FarmTalk Magazine - February 2024

Advertising and Editorial Deadlines

March Edition: February 22, 2024

April Edition: March 22, 2024

May Edition: April 26, 2024

June Edition: May 24, 2024

July Edition: June 22, 2024

August Edition: July 26, 2024

September Edition: August 23, 2024

October Edition: September 25, 2024

November Edition: October 25, 2024

December Edition: November 22, 2024

International nod for Lindsay

Lindsay Marshall was literally born into the dairy industry. He’s a fourth generation producer, who continues to provide guidance to the fifth and hopefully sixth generations behind him.

He does it - and so much more - out of his love for the industry, and tries his very best to do it “under the radar”.

But the contributions Lindsay has made to the industry over several decades has never gone unnoticed, which led to him being awarded the Lex Bunn Memorial Award at International Dairy Week in Tatura this year.

The award is presented for an outstanding contribution to the dairy industry over many years.

It is specifically for those who contribute to the industry but do not seek recognition, and was introduced to the IDW schedule by Brian Leslie in 2002.

The award is voted on by previous recipients.

Lindsay admits to being quite emotional and receiving a “big fright” when he realised he was this year’s recipient.

“I have joined an elite group of people in the cattle breeding business,” he said.

Sophie Baldwin CONTRIBUTOR

Lindsay Marshall was presented with the 2024 Lex Bunn Memorial Award by 2023 recipient Mark Patullo. Photos courtesy of International Dairy Week.

Jennifer Ho

“It is a group of people who have given a lot to the industry, not only in terms of what they do on farm but also in sponsorship, mentoring youth and encouraging other people.

“These are people who have given more than they have taken - succeeded in what they have achieved and given back - and I never considered myself to be in the same league until my name was called.

“I didn’t expect it, nor was I seeking this kind of recognition. It was a surreal experience and I must admit I got very emotional.

“When Brian Leslie was speaking to the awardee, at the time he was about ready to finish, I remember thinking this bloke had a life just like me. And then my name was called.

“It was quite special to have my wife Nina and our boys Lachlan and Adam there with me.”

Lindsay developed his love of the industry from shadowing his maternal grandfather Joe Colvin and father Arnold Marshall on the farms growing up.

He said he and Nina have been “blessed” that their own sons have taken over the mantle of dairy farming, allowing them to consider semi-retirement a little earlier than originally planned.

And Lindsay said it’s also nice to know that his grandchildren are already showing some interest in continuing the family tradition.

“Dad was very forward thinking and gave me a lot of responsibility at a young age,” Lindsay said.

“He instilled in me the importance and value of working with good cattle.

“Nina and I have been blessed to be able to retire early, and let our boys go forward too.

“It has allowed me to get more involved in dairy breeders competitions, which has taken me to every district in Australia and New Zealand.

“As a young fella I would show jerseys with my grandfather (Joe), and then I got in to Holsteins once I moved to Queensland.

“Being involved in shows has allowed me to make good friends and find mentors in the business.”

The Marshalls relocated to the Riverina in the early 2000s in search of dairy opportunities that were not under the pressure of the Queensland political and climactic conditions.

Discounting Gippsland as too cold, they weighed up all the options for Blighty, and took the leap.

While drought and politics regarding water followed them to their new home, they decided to stick around and see it out.

As well as running the dairy farm over the years, Lindsay has given attention to showing cattle and industry advocacy through Holstein organisations.

It’s actually how he came to know about Blighty too, having met his now neighbour Stuart Plattfuss in the early 1990s through his association with the Federal Holstein Council.

Lindsay said he’s also had a long association with International Dairy Week, and says it’s more than just an opportunity to show your cattle.

“The first International Dairy Week was in the early 1990s, and I attended the second ever (travelling from Queensland) and found it to be of tremendous benefit.

“In that year I met the importer of Keenan feed wagons – a bloke named Paul Findley from England –who set us on a path of much higher production.

“I then continued my involvement with the event, showing cattle of my own and on lease arrangements.”ecause everything they say is valuable.”

Lindsay Marshall (ninth from left) with previous recipients of the Lex Bunn Memorial Award.

Dairy week champions crowned

Instyle Solomon Dahlia, owned by the Thomas family from Cooriemungle in south-west Victoria, has joined the elite after being crowned 2024 Supreme Grand Champion Cow at International Dairy Week.

Owner Brenton Thomas said he was still processing the win and he can’t actually put what it means into words, other than to say Dahlia is a no-hassle, great cow and he is very proud of the win.

Holstein judge Barclay Phoenix was obviously impressed by the six year-old.

“She is balanced, big enough and her mammary system is just outstanding,” Mr Phoenix said.

“If you took the intermediate champion and senior champion cow here today on a plane ride around the world they would be competitive anywhere, it was a tremendous show.

“The quality stayed right through and is a testament to the breeders.”

For Brad and Jess Gavenlock, from Cherrylock in Tallygaroopna, this year’s IDW was their best ever, after taking out Reserve Champion Cow with Jersey Jamber Colton Veronica (co-owned with Robbie Wilson from Jamberoo, NSW) and Intermediate Interbreed Champion with Holstien Eclipse Perennial C Princess (co-owned with M. Polson). (See page 11 for more about the star Jersey.)

“The intermediate Holstein win was probably the most exciting because I have never won champion Holstein before, I am just a Jersey boy mucking around with a few black and whites,” Mr Gavenlock said.

In the five year-old Jersey class, Cherrylock had four animals stand in the top six, while three Holstein cows

placed first, second and third (including intermediate champion) and six red and white cows had five class wins and a second.

“We had 41 cows and to win two supreme champions is amazing,” Mrs Gavenlock said.

“We had a crew of over 20 people this year and it is all a bit unbelievable at this point, it has been such a great show.”

Mr Gavenlock said the lead up to IDW was one of the toughest he had ever experienced.

“The last three weeks have been brutal weather wise — 10 days before IDW our whole farm was flooded,” he said.

Charlie Mullen, Tyler Gordon, Emily Gordon and Sienna Ross.

“It is much easier to work with cows in 35 degrees and dust then humidity, rains and floods.”

Junior Holstein Champion and Interbreed Junior Champion was Gorbro Hano O Princess, exhibited by Gorbro Holsteins at Cohuna.

Premier Breeder was Avonlea Holsteins and Premier Exhibitor was Gorbro Holsteins.

This year’s Bette Hall Power of Women in Dairy winner was 87 year-old Jersey breeder Winsome Anderson from Nar Nar Goon.

Mrs Anderson is a valued active member of the Central Gippsland Jersey Breeders Club and South Gippsland Club for more than 60 years and a strong supporter of youth programs and events.

Her passion for dairy is so strong she has even established a museum at her home. Her King View Jersey Stud is well known across the country.

The Lex Bunn Memorial Award was given to Lindsay Marshall after his outstanding contribution to the dairy industry over many years.

IDW organiser Stacey Leppart said this year’s event was an outstanding success.

“We are so pleased with the way everything has kicked off this year,” Ms Leppart said.

“We are back to pre-COVID levels and this year was really strong across all classes.”

The Cows Create Careers initiative was well supported, along with all the youth classes.

“We had 41 cows and to win two supreme champions is amazing,”

JESS GAVENLOCK

“We are building a great foundation for the future and IDW is only going to get bigger and better,” Ms Leppart said.

Supreme Champion Cow, InStyle Solomon Dahlia, led by Cameron Yarnald (right) with City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali.

Meg Erickson, 10 month-old Maeve McFee, Graham McFee, Callum McFee and Jane McFee were delighted with their success at IDW.

The region boasted many winners at IDW 2024, represented by these happy owners. Among them is the Cherrylock team from Tallygaroopna, taking home InterbreedReserve Champion with the Jersey, Jamber Colton Veronica (co-owned with Robbie Wilson from Jamberoo, NSW), and Intermediate Champion with the Holstein, Eclipse Perennial C Princess (co-owned with M. Polson). (Both cows are pictured.)

ESGWhat does it mean for me?

HMurray Local Land Services is hosting an ‘ESG: What’s in it for me?’ conference on March 6 in Finley.

ave you seen or heard the term ‘ESG’ being referred to?

Do you wonder what it is and why it is being talked about?

ESG stands for environmental, social, governance and refers to processes which guide businesses, farmers and corporates in terms of working ethically and sustainably.

ESG processes may include such things as innovation, transparency, standards, use of clean technologies, energy usage, soil, water, air and wildlife, climate, human rights, labour and immigration.

As the focus on how products are produced along the supply chain increases, these issues are becoming more and more relevant for farmers. Not just in the Murray Region, but globally.

This includes everything from sustainability of natural resources to business and employment

management and policies, through to water use and land management practices on farm.

A quick Google search can send you down a rabbit warren of information, ESG definition wheels, related topics and more.

It may leave you motivated and/or confused as to where to start on farm and how to assess your current situation.

You may already be meeting ESG guidelines if you are involved in sustainability frameworks for enterprises on your farm, considering natural capital or carbon accounting, identifying and investing in technologies on farm which will help you be more sustainable and efficient in farming practices, HR management, and responsible reuse or disposal of waste products.

If you are interested in learning more or need this space demystified for you, come along on March 6 to the Finley Returned Soldiers Club from 12pm to 4pm.

Speakers will include: Cam Nicholson (farmer and consultant), Sara Hely (chief operating officer at Riverine Plains), Jessica Loughland (livestock supply chain manager at HW Greenham & Sons) and others, including a farmer panel.

The event will include options to join a farmer engagement group following the event, to further

address specific questions or work through tangible on farm steps which can be implemented.

To register for attendance, scan the QR code, or contact Kimberley Beer on Kimberley.beer@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0439 531 306.

Helen Dalton MP

I am humbled by the support I have received and the trust people in my electorate have placed in me by reelecting me for a second term to represent all of us in parliament.

I have made some significant progress with the new Labor government so far and am determined that everyone in regional, rural and remote NSW must get their fair share, especially in this electorate.

Stopping water buybacks is at the top of my priorities, and I will continue that fight until the government listens to us and acts in our best interests. Right now they are putting party politics ahead of the welfare of river communities. That’s unacceptable.

We have a desperate shortage of teachers, doctors and nurses in the electorate. We need greater incentives which will attract these essential professionals to our region, and I will continue to pursue solutions to

I will also continue working with local councils and government to provide a solution to our affordable housing crisis.

Better health outcomes for us in the bush, especially better mental health services and support systems is another of my priorities.

It is unacceptable that in regional, rural and remote communities we have to beg for services, or go without services, which are taken for granted in cities.

I’m looking forward to continuing to be a voice for everyone in the

Micro abattoir put to the test

Barham’s new multi million dollar abattoir has drawn first blood, after participating in a processing licence audit with Department of Primary Industries late in 2023.

The multi-species processing facility was put through its paces as two officials watched over the proceedings.

The processing licence audit was a critical step to complete in getting the facility open.

The audit identified issues that will need to be resolved, however, a licence number has been issued and once rectifications are made, processing will begin.

The facility will be run by the Murray Plains Meat Co-Operative (MPMC).

The facility is an impressive sight, set on a very small footprint but which will cater to multi-species processing.

Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry will go from paddock to plate with the facility having capability to butcher and pack onsite.

The facility has a maximum annual liveweight processing capacity of 725 tonnes, with the initial throughput looking more like 362.5 tonnes.

The project has had its challenges and complications.

Then a newly formed co-operative in 2019, the group was unable to receive grant funding without a history of operation.

An agreement was reached with Murray River Council to come on board as project manager and lead funding applicant.

Council applied for and received funding through the drought assistance grant scheme, to build a micro abattoir in Barham on behalf of the co-operative.

Under the agreement, council will be owner and project manager for at least the first five years and lease the business to the co-op.

Murray River Council tendered the construction of the facility with the contract being awarded to Steve Tamplin of Tablelands Meats.

Mr Tamplin operates his own micro abattoir near Canowindra in NSW.

Initial assessments of daily throughput are 20-25 sheep, or five cattle, or 20 pigs, or 200 poultry.

A test run of the abattoir was held in late 2023 as part of the necessary audit process.

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Small business financial checkup

As a small business owner, the new year offers a unique opportunity to assess your financial health. With half of the tax year behind us, it’s time to take stock of your business finances and set a course for sustainable growth.

Here’s a breakdown of how to perform an assessment of your small business finances.

Review your financial statements

Financial statements explain the monetary result of your business activities during a defined period –typically the 12 months corresponding with the financial or tax year ending each 30th June.

These statements include:

• Income statement - Your income statement, or profit and loss statement, lists your sales and other sources of revenue (such as investment income), and deducts expenses like cost of goods sold, wages and administration charges, to arrive at a net income or loss for the period.

• Balance sheet - The balance sheet is a snapshot of your financial position at a given date, often at the end of the financial year. It starts by listing the assets of your business: cash in bank accounts, accounts receivable, trading stock, investments, and fixed assets such as owned business premises and equipment. Your liabilities – including accounts payable, bank loans and other borrowings – form the second part of your balance sheet. Finally, it calculates your shareholders’ equity, which is the total value of shares you’ve issued plus the money your business has earned and kept. Essentially, it ensures that everything your business owns equals everything it owes, including what it owes to its owners.

• Cash flow statement - Your cash flow statement shows where and how cash is being generated and spent in your business operations. A business can have a positive income statement but struggle because of negative cash flow, so it’s worth knowing how to understand your cash flow and take steps to rectify any problems.

Analyse key financial ratios

Financial ratios are valuable tools for assessing your business’s financial health.

Some important ratios to consider include:

• Profit margin - Calculate your gross and net profit margins to evaluate your profitability.

• Current ratio - This ratio compares your current assets to your current liabilities and assesses your ability to meet short-term obligations.

• Debt-to-equity ratio - This ratio measures the proportion of debt financing in relation to equity, indicating your company’s financial leverage.

• Quick ratio (acid-test ratio) - This ratio excludes inventory from current assets to assess your ability to meet short-term obligations without selling inventory.

• Return on investment (ROI) - Calculate the ROI to understand the returns generated from your investments.

Comparing these ratios over time, or benchmarking them against industry averages, can provide valuable insights into your business’s financial stability.

Assess accounts receivable and accounts payable

Review your accounts receivable to ensure customers are paying their invoices promptly.

A high level of overdue payments can negatively impact your cash flow.

On the flip side, assess your accounts payable to manage your vendor relationships and avoid late payment penalties.

A well-managed accounts payable process can also help you negotiate better terms with suppliers.

Track inventory management

If your business involves inventory, efficient inventory management is crucial.

Excessive or obsolete inventory ties up your capital, while inadequate inventory can lead to stockouts.

Monitor your inventory turnover rate and strive to strike a balance that optimises cash flow and meets customer demand.

Set financial goals and identify opportunities

Having financial goals is a vital part of business success.

Short-term goals could include exceeding the revenue of the equivalent month last year or launching a new product or service.

Long-term goals might be planning for steady and sustainable growth year-on-year, achieving a stable cash flow or building a strong financial reserve. Use the SMART goal system to set your objectives.

Look for new opportunities to help achieve your goals, such as analysis of your market and competitors, collaboration with other businesses and product diversification.

Your broker may be able to help

Reach out to your broker for support in achieving your financial goals.

They may have the tools and expertise to guide your business towards growth and stability.

Contributed by Chantelle Shevels, founder of Grass Roots Finance.

This information is for general information purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute financial or professional advice or a recommendation. It has not been prepared with reference to your financial circumstances or business and should not be relied on as such. You should seek your own independent financial, legal and taxation advice as to whether or not this information is appropriate for you.

Wheat comp hattrick

Grenfell wheat growers Rob and Mandy Taylor have achieved an outstanding feat by clinching the prestigious AgShows NSW Suncorp Bank Championship Dryland Field Wheat Competition state title for the third consecutive year.

Organised by AgShows NSW, the peak body representing 192 shows, the annual competition recognises excellence in wheat farming across four regions before culminating in a state final.

The Taylors secured their spot by outperforming competitors in the central region.

With an impressive point score of 226 for their 7.6t/ha yield, they surpassed Quirindi’s Cory Behsman at Romani Pastoral Co and Cowra’s Tom Johnstone at Illinois Farm in the same region.

Gunnedah’s Lambrook Pastoral Co emerged as the state champion in the durum wheat category with a 6.5t/ha yield, scoring 189 points.

The joy of a hattrick to the Taylor’s has only been elevated by the fact that this was the 25th anniversary of the awards.

Crops from the central region have won the state award in five of the last six years, with Yarrabah Pastoral Company winning in 2020 and Illinois Farms Prty Ltd winning in 2018.

The 2019 crown was awarded to southern region growers Scott and Julia McLeod.

Walbundrie’s Mickan Bros claimed the top spot in the southern regional titles of competition, with a score of 222 points for their 7.4t/ha yield.

They also secured the TJ Dwyer Farming Excellence award.

The southern region was hotly contested, with the area covering a vast territory and including regional centres

like Albury, Wagga Wagga and Young. Second place was awarded to Young’s Manton Pastoral with third going to Wallendbeen’s Baldry and Sons.

In the northern region, it was Paraway Pastoral Co who claimed the top spot.

Their crop led the region with a score of 204 points for a 6.6t/ha yield, surpassing other high scoring competitors in a region which encompasses a vast territory from North Star to Nyngan.

Second place was awarded to Warialda’s Ray and Nikki Price with third going the way of Gilgandra’s Hassall & Co.

“Most crops were on good rotations with an increasing trend towards doublebreak crops.

FRANK MCRAE

AgShows NSW president Jill Chapman, Brendan Munn from Lowes, Mandy and Rob Taylor, Jenny Taylor from Suncorp Bank, Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders and Youseff Fares from Dual Chelate.

“It’s a very effective way to encourage sustainability and productivity in the industry.”

DAVID HERBERT

Their crop had a score of 200 points for a 6.5t/ha yield, surpassing high scoring competitors in a region which encompasses Tamworth, Coonabarabran and Forbes and more.

Second place was awarded to Lockhart’s GL and EJ Lane with third awarded to Nick and Ian Westcott at Peak Hill.

Judge Frank McRae of DLF Seeds Australia said the entries selected for the regional finals were of a high standard with excellent agronomic management.

“The regional finalists’ crops were a credit to growers, their advisors and agronomists,” he said.

“Established in 1996 after the ASC saw the need for a yield-based competition, the Dryland Wheat Competition offers immense educational value to participating growers. “Most crops were on good rotations with an increasing trend towards double-break crops.

“Many entries showed outstanding yield potential given the low in-crop rainfall recorded during the growing period, and yield potential varied across the state depending on seasonal conditions.

“The northern region was affected by the extremely dry conditions experienced throughout the year, with many crops failing and others not being sown. Before the event, competition organisers were expecting a “mixed bag” of entries due to a “dramatic weather shift” in 2023.

Some farmers received more rain than others, certain paddocks retained moisture from last year’s floods, while others have faced a very dry season.

Based on the conditions, a 24 per cent decline from the previous year’s record-breaking winter crop of 63.85 million tonnes is anticipated by Rabobank.

“Late rains before harvest affected the final yield and grain quality of some central and southern crops.”AgShows NSW chair of the wheat competition committee David Herbert said the competition holds great significance in the industry.

“As we celebrate 25 years of recognising the outstanding achievements of wheat growers in New South Wales, AgShows NSW is proud to reflect upon the competition’s importance in supporting the sustainability and profitability of wheat production throughout New South Wales.

“The Suncorp Bank Championship Dryland Field Wheat Competition underscores the commitment of Australian farmers to excellence and innovation in wheat cultivation,” he said.

“The event not only celebrates achievements but also provides a platform for industry networking and knowledge exchange.

“It’s a very effective way to encourage sustainability and productivity in the industry.”.

Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders, Tobie Payne, Sheldon and Rebecca Dalton, Youseff Fares from Dual Chelate, Brendan Munn from Lowes and AgShows NSW president Jill Chapman.

AgShows NSW president Jill Chapman, Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders, Jack Brennan of Paraway Pastoral Co, Youseff Fares from Dual Chelate and Brendan Munn from Lowes.

AgShows NSW president Jill Chapman, Brendan Munn from Lowes, Rhonda and Gary Mickan, Andrew Norris from The Land, Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders and Youseff Fares from Dual Chelate.

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Heliotrope – aka potato weed

Watch out for toxic weeds

Weeds take up space and nutrients that could be used to grow fodder.

Weeds can also have negative effects on animal health.

Some weeds cause wool contamination which, besides upsetting your shearers, wool handlers and profit, can be irritating to the sheep as well.

Especially those weeds with seeds that can penetrate the skin and cause infections.

Weeds causing wool contamination include species such as Bathurst burr, spiny burr grass, corkscrew and barley grass.

Some plants contain toxins that can cause liver damage when eaten by stock.

Plants that can cause liver damage include:

Heliotrope – aka potato weed

Catheads – aka bindii, catdrop, three corner jacks

Witchgrass – aka hairy panic

Patterson’s curse – aka salvation Jane

Liver damage can lead to secondary issues such as photosensitisation (‘photo’, ‘yellow big head’) and copper toxicity (‘the yellows’).

Photosensitisation can occur when animals with liver damage eat green plants.

The damaged liver can’t process the feed normally causing a buildup of a light active compound in the bloodstream.

This compound will react to light, which will happen where blood vessels are close to the skin and not protected by pigment or wool coverage.

This causes sunburn-like symptoms, commonly around the face and feet in sheep and any lightly pigmented areas in cattle, particularly white patches along the backbone and the udder. Photosensitisation can occur without liver damage from ingesting plants, like St John’s wort, that contain light-sensitive compounds.

While the underlying liver damage cannot be repaired, the symptoms of photo can be managed by moving the stock into a shaded area and removing from green feed and feeding hay.

Veterinary advice should be sought for severe cases.

Copper poisoning occurs when the liver damage causes a build-up of copper in the liver.

This is often an issue in sheep, especially when they are eating a copper-rich diet such as sub clover.

The copper is released into the bloodstream causing a mass die-off of red blood cells.

This results in severe jaundice, which is why the condition is often termed ‘the yellows’.

The effect of heliotrope damage is cumulative, so problems are often seen in mature sheep that have had repeated exposure.

There is a veterinary permit issued for a molybdenum drench to help with copper toxicity. Please speak to your local private or Local Land Services vet about this issue.

While some weeds are usually unpalatable to stock (particularly Merinos) they will sometimes be consumed if no other green feed is available.

Young stock and some breeds such as Dorpers are more likely to consume weeds.

Managing weeds can help with the welfare and production of your stock.

For future information contact your nearest Local Land Services office or call 1300 795 299.

Linda Searle is district vet with Murray Local Land Services.

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

Patterson’s curse – aka salvation Jane

Garden Soil Mulch Garden Compost

Gravel & Pebbles Feature Rocks

What is carbon farming?

Carbon farming refers to a set of agricultural practices and land management techniques aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions or capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere.

In Australia, it involves various methods designed to sequester carbon or reduce emissions in agricultural and land-use activities.

This includes practices such as reforestation, revegetation, improved grazing and cropping techniques, as well as conservation and sustainable land management approaches.

So what does offsetting carbon actually mean, and what is a carbon credit?

According to Greening Australia, offsetting carbon means undertaking an activity which reduces emissions to compensate for emissions made elsewhere.

The market for carbon offsetting is made up of both compliance and voluntary demand. Compliance demand is where companies or other entities must offset some carbon in order to comply with caps on the total amount of carbon dioxide they are legally allowed to emit.

The voluntary market is where individuals and companies purchase offsets to compensate for their own greenhouse gas emissions, without being legally obliged to do so.

A carbon credit represents one tonne of carbon dioxide that has been removed from the atmosphere.

So if a company had 1,000 tonnes of carbon they needed to offset, they would purchase 1,000 carbon credits.

How are carbon offsets measured?

There is a government FullCAM model, which allows the market to calculate how much carbon has been sequestered from carbon offsetting projects.

Figures from the project are input into the model (i.e. where, how many trees and in what configurations), which uses a formula to calculate how much carbon will be removed from the atmosphere over a 25-year period.

Credits are only awarded to us by the Australian Government for growth as it occurs (since the last report on growth).

If the trees are lost, or damaged by fire, no additional credits are generated.

What is the carbon market?

The carbon market relates to the production and buying and selling of Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs).

These units (or credits) are generated primarily from land restoration projects that re-establish native vegetation in the landscape and in turn remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Carbon credits are a financial product that are regulated and issued by the Australian Government to project developers.

What will environmental markets look like in 2030?

Greening Australia expects to see an increase of regulated environmental credit markets to emerge, including water quality credits and biodiversity credits in addition to carbon credits.

This will involve similar processes such as credit creation, audit, purchase and sale as per the current growing carbon market.

“We expect clearer visibility on the environmental outcomes for investors in environmental markets including quantifiable improvements in quality of the soil and water the carbon sequestered from the atmosphere and ultimately the large-scale restoration of natural landscapes,” a spokesperson said.

Who buys and sells the credits?

Those buying and selling environmental credits will be industry, government, private investors, philanthropist, superannuation funds along with environmental project developers and traders.

The Clean Energy Regulator is the government body responsible for administering the Emissions Reduction Fund and the legislation around reducing carbon emissions.

The Clean Energy Regulator website has some excellent tools and information to help landholders determine the most appropriate carbon method.

EARTHMOVING

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, 18 Meter & Komatsu 220-5, 14 Metre

Graders: Caterpillar 160M AWD, 2 x Caterpillar 140H

Bulldozers: Caterpillar D7H & Caterpillar D6T with Rake

Tractors:

located in Deni, Barham, Hay, Echuca, and Rochester.

Plains education

BayWa r.e Projects Australia has formed a partnership with Hay Trees on Plains Landcare Group to fund the 2024 Plains Wanderer education program.

The program was run successfully in June 2023, where students from Hay Public School and Hay’s St Mary’s Parish School visited ‘Bedarbigal’, the property of Bert and Liz Matthews, which has been the site of many years of Plains Wanderer conservation works.

Students also visited Western Pains Zoo in Dubbo and learned about Taronga’s protection efforts from the experts themselves.

The Plains Wanderer is a small grasslands bird that is critically endangered.

The Hay region is one of the few remaining patches of habitat where the tiny quail-like bird can be found.

In 2022, 10 Plains Wanderers were released near Hay as part of a special project.

The program was led by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program, backed by a $175 million commitment over 10 years, and supported by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Local Land Services and Taronga Conservation Society Australia.

The 10 birds were released onto private properties in the Western Riverina near Hay after being hatched at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Taronga Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo.

The private landholders are part of the Paddocks for Plains Wanderers’ program, where landholders receive support to manage their ground cover for livestock production and Plainswanderer conservation. The project is intended to reverse the plight of the small, ground-dwelling species.

The site for the proposed Bullawah Wind Farm is located adjacent to highly prized grasslands habitat near Hay.

The wind farm site has been extensively surveyed and carefully designed to avoid and minimise any impact on the important habitat for this and other important local species.

BayWa r.e is eager to continue to support protection of this important native bird, which has been welcomed by Riverina Local Land Services’ regional agriculture landcare facilitator Jade Auldist.

“Through education, hands-on experiences and shared commitment, we are working together to ensure the survival of the plains wanderer and inspire a future stewards of our environment,” she said.

The 2024 program will also be held as a partnership between BayWa r.e, Hay Trees on Plains Landcare Group, Riverina Local Lands Services and Taronga Zoo.

“We are proud to support this innovative experiential education project,” BayWa r.e Australia’s Marteen McKenzie said.

“We understand the how important the Plains Wanderer species are and BayWa r.e are eager to support their protection and further research.”

Further information on the program can be sought from Jade Auldist at Riverina LLS.

In 2022, 10 Plains Wanderers were released near Hay as part of a special program. Photo by NSW DPE/Saving Our Species and Taronga Conservation Society of Australia - Alex Pike.

The critically endangered Plains Wanderer is the centre of an education campaign in Hay.

Riverina’s best on show for US young farm leaders

Rural businesses and properties in the Riverina and northern Victoria have been showcased to the future agricultural leaders of the United States during a tour in January.

Australia was chosen to host the 2024 International Leadership Seminar for state officers of the National Future Farmers of America Organisation comprising of an 11-day tour.

This dynamic youth organisation fosters future chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields. It provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education, drawing members from grades 5-12 and college.

Each year, 75 officers are invited to apply for this event and range in age from 17 to 23 years old. This is their first visit to Australia.

Delegates toured Sydney and Canberra, hearing from speakers from the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Office of Agricultural Affairs, US Embassy, and the Future Farmers Network of Australia, before making their way to the Riverina.

There was a visit to renown racehorse breeders, Sandy and Kathy Tait’s historic Gunnong-Jugrawah, property, Coolac, followed by an overview of the Matrix farming technique by Gundagai agronomist Mark Lucas, Pasture Agronomy Service.

Mr Lucas outlined the role perennial pastures play in improving carrying capacity, soil carbon and overall sustainability.

Delegates then moved on to the Lucas family’s Reiland Angus at Killimicat, Tumut, a stud established for 52 years, selling 250 bulls annually and running 1800 breeders across several properties.

Mark, Sam and Huw Lucas and Jess Reynolds gave an overview of the production system, their genetic philosophy and a display of bulls, breeding cows, replacement heifers and Dohne Merino sheep.

Delegates then moved on to the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area to inspect irrigation farms growing barley, wheat, Merino and crossbred sheep at Gogeldrie.

Dr Chris Proud, Rice Breeding Australia, outlined rice production in the MIA. A visit to Southern Cotton Gin, the Whitton Malt House, Hutcheon & Pearce and a Griffith citrus packing shed rounded out the day.

The group also received presentations from Murray Dairy, visited Pepperton Poll Dorset and White Suffolk stud at Elmore, Cobram Estate Olive Oil processing plant, and Marcus Oldham College.

Oz beef trade strengthens

The United States Department of Agriculture has forecast an increase in Australian beef production and exports, while American production is forecast to decline, though less than initially expected.

The forecasts for global beef production were released in mid-January in the USDA’s quarterly Livestock Products and Trade publication.

MLA global supply analyst Tim Jackson said report offered a useful insight into both the current state of play in beef production and the factors affecting the future outlook for global trade.

Global production is forecast to remain stable at just under 59.5 million tonnes.

The forecast attributes this almost entirely to the upward revisions to American beef production, with expectations that it would now decline only three per cent in 2024, instead of the six per cent previously forecast.

Mr Jackson said this points to a continued decline in the American cattle herd, and a much longer herd liquidation than previously expected.

Although the USDA has not yet released its January herd number it is likely to be the lowest in several decades, while the female slaughter rate remains well above 50 per cent. Outside the US, changes are likely to be less drastic, Mr Jackson said.

Brazilian production is expected to lift by three per cent from last year to 10.8 million tonnes in 2024. This is partially due to an uptick in female slaughter and a marginal potential destock, but the increase is mostly due to a longrunning increase in the Brazilian herd.

Production in Argentina is expected to decline by six per cent to 3 million tonnes in 2024, as continued dry conditions have caused multiple years of smaller-than-expected calf crops and impacted the availability of stock feed, making supplementary feeding considerably more difficult and pushing down carcase weights.

Despite this decline in production, Mr Jackson said it was possible that Argentinian beef exports could lift in the new

year, as Argentina’s new government has lifted several restrictions on beef exports implemented by the previous administration.

Australia is forecast to see the largest increase in production, with USDA numbers pointing to an per cent lift in production to 2.35 million tonnes.

Mr Jackson said once again, this points to the fact that Australia is a major player in beef exports while being a relatively small beef producer.

With exports forecast to rise by 10 per cent to 1.69 million tonnes in 2024 according to the USDA, Australia will be the second largest beef exporter after Brazil.

“MLA’s upcoming Cattle Industry Projections (set for release on February 26) will provide additional information around the current situation in Australia specifically, but the USDA release shows that Australia is in a good position to compete internationally, especially with the continued decline in the American herd,” Mr Jackson said.

National Future Farmers of America Organisation delegates hear about best practice seedstock and commercial beef production at Reiland Angus, Gundagai.

Duck hunting ban shot down

Recreational duck and quail hunting will continue in Victoria.

The Victorian Government announced its response to parliament’s inquiry into the state’s recreational native bird hunting arrangements, confirming hunting will continue “with important changes to ensure it remains safe, sustainable and responsible”.

The news that duck season will continue has been welcomed by the organisation that represents the state’s recreational hunters, Field and Game Australia, as well as the Victorian Nationals.

“We are grateful to the Victorian Labor Party for its decisive leadership action in rejecting the parliamentary select committee’s previous recommendation to prohibit hunting,” FGA CEO Lucas Cooke said.

“This move not only honours Australia’s deep-seated hunting tradition but also recognises the essential role of hunting in our ecosystem.”

However, he said the announcement was “soured slightly by news that 2024 will be a modified season”.

Shadow Agriculture Minister and Nationals MP Emma Kealy said the “biased recommendations of the inquiry simply had to be rejected”.

“As we have said all along, duck harvesting is sustainable, safe and has huge economic benefits,” she said.

As media speculation swirled that the Allan Government would reject the findings of the

parliamentary inquiry, upper house MP Georgie Purcell, from the Animal Justice Party, expressed her dismay.

The State Member for Northern Victoria said she wanted to make it clear that if duck hunting went ahead, she would no longer work with the government “the way that I have in the past”.

“They’ve treated me with disdain, they’ve treated the community with disdain and most importantly, they’ve treated our native waterbirds with disdain,” Ms Purcell said in a Facebook post.

“I genuinely thought that the outcome of this inquiry would be positive.”

Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said duck hunting was a legitimate activity “but more than that, it supports regional communities and economies”.

“Our position has not changed and we’re supporting recreational duck and quail hunting to continue in a safe, sustainable and responsible way with minimal harm to our environment.”

Mr Dimopoulos accepted the Game Management Authority’s recommendations for a 2024 duck season starting on Wednesday, April 10 and ending on Wednesday, June 5.

Hunting start times will be delayed to 8am for the entire season.

With a daily bag limit of six ducks per day, the bluewinged shoveler and hardhead cannot be hunted for the 2024 season due to their threatened status.

Determinations will be made as part of normal seasonal arrangements about sites where duck hunting will be prohibited.

More than 10,000 people and organisations expressed their views about duck hunting to the inquiry — the biggest response to a parliamentary inquiry ever in Victoria.

The government will accept seven of the committee’s eight recommendations in full or in principle.

Changes that will come into force from 2025, include:

• Improving hunters’ knowledge and skill by making education and training for hunters mandatory.

• Stricter compliance levels, including further penalties for hunters breaking the rules.

• Banning the use of lead shot for quail hunting.

• Implementing the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan, to reduce the risk of wounding.

• Greater recognition of Traditional Owners’ knowledge of hunting and land management.

The government said to guide the length and conditions of each duck season, the science-based Adaptive Harvest Management process will be implemented from 2025 — making sure that it’s always science that guides the season.

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Herbicide manuals updated

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has released updated editions of two essential herbicide manuals for Australian grain growers.

The ‘Soil behaviour of pre-emergent herbicide in Australian farming systems’ and ‘Understanding post-emergent herbicide weed control in Australian farming systems’ manuals were first published in 2019 and 2020.

They have undergone revisions that incorporate the latest in herbicide research and practice, including the transition to an international numbering system for herbicide mode of action.

This change aligns Australian agricultural practices with global standards, ensuring that Australian farmers and agronomists have access to the most current and relevant information.

According to GRDC manager chemical regulation Gordon Cumming, key updates include the incorporation of new herbicides and modes of action in the pre-emergent herbicide manual.

“Notable additions are new modes of action such as Group 13 bixlozone (Overwatch®), Group 23 carbetamide (Ultro®), Group 30 cinmethylin (Luximax®), Group 32 aclonifen (in Mateno® Complete), and Group O napropamide (Devrinol®),” Mr Cumming said.

“These additions highlight the growing range of pre-emergent herbicide options available to Australian growers in managing weed challenges.

“The post-emergent herbicide manual has seen fewer changes, with minor improvements in understanding certain herbicide modes of action, however, new research improving our understanding of the Group 10 herbicide glufosinate has been included, which is an increasingly important non-selective knockdown herbicide.”

The revised guides are available to be downloaded at grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications.

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.

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• 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.