FARMtalk magazine February 2022

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FEBRUARY 2022

Magazine

Rich and

ripe

PAGES 12-13

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Advertising & Editorial Deadlines March Edition: February 25, 2022

Council backs hemp trial

April Edition: March 25, 2022 May Edition: April 29, 2022 June Edition: May 27, 2022 August Edition: July 29, 2022 September Edition: August 26, 2022 October Edition: September 23, 2022 November Edition: October 28, 2021 December/January Edition: November 25, 2022 February Edition: January 27, 2023

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SEE PAGE 7 FOR ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL CONTACT DETAILS Information contained in this magazine is presented only after being carefully researched. However, there are differences in state and regional regulations and conditions. Farmers are asked to check with their own advisors. FARMtalk can assume no responsibility for the contents.


FEBRUARY 2022

FARMtalk • 3

Possibilities: Murray River Council is backing a feasibility study into the establishment of an industrial hemp farm.

A feasibility study into the establishment of an industrial hemp farm has gained the support of Murray River Council.

T

he council has injected $20,000 into the study, which has been co-ordinated by the Western Murray Land Improvement Group (WMLIG). A $90,000 commitment to the study by the WMLIG gained the support of the council at its January meeting and offers a new opportunity for the agricultural sector of the region. Murray River Council Mayor Chris Bilkey said the region needed to seek alternative farming strategies as the Murray Darling basin grappled with the idea there was less water falling in the basin “In the next eight to 10 years there will be 10 per cent less water,” Cr Bilkey said. “That reduction in rainfall will impact most on the agricultural community.” He said the availability of water would be reduced to farm operators in the Murray River Council. “Water will go into our residential communities first and the ag sector will be second,” Cr Bilkey said.

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“The answer is to ensure the water is used for the highest return.” He said concepts such as hemp farms would allow for a higher return (dollar wise) for the use of the water. “We have been banging the drum for some time to have a much higher-value crop with the same amount of water,” Cr Bilkey said. “Rice and dairy farmers are feeling the pinch.” Western Murray Land Improvement Group has completed a lot of intermediary work in assisting the development of the area. “Hemp is a product that has many uses, including building materials, which are in great demand,” he said. Cr Bilkey said the council’s newest members, Geoff Wise and Dennis Gleeson, provided the Murray River local government authority with an agricultural presence. “Both of those guys are farmers,” he said. “For an organisation that has a big dependency on agriculture it is good to have their representation.”

“Hemp is a product that has many uses, including building materials, which are in great demand.” MAYOR CHRIS BILKEY

Murray River Council made a decision at its January session to take its council meetings on the road, while continuing to meet the NSW Government’s requirement that live streaming continue for all council meetings. “We now have the ability to live stream the meetings from locations other than the Moama council offices,” Cr Bilkey said. “I expect those meeting dates to be discussed at the February council meeting.”

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FEBRUARY 2022

4 • FARMtalk

Rare orchid protection


URANA, NSW

FEBRUARY 2022

FARMtalk • 5

A recently discovered population of a rare native orchid located on a travelling stock reserve near Urana has been protected from grazing stock.

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he stand of at least 250 endangered Oaklands donkey orchids (Diuris caillitrophilla) is now surrounded by a stock-proof fence, thanks to work by Murray Local Land Services and Parklands Albury Wodonga. “This is a rare and precious discovery on a reserve that is regularly used to graze travelling stock, so it was important that we acted to protect the population,” said Murray Local Land Services Wild Orchid Project Officer, Natasha Lappin. Described as “stunning”, Oaklands donkey orchids have multiple white, mauve or purple flowers on a single stem. The flowers are slightly fragrant, and the flowering stem can reach as high as 50 cm. Flowering occurs in November, and pollination occurs via food deception, with native, blue-banded bees (Amegilla sp.) attracted to the flowers because of their superficial resemblance to other nearby plants (such as chocolate lilies) that provide nectar and pollen. There are several activities you can do to help wild orchids and their habitat, including: •

Avoiding soil disturbance – a key threat to orchids is inadvertent damage from track maintenance (vehicle, bike and walking tracks).

Weed control – annual exotic grasses, St John’s wort and gazania, will outcompete native orchids.

Managing herbivores – newly germinated orchids are easily grazed out by native and introduced herbivores (rabbits, feral goats, kangaroos, livestock).

Avoiding collecting wild orchid flowers or plant material – please admire and take photos of wild orchids without picking flowers, digging up tubers or disturbing orchids and their habitat. Photographs courtesy Murray LLS.

“This is a rare and precious discovery on a reserve that is regularly used to graze travelling stock, so it was important that we acted to protect the population.” NATASHA LAPPIN

Oaklands donkey orchids: Murray Local Land Services Travelling Stock Reserves ranger Roger Harris with one of the endangered Oaklands Donkey orchids.


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FEBRUARY 2022

FARMtalk • 7

Virtual field day With COVID restrictions making face-to-face field days difficult, a new ‘Virtual Field Day’ is allowing Murray Local Land Services to share findings from their recent irrigated legume trials.

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he Virtual Field Day allows people to watch footage of the trial plots in Berrigan and Logie Brae and learn about the performance of each legume variety. Findings from the trials include:

Berrigan: The site was sown to fourteen annual and two perennial pasture legumes in autumn 2019 and was well irrigated every autumn and spring. However, by 2021 most of the legumes had either failed to regenerate or had been displaced by more competitive species. Only balansa clover and sub clovers, such as Trikkala, persisted for three seasons. Lucerne also persevered, except where water ponded when persistent rain events followed an irrigation. The only Persian clover in this trial, a soft seeded variety called ‘Laser’, also failed to persist. Of the three sub clover varieties in the trial, Antas was the standout performer in the first two seasons, producing substantially more growth than either Trikkala or Yanco. However, Antas regeneration was quite poor in the third year, with autumn seedling counts of only 324 seedlings/m2,

compared to Trikkala at 957 seedlings/m2. This meant that by the autumn and winter of the third year, production from Antas was considerably less than Trikkala because early pasture production is strongly linked to seedling population. However, even though Antas had a much lower plant population, its vigour led to it producing more growth in the spring than Trikkala.

Logie Brae: The trial at Logie Brae was sown a year later than the Berrigan site. This site was sown to seven annual legumes in pure swards and nine other treatments that were a mixture of two legume species. Plots containing either Antas sub clover, SARDI Persian clover or Arrowleaf clover produced the most pasture. The Antas was only in its second year, so it remains to be seen how well it will regenerate in the third year. SARDI, which has a higher proportion of hard seed than other Persian clovers such as Laser and Shaftal, regenerated well in the second year.

Arrowleaf clover was the standout spring producer. It regenerated very well at the Logie Brae site but has failed to do so at other locations. This suggests it may have a niche role as an annual hay crop species.

Try the ‘Virtual Field Day: Landholders can visit the virtual field day site by using the link below. Logging onto the site allows you to select which trials to view and then which of the plots to view. Each plot contains a short dialogue on its performance. The link to the field day is https://storage.net-fs. com/hosting/6657180/18/ The funding to produce the virtual field day was generously provided by Southern Growers. This project is supported by Murray Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. John Fowler (pictured) is senior lands services officer – extension agronomist with Murray Local Land Services.

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FEBRUARY 2022

FARMtalk • 9

The Ray White Deniliquin team: (From left) Tanya Smith, Sam Hall, Sue Pitts, Lester Wheatley, Christine McMahon and Hamish and Jane Thomson.

A new era for farm sales Local farmers now have a new option when it comes to selling their property.

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ay White Real Estate Deniliquin recently expanded its services to now include farm property and rural sales, which is being headed up by business principal and licensed agent Hamish Thomson. Mr Thomson’s agribusiness background includes 25 years’ experience in commercial sales and business management working for some of the largest rural businesses in Australia, a Bachelor of Management (Farm Business), and extensive personal property transactions which started more than 20 years ago. He also grew up on his family’s farm near Forbes in the Central West of NSW. “We have the district’s most experienced agent Lester Wheatley leading our residential sales with our new business partner Sam Hall, and I’m now wholly focused on rural,” Mr Thomson said. “We think it’s important that farmers have choice when it comes time to sell, and Ray White is leading the way across Australia with rural sales and associated real estate services, and we’re extremely proud to be partnering with an Australian owned 120 year-old family business such as Ray White; they’re utilising the latest technologies when it comes to marketing, auctions and reaching an intended audience and we’re very

“Ray White is 100% focused on real estate and their expertise in the rural real estate sector is unrivalled, and they have extensive networks both domestically and abroad, which combines nicely with our local networks.” HAMISH THOMSON

excited to be able to offer this level of service locally. “Ray White is 100% focused on real estate and their expertise in the rural real estate sector is unrivalled, and they have extensive networks both domestically and abroad, which combines nicely with our local networks,” he said.

Mr Thomson said it was a natural progression for the business to expand into rural services, and he’s encouraging farmers to “give us a go”. “If you’re thinking about selling, make sure you explore your options – we bring a fresh approach and have buyers waiting. What we’re saying is, you can’t afford not to bring us to the table and at least see what we have to offer – we want to be in your corner, and you know we’ll have your best interests at the forefront of every decision that’s made.” Alongside Hamish, Lester and Sam as part of the Ray White Deniliquin team are senior property manager Sue Pitts, office manager Christine McMahon, director and commercial property manager Jane Thomson and receptionist and office administration manager Tanya Smith. “We’re very lucky to have such a dedicated, professional and customer-focused team who all play a key role within the business,” Mr Thomson said. For more information, contact the Ray White Deniliquin office on (03) 5881 1000. For rural property sales and advice, contact Hamish Thomson on 0419 532 359.


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FEBRUARY 2022

FARMtalk • 11

Avoiding animal health issues in a wet summer This time of year, I am usually dealing with 40+ degree days and dust. Having a wet and humid summer this year is a bit different.

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o, how can you ensure that your livestock thrive in the current conditions?

Increase in mosquitoes and mosquito borne diseases Mosquitoes can spread diseases to animals and humans. Horses, in particular, can develop neurological diseases such as Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis after being bitten by infected mosquitoes. Measures that you can use to reduce the mosquito burden around your animals include: •

Reduce mosquito breeding grounds e.g. buckets, old tyres - anywhere water can pool.

Use commercial mosquito traps.

Cover horses with summer rugs and fly veils, use suitable repellents and stable at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

Increase in fly numbers and flystrike Flies such as the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina can also increase in number and cause increased issues with flystrike in sheep. Prolonged rain can also lead to conditions such as dermo and fleece rot which increase sheep susceptibility to body strike. Preventative measures that you can use for flystrike include: •

Check your sheep more regularly for fly.

Treat any struck sheep quickly.

Increase protective strategies as needed (e.g. chemical, shearing/crutching, treat predisposing conditions).

Ensuring stock have adequate nutrition Quality of dry standing feed may be an issue for some stock. Energy and protein levels need to be able to meet the requirements of what is eating it.

It is important to remember that growing animals and heavily pregnant stock have extra energy and protein requirements compared to other classes of stock. To make sure your stock are receiving adequate nutrition, you can:

Toxic weeds

Use a feed test to determine the quality of your feed or check weight/body condition score of stock to ensure targets are being met. Supplement feed any mobs falling behind or move them to a new paddock of feed. If you are going to start feeding grain, make sure you introduce it gradually to avoid acidosis.

Internal parasites Scour worms: Late winter/early spring saw an increase in scour worms, especially in lambs, compared to other years. The rain came, but it was quite late. This meant good worm larvae survivability on the ground when mobs were run tightly on short feed, until it started to grow. Barber’s pole worm: Barber’s pole worm is usually found in areas with a high amount of (predominantly summer) rainfall. In years where there is increased summer rain, Barber’s pole can sometimes start to be an issue in other areas. Unlike scour worms, these worms are blood feeding and sheep or goats infested with Barber’s pole, are usually anaemic (pale white gums/around the eyes), dull/lethargic and can have bottle jaw (swelling under the jaw). Preventative and control measures for internal parasites include: •

Conducting a worm egg count (WEC) to see if worm numbers are high. You can request larval differentiation to determine the species present (e.g. scour worm vs Barber’s pole worm).

Drench any affected animals with an effective worm drench. Drenches that have at least 3 different active ingredients (triple combination drenches) are recommended to reduce the development of worms that are resistant to drenches.

Weeds are often the first green pick in the paddock after rain, which can increase the chances that stock will seek them out. Common toxic summer weeds locally include common heliotrope, cathead (caltrop/bindi), and panic grass (witchgrass/hairy panic). Common effects of consumption include liver damage and subsequent photosensitisation or copper toxicity. To prevent the effects of toxic weeds on your stock: •

Limit access of stock (particularly young stock) to areas where lots of toxic weeds are present, especially in the absence of other green feed. This is especially important for breeds like Dorpers which will preferentially seek heliotrope.

Restrict stock showing signs of photosensitisation (inflammation and reddening progressing to peeling skin in nonpigmented, lightly haired/wooled areas such as around the ears, nose and mouth) from green feed and place in a shady area. Veterinary treatment may be needed for severe cases.

By observing your stock closely, using preventative measures and reacting to situations quickly, you and your stock can enjoy the summer and its Queensland-like weather without having to travel! Linda Searle (pictured) is district veterinarian with Murray Local Land Services.


FEBRUARY 2022

12 • FARMtalk

Rich and

ripe

If you live in or around Echuca, you have likely heard of Kagome Tomatoes. The brand was established more than a century ago in Japan by one Ichitaro Kanie, as a way to bring tomato-based products to Japan.

A

s the story goes, Mr Ichitaro believed in bringing the health benefits of the food to his home country. From these humble beginnings Kagome is now the largest primary producer of tomato-based ingredients in Japan, and has launched on to the global stage. It was in 1996 that Kagome began its operations in Australia, namely Echuca. Kagome Australia works closely with growers, producers and consumers to deliver value-added products with a rich tomato flavour. Globally, Kagome operates globally — across eight countries, in 14 processing facilities. Australia’s group is unique in that it grows and processes its products in a vertically integrated business model.

“It helps get people involved who live out here, who see tomato crops but don’t have a lot to do with agriculture or tomato farming.” SANDY GEORGARAS

Operating as two entities in tandem, the Kagome Farms business grows 70,000 tonnes of tomatoes across 675ha per season. It also grows 30,000t carrots (300ha), 1500t garlic (130ha), 950ha of Winter cereal crops, and 380ha Summer corn. The red fruit, commonly mistaken for a vegetable due to their more savoury flavour, are bred with a thicker skin and pulp for maximum processing. It allows for a respectable yield — 100-120t per hectare, and producing 150 to 200 tomatoes per plant. More often than directly sewing seeds is farmers will transplant seedlings in the earth between late spring and early summer, taking 115-135 days of growing before the big red fruit can be harvested. Kagome Foods is the second half to Kagome Farms, processing 200,000 tonnes tomato paste

and diced products. That translates into 16,000t diced and 35,000t tomato paste. It takes six tonnes of tomatoes to make 1 tonne of finished past product, which must be heavily thickened to produce that dense taste and texture we all love in a tomato paste. And its product is mostly locally consumed — 85 per cent of product is sold domestically. Much of that is through deals with food service such as hospitality chains, restaurants and branded tomato sauces or pastes. On top of the huge flow of tomatoes, Kagome Foods processes 30,000t of carrots, which are shipped to Japan for juice. Kagome’s mantra is “true to nature, the flavour of Kagome” is its promise to customers. As part of this, Kagome encourages people to get to know tomatoes and tomato farming. Over the past four years, Kagome has held a ‘pick-a-box’ day at its Echuca farms. This year, it added a location — Moonee Valley Farm situated between Mayrung and Deniliquin. On Saturday, January 22, Moonee Valley held it’s first pick-abox day for the Deniliquin-Blighty area. Manager field operations Chris Taylor said the region has the “perfect climate” for growing tomatoes, despite it being known for its traditional industries such as grain, wool and timber. And with the NSW Southern Riverina and northern Victoria’s Goulburn Valley known as the “food bowls” of their respective states, it’s clear that the wide open skies, access to irrigation, and temperate climates make it the perfect place to grow tomatoes.


FEBRUARY 2022

FARMtalk • 13

The field at Moonee Valley contains 18,400 plants per hectare, and using seven to eight Megalitres per hectare. Despite it being the first event Kagome has held in the region, the numbers showcased its popularity. “It’s a really good turnout. Every year we do this near Echuca but this is the first time we’ve brought it to this area,” Kagome executive assistant for field operations Sandy Georgaras said. Ms Georgaras said the event was a helpful way to familiarise residents near and far with what a tomato farm is truly like. “It helps get people involved who live out here, who see tomato crops but don’t have a lot to do with agriculture or tomato farming,” she said. The farm, on Avalon Rd off Birganbigil Rd (toward Mayrung) was brimming with the vine-

ripened tomatoes on that endlessly sunny morning, and despite the heat, it attracted close to 200 guests. The variety at Moonee Valley Farm, similar to Roma tomatoes and called Heinz 3402, is perfect for making into tomato sauces, chutneys and relishes. Guests were charged $10 per box, with funds raised being donated to the Deniliquin Health Service. Kagome has promised to match the amount contributed by pickers. It is just the start of the harvest season for Kagome, which runs from late January/February to mid-April. Kagome Australia is focused on delivering consumers an enhanced meal experience by providing a range of fruit and vegetable products that address the changing needs of contemporary customers.


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FEBRUARY 2022

FARMtalk • 15

Smarter use of water Mascotte Escape: Pictured at the Mascotte Escape with copies of the Regional Recovery Prospectus were (from left) MIL Director Phil Snowden, Water Minister Keith Pitt, Environment Minister Sussan Ley, MIL Director Ryan Gleeson, MIL Deputy Chair Noel Baxter, Senator Perin Davey and MIL Director Lachlan Marshall.

Murray Irrigation Ltd has developed a suite of projects that enable smarter use of existing parcels of water to achieve both environmental and agricultural outcomes.

T

hey are outlined in its ‘Regional Recovery Prospectus 2021-2026’, which it will use to advocate for funding that can bring the projects to fruition. MIL chair Steve Fawns said the company was “focused on modernising and improving the efficiency of our vast supply network, to ensure the sustainable future of water delivery for food production, for our community and our environment”. Details of the ‘Regional Recovery Prospectus’ were presented to Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt, Environment Minister Sussan Ley and Senator Perin Davey during a recent local visit, including to the Mascotte Escape at Wakool. Representatives from a vast range of organisations were in attendance, hosted by MIL deputy chair Noel Baxter. They included Southern Riverina Irrigators, local Landholder Associations, Ricegrowers Association of Australia, Murray Valley Private Diverters, National Irrigators Council, Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre, NSW Department of Planning and Environment, and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office. Mr Baxter explained to those present that MIL has focused on modernising and improving the

efficiency of its vast supply network to ensure the sustainable future of water delivery for food production and the environment. “Our network is strategically placed to deliver targeted environmental water to thousands of hectares of rivers, creeks and wetlands. We are developing projects that enable smarter use of existing parcels of water to achieve both environmental and agricultural outcomes,” he explained. He said the company has focused on development and delivery of a number of key priorities and prepared the Regional Recovery Prospectus that provides a platform to seek financial investment for projects that are ‘shovel ready’ and cover environmental stewardship, infrastructure development, improved water efficiency and supporting renewable energy. The prospectus provides an overview of the projects, with costs and timing for delivery. They are: •

Murray Connected Floodplains - $204m (total project cost)

Safe Public Bridges - $140m

Safe Access To Farms - $98m

Infrastructure Rationalisation - $50m

Increased Water Delivery Capacity - $60m

Solar-powered Decentralisation - $0.5m

Mr Baxter said a copy of the prospectus has also been provided to NSW Water Minister Kevin Anderson and Member for Albury Justin Clancy at meetings last month. He said MIL’s position was summed up on the final page of the prospectus with the words: “We’re excited about a cooperative future where the Murray River and its environment are managed for the benefit of everyone.” “It is imperative that everyone is working together to find solutions that give us a future which supports both food and fibre production and the environment. The Murray region can continue playing a key role as a global food supplier, and MIL is committed to supporting our shareholders to ensure this is achieved,” Mr Baxter said. The Mascotte Escape, where the on-site meeting was held, is used to deliver water for the environment to locally significant Cockran and Jimaringle Creeks. It was identified as one of the 28 escapes for upgrade and modernisation across the MIL footprint, including 14 NSW Department of Planning and Environment escapes that manage the delivery of water for the environment.


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FEBRUARY 2022

FARMtalk • 17

NFFC will continue to prevent fruit fly in Australia The National Fruit Fly Council has secured funding from Hort Innovation for phase 4 of the project that will strategically coordinate fruit fly management in Australia over the next five years (2021–2026).

F

ruit fly is one of the biggest trade barriers for horticulture products and many species of fruit fly pose a threat to Australia’s horticultural industries, both endemic and exotic. In 2016 the cost of fruit fly in Australia was estimated to be $300 million due to control measures and international trade restrictions. The project is a joint initiative between Plant Health Australia and Hort Innovation, with co-investment from State governments and horticultural industries. The Council will continue to work with growers and fruit fly management community groups across all states and territories to control the pest on a national scale. As a strategic advisory body, the NFFC brings fruit fly affected stakeholders and subject matter experts together to formulate strategies and recommendations to strengthen the national fruit fly system. “There is real value in having industry and government stakeholders in one room to address fruit fly issues at a national level,” said Byron De Kock, Head of Research and Development at Hort Innovation. The NFFC consists of federal and state governments, industry representatives, and research funders who collectively consider solutions to fruit fly challenges that will lead

to a cost-effective and sustainable approach to managing fruit flies, and exotic fruit fly risks, across Australia. “Horticulture’s contribution to Australia’s Ag2030 goal of $100 billion in production by 2030 relies on pest management systems to support increased productivity, market access and diversification, and our reputation for high quality and sustainable produce,” said Dr Mila Bristow, National Manager Performance and Innovation at Plant Health Australia. The new project will provide a national strategic direction to manage fruit fly in Australia, including managing the risk of exotic species to support a robust national system for trade and production. It will prioritise research and development activities to meet fruit fly management needs. The project will also facilitate communication and cooperation between governments, industries, researchers, and communities to progress strategically important national fruit fly issues. “Phase 4 will continue to build on a considerable body of work in recent years, which has increased national engagement and identified priorities to strengthen the national fruit fly system and Australia’s trade position,” said Stuart Burgess, NFFC Manager. Major achievements of Phase 3 (2018-2021) of the project include the production and launch of

the National Fruit Fly Strategy 2020-2025 and annual implementation plans, and delivery of the 2021 National Fruit Fly Symposium which brought together fruit fly stakeholders across Australia. The key strength of the council during Phase 3 was in providing a neutral platform for stakeholders to collectively examine fruit fly issues. Phase 4 is unique given horticultural industries’ financial contribution, along with past funding partners (Hort Innovation and State governments).


FEBRUARY 2022

18 • FARMtalk

Two join Elders team Elders Rural Services Deniliquin has welcomed two new staff members to the merchandise team this year.

Elders: Elders Manager Clyde McKenzie (centre) with new merchandise staff Doug Parker and Pixie Moses.

D

oug Parker is the new merchandise manager and Pixie Moses has taken on the role of merchandise representative. Both have impressive farming and merchandise backgrounds and are keen to share their knowledge with farmers in the area. Mr Parker, who grew up on a farm near Boort in Victoria, has moved to Deniliquin with his partner and brings with him an extensive portfolio. Before coming to Deni, he was the branch manager at North West Ag Services in Boort for six years. “I worked on building the store up in Boort, so I’m excited to take what I know from my work there and help grow business here at Elders,” he said. Mr Parker said he is particularly excited to get to know the area and people. “The area is so diverse with rice and a lot of different crops. “It will be a challenge, but one that I am definitely looking forward to.” Mr Parker specialises in fertiliser, seed, chemicals and just about any ag product growers may need.

351 Albert Street, Deniliquin Phone 03 5890 5100 deniliquin2@elders.com.au www.elders.com.au

Mrs Moses has spent the last 10 years managing a sheep station, located north of Broken Hill, with her husband. They decided to move to Deniliquin so their two daughters could attend a more “mainstream” school. She has experience in station work and mustering, and brings with her an abundance of farming DOUG PARKER knowledge to Elders. Mrs Moses specialises in stock feed, treatment, vaccinations and animal health, fencing and farm gear, making her a perfect fit for the Elders merchandise team. “It makes us a good team; Pixie covers the stock side of things and I handle the crops,” said Mr Parker. For all your farming and merchandise needs, contact the friendly team at Elders Rural Deniliquin on (03) 5890 5100. Otherwise, drop in to the showroom at 351 Hay Rd, Deniliquin and meet the new team members, who are always up for a chat and happy to help out.

‘‘The area is so diverse with rice and a lot of different crops.

Our business has been built around primary producers and their needs throughout the production cycle. Although we have many different clients with different needs, they all have one thing in common. They are looking to maximise the performance of their farming enterprise.

That’s where we can help.

Livestock

Real Estate/ Water Broker Wool Agri Finance Manager Farm Supplies/ Merchandise

- Jason Andrews - John Fitzpatrick - Ben McCalman - Trevor Basset - Ian Geddes - Matt Horne - Clyde McKenzie - Jami Thompson

- Doug Parker - Pixie Moses - Errol Horneman Agronomists - Matt Barker Animal Health - Errol Horneman


With Stories To Tell… Great Australian Outback Yarns - Volume 1

Bill ‘Swampy’ Marsh Great Australian Outback Yarns captures the funniest tales from Swampy’s many books into one volume. The colourful characters in these pages are full of generosity, humour and a larrikin Aussie spirit. These true stories of life in remote and regional Australia from Australia’s master storyteller will leave you grinning from ear to ear. $29.99 Great Australian Mysteries – Spine-tingling tales of disappearances, secrets, unsolved crimes and lost treasure.

Graham Seal Master storyteller Graham Seal has gathered mysteries from around Australia. There are riddles of lost explorers and unexplained phenomena and yarns of fish, frogs or pebbles falling from the sky. There are unsolved crimes and long-held secrets, hidden tunnels and wartime enigmas, and hair-raising takes from the bush and from the city. $29.99 Only Birds Above.

Portland Jones This big-hearted, beautiful novel captures the deep and mysterious connection between humans and horses – whose very presence lends a sweet, steady counterweight to human frailty, and whose nobility aligns with human courage. $29.99

Outback Women’s Stories – Amazing Australian Amazons

Paul Bugeja Outback Women’s Stories is a compilation of Amazing Australian Women who have taken on the challenges and trials of the Aussie outback. Their stories are of courage, strength, fortitude, and courage. $24.99 These great titles and more available instore. We post direct to you, contact us today to discuss getting your copies posted* *Postage and Handling fees apply.

Deniliquin Newsagency Office Choice 249 Cressy Street, Deniliquin. Phone 5881 2080. www.deni.com.au

FEBRUARY 2022

FARMtalk • 19

GrainCorp Grants G

rainCorp seeks to support its communities in their endeavours to develop, renew, recover and thrive. Its grants program provides financial support to organisations and projects that contribute to the development and promotion of those communities. There are two types of activities that GrainCorp funds: 1. Community-related programs and activities (Maximum funding limit: $5,000). 2. Community infrastructure projects (Maximum funding limit: $20,000).

Grants Eligibility To be eligible for our Community Foundation Grants Program, your organisation or project must: •

Be based within a GrainCorp operational region or region linked to grain growing activities;

Be intended to have a positive effect on local communities in rural and regional areas;

Demonstrate a direct connection with community development; and

Be categorised within at least one of GrainCorp’s Community Foundation Pillars. In order to meet our Community Fund objectives, GrainCorp does not contribute to the following:

Projects that are primarily the responsibility of Government at any level, or where the Government could be reasonably expected to provide principal funding

Projects promoted by political organisations or candidates, or events that are political in nature

Projects that have already received sponsorship funding from GrainCorp

Events for religious purposes or religious organisations

Projects or organisations that are commercial in nature

National projects

Retrospective requests

Non-for-profit charity mass appeal donation requests

Camps, excursions, festivals, fundraising drives or trips for individuals or school groups.

How to Apply for GrainCorp Community Fund Grants: There are two funding rounds per year and applications will be accepted during the below timeframes: Between February 1 and 29 2022, and between July 1 and 31 2022. Apply at https://gnccommunity.grantplatform.com. For any questions, please email communityfoundation@graincorp.com.au.

West Nile virus W

est Nile virus has been detected in a small number of horses across NSW. West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus which can affect horses, people and other animals. Only mosquitoes can spread the disease. While the virus is not common in the Southern Riverina Murray Local Land Services has urged people to look out for signs of the disease. The early stages of disease may be mistaken for colic; Initially horses may appear depressed and reluctant to move but these signs are soon followed by neurological signs. Horse owners are encouraged to take extra precautions to reduce exposure to mosquitoes through rugging, insecticides and restricting grazing times when mosquitoes are most active. West Nile virus is a notifiable disease in NSW. If you suspect a horse is showing signs of the disease, call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.


FEBRUARY SPECIALS Cheapest Cattle/Horse Panel On The Market

15M Horse Round Yard Kit

KIT INCLUDES • 21 - 2100 x 1800 40-OD Gal Panels • 1 - Ride Through Gate in Frame • 44 - Joining Pins

• 6 Rail 40-OD D/G • 2100 Wide x 1800 High • Fully Galvanised • Complete with Pins

Crazy Price

105each

Access Grid

Cattle Loading Ramps

1,950each

Premium 60x30 Rail

105each

$

Adjustable Sheep Loading Ramp • Fully Galvanised • 3.15m Long x 600m Wide (Internal) • Walkway & Handrail • Fully Sheeted Sides

• 2100 Wide x 1800 High • Galvanised • 6 Rail 80 x 40 Oval Rail

126each

$

2,015each

Square Bale Feeder • 5ft x 9ft • To Suit 8ft x 4ft Square Bales • Heavy Duty. Made from 33OD Pipe & Sheeted • Fully Galvanised

$

Supplement Feeder

Round Bale Feeder • 5ft Diameter • To suit Round Bale • Heavy Duty Made from 33OD Pipe Sheeted • Fully Galvanised

665each

$

$

C & Z Purlins

C/Z100 - 15 $9.90 L/M C/Z150 - 15 $13.35 L/M C/Z200 - 15 $16.50 L/M Ordered cut to Length and Punched, No extra cost or we keep Standard Lengths of C-Purlin in Stock at 6.1m, 7.62m, 9.14m

$

Heavy Duty Sheep Panels

495each

• 2.4m long • 400mm tray • Folding lid

NEW Pic for illustration purposes only

Crazy Price

2,090each

$

1,790each

150each

$

• 2900 Long 1150 High • 7 Rail 250D Galvanised • With Pins

• Adjustable Sides • Fully Galvanised • Australian Made

104each

$

• 1100 x 2900 • 60 x 30 Rail • 6 Rail • With Pins

Round Bale Cradle Feeder

145each

$

Square Bale Cradle Feeder • Fully Galvanised • Australian Made

• Fully Galvanised • Heavy Duty Construction • Australian Made • Suits Round Bales

• Heavy Duty Construction • Suits Big Square Bales

710each

595each

$

$

Top Hats

40mm x .48 - 7.5m 50mm x .75 - 7.5m 64mm x .75 - 7.5m 75mm x .75 - 7.5m 96mm x .75 - 7.5m 120mm x .75 - 7.5m

Economy $4720

2 Tonne Lick Feeder

Budget Sheep/Goat Panels

3-Way Adjustable Sheep Race

$3795 $5380

$

Premium Heavy 80x40 Rail

• 2100 Wide x 1800 High • Galvanised • 6 Rail 60 x 30 Oval Rail

Budget Vet

2,300each

$

2,660

$

• 2100 Wide x 1650 High • Galvanised • 5 Rail 60 x 30 Oval Rail

Cattle Crush

Access Grid Engineered

2,020

Adjustable

Budget Cattle/Horse Panels

2,490each

$

• 4m x 2m • Engineered 20T per axle • Heavy Duty Construction

• 3.25mm x 2m • Heavy Duty Construction

• All Galvanised Construction • Mesh Floor Non Adjustable • Australian $ Made

Crazy Price

$

710each

$

Roofing Iron $24.30 $43.35 $49.05 $55.05 $68.80 $86.30

Stock Lengths as Listed or Order cut to your Length

CORRUGATED AND TRIMDECK CUT TO LENGTH IRON COLORBOND $16.50 L/M Ordered cut to Length in your colour ZINCALUME $12.50 L/M Ordered Cut to Length

Cnr Wakool Road & Kelly Street

DENILIQUIN

Ph: (03) 5881 5541 Mobile: 0427 203 334 Fax: (03) 5881 6146


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