NOVEMBER 2023
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Open sesame! –
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Leiticia Harmer is excited to be a part of the Echuca-Moama community with her store Rich Glen Oil. Photo: Shannon Colee
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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.
NOVEMBER 2023
Oil is new Echuca store’s secret weapon
FARMtalk • 3
Olive oil is set to be on everybody’s lips as Rich Glen Olive Oil has opened a new store in Echuca, filled with a range of products using its own farm-grown olive oil..
“
We harvest the trees, and we press oil within a couple of hours ourselves. So it is super, super fresh,” owner Leiticia Harmer said. “Our business is all about the 180 products that we make on the farm. So the beautiful natural skincare and the artisan food pantry products.” Ms Harmer had hoped to have the store, temporarily residing at 578 High St, settled in its longer-term location. “We felt it was important to still open this month, earlier, and to get the staff really, really well trained and get the ball rolling,” she said. “We’re in Echuca for the long run. We are here to stay. This is just an interim spot until we’ve moved into our new location.”
Rich Glen Olive Oil is excited to help locals and tourists find a range of new products, from various foods to make-up and skin care. “People would be interested in our refrigerator products, so they can pop in and we can make them up a platter to take down the port,” Ms Harmer said. “Pretty much anything that grows on our farm, we make something out of — whether it’s the jams or the sauces. “And we have a beautiful lab on the farm, where we make all the skincare, and the extra virgin olive oil obviously is a base of that.” Ms Harmer said she wanted to open a store in Echuca because of the years she had spent visiting the area.
“Echuca has always been close to our hearts because our family, it used to be our weekend trip, and we just have always loved Echuca,” she said. “I love everything that happens here. I love listening to the boats go down the river. There’s always something going on. It’s always such a great vibe.” Ms Harmer said listening to locals talk about what they liked and what they were enjoying was a major part of developing her business. “I guess the locals are our biggest supporters, and I feel like it’s really important for us to really get to know the locals,” she said. “What I’m most excited about is getting to know the locals from Echuca and Moama and the surrounds. It’s really, really important because everything they say is valuable.”
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NOVEMBER 2023
4 • FARMtalk
Calling All NSW
Landcare Champions Now open for nominations, the 2023/2024 New South Wales Landcare Awards aim to recognise the outstanding contributions made by individuals, groups and organisations involved in landcare.
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ith thousands of active Landcarers in NSW, Landcare NSW and Local Land Services acts as the conduit between local Landcare communities and key decision makers, working to ensure that local landcare groups and organisations are supported at every level by providing leadership, skills, resources and representation. Bev Debrincat is the chair and a founding member of Greater Sydney Landcare, which focuses on connecting groups and networks in Greater Sydney for better environmental outcomes. Additionally, Bev is the coordinator of Habitat Network, dedicated to improving habitat corridors with a focus on small birds like fairywrens and firetails. Encouraging people to nominate for a Landcare Award, Debrincat said “Landcare in NSW comes in many flavours. We have landcare, bushcare, coastcare and more. We have carers from diverse backgrounds, ages and abilities, all working to improve our local environment for the benefit of the community, native
flora and fauna. No matter where volunteers work or in what capacity, they should all be recognised. When each of us contribute a little, this effort accumulates to help our natural environment. Without the volunteers out there doing their part, none of this would be possible. And we need to recognise that.” Louise Turner, a previous Landcare Award winner, is the Projects and Business Manager at Western Landcare NSW, and her work supports landcare activity across 40 per cent of the state.
“Without the volunteers out there doing their part, none of this would be possible.” BEV DEBRINCAT
Turner said, “What I love most about Landcare in Western NSW, is its diversity. As an organisation, we strive to be inclusive and value all ideas as relevant and important. We listen to our volunteers, members, staff, our leaders, and the voices of our future. We must celebrate their contributions because without them, the future of our landscapes would be at risk. The NSW Landcare Awards is an opportunity for recognition. As a previous 2017 Landcare Award winner and a 2022 finalist, I am proud of the work I can do at a local, regional, state and national level. I’m equally as proud to wear my green and white stripes (or checks, depending on the day) to represent our amazing landcare volunteers at any given moment.” From volunteers, landcare groups and other environmental community groups, to farmers and landholders; from First Nations peoples to the next generation of Landcarers, the Landcare Awards program acknowledges the diverse range of individuals and organisations committed to addressing local environmental issues. The NSW Landcare Awards includes a range of categories, recognising Australians who actively engage in climate action and work to create
NOVEMBER 2023
FARMtalk • 5
healthier, more resilient and productive landscapes and communities. Dr. Ian Creswell, the co-chief author of the ‘State of the Environment Report 2021,’ said, “Many parts of the Australian environment are under pressure from the impacts of climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and resource extraction. Landcare plays a key role in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable land management and helping repair and restore our natural environment. “Not only is that good for the environment but it’s good for us too - regenerative land management and Landcare volunteering have been shown to have human health and wellbeing benefits supporting improvements in mental and physical wellbeing, belonging and community resilience. Let’s celebrate all who participate and help to raise their profile in the community. “I urge us all to take this opportunity to celebrate the great work of Landcare and to nominate your local champion for the work they do for all of us.”
Who can be nominated? We encourage nominations from individuals, groups or organisations involved in protecting and improving their local environment. These include: • Volunteers for landcare and other environmental community groups • Sustainable farmers, farming systems groups and primary producer groups • Agricultural co-operatives, industry associations
The Stewart family.
• Traditional Owners, First Nations organisations and Indigenous land and sea rangers • Landcare networks, groups and co-ordinators • Landholders and/or land managers • Urban landcare groups including ‘Friends of’ and bushcare groups • Coastcare, Rivercare, Dunecare groups and individuals • Environmental community care groups • Natural resource management agencies • Local government • NGOs • Research agencies and academics • Junior Landcare (early learning centres, day care centres, primary and secondary schools, Scouts and Girls Guides) • Youth groups and individuals.
What are the NSW Landcare Award categories? • Australian Government Climate Innovation Award • Australian Government Sustainable Agriculture Landcare Award • Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award • Australian Government Community Partnerships Landcare Award • Coastcare Award • First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award
• Women in Landcare Award • NextGen Landcare Award • Woolworths Junior Landcare Award For more information about each category or to nominate individuals/groups for the awards, visit https:// landcareaustralia.org.au/landcare-awards-2023/
About the State and Territory Landcare Awards Now in its 32nd year, the State and Territory Landcare Awards stand as a prestigious biennial national Landcare Awards program. The objective is to honour individuals, groups and organisations that are making outstanding contributions to caring for the environment in their local communities for the benefit of all Australians today, and for generations to come. In each state and territory, the Landcare Awards will be granted to recognise the achievements that encompass climate action, environmental leadership, sustainable agriculture, First Nations, women in landcare, youth, children and Coastcare. The winners of the nine national Landcare Award categories will advance as finalists to the 2024 National Landcare Awards. The Landcare Award categories have been refreshed to align with the Australian Government priorities, and what is important to Landcarers on the ground.
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NOVEMBER 2023
FARMtalk • 7
Hay Plains Landcare learn propagating and composting Hay Plains Landcare recently held a well-attended workshop visiting both the Narrandera Landcare Community Food Garden and WormTech Carrathool Composting Facility.
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o fast-track their Nursery and Demonstration Site development, members visited the established nursery at Narrandera to learn effective methods of propagating native seed. The workshop touched on the different containers and potting media available, labelling and record keeping, watering regimes required, and the seed preparation needed for the hard coated seeds like acacias. Different techniques of sowing seeds were discussed such as the extremely fine seed of eucalyptus’ getting a different treatment from the larger acacia seeds. The visit was facilitated by Narrandera Landcare’s Glenn Currie who was very happy with the session. “I was approached by Hay Plains Landcare and was happy to show them a few pointers. Our nursery gets a lot of support from Landcare Australia. The funding they give us is from a donation from Michael King who wants to assist small native nurseries like ours. Michael’s big goal is to get more trees into the ground and this workshop is going to help achieve that.” “Assisting another Landcare group in achieving their goals is worthwhile by itself, but we also got 900 tubes prepped with 10 different species so our Narrandera Landcare Group has a big head start for our plantings and tree giveaways next year.” Jenny Dwyer, Local Landcare co-ordinator for the Bidgee West area, was the instigator of the workshop and said “Hay Plains Landcare are developing an endemic native species demonstration site and nursery where they plan to propagate locally collected native seed. Seedlings grown will be suitable for planting on landholder rehabilitation sites, travelling stock reserves, crown land and gardens. Attending the Narrandera Landcare Propagating Workshop provided our members the opportunity to see how an established
Hay Plains Landcare members Paul Turner and Lani Houston at Narrandera Nursery.
nursery operates, while gaining the skills and advice to start our propagating journey.” The group visited WormTech’s Carrathool Composting Facility and were treated to a tour by Gary Dal Broi and Allan Fincarto. They found it particularly interesting to learn about chemical free fertilisers and the benefits of compost for increased quality, production and overall plant and soil health. Gary and Allan were very generous with their time and detailed how organics recycling and composting is carefully managed and monitored to ensure every batch made gets biologically and chemically tested to maintain the highest standards.
Hay Plains Landcare chair Bert Matthews commented that “Landcare is all about sustainable farming practices, and to see the vast quantity of raw organic material diverted from landfill and naturally converted for reuse as a high-quality soil conditioner is an exemplary method to rehabilitate soil.” Hay Plains Landcare’s nursery and demonstration site is being developed adjacent to the Hay Gaol. The community is welcome to utilise the facilities with regular Thursday morning ‘Landcare Alive’ activities on-site. For more information contact haylandcare@ gmail.com
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Helen Dalton MP INDEPENDENT MEMBER FOR MURRAY
I’m continuing my fight to stop 450GL of water from Southern Basin irrigation communities being flushed out to sea by South Australia. I was disappointed to see that Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek has rammed her Water Amendment (Restoring our Rivers) Bill 2023 through the Lower House in Federal Parliament. The Federal Environment Minister claims this Bill offers more time, more options, more money and accountability in delivering the Basin Plan in full. Her plan is to bypass the Water for Environment Special Account WESA, by claiming buyouts are not projects and are therefore not subject to the socio-economic neutrality test. She is determined to pursue these buybacks knowing full well the consequences. The damage will be felt across our country. Our food security will be put at risk and the already out of control cost of living will further skyrocket. This knock-on effect will hurt every single Australian.
Water buybacks are the most destructive form of water recovery and must be avoided at all costs. There are so many options the government can pursue that can make the buyback of 450GL avoidable, save our economy, livelihoods and lifestyles. I have provided the Federal Environment Minister with numerous solutions that avoid buybacks but she remains unmoved by the possibility of the collapse of rural industry, agriculture, cereal cropping, dairying and most importantly, communities. As I continue to point out, businesses will close, health services will deteriorate as resources are removed and bank branches will close. It will be the end of agriculture in this region. The Environment Minister’s Bill will now be tabled in the Senate and I am continuing to fight it at all levels of government.
Helen Dalton MP for Murray Authorised by Helen Dalton MP, Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.
Griffith 02 6962 6644 | Deniliquin 03 5881 7034 | Buronga 0475 683 288 | murray@parliament.nsw.gov.au
NOVEMBER 2023
FARMtalk • 9
Open sesame! AgriFutures Australia is investing $2 million into a new five-year national program of research to scaleup production of the high-value crop sesame.
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ith the rapidly growing global market predicted to hit $26 billion by 2025, and 100 per cent of sesame consumed in Australia imported from overseas, the research and development (RandD) investment had been designed to capitalise on the opportunity and boost the output of the emerging local industry. AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries program senior manager, Dr Olivia Reynolds, said the applied research approach would address practical challenges including crop agronomy for maximum yield, customising machinery for planting and harvest specifications, and post-harvest processing. “In supporting the industry to scale-up production it’s essential that farmers have the tools available to them so that sesame can fit within existing broadacre cropping systems,” said Dr Reynolds. “We see a strong future for sesame in Australia with research to date demonstrating its suitability to a range of environments and its ability to perform under extreme climatic conditions, as well as the fact that at $2000 a tonne at farmgate it is an attractive commercial proposition.” AgriFutures Australia is dedicated to growing the future of Australian agriculture and long-term prosperity of rural
industries through investing in research, innovation, and leadership development. The national program of research will be led by Central Queensland University Australia (CQU), in collaboration with universities, State and Territory governments, commercial seed companies, farm machinery and seed processing businesses, and farmers from across the country. The program of research will address six themes:
Dr Reynolds said that with such diverse uses, it was important that the research consortium brought together players from all sections of the value chain. “The collaborative program of research brings together the Australian Sesame Industry Development Association (ASIDA), growers, researchers, seed suppliers and seed processors, to carry out the research and solutions that will be practical in real world conditions,” said Dr Reynolds.
• Crop protection – to understand the diseases and weeds of sesame and their management, and extend this knowledge to industry. • Nutrient, irrigation and water management – to understand and extend to industry nutrient cycling under different water and nitrogen regimes. • Farming systems and modelling – to inform the adoption of sesame crops into existing Australian farming systems.
• Southern production – to assess and articulate the adaptability of growing sesame in southern Australian farming regions (southern QLD, northern and southern NSW).
• Crop establishment and harvesting mechanisation – to develop optimised planting and harvesting guidelines for sesame production in Australian farming systems and provide this to industry. • Post-harvest seed storage and harvesting – to optimise seed storage and harvesting capability for industry.
Over the last five years CQU has led a series of sesame research activities, with the AgriFutures program to link with work underway through the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) for a comprehensive national approach. CQU research leader Dr Tieneke Trotter said the industry had now overcome many of its early challenges in gaining a foothold in Australia, with international seed companies now investing in developing a new production base. “Sesame has traditionally been grown in tropical and sub-tropical environments, but as part of our research we will be investigating new genetic lines with a shorter growing season to expand the crop’s footprint into southern Australia,” said Dr Trotter. “The new varieties that are coming through are nonshattering, which means harvest equipment should be able to capture more seed and more value for the farmer.” Different sesame varieties produce either black or white seed, which can be sold as seed for human or animal consumption, or processed into oil, paste (tahini) or flour, or used as a flavouring in confectionery.
Sesame is suited to growing in northern Australia and has potential for NSW and southern Qld. Photo: CQU.
CQU researcher Dr Tieneke Trotter. Photo: CQU.
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FARMtalk • 11
Reduce harvest losses to minimise mouse risk CSIRO researcher Steve Henry says reducing harvest losses not only boosts your bottom line but also increases future baiting effectiveness. Photo: CSIRO
Despite low mouse activity reported around Australia, grain growers are being asked to remain vigilant and harvest cleanly to enhance future baiting effectiveness and increase on-farm profitability.
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eading mouse experts recently spoke at the National Mouse Group Meeting supported by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) investment, where the link between harvest losses and baiting effectiveness was discussed. Lead mouse researcher Steve Henry from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, said that measuring and preventing harvest losses should be a key consideration for growers seeking to prevent mouse activity. “Mouse numbers are patchy overall, with most areas reporting low or nil mouse activity, but food resources left in paddocks after harvest could sustain mouse breeding and lead to higher mouse numbers when next year’s winter crops are sown,” Dr Henry said. “We know grain on ground has a significant impact on bait effectiveness. So if you’re leaving kilos of grain on ground at harvest then the effectiveness of baiting in autumn will be reduced. “Reducing harvest losses not only increases baiting effectiveness but also boosts your bottom line. “Continue to check header set up throughout harvest. As you’re changing paddocks, don’t assume header set up is correct for every paddock. Check and reset as
needed. Ongoing measurement and readjustment is key to leaving less grain on the ground. “It’s really important to measure harvest losses, and there are measuring devices out there to do the job.” GRDC has invested significantly in mouse monitoring and management and has made a commitment to help growers increase their preparedness for mouse outbreaks and the effectiveness of baiting. GRDC manager pests, Leigh Nelson, said there are a number of resources available to assist growers in reducing and measuring their harvest losses. “GRDC Harvester Set-Up Workshops provide growers with information relating to preventable harvester losses, improvements in efficiency and output, calibrating harvester technology, reducing the risk of harvester fires, and methods of harvest weed seed control (HWSC),” Dr Nelson said. “In addition to the workshops, resources are available on the GRDC website including mouse monitoring updates and management recommendations to keep growers informed,” she said. A full list of mouse management resources can be found on the GRDC Mouse Management page.
Growers are encouraged to report and map mouse activity using the MouseAlert website.
Key messages: •
Growers are encouraged to harvest cleanly to enhance future baiting effectiveness and boost their bottom line.
•
Mouse numbers are patchy overall, with most areas currently reporting low or nil mouse activity.
•
Baiting with products containing 50 g/kg zinc phosphide (ZnP50) appears to be highly effective – when bait was applied in late winter there are now low numbers of mice reported.
•
Growers need to remain vigilant despite low activity reported around Australia, with big harvests expected in some areas.
•
Keep an eye on mouse numbers through stubble to ensure there are no ‘nasty surprise’ spikes in numbers as next sowing season approaches.
NOVEMBER 2023
12 • FARMtalk
Wahgunyah’s Andrew McGill with his creation ‘George the Friesian Bull’ which saw him win the National Farm Art Sculpture Award at the Spirit of the Land festival in Lockhart earlier this month.
Andrew’s bovine brilliance wins big
Wahgunyah artist has hit a bull’s eye, taking out the National Farm Art Sculpture Award at the annual Spirit of the Land festival in Lockhart.
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ndrew McGill, a boiler maker by trade, entered a stunning sculpture, “George the Friesian Bull,” in the sculpture award categories, and took home the coveted title and a $10,000 cash prize. The accolades didn’t end with the prize money, as the Bendigo Bank made an unexpected offer to purchase his creation for an impressive $19,000, leaving Mr McGill feeling like he had won the lottery. “When I heard I had won, I was over the moon. I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I went there just to show it off. I wasn’t expecting to win or to sell it,” he said.
“I made a turtle as well. When I went to pick it up on Sunday, I received a phone call saying not to worry about it as it had been sold as well. I received $4,000 for it. “I don’t make them to sell, I just make them because I like them!” The Spirit of the Land festival is renowned for showcasing the rich rural heritage of the Lockhart region and highlighting the artistic talent of locals and visitors alike. Mr McGill spent around 12 months working on the bull, committing Saturdays to the job. His journey into
metal sculpting was an unexpected one, sparked during the COVID-19 lockdown when he couldn’t indulge in his passion for golf. “The kids saw something on the internet that they wanted me to make, so I made a horse head, and it came out really well,” he said. “Everyone loved it, so I kept going, and made a complete horse. It went on display at the supermarket and was sold within two weeks. “I didn’t really want to sell it, but I couldn’t keep them at home, my wife would go nuts.
NOVEMBER 2023
FARMtalk • 13
“Currently I’m making something for the Empire Hotel in Wahgunyah. I’ve also made a fish for IGA Corowa.” Most of the intricate details and parts for Mr McGill’s sculptures are donated by local businesses. “Sometimes I have to buy steel to do the middle parts where all the strength is, but that’s pretty much it,” he said. “From there you just use your imagination and see what you come up with. I’ve always been a bit different.” Despite his newfound success in the world of metal sculpting, Mr McGill remains committed to his day job at a local winery. “I love where I work at Cofield’s Wines, and I come up with ideas during the week. Then, I look forward to bringing them to life on weekends,” he said. “I couldn’t do it full time; I’d rather keep it as a hobby.”
“George was a bull at the farm, and he was pretty tame. He let me measure the points on him. I wrote down all the measurements.” ANDREW MCGILL The inspiration for “George the Friesian Bull” came from Mr McGill’s time at a local dairy, where he worked closely with a real-life bull named George. “George was a bull at the farm, and he was pretty tame. He let me measure the points on him. I wrote down all the measurements.
“From there it all just comes to life. You don’t really know the full picture of how it will turn out but, you work bit by bit and trust the process. It’s hard to explain. “I just really love it. I want people to look at it and see something different every time. It’s all rubbish to begin with but you look at it when it’s finished, and it looks pretty cool.” As a result of winning the National Farm Art Sculpture Award, “George the Friesian Bull” will now become a permanent part of the Lockhart Sculpture and Heritage Trail. Mr McGill’s daughter-in-law has created a Facebook page for his works. “I’ve got something like 400 followers now. I can’t believe it. I’m pretty speechless by it all actually,” he said. “It’s a small town, so word gets around. I’m just enjoying the ride. It’s great.”
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NOVEMBER 2023
FARMtalk • 15
It’s not just crickets With the global insect market expected to be worth more than US$6.8 billion by 2032, AgriFutures Australia has released a new five-year plan to accelerate the growth of the emerging Australian industry.
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he Australian Insect Industry RDandE Plan 2023-2028 will help Australia position itself to capitalise on this incredible commercial opportunity for a sustainable long-term future. Insects such as black soldier fly larvae, mealworms and crickets are a highly efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources for human food and animal feed and are also an excellent organic fertiliser. Increased investment in the Australian insect industry over the last decade has been underpinned by its potential to address several global challenges including food waste, climate volatility and the growing population’s increasing demand for protein. Building on an initial RDandE plan published in 2020, the Australian Insect Industry RDandE Plan 2023-2028 identifies five focus themes to address key barriers to scale and to improve the Australian industry’s competitive advantage. The plan, produced as part of AgriFutures’ Emerging Industries Program, was developed in close consultation with the Insect Protein Association of Australia (IPAA) and included stakeholders such as insect producers, manufacturers, downstream customers, waste management companies, fertiliser companies and researchers. IPAA Chair Duncan Rowland said one of the key priorities of the plan was to establish best practice guidelines and standards to shore up the credibility and quality of the industry. “We’ve also got to be able to enhance, strengthen and grow the industry’s capacity and capabilities,” he said. “Australia is about 10 years behind what is happening in the EU and North American insect industries but by
addressing the priorities identified in the plan, we will be able to significantly close that gap,” Mr Rowland said. Other priority themes include efficiencies and optimisation for current systems, opening up new markets, products and use cases, market development, consumer education and social license to operate. Mr Rowland said one of the greatest opportunities for the industry was in the replacement of protein meals in stockfeed. “Australia imports about 55,000 tonnes of soybean meal every fortnight and we have a huge opportunity there to substitute that out for Australian-grown protein meal,” Mr Rowland said. AgriFutures Australia Senior Manager Emerging Industries Dr Olivia Reynolds said the plan would feed into the activities of the recently formed Emerging Insect Technology Hub (EIT-Hub), a partnership between AgriFutures, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), an international scientific research institute based in Nairobi, Kenya, which will centralise knowledge and engagement around insect farming in Australia and Africa. “The Australian Insect Industry RDandE Plan together with the African equivalent plan will play a vital role in guiding the direction of the EIT-Hub and its activities,” Dr Reynolds said. “One of the initial goals of the EIT-Hub is the creation of a gold standard manual for the production and processing of black soldier flies which directly aligns with the first priority in the plan,” Dr Reynolds said. AgriFutures Australia has also recently announced it will invest $2million into Insect Industry Program of Research over the next five years. An Expression of
interest to participate in the Program of Research is now closed. Other insect projects recently funded by AgriFutures Australia include Nutritional quality of edible insects and development of pet foods, Small-scale drying methods for black soldier fly larvae and the soon-tobe completed Nutritional qualities of black soldier fly larvae.
NOVEMBER 2023
16 • FARMtalk
On-farm benefits of electronic identification (eID) You have no doubt heard that sheep and goat tags are moving to electronic identification (eID).
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hile it is not mandatory to start using electronic tags until January 1, 2025 (for sheep and goats born after this date, with everything needing an eID from 2027) it is time to start thinking about eID use on farm. With rebates for eID equipment open, now is a great time to think about what you want on farm. The benefits of eID extend beyond the better traceability which allows quicker tracing of livestock, which can reduce the spread of diseases in emergency animal disease outbreaks, to on farm benefits. eID systems on farm can provide you with the ability to measure and capture performance of individual animals within your flock. The data you can capture can include: • Fibre diameter measurements • Fleece weights • Pregnancy status • Health status • Ram allocation • Weigh records and individual growth rates • Tracking specific bloodlines and matching ewes with their lambs From this data you can then make more informed management, monitoring and selection decisions which will facilitate the ability to improve productivity and profitability. A study by Dickson (2019) found the average cost benefit was $4.12 return for every dollar invested by using eID to improve breeding and selection decisions across merino and crossbred/composite type enterprises. eID equipment may not be necessary on farm if you use contractors that have their own eID systems, or if you buy and sell through saleyards or abattoirs that scan and upload stock movements to the NLIS database. The amount you spend and which EID system you choose will depend on your desired outcomes, your enterprise type, enterprise size and desired operations. Work out what you want and need from eID on your farm, and which system will achieve these outcomes. Small producers may just want a handheld scanner, which can link to software programs. Producers with a lot of sheep might prefer an auto drafter system which has the added benefit of allowing drafting to happen smoothly even with low staffing levels. The NSW Sheep and Goat eID infrastructure rebate scheme is available through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA). Producers and stock agents can receive a rebate of 50 per cent which will supplement the cost of purchasing and installing eID systems such as eID readers, indicators and auto drafters. Applications open from October 3, 2023 and close March 31, 2024. Purchases can be back dated to the December 15, 2022. Early applications are encouraged, as funding is limited.
Local farmer James Rae and Linda Searle talking about sheep eID at the Deniliquin saleyard.
For further information on the rebate guidelines and to apply, head to the RAA website https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/grants/eid
Linda Searle (pictured) is a district veterinarian with Murray Local Land Services.
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NOVEMBER 2023
FARMtalk • 17
Micro-abattoir tour excites The need for humane and accessible abattoir facilities has never been greater as producers are forced out of larger facilities and face ever-increasing cost of transporting their animals.
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he recent meeting and tour with the Murray Plains Meat Co-Operative (MPMC) was well attended, with everyone being brought up to speed on how the project is progressing. “It’s just fantastic,” said beef producer Lindsay Schultz, as he toured the facility for the first time. “It’s so much better than I could have imagined.” The facility is an impressive site, set on a very small footprint but which will cater to multispecies processing. Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry will go from paddock to plate with the facility having capability to butcher and pack on site. 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 microabattoir 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. With the facility now completed, assessments have and are being undertaken to ensure the facility meets code - such as Safe Work Audit and the Food Safety Plan. These must be completed before the facility can be allowed to operate. Any necessary rectifications will be reported to MRC to enact, via the contractor. The Food Safety Plan is to be obtained by the operator of the facility, which is MPMC.
A Food Safety Plan is a licensing requirement enforced by Department of Primary Industries NSW. Independent consultant Gary Kennedy from Correct Food Systems Pty Ltd has been commissioned to complete the plan. As the facility draws closer to operations, expressions of interest are being sought for processing capacity. Initial assessments of daily throughput are 20-25 sheep, or five cattle, or 20 pigs, or 200 poultry.
NOVEMBER 2023
18 • FARMtalk
Spring into action on conservation Citizen scientists are being called to swap their backyards for a local waterway by joining a wave of volunteers across the Murray-Darling Basin to help with conservation efforts.
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he spring sampling season of the Great Australian Wildlife Search, delivered by Odonata Foundation, has started. It uses innovative environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to gain insights into where threatened species are found at select sites across the Basin’s waterways. The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has financially supported collections at the first 420 sampling sites in this round, so testing is free for participants. This saves citizen scientists $400 in testing costs at each location. MDBA chief executive Andrew McConville said sampling will help map the distribution of aquatic species across the region which will then help protect the most significant ecological communities. “We need people power to make this a success and hope that individuals and groups from across the basin will do their bit to help give us a comprehensive picture of the health of our waterways so we can help ensure we have healthy, functioning rivers for generations,” he said. Odonata Foundation chief executive Sam Marwood explained that in 2021 the Victorian phase of the Great Australian Wildlife Search played a crucial role in the conservation of 42 threatened species. “eDNA technology works by collecting and analysing just a few samples of water, which allows the detection of traces of DNA that wildlife shed into their environment,” Mr Marwood said. “This then helps scientists identify and locate the distribution of threatened aquatic species, such as the platypus, endangered fish and the Murray River short-necked turtle, and in turn supports conservation efforts to protect them. “The Great Australian Wildlife Search and the associated eDNA technology is a game changer for conservation across Australia, and indeed the world, by enabling regions of greatest ecological significance to be identified and protected.” The Great Australian Wildlife Search is being delivered with support of the Basin Condition Monitoring Program – an Australian Government commitment to develop and
MDBA Chief Executive, Andrew McConville collecting a sample at Casuarina Sands Reserve located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in the Australian Capital Territory.
An example of the water testing kits and information that is delivered to participants following their site selection.
deliver new monitoring and reporting of economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions in the Basin. The kits include all the equipment needed and easy-to-follow instructions. Sign up at www.wildlifesearch.org.au.
Clock ticking on stock water rights Farmers have just two weeks left to have their say in the Stock and Domestic Rights survey as part of a broader review into understanding how water is taken and managed under these rights, and whether any changes are needed.
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lanning and Environment department executive director of strategy and policy Kaia Hodge says the survey “is purely a fact-finding mission with no preconceived ideas on what future management should look like”. “Currently there is very little information available on how this water is being used. That’s why this survey is an important opportunity to hear directly from those on the ground who can paint a clearer picture for us,” Ms Hodge says. “So far, we’ve had 1922 responses, which shows how important this water right is and reiterates how crucial it is we hear from everyone across regional NSW,” she says. “The review will also help us better understand if the current level of regulation is creating risks to water availability in certain areas or in certain circumstances, for example, during drought.
“As much of the state becomes drier as the El Niño kicks in, it is critical we collect as much information as possible because the more we know, the more effectively we can manage water in NSW. “I encourage everyone with stock and domestic rights to jump online and respond before the survey closes, because every comment counts.” The online survey makes it faster and easier for people to share their views 24/7. Findings of the review, including survey results, will be made available through a ‘What we heard’ report, which will be published on the Department’s website in early 2024. To complete the survey, which closes on November 21, go to water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/ licensing-and-trade/basic-landholder-rights/domestic-and-stock-rig
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NOVEMBER 2023
FARMtalk • 19
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Victorian grain and livestock producer David Jochinke has been elected president of the National Farmers’ Federation, succeeding Fiona Simson who has stepped down after seven years in the role.
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ailing from Murra Warra, about 260km southwest of Echuca, Mr Jochinke has served as vice president of the NFF since 2017, and previously served as president of the Victorian Farmers’ Federation from 2016–2020. He expressed his gratitude to the NFF membership for their support. “I want to thank the members for trusting me to lead the NFF at such an important moment,” Mr Jochinke said. “Australian agriculture has so much opportunity ahead of it as we continue striving for our $100 billion vision. But right now, we’re also facing enormous challenges – from a difficult season in many parts of the country, to a trying policy environment in Canberra. “I look forward to working hard for farmers across Australia to give them a say on the issues facing the sector.”
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Mr Jochinke paid tribute to Ms Simson for her years of service to the sector. “Fiona leaves an incredible legacy that will resonate for years to come,” he said. “She’s left nothing on the table, and her considered, collaborative and engaging leadership has left farmers everywhere in a far stronger position. “I thank her for the partnership we’ve had during our time together at the NFF and wish her, Ed and their family all the best for their next chapter. “I also acknowledge the other candidates who nominated for the position, who are both talented and passionate advocates who’ll continue to play a critical role within the NFF.”
David Jochinke.
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