FARMtalk magazine - February 2021

FARMtalk FEBRUARY 2021

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Advertising & Editorial Deadlines March Edition: February 26, 2021 April Edition: March 31, 2021 May Edition: April 30, 2021 June Edition: May 31, 2021 July Edition: June 30, 2021 August Edition: July 31, 2021 September Edition: August 31, 2021 October Edition: September 30, 2021 November Edition: October 30, 2021 December/January Edition: November 30, 2021 February Edition: January 28, 2022

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Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program participant Joe Briggs (right) with Rob Houghton at the Active Farmers launch. Story on next page.

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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 2021

FARMtalk • 3

Joe Briggs is well on the way to becoming a leader in his industry in Coleambally and district.

T

he 31 year-old has been accepted to be a member of the seventh crop of growers to participate in the Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program.

Delivered by Cotton Australia and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, the program runs only once every two years.

Mr Briggs’s family has farmed in the Riverina for six generations, and he has personally been involved in the family irrigation business for most of his life.

“My family originally moved to Leeton in 1915,” he said.

“My great grandfather and grandfather came out to Coleambally when the area opened up, and we’ve pretty much been here ever since.”

Mr Briggs cut his teeth on the farm as a young child and, after leaving the farm for a few years to get some trades experience, he returned to agriculture again.

“I finished my trade during the drought, after which I travelled around Australia and the world and worked on farms up north (in Australia).

“This was my first experience with cotton.

“I moved back home almost eight years ago to farm alongside my father.”

Mr Briggs said he did not return specifically to bring cotton in to the family farming enterprise, but said it became a necessity.

“Traditionally we are ricegrowers, so when I came home rice and sheep where our main program,” he said.

“In the end, it was a financial move to go towards cotton. We would get a better financial return per megalitre of water used, and our water use on rice was getting pretty heavy.”

The transition to cotton was challenging at first, but Mr Briggs said he is grateful for his involvement in the industry.

The industry is now in a boom stage, Mr Briggs said.

“It’s a very forward industry. It’s a young crowd.

“There’s also a lot of females involved in what may normally be a male dominated industry.

“A whole wave of new people are coming off the cotton boom.

“If you work hard, it doesn’t matter where you’ve come from, you can go far.”

Cotton is also bringing a lot of money and opportunities into the Coleambally community, Mr Briggs said.

Equipment repairs and local retail expenditure are just part of the economic injection.

“Cotton has a massive flow on effect.

“We are seeing probably two or three times the money going into the town, compared to what we are used to.”

Mr Briggs is already actively involved in the Active Farmers movement, and runs the Coleambally branch of the outfit.

He hopes what he learns as part of the leadership program will help him raise the profile of Active Farmers, and help him become a better leader within his community.

“It’s a very forward industry.

It’s a young crowd ... There’s also a lot of females involved in what may normally be a male dominated industry.”

JOE BRIGGS

“Active Farmers is to help farmers’ mental health and wellbeing through physical activity. We launched it (in Coleambally) in February last year.

“We meet once a week every Wednesday.

“For our first session we had 60 farmers turn up. There was a guy pushing 70, who turned up in his King Gees, and he loved it. He ended up joining the community gym as a result.

“It’s all about getting guys off the farm and having a yarn.

“You know you’ve hit the nail on the head, when you’ve got farmers ringing up asking when the next session will be.”

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FEBRUARY 2021

4 • FARMtalk

Homegrown

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Frankie is the third generation of Verduci men to work on the Cobram farm, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Alfredo and father Frank.

Frank Verduci has been working on the family farm — Verduci Market Gardens — in Cobram since he was a child.

S

ome things stay the same. He still loves cropping and gets a real kick out of watching his immaculately tended fruits and vegetables grow. But a lot has changed since the now 62 yearold and his father Alfredo Verduci worked side by side in the fields.

“My dad bought the farm in 1963, and he started growing tomatoes.

“In the 1970s, he went to stone fruit.”

Today, with his own family assisting, Frank implements an intense and novel cropping regime which results in a myriad of species being harvested throughout the year.

“I’ve never left the farm. I’ve been working with stone fruit for more than 40 years, at wholesale markets in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

“About ten years ago, I decided to do something different.

“We started growing all kinds of fruits and vegetables so we can have an income all year round.

“We are doing capsicums, cauliflowers, leeks, corn, green onions, and onions — to name a few.”

“We do a lot of beetroot as well, a lot of kale, purple cauliflower, orange cauliflower, Romenesco cauliflower, leeks, celery, which are part of our autumn and winter lines.

“We grow more than 45 different varieties of fruit and vegetables in winter, and over summer we would do about 25.”

When it comes to stone fruit, the Verducis favour apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums.

This season their largest crop is beetroot, with 30,000 plants sown.

“We plant them all in stages, each month.”

“We rarely go to the supermarket. We mainly grow our own.

“It’s mostly chemical free too.”

All this produce is grown over 27 hectares, which is shared over two neighbouring farms owned by the family.

Up until about 10 years ago, the Verducis’ produce would be supplied directly to supermarkets.

Frank said moving away from this was “the best thing I’ve ever done”.

They now sell their fruit and vegetables exclusively at farmers’ markets throughout the Riverina and beyond.

They are particularly popular with shoppers at the Naponda Farmers’ Market in Deniliquin.

“We do all farmers’ markets, and during the week we will also do the odd general market.

“It stops all your overheads.

“We are making more money now then we were wholesale.”

Selling at markets also saves them the headache of tricky competitive supermarket pricing.

Although, Frank concedes this only works for fruit and vegetable farmers.

“Dairy farmers can’t get rid of the middle man.

Who are you going to sell your milk to?

COBRAM, VIC “They need to be working with a larger supplier.

“Other farmers don’t have that option.”

While border closures did restrict some markets over the last 12 months, Frank said there were still enough being held to keep the family business ticking along.

And the market schedule is ramping up again, taking the Verducis as far as Canberra for sale opportunities.

On the farm, all the work is completed by the family — mainly Frank and his wife Maria, their son Frankie and his wife Shawnee. Other members of the family also help out as required, which means harvest is not reliant on seasonal workers which can often be hard to come by.

“I gave Frankie the education to do whatever he wanted to do in life, and he came back and chose to be a qualified farmer,” Frank said.

“It’s a real family sort of business.

“You’re cutting out a lot of wages. Instead of paying foreigners, you pay your kids.”

As for the challenges working in extremely close quarters as a family, Frank said clear leadership is the best way to stop disagreements.

“We all run the farm, but there’s only one boss — and that’s Frank senior,” he said with a laugh.

“When there’s one boss, everything runs smoothly.”

And Frank has no plans of stepping away from the family business or growing fantastic produce any time soon.

He said the only real hurdle is one he has no control over — the weather.

“There’s no point stopping at this stage; I’ve got at least another good 15 years of growing vegetables, God willing.

“I love watching the crops grow from seedlings, to harvest time. It’s amazing.

“Storms, and hail are the biggest concern in the winter. They can do a lot of damage.

“This year has been really windy, but the crops have been holding out so far.”

FEBRUARY 2021

FARMtalk • 5

“I gave Frankie the education to do whatever he wanted to do in life, and he came back and chose to be a qualified farmer.”

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FEBRUARY 2021

FARMtalk • 7

It’s show time The traditional country show is alive and well in the Southern Riverina district, and the popular Deniliquin Show will kick off what is expected to be a busy timetable of events in 2021.

T

he Deniliquin Show is always held the first weekend of March, which this year coincides with the Victorian Labour Day Weekend.

Activities will be centred on Deniliquin’s Memorial Park showgrounds on Saturday, March 6, with equestrian events continuing at the showgrounds the next day.

And with entry just $20 per adult and $5 for children, it’s affordable fun for the whole family.

Despite there being no pavilion this year due to Coronavirus restrictions, most other events are making a return.

You can expect to see sheep, wool, meat, cattle and poultry judging, yard dog trials, dog show and dog jumping, the popular Tiny Tots competitions and the Giant Atlantic Pumpkin competition.

The Riverina Speed Shear, which had traditionally been held on the Friday evening, will also be held on the Saturday.

But Mrs Shevels says the showstopper will be the exciting return of the Demolition Derby, with last year’s champion Luke Charlton set to return to defend his title.

“It was certainly one of the most talked-about events of last year, with a huge crowd watching on for a smashing good time,” Mrs Shevels said.

“We are looking for more people to enter, you just have to provide your own car, which must be compliant, and be over 18.

“Last year’s competition was tight, so we expect this year will be even more thrilling, especially with the return of our 2020 champion wanting to defend his title.”

Sideshow Alley will also be a big drawcard, with the Showman’s Guild expected to bring a variety of rides to appeal to showgoers of all ages.

“It is fun for the whole family, especially offering entertainment and activities throughout the entire day all in the one location,” Ms Shevels said.

“For $20 a ticket for adults and $5 a ticket for children, it is an absolute bargain, keeping you busy all day long.

“There will be live music, rides and games, plenty to eat, and to finish off the perfect day a spectacular fireworks display.

“We just hope families come along and support the show, which is now in its 141st year.”

Finley High School students Alison Kleinschmidt, Ben Bauer and Niamh Mason with Finley High School bull Percy at last year’s Deniliquin Show.

For more information about the show and its events, including how to enter the various competitions, visit www.deniliquinshow.com.au.

To register for the Demolition Derby, contact Peter Caruso on 0427 585 791.

Subscribe Home delivery to your letterbox from $5.50 per edition.

Contact us Leesa Muir, General Manager and Display & Digital Marketing P: 03 5881 2322 E: leesa.muir@denipt.com.au Zoe McMaugh, Senior Journalist P: 03 5881 2322 E: zoe.mcmaugh@denipt.com.au Jenny Binion, Display & Digital Marketing P: 02 6033 1104 E: advertising@corowafreepress.com.au

Find us online www.denipt.com.au/farm-talk or on Facebook

and Instagram

FEBRUARY 2021

8 • FARMtalk

From farm to plate

Hayley and Matt Pattison’s story starts at some saleyards in 2007. They were both studying agricultural science in Wagga and working for Elders when their eyes locked over the backs of bustling animals and people.

I

n the years since, the couple has settled at Burraboi, 60km northwest of Deniliquin, and a large family and a visionary enterprise has emerged from those first innocent moments together.

They are both fourth generation cattle farmers with a passion for meat production, which they are exploring through Pattison Pastoral.

And it all started with a simple wedding gift.

Hayley is originally from Bathurst, where her parents rear beef cattle and fine wool Merinos.

For their wedding, her parents gifted them some of the family’s prized Poll Hereford cattle.

“It was a good dowry,” Hayley quipped.

Originally managing a 7900 hectare cattle farm after arriving in Burraboi, the Pattisons bought the first 770ha of their own property in 2011.

‘Minmi’ was originally a weekend property and getaway, and has now swollen to 1700ha, and production on the farm is growing every year.

Hayley now works on the property full time, as well as raising their three children - Troy, 7, Levi, 5, and Zali, 2.

Matt splits his time between his part time job on a separate farm and Pattison Pastoral. They send the majority of their young cattle to feedlots.

“We turn over around 300 to 350 cattle a year,” Hayley said.

However, the Pattisons’ impressive production rates are hardly the most intriguing part of their operation. They are slowly moving towards a more direct and intrinsic form of selling their beef directly to consumers.

It was inspired when they realised the quality of their beef was being overlooked by the larger suppliers. They have budgeted to sell 12 animals a year, and hope to increase this number with demand.

“Because we like to have a high average weight to go to the feedlot, there was always a couple that are too heavy,” Hayley said.

“Once animals go outside a preferred grid, their per kilo worth is discounted.

“It was always such a pity to take a discount for the best animals you produce.

FEBRUARY 2021

BURRABOI, NSW

“Few people go out to a restaurant and not order the steak, and ours is just too good not to share.”

HAYLEY PATTISON

“The last straw was when we got a hit of 50 cents a kilo on a 500 kilo beast.

“That was pretty good motivation to sell the beef direct to the consumer.”

The Pattisons have contracted the help of a local butcher, from Little Pork Deli in Barham, to prepare the beef for sale.

“It’s just something we’ve always wanted to do, and we know our meat is really good,” Hayley said.

“Few people go out to a restaurant and not order the steak, and ours is just too good not to share.”

The couple sell their beef in a variety of forms, the most popular of which is their ‘Beef Boxes’.

“There are premium cuts like scotch fillets, as well as things like our gluten and preservative free sausages in the boxes,” Hayley said.

“I am really with pleased with the sausages.

“I love getting inventive in the kitchen, so this is really an extension of that.”

The Pattisons have only recently started experiencing widespread success with the online sales of ‘Beef Boxes’, and currently have a waiting list of about 20 for the next lot of boxes to become available.

“It has been a real whirlwind,” Hayley said.

“We are going to set up a newsletter. Because we have had such a great interest in our beef, it will let people know when it’s available.

“It was easier when it was just the farm, but now I’ve brought this extra layer of complexity there is a little bit more stress.

“Life would be a lot simpler if we didn’t do it, but I’m a sucker for a challenge.

“If I didn’t do it, I would regret it.

“I’m hoping as we get better at it, it will be more automated, and we will nail it, like we do everything else.”

Above all, Hayley said the family simply enjoys being on the farm and working.

“Getting outdoors is good for the soul.

“When you produce something that is really good, and something to be proud of, that is really uplifting.

“I would love to see this business grow, and we are also going to launch a farm stay soon.

“Because we are so far from everywhere, it will be a great chance for people to disconnect and reflect.”

You can follow Hayley and Matt’s story at https:// pattisonpastoral.com.au/

FARMtalk • 9

Murray Local Land Services BIOSECURITY

BUYING STOCK ONLINE OR PRIVATELY? You are responsible for doing the property-to-property transfer on the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) Database.

The NLIS identifies and traces livestock movements so that we can respond quickly to major food safety or disease incidents.

Within two days of receiving stock, you must do the NLIS database transfer when: • Buying privately (through an agent or from a friend or neighbour) • Buying online, e.g. AuctionsPlus • Receiving stock on agistment • Moving stock between properties with different PICs, including your own or leased properties.

Doing a transfer is easy. Start by registering an NLIS database account at www.nlis.com.au. If you aren’t good with computers, ask a family member or friend to help.

It is your responsibility to do the transfer. If you think your stock agent is doing the transfer for you, make sure you check with them. Some agents will provide this service, but not all.

THE NATIONAL LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (NLIS) The NLIS system works by recording the movement of stock from one Property Identification Code (PIC) to another. A PIC is needed for all land where livestock live. Recording the movement to the new PIC where the stock are allows these animals to be located quickly and easily. It’s just like updating your address when you move.

Help keep your stock traceable and make sure that your property to property transfers are done.

Sheep, goats and pigs are transferred as a mobbased movement. So all the information you need to do a transfer can be found on the National Vendor Declaration (NVD) that you got with the stock.

Murray Local Land Services P: 03 5881 9900 (Deniliquin) 03 5886 2100 (Jerilderie) 02 6051 2200 (Albury)

Cattle are individually identified, so you will also need the individual tag information. This can either be the Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) number that is obtained from scanning the electronic tags. Or you can use the NLIS ID which is printed on the outside of the tag.

Need help, or more information?

Contact our Animal Biosecurity & Welfare team. www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/murray

FEBRUARY 2021

FARMtalk • 11

Are they fit to travel?

With strong sheep and cattle prices, producers, agents and transporters are being reminded that livestock must be ‘fit for load’ for the journey ahead.

A

griculture Victoria livestock welfare compliance program manager Dr Rachael Holmes said it’s important that all parties across the livestock supply chain are aware of their obligations when transporting livestock.

“Livestock must be inspected prior to being loaded and they must not be suffering from conditions that could cause, or would be likely to cause, increased pain or distress during transport,” Dr Holmes said.

“Any person in charge of an animal — which may include producers, farm workers, transporters and livestock agents — must not allow any animal to be loaded that is not fit for the journey ahead.

“It is the responsibility of each person in charge of the animal at each step of the supply chain to make that assessment, and to make appropriate arrangements for the care, treatment or humane destruction of any animals that are deemed to be unfit for transportation.”

Abattoirs and saleyards also have a duty of care to the livestock they receive, Dr Holmes said.

If the welfare of received livestock is compromised, these livestock will be managed according to policy and procedures, which may include reporting to the department for investigation.

Consider these questions when loading livestock. If the answer is yes to any, the animal is not fit for transport.

• Is it lame? That is, the animal cannot walk on its own, bearing weight on all legs.

•

Is it too weak to undertake the journey, emaciated or visibly dehydrated?

•

Is it suffering from severe visible distress, injury or disease?

•

Is it suffering from any condition that could cause it increased pain during transport?

•

Is it blind in both eyes?

•

Is it in late pregnancy?

Persons transporting livestock are also reminded of a new provision in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019 regarding the transportation of animals that are not fit to load.

The new regulation, 6(6) stipulates that a person must not transport a farm animal or livestock that is not able to walk on its own by bearing weight on all legs. Transporters can face infringement penalties of up to $495 or prosecution for offences under this regulation.

For more information about Land Transport Standards visit Agriculture Victoria website www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/transporting-livestock For more information about the Meat Livestock Australia fit to load guide visit www.mla.com.au/fittoload. This national guide will help producers, agents, buyers and transporters decide if an animal is fit to be loaded for transport by road or rail to any destination within Australia.

FEBRUARY 2021

12 • FARMtalk

Farmers celebrate bumper harvest Smiles are vast on the faces of farmers in the Corowa/Rutherglen region after a record harvest.

A

t the beginning of last year, much of the region was in the grip of drought and bushfire, followed by the global pandemic.

However, the dramatic change in weather brought on by the current La Niña weather event boosted morale and delivered the best harvest district farmers have ever seen.

To the relief of farmers, the region escaped any damaging rains with little or no interruption to their harvest. The last La Niña event occurred from 20102012 which resulted in one of Australia’s wettest two-year periods on record causing widespread flooding in many parts of Australia. Ironically the 2011 year also brought with it a record harvest.

Rutherglen farmer Ashley Fraser of Baker Seed Co. said he had not seen a season this good in all his time farming.

“It’s put a smile on a lot of farmers faces, especially after the year we have just had. It’s good to see a bit of positivity,” Mr Fraser said.

“Yield-wise, it’s exceptionally good. In previous years, we’ve seen some of the same peaks, but we have never seen an average as good as what we have this year.”

Mr Fraser’s family business mainly grows canola, wheat, barley, oats, lupin and other seed varieties. The business alone has been producing and processing seed for four generations.

“It’s been an interesting year from our perspective in that we have been able to see the full genetic potential of varieties and see which ones will perform when everything is in their favour,” he said.

“Typically, when you get higher yields you might get lower proteins and so forth, but we haven’t seen that this year. Qualities have been quite good along with the yields.”

“It’s been a challenging year for everyone but to have the season go in our favour is has been fantastic.”

Daysdale farmer Peter Hanrahan said the good early rainfall over the winter months filled dams and lifted everyone’s spirits.

COROWA, NSW “The yields have been excellent. It’s a great 12-month turnaround. I’m hearing from other farmers I’ve contacted that the yields have been exceptional across the board,” Mr Hanrahan said.

“There’s plenty of barley about, probably over six tonne per hectare. We are averaging about five to five and a half tonne of wheat per hectare.

“Canola’s our biggest winner. We are averaging two to three and half tonne per hectare. After the drought we were only averaging about a tonne per hectare so that’s incredible in itself.”

Mr Hanrahan said the quality was fairly consistent across the paddocks.

“The wheat quality is very good. It did lose some weight from the rains but all in all it’s faired well.

Barley is a fair quality too.”

Fifth generation farmer James Nixon from Oaklands echoed Peter Hanrahan’s comments saying the yields were good across the board.

“We are well above our average in previous years. Canola’s up getting around 3 tonne which is good,” Mr Nixon said.

“The quality is pretty good too. This year has been better than any year I can remember.”

With district farmers on the verge of a recordbreaking harvest, they now play a critical role in leading the agricultural recovery anticipated to help the economy recover from its first recession in 30 years as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

In an incredible 12-month turnaround, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES), December 2020 crop forecasts predicted farmers in this region, particularly those in the NSW Riverina were on the verge of a record harvest.

GrainCorp confirmed that many local grain receival sites were smashing records with Oaklands

and Dookie topping the list with over 140,000 and 130,000 tonnes respectively. Deniliquin had a record of over 130,000 tonnes and Elmore over 160,000 tonnes.

As of January, a total of eight million tonnes of grain has been received in NSW GrainCorp’s sites and over three and a half tonnes have been delivered in Victoria.

ABARES executive director Dr Steve HatfieldDodds said the agriculture industry is set for a recovery after three years of drought-affected production.

The ABARES Australian Crop Report December 2020 forecasts a 76 per cent rise in Australia’s 2020-21 winter crop production to 51.5 million tonnes, second only to the record 56.7 million tonnes in 2016-17.

Mr Hatfield-Dodds said production in key cropping regions in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia was boosted by favourable conditions during the critical grain development phase.

“Crops in these states were generally in very good condition at the end of winter, and the favourable rainfall during September and October was perfectly timed for the growth cycle,” Dr Hatfield-Dodds said.

“Production is expected to be a record high in New South Wales, the second highest on record in Victoria and well above average in South Australia.”

Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said he had received many reports from farmers who were overjoyed with their harvest outcome in 2020.

“This season is something we have not seen in a long time,” Mayor Bourke said.

FEBRUARY 2021

FARMtalk • 13

“It’s been an interesting year from our perspective in that we have been able to see the full genetic potential of varieties and see which ones will perform when everything is in their favour.”

ASHLEY FRASER

“Grain receival sites have been inundated with grain, and some have even had to close their sites because they are at capacity. It is just extraordinary.”

Mayor Bourke said he could not be happier for local growers and farmers this year, after suffering from years of drought.

“This year’s results are a step in the right direction, following years of drought and unfavourable conditions,” he said.

“Our farmers are our base and if they are doing well, the rest of our community will do really well, so a good season like this for our Federation farming community will have a massive effect.

Left: In December local farmers worked around the clock to deliver a record harvest in the Southern Riverina area.

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For weeks, I pleaded with the Victorian Government to ease their border restrictions.

This finally happened in late January.

But our towns cannot survive more rushed, random state border closures.

We should not shut down our rural communities every time there’s a Covid-19 outbreak in a capital city.

I have written to the Prime Minister to plead for a national approach to state border management.

We need to ensure our border communities are protected, consulted and compensated well in advance of future border closures.

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FEBRUARY 2021

FARMtalk • 15

Swarm potential The Australian Plague Locust has been wreaking havoc in the northern parts of Australia, and they are migrating south.

E

xperts tracking locusts say there is a very real possibility locusts will infest the Riverina in coming weeks.

Murray Local Land Service regional pest animal coordinator John Nolan said there was a significant infestation just to the north of the Riverina in early February, which has the potential to migrate further south. ‘‘If you draw a line through Menindee, Ivanhoe, Lake Cargelligo and Condobolin there are large populations developing through that area and, in some cases, they are migrating,’’ Mr Nolan said. ‘‘The conditions are perfect for breeding now, because we’ve had a bit of rain followed by some heat, so landholders need to be vigilant and be on the lookout. ‘‘If locusts migrate, they can often move up to 500km or 600km in one night, and we believe they are starting to head south.’’

Mr Nolan said locusts are prolific breeders, which means small bands of the insect can easily become damaging swarms. ‘‘A female can lay between 40 and 50 eggs each time, and provided things are green she can lay two or three times over a period of six weeks,’’ he said.

‘‘The locusts will be trying to lay eggs right now and we don’t want another generation. ‘‘Landholders should be on the lookout specifically for fly-in locusts, but those laying eggs will stick closer to the ground. ‘‘If you see large flocks of birds — ibis, wood swallows and crows — in your paddocks that can be a clear sign. ‘‘And when you’re driving around the channel banks, keep an eye out for locusts flicking up. ‘‘If they have red legs and black tips on their wings, they are Plague Locusts. ‘‘If you do see a locust laying, it is important to take a record of the location because once they have laid they will fly off and it can be hard to tell where to watch for fledglings. ‘‘You should also notify Local Land Services immediately of any sightings.’’

Australian Plague Locust Commission director Chris Adriaansen said it is important that landholders are prepared to take control of locusts to give their autumn plantings the best opportunity to take advantage of favourable weather conditions. ‘‘These hoppers will come out of the ground hungry, so a new emerging crop will be very

attractive to them, regardless of when the crop is planted, the seedling stage is susceptible to locust damage. ‘‘During the 2010 locust outbreak, one Riverina farmer lost around $100,000 of recently emerged carrot seedlings to locusts, so they will attack crops other than cereal grains if the timing is right.’’

Dr Sanger advised landholders to prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best. ‘‘Landholders are in the best position to regularly monitor locust activity on their properties and to work with Local Land Services officers to control small infestations to be most effective in reducing later populations,’’ he said.

“Being prepared to undertake a small amount of control could avoid the potential of much bigger losses which might otherwise result from the autumn generation of hoppers.’’

Reports of locust activity can be made directly to your Local Land Services officers on 1300 795 299, or to the Australia Plague Locust Commission on 1800 635 962.

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FEBRUARY 2021

FARMtalk • 17

Preventing pneumonia, pleurisy Have you ever thought about the cost of diseases? Recently, throughout the Murray Local Land Services area, we have been diagnosing numerous cases of pneumonia and pleurisy.

P

neumonia is a general term for infection in the lungs.

Disease usually occurs when a virus, bacteria or lung worm infects sheep due to failure of the respiratory defence mechanisms, often predisposed by environmental conditions.

Pneumonia can also occur due to drench or dip fluid being accidentally introduced into the lung.

Pneumonia can sometimes spread to the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lung. This is known as pleurisy and can stick the lung to the inside of the rib cage.

Pneumonia and pleurisy are costly to producers. Financial loss occurs due to deaths and reduced growth rates.

Pleurisy can also lead to the trimming of the ribs, leading to a dramatic loss in carcass value.

How do you know if you have a problem?

Often the first thing noticed is a few deaths. Sometimes farmers notice an increase in coughing or poorly faring sheep in the mob.

They may not keep up with the rest of the mob when moved and will be found at the back of the mob, panting or coughing.

A good early indicator is seeing sheep standing around puffing like they have just run a marathon.

What can be done to reduce the risk of pneumonia?

1. Reduce dust

Dust can come from the environment or the feed. This can be particularly problematic in feedlots or when sheep are brought into the yards. Avoid yarding the sheep if you can, especially if it’s hot, dry and dusty. Wetting down the yards before the sheep are mustered can help reduce dust levels. Muster the sheep slowly and avoid over-enthusiastic dogs, especially in hot weather.

If you are feeding your sheep particularly dusty feed, consider changing feed or talk to your nutritionist about additives which can help reduce dust levels.

2. Have healthy sheep and minimise stress

Try not to mix different mobs together. Make sure sheep have a good diet, with enough energy to meet their needs. Try and shelter animals from extremes

of heat and cold. Make sure sheep are not burdened by other diseases such as worms or infectious diseases by doing faecal egg counts and worming as appropriate. Making sure sheep are vaccinated against important local diseases can also help to reduce stress on the immune system.

3. Have a good drenching/dipping technique

If you are using oral drenches or plunge dipping, be careful to avoid liquid entering the lungs. A good drenching technique is to avoid lifting the sheep’s head vertically into the air. Also try to avoid plunge-dipping sheep that are really thirsty or excessively tired.

4. Carefully monitor sheep after transport

Like shipping fever in cattle, sheep are more prone to pneumonia after being transported. Long distances in multi-layered vehicles are especially prone to issues. Keep a close eye on new arrivals and try to minimise stress, dust and sudden feed changes.

What can be done to treat pneumonia?

Different treatments apply for different causes.

Viral pneumonias can often be overcome by the sheep without the need for any medication, as long as there is no secondary bacterial infection.

Bacterial pneumonias will often respond to an antibiotic injection, which you’ll need to get from a veterinarian.

Lung worm can be treated by a drench effective against lungworm.

Early diagnosis of disease is key to successful treatment, and to minimise the financial and physical losses from pneumonia.

If you are concerned about pneumonia in your sheep, please speak to your local vet.

Some simple preventative measures can help limit the cost of pneumonia, both to your sheep and your bottom line.

Linda Searle (pictured) is district veterinarian with Murray Local Land Services.

FEBRUARY 2021

18 • FARMtalk

The autumn break – is it fact or fiction?

Key Points

• The autumn break can happen at any time in S NSW • Since 1990, the timing of the autumn break has occurred most often in the first half of March • The break is more reliable in the east of our region than the west, and more often occurs in early March • As we move west, the timing and extent of the break becomes less reliable – in some years not occurring at all

What is the autumn break?

It’s hard to believe that we are heading into February already – and soon producers’ will be looking towards the heavens in the hope of getting that highly desirable (but often elusive) ‘autumn break’.

In our cropping (and pasture) systems, the autumn break is one of the most important events of any year. It is the first significant rainfall event of the winter growing season and signals the start of the growth period. It can ‘make-or-break’ the season for both croppers and graziers alike. It also has an immeasurable impact on confidence (and often relief) on individual producer’s psyche!

So what is the autumn break?

The ideal level of rainfall in an autumn break event is not the same for everyone – varying between crops and pastures, climate, location and soil moisture profile. But for us in southern NSW, typically the break can be characterised as: 1. Rainfall of 25mm or more received over a period of less than three days; or 2. Rainfall of 30mm or more received over a period less than seven days.

The timing of the rain is important - but so too is the weather following.

A 25 mm rainfall event in March followed by hot, dry weather may not constitute the ‘break’.

However, the same rain event in May will very likely be the ‘break’. But remember, the autumn break does not guarantee a successful season; sufficient winter and spring rains are still needed to produce a successful crop or pasture.

Adrian Smith (pictured) is senior lands services officer – mixed farming with Murray Local Land Services.

Why is the autumn break important?

in the soil to see the germinated plant survive through a dry period that follows. A false break can cause seeds to germinate unevenly, go mouldy or die. The risk of suffering the effects of a false break are higher in minimum or no-till systems, and need to be considered as part of the annual sowing program.

The break is crucial to kick off and sustain pasture growth over the winter – one of the key benefits being less reliance on supplementary feeding. A late or non-existent break can simultaneously cause feed prices to rise (given lower feed supply) and livestock prices to fall (producers offload stock, increasing supply into markets). In this case, graziers are faced with a decision to buy in feed, agist or move their stock to other regions with good

Typically, cropping producers waited on the arrival of the autumn break before sowing.

However, the rise in popularity of minimum-till and no-till farming practices have enabled growers to sow into dry, warm soil. For those growers who dry sow, the arrival of the autumn break causes plants to germinate, utilising the maximum amount of rainfall over the growing season in the crop. The longer the growing period, the greater the potential biomass production and grain yield. A break that happens late, once cold weather has arrived and potential crop growth slows, can drastically reduce the overall potential of the season.

In addition, ‘false breaks’ can be quite costly.

These are smaller autumn rainfall events which germinate the seed, but leave insufficient moisture

~ continued on next page

Table 1. Timing of the autumn break in the Murray region of NSW (1990-2020).

Location

Month March Weeks 1-2

Weeks 3-4

April Weeks 1-2

Weeks 3-4

May Weeks 1-2

Weeks 3-4

June Weeks 1-2

Weeks 3-4

July Weeks 1-2

Deniliquin

8

4

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

Probability (%)

27%

13%

10%

10%

10%

10%

7%

7%

7%

Cumulative

27%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

87%

93%

100%

Walbundrie

8

5

5

3

3

2

3

0

1

Probability (%)

27%

17%

17%

10%

10%

7%

10%

0%

3%

Cumulative

27%

44%

61%

71%

81%

88%

98%

98%

100%

Balranald

3

3

2

5

4

3

4

2

1

Probability (%)

10%

10%

7%

17%

13%

10%

13%

7%

3%

Cumulative

10%

20%

27%

44%

57%

67%

80%

87%

90%

Moulamein

7

3

3

2

4

1

3

2

3

Probability (%)

23%

10%

10%

7%

13%

3%

10%

7%

10%

Cumulative

23%

33%

43%

50%

63%

66%

76%

83%

93%

Wakool

8

3

4

4

4

1

1

1

2

Probability (%)

27%

10%

13%

13%

13%

3%

3%

3%

7%

Cumulative

27%

37%

50%

63%

76%

79%

82%

85%

92%

Holbrook

11

6

6

0

1

2

3

1

0

Probability (%)

37%

20%

20%

0%

3%

7%

10%

3%

0%

Cumulative

37%

57%

77%

77%

80%

87%

97%

100%

100%

Tumbarumba

12

8

5

1

1

1

2

0

0

Probability (%)

40%

27%

17%

3%

3%

3%

7%

0%

0%

Cumulative

40%

67%

84%

87%

90%

93%

100%

100%

100%

Source: BoM, 2021

FEBRUARY 2021

FARMtalk • 19 feed supply, or sell down stock numbers when prices are lower.

The autumn break is also important for irrigators as it starts to ‘wet’ catchments to generate run-off when the winter and spring rains occur. This can mean greater water allocations in the irrigation season, and earlier allocation announcements, providing greater certainty for water availability and crop planting.

So when can we expect the autumn break?

That’s the $64 million dollar question!

Often the rule of thumb is the autumn break occurs around Anzac Day in our part of the world.

Whilst that’s true in some seasons, by no means is it the ‘norm’!

In reality, the autumn break can occur anytime between February and July – but in some seasons and at some locations, the ‘break’ doesn’t occur at all.

And importantly, the autumn break will not be the result of a change in climatic conditions as such – it will be the result of a significant weather event (such as a cold front, north-west cloud band etc), which can only be forecast 5-7 days out from the actual event.

To put some numbers to it, some analysis of when the ‘defined’ break occurred at seven locations in the Murray region since 1990, based on Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) data is outlined in Table 1.

The ‘number’ at each location refers to the number of times the autumn break has been recorded within the two week period of each month, for the period 1990-2020.

Note that at Balranald, the ‘break’ did not eventuate at all during three of the 30 years in question.

Over the last 30 years: • What may surprise many is the first half of March has seen the highest probability of receiving the autumn break, including Tumbarumba (40% of years), Holbrook (37%), Walbundrie (27%), Deniliquin (27%), Wakool (27%) and Moulamein (23%).

•

Whilst the historical probabilities can provide a useful guide to the likelihood of receiving the autumn break, producers should also use other sources of information to help them in their decision making – use information from the BoM (such as the three month outlooks – see the current outlook in Figure 1), climate indicators such as ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation index) and ‘gut feel’ to implement your strategies based on the best information you have on hand at any particular time.

Importantly, have some ‘fall back’ positions or contingencies in place should your plans not come off – to be forewarned is to be forearmed!

A cautionary note!

Whilst the autumn break is an important ‘event’, it doesn’t tell the full story.

The effectiveness of that first significant rainfall event is enhanced by receiving good follow-up rainfall to ensure newly germinated pastures and crops have adequate moisture to establish and continue to grow.

This can be a real issue for those early season breaks – where rain falls in March, when conditions remain warm, and follow-up rainfall is not received.

The old adage that the timing of the first autumn rainfall is not as critical as the second rain holds very true!

Figure 1. Rainfall – the chance of above median rainfall for NSW – February-April, 2021.

At Balranald the last half of April has had the highest likelihood (17%) of receiving the autumn break.

It is worthy to note there were a ‘run’ of years between 2010-2013, where in each of these four years, the autumn break occurred in the first half of March, which might ‘skew’ the results somewhat.

Whilst such a sequence may be unusual, it could also be more like a new ‘norm’ as well?! The joys of just looking at numbers and statistics in isolation!

Numbers and probabilities can be manipulated to tell a range of stories – but the reality is that (over the last 30 years at least), we have generally received the opening rain of at least 25 mm before the end of April in the eastern half of the Murray region, but it can be a bit later in the west (not really telling most producers something they don’t already know!).

Source: BoM, 2021

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FEBRUARY 2021

FARMtalk • 21

Marie, Bella, Jock, Chris and Lizzie Muldoon on the family farm at Mayrung. Photo courtesy The Art of Zowie Photography.

Are you ‘family wealth ready’ Marie Muldoon joined the team at Peppin Consulting a few years ago after relocating from the Northern Territory to Deniliquin with her husband and young family.

W

ith a background in retail management and special events, she wondered what kind of job she’d find in her new hometown.

An advert in the local rag advertising a position in client services at Peppin Consulting caught her eye.

To her delight she was successful in applying and soon found herself in a small, dynamic, and expert team working with a diverse group of clients located right across Australia.

“I’d never had a ‘desk job’ before, and working with lawyers and accountants was also new to me,” Marie said.

“The main part of my role is to liaise with clients and to help them get set up to meet with one of our advisers and to be their go-to person at Peppin.

“My experience in customer service helped me develop effective communication and organisational skills and along with my passion for helping people, I soon found my feet.

“At Peppin Consulting our work ranges from assisting families navigate and resolve differences to helping each family to be on the front foot to

achieve the outcomes they want and to avoid the pitfalls.

“We call this ‘family wealth ready’.

“We help families in a whole range of matters, from starting or joining a business, growing, selling or handing on (succession planning), retiring, age pension, estate planning and funding aged care.

“No two families are the same, therefore each job is unique and requires a tailored and personal approach.”

Marie’s own family implemented a succession plan, so she understands well the challenges involved and how important it is to have the right people helping.

“I’ve learnt that a sound succession strategy can be the best investment a family can make as there can often be huge financial and emotional costs of not developing a succession and transition strategy,” she said.

The team at Peppin Consulting is comprised of Rob Brown, Ben Chartres, Marie Muldoon, and Kate Paton.

Rob and Ben deliver strategy advice, Marie looks after client services and Kate assists families with applications, grants and Centrelink services.

“At Peppin Consulting we help families develop practical, integrated strategies — taking into consideration the many variables that make-up a thorough family wealth plan — very much a covering all bases approach,” said Ben. The Peppin Group of companies provide busy working families easy and convenient access to a full range of expert services under one roof, which is both time and cost effective for their clients.

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FEBRUARY 2021

FARMtalk • 23

Climate info for farmers

The Australian Government is investing $10 million through the Climate Services for Agriculture program to help farm businesses increase drought and climate resilience.

The program is funded through the $5 billion Future Drought Fund and will provide farmers with access to trusted and relevant information on national and regional climate data.

The Climate Services for Agriculture Program is expected to complement seasonal forecasts and climate guides that are currently available through the Bureau of Meteorology by providing detailed regional information about future drought and climate risks, and inform management actions to address vulnerabilities and prepare for future impacts.

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

Polit regions will be announced early this year, but will include a range of climatic regions and agricultural sectors.

For more information go to www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund#climateservices-for-agriculture-program.

FARM

life

Photo of the Month Brad Aitken and three year-old daughter Lola had a fantastic vantage point to take in the sights of the Dunmore family’s farm ‘Meersbrook’ at Deniliquin.

Brad climbed part way up the recently baled stack of hay first, with Lola joining him thanks to a boost from her mother Jess.

The impressive wall of hay was more than twice Brad’s height, which is 6’ 2”.

Submit your photo and caption for the FARMlife Photo of the Month via Facebook (@farmtalkmagazine), Instagram (@farm.talk) or email farmtalk@denipt.com.au.

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