Gippsland Farmer May 2021 Edition by gippslandtimes.com

Phone: (03) 5135 4444

May, 2021

CATTLEMAN RAISES HIS CONCERNS By MICHELLE SLATER

A LICOLA cattleman has raised concerns over state government regulations to allow people to camp on Crown and water frontages with grazing licences. Glenfalloch Station owner Will Paul owns nearly 5000 hectares with a grazing licence along the Macalister River. Mr Paul said he feared increasing public access to Crown land would saddle land owners with “park ranger type duties”. “One of the issues in this particularly is that a road runs close to the river, but there is private land between the road and river in most areas,” Mr Paul said. “The way the changes have been communicated, the public would be excused in thinking you could walk across private land to access the river frontage. This confusion will create issues.” The state government is changing the regulations as part of a 2018 election commitment to guarantee access to fishing and camping on Crown land river frontages.

Dynamic duo Willung girl Grace Scott, 11, and her kelpie Cruize preparing for the sheepdog trials at the East Gippsland Field Days. FULL COVERAGE INSIDE photograph michelle slater

INSECTS INSE ECTS PROVE RO A TA TASTY ASTY PROSPECT ROSP P PA PAGE AGE E 12

However, the changes would take into account that not all river frontages would be suitable for camping due to significant environmental or cultural values or the narrowness of the frontage. The Paul family took over the station six years ago and have invested significant efforts into revegetating the river frontage. River users such as local fishing groups and kayakers already have access to the banks for day use but the proposed regulations would mean people could set up camp for as long as 28 days. Mr Paul said he had written a submission proposing that the government create more dedicated camping areas with facilities to take away the ambiguity between public and private land. Station manager Dane Martin said they already had problems with people walking across paddocks to access the river where cows were calving and they even had animals shot by shooters. Continued on page 3

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RURAL NEWS

Grand accolade

By MICHELLE SLATER

A FORMER city-slicker who was diagnosed with terminal cancer at 14 was told by doctors to make a tree change is now the top Lowline cattle breeder in Australia and New Zealand. Grand Ridge breeder Vicki Gilbert cleaned up the broad sashes at the Sydney Royal Easter Show with her boutique-bred Rotherwood Lowline cattle. The top showie took out most successful and supreme exhibitor after walking away with seven out of nine major categories with two young bulls and a heifer. Some of the accolades included winning grand champion bull, best pair of bulls and grand champion female. The three champion animals are now on their way to Rockhampton to mix it with the best at the Beef Australia cattle expo. “I love the satisfaction of showing, I chose the genetics, broke them in and I see them paraded around the ring and if they win it’s even more so satisfying,” Ms Gilbert said. “Animals are so loyal and they give you so much. Some cattle love being shown, you could see the way my girl walked and held her head up. She stood beautifully and loved the attention.” Ms Gilbert said doctors told her she “wouldn’t survive” when diagnosed with bowel and breast cancer as a teen and they recommended she move out bush for some serenity. The now cancer-free 59-year-old moved to Lancefield where she fell in love with a neighbouring Lowline bull and ended up purchasing him and six females as her foundation herd. “I was a real city girl, I never thought I’d ever fall in love with cows. I was always in high heels and I didn’t even own a pair of jeans,” she said. “Now I’m healthy and alive and cancer free. The cattle and country life helped me 100 per cent.” The Lowline is a modern Australian breed

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One of Vicki Gilbert’s champion lowline cattle at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

of small, polled beef cattle, the result of selective breeding with black Aberdeen Angus. It is known for its docility and suitability for smaller acreages. Ms Gilbert shifted to Cann River to upsize her stud where her animals became known as the best in country, winning multiple supreme championships at Australia’s top shows. Rotherwood cattle are sought after by breeders for producing square and solid, structurally correct types. Ms Gilbert was also instrumental in helping red Lowlines get recognised in the show ring. However, Ms Gilbert thought she was done with showing after filling up her trophy cabinet, and moved to a smaller property just outside of Boolarra two years ago. She now has 25 Lowlines including four bulls and is now taking on the next step of selling semen for export to Europe and the United States. “I hadn’t shown for three years, but the stock on the ground was too good so I wanted to show again, I do this all by myself. It was really good for my spirits,” she said. “I’m now recognised enough to enter the export market and I have the confidence I will be successful, I need to keep breeding good cattle. This is exciting and different.”

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May, 2021

RURAL NEWS

There is about 10 kilometres of river frontage at Glenfalloch Station. photograph michelle slater

Cattleman’s concerns Continued from page 1

Caring for the land a priority By MICHELLE SLATER

A LICOLA beef producer is proving that farmers care for the land with a raft of environmental initiatives to improve the property’s riverine habitats. Glenfalloch Station owner Will Paul oversees nearly 5000 hectares of rolling pasture that curves its way around the Macalister River. The Paul family took over the property six years ago and have worked with local catchment management authorities on extensive native revegetation programs along eroded riverbanks. Mr Paul said they had fenced off cattle from sensitive areas and planted out spots in important platypus habitats. “We are making sure the environment we operate in is sustainable and well looked-after, we’ve been doing a lot of work to protect and preserve Crown land waterfrontages,” Mr Paul said. “Farming families have been the custodians and we will continue to do so to make sure we have clean, fresh water and a healthy ecosystem. We believe this is the right thing to do.” Glenfalloch Station produces premium

grass-fed Angus beef to a major supermarket which is interested in the farm’s environmental programs. The family also breeds a rare line of Aberdeen Angus, from a pedigree that existed nowhere else in the world in what Mr Paul described as a “time capsule of well-preserved genetics”. Mr Paul said the farm’s environment programs was in line with the red meat industry’s aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, which he was “taking this very seriously”. He said the farm was in the midst of carrying out carbon audits and looking at innovative systems to reach these ambitious targets. Mr Paul has seen the dividends pay off in terms of less inputs and higher resilience in dry times, particularly after purchasing the property just before the region was plunged into years of drought. “If you look around now, the environment has bounced back very strongly, and we have no doubt this is because of how we care for the land,” he said.

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Glenfalloch Station owner Will Paul and station manager Dane Martin are concerned about changes to river front camping regulations. photograph michelle slater

Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath said it was important for the government to get the regulations right, and balance the needs of both farmers and recreational river users. Ms Bath said farmers feared the public could degrade their properties by leaving rubbish, removing timber or bringing their dogs. She said farmers were also concerned that the draft regulations failed to mention the landholder or trespass and public liability. “This places a huge and onerous burden on landowners,” Ms Bath said. “We don’t want them to end up becoming policemen patrolling up and down the river banks dealing with rubbish and taking away people’s defecation.” The Victorian Farmers Federation raised the need for introducing a registration

system, to allow farmers and authorities to know exactly where campers have been and for how long. “Under the proposed rules farmers will not be able to meet the traceability requirements under biosecurity quality assurance systems,” VFF president Emma Germano said. “We’re calling for a simple, easy to use registration system to be introduced to ensure a level of accountability from campers and easier enforcement of rules by authorities when issues arise.” According to the Victorian Fisheries Authority, the new regulations would enable land managers to set-aside areas where camping could not take to protect sensitive habitats or for public safety. The VFA is also developing an app to show general locations where camping is permitted and identify appropriate access areas for access.

Authorised by Russell Broadbent MP, Liberal Party of Australia, 46C Albert Street, Warragul VIC V. 3820.

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RURAL NEWS

Paw-some program helps many By MICHELLE SLATER

A BAIRNSDALE woman has harnessed the innate giving nature of dogs to help kids focus and settle in at school. Megs Hopman has a team of trained therapy dogs who identify when a person is stressed out and needs a bit of emotional support. Ms Hopman was the East Gippsland Field days with her Playful Paws crew, teaching people about the role of therapy and service dogs, along with some basic dog tricks and obedience tips. Her dogs visit schools, TAFE centres, and also work in allied health to help people build social skills and learn about empathy. She said the dogs were particularly helpful at primary school morning drop off times when it was stressful for littlies leaving their parents and carers. “The kids can take a dog for a walk or teach them tricks, or even being with the dog, It gives them a sense of reward and helps to build their confidence,” Ms Hopman said. “Teachers see higher attendance rates, more empathy and less bullying. If the kids make a mistake it’s okay as the dog is forgiving and doesn’t judge.” Ms Hopman said a good therapy dog was naturally attuned to humans, changing their behaviour according to a person’s mood. She said any breed could become a prospective therapy canine, with some of her dogs ranging from a Chihuahua through to a Mastiff-cross, and put through a temperament test.

Bairnsdale dog trainer Megs Hopman with her mate Ralphie at the East Gippsland Field Days.

“Training is an ongoing process, we want dogs who are willing and seek pats and physical reinforcement. They tend to be well-rounded and handle all situations, noises and surfaces,” she said. Ms Hopman said one boy deaf with

a cochlear implant had been struggling to communicate, but after a few sessions with his canine friend he was forming full sentences. “Yesterday we worked with a boy with physical disabilities to help him engage with school work,” she said.

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“We had him measuring the dog, weighing him, talking about how to care for the dog and researching about his breed. “The dog is a great cheerleader and becomes more supportive as he can sense a person’s anxiety.”

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

May, 2021

RURAL NEWS

Field Days prove a big g success By MICHELLE SLATER

THE East Gippsland community was able to get together and kick back after what had been a rough 12 months for the region at the East Gippsland Field Days. Attendees got to check out a range of interests and displays including about 200 stalls, farm machinery, working dog trials, shearing, dog training tips, live music and kids’ activities. Organisers expected a crowd of about 5000 people at the two-day agricultural event held at the Bairnsdale aerodrome last month. EGFD committee chair Ronald Alexander said it was “touch and go” for the event to ahead after its COVID permit was issued with just five weeks’ notice. Mr Alexander said the late permit meant they did not have the resources to hold this year’s equestrian expo, and had to hold off promoting the event which meant some stall holders didn’t turn up. He said this year’s field days was a great opportunity for locals after East Gippsland was hit by last year’s fires,

years of drought and lockdowns in the pandemic. “I think this sort of event is important for the community to bounce back, they can come out and gather, see people they haven’t seen and breathe again,” Mr Alexander told Gippsland Farmer. “This is a big event for people to get out somewhere, and there has been an uptake of confidence in the farming community after the drought.” Mr Alexander said they were able to offer half-priced entry courtesy of subsidies from the East Gippsland Shire and local water authorities to help bring people through the gates. He said they had also been working with local Lions and Rotary clubs to put the profits from the field days back into community projects. “The field days is about a lot of little things to interest people, there is something here to suit everyone,” he said. “The success is on the Saturday morning when all the families with prams turn up.”

East Gippsland Field Days

in pictures on pages 8 and 11

Baileyy Barry ryy from Bairnsdale has some fun with bubble mac chines. slater

photograph michelle

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

RURAL NEWS

Grace and Cruize a great combination By MICHELLE SLATER

Willung girl Grace Scott and her kelpie Cruize before the East Gippsland field days sheep dog trials.

photograph michelle slater

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IT was all about having a fun day out with her canine mates for 11-year-old Willung girl Grace Scott who was gearing up for the East Gippsland Field Days working dog yard trials with her kelpie Cruize. The Scott family had taken eight of their prized working kelpies to take part in the sheep trails. “I’m here to have fun. I hope Cruize will listen and get around the course in a good amount of time and I hope the sheep will listen,” Grace said. “I don’t care if we don’t place as I will be against adults in the open section.” Grace fell in love with working dogs as a tot while watching her father Travis Scott work with sheep as a stock contractor. She said dad gave her Cruize to train up as a pup and she is in the midst of training an 11-month-old pup out of Cruize called Claire. “Every morning I wake up and walk her around. I train the dogs, I do the lead training and dad finishes them off,” she said. “They have to be interested in sheep. We put big dogs in with them, and we take them to work to get them used to sheep and then start putting commands on them as they get older.” Grace said her family owns about 20 working dogs and takes them to “as many trials as we can get to”. She said she starting trialling at seven and has so far won a handful of events including the encourage award at Tonimbuk. The aspiring vet said she one day hopes to win a championship, but said dogs will always be a big part of her life. “I would never give up dogs. I like the look of kelpies and I love working with sheep and seeing them move, when you see a dog move it’s really nice,” she said. “Trailing gives me some competition and something to aim for, and I get to see country spots and work with animals.”

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

May, 2021

RURAL NEWS

A fleece getting assessed for its commercial value in the wether trials. photographs michelle slater

Wool quality is top of the pops By MICHELLE SLATER

THE region’s wool producers were able to show off their top quality flocks at the East Gippsland Field Days with a competition to assess the commercial value of a group of sheep. Eighteen farmers from Gippsland and north-east Victoria selected five of their best woolly wethers for the trial to assess the most valuable wool from each farm. Briagolong merino producer and Gippsland Sheep Breeders Association member Peter Young said this was final year of the four-year wether trial, with sheep shorn annually to assess the wool value. Mr Young told Gippsland Farmer there was an annual winner and a four-year finalist, but only four farms took part in last year’s trial due to the pandemic. He said all the wethers were run together on the same property before the competition to make sure each farm was on an even keel to remove any environmental differences. “This competition tests a farmers’ sheep selection skills. The quality has been very good this year, but every year is different where we come up with the best fleece,” Mr Young said. “Central Gippsland is recognised for having high quality wool, it’s clean and white with low vegetable matter such as seeds or burrs.” Mr Young said Aussie super fine wool was in high demand for exports, particularly to

A shearer at work at the East Gippsland Field Days.

China, India and Europe where it is made into next-to-skin wear such as thermals. He said the competition also allowed Gippsland breeders to come and put their produce on show. “Gippsland rams are highly sought after all over the joint,” he said. “We have some very good sheep suited to higher rain areas and they are generally without the need for chemicals to prevent fly strike.”

May, 2021

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

RURAL NEWS

Shearing school is a cut above By MICHELLE SLATER

A GROUP of shearers learnt how to sharpen their skills by taking part in a shearing school at the East Gippsland Field Days last month. Gippsland Sheep Breeders Association life member Steven Harrison said the training day was set up for more advanced shearers learn some tips from a top gun shearer. Mr Harrison said shearers would learn about looking after their gear and how to

correctly sharpen their tools and how to hold their hands to get a better cut. “More advanced shearers can shear 150 sheep a day, with this training they can aim for an extra 10 sheep a day,” Mr Harrison said. “Many shearers don’t get a good cut, they are pushing their hand pieces too hard and working harder than they potentially could be. “With this training they can do it cleaner, no one likes to see the fleece cut into little

pieces, and will do their best to eliminate second cuts.” He said shearers had come from northern Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales to take part, with some also taking part in roustabout training. It comes as Australia was in the midst of a shearer shortage, exacerbated by COVID border restrictions which meant 500 Kiwi shearers were not coming across the ditch to shear Aussie sheep. Mr Harrison said this had led to a void in

the industry, which was being addressed by the state government and industry groups to train 150 local shearers. “There has been a delay in sheep getting shorn, but we are catching up now. There is no denying shearing is still the toughest and most physical job in the industry,” he told Gippsland Farmer. “New Zealand shearers will potentially be allowed back, but we still need to train young people into the industry.”

East Gippsland Field Days in

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Interested in growing truffles?

GROWING truffles successfully, requires a level of understanding that is difficult to achieve with just a google search. In fact, there is a plethora of information on the internet, however most of it is old and now largely outdated due to ongoing scientific findings and research. At TruffiCulture they get lots of calls from people wanting to learn more about truffles and how to get started. At TruffiCulture, they provide a solid up-to-date educational platform including online and onsite grower seminars as well as two in-depth e-books. The onsite seminars are mostly conducted by truffle industry leaders Colin Carter and Noel Fitzpatrick at the TruffiCulture farm in Gembrook. The seminars run from 9.30am through to 2.30pm, with morning tea and a light lunch provided. In the afternoon participants experience a guided tour of their producing truffiere, hazelnut grove and a visit to the tree production nursery. It represents an excellent opportunity to meet industry experts and learn the basics of truffle growing prior to setting up your own truffiere. Topics covered include:

TruffiCulture has a proven reputation for producing quality inoculated plants for supply to truffle farmers across Australia. Their service also extends beyond tree production. They are committed to providing the most up to date advice, soil testing and support to enhance the likelihood of success on your journey to producing truffles.

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Only one hour from the CBD in the Yarra Valley. These are a 2 hour experience where you will see Willow the truffle princess demonstrate her prowess and then taste truffle delights. For more info and bookings visit: https://gembrooktruffles.com.au/

Want to experience a truffle hunt? AT TruffiCulture they are now offering truffle hunt experiences to the general public over the winter harvest season. This is a new venture for them and they are excited to share their passion with the wider community. Nathan and Chloe will be running these truffle hunts on most weekends during winter when the truffle harvest is in full swing, under the banner of Gembrook Truffles. These events run for two hours on weekends from mid-June to the end of August. They include:

■ A short truffle information session

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

■ A guided truffle hunt with Nathan

and Willow (the Australian Shepherd) ■ Morning/afternoon tea including a taste of freshly harvested truffle

Fresh truffles and truffle inoculated trees will also be available for purchase on the day for those wanting to continue their experience at home. Bookings for these events are available through the website at gembrooktruffles.com.au or through the Melbourne Truffle Festival trufflemelbourne.com

May, 2021

RURAL NEWS

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

RUSSELL NORTHE MLA

RURAL NEWS

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.

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Australian green ants have been among the insects touted as a possible part of an emerging and lucrative global culinary trend. file photograph

Insects rated as a tasty prospect

Big Butted Angus Bulls That Won’t Break the Bank!

Ben B en N Nevis evis M Metamorphic etamorphic

FERNLEIGH ANGUS Melinda Kent 0407 862 657

ALEX SCOTT & STAFF Rob Ould 0408 595 183

bulls alsr availab o le

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Bulls by Ben Nevis Metamorphic NBNM51 (see photo), Banquet Angus VONL200, Banquet Nixon VONN099 and Landfall Reality TFAL154 Heife

AUSTRALIA could play a significant part in an emerging and lucrative global culinary trend - the billion-dollar edible insect industry. The CSIRO has produced a roadmap for Australia to produce nutritious, sustainable and ethical edible insects. Launched late last month, “Edible insects: A roadmap for the strategic growth of an emerging Australian industry”, lays out a plan for the edible insect industry. Co-funded by CSIRO and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, it provides a framework for First Nations initiatives, start-ups, insect businesses, researchers, policymakers and community members interested in the industry. CSIRO researcher and report co-author Rocio Ponce Reyes says edible insects are high in protein, vitamins and other macronutrients, and the global industry is growing fast. The worldwide edible insect market was expected to reach $1.4 billion in value by 2023. Europe and the US lead the Western market with more than 400 edible-insectrelated businesses. “Insects have high-value nutritional profiles, and are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamins B12, C and E,” Dr Reyes said. “They are a healthy, environmentally friendly, and a rich source of alternative proteins.”

More than 2100 insect species are eaten by two billion people in 130 countries, including 60 native insect species traditionally consumed by Indigenous Australians. Australian species include witjuti (also known as witchetty) grubs, bogong moths, honeypot ants and green tree ants. CSIRO entomologist and report co-author Bryan Lessard said the report drew on the expertise of Australian and international scientists, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, insect farmers, food processing industry leaders and chefs. Commercial insect farming had a low environmental footprint, requiring minimal feed, water, energy and land resources, he said. CSIRO’s future protein lead professor Michelle Colgrave said the aim was focused on helping Australia capture high-growth global protein markets to grow Australia’s protein industry by $10 billion over five years, in line with the Australian government’s goal to lift farmgate output to $100 billion by 2030. “With the global population set to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, we will need to meet this demand for sustainable protein production by exploring diversified sources,” Professor Colgrave said. “Alternative protein industries can play an important role in Australia, contributing to regional and national prosperity.”

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

May, 2021

RURAL NEWS

Got news to share?

Do you have an agricultural story to share with the Gippsland Farmer? Send your news tip to farmer@gippsnews.com.au or share your story with journalist Michelle Slater by phoning 5135 4444.

:H ZHOFRPH YLVLWRUV RQ IDUP E\ DSSRLQWPHQW Gippsland Jersey’s Steve Ronalds and Sallie Jones.

photograph supplied

However, she said some balked at the idea of paying an extra five cents per cup to use Gippsland Jersey milk in their coffees. “We want to prove to them why choosing a high quality milk like Gippsland Jersey is worth that extra five cents, for the taste, but also for the wider, more important community benefits,” Ms Jones said. Ms Jones and business partner Steve Ronalds formed Gippsland Jersey after the 2016 dairy crisis to take control of their product from the cow to consumer. “This meant that dairy farmers were ultimately paid a fair wage for their product,” Ms Jones said. “Valuing farmers for their worth helped immediately to redefine purpose in those who had lost their way in the dairy crisis.” The venture was strongly inspired by the passing of Ms Jones’ father and Gippsland dairy farmer Michael Bowen who took his own life in 2016 following three years of living with depression. Gippsland Jersey’s purpose was to demolish the stigma around mental health in regional communities, to pay a fair price to farmers and to spread community kindness. “The isolation, anxiety and economic instability are the common experience of too many dairy farmers, and something Gippsland Jersey is fighting hard to do something about,” she said.

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Quality Bulls Available for Sale

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GIPPSLAND Jersey is starting a café milk movement - and it’s about so much more than pouring a well frothed latté. The locally owned milk company opened its barn doors to give hospitality workers a chance to visit a supplier farms as part of a Barista Day. The event included a behind the scenes tour of a working dairy farm, a meet and greet with one of the supplier farmers and cows, a milk and coffee workshop and tasting session. Gippsland Jersey owner Sallie Jones said it was important for coffee connoisseurs to understand where their milk came from. “It’s incredible to think that so many coffee specialists in Victoria know so much about the beans they use and the story behind them, even when some of them are sourced from overseas,” Ms Jones said. “So few coffee connoisseurs actually educate themselves on the milk that goes with those beans, or the stories behind it and the real-life struggles of local dairy farmers. “(These farmers) are often not getting compensated adequately from big corporate milk companies. Shocking really, when most coffees are up to 80 per cent milk.” Ms Jones said many café owners were happy to pay an extra 20 cents to provide recyclable takeaway cups for their customers.

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Barista’s learn the milky way

1,580 Ha

YALLOURN l Eastern Road For Lease by Expressions of Interest Closing date 4pm Friday 4th June 2021.

FOR LEASE

Expressions of interest are invited for the opportunity to lease approx. 1,580 hectares of land owned by Energy Australia in the Yallourn Morwell district of Gippsland. All proposals need to meet the requirements of Energy Australia and to include plans for nutrient, weed and infrastructure management. Rent reduction will be considered in lieu of capital improvements. Information packs and lease details are available from contacting leasing agents.

View by appointment nutrienharcourts.com.au Terry Ginnane M 0418 513 159 reception.yarram@nh.com.au Joe Gunn M 0418 594 141 reception.yarram@nh.com.au Nutrien Harcourts Yarram

234 Commercial Road, Yarram nutrienharcourts.com.au

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RURAL NEWS

Drought issues on Hub’s agenda By ZAC STANDISH

THE state government has announced an exciting new initiative to deal with issues concerning drought, with local establishments Gippsland Food & Fibre and Federation University set to play a major role. The Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub for Victoria, will operate through a landmark new model, with the University of Melbourne partnering with organisations (nodes) who represent five different regions across the state. Food & Fibre Gippsland chief executive officer Nicola Pero explained how this new innovation came about. “This is an initiative from the Commonwealth who have begun funding a number of drought innovation hubs around the country,” Ms Pero said. “Victoria submitted a highly collaborative bid which was successful and has a number of universities, including Federation University who have a campus here in Gippsland, and organisations involved. “The focus is all about finding new innovations to distribute knowledge using research and developments that will drive initiatives, helping to build resilience in farming communities.” She said the focus of the program will be around forming a connection between the central hub and local communities across the state. “It is about ensuring that people have the tools to respond, recover and have access to location plans that will better mitigate risks to their farmland when climate changes are occurring,” she said. “It is very much with a deep engagement with industry so this will be highly consultative, it is striving the desires, the needs and the development of those tools coming from

Food & Fibre Gippsland chief executive officer Nicola Pero, One Gippsland Alliance chair Brett Tessari and Federation University - Gippsland head of campus Leigh Kennedy are excited to be key players in the state’s new Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. photograph zac standish

industry, so it is not a top down approach it is listening to the community and working collaboratively. “I would say it is a very cool way of working together and showing that collaboration over multiple regions to able to drive our state forward.” Taking the form of a hub and spoke model, there will not be a physical hub in Gippsland with Ms Pero explaining just how the program will operate. “The bid is partnering so it is not a hierarchical type of model it is a hub and spoke model, so there is a centralised hub which is actually more a virtual hub, and

then all of the regions involved have what is called a node,” she said. “Those nodes will deliver into their designated regions, but really importantly and this is where the Universities come into it, all of the institutions will be working across each of those regions so whilst you have got specific nuances between areas, you have also got lots of common tools and learnings and understanding that can be shared across the state.” Selected as the node representing the Gippsland area, Ms Pero said Food & Fibre Gippsland were thrilled to be able to serve the community in this manner.

“It is absolutely huge for us, and really complementary to a lot of the other work we already do,” she said. “We have got an enormous region, it is the same size as the Netherlands, so it is very diverse and drought impacts different communities in different ways and we see that in Gippsland. “We are hugely looking forward to working across the entire region, collaborating with the communities, collaborating with the universities and embedding the data to ensure everyone has an appropriate drought response plan.” One criticism that has surrounded drought response programs in the past has been the amount of time it has taken for genuine change to occur. Ms Pero said this would be a key focus of this new innovation hub initiative. “I think you are going to see start to see plans communicated, consultation and engagement strategies starting quickly and overall really early development,” she said. “Response time for better, faster and stronger recovery is a really key focus.” In what is a new age for drought management in Victoria, she outlines the projected outcomes this program will have on communities in the Gippsland area. “It is not just about building resilience from an individual farmer’s point of view, if we have drought and have farmers who are suffering it is also the local gas station, bakery and butcher that are effected,” she said. “This is about community resilience and building stronger communities as we hope to find communication technologies to inform people and keep them up to speed with the most effective response strategies. “We are really looking at some very tangible community driven outcomes from this.”

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

ANIMAL NUTRITION UTR O *,336/$1' 9(7(5,1$5< +263,7$/ &203$1,21

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N.D.E. VERTICAL FEEDMIXERS

See us at the Mallee, Ag‐Quip, Henty & Elmore Field Days

FEEDING has a direct impact on the growth rate, production capacity and health status of the animal. Feeding is key to a profitable and sustainable farm. The cost of feeding has long been recognised as the major cost and the largest cash expense in animal production. It has a direct impact on the growth rate and health status of the animal as well as on the animal’s product quality. In addition to this, it also has effects on the environment. If the feed is an acquired commercial product (concentrate, lick etc.) the nutritional value must appear in the label of the product. On the other hand, if the feed is done with in-farm available feedstuffs, fodder crops, crop residues or grains their nutritional values should be tested by sending it for laboratory analyses. Testing the nutritional value of made in-farm feeds and of forages is a must, especially in the dry season when their protein content and energy can be extremely low. Animals know how to auto regulate

and they stop eating once they feel satisfied. However, if the nutrient content of the feed is very low, the consumed feed will not be enough to meet their requirements and they can suffer from malnutrition and even die. These events may not be necessarily related to a toxic diet, but they could be due to a shortage of nutrients. If this was the case, it could have been avoided by correcting the diet. Animals’ nutrient requirements can vary among different species (swine, poultry, cattle etc.) but also among the same species in different status (pregnant cow, lactating cow, growing calves etc.) or under different conditions (external temperature, external stress etc.). For example, a lactating cow will need more energy, water and calcium than a dry cow, and pregnant sows need extra fibre. All of them have different requirements.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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Animal Nutrition

Feeding a balanced diet

IT is usually thought that feeding above the requirements is less negative than feeding below them. Actually some farmers are convinced that feeding above the requirements could be used as a strategy to ensure that the minimum requirements of the animals are met. However, this is not true! When feeding extra nutrients, animals need to use part of the energy of the feed to excrete the excess. Therefore, energy that should be used for growth, fattening or milk production is instead used for the excretion of this excess of nutrients.

In addition, the excess of nutrients end up in the faeces leading to environmental pollution, especially if these are runoff with the water. Therefore, balancing the rations is crucial to optimise the feed resources available on the farm.

■ Proteins: Proteins are the building blocks for body tissues (e.g. muscles, nerves,

blood cells).Their lack not only hampers the growth of animals but proteins

HAY FOR SALE

Oats Barley Lucerne

are essential for production and maintenance. Unfortunately they cannot be replaced by other nutrients in the feed. ■ Carbohydrates: There are three types of carbohydrates: sugars, starches and

fibre.The first two are digestible by the animal itself. Fibre, on the other hand, is not digestible by animals but it can be utilised by the microorganisms that live in symbiosis in the hindgut or in the rumen (only ruminants) ■ Sugars and starches: These are important sources of energy. Animals need

energy to carry out major vital activities, like: breathing, moving, growing, etc. These two carbohydrate, when “burned”, provide the energy needed by the body. ■ Minerals and vitamins: These are substances that the animals need in small

quantities but are essential for carrying out vital functions. Minerals are commonly found in salts and can be added in the feed or given as a lick.Vitamins can either be added to the feed or injected.

GP1625080

Key elements for a balanced diet

This season’s oaten, barley and lucerne 5x4 rolls. FeedTest results available on application.

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MADE IN R COWWAR Contact Pat for pricing and transport options. Please leave a message or SMS.

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Details and pricing are on our website, or call now for a test kit. www.parasite.com.au 03 5979 3101 lab@parasite.com.au 3 Bray St Hastings VIC 3915

May, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

Animal Nutrition

Weather Shield Loose Lick Supplements PROPHARMA’S Weather Shield Loose Lick Supplements are a great way to provide ad-lib minerals and vitamins to cattle, sheep, horses and alpacas. Primarily containing essential salt and other vital minerals and vitamins, they replace the missing nutrients that are crucial to maintaining a healthy animal. The outcome of which is the animal will only take as much as they need according to its individual needs. This means that Weather Shield Loose Lick Supplements provide a very efficient and cost-effective form of supplementation. Weather Shield Loose Lick Supplements are weatherproof and have been designed to be fed out in self-draining troughs, making it ideal for open grazing situations. They can be used all year round. Propharma has designed a Weather Shield product to provide a full range of vitamin and

endophyte toxins within the affected fodder. Stock can safely consume the same fodder without experiencing PRGT symptoms. Weather Shield Loose Lick Supplements contain ■ Macro Minerals -

Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Salt and Sulphur ■ Micro Minerals -

Cobalt, Copper, Iodine, Manganese, Selenium and Zinc ■ Vitamins - Vitamins A,

D and E Propharma Australia are manufacturers of high quality vitamin/mineral premixes and suppliers of nutritional additives and supplements for livestock. mineral requirements for: ■ Cattle - For beef cows, replacement heifers ■ Dairy - For dairy cows, replacement heifers ■ Sheep - For grazing and feedlot sheep It contains NO ADDED COPPER

■ Dry Cows - For cows

prior to calving to supply available magnesium and phosphorus with minimal calcium content Reduces the incidences of Grass Tetany and Milk Fever ■ Horses - For horses

and ponies ■ Alpacas - For alpacas and llamas ■ Goats - For goats Weather Shield Loose Lick Supplements can also be used as a convenient and effective means of managing some of the

challenges associated with the condition known as “Ryegrass Staggers”, or more accurately as Perennial Ryegrass Toxicosis (PRGT). This is achieved by including a toxin binder that counters the

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

May, 2021

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May, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

May, 2021

My School, My Home Boarding opens opportunities at Gippsland Grammar

CHOOSING to board at Gippsland Grammar opens up a world of opportunity. Students not only have the chance to make new friends across different year levels but boarding opens up the opportunity to socialise, the support to develop productive study and exercise habits, and the guidance to grow into the person they want to become. “I love boarding for the atmosphere and continuously being surrounded by like-minded and supportive people encourages you to do your best,” said former student Paige Barlow from Gormandale, who hopes to achieve her dream of being a doctor. Gippsland Grammar provides quality education for three-year-olds through to those studying VCE with campuses in Bairnsdale and Sale. Gippsland Grammar’s boutique boarding facilities - called Blackwood House - are a short stroll across the sports oval at the senior Garnsey Campus in Sale. Blackwood House is a home-awayfrom-home for up to 50 boarders from across regional Australia and overseas. The refurbished building opened in 2008 when the boarding house relocated from the St Anne’s Campus where it had operated since 1937. Principal Leisa Harper said Gippsland Grammar was the only boarding school east of Melbourne’s suburban fringe. “Blackwood House is an extension of our amazing school,” Mrs Harper said. “It’s co-educational with a strong reputation for academic and all-round excellence. “And of course we are located in beautiful Gippsland, which has so much to offer. “The House caters for students from Year 7 to 12, generally in twin shared bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. “Students are encouraged to participate in sport and other community activities, like cooking for others less fortunate than themselves, to broaden their experience while living in the Boarding House.

Gippsland is a great region to live, learn and lead. Gippsland Grammar is a local independent school taking full advantage of the beauty within Wellington Shire and beyond. It operates its own outdoor education program for students throughout the school exploring the Gippsland Lakes, the Alpine country and the bush in between. Teacher Andrew Nicholas enjoys sharing week-long hikes with senior students.

Gippsland Grammar’s 2020 VCE results Gippsland Grammar’s class of 2020 was among some of Victoria’s highest achievingYear 12 students. An amazing 23 per cent of the School’sYear 12 students achieved an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) above 90, which places them in the top 10 per cent of students in the State. And 55 per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 80, placing them in the top 20 per cent and 13 students secured apprenticeships and traineeships this year through the School’s VCAL program. “Suitable time for study with additional academic tutor support helps students in their quest to achieve excellence and the out-of-town rowers have also proven to thrive in this environment with easy access to the gym and rowing sheds. “And to say we are super proud of our rowers this year is an understatement - among an abundance of great results,Year 11 students Billy Osborne and Lindsay Hamilton won gold at the

Australian Rowing Championships held in Tasmania last month.” Blackwood House is a safe, secure and happy environment with two study rooms, a multi-purpose room for tutorials and music practice, Wi-Fi and computers linked to the school’s learning systems, email and internet, a games library, a large recreation space with televisions, pool table, courtyards, table tennis and a four-square court. It is in close proximity to sporting

facilities including Gippsland Regional Sporting Complex (basketball, netball, and indoor soccer), soccer, football, rowing, tennis, tai chi, Shotokan Karate, and Sale Aquatic Centre. The school’s own commuter bus is available to transport students in and around Sale after school hours and on weekends. The CBD is within walking distance. A full range of medical, dental and hospital services are also located close-by. Blackwood House is led by Head of Boarding, Stuart Llewellyn, who has many years’ of experience working in this environment. He is supported by both male and female supervisors and additional staff including a full-time chef. “At Blackwood House, we strive to uphold Gippsland Grammar’s core values of Compassion, Leadership, Excellence, Responsibility and Respect,” Mr Llewellyn said. “We actively support boarders in achieving their individual educational

Gippsland Grammar Year 11 students Billy Osborne and Lindsay Hamilton proudly display gold medals won at the 2021 Australian Rowing Championships. The duo led from start to finish of the Under 19 Men’s Double Scull to secure the Tim Hawkins Memorial Trophy. The Year 11 students have since been selected in the Victorian Junior Pathway Eight. This selection means they are considered to be the top eight athletes in the state for their year level.

goals through hard work and a strong commitment to their studies. “Simultaneously, we foster their development into positive, independent, responsible and confident young men and women.” Gippsland Grammar offers enrolment and boarding options for full-time boarding, part-time boarding, casual boarding and even day boarding, supporting parents and offering a safe and secure place to stay when attending school events and functions that return later than usual travel arrangements allow. For more information about boarding at Gippsland Grammar please call Mr Llewellyn on 5143 6311.

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# May, 2021

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My school, My home

Home away from home at Firbank FIRBANK Grammar School’s Boarding House has been a crucial aspect of the school’s identity, ever since its foundation in 1909. Girls from rural Victoria, interstate and even overseas come to beautiful, beachside Brighton to live onsite in their purpose-built boarding facility. Boarding with Firbank enables girls to become independent, with more opportunities available due to the convenient Bayside location. By sending your daughter to board at Firbank, you will be giving her the best possible chance to achieve academically and in extracurricular activities. The friendly staff at Firbank nurture resilience and strength in all students, while also providing the boarding girls with enough space for them to develop their own identity. At Firbank, your daughter will always be looked after, but they will also learn the crucial life skills of responsibility and accountability. When you live in a rural area, it can be difficult to find the right school for your child with limited options and considerations of the daily commute. Firbank’s boarding girls appreciate the extra rest and recovery time they receive by not having to travel for hours each day. With more time to relax and focus on their studies, boarders thrive at Firbank. The boarding girls develop close relationships with the staff, their fellow boarders and non-boarding students. These friendships often continue long after graduation. Firbank students remain a valuable

part of the schools community for the rest of their lives. Firbank boarders see the Boarding House as their home away from home, and your daughter will too. They will quickly find themselves embraced by a spirit of sisterhood and become part of the boarding family. The Firbank Boarding House gives

your daughter the best opportunity to achieve academically, compete in sport at an elite level, or experience the incredible Bayside schooling lifestyle. For more information on Firbank admissions and the Boarding House, visit firbank.vic.edu.au or contact their friendly admissions team on 03 9591 5118.

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May, 2021

My school, My home

Boarding at Scotch College

A PREP toYear 12 School for boys with boarding fromYears 7 to 12 was founded in 1851. Scotch College has been educating boys for 170 years. Located in the heart of suburban Melbourne, the beautiful single campus, spanning 27 hectares and flanked by theYarra River, provides a home for the Scotch Family of boys, staff, parents and old boys. Scotch is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and Christian teachings underpin all that they do.

Facilities:

rapidly progressing fields of Design, Technology and Engineering using all manner of modern materials. The Centre incorporates a seamless flow between its spaces incorporating computer-aided design workshops for electrical, mechanical, software based or traditional craftsmanship that allow a coordination of all elements where desirable.

Boarding: ON the ‘Hill’ overlooking the Scotch Senior School, the college’s 160 boarders live in three separate boarding houses: School House, McMeckan House and Arthur Robinson House. These houses are surrounded

by established trees, lawns and manicured gardens. InYears 7 to 11, boys are accommodated in small groups of 4 or 5 with numbers in each room reducing as boys advance through the school. Year 7 to 10 boarders complete their homework in supervised Prep rooms, where each boy has his own desk in an open plan area. There are scheduled homework sessions each day with assistance available from professional staff and academic tutors. Years 11 and 12 have a desk in their own living area while theYear 12 boys reside in their own private study. After school there are mandatory sport training sessions followed by free time.

All boys appreciate the break in the busy weekday routine that a weekend provides. There is plenty of activity on weekends. While older boys often have homework to complete and may need to study, there are plenty of other activities for boarders. The boarding house Activity Co-ordinator organises a wide range of excursions and activities which include snow sports, surfing, fishing, paint ball, comedy festival, various sporting matches, shopping trips and many more.

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AT Scotch, their boys are fortunate to have all academic and sporting

facilities on the one site. In addition to the five main sporting ovals, the school has two multipurpose playing fields (including 26 tennis courts) an indoor swimming pool, gymnasiums as well as rowing facilities which are right on the banks of theYarra River. The school also has a state-ofthe-art music and drama centre (The James Forbes Academy) that incorporates multiple rehearsal studios, a 500 seat music concert auditorium and a 430 seat drama performance theatre with fly tower. The Senior School has a world class science centre (The Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science) and a new Design and Technology centre (The Spencer Centre) where boys can discover new possibilities in the

May, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

RURAL NEWS

Shoot out swirls over duck hunting DISCONTENT is still swirling around the 2021 duck hunting season opening, with proponents and opponents exasperated by the announcement to lift some, but not all, restrictions. While the season’s original announcement placed a two birds per day bag limit and protected the chestnut and grey teal from being shot north of the Princes Highway, last month the Game Management Authority increased the bag limit to five birds per day, and allowed teal to be hunted. The authority also announced it would be changing its usual source of information from the independent Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey to data from a new helicopter survey, undertaken in November 2020 by “experienced wildlife consultants”. The pilot aerial survey found an estimated total population of 2.5 million ducks across Victoria, after flying over 650 waterbodies - including wetlands and farm dams. An evaluation of the program, conducted by the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, found the aerial survey was “an effective way of counting ducks”. All other arrangements will remain the same - the season will begin Wednesday, May 26, and span 20 days, closing 30 minutes after sunset on Monday, June 14. Start times will be delayed until 8am for the first five days of the season. Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien has called for the state government to open the season immediately, describing the original season announcement as “a political decision”. “I said at the time that this decision flew in the face of evidence right around southeastern Australia, indicating no particular threat to the duck population,” Mr O’Brien said. “After increasing pressure on the Agriculture Minister to release the evidence this decision was based on, we are now seeing a backflip as that evidence comes to light. “Even University of New South Wales waterbird expert, Professor Richard Kingsford, said (recently) that the overwhelming threat to duck numbers was not hunting, but loss of water in wetlands and rivers. “With healthy duck numbers now acknowledged by the government, there’s no reason the season couldn’t start immediately. “Duck season brings millions of dollars to our region, but when the government continues to ignore science and bows to a loud but small group of activists, it’s hunters and our local economy who pay the price.” Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting recently sent a list of questions to the Game Management Authority’s chief executive Graeme Ford, asking for an explanation for the delayed decision to lessen restrictions.

Discontent is still swirling around the 2021 duck hunting season opening, with proponents and opponents exasperated by the announcement to lift some, but not all, restrictions. file photograph

The group asked why the authority had described its original long-term data sets - which found all waterbird and game bird indices were in serious decline - as “crucial”, but then scrapped 38 years of research in favour of data from a one-off count which only produced an estimated total number of ducks. The group also questioned why the chestnut teal (which recorded low numbers in the Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey) was now able to be hunted, despite the helicopter count not differentiating between species. A spokesperson for the group alleged Freedom of Information requests had proven senior staff within the taxpayerfunded regulator were duck shooters or members of hunting clubs themselves, until recently. The spokesperson called for the recommendations to be scrutinised more closely, adding it was “high time the regulator was far more accountable”. The group also recently took aim at Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath for “blindly” promoting Field and Game Australia and “the minority activity of bird shooting”, despite the fact many of her constituents - it says “arguably the vast majority” - were opposed. A spokesperson for the organisation said

there had been no cost-benefit analysis undertaken to support duck hunting, and for anyone in government to say otherwise was false. Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting also tackled Ms Bath over her quoting in parliament of the total alleged spend by all types of recreational hunters ($356 million in 2019), instead of the portion relating specifically to duck shooter spend ($64.7 million), which actually “crashed” by 46 per cent between 2013 and 2019. A Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting spokesperson said Ms Bath had responded, saying she “disputes” some of its “assertions”, referring the organisation to MPs in its “own electorate”, despite many members of the group living in eastern Victoria. “We carefully fact check everything we put in print and asked her to clarify what it is she disputes,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident our ‘assertions’ are correct - in fact Ms Bath is clearly quoted in the latest Hansard as giving an incorrect economic figure from duck shooting and hunting for regional Victoria.” In a March parliament sitting, the state government agreed to Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party MP Jeff Bourman’s motion to table all documents relation

to duck season arrangements - a motion remarkably commended by politicians on both sides of the argument. Mr Bourman has since announced he will present a petition in parliament calling for an extension to the season. GMA listed Sale as the top town in Victoria for the total reported number of ducks harvested in 2020, despite the Environment Protection Authority Victoria’s warning not to consume ducks from the Heart Morass area because of the high levels of PFAS (per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances) found in local ducks. According to the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Region’s Economic Contribution of Recreational Hunting in Victoria report, released last year, recreational hunting contributed $8 million to Wellington Shire’s economy in 2019. Duck hunting accounted for $3.1 million of this (a drop from $8.4 million in 2013), with $2.3 million spent in Sale specifically. Wellington Shire contributed the third highest duck hunting expenditure to the state in 2019, behind Greater Melbourne ($22.7 million) and Greater Geelong ($4.3 million). Details of the 2021 duck season, including wetland closures, are available via www. gma.vic.gov.au.

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May, 2021

RURAL NEWS

Timing everything in fuel reduction By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE threat of climate change means that forest management must become much cleverer in determining when to do fuel reduction burning, according to a senior Gippsland fire expert. Garry Squires, a former Gippsland forest manager who is now a consultant, said there was a lot of talk about climate change and the reduced window of opportunity for burning. “The climate change issue means we must be smarter in finding that window of opportunity,” he said, citing one example. “If you are going to burn in March and things are drier than they used to be, then instead lighting at 2 o’clock in the afternoon you light at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.” Mr Squires was addressing a group tour of East Gippsland’s forests which were burnt in the huge 2019-20 bushfires. The group consisted of architects/builders, forest growers, community activists and fire managers. The tour was organised by the Institute of Foresters of Australia/Australian Forest Growers, which regards the fuel reduction lessons from East Gippsland as relevant to the native forests in the rest of Gippsland, the state’s north-east and Yarra Valley. The group stopped at one patch of State Forest near Orbost that had had regular fuel reduction, the last burn about six years ago. The understorey was mainly grasses and low shrubs between the tall, straight trees, which were clearly visible. It was cited as an ideal example of the benefits of fuel reduction. This compared to some long unburnt private property in the area that had a heavy understorey shrub layer. Mr Squires said this fuel reduction site

The threat of climate change means that forest management must become much cleverer in determining when to do fuel reduction burning, according to senior Gippsland fire expert Garry Squires. photograph supplied

could easily have a burn - a regular cool burn - every two, three or four years. “This will be very easy to burn; you could have low key fire today (two weeks after Easter),” he said. However universally - in East Gippsland anyway - fuel reduction burning seemed to cease about Easter. “Why aren’t we cool burning now, and right through the winter at sites like this?” he said. “To me, that’s part of the change in thinking that DELWP (Department of Environment, Lands, Water and Planning) have to have about widening the window of opportunity in what is in many people’s eyes a changing climate that’s making it drier.”

Mr Squires said it was a matter of being “smart and adaptable” to burn in winter. “The local staff must have the ability to make the decision on the spot and burn when they know conditions are right” he said, without going through layers of bureaucracy. “You must have a site like this on the burn plans, so when the local staff say it’s right to go, they just do it.” Staffing levels were part of the Easter issue. “The summer crew go off about that time and so they are down to smaller staffing,” he said. “But you only need a couple of people to do this burning, two people to light up kilometres and kilometres of ridge tops.

It’s just a matter of changing thinking in my view.” Mr Squires said the influx of tourists at Easter was another reason for not doing fuel reduction burns. “It’s a safety issue,” he said. Some summer crew were kept on a bit longer, while other staff undertook training in winter. However, as the native timber industry closed down, Mr Squires said a challenge would be whether DELWP increased staffing levels in general to do the forest management work. This would include the roads that VicForests managed. “About 20 per cent of road network in East Gippsland is maintained through funds generated by VicForests at the moment. When they close down logging, extra money will have to go into DELWP just to cover that change,” he said. “There must be more money go into forest management.” Mr Squires said there were problems about the window of opportunity where there was heavy shrub undergrowth. “It’s damp under the scrub and difficult to burn,” he said. Melbourne University’s Professor Rod Keenan, who is chair of the IFA’s Victorian division and who helped coordinate the tour, said more ‘cool’ fires and active management of the forests were needed. “In doing so, we need to learn from and work more closely with the local Gunaikurnai people in using fire in the landscape,” he said. Wider use of cultural burns could reduce fire risks, improve biodiversity and restore connections between people and country. “This can have significant social and mental health benefits, help with recovery from fires and build resilience in people and forests to future wildfire events,” Professor Keenan said.

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86 Yarragon Road, Leongatha, 5662 3199 620 Heyfield/Upper Maffra Road, Tinamba West 5145 1345 May, 2021

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A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

DAIRIES CLEAN-UP WITH AUSSIE PUMPS

DAIRY farmers face a constant cleaning task vitally important to the quality of their product. Australian Pump are Australia’s leading pressure cleaner supplier and are focused on providing machines that are not only top quality in performance and features but also offer value for money. The company has been focused on the dairy industry for several years with the development of a range of pressure cleaners and pumps designed specifically for the industry. The local Gippsland based distributor is PK Equipment which is located at Sale. They have reported an increased interest from dairy farmers for Aussie’s hot water pressure cleaners. The breakthrough came from farmers wanting to save time cleaning and sanitising at the same time using single phase.

SIZZLERS SANTITISE

THE Sizzler, designed in Australia, is a high pressure hot wash first world machine, delivering 1800 psi (130 bar) of pressure, with a flow of 10 lpm. With a maximum temperature of 80° C, the machine can eradicate bacteria! Best of all, it is great value for only $4652 plus GST! Compact in design, the Sizzler is easy to move around with four flat free tyred wheels. Underneath the stainless steel cover, there is a heavy duty four pole (slow speed) 1450 rpm single phase 240 volt motor. That motor drives a top quality Italian triplex pump with ceramic pistons. “Everything on the machine is built for quality,”Aussie Pumps’ Chief Engineer John Hales said. “We built it based on the feedback we were getting from dairy farmers.” Loaded with safety controls, it’s designed to protect the machine and operator. Delayed total stop, is a device that stops the machine 30 seconds after the gun trigger is closed. This saves fuel and can prevent accidents. Micro-leak protection stops the machine in the case of leaks in the hydraulic circuit when the gun is shut down. Clogged Nozzle Control stops the machine if the nozzle in the end of the lance is blocked. Dry Running Protection and Intelligent Auto Switch Off are also great features. Auto switch off means that when the machine has had the gun shut off for twenty minutes, it will automatically turn off the machine.

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

Aussie’s production team assembling the Cobra drain cleaning jetter

PK Equipment’s Peter Phelps shows off the Aussie Sizzler.

Dry running protection means that if there is no water being supplied to the machine, and this can happen in any application, the machine will automatically turn off preventing the possibility of running on “dry”. The ignition boiler delay ensures low fume emissions when the boiler starts up! There is an optional stainless steel hose reel, turbo-lances to give extra whack, and flat surface cleaners. A stainless steel roll frame is also available as well as foaming devices for applying sanitiser for cleaning products through the machine. Justin Johnston of Glomar Holsteins in Bundalaguah recently purchased an Aussie Sizzler for cleaning machinery and portable calf pens. “Justin chose the hot wash for ease and efficiency. He was very happy with the service and wanted to support local businesses,” PK

Equipment’s Peter Padula said. The Sizzler is just one of a series of great Aussie products designed for the dairy industry. Australian Pump also offers bigger three phase steam cleaners with temperature ratings up to 130 degrees C. These bigger machines are available in a pressure range of 3000 and 4000 psi, making them suitable for even high production dairies or milk processing plants. “We’re conscious of the need for constant reliable cleaning equipment. We ensure that hygiene rules are not only adhered to but, in the easiest, safest and most cost efficient way,” Hales said. The company believes that using its engineering innovations can help dairy farmers save money, operate more efficiently, but also in the most hygienic manner.

COLD WATER CLEANING

AUSSIE Pumps go through a process of continual innovation elopment. and development cold water machines Their c come in either electric or drive and go all the engine d 5000 psi. way to 5 They alll feature stainless mes, heavy duty steel fram Bertolinii triplex pumps, fitted with soliid ceramic pistons ol-fin” crank and “coo cases. nge The ran s includes up flows of u to 40 litrres per minu ute making tthem suitable for both wash and flush acttivities. All mac chines are designed in line w with Aussies registered

photographs supplied

“Scud’’ concept where the stainless steel frames are designed to have no sharps. They are claimed to be the most OH&S friendly pressure cleaners in the world. The machines all offer detergent injection as standard equipment and are all fitted with Aussie’s free ASP (Aussie Safety Protection) kit. That protects the pump from pressure spikes and excess bypass running.

BLOCKED DRAINS ON DAIRIES? ... AUSSIE’S SOLUTION

“WE’VE even got some dairies operating their own high pressure water jetters that not only wash and flush and clean but also clear blocked drains using our Aussie Cobra Jetter concept,” Hales said. “The Jetter concept features the use of 4000 and 5000 psi pressures to clear blocked drains fast without the use of mechanical or electric drive drain cleaners.

“It’s fast, cheap and clean.” Aussie Pumps pioneered the replacement of conventional mechanical drain cleaners with high pressure jetters after working with some very motivated Sydney based plumbers. The result is a range of jetters that enable blocked drains to be cleared promptly, a gift for any dairy farmer! The jetters are relatively low cost with an entry point of a highly competent 4000 psi 20 litre machine that doesn’t require operator certification. The machine comes with wash-down gun, making it a versatile cleaning device as well as being used for cleaning blocked drains. The jetters all come with Honda twin cylinder electric start petrol engines and drive a “Big Berty” Bertolini pump, all fitted with safety devices. Integrated hose reels and 60 metres of high pressure hose complete the package. A simple lightweight portable reel is also available as an option. The Aussie Mini Reel adds another 60 metres of capability, allowing the operator to work 60 metres from the machine. It adds to the Aussie Cobra’s hose reel with a further 60 metres of capability. All machines come with an Aussie Nozzle Box and Safety Plate. The heavy duty plate prevents operator injuries caused by jetting nozzles accidentally returning out of the drain.

100% DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE... GET IN NOW!

DAIRY farmers can receive the 100% depreciation allowance if they make an acquisition before June 30. The team at PK Equipment provide great service and advice on product selection. Contact 03 5144 2200 or visit 72 Macalister Street, Sale. You can also contact Australian Pump Industries on ((02)) 8865 3500 or www. aussiepu umps. com.a au

Aussie’’s famous “Scud” “ design wiith “no sharp ps” nt for efficien cleaning

May, 2021

RURAL NEWS

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The eBay of milk proves a winner

ONLINE trading platform Milk Exchange delivered another first for the Australian dairy industry last month when it attracted strong interest from buyers and sellers in an auction for farm milk. There was 89.8 million litres of new season milk on offer from 34 farmers from Victoria’s dairy regions and the NSW Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands centred around Nowra and Shoalhaven. There were two bids received of $6.65 per kg for 2.7 million litres from Gippsland and $6.55 per kg for 5.3 million litres from Victoria’s south west. But with asking prices of $7.20 and $7, none were accepted leaving a gap of 35 to 60 cents between buyers and sellers. Almost all the major milk buyers participated with hundreds of visits to the exchange’s website before and during the auction to assess the farm milk on offer. Milk Exchange Commercial Development general manager Richard Lange said it was a great step forward in understanding how the technology added transparency and market choice for farmers. “Interestingly bids were made on seasonal milk rather than flatter supply. Many farmers expect buyers to be only interested in flat milk, but this is not the case. There remains strong interest in seasonal highquality milk,” Lange said. “We had modest expectations on this first auction but were delighted in how it was

May, 2021

embraced by buyers and sellers. Trading on the day faced a few barriers including being an early offer of milk for the new season as well as dealing with a new system of selling. “We were pleased with how the platform performed along with the positive feedback and suggestions from users who saw opportunities with the new technology. “There was a lot of learning on the day for buyers and sellers, as well as the team at Milk Exchange. We are looking forward to the next auction.” Mr Lange said with the auction, farmers had taken a step forward to proactively marketing their milk instead of being reactive to offers from dairy companies. “This is a case of farmers taking control and offering their milk proactively,” he said. “There’s more to come online and it proves that this is going to be something that we can look forward to as a way of marketing milk in the future.” An auction for dairy products is also being planned in the near future to build on the success of the farm milk event. Mr Lange said with the success of the day, Milk Exchange brought forward its next auction to May 5. “Any farmers who are interested in registering their milk should make contact with the team,” he said.

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WEATHER OUTLOOK April’s Rainfall Observations for Eastern Victoria (source: BOM)

The state’s rainfall for the month of April. meteorology

image bureau of

The national rainfall outlook for May to July 2021. image bureau of meteorology

East Sale Airport.........14.2mm Hogan Island...............35.6mm Latrobe Valley.............44.8mm Mount Baw Baw.........26.8mm Mount Moornapa.......28.4mm Wilsons Promontory103.4mm Yanakie .................................N/A Yarram Airport............44.0mm Bairnsdale....................13.4mm Combienbar................36.6mm

Gabo Island.................36.2mm Gelantipy .....................27.0mm Lakes Entrance...........24.6mm Mount Nowa Nowa....15.6mm Omeo............................. 8.4mm Orbost..........................20.2mm Mallacoota...................39.2mm Point Hicks...........................N/A Pound Creek...............66.4mm Wonthaggi...................73.8mm

GIPPSLAND’S

Cattle Market REPORT PAKENHAM LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Monday, April 26

There were approximately 700 export and 200 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 260 head week-on-week. There was a full field of buyers present but not all were operating fully in a mixed market. Quality was limited with finish lacking throughout. Vealers sold 10c/kg dearer. Yearling trade cattle sold cheaper in line with quality, while feeder lots held firm. Grown steers and bullocks improved 4c to 8c/kg. A better quality selection of heavy grown heifers lifted 20c/kg. Heavy manufacturing steers gained 8c/kg. Restocking cows improved while cows to processors eased 3c to 5c/kg. Heavy bulls sold firm. Vealers sold from 435c to 532c/kg. Yearling trade steers made between 420c and 470c/kg. Yearling heifers suited to the trade sold between 382c and 460c/kg. Grown steers made from 378c to 413c selling predominately to feeder orders. Bullocks sold from 374c to 389c/kg. Heavy grown heifers showing good finish made between 330c and 388c/kg. Heavy manufacturing steers sold between 324c and 388c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows made from 214c to 288c/kg. Heavy weight cows sold mostly from 230c to 330c/kg. Restocking cows made between 224c and 334c/kg. Heavy bulls sold between 260c and 330c/kg. Yarding 896

Change -260 Comparison date 19/04/2021

Category Weight

Grade Score

Live Weight c/kg

Carcass

Low

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

400+

B,C,D,2,3

392

470

435.4

-3

797

1764

High

Avg

2340

2132

Yearling Heifer 330-400

B,C,D,2,3

350

440

407.2

762

1330

1649

1504

400+

B,C,D,2,3

330

430

382.2

-24

716

1452

2150

1741

B,C,D,2,3

466

490

482

861

1538

1593

1566

B,C,D,2,3

440

490

456

826

1320

1617

1465

Vealer Steer 280-330 Vealer Heifer 280-330 Grown Steer 500-600

B,C,D,2,3

390

413

398.2

-2

711

2145

2375

2256

600-750

B,C,D,2,3

353

390

384.6

701

2206

2730

2496

B,C,D,2,3

265

330

306.8

-3

618

1431

2275

1830

Cows 520+

GIPPSLAND REGIONAL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE SALE Livestock

Bullock

Steers

Heifers

Vealer

Dairy Cows

Bulls

May, 2021

Vendor

District

Avg Kg

Yarding 283

Change -212 Comparison date 15/04/2021

Category Grade Score

Carcass

Yearling Steer

Tuesday, April 20 C / Kg

Avg $ / Head

Thursday, April 22

There were approximately 250 export and 30 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 210 head week-on-week. Most of the usual buying group was present and operating in a dearer market in places. Quality was limited with cows representing more than half of the sale. Trade demand was firm, with yearling heifers a little dearer. The limited selection of grown steers and bullocks improved 10c/kg. Cows sold 10c to 15c/kg dearer. Heavy bulls eased 10c/kg. A handful of vealers sold from 440c to 490c/kg. Yearling heifers suited to the trade made between 360c and 376c/kg. Grown steers and bullocks sold between 353c and 398c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows made from 216c to 275c/kg. Heavy weight cows sold mostly from 246c to 325c/kg. Heavy bulls made between 254c and 294c/kg.

Weight

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head High

BAIRNSDALE LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Live Weight c/kg

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Low

High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

B,C,D,2,3

360

376

370.1

686

1667

1903

1776

500-600

B,C,D,2,3

398

724

2209

2213

2211

600-750

B,C,D,2,3

353

385

377.4

691

2206

2588

2380

B,C,D,2,3

284

325

305.8

613

1511

2096

1795

Yearling Heifer 400+ Grown Steer

Cows 520+

LEONGATHA LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Wednesday, April 28

There were approximately 1700 export and 330 young cattle penned representing an increase of 150 head week-on-week. The usual buying group was present but not all operating fully in a mixed market. Quality was mixed with some very well finished lots amongst a larger selection showing the effects of the cold weather. Trade cattle sold at dearer prices on some sales for better quality. Grown steers and bullocks sold firm to slightly easier. Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers eased 3c to 7c while the better finished crossbreds improved 10c/ kg. Cows sold 5c to 15c/kg cheaper on most sales while the best heavy beef cows held firm. Heavy bulls lifted slightly. Vealers sold from 410c to 500c/kg. Yearling trade steers made between 408c and 510c/kg. Yearling heifers suited to the trade sold between 378c and 500c/kg. Grown steers made from 384c to 402c/kg. Bullocks sold from 380c to 398c/kg. Heavy grown heifers showing good finish made between 345c and 376c/kg. Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers sold between 305c and 335c with the crossbred portion between 310c and 389c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows made from 190c to 258c/kg. Heavy weight cows sold mostly from 236c to 328c/kg. Restocking cows made between 190c and 295c/kg. Better shaped heavy bulls sold between 270c and 320c with the dairy lots between 252c and 282c/kg. Yarding 2028

Change 150 Comparison date 21/04/2021

Category Weight

Grade Score

Coleman James G

Tinamba

635.0

340.0

2,159.00

Coleman James G

Tinamba

580.0

348.6

2,021.88

Carcass

Harker GC & IR

Cowwarr

550.0

324.6

1,785.30

Yearling Steer

Coleman James G

Tinamba

575.0

304.6

1,751.45

330-400

Harkness, RJ & LM

Stratford

465.0

450.0

2,092.50

400+

Live Weight c/kg

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Low

High

Avg

Change

B,C,D,2,3

432

B,C,D,2,3

386

496

470

N/Q

510

462.7

Avg

Low

High

Avg

844

1642

1984

1819

830

1737

2392

2151

Harker GC & IR

Cowwarr

523.8

376.6

1,972.44

Yearling Heifer

Kenny P & D

Willung

352.5

478.6

1,687.07

330-400

B,C,D,2,3

472

N/Q

843

1605

Harker GC & IR

Cowwarr

515.0

326.6

1,681.99

Higgins PAT J & LA

Heyfield

810.0

295.0

2,389.50

400+

B,C,D,2,3

351

500

421.9

-13

772

1575

2277

1962

Dunsmuir G J & La

Briagolong

695.0

324.6

2,255.97

Higgins Pat J & LA

Heyfield

645.0

283.6

1,829.22

B,C,D,2,3

410

-45

746

1230

Kenny P & D

Willung

370.0

476.6

1,763.42

Moon G & C

Sale

480.0

430.6

2,066.88

B,C,D,2,3

465

475

469.5

847

1511

1544

1526

Hooper J & C

Heyfield

765.0

298.6

2,284.29

Harkness, RJ & LM

Stratford

690.0

298.6

2,060.34

La Ferme Pty Ltd

Riverslea

690.0

276.6

1,908.54

Higgins Pat J & LA

Heyfield

635.0

281.6

1,788.16

Kelly Da & Dm

Sale

810.0

276.6

2,240.46

Kelly Da & Dm

Sale

770.0

266.6

2,052.82

Kelly Da & Dm

Sale

685.0

278.6

1,908.41

Patanga Pty Ltd

Maffra

695.0

263.6

1,832.02

Vealer Steer 280-330 Vealer Heifer 280-330 Grown Steer 500-600

B,C,D,2,3

384

402

394.2

720

2134

2400

2263

600-750

B,C,D,2,3

383

395

389.3

721

2490

2666

2616

B,C,D,2,3

264

340

290.3

-6

594

1463

2438

1778

Cows 520+

Market figures supplied by Meat and Livvestock Australia’s National Livestock Reporting Service and Gippsland Re egional Livestock Exchange - Sale

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

RURAL NEWS

Building up resilience to drought THE federal government is investing $13.4 million in the Natural Resource Management (NRM) Drought Resilience Program to help build more drought resilient landscapes. The funding is part of the forwardthinking $5 billion Future Drought Fund, which is giving farmers and communities the tools they need to prepare for the climatic challenges that lie ahead. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud

said the NRM funding will enable farmer groups, agricultural businesses and organisations to adapt their practices and enhance their farming systems to increase drought resilience. “These projects will provide transformational change to the way our agricultural landscapes are managed,” Mr Littleproud said. “Grant recipients will use a variety of techniques such as rotational grazing, landscape rehydration and increasing

native ground cover to enliven the landscape naturally. “The successful projects will also strengthen the connections between stakeholders, farmers and the community in their immediate region. They’ll do this through face-to-face workshops, field days and small group training sessions. “This is a fundamental part of the Future Drought Fund program. We want to support innovative natural resource management practices and approaches

to improve natural capital to contribute towards landscape scale drought resilience. “A total of 66 projects are receiving funding through this grants round. “Two further regional NRM regional bodies will also receive funding through the landscapes stream of the NRM program. Together, these projects will help to enhance the sustainability of our faming landscapes.”

Shows,field days get a vital boost

The Tinamba Food and Wine Festival is returning this month after it was cancelled last year in the pandemic.

AGRICULTURAL shows and field days have been given a federal government cash boost to after they were forced to cancel last year because of COVID-19. More than $700,000 supplementary payments is being shared by 110 events under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program, to help meet the costs of fixed overheads. Agriculture Minsiter David Littleproud said the supplementary expense claims was approved under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program. Mr Littleproud said the federal government had already distributed $34 million to nearly 380 events approved for funding from July 2019 to June 2020. “With the help of the Australian government, our agricultural shows and field days are bouncing back from the pandemic,” Mr Littleproud said.

“This is a tribute to the hard work of their volunteers and support from local communities. “These events are at the heart of our rural and regional communities and help farmers stay competitive by sharing innovation and new ways of doing business. There are 580 agricultural shows nationwide that contribute $1 billion to the economy. “The Australian government is committed to ensuring agricultural shows and field days are in the best position possible to continue in 2021 and beyond,” Mr Littleproud said. For more information, visit agriculture. gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/ supporting-ag-shows.

This fab festival is back Tower for Toongabbie THE Tinamba Food and Wine Festival is returning this month after it was cancelled last year in the pandemic. The event which has been running for 11 years is being organised by Wines of East Gippsland. WEG chairman Tony Dawkins of Glenmaggie Wines said there would be a great atmosphere under the stunning trees of Tinamba’s main street in the vast outdoor event. “Tinamba Food and Wine Festival will be back with new wine vintages, amazing foods and produce and we are all so excited to come together again and

celebrate anew our region’s riches,” Mr Dawkins said. The event will be held under COVID safe conditions, and numbers will be limited. The Tinamba Food and Wine Festival will be held on Sunday, May 16. Tickets are $15 per person pre-booked, or $20 on the day if still available. Under 18s are free. To book, visit, trybooking.com/ BQNCK. For more information, visit the Tinamba Food and Wine Festival Facebook page.

THE Toongabbie township received a new mobile phone tower last month when a Telstra 4GX small cell was installed under the federal government’s Regional Connectivity Program. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the installation was part of the federal government’s commitment to improve connectivity. Mr Chester said the upgrade would improve mobile voice and data connectivity in the area. “Improved connectivity, whether it be mobile phone or internet coverage, is essential throughout our region for

communication and economic growth,” Mr Chester said. “Phone coverage, especially in rural areas, is vital for day-to-day communication, during emergencies and when travelling. “It is important we continue to identify black spots and improve connectivity throughout Gippsland for both locals and visitors.” The new small cell upgrade will provide access to Telstra 4GX mobile coverage. Toongabbie is one of four Gippsland projects that will share in more than $90 million in funding under the Regional Connectivity Program.

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May, 2021

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PADDOCK

Do more with a telehandler

AUSTRALIAN farmers are realising the myriad benefits of the agricultural telehandlers, with sales jumping significantly over the past 12 months. CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Specialist - CLAAS Greenline & SCORPION Blair McAlwee explained telehandlers deliver far greater productivity than a front-end loader. “A telehandler has far greater reach, hydraulic capacity and manoeuvrability than a tractor,” he said. “You can use a wide range of implements, including buckets, forks, bale hands and silage grabs, in the tightest of areas. “You can raise, tip, lower and return in just a few seconds - all automatically, if you want - so you can get jobs done more quickly and without stress. “It’s all about productivity - a saving of just a few minutes a day can equate to a few hours a week and ultimately a few days a year. “Then there’s the safety and comfort to consider. “Telehandlers have a much lower centre of gravity, four evenly-sized tyres and increased visibility. “Once you get the opportunity to operate a telehandler, it won’t be long before you’re thinking about how you could use it on your property. “The CLAAS Harvest Centre network stocks all six models from the new range of CLAAS SCORPION telehandlers. “Developed in partnership with leading materials handling manufacturer, Liebherr, the new series boasts numerous improvements to enhance performance, handling, comfort and safety.” Mr McAlwee said the SCORPION 732 or 736 models are the ‘go-to’ machine for dairy farmers, while the 741 or 746 models are typically chosen by broadacre farmers. “The 732 and 736 are compact, highly manoeuvrable ‘all-rounders’ that have a maximum reach of seven metres, a lifting capacity of 3.2 and 3.6 tonnes, respectively,” he said. “The 741 and 746 are the same machines but with a larger lifting

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and reduced ground pressure when working with heavier loads.

“The cabs offer uninterrupted all-round visibility. The attachment point for the telescopic boom now lies lower on the chassis, significantly expanding the field of view to the right and rear of the machine. “This also lowers the centre of gravity, maximising safety and operator comfort. The controls are logically arranged and are easy to operate. “The 3.5” or optional 7” screen means the operator can monitor all of the important settings, such as speed, steering mode or oil level, at a glance.” Blair said the SMART LOADING driverassistance system, including automatic bucket return and overload protection, helps to improve efficiency and safety. “SMART LOADING enables precise control of the working hydraulics to enable material to be stacked with greater accuracy,” he said. “The speed of the working hydraulics can be halved via a toggle switch.

capacity of 4.1 and 4.6 tonnes. All four models are powered by a 136 hp Deutz Stage IIIA (Tier 3) diesel engine equipped with an advanced management system for more efficient operation and transport.” The engine also features a dynamic cooling system that automatically controls the fan speed according to engine demand. “The fan also has an automatic reverse function, which automatically cleans the radiator every 15 minutes when working in particularly dirty conditions,” he said. “The driver can also reverse the fan manually at any time, at the touch of a button. “The proven VARIPOWER or VARIPOWER PLUS transmissions have three speed ranges which can be selected using the joystick.”

The electrohydraulic parking brake is automatically activated if the machine stops, the engine is switched off or if the driver leaves the cabin. The parking brake is automatically de-activated when the driver puts their foot on the accelerator. “All models can be operated in frontwheel, four-wheel, crab-steering and optional manual crab-steering mode, which allows the front axle to be steered manually,” he said. “This mode offers distinct advantages for certain applications, such as compacting the edges of clamps or moving along the walls of buildings and cleaning out silage bunkers. “The three smaller models are equipped with 460 mm diameter tyres as standard, while the 746 can be fitted with 500 mm diameter tyres for improved stability

“All models are equipped with the proven quick-release headstock and 50 mm diameter locking pins. They can also be fitted with a wide choice of hitches and trailer brakes for towing heavy loads. “A side support for the telescopic arm is also available. “This additional support provides even greater stability and protection of the machine during clamp work or pushing operations, which involves significant extension of the arm and lever action.” All orders of CLAAS SCORPION placed before the end of November will receive a free Performance Package, which includes eight LED working lights, a seat cover and work pack (comprising a sports bag, multitool, work light and travel mug). A competitive finance rate of 2.99% is also available.

May, 2021

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GIPPSLAND SPORT

Bomber Thompson visits Boolarra By ZAC STANDISH

THE Boolarra community was given a special treat last month as legendary AFL coach and player Mark ‘Bomber’ Thompson visited the football-netball club for a sportsman’s night. Thompson entertained the locals for more than two hours as he retold thrilling stories from his football career, opened up about his personal battles and answered every question from the boisterous crowd. In an interview with Gippsland Farmer, Thompson said it was a thrill to be out speaking and visiting country clubs again. “I really enjoy getting out of the routine of just working every day and coming out and seeing the country and watching the grassroots of the game,” Thompson said. “I still have a huge passion for the game and it is just good to see country boys turning up after work and just having a train, yelling at each other, it is really pure. “This is the first talk I have done in probably three years, I used to do a lot of them when I finished in the AFL traveling all over Australia I loved it, I have seen so much of the country because of them and met some fantastic people.” With mental health becoming such a prominent issue in regional communities, the basis of his presentation centred on raising awareness for this problem and how it can be addressed. He hopes telling his story will encourage locals to speak ak up and seek help regarding ental health issues. their own me “Too many p people lose their lives because of it,, too many people d they do not feel lose hope and confident therrefore seeing them not do their job as well and not communiicate with their family as welll, they struggle with a lot of things when n the mind,” they get ill in he said. “It is just a really ssue, we important is all have to accept a it. We should no ot look att e illness it as a terrible rather some ething g that can be rrecovered from, an nd so I hope my storry can inspire peo ple to speak up. “My talk is s a little different no ow than

Boolarra Football-Netball Club senior coach Tony Giardina, president Simon Buglisi, wellbeing manager Brooke Chatterton and senior assistant James Holmes with AFL legend Mark ‘Bomber’ Thompson. photographs zac standish

it was before, being less about football and more about just being a good person be and having a bit of a purpose, p I realised out to me the people that have reached r are those who have g gone through this problem themselves so o I feel it is my duty to come and assist.” Along with these e important messages, football als so featured in his presentation as s Thompson said he has rekin ndled his love and or the game. passion fo “I watch the game more now, there m was w a period there where I did not w w watch it all, but now I am back and actually helping a young kid how to hat has been really kick so th exciting,” he said. “I have started to watch ers and I am really the Bombe happy to se ee their young players do well,, although they are not winnin ng all the time the

brand of footy is right and Geelong I think they are just slow starting because of the late grand final so hopefully they start to crank it up.” He also gave his opinion on the impact of the new rules. “I really like it and how the game has opened up,” he said. “A friend of mine is running it in Steve Hocking and I knew that he was strong and is a risk taker and sees it differently so he has backed himself in here. “I was hearing all these criticisms about this stupid rule earlier in the year but now it has worked and he is of course getting all the kudos, I just hope the coaches do not work out how to defensively control it again but at the moment the game is looking great.” Looking back over his career as a coach, Thompson highlighted two players that stood out in that dynastic Geelong team of the mid to late 2000s. “I had many, many good players but I think Matthew Scarlett is probably the best fullback that has ever played, he just

revolutionised the game as he would go and get 20-30 possessions playing on the opposition’s best player, and he was a great leader in controlling what we did on the field,” he said. “Then there was Gary Ablett Jnr who is probably the best player I have ever seen, everyone loves big marks, spectacular goals and things like that, but little Junior to win so much of the ball and to impact the game the way he did was just remarkable.” Along with his work in raising awareness for mental health, Thompson has discovered a new passion in life that takes up the majority of his time. “When I stopped work I started watching a lot of YouTube just to educate myself in what is going in the world, I came across these timber tables and just loved them and thought I would love to do that one day,” he said “So I just decided to do it and I am absolutely loving it, it gives me a good reason to get out of bed and out of the house and people are buying them so it gives you good reward as well.”

Stratford honours late teammate with victory By DAVID BRAITHWAITE

STRATFORD honoured the memory of former player Lachlan Heywood with a sterling performance to begin the East Gippsland football season. The Swans defeated local rival Boisdale-Briagolong by 25 points - 9.8 (62) to 5.7 (37) on April 24 - but it wasn’t the result that mattered. Players and supporters were encouraged by the message “you are not alone” when it comes to mental struggles. The match was the Swans’ first since former player Heywood’s death last year. Before the senior match, footballers and netballers were joined by family and friends of Heywood in standing around the number 23 and Beyond Blue logo painted on the clubroom wing for a minute’s silence. Stratford retired the number 23 in honour of the man who last wore it, Heywood. Leading players and supporters in the minute’s silence was Beyond Blue ambassador, former TV sports presenter Brad McEwan, who hoped the event would encourage people to

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begin having conservations about their mental wellbeing. “We need to treat mental health as we do physical health. We cannot do it on our own,” McEwan told the crowd. “If you are struggling, you need to reach out. “As I said to some of the players from the both teams earlier today, by reaching out and putting your hand up, you are not only helping yourself, but you are being a leader. You are saying to the people around you, that you might not know, they are watching, they are listening, and they are seeing what you are doing and it gives them the confidence to put their hand up as well. “What a powerful statement that is.” Following such an emotional event, a game of football is trivial. It was the visiting Bombers who began the better, a turnover led to Jim Reeves receiving a free kick, which he duly converted into the game’s first goal. The Swans’ opening goal also came from a free kick, with Rodney O’Keefe reducing the margin to a point. The ball was in the Swans’ half of the ground for much of the rest of the

quarter, but they only managed to add four behinds to head into the first change of ends two ahead. Stratford wasn’t allowing the Bombers to settle, which affected the visitors’ transition into attack. The Bombers also had a tough time finding targets in attack. The Swans’ ability to convert its chances in the second term had them on their way to victory. O’Keefe intercepted a kick, then under pressure, got away a kick, which miraculously bounced over a Bomber on the goal line to extend the Swans’ lead to eight points early in the quarter. A goal on the run from Jack Bacon soon after extended the margin to 14 points. The gap became 19 after Jordan Robertson’s goal. The Bombers got on the board halfway through the quarter through Josh Granger. O’Keefe kicked the third of his four goals for the match as the Swans went into the main break leading by 17 points. The margin was maintained after a

third quarter where both teams kicked two goals. The Swans had the better of the final term, kicking two goals to one. Lincoln Toner, Dylan Nikolajew, Mitch Hawkins and Gavin Bickery led the way for the Swans around the ground. Robertson and O’Keefe more than tested the Bomber defence, while Andrew Scott stood out in the back line. For the Bombers, Josh Granger and Billy Marshall played well under pressure in defence, while Lee Forsyth, Nicoll Sandison, Mat Simmons and Rhys Johnson also worked hard to get the visitors back into the match. But at the end of the day, the result didn’t really matter, with the main takeaway being encouragement to reach out to others and talk about mental health. Anyone needing help in a crisis can phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information about mental health, phone Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or visit www.beyondblue. org.au. Those in immediate danger should phone Triple 0 (000).

May, 2021

GIPPSLAND SPORT

By LIAM DURKIN

THOSE who thought Marlion Pickett making his debut in the 2019 AFL Grand Final was the most unique way to play a first senior game might be surprised to know a local player has probably topped him. Moe footballer Riley Baldi made what is surely the most bizarre debut in VFL, and possibly football, history on April 24, when he was literally plucked from the crowd to pull on the boots. Baldi, a Casey Demons listed player, had not been named in the initial starting line-up, and as his home club had the bye, he made the trip down to Punt Road Oval to watch the Demons take on Richmond. Casey had already released their emergency players back to their home club, and as Baldi explained, all appeared to be going to plan until moments before the opening bounce. “I rocked up 15 minutes before the game and the boys were warming up and the skipper ran over to me and asked if I could play because a player had gone down,” he said. “I’m number 56, but I wore number 40 ... they didn’t have a jumper for me. “They would have played short if I wasn’t there.” Baldi replaced Melbourne player Jay Lockhart at the 11th hour, and in a scene usually reserved for country football, was given a spare pair of boots and socks to join the team. Despite having absolutely no time to prepare, Baldi was able to get through the game as Casey cruised to a comfortable 13.18 (96) to 5.7 (37) victory. The man known as Eagle started on the wing and was given time at both ends of the ground, playing half-forward and back. “It was a good win by 10 goals. Richmond are the reigning premiers in the VFL so it was a very good win,” he said. “I found the game was high speed and very good skills considering it was raining for most of it.” Some prominent players who took to the field for Casey included Ben Brown, Neville Jetta, Majak Daw and Sam

Moe footballer Riley Baldi made his VFL senior debut for Casey Demons last month in the most bizarre circumstances. photograph casey demons

Weideman, while Josh Caddy, Sydney Stack and Maurice Rioli Junior played for Richmond. A sizeable crowd made its way to Punt Road Oval as the match progressed, stopping by on their way to the MCG for the AFL match between Melbourne and Richmond.. With the AFL Demons currently undefeated, Baldi said there was a lot of positive energy coming out of the Casey camp. “It’s a pretty good vibe, the AFL team is going good and that just seems to translate through to the VFL as well,” he said. Moving forward, the 20 year old said he still has ambitions of getting drafted, and

would see what unfolds down the track. “I just want to play the highest standard I can,” he said. “Whether that’s VFL or otherwise I’m happy to come back and play for Moe and see what we can do this year.” While Baldi himself can see the funny side of his Steven Bradbury-like debut, the amount of work that has surely gone on behind the scenes to get to him playing at VFL senior level serves as a good lesson. They say you never forget your first game, and it’s fair to say Baldi won’t be forgetting his in a hurry.

New fund invests in the community By ZAC STANDISH

FOLLOWING the disastrous year that was 2020, community football in Victoria is set for a massive boost with AFL Victoria recently announcing the relaunch of its Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). Originally founded in 2020 but put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCIF will provide funding of $1.5 million per year to community clubs and leagues across the state as they look to rebuild following the pandemic. AFL Victoria Regional Manager for Gippsland Nick Fogarty explains the main motivation behind this initiative. “The SCIF is part of an $18 million investment back into community football in Victoria,” Mr Fogarty said. “What it is utilised for is that everyone can apply for it, it is not a grant that centres on specific projects rather encompasses every aspect of a club whether they need funds for a new grandstand or new jumpers. “There is no limitations to what a club can apply for, so it just gives clubs that extra bit of flexibility as they look to rebuild following 2020.” An area obsessed with community football, the 2020 season shut down hit the Latrobe Valley harder than most regions in Victoria as clubs struggled to keep themselves afloat. Morwell Football-Netball Club president

May, 2021

Paul Spagnolo explains just how badly the pandemic effected them. “From a club’s point of view we lost a lot of revenue,” he said. “Obviously the outgoings are a lot less but there is still outgoings with building maintenance, power and gas so those financial burdens still had to be met. “Abiding by all the COVID rules in areas such as training added a larger workload and more stress to our volunteer base because everything was changing so quickly.” From a wider perspective, Mr Fogarty says whilst clubs managed to survive financially the biggest impact COVID has on community footy in the Latrobe Valley region was on its volunteers. “From a financial perspective, it was a chance to reset with clubs being fairly well placed heading into 2021, where the biggest hit was with the volunteers and the players. There have been volunteers who may have contributed for a long period of time and have suddenly gone through COVID and realised there is more to life than football so have been less inclined to come back and support,” he said. He said the introduction of the SCIF would be vital in reducing volunteer workloads and making returning to local football clubs a more enticing prospect. “Hopefully the SCIF can support volunteers so it replaces that person who might

have to do extra fundraising or try and get extra sponsors on board to fund a particular project,” he said. “You can now utilise that volunteer in another area now because ideally the SCIF will cover that cost.” With the 2021 season now underway and the club finally back to its full operations, Mr Spagnolo says funding opportunities such as the one presented by AFL Victoria’s SCIF Program are extremely important. “Initiatives such as this are enormous for community football clubs trying to rebuild,” he said. “We still had some bills come, our costs were reduced but we still had the basics there, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated because it does take a lot to run a community football club.” Community football is part of the lifeline of regional areas such as the Latrobe Valley, making this program all the more important to Mr Fogarty and AFL Victoria. “The healthy operations of community football in Gippsland is absolutely crucial and a major focus for us here at AFL Victoria. Along with the SCIF we have recently launched the Club Champions program which I have partnered with GippSport to implement and that has a focus on the corporate governance within community football clubs,” he said.

SALE Greyhound Racing Club has launched a new race called the Horizon, carrying first prizemoney of $25,000. Heats of this inaugural 440 metre event will be held on Sunday, May 30, with the final a week later. Sale GRC operations manager Rob Popplestone said the club was confident the Horizon will quickly grow in stature. “We have high hopes that, in the years ahead, the Horizon at Sale will qualify for Group 3 status,” Popplestone said. “The Sale GRC already prides itself on its promotion, planning and execution of its main feature event, the Sale Cup, which we host on Boxing Day each year and which is Australian greyhound racing’s only group one event held at a country venue.” The Sale Cup has proven itself to be an attractive event to a broad demographic, and invites crowds in excess of 5000, with bands, DJs, fashion, food and wine all complimenting the quality of greyhounds on show striving for Group 1 glory.

Preston Rd, Ripplebrook Phone (03) 5627 6317 Fax (03) 5627 6385 www.stlegermachinery.com C.L, A.H., & A.E. FORREST

Specialists in Second Hand Farm Machinery.

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FARM IMPLEMENTS

Assorted hay forks & spikes. Cranvel trailing backhoe, pto driven. Hardi 600lt 3pl boom spray with 10 mtr boom and hose reel, Hardi 400ltr 3pl boom spray with 6mtr boom and hose reel, as new, Harrows 6-20ft, Landaco LS2000 3pl spreader, 2018. New Holland Roll-Belt 150 Superfeed baler, as new, 2020 Mulcher, 7 and 8ft Sylvan with hyd sideshift., Post hole diggers 6” to 18”, Post rammers .... Lyco with auger, Massey, Aussie Driver with hyd side shift.

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Cat Challenger MT445B 4wd, a/c cab, FEL Cat Challenger MT445B 4wd a/c cab. Cat Challenger MT465B 4wd, a/c cab, FEL 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 115-90, fwa, a/c cab, as traded. 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. Massey Ferguson 35x, rops, tidy, registered..... as traded Massey Ferguson 135, FEL, rops, tidy unit. Massey Ferguson 165, pwr steer, MP, 3pl. Massey Ferguson 240, rops, pwr steer, tidy. Massey Ferguson 355 turbo, a/c cab, p/steer, d/bar, remotes.. . . New Holland TS125 4wd, a/c cab, ex. cond.

TYRES

Assorted new and second hand from 16” to 46”.

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Good quality late model tractors. THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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Baldi plucked from the crowd for his VFL debut

A fresh race is on the Horizon

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May, 2021