It is with great excitement that I welcome you back to Mitchell Shire and the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo for 2024.
Celebrating its 33rd year, the event is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Seymour and surrounds.
Despite the challenges faced during the recovery from the 2022 and 2024 floods, our community stands resilient, united and ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.
With hundreds of stallholders and exhibitors expected to grace this year’s expo, we are thrilled to showcase the diversity and innovation that defines our agricultural landscape.
From traditional farming practices to cutting-edge technologies, the expo continues to showcase growth, development and rural ingenuity.
Now more than ever, it’s time for us to come together, support one another and revel in the joy of community.
I encourage you, your family, and friends to immerse yourselves in all the expo has to offer, from engaging exhibitions to exciting hobby opportunities.
As we explore the wealth of knowledge and experience within the agricultural industry, I encourage you to take the opportunity to learn from experts, exchange ideas and celebrate the rich tapestry of rural life.
And let us not forget to savour the abundance of local produce proudly
on display, a true reflection of our region’s offering.
To our visitors, whether near or far, I extend a warm invitation to discover the beauty and hospitality of Seymour and the surrounding region. From our local eateries to our charming wineries, our community eagerly awaits your arrival.
Visitors to the expo are encouraged to check out ‘Discover Mitchell’ on both Instagram and Facebook, or physically attend the visitor information booth that will be set up throughout the expo experience.
Please keep in mind that weather at the expo has been unpredictable in the past, ranging from scorching heat to refreshing rain. Be sure to come prepared for any weather surprises this year may bring.
To all those who have contributed to the success of this event over the years, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude. Your dedication has marked Seymour and Mitchell Shire as destinations not to be missed.
As we embark on this year’s expo, I’m excited for what’s in store. I encourage you all to enjoy every moment and create lasting memories.
Louise Bannister Mitchell Shire Mayor
The animals are groomed, the entertainment is ready and the gates are about to open for the 33rd edition of the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.
Held in the heart of Victoria at Seymour’s Kings Park, event manager Jo Smiles said with more than 400 exhibitors the expo has something for everyone.
“Come and explore the latest in technology, practices and trends in small and backyard farming, visit the animals and enjoy the market-style shopping, food and entertainment,” Jo said.
A stalwart of the farming calendar, the expo puts the spotlight on modern farming methods, ag-tech solutions and sustainability.
“As well as many of the familiar and much-loved faces, demonstrations and activities — such as the whip cracking and drone demonstrations — we welcome new exhibitors showcasing cuttingedge technological advancements, machinery, and equipment which is ideal for small and medium-sized
farming,” Jo said.
“There is an opportunity to get up close and personal with unique livestock breeds in our Livestock Hub, and to get up to date on animal and plant health and farm diversity ideas in the Small Farms Learning Hub.”
The expo continues to be a great family fun day out, with plenty of entertainment for all ages.
“The All 4 FMX motorcross demonstrations are back in this year’s line-up, as well as the Beloka Kelpies doing their working dog demonstrations,” Jo said.
“Farmer Darryl will have his mobile animal farm in the Kids’ Corner for families to interact with some feathered and furry friends, while the OzSort equine demonstrations impress in our Equine Arena.”
There are plenty of tasty food and drink options, cooking and butchery demonstrations, the always popular
ADJUSTABLE
Here is everything you need to know about the 2024 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo. For updates, visit: www.seymourexpo.com.au
Location: Kings Park Recreation Reserve, 55 Tallarook St, Seymour. When: 12-14 April, 2024
Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Tickets should be purchased online at: seymourexpo.com.au
With a focus on innovation, each 45-minute lecture in the Small Farms Learning Hub will explore the latest technology, alternative practices and trends in farming.
Child (under 5) Free Free
*Valid Concession I.D. must be presented at gate entry. A concession ticket is for any
• By car: From Melbourne, take the Hume Fwy about 100 km north to the Seymour exit. Then drive to Tallarook St.
• By bus: Travel in comfort with V/Line, Australia’s largest regional public transport operator. Book a bus ticket online at: www.vline.com.au
• By train: Regular train services operate to Seymour. For timetables and ticketing, visit: www.vline.com.au
Paid parking close to venue
Paid parking managed by local community and sports groups is available at the following locations: Seymour War Memorial, Seymour Swimming Pool and Seymour Bowls Club on Lesley St; the Seymour Club on Elizabeth St; 35b Emily St and Edward St behind Seymour Toyota, Tallarook St (next to ALDI car park)
All paid
Free parking is available on surrounding streets, please read signs for details. Parking time limits will be enforced by local council.
Site services include:
• Gourmet and fine food and drink stalls at affordable prices.
• Customer information is located next to the football club rooms.
• ATM facilities.
• Families with young children are welcome, with children’s activities, changing facilities and plenty of shaded areas.
• A complimentary parcel pick-up service is available at the expo. Please request at time of purchase and items will be delivered to Gate 3/Edwards St for collection.
• Mobility scooters are not available to hire.
Pets not permitted
No pets are permitted due to the livestock on site. Any pet animals, with the exception of assistance dogs, are not permitted to be brought into the park by the general public.
Contact details:
Phone: 1300 178 881
Email: admin@seymourexpo.com.au
Website: www.seymourexpo.com.au
FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
10 am Training Working Dogs
Paul Macphail, Beloka Kelpies
11 am Eggs Year Round
Megg Miller OAM, Australasian Poultry Magazine
12 pm Hemp Farming
David Brian, Southern Hemp
1 pm Introduction to Beekeeping
Andrew Stanish, Australian Bee Supplies
2 pm How can Microbes help your farm and garden
Kevin Beecroft, BioLink 4 Plants
3 pm An Introduction to Tiny Houses
Sam Loughran, Homes and Domes
Training Working Dogs
Paul Macphail, Beloka Kelpies
How can Microbes help your farm and garden
Kevin Beecroft, BioLink 4 Plants
GOTAFE Knowledge Sharing - Agriculture
Introduction to Beekeeping
Andrew Stanish, Australian Bee Supplies
No-Nasties Gardening: How to improve your Garden with Organic Imputs Phoebe Gardner, Bardee
Going Off-grid with Solar & Batteries
Aaron Lewtas, Off-Grid Energy Australia
Fire Safety on Farms CFA Victoria
Eggs Year Round Megg Miller OAM, Australasian Poultry Magazine
GOTAFE Knowledge Sharing - Horticulture
Introduction to Beekeeping
Andrew Stanish, Australian Bee Supplies
No-Nasties Gardening: How to improve your Garden with Organic Imputs Phoebe Gardner, Bardee
An Introduction to Tiny Houses
Sam Loughran, Homes and Domes
Presented by Seymour Agricultural and Pastoral Society, Farm Lectures provide practical information on general farming and agriculture.
FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
9.30 am Cattle Basics
Stephen Koch, Atriem Murray Greys and experienced local cattle managers
10.30 am Drones in Agriculture - A Practical Perspective
Alastair Tame, Drone Pilot
11.30 am Setting Up Your Farm
Malcolm Cook, VFF Stock Sense
12.30 pm Small Farm Weed Management
Rob Richardson, Argronomist
1.30 pm Babydoll Sheep
Pam Beerens, Babydoll Sheep Breeders Australia
2.30 pm Buying your Animals
Malcolm Cook, VFF Stock Sense
Cattle Basics
Stephen Koch, Atriem Murray Greys and experienced local cattle managers
Pastures for Profit Rob Richardson, Agronomist
Poll Highland Cattle; the alternative Julia Webster, Poll Highland Cattle Society
Preserving the Fruits of your Farm Garden Lee Buttler, Chef
Drones in Agriculture - A Practical Perspective
Alastair Tame, Drone Pilot
Babydoll Sheep
Pam Beerens, Babydoll Sheep Breeders Australia
Sink your teeth into some delicious cooking demonstrations in the Country Kitchen and Butcher Shop.
Cattle Basics
Stephen Koch, Atriem Murray Greys and experienced local cattle managers
An introduction to Boer Goats
Dean Smith, Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia
Pasture Management Rob Richardson, Argronomist
Poll Highland Cattle; the Alternative Julia Webster, Poll Highland Cattle Society
Further Informtation for Boer Goat Producers
Dean Smith, Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia
Babydoll Sheep
Pam Beerens, Babydoll Sheep Breeders Australia
FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
9:30 Butcher Shop
PORK SIDE BREAK DOWN
Pork carcass and all the different cuts that come from a side of pork.
10:10 Country Kitchen
ARE YOU GAME? KANGAROO Kangaroo and Rhubarb.
10:50 Butcher Shop
BREAKING DOWN OF LAMB CARCASS
Lamb forequarter breakdown showing Different cuts, for different dishes.
11:30 Country Kitchen
KIDS COOKING: COOKIE MONSTER
NYC choc chip cookies, ice-cream sandwiches, skillet cookies, choc chip cookie cheesecake bars, choc chip cookie brownies.
12:10 Butcher Shop
BREAK DOWN OF BEEF ARGIE
This is the section off the beef carcass that carries all the prime cuts, come and actually see how many prime steaks come off a beef carcass and understand why they are expensive.
12:50 Country Kitchen
CARNIVORE COLLECTIVE ALL-TIME
BBQ HOUR: KETTLE WEBER, SMOKERS, TRADITIONAL
Picanha, pork ribs, chicken little skewers, lamb kofta, reverse sear rib-eye, smashburger taco’s, bourbon pork chops, lamb back strap.
2:20 Butcher Shop
Poultry Break Down
How to get 20 different cuts out of 1 chicken carcass!
3:00 Country Kitchen
GATEAUX LE OPERA
Fine cake make of layers of almond sponge, coffee butter cream and ganache.
Butcher Shop
BEEF BUTT BREAKDOWN
Showing what a butt of beef is, where it comes from off the beef carcass and the cuts of meats that come from the butt and there uses.
Country Kitchen
ARE YOU GAME? GOAT Tandoori Goat Kebab.
Butcher Shop
PORK SHOULDER BREAKDOWN
Showing different cuts, for different dishes and the vestiary of pork shoulder.
Country Kitchen
KIDS COOKING WITH CHEF LILA: LAMINGTONS
Traditional, Red Velvet, funfetti, double chocolate. Come build your own, adults must be supervised by a child.
Butcher Shop
BREAK DOWN OF A BEEF FOREQUARTER
Demonstrating all the cuts that come off a beef forequarter, show casing Local Grass-fed Beef from Habbies Howe. Featuring guest speaker Scott Mckay, owner of Habbies Howe.
Country Kitchen
CARNIVORE COLLECTIVE ALL-TIME
BBQ HOUR: KETTLE WEBER, SMOKERS, TRADITIONAL
Picanha, pork ribs, chicken little skewers, lamb kofta, reverse sear rib-eye, smashburger taco’s, bourbon pork chops, lamb back strap.
Butcher Shop
PREPARATION OF PORK LOIN
Pork loin breakdown showing all the different uses, cuts and also preparation for an Italian Porchetta.
Country Kitchen
BIRRIA TACO’s
Beef Birria Taco’s everyone new favourite Mexican taco!
Butcher Shop
PREPARATION OF BEEF BRISKET AND BEEF FLANK
Showing how secondary cuts of beef can be amazing good!
Country Kitchen MEDOVIK
Russian Honey Cake.
Butcher Shop
VENISON DEMO WITH PAUL BOAG
Showing the preparation of venison carcass from the field! Talking about field dressing and the different cuts and what they are used for.
Country Kitchen
ARE YOU GAME? VENISON PIE
Pie making with Gillies Pies original vintage pastry roller
Butcher Shop
PORK SHOULDER BREAKDOWN
Showing different cuts, for different dishes and the vestiary of pork shoulder. SALAMI & SAUSAGE DEMO
Country Kitchen
CARNIVORE COLLECTIVE ALL-TIME
BBQ HOUR: KETTLE WEBER, SMOKERS, TRADITIONAL
Picanha, pork ribs, chicken little skewers, lamb kofta, reverse sear rib-eye, smashburger taco’s, bourbon pork chops, lamb back strap.
Butcher Shop
LAMB HINDQUARTER
Preparation of lamb loin and leg and all the different cuts that come from a hindquarter of Lamb.
Country Kitchen
GALAKTOBOUREKO
Greek Custard Pie.
Australian Bee Supplies is, well, it’s pretty well the ‘bee’ all to end all when it comes to the bee business.
As well as offering a wide range of beekeeping supplies — including Flow hives, traditional Langstroth, Kenyan, Warre frames, tools, protective clothing and honey extractors — they also deliver educational resources and training to help beekeepers improve their skills and knowledge.
Even better, ABS understands managing your hives throughout the year can be a challenging task, which is why they offer spring, winter and disease management services to help clients keep hives healthy and productive.
Owner Andrew Stanish says ABS is committed to providing high-quality, durable and affordable beekeeping products to clients.
Just as importantly, Andrew says ABS is dedicated to supporting the health and sustainability of honey bees and promoting environmentally responsible beekeeping practices.
A holistic business approach he says means whether you are a seasoned beekeeper or just getting started, ABS “is an excellent resource for all your beekeeping needs”.
“Our business stands out in the beekeeping industry for several reasons — from our physical store, which allows customers to interact with our beekeeping products before making a purchase, to our knowledgeable staff, all experienced beekeepers, on hand to answer questions and provide guidance all year around,” Andrew says.
“At the same time we also offer inhouse and on-site education, training and mentoring to help beekeepers improve their skills and knowledge, ranging from basic beekeeping techniques to advanced topics such as queen rearing and hive management.
“I personally run around 150 beehives as well as work with reputable queen breeders known for their quality, health and high level genetic disease fighting traits. This is exceptionally
important with the possibility of varroa mite moving south in the future.
“We provide a range of services, including delivery, installation, and mentoring, to support our ‘beeks’ throughout their beekeeping journey.”
So if you’re looking to get started, want support managing your hives throughout the year, or need assistance identifying and managing diseases and pests, Australian Bee Supplies is your one-stop, expert shop.
The main oval will this year again host two motorbikes that will provide plenty of thrills with a freestyle motocross demonstration.
All 4 FMX will host riders Jake Smith and Tom Richards who have come from NSW to provide heart-stopping stunts between the two ramps. There will be three shows per day on both Saturday and Sunday.
Although the company was founded in 2014 on the unique idea of taking quad bikes ‘to the ramps’ to fill a gap in the FMX scene, founder Mitch van Vilet says he is now the last quad bike performer in the country.
“I’m the retired old guy,” Mitch said. “For a motorbike rider that is, but Jake and Tom will be doing a great show on two wheels.”
Free posters and a rider meetand-greet will accompany each performance.
Australian Bee Supplies has everything you need to be a successful beekeeper.
Australian Bee Supplies are the experts on everything to do with bees.
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He was recently a guest speaker at a Regenerative Hemp Victoria field day, which was held to explain the licensing, growing and processing of hemp in Victoria.
David will also present his field day talk at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo at noon on Friday, April 12.
He is a regular at the expo, and will demonstrate hempcrete construction throughout the three-day event.
David said four popular myths about growing hemp needed addressing, the key one being that hemp can turn into a local weed and take over farms.
“That’s just a bit of a hippy hangover thing, a bit of a play on the word ‘weed’, I think,” he said.
“That’s a little bit of where it came from.”
David said that one risk taken by growers whose crop THC levels rose above one per cent was ‘negligible’. Waterlogging and water stressing can cause hemp’s THC levels to rise and all crops are tested by Agriculture Victoria two weeks before harvest.
Crops with excessive THC are destroyed.
David said the government raising the THC maximum to one per cent meant this was no longer a concern.
“There’s no issue with the new rules — no issues at all.”
Regenerative Hemp Victoria has highlighted the relaxing of regulations under the crop’s licensing laws in Victoria to allow farmers to trial their first crop.
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a cultivar of the same species of recreational cannabis and has been bred for very low levels of the psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol.
Industrial hemp is grown for fibre, construction and grain used as a food source which is rich in omega oils.
A resurging interest in industrial hemp has resulted from the recent changes to state legislation.
In 2022 the Victorian Government amended legislation to raise the maximum level of THC in a crop from 0.35 per cent to one per cent to align with all other states.
“The main thing that has occurred in the last couple of years is a procedural change in the Act to allow for a less stringent limit on THC,” RHV president Lyn Stephenson said.
“We were way behind the other (states) and that was one of the impediments for Victorian production.”
A parliamentary inquiry into Victoria’s industrial hemp industry reported to the government in November, 2023 and made nine recommendations which included the streamlining of licence applications.
The inquiry also recommended repurposing existing forestry infrastructure for industrial hemp processing and for Agriculture Victoria to prioritise hemp as a growth crop and increase research into its development.
The inner core of the plant’s stem — the hurd — is high in cellulose and is used in making particle board, animal bedding, plastic production and oil spill kits.
The outer layer of the stem — the bast — is used for making paper, clothes, insulation batts, erosion matting and composite fibre.
The bast can also be processed to make synthetic graphene which is used in making batteries lighter and less prone to combustion.
David Brian runs Southern Hemp, which specialises in building hempcrete from water, lime and hemp fibres for housing construction.
Northern Victorian hemp farmers Dan Walker and Peter Bird standing in Peter’s hemp crop which was on show at Regenerative Hemp Victoria’s industrial hemp field day.
David Brian from Southern Hemp.
Changes in legislation to allow industrial hemp to have a THC level of one per cent mean Victoria’s hemp production can be on a par with other states.
Industrial hemp is grown (left), harvested and bailed and then (right) added to lime and water to make hempcrete used in constructing homes.
Peter Hodge has been operating his camel rides for more than 30 years and is coming to the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo for the 14th time.
He delights in his camels all being unique.
“They are all different in character and personality,” Peter said.
“Bam-Bam is the cheeky one and he’s the boss of the paddock.
“They are placed in order on the rides for one reason or another.”
Bam-Bam leads the team, with Sid in the middle due to his reliability, and 20-year-old Pretty Boy taking up the rear due to his placid nature.
Peter obtained his camels from the wild and raised them to become domesticated on his 33 ha camel farm at Cosgrove.
“For example, Sid came wild from outside Narrabri in north-eastern NSW.
“But camels can be tamed and taught to quieten down quite quickly.”
Peter’s expertise is founded on making his camels’ health and happiness a priority.
Consideration is given to the amount of weight his ‘caravan’ of hard workers lifts.
“We make sure our camels are not put under any stress, by using
a loading platform for riders to mount and dismount safely.”
The walking style of camels brings some interesting feedback from riders.
“They say the camels are lumpy and bumpy,” Peter said.
“Because they walk like a pacer horse, with legs on each side moving together, they rock from side to side; it’s why they are called the ships of the desert.
“It’s what people like about the ride; besides, you’re eight feet [2.4m] up in the air.”
Get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals at Seymour Alternative Farming Expo again this year.
Farmer Darryl (aka Darryl Sheridan) has more than 50 years’ experience keeping and working with farm animals, including 21 of those visiting events with his mobile animal
farm throughout Victoria and NSW.
Farmer Darryl’s Mobile Animal Farm both educates and entertains children of all ages with his variety of farm animals. It’s always a popular attraction at the expo, so make sure it’s on your family’s must-do list.
Peter Hodge will again bring his camels to this year’s expo for rides. Peter Hodge leads a camel rides at a previous expo. Farmer Darryl at the 2023 Seymour expo.
Kelpies are known for intelligence and discipline, and the Beloka Kelpies demonstrations certainly prove this to be true.
Each year, the Beloka Kelpies dogs perform at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo, demonstrating all the precision, intellect and discipline the breed has.
Owner Paul Macphail returns to perform each year as he feels it’s a “good showcase”, with he and the dogs really enjoying the event.
Paul said their demonstration was all about “showing off the abilities of the
pups”, particularly how they “work the stock”.
Adult kelpies, as well as the pups, will be performing at the expo.
Paul said he wanted to show the “brilliance” of the breed to the audience through their demonstration as well as entertain the attendees.
During the demonstration, Paul will discuss the uniqueness of the breed and how their training and enrichment needs differ from other breeds.
Families are guaranteed to love watching Paul and his dogs as they go through their moves.
Ozsort is fast-paced and exciting to watch. It returns to the expo exactly one year after it debuted in 2023.
Team sorting is a competition harking back to the old days of cattle ranches in the United States, where ranch hands would race the clock to move a pen of cattle into an adjoining yard in the quickest time.
The event has changed over the years but in Australia a newer version — known as ‘Ozsort’ team sorting — made its world debut at last year’s Seymour expo and is returning in 2024.
Ozsort is a two-rider sport in which horses are used to sort 10 head of numbered cattle in numeric order from one pen to another through a 3.6 m gate.
Founder Andrew Nash reinvented the sport with animal welfare and a fairer competition in mind.
“We rehashed the sport,” Andrew said.
“Normally it has a team of four riders, but we run it with two.
“We also did something about easing up on the cattle and not just have it that the fastest time wins.
“We’re the first to bring in an aggregate score and then count back with their finishing time if needed.
“The cattle also go in only one direction because they move better with just one direction and we use a slightly bigger and round pen.”
Competitions run in three classes: children, novice and open.
“Beginner riders should not have to compete against experienced riders — it’s now much fairer.”
The cattle used are a mixture of breeds ranging in weight between 240 and 300 kg and any horse can participate.
“You can just ride any horse you’ve got and you’ve got two minutes to select and move the cattle in order from a starting number given to you.”
Each entrant has three runs to produce their aggregate score of how many were sorted.
Ozsort is fast-paced and an exciting spectator sport. It is also a lot of fun for competitors.
The Beloka Kelpies working dogs are once again ready to impress the Seymour expo audience.
Despite the use of chemical herbicides being a convenient and effective method to tackle weeds on any farm, such chemicals can harm the essential biological activity of soil which is crucial for healthy plant growth.
Microbial solutions are the answer Enriching the soil with beneficial microbes adopts a regenerative approach to weed control, resulting in healthier plants with higher yields.
Recent research in US journal Frontiers in Soil Science suggests that microbial technologies offer innovative weed management strategies that could reduce reliance on herbicides.
However, natural soil regeneration takes time, which farmers do not often have.
The Biolink System for enhanced soil health and improved productivity is a range of microbial-based fertilisers, soil stimulants and animal probiotics to help farmers achieve positive
yields without harming the environment.
The array of products has been developed by Biolink 4 Plants & Animals.
Co-owner Kevin Beecroft said the products speed up the process of building a healthier environment for growing crops and pastures while mitigating the downsides of chemical inputs.
“We’ve combined six potent microbial groups with humic fulvic acid, resulting in significant improvements to soil health and plant growth,” Mr Beecroft said.
“These benefits stem from the abundance of microbials in our products and their combined effects and interactions within the soil.”
The biological supplements with multi-species bacteria are designed for applying after chemical herbicides to replenish the ecosystem in the soil and are easy and convenient to apply.
Biolink 4 Plants & Animals will pay off with healthier soils, improved productivity, and ultimately, more profitable farming.
For more information visit: www.biolink4plants.com.au
In terms of alternative farming at any size, Mark Gabsch and his team are worth a visit during this year’s expo.
Mark owns and operates Bactivate, a company dedicated to farm soil improvement by implementing more than just a product.
“We do more than just sell a soil improver, we have a program for the grower based on eight core principles that go beyond the application,” Mark said.
“Bactivate uses the eight principles to improve soil condition by addressing what happens above ground.”
Growers can begin their regenerative farming journey and improve productivity, quality and taste.
“Bactivate can be used as an overlay program to improve yield, or as a farmer’s core program,” Mark said.
“The program uses a tried and tested process, developed over millions of years and perfected by nature, to improve pasture and plant nutrition, improve compost quality and help with
transitioning from chemical use.”
Praise for Bactivate has come from Tasmanian farmers, with potato grower Wayne Johnston seeing a marked financial improvement.
“These are the best crops I’ve ever grown,” Wayne said.
“I am up over $300,000 on previous years with the addition of the program.”
After two to three years under the program, soils can be healthy enough to see a dramatic
reduction in inputs.
Bactivate is offering a soil test for $20 and a free test for any purchases made over $60 at the Seymour expo.
Bring in a cupful of soil between 10–15 cm below the surface of any paddock or garden and Mark will be able to assess a fungal and bacterial count as well as fungibacteria ratio.
To learn more, visit: bactivate.com. au and come to stand EB20 at the expo.
Akron Australia is a company dedicated to revolutionising agriculture through its cutting-edge drone technology, recognising the critical role that agriculture plays in sustaining the world.
The company harnesses the power of drones to help farmers improve crop management, reduce resource waste and optimise agricultural processes to help them achieve greater yields and sustainability.
Akron drones come with a commitment to after-sales support, providing customers with ongoing assistance and training.
Akron’s vision for the future is a world where precision agriculture is the norm, and drones are an indispensable part of the farming landscape, helping farmers make informed decisions, increase productivity and minimise their environmental footprint.
This year will be Off-Grid Energy Australia’s tenth year at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.
The award-winning company has specialised in designing and installing off-grid power systems since it was founded in 2011 and has installed more than 1300 of them to customers nationwide, making them one of the oldest and largest off-grid experts in Australia.
Victorian manager and designer Aaron Lewtas said the team had honed its unique expertise over many years by ‘sticking with what we do best’ — off-grid battery systems.
“Off-grid systems provide an essential service — power to your home,” Aaron said.
“We know what it takes to provide hassle-free independent power and the ongoing commitment that it requires.
“By harnessing the power of the sun and advanced battery storage, our systems not only future-proof a company’s operations, but also inspire positive change within the agricultural sector.
“So put that responsibility in the hands of people who understand the importance of a robust and reliable system design, and who have the longevity to back it up.”
Modern off-grid systems can comfortably power anything, from small to large luxury homes and even commercial and agricultural operations.
Independent power is also proving to be cheaper and more reliable than grid power for more homes and businesses.
With many rural areas grappling with power bottlenecks from grid infrastructure and escalating diesel fuel expenses, reliable power for farming operations is critical.
By installing the latest in battery technology, Off-Grid Energy has established an independent and reliable power source for numerous properties across Victoria.
“New industrial solar and battery products are now available, which means farmers can reduce their diesel reliance or offset expensive
grid upgrades with confidence,” Aaron said.
“This will achieve significant cost savings and improve farm resilience.”
The friendly experts from OffGrid Energy Australia will be giving demonstrations throughout the expo and answering any questions.
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New mandatory traceability schemes for sheep and goats mean that farmers and breeders are needing to adapt quickly.
Datamars Livestock has complete sheep management solutions support to meet traceability requirements to realise added value from farm data.
This ultimately allows for better and more informed decisions, acting where necessary to improve the health and performance of stock and raise profitability of any enterprise.
The Datamars Livestock range of Tru-Test indicators, EID stick readers, Z Tags’ visual and EID tags and Prattley animal handling solutions are an important part of the livestock management toolkit to help farmers manage growing demands for traceability.
The Z Tags sheep EID range features high quality livestock identification tags and application devices designed to adhere to market standards and NLIS national industry compliance.
TagFaster Multi-Shot Tags and the TagFaster Applicator streamline the tagging process, making it automatic, simpler and faster.
The NLIS approved multi-shot tags are supplied in strips of 20 and the ergonomic and lightweight design of the applicator ensures fast and easy application.
Offering convenience while adhering to safety regulations, TagFaster Multi-Shot Tags and the
TagFaster Applicator are the ideal choice for lamb tagging.
To find out which Tru-Test and Z Tag EID solutions you need, visit the Datamars Livestock stand at the expo.
For more information, scan the QR code.
Since 1933, the Brahman cattle breed has continued to revolutionise the nation’s cattle industry.
Developed by crossing thin-skinned, heat-tolerant Indian breeds with traditional English cattle, today’s Australian Brahman was developed by northern cattlemen who realised that traditional breeds were unable to withstand the ravages of northern Australia’s cattle ticks, heat and drought.
Today, the breed’s influence covers Australia, with stud and commercial live cattle exports to many overseas countries a clear indication of the breed’s adaptation over a wide spectrum of climatic conditions.
The growth and development of the Australian Brahman has been described as the greatest livestock revolution in history.
It has transformed the northern beef industry into an efficient and
Despite being bred to survive the enviromental conditions of northern Australia, Brahman cattle are equally at home in Victoria’s climate extremes.
highly profitable enterprise which contributes millions of dollars annually towards domestic and export income.
In the more temperate weather conditions found in Victoria, Brahmans offer improved drought resistance, a boost in production
by up to 40 per cent through hybrid vigour and an ability to increase overall herd fertility, milk production and reproductive longevity.
They also provide an outcrop in genetics which has the potential to increase stud value.
For more information on how to maximise your herd, email the Australian Brahman Breeders Association at abba@brahman.com.au or visit the Brahman site at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.
Modern agriculture relies heavily on machinery, which can shape the course of a farm for years to come.
That’s why it’s crucial to trust experts who understand the intricacies of this specialised equipment.
Haeusler’s Shepparton has been the go-to John Deere dealership in the Goulburn Valley for more than
20 years, and while the iconic green and yellow of John Deere signifies quality, experienced farmers know that exceptional service, readily available spare parts and knowledgeable staff are equally important factors in any purchasing decision.
With deep roots in the farming community, the team at Haeusler’s takes pride in assisting new property owners as they start their agricultural journey.
In addition to John Deere, Haeusler’s proudly offers a
selection of high-quality brands to cater to various farming needs, such as Kuhn, Wacker Neuson, Davimac and Gason.
The Seymour expo is a calendar highlight for Haeusler’s as they showcase equipment suited for lifestyle farmers.
Among their favourites is the John Deere 5E range, known for its versatility and compact size.
These tractors range from 50 to 93 horsepower and are perfect for manoeuvring through tight spaces while offering essential features like a four-in-one bucket and hay spikes. Optional attachments such as slashers and post-hole diggers further enhance their functionality.
Another top choice is the 6M John Deere tractor series, which offers surprising versatility and compact design.
With horsepower ranging from 105 to 145, these tractors excel in various tasks, from heavy lifting to precise fieldwork.
Their short wheelbase and compact build make them perfect for front loader operations in tight spaces.
Lifestyle and alternative farmers in the market for anything from a ride-on lawn mower to heavyduty construction equipment should visit Haeusler’s at the expo for expert advice and premium products.
Highland cattle may be well known and recognised by their enormous horns but Highland breeders are actually a ‘broad church’ and the Poll Highland Cattle Society registers all variations of the breed, whether they be poll, horned or miniature.
Highland cattle were bred in Scotland and are acclimatised to cold weather.
The breed has two coats of hair, with the longer coat being shed for summer and regrown for winter.
They are recognised by their dossan (a long tuft of hair) from the top of their head, and the body barrel is deep with reasonable length.
Legs are not long and they should stand squarely on all four.
The Poll Highland is no different from a horned one, except of course it has no horns.
Breeding a double poll Highland bull over horned Highlands will produce 100 per cent poll,
but the animal will still carry a horned gene.
There are four grades of purity available for breeding: A (1st cross), B (2nd cross), C (3rd cross) and pure (4th cross).
The society also conducts inspections for unregistered Highlands.
Miniature Highlands measure under 106 cm, the mid-size miniature is up to 122 cm, with anything over that being standard size.
The choice is there for any prospective breeders who are invited to join the society at this year’s expo.
Information on the society’s sale list can be found by emailing info@pollhighland.com.au
Sproutwell Greenhouses is an Australian family owned and operated business that has enjoyed helping gardening enthusiasts and commercial growers achieve their vision since 2011.
Widely recognised as being the largest supplier of backyard greenhouses in Australia, gardeners and growers can be assured they’re buying from the very best.
Whether it’s a small backyard hobby greenhouse or a large glass outdoor room, Sproutwell has an option for every space and budget.
Sproutwell also has a fabulous range of cedar hot tubs and saunas to create that perfect outdoor space as well as garden décor and accessories.
Sproutwell Greenhouses is the only Australian company to have a range of greenhouses and glasshouses independently engineered to back up broadcast wind ratings and can provide a certificate of compliance as required under any construction legislation.
For further information, visit: www.sproutwellgreenhouses.com.au or phone 1300 657 174 on any weekday.
It’s unusual for insurance companies to go above and beyond for their customers – even so far as checking in on them during severe weather events.
Small farm owners know all too well the challenges with finding insurance: they’re either too big for traditional home insurance or else owners are faced with rapidly rising premiums.
Charlie Roberts, founder of online community Farmstyle Australia, has heard it all before.
“At least once a week, there’s a new post on our Facebook group about insurance,” Charlie said.
Farmstyle Insurance managing director Alex Cohn was a broker for 20 years and said the amount of queries he had received from hobby farms was ‘staggering’.
“We wanted to help, but there weren’t any products on the market that seemed to fit,” Alex said. Seeing an opportunity, Alex partnered with Farmstyle Australia to develop an insurance that offered to fill the gap.
Charlie said the opportunity was a game changer.
“We were involved from day one, providing direct input from hobby farmers,” he said.
Since then, high praise for Farmstyle Insurance has started popping up in every conversation about insurance, including in the popular Facebook group: Hobby Farmers Australia.
Andrew M: “They called today for a check, in case the Bermagui fire was affecting us.”
Scott D: “We found Farmstyle Insurance gave us more coverage for a lot better prices.”
Since launching in 2022, the company has seen tremendous growth, mainly from word-of-mouth.
Alex said it was hard as a newcomer to prove themselves to the market.
“But word of mouth is the most powerful thing,” he said.
“Instead of huge advertising campaigns, we focused on providing exceptional customer experience.
“We’re unique because we’re part of the community; our staff are local and have agricultural backgrounds.
“They’re also passionate about the lifestyle.
“It’s not something that can be taught, it’s lived experience.”
GOTAFE has released a series of tailored agriculture short courses to equip the future workforce with vital skills and experience needed in the sector. The new courses are Introduction to Farm Fencing, Introduction to Biosecurity Principles and Introduction to Greenhouse Hydroponics.
The courses have been developed as part of the $1.99 million funding which GOTAFE received through the Victorian Government’s Agriculture TAFE and Training Funding in June last year. These courses will upskill existing workers in the agriculture and horticulture industries, while also helping to attract diverse cohorts to undertake new and enhanced training.
GOTAFE land co-ordinator Rob Hall said the new courses would provide industry with a much-needed boost.
“Victoria is Australia’s largest producer of food and fibre products,” Mr Hall said. “GOTAFE is working hard to ensure agriculture workers are equipped with the appropriate skills as the industry evolves.”
There are nine other courses yet to be released, which will have a similar focus on productivity, compliance, innovation, safety and the workforce.
The new courses, which will be available as part of the second phase later this year, will cover farm machinery maintenance, cow pregnancy testing, people management and more.
Farm safety is also a key focus of the new courses and is aimed at reducing the rate of workplace deaths in the agriculture industry.
About 14 per cent of annual fatalities occur in the agriculture sector despite it only having about two per cent of Victoria’s workforce.
The short courses will also range from introductory to specialised, meaning there will be something suitable for everyone.
Study everything from cropping, farming or production and gain the knowledge for a successful career in the agricultural sector.
With GOTAFE by your side, ‘You’ve got this’.
Learn more about GOTAFE’s new courses at www.GOTAFE.vic.edu.au/future-ofagriculture
Nestled among pasture in the heart of vineyard territory north of Mansfield are several large sheds which are home to Whitlands Engineering.
The family-owned business specialises in the design and manufacture of innovative machinery used in the commercial and domestic firewood industry.
When David Burder realised 30 years ago that he was splitting 12 tons of firewood with a single axe every winter to keep his home warm, he knew he had to come up with something better.
He used his background in welding and construction, along with his eye for good design, to build an hydraulic machine to do the job for him.
A ‘decent’ amount of common sense saw him make the first pivoting-blade vertical hydraulic wood splitter in the country.
The Superaxe was born.
The vertical configuration — different from others on the market at the time — meant that the operator could stand up straight while working, and an innovative log lifter on the side added to the efficiency and reduced backache from reaching down.
David made the decision to resist cheaper outsourcing once trade markets opened with China and kept all manufacturing in-house.
He said this decision has now become the cornerstone of the company philosophy and is fundamental toits success, longevity and reputation.
“Local manufacturing keeps money in the local economy, supports thirty employees and their families and most importantly keeps integrity in the manufacturing process,” David said.
“The imported machines may be cheaper, but they certainly don’t last very long.
“To say we are ‘Australian Made’ means more than anything.”
LOCATION
9:30 am Pork Side Breakdown - Pork Carcass & all the different cuts that come from a side of pork Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
9:30 am Cattle Basics with Stephen Koch from Atriem Murray Greys Farm Lecture
10:00 am Training Working Dogs with Beloka Kelpies Small Farms' Learning Hub
10:00 am Ozsort Team Sorting Equestrian Arena
10:10 am ARE YOU GAME? Kangaroo and Rhubarb Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
10:30 am Hemp Building Demonstrations T47
10:30 am Droneland Australia: Spraying and spreading using drones - Improve efficiency and reduce cost of production Rear Oval
10:30 am Drones in Agriculture: A Practical Perspective with Drone Pilot, Alastair Tame Farm Lectures
10:50 am Breaking Down of Lamb Carcass & Lamb Forequater Breakdown Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
11:00 am Eggs Year Round with Megg Miller OAM Small Farms' Learning Hub
11:00 am Beloka Kelpies Working Dog Demonstrations Main Oval
11:30 am Setting up Your Farm with Malcolm Cook from VFF Stock Sense Farm Lectures
11:30 am Brumbies (Australian wild horses) can be great riding horses Equestrian Arena
11:30 am KIDS’ COOKING: Cookie Monster Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
12:00 pm Hemp Farming with David Brian, Southern Hemp Small Farms Learning Hub
12:10 pm Breakdown of Beef Argie Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
12:15 pm Ozsort Team Sorting Equestrian Arena
12:30 pm Small Farm Weed Management with Argronomist Rob Richardson Farm Lectures
12:45 PM Beloka Kelpies Working Dog Demonstrations Main Oval
12:50 pm ALL-TIME BBQ HOUR: Kettle Weber, Smokers, Traditional Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
1:00 pm Introduction to Beekeeping Small Farms' Learning Hub
1:00 pm Droneland Australia: Spraying and spreading using drones - Improve efficiency and reduce cost of production Rear Oval
1:15 am Brumbies (Australian wild horses) can be great riding horses Equestrian Arena
1:30 pm Babydoll Sheep with Pam Beerens, Babydoll Sheep Breeders Australia Farm Lectures
2:00 pm Hemp Building Demonstrations T47
2:00 pm How can Microbes help your farm and garden? Small Farms Learning Hub
2:00 pm Ozsort Team Sorting Equestrian Arena
2:20 pm Poultry Breakdown Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
2:30 pm Buying Your Animals with Malcolm Cook, VFF Stock Sense Farm Lectures
3:00 pm Beloka Kelpies Working Dog Demonstrations Main Oval
3:00 pm An Introduction to Tiny Houses Small Farms Learning Hub
3:00 pm Gateaux Le Opera Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
3:15 pm Brumbies (Australian wild horses) can be great riding horses Equestrian Arena
ALL DAY
All Day Bunnings Kids’ Activity Tent Kids Corner
All Day Whip Cracking Demonstrations - Come and Try! Rear Oval
All Day Farmer Darryl's Animal Farmyard Kids Corner
All Day Snake Safe Victoria E42
All Day Cattle Livestock Hub & Cattle Yards
All Day Sheep Livestock Hub
All Day Poultry Poultry Pavilion
All Day Vintage Car Display Main Oval
All Day Bendigo Woodturners E50
All Day Camel Rides B110
All Day Kids’ Rides Kids Corner
All Day Australian Travelling Fishing Show Berkley Supertank L76
At this years Seymour Expo we have three amazing food courts with a variety of options as well as some food and drink vendors around the expo.
From ice-cream to coffee, beer to gin and barbeques to pizza, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our food and drink vendors here...
Twist Potato
Twisted potato with a choice of seasonings.
FOOD COURT L: FCL2
Giant handmade Gourmet Spring Rolls. Sweet and savoury options.
FOOD COURT E: FCE1
Primo Street Pizza Co
Traditional Italian pizza and cold drinks.
FOOD COURT B: FCB3
A Country Affair
Freshly Ground coffee, Homemade Lemonade and homemade cakes.
Dine with a Difference
Paella, Arancini, Croquettes, Stuffed Olives, Chips, Cannoli, Sweets, Water and Soft Drinks. Some Vegan and Gluten Free Options.
FOOD COURT L: FCL3
Mr Bratwurst
Chargrilled German and Continental Gourmet Sausages.
FOOD COURT E: FCE2
Chicken and falafel wraps and plates also chicken nuggets, hot chips, potato cakes, dim sims, sausage and egg muffin and cold drinks.
FOOD COURT B: FCB4
Eastern Hill Cricket Club BBQ BBQ favourites.
Steamed Dumplings and steamed Dim sims. Plus BBQ pork buns, water and soft drinks.
FOOD COURT L: FCL4
Danish Bake and Smokehouse
Smoked Pork and Beef Rolls and Authentic Danish Pastries.
FOOD COURT E: FCE3
American Style slow cooked BBQ. Kids options available.
FOOD COURT B: FCB5
Coffee A La Cart
Espresso coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cookies, cakes, muffins, biscuits, cold drinks, granita slushies.
Local craft brewery serving on-tap beer and take home options.
IN EACH FOOD COURT
The Great Western BBQ Shack
Low and Slow meats served in burgers, and gourmet loaded fries.
FOOD COURT L: FCL6
Soft Serve Icecream, Gelati, Soft Drinks
OPA Greek Street Food
Authentic home handmade Greek cuisine.
FOOD COURT L: FCL7
Slinky Seafood Shack
Fish and Chips, Calamari, Prawns, salads and more!
Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Ribs, Chips, Beef Jerky, Spiced Nuts ,BBQ rubs
FOOD COURT L: FCL1
Timboon
Dairy scoop ice cream and gelato. Soft drinks. Freshly made fairy floss.
FOOD COURT L: FCL8
Three Beans
Coffee & Catering
Coffee, donuts, egg and bacon rolls, hot dogs, sandwiches, muffin/slices and cold drinks
FOOD COURT B: FCE5
FOOD COURT B: FCE6
Coffee, hot food, cakes and cold drinks.
AROUND THE EXPO: EB17
Boost Juice
Boost Juice Smoothies and Crushes, Banana Bread, Protein Balls, Water.
Seymour Ag Society Homemade Café
Tea, Coffee and a range of homemade food options.
FOOD COURT B: FCB2
A Bit of This and That
Tea and coffee, chips, dim sims, jam donuts, biscuits and more.
AROUND THE EXPO: L19
Seymour Football Netball Club BBQ BBQ favourites and cold drink options.
AROUND THE EXPO: C22
AROUND THE EXPO: C36
AROUND THE EXPO: C53
AROUND THE EXPO: C53
AG SOCIETY HOMEMADE CAFÉ
AROUND THE EXPO: B53
2WP/Corry Marketing C13
4 Up Skilling EB47
A Country Affair C22
Abundance Unlimited EB54
Adjusta Mattress T28
Advanced Therapy Massagers EB1
AEG Powertools L12
Aeolis Leather E13
Affordable Plants T43
Agriculture Victoria EB45
AgroEcoPower B37
Agteam L5
AKRON Australia T31
All Farm Gates LP5
All Sheds B33
AlumiCoops E9
Annabelle Cleeland MP - Member for Euroa B89
ANT AND LOUi - Handmade Jewellery CP14
Aqua Plus Filtration EB19
ARTC E36
Assumption College EB8
Atriem Murray Grey Cattle Cattle Yard 1
AusBuilt Rural B20
Aussie Bush Hats E11
Austealth E38
Australian Bee Supplies C54
Australian Brahman Breeders' AssociationSouthern Australia Branch Cattle Yard 3
Australian Native Farm Forestry T26
Avant Equipment T73
Babydoll Sheep Breeders Australia LP3
Bactivate EB20
Baljil Art CP1
Ballarat Trailers & Towbars B91
BALMATTUM Australian White Sheep Stud Livestock HubSheep
Bamboo Creations Nursery C29
Bardee C12
Barrel Brothers Furniture B60
Bauer GmbH Australia B16
Beer Auto Group L75
Bendigo Country Clothing E2
Bendigo Woodturners Inc E50
Berrigan Economy Harrows B72
Bertolis Agricultural & Industrial E31
Best Ever Boots/Aussie Gumboot E23
Better Living Australia - Therapeutic
Adjustable Massage Beds EB30
Bettergrip Tools B90
Billy & Bear B87
BiNe Natural Beauty CP39
Bio Natural Solutions T29
Biolink Probiotics 4 Plants & Animals
Australia E18
Bluedrop Maine-Anjou Cattle 3
Boats & More L79
Boost Juice Mobeel Albury/Wodonga E12
Boutique Bean Bags E22
Brazzen Yarra Valley B5
Bretts Tools B101 - B104
BucketBarrow L20
Bullmax B32
Bunyip Hemp EB27
Bushman's Water Tanks L77; L76; L78
Buttons n More CP3
Cheeky Rascal L41
Chicken Cravan
Nikki
O'Loghlin
OPS
Outback Plunge Pool T69
Outback Saddler+Regimental Saddler C31B
Pachinko Hats L14
Para Park Co-operative Game Reserve Ltd T38B
Paramao International EB35
Parkside Design & Blackhill Engineering B95
Paton Stockfeeding Equipment LP6
Paul Boags Outdoors T38A
Penfold Home Improvements C39
Pepo Farms L42
Peppercorn Products CP49; CP47
Peter Hodge Camel Hire B110
Pinnacle Fire Pits B39
Pioneer Water Tanks E14
Power Hound Attachments C46; C47
Power N Play T11
Power Of The Bee CP25
Precision Planters B84
Primo Street Pizza Co FCB3
Progressive Controls B41
Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria LP4
Puredrop Desalination L27
QuikFence T62
Rachel's Krafty Gifts CP7
Rainchaser Water Tanks B51
RAT Barrow; Vaughan Irrigators, AgBoss Equine T49; T50
Rawleigh's Healthcare C20
Red Gum Farm Rustic Furniture B69
Red River Stockyards T64-T68
RedGum Products L8
Regional Rail Revival E37
Relens Showbags EB10
Rich River Rural/ Hecton Products B96
Rikkie-Lee
Ringers
Riverina
From Russian honey cake to breaking down a pork shoulder, it will be a smorgasbord of demonstrations in the Country Kitchen and Butcher Shop at the Seymour expo again this year. Always a highlight of the expo, you can sink your teeth into the demonstrations from 9.30am on each of the three days, with the last starting at 3pm each day.
Expo legend, chef Adrian Hensley, is back in the Country Kitchen to share his magical skills and insights, and daughter Lila will join him to host the Kids’ Cooking segment.
Don’t miss the lamington session on Saturday — Lila will wow visitors with traditional, red velvet, funfetti and double chocolate versions of this Aussie staple.
Come and build your own — adults must be supervised by a child!
Kids’ Cooking on Friday will be all about the cookie. Unleash your inner Cookie Monster with so many choc-chips you’ll feel like you’re overdosing on chocolate.
For the backyard barbecue masters, the Carnivore Collective All Time BBQ Hour is going from strength to strength — this year it will be held on all three days of the expo for the first time.
Learn techniques on the kettle Weber and traditional barbecues, as well as smokers.
On the menu will be pichana, pork ribs, chicken skewers, lamb kofta, reverse sear rib-eye, smashburger tacos, bourbon pork chops and lamb backstrap.
If that’s not enough meat for you, other demonstrations in the Butcher Shop are sure to keep you entertained and motivated. Learn how to breakdown carcases to produce different lamb, pork, beef and chicken cuts (yes, you can get 20 different cuts out of one chicken carcase).
And if you’re feeling extra brave, Paul Borg will demonstrate how to prepare a venison carcase from the field.
Straight afterwards in the Country Kitchen, that venison will be put to good use in a pie, made with Gillies Pies original vintage pastry roller.
Venison isn’t the only game meat in the kitchen. Tandoori goat kebab as well as kangaroo and rhubarb are on the menu.
Other mouthwatering Country Kitchen sessions include Greek custard pie, a luscious gateau and your new favourite Mexican taco.
The food action isn’t only in the Country Kitchen and Butcher Shop at the Seymour expo.
If you’ve worked up a hunger and a thirst enjoying all there is to do at the expo, there is something to satisfy everyone at the three food courts — not to mention the food and drink vendors around the grounds.
If you need to quench your thirst, Boost will be mixing up the juices and smoothies, while that all-
important caffeine hit awaits at several different outlets.
And for those looking for something a bit harder, Shearasun Brewing Co is back. The local craft brewery will be serving ontap beer and take-home options.
Hungry? No problem.
You’ll find ribs, German sausages, gourmet barbecue, dumplings, burgers, hot chips (Twist Potato will be there with — you guessed it — a twist on this old favourite),
Greek street food, vegetarian spring rolls, pizza, wraps and seafood.
And don’t worry — sweet-tooths are catered for as well.
You can indulge in Danish pastries, home-made cakes and slices, and — of course — ice-cream. Timboon Fine Ice-Cream and Whippd will both be there.
If you’d like to support a local organisation and enjoy a democracy sausage without the
annoying election, then check out the Eastern Hill Cricket Club and Seymour Football Netball Club barbecues for all your favourites off the grill plus cold drinks. The Seymour Ag Society Cafe will also be there, with tea, coffee and a range of home-made food options.
There are too many food and drink options on offer at the expo to name them all here. So have a look for yourself!
Chef Adrian Hensley is back again with his much-loved cooking demonstrations in the Country Kitchen. Shearasun Brewery will return to the expo this year. Last year, bartender Jason Harrison and brewer Pete Cleave were ready with a cold brew and a friendly smile.9:30 am Beef Butt Breakdown Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
9:30 am Cattle Basics with Stephen Koch from Atriem Murray Greys Farm Lecture
10:00 am Training Working Dogs with Beloka Kelpies Small Farms' Learning Hub
10:10 am ARE YOU GAME? Tandoori Goat Kebab Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
10:00 am ALL4FMX Motorcross Demonstrations Main Oval
10:30 am Hemp Building Demonstrations T47
10:30 am Ozsort Team Sorting Equestrian Arena
10:30 am Pastures for Profit with Argronomist, Rob Richardson Farm Lecture
10:30 am Droneland Australia: Spraying and spreading using Drones - Improve efficiency and reduce cost of production Rear Oval
10:50 am Pork Shoulder Breakdown Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
11:00 am How can Microbes help your farm and garden? Small Farms' Learning Hub
11:00 am Beloka Kelpies Working Dog Demonstrations Main Oval
11:30 am Brumbies (Australian wild horses) can be great riding horses Equestrian Arena
11:30 am KIDS’ COOKING with Chef Lila Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
11:30 am Poll Highland Cattle; The Alternative with Julia Webster, Poll Highland Cattle Society Farm Lecture
11:45 am ALL4FMX Motorcross Demonstrations Main Oval
12:00 pm GOTAFE Knowledge Sharing - Agriculture Small Farms' Learning Hub
12:10 pm Breakdown of a Beef Forequater Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
12:15 pm Ozsort Team Sorting Equestrian Arena
12:30 pm Preserving the Fruits of your Farm Garden with chef Lee Buttler Farm Lecture
12:45 PM Beloka Kelpies Working Dog Demonstrations Main Oval
12:50 pm ALL-TIME BBQ HOUR: Kettle Weber, Smokers, Traditional Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
1:00 pm Introduction to Beekeeping Small Farms' Learning Hub
1:00 pm Droneland Australia: Spraying and spreading using drones - Improve efficiency and reduce cost of production Rear Oval
1:15 pm Brumbies (Australian wild horses) can be great riding horses
Equestrian Arena
1:30 pm Drones in Agriculture: A Practical Perspective with Drone Pilot, Alastair Tame Farm Lecture
2:00 pm ALL4FMX Motorcross Demonstrations Main Oval
2:00 pm Hemp Building Demonstrations T47
2:00 pm Ozsort Team Sorting Equestrian Arena
2:00 pm No-Nasties Gardening: How to Improve your Garden with Organic Inputs Small Farms' Learning Hub
2:20 pm Preparation of Pork Loin Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
2:30 pm Babydoll Sheep with Pam Beerens, Babydoll Sheep Breeders Australia Farm Lecture
3:00 pm Beloka Kelpies Working Dog Demonstrations Main Oval
3:00 pm An introduction to Tiny Houses Small Farm's Learning Hub
3:00 pm Birria Taco’s Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
3:15 pm Brumbies (Australian wild horses) can be great riding horses Equestrian Arena
ALL DAY
All Day Bunnings Kids’ Activity Tent Kids Corner
All Day Whip Cracking Demonstrations - Come and Try! Rear Oval
All Day Farmer Darryl's Animal Farmyard Kids Corner
All Day Snake Safe Victoria E42
All Day Cattle Livestock Hub & Cattle Yards
All Day Sheep Livestock Hub
All Day Poultry Poultry Pavilion
All Day Vintage Car Display Main Oval
All Day Bendigo Woodturners E50
All Day Camel Rides B110
All Day Kids’ Rides Kids Corner
All Day Australian Travelling Fishing Show Berkley Supertank L76
9:30 am Preparation of Beef Brisket & Beef Flank Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
9:30 am Cattle Basics with Stephen Koch from Atriem Murray Greys Farm Lecture
10:00 am Farm Fire Safety with CFA Victoria Small Farms' Learning Hub
10:10 am MEDOVIK: Russian Honey Cake Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
10:00 am ALL4FMX Motorcross Demonstrations MAIN OVAL
10:30 am Hemp Building Demonstrations T47
10:30 am An Introduction to Boer Goats with Dean Smith of Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia Farm Lecture
10:30 am Ozsort Team Sorting Equestrian Arena
10:30 am Droneland Australia - Spraying and Spreading using Drones - Improve efficiency and reduce cost of production Rear Oval
10:50 am Venison Demonstration with Paul Boag Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
11:00 am Eggs Year Round with Megg Miller OAM Small Farms' Learning Hub
11:00 am Beloka Kelpies Working Dog Demonstrations Main Oval
11:30 am Brumbies (Australian wild horses) can be great riding horses Equestrian Arena
11:30 am Pasture Management with Argronomist, Rob Richardson Farm Lecture
11:30 am ARE YOU GAME? Venison Pie Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
11:45 am ALL4FMX Motorcross Demonstrations MAIN OVAL
12:00 pm GOTAFE Knowledge Sharing - Horticulture Small Farms' Learning Hub
12:10 pm Pork Shoulder Breakdown Salami & Sausage Demo Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
12:15 pm Ozsort Team Sorting
Equestrian Arena
12:30 pm Poll Highland Cattle: The Alternative with Julia Webster, Poll Highland Cattle Society Farm Lecture
12:45 PM Beloka Kelpies Working Dog Demonstrations Main Oval
12:50 pm ALL-TIME BBQ HOUR: Kettle Weber, Smokers, Traditional Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
1:00 pm Introduction to Beekeeping Small Farms' Learning Hub
1:00 pm Droneland Australia: Spraying and spreading using Drones - Improve efficiency and reduce cost of production Rear Oval
1:15 pm Brumbies (Australian wild horses) can be great riding horses
Equestrian Arena
1:30 pm Further Information for Boer Goat Producers with Dean Smith, Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia Farm Lecture
1:45 pm ALL4FMX Motorcross Demonstrations MAIN OVAL
2:00 pm Hemp Building Demonstrations T47
2:00 pm No-Nasties Gardening: How to Improve your Garden with Organic Inputs Small Farms' Learning Hub
2:00 pm Ozsort Team Sorting Equestrian Arena
2:20 pm Lamb Hindquarter Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
2:30 pm Beloka Kelpies Working Dog Demonstrations Main Oval
2:30 pm Babydoll Sheep with Pam Beerens, Babydoll Sheep Breeders Australia Farm Lecture
3:00 pm An Introduction to Tiny Houses, Sam Loughran, Homes and Domes Small Farms' Learning Hub
3:00 pm GALAKTOBOUREKO: Greek Custard Pie Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop
3:15 pm Brumbies (Australian wild horses) can be great riding horses Equestrian Arena
ALL DAY
All Day Bunnings Kids’ Activity Tent Kids Corner
All Day Whip Cracking Demonstrations - Come and Try! Rear Oval
All Day Farmer Darryl's Animal Farmyard Kids Corner
All Day Snake Safe Victoria E42
All Day Cattle Livestock Hub & Cattle Yards
All Day Sheep Livestock Hub
All Day Poultry Poultry Pavilion
All Day Vintage Car Display Main Oval
All Day Bendigo Woodturners E50
All Day Camel Rides B110
All Day Kids’ Rides Kids Corner
All Day Australian Travelling Fishing Show Berkley Supertank L76
Australia-made and designed Power Hound wood splitters are ideal for Australian conditions and can be used with a range of machinery, including excavators.
Power Hound managing director Steve Thwaites said the log splitters were designed to be operated from the seat of various machines because they were safer and easier to manage as there was no lifting of heavy logs or wood.
“They are designed and made by us for Australian hardwood — not the soft wood we see on videos from overseas,” Steve said.
“The advantages of operating from the seat of your machine include saving time and money, and your back, as you can also use the splitter as a grab, lifting a tree or branch off the ground or fence then cutting it to the right size to fit your fire place.”
He said the wood splitter had capacity to split wood 54 cm long, which was a common size for burning in most wood heaters, and the hydraulic cylinder ram’s 40-tonne capacity meant it could split all Australian hardwoods with ease. The splitter comes with 2.1 m hydraulic hoses.
“We custom-make the hitch to fit your excavator and also make a universal skid steer hitch which fits most skid steers sold in Australia.,” Steve said.
“The beauty of the Power Hound splitter design is you can comfortably break down a one-metre wide tree, which normally you could not get on a traditional splitter.
“With our splitter you simply place it over the log roll and keep splitting until you break down the log.”
Steve said Power Hound also manufactured a wood splitter that was a combination of a traditionalstyle splitter but was powered by a tractor.
“It couples to your three-point-linkage and hydraulics, with a control valve at the splitter. You back up to your tree and start splitting,” he said.
He said Power Hound also had a range of heavy duty tree pullers, fork attachments and hydraulic grabs suitable for excavators (1.7 to 8 tonne), tractors and skid steers.
“Power Hound Australia has been manufacturing quality Australian attachments for 15 years,” Steve said. “We concentrate on a select, small range of specialist innovative attachments that no-one else in the country manufactures.
“Come see us at the Seymour field days.”
Australian Rail Track Corporation Inland Rail has celebrated the first anniversary of construction of Inland Rail in Victoria and it is clear Victorian communities and businesses are reaping real benefits from the new investment in essential public infrastructure.
Inland Rail has so far invested $45.1 million into 196 regional Victorian businesses and employed 732 locals on the Victorian section of the project.
ARTC Victoria and South Australia projects general manager Ed Walker said 2023 had been a busy year for the project.
“And it will remain so as we push on to complete the Victorian work by 2027,” Ed said.
“It’s great to see so many local Victorian workers and businesses working on the project and spreading the benefits of the project into local communities.
“We thank local communities for their understanding and patience as we continue to deliver this nationalbuilding project.”
Works to allow sufficient clearance for double-stacked freight trains started in Victoria with construction contractor McConnell Dowell in 2023.
McConnell Dowell is completing works at four sites in addition to modifications to tracks, utilities and signal gantries along the North East rail line including:
• Lowering 400m of track under the Murray Valley Hwy in Barnawartha North.
• Replacing the Beaconsfield Parade bridge in Glenrowan.
• Modifying the railway station and replacing the Green St bridge in Wangaratta.
• Replacing the Seymour-Avenel Rd bridge in Seymour.
Inland Rail is a nation-building rail project that will transform how goods are moved around Australia, and will first connect Beveridge, north of Melbourne, to Parkes in NSW by 2027. It will eventually connect Melbourne with Brisbane.
Work will take place at 12 sites in Victoria, and Inland Rail is planning to award the construction contract for the remaining eight construction sites located in Wandong, Broadford, Seymour, Tallarook, Euroa and Benalla in mid-2024, with construction expected to start early next year.
ARTC will have a display booth at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo where its team is keen to meet with community members and share the latest information, visualisations and alignment map.
For more information, visit: inlandrail. com.au/b2a
Assumption College, located at Kilmore just 30 minutes south of Seymour, is a school community where students and their families value the beautiful and spacious facilities as well as the warm and kind relationships that their children form with each other and the college’s staff.
The college community was founded in 1893 to provide Catholic families living in remote and regional areas with a high-quality schooling and boarding experience for their children.
This has remained the college’s commitment over the years, and today the boarding houses serve the families of the Kilmore region and beyond, with some students the third generation of their own families.
The family-style boarding centres allow students to thrive, and there is a real sense of young people flourishing in surroundings that challenge and excite them.
Assumption College boarding staff live onsite with the students and provide a family spirit so students and their parents feel welcomed and valued.
A purpose-built agricultural and animal studies facility was opened in 2023, and in 2024 construction will begin on an innovative STEM and allied health facility.
Assumption College students are connected through multi-age home groups, often grouped alongside siblings where a strong bond can be
formed between the group’s mentor, children and their parents.
The innovative MyMAP curriculum focuses on ‘stage not age’ learning, offering a vast range of options.
As students enter their senior school years, they can personalise their VCE journey with courses including the VCE, vocational education and training or school-
based apprenticeships and traineeships.
Accelerated university subjects are also offered which contribute to their ATAR.
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GuardnGrow: Your Australian eco-friendly gardening partner! See us at Seymour Alternative Farming Expo, site B47, to explore our natural products.
Introducing a range of different sized coir bre pots for seamless transplanting – no more root shock! From windowsill herbs to ornamental shrubs, our Coir Fibre Pots come in various sizes. We also have hanging basket liners, so, measure the diameter of your baskets for the correct size and measure the top of your pot plants to get a cover to t.
Biodegradable: our range of coir bre matting derived from coconut husks. These 100% natural wonders are not only biodegradable but also contribute to soil enrichment, ensuring your garden ourishes while minimizing your environmental footprint.
Experience Green Solutions Galore: Coir bre handles weed suppression, erosion control, and boosts plant health. With GuardnGrow, you enhance your garden and support a greener world – it’s a lifestyle.
Let’s nurture nature, one garden at a time! Come and have a chat to Karen and Lionel.
www.guardngrow.com.au info@guardngrow.com.au
0407 324 518
Join us at Seymour Alternative Farming Expo and dive into sustainable gardening. Discover eco-friendly tips, insights, and solutions from our experts at site B47.
Once again, our community is rallying together to ensure the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo is a massive success as we welcome all our residents, businesses, community groups, and more to be a part of this spectacular event.
about our region, and hand-out free goodies.
My team and I can provide assistance with Victorian Government related issues and enquiries.
While Seymour has had its share of challenges in recent times with persistent flooding, this event shows the community spirit and resilience that makes our town so special. I look forward to welcoming back some more tourists and providing a much deserved boost to our economy.
If you don’t get to swing by and say hello, there are plenty of other ways to get in touch with me and my office who are always happy to help.
You can call me on (03) 5762 1600.
I will be joined by my National Party colleagues, manning a marquee to have a chat, help you with any concerns you may have
– Annabelle Cleeland State Member for Euroa
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Being able to grow and develop in an industry which Chris Lindsay had been working in for several years is what attracted him to GOTAFE.
Courses in cropping, farming or production provide a range of education pathways for students to gain the knowledge for a successful career in the agricultural sector.
“I was working full-time managing a large property while I was studying,” Chris said.
“Which meant that time management could make it quite hard to complete assessments submitted in a timely manner, particularly during the busy seasonal times.
“But the course I was studying had great flexibility and having an instructor with sound knowledge and experience in the industry was a huge bonus.”
There is also opportunity for eligible prospective students to have their TAFE tuition fees covered for priority courses through governmentsubsidised training (Free TAFE).
In 2023, increased eligibility for free TAFE tuition saw 1638 students studying a fee-free course at GOTAFE.
Several existing courses are eligible under Free TAFE, including both Certificates III and IV in Agriculture.
And the eligibility for Free TAFE has only got bigger, and community members no longer need to meet specific age, upskilling or reskilling requirements.
This means that most students will now be eligible.
Further changes to the scheme mean that from the start of 2024, new and continuing students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander can access free tuition.
This combined with the flexible learning environment at GOTAFE helped Chris make the decision to enrol in the Certificate IV in Agriculture.
With GOTAFE by your side, students can be assured:
“You’ve got this.”
For more information, visit: www.GOTAFE.vic.edu.au
Increased access to free TAFE tuition saw 1638 students studying a fee-free course at GOTAFE.
Billowing white smoke from rural chimneys may well be a welcoming, homey sight when winter arrives, but according to Ivan Pacak and John Irwin, who sell and install Italian and Slovakian fireplaces and cookers, white smoke means the fire is being lit incorrectly.
“Everyone assumes you light a fire from the bottom but in fact it is better to light it near the top and let it burn down,” John said.
“That release of white smoke means that you’re wasting energy.”
Ivan explains that white smoke is a mix of vapour and wood particles being broken down which means the wood is not being fully combusted.
“Heat from the top of the fire has you heating the chimney right from the start,” he said.
“That’s the first task, to heat the chimney to get a draw so the fire gets a lot of oxygen and energy released.”
John and Ivan have operated Maison Fireplaces at Mansfield for eight years and have loaded their portable container showroom yet again with a
For efficient use of firewood, the experts at Maison Fireplaces recommend on starting a fire near the top to warm the chimney as soon as possible, to ensure faster, cleaner and more efficient heating.
range of heaters and cookers for this year’s expo.
Their knowledge of fire box design, the heat retention of imported Italian soapstone and efficient burning of
wood is encyclopedic, and they will pass on their expertise to visitors. One cooker on display is “Milly“, which burns wood with 90 per cent efficiency from a relatively small
amount of wood.
And all of the heaters and cookers seem to have female names.
“Italians give them their names, not us,” John said.
An abundance of timber on 121 hectares was the mother of invention for Warren and Rex Lucas when they sold their first portable sawmill, which they had made with their father Geoff.
Thirty years later and the family business at Worrigee has gone beyond their initial dream of selling 50 of the mills each year, with the company boasting of having sold 23,000 since their patent was first submitted by the family in 1994 on their way to the Farmworld Show at Warragul.
The company had orders for 50 after their very first showing and currently export three-quarters of their mills overseas.
“The shows are the actual shop front,” Jenny Lucas said.
“And at Seymour this year we will be demonstrating with our Model 10 at intervals during the day.”
The patent was filed for the unique design of a walk-through end frame and the mill’s design overall looks very similar to what it did 30 years ago.
The advantages of the Lucas Sawmill include better value than competitors and the ability to cut thinner boards.
“Most farmers only want six-be-twos for the farm, so we produced a mill that was smaller than what’s on the market,” Jenny said.
“A lot of what we have made is from customer demand, so there is for example a sanding option now.”
The business has seen over a dozen apprentices come through its workshop, where every mill is built from the ground up and tested before sale.
Ian Schulz operates the Lucas Mill Model 10. Ian will be attending the expo this year with regular demonstrations of the mill.
Hi Water Concrete Tanks is part of the furniture at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.
Mitch Miller said the business prided itself on only using the highest quality materials and offering a lifetime guarantee.
“All of our waterproofed concrete tanks are poured on site and are suited for industrial, rural and residential applications — including hobby farm water storage, cellars, water treatment, milk chilling, firefighting,” Mitch said.
“And with a 30-year agreement, that’s great peace of mind for our customers.”
The range includes waterproofed concrete tanks for above ground or below ground, with concrete tops or silo roofs from around 22,500 litres to 120,000 litres.
Based in Wodonga and servicing all of Victoria and NSW, the business was started by Steve Miller in 1993
who has built up 45 years’ industry experience.
Steve’s brother Mitch has attended the Seymour expo for years and said the family business enjoyed coming back and meeting customers.
“We like to talk to new people and find that people really appreciate us explaining the construction of our waterproofed concrete tanks plus
showing photos of what we do stepby-step,” Mitch said.
“We want to be able to help people by giving them a product that suits their needs and lasts a lifetime.”
Hi Water Concrete Tanks staff members also repair existing concrete tanks and are happy to provide quotes and explain the restoration process; they also sell Maxi Jet Pumps and install Tank Vac systems.
Telstra is evolving its mobile network to ensure its customers have the best possible experience.
This means that on June 30 this year, the company’s 3 g network will be switched off.
Telstra’s 4 g and 5 g networks will be available instead and offer an improved experience.
Some devices — including handsets, medical devices, and EFTPOS machines — may need to be updated or replaced ahead of next year’s closure to ensure ongoing service.
Telstra staff will be on hand at this year’s expo to answer some commonly asked questions about the 3 g closure.
Why is Telstra closing their 3 g network?
Today, demand for mobile data is growing by around 30 per cent each year, and as technology and use cases change, a network is needed that’s fit for today and the future.
Once Telstra has closed the 3 g network, the spectrum will be repurposed to expand the 5 g network, giving customers a much better overall experience.
Telstra started saying goodbye to 3 g back in October 2019 to make sure they had enough time to understand what changes they need to make. Areas that only have 3G coverage are being changed to ensure these areas have the same or better 4G coverage available by June 30, 2024.
Will you match your existing 3G coverage with 4G before you switch off 3G?
Telstra is working hard to upgrade areas to ensure that customers have the same or better 4G coverage before the 3 g network is switched off. More commonly asked questions can be found at: www.telstra.com.au/ support/ mobiles-devices/3 g-closure
Clark Equipment is a leading Australian-owned company that manufactures and distributes a range of construction, agricultural and materials handling equipment across recognised and reputable brands like Bobcat, Develon, McCormick, Clark and Omega.
Clark has over 17 branches across Australia and New Zealand and sells to a vibrant customer base, from small-business owner-operators, to large civil contractors and government bodies.
Bobcat Australia is a leading bobcat and agricultural equipment brand, with a range of products from compact excavators to zero-turn mowers as well as attachments and implements.
The brand was founded over 60 years ago and has been making tough jobs look easy ever since.
McCormick tractors offers a range of tractors at the top of its class in terms of technology, comfort and safety and which meet the most advanced global performance expectations.
Clark Equipment also sells the worldclass engineering that comes with any Develon heavy construction equipment or vehicle.
Develon has a range of large excavators, wheel loaders, and articulated dump trucks and prides itself on the motto ‘the closer you look, the better we get’. Clark Farm Equipment proudly brings to market a comprehensive range of farm equipment, designed to meet the needs and wants of farmers and
rural property owners and everyone in between.
Their range includes Daken Electric Fencing, Zon Bird Scare-Guns, Grasshopper Zero-Turn Mowers, and much more.
Clark also specialises in handling equipment, and its company
Clark Materials Handling brings the big names in materials handling to the construction and agricultural industries, and
includes a range of forklifts, order pickers, handlers, stackers and Terberg tractors.
Make sure you visit their site at the expo to see all the latest news and additions to their range.
Access to fast, reliable broadband internet is critical to the future success of Australia’s agriculture sector and to rural, regional and remote Australia.
To meet this challenge, the national broadband network (nbn) is delivering upgrades to the network to help deliver better broadband for homes and businesses across Australia.
These upgrades aim to support the agribusiness supply chain and regional communities.
The upgrades aim to make it easier to work, run a business, access digital services and entertainment, connect with loved ones and expand participation in the global digital economy, now and into the future.
In rural and remote Australia, nbn is extending the coverage and capabilities of its fixed wireless and satellite networks through a $750 m coinvestment with the Federal Government.
The upgrades will introduce new higher speed tiers on the fixed wireless network to help enable wholesale download speeds up to
four times faster than what’s currently available.
With upgrades already begun on towers throughout the state, some
Victorian’s are already benefiting from more reliable internet and more capability throughout the busy periods.
For more information on what is available in your area, visit: www.nbnco. com.au/connect-home-or-business/ check-your-address
Deane Crowhurst has been managing North East Isuzu Shepparton for six years and is busy providing trucks and vehicles on his ‘patch of dirt’ that stretches from Mansfield to Finley, NSW.
“We sell Ivecos, vans, little trucks, pantechs and right up to B-doubles,” Deane said.
“Isuzu is the number one truck in Australia.”
Isuzu first joined forces with General Motors in Australia in 1989 and eight years later, North East Isuzu was born. Deane will have four vehicles on display at the expo with one truck built up to specifications for sale at the event.
“We want it to be simply driven away.”
Sam Loughran has built from the ground up a showroom of unique living products which began as a side hustle of shed shelving and grew into a company that now has a showroom full of expandable small cottages, portable high quality ensuites and more shelving.
The birth of the company’s diversity came with a back injury which saw Sam laid off from employment and inspired him to grow his hustle into something quite different.
“I was not overly happy about the injury, but it worked out,” Sam said.
“I think the universe pushed me in the right direction, even though it took a sore back to get there.”
The showcase product of Homes and Domes, however, is its swimming pool, and there will be one on display at the Seymour expo. Sam and his family import the unique array of affordable home products and take pride in the quality and versatility of their pools.
The pools are stylishly designed from the very strong structure of a shipping container and currently come in two lengths – six and 12 metres.
“Because the pools are made from a shipping container, then they can be installed in a day,” Sam said.
“Once it is delivered, all you do is fill it with water and you’re swimming.” Prices start at $38,900 for the sixmetre pool, with a smaller, threemetre one on its way to the shop floor soon.
At the expo, Sam can list off the advantages of a container pool to all visitors, so their display will be worth a visit.
“If you decide to move house, you can take it with you; if the kids move out, you can sell it, and you’re not left with a hole in the ground
either,” he said.
“It’s literally plug and play – fill it full of water, turn it on and you can be swimming the same day.”
Homes and Domes is also known for its domed storage areas, comprised of two shipping containers with a sturdy domed shelter between them.
“Again, you can be up and running within a week instead of waiting six months for council approval and then another six for building a shed,” Sam said.
And the company’s expandable cottages — My Little Houses — seem anything but small when you step inside.
They are sensible in their floor plan, are fitted out in style and can be delivered on a trailer.
The cottages are suited for Airbnbs, farmers, bush block owners and granny flats.
“Pricing is their advantage – they are only 36 grand and ready to go,” Sam said.
Sam and his family will be displaying their ensuites, a trailergenerator and of course one of their fully-fitted pools which will be on sale for $38,900 and will include a free heater worth $6500.
Four years after his back injury, Sam’s philosophy is as upbeat as it is simple.
“Take the opportunities when they arise,” he said.
“Our best days are ahead of us for sure.”
Tony Smith and Sam Ciftci with one of their Isuzu tippers which will be on display at the expo.
The Homes and Domes container pool has the advantage of being installed in one day. There will be one for sale at the Seymour Expo.
Some of Australia’s best whip-crackers will show off their skills at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.
And visitors to the expo can also try their hand at this Australian tradition.
The Australian Whipcrackers and Plaiters Association has cancelled its usual Victorian championships at the expo, but the organisation will still run whip-cracking demonstrations.
The expo provides a great chance for people to see a unique sport in action, which the AWPA says is part of our Australian culture and heritage.
And with the whips cracking at the speed of sound, they create a sonic boom — and that alone is sure to draw a crowd.
After each whip-cracking demonstration by the AWPA, there will be chance for audience members to have a go.
The AWPA says the demonstrations are always a big hit.
“The kids actually learn to crack quicker than the adults — you’ve just got to let it happen and not think too much about it.“
Small-scale property and livestock owners can now access a new resource to help navigate the world of livestock and farming.
Agriculture Victoria’s Backyard Biosecurity newsletter covers everything you need to know about good biosecurity management, with new editions released weekly.
Emergency Animal Disease Industry Engagement Program manager Kellyanne Harris said the newsletter takes readers on a journey through the most important aspects of managing a small property and livestock.
“Backyard Biosecurity is a weekly newsletter covering everything from dealing with pests to keeping chickens healthy,” Kellyanne said.
“It doesn’t matter when you subscribe, a new edition will arrive in your inbox every week with something new to discover.”
Key topics covered in the newsletter include:
• Pest animals.
• Weeds.
• Poultry.
• Cattle.
• Honeybees.
• Wildlife.
• Goats.
• Sheep.
• Pigs.
• How to create a farm map.
• Horses.
• Alpacas.
• Marine pests.
• Fire preparedness.
Readers can access additional information in each newsletter, including biosecurity planning templates for specific animals. There are also links to online training modules to gain even more biosecurity knowledge.
“This newsletter is for anyone looking to learn more about managing their farm and keeping their animals happy and healthy,” Kellyanne said.
“Even if you’ve just got two alpacas on a small property, having the right information to implement good biosecurity practices on your farm not only benefits you, but it benefits the entire agriculture industry.”
To subscribe to Backyard Biosecurity, go to: agriculture. vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animaldiseases/emergency-animaldiseases/biosecurity-measuresfor-small-landholders
No matter how big your farm or what animals you have on it, having the right information to implement good biosecurity practices is important.
Chat to our friendly team at our stand in the Exhibition Building about making your new off-grid lifestyle a reality.
Brazzen has been working hard to maintain stock that is ready for delivery with no waiting time and is looking forward to discussing people’s stock yard requirements at this year’s expo.
The experience you have when handling your stock is the difference between a lousy day and a great day. Regardless of whether you are working with cattle, sheep, horses or pets, you need a yard or a pen that flows – something that just works and won’t let you down.
Brazzen products give you the upper hand, and are constantly being updated to give you, the operator, the very best experience with the least amount of effort.
Yarra Valley Brazzen also boasts a range of hay and grain feeders, single and double horse shelters and pet cages.
Looking for advice?
Brazzen is offering a free onsite assessment of your stockyard layout, so come along and catch up with the team at site B5.
Chew on this food for thought
Agriculture Victoria senior officer of animal welfare Morgan Cassell said producers need to make appropriate decisions regarding their livestock and ability to provide adequate feed. Livestock owners and managers should ask:
• What are the nutritional requirements for the class and number of livestock I keep?
• How much feed do I currently have on offer and is it meeting my livestock’s energy and protein requirements?
• How much supplement feed do I need to be feeding?
• Will I have enough? Will I be able to source more?
• What alternative options do I have, such as agistment or destocking?
“If you aren’t sure of any of the answers to these questions, you need to seek advice or do your research,” Ms Cassell said.
“There are many free resources and tools available to help and once you know the answers you can then make an informed decision, plan and take action.”
Ms Cassell said Agriculture Victoria’s Feeding Livestock website had information on feeding livestock.
“You will find information on sheep and cattle nutrition, tools to help calculate feed-on-offer and interpret feed test results and templates to create a feed budget,” she said.
56 ‘Seymour Alternative Farming Expo’, March, 2024
WORKS
Livestock owners are reminded to ensure they provide adequate shelter for their livestock if there are severe weather events forecast. Localised severe weather over summer saw a higher number of deaths in vulnerable livestock in some areas of eastern Australia.
“Severe weather can include high winds, concentrated rainfall and/ or hail and sudden temperature changes, which can impact livestock even in the warmer months of summer,” Agriculture Victoria principal veterinary officer Dianne Phillips said . She said vulnerable groups of livestock were those which were more prone to the effects of exposure and could include:
• Recently shorn sheep.
• Livestock with newborns or recently weaned animals.
• Livestock with parasitism or other underlying diseases associated with weight loss, anaemia, or low protein levels. “Farmers are encouraged to also ensure livestock are up-todate with routine stock health management requirements, such as drenching and vaccination programs, and to conduct regular inspections, monitoring for and treatment of diseases,” Dr Phillips said.
“This will help your animals stay healthy and be able to better adapt to changing conditions.
“Cold weather increases an animal’s energy requirement to keep warm. As a result, when storms are forecast, additional supplementary feed before the event should be considered.
“Adequate shelter can include paddock shelter belts (often retained vegetation and tree plantings), sheds or other buildings where stock can shelter on the side out of the wind, and undercover yards like those at a shearing shed.
“Isolated paddock trees can provide some shelter for livestock but can also act as a conductor for lightning strikes in a thunderstorm, which, in some circumstances, can lead to sudden death of livestock sheltering underneath the tree.”
If you need assistance with livestock losses associated with severe weather events, contact your vet or state-based agriculture department.
For further information, go to the Agriculture Victoria website and search for sheep shelter guidelines or cattle shelter guidelines.
A landmark study has revealed how livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are changing predator behaviour and supporting conservation efforts in the process.
Led by a team of experts from the University of Tasmania, Zoos Victoria and the University of Melbourne, the study uncovers the pivotal role of LGDs, particularly Maremma sheepdogs, in reshaping red fox behaviour in north-eastern Victoria.
“The study shows that from an ecological viewpoint, the effect of LGDs on foxes is similar to a landscape of fear imposed by large wild predators,” lead researcher Linda van Bommel said.
“This shows that we can use these dogs to help us manage the impact of predators in many different situations.
“By protecting livestock, LGDs can help mitigate conflict between farmers and predators, offering a humane and effective alternative to lethal control methods.”
Crucially, the study shows that Maremmas allow wild predators to coexist with farming.
“In other parts of the world, the predators that kill sheep and other livestock are often themselves rare and threatened species. Governments and conservationists want to protect them, but that creates conflict with farmers,” co-author Christopher Johnson said.
Research has proven the value of livestock guardian dogs like Maremmas.
“Our study shows that guardian dogs make it possible for livestock and wild predators to share the same landscapes without conflict.”
The study also shows that LGD use could result in less predation on native species which could help support efforts to preserve Australia’s unique biodiversity.
“If foxes are more wary and spend less time hunting when Maremmas are around, that means that species of small wildlife that are threatened by foxes should be safer in places with Maremmas,” Dr Johnson said. In addition to reducing conflicts between farmers and predators, LGDs can also improve the welfare
of livestock and decrease stress in farming communities.
“The presence of LGDs gives peace of mind to farmers, knowing that predator attacks on livestock are unlikely to occur,” Dr van Bommel said.
“This alleviates stress for both the livestock and the livestock owners.“
With Australia growing and freight demand booming, we need a better way to move our everyday goods. That's why we're linking Melbourne and Brisbane with a fast and reliable rail line that will offer benefits for years to come.
Inland Rail will support our growing population and create opportunities for industries and regions during construction and beyond. By linking to existing rail, roads and ports, it will enhance our national freight and supply chain capabilities. Businesses, manufacturers and producers will be better connected to national and global markets.
Rail is also better for the environment with less large trucks on our roads every year. It means safer roads with less congestion, lower emissions and cleaner air.
