Gippsland Farmer July 2020

Phone: (03) 5135 4444

July, 2020

Photo: Liz Bell

Prized honour Meerlieu farmer Craig Bush has been named an Order of Australia Medal recipient in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, for his service to conservation and the community of East Gippsland.

FULL STORY PAGE 14

TIMBER INDUSTRY BOOST PAGE 3

RARE BREED THRIVES IN GIPPSLAND PAGE 15

HOLDING COURT

By MICHELLE SLATER

GREENIES and loggers are in the midst of a legal battle that could have ramifications for the state’s timber industry future as activists halted logging in Gippsland last month.

Forest activists locked-on to machines in Noojee for eight days, concerned that logging was being carried out in vulnerable and critically endangered species habitat.

Similar actions were also carried out in Mount Baw Baw and Lakes Entrance as well as other coupes in the Central Highlands and the state’s west.

Protests had ramped up increasing pressure

on VicForests which had lost a landmark Federal Court case in May. The court found that the logging agency had carried out unlawful operations in areas of critically endangered possum habitat.

The decision could set a legal precedent in applying threatened species protection laws to the state’s timber industry, which had been operating under special exemptions for the past 20 years.

Friends of Noojee’s Trees is a group of locals who had supported the blockade about 10 kilometres out of town with ongoing concerns about the impacts of logging in the area.

They are instead calling for the state government to bring forward its 2030 native forest timber transition plan so these areas could instead be used for tourism and bush users activities.

Group co-founder and former lawyer David Clarke moved to Noojee about 20 years ago and said logging should not continue after the greater glider had been spotted in the area.

“We are concerned that logging is continuing in the face of this court judgement. Let them log elsewhere, where there are no endangered species,” Mr Clarke said.

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RURAL NEWS

Rebekah’s no run-of-the-mill physio

By PETER HILL

WARM-UP exercises are something usually associated with elite sports people or athletes, not the timber industry or sawmills.

However, AKD Softwood Yarram’s workforce now begins each day with a series of exercises specifically designed to minimise risks of repetitive strain and overuse injuries.

The firm’s proactive approach to the health and safety of its workforce has resulted in a unique collaboration with local physiotherapist Rebekah Neilson.

On leave from her usual role at Latrobe Regional Hospital and confined to her family home and local community by COVID-19 restrictions, Ms Neilson has put her passion for educating people about how their bodies work and avoiding injuries, into designing role-specific exercises for the entire workforce of 62.

Facility manager John Marshall explained the mill’s workforce was not getting any younger, and although most procedures in the mill were now fully mechanised or automated, there was still a significant degree of manual

AKD’s Graham Clarke and physiotherapist Rebekah Neilson discuss potential risks on the job.

activity involved in processing the timber.

Forklift drivers, plant operators and office staff all have unique problems associated with sitting, or standing for hours at a time, and Mr Marshall could see the need for

AKD Softwood in focus AKD Softwood was established in Colac in 1955. It has since grown to be one of Australia’s largest timber sawing and plantation operators, with six mills and a large plantation estate across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

AKD Softwood’s Yarram mill produces treated pine and kilndried timber for the domestic garden and outdoor market.

The mill can process between 3000 and 4000 logs a day, producing decking, sleepers, fence palings and treated square and rectangular timbers.

It also produces a range of valuable residue products including woodchips, sawdust and shavings, which are used in the manufacture of paper products, compost, garden products and livestock housing uses.

Its kiln and the boiler for the treatment plant operates on salvaged residue sawdust.

The large treatment plant was described as the most efficient in Australia when installed only five years ago.

The mill also supports numerous local contractors including truck drivers and specialist engineering, electrical and fabrication providers and computer software developers.

AKD to do something to prevent avoidable problems.

“We were sending people to the Latrobe Valley for treatment, with all the problems that entails,” he said.

“AKD see its people as its biggest asset, so we have set up proactive programs to make sure we are doing it right.”

When the mill’s environment, health, safety and resource adviser Graham Clarke discovered Ms Neilson was once again living in the local community, AKD Softwood approached her to design a site-specific program for the workforce.

“Rebekah has walked the entire site, and conducted a task analysis for each operation before developing a series of exercises appropriate for each work location,” Mr Marshall said.

“She has been great for the business, doing a full site review and suggesting where engineering solutions might be better.”

Ms Neilson said she was passionate about educating people to understand movement patterns and how they could avoid injury.

“They say sitting is the new smoking, so we need to get everyone moving and understanding how they can be healthier and avoid those niggling pains,” she said.

“Being on leave and COVID-19

has given me the privilege of being involved here at the mill, taking on a challenge.

“I did a lot of educating in my roles at LRH and it’s nice to integrate those skills into the

local community,” she said.

Mr Clarke said the new regime of warm-up exercises and the range of process site-specific exercises to be done throughout the day had already had a significant effect on productivity.

“It seemed overnight with the warm-up program there was a reduction in the number of people experiencing slight niggles or discomfort,” he said.

He emphasised the team had embraced the program because it was explained what each movement achieved and how it helped them avoid annoying niggling pains.

“People have come to me and said ‘I have had these aches and pains for years and now I’m feeling so much better’ so the warm-up and the exercises are doing the right thing, and not just addressing potential work-related issues but also personal,” he said.

“Rebekah has been good, a local, and her program is emphasising everybody does matter and it’s encouraging them to be active.

“We would like to thank Rebekah for the contribution she has already made to AKD.”

Physiotherapist Rebekah Neilson suggests which exercises would be appropriate to this particular work station at AKD Softwood’s Yarram mill. photographs peter hill

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RURAL NEWS

Boost for timber Australian Owned

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Australian Sustainable Hardwoods chief executive officer Vince Hurley and Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester following the announcement of the Forestry Recovery Development Fund which will deliver up to $40 million over three years to privately owned wood processing facilities. photograph supplied

purchase of new forestry processing equipment, transport assistance to move salvaged, burnt logs and the establishment of mass storage facilities for processed timber products, fire-affected logs and other forestry products.

Mr Chester said the funding would assist the industry in bringing in more innovative solutions and becoming more adaptive and resilient. “We have to work together as we continue the recovery effort but I have no doubt we can build back better than ever to become a stronger and more resilient Gippsland,� he said.

The Australian Forest Products Association

(AFPA) has str ongly welcomed the federal government’s announcement with chief executive officer Ross Hampton saying the support package would go a long way to helping the industry. “We are pleased that the federal government has listened and responded to the crisis facing our industry as a result of the bushfires,�

Mr Hampton said.

For more information, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ ag-farm-food/bushfires/ forestry-recovery-development-fund.

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GIPPSLAND’S timber industry will benefit from additional support as it recovers from the 2019-20 bushfires.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the industry had been one of the hardest hit over summer and the measures would provide critical support to speed up economic recovery and help secure jobs into the future. “Our local timber industry is a major employer and contributes significantly to the local economy through its associate businesses,�

Mr Chester said. “Skilled timber workers played a critical role in the bushfire fight and recovery, but have been hit hard with the fallout of the fires. “The federal government supports a sustainable timber and forestry industry and these measures will not only provide support where it is needed right now, but also valuable investment into a stronger and more resilient timber and forestry industry going forward.�

The Forestry Recovery Development Fund will deliver up to $40 million over three years to privately owned wood processing facilities directly and indirectly impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires.

It will include funding for the upgrade and

Nuffield Scholarships open 2021 scholarship program, it continues to present an unrivalled opportunity for emerging change-makers in the industry. “For 70 years, Nuffield has remained committed to ensuring the delivery of high-quality and valuable scholarship programs that drive industry leadership, particularly thr ough periods of adaptation and change,� Ms Redcliffe said. “With the current changes in both domestic and international markets, tough seasonal conditions and continually shifting consumer demands, agriculture is more challenging than ever, and the future sustainability

of our industry depends heavily on innovation and adaptation.

Scholars undertake a global study program, researching their chosen topic across 14 weeks.

Open to farmers, fishers, and those in associated industries between 28-45 years of age, applying for a Nuffield Scholarship is done online via the Nuffield Australia website.

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RUSSELL NORTHE MLA

Member for Morwell

“Gippsland, such a great place to live, work and visit. Through fire, flood and drought the resilience, generosity and good will of Gippsland people always shines through�

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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RURAL NEWS

Irrigation expansion focus of a new study

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THE state government will spend $500,000 to fund a study which will look at expanding irrigation in Central Gippsland.

The feasibility study will examine potential infrastructure options for growing irrigation development based on customer demand and willingness to invest, and water availability.

The study builds on pre-feasibility work undertaken by Southern Rural Water in 2018 to identify potential development opportunities in the Latrobe, Thomson, Macalister and Avon river catchments.

Once complete, the study will assist informed decision-making for any future strategic investment in rural water infrastructure.

Key stakeholders will help identify preferred infrastructure options based on demand and water availability.

SRW will conduct the study and Gippsland communities will have an opportunity to provide their feedback and expertise in helping shape the work.

The work will feed into the government’s Sustainable Water Strategy to be conducted during the next 12 months in central Victoria including Gippsland, which is a regular examination of the water resource and its management in a given region.

The study aligns with the objectives in Water for Victoria, the government’s water plan, to support regional development, invest in infrastructure and help irrigation districts adapt to a drier climate.

Water Minister Lisa Neville said the government had modernised irrigation systems and expanded the water grid in regions across the state, and this work will help provide a sound basis for future decisions.

Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes said the Gippsland region had faced several tough years with drought and bushfires.

“That’s why it’s vital to support these farmers by looking at how to adapt to a drying climate,” she said.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said farmers had been advocating strongly for their region, and she was pleased the government was investigating ways to potentially boost their output.

The farm gate value of Gippsland’s food is $1.5 billion a year with the industry generating more than 16,000 jobs.

Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien said state government funding for a new feasibility study for expanding irrigation in the region was the culmination of a lot of lobbying and hard work.

“I’m very pleased that the state government has listened to my calls to seize the opportunity to expand irrigation in Central Gippsland,” Mr O’Brien said.

“There is a significant volume of allocated but unused water in the Latrobe system that could be, and should be, put to better use supporting irrigated agriculture in the region.

“I have been lobbying for some time now for the government to allocate that water

The Latrobe River.

to agriculture, and the announcement of a new $500,000 feasibility study is a step in the right direction. I congratulate the irrigators along the Latrobe River who have worked with me to push the government into making this step.”

Mr O’Brien said there was currently about 80,000 megalitres of unused water in the Latrobe system stored in Blue Rock Dam, most of which could be put toward expanding irrigation.

“I have long said that we should be looking to double the size and output of the Macalister Irrigation District, which should be examined by this study, as well as increasing irrigation along the Latrobe River.

“The opportunities for irrigation in part come about as Latrobe Valley coal mine water use winds down. As we transition away from coal the sustainable, permanent jobs provided by irrigation could help the region as it transitions.

“I look forward to working with the government and local irrigators on the options which should include consideration of expansion of irrigation along the Latrobe River, transfer of Latrobe River water into the Thomson system and then the MID, and the potential for increased use of glasshouses and high-value agricultural and horticultural production.”

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said funding to study more irrigation opportunities in the heart of Gippsland was a great win for local farmers.

“I met with Latrobe River irrigators and agree there is enormous potential for future growth in the agricultural sector if farmers can secure additional, reliable water supplies,” Mr Chester said.

“The farmers have worked hard to secure this funding with support from Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien.

“Local farmers are well placed to provide input into the planned study and, if it’s feasible, I look forward to seeking federal government funding for infrastructure upgrades in the future.”

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RURAL NEWS

Art Aid’s prized donation to GERF

By LIAM DURKIN

FIRE-AFFECTED farmers and east Gippsland communities will receive a further helping hand, after the arts community rallied together to raise money for Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.

Artists from across the country and the globe collaborated under an initiative labelled ‘Art Aid’.

The campaign began in January at the height of last summer’s bushfires, with the call put out to artists to donate pieces to Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale, for auction.

The response was overwhelming, with more than 800 artworks donated and some 3500 bids made.

Such was the volume of donations that collection points were established around Victoria, and freight companies were used to transport artworks to the gallery.

In the end, an astonishing $161,000 was raised for GERF. Gippsland Art Gallery director Simon Gregg said the amount well and truly far exceeded initial expectations.

“To raise $161,000 - we’re all pretty stoked with that,” he said.

“It was a huge event that only came together by so many individuals and organisations all working together.

“We accepted all kinds of artworks - there were some sculptures, some pieces that were too large to actually fit in the gallery - so we had images of those online

The Art Aid Gippsland auction raised an incredible $161,000 for Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund, which will be used to help fire victims. Pictured are Wellington Shire mayor Alan Hall, Gippsland Art Gallery director Simon Gregg and Photo: Liam Durkin GERF president John Mitchell.

and people were able to bid for them online.

“We had printmaking and painting and woodwork, textiles - The money raised added to the sizeable total donated to GERF throughout its now-closed bushfire appeal.

GERF president John Mitchell thanked the gallery for its work and said those affected were truly appreciative as the money made its way east.

“To raise $161,000 was just a magnificent effort, and it’s just so important,” he said.

“I can tell you the recipients of that money are just so grateful that A, they’ve got some funding assistance, but B, they’ve got people making a statement that ‘we support you and you’re not alone’.

“It’s such an innovative way and we’re pleased to see that Simon and his teams initiative have been so well supported by the art community.”

Most of the money will be spent on fences and fodder, with fencing facing a significant rebuild.

Mr Mitchell said many people may not be aware of just how much fencing was wiped out in the fires.

“It’s an interesting metric in terms of fencing, there’s something like more than 5000 kilometres of fencing - both boundary fencing and internal fencing have been lost,” he explained.

“The cost just for materials per kilometre is about $5000.

“So there is a huge way to go in terms of helping those farmers and helping the community

getting back on their feet.” GERF has a busy time ahead allocating the money.

“We’ve done about 2080 residents in Gippsland who have suffered the impacts of fire, so we’ve allocated in excess of $9.1 million already to those people,” Mr Mitchell said.

“Currently we’re allocating at least $1.5 million for both fencing and fodder, so we’re doing that in partnership with the Heyfield Lions Club and also the Victorian Farmers Federation.

“We’ve had 170 farmers in the last few weeks who have made application for fencing grants and we’ve allocated $1 million to those farmers, and we’ve also got 78 farmers who have requested assistance for fodder to get them through the winter period.”

Wellington Shire mayor Alan Hall paid tribute to all involved.

“We’re kind of good at it now, in terms of understanding what emergency looks like,” he said.

“Off the back of the worst drought in history, to be hit by the bushfires, there’s this incredible resilience - but also this understanding that people from all over Australia and internationally recognise that this was worthwhile to support.”

“If it hadn’t been for Simon and his team taking that lead role to get this started, then it wouldn’t have happened.

“It’s about Gippslanders helping Gippslanders - and we’re good at that.”

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RURAL NEWS

Chemical free trial at parks

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BAW Baw Shire has extended a chemical free park maintenance trial for another 12 months at McGregor Park in Trafalgar, Queen Street Park in Warragul and at Hearn Street Park in Drouin.

Baw Baw is also teaming up in a research project with Deakin University and the Municipal Association of Victoria on the use of glyphosates.

The trial is part of council’s Pest Plant and Animal Chemical Policy relating to the use of chemicals.

Baw Baw Mayor Danny Goss said council had heard community concerns about the use of chemicals to control weeds and pests in open spaces. “By extending this trial, we’ll be able

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At another trial site at the 4.9 hectare Alex Goudie Reserve in Drouin, there was a 50 per cent increase in labour or an additional 16 hours per month to go chemical-free.

The Deakin research project will look at comparable safety data, the effectiveness of comparable products and financial implications.

It will also look into understanding the potential long-term soil impacts of a range of methods to manage weeds compared to products that contain glyphosate.

The research project will run throughout 2020 and results will be available in early 2021. Baw Baw applies limited chemicals at other recreation reserves and parks.

Dairy farmers to power on with Federal energy grants

to gain more data and explore further opportunities to minimise the use of chemicals such as glyphosate across open spaces,� Cr Goss said. “Through this trial extension, we are striving for the best possible outcomes for our residents and our environment.�

Baw Baw undertook an initial 12 month trial including weed steaming, flame control and organic products such as pine oil and vinegar concentrates, as well as manual and mechanical processes.

It found there was an approximate 25 per cent increase in the labour required without the use of chemicals.

On average, labour hours increased by less than one hour per week.

DAIRY farmers now have access to $10 million in federal government grants to help lower their energy bills and reduce emissions, as part of a multi-million-dollar election commitment welcomed by peak dairy farmer group Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF).

The federal government announced that grants of up to $20,000 would be available for dairy farm businesses to save energy by: â– Replacing existing equipment with higher efďŹ ciency equipment; â– Installing or replacing components to help an existing system run more efďŹ ciently; â– Carrying out on-farm audits; and â– Monitoring energy use and emissions.

Funding for this program will be distributed between states in proportion to the number of dairy farms in each jurisdiction.

ADF president Terry Richardson welcomed the announcement, which fulfils a request made by the farmer group in its 2019 federal election platform. “Dairy farmers are facing pressure from high production costs that are, in many cases, outstripping their income,� Mr Richardson said. “We called on the government to provide relief to businesses installing or upgrading to more energy efficient or renewable energy systems.

These grants will not only mitigate the excessive cost of energy, but also contribute to the dairy industry’s target to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.�

The grants are part of a $22 million support package promised to dairy farmers in the lead up to last year’s election, which also included over $1 million in projects to be delivered by ADF. “We have been working with the government since the last election to ensure that these projects, including a new dairy industry trading platform and a real-time

Dairy farmers now have access to $10 million in federal government grants to help lower their energy bills and reduce emissions.

payment and information sharing capacity utilising Blockchain technology, are rolled out to benefit all dairy farmers and the wider industry,� he said. “These projects aim to create a more level playing field between all parts of the dairy supply chain, in line with recommendations made by the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) in its Dairy Inquiry.�

Further guidelines and application forms for the energy grants are available at www.australiandairyfarmers.com.au, or by telephone on 13 28 46.

Applications will close on August 17, 2020.

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RURAL NEWS

Research into wombat mange

By MICHELLE SLATER

A TEAM of researchers will be figuring out how to most effectively treat sarcoptic mange in wombats - a crippling skin disease that is rife amongst populations in Gippsland.

Mange Management is working with Melbourne University into the correct use of moxidectin, a chemical designed as a cattle drench that is also being used on wombats.

Mange Management is a volunteer group that hands out free treatment kits to help wombats with the mite-borne skin condition that causes itchy bald patches and infected scabs.

Katja Gutwein with a recovering wombat.

Mange Management secretary Katja Gutwein said there was little scientific evidence about the most effective dosage rates of moxidectin for wombats.

“This will be of huge benefit for the wombats out there, it needs to be established what the optimal dosage rates are so wombats won’t be over dosed or under dosed,” Ms Gutwein said.

“There is a risk of resistance with under dosing and above a certain level there could be side effects, which is why research is critical.”

Ms Gutwein said dosage for the pouron treatment were based on the label instructions for cattle, but wombats had thicker skin, coarser hair and a different metabolism than their bovine counterparts.

She said if successfully treated, wombats will completely recover, but if left alone, the mage could get so severe that crusty

infections form and the animals can go deaf or blind.

“But there is still a huge concern that if nothing is done there will be no wombats left in 30 years with road kill, habitat loss, culling as well as mange,” she said.

“They are an iconic animal and we don’t want to lose them.”

Mange Management is supporting the first phase of this research with a $20,000 Victorian government Pick My Project grant.

Ms Gutwein was also calling on the state government to run wombat population surveys to keep tabs on animals affected by mage as well as areas where there have been declines in numbers.

Illegal fishing and cockle collection

MCLOUGHLINS Beach was awash with visitors during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, but not all were there just to enjoy a walk along the 90 Mile Beach.

Many went to enjoy fishing in the protected waters of the inlet, or to try their luck in the surf, as Australian Salmon were running.

But some came to fish without having current fishing licences, while others attempted to take far more than allowed.

Fisheries officers conducted inspections of recreational boaters at McLoughlins boat ramp.

On Friday, June 5, one recreational fisherman who was interviewed had seven grossly undersize flathead.

State Fisheries operations manager Paul Shae said this individual was allegedly abusive and threatening towards fisheries officers during the inspection.

He indicated further enforcement action would be taken, as being abusive towards officers was taken very seriously.

During the weekend fisheries officers inspected 44 people collecting cockles at McLoughlins Beach at low tide.

Of those 44, there were 13 alleged offenders and 14 alleged offences detected, including not having current fishing licences and taking more than the legal catch limit of cockles.

On Sunday, June 7, about 11am, a group was intercepted by fisheries officers at McLoughlins boat ramp.

Forty-three litres of cockles had been collected between the five adults from Melbourne. The legal catch limit for cockles is five litres per person.

Eighteen litres of live cockles were seized and returned to the water.

All individuals were interviewed and enforcement action will follow, which Mr Shae suggested would likely result in two infringements and three official warnings.

The individuals, from Melbourne, all had fishing licences.

There are now two metal permanent cockle-specific signs at McLoughlins Beach, specifically placed there to educate people about the rules and catch limits.

- Peter Hill

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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July, 2020

NATIONAL FARM SAFETY WEEK FEATURE

Keep farm safety front of mind

NATIONAL Farm Safety Week is held each year to raise awareness of farm safety issues across Australia.

The week provides an opportunity for Farmsafe Australia to address farm safety issues that have a national focus.

It has been running successfully for the past 20 years.

Farm Safety Week 2020 will run from July 20 to 25, 2020.

For more information contact Farmsafe on 02 6269 5622 or via email info@farmsafe.org.au

WELLBEING FOR FARMING FAMILIES

MANY people in rural communities are facing pressures they find difficult to cope with and need to speak to someone about their problems.

If you would like to talk to someone yourself, or if you are worried about a family member or friend, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or a support line in your state.

Even if you don’t need the number now, put it in your phone book and keep it handy for future use.

PRESSURES ON FARMERS

FARMERS are facing increased pressure from external sources such as weather/ drought, government legislation and reduced finance from economic conditions that impact on commodity prices and interest rates.

Pressures also come from within the farm business, farm family and from individual goals and needs.

Issues such as lack of time to get things done, different goals of family members for business direction and difficulty finding, paying and keeping good workers cause pressure on farm family businesses.

They also have special circumstances in that they live where they work which means they take their work ‘home’ and are isolated from services and social interaction.

MANAGING PRESSURES

DO what you can to reduce unwanted pressure from within and without!

However, farmers also need to make their business, family and themselves individually more resilient so that they can deal with the pressures that they can’t change immediately. They cannot afford to let those pressures get them down to the point where damage is being done to their productivity, family life or enjoyment of life.

Managing the Pressures of Farming is an easy to use checklist with ideas to assist farmers and their families.

The materials were developed in discussion with farmers to identify and manage the most difficult pressures they face and has been used widely across Australia.

The main issues covered are: Your business; family; and yourself.

Checklist guides and information include: Financial Performance and Financial Position, Business Planning, Succession Planning, Workforce Management, Government Legislation, Working with Computers, Marketing, Managing Stress, Farm Family Matters and Rural Financial Counselling.

Services.

The resource aims to point to the things farmers can do as a business, family and by themselves to manage the pressures in farming.

It won’t help deal with all of the pressures and some of the options may not suit every situation.

However, it is a good guide for to do a quick “maintenance check” and to start mapping out a plan of how your farm family business is going to manage the

July, 2020

stressful pressures in farming now and in the years ahead. To access the guide visit www.farmsafe.org.au.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

REMEMBER - if you would like to talk to someone yourself, or if you are worried

about a family member or friend, there are many agencies that can help.

A comprehensive list of agencies is available on the National Mental Health Commission website Some of the well-known free 24 hours services available to farmers in need include:

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Lifeline 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 (For people who are suicidal, caring for someone who is suicidal, bereaved by suicide or are health professionals supporting people affected by suicide).

Beyondblue 1300 224 636.

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9

NATIONAL FARM SAFETY WEEK FEATURE

Clean farms are safe farms with drumMUSTER SINCE it began in Gunnedah in May 1999, the drumMUSTER program has grown into a successful national collection and recycling program for agvet containers.

It has now picked up more than 35 million drums nationally, helping farmers keep their properties clean and safe from used chemical containers.

Agsafe’s general manager Dominique Doyle said of the milestone, “drumMUSTER is an industry led stewardship program where the manufacturers of the chemicals (not the containers) voluntarily sign up to the levy program; making this a free recycling service for eligible products.

What an outstanding result to reach 35 million containers!�

The recycling program is run by Agsafe and funded by a levy of 6c per litre/ kilogram, which is collected from the agvet chemical manufacturers that participate in the program.

The drumMUSTER team is responsible for recycling approximately 50% of all agricultural plastic waste in Australia.

Agsafe general manager Dominique Doyle says drumMUSTER has now diverted over 40,000 tonnes of plastic agvet waste

nationally from going to landfill, or being buried or burned on farms. “A good thing to understand is that the agvet plastic that we collect and recycle stays in Australia and is recycled back into product,� she says.

In fact, drumMUSTER leads the way in recycling ag plastic waste.

Approximately 7% of all ag plastic waste is recycled.

The drumMUSTER program alone is responsible for 50% of this number.

Recycled plastic from the program is made into goods including wheelie bins, fence posts, irrigation pipes, underground cable covers, bollards and barstools. “Community groups who are part of the collections get 25c per container, which goes toward fundraising efforts for local sporting groups or community and school programs.�

So if you have empty agvet containers on the property get them to your local drumMUSTER location.

There are over 800 sites around Australia. Just visit drummuster.org.au to find the one nearest you.

Remember, every container counts.

Agsafe also runs the ChemClear program.

Where drumMUSTER removes the plastic waste

from the agriculture sector, ChemClear removes the unwanted agvet chemicals.

A collection is held in each state, on average every two years.

Chemicals fall into two groups, with group one chemicals being free of charge for collection, whilst group two chemicals incur a fee for service for the collection.

Agvet chemical users simply need to visit the ChemClear website, register their chemicals and await further correspondence from ChemClear.

Registrations are always open so if you have unwanted or obsolete agvet chemicals, let ChemCLear know and they will be picked up at the next collection in your area.

To date, over 700,000 litres of agvet chemicals have been removed from farms through the ChemClear program.

These chemicals were treated by either Plasma Arc technology, used as an alternate fuel source to fire cement kilns or stabilised and fixated for secure landfill.

Visit chemclear.org.au for further information.

drumMUSTER provides agricultural chemical users with a recycling pathway for empty agvet containers.

RUSSELL BROADBENT Member for Monash

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July, 2020

NATIONAL FARM SAFETY WEEK FEATURE

Make sure to play it safe on the farm AN average of five to six children drown in farm dams and water bodies each year in Australia.

Most are under five years of age and a third are visitors to the farm.

The most common situation is that a toddler wanders away from supervision unnoticed, finding their way into a farm dam.

They may be noticed missing only after a few minutes.

A securely fenced house yard, supported by active supervision, is one of the best ways to help prevent a toddler drowning or wandering into the path of farm vehicles and machinery.

Fenced house yards on farms are a key recommendation of Farmsafe Australia, peak child safety and water safety agencies.

Who is most at risk of drowning on farms?

CHILDREN under five years accounted for threequarters of children who drowned on farms.

Apart from dams, younger children also drowned in creeks, troughs, dips and channels.

Toddlers often wandered away from the home

Too many children are injured on farms.

unnoticed. 84% of children who drowned on farms (2003-2006) were male.

Around a third were visitors to the farm.

What can farmers do to prevent children drowning in farm dams?

HAVING a securely fenced house yard or “safe play area” with child-resistant gates and latches, is a key recommendation for preventing toddlers drowning on farms and endorsed by the Australian Water Safety

file photograph

Plan and major water safety agencies such as RLSSA, Kids Alive and Kidsafe.

Recent research from ACAHS indicates that only around half of farms have a fenced house yard secure enough to prevent a toddler wandering away without an adult.

This proportion is even less in some regions.

A fenced house yard or safe play area, will help prevent unsupervised access to farm hazards such as dams and other farm hazards.

Farm families need to ensure young children stay in this safe play area unless an adult is available to take them out and closely supervise them.

A fenced house yard helps make supervision that much easier.

The idea is to provide an access barrier between toddlers and farm hazards, much like a pool fence does, but in reverse.

The principle is to make it difficult for young children to leave the house yard without an adult.

Fences themselves need to be resistant to a child climbing through or over them (e.g. solid or vertical rail, no footholds, 1.2 -1.5 m high, low ground clearance).

All family members and visitors need to be alert to keep the area safe and secure as well (e.g. ensure gates are kept closed).

Having an interesting yard with play items such as sandpits and open-areas for ball play, can help as well.

How else can we prevent drowning on farms?

IT is advisable to check for other water hazards near the house and eliminate access to these where possible.

This might include covering old tanks and dips, placing mesh in water troughs and fencing backyard pools.

Supervision, when out and about on the farm, needs to be close and active enough for a toddler to “hold my hand”.

This is consistent with the advice of major early childhood and water safety agencies.

In addition, water familiarisation and teaching children to swim from an early age is advisable.

Learning resuscitation skills is also a water safety essential.

What about preventing other sorts of child injury on farms?

DROWNING accounts for around 40% of child farm deaths, with dams the most common water body.

In fact, dams alone were responsible for 21% of all child farm deaths.

After dams, quad bikes (13%) and farm vehicles (13%) were the next most common agents of child fatality on farms (2003-2006).

For quad bikes, (riders and passengers) one-third were under five years; and for farm vehicles (cars-utes), Half were under five years of age.

Four times as many children were killed on quad bikes than two wheel motorbikes on farms.

Research suggests this is because riders / passengers are more likely to be pinned under an upturned quad bike, sustaining chest or abdominal crush injuries.

A fenced house yard or safe play area, can also help prevent young children wandering away unsupervised into the farm workplace, and into the path of vehicles and machinery.

For children of all ages, Farmsafe recommends farm families adopt the following child safety practices on their farm, as a matter of priority.

■ Always ensure

children wear seatbelts in cars, utes and trucks.

■ Do not allow children

to ride on tractors, quad bikes or on the back of utes.

■ Always ensure children

wear helmets riding farm bikes and horses.

For more resources visit www.farmsafe.org.au/ Safe-Play-Areas.

Milk means milk say The Nationals

THE Nationals have backed a campaign to stop the word milk from being labelled on dairy and meat alternative and plant-based products.

Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie said she would raise the issue at the next Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation meeting.

Ms McKenzie said accurate labelling was not about picking beef over soy beans, or cow’s milk over an almond protein drink.

She stressed there was room for both, but it was important to make it clear they were not the same product.

“No self-respecting vegetarian would want to rock along to a barbeque to find that their vege-burger actually contained meat,” Ms McKenzie said.

“Just as meat eaters don’t want to find their meat patties are actually made from chickpeas and tofu,” Ms McKenzie said similar food labelling laws were already in place in the European Union and in the USA. “Our dairy and cattle farmers invest heavily in meeting consumer demands and in promoting their products as safe, natural, nutritious and delicious.

“I’m all for growers of non-meat protein doing the same, in an upfront way for consumers.”

Australian Dairy Farmers praised the Nationals for the move which was heeded as a vote of confidence in the industry’s efforts to ensure honest product labelling.

ADF president Terry Richardson said the dairy industry had been fighting against “dishonest” labelling and marketing of plant-based alternatives that are were “co-opting the look and feel of dairy”. “[This is] giving the misleading impression that these products are nutritionally equal to dairy,” he said.

ADF had contacted Ms McKenzie asking for regulations to prevent plant-based alternatives from evoking the qualities and values of dairy.

July, 2020

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

July, 2020

RURAL NEWS

Battle lines drawn in forest fight

Nationals shadow forestry minister and Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood feared the court ruling could “spell the end” of native forestry in Victoria.

Continued from page 1

“These species have been scientifically verified, but VicForests is still logging knowing they are killing these creatures.”

Brett Robin is a fifth generation Noojee timber worker who had harvested the same coupes as his grandfather.

He referred to himself as a “harvester and regenerator” and accused protesters as being “misled individuals” who “use drama to shut the industry down”.

Mr Robin said timber workers were struggling to supply saw logs to local mills as they were being forced out of high value timber areas.

“Every time high value timber is released, these misled individuals schedule a protest to get it taken off the cutting schedule,” Mr Robin said.

“We are just able to fulfil our contracts, but we are struggling big time. We are not getting the timber we need, but it’s out there.”

He also said it could dishonour the state government’s pledge to stage a transition out of native timber by 2030.

A VicForests’ spokesman said the agency had “carefully reviewed” the recent judgement and would expect to commence appeal proceedings once final orders were made by the court.

Noojee residents Wally Brown and Liz Clay are a part of a local group photograph michelle slater opposing logging in threatened species habitat.

Mr Robin described his industry as the “most well-managed and over-regulated in the world”.

“We are not rednecks who go along and chop trees down, we are generations of families who have worked in the forests,” he said.

“We don’t just wipe out an area, we leave beautiful multi-aged forests.

“We harvest in small pockets and leave corridors so the animals can adjust.”

Coalition MPs had met last

“VicForests manages native timber harvesting to ensure it meets the highest standards of forest management,” he told Gippsland Farmer.

Timber industry workers confronted protesters who were blocking logging coupes in the Noojee area photograph supplied last month.

month to ask Environment Minister Sussan Ley how the federal government could step in to step in and over ride the Federal Court’s decision.

The court’s decision was based on the agency’s historic approach to logging, and VicForests was now retaining between 20 and 80 per cent of trees in habitat areas for identified threatened species.

Toora processor donates masks of locally made infant formula to gain regulatory approval to sell infant formula in China.

ViPlus Dairy chief executive Jon McNaught said the company’s management recognised the importance of supporting its “Chinese neighbours”, as well as front line workers in Australia.

“ViPlus already provides our Australian milk powder to most provinces across China, including Wuhan, and we knew this was an important time in the ChinaAustralia relationship whereby we need to help each other,” Mr McNaught said.

“This active and on-going circular support for our respective countries has been further evidence that mutual respect and care for one another is always more important than doing business.

Farm visits and medication pickups still available Call us or visit the website www.maffravet.com.au for more details

“Both China, Australia and our trading partners in time will recover, and it is these actions that will bind our societies to be even stronger for whatever we face in the future.”

GP1608939

TOORA-BASED milk processor ViPlus Dairy donated 200,000 face masks to help South Gippsland health workers on the frontline fight coronavirus.

The approved masks were donated to South Gippsland Shire, which is distributing the vital protective equipment to hospitals, ambulance and police workers and other frontline health workers.

South Gippsland Shire administrator Rick Brown said ViPlus’s decision to choose South Gippsland as its Australian base and to restore the dairy factory at Toora - which had been dormant for 10 years - was a “real blessing” for South Gippsland.

“ViPlus’s investment has led to the creation of more than 100 jobs and its plan to expand its operations and create more jobs demonstrates its commitment to South Gippsland,” Mr Brown said.

“ViPlus’s donation of these masks is another demonstration of its commitment to the South Gippsland community and is gratefully received by the council.”

ViPlus Dairy processes milk formulas and was the first Australian dairy manufacturer

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13

RURAL NEWS

OAM honour for Meerlieu farmer

Meerlieu farmer Craig Bush was named an Order of Australia Medal recipient in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, for his service to conservation and the community of East Gippsland. photo Liz Bell

By LIZ BELL

ANYONE who thinks farmers don’t have much of a life away from the rigours of farm life hasn’t met Meerlieu farmer, conservationist and broadcaster Craig Bush.

While farming has been Craig’s business since a young man growing up on his parents’ grazing property, it’s his other passions of caring for the environment and community radio that have made him a bit of a local legend.

The father of two, who runs sheep and cattle on his 404 hectare property at Meerlieu and manages another 526 hectares, was named an Order of Australia Medal recipient in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, for his service to conservation and the community of East Gippsland.

Like many volunteers, Craig’s first reaction to the award was wondering if he was “worthy”.

He told Gippsland Farmer his community involvement has grown organically from an interest in improving his land and the land around him, while his broadcasting endeavours began when as a young man he discovered music

Colleen Bye 0467 533 003 Katrina Einsidel 0428 120 686 Phillip Fleming 0498 242 421

Today, he is no longer a Landcare executive but still works with the Tom’s Creek group, which covers 29,457 hectares in the Perry Bridge and Meerlieu area.

Forging relationships within his community fits well with Craig’s composed but confident disposition, and it’s these interpersonal skills that have helped him run and MC the East Gippsland Beef Conference for the past five years.

Every year under his stewardship the East Gippsland Beef Conference event has sold out, jumping to 210 attendees last year - more than the main statewide conference held in Bendigo.

Although he remains on the organising committee, this year he felt it was time to move on and take a step back.

“I have only ever done things for as long as I have been needed, and then I move on and others step up,” he said.

It’s a mantra that has worked well, including with his involvement in radio and the local music scene.

As a young man in his 20s, Craig started doing radio and disc jockey work after discovering that he

could go to parties and get paid for it at the same time.

His friend ran a successful music event in Bairnsdale - Music in the Gardens - and when it was time for him to move on, Craig took over.

“It’s probably one of the best things I ever did,” he said.

DJing at weddings was another favourite, which Craig describes as “being part of something that is the happiest moment in a couple’s life”.

Those early days led to years of further involvement in the industry and opportunities he could not have imagined as a Gippsland farm boy, including working with many up-and-coming local musicians and three years working as a DJ on cruise ships.

It was also an introduction to the formation of community station Radio East Gippsland, which he was involved in for 14 years - two of those as president.

Craig still presents a Saturday morning program on ABC Gippsland, but is currently taking a well-earned break.

“I have always thought that if I can enjoy doing what I do, and

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help others at the same time, it’s something worth pursuing,” he said. “But I also think it is important to know when it’s time to move on.”

Somewhere between meeting and marrying his wonderfully supportive wife Andrea, and having two children, Craig has also been involved in telephone counselling, spending 10 years on the board of Lifeline Gippsland, and 20 years with the former Sale-based telephone counselling service Telafriend.

Asked about the best job he has ever had, Craig said interviewing passionate Landcare members and elder statesmen within the agriculture sector for a Landcare anniversary video remained his all-time favourite role.

And when asked how he has fitted all this into a busy farming life, Craig, now 60, said it was all about “getting on with life”.

“I don’t feel like I have done a lot. For me, it has been about doing things I am interested in and just involving myself in the community. I’m just lucky I have had the support to be able to do that,” he said.

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could be a means of employment and fun.

As a third-generation farmer, Craig has seen first hand the need to follow good environmental management practices to be able to leave the land in a better condition for the next generation.

That’s where his participation in Landcare began, first with the Tom’s Creek Landcare group and then with East Gippsland Landcare Network, where he took on executive roles and became a valued member for his diplomacy skills and ability to connect people to a cause.

Some of the projects he has been part of include getting shelter belts planted on properties in his local area, and covenants placed on land to exclude grazing and preserve native grasses for the future health of the environment.

That, of course, has come at a financial penalty for himself and other farmers involved, but with long term benefits for future generations.

In all, Craig has been involved with Landcare for about 30 years, 10 of those on the board of East Gippsland Landcare.

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is backing calls to support contract poultry farmers who are under extreme price pressures from processors and the supermarkets.

VFF president David Jochinke said that although chicken was the most popular protein choice for Australian consumers, the popularity on dinner tables was not benefiting contract growers.

“We know Australian’s love a cooked chook but the growers simply aren’t seeing any benefit at all from the increase in demand,” Mr Jochinke said.

“In the last decade the price of lamb, beef and pork has steadily risen but the retail price of chicken has been flat.”

According to ABARES, between 2008 and 2017 the retail price of chicken decreased from 551 c/kg to 534 c/kg, while beef, lamb and pork all rose.

July, 2020

RURAL NEWS

Rare pony breed thrives in region

By MICHELLE SLATER

A RARE breed of native British pony that roams the windswept moors of south-west England is under the spotlight of a Foster horsewoman helping to ensure the legacy of this ancient equine.

Julie Schmitt breeds Dartmoor ponies listed by the British Rare Breeds Survival Trust - and she owns 17 out of the 140 or so registered animals in Australia.

The genetically rare pony has lived on the moors of Dartmoor for thousands of years, meaning they have developed to be small, hardy and resilient, at about 12 hands-high.

The wild hill pony was originally used to work in tin mines in the middle ages, but now there are only less than 1000 breeding mares remaining in their homeland.

Ms Schmitt is the only Dartmoor breeder in Victoria, producing tough true-tostandard ponies that can be ridden by kids or small adults.

She has even used some to work cattle on the steep hills on her farm.

“Gippsland is perfect for them, it’s cold and wet, their coats are great for this. They are the equivalent of our brumby, they are tough, but are also fantastic under saddle,” Ms Schmitt said.

“They are adapted to extreme weather, and there is very little to go wrong with them. But the only problem is the limited gene pool, we need some new blood.”

Ms Schmitt said the solid and compact breed gives a comfortable ride for its size, and it thrives on work, with many “going well” in harness.

She began Outlook Dartmoors about 20 years ago from imported bloodlines and now has two stallions and the only chestnut coloured mare in Australia.

But our strict quarantine laws made

importing more genetics difficult and costly, and was aiming at finding fresh bloodlines and breeding replacement mares, although there were “some fabulous breeding stock in Queensland and New South Wales”.

Ms Schmitt said her focus was to produce “consistent” pure-bred animals rather than just to bump up breed numbers.

“It would be sad to lose these ponies, I don’t want to see them cross-bred, I feel it’s very important to keep them purebred for the consistency. If I’m going to breed them, I want them to be good,” she said.

“I would rather the breed stay rare or endangered and pure, than have too many unused ponies in paddocks.”

Pain relief is pivotal DAIRY farmers learnt about the importance of providing pain relief when disbudding or dehorning calves at a recent industry webinar.

Bayer Animal Health discussed a new industry policy stating that all calves are to be disbudded prior to eight weeks of age with pain relief - endorsed by the Australian Dairy Farmers National Council.

Bayer technical services veterinarian Claire Hunt said the need for pain relief during disbudding should be taken seriously.

She discussed disbudding best practice including animal age and health,

reducing stress, external factors such as weather and flies, feeding, appropriate restraint, pain relief and post-surgical care.

“Dehorned animals are less likely to damage each other, infrastructure, handlers and need less space at feed stations,” Dr Hunt said.

“It’s a case of making sure that as an industry we are promoting best practice and are providing calves with pain relief, so that we can confidently go back to our consumers and say that we are doing the right thing.”

Dr Hunt said the issue was not only being driven

Tarwin

by farmer concerns for calf welfare, but also to meet evolving consumer expectations.

“This really is such an important topic in terms of animal welfare, and also being able to show due diligence to our end users, the consumers of dairy products,” she said.

“They are increasingly becoming aware and interested in where their dairy products come from, so we as an industry need to be able to demonstrate best practice and assure them that we are doing everything we can to promote animal welfare on the farm.”

ESTABLISHED 1950

POLL HEREFORDS

Above: Julie Schmitt (right) uses her Dartmoor ponies to work cattle on her Foster farm.

Left: Outlook Dartmoors’ founding mare with her progeny.

EAWOO L D ANGUS Established 1944

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15

RURAL NEWS

Coolamon Spreaders as busy as ever

AUSSIE-MADE ag machinery manufacturer Coolamon Spreaders is riding the wave of a spike in interest brought on by COVID-19.

The southern New South Wales manufacturer has been churning out chaser bins, large capacity and compact spreaders and the combination spreader chaser bin.

Coolamon Spreaders regional sales manager Shane Cummins said the federal government’s instant depreciation deduction incentives for small and mid-sized businesses to spend up to $150,000 on equipment had stimulated the demand.

Mr Cummins said the stimulus package, combined with the turnaround in the seasonal outlook, had created heavy demand for the company’s range of spreaders and chaser bins. “All of New South Wales and Victoria without exception, the crops are in and up and running. Focus has shifted from livestock feeding to urea application,� Mr Cummins said. “We are going to run out of production spots fairly shortly - there is such a big area with the crops looking good that people need to gear up to get organised.�

The Coolamon Spreader is capable of a controlled spread of up to 50 metres, giving a consistent 36 metre coverage of urea and a 15 metre coverage of lime.

Ranging from 7500 to 14,500 litres, the spreaders are ideal for granulated products such as lime, gypsum, potash, urea, poultry manure, feedlot waste and superphosphate.

Running on a proven bearing system, the spinners are polyurethane with rounded backs creating a negative pressure at the centre of the disc and pulling the product into

the middle before throwing it out.

Mr Cummins said there was a swing towards large capacity trailed spreaders for urea application. “As the Coolamon spreader can spread most other products on farms, it is not a three point linkage granular spreader anymore - it can do lime, gypsum, manure, urea and single super,� he said. “One tractor, one GPS and one spreader to do more than one job.�

Mr Cummins said Coolamon Spreaders had now been proven over the past three to four years in the paddock, with growers impressed with the quality. “COVID-19 has brought Australian made machinery to the fore - we are hearing that from our producers,� he said. “After sales backup and service on machinery manufactured overseas is just that much harder these days. “The general market sentiment is ‘let’s make sure our food is safe and is coming from a secure supply chain’, and that is transmitting into the machinery sector.�

With the cancellation of the majority of the nation’s field days, Coolamon will participate in dealer demonstration days.

Mr Cummins said the company’s range of compact spreaders was impressing growers with the production capacity and the products able to be spread. “Our spreader chaser has been popular with growers spreading high rates of poultry or cow manure because of the large hopper and spreading capacity,� he said.

For more details on the range of Coolamon Spreaders visit www. coolamon.com.au.

Federal Member for Gippsland pictured with Julie Bryer from the Heyfield Community Resource Centre and the manager of the Heyfield IGA, Colleen Phillips (right). Almost 280 solar panels were recently installed on the supermarket’s roof.

Heyfield at the centre of a microgrid study

HEYFIELD is on track to become a model town for communities across Australia interested in setting up their own mini electricity grid.

The town is the location for the MyTown Microgrid: a Community and Data-driven Feasibility Project which has secured $1.78 million in federal government funding.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the project would assess the potential of a microgrid to improve the reliability and deliver economic benefits for the community. “This is an innovative project that promises to deliver benefits for both homes and businesses in Heyfield by reducing the amount they pay for electricity, while generating funds to be invested in local projects,� Mr Chester said. “Importantly, the discoveries and lessons learned during the project will help other towns in Australia to implement a similar scheme. “The community of Heyfield, led by the Heyfield Community Resource

Centre, has shown itself to be an enthusiastic adapter of innovative energy-saving initiatives and should be congratulated for all it has achieved so far.�

Heyfield Community Resource Centre’s Julie Bryer said the threeyear project would examine whether a microgrid could improve energy reliability. “The project will also look at how to make it faster, easier and cheaper for other regional communities to follow in our footsteps,� Mrs Bryer said. “At the end, we’ll have a template to share with other communities which want to establish their own microgrid. “Heyfield and the surrounding area have one of the highest proportions of homes and businesses with solar panels in Australia and generate around 2.5 megawatts each year. “We have already received international recognition from the United Nations for a past program that encouraged people to embrace ways to save energy.

“It’s something our community is passionate about. “This is a unique project as it’s both data and community-led. It will help to provide faster, cleaner, more reliable and cheaper energy and all the benefits will come back to our community.�

MyTown Microgrid is being led

by Wattwatchers, a Sydney-based digital energy company. The federal government funding was provided through the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund.

The fund supports feasibility studies to help off-grid or fringe-of-grid communities to determine whether establishing a microgrid or upgrading existing off-grid technologies would better meet their electricity supply needs. Those involved include University of Technology Sydney, RMIT and Latrobe Valley Authority.

The Heyfield project was one of 17 chosen from across Australia to share almost $20 million available under its first funding round.

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16

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

July, 2020

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

AUSSIE DAIRY SIZZLERS

SMART dairy operators took advantage the federal government’s 100 per cent depreciation allowance to minimise tax in the year ending June 30, 2020.

One major dairy product supplier, Australian Pump Industries, saw a huge surge of interest and orders from dairy related industries, from farm to processing plant.

The wholly owned Australian company, operating from a 2 ½ acre complex in Sydney, reported a huge surge in business leading up to the end of the financial year.

“It wasn’t just dairies but also farmers and industry all over the country,” Aussie Pumps’ Brad Farrugia said.

The company has been focused on the dairy industry for several years with a great number of pumps designed specifically for dairy applications.

The range includes effluent pumps in both cast iron and stainless steel, all the way through to high pressure engine drive pumps, capable of handling any application from yard wash down to emergency firefighting.

“We learnt a lot from both the drought and the following catastrophic fire season,” Farrugia said.

“We saw our pumps being used by dairy farmers for a wide range of applications, with the whole season teaching us about application and innovation.”

THE CORONA EFFECT

“THE company reported a major swing towards stainless steel slow speed hot wash and steam cleaners. Every dairy needs to stay clean and the Aussie Sizzler and its big brothers can save loads of time as well as sanitise,” Farrugia said.

All Aussie’s electric drive steam cleaners are four pole.

That means they run 1,450 rpm and will last twice as long as a high speed (2,900 rpm) two pole motor.

That difference in speed means that the units can have a reasonable expectation of lasting twice as long as the cheap European style high speed machines.

Even the company’s cold wash pressure washers, called the Monsoon series, going all the way up to big 5,000 psi machines, come in stainless steel trolleys with four big flat free tyres and steel wheels for ease of movement around the dairy.

DAIRIES WASH AND FLUSH

YARD wash down is an issue for every dairy farmer.

Using a high volume fire pump like the Aussie Fire Chief provides not only the pressure but also the volume to flush cow manure and effluent away.

“Farmers tell us that is a valuable source for fertiliser, so getting it off the yard and into a settling pond is a high priority,” Farrugia said.

The company also builds a range of high flow, high pressure engine drive pumps, both in petrol and diesel drive that can be used for many on-farm

July, 2020

Aussie’s Victoria area manager Sami Syed checking out 2 Aussie GMP 316 Stainless Steel Pumps before going off for life in a dairy effluent pond.

applications. They include irrigation and transfer of water from dam to dam to suit the landscape of the farm.

AUSSIE GMP SEMI TRASH PUMPS

THESE heavy duty cast iron semi trash pumps are designed for pumping liquid effluent.

The standard build is in cast iron with self priming capability enabling them to draw liquid through a vertical lift of 6 metres.

The pumps are easy to prime and are considered to be far more serviceable than electro submersibles or long column sump pumps.

“The beauty of the self priming pump is its location above the pond. That makes service easy,” Farrugia said.

Because these semi trash pumps have a big cast iron open impeller, they will pump most compressible solids in suspension without issues.

If there is a problem, the pump can be flushed without disconnecting hoses or pipework.

That is done by simply opening up the trap door in the front of the pump casing, enabling it to be washed out easily with either a hose or pressure cleaner.

Those cast iron pumps are available in a full range from 2” all the way through to 4”.

In their 4” configurations, they will handle flows of up to 2,300 lpm.

“Imagine a pump producing that much water but also one that has a maximum head of 29m,” Farrugia said.

These big motor pumps feature an integrated tank built into the pump casing.

The water tank, once primed, means the pumps will easily self prime without suction hoses having to be filled.

The ability to handle compressible solids, up to 1 ½, in the case of the 4” pump, makes them a natural for effluent pump out.

HIGH PRESSURE APPLICATIONS

AUSSIE’S GMP product line also includes big 3” pumps that have capabilities of producing up to 1,250 lpm flow with heads of up

to 78m. That’s over 100 psi!

Self priming motor pumps have loads of features that make them easy to service.

One of the major features is not only the materials of construction but also the simplicity of the pump design.

The bodies are made from high grade cast iron, with one casting covering virtually the entire structure of the pump.

The bolt on check valve cover is also, cast iron.

Those check valves can be easily serviced just by removing the front cover, again giving access to the internals of the pump.

Top quality mechanical seals in either carbon or, silicon carbide are supplied as standard equipment with Viton elastomers being an option.

For particularly abrasive applications, tungsten carbide mechanical seals are available.

A typical application for one of these big high pressure pumps might be pumping effluent onto a paddock through sprinklers.

For example, one of the high pressure model, ZPMA series, will produce 600 lpm at 70m head.

“The good news of an application like that is that the pump’s power rating is not overused because of the pump operator’s ‘golden rule’. The rule is to operate the pump on the best efficiency point. That is 85% at the maximum pump head. In other words, the lower you get on the performance curve to the maximum flow, the more draw there is on the electric motor,” Farrugia said.

THE STAINLESS REVOLUTION

AUSSIE’S GMP factory partners in Italy also have the ability to cast these great pumps in various material.

For example, for marine applications, they are specified in a nickel aluminium bronze, the same material used by the US Navy in their seawater systems on warships.

For dairy applications, mining and even chemical transfer, complete pump ends in 316 stainless steel are proving successful.

They are applied in dairy processing as well as in handling treated effluent.

Again, the configuration of the pump is identical to cast iron but, the material is both abrasive and corrosive resistant.

Dairies are now using these big 316 stainless steel pumps in their high pressure 3” configuration for handling treated effluent.

A typical performance might be a pump with 1,400 lpm flow and a total head of 26m.

Higher pressures are available but, that seems to be the popular selection at this stage.

To carry out that task, the pump, which comes on a heavy duty steel base plate, comes with a TFC three phase 415 volt electric motor, 5.5kW capacity.

Bigger pumps, with both higher heads and higher flows are also available in the same series.

Those pumps, in 316 stainless steel configuration don’t only have a place on the farm, they are also applied in the processing plant where they can handle caustics and compressible waste solids as needed.

PORTABLE TRASH PUMPS A VALUABLE AID

YOU’LL find Aussie Pumps’ range of heavy duty petrol or diesel drive trash pumps in a wide range of applications.

They’re pumping effluent on farms, waste products in processing plants and even working in some of Australia’s biggest and most efficient abattoirs.

The beauty of the trash pumps, with flows up to 1,800 lpm, is that they can move contaminated wastewater fast, even if it is solid laden.

The range includes pumps all the way from 2” through to 4” size.

The 4” pumps will handle 1½” compressible solids with ease.

The pumps are all self priming and feature the ability to draft water from depths as low as 7.6m.

Again, the trick is in the size of the tank built into the pump.

That’s why these pumps are called “Aussie Quick Primes”.

They all come in heavy duty frames with diesels being galvanised or stainless steel.

Petrol drive, a lighter weight version of the same pump, is fitted with powder coated frames.

All frames feature anti-vibration mounts.

The 2” pumps weigh in at about 56 to 60 kilos and are easy to move around the farm.

“People ask why trash pumps are selected for these chores,” Farrugia said.

“It’s because of the huge open non-clog style impeller in high

Aussie’s big 6” trash pump moves a whopping 6,000 lpm!

Aussie’s 4” portable trash pump moves clean and dirty water with ease. Good for pond aeration as well.

SG cast iron! That big impeller has no problem with livestock wastewater disposal and, a big front opening port, held in place by two toggles, means access to the internals of the pump within a matter of seconds for easy clean out.

Trolley mounted versions are also available.

WANT TO MOVE LOTS OF EFFLUENT? THE biggest trash pump in the range includes big 6” diesel engine drive pumps that will move up to 6,000 lpm of wastewater.

These big pumps have huge non-clog impellers and will handle solids of up to 3” diameter (76mm).

Best of all, the biggest in the range, Aussie’s MQ600TD, has a maximum head of 47m!

Yes, they self prime from 7.6m depths.

Australian Pump Industries believe that the recent Corona pandemic and the current political/economic situation is leading to a very strong swing back to Australian products.

The company is putting more and more time and effort into developing local manufacturing.

Their supply chain will enable them to respond to the market’s demands in both a prompt and efficient manner.

“We are seriously considering moving some of the castings from Italy to Australia next year,” Farrugia said.

“The best news is that dairy farmers now have access to the same 100% tax depreciation allowance leading up to Christmas. Nobody is sure it will continue into next year and the expectation currently is that it probably won’t.”

On that basis, dairy farmers should take advantage of this very generous opportunity to ensure they take advantage of Mr Morrison’s bounty before it ends.

We all know we’re in debt, thanks to Corona, but we can be confident that the country will soon pull out of it based on our fundamentals, i.e. a strong primary industry.

Those industries are the backbone of the economy, mining and farming.

Further information including a free catalogue on Aussie Pumps’ products, called “Aussie Pump Smart” is freely available from Australian Pump distributors.

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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19

RURAL NEWS

Innovative approach to cropping

Soilkee renovator inventor Neils Olsen explains the machines unique photographs supplied features.

YYLN hopes to demonstrate in the trials the benefits that may be obtainable on the coastal plain, with an average rainfall below 600mm, working with Healthy Farming Systems agronomist Jade Killoran in assessing soil properties.

“Maintaining ground cover to prevent soil erosion is a key aspect to the project, as well as monitoring soil samples for nutrient, carbon and soil biological activity,” he said.

Members of the Woodside and Merriman Creek Landcare Groups held an impromptu field day on June 11 to find out how this age-old technique may benefit their own operations, taking keen interest in the differences between

the Soilkee and a conventional air seeder.

The Soilkee Renovator combines cultivation, mulching, aeration and mixed species seeding to improve grazing systems and build soil carbon in one pass rather than just injecting seed into the soil.

Soilkee inventor Neils Olsen was the first Australian farmer to be issued soil carbon credits, which contribute towards Australia’s national target under the Paris Agreement and the first soil carbon credits worldwide to be eligible under Paris.

According to Mr Olsen’s website auditing of the soil’s uptake of carbon can lead to, “earning soil carbon credits as an extra income stream, incentivises and rewards farmers for increasing soil fertility, water infiltration and nutrient availability, in turn causing a sustainable increase in production, biodiversity and vitality in the landscapes, within and beyond agricultural boundaries.”

The website states “empowering farmers to build soil carbon, improving and maintaining soils as a renewable resource with the outcome of increased yields and a healthy farming system is now a reality. Soil carbon sequestration is a great foundation to build a sound future for agriculture and a healthy planet.”

Mr Elliott said the YYLN project would return to the trial sites after two rounds of multi-species planting and cropping to assess the measurable benefits. He concluded it was hoped the YYLN trial would encourage other groups to trial the techniques in their areas.

Merrimans Creek and Woodside Landcare members inspect the results of using the Soilkee Renovator in seeding pasture.

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AN innovative approach to multispecies cropping could provide farmers with a future income stream, store carbon in the soil, improve pasture production and help prevent wind blown soil erosion, as happened in Giffard and Seaspray during March 2019.

The Yarram Yarram Landcare Network has begun trials of multispecies cover cropping at three properties near Woodside and Seaspray, using funding from the National Landcare Smart Farms Small Grants program.

YYLN facilitator Scott Elliott explained the practice of multi species planting goes back to Roman times, with ground cover crops planted between grape vines or rows of olive trees, but this trial was the first to investigate its use in sequestering carbon in the soil in a low rainfall pasture-grazing context.

“As part of our multispecies trial project we are sowing a mix of tillage radish, peas, ryegrass, brassica, chicory and clover to assess what benefits this could provide to soil health,” Mr Elliott said.

“These are not species that are widely used in grazing or pasture.”

Sowing is being undertaken using the Soilkee Renovator invented by Hallora, West Gippsland, farmer Neils Olsen, which Mr Elliott said helps activate the soil’s biological activity, improves moisture absorption, allows bacteria and useful fungi development.

He said in high rainfall environments the technique had been responsible for a 50 to 100 per cent increase in pastural production.

20

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

July, 2020

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21

PADDOCK Automatic documentation with CLAAS

WITH its TELEMATICS platform, CLAAS is not only providing a quick overview of machine status and settings in real time, but also a convenient solution for reliable documentation of field and harvesting work.

The automatic documentation means that machine data and agronomic information can be assigned to specific areas in a time-saving and uncomplicated manner.

Once the field boundaries have been stored in TELEMATICS, the system automatically recognises the field in which the machine is located.

Based on the field boundaries and recorded tracks for each activity, the TELEMATICS platform then creates fieldrelated documentation for various parameters.

The system is fully automated which means that there is no additional work for the driver or in the office.

Documenting yield maps with NIR sensor

IN combination with a CLAAS JAGUAR, harvest quantities and measurement values of the NIR sensor can also be evaluated for each field.

22

Yield mapping with the JAGUAR is also possible via TELEMATICS using a DLG-approved NIR sensor.

The DLG-approved NIR sensor provides information about dry substance content and also about constituents such as starch, crude protein, crude fibre, crude ash, crude fat and sugar content.

The TELEMATICS platform also produces clear and- thanks to NIR measurement-highly precise yield maps for subareaspecific analysis.

Data and maps can be exported and transferred in

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

ISOXML format if required. In addition, the dosage quantity of the silage additive, which is controlled based on the NIR measurement, can also be documented.

Automatic data transfer - also from add-on devices THE TELEMATICS platform can now be directly connected to

many well-known farm management systems thanks to the new CLAAS API. As a result, field boundaries can be automatically transferred to the TELEMATICS platform, and the data from the automatic documentation is directly transferred to the respective farm management system.

This means that manual export and import of data is no longer necessary, which makes work considerably easier and

saves time. The TONI function in CLAAS TELEMATICS continues to be unique.

The ISOBUS interface can also be used to document data from stored add-on devices such as balers or loader wagons or, if necessary, to export it in ISOXML format.

Using DataConnect, the award-winning platform solution presented at Agritechnica 2019, it will also be possible in the future to display the mixed vehicle fleets with networked machines from John Deere, Case IH, Steyr and New Holland in TELEMATICS. TELEMATICS is fitted as standard on many CLAAS tractors and harvesters and, in addition to documentation, offers digital dealer support through remote service, on request.

This includes the transmission of faults to the responsible CLAAS sales and service partner, who can order and deliver the right spare part after remote diagnosis, thereby saving time.

A proactive maintenance plan is a further component of the remote service for sophisticated, rapid and perfectly-timed maintenance that is optimally tailored to the customer.

July, 2020

July, 2020

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

23

PADDOCK 3D printers produce full face shields MASSEY Ferguson used its 3D printing capacity to donate full face shields to its community medical staff heroes working hard to save lives from the coronavirus pandemic.

AGCO and Massey Ferguson responded to the call of the specially created French nonprofit organisation ‘Les Visieres de l’Espoir’ - ‘Hope’s Face Shields’ initiated by 3DNatives. com, a French specialised 3D printing media.

The project was initiated after 3D Natives learned from the Caen’s Hospital (Normandy, France) that due to increased pressure on resources, the hospital was really short on protective equipment.

‘Les Visieres de l’Espoir’ ‘Hope’s Face Shields’ leverages the powerful action of a network of France-based companies putting together their skills and additive manufacturing capacities to ease the work of heroes with the aim to respond to the immediate demand of 13,000 face shields coming from 94 hospitals and medical centres across France.

“The Massey Ferguson team is humbled by the opportunity to help,” AGCO Beauvais vice-president of manufacturing Boussaf Bouaouli said.

“As part of our new Vertical Integration’s activities planned

A closer look at the full face shields being produced in France by Massey Ferguson’s 3D printers.

The full face shields being produced by Massey Ferguson in France.

for our factory extension, names Beauvais 4, we are close to starting our Additive Manufacturing activities to produce a small series of parts for our tractor’s production as well as our new tractor’s personalisation workshop.

“After successful weeks of testing, this activity was planned to start April 1, 2020. However, with our manufacturing activities being

temporarily on hold because of the coronavirus breakout, we see Additive Manufacturing as a modest contribution, yet full of meaning, from us to help stop the pandemic.

“The strengths of additive manufacturing and 3D printing - print anything, adapt on the fly - make it an opportunity to help address shortages of parts related to face shields among other things.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

“The face shield has a 3D printed frame and a transparent plastic shield to provide protection for workers. The design and production process has been fully approved by the Caen’s Hospital medical staff based in Normandy, France.

“As part of ‘Les Visieres de l’Espoir’ - ‘Hope’s Face Shields’ initiative, HP, our 3D printer, is providing the printing compound, while Decathlon (sports

goods producer and retailer) provides the transparent plastic shield and supports the overall logistics.

“The Massey Ferguson Additive Manufacturing team ensures the printing of the frame, the assembly of the full face shield and the delivery to medical staff, as other members of the initiative’s network are doing such as LOreal, BASF, Lactalis, Aereco, Proteor, Sculpteo and Solvay amongst others.”

Case IH introduces Harvest Command to the local market

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CASE IH’s Advanced Farming Systems Harvest Command was introduced to the local market through the latest Axial-Flow 250 Series combines, launched at last year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

This new combine automation allows for settings such as rotor speed, rotor cage vane angle, cleaning fan speed and sieve positions to be continuously monitored and adjusted as conditions change - without driver intervention.

In fact, the AFS Harvest Command automation on the 250 Series uses 16 sensors to control a total of seven combine functions.

Case IH hay and harvest product manager Tim Slater said with this level of automation, even less experienced operators could achieve a similar level of productivity and performance to their more experienced counterparts.

“AFS Harvest Command automatically adjusts itself based upon feedback from sensors and targets the maximum ground speed and engine load as set by the

operator,” Mr Smith said.

“The additional advantage is there is no time required to establish a baseline as can be required on competitor machines.

“The results we’ve seen in the field and the feedback we’re getting from our customers means we’re proud to say this is the most impressive combine automation product on the market.”

Corn, soybeans, wheat and canola are already supported by the technology, and Mr Smith said a further version of AFS Harvest Command for barley would be introduced this year.

AFS Harvest Command monitors everything from ground speed and engine load all the way up to feedrate control and sieve settings, based on the feedback from the loss sensors, a grain camera and sieve pressure sensors.

These sieve pressure sensors are unique to CNH Industrial brands, including Case IH’s AFS Harvest Command and vital for ensuring the optimum performance of the combine.

The sensors provide for the relay of data concerning the load on the sieve, which in turn allows the system to determine the difference between sieve overload and blow-out losses.

A grain camera monitors grain quality, including cracked and broken kernels, as well as foreign material, allowing for the adjustment of settings as required.

“Simplicity, grain savings, grain quality and crop adaptability have always been at the heart of our Axial-Flow series,” Mr Smith said.

“The addition of AFS Harvest Command only serves to reinforce the benefits of these features and importantly, extend them into uncharted territory, where increased performance, efficiency and productivity are the reward.”

“What this technology can do is something we’ve never seen before, and what Case IH is currently developing and refining will ensure AFS Harvest Command remains a market leader, continuing to revolutionise the harvesting sector.”

July, 2020

WEATHER OUTLOOK June Rainfall Observations for Eastern Victoria (source: BOM)

Rainfall outlook across Australia for the period July to September.

East Sale Airport.........17.8mm Hogan Island...............38.2mm Latrobe Valley.............33.2mm Mount Baw Baw.......113.8mm Mount Moornapa................N/A Wilsons Promontory.88.6mm Yanakie ........................63.4mm Yarram Airport............28.0mm Bairnsdale....................12.0mm Combienbar................31.0mm

Victoria’s rainfall for the month of June.

Gabo Island.................17.8mm Gelantipy .....................32.4mm Lakes Entrance...........31.0mm Mallacoota...................58.8mm Mount Nowa Nowa....34.8mm Omeo...........................27.0mm Orbost..........................30.6mm Point Hicks...........................N/A Pound Creek...............68.2mm Wonthaggi...................76.0mm

GIPPSLAND’S

Cattle Market REPORT PAKENHAM LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Monday, June 22

There were approximately 800 export and 380 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 130 head week-on-week.

The usual buying group was present and all competing in a mostly dearer market. Quality declined with fewer prime lots among a larger proportion of secondary cattle. Well finished young cattle suited to the trade sold mostly 10c to 20c/kg dearer. Grown steers and bullocks improved 15c to 20c/kg.

Manufacturing steers sold firm. Cows sold mostly firm to slightly easier while heavy bulls lifted 20c/kg.

Vealers sold from 340c to 463c/kg. Yearling trade steers made from 372c to 448c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade sold from 350c to 441c/kg.

Grown steers made from 380c to 413c after a top of 434c/kg for a few heavy Euro bred steers. Bullocks sold from 382c to 406c/kg. Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers made from 320c to 332c with the crossbred portion making from 320c to 380c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows sold from 227c to 300c/kg. Heavy weight cows made mostly from 262c to 340c/kg. A handful of heavy bulls sold from 312c to 322c/kg.

Yarding 1177

Weight

Grade Score

Carcass

Live Weight c/kg Low

High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

330-400

B,C,D,2,3

355

400

371.5

-24

686

1207

1440

1302

400+

B,C,D,2,3

350

448

405.7

9

734

1750

2128

1858

Yearling Heifer 330-400

B,C,D,2,3

325

431

382.9

14

706

1163

1640

1390

400+

B,C,D,2,3

324

441

400.1

18

720

1426

2387

1960

Grade Score

Live Weight c/kg

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Low

High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

380

448

432.3

49

753

1755

2141

2063

Yearling Steer 400+

B,C,D,2,3

Yearling Heifer 330-400

B,C,D,2,3

372

372

372

N/Q

676

1488

1488

1488

400+

B,C,D,2,3

345

390

368.3

9

669

1604

1794

1669

B,C,D,2,3

405

405

405

14

723

1337

1337

1337

B,C,D,2,3

352

426

405.8

N/Q

729

1162

1393

1326

Vealer Steer 280-330 Vealer Heifer

Vealer Steer B,C,D,2,3

375

428

397.5

-6

712

1125

1412

1276

280-330 Grown Steer

Vealer Heifer 280-330

Change 46

Carcass

Yearling Steer

280-330

Yarding 415

Weight

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Thursday, June 18

There were approximately 300 export and 120 young cattle penned representing an increase of 45 head week-on-week.

The usual buying group was present and operating in a mostly dearer market. Quality was mixed with a good selection of vealers while there were more secondary lots in the grown. Trade cattle sold mostly 10c to 15c/kg. Grown steers and bullocks improved 10c/kg for plainer quality. Cows sold 5c to 15c dearer while heavy bulls eased 15c/kg.

Vealers sold from 352c to 450c/kg. Yearling trade steers made from 380c to 448c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade sold from 345c to 390c/kg.

Grown steers and bullocks made from 340c to 360c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows sold from 230c to 312c/kg.

Heavy weight cows made mostly from 252c to 325c/kg. Heavy bulls sold from 263c to 300c/kg.

Category

Change -130

Category

BAIRNSDALE LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

B,C,D,2,3

390

424

408.6

14

737

1272

1386

1333

Grown Steer

500-600

B,C,D,2,3

340

360

353

-11

644

1852

2027

1953

600-750

B,C,D,2,3

340

352

345.2

7

637

2131

2261

2170

B,C,D,2,3

279

323

306.3

15

614

1487

1869

1763

500-600

B,C,D,2,3

380

434

401.5

19

731

2090

2442

2334

Cows

600-750

B,C,D,2,3

382

385

383.5

9

704

2406

2483

2445

520+

Cows 520+

B,C,D,2,3

272

340

296.7

-16

602

1481

2380

1748

LEONGATHA LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE GIPPSLAND REGIONAL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Tuesday, June 16

There were approximately 170 export and 40 young cattle penned representing an increase of 40 head week-on-week.

The usual buying group was present and operating in a dearer market in places. Quality was limited to a sprinkling of prime cattle while manufacturing grades made up the bulk of the offering. A handful of vealers sold to solid demand. A few grown steers sold a little dearer. Manufacturing steers sold firm. Cows sold a little dearer.

Vealers sold from 349c to 419c/kg. Yearling trade steers made from 360c to 417c/kg. Grown steers sold from 346c to 361c/kg. Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers made from 291c to 305c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows sold from 218c to 267c/kg. Heavy weight cows made mostly from 261c to 320c/kg. A couple of heavy bulls made 253c and 271c/kg.

Yarding 210

Live Weight c/kg

Yarding 1686

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head

Low

High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

B,C,D,2,3

360

417

391.8

N/Q

696

1585

1981

1837

Vealer Heifer B,C,D,2,3

363

363

363

N/Q

672

1089

1089

1089

B,C,D,2,3

346

361

349

N/Q

633

1920

1990

1977

B,C,D,2,3

275

317

288.7

N/Q

601

1485

2061

1697

Grown Steer 500-600 Cows 520+

Market figures supplied by Meat and Livestock Australia’s National Livestock Reporting Service

July, 2020

Weight

Grade Score

Carcass

Yearling Steer

280-330

Change -109

Category

Grade Score

Carcass

400+

There were approximately 1,390 export and 300 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 100 head week-on-week.

The usual buying group was present and all competing in a dearer market. Quality was more limited with fewer prime lots among a larger proportion of secondary cattle. Trade cattle sold up to 20c/kg dearer. Grown steers and bullocks lifted 6c to 10c/kg. Manufacturing steers gained 11c to 15c/kg. Cows improved around 10c/kg on most sales with the lighter dairy cows holding firm. Heavy bulls lifted slightly.

Vealers sold from 332c to 459c/kg. Yearling trade steers made from 390c to 400c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade sold from 355c to 442c/kg.

Grown steers made mostly from 362c to 392c with the feeder lots reaching 399c/kg. Bullocks sold from 366c to 392c/kg.

Heavy grown heifers made from 335c to 370c/kg. Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers sold from 310c to 336c with the crossbred portion from 315c to 375c/kg.

Most light and medium weight cows made from 226c to 284c/kg. Heavy weight cows sold mostly from 252c to 335c/kg.

Heavy bulls made from 269c to 320c/kg.

Change 42

Category Weight

Wednesday, June 17

Live Weight c/kg Low

Estimated Estimated Carcass c/kg $/Head High

Avg

Change

Avg

Low

High

Avg

Yearling Steer 330-400

B,C,D,2,3

380

380

380

38

704

1425

1425

1425

400+

B,C,D,2,3

360

400

375.8

14

692

1615

1953

1862

Yearling Heifer 330-400

B,C,D,2,3

370

394

384.5

N/Q

702

1425

1560

1511

400+

B,C,D,2,3

313

442

381.1

26

704

1377

2321

1816

Grown Steer 500-600

B,C,D,2,3

365

392

382.6

9

702

2036

2352

2198

600-750

B,C,D,2,3

366

386

375.3

6

692

2388

2654

2534

B,C,D,2,3

275

320

305.4

13

624

1513

2000

1768

Cows 520+

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

25

RURAL NEWS

Action plan will develop momentum with Maher AN agribusiness leader has been named to help develop the National Feral Pig Action Plan.

Former Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation Group chief executive John Maher was confirmed as steering group chair to lead the development of the action plan.

Mr Maher will help to deliver a preliminary action plan to the federal agriculture department by January 2021, working with program coordinator Heather Channon and a range of stakeholders.

The $1.4 million federal government initiative, overseen by Australian Pork Ltd, is developing a national framework for feral pig management.

Mr Maher served as ILSC Group chief executive leading a major company transformation while overseeing the management of 2.5 million hectares of land, mainly for agricultural and tourism.

He was was also managing director and chief executive of Ruralco Holdings for nine years, and held senior roles at Wesfarmers and AWB, where he led the Landmark business - now Nutrien.

Mr Maher serves as a director on several agribusiness boards and said he identified strongly with the objectives of the project.

“I’m excited to play this leadership role to better manage feral pigs through coordinated and consolidated national planning,” Mr Maher said.

“Feral pig populations have wreaked horrific damage across the country at a high cost to industries like red meat and cropping for too long.”

APL chief executive Margo Andrae said Mr Maher’s involvement was a coup for the program.

“John is highly regarded for his significant leadership and governance skills, built over more than 25 years in high-level executive roles across Australian agribusiness,” Ms Andrae said.

“Farmers, traditional owners, environmental managers and regional communities are united in the fight against feral pigs.

Ms Andrae said feral pigs cost Australian agriculture more than $100 million a year.

“Wild populations in Asia and Europe have spread African swine fever across national borders, killing millions of domestic pigs,” she said.

“A large-scale outbreak of ASF in Australia could cost nearly $2 billion over five years.”

Dr Channon said she was looking forward to drawing on Mr Maher’s experience working with landholders, especially in remote parts of northern Australia where feral pigs are most prevalent.

She said modelling had indicated there could be up to 24 million feral pigs in Australia, covering 45 per cent of the national landmass.

26

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

The Budgeree community is in limbo waiting for a heritage assessment over the locality’s 1873 school building.

photograph michelle slater

Prioritise Budgeree’s heritage

By MICHELLE SLATER

THE Budgeree community is in limbo waiting for a heritage assessment over the locality’s 1873 school building which is deteriorating due to a lack of maintenance.

Budgeree hall secretary Leanne Potter is hoping Heritage Victoria will prioritise the school before the end of the year after she made a submission with the government agency three years ago.

“The school is deteriorating significantly and it will take a lot more to restore than what was originally quoted, this is my big concern,” Ms Potter said.

“We consider this school is under threat because of a lack of maintenance, we are still in limbo and very concerned.”

Heritage Victoria prioritises its assessments based on if a building is under threat or is likely to meet a state level of cultural heritage significance.

Ms Potter understands the Budgeree School is the only unchanged building of its type left in Victoria, complete with the original hall and head master’s house on either side.

“People are still asking what is happening to it. We have visitors come on the weekends to look at it and past students or previous

locals looking at it as it’s their last connection to the area,” Ms Potter said.

It was closed in the early 1990s, but still holds significant value to the community after generations of locals attended the school.

Ms Potter said as a matter of urgency there needed new guttering to stop water from flowing under the building, but otherwise the school was “very salvageable”.

The building is owned by Latrobe City Council which had quoted $220,000 to get up to scratch, but had previously rated the building as “low use”

and wanted to hand it to the state government.

Ms Potter was also still waiting for a reply from Latrobe City out of concern that no progress had been made on the building after it was last brought up at council 18 months ago.

Heritage Victoria had said in an email to Ms Potter that it had already prioritised its assessments until the end of 2020.

However, it would look into the possibility of including Budgeree school in its assessments later this year, but would be more likely next year.

Gippsland Farmer contacted Latrobe City for a reply.

EPA says don’t add to the waste pile THE Environment Protection Authority Victoria is warning farmers to think twice before tossing farm waste into their burn-off piles, as it could be costly to both them and the environment.

EPA Gippsland regional manager Jessica Bandiera said many waste items turn toxic the moment they go into the fire.

Ms Bandiera said silage wrap, chemical containers and old tyres don’t burn properly, but it will produce toxic smoke.

She said this sends residue

into the atmosphere, waterways and creates chemical contamination that persists in the soil.

“Silage wrap, some chemical containers and tyres can be recycled into building and fencing materials and floor matting,” Ms Bandiera said.

“Send it to landfill or a recycling facility.”

Fallen trees or other natural wood being burnt should be as dry as possible to keep down the volume of smoke, and farmers should make sure they have any relevant council or CFA permits.

Timber from buildings, furniture or other manufactured products must not be burnt because it has probably been chemically treated.

The EPA can fine offenders more than $8000 for burning anything other than vegetationsourced matter like timber and crop stubble.

“Most farmers understand the importance to their livelihood and their community of preventing contamination of the soil, water and air around them, and EPA uses a fine as a

last resort,” Ms Bandiera said.

“By thinking twice about what goes onto the pile when burning off, you can protect the environment and the wellbeing of your farm, your family and your neighbours,” she said.

For more information on waste disposal and recycling, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au or local council websites.

To report suspected pollution, call the EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).

Potato festival a casualty of COVID-19 THE Thorpdale Potato Festival has become another casualty of COVID-19 with organisers announcing next year’s community event has been cancelled.

The festival’s marketing officer Barbara Butterworth said it was not an easy decision for the committee to make.

She said the “rejuvenated, re-invigorated and

completely refreshed” festival was cancelled after considering health and welfare, sponsors, community and hardship caused by the pandemic.

Ms Butterworth said organisers hoped the festival would “bounce back” in March 2022, on the Sunday of the Labour Day long weekend.

The Thorpdale Potato Festival has been scrapped for 2021, but plans to return in 2022.

July, 2020

GIPPSLAND SPORT

Time is called on senior seasons FOOTBALL

BY LIAM DURKIN

July, 2020

A number of Gippsland’s football leagues cancelled their season in the last week of June, including the Gippsland, North Gippsland, Mid Gippsland and East Gippsland competitions. But hope remains junior football photograph supplied and netball will be played in 2020.

Warragul, and the fact a number of Gippsland League players live and study in Melbourne, the risks associated were just too high.

The West Gippsland competition found itself in a similar position, as a number of its member clubs reside even closer to suburbs on the outskirts of Melbourne.

For the NGFNL, its chances were not helped once a case was detected in the Latrobe Valley recently.

Upon making the announcement, the North Gippsland FNL said “we could not justify or envisage a return to ‘business as usual’ and nor are we prepared to risk the health and wellbeing of people nor club sustainability”.

Arguably the greatest barrier in place for clubs centred around the need to allow a one-hour gap between games in order for changerooms to be properly cleaned and sterilised.

The situation would have been a huge burden on club volunteers, and potentially could have also meant games did not finish until around 9pm.

While every provision was made to allow some return to play, in the eyes of the majority it was always going to be a tough ask to get senior football and netball back in 2020.

The first Gippsland-based league to make the call was East Gippsland, after member clubs voted unanimously to cancel the season on June 24.

Boisdale-Briagolong Football-Netball Club president Ryan Evans admitted the news didn’t come as a great shock.

“It wasn’t really a surprise at all,” he said.

“The league had been in regular contact with member clubs over the past few months so we’ve had a pretty good feel on where the

different clubs have been at, in terms of their varying motivations to get back on the field and court this year.

“As the months went on, and restrictions continued, it started to look more and more likely that we wouldn’t see our teams in action this year.

“It probably felt more of a formality when the final decision was made.”

With people now able to get on with other things, Evans said the club would turn its attention to 2021.

“Obviously everyone is disappointed that we won’t be playing any senior football and netball in 2020,” he said.

“We felt that all of our teams were in a very healthy position prior to the onset of the pandemic, and were looking forward to a competitive year.

To this end, we were going to do everything that we could do to get our teams back on the park.

“The situation had, however, put an increasing strain on club volunteers and we knew, through the regular surveying of our playing group, that they were starting to lose interest in playing an abbreviated season.

“We had to consider a number of other factors as well, including the fact that there was no certainty that crowds would be permitted this year, the additional burden that would be placed on club volunteers (in attempting to comply with the hygiene protocols), the shortened season length, the impact that a season extending into October would have on a start date of the 2021 season and, of course, the health of our members.

“In the end, the club committee voted unanimously to abandon the season.

“By making this call, we have been able to remove any uncertainty regarding the weeks ahead, which does come as a relief, and already

our thoughts have turned to the 2021 season.”

The Bombers won’t be totally off the park this season, with the club’s youth girls team set to play in coming weeks.

Fellow East Gippsland club Stratford is putting a positive spin on things, with a number of initiatives in the pipeline.

“We will still be running training on a Thursday night for our football and netball sides for those who want to keep up their fitness,” club president Matt Telling explained.

“We are hoping to get our junior football and netballers into a local competition when they start back up.

“As a club we will continue our monthly Swan lotto and hopefully as restrictions ease we can hold some other social functions.”

In a silver lining, the layoff will allow capital works at the Swans’ home ground to be completed without causing any major disruption.

Had the season gone ahead, the Swans could have been facing the daunting prospect of not playing any home games.

“We are looking forward to season 2021 with our new football and netball change rooms and facilities,” Telling said.

As leagues across Gippsland made what would have been a gut-wrenching decision, ultimately, perspective was needed in putting games of football and netball in context to a worldwide health pandemic.

Attention will now turn to various junior leagues and competitions that have been given the green light.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

GP1610176

MOST of Gippsland’s football and netball leagues pulled the pin on senior seasons in the last week of June.

The Gippsland, North Gippsland, West Gippsland and Alberton leagues joined the East Gippsland and Mid Gippsland leagues in deciding that too much was running against administrators and more importantly, club volunteers, to facilitate a practical return to play.

The Gippsland League will play a nine-round season, plus three weeks of finals, for junior football and netball.

The season will begin Saturday, July 18, with the grand finals the weekend of October 10.

While the NGFNL hopes to play junior competitions this year, the EGFNL decision to abandon its season affects all grades of football and netball.

The Sale and District and Traralgon and District junior football leagues and Gippsland Youth Girls are set to play from Sunday, July 12.

At time of writing, six of the eight Gippsland-based senior leagues have been abandoned, leaving only Omeo and District and Ellinbank and District remaining.

Ellinbank and District appears certain to be called off after the league publicly stated almost a month ago all restrictions needed to be lifted in order for the league to be viable.

There is a chance Omeo and District will press ahead in a compromised format, whichwill see only four of its six clubs compete after Omeo-Benambra and Swan Reach opted out.

On June 26, the NGFNL and West Gippsland FNC made the decision to abandoned its senior seasons, while the Gippsland League followed suit the next day and Alberton on June 29.

The decision to abandon the Alberton season could see the end of the 74-yearold league, with an AFL Victoria-commissioned report recommending its clubs join Mid Gippsland next year.

Word quickly got around from various league meetings seasons would not go ahead, as some players and coaches were told in the strictest confidence what was happening before anything was publicly announced.

While the news didn’t come as any great surprise to club members, there was still a period of acceptance for those who had been training since November to allow the reality of the fact that there would be no senior football or netball to sink in.

The Gippsland League had some renewed hope after return to play guidelines did not specifically say restrictions on crowd numbers would be capped, however, the final nail in the coffin could well have come once Pakenham was classed as a high risk suburb.

Given Pakenham’s close proximity to Drouin and

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

July, 2020