APRIL 2022
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Advertising & Editorial Deadlines
Rare release near Hay
May Edition: April 29, 2022 June Edition: May 27, 2022 August Edition: July 29, 2022 September Edition: August 26, 2022 October Edition: September 23, 2022
Endangered: Plains Wanderer.
November Edition: October 28, 2022 December/January Edition: November 25, 2022 February Edition: January 27, 2023 March Edition: February 24, 2023 April Edition: March 24, 2023
Leesa Muir
GENERAL MANAGER & ADVERTISING
Zoe McMaugh
SENIOR JOURNALIST
The population of one of Australia’s most critically endangered bird species has been boosted with the first ever release of captive bred Plains Wanderers.
H
ay landowners Bert and Liz Matthews hosted NSW Environment Minister James Griffin for the release in March, species expert David Parker, NSW National Parks representatives and staff of the Taronga Zoo for a release of chicks on to the Hay plains. The successful release heralds a full circle of involvement for the Matthews family. “We have been interested in protecting these birds since day one,” Mr Matthews explained. “When David Baker-Gabb, Rick Webster and Phil Maher first visited the area in the late 1990s we tagged along, and have been involved ever since.” As his interest in the tiny quail-like bird grew, Mr Matthews became involved in the Management Board of the Oolambeyan National Park and worked closely with NSW Government in that capacity for several years.
Oolambeyan was established in 2002 because of its ideal Plains Wanderer grassland habitat and shares a boundary with the Matthews’ ‘Bedarbidgal’ property, south-east of Hay. In 2018 a breeding pair of Plains Wanderers were captured on Bedarbidgal, and transported to the breeding program in Dubbo. The return of 10 birds to the property in March as a result of the breeding program was a proud moment for the many people involved. In his address at the release, Mr Griffin proclaimed Mr and Mrs Matthews as “key players” in the conservation efforts. “We’re working in partnership with private landholders to restore habitat and protect it, so Plains Wanderers can thrive,” he said.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
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Information contained in this magazine is presented only after being carefully researched. However, there are differences in state and regional regulations and conditions. Farmers are asked to check with their own advisors. FARMtalk can assume no responsibility for the contents.
APRIL 2022
FARMtalk • 3
“It’s incumbent of us to support good land managers. There has been enough bad news recently but this is a momentous good news story. “It’s thought there are now less than 1,000 of these birds in the wild due to threats including grassland habitat loss, severe drought and fox attacks,” he said. “These birds demonstrate the importance of native grasslands and ecosystems, and by protecting them, we’re helping to conserve native grassland habitat, which is critical for a range of other species.” The group travelled to a carefully selected grassland site, late in the afternoon, where Mr Griffin and Mr Matthews had the honour of releasing the birds, as the hushed crowd waited. As is their nature, the birds were timid and took their time venturing into their new home, but the male was seen stopping to capture a tasty insect as he scurried away into the vegetation. “That’s a good sign,” beamed one of the Taronga rangers. “That’s how we know he is happy.”
Experts stayed on at the Matthews’ property for several weeks, monitoring the birds and observing how they adapt to their new found freedom. “It has been an honour to be part of the project,” said Mrs Matthews. “To know we are contributing in keeping the species alive.” The NSW program is led by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program, which is backed by a $175 million commitment over 10 years. It’s supported by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Local Land Services and Taronga Conservation Society Australia. Taronga Conservation Society Australia chief executive Cameron Kerr AO, said Plains Wanderers are a unique Australian bird, whose genetic history dates back millions of years, which is why breeding and releasing these birds back into the wild is so important. “This first New South Wales release is a huge milestone in our conservation efforts for this species,
“We’re working in partnership with private landholders to restore habitat and protect it, so Plains Wanderers can thrive.” JAMES GRIFFIN
and it is so rewarding seeing these little birds returned to their wild habitat, where we hope they will thrive.” Further releases are expected in 2022, with 37 birds in the conservation breeding program at Taronga Western Plains Zoo and eight birds at Taronga Zoo Sydney.
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Helen Dalton MP INDEPENDENT MEMBER FOR MURRAY
Independence Day
In March, I resigned from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party. Here’s why. Last December, the National Party made a sneaky law change that allowed big corporate Northern Basin irrigators to take excessive amounts of water via floodplain harvesting. This reduces water allocations for Southern Basin irrigators and disadvantages Lower Darling communities. Shooters Party MPs had a chance to overturn that law change in Parliament in February. But they refused to do so. They didn’t even turn up to vote. That was the last straw for me. I couldn’t stay in a party that’s betrayed my electorate. So, I’ll remain in NSW Parliament, but as your Independent MP. I won’t be aligning with any other party - not Labor, not the Coalition, not the Greens. I will always vote according to what my community wants. My offices in Griffith, Deniliquin and Buronga will remain open, and our team remains dedicated to helping the public. Please contact my office is you have any questions or concerns. Regards
Helen Dalton MP for Murray Authorised by Helen Dalton MP, Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements. www.helendalton.com.au
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APRIL 2022
FARMtalk • 5
Are ewe abortions costing you money? Are you lambing soon? You’re probably expecting those good preg scanning results will mean a lot of lambs on the ground.
S
ometimes there aren’t as many lambs born as you expect. Abortions can be one of the reasons that those expected lambs don’t appear. We have recently seen a case of ewe deaths and abortions due to Salmonella infection. Sometimes abortions are obvious as you find foetuses in the yard or the paddock. Unlike full term lambs, these foetuses are usually small and may not be fully formed (eg missing wool). Often, due to either scavenging by predators or because they are small and rapidly break down, abortions can go unnoticed and it’s not until marking that the loss becomes apparent. While it is normal for around one to two per cent of pregnant ewes to abort, more than five per cent of a flock aborting is something that should be investigated. Some causes of abortion are infectious and can rapidly spread from ewe to ewe. Some infectious causes of abortion found in Australia are: Cause
Signs
Pre- disposing factors
Salmonella
Ewe deaths and/or scours
Contamination of feed or water. Can be environmental or from infected carrier ewes.
Campylobacter
‘Rosette-like’ lesions in the High stocking rate. Maiden ewes liver of the aborted lambs (or ewes that have not been exposed previously).
Listeria
Late abortions, with Feeding of silage which has not cured yellow or white lesions in properly. foetal liver
Toxoplasma
Small white areas in the Cats contaminating sheep feed. Not placental cotyledon usually a common issue in Australia.
Good hand hygiene is important when dealing with aborting ewes or dead foetuses. More information on human health implications can be obtained from your doctor or NSW health. Monitor pregnant ewes for signs of abortion. Early intervention can help stop an outbreak from getting worse. You can reduce contamination of the lambing area by removing aborted foetuses as well as removing the ewes that have aborted from the mob. Giving a mob more space can also help reduce spread of infection. Antibiotic treatment may also be needed in some cases. Preventative measures can include vaccination if available (eg Campyvax against camplyobacter), managing stocking rates, ensuring the lambing paddock is free from toxins such as toxic weeds and chemicals. By being alert and prepared, you can give those potential lambs the best chance of arriving and thriving in your flock. If you are concerned you may be dealing with abortions in your flock, contact your district veterinarian on 1300 795 299 or drop into your nearest Local Land Services office.
Linda Searle (pictured) is district veterinarian with Murray Local Land Services.
It is important to know that many infectious causes of ewe abortion are zoonotic and can cause illness, including abortions in humans.
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APRIL 2022
6 • FARMtalk
Seeds of regeneration The Bull family at Conargo know all too well the devastation of fire. But they also know that with a little hard work and determination, regeneration after that devastation is entirely possible.
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The 2022 Deniliquin Twilight Rodeo promises to be an action packed evening, sure to excite the whole family. LIVE MUSIC, TRADE and FOOD STALLS commence at 3pm and the RODEO ACTION starts at 4pm with the who’s who of the rodeo circuit competing for Pro Rodeo championship points and all round Cowboy buckle! The twilight programme includes feature event BULL RIDE, OPEN SADDLE BRONC RIDE, local PUB STEER RIDE CHALLENGE, LADIES BARREL RACE, STEER WRESTLING, JUNIOR EVENTS and TRICK RIDERS! Proudly supported by the Deniliquin Pastoral Times.
ADMISSION: Adults - $35, Pensioners - $15, Kids 5-17yo - $10, Kids <5yo - Free, Family (2 adults and 2 kids under 18) - $65 or pre-purchase your discounted tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/deniliquin-rodeo-under-the-stars-tickets-275215776797
CONARGO, NSW
APRIL 2022
FARMtalk • 7
A
blaze in January 1987 destroyed almost everything on the family’s Conargo property, ‘Oakville’ All that was left standing was the family homestead and a few of the older trees. Everything else was reduced to ash and rubble. That’s when Colin Bull took over management of the property from his father, Bill. He has been working on reintroducing native plants back to the property ever since. Colin and wife, Marg, have had such success with the revegetation work – which really ramped up in 2009 – their efforts have been showcased in workshops cohosted by Hay Landcare and the Riverina and Murray Local Land Services regions. On the back of this work, Marg was nominated for the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award in the NSW Landcare Awards in March this year. As a finalist, she was one of only three people in NSW recognised for “the significant contribution made by an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to Landcare.” While admitting there’s still a lot of work still to be done, Marg said having actively restored and regenerated 200 hectares of land is a significant achievement. “I feel like I’m just getting started – and now I am really inspired,” Marg said. “We fenced off sections of the property immediately after the fire and they were able to regenerate. “During the ‘90s while I was raising our three children not a lot more happened, but by the early 2000s we were starting revegetation work again. Then we received funding from the Australian Government’s Biodiversity Fund in 2011 for a connected corridors project which allowed us to fence off a number of interconnected areas on the farm. “The vegetation corridors are 50m to 150m wide and protect existing vegetation while also encouraging regeneration. “Direct seeding and planting of local species in these corridor areas has greatly enhanced bird and animal life – we have recorded 89 bird species, three bat species and multiple reptiles and insects,” Marg said. “Now around 10 per cent of our commercial grazing property has native vegetation protected. Marg said the work was continuing with new projects relating to protecting some of the older remnant vegetation which escaped the fire now on the cards. “We have some amazing older trees on the property which survived the 1987 fire - some which are believed to be about 300 years old, and one Moonah tree believed to be about 500 years old. We now want to selectively fence those to encourage vegetation around them.”
Landcare: Marg Bull was nominated for the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award in the NSW Landcare Awards in March this year.
As part of the regeneration work, Marg has always ensured local indigenous species were used, with seeds sourced through the seed bank operating at the Murray Valley Industry Park in Deniliquin, and other locally sourced plants from McKindlay’s Native Plant Nursery at Moama. “It is important with a project like this to know the provenance of your plants,” she said. “As a nice circle of life, when the workshops were held on the property people were collecting seeds from the plants we’ve grown.” Marg said one of the major benefits of the regeneration program is improving the overall farm environment. “We run a self-replacing Merino sheep operation and shelter is so important. “We’re finding more and more that it is very windy, and we want to reduce that wind and the damage it can cause. “And of course, with climate change, we need to look at plants that work in hot and dry conditions.
“Our dry climate can pose challenges with planting success, but nature has shown patience is rewarding and learning is lifelong. “We are excited to now be hosting vegetation, seed collection and demonstration days with Hay Landcare and the River and Murray Local Land Services, to encourage other property owners to protect tier native vegetation.”
“I feel like I’m just getting started – and now I am really inspired.” MARG BULL
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APRIL 2022
FARMtalk • 9
Know your soil phosphorus status before reducing fertiliser rates As fertiliser prices increase, we need to decide if it’s an economically viable option to reduce phosphorus (P) fertiliser rates for this season.
T
here are probably many local paddocks where this is the case, but good information on the soil nutrient status is required before making the decision. Reducing phosphorus fertiliser rates in low P status soils does not make economic sense and will in fact lead to lower yields and therefore lower economic returns.
Soil test information required Hopefully, you already have recent soil test data on any paddocks planned to be sown to winter crops. If not, time is running out, so organise some tests as a matter of priority. They will give valuable information with which to make fertiliser decisions for this season
Phosphorus requirement Wheat requires about 4kg P/tonne of grain grown. A 5t/ha crop therefore requires access to about 20kg P/ha, the equivalent of 100kg/ha DAP. However, if the soil has adequate amounts of available P, not all the P needs to be applied as fertiliser. The following chart is a guide to the threshold levels of phosphorus in soil intended to grow wheat. PBI Category
Critical Colwell P Value
< 70
30mg/kg
71 - 140
35mg/kg
> 140
40mg/kg
The PBI for your soil will be shown on your soil test. It is an indication of how quickly phosphorus is tied up in soils.
Therefore, the higher the PBI, the higher the Colwell P threshold for winter crops. If your soil is at or below the critical Colwell P level, then apply the total phosphorus requirement as fertiliser P (i.e. 4kg P per tonne of yield potential). If your soil is above the critical P level, then you can reduce (but not eliminate) your phosphorus fertiliser rate and ‘mine’ some of the soil phosphorus this season. The amount you can reduce by will vary depending on soil type and time of sowing, but a general indication is it can be reduced by about 1kg/P for every 3mg/kg increase in Colwell P levels above the threshold (except for late sowings).
Calculating minimum P rates The following example is for a wheat crop, expecting to produce 5t/ha in a soil with a Colwell P of 59 mg/kg and a PBI of 80. P required: 5(t/ha) X 4(kg P/ha) = 20kg P/ha Soil P level able to be utilised = 59 (current Colwell P for paddock) – 35 (critical Colwell P level) = 24 Colwell P units. This is equivalent to about 8kg P/ha (i.e. 24 Colwell P units divided by 3) Minimum P fertiliser rate required to maintain soil P at the critical level is 20 (crop requirement for the season) minus 8 (amount the soil can contribute) = 12kg P/ha (equivalent of 60 kg/ha DAP) Therefore, in the above example, the DAP fertiliser rate to apply to a crop targeting 5t/ha can be reduced from 100kg/ha down to 60kg/ha for this season only. This will help with cash flow for this season but will cause the soil P level to fall back towards the critical soil P level.
Therefore, the lower rates are an option for one year only.
Sowing time Late sown crops do not have the ability to extract soil P as well as early sown crops. Therefore, phosphorus fertiliser rates should not be reduced by the same amount in crops sown in June as it can be for April or May sown crops. Most of the phosphorus required by late sown crops needs to come from the fertiliser applied at sowing, even in soils with a high P status.
Always use some P fertiliser It may seem that in soils with a very high P status (e.g. Colwell P >90), the crop could rely entirely on soil phosphorus and not require any P fertiliser. However, this is not the case. Even in soils with very high P levels, some fertiliser needs to be used at sowing. Never sow wheat without using at least 5kg P/ha as it will reduce the crops yield potential. There may be some opportunity to reduce fertiliser rates this season in early sown crops. However, this should not be done unless the soil P status is known to be high, and you realise it is a one year option only.
John Fowler (pictured) is senior lands services officer – extension agronomist with Murray Local Land Services.
APRIL 2022
10 • FARMtalk
Beef and wine …
it’s only natural
Beef and wine producers: Jo and Don Hearn.
BARHAM, NSW
APRIL 2022
FARMtalk • 11
Could you ask for a better pairing than a juicy, sizzling steak and a nice glass of red?
J
o and Don Hearn have established the perfect combination for tantalizing the tastebuds at their Barham property, where they run both Restdown Wines and Jungle Lane Beef Co. The Hearns have built a stellar reputation for their wines over several years, winning a few awards along the way. After taking over Don’s parents’ beef herd, they’ve also spent the last five years building their own brand of organic beef. And the two operations work perfectly in union, Jo said. “It all just fits in,” she said. “Just as we finish our vintage, we’re rolling in to calving. “It all dove tails nicely, really.” The Hearns formally established Jungle Lane Beef Co in 2018-2019, but their plans suffered a setback when the drought forced them to slash their herd. And then the COVID-19 pandemic reared its ugly head. “We’ve been slowly building,” Jo said. “We’ve had beef cattle on Restdown for the last 30 years, on Don’s parents’ farm. “Don and I took over the herd from them, and we became certified organic in 2014. “It’s been in the last five years we started thinking this could be a great value add. “We would normally sell our beef to a distributer, who would then sell it on. “Don and I thought we could create our own brand and sell direct to the customer.” The Hearns have a ‘no waste’ aim on the property, which means their 5kg and 10kg boxes are mixed cuts. And by all accounts, their brand is “going quite well”. There’s a breeding herd of about 65 Herefords on the Jungle Lane property, but that will grow once the current calving period is completed. “We’ll breed up and hang on to the females until we reach an optimal number, which for us is about 100. The aim is to work toward a self-replacing herd. “We have found the Herefords’ have a nice temperament and mothering ability, and they are really suited to our climate. “They are a calm and cooperative animal. “We did, at one time, cross them with angus. They were too highly strung, and highly strung animals do not produce good meat.” The Hearns have to abide by stringent guidelines to be certified organic. Most importantly, they are grazed
“The benefits are not just about animal welfare. It’s the cleanest and greenest way to produce meat, it’s top quality, safe and nutritious.” JO HEARN entirely on pastures grown on the property, which are chemical free. “It means there is no residue in the meat at all,” Jo said. “The benefits are not just about animal welfare. It’s the cleanest and greenest way to produce meat, it’s top quality, safe and nutritious.” That process delivers a product the Hearns can be proud to put their name to, and makes a lovely beef stew which pairs well with one of their reds and a roaring fire. Most of the Hearns’ 450 hectare property is grazing land, with a six acre (2.4ha) vineyard producing their award-winning Restdown Wines. “It is a smaller vineyard than we had because now we’re just producing for ourselves, not other wineries,” Jo said. “In a normal year we would produce about 5000 litres of wine, but right now that’s not possible because of the labour and backpacker shortages. “This vintage was about half the normal amount.” Semillon and Chardonnay are the white wine varieties grown on the farm, and Merlot, Shiraz and Sangiovese grapes make their reds and rosé. “The Italian Sangiovese is becoming quite a popular choice in Australia,” Jo said.
“It is a very interesting grape which creates a lovely floral and spice flavours. “And it’s adaptable; as a rosé matches very well with a wide range of foods.” While the wine and beef ventures keep Jo and Don very busy, they’re the type of farmers that can’t just be farmers. The pair are heavily involved in local tourism too, and helped establish The Backroads Trail. The Backroads Trail weaves together the themes of heritage, environment, food, wine and culture in an informed and user-friendly way. You’ll not only stand on the sites where history was made - you’ll be delighted by small businesses all along the way offering you delicious produce a comfy bed for the night, and extra attractions such as stunning sculptures, leafy bushland walks and relaxing river cruises. The trail includes from Echuca Moama, Womboota, Bunnaloo, BarhamKoondrook, Caldwell, Deniliquin and Mathoura. “We’ve recently upgraded all the interpretive panels, and there’s some nice additions to the trail in terms of new accommodation – Perricoota Station, Moira Station and a farm stay at Bunnaloo. “Everything has become a little flexible in the last few years because of COVID, so my suggestion would be to ring ahead to any of the stops along the trail first to check their hours and book in advance.”
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APRIL 2022
FARMtalk • 13
Finley PCP: Members of the Passionate Community Participants group (from left) Paul Evans, Chris Kelly, Sue Braybon, Ashley Haynes, Mark Robertson, John Taylor, Greg McNamara, Trevor McCaw and John Hand at the newly purchased ‘Mandalay’ property. ABSENT: APEX representative Matt Mueller.
Community farming at its best A Finley community group has bought a prime farming property, on which it proposes to grow crops and reinvest profits in the town.
C
alled Passionate Community Participants (PCP), it has bought the 152ha property ‘Mandalay’, 4km east of Finley. Some members have worked together investing time and energy into Finley for over a decade. “Ten years ago, a group of community minded people, some with an association with the Finley Football and Netball Club (FFNC), foresaw the need to generate funds for future community projects and improvements to community facilities,” the group explained in a statement. These individuals previously had a share farming arrangement, which allowed volunteers to farm local land with donated equipment and resources. Profits from the harvest were reinvested into the community and notably contributed toward Finley’s recreation reserve building. Remaining profits were held in interest bearing deposits, to be used for furthering the group’s fundraising capacity. Now members new and old have realised this ambition with the establishment of Finley Passionate Community Participants Ltd — a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to furthering investment in, and support of, Finley and surrounds. “The primary aim of the not-for-profit company is to hold rural land assets with an income earning capacity, where ultimately the income generated can be used as a resource to drive worthwhile opportunities for the
betterment of the Finley community through financial assistance,” said organisers. “The group is confident that this model, which has been used very effectively in the past, will continue, and enable all members of the community, both young and old, to contribute. “Further, it has the potential to bring structure to some of our volunteer efforts in a different and lasting way.” Purchasing the ‘Mandalay’ mixed farming property required significant investment, sourced in part from the PCP’s founding members Paul Evans, John Hand, Ashley Haynes, Chris Kelly, Trevor McCaw, Mark Robertson, Cr John Taylor, Greg McNamara and Sue Braybon. Both financial and logistical support have been pledged by the Finley Apex Club, Finley Rotary Club, Finley Regional Care, Finley Golf Club, Finley Football & Netball Club, Finley Lions Club, and the Finley Secondhand shop. Donations were also sourced from individuals and businesses in the community, with remaining funds acquired via bank loan. “The intended purpose of Finley PCP Ltd is to create a future fund that will be available to community notfor-profit groups, to be used to embark on projects that otherwise may have been out of reach financially and provide opportunities to apply for grants where matching funding is a prerequisite,” said PCP organisers.
“It will enable the community to have a significant say in their own destiny, no longer being primarily reliant on the government for projects to succeed. “There is great potential to bring the community together as worthwhile projects are planned and completed, as well as developing a greater trust and stronger networks with levels of government and the private sector, thereby increasing opportunities for future worthwhile ventures.” Though progress has been made, organisers stress that ongoing support will be required for their efforts to succeed. Members are calling upon individuals, groups, and businesses to contribute to the project. Priorities include reducing the organisation’s bank loan and fund the sowing of crops. Acquiring volunteer labour to maintain the land is also vital. Finley Apex are major contributors in this regard. Members of the community can help in four ways: • Donation of monetary sums. • Giving of labour/time. • Donating use of equipment. • Donation of inputs (eg water/seed/fertiliser). For more information about the project or how you can become involved, visit www.finleypcp.com.au, or send an email to info@finleypcp.com.au.
APRIL 2022
14 • FARMtalk
First Nations-led
farming
Growing the economy, conserving the environment and creating opportunities for community.
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onserving the environment, growing the local economy, and creating opportunities for community. These benefits and more underscore the operation of two Deniliquin district leaders and their partnering organisations, Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre and Outback Academy Australia. David and Jeanette Crew OAM have been at the forefront of encouraging cultural participation and preservation amongst Wamba Wamba Perrepa Perrepa people - the Traditional Owners of the land on which Deniliquin and surrounds now exist. The Crews are partnering with Outback Academy Australia under the banner ‘Follow the Flowers’, to create economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits for Aboriginal people through alliance-based, ethical agricultural, horticultural and tourism business from Pandyil Farm, They aim for the products produced on their farm to be unique, and hold a connection to Country. Some products will be part of a national Fairtrade style, First Nations brand – Follow the Flowers, reaching social and environmental targets, and building foundations for a positive future. “We want to develop products with an Indigenous narrative, demonstrating the benefit to community,” David said. “Part of our vision is to understand our obligations to look after our community and our Country.” David said it is a project almost four decades in the making. “In 1984, Jeanette had an idea to set up a fish farm while working in the early days of the Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council,” he said. “In 2000, when she came home, Jeanette still had this vision and started thinking about how this could be achieved. And so began Pandyil Farm.”
“We want to develop products with an Indigenous narrative, demonstrating the benefit to community.” DAVID CREW The Crews then bought the 32-hectare property, about 30km out of Deniliquin. It is also an important location for Jeanette. “It’s right between Moonacullah and Deniliquin, the two places where I grew up – so Moonacullah is just down the road, and beyond that is the Werai Forest,” she said. The concept for Pandyil Farm is one of regenerative agriculture in collaboration with OAA, which helps Traditional Owners and other First Nations farmers establish their own farming operations across NSW, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia. Most of the farms also feature tourism activities with a view of the land, foods being grown, place-based cultural knowledge, and environmental impacts the farms are seeking to achieve. OAA Executive Director Clare O’Kelly said the farm education and tourism hubs help raise awareness of regenerative farming, and will make Pandyil Farm’s products more visible to the market. “So the heavy lifters need to be viable businesses that’s number one,” she said. “The hubs are also providing proof of concept and are hard at work to engage community and stakeholders around them, assisting them to know where they can
play a role and how, understand what it’s all about, and be part of sharing the values that they’ve committed to. That way we can broaden the opportunity regionally,” Ms O’Kelly said. “Heavy-lifting farm hubs like Pandyil Farm are not there for themselves only, they are there for that region.” David added it will help bridge access to farming, landcare, and agricultural skills for Traditional Owners and other First Nations existing and emerging regenerative farmers. At the time of the 2016 Census, First Nations people made up just one per cent of Australia’s agricultural workforce. The ABS reported between just one and 11 First Nations individuals held jobs in agriculture in the Edward River and Murray River council areas respectively, despite it being a major industry in the region. David said a 2019 study by Bushfood Sensations found that “only one per cent of the industry’s annual $20 million was generated by Aboriginal people.” “A Yarkuwa study in 2016 found that local families were better off financially in 1965 than they are now,” he said. “This is despite all the legislation enacted by government for the benefit of Aboriginal people.” Pandyil Farm aims to provide a pathway to First Nations people, removing this barrier and giving them access to Country and agricultural, horticultural knowledge and business opportunity as part of the Follow the Flowers alliance. They will grow saltbush (Atriplex nummularia), and plan to produce relish once production is established. A shed on the Crews’ property is also being transformed into a processing plant and production area, so they can make the relish on-site. They hope production will start within months.
DENILIQUIN, NSW
Another aspect is the introduction of a honey farm, with the help of Outback Academy Australia’s Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Program ‘Follow the Flowers’ project which connects farmers along the Murray Corridor, and funds capacity and capability building with farmers including with apiarists such as Victorian apiarist Ben Dunn. OAA also brings a partnership with the Tri State Murray NRM Alliance for technical knowledge and skills development with Follow the Flowers farmers along the Murray Corridor. Ben was brought in as a consultant on establishing new hives, and hopes to give Pandyil Farm all the tools it needs to independently manage its honey. “It’s very hands on, so it’s not just sitting down at a table and having a conversation,” Ben said. “There’s a lot of practical aspects to being a beekeeping consultant. “We do a lot of training, a lot of workshops, a lot of onfarm site assessments and learning about the different trees and plants of the area, and what the capacity of the landscape can do in terms of beehive numbers and populations.” He says at the outset, bee-keepers should limit the size of their operation, as they get accustomed to being around bees and managing hives.
“It’s not just about learning about the bees themselves, but you have to learn about the plants around you, the local flora. “You need to start learning about the weather patterns and making predictions on that, which can take time. “There’s a logistical element as well - if you want to start getting commercial with it, and you’ve got 30, 50, 100 hives, then logistics plays a big part in it if you’re looking at moving them around to other farms where they’re going to be on a better source of nectar and pollen. “When you’ve got more than a handful of hives in one spot you actually do need to start moving around otherwise they can go hungry and as a beekeeper that’s not what you want.” Ben hopes Pandyil Farm can gain confidence, education, beekeeping skills and independence. “The way I try to consult is getting them to the point where they can self-manage, where they don’t need a consultant anymore.” Pandyil Farm hopes to host European honey bees in 10-12 hives as they start their capability building program. The bees play a critical role in also promoting biodiversity. About 80 per cent of the honey will feed a national supply under the OAA and Pandyil Farm agreement
APRIL 2022
FARMtalk • 15
for support to the Follow the Flowers brand, already producing honey in SW Western Australia. This brand will continue to connect and promote the Follow the Flowers farmers and bee keepers nationally and internationally, while bring economic, social and environmental returns to the communities in which they are located. Murray Cod in Wamba Wamba language is ‘pandyil’, and fish are another one of the farm’s focus areas. An empty dam at the Crews’ property sits ready for the re-establishment of native wetlands, to be populated with small-bodied native fish. Jeanette said they were also fortunate to buy the land before policy would have separated it from its water allocation. Once up and running, Pandyil Farm will offer training placements and jobs to First Nations people through Yarkuwa, especially for local youth. “It will build aspirations for our youth, build a connection between our schools, Yarkuwa, Pandyil Farm and Werai,“ David said. “It will create a location for demonstrations, exploring Indigenous agricultural productions and sustainable land management concepts.”
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APRIL 2022
Dedicated to the future of rice
FARMtalk • 17
Myall Park resident Rebecca Groat is this year’s Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship recipient.
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he scholarship of up to $30,000 offered by SunRice will support Rebecca’s studies as she pursues a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree, majoring in Climate Science and Sustainability at Charles Sturt University. In presenting Rebecca with her scholarship at a celebratory dinner in Leeton, SunRice Group chairman Laurie Arthur said Ms Groat “understands the importance of positive outcomes for the environment, demonstrating a commitment to the sector which is aligned with the Jan Cathcart Scholarship”. “She is passionate about the rice industry and is focussed on sustainability where agriculture and the environment not only coexist but thrive together. “Over a 43-year period, Jan made an enormous contribution to the rice industry, paving the way for other women in her field, and each year SunRice is pleased to have the opportunity to honour this commitment. “This scholarship has always been a wonderful chance for SunRice to invest in the future of the industry.” Now in its eighth year, the scholarship is designed to provide recipients with financial support and hands-on industry experience to assist them in achieving their career goals. On accepting the award, Ms Groat noted that she is dedicated to creating a sustainable environment for future generations. “Every farmer I know is passionate about the environment and wants to leave their farm better for the next generation. I share the same values and want to make a positive difference in my part of the world. “My experience of working the rice harvest gave me an appreciation of the dedication and work ethic that goes into every grain of rice. “That inspired me to look at different ways that farming and the environment can work together, which the rice industry does so well. It is also what motivated me to apply for the Jan Cathcart Scholarship. “The Australian rice industry is already a world leader in environment and production working together, so I am grateful to have the opportunity to get some experience and to use the tools and learning I gain at university to further the industry and shape the way my community farms into the future.” Previous recipients have included: • 2021: Charlie Reilly, from Leeton • 2020: Alexandra Morona, from a rice farm near Deniliquin • 2019: Emily Fasham, from a rice farm near Wakool • 2018: Annabel Arnold, from a rice farm in Berrigan • 2017: Sarah Cudmore, from a mixed farming property at Benerembah • 2016: Millie Mertz, from a rice farm in Moulamein • 2016: Elise Wilson, from a rice farm in Coleambally • 2015: Samantha Glenn, from a rice farm in Moulamein • 2015: Zoe Reynoldson, from a rice farm in Berrigan.
“My experience of working the rice harvest gave me an appreciation of the dedication and work ethic that goes into every grain of rice.” REBECCA GROAT
Scholarship: Myall Park resident Rebecca Groat is this year’s Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship recipient.
Scholarship: Rebecca Groat with Jan Cathcart’s sisters Judy Johnston (left) and Sue Naumann.
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FARMtalk • 19
Dairy levy unchanged Australian dairy farmers have voted to not change the current levy investment during the 2022 Dairy Poll conducted from February 24 to March 31.
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APRIL 2022
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he poll presented farmers an opportunity to vote on investment in the industry’s future with four voting options, determined by an independent Levy Poll Advisory Committee. Dairy Australia has been notified by Link Market Services, the independent company engaged to conduct the vote, that ‘no change’ to the levy was preferred among farmers, receiving 64 per cent of the votes. This outcome was also supported by good participation, with 44 per cent of all eligible votes cast. Additional details of the results can be found at dairypoll.com.au. Dairy Australia’s chair James Mann thanked all farmers and people across the industry that have been part of “this important process to determine the future investment in the industry.” “Thanks also to the Levy Poll Advisory Committee, who gave a great deal of time and effort to determine the voting options,” he said. “Our collective funds play an important role in delivering services that individual farmers cannot deliver alone – whether that’s research in feed or genetics, or how we respond to challenges such as labour and natural disasters – your contribution will continue to make a big difference for our industry. Dairy Australia’s managing director Dr David Nation said investment in the future will continue to be a priority for the company. “We value and appreciate every dollar of the dairy levy, and we will continue to invest it in ways that deliver tangible benefits to farmers. “It was also pleasing to see 36 per cent voted for an increase in levy, indicating support for the key areas identified for continuing investment – labour, regional services, climate and policy development – which are critical for our industry’s long-term success. “We will need to consider how we address these key areas and now work to prioritise investment and services with these areas in mind, along with our current investment mix.” These investments include research and innovation, supporting farm business management, responding to events such as drought, bushfires, floods or COVID-19, developing tools to adapt to the environment and address climate, supporting on-farm employment needs, marketing of dairy products and commitment to sustainability, policy research, industry insights and international market programs.
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