Gippsland Farmer July 2023

Climate and cattle innovation

Farmers’ concerns dismissed

Zoe ASKEW

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has blasted the State Government's decision to go forth with transmission developments in WesternVictoria, with the Australia Energy Market Operator Victorian Planning (AVP) implementing aMinisterial Order

VNI West is a500kV transmission line that will connect the Victorian and New South Wales grids, aiming to ensurereliable electricity access during high-demand periods. This would allow about 3.4GW of additional renewable generation to be built across the solar-rich Murray River REZ and wind-rich WesternVictoria REZ.

The Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources,Lily D'Ambrosio, announced aMinisterialOrder under the National Electricity (Victoria) Act2005to identify the preferred option for the Victorian part of VNI West and progress work to identify afinal route through consultation with landowners, Traditional Owners and community stakeholders.

"Therecan be no energy transition without new transmission infrastructure –asVictoria moves towards 95 per cent renewablesby2035, we havea duty to modernise our electricity network," Ms D'Ambrosio said.

The Ministerial Order will connectVNI

West to the planned WesternRenewables

Link (WRL) at aterminal station at Bulgana in Victoria's west, then link to aterminal station near Kerang in north central Victoria beforecrossing the Murray River north of Kerang -AEMO's preferred option.

VFF President,Emma Germano, said Victoria's Minister for Energywas using extreme powers to come over the top of farming communities and force transmission towers to be built on their land.

"Farmers arebeing ignored by the Andrews Government in the planning for renewable energy and transmissiondevelopment across the state," Ms Germano said.

"The VFF called on the government to put

apause on these projects, take over their planning and get the policy settings right so communities arerespected and landholder rights areprotected."

Ms Germano said instead, the governmenthad done the completeopposite by giving AEMO unfettered powers to send the bulldozers over farms.

"The Minister is using autocratic powers to rush these projects meaning thereisno requirement for acost-benefit analysis or competitive tender."Victoria'senergy rules aren't just broken; they'rerotten,"she said.

Continued on page 9

Newry dairy farmer Kate Mirams is investing in her soil which not only helps the climate, but provides the best feed for her cattle.

Australian Beef Sustainability Framework records progress

AUSTRALIA’S beef industry has recorded a decrease in carbon emissions more forest on grazing lands, and, for the first time, the setting of ambitious goals to guide investment and attention into the future, according to the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) 2023 annual update.

The ABSF annual update is a yearly scorecard and snapshot of the industry’s sustainability performance reporting on several priority issues to monitor progress against recognised standards and metrics

This year, in its sixth edition, it has increased the number of indicators to 54, spanning the four foundational themes of best animal care; environmental stewardship; economic resilience; and people and the community

ABSF Sustainability steering group (SSG) chair, Mark Davie, said this year ’ s annual update showed great progress and opportunities for further improvement

“There is plenty to celebrate; Australian beef businesses produced over 20 billion meals this year and progressed on nearly all our sustainability metrics,” Mr Davie said

Australia s red meat industry has set a target of being carbon neutral by 2030, known as CN30, and progress towards this goal is evident, with net carbon dioxide emissions in 2020 of 45 21Mt 64 07 per cent below 2005 levels

“This is an outstanding result and the lowest recorded to date, given a number of contributing factors ” Mr Davie said.

“Methane emissions in 2020 were the lowest recorded, primarily due to a reduced national herd and carbon

sequestered in on-farm vegetation was the highest ever recorded ”

Encouragingly, as much of Australia broke drought across 2020 and 2021, and the national herd increased, satellite imagery shows forest on grazing land in the same period increased by 780,000 hectares

“This demonstrates the responsible management of natural resources by our producers, further underscored by the removal of primary vegetation also at a record low,” Mr Davie said Fresh data has flowed from an updated life cycle analysis, the first in four years, which calculated 400 litres of water were required per kilogram of live-weight gain for raising cattle, a decrease of 18 per cent The improvement comes from reducing reliance on irrigation, reducing losses associated with the water supply and a slight reduction in water consumption through improved genetics

The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement coming into force promises to reinforce the economic resiliency of the industry, with a big increase in tariff-free beef access in year one and a transition to tariff- quotaand safeguard-free trade over a 15-year period

Advances have also been made in animal welfare with the feedlot industry increasing the percentage of feedlot capacity with access to shade to 63 per cent and on track to reach its goal of 100 per cent by 2026

Awareness of Australian Animal Welfare Standards for Cattle has reached 100 per cent for the first time, and the mortality rate of stock on live export ships continues to improve According

to reports tabled in Parliament in 2022, cattle mortality during sea voyages has more than halved in two years to a record low of 0 05 per cent

“The only two negative trends were a decline in water efficiency by processors due to reduced throughput and a reduction in ground cover across semi-arid regions due to a drought,” Mr Davie said

Mr Davie said there are also challenges to overcome, such as finding an appropriate metric for on-farm biodiversity, while work was underway to develop an indicator of mortality on domestic road transport

“We want to make sure our consumers and stakeholders understand there is more to do, but the supply chain is serious about continuous improvement when it comes to sustainability; when you buy Australian beef, you are investing in a supply chain that can have a positive impact on 50 per cent of the Australian land mass, Mr Davie said Chair of the Red Meat Advisory Council John McKillop, said setting goals was a natural evolution for the ABSF

“Australia’s global competitors have either set or are currently developing, sustainability goals for beef,” Mr McKillop said

To stay competitive, to keep building trust with our consumers and maintain our favourable access to markets, we need to continue to be proactive on sustainability and place metrics around what it is we want to achieve ”

After a process of stakeholder engagement development and consultation the Australian beef industry has committed to the following five goals:

*The Australian beef industry is guided

by the five domains of animal welfare

The industry provides all cattle with an environment in which they can thrive in accordance with these domains;

*By 2030, the Australian beef industry will demonstrate its net positive contributions to nature;

*The Australian beef industry will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its production and processing sectors by 2030;

*The value of Australian beef industry products and services to double from 2020 levels by 2030 resulting in a profitable and resilient industry, and;

*The Australian beef industry to be trusted attractive to a diverse workforce a source of pride and belonging and to make a positive contribution to the food security of Australian and international communities

Mr McKillop said the next step would be to set targets to track progress towards achieving the five goals

“It is important to show our progress even if we fall short because sustainability is about constant improvement in an evolving ecological, economic and social setting,” he said

“The industry has made great strides over the past decade or more and established its sustainability credentials

“We should be proud of what has been achieved, but we need to keep improving As an industry, we need to prioritise what work needs to be done to be world-leading in our sustainability performance and clearly demonstrate to our stakeholders we are serious about it ”

Country escape: Carrajung Estate

the cottages on site to create aone-of-akind country escape and ensurethat every guest has an unforgettable experience.

"You willalsosee our new Carrajung Estate range of wines when you visit us in the Restaurant&Cellar Door,whichwe aresoexcited about."

The dual-family operation wasted no time launching Carrajung Estate, opening the restaurantdoors just two monthsafter taking over from Ann and Graham Morris on March 31.

WhileMsHuang and Ms Morgan are new to the area, making atreechange to operate theirnewly owned business, the pair aresteadfast in their commitment to supporting local.

"At Carrajung Estate, we haveastrong focus on all thingslocal, fromour produce to our wine," Ms Huangsaid.

"Webelieve that supportinglocal farmers and producersisnot only important for the economy but also essential for creating a unique and authentic dining experience that truly reflects the flavours of the region.

"Gippsland has long been known as the 'food bowl' of Victoria, and we arehereto celebrateand showcase that, and of course, lowerfoodmiles is better for the planet too."

made with local ingredients, as well as a range of exciting events and activities that will showcase the best of what this region has to offer."

For Ms Huang and Ms Morgan,Carrajung Estateismorethan justaplace that serves deliciousfood and great wine. Carrajung Estate is an experience.

"Wewant our guests to feel like they are part of something specialand constantly evolving," Ms Huang said.

"Weaim to provide ahomely spot that is relaxed,welcoming, and immersive, where families and friends can come and create memories togetherand celebrate special moments."

It is no easy task for Ann and Graham Morris tolet go 30 years- three decades of memories and hardwork -but knowing that living up to the former owner's expectations and standards at the forefront of Ms Huang and Ms Morgan's operations is a welcomed comfort.

"It's great, and we areboth really happy to help because it's so important that it all flows through really nicely," Ms Morris said.

Zoe ASKEW

AT the end of awindy gravel road, hidden beneath the canopy of towering gum trees in Gippsland's Willung South, you will find Carrajung Estate.

Carrajung Estateisarural Gippsland escape.

Forthe past 30 years, Carrajung Estate,, the 40-hectareproperty surrounded by the forests of the Strzelecki Ranges and a stone's throw away from Ninety Mile Beach and Tarra Bulga National Park, has been known to both locals and travellers from near andfar as Tom's Cap Winery.

As the new year began, former owners Ann and Graham Morris, the pair holding ahighly regarded reputation for their three decades of service, concluded theirtime had come, handing the reins to newowners Ivy Huang and Rebeka Morgan.

"When we started [Tom's Cap Winery, now Carrajung Estate], we had 100 acres of blackberries and bracken, so we've cleared, planted, built, landscaped, done absolutely everything ourselves over that periodoftime and of course, we had the restaurant and accommodation," Mrs Morris said.

"As much as we loved it, it was very tiring, obviously, after 30 years; we'renot getting any younger."

Mrs and Mr Morris wereintent on passing on their business, part of their heart and soul, to someone who shared their valuesand love for the propertyafter three decades, tens of thousands of hours, and hardwork.

"It was imperative," Mrs Morris said. "We had alot of people come through the place, most of them we weren't happy with, and we actually made amental and emotional decision not to sell to certain people. We really wanted someone that loved it; that was super important to us."

Business partners Ivy Huang and Rebeka Morgan fulfilled Ann and Graham Morris' wishes.

"They had been out afew times, andthere was one daythey came, three of them,Ivy, her husband, Adrian and Rebeka, came for lunch, and Itook them for awalk around the place; they had abit of alook, and you could just tell they werereally, really happy with it," Mrs Morris said.

"Amongst themselves, Ivy, Adrian, Rebeka and her husbandJohn actually make a really good team. Ithink they aregreat; I think they will do areally good job."

Ms Huang and Ms Morgan, hailing from Melbourne, fell in love with Carrajung Estate,quicklyfostering an ambitious vision to create aone-of-a-kind travel destination in the heart of Gippsland.

"Weweredrawn to this beautiful vineyard because of its stunning views, its gorgeous wines, and the incredible potential it holds," Ms Huang said.

"Wesaw an opportunity to create anew business adventure, one that would allow us to create adream lifestyle for our respective families, shareour love of wine and food with others and to build something truly special in this interesting part of Victoria."

Ms Huang and Ms Morgan, together with their husbands,took on Tom's Cap Winery in February and began making changes to fulfil their vision, starting with the name.

"Since taking over in February, we have worked tirelessly to transformCarrajung Estate into afun destination for everyone -families, groups and couples," Ms Huang said.

"Weinvestedour initialeffortsin renovating the restaurant and finding an award-winning chef because we knew this was something important to the community and to Ann and Graham.

"Wehave also started renovating some of

PatrickHaneyisthe man behindthe kitchen door,responsible for the dishes that blendtraditional techniques with contemporary twists andglobal influences.

Amaster of his craft with morethan 20 years of culinary experience,MrHaney hashoned his skills across acollection of Americanand Australia's much-loved kitchens, including Sydney'sOpera Bar and Cruise Bar's Dinnerinthe Sky and, most recently, The Growers in Shoalhaven.

"Patis unlikeany chefthatIhaveever met; he is thoughtful and considerate with everythinghedoes inand outsideofthe kitchen," Ms Huang said.

"He thinks about wherethe food should come from; he drives out to meet our farmers and suppliers; he cares deeply about minimising wastage, what things we can grow hereinthe kitchen garden.

"He's even into beekeeping. He'squite special.

"And, of course, his food sets itself apart with his dedicationtohighlighting local ingredients in new and innovative ways."

Chef Haney is continually experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to produce distinctive dishes that celebrate the flavour of the region.

"One of our current favourite dishes include the Gippsland wild venison, served with black garlic mash, local mushrooms and jus," Ms Huang said.

"It is so flavourful and soft; it melts in your mouth."

Moreconstruction is underway at Carrajung Estate, with Ms Huang and Ms Morgan enthusiastic about what is in store over the coming year

"Guests can expect to see all the cottages fully refurbished with sustainability upgrades that minimise our footprint," Ms Huang said.

"Our restaurant will continue to innovate with our ever-changing seasonal menu

"You alwayshave teething problems, and you'll always have the odd little hiccup, but if you can sort it from aclient's point of view and you'rerespectful to everyone, they'regoing to really enjoy it.

"People aregoing out to have areally nice day, so you treat them nicely, and you're friendly,and you give them alittle bit of time,and that'snot always easy when you'rereally busy, but you've got to be able to talk and run at the same time.

"So it's nice that they constantly ask [for advice], and Iamvery, very happy to help."

The former Tom's Cap Winery owners wereamong the guests who dined at the Currajung Estate restaurant during the firstweekofoperation, relayingpositive feedback about their experience.

"Wehad areally nice day," Ms Morris said. "Lunch was great, we had agroup of family and afriend of ours, and it was nice; they werereally busy."

For Ivy Huang and Rebeka Morgan, the ultimate dream forCarrajung Estateis to create aworld-class destinationthat showcases the best Gippsland has to offer "Wewant to create an experience that is not just about the food and wine but also about the natural beauty of the region, the history and culture of the area, and the warmth and hospitality of the people who call this place home," Ms Huang said.

"Weare incredibly excited about what the futureholds for Carrajung Estate, and we invite everyone to come and see what we arecreating and join us on the journey as it unfolds.

"We also invite local growers and farmers to reach out if they have great produce we might be able to showcase in our restaurant."

For moreinformationaboutCarrajung Estate, visit their website:https://carrajung.com.au/

Views of Carrajung Estatefromthe restaurant’s outdoor dining patio.

Photo: Zoe Askew

Agricultureeducation investment needed to build futureworkforce

THE Nationals arecalling for big financial investment in agricultureeducation to inspirestudents to pursue acareer in the industry.

Speaking in State Parliament,the NationalsMember for EasternVictoria Region and Shadow Parliamentary Secretaryfor Education, MelinaBath said Victoria needed atargeted funding program to increaseparticipation in secondary schools agriculturecurriculum.

“Victoria’s agricultureindustry is predicted to be worth $100 billion by 2030 and we need an educated and skilled workforce to match, however Victoria has avulnerability in its agricultural workforce supply chain,” Ms Bath said.

“Tocontinue producing world-class food and fibre, we must ensurestudents have ‘paddockready’ practicalexperiencesto complement the classroom theory.

“Modernagricultural careers can be promoted as a‘firstchoice’ option if schools areequipped with the right facilities and qualified teaching staff.”

At arecent Victorian FarmersFederation Agriculture in Education Forum, where Ms Bath presented, agricultureeducators raisedtheir concerns at the lack of secondary schools teaching practical courses.

Only 35 secondary schools in Victoria (5.8 per cent) offered Units 1/2 in Agriculture and Horticulture(Year 11) and only 26 schools (4.3 per cent) offered the Unit 3/4 in Agriculture&Horticulture(Year 12).

In-school Vocational Educationand Training (VET) statistics for 2021 showed 1470 students startedstudyingaCertificate II in Agriculture, but only 265 students or 18 per cent successfully completed it.

Ms Bath said it was important to expose students from non-farming backgrounds to theexcitingopportunities in modern agricultureand horticulture.

“Extensive hands-on experience to develop the skills involvedinsoil and plant biology, animal breeding and welfare,machinery operations, weedand pest control and aquicultureisneeded,” Ms Bath said.

“Given Victoria has 25 per centofthe nation’sfarms, (the government) should be focusedondeveloping an education system to reflect the importance of our food and fibreproduction.

“Agricultureeducation in Victoria will only be enhanced when our students have increased access to quality practical opportunities in the curriculum, and this can be achieved through state government targeted investment.”

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy said the state government had paid little careorattention to Victoria’s looming agricultureworkforce “crisis”.

“Tobuild our workforce for the future, the Andrews government must invest in opportunities for secondary school students to pursue their interests in agriculture and horticulture,” Ms Kealy said.

Nationals MLCMelina Bath is seeking atargeted funding program to increase participation in the agriculturecurriculum at Victorian schools.

Photo:Contributed

Most appealing apple orchard

Zaida GLIBANOVIC

AS you drive into West Gippsland from Melbourne, along the Princes Freeway in Bunyip, you will see the apple trees sitting neatly in their rows stretching over the hill.

Around April you might see the children overcome with excitement as they pluck the apples one by one.

Youmight smell that sweet smell of fresh produceor that warmaroma of coffee beans; that would be the Sherwood Park Orchard.

The picturesque Sherwood Park Orchard is located just over an hour's drive from Melbourneat3165 Princes Freewayin Bunyip.

Morethan just an orchard, Sherwood Park is afamily fun and educational experience withanon-site café and breath-taking views.

At Sherwood Park Orchard,with no booking required you can pickyourproduce straight offthe branch with wax-free pink lady, granny smith or sundownerapples available to choose from.

Farmer Ross Cheesewrighthas managed Sherwood Park Orchardsince buying the property in 2010 with his wife Tara.

"The orchardhas been theresince the early 1900s, it had afew owners in its time, but we moved therein2010; we were lookingfor acoupleofacres in the country and somehow ended up with an old apple orchardthat had 300 trees still on-site and alittle shop that had been closed down," Mr Cheesewright said.

"Wecamefromthe city,sowehad no farming experience apart from abit of passion to be in the country. Idid grow up in the country, but definitely not farming."

First, the farmers attempted to grow 100 per cent organicapples, without pesticides or sprays, but "the apples all got the black spotand gotcracked fell on the ground and not even the birds ate them they were so bad".

The pair had to speak to local farmers and growers for advice on running the farm.

Afterbuyinga tractor,sprayer,and other equipment,the Cheesewright'sslowly began to get the hang of things.

"Three years later,wegot adecent crop it was morethan what we could put in the shop, so we decided to abit of 'you pick', and they werevery happy with it, so we decided to do it again next year," Mr Cheesewright said.

The pick-your-own-apple season has been growing year after year

With no entry fee to pick your own apples, the season attracts thousands of people each year,some even go annually.

Over the Anzac Day weekend, people came and picked morethan 25,000 apples.

"That's alot of little hands doing alot of hardwork," Mr Cheesewright said.

When asked whether they enjoy seeing families come to pick the fruit, the Cheeswright's said, "It'sthe reasonwhy

we do it, to see that connectionthat people make, and you know, parents say to kids, 'now you know whereapples come from', they join thedotsthat the supermarkets don't make the food, Isupposethose smiles and thosegood times, well outweighthe inconveniences that we have."

The Cheesewright's say people from all walks of life come, "roll up in in the minivan, they've got the grandparents, the parents and the grandkids allpiled up in there, and they load afew boxes of apples in the back and go home happy."

Sherwood Park Orchard's established café has all your baked goods and coffee needs.

Tara Cheesewright told the Express how the café first began.

"When we moved herein2010, it was just afruit barnonits own, so we did sort of started [the café] from the ground up," she said.

"A lot of people say that they want to know wheretheir food comes from."

Ms Cheesewright explained that the café only stocksfood of the highest quality from local producers and growers.

As ayoung family back in 2010,the Cheesewright'susingtheir own experience

This space could be yours

withholidays explained they wanted to create amenu for holiday-goers that was both convenient yet nourishing. Apples arenot awalk in the park when it comes to growing.

"Westart offinwinter,the trees have got nothing on it, just baresticks; during that time, we will give it aprune and shape it up, a lot of the time, we'd take a few branches to make surethere's enough light getting into the tree and also the tree doesn'tgrow too muchfruit, we take branches offsoit's two-fold we have to control the volume of the crop to get larger size fruit and better colour," Mr Cheesewright said.

Once the pruning is done, the farmers wait for the buds to swell, burst, blossom, and the leaves to come out.

At this timeinlateSeptember,the Cheesewright'shave tospray everytime beforeitrains.

"It's amatterofwatching therain forecast and then getting out on the tractor at all times," he said.

Farmers can hold offthe spray in summer as warmer conditions reduce the black spot disease.

"Essentially, the fruit hangs on the tree

from December until when we pick it in late April, those five months, no chemicals, just growing away happily," he said.

The Cheesewright's couldn't run the farm without their 12 dedicated staffmembers.

In the future, Sherwood Park might becomethe next go-to wedding location, while in the meantime, the Cheesewright's arefocusing on their cherry orchard, which they harvested for the first time this year

The farm willsoonbuild some more seating to allow for morevisitors at atime next season.

The Cheesewright's have never looked back since purchasing their farm, saying they haveand always will lovetheir little slice of paradise in Sherwood Park Orchard.

In February, the Orchardreceived official tourism signage with help from the West Gippsland Progress Association, Cardinia Shireand Regional Road Victoria, making it easier for visitorstofind them in Bunyip Sherwood Park Orchardshop and café is open seven days aweek from 6am to 5pm on weekdays and 7:30am to 5pm weekends. Apple picking season is usually from the start of April right up until King's Birthday weekend.

Apple farmer’s Ross and Tara Cheesewright love their rural lifestyle.

Doesn’t matter if you’reyoung or old, anyone of all ages will enjoythe pick.

Photo: Contributed

The picturesque Sherwood Park Orchardcan be seen from the freeway.

Innovative agriculturetechnology

Zaida GLIBANOVIC

AMORWELL business, Alternate Energy Innovations (AEI), won the best agricultural energymanagement project at the 2023 National Energy EfficiencyConference in Sydney.

The Latrobe Valley-based technology company received national recognition for its work on the Wilandra Farms Irrigation project.

Devin Soutar,co-founder of AEI, spoke to the Gippsland Farmer about winning the nationalaward.

“As astart-up company in aregional area, sometimes it can be abit of ajourney to get to someofthose early milestones, soit’s alwaysexciting when you get recognised after all your hardwork,” he said.

“We’reanenergytech and agrarian tech energy companythat is developing behind-the-meter energy solutions for the agriculturesector that integrate irrigation processwith energycost dynamics, and as aresult of that, we can achieve irrigation resultsfor farmers in themost cost-effective way automatically,” he said.

The Wilandra Farms project showcased some of AEI’s most innovative ways to use renewable farmenergy in irrigation.

Wilandra Farms, located in Clydebank near Sale, milks about350 cows year round.

In 2019, the farmconducted an energy audit, which found its irrigation and dairy operationswereusing about 500,000 kilowatt an hour (kWh) of energy ayear

Since then, Wilandra Farms has implemented initiatives to reduce power usage, teaming up with AEI for asignificant project in relation to power usage and alternate energy.

“Our technology was installed in that farmalong with some renewable sources, so some wind turbines, some solar and a small amountofbatteries,” said Mr Soutar

The Wilandra Farms Irrigation project began in early 2021 after the farmfound that irrigation usedabout 71 per cent of its total energy usage;AEI and Wilandra Farms developed aRenewableEnergy Action Plan (REAP).

The REAP involved the installation of 200 kW of solar energy, 56WH of batteries and four 5kW wind turbines.

Mostinnovatively the REAP involved theinstallation of AEI's intelligent'AEI SmartBox' systems,allowing foreach irrigation and pumping componentto be fully automated, controlled and monitored. In addition, therewas the AEI App, which allowed for WilandraFarms to monitor and operate farmirrigation systems via smartphones, withthe additional ability to schedule each centrepivot irrigator up to three days ahead.

“You mightsay our technologyis renewables with abrain that adds alayer of intelligence to sort of integrate renewables into operations,” Mr Soutar said.

“Typically, people just put renewables

in, and they’ll think that will just solve the problem for them, but you have to be able to integratethose renewableswith your operations to implement those renewable strategies successfully.

“In scenarios wheresolar was previously not suitablefor agriculture, our technology and its intelligence can change that equation.”

Farmers can use the innovative AEI app as the operational interface, allowing them to set their irrigation requirementsfrom anywhereand anytime.

Then they can rest easy knowing their targets can be met in the most cost-effective way.

During2022’s irrigation period at Willandra Farms, the AEI system managed the operation of each irrigation and pumping component using renewable energy on an averageday by morethan 94 per cent, minimising grid usage to below six per cent.

“Thesavingswe’ve achievedare quite significant, so in the Wilandra example, being able to reduce annual irrigationcosts from $80,000 to $1000 [per annum], that’s obviously something that, without intelligent technology, you wouldn’t be able to achieve,” Mr Soutar said.

Not only is AEI’s technology reducing farming costs, but it also saves time and the environment.

“Farmers arenotoriouslybusy people, so when they can get alittle bit of time back, it’s very valuable, and then the technology being able toreduce the amount of grid energy usage allows the farmer to have amuch morecarbonemission-friendly operation,” said Mr Soutar

“Climatechange,I think we all know, is sort ofabig issue, so for families, our grandkids and children, it’s important that we have sustainable energy and food supply moving forward, so putting our technology in place can impact both of those aspects.”

The Soutars recognisedthat renewable energy and rural farming have not often gone hand-in-hand.

“Agricultureand renewableshave notoriously been abit of amiss match,

and shifting irrigation loads to the middle of theday can actually result in farmers paying morefor power as it exposes them to peak energy periods, but our technology allows for that not to happen,” Mr Soutar explained.

AEI was founded in 2018 and is an innovative engineering and energy technology companywhose corebusiness is developing and implementing sophisticated energy solutions.

The Soutar family wentintothe business offthe back of the patriarch Stephen Soutar’s innovative ideas.

“My father and co-founder Stephen Soutar is asystems and automationengineer who’s worked in the water and wastewater industry for the last 25 years, so he’s just applyingthat skill set to energy and renewable energy in the agriculturesector…and my brother Joelisalsoa co-founderas well,” he said.

“Steve has been innovating for along time, and as his son, I’ve watched him do that, and now being able to support his innovation to reach much higher heights, that’s probably what motivates us the most.”

Some say familyand business don’t mix, but the Soutar family always makes it work.

“It’s not always smooth sailing, but some robust discussioncan help thingsprogress; it’s fun times and at least you know the people you’reworking with and how they tick; sometimes it can be adouble-edged sword,” he laughed.

When asked who gets to keep the award plaque, Devin Soutar said, “It’s sitting in Mumand Dad’s house at the moment, so pride and place.”

Though AEI received national recognition for their ground-breakinginnovation at Willandra Dairy Farms, the tech company is still striving for bigger and better

“Our plan is obviously being locatedin Gippsland is to launch our product over the Gippsland dairy market initially, then afterwardsgainingsome capital investment, hopefully launchthatinto other agricultural rich regions across Australia, and I guess if all things go well hopefully

launch the product overseas,” Mr Soutar said.

Wilco Droppert and Sandra Jefford,owners of Wilandra Farms, spoke of the positive outcomes of their forwardthinking and use of AEI technology.

“It has been avery positive outcome; it’s been that encouraging, and we’relooking at doing moreprojects,” said Mr Doppert

“Wehad hugeenergy bills, particularly forthe irrigation side of the business, particularly those very dry years, then we decided we wanted to generate as much energy as possible rather than using grid power,” Ms Jeffordadded.

“This isthe first farmwherehehad installed this system, so we werereally lucky that Wilco had to happen to be talking to someone saying, ‘This is what we want’, and therewas acompany close by herein Morwell that was ready to have ago at that sort of thing.”

Ms Jeffordsaid one of the things the farm had to do was automateits pumps and pivots so it could get communication with all those components.

"So it’s saving us betweenmaybe 15 to 20 hours aweek in the busy irrigation times,” she said.

“It also meansweget to sleep better at night becausewenow do most of the irrigation during the day rather than at night because the old system, if apivot stopped, the water would keep coming out of the pivot…if apivotwas stopped and we didn’t realise because we’reasleep, the water would just keep making the wet place even wetter

“We’ve got betterwateruse, we’ve got time savings, and we’ve got reduced emissions because we’reusing our own clean power.”

Ms Jeffordand Mr Droppert would like to encourage other farms to take on innovativeand conservationalpracticesintheir operations.

“Even if you don’tbelieve in climate change, if you canreduce your bills and improve yourlifestyle, whywouldn’t you do it?,” Ms Jeffordsaid.

Wilandra Farms looked to minimise grid energy usage and hasdrastically cut their irrigation costs.

Stephen Soutar’s innovative technology won his company the best agricultural energy management project at theNational Energy Efficiency Conference.

Photo: Contributed

Jersey Australia’s Finest showcase

JERSEYAustralia’s Dairy’s Finestshowcase sale highlighted the growing demand for Jerseys,with astrong increase in prices. The sale average of $5800 with atop price of $13,000 represented asignificant increase on the 2022 result of $5461 with atop of $9000.

Jersey Australia members also dug deep to aid cancer research, raising $44,000 in honour of member Robert Bacon, who died from cancer earlier this year

The showcase sale and charity auction was heldaspart of Jersey Australia’s annual meeting and conference at Coffs Harbour recently.

The top price of $13,000 was achieved by Lot 2, pick of the pair of two daughters from the 2023 InternationalDairy Week champion, Impression LR MB Vanahlem Festive-ET from sellers M&LFlemming, LukeRandleand F&DBorba. It was purchased by aNew Zealand partnership of Bellbrook Holsteins and Rachel Stewart.

Equalsecond highest priceof$10,000 was achieved by Lot 5Loxleigh Valant Bella EX91 Max, sold by the Akers family andpurchased by Broadlin Jerseys, and Brookbora Eileen 141, sold by the Bacon family’s Brookbora Jerseys to John Lindsay from Hastings Jerseys, Wauhope.

The thirdannual Dairy’sFinest showcase sale attracted strong in-person and online audiences.

The sale was managed by Mitch Flemming and Daniel Bacon and conducted by Dairy Livestock Services (DLS) auctioneer Brian Leslieand online through Elite Livestock Auctions.

Mr Flemming said it was agreat result that reflected the growing popularity of Jerseys.

“It was avery pleasingresult,” Mr Flemming said.

“I watched it online and therewas alot of bidding activity, which was great to see.

“Jerseys aregrowingtheirstakein

Australian dairy and this continued interest augers well for their future.”

In aseparate charityauction, nearly $44,000 was raised for the Peter McCallum Cancer CentreinMelbourne as atribute to long-standing Jerseybreeder Robert Bacon.

Robert, with wife Sandra and their family, farmed the world-renownedBrookbora Jerseys at Tennyson in northernVictoria.

Brookbora Jerseys has been aregular top herdongenetic merit, champion breeder and exhibitoratmajor shows across Australia and abreeder of manyelite bulls in AI

The auction was organised by Luke Wallaceand Mitch Flemmingand Dairy LivestockServices and Elite Livestock Auctions and cataloguedesigner Hayley Boyd donated their services.

Mr Wallace said Robert left alasting legacy on the Jersey breed and wider dairy industry both within Australia and across the globe.

“Brookbora helped to strengthenbelief in Australian Jersey genetics hereand overseas,” Mr Wallace said.

“Wehad terrific support from AI companiesand breederswho donated on very short notice to this charityauction for a cause that everyone supports and terrific support from bidders.”

The auction featured all donated lots, including embryos and semen, paintings, prints, accommodation vouchers, calf feed, calf coats and anumber of lots from the Dairy’s Finestsale also donated apercentage of the sale price.

The annual meeting and conference were hostedbythe BeautizoneJersey Cattle Club.

Duringthe annual meeting, Lisa Broad was returned as presidentand GeoffAkers was appointed vice president to replace outgoing member Brian Wilson, while Con Glennen was welcomed to the board.

Emergency preparation: Identifying your horse

VICTORIAN horse owners arebeing asked to takeasimple step for aspecial friend and register fora Property Identification Code (PIC).

Agriculture Victoria Manager Livestock Traceability, Ben Fahy said PICs provided horse owners an extra level of protection during emergencies.

"If there’s aflood, fireordisease outbreak, we may need to reach out with concerns specific to your animals, or for emergency reliefand recoveryactivitieswithinan impacted area," Mr Fahy said.

"Getting aPIC isquick, easy, and free via the AgricultureVictoria website -all that’s required is your contact details, the number of horses and the parcels of land wherethey’rekept."

All Victorian properties with livestock, including horses, arerequired by law to have aPIC, an eight character code essential for contact and traceability purposes.

"PICs arerequiredwhether you keep ahorse for recreational, agriculturalor competitivepurposes -evenfor your brood mareinthe paddock," Mr Fahy said.

"When horses areonagistment away from home, it’s essential that thoseproperties have PICs, which can be applied for by the horse owner or service provider."

Based in Warrnambool, Katrina Routson is one of Australia’s largest Friesian horse breeders, and said that PICs provided peace of mind in case of emergency.

"If abushfirecomesthrough someone wouldknow that we have animals," Ms Routson said.

"PICs also provide an excellent way to receive key updates from Agriculture Victoria to horse owners."

Livestock owners should regularly review

their PIC details, and update any changes that haveoccurred suchaschange in propertyaddress, species of livestock or changes to personal details.

When livestock areput up for sale, given awayorbartered via online platfroms or print media, the PIC of the property at whichthe livestockare keptmustbe

included in the advertisement. Register for aProperty Identification Code at agriculture.vic.gov.au/horsepic or call 1800 678 779

Victorian horse ownersare being asked to register for aProperty Identification Code.

Photo: Contributed

No consultation on VNI-West project

From page 1

MS Germano said instead, the government had donethe complete opposite by giving AEMO unfettered powers to send the bulldozers over farms.

"The Minister is using autocratic powers to rush these projects meaning thereisno requirement for acost-benefit analysis or competitivetender."Victoria'senergy rules aren't just broken; they'rerotten,"she said.

Ms Germano said the state government and AEMO's proposed Option 5A for the VNI-West project opened new communities to transmission development without consultation.

"Yet again, the government has allowed AEMOtoannounceanew transmission route in the dead of night, without one jot of consultation with the farmers that could be impacted," she said.

"The Minister's Order states that she has consulted with the Premier,the Treasurer andAEMO; nowheredoes it say she has consulted with the farming communities that will be impacted by these projects."

VP and Transgrid completed six weeks of community consultation concerning alternate options for VNI West and received feedback and submissions from local communities and stakeholders.

The feedback reshaped whereVNI West crosses the Murray River,withthe final option adjusted to reflect stakeholder feedback identifying constraints around culturally and environmentally significant areas and zones of irrigated agriculture.

AVPGroup Manager,Nicola Falcon, said thatsignificantconsultation andstakeholder feedbackhad contributed to the proposed option, which maximises benefits to electricityconsumers and unlocks Victoria's renewable energy potential.

"Wethank all the farmers, community groups, councils and Traditional Owners who have contributed to the consultation, whichwill continue as the transmission line design is finalised," Ms Falcon said.

"The feedback received has helped us identify apreferred option for the critical transmission line –a variant of the previously proposed option– that deliversthe mostbenefits for consumersand more electricity generation from three REZs in Victoria and New South Wales.

"By crossing the Murray River further north-west, the project can also avoid some

sensitive cultural areas and prime irrigation land identified in feedback from local communities and avoid the habitat of the endangered Plains-wanderer."

Ms Germano said the government had failed to plan these projects properly, and as aconsequence, regional communities could not support them.

"It's clear the government is willing to allow these projects to be done on the cheap and nasty because they have failed to plan the transition to renewable energy," she said.

"Wewant to be able to say that Victoria's

plan for transmission is the best in the country. That it takes into account our food and fibre security as wellasour energy security at atime when the cost of living is biting every Victorian family.

"Instead, we have no plan for our transmissionnetwork, and as aconsequence, the projects currently underway should not have the support of any Victorian."

VNI West still requires relevant planning and environmental approvals, which will provide moreopportunities for community members andTraditional Owners to share their views on the project.

Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio confirmed she signed an order to progress the Australian Energy Market Operator’s preferred routefor the Victoria-to-New South WalesInterconnector West (VNI West).

Photo: Contributed

Protecting Gippy wildlife

ATRANSFORMATION is taking place on Crooke Street in East Bairnsdale, with a suburban drain about to become an urban wetland andcontribute toa healthier Gippsland Lakes.

As the crow flies, Crooke Street is close to Jones Bay –one of the Lakes' aquatic wildlife refuges. The newly constructed wetland will filter stormwaterfroma residentialareabeforeitenters Jones Bay.Aquatic plantswithin thewetlands will provide natural filtration and reduce nutrients, improving overall water quality. The project, delivered by East Gippsland ShireCouncil, received$260,000 through the current fundinground of the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee and $250,000 from the DELWP (now DEECA) Integrated Water Management Program. EastGippsland ShireCouncil will deliver the Crooke Street project in partnership with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Federation University and the local community.

Gippsland Lakes coordinating committee members recentlyvisitedthe site for an update.

The wetland design will meet the landscape's unique needs and mimic natural processes to improve water quality. As the stormwater moves through, it will be filtered and cleaned via aseries of retention ponds. Once complete, it will reduce 100 per cent of gross pollutants and suspended solids and 81 per cent of phosphorous from being discharged into Jones Bay.

"Weare really pleased to supportthis project to reduce pollution entering the Lakesand improve habitat for wildlife," Glenys Watts, chair of the Gippsland Lakes coordinating committee, said.

"Along with the environmental benefits, we arelooking forwardtothe community getting involved in citizen science to monitor the project."

EastGippsland Shire Council Mayor, Mark Reeves, said thiswas agreat project for the community and environment, using water sensitive urban design principles to filter stormwater flows.

"Weknow that nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen buildupinthe Gippsland Lakes, and this initiative to reduce them willcontribute to improvingthe overall health of this important environment," Cr Reeves added.

Jones Bay is part of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site, internationally recognised for its importance in providing habitat

for migratory birds, many of which are threatened species.

Morethan 20 species of migratory birds, includingsnipe,sandpipersand terns visit the Gippsland Lakes as part of their annualbreeding and resting cycle. Most travel from north-east Asia and Alaska, aroundtrip of about 20,000 kilometres. Tenders arecurrently being evaluated to deliver the project, with atender being awarded before theend of the financial year

This programisfunded as part ofthe VictorianGovernment's $248million investment over fouryears (2020-2024) to improve the health of waterwaysand catchmentsacrossregional Victoria.It was made possible through $7.5 million to supportthe Gippsland Lakes coordinating committeeand deliver on-groundworks and community engagement.

New office for Regional Migration Aus

REGIONALMigrationAustralia recently launched anew office in Bairnsdale, with agathering of stakeholders at The Old Grain Store.

Establishedthree years ago, Regional Migration Australia offers migration consultancyservices to bothnational and international clients.

Gippsland-based and with agenuine passion for regional development, the small teamfocusesonworking closely with businesses to help them address skilled worker shortages.

Providing support services for migrants and visa holders is another key aspect of what the consultancy offers.

Expanding their services to East Gippsland will enable the team to provide localised assistance to farmers, helping them to meet their staffing requirements.

Face-to-face appointments with aregistered migration agent will be available in the Bairnsdaleoffice, in addition to walk-in visits.

Regional Migration Australia co-founder and registered migrationagent, Trish Reardon, explainedthe benefitsof the recent expansion into East Gippsland.

“Having an office in Bairnsdale will provide improved access for the region’s migrant population,” Ms Reardon said.

“Often, farm employees will come to regional and rural Victoria on aworking visa and then want to stay."

Ms Reardon said the organisation's role was to see what it could do to help them.

"They may have family members they’d liketo bring to Australiaasa morepermanent arrangement. We help them work throughthe migration process. What we also aim to do is make surefarmers have the workforce available to meet their business needs," she said.

“Both employers and employees located in East Gippsland will now be able to speak with aregistered migrationagent in person.”

Regional Migration Australia has also initiated Englishlessons in partnership with GippsTAFE and works closely with businessestofacilitate understanding of worker requirements and employer obligations.

Through increased knowledge, employers can helpemployees feel safe and valued and better support their workers to remain as part of the local workforce.

Since openinginFebruary, the Bairnsdale officehas been operating five days per week, with acentral contactnumber for appointments and information.

Enquiries from businesses and local government authorities aremost welcome.

If you’d like to contact Regional Migration Australia, call 1800 567 663 during office hours,and the team will be pleased to assist.

Alternatively,visit their website for more information at regionalmigration.com

Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee and East Gippsland CMA with WayneBurtonat Crooke St Wetland. Photos: Contributed

Water bill affordability atop priority

Zoe ASKEW

WATER rates aredue to rise by $51, with average annual water and sewerage bills for Gippsland Water residential owneroccupiercustomers increasing 3.7 per cent, from $1363 to $1414, as of July 1.

Last week the EssentialServices Commission released its final decision on GippslandWater'sfive-year pricing plan, following adetailed proposal by Gippsland Water and consultation with customers and the community on adraftdecision earlier this year

For the remaining four years to 2028, typicalannual water andseweragebills for Gippsland Water residential customers will decrease by an average of 0.2 per cent per year beforeinflation.

The Essential Services Commission directorofpricing, Marcus Crudden, highlighted thatwater businessesinVictoria must provide payment assistancetohouseholds and small businesses and says Gippsland Water has initiatives to support customers experiencing vulnerability.

"Weencouragecustomers to contact Gippsland Water if they areexperiencing difficultypayingbills to discusswhat assistance or arrangementscan be made," Mr Crudden said.

The ESC's acceptance of Gippsland Water's 2023-28 price submission, outlining the water corporation's investments, service standards and charges which will take effect from July 1, Gippsland Water customers will see one of the lowest water bill increases across the state over the next five years.

Gippsland Water managingdirector Sarah Cumming said customers had shaped the submission duringan intensive two-year engagement process.

"The community engagement we undertook to develop thissubmission was noted as being industry-leading when first assessed and fast-tracked for approval by the ESC in March," Ms Cumming said.

"Customers can take comfort in the fact that our focus over the next five years will reflect their priorities, issues andconcerns while at the same time saving them money."

In approving Gippsland Water's five-year pricing plan, the ESC considered Gippsland Water's price submissionand responses to queries and the draft decision; consultants' reports; written submissions from interested parties; and the participants' views in the public forum held on April 6.

Ms Cumming said the dominant themeof the submission was affordability and fairness and providing bill reductions (before inflation) for customers.

"Weran the ruler over all of our fees and charges to make surethey'reattributed to those who use them at the lowest possible cost," she said.

"Despite costs beyond our control such as interest rates, electricity and chemicals increasing, we will still deliver an average billthatis3.3 percent lowerthanthe inflation rate.

"Keepingbills below the inflation rate has helpedtoprotect our residential customers from afurther $53.49 increase on their bills.

"For our tenants and small businesses, thesavings are $14.38and $74.38, respectively.

"This representsone of the lowest bill increasesinthe state compared to other water corporations for this determination," Ms Cumming added.

"These reductions, along with our other investments, will ensureGippsland Water customers receiveimproved valueand

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Gippsland Water committed to several fundamental objectives over the five-year pricing period, reflecting customer priorities, includingbeing affordableand fair; doing its job well; being easy to deal with; being involvedinthe community;being environmentallyresponsible; and planning for the future.

Gippsland Water will invest$268 million in capital investments to meet higher demand and higher service levels, $10.5 million in energy projects to increase system resilience,boost renewable energy generation and reduce long-termenergy costs and $100,000 per year in programs that support the wellbeing of our community support, including morepublic drinking fountains.

It will also build on its extensive engagement with its customers and community, includingwithTraditional Owners,and further uplift its education and awareness campaigns about water conservation, sustainability, wellbeing and customer support by implementing an app, providing greater flexibility in managingbill payments and the ability to monitor water usage, more customer careresources and increased investment in Aboriginal employment and cultural recognition initiatives.

Typical bills for South Gippsland Water residential owner-occupier customers will increase by $111 in 2023-24.

The ESC's final decision on South GippslandWater'sfive-year pricing plan, also released last week, confirms a$111 jump in the cost of typical bills.

This means typical annual waterand sewerage bills for South Gippsland Water residential owner-occupier customers will increase 9.6 per cent, from $1154 to $1265, as of July 1, 2023.

For the remaining four years to 2028,

typical annual water and sewerage prices for residential customers will increase by an average of 3.2 per cent per year before inflation.

Mr Crudden says South Gippsland Water recognises the impact the price change will have on customers and has initiatives in placetosupport customers experiencing vulnerability, including expandingeligibility for its customer support program and introducing aco-payment scheme to help re-engagewith customers with outstanding payments and help them reduce debt.

"Weencouragecustomerstocontact South Gippsland Water if they areexperiencing difficulty paying bills to discuss whatassistanceorarrangements canbe made," he said.

Following the ESC's final decision on East Gippsland Water's five-year pricing plan, typical bills will increase by $93 in 2023-24.

Typical annual water and sewerage bills for East Gippsland Water residential owneroccupier customers will increase 7.5 per cent, from $1238 to $1331,asofJuly 1, 2023.

For the remaining four years to 2028, typical annual water and sewerage prices for East Gippsland Water residential customers will increase by an average of 0.5 per cent per year beforeinflation.

The Essential Services Commission formally reviews the maximum prices and service levelstoapply for Victorian water managers, includingGippsland Water, SouthGippslandWater and East Gippsland Water,against alegal framework established by the state government and set out in the Water Industry RegulatoryOrder, and the ESC'sPREMO pricingframework, every five years.

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GippsDairy: people of agriculture

Katrina BRANDON

ON June 7, GippsDairy held amuster to helpeducatefarmersand students on ‘PeopleinAgriculture’ and adaptiveleadership in the agricultural workforce whether it is abig or small business.

The morning muster was held at the Yarram Regent Theatre, and the evening muster was at Yarram Recreation Reserve. It washeldoverthe whole day with multiple speakers, food, andsessions that people can attend.

“Thisyear's themeistorethink, develop and grow,” GippsDairy boardmember Jess Knight said.

Regional Manager at GippsDairy sub committee group, Karen McLennan as well as other staffhave organised the event to help combine knowledge and the agriculturecommunity all over Gippsland so that people can gain as much as they can from the event.

“Agricultureisn’t justabout the stock. It is about the peopleand staffin the industry,” Ms McLennan and Ms Knight both explained.

“It’s notjustfarmers that can come to

this event, it is everyone who is interested in learning about the industry.”

Some of the speakers included people and culturestrategist Sally Murfet, leadership and culturedevelopment expert Kylie Paatsch, leadership and communications consultantJames Freemantle,keynote speakers Humans of AgricultureFounder Oli Le Lievre, and lastly apanel discussion of Gippsland farmers facilitated by Matt Harms.

Ms McLennan said that thereare many priorities for GippsDairy currently that are also viewed in their five-year plan.

She said that the hope is for the agricultureindustry is going to grow in diversity and communication between farmers, to work as apeer community rather than individual, that morewill become interested in the industry, that therewill be more climate protection thankstoagriculture, capacity awareness of what thereis going on and lastly leadership.

“It is great to see all the people that came to last year’s event, to see the support in the community," Ms McLennan said.

“Thereisconstantly new development in agricultureespecially on the technological

side of things and that may enticesome people to help join.”

The day was spaced out so that people involved canall network with the others who have attended the event as well talk to different businesses that helped get the muster together with GippsDairy.

“Tome GippsDairyisalways on the

Farm life improving troubled youth

THE Good Life Farmgoesquietlyabout its business in the Yarra Valley, on the outskirts of Melbourne.

Butits business is not growing organic rhubarb or producing free-range eggs.

No, this littlefarmisdedicatedtorearing healthier kids.

It'scalled the Good Life Farm, and it's been doing this work with troubled young people for 18 years on 'the sniffofanoily rag'.

Demand for Good Life Farm's animalassisted learning and therapy programs is growing fast. Another 'farm' of one-to-three hectares is needednear abig regional centreoronthe outskirts of Melbourne.

Why afarm? The simple answer is that the animals help these disengaged young people to settle.

People who work with animals know this well.

The young people build accepting relationships with the animals through feeding,

grooming, holding and talking with them. Animals don't make conditions; they don't make demands; they don't blame or bully.

The farmenvironment, with its open space, trees, ponds and creeks, helps them calm down.

The dedicatedpsychologistsand youth workers at the Good Life Farmuse the farmexperiences to help the kids manage theiremotions and to get back into their education so they can go back into school or on to vocational training and then to jobs.

Many youth workers and teachers in the eastern suburbsofMelbourneknow the Good Life Farmwell, from Boroondara, Monash and Manningham, as well as Yarra Ranges, with many saying it's the best program available for troubled kids.

Eighty per cent of the young people who attend the farm's learning and therapeutic programs haveserious mental health issues.

Ayouth worker with the City of Monash

told the local Rotary group that, of all the programs they refer 'problem' kids to, the Good Life Farmmakes the most positive improvements in their lives.

With the disturbances going on in these youngsters' lives -broken homes, being in residential care, getting into trouble with the police and goingbefore the courts, violence and abuse, drugs and alcohol -the farmprovides safety, arefuge.

A12-month-long evaluation of the Good Life Farmprogram has been completed, demonstrating the outstanding benefits of this unique formofanimal-assisted learning and therapy.

Land on along-termleaseholdor as agift is essentialfor Good Life Farm's continued work.

"Weknow we have aterrific program," a Good Life Farmspokesperson said.

"Growingour capacitytotakeinmore kids is our biggest challenge."

To learn moreabout Good Life Farmemail

ground looking to help farmers in any way theycan and toassist farmers in their day to day,” Ms Knight said.

The day started at 9.30am and finished at 10.30pm with the choice to go to panels of your choosing.

Ms Knight added, “There’sabit for everyone there".

Alternatively, you can visit their website, goodlifefarm.org

AaronThomas, Jess Knight,Sally Murfet,Peter Dunstan, Stuart Griffin at theGippsDairy Muster

Photo: Katrina Brandon

Good Life Farmbusiness manager Bronwyn Pitman at goodlifefarm@iinet.net.au

Gypsy and JJ aretwo of the three resident sheep and goats on the farm.

Photo: Contributed

REDISCOVER NEWSPAPERS

THE POWER OF www.gippslandfarmer.com.au

Woodside Beach Hotel awarded

Zoe ASKEW

WOODSIDE Beach Hotel has been named a Best Redeveloped Food and Beverage Hotel and Heart of the Community finalist in the Australian Hotels Association (Vic) 2023 State Awards for Excellence.

"The AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence is acelebration ofthe accomplishments of Victoria's pubs and hotels, wherewe come togetherto recogniseoutstanding hospitalityservice anddelivery," Paddy O'Sullivan, CEO of the Australian Hotels Association (Vic), said.

"Wealso express gratitude to the dedicated pub and hotel stafffor their invaluable contributionstoensure the success of our industry."

On Monday, May 15, morethan1200 guests gathered at Melbourne's Crown Palladium tocelebrate thisyear'sState Awardsfor Excellence, which honoured avaried range of venues and prominent personalities in Victoria's hospitality sector

The Woodside Beach Hotel was honoured for its achievements in two of the 40 State Awards for Excellence categories: Best Redeveloped Foodand Beverage Hotel and Heart of the Community.

In November 2021, an 11-person syndicate, director Clint Hillas, Redd Catt Sale café owner Matt Raidal, star player of the Brisbane Lions Josh Dunkley and aclandestine Financial Review Rich-Lister,signed the ownership contract to the Woodside Beach Hotel.

Behind its beautiful façade, the Woodside Beach Hotelwas alifelesscavitythat needed attention.

Replacing the old leaky roof, installing new flooring, bathrooms and commercial kitchen, afresh paint, and erecting a L-shaped bar,the old derelict Woodside Pub is nowunrecognisable from its former state.

Today the smell of Gippsland steak, red winejus,five-spice crispycalamari and golden brown chickenschnitzels topped with melted mozzarella, Neapolitan sauce and shavedchampagne ham, waftfromthe new state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, the establishment serving morethan 30,000 diners since its reopening nine months ago.

For WoodsideBeach Hotelmanager BradenAnderson,being named Best Redeveloped Food and Beverage Hotel

and Heart of the Community finalistin the AustralianHotels Association (Vic) 2023 State Awards for Excellence is atrue

honour

"It's humbling," Mr Anderson said.

"The competition we wereupagainst in both categorieswas pretty remarkable, normally the Hub of the Community Award willbefor aSportingLegendsor Sale Greyhounds style committee, essentially anot-for-profit that donated tens of thousandsofdollars to the community, so

tobe in that as alittle pub in the middle of nowhereispretty extraordinary.

"Wewerebyfar the David's vs Goliath's in the Best Redeveloped Food and Beverage Hotel category, so that was amazing to be finalists in that."

Mr Anderson has been blown away by the public response to the Woodside Beach Hotel and believes the resurgence of the historic establishment has been received as asymbol of hope by those in the Woodside and surrounding communities.

"We've comfortably had over 30,000 people whohavedined with us at least, drinkers and visitors on top of that in the nine [months] we've been reopened and our following and interaction on socials is pretty insane to go along withthat," he said.

"Other thanthe interest from acouple of notable people in the ownership group, Ithinkithas justbeen theoptimism of daring to reopen adilapidated pub in the middle of nowhere in country Vic, particularly aregion that has been devastated by drought and fires and everything, the loggingindustryshutting down,Ithink people have just enjoyed that optimism of daring to believe in hospitality."

Good food, cold beer,tasty local wine and soonthe Woodside Beach Hotelwilladd accommodation to its list of offerings.

"We've got accommodation opening very soon, which will add abow to the strings, so to speak," Mr Anderson said.

"Plus, we arecontinuing to be abit of a hub for small-scale events and live music as we have since opening."

Find out moreabout the Woodside Beach Hotel at woodsidebeachhotel.com/thepub

Woodside Beach Hotel, which wasbrought back to life last year,has been recognised for its redevelopment in the Australian Hotel Association StateAwardsfor Excellence.

Photo: Contributed

Celebrating spud festival success

By LIAM DURKIN

THORPY is the place to be at the moment. Actually, it’s always been the place to be. With the footballteamcurrentlyin the midst of a five-game winning streak, there was even morepositivity coming out of the tinyspud-growing hamlet recently.

The humble spudwas the premise of the Thorpdale Potato Festival, and festival organisers gathered at the Thorpdale Public Hall to formally toast ajob well done from the event held last March.

Moreimportantly,with the pennies counted and the books closed, organisers wereable to physically see the fruits of their labour,and make distributionstocommunity groups in Thorpdale and district.

The money raised fromthe festivalwill help aplethora of groups in the smalltown stay afloat,aswell as assist in coveringthe cost of various projects.

Groups meeting acertain criteria were able to apply for funding to the Thorpdale Potato Festival Committee Inc.

Morethan $75,000 was awarded to 16 community groups.

Group leaderswereformally acknowledgedat thehall on Saturday, May 20, walkinguptoaccept their recognition from potato festival committee vice-president and MC JamesDurkin,and BawBaw Shire deputy mayor Michael Leaney.

While Mr Durkin’s mother would have been proud, the look of pride was even greater on the faces of community group leaders, whotooktime to explain what the money would mean for their organisation.

Of note was $18,000 awarded to Thorpdale Recreation Reserve for arefurbishment to the pavilion verandah, and $10,000 to Thorpdale Primary School for anew bike track.

Others to receive ahelpinghand was ThorpdalePublicHall ($10,000for split systems), Thorpdale CFA($6000 for anew quick fill pump and drainage works around the station), and Narracan Hall ($5000 for an AVsystem).

Upon announcing Thorpdale Cricket Club would receive $2000 for training equipment, Mr Durkin couldn’thelp but declare the cricket club was the “best community group in town.”

Mr Durkin formed part of the new committee, that took it upon themselves to ensure Thorpdale didn’t lose its marquee event.

The potatofestivalwas onthe brink of extinction just 12 months ago, when there was no oneinlinetoreplace the retiring committee.

With the futureindoubt, agroup of young and enthusiastic locals stepped up to the plate, and got to work delivering the popular bi-annual event.

Their work looks set to ensure the resurrected potato festival (the festival came back in 2015 after along hiatus)does not suffer the same fate as aprevious era.

The sight of ayouthfulcommittee, as well as groups from Thorpdale playgroup, kindergarten and Auskick at the distribution night, would have surely pleased Thorpdale locals, moreso for the fact they can see a generation that will hopefully grow up in the town.

Those familiar withThorpdale demographics will attest to the generational gap that has existed in the last 10 years. With most farmers in the area now into their 60s, and their children moving away for work and study, Thorpdale had, unfortunately,threatened to become aghost

town not that long ago.

However, events suchas thepotato festival have helped showcase Thorpdale to agreater audience, and helped bring people back to the area.

It is said you can pay good money to travel overseas and not see views anywhere near as good as those in Thorpdale.

Potato festival committee president, Carly Geisler said the festival was full of positivity.

“The aim was to raise money for the community, and we’ve been able to do that,” she said.

“Being such asmall community, so many people areintertwined in so many different community groups.Theydon’t get this opportunity to raise funds because everyone is in everything, so the festival is the best opportunity for them to get as muchmoneyinto thecommunity in one day.”

This year’s festival saw arecordcrowd, a fair turnaround given the situation of 12 months ago.

“Wedid this in areally short amount of time, about eight months, usually we take

about 18 months,” Ms Geisler said.

“This time last year we had no committee on boardatall. We gottothe last meeting whereifwedidn’t get acommittee together it (the festival) was going to dissolve.

“All of us werenew bar one person, alot of us had neverbeen partofthe festival beforesoitwas all completely new.

“Therewas definitely challenges along the way, things we didn’t expect, the amount of peoplecoming into Thorpy at the one time, we’ve got better ways to manage that for nexttime.

“Wehad about 12,000people through the gates, it was our biggest one ever.”

Among the morepopular attractions at the festival was ‘hessians on the field’, potato cooking demonstrations and potato-themed activities such as picking and races.

The next Thorpdale Potato Festival is slated for 2025.

It is understood the committee is looking to work-in with organisers from the Mirboo North Italian Festa, on arotation basis year-to-year

Photo: Liam Durkin

Turning waste materials into energy

Zoe ASKEW

THE MaryvaleEnergy from Waste (EfW) project, led by consortium partners Opal, Veolia, and Masdar Tribe Australia, recently signed agrant agreement for $48.2 million under the ManufacturingCollaboration Stream of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) after receiving grant funding from the Australian Government as part of the ModernManufacturing Strategy.

The Maryvale EfW facility, to be constructedatthe OpalAustralianPaper's Maryvale Millinthe Latrobe Valley, will be thefirst ofits kind in Australia to recover heat andpower from residual non-recyclable municipal and commercial waste to provide partly renewable power for large-scale manufacturing.

Veolia, acompanythat designs and deploys water,waste and energy management solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of cities and industries,already operates 65state-ofthe-art EfW facilities worldwide, and will operate and maintainthe Maryvale EfW facility.

Speaking on behalf of theconsortium, EdwardNicholas, General Manager of Masdar Tribe Australia, said that the grant demonstrates theAustralian Government's commitment to supporting innovative, alternative energy sources for manufacturing.

"The funding support from the Commonwealth not only demonstrates the importance of this technology in providing awaste management solution to a whole-of-community problem, but it also accelerates our project towards completing the development phase and commencing construction," Mr Nicholas said.

The Maryvale EfW facility will provide councils and businesses with acompetitive waste management solution to divert residual waste from landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Contracts will be offered on awaste arisingbasis, enabling councils to have the freedom to pursue futurewaste reduction initiatives without penalty.

"The social,environmental andeconomic case to sendnon-recyclable waste to the Maryvale EfW facility is compelling,"Mr Nicholas said.

"With finite capacity and heightened interest, forward-thinking Councils aremoving quickly to securethis opportunity while it's still available."

The Maryvale EfW project will attract investment capital of over $600 million to the Latrobe Valley, and thestate-of-the-art infrastructure supportsthe sustainable growthofaninnovativeenergy industry in the Gippsland region.

It will create morethan 500 jobs in Victoria and Gippsland during the construction phase,and supportan estimated 450 Victorian jobs once operational, including direct and flow-on.

Maryvale EfW facility will featureworldclass leading technology that provides

superior reliability, compliance to stringent emissions standards, superior energy efficiency and morethan 99 per cent diversion of waste away from landfill consistent with circular economy principles.

The state government welcomed advancements to the Maryvale EfW project, simultaneouslyimplementing acap on the amount of waste that can be heated treated to make energy.

"Wewelcomethe investment and job creation this project brings to the region," astate government spokesperson said.

"As Victoriashifts towards acircular economy,wastetoenergy facilities can play arole in diverting waste from landfill and creating energythatcan be used by industry or exported into the grid."

Acircular economy prioritises waste avoidance, waste reduction, material reuse and recycling, and as part of the circular economy policy, Recycling Victoria: Anew economy, the state government has committedtoplacing acap of one milliontonnes per annum onthe amount of waste that can be heat treated to make energy.

The cap is designed to prevent overreliance on thermalwaste toenergy,as over-reliance hasthe potential to undermine efforts to decrease waste generation andincrease recycling in the long term.

"Victoriawill continue to implement new waste and recyclingregulations and standards as part of the most significant reformtowaste and recycling in ourstate's history," astate government spokesperson said.

Nationals Member for GippslandSouth

DannyO'Brien also welcomed the recent advancements in the Maryvale EfW project.

"The Maryvale project is an exciting opportunity to safely turnwaste products intovaluable, dispatchable electricity

production," Mr O'Brien said.

"It is aproject that solves at least two problems inone go -disposing ofwaste andgeneratingbaseload power -and it's animportant jobcreator for the region.

"With Labor's disastrous decision to shut down the nativetimber industry costing up to 200 jobsat Maryvalealready this year,good news on the jobs front is always welcome.

"TheMaryvale millisnot only amajor employerinthe region, butitgenerates significantindirect jobs and economic activity in the plantation sector throughout Gippsland, particularly in my electorate of Gippsland South.

The EfW plant will help shoreupits future in an environment of uncertainty created by the Labor Government's policies."

FederalMember for Gippsland Darren Chester saidhewas pleased to see the project was progressing with the grant consortium partnersOpal, Veolia,and Masdar Tribe Australia secured under the previous Federal Government.

"Thesigning of the grant agreement for $48.2 million under the Manufacturing Collaboration Stream of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative is the next stage in this exciting project," Mr Chester said.

"The facility will be the first of its kind in Australia to recover heat and power from municipal and commercialwaste and support large-scale manufacturing in the Latrobe Valley.

"The proposed Maryvale project will be a first for Victoria, but the technology is well developed around the world, and also here in Australia.

"I took aclose-up look at asimilar facility which is currently under construction south of Perth in WesternAustralia earlier this year

"The Maryvale project will takewaste that would otherwise end up as landfill and convert it to energyfor the mill and potentially other users," Mr Chester explained.

"Using advanced European technology, it will divert 325,000 tonnes of waste per year from landfill and create an estimated 500 jobs duringconstruction plus 455 ongoing roles.

"This is aworld-class and environmentally sustainable project that will support the economic recovery of our region after several setbacks in recent years. Hopefully, all levels of government in Gippsland will work together with the proponents to deliver this exciting project."

With the environment akey strategic area for theWellington ShireCouncil,which continues to take actions to work towards asustainablefuture, the council supports the pending Maryvale EfW facility as an asset to support the region's sustainability and green energy targets.

"Wellington ShireCouncil is continuing to investigate landfill alternatives for residual waste that provides best value to the Wellingtoncommunity," aWellington Shire Council spokesperson said.

"Council acknowledges the Maryvale Energy from Waste project as akey opportunity for the region in this regard, and particularly theeconomic support and jobs that will be achieved from this project."

The Maryvale EfW project has EPAVictoria regulatory approvals for construction.

"In November 2018, EPAissued Paper AustraliaPty Ltd witha Development Licence that allows the constructionofa Waste to Energy facility capable of thermally treating 650,000 tonnes per annum of residual Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and residual Commercial and (non-hazardous) Industrial waste," an EPAVictoria spokesperson said.

"The Development Licence imposes conditions covering issues such as emissions, noise, wastewater,disposal of ash, management of incoming waste, monitoring and sampling, and reporting of monitoring results."

Latrobe City Council has also issued regulatory approvals for the construction of the Maryvale EfW facility.

The proposed layout of the Energy from Waste Project Photos: Contributed

Future-proofing the agricultural students in Vic

THE state government is offering grants to TAFEs and learning providers across Victoria, modernising training for the nextgeneration of Victorian agricultural professionals.

Minister for Agriculture, Gayle Tierney recently announced the 13 projects approved for funding as part of the government’s $15 million AgricultureTAFE and Training Fund.

The funding will deliver projects that support new curriculum design, delivery andequipment toembrace emerging technologiesand incorporate Aboriginal agricultural knowledge and practices.

“We’remaking surethe next generation of farmers is prepared with the tools and skills they need to respond to the everevolving demands of modern agriculture,” Ms Tierney said.

“These grants will provide amajor boost to our agricultural training providers and arejust oneway we areencouraging more Victorians to pursue afuturecareer in agriculture.”

The grants deliver on the findings of the

FutureofAgricultureTraining Review releasedin2022,which determined collaboration across industryand the education sector was essential in positioning agriculture as acareer of choice moving forward.

Grants of up to $2million wereavailable to eligible Victorian TAFEs and training providerstohelpthem delivernew or revamped training to ensure students have the skills required for afuturecareer in agriculture.

Among the organisations approved for grants was South West Institute of TAFE, with $1.99 million towardsastate-wide AgricultureTech Skills Centre.

The centrewill featurestate-of-the-art softwareand technologies, providing advanced professionaldevelopment and learning opportunities for students and teachers.

Melbourne Polytechnic will receive $1.44 millionto integrate the latest technologies in education to remediate degraded land for agriculture, horticultureand conservation.

The programaims to equip students with the skills they need to utilise land that would have previously been deemed unsuitablefor agriculture as aresponse to the increased shortage of farmland in Victoria’s peri-urban fringe.

Other organisationsgetting grants include Wodonga Institute of TAFE, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE,Australian Collegeof Agriculture andHorticulture,Federation UniversityAustralia,GoulburnOvens Institute of TAFE, Gordon TAFE, Christie CentreInc., Kreate Pty Ltd, 4UpSkilling Pty Ltd,Velisha EducationGroup and Rural Industries Skills Training.

The Agriculture TAFE and Training Fund is part of the FutureAgriculture Skills Capacity Fund established under the state government’s $50 million Agricultural CollegeModernisation Program, which supports moreVictorians to pursue careers in agriculture.

New cancer support network to help those suffering in South Gippy

SOUTH Gippslanders sufferingfromcancer have anew support network to help them AmonthlyCancer SupportGroup has recently started at Gippsland Southern Health Service (GSHS).

Clinical nurse specialist, Hannah Deenik, said the group understood the challenges and emotions that come with acancer journey.

“We’reheretooffer support and encouragement every step of the way,” Ms Deenik said.

“Our Cancer Support Group is awarm and inclusive community to support individuals affected bycancer.The aim of the support group is to provide asafe space for sharing, listening and uplifting one another.”

Ms Deenik said the group aimed to provide emotional support.

“It gives people with cancer the opportunity to connect with others who understand their struggles and can offerashoulder to

lean on during the tough times. The chemotherapy nursing staffare heretoprovide acompassionate ear and helppeopleto navigatethe rollercoaster of emotions that cancer brings,” Ms Deenik added.

Various guest speakers attend each month to discuss topics of interest.

Participants canalsogain valuable insights from others who have first-hand experiencewith various typesofcancer, including tips on everything from treatment options to coping strategies.

“Our members arealways willing to share theirknowledge, resources and inspirational stories,” Ms Deenik said.

“People can find hopeand motivation through stories of resilience and triumph.”

People can attend the Cancer Support Groupbycontacting theGippsland SouthernHealth Service chemotherapy unit on 5667 5665 or email chemotherapyunitbookings@gshs.com.au

Photo: File

YesOptus, Bairnsdale, Sale, Traralgon and Warragul

Get excited for the annual Sale and District show

SALE and District Agricultural Society is preparing for the 158th annual Sale Show to be hosted at the Sale Showgrounds from Friday, November 3toSunday, November 5.

This year,the Saleand District Agricultural Society areintroducinga theme to thethree-day event-Pioneering.

Early Australian pioneer skills and lost trades is the themeunderpinning exhibitionsatthe show, withthisyear's major exhibit aworking heavy horse and machinery display.

The workingheavy horse and machinery display willinclude working horses driving achaffcutter,horse-power to load produce bags ontoa dray, rope-making display, heavy horse harness, and much more. Therewill even be avardo wagon impressively pinstriped andfinished in actual gold leaf.

The working displays will take place on both Friday, November3and Saturday, November 4.

Show organisers, Sale and District Agricultural Society,invitepractising Australianartisansof earlytradesand skills to exhibit at the 2023 Sale Show to display skills in timber,clay, stone, metal or other materials.

President RossJonessaid the society, being Gippsland's longest continuing committee-elected organisation, formed in 1859, was initially formed to exhibit the best of pioneer skills in agriculture and horticultureinaddition to presenting the best of horses, cattle, sheep and other animals.

Podcast for the AgTech entrenpreneur

ARE you an aspiring AgTech entrepreneur?

Or would you like to know how the state government supports the local AgTech ecosystem?

AgricultureVictoria's new podcast series 'AgTech Innovators' explores the unique pathways available to Victorian start-ups,how they can best attract investment andwhatglobaltrends, opportunitiesand barriers they should be awareof.

AgricultureVictoria's AgRIN Project Lead, Mark Sloan said the groups was concentrating on informing anybody out therewith an innovative idea, and giving them apathway to access and get their ideas offthe ground.

"Agriculture Victoriaseesits role as helping nurture current existing AgTech start-ups andalsohelp to further build our ecosystem in Victoria so thatwehavethe capacityinthe statetocontinue to be innovative," Mr Sloan said.

"Wetalk toawide rangeofpeople involved in growing this industry and sharewith the listeners their journey, the things that worked, and the things that didn't."

In Episode 1ofthe series, Agriculture Victoriatalks to Maxie Juang from SproutX and hears about their Business of Agriculture Program, funded through apartnership between LaunchVic and AgricultureVictoria. Youcan subscribe and listen to AgVic Talk wherever you get your podcasts.

"Wewish to bring to life all those lost tradesfromthe 1800s and later and invite any practitioner to contact us to enable allocation of indoor space at booking@ saleshow.com.au," Mr Jones said.

Mr Jones said the Sale Show attendance is usually about 10,000.

This year’s Sale Show, Friday, November 3, to Sunday, November 5, will featureapioneering theme.

Photo: File

When it’s time to downsize and enjoy nature

Latest Gippsland agriculturenews

West Gippy irrigation

THIS is acall out for membersofWest Gippsland’s irrigation community to add their voices to the conversation and join the Lake Wellington Irrigator Reference Group.

The Irrigator Reference Group (IRG) was first established in 2018 with aview to contribute local knowledge on irrigation related issues to West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) and AgricultureVictoria (Ag Vic).

"The current group members have been a fantastic resource for the last two years but it’s time to allow some to take a break and invite some new voices to the conversation,' Sustainable Irrigation Project Officer with West Gippsland CMA, Brad Missen said.

"The IRG will continue to provide advice on the Sustainable Irrigation Program as well as arange of extension and incentive programsmanaged by the CMA or Ag Vic," Mr Missen said.

While the focus of the group does centre on theMacalisterIrrigation District, it will also consider issues in the broader catchment including the Latrobe and Avon rivers and irrigationpracticearound the Thorpdale area.

Supported bystaff fromboth the West Gippsland CMA and Ag Vic, the group will meet up to six times ayear,with members being remunerated for theirtime and input

"What we’relooking for,are people who areinthe irrigation sectorwho can provide advice and help us maximise the benefit of any program or incentive scheme that we areoffering," Mr Missen said.

"In the past, the input from farmers on the ground has proved invaluable to fine tuning how we’ve donethings, meaning the farming community has benefitted and received aproduct or service that better suits their needs."

Member of the IRG since 2018, dairy farmer Rod Warren, said his experience had been both valuable and worthwhile.

"It’s been really interesting to have input into arange of initiatives and help shape them to better fit with what’s actually needed on the ground, I’d certainly encourage anyone who is currently involved in irrigation locally to put their hands up to contribute," Mr Warren said.

People interested in being involved should contact Mr Missen from the West Gippsland CMA at bradm@wgcma.vic.gov.au

Footy's favourite farmer

FROM cattletocropping,Gippslandtothe Mallee,and everything in between, we'reon the hunt for this year's Footy's Favourite Farmer!

Last year,Ricky Allan was aworthy winner,displayingleadership in multiple roles at the Wycheproof Narraport Football Club, such as the presidency,senior and juniors' coach and more, all while supporting his family and the community as afarmer

Who do you think deserves the 2023 title as Footy's Favourite Farmer?

There's over $20,000 worth of prizes up forgrabs -for thefarmer and their local club, and you could even win a spot prize yourself!

Nominate your favourite farmer today. Hurry -get yourentries in before Wednesday, 26 July to be in the running.

Gippy Red Meat

THE Gippsland Red Meat Conference is backfor 2023,taking placeatthe Sale BaptistChurch on Tuesday August29. Stay tuned for moredetails.

Feedpad webinar

FEEDPADand Contained Housing Innovations Webinar

DATE: Wednesday, 12 July

TIME: 11:00am -1:15pm (AEST)

Join us for the 'Feedpad and contained housing innovations' webinar,wherewe willshowcase recentlydeveloped industry resources thatwill helpyou to makean informed decisions to drive growth.

Whether you'reafarmer,planning consultant, engineer,projectmanager, or part of agovernment agency specialising in agriculture,this webinar is your opportunity to gain insights into designing, establishing, modifying, or using feedpads and contained housing.

Hear afarmers perspective on farmsystem transition, learnfromexperts, explore economic factors, understand dairy-specific guidelines, and discover Dairy Australia's new FarmSystem Evaluator tool.

Don't miss this chancetodrive dairy industry growth and to stay ahead of the curve.

Presenters include:Simon Scowen (Manager ofManningValley Dairy in Wingham, NSW), ClaireWaterman (Program Manager FarmBusiness Economist, AgricultureVictoria), Scott McDonald (Dairy Development Specialist, AgricultureVictoria), ClareFitzpatrick (Principal,Progressive Rural Solutions), Dr Juan Gargiulo (Development OfficerDairy, NSW Department of Primary Industries), and KarenRomano (NationalFeeding and FarmSystems Technical Lead, Dairy Australia).

Photo: File

No one gets left behind, protecting all farmers

IN May last year,Indonesia detectedits first case of foot and mouth diseasesince 1986. Therehas been alot of concernitmight cross Australian borders, despite enormous effort and measures to strengthen ourbiosecuritysafetynet bothhereand abroad. VFF Stock Sense understands it’s difficult to visualise the impact adisease such as foot-and-mouth disease would have on the industry and because of this, some producers may not prioritise biosecurity.

However, it’swell known all producerscare about the health and wellbeingof their livestock, whether out of empathy or for quality control.

Accessibleresources can be difficult to find and with the information out there, Stock Senseunderstands it can be extremely overwhelming. To ensuresmaller producers don’t miss out, they’ve been developing resources, workshops and webinars with new and hobby farmers in mind.

Funded by the Compensation Funds, StockSense’s resources arefreeand available to everyone. Not only has the information been put to good use by reinforcing generational farmers’knowledge of animal welfareand farmbiosecurity, but it has also reached many new farmers and supported their journey in running a protected farm.

Many producers already know that they need biosecurity signs but it is obtaining

them that has been difficult.

Stock Sense have beenprovidingthem at their workshops for free and the team asks producers send photos or tag #StockSenseSigns.

The battleto maintain our defencesis ongoing and will not end any timesoon. Ensuringthe latest informationand resources areavailable will mean all farmers areable to protect themselves.

East Gippsland Asset Protection:

Bringing personalised, professional, physicaland technical security solutionstorural and remote communities

ESTABLISHEDin2016,EastGippsland Asset Protection(EGAP)has quickly become the go-to security service provider for residents and businesses in theEast Gippsland area. With astrong emphasis on professionalism, dedication, and customer service, EGAP has cemented itsreputation as atrusted and reliable security company. In this editorial, we will delveintothe history of EGAP,exploretheir innovative product offerings, and discuss their unique lease systemdesigned tocater to remote locations.

EGAPwas foundedinresponse to the growing demand for high-quality security servicesin the East Gippsland region. Based in East Gippsland, this family-owned and operated business is led by Rick, who brings over 20 years of industry experience as asecurityofficerand manager. Rick’s vision of creating acompany that people are proud to work for and clients can trust is reflected in EGAP’s corevalues of honesty, loyalty, integrity, and respect.

Over the past five years, EGAP has grown exponentially, establishing itself as aleader in the local security industry. The company’s commitment to professionalism and customer satisfaction has earned it a loyal client base that continues to expand.

EGAP offers arange of security products designedtomeet the diverse needs of its clients.One of theirflagship offeringsis AI enhancedSolar CCTV,anadvanced securitysolution designed to provide roundthe-clockprotection.This system combines

cutting-edge technology such as AI with a user-friendly interface, allowing clients to monitorand receive notifications on the presence of humans or vehicles and take immediate corrective action.

EGAP prides itself on being able to provide all customers withthe latest technology without breaking the bank.

One of the most innovative aspects of EGAP’sservice offerings istheir remote area surveillance systemsutilising the latest in Solar and Battery Technology Coupled with Wireless connectivity out to 25km, these systems can be purchased or leased. The lease system, designed specifically for clients in remote locations, allows customers to access High End security

Looking for asecurity solution that’s tailored to your unique needs? Look no further than East Gippsland Asset Protection (EGAP). Our comprehensive security services aretrusted by private, commercial, and government clients throughout East Gippsland.

Whether youneedStatic&Concierge Security Officers, Event &Crowd Control, Asset Protection, Security Advice, CCTV & Alarm supply and Installation, or Starlink Installation, we’vegot you covered. We even offerNever Alone personal safety devices to ensure your loved ones are always protected.

At EGAP,we’recommitted to making apositiveimpact on our community

That’s why we work closely with agencies in the Family and Domestic Violence sector to provide electronic and environmental safety measures, advice, and recommendations. We also sponsor

solutions without the need for acostly upfront investment.

The stand-alone lease system is an ideal optionfor businessesand individuals in rural or isolated areas who requirereliable security services but may nothavethe resources to purchase acomprehensive security system outright. By offering flexible leasing options, EGAP ensures thatall clients can benefit from their expertise and advanced security technology.

East Gippsland Asset Protection has built a solid reputation as a trusted provider of security services in the EastGippsland area. With a strong focus on professionalism, customer satisfaction,and innovation, EGAPcontinuestoset thestandardfor

Starlink Internet Packages to help families impacted by family violence get back to a sense of normalcy

As afamily-ownedEast Gippsland business, we understand the unique

securitycompanies in East Gippsland. Their diverseproduct offerings, including reputable branded systems and their uniqueleasing optionsfor remoteareas, demonstrate their commitment to meeting the needs of allclients,regardless of location or budget.

If you requireassistance to remedy your Security Concerns, EGAP offer free advice and quotations. With apassion for ensuring what’s yours remains yours, they arehappy to help you to the solution you require.

needs and situations of our clients. Contact us todaytolearn how we can help you protect what matters most and make East Gippsland asafer place for everyone

TGB Quadbikes: Revolutionizing Quadbike Farm Safety

QUADBIKES have become an integralpartof agricultural operations,providing farmerswith agile and versatile transportation options across their properties.However,quadbikeaccidents remain asignificantconcern, highlightingthe need forenhanced safetymeasures.TGB quadbikes have emerged as agame-changer in quadbikefarmsafety, offering advanced features that prioritizethe well-beingofthose that use them.

TGBquadbikesare designed with safetyas aprimary consideration, mitigatingthe risks associatedwith quadbikeuse on farmsby offering advanced features designed to protect farmersand farm workers. Below aresomekey points in which TGB quadbikes revolutionise quadbikefarmsafety:

1. RolloverProtection: Rollover accidents are aleading cause of quadbikeinjuries.TGB quadbikes areequippedwith advanced operator protection devices and reinforced frames that provide increased protection to ridersinthe event of arollover, reducing the severity of injuries

2. Stabilityand Control: TGB quadbikes are engineeredtoprovideexcellent stabilityand

control, even in challenging terrain and test results provethe TGBthe most stable quad on the marketwith atilt angle of up to 34.2 degrees Theirfour-wheel drivesystems and independent suspension ensureoptimal handling,reducing the risk of accidents caused by loss of control.

3. Ergonomics and Comfort: Fatigueand discomfortcan contributetoaccidents on quadbikes.TGB quadbikes prioritizerider comfort and ergonomics, offering comfortableseats, ergonomic handlebars, andvibration damping systems to minimizerider fatigue and enhance overall safety.

Quadbikeaccidents on farmsare aconcerning issue that requires effectivesolutions.TGB quadbikes areatthe forefront of revolutionizing quadbikefarmsafety. Their commitment to safety, from operator protectiondevicestostabilitysystems,sets anew standardinthe industry.

It is essential to remember that quadbikesafety also relies on responsible use, proper training, and adherence to safetyguidelines.Bycombining TGB quadbikes’innovative safety features with responsible operation practices,farmers can significantlyreduce therisksand accidents

associatedwith quadbikeuse,ensuring asafer and moreproductivefarming experience

Investing in TGB quadbikes is not just about efficient transportation butalso about prioritising the well-being of those who work in agriculture. By choosing aTGB quadbike, farmerscan

significantlyreduce the risks associated with quadbikeaccidents,creatingasafer working environment on their farms.

Find out more aboutthe TGB range of quadbikes available from TTMI at ttmi.com.au/ tgb-quadbikes

National Farm Safety Week Fa ty ek

16 –23July 2023

Bath encouraging important conversations on farm safety

THE Nationals Member forEastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath is encouraging our primary producerstobevigilant when it comes to farm safetyand their health and wellbeing during National Farm Safety Week.

“Growing up on a dairy farm I understand that multiple safetyrisks faced by primaryproducers and the vigilance needed to maintain health and wellbeing of farmers, theirfamilies,employees, contractorsand visitors”,saidMsBath. “Farmsafetyiscomplexwith manyfarms being both aworkplace and the familyhome -understanding and mitigating the manyrisks is paramount.

“Being afarmer is morethananoccupation, it’sa24hour, sevenday aweek commitment, performed in all weatherand oftenalone in remotelocations

“Our agriculture workersfacemanyphysical and mental pressures each and everyday

“It’simportant to look afterthe physical and emotional wellbeing of our farmersbytalking about risk, seasonal pressures, stress, mental health, fatigue management, safeworkpractices, education, training,and succession planning

“Our farmersare the vitallinktomaintaining food securityand growing fibretosustainably supply thetextiles industry-creating safer farms and asafeworkplace cultureisvital.”

National Farm Safety Week this year runs from 16 July -23Julyand once again therewill important conversations occurring around the complexity of farm safety.

Ms Bath said our farmersare the lifeblood of our community, the essential work theyperform clothed and fedus.

“Each dayfarmers encounter high-risk situationsthrough the operationofheavy machinery, handling of unpredictable animals and the use of chemicals

“Statistics tell us that our farmsare Australia’s most dangerousworkplaces,last year 55 people tragicallylost their lifeona farm

“Farmmachineryaccidents involving tractors and quad bikes dominatethe statistics,making up 40 per cent of all farm fatalities

“Giventhe importance of the work farmersdo, promotingsafety, assessing risk, identifying,and talking about the dangersoffarmworkis an important conversation worthhaving”

Ms Bath said living and working in regional communities, The Nationals understandthe importance of farmersand maintaining the productivityofour agricultureindustry.

“Fatigue and stress can be acontributing factor in accidentsand illness forfarmers so having

regular check-ups with health careprofessionals needs to be encouraged.

“During National Farm Safety Week,Iam encouraging farmerstotakestock of safetyand their health and wellbeing, as safefarms and well farmersare something we canall embrace.”

SALUTES DAIRYFARMERS

Australians shouldbeproud of Australia’sdairy industry. Despite what has been, to some extent, tough conditions,and fluctuationsinfarmgatemilk prices, our valiant dairy farmerscontinue to do the job. Interesting to seethatdespite lowerprofit results, even Bega’s periodendingDecember2022 recorded earnings beforeinterest andtax of AUD$20 million! Australian Pump, (Aussie Pumps)isone company that fights for farmers and is particularly strident aboutthe need to provide watersecurityfor key agricultural industries.

AUSSIE’S APPROACH

Aussie is focusedonsupporting farmers in allaspects of agriculture.“Dairyfarmersare particularly important to us because of the processes they have to go through in terms of hygiene, yard wash-down, irrigation and of course effluent handling”, said John Hales, Aussie PumpsChief Engineer

WHY AUSSIE WENT SELF PRIMING

Thereare plenty of pump manufacturersand suppliers in the world.Manyofthemare scramblingtotake aslice of theAustralian marketsowesee lots of competitors. Lately therehas also been aproliferation of third-world productsthat aresold on price alone rather than quality.The Aussie Pumps approachis totally different. Theirdesignteamisfirstfocussed on providingproductstofarmers that they wouldwant to usethemselves. In other words, thekey wordis empathy.Theyimagine doing thejob and figureout howthey can make it easier “Whatwefound is that most of theimportedpumps beingsold to farmersare to alarge extentend suction pumps”, Mr Hales said.

That meanstheylend themselves to applications where thesuctionis“flooded”.Inother words,the pumpsare notdesigned to suck butrather to be almost virtually force fed. On theotherhand, Australian Pump are specialistsinself-priming centrifugal pumps that can tackle awiderange of jobsinagriculture.Below is a summation.

HIGH PRESSURE FIRE PUMPS

When Aussiedeveloped theAussie“FireChief”, it was arevelation to themarket.Ithas 25 per centmore performance than keycompetitorslikeDaveyand Onga, afive-yearwarrantyand unique features built in makethe productanobviouschoice forfarmer andhome owners. Not only that,but Aussieput it on themarket at prices significantlylower than theolder

players.Genuine Honda engines arestandardthrough the range. “Dairy farmersuse them for yard wash-down, cleaning offtractorsand machinery, stockcrate washdownand of course high pressurewater transfer. They make great fire pumpsaswell!”MrHalessaid

PORTABLETRASH PUMPS

Aussie Pumps rangeofQP(QuikPrime) trash pumps start at 2” andgoall the way throughto3”, 4” and even big 6” pumps. Notonly arethese pumps able to handle solids in liquid effluent,but they arealso able to do it fast andefficiently andwithasuction liftmore than 7metres. “That’sone of thebig benefits of our range of QP pumps. The range includespumpswhich will handle up to 6000litres per minute(lpm). That’s probably alittlemorethanwhatmostdairy farmers wouldwantbut,you get themessage”, Mr Hales said.

DAIRYEFFLUENT SELFPRIMING MOTOR PUMPS, AUSSIE GMP

Aussie’sself-priming centrifugal trashpumps, called the AussieGMP semi-trash range,startwith2”pumps and

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Biggest celebration of cheese

Katrina BRANDON

THIS year's Melbourne Mould Festival was recently held at the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne from June 2toJune 4, with a collection of cheesemakers fromall over Australia making their way to the event.

Mould- ACheese Festivalisrun bya company called REVEL who have been up together creating two large festivals called 'Mould' and 'Pinot Palooza', since 2017.

Nick Haddow from Bruny Island Cheese Company and Dan Sims came together to create the group.

"Nick Haddow from Bruny Island Cheese came to me and said 'Look ... Australian cheese is gettingbetter and better,wewant to do acelebrationabout it,” Mr Sims said "Mould cheese festival isAustralia’s biggest celebration of Australian cheese. We areunapologetically about Australian cheese and celebrating and championing makers, growers, farmers and families who happen to makethe best cheese in Australia."

The festival is away for cheesemakers tosharetheir knowledgewithother cheesemakers and with people who have an interest in it or want to buy some.

Thereare afew other things at Mould that customers can get, other than the supplied wine glass and cooler bag such as salami, wines and multiple other products.

Mr Sims said, "In 2017, it was clear that many other people shared our enthusiasm. With any event it isabout collaboration not competition."

He continued to mention that therewas only one local producer in Gippsland that was present for the event, whereothers sent cheese in as it is hardtoleave farms

and businesses for the event. Even with cheesemakers not present, Mr Sims said the festival was incredible.

"Melbourne alone last event acouple of weeks ago over two tonnes of cheese sold. The average spend per person is about $120. People go along and want to buy cheese and other things like salami. It’s a celebration of people, they pay ticket price, they get to taste as many cheeses as they would like, they get awine glass, acooler bag so they have somewhereto put their cheese in," Mr Sims added.

"It’s aone of akind, thereisn’treally anything like it. It showcases the artisan cheese of the state or anyone that shows up. It’s agood spread across what cheesemakers aredoingin thestate,"Rachel Needoba from Butterfly Factory said.

"The general level of education on cheese is pretty low,Ithink. We didn’t grow up with 200 cheeses in our local cheese shop like the French do."

In the future, Mr Sims hoped that Mould couldpossiblyend up going global, seeing Australiancheesesoverseascomparing with all the other worldwide cheeses.

For now,Mould has annual festivals in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart and Perth as of this year,with the hopeof sharing moreGippsland cheese around Australia.

"The only thing stopping us from growing is not having enough cheese producers." Mr Sims said.

"They can approach us, we reach out regularly. I’m ahuge advocate of celebrating all things Gippsland."

Find moreinformation on Mould at mouldcheesefestival.com/pages/ melbourne-2023

Thousands of people attended theMelbourne Mould Festival in Port Melbourne this year over the three-dayevent

Photo: Contributed

First public dental therapy dog

Zoe ASKEW

TWELVE-MONTH-OLDKelpieTeakis training to become Gippsland's first public dental surgery therapy dog.

Amrita Bradley,WindsongFarmProvidore hobbyfarmer, dental hygienist at Sale Hospital, and author of the recently published children's book 'Who AreYou and What Do YouDo?', is currently completing training with her Kelpie Teak to become the first therapy dog to workinapublic dental surgeryinGippsland.

Teak was the impetus behind Ms Bradley's book 'Who AreYou and What Do YouDo?', which follows baby goat Loki on his journey across Windsong Farmashemeets all the different animals, most of which Amrita and her husband Andrew have rescued over the years.

"The book was to raise funds for Teak's therapy dog training," Ms Bradley said "Teak has now started thattherapydog training; we had to wait until she was matureenough to do it, which means that she had to have turned 12 months by the time the five-week training had finished."

Teak and Ms Bradley completed their therapy dog training online through Therapy DogsAustralia."TherapyDogs Australia has verystrongethicsaround animal welfare and professionalism," Ms Bradley said.

"It doesn't mean the dog has to be perfect by anymeans, but the dog has to be under control and using the dog's mistakes can be areally good teaching for apatient.

"For example,weare not talking about the dog being out of control, but if the dog does something they’renot meant to, that can be usedasa teachingfor aperson like, 'Okay, so the dog stole some food out of the other dog's bowl, what do you think would happen as aconsequence?',sothey use the animal in animal-assisted activities to runparallels and teachkidspossible consequences, desired behaviours -those sorts of things.

"From adental point of view,Ican use Teak morefor comforting anxious kids and to demonstrate tooth brushing and to play with kids, so if the kids blow up a balloon, breathing out through their belly activating their parasympathetic nervous system, whichwillhelpthemtorelaxas opposed to being anxiousand we can turn that into agamewhereTeak can play with the balloon around the room type thing."

Manystudieshaveshown that petting adog lowers the stress hormonecortisol and can lower aperson's heartrateand blood pressure.

"Stroking adog or just having that warmth of adog on you is really good for calming you down,and we can use those as amethod of dealing with dental anxiety," Ms Bradley said.

A2022 study conducted in Switzerland suggests that dogs can even be good for our brains. Researchers say the results could improve the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapies for treatingmany conditions, including depression, dementia and posttraumatic stress disorder

Clinicalstudieson human-animal interactionsfound that not only can dogs serve as asource of comfortand support, but theycan also helpchildren with ADHD focus their attention and positively affect children with autism.

While therapydogs arecommonin Gippsland, with dogs regularly visiting Wurruk Neighbourhood House, Bairnsdale Hospital and Briagolong Primary School, therapy dogs have yet to be utilised in the region's public dental health sector

"Therapy dogs aren't new, but in public dental, it is," Ms Bradley said.

"In private dental, they have got atherapy dog down in Warragul, but as far as public dental goes, this will be afirst, and we areworking with the hospital,Central Gippsland Health, to implement that with support from Dental Health Services Victoria and the University of Melbourne."

Teak's therapy dog training was completed in early June, after which the brown-haired Kelpieunderwent specific environment training with the goal of working at the CGH dentist clinic by July.

"Wedoawhole day Monday online, online lectures, assessments for myselfand then assessments for Teak," Ms Bradley said.

"Wevideo those assessments, send them in and get real-time feedback on them during aZoom call, then we have the next week to work on the next set of milestones.

"After fiveweeks,Teak needs to be assessed on temperamentand ability, and if she passes, she will be able to work."

Therapy Dogs Australia trains about 100 dogs per year; their mission is to help create human-caninetherapy teeams by equipping people with the skills and confidence reequired to include their dogs in thheir daily practice in a manner that is safe and ethical for thheir dog and their clients

Therapy Dogs Australia co-founder, head trainer, psychologist and clinic director Samantha King says therapy dogs need to o display good manners and great listening skills when their handlers are communicating with them

"The level of skill and training required for the dogand handlerteamsdiffers depending on theirworkplace setting," Ms King said.

"Dentist dogs need to have acalm and confident disposition and be working very well with their handlers. The handlers need to remain committed to their dog's training to ensuretheir safety in the workplace.

"Therapy Dogs in dentalsurgeriesare still quite uncommon, especially as these aremedical environments with sterile equipmentbeing used –the teams need to be very well prepared and have good policies in place to ensurethe safety and wellbeing of the dogs and their clients. We have trained between five to eight therapy dogs for dental settings."

Therapy dogshave acompletelydifferent typeofjob from service dogs. Their responsibilities aretoprovide psychological or physiological therapytoindividuals other than their handlers.

Ms King saystherapydogs need to be confident,outgoing, difficult to offend and enjoy meeting new peopleregularly.

"They should be well-mannered and responsive to their handlers," Ms King said. "Handlers needtopossess many of the same qualitiesaswell as be quick thinkers and able to respond calmly in unexpected situations so that they can support both the dog and the service participant.

Ms King has worked in animal assisted therapy, incorporating the use of animals within atherapy session to achieve aspecific goal, for 11 years, founding Therapy Dogs Australia in 2016 alongside her other business, Psychology &Animal Assisted Wellbeing, a multidisciplinary

practice whereall of theclinicianswork with therapy dogs in Redcliffe,Queensland.

"Therecan be many benefits of involving awell-mannered and confident canine in avarietyofhuman service settings," Ms King said.

"One of the things we hear the most is that the presence of the dog can help people to feelcomfortable in accessing the service, meaning that they areable to receive the health careoreducation they areinneed of."

"It should be considered that not all people arecomfortable arounddogs which can be due to allergies, phobias or cultural differences," she said.

"It is very important that the presence of a therapy dog also doesn't exclude anyone from accessing aservice–whichiswhy it's really important to have policies and procedures in placetoaccommodatefor this."

Ms King has also recently established an equine assisted therapy training business, Wild at Heart Horses.

Carol Batchelor, owner and sole trainer of UnifiedCanine,establishedto assist with dog training in Sale and surrounding areas, has offered to support Ms Bradley in Teak's specific environment training upon completion of her therapy dog training.

Ms Bradley has already begun introducing Teak to dental practice characteristics at home to ensurethe spirited Kelpie has the smoothest transitioninto the new environment.

"At the moment, it's kind of fun because we'rejustsocialising Teak around walkers, children, dental noises, things that go up and downlikeadentalchair,vacuum cleaners, so suction noises," Ms Bradley said.

"Weplay dental room noises in the car when we aretravelling to and from places, and thenwe're supplementing common things, she will find in adental clinic like the high-speed suction with avacuum cleaner,the chair that goes up and down we sit with her on the back of the tractor on the carrier

"So we arealready starting to get her used to the dental environmenteven though she has never actually been in one just yet."

BeforeTeak can begin working at Central Gippsland Health, consultation, planning, and approvals arerequired.

Ms Bradley expressed gratitude to the community for its assistance in Teak's Therapy Dog training.

"It's been along haul to raise enough funds, and we couldn't have made it to whereweare now withoutthe supportof the community," Ms Bradley said.

"Thank you to everyone who supported Teak's Kickstarter campaign, purchased the book fromour online shop, visited our stall at local community markets and festivals or purchased from ahandfulof local retailers in Latrobe Valley, Central Gippsland and East Gippsland."

"All profits have gone directly to funding Teak's training, which will come full circle whenshe startsworkassisting anxious dental patients."

Amrita Bradley and her Kelpie pup, Teak, are nearing the end of their Australian Therapy Dogs training Photo: Zoe Askew

Educating farmers on pasturemanagment

Zoe ASKEW

FARMERSfromacross Gippsland descended on the propertyofBriagolong farmer John Mosley last month to take part in AgricultureVictoria's Climate Resilient Pastures Field Day.

AgricultureVictoria, in conjunction with Gippsland Agricultural Group and Liz Semmens from Vast Agronomy, hosted Climate ResilientPastures Field Day in Briagolong, with the prime aim to educate Gippsland farmers on how best to manage their perennial pastures.

In the words of Livestock Industry Development Officer James Paulet, climateresilient pastures arevital for producers as they allow pastures to withstand seasonal and climate variability.

"A resilient permanent pasturewill have longer persistence, will respond quickly to available moisture in the soil profile, which reduces the need to re-sow as often, and savings on annual input costs," Mr Paulet said.

About 20 participants joined Climate

Resilient Pastures Field Day facilitatorsJamesPaulet,Fiona Baker andLiz Semmens for the almost four-hour-long event.

"Therewas great participation in the field day with farmers taking particular interest in the one-meter soil cores, which can highlight possible restrictions to pasture growth such as high sub-soil acidity," Mr Paulet said.

The Briagolong event began with morning tea, providing Gippsland farmers with an opportunity to expand their social circle and better acquaint themselves with those in the agricultural industry.

Mr Paulet and Ms Baker directed participants to oneofFamer Mosley's many paddocks,equippingeach attendee with acopyofMeat &Livestock Australia's (MLA) PastureParamedic and asizeable plastic-ruler-type-toolthatfoldsintoa hollow square.

The MLAPastureParamedicisatool containing quick but simple assessments commonly used by agronomists to evaluate the condition of apasture, allowing farmers to rapidlyassess pastureconditions in the medium and high rainfall zones of southeast Australia.

As described by AgricultureVictoria, the MLA PastureParamedic is avaluable resource that gives aframework for farmers to assess their pastures and determine any options for futuredevelopment.

In the paddock, Ms Baker guided participants through how to use the Pasture Paramedic ensuring Gippsland farmers couldutilisethe toolontheir own farms and identify opportunities to improve their pastures, whether through changing grazing practices or through renovation.

Ms Baker covered various topics relating to the PastureParamedic and best pasture managementpractices, emphasising the importance of understanding pasture.

She also touched on trash -clumps of dead, dry grass on the soil surface.

After the wet summers of the past few years,those in theagriculturalindustry areseeing abuild-up of 'trash' on the soil surface, causing arestriction for sub-clover germination as well as fostering aperfect environment for slugs to inhabitand reproduce, damaging both clover and grasses.

Participants then examined adeep soil core, discussing how soil could influence decisions in pasturemanagement before seeing Gippsland AgricultureGroup's new soil corer in action.

As fertiliser prices arerelatively high, facilitators emphasised that asoil test is acheap option and will help farmers plan how to maintain their soil nutrition.

After lunch, Ms Semmensled apresentation on options for sowing to provide spring feed and incorporating options into arenovation improvement plan for sowing pastures in autumn.

The event closed with adiscussion that included material from all three sessions to help farmers identifyopportunities to implement on their own property.

AgricultureVictoria's Climate Resilient Pastures Field Day is one of the organisation's many fielddays,which alignswith topical issuesand assists with agricultural recovery after emergencies such as floods, fires, storms, and drought.

For Gippsland producers interested in upcoming events,keep an eye on Agriculture Victoria'sevents page at agriculture.vic.gov. au or via their social media accounts.

Gippsland AgricultureGroup's newsletter is another great way to stay up to date with all things ag.

Youcan subscribe to the GAGG monthly newsletter hereatgippslandag.com.au/ communications/newsletters

Fiona Baker directs participants through a deep soil coreexamination.

About 20 farmers from across Gippsland attended the Climate Resilient Pastures Field DayatJohnMosley’s property in Braigolong.

Gippsland AgricultureGroup’s newsoil corer

Photos: Stan Walker

Farmer combatingclimate change

TomPARRY

WITH the agricultural sector under increasing pressuretoaddress the issue of climate change,farmers arehavingtofind innovate ways of offsetting their carbon emissionsand working it to their advantage.

One such farmer is Kate Mirams, who owns and operates adairy farminNewry with her husband, Peter Neaves,plus sons Angus, Tristan and Daniel.

Ms Mirams, who hails from southern New South Wales, has owned the property for nearly two decades.

She was drawnto the district by the “fluvial-rich” soil, which plays arole in keeping her farmproductive, profitable and sustainable.

She believes that ahealthy soil contributes to the healthofplants on her property which, in turn, contributes to the health andhappiness of her cattle.

“Wewant (cattle) to be in supreme health, comfort, with awell-balanced diet; we want themtobereally productive,havereally goodmicrobial balanceintheir rumen, so they have ahappy long life …and they make really good quality milk,” Ms Mirams explained.

“And then, once you start doing that, you think …‘What areinthe plants that we are feeding to these cows?’

“What we need …are plants that have high quality, that have plentyof energy andprotein, plus plenty of mineralsfor the cows; but we also needs these plants to formreally good symbiotic relationships with microbes in soil, so that they’rereally utilising the soil.”

Ms Mirams says that microbes in the soil needwhathumans, cows and all other living organisms require: “What they need is air,water,food and agood place to live.”

Microbes helpmake minerals such as phosphorus, potassium and sulphur

-which areintegral to an organism’s diet -available to plants.

To ensurethose mineralsare present in plants, Ms Mirams has anumber of measurestoensureher farm is not “killing” the soil.

“Wetry and direct any new crops or pastures wherever possible,rather than discingand exposing alot of soil to the air,” Ms Mirams said.

“Wetry to minimise baresoil; we’ve stopped using any fungicide and pesticide, and we’ve minimised our herbicide usage.

“It’s not that these things are bad and we just never use them; the reason we’re stopping is because we want to make the soil aplacewheremicrobes want to live, becausewewant the microbes to do the job for us of releasing those minerals and building carbon in our soil.”

Othermeasures the farm has taken to draw carbonfromthe atmosphereinclude planting native vegetation near waterways, planting “thousands” of trees, and allowing fungus to grow.

“The absolute key to getting carbon into the soil is getting fungus to live and getting fungus to be happy,” Ms Mirams said.

Ms Mirams also allows the plants in her paddocks -primarily ryegrass and clover -“heaps of time” to recover oncethey’ve been grazed.

Wheremost farms would typically allow 20 to 25 days between grazing periods, Ms Mirams will allow up to 60 days for afield to recover during the winter months.

“That allows the plants to get really strong, and get into areally positive energy state,” Ms Mirams said.

“If we think of animals -animals will put on the fat, they’ll get fat. With plants, the plant isn’t getting fat; instead, the plant is putting sugars outthrough its roots and feeding the microbes in the soil.”

Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is not

the only challenge that farmers areneeding to address.

Of particular concernto Ms Miramsis the growth oflaboratory-produced protein products,many of which aremarketed as alternatives to traditional beef and dairy foods.

“Farming industries really needtolook at what is their position with regardto these new protein sources coming into the market,” Ms Mirams said.

“I thinkweneed to really, deeply consider and position ourselves to understand that what we’reproducing is alive food -like, it’s afood that’s been alive,and …the milk is from aliveanimal that’s eating alive ecosystem.

“And if these ecosystems arewellmanaged, they’reactually contributing to greenhouse gas abatement through our ability to sequester carbon into the soil.”

Kate Mirams on her Newry farm.

Photo: DarrylWhitaker Photography

Moe’s college basketball superstar

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

ONEofMoe's greatest claims tofame is the dynamiccollege basketball starJaz Shelley,who will return to theNebraska Cornhuskers women’s basketball program for afifth and final season.

With an extra year of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shelley had a decision to make.

The Australiannativecould have decided to pursue professionaloptions, likely back home, or play one moreyear for the Huskers.

She chose the latter

Shelley’s motivationtogoback for one moreyear of college basketball comes from afeeling of unfinished business and adrive to exceed expectations.

“I guess I’ve always kindofhad that underdog feeling coming from Moe. We’re not always expected to do awhole lot,” the star basketballer said.

Starting her career at the Moe Meteors, she quickly moved into the Big Vand even captained her Under 16’s Victoria Country team.

By 2016, she moved to Canberra to train full-time at the Australian Institute of Sport. In April 2017, Shelley led Victoria Country to its firstUnder18national titlesince 2000, recording 13 points and five rebounds in the final.

Shelley played with the Melbourne Boomers of the Women's NationalBasketball League (WNBL) for the 2018-19 season.

She was voted WNBL Rookie of the Year after assisting the Boomers to theplayoffs.

She wasnamedBasketball Victoria's Junior Female Athlete of the Year in 2018.

Shelley signed with the Geelong Supercats of the NBL1 for the 2019 season and led her club to arunner-up finish by averaging 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7assists per game.

“I’ve always liked achallenge; I’ve made a lot of Australian teams as adouble bottom age and bottomage whenIwasn’texpected to and stuff. Ithink growing up in those environments and challenging myself when the opportunities come,” she said.

Shelley was considered athree-star recruit and28th-best pointguard in the 2019 high school class by ESPN.

Colleges fought over Shelley, but she ultimately chose Oregonover offersfrom Oregon Stateand Nebraska in October 2018.

At Oregon, on December 16, 2019, she made her first career start after previously playing offthe bench,Shelley scored a career-high 32 points and set aprogram single-game recordwith 10 three-pointers in an 84–41win over UCRiverside. Her Oregon Duck’steam was among the favourites to win the 2020 NCAA tournament, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As asophomore, she averaged 4points, 1.9 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game.

2021, Shelley announced that she would transfer to Nebraska, and play in the Big 10 conference.

Moving from Oregon to Nebraska was a “hardprocess to do and an even harder decision to make,” Shelley said.

“BecauseI’m so far awayfromhome,I definitely wanted somewherethat felt like ahome away from home, we had alot of players and coaches leave, so it didn’t feel like my place.

“I grew up with Izzy Bourne, she is another player on the Nebraska team,soI pretty muchgot in contactwith her and found Nebraska as my home.”

Shelley has ledthe Huskers in points, assists, and stealsineachofher two years for the Huskers.

The 5-foot-9 pointguardstarted all 33 games for Nebraska this past season and is fresh offofaveraging team highs of 14.5 points, 6.2 assists and 1.7 steals and 4.8 rebounds per game.

In her time at Lincoln, Shelley has also hit 154 3-pointers on over six attempts per game.

“Myexperience has been incredible; I’m really happy with my decision to go to

college, and I’m also happy about the decision to come back for my fifth year; Ithink my team is really capable of something, so I’m excited about that,” said Shelley.

Head coach Amy Williamswelcomed Shelley’s decision to returnfor another year of college, as Shelley has been acornerstone of the team for the past two years.

Shelley’s transfer to Nebraska was agreat success.

She earned a first-team All-Big 10 selection in 2023, the first player to do so under Williams at Nebraska.

Shelley would have declared for the WNBA Draft if she hadn't decided to returnto Nebraska.

She also could havegone home to Australia and played professional basketball.

“Our team is hoping that we can make the NCAA tournament again, which is really hardto do, we did it two years ago, and we fell short of those goals last season, so that’s one of the big reasons why Iwanted to come back as well,” Shelley said.

The Huskers will looktoreturn to the success they enjoyed in Shelley’s first season in Lincoln.

After making the NCAA Tournamentin 2022, the Huskers finished offthis year's campaign 18-15, advancing to the Super 16 of the Women’s National Invitation

Tournament (WNIT) beforefalling to Kansas 64-55.

On the court, Shelley wants to improve some parts of her game, such as scoring at the basket and shooting ahigher percentage on midrange shots.

She’ll work on that when she returns to the United States on July 1.

“My biggest goal in life is to get drafted, and that will hopefully be after this year,so we’ll see what comes of that, and Iwant to come back and play WNBL and comeback in Australia for however long. I’m just really excited to come back and play Australian basketball,” Shelley added.

One way Shelley’s decision differs from some otherfifth-year players is that she doesn’t have the same opportunities as other top college players to earnNIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money due to her student visa. Shelley says Nebraska’s compliance department continues to look into NIL opportunities for international athletes.

“Pretty much I’m on astudent VISA so I can’t be paid for any working experience, and NIL standsfor Name, Image and Likeness, and companies can pay me to promote their business or do aservice for their business or camps and sell their merchandise, but Ican’t do that while I’m in the United States so Ihave acertain period of time when Icome back home to Australia whereI’m open to all NIL activities,” she explained.

Shelley could sell merchandise with her nameonitonlineduring her timeback home.

Having advocated for the rights of International Students in college basketball, Shelley enjoys standing in what she believesis right and just andusesher public platformtoraise awareness.

“Since the NIL stuffhappened, Ithink a lot of internationals have looked at me as an advocate for all that, because Ihave a platform. Ithink it’s important to be able to use it in positive ways,” she said.

“I think that camefromwhenIwas in Oregon, you know, the whole weight room incident, Iwas apart of that, Iwas

really close with Sedona,who posted the TikTok about it, so Iwas thereand lived that experience so Ithink alot of that came from that and how much you can really use your voiceand platformtoget the issueout there,” she said.

Oregon forwardSedona Prince posted a video of the NCAA women's tournament weight room, which consistedofa single set of dumbbells.

The videothenshowedwhatshe said was the men's tournament weight room, whichwas stockedwith rows ofweights and training equipment.

The video attracted outrage as people were shocked at theinequality in women’s college basketball.

The NCAA did apologise due to the widespread backlash.

Shelley is asuperstar in Nebraska and many young children idolise herand the Huskers'teamas theirsporting heroes.

“We don’t have any professional sports in Nebraska so there’s a lot of young kids that look up to our student-athletes, those little kids who play basketballlook up to us and our basketball team. We’rekind of like the epitome of who they want to be, I think realising like that, I’d do alot of work with those kids,” she said.

“Wesold out agame, Ithink it was 12,500 people at awomen’s basketball game; I think the support around it is real.

“Wedon’t have any prosports teams, so we get fans and support for our games,” she explained.

The decision to stay at college for another year was hardfor Shelley, who misses home soil but also wants to pursue aWNBA career

“I only come home once ayear,soit’s definitely hard,” though going to the AIS beforecollege, Shelley has gotten sort of accustomed to being away from home but does miss her family. As the hardest challenge to get through in her college basketball experience forShelley was “definitely being away from family,” she said.

Shelley loves coming home to support local talentand especially to watchher siblingsplay in NBL1, with an older brother in Ringwood’s team and her younger brother playing for Mt Gambier

Moe never forgetstheir most famous Meteor andalwayswelcomesher back with open arms.

“When Iwent back,I think it waslast year,seeing just how much the Moe girls still watch my games,and Ihad no idea that they would even know who Iwas. It was agood feeling,” she said.

Shelleywill be conducting school holiday camps at Moe’s STADIUM 34’s new basketball training facility.

Kids from as young as seven all the way to 18 will have the opportunity to be taught by Nebraska’s best player arange of fundamental basketball skills.

“Being able to connect with them and stuffand realise how much of an impact I had on them made me want to go back and visit them and do those camps,” Shelley said.

If you would like to learnmoreabout the holiday camp training sessionwithJaz Shelley head to stadium34.com.au/

Jaz Shelleyloves being able to connect with her fans and giving back to the community

Jaz Shelleyopted to do afifth year of college basketball after the option wasgranted to all college athletes due to the break from COVID-19.

Jaz Shelleyled herteam in scoring during the 2023 season.

Photos: Contributed

Moe FNC’s Big Freeze for Fight MND

Liam DURKIN

AGRAND Final-like crowd gathered in Moe on Saturday, June 10.

Morethan 1600peoplecamethrough the gates at TedSummerton Reserve, to see the Moe Football-Netball Club unite with arange ofcommunity groups and special

guest in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.

The iconicblue beanies, now asymbol of the 'Fight MND' campaign, wereout in force, with asea of blue encapsulating the reserve.

Moe footballers wore special bluesocks during their games against Maffra, while senior players even worethe blue beanies during their warm-up.

In the true spirit of 'putting afreeze on MND', anumber of local football and netball identities bravely put up their hand to be dunked under ice-cold water

Muchlikethe annualslide eventat the MCG, those taking the plungewere submergedone-by-one.Unlikethe AFL however,country footballrequired some improvisation, so instead of aslide, adunk tank was booked.

The 'dunkees' taking part wereMoe Football-Netball Club games record holderPeter 'Jibba' Ainsworth,Maffra FNC champion and former Moe coach Adrian Burgiel, current Moe thirds coach Mark

'Dougie'Walsh, Moe FNC secretary Donna Naismith, Gold Coast footballer and Moeexport Bailey Humphrey, Moe's most vocal football supporter John 'Johno' Johnson, former Irish footballer Gerry Clarke, and former Socceroo Archie Thompson.

The dunkingevent took place at the cricket net area, where larger-than-life North Melbourne premiership player Sam Kekovich took the microphone as master of ceremonies.

Anumber of ex-Moe players sent messages of support,including Bernie Vince and Barry Rowlings.

The day was highlighted by Neale Daniher himself being on hand to see the event unfold.

The face of the Fight MND campaign joinedGelagotis and other community leaders beforethe senior match, as aformal acknowledgment was made to all who took part, and to offer further congratulations to Daniher for all he had achievedthrough his advocacy.

"On behalf of the Moe Lions and the

Gippsland Community, Neale, thank you for what you aredoing, you areaninspiring individual," Gelagotis said.

AlthoughMND has taken hold of Daniher and he is unable to speak, the look of pride on his face was therefor all to see.

Daniher's son, Ben, plays for Moe, and Neale is theremost weeks watching on at TedSummerton Reserve.

Home-grown: Gippsland’s very own NBAchampion

BASKETBALL

By TOM HAYES

JACKWhite is now insome serious company.

The Traralgon export is coming offthe back of Denver Nuggets’ NBA title breakthrough, and now stacks up with some of the best basketballersthat Australia has produced.

DenverNuggetssecured their first-ever NBA title in mid-June,defeatingMiami Heat in a4-1 series win on their way to NBA glory.

White became just the seventh Australian to win an NBA chip, now alongside Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze,Patty Mills,Aron Baynes,AndrewBogutand Matthew Dellavedova.

Not only this, but White becomes the thirdplayer in history to win an NBL title (Melbourne Unitedin2021) and an NBA title, joining Gaze and American,Ian Clark.

While that is the now, thereisone woman whohas been therefromthe start -Sharon Royal, oneofWhite’s previous coaches and currentcoach at the TraralgonAmateur Basketball Association.

Royal’s kids wereand still arevery good friends with White, so Royal is definitely no stranger to him whatsoever

“My boys and the White boys hung out,” Royal said.

“Thekids,they weren’t playingsquad (basketball), so Ijustgot asecondside together.”

At the time, White was only 10-years-old, butRoyal would soonsee inthe coming years just what he was capable of.

“As abottom-aged Under 16s state player, he made the first cut, but didn’t make the next cut,” Royal said.

“My husband was the coach, and he (White) went up to him andasked what he had to do to make the team to get better

“They worked together to get to the next level, he wanted to do his own homework, like he wanted to work on his game.”

White spent 2016-2020atDuke, wherehe would become aleader in his senior year,as he was appointed as captain of the squad, despite not getting major playing time.

After Duke, White returned to Australia, playing for Melbourne Unitedfor two years, winning the title in 2021.

White then joined the Denver Nuggets for the NBA SummerLeague, and following the Summer League, he signed atwo-way contract with the Nuggets.

His two-way contract allows him to play G-Leaguebasketballfor Grand Rapids Gold, as well as NBA minutes for Denver, all while no other teams can approach him for acontract.

“His basketball IQ is absolutely amazing, his work ethic is amazing,” Royal said. And that brings us to the 2022/23 season, wherehis life would change for the better White would play 17 games for Denverin NBA, but only received minimal minutes, averaging 3.9 minutes per game.

White flourished in the G-League,averaging 32.5 minutes, 17.2 points and nine rebounds per game from 12 matches.

Now, Jack White is an NBA champion, thereisnochanging that fact.

“My phone has been blowingupnon-stop -I’m tryingtoget backtoeveryone but it’s alogistical nightmare,” White told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“I’m grateful to not only the people here during this time, but those who werethere for me in the darkestoftimes, during

injuries or not playing.

“My family, close friends and my agent Sammy (Wloszczowski) have beenwith me everystep of the way.

“I haven’t been home in over 12 months, so I’m looking forwardtothat and reflecting on everything.

White told TheSydney Morning Herald that he “can’t wait to get home to Traralgon” and spend time with his family.

“Wewereall,asafamily, superstoked for him …Icouldn’t be moreoverjoyed,” Royal said.

White’s story is one that has plenty of ups and downs.

It’s one that saw him side lined and out of action only two to three years ago with abroken thumb, which was then followed up by asnappedAchilles in one of his returning games.

Hisperseverance got him through that tough time, and allowed him to grow and developinto the NBA champion that he is today.

Youcan’t imagine what he must’ve been thinking at that stage of his life, moments beforesigning for an NBA team and being struck with injury.

“He takes advantage of the time given to him,” Royal said.

“You don’t have to scoretobeagood player,it’s what he does away from the ball as well, the way he helps his team.”

The entireTraralgon Amateur Basketball Association still gets around their export, and follows his career with intent.

“Theyoung kids just lookuptohim,” Royal said.

When asked if Traralgon has ever producedsomeonethissuccessfulon the basketballcourt, Royal responded, “No, not

this successful …but Jack is definitely the player,one of our juniors that have gone the furthest”.

It’s no doubtthat White’s career is on the up,especiallyafter abreakoutyear that was topped offwith an NBA chip. His G-Leaguestats areexceptional, producing close-to-top numbers with less games under his belt.

White is most likely still soaking up the glory of Denver’s triumph, but he soon has to returntoAustralian shores, for an Australian camp in Cairns.

Patrons at Moe take their beanies off as amarkofrespect to Neale Daniher

Traralgon’s Jack White poses with Denver’s starting point guard, Jamal Murray, during the Nugget’s NBA championship celebrations.

Photo: Contributed

Neale Daniher among the crowdatMoe

Photos: Zoe Askew

Sam Kekovich introduces Neale Daniher to the crowd.

Mark ‘Dougie’ Walshwas one of anumber of bravesouls to go under ice water forthe cause.