FARMtalk magazine

FARMtalk OCTOBER 2020

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Know the risks Hay making season has come around quickly again, with many producers and contractors busily cutting crops and pastures for either hay or silage. With many producers thinking about boosting their (depleted or non-existent) fodder reserves, it is timely to consider some of the issues around making hay.

November Edition: October 30, 2020 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

T

here is (hopefully) the prospect of plenty of forage conservation opportunities with the abundance of feed in places this year.

But producing hay can be a risky proposition at the best of times!

And this year may prove particularly challenging, given the forecast of above average rainfall into late spring, the abundance of feed, and pressure on contractors — curing hay properly may become a real challenge.

There are two causes of hay shed fires — straight out accidents or spontaneous combustion, where moist hay produces enough heat to burn.

Spontaneous combustion can occur where there are high moisture levels in hay.

Natural processes such as the production of moulds and other chemical reactions lead to the production of heat.

If enough oxygen is present in conjunction with enough heat, the hay can get hot enough to ignite.

As a general rule, hay with more than 16-18 per cent moisture content is at risk of going mouldy and producing heat.

When there is more than 20 per cent moisture the risk increases, and at moisture contents above 25 per cent there is a significant chance of spontaneous combustion.

A bit from the boss

July Edition: June 30, 2021 August Edition: July 31, 2021 September Edition: August 31, 2021 October Edition: September 30, 2021

T

his month we welcome the team at Corowa Free Press to the FARMtalk magazine family.

In what has been very unusual times for print media publications with the COVID-19 pandemic our little magazine has been able to increase its reach by including the Corowa region in its distribution. For us this is exciting news and exciting times ahead.

On a different note October is Mental Health month, please make sure you check in on family, friends and neighbours especially with the current restrictions in place and ask if they’re OK. It can’t hurt to start the conversation and let them know you’re thinking of them. Just remember to also take time out for yourself, grab a cuppa and enjoy your October FARMtalk somewhere outside in this glorious weather.

Leesa Leesa Muir

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Kylie Davis

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Daniel Hughes

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SEE PAGE 19 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.

OCTOBER 2020

FARMtalk • 3

Impacts of heating on feed quality?

If hay becomes too hot, feed quality (particularly protein levels) will be affected, with energy levels and digestibility also being negatively impacted.

The production of moulds can also have toxic impacts on livestock, cause respiratory problems for both humans and livestock and certainly reduce the palatability of the feed.

What to be wary of?

Making hay early in the season often means days are still relatively short, and as a consequence, curing times can be significantly longer. This also increases the risk of lower quality hay, or weather damage. Balancing the curing and quality constraints is vital. ● High levels of water soluble sugars in plants can support greater levels of microbial growth if moisture levels are high. ● Paddocks that are cut without conditioning — particularly where there is a lot of dry matter — can be difficult to dry down within the centre of windrows. Mower conditioners split and crush the plant stems allowing crops to dry quicker and more evenly.

What can you do to minimise the likelihood of spontaneous combustion? ● Bale at the correct moisture content. Check by either visual examination of plants in the windrow

(will the stems ‘snap’ easily, is there moisture still in the plant stems/nodes?) or using electronic moisture meters or probes. Experienced operators can provide a very accurate assessment — if using moisture probes, make sure they are calibrated to ensure accuracy and reliability in measurements. ● Use hay additives to reduce or prevent mould growth, and therefore reduce the risk of heating.

These additives are typically propionic acid, which acts to reduce microbial development, or antioxidants, which eliminate oxygen. ● Inoculants are for silage, as there is no fermentation in baled hay. ● If you think you may have a problem, check your hay stacks regularly by looking for signs of heating. Heating can occur anytime from the time of baling up to 2-3 months after. However, any moisture, such as from a leaking shed, which infiltrates the stack can lead to heating and fire at any time. ● If you suspect your hay is heating up, be very careful. Walking on a stack can cause it to collapse, especially if the centre is hot and has burnt out a cavity. ● If moving ‘hot’ bales from the stack, be very careful, as exposure to oxygen can quickly cause ignition. ● Adequate ventilation is essential, around stacked bales and through the entire stockpile.

What other things should I consider?

● Adequate insurance – both of your hay sheds and the fodder itself. Do not assume because your hay shed is insured, that the contents are as well.

Check with your insurer. ● Be aware of your insurance status. Some insurers may not cover any loss of machinery that was stored in hay sheds that burn. Either don’t store machinery in with your hay, or ensure your policy will adequately cover any such machinery damaged in a hay fire. ● Be aware of any chemical residue/stock withholding periods as the result of chemicals that may have been applied to crops, which are now to be consumed by livestock. Ask for a commodity vendor declaration. ● Nitrate poisoning. Crops under stress (in particular canola) can have elevated nitrate levels which can poison and kill livestock, and the baling process will not reduce these levels (ensiling can reduce nitrate levels). Testing of nitrate levels in failed crops may be beneficial. ● Be aware of the potential to import weed seeds if buying in hay from elsewhere.

Bottom line Ensure as much as possible that your hay is cured correctly before baling.

The earlier in the season, generally the more difficult (and longer) this is.

Check the moisture content of your windrows.

Monitor any stacks you think may be heating up, and take action before it all goes up in smoke.

One final thing to ponder. This may be the year to consider silage as an option.

Making silage (correctly) can often lead to production of a higher quality product with less risk of weather damage. However, it doesn’t come without risk, and does cost more to produce!

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

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THE NSW GOVERNMENT’S CLOSURE OF THE NSW-VICTORIA BORDER HAS BEEN A DISASTER. It’s divided families, crippled businesses and put many people out of work.

I’ve lobbied non-stop to change the rules this past three months.

To find out the latest situation, or to apply for a permit, call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

If they don’t help, you can contact my office and we’ll do our best.

Just send an brief email outlining your circumstances to murray@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

We are here to help you.

Helen Dalton MP for Murray Authorised by Helen Dalton MP, Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.

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OCTOBER 2020

FARMtalk • 5

Molly Thompson at sheep handling training day at “Wyvern” Carrathool in Block 1 in February.

Sheep handling training day at “Wyvern” Carrathool in Block 1 in February.

Left to Right: Sophie Hamilton, Brooke Goldsworthy, Glen Walker (Tocal), Charles Ness, Nigel Gosse (AWI), Chris Bowman (Hay Inc), Molly Thompson.

The future of ag

The continuation of the Hay Inc Rural Education Program has been secured for at least another three years, thanks to government funding.

T

he NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Funding Round 3 will allow the group to expand its reach, and encourage more people in to a career in the agricultural industry through the program.

It will specifically assist with promotion of the program, including professional video, photographer, website upgrade, marketing material and attendance at expos will be one of the funded items.

Newly elected Hay Inc chair Richard Cannon — who succeeds Chris Bowman, who was in the top job for six years — said this funding will complement the support being received from key partner Australian Wool Innovation, which has been gratefully received since the program began seven years ago.

“We are very grateful to all our supporters and to receive the Stronger Country Communities grant, as it gives us the opportunity to support and encourage youth into our training programs

“The Stronger Country Communities Funding will allow for a sustainable future for the highly successful Hay Inc Rural Education Program.”

RICHARD CANNON

which also offer mentoring and networking,” Mr Cannon said.

“The Stronger Country Communities Funding will allow for a sustainable future for the highly successful Hay Inc Rural Education Program.

“The program brings youth together to give them hands on skills and to share and learn from

older generations, in a safe, inclusive and practical environment.”

The 2020 Hay Inc Rural Education Program participants will be returning for their final training block in November.

The training was originally due to be hosted in June, but postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID-Safe training program will include fence construction and maintenance, cattle handling, prime lamb assessment and Merino sheep classing.

The participants will also graduate and receive their certificates, and the Mathew Vick Memorial Scholarship will also be presented.

Applications are now open for the 2021 program and any young person 18 to 25 years who is interested in learning and progressing their career in agriculture is encouraged to apply.

For more information, go to www.hayinc.com.au.

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OCTOBER 2020

FARMtalk • 7

Purple haze

This year has produced many unexpected things. After all the unprecedented events, now it has produced something of a throwback.

P

addocks of purple flowers can be seen on a scale that I haven’t observed in quite a few

years.

Paterson’s curse is back with a vengeance.

Also known as ‘Salvation Jane’ in some areas, Paterson’s curse (Echium plantagineum) is a winter annual herb with distinctive purple flowers that can quickly take over an area.

According to the NSW WeedWise website, a single plant can produce more than 5000 seeds per year.

This leads to massive quantities of seed accumulating in the soil over several years, with seeds remaining dormant for up to five years.

So, what’s the risk to livestock?

Not only does Paterson’s curse out-compete pasture species, but it also produces toxins called pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

These alkaloids cause liver damage in stock, which is irreversible and cannot be treated.

It is also ongoing — as the affected liver cells die, the healthy liver cells next to them take up the released alkaloids and in turn are then poisoned by them.

The summer weed heliotrope also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can contribute to ongoing liver damage.

Different livestock species have different susceptibility to poisoning by Paterson’s curse, due to the way that they break down pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

“Preventing the spread of Paterson’s curse into unaffected areas is the most effective means of preventing issues.”

LINDA SEARLE

Pigs and horses are highly susceptible as they have no ability to break down the alkaloids in their stomachs.

Cattle are moderately susceptible as the rumen contains bugs that can break down the alkaloids before they reach the liver, which prevents some damage.

However, if they have no choice but to eat large amounts of Paterson’s curse over a period, they can still end up with chronic liver failure.

Sheep and goats are the least susceptible to poisoning. Their rumen does a better job of breaking the alkaloids down into less toxic parts.

Toxicity in sheep is usually due to continued exposure over several years, especially in combination with years of ingestion of heliotrope.

Chronic liver damage can lead to death from chronic copper poisoning or chronic liver failure.

Clinical signs include weight loss and jaundice (yellowing) of the carcass or the mucous membranes, such as around the eyes.

Sometimes you see photosensitisation, a sunburn-like reddening and peeling of the skin in non-pigmented, non-woolled areas.

Pigs, horses and cattle can sometimes show nervous signs of blindness, wandering and headpressing.

This is due to the damaged liver not filtering toxins from the body, which can then start to affect the brain.

It is generally believed that the amount of toxin in the plants increases as the plant matures.

For this reason, it is usually recommended to remove stock once flowering starts to try and minimise poisoning.

While the palatability of the plant decreases as the plant ages, it is not safe to assume that stock will not eat mature plants.

Preventing the spread of Paterson’s curse into unaffected areas is the most effective means of preventing issues.

Once the weed is established it usually takes several years of integrated weed management to control.

Prevention is always better than cure. Limiting exposure to those purple flowers now can help prevent a lot of dead yellow stock later.

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

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OCTOBER 2020

FARMtalk • 9

Dryland solutions

The Western Murray Land Improvement Group is taking steps to help dryland farmers combat drought and low water allocation.

I

ts Environmentally Viable Options for Retired Irrigation Land project was initiated in 2013.

The project includes the trial and research assessment of different types of grasses, legumes, herbs and shrubs across nine trial sites in the Western Murray Catchment — in the Kyalite, Tooleybuc, Swan Hill, Moulamein, Tullakool, Wakool and Koondrook-Barham areas.

EVORIL started with more than 40 different grazing pasture species and has since narrowed the field to about 12.

It explores the productivity, resilience and economic feasibility of alternative pasture species on retired irrigation land.

Since starting the project, species have been tested for their ability to grow on a rainfall of 300mm, tolerance to a range of soil types, frost, waterlogging and persistence.

Project coordinator Rick Ellis said data from the EVORIL project is now yielding positive results for local growers.

“It was difficult early on due to drought conditions, but 2016 was an excellent year to start collecting data,” he said.

“Lucerne is quite significant as it is the only perineal legume recommended.

“Dry matter cuts and grazing were used extensively in the collection of data.

“The most important aspect of our research is to find which species has the best dry matter data —

what persists the most against grazing and weather patterns.

“The 12 selected species we utilise provide a regenerative pasture solution appropriate in a dry land environment.”

Mr Ellis said the key to its research is not to “reinvent the wheel”, but to focus on varieties that are common and available for farmers.

“We are testing some species that have been used in the district but have been long since finished.

“Popular crop varieties such as wheat and barley have had positive results since they are species more commonly available to farmers in on-farm silos.

“The major issue is the cost to re-sow each year and have proven to be the most efficient at converting rainfall to dry matter.

“We are looking for species that have hard seeded qualities that reproduce for improved survival.”

Species that have performed the best under the seasonal conditions to date are cereals (made the best use of available moisture), Wimmera ryegrass, barrel medic, snail medic, spineless burr medic (trefoil), serradella, lucerne, bladder clover and rose clover.

The EVORIL project also has control sites to help develop comparisons, rather than sowing irrigated crops for comparison.

“We don’t compare to irrigation as part of our trial; it is unrealistic for the farmers in our region without access to the resource,” Mr Ellis said.

“The most important aspect of our research is to find which species has the best dry matter data — what persists the most against grazing and weather patterns.”

RICK ELLIS

“There is a huge percentage of dryland in the region, so we want to help farmers counter the lack of access to water.

“The less disturbance to soil the better, so we encourage farmers to use direct drilling for their grazing seed.

“There is tough country out here and we need tough species to match.”

Landholders wishing to know more about the project results are invited to contact Mr Ellis on 0428 372 357.

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OCTOBER 2020

FARMtalk • 11

Limit the danger

The Bush Fire Danger Period has officially started in the Mid Murray Zone.

A

s of October 1, NSW Rural Fire Service Inspector Doug Adamson said any person wishing to light a fire in the Mid Murray Zone will require permission.

The Mid Murray Zone includes the Edward River Council, Murray River Council and part of the Murrumbidgee Council south of Coleambally.

“Anybody wishing to light a fire on their property during the Bush Fire Danger Period will require a permit from their local brigade or Fire Control Centre,” Insp Adamson said.

“People burning with a fire permit must comply with standard permit conditions.

“However, even with a permit you need to check whether a Total Fire Ban is in force before lighting any fires.”

Permit conditions include, but are not limited to, the following: ● Notifying your neighbours at least 24 hours prior to burning ● Notifying the RFS via the NOTIFY portal on the RFS Website – www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify – 24 hours prior to burning ● Notifying your local Brigade Captain on each day you burn ● Installing fire breaks and having firefighting equipment in working order on site ● A responsible person must be in attendance while the fire is alight ● Only grass and stubble to be burnt, no timber to be burnt.

The NSW RFS encourages all residents to have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, so all members of their

household know what to do on days of increased fire danger, and if their home is threatened by fire.

Residents should also continue with their hazard reduction activities.

“We have all seen the devastation that bush fires can bring to a community, so I strongly advise residents to contact their local brigades and use their expertise to assist in carrying out safe hazard reductions,” Insp Adamson said.

“Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage.”

For more information contact the Mid Murray Zone office on (03) 5898 4100 or visit www.rfs. nsw.gov.au.

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OCTOBER 2020

12 • FARMtalk

Get cracking

Leanne and Duane Ball decided to branch out and try a new challenge in 2017. They purchased a walnut farm at Koondrook in March that year — the first time either of them had attempted to manage permanent plantings.

L

eanne’s background is as a public servant in the civil engineering industry, but after 20 years in that career she left it all behind in 2013 to help her husband on his family farm, after the death of Duane’s father.

The pair owned and managed land in Netherby, in the Wimmera district. As well as a history with livestock and mixed cropping farming — grains including barley, wheat, hay, oats and vetch — Duane has also worked as a truck owner/driver, welder and road train driver in Kalgoorlie.

Golden River Walnuts in Koondrook will be their last ‘new thing’ before retirement, the couple said.

“We wanted a challenge and to do something different,” Leanne said.

“I am a keen gardener, so this feels like I’m doing that but on a larger scale of course.

“Duane has farmed and lived the majority of his life in Netherby and we still own land there.

“Grain farms need to be about 4045 hectares to be sustainable per family and we have no children,

so we thought let’s sell to try something else — downsize, and look towards retirement.

“Our dream property would have been right on the Murray River, but we’re only 2km away.”

Leanne and Duane have about 7000 trees in their orchard.

They are split into two varieties of walnut, the majority being Chandler and about 10 per cent of Cisco.

The trees are split into six groves across 13ha and range from 18 to 20 years-old.

It has been a steep learning curve for the couple, but they said they’ve so far met every challenge with enthusiasm.

“Our first challenge was to prune the trees significantly,” Leanne said.

“It took us about six days a week for six weeks to cut the limbs and grade the floor from furrowed to flat so we could mechanically harvest. Hand picking wasn’t for us.

KOONDROOK, VICTORIA

“The second challenge was to update the sprinklers and learn to irrigate wisely.

“One of the next big challenges for us was to find a processor to sell our product.

“We have also had to overcome the cost of water which, last year in particular, was horrendous.

“Lastly, having to organise the farm into something we can manage and maintain proved to be tricky.

“The keys to developing good fruit is water, water and more water. Fertiliser helps too.”

Spring and summer is when the orchard comes alive and when the Balls start ramping up preparation for harvest, which is traditionally in May. “In mid-September to October the trees slowly start to bud, awakening from being dormant. By mid-October the walnuts are flowering, they have both male and female flower parts on the same tree.

“The pollen is shed from male flowers and should settle on the female flower. Pollination is carried out by the wind.

After pollination shedding, the female flower will go on to develop into nuts. They do this from November to late April, and we harvest in May. “It takes about three days of shaking the trees for roughly 12 to 14 hours a day.

“We then sweep and blow the walnuts to the centre of the rows for two days, and then we have a harvest contractor comes in and picks them up in a day.

“Duane then transports them either in his tipper or in fruit bins, depending on processor requirements.”

Walnuts are a great brain food, because it is a plant based Omega-3 fatty acid. Walnuts also possess more polyphenolic compounds than any other type of nut.

Both Omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols are considered critical brain foods that may counteract oxidative stress and inflammation, two drivers of cognitive decline.

Golden River Walnuts products are either sold in shell or as kernels.

OCTOBER 2020

FARMtalk • 13

“The pollen is shed from male flowers and should settle on the female flower.

Pollination is carried out by the wind.”

LEANNE BALL

They are processed at either Webster or Goulburn Valley Walnut in Toolamba, which was previously in Violet Town before a factory expansion.

Both processing plants sell directly to wholesalers/customers, or clients are welcome to contact Leanne or Duane on 0459 718 050.

Golden River Walnuts are also available at Barham IGA and the Gannawarra Shire Information Centre in Cohuna.

OCTOBER 2020

14 • FARMtalk

Old school craft The Massee family moved to the Womboota region in the 1990s and it did not take them long to realise there was even a great “untapped potential” in the region.

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WOMBOOTA, NSW

Some of the Massee family’s Dorpers weeding the grapevines.

F

rits had an informal background in winemaking, learning from a neighbour, and he and his wife Suzanne established The Old School Winery, Meadery and Womboota Artisan Pottery in 2000.

They were soon joined in the business by their daughters Freya and Kate.

Frits and Kate learned the art of winegrowing and horticulture through a Sydney university, and quickly honed their industry skills.

“Dad became interested in mead when he inherited a book of old mead recipes,” Freya said.

“As a teenager he helped in a neighbour’s winery and later, he started making grape wine himself, on a small scale.

“In the early 1990s we moved to Womboota and as we settled into the district, my parents became involved in local revegetation projects.

“They soon realised that honey from regional Australian flora had untapped potential for mead making.

“Dad began his mead making project with a few buckets of honey and glass demijohn fermenters, kept under the stairs in the house.

“This was soon replaced by a winery shed, filled with oak barrels and small stainless-steel tanks, along with cellar door facilities.”

The family source locally produced honey to produce a sweet mead.

And Freya said as the set up became more sophisticated, they quickly developed a product that could compete against other Australian meads.

“Twenty years ago, mead was not well known in Australia. The mead industry was very small and information on mead making techniques was also very limited.

“Wholesale opportunities were scarce. The few commercially available meads tended to be very sweet and syrupy and didn’t meet modern consumer preferences.

OCTOBER 2020

FARMtalk • 15

Kate at the pottery wheel.

King Harald’s Reserve, the latest release, is a sweeter traditional style mead.

“Dad and Kate set out to apply some of the techniques of modern small-batch, artisan wine production to the ancient, almost mystical craft of mead making.

“But we work as a team, so we must be multiskilled and ready to chip in and help with whatever’s going on.

“We decided early on to focus on cellar door sales rather than wholesaling, so we could meet and chat to our customers and talk them through the tasting process.”

Freya and Kate now handle all the mead making, following the death of their father two years ago.

They say it has not been an easy transition, particularly because of the environmental factors placing significant strain on the production of honey and grapes on the farm.

“In recent years we’ve faced ongoing challenges like drought and climate change, and that affects honey supplies,” Freya said.

“Since my sister and I took on more responsibilities in the business following Frits’ sudden death, we’ve also confronted the issues of the tourism downturn resulting from the bushfires last year and now the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Compared to grapes, honey can be fairly temperamental for the winemaker to handle.

It’s a challenging environment for yeasts. The fermentation process can be slow or even fail if not carefully managed.”

Freya said the key to overcoming the challenges and producing a top mead is the initial raw ingredients. Consistency is also key they said, which comes down to control.

“Starting with a good raw material is vital, so we source our honey from some of Australia’s best beekeepers,” Freya said.

“Our meadery was one of the first in Australia to explore and develop the potential of Australia’s unique honey by making monofloral (a single honey variety) meads.

“We like to use regional honey from the Riverina and Mallee — they tend to have light, subtle flavours that are suited to contemporary tastes.

“Mead can be made throughout the year, but our main mead making seasons are spring and autumn.

This reduces energy costs for heating and cooling the mead.

“Control of temperature, micronutrients and fermentation speed are important, so that our finished mead reflects the varietal characteristics of individual honeys.

“In each vintage of our mead you can taste the results of the season, and the flavour of place.”

While COVID-19 has changed the way the business operates, the sisters said they are currently allowed to open the cellar door and pottery from 10am to 5pm on weekends. Wine and mead tastings are available during that time.

“Tea and coffee are available, and people are welcome to bring picnics (and their dogs) to our outdoor tables in the cellar door garden,” Freya said.

For more information, including COVID-safe visiting processes, go to www.theoldschoolwinery. com.au or phone (03) 5489 3249.

Aerating the fermenting mead must.

OCTOBER 2020

16 • FARMtalk

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LEETON, NSW

OCTOBER 2020

FARMtalk • 17

Best of the best Peter and Erin Draper of Leeton are the winners of the 2020 SunRice Grower of the Year.

B

eginning share farming with his parents and delivering his first rice crop in 1975, the year after completing his HSC, Peter has grown rice almost every year since.

He and his wife formed a farming partnership in 1980 and have been actively involved with the rice industry from that point.

Erin is currently secretary of the Yanco Ricegrowers Association of Australia branch and a member of the RGA Central Executive, and recently elected to its board.

The Drapers grow rice as part of a larger enterprise which includes seed and milling oats, wheat, barley, cotton and trading sheep on an opportunistic basis.

Their innovative approach to farming and a commitment to ongoing learning, for themselves and their employees, caught the judges’ attention.

“We have learned a lot through the awards process, including from the other growers involved, and we are humbled to have been named SunRice Grower of the Year,” Peter said.

“Accessing good advice and making the most of the technology and information available has been key to our success.

“As has taking a holistic approach to our business.

Profit is important, but so is the environment and our communities.

“We are also lucky to have been supported by a wonderful rice growing industry, with SunRice, RGA and Rice Extension providing a great support system.”

“The awards provide an opportunity to recognise growers who are adopting farming best practices, achieving sustainability outcomes and improving business management, despite unpredictable climate and water conditions.”

TROY MAUGER

Rice Extension coordinator Troy Mauger said the Drapers have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in all aspects of rice growing.

“The awards provide an opportunity to recognise growers who are adopting farming best practices, achieving sustainability outcomes and improving business management, despite unpredictable climate and water conditions,” he said.

The Drapers’ farming practices will be showcased at the SunRice Grower of the Year Field Day, which will be held at their farm on Thursday, December 10.

This includes recent redevelopments which have seen a drastic reduction in the number of rice bays and rollover bank, less layouts, allowing for run lengths of over 1km creating machinery efficiencies.

The 2020 SunRice Grower of the Year Award, was judged by a panel of three including two industry representatives and one independent judge.

The panel assessed applications based on eight key areas including: Production and agronomy, water use efficiency, innovation and technology, business management, sustainability, work health and safety, and industry and community involvement.

The SunRice Grower of the Year winner receives an impressive package to further support their business, including $2500 to be spent on personal or business development and nomination for the Australian Farmer of the Year Award (Kondinin Group).

Other finalists for the Grower of the Year award were: ● Darrell Fiddler (operations manager for De Bortoli Wines), Bilbul ● Lachlan Bull, Conargo ● Scott Williams, Murrami.

■ Yenda farmers win yield award, page 19.

Murray Local Land Services BIOSECURITY

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

YENDA, NSW

OCTOBER 2020

FARMtalk • 19

Luck on their side Yenda farmers Brett and Louise Turner have, for the second consecutive year, won the 2020 Rice Industry Awards’ Port of Melbourne Highest Yield for C20 Award.

T

he Turners achieved a yield of 15.56 tonnes per hectare in crop year 2020 (harvested earlier this year) after planting 25 hectares of Reiziq.

It is a massive 134 percent above the five-year industry average.

The Turners also won the inaugural award in 2019 with a Reiziq yield of 15.4t/ha.

When asked what his secret is, Mr Turner said it was “just luck”.

“We’re not doing anything too different than other farmers are doing,” he said.

“I guess it is about being prepared, the one percenters. You have to make sure you have the timing right, and everything is just right.”

But Mr Turner said he can’t claim all the credit himself.

“Without the services of our agronomist Dean Andrighetto and Daniel and Serg Panazollo who contract harvested the crop, none of this would have been possible.

“Having these support services as part of our farming business makes my job easier.”

Mr Turner’s foray in to the agricultural industry was dryland farming with his parents at their Tullibigeal property.

He said when he and his wife started on the farm at Yenda and looked at drought proofing the property, rice seemed like a good choice.

That was eight years ago.

“We are new to the game really,” he said.

“We came to Yenda on the back of a 10 year drought and it was all pretty tough.

“There was not a lot of jobs going around for me, so I concentrated on what we could do at the farm.”

Mr Turner said he had some early luck with the rice variety Topaz, but said Reiziq is now the crop of choice because of the greater returns and lower risks.

On the success of the last two years, the Turners are planning to put 100ha of Reiziq in for crop year 2021.

Yield award honourable mentions go to: ● Stuart Gannon and Nathan Hehir who grew with 58ha of short grain variety Opus in the eastern Murray Valley. It yielded 11.61t/ha — 128 per cent above the five-year average.

● Clint and Scott Shields of Denora Enterprises, with 21.5ha of long grain Topaz in the Coleambally Irrigation Area. It yielded 11.13t/ha — 137 per cent above the five-year industry average.

“You have to make sure you have the timing right, and everything is just right.”

BRETT TURNER

Port of Melbourne’s NSW business development manager David Bardos presents the award to Brett and Louise Turner.

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OCTOBER 2020

FARMtalk • 21

Bumper prediction

Farmers Simon Lavis and Marc Playford said crops in the Federation Council area are looking better than anyone has seen in a while thanks to favourable winter conditions and good rainfall.

Like many farmers in the Southern Riverina, those around the Federation Council area, are preparing for a bumper harvest following good winter rainfall across much of the region with more expected in the coming months.

I

n an incredible 12-month turnaround, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES), predicts this year’s harvest will be the second biggest winter crop in a decade.

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

“The value of crop production is forecast to increase by 17 per cent to over $32 billion on the back of much improved seasonal conditions, particularly in New South Wales,” Dr HatfieldDodds said.

Coreen farmer Marc Playford is thrilled with his crops this year thanks to a milder winter, good rainfall and very few spring frosts.

“This year couldn’t be any better. Everything has gone to plan so far. Rainfall has been perfect,” he said.

Mr Playford is the youngest generation involved in a well-established family farming operation.

“I am mainly involved with the cropping side of the business. Dad handles the sheep side and Pa does every other job. We all help each other out though,” the 26-year-old said.

“We have oats, canola, wheat and barley as well as grazing stuff like lucerne and clover for the sheep side of it all.”

While Mr Playford is optimistic about a good harvest, he is keeping his hopes grounded amid forecasts for heavy rainfall over the next few months.

In September, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) confirmed a La Niña weather event for Australia meaning a much wetter season than usual.

While a La Niña event is typically associated with a bumper crop year, it can be a double-edged sword for farmers.

Too much rain means saturated paddocks around harvest time, making it difficult to get machinery onto the fields.

“It would be good to get the crops off the paddock first and then it can rain as much as it wants,” Mr Playford said.

With the BOM’s prediction of increased rainfall in the coming months, Hopefield farmer Simon Lavis is confident of a permanent turnaround after a difficult few years.

“The crops are looking better than anyone has seen for a while,” Mr Lavis said.

“We definitely look forward to a La Nina event.

We’ve experienced El Nino for the last five years and it’s been tough. We have been lucky though, compared to other areas of NSW. “This time last year we were looking to the skies for rain. Crops were just sinking. We also had a few big frosts which didn’t help, combined with the hot weather over summer. Everything just started turning in the ground.”

As a fifth-generation farmer, Mr Lavis works alongside his father on their 1200 hectare mixed farming operation.

“If we do get a good spring it’s going to be one of the best years yet. With the milder winter weather everything just shot up out of the ground and the dam is full of water,” Mr Lavis said.

“You talk to the guys around here that have been farming for years and they will tell you they haven’t seen anything like this for a while.

“If we do get a good spring it’s going to be one of the best years yet. ” SIMON LAVIS

“We just want the rains to stop around November when we are ready to get the headers out. They are saying it’s not going to happen though, so I dare say harvest is going to be a fun one this year!”

Rabobank regional manager for northern NSW Brad James said the complete turnaround in seasonal conditions across most regions offers farmers the chance to rebuild and recover from more than three years of drought.

“Many farmers will use this good season to repay debt which was used to keep operating during the drought, many will rebuild their livestock numbers and others will reinvest in their businesses to build up some reserves of cash, fodder and silage again,” he said.

“We think this will continue to be the focus for many farmers for the next three years.”

The last La Niña event occurred from 20102012, which resulted in one of Australia’s wettest two-year periods on record and caused widespread flooding in many parts of Australia. The 2011 harvest, as a result, delivered bumper yields.

It is unlikely this year’s weather event will see the same intensity as the previous La Niña event, but is still predicted to be of moderate strength.

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OCTOBER 2020

GREAT READS FOR OCTOBER THE FLYING BUSHMAN Australian Story of Life Above the Land

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ENGLISH PASTORAL An Inheritance

FARMtalk • 23

Scholarships open Women involved in the Australian rice industry and its related agricultural networks are encouraged to apply for the 2021 Jan Cathcart Scholarship.

Financial assistance valued at $10,000 a year is offered for up to three years of tertiary study.

The scholarship is an initiative of the SunRice Group, in honour of Jan Cathcart and her invaluable contribution to the rice industry during her 43-year career with the company.

SunRice Group chairman Laurie Arthur said since being introduced in 2014, many of the recipients have taken on significant roles in the rice industry and agriculture in general.

“Through this scholarship, which honours one of our industry’s great contributors, we have supported the professional development and career paths of women who are now also contributing to this sector, which is a wonderful achievement,” he said.

The scholarship is open to female SunRice shareholders, growers and employees and their extended families. Women from across the rice industry’s networks are also encouraged to apply, or to nominate other eligible women who would benefit from the program.

Eligible students include those currently studying at university, or new students attending their first year of tertiary studies in 2021.

Applications close on Monday, November 16, with the winner to be announced in early 2021.

Each October, Mental Health Month gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing. It is celebrated across NSW, the ACT and Victoria, and is a chance to promote activities and ideas that can have a positive impact on our daily lives and the lives of others.These events and messages are tied

do you need some more help? mentalhealthmonth.org.au

You can find a number of resources and links including information and a calendar of events during Mental Health Month. events during Mental Health Month.

wayahead.org.au

You can read more information on mental health or maintaining wellbeing, download and view our factsheets or find out more about our support programs.

wayaheaddirectory.org.au

An online directory of mental health and community services, searchable by location and support type.

1300 794 991

WayAhead’s Mental Health Information Service (9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday) for Service (9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday) for advice and support.

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If you need to talk to someone immediately, you can call Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

(02) 9912 3851

If you are from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, you can also contact the Transcultural Mental Health Centre Information and Clinical Consultation Line.

Finally, if you don’t find the right help the first time, it’s important to keep trying. It’s okay to ask again or to talk to another mental health professional until you find the support and help that is right for you.

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Photo of the Month This boy’s name is Bruce, he is a Merino cross Poll Dorset lamb who was hand reared, but has now returned to the mob. This cute photo was sent in by Susan Champness who along with her husband Christopher, also run Angus and Speckle Park cattle at the property, Burwood Park, Deniliquin.

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

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