Gippsland Farmer September 2021

Phone: (03) 5135 4444

September, 2021

FLOWER POWER

By Michell lle l Slater A SEATON boutique flower fll grower is tapping into a burgeoning mar arket r in Austral alia l by producing dri ried i edible flower fll spri rinkl i kles l to add a splash of colour to meal als l an and n cocktai ails. i Bronwy wyn yn Man anley n supplies dri ried i fll flower petal als l to restauran ants, n caf afes f an and n foodies under the Bon in the Gar arden r label, creating mix ixed x blends to gar arnish r dishes and an n dri rinks i wii without overp rpoweri p ring i the meal al. l viividly i Ms Man anley n grows vivi coloured blooms such as cornfl flowers, l cal alendula, l vii violas, chry rysan y anthemums n an and n dah ahlias, h before processing them in a commercial all dehydrator.

“We are arr extremely passionate about gar ardening, r we eat, sleep an and n breathe gar ardening. r We hope one day our product will wii be a staple in cupboar ards r across Austral alia,” l Ms Man anley n sai aid. i “Every ryone y wan ants n something fan ancy, n an and n edible spri rinkl i kles l give a happiness factor, it’s about treating yourself. We are arr not a big producer, but we are arr in high deman and.” n Continued on page 3 Bon in the Garden owner Bronwy wyn y Manley with her part rtner t David Edwards and their kids Samuel and Emma. Also the Bon in the Garden range of edible flower sprinkle blends. photograph supplied

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RURAL NEWS

Ag Visa decision is hailed a winner

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THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says last month’s announcement by the federal government to deliver a dedicated Agriculture specific Visa (Ag Visa) is the culmination of years of advocacy and has the potential to help solve Victoria’s crippling workforce labour issues.

VFF president Emma Germano said the long called for and awaited Ag Visa will offer both short and longer term employment opportunities and a pathway to permanent residency.

“The design of the initiative will support increased seasonal workforce needs, such as those experienced in the grains and horticulture industry and support longer term opportunities and workforce needs in sectors like meat processing and our dairy and livestock industries,” she said.

“It’s a critical step towards ensuring the tens of thousands of current and upcoming positions on Victorian farms are filled and our world-class produce isn’t left rotting on the trees or unable to be harvested in the paddock.”

“This outcome demonstrates how effective the collective voice of farmers can be on an issue that impacts every single industry of Victorian agriculture.”

Ms Germano said the future of the scheme now hinges on employers maintaining high welfare standards and working with the state governments to streamline quarantine to make the Ag Visa a reality.

“The success of the agriculture visa relies on high standards to be met by sponsoring employers to ensure the welfare of visa holder,” Ms Germano said.

“We look forward to working with all

VFF president Emma Germano says the announcement by the federal government to deliver a dedicated Ag Visa is the culmination of years of advocacy. file photograph

state governments to ensure adequate quarantine pathways and the Ag Visa works as it is intended.

“The immediate issue is clearly the movement of workers across state borders for the upcoming harvest season. We typically see the movement of workers from north to south over the coming months, especially in our horticulture industry.

The current border restrictions is going to cause real issues.”

The VFF praised Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud for his commitment to making the Ag Visa a reality and looks forwards to working together with all stakeholders to ensure it is in place as promised by September 30, 2021.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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September, 2021

RURAL NEWS

Growth in flower market Continued from page 1

Ms Manley began the boutique business two years ago selling fresh edible flowers to restaurants, but invested in a dehydrator when COVID hit as a way to extend the shelf-life of her product.

She said COVID lockdowns has meant hospitality operators were hesitant to stock up on fresh supplies.

“Each lockdown sets us back, we grit our teeth. What our clients have been through is heartbreaking,” she said.

“This was when we decided to convert our business to a dried flower farm. We were lucky we could change our business the way we could and be received the way we have been.”

Ms Manley said dried sprinkles were popular in the US and England but the trend was taking off in Australia.

“Cornflowers are extremely popular and the most versatile, they are blue, pinks purple and white and have a great shape,” she said.

She was attracting a strong domestic customer-base with a lot of support from Gippsland eateries, and most of her marketing was done through Instagram.

“Calendula is sought after by chefs to create a contrast with dishes, they have a great colour and create a little burst of sunshine, they can be thrown into salads to contrast the greens.”

September deadline for committee report on Fingerboards mine AN Inquiry and Advisory Committee appointed by the state government to examine the environmental effects of Kalbar’s proposed Fingerboards mineral sands mine at Glenaladale, East Gippsland, concluded the public phase of its process on July 22, after 36 days of its hearing.

A total of 782 documents were tabled at the hearing, in addition to the 910 submissions that were lodged, however, mine opponent Debbie Carruthers said Kalbar’s own summary of the submissions stated that only one per cent of the 910 were in support of their mine project.

The Inquiry and Advisory Committee has until September 16 to submit its report and recommendations to the Planning Minister, who has 25 days from when that report is received to respond with his assessment of the environmental effects of the Fingerboards mine project and whether the mine should be approved.

During the later stages of the hearing Kalbar announced it had applied to the state government, through Earth Resources Regulation, for a mining licence.

One reason given by Kalbar for the application being made at that time was failed commercial negotiations with a landholder.

The size of the proposed mine has expanded to more than 21 square kilometres, increasing from more than 16.

“There are now residences and many new directly impacted landholders where the mining licence is proposed to be located,” Ms Carruthers said.

“The impacts on those landholders, biodiversity losses and Aboriginal cultural heritage in this additional area of more

Ms Manley said dried flowers created less wastage and provided retail opportunities at cafes, gift shops or postage Australia-wide.

than 473 hectares were not assessed as part of the hearing.”

The day before the hearing concluded, Kalbar advised the Inquiry and Advisory Committee that Earth Resources Regulation had approved its mining licence application being advertised for community objections or comment.

However, Ms Carruthers said after placing an advertisement about the mining licence in the local newspaper, Kalbar was required to advertise it again because its advertisement failed to comply with government guidelines.

Legally, Earth Resources Regulation cannot consider objections from the community about the mining licence until after the Planning Minister releases his report about the future of the Fingerboards Environmental Effects Statement.

“So, the community is being put under further duress, time and expense to be involved in a process that could be stopped by the minister due to the environmental effects,” Ms Carruthers said, adding she believed the company was proceeding as if the mine would be approved.

Letters of objection to Tenement Application MIN007636 are due by August 25, and can be lodged at rram.force.com/ ObjectionSubmission.

Ms Carruthers said there was concern that other mineral sands mining proposals in the area would follow Kalbar’s lead.

Iluka Resources Ltd has recently written to landholders about its application to Earth Resources Regulation for an exploration licence in Sarsfield, Nowa Nowa and Wairewa.

Bon in the Garden owner Bronwyn Manley with her partner David Edwards and their kids Samuel and Emma. photograph supplied

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RURAL NEWS

Co-existing the key say bee keepers

By MICHELLE SLATER

EAST Gippsland bee keepers are imploring VicForests to change its timber harvesting practices in order for the two industries to co-exist in state forests.

Victorian Apiarists Association member and Wiseleigh bee keeper Ian Cane has been campaigning the state-owned logging agency to alter its programs – particularly after last year’s summer bushfires.

However, Mr Cane stressed the bee industry was not calling to end native logging, but to ensure it was compatible with co-users on public lands.

Mr Cane said the 2020 summer bushfires had compounded decades of logging in

the region, putting pressure on flowering eucalyptus for bee keepers.

“It’s been brought to a head with the fires, and now these areas left are being harvested to a point they are of no value to bee keepers, we are losing a valuable resource, Mr Cane said.

“They are taking too many trees out of a forest at one time. Harvesting prescriptions are wrong as they are not leaving any resilience for a changing climate or a reproductive capacity in the forests.”

VicForests is planning to log approximately 530 hectares of unburnt forest in East Gippsland in the next 18 months.

But the logging agency has stated this is equivalent to 0.2 per cent of the estimated

IAN CANE 260,000 hectares of remaining unburnt forest.

Mr Cane said there were about 900 licenced bee sites in East Gippsland and many were impacted or lost in the summer bushfires.

“It’s having an accumulative impact as logging prescriptions are doing a lot of long term ecological damage to our forests and logged land is of no value to beekeepers for decades,” he said.

Mr Cane also pointed to the potential effects on the state’s food supply, as native forests were essential for building up healthy bees before being put to work pollinating orchards and crops, adding the state’s pollination industry was worth $6 billion to industries such as almonds, stone fruits, canola, carrots and celery.

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A JINDIVICK dairy farmer is fronting up a national campaign to let consumers know that farmers are a part of the solution on climate change.

The National Farmers Federation campaign Australian Farms – Where REAL Climate Action Happens, tells the stories of farmers who are standing up as environmental stewards.

West Gippsland dairy farmer and veterinarian Tess Butler is featured in the campaign after transforming the farm to respond to climate challenges.

Ms Butler and her partner Ben operate Benelli Jerseys and are focusing on finding new ways to incorporate emissions reduction technology and research into their daily operations.

She said consumer expectations in relation to climate change, and how farmers go about meeting those, was how the sector will stay ahead, in touch and “farm with a conscience”.

“It’s really changed how we’ve farmed over the past five years, it’s something I’ve really pushed for,” Ms Butler said.

“Sustainability is extremely important to me. The way we run this farm is about getting what we need without compromising the land for the future.”

Ms Butler said she thinks critically about the impact the farm sector has on the environment, and the work that can – and must – be done to change traditional farming practices.

She said her cows produce more milk with less methane emissions, due to changes to soil and pasture management.

Ms Butler said they have paid careful attention to grazing management to decrease grazing pressure on pasture, helping to improve water retention and keep nutrients in the soil.

She said introducing rotational grazing systems had allowed the cows to use feed efficiently for milk production and reduces the emissions output per cow.

Jindivick dairy farmer Tess Butler features in a new National Farmers Federation campaign Australian Farms – Where REAL Climate Action Happens. photograph michelle slater

Selective crop use has also been a priority, while manure and effluent management is helping to increase the carbon content in the soil.

“I’m keenly interested in social issues. I love the outdoors, the land we work, and I want to preserve it for as long as possible,” Ms Butler said.

“Over the last decade, the effects of climate change we’ve seen really worry me. It will make a sizeable difference if we can farm more environmentally friendly.”

NFF chief executive officer Tony Mahar said the community recognised farmers were on the frontline of the climate solution and wanted to learn more about what action farmers were taking.

Mr Mahar said what were now mainstream practices meant Australian agriculture reduced its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 65 per cent between 2004-05 and 2016-17.

“Farmers are on a journey and there is more work to do,” Mr Mahar said.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

September, 2021

RURAL NEWS

Second chance

By MICHELLE SLATER

Koonwarra Bull Sale Tueesday 14th September 14 Big Butted Angus Bulls

Newborough woman Zoe Kennedy with Prince the rescue rooster. photograph michelle slater

to rehome, crossbreds are impossible.”

Ms Kennedy said roosters suited people who want to keep chooks, but don’t need the eggs, and were great around the garden cleaning up bugs or eating dropped fruit under orchards.

“They are lovely companions, they are gorgeous and very pretty and actually intelligent. They make loving pets. They need all the help they can get,” she said.

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A NEWBOROUGH woman is helping to save roosters from the chop, by matching them with loving homes and letting people know they make good pets.

Zoe Kennedy formed the Facebook group Rooster Warriors Rehoming a few months ago calling for people to offer homes for roosters, listed by their owners who can’t keep them.

The group has grown with volunteers across Victoria who have so far rehomed about 100 roosters.

Volunteers are after donated items such as dog kennels, rabbit hutches or cages, shade cloths, chook feeders or water stations to hold roosters in foster care.

“Roosters have an unfair deal and we are helping them out. People can’t keep them if they live in residential areas and they don’t necessarily go to the best ending,” Ms Kennedy said.

“There is no real alternative for them, there are no options for owners with what they can do with roosters. We stepped in to try our best to find good homes for them as they make good pets.”

Ms Kennedy said they carefully screen each person to make sure the chook goes to a good home instead of the rotisserie.

She said local government by-laws often forced people into surrendering roosters in suburban backyards due to 5am crowing complaints.

“People often get them as day old chicks which grow into roosters. School hatching programs are big problems too, and they are usually crossbred roosters which are harder to rehome,” she said.

“The family then get attached to them but can’t keep them. People who hatch eggs need to have a plan what to do with the roosters. Purebreds are hard enough

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

5

RURAL NEWS

Defibrillators a community lifesaver FISH Creek and Tambo Crossing were two Gippsland communities to win lifesaving defibrillators thanks to the Victorian Farmers Federation and St John Ambulance.

VFF president Emma Germano recently announced that seven St John defibrillators are being delivered in remote communities across Victoria.

“We are thrilled to announce the winners at a time when life-saving technology like this has never been more important to support local farming communities,” Ms Germano said.

“In some of these areas, having a

defibrillator will be the difference between life and death as medical help can be far away.”

“I would like to thank and congratulate all winners for the time taken to provide these life-saving devices for their community to use in their time of need,” Ms Germano said.

Fish Creek woman Brigit Senior was one of the winners stating that local residents would benefit with public access to a defibrillator.

“Almost 25 per cent of the Fish Creek population is aged 65 years and over and there is an increased chance of

cardiac arrest in the area,” Ms Senior said.

“Our community is so grateful to have this St John defibrillator and it will be mounted on the external wall of the Fish Creek and District Fire Station.”

The other communities to get defibrillators were Barwite in north-east Victoria, Nhill in the Wimmera, Chetwynd and Derrinallum in south-west Victoria and Pyramid Hill in the Loddon Valley.

The life-saving machine will play a crucial role in these regional farming communities, where access to an ambulance can range from 20 to 60 minutes.

St John Ambulance Victoria chief

A D V E R T I S I N G

executive Gordon Botwright said he was proud to partner with Victorian Farmers Federation to award the defibrillators to Victorian farming communities.

“As much as we hope these devices never need to be used, we are pleased seven more defibrillators are now available across Victoria,” Mr Botwright said.

“The defibrillators will provide another critical safety measure and enable first responders to act immediately in an emergency.

“St John representatives will be providing training to the locals on the use of the defibrillator.”

F E A T U R E

First-class genetics at the Absolute Angus’s spring bull sale good carcase, EMA, IMF, and fat cover in their EBVs.

READY to work bulls with genetic diversity are on offer at Absolute Angus’s third annual spring sale on Friday, October 15, 2021.

“The bulls up for auction are also genetically well put together. There is something to suit everyone, with bulls across the sale having the right attributes that farmers and commercial breeders are looking for,” Mr Pisa said.

The 50 rising two-year-old and yearling bulls up for auction at the West Gippsland property come from an impressive line-up of industry renowned sires known for their enhanced data, softness, and structural correctness.

Stud principal Anthony Pisa said the sale bulls were coming along magnificently with the warmer weather and by extending the sale date by a few weeks this spring meant the bulls will present at their best on sale day.

“Clients who purchase my bulls are looking for a genetic style and type of genetics we have used in the stud’s foundation herds, we are now seeing proof of that investment,” Mr Pisa said.

“When the bulls leave the stud their development takes-off; just amazing, beautiful animals.”

Showcasing the ongoing success of Absolute Angus’s breeding program,

The sale also meets strong market demand for bulls.

the spring sale will feature bulls from Baldridge Command, Gdar Regulator, Landfall Keystone K132 and the stud’s own sire, Absolute M110 whose dam is a Lawsons Bartel Cow and his sire, Landfall Westward J169, along with a select group of Ardrossan sires.

Mr Pisa said Absolute Angus continues to use genetics from a range of industry leading studs known for genetic performance such as Landfall,

Te Mania, Ardrossan and selected elite United States studs.

“All the investment over the past years to develop the genetic depth of our stud herds, both female and bulls, is paying off with the progeny of prior bulls sold performing well for my clients,” he said.

Most of the bulls in the spring sale draft are suitable for heifer joining, presenting with low BWT, high growth,

“Commercial buyers are looking for strong growth, low birth-weight bulls and meat quality with a focus on traits and how they adapt to being grass fed and grain fed,” Mr Pisa said.

“It’s an exciting time to showcase the bulls in such a positive way and we look forward to seeing you on sale day.”

Absolute Angus Spring Bull Sale – Friday, October 15, 2021 – On-Property in Trafalgar South and Online via AuctionsPlus.

Visit absoluteangus.com.au or their Facebook page for the latest sale updates.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

September, 2021

RURAL NEWS

Bringing Hope

Wanted

By MICHELLE SLATER

Any Old Utv Gator Side By Sides Quad & AG Bikes Excavators 4X4’s Tactors Any Condition $$$ Paid 0401 244 970

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Yarragon Project Hope member Helen Ward with Scotty the rescued thoroughbred. Ms Ward will be running a series of horse welfare workshops in Warragul next year. photograph michelle slater

poor condition, a lack of hoof or dental care or even neglect in old age. She said COVID had taken a toll on many people’s finances and their ability to keep their horse.

The state government is providing $1 million over three years through its Equine Rehabilitation Grants. Project Hope was one of five organisations to receive a grant in round one.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said these grants would provide better animal welfare outcomes and more education and training to give animals a second chance at life.

“We are proud to support equine rehabilitation and rehoming services, and recognise the important role these organisations play in providing care to horses in need,” Ms Thomas said.

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September, 2021

RUSSELL NORTHE MLA

Member for Morwell

As your representative in the Victoria an Parliament, please know my staff and I are here to assist you u, your family or your business whether it be in response to the COVID-19 pandemic or an issue or idea relating to public transsport, roads, schools, employment and/or any other State Governm ment related matter.

My staff and I are happy to provide you with information relating to available Government programs and grants, or assist in the recognition of individual, family and d business milestone events. So feel free to drop into our office e at 12 George Street, Morwell or give us a calll on (03) 5133 9088.

RUSSELL NORTHE MLA

Member for Morwell

12-14 George Street, Morwell VIC 3840 / PO Box 214, Morwell VIC 3840 p. 03 5133 9088 | f. 03 5133 9388 | e. russell.northe@parliament.vic.gov.au w. www.russellnorthe.com.au Authorised by Russell Northe, 12-14 George Street, Morwell VIC 3840. Funded from Parliamentary Budget.

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GIPPSLAND horse lovers can learn more about equine care and how to rehabilitate neglected horses in a series of workshops planned in Warragul next year, run by Project Hope.

Equine welfare group Project Hope has been awarded a $55,000 state government grant to run education and training programs and to rehabilitate 12 rescue horses.

Project Hope is also planning another workshop to help recruit representatives to go into the field and work with horse owners who may be battling to care for their equine friends.

Project Hope formed 50 years ago and has volunteers across the state who rescue, rehabilitate and re-home neglected or abused horses.

The not-for-profit organisation works alongside stakeholders including state and local government departments, the RSPCA as well as Racing Victoria and horse industry groups.

Project Hope project manager Rhonda Petschel said the organisation takes a “soft approach” to advise and support owners to care for their horses, rather than confrontational.

Ms Petschel said Project Hope receives about 150 reports from the public each year, but not all will turn out to be neglect cases. She said out that, about 10 horses are surrendered from their owners.

“Sometimes a horse is reported to us, but it’s being well cared for,” Ms Petschel said.

“We try to understand what is happening with the owners as it’s often a change in circumstances and they can’t continue to care for their horse anymore.”

Ms Petschel said many horses were presented either suffering from obesity or

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

7

RURAL NEWS

Dairy farmer fined close to $2000 A SOUTH Gippsland dairy farmer was fined nearly $2000 after the Environment Protection Authority Victoria track down an effluent spill into the Powlett River at Kongwak.

South Gippsland Water raised its concerns with the EPA after detecting raised levels of bacteria and ammonia in the river.

EPA Gippsland acting regional manager Zac Dornom said EPA officers found the water was opaque green with a strong smell of manure, tracking the contamination upstream to a dairy farm.

“They observed dairy effluent from the milking yard running into an effluent pond which was overflowing across farmland and into a stormwater drain that fed into the Powlett River,” he said.

The EPA’s own testing confirmed raised levels of bacteria and ammonia downstream from the drain, while the water upstream was clear and free of odour.

The EPA fined the farm operator and issued a Minor Works Pollution Abatement Notice requiring them to address the causes of the discharge.

“The escape of dairy effluent into any waterway is not just a breach of environmental law, it is a threat to aquatic life in the river and a potential source of contamination on farms downstream,” Mr Dornom said.

“Any farmer who fails in their responsibility to prevent pollution on their land is not doing any favours for their neighbours or the environment and will be held accountable.”

Members of the public can report pollution by calling the EPA 24-hour hotline on 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).

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. "! % ! " ! # !

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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September, 2021

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

9

RURAL NEWS

Gippsland Food and Fibre awards

now open

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FARMING enterprises are in line to win $5000 as part of this year’s Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards.

Award categories include Gippsland Agribusiness of the Year, Young Agribusiness Leader of the Year, and the Female Agribusiness Leader of the Year.

Winners will secure themselves a place in the TRAIL Emerging Leaders Leadership Program and the Women’s Leadership Program.

Every business that submits an entry is in the running for the $5000 cash prize which is designed for winners to invest back into their business.

A COVID friendly version of the awards is being run this year, and prizes originally slated for an international agrifood insights study trip will now stay in the region.

The Agribusiness of the Year winner will connect with the KPMG Agrifood Tech Team to support their business toward its next stage of growth and innovation.

Food and Fibre Gippsland chief executive officer Nicola Pero is encouraging businesses of all sizes to get their entries together.

She said rather than hold onto the $5000 until international travel might be possible - together with KPMG - they decided to let the cash have some positive impact.

“When there are many businesses needing a spirit lifter at the end of what has been another extraordinary year of circumstances and events,” Ms Pero said.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing the entries, celebrating the achievements of the people behind the scenes, and rewarding their success across the premier and category awards.”

KPMG head of Agrifood Tech Ben van Delden said adapting the awards to the current conditions would still benefit the winning business and the region.

“Gippsland plays such an important role in Australia’s food and fibre production,” Mr van Delden said.

“So by pivoting this year to offer the Gippsland Agribusiness of the Year access to KPMG’s resources, insights and thought leaders, we’re looking forward to working closely with the winning business in a way that is bespoke to their needs at the time.”

To enter the Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards, email Liz Fleming at awards@ foodandfibregippsland.com.au, or call 0405 541 460 during business hours.

Entries close on September 19.

Next available bulls 40 Tops of their Drop from 1st March 2022

Innesdale Angus,

718 Rosedale Road, Heyfield 3858

Geoff 0412 958 168 AH 5148 6371 E geoff@innesdale.com 10

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

Sire Innesdale Resource M37

GP1630144

FOR DETAILS CONTACT

September, 2021

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11

Got news to share re? e 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.

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RURAL NEWS

The Erica Country Expo looms large THE township of Erica is set to come alive in October with a new community-led festival at the Erica Recreational Reserve.

The Erica Country Expo is pegged to be a family friendly full day featuring events such as wood chopping and chainsaw wood carving competitions, bike stunt shows and wine tastings.

Kids will be spoilt for choice with activities including face painting, a petting zoo, rides, and entertainment shows.

The event is a tourism initiative to encourage people to check out the mountain town and stimulate the shire’s eastern region.

Baw Baw Shire Deputy Mayor Michael Leaney encouraged the wider community to come along and enjoy what that part of the shire had to offer.

“It’s been a torrid time for the tourism industry and community in the far east of the shire over the past 30 months,” Cr Leaney said.

“Bushfires in 2019, ongoing COVID-19 shutdowns and recent floods and storms have been a real challenge for this remote and isolated part of the shire.

“It’s therefore so wonderful that community members and local businesses have combined in an amazing spirit of resilience to pull together the Erica Country Expo.”

The Erica Country Expo aims to boost local businesses and tourism operators facing the ongoing disruptions from COVID-19 and recent bushfires and storms.

The township of Erica is set to come alive in October with a new community-led festival at the Erica Recreational Reserve.

The event was delayed from COVID-19 restrictions and will mark the first in a series of community-led events within the region’s east, as part of ongoing recovery support.

The Erica Country Expo will take place on Saturday, October 2 from 11.30am at the Erica Recreational Reserve.

All funds raised from the event will go towards the planning and delivery of future community led, recovery events.

Attendees are encouraged to prepurchase their tickets by visiting eventbrite.com.au/e/ericacountry-expo-tickets-166478027261.

For more information, visit The Erica Country Expo Facebook page.

“From our family business to o yours” Browns Stockfeed has been supplying Gippsland Farmers for over 30 years

Browns Stock kfeed d is your “one sttop sh hop” ” for all your stockfeed supplies, general hardware and rural merchandise.

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0459 234 720

86 Yarragon Road, Leongatha, 5662 3199 620 Heyfield/Upper Maffra Road, Tinamba West 5145 1345 12

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

September, 2021

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

New spraying product release Silvan’s new economax linkage sprayer offers boom and spot spraying versatility for larger farms

The Economax is therefore ideal for broad area boom spraying plus spot spraying requirements and has been especially designed to suit medium acreage farms, councils and land management agencies.

The Polytuff impact resistant polyethylene tank has moulded litre calibrations to show the tank level and is fitted with a non-spill screw down lid.

The chemical is agitated through bypass action and the Economax unit also has a lid strainer, suction line strainer and nozzle strainers.

The sprayer is controlled by a four outlet manual control valve with pressure regulator that is placed in a forward mounted position for easy access.

Silvan spokesman Gavin Wheatcroft said that customer feedback indicated that there was a need for an economical linkage sprayer for covering larger areas and a range of features in one package.

“When compared to other options on the market, the Silvan Economax Linkage Sprayer is an exceptionally competitive package with a boom and hose reel combination offered as standard,” he said.

SILVAN Australia has launched a new addition to its extensive range of Linkage Sprayers with release of the Economax – an affordable 800 or 1000 litre sprayer complete with a twelve metre boom and hose reel.

The Economax unit includes a side mounted Eco hose reel fitted with a 20 metre length of 10mm diameter hose and JetPro spray gun with an adjustable spray pattern.

The Silvan self-priming oil-backed diaphragm type pump has nitrile diaphragms, a corrosion resistant cast aluminium body and a capacity of 121 litres a minute at 20 bar pressure.

It is carried in a fully galvanized steel frame with Category II linkage attachment points.

The twelve metre manual fold galvanised steel boom has stainless steel spray lines, non-drip nozzle holders and has a spring loaded break back and forward design in case of obstructions.

Low drift nozzles in bayonet fit non-drip nozzle bodies are set at 50cm spacings.

The boom also comes complete with a parallelogram suspension for a smooth ride and longer working life.

“The Economax linkage sprayer has four, rather than three, outlet controls providing for three section boom control plus the hose reel.

“And a galvanised frame and boom to prolong the working life of the sprayer, which is a feature of all Silvan linkage sprayers”.

The Economax package is available at a starting price of $9350 for the 800 litre model.

More information on the new Silvan Economax Linkage sprayer is available by calling 1300 SILVAN (1300 745 826) by emailing info@silvan.com.au or see the website www.silvanaust.com

GP1629656

September, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

13

+

STOP LOOK UP LIVE NO GO ZONE for power poles

3m

NO GO ZONE FOR POWER POLES

Anywhere above power line and within 3m each side or below. See special provisions.

3m 3m

Spotter required between 3 - 6.4m of power lines.

Open area outside 6.4m of power lines.

DON T RISK IT BE SAFE, NOT SORRY!

5134 5 134 8692 8692

ACE Earthmoving Pty Ltd has placed this advertisement fo ollowing a near miss incident. Thankfully no-one was injured.

14

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

September, 2021

RURAL NEWS

Mental health in rural areas on agenda

By MICHELLE SLATER

FARMING community members learnt how they could benefit from the recent Royal Commission into mental health in a series of webinars run by The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH).

The Royal Commission handed down 65 recommendations to reform Victoria’s mental health system, with the state government pledging $700 million into rural and regional areas.

NCFH acting director Alison Kennedy lead a panel discussing how these findings could be applied to the bush, with additional resourcing and accessing services among the top concerns.

Other panellists included the 2020 Victorian AgriFuture Rural Women’s Award winner Kelly Barnes, Royal Commission expert witness and Skipton farmer Alistair Gabb and Department of Health mental health executive director Matthew Hercus.

Dr Kennedy said it was too soon to tell where these recommendations would be carried out, but she was buoyed by a focus on preventative measures and promises to establish local community hubs.

“It means new and regional mental health hubs will be run by locally-appointed boards instead of being governed from Melbourne,” Dr Kennedy said.

“Some of the concerns were about where these supports would be located, would it

The National Centre for Farmer Health’s acting director Alison Kennedy.

be funding in large regional centres? Or are they serious about supporting people in smaller communities?”

Dr Kennedy said attracting and retaining mental health professionals into regional areas were other key issues, and particularly professionals who understood

the needs of farming communities. She said it was important for medical clinicians to understand local needs and responding at local levels instead of providing city-centric viewpoints.

“Mental health professionals may not understand the pressures or

stresses people are exposed to in these communities,” Dr Kennedy said.

“If people have a bad experience seeking support they may be turned off having another go at it again”.

Dr Kennedy pointed to unique pressures in farming communities, such as climate change and natural disasters, financial stress, shrinking country towns with diminishing services and isolation.

Other pitfalls could be accessing online services in signal blackspots, or even being able to make it to an appointment in office hours.

She said they had been working to train up psychologists to deliver on line services to the bush, acknowledging the difficulty in having enough face-to-face supports on rural areas.

“The Royal Commission’s recommendations have a strong focus on co-design to include community members in these solutions,” Dr Kennedy said.

“There is still a long way to go, but there are more conversations now than ever.

There is still a proportion of the community that won’t seek help until it hits crisis point.

“In the farming community, it may be until that person cannot be productive on the farm until they seek help.”

To watch the webinars in full, visit farmerhealth.org.au/the-royalcommissions-mental-health-system-finalreport.

Emissions Reduction Fund reaches major milestone multi-species perennial pastures and retaining crop stubble.

“Our first and foremost objective with the project is to make the farm more productive and grow more grass and crops per millimetre of rainfall that we receive,” Mr Simpson said.

“We’re also looking to sequester as much carbon as we can. A lot of farmers these days are looking to be more efficient, adopt technology and manage their land better.”

Binginbar Farm already has two soil carbon projects with more in the pipeline.

Soil carbon projects are booming, according to the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor.

“As one of the world’s most rigorous

carbon offset programs, the Emissions Reduction Fund is driving genuine actions to help Australia meet and beat our climate goals,” Mr Taylor said.

“One thousand projects registered under the Emissions Reduction Fund is an important milestone and we look forward to seeing the scheme’s continued growth.”

Australian carbon credit units are issued for every tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent stored or avoided by a project.

Under the ERF, over 98 million ACCUs have been issued and it is on track to reach 100 million ACCUs in the coming months.

The Clean Energy Regulator expects the ERF to credit a record 17 million tonnes of emissions reductions in 2021 alone.

The federal government released a draft new soil carbon method for public consultation. The new method will make it easier for farmers to develop projects and get support under the ERF. The next phase of work on the soil carbon method will incorporate greater use of remote sensing and intelligent forecasting of soil carbon levels.

By the end of 2021, five new methods will be delivered: carbon capture and storage, soil carbon, biomethane or green gas, blue carbon and plantation forestry.

The government is currently accepting submissions to help identify opportunities for new methods to be prioritised for development in 2022.

GP1628917

A SOIL carbon project near Dubbo has hit a milestone under the federal government’s Emissions Reduction Fund, helping to edge closer to reaching 100 million tonnes in emissions reductions.

Binginbar Farm has been registered as the 1000th project in the fund, with new practices to increase soil carbon and improve water retention making it more productive and resilient to drought.

The farm has been in the Simpson family since 1868, but with years of over-grazing limiting production, farm manager Nathan Simpson said he knew he had to change practices.

The soil project involves rotating paddocks between grazing, cropping, sowing

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

15

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

Next step? Automated milking GEA’S automated milking system, the DairyRobot, literally changed the lives of the McNab family for the better.

Technology and automation not only increased efficiency in many aspects of their dairy operation, but it also gave them a lot more flexibility for family life.

Luke and Katrina McNab’s farm at Rocky Cape is on the north-west coast of Tasmania.

Their farming journey began in 2005, their first farm just 100 ha.

Today they own 700ha, milking 850 cows on 300ha with 250ha under irrigation.

The farm generates 470,000 kg milk solids with about 1.3T of grain in addition to pasture.

In 2015, Luke and Katrina took the step of replacing their 40-a-side herringbone with 16 GEA DairyRobots on a pasture-based system.

Their original objective was to reduce their labour force down from five full-time staff.

Luke says that was quickly achieved.

“We are down to one full-time staff member working alongside Katrina and myself, only bringing in extra labour at calving,” he told Gippsland Farmer.

The GEA DairyRobot automated milking system (AMS)) effectivelyy enables automated herd management and provides Luke and Katrina with detailed information on each, and every cow.

It can also be set up for either group milking with fixed milking times or voluntary milking, which is the system that Luke and Katrina chose.

Feeding grain rations is carried out within the DairyRobots, with extra rations available through the external DairyFeed C system.

Grain feeding can be calculated based on individual cow or group requirements.

Cows are identified with CowScout neck Collars

16

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

throughout the system with information downloaded into the DairyPlan Herd Management program.

CowScout monitoring includes identification, health, rumination and heat data which assists the McNab’s herd management decisions.

Achieving conception rates of 95 per cent with CowScout and using the data provided by the system to help make decisions on their herd, Luke and Katrina have been able to cease using veterinary services for pregnancy testing, which has resulted in a significant reduction of costs on-farm.

Based on data they can collect via CowScout and DairyPlan, Luke and Katrina have developed a four-way grazing system with a six-hour gate change, resulting in optimum pasture utilisation.

“The voluntary milking system is a completely different way of farming, and we find it really attractive,” Luke said.

“The cows can walk at their leisure from the paddock to the dairy (parlour), be milked and

go back to a new paddock. Since changing to the robotics, animal health has improved, lameness has almost disappeared, and the conception rate has improved.

“We’re consistently getting under five percent empties every year.

“If a cow steps on a rock, she stops. She doesn’t (have to) keep on walking, pushing that rock into her foot. She finds another step.”

For Katrina, the investment in robotics was life-changing for the family.

“We can be flexible about being on the farm,” she said.

“We don’t have to be here at certain times of the day to milk the cows. We can arrange th hings around our children – do sports and activities with them.”

She also hopes that this investment in te echnology will future-proof their farm and in ncentivise their three boys to continue farming th heir land.

“We’ve created a system that’s not so labour in ntensive. Nobody has to spend hours cupping cows anymore – and we’re using technology.

These are drivers for young people,” she said.

Family-friendly dairying, improves cow health and gives better labour efficiencies.

Take the next step with GEA automated milking systems.

September, 2021

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September, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

17

RURAL NEWS

Awards grant program is now open INVESTING in a future-ready agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector is the goal of the 2022 Science and Innovation Awards grant program, with applications now open.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud is inviting young researchers, scientists and innovators in agriculture, fisheries and forestry to submit a project application that addresses current industry challenges.

“Australia has a proud tradition of innovation, and we’re looking to build on that legacy with the next generation of Aussie smarts,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We’re looking for projects that tackle issues in innovative ways and contribute to the ongoing success and sustainability of Australia’s agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries.

“It’s about supporting young people who are passionate about agriculture and helping them to make a difference.

“Our young people are at the forefront of transforming agriculture as it grows to a $100 billion industry.

“Their innovations and new ideas will help individual farmers as well as whole industries and communities.

They will drive change as ideas and protypes become reality.

“Last year’s Ministerial award winner was Fraser Border from the University of Southern Queensland.

“His project used augmented reality to help meat process workers improve accuracy and efficiency, reduce waste and increase returns for processors.”

For more information on the program or to apply, visit www.agriculture. gov.au/abares/conferences-events/ scienceawards

Got news to share?

Do you have an agricultural story to share with the Gippsland Farmer?

Send your news tip to farmer@ r@gippsnews.com.au @ or share your story with journalist Michelle Slater by phoning 5135 4444.

Sideshow performers in limbo

By MICHELLE SLATER

THE sideshow operators who put the colour into agricultural shows are in limbo as local show societies sit and wait to announce further cancellations with snap lockdowns and border closures.

Australia’s travelling carnival operators follow the show circuit around the continent with their entourage of sideshow alley attractions including rides, food and market stalls.

However, as Victorian agricultural shows are being cancelled due to COVID restrictions, many showmen have been stuck in Queensland or South Australia awaiting their next move.

Victorian Showmen’s Guild executive officer Justine Sinclair told Gippsland Farmer many travelling operators were doing it tough in the midst of their second year of events cancellations.

Ms Sinclair said the guild had managed to secure a $4.3 million federal government

rent relief package for its members to help them get back to work.

“But now as shows are being cancelled, we won’t have the opportunity to put this grant to use. Travelling showmen have fallen through the cracks for support,” Ms Sinclair said.

“It was a huge relief to get this grant, but to have the next show run on hold is devastating. Many of our showmen cross borders 12 months of the year.”

The Victorian show circuit was supposed to kick off with the Royal Melbourne this month and then on throughout country Victoria until March.

A host of regional Victorian shows had announced cancellations, including Maffra and Sale in Gippsland, with other show societies closely watching for changing restrictions.

Ms Sinclair said travelling show operators contribute $100 million a year to the national economy, spending in heavily each town and contributing millions towards

local show societies. She said some spend tens of thousands in fuel alone to float heavy carnival attractions from state-tostate and most were small family business owners whose lifestyle was on the road.

Ms Sinclair said one guild member had 10 trucks heading through the Northern Territory to the Adelaide show, but was just 100 kilometres from the state border when the show was cancelled.

“He is now in limbo, as each state has issues. We have a situation where members are deciding to travel across the nullarbor to go to the Perth show and then have to quarantine,” she said.

“Showmen travel on these circuits, it’s their livelihood, just the sheer cost to get a show is enormous and if you can’t get to the next town it impacts your ability to work.

“When we roll into town there is big excitement and people know the fun’s arrived.

The community knows they are in for a fun day.”

Bee keeper rebuilding lives and hives

By MICHELLE SLATER

A BRUTHEN bee keeper has been busy rebuilding his hives which were destroyed in the 2020 summer bushfires has sent his hardworking buzzers to pollinate a billion dollar industry in Victoria’s north.

Ben Murphy had just taken on Tambo Valley Honey 18 months before the East Gippsland fires hit causing him to lose more than 450 hives.

Mr Murphy has been slowly getting his colonies back to scratch to send about 1000 hives full of workers up to an almond farm in Robinvale to fulfil an annual pollination contract.

“The almond industry pretty much relies on us, it has a billion dollar farm gate value, if we don’t take bees up there, then they don’t get any almonds. It’s as simple as that,” Mr Murphy said.

“It’s a good time on the farm, the bees look the best I’ve seen them, but it’s a rigorous job for them to pollinate the orchard.”

Mr Murphy told Gippsland Farmer late rains in the state’s north helped flowering weeds like clover to “jump out of the ground”, giving the bees a balanced diet to pollinate the orchard.

He said the almond pollination season usually lasted about three weeks in August before the bees headed off to their next gig in the state’s west canola crops.

However, he said losing vast amounts of native eucalyptus forests in East Gippsland had taken its toll on his ability to rebuild his hives after last year’s fires.

“It’s hard to put a figure on the economic loss, but the biggest cost was the loss of state forest, this could cost beekeepers

Bruthen bee keeper Ben Murphy has sent his bees to pollinate Victoria’s northern almond orchards. photograph supplied

millions of dollars throughout their working life,” he said.

“We rely on the forest, without this we don’t get healthy bees, and without healthy bees the almonds miss out. The knock-on effects are huge.”

Mr Murphy said many beekeepers would usually send their hives to spend autumn up the east coast eucalyptus forests, but the fires were limiting these from beekeepers.

He said the bees relied on these forests to get them match fit for pollination season, but he was lucky enough to find enough

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remaining unburnt areas in to scrape by.

“Last year, we only took 650 hives up to the almonds, but this year we are back to quota. It’ a relief to bounce back knowing we made the right calls at the right times, this was satisfying,” he said.

“The future is a bit unknown as I will have to learn on the run about the different types of state forest in other areas, as I’ve learnt so much about the East Gippsland bush.

“Now I will have to learn about elsewhere which presents a challenge, as it means more travelling and more expense.”

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18

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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September, 2021

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

How to manage parasites

MANY large and small producers, as well as horse and specialist breeders, rely on faecal egg count services to keep a track of parasite infestations and deal with them as quickly as possible.

Rule one in parasite monitoring is to work out if you have a problem in the first place.

The chances are that your horses, alpacas, sheep, goats, poultry or cattle, if they are outside, could already be wormy with the adult worms pouring eggs onto your pastures through their faeces.

This has a serious flow on effect as, if the young offspring of these animals get infected, it can cause early growth and intestinal performance to be compromised.

This time of year is a good time to review and put some thought into collecting faecal samples for the laboratory.

Practicing collecting and sending faecal samples to a diagnostic laboratory on a routine basis is the start of any parasite management program.

You just need to get stuck into it.

The first step is to collect some faecal samples.

Mature worms in the intestine produce eggs, and there is a link between the number of eggs and the number of parasites.

A very simple concept that helps with early detection.

If you are new to parasite monitoring, the first step is to collect samples and send them into the laboratory.

Faecal egg count tests detect worms, coccidia, and liver flukes.

There is not always one stand-alone test.

This means you need to collect sufficient faecal samples to cover all tests needed.

Here are some rule of thumb tips for sample size and collection procedures: Horses/Camels: Collect a golf ball size of faeces from a fresh dollop and place into a plastic bag.

Squeeze out the air before sealing.

Always test individually.

Sheep/Goats/Alpaca: Collect around 12–15 pellets - for flocks collect up to 10 individual “freshly steaming” samples – one sample per bag – either

direct from the rectum or as a fresh pick up off clean grass. Never use old faeces.

Cattle: Collect around two tablespoons – cattle faeces can be runny at this time of the year – be sure to secure your samples well and check for leaks if you are using clip top bags.

Screw cap jars can be more user friendly.

Collect up to 10 samples per herd.

Chickens: Place one faecal sample per adult bird into a container.

There are two tests that are bread and butter for starting out on parasite testing • Faecal egg counts These count one sample per animal. They give great data on each animal. A perfect test for horses.

• Bulk Count The lab takes the same quantity of faeces from several animal samples and makes them into one sample test representing the ten samples.

Before you send off your sample, be sure the bags are labelled and sealed correctly.

Only ever use indelible ink to write on plastic bags.

As a rule you must have three layers of protective

plastic between the sample and the outside world.

Posting samples by express post is always best, as you can use the tracking number to make sure the lab has received it.

Please write clearly and make sure you include your email and an alternative contact number on the submission sheet.

A good hint is to put your accession form in a separate plastic bag.

Other tests you can ask for are best discussed with your veterinarian or the lab directly.

Laboratory and government services have excellent support data for learning about parasite management, but, unless you understand your worm burden, you will be swamped with information!

Your lab test results will give you the starting point to manage the intestinal health of your animals on a long term basis.

For more information or to order a free sample collection and postage kit, call Parasite Diagnostic Services on 5979 3101 or visit the website at www.parasite.com.au

Parasite Diagnostic Services Testing worms, coccidiosis, and other parasites

We count and identify parasites from livestock, horses and poultry.

• We accept bulk submissions, or as little as one sample • Mail your samples from anywhere in Australia.

• Intestinal worms, flukes, and coccidiosis are our speciality.

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

September, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

19

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

WEATHER TROUBLES AHEAD? AS IF COVID WASN’T ENOUGH

at any reputable pump supplier and certainly not amongst the Aussie Pumps authorised dealerships,” Hales said.

“Everywhere we hear the mantra from the market that it’s better to pay a little more and get the right product the first time. We believe in the quality of our pumps and that’s why all Aussie’s Quik Prime pump ends are backed up by a five year warranty.”

WE’RE all heartily sick of lockdowns!

We’re fed up and would like nothing more than for life to get back to normal.

On top of that, we’re now threatened with the possibility of extreme weather patterns that could change the coming summer into a nightmare.

Here in regional Australia, we have to be prepared for the worst; fires, floods or even droughts.

One company that recognises that need is Australian Pump Industries.

AUSSIE PUMPS ARE READY AUSSIE Pumps is mobilising to meet what could be the most erratic weather conditions in years.

Working with trained and experienced distributors throughout the Gippsland region, their plan is to encourage and support farmers and regional homeowners to be prepared!

Although the company gives full credit and huge respect to the CFA volunteers, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and the professional firefighters in the community, it’s not possible for these people to be everywhere at once in the event of a major disaster.

BE ARMED IN ADVANCE HOMEOWNERS setting out to stay and protect their properties during a bushfire can learn real lessons from recent history.

The Black Summer of 2020 was a bitter reminder of what can happen when extensive dry and hot conditions lead to massive uncontrollable bushfires.

Being prepared is everything and that means first and foremost having the right

Aussie Pumps chief engineer John Hales checks out a production line of Honda powered petrol pumps for NSW Fire & Rescue.

National Parks & Wildlife Service vehicle with Aussie’s diesel Fire Chief pumps.

equipment and the right plan.

“We know that some customers think that an expensive fire pump must be good. It doesn’t necessarily work that way and we encourage farmers and homeowners to check the performance of the products they are buying,” Aussie Pumps chief engineer John Hales said.

“Look below the surface, check the performance curves, read the technical documentation and take the trouble to understand the limitations imposed by friction loss, pump size and horsepower.”

Aussie Pumps first started producing fire pumps almost 25 years ago with the basic formula of quality components driven by the world’s best engines.

It lead to ready acceptance of their pumps by both commercial and government authorities.

Contracts from the Rural Fire Service and National Parks & Wildlife Services quickly followed!

Aussie Pumps is located in Norwest, Sydney on a 2 ½ acre site.

Many of the company’s staff live in what is known as the “Urban Interface”.

Some are “blockies” with livestock and have experienced first-hand bushfires in the last 20 years.

It’s that experience, and working closely with professionals that has given the company insight into what is required in terms of pump performance and reliability.

BRING ON THE BIG GUNS With no local CFA brigade, James and Doug Patton armed their community with two trailer mounted Aussie Brigade Boss fire pumps to create their own Thowgla Brigade.

20

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

AUSSIE developed the Brigade Boss range of high pressure pumps first and

foremost to help farmers concerned about crop protection.

The company understands the heartbreak of investing heavily in both labour and funds, bringing up a crop and then seeing it burn before your eyes.

The Brigade Boss range deliver big flows at high pressure.

For example, Aussie’s QP402 4” high flow version of the pump, provides the ability to fill tankers fast with flows of up to 1800 lpm.

In its high pressure version, with high pressure impeller and volute, it will handle heads as high as 70m (almost 100 psi).

The pumps can be powered by either Honda petrol or Yanmar diesel drives and provide tremendous capability, not just for fighting fires but also to fill tankers fast.

AUSSIE GOES DIESEL RECOGNISING the trend of firefighting authorities towards diesel drives in lieu of petrol, because of their intrinsic safety factors (lower fuel volatility), the Aussie team moved towards a close association with key diesel engine manufacturers.

That’s why their pumps are powered largely by top brands like Hatz, Yanmar and Kubota diesel.

Diesels can also deliver better fuel economy and, if properly serviced, can last many years before needing to be replaced.

BUYER BEWARE AUSTRALIAN lightweight portable fire pumps are now copied by third world players.

“You won’t find those products

AUSSIE’S FIRE SURVIVAL GUIDE …

IT’S FREE THIS indispensable guide provides information on how to protect both farm and Urban Interface properties.

Now in its seventh edition, Aussie continues to build additional information into the document, based on real life experiences from professional firefighters, volunteers and homeowners working towards protecting property and lives.

The Survival Guide helps to select the right equipment, from pumps and engines to hose and nozzle kits, all aimed at getting the very best result in an emergency.

DROUGHT AND FLOODS … WHAT ABOUT WATER SECURITY? AUSSIE Pumps are in the water business and are well aware that without adequate water security, Australia’s farmers and Regional Australia couldn’t exist.

The company zealously campaigns for water security for the country, producing documents that explain how, up to 70 or 80 years ago, our forefathers planned to build more dams, diverting rivers into the inland where the water could do the best.

“With the equipment we have today, in terms of tunnelling and excavation gear, this is absolutely possible and only requires money and the will to carry it out,” Hales said.

“Imagine the forestation programs we could run and how that could play a vital role in our battle climate change.”

Free copies of Aussie’s “Water Security for Australia” stories are available from Australian Pump Industries or Aussie Pump distributors throughout Gippsland.

September, 2021

RURAL NEWS

Confusion reigns over plan THE state government’s announcement on allowing camping on licensed river frontages has caused “more uncertainty and confusion” and must be clarified, according to a local politician.

Last month, the state government said it was assessing 27 sites for suitability of its new regulations, with “hundreds to follow”.

No local rivers were named among the sites.

The controversial new laws, which will allow campers to stay on strips of Crown land alongside rivers and streams for up to 28 days, have drawn criticism from many farmers who lease the land from the government to graze livestock, as well as Landcare and Aboriginal advocacy organisations.

According to the announcement, the state government is still finalising its draft regulations, but camping would only take place on suitable sites determined by “a rigorous assessment process applied to ensure sites will be safe for camping, with environmental and agricultural impacts considered, as well as any impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage”.

Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the government was reviewing potential sites to ensure all concerns were considered.

“We’re striking the right balance to make sure riverside public land is protected for generations to come,” she said.

The government’s original 2018 election promise was to add camping to the list of permitted activities on riverfront Crown Land, alongside picnicking, fishing and bushwalking — thereby allowing camping on 17,000 kilometres of riverfront around the state.

Camping on licenced river frontages continues to prove a hot topic.

The previous draft regulations allowed campers to light fires and camp for 28 days straight within 200 metres from farmers’ homes, collect half a cubic metre of firewood per day (despite farmers not being able to collect firewood themselves on the same land) and in some instances, void farmers’ insurance policies given the risk of biosecurity hazards, pollution and fire.

It is currently unclear whether farmers’ insurance issues will be taken into account during the state government’s site assessment process.

The legislation was slated to roll out statewide from September 1.

A government spokesperson recently did not answer Gippsland Farmer’s questions about whether a statewide rollout would be entirely substituted by the pilot sites, but reinforced it would deliver on the election commitment to make more water frontage land available to all to enjoy for fishing and camping.

Just how much land is still unclear.

Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien said many of his constituents were concerned about the new policy, which would put campers directly in conflict with farmers, their stock and the environment.

Mr O’Brien described the announcement as a “significant departure” from its previous proposals to allow camping on 17,000 kilometres of riverfront.

“This is a dumb policy that would cause significant issues for farmers with riverfront licences and should never have been enacted,” he said.

“It’s clear the government has felt the heat provided by the Nationals and many groups including farmers, environmentalists and Aboriginal organisations who are concerned about the impacts to farming, our riverfront vegetation and cultural heritage.

“However the decision to now look at only ‘suitable sites’ creates more confusion.”

Mr O’Brien said while the government’s lists of sites did not include any local rivers, its media release did say more sites would be considered in future.

“Clearly the regulations that the government had planned to have in place by the September 1 have now been thrown out, and it looks like the government is starting again,” he said.

“There are enormous safety, biosecurity and fire issues, not to mention rubbish and other concerns, raised by this policy, and naturally farmers with those licences are very unhappy.

“If the government won’t simply scrap this policy, it should at least water it down and give farmers and other landholders a much clearer say.”

The Victorian Farmers Federation has also called for clarity, with president Emma Germano sharing concerns farmers were in the dark until more information was released ahead of the implementation of the regulations on September 1.

Storm and flood impacts still remain “Farmers and producers in flood-affected areas should watch their stock carefully to ensure they are drinking adequately and monitor them for any signs of illness and infection.”

Lameness is another concern with all stock breeds susceptible after long periods of immersion in water or standing on wet, muddy ground.

Abscesses and other foot problems will be common where an animal’s feet are constantly wet.

Most bacteria thrive and multiply in a moist environment, so bacterial diseases could become a real problem after heavy rain.

Pneumonia and diarrhoea are also likely to occur in flood-affected stock due to stress and exposure to prolonged cold.

Mastitis is a problem as a result of the combined effects of udder abrasions and poor hygiene associated with muddy conditions.

Vaccinating with 5-in-1 after floods is important as the sudden flush of feed can make stock susceptible to pulpy kidney.

Bloat in cattle or redgut in sheep could occur, especially on lush clover or lucerne.

Worm larvae survive much longer on pasture in moist conditions and parasite burdens may increase rapidly.

Establishing a stock containment area with adequate shelter, feed and water supply can help maintain healthy livestock.

Anyone with animal health concerns in the wake of the floods can contact the Agriculture Victoria Recovery Team on 0427 694 185, email recovery@agriculture. vic.gov.au or visit agriculutre.vic.gov.au/ floods.

For information and resources relating to managing livestock in wet conditions visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/floods/ what-to-do-immediately-after-a-flood/ check-livestock-pets-and-animals

THE Maffra Show has been cancelled for the second consecutive year.

The Maffra and District Agricultural Society committee announced this year’s show, scheduled for October 22 and 23, will not take place because of uncertainty around COVID restrictions.

Society president Tim Dwyer said the committee was unanimous in the decision and wished to give all stake holders in the show as much notice as possible.

“We look forward to normality returning in 2023 when we can confidently once again run this great event,” he said.

The Sale Show, which was scheduled for October 29-31, has also been cancelled The Melbourne Show is another high-profile show to be cancelled.

Objection over planted trees WELLINGTON Shire Council will speak with residents of a Longford road who objected to a species of tree being planted.

After submitting a petition with 18 signatures, residents of Cumming Drive will be consulted about the species of trees being planted as well as their location.

Residents claimed the Yellow box trees already planted would block off views of the High Country, and shed bark and limbs, and were concerned with the amount of moisture the trees would take from the ground.

Responding to the petition, council said all the concerns raised, bar the blocking of the view, were covered in its tree policy, with none providing sufficient reason for removal of trees — especially in a large lot subdivision.

From a planning perspective, council claimed views are not owned, and there was nothing to prevent a view from being altered into the future from future development.

The planting of these trees will not block the view, but it was acknowledged they will alter it, affecting a handful of homes facing north.

Councillor Carolyn Crossley said council planted more than 1000 trees each year in urban areas, to improve amenity and create shade.

“This has been a normal process of doing the street plantings of a new subdivision,” she said.

“The officers usually choose the species and have it planted out with the development contribution.

“This has been done very successfully over a number of years, but the residents of this street were a bit concerned about those species, so we’ve listened to their concerns.”

GP1630973

FARMERS affected by floods and storms are encouraged to monitor the health of their stock as wet conditions continue to affect parts of Victoria.

Floods and sustained wet paddocks can bring a range of animal health problems, from food shortage and plant toxicity to dehydration, infection and disease.

Agriculture Victoria veterinary officer Jeff Cave said pasture and crops damaged by flooding may leave farmers needing to find alternative feed for stock over the coming months.

“In particular, mould growth on waterdamaged feed reduces the nutritive value and palatability of both standing and stored feed, with some mould toxicity causing death or longer-term health problems such as liver damage,” Dr Cave said.

“Surprisingly, dehydration can also be a problem with stock often refusing to drink flood water if it is polluted or tastes different from their normal supply.

Cancellation of the Maffra, Sale shows

September, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

21

Money Matters GP1631233

Financing the farm’s future RECENT interest rate cuts and government concessional loans have opened opportunities to improve a farm’s financial future.

Low rate; interest only loans can facilitate future prospects and/or relieve cash flow strain.

However, taking on additional finance may become a bigger risk than you need, causing long-term pain for short-term gain.

Obviously, the biggest risk to avoid is being left with an unserviceable debt and losing the farm.

Before talking to your lender about new loans, it is imperative you do a thorough options analysis, and more importantly, stress-test your cash flow against various financial scenarios and options.

Scenarios and options will depend on your reason to seek finance.

As an example: if you are consolidating ‘risky debt’ (high interest credit for non-assets) to relieve cash flow and pay down debt faster, a low rate; interest free period Concessional Loan may be the best option… however, your cash flow forecasting must ensure you can afford additional principal and/or interest payments after the grace period, or ensure you can afford to pay larger instalments during the reprieve period to get the bulk of the debt paid quicker.

Another key focus is RESILENCE. Yes, a financier will want to review a Statement of Position (aka: Balance Sheet) to be satisfied that your farm is viable. But they will want to ensure that you have built financial resilience for any unforeseen crisis, including contingency funds; profit buffer; proven savings; Farm Management Deposits, alternative income/ revenue options; other liquid assets, appropriate insurance coverage; overhead efficiencies; operational flexibility; and a strategy for recovery.

Risk analysis as well as stress-testing cash flow projections should consider the following sample questions:  Do I have enough cash flow to manage a future financial crisis?  Do I have an exit strategy if the plan does not work out?  What could I lose?  Will additional lending affect my credit score and the interest rate I pay now?

Assessing the risk of longterm pain for short-term gain

 Will borrowings actually improve ongoing cash

flow or further erode assets and equity?  Can I afford future farm improvements?  Can I manage Principal payments after the interest only period?  Am I better to renegotiate current debt?  Do other members involved in the business accept the debt risk?  What are my other options or alternatives?  There are many more considerations depending on your reason for finance and individual circumstance.  It can become overwhelming and easy to make the wrong decision.

It is also important to note: if you are seeking finance for plant or equipment, be aware of the ‘All Accounts’ security clause, meaning the lender can actually recoup more than just the asset(s) financed, they can also take other stock and land assets.

This is why it’s crucial that farmers seek the right information and gain expert financial analysis; advice

and assistance from a professional, independent rural specialist experienced with primary production and its unique industry challenges.

To ensure the best decisions are being made, an agribusiness expert can assess options, outcomes, check eligibility, advise of available grant funding or finance opportunities, as well as compare other best practice scenarios.

Qualified Rural Financial Counsellors can also advocate and negotiate debt arrangements with current lenders.

Farmers are eligible to receive a free financial risks analysis.

Conducted by local agribusiness specialists, the assessment considers your current whole farm operation, business structure and future plans examined against various risk scenarios to highlight mitigation priorities.

If you are interested in receiving a free, comprehensive risk and options assessment, contact RFCS Gippsland on 1300 045 747.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

GP1631088

September, 2021

MAKE HAY (AND SILAGE)

s e in h s n u s e h t while Oats Barley Lucerne

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

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This season’s oaten, barley and lucerne 5x4 rolls.

SILAGE is essentially “pickled pasture,” or fodder that’s been fermented to feed cattle or sheep during dry seasons.

FeedTest results available on application.

MADE IN R COWWAR

Silage is stored using plenty of moisture, which allows it to retain a higher percentage of nutrients than a dry storage option.

0427 088 066

TILLAGE

Contact Pat for pricing and transport options. www.gippshay.com.au

Chisel plough, Jarrett 3 tyne.

Discs, Connor Shea 16 pl trailing.

Power Harrows, TerraNova, 5ft, with crumble roller.

Scarifier, 17 tyne.

FARM IMPLEMENTS

Chisel Plow, heavy duty 9ft.

Wick wipers, 3pl, 2mtr & 4 mtr.

8ft Port Multi grader blade.

12ft stick rake, heavy duty, suit 3pl or fel.

9ft – 12ft smudgers.

3pl aerorator.

Assorted hay forks & spikes.

Cranvel trailing backhoe, pto driven.

Hardi 600lt 3pl boom spray with 6 mtr boom and hose reel.

Hardi 600 ltr 3pl boom spray, 7.7 mtr boom & hose reel.

Silvan 600 ltr 3pl boom spray, 6mtr boom, & hose reel.

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.

It often serves as a high-energy source for animals such as cows.

Both silage and hay are popular ways for farmers to feed their livestock.

They’re both comprised of grass and considered a preservation method of forage.

The primary difference between hay and silage is hay is grass that’s cut and dried whereas silage is fermented.

TRACTORS

Cat Challenger MT445B 4wd, a/c cab.

Cat Challenger MT465B 4wd, a/c cab, ex. cond.

Deutz 3006, 2wd, rops, 3pl.

Deutz 5206, 2wd, rops, 1800 gen hrs, one owner.

Deutz 140 hp, 2wd, a/c cab, 3pl, rem. Tidy unit.

Fiat 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 135, FEL, rops, tidy unit.

Massey Ferguson 165, pwr steer, MP, 3pl.

Massey Ferguson 355 turbo, a/c cab, p/steer, d/bar, remotes.. . .

As a result, they have several distinctions: Moisture content: Hay usually has a moisture content of 12 per cent, whereas silage moisture content is between 40-60 per cent.

Preservation: Hay is typically kept in a bale, while silage is stored in a bale and covered with tight plastic wrap.

Round Hay Baling Small Square Baling

Round Silage Baling Lucerne Sales

0430 210 214

TYRES

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

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Digestive capabilities: Animals do not digest hay. Silage is partially and easily digested, offering more nutritious value.

WORKSHOP OPEN - Workshop available to repair your tractors and implements..... .DAIRY Frigrite Auto Wash vat, 3000 ltrs, excellent condition.

The importance of silage is in its energy.

Storage methods: Hay is mowed, dried and stored in bales. Silage is compacted and stored in air-tight conditions without being dried.

Specialists in Second Hand Farm Machinery.

Delivery and finance easily arranged.

Trade-ins accepted.

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The difference between hay and silage

HAY FOR SALE

WANTED

Good quality late model tractors.

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23

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

ABC Tarps have hay covered

THE Australian agricultural sector faces a huge amount of risk when preparing, planting, growing, and harvesting their crops.

The risks can include drought, plagues, frost, hail, floods and fire, which can leave farmers exposed.

The last thing the agricultural sector needs is the value of harvested crops decreasing or worse, being destroyed, as a result of it not being protected.

Covers, tarps or tarpaulins have been widely used to provide a secure and cost effective cover for produce and crops in the event of ‘hard stand covers’ not being available.

ABC Tarps have been supplying the agricultural sector for a few decades with heavy duty polyethylene tarps that are designed specifically for the tough Australian climate.

Features on their hay tarps include:  Being made from 220 gsm Virgin PE Fabric  Added protection from an upper and lower scrim  Providing ultraviolet light and waterproof protection  Heavy duty rope lined edges  Brass reinforced eyelets spaced every meter apart, 25mm looped drag handles on the meter interval on all sides to assist in tie-off and securing

the tarp once it’s in place

e  When unfurling the cover ensure

 Silver reflective coating

you are heading “downwind”” – do not attempt to unfurl into a willl prevailing wind as the tarp will form a sail and your crew willll end up in a neighbouring suburb.  As the cover is positioned, tie the tarp off to ensure it stays in place.

ABC Tarps recommend using rope from the eyelet and then tie the lower of the rope to a spring or hay bolt.

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Tips for hay cover installation:  Be prepared – be conscious of the weather, in particular, the wind, work out the orientation of the hay cover.  Check the weight of the hay cover before lifting and placing on the haystack for health and safety reasons.  Work out the orientation/position of the hay cover to ensure its position is as per the required dimensions when unfurled. The cover will roll out the short side first and then the long side.

$! $' $

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SAVE Hay, SAVE Money with Hay Covers

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&RYHU 6L]HV 10.0 x 12.8 10.0 x 16.4 10.0 22.5 12.0 x 21.0 15.0 x 21.0

)HHW 12 x 54 12 x 90 20 x 54 20 x 74 25 x 74 27 x 30

33 x 42 33 x 54 33 x 74 40 x 70 50 x 70

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AG CONTRACTING

- ASK Ag Services P/L

Hay Covers Superior Quality Polyethylene Suitable for Round & Strong & Durable

Square Bales

Very Economical

Rope Reinforced edges

UV Stabilized

Brass Eyelets & Webbing Loops

Waterproof Large Size Range

nd BALED SILAGE a LK U B IN G IN S LI IA SPEC HAY and ALL FORMS OF

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Any tarp related questions? Feel free to contact us on: Call : 1300 656 211 (All Hours) Website: www hWebsite p // www.abctarps.com.au b abcta p ps.com.au/

24

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

Email : info@abctarps.com.au ttps: ps p Instagram: g @abctarpstarps/

aize, Lucerne, • JAG Forage Harvester (M Pasture) (Lge, sml) • BALES - Rolls or Squares Direct drill, • SOWING Maize Planter, Airseed

etc • CULTIVATION Disc, Rot H, STURE, • HAY SALES - LUCERNE, PA HAY, STRAW

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0HWHUV 3.6 x 16.4 3.6 x 27.0 6.0 x 16.4 6.0 x 22.5 7.5 x 22.5 8.3 x 9.0

*-

Phone 0427 489 397

Road, Cowwarr 3857 2827 Traralgon - Maffra email: sonny@wideband.net.au September, 2021

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

Portable ble weather stations

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– the future of baling THE compact and portable Hay Mate records an array of weather parameters and can send alerts via an app to let the user know when conditions are ideal for baling.

The unit can be easily set up in the paddock and provides GPS/4G network coverage, monitoring humidity, dew point, temperature and leaf wetness parameters.

Once set up in the field, the Hay Mate can be configured to alert the user via a phone call, email or SMS that conditions are optimal for baling.

The Hay Mate unit is paired with a smartphone app that allows you to track and monitor how conditions are trending, set alarms, and log baling session bale counts and conditions.

There are also optional sensors for the system to measure rainfall, wind speed, soil moisture levels, water presence, and tank and bore water levels and more.

The base system packs neatly into a sturdy case and retails for $3500 ex GST. For more details visit www.haymate.com.au or call Peter 0418 574 697

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September, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

25

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

CLAAS bale wrap consumables AT CLAAS Harvest Centre Tasmania they offer a range of silage and bale packaging options.

All silage and bale packaging meets stringent CLAAS quality requirements, is field tested and is exceptionally economic.

CLAAS products undergo extensive testing, ensure trouble-free operation and are approved by CLAAS product specialists without exception.

Discover the qualities of high-performance wrapping net or high-quality twines, with cost-effectiveness and operational reliability continuously optimised.

CLAAS WRAPEX CLAAS WRAPEX stretch film is a high quality and costefficient solution for all types of round and square baler wrappers.

It combines outstanding stretching, elasticity and adhesive strength.

Proven in millions of applications throughout the world, WRAPEX is made of three-layer, UV-protected, 25 micron co-extruded polyethylene film.

WRAPEX does not develop its full adhesive power until pre-stretching.

The adhesive remains in the film, preventing contamination.

Improved efficiency has been provided through maximum pre-stretching of up to 82 per cent.

The film has high elasticity in both longitudinal and transverse directions, offering extremely high resistance to tearing or puncturing.

Its unique layer sealing protects bales from moisture and air, while its light green colours minimises temperate fluctuations.

WRAPEX is available in 750mm wide x 1500m rolls.

CLAAS ROLLATEX CLAAS ROLLATEX wrapping net is suitable for all types of round balers.

ROLLATEX is available in guaranteed minimum lengths of 2500m, 3150m and 3800m and 3500XW lengths with optimal pre-stretching (7.0–10 per cent).

3500XW has extra wide

26

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

coverage to ensure the edge of the bale is completely encased.

ROLLATEX features a waterrepellent, UV-resistant surface and 270 kg linear tear strength to produce strong, wellstructured bales that will resist moisture penetration and maintain their shape during transport and storage.

CLAAS Covered technology ensures complete edge-to-

edge bale coverage, reducing shoulders and eliminating air pockets for optimum silage quality.

In-built carry handles, zebra roll pattern, edge protector, and warning thread at the end of each roll provide easy transport and loading.

CLAAS QUADOTEX CLAAS QUADOTEX 3400

premium baling twine has been developed specifically to optimise the performance and bale quality of CLAAS QUADRANT large square balers.

With a 280 kg knot tightness and 102 m/kg meterage, QUADOTEX 3400 provides maximum baling pressure and reliability.

It is manufactured from eco-friendly, untreated

polypropylene using a mono strip fabrication process for optimum quality.

The perfectly round twine ensures smooth running through the baler, optimal tying and knot reliability.

It is UV stabilised and has high absorption characteristics on impact.

Each 11.5 kg reel has 30 percent more twine stock in the baler for maximum productivity.

CLAAS ROLLATEX, QUADOTEX and WRAPEX are available at CLAAS Harvest Centres throughout Australia and New Zealand.

All CLAAS netting, twine and film is manufactured using strict quality assurance procedures, including identification numbers for tracking.

Contact your local CLAAS dealer or visit claasharvest centre.com to learn more about the silage and bale packaging material best suited for your operation.

September, 2021

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

27

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

September, 2021

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

The Pearson tradition continues at Cardinal DURING their many decades in the baling industry, Longwarry North couple, Jack and Rosie Pearson have contributed numerous innovations and technical advancements to baler twine, silage film, silage pit covers and netwrap.

Operating as J & R Pearson for the past 40 years, they have supplied all kinds of baling products and invaluable knowledge and advice to farmers and contractors throughout Gippsland as far afield as Orbost, the Yarra Valley, the Gippsland coast and even into NSW. Now trading as Cardinal Twines & Films Pty Ltd at 925 Main South Road in Drouin South, the Pearson tradition continues under the management of Tim Marshall.

The Marshall family connection to the Drouin area dates back to 1947 and covers three generations. Tim has lived and worked in the area all of his life.

September, 2021

Powerstretch XL silage film, popular with farmers and contractors because the extra length 1650 metre rolls mean more bales can be wrapped before changeover.

“I have a first-hand knowledge of the baling industry, and through that I have been able to gain a very good understanding of the needs of farmers and contractors,” he said.

“J & R Pearson have earned an excellent reputation. Cardinal Twines & Films will continue in their footsteps offering the same range of products, competitive prices, expert advice and personalised service.”

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

29

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GP1620994

September, 2021

Sheep Sale PREVIEW

Quality g genetics helping build b the biggest g Victorian i Wiltshire Horn sheep stud WILTSHIRE Horn sheep first arrived at Hallston Valley Farm just over five years ago.

Today the farm is home to the biggest flock of registered and commercial Wiltshire Horn sheep in Victoria.

Jill Noble and Gary Tie run Hallston Valley Farm and Wiltshire Horn sheep stud.

Quality stock have been crucial to the success of their sheep stud.

At one of the rare sheep shows in 2021, The Victorian Sheep Show in Ballarat, Hallston Valley Farm won all of the ewe classes.

A Hallston Valley Farm born ram also was the sire of the Champion Ram at the same show.

To achieve these standards Jill and Gary purchased quality breeding genetics from all across Australia.

They secured worm resistant blood lines, muscle scan all of their sheep

annually to improve carcass qualities and use ram genetic testing to improve lamb survivability and foot health issues.

For livestock buyers this means you can be confident in your purchases from Hallston Valley.

The pair run their farm based on regenerative principles and use chemical-free products like Bioworma and Barbervax, the world’s first vaccination for an international parasite.

They also use the services of the Gippsland Vet Group to help monitor the worms present by conducting regular faecal worm tests.

This has resulted in not having to drench the ewe mob at all for 12 months and having no livestock loses in 2000 and 2021 to worms.

The stud is Ovine Brucellosis accredited and their flock is fully vaccinated for Ovine Johnes disease.

Again reassurance for both new and experienced sheep breeders.

The Wiltshire Horn breed is a hardy British, self-shedding breed so they need minimal intervention and no shearing.

This makes the breed idea for micro farms, lifestyle farms or those wanting to capitalise on the paddock to plate market.

Hallston Valley Farm demonstrates how sheep can work very effectively and be commercial on small holdings in areas of Gippsland.

As the Wiltshire Horn tag line goes it is a no wool, no worries and no regrets sheep breed!

The farm is open to the public and Jill and Gary have a strong education focus helping to mentor and support those new to sheep breeding.

They also offer an after sales service where they will help you with regular animal husbandry like vaccinations.

Jill also runs the international acclaimed Sheep Show Podcast which is available to download for free from the Hallston Valley Farm website, www. hallstonvalleyfarm.com.

Jill produces a sheep magazine called The Muster which is published through The Australian Stud Sheep Breeders Association and is on the Sheep Committee for the Royal Agricultural Show of Victoria.

So a supportive business relationship is what you get when you purchase sheep from Jill and Gary.

Convinced!

Hallston Valley Farm will hold a Wiltshire Horn ram and ewe sale on Monday November 1 at 1pm.

Head to www.hallstonvalleyfarm.com or follow Hallston Valley on Instagram and Facebook for details.

u o y s e welcom

to their annual Wiltshire Horn Ram and Ewe Sale www.hallstonvalleyfarm.com

Ph: 0403 889 917 jill@hallstonvalleyfarm.com.au

September, 2021

STOCK PREVIEW FROM 11AM

Monday 1 November Helmsman Auction starting at 1pm Ewe lambs, maiden ewes and breeding ewes available THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

GP1631211

31

Sheep Sale PREVIEW

ICU Small Animal Rugs helping unwell newborn lambs survive ICU Small Animal Rugs are hands on farmers themselves and understand the requirements that farmers need when looking for added protection of their livestock.

They specialise in the care of unwell newborn lambs, calves and kid goats with rugs that come with a pocket built in to allow for a heat pad.

These are also a great way to protect small animals in adverse weather conditions.

ICU Small Animal Rugs are 100 per cent water/wind proof, 100 per cent breathable and the liner is double sided thermal that wicks moisture from the newborn skin.

The rugs, blankets, coats and covers are fully washable.

A great advantage of these rugs is that there is no belly straps around the centre of the rug which enables the birthmother to lick and clean her offspring’s umbilical cord and allows air flow to circulate in this area.

With male newborns this also stops them urinating on a belly strap which potentially could cause infection to the umbilical cord.

The rug has also been made for balance

PINORA POLL DORSETS 15TH ANNUAL FLOCK RAM SALE

on the pins and tail dock to prevent any damage to the nerves in this area.

ICU rugs are the only safe rug that you can place on a newborn that is still wet and covered with amniotic fluid.

Placing an ICU Small Animal Rug with a Heat Pad in the pocket of the rug will quickly warm and dry the newborn.

ICU Small Animal Rugs help increase survival rates in newborn lambs, calves and kid goats that have hypothermia, pneumonia, premature births, scouring, low birth weights, injury or poddy feeding problems.

Miniature Lamb and Kid Goat Rugs MINIATURE lambs and kids goats are very tiny, but at ICU Small Animal Rugs we’re up to the challenge to make a rug small enough for these wee lambs and kids.

Instead of large heat pads they now use foot warmers with a sticky side that you can attach inside of the rug pockets to keep the pad in place.

For more information contact Margaret on 0408 342 426.

Boost your surv rvival v rates with ICU Small An nimal Rugs

Lamb/Kid Goat Rugs

WEDNESDAY

20TH OCTOBER AT 1.30PM

SELLING 70 RAMS 1 1/2 YO

SIRES FROM: KONONGWOOTONG GLOROY PINORA OJD VACCINATED BRUCELLOSIS ACREDITED PRIME SCAN FIGURES AVAILABLE CONTACT KELVIN 0408 482 759 IAN BAKER 0408 509 319 NUTRIEN GREENWOOD LIVESTOCK 453 HEYFIELD DAWSON RD HEYFIELD 32

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

Perf rfect f for small an nimals that have hypothermia, pneumon nia, premature birt rths, t scouring, low birt rth t weig ghts, injury ryy or poddy feeding pro oblems.

IC CU Small Animal Ru ugs help increase survival rates in newborn lambs, calves and kid goats

Australian made and owned For more information call Margaret on 0408 342 426 or visit the website ww www ww.icusmallanimalrugs.com.au w

GP1631085

September, 2021

Sheep Sale crossed with any type of maternal ewe to grow quickly, finishing at 4-5 months with tight Downs’ type skins,” Tim said.

“This will enable our clients to reap the rewards of trade lambs between 22-26kg carcase weights or have the ability to go out to export lambs at the 27-30kg carcase weight.

“The modern Southdown has the ability to do this and more, as so many ram breeders are selling half bred Southdown rams to put the real meat sheep back into their programs.

“The Southdown has the unique factor of tender juicy meat with a naturally finer intramuscular fat (marbling) required for the best eating lamb.

“We have a core ewe flock of 300 mature Southdown ewes.

“Again this year we have lambed down, tagged and marked 178 per cent of live lambs.”

During the 1970s, we selected and imported

ewes from the Punchbowl Dispersal (New Zealand).

“These sheep had very high lambing percentages, which most of our flock go back to now,” Tim said.

“Over the years we have bought the best rams from leading Australian and New Zealand studs and have spared no expense to get the right rams for our breeding program.

“Our aim is to breed the best possible Southdown rams for our Prime Lamb clients.

“We are a closed flock; Ovine Brucellosis accredited free and have been continuously accredited free of Brucellosis since 1975.

“We are an OJD third generation approved, fully (V) vaccinated flock since 2004.

“All of our flock are footrot and lice free.”

For our upcoming ram sale enquiries phone Tim on 0427 871 294 or find them on Facebook at Fincham’s Burando Southdowns.

Poll Dorsets & White Suffolks

ONLINE AND ON PROPERTY SALE 2021 Thursday 14th October at 1pm

Auctioneers: Michael Glasser and Elders interfacing with Elite

Livestock Auctions Rams available for inspection Saturday 2nd October and Saturday 9th October.

Roger & Dianne Trewick, Pepperton Farm 327 Elmore-Minto Road, Elmore. Vic

Mob: 0428 326 190

Email: peperton@bigpond.net.au

FINCHAM’S Burando Southdowns breeding program is very commercially orientated.

They focus on balanced, strong constitution, unassisted, live easy-born lambs on the ground, with a high percentage of twinning.

They produce fast growing, heavy carcases and solid hindquarters, using balanced figures as a guide.

Fincham’s invite all interested parties to their second annual sale of ‘top of the drop’ Southdown rams.

The ram sale will be held on Monday, November 8 from 1pm at the Yea Showgrounds.

This year’s sale rams are an outstanding group; with sons of Southdown breed trait leaders in the top 5 per cent for growth, eye muscle area, fat and also top 5 per cent for marbling.

Essential for eating quality.

“We want our Southdowns when

n o t r e p Pep

GP1631130

Fincham’s Burando Southdowns

PREVIEW

www.pepperton.com.au

Pepperton Stud, Elmore PEPPERTON Poll Dorset and White Suffolk Stud is gearing up for its upcoming online and on property auction on Thursday, October 14 with on property inspection of rams available by appointment, Saturday, October 2 and Saturday, October 9, observing COVID protocols.

Stud principals Roger and Dianne Trewick are offering 50 Poll Dorset and 50 White Suffolk rams at their auction.

This year’s offering consists of a wellbalanced group of rams with many showing extreme muscling coming from sire Pepperton 180339 which is the leading ram for muscle on Lambplan figures.

He has been used over both Poll Dorset and White Suffolk ewes to inject this trait into the flock.

“Many years of breeding have gone into producing these rams which are showing consistently good birthweights, growth, muscle and positive fat which combine to give consumers the good

September, 2021

eating experience they desire,” Mrs Trewick said.

“We weigh, tag and record every lamb at birth and at about 200 days a post-weaning ultrasound scan is done, conducted by an accredited Lambplan scanner, to record fat depth, muscle and weight.

“We’ve had a high percentage of lambs, with one of the last to lamb producing quads which are doing well.”

Right down the line up excellent Lambplan indices are evident as a result of many years of A.I. breeding using leading Lambplan sires and heavy culling of older ewes.

These Poll Dorset and White Suffolk ewes, four and five years old, are joined to our leading sires and offered for sale online either scanned in lamb or with lambs at foot and are an excellent opportunity for others to purchase from proven breeders with great figures.

Pepperton runs 1200 sheep with 500 breeding ewes, of which 200 joined for their spring lambing

delivered more than 300 live lambs within 10 days last month.

Mr Trewick is a fifth generation farmer since his family settled the Elmore property in 1864.

His father established Wharoonah Dorset Horn Stud in 1943.

Mr Trewick and his wife began Pepperton Poll Dorset stud in 1994 and then began breeding White Suffolks in 2004.

“This season in the best since the 70s with timely rain in April and good follow-up rains in June and July. It’s looking magnificent here,” Mr Trewick said.

“We have a very good lifestyle here, it gives us a lot of pleasure to produce good quality sheep and we hope one day our children or grandchildren will take it on.”

The Online and On Property Sale will be held on Thursday, October 14 at 1pm. Auctioneers are Michael Glasser and Elders interfacing with Elite Livestock Auctions.

Rams available for inspection Saturday, October 2 and Saturday, October 9.

# ! "

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

33

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

National rainfall outlook for the period September to November. image bureau of meteorology

Victoria’s rainfall chart for the month of August. meteorology

image bureau of

East Sale Airport.........62.2mm Hogan Island...............70.6mm Latrobe Valley.............70.4mm Mount Baw Baw.......197.2mm Mount Moornapa.......79.8mm Wilsons Promontory .174.0mm Yanakie ........................98.2mm Yarram Airport.....................N/A Bairnsdale....................65.6mm Combienbar..............117.0mm

Gabo Island...............165.2mm Gelantipy ...................117.0mm Lakes Entrance...........94.0mm Mount Nowa Nowa..117.2mm Omeo...........................59.0mm Orbost........................152.0mm Mallacoota.................155.0mm Point Hicks...........................N/A Pound Creek...............67.8mm Wonthaggi...................91.8mm

GIPPSLAND’S

Cattle Market REPORT PAKENHAM LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Monday, August 30

There were approximately 410 export and 100 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 120 head week-on-week. The usual buying group was present and operating in a dearer market. Quality was good in places although limited with cows representing half of the sale.

The limited selection of young cattle sold to stronger competition from processors and restockers. Grown steers lifted 20c to 30c while bullocks gained 10c/kg. Manufacturing steers lifted 25c/kg. Cows improved 20c to 40c while heavy bulls kicked 25c/kg.

The handful of vealers sold from 539c to 566c/kg. Yearling trade steers made between 512c and 573c and the yearling heifer portion to the trade sold between 494c and 560c/kg. Grown steers made from 460c to 510c/kg. Bullocks sold from 466c to 475c/kg.

Heavy manufacturing steers made between 418c and 472c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows sold from 336c to 420c with heavy weight cows making mostly from 360c to 459c/kg. Heavy bulls sold from 358c to 378c/kg.

Yarding 508

BAIRNSDALE LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Thursday, August 26

There were approximately 150 export and 40 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 12 head week-on-week. The usual buying group was present and operating in a dearer market in places. Quality was very limited with cows representing more than half of the sale and the remainder being mostly secondary cattle. There was little finish among the young cattle and no vealers offered. The grown run was very mixed with a pen of excellent bullocks which sold 15c/kg above last weeks results while the remainder were mostly secondary lots.

Cows lifted 15c to 25c while heavy bulls gained 20c/kg.

Yearling steers with some finish sold from 460c to 476c and the heifer portion to the trade making between 430c and 484c/kg. Grown steers and bullocks sold from 430c to 475c/kg.

Most light and medium weight cows made from 323c to 375c and heavy weight cows sold mostly from 332c to 423c/kg. Heavy bulls made between 310c and 342c/kg.

Change -118 Comparison date 23/08/2021

Category Weight

Grade Score

Live Weight c/kg

Carcass

Yarding 188

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Low

High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

Yearling Steer

Weight

Grade Score

Carcass

330-400

B,C,D,2,3

540.0

540.0

540.0

2

947

1944

1944

1944

400+

B,C,D,2,3

512.0

573.0

557.3

14

973

2435

2940

2678

Yearling Heifer 330-400

B,C,D,2,3

510.0

550.0

538.0

N/Q

961

1944

2090

2022

400+

B,C,D,2,3

410.0

560.0

514.8

52

947

1785

2800

2421

B,C,D,2,3

566.0

566.0

566.0

N/Q

1,011

1840

1840

1840

500-600

B,C,D,2,3

460.0

535.0

507.7

8

896

2530

2943

2887

600-750

B,C,D,2,3

466.0

466.0

466.0

N/Q

832

3029

3029

3029

B,C,D,2,3

380.0

458.0

425.9

15

844

1995

3206

2416

Vealer Steer 280-330

Change -12 Comparison date 19/08/2021

Category

Grown Steer

Live Weight c/kg

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Low

High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

460.0

476.0

472.0

N/Q

874

2047

2156

2129

B,C,D,2,3

430.0

484.0

452.8

7

823

2048

2275

2174

500-600

B,C,D,2,3

475.0

475.0

475.0

N/Q

833

2708

2708

2708

600-750

B,C,D,2,3

430.0

433.0

432.7

N/Q

800

2666

2667

2667

B,C,D,2,3

382.0

422.0

406.9

22

810

2158

2557

2474

Yearling Steer 400+

B,C,D,2,3

Yearling Heifer 400+ Grown Steer

Cows 520+

Cows 520+

GIPPSLAND REGIONAL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE SALE Livestock Steers

Heifers Vealer

Beef Cows

Dairy Cows

Bulls

Tuesday, August 24 Avg $ / Head

LEONGATHA LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Wednesday, September ??

There were approximately 1,200 export and 200 young cattle penned representing an increase of 400 head week-on-week. The usual buying group was present and operating in a dearer market in places. Well finished vealers sold generally firm while yearling heifers suited to the trade gained 8c/kg. Grown steers and bullocks lifted 3c to 4c/kg. Heavy grown heifers showing good finish eased 14c while heavy manufacturing steers improved 12c to 13c/kg. A larger and plainer selection of light and medium weight dairy cows sold 4c to 8c easier while heavy lots improved 2c to 3c/kg. Heavy beef cows eased 10c/kg. Heavy bulls sold to a firm market.

Vealers sold from 455c to 587c/kg. Yearling heifers suited to the trade made between 450c and 492c/kg. Grown steers sold almost exclusively to feeder orders between 471c and 512c while bullocks sold from 455c to 495c/kg. Heavy grown heifers showing good finish made from 410c to 462c/kg.

Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers made between 350c and 427c with the crossbred portion making between 400c and 468c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows sold between 272c and 364c/kg. Heavy weight cows made mostly from 358c to 422c/kg. Heavy bulls sold from 310c to 372c/kg.

Vendor

District

Avg Kg

C / Kg

HARKER GC&IR

Cowwarr

540

432.6

2,336.04

HARKER GC&IR

Cowwarr

565

406.6

2,297.29

HARKER GC&IR

Cowwarr

527.5

406.6

2,144.82

HARKER GC&IR

Cowwarr

495

402.6

1,992.87

AURORA DAIRIES

Fulham

485

358.6

1,739.21

Yarding 1396

SCOTT LEIGH

Bundalaguah

355

558.6

1,983.03

Category

SCOTT LEIGH

Bundalaguah

658.8

410

2,700.88

HOOPER J&C

Heyfield

645

376.6

2,429.07

ADR INVESTMENTS

Heyfield

635

368.6

2,340.61

FORD SJ&SL

Kilmany

580

376.6

2,184.28

BJORKSTEN NR&KL

Cobains

805

386.6

3,112.13

400+

SMOLENOARS K J

Stratford

675

382.6

2,582.55

Yearling Heifer

THOMSON A&R

Clydebank

700

360

2,520.00

HOOPER J&C

Heyfield

665

364.6

2,424.59

MCKAY B J&E M

Nambrok

585

382.6

2,238.21

HIGGINS PAT J&LA

Heyfield

950

359.6

3,416.20

MACHLACHLAN JOHN

Sale

885

350

3,097.50

MACHLACHLAN JOHN

Sale

740

348.6

2,579.64

Cows

MACHLACHLAN JOHN

Sale

730

352.6

2,573.98

520+

Weight

Change 397 Comparison date 18/08/2021 Grade Score

Carcass

Live Weight c/kg

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Low

High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

475.0

475.0

475.0

N/Q

880

2494

2494

2494

Yearling Steer B,C,D,2,3

330-400

B,C,D,2,3

402.0

440.0

422.0

N/Q

809

1508

1760

1651

400+

B,C,D,2,3

390.0

492.0

458.2

1

864

1658

2389

2173

B,C,D,2,3

466.0

485.0

468.7

N/Q

808

2563

2910

2613

B,C,D,2,3

369.0

435.0

392.6

1

809

2030

2828

2248

Grown Steer 500-600

Markett figures supplied by Meat and Livestock Australia’s National Livestock Reporting Service and Gippsland Regional Livesto ock Exchange Sale.

34

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

September, 2021

PADDOCK Rare opportunity in a 4WD tractor ready for absolutely anything

BIG and powerful, and slow and steady, don’t ordinarily go together, but then again Case IH’s Steiger CVT is no ordinary tractor.

Case IH parent company CNH Industrial offers the only articulated 4WD tractor with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on the market, and the Steiger CVT brings some unique and outstanding features to the table.

Since it was launched three years ago, it’s received high praise from the farmers who have put it to work across a variety of tasks and conditions.

Farmer Shane Eising, who with wife Emma farms more than 3500 acres just west of Condamine, in Queensland, bought his 500hp Steiger CVT just after it was launched in 2018.

He admits the timing could have been better given the more than two years of brutal drought the region was plunged into later that year, but the decision to go with the added versatility of the CVT option is one he’s never regretted.

“It’s really nice to drive, and easy, because the CVT means you’re not having to worry about gears all the time, and not worrying about what speed you’re doing – you just set your speed and it goes,” Mr Eising said.

“It does all the planting and chisel ploughing, we use it with the chaser bin; we use it for everything really – it’s pretty versatile and its proved very reliable.”

Jason Wood is the Steiger Product Manager for Case IH Australia/New Zealand and he agrees the versatility of such a big and powerful tractor can’t be underestimated.

“One of the beauties of the CVT is that it can run at really slow speeds in certain applications, which means the Steiger CVT is capable of doing things that couldn’t be done before, which is an enormous advantage,” Mr Wood said.

“Basically, there’s infinite speeds from 0.19 up to 40km/hr.”

The ease of use was another big

Big and powerful, and slow and steady, don’t ordinarily go together, but then again Case IH’s Steiger CVT is no ordinary tractor.

advantage, Mr Wood said of the Steiger CVT, where a less experienced operator finds it easier to use than a normal power shift. When set up correctly, the tractor will adapt to loads by adjusting the engine RPM and transmission automatically to optimise fuel efficiency in every application.

“So, even if someone less experienced is in the cab, there’s no concerns about them operating the tractor incorrectly - it’s going to do what it needs to do for optimum fuel efficiency. If it senses a reduction in load it can drop engine rpm back to as low as 1400rpm,” he said.

Walter Brosnan has an 8000ha dryland cropping operation at Thallon in Queensland and bought his Steiger 500 CVT last year, with the tractor immediately showing off both its efficiency and adaptability.

“We’ve used it mainly for laser bucket work and planting, and we’ve certainly noticed a difference. On the scraper it’s a lot better and more efficient, because it just gears itself down, you’re not having to change gears all the time. I’ve found it really user-friendly,” he said.

Mr Wood said customers also appreciated the safety features in the Steiger

CVT, particularly active hold, which allows the tractor to be in gear, and unless the propulsion lever is pushed forward, it will remain stationary.

“Even on an incline and with a load on, it will just sit there – it makes it very safe to operate,” he said.

The Steiger CVT is available in 400, 450 and 500hp variants, either tracked or wheeled. And Case IH also offers a 500hp scraper version, with CNH Industrial again offering the only CVT transmission in a scraper application.

For more information on the Steiger CVT, contact your local Case IH dealer.

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GIPPSLAND SPORT

From Tyers to world of sport

By ZAC STANDISH

ONE of Australia’s most accomplished sports broadcasters and podcasters, Tyers’ own Mark Howard has an incredible story to tell.

Moving to the small town on the outskirts of Traralgon as a 14-year-old, Howard’s love of sport blossomed through his time in Gippsland, as he became a devoted member of the then Tyers Cricket Club, pushing up from the junior ranks to the A Grade senior side over his five-year career.

Now a voice heard by millions of people across the country on Fox Sports’ coverage of the cricket and AFL, as well by 58 million fans of his incredibly popular The Howie Games podcast, the 47-year-old is living the dream of any sports mad kid in Australia.

Sitting down for a chat with Gippsland Farmer, Howard described his time growing up in the Latrobe Valley, getting a start in the sports media industry, working alongside the greats of Australian sport, the growth of his podcast and much more.

The story of his connection to Gippsland begins back in 1986 when he and his family moved to Tyers after his father got a job overseeing one of the region’s biggest employers.

“My father worked for APM so we moved around a lot when we were kids and we were in Sydney halfway through Grade 6 when he got a job as general manager of the Maryvale Paper Mill – so he said ‘right we are heading to country Victoria’, a place we knew nothing about, and we ended up at a house on Jeffrey Drive in Tyers,” Howard said.

He explained his first impressions of the town and recalls a promise his parents made him upon arrival.

“My first memories of it were mum and dad saying if you are happy to move here I reckon we can get you a motorbike so I was pumped about that, but I remember one of the first things we did was go into Traralgon to the motorbike shop and it (the bike) immediately fell over, so I didn’t get the motorbike,” he said.

“The main shock for me though was going from a public school in Sydney wearing sneakers and a t-shirt and all of a sudden I was getting on the bus at 7.20am for an hour and 15 minutes to go to Gippsland Grammar school and had to wear a tie and a blazer which was a definite shock.

“We were pretty used to moving around at that stage though and it was all about finding a sporting club, which was the best way to make friends and really begin to settle in the new area.”

As a teenager Howard was as cricket mad as they came, as he made an immediate beeline for the local Tyers Cricket Club.

“Coming from New South Wales, I hadn’t played footy and didn’t play until I was at school in Sale, but I had played cricket and I was obsessed by it so the first year we moved down there it was straight to the Tyers Cricket Club – which was a massive part of my life,” he said.

“I remember going down there not knowing anyone, but I could bat a bit and bowl some leggies, so all of a sudden it was join the Under-14 team coached by a guy called Ron Little and I can still remember the guys I played with and it was fantastic, as going to the cricket club became the highlight of my week.

“Playing at Tyers was also my first real introduction to adult life, as at 14 I started doubling up and playing seniors in the C Grade, so in summer it was non-stop cricket which was outstanding for a cricket mad kid like me.”

Quickly climbing the ranks, before he knew it Howard would see himself in the Tyers A Grade side, which was a sporting experience he still values dearly to this day.

“By the time I was 15 I played in the A

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

Mark Howard in the commentary box with cricket royalty, A young Mark Howard appeared in the Traralgon Journal while playing for Tyers in February 1989.

Mark Howard alongside cricket megastars Andrew Symonds, Isa Guha and Adam Gilchrist.

Grade for the first time and I remember not really bowling and batting number 11, making 10 or so not out and within three weeks I was opening the batting with men, against men,” he said.

“As well as really fond cricket memories, they were guys that taught me about life and growing up in that men’s team environment, they were really larger than life figures for me and really shaped me and my love for cricket.”

Staying in Tyers until 1991, Howard would initially begin a business degree in sports management at Deakin University before setting off on a backpacking expedition, taking him to all corners of the world.

However, his dream of being involved in the sporting industry still remained, and it was one opportunity on the other side of the world that spring boarded him into the start of what has turned out to be a very successful career.

“Coming back as a 22-year-old having seen the world, I thought I was pretty well equipped to take on life so I started to apply for lots of jobs in the sports industry and I wasn’t even getting interviews,” he said.

“I then got a short opportunity in event management at the Australian Grand Prix in 1997 and, after talking to a few of the other guys and realising they travelled with the tour all year round, I reached out to the head office in England who said if you can get over to Sao Paulo then you can work as a rigger.

“After working at a few GP’s through South America, they eventually offered me a full-time job on the tour behind the scenes before another opportunity came up to interview the drivers, which I then

put my hand up for and turned out to be the start of my career in broadcasting.”

Finding his groove as a broadcaster interviewing the stars of the F1 world, Howard would eventually find his way back to Australia where he continued to jump at a host of opportunities before falling into his dream job.

“I came home and worked on the Olympics in Sydney and then I found my way into it, I kept plugging away hoping to get a reporting role and I got a crack at that at Channel 7 and then Channel 10 offered me a full-time job as a reporter,” he said.

“I worked on the V8s which I didn’t know a great deal about, worked in the newsroom doing some strange cat-upthe-tree style stories and just learnt the trade really – I got some gigs on the AFL football on the boundary for a couple of years and covered some grand finals which was brilliant.

“Then Channel 10 got the cricket, and I was hoping to get an opportunity to sit on the boundary and report – but my boss at the time said ‘I know you love cricket do you think you can commentate’ and that was beginning of what is my dream job.”

Playing a key role in Channel 10’s coverage of the Big Bash, the selfproclaimed cricket tragic from Tyers would now find himself rubbing shoulder with the Australian legends he grew up idolising. “(Sitting next to those guys) is bizarre to be honest, it was almost as if I had won a prize where I could go and do my dream job for a day,” he said.

“It is a lot of work, a lot of travel and a lot of time away from my family – but

I still never take it for granted when I am sitting in a commentary box calling the closing stages of one of the best series ever seen in this country between Australia and India and Rishabh Pant is taking India to a historic victory.

“I am sitting beside Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Mark Waugh listening to their thoughts on it and it is the proverbial dream come true and if you work hard enough at it hopefully you get the respect of the people working around you – and to be in the position where I can call some of these guys mates it is bizarre.

“I am just a bloke who couldn’t hit it off the square in Tyers calling international cricket and travelling the world to do it.”

Along with his work as a broadcaster, Howard channelled his passion for sport into the podcast space, creating what is now The Howie Games empire in 2016.

A concept that sees him sit down with the greats of global sport, he explained the motivation behind the project.

“I had done an interview for Channel 10 at the Australian Grand Prix with Lewis Hamilton, and we had a chat that ended up blowing out to 20-25 minutes where he gave some great insight – but due to the constraints of commercial TV they cut the story up to five minutes so I was having a whinge to a mate of mine called Jarvis Hunder, the editor, and he said there is 15 minutes of gold here you should do podcasts with these people,” he said.

“So after doing some research into what a podcast is I thought this would be good fun so I went about recording these interviews, starting with Adam Gilchrist, and we just chatted for an hour and a half and put it online for the people to see.

“Now we are up to 58 million downloads across the series and it is a privilege to sit down with these people that have achieved extraordinary things and learn about them and what makes them so great in their respective fields.”

A man now living out his dream, Howard had this message to those young people around chasing their dream no matter what the field.

“I was just an average sports mad kid from a tiny little town in regional Victoria and now I am calling international cricket – so if I can do that anyone can do anything,” he said.

“If you are a 14-year-old kid out there and you have a dream job out there, somebody has to do that dream job so it might as well be you – and it can be you if you work hard enough, don’t get upset by setbacks and always continue to push on from one opportunity to another.”

September, 2021

GIPPSLAND SPORT

Jade excited at Opals opportunity

By ZAC STANDISH

THE meteoric rise of emerging Traralgon basketball star Jade Melbourne hit its crescendo last week, as the 18-year-old was selected for her first national squad ahead of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Jordan next month.

This follows a string of outstanding performances at the recent FIBA Under-19 Women’s World Cup, where she averaged 12.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game to lead the Gems to a silver medal.

Now back in Australia completing a stint of hotel quarantine in Sydney, Melbourne said it was an honour to be selected in her first Opals squad.

“It is a dream come true really, I have worked and dreamt of being an Opal ever since I can remember – so to be picked in the squad it is the start of the journey and I can’t wait to get amongst it all and represent my country at the highest level,” Melbourne said.

“It has been quite a journey (to get this point), I am constantly working on my game and looking to get to different stadiums to get shots up and get in the gym to work on my strengths – it has been a lot and a lot of sacrifices made, but I am willing to do it so I am super happy that hard work is paying off now.”

Coming into the Opals squad for the first time, she highlighted what she will bring to a squad looking to bounce back from an underwhelming Olympic campaign.

“I have just always brought heaps of energy and positivity - my game is full of energy, I love to dive on loose balls, get after people on defence and create on fast break which I think will suit the way the Opals play,” she said.

“Any role I get given I will happily take and do to the best of my ability as I try to put my best foot forward on the camp and hopefully get selected in the final team.”

Melbourne said being able to rub shoulders with the nation’s best basketballers will be huge for her development moving forward.

“I think just being part of such a high level squad (will be super exciting), I have looked up to these girls for such a long time so to be amongst them now is just a dream come true to be honest,” she said.

“So really I am just looking forward to playing with and learning off them and to represent Australia is the highest honour and the pinnacle for basketball so to be in that position where I am in the national squad it is really humbling.”

Joining Melbourne in this

Traralgon’s Jade Melbourne was named in the All Star Five at the recent FIBA Under 19’s Women’s World Cup.

Jade Melbourne will join Newborough’s Jaz Shelley in the Opals squad. photograph basketball victoria

latest Opals squad is fellow Latrobe Valley basketball export Jaz Shelley, who hails from Newborough.

Being two years younger Melbourne never got the chance to play against her new teammate growing up, but said Shelley was always a fantastic role model to emulate coming up through the junior ranks.

“I never got to actually play against her but she was always involved in the local programs growing up, so watching her do everything I wanted to do was really inspiring and really paved the way for me as I looked to progressed my game,” she said.

“We talk every now again about the game

Netball champs are off THE Australian Netball Championships (ANC), which were due to be played from September 13-19 will not go ahead in Traralgon and will be replaced by a hub-based model due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

Latrobe City Council and Netball Australia made the decision on Friday afternoon to postpone the event that would have brought the country’s netball community to the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium.

Netball Australia will work with state and territory member organisations, Suncorp Super Netball clubs and Latrobe City to re-design the competition for 2022.

Netball Australia’s executive general manager of performance Stacey West thanked council for their support in the decision-making process and for the operational planning work done to date.

“As a result of government restrictions, the unpredictability of snap border closures and state lockdowns, the delivery of a centralised tournament in Victoria is no longer a viable option,” Ms West said.

“We’d like to thank our event delivery

September, 2021

partner the Latrobe City Council for their understanding and ongoing support.”

Netball Australia, state and territory member organisations and Suncorp Super Netball clubs will work together to deliver localised opportunities, and where possible to be in line with the original September dates, in continuing to enable high-performance progression of athletes, coaches, umpires and officials in a coronavirus impacted environment.

An ANC winner will not be declared for 2021, with more details on the decentralised program to be communicated once confirmed.

Ms West said this new format serves as the most appropriate way to proceed in the current landscape.

“This new model will enable opportunities in a COVID impacted environment, for the ongoing development of athletes, coaches, umpires, and officials in their progression through the highperformance pathway,” she said.

and what she has been able to accomplish to date is very impressive.

“She is a great player and has been picked in the Opals squad too so it would be really awesome to represent the Gippsland area together on the national stage one day.”

Recently returning from national duties with the Under-19’s team in Hungary, she described the experience of competing in a World Cup. “It was unbelievable, we didn’t know until around a week before if we were going to go or not because flights were getting cancelled left right and centre, so once we got on a plane and were over there it was a massive

photograph fiba

relief,” she said. “I think what was special about our group was just the teamwork and the cohesion, we played defence as a pack of five and we moved the ball well, so it was a really great team to be part of and to only just fall shy of the USA in the Gold Medal match was a fantastic achievement.”

The tournament would also see her land an incredible personal accolade, being named the sole Australian in the All Star Five.

“I obviously don’t play for individual accolades, but to be recognised in the top five at the tournament was a pretty special feeling and I was quite shocked when my name was called,” she said.

“That doesn’t happen without the support of my coaching staff and teammates as they put me in those positions to be successful – so it was a real honour to be selected and recognition of the hard work I have put in.”

With her maiden stint with the Opals now just around the corner, she outlined her hopes for the future.

“For me playing for the Opals would be the ultimate goal, but all I want to do is play at the highest level possible really,” she said.

“I am super excited to be playing in the WNBL once again and it has always been a goal of mine to push on further and play in the WNBA along with those top leagues in Europe – so I will be continuing to work hard and hopefully one day I will be doing that.”

Invincible Caviar is a Sale showstopper

SALE welcomed a daughter of racing royalty on August 22.

Invincible Caviar landed her first career win in the $35,000 Centra Powder Coating 3yo Maiden Plate (1113m).

The filly is the daughter of unbeaten champion Black Caviar, who won all 25 of her career starts, including 15 Group Ones.

Invincible Caviar is the fourth of her progeny to hit the track.

Her first two foals, Oscietra and Prince of Caviar, won three races in 11 starts between them, while another daughter Ready For Caviar remains a maiden after two starts.

Invincible Caviar may well develop into the best performer.

Despite the winning margin being a long-neck, jockey Jamie Kah said Invincible Caviar had plenty left in the tank.

“She was too strong,” Kah told racing. com.

“She didn’t have an economical run with just a few other horses pestering her early.

“I could feel them coming but she was never in doubt in my mind, she was always going to win and I didn’t want to knock her around.

“She’s going to win better races off that.”

Trainer Peter Moody was also on course to witness the victory, which came at Invincible Caviar’s second start after she debuted with a third place effort at Flemington in June.

“She just did what she had to and I asked her to do that knowing there was good improvement in her,” Moody told racing.com “It’s always nice to win and with a filly like her it’s important to get a win on the pedigree.

“It was just pleasing to see her get the job done softly like that.”

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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September, 2021