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Imagine driving on the highway, knowing the big trucks sharing the road are operating under the highest safety standards. That’s the goal of a new system launched by TruckSafe, the Australian Trucking Association’s safety program.
Deniliquin-based Paul Fellows, of Fellows Transport, is the chair of TruckSafe and recently visited New Zealand to promote the life-saving program.
“I signed my business up to TruckSafe back in 2001, and have not looked back,” Mr Fellows said.
“In fact, I joined the board many years ago and was privileged to be voted in as chair in 2021.”
Mr Fellows says the system is a “game changer” and makes roads safer for everyone.
“It recognises the human factors of trucking businesses,” he said.
“It’s grossly unfair if staff or owner-operators are unaware of compliance or are not trained, so this program marries safety and transport together.”
According to Mr Fellows, companies using TruckSafe have 50 per cent fewer catastrophic incidents.
Currently, the freight and trucking sector in New Zealand lacks an industry-wide compliance and safety system, which prompted Mr Fellows’ visit. The program will begin rolling out across Kiwi-based companies in coming months.
TruckSafe was created back in 1996, when the government was worried about truck safety.
Instead of just checking boxes to meet basic rules, TruckSafe claims to be a more flexible, risk-based system. This means companies can tailor their safety plans to fit their specific needs and the size of their operations, and the statistics quoted by Mr Fellows back up these claims.
Hay Grains storage facility in east Hay has changed hands, after JEK Rural Investments purchased the depot.
Deniliquin-based Paul and Jenny Fellows have owned the business for the past seven years and say they have enjoyed their time as part of the business community.
“Jenny and I have enjoyed our time with Hay Grains and the relationships we’ve made and loyalty we have seen from customers,” Paul Fellows told The Riverine Grazier.
“We have had excellent service from local businesses such as Geoff Murphy Electrical and Crighton’s Engineering, and made many lovely friendships.
“Hay really is a great town and we wish the Kondarovski family every success.”
JEK Rural Investments is a partnership of the Kondarovski brothers, James and Ian, who, together with their father Janis and brother Eric, have a family history of innovation and expansion.
The two brothers have expanded into Hay to increase the storage of popcorn, processed at either the Darlington Point mill or the company’s founding plant in the Dandenong Ranges.
“We need to expand the Darlington Point storage capacity,” Ian explained.
“We need additional storage for our P1837 and 1756 varieties (of popcorn) and are keen to speak with farmers keen to grow.”
Store-brand popcorn in major supermarkets is the work of the Kondarovski family, as well as Movie Timebranded hot buttered cinema popcorn. They also produce fairy floss and coloured, flavoured popcorn.
James and Ian’s grandfather immigrated from Lathia, and as a young man, their father Janis travelled in a van selling ready-to-eat popcorn store to store. In the beginning, every kernel was popped at home.
“We think he saw popcorn and thought, ‘I can make that,’ and so he did,” James said.
Janis quickly expanded into supplying cinemas with product and equipment, bringing that buttery aroma to moviegoers across the country. He even purchased Hoyts’ own popcorn business, which was struggling to turn a profit, selling to themselves.
Passion for business obviously runs in the family. As the family in Australia expanded into popcorn warehouses across the country and into New Zealand, brother Eric established packaging manufacturing in Shanghai, Los Angeles, and El Salvador.
The partnership between the Kondarovski brothers and Hay’s Nutrien branch to raise funds for CanAssist will continue.
Anyone needing weighbridge facilities can book in at Nutrien’s office on Maude Road, with both businesses donating 100 per cent of fees to the Hay branch of CanAssist.
Mr Fellows also confirmed that Fellows Transport operations would continue as usual.
Jean van Niekerk has been farming in the Bunnaloo district since 2004.
Initially dealing with sheep, through three separate Dorper studs, Jean said growing interest from overseas markets for goats prompted him to look at diversifying. Based on that interest, he chose black and red Kalahari and Boer goats, and Bunnaloo Black Goats was born.
“We got quite a lot of inquiries for black goats, from China in particular, where we were already exporting sheep,” Jean said.
“So when we decided we needed to look at something in livestock different from sheep, we decided to go with goats.
“The stud originated in 2017 from stock purchased from the famous Jolleen Stud at Mudgee.
“We started our stud because we could not find enough goats to flush embryos from.
“But Murray River Genetics—the artificial breeding arm of our business—has allowed us to swiftly expand the size of the stud.
“A large expansion program has been embarked upon, with over 200 recipient females being implanted with twin embryos.
“At the same time, the goat market was really taking off in Australia because prices were so good.”
Jean said the introductory years were quite strong, but with the market crashing since, they have reduced their herd.
“We’re down to between 50 and 80 does and 10 to 12 bucks, and then we’ll see what happens,” Jean said.
“At this stage, the goats are coming in a poor second to the Dorpers in terms of dollars per hectare.
“The livestock situation is fashion-driven from China, and black goats have high value in Muslim markets.
“But now demand has dropped to about one-tenth of what it was.
“When we first started, we were earning about $4,500, on average, per buck at auction. Now we’re getting about $500.
“In comparison, at our Dell Dorper ram sale last year, the average was $4,000, and ewes averaged about $1,000.
“The goat export market—for breeding purposes—is starting to pick up again, though.”
Bunnaloo Black Goats operates on the same property as the Dell Dorper stud, at Fairfield on Thyra Rd, Bunnaloo. The average day on the farm for the four staff starts at about 6:30am, and they’ll work through until all the day’s
BUNNALOO, NSW
tasks are done. While the black goats themselves need little maintenance, there are plenty of other jobs that need doing to keep the business going. Work ramps up at sale time and when the in-house embryo program is underway, as it was in late March.
“We also have our sale coming up (in April), so a lot of preparation goes into that,” stud manager Mel Hibma said.
“There are also vaccination programs, and we kid down in August and September.”
Mel said while the overseas markets prefer the black goats, the Australian markets prefer the red. So the stud’s numbers are about half of each. But due to the origins of the breed and the nature of genetics, black and red goats can produce full siblings that are black or red, or kids with some white or brown. Colour can never be guaranteed. The popularity of black and red goats has increased throughout Australia due to better survivability and increased carcass weight.
The Kalahari breed originated from South Africa. It was found to be hardy, highly fertile, and with good mothering ability. Other notable attributes include being disease- and parasite-resistant and adaptable to harsh climatic conditions. The goats produce lean meat, and kids are fast-growing, which dramatically increases the weights of the progeny of rangeland goats.
“When we first started, we were earning about $4,500, on average, per buck at auction. Now we’re getting about $500.”
JEAN VAN NIEKERK
As well as an interest from domestic markets, goat and Dorper semen and embryos harvested at Murray River Genetics are exported to China, America, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand, New Caledonia, South Africa, and more. Bunnaloo Black Goats specifically has exported live goats, semen, and embryos around the world, mainly to America, Jamaica, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. High standards of animal husbandry are maintained throughout the stud, including regular vaccinations and parasite control.
Bunnaloo Black Goats is registered with the Boer Goat Breeders’ Association of Australia Ltd (BGBAA) and the Kalahari Goat Association of Australia (KGAA). All its sires and dams are registered with both associations, giving clients the option to choose which association they would like their goats registered with.
Did you know that lambs born this year must be identified with an NLIS-accredited electronic Identification (eID) device before they leave your property?
Currently, there is a discount of $0.76 per tag for 2025 (white) NLIS eID devices to help you with the cost of the eID program.
The discount is available until the end of October (or until the funds run out), so get in quick!
It is applied directly at checkout when purchasing accredited devices, making it simpler for you with no extra steps if ordering fewer than 3,500 tags.
If you need more than 3,500 tags, a pre-approval form is needed from the DPIRD website at www.dpi.nsw. gov.au/eID. The discount can only be claimed once per Property Identification Code (PIC).
There are different options available for NLISaccredited eID devices, including ear tags and leg bands.
A list of accredited devices can be found on the DPIRD website.
Please consult with your retailer or trusted advisors to pick the best option for your animals.
eID devices facilitate the lifetime traceability of animals.
Traceability is needed to respond quickly to disease or food safety concerns.
This system empowers the protection of more animals from disease and maintains global market access.
NSW is currently transitioning to the use of eID devices to identify sheep and farmed goats.
Sheep and farmed goats born prior to 1 January 2025 can be sold with a visual tag until 2027.
From 1 January 2027, all sheep and farmed goats will need to be identified with an eID device.
For more information, visit the DPIRD website, email sheepgoateid@dpi.nsw.gov.au, or contact your Local Land Services office.
James Mettam (pictured), Graduate Veterinarian, Murray Local Land Services
You can’t fight destiny. Just ask Jane Napier.
Aftervowing to never become a dairy farmer, Jane tried quite a few different occupations, including chasing Herefords in South Australia and underground mining. But it seems you can’t take the dairy out of the girl, and today, she is happily working alongside her brother Brett on the family dairy farm.
“I grew up following my dad and my brother around the farm, but when I left home, I vowed I would never come back and be a dairy farmer because I just hated the early mornings—and still do,” she laughed.
But like most farmers with milk running through their veins, Jane could no longer ignore the pull. Giving in, she returned home in February 2024. And she just loves it.
“It is so good to be back home with my family full-time.
“I am really close with my brother, and even though he is a fair bit older than me, we really complement each other—where one of us lacks, the other thrives, and we just work really well together,” Jane said.
The siblings milk 300 Holstein and crossbreed cows between Deniliquin and Finley in the Riverina.
“I know it sounds like a cliché, but I just love working with the cows,” Jane said.
Passionate about breeding, Jane pushed for the family to install collars, and three weeks ago, her dreams came true.
“There was definitely room for some improvement when it comes to the breeding side of things, and I am getting a real kick out of tracking the girls’ cycles and other activities.”
The AFIMilk collars and Every Cow program have been instrumental in updating their records, which, prior to the purchase, were all written down on paper.
“This has been a huge game-changer for us and allows me to focus on our breeding, which will translate into more calves, better health, and reproductive outcomes.
“I can’t wait until we are a couple of years down the track and looking at our results,” Jane said.
Jane recently had the opportunity to participate in Fonterra’s Proud to be a Dairy Farmer program after she was selected as one of the 28 participants for 2025. She said the experience was amazing.
“The program was well put together and ran super smoothly.
“It was an eye-opener seeing the different farms and systems, and you can always take something away when you speak and learn from other farmers.”
Jane said she also really enjoyed the mental health workshop with Wayne Schwass.
“His messages were what a lot of us farmers need to hear because we can bunker down and just worry and focus on the farm, when in reality, it is just as important to focus on ourselves and our own mental health.”
Jane had the opportunity to sit next to Fonterra’s Managing Director of Global Markets, Consumer and Food Services, Rene Dedoncker, at the gala dinner.
“He was super knowledgeable, and it was really good to get his perspective and hear his faith in Fonterra as a company moving forward.”
She said another great thing about the program was the confidence it gave to participants.
“There was one young fella there who barely said a word at the start, but by the end, he was one of the boys and had a great time.”
The family moved to supplying Fonterra in July 2024, and Jane said she has been impressed by the support and services they have offered.
“I think they have come a long way from the milk price drop mess of 2016, and they seem to have a lot of resources available that I didn’t come across with our previous processor.
“I am determined to make the most of these opportunities, and participating in the program is just one of the many things I hope to be involved in.
“The dairy industry might be a small industry, but everyone is just so genuine and supportive, and they are my kind of people.”
Jane has some lofty dreams for her future on the farm, including hopefully one day investing in robots to take away some of the physical workload.
“If we can stay in the game, it will certainly be worth it in the long run for our business and the future of the industry.
“Coming home has been the best decision I could have ever made,” she said.
An essential ingredient for safe horse riding is a suitable surface for horse and rider. This is especially important when elements of showjumping are included on the riding agenda.
So when the Cobram Barooga Equestrian Club’s grounds were damaged by burrowing rabbits, it was a problem that needed urgent attention.
The rabbits had decided to make their home on part of the grounds and its surrounds, leaving their mark in a way that caused considerable safety concerns.
The club’s committee identified the work that was required but, with limited available financial resources, then had to investigate funding opportunities to help pay for these repairs.
“The rabbit holes had become a serious physical threat,” explained the club’s President Sally Marsden.
“We are accountable to provide a safe area for all who attend our grounds, so the problem had to be resolved.”
The club worked with Berrigan Shire Council and the Barooga Recreation Reserve Committee to remove the rabbits.
The next step was undertaking the work required to restore the riding surface to a safe and acceptable standard.
After submitting an application to Murray Irrigation’s Community Grants Program, the club successfully secured $1,000 to support the project.
Cobram Barooga Equestrian Club is located at the Barooga Recreational Reserve, in Burkinshaw Street.
The club is understandably proud of the impressive amenities it has been able to build up over the past three decades.
But with a smooth and safe riding surface paramount to any equestrian competition, the club needed to respond swiftly to restore the rabbit-damaged grounds.
Machinery was hired to move dirt and fill in the holes, as well as fill in burrows on the sandhill and level out areas which had deteriorated from rabbit scratchings. Successful completion of the work has paved the way for competitions and training to proceed this year.
Cobram Barooga Equestrian Club caters for riders who want to try their hand at most equestrian disciplines, and
Established in 1992, its facilities include a full size sand arena, a 20-metre fully enclosed round yard, holding horse yards, a stallion yard, jumps, an equipment shed and clubrooms with fully equipped kitchen, change rooms, showers and toilets.
provides quality instruction for Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing and Showing.
The club generally holds five official competitions per year, with the first four of these being held over two days. The Official Dressage Championships and Official Show Jumping Jackpot take place in early April. In October, the Official Show Ring is held at the annual Cobram Show.
In between these major events, training days are held, usually on the fourth Sunday of the month.
The club’s riders cover a vast area across the NSW Murray region. While many are from Cobram/Barooga and its immediate surrounds, others come from Mulwala, Deniliquin district, Jerilderie and beyond.
“We offer a safe and inclusive club for riders of all ages,” Sally said.
“Currently, we have riders as young as 9 years old, through to our most experienced at 74. Most of our members are over 50.”
“We believe there are significant health benefits from horse riding, and as such we actively promote exercise and fitness for all our riders.
“They do not only benefit from a physical perspective, but also mental wellbeing through events and monthly social interaction.”
The club organises events for its own members, as well as competitions that attract riders from throughout NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
This provides an additional economic benefit to the Cobram/Barooga district, with visiting competitors enjoying the hospitality provided by local clubs, restaurants, shops and motels.
The equestrian club’s members reciprocate by regularly attending events hosted by other clubs, both across NSW and interstate.
“We are very proud of the fantastic success that has been enjoyed by our members for many years,” Sally said.
“We have won many prestigious events, which is a positive reflection on the tutoring our riders receive.”
The club anticipates ongoing success, as it has a number of promising junior riders who are on track to be contenders at national level.
These young riders will continue a proud legacy that has been built since the club was established more than 30 years ago and became affiliated with the Horse Riding Clubs Association of Victoria.
“Our aim is to always train and improve our horses and our riding through quality instruction, while also promoting good fellowship amongst like-minded people who are interested in equestrian sports,” Sally said.
“Importantly, we want to ensure everyone has lots of fun while achieving our goals.”
“The rabbit holes had become a serious physical threat. We are accountable to provide a safe area for all who attend our grounds, so the problem had to be resolved.”
SALLY MARSDEN
A major scholarship fund that has already generated $500,000 has been launched to develop exceptional leaders to serve their region. As our regions navigate complex challenges and emerging opportunities, strong and courageous leadership has never been more vital.
The Bruce Simpson Rural Leadership Scholarship Fund stands as a testament to this kind of leadership, reflecting the character and legacy of its namesake.
Mr Simpson tragically died last year following an anaphylactic reaction at his Deniliquin property, leaving a great void within his family, the wider Riverina community, and throughout the many fields that benefited from his representative and advocacy work.
His family, in collaboration with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF), launched the scholarship fund in Deniliquin on Saturday to honour Bruce’s extraordinary contribution to rural communities.
Specifically, the scholarship aims to reflect the importance of Bruce’s advocacy, leadership and passion for agriculture in Australia and beyond, and ensure that this legacy of leadership and service continues into the future.
The goal is to build a $2 million plus endowment to fund the Bruce Simpson Rural Scholarship annually and in perpetuity, supporting participation in the ARLF’s flagship Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP).
The ARLP is Australia’s longest and most in-depth experiential leadership program designed to build leadership capability in people in rural, regional and remote Australia. It’s delivered over 15 months across multiple sessions including four face-to-face sessions across the country and internationally.
The program is designed in line with proven learning methods and responsive to the needs of the group and rural, remote and regional Australia. They graduate as action takers and thought leaders committed to positively influence their organisations, industries and communities. There are now more than 850 graduates of the ARLP who’ve gone on to lead with impact at a regional, state, national and international level.
“Rural leaders today are navigating everything from renewable energy expansion and major infrastructure projects to agribusiness transformation, access to key services like health and education and building community resilience. The question isn’t whether change
“He always had that motivation to be active beyond the farm gate... and it opened his awareness of having an impact on regional and national issues too.”
— JOHN SIMPSON
is coming, it’s who will lead it,” ARLF chief executive Matt Linnegar said.
“The demand for leadership in rural, regional and remote Australia is growing, and our commitment to strengthening rural leadership must keep pace with this need.
“Looking forward, leadership development must be bolder, more collaborative, and more action-oriented.”
ARLF chair Rick Sawers said ARLF was founded over 33 years ago to address a leadership deficit in rural, regional and remote Australia.
“The Australian Rural Leadership Program, and subsequent programs, are helping to fill that void, investing $100 million over 33 years to develop 3000 leaders and building a national network of changemakers who are at the forefront of agriculture, natural resource management, Indigenous leadership, business, and rural community development.”
Bruce’s twin brother John Simpson agrees.
“What drew us to aligning this initiative to the ARLF is that they have the know-how of building future leaders in this country,” he said.
“It is absolutely critical that we do this work to connect all of Australia with the issues affecting rural areas.
“We want to equip people with the skills, confidence and ability to represent not just themselves, but their
communities. Instilling leadership skills is vitally important to bring about change.
“The ARLP happened for Bruce at the age of 41 or so. It was a trigger point for him - for the understanding that he had a great deal to give to rural Australia.
“He always had that motivation to be active beyond the farm gate and be involved in whatever was happening in the community, and it opened his awareness of having an impact on regional and national issues too.
“He never put himself above anyone else. With the opportunity and right environment to use his skills, he would.”
Bruce’s wife Shandra said Bruce always put himself in positions where he kept learning.
“He knew you never stop learning. For future scholarship recipients, I just hope they grow from their ARLP experience like Bruce grew from his, and embrace that learning.”
The scholarship is also historic in that it’s the first time individuals have seeded a fund, that have traditionally been supported by corporates and philanthropy.
Bruce’s children Charlie and Lucy, along with John, will have hands-on involvement each year in the selection of applicants to the Bruce Simpson Rural Leadership Scholarship, which will support a promising individual working in agriculture and related sectors to undertake the ARLP.
“Strong communities band together in good times and tough times. Dad firmly believed that people, not governments, are best placed to solve challenges when they arise,” Lucy said.
“Rural Australia today really needs people who are committed for the long term. It needs talented, visionary people to give their knowledge and experience to those around them,” she continued.
“It’s a brilliant partnership between committed people and an organisation that has made a massive difference to the lives of those who have already taken part in a scholarship before now,” Charlie added.
“If we achieve our goal of raising $2 million, the scholarship will provide one person a year, into the future, to have a chance to take part in one of the best rural scholarship programs in Australia,” he said.
Bruce believed leadership is about being consistent with oneself and one’s values, to lead with integrity. In an ARLF interview five years ago, he also said it is to “be strong in your belief that you’re there to lead for change”.
For more information on the Bruce Simpson Rural Scholarship Fund and how to donate, visit https://donate. rural-leaders.org.au/.
“He knew you never stop learning.”
— SHANDRA SIMPSON
Alexandra Hatty from Tocumwal has been announced as the recipient of the SunRice Group’s 2025 Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship, offering up to $10,000 per year, will support Alexandra in her academic pursuits. She is in her second year of a Bachelor of Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Science at The University of Newcastle. During the celebratory dinner in Sydney, where Alexandra received her scholarship, SunRice Group chairman Laurie Arthur described Alexandra as an “incredibly deserving recipient” in the 11th year of the award.
“Alexandra demonstrates a deep commitment to both the rice industry, her studies and her communities, through the pathways she has chosen,” he said.
“She is passionate about rural development and sustainability in agriculture, particularly in how industries impact rural communities and the environment.
“The scholarship will enable Alexandra to focus on addressing the social dimensions of agriculture through improving education, communication, and knowledge-sharing within the rice industry and broader farming communities.
“Alexandra is confident the scholarship will help with both her personal development and career journey.”
Mr Arthur said the Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship was established to provide recipients with financial support and practical industry experience to help them achieve their career goals.
“At the SunRice Group, we are incredibly proud to honour Jan’s dedication by investing in the future of the industry through this scholarship.
“Jan had a true passion for the rice industry and was committed to ensuring young people received the proper training and education to contribute meaningfully to the sector and their future as women in the industry.
“Supporting 15 young women so far in advancing their studies is the perfect way to recognise her legacy and we look forward to continuing this program.”
On receiving the Award, Alexandra expressed her sincere gratitude for being chosen as the recipient of the Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship along with acknowledging Jan’s passion and dedication to the rice industry while expressing her desire to embody the values Jan upheld.
“I am incredibly honoured to be part of Jan Cathcart’s legacy, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of a network that values sustainability, collaboration and education,” she said.
“My goal is to use this experience to make a meaningful contribution to the communities and industries that have shaped me.”
The scholarship, valued at $10,000 per year for up to three years of tertiary study, is aimed at supporting women pursuing careers in agriculture.
To date, it has been awarded to 14 other recipients:
• 2024 - Ava Christie from Albury and Hope Fitzpatrick from Moulamein.
• 2023 - Tiarna Burke from Coree and Lily Delves from Hanwood.
• 2022 - Rebecca Groat from Myall Park.
• 2021 - Charlie Reilly from Leeton.
• 2020 - Alexandra Morona from Deniliquin.
• 2019 - Emily Fasham from Wakool.
• 2018 - Annabel Arnold from Berrigan.
• 2017 - Sarah Cudmore from Benerembah.
• 2016 - Millie Mertz from Moulamein and Elise Wilson from Coleambally.
• 2015 - Samantha Glenn from Moulamein and Zoe Reynoldson from Berrigan.
Since its inception, the SunRice Group has awarded more than $300,000 through the Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship.
Available Vehicles
Scrapers: Caterpillar 623G, 623B, and 2 x 623F
Excavator: 1 x Komatsu PC200-8, 1 x Hidromek 310LC, 1 x Hidromek 230LC
Longreaches: Komatsu 300-8, 18m Boom & Komatsu 220-5, 14m Boom
Graders: Caterpillar 160M AWD, 2 x Caterpillar 140H
Bulldozers: Caterpillar D7H & Caterpillar D6T with Rake
Tractors: Steiger 450 With Laser Buckets - 14 & 16. Case IH Steiger 535 & 600
Loaders: Cat IT 28B Cat 960F
Low Loaders: 2015 Quad Axel (with Tandem Dolly), SES Tri-Axel
Water
Researchers from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) have opened the door to enhancing canola production in challenging growing environments, after identifying a key gene that helps protect plants from manganese toxicity in acidic soils.
Soil acidity is a significant challenge for crop production in Australia, and crops like canola are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of acidic soils, which can limit growth and reduce yields.
Dr Harsh Raman, senior principal research scientist at the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, said the discovery is the result of five years of dedicated research by an international team of scientists, with NSW DPIRD leading the effort.
“Soil acidity is a global issue, severely limiting crop production and affecting a huge 13.7 million hectares in New South Wales alone,” Dr. Raman said.
“After conducting a range of experiments in controlled field conditions, New South Wales DPIRD has successfully cloned the specific gene responsible for manganese tolerance in acidic soils.”
“We have also uncovered new insights into the genetic networks that influence this trait, which will enable the research team to develop practical methods for selecting canola plants with manganese tolerance based on morphological traits and molecular markers.”
According to Dr. Raman, the discovery could lead to higher productivity and improved profitability for canola growers.
“By understanding how canola plants cope with excessive manganese in acidic soils, researchers and crop breeding companies can now work towards developing new crop varieties that are more resilient to the stresses of manganese toxicity,” Dr. Raman said.
While manganese is an essential nutrient for plant growth, excessive amounts in acidic soils (pH <5) can lead to severe toxicity, which can stunt plant growth and reduce crop yields. This is most common in waterlogged soils or those with poor drainage, particularly under high-temperature conditions.
Dr. Raman said that while researchers still recommend a regular application of lime to manage high-acidity soils, manganese tolerance is a valuable enhancement trait for canola varieties by allowing growers to get about their business without having to wait for the lime to ameliorate into the soil.
“Thanks to this research, canola farmers will no longer exclusively need to invest significant time and money into lime applications and wait for amelioration to proceed before they can grow high-yield crops. Now, by unlocking the secret to cultivating varieties that are tolerant to acidic soils, growers can grow high-yielding canola whilst applying lime to improve their soils’ long-term pH, increasing productivity and profitability.”
“As farmers face increasing challenges such as soil degradation, this research provides a promising new tool to enhance crop resilience and secure long-term food production,” Dr. Raman said.
The project was supported by the NSW DPIRD, Grains Research and Development Cooperation, Oil Crops Research Institute China, Monash University, ARC Training Centre for Future Crops Development at Australian National University and Wagga Wagga, and INRA France.
The research findings were recently published in Plant Cell and Environment, available at onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pce.15433.
sally.ware@lls.nsw.gov.au
Soil
Meet
As a farm advisor and grower, all too often in crop nitrogen and sulphur decisions have been driven by what we’ve done in the past and the yield outcome, not taking all nutrients into account that may limit yield.
024 certainly threw its fair share of curveballs across the region. In many cases, a simple nutrient audit showing nitrogen supplied last year wasn’t all removed at harvest – which begs the question: where is it?
Unfortunately, there is the risk we lost it. We’ve all been guilty of spreading urea in front of a ‘guaranteed’ rain, which didn’t eventuate. Although this space has seen significant research, there are still a few unknowns. With some rain and significant crop canopy, losses would likely be relatively low – but did it all show up in grain? Maybe not, which leads me to my point: more soil testing! Across our region, we have now seen widespread adoption of grid mapping and variable rate lime application. In many cases, it has not been at the expense of equipment investment on-farm, but engaging with contractors and specialists to test and create variable rate maps. This type of testing has mostly occurred over the summer/autumn months, and by the time this goes to print, the window will quickly be closing. So will the time for spreading lime and gypsum.
Where to from here… As an advisor, I suspect by now starting phosphorous rates, lime, and gypsum decisions are complete. Depending on yield environment, maybe the first application of urea is locked in, but what next? In previous years, it’s been an easier decision with more
stored moisture. What’s the likelihood in July you’ll be asking your advisor, ‘How much urea or SOA should I apply?’ And the easy answer as an advisor is ‘It depends.’ We know the numbers: around 40 kg nitrogen/tonne of cereal grain, double that for canola as a rough guide, but what are we starting with? Previous harvests’ yields were more consistent. Variability in rainfall, hail, and frost has made estimating crop removals challenging due to variability both in grain and also grain protein.
So, what tests? Traditionally, a standard deep nitrogen 0-60 cm test has been where we’ve started. If sulphur hasn’t been applied in recent years, sulphur can be added to the test. Although not perfect, this is a great place to start. Given the challenging year last year and low stored moisture, I would look at a segmented soil test to give us a better idea of where the nutrients are sitting (0-30 cm and 30–60 cm). Depending on the start to the season, early root growth may be limited due to a lack of moisture at depth.
Give your local Nutrien team a call to organise soil testing to get a better idea of your input needs – who knows, you might already have more in the paddock than you think.
Nutrien Corowa – New store, up and running – early April 2025.
• What kind of loan product do I need?
• How much can I afford to borrow and repay?
• Where can I get the best interest rate and other conditions?
• How can I compare the available loans?
• What does all the technical jargon mean?
This is where the finance broker comes in.
A finance broker is an intermediary between the lender and borrower, arranging a loan in return for a fee.
How finance brokers can help small businesses
Capable finance brokers:
• Have a detailed knowledge of the loan market
• Are independent and not tied to any particular lender
• Can assess your financial situation and needs and find suitable loan products with competitive interest rates
• Explain any financial and legal terms in the documentation in simple language
• Assist you throughout the loan application and settlement process, and beyond.
Finance brokers act for the borrower, not the lender. But in the vast majority of cases, it is the lending financial institution, not the borrower, who pays the broker’s commission fees.
To get the best results, it’s a good idea to do some preparation before your first meeting with your broker. Plan to explain clearly what your business does, how it is structured, and who your main competitors are.
Think about your business goals and targets, opportunities, and risks, so that you can communicate these clearly.
Be prepared to outline the purpose of the funds you hope to borrow – that is, provide details of how you will use the cash to help your business prosper. You should also take the following documents along to the meeting:
• Latest financial statements – Your balance sheet and profit and loss statement, your cash flow statement, any management accounts, your budget, or forecast for the coming year.
• Business tax returns – The last two years’ returns.
• Business Activity Statement – Take a year’s worth of BAS – the last annual statement or the last four quarters.
Your finance broker will certainly be asking you many questions, but there are also lots of questions you need to ask in return, including:
• Would a line of credit, or a term loan, or lease finance, or some other form of finance, suit my particular needs best?
• If you think a term loan is best, what term do you recommend?
• How much do you think my business can afford to borrow and repay?
• Will I need to offer property as security for the loan? Will it need to be my home or commercial property?
• Should I be looking for a fixed or variable interest rate?
• How many lenders do you work with?
• Do you have testimonials from previous customers?
While your broker may not be able to answer all of these questions at the first meeting, you should expect full responses before you commit to the recommended finance.
Grass Roots Finance in Deniliquin is your complete lending partner. Call Chantelle Shevels on 0427 629 522 or chantelle@grassrootsfinance.com.au to arrange a meeting.
FARMtalk welcomes community contributions from farmers, experts and professionals who make their living and life on the land. If you would like to contribute, there are several ways to do so.
• Get in touch and give us a tip of a great story idea.
• Contribute an article: If you are an expert in your field then contributing once off, or regularly, is a great way to get started in our FARMtalk magazine. Contact Zoe McMaugh at farmtalk@ denipt.com.au or 03 5881 2322.
• Become an author: FARMtalk is open to occasional contributors who are experts in their field or authorities on a subject or area. Once you have contributed an article, and the editorial team have approved you, we can set you up with a regular column to contribute. We would love to hear from you. Contact Zoe McMaugh at farmtalk@ denipt.com.au or 03 5881 2322.
• Have a fascinating farm in mind for us to showcase? Tell us! We would love to hear from you. Contact Zoe McMaugh at farmtalk@ denipt.com.au or 03 5881 2322.
As part of the Minn Government’s plan to strengthen the state’s primary industry sector, the government is calling on stakeholders to provide feedback on the development of an industry-wide strategy. It will be designed to create a more resilient and skilled NSW primary industries workforce.
The consultation, which was a 2023 election commitment, is an important step in ensuring that NSW agriculture and primary industries have a workforce suited for the constant changes within the state’s $20 billion primary industries sector.
Consultation on the proposed NSW Primary Industries Workforce Strategy 2025-2030 opened on March 27.
Key stakeholders across the agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, and forestry industries are urged to review and provide advice and input into the strategy to ensure it is fit for purpose.
The proposed strategy identifies three key priority areas for government and industry to concentrate their actions. This includes improving business management, adaptability and innovation, fostering a diverse workforce accessible across NSW, and building on careers and capabilities across the industry.
NSW Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tara Moriarty said once the strategy has been finalised, all industry stakeholders will have an opportunity to develop plans, initiatives, and programs that deliver the shared vision for a highly skilled and versatile NSW agriculture workforce.
“We’re pleased to launch this consultation and I encourage all stakeholders to get involved,” she said.
“This consultation will play a big part in helping coordinate workforce strategies between both government and industry.
“It’s important to highlight the wide range of rewarding careers available in primary industries.
“The primary industry sector is full of opportunity and innovation, and together, we can develop plans that support and sustain the workforce that is vital to the sector’s growth.”
Feedback closes on April 30, 2025. Go to www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/primary-industries-WorkforceStrategy to make a submission.
Set (as below) $190
Strainer - 100nb (114.3 od) x 5.4mm Wall $80 EA
Backing Post - 80nb (88.9 od) x 5.0mm Wall ..... $58 EA
Top Rail - 50nb (60.3 od) x 3.6mm Wall .............
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