes.

Yara is constructing one of the world’s first industrial-scale green ammonia plants in the Pilbara region of WA. The plant is expected commissioned next year.

Yara is actively engaged with some of the world’s largest food companies to help document the carbon footprint of their food products. “Today’s consumers are demanding greater transparency and traceability about where their food comes from and are willing to pay a premium for food that is sustainably produced,” Tim says. “We are helping major food companies to meet their sustainability targets by documenting the contribution of our fertilisers to their carbon footprint and how we are taking steps to further reduce them.” Yara was a founding partner of Cool Farm Alliance (CFA), a global organisation that empowers farmers to make more informed decisions about reducing their environmental impact. “CFA has developed the Cool Farm Tool, a free calculator that determines the carbon footprint of crop and livestock products,” Tim says.

“Our sales agronomists frequently use this tool when they’re explaining the benefits of our fertilisers and crop nutrition programs to customers and their advisors.” Farmers also have an important role in helping to reduce the carbon emissions of the food chain by optimising nitrogen use efficiency. “Agreeably, on-farm emissions associated with fertilisers is small but it is a significant part of agriculture’s contribution and needs to be addressed,” Tim says. “This can be as easy as selecting a quality nitrate fertiliser that has a known carbon footprint and then applying it in accordance with best practice. “We call it the four Rs: applying the right amount of the right product at the right time and the right place. “Nitrate fertilisers are more efficient that urea due because of their lower volatisation and improved plant availability. “The adoption of whole-of-crop nutrition solutions, objective decisionsupport tools and carbon-smart farming practices can further help to reduce emissions associated with fertiliser use. For more information visit yara.com.au or your local Elders branch. REFERENCES 1. FAOSTAT (2020) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Corporate Statistical Database

Improving productivity needn’t cost the earth. Quality nitrate fertilisers from Yara can optimise the yield and quality of crops without costing the earth. 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.

1800 684 266

au.sales@yara.com

@yara_australia

yara.com.au

Still the king of power

M12,000i Mains Fence Energizer Combining the brute force of 120 Joules with intelligent fence monitoring technology, the M12,000i maintains high fence voltage while also informing you of fence faults before they become a crisis.

Discover more at am.gallagher.com

Fencing

GALLAGHER COMMITTED TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE BY SUPPORTING LANDCARE PROJECTS

For over 50 years, Gallagher has been committed to supporting Australian farmers by providing farm-fit solutions to help simplify the challenges faced by those working on the land.

Curlew in Central Victoria – Gallagher cemented themselves as true advocates for caring for the land by formally supporting 13 projects through the 2019 Gallagher Landcare Fencing Grants.

Gallagher recognise that their simple to install, yet effective electric fencing solutions increasingly assist landholders to achieve not only more productive and profitable farming systems but help make them more sustainable as well.

“We started to see and hear about the positive impacts that protecting these areas using Gallagher electric fencing solutions were having on the goals the Landcare groups were looking to achieve - this encouraged us to believe that by continuing our support, we could truly help make an impact on the future care of the land in Australia,” said Mr Linn.

Gallagher Australia General Manager Malcolm Linn said: “Our excitement for and commitment to ongoing support for the important work done by Landcare groups and members across Australia stems from the knowledge that electric fencing solutions make implementing sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation simpler and more achievable. Our tools can make a real difference to the future of sustainable agriculture and conservation in Australia and can help facilitate change by supporting these Landcare groups.” Landcare Australia is a national not-forprofit organisation which supports over 6,000 groups and more than 100,000 volunteers with Landcare projects that are focused on sustainable land management practices and environmental conservation. Gallagher commenced its partnership with Landcare Australia in 2018, by sponsoring the Sustainable Agriculture stream at the National Landcare Conference and with the donation of electric fencing products to support several Landcare projects across the country. Following the success of these projects in 2018 - which included fencing cattle out of an area of vegetation to support the recovery of the endangered Richmond Birdwing Butterfly and electrifying the exclusion fence around a breeding enclosure for the Bush Stone

When it comes to solutions fit-forpurpose, the Gallagher Westonfence Permanent Electric Fencing solution has been the frontrunner for projects looking to exclude animals from entering an area; in 2019 this involved protecting the habitat of the endangered Western Swamp Tortoise in Western Australia from incursion by feral pigs, as well as providing a safe lambing paddock and haven for the Southern Brown Bandicoot in South-Western Victoria. The robust solution can be quicker to install than traditional fence options, meaning labour costs for these notfor-profit Landcare groups are greatly reduced. For more experienced landholders, the need to hire a fencing contractor is likely removed entirely, meaning funding can be used more impactfully for additional requirements such as seedlings and tree guards for planting shelterbelts. Versatile and effective electric fencing solutions are the backbone of what Gallagher can offer land carers, and it is these solutions that the innovative company identifies as being of most use to Landcare groups. Complementing the versatile nature of these fences is the range of Gallagher Portable Solar Energizers; another wellestablished aspect of the offering from

Members of the Mid Loddon Catchment Management Network alongside the Gallagher-sponsored predator-proof enclosure which protects a population of Bush Stone Curlews. Gallagher Landcare Electric Fencing grants will again support Landcare projects aiming to achieve conservation and grazing management goals in 2021.

Gallagher that lends itself perfectly to the needs of Landcare projects. “Many of the Landcare projects supported by Gallagher over the past four years are in remote areas, with no access to reliable mains power. We are so pleased to be able to offer a reliable electric fencing solution for the projects we are supporting, no matter their location.” The commitment by Gallagher to a sustainable future doesn’t stop at supporting improved grazing management and environmental conservation projects in Australia. More environmentally conscious choices are being made from the top down, with the company’s New Zealand team undertaking several initiatives in 2021 aimed at reducing plastic used in the manufacturing and packaging of its products. The newest design of the Solar Energizer will save 28 tonnes of plastic per year and continues to revolutionise the portability of the product range, making it even more user friendly. In 2021, Gallagher supported another 14 projects around Australia, focussed on improving grazing management and conservation. In February, applications will open for the 2022 Gallagher Landcare Electric Fencing Grants. For more information, head in-store or visit am.gallagher.com/en-AU 51

Animal Health

OPTIMISING REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN YOUR STOCK

A crucial trace mineral to consider when looking to improve the performance of both cattle and sheep is Selenium (Se). Selenium plays a critical role in metabolism, growth, reproductive health and the body’s natural defences. Trace mineral supplementation as a nutritional strategy is an important economic decision for cattle and sheep operations. All minerals, and in particular phosphorus, directly raise the productivity of ruminants, particularly on Australia’s soils which are often deficient. The right — or wrong — mineral program can have a direct impact on an operation’s reproductive outcomes and weight gains, and, as a result, could directly impact profitability as well. A crucial trace mineral to consider when looking to improve the performance of both cattle and sheep is Selenium (Se). Selenium plays a critical role in metabolism, growth, reproductive health and the body’s natural defences. Selenium is an essential trace mineral found in all cells of the body and has key functions in enzyme systems. It optimises the immune system of animals by increasing antibody production and is a powerful antioxidant used in the management of heat stress in feedlot and dairy animals. Selenium is also involved in optimising sperm motility and development, and is linked to better conception rates, which positively affects reproduction and fertility. In breeding females, selenium has both metabolic and physiological effects 52

eldersrural.com.au

on the foetus, with the potential to alter the developmental trajectory of the offspring later in its life. Notably the increase in fertility from selenium supplements can be attributed to the reduction in embryonic death in the first month of gestation (Mehdi & Dufrasne, 2016). Selenium deficiencies can be a big problem, causing young animals to be weak at birth and increase their susceptibility to diseases including scours. In cows, increased rates of retained placentas and poor reproductive performance are also often observed. To combat such deficiencies, supplements are often required. This is largely due to the Selenium content of grazing pastures varying greatly, which is a direct reflection of the soils in which pastures and fodder crops are grown. However, Selenium is commonly supplemented in inorganic forms, such as sodium selenate or the closely related sodium selenite, despite grazing pastures providing the mineral in an organic form. WHY CHOOSE AN ORGANIC FORM OF SELENIUM FOR YOUR STOCK? The difference between an organic and an inorganic source of selenium, is the availability of the essential mineral to the animal. A Selenium yeast such as Sel-Plex® from Alltech®, provides

livestock with trace minerals in a form as close to nature as possible, thereby mimicking the form that would be found in forages. This enables Selenium to be better absorbed due to the higher bioavailability and, as a result, can be provided at lower inclusion rates. Selenium salts, the traditional form of supplementation and used in long acting injectables, is circulated in the blood, and cannot be stored in the muscle. This limits its effectiveness in higher performance systems, as opposed to Sel-Plex® which can be deposited into the muscle and crucially, can be drawn upon when needed. Numerous studies have shown that a yeast-based selenium is a far more beneficial method of achieving optimal mineral nutrition, due to the higher bioavailability, lower inclusion and optimised health and performance of animals, when compared to providing supplementation in inorganic forms. MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE Sel-Plex® is available as a fine powder designed to be added to dry licks, liquid or grain-based supplements and premix feeds. For more information, contact your local Alltech Lienert representative or call 1800 649 231.

NUTRIENT FORM & FUNCTION

MIC RO BIO M I

TIVE UC OD N PR TIO RE UNC F

IM DE MUN E FE NC E

EN M GUT LOP E DEV

FEED QUALITY

Blueprint® is a cutting-edge trace mineral nutrition program formulated to positively influence the genetic potential of livestock through all phases of production. Blueprint® supports optimised reproduction, immunity and improved weaning weights.

Blueprint® nutrition is based on the belief that not only is the level of supplementation important, but also the form in which nutrients are delivered to the animal. Blueprint® organic trace mineral proteinates resemble those found naturally in plant proteins. This means increased availability with less interference by antagonists and less oxidative stress, which in turn improves performance.

Blueprint® features exclusively Bioplex® organic trace minerals, Sel-Plex® organic selenium and essential vitamins. Bioplex® proteinates resemble those found naturally in plant proteins. Research using the Blueprint® program supports heavier weaning weights and enhanced immunity and fertility.

Alltechlienert.com.au | AlltechLienert

Farm Management

THE WORLD’S MOST

POWERFUL.

86 | 128

OUTPUT JOULES

STORED JOULES

Smart & Powerful • Power up to 500 hectares • Reach up to 290 km on a multi-wire fence • Monitor and control the unit from a smart device

The new 86000W Mains Energizer strikes the right balance between brains and unrivalled power. Available now from your local rural retailer.

speedrite.com 54

eldersrural.com.au

Farm Management

WHY WEIGH THIS WINTER

It’s important to monitor the weight of livestock during winter, no matter when your cows and heifers calve. Having an accurate understanding of your livestock’s condition ensures you make better decisions to best position your business for spring. Mother Nature can throw anything at southern Australian livestock producers during winter. Big rains and long-stretches of cold, overcast days can lead to pugged pastures, soggy crops, and animal health issues. Equally, dry winters and frosty mornings can deliver challenges around feed availability. Maintaining the health and productivity of your animals, regardless of the weather, is vital - but you can only manage what you can measure. Accurate weight data can provide an account of an animal’s health and welfare and the information you need to make fast and informed business decisions. Here are the top five reasons to weigh livestock during winter and how it benefits on-farm profitability: MONITORING AUTUMN-CALVED COWS AND HEIFERS Maintaining the weight of autumncalved cows and heifers is vital to ensuring the health and productivity of both them and their calf and – most importantly – maximising their likelihood of rebreeding. Throughout this period, females may require extra energy and nutrition to support milk production, while maintaining their own weight to have the best chance of getting back in calf. Weight data assists producers to make decisions about the health of their breeders and if supplementary feeding is required.

SET-UP SPRING CALVERS Maximising the health of cows and heifers prior to calving is a powerful tool to support a low-stress birth. The easier a cow or heifer calves, the faster they recover and begin to maximise milk production, gain weight, and optimise their health for rebreeding. This means pre-calving nutrition is vital, and one of the most effective ways to ensure your cows and heifers are receiving enough energy is to monitor their weight. GET AHEAD OF INTERNAL PARASITES One of the first signs of livestock illhealth is weight loss. Unfortunately, this isn’t always evident from general observations until a lot of weight has been dropped or livestock are showing additional signs of sickness. Regularly weighing cattle means you have a record of weight fluctuations and can act quickly to address any problems. For example, you can treat gastrointestinal worms earlier, circumventing any long-term issues for individual animals while decreasing the broader worm burden for the rest of the season. MANAGE FEED Weighing cattle regularly is the best way to understand if they require additional feed. A slight decrease in animal liveweight might mean you need to offer a little more crop when you move strip-graze

tape or provide an additional fibre source. BEST PLACED TO DEAL WITH UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER Having an accurate understanding of the health and welfare of your herd, through regularly weighing, ensures you can make informed and timely decisions quickly when faced with unpredictable weather. For example, knowing the weight of your herd provides a guide to their market value if you want to sell. TRU-TEST REMOTE WALK OVER WEIGHING Tru-Test by Datamars Livestock offers a range of weighing solutions, including walk over weighing systems, as well as in-paddock four and two-foot weighing options, to capture liveweight at the individual animal level, without the need for human intervention or contact. The data is processed and delivered via cloud technology and used to generate daily online weighing reports that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. These powerful insights help to identify trends and better manage your herd. With no need to move stock to the yards to collect weights, animals will be less stressed and conserve valuable energy over the cooler months. Importantly, you will have more time to reassign labour and resources to other parts of the business. To find out more about Tru-Test inpaddock weighing systems visit your local Elders branch or give the team a call on 1800 248 774. 55

Crop Protection

CHEERS WEATHERSHIELD: THE FORMULATION YOU CAN RELY ON

With its sophisticated stable WeatherShield formulation, Colin Campbells Chemicals (CCC) brand, Cheers 720, has become one of Australia’s market leaders for chlorothalonil – the fungicide recognised as the basis for disease control in Australia.

Chlorothalonil was first registered in 1966. It was developed by initially by Diamond Alkali Co. (USA) which became known as Diamond Shamrock in 1967 after a merger. To supply the Asia-Pacific with greater efficiency, Diamond Shamrock established a joint venture with a Japanese chemical company in 1968. The joint venture now known as SDS Biotech opened a dedicated chlorothalonil synthesising and manufacturing plant in Yokohama. In 1971, CCC was one of two companies in Australia to be given exclusive rights by Diamond Shamrock to introduce chlorothalonil to the Australian market. They first marketed the product under the international trade name Daconil 2787 750 WP. In 2001, global acquisitions resulted in the transfer of the Daconil trade name and CCC’s original product was renamed Dacogreen. CCC branched out to the horticultural market with their original chlorothalonil formulation in 2002 with Cheers 720. A major formulation upgrade occurred in 2008, where its already superior

Generic Chlorothalanil (1 hour after spray & before rainfall)

Generic Chlorothalanil (24 hours after spray & before rainfall)

eldersrural.com.au

adhesion technology was further improved with a WeatherShield formulation for Dacogreeen and Cheers.

Mr Ramsay Zreikat, National Sales Manager at CCC said, Cheers WeatherShield is now one of their biggest selling products. With major uses on bananas, lentils, chickpeas, faba beans and tomatoes just to name a few. Dino and Carly Rocca of Spring Creek Produce in Tolga have seen the results first-hand. “Anybody growing bananas, knows the battle to combat leaf spot and leaf speckle, especially in the Tropics of Far North Queensland,” Mr Rocca said. “Cheers WeatherShield has proven to be a vital part of our integrated pest management program since 2016.” “We find that when sprayed, it helps protect leaves from further infestation and holds on the leaf for a longer, therefore providing longer protection,” he added. Due to the longer protection period of Cheers WeatherShield we find it a costeffective product to use to protect our plantation.” Still sourced from SDS Biotech, Cheers is a first-class Japanese formulated product, which continues to be recognised as the superior formulation for its ability to stick, mix and store better.

Cheers WeatherShield (1 hour after spray & before rainfall)

Cheers WeatherShield (24 hours after spray & before rainfall)

Mr Zreikat explains why Cheers’ long shelf-life is so important. “One complaint that we often hear from retailers around Australia is that chlorothalonil doesn’t store well from year-year. Retailers tell us that the chlorothalonil brands they have in stock have separated even after a few months of storage. However, Cheers’ high-quality formulation has demonstrated both in real time and through accelerated storage tests that it stores well for over two years.” The product’s stability was further proven in 2019 when a retailer had Cheers stock manufactured in 2017 and after the mandatory shaking of the container, CCC thoroughly inspected the product. The result showed no visible signs of settling, separation or solidifying. The next test CCC conducted was to see how the product sprayed out. For the trial we used the high application rate of 19L in 500L water per hectare. At this rate if the formulation was not right, it would be noticed. Instead, the 2017 manufactured Cheers WeatherShield product poured from the container, mixed, and sprayed out perfectly – as if it were made that same day. The positive results achieved with Cheers 720 have been observed by growers across Australia. South Australian grower, Mr Will Murdoch from RG & LE Murdoch says, “I have been using Cheers 720 for a number of seasons now with no issues. This is a high-quality product which gives me the confidence to order in 1,000lt IBC’s to create a closed system which becomes safer for all employees and makes for an easier product to handle.” Similarly, Ken and Amanda Arbuckle from Rosie’s Reds Papaya based in North Queensland know Cheers is a product they can trust. “We recently (18 months ago) switched our aerial and ground fungicide program to Cheers 720. We have noted amazing performance of the product in our papaya and banana crops. We shall continue using this product as it adds profit to our business.”

Cheers 720 ®

Su p e rior Chlorot halonil formu l at ion. Sticks better • Mixes better • Stores better

No storage worries from one year to the next After a set period of standing, some products can separate and create sediment. The quality of Cheers® WeatherShield® will not diminish whether you use it today or next season. Cheers® WeatherShield® shows no aggregation and does not block sprayers compared to generic formulations. Our advanced formulation has superior sticking and rainfast properties. The product flows consistently without the sediment or separation issues found in generic formulations. Call us today or visit our website to find out more about the benefits of Cheers® WeatherShield®.

COLIN CAMPBELL (CHEMICALS) PTY LTD • (02) 9725 2544 HORTICULTURE • POST HARVEST • TURF Established 1940. 100% Australian owned & operated. www.campbellchemicals.com.au

TROUGHS AND SUPA™ TROUGHS - A CUT ABOVE THE REST! • Durable - Steel troughs are built to last often

resiting issues such as puncturing and cracking.

• Steel Construction - Makes the troughs stronger

than poly troughs and lighter than concrete troughs meaning they are both strong and portable.

• Heat Dissipation - Water temperatures are similar

to poly and concrete troughs, however water will cool down much quicker once the sun sets.

• Valve Cover - Removable steel valve cover over valve/float preventing damage by livestock.

SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE TROUGHS RANGE ON OUR WEBSITE! W: www.cycloneproducts.com.au P: 1800 199 450

General Seed

CYCLONE STEEL TROUGHS – AN IMPRESSIVE LIST OF FEATURES

Cyclone troughs and Supa™ troughs are strong and durable galvanised steel troughs that have been designed for multiple farm applications. They are flexible enough to be used as a permanent trough (like concrete) or a temporary movable trough (like poly) depending on your needs.

Cyclone standard troughs are made of 3mm hot dipped galvanised steel, and the Supa troughs are made from 5mm hot dipped galvanised steel. This prevents common issues such as cracking and puncturing, which can often occur with other conventional trough materials. Steel also has the added advantage of being a superior thermal conductor, meaning temperatures during the day will be similar poly and concrete troughs, water within a steel trough will

cool down quicker especially at the end of the day.

& anchor a Cyclone steel trough & it’s ready to be filled.

Cyclone’s troughs also feature a 4.5” bung, allowing for quick and efficient water removal that makes cleaning easier. When empty the trough becomes highly portable and can be relocated and transported. All Cyclone troughs come with a removable, heavy-duty hot dipped galvanised steel float/valve cover that prevents damage by livestock whilst also providing easy access for float adjustment.

Meet your customer’s needs with an extensive range of Cyclone steel troughs for your store to stock. Standard troughs are available in sizes ranging from 210L to 535L capacity and a service height of 367mm from the ground. Standard troughs are better suited for smaller livestock like sheep and goats. Cyclone also have a larger variant, the Supa trough, which features a larger and wider body to suit the additional demands of bigger livestock like cattle and horses. Supa troughs are available in sizes ranging from 390L to 1140L capacity with a service height of 581mm.

The unique feet design of the trough allows it to sit off the ground, allowing air flow around the trough cooling feed and water inside. They also make installation and levelling easier, as preparations are only required for where the feet have contact with the ground. The feet also have peg down points to anchor the trough & it can be easily moved to any location. Position

For more information on Cyclone’s steel troughs or other animal handling products in the range, visit your local Elders branch or call Cyclone customer service 1800 199 450.

Crop Health

BACSTIM & RHIZOVATOR - A WINNING COMBINATION

Bio stimulants have gained positive traction over the recent years with great results coming from their use. However, the use of overpromised sales tactics has led to a level of scepticism around products within this space.

Omnia Specialities Australia has been within the bio stimulant market for over 20 years. With a firm grip on the concept of soil health, they provide a range of bio stimulant and plant health products that are used globally to improve soil and crop health in a sustainable way, resulting in greater yields.

This result compliments trial work conduced on almonds in the 2018-2019 seasons where Rhizovator OB was compared alone and with Bacstim 100. The combination of the two resulted in a 17.9pc yield increase with a gross margin increase of over $4,000/ha.

Two of these products, which have proven their synergistic effects time and time again, are the Bacstim (Bacstim® 100 and Bacstim® Seed) and Rhizovator ranges (Rhizovator™ PC and Rhizovator™ OB). Bacstim is a 5 strain Bacillus spp. product known to colonise the root zone and improve nutrient mineralisation and uptake, stimulate root growth, and improve stress resistance. Rhizovator, being a humate based product with additions of kelp, fulvic acid and amino acids provides, improves nutrient uptake, root stimulation and provides a food source for the Bacstim and other soil microbes. TRIALS SHOW INCREASED ROOT GROWTH Glasshouse trial work performed at the Plant Accelerator Waite Campus in Adelaide analysed soybean roots, which had received Rhizovator PC and OB at 10L/ha, using the WinRhizo root analysis programme. Results showed an increase in root tips and length of 50 per cent (pc) and 17pc respectively for Rhizovator OB and 40pc and 13pc respectively for Rhizovator PC over the control. It is well known that the plant root tip is the zone Control Rhizovator OB Rhizovator PC +50% Tips, +17% Length +40% Tips +13% Length of transfer for water a n d nutrients between the plant and soil. Another t r i a l conducted at Loxton in the 2021-2022 season on nonpareil almonds illustrates the synergistic effects of Bacstim 100 and Rhizovator PC on root growth and ultimately yield. With nearly double the amount of root growth over the control together with a yield increase of 230kg of kernel per hectare. Returning just over $1,000 per hectare after product costs.

Maree Crawford, the Elders Technical Service Manager, performed a statistically replicated trial, analysing several bio stimulant product effects on wheat showed Bacstim Seed to significantly enhance the growth of the plants. This resulted in an impressive $199 return per dollar spent. Maree commented saying “certain products, including Bacstim Seed, provided a level of plant protection against environmental stresses which was reflected in the overall performance and end results on yield”. She followed on to say, “it’s clear conventional products can be improved by adding complementary and compatible biologicals together with an improved soil health by reflection of the improved microbial diversity and novel genus found within the final DNA extractions.”

6 5 4 3 2 1 0

ALMOND ROOT DNA ANALYSIS 180000

154229

160000 140000 120000 100000 80000

98551 84003

73804

60000 40000 20000 0

Control

Bacstim 100 + Rhizovator PC Oct 2021

eldersrural.com.au

Feb 2022

Over and above the results mentioned here, Bacstim and Rhizovator have proven themselves in potatoes, broccoli, lettuce, vines and sugar cane. If you are looking for solutions in bio stimulants visit your local Elders Agronomist for Omnia’s solutions, or visit omnia.com.au or call 1800 4 OMNIA (66642).

BACSTIM & RHIZOVATOR A WINNING COMBINATION Harnessing the power of biostimulants results in improved performance and yield

When Bacstim® & Rhizovator™ are applied together, growers see a synergistic effect resulting in yield and quality benefits Talk to your Elders Agronomist or an Omnia Specialist Agronomist ® Bacstim is a registered trademark of Omnia Specialities (Australia) Pty Ltd. ™ Rhizovator is a trademark of Omnia Specialities (Australia) Pty Ltd. EM0422

stoller.com.au

Stoller offers a range of plant nutrition solutions which 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 and yield, in a variety of conditions. We have skilled representatives that work nationwide with growers, agronomists and distributors. Contact Stoller today to find out how our solutions can increse yield, quality and return on investment for all crops.

Product Focus

n n n

Aids root growth Improves pollination Builds strong cells and promotes healthy growth

Increase YIELD

Increase PROFIT

Increase QUALITY

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

CropSeed Health

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 are an easy way to boost nutrition during this growth stage. “Providing nutrients at early establishment and pollination are critical to maximising yield and profitability. Strong flowering and good pollination will Domenic Cavallaro, Technical set the plant up Manager, Stoller Australia for good seed setting and yield.” - Stoller Technical Manager, Domenic Cavallaro

crop. Copper, manganese, and zinc are all needed to synthesise proteins and create chlorophyll.

It’s vital to maximise root and shoot growth during post-emergence. 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.

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.

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. 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

THE ROLE OF 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.

Stoller’s Action 10 is a specifically formulated calcium product that promotes root growth, improves pollination, and improves stress tolerance in your broadacre crop. Calcium is the building block for cell walls in new tissue. It makes strong cells which will assist in higher marketable yield and better fruit shelf life. Postemergence is the ideal time to apply it on your broadacre crop, improving

nutrition and strengthening the plant, ready for flowering. STOLLER’S ACTION 10 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. The benefits of Action 10 include: > Aids root growth > Improved rhizosphere

root

biological

> Stronger plant establishment with improved uniformity > Improves pollination > Maximises yield potential and increased profits > Builds strong cells and promotes healthy growth > Creates plants that are less susceptible to pests, diseases, and physical failure For more information on Action 10 and Stoller’s Solutions for broadacre, contact your local Elders branch or Stoller on info@stoller.com.au or FREECALL 1800 337 845. 63

Water Management

ALL CLEAR DS TANK CLEANER, REMOVES MORE RESIDUE

Get ready for autumn plantings — get your boom sprayers out and give them a good clean with All Clear DS. A dirty sprayer can mean: > Significant damage, delayed maturity and yield loss in winter crops > Damaging breaches of MRLs > Blocked lines and filters > Equipment corrosion These are just some of the costly issues arising from herbicide residues remaining in boom sprayers. Each year, poor boom sprayer hygiene causes significant, yet avoidable, financial losses to growers. The entire spraying system, including filters and lines as well as the main tank, require effective cleaning. Otherwise, growers could spend valuable time dealing with blocked filters and lines, equipment corrosion, uneven spray applications or worse still, crop damage. Previously, to remove damaging residues from boom sprayers, growers needed to use many different decontamination products, depending on the situation. This was confusing and costly. But All Clear DS makes the choice of tank cleaner simple because it works on a wide range of crop protection chemicals. Not only will All Clear DS perform as well as the cleaning agent recommended on

eldersrural.com.au

the labels of numerous products, but laboratory data shows that All Clear DS will often do a better job. For example, the ability of All Clear DS to remove residues of Logran B-Power was tested. The Logran B-Power label recommends using a solution of household cleaning bleach containing 4 per cent (pc) chlorine. Water rinsing alone removed 60pc of the residue. Following the chlorine recommendation on the label removed little more, resulting in a 69pc clean. Water rinsing followed by All Clear DS resulted in an effective 97pc clean. Similarly, in tests to remove Hammer and Roundup residues, All Clear DS removed 22pc more than OMO, the cleaning agent recommended on the product labels. All Clear DS also showed great results on Tigrex, Spinnaker, Sakura, Boxer Gold, 2,4-D Ester 800, Glean, Lontrel, Broadstrike and Valor. In all AgNova tests, All Clear DS was the most consistent tank cleaner, giving either a similar or better clean than other commercial cleaners tested, irrespective of the type of herbicide. All Clear DS is ideal for cleaning out tank mixes where one product’s label

recommends a chlorine cleaner and the other product’s label recommends an alkaline cleaner. But chlorine and alkaline cleaners cannot be used together. All Clear DS is the perfect choice for rural retailers and growers, being effective, convenient, safe to use, not restricted by a short shelf life and still active from one season to the next. Growers should be cleaning their boom sprayers now and when they come in to buy their post-emergent herbicides, they should also grab a pack of All Clear DS. Keep it simple - you only need to recommend one tank and boom cleaner for a range of products, and that’s All Clear DS. Stick with All Clear DS – because little else does!

IRRIGATION WIRE ROPE The extensive range of high quality 7x7 construction Beaver Irrigation Wire Ropes are robust. This makes them ideal for use with travelling irrigator equipment and other agricultural uses.

BEAVER 7X7 G2070 GALVANISED STEEL CORE WIRE ROPE Fitted with Thimble Eye on one end (supplied on a reel) PRODUCT CODE

WIRE DIAMETER

MBF (kN)

APPROX MASS (kg/100m)

LENGTH (m)

708306X410

6mm

27.2

14.30

410

708307X420

7mm

37.2

20.20

420

7083084

8mm

47.5

25.66

410

708308X420

8mm

47.5

25.66

420

7083096

9mm

59.3

32.00

610

708310X520

10mm

73.0

39.40

520

708310X620

10mm

73.0

39.40

620

Swivel hooks and fittings sold separately.

APPLICATIONS INCLUDE • • • •

Travelling irrigator equipment Guy wires General purpose Various agricultural uses

Manufactured in accordance with AS3569 Test certificate available with each reel

BEAVER OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF ROBUST, HIGH QUALITY WIRE ROPE AND FITTINGS

Visit beaver.com.au to view the full range

Water Management

THE SECRET TO PLASSON’S RELIABILITY

How do you make the most reliable poly pipe joiners on the market? For rural applications you start with a fitting that can handle metric and imperial pipe. Then you design it so it can be installed quickly and easily, out in the field, on the hoof, without any special tools. Plasson have gone even further. They’ve engineered a compression fitting that seals watertight the instant it is on the pipe, to their captive O-ring. By machine a grooving into the body of each compression fitting, the O-ring is held captive. This means it is less likely

eldersrural.com.au

to get lost, contaminated or damaged. All Plasson compression fittings exceed the pull-out requirements for Australian Standards. Rural solutions need to be practical, adaptable and reliable. Not everyone uses the same size pipe so Plasson ‘s red barbed inserts are designed to accommodate all common rural pipe, metric or imperial as well as coiled pipe. With captive O-rings, a longer body design and the red barbed inserts, Plasson rural fittings are engineered to go on and stay on and on and on.

These fittings are engineered so you only tighten the nuts to prevent the pipe and fitting pulling apart or blowing out under pressure. The joint is already watertight so there’s no need to use force or tools. Over-tightening the nuts can actually put the fitting under stress so the best way to get a long-life, leakfree connection is to simply tighten the nuts firmly by hand. Plasson also offer solutions to connect fittings to different pipe materials and different diameters - be sure to take a look at Plasson Conversion Kits and Reducing Sets.

FOR THE FARMERS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES for Australian Agriculture

eldersrural.com.au