Gippsland Farmer Feb 2021

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Phone: (03) 5135 4444

February, 2021

Autumn

BULL SALES PREVIEW pages 17-25

THIS IS A FINE MESS By MICHELLE SLATER

A YARRAGON goat farmer at the centre of an animal activist invasion is calling on the state government to carry out a recommendation handed down from an inquiry into farm trespass. Gippy Goat Cafe owner John Gommans told Gippsland Farmer he was “disappointed” that the government has failed to introduce on-the-spot fines to stop animal activists breaking into farms and stealing livestock. It comes after more than a year after the inquiry report was handed down and six months since the state government agreed to the recommendation. “It’s definitely too late and extremely disappointing the government has been unable to follow through on its promises,” Mr Gommans said. “Since the inquiry was held and findings were released and promises were made, nothing’s happened. All in all, it’s a joke.” Mr Gommans fronted the inquiry after his

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“Farmers deserve to feel safe in their own homes, but Victoria’s weak farm trespass rules embolden extreme activists to break the law - instead of deterring them,” Ms Bath said. “Victorian farmers were expecting to see the Andrews Labor Government implement on-the-spot fines with the same urgency as New South Wales, but frustrating there has only been inaction.” Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas the state government was progressing several of the recommendations. “Despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, including disruptions to the sitting of Parliament, several recommendations have progressed and further engagement across government and industry will take place this year,” Ms Thomas said. “This work takes time to make sure we get the balance right and it meets the needs of industry.”

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farm was invaded by radical vegan activists two years ago, stealing multiple animals from his property. He was forced to close his public onfarm cafe after the property was attacked multiple times by activists and subjected to sustained online abuse. Mr Gommans called on the new Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas to “show some leadership” on the matter and “protect farmers from illegal activities”. The state government had agreed to carry out 13 of the 15 recommendations in a Parliamentary Inquiry into Animal Activists on Victorian Agriculture. This included introducing on-the-spot fines for farm trespass as part of stronger biosecurity laws to minimise the risk of activists spreading pests and diseases. Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath helped establish the inquiry, also called on the state government to implement these fines in line with New South Wales.

RURAL NEWS

China’s trade sanctions add to the headaches of farmers ADDITIONAL Chinese trade sanctions on Australian farming products has “frightened� Wellington Shire wool growers after a painful year, and sent the industry into a frantic search for alternative markets. Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey, who recently visited Wellington and East Gippsland shire farms, said sheep farmers could be the hardest hit by the China-Australia trade spat, with fears wool might join a growing list of Australian commodities no longer accepted by China. It is estimated by industry insiders that about 75 per cent of the Australia wool industry’s income relies on Chinese demand. Any loss of markets now would add salt to the wounds inflicted by the wool price crash of recent months caused by the United StatesChina trade wars. “There is now a lot of work going on behind the scenes to try to find other markets, particularly in Asia or Europe, so we can hope it can eventually level itself out,� Mr Tuohey explained. “But the loss of the Chinese market would take the cream off for many farmers.� Import bans are not the only challenge facing all local farmers, says the former Victorian Farmers Federation president, whose visit focused largely on drought resilience and the take up of government assistance. There is also the corporatisation of farms, the rising price of Gippsland agricultural land, and the increasing costs of farming. Most Wellington Shire farmers should be able to more efficiently manage drought in coming years, but those who don’t make changes to

Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey recently visited farms in the Wellington and East Gippsland Shires. He said sheep farmers could be hardest hit by the China-Australia trade spat, with fears wool might join a growing list of Australian commodities no longer accepted by China. photograph supplied

their business model and embrace technology will not survive. Mr Tuohey said average rainfalls across much of East Gippsland and part of Wellington throughout spring had locked many farmers into an ongoing struggle to drought proof their farms and improve management practices to

try to survive. He spoke to farmers from as far south as Giffard West and Stradbroke to Benambra and Swifts Creek in East Gippsland, seeking feedback to provide advice to government on how they can best be supported into the future. With one of his briefs being the rollout of the state government’s $31 million drought support package, Mr Tuohey had a focus on identifying what the take up of grants had been, what obstacles were in the way, and what the future looked like for local farmers. He said it was good to see a lot of Wellington farmers had taken up management, infrastructure and drought resilience grants, to prepare them for more dry years. But he said those who hadn’t sought assistance and were not upgrading farm infrastructure were the ones who would suffer the most, and potentially be pushed out of the industry. “There has always been a level of attrition, but it’s the farmers who don’t look at changing old practices that will go first,� he said. With farming becoming more expensive due to water, stock and feed pressures, and the global appeal of Gippsland, some smaller farms around the Wellington Shire were being swallowed up by big buyers and “corporates�, and this was unlikely to change, he said. “In fact it’s happening all across Australia. “There are a lot of lifestyle farmers or smaller family farms under pressure and being tempted to sell,� he said. “And with the price of land in Gippsland now very high, that is unlikely to change.�

Tutors sought RURAL charity Aussie Helpers is looking volunteer tutors to provide one-on-one learning to distance education students in remote Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. The Aussie Helpers Volunteer for Isolated Students Education program tutor Aleksandra Pozder said direct attention is integral to students’ development, especially when they are learning remotely. “One-on-one learning provided by a tutor complements remote education and can substantially improve academic achievement, curiosity and enthusiasm,� she said. It comes as a recent Grattan Institute study found that some students will require three-to-five weekly tutoring sessions to make up for learning lost during lockdown. “Our classrooms have changed in recent years and teaching methods, technology, subject choices and assessment metrics have all transformed education for the students of today,� Ms Pozder said. The AHVISE program is funded by donations to Aussie Helpers which covers the cost of travel for tutors. For more information, visit ahvise.org.au.

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February, 2021

RURAL NEWS

State opposition leader Michael O’Brien (second from right) and Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien (left) met with Latrobe River irrigators in Rosedale last month. Pictured with the two MPs are Rosedale farmers Richard Crooke, Jim Dean, Latrobe River Irrigators group chairman Angus Zilm and Kilmany farmer Frank Mills. photographs liam durkin

State opposition leader Michael O’Brien, Kilmany farmer Frank Mills and Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien.

Opposition leader visits Rosedale By LIAM DURKIN

STATE opposition leader Michael O’Brien was in Rosedale last month, meeting with farmers reliant on irrigation water from the Latrobe River. With uncertainty surrounding exactly where water to fill the Hazelwood mine will come from, talk of using water from the Latrobe River has local irrigators anxious. Mr O’Brien said it was critical the state government provided reassurance to farmers. “These farmers are very productive, but you can’t farm without water and they need to be assured that the government won’t be taking water that should be theirs or water that should be for the environment, and putting it into abandoned mines down at Hazelwood,” he said. Mr O’Brien said it was a “critical issue”. “We know there is an issue with rehabilitation of the Hazelwood mine sites, but the question is where is that water going to come from? “And we’re certainly here to say it cannot come at the expense of our farmers. “The government needs to give the community certainty.

“It’s really important for everyone in Gippsland that relies on farming and agricultural activity. “We need to know how the government is going to resolve this issue with the old Hazelwood mine sites. “We don’t want to see any subsidence, but you cannot afford to take water away from our farmers or even our environment to put down old mines.” The Latrobe River Irrigators group, formed last year, believes the best course of action would be to allocate existing water currently held in the Blue Rock system toward farmers. Latrobe River Irrigators chairman Angus Zilm said this would enable farmers to grow more crops, and grow more food and fibre “which ultimately would be better for the economy in the broader Gippsland area”. “We’re concerned that water is not being used for productive use,” Mr Zilm said. “If the mines were to use that water and put it into the pit, then we would not have our reliable water - and that would be detrimental to irrigators along the system. “It would affect all the crops they grow, it would affect their viability and ultimately their ability to employ staff and the flow-on

benefits for the region. We are extremely reliant on the river. “A lot of the farmers use irrigation water to create a season, so we’ll irrigate right through the summer or we’ll start a season off in the autumn or extend a season a bit longer in the spring - we just simply can’t do it without irrigation water. “It’s vital to make sure we can guarantee yields.” Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien agreed more had to be done to help farmers, adding there was scope to further develop the agricultural sector in the area. “Certainly one of the great opportunities is the vast amounts of water that is unused in the Latrobe system that could go to expanding irrigated agriculture in the Central Gippsland area,” he said. “It’s a really good opportunity to help us transition as the power stations close there are good, long-term sustainable jobs and industries in irrigated agriculture and horticulture. “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to convince the government there’s merit in that and there is work happening on it now. “The important thing is that the government mustn’t throw that away by having

any of the Latrobe water go into pit lakes in the mines. “I think we can work through the solutions - and I understand the difficulty and complexity of maintaining stable landforms around the mines - but we certainly don’t want to see any of that unused water going into pit lakes. “That water should be going into expanding irrigation in the region, creating more jobs for Gippsland.” Hazelwood operator ENGIE plans to begin filling the mine void this year, which could take decades. In a statement, an ENGIE spokesperson said ENGIE Hazelwood’s approach to filling the mine void had been “designed to manage environmental concerns, and will not affect the access or entitlements of any other water user in the short or long term”. “We continue to discuss future water source options like recycled and desalinated water with government and relevant regulators,” the statement read. In December, government documents revealed there would not be enough water in the Latrobe River system to create pit lakes out of the Latrobe Valley’s mine voids under forecast climate scenarios.

New VFF chief executive officer brings experience THE Victorian Farmers Federation has announced its new chief executive officer Jane Lovell, who will join the ranks this month. Ms Lovell is coming to the role with industry experience as AgriFutures National Rural Issues National Rural Issues manager and Seafood Industry Australia chief executive. Her appointment followed a robust recruitment process conducted by Pacific

Search Partners which considered more than 100 applicants. The process began in mid-2020 but was briefly delayed due to COVID-19 and the 2020 VFF elections. Ms Lovell said she felt “extremely privileged” to lead the VFF. “We have some real challenges ahead to promote and secure the critical role farming has in our communities and for our state,” Ms Lovell said.

“I look forward to getting out and connecting with our members to better understand their priorities and concerns, and to working with the VFF team to provide a strong, united voice for Victorian farmers.” VFF president Emma Germano said the appointment was “super exciting” for the VFF. “Jane will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role and I look

forward to working with Jane in continuing to move the VFF forward,” Ms Germano said. “As the VFF looks to grow our membership and refocus our efforts to return value to our membership and influence government decision making, this external appointment will help to ensure the VFF is a contemporary organisation that represents today’s Victorian farming sector.”

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RURAL NEWS

Collective’s major growth Livestock

must be fit to load

By MICHELLE SLATER

A SOUTH Gippsland food collective that promotes locallygrown ethical and sustainable produce quadrupled its earnings in the past 12 months with close to a million dollars in sales in 2020. The Prom Coast Food Collective took in more than $930,000 last year, boosted by COVID-19 lockdowns when people were looking for food provenance and secure supply. Co-founder Sally Ruljancich said the collective went from taking an average of $20,000 a month to $20,000 a week when lockdowns hit, and expected the buoyancy to continue. “We just went bang! And we haven’t looked back, our whole model changed overnight in these circumstances,” Ms Ruljancich said. The Prom Coast Food Collective was formed in 2017 by Ms Ruljancich - an organic lamb and beef producer - and Amelia Bright, who operates Amber Creek Farms producing pasture-raised pork. It has grown into a thriving network making about 150 deliveries a week to as far away as Ballarat, with about 25 South Gippsland-based producers, who receive 90 cents in the dollar from every order, on board. Ms Ruljancich said they had the “best interests” of the farmers at heart, and also supported

Members of the Prom Coast Food Collective celebrate a mammoth year in 2020.

local drivers and packers, adding further security to the region. “We do this with absolute passion, we know our customer base and we know all our farmers, there is a trust,” she said. “We represent local, secure supply and delivery and people can talk to us. “When we started contactless

delivery, people told us they got what they ordered, but some things were missing from their orders from the larger supermarkets.” Ms Ruljancich said she customers are continue to support the collective post lockdown looking for ways to “shop better”. “We see this is a permanent

photograph supplied

kick-up and we will see more and more of this. We want to supply more of everything to more people,” she said. “People had more time to consider what it meant to get the basics in life, particularly those people locked-down in metro Melbourne, many of these people have stayed on with us.”

AGRICULTURE Victoria is reminding producers, agents and transporters that livestock must be fit for load for the journey ahead. Animals should not be transported if they are lame, too weak, emaciated or dehydrated, distressed, injured or diseased, blind in both eyes, or are in late pregnancy. Livestock welfare compliance program manager Rachael Holmes said all parties across the livestock supply chain should be aware of their obligations when transporting livestock. “Livestock must be inspected prior to being loaded and they must not be suffering from conditions that could cause, or would be likely to cause, increased pain or distress during transport,” Dr Holmes said. “It is the responsibility of each person in charge of the animal at each step of the supply chain, to make that assessment, and to make appropriate arrangements for the care, treatment or humane destruction of any animals that are deemed to be unfit for transportation.” Abattoirs and saleyards also have a duty of care of any animals they receive, and any that arrive in poor condition could be reported to the department for investigation.

PLANNING ON TRAVELLING INTERSTATE ?

ALL VICTORIANS RE-ENTERING VICTORIA WILL NEED A PERMIT To help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), all Victorians travelling interstate must apply for a permit to re-enter Victoria.

Do not travel to a red zone. To find out whether your destination is in a red, orange, or green zone, visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

February, 2021

An opportunity to get creative

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The Great Southern Bale Trail art project coordinator Louisa Vale. photograph supplied

“Interested artists are welcome to pitch an idea - even if they don’t have a particular farmer in mind to work with - as we may be able to match an artist with a farmer to create a really special installation. There are just so many possibilities,” Ms Vale said. All Great Southern Bale Trail installations will be temporary and able to be viewed from a publiclyaccessible road. When complete, a map will be developed that will

direct people to the unique artworks. “We expect this project will attract many visitors to our area which will help to support our local communities and also draw attention to our very important agricultural sector,” Ms Vale said. “We also want it to be something that local South Gippslanders will view and enjoy.” For more information on The Great Southern Bale Trail, visit southgippsland. vic.gov.au/gsbt.

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SOUTH Gippsland farmers and artists are being encouraged to join up to create installations from silage, old farm machinery, fencing or sheds as part of a new art project. The Great Southern Bale Trail is joining art and agriculture to feature six art works in a project being run by South Gippsland Shire as part of a COVID-19 community support package. Project coordinator and Toora North beef farmer Louisa Vale said the new project would allow her to combine her love of art and farming. Ms Vale is calling on local farmers and artists put their hands up to get involved in the project. “I enjoy making art and especially like big projects. This is the first time a project of this scale has run in South Gippsland and I’m very excited to see what develops,” Ms Vale told Gippsland Farmer. She said interested farmers could either offer their own property to host an installation, create their own work or collaborate with a local artist.

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RURAL NEWS

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A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

Wellington Shire property transactions up significantly 2020 saw a significant increase in property transaction numbers across the Wellington Shire between January and November, and according to Wayne Lynch and Steve Hodge from Ray White, this trend doesn’t look like abating anytime soon. “We’ve experienced a significant uplift in property sales in and around Yarram over the last six months, in fact it’s probably been one of the busiest periods for property sales I’ve experienced,� Ray White Yarram senior property agent Wayne Lynch said. “The enquiry level from people wishing to buy is incredible to

the point where we’re running out of homes to sell. We’re now in a situation where a home listed with us today is sold within the week, or in some cases sold overnight!� According to property sales data provided by PriceFinder. com.au*, Wellington Shire recorded 83 residential transactions up to four hectares in January 2020. In the month of November the region recorded 129 transactions, up by more than 55 per cent*. Although transaction numbers climbed throughout the year, data shows the median value

for residential property up to four hectares remained steady at around $267,000*. “People leaving Melbourne for the country may have some influence on what we’re experiencing here, particularly when you consider how affordable quality housing and small acreage is around Yarram when compared to Melbourne,� Wayne said. Farmland, regardless of type, is also witnessing an uplift in enquiry. “There’s plenty of big money coming out of Melbourne looking to secure good country,� Ray White Yarram and Drouin

Wayne Lynch, left, and Ian Seed (owner of Ray White Yarram), right.

rural property sales agent Steve Hodge said. “Like residential though, we’re struggling to keep up.� A total of 93 rural farming transactions were reported across the Wellington Shire between January 1 and December 31, 2020. According to PriceFinder, the accumulated value of these transactions exceeded $58

million, with one recent transaction completed at above $10 million*. “Quality country of any type is well sought within this region, particularly south of the Princes Freeway through to the coast, due to its fairly consistent rainfall,� Steve said. Wellington Shire recorded 1287 property transactions valued at $410.5 million* in 2020.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

February, 2021

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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RURAL NEWS

Region’s holidaymakers soak up improved great outdoors GIPPSLAND holidaymakers are enjoying new and improved facilities at campgrounds and caravan parks thanks to a $105 million state government Great Outdoors program. It includes a new $500,000 campground as part of the Thomson River Canoe Trail and the popular Blue Pool campground has also reopened following substantial upgrades. Upgrades have also been completed at the Corinella Foreshore Reserve. Thirty new campgrounds are being built in Victoria in the next two years and 30 existing sites are being upgraded.

The state government introduced half price camping fees in national parks across Victoria in 2019 and camping in state forests and parks remains free. Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said this would provide a great boost for regional towns, creating local jobs while attracting more visitors through improved facilities. “It’s great to see families now back enjoying affordable camping and caravan holidays and these upgrades will help to make their experiences even more memorable,� Ms D’Ambrosio said.

Danny 0’BRIEN MP

State Member for Gippsland South 54B Cunninghame St, Sale VIC 3850 danny.obrien@parliament.vic.gov.au www.dannyobrienmp.com.au 03 5144 1987 Funded from Parliamentary Budget

working for Gippsland South

Agriculture MInister Mary-Anne Thomas checks out the latest in dairy innovation at the Ellinbank research facility. photograph supplied

Farm innovation THE Ellinbank dairy research institute is on track to become the world’s first carbon-neutral dairy farm through a range of emissions reductions initiatives. Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas officially opened the Ellinbank SmartFarm last month, funded through the state government’s $5 million Smarter, Safer Farms initiative. The SmartFarm is going carbon-neutral by reducing methane emissions, improving fertiliser and manure management, and generating electricity through solar, wind, hydro and bio-digestion.

The farm will also host the Agriculture Energy Demonstration and Education program supported by a $30m state government fund to help farmers become more energy efficient. The far m will trail technologies including roof-mounted solar panels and battery storage, wind turbines, pumped hydro, dairy temperature management and using waste for energy. Ms Thomas said the SmartFarm was a “perfect example of the innovative next-generation farming that our Agriculture Strategy is supporting�. “It’s really exciting to see

the work being done here to make Victorian farming stronger,� Ms Thomas said. “An important part of the work being done here is making it accessible to industry, so that knowledge can immediately be put to use on-farm, this will mean instant effects on efficiency, productivity and costs.� The 231-hectare, 500-cow farm is Australia’s leading dairy innovation facility, fast-tracking innovative technologies. Projects include optimising homegrown feed, reducing extreme heat impacts on cattle, increased production while reducing costs, herd nutrition and pasture management.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

February, 2021

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E A T U R E

Optimise paddock potential Notman Pasture Seeds has prepared a range of pasture planning recommendations to optimise the establishment of rye yegrass pastures this autumn. Poowong-based Peter Notman of Notman Pasture Seeds said there were key dynamics to maximising the establishment of pastures. “With home grown feed in Gippsland more import rtant t than ever it is import rtant t to get the basics right. It’s import rtant t being organised throughout the whole process, including potential spray out, paddock preparation, germination, weed control and through to the first grazing,� Mr Notman said. He advised farmers to optimise paddock potential prior to sowing by reducing unwanted trash such as weeds and summer grasses by grazing paddocks hard. “A fine, firm clean seedbed is import rtant t and spraying out germinating weeds

with a knockdown herbicide and a spike such as Glyphosate and Carf rfentrazone f so you are ready to plant into weed and grass free paddoc cks. Under all cultivation systems the use of harrows behind the drill will improve se eed to soil contact,� he said. “For both direct drilling (25 kg/ha) and conventional sowin ng (30 kg/ha) ensure both seed and starrt-up t fert rtiliser, t generally DAP at 150kg/ha, are sown together at a depth of 10mm to 20mm.� Mr Notman said through March and April successfu ul germination also depended on good seed-soil contact to maximise soil mo oisture and nutrients available for new se eedlings. “For dairy ry, y beef an nd sheep pasture cultivars with plentyy of interest this season include Vatb buster perennial ryy ryegrass red and wh hite clover blend, Vibe Italian ryegrass ryy s and Bullet annual ryy ryegrass,� he said.

“For equine, Long term hardy horse pasture blend that contains species that can tolerate drier conditions and hard grazing including prairie grass, cocksfoot, brome grass and browntop. “Slower out of the ground than other equine pasture blends, but is very ryy persistent once established. These cultivars are proven grasses in Gippsland, and their popularity has been quite organic due to their superb dry ryy matter yields and excellent late season quality feed,� Mr Notman said. He said controlling seedling weeds, which are often overlooked early, was also a key dynamic in establishing ryy ryegrass pastures. “All too often we get calls from farmers who haven’t got onto broadleaf weeds early enough and then need to salvage the situation. In the short rt-term t seedling weeds vigorously compete for nutrients, moisture, light and most import rtantly, t

space. In the long-term poor establishment will decrease the pasture growth and an increase in chemical costs from the e extra weed control down the track.� Mr Notman said ideally, spray emerging we eeds in new pasture four to eight we eeks after sowing and prior to the first fulll grazing. “S Selective herbicide spike additions can lea ad to the improvement and the control of cert rtain t broadleaf weeds including ma arshmallow and chickweed. Avoid high rate es as some temporary ryy clover suppression n may occur, but recovery ryy is generally rap pid,� he said. Mr Notman said farmers should aim to grazze new pasture with lighter stock if posssible as soon as plants won’t pull out (app proximately 75mm) and fert rtilise t with urea a adequately. “In n good conditions this could be six to eigh ht weeks after sowing,� he said.

February, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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RURAL NEWS

Rural Aid target 2021 as a year of renewal AUSTRALIA’S best known rural charity, Rural Aid, has proclaimed 2021 as the “year of renewal�. Improving seasonal conditions across large parts of Australia have brought fresh hope for farmers, many of whom, are now experiencing their first year in recent memory without drought crippling their operations. Rural Aid chief executive officer John Warlters said it has been wonderful to see the transformation from debilitating drought to much of the country now resembling a sea of green. With it has come renewed hope for the year ahead. “For those farmers that have enjoyed a break in the season the focus is slowly switching from survival to recovery. The slow rebuild of herds and balance sheets is underway. It will take time and more than one good year but recovery and renewal are increasingly the focus,� Mr Warlters said. “For others who haven’t been as fortunate, especially in drought declared Queensland shires, we hope their break isn’t far away.� This year, Rural Aid will help lift spirits even higher, through its Our Towns community makeover projects, and via the continued financial and fodder assistance it provides to registered farmers and their families, and with a new round of the Community Builders program. The free Community Builders webinar series features community leaders who’ve cracked the code of reinventing their small town through a new attraction, bright idea, or maximizing an untapped resource. “The weekly webinars are a must for anyone looking for the best way to catapult their country town into its next chapter,� he said. The webinars are an integral part of the Stronger Futures program, which helps support and strengthen rural communities. More information can be found at www.ruralaid.org.au.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

February, 2021

RURAL NEWS

Building farm resilience the goal of plan THE federal government is investing $10 million through the Climate Services for Agriculture program to help farm businesses increase drought and climate resilience. Federal Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the program was funded through the $5 billion Future Drought Fund and would provide farmers with access to trusted and relevant information on national and regional climate data. “We are the first government to look to the future to prepare for the next drought which is why we have established the $5 billion Future Drought Fund,� Mr Littleproud said. “The Climate Services for Agriculture Program will complement seasonal forecasts and climate guides that are currently available through BOM by providing detailed regional information about future drought and climate risks, and inform management actions to address vulnerabilities and prepare for future impacts.

Ombudsman available DAIRY farmers in dispute are being encouraged to get in touch with the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman for initial guidance, without fear of retribution. Ombudsman Kate Carnell said dairy farmers should contact her office for information about the Dairy Code of Conduct or for advice regarding how to handle a dispute under the code. “My office understands that it can be very daunting when a small or family business finds themselves in dispute with a large business - especially when they rely on that business relationship for their income,� Ms Carnell said. “We are here to help. The first step when a small or family business comes to our office is to talk about their situation. “We can provide guidance on how to resolve disputes, even in the early stages.� “Rest assured that my office will not contact the other party involved, unless the dispute

procedure and a mediation process, and may also have an arbitration option. “My office can assist with mediation or arbitration if required,� she said. “We understand how important the farmer -processor relationship is and we work hard to assist with the dispute, while also respecting the business relationship. “I want to remind dairy farmers in dispute that they don’t have to go it alone. Please reach out for help by calling my office.� Dairy farmers in dispute are being encouraged to get in touch with the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman for initial guidance, without fear of retribution. file photograph

resolution process is formally entered into.� The Dairy Code of Conduct applies to all milk supply agreements entered into, or amended, on or after January 1, 2020.

Ms Carnell said it was mandatory for processors and farmers to deal with each other in good faith under the dairy code. She said milk supply agreements were required to have an internal complaints handling

“In addition to the Dairy Code, my office can provide broader assistance to small and family businesses that need help with general business disputes, including issues with banks, or the ATO.� For more information on the Dairy Code, visit asbfeo.gov.au, or call 1300 650 460, or email info@asbfeo.gov.au.

RUSSELL NORTHE MLA

“CSIRO and BOM will engage the agricultural sector to determine the type of climate information that is most useful to their businesses and test in four pilot regions to ensure the decision support tools to meet their needs.

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 shiines through� GP1617995

“The pilot regions will be identified in early 2021 and will include a range of climatic regions and agricultural sectors. “The end result will deliver regional scale climate projections across Australia, along with actionable advice to help farm businesses to make decisions such as the commodities they produce and the information will be delivered through a user-friendly interactive digital platform.�

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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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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FARMERS LEAD THE WAY Ag Lead Recovery

FARMERS have come to realise during the drought years that the ability to move and store water is imperative. Of course they already knew that but, a six year drought is a bitter reminder. The good news is the great results Australian farmers achieved in 2020 with 2021 looking like a repeat of that great performance! One innovative Australian pump manufacturer worked tirelessly during the drought to help farmers! The company, Australian Pump Industries has established a great network of distributors in Gippsland to stock, sell and service their great product range. BrownWigg stores, in six locations in Gippsland, are proud to represent an Australian company producing first class equipment with the end user in mind. “Aussie’s policy of putting themselves in the position of the user really works,” BrownWigg’s Michael Brown said. “The idea that they are relating to the user is so important. Best of all, we like the huge range they offer of pumps for a wide range of applications. They call it A PUMP FOR ALL REASONS.”

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Aussie Gushers - Move Water Efficiently

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AUSSIE’S product range from 2” through to 6” includes Honda petrol and diesel powered pumps that will move water fast. The big 6” pumps self-prime through a vertical lift of 7.4m, providing the user with great performance and real convenience. “The reason Aussie calls them QP (quick prime) is because they prime fast,” Michael said. “Imagine in a drought, when it finally rains and you want to fill those dams up fast. Being able to transfer water between dams at the rate of 2,900 lpm enables you to maximise the amount of water you harvest. “An Aussie Honda powered self-primer will make short work of chores like that.”

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Aussie’s Trash Pump Range - Effluent Is An Agricultural Resource

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FARM Depot is another great Gippsland Aussie Pump distributor. Located in

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port that means the product can be cleared of debris without interfering with pipework or hose assemblies. The close coupled three phase motor pumps are available all the way up to the big 4” pumps that will deliver huge flows and high pressure capability. Best of all for the dairy industry, these pumps are also available in stainless steel with 2”, 3” and 4” ports! The stainless steel is not some lightweight pressed stainless, but rather, heavy duty cast 316 grade, built like tanks.

Aussie’s GMP cast iron semi trash pumps will pump an amazing 70 metres head, that’s 93 psi, ideal for dairies!

Warragul, Matt Keeble is also dedicated to this iconic Australian brand. “Although they may be masters of the firefighting pump business with the best products in the world, their trash pump range really lends itself to handling effluent and dairy waste as well as loads of other essential services,” he said. Developed initially for the construction and mining applications, the Aussie range of 2” through to 6” trash pumps are finding loads of other applications. “Councils use them for sewer bypass, quarries for dewatering and they can also be used for flood mitigation,” Matt said. A 6” Aussie trash pump saved the town of Horsham from flooding only a few years ago. The 2”, 3” and 4” pumps are all available in either Honda petrol, recoil and electric start options, and diesel drive. These diesel units are all powered by super reliable Yanmar single cylinder engine designed for “a life on the land”. The pumps will handle semi solids in suspension, making them ideal for piggeries, poultry complexes and even abattoirs. Some of Australia’s leading abattoirs use big 4” Aussie diesel drive trash pumps as an essential part of their effluent handling equipment.

For Any Application Go Self Priming SMART farmers know that self-priming pumps have huge advantages of convenience over end suction pumps. The self priming concept, developed in the 1930s, means that the suction line doesn’t have to be manually primed every time you want to pump water (or any other liquid). Rather, all the operator needs to do is fill the pump with water, make sure the suction line is air leak free and start the engine or motor. The atmospheric pressure does the rest with the water being drawn up into the pump, as the vacuum occurs when the priming liquid is evacuated. It’s fool proof, it’s simple and it’s so much easier than filling a suction line every time you want to start your pump. Aussie have developed a product range of self priming centrifugal motor pumps with a range of great features. The semi trash pumps are cast iron, with big open impellers, silicon carbide seals, stainless steel wear plates and a front clean-out

Even the Australian Army has chosen this product to supply water to troops in the field. The pumps will handle not just contaminated water but whey, wine industry lees and waste water. In fact, any corrosive or abrasive material. The operating life of these pumps is hard to estimate! Even in mining applications, they seem impossible to wear out. Other products include hydraulic versions of the same pumps with the company now working on the introduction of a range of big high head self-primers up to 22 kW capacity. “Those pumps will be good for 90m heads, that’s about 128 psi,” Matt said.

Aussie Pump Smart - Australia’s Pump Bible EVERY couple of years, Australian Pump brings out a brand new update of their Aussie Smart Pump catalogue. It’s a great document that makes selection of pumps easy. There is trouble shooting information and even a guide that shows how to calculate friction loss to help users select the right product for the job. “Aussie has done a great job in a short time. In only 25 years, they’ve come up with a range of Australian inspired applications with farmers in mind. They’re the only company we know of in the pump business who gave farmers through their dealer network extended terms of payment during the drought. They didn’t need to do that. They stretched themselves because they understood what our agricultural communities were going through,” Matt said.

Aussie GMP - Cast Iron Value - Stainless Steel Option

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Jim Reeves loves Aussie’s quality and five-year warranty.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

AUSSIE’S GMP range has been expanded dramatically, to include not just cast iron semi trash pumps and high pressure motor pumps but, a range of 316 stainless steel pumps suitable for the toughest and most aggressive abrasion and corrosive applications. These self-priming pumps come in a range of 2” to 4”, delivering flows up to 2,200 lpm. Best of all, they have big open impellers that will pass solids in suspension! That’s a radical approach, not available from any other pump manufacturer! The Aussie self-priming range has advantages, in terms of having the right pump available for the job. “Farmers don’t need to make do,” Matt said.

“Aussie’s 4” trash pumps will not only move effluent but also transfer water in big volumes,” Farm Depot’s Matt Keeble said.

February, 2021

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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February, 2021

RURAL NEWS

Roo quotas increased THE state government has increased kangaroo quotas and under its Kangaroo Harvesting Program and will allow the meat to be used for human consumption. The increased quotas were announced last month due to a notable increase in the estimated statewide kangaroo population in the past three years. The 2020 survey estimates the Victorian kangaroo populations at almost two million- up almost 40 per cent compared to 2018. The 2021 quota is 95,680 kangaroos - an increase of 37,780 from last year. Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said it was important kangaroo numbers were sustainably managed in Victoria to reduce impacts on landholders and the community. “This program provides a service to farmers and an income to trained professional shooters.” “The changes to how products generated from the Kangaroo Harvesting Program can be used gives more options to harvesters and processors to make use of these animals and reduce waste, and create more jobs in country towns.” The state government will allow the extra

meat to be made available for human consumption, not just for pet food, and will also look for opportunities to export the skins. Only trained and authorised professional shooters who take strict health and safety measures will be able to provide animals for abattoirs to be processed for the table. Hunters must be authorised, hold a firearms licence and be accredited in firearm proficiency and game harvesting to be part of the program. They must abide by the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes. Their vehicles and cool rooms must also be accredited through PrimeSafe. The sustainability of kangaroo populations is protected through annual quotas in accordance with Victoria’s Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan 2021-2023. The quota is based on population surveys and modelling from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and is set alongside the estimated numbers of kangaroos controlled under their Authority to Control Wildlife permit system.

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The state government has increased kangaroo quotas and under its Kangaroo Harvesting Program and will allow the meat to be used for human consumption. file photograph

We will be watching...

HVP Plantations will detect arson this summer with patrol vehicles, aircraft, drones and cameras watching for suspicious activity.

HVP Plantations...

● Part of our community ● 40,000 ha of native vegetation ● 82,000 ha of plantations Our home is your home and we’re proud to be a part of Gippsland, which is why we take preventing and suppressing wildfires seriously.

Report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on

1800 333 000 To report a fire call

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February, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

15

RURAL NEWS

More than 30 jobs cut at ViPlus By MICHELLE SLATER

TOORA processor ViPlus Dairy is laying off 31 staff members out of a total workforce of 124 employees due to global economic downturns. The staff made redundant will receive all entitlements in addition to a redundancy payment. The factory had been actively managing its staff to try to keep people employed with the help of the federal government’s JobKeeper payments. “However, international markets

Colleen Bye 0467 533 003 Katrina Einsidel 0428 120 686 Phillip Fleming 0498 242 421 Steve Fallon 0427 352 231

“Making this very hard decision is not taken lightly and we have done all we can and have pursued all alternative options before undertaking redundancies,” Mr McNaught said. “Our skilled workforce is central to our success and we are losing some excellent people as a result of this action. South Gippsland Shire administrator chair Julie Eisenbise said the council was working with Mr McNaught and Regional Development Victoria to help

support the redundant workers into new jobs. Ms Eisenbise said they were was also talking to support agencies and exploring opportunities at council through the recently announced Working for Victoria program. “We want to give as much support as possible to these people during what is no doubt a difficult time for them and their families,” Ms Eisenbise said. “To date, ViPlus has been a great addition to our region and has had

a positive impact on jobs in and around Toora. “This announcement takes us all by surprise and highlights the affect that COVID-19 has had on so many businesses throughout our region and indeed the rest of our nation. “We hope that ViPlus can recover from this setback and return.” The former Bonlac milk factory started trading as ViPlus Dairy in 2012 and underwent a $10 million expansion during 2016 and early 2017.

Precautions are needed

Price Rise On New Export Orders • Ho olstein Heifers180kg kg g - $2420inc • Un njoined Xbred Heifers - $1210inc • Wanted Autumn calving Fre and Xb bred Cows and Heifers

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have not rebounded as expected and we are forced to make this hard decision,” the factory said in a statement. ViPlus Dairy manufactures and exports infant formula to China and the Middle East, and recently expanded its operations in Toora with the help of state government financial support. ViPlus Dairy chief executive officer Jon McNaught said they would continue to build the nutritional business and employ local staff as vacancies arose.

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Now buying Beef, Dairy Cows and Bulls and Manufacturing Steers on Farm

Colleen, Phil, Steve & Katrina

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AGRICULTURE Victoria is urging livestock owners to take precautions against heat stress in animals. District veterinary officer Jeff Cave said high producing livestock, such as dairy cows, were the animals most sensitive to heat stress. Dr Cave said the ideal temperature range for cattle was between five and 25 degrees celsius, and for adult pigs just 18 to 20 degrees. He added owners should check livestock daily for any signs of stres during hot weather and be ready to implement fire plans. “Heat stressed livestock will seek out shade, drink more, eat less, stand rather than laying down, pant, may produce less milk and can be less fertile,” Dr Cave said.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

February, 2021

Autumn BULL SALES 2021settosurge

Shorthorns-

The easy care breed

The 2021 Bull Sales are shaping up to be a fantastic opportunity to see hard work and resilience pay off.

Now as the weather is kind again, they are once more looking to welcome back old friends and new clients and help make Victoria’s beef industry boom once again.

Doben Park Shorthorns is run by The Benson Family at Buln Buln in West Gippsland. We’ve been breeding Shorthorrn catt ttle t for over 40 years. We have 6 bulls 3 23 months old & 3 16 months old, Roans & White, For Sale.

With the drought and bushfires causing many to make the heartbreaking decision to downsize or even disperse their herds, breeders are now looking to restart and restock. Feedback from Gippsland Farmer’s clients after the Spring Bull sales was more than positive as many reported running completely out of stock.

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The quiet nature of Shorthorns, the ease of calving & the resistance to bloat & eye cancer combine to make Shorthorns an easy care breed.

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

17

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Ranggan Charolais

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IX bulls and numerous females from Rangan Charolais, have been chosen to participate in a ground breaking research project establishing a multi-breed estimated breeding value for the six most common breeds on Breedplan. Funded and run by the NSW Department of Primary Industries in conjunction with the University of New England, the Commonwealth Government and Meat and Livestock Australia, 2000 cattle from performance recorded breeding stock from Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Wagyu, Charolais and Brahman herds have been selected. The objective is to provide valuable information to breeders allowing them to make more informed decisions on genetics to maximise the efficiency of their herd and boost productivity, and it is not only an Australian first, but on the international stage as a pioneering project generating global interest. Comparing growth rate, eye muscle area, female fertility and other traits, the research will enable buyers and breeders to objectively select across breeds using a common language providing necessary data to improve genetics in individual herds. With only high Breedplan accuracy cattle from each of the six breeds selected to participate in the project, Rangan Charolais based at Charleroi in North East Victoria are excited at being able to contribute to the research with the selection of their stock. Rangan’s 16 years of stud breeding and the work put into their herd recording has definitely paid off. To be chosen to participate in the research project is further affirmation that Rangan’s genetics are sought-after as the desired industry standard. “To be involved in the project and with the edition of genomic testing will certainly not only do our herd good, but also benefit the industry as a whole in the long-term,� Rangan Charolais principal Graeme Cook said. “And though we do bring in outside genetics, we also use a lot of our own bulls in our breeding programme, with over 200 females AI’d in 2020 as well as flushing four exceptional females with the embryos implanted into commercial females. “We see them from birth through to selling, and record all weights at birth, 200 days and 400 days as well as doing all carcass scans. We know the genetics and traits we wish to develop in our own herd, and if you’re doing your job right as a stud

owner you should be able to take advantage of your own genetics. “It was also very pleasing to see the great results by our clients in the just completed January weaner sales. Great prices plus winning the Silver Weaner awards at Pakenham, Wangaratta and Wodonga on both days as well as taking out the NVLX best consignment of all breeds and champion heifer consignment all breeds. “We breed the bulls but it is our clients that then go on and do such a great job with the progeny.� Held on-farm on March 19, there will be 50 bulls up for offer, from such noteworthy sires from the United States as LT Venture and OW Lead Time contributing a great

line-up of exceptional polled bulls, and Ascot J37 who brings calving ease and early maturing progeny that finish well in grass fed systems. There will also be a strong representation from homebred sires Rangan Pinay M58 and Rangan Ascot M151, with their progeny performing as expected, and all demonstrating the good temperament, natural thickness and superior muscling that Rangan is renowned for. “The quality of the bulls this year is extremely high,� Graeme said. “And we’re incredibly pleased that we’ve been able to increase the amount of bulls offered yet maintain the standard. “We have one of the top IMF herds in

the Charolais breed, and our bulls are predominantly used as terminal sires over British-bred females to take advantage of the extra growth rate that Charolais brings to a straight-bred herd. “The majority of our clients are return clients, and every year we pick up new ones, with breeders really seeing the value of Charolais cross when it comes to grass finishing.� And with lots of grass on the ground, and one of the best seasons on recent record for farmers in the region, there’s never been a more positive time to concentrate on rebuilding herds and adding that Rangan Charolais hybrid vigour to vealer and weaner production.�

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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February, 2021

New Angus Genettics

Innesdale Angus is excited to offer the first sons of two new sires. Ben Nevis Nirvana N128 – was purchased for $26000 as the top

priced bull at the Ben Nevis Sale, a son of the outstanding Ascot Lion Heart that we had originally tried to purchase, he is a calving ease bull with good frame and top carcase figures, he has been used on heifers for two seasons.

Nirvana N128

Innesdale Resource M37

– A favourite at Innesdale M37 is the third son of “SAV Resource” that we have used, his progeny excel for docility and soundness, his sons are very long bodied with extra weight and always scan well, his daughters have his fine skin and are very feminine and always quiet.

Nampara Liberty L21- his progeny was a feature of our sale group last

year, he is an outstanding bull, a son of NZ sire Freedom 609-10 sold for $85000 to Ascot and Keringa, we purchased a semen package and his progeny are very good, thick bodied, sound and quiet with clean skins, they weigh heavy and scanned well, because he was purchased interstate and not by an AI centre Innesdale will be the only Victorian stud to offer his sons for 2021, we have used two sons, so will continue to see progeny coming through.

S A V Resource is represented by two more sons “M17” and “M55”,

Resource M37

a top carcase sire the “resource” progeny are known for their extra thickness and heavy muscling, they are really good doing cattle, and very docile.

His progeny always scan very well, they are high yielding bulls with good fat cover and will suit the Gippsland grass fed programmes. M55 was sold to the “Leighwood” stud and M17 sold to Rick & Julie Smith of Ballarat. along with M37 they have sired more than half of our sale bulls for this year. Innesdale focuses on fast growing, thick and heavy young bulls that will add weight to their progeny, whilst having enough fat cover to be marketed at any age, and to produce high quality heifers that are in growing demand across Australia and for export markets worldwide. These new bulls will give clients access to some of the top bloodlines from around the world and with over 50 branded beef products demanding “Angus Beef” we will continue to see our clients being rewarded for their effort to improve their herds genetics.

Liberty L21

This crop of bulls were all unassisted at birth and have had a better season like most of Gippsland, we like most of them to get to 700kg by March. They excel in scrotal size averaging over 42 cms on 12-1-21 and average 732 kgs with the tops close to 800kgs at 18 months. All bulls are inoculated in line with the “Zoetis” protocol, tested free of Pestivirus, then double inoculated against Pestivirus and Vibrio and given an annual booster of 7-1.

These young bulls will be for private sale from Monday 1 March 2021.

Resource M17

Last year bulls were sold across Gippsland into Western Victoria and NSW.

Livestock producers are welcome to inspect the bulls by appointment at any time by calling Geoff on

0412 958 168

As usual some top young weaner heifers will be offered in April when weaned.

Resource M55

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February, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

19

Cheltenham Park Anggus

E

STABLISHED in 2010 with a small commercial herd, consisting of 40 Gippsland-bred Angus heifers purchased from the Higgins family, Cheltenham Park Angus has grown into a successful Angus stud. Andrew Haw’s first bull came from the Archer family (Landfall Angus) later that same year and a passion for breeding Angus cattle began with Cheltenham Park Angus in the first three years topping the lots. Andrew said his success has come with a simple strategy to breed what every breeder wants - to improve their gene pool/herd genetics. Focusing on key traits and basics like, temperament, calving ease, birth weight, growth, carcass characteristics, EMA and IMF, with special attention paid to fertility

traits and keeping longevity in mind, has held him in good stead. He’s fast tracked building his little boutique stud, with the use of selected embryos and acquiring good, functional (direct descendants) of proven performance female lines. These include Juana Erica, Kauri, Ythanbrae, from Coolana, Ada Sunbeam, Mittagong, Jade, Dream, Wipena and G.A.R Blackbird Dam of HYE J7 Berkley Heavy Grain Index $202 from Stathewen, Lowan, Wilcoola, and Blackbird the great, great, great granddaughter of the world famous Davis YR 558H from Alpine Angus. (Blackbird was purchased for $520,000 in the USA in 2006.) Some recent additions to the herd are a lovely young DREAM Daughter from the

Witherswood dispersal who was joined to MS18 Momentous and a dozen lovely PTIC heifers and cows from the Kilburnie dispersal, with some great joinings. This year Cheltenham Park Angus have an exciting range of Gippsland-bred bulls

available for sale. A.I. and Breedplan sires are available, also sons of HYE J7 Breedplan Aust, and P & Q bulls. All bulls offered are very quiet and easy to handle. Details and EBVs on Angus Aust website.

Cheltenham Park Angus Private Bull Sale!

Gippsland Bred - 2 Year Old Stud Angus Bull s. By Breedplan and A.I.Sires. All Bulls are Very Quiet and Structurally Sound, High growth and Calving Ease Bull s available

Bet-On-Black

Enquiries Please Call Andrew Haw: 0487 858 544 457 Old Carrajung Road, Carrajung cheltenhamparkangus@gmail.com Dane Perczyk c/o Alex Scott - 0408 176 063 Details & E.B.V. s on Angus Aust.Website

Annual Bull Sale GP1617498

On-Property - Opposite Ensay Saleyards Wednesday 17 March 2021 - 1.30pm

Nunniong Hereford Stud

G P 1617498

40 HEREFORD & POLL HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE

Phillip (Bluey) Commins Commins. Ensay - Victoria - 3895 Ph: (03) 5157 3331 Mob: 0427 573 331 20

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

February, 2021

Alppine Anggus 2021 Autumn Bull Sale line-upp full of promise

T

HE 2021 Alpine Angus Autumn Bull Sale offering 100 HBR and APR Bulls will be held at the Alpine Sales Complex, Rosewhite on Wednesday, March 10 at 1pm. Alpine principal Jim Delany said: “Our 2020 Spring Sale result was our best ever due to the excellent line up prepared by Chris Oswin and the unbelievable support shown by repeat buyers who shared with us their optimism at the very favourable Spring season and strong market conditions which combined delivered to us a 100 per cent clearance and an average $10,619.� Stock Agent Paull & Scollard Dan Ivone said: “Paull & Scollard’s Myrtleford sale on December 17 last year saw excellent lines of Alpine bred cattle presented in forward condition. “This highlights not only the season but also the strength of genetics used to achieve the weight, finish and evenness the Alpine calves displayed and the prices they achieved. “Markets have lifted another $100/head

throughout the sales in January so the very strong markets continue.� For many years now the Alpine Angus program has been consistently investing in genetics they believe put dollars in their client’s pockets. “Of course we use Breedplan as a selection tool but we also put as great an emphasis on getting length, capacity and growth in our cattle and we try to use genetics we know can breed true to type and deliver calving ease,� Alpine manager Chris Oswin said. On the Labour Day weekend (Monday, March 8, 2021), a sale preview will be held just two days before the sale. Once again all sale bulls will be yarded from 10am-3pm with a delicious barbecue beef lunch and refreshments available. This affords those who cannot be there sale day to make their selections and either bid themselves on line via Auctions Plus or via their agent or by arrangement with Alpine’s Sale Agents Paull & Scollard, Mrytleford and Rodwells Euroa.

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21

Leawood Anggus

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ONSTANT improvement without chasing American-type trends has led Leawood Angus to the moderate framed high growth HBR, APR and commercial bulls it breeds today. They focus on what works for them and their clients for the required markets. Leawood has large confidence and respect in New Zealand genetics which has been developed over more than 76 years of breeding Angus cattle. A lot of work goes into sourcing genetics that are used in their herd. This allows Leawood to breed consistently well-structured robust cattle that have great growth rates with high yielding carcass. Their 700 female herd is run in a realistic and tough commercial environment, with no tolerance on temperament, feet and fertility. Their cows must produce a calf when they are two years old and a calf every12 months after that with a joining period of under nine weeks. Leawood believe the maternal side of a bull is just as important if not more as the sire of the bull. Leawood Angus is offering 42 Angus bulls at its Autumn Bull Sale on Tuesday, April 30 at 1.30pm, followed by the sale of fifty commercial females. This year’s Autumn bull line-up showcases their strongest Leawood Angus genetics with a large influence of New Zealand and home bred sires, including Leawood Steaks N297 and Leawood Nugget N282 which are both sons of Merchiston Steakhouse, exciting

sires that they believe are breeding just as well even better than Steakhouse himself. Leawood Rambo N324 also is another young sire that has gained their full respect by producing consistently high carcass yielding progeny. N324 has the highest conception rate of all their sires in the herd. Other sires include, Rangatira Mack, Leawood Yeo K268, Leawood Tangi K115, Leawood Express G508, along with sons of Stern 15815 Merchiston Steakhouse Rangatira Mack. All these sires have been used in their heifer program and leave easy calving, short gestation progeny. “We didn’t jump on the big cattle, we stuck to what we were doing and now our cattle are in big demand in a lot of respects because those that went big are now looking to bring the herd back down a frame size, where we just gradually went up in a consistent manner and we have a more uniform breed of animal because of it,� Luke Stuckey said. “Positive feedback, and consistent demand from the likes of Coles and JBS for the 250 Angus steers Leawood turns off each year indicate how their cattle are performing.� “We welcome all to our open day on March 20 to view the sale bulls and females in a more relaxed environment. “Viewing starts from 11am through to 3pm. All sale lots will be on Auctions Plus prior to sale day.�

Kelly Angus expands offering for second autumn sale

W

HILE 2020 was an unprecedented year with COVID-19, the agricultural industry thrived and with significant rainfall having been received in most of the country the Kelly Angus stud in the Murrundindi Valley experienced an exceptional year in pasture growth. “It is great to see livestock is making a profit, and buoyant cattle market sales continuing to have a flow on effect to the broader economy and communities,� stud manager Patrick Joyce said. “It’s good news for the longer-term future of the industry.� The Kelly Angus team has had a busy year expanding the stud’s capacity, introducing modern practices, and continuing to focus on genomic enhanced EBVs in order to achieve predictable breeding outcomes. A highlight for the stud was the purchase of the powerhouse sire, Texas Powerplay DXTP613, to blend through the Kelly Angus herd. This magnificent sire will be on display

at the Thursday, March 25 auction along with the stud’s very own star sire, Kelly Angus Quinn GXNQ209. “The young sire, Kelly Angus Quinn GXNQ209, is a “curve bender� with exceptional calving ease, low birth weight transforming to excellent growth spread offering quality carcase traits to match added,� Mr Joyce said. Kelly Angus is commercially focused on breeding livestock that consistently perform well off grass. This has a positive flow on for their clients as it maximises their returns, by lowering costs. At the same time, the stud’s focus on carcase quality enables them to achieve high marbling prime grass-fed carcases. At the second annual sale, the Kelly Angus team are pleased to be offering 70, 18-20 month-old bulls whose strong pedigree data and matching performance will add value to astute beef producers looking for that little extra to enhance their respective herds and breeding goals.

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February, 2021

Bowman perform rmance m genetics annual Anggus sale

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UYERS will have a chance to source some of the latest Angus genetics available, at this year’s annual Bowman Performance Genetics Angus

Bull Sale on Friday, March 12, at 1pm, on-property at Neerim South. Bred from elite Millah Murrah lineage, approximately 60, 18 month-old bulls will

be on offer, with a super-sire line-up of 11 outstanding bulls, including the first sons of Bowman Nashville (Millah Murrah Loch Up Son) and Bowman Manhattan (Ascot Hallmark full ET Brother). Also available will be some of the first sons of Musgrave Stunner, GAR Fail Safe, high performing progeny of LD Capitalist, Baldridge Beast Mode, Bowman Australia, SAV Renown, Bowman Memphis, Sydgen Black Pearl and S Chisum 255. With many suitable for heifers or cows, the tried and trusted bloodlines have all been genomic tested, parent-verified and semen morphology evaluated, to give buyers a greater accuracy in EBVs, pedigree and trusted performance. Stud principal Glenn Bowman believes this is one of the most even and consistent

group of bulls he’s produced in his 30 years of cattle breeding. “As one of the few Angus studs in Australia exclusively grass-feeding, we think it’s important to see the natural doing-ability on grass where they get that phenomenal growth, as opposed to a grain-fed bull,� he said. The sale will be an incredible opportunity for buyers to upgrade their herd with young bulls, and capitalise on getting early-access to the freshest first-class genetics on the market. Contact Glenn Bowman on 0437 172 748 or visit www.bowmangenetics.com for more information.

Mon 22nd Feb 1:30pm Bordertown SA

All the young bulls on sale are progeny from leading industry sire lines including the standout USA sire, Black Onyx 5Q11, GAR Inertia, Texas K2, GAR Pro Active, PA Full Power and Hazeldean Jackpot. “These bulls are clearly complementing our stud herd, and at the same time supporting our breeding objectives in respect to turning off moderate frame, fertility

and easy doing cattle,� Mr Joyce said.�We continue to receive positive feedback from many of our clients who state that Kelly Angus bulls’ have amazing docility and adjust and adapt to a variety of conditions.� The annual autumn auction is on-farm at 171 Nash’s Road, Yea at 1pm, with viewing in the morning, and conducted by Nutrien Livestock and interfaced with AuctionsPlus. " #

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February, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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All-rounders at Allendale

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N MONDAY, February 22, Allendale will offer 40 Poll Hereford bulls in conjunction with Days Whiteface. This year’s draft feature well balanced, mid maturity bulls with typical Poll Hereford doing ability and temperament. Many of the sale bulls are homozygous polled and all have genomically enhanced EBVs. There are a least ten different sires of this year’s bulls to give clients a variety of bloodlines. Allendale Anzac M009 (pictured) has some excellent sons on offer that appeal for their balance, correctness and excellent type along with figures excelling in 200 and 400 day weight, fertility and IMF. Sons of Allendale Chisel L3 are an excellent group of mid maturity bulls with plenty of shape and good skins. Chisel L3 excels for short gestation length, 400 day weight, scrotal size, EMA and fat. This results in L3 having all of his indexes in the top 5 per cent.

Dayys Whiteface s 2021 offffering f g

Koanui Techon 6179 (NZ) has bred bulls with plenty of length, excellent skins and sirey heads. Techno is a trait leader for 200 and 400 day weight and scrotal size and has index’s that are all top 10 per cent or better. There are also a number of excellent sons of Allendale Imperial N114 who was Senior Champion at Dubbo and sold to Oakdowns Stud. The Imperial sons impress for their doing ability, fertility and weight for age. Imperial is in the top 10 per cent for all of his index’s with his 400 and 600 day weights, scrotal size and IMF being exceptional. Allendale Heidelberg M061 who was sold to Days Whiteface at Dubbo in 2018 has some long bodied, correct sons on offer. M061 is a trait leader for 600-day weight and is also very good for milk, carcase weight, EMA and SSR index. Please feel free to contact Alastair anytime to arrange an inspection.

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AYS Whiteface will be offering 50 bulls on Monday, February 22, in conjunction with Allendale. Amongst these bulls will be sons of new sires Talbalba The Hoff L051 and Allendale Heidelberg M061, who are both trait leaders for 600 day weight. The Hoff L051 was their pick of the H Victor 0136 sons at the 2017 Talbalba sale. He is also a trait leader for 400 day weight and in the top 1 per cent of the breed for EMA. Heidelberg M061 won the supermarket index performance class at Dubbo National in 2018. Between them they have 15 sons in the sale. These bulls are balanced by their birth weight specialists with well over half the bulls in their catalogue being below breed average for birth weight. Sires of these bulls include Days Horizon M028 (top price 2018 selling to Yarram Park), Days Hallmark M205 who is a muscular birth weight trait leader, Days Genesis N102 their R Leader son who is also a birth weight trait leader and American bulls R Leader 6964 and Gerber Anodyne.

As well as being a calving ease bull, R Leader is also a trait leader for 200 day weight and in the top 5 per cent for all indexes. Anodyne combines being a gestation length trait leader with top 10 per cent 600 day weight. The offering is once again strong in carcase traits. Over two thirds of the bulls are in the top 20 per cent of the breed for either or both of EMA and IMF. These are headlined by homebred sire Days Godfather N022. Godfather N022 was sold to C & M Bateman, Furner at the 2019 sale and is breeding exceptionally well. He is a trait leader for 200 day weight and scrotal size and is also in the top 1 per cent of the breed for EMA, IMF and all indexes. While this group of sires impress for their phenotype and individual breeding values, as a cohort they have sired a group of bulls with balanced performance data. On the southern self-replacing index which is most relevant to the region 88 per cent of them are in the top 20 per cent of the breed. Days Whiteface welcome you to come and inspect the bulls at their sale.

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Pinora Angus

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E L A S

On propert rty ty Wednesday 24 March 2021 at 1pm

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Selling S elling 5 50 0 B Bulls ulls

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20 MONTHS OLD

FEATURING SONS OF:

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Millah Murrah Loch Up Milwillah Fevola M16

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DSK Man Made M12 Milwillah Elevator H76

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John Sunderman 0427 482 607 email: pinora@wideband.net.au 453 Dawson Road, Heyf yfield f

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

GP1617422

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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L A U N N A D N 52

February, 2021

Absolute AnggusÂ’ inauggural autumn sale to higghligght topp season

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IPPSLAND’S Absolute Angus breeds tough bulls for any environment and its inaugural autumn sale on April 7 will highlight how good things are when conditions are favourable. The sale will showcase the success of Absolute Angus’s breeding program, featuring about 40, 18-month-old bulls by using genetics from some of the best sires in the industry; Sydgen Enhance, Baldridge Command, LD Capitalist and Ardrossan Edmund K1651. Stud principal Anthony Pisa said the top season meant the cattle were looking great. This year will mark the first time the stud holds autumn and spring sales and Mr Pisa is confident that demand will be strong. “The autumn bull sale will showcase the genetics I’ve been focussing on and it’s interesting to see how the bulls present compared to spring,� he said. “The spring sale was after the toughest winter we’ve ever had; the autumn sale comes after one of the best springs and summers. “My herd is getting bigger so there is capacity to have two annual bull sales and we’ve had good rains and feed all the way through so the cattle are looking good.� Mr Pisa’s breeding program concentrates on phenotype, doability and longevity. “They are bulls that are tough in any environment,� he said. “My breeding program is second to none, using top sires from overseas and locally,

but my bulls don’t get anything special done to them. They’re not pampered; when they leave this property, they keep on getting stronger and they are easy to look after.� Absolute Angus uses genetics from studs such as Landfall and Te Mania, closely monitoring data that proves their success. “The cattle are genetically well put together and combine that with a good season this is definitely our best offering,� Mr Pisa said. “There is something to offer for everyone, with bulls across the sale having the right attributes that farmers are looking for. “It’s an exciting time to showcase the bulls in such a positive way.� The sale also meets strong market demand for bulls. “Commercial buyers are looking for strong growth, low birth-weight bulls and meat quality with a focus on traits and how they adapt to being grass fed and grain fed,� Mr Pisa said. This is the first time Absolute Angus has offered Sydgen Enhance and Baldridge Command progeny, which Mr Pisa described as standouts. “People will be impressed with those bulls,� he added. The stud’s 2021 autumn bull sale will be held on-property and online from 1pm on April 7 at 292 Trafalgar South Road, Trafalgar South.

Tambo Anggus

TAMBO ANGUS Ardrossan Angus Bloodlines

OFFERING

straight Angus herds as well in cross breeding.� Mandy said. “After the 2019/20 bushfires things were tough with a lot of our pastures being burnt, but not long after we had a very big storm which washed the ash away and the grass grew. “We have had an average season and the bulls are looking good. We will be selling 12 Angus Bulls at the Nunniong Bull Sale this year on Wednesday, March 17.�

(in conjunction with and following Nunniong Herefords Sale)

Wednesday 17 March 2021 Contact: Kevin Dean at Tambo Crossing

Phone 5157 0217

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K

EVIN and Mandy Dean of Tambo Crossing have been operating the property for 41 years and have been selling Angus Bulls for 26 years. “We have been selling at the Nunniong Bull Sale since 2003,� Mandy said. The herd of 220 breeders is prominently the Ardrossan Angus Blood, from which the local breeders have purchased bulls and become repeat buyers. “The bulls have been successful with

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February, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

25

RURAL NEWS

Second phase of MID modernisation project is starting to ramp up WORK has begun on the second phase of the Macalister Irrigation District modernisation project following the signing of a construction milestone funding agreement. Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the Macalister Irrigation Modernisation phase two project would build on previous investments across the MID. “We want to increase water security across Australia and funding projects such as the modernisation of the Macalister Irrigation District is getting that job done,� Mr McCormack said. “We have committed to build the next generation of water infrastructure to create jobs and contributing to regional economic recovery.� Irrigators are already seeing benefits of the modernisation project, allowing significant onfarm investment and improved irrigation practices. The completion of phase one will result in a saving of up to 22 gigalitres of water. Phase two will increase water availability and security through the generation of around 10,300 megalitres of water savings and will improve water delivery efficiency to support increased agricultural output. Phase two is centred on some of the oldest and least efficient zones in the MID. This phase is forecast to save more than 12 gigalitres of water and increase water availability and security. This phase of the project will reconfigure the Newry River irrigation supply, replacing channels with pipelines and automating outlets. The Nuntin and Stratford irrigation supply networks will also be upgraded and reconfigured. Some work has already begun as part of phase two, including installation of four new gates

Work has begun on the second phase of the Macalister Irrigation District modernisation project following the signing of a construction milestone funding agreement.

and the desilting of almost 10 kilometres of channels on the Stratford supply. The $62.6 million phase two project is jointly funded by the federal government providing $31.3 million, the state government $10.4 million and SRW $20.9 million. The previous $60 million phase 1B project was also jointly funded, with the federal and state governments and SRW each providing $20 million. State Water Minister Lisa Neville said the state government was proud to have invested more than $46 million in the MID modernisation through Southern Rural Water. “Locals are already seeing the benefits,� she said. “The project delivers water savings and increased efficiency for irrigators, while supporting the health of the environment including the Gippsland Lakes.� Gippsland MHR Darren Chester said phase two of the project would complete the transformation of the MID’s ageing assets into a highly-automated, efficient, modern water delivery system. “This project is supporting hundreds of local jobs, protecting the environment and building on a

world-class agricultural region to make it sustainable for the next 50 years,� he said. “It complements the other water projects being constructed in Gippsland, such as the $10 million Lindenow Valley Water Security Scheme.� Eastern Victoria MLC Jane Garrett said the MID was an important economic driver for Gippsland. “These upgrades create work in construction and secure the prosperity of the region for future generations,� she said. SRW chairman Diane James and managing director Cameron FitzGerald welcomed the milestone announcement. “We join the federal and Victorian governments in celebrating the transformation of the MID through this once-in-a-generation investment program that delivers water security and underpins a thriving regional economy,� Ms James said. “We are proud to help deliver the benefits that flow beyond our customers’ businesses, to the markets they supply, the communities they live in, the jobs created during and after construction, and to the environment.� The funding will complete a

total of $160 million in MID2030 modernisation program since 2015, which has included channel upgrades, new pipeline, automated outlets, a balancing storage and reconfiguration of much of the 100-year-old system. Mr FitzGerald said that the commitment to the MID2030 modernisation program from both state and federal governments, recognises the $500 million in value that the dairy, beef and horticulture businesses in the MID bring to the Victorian economy annually, and unlocks the value for rural businesses to expand. The phase 1B project has replaced ageing channels with 38 kilometres of pipeline throughout the Tinamba and Mewburn Park area and has upgraded a further 28km of channels in the Riverslea area. “Modernised supply through the phase 1A and 1B projects since 2015 has enabled MID farmers to invest in new on-farm infrastructure, update irrigation practices and improve productivity,� Mr FitzGerald said. Farmers have reported the benefits of more reliable delivery, faster flow rates and reduced waste, which has allowed them to expand their businesses.�

So look after old mates

AGRICULTURE Victoria’s district veterinary officer Jeff Cave is asking farmers to look out for their best work mates - dogs on utes. Dr Cave said working dogs were a valuable and helpful asset, but farmers should take extra care to avoid exposing their best mates to heat stress on hot days “While it is legal to allow appropriately restrained dogs to travel on the back of utes, dogs being left in the sun for long periods can quickly dehydrate or even die from heat stress,� Dr Cave said. “Adequate shelter, for example a fixed canopy, needs to be provided to protect tethered dogs from extreme temperatures. “A lot of utes and tray backs these days are made of metal and will heat up quickly and could easily burn dogs’ paws.� Dr Cave also stressed that dog cages should have adequate ventilation and dogs are given regular access to cool water. New Victorian regulations state that metal trays should be insulated to protect the dog when the temperature hits 28 degrees or above. Other regulations require that dogs travelling in the back of utes, trailers or open trays should be tethered to prevents them from falling from the vehicle. The only exemption is when dogs are actively working livestock. The tether should only be long enough to permit the dog to stand, lie down and move, but not long enough to let the dog fall off the vehicle and be dragged or strangled. “Tethering dogs should always be regarded as a temporary, short-term method of restraint,� Dr Cave said. It is also an offence to leave an animal unattended inside a motor vehicle when the outside temperature is 28 degrees or over.

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February, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

27

RURAL NEWS

Rising prices could foil industry plan By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE rising cost of agricultural land in Gippsland will greatly hamper the state government’s plan to base the region’s forestry industry on plantations, according to the industry’s peak body. The Victorian Association of Forest Industries said despite a small drop in 2019-20, the median land price per hectare in Gippsland had risen (about) 6 per cent annually over the last 20 years. The state’s median price dollar per hectare last year was $7587, but the figure in Gippsland was $11,002, $8649 in Victoria’s South West and $7331 in the North, VAFI said in its 2020 Industry Review, its final report before being wound up and replaced by the Victorian Forest Products Association. The state government plans to close the native forest industry by 2030, promising to replace the native forest wood with plantations over the next decade. It has allocated $110 million to establish plantations in the Latrobe Valley. The review noted that by 201920, VicForests had planted 250 hectares of blue gum on Crown land in the Valley. “It’s unlikely that new planting at this rate will meet the expected shortfall in hardwood fibre created by ending native forest harvesting in 2030,” the report said. The report said there was suitable land for plantings in the Latrobe Valley.

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The rising cost of agricultural land in Gippsland will greatly hamper the state government’s plan to base the region’s forestry industry on plantations, according to the industry’s peak body. file photograph

“However, the region faces significant challenges, including access difficulties in a hilly landscape, and the suitability of some local soils and climate for growing hardwood,” VAFI said. VAFI emphasised that it still opposed the state government’s plan to quit native forest harvesting by 2030. Instead, it urged a future using a mix of fibre from private and public forests and plantations. The industry plan advocates spending an additional $110 million on more plantations, building a total target area of 500,000ha of agreed scale, species and location within 10 years. Other key features of the plan are: using wood from state-wide thinning operations in public

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

forests; harvesting under-used State Forest resources; crosstenure, landscape-scale forest management and planning; a state-wide inventory of private native forests and assessment of sustainable harvesting potential; grants and operational help for new agroforestry projects; a Wood Encouragement Policy for the state government, preferencing Victorian timber and paper for procurement and construction; new funding for timber transport routes and infrastructure; a Victorian Renewable Energy Target to include energy from wood residues; and a new fund to promote research and development for processing such as engineered wood products and bio-manufacturing.

Highlights of the VAFI review included: The 2019-20 bushfires burnt 1.26 million ha of forested land, of which 780,000ha was State Forest, mainly in East Gippsland and the North East. About 18,000ha had been planned for harvest and regeneration, covering 545 coupes. VicForests and DELWP regenerated with seeds 11,000ha of young ash forest that were too young to self-regenerate. More than 6000ha of softwood plantations were lost to fire in the North East and southern NSW, which “will have a long-term impact on the viability of the industry and employment for the whole region”. Industry firefighting was

extensive; 90 VicForests staff, including 15 harvesting crews, deployed 45 pieces of specialised equipment, with input also from fire industry brigades from HVP Plantations. A total of 230 staff worked for 29,000 hours over the season. VAFI said the sale value of Victorian timber products from native forest and plantations was about 50 per cent greater per unit volume last year compared with 2000. Since the Regional Forest Agreements were signed in 1998, 657,000ha of forest has been added to conservation areas, raising the total conservation area to 52 per cent of public forest. In 2009, VicForests estimated 500,000 cubic metres of sawlog would be available annually. In 2014 the projection was 320,000m3, which was fur ther revised down in 2017 to 235,000m3 annually. The total value of Victoria’s forest products last year reached $7.95 billion - $4.15b in wood products and $3.8b in paper and paper products. Logs from state forest were worth $98.77 million, hardwood plantations were $301.65m and softwood plantations were $336.65m. Harvest volumes from hardwood plantations in western Victoria are about 30 times greater than in 2000 due to the vast plantings early this century, with hardwood woodchips exports now $2.5b bone-dried metric tonnes.

February, 2021

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February, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

29

PADDOCK

Self-thinking tractor earns sustainability ty y award

wheels - and optionally, trailed implements - to reduce wheel slip, ground damage and fuel consumption during work or transport. “This makes it possible to achieve intelligent dynamic internal tyre pressure adjustment in interaction with other parameters, such as ballast, and real-time performance data.” CLAAS claims the two systems can significantly improve efficiency and throughput compared to manual adjustment of tractor and implement settings. Independent field tests conducted by a leading German research organisation found the

two systems increased productivity by an average of 16.3 percent and reduced fuel consumption by up to 16.8 percent during cultivation. “Even the most experienced operators can benefit from this technology,” Shane says. “The DLG field tests showed four out of every five operators were able to improve their productivity or fuel consumption using CEMOS. “These features deliver important environmental benefits in reduced carbon dioxide emissions and soil compaction. “The arrival of the muchanticipated AXION 960 TERRA

TRAC half-track model later this year will take the concept of sustainability to a whole new level.” CEMOS is available on all new AXION 900/800 and ARION

600/500 tractors equipped with the CMATIC variable transmission, while the CTIC tyre inflation system is available for all models in both series.

GP1619790

CLAAS AXION 960 CEMOS advanced technology tractor has been recognised as the world’s most sustainable tractor in the prestigious Tractor of the Year awards. Already boasting a 445 hp Stage V engine and CMATIC continuously variable transmission, the AXION 960 now features the award-winning CEMOS machine optimisation and CTIC automatic tyre inflation systems. CEMOS automatically adjusts key machine settings for optimal fuel efficiency and productivity, while CTIC automatically adjusts the pressure of the front and rear tyres for optimal performance during work or transport. The Tractor of the Year awards are determined by an expert panel of 26 agricultural journalists from 25 different countries. Normally presented at either the EIMA or Agritechnica exhibitions each year, this year’s award ceremony was streamed as a live broadcast just before Christmas. The CLAAS AXION 960 CEMOS won the sustainable category ahead of 17 other finalists, with the judges particularly impressed by the ease of use of the CEMOS system. CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager - Tractors, Shane Barratt, says the system is based on a ‘dialogue’ with the driver. “At the start of a job, the driver enters a range of information about operating conditions, such as soil humidity, soil type and working depth; machine data, such as tyre sizes and front and rear ballast; and implement data into the CEBIS touchscreen terminal,” he says. “The system then actively explores the potential for improvement and passes on suggestions to the driver. “The driver can either confirm the suggestions or request alternative settings. “The CTIC inflation system automatically adjusts the tyre pressure of the front and back

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

February, 2021

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

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

Victoria’s rainfall for the month of January 2021. image bureau of meteorology

The national rainfall outlook for the period February to April 2021. image bureau of meteorology

East Sale Airport.........42.2mm Hogan Island...............46.8mm Latrobe Valley.............82.8mm Mt Baw Baw..............198.0mm Mt Moornapa............101.8mm Wilsons Promontory .100.4mm Yanakie ........................69.2mm Yarram Airport..........137.4mm Bairnsdale....................50.4mm Combienbar................70.4mm

Gabo Island...............116.2mm Gelantipy .....................97.2mm Lakes Entrance...........59.0mm Mallacoota...................94.0mm Mt Nowa Nowa...........91.6mm Omeo...........................87.8mm Orbost..........................97.2mm Pt Hicks ................................N/A Pound Creek...............69.2mm Wonthaggi ..................84.8mm

GIPPSLAND’S

Cattle Market REPORT PAKENHAM LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Monday, January 25

There were approximately 500 cattle offered which was 961 head less and the Australia Day weekend was a contributing factor to the smaller yarding. Most of the regular buyers were present not all operating fully in a slightly easier market in most categories. Quality was overall from good to plain and there was a limited supply of vealers penned in the trade cattle pens compared with previous weeks. However, there were some well covered cattle in the grown steers,heifers,cows and bulls. The young cattle and most the grown cattle sold from unchanged to be 10c/kg cheaper. Heavy beef bred cows sold firm and the light to medium weight cows which were mostly dairy bred sold from 5c to 15c/kg lower on last week. Dairy bred bulls sold cheaper 10c and the heavy beef bred bulls were 10c/kg dearer. Vealers sold from 410c to 454c with a sale of two light weight steer vealers making to 486c/kg. Yearling steers sold from 380c to 457c and the yearling heifers with condition made from 388c to 410c/kg. Grown steers of C3 score made from 372c to 393c, heavy good quality grown heifers sold from 330c to 383c and Friesian heifers of D2 score made from 250c to 333c/kg. The manufacturing steers dairy bred made from 305c to 320c with the crossbreeds selling from 321c to 370c/kg. Very light cows made from 156c to 185c, light cows mostly sold from 200c to 240c and the leaner medium weight cows made from 241c to 293c/kg. Heavy beef bred cows sold from 312c to 328c and during the market restockers paid from 230c to 300c/kg. Heavy beef bulls sold from 289c to 326c and best of the dairy bred bulls made 270c to 286c/kg.

BAIRNSDALE LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Thursday, January 28

There were 218 cattle sold at Bairnsdale which was 126 head less compared with last week. The usual field of buyers attended along with a few restockers. Quality was mixed with the majority of the market made up of 150 cows. Prices for cows were from firm to 5c dearer, bulls sold unchanged, grown heifers and the few grown steers sold 10c to 20c/kg stronger with too few younger cattle to give an accurate quote. The few heavy weight vealers offered sold to 380c and the best of the yearling steers made from 356c to 407c/kg. Six grown steers made from 384c to 385c, and the grown heifers sold from 326c up to 385c/kg for fifteen well bred Angus heifers. A pen of Friesian manufacturing steers made 294c to sell 10c/kg easier. Very light cows made from 140 to 182c, Dairy bred cows D1 score sold from 238c to 248c and the D2 portion made from 246c to 276c/kg. The leaner beef bred cows of D2 scores sold from 265c to 295c and the heavy beef cows made from 286c to 305c with the extra good quality cows C3 scores selling from 307c to 310c/kg. Cows purchased by restockers made from 186c to 291c/kg. Heavy beef bulls sold from 275c to 290c and the Dairy bred bulls made from 240c to 266c/kg.

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GIPPSLAND REGIONAL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Tuesday, December 15

There were 70 export and five young cattle penned representing a decrease of 90 head week on week. The usual buying group was present and operating in a limited market. Quality was in short supply with cows representing half of the sale. A couple of good quality vealers sold to strong competition. A few pens of light Friesian manufacturing steers sold mostly to local restockers. Cows sold firm to 5c/kg easier. Vealers sold from 368c to 421c/kg. Grown heifers reached 320c/kg. Light Friesian manufacturing steers made from 261c to 295c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows sold from 210c to 266c/kg. Heavy weight cows made mostly from 249c to 291c/kg. A couple of heavy bulls sold from 264c to 271c/kg.

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LEONGATHA LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

Wednesday, January 27

There were approximately 800 export and 250 young cattle penned representing a decrease of 560 head week-on-week. The usual buying group was present although not all operating fully in a dearer market in places. Quality was limited with few grown steers and a good selection of vealers. Trade cattle lifted 5c to 10c/kg. Grown steers and bullocks sold firm. Heavy heifers gained 10c/kg. Heavy manufacturing steers improved a few cents. Heavy beef cows sold firm while lighter dairy cows gained 10c/kg. Heavy bulls lifted a little. Vealers sold from 410c to 465c/kg. Yearling trade steers made between 440c and 460c/kg. Yearling heifers to the trade sold between 362c and 410c/kg. Grown steers made from 370c to 398c/kg. Bullocks sold from 358c to 395c/kg. Heavy grown heifers made between 340c and 378c/kg. Heavy Friesian manufacturing steers sold between 306c and 330c with the crossbred portion between 323c and 380c/kg. Most light and medium weight cows made from 236c to 288c/kg. Heavy vyy weight cows sold mostly from 252c to 317c/kg. Better shaped heavy vyy bulls made between 2770c and 310c with the dairy lots between 250c andd 276c/kg.

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

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[BOTTOMFOLIO][PAGENO] 32 THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

[MONTH], February,[YEAR] 2021

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February, 2021

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

33

GIPPSLAND SPORT

Boomers bounce into Sale By SARAH LUKE

Joanna Rule took no prisoners with a stinging return on her way to winning the women’s singles. photograph sarah luke

MELBOURNE Boomers trio Tess Madgen, Penina Davidson and Rachel Brewster joined the Sale Sonics Under-16 girls team for training recently. Madgen is a member of the Australians Opals women’s basketball team, Davidson a member of the New Zealand national team and Brewster is fresh from an extremely successful four-year stint at Utah State University. In town as part of the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Back to Sport tour, the Women’s National Basketball League players were giving the Sonics some last minute tips ahead of the Eltham-Dandenong Junior Basketball Tournament held on the Australia Day weekend. Madgen said it was great to give the team some tips and tricks. “I think their coach (Andrew Hack) is all over it; he seems really great and he already had a lot of great foundation in place, but hopefully they got something out of us today,” she said. As a professional female basketballer, Madgen said she enjoyed watching the girls strive to make it to a top level in sport. “They’re asking us a lot of questions about what it does take, which is very positive for

Melbourne Boomers players Tess Madgen, Penina Davidson and Rachel Brewster were in Sale on recently as part of the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Back to Sport tour. photograph sarah luke

them to have that interest and see what they have to do to get there,” she said. Sale Amateur Basketball Association president Ben Lancaster said it was an incredible opportunity to have the Boomers train with and mentor the girls. “Our Sonics girls are a talented group,” he said. ”This is a rare opportunity for the girls to learn from and be inspired by their role models ... they have so much to share with our Sonics girls and hopefully motivateand

inspire the local girls to continue playing and loving the sport of basketball.” Lancaster thanked the LVA for its support of local sport and the chance for the Sonics to train with the Melbourne Boomers. “We know there is a significant dropout rate in teenage girls playing sport from 14 years upward and we are hopeful that initiatives such as this, where we can connect our female basketballers to their role models, will assist to keep girls playing sport and chasing their dreams.”

Seaspray’s tennis event is just ace Gippsland pair second at state event AFTER postponing its annual tournament because of the heightened COVID-19 risk around New Year’s Day, Seaspray Tennis Club conducted its popular event in ideal summer conditions in late January. The change of date affected player numbers, but allowed organisers to ensure everyone played as much tennis as they wanted to, given there are only four tennis courts at the club adjacent to the Seaspray Public Hall. Sale, Maffra and Yarram were wellrepresented, as well as visitors from Melbourne. Five brave juniors played alongside the senior players, with first-time entrant Kalani Little from Maffra taking out the junior prize from another first-time player, Allison Falconer from Seaspray. In the women’s draw, Sale player Jo Rule went one better than last year to add her name to the winner’s trophy, with Maffra’s Sarah Little coping well with the hard court to take second place. Steve Turner from Yarram now has his name on the McNaughton Family Perpetual Trophy twice, after narrowly defeating Terry Flynn, Maffra Lawn Tennis Club’s president. Seaspray Tennis Club life member Gregor McNaughton was on hand to present the winners with their trophies. Although the Seaspray Tennis Club is not fielding any teams in the Wellington Gippsland Tennis Association summer pennant competition, there is enough demand from local residents and holidaymakers to continue to run the annual event and use the facility. Seaspray Tennis Club has been running the tournament for almost 40 years during the Christmas-New Year holiday period, with plans already in action for next year’s event. The club is also running casual twilight tennis on Wednesday evenings for anyone interested. For more information visit the Seaspray Tennis Club Facebook page or phone the secretary on 0407 468 303.

34

THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

LOCAL bowlers Jan Morton, of Sale Bowls Club, and Gail McKenzie, of West Sale Bowls Club, placed second in the women’s pairs final of the State Champions Week, held at City Memorial Bowls Club, Warrnambool. Representing Gippsland, the defending champions were defeated by Northern Gateway’s Carla Krizanic and Lisa Trewarne in the last shot of a nail-bitingly close final, 18 shots to 16 last month. Australian international lawn bowler player Krizanic played a great last bowl to take the kitty back to three of her bowls, to the detriment of the Gippsland pair. Having had the bye in the opening round, a tough and hot day made life difficult in Round 2. Morton and McKenzie just scraped past Sandbelt’s Courtney Gabb and Kelly McKerihen 15-17, but the dynamic duo had a much easier semi-final against Murray Mallee’s Lyn Ashton and Roma Opie, winning 26-9. McKenzie and Morton, with Sale-based teammates Pam Carter and Marg Sceney, had less luck in the women’s fours, copping a first round loss 20 shots to 12 against

Jan Morton, of Sale Bowls Club, and Gail McKenzie, of West Sale Bowls Club, placed second in the women’s pairs final of the State Champions Week held at Warrnambool. photograph bowls victoria

eventual event winners Diane Richards, Rosemary Lorenz, Karren Sheers and Patricia Fraser -Aurisch, playing for Strzelecki.

In other Gippsland results, Sale’s Julie Simic progressed through to the second round of the novice women’s singles, but fell 13-21 to Clunes’ Valerie Jackson. Orbost’s Robyn Kellow and Karen Chenney were able to clinch a Gippsland win on the Women’s Over-60s pairs, defeating Sandbelt’s Lorraine Burke and Ann McCarthy 13 shots to 11. In the men’s fours, Lindenow’s Kevin Deery, Ray Barry, Stephen Brill and Anthony Edwards placed equal third overall. Lakes Entrance’s Brad Lancaster and Sale’s Jan Morton lost in the opening round of the mixed pairs. Postponed because of COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 State Champions Week aimed to bring the best bowlers from all 16 regions together to showcase the sport. The pinnacle of Championship Bowls in Victoria, region winners have the chance to represent Victoria at a national level at the Australian Championships and the Australian Champion of Champions events.

Aeroplane Eric flies in Cup win By PETER QUILTY

COMEBACK king Aeroplane Eric capped off an amazing return to racing with victory in the $67,000 Group 2 Evans Petroleum Warragul Cup (460m). He turned the tables on superstar Shima Shine, who defeated him in track record time in the heats. It was a fantastic training effort by Devon Meadows trainer Glenn Rounds to get Aeroplane Eric back on the track after twice breaking a stopper bone. The lightly raced flying machine, who had a four-month spell between August and December, has been brilliant in four starts since resuming. But his $47,000 first prize collect in Warragul GRC’s blue riband sprint was the icing on the cake! Using Box 1 to perfection, Aeroplane Eric ($4.40) held off the barnstorming finish of ‘new kid on the block’ Equalizer ($7.60) by a half-length, with the unlucky Shima Shine ($2.20F) three and a half lengths away third in 25.44sec. Equalizer’s performance was phenomenal,

Aeroplane Eric holds off the fast-finishing Equalizer to win the 2021 Warragul Cup. photograph greyhound racing victoria

while G1 Topgun winner Shima Shine was also gallant. Owned by the Wasted syndicate, managed by Warragul-based Jason Woodbridge, Aeroplane Eric (March 2018 Knocka Norris x Lonesome Jett) registered his 10th win from 19 starts and his prizemoney spiralled to $74,299.

A nervous and tired Aeroplane Eric reduced Rounds to saying: “There’s been a lot of time and healing, and we don’t know what’s around the corner.” But he had said in the lead-up to the final that Aeroplane Eric was “a big chance and he deserves it”.

February, 2021

GIPPSLAND SPORT

Fraser wins Gippsland Super 6 By GREGOR MACTAGGART

MARCUS Fraser raised his fist in jubilation as he drained the putt which won him the Gippsland Super 6 title at Yallourn Golf Club last month. The Corowa ace survived four suddendeath matchplay contests to claim the second edition of the $125,000 PGA Tour of Australasia tournament. Fraser thwarted a potential fairytale finish for Swiss golfer Alessandro Noseda with a two-shot victory in the final. Noseda, who was in 15th place through 54 holes, produced a scintillating burst on the final day, defeating Ben Eccles, Jason Norris, David Bransdon and Peter Cooke in six-hole contests before finding Fraser too tough in the decider. Fraser seized the early advantage with a birdie on the first and doubled that advantage when Noseda made bogey on the par-3 second. The gap was cut to one when Noseda made birdie on the fourth before both players parred the fifth hole. That set the scene for a grandstand finish with Fraser landing the ball just metres from the pin with his second shot. The subsequent birdie putt delivered the 42-year-old’s first success on a major tour since lifting the 2016 Maybank Championship in Malaysia. “I promised the kids (Archie and Lily) they could see the trophy before they go to bed so I’ll do that,” Fraser told pga.org.au. “They see all the ups and downs now of what I do so it’s nice to give them a little treat and bring them something home. “Sometimes you’re crying out for a break, but when it’s actually taken away from you and you can’t do it you actually realise how much you love doing what you do. “COVID has probably taught a lot of us that once again. I genuinely love playing golf and it’s great to be back out on the course competing. “That’s what we do. That’s our DNA, what we love doing.” The matchplay format brought Deyen Lawson unstuck after the Queenslander had controlled proceedings through the strokeplay stage. Lawson fired a course record eight-under par 64 on day one and consolidated his spot at the top of the leaderboard with rounds of 70 and 70. Jason Norris went into the matchplay as the second seed following rounds of 68 and 67, but crashed out in Round 2.

Marcus Fraser stares down this iron shot during the Gippsland Super 6.

One of the stories of the tournament was Maffra young gun Levi Sclater. Sclater, 18, turned heads with rounds of 71 and 69 through Thursday and Friday to comfortably make the halfway cut. The talented amateur, who plays for Huntingdale in Melbourne’s elite pennant competition, was in a position to book himself a spot in the matchplay, but faded from contention with a 78. Sclater found himself in good company though, with former US Open champion and tournament drawcard Geoff Ogilvy missing out on the final day after a 54-hole score of even par (72, 70, 74). Tom Power Horan’s title defence came to an end on day three. Power Horan shot 69 on Thursday, but faded from contention with a 75 on Friday and despite a 70 on Saturday, finished four shots outside the number needed to progress. Other notable players to miss out on the final day despite strong performances were Michael Hendry and Jack Munro, ruled out of the matchplay stage on a countback. Matt Millar finished five under par, while the Traralgon Pro-Am winner Kyle Michel continued his good form in the Latrobe Valley, finishing four-under par after rounds of 71, 71, 70. Former St Kilda and Essendon champion Brendon Goddard, playing in the event as an amateur, missed the halfway cut following rounds of 75 and 81.

Marcus Fraser with the trophy.

photograph pga of australia

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Former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy drives. photograph tessa randello

YYN to open NGFNL season NEWCOMERS Yallourn Yallourn North will open the 2021 North Gippsland Football Netball League season with a Good Friday blockbuster against Yarram. The Bombers became the league’s 11th team after switching from the Mid Gippsland competition. Its debut will arrive at Yarram Recreation Reserve on April 2, the only fixture for the Easter weekend.

February, 2021

The four other Round 1 matches will be played on Saturday, April 10. Heyfield will host Cowwarr, Woodside welcomes Glengarry, TTU makes the trip to Rosedale and Gormandale faces Sale City. Churchill has the bye in Round 1. The 18-round season will see clubs play 16 matches in total, with two byes. Only twice during the season will

multiple clubs have byes in the same weekend, with Glengarry, Yarram and Sale City in Round 5 and YYN, TTU and Woodside in Round 14. The finals series starts on the weekend of August 21, with the preliminary final on September 4 and grand final scheduled for September 11. A copy of the draw is available on the North Gippsland FNL Facebook page.

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2019 champion Tom Power Horan and Maffra young gun Levi Sclater at Yallourn Golf Club. photograph gregor mactaggart

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THE GIPPSLAND FARMER

February, 2021

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