FARMtalk NOVEMBER 2020
Magazine
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Advertising & Editorial Deadlines December/January Edition: November 30, 2020 February Edition: January 29, 2021 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
Cosy with cotton Glen Baxter first converted part of the family enterprise at Jerilderie to sow cotton in 2011 and has never looked back.
August Edition: July 31, 2021 September Edition: August 31, 2021 October Edition: September 30, 2021 November Edition: October 30, 2021
Leesa Muir
C
otton is commonly grown in northern regions of NSW, but based on the success
a neighbour was having with the crop the Baxters decided to branch out. Its growing season lasts approximately six months, sown in September to October and harvested from the end of March or start of April.
Prior to 2011 the Baxters focused on traditional Southern Riverina crops like grain, corn and canola. In their first cotton year the family grew 100ha. “It is actually easier than you think to change to a cotton crop, as it is sown similarly to corn,” Glen said. “As it was our first year growing it, we were questioning whether it was the right thing for us
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SEE PAGE 5 FOR ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL CONTACT DETAILS Information contained in this magazine is presented only after being carefully researched. However, there are differences in state and regional regulations and conditions. Farmers are asked to check with their own advisors. FARMtalk can assume no responsibility for the contents.
JERILDERIE, NSW
to do and whether our neighbours had grown it the correct way.” Glen quickly learned the keys to success for cotton, and now plants up to 650ha each year. He has 370ha in this year, and said this season has delivered one of the best starts to cotton he has had since 2011. That is thanks to the combination of warm and wet weather, he said. “Up north you look for weather greater than 14 degrees, but for us we just look for a rising plain in the weather which usually occurs in early October. “We looked ahead for a few days of warm weather and got it all in and watered within a week and a half. “The first 48 hours are the most important for growing cotton. If it is too cold or we get a frost we have to re-sow. “This year has been the best start to the germination process I’ve ever seen. “We planted round-up ready cotton. We just finished spraying (in late October) and added fungicide to help it out.” If the start to the cotton season was not enough, Glen said the cotton market is also looking very
promising this year. The family enterprise has managed to pre-sell six bales already. “With the price of water, we generally want anything over $500 a bale. Anything under that and it would not be worth growing,” Glen said. “On average we aim for 11 bails per hectare, and after expenses we aim for more than $1500/ha. “In a really good year we can get up to $2000/ha. “Growing cotton is also more efficient on water use than rice; we can grow it at nine megalitres per hectare.” When their cotton is harvested into modules it will be transported to a RivCott Gin which they part own, where it will be baled. Each module of cotton can produce four 227kg bales, which are then sold to different companies. About a tonne of seed by product is also produced per module as a result of the gin process, which is sold for stock feed at about $300/t. Glen manages both ‘North Columbo’ and ‘Natharang’ near Jerilderie in partnership with his wife Fiona, brother Noel and Noel’s wife Amy. Also planted this year is 70ha of corn and 50ha
NOVEMBER 2020
FARMtalk • 3
sorghum seed, and there is 3200ha of canola to be harvested. “We all have various roles that cross over quite a bit,” Glen said. “I usually organise the cotton and canola and Noel organises the corn. “We will be double cropping about 550ha of our irrigated canola crops with corn so it will be a busy period until Christmas for us.”
“Growing cotton is also more efficient on water use than rice; we can grow it at nine megalitres per hectare.” GLEN BAXTER
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NOVEMBER 2020
FARMtalk • 5
Parrot watch District residents are being asked to document and observe the superb parrot to ensure the conservation of its species.
T
here has been just two reported sightings in the Riverina this year, both along the Riverina Hwy near Savernake in April. Murray Local Land Services is now asking locals to help monitor the parrot species by sharing all sightings. The birds’ breeding season started in spring and will continue into summer. They can normally be found nesting in the hollows of large River Red Gums alongside the Murray, Edward and Murrumbidgee Rivers. The distinguishable bird is predominantly bright grass-green with a long, narrow tail. Males have yellow foreheads and throats and a red crescent that separates the throat from the green breast and belly. Females are slightly duller green and have a light blue wash in place of the males’ red and yellow markings. Whilst the females are nesting, flocks of males feed together and travel back and forth between the nesting trees and foraging areas (which can be up to 10 km away).
According to Murray LLS, the Riverina population tends to remain relatively localised to their river red gum breeding areas during breeding. They will then move into the woodlands and associated shrublands of the plains and Riverina watercourses in the cooler nonbreeding months. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) threatened species team is working with the community to collect population and distribution information. All information contributes to the understanding of movements, annual numbers and conservation and management of the superb parrot. Community members who site the bird are being asked to monitor its arrival and departure, nesting location and where and what they are eating. Other behavioural information may also be important to the research. To register as a conservation community member and to log sightings, visit https://biocollect.ala. org.au/acsa/project/index/17a7871e15cd-43a3-b349-1161778b0aed.
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 Sarah Bain, Display & Digital Marketing P: 03 5883 1033 E: sarah.bain@southernriverinanews.com.au Jenny Binion, Display & Digital Marketing P: 02 6033 1104 E: advertising@corowafreepress.com.au
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AERIAL APPLICATION Servicing the Southern Riverina & Northern Victoria Phone - Jason Neutze: 0429 337 341 | Operations: 02 - 6954 6777 - 0499 220 981 Phone the Office (03) 5886 1228 | Email: operations@masagwork.net.au www.masagwork.net.au
IT’S TIME TO FULLY OPEN THE NSW-VICTORIA BORDER In October, we saw 40,000 people attend the NRL Grand Final in Sydney. Yet country people have to get a permit to visit a dying relative. It’s completely unfair and ridiculous. Our businesses and communities have suffered enough. There are hardly any Covid-19 cases in regional Victoria or regional NSW. My office is constantly lobbying the NSW Liberals and Nationals to open the border. For more information, follow my Facebook page, Helen Dalton MP. Helen Dalton MP for Murray Authorised by Helen Dalton MP, Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.
www.helendalton.com.au
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P 03 5881 7034 • E murray@parliment.nsw.gov.au • 228 Cressy Street, Deniliquin NSW 2710
NOVEMBER 2020
FARMtalk • 7
Above average Meat & Livestock Australia is predicting a late 2020 boost to the Australian sheep market, and particularly for sucker lambs. It will in part be driven by high demand from Southern Riverina farmers looking to restock for summer, local agents say.
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LA recorded a national increase in sucker yarding numbers in mid-October compared to the same time a year earlier. National lamb yardings totalled 284,623 head for the week ending October 16, which was 17 per cent higher than the same period in 2019. Rains did cause a dip toward the end of October across the state but MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service noted a growth of 50c/kg on sucker lambs as a result. Local saleyards reflected the trend, with yardings reducing in size throughout October. At the Finley Saleyards, a 4700 lambs and 880 sheep yarding on October 12 dropped to a combined total of 3500 by October 27. Finley Elders stock and station agent Greg McNamara said the drop indicated that sucker lambs were in short supply by those sales. “We will see smaller yardings coming to the end of the seller season. We usually have light lambs purchased in autumn and then sold in spring,” he said. “Farmers will now look to restock on light lambs to make use of stubble over summer.
“But because it has been a good season everywhere it will be hard to find lambs that are light enough to buy. “Often lamb producers will carry these younger or lighter lambs over, and buy more lambs in to boost their numbers. “Those that are not old enough or heavy enough to be sold will be shorn and carried over the summer to be fattened and sold in the autumn or early winter next year.” Mr McNamara said the short supply is helping to drive up prices, which were above historical averages at Finley for both October sales. In Finley on October 12 the 423 lambs sold to an average of $164.38, with a top of $198. The normal price range is between $143 to $172. An average of $164.38 was recorded from the 4283 suckers sold at the same sale, and a top of $228. Prices for suckers are usually between $140 and $182. The 882 mutton yarded averaged $173.75, and generally go for between $122 to $209.
“Farmers will now look to restock on light lambs to make use of stubble over summer.” GREG McNAMARA
Mr McNamara said the trend in pricing should remain stable in the Southern Riverina, but finding store lambs will be difficult due to demand. He said local farmers should be able to counter the low stock levels with on-farm breading. “Farmers who stocked up on ewes over the last 12 months can rely on their own breeding programs which should keep our local market stable,” he said. “I think we will continue to yard between 3000 and 4000, with maybe a short drop below 3000 in summer.”
Murray Local Land Services SUSTAINABILITY HOW SUSTAINABLE IS YOUR FARM? Running a sustainable farm makes sense, but how do you prove you are? How do you measure sustainability? And what are the benefits to implementing sustainable practices? Sustainability credentials frameworks could be the answer. Murray Local Land Services has partnered with SunRice, the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia and Riverina Local Land Services on a project to develop a rice industry sustainability framework. The project will highlight growers’ quality product and environmental stewardship. Not a rice grower? Not a problem! Many Australian agricultural industries are developing similar sustainability frameworks. With consumers increasingly seeking brands that use good environmental practices, it makes sense to demonstrate that you’re caring for your land. In fact, incorporating sustainability credentials into your farm will show that you are ethical, environmentally and socially responsible.
IT’S MORE PAPERWORK, RIGHT? WRONG! If you’re already busy, the greatest barrier might be the thought of extra paperwork. But you’re probably already doing many of the things required – keeping cropping and spraying records, for example – and are already well on the way. Want to know more? Our website has more information, and you’ll also find two short animated videos that explain the system. Go to: lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/murray/programs-and-projects/ sustainability-credentials
Benefits •
Increased productivity and environmental health
•
Improved worker safety, business integrity and consumer confidence
•
Greater bargaining power when selling produce
•
Access to premium markets and improved investor interest
•
Pride in the knowledge you are doing the right thing and meeting best management practices.
Murray Local Land Services P: 03 5881 9900 (Deniliquin) 03 5886 2100 (Jerilderie 02 6051 2200 (Albury)
This project is supported by Murray Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/murray
NOVEMBER 2020
FARMtalk • 9
Spring in and control flystrike
It’s the time of year when flies, and therefore flystrike, start to become a big problem for sheep.
T
his year is shaping up to be especially bad, as the warm, moist conditions favour the breeding of the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina. This pretty, green fly has a pretty nasty habit of snacking on sheep, making it the scourge of sheep producers across the land. I have already had reports of strikes happening during winter, when fly numbers are usually low. Producers have also reported strikes in goats and dorpers, which don’t normally have a high flystrike risk. As we move into the traditional fly-breeding period, we are likely to see more flies, which means a higher risk of fly-struck sheep. So, what options do you have to control these pests and limit strike in your sheep? In the long term, the industry is moving towards breeding sheep that are less susceptible to flystrike. Wrinkles, breech cover and dags all increase the moisture on the skin, which attracts the flies. Using tools such as the Australian Sheep Breeding Values when choosing your rams helps you select the future genetics of your flock.
“Controlling the risk of flystrike leads to better health and welfare outcomes for your sheep as well as more money in your pocket.” LINDA SEARLE
By breeding away from these traits, you end up with sheep more resistant to strike. This won’t fix your problem tomorrow, but the sooner you start, the sooner you will see results. Management strategies can also play an important part of strike prevention. Control dags by treating underlying causes such as worms or bacterial diarrhoea. Think about the timing of shearing and crutching.
Modifications to the breech area such as tail docking and mulesing are also tools used to decrease the susceptibility to strike. Chemical control can also be used to treat or prevent flystrike. As flies can develop resistance to chemicals, it is best to use an integrated management plan rather than relying on chemical alone. Different products are used in different situations, such as long- or short-woolled sheep. It is important to take into account the withholding periods - for meat and the wool harvest interval when choosing a product. More information can be obtained from your local vet or on the flyboss website. Monitor sheep closely, especially during highrisk fly periods, and treat struck sheep quickly. Controlling the risk of flystrike leads to better health and welfare outcomes for your sheep as well as more money in your pocket. Linda Searle (pictured) is a district veterinarian with Murray Local Land Services.
ELDERS RURAL REAL ESTATE DENILIQUIN RECENTLY SOLD ‘Rooirand’ Berrigan ‘ONE OF THE BERRIGAN DISTRICTS FINEST IRRIGATION HOLDINGS’
SOLD D SOL ‘Chellew Aggregation’ Finley
D SOL ‘Mundagil South’ Deniliquin
D SOL ‘Coolabray Park’ Finley
D SOL ‘West Waialda’ Deniliquin
D SOL
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D SOL ‘Caringa’ Deniliquin
‘Nulabor Cottage’ Hay
D SOL
‘Camden Gums’ Deniliquin
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‘Deniliquin Abattoir’ Deniliquin
D SOL
‘Oklahoma’ Deniliquin
18934 Riverina Highway Blighty
FOR SALE eldersrealestate.com.au
eldersrealestate.com.au
‘WHELA PARK’ Finley, NSW | 226.6 HA / 560 AC
‘UROLEY PARK’ & ‘OLD YANKO PARK’ Narrandera, NSW | 526.4 HA
Prime Breeding and Fattening Country with Extensive Yanco Creek Frontage
A Mixed Farming Property With Good Improvements • 226.6 ha*/560 ac* situated 20 km north west of Finley via bitumen roads • Beautifully presented 30 square B/V home with enclosed entertainment area and modern comforts • Extensive shedding including 100 x 40 ft machinery, 30 x 15 ft workshop and 30 x 50 ft hay sheds • 2 stand electric shearing shed with adjoining yards, steel cattle yards with crush and loading facilities • Good working improvements including a silo complex with 320 tonnes storage, 15,000 Ltr bulk diesel tank • Fertile soils consisting of red loams running north into red to grey clay loams suitable for rice production
• Secure water supply via MIL with 5 Water and 814 Delivery Entitlements, access to district drainage • Presenting with good building and working infrastructure, an ideal first farm, add on or agri investment
*Denotes approximate
Auction via AuctionsPlus online platform Date Friday 11th December, 11.00am Matt Horne 0409 355 733 Elders Deniliquin 03 5890 5100 eldersrealestate.com.au/22588079
Matthew Horne Real Estate Manager & Water Broker M: 0409 355 733 E: matt.horne@elders.com.au
Lot 1: ‘Uroley Park’ 99 Molly’s Lagoon Road, Narrandera – 326.2 ha or 806 ac • 4 bed weatherboard home, master with ensuite, ducted reverse cycle, parklike gardens and surrounds • Extensive shedding including machinery, hay, 2 stand shearing shed with adjoining yards • 15kw solar system, ample rain water storage, stock and domestic bore, trough system • Yanco Creek frontage with water access licence, good shelter and quality permanent pastures • A substantial quantity of brickies sand with test results available upon request Lot 2: ‘Old Yanko Park’ Sturt Highway, Narrandera – 200.2 ha or 495 ac • 2.5 km (approx.) frontage to the Yanco Creek, building permit and 3 phase power • Electric stock and domestic bore feeding a tank and trough watering system
• Machinery/hay shed, good livestock facilities with cattle and sheep yards • Undulating loams running down onto creek flats with shelter belts • 7ML S&D Entitlement, water access licence available for irrigation purposes • Ideally located just 24 km west of Narrandera, 24 km south of Leeton, 75 km south east of Griffith
Expressions of Interest
as a whole or in two contingent lots Closing Wednesday 25th November For full details and documentation please contact John Dalton 0407 549 703 Matt Horne 0409 355 733 Elders Griffith 02 6969 2900 eldersrealestate.com.au/22546784
Elders Rural Deniliquin 351 Albert Street, Deniliquin NSW 2710 P: 03 5890 5100
COROWA, NSW
$9.2m Corowa Saleyards’ upgrade
NOVEMBER 2020
FARMtalk • 11
Corowa Saleyards is to undergo a $9.2 million upgrade, which was welcomed by speakers, Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke, Corowa President of Associated Stock Agents Steve Grantham and Member for Albury Justin Clancy.
The announcement of funding for Corowa Saleyards opening “will help local businesses create new jobs, boost trade and attract investment”.
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ember for Albury Justin Clancy made the comment on Friday, October 9, announcing $9.2 million NSW State Government funding for major upgrades for Corowa Saleyards. Significant infrastructure upgrades and the installation of new technology at the Corowa Saleyards will expand the precinct, which will improve facilities, improve animal welfare and teach young people practical skills. “A new roof will be built over the existing facility to protect stock, staff and visitors from extreme weather conditions while a new water catchment system, upgraded lighting system and solar power will help reduce costs,” Mr Clancy said. “The project includes the construction of a new multi-purpose learning centre in a partnership with New South Wales TAFE, which will provide young people with the opportunity to learn practical skills that will help them find a job in the agriculture sector. “The expansion and upgrade of the existing truck wash facility and the construction of a new commercial weigh station will also provide added
“The project includes the construction of a new multi-purpose learning centre in a partnership with NSW TAFE, which will provide young people with the opportunity to learn practical skills that will help them find a job in the agriculture sector.” JUSTIN CLANCY, MEMBER FOR ALBURY
convenience and safety to truck operators using the facility.” President of Corowa Association Selling Agents Steve Grantham welcomed the big news. “This announcement is a great result. A lot of hard work has gone in, especially over the last five or six years, to reach this situation.” Mr Grantham mentioned all the big, exciting proposed changes including the roof to cover an area of 19,000sqm and said anyone associated with the saleyards will welcome the upgrades. Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said the funding will ensure the strategic vision for “this
fantastic facility” can continue to be bought to fruition. Located on Honour Avenue, on the north-east outskirts of Corowa, the saleyards conduct sales on each Monday starting at 10am, attracting agents, farmers and members of the general public. A number of special sales are also held throughout the year. This highly successful facility is the fourth largest sheep and lamb livestock exchange facility in NSW.
OCTOBER 2020
12 • FARMtalk
Sweet success The persimmon may not be the most common fruit grown in Australia but its popularity is certainly on the rise. The bright orange exotic has been grown in China for centuries and while the original strain was very astringent in taste, the sweeter variety has proved to be quite popular and far more widely grown. Chris Stillard has a 6ha persimmon orchard on his 160ha Barooga farm, ‘Marboc’. Much of the other area is set aside to grow lucerne, and he said the two enterprises combine remarkably well. “The lucerne and the orchard activities don’t clash. By the time I finish cutting and baling, it’s time to start picking. “I’ll be harvesting lucerne up until Christmas, and after the break I can focus on the persimmons so it works out perfectly.” Mr Stillard’s persimmons mature in late April to May, although across Australia the picking season starts anywhere from mid-March and finish in the depths of winter, around late June. “They are not hard to grow but the challenge is in getting good quality, commercial sized fruit with no marks or damage from bugs or fruit fly over that long production period,” he said. “It’s really fulfilling and a big confidence booster when we get feedback from buyers on our product.
“It’s something we take pride in, providing a good product gives the market, seller and us a boost.” The long maturing season sees the fruit demand more water than stone fruit. Mr Stillard estimated in a normal year he pours about 89 megalitres per hectare on the trees. He said that volume has increased this year due to the dry conditions. Much of ‘Marboc’ has a slightly sodic sandy loam and heavy clay soils with a pH around 5.5. In a normal year it receives about 450mm of mostly winter rain. “Our yield this year is looking good. Apart from some small hail damage the fruit is growing nicely. “We have good fruit soil in Barooga, and it’s good for other crops too.” Mr Stillard mainly grows sweet persimmons — Jiro, which ripens earlier (late April to mid-May), and Fuyu (May to June). Planting distances for persimmons vary. Dwarf cultivars can be planted at 5m by 2.5m, or 800 trees per hectare, and semi-dwarf cultivars such as Fuyu at 5m by 3m, or 660 trees per hectare.
BAROOGA, NSW Trees can reach 15m in height, but Mr Stillard said he keeps his at 4m for easy harvesting. “We prune twice a year, when the plant is dormant in winter, and a few months before picking in January and February.” Mini sprinklers are used for irrigation, watering mainly from September to May. All trees are grown on a trellis structure. “This helps me to generally manage my trees better and it does mean that I can get a commercial crop quicker. I have found the tree structure and the wires help support fruit load. “Trellising might be a lot more expensive to set up, but you do get an earlier return on your money.” Mr Stillard’s orchard yields about 17t/ha on average, and can gross up to $80,000/ha on a good year. Persimmons tend to be a biannual bearing crop, which means they crop heavy one year and less the next. Trees take up to five years from planting to bear fruit, and to ensure the security and longevity of his farm, Mr Stillard has trees ranging from three years old to 25 years. “The key is to monitor the fruiting of the older trees. We don’t replace them but cut them back. “There’s nothing better for producing good fruit than a young tree.” Last season the business planted another 1500 trees in addition to the 5000 mature trees already established in the orchard. Another hectare of trees will be added in 2021. The seasonal conditions play a large role in the production of persimmons, with cold weather finishing a crop as it nears maturity in the Southern Riverina. Cooler temperatures help
to colour and add flavour to the fruit. Although the cold nights are essential for their ripening and appearance, like most fruits they are at high risk of frost damage. “One year we did lose a lot, maybe 100 tonnes of fruit, when we had an early frost in October. That was a loss of $250,000.” That prompted a $60,000 investment in a frost fan, which can protect about 16ha. The Baroogagrown fruit is supplied to markets in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Mr Stillard also offers a limited export run of his production to Singapore and Malaysia. He said buyers also send some of his product to the Middle East region. There are about 80 persimmon growers Australia wide, and Mr Stillard described his business as middle-sized. “My uncle began growing persimmons after a lot of research about 25 years ago,” Mr Stillard said. “When he retired, I leased the place for five years and then took over the management.” “The bulk of lucerne hay I produce is sold to dairy farmers, but I also do a small number of small square bales for the horse market. “I prefer horticulture. It sounds simple enough, but it is really rewarding when you get good customer satisfaction.” And if the farm did not keep Mr Stillard busy enough, he was recently elected to the NSW Farmers Association board. In 2019 he was also elected president of Persimmons Australia Inc, the peak industry body representing persimmon growers across Australia.
NOVEMBER 2020
FARMtalk • 13
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NOVEMBER 2020
FARMtalk • 15
Rural trend Property interest in the Riverina has spiked during the Coronavirus pandemic, with real estate agents experiencing a significant increase in enquiry from city dwellers looking for a tree change. Lower density living, affordability, lifestyle and the increasing awareness of working from home are just some of the reasons more people are considering the move.
C
orowa Paull & Scollard Nutrient Ag Solutions real estate consultant Brian O’Shea said that interest should merge in to an influx of people from Melbourne coming to the Riverina to make purchases once restrictions are lifted. “While we have had plenty of interest in Melbourne, they haven’t been able to come up and inspect properties and unlike a lot of other industries, you can’t sell property online,” Mr O’Shea said. “We have had plenty of enquiries from people living in Sydney and Canberra too. So, it’s not just Melbourne.” A recent report by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) on population movement has found an increasing flow of people are moving away from capital cities to regional areas. The latest census shows that between 2011 and 2016, regional Australia attracted 65,000 more new residents than the capital cities. RAI believes the pandemic will help the trend continue. However, border property exchange director at Corowa Emma Webb said COVID-19 is not the only reason for the recent spike in interest. “It’s been lifestyle choice to come here (the Corowa district) for quite a few years now,” she said. “Our vacancy rate is less than one percent, and the prices for rental properties is up by 30 to 40 dollars more than this time last year. “What’s driving the market now is the lack of listings. “There is more buyer demand per property, so it has created more competition.”
Deniliquin Nutrient Ag Solutions real estate consultant James Sides said changes in water availability and solid commodity prices offers a position of safety for investors looking at regional Australia. “Investing funds in a real property asset with strong returns has seen the continual uptrend in property prices,” Mr Sides said. “Water allocations trending up have also added additional positivity to the very strong market. “Supply and demand is having a positive impact on the market with limited properties for sale and obviously very strong demand. “Mixed farming and livestock properties are in demand, particularly properties that exhibit easy access to water and scale of operation. “The market is being driven by local direct and indirect neighbours which is very encouraging for further increases in land prices.” Deniliquin Elders real estate manager and water broker Matt Horne said land values have been trending upwards due to historically low interest
rates, in addition to the favourable seasonal conditions, improved water allocations and commodity prices. “This, coupled with water allocations and affordable temporary water, has given farmers confidence and the ability to plan cropping and livestock programs knowing that there is a satisfactory margin for their efforts,” Mr Horne said. Mr Horne said farmers are also looking to expand their current enterprises, and believes the market trend will continue into 2021. “We have had country abutting the Murrumbidgee River in Hay sell to graziers looking for lifestyle opportunities, and timber plantations being acquired for long term timber and milling practices. “We have also sold local properties to local farmers expanding their existing operations. “I anticipate demand for farmland will continue well into 2021 and believe the present is an ideal time for those who are considering exiting or retiring from farming to sell in a strong and vibrant market.”
“I anticipate demand for farmland will continue well into 2021 and believe the present is an ideal time for those who are considering exiting or retiring from farming to sell in a strong and vibrant market.” MATT HORNE
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NOVEMBER 2020
FARMtalk • 17
Tactical grazing The agricultural areas of the Murray LLS region are as diverse as they are large. From snow-capped peaks of the Snowy Mountains in the upper Murray, to the rolling plains of the far-west – our area is certainly varied, changeable and charming.
T
he semi-arid rangelands of the north-west of the region are vast areas predominately grazed by sheep – with cattle, goats and kangaroos also foraging on the fertile plains. These grasslands are a mix of native and introduced species, annuals and perennials, shrubs, grasses and forbs, and have a diversity of species only truly appreciated by those who live and work in these areas. Whilst this diversity is a great strength, it can also make managing these areas extremely challenging. Just consider some of the challenges these rangelands offer-up, including managing a range of: •
Annual and perennial grasses and native shrubs – all of which have different growth patterns and rates, are often productive and setting seed at different times of the year (and in response to rainfall)
•
In some instances native invasive species
•
Animal production needs (quantity and quality of pastures, supplementary feeding, production or maintenance feeding)
•
Groundcover objectives (for production as well as to minimise erosion)
•
Water supplies which are often poor quality and not ideally located for grazing livestock
•
Seasonally high fuel loads
•
Rabbits and goats
These challenges in themselves are not uncommon to other graziers across our region – but when you combine it with generally low (and highly variable and unreliable) rainfall, extremes of temperature, additional grazing pressure from kangaroos and goats, highly variable and fragile soils, problems associated with grass seed contamination, (need I go on?), then you can start to get a sense of just
how complex and challenging managing our semirangeland areas can be. Let alone trying to make some money, and hopefully leaving the country in better condition for future generations. No easy ask at all! In this highly variable environment, there is no single recipe that graziers should implement. Rather, the approach should be more strategic and tactical, considering: •
Establishing some objective(s) for your overall property and individual paddocks (such as maximising (short-term) productivity, maintaining paddocks which are in good condition, or trying to restore or regenerate paddocks that are degraded)
•
Developing some strategies which allow you to capitalise on opportunities (such as a good season) or minimise problems (such as drought) when they arise
•
•
Observing how plants (and the animals grazing them) are responding to grazing and the weather conditions, and alter your management (such as stocking rates, stock removal at seeding etc) in a timely response to what you observe (and in line with your overall strategy) Monitoring the results of your management – and changing something if it is either not working or not meeting your overall objective(s).
In reality, the ideal management required for a particular paddock may not be achievable at any one time, and may vary both within and between seasons and years. But because of the fragile and highly variable nature of grazing in the semi-arid rangelands, the consequences of decisions on the financial performance of your business, and the land, water and forage resources you manage, can be significant.
Balancing these (often) competing factors can be difficult. However, implementing this ‘tactical’ approach to grazing can help producers make better decisions, allow compromises to be made (knowing what the outcomes are likely to be) and result in better outcomes for the grazing business and the natural resource base. To gain a better understanding of how this tactical grazing can be implemented, a group of graziers from the Jerilderie district recently completed a two-day workshop. The workshop entitled ‘Tactical Grazing Management’ was run by NSW DPI in conjunction with Murray LLS, and provided producers with some important principles and concepts to consider around managing the rangelands, including: •
Identifying key plant and shrub species, and what role they play
•
The importance of groundcover
•
Managing different species, understanding the productivity and nutritional value of different species, and the needs of the livestock
•
Understanding the concept of total grazing pressure
•
The importance of monitoring to determine what impact(s) management decisions are having.
If other producers in the Murray LLS area are interested to find out more about managing their rangelands, or wish to take part in one of the workshops, they are encouraged to contact Adrian Smith at the Deniliquin office of Murray LLS – ph: 03 5881 9900. Adrian Smith is senior lands services officer – mixed farming with Murray Local Land Services.
Celebrity Chef’s
choice
“We grow high-quality Murray cod in open ponds (or dams) on the Murray-Darling Basin river system.” LYNSEY REILLY
Riverina grown cod is a favourite of celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal.
NOVEMBER 2020
FARMtalk • 19
The demand for Riverina grown cod is growing, which will lead to a significant expansion for Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod.
T
he Riverina based company produces premium, pond-grown Murray cod and will soon add an additional 35 ponds to its super-site at Whitton. There are already 32 ponds at the site, and the company also has a farm at Griffith and hatcheries at Grong Grong and Euberta. The company utilises man-made ponds that mimic the natural environment to provide the fish with best growing conditions. Corporate affairs manager Lynsey Reilly said the approach allows the company to supply luxuriously farmed Murray cod. “We have created a better fish with an industryleading system, custom-designed specifically to grow Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod,” she said. “Our award-winning farms have a verticallyintegrated approach to breeding, growing and supplying sustainably-farmed freshwater fish.” With an increasing appetite for the iconic Murray cod, Aquna has responded by developing a versatile ingredient that gives chefs new and flexible ways of including white-fleshed Murray cod on the menu. The process starts in the hatcheries, utilising hand-selected broodstock to breed the best fish. The fish are grouped in age and genetic lines and, once the fish are weaned, they go to the nursery. Fish in the nursery are graded every three weeks and stock of the same size are kept in recirculated tanks, where they are held until they are ready for the grow out farm. The grow out farm is the final stage, and here the fish are fed daily and are checked for good health.
“This is the important growth phase for the final product and they will stay in the ponds until they reach market size, which can vary,” Mrs Reilly said. “We sell Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod in various grades from about plate size (700 grams), right through to roughly 4kg. “We harvest by hand with nets, and the fish go directly into an ice slurry.” Mrs Reilly said the key to ensuring a high quality product is to accurately simulate the natural environment. “We grow high-quality Murray cod in open ponds (or dams) on the Murray-Darling Basin river system. “We believe these ideal conditions make our cod the best-tasting on the market. “Through our innovation, we can guarantee the size and quality of the product that has a mild flavour, without the earthy taste usually associated with wild freshwater fish. “Our vision is to make sustainably-farmed Murray cod the fine-dining fish of choice in Australasia and around the globe. “Our mission is to produce great-tasting Murray cod, fully traceable from pond to plate, in a way that’s respectful to the environment, our growers, and community.” Such is the reputation of Aquna’s product, its Riverina grown cod is a favourite of celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal. And he’s not only an advocate for the company, he’s a shareholder too and some of his recipes using cod can be found on Aquna’s website – www. aquna.com.
249 – 257 Barham Rd, Deniliquin Contact Les Booth on 5881 2261 or 0428 796 607
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The second year of the irrigated pasture legume trials in the Murray Valley has given a clearer indication on the suitability of several species. We are wanting to determine both the productivity and persistence of species on the main soil types of the region.
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NOVEMBER 2020
FARMtalk • 21
Irrigated pasture legume performance A
summary of the main lessons to date are:
Variety Characteristics
Longhaul balansa
•
Highest autumn producing species include snail medic, biserrula (loam soils), vetch, Antas subclover, Persian clovers (e.g. Shaftal) and gland clover.
•
Highest spring producing species include arrowleaf clover (outstanding variety), biserrula, Antas subclover and purple clover.
The following summarises the observations on the performance of several species included in the trials. It does not include individual comments on their feed quality as testing indicated that all varieties had very high autumn feed values (i.e. high ME, high percentage of protein, high digestibility).
Longhaul is a longer season balansa that performed very well in the second year on both grey clay and red loam soils. Autumn production was quite low in the first year but was substantially better in the second year, probably due to higher plant populations following the good seed set.
•
Varieties that did well in the first year but failed to adequately regenerate the second year included snail medic, biserrula, purple clover, Maral Persian (i.e. Shaftal) and yellow serradella.
•
Most species are less tolerant than sub clover to a range of broadleaf selective herbicides, so a weed-free seed bed is required.
•
Species that set seed aerially (as opposed to sub clover which buries its seed) need to be grazed conservatively the first spring in order to obtain a satisfactory seed set.
Antas Subclover Antas consistently produced higher autumn and spring growth than Trikkala at all sites. It has a reputation for poor regeneration in the second year, but that has not been our experience. It gave the highest annual production in the second year of all varieties on both grey clay and red loam soils.
Arrowleaf Clover Arrowleaf consistently gave the highest spring production at all fully irrigated sites, substantially out producing all other species. The high spring production means it has a high annual production despite its very low autumn growth rates.
Biserrula Biserrula performed well in the first year in both autumn and spring on loam soils. It has a short, compact canopy which makes it more suitable to sheep than cattle. While it sets a substantial amount of seed, regeneration in the second year is very poor, probably due to the very high proportion of hard seed. It will be interesting to see if it regenerates well in the third year.
Snail medic Snail medic consistently gave the highest autumn production, but it is the species that is least tolerant of grazing. In our trials, heavy gazing in the winter usually killed it out before it could set seed. It was also the least palatable legume and sheep would only graze it when there were no other alternatives.
Legume Mixtures A new trial was established this year looking at the performance of some legume mixtures. The aim is to match high autumn producing species with high spring producers to see if it improves annual pasture production. Results from the first year are shown in the following graph. This trial will be monitored for another three years to see how the mixtures perform. This project is funded by the Australian Government National Landcare Program. John Fowler is senior lands services officer – extension agronomist with Murray Local Land Services.
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167-169 Napier Street, Deniliquin. Phone 03 5881 1461 Mobile 0455 593 963 Consumer: Rnance to approved personal applicants only. 2.99% p.a. Comparison Rate is available on new Yamaha YXM700P Viking EPS, YXC700 Viking VI seater, YXE850PB Wolverine X2, YXE850P Wolverine X2 R-Spec, YXF850P Wolverine X4, YXZ1 OOOR & YXZ1 OOOR paddle shift models only on a term of 24 or 36 months. Comparison rate is based on a 3-year secured fixed rate consumer loan of $10,000. WARNING: The comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Commercial: Applicable to ABN holders only (excludes fleet, government and rental buyers). ABN valid 1 year for primary producers; all other industry types -ABN must be valid for 3 years and registered for GST. Credit criteria, fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Vehicles sold and delivered by 31/12/2020. Excludes any other offers. While stocks last. Rnance is provided by Yamaha Motor Finance Australia Pty Ltd. Australian Credit Licence No 394553. #Please refer to your owner’s manual for recommended service schedule. 150-hour service intervals is based after initial 6 month service period. +3-year factory warranty for Wolverine and Viking models, 12 month factory warranty for YXZ models.
NOVEMBER 2020
Don’t let your technology let you down We supply and repair a wide range of IT products and devices.
FARMtalk • 23
Help is available A
re you experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship?
situation, and help apply for the Farm Household Allowance and other assistance schemes.
Talk to a rural financial counsellor. It is a free, confidential service.
The RFCS can also provide a small business financial counselling, thanks to a recent expansion of the program.
Rural financial counsellors can help you to understand your financial position and the viability of your enterprise. They can help you develop and implement plans to improve your financial
The REWiRE project provides free one-on-one coaching to support small business owners that need a helping hand. Clients also have access to $5000 per business to get third party advice or training The small business financial counselling service is for small businesses that: • are located in the RFCS NSW - Southern Region area
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• have 19 employees or less • are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship due to the impacts of drought, bushfire or COVID-19 • are located within a regional area • are ineligible to access services under the existing RFCS program. For more information about the REWiRE project, call 1800 570 655 or go to rewireproject.com.au. For other RFCS programs, call 1800 686 175 to be referred to your nearest RFCS office.
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Photo of the Month “Gracie the kelpie stealing a kiss when she thought no one was looking! Oh the scandal! Kelpie and cow, what will the neighbours think!” Don Hearn of Restdown Wines & Jungle Lane Beef Co. caught this special moment recently at his farm near Barham. Don and his wife Jo have a 445ha certified organic farm producing wine and beef.
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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