Farm Talk May 2020

SOUTHERN RIVERINA & MID MURRAY MONTHLY RURAL MAGAZINE

MAY 2020

Study assistance for aspiring vet PAGE 3

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Ag burns – do the right thing

By ADRIAN SMITH

PUBLISHED BY DENILIQUIN PASTORAL TIMES 230 Cressy Street, Deniliquin NSW 2710 Phone (03) 5881 2322

Advertising Leesa Muir

Sarah Bain Kylie Davis

Production Ged Munro

Editorial Zoe McMaugh Daniel Hughes Jamie Lowe

Front Cover Rural Bank Scholarship Program recipient Jemima Donovan at home on the Bunnaloo farm.

June 2020 issue To be published June 8, 2020.

Advertising booking deadline May 22, 2020.

Contact your local advertising representative: Deniliquin Leesa Muir (03) 5881 2322 leesa.muir@denipt.com.au Finley Sarah Bain (03) 5883 1033 sarah.bain@ southernriverinanews.com.au

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 their own advisors. FARMtalk can assume no responsibility for the contents.

Using fire to control and manage regrowth, vermin and stubbles is an important tool for land managers.

If we wish to continue to have this important option available, there are responsibilities (both legal and ethical) we need to be aware of when undertaking burn-offs.

In many parts of the world, burning stubbles is no longer allowed.

We must ensure we do things in the right manner to minimise any outside influences on our ability to farm.

Impacts of burning and smoke Burning stubble is a quick fix with minimal cost that enables good establishment of the following crop. However, burning is detrimental to the environment, with nutrients and organic matter lost from the system.

Burn-offs in the autumn months increase the risk of local air pollution — during this period, inversion layers develop as daytime temperatures drop, causing smoke to hang in the air close to ground level.

Inappropriate burning-off can have serious consequences, including: ● Reduced visibility and traffic hazards, and can disrupt transport. ● Burning releases a lot of particulate (small) matter into the atmosphere. These can have significant impacts on human health, particularly those suffering respiratory issues such as asthma. ● Reducing the amenity of an area or place. ● May require cleaning of vehicles, houses, offices, etc. ● Will leave the soil exposed to wind and water erosion.

There are numerous state and national guidelines, strategies, agreements, regulations and acts relating to air quality.

These demonstrate and reinforce the increasing importance of air quality at both the state and national levels, and the need to comply with legislation and to minimise off-site/third party impacts.

Best practice guidance The Rice Growers Association (RGA) has an informative guide to burning practices which can be found at https://www.rga.org.au/ common/Uploaded%20files/

Page 2 — ’Farm Talk’, May 2020

RGA/Publications%20and %20Factsheets/StubbleBurning-in-Autumn.pdf When considering burning, best practice involves: ● Contacting the RFS to notify them of your intention to burn. This is the law. ● Contacting your neighbours. This is the law. ● Ensuring adequate fire breaks are in place to avoid fire escapes and protect paddock trees. ● Having fire-fighting equipment on site. ● Burning as close as possible to the middle of the day so that burning can be completed before nightfall when an inversion layer (low mixing height) is likely. ● Checking the mixing height information in the MetEye section of the of the Bureau of Meteorology’s website — http:/ /www.bom.gov.au/australia/ meteye/. This provides excellent information on current and predicted burning conditions including wind speed and direction. ● Burning dry stubble, mulching and leaving to dry for at least four days in warm conditions will create a cleaner burn and reduce the volume of smoke. If stubble is not mulched, the drying time will be longer and burning should be delayed accordingly. ● Avoiding burning when winds are variable, ie. when winds are gusting and varying in direction. Wind speeds of 5km/h to 25km/h are best. Strong winds can lead to fire escapes. ● Avoiding burning when the wind direction is towards towns or other residential areas. This will reduce the chance of affecting others, including the likelihood of human respiratory problems.

If the wind direction changes sending smoke over roads call 000 immediately.

They will refer the call to the local RFS who will advise of what action to take.

The mixing height was mentioned above as an important attribute when considering or undertaking a burn. The mixing height is the height of the atmosphere above the ground which is well mixed due either to mechanical turbulence or convective turbulence.

The air layer above this height is stable. The mixing height defines the depth of the mixed layer. Smoke released into the atmosphere has the potential to disperse

vertically in the atmosphere up to the height of the mixing height depending on wind speed and atmospheric stability. A low mixing height can limit how the smoke disperses and can lead to greater smoke concentrations nearer the ground for longer periods of time, so the higher the mixing height the better. A minimum of 1500m height above ground is recommended.

What’s the bottom line?

When considering any form of burn-off on your property, you need to think about your legal responsibilities and the (unintended or potential) consequences of your actions.

Inform the relevant authorities and your neighbours prior to your burn, check the existing climate and stubble conditions before you light the match, and implement the best practice recommendations highlighted earlier. It is your responsibility to get things right!

It is also worthy to note that fires are tracked from various sources of satellite imagery and data.

Additionally, there are a number of sites across Australia where air quality data is monitored. In the Murray LLS area for example, the NSW EPA have several specific sites around major cities (Albury for example), and there are another three sites which also monitor air quality (located at Rand, Deniliquin and Kyalite).

This information is readily available on a daily basis — big brother is watching and recording!

Murray LLS would strongly encourage all producers, not just rice growers, to refer to the RGA publication, to familiarise themselves with their responsibilities and the conditions under which they will produce the least off-site impacts when undertaking any controlled burn.

Above all, be safe when undertaking any controlled burn, be respectful of your neighbours and do the right thing!

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

Study assistance for aspiring vet Jemima Donovan experienced the importance of connection to land and community growing up on her family’s sheep, cattle and cropping farm at Bunnaloo.

She worked as a farm hand on the property for many years, as well as working at a local sheep stud, which inspired her approach in providing a safe and nurturing environment for animals to live in.

It’s no surprise then that Jemima has chosen to study a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Science.

She is in the first year of her degree with Charles Sturt University, and she is one of 19 students to have received a $5000 Rural Bank Scholarship Program bursary to help cover the associated costs. ‘‘I was very involved from an early age, specifically helping with the animals,’’ Miss Donovan said. ‘‘I loved being a part of helping animals lead a healthy life. When we would have sick or injured lambs I took close care of them, to nurse them back to health for good production. ‘‘Growing up in the country, being connected to the land, being connected to the community and getting to know everyone in the neighbourhood is something I’ll always value. ‘‘I also love horses and have one of my own, so I love to ride when I have free time on the farm.’’

Miss Donovan said while Coronavirus restrictions have interrupted the beginning of her university career, she said she’s managed to soak up a lot of useful information already.

She said being a vet has always been her dream, and admitted she was not certain

study materials and equipment.

Miss Donovan was chosen as a recipient because of her ‘‘passion for raising healthy livestock and healing animals’’.

ever thought. Straight away we were down in the stock yards learning with practical experience. ‘‘It is really nice coming home though and we still have a lot of online learning at the moment, although I think there will be a lot of catch-up with the practical experience when we go back to campus.’’

And now, with support from a scholarship, it will be easier for Jemima to reach her goals.

The $5000 is intended to help cover course costs,

‘‘The funding will be really welcomed with all of the practical equipment needs I have for my second year of study,’’ she said. ‘‘Part of it will go towards things like gumboots and equipment for the different farms and clinics I will have to work at. ‘‘The rest will be used for tuition costs. ‘‘I can’t wait to become a rural vet, I want to be equipped with as many skills as I can and work in a mixed practice.’’

Subject to academic performance, the scholarship funding may be extended to support a second year of study.

Until Coronavirus restrictions are lifted, Miss Donovan will continue to study from home and work on the farm. ‘‘Being on a farm during isolation is the best place to be,’’ she said. ‘‘University is still full steam ahead with a lot of online content so I go from being inside studying to out and about helping with our lambs. ‘‘We also have ewes lambing, so I’m paying close attention to them. ‘‘Shearing is definitely not something I’m super good at, but definitely something I have to get better at.’’

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■ Being isolated on the farm during the Coronavirus pandemic is the best place for aspiring rural vet Jemima Donovan. she would get to study it this year. ‘‘I was really keen to apply for veterinary science but I didn’t think I had a chance to get in. ‘‘I was prepared to keep applying no matter what, but when I got in on the first go I was so happy. ‘‘I was quite nervous about moving away from home but it was really good while it lasted. ‘‘I had an orientation week then straight into three weeks of semester. ‘‘The course has turned out to be better then I would have

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New address - 174 Hardinge Street, Deniliquin NSW 2710 ’Farm Talk’, May 2020 — Page 3

Murray Local Land Services COVID-19 UPDATE

We’re still here to help We have made changes to our service delivery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are still here on the ground when it matters, with knowledge, networks and experience. Our staff are still able to assist landholders to manage and plan their agricultural production, biosecurity, natural resource management and emergency management needs.

Like all government agencies, our top priority is the safety and health of our employees and customers. At the same time, we understand that our customers rely on our services and that they are important for business continuity.

In the days and weeks ahead, our goal is to balance safety with service, and we will make adjustments as needed in order to adapt and continue to accomplish our mission of protecting the health and value of NSW agriculture and natural resources.

How you can contact us Phone: 1300 795 299

Online enquiry form: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/i-want-to/contactmy-local-office/online-customerinquiry-form

Email: admin.murray@lls.nsw.gov.au

Facebook private message: www.facebook.com/Murray.LLS

You can still contact us via 1300 795 299 or through our online enquiry form.

Subscribe to our newsletters by typing the following link into your internet browser: http://eepurl.com/bJ7wJz For further information: Murray Local Land Services P: 03 5881 9900 (Deniliquin) 02 6051 2200 (Albury)

Page 4 — ’Farm Talk’, May 2020

www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/murray

May will be big for fat lambs The livestock industry is expecting a boom in the sheep market come May, after low to non-existent lamb numbers in April.

Late March and early April rain prompted many breeders to hold on to stock for an extra month.

Coupled with high demand for meat from butchers and meat producers due to panic

buying, the May market is set to bring big prices.

Nathan Everingham & Co stock agent and auctioneer Nathan Everingham said while the market has been fairly steady over the last three years, recent rainfall and the Coronavirus pandemic has injected some unpredictability. ‘‘I’ve been the Finley Saleyards president for three

years, and have not once missed a sheep sale . . . until April 22. ‘‘A lot of farmers chose to hold on to their lambs, to try and make them bigger and better before offloading later. ‘‘With autumn feed on the way and the rain topping up paddock feed, lambs can be fattened within six to eight weeks. As a result, May will be a big target month.’’

Elders Rural Services stock agent Greg McNamara said there had been a slight weakening of values in the lead up to Easter, but agreed the market is building well. ‘‘We will have less store lambs and more fat lambs, but anyone who has their own breeding lambs fattening at the moment will be cheering.’’

. . . but premier sheep show is cancelled The 143rd annual Australian Sheep and Wool Show has been cancelled.

The Australian Sheep Breeders Association met via teleconference in April to determine whether the July 17 to 19 event would go ahead given Coronavirus pandemic restrictions on gatherings.

Association president Rob McCartney said at the time the decision was made, there was little hope the restrictions would be lifted. ‘‘The health and safety of our members, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors,

suppliers and visitors is paramount and we will now begin planning for the 2021 event,’’ he said. ‘‘The cancellation will affect our stakeholders and also a large part of the Bendigo district community, as our event brings millions of dollars into the Bendigo economy.’’

One regular exhibitor at the annual event is Wattle Park stud owner John Jamieson from Finley, who said while ‘‘it is a shame’’ the show has been called off, it was still the right decision.

‘‘It’s disappointing but at the end of the day it has an effect on everybody,’’ he said. ‘‘The important thing right now is that we beat this virus. ‘‘They’ve had to close the sales before for other reasons like the World Wars, so I’m sure we will get through. ‘‘It’ll probably mean that next year’s event will be bigger and better, if we’ve beaten the virus by then of course.’’

Mr Jamieson said while there could be a dip in sales this year due to the

Coronavirus pandemic, he was still optimistic about the spring sale season. ‘‘We’ll work around it and I’m sure there will still be a lot of rams sold. ‘‘We should be able to sell a few in spring. ‘‘It could be tough though, as most people want to be able to see the rams in person before they buy them. ‘‘I’m sure there will be online sales, so as long as everyone can sell their sheep that way, then it should be all good.’’

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Water needed to feed Oz Australian ricegrowers need to be able to deliver at least 800,000 tonnes to avoid importing rice in the next rice season.

And SunRice chairman Laurie Arthur said concerns surrounding water allocation and the lasting impacts of

Coronavirus mean the indus- Australian rice will be rare in try is facing a period of coming months. ‘‘We believe that we’ll be ‘‘maximum uncertainty’’. out of Australian grown rice With only about five per by December,’’ he said. cent of the long term average ‘‘What we desperately amount of rice grown in the want is 800,000 tonnes but we Riverina able to be planted are not on track to reach that. this season, Mr Arthur said ‘‘In order to have any chance of reaching that number we would need to have some water allocations this year. ‘‘I believe after December our next chance to get Australian grown rice will be in April 2021.’’

Mr Arthur said the only Rice Extension team will be saving grace for SunRice is catching up with individ- the partnerships and interuals from inside and out- national milling operations it side of the rice industry. has invested in, which will You can listen to the allow the SunRice product to on supermarket podcast by searching ‘Rice remain shelves.

Extension’ on the iTunes But he said the supply Podcast App. chain is also under threat You can also listen in because of Coronavirus, parfrom Soundcloud, or follow ticularly due to border the links from the Rice closures in Vietnam and Extension website — Cambodia. ‘‘We’ve advised both the www.riceextension.org.au. state and federal govern-

Talking rice with Extension A new podcast series called ‘The Rice Life’ has been launched by Rice Extension.

The podcast aims to deliver the latest research and development information for rice-based farming systems, industry news and answer your questions so you can stay informed and connected.

Each episode will feature a different topic, and the

ments that if we were able to get the water we could guarantee that Australian rice will be on the shelves,’’ he said. ‘‘We have a really strong demand for Australian rice but if we can’t get enough, then we will try to import it. ‘‘The ball is in the government’s court. We need 200,000 megalitres to grow our share of rice and we need 400,000 megalitres to supply the entire Australian market.’’

Mr Arthur said rain in March and April has generated a great autumn break, and with more water crops could be booming. ‘‘We’ve had a beautiful start to the season with the rain,’’ he said. ‘‘We would hope that with the rain we can get an allocation, but the only ones that can give us solutions and clarity on the situation are the state and federal governments.’’

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No silver bullet, but saltbush may help

By ADRIAN SMITH With the prospects of a better season in front of us, for at least some, the constant grind of feeding livestock is dwindling.

But the need to think about how we feed our livestock is never far away, particularly those of us in the western, lower rainfall areas.

Which leads to the question: Is there something that could fit into our grazing systems to help counter some of the challenges of low rainfall, marginal soils and highly variable and seasonal fodder production?

As a former Prime Minster once said ‘‘there are no silver bullets’’, but there are options which can certainly help graziers better manage their feed supplies and reserves.

One such option is saltbush (Atriplex nummularia); it is well adapted to drought and water and soil salinity, and produces important consumable biomass in areas where other crops will not perform as well.

It is also well suited to marginal soils.

Benefits of saltbush Many landholders will be aware of the potential benefits perennial shrubs can add to our grazing systems.

Saltbush can play an important role in your enterprise by: ● Directly reducing the amount of supplementary feed required. ● Deferring the grazing of other parts of the farm at the break-of-season, allowing better management and more pasture to be grown elsewhere. ● Improved flexibility of labour at sowing by having animals grazing shrub-based systems at the break-ofseason. ● Improved ground cover and reduced wind erosion. ● A management tool to deal with climate variability and climate change - can handle extended dry periods and respond to out-of-season rainfall. ● Management or control of dryland salinity. ● Biodiversity benefits. ● Potential improvements in carbon balance.

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● The potential for nutrients to be brought back to the surface from lower depths and made available to other plants. ● Provision of shade and shelter. ● May assist in reducing the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. ● May improve livestock productivity by increasing feed intake or improving gut function.

Saltbush alone is not really a viable option. Rather than replacing other components of your feed base, it can add value to and complement existing pastures, forage crops and overall fodder production. There has been much research into the relative qualities of saltbushes, they are generally high in protein, have high levels of many trace elements, but aren’t as palatable as other grasses and legumes, have high ash content (and therefore have lower energy content), and the leaves can be high in oxalates and nitrates.

There are also suggestions that certain species have anthelminthic properties, and that saltbushes also possess so-called secondary plant compounds which may reduce the production of methane gas, or improve the efficiency of digestion.

What are the downsides?

There is no doubt the cost of establishing saltbush (and if managed properly, associated costs such as fencing and water infrastructure) can be significant. It will depend on how much you do yourself, and whether using established seedlings or direct seeding, and the density of your plantings. Whichever way you approach it, upfront costs can be high. Additionally, there are very few chemicals that are registered for use with saltbush.

Once in the ground, weed control can prove difficult.

Plan well in advance of any planting, and undertake good weed control (particularly broadleafs) in the year or two prior to planting. Some form of livestock induction is also important.

Livestock are generally used to grazing plants low to the ground, not browsing on shrubs. Livestock not used to browsing will take some time to adjust to grazing these types of plants. Imprinting young stock with their mothers can prove a valuable life-long lesson. If incorporating saltbush into your sys-

tem, it is important it is managed like any other crop or pasture.

The view that it is a living haystack is not the way to extract best value from any plantation. Saltbush needs to be grazed regularly, otherwise it will become woody, and grow above the height it can be grazed easily, particularly by sheep. Once grazed (and it can be grazed to the point where there is very little foliage left as little as 5-10 per cent leaf remaining), it needs time to recover.

On its own, saltbush does not provide a balanced diet. It is generally high in protein, so grazed in conjunction with lower protein (higher fibre) feeds such as stubbles, mature pastures or hay, is the best way to utilise saltbush.

Saltbush should not contribute more than around onethird of the overall diet. It is not particularly tolerant of extended periods of waterlogging.

A stand will be quickly wiped out if its roots remain wet so careful planning is required. One other factor when considering whether saltbush is going to be part of your grazing system is that there is a sweet spot in terms of how much of it you grow.

Too little, and the number of grazing days provided won’t be sufficient to increase your farm productivity; too many shrubs, and it starts to impact on other options or mix of enterprises you can carry out.

While not definitive, research suggests having around 10-20 per cent of a typical mixed (cropping and livestock) farm under perennial shrubs is around the optimal level.

Is saltbush for me?

Saltbush can provide a range of benefits to a grazing enterprise. It is not without risk, and can be expensive to establish.

That said, there is plenty of evidence to suggest strategically grazed and well managed saltbush stands can provide significant financial (and other benefits) to a livestock enterprise. Producers considering this type of system should do their homework and talk to local producers who already have established stands, industry representatives and your advisors.

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

The ‘big ones’ of tax, relief explained

By ROB BROWN In my limited experience there has never been a time with more going on.

It’s mostly good, but we are swamped with existing and new government programs on the one hand (and an endless stream of helpful emails) and options for tax management on the other.

In an effort to reduce the risk of drowning in information, we compiled a basic checklist for clients and ended up with just short of 30!

And in contrast to the uncertainty of a COVID-19 world we’ve had a great autumn break, record low interest rates and one of those once in a decade asset repricing windows that can set things up for the next decade.

Whatever else you do this year, it’s a great year to take the time to see how you might benefit — particularly if it means more spending in our communities!

Here is a sample of ‘big ones’.

If your farm income in the 2019 financial year is less than about $50,000 for a couple, or it’s likely to be this year, you might now be eligible for the ‘new, better than ever’ farm household allowance package — fortnightly income plus a $10,000 grant for farm business management, training and succession planning.

With new looser tests for off-farm income and assets it’s worth checking out.

But before you do, check if you are eligible for the JobKeeper payment of $1500 per week.

Those likely to be eligible are those whose farm income

between March and September 2020 is at least 30 per cent lower than their 2019 actual income or what their 2019 actual income would have been if not for the drought.

All farmers with employees will benefit from the $20,000 to $100,000 ‘initial and additional’ Cashflow Boost program.

As the rules and timing for payment are still evolving, it’s best to get advice or check out the ATO link https:/ /www.ato.gov.au/Business/ Business-activitystatements-(BAS)/In-detail/ Boosting-cash-flow-foremployers/? anchor=Exceptions#Exception.

Interest rates are like rings in a tree trunk — the older you are the higher the rates you can recall.

Right now, we are at the other extreme — and the implications for land prices seem just as extreme. If you are buying land, an extra $100/acre price only adds about $3 a year in interest.

Great for sellers but a warning light for would be buyers.

If staying afloat is your challenge, then work out if

you are eligible for the nil to two per cent loans still available from NSW RAA and the Regional Investment Corporation for working capital, farm improvement, drought recovery.

It seems very probable that 2020 will be the peak of “tax opportunity�, particularly if future governments start to tackle the COVID-19 debt.

The $150,000 immediate write-off for plant purchases is frankly an extraordinary opportunity for businesses wanting to grow, particularly if funded by record low rates — especially the RAA Farm Innovation fund where low rates are locked in for 15 to 20 years.

Whatever your circumstances, and particularly if you find this stuff daunting, talk to a rural counsellor (no cost) or find someone who understands what’s out there and can help with cost/benefit equation.

There’s never been a better time to get money into our communities. ■Rob Brown is managing director and family strategy adviser with Peppin Consulting.

Congratulations to everyone living in the Murray region. <RX¡YH JLYHQ XS MREV LQFRPH KROLGD\V IDPLO\ YLVLWV DQG VHHLQJ \RXU IULHQGV WKLV SDVW PRQWK 7KDQNV WR \RX ² ZH KDYH RQH RI WKH ORZHVW UDWHV RI &RURQDYLUXV LQ $XVWUDOLD /HW¡V NHHS LW XS 3OHDVH VWD\ DW KRPH DV PXFK DV SRVVLEOH DQG ZDVK \RXU KDQGV UHJXODUO\ :H PLJKW KDYH VRPH KLGGHQ &RURQDYLUXV FDVHV VR RXU QH[W FKDOOHQJH LV WR WHVW PRUH SHRSOH 2XU GHGLFDWHG KHDOWK VWDII DUH QRZ WHVWLQJ DQ\RQH ZLWK à X OLNH V\PSWRPV ,I \RX KDYH D FRXJK RU RWKHU FROG OLNH V\PSWRPV SOHDVH FDOO KHDOWKGLUHFW RQ WR DUUDQJH EHLQJ WHVWHG 7RJHWKHU ZH FDQ EHDW WKLV YLUXV Written and authorised by Helen Dalton, MP for Murray.

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Positivity in agriculture

By SCOTT ISON With all of the uncertainty in the world at the moment, agriculture is one industry where there is some real positivity.

Widespread rain has given us a good start to 2020 and livestock producers are among those looking to capitalise.

We tend to notice a spike in livestock movements after drought as traders find opportunities, breeders look to restock and agistment animals make their way home. These movements always come with an inherent level of risk but there are a few things you can do to be biosecurity savvy and protect your mobs from potentially devastating diseases.

The first thing to do is take a look at your farm biosecurity plan. Cattle farmers may have created one of these in 2017 when the new Johnes system was implemented or you may have one as part of Livestock Production Assurance. This document should list some of your major biosecurity risks and the steps you take to manage them.

Head to farmbiosecurity.com.au for more information and templates. Now could be a good time to review and update your plan.

I like to consider five main diseases when introducing sheep to a property. These are footrot, lice, brucellosis, worms and Johnes. When considering the risk of a new mob, you can get pretty good information from the Sheep Health Declaration.

Cattle prices spike Coronavirus panic buying has been the main cause of a spike in the cattle market in April, according to stock agents.

In recent weeks, the Finley cattle sales have yielded some of the highest market figures in history, with prices exceeding the 400c/kg mark.

With prime cuts up due to lower stock yardings and high demand, the short term of the cattle market is on an upwards trajectory.

This has resulted in an increase in demand for butchers, with butchers now buying from auctions instead of buying directly through abattoirs. ‘‘Where we were getting 200kg calves selling for $3 to $3.50 per kg liveweight, this month we have seen store cattle increase to $4 or $5 per kg liveweight,’’ Finley Saleyards president and auctioneer Nathan Everingham said.

Despite the spike there are concerns that there will be a negative change in market figures, with an impact on foreign storage expected due to the Coronavrius pandemic.

Mr Everingham said prices could decline due to the export market as well as fewer buyers at auctions,

due to gathering restrictions. ‘‘Our market relies on supply and demand. We had smaller yardings in April with many choosing to hold their stock to fatten them up over the next few months. ‘‘On top of lower yarding numbers, our attendees have dropped too with vendors and producers not allowed in, larger online sales on AuctioneersPlus have increased and will continue to do so throughout the pandemic. ‘‘Unfortunately, if our export market doesn’t increase with the potential bigger yardings, prices could go down substantially everywhere. ‘‘Our export markets in Europe and USA are storing a lot more meat and are therefore not seeking to import meat from Australia. ‘‘I believe this will cause demand to go down, I’m worried the export stock will not be handled overseas. ‘‘While we have good sales now, an influx from livestock in the coming months could flood the market and cause prices to drop. This is likely to take effect in May and June.’’

It also pays to inspect the sheep and ask some pointed questions of the previous manager where possible.

We are all learning the value of quarantine and social distancing at the moment and the same principles should be applied to new mobs of sheep.

There is plenty of good information on each of these diseases and more at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ animals-and-livestock/sheep/ health or speak to your veterinarian.

Considerations are much the same for beef cattle.

There are several common diseases that regularly cause issues in our region.

These include pestivirus, bovine respiratory disease, Johnes and reproductive disease (leptospirosis, vibriosis, trichomoniasis). Ask for a Cattle Health Declaration.

Some other diseases that occur more commonly in cattle on the coast include theileria and cattle tick.

Once again, speak to you veterinarian or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ animals-and-livestock/beefcattle/health-and-disease for more information which can be built into your biosecurity plan.

Making some informed decisions about animal diseases and biosecurity protects your bottom line and helps you meet your legislative requirements. The decisions you make now can have long lasting effects on the health of your flock or herd and potentially your neighbours.

For more information contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

■ Scott Ison (pictured) is team leader, Animal Biosecurity & Welfare, for Murray Local Land Services.

249 – 257 Barham Rd, Deniliquin Contact Les Booth on 5881 2261 or 0428 796 607

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A genuine love of the land Winter sowing season was well underway in April, as farmers scrambled to benefit from the early autumn break.

With the season comes gruelling hours, but it’s also rewarding work for farm hands like Cougar McGrath.

Mr McGrath, who works for Finley farmer Murray Urquhart, has been in the tractor most evenings and weekends to prepare up to 1200 hectares of farmland.

He discovered his love for farming during his Year 10 work experience program, which saw him spend time on his father Steve McGrath’s Finley property in April and May of 2014.

He had been living in Melbourne at the time, and the enjoyment he got from the volunteer placement inspired him to make the move back to Finley.

In Year 11 at Finley High in 2015 he opted to study agriculture and primary industry subjects, whilst working on the farm on weekends and after school when needed.

Instead of continuing on to Year 12, Mr McGrath completed a two year traineeship at his father’s farm. ‘‘During busy times when I was working for my dad I spent almost non-stop days in the tractor. ‘‘During harvesting and sowing seasons it wasn’t a matter of how long it would take but simply getting stuck in and finishing. ‘‘We also spent time mulching rice, corn and wheat stubble around Finley

■ Cougar McGrath enjoyed utilising up to date GPS technology while sowing this year. and surrounding areas with contract work. ‘‘To be honest, I loved it. I love farming, there is a sense of pride in what I do. ‘‘The variety of what I get to do on a daily basis makes farming even more interesting to me. ‘‘I’m planting crops that will feed Australia and all around the world. ‘‘Sowing is definitely my favourite job on the farm, although you go quite slow, it’s really enjoyable and fulfilling work.’’

After the family property was sold in 2017, Mr McGrath started a new apprenticeship in Finley as a mechanic.

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Later in 2018, during an end of season presentation for the Finley Cats Cricket Club, Mr Urquhart was discussing the upcoming harvest the the next season, and Mr McGrath offered his assistance.

He had wanted to get back in to farming so much, he is working on the farm after a full day in the garage. ‘‘We worked it out pretty quick at the presentation night,’’ Mr McGrath said. ‘‘He has taken into account my work commitments during the day and has even scheduled his days on the farm to help suit the hours I can work for him. ‘‘It is really enjoyable working for Murray. He has a lot of trust in me and my abilities. ‘‘In return, I do right by him and do the best I can with everything. He has a really good set up, he uses a lot more new technology and has been teaching me every step of the way. ‘‘He has been such a big help with taking the time to explain to me what his goals are and what he plans to plant where. ‘‘He respects me for the knowledge I have around the

farm and talks to me as an equal, which I think has helped me want to work much harder for him.’’

Once sowing in completed in May, Mr McGrath will move on to top dressing. ‘‘You go a lot faster when spreading than you do when sowing, so we will get through the paddocks a lot quicker. ‘‘Once all the crops are in and fertilised, we will look to get some mechanic and maintenance jobs done around the farm. ‘‘Around that time I’ll likely drop back from 13 days a fortnight to just weekend work and the occasional evening, whatever Murray needs from me.’’

While Mr McGrath aspires to one day own his own farm, he said it becoming a reality is still ‘‘a long way off’’. ‘‘I would love to run my own farm one day. ‘‘It’s something I would love doing, but I think I have a lot more to learn from all aspects of farming before I can. ‘‘That, and I would need the land on which do it, which is another obstacle.’’

High yields predicted Farmers could see one of the first good cropping seasons this year despite potentially going into a third year in a row of zero water allocation.

There has already been a higher recorded rainfall in the region this year compared to the total of 2019 and more rainfall is due during flowering months.

With higher rainfall comes deeper subsoil moisture and has set up the start of the winter cropping season to have potentially more than double last year’s crop yields.

Subsoil moisture on various farms across the region has been recorded at between 60cm to 80cm, compared to some farmers not reaching 50cm at any stage in 2019.

Local agronomist John Lacy said this level of subsoil moisture is exactly what is needed to eliminate prewatering for farmers and could save almost half the water needs for farmers who have access to carry-over water.

He said those who do not have carry-over water and

would have otherwise relied on a non-existent irrigation allocation, should not worry too much with current predictions from the Australian Government’s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), which is predicting a 70 per cent chance of exceeding 100mm of rain in Southern NSW between the months of May and July and a similar range of rainfall between June and August. ‘‘It’s important to have water during growing season which in this region is typically between April to October,’’ Mr Lacy said. ‘‘Since many of our farmers are recording more than 60cm of subsoil moisture, if crops grow well, roots can reach past the 60cm, which is something canola can easily do.’’

Logie Brae farmer Michael Agosta has had a major turnaround in subsoil this year after experiencing one of his lowest ever soil recordings in 2019 when his farm recorded one of its driest years, not even reaching 30cm of subsoil moisture.

This year he has recorded almost 80cm, and has even had his moisture gauge clog due to the depth, meaning the soil could be even deeper than 80cm.

His farm is currently supporting grazing wheat for his livestock and finished planting canola on April 24. ‘‘It is a really positive year,’’ Mr Agosta said. ‘‘It’s the complete opposite from last year and we should have a much better yield outlook. ‘‘We have the perfect conditions with the warmer weather and moist soil for canola. ‘‘We even put in grazing wheat in March that you tend to plant earlier and that has just taken off which is really good.’’

Mr Lacy said daily rainfall predicted by BOM can be inconsistent at times, but over a longer period of time it tends to be more accurate.

If the season predictions are correct, Mr Lacy said farmers can be looking at massive returns compared to the 2019 season.

Re-shape the program ‘‘Love the water but reshape the program.’’

That was the key message from Murray Irrigation when the company provided feedback about the Water for Fodder program.

Late last year the Australian Government announced 40,000ML of water savings following a deal with South Australia to run its desalination plant instead of using consumptive water from the Murray River.

MIL Chair Phil Snowden said at the time he had concerns over the program and how water savings were going to be distributed. ‘‘The program was implemented as 50ML parcels of water for $100/ML with the intended use for growing fodder.

It was well oversubscribed with around one out of five applicants successful. The most stressed irrigators in this drought are the ones with water entitlements that are on a zero or very low allocation either in Victoria or NSW. Our preference would have been to

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simply use the allocation process to distribute that saved water equitably, to those water entitlement holders,’’ Mr Snowden said.

Murray Irrigation recently provided feedback to the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment about the implementation of the program, following its call for input on how the program was rolled-out. ‘‘We respect the speed with which the Department set up this program and have provided suggestions on how to better shape the eligibility criteria, improve flexibility with how the water can be used, improvements to the application process and how to better work with the Department to streamline communications and make it easier for our customers.

We’ve made this feedback available to our shareholders through our weekly Talking Water edition and hope that it is taken on board to improve any future roll-out of this or similar programs.’’

He said the rain should keep the subsoil moisture depth where it is now all through the later stage of this year. ‘‘If we get the good crack of rain that is predicted by BOM then our crops can go from two tonne yields up to five tonnes for wheat and from half a tonne in previous years for canola, to over one and a half tonnes. ‘‘The first watering we’re expected to get in spring will be over half of what we have previously had and ideally we can keep replenishing the subsoil moisture throughout the year with rain. ‘‘For the last few years we have had less than ideal conditions for growing winter crops with shallow subsoil. ‘‘Despite August to October last year having no rain, crops had a high potential but low biomass, which meant farmers had to cut early for hay. ‘‘This year farmers should be able to finish their crops and reach high yields,’’ Mr Lacy said.

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’Farm Talk’, May 2020 — Page 13

Wide range in gross margins

By JOHN LACY The Finley Discussion Groups have benchmarked winter cropping practices and yields since the mid 80s.

Following interest from group members in gross margins (GMs) all 2019 crops have just had the GMs determined.

We are familiar with ranges in crop yields from high to low but rarely see ranges in gross margins (GM).

I was shocked by the GM range for the crops which was a result of the variation in the April to end July Growing Season Rainfall (GSR) affecting yields and the variable amount spent on costs (variable costs).

The range of the profitable dryland wheat GMs was to $875/ha to $4/ha. Four of the six highest GMs were hay crops and of these the top two were high biomass crops yielding 4.5 and 4.7t/ha hay with GMs of $609 and $644/ha.

All these crops had relatively good GSRs of 134-150mm to the end of July except for one crop which had 108mm which was cut for hay.

The range of the unprofitable gross margins (GM) was -$31/ha to -$259/ha. Yields of 1t/ha or less were unprofitable.

It was found for many of the dryland and irrigated layout wheat, barley, oat and canola crops that yield was not the main determination of GM. Farmer attitude as to how much rainfall we were going to receive after the big early May rain to the end July and then October greatly affected money spent on the crops.

Farmers who were less optimistic about the season often had 50 per cent lower variable costs compared to farmers hoping for a good season.

A non-irrigated canola hay crop yielding 2.4t/ha had a variable cost of $395/ha and GM $205/ha compared to two other canola hay crops with

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similar hay yields which had variable costs of $683/ha and $684/ha and both GMs/ha were negative.

The range in GM/ha for Spring irrigated wheat crops was $867-$177/ha. The GM/ ML range after deducting the dryland wheat GM/ha was $723-$118/ha. The highest GMs were related to crops using MIL water efficiency water which the groups costed at $35/ML. Crops watered with market water costing $260-$600/ML had gross margins/ha of $783 to $177/ha.

The range in non- irrigated wheat layout crops was $444/ha to $1/ha.

This season the group

farmers will be able to benchmark practices, yields and GMs and see how yields link to GMs. Press Disclaimer: The information in this article has been prepared in good faith based on available information and farmer feedback. John Lacy Consulting accepts no responsibility for any person acting on the advice expressed or implied in the document and disclaims all liability for any loss arising from any person relying on the information contained in the document.

■ John Lacy is an independent agriculture consultant based in Finley.

Fox Dog Lotto winner Betty Wallace, from Booroorban, is Murray Local Land Services final weekly Fox Dog Lotto winner for the autumn fox baiting period.

Betty, who has been fox baiting in the region for the past 30 years, received a bag of dog food as the weekly prize and has been entered in the draw for the major prize of $2000 credit at a rural merchant of the winner’s choice.

The Wallace family run a Merino sheep flock on their property and have found that controlling foxes has had many benefits to their enterprise.

When Betty and her husband Mac first arrived at their property, North Run, the normal expected lambing survival percentages were about 60 per cent.

When this plummeted to 20 per cent, Betty knew that something had to be done. ‘‘After fox baiting twice a year,

■ Betty Wallace with her Fox Dog Lotto prize. the percentages jumped straight away to over 100 per cent,’’ she said.

Better management processes also contributed to the improvement, but the Wallaces feel that the big increases are a result of Betty’s fox baiting.

Besides the obvious economic benefits, the family is also delighted at the positive impacts it has had on biodiversity. ‘‘There was also an explosion of ground birds and native animals, which all improve our environment,’’ Betty said.

Betty continues to bait each au-

tumn and spring and has until recently been the longstanding group baiting coordinator in the Booroorban area.

Dedicated coordinators across the region work to rally their neighbours to participate in group baiting and ensure better coverage in their areas.

The major prize winner of Fox Dog Lotto is announced each year at the Henty Field Days.

All purchases of baits to control foxes and wild dogs during the year are automatically entered into the draw.

Foxes active after rain April rain has provided a great soaking for paddocks, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also prompted the pest fox populations to move about.

Murray Local Land Services regional pest animal coordinator John Nolan said the animals have been quite active in recent weeks after a quiet spell, which proves the importance of adequate control measures.

Biosecurity staff continue to work closely with local group baiting coordinators, farmers and public land managers to administer the Feral Fighters program. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Luckily we got most of the baiting programs finished before the Coronavirus restrictions came in,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mr Nolan said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We have really busy this autumn working with landholders. . . numbers appeared to have dropped away during

the drought but we are getting reports of young foxes moving around. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;There was some breeding last winter and things are on the move again so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really working closely with landholders to try and get on top of foxes across the landscape and stop them from becoming a big problem again.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mr Nolan said that Murray LLS is looking to carry out monitoring programs across the Murray region to get baseline data on fox numbers.

He added this will be a tough task though, with foxes being difficult to track. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really tricky animals and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not really like a rabbit where there are a lot of signs,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Foxes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave many signs apart from scats and

the occasional den here and there.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; This autumn about 20,000 fox baits have gone out across the Murray region, with Mr Nolan saying it was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hard to gaugeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; exactly how many foxes have been controlled. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;There have possibly been 10,000 to 15,000,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of dead foxes across the landscape and a lot of successful coordinated group baiting programs. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Spring is the next time we get the fox baiting group program which coincides System with breeding.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Mastitis resistance Australian dairy farmers can now breed specifically for Mastitis Resistance, a trait which delivers animal welfare and economic benefits.

The Mastitis Resistance Australian Breeding Value (ABV) is one of eight new or updated health and type traits released by DataGene â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an initiative of Dairy Australia â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in April.

These include: â&#x2014;? Calving Ease (updated) â&#x2014;? Gestation Length (new) â&#x2014;? Mastitis Resistance (new) â&#x2014;? Overall Type (updated) â&#x2014;? Dairy Strength (new) â&#x2014;? Feet and Legs (new) â&#x2014;? Rump (new)

â&#x2014;? Mammary (updated) â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The new type traits complete the set of composite traits and this means farmers have an overview of an animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strengths for rump, feet and legs as well as dairy strength,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; DataGeneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Michelle Axford said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The new and updated type breeding values are published for Holsteins, Red Breeds Guernseys and Ayrshires. Type ABVs are unchanged for Jerseys. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The new ABVs are the result of DairyBio research, drawing upon records supplied by Ginfo herds,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; she said.

While foxes were at the forefront, Mr Nolan said it was also important to keep control of pests like rabbits. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the things that are a bit of a worry,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he said. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rabbits are breeding up; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll breed when conditions are good and when there is green grass around. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Like fox baiting, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re encouraging landholders to get together in groups, talk to us so we can organise equipment to help with the baiting program and provide support.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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