The Northern Rivers Times Rural News Edition 107

CASINO ALL BREEDS 2022 BULL & FEMALE SALE - JULY 30TH !!"#$"%$&'( )$(*+,-%./0$1 2/3"45, Local, State and Local Rural News

July 28, 2022

Advertising: 1300 679 787

PREPARING FOR DISEASE INCURSIONS

The NSW Government for sheep and goats will biosecurity controls. by federal and state by the federal government “I am concerned to hear has received unanimous be critical in the event “It’s also great to see agricultural departments to add sanitiser foot mats about travellers coming !"##"$"%&'(")*+#'(',-'.//0.120.3405'6"7'"'89%%'12':#+*6&#'' support for the of an emergency disease NSW Farmers throw their Proudly supporting with industry input for at all international airports backthe from Indonesia who Casino Bullnot Sale. development of a";<'"'="*&#;"%':#+*6&#'8+#'7"%&''"*'*6&'>"7?;+'7"%& national, outbreak like Foot weight behind a national consideration at the next in Australia, along withAll Breedsare being stopped and industry-led mandatory and Mouth Disease in eID system for sheep and meeting of agriculture confirmation that footNSW mats Ph:0427331204 checked for traces of the Lot 81: JARR Kyogle, sheep and goat electronic Australia,” Mr Saunders goats during an emergency ministers. will also be rolled out at FMD virus, which is why Run by fifth generation cattle probelieve that the cow herd is the driver clients require to put more money therefore our cattle need to perform identification (eID) said. vote at their annual “My commitment to departure terminals in I’ll continue to call for 100 ducers, Jarravale Simmentals aspire to of performance in the beef industry. in their back pocket. Our program in this environment to bring the most system during a meeting “Today’s agreement is a conference this week. sheep and goat producers Indonesia. per cent of people returning produce excellent quality Simmental We select for industry relevant traits includes both Traditional and Black benefit to our clients. of Australian Agriculture major leap towards closing “This shows great is that they will have “NSW has been from spots like Bali genetics that will produce more beef including: calving ease, carcass weight, Simmental cattle.

In March 2022 we had ourhot first open Ministers for lastour week. all gaps in our national collaboration from industry their voices heard prosecuting the case for to have their luggage farming customers to enhance fat coverage and performance on grass We have a commercial focus, putting day and stand alone sale with an Ministertheir for Agriculture biosecurity system. and grain. and producers address all stages of the increased biosecurity inspected thoroughly.” profitability. Jarravale Simmentals To achieve ourto goals we use during more beef and hence income into online female sale that sold heifers to Dugald Saunders said there “Recent detections of the Foot and Mouth implementation and measures like foot mats at For more Foot and is located near Kyogle, with a breeding embryo transfer and artificial insemour clients’ pockets. As a result, our three states. With the success ofon both is now a strong Foot and Mouth Disease Disease threat development of aunder national international airports, and Disease, herd ofmandate over 100toregistered females. ination, which enables us at to our continue stud herd is run commercial events it will becomeMouth an annual part visit of www. start working on how best fragments in Melbourne border.” traceability system.” while the steps taken by dpi.nsw.gov.au/animalsOur breeding program is focused on to improve our cow herd. We source conditions alongside our commercial our marketing program. to implement a national and Adelaide said a that Mr Saunders the federal government are andlivestock/beef-cattle/ consistent, high-performing female are a the best siresMr weSaunders can find globally herd with very limited supplementary !"#$%&'#($)"#*+%%&#$)$,%$*%"## system forlines sheep and frightening reminderare of backednational framework will also welcomed an positive, there is definitely health-and-disease/viralthat aregoats. fertile, structurally by strong female lines and feeding.

We understand the Austra-'.#/.,)$0"#&$%"#1+.,23#0("#4"$.5 correct and wean heavy Weramp up our display thebe traits that our commercial lian beef industry is majority grass “Individual traceability thecalves. need to urgently developed announcement yesterday morefed that can be done. diseases/fmd

Jarravale simmentals are pleased to be part of the 2022 Casino All Breeds Bull & Female Sale with 8 performance recorded traditional and black bulls on offer

Proudly supporting the Casino All Breeds Bull Sale.

Kyogle, NSW

Ph:0427331204

!"#$%#&&'()*$+#,*#-.$(/$0,1"/&'$,)$&2(3&$$ 1,4$0-.(2(&/$35-3$%#&&'$1,)/(/3&)326 $ $7(#&$2()&/$()12"'&$8)15,#$9$:-+3,#$-)'$:(//()*3,)$;&4$73-)'-#'<$$ 1"##&)326$35&$)".%&#$,)&$7(..&)3-2$+&#0,#.-)1&$/(#&$()$8"/3#-2(For more information phone Allan (0427 331 204) or check out our Facebook page.

Lot 81: JARRAVALE Jarravale SimmentalsQuantum(PP)(AI) also have ten bulls for sale at the 6+""2&%$21#7,88"20$%#9+%%##7$%"#'2#0("#:;0(#<+%4#,2#='>?($8/0'25

STUD QUALITY COMMERCIAL REALITY

The NR Times Rural News

July 28, 2022

38 RURAL NEWS

Peak agricultural body vote to support development of national electronic tagging system

National tag system no silver bullet for FMD Members of the state’s peak agricultural body have voted to support the development of a national electronic tagging system.

Last Tuesday, the state government announced it would support a national electronic tagging system for sheep and goats in response to the threat posed by foot and mouth disease.

NSW Farmers Biosecurity Chair Ian McColl said while electronic tagging could be helpful, it would not be a silver bullet for the threat posed by FMD. “Our members voted to provide in principle support for the development of a national individual traceability system for sheep,” Mr McColl said.

“However, this national system must have jurisdictional harmonisation, be affordable, and be developed in consultation with producers.

“Traceability reforms must ensure that the costs are effectively

shared throughout the supply chain and with government.”

Australia remains free of many significant pests and diseases, which provides a competitive edge in global markets, but it is dependent on a strong biosecurity system.

Mr McColl said recent

outbreaks of both Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot and Mouth Disease in Indonesia had created an increased risk of a severe biosecurity incursion in Australia. Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) modelling projected

a widespread FMD outbreak in Australia would have an estimated direct economic impact of around $80 billion.

“In the event of a biosecurity disaster such as an FMD outbreak, effective tracking would enable authorities to enact preventive measures

promptly and minimise an outbreak,” Mr McColl said.

“But we must remember this is not something that will replace strong biosecurity controls at our borders, and our members remain concerned about returning travellers and requirements at our

airports.

“We are encouraged that governments are listening to industry and moving controls in the right direction, but we must do everything possible to keep FMD out of Australia.”

Australian and Indonesian livestock sectors work together to limit disease spread The Australian livestock industry will work with Indonesian feedlots to help protect their facilities from disease incursions and subsequent trade disruption via a biosecurity support project jointly funded by the Australian Government and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

The Australian Government recently committed an initial $500,000 grant to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). As part of this investment, MLA will be responsible for

coordinating support from Australian industry for the Indonesian feedlot sector’s emergency response to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).

MLA Managing Director, Jason Strong, said while FMD had been a threat to the industry for over 100 years, its recent detection in Bali reinforces how vigilant we must be.

“The risk of a potential disease entering Australia is always at the forefront of our industry priorities and that is why we have some of the strictest

biosecurity protocols in the world, and wellrehearsed plans to deal with them,” Mr Strong said.

“Alongside stronger biosecurity measures at the border from the Federal Government, MLA will coordinate on-the-ground support to help our Indonesian counterparts to counteract this threat. This will be done through vaccination and livestock identification and traceability guidelines, as well as training and communication plans. In addition, we will support enhanced data collection

and reporting systems within Indonesia.

“MLA will also develop appropriate tools, resources and strategies to empower and enable local commercial operators to understand and effectively manage disease challenges to their businesses.

“Indonesia has long been an important and major red meat and livestock trade partner for Australia. The country is Australia’s largest export market for live cattle and fifth largest for boxed beef. This comprehensive biosecurity support Project will provide

mutual benefits to all parts of the IndonesiaAustralia value chain, including smaller livestock holdings in Indonesia.”

What Australian producers can do Livestock producers are strongly encouraged to be prepared, vigilant and on the lookout. Good biosecurity practices and early detection will be essential to reduce the potential impact of LSD or FMD, should either arrive in Australia.

Producers can help by: • Making sure you are aware of the symptoms

of LSD and FMD at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry • If you suspect LSD or FMD in your livestock, immediately calling the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 • Adhering to all traceability obligations, including ensuring all documentation is correctly completed – Integrity Systems Company • Reviewing your onfarm biosecurity plan

CONTACT US - The Northern Rivers Times Rural Edition ✆ 1300 679 787 SALES 02 6662 6222 sales@nrtimes.com.au ✆ Albury - 02 6080 9520, Casino - 02 6662 6222, Dubbo - 02 5858 4078, Grafton - 02 5632 3041, Moree - 02 6794 3889, Tamworth - 02 5719 1656, Wagga Wagga - 02 5940 8516 Directors, co-owners and co-founders: Jeffrey Gibbs (jeff@heartlandmedia.com.au) and Sharon Bateman (sharon@heartlandmedia.com.au) ISSN: 2652-7928 a Heartland Media company ABN: 84 134 238 181 All rights reserved © 2022 Distribution Coffs Harbour north to Southport and west to Tenterfield weekly. Circulation 59,200

July 28, 2022

Locally owned and independent

The NR Times Rural News

RURAL NEWS 39

Labor needs to step up their FMD response Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism Kevin Hogan has again called on the Labor Government to step up and implement stronger measures to protect us against the threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

“I am strongly urging the Government to introduce compulsory shoe decontamination on all travellers coming back from Bali – a move it has seemingly rejected.”

“I have also asked them to consider that all travellers returning from Bali spend two days in the city, before returning to the regions.”

“This would allow any traces of the disease still present on shoes or clothing to die, stopping it from entering the regions.”

“Tomorrow is too late – Labor need to implement new measures today,” Mr Hogan said.

“If there is an outbreak on our shores, it would force a ban on red meat exports that could last for years, causing major economic losses to the livestock and meat processing sector.”

“Labor Minister Murray Watt is currently in Indonesia meeting with his Indonesian counterparts, but this issue is too important to delay.”

“New measures need to be introduced today, given the number of people that are returning daily from Bali.”

“Every day this is not introduced Australia is another step closer to having this deadly disease on our shores.”

AIRPORT FOOT MATS LATEST MEASURE IN AUSTRALIA’S FMD TOOLKIT The Albanese Government will roll out another layer of protection against foot and mouth disease (FMD) transmission, with sanitation foot mats in international airports the latest measure to be introduced.

Australia’s biosecurity measures have been ramped up over several months in response to the Indonesian outbreak, with a $14 million biosecurity package announced last Friday to deliver more frontline defences in airports and mail centres, along with support on the ground for Indonesia and neighbouring countries.

Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt said Australia’s biosecurity system was already one of the strictest in the world, and mats would add yet another layer of defence on flights from Indonesia.

“I directed my department to look at what could be done around footwear to complement the other measures in place

!"#$!%&$'(!)%*+,(-.,, !"#$%&%'()&*!%'+),)-%!.#%&.

!"#$%&"'()* +,-&(./0+$"#&.$$/-0+./!"#$%&'(')#%"*"" +#$%,-.#-/0-1%"*"" !2#$%34#50-1%"*"" &66%71--8)%7'66%9 :-/;6-%,;6-%<%% 12340560789: :3=%&>>%?3@= >ABC,D3EF%GCCH, ,;3;<0'=&5<>?=@ !"#$%!"#%$&' '?334;A0'=&5<>?=@ !"#$%$'$%(') '?<@0'=&5<>?=@ !"&&%"(&%"'$ 7?=@0'?95B;: !"()%"!!%&$*

'=&"#'.&S0,$T0/$U +,-./-.0%12-3,4/..56%-16,/4

AAAR>==5<>?=@<;?9;D3?3;R=5>R?8

,<58C9:0 D8EE5<3FBG0 &?DFB50.990H<;;CD0 I8990J0!;>?9;0+?9;0 65<0KL0:;?<D

,4M0NNNK0OPQQ

and after careful consideration, we have decided to deploy sanitation foot mats in Australia’s international airports,” Minister Watt said.

“The fact is, there is no biosecurity silver bullet - our biosecurity controls rely on a multi-layered approach to mitigate the risk of FMD. “These sanitation mats will be a physical reminder to passengers to do the right thing to limit any spread of FMD, and will be used

in conjunction with our current measures, such as passenger declaration, 100 per cent profiling of all passengers entering from Indonesia, real time risk assessments, questioning and shoe cleaning.

“We still encourage Australians to clean their shoes and clothing, and even leave their footwear overseas if they can.”

Following consultation with airports, two styles of mats will be used, with shipping already underway.

The mats will begin to be seen in international terminals this week, starting in Darwin and Cairns.

Travellers arriving in Australia from Indonesia will be asked to walk across the mats to sanitise the soles of their shoes.

The mats will contain a citric acid solution, designed to dislodge any dirt from the sole of the shoe and cover it in the acid.

Travellers will still be asked to declare their contact with farms and livestock, and those with visibly contaminated shoes will continue to be taken to the biosecurity area.

Further biosecurity measures will be discussed at today’s Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting – the first joint meeting between federal, state and territory Agriculture Ministers in eight months.

For more information visit www.agriculture. gov.au/biosecurity-trade/ pests-diseases-weeds/

The NR Times Rural News

July 28, 2022

40 RURAL NEWS

Recent Cattle Market Reports CASINO NRLX Market Report Week Ending Friday 22 July Agents yarded a total of 1,026 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 20 July.

Young cattle continued to be in the largest numbers, while the number of cows penned was not as high as the previous week.

The panel of export buyers in attendance was similar to previous weeks, and the usual restocker feeder and trade buyers were present and operating.

Prices generally could not maintain the levels of the previous sale with reductions across most classes.

Cow prices saw a drop this week averaging 259c/kg and reaching a top price of 302c/kg.

Heifer prices were also back with lighter stock up to

250kg averaging 407c/kg and topping their category at 480c/kg.

Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 351c/kg and reached a top of 446c/kg.

Bull prices held firm this week with 31 head sold averaging 273c/kg and 652kg.

Steers were considerably cheaper with lighter steers up to 250kg averaging 487c/kg and reaching a top price of 590c/kg.

Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 422c/kg and topped their market at 530c/kg.

A small number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 312c/kg.

As with most other categories, vealer prices took a tumble this week with lighter vealer up to 250kg averaging 456c/kg and reaching a top of 600c/kg.

Heavier vealer over 250kg averaged 441c/kg with a top price of 532c/kg.

George & Fuhrmann held a store sale at the NRLX on Monday 18 July with 575 head going under the hammer.

Steers topped their category at 686c/kg and averaged 589c/kg and 216kg whilst heifers reached a top of 538c/kg and averaged 450c/kg and 206kg.

Cows reached a top price of $1,320 whilst Cows & Calves topped their market at $1,500.

Ian Weir & Son held a store sale at the NRLX on Friday 22 July with 660 head going under the hammer.

Steers topped their category at 620c/kg and averaged 467c/kg and 222kg whilst heifers reached a top of 486c/kg and averaged 417c/kg and 209kg.

Cows reached a top price of $2,350 whilst Cows & Calves topped their market at $2,850.

This Saturday 30 July, the annual Casino All Breeds Bull & Sale will be held at the NRLX with 150 bulls and 17 registered females to be offered on the day.

After two years of Covid limiting entry, this year will be a big one with everyone welcome so bring the family along for a day at the saleyards.

The sale will also be live streamed via StockLive for those unable to attend.

Scientists achieve new ammonia breakthrough Monash scientists have achieved a new breakthrough in their quest to develop a more sustainable ammonia production process.

Ammonia is the source of most of the modern world’s fertilisers; but these are usually made from natural gas and its production releases large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.

Published last week in the journal Nature,

lead researcher Dr Hoang-Long Du, from the Monash University School of Chemistry and team leaders Dr Alexandr Simonov and Professor Doug MacFarlane report that they can achieve almost complete selectivity for the conversion of nitrogen, from the air around us, and renewable electricity into ammonia at an unprecedented rate.

The research developed

135 SELECTION LANE, WATERVIEW HEIGHTS $3,000,000 - $3,300,000 Unquestionably one of the area's most distinguished landholdings, this property totals 115 acres of fertile, pasture-improved country. Poised at the top of the aptly named Selection Lane, the expansive & luxurious fourbedroom homestead delights in remarkable views across the Clarence Valley. The homestead is meticulously presented & ideal for entertaining on a grand scale with a series of formal & casual living spaces & established grounds. Pasture improvement has been a real focus & this property would lend itself to carrying trade steers, cows & calves, or stud cattle or horses. There is an established machinery shed and internal fences divide the property into several paddocks. 15 minutes to Grafton, 1 hour to Yamba & Coffs Harbour, 3 hours to the Gold Coast, 4 hours to Tamworth and 6.5hours to Sydney.

Contact: JoJo Newby of Farrell McCrohon Stock & Station Agents, Grafton on 0417 690 637 or Tom Jamieson of Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty on 0425 364 630 to discuss.

a unique electrolyte that produces a highperformance layer on the operating electrode to support the reaction that converts nitrogen into ammonia. The price of fertilisers has more than doubled in recent years in part because of increases in natural gas prices, placing many farmers under severe strain.

Dr Simonov said a process for the carbonfree production of

fertilisers using renewable energy had been known for some time but it was not very selective.

“Typically, a significant portion, sometimes as large as half of the electricity was used in making other unwanted compounds, making the process impractical,” Dr Simonov said.

“Our new discovery shows how ammonia can be made with complete selectivity.”

Co-leader in the work, Professor Doug MacFarlane, said that reaching 100% selectivity for ammonia was a vital step in making the process industrially practical.

“This discovery builds on years of work in our group understanding the fundamental chemistry underpinning the process,” Professor MacFarlane said.

Dr Du said another important feature of the

new electrolyte was the high stability it provided to the process.

“Since the electricity is exclusively used for the nitrogen to ammonia reaction, no degradation processes can occur and the process can operate stably on a long timescale,” Dr Du said.

Monash has spun off a company, Jupiter Ionics, which is scaling up the process discovered by the research team.

Stock Comment & Property of the Week Only a smaller number of cattle on offer at the Grafton for the Store Sale 21st July 2022.

As we are seeing the market get tougher on some of the store cattle. Bullocks sold to a top of 370¢/kg & weaner steers still holding in with most sales 560¢/kg - 620¢/kg topping at 640¢/kg. Better end of the heifers sold well to top at 542¢/kg, with the light end of weaner heifers most affected.

Next Store sale will be Thursday 11th August and our next Fat Sale 26th July 2022

Next Grafton Store Cattle Sale Thursday 11th August starting at 9am

JoJo Newby: 0417 690 637 / David Farrell: 0437 448 455 / Ben Clark: 0477 123 770 / Office: 02)6642 5200 / www.farrellmccrohon.com.au / PO Box 417 Grafton

July 28, 2022

Locally owned and independent

The NR Times Rural News

RURAL NEWS 41

You are invited to inspect our sale bulls by appointment prior to the sale to help you with your choice

WAKEFIELD STUD

WAKEFIELD sires are helping clients top weaner sales, meet the feedlot/Jap ox market, and breed hardy, functional, fertile females.

The Wollomombi stud is currently running about 150 registered Angus cows and 300 registered Charolais cows.

Greg and Jenny Frizell have built the herd with large-scale artificial insemination and Embryo Transfer programs. This year’s sale includes 50 Charolais and 30 Angus bulls, which is an increase on previous sale numbers offered. The vendors are proud of the quality of this year’s line-up and expect the extra numbers on offer will allow good competition without breaking the bank.

This year’s sale will feature 10 high quality registered Charolais females with show potential heifers included.

Among the Charolais genetics in Wake-

field’s August 12 sale are homebred sires Wakefield Lorax L982E, Wakefield Masquerade M152E, and calving ease Charolais bull Wakefield Noble N511E. AI sires include Venturon Maximum Impact and Canadian sire Elder’s Blackjack, who won the Charolais bull Champion of the World competition for 2020.

Angus AI sires include Chiltern Park Moe, Baldridge Command, Baldridge 38 Special and EF Primequarter and homebred sires Wakefield Emperor N650 and Wakefield Niagara P10.

“With the Angus we’re aiming for a balance between calving ease, good carcase characteristics and growth, while focusing on docility,” Mr Frizell said.

“With the Charolais we are breeding softer, easier finishing cattle, but at the same time keeping good growth and carcase in them

with moderate birthweights.”

The Frizell’s have clients along the east coast of northern NSW, as well as along the Tablelands and inland. The Angus bulls have proved popular in a wide range of environments and as with the Charolais are proving their durability and longevity. The Charolais sires are being used in crossbreeding operations in coastal areas over predominantly Bos Indicus infused cows to target the weaner, vealer and feedlot weight markets while on the Tablelands they are being used over mostly British based cow herds targeting the weaner, feedlot weight and Jap ox markets.

“The Wakefield herd has been recording calf birth weights for a long time and a lot of herds on the coast are using higher calving ease Wakefield Charolais bulls on Brahman infused heifers very successfully

producing a better quality first calf, simplifying their breeding programs and producing larger runs of “same type” weaners.” Mr Frizell said.

The Wakefield herd prides itself on their cow lines in both the Charolais and Angus so clients can select the next generation of females with confidence if it suits their breeding program.The bulls are vaccinated with 8 in 1, Leptoshield, Vibrio, Pestigard, BEF and are tested negative for Pesti virus.

They are semen tested and we guarantee them to be in working order. We’d like to invite people to inspect our sale bulls by appointment prior to the sale and help them with their choice. The sale will be on farm at Wakefield at 1pm and online with Elite Livestock Auctions. There is a complimentary lunch and don’t forget to ask us about our freight arrangement.

ANNUAL ON PROPERTY SALE

2022

BULL SALE - FRIDAY 12TH AUGUST - 1PM - ON FARM & ONLINE Online via Elite Livestock We are selling 50 Charolais bulls, 30 Angus bulls and 10 Charolais heifers.

INSPECTIONS WELCOME PRIOR TO SALE - FREE FREIGHT TO MAJOR CENTRES INCLUDING GRAFTON, CASINO & LISMORE Greg & Jenny Frizell P: 02 6778 1346 M: 0427 781 346 E: wakefieldstud@bigpond.com Wakefield-Charolais-and-Angus-Stud www.wakefielcharolais.com.au

The NR Times Rural News

July 28, 2022

42 RURAL NEWS

Increased surveillance and testing of meat and animal products

Biosecurity vigilance brought to the fore As part of the Australian Government’s response to the spread of animal diseases in the region, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has increased its surveillance and testing of meat and other animal products, both at the border and through targeted checking of retail outlets.

Some pork products have been removed from supermarket shelves after viral fragments of both foot and mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever (ASF) were detected during testing.

This find does not change Australia’s disease-free status for FMD and ASF. There is no threat to human health from these diseases.

During a recent purchasing and testing campaign of food for sale in supermarkets

around Australia, one sample tested positive for FMD and ASF viral fragments– the test does not indicate live virus.

This sample was from pork floss offered for sale in Melbourne.

Pork floss is a processed, dried meat product that can be imported if it meets strict import conditions that mitigate the risk of exotic diseases, including ASF and FMD. The product was processed, but investigations have not found evidence that the treatment was to Australia’s requirements.

Out of an abundance of caution, officers have seized product from all linked supermarkets and a warehouse in Melbourne.

If the public have any of this pork floss product, please return them to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries

and Forestry office in your capital city. If you are unsure about a concerning product or would like further information, please contact the department.

A number of other pork products for retail sale around Australia have tested positive for ASF viral fragments.

Officers are in the process of securing products and undertaking investigations. Further information will be provided when these investigations have been completed.

The department has also been testing meat products seized at the border from travellers and through the mail.

Recently a passenger was intercepted with a beef product.

When prompted by a biosecurity officer, the passenger declared a number of items of

biosecurity concern at the border and was issued with a warning. The seized beef item tested positive for FMD viral fragments.

The public, retailers and importers are asked to be vigilant in their purchases, to play their part in protecting Australia from these terrible diseases.

The government will continue to step up this surveillance activity and will prosecute breaches of biosecurity rules to the full extent of the law. This is across all pathways, not just travellers through airports.

Pig owners must not feed meat, animal products or imported dairy goods to their pigs. This is called swill feeding and is illegal throughout Australia.

Foot and mouth disease is considered one of Australia’s greatest biosecurity threats to livestock and an incursion of FMD or ASF would have severe consequences for Australia’s animal health, trade and economy and our regional communities.

Breaches of Australia’s biosecurity are taken very seriously. Penalties

for those who do the wrong thing include imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to $1,110,000 (or $5,550,000 for corporate entities) or both.

Everyone has a role in preventing harmful pests and diseases from entering Australia.

If you are travelling, importing goods or ordering goods through the mail, be aware of what is permitted entry to Australia. You can do this by checking the website at https:// www.agriculture.gov. au/biosecurity-trade/ travelling/bringingmailing-goods.

The department can be contacted on 1800 900 090 or online at www. agriculture.gov.au/about/ contact/online-enquiry.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

Easy Finishing, Early Maturing

OF

, Thick, Polled

GLENLEA CHAROLAIS BULLS

.

Glenlea Winton QLD Bull Sale Friday 22nd July ~ 45 Bulls on offer

Glenlea Roma QLD Bull Sale Wednesday 14th September ~ 75 Bulls on offer

Glenlea Clermont QLD Bull Sale Friday 14th October ~ 40 Bulls on offer

Glenlea Casino NSW Female Sale Friday 28th October ~ 100 Females & 10 Bulls on offer

PRIVATE SALE BULLS AVAILABLE NOW

Long and great carcass, polled & slick hair. Typical sale bull.

Contact Us for More Information and Inspections

Roderick Binny, Glenlea Beef: 0409 911 791

James Dockrill, Pinedock Pastoral: 0438 812 240

Visit our website: www.glenleabeef.com.au

Or contact your preferred agent

@glenleacharolais

July 28, 2022

Locally owned and independent

The NR Times Rural News

RURAL NEWS 43

Grants for innovative farming NSW LEGAL PROFESSION’S REGIONAL and climate change projects RETENTION ISSUES IN THE SPOTLIGHT The Law Society of NSW is promoting regional, rural and rmote legal career opportunities, as well as responding to recent data revealing persistent gender pay and career gaps.

President of the Law Society of NSW Joanne van der Plaat said the 2021 Annual Profile of Solicitors in NSW published this month provides an invaluable opportunity for NSW law firms to share ‘best practice’ on remuneration and retention of legal talent.

Ms van der Plaat expressed concern at data in the profile which showed only 12 per cent of NSW solicitors practice in regional areas and encouraged more regional firms to sign up the Charter.

“As a regional practicioner myself, I’m keenly aware of the potentially devastating consequences of people in these areas not being able to access justice.

“The most recent Australian Census

revealed more than a third of the NSW population lives outside greater Sydney.

“The 2021Profile data shows barely more than one in ten solicitors in the state practice in areas outside the Sydney CBD and suburbs,” Ms van der Plaat said.

“As co-chair of the Law Council of Australia’s (LCA) Rural, Regional and Remote (RRR) Lawyers Committee, I last year launched the RRR Lawyers and Communities National Strategic Plan.

“The Law Society has been working with the Law Council throughout 2022 to develop tools which seek to address recruitment barriers and administrative hurdles for smaller RRR legal workplaces on hiring and onboarding new employees.

“Over the coming months, the Law Society will engage with signatories of our Charter for the Advancement of Women and other leading

law firms, to gather information about how they are currently addressing equal pay and flexibility in the workplace,” Ms van der Plaat said.

“The Profile shows pay gaps emerge with early career lawyers with the disparity increasing in line with seniority.

“The Law Society intends to examine this trend in detail and consider how best to address gender equality in senior roles.”

For the fifth consecutive year, female solicitors outnumber males, but fewer females occup senior roles. For example, the number of male law firm equity partners outnumber their female counterparts by almost three to one.

“Remuneration and career opportunities are vital to retaining high performing staff, which can improve productivity, performance, competitveness and growth,” Ms van der Plaat said.

Tweed farmers keen to improve their farm’s health and tackle climate change are encouraged to put projects forward for the latest round of Council’s Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program.

Grants of up to $4,000 are available for eligible activities that trial or lead to the adoption of improved farming practices with applications accepted until 30 August.

The small grants program has been running since 2018 and Council recently committed to another 3 years of the program which will see it run until 2025.

Over the past 4 years, Council has supported a number of quality projects initiated by local producers who have improved farming practices and reduced their impact on the land.

Council’s Program Leader – Sustainable Agriculture Eli Szandala said it was great news to see this valuable program continuing for another 3 years in the Tweed.

“We know that good farming practice is essential for maintaining the viability of our family farms and protecting our

unique biodiversity in the Tweed. The future of farming is also critical right now for food security and affordability,” Mr Szandala said.

“Local and world events over the last few years have really highlighted how important sustainable local food production is for community wellbeing but also for the environment, employment and the local economy.”

Previous grant recipients have initiated projects such as rotational grazing systems and multi-species pasture cropping to regenerate grazing land.

Other projects have involved excluding cattle from creeks and the use of biological controls in vegetable production to reduce the reliance on chemicals.

“We are particularly interested in supporting projects that have lasting

environmental benefits and to help farmers better prepare for the ever-increasing climate disruptions,” Mr Szandala said.

A recipient of a previous grant, Dr Victor Pires is a horticultural producer and syntropic farmer from Uki who used the funding to regenerate a lantana-infested area into a productive food forest.

Dr Pires was able to integrate native tree species into his farming for production and biodiversity benefits which was extremely successful.

To view the grant guidelines and case studies of previous grant recipients, visit tweed. nsw.gov.au/agriculture or contact the program leader – sustainable agriculture on (02) 6670 2400 for further information.

34 LOCAL BRIDGE UPGRADES BOOST ACCESS ACROSS REGIONS The NSW Government has today announced the first timber bridges that will receive funding through Round Two of the $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said $49.25

million has been awarded to replace 34 timber bridges with concrete bridges across 21 Local Government Areas (LGA).

“Our government is getting on with the job of building infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather events and protect

6.6KW from $4500 Call today to start saving money

our supply chain,” Mr Farraway said.

“That’s why we’re pushing ahead with Round 2A of the Fixing Country Bridges program in LGAs where councils are ready to get work, so these projects can get started.

“We’ll continue to work

with councils across the rest of the state, many of which have been hit hard by natural disasters like floods to firm up the remaining bridges.

“With each bridge replaced, we’re opening up more efficient routes for heavy vehicles from freight

!"!#$%&'()

()*+,-./%0%1+22+,%3424,+

A total of $290 million has been awarded to councils under Round 1 to replace more than 400 timber structures across the state. The outcome of all other applications submitted in Round 2 is expected to be announced towards the end of 2022.

SHIPPING CONTAINERS

!"#$%&%'() *+"),+-.") /-#*+"#')0%$"#1)

20ft & 40ft Storage

0414 400 690

!"#$%&'"#$

to the local school bus and RFS tankers.

“Improving access for freight companies helps them to reduce their operational costs, which will ultimately reduce costs for NSW families when buying the goods at the local supermarket.”

Best Prices Lease or Buy On or Off Site

BREWHOUSE VILLAGE LOCALLY OWNED IN GRAFTON 160-170 North St GRAFTON

6642 8168 - 0439 445 654

!"#"$%$&'()*+,-.&(# /,%0.&(# 1%2$.3'4&(# !"##$%%&$##% !"#$%&#'(#!%# )*+,-!!.

The NR Times Rural News

July 28, 2022

44 RURAL NEWS

Leader makes his pitch to primary producers

Strong interest in farming from Labor NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin has thanked NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns for his interest in agriculture, with several key policies announced last week.

The state Labor leader made his pitch to primary producers at the NSW Farmers annual conference on Thursday, promising to deliver an independent Agriculture Commissioner and a fresh focus on domestic biosecurity.

Mr Martin said Mr Minns addressed a few of the state’s peak agricultural advocacy body’s long-standing asks.

“Australian farmers produce the food and fibre we all enjoy, and it’s critical to have support for this important sector right across the political spectrum,” Mr Martin said.

“At the moment, there’s a lot of talk about supporting farmers after

the natural disasters we’ve lived through, but in the halls of government the impact of environmental priorities, urban expansion and infrastructure on rural land is simply not being addressed.

“Without an improved understanding in government of how to resolve the fragmentation and loss of productive rural land, the continued threats to farming land leads to a challenge to investment, innovation and to regional communities.”

Mr Martin said NSW Farmers had long campaigned for a truly independent agriculture commissioner, who could be a source of knowledge and advice to government, and who could facilitate co-ordination and partnership.

“We had a great presentation from NSW Agriculture Commissioner Daryl

Quinlivan during our conference and we work well with him, we simply think his role should be expanded, independent and given clout,” Mr Martin said.

“There are new opportunities in regional NSW for partnerships between farmers and government – say in environmental gains through on-farm natural

capital enhancement – where management of land and incentives from government work together without impacting production capacity.

“This is why it is important have an independent Agriculture Commissioner who can assist whole-ofgovernment decisions to build better planning, environmental and

production outcomes, because we’re missing some of those partnership opportunities.”

Mr Minns also promised to legislate and fund an Independent Biosecurity Commission, headed by a new Biosecurity Commissioner, to provide independent advice and report to Parliament on an annual basis.

“Fundamentally,

good biosecurity is about keeping diseases, pests and weeds under control, so they don’t impact agriculture or the environment, but here in NSW our members have reported increased pests and weeds coming onto their property from public land,” Mr Martin said.

“It is frustrating when farmers do so much to control pests and weeds only to get infestations from the national park or road next door, and it’s important those public land managers are held to the same standards as everyone else.

“I think it is positive to see biosecurity being elevated as an issue and recognised as a significant risk to agriculture and the economy, and this suggestion of an independent Biosecurity Commissioner is a key step in the right direction.”

NSW Farmers elects new president 4WD 5055E UTILITY TRACTOR. JUST

$29,799 55hp

IN STOCK NOW

Mullaley farmer Xavier Martin is the new leader of Australia’s largest state farming organisation.

Mr Martin was elected NSW Farmers President on the first day of the organisation’s annual conference, and thanked members for their support.

“It’s humbling to be elected president and I look forward to maintaining the momentum on key issues such as biosecurity and productivity,” Mr Martin

served as NSW Farmers Vice President, and spearheaded efforts to secure government support during the mouse plague.

Former NSW Farmers Treasurer and Moree said.

“We are looking at ways to secure the future of farming, and a big part of that is giving members their voice at our conference.

!"#$%&$ !"#$%$&'()*+,+-.$)&+/'01

“I look forward to seeing the result of these motions and working on progressing those issues with decision makers and industry groups.”

Mr Martin previously

farmer Rebecca Reardon was elected unopposed as Treasurer. Trangie farmer Peter Neil Wilson was elected unopposed as Treasurer.

!"#$%&'()*+,(-./01

23*##24567254426862

People Product Partnerships

!"#$%&'()*+,-."/0.#+,))1))*2%'"#,3)4)52'-6#,3 1))!'7)*+,-."/0.#+,)4)8'#,.%,',0% 9))*#$#2):+";-))1))<=0'$'.#,3

!"#$%&'()*$!+,---.+%"/*'0,'*1!&2'3'*,+4)&,

!"#$%&$'()*+*,"%&$-%.,#%%/0)%1

ENQUIRE NOW 9 Three Chain Road, South Lismore NSW 2480 Phone: 02 6627 4100

29*:,;1%+"&<2"&2,;'2=%:,;':&2>"+':$

!"#$%&'()#*+,#-.*/%01# !!"#$%&'# !!!"#$%&'("(#&"')

July 28, 2022

Locally owned and independent

The NR Times Rural News

RURAL NEWS 45

Hive Movement Declaration open for Beekeepers The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) now welcomes registered commercial beekeepers who are seeking to move bees and beehives in low-risk areas of NSW to complete their Hive Movement Declaration.

NSW DPI has worked in consultation with the apiary and horticultural industries in NSW to carefully develop a plan through a risk-assessed approach to enable critical business continuity and

pollination services for commercial beekeepers.

NSW DPI Chief Plant Protection Officer Dr Satendra Kumar said while a statewide standstill of hives still applies, movement from the general biosecurity emergency zone is being allowed under the permit-based system, however restrictions continue for the eradication, surveillance or notification zones.

“Our intensive

surveillance and tracing activities, on top of the statewide lockdown and creation of emergency zones continues to play a critical role in our response efforts,” said Dr Kumar.

“At the same time, we have a responsibility to support the State’s primary industries and recognise the essential role bees play in agricultural production.

“This is why we have opened a safe and

traceable way to allow the crucial movement of honeybees and apiary equipment and allow for the honey and pollination season to get underway while minimising risk of any further spread,” he said.

The Biosecurity Emergency Group Permit only applies to a person (or corporation) who has completed the Tocal College Varroa mite online training, has complied with

specified alcohol washing requirements, and has completed the Hive Movement Declaration on the NSW DPI website.

NSW DPI’s efforts to arrest the Varroa mite spread are being assisted by the apiary industry, Local Land Services (LLS), NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and the wider community.

More information about how to apply and the NSW DPI varroa mite response is available from

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ varroa Penalties for contravening an Emergency Order or a condition of a permit can be up to $1.1 million or imprisonment for 3 years for individuals and $2.2 million for corporations.

Apiarists are reminded that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under both the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the Crimes Act 1900.

World first experiment using drones for wildlife health checks A University of South Australia PhD student can now add ‘world first’ to her CV after collaborating with global cinematographer Douglas Thron to accurately measure heart and breathing rates of African wildlife filmed with a drone.

Danyi Wang, working under the guidance of UniSA remote sensing engineer Professor Javaan Chahl, used sophisticated signal processing

techniques to detect vital signs of zebra, sable antelopes, waterbucks and giraffe from drone footage.

It is believed to be the first time that this technique – pioneered by Prof Chahl and his team in 2019 – has been used to successfully extract heart and breathing rates of animals filmed from a drone at long distances.

The collaboration with Thron, one of the world’s most high-profile drone

pilots, came about after the cinematographer read about Prof Chahl’s remote sensing study with Adelaide Zoo. Thron films across the world using specialised drones with infrared cameras, zoom lenses and spotlights to rescue animals affected by natural disasters. He spent six months in Australia in 2020 after the World Wildlife Fund hired him to find vulnerable wildlife in the wake of

the country’s devastating bushfires. That experience – as well as the worldfirst experiment in Malawi, Africa – features in a documentary series, aptly named Doug to the Rescue, which airs in more than 30 countries worldwide on the Curiosity Streamchannel.\ In the Malawi documentary, which premiered in mid-June, Wang and Prof Chahl are interviewed via Zoom, discussing the challenges

they faced to pick up tiny movements from the animals’ chest cavities filmed by Thron’s drone from ranges of more than 50 metres.

“We had to select the right sequences in the video where it was stable enough for us to get heart rates, but we were able to do it,” Prof Chahl says.

According to Wang, the sable antelope’s heart rate was right in the middle of the normal range and its breathing rate was

at the lower end, which indicated it was very healthy and not stressed, even by the presence of the drone. Likewise, the vital signs captured from a giraffe, zebra and waterbuck were all in the expected range.

“It was exciting to work with a US-based documentary team on location in Malawi, via video conferencing from Adelaide, while Australia’s borders were closed.”

BENTLEY DOWNS CHAROLAIS BREEDING & SHOWING CHAROLAIS SINCE 1974

The NR Times Rural News The NR Times Rural News

50 RURAL NEWS 46 RURAL NEWS

July 21, 2022 July 28, 2022

Welcome to the 2022 All Breeds Bull and Female Sale

24th ANNUAL

CASINO ALL BREEDS BULL & FEMALE SALE SATURDAY 30th JULY 2022, COMMENCING @ 11am NRLX LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE

150 STUD & HERD BULLS / 17 REGISTERED FEMALES LISTED IN SALE ORDER: 2 MURRAY GREY BULLS 8 POLL HEREFORD & HEREFORD BULLS 33 ANGUS BULLS 6 SANTA GERTRUDIS BULLS 12 BRANGUS BULLS

!""#$%&&'(#!')&%*

2 DROUGHTMASTER BULLS 1 BRAFORD BULL 28 BRAHMAN BULLS 21 LIMOUSIN BULLS 16 CHAROLAIS BULLS

21 SIMMENTAL BULLS 6 REGISTERED ANGUS FEMALES 3 SPECKLE PARK FEMALES 3 SANTA GERTRUDIS FEMALES 5 REGISTERED BRANGUS FEMALES

FREIGHT REBATE OF $50 WILL BE PAID WHEN 2 OR MORE BULLS PURCHASED

C ATA LO G U E S AVA I L A B L E F R O M S E L L I N G AG E N T S

GEORGE & FUHRMANN

(02) 6662 2500

T & W McCORMACK

(02) 6662 1577

IAN WEIR & SON

(02) 6621 2768

RAMSEY & BULMER

(02) 6662 6662

RAY WHITE RURAL

(02) 6662 1451

!!!"#$%&'($))*+,,-%"#(."$/000000012&%03$),0!&))0*,0)&4,0%5+,$.,-0*6035(#7)&4,

The NR Times Rural News

July 28, 2022

Locally owned and independent

RURAL NEWS 47

Farm safety front and centre National Farm Safety Week was last week and acted as a reminder of the many dangers involved in farming and the need to protect our farmers and farm workers the best we can.

This year’s Farm Safety Week was based on the theme ‘Recipes for Averting Disaster’. It focused on the intangible risks and hazards that were faced every day on Australian farms and how we could work to reduce these risks through raising awareness of them and

discussing their impacts on our daily working lives.

Head of Agriculture and Food Policy and Research at the department, Rosemary Deininger said ensuring the safety of farmers was a priority for the department, and Farm Safety Week was an opportunity to continue this conversation.

“Our farmers are some of the best in the world due to their hard work and dedication. Working as hard as they do, their own well-being is not

always made a priority,” Ms Deininger said.

“12 fewer farmers died on Australian farms in 2021 compared to 2020 and 2019, according to Farmsafe Australia’s 2022 Safer Farms Report.

“The report stresses that while this is a significant step forward, 46 farmer deaths in 2021 is a tragedy.

“That’s why it’s so important that we continue to innovate and improve our technologies and raise awareness of farm safety, so that we can reduce the number of

accidents on our farms.

“We want to ensure that farm-safe behaviours are instilled into current farmers and the next generation of farmers to further reduce the risk of injuries and accidents.

“Improvements in farm safety will be key to building a stronger and more profitable agriculture industry as we work to grow the sector to $100 billion by 2030.”

For more information about Farm Safety Week, visit www.farmsafe.org. au/.

Red meat exports soften • Overall red meat exports in 2021–22 fell by 11% year-on-year.

• Sheepmeat exports to the US grew by 5%, demonstrating growing demand from American consumers.

• Overall goatmeat exports grew by 24% year-on-year, with the US dominating overall export volumes.

With the 2021–22 financial year in the rear-view mirror, we’re starting to see emerging trends in red meat exports that bode well for the industry. As the herd and flock rebuilds

begin to mature, exports are rising despite ongoing challenges from an unsettled global landscape.

Australia exported 1.3 million tonnes of red meat in FY2022, 11% lower than FY2021.

This drop was broadly consistent across major markets – exports to Japan fell by 11%, China by 13%, South Korea by 9% and the US by 13%. This was primarily driven by falls in beef; FY22 beef exports were 13% lower than FY21, at 786,688 tonnes.

Call for government to help flooded farmers NSW Farmers is asking the state and federal governments to urgently release funds to help flooded farmers.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee Chair Garry Grant said farmers in the Sydney basin, Central Coast, Hunter, and South

Coast had been flooded several times in the past 12 months, with many looking at a whole year without any income at all. He said the state and federal governments had stepped up for farmers in the Northern Rivers earlier this year and called for that model of

funding to be replicated.

“This has been a devastating time for these farmers and their communities, and we know that the impact of flooding extends beyond the cleanup to repairs, replanting and restarting businesses,” Mr Grant said.

“Earlier this year rural landholders in the state’s flood-affected north were offered $25,000 grants while primary producers were eligible for $75,000 grants.

“It’s critical we keep these farmers in business because they grow a lot of food and turf and

drive a lot of economic activity.”

Mr Grant thanked the state and federal governments for listening and engaging with NSW Farmers on how to support farmers during this tough time.

NSW Farmers has been actively lobbying

the state and federal governments for support for flood-affected communities over the past 12 months and has been working constructively with agencies to ensure farmers and communities get the help and financial support they need.

The NR Times Rural News

July 28, 2022

48 RURAL NEWS

Rabobank launches first-ever Australian graduate program

Offering career opportunities with global agri leader Rabobank has launched a graduate program for the first time in Australia, offering university graduates “with a passion for and interest in agriculture” the opportunity to begin their careers with the global specialist agribusiness bank.

Rabobank is offering places for graduates from around the country to join the bank early next year, commencing with a formal 18-month graduate program, which kicks off in February 2023.

Applications for the program are open now.

The world’s leading specialist food and agribusiness bank, Rabobank is one of Australia’s largest agricultural lenders and a major provider of business and corporate banking services to the country’s food and agribusiness sector.

Rabobank Group

Executive, Chief HR Officer Belinda Webber said while the bank had previously employed some graduates on an individual basis in its local operation, this would be the first time it had run a “formal structured grad program” in Australia.

“This new initiative offers an exciting opportunity for graduates to embark on meaningful career paths with a global agri leader and to work across – and gain skills, knowledge and experience with – one of Australia’s leading agricultural and financial institutions,” she said.

Rabobank is seeking graduates for the program’s first intake for positions in a range of business areas including country (rural) banking, wholesale (corporate) banking, risk and compliance, technology and business

Rabobank Area Manager for the Moree region Felicity Taylor.

transformation.

Ms Webber said each graduate would get to spend time on rotation working across a range of areas within the bank as part of the program.

Ms Webber said the program – which is planned to have annual intakes –

offered university graduates “meaningful career development opportunities”, with support to grow in their chosen areas of interest, as well as the chance to be part of Rabobank’s inclusive and flexible work culture.

To help accelerate

the graduates’ career development, each would be matched with a senior leader within the Rabobank business, who will be their mentor throughout the program, offering coaching and guidance, Ms Webber said.

In addition, she said, there would be opportunities for regional and international travel.

Moree-based Felicity Taylor is a new Rabobank employee who can attest to the career path opportunities offered to university graduates at the bank.

Ms Taylor, who also completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics, began in a graduate position the following year. She has worked in the bank’s RaboResearch and Country Banking teams in Sydney, spent two months in mergers and acquisitions at Rabobank’s global head

office in The Netherlands and experienced working across a number of branches including Armidale, Moree and Toowoomba.

She is now Area Manager for the Moree region – the youngest person in Rabobank Australia’s history to hold this position.

Ms Taylor said the training and development provided to her as a graduate when she joined the bank had been an “excellent enabler for an exciting and fulfilling career”.

“The network I’ve built and confidence I’ve gained from the breadth of exposure I had as a graduate at the bank has been invaluable in getting me to where I am today,” she said.

Applications for the first annual Rabobank Australian Graduate Program will close on August 16.

NICK & BLAIR FRANKLIN 0421 858 386 - UPPER ORARA, NSW

FOLLOW US @FRANKLINANGUSSTUD

Casino All Breeds - Lot 11 Franklin Innovation R19

Casino All Breeds - Lot 12 Franklin Identity R36 (ET)

Casino All Breeds - Lot 14 Franklin Firestorm R3

Casino All Breeds - Lot 15 Franklin Raindance R24 (ET)

Grafton Bull Sale - Lot 8 Franklin Raindance R12

Grafton Bull Sale - Lot 15 Franklin South Dakota R39

CASINO ALL BREEDS BULL & FEMALE SALE 2022 OFFERING 5 PERFORMANCE BULLS & 2 STUD FEMALES - 30th JULY

GRAFTON ANGUS & BRANGUS BULL & FEMALE SALE 6th AUGUST 2022 OFFERING 13 PERFORMANCE BULLS Rising 2 year old sons by new sires - SAV Raindance, Ascot Hallmark, Musgrave Stunner, Ellingson Identity, Sandpoint Firestorm, Mar Innovation, Mohnen South Dakota & Vision Unanimous.

• Pasture raised: Born and bred on the coast to suit conditions • Inspections on farm welcomed anytime

The NR Times Rural News

July 28, 2022

50 RURAL NEWS

DIRE ENVIRONMENTAL New Australian Macadamia SCORECARD REFLECTS Society CEO announced CLIMATE IMPACTS The 2021 State of the Environment report released this week paints a dire picture of environmental harm that comes as no surprise to Australian farmers, who see first-hand the damage done by climate change.

Farmers for Climate Action CEO Dr Fiona Davis said climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, is hurting rural communities by making floods, fire and drought worse.

“There are multiple factors driving environmental damage, but climate change makes all of these worse,” Dr Davis said.

“Farmers and their communities rely on a healthy environment for their livelihoods, and to grow the food we eat. They deserve safety and security, but in this unbalanced climate caused by carbon emissions they are facing fires, floods and droughts,” Dr Davis said.

“Farmers are leading the way on emissions reduction, and it’s time the coal, gas and transport sectors did their bit too.”

Farmers are planting shelterbelts that increase pasture and cattle growth, and installing renewable energy such as wind and solar that can help drought-proof farms and create jobs.

With support, this can be quickly scaled up

across the agriculture sector. A reportproduced

by EY for Farmers for Climate Action into opportunities in a low emissions future, found agriculture could reach net zero by 2040 whilst increasing production and without shrinking the beef herd or sheep flock.

“We can grasp the opportunity to create a regional jobs boom while we drive down emissions this decade,” Dr Davis said.

The State of the Environment report noted the state of the Murray Darling Basin: “Rivers and catchments are mostly in poor condition, and native fish populations have declined by more than 90 per cent in the past 150 years: a trend that appears to be continuing today,” the report said.

Farmers for Climate Action case studies: Kristy Stewart, a fifth-generation sheep and agroforestry farmer near the Otway Ranges in Victoria, is integrating a web of trees into her family’s farming system for both conservation and profit.

“This report shows the importance of caring for our land,” Ms Stewart said.

“We are demonstrating on our farm techniques like caring for our soils through multi species pasture cropping systems, and biological infrastructure to

!"#$%%&'$%%()&*+!##,(

Coraki Rural & Hardware Supplies

protect the paddocks with biodiverse tree plantations and rotational grazing practices.”

Young NSW farmer and Worimi man, Josh Gilbert said the State of the Environment is a lived experience for farmers. “If you step outside the stats what it does is tell the story of what people on land are experiencing.

“What we’ve had on our farm is drought for several years then four successive floods in the last two or three years.

It’s the constant state of the unknown - it takes a financial and emotional toll. “ Mr Gilbert said he hoped the report would also show that Australian society needs the government to listen to the voices of indigenous people on land management.

“It is critical for the agricultural industry purely from a land and climate change sense,” he added.

Grazier Jody Brown who runs Latrobe station near Longreach said she was concerned by the figures about loss of organic matter in Australian soils.

“A critical part of surviving worsening droughts and climate change is adapting the soil. There are a lot of farmers in Australia who are really pushing the boundaries - now is the time for looking at how do we supercharge that.”

The AMS Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Clare Hamilton-Bate to the role of Chief Executive Officer for the Australian Macadamia Society.

Clare comes to the position of CEO with a background in horticultural science, and extensive experience in executive roles in all sectors of horticulture, from farm to consumer, as well as industry and association management; in the UK, Australia and internationally.

AMS Chair Craig Mills said Ms HamiltonBate is a passionate, accomplished, and engaging leader who will bring significant insight and a wealth of experience to the role.

“Clare has over 30 years’ experience across all sectors of the fresh produce and agri-food supply chain, and a proven track record in leading member-driven organisations. She is well equipped to lead our industry into a sustainable and profitable future,” said Mr Mills.

“As CEO of Freshcare from 2002 to 2019, Clare transformed it to a profitable, 5000+member, internationally recognised, compliance organisation.

With this experience, Clare is acknowledged as an authority on delivering practical, industry focussed solutions to meet both market and legislative needs.

“Her strong relationships with industry stakeholders including growers, government, Hort

Innovation and other horticulture industries will enable Clare to advocate for and improve outcomes for our members.

Over the last three years, Clare has worked with Manbulloo Limited, Australia’s leading producer of Kensington Pride mangoes, supporting the business in both a strategic and operational capacity, across all aspects of system compliance and technical management, from farm to retail customer. Clare also spent time consulting to a number of industry and government organisations, in the mango free months of the year.

Clare is excited to join the AMS and keen to engage with AMS members as soon as possible.

“I’m really looking forward to using my skills and experience

to deliver against the diverse requirements of the role, to being part of an expanding, changing and innovative industry, and to ensuring the needs of all our members are at the forefront of everything we do.

“These are both exciting and challenging times for the macadamia industry, but with that comes the opportunity to review, prioritise and shape our future both domestically and on a global stage.”

Whilst Clare doesn’t officially take over the reins from retiring CEO Jolyon Burnett until 29 August, she is attending all the AMS grower ‘MacGroup’ events in all major growing regions this month as an opportunity to meet as many members as possible.

!"#$%&'()*+#,(-$".

102-104 Queen Elizabeth Drive CORAKI

!"#$"#%&'()& *##+&*#!&,(!#%& -./+#0&(%& #1$#*023#&#*42*#& %#-)2.+05&$"#& #16#%2#*7#+&$#/,& /$&$"#&0/!&06($& /%#&"#%#&$(&"#.6

!"#$%&#'#$()*&+,"-./!"0

!"#$%&'&"()(!!#

!"#$%&%'()* !"#$%#&&'(#%$)*####+"#$%#&&'(#,'-.

-./,0./#%%1.')

,/0123/4(5(601789:/;(<=(23(>?(,399: -0;(5(%:9:/0@()/:8A72 )B**C($D'B".E

F-G(HIJJ(?KJ(JH?

*&+#,(+&*&+("-$!(&*&+.#"(+

!"#$%%&'$&%((

!"#$%&&'()*+,#-*./#0.12)'######3*45#6678#7677 9+:1;<='>*?>@1<AB1&A*%######???A<='>*?>@1<AB1&A*%

The NR Times Rural News

July 28, 2022

Locally owned and independent

RURAL NEWS 51

Farmer’s prized cow wins top award at Katherine Show

A Katherine educator who is teaching students how to work on rural farms is trying to milk all she can out of a competitive cow.

But turning an ordinary heifer into a showstopper is not an easy task.

The 10-month-old heifer named “Tessa” handled by Charles Darwin University

(CDU) Vocational Education and Training (VET) Technical Officer, Laura Farmer, won First Place in Heifer-led Class under 15 Months and the Junior Reserve Champion Female at the Royal Katherine Show last week.

“Tessa is a real beauty and the staff and students just love working with

!"#$%&'()'' *+,,$%&'-)(.+)/#0 !"#$%&'$()*$+$,&%-*#+%,*.////

12345615'47854 19685:36176;

!"#$%"&'#(%'$)#*)(#('+"&$(&,$(,-+.*$"&$.(/*.$(&,$)0#%1(.*.

<5447'=34476;<96'

!2>?@'A371 23456!637$84925626:;$2<:=3>9:234$?$@+%$:"$AABCBDE F$@"%(/$+&,*)*&,*&'$")*#('"#$F$9//$9#*(.

-B(%+C'DDEF'FEGH

!"#$%&'#($)#*$&#####%$#+,,-#./0#12345675 89#:,;#%$'<#12345675#=.>#?%($ @"#/544ABC244A6D/,6E7F2456757,6G5H267A6DB7,I

her on campus,” Ms Farmer said.

Ms Farmer teaches rural operations at CDU’s 4,400-hectare Katherine Rural Campus, where more than 700 cattle call home, making it one of the only Universities in Northern Australia to boast a herd.

By working with VET in School students on

campus, staff at the Katherine Rural Campus team led by Farm and Stud Manager Jessica Di Pasquale have been able to train them in essential skills to work in the agriculture industry in the Territory.

As part of the six-week VET in School program, students have been practising handling

cattle, measuring weight, and learning about water maintenance and feed rations on the farm.

“It’s really exciting as the students have never done anything like it before and the course lets students see what actually gets done on farms in real life,” Ms Farmer said.

“They learn about

how much hard work is involved and it gets them out to learn physically instead of sitting in a classroom.”

Six CDU VET staff members and eight students and their cows won awards in various classes at the Katherine Show.

!"#$%& '()*%*+"#&+ *,*-%.$+."$$/% !"#$%&'(#)#*+,-./)0# ,+1%#2%+.3'# )'#4-5/#.)'%

CLARENCE COAST CONSTRUCTIONS 6643 2428

/%*+%0"#*1 23+4564+7833+9+2:36+3;<+525

(,,#!-%#%&02, !"##$%&'#(%&)*"+&,&'-./012&3)4 !"#$%&'$!%()#*!+,%() -$./(#&01#*!%, !"#$%&&$'(%#)'*$'%&)'$+$')#,-.)$)/01-#-)'$(2"/)

!"#$%&'())**(+,,, -.!!"/.())01(+++2 3334567889:94;9846<

:&''3%";*#$%'<=*>'&<%2'=*'1(?*;0%";*@*'1(?*.12A%";*.1<<2'

!"#$%&%'()*+,*-./0"123*0"*4546*789*795

The NR Times Rural News

July 28, 2022

52 RURAL NEWS

CASINO ALL BREEDS 2022 NSW Farmers theSALE Future of Farming BULL &Securing FEMALE - JULY 30THForum

!!"#$"%$&'( )$(*+,-%./0$1 2/3"45, Tomorrow’s farmers must be agile say experts Australia’s agricultural future is bright despite increasing natural disasters, a panel of experts has told the state’s farmers.

The inaugural NSW Farmers Securing the Future of Farming Forum was held in Sydney recently, and heard adaptability would be key to unlocking future growth for food and fibre production.Bull selection is the foundation of a the overall balance and volume of the Former profitable NSW Chief beef herd and is the major bull. Alinta Red Brahman Stud manScientist Mary tool toO’Kane change the genetic potential aged by Alex, Patricia and Cameron said climate – of the beef enterprise andextremes productivity Ashwood have nominated a three not necessarily climate Before selecting a bull is important quality bulls for the Casino All Breeds determine Sale in July 2022. Verification of the change – to were the bigwhich type of bull will the most influence on the herd. high standard of Alinta bulls was challengehave for primary The selection should then consider the clearly demonstrated at Rockhampton producers, but she said structural correctness and temperBrahman Week 2021 Sale when they farmers were used to ament of the bull and those perforsold for above the average price of dealing with drought, manceRegional traits most related to the herds $15,000. Alinta Stud was the only red fire and flood. breeding goals .

Brahman Stud the Northernlast Rivers theseinperspectives Annabel Johnson said it Investment Corporation The selection of high quality red of NSW to achieve higher than night as they turnedthe their was critical to look for Acting CEO Paul Dower Brahman bulls is important in improvaverage price for redto Brahmans attention securing. the innovative ways to grow said growth in the sector ing productive traits that improve thethe future, Alinta Red Brahman Stud places future of farming,” Ms a the sector into had so far been driven by profitability of the beef enterprise.

The major emphasis on practical, funcJohnson said. as farmers grew the food rising commodity prices, selection involves the assessment of tional and economic traits that are the “Australia is clearly a and fibre that fed and not risingthe productivity. correctness of legs and feet, natural main drivers of the profitability and leader adopting new clothed us all.

NSW Farmers Head muscling, tidy sheath underline and productivity of theinbeef enterprise. technology and finding “It was so great to hear of Policy and Advocacy

while Bayer’s Chris Staff said advances in precision agriculture technology meant targeted spraying could reduce the amount of chemicals used in production.

However, the threats of natural disasters and biosecurity incursions remained a real concern for farmers.

“Andrew Whitelaw from Thomas Elder Markets Importantly, the benefits of selectinherited traits. gave a powerful ing high quality bulls are cumulative Alinta’s key breeding goals include firsthand of living through because they produce superior progthe selection of calmaccount stock that are eny. The calves of superior bulls have structurally sound and the have UK’sgood foot and mouth higher growth and weaning rates and commercial attributes.

Since producoutbreak in 2001,” Ms better structure,type and carcass traits tion,function and growth are said. genetiJohnson resulting in improved replacement and cally related the emphasis sire selec“It’s on critical we do not future breeders and most importantly tion is of even further importance. let that happen here, and I stock that meet market specifications The use of superior sires in well there’s a real desire and the herd breeding goals. managed breeding think programs include to see more direct High quality bulls selected for herd increased weight gains, improved fer- action on FMD. itand will also tility help and us grow ways to do more, temperament with complementary milk aproduction to increase “All of the good work structural correctness reduce wasteful beef performance and profits. stronger, more sustainable less, and I think we need culling and the negative impact of low As a result of the focus placed on we do in growing the farming sector into the to push the envelope quality bulls .

The ongoing selection functional and commercial traits future of farming will future.” in really boosting our of quality bulls improves the uniforRed BrahmanbeStud resulted for has naught if we AccordingAlinta to Professor productivity. mity of the herd from generation to in the breeding of profitable bulls that let pests and diseases O’Kane, Australia had “Not only will that help generation and reduces the incidence can meet the challenges and opportudestroy whole swathes of more self-driving us inflationary of combat low performance and detrimental nities ofvehicles commercial and Stud breeders than any other nation, pressure in the economy, agriculture.”

The selection of high quality bulls improves herd profitability and performance through higher feed intakes and weight gains