Seasons magazine - summer 2023/24 by Elders

SEA S ONS SUMMER 2023/24

FARMING NEWS FOR AUSTRALIAN FARMERS

GATEWAY TO GREATNESS SET TO SHOWCASE RISING PROCESSING CAPACITY TO LIFT MARKETS IN 2024 GRAPEGROWERS LOOK TO NEW OPTION FOR DOWNY MILDEW

Correct application technique and timing critical for optimal blowfly strike prevention

The summer drenching solution

Preventing leptospirosis: protecting your cattle and your family

Antibiotic free: what’s that all about?

Strategic approach the best management of buffalo fly

Rising processing capacity to lift markets in 2024

Harnessing the power of Chomper Forage Sorghum

Reduce reliance on Nitrogen fertiliser by sowing quality legume seed

New adjuvant from DKSH the better choice

Mitigating stem lodging in canola

Corteva showcase the benefits of Utrisha® N at Breeza trial site

Gateway to Greatness set to showcase best of Queensland’s equine offering

Find Us Online Seasons is brought to you by Elders

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Contents SUMMER 2023/24

30/30 vision for extended pre-em grass weed control

New EverGol® Energy formulation gets the tick of approval

Enabling successful management of snails and slugs

Managing loose barley smut

The future of 2,4-D weed control is in the Dropzone

How plants ‘farm’ beneficial bacteria in Serenade

Potato tuber bulking challenge solved

BASF Australia welcomes Elders Agronomy Graduates to its Tamworth research farm

Verpixo Adavelt active a critical new tool for fungicide resistance management

XenTari key for managing resistance and preserving beneficials in brassicas

Grapegrowers look to new option for downy mildew

Crop tour for identifying and combatting grapevine scale pests

Maximising crop Success with OmniRHR® and Bacstim® Seed

Simplify the move to EID

Norton by Gallagher is an integrated cattle weighing solution

Lice control front of mind for producers

Precise insecticide timing reaps export success

Elders recently announced its FY23 full year financial results, reporting a resilient performance against market and climatic headwinds, including softening input prices for key agricultural chemicals, and significant decline in livestock prices, as well as inflationary pressures and rising interest rates. These are all impacts that were felt at the farm-gate in many parts of the the country. While weather and commodity prices remain outside of our control, how we respond and prepare for the season ahead is absolutely within it. As we head into a forecasted hotter and drier than average summer, Elders will be

working closely with clients to ensure access to high quality products and advice that optimise efficiency and profitability. Good seasons come and go, so long-term, sustainable growth is the goal.

CEO Foreword

I hope this edition provides value.

Regards, Mark Allison

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Animal Health

CORRECT APPLICATION TECHNIQUE AND TIMING CRITICAL FOR OPTIMAL BLOWFLY STRIKE PREVENTION Correct application technique and timing are critical for optimal blowfly strike protection, according to Elanco Account Manager – Southern NSW, David Rathbone. Elanco is a major supplier of blowfly prevention products to Australian lamb and wool producers. Its range includes CLiK™ Extra, CLiK and CLiKZiN™, which all contain the active ingredient, dicyclanil. “Dicyclanil has been used successfully to prevent flystrike in Australia for more than 25 years. Resistance can develop to any chemical so it’s not unexpected that resistant blowfly populations have been identified,” he said. “However, it’s important to note that dicyclanil resistance is demonstrated as a reduced length of protection period, not as a complete loss of efficacy. “High levels of resistance can reduce protection periods, but we also know that low levels of resistance do not significantly impact protection periods.

“Firstly, choose the right product for the job. “If you want long-acting protection, then choose a high concentration dicyclanil formulation to get the longest protection possible while considering withhold periods and how this may affect your farm management practices. “Secondly, where possible, apply fly preventative treatments early in the season to prevent the build-up of the blowfly population and minimise production losses and blowfly strike treatment costs. “Applying a long-acting blowfly preventative before the season’s first generation of flies emerge denies the flies the opportunity to find a host sheep and reproduce. “Don’t wait until the first sheep is struck because you might not detect that strike. “Covert or hidden strikes are exactly that – you can’t see them because there’s no derangement or fleece staining.

“For the majority of sheep producers, CLiK Extra will still provide the longest period of protection against flystrike.”

“It is estimated that covert strike is up to five times more common than overt or obvious strikes.1

Dave said there are some easy steps producers can take to ensure they get the most of their investment in CLiK Extra.

“Even though these strikes are smaller, maggots are still there causing discomfort and irritation to your sheep and developing into the next generation of flies – and may also depress wool and body growth.2

“Elanco investigates every reported case of reduced protection periods and we’ve found that these are often multifactorial with incorrect application technique or significant rainfall after application often contributing,” he said. “A number of other factors, such as application to daggy wool or ‘dermo’, can also reduce the period of protection, as outlined in the label. “You can’t control the weather, but you can control your application technique and timing.

“Thirdly, always read and follow the label directions of the product before use, particularly dose rate. Make sure you are using accurately calibrated and recommended applicators per product selected. I recommend visiting CLiK Extra application guide to review a comprehensive application video which provides additional information on using either a hand-held applicator or a Genesis Power Doser™.

1. Wardhaugh K.G., & Dallwitz R., (1984) Covert Flystrike. Wool Technology and Sheep Breeding. 32, 15-19. 2. https://flyboss.com.au/management/monitoring-for-flystrike/

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Dave encouraged wool and lamb producers to adopt best management practices to help protect the ongoing efficacy of all effective chemistry. “All blowfly strike preventatives should be applied as part of an integrated pest management program, which may include a range of management practices to reduce risk of flystrike, including careful timing of shearing and crutching, attention to worm control and nutrition, and genetic selection,” he says. “Industry guidelines on flyboss.com.au recommend to rotate chemical groups within a flystrike season if more than one chemical application is required, to help prolong the effective life of all available treatments. “For this reason, do not make two consecutive applications of products that contain dicyclanil or cyromazine during the same fly season as they are related chemicals, from the same chemical group. “These guidelines also recommend rotating between different chemical groups for blowfly strike prevention and lice control within the same season. “Finally, if a wound dressing is necessary, select a product that has a different mode of action to any product previously applied for blowfly strike prevention in the same fly season.”

Crop Protection

Scan here for more information.

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

CLiK™ Extra protects against blowfly strike for up to 29 weeks, as well as protecting mulesing and marking wounds. 30% active ingredient1^

protection against flystrike – up to five weeks1^

protection against breech strike2^

protection against development of resistance2,3^

For peace of mind

^Compared to CLiK. Meat WHP 21 days. Wool WHP 3 months. Always read and follow the label directions. Good agricultural practice is essential for optimal blowfly strike prevention. References: 1. CLiK Extra Spray-On contains 65 g/L dicyclanil and provides up to 29 weeks protection from blowfly strike. CLiK Spray-On contains 50 g/L dicyclanil and provides 18–24 weeks protection from blowfly strike. 2. When used for prevention against breech strike, or body and breech strike. 3. Insecticide resistance in sheep blowfly larvae, Sheep CRC, FlyBoss 2021. CLiK™, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. ©2023 Elanco or its affiliates. PM-AU-23-0606. EAH23548.

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1800 995 709

Crop Protection

NEVER GET A CHIHUAHUA TO DO A KELPIE’S JOB. TRIDECTIN KILLS MORE WORMS THAN

Not all dog breeds are made equal, and neither are drenches. Tridectin is the only triple-combination drench in Australia with Moxidectin. It’s fast, persistent, reliable and hard working: • drench combinations1 • 14 days persistency against Barber’s pole and small brown stomach worm2 • Controls Abamectin-triple-resistant and Monepantel-resistant worms3 • 7-day meat WHP & 17-day ESI2

Tridectin is the Kelpie of the drench world.

Visit tridectin-kelpie.com.au 1: Skirting The Issues, Spring 2022; portal.tridectin.com.au (Virbac FECRT-data 2018-2023). 2: Tridectin 3-Way Oral Drench for Sheep - label, APVMA Approval number: 83241. 3: Tridectin 3-Way Oral Drench for Sheep - registration dossier - Virbac data on file. 4: https://apvma.gov.au/node/372 5. Prichard RK, Geary TG, 2019, Perspectives on the utility of moxidectin for the control of parasitic nematodes in the face of developing anthelmintic resistance, IJP: Drugs and Drug resistance 10 (2019) 69-83. 6. AMA data MAT Q4 2022. Benefits outlined in scientific trials are not necessarily registered label claims.

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Animal Health

THE SUMMER DRENCHING SOLUTION All indications are that we’ll likely experience a drier summer this year. This will greatly assist us in our management of worms, keeping in mind that the worms in the animals are still producing eggs and these will hatch when conditions such as moisture and heat are right. It is really important to keep monitoring the sheep’s worm burdens by doing regular worm egg counts (WECs) and treating them when required. The summer drench is a strategic drench which aims to reduce the worm population using the dry summer heat. Summer drenching is a common practice in regions which have uniform or winter rainfall - such as Victoria, Tasmania, much of New South Wales, and the southern parts of South Australia and Western Australia. The goal is to lower the number of worms that are present in the following Autumn and Winter, as the dry hot weather reduces the amount of viable worm eggs and larvae on the pasture.

One of the dangers associated with this practice, if not done correctly, is the selection for drench resistant worms. Any worms that survive the summer drench, can be carried by the sheep over the summer period into the Autumn where they contaminate the pasture with drench resistant worm eggs that then develop into infective larvae. It is really important then to use an effective drench (ideally greater than 98 per cent effective). In many cases this would be a combination drench like Tridectin, containing three broad spectrum actives and the only three-way drench that contains moxidectin. Its export slaughter interval (ESI) of only 17 days provides flexibility if destocking is required. Always consider doing a worm egg count 10 to 14 days after drenching (Drench check) to monitor the efficacy of the drench used. The timing of the summer drench is not a set date or management event like other strategic drenches such as the pre-lambing drench and the weaning

drench. Drenching occurs when the weather conditions are no longer suitable for worm egg development and larvae survival. This is when the days become consistently hotter, the humidity drops and the pasture begins to hay off. For many areas, this can start as early as the first week of November. Nature doesn’t closely follow a script though. Should conditions favour the development of infective larvae (rain and heat) the flocks should be monitored by doing worm egg counts (WECs), starting about 2 weeks after the rain event. Should a second Summer drench be required, consider a different combination drench to the one used as the first Summer drench. To ensure continued profitability over the next few seasons, the summer drench is a critical consideration for any sheep producer.

Animal Health

PREVENTING LEPTOSPIROSIS: PROTECTING YOUR CATTLE AND YOUR FAMILY With an increased vigilance around zoonotic diseases (diseases which transfer directly from animals to humans), it’s worth reviewing the key reasons cattle producers are utilising Ultravac® 7in1 to protect the workforce on their farms. In the human version of the disease, leptospirosis (also known as lepto) causes flu-like symptoms with a high proportion of people requiring hospitalisation. David Petersen caught the disease while calving a cow on a dairy farm near Finley NSW. He spent several days in hospital, with a severe fever and headache. With the aid of a good doctor, who recognised the signs early and initiated antibiotics, he recovered quickly. However, unfortunately, the diagnosis of leptospirosis is not always achieved quickly, and treatment can be delayed. This can be a reason that people report chronic flu like symptoms for some time after infection. The disease is contracted both in humans and cattle through direct contact with infected urine, placental material or contaminated water. The bacteria enters the body through mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth or damaged skin. Human infections can occur: > While assisting during calving without proper protection > From urine splashing from infected cows during milking or calving > Indirectly via contaminated water, food or soil > By handling an aborted foetus or afterbirth > Through contact with floodwaters

Leptospirosis affects beef and dairy cattle. The bacteria can live in the environment for months in moist conditions before infecting an animal. It can also survive for a long time in stagnant water and can spread over large areas in floodwaters. Once infected, cattle can subsequently shed Lepto in their urine. In the case of L. hardjo, cattle can shed lepto for periods greater than 12 months after their initial infection. The consequences of infection in cattle are infertility, abortion and weak calves. Lepto can cause a form of mastitis where cows show a sudden drop in milk production and high cell count, with any milk produced potentially going a yellow colour. This can happen in an individual cow or group of cows, often in the absence of other clinical signs. Cattle are a host to two common species of Leptospira, Leptospira borgpetesenii serovar Hardjo type Hardjobovis, referred to as Lepto hardjo for short, and Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona, which is generally shortened to Lepto pomona. Most readers would commonly skip straight over the scientific name and not realise that different vaccines contain different species of Lepto hardjo, which cause different responses to the vaccine in cows. Ultravac® 7in1 contains the above two strains of Lepto hardjo and pomona which have been sourced locally and is manufactured in Australia. The Australian Lepto hardjo strain used in Ultravac® 7in1 elicits a strong cell mediated immune response which is necessary to prevent infection of the kidneys of cows and subsequent urinary shedding. When used prior to natural

Figure 1 - Vaccination requirements of cattle

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exposure, Ultravac® 7in1 prevents urinary shedding of Leptospira, breaking the cycle of infection in cow herds and stopping the spread of new infections. Ultravac® 7in1 can be given to calves from as early as four weeks of age and the vaccine works in the presence of maternal antibodies. Other vaccines only work to minimise shedding and can only be given to older calves after maternal antibodies have worn off, providing an opportunity for infection to occur. Given only a tiny number of bacteria are required to cause infection and disease in both cattle and humans, Ultravac® 7in1’s unique mode of action is the only way to stop new infections occurring and clear the disease out of the herd. By preventing urinary shedding of Lepto, you will also be providing a safe workplace for staff. To provide protection to cattle, it’s essential to begin vaccination early in life. Figure 1 gives a good representation of this: Ultravac® 7in1 also protects against the 5 key clostridial diseases affecting cattle in Australia – tetanus, blackleg, enterotoxaemia, malignant oedema and black disease. Zoetis recommends Ultravac® 7in1 as the core vaccine for cattle. It’s simple to implement and highly effective.

LEPTO CAN PUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN HOSPITAL

ULTRAVAC 7in1 VACCINATION SIMPLE AND HIGHLY EFFECTIVE ®

CALVES 1ST DOSE 2ND DOSE MARKING WEANING (6-10 wks)

(12-16 wks)

HEIFERS PRE-JOINING

COWS PRE-CALVING

BULLS PRE-JOINING

Booster vaccination 2-4 weeks pre-joining

Vaccinate 4-6 weeks pre-calving

Booster vaccination 2-4 weeks pre-joining Vaccinate unvaccinated bulls twice

THE ONLY VACCINE TO PREVENT SHEDDING OF LEPTOSPIRES* *Only Ultravac®7in1 prevents urinary shedding of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo type Hardjobovis and Letospira interrogans serovar Pomona, while also protecting against the key clostridial diseases. Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 94 156 476 425. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. ©2021 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. 02/21. ZL1326

Information in your hands

ZOETIS.COM.AU/LS11

Section Title

ProTect S

ProAgni ProTect® S is designed to be fed with cereal grain supplements for use in feedlots and drought lots, supplementary feeding or weaning. Adding ProTect S to an animal’s diet has the potential to increase growth rates and decrease the time it takes to reach market specifications without the use of antibiotics. 12

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www.proagni.com sales@proagni.com

Animal Health

ANTIBIOTIC FREE: WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT? No one can tell you how to raise your animals – your flock, your choice. But if you are looking to go antibioticfree, are thinking about consumer trends now and into the future, or are just curious about the issue, here are a few things you might want to consider.

You might have noticed that some antibiotics just don’t seem to work as well as they used to in people and animals. Ionophores have largely been treated differently to other antibiotics in thinking about AMR because they;

Monensin (Rumensin), Lasalocid (Bovatec), Laidlomycin (Cattlyst) are members of a class of antibiotics known as ionophores.

> Aren’t currently used in human health, and

They have been used for over 50 years to improve feed efficiency and prevent coccidiosis. And they work. We know they work.

Accordingly, the “jury was out” on whether they were a contributor to AMR and to some extent it still is.

But 50 years is a long time and now they aren’t your only choice if you want peak production, efficiency, and healthy animals. The debate around in-feed antibiotics, including ionophores, is complex and there are no hard and fast answers. It’s increasingly accepted that antibiotic use in agriculture is a contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is a process by which harmful bacteria evolve to become partially or completely resistant to the antibiotics traditionally used to treat them.

> They have a different mode of action to those other antibiotics.

Maybe the best we can say, for now, is that while using ionophores in animals may not be as clear cut a risk as using, say, Tylosin, an antibiotic critically important to human health, it is equally not without risk. But if you had a sensible alternative choice, that looked after your bottom line and your animals, why not take it? All of ProAgni’s products are antibioticfree and serve a purpose for all times time of the year or weather conditions, paddock feeding or containment feeding. > Protect C - A pellet designed to be fed to cattle with cereal grain supplements for use in feedlot/ drought lots, supplementary feeding or weaning and has the potential to increase growth rates without the use of antibiotics. > ProTect C Wean - High protein pelleted feed for use during early weaning of calves. Designed for ease of digestion and providing nutritional support, when fed to calves transitioning from milk to grain or grass-based diets. > ProTect S - Designed to be fed to sheep with cereal grain supplements for use in feedlots/ drought lots, supplementary feeding or weaning and has the potential to increase growth rates without the use of antibiotics.

support, when fed to lambs transitioning from milk to grain or grass-based diets. > ProDry - Moisture resistant loose lick powder for animals grazing on dry pastures and stubbles. This formula aids growth rates, reproduction, overall animal health without antibiotics and reduces methane emissions. > ProMark - Moisture resistant loose lick powder designed to support the challenging nutritional demands of pre-lambing and pre-calving mothers. Rapid and dramatic changes to nutritional demands occur directly prior to the birthing process, and preparation for these changes is critical for offspring survival, immunity, and vigour. > ProGreen & ProGreen HiThi Moisture resistant loose lick powders designed for animals grazing on green pastures and forage crops. ProGreen balances the energy to protein ratio which reduces energy waste and increases the utilsation of every mouthful of feed. Science aside, increasingly consumers and governments are making their own choices. The European Union banned the import of meat treated with ionophores in 2023. Meat buyers and processors who export to the EU have responded by not buying that meat or discounting it heavily. The poultry market has gone heavily antibiotic-free first overseas, and more recently here. If producers can be given alternatives that provide the same production efficiency and animal health without the risk, everyone wins. It’s always your choice, but today, you do have choices.

> ProTect S Wean - High protein feed for use during early weaning of lambs. Designed for ease of digestion and providing nutritional

Animal Health

STRATEGIC APPROACH THE BEST MANAGEMENT OF BUFFALO FLY Buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) is the most economically significant parasite to the Australian cattle industry, costing the industry more than $170M per year in lost production, prevention, and treatment costs.1 These small, blood-sucking flies bite host cattle up to 40 times per day, mainly attacking the withers, shoulders, flanks, and around the eyes. Heavy infestations can cause intense irritation and discomfort for cattle and can result in skin ulcers and reduced hide value. The severe irritation disrupts grazing and thereby reduces feed intake, growth rates, and milk production. Even moderate pressure can reduce weight gain by 15 kg2 over the season or milk production by more than 0.5 L per day.3 Buffalo flies can also be a vector for bacteria that cause diseases such as pinkeye. Buffalo flies are found throughout tropical, sub-tropical, and some temperate regions of northern Australia. This can extend as far south as the mid-north coast of New South Wales, with the intensity and duration of fly pressure reported to be increasing in endemic areas.1 Buffalo flies can infest cattle of all ages, with bulls, cattle with dark coats, or those in poor condition more susceptible. Some animals are more sensitive to flies and can be irritated by as few as four or five flies. Females leave their host animal briefly to lay their eggs in fresh dung pats before returning to a host animal. The life cycle is temperature dependent with warm, wet weather conditions between 25 and 35 degrees favouring egg development. Under ideal conditions, the life cycle can be completed as quickly as 12 to 14 days, allowing the size of the populations to increase rapidly. Elanco Brand Manager, Kim Krilich, said while selective breeding and non-chemical control methods can help to reduce fly burdens, the strategic and sustained application of chemical treatments remains the most effective way to manage buffalo flies. “The goal is to manage the fly population at a level that doesn’t result in production setbacks,” she said. “Applying a knockdown treatment such as Baymec™ Pour-On early in the fly season – say October or November – will help to suppress the emerging fly population.

“Monitor fly pressure and then apply an insecticidal ear tag to provide residual control during the peak season when fly pressure is greatest. “Elanco’s insecticidal ear tags provide up to four months’ protection against buffalo flies, are easy to apply, and have no withholding periods. “A second knockdown treatment may be required at the end of the season in March or April, which can minimise overwintering of the fly population.” The three main chemical families used to control buffalo flies in cattle are organophosphates (OPs), synthetic pyrethroids (SP), and macrocyclic lactone (MLs). “Only apply modes of action that are known to be effective in your region,” Kim said. “It is important to rotate between different chemical modes of action within each season and from year to year to prolong the life of all available chemistry. “Likewise, it is very important that all insecticidal ear tags are removed at the end of their payout period to ensure flies are not exposed to sub-lethal concentrations. “It is a good idea to maintain a record of all chemical treatments applied each year to assist with your rotation program. “Given buffalo flies can spread across properties, it’s recommended to coordinate your rotation program with neighbours to provide better control of populations.” Co-Ral™ Plus, Cylence™ Ultra and Patriot™ insecticidal ear tags from Elanco are ideal for use in rotation programs with ML ear tags to help mitigate the development of resistance. Co-Ral Plus is a unique combination of two OP active ingredients (200 g/kg diazinon and 200 g/kg coumaphos) in a two-tag system. Cylence Ultra contains new-generation SP chemistry (80 g/ kg betacyfluthrin and 200 g/kg piperonyl butoxide), also in a two-tag system. Patriot contains OP chemistry (400 g/kg diazinon) in the convenience of a single ear tag. For further information on buffalo fly management, visit farmanimal.elanco.com/au or contact your local Elanco representative.

1. Shephard, R. et al. (2022). Priority list of endemic diseases for the red meat industry – 2022 Update. Meat & Livestock Australia. Report B.AHE.0327. 2. DAFF, QLD (2016) Production losses due to buffalo fly in cattle. www.daff.qld.gov.au. Accessed 17th August 2022. 3. Jonsson, N. & Mayer, D. (1999) Estimation of the effects of buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) on the milk production of dairy cattle based on a meta-analysis of literature data. Med Vet Entomol. Oct; 13(4):372-6.

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Your battle armour against buffalo fly Call in the reinforcements with Elanco’s Co-Ral™ Plus, Patriot™ and Cylence™ Ultra insecticidal tags. Win the battle with long lasting control for up to 4 months, so buffalo flies don’t erode your herd’s productivity. Tag. Protect. Profit.

Contact Elanco on 1800 995 709 for more information Always read and follow the label directions. ©2023 Elanco or its affiliates. Co-Ral, Cylence, Patriot, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. PM-AU-22-0700. 15

Seed

& K C O L F R U O Y T C E T O R P O T S E T I S A R A P AGAINST R E M M U S S THI

Talk to your local Elders team for more information. 16

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News

RISING PROCESSING CAPACITY TO LIFT MARKETS IN 2024 Elders’ National Livestock Manager, Peter Homann, shares his thoughts and projections on southern livestock markets into 2024. In recent times, media has been saturated with doom and gloom. Aside from commentary about international relations and struggling economies, there is plenty of conversation about El Nino and what this might mean for our sector. The result of all this is fear, which has played a huge role in the downturns we have seen in livestock markets across Australia. While our industry has weathered hundreds of ups and downs in our long and varied history, this feels different, driven purely by ominous commentary and resulting fear in the industry. Regardless, I am confident that 2024 will be a stronger year. In the southern region, four new or significantly expanded processing facilities are on their way. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested to lift our processing capacity, a very positive sign for the sector, which will flow on to have countless benefits across livestock markets.

In South Australia, Thomas Foods International has already started operating at their new state-of-the-art processing facility at Murray Bridge, which is projected to process 1200 head of cattle per day. In coming years there are plans to further expand cattle capacity, as well as introduce a small stock line.

People often underestimate the significant impact that increased production will have on our sector. The commencement of operations at these plants comes at a time when cattle turnoff is at a high. These plants provide a new market for local producers and will contribute to cattle prices rising over time.

Kilcoy Global Foods will start processing 700 to 800 head of cattle at its new plant in Wonthaggi, Victoria, in November.

Of course, we are also holding out for a rise in sheep and lamb prices. Unfortunately, in the development of these new plants, processing lines for small stock are part of future phases, which could still be two years away, but it is coming.

In Tongala, Victoria, Greenham has just commenced operations at a new processing plant which is set to have a capacity of 1000 head of cattle per day. Further north, in Cootamundra, New South Wales, the Australian Meat Group is starting up a brand-new beef processing plant in November. With a capacity of 1000 head of cattle per day, there are also future plans to build in a small stock chain in the coming year. Building to full capacity at these plants will take time, as the facilities find their rhythm and people are trained on the job, but each month, numbers will rise. It is projected that capacity will reach over 15,000 head of cattle per week by mid next year.

Heavy mutton continues to cause problems as a result of limited markets, and China looks to be the best market option here, but is still limited with many processors not licensed to export. This too must be increased. On a positive note, trade lamb prices appear to be firming as we get closer to Christmas. This is the beginning of the bounce back, and I am looking forward to 2024 as a stronger year all round.

Seed

HARNESSING THE POWER OF CHOMPER FORAGE SORGHUM Tucked away 16 kilometres north of Murray Bridge, on the eastern side of the Murray River, sits a sprawling 2750 hectares known as Pompoota and Burdett. This fertile stretch, ranging from razor-back sandhills to shallow red clay and loam over reef rock, is where Michelle Thiele and her husband, Kym, have crafted their farming legacy. The couple's agricultural expertise is evident in their thriving Merino sheep enterprise, with 1600 breeder ewes that they shear biannually. Having been familiar with sorghum since 2004 as a way to transform summer weeds into something valuable, Michelle and Kym decided to trial the Chomper variety. They were looking for a sorghum type that provided good digestibility for their livestock, especially during the dry summer months. In the 19 years of sorghum cultivation, Chomper proved to be the front-runner with its large seeds that ensured early seedling vigour. It's a crop that Michelle fondly terms as having a 'Goldilocks stem' – not too thick and not too thin. The Thieles found that the Chomper variety had excellent early vigour, facilitated rapid regrowth after grazing, and the wide, green leaves proved to be highly palatable for their sheep. Within a year of trialling Chomper against two other varieties, the Thieles saw incredible results. Even in less-than-ideal rainfall conditions, Chomper showed incredible vigour. It even aided their ewes in achieving a condition score of 4+ by January, a feat that made shearing slightly challenging due to the ewes' increased weight! Planting Chomper on their farm was not just a whim but a strategic decision to combat summer weeds and provide their sheep with fresh green fodder. Michelle is meticulous

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about the planting conditions. She won't plant sorghum until the soil temperature exceeds 18 degrees. Her specific sowing method involves using Chomper at 3 kilograms per hectare, with a mix of other fertilisers and herbicides. Despite the numerous advantages of Chomper, like any agricultural endeavour, it wasn't without its challenges. One primary challenge was managing its rapid growth. At times, the crop grew so fast that it became a task to have enough livestock to graze on it. Yet, even in full growth, their sheep learned to walk along the stalk head, grazing it down. From a financial perspective, using Chomper as feed proved to be cost-effective. The seed's size and viability ensured excellent germination, reducing the need for supplementary feeding from early March onward. Consequently, their ewes remained in top health, with lambing rates frequently exceeding 100%. On whether she would recommend Chomper to other farmers, Michelle said, "we recommend Chomper as a summer opportunity fodder crop to anyone with sandy soils looking to feed sheep or cattle instead of growing summer weeds." Looking forward, Michelle envisions enhancing the effectiveness of Chomper on their farm. If they can get Chomper in early with a pre-November rain cycle, they plan on bringing all their stock onto the block for responsive grazing, ensuring the crop's height remains manageable. In the realm of sorghum, the Thieles' experience with Chomper stands out as a testament to innovation, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in farming.

CHOMPER FORAGE SORGHUM Crop Section Protection Title

 Large seed size  Good early season vigour  Quick regrowth after cutting or grazing

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Your partner in the paddock. 19

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 High leaf to stem ratio

Crop Protection

THE CERTAINTY THAT COMES WITH QUALITY HAY, TRUE GRAZING TOLERANCE & AUSTRALIAN BREEDING SEMI WINTER DORMANT, WINTER ACTIVE & HIGHLY WINTER ACTIVE SEED AVAILABLE. DLF Seeds Stamina® TRUE grazing tolerant, dual purpose lucernes are high performing varieties that produce high quality hay and grazing opportunities for seven to ten years. DLF Seeds, Titan Australian bred lucerne offer an outstanding insect and disease package, quality hay, silage and grazing. STAMINA® RANGE: Stamina® GT5, Warrego GT6, Torrens GT8. TITAN RANGE: Titan 7 and Titan 9 Scan the QR code to take a look at our Spring Guides for detailed product information.

Northern Spring Product Guide: QLD, WA, NT & NSW.

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Southern Spring Product Guide: SA, NSW, VIC, TAS & WA

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Seed

REDUCE RELIANCE ON NITROGEN FERTILISER BY SOWING QUALITY LEGUME SEED Legumes such as lucerne, clovers and tropical/subtropical legumes play a crucial role in pasture performance andproductivity. These plants can be highly responsive to Nitrogen, as it is an essential nutrient to maintain high production and pasture quality. Melissa Gooseman, DLF Seeds Product Development Manager, explained that Nitrogen fixation reduces the need for synthetic Nitrogen fertilisers. “It also conserves energy, improves soil fertility and minimises the environmental impact associated with the production and use of synthetic fertiliser,” she said. In addition, when farmers sow a legume seed that fixes atmospheric Nitrogen into the soil, it promotes sustainable agricultural practices, reduces the reliance on and cost associated with synthetic fertilisers and improves pasture and crop diversity. Legumes also directly improve diet quality. Pasture legumes have higher protein and digestibility for a longer period of the year than grass-only pastures. This helps achieve better liveweight gains and reproductive performance. The amount of atmospheric Nitrogen that a legume can fix varies depending on several factors such as the species of legume, environmental conditions, and the presence of effective Nitrogenfixing bacteria. On average, legumes can fix around 100 to 400 kilograms of atmospheric Nitrogen per hectare per year. Not all the Nitrogen fixed by legumes is directly available to the plants themselves. Some of the fixed Nitrogen is used by the legume for its own growth and development, while a portion is released into the soil, much of which is available to other plants in the ecosystem.

Moving further south, where areas have been inundated with rainfall and wetter than average seasons; Nutrients (including Nitrogen) have been removed from the soil due to higher yields and leaching (caused by the increased rainfall). Incorporating more legumes into these systems will help improve soil conditions and increase soil Nitrogen levels for future crops in which the previous crops have mined from the soil. In these areas, Melissa recommends incorporating Stamina® GT5 grazing tolerant lucerne this spring. “Stamina GT5 is renowned for its resilience to hard grazings and exceptional performance in dryland environments meaning the Nitrogen fixation benefits can last for longer (7 to 10 years) compared to traditional varieties that may need to be pulled out after 3 years,” she said “Additionally, as a dual-purpose variety, it offers versatility for hay stands that may be occasionally grazed, providing flexibility in management practices.” All lucerne from the Stamina® range offer long-term Nitrogen fixation benefits compared to traditional varieties as the lucerne Stamina® range can stay in the ground for longer (over 7 years) whilst handling some seriously tough grazings. Tamworth NSW Farmer Wade Jordon recently experimented with the new Torrens GT8 variety, the first highly winter active lucerne with grazing tolerance.

“Torrens GT8 has been ideal for our hay operation as it’s providing us with high quality, soft leafy hay,” he said. “Sown under irrigation, our yield was roughly, on average, 145 bales per hectare at a bale weight of 25kg+ (per bale). Considering this was a new Lucerne stand, I’m pretty happy with the numbers, which will only improve with each cut as the stand matures.” If a 7 to 10 year stand isn’t needed but Nitrogen fixation is, Melissa suggests “sowing a perennial chicory clover blend such as Rocket Fuel™ for the Nitrogen fixation benefits clover offer.” On average, a proprietary white clover may grow around 4000kgDM per ha per year, which is equivalent to 80kg N per ha per year of free Nitrogen fixed from the atmosphere. Assuming the cost of Urea at around $650 per t, a unit of N costing approximately $1.41 per kg, 80kgN per ha fixed by a white clover is worth approximately $113 per ha per year to the farmer. “Rocket Fuel™ is carefully designed to fit various environmental conditions, making it suitable for multiple geographical locations. It has an impressive animal performance package, ensuring optimal results for livestock. The proprietary white and red clover combination contributes Nitrogen to the chicory over time and improves soil health,” said Melissa. “Ultimately, legumes are an attractive option for grazing systems as they are a cost-effective and sustainable source of Nitrogen.”

If you are in tropical or subtropical regions with a high-performance pasture in the ground and are looking to oversow legumes for some added Nitrogen, consider oversowing proprietary, Envirogro® treated legumes such as Caatinga or V8™ stylo. 21

Seed

NEW ADJUVANT FROM DKSH THE BETTER CHOICE Persistent reminders in my Inbox from a well-known tech giant that I need to upgrade my phone reminded me of the constant pressure that we as consumers endure to upgrade to the latest, shiniest thing. And with that came a natural question; is it so much better, and do I really need it? Another such example is Viti-Wet Spreader-sticker for use in vines, orchards, vegetables, and ornamental sprays from DKSH Agrisolutions, when compared to more recent adjuvant products. Australian agricultural media is awash with information about new wetting agents which, due to them containing more than one (anionic, cationic, or non-ionic) surfactant type, have broad claims about being suitable for use with herbicides, as well as insecticide, fungicide or nutrient sprays. All the hype around these new adjuvants is often based on overseas data and features that are not entirely relevant to Australian producers. Not all adjuvants are the same, and it is advisable to read the fine print on the label. Rather than being blinded by everything a product can do, also give some thought to what it won’t do. It pays to read the restraint section on the product label for clues about what its limitations are. Let’s use the example of a dual purpose anionic/non-ionic adjuvant product to illustrate. Anionic surfactants have some broad characteristics; they have a negative charge and are also commonly found in household cleaning products and detergents. They are effective at removing grease and oil, an attribute that is conducive to its use with herbicides for improved uptake of the active ingredient through the epicuticular wax layer of the leaf to give quick and complete control of weeds. This attribute, however, is a double-edged sword that may result in higher risk of crop damage on soft, sensitive fruits. There is added risk in a heavy fungal year

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when a leaf cuticle compromised by an aggressive surfactant promotes re-infection by the fungus. So, for this product of this description it would be advisable to ensure that it is safe to use when there is fruit on the tree or vine, for soft-skinned, sensitive varieties in particular. Consult the restraint section of the product label for detailed recommendations in this regard. Since an aggressive adjuvant could potentially also change the behavior of an otherwise benign mix partner, also give some consideration to compatibility aspects. By contrast, Viti-Wet Spreader-sticker, is a 100 per cent (pc) non-ionic surfactant. These have no electrical charge, are known for their mildness and are commonly also found in personal care, food processing and pharmaceutical products. Its high (100 pc w/v = 1000 g/L) active ingredient loading means that very small amounts are required to be effective in situations that require very low surfactant rates in high water volume applications. It is low-foaming, and designed for use with fungicide, insecticide, and herbicide sprays. Viti-Wet does not contain any solvents and does not have any restraints with regards to non-application to fruiting crops. It can be applied to vines, trees, orchards, and ornamentals even when fruiting, provided the chemical/s it is mixed with doesn’t damage the fruit either. It will not cause injury to tender foliage. Following bunch closure in grapes, it will be important to use an adjuvant that best penetrates the bunch while doing the least damage to the berry wax cover that helps to protect the fruit against fungal infection. That is why Viti-Wet is the “softer wetter, better spreader”. There is no equivalent product available in Australia.

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Crop Protection

When you need an Adjuvant that is as safe to your crop as the products you are mixing it with.

DKSH Agrisolutions Pty. Ltd. www.dksh-agrisolutions.com

Delivering Growth

Crop Section Protection Title

A top performing Hybrid TT canola family featuring excellent all-rounders. That’s why I grow Nuseed HyTTec canola combines hybrid seed traits, including early vigour, a strengthened disease background, and excellent yield performance, with the herbicide tolerance benefits of the TT system making it a top choice for canola growers. That’s how we offer # ValueBeyondYield

Scan this QR code to view the full range

nuseed.com/au Nuseed is a registered trademark of Nufarm Australia Ltd.

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Seed

MITIGATING STEM LODGING IN CANOLA Lodging is an important issue affecting canola production in Australia, and can have significant economic consequences for farmers.

> Plant height: Plants that grow tall have a greater susceptibility to lodging particularly as yield increases.

Stem lodging is the bending over of the stems of canola crops, which makes them very difficult to harvest, and can dramatically reduce yield. The timing of the lodging will determine what level of effect lodging has on yield.

> Maturity: Matching maturity of varieties to their relative yield environments will tend to make sure that they are capable of greater standability.

When canola plants lodge, they become more difficult to harvest mechanically, leading to increased harvesting costs and potential losses of both yield and quality. Sometimes soil constraints or other factors (insects or root disease) which prevent good root development resulting in plants falling over and pulling what little roots that they have out of the ground. This is root lodging and is not what we are referring to when discussing stem lodging. Stem lodging is the snapping or bending of the stem above ground level. Several factors contribute to stem lodging in canola: GENETIC > Stem strength: There is variability in genetic stem strength across varieties so selecting varieties with good genetic stem strength is recommended.

ENVIRONMENTAL > Weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms can weaken the stems of canola plants. Excessive rainfall saturates the soil, reducing its ability to hold the plants upright, while strong winds physically push the plants over. MANAGEMENT > Plant density: Planting canola too densely can lead to overcrowding and competition for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. This can result in weak stems that are more susceptible to lodging. > Nutrient imbalance: Improper nutrient management can result in weak stems that cannot support the weight of the plant. A lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen can lead to poor stem development.

> Pest and disease pressure: Insect pests and diseases can weaken canola plants, making them more vulnerable to lodging. Pests like aphids and diseases like Sclerotinia stem rot and Blackleg can compromise the structural integrity of the plants. Lodging can have significant economic consequences for growers. When canola plants lodge, they become more difficult to windrow and harvest mechanically, leading to increased harvesting costs and potential losses of both yield and quality. Lodging can also create an environment conducive to diseases, further affecting crop health. To mitigate lodging, growers can take various measures. These include selecting canola varieties with better lodging resistance, adjusting plant density, implementing proper nutrient management practices. Lodging is a critical concern in canola production, impacting yield, quality, and profitability. Farmers must employ a combination of best practice, most suitable varieties, and careful planning to minimize lodging and ensure a successful canola harvest. For more information on mitigating stem lodging in your canola, speak to your local Elders agronomist.

Crop Protection

CORTEVA SHOWCASE THE BENEFITS OF UTRISHA® N AT BREEZA TRIAL SITE Elders Graduate Agronomists from across Australia recently travelled to Tamworth to undertake a guided trial site tour with Jon Dadd, Corteva's Territory Account Manager and field station focal point for the Corteva Agriscience Breeza research station. Corteva’s fully irrigated Breeza research station is located on the Liverpool Plains, facilitating crop research on both winter and summer crops grown in the surrounding agricultural area. “The key element of the trial site tour was to introduce the Elder’s agronomy graduates to Utrisha® N and the research we are currently undertaking,” Mr Dadd said. “By engaging directly with up-and-coming agronomists, we hope to forge relationships which will encourage them to become future product trial co-operators.” Trial site tours are vital in providing a platform for agronomists to speak directly to suppliers, gaining an understanding of current and soon to be released products. This includes fundamentals such as how the product works, identified constraints and application for varying crop types.

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Mr Dadd explained how Utrisha®N Nutrient Efficiency Biostimulant supplements Urea application to achieve target yields. “Global research indicates that Utrisha® N will supplement and/or reduce the amount of drilled or post-emergent application of Urea, enabling crops to maximise yield targets.” “The future success of cropping outcomes is really going to rely on the supplemental application of Nitrogen, as a reactive or preventative action, either as a gas, prilled or foliar option.” Purchase Corteva Agriscience Products To discuss and purchase Corteva’s range of crop protection products, get in touch with your local Elders branch.

News

GATEWAY TO GREATNESS SET TO SHOWCASE BEST OF QUEENSLAND’S EQUINE OFFERING The inaugural Elders Gateway to Greatness horse sale and campdraft will put a spotlight on the best up and coming 5-year and older horses that southern, western, northern and central Queensland have to offer. Set to be held from 22 to 24 March 2024, Gateway to Greatness promises to be a great weekend for the whole family. Elders will hold a sale of Queensland’s best 5-year and older horses, as well as a campdraft for the sale vendors, in which entrants could win a share of $50,000. Elders stud stock sales support officer Eliza Connors said the idea for the event came about after a gap in older horse sales was identified. “We noticed the gap in the market for up and going, 5-year and older sales, with most other sales taking only younger horses,” Eliza said. “Younger horses tend to be preferred for incentive campdrafts, whereas we are trying to be a bit different in that way too.

“The $50,000 prize money over two rounds in the campdraft for vendors is a bit of a gamechanger too – that is certainly different to any other sale. It is not often that you can present your horse for sale, run it through a draft the day before, and potentially win a share of $50,000 before you have even sold it.” Horses will be eligible in the incentive campdraft in future iterations of the event for three years after they are purchased. Elders has partnered with ‘Surbiton Station’ near Alpha for the sale, which will also be the venue for the event.

additional campdraft events over the weekend, with open, novice and juvenile categories open to anyone. “We want anyone to be able to come along to the event, participate in the campdraft and then stick around for the sale as well,” Eliza said. “We are trying to make it a pretty big weekend for everyone.” Gateway to Greatness Nominate for Gateway to Greatness for your chance to WIN BIG.

Eliza went on to explain that Elders also facilitates the Ag-Grow horse sale in June each year. “We have run the Ag-Grow horse sale for the last two years, but that is a bit different in that you can also sell unregistered horses. At this sale, horses will strictly need to be registered.” Aside from the sale and the incentive campdraft, Elders will also hold three

Fertilizer

Give your wheat a proper break

Recharge your pre-em rotation by using Luximax’s Group 30 chemistry on 30% of your wheat crop every season to: • maintain the highest levels of grass-weed control • reduce resistance pressure on older products • keep Group 3, 13 & 15 products in the program

PLAN

Stay one step ahead of annual ryegrass

Find out more at crop-solutions.basf.com.au ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. * Not Durum. © Copyright BASF 2023 ® Registered trademark of BASF. 212756 0323

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Crop Protection

30/30 VISION FOR EXTENDED PRE-EM GRASS WEED CONTROL BASF launched their ‘30/30 Plan’ last year to help growers get the best of both worlds. Introducing a fresh pre-emergent mode of action to ease resistance pressure while continuing to make the most of what’s already working. As the company’s Cereals Portfolio Manager Roger States explained at the time, the plan recognises that growers have a lot of confidence in existing preem grass weed herbicides, so it aims to complement and protect that established chemistry rather than replace it. “We’ve come up with the 30/30 Plan to cut down the lag between the release of important new chemistry and its widespread use, and to slow the development of resistance to Group 15 and other, older formulations,” he said. “This is particularly important because of the cross-resistance risk between herbicides in Groups 3, 13 and 15 that has been described in recent scientific publications by prominent researchers like Steve Powles, Roberto Busi and David Brunton. “The plan is simply for growers to use the unique Group 30 chemistry of Luximax® on 30 per cent (pc) of their wheat crop as an extra ‘mini rotation’ within the standard program. Adding complexity to your rotation is the only way to ensure your cropping programs are sustainable – if you are only using one product or one group in your program, resistance is on its way.” Scott Walker, whose historic family farm is at Quaraiding in WA, was already practicing a variation on the 30/30 Plan before it was invented. He sprayed 200

hectares in 2020, had a good result in paddocks where ryegrass control was a challenge, and has kept using it on increasing areas each year since then. “I can understand why people want to keep using proven performers,” he said earlier this year. “But you’ve just got to be wary that they are going to run out… You’ve got to look at a different option.” Interviewed in a Luximax-treated paddock late in the season, Scott highlighted the high level of residual control. “I’ve been really impressed with what Luximax has done to this paddock. We’ve looked over it, haven’t seen any new emerging grasses, so we’ve just left it. Given it a radish spray and that’s it.” The 30/30 Plan is designed to help both keep Luximax free of resistance issues and manage the impact of resistance on the other pre-emergent herbicides for as long as possible. As Roger States said, “the 30/30 Plan will help growers ease into using the newer chemistry with the reassurance that they’ll be able to go on using other older alternatives more widely and effectively for longer. We’ve got to protect what we’ve got. “Over the course of a few seasons, the weed seedbank in each paddock will be exposed to an entirely new mode of action. That will help manage resistant biotypes that would begin to dominate the population if they went on only being challenged by the same chemistry that they are already partially resistant to.”

Roger reminded growers that swapping in Luximax for one of the other premium pre-emergent grass herbicides will have no negative impact on the efficiency and flexibility of their programs. Both replicated trial results and commercial use have repeatedly confirmed that Luximax can match the highest levels of residual weed control growers expect. “Luximax is very effective as standalone treatment,” Roger said.

“But of course, it would very seldom be applied that way. All the most likely mix partners like glyphosate, paraquat, trifluralin, triallate, prosulfocarb, carfentrazone and metsulfuron are on the Luximax label.” Roger highlighted the value of Voraxor® – BASF’s Group 14 co-formulated predominantly broadleaf pre-em herbicide – as a single tank-mix partner that can do several important jobs at once. “Voraxor can play the same role as trifluralin in spiking the superior grassweed herbicides’ control of annual ryegrass,” he explained, “but with the massive added benefits of both knockdown and extended residual pre-emergent control of key broadleaf weeds.” “Adding both Luximax and Voraxor to the mix is all part of spreading the load to maintain the highest standards of control while also protecting the chemistry our broadacre cropping has become so reliant on. That’s what the 30/30 Plan is all about.”

Crop Protection

NEW EVERGOL® ENERGY FORMULATION GETS THE TICK OF APPROVAL A new formulation of EverGol Energy fungicidal seed treatment from Bayer came on stream during the 2023 seed treatment season. The results so far have shown it’s a winner for grain growers, seed grader operators and agronomists. It is distinguished by the text “improved formulation” on the drum label. Prior to its release, trials were conducted across various sites and different seed types, seed grading and grain handling equipment. The product was tested for its effects on seed flow rates, seed drying times, and its and evidence of build-up of product on grain handling and seed treating equipment. The scenarios covered included different application rates, mixing partners, slurry volumes, and a comparison with other products used as industry benchmarks for good application characteristics. Speaking after observing application of the product at a property near Toolondo (Victoria), Bayer SeedGrowth Technical Services Manager Graeme Sutton was impressed with how the latest formulation has performed in the field. “The new formulation showed good improvement in terms of seed flow and seed drying times. We've had no issues with build-up on any equipment. The seed grader operator and the farmer are very pleased so far with what they've

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seen, and my experience today has been very positive.” he said. “There has not been any negative feedback from the seed grader operator or the farmer. From what we've been seeing going through the machines, the product's seed adherence and flow through the machinery is excellent. So, I'm optimistic about the improved application characteristics of the revised EverGol Energy formulation into the future.” The new formulation has significant benefits for seed grader operators, agronomists and farmers. It is hoped they will be able to recommend and apply EverGol Energy based on its superior performance without any hesitancy due to some application difficulties experienced with the original formulation. For growers, they can have confidence that the new formulation of EverGol Energy will remain the best product in terms of seed-borne disease control, but also perform well when treating, transferring, or sowing treated grain. Kristian Herrmann of Herrmann Seed Cleaning is based out of Karoonda in SA but has worked across the entire Murray Mallee for the last 25 years. After being involved in EverGol Energy trial work, Kristian reported that the new formulation delivered significant improvements for his operation.

“It’s resulted in a lot less buildup in the machine and a lot cleaner sample, everything just flows freely and smoothly, and it makes everyone's day easy. The new formulation just runs clean as a whistle. It's fantastic,” Kristian said. “Moving forward, I'm happy to use the new formulation of EverGol Energy. It's a very popular product. It's showing great benefits to my customers throughout the area and I’m happy to use it in the future.” Owner-operator of Victorian-based Dunn-Ezy Seed Cleaning, Jeremy Liston also had a good experience using the new formulation. “From my perspective, compared to the previous EverGol Energy formulation, the new formulation seems to be cleaning out better, but in terms of coverage it's very much the same,” he said. With 13 years of experience cleaning and treating grain, Jeremy can see the new formulation playing a role in his business moving forward. ‘If Bayer decided to continue on with this formulation, I would be more than happy to use it.” Jeremy said.

Animal Health

Standout seed treatment. EverGol Energy provides standout protection against cereal seed-borne diseases. • Class leading control of loose smut in barley • Effective rhizoctonia suppression in cereals • Seedling crown rot and pythium root rot suppression • Economical bunt and covered smut control Recommend EverGol Energy seed treatment and in-furrow fungicide.

Improved Formulation

evergolenergy.com.au Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd, ABN 87 000 226 022. Level 4, 109 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia. Technical Enquiries 1800 804 479 enquiries.australia@bayer.com EverGol® is a Registered Trademark of the Bayer Group. © 2023 Bayer Group. BAY0673

Animal Health

SLUGS & SNAILS LOVE IT TO

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

Maximum Attractiveness Enhanced Palatability Faster Efficient Kill Persistent Control

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®Registered trademarks. 231018

Crop Protection

ENABLING SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF SNAILS AND SLUGS Grains industry research funded by GRDC indicates that the timing of bait applications is critical to reduce snail numbers and to protect emerging crops from slugs. Understanding when individual species are active, mating and breeding underpins successful management of snails and slugs. KEY POINTS FOR SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT: 1. High soil moisture is the main predictor of high slug and snail activity. 2. Wet winters extending into long cool springs, combined with crops with a large quantity of vegetative growth, provide ideal conditions for breeding. 3. Long-term monitoring of slugs and snails in spring is vital to provide information on population dynamics. 4. Use a long-lasting slug and snail bait that is resistant to rainfall, attractive, palatable and spreads evenly. 5. Proactive management gave the best return on investment. A reactive approach equals losses. Large populations of slugs and snails were observed up until harvest 2022. These observations highlighted the population’s ability to increase numbers in wet spring conditions. Contrary to previous knowledge, black keeled slugs breed late into spring (end November) when conditions are favourable. 1. Learnings from 2023Growers that did not order baits and have them on hand could often not source product in a timely manner, causing poor results. 2. A full moisture profile all summer and autumn led to slugs being active much earlier than expected, leading to knockdown applications of bait, with follow-up applications of long-lasting Metarex Inov® needed, as often no bait remained after the first application.

3. A wave of black keeled slugs still emerged in June despite no autumn rain in SA, and large numbers were active from early April where there was a full moisture profile. Hence, black keeled slugs, like grey field slugs, have an extended emergence from the soil over several months, with not all the population active at the soil surface at the same time. 4. Those growers that waited to apply bait after sowing, or after the first application was consumed, often had to resow some areas. 5. Monitoring for remaining bait 1–2 days after the first application and then re-applying gave the best results. 6. Bait rate was the most crucial factor in 2023 for successful establishment. Enough metaldehyde had to be applied to combat the large numbers of slugs observed actively feeding at the soil surface. 7. Baiting must be part of an integrated approach. Rolling after sowing and before the first bait application saw improved results. 8. Slugs can also damage lentils, faba beans and cereals, with an unprecedented amount of molluscicides applied to these crops. 9. Slugs were found damaging crops away from traditional soil types associated with damage: that is, on better soils away from creek lines in NSW and in new regions across the northern Wimmera of VIC. WHAT CAN WE PREDICT FOR 2024? One would hope for lower snail and slug numbers with drier than average rainfall since July (Figure 1), but the first week of spring has triggered a wave of grey field slug activity (Figure 2). Also, high numbers of small slugs have been observed damaging establishing fodder crops, despite the dry sowing conditions. Disregarding repeated warnings, some growers

Crop Protection are not applying bait, nor rolling to protect seedlings. It cannot be stressed enough: bait has to be applied to protect seed and seedlings. The other factor to consider is black keeled slugs can live for over 500 days, with research indicating they can breed in the second year of their life. Populations observed by growers would support the carryover of some black keeled slugs into a second season. The current recommendation is to be prepared to bait to protect emerging crops from slugs again next year. Small round snails have been observed by agronomists and growers up in heads of cereal crops throughout areas where they occur. One hypothesis for the large numbers of snails is breeding occurred much earlier: that is, over summer before baiting occurred. Ongoing AgNova Technologies research indicates that round snails were not well controlled during the 2023 autumn. The best mortality recorded in 2023 was in January/February across coastal regions of SA (Robe and Warooka), contrary to industry advice not to bait over summer. The unseasonal mild, moist summer conditions are thought to have contributed to the early summer breeding, like what was observed in 2011–2012. Snails, like slugs, have an adaptive life history. Snail and slugs are hermaphrodites: both mating individuals can produce eggs that are laid in batches into moist soil. All snails and slugs can delay breeding when conditions are dry, hence should be considered adaptive strategists. Although all snails and slugs require moist environments to feed and breed, each have specific biology that determines when they are active, what time they breed, and when is the best time to apply baits such as Metarex Inov and IRONMAX Pro® to protect crops. Snails that occur along coastal habitats can be harder to control, as these areas are more suitable due to the increased moisture availability. Ongoing dry spring conditions are expected to lessen breeding in 2023, however as both snails and slugs can live for two years, they will still pose a risk in 2024. Unlike insects, snails and slugs do not have a set lifecycle, they breed when conditions are favourable. Understanding when individual species are active, mating and breeding in your area underpins successful management of snails and slugs. Grower and agronomist knowledge of pest population dynamics will enable early procurement of bait, avoiding molluscicide supply shortfalls and facilitating proactive baiting. For snails, apply bait once they become active and before they start laying eggs. To protect establishing crops from slugs, apply a long-lasting bait, such as Metarex Inov, directly after sowing and before emergence. This article was written by AgNova for Seasons magazine. Please note: this article contains information of a general nature, and does not take into account your personal objectives, situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided, and seek advice on whether it is fit for your circumstances.

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Figure 1. Late winter early spring 2023 rainfall deciles and October rainfall.

Figure 2. Grey field slugs in wheat, 10 Oct 2023, South Australia.

VIBRANCE. Healthier yields start with healthier roots. ®

Since its introduction, VIBRANCE® has become the benchmark in seed-applied fungicide. With three modes of action, VIBRANCE® provides the broadest available protection against smuts, bunts, rhizoctonia and pythium. Better still, VIBRANCE® promotes root vigour during establishment. This ensures that seedlings get the nutrients and water they need for strong foliar growth during the critical early weeks after germination. To help refine your cereal program for the season ahead, talk to your Syngenta representative, farm advisor or local retailer or visit syngenta.com.au/vibrance

Crop Protection

MANAGING LOOSE BARLEY SMUT A generally hardy winter crop, barley is a popular cereal across Australia’s grain growing regions, with a variety of markets from stock feed through to malting and brewing where quality is paramount. Barley loose smut has been detected in areas recently, which prompts the question, ‘what’s causing this and what can be done to manage it?’ ABOUT BARLEY LOOSE SMUT Caused by the pathogen Ustilago tritici (U. nuda), loose smut first appears at ear emergence, with masses of dark brown spores appearing in the place of healthy grains1. The spores are initially loosely held by a thick membrane that soon breaks releasing the spores onto other heads. Infected heads also have a fishy smell. Finally, all that remains is bare stalks where the spores once were. A maximum tolerance of 0.1 gram of smut pieces per half litre, has been established as Grain Trade Australia commodity standard. Agriculture Victoria states that using systemic seed treatments each year will effectively control this disease, though it also cautions that clean seed should be sourced following a loose smut outbreak. SUCCESS BEGINS WITH SEED SELECTION Certified seed remains the best option for crop establishment, which isn’t to say that retained seed isn’t an option (more on that later).

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Seed breeders are tireless in their pursuit of varietal advances, which has delivered considerable gains in yield, grain quality, and even disease resistance to some extent. As is often the case though, advances in one area can come at the expense of others. Selecting the right variety from a seed company for your farming situation can be challenging yet hugely rewarding exercise, often with peace of mind knowing that this seed is treated to the highest standards with a market standard fungicide. Seed applied fungicides, like VIBRANCE®, while not invincible, are the first and best line of defense as it’s not always apparent that the source of the seed contains the pathogens responsible for smuts and bunts. Unfortunately, issues can still arise when seed applied fungicides are doing the heavy lifting. The importance of using a quality fungicide is amplified when using retained seed. Particular attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the seed and achieving even and complete treatment coverage. WHICH SEED TREATMENT IS BEST? The most effective means to control loose smut is using a fungicide seed treatment, which enables growers to keep the disease at low levels. While VIBRANCE seed treatment is registered for the control of loose smut, no seed treatment gives complete control of loose smut. Many crops this season grown from seed treated with different fungicides, registered for loose smut control, have still developed the disease.

Crop Protection

The level of loose smut in barley has increased in recent years. This is largely associated with two factors: > Large scale use of newer varieties that are more susceptible than older varieties; > Environmental conditions at flowering. Tips for avoiding barley loose smut: 1. Use fresh, quality clean seed, free from chaff, dust or other crop debris (wherever possible). 2. Use a SDHI seed treatment at the top label rate for the disease: VIBRANCE at 180 mL per 100 kg seed 3. Coverage is king. Seed treatments must be applied evenly and to every seed, to ensure optimal efficacy. As with all farming, from the implements used to the fertilizer applied at sowing, it’s important that growers have their choice of seed treatment. VIBRANCE fungicide is a market standard for cereal disease control with the broadest label for management of all common diseases, from smuts and bunts to rhizoctonia and pythium that impact seedlings at establishment. WHAT TO DO IN-CROP

"One of the only ways to be sure your seed has very low levels of disease is to have it tested in a laboratory or to purchase certified seed." A Western Australian study published by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, in June 2020, found that a well-timed foliar fungicide application can help manage seed infection. Dr Jayasena said fungicide sprays during ear emergence reduced the loose smut embryo infection by 84 per cent in both 2017 and 2018, and 87 per cent during flowering stage in 2018, compared to the unprotected treatments. While the trial at Kojaneerup South trial utilised a foliar application of the active ingredient tebuconazole, the GRDC cautioned against singular use of this active ingredient, noting the “exciting implications” for use of alternative modes of action to help manage the disease2. All foliar fungicide applications should be made in accordance with product labels and with consideration to withholding periods ahead of harvest. SUMMARY

Monitoring and detection of barley loose smut is essential to prevent tainted grain from making its way into receival depots. If farmers intend on retaining seed for subsequent crops, care should be taken to exclude diseased areas from seed harvesting.

A little time spent in paddocks now can help identify areas where loose smut is an issue, so that a winning plan can be formulated for next year’s crop. If retained seed is going to be a part of your plan, ensure that clean paddocks are identified and consider laboratory testing to confirm the cleanliness of the seed.

WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) research scientist Kithsiri Jayasena said certified seed or testing are essential.2

In line with departmental advice, a quality systemic, seed applied fungicide such as VIBRANCE should be used ahead of sowing next year.

"It is impossible to tell if your seed has the pathogen just by looking at the seed,” he said.

Crop Protection

THE FUTURE OF 2,4-D WEED CONTROL IS IN THE DROPZONE Nufarm continues to lead the world in 2,4-D technology with Nufarm Dropzone. The result of 10 years of research and development, Dropzone is a faster, more efficacious 2,4-D amine with a world-first innovative formulation. Dropzone is the next 2,4-D amine formulation post-Amicide Advance 700, which has become the benchmark in 2,4-D for Australian growers. With low odour and lower drift potential, it delivers all the benefits of a highly efficacious 2,4-D product, with none of the drawbacks. SIMPLER, FASTER AND MORE EFFECTIVE ON BROADLEAF WEEDS Field testing has placed Dropzone at the front of the market for speed and efficacy. Nufarm compared activity against other amine 2,4-D formulations and Dropzone delivered faster brownout and had up to 10 per cent (pc) improved efficacy, even on problem weeds like sow thistle. Jack Daniel, senior agronomist at Elders Mildura, said the results speak for themselves. “The Group 4 products and Dropzone have a lot of efficacy on a lot of our weed spectrum here,” he said. “For things like the various species of thistles, the 2,4-D spikes are an 38

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integral part of our summer program. Having a product like Dropzone where you have the confidence to use it in closer proximity to sensitive crops is a real advantage. Where once I would have eliminated 2,4-D completely from those recommendations, it gives me confidence that we’ve got a product that is inherently low risk and we still have that efficacy to deliver on those broadleaf weeds.”

“All of those things are of high use to us. We’ve got some properties extremely close by with crops that are sensitive to some of the products we want to use, especially during the summer to knock down some of the hard-to-kill weeds,” he said.

REDUCED BUFFER ZONES AND MAXIMUM EFFICACY THANKS TO DROPLET OPTIMISATION TECHNOLOGY

Minimising the characteristic odour of 2,4-D products is another key benefit of the Dropzone formulation.

The key factor in Dropzone’s performance is Nufarm’s unique droplet optimisation formulation. Growers often opt for a larger spray quality or use driftreducing adjuvants to reduce drift in 2,4-D products, both of which create larger droplets and reduce coverage. Dropzone’s new technology means that it delivers up to 96 pc of spray volume in the ideal droplet size zone – between 150 and 720 microns – which gives excellent coverage and efficacy, while reducing the potential for drift.

“We’re conscious of people being able to smell the products we’re using and the situation we find ourselves in, especially being in close proximity to food processing plants, solar farms and horticulture,” said Mark. “Having that low-odour option now is extremely important to us.”

For Mark Nulty, a broadacre cropper in Mildura, the low drift and reduced buffer zones allow him to benefit from the superior efficacy of a 2,4-D product without impacting neighbouring properties.

“Dropzone certainly gives us those advantages.” LOW ODOUR FORMULATION

DEVELOPED IN AUSTRALIA FOR AUSTRALIAN GROWERS Nufarm has invested significant resources and over 10 years into developing Dropzone, which is another demonstration of its continued 2,4-D stewardship for Australian agriculture and commitment to Australian growers.

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When you think 2,4-D expertise,, think Nufarm Australia. Our locally innovated and formulated solution, Nufarm DROPZONE is setting a new standard for weed control. Unique formulation. Improved droplet retention, results in better efficacy and faster brownout. Droplet Optimisation. Spray and stay on your target with the right sized droplets for better control & less drift. Low odour. Enhance your application experience with our new low odour formulation.

To find out more, scan the QR code or speak to your reseller.

DROPZONE ® 39

Animal Health

Enabling better nutrition.

Serenade® Soil Activ is a soil optimised addition to the Serenade family, formulated to achieve superior colonisation of plant roots and improved assimilation of soil resources, to take crop production to the next level. • Improved root colonisation Contains a high concentration of fast-acting spores

Fast acting spores rapidly colonise.

• Greater nutrient uptake Creates a win-win relationship with the plant at the soil interface • Ease of application The refined liquid formulation provides good flowability and compatibility

Early colonisation on banana roots.

For more information on crop performance trials, speak to your Bayer representative today, or visit serenadesoilactiv.com.au

Serenade® is a Registered Trademark of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd ABN 87 000 226 022. Level 4, 109 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia. Technical Enquiries: 1800 804 479 enquiries.australia@bayer.com. BHO2023B

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Crop Protection

HOW PLANTS ‘FARM’ BENEFICIAL BACTERIA IN SERENADE Scientists at Rutgers University have proven how a range of crops can harness the beneficial bacteria contained in Serenade Soil Activ to benefit their nutrition, growth, and resilience. This world-first research is being led by Dr James White, a professor in the Department of Plant Biology at Rutgers University, New Jersey. His research shows how plants ‘farm’ the bacteria to extract and absorb their nutrients, which has significant implications for the future approach to crop nutrition. The new discovery of rhizophagy or ‘root eating’, is the process of how plants use microbes to extract their nutrients. This process starts when actively growing roots release exudates, such as sugars, which attracts beneficial bacteria to the root tips. Dr. White has proven that the beneficial bacteria in Serenade Soil Activ soil ameliorant are absorbed into the root cells where the plant can remove nutrients contained inside their walls. The bacteria are then replicated and ejected back into the soil where they continue the cycle to source nutrients, matched to the crop demand. Certain soil nutrients are favored in the rhizophagy cycle, despite the fact all nutrients are supplied. These often include manganese, iron and magnesium which are critical to forming chlorophyll and maximizing photosynthesis, plus calcium and boron, which are critical for building cell strength. Replicated studies conducted by Rutgers show substantial increases in manganese (increase of 27 per cent (pc)), calcium (increase of 15 pc) and boron (increase of 18 pc) in soybeans, following the application of Serenade Soil Activ.

Rutgers University: Evidence of rhizophagy in vegetable crops Tomato seedlings treated with Serenade Soil Activ showed longer roots, longer root hairs containing the beneficial bacteria and had higher antioxidants (purple pigments) formation resulting from the rhizophagy cycle.

The rhizophagy process is also critical for building resilient crops, as described in “Teaming with bacteria” by Jeff Lowenfels. Jeff suggests dealing with rhizophagy is like training the plant to deal with other stresses. Dr White explains that ‘plants which work to extract nutrients oxidatively through rhizophagy, become hardier than plants solely reliant on nutrition from synthetic NPK fertilisers’. Also, rhizophagy builds stronger plants as the nutrient form is optimal for utilization by the plant. Rutgers University has demonstrated the rhizophagy cycle with Serenade Soil Activ on avocado, macadamia, almond, hazelnut, tomato, lettuce, carrot, onion and cabbage crops. Each strain of bacteria have vastly different capabilities to supply nutrients in rhizophagy. So, what does this all mean for agriculture? Fundamentally, it changes our understanding of how plants source nutrients in a healthy soil and highlights the importance of soil biology. According to Dr White, this knowledge opens the door to developing a new approach to agriculture based on microbes, that is not only better for agriculture, but also for human health.

Rutgers University: Evidence of rhizophagy in various tree crops The beneficial bacteria contained in Serenade Soil Activ inside the root cells of avocado (top left), macadamia (top right), and on the root hairs of almonds (bottom left) active in the rhizophagy cycle. The bacteria are shown to be forming a symbiotic association with mycorrhizae fungi in hazelnut (bottom right).

Crop Protection

POTATO TUBER BULKING CHALLENGE SOLVED Managing processing potato crops across the expanse of Tasmania, Elders agronomist Ross Tulich loves his job. “I couldn't live anywhere else, I love it here,” Ross said. “There are some farms you visit, you see some very pretty scenery. You can be in the middle of a paddock somewhere and just take it in, smell the roses, have a look about. It’s nice.” What has helped him enjoy his work just that little bit better has been his experiences with MIRAVIS® Duo fungicide. In less than 12 months on the market, it has made quite an impact. In potatoes, MIRAVIS Duo fungicide provides protection from target spot/ early blight and it can be applied via boom spray, aerial application or chemigation. “Being very honest, I love it. I think it's an absolutely awesome product” he said. Syngenta has three MIRAVIS fungicides registered in potatoes; MIRAVIS, MIRAVIS Prime and MIRAVIS Duo fungicides. Key application timing to protect against target spot is just prior to row closure to protect the canopy and then throughout the season. Ross explained that he particularly relies on MIRAVIS Duo late in a crop’s program, just prior to foliar nitrogen levels dropping off and favourable disease conditions occurring, which can lead to target spot coming in on the older leaves.

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“I use other fungicide products earlier in the crop and pull the trigger on MIRAVIS Duo prior to senescence. That's where I think MIRAVIS Duo comes into its own as I believe it greatly aids to fill tubers,” he said. Syngenta Technical Services Lead, Dr Brandy Rawnsley said that applications of MIRAVIS Duo fungicide have been shown to enhance green leaf area and vigour, meaning good growth for tuber development. “When used later in the crop, it can help hold green leaves longer to boost tuber bulking. This is critical for increasing yields and tuber size, particularly for processing potatoes,” Dr Rawnsley said. “The biggest benefit of MIRAVIS Duo is that you're going to get multiple weeks out of it, whereas previously you were using other products and only getting seven days of target spot protection. “We can get high target spot pressure in Tassie due to periods of free moisture and favourable temperatures. “The fact that you can put it on and get a longer protection window is where it is a greater step up on what was previously available. “The other thing that differentiates MIRAVIS Duo from other products is its rain-fastness, which is a really large benefit for us. “One hour is absolutely perfect, a lot of other products can be up to 24 hours. “We can get a lot of unpredictable scud showers pass through late in

our season, so this flexibility is a big positive; it also allows farmers to press on with irrigation which is critical during this period.” Ross explained that his program also includes MIRAVIS® Prime fungicide earlier in the crop. “I use MIRAVIS Prime earlier for the prevention of Sclerotinia prior to favourable conditions occurring. I think it's a wicked product as well; it's a big step up from some of the older products that have been over-used,” he said. MIRAVIS Duo and MIRAVIS Prime fungicides are built on pydiflumetofen (group 7), a revolutionary active ingredient from Syngenta, that delivers long-lasting disease protection. Pydiflumetofen was first introduced into potatoes in 2019 with the launch of MIRAVIS®. “Pydiflumetofen protects the plant from fungal pathogens by targeting fungi at different stages of the lifecycle, and with proven activity of difenoconazole, MIRAVIS® Duo fungicide provides an optimised formulation for best-in-class protection,” said Rawnsley. MIRAVIS® Duo fungicide is a suspension concentrate (SC) and has been tested to be highly compatible with a range of other crop protection products. It also has a built-in adjuvant, so an additional wetter does not need to be added to the tank. Ross said“it's a fantastic product and moving forward I'm certainly going to rely on it moving forward”.

Animal Health

A brighter future. MIRAVIS ® Duo. Whatever your vision of the future, MIRAVIS® Duo fungicide can help bring it to life. MIRAVIS® Duo combines two active ingredients to provide best-in-class protection of powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases in a wide range of horticultural crops. With dual modes of action it offers robust residual protection while reducing the risk of fungicide resistance. MIRAVIS® Duo offers a powerful new tool for growers who want peace of mind, high yields and quality that really stands out. Innovation, powered by MIRAVIS®. For further information talk to your local Syngenta representative or visit syngenta.com.au/miravis-duo

IS YOUR

CROP PROTECTED? SCAN HERE

Crop Protection

BASF AUSTRALIA WELCOMES ELDERS AGRONOMY GRADUATES TO ITS TAMWORTH RESEARCH FARM BASF Australia’s Tamworth research farm plays a pivotal role in testing crops and soils, combatting weeds and diseases on a national scale. Recently, BASF welcomed 16 agronomy graduates to the research farm to understand more about the efficacy of various applications on a range of soil and crop types. Established in 2014, the Tamworth research farm now conducts between 80 – 120 trials annually. These can be undertaken in the seven different soil types native to the site, with trials extending across both summer and winter broadacre and horticulture crops. The farm provides BASF Australia the unique space and freedom to test early phase products to ensure they help combat the issues Australian grower’s encounter. Georgia Readett, BASF Australia’s Broadacre Specialist for Northern NSW, said training days are an invaluable opportunity for relationship building amongst customers and budding agronomists. “These events provide a comfortable platform for those we service to ask questions and seek support from our experts. This can even extend to take the form of one-on-one dedicated product discussions,” said Ms Readett. However, it is not just the variety of crops at the BASF research farm which offer a wealth of knowledge to those undertaking tours at Tamworth. 44

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Russell Ison BASF Australia’s Research Agronomist and AgSolutions Farm Manager has worked for the company for over nine years and has been active in the industry for over 20.

“Having the ability to work with global companies like BASF provides an invaluable opportunity in building capability amongst our up-and-coming agronomists, said Mr Page.”

“People like Russell, who have been a dedicated part of the business and field of agronomy, are able to provide customers a well-respected voice with considerable knowledge and experience,” Ms Readett said.

“With global research farms at our back door, we are provided with an incredible opportunity to bring firsthand action learning and insights of global research locally. This gives our people the knowledge and understanding they need to help our clients make the best decisions in the field.”

When asked what the focus of current research being undertaken on the farm has been Ms Readett discussed the recent release of Versys® into the broadacre market. “The development of Versys® saw us really focus on products with minimal impact on beneficials, making them an ideal fit in a IPM system,” Ms Readett said. “Taking this a step further, where possible we want to extend the usage of our products to provide growers with flexibility with what they stock in their shed. “A current registration application pending is for our seed treatment cereal product Systiva, which we want to extend for use beyond cereal and barley and launch into oats” Ms Readett said. Graham Page, Head of Agronomy and Technical Services at Elders, spoke about the value of young agronomists having access to the latest education and training.

Purchase BASF Australia Products To discuss and purchase BASF Australia’s range of crop protection products, get in touch with your local Elders branch.

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS

Animal Health

Achieving great results consistently is all about partnerships. Our Horticulture team is keen to help you find the right solution to help you produce more sustainable and productive crops.

“This year, we are excited to share the excellent results achieved with Belanty and Merivon in-spray programs.” Mark Dicks Horticulture Technical Specialist

“The latest registrations for Belanty and Merivon are really going to make a difference for local Australian growers.” “It’s really exciting to give our growers access to new modes of action before the rest of the world.”

Ben White, Horticulture Specialist Melbourne, Goulburn Valley, Yarra Valley and Griffith

Greg Haslam Horticulture Specialist Queensland, Northern NSW and NT

“I’m looking forward to seeing Efficon build on the success of Versys in massively reducing the threat from virus transmission.” Julie Xiao Horticulture Specialist Gippsland, Sunraysia and Tasmania

“There’s nothing more rewarding than working with growers to solve problems with fresh solutions.” Victor Barbosa Horticulture Specialist – SA & WA

For more information visit crop-solutions.basf.com.au or contact your local BASF representative on 1800 558 399 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. © Copyright BASF 2023 ® Registered trademark of BASF. 214477 1023

More flexibility, more freedom, more growth MY ACTION PLAN

Grow Strategically Verpixo® Adavelt® active - A new mode of action that provides powerful protection from botrytis, powdery mildew, sclerotinia and alternaria. Inspired by nature, Verpixo® offers growers broad spectrum control of damaging crop diseases that helps to maximise yield and quality. Now registered for use in Strawberries, Cucurbits, Fruiting and Leafy vegetables. To find out more, contact your local Territory Manager on 1800 700 096 or visit corteva.com.au

GROUP

Performance & flexibility

Resistance management

IPM compatible

Safety for users & environment

Discover more

Visit corteva.com.au TM ®

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Crop Protection

VERPIXO ADAVELT ACTIVE A CRITICAL NEW TOOL FOR FUNGICIDE RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT Corteva Agriscience’s new fungicide, Verpixo® Adavelt® active, is a highly effective new fungicide for managing challenging crop diseases, helping farmers achieve healthy and abundant yields. Trialled extensively under Australian field conditions, Verpixo Adavelt active has consistently demonstrated its efficacy in disease control, offering a powerful new solution for growers to protect their crops from yield-limiting diseases. The unique structure of Verpixo, based on a naturally occurring compound found in soil bacteria, enables activity across a broad spectrum of ascomycete diseases and builds upon new chemistry first established by Corteva agriscience. Verpixo has been trialled at various field sites including an extensive field study at Ashbern Farms, where winter strawberries are grown across 26 hectares of land on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, as well as conventional summer strawberries in Stanthorpe. Ashbern Farms Director Brendon Hoyle said a major issue and concern for farmers is managing the implications of existing chemistries that are beginning to face resistance. “Certain chemistries are experiencing increased pressure in terms of resistance build up, which can result in diseases in crops and ultimately costs us money,” Mr Hoyle said. “We need to be able to produce quality product to remain viable so we can’t afford resistance build up in pests or disease. It adds pressure to the crop and reduces quality. “As growers, we do everything we possibly can to avoid resistance and that’s what’s really exciting about this new mode of action for botrytis and powdery mildew. It gives us another tool in the toolbox which will allow us to rotate chemistries efficiently and gives us confidence that we have a better chance of disease control.” Corteva Agriscience Horticulture Marketing Manager Nick Koch said with

many existing chemistries under threat of resistance, Verpixo is an excellent new rotation partner offering strength and adaptability for growers. “Key diseases such as botrytis, also known as grey mould and powdery mildew, have the biology to develop resistance, and there is concern with existing chemistries beginning to experience this,” Mr Koch said. “Verpixo® is a valuable solution, offering a completely new mode of action for these diseases that gives growers more flexibility to manage their disease control programs throughout the growing season.” The trial at Ashbern Farms was highly successful and recorded an increase of up to 14 per cent in marketable yield, and a 12 to 15 per cent decrease in botrytis fruit infection. “With existing chemistries under threat of resistance, Verpixo will redefine custom fungicide programs to sustain healthier crops, better yields and greater value,” Mr Koch said. Mr Hoyle said the trial data spoke for itself.

“For the strawberry trial in Wamuran, we conducted a season-long sequence of treatments,” Mr Wells said. “A sequence of sixteen treatments were placed on the strawberries, with Verpixo sprayed once or twice in a row to test its control on botrytis and other key diseases. “The trial indicated Verpixo had excellent disease control at low use rates, resulting in greater yield potential and a reduction in disease incidence.” Verpixo Adavelt active is registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for use in strawberries, fruiting vegetables, leafy vegetables and cucurbits. “We are committed to helping growers navigate the complexity of plant disease and mitigate the effects of emerging or established resistance,” Mr Koch said. “Verpixo® Adavelt® active is designed to meet these needs and offers a cornerstone upon which disease management programs can continue to be strengthened.”

“Seeing the results of the trial and increase in marketable yield was fantastic,” he said. “Trials are always exciting. They give us as farmers a feel for the product’s capabilities firsthand and an opportunity to see how it’s going to fit into our farming system,” Mr Hoyle said. “At the end of the day that’s what we’re all about, trying to produce quality food and reduce waste.” Along with the results from Ashbern Farms, another trial in Wamuran showcased Verpixo’s strength in managing key diseases in strawberries, highlighting its suitability as a core solution for growers and their resistant management needs. Corteva Agriscience Field Scientist, Greg Wells said the results of the trial underscored Verpixo’s efficacy in disease management.

Crop Protection

XENTARI KEY FOR MANAGING RESISTANCE AND PRESERVING BENEFICIALS IN BRASSICAS Greg Teske and Harrison Turner, horticultural agronomists with Elders Gatton in Queensland point out the valued position XenTari biological insecticide has come to have in their pest control programs for brassica vegetable crops. Greg has been helping growers manage pests in the Gatton area for over 20 years and has been using XenTari since it was launched. Greg previously used Dipel DF for quite some time. XenTari and DiPel DF are similar insecticides from Sumitomo Agrosolutions, although XenTari is the world’s only biological insecticide containing the naturally potent Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sub-species aizawai (ABTS-1857 strain), giving it superior control against certain caterpillar pests. The key issues for controlling brassica pests according to Greg and Harrison are being able to check crops regularly and timing of applications to target the most vulnerable stages of caterpillar development. Spray coverage is also a key factor in maintaining insect control. Greg said the focus has changed over time, where resistance management and preserving beneficial insects is now of highest priority. “Group 28 resistance has elevated the importance of XenTari in our insect control programs, especially during the cooler months,” Greg said.

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“There is less UV breakdown, insect lifecycles are longer and growth dilution in plants is slower, maximizing the benefit we get from a biological like XenTari. “XenTari is very effective on target pests, highly compatible with IPM programs and has no WHP or MRL issues farmers need to worry about.” Greg went on to say that XenTari is very trustworthy and has a great reputation, coming from the same factory that introduced DiPel over 50 years ago. Greg is fanatical about utilising natural enemies in the crop and using XenTari is highly complimentary, ensuring farmers can keep stronger chemistry on hand for when they might really need them. Other things growers like about XenTari according to Greg and Harrison are that there are no restrictions to how many times in a season it can be used. It also has no crop re-entry periods, and not being a scheduled poison, is very safe to use. XenTari also comes in convenient 5 kilogram buckets, with resealable lids. In summary, XenTari remains a key tool in pest control programs for brassica vegetable crops. Anyone growing these crops could benefit,including for its soft IPM friendly profile and effectiveness against the key caterpillar pests.

XenTari

BIOLOGICAL INSECTICIDE

News

Not All Biological Insecticides Are

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XenTari proudly boasts: • Unequalled bioactivity – target insects stop feeding immediately. • No impact on beneficial insects – natural predators and parasitoids flourish. • No withholding periods – use right up until harvest.

XenTari sets the standard for Cabbage Moth (Diamondback Moth), Cabbage White Butterfly, Cabbage-Centre Grub and Cabbage Cluster Caterpillar control in brassica vegetable crops.

• Effective Resistance Management – prolong the efficacy of all options. • Sustainable value – no residues, no re-entry intervals and no poison schedule.

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

Crop Protection

GRAPEGROWERS LOOK TO NEW OPTION FOR DOWNY MILDEW After repeated seasons of high downy mildew pressure in winegrape vineyards, and confirmed resistance reported to some widely used fungicides, growers have been eager to access new options and it appears their calls are being answered. Independent South Australian viticulturist Mandy Mader, of Barossa Valley-based consultancy, Vine Scout, said La Nina weather conditions caused higher disease levels last season and once again this highlighted reduced efficacy from metalaxyl fungicide, as it has from strobilurin chemistry in previous years. Mandy, who previously worked with several high-profile wine companies, provides extensive technical and monitoring services to small and medium winegrape operations throughout the Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Riverland regions in South Australia. She said downy mildew can cause crop loss prior to flowering and leaf loss near the end of the season, which impedes fruit ripening, size and sugar content. In addition, time and cost pressures increase for growers and operations become more labour-intensive, as they have to adopt cultural control methods including thinning and leaf plucking, and, for organic growers, keeping weeds low under vines. Mandy said copper, as well as metalaxyl co-formulations and strobilurin fungicides, had predominantly been used against the disease and their reduced effectiveness had been due to overuse, a lack of fungicide rotation and some hesitancy with new technologies. Organic vineyards also don’t have the option of chemical fungicides due to controls on copper and sulphur use. Mandy said the reduced effectiveness of existing fungicides had become a big concern for growers and they had been keen to expand their options and target applications at different times of the season to suit various vine phenological stages.

“Its retreatment interval of between 10 and 21 days adds flexibility. It allows growers to do other jobs, it saves time and money, and it ticks a lot of boxes, including reduced passes in the vineyard, soil compaction, labour and, on a sustainability front, energy. She said the low use rate of 37.5 to 50 mL per 100 L was user friendly compared with applications of up to 250 g per 100 L with some other fungicides, and was another cost saving as well as benefit for product handling and packaging. Another advantage of Xivana Prime, when used as directed, is its safety profile with beneficial insect populations, which Mandy said needed to be protected to help maintain ecological balance in vineyards and assist control of unwanted pests. However, she said its main strength was the rotation flexibility it now provided for growers’ fungicide programs. “Growers don’t have to use back-to-back metalaxyl coformulations or mixtures. They can go with Xivana Prime after the first application of metalaxyl and they can apply it before rainfall or a downy mildew event occurs and have confidence that it will prevent development of oil spots.

Consequently, she said the recent arrival of Xivana® Prime fungicide, introducing a new mode of action (Group 49) to grapes, providescontrol of the disease for up to 21 days.

“Under the high disease pressure last season, we didn’t see any oil spots form where growers had applied it prior to a downy mildew event.

Developed by Bayer Crop Science, Xivana Prime is registered for use in both wine and table grapes and acts on all stages of the downy mildew lifecycle, providing a strong tool in protective programs. In line with Croplife recomendations, Xivana Prime should always be used in conjunction with a registered protectant fungicide and applied prior to disease infection.

“It’s got a place in everyone’s program for downy mildew and it’s brought massive confidence to our grower base.”

In previous widespread testing of grapevines for downy mildew resistance to fungicides, it also showed no resistance in any samples tested from across all regions. “It’s another mode of action, so it will be great for growers to swap up their chemical groups and it will take the pressure off existing fungicides,” said Mandy.

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Mandy also said, ”growers apply light brown apple moth protectants at this time of year, and in mixtures with Xivana Prime, and also where magnesium and zinc has been added, compatibility has been excellent. “Xivana Prime is also translaminar, so to increase coverage across leaf surfaces and get the best effectiveness from the fungicide, it’s very important to apply the adjuvant with it. Furthermore, applying an additional mode of action protectant fungicide in conjunction with Xivana, like copper, is recommended at all times to help maintain a strong resistance management program,” she said.

Section Title

Secure your investment.

Downy mildew is present in most vineyards even if you don’t see it. Ensure you have the best control in place this season. • Class leading efficacy • Unique mode of action for resistance management • Low dose rate with no measurable transfer to wine** • Flexible application timing*

Speak to your advisor or visit crop.bayer.com.au to find out more. An application for registration of Xivana Prime 20 SC Fungicide has been made. At the time of printing Xivana Prime is not a registered product. * When used as directed. Apply up to pre-bunch closure (E-L 31 or 7 mm berries). ** Residues in wine below LOQ when used as directed. Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd, ABN 87 000 226 022, Level 1, 8 Redfern Road, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123. Technical Enquiries 1800 804 479. crop.bayer.com.au Xivana® is a Registered Trademark of the Bayer Group. BHO0270 51

Crop Protection

FOR EXPERT AGRONOMY ADVICE Whether you are looking for innovation, aim to develop and extend your business, need to understand the latest market forecasts, or want to improve your productivity, the Elders Smart Farmer program can help increase the potential of your farming operation.

To learn more visit elders.com.au or contact your local branch. 52

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smart farmer

Crop Protection

L-R: Elders Graduate Agronomy Cohort 2023 with Elder’s Tech Services Team; Mikaela Jericho (Technical Services Coordinator), Craig Farlow (Technical Services Manager), Graham Page (Head of Technical Services) and Catherine Chenoweth (Technical Services Specialist).

CROP TOUR FOR IDENTIFYING AND COMBATTING GRAPEVINE SCALE PESTS ADAMA Australia recently look Elders graduate agronomist on an eye-opening tour of Barossa Valley to discuss the pests and diseases plaguing South Australian viticulture. Grapevine scale is an emerging pest in South Australia that can greatly affect the viticulture industry when female scale pests position the hatching of their young in spring to coincide with grape vine budburst. Daniel Polson, ADAMA Australia’s Market Developer and Manager for Horticulture in Southern Australia, discussed the importance of young agronomists understanding the key pests and diseases impacting wine grape production. “It is vital to be able to understand the different stages in the lifecycle of pests, this facilitates early identification and increases the likelihood of outbreak control,” said Mr Polson. Discussing the use of available insecticides, such as ADAMA’s Trivor® and Uptown®, including the positioning of their application, Mr Polson hopes crop tours and education will encourage young agronomists to understand and confidently recommend key products to growers in their regions.

“One piece of advice I would give agronomists of today, who have an interest in viticulture, is to watch and understand the climatic conditions involved in the lifecycle of pests” Mr Polson said. Following an insightful vineyard pests and disease identification workshop, the Elders’ agronomy cohort toured ADAMA’s broadacre solution and were able to see the outcome of plot trials, treated with both pre-emergent and post emergent chemistry. Lachlan Mickan, National Horticulture Manager, focused discussions on the application of fungicides and insecticides, as well as market conditions, highlighting the importance industry trials. “Going beyond understanding available products, to really dig down into what does and doesn’t work and not being afraid to ask for help from the greater industry network.”

graduate agronomists having a fully comprehensive understanding of disease and insect management. “Farming faces so many challenges today, including climate variability, market access, resistance management and all the social impacts associated with pesticide use,” Mr Page said. “It’s crucial for our agronomist to have the best knowledge possible to help guide our clients regarding decisions around insect and disease management in order to prioritise both financial and environmental sustainability.” Purchase ADAMA Australia Products To discuss and purchase ADAMA Australia’s range of crop protection products, get in touch with your local Elders branch.

“At the end of the day it is all about these graduates getting the best result for their growers, themselves and ultimately the company they represent.” Graham Page, Head of Agronomy and Technical Services at Elders, spoke about the importance of

Fertilizer

MAXIMISING CROP SUCCESS WITH OMNIRHR® AND BACSTIM® SEED In the world of agriculture, every advantage counts. Maximising crop yield and uniformity while conserving resources and promoting sustainability is the holy grail for farmers worldwide. In this pursuit, two innovative products, OmniRHR® and Bacstim® Seed, have emerged as a dynamic duo that can revolutionise your farming practices and yield remarkable results. OmniRHR® offers a multitude of benefits that significantly improve crop germination and root hydration. Its key advantages include: 1. Enhanced germination: In non-wetting soils, OmniRHR® ensures improved and more even germination. This is particularly crucial for challenging soil conditions, where achieving consistent germination can be difficult. 2. Optimal root hydration: OmniRHR® excels at enhancing root hydration and moisture retention in the seed bed across all soil types. It creates a "wetting bulb" zone around the seed, allowing for better moisture absorption and germination, even in dry starts. 3. Microbial and soil benefits: OmniRHR® contains stimulation of humates, which enhances both microbial and physical soil benefits. This improves soil health and fertility, contributing to the longterm sustainability of your land. 4. Nutrient availability: The product improves nutrient availability and retention in the root zone, ensuring that your crops have access to essential nutrients for growth and 5. Root system growth: Significant levels of humic acid and kelp extract in OmniRHR® promote better root system growth, which is essential for crop establishment. This is particularly beneficial for crops like lupins and canola that often struggle with even establishment.

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The application of OmniRHR® as a liquid in furrow injection at seeding allows it to capture and distribute available moisture efficiently, even through multiple wet/dry cycles. This ensures that your crops receive the moisture they need to thrive, regardless of weather conditions. Bacstim® Seed complements OmniRHR® beautifully by harnessing the power of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria play a crucial role in promoting root growth and overall crop health. Key benefits of Bacstim® Seed include: 1. Phytohormone production: Bacstim® Seed's five strains of Bacillus species produce phytohormones that stimulate root growth. This promotes a robust and healthy root system, essential for nutrient absorption and stress resistance. 2. Nutrient uptake: These bacteria also improve nutrient mineralization and uptake within the root zone, with a particular focus on enhancing phosphorous uptake—a critical nutrient for crop development. 3. Stress resistance: Bacstim® Seed enhances stress resistance in crops, making them more resilient to adverse conditions and ultimately increasing their chances of thriving.

4. Yield enhancement: By promoting crop biomass and yield, Bacstim® Seed helps you achieve the maximum potential of your crops, resulting in a more profitable harvest. 5. Longevity: The spore form of Bacstim® Seed ensures its longevity, providing lasting benefits to your crops throughout their growth cycle. 6. Compatibility: Bacstim® Seed is compatible with fungicides and other nutrient products, allowing you to seamlessly integrate it into your existing farming practices. 7. Ease of application: Applying Bacstim® Seed onto the seed is a straightforward process, making it a practical choice for farmers seeking to maximize their crop potential. The combination of OmniRHR® and Bacstim® Seed represents a powerful synergy that can transform your agricultural operations. OmniRHR® enhances germination and root hydration, while Bacstim® Seed promotes root growth, nutrient uptake, and stress resistance. By using these products together, you can achieve more uniform crops, higher yields, and greater sustainability in your farming practices. Invest in the future of your crops with this winning combination and unlock the full potential of your agricultural endeavours.

Omnia Australia

Section Title

Specialists in Soil Health and Crop Nutrition

WITH THE MOST CONCENTRATED HUMIC ACID ON THE MARKET

The Omnia Range includes: • Australian Made Humates • Biologically Enhanced Foliars • Microbes • Seaweeds • Trace Elements • Unique Crop Solutions • Specialist Agronomists Australia-wide “After conducting a large fully replicated trial for Omnia last season, we produced a very tight data set in which the Bacstim® Seed dressing was the only treatment to produce a significant yield improvement over the control. I would encourage growers to investigate this product on a small part of their program to find where this treatment may fit in their system.”

Grant Thompson

Crop Circle Consulting, Geraldton WA

03 5133 9118

Strong Durable Reliable The Z Tags sheep range features high quality livestock identification tags and application devices designed to adhere to market standards and NLIS national industry compliance. TagFaster Multi-Shot Tags and Applicator streamline your tagging process, making it automatic, simpler, and faster. Offering convenience while adhering to safety regulations, TagFaster Multi-Shot Tags and TagFaster Applicator are the ideal choice for lamb tagging. VISIT US AT ZTAGS.COM 56

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General Merchandise

SIMPLIFY THE MOVE TO EID As new mandatory traceability schemes for sheep and goats come into effect, you may feel the need to adapt quickly. Datamars Livestock’s complete sheep management solutions support you to meet traceability requirements and realise added value from your farm data. Ultimately, you can make better, more informed decisions, acting where necessary to improve the health and performance of your stock, and the profitability of your operation. The Datamars Livestock range of TruTest indicators, EID stick readers, Z Tags’ visual & EID tags and Prattley animal handling solutions are an important part of your livestock management toolkit, as you manage these growing demands for traceability.

industry compliance. TagFaster MultiShot Tags and the TagFaster Applicator streamline your tagging process, making it automatic, simpler, and faster. The NLIS approved multi -shot tags are supplied in strips of 20 and the ergonomic and lightweight design of the applicator ensures fast and easy application. Offering convenience while adhering to safety regulations, TagFaster Multi-Shot Tags and the TagFaster Applicator are the ideal choice for lamb tagging.

The Z Tags sheep range features high quality livestock identification tags and application devices designed to adhere to market standards and NLIS national

Get your sheep EID solutions 57

General Merchandise

NORTON BY GALLAGHER IS AN INTEGRATED CATTLE WEIGHING SOLUTION After acquiring Norton Livestock Handling Solutions in late 2022, Gallagher Australia has now launched an integrated cattle weighing solution to support Australian farmers. Norton was founded in 1989 and has a strong reputation in southeast Australia for its high-quality, Australian-made sheep and cattle handling equipment, farm gates, and portable and permanent yards. Now owned by Gallagher, the brand is ready to supply its premium solutions Australia-wide, with the full support and service capabilities of the Gallagher Australia team. Norton by Gallagher is a range of integrated crush solutions from two longstanding agriculture brands in Australia, presenting farmers with an innovative and premium solution for livestock data collection and animal health and traceability. The first solution in this range is the Norton by Gallagher Weigh-Ready Crush. This solution turns Norton’s premium Cattle Crushes into collection points where livestock can be weighed, treated, drafted, and have information collected safely and easily.

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At the top of the range, the Norton by Gallagher Super Heavy Duty Vet Squeeze Weigh-Ready Crush is made in Australia, built specifically for Australian farming conditions from long-lasting galvanised steel. With a full vet section for easy-access treating, and a parallel side squeeze operation for safe animal management, the Super Heavy Duty Weigh-Ready Crush is a simple but premium product. In addition to this, Norton by Gallagher are introducing two more Weigh-Ready crush products, plus an Economy Crush product to cater to a wide range of Australian cattle farmers. All WeighReady crushes come with an inbuilt floor, weigh scale swing arm, and EID antenna bracket to make it easy to add EID scanning equipment and load bars to weigh animals. The Gallagher Animal Performance & Traceability product range is all compatible with the Weigh-Ready crush, creating a holistic solution that enables farmers to scan EID tags, collect and capture data on their livestock, and weigh and treat cattle all in one central location. This is a huge time-saver for farmers who want to increase the data

collection capability and accuracy of their business, and invest in a safer, simpler livestock handling solution. Mark Bennett, Business Development Manager for Animal Handling at Gallagher said the team is excited to release a range of thoughtfully designed Weigh-Ready Cattle Crushes that allow farmers to maximise the profitability of their farm. “Norton by Gallagher is an effective solution, sold only through rural resellers, that caters to the dataconscious farmer who wants to simplify their operations and make all-in-one cattle weighing and treating safe and simple. It provides the rural reseller network with a unique opportunity to capture the combined margin offering of a full weighing and data capture solution and a crush,” he said. With a strong team of sales and support staff placed across the country, Gallagher is well positioned to provide top-notch customer service, no matter how remote your business.

Seed

WeighReady Cattle Crushes available now

Norton by Gallagher Cattle Crushes Easily and accurately weigh and manage your animals A durable and high-performing solution that safely weighs cattle, and maximises the data collection capabilities of your business.

Find out more by speaking with your Territory Manager.

am.gallagher.com 1800 425 524 59

Seed

Don’t risk

lousy sheep

TREAT YOUR FLOCK WITH AUSTRALIA’S SMARTEST LICE PROTECTION

Use Fennec® Pour-On for Sheep

Two actives > one powerful kill = peace of mind 4 5 weeks protection against reinfestation* 4 The combined power of 2 actives to fight lice resistance 4 Easy flow pour-on application and rainfast formulation

For more information, visit fennecpouron.com.au or your local rural store. See product label for full claim details and directions for use. *When applied within 24 hours of shearing. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 53 071 187 285. Level 1, 78 Waterloo Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Toll Free 1800 808 691. ®FENNEC is a registered trademark of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group. All rights reserved. AU-OVI-0041-2023

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Animal Health

LICE CONTROL FRONT OF MIND FOR PRODUCERS More Australian sheep producers are rotating their lice treatments due to concerns about resistance, according to new industry research. Yet fewer producers reported resistance to lice control products in 2018 compared to 15 years earlier. These lice treatment statistics were just some of the findings from a recently published Australian research paper that surveyed sheep producers from 2003 to 2019 to better understand the prevalence of sheep lice and trends in control practices. The study, published in the Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports Journal in January 2022, surveyed Australian sheep farmers in 2003, 2011, and 2018 to investigate a problem that was said to cost the Australian sheep industry $81 million a year in 2015. Concerns about resistance to lice control treatments was an ongoing theme throughout the survey responses during the 15 years of research. The published paper highlighted findings that treatment failures may lead to increased resistance to lice control products. “Failure to eradicate lice is often not due to resistance, but rather due to inadequate treatment or failure to treat every sheep on the property,” the report said. “However, any treatment failure may expose lice to low levels of pesticide which may increase resistance in surviving lice, so rotation of products is recommended where lice have not been eradicated. If lice are eradicated, then the use of a different product next time

treatment is used will not increase the risk of resistance to multiple products, since this will be a new infestation.” According to this research, rotation of lice control treatments was the most important change to sheep management practices in 2018. This followed concern expressed in a similar 2011 survey about resistance to specific products and a wish to preserve the efficacy of current products. For example, in the 2018 survey, there was a 15 per cent increase in respondents who suspected resistance on their farm to neonicotinoids. However, only 8 per cent of respondents reported suspected resistance to lice control products in 2018, down from a peak of 26 per cent in 2003. Boehringer Ingelheim Cattle and Sheep Technical Manager Dr Gareth Kelly said survey results show how far the industry has progressed when it comes to preventing lice resistance. However, there were obviously some farmers who were still concerned about resistance to some lice control actives – specifically the newer actives. He said this highlighted the need for continued lice control strategies such as rotating treatments and the adoption of combination products. “Farmers have been spoilt over the past decade with multiple actives to choose from when it comes to treating lice,” he said. “It’s easy to forget that resistance was once a problem – like when this survey first started in 2003 – and the industry has already lost two unique actives to lice resistance,” Dr Kelly said.

Biosecurity – lice infections from stray or purchased sheep – was the number one cause of recurring lice infestations in 2018, according to the sheep producers interviewed for this research. Dr Kelly said farmers had long been advised of the benefits of treatment rotation in preventing chemical resistance, but it wasn’t until recently that Australian sheep producers had access to a lice treatment with two active ingredients formulated into a single pour-on product. Boehringer Ingelheim’s Fennec Pour-On for Sheep is Australia’s first lice treatment that includes the active ingredients imidacloprid and abamectin. Both active ingredients cause paralysis of lice but do it in different ways. Dr Kelly said this was the key to avoiding resistance. “History has shown that sheep lice are highly capable of developing resistance to single active lousicides,” he said. “The use of combination products can decrease the chance of resistance building up because the two actives do not have a common resistance pathway. This is important as it is less likely that lice will develop resistance to either active when used together than to one of them alone, which in turn can slow the onset of resistance on a farm.”

Crop Protection

PRECISE INSECTICIDE TIMING REAPS EXPORT SUCCESS With a strong focus on improving citrus fruit quality for the export market, Rolf Swart says precise timing and correct coverage with crop protection applications remains a key to success. When it comes to preventing damage from citrus mealybug, red scale and other sucking pests, he says taking action early with an insecticide, at 100 per cent petal fall, is ideal. Rolf is a senior horticultural agronomist with Hillston Citrus Operations Pty Ltd, which operates around 1600 hectares of citrus crops on properties near Griffith and Hillston in New South Wales, Mildura on the Victorian border and Emerald in Queensland. The bulk of the citrus crops comprises navel oranges and mandarins.

Rolf Swart, Senior Horticultural Agronomist with Hillston Citrus Operations Pty Ltd, says to prevent damage from citrus mealybug, red scale and other sucking pests, taking action early with an insecticide, at 100 per cent petal fall, is ideal.

With 24 years of experience in export citrus crops in South Africa prior to working in the agribusiness industry locally, Rolf identified a significant opportunity to improve citrus quality for the export market.

“When we started applying Trivor, there was quite a bit of red scale and mealybug, but it cleaned it up in the first year. We do it proactively and preventatively to get the best bang for buck and we can then address any other issues later, but we are yet to have any.

He said part of that approach involved seeking an insecticide that would have a perfect fit at 100 per cent petal fall to control a wide spectrum of pests including citrus mealybug, red scale, soft brown scale, light brown apple moth and citrus leafminer, and that insecticide was Trivor®.

“It is a very important fit for us, is very effective and contributes a hell of a lot in our endeavour to produce high quality export fruit. Our finished product is completely free of red scale and mealybug.’’

“There is nothing better in the market at this stage. It is an investment, but it is the best value product for that market sector. We know it works, and nothing is as expensive as a product that doesn’t work, even the cheap ones,’’ Rolf said. Developed by ADAMA, Trivor is a unique Group 4A and 7C insecticide containing the active ingredients acetamiprid and pyriproxyfen, also making it a vital tool for resistance management programs. Acetamiprid provides rapid knockdown and pyriproxyfen offers extended residual control, while the combination also has proven to have excellent crop safety in all citrus varieties and, if applied early in the season, has little impact on beneficial and non-target insects.

He said there had been many instances of resistance to other insecticides in the industry over the years and in order to protect current effective products, it was crucial to apply at the proper coverage. “We cannot afford the build-up of resistant insect populations due to poor coverage – that is how you destroy good chemistry.’’ “Many people are under the impression that cheap alternative, old chemistry products work well on red scale and mealybug because these pests appear on the label, whereas in reality, since the time of registration, insects may already have developed resistance, rendering the products much less effective.’’

“It is all about timing and we like to get in early and get it done – and we rely on it heavily,’’ Rolf said.

Rolf said they found Trivor to be highly compatible and had successfully mixed it with azoxystrobin and gibberellic acid, as well as other products.

“We spray at 100 per cent petal fall to control the early crawler movement of sucking insects, and while we may still apply the odd corrective spray for random flights of certain lepidoptera pests, we achieve red scale and mealybug control for the rest of the season, and we don’t have to come back later.

He said the insecticide had not been used widely in their region and they were initially cautioned over its use within the industry, however after two years of successful applications, without any pest repercussions, their strategy was now also being embraced by other citrus growers.

“We like it because it is translaminar and long lasting, and, if applied properly, we get good coverage of the fruit, including access under the calyx.

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Animal Health

Trivor

Beauty that’s more than skin deep.

Trivor sets a new benchmark

• Protects fruit quality and marketable yield from damage

for the management of

• Rapid knockdown control and extended residual protection

key insect pests in citrus, including scales, mealybugs,

• Two modes of action (Group 4A/7C) for superior efficacy and resistance management

Light brown apple moth,

• Highly compatible with other insecticides and fungicides

Kelly’s citrus thrips & fruit flies*

Scan here for more information

• An ideal rotation partner for existing chemistry

INSECTICIDE *Refer to registered label. ®Registered trademarks of an ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Company.

Animal Health

Suction filter cleaned with All Clear DS.

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You’ll stick with Because little else does! When it comes to removing damaging residues from your boom sprayer, All Clear DS outperforms other tank cleaners on the widest range of products.

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Low foam

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SURFACTANTS DETERGENTS SEQUESTRANTS To solubilise To lock up To physically and break molecules remove residues down residues and improve and stop rinse out re-sticking

®Registered trademark. 231018