Phone: (03) 5135 4444
February, 2022
Setting the standard Warragul’s Kylee Paull has retrained a former harness racing performer Whisky Business into a barrel racer with great effect. The pair have been recently selected as Harness Racing Victoria Hero Ambassadors. FULL STORY - PAGE 4
photograph michelle slater
JARRING SHORTAGES By MICHELLE SLATER
LOCAL jam and chutney makers are being stymied by COVID supply chain shortages as glass jars and lids are becoming hot property, with demand outstripping supplies. Bairnsdale not-for-profit Banksia Fine Foods is struggling to source enough jars for its oils, sauce, jam and chutney range as orders are taking longer to fill and deliveries are being delayed. Sales coordinator Christie Seear said they
Your Stock ...
were evaluating what the shortages could mean for the business, which could impact production and certain products getting out to customers. Banksia Fine Foods is employs local people living with disabilities, and supplies local cafes and smaller supermarkets with its locally produced condiments. Ms Seear said they were ordering jars from a Melbourne supplier, but orders were being backlogged due to staff shortages or import delays.
She said they sourced most of their fresh ingredients locally, which so far had not been a problem, however there had been further delays procuring imported spices. “People are double ordering as they are afraid they will miss out, but this also leaves less for others. We won’t be able to make some lines if we can’t get jars,” Ms Seear said. “This may impact some café menus that use our ingredients. We are putting plans in place to see how we can adjust to
things. We are trying to do the best we can.” Bairnsdale-based sauce maker Grandpa Baileys has also found the situation had worsened in the past month with glass bottles and jars becoming harder to import. Grandpa Baileys owner Carolyn Richards said she either had to over-capitalise by ordering a pallet, or wait a month for a smaller order to come in. Continued on page 9
Australia’s most trusted rural brand
64 Main Street, Yinnar CONTACT BRE RETT ETT T
5163 1262
GP1637985
Real Estate Greg Tuckett 0428 826 600
Doben Park SHORTHORNS
EST. 1977
Shorthorn Bulls AVAIL ABLE
1387 OLD SALE RD. BULN BULN
DOUG 0407 343 966 SANDY 0409 074 291
GP1638116
Your livestock cut and packed to your requirements
GP1636136
...Your Way
! ! !
! !
!
! !
2
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
! !
February, 2022
RURAL NEWS
Blueberry farm’s award triumph
By MICHELLE SLA LATER A
A MOONDAR ARR RR RA A blueberr rry ry far arm r has been recognised for tackl kling l single-use plastics while producing top-shelf organ anic n fru ruit. u Moondar arr rra r Blueberr rri ries i won the Best Grown wn n category ry y in the Eat Easy responsiible food d award ds for devellopiing fully compostable packaging and for growing certified organic fruit. The East Easy judge described the product as “quite simply the best blueberries in the world. Outstanding packaging and environmental awareness as well”. Business manager Kate Prezioso said the small family-owned farm was eliminating plastics going into landfill by developing a punnet that could be chucked into a backyard compost bin. Ms Prezioso said the old single use PET plastic punnets met the farm’s organic certification requirements, but often ended up in landfill. She said Moondarra Berries used to generate 2000 kilograms of plastic within a single harvest season, before it changed to the new sustainable packaging. “It was important for the farm develop packaging in line with our organic credentials,” Ms Prezioso said. “We wanted something that could be fully-compostable and go back to the earth. Greenwashing was not something we were interested in.” Moondarra Blueberries was formed about 40 years ago and was an early adopter of organic practices in Australia, producing about 15-tonnes of berries a year. The farm sells its products at organic shops, fruiterers, cafes, restaurants, cafes and farmers markets. But Ms Prezioso said customers had already been asking for environmentally-friendly punnets and
The family behind Moondarra Blueberries, which was formed about 40 years ago and an early adopter of organic practices in Australia.
were willing to pay a bit more to lower their footprint. She said they teamed-up with a New Zealand company that could make fully-compostable bio plastics from eucalyptus on a sugar cane base, which then created humus when it broke down. “The company said they had a compostable product that they hadn’t used before as there was no demand for it,” Ms Prezioso said. “Single use plastic is such a big problem and all of a sudden we found something that could work, this was brilliant. It was such a big deal to find this product.”
The farm is now trying to work with the same company to develop a freezer-friendly compostable container for its frozen berry range. Ms Prezioso said she hoped for larger berry producers and supermarket giants to jump aboard the new packaging. “We are only 0.1 per cent of the blueberry industry in Australia, there are other berry producers bigger than us, and we want to convince other growers to go down this route,” she said. “If all of them did, then plastic would not go into landfill.”
Wellington Livestock
‘Where loyality counts’ LIVE WEIGHT BUYING
Monday – Denison, Tuesday – South Gippsland, Wednesday - Yarram Wellington Livestock offers the services of experienced stockmen who are able to: 3 Attend to your property for mustering of livestock (dairy or beef cattle) 3 Draft and drench your livestock 3 Mark k callves 3 Scan and weigh cattle www.wellingtonlivestock.com 3 Suggest future marketing options
GP1637788
Office: 0429 445 461
Steven Boulton: Clayton Kelly: Peter Rosenberg: Mathew Boulton:
February, 2022
0428 445 461 0421 166 704 0429 427 811 0409 926 296
Ben Boulton: 0488 445 467 Zac Gleeson: 0431 304 017 Travis Sutton: 0438 893 494 Gary Sisely: 0419 309 769
PRIME CATTLE, EXPORTS, CULL COWS & BULLS GOING WEEKLY WE CURRENTLY HAVE NUMEROUS ORDERS THAT NEED FILLING! THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
3
RURAL NEWS
Focus on the field, not the office THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) annual report shows it has substantially increased the number of senior executives in its ranks while cutting vital field staff over the past financial year. Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull said “at a time when an enormous amount of work still needs to be done in relation to the extraordinarily slow fire response over the past two years, it’s disappointing to learn front line numbers have been cut and office jobs have increased”. Senior DELWP of ficials were unable to fully explain a loss of 133 full-time equivalent field staff across the financial year when questioned recently
at Parliament’s Public Accounts and Estimates Committee. “The department’s annual report shows there has been a steady erosion in numbers of frontline staff employed to deliver vital services on the ground,” Mr Bull said. “Rural communities are frustrated by the government’s failure to carry out basic weed and pest control. “Instead of employing yet more people to write citycentric policies and put out social media, it should be investing in the frontline staff tasked with managing public land. The last thing we need is more bureaucrats and executives when there is so much crucial work to be done within DELWP’s scope.” ABOVE: Whisky Business during his harness racing career. BELOW: He is better known as Minty and along with owner Kylee Paull has been selected as Harness Racing Victoria Hero Ambassadors. photographs supplied and michelle slater
Your Kylee and Minty are most effective way to reach setting the standard Gippsland Farmers
For more than 40 years Gippsland Farmer has reported on a range of Agricultural industry issues including Dairy, Beef, Horticulture, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Organic South G farming and Viticulture. far Eas ippsland to Gippsland Farmer also features t MonthlyGippsland Gippsland sport, latest machinery for updates, a livestock market report 40 Yea over and major Rural events including rs Farm World and East Gippsland Field days. Gippsland Farmer is the most directly tl penetrating t ti costt effective ff ti medium for advertisers to reach their target market every month. Gippsland Farmer is produced and published by Latrobe Valley Express partnership and printed by Express Print based in Morwell Victoria.
Delive
red
FREE
15,200 copies each month direct to Rural Gippsland FREE! Th
n’s e regio
Priint Date is the 1st Wednesday of each month
t highes ng ti circula rural n atio public
For all advertising enquiries please contact
Janeen Brown
Direct Line: (03) 5135 4403
Paula Hansen
Direct Line: (03) 5135 4437 Email: farmerads@lvexpress.com.au Addresss: 21 George Street, Morwell, Victoria 3840
By MICHELLE SLATER
WARRAGUL horsewoman Kylee Paull is proving how versatile her ex-harness racing horse is off the track with her Standardbred gelding Minty who has become a top novelties mount. The pair have been selected as Harness Racing Victoria Hero Ambassadors, to promote retirement pathways for Standardbreds exiting racing. Ms Paull said Minty was only one of two Standardbreds involved in the Sporting Horse Association, taking part in mixed novelty events and cowboy sports. The rider comes from a harness racing family and bred Minty with her father, but decided to keep him due to his great nature when she found out how versatile he was. The 12-year-old former trotter who raced under the name Whisky Business had a fairly ordinary career on the racetrack after 50 starts, with one win in a ridden Monte race. Minty has since proven himself as champion in the world of western sports, taking on the more traditional breeds of quarter horses and stockhorses. The pair recently took part in the Gippsland Super Horse Challenge in Trafalgar, taking part in whip cracking, bareback obstacle, showjumping, time trial, dry pattern, barrel race and a campdraft. Ms Paull said she gets “a few funny looks” from other competitors turning up with a Standardbred, but people cheer for Minty when he can get a cow around a course.
He has also been successful in the show ring by taking home a blue ribbon at the Melbourne Royal, and has had crack at endurance riding. “He is one horse who does everything. He has great manners and character, he is always wonderful to have around. He has a general willingness to give anything a try,” Ms Paull said. “He is a little firecracker and he likes to go fast, he is not a plodder. He is already going before you ask him to go.” Ms Paull has been selected to represent Australia in the US after qualifying for the world barrel racing finals on Minty, who was named 2020 sporting horse rookie of the year. Ms Paul is encouraging others to consider taking on a Standardbred, and is currently eyeing re-homing on a new one off the track. “Maybe people put them in them in the too hard basket as they take a bit of work, but they are so versatile and quiet as they deal with so much when they are racing, they are virtually bomb-proof,” she said.
" * , *-*.
- " "
4
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
# # ' ' & )$ ) # & %! + # , $
( # ' ' & )$ ( & & # , $ )
" ( "
!
GP1630942
February, 2022
RURAL NEWS
Reg Fazzani out the front of Mirabilia Castle, which he built himself in Willung South. The property attracting expressions of interest ahead of sale. photograph liam durkin
Castle is for sale By LIAM DURKIN
MIRABILIA Castle in Willung South is on the market. The castle is situated off the Hyland Highway just a short drive from Gormandale, and sits on five-and-a-half acres overlooking the bushland below. The castle boasts everything seen in a movie, from arch window sills to parapet towers, as well as a great hall. Builder and occupant Reg Fazzani has again listed the property, after previous attempts to sell in 2016 and 2018 saw it linger on the market for a total of 579 days. The property has been listed with Ray
White Rural, which reported inquiries from across the state. It is anticipated buyers will need to fork out at least $1.5 million for the castle. The 86-year-old pensioner said last year that he didn’t see himself living out his final days at Mirabilia, as he looked to downsize. Mr Fazzani has lived quite an extraordinary life, building not one but three castles without any formal training in building or bricklaying. He has described castle building as “just like building a giant Lego set”. Mirabilia Castle is located at 2638 Hyland Highway.
Real Estate
Australia’s most trusted rural brand Elders Sale and Yarram
Elders Yarram
Greg Tuckett
Dean Foat
GP1638109
Elders Korumburra/Leongatha
Don Olden
0417 805 312 February, 2022
Katrina Griggs
0428 571 083
0428 826 600
0488 732 181 THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
5
RURAL NEWS
The verdict: Imogen is a superb judge By MICHELLE SLATER
Nilma farmer Imogen Steiner won the VAS dairy cattle judging final at IDW. photograph supplied
A NILMA dairy farmer has shown she has a good eye for a cow when she won the top judging award at International Dairy Week in Tatura last month. Imogen Steiner won the Victorian Agricultural Shows Dairy Cattle Judging Competition at IDW against six other competitors, paving her way to the national titles at the Sydney Royal in April. The top showie also came home with a broad sash on the 12-year-old Ayrshire Shady Maiden who won grand champion in show, owned with her partner Karl Munden. Ms Steiner had only moved to Australia a year ago to be with her partner where they milk 600 Ayrshire, Holsteins, Jersey and Brown Swiss cows on Munden farms. She grew up with dairy cattle in the lush hills near Waikato and went on to become a senior Ayrshire judge in New Zealand. “I’m on cloud nine, this was my first judging win in Australia. It was daunting at first, especially being a Kiwi as I didn’t have a lot of Australian judging under my belt,” Ms Steiner said. “This will give me a boost to judge more cattle in Australia and I may start to travel internationally for judging appointments.” Ms Steiner had to judge sets of four cows in three classes, looking at Holsteins, Guernseys and Ayrshires. She was assessed by over judge Ben Govett who was looking at how she placed her cattle in a line up as well as her explainer notes on why she made these decisions. “They were very difficult classes to judge as they were very similar animals and there were not a lot of points between them, but I placed them the way I saw them and on what I enjoy seeing in a cow,” Ms Steiner said.
International DairyWeek senior champion Ayrshire class with judge Mark Patullo, Imogen Steiner, Karl Munden and Kelly Bleijendaal holding winner Magic Park Shady Maiden. photograph brooke somerville
“I like to see a lot of capacity in my cows, with a lot of heart room. I also like to see veins in the udder, a nice udder attachment and strong ligaments. “It’s about the style of the animal, the more correct or if it fits my vision of a perfect dairy cow.” Ms Steiner said it was important to have expert judges in the industry to help farmers make important breeding choices for the animals. “We need to get this right as it influences the industry as a whole,” she said.
Ms Steiner said breeding and showing Ayrshires had always been a hobby, stating the breed handled the steep terrain in her home country. She said her top show cow Shady Maiden had recently won Supreme Exhibit at the Sale All Breeds Spectacular before winning the grand champion at IDW. “She is a tremendous cow for a 12-yearold. She has beautiful venation, she is a long and balanced dairy cow and she has a lot of style. When she walks in the ring, she owns it,” she said.
" " #! ! ! # ! ! #! " ! ! !" ! ! !
GP1634176
6
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
February, 2022
RURAL NEWS
Melinda Darer is helping to tackle unregulated farm cat colonies.
photograph supplied
Mel’s menagerie is a labour of love By MICHELLE SLATER
YARRAM animal lover Melinda Darer is working with local farmers to help manage and control cat colonies in barns, sheds and dairies. Ms Darer has recently registered her notfor-profit animal rescue service Mel and the Menagerie on the back of her career as a vet nurse, helping to tackle unregulated cat breeding on farms. Ms Darer said she was working in conjunction with larger animal rescue organisations and local vet clinics to help de-sex farm cats and re-home kittens. “Often cats are kept on farms to keep mouse populations down in feed sheds, but there can be a lax attitude if they are left unregulated to breed, or they get sick and are left untreated,” she said. “Sometimes they are left to go feral and take off into the bush to breed which is catastrophic for native animals, or there is in-breeding which brings its own set of issues.” Ms Darer said she often hears about unwanted farm cats being shot or drowned, or left with feline infectious peritonitis - a
disease that spreads through colonies and leads to a slow and painful death. “I’ve also seen necrotic abscesses in cats or eye issues that have not been dealt with,” she said. “We try to have a good relationship with the owners, if we hear about a pregnant cat we give the owners a call and ask if we can come and catch it. “We take the kittens to rehome and de-sex the adult and return it so they still have a dairy cat. I try to be mindful and offer help, some people are open to it, others are not as accepting.” Ms Darer said some cats will come up for food, while others need catching in a humane trap before being sent off for treatment. She said so far, she had worked with about 20 farms in the past six years, but was looking to work with more farmers. “I would love for local councils to offer initiatives for farmers and to promote a culture change,” she said. “There should be more options for farmers who want to manage their cats and for these animals to receive vet care.”
RUSSELL NORTHE MLA
Member for Morwell
As your representative in the Victoria an Parliament, please know my staff and I are here to assist you u, your family or your business whether it be in response to the COVID-19 pandemic or an issue or idea relating to public transsport, roads, schools, employment and/or any other State Governm ment related matter. My staff and I are happy to provide you with information relating to available Government programs and grants, or assist in the recognition of individual, family and d business milestone events. So feel free to drop into our office e at 12 George Street, Morwell or give us a calll on (03) 5133 9088.
RUSSELL NORTHE MLA
Member for Morwell
12-14 George Street, Morwell VIC 3840 / PO Box 214, Morwell VIC 3840 p. 03 5133 9088 | f. 03 5133 9388 | e. russell.northe@parliament.vic.gov.au w. www.russellnorthe.com.au Authorised by Russell Northe, 12-14 George Street, Morwell VIC 3840. Funded from Parliamentary Budget.
February, 2022
Yes Optus, Bairnsdale, Sale, Traralgon, Mid Valley and Warragul Optus Family Plan offer ends 9/1/22. New and recontracting customers only. Not available with other discount offers. Discount forfeited if you cancel or recontract. Postcode eligibility applies. Full T&Cs at optus.com.au/local-offer
GP1637992
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
7
RURAL NEWS
Lamb ad to reunite us
MEAT & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) highlyanticipated Australian Lamb Summer Campaign is back in a new TV commercial that celebrates Australia reuniting with the rest of the world after years of isolation. An Australian tradition, the annual lamb campaigns have built a strong legacy of highly topical advertising and thoughtprovoking creative content, which continue to generate widespread conversation and subsequent publicity for Australian lamb. The campaign also encourages Lamb purchases when shoppers are making their key protein choice across retail and food service environments. Building on the ‘Share the Lamb’ brand platform, the six-week integrated campaign reflects upon how Australia has become isolated from the rest of the world due to strict international border closures during the pandemic. MLA Domestic market manager Graeme Yardy said the advert was a reminder that Australia is a country not to be forgotten and we see heart-warming reunions as returning travellers make their way back to sunnier climates and lamb barbies. “Each year the ‘Share the Lamb’ brand gives us a great opportunity to showcase how the unmistakeable flavour and aroma of lamb brings Aussie’s together, even through the very toughest of times,” he said. “In 2021 we were all about breaking down state borders, but this year we’re ready to finally open back up to the rest of the world, and what better way to issue the invite than with tasty Australian Lamb. “The advert will appear on national TV with placements during the Australian Open and the campaign will feature across path to purchase out-of-home, online video and social platforms. “To keep lamb top of mind and drive purchases in store, the campaign will also connect with consumers with a presence in major retail environments including Coles, Woolworths, IGA, Costco, Drakes, ALDI and butcher stores. Product-focused digital screens, catalogue, magazines, digital assets and point of sale activity will deliver meal inspiration and drive purchase in store. “Food service partnerships with Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, Australian Venue Co. and Pegasus Leisure Group will showcase a delicious range of lamb dishes on menus to further drive sales.
Got news to share? Do you have an agricultural story to share with the Gippsland Farmer? Share your story with journalist Michelle Slater by phoning 5135 4444.
GP1638112
GP1637794
8
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
February, 2022
RURAL NEWS
Grandpa Baileys owner Carolyn Richards said she had been affected by the supply chain shortage on glass jars and bottles. photograph supplied VFF senior farm safety advisor John Darcy (right) and farm safety advisor Richard Versteegen. photograph supplied
Safety at heart of new VFF website THE Victorian Farmers Federation has launched a new safety website. VFF president Emma Germano said the launch of the new website would complement the Making Our Farms Safer project. “Keeping ourselves, our family members, and employees safe on our farms is of the most crucial importance in our businesses. This website aims to act as a one-stop information hub for farm safety information,” Ms Germano said. “We are fortunate to be providing this free service to not only VFF Members, but to all Victorian farmers as part of the Victorian government’s commitment to address safety and skill development in the agricultural sector.” The Making Our Farms Safer project launched in April 2020. It provides dedicated safety specialists offering support, up-skilling and guidance to all Victorian Farmers.
It is delivered through the provision of farm visits, community meetings, a monthly newsletter and a toolkit of handbooks and resources to assist and educate farmers on implementing and maintaining safety on their farms. VFF senior farm safety advisor John Darcy said they were 100 per cent committed to making the industry safer. “We want to be the best, most trusted source in the industry, we want to provide Farmers with a positive, educational and constructive process,” Mr Darcy said. “Working alongside fellow farm safety advisor Richard Versteegen, we will travel to any farm in Victoria to offer our expertise.” You can visit the Making Our Farms Safer website at makingourfarmssafer.org.au or if you would like to engage with a farm safety advisor you can call 1300 882 833 or email mofs@vff.org.au
Supply chain issues resulting in jarring problem for businesses Continued from page 1
Ms Richards said the situation highlighted the importance of local manufacturing and the need to make more glass jars and bottles in Australia. “If we can’t get jars it means we can’t make a particular product, I tell people there are delays with suppliers. In the past two months it’s been harder to get smaller quantities,” she said. “I’ve been trying to keep an open mind and I’m thinking about how to move away from glass to fully recycled materials and find alternative packaging.” It comes as major supermarket shoppers faced empty shelves as the duopolies were hit with supply disruptions through distribution centres due staff being down with COVID. Lucke’s Fresh Food Market in Bairnsdale stocks both Grandpa Baileys and Banksia Fine Food lines, as well as other Gippsland made or grown products. Store manager Michael Gleeson said they had been struggling to keep the shelves stocked with some specialty lines from Melbourne, along with bottled products and fresh chicken. However, he said items such as locally processed meat, eggs and fresh vegetables were so far not a problem.
The Grandpa Baileys line of products are popular throughout the Gippsland region. photograph supplied
“Generally our deliveries are okay, but it’s slowing down a bit. It may take a day or two later as companies have people out with COVID, they may cut back to three or four days instead of five,” he said.
! # " #
" !
# ! "
" ! ! ! # # " #
) * /!,!,00 ) 3 *. * *.& ) 5 2 . # ). # . ) * " )*& . 2 3 . 5 . ) )& -4 1 * . .*& ** ) * ) 5 2 3 . . #1) * 3 ) 66 ) !666 - ) " * 8" - " & '7 ) * 2 .. ). . ##) 2 )* $/' 5 )* *.) . .) % ) 1* ** #1)# * * *1 . . ) . ##) 2 . "99(* * ) . & $ 6&66 *. * . % . ) * . * 4 1* * ## 5& ) * 7 * #) 2 5 " 9 9 .5 9 . 06 !6! + 0 6 6& : * * 3 3 . #. 4.) ** ) *&
February, 2022
! " ! # " ! #
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
GP1636499
9
RURAL NEWS
Keeping wild dog management on the agenda in East Gippsland KEEPING ongoing wild dog control front and centre in Victoria’s Gippsland district has been a decade long concern for cattle producer Ken Skews. Ken was among the producers spearheading the formation of the Ensay Community Wild Dog Control Group which coined the phrase: “Get sheep back to Ensay”. It has been a long journey for him and his wife Kym as they lost their sheep enterprise along the way, but Ken believes keeping that on-ground industry investment strong is vital, and he has worked hard to influence departmental policy over the years for the benefit of landholders. He recently retrofitted an existing wild dog exclusion fence (four hot wires and three plain) with three wires on top to exclude feral deer and kangaroos from neighbouring crown land. “Our wild dog problem is now almost non-existent,” he said. “Ten years ago, nobody talked about anything but dogs, even the weeds were pushed off the agenda. “It was nothing to see a pack of wild dogs wandering across our property in the middle of the day. They were all over the district. “We were running sheep but in the end we gave up as we couldn’t keep them alive.” Ken, along with other Gippsland producers, tell their stories on a series of videos on exclusion fencing and mental well-being produced by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning under the DeFence project. The DeFence project involved the National Wild Dog Action Plan, East Gippsland Shire Council, East Gippsland Landcare,
Although many landholders now have exclusion fencing and/or switched to cattle, Ken Skews continues to keep wild dog control front and centre in the district. photograph supplied
Australian Wool Innovation and Department Environment, Land, Water and Planning. The mental anguish over dealing with maimed and dead stock remains raw for Ken. “It does your head in – I would go out at dusk, dawn, midnight, 3am, and anytime and never see a wild dog, but come back in the morning and there would be dead lambs. “We lost over 100 marked lambs in a six-week period…the dogs were that bold.
“When they were at their worst, the only way we could keep the sheep alive was to bring them into the orchard at the back of the house each night.” Ken worked with the professional wild dog controllers on baiting and trapping. Frustration over the lack of baiting on crown land and follow-up on reporting activity saw Ken and other producers, as part of the Ensay Community Wild Dog Action Group, take the issue directly to the Minister for Agriculture to enact change.
“These were two important breakthroughs for us. We were really up against it as basically it came down to if you had a good dogman, you were OK,” he said. “There are five landholders along the interface here and we have 33 GPS-marked baiting sites along the edge of the bush to keep the system in place.” Although many landholders now have exclusion fencing and/or switched to cattle, Ken continues to keep wild dog control front and centre in the district. “We are all still actively baiting, and our wild dog controller keeps us informed on wild dog activity,” he said. “There haven’t been any wild dog attacks around here for a long time but there is evidence of activity not far out in the bush.” He feels producers must constantly defend their social licence around wild dog control and biodiversity. “There is a mindset among some of the people critical of baiting wild dogs that farmers want to kill all the dogs – we don’t want to kill all the wild dogs, we just don’t want the dogs to come onto our properties killing our stock.”
GP1633412
10
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
February, 2022
! , & , " ! %+ / ', ,( '+-* 1(- * '(, ('%1 * 1 (* ,! +-&& * &(',!+ ! -, ,!(+ %(' 1+ "' ,! * (& (*, % (' + ) * ,(* (& (*, "+ *"," % (&)(' ', /! ' ", (& + ,( ,,"' ,! #( (' *" !, ,! 0) *" ' , & , " ! %+ /"%% '+-* 1(-* & !"' "+ '(, ('%1 /(*$"' ,( -%% ) ",1 -, "+ * 1 (* /! , . * (' ","('+ 1(- ,!*(/ , ", (', , (-* *" ' %1 , & ,( 1 ,( (($ 1(-* & !"' "' ' ! . 1(-* "* (' ","('"' + *." 1 ,! 0) *" ' , & , " ! %+ ( /1 ( & !('
-%%( ! , (' % !('
%% * , *' ! & % (& !('
' -+,*" % , ** (' !('
/// &" ! %+ *(-) ' , GP1637797
February, 2022
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
11
Money Matters GP1637803
SUCCESSION FOR PROGRESSION RETIRE HAPPILY WHILST TRANSITIONING THE FAMILY AND FARM BUSINESS TO THE NEXT GENERATION
Making plans for the New Year? Why not start on the most important plan of all - retirement and succession – otherwise what are you working so hard for? Navigating this subject can have its complexities. Every plan is as different and diverse as there are family dynamics. Often the financial and emotional issues; inter-family relationships; family law implications; potential arguments; and personal connection to the land can cause you to avoid it all together. No matter what the family dynamic, planning for succession doesn’t need to be a difficult process if given time and communicated well - where everyone has a clear understanding of what is going to happen, feel they have been respected, listened to, and have their needs and concerns addressed. To be a positive and successful transition, it is extremely important to start the process early, and over many years. Involve financial professionals to reduce risks, seek efficiencies and apply any concessions. These may include the small business capital gains exemption; the 50% active asset reduction; the $500k retirement tax exemption; as well as Life or Disability Insurance if carrying significant debts. There may be tax consequences of asset transfer including stamp duty; income tax; and capital gains – all costs that significantly erode retirement funds and continuation of a farm business. Other tax considerations include estate distribution in death; discretionary trusts, experiencing tax or income losses; and assets or operations that are held in various business structures. All of these should be worked through in detail with a trusted professional adviser that has expertise in these areas. Benefits of planning early allows preservation of asset value; continued focus on growth; easy transition for stakeholders; minimises tax
obligations; transfers skills and knowledge; time to accumulate other off-farm assets; and keeps you in control of decisions.
SO, WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO START? Successful succession involves a staged process with ongoing communication and flexibility:
Stage 1 - Understand your financial position First - set a clear objective by identifying what you need to retire comfortably. Start to develop a statement of financial position including value of your business and personal assets and what income the farm is generating. Further consider the farms’ future income potential and if it can support the next generation. This process will identify if you have enough to support you in your retirement goals, or what you will need to put in place to achieve your objectives.
Stage 2 - Start conversations with family to identify ambitions, needs and concerns This is the most important part of the process. Be understanding and considerate of their reasons. Be inclusive of everyone to avoid feelings of exclusion and possible resentment. This doesn’t necessarily mean having everyone
in a room at any one time, particularly if it is a sensitive matter. An option could be to ask each person to write it down, allowing time to really think it through and communicate their thoughts rather than meeting as a group, where emotional stress or dominant personalities may impact discussions. If it is difficult to come to an agreement or communicate without conflict, a mediator could meet with individuals to facilitate feedback objectively. Family mediation services are available throughout Gippsland. Only when the negotiation process has addressed everyone’s feelings and concerns can a sound agreement be achieved. This may happen over multiple meetings, possibly with compromise to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
Stage 3 - Develop an agreed plan Start with answering some key questions: Who are all stakeholders involved? ( include employees, customers, suppliers, financiers) What will be the roles of each family member? What skills and experience are needed? What is the current value and lifespan of assets? What is the current financial situation? Is the farm business profitable with growth potential? How can you fairly treat siblings who do not want to farm? What should the asset and operational structure(s) be? What is everyone’s appetite for risk? Setting a plan should also include time periods; financial and operational goals; responsibilities; skill development; and business progression (growth) activities.
Stage 4 - Engage professionals that you know and trust Seek advice on the drafted proposal regarding financial estimates, business plan and structure. Involve accountants; financial planners; solicitors; farm advisors; and estate planners.
Rural Financial Counsellors are also a great resource to assist with planning from beginning to end. Make the plan clear, transparent, and binding. Ensure all parties sign/date that they understand and agree yet accept that flexibility is critical as circumstances often change over time.
Stage 5 - Ongoing process A succession plan is considered a ‘Live Document’. Visit it regularly and adjust when circumstances change such as industry movements; market opportunities; relationships; and health concerns. Hold regular meetings. Involve everyone. Allow contributions to both short and long-term plans. Be transparent about all business operations and finances. Discuss operational and asset performance, business growth, and potential risks. Keep agreed meeting notes, recording outstanding matters for follow-up, and ensure all parties sign/date any agreed changes to the succession plan. Experts say that: ‘succession planning is the art of compromise, communication and managing expectations.’ RFCS Gippsland have supported many clients plan for succession and retirement and can help with pre-transition planning using their holistic understanding of finances, risks, opportunities, and farm relationships. They can develop your ‘Statement of Position’, analyse out how much money you need for retirement (including affordability of a home and future activities), what your pension options are, and much, much more. This service is funded by the government to support farmers’ financial future. Arrange your free pre-planning sessions and receive a copy of their succession and retirement checklist by calling 1300 045 747.
12
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
GP1632082
February, 2022
RURAL NEWS
Commercial seaweed floated DEAK AKI KIN I University ty y is studyi ying i the Gippslan and n coastline to look at the potential all of a commercial all seaweed industry ry y in the region. The university ty’s y Blue Car arbon r Lab has been commissioned to undert rtak take k a comprehensive geophysical all study in par art rtnership t wii Food and with an n Fibre Gippslan and n and an n the Latrobe Val alley l Authori rity ity. y Gippslan and n has more than an n 600 kii kilometres of coastline and an n a var ari riety i ty y of favourable mar ari rine i conditions. The study will wii examine water qual ality l ty, y exi xisting i seaweed distri ribution, i an and n the space needed to establish a commercial all industry ry. y The study is expected to be complete by late June 2022. The Gippslan and n Smar art rt Special alisation l Strategy gy y will wii then work with wii stak akek holders to build a business case for government and an n pri rivate i investment – pending the study outcomes. Smar art rt Special alisation l Program man anager n Ben Gebert rtt sai aid i there could all be benefits to the regional also all visitor vii economy.
“Seaweed far arming r can an n provi vide i or restore fish and an n shellfish habitats improvi ving i the biodiversity ty y of fish populations in n the area arr and an n creating opport rtunities t for multi-species aquaculture, ecotouri rism i through divi ving, i or recre eational all fishing,” he sai aid. i Seaweed has the potential all to reduce Austral alia’s l ove eral all l greenhouse gas emissions by 3 per cent per-an annum n from 2025 onw wards, arr wii the right with rii industry ry y develo opment. It can an n be proc cessed into high val alue l human an-grade n products, as well as secondar ary ry use es such as organ anic n biostimulan ants, n or fert rtiliser t an and n biofuels. However, sea aweed growi wing i remai ains i vastly un-comm mercial alised l as an n industry ry y in Au ustral alia. l International ally, l seaweed has been grown wn n su uccessfully on wii wind farms arr an and n other offshore stru ructures, u which then removes the need to set
up ropes or bespoke platforms s to establish growi wing i areas. arr This integration with wii exi xisting i g infrastru ructure u gives a seaweed d far arm r the ability ty y to become its own n complete ecosystem, rather than an n be an n isolated single purp rpose p stru ructure. u Food and an n Fibre Gippslan and n ch hief executive officer Nicola Pero sa aid i she was “excited about the possibiilities” wii multiple opport with rtunities t across the entire seaweed val alue l chai ain. i Ms Pero sai aid i it could include creating and an n mai aintai i aining i seaweed hatcheri ries, i har arv rvesting v fast-growi wing i crops, local ally l processing a ran ange n of products and an n then domestic and an n international all distri ribution. i “With our clean an, n green reputation for qual ality l ty y produce, the introduction of a Gippslan and n seaweed
product would tak ake k our tru rusted u provenan ance n offeri ring i to another an n level, an and n potential ally l expose the region to some lucrative new export rtt mar arkets,” r Ms Pero sai aid. i An n Agri rifutures i industry ry y forecast projects commercial all seaweed could generate about $100 million and an n more than an n 1200 jobs by 2025. Seaweed can an n grow up to 30 times faster than an n lan and-based n plan ants n an and n does not need any an n traditional all agri ricultural i all practices like fert rtiliser t an and n irr rri rigation. i It also all provi vides i shelter, food and an n optimum conditions for fish by improvi ving i nutri rient i levels in the water.
Deakin University is looking at the potential for commercial seaweed farms in Gippsland.
photograph supplied
February, 2022
GP1638070
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
13
&$$ # "& "$ (!# $ $% &$$ #
54,) ! # ' * " $ & %
#!
&$$ # 54,) ( ! # ( %#$$ * $ # " &$$ # % %( =+--69154)2 6-7.573)4+ 54,) ! $ # $ ( * &$ $$ # !$$ < 01/00 67-88:7- 6:368 .57 ;122)/- 7- 67559-+9154 .753 * )22 .57 ,-9)128
# &$$ &$ # $&#' ' &
! # (
;;/7<3*5 :/*.371 08: <28;/ 53>371 87 <2/ &:+*7 37</:0*-/
&$$ & %# %
( 87.* " 7:B> ?: 7<8 $# + &$% ,
! (
#!
! (
"$ ? "$ &$$ ! $% #$
596 6*A 8@ 596 6*A 8@ 87.* # 1 >?-=? 87.* # =1/:57 >?-=? ;$# + E &$% , :93 =-931 2@17 ?-96 71/?=5/ >?-=? :<?5:9 -A-57-.71 ;$# + % E !( , $ ' ,
# &$$ $ & $ ' #
:90-
#!
# 1=?:7595 <@8<
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
? !( !"% ! $
19@591 :90- 193591 1-0> ?: 8 >@5? 8:>? -3 /418> !( , $ ' ,
) '"! >1-7> 2:= 8:>? /418> 19@591 87.* 193591 7:B> ?: 7<8 8 41-0 %& %) + !"* & )
&$$ ! $!! $
87;887 <>5 6* A &$% ,
9;3 $-=. && + , "<?5:9-7 >?-5971>> >?117 =117 , 8 4:>1 ; && # E ,
(" #$
! #$
4( 92*;/ +% &' 7:B> ?: 7<8 !( , $ ' ,
4( $ &' :B> ?: 7<8 >59371 , <4->1 #! ,
4( $ &' :B> ?: 7<8 >59371 , <4->1 #! ,
&$$ $% #$ $% # $ #% # 9;3 =;;3/ /*<@*>/ 87.* # 171/?=5/ >?-=? 8:.571 >?1-8 /71-91= &?1-8 ?:
#!
#
87;887 <>5 6* 8->>5A1 7<8 :B ,
&$$ !% ( $ ? $% #$ $ $ % $
BAIRNSDALE MAFFRA MEENIYAN SALE SALE STRATFORD TRARALGON YARRAM
@3<2 '3<87 ;/*5;
# >1-7> 2:= -3 /418> 19@591 87.* 193591 7:B> ?: 7<8 8 41-0 %& % + !"* & )
(< ?: >59371 , <4->1 1-AD 0@?D <:71 8:?:=> 1>53910 2:= @>>51 /:905?5:9>
&$$ # % %( ) # " 1 >?-=? 1-0> ?: 8 :B> ?: 7<8 $#' & ' !( , -??1=D 9:? 59/7@010
<>5 ?: <>5 ; 7->> E 90@>?=5-7 171/?=5/ 0=5A1 <=1>>@=1 /71-91=> 1=?:7595 '=5<71C <@8<> >?-5971>> >?117 2=-81> <:71 8:?:=> 87;887 <>5 6* A #! &$% ,
( $-=. 534 :B .7->?1= 01-7 2:= ?=@/6 B->4 0:B9 % '(% " #& * ;A-7@10 -? E && + ,
/@ $<*375/;; $<//5 :*6/
14
$6*:< "=69
! ( "
<>5 ' 87.* # && ' + ,
$*0/: <8 :/0=/5 37 * +=;2 :/ /6/:1/7-B
$// <2/ $6**:< *:6/:; 1=3.// <8 =;;3/ $6*:< "=6 69;
#3)79 :36 ""# (& (
87.* " @>41= 7<8 :B $# + % &$% , ;171/?=5/ >?-=? :<?5:9 -A-57E
7->?1= B5?4 4:>1 =117 ;-> >4:B9E && + % ,
&$$ ) # $ # "& "$
? $ #% "& "$ &$$ " $% #! ' & ? &$ #$ , >185 ?=->4 8:?:= <@8<> /*4 0:// -2/63-*5 <:*7;0/: 01-7 2:= 12 @19? , B->?1B-?1= ?=-9>21= #! "& "$ ' # !# $ ' D1-= B-==-9?D >172 <=58593 2=:8 8
)
<>5 B5?4 87.* # # %=:+8 >*5=/. *< , && + ,
$ # $
&$$ # ) # " =1/:57 >?-=? 1-0> ?: 8 :B> ?: 7<8 $# & !( &$% , $ ' ,
? ! &$$ &$ #$ !' ( % # $%
! #
(?575?D <@8< 87.* # >?=:61 7:B> ?: 7<8 8 8-C 41-0 &@5?> =1 <=:?1/?5:9 , 4534 <=1>>@=1 ) ?=-9>21= !
# # &) % $%
#!
#!
(!(
"<?5:9-7 >?-5971>> >?117 =117 , 8 4:>1 ; && # E ,
' ! ) #! % ! !( &$$ "& "$ ! $%# &%!#$
BrownWigg BrownWigg BrownWigg BrownWigg (Pumps only) PK Equipment (Pressure cleaners only) BrownWigg Electel BrownWigg
##
03 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
#
5152 1313 5141 1544 5664 0265 5144 4441 5144 2200 5145 6844 5174 5909 5182 5148
GP1637723
February, 2022
RURAL NEWS
Lane Chant gets stuck into the wood chop competition.
Jasmine James shows off her skills.
Gippsland band The Spitting Swallows perform some live tunes.
Great times had at Erica Country Expo THE Erica Recreation Reserve was transformed into a festival ground last month with the inaugural community-led Erica Country Expo featuring family entertainment, rides, live music and stalls. Locals and visitors attended the COVID-safe festival where they were treated to a wood chop challenge with world champion Laurence O’Toole stealing the show in the heart of Erica. The expo was able to provide a welcome boost for the local businesses and tourism operators who have faced many disruptions over the past few years. The tourism industry is still battling the impacts of the devastating bushfires, storm and the ongoing pandemic. The expo highlighted the strength and resilience of the local community and its commitment towards economic recovery. Baw Baw Shire Mayor Michael Leaney said it was “incredible to see so many visitors and locals show up in numbers to support and celebrate the Erica Country Expo”. “This community led event has shown just how dedicated and focused our small communities are to work hard to ensure their ongoing viability and recovery from the impacts of disasters,”
The Walhalla Goldfields Railway crew Graeme, Danny, Barb and Tom.
Cr Leaney said. “Thank you to all the volunteers and staff who have been involved in the delivery of this amazing event for our region.” Expo committee member and
organiser Bec Closter was proud of the huge turnout to the small country town for the communitydriven event. “The day was a huge success especially in light of COVID and
photographs supplied
Chainsaw artist Paul Stafford creates a sculpture.
being a capped ticketed event. The support received was outstanding and the wood chopping blew me away” she said. The expo was delivered in partnership with Baw Baw Shire
and a local community planning committee and local residents. All funds raised from ticket sales will go towards recovery and support initiatives for the local community.
R U O Y K BOO
D N A L S P P E AST GI
S Y A D FIELD ! Y A D O T E T I S
8 and 9 April, 2022
start rting t at 3x3m in size and up ● Powered and unpowered ● Farm machinery ryy and agricultural sites start rting t at 5x10m and up ● Equestrian Expo sites ● New dog lovers area with 3x3m sites available
BA I R N S DA L E A E RO D RO M E ...more attractions, more entertainment, more displays and more exhibitors Register online NOW at www.egfielddays.com.au email: info@egfielddays.com.au February, 2022
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
GP163792 28
● Sites
15
RURAL NEWS
Local lakes host dusty flathead THE Victorian Fisheries Authority is releasing 42,000 dusky flathead into the Gippsland Lakes to rebuild populations of the valuable species popular with recreational fishos. Dusky flathead broodstock were collected throughout January and have produced offspring ready to be stocked and provide a boost to existing populations. Stocking programs for dusky flathead and other key species, such as black bream, Australian bass and estuary perch, are part of a plan to restore the Gippsland Lakes to a recreational fishing mecca. The three centimetre pond-reared fry are being stocked into the lakes sometime this month when the conditions are right. Steps to rebuild the species include the removal of commercial net fishing and finalising the Gippsland Lakes Recreational Fishery Plan. Restocking fish is usually focussed on enhancing freshwater fisheries, but now marine stocking is being used increasingly as a management tool. A study looking into the feasibility of breeding the species had identified dusky flathead were are highly fecund, can be stripped using ripe fish from the wild and, can grow quickly. The stocking of dusky flathead and other key species in the Gippsland Lakes will contribute to the state government’s commitment to stocking 10 million fish by 2022.
Yinnar mum Kylie Stanistreet with her kids Daisy, Macie and River are letting the public know about a new AED in town.
photograph michelle slater
New defibrillator in Yinnar By MICHELLE SLATER
A NEW publicly available automated external defibrillator has been installed in the Yinnar main street for locals to use in an emergency. The new defib is on a wall between the town’s general store and post office, and is decked out with an alarm in case it gets activated. Yinnar mum Kylie Stanistreet coined the idea for a town defib that could be accessible all hours after her son
River had undergone two major heart operations. Ms Stanistreet said River was diagnosed with cardio myopathy just after his first birthday and was sent home with a portable defibrillator after his first operation. “Although we have our own portable AED, we make a note everywhere we go where there is one available,” she said. “I noticed there were none in Yinnar that could be accessed 24/7, so through lockdown last year I began organising one.” Yinnar already had AED units at the town
CFA shed, bowls club, recreation reserve and memorial hall, but these are only accessible when the buildings are open. Ms Stanistreet worked alongside the Yinnar and District Community Association (YDCA) to organise a $3000 grant courtesy of the Mirboo North Community Bank to purchase a unit. YDCA secretary Kev Young said they hoped to organise a community AED training session and CRP course to let locals learn how to use the new device.
“From our family business to o yours” Browns Stockfeed has been supplying Gippsland Farmers for over 30 years
Browns Stock kfeed d is your “one sttop sh hop” ” for all your stockfeed supplies, general hardware and rural merchandise. On Farm: • • • • • • •
Whole and Rolled Grain Custom Dairy Mix Dairy Pellets Varieties of Hay in Bulk High Energy and Protein Mixes Calf and Heifer Grain Mixes and Pellets Grain Free Pellets
In Store: •
• • • • •
E OFFER
W Silage, Hay Wraps FREE Y and Twine DELIVNER Drenches and Vaccines I Animal Health D. IPPSLAN G Fencing Materials Fodder Crop and Pasture Seeds All your Farming Requirements
Contact one of our nutritional team members or office to discuss more!
Gippsland Caitlin Chester
Gippsland Chris Lawton
Gippsland Matt James
Gippsland Matt Hall
0428 361 231 0439 959 899 0488 623 159 0459 234 720
86 Yarragon Road, Leongatha, 5662 3199 620 Heyfield/Upper Maffra Road, Tinamba West 5145 1345 16
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
February, 2022
Autumn BULL SALES With 2021 producing an abundance of rain and the perfect conditions for a fantastic breeding season the 2022 Autumn Bull Sales are looking to provide some exceptional offerings.
No expense has been spared with new sires being sourced from overseas studs in New Zealand and the USA with cross breeds also featuring to produce docile sons with great fertility.
This year much research into sourcing the right genetics has been seen right across the board. Studs are looking to breed bulls to use over heifers for exceptional calving ease and birth weight.
Cheltenham Park Angus Private Bull Sale!
Gippsland Bred - 2 Year Old Stud Angus Bull’s. By Breedplan and A.I.Sires. All Bulls are Very Quiet and Structurally Sound, High growth and Calving Ease Bull’s available
Bet-On-Black
Enquiries Please Call Andrew Haw: 0487 858 544 457 Old Carrajung Road, Carrajung cheltenhamparkangus@gmail.com Dane Perczyk c/o Alex Scott - 0408 176 063 Details & E.B.V.’s on Angus Aust.Website
Back this up with statistics showing progeny with explosive growth and strong carcasses and those wishing to increase their herd are spoilt for choice.
GP1637821
Autumn Bull Sales looks set to boom
GP1638045
Preview
February, 2022
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
17
Top Angus Genettics
Innesdale Angus is excited to offer the first sons of several new sires. Sydgen Enhance - an outstanding sire now seeing wide use across Australia,
he sires low birth and high growth, his progeny are long bodied and high rated highly for docility and net feed efficiency, we have used several of his sons as yearlings.
Sydgen Enhance
Innesdale Resource M37- our top sire “M37” is a favorite at Innesdale.
“M37 is the third son of “SAV Resource” that we have used, his progeny excel for docility and soundness, his sons are very long bodied with extra weight and always scan well, his daughters have his fine skin and are very feminine and always quiet, he has several outstanding sons in this group.
Ben Nevis Nirvana N128- was purchased for $26000 as the top priced bull at the Ben Nevis Sale, a son of the outstanding Ascot Lion Heart that we had originally tried to purchase, he is a calving ease bull with good frame and top carcase figures, he has been used on heifers for two seasons.
Innesdale Monarch N52- a grandson of Black Stamp Equator, many of
our clients have used this bloodline to breed grass fed steers, they have good frame and finish easily with good IMF scores, “N52s” first progeny are very long and his heifers are some of our best.
Resource M37
Innesdale Resolve P48, Jasper N73 and Liberty P24 all have their first progeny coming through and are all by proven sires for grass finishing.
Innesdale focuses on fast growing, thick and heavy young bulls that will add weight to their progeny, whilst having enough fat cover to be marketed at any age, and to produce high quality heifers that are in growing demand across Australia and for export markets worldwide. These new bulls will give clients access to some of the top bloodlines from around the world and with over 50 branded beef products demanding “Angus Beef” we will continue to see our clients being rewarded for their effort to improve their herds genetics.
Nirvana
This crop of bulls were all unassisted at birth and have had a better season like most of Gippsland, they excel in scrotal size averaging 40cms and 575kgs at 14 months when scanned on 29-9-2021. We like most of them to get to 700kg by March, with the tops close to 800kgs at 18 months. All bulls are inoculated in line with the “Zoetis” protocol, tested free of Pestivirus, then double inoculated against Pestivirus and Vibrio and given an annual booster of 7-1.
These young bulls will be for private sale from Tuesday 1 March 2022.
Monarch N52
Last year bulls were sold across Gippsland into Western Victoria and NSW.
Livestock producers are welcome to inspect the bulls by appointment at any time by calling Geoff on
0412 958 168
As usual some top young weaner heifers will be offered in April when weaned.
Resolve P48
GP1637692
18
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
February, 2022
AUTUMN BULL SALES 2022
Tarwin Poll Herefords
Tarwin Poll Herefords have been based at the Meeniyan property for more than 70 years, taking its name from the Tarwin River that fronts the property. It commenced in 1950, at the request of local agents for sons of Studlea Playmate, purchased at the 1950 Melbourne Royal Show. The stud has maintained its objective of producing sound commercial cattle for Gippsland producers ever since.
Absolute Angus expects to build on its 2021 success with standout sons of a home-grown bull and other notable progeny in its 2022 offering.
assistant stud manager Damian Sutton.
The sale will feature the sons of Landfall New Ground N90 – fast gaining the reputation of being Australia’s number one Angus bull, Landfall Keystone K132 and Sitz Stellar.
“Anthony’s bulls are as good as any top-of-the-league stud and I’m prepared to pay based on weaner-steer prices,” Mr Bergamin said.
Stud principal Anthony Pisa expects stronger demand this year, with the sale expanding to up to 55 bulls. “Clients want bulls that are tough and will work in all sorts of conditions and my bulls aren’t pumped up with feed; they’re naturally good, tough bulls that suit every commercial breeder and you can take them anywhere,” he said. Landfall New Ground N90, owned by Absolute Angus in partnership with ABS, will feature some standout sons in the sale. “He’s becoming the most sought-after bull in Australia, a proven champion in the Angus breed,” Mr Pisa said. “Many other breeders have had his sons in their sales, and I own the bull so it’s a good drawcard and I imagine there will be strong demand. He’s a good all-rounder with good depth, muscle and fat and fantastic figures. “You could put New Ground N90 with anything anywhere and you know you’ll get something good out of them.” The preparation this year has been supported by Absolute Angus’ new
Bergamin Pastoral had an amazing result at the Pakenham feature sale, averaging just shy of $2000 a head, including heifers, up $400 on the previous sale. Absolute Angus’ focus on genetic traits and EBVs and the success of its bulls in the paddock keep him coming back. “High muscle area and intermuscular fat are always high on my agenda, as is milk and Absolute Angus ticks the boxes there,” Mr Bergamin said.
Sires chosen will generally have a modest birth weight coupled with above average growth weights and carcass traits, traits such as eye pigmentation and hooding are also considered in their sire selection. To further test their genetics, the Meikles regularly compete in the Lardner Park Grass Finished Steer trials.
“Sale bulls are scanned for eye muscle area and fat cover. Replacement heifers and sale bulls are DNA tested to confirm parentage and polledness.”
Currently they have one team sitting equal third at 1.38 kg/day, within 0.02kg/ day of the leader. Their other team performed at a creditable 1.29 kg/day.
2021 was also Tarwin’s first effort at online selling, with five young bulls offered on Auctions Plus as members of the Gippsland Performance Herefords Group in September.
Typically their steers finish within the top third for weight gain and routinely meet specifications.
The stud’s objective is to produce attractive, sound, commercial poll
“He does all the genetic traits well – birthweight, gestational length, growth at 200, 400 and 600 days. The thing I like about Anthony’s bulls is that what you see is what you get. They’re grass-fed and not pampered and puffed up to look great. “The proof to me is when you put a bull in the paddock, and you see how it handles your conditions. It’s all about getting your cows in calf, and his bulls are absolutely a success.” The stud’s 2022 autumn bull sale will be held on-property and online from 1pm on April 7 at 292 Trafalgar South Road, Trafalgar South.
Tarwin
Tarwin Poll Herefords will hold private sales throughout autumn. For more information or to book an inspection time please call David on 0429 800 756.
ESTABLISHED 1950
POLL HEREFORDS
The Meikle Family extend a warm invitation to visitors to inspect their Tarw rwin w Poll Hereford Stud.
Private Sales Throughout Autumn Location: Parrys Road, 3km from Meeniyan on Meeniyan-Dumbalk Road ENQUIRIES:
David Meikle 5664 7556 Mob: 0429 800 756 Email: meikledd@dcsi.net.au
John Bergamin of Bergamin Pastoral has seen the benefits of using Absolute Angus’ genetics in his operation.
“Now we have tools such as performance recording and DNA testing to predict how our animals should perform. This is a performance recorded herd with the calves being regularly weighed up to 600 days and the weights submitted to the Breedplan program.
To achieve this they use a mix of AI breeding and judicious selection of sires for natural mating.
February, 2022
GP1637666
Absolute Angus
“In those early days a lot of emphasis was placed on pedigrees and showing,” owner David Meikle said.
Hereford cattle, able to perform on grass.
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
19
AUTUMN BULL SALES 2022
Pinora Angus
Pinora Angus are holding their 53rd annual bull sale on Wednesday, March 23 at 1pm on the property at Heyfield. The bulls this year are by some of the breed’s leading sires. Among these are sons of last year’s top price sire Miwillah Fevola M16. His sons show growth for age, but are deep and thick and extremely docile. Miilah Murrah Loch Up known for his thickness, temperament and soundness has a good selection. Baldridge Command one of the breeds top selling semen sires has sons that are known for their light birth but high growth and thickness. Alpine Investment has his first sons for sale. He was purchased for use over heifers and his progeny have exceeded all expectations. They were, as expected, easy born but have had huge growth from then and some of the EBVs on these bulls are as good as Tambo Angus has previously had, they are also sound and extremely quiet. The bulls are showing the effects of the best spring Pinora Angus has had
and they will present in great condition and there will be bulls for everyone’s needs.
Pinora Angus
There will be videos of the bulls available in early March and the Sale will be interfaced with Auctions Plus.
If anyone would like to see the bulls before the sale just call Pinora Angus and they will make a time for you to see them.
L A U N N A D N 52
E L A S
On propert rty ty Wednesday 24 March 2021 at 1pm
Selling S elling 5 50 0 B Bulls ulls
20 MONTHS OLD
FEATURING SONS OF:
Millah Murrah Loch Up Milwillah Fevola M16
DSK Man Made M12 Milwillah Elevator H76
John Sunderman 0427 482 607 email: pinora@wideband.net.au 453 Dawson Road, Heyf yfield f 20
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
GP1635523
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
February, 2022
AUTUMN BULL SALES 2022
Kelly Angus Commercial beef breeders looking to add more elite genetics to their herds will be spoilt for choice with an exciting selection of high-end commercial females added to another impressive line-up of 18-month Angus bulls selling at auction at the Yea property’s third annual autumn sale. Stud manager Patrick Joyce said along with the expanded line-up of 70 bulls, around 30 fifteen-to-seventeen-month AI bred commercial heifers will now be included in the sale on Thursday, March 24. “The depth of quality in the bulls on offer is across the board in this year’s sale draft,” Mr Joyce said. “We’ve got several home-bred bulls that are performing very well. “There’s a strong blend and an even playing field of both US and Australian sires. They are a very balanced set of bulls and very consistent on data, even from multiple sire lines.” Kelly Angus has maintained its focus on exceptional calving ease and birth weight, backed up by explosive growth and strong carcasses. “With any of these bulls, you can use them for heifer mating through to cow mating and not be compromised,” Mr Joyce said. “The bulls across the board have calving ease, growth and their carcase is exactly where it needs to be. You could do any job with them.” Mr Joyce said adding females to this year’s sale offered buyers more value and an opportunity for the stud to showcase its genetics during a
February, 2022
period of strong positivity in the industry. “We thought it would be an opportunity to introduce commercial females into the marketplace so people can get into top-end genetics out of proven genetics.” Mr Joyce said. “It can only have a positive impact. “The females are all high-end commercial product out of stud cows; they are robust with strong pedigrees behind them, and they could go into any operation for breeding or creating sound foundation herds around them. You could do anything with these heifers and achieve a great outcome. “The most important parts of our own breeding operation are our robust, resilient, good-doing females. “It has been an exceptional season. We’re in a fortunate part of the world. If everywhere else is doing well, we’re usually doing exceptionally well. There’s a lot of positivity in the market.” Mr Joyce said Kelly-blood infused weaners were smashing prices per kilo at markets. “It’s quite exciting for our clients to be able to buy bulls from us, follow our program and now reap the rewards,” he said. “Our genetics have proven profitability at multiple markets. “We know the end goal and what the most profitable outcomes are for our clients and work from there.” The annual autumn auction will be held on-property in Yea, starting at 1pm, and livestreamed via Auctions Plus. Visit www.kellyangus.com.au for more information.
Broadlands Limousins Broadlands Limousins focuses on breeding homozygous polled Black / Red grass fed bulls.
This supported by 200 day and 400-day growth indexes that are within the top 15 per cent for the breed.
AI sires have been sought from Canada where Runyl Stetson was the sire of the 2019 Sydney Show Champion Steer Carcase and his son – Runyl Extra Loyal was the sire of the 2019 Sydney Show Grand Champion Carcase.
Carcase Indexes - Carcase Weight and Yield are in the top 5 per cent of the breed whilst EMA is within the top 20 per cent of the breed. Calving ease is within the top 20 per cent of the breed.
Broadlands Limousins have a number of mature age polled Limousin bulls available together with weaner bulls for sale.
Contact Pat Keyte on 0414 632 017 for an inspection.
This is in line with emerging trends within the beef Industry where supermarket/ processors are demanding polled animals only. Broadland’s grass fed polled bulls are sired by Broadlands Black Bunga. Black Bunga sire is by Mandayen Vision Y 329 - Australian Trait leader in 13 traits, including CE, growth, milk, carcass, docility. There are a number of bulls available that are ideal for heifers. Broadlands Black Bunga EBVs are within 10 per cent of the breed for Vealer and Domestic Indexes.
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
21
AUTUMN BULL SALES 2022
Allendale Studs On February 21, Allendale will offer 40 Poll Hereford bulls in conjunction with Day’s Whiteface. This year’s draft feature well balanced, mid maturity bulls with typical Poll Hereford doing ability and temperament.
Techno 6179 is a trait leader for 400 and 600 day weight and scrotal size. Techno has many ET sons in the offering from top donors H9 and L17 who both excel for EMA (top 10 per cent) and IMF (top 1 per cent).
This year’s sale bulls are sired by a variety of homebred and other influential sires.
Chisel L3 (pictured) who sired their top price bulls in 2021 once again is represented with excellent carcase sons that are fertile, moderate and smooth skinned.
Koanui Techno 6179 (imp NZ) has bred long, smooth cattle with excellent fertility.
L3 is a trait leader for gestation length and scrotal size as well as being in the top 10 per cent for all indexes.
Mon 21st Feb 1:30pm Bordertown # SA
Bulls by yearling sons of Allendale Gambler L143 also impress for their quality, soundness and carcase. Another yearling bull Justin P108 has a number of good sons with balanced figures, good structure and plenty of doing ability. All bulls will be fully vaccinated, semen tested, sire verified with genomic enhanced EBVs. Please feel free to contact Alastair anytime to arrange an inspection.
Days Whiteface Progeny of Days Godfathers N022, sire of Days Whiteface 2021 top price bull lead their 2022 offering. Godfather balances phenotype and genotype producing cattle with visual market suitability backed up with exceptional data. Godfather N022 is a trait leader for short gestation, 200 day weight and scrotal size. His carcase data is outstanding being in the top 1 per cent of the breed for both EMA and IMF. Not only does N022 have an impressive set of sons for sale, he has two maternal brothers that Days Whiteface used in 2021, on offer. One brother R077 offers outcross genetics being sired by American bull EFBEEF BR Validated B143. R077 is in the top 10 per cent of the breed for 400 day weight, EMA, Fat, IMF, and all indexes.
$ $ $ $ $
The other R092 is a classy Heidelberg son in the top 10 per cent for milk, scrotal size, carcase weight and IMF.
" #
" #
Days Whiteface will have a large number of R Leader (imp USA) grandsons on offer with the majority of them sired by Days Genesis N102. Genesis is unique being both a trait leader for birth weight and 200 day weight. His carcase merit is also high being a
7 ,
&33 5
trait leader for IMF and in the top 10 per cent of the breed for EMA. The Genesis sons along with those of Horizon M028 – their 2018 top seller, offer plenty of low birthweight options. Horizon as well as being a short gestation trait leader also has high carcase merit being in the top 5 per cent of the breed for both EMA and IMF. Days Whiteface 2022 offering once again has high carcase merit. Among these bulls are a group of specialist heifer bulls as well as some powerful high growth bulls for people chasing those traits. Days Whiteface look forward to showing you their offering on Sale Day, Monday, February 21.
,
,( ,( , 7 ( ! -! , ) #(# , 6 *- ) 0 * 2 %!') #* 1 )% ) ! . ) 50 ) #- 4 ,, ", 7 ,
GP1636107
22
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
%# - %#* '' 2( ) -% - % 0 (
/3/& ,,4 ,, , 4, / $ , 67 ,
" +) (
$ $
% ( # # # $'& , ( # * & ( ( "
February, 2022
AUTUMN BULL SALES 2022
Kevin and Mandy Dean of Tambo Crossing have been operating the property for 42 years and have been selling Angus Bulls for 27 years. They have been selling at the Nunniong Bull Sale since 2003. The herd of 220 breeders is prominently Ardrossan Angus Blood and many local breeders who have purchased bulls have become repeat buyers. The bulls have been successful with straight Angus herds as well as with cross breeding.
After the 2019/20 bush fires things were tough for the Deans with a lot of their pastures being burnt until, not long after, a very big storm washed the ash away and the grass grew again. In 2021, they had a great season and the sale bulls for 2022 are looking good. They will be selling 12 Angus Bulls at the Nunniong Bull Sale this year on Wednesday, March 16. For more information contact Kevin on 5157 0217
Ardrossan Angus Bloodlines
OFFERING
12 ANGUS BULLS (in conjunction with and following Nunniong Herefords Sale)
Wednesday 16 March 2022 Contact: Kevin Dean at Tambo Crossing
Phone 5157 0217
GP1636297
Tambo Angus
TAMBO ANGUS
Annual Bull Sale
GP1635526
On-Property - Opposite Ensay Saleyards Wednesday 16 March 2022 - 1.30pm
40 HEREFORD & POLL HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE
Nunniong Hereford Stud Phillip (Bluey) Commins Commins. Ensay - Victoria - 3895 Ph: (03) 5157 3331 Mob: 0427 573 331 February, 2022
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
23
AUTUMN BULL SALES 2022
Bowman Performance Genetics Grass fed only, high performance bulls, backed with Millah Murrah blood are creating significant interest, for the third on-property sale of Bowman Performance Genetics, Neerim South on Friday, March 11 at 1pm. The “Access All Markets” sale features High Performance Bulls with selected EBVs to provide buyers with the confidence to choose the bull that is right for them. Breeding values are important to build on, as there can be as much as $500 difference per carcase in the chiller.
With 80 per cent of Bowman’s bulls carrying pedigrees produced from the Australian record-breaking Millah Murrah stud, there is already plenty of interest in this year’s offering. The entire draft is free by pedigree or test of genetic conditions AM, NH, CA and DD. So why are grass fed bulls so important to breeders? “It’s because it allows the buyer to see the natural doing ability of the bull and the best results they can expect from genetics. Fit bulls, that don’t require extra feeding in their new home, won’t
lose condition and have fewer injuries, if kept on a continuous natural diet,” Mr Bowman said. This year’s sale will feature sons of Baldridge Beast Mode, Baldridge Compass, Bowman Nashville (son of Millah Murrah Loch Up), Bowman Manhattan (Ascot Hallmark full ET brother), LD Capitalist, Musgrave Stunner, S Chisum 255 and Sydgen Enhance. The sale will take place at ‘Crystal Brook’, 100 Sawyer Road, Neerim South.
Leawood Angus
With tough drought conditions now only a faint memory, the Leawood family have now moved into a once in a lifetime run of excellent seasons, combined with high beef prices. That being said, it is such a great time to think about your next bull purchase. Leawood Angus focus very hard on their female herd and what new sires they introduce. Selecting for sound and proven genetics that will breed a higher retention rate that do not give them or their clients any surprises. Luke Stuckey believes these genetics suit their environment best and help enhance their clients’ programs.
has fitted into the Leawood program beautifully, displaying great structure while providing early vigour.
Leawood has large confidence and respect for New Zealand genetics.
Luke believes Lazarus’s sons will suit all heifer programs nicely as he has a low birth weight and provides easy calving.
This has been developed over years of breeding Angus cattle as a lot of work goes into sourcing genetics that suit their herd. This allows Leawood to breed consistent well-structured, robust cattle that have great growth rates with high yielding carcasses. Leawood Angus is offering 48 bulls at their Autumn Bull Sale on Tuesday, April 5 at 1.30pm, welcoming everybody to their open day on March 20 from 10.00am-3.00pm to view the bulls prior to sale day. New sire, Taimate Lazarus L12,
24
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
The ever-consistent Leawood Steaks N297 and Merchiston Steakhouse also have a smashing line up of bulls in this sale. Other exciting sires are Leawood Tangi K356, Turihaua Rambo N75 and Stern 15815. For more information contact Luke Stuckey on 0474 992 683 or Graeme Stuckey on 0429 992 683. The bull videos along with all scanning data will also be available to view at livestockvideo.com.au.
February, 2022
AUTUMN BULL SALES 2022
Riddellvue Angus offers Australian first Trailblazers Ferguson Trailblazer ranks in the top 10 percent of Expected Progeny Difference (EPD, the US version of ASBVs) for growth, docility, pregnancy rates, maternal calving ease, carcass weight and marbling.
Angus industry trailblazer Ian Bates of Riddellvue Angus’ will offer up the first Australian sons of a US bull by the same name this autumn. Riddellvue Angus’ second autumn bull sale will be held on-property Wednesday, March 9, with 34 lots catalogued, and Mr Bates said 15 were suitable to put over heifers. The catalogue includes five Mogck Entice sons, a bull which came highly recommended to Mr Bates by HCH Genetics and has American figures in the
top 1 per cent for growth and docility. “He carries a fairly complete data set but he’s also holding a good body, good bone structure and I think he’s going to make good future sires,” Mr Bates said.
Brewer Beef
Mr Bates concentrates on US genetics from North and South Dakota, as he “knows they handle the climate well”, making sire selection more challenging since Covid-19 has restricted international travel. “I don’t get hung up on numbers, I don’t
like to focus on them, I am more about structural correctness and the animal being phenotypically right,” he said. “But they (Entice and Trailblazer) are bulls that have been introduced that I think are capable of holding themselves a lot of numbers bulls don’t have enough strength.” The Riddellvue autumn sale will also offer twin bull calves by the $50,000 Milwillah Napa N498, out of a Premier Angus cow Mr Bates purchased at that stud’s dispersal in 2020.
Brewer Beef are offering up a stellar line– up of black Simmental and Simmental Angus cross bulls at their upcoming sale.
Having 140 Angus females they are using TeMania Leyburn by TeMania Gaskin as their chosen sire. Diversifying into Angus was partly the Brewers’ 12-year-old son Henry’s idea. Henry is looking forward to attending the NH Foods Australia Angus Youth National Roundup, held mid–January in Wodonga. “Henry‘s keen about all things cattle, however he‘s particularly interested in breeding Angus,” principal David Brewer said. “Both of our boys are in high school, and they are both very actively engaged with the farm.” At the 2022 Wodonga Weaner Sales the tops of Brewer’s 26 Simmental-Red Angus steers made $2350 (367kg, 640c/ kg) while the second pen of 19, 313kg, same breeding, made $2240 (716c/kg). But it was their lightest pen that was the highlight, with the 11, 282-kilogram Black
February, 2022
Simmental-Angus steers making $2210 or 784c/kg to be one of the second highest cents a kilogram rate in the whole of Victoria for the week. The Brewers also have another surprise. For the first time ever, eight traditional red and white Simmental bulls are falling under the hammer. “David‘s mum always had traditional Simmentals and we kept the herd going when she passed,” Tara said. “Our market was predominantly export heifers and bulls through private sales, however we had such a good run of bulls sired by Barana Nutcracker from Woonalee Jumbo that we brought them into our annual sale. “The eight will add to a line-up of over 50 premium quality bulls that will be offered for sale at their Tallangatta Valley property on Soldier Settlers Road.” Supplied by Emma Oliver, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
Bull Sale
18 FEBRUARY 2022
AT 1PM
55 Black Simmental SimAngus - Angus Bulls Introducing KOETONG ANGUS
0419 275 686
www.brewerbeef.com.au Tallangatta Valley
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
GP1636916
With the herd based on cows from Yancowinna, Jondarayn, Ireland‘s and Alpine Angus, they also bought all the stud stock from Cheltenham Park.
GP1636916
Expanding their enterprise under the banner Koetong Angus, they will have 14 pure Angus bulls also available on the day.
25
AUTUMN BULL SALES 2022
Banquet Angus Celebrating the first 30 years of Banquet Angus will be the theme for the Branson’s Annual Sale on February 24, 2022.
Her first son Banquet Mirrool M078 topped Banquet’s 2018 Autumn Sale at $35,000.
including the pick of twin sisters Banquet
For the first time in the history of Banquet Sales, stud females will be offered.
Her second son, Banquet Nixon N099, topped Banquet’s 2018 Spring Sale at $32,000.
The annual draft of 120 Banquet bulls
Thirty top stud females, including embryo donors, will be presented.
Kite J463 is being used extensively in Banquet’s embryo program and will be offered open and ready to flush.
Headlining this elite offering will be Banquet Kite J463.
Champagne R222 and R223.
and 120 commercial PTIC heifers will complete this event. The sale on February 24 will be the first in Banquet’s new complex at 184 Steeles
Elite heifers will also be offered
Lane, Mortlake.
Wattlewood Angus just so that any prospective buyer has an animal that is easy to handle in any situation.
After more than 20 years of breeding, Fiona and John Glover of Wattlewood Angus are holding their first On Farm Bull and Production Sale on March 16 at 4pm.
The bulls and heifers in the sale will also be grain free, so the buyers know that what they see is what they get and that there will be no ‘let down’ period.
The couple have adapted the slogan, “Ticking all the boxes” and that, they are doing! All the bulls and heifers are tested P.I. Negative, HD 50K Genotyped, sire verified by the Angus Society and been vaccinated with 7in1, PestiGard and the bulls are Vibrovax. The HBR animals are also free of any known genetic defects. The bulls have undergone semen testing, while the heifers will be PTIC to some of the Angus breeds leading sires.
Wattlewood has had much success over the years in the show ring and in major carcass competitions throughout Australia, each time analysing comments
John and Fiona are looking forward to welcoming you to the sale where sires of sale lots include Baldridge Beast Mode, Te Mania Emperor, EF Complement, Millah Murrah Navigator, Milwillah Krakatoa and LD Capitalist.
and feedback and working towards always improving what they do. All the bulls are naturally quiet, but have also had a few lessons on the halter,
For further information about how Wattlewood can fit into your breeding objectives, call Fiona on 0416 216 951.
, & '* &
'*
, 14 " *0! * ' * & & & #- & 4 . " *
& &
%2% 5 * -
% ( '* & & - /$ *' # 0 ! & & * '* $
Inaugural Bull and Production Sale: Wednesday 16th March, 2022 at 4pm GP1636915
3 " - & 1 ) + )
#& $, #&" '&')*
,$$ !+ #$* & + $'",! '& .! *#+!
... &(,!+ &",* '% ,
&(,!+ &",* .!*+-# '% ,
GP1636311
26
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
February, 2022
AUTUMN BULL SALES 2022
Kenmere Charolais Over the years Kenmere Charolais has become recognised as one of the leading Charolais breeders within the industry, concentrating on improving all the genetic breeding trends and producing quality cattle for stud and commercial producers. “Each year our focus is applied to birth weight, calving ease and the scan traits of EMA, Rib rump and IMF,” stud principal Ann-Marie Collins said. “These traits along with our five star rating with Breedplan provides support for the concepts of all breeding trends. “On December 8, 2021 we scanned 128 R heifers and 85 R bulls that had spent their lives grazing on pasture grown at our properties without any grain or supplementary feeding. The results are detailed below right.” “These animals were raised as two groups and they demonstrated to us that the results we are achieving align with the genetic improvement we are seeing through our consistent breeding programmes and vigilant monitoring and assessments play a major role in our outcomes,” Ms Collins said. “All calves are weighed at birth, 200 day weaning weight, 400 and 600 days weights. “The practice of following Breedplan
“It is very important to Kenmere that we have good relationships with our
SCAN RESULTS P 8 Fat mm
Rib Fat mm
EMA (sq cm)
Heifers
10
7
80
6.3
Bulls
5
4
108
4.6
procedures allows us to be constantly improving sire trends for markets and producing consistently high quality females for breeding.” As a JBas7 and pesti virus free herd, all Kenmere sale bulls are registered and come with semen testing, scans and DNA sire verification.
IMF (%)
“Kenmere has an exclusive female line and most of our sire’s are home bred or are the progeny of overseas AI sires,” Ms Collins said. “Outside sires are occasionally added to our programme giving us the local influence in our genetics.
customers. Please feel free to contact us at any stage if you have enquires regarding our sale bulls. “Our bulls are sold through Agents and on Auctions Plus. “Visits prior to sale are welcome at any time by calling myself Ann-Marie Collins on my mobile 0412 608 043 or to view the online bull video visit www.kenmerecharolais.com.au in mid-February.”
# " # $"%
# " $ "
## !
Friday 11th March 2022 - 50 Bulls which includes 12 Homozygous polled sires
February, 2022
GP1637825
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
27
A D V E R T I S I N G
F E A T U R E
AUSSIE PUMPS... DESIGNED FOR AUSTRALIA
Australian Pumps is fast becoming the choice of professional users in both Agriculture and Industry. Aussie focuses on designing and building self-priming pumps and pressure cleaners specifically aimed at Australian consumers. The machines are built on a 2½ acre facility in Sydney’s Norwest business district. Beginning as a “start-up” they only began trading around 25 years ago. Aussie has now developed a product range that is considered first rate in terms of quality but also in performance, value for money and safety. “Our key priority is to provide performance and value for money for end users,” Aussie Pumps Chief Engineer John Hales said. “Because we’re lean in the way we do things, we’re able to produce top quality products designed for Australian conditions. “Understanding our markets requirements whether it’s for contractors, Local Government, farmers or tradesmen is key for us.” The company is always keen to learn from the market. Hales claims that most of the product development over the years has been based on ideas or inspirations from users of pump and pressure cleaner products. A good example is the Aussie Fire Chief lightweight portable fire pump. It’s claimed to be the best pump of its kind in the world. This Honda powered high pressure pump out-performs and out-features all others. “It’s what’s on the inside of the pump that counts, not the paint job on the outside,” Hales said. “Open up an Aussie Fire Chief and you’ll see a big 7inch diameter heavy duty impeller that delivers a whopping 75m head and flows of up to 450 lpm. “Not only that, but the impeller is perfectly matched to the volute and
Aussie fire pump production line at Castle Hill factory.
Aussie made pressure cleaner and drain jetters flow off the production line.
The Aussie Sizzler delivers the hot water cleaning advantage for dairies at a value packed price.
the horsepower of the Honda engine provides the power for the machine. “It’s that perfect hydraulic mix and balance that means long life, trouble free operation and maximum performance without engine overload.” VALUE FOR MONEY Another key factor pointed out by Hales is the price difference between other fire pump market leaders and the Aussie range. The Aussie Pumps survey team found what appeared to be competitive products were often sold at extremely high retail prices that could incorporate inflated fake margins for the manufacturer or for the sales outlet.
John Hales, Aussie Pumps’ Chief Engineer compares fire pump impellers.
28
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
THE SELF PRIMING REVOLUTION Aussie Pumps have now established themselves as the South Pacific leader in self-priming centrifugal pumps. The company focused on self-priming pumps because they understand the great convenience they offer users. Having to refill a suction line every time you want to start up a pump is a tedious and cumbersome chore. The Aussie GMP motor pump range provide farmers and industry with heavy duty cast iron, bronze or even stainless steel pumps that prime themselves! Those pumps, available in semi trash or high pressure configuration are ideal for pumping effluent, clean water and in some cases even diesel fuel! CLEANING AUSTRALIA Australian Pump saw an opportunity to develop products that were designed for professionals when buying motivations were completely different to the consumer market. “We see farmers now evolving as business men who understand that their time is their most valuable asset,” Hales said. The result was development of a complete range of high pressure water blasters with Honda petrol engines or Yanmar diesels. The range, starting with the 3000 psi Aussie AB30 “Pocket Rocket” offer models that go all the way to 7000 psi (500 bar). Their heavy duty range of gearbox drive pressure cleaners are designed for continuous service.Called the Aussie Scud, the machines are a breakthrough in design. They offer a unique ergonomic, stainless steel frame with four 13inch steel wheel and big flat free tyres. The machines are easy to move around and the performance, between 3000 psi and 5000 psi, means that there are models available to virtually suit every application. The best news is that dramatically increasing production volume means Aussie has been able to keep prices at highly competitive levels.
DAIRY HOT WASH Recognising the importance of the dairy industry, not just in Gippsland but nationally, the company focused on redesigning high pressure hot wash and steam cleaning machines that provide real efficiency and reliability. The product range now starts with an 80°C, 1800 psi single phase hot wash machine, priced under $5000. Called the Aussie Sizzler, the machine is uncompromised with a stainless steel cover, slow speed pump and motor, four wheels for ease of movement and a multi-function safety control kit that protects both the machine and the operator. “Dairy farmers have found the Aussie Sizzler to be an absolute gem in terms of reliable operation and performance,” Hales said. “Of course, we also offer much bigger machines with flows of up to 19 lpm and 4000 psi, with 130°C steam capability.” DRAIN CLEANERS TOO …AUSSIE COBRA Although originally designed for plumbers to clear suburban blocked sewer lines, the product is now being used in diesel configuration by Councils, Indigenous Communities and Mining companies. The machines now feature stainless steel frames and are powered by leading engine brands like Honda or Vanguard. “Our big Aussie Python machine, available as either a ute mount kit or trolley mount, uses a 31hp Vanguard to produce 31 litres of flow per minute and a pressure rating of 4300 psi,” he said. “Using Aussie sewer cleaning hoses and nozzles, these machines will make short work of any blockage!” PERFECT PARTNERS The company realised that having a great product line means having distributors who carry the stock, know the product and understand how to apply it. Gippsland is blessed by having a range of top quality professional Aussie “Gold Distributors” throughout the region. Further information is available from Australian Pump and from the national Gold Distributor network … aussiepumps.com.au
February, 2022
A D V E R T I S I N G
F E A T U R E
Better results from pasture renewal with a final check
Maximising autumn pasture renewal starts with optimising pasture establishment by checking for and eradicating competing weeds and grass – and this can make all the difference in success or sub-optimal establishment of new pasture. A final check of your paddocks before you spray them out this season is the first step towards establishing strong and persistent pasture. It’s an opportunity to find out what weeds are present, taking pictures if you’re unsure, and getting in touch with your local agronomy team to find out what you need to get rid of them. It often as simple as this final check. Peter Notman of Notman Pasture Seeds says even if you’re ticking all the other boxes with good variety selection, adequate soil fertility and start-up fertiliser, this final paddock check before sowing can establish the need to broaden the spectrum of weeds killed in the knockdown spray out. “As farmers know, seedling weeds vigorously compete for nutrients, moisture, light and most importtanttly, space,”” Nottman saiid. “Young weeds are generally faster growing then
ryegrass, fescue and clover seedlings, and if certain weeds are missed in the spray out then they can often compromise the long term persistency of new pasture. “We’ll see healthier pastures and improved feed value from an integrated weed management program which includes a system of good specie selection, pasture competition, timely slashing, hay and silage, and herbicides.” Peter said by checking paddocks before sowing, farmers may find they may need to add a companion herbicide to get rid of weeds not controlled by Glyphosate alone. If woody plants are also present, or are the dominant species, consider products labelled for brush control. “Spraying with Glyphosate and Techdeck penetrant is generally the first step, but we’re also eradicating weeds such as marshmellow, annual nettles with the addition of Carfentrazone,” he said. “And the great thing is, we can select these optional companiion sp prays and d sttill have zero pllantt backk or grazing witthhold periods – which quickens the
spray out process and onto re-sowing pasture. “It’s critical to optimise paddock weed control before re-sowing into ryegrass and clover blends, as options pastures containing clover can be severely limited, depending on the weed type. “If you miss some of the weeds in the spray out, it’s often your last chance to get rid of them in clover and ryegrass based pastures.” Alternatively, four to six weeks after pasture germination use a post emergent program to suppress weeds in ryegrass and clover paddocks. Aim to spray the weeds before they get six true leaves, don’t let them get too big and get in a salvage situation. When effective agronomic practices are integrated with a tactical herbicide program, the result is a more cost effective weed control program. “Ultimately we’ll see better pasture performance and optimise yield potential by favouring the pasture over the weeds,” he said. “This final check can reduce weed growth, miiniimiisiing weed d seed d sett and d red duc ce the costts off spraying weeds later on.”
MULTI SPECIE E BLENDS TAILORED TO GIPPSLAN ND CONDITIONS
DELIVERY GIPPSLAND WIDE (03) 5659 2314
February, 2022
www.notmanpasture.com.au THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
29
RURAL DIRECTORY ONLY
To promote your Trade, S Service or Business here,
$5
2
(03) 5135 4444
call Email: farmerads@lvexpress.com.au FARM & GARDEN
Heavy Duty, Waterproof, UV Stable, Economical.
ABN 28 137 784 163
1300 656 211
GP1638049
DELIVERED
0417 304 711
abctarps.com.au
SITUATION VACANT
ON FARM BUTCHERING
MATURE AGE PERSON CASUAL TAXI DRIVER 1 x Day or 1 x Night + 1 x weekend shift per week
Phone Dave
0401 885 729
GP1636942
• Taxi with fuel supplied, subcontractor working under our Traralgon Taxis dispatch. • Training to acquire Taxi Licence accreditation standards. Contact from locals living in Latrobe will be given preference.
GP1638054
Cool room supplied Meat packed in a clean environment BUTCHERING
GP1637698
IN STOCK WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED NOW
Ph: 0418 518 199
MILKING MACHINE REPAIRS
AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING
AG CONTRACTING
GP1631902
- ASK Ag Services P/L
and BALED SILAGE LK U B IN G N SI LI IA SPEC HAY and ALL FORMS OF
GP1636032
CALL
HAY COVERS?
Sawdust Wood Shavings Wood Chips Bush Mulch Pine Peelings
) # ) ) ) ) " ) %) ! ) ) #
one 0427 489 397
ad, Cowwarr 3857 Phemail: sonny@wideband.net.au 2827 Traralgon - Maffra Ro
' ( )
$ $ $
' ( )
$ $$
% & ) # ' )
$
WATER TANK CLEANING
WANTED
The Watertank Cleaning Company
FARM MACHINERY
Tim Ferguson 0400 744 185 G P 16 3 6 0 3 7
(THE WATER DOCTOR)
- Minimal water loss - Tanks can be FULL or low on water - Lid / Liner Installation
Ph: 0428 594 565 www.watertankcleaning.com.au
G P 16 3 76 9 6
Cleaning & Repairing Since 1996
GP1636796
P/L
HAY COVERS
GP1635225
W.W.R.
PER MO NTH 2021
30
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
February, 2022
LIVESTOCK BUYING
HAY FOR SALE
Contact Us
•Oats •Barley •Lucerne
GP1638024
Colleen Bye 0467 533 003 Waynne McKay 0419 486 282 Phillipp Fleming 0498 242 421 Stevee Fallon 0427 352 231
FeedTest results available on application.
MADE IN R COWWAR
Contact us for available export orders Selling in all major selling centres CONTACT US FOR THE BEST PRICE AND HONEST ADVICE!
0427 088 066
Contact Pat for pricing and transport options. www.gippshay.com.au GP1636489
WANTED TO BUY
SEED SUPPLIES
Sowing seed this Autumn?
CONNOR SHEA SEEDERS AND MACHINERY
WANTED We Buy For Wrecking or Renovation
• Pasture seed • Turf and amenity seed • Cropping seed The cost effec ve way to buy your seed is through Bass Coast Seed Supplies
Prompt Payme entt and d Colle ectio on witth our own H I A B Trucks
Phone
02 62277227 0427 105 180
GP1631781
8-14 Hade Avenue, BASS, 3991 basscoastseedssuppliers@gmail.com
0418 359 517
AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTOR
ALPACA STUD
MERUNGLE ALPACA STUD
Taking bookings now for
• Sowing • Slashing • Cultivation • Excavations • Fertilising • Fencing
GIPPSLAND BREEDER SERVICING AUSTRALIA
GP1636664
Stud and Commercial Alpacas always available Alpaca Products and Fleeces
Phone Neil Barnes (Boolarra)
0474 946 634
for times to visit please call
Jen & Peter 5147 2444 or 0412 383 655
email: mcdavitt@merungle.com.au
BUYING NOW
38 Sellings Lane, Maffra
www.merungle.com.au
AUTO / TRUCK TOOLS
GP1636553
WANTED! Any old UTV, Gator, Side By Side, Quad & AG Bikes, Excavators, 4x4s, Utes, Tractors. Any condition ru unning, rusted, rolled orr broken.
0401 244 24 44 970 97 70
$$$ PAID
RURAL ADVISORY
SPREADING SERVICE
G P 16 3 76 9 7
GP1633792
February, 2022
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
31
RURAL NEWS
Australia signs agriculture deal with Indonesia, which aims to grow trade link AN AGRICULTURE Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Jakarta recently by the Agriculture Minister David Littleproud and his Indonesia counterpart Dr Syahrul Yasin Limpo. Mr Littleproud said the MoU was an official recognition of the tangible agricultural trade that flows between the two nations, and the desire for that trade to grow.
Agriculture Victoria and the Victorian Rabbit Action Network is encouraging landowners to get together with their neighbours to plan a rabbit control program, with summer and early autumn the best time reduce local rabbit populations. photograph supplied
Time to target rabbits is now AGRICULTURE Victoria and the Victorian Rabbit Action Network is encouraging landowners to get together with their neighbours to plan a rabbit control program, with summer and early autumn the best time reduce local rabbit populations. Agriculture Victoria biosecurity manager Jason Wishart said the best rabbit control results are achieved when landowners work together and implement management programs when rabbit populations are at their lowest. “With food scarcer over the summer period, there is a natural pause in the breeding cycle, so the time to act is now,” he said. Mr Wishart said control techniques such as baiting and ripping also become more effective at this time year because the rabbits are more likely to eat bait and the soils are more friable and better for ripping. “While there are a number of biological control agents in the environment such as myxomatosis and RHDV (calicivirus),
they are not effective for managing rabbit populations on their own,” he said. “The most effective programs are those that adopt the ‘rabbit recipe’ which is an integrated approach using a combination of baiting, ripping and fumigation. “It is also critical to monitor rabbit numbers before and after your program to confirm that you are having the desired impact on the rabbit population.” Rabbits cause considerable damage to agriculture as they consume pasture and various crops and compete with livestock for feed. This, coupled with their burrowing behaviour, also leads to soil erosion and other land degradation issues. Rabbits also have a significant impact on the natural environment through selective grazing, competition with native species and habitat degradation. Mr Wishart said effective rabbit management is especially critical at the moment because populations are predicted to increase as a result of the the late browning of vegetation this spring and summer.
“Research indicates that the late browning of vegetation in spring and summer can result in increased rabbit populations the following year,” he said. “With the wetter conditions we are seeing this spring and summer, it is very important to control rabbits now, so they don’t get a chance to build up.” Landowners are urged to talk to their neighbours and form community rabbit action groups that can share the cost of contractors to conduct baiting, ripping and fumigation over multiple properties, making it more effective. Victorian Rabbit Action Network chair Gerald Leach said it was essential that communities are motivated and supported to conduct effective rabbit control programs. “Rabbits are a serious problem for everyone. They have major impacts on agriculture, the natural environment, Aboriginal cultural heritage, infrastructure and community assets,” he said.
Joint initiative addresses RAT shortfall A JOINT initiative by the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), Food and Fibre Gippsland and Fruit Growers Victoria (FGV) will result in more than 50,000 Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) heading to Victorian farmers. VFF president Emma Germano said the response from farmers highlighted the critical need and demand for RAT’s in rural communities. “Our industry, as well as many others have been crying out for RATs for months,” Ms Germano said.
“We decided to get on the front foot and secure a supply of tests ourselves. “The response has been enormous.” The VFF, Food and Fibre Gippsland and FGV collaborated together to secure the supply of RATs from HiCraft Safety. Ms Germano said orders had been offered to purchasers at a fair price, with a small fee added to cover distribution costs. These measures were adopted after what Ms Germano described as an afterthought response by the state government.
“We have heaps of members and farmers calling us saying they would love to be able to use the new isolation directives, but there is no availability of RATs anywhere,” Ms Germano said. The 44 million RATs ordered by the state government were to be distributed to key workers, such as those employed in the health system, emergency services, education system, disability and aged care services.
The MoU was a highlight of the threeday visit which saw Mr Littleproud meet with key ministers including the Indonesian Minister for Agriculture and the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and the Minister for Manpower as well as Indonesian agribusiness representatives. “Indonesia is Australia’s fourth-largest agriculture, fisheries and forestry export market, valued at $2.9 billion in the 2020-21 year,” Mr Littleproud said. “Indonesia is Australia’s largest market for wheat, largest market for live cattle, and fifth-largest market for beef.” The two-way trade for the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors was $4.07 billion which shows that Indonesia is not just a respected partner but a valued one as well. ”The MoU has an implementing Work Group with four taskforces which will focus on livestock and animal products, crop and plant products, modern systems and processes, and agricultural research and education,“ Mr Littleproud said. “Under the MoU, our nations will cooperate to facilitate mutually beneficial trade. “In simple terms it is a win-win for both our countries. “Through the three days I was able to raise a number of trade and market access issues of interest to Australia and reiterated my commitment to work with Indonesia to ensure both countries can take full advantage of the IndonesiaAustralia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. ”“I also welcomed the engagement of Indonesia on the Australian Agriculture Visa and welcomed the progress being made.”
GP1637795
32
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
February, 2022
February, 2022
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
33
PADDOCK Stubble loads now prove a breeze NEW and improved Australian manufactured tillage equipment from RFM Ag will take this season’s wet, sticky and heavy trash conditions in its stride, while adding faster sowing speeds, reduced fuel usage and improved germination. RFM Ag is based in Coolamon, in southern NSW, and since 2008 has been a leader in developing revolutionary technology for efficient no-till planting. Director and sales manager Bruce Hutcheon said sales of the company’s press harrows, retrofit double discs, spring coil press wheels and tynes had been particularly strong over the past two years off the back of grower demand for quality Australian made products and good seasonal conditions. “There is plenty of subsoil moisture and the seasonal outlook is good but growers will no doubt be having issues with their stubble loads,” Mr Hutcheon said. “All our machines are now fully made in Australia for Australian conditions with design modifications made in conjunction with customer feedback. “With the RFM Ag press harrows, we have made some durability and maintenance upgrades by redesigning the hinge-point on the main arm and the clamps where the coils bolt onto.” The RFM Ag press harrows are a levelling harrow and coil packer in one product using three spring coils to eliminate mud and trash build up. They feature a quick-change angle and level position and have a low maintenance bearing design. “We have also have the new RFM Ag parallelogram tyne-mounted press wheel, a dual purpose design which can be bolted onto the back of a tyne or disc unit, has adjustable spring tensions and with the ability to fit the majority of
The RFM Ag press harrows are a levelling harrow and coil packer in one product using three spring coils to eliminate mud and trash build up. photograph supplied
machines on the market,” Mr Hutcheon said. “The action of the parallelogram allows for a constant seeding depth. The press wheel has the RFM Ag patented coil wheel which brings soft soil back over the top of the seed, leaving a firm tilth without smearing or crusting. “Growers can also choose our standard coil press wheel which mounts across the back of any bar and comes in the narrow two coil press wheel. “The press wheels have a self-cleaning action avoiding the use of a chain and self-close the furrows.” With RFM Ag’s popular retrofit double discs, growers have been achieving faster sowing speed, better fuel consumption and better germination. The company has constantly developed the retrofit conversions for over 14 years
to adapt to more than 50 planters worldwide, with the double discs allowing growers to convert their existing planting tine tip to a dual-purpose machine also suitable for pasture. The disc has a 15-degree angle giving it the ability to cut through the toughest stubble load – a serrated lead disc is 25mm in front of the following plain disc for easier penetration. The large 450mm x 4mm plates are recessed to handle the roughest of conditions and are fitted with a newly designed axle-free hub with a non-greaseable sealed bearing reducing maintenance. Mr Hutcheon said the new hubs could be retrofitted to the existing older style machines. He said the RFM Ag double discs were available in single or double boot models
with 15’’ or 18” disc diameters and fitted with a tungsten scraper. “The reduced draft and drag of the discs mean less fuel usage, better seed placement, moisture retention and faster seeding rate,” he said. “The fact you can retrofit your old machine and quickly adapt from disc back to tine gives flexibility in busy seeding periods. Optional double plain discs are available and give a reduced soil throw for pasture seeding. “Customer feedback has revealed using the RFM double disc results in 20-30 per cent higher planting speeds, and this is combined with 30 per cent less fuel. “The double discs are out working in the sandy soils in Western Australia through to the rocky soils of South Australia, the Mallee soils in Victoria, the self-mulching soils in NSW and the grey and black soils in Queensland. “In light conditions, growers can start seeding earlier with the discs over a tyne machine and at the end of the day, the disc angle is not minimising soil disturbance.” RFM Ag continues to stock the standard tyne with a universal clamp to fit most tool bars. It has adjustable pressure with a high breakout of 400-600lb making them ideal for no till farming. “Over the years we have improved the tyne with a brass bush, solid tapered bolt and nut, and a grease point, and it comes with a single or double bolt hole tyne leg,” Mr Hutcheon said. “Our in-house design team has come up with another tyne design which is adaptable simply by moving one pin to place the tension spring in different spots to run from 350lb to 700lb pressure. “This tyne can also be converted to a hydraulic tyne.”
New harvesting solution from Case IH and MacDon
CO-BRANDED combine draper headers will be offered at Case IH dealers across the globe, including Australia and New Zealand Australian and New Zealand farmers will soon have another option when it comes to draper headers, following the announcement of a new partnership between Case IH and MacDon Industries Ltd. The co-branded draper headers designed for Case IH Axial-Flow® combines will be available for order worldwide next year, with Australian and New Zealand customers able to
order through their local dealers late in 2022, with delivery in time for the following year’s harvest. Case IH ANZ general manager Pete McCann said the new partnership was aimed at delivering an industry-leading harvesting package for producers. “Case IH and MacDon have always strived to bring greater efficiencies and productivity to the agriculture industry and we’re looking forward to what this new arrangement can offer our customers,” he said. “The collaboration is an exciting new chapter in Case IH’s Hay and Harvest
product offering, and we believe it gives farmers a high-efficiency draper header-combine solution that will make harvesting easier, and more profitable for local farming businesses.” Based in Manitoba, Canada, MacDon has manufactured high-performance harvesting equipment for more than 70 years. Like Case IH, the company is known for working directly with producers and custom harvesters to produce equipment that helps producers efficiently harvest their crops.
“As the agriculture industry worldwide is called on to continue increasing its outputs in the coming decades, innovation is the key to helping achieve this, and seeking out new partnerships like this one with MacDon will ensure the bar continues to be raised for the benefit of farmers, and consumers both here and across the globe,” Mr McCann said. For more information about Case IH, visit www.caseih.com. For more information about MacDon, visit www.macdon.com.
.
%%$,)6%01
.++%0 )++1 !-$ 0!)- !''%01
%%$5)/%01
(% )$%!+ 1/0%!$%0 &.0 !++ 27/%1 .& '0!-3+!0 &%02)+)8%01 +),% '7/13, !-$ ,!-30%1 /!0% !021 !-$ .0*1(./ %04)#% !4!)+!"+% 2. .--% .$%+1 %)'()-' 712%,1 %20% 0!#* !4!)+!"+% ) 712%, 2. #.-20.+ !//+)#!2).-1 !+1. !4!)+!"+%
" " " !" #" !
(
34
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
.")+%
300!7 !++%7 )'(5!7 %0!-' )# ,!)+ 1!+%1 %!12%0-1/0%!$%01 #., !3 February, 2022
!
" !
" !
3 0 #0-% %0- '# # $.5 % ( 0 -- # #' 1 '4 4 0( ) - 7 .5 # '( 2 ' # %% - # # ( # % - #' - #'' #2 % #0 (%' 4 # #' ''# - # # ' #' -' (%#'- 2#' &
-' -#' 0 -- -# 4- & 2 0 -- -# # 4#0' 44 ( - 7 +/5 # ( $ 5 % %#2 ' # 01'' -44 ( # 0( -# # % % &
( +
( + "$ $ #
, -*.! !* " ''
, -*.!* " '
$ & "
$ " " " $
) '
+ ( $
+ ( $ &
' ( # - # (
( %% 4& 7 ( ' 0(-' - 1 # 4& ' 1 - 9 6 '1 (- -' ( , %%(
#0- , %%(
# 4& ' 3 0 ( ,
( (0 - -# 7
1 '4 #(-(&
% " " ! ' 1 ( 0 ' 5 / $.* !* "' 1 ( 5 .
! " ! 5. ++/ //!! 8# 5 $! + 5 + GP1629587
February, 2022
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
35
PADDOCK Innovation nod for John Deere EIGHT John Deere innovations have received a 2022 AE50 Award for their ability to equip farmers with powerful and intelligent technology to advance agricultural production. Each year, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) recognises the 50 most innovative product-engineering designs in the food and agriculture industry with AE50 Awards, as chosen by international engineering experts. To be selected, winning products must help farmers and food processors to increase efficiency, enhance quality, improve safety, and increase profitability. John Deere Australia/New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler said the awards reflected John Deere’s commitment to meeting farmers’ evolving needs and challenges with technological solutions to advance the industry. “Innovation is central to everything we do and we invest heavily in research and development,” Mr Chandler said. “John Deere specialists from around the globe combine their expertise to create outstanding new products, and take great pride in knowing their ingenuity has contributed to assisting our customers to efficiently and sustainably meet the world’s growing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. “An example of this is the awardwinning See and Spray Select, a targeted spray application that provides a similar hit rate to broadcast spraying while using an average 77 per cent less herbicide - a significant saving on inputs for farmers.”
John Deere Australia/New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler is delighted with the eight innovations earning recognition. photograph supplied
Factory-installed on the new 400 and 600 Sprayers, the See and Spray Select solution toured Australian farms last year, to demonstrate the advanced camera and control technology which allows it to differentiate colour on fallow ground, to detect weeds for spraying.
Other John Deere innovations receiving a 2022 AE50 Award include: * MY22 9 Series Tractors – is powered by an all-new John Deere PowerTech 13.6L engine to allow producers to increase efficiency by pulling wider implements and is packed with technology to enable greater precision.
* HDF Hinged Frame Flexible Cutterbar Draper – provides superior harvesting capacity for small grains, canola and pulse production across changing conditions and uneven or rolling terrain while capturing more grain. * C770 Cotton Harvesters – provides unmatched levels of productivity, technology, and efficiency for cotton growers, with the new picker harvesting more than four hectares per hour while reducing cotton losses, and strippers harvesting up to an extra 40 ha per day in dryland cotton. * Quick Change Blades for ProSeries Openers – helps farmers save time and reduce labour costs on no-till air seeding tools. * ExactRate Liquid Fertiliser System – integrated on 8RX tractors, this offers an additional 3785L of liquid fertiliser capacity on the tractor allowing customers to increase efficiency by covering more acres between fills. * 1775NT Planter – increases onboard seed and fertiliser capacity while reducing soil compaction through the integration of tracks on the planter. * W200 Series Self-Propelled Windrowers and Platforms – includes TouchSet in-cab push-button controls operators can use to adjust settings from inside the cab. “John Deere is very proud to be recognised as part of the AE50 Awards, and will continue to push the boundaries of agricultural technology to support our farmers in being the most productive, profitable and sustainable in the world,” Mr Chandler said.
GP1636008
36
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
February, 2022
WEATHER OUTLOOK January’s Rainfall Observations for Eastern Victoria (source BOM)
Victoria’s rainfall total for the month of January. meteorology
image bureau of
The national rainfall outlook for the period March to May 2022. image bureau of meteorology
East Sale Airport.........96.8mm Hogan Island...............57.8mm Latrobe Valley...........120.2mm Mount Baw Baw.........53.6mm Mount Moornapa.....275.0mm Wilsons Promontory.73.0mm Yanakie ........................47.0mm Yarram Airport............72.6mm Bairnsdale..................125.8mm Combienbar.............15.1.8mm
Gabo Island...............104.4mm Gelantipy ...................135.0mm Lakes Entrance...........97.6mm Mallacoota...................83.4mm Mount Nowa Nowa..114.4mm Omeo.........................200.4mm Orbost..........................74.2mm Mount Hotham.........212.0mm Pound Creek...............66.0mm Wonthaggi...................79.0mm
GIPPSLAND’S
Cattle Market REPORT PAKENHAM LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE
Monday, January 31
There were approximately 670 export and 250 young cattle penned representing an increase of 200 head week-on-week. The usual buying group was present but not all operating fully in a dearer market. Quality was mixed with a good selection of vealers and plenty of secondary cattle throughout the grown. Trade cattle sold a few cents dearer on most sales. A sprinkling of grown steers and bullocks lifted 10c to 20c/ kg. Manufacturing steers improved 20c/kg. Cows sold from firm to 15c/kg dearer and more on some sales. Heavy bulls gained 9c/kg. Vealers sold from 490c to 582c/kg. Yearling trade steers made between 520c and 590c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade sold between 470c and 565c/kg. Grown steers made from 468c to 500c/kg. Bullocks sold from 440c to 490c/kg. Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers made between 366c and 388c with the crossbred portion between 400c and 485c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows sold between 215c and 322c/kg. Heavy weight cows made mostly from 284c to 400c/kg. Heavy bulls sold from 339c to 394c/kg. Yarding 923
Change 205 Comparison date 24/01/2022
Category Weight
Grade Score
Carcass
Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head High
Avg
Change
Avg
Low
Change 21 Comparison date 20/01/2022
Category Weight High
Avg
Yearling Steer
Thursday, January 27
There were approximately 90 export and 25 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 21 head week-on-week. There was a smaller field of processors and another grazier present and operating in a mixed market. Quality declined with fewer prime cattle and more bulls. Trade cattle were in short supply with most young lots selling to restockers. Grown steers and bullocks sold firm. Cows improved slightly while heavy bulls slipped 30c/kg. Young cattle sold to restockers from 434c to 522c/kg. Grown steers and bullocks made between 411c and 450c/kg. Light and medium weight cows to processors sold between 240c and 267c/kg. Heavy weight cows to processors made from 275c to 332c/kg. Restocking cows sold from 275c to 337c/kg. Heavy bulls made between 247c and 316c with one restocker purchase for 320c/ kg
Yarding 117
Live Weight c/kg Low
BAIRNSDALE LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE
Grade Score
Carcass
Live Weight c/kg
Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head
Low
High
Avg
Change
Avg
Low
High
Avg
434.0
434.0
434.0
N/Q
804
2209
2209
2209
B,C,D,2,3
426.0
426.0
426.0
N/Q
819
2254
2254
2254
B,C,D,2,3
411.0
450.0
424.0
14
785
2507
2790
2601
Vealer Steer
330-400
B,C,D,2,3
470.0
470.0
470.0
N/Q
870
1645
1645
1645
400+
400+
B,C,D,2,3
480.0
590.0
553.4
28
976
2040
2755
2570
Yearling Heifer
B,C,D,2,3
400+
Yearling Heifer 330-400
B,C,D,2,3
492.0
492.0
492.0
18
911
1968
1967
1968
Grown Steer
400+
B,C,D,2,3
470.0
565.0
518.1
43
943
1998
2646
2415
600-750
B,C,D,2,3
577.0
577.0
577.0
N/Q
995
1904
1904
1904
B,C,D,2,3
468.0
552.0
542.0
-12
985
1470
1794
1744
500-600
B,C,D,2,3
468.0
520.0
495.2
2
883
2538
2912
2805
600-750
B,C,D,2,3
460.0
490.0
474.8
N/Q
853
2990
3510
3289
B,C,D,2,3
300.0
398.0
354.1
0
722
1650
2985
2064
Vealer Steer 280-330 Vealer Heifer 280-330 Grown Steer
Cows 520+
GIPPSLAND REGIONAL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE
No sales took place during the current reporting period.
LEONGATHA LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE
Wednesday, January 19
There were approximately 520 export and 300 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 150 head week-on-week. Most of the usual buying group was present but not all operating fully in a mixed market. Quality was limited with vealers well supplied while prime grass finished cattle were limited and there were fewer cows penned. Trade cattle sold mostly 5c/kg dearer and more on some sales. A limited but better selection of grown steers and bullocks improved 25c/kg. Manufacturing steers eased 3c to 6c/kg on most sales. Cows sold mostly firm with some isolated sales up to 20c/kg cheaper. Heavy bulls lost 5c/kg. Vealers sold from 485c to 580c/kg. Yearling trade steers made between 500c and 562c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade sold between 460c and 526c/kg. Grown steers made from 460c to 516c/kg. Bullocks sold from 440c to 486c/kg. Heavy Grown heifers showing good finish made between 430c and 450c/kg. Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers sold between 365c and 367c with the crossbred portion between 375c and 444c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows made from 212c to 312c/kg. Heavy weight cows sold mostly from 270c to 378c/kg. Better shaped heavy bulls made between 335c and 376c/kg. Yarding 817 Change -158 Comparison date 12/01/22 Category Weight
Grade Score
Carcass
Live Weight c/kg
Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head
Low
High
Avg
Change
Avg
Low
High
Avg
450.0
562.0
519.7
-22
929
2209
2670
2428
B,C,D,2,3
443.0
526.0
484.0
-41
900
2032
2392
2235
B,C,D,2,3
548.0
575.0
558.9
N/Q
989
1754
1898
1806
B,C,D,2,3
485.0
558.0
534.6
N/Q
978
1601
1814
1730
Yearling Steer 400+
B,C,D,2,3
Yearling Heifer 400+ Vealer Steer 280-330 Vealer Heifer 280-330 Grown Steer 500-600
B,C,D,2,3
460.0
516.0
483.2
43
866
2530
2750
2632
600-750
B,C,D,2,3
440.0
451.0
445.2
N/Q
825
2750
2932
2836
B,C,D,2,3
310.0
378.0
347.7
1
705
1733
2520
2072
Cows 520+
Market figu ures supplied by Meat and Livestock Australia’s National Livesstock Reporting Service and Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange Sale.
February, 2022
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
37
GIPPSLAND SPORT
Country’s finest compete at Sale By LIAM DURKIN
THE niche sport of campdrafting was held on the outskirts of Sale last month, as the Gippsland Campdrafting Association season made its way to the region. More than 1500 riders from across the country took to the Sale Polocrosse Club grounds in Fulham to showcase their riding and drafting skills for three days of intense competition. Riders saddled up on board trusted companions, as they attempted to manoeuvre less trusted cattle. The air of excitement was ever present, with a number of eyes overlooking the yards and the unpredictability factor of not knowing exactly how the cattle were going to behave. As competition moved along one got the sense they were stepping back in time to when stockmen would challenge each other for bragging rights to prove their horse riding skills. It is said this is where the sport had its origins in outback Queensland. Drafters at Sale competed in ladies, open, restricted open, novice, maiden and junior events. Winners across the grades were Tash Adams (ladies), Bonnie Hiscock (open), Peter Boulton (restricted open), Mark Ruff (novice A), Jordi Stockdale (novice B), Lincoln Adams (maiden), Lane Bowman (under 17) and Matilda Kennedy (under 13). To the uninitiated, campdrafting may appear to be a casual novelty, but the temperament, composure and knowledge required to succeed in the sport means that the margin for error is miniscule. The first challenge is for riders to use their best judgement in selecting a single ‘beast’ from a mob of cattle and to then turn it a number of times to demonstrate to a judge that they have it under control. Once the rider has a beast ‘cut’ from the mob they wil ill yell “g gate please” to tw two w people man anning n the entry ry y to the course. From there, the gates are arr swu wung u open an and n there are arr three minds worki king i at once - the rider, rii the horse and an n the beast, as the tri rio i enter the course to complete left and an n right rii han and n turns in a
38
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
figure eight, before finally guiding the beast through another gate. Elements of the old were intersected with the new at Sale, as the local campdrafting club welcomed a modern public address box, replacing a previously primitive shack construction. Country hospitality and nonjudgement was also on display at Sale, as even this writer, who would have looked well out of place with his hair tied up wearing Birkenstocks in a sea of RM Williams and nd cowboy boots was welcomed with i open arms. arr Remote loc cations like Hinnomunjie (just out of Omeo) and an n Yan anak naki kie i (population 250) also all form par art rt of the campdra afting f roadshow, and an n are arr somewhat fitting in keeping with wii the supposed orrigins i of the sport rt. t
Stradbroke rider Alison Boulton (above) competes at the Sale Campdraft.
Sale’s Tash Adams and horse Tommy (left) won the ladies section of Sale Campdraft.
Shannon Brown (below) competes at this year’s Sale Campdraft ft. t
photographs liam durkin
February, 2022
GIPPSLAND SPORT
Queenslander wins Pro-Am THE Latrobe City WIN Television Traralgon Pro-Am Classic delivered another two days of high quality golf. Despite heavy rain ending the tournament prematurely on January 28, the event saw more than 70 professional golfers take to the fairways of the Traralgon Golf Club for one of the most prestigious Pro-Am’s in regional Victoria. Brisbane’s Tim Hart won the Pro-Am after shooting nine-under par 63 on day one. Hart was level with Blake Collyer at 12-under when play was suspended, but with lightning strikes and some holes under water, the siren was sounded and the second round abandoned with Hart declared the winner. The Queenslander nailed nine birdies in the opening round to go one clear of Collyer. Hart began Round 2 with three straight birdies, while Collyer had to make do with taking outright second after shooting eight under 64 the previous day. Having been to Traralgon a number of times, Hart said it was gratifying to finally get his hands on the trophy. “Over the years I’ve played well here but never managed to get the win so it’s finally good to,” he said. “I always love coming back here to Traralgon and just good memories, good to come back to a course I’m familiar with.” Hart said he felt his was in a good headspace for the tournament. “I think my mentality the last few days, I’ve been getting a bit upset over the last few weeks with my golf so I just tried to stay calm and take each shot as it came and I managed to do that very well,” he said. “I managed to keep the mistakes off the card, no bogeys for both rounds, it was nice just to have no mistakes. “It was tight, there was a few guys playing well so it was good to keep in my own game and just play well. “I knew the boys behind me were going to keep making birdies so I had to keep making birdies of my own.” Hart pocketed $25,000 for winning the Pro-Am, and continued his recent run
Brisbane’s Tim Hart took out this year’s Latrobe City WIN Television Traralgon Pro-Am Classic photograph liam durkin.
of good form after making the cut at the Australian PGA and Queensland PGA Championships. Following Traralgon, most of the professionals headed to Bairnsdale to take part in another Pro-Am. In what is a fascinating revelation, the lifestyle for the majority of professional golfers doesn’t carry the glitz and glamour one might assume. Many of the professionals at Traralgon work regular day jobs, and their journey going from place-to-place for tournaments is totally self-funded. Becoming a pro generally means one cannot just focus on playing either, as coaching, teaching and running a pro-shop form the basis of qualification. As much as the tournament was highlighted by the professionals, it also offered the chance for everyday golfers to gain a few insights and learn some tricks of the trade. The round was kept moving as the amateurs played stableford, all the while the professionals sought to add to their Order of Merit by completing the course in the most efficient manner possible. Like all professionals regardless of profession, the pro-golfers made everything they did look incredibly easy. That being said, there was still the odd fluffed or slightly sliced drive, showing that even the best can get it wrong occasionally.
Where the professionals differed from most amateurs however when an error happened was in their ability to recover. The professionals seemed to be able to get out of trouble by purposely making the ball bend or cut corners to place their ball in a position that made the next shot easier. The other difference, arguably the greatest, was in the short game. So often a weekend golfer will find themselves on the green in three shots and within one stroke of par, only to three putt the hole and have it turned into a double-bogey. Conversely, the professional, as was the case at the Pro-Am, nailed the majority of putts within close proximity to the hole. With another Pro-Am completed, Traralgon Golf Club Pro-Am Committee chair Andy Milbourne said the tournament had been the culmination of a lot of hard work behind the scenes. “It was great to see, the main aim is to get some really good professional and amateurs out on the course, and give the locals an opportunity to play with them shoulder-to-shoulder and see some top line golf up close and personal,” he said. “The field was absolutely awesome, a lot of players such as Marcus (former European Tour player Marcus Fraser) have been back year after year so it is really good that they actually come along and support the club in this way and they are bringing some of these young guys through as well. “It is good to see some of the ladies playing as well, we really want to develop that even more and maybe look at developing the junior side of things. “All the players, professionals, amateurs, sponsors and everyone else that turned up they were absolutely rapt in relation to how the course was presented, it is just a great event to be involved in. “Unfortunately the weather played havoc and we had to suspend play and then cancel play after nine holes of the final round, which is really unfortunate because the course is in the best condition we’ve ever seen, but there is not much we can do, it is an outdoor sport and that is the hazards that we have to put up with.”
Fax (03) 5627 6385 www.stlegermachinery.com C.L, A.H., & A.E. FORREST
Specialists in Second Hand Farm Machinery.
WORKSHOP OPEN - Workshop available to repair your tractors and implements..... LOADERS
Ford 3000 ,FEL, bucket & forks, 3pl, pwr steer, rops canopy, tyres vgc. Massey Ferguson 135, FEL, rops, as traded. Massey Ferguson 11, FEL, 1 mtr bucket, rops.
DAIRY
Frigrite Auto Wash vat, 3000 ltrs, excellent condition.
TILLAGE
Chisel Ploughs Power Harrows, TerraNova, 5ft, with crumble roller. Power harrows Lely 4.0 mtr with crumble roller Scarifier, 18 tyne.
DISCS
Connor Shea, trailing 16 plate. Fiat 3pl, 14 plate, 3pl. Massey Ferguson 3pl, 10 plate, 3pl.
FARM IMPLEMENTS
3pl aerorator. 8ft Port Multi grader blade. 9ft – 12ft smudgers. 12ft stick rake, heavy duty, suit 3pl or fel. Assorted hay forks & spikes. Cranvel trailing backhoe, pto driven. Hardi 600 ltr 3pl boom spray, 7.7 mtr boom & hose reel. Hyd 3pl silage bale feeder. Mulcher, Turner 7ft, offset. Mulcher, 8ft Silvan with hyd. sideshift. New Holland Roll-Belt 150 Superfeed baler, as new, 2020. Post hole diggers 6” to 18”, Post rammers .... Lyco with auger, Massey, Aussie Driver with hyd side shift. Superior 10ft slasher. Wick wipers, 3pl, 2mtr & 4 mtr.
TRACTORS
Case 990, pwr steer, rops canopy, vgc. Case 1394, FWA, 4 post rops canopy, tidy, 77 hp. Cat Challenger MT445B 4wd, a/c cab. Cat Challenger MT465B 4wd, a/c cab, ex. cond. Deutz 3006, 2wd, rops, 3pl. Deutz 5206, 2wd, rops, 1800 gen hrs, one owner. Deutz 140 hp, 2wd, a/c cab, 3pl, rem. Tidy unit. Fiat F120, FWA, a/c cab, new clutch, 120hp. Ford 4000, pwr steer, rops, 3pl remotes, as traded. Ford TW15, fwa, a/c cab, 3pl, rem, new clutch, 143hp. Iseki 5000, 2wd, cab. John Deere 1120, rops, 2wd. Kubota M8580DT, fwa, rops canopy, 800hrs, 80hp. Massey Ferguson 355 turbo, a/c cab, p/steer, d/bar, remotes.. .
TYRES
Assorted new and second hand from 16” to 46”.
VINTAGE
Ferguson TEA with reduction box, ex tobacco planter, high clearance, tricycle, power steering.
Delivery and finance easily arranged. Trade-ins accepted.
WANTED
GP1637678
By LIAM DURKIN
Preston Rd, Ripplebrook Phone (03) 5627 6317
Good quality late model tractors.
John Duff & Co Distributor of Shell Products
BIG OR SMALL WE DO IT ALL
John Duff & Co is an independent, local family owned business, proudly distributing fuel and lubricants to Gippsland businesses and surrounding communities for more than 55 years.
AVAILABLE FOR ALL YOUR FUEL & LUBRICANT NEEDS!
February, 2022
Fuel and Lubricant equipment
Enquire Now how we can make a real difference to your business and equipment Depots at Koo Wee Rup and Traralgon admin@jduff.com.au
1300 JOHNDUFF
Diesel grades Unleaded grades Shell Oils and Greases AdBlue
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
39
5 ( !,- 4
" # # ( # & ' # + ) & " . # # # & ( * # # # / # # & & # # # # # # # # # # ' ) # # ) # ( # # #) #) & #) # & # %** $ # # #) " , - ( #) ) & ( # & # ! ( ( # # # & # # # # &# # ( ( # # + " .
%
# #
% (
#
( $
#
' ! & % "
#
#
" % "
# #
% " (
+ / 0 * * & '* & * 2# "$ $ / ** &* & * . ,2# ' " ' * * 3 " * & " * .&* * * 1 & " 1 *' && &' / & ,) * ' * & $ & ' & ,!'* -2-- 0 '* ' '* * ""& / ".& ' &' & ** &* 0 .' * %. " * & .' '' ".&" ' ' 1$ . * * * & ' * ' & * ""& / 1 3 + *1 6* . & - !2( ) , ( $ + ' & ' 1 "" 1$
-!!!!
GP1637691
40
THE GIPPSLAND FARMER
February, 2022