Seymour Expo 2023

Expo puts Seymour on the map

Welcome back to Mitchell Shire and the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo for 2023.

We’re excited the expo will celebrate 32 years of being a Seymour experience, with more than 400 stallholders and exhibitors expected to appear at this year’s event. Seymour and surrounds have faced numerous challenges during and after last year’s floods and we acknowledge there is still much to do. Positioning ourselves to be ready for this event so quickly shows exceptional hard work, commitment and resilience amongst our amazing community and we are ‘ready to go’. I would like to take this opportunity, as we showcase our town, to yet again acknowledge and thank the many volunteers who ensured Kings Park was restored to its previous pristine condition, allowing for it to be opened in time for this year’s expo. It’s time to come together to support one another and have some muchneeded fun, so I encourage you, your family and friends to come and enjoy all the expo has to offer.

All things agricultural are a vital part of Mitchell Shire, and the expo encourages continued growth, development and rural innovation by bringing new ideas and techniques to our doorstep.

It also brings significant economic benefit to our town and surrounds. Over the 32 years, we’ve seen the exhibits and technology change — with the event bringing new and exciting diversity in the agricultural realm along with interesting and unique hobby opportunities.

There is a wealth of knowledge and experience in the agricultural industry and the expo provides you the opportunity to get up close and personal and observe and learn from many experts.

It tailors to most beginners and those wishing to improve their knowledge and skills.

As well as many exhibitors coming from far and wide, our fantastic local produce will also be proudly on display.

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 operate throughout the expo.

Weather for this event has always kept us on our toes. We’ve had extreme heat, right through to refreshing rains, so come prepared for whatever this year’s weather challenge might be.

Our local restaurants, hotels, cafes and wineries are excited and ready to welcome you.

To all our visitors, I know you will leave Seymour with a very positive experience and will be planning to return next year.

Congratulations and thank you to all our hard-working volunteers, staff, community members and expo stakeholders who have made this event an outstanding success for more than three decades. This has well and truly put Seymour and Mitchell Shire ‘on the map’.

Supporting the community

Getting this year’s Seymour Alternative Farming Expo up and running is testament to the resilience of the town and its community. Just five months ago, record flooding devastated the surrounding area, and badly damaged the Kings Park Recreation Reserve that has been home to the expo for many years.

Thanks to the hard work and commitment of Mitchell Shire Council, the reserve’s committee of management and many others, the show will go on — albeit with some small adjustments to the free event programming for this year.

We have decided to run all the free event programming on the rear oval to protect the main oval and make sure it is fit for the kick-off of the 2023 Goulburn Valley Football League in April.

We know the flood recovery road is a long one so we’re also encouraging everyone who buys a ticket to the expo, to donate to the Kings Park Flood Relief Fund.

Any amount is appreciated and 100 per cent of the funds will be donated to the cause.

We will also give back to the community through the numerous not-for-profit groups who volunteer their time and support the expo each year by providing car parking, running sites and displays and with setting up and clearing up for the event. These volunteers and the many other people who work tirelessly behind the scenes each year in the leadup to the expo are the key to its ongoing success.

This year, as well as many of the familiar and much-loved faces, demonstrations and activities — such as working dog displays, whipcracking and Learning Hub sessions — we welcome new exhibitors showcasing vertical gardens, machinery and equipment that are ideal for small and medium-sized farms.

There are plenty of tasty food and drink options, cooking and butchery demonstrations, the always popular arts and craft displays and the showstopping poultry sale.

The expo always has been, and continues to be, a great family day out and — as well as camel rides, a petting zoo, baby animals,

a new equestrian sport, vintage car displays and reptile and fish demonstrations — there will be plenty of kids’ rides and activities. Whether it’s for one day or all three, show your support for the Seymour

I would also like to thank the thousands of people that have literally travelled from far and wide, including from interstate, to attend this event. It would not be the success it is without you, too.

I’m excited to see what’s on offer this year and I strongly recommend the experience to all.

Fiona Stevens

Mitchell Shire Mayor

community and head along to this year’s expo.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Jamie Gilbert McPherson Media Group

Stories: Andy Wilson, Fiona Lloyd, Djembe

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens.

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Expo checklist

Here is everything you need to know about the 2023 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo. For updates, visit: www.seymourexpo.com.au

Location: Kings Park Recreation Reserve, 55 Tallarook St, Seymour. When: March 31 to April 2

Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Tickets should be purchased online at: seymourexpo.com.au

Adult $21.50

Concession*

Family (2 adults, 3 children) $48.50 (inc. transation fee) $48.00

Child (aged 5-15) $10.50 (inc. transation fee) $10.00

Child (under 5) Free Free

*Valid Concession I.D. must be presented at gate entry. A concession ticket is for any full-time tertiary student in possession of a student identification card, or any other valid concession as defined by Public Transport Victoria.

Getting there

• 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)

Abilities parking is available near Gate 4 on Lesley St.

All paid parking is subject to availability.

Small Farms Learning Hub

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.

FRIDAY

10 am Training Working Dogs

Paul Macphail, Beloka Kelpies

11 am Introduction to Camel Farming

Megan Wrren, The Camel Milk Co Australia

12 pm Hemp Farming

David Brian, Southern Hemp

1 pm Introduction to Beekeeping

Andrew Stanish, Australian Bee Supplies

2 pm Verticle gardens

Roger Morris, Vertigro Australia

3 pm How can Microbes help your farm & garden

Kevin Beecroft, BioLink 4 Plants

SATURDAY

Training Working Dogs

Paul Macphail, Beloka Kelpies

Introduction to Camel Farming

Megan Wrren, The Camel Milk Co Australia

Introduction to Goats

Bruce McKenzie, Cleveland Boer Goats

Introduction to Beekeeping

Andrew Stanish, Australian Bee Supplies

Reshaping the food system with black soldier flies

Alex Arnold, Bardee

Going off-grid with Solar & Batteries

Aaron Lewtas, Off-Grid Energy Australia

SUNDAY

Choosing the Best Breed of Poultry

Megg Miller OAM, Australasian Poultry Magazine

Introduction to Camel Farming

Megan Wrren, The Camel Milk Co Australia

Introduction to Goats

Bruce McKenzie, Cleveland Boer Goats

Introduction to Beekeeping

Andrew Stanish, Australian Bee Supplies

Reshaping the food system with black soldier flies

Alex Arnold, Bardee

Understanding your soil to grow nutrient dense food for animals and humans

Graeme Joyce, Soilcharge

Free parking

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

In October 2022, the town of Seymour experienced severe flooding, devastating a large area of the town. This was one of the highest floods on record. Our event location, Kings Park Recreation Reserve, was also badly damaged with flood waters up to 1.6m throughout some areas. As a community facility, it has been devastating to the Seymour and surrounding residents with the damage to the park. As a user of Kings Park each year, we are raising funds for the community user groups with our tickets sales in 2023. If you have some spare dollars when you are buying your tickets this year, please donate to the Kings Park Flood Relief Fund. You can add $1, $5 or any amount you would like to donate. 100% of these funds will be donated.

Farm Lectures

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 An overview of owning Alpacas

Daniel Boote, Avenel Ridge Alpacas

11.30 am Drones in Agriculture

John Davison

Chief Pilot, Fieldmaster Systems

12.30 pm Biosecurity & Foot and Mouth Disease; where are we now?

Dr Eliane Harris

Veterinary Officer,Agriculture Victoria

1.30 pm Seven Sheep Essentials

Jill Noble, Hallston Valley Farm

2.30 pm Small Farm Weed Management

Rob Richardson, Agronomist

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

Fruit fly traps; an effective lure for female flies

Colin Bain, Biotrap Australia

Sheep Secrets

Jill Noble, Hallston Valley Farm

Cattle Reproduction and Calving Management

Dr Andrew Hogan, Veterinary Surgeon and experienced local cattle managers

Country Kitchen and Butcher Shop

Sink your teeth into some delicious cooking demonstrations in the Country Kitchen and Butcher Shop.

9:30

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

Generating revenue from agri-ventures

Jill Noble, Hallston Valley Farm

Understanding the health of your soil

Ian Mot, Vital Soils Services

Further information for Boer goat producers

Dean Smith, Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia

Alpacas

Daniel Boote, Avenel Ridge Alpacas

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Butcher Shop

PRIME LAMB

BREAK DOWN OF A LAMB CARCASS

Prime cuts and working the Forequarter and the cuts it presents for cooking preparation.

10:10

Country Kitchen

HERB CRUSTED LAMB RACK

Demonstration presented by GOTAFE Hospitality department

10:50

Butcher Shop

BEEF BUTT BREAKDOWN

See all the prime cuts that come from a butt of beef and their uses.

11:30

Country Kitchen

SEARED SIRLOIN STEAK

Demonstration presented by GOTAFE Hospitality department

12:10

Butcher Shop

SIDE OF PORK BREAKDOWN

A full insight to all the major prime cuts: legs, shoulder, porchetta, pork cutlets & spare ribs.

12:50 Country Kitchen

SPICY PORK RIBS

Demonstration presented by GOTAFE Hospitality department

2:20

Butcher Shop

BEEF FOREQUARTER BREAKDOWN

See all the main muscles and cuts that come from a short cut forequarter of beef, blade, brisket & oyster blade.

3:00 Country Kitchen

NO 3:00PM SESSION

Butcher Shop

SMOKING TIME!

Beef flank, beef ribs & brisket. Preparation for smoking and where these tasty cuts come from a beef carcass.

Country Kitchen

ARE YOU GAME? KANGAROO

Thai Kangaroo Salad. Kangaroo Beets & Pumpkin.

Butcher Shop

LAMB CARCASS BREAKDOWN

Have look into the breakdown of a lamb carcass. Where all the main sections come from, forequarter, legs, racks, loins, chump, shanks. Check out this session it’s great for the home kill DIY.

Country Kitchen

KIDS COOKING WITH CHEF LILA & CHEF MAGGIE

NUTS about NUTELLA. Nutella French Toast, Nutella Panna Cotta and Nutella Cream Pie.

Butcher Shop

BEEF ARGIE

This major cut that comes from a carcass of beef contains all the main steaks. Also, our guest speaker Scott Mckay from Habbies Howe will give us and insight to farming Free Range Beef

Country Kitchen

ALL-TIME BBQ HOUR!

Kettle Weber, smokers, traditional porchetta, reverse sear rib-eyes, lamb racks, pork ribs, butterflied butter bird, sausages.

Butcher Shop

LAMB LEG PREPARATION

Check out all the different cuts and different styles of Roast that can be done with a pair of lamb legs.

Country Kitchen

ARE YOU GAME? TACOS

Pulled Shoulder of Goat &; Seared Saddle of Venison.

Butcher Shop

PORK LEGS AND FOREQUARTER

Have a look into the Pork Prime Cuts that are used for making traditional Italian Prosciutto and Capocollo and all the other smallgoods that come those out of these cuts.

Country Kitchen

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Egg Benedict.

Meredith Goats Cheese Omelette. Monti Cristo Sandwich.

Butcher Shop

SAUSAGE & SALAMI DEMO

In the Demonstration we have Dave from Cleaver Cabinets to have a chat about the product, and you will be shown how sausage and salami and made and what goes into making a great product.

Country Kitchen

OMG CHOCOLATE CROSSIANT New York pain au chocolate.

Butcher Shop

DEER & VENISON CARCASS BREAKDOWN

Check out this Demo with Paul Boag. Vic will talk with Paul about Field Dressing and the Main Cuts that are retrieved in Field situation

Country Kitchen

ALL-TIME BBQ HOUR

Kettle Weber, smokers, traditional porchetta, reverse sear rib-eyes, lamb racks, pork ribs, butterflied butter bird, sausages

Butcher Shop

POULTRY BREAKDOWN

Come and watch the breakdown of a Chicken and the 10 different cuts that come out a single Chicken.

Country Kitchen

HOT CROSS BUNS

It’s that time of year again!

*Session times, topics and presenters are subject to change without notice. See Seymour Expo website for up-to-date details.

*Session times, topics and presenters are subject to change without notice. See Seymour Expo website for up-to-date details.

Clever canines wow the crowd

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.

Catch the demonstrations and workshops each day in the Learning Hub and on the oval.

Turning it on for a turnout

Bendigo Woodturners members will return to Seymour to present their fine craft at this year’s expo.

Convener John Phillips said the exhibition was always quite popular.

“We’ll be doing some woodturning demonstrations for everyone as well as cross-sawing,” John said. Among the products on display will be wall clocks, wooden toys, bowls and a range of pens.

“There will be a few dinky items for the kids as well,” John said.

The club will also be selling tickets for its annual Easter raffle and one of the prizes — a butcher’s block — will be on display.

The club produces pieces from a range of woods, including red

gum, spotted gum and ironbark among the native trees, as well as the popular silky oak from Queensland, which grows well in southern states.

“There is quite a lot of different woods suitable for woodturning, including elm, bull oak and all of the box gums,” John said.

One highlight that visitors look forward to is Geoff Maxwell, who makes a chain of individual links from a single piece of wood with a small knife and drill.

“He’s what we call a carver, but the more common term is whittler; he always attracts a lot of attention,” John said.

The Beloka Kelpies working dogs are once again ready to impress the Seymour expo audience this year.

The Bendigo Woodturners club always delivers at the expo with a range of items made by its members.

Make a difference in one of Australia’s largest industries

Learn everything from cropping and sheep farming, to beef and dairy production, and gain the knowledge and experience for a successful career in the agricultural sector.

A number of industry recognised qualifications in agriculture are currently available under the Free TAFE scheme to eligible students*.

Short courses and complete qualifications available.

*Eligibility criteria applies. This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.

“I’m a full-time manager for a 1200-acre property that comprises of 30 hectares of vineyards, 100 herd of cattle and four different styles of accommodation for B&B guests, which houses up to 16 guests at any one time.”

“I got a lot out of the OH&S department. We already talk about safety, but now we have implemented a standard operating procedure and we do a proper induction of people.”

Chris Lindsay, Certificate IV in Agriculture (AHC40116) student

Crack that whip at Seymour

Some of Australia’s best whip-crackers will show off their skills at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.

The 2023 Australian Whipcrackers and Plaiters Association (AWPA) Victorian Whipcracking and Bullock Whip Championships will be held on the Saturday at this year’s event.

There will be plenty of action in peewees, juveniles, juniors, men’s, women’s and over-45s sections as competitors pit their skills against each other.

Using two whips at a time in the stockwhips sections, the entrants compete firstly in a target

competition where they are judged on their accuracy at hitting targets. Next is a tricks section, where competitors perform up to 10 tricks with their whips.

AWPA secretary Simon, Martin said these can be something as simple as a ‘cattleman’s crack’, which is a traditional stockman’s crack that focuses on the loudness of the crack, or the more difficult ‘Tasmanian twist’ where they crack their whip behind their back, or playing tunes or making their cracks sound like a steam train.

Next is a freestyle routine where competitors show off their skills continuously for one minute in the junior, men’s and women’s competitions, or for 30 seconds in the peewees, juveniles and over-45s competitions.

There is also a bullock whip section where all ages compete in the one section, using the much longer bullock whips.

As well as the expo playing host to the Victorian championships,

there will also be whip-cracking demonstrations on Sunday.

Simon said the expo provided a great chance for people to see a unique sport in action.

“It’s part of our (Australian) culture and heritage,” he said.

“The stockwhip is a uniquely Australian whip.”

And with the whips cracking at the speed of sound, they create a sonic boom — and that alone is sure to draw a crowd.

Have a go at whipping it

Looking for a cracking good time?

The Australian Whipcrackers and Plaiters Association is making sure children and adults get their chance to experience an Australian tradition, holding whip-cracking demonstrations at the expo on Sunday.

After a 15-minute demonstration from champion whip-crackers Max Kamp and Kiera Buzza, the crowd will be given the opportunity to try their hand at the skill.

With three completely different shows there’s plenty to enjoy throughout the day, with both Max and Kiera showcasing a number of different routines.

Once armed with a hat and safety glasses it is over to the audience. Australian Whipcrackers and

Plaiters Association’s Heather Buzza said the demonstrations were always a big hit.

“The kids absolutely love it and the adults too,” she said.

“Max is absolutely amazing and Kiera is just incredible too.

“It’s a great chance to teach them how to crack the whip and keep the tradition alive.

“If kids have come along to watch the show in the morning you normally see them coming back for another look.

“It’s really interactive.

“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.

“Come along and have a go.“

Katie Wicks holds the two stockwhips high as she competes.

Georgia Pitman in action.

Henry Pitman competing in the target section.

Katie Wicks holds the two stockwhips high as she competes.

FAMILY FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

Camel character is a class act

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.”

Peter Hodge will again bring his camels to this year’s expo for rides.

Peter Hodge has been operating his camel rides for 30 years and is coming to the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo for the 13th time.

Crafty goods for handy people

From buttons and cushions to crystals and scents, the expo’s Craft Pavilion has pretty much everything creative types could hope for.

Buttons ‘n’ More co-owners Shirley Coldwell and Anne Daniel have helped co-ordinate the exhibitors in the pavilion for almost a decade and said interest in arts and crafts continued to grow.

“Year on year we see more interest,” Shirley said.

“The majority of the goods are handmade and great quality.” She said this year there were lots of knitted goods, ranging from yarns to children’s and adult’s clothing.

Pets are also catered for with one stall offering dog jackets for sale and others selling ironing board covers, tote bags, honey products, mugs, candles and a range of other knick-knacks.

“There are a couple of ladies who make old-fashioned hoops, someone else selling Indigenous artwork, a woodworker who sells platters and other goods as well as lavender products and jewellery,” Shirley said.

Handy types will love the paper craft, which includes items such as stamps as well as products they can use to make their own creations.

Shirley said most exhibitors were more than happy to offer advice and tips on the products they sold and explain how they made them.

football club rooms at the south side of the oval and will be open all three days of the expo.

Always a popular attraction at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo is Avenel Ridge Alpacas.

The stud’s display encompasses the animals and their products.

“Part of that popularity is the interaction with people,” stud owner Daniel Boote said.

“We’ll discuss the farming process from husbandry, health care and nutritional needs, to the overall setup required to care for alpacas,” he said.

“We find that alpacas interacting with visitors plays a big part in helping to explain that.

“It is a hands-on experience; we like to allow people to be upand-close with the alpacas.

“It’s a good way to show the normally good temperament of them.”

Daniel said he had a range of alpacas within his stud, including white, fawn and brown right through to grey and other colours, and wants to continue improving that.

“Our focus moving forward will be a multi-coloured herd and appaloosa fleece.”

Avenel Ridge Alpacas is based in Avenel, in north-central Victoria.

The stud started 14 years ago and is a multi-generational enterprise with Daniel, his mother and his three children all involved.

“My daughter Lilybeth has all but taken over the showing duties, making me redundant — almost!”

Daniel said they were all attending the expo and encouraged everyone to drop by and say hello.

The Craft Pavilion is in the

The Craft Pavilion is in the football club rooms at the south side of the oval and will be open all three days of the expo.

Avenel Ridge Alpacas is a popular expo exhibitor.

Mini-goats join alpaca stud

Eden Rise Alpacas has expanded. Stud owners Samantha and Steven Schwebach said they would have three young alpacas for people to come and see at this year’s Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.

Samantha said Eden Rise Alpacas loved coming to the expo to educate people about how alpacas make great livestock additions and companion animals for hobby farmers.

"It’s a great opportunity to learn more about alpacas," she said. "We’ll educate visitors on what a wonderful and unique animal they are, what they can produce with their fleece and also how they’re good herd guard and companion animals."

Expo visitors can also purchase knitted products from the fleeces and fibres of the farm’s alpacas, including mittens, beanies and scarves, as well as buy imported alpaca products from Peru, such as ponchos, jumpers, throw rugs and socks.

The family was proud to launch their new endeavour at last year’s expo, as their daughters introduced their own business — Eden Rise Australian Miniature Goats.

Claudia and Ava Schwebach will be bringing two very endearing and friendly mini-goats called Millicent and Annie to the expo, a mother and daughter duo whose wonderful personalities are sure to win over the crowds.

Eden Rise Alpacas and Mini-Goats are based in Glenaroua.

The business started 14 years ago and the farm has about 50 alpacas, which are used for fleece products and bred to produce healthy and well-handled animals.

See Eden Rise Alpacas and Miniature Goats at The Livestock Pavilion.

Royal champion on show

Former teacher Ali Hilli is again bringing three of her prize Belted Galloway cattle to the Seymour expo.

The paddock is a far cry from the physics lab, but Ali and her partner John Heard will have on display the unique breed which they produce at their Gippsland stud, Jalaway.

“We breed them not only for temperament but also structural correctness and meat quality,” Ali said.

“The flavour and tenderness are outstanding; that is the

only way to describe it.

“We will also have on display a calf hide for people to pat as well as the cattle.”

On show from the stud’s 90 head will be its bull, Tenacious, and two heifers, Striptease Affair and Tabua.

Striptease Affair was Supreme Champion Belted Galloway at last year’s Melbourne Royal Show.

“Her name may have been contentious during judging; clearly some people don’t get my sense of humour,” Ali said.

Claudia Schwebach with Annie and Millicent, two miniature goats she and her sister have acquired to start their own farming venture.

Ava Schwebach helped hand-rear AnzacBaudelaire, one of the many alpacas on her family’s Eden Rise Alpacas property.

Striptease Affair will be one of three Belted Galloways on display from Jalaway stud. The heifer has grown to become Supreme Champion Belted Galloway at last year’s Melbourne Royal Show.

Belted Galloway beef is considered a flavoursome and tender meat, according to breeder Ali Hilli. “That is the only way to describe it.”

SUSTAINABILITY & INNOVATION

Hemp houses hit new heights

The popularity of hemp houses continues to gain momentum around the country as homeowners seek out more comfortable, energy-efficient and sustainable building options.

Southern Hemp owner David Brian said during the past five years, his company had been able to help many visitors to the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo make the switch to hemp.

“The expo has been a great platform to be able to fully explain the process and benefits of building a hemp home,” David said. With continued increases in energy costs combined with the need for sustainably, hemp houses tick all the boxes.

A hemp house saves up to 80 per cent on energy costs, has a high fire rating, is breathable and is a great way to lock up carbon.

“The great thing for the builders is the construction process because a hemp house is mostly similar to building a brick veneer,” David said.

“The design and creativity is as flexible as you want to make your formwork.”

The hemp and natural lime mix is placed in formwork each side of the timber frame and lightly tamped down.

When the formwork is removed, the timber frame is left encased within the hemp wall which is then ready for rendering.

The internal walls can be left natural, have oxides added, be lime-washed or painted with a breathable lime paint.

Hemp crops are sown in late September/early October and their stalks harvested in February/ March when about four metres high.

One hectare of hemp is enough to build an average-sized house and many farmers

in Victoria and southern NSW are now embarking on growing hemp for the housing market.

Southern Hemp installs hemp houses nationwide, and while the company offers a complete installation service, David allows the flexibility for owners with their family and friends to save on labour and help with the hemping.

“Many owners have gained an enormous amount of satisfaction by being part of the hemp building process.”

David will be available to discuss growing hemp crops with interested farmers and will conduct hemp farming talks each day at midday in the Learning Hub.

He will also do two hemp building demonstrations at 10.30 am and 2 pm each day.

The extreme temperature variations in northern Victoria make a hemp house ideal for comfortable living.

Living off the grid is easy

Off-Grid Energy Australia is back at the expo for the ninth year running to provide expert advice on battery storage and power independence.

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 1000 of them to customers nationwide.

Victorian manager and Clean Energy Council accredited designer Aaron Lewtas said by sticking with what they did best — off-grid battery systems — the team had honed a unique and expert knowledge base over many years.

“There’s a big difference between installing a standard solar system and designing a robust and reliable off-grid system, which provides an essential service — power to your home,” Aaron said.

The business offers 24/7 after-sales tech support to its customers, including many local organisations — Bluetongue Berries, The Mill Castlemaine and the Australian Defence Force.

“We know what it takes to provide hassle-free independent power and the ongoing commitment that it requires,” Aaron said.

“We have plenty of local customers who are very happy to chat about their experience with us and what it’s like living off the grid.”

Off-Grid Energy is a CECapproved solar retailer and has signed on to the Solar Retailer Code of Conduct.

Aaron said the company’s quality assurance process was industry leading.

“Before one of our systems gets to your home to be installed by our accredited installers, it has already gone through a design review, pre-assembly, programming and rigorous testing in our workshop,” he said.

“Modern off-grid systems can power anything these days, from a small house to a large luxury home and even commercial and industrial operations, which means off-grid, independent power is proving to be cheaper than grid power for more and more homes and businesses.”

The A Bee C of hive supplies

Australian Bee Supplies is attending the expo for the second time, bringing its range of bee and beekeeping products to the event.

Manager Andrew Stanish will have on show a comprehensive display of all the hardware required for beekeeping at both the hobbyist or commercial level, as well as wide ranging advice.

“Basically, you will see everything that is needed to keep bees,” Andrew said.

“We will also have a few experts on hand who are all fully qualified.

“They will be happy to answer any questions, whether you’re starting out or want to improve your business.”

The company prides itself on its breeding program, from which customers can purchase high quality nucleus hives, known in the craft as ‘nucs’.

“Our priority is our high-quality genetic bloodlines to ensure good, calm bees,” Andrew said.

“The genetics are significantly important; it’s our priority with our stock.”

The breed of choice for Andrew is the Carniolan bee, which originates from Italy. He said good beekeeping required developing a mutualistic relationship with your bees.

“Remember that these are livestock and like any other livestock animal, you need to get to know them, and they need to get to know you.”

The company produces 250 nucs a year and sells 200 full hives, and has grown in the past five years to see it move into larger premises.

Clientele also include orchardists who install hives to pollinate their crop’s flowers.

On display will be the three main types of hives: traditional, Langstroth with its horizontal design and natural comb formation, and the relatively new ‘flow hive’ which was invented in Australia in 2015.

A wide variety of hive and bee products will be for sale at the expo and orders can be made for October deliveries of colonies.

Andrew will also be giving a daily one-hour presentation that caters to all levels of interest.

Off-Grid Energy Australia is celebrating 11 years in the business and will have staff on hand at the expo to answer any questions about installation, whether it be for a home, farm or factory.

Australian Bee Supplies will have on show at this year's expo the full range of equipment for both budding apiarists and established professionals.

The friendly experts from Off-Grid Energy Australia will be available in the Exhibition Building to answer

your questions and will also be giving presentations over the weekend.

Restore soil and animal health

Australian farmers are both efficient and effective at managing their resources.

But market demands, a changing environment and increasing cost pressures mean that they are always striving to be even better.

To be more sustainable, farmers must make small changes — changes that result in significant outcomes.

Biolink is an Australianowned company committed to supporting growers and home gardeners achieve more sustainable, profitable crops and gardens.

Its microbial-based range of natural fertilisers, soil stimulants and animal probiotics help to restore soils and grow healthier plants and animals.

The range includes:

• Biolink Ignition, which speeds up the composting process, helping to re-incorporate rich organic material back into the soil for increased moisture, nutrient and water holding ability.

• Combined with conventional fertilisers, Biolink Bio-Hum helps maintain nutrients, boosts nutrient uptake, and reduces the loss of the essential

nutrients needed for your plants to thrive.

• Biolink’s garden range of Sprinkle and Soak, Germinator and Biolink Brew fertiliser tea bags are a winner with home gardeners, reviving the soil through biologicals and creating the perfect environment for vegetables, fruit trees and ornamental plants to grow.

• New Opti-Gut is an animal probiotic for cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, fish, dogs and cats. Opti-Gut builds a healthy gut biome, supplements inadequate diets, reduces feed quantities and methane emissions, and supports overall animal wellbeing.

“To restore the natural abundance and soil sustainability, we know that increasing microbial activity is transformative,” Biolink co-owner Kevin Beecroft said.

“Based on research both here and overseas, and on results in the field, we’ve blended six microbial groups. The beneficial effects on soil health and plant growth are significant.

“Not only do these benefits come from the high number of microbials in our products, but it’s also the combination and the

The natural way to grow

Bactivate is a range of products developed during the past 15 years, focused on helping farmers and home gardeners to produce high nutrient dense foods, the natural way.

“If you want to reduce your family’s exposure to chemicals, while producing healthy crops, then focus on soil health,” a Bactivate spokesperson said.

“You know you are doing something right when you see more worms, plants look healthier and the food produced tastes great.

“Use a tried and tested process, developed over millions of years and perfected by nature.

“Bactivate harnesses what nature does in a convenient, easy-to-apply range of products.

“Use products that professional greenkeepers use to maintain immaculate playing surfaces, or potato growers use to produce high quality and yield crops, or that horse breeders use to improve their pasture nutrition.”

And the proof is in the pudding, says one of Bactivate’s happy customers.

“These are the best crops I’ve ever grown and I am up over $300,000 on previous years with the addition of the Bactivate program,” Tasmanian potato farmer Wayne Johnston said.

For more information, visit: bactivate.com.au

interactions these have in the soil that makes the difference.”

As well as using six powerful live microbial groups, Biolink products also leverage the power of humic fulvic acid.

Kevin said for plants, this key ingredient boosted the bioavailability of organic nitrogen and reduced the

quantity needed of synthetic fertilisers.

The benefits for animal health were also significant, he said. Visit www.biolink4plants.com.au or the Biolink expo site for more information about restoring the health of soil and animals and achieving a more profitable, sustainable farming enterprise.

Biolink’s Kevin Beecroft and Graham Clay are committed to supporting growers and home gardeners achieve more sustainable, profitable crops and gardens.

The owners of Bactivate are passionate about regenerating soil.

FARMING & LIVESTOCK

Grow hydroponics to the heavens

The towers are unique in being able to support 10 levels of planter boxes, utilising garden and farm area much more efficiently than ground-based growing.

Coupled with the business is their community-based enterprise.

Verti Gro Australia brings expertise and ingenuity in producing multi-layered planter towers to the Seymour expo. Founders Roger and Faye Morris began the business in 2019 and used Roger’s background in irrigation to design the machinery required to produce the plastic moulding of his iconic vertical hydroponic gardens.

When his US supplier sold out their business and the quality dropped, Roger thought the best solution was to rise to the challenge and have the towers made in Victoria.

“My daughter has come up with our best slogan,” Roger said.

“It’s time to grow up!”

“You use a heck of a lot less land,” Roger said.

The skyward hydroponics are a must-see and Roger will have on display towers supporting strawberries and a range of vegetables.

“Anything you grow in the ground, you can grow this way.”

“We do a bit with the NDIS to help people get back into gardening again; the towers are ideal for that.”

Roger’s expertise extends to all facets of irrigation, organic fertilisation and the production of their own unique coconutrough medium.

Roger will give presentations in the main arena and his team will be on hand to offer all manner of advice, have a few specials for the expo and show people how to ‘grow up’.

Verti Gro Australia's towers can be used to grow any vegetable or plantbased fruit.

Verti Gro Australia will showcase unique plant towers which save growers “a heck of a lot of land” according to company founder Roger Morris.

Brahman conquer the elements

Since its introduction to Australia in 1933, the Brahman cattle breed has revolutionised the nation’s cattle industry.

First 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.

Breeding program comes alive

The Seymour Alternative Farming Expo could not be better timed for the cattle and sheep breeding programs at Gunyado Bazadais and Dohne Stud in Kerang East.

Darren Gurnett manages the stud with his wife Michelle Sutcliffe and their 11-year-old son Harrison.

This autumn’s calving should mean a display of an alternative breed of cattle being explored by the family.

“We will have two new calves from a cross of Bazadais over Black Angus,” Darren said. “It’s the start of our new breeding program.”

Darren has ventured into this program due to the popularity of black cattle selling for beef, and wants to see if black Bazadais can follow suit.

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 highly profitable enterprise which contributes millions of dollars annually towards domestic and export income.

In the more temperate weather conditions found in Victoria, Brahman 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.

More than that, they provide an outcrop in genetics that has the potential to increase stud value.

The Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale is the largest bull sale in the Southern Hemisphere. At last October’s event, a total of 779 Brahman stud and herd bulls were sold for an average of $16,843, with two bulls reaching $200,000 each.

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.

On display also will be some of the stud’s South African Dohne sheep, which are being bred on the property for increased size and are already known for their high fertility rate, rapid lamb growth and fine wool produced in dry conditions.

“I just love the breed,” Darren said.

“The breeding program has been moving in leaps and bounds.

“The wool yields are almost as good as that of Merinos.”

In addition, visitors can view Harrison’s Shropshire sheep, which he breeds on his own while also dabbling in cattle management.

Darren’s take on his son’s involvement and ability is that of a proud father.

“Does he get involved? My oath he does!”

Despite being bred to survive the brutal conditions of northern Australia, Brahman cattle are equally at home in Victoria’s climate extremes.

Harrison Gurnett, 11, is a natural with his parents’ Bazadais cattle, giving the farm’s bull, Caesar, a good scratch.

A better view of your animals

Easier access to animal performance data and the ability to easily monitor and edit this data is becoming increasingly important as producers face ever increasing demands on their time.

Better data and easier ways to use it also allow for better management decisions.

Gallagher has recently released a significant software update for its TW/TWR range of weigh scales and Animal Performance cloudbased software that improve the already great offering.

“The range of updates to our software will provide a variety of new measures, allowing users to more easily, and more comprehensively, manage their animal performance and traceability,”

Gallagher business development manager for animal performance and traceability Mike Hemsley said.

Better data and easier access to that data is essential for livestock producers.

Mike said he was particularly excited about the benefits for producers from new features such as having a full animal history available on their mobile phone. This brings a level of flexibility not previously available.

The combination of these features makes the cloud application and TW/TWR range more powerful than ever, providing enhanced tools for producers to manage traceability and animal performance.

The continuing evolution of tools within the suite of products and software is indicative of the new name for this category, ‘Animal

Run by farmers for farmers

Farmer Little works with freerange farmers every step of the way — from creating and establishing farms, to growing their farms into sustainable enterprises.

Run by farmers for farmers, Farmer Little is a poultry industry leader and offers expertise and quality products assisting free-range and barnlaid farmers to achieve results across Australia.

By working closely with manufacturers and suppliers across Australia and around the world, Farmer Little brings state-of-the-art technology and farming equipment to the market — at competitive prices. It offers the the largest display of nest boxes in Australia as well as an extensive range of

feeders, drinkers and electric fences — ideal for backyard chooks through to farmers with thousands of chickens producing free-range and barn-laid eggs. Also available are vaccines, medications and health products, as well as a range of Bellsouth products.

The friendly staff can also discuss Farmer Little’s fully compliant mobile shed, suitable for 1200 birds for free-range enterprises, as well as Farmer Little’s unique egg washing, handling and transport systems.

For anyone interested in sustainability, self-sufficiency, running a small-scale farm or just enjoying the benefits of growing their own delicious free-range produce, then Farmer Little is here to help.

Performance and Traceability’, that replaces the former name of ‘Weighing and Electronic Identification’.

Mike said as this segment had evolved over the years, it had moved beyond just weighing and tracking EIDs, to providing the ability to record and monitor many variable animal performance traits.

It provides a rich history of the performance of animals and tools to make better animal management decisions.

The new name of ‘Animal Performance and Traceability’

better reflected both what the hardware and software suite could do and the development of future features, Mike said.

This category is aimed at helping producers make easier and betterinformed decisions in their livestock operations.

“Gallagher is committed to supporting our customers with smarter, simpler solutions that make farm life easier and more profitable,” Mike said.

“We’re working with our reseller partners to solve problems in smarter ways, integrating data, and making an impact for end users.”

Gallagher's Mike Hemsley.

Farmer Little is a one-stop shop for anyone interested in raising poultry.

For curiosity that never bores, breeding the popular Boer goat is "very rewarding", according to stud owners Bruce and Carol McKenzie.

Embrace your self-sufficiency

Local self-sufficiency magazine

Grass Roots comes to the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo with perhaps the most comprehensive publication that embraces the entire culture of alternative farming.

The magazine’s display is considered an ‘old hand’ at each year’s expo and the publication’s motto — ‘sustainability and selfreliance no matter where you are’ — headlines good reading for enthusiasts of home-grown produce, regardless of their project size.

“The expo is a great place to catch up with those involved in sustainability or who have tried self-sufficiency,” editor and writer Megg Miller said.

Megg has many interests in the culture of sustainable and

Boers never bore

Bruce and Carol McKenzie will share their knowledge of raising goats at this year’s expo, from their experience of four years operating their Culcairn stud, Cleveland Boer Goats.

Their 250-head enterprise breeds for two markets.

“We provide stud services for full-blooded Boer goats,” Bruce said.

“As well as that, we provide bucks for the commercial sector to run with Rangeland goats to produce more meat on their stock.”

Bruce believes goats are unique animals and far more inquisitive than other livestock.

“They are nothing like other animals,” he said.

“They are more like a dog than a sheep, particularly the way they wag their tail when they’re happy.

“We have one that was raised by having a kiss on

her nose every day.

“But we just give her a pat.”

Bruce will give a presentation on the Saturday and Sunday, introducing the potential of owning goats.

“We will inform on how to care for them, some of the issues to be faced, pitfalls, nutrition and health management.

“And people should know that once goats are fencetrained, they are easy to contain.”

Goat owners on small properties are always grateful for advice on hoof trimming, as many goats are kept on soft ground with insufficient rocks that would normally keep their hooves suitably worn down.

“People who are thinking about getting into goats need to know that they are great to own,” Bruce said. “They’re very rewarding.”

organic farming and rejoices in the growing number of younger people wanting to get into selfsufficiency.

“If more people get involved, it’s going to be a much better world,” she said.

“There is so much that overlaps in alternative farming; it’s almost symbiotic.

“People don’t have to be obsessive about it, but to cook food they have produced themselves is satisfying; much like how people have returned to retrofitting their wardrobe from op shops.”

Also for sale will be back copies of the popular magazine, which are always in demand and are written by a range of enduring writers.

Poultry to stop the show again

It doesn’t get more popular than the poultry pavilion at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.

Seymour Poultry Club president Elizabeth Videos described it as one of the greatest poultry sales in Victoria.

“It’s basically a sale and it’s getting bigger and bigger with every year,” Elizabeth said.

“We have top breeders and judges at the expo.”

Novices and diehards rub shoulders between the pens,

inspecting a living display of rare and uncommon birds.

“We get everyone, from people looking for birds with blue eggs to breeders trying to improve their flocks,” Elizabeth said.

Poultry club members will be on hand to answer any questions.

“We try to help people as much as we can to decide on the right chicken for their backyard,” Elizabeth said.

Keep an eye out for them at the pavilion.

to be a much better world,” editor Megg Miller says.

“You can’t be everything, but if more people get involved, it’s going

Photo:

Experts will be on hand to help buyers choose the right fowl for their garden.

The Seymour Poultry Club always draws a crowd at the expo and this year will be no different.

Photo: Gil Stokes

Splitters made for Aussie wood

Australia-made and designed Power Hound wood splitters are ideal for Aussie conditions and can be used with a range of machinery, including excavators.

Power Hound managing director Steve Thwaites said because the log splitters were designed to be operated from the seat of various machines 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 hard Australian wood — 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 fireplace.”

He said the wood splitter had a 54 cm stroke, which was a common size for most wood heaters, and the hydraulic cylinder ram’s 40-tonne capacity meant it could split all Australian hard woods with ease.

The splitter comes with 1.8 m hydraulic hoses and quick-release couplings.

“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.“

He said Power Hound also manufactured a wood splitter that was a combination of a traditional style splitter but was powered by a tractor.

"It couples to your 3PL and hydraulics, with a control valve at the splitter. You back up to your tree and start splitting.“

He said Power Hound also had a range of heavy duty Australian designed and made tree pullers, fork attachments and hydraulic grabs for excavators (1.7 tonne to 8 tonne) and tractors and skid steers.

A new range of excavator thumbs will be released shortly, designed for the

1.7 tonne to 6 tonne machine, which will help excavator operators to pick up rocks and logs using the thumb with their bucket.

“Power Hound Australia has been manufacturing quality Australian

Power Hound has been making and designing innovative attachments for 15 years.

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.”

‘Seymour Alternative Farming Expo’, March, 2023

This pull-out section includes a comprehensive guide to all the exciting events and an easy-to-read map to help you find all the must-see exhibits at this year’s Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.

Please note that the schedule

TIME DETAILS

9:30 AM Prime Lamb

Break Down of a lamb Carcass

Prime Cuts and Working the Forequarter and the cuts it presents for cooking preparation

9:30 AM Cattle Basics, Stephen Koch, Atriem Murray Greys & experienced local cattle managers

LOCATION

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Farm Lectures

10:00 AM Training Working Dogs Learning Hub

10:10 AM Herb crusted lamb rack. demonstration presented by GOTAFE Hospitality department

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

10:00 AM Ozsort Team Sorting Horse Arena

10:30 AM Drone Demonstrations — Aerial bird scaring techniques to reduce reliance on netting

10:30 AM Hemp Building Demo

10:30 AM An overview of owning Alpacas, Daniel Boote — Avenel Ridge Alpacas

10:50 AM Beef Butt Break Down

See all the Prime Cuts that come from a Butt of Beef and there Uses

Rear Oval

T 47

Farm Lectures

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

11:00 AM Introduction to Camel Farming Learning Hub

11:00 AM Beloka Kelpie: Working dog Demonstrations

Rear Oval

11:30 AM Drones in Agriculture, John Davison Farm Lectures

11:30 AM Seared Sirloin steak demonstration presented by GOTAFE Hospitality department

12:00 PM Drone Demonstrations — Monitoring pasture and crop health from the sky, reduce fertiliser spend and other input costs

12:00 PM Hemp Farming

12:00 PM Ozsort Team Sorting

12:10 PM Side Of Pork Break Down

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Rear Oval

Hub

Arena

A full insight to all the Major Prime cuts the uses. Legs Shoulder, Porchetta, Pork Cutles & Spare Ribs Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

12:30 PM Biosecurity & Foot and Mouth Disease; where are we now? Dr Eliane Harris

Lectures

12:45 PM Beloka Kelpies: Working dog demonstrations Rear Oval

12:50 PM Spicy pork ribs, demonstration presented by GOTAFE Hospitality department Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

1:00 PM Introduction to Beekeeping Learning Hub

1:30 PM Seven Sheep Essentials, Jill Noble — Hallston Valley Farm Farm Lectures

1:30 PM Drone Demonstrations — Aerial bird scaring techniques to reduce reliance on netting Rear Oval

2:00 PM Learn about verticle gardens Learning Hub

2:00 PM Ozsort Team Sorting

2:00 PM Hemp Building Demo T 47

2:20 PM Beef Forequarter Break Down

See all the Main Muscles and Cuts that come from a short Cut Forequarter of Beef. Blade, Brisket & Oyster Blade

2:30 PM Small Farm Weed Management — Rob Richardson Agronomist

3:00 PM How can Microbes help your farm & garden

3:00 PM Beloka Kelpies: Working dog demonstrations

3:00 PM No session

3:15 PM Drone Demonstrations — Monitoring pasture and crop health from the sky, reduce fertiliser spend and other input costs

ALL DAY

Arena

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Farm Lectures

Learning Hub

Main Oval

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Rear Oval

All Day Bunnings Kids Activity Tent Kids Corner

All Day Whip Cracking Demostrations — Come and Try!

Rear Oval

All Day Farmer Darryl’s Animal Farmyard Kids Corner

All Day Snake Safe Victoria

All Day Cattle

All Day Sheep

E 42

Livestock Hub & Cattle Yards

Livestock Hub

All Day Poultry Poultry Pavilion

All Day Vintage Car Display

All Day Bendigo Woodturners

All Day Camel Rides

Rear Oval

E 50

Rear Oval

All Day Kids Rides Kids Corner

Inland Rail build is on track

The Inland Rail Project in Victoria is taking shape, with construction kicking off at the first of 12 project sites between Beveridge and Albury.

In February the first sod was turned in Glenrowan to mark the start of construction, that will include the upgrade of 305 km of existing rail corridor along the North East rail line. The Inland Rail Project will connect Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, NSW and Queensland, to transform how goods are moved around Australia.

Victoria is set to benefit significantly from the project with freight efficiencies and investment opportunities expected to boost the state’s potential output by $6 billion over the first 50 years of operation.

Businesses in Victoria are already benefiting from Inland Rail. So far 58 contracts at a value of $269.1 million have been committed to Victorian businesses for services and supplies on the Victorian section of the project. Construction activity will bring opportunities for businesses to participate in delivering the work, but there will also be a positive flow-on effect for service providers including

motels, retailers, cafes and restaurants who will reap the benefits of the project.

The first phase Inland Rail in Victoria will be delivered in two tranches, with McConnell Dowell appointed to complete works at Glenrowan, Wangaratta, Seymour-Avenel Rd and Barnawartha North, along with modifications to tracks, utilities and signal gantries along the rail corridor. The second tranche of works will be delivered at eight sites including Euroa, Benalla, Wandong, Broadford, Seymour and Tallarook. These sites are progressing through the reference design stage.

ARTC Inland Rail said it was engaging with local communities and welcomed their feedback to help inform the designs.

To find out about the latest information on the Inland Rail Project in your area, visit the ARTC team at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo or phone them on 1800 732 761 or email victoriaprojects@artc.com.au

ARTC chief executive Mark Campbell and Inland Rail interim chief executive Rebecca Pickering celebrate the start of major construction of Inland Rail in Victoria, joined by invited representatives from local councils.

When complete, Inland Rail will allow double-stacked freight trains to connect Melbourne to Brisbane, via regional Victoria.

‘Seymour Alternative Farming Expo’,

EXPO SITE LISTINGS

2WP/Corry Marketing C13

Abulance Victoria L1

Adjusta Mattress Australia T28

Advanced Therapy Massagers EB1

Aeolis Leather E13

Affordable Plants T43

Agline Irrigation B91A

Agriculture Victoria EB12

Alana’s Custom Gifts CP26

All Farm Gates LP5

All Sheds B33

Allanwood Suffolks Livestock Hub - Sheep

Alpha Power Equipment B93

Aqua Plus Filtration EB19

Aroma Joy B82

ARTC E36

Asphoweld LP3

Assumption College EB8

Aussie Bush Hats E11

Australian Bee Supplies C54

Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association Cattle Yards 3

Australian Deer Association T38B

Australian Native Farm Forestry T26

Avenel Ridge Alpaca LP2

Bactivate EB20

Baljil Art CP1

Ballarat Mahindra L13

Chromagen Australia C12

Clark Equipment L71

Clark Tanks L54

Clayton Scoble Solar Gates C3

Clipex B51

Cohuna Sports Store C2

Contact Organics C6

Country & Vintage Babes Clothing EB6

Countrywide Building Products B94B

Cutting Edge Knives EB25

CV Sheds L70

Datamars Livestock B83

Dexter Cattle Promotion Group of Victoria Cattle 7

Discover Mitchell C26

DJ Socks L57

Dr Drums Furniture E41

Drovers Outback Camping E39

Duncan Equine Group B94A

East Coast Generators T2

Easyklips C23

Echuca Moama Plant Farm B97

Eden Rise Alpacas LP1

Emily Pearl Designs CP21

Enchanted Wood by Bushwares CP24

Energy Safe Victoria L22

Envisage Furniture E19 & E20

Equine Wholehealth T1

Excotic Filled Candy L24

Haeusler’s Shepparton L67 & L68

Hardwood Archeology B73

Hardwood Mills Australia E45

Harman Australian White Sheep Stud Livestock Hub - Sheep

Healy Group E49

Heavenly Jerky L25

Heavenly Saunas Australia T78

Hecton Products/ Rich River Rural B96

Heiger EB35

Herbal Teas Australia EB23

Hi Water Concrete Tanks C50 & C51

Hill Billy Chilli L39

Hipower Flashlights B80 & B81

Homestar Promotions C30

Hose Factory L65

Hot Chilli Mama C1

Hunt Heating L56

HydraSpa Premium Hot Tubs EB43

IIA Group Alternative Pest Controls E25

In A Spin CP28

Integral Training B6

International Mowers T74

International Promotions C31

J & M Brain Safety Wear C4

Jalaway Belted Galloway Beef Cattle 1

Jindalee Ag E9

John Sanderson Machinery B10 & B11

JoJo’s recycled gifts CP34

Balmattum Australian White Sheep

Stud Livestock Hub - Sheep

Balytyckle Miniature Galloways Cattle 3 & Cattle 4

Bamboo Creations Victoria C29

Bardee C21A

Barrel Brothers Furniture B60

Eye Muffs by Reptiler EB33

Fairview Livestock Hub - Sheep

Falcon UAV B50

Farm Name Signs B84

Farm Tech Machinery B49

Farmer Little L7

Fat Rat Trading T39

Fencestay B14

Fine Arc Engineering B20

Firepits R Us L9

Fish Creek Farm Australian Whites B9

Fly Gone Full Cover Back Rubs E5

Joker Knife Store & Outdoor Gear EB45

JW & AS Beattie Livestock Hub - Sheep

Karas Accessories L30

Kensal Estate Wines EB29

Khouri Workwear T37

King Craft E15

Kingspan Water Tanks B66

Knitting Nanny CP20

KnJ innovation B77

Kristy’s Creative Keepsakes CP22

Kustom Kegs Wine Barrel Furniture E10

Ky General Engineering B17

Laserlight Australia B40

Better Living Australia EB30

Bettergrip Tools B90 & C35

Bezzy Eldo B87 & B88

BiNe Hair Accessories CP32

Bio Natural Solutions B91B

Biolink Probiotics 4 Plants E18

Black Colt Clothing T79

Blue & Sunny L35

Blue Star Eyewear C55

Boats & More L79

Branded Dusty Lane C17 & C18

Brazzen Yarra Valley B5

Brett’s Tools B101-B104

BucketBarrow L20

Bullmax B32

Bunyip Saddlery B76

Bunyip’s Hemp Farms EB27

Bushman’s Water Tanks L77-L78

Buttons n More CP3

Central Ford & LDV Kilmore &, Seymour Toyota T3

CFA L1

Chicken Caravan B26

Chooktred Australia B25

Four Seasons Gutter Protection EB31 Funky Trail C44

Gaffys Hay Sales B37 Gallagher Australia E4

Garlic Essentials EB3

Genuine Pet L29

Glass and Metal Art Fusion B78

Glenda’s Machine Knits CP16 Glenwaters Native Fish C48 GMA E35

Goldfields Revegetation Native Nursery L23

Gone Walkabout Australia T41 GOTAFE L2;L3

Goulburn Valley Ag B56

Goulburn-Murray Water B47 Grass Roots Publishing L10 Graymont Australia C25

Green Valley Grains B9A Greenfleece L18

GreenPRO B65

Groovy Greys CP6

Gunyado Cattle Yards 2

Gunyado Livestock Hub - Sheep

Lavender Passion CP9

LED Light Co C41

Let’s Eat Chocolate CP12

Letzgetwired C45

Little Shoppe Of Memories L41

Liz Langford Knits CP11

Lkkreations CP14

Love What I Do Craft n Creations CP5

Love Your Travels C37 & C38

Lucas Mill - Portable Sawmills E16 & E17

Magnum Welders C8 & C9

Maintaining Industries E37

Maison Fireplaces L17

Making Scents with Tiff CP7

Malakai Valais Blacknose B92

Marxgold Starting Solutions E21

Mawsons Concrete & Quarries EB11

Max & Moe CP15

Mayfield Poll Highland Cattle Cattle 5

McGuire & Co EB52 & EB53

Melbourne Polytechnic EB24

MGS Couture CP10

Mitchell Shire Council C27

Morris Outside Enterprise EB14

Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria C21

Munro Engineers B48

Murrays Water Boring L73

Muskdale Livestock Hub - Sheep

MW Toolboxes T49-T52

My Slice of Life L37

Nanna’s Kitchen C16

National Party Victoria B89

nbn Local L66

Nelson Silos B59

Network Seeder B63

Newstyle Direct C15

Niagara Medical Therapy EB32

Nikki P Woodwear/Nikki P Kids C42

North East Ag & Industrial B68

Northeast Shepparton T7 Norton Livestock Handling Solutions E1

Nutrien Ag Solutions E43

O.P.S Country Tanks E44

O’Connors T61

Off-Grid Energy Australia EB34

O’Loghlin Wiltshire Horn –Livestock Hub – Sheep Livestock Hub - Sheep

On The Go Safety L51-L53

Original Spirit Co. EB37

Outback Western B85

Pachinko Hats L14

Para Park / Sunday Island T38B

Paramao EB46

Paul Boags Outdoors T38A

Rob the tool man B44 & B45

Robbos Upcycled goods T72

Rosenow Industries Pty Ltd C10

Rural Tanks and Garden Beds E34

Rustic Timber Creations CP23

Safety Jumper Lead & Cable Co C43

Salami Shack EB22

Saul Swags T73

SeaView Highlands Cattle 6

SES L1

Seymour Equine & Rural E3

Seymour Mowers and Motorbikes T24

Seymour Poultry Club Poultry Pavillion

Seymour Rural Equipment B57

Seymour Tyrepower T1

Shannons Insurance C56

ShedFast E46

Shepparton CFMOTO T13

Shepparton

Premium Fastners & Industrial B95

Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria LP4

Prospect East Friesian Stud Livestock Hub - Sheep

Puredrop Desalintation L26

Queensland Fruit Fly Program EB36

QuikFence L5

Rachel’s Krafty Gifts CP2

Rainchaser Water Tanks L55

RAT Barrow T53-T60

Rawleigh’s Health C20

Red Gum Farm Rustic Furniture B69

Red River Stockyards T64-T68

RedGum Products L8

Regional Rail Revival E38

Relens Showbags EB10

Rielys Little Lolly Shop T31

Ringers Western - The Signature Bull B8

RMB Collections CP8

Food Court B2

Turkish Gozleme Food Court B3

MooBaaCluck Gourmet Burgers Food Court B4

The Pit Crew BBQ and Smokehouse Food Court B5

Shearasun Brewing Co Food Court B6

Gourmet Veg Out Spring Rolls Food Court E1

Mr Bratwurst Food Court E2

Danish Bake & Smokehouse Food Court E3

Wild Life Brewing Co. Food Court E4

W H I P P D Food Court E5

Pizza Party Hire Food Court E6

Twist Potato Food Court E7

AJs Eventuate Food Court L1

Slinky’s Seafood Shack Food Court Food Court L2

Dine With A Difference Food Court L3

Doin Dumplings Food Court L4

The Great Western BBQ Shack Food Court L6

OPA Greek Street Food Food Court L7

A Country Affair C22

Charli’s Donuts E12

Coffee A La Cart C53

Eastern Hill Cricket Club BBQ C36

Shaz’s Coffee & Snacks EB17

A Bit of This and That L19

Seymour Football Netball Club BBQ B53

Seymour Ag Society Homemade Café Ken Hall Pavillion

FOOD & DRINK

Cooking is a family affair

Adrian said last year’s demonstrations were hugely popular and this year he would again be cooking game — particularly kangaroo, venison and goat.

The All Time BBQ Hour was such a hit last year it will be held on Saturday and Sunday after lunch and will focus on the use of the kettle Weber barbie, smokers, a rotisserie and old-school classic flat-top barbecues.

Adrian will also demonstrate a range of techniques, including reverse sear steaks.

Nutella will be the feature ingredient of Maggie’s and Lila’s kids’ cooking sessions, with the talented sisters whipping up

Nutella French toast and Nutella pannacotta, while Adrian will demonstrate how to create a delicious cream pie using the much-loved chocolate and hazelnut spread.

These sessions are not to be missed as Nutella biscuits will also be available for all who attend.

On Sunday, Adrian will also show keen home cooks how to make New York-style chocolate croissants using an old-style pastry roller, as well as three ways to cook eggs for the perfect brunch.

For all this and more, visit Adrian, Lila and Maggie on Saturday and Sunday in the Country Kitchen.

Chef Adrian Hensley will be joined by daughters, Lila, 11, and Maggie, 9, at this year’s expo for another two days of fantastic fare.

Chef Adrian Hensley with daughter Lila a couple of years ago. This year they will be joined by Lila's younger sister Maggie.

Secret Garden chef Adrian Hensley is back again with his muchloved cooking demonstrations.

Shimmy over for the shimmer

Small Mouth Vodka brings 10 of its products to this year’s expo, and although the relatively new company is remaining tight-lipped about the secret behind their ‘shimmer’ recipe, they hope visitors won’t be tightlipped with sampling the range of vodka, gin and liqueurs on offer.

Company owner and distiller Paul Addis said the effect of shimmering in vodka was not widespread and, of the four Australian distillers who have developed the effect, his method had an added advantage.

“The shimmer is a secret of ours,” Paul said.

“We have made it from a unique formula, and unlike with other vodkas, the shimmer stays inside the drink once it has been added to carbonated mixers.”

Small Mouth Vodka will be conducting free tastings at the expo and giving visitors an inside look at tasting profiles.

Adding to the show is a display of bottles in which the contents swirl continuously, as well as the brand’s elderflower colour-changing gin. However, among all the magic on display, Paul keeps his passion simple. “Vodka is a cleaner, nicer spirit; but then I am biased.”

Cheers to local beers

Shearasun Brewing Co owner

Glenn Shearer has lost count of how many times the business has been part of the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo, but ultimately decided it must’ve been at least four years.

“I can’t think of a better platform to showcase our beer or better people to work with,” Glenn said.

“It’s been a few years off because of COVID, but I reckon there will be more through the gate because everyone seems to just want to get out and about.”

He said he was excited to meet a new crop of customers who weren’t familiar with the Seymour brewing company.

“We are a local business that’s been running for seven years, locally produced with no preservatives,” Glenn said.

He said there would be special offers at the expo, including a special collaborative smoked porter beer.

“They’ve really grown the area around us, I guess you’d call the food court area,” Glenn said.

“We can’t wait for people to come see us opposite the rear oval.”

Small Mouth Vodka distiller Paul Addis could be the Willy Wonka of vodka, with some of the colourful, shimmering and swirling tricks up his sleeve on display at this year's expo.

Shearsun Brewing Co is back at the expo and looking forward to sharing its brews with discerning drinkers.

TIME DETAILS

9:30 AM Smoking Time Beef flank, beef ribs & brisket. Preparation for smoking and where these tasty cuts come from a beef carcass

LOCATION

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

9:30 AM Cattle Basics, Stephen Koch, Atriem Murray Greys and experienced local cattle managers Farm Lectures

10:00 AM Training Working Dogs Learning Hub

10:00 AM Ozsort Team Sorting Horse Arena

10:10 AM ARE YOU GAME?? KANGAROO, Thai Kangaroo Salad, Kangaroo Beets & Pumpkin Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

10:30 AM Hemp Building Demo T 47

10:30 AM Drone Demonstrations — Aerial bird scaring techniques to reduce reliance on netting

Rear Oval

10:30 AM Pastures for Profit — Rob Richardson Agronomist Farm Lectures

10:50 AM Lamb Carcass Break Down

Have look into the breakdown of a lamb carcass. Where all the main sections come from, forequarter, legs, racks, loins, chump, shanks. Check out this session it’s great for the home kill DIY

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

11:00 AM Introduction to Camel Farming Learning Hub

11:00 AM Beloka Kelpie, Working dog Demonstrations Rear Oval

11:30 AM KIDS COOKING with Che Lila & Chef Maggie, NUTS about NUTELLA Nutella French Toast, Nutella Panna Cotta, Nutella Cream Pie

11:30 AM Poll Highland Cattle; the alternative — Julia Webster Poll Highland Cattle Society

12:00 PM Introduction to Goats

12:00 PM Drone Demonstrations — Monitoring pasture and crop health from the sky, reduce fertiliser spend and other input costs

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Farm Lectures

Learning Hub

Rear Oval

12:00 PM Ozsort Team Sorting Horse Arena

12:10 PM Beef Argie, This major cut that comes from a carcass of beef contains all the main steaks. Also, our guest speaker Scott Mckay from Habbies Howe will give us and insight to farming Free Range Beef

12:30 PM Fruit fly traps; an effective lure for female flies, Colin Bain

12:45 PM Beloka Kelpies: Working dog demonstrations

12:50 PM ALL-TIME BBQ HOUR, Kettle Weber, smokers, traditional porchetta, reverse sear rib-eyes, lamb racks, pork ribs, butterflied butter bird, sausages

1:00 PM Introduction to Beekeeping

1:30 PM Drone Demonstrations — Aerial bird scaring techniques to reduce reliance on netting

1:30 PM Sheep Secrets — Jill Noble Hallston Valley Farm

2:00 PM Reshaping the food system with black soldier flies

2:00 PM Hemp Building Demo

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Farm Lectures

Rear Oval

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Learning Hub

Rear Oval

Farm Lectures

Learning Hub

T 47

2:00 PM Ozsort Team Sorting Horse Arena

2:20 PM Lamb Leg Preparation

Check out all the different cuts and different styles of Roast that can be done with a pair of lamb legs

2:30 PM Cattle Reproduction and Calving Management — Dr Andrew Hogan Veterinary Surgeon & experienced local cattle managers

3:00 PM Going off-grid with Solar & Batteries

3:00 PM Beloka Kelpies: Working dog demonstrations

3:00 PM ARE YOU GAME? TACOS, Pulled shoulder of Goat & seared saddle of Venison

3:15 PM Drone Demonstrations — Monitoring pasture and crop health from the sky, reduce fertiliser spend and other input costs

ALL DAY

All Day AWPA Victorian Whipcracking Championships

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Farm Lectures

Learning Hub

Rear Oval

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Rear Oval

Back Oval

All Day Bunnings Kids Activity Tent Kids Corner

All Day Farmer Darryl's Animal Farmyard Kids Corner

All Day Snake Safe Victoria

All Day Cattle

All Day Sheep

All Day Poultry

All Day Vintage Car Display

All Day Bendigo Woodturners

All Day Camel Rides

E 42

Livestock Hub & Cattle Yards

Livestock Hub

Poultry Pavilion

Rear Oval

E 50

Rear Oval

All Day Kids Rides Kids Corner

TIME DETAILS

9:30 AM Pork Legs and Forequarter, Have a look into the Pork Prime Cuts that are used for making traditional Italian Prosciutto and Capocollo and all the other smallgoods that come those out of these cuts

9:30 AM Cattle Basics, Stephen Koch, Atriem Murray Greys & experienced local cattle managers

LOCATION

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Farm Lectures

10:00 AM Choosing the Best Breed of Poultry Learning Hub

10:00 AM Ozsort Team Sorting Horse Arena

10:10 AM SUNDAY BRUNCH, Egg Benedict Meredith Goats Cheese Omelette Monti Cristo Sandwich

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

10:30 AM Hemp Building Demo T 47

10:30 AM Drone Demonstrations — Aerial bird scaring techniques to reduce reliance on netting

10:30 AM An introduction to Boer Goats — Dean Smith Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia

10:50 AM Sausage & Salami Demo, In the Demonstration we have Dave from Cleaver Cabinets to have a chat about the product, and you will be shown how sausage and salami and made and what goes into making a great product.

Rear Oval

Farm Lectures

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

11:00 AM Introduction to Camel Farming Learning Hub

11:00 AM Beloka Kelpie, Working Dog Demonstrations

11:30 AM OMG CHOCOLATE CROSSIANT, New York pain au chocolat

11:30 AM Generating revenue from agri-ventures, Jill Noble Hallston Valley Farm

12:00 PM Introduction to Goats

12:00 PM Ozsort Team Sorting

12:00 PM Drone Demonstrations — Monitoring pasture and crop health from the sky, reduce fertiliser spend and other input costs

12:10 PM Deer/Venison Carcass Break Down, Check out this Demo with Paul Boag. Vic will talk with Paul about Field Dressing and the main cuts that are retrieved in field situation

12:30 PM Understanding the health of your soil — Ian Mot Vital Soils Services

12:45 PM Beloka Kelpies: Working dog demonstrations

12:50 PM ALL-TIME BBQ HOUR, Kettle Weber, Smokers, Traditional Porchetta, Reverse Sear Rib-eyes, Lamb Racks, Pork Ribs, Butterflied Butter Bird, Sausages

1:00 PM Introduction to Beekeeping

1:30 PM Drone Demonstrations — Aerial bird scaring techniques to reduce reliance on netting

1:30 PM Further information for Boer Goat producers — Dean Smith Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia

2:00 PM Hemp Building Demo

2:00 PM Ozsort Team Sorting

2:00 PM Reshaping the food system with black soldier flies

2:20 PM Poultry Breakdown, Come and watch the breakdown of a Chicken and the 10 different cuts that come out a single Chicken

2:30 PM Learn the basics of Alpacas — Daniel Boote Avenel Ridge Alpacas

2:30 PM Beloka Kelpies: Working dog demonstrations

3:00 PM Understanding your soil to grow nutrient dense food for animals and humans

3:00 PM Drone Demonstrations — Monitoring pasture and crop health from the sky, reduce fertiliser spend and other input costs

3:00 PM HOT CROSS BUNS It’s that tme of year again!

ALL DAY

Rear Oval

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Farm Lectures

Learning Hub

Horse Arena

Rear Oval

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Farm Lectures

Rear Oval

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Learning Hub

Rear Oval

Farm Lectures

T 47

Horse Arena

Learning Hub

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

Farm Lectures

Rear Oval

Learning Hub

Rear Oval

Country Kitchen & Butcher Shop

All Day Farmer Darryl's Animal Farmyard Kids Corner

All Day Drone Demos Main Oval

All Day Bunnings Kids Activity Tent Kids Corner

All Day Reptile Kingdom Snake Show and Reptile Displays E42

All Day Cattle Cattle Pavilion & Cattle Yards

All Day Sheep Livestock Hub

All Day Poultry Livestock Hub

All Day Vintage Car Display Main Oval

All Day Bendigo Woodturners E50

All Day Camel Rides B110

All Day Kids Rides

Corner

A century of customer service

Mawsons Concrete has set the benchmark for concreting for more than a century across the Murray Valley.

Since its founding in 1912, it has grown to 40 concrete plants, 16 quarries and seven landscaping centres servicing customers from South Australia, NSW and Victoria.

This year Mawsons will return to the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo for the fourth time, showcasing concrete and rocks.

“We are returning this year to the Seymour expo, opting to not travel to the Melbourne Flower and Garden Show,” Rowan McConchie said.

“Most of our operations are in the area, so it made sense to go to Seymour instead of Melbourne.

“Out of all the expos that we go to, Seymour has been our most successful which is why we wanted to return.”

This year, Mawsons will be showcasing its crushed rock, decorative aggregates and river pebbles from the area, providing a local touch to its operations, as well as having a display of exposed concrete for those who are thinking of doing some landscaping around their home.

“We hope that we will have people who will come by who are thinking of putting in a new driveway or are looking at doing some concrete at their home, and choose to use our product,” Rowan said. “We get a lot of people who come and tell us that they had no idea we had so many quarries, or that they had no idea where they could buy our concrete, and so this expo will hopefully give us some great exposure, and maybe make a few sales too.”

Mawsons is back at the expo for a fourth year, showcasing crushed rock, decorative aggregates and river pebbles.

Stay safe with gas or electricity

The only time most of us think about energy safety is when something goes wrong. But being alert to potential dangers can save lives and property, says Energy Safe Victoria CEO Leanne Hughson.

“We don’t get in our car and drive erratically, because we know it’s dangerous,” she said.

“We don’t go to work and do stupid things because we know everyone deserves to get home from work safely.

“The same is true every time we come into contact with gas or electricity. We need to be aware of the real, inherent dangers of energy, and act appropriately.”

Leanne said there were far too many ways people could behave unsafely with energy — and the potential outcomes could be disastrous — but we can all choose to act safely.

“Everyone knows about staying clear of potentially deadly powerlines,” she said.

“We must constantly be aware of them when operating tall machinery such as augurs or cranes, or raising the trays on tipper trucks, or moving hay around on farms — ‘Look Up And Live’.

“And only use qualified arborists to keep trees clear of powerlines on properties.”

There are many things that can be done to be safer around electricity and gas:

• Only ever use a licensed electrician for any electrical job at home or at work.

• Regularly service solar panels or other renewable energy installations.

• Have gas heaters serviced every couple of years.

• Test the connections on barbecues for gas leaks with soapy water.

• Don’t excavate until you know what’s underground. Always contact Before You Dig Australia.

Leanne urged everyone to visit the Energy Safe Victoria website at: esv.vic.gov.au

“Our website is packed with helpful information including our latest energy safety campaigns, and useful resources,” she said.

“And you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, too.

“Most of all we want to say to people ‘Stop, and think, before you do anything’.

“Don’t cut corners and end up a statistic. Help us to keep you, your family and everyone around you safe, every day.”

ESV is Victoria’s safety regulator for electricity, gas and pipelines. It ensures that Victorian gas and electricity industries are safe and meet community expectations and is also responsible for licensing and registering electricians, and educating the community about energy safety.

The Seymour Alternative Farming Expo is a must in many people’s calendars including mine and I’m thrilled to see it return following the devastating oods.

People power and community spirit is to thank for getting Kings Park restored to host hundreds of visitors and drive a much-needed economic boost to the town.

I’m supporting Mitchell Shire Council in their work to seek dedicated grants to help dozens of community organisations replace equipment that was destroyed by the oods.

I’m determined to help Seymour bounce back from these tough times, so please don’t hesitate to contact my of ce if you require any assistance with Federal Government matters.

Sam BIRRELL

Energy Safe Victoria CEO Leanne Hughson.

‘Thoroughbred’ of horse fencing

For more than 25 years, Duncan Equine Group has been been passionate about building the best horse fencing.

The team’s vast experience, knowledge and ability to use today’s technologies to move into a new era of superior manufacturing, means Duncan Equine Group has created what it says is the perfect rail for Australian conditions.

The Stallion Rail — the ‘thoroughbred’ of horse fencing — uses superior levels of molecular bonding.

Duncan Equine Group says thanks to new technology, it has been able to enhance the conductivity of the rail

with the inside wire being completely surrounded by the carbon compound, allowing more electricity through the top and or bottom of the rail, with a much stronger bonding of the plastic to the supportive wires.

This superior bonding means it is near on impossible to expose the dangerous wire inside the plastic, which Duncan Equine Group says makes Stallion Rail safer than any other flexible rail on the market in Australia today.

Even during the most stringent, independent testing, the superior bonding of Stallion Rail’s carbon compound to the high tensile wire could not be separated.

There are many other benefits — the inability to expose or damage the carbon compound or the wire in Stallion Rail means the product’s longevity is far superior to other flexible horse fencing rails; and due to Duncan Equine Group’s first-hand knowledge of the harsh Australian

landscape it is far better suited to the country’s weather conditions.

The business says Stallion Rail has been developed thanks to decades of experience and knowledge, passion and purpose, which means it truly knows the equine industry and can provide customers with the absolute best and safest rail fencing for horses.

Drop by the Duncan

Group site at Seymour Alternative Farming Expo, or visit duncanequine.com.au/ for more information.

Duncan Equine Group has made use of its vast experience and the latest technology to create Stallion Rail.

Duncan Equine Group has been producing safe, flexible horse fencing for more than 20 years.

Equine

Keeping the country connected

The nbn network is the essential infrastructure that helps connect people to each other and provides access to the crucial tools and services that support everyday needs in a fastchanging digital world.

The network is the digital backbone of Australia, and it is constantly evolving and helps keep communities, businesses and all areas of society connected, and the nation productive.

nbn’s purpose is to help lift the digital capability of Australia by connecting homes and businesses across Australia and provide access to the positive social and economic benefits enabled by access to a secure digital backbone.

nbn is dedicated to the operation of a secure and reliable network that supports the nation’s economic activity, wellbeing and productivity.

High-speed broadband supports the way Australians work, learn, access health and other services. and the way we connect with family and friends. nbn is rolling out the next evolution

From July 1, 2022, nbn introduced new data inclusion that will make VPN and video streaming uncapped for 16 hours each day, between midnight and 4 pm.

The network upgrades will make nbn’s higher wholesale speed plans available to up to 75 per cent of households and businesses in the fixed-line network by the end of 2023.

the nbn fixed wireless network was announced, benefiting thousands of homes and businesses across regional

The investment will expand the reach of the existing fixed wireless footprint by at least 50 per cent, as well as enabling two new high speed fixed wireless plans — 100 mbps and 250 mbps.

The additional capacity and reach available on the upgraded network will enable up to 120,000 existing satellite-only premises to access nbn fixed wireless.

From July 1, 2022, nbn introduced new data inclusion that will make VPN and video streaming uncapped for 16 hours each day, between mifnight and 4 pm. This means it will not count towards a user’s monthly data allowance.

Learn more about what nbn is doing in regional and rural Australia by visiting nbn.com.au/local or drop by the site at the expo.

Keep on trucking with Northeast

Northeast Shepparton specialises in trucks.

The Isuzu and Iveco dealership considers itself a one-stop truck shop and offers sales (new and used), service and spare parts, and paint, panel and repair for all makes and models.

If finance is needed, options are presented quickly so as not to delay purchase and, most importantly, business operations.

The Shepparton dealership has a range of ready-to-go stock if something is needed immediately. A range of options include tipper tray trucks, fridge trucks, water trucks, prime movers, vans and the Isuzu N series.

If you need a test drive, you won’t need to do a thing — the dealership offers a drop-off service to wherever you are.

Northeast Shepparton is a subsidiary of the Adelaide-based Northeast Auto Group.

The group is one of the largest truck dealers in South Australia and continues to expand into Victoria.

The Northeast Group is proud of its achievements and success, including Isuzu Excellence Awards for the past 10 years in a row.

The Northeast Group is also one of the only truck dealers with an in-

Northeast Shepparton is your one-stop shop for trucks. house engineering and manufacturing hub, established to serve loyal customers and their specific truck body requirements.

“We are renowned for our A+ customer service throughout South Australia and we’re proud to have had the opportunity to

bring that to Victoria for the past few years now,” a Northeast spokesperson said.

“Being an Isuzu and Iveco dealer, Northeast Shepparton will help you every step of the way by tailoring your truck to your needs.

“When you drive away, you can take

comfort that any future support will be available for whatever you need.

“When you are a Northeast Auto Group customer, we ensure you are a customer for life.”

Family owned, the Northeast Auto Group has a saying: “build one customer and one truck at a time”.

Study for a career in agriculture

Eighty-five per cent of Australia’s farming income comes from agricultural production, and as the population grows, so does the nation’s farming needs.

There has never been a better time to pursue a career in agriculture and help shape the future of the region.

James Goulding has been an agriculture trainer at GOTAFE for more than nine years, and brings his personal knowledge and experiences of running his own farm to class every day.

“I ran my own dairy business and piggery business for over 35 years,” he said.

James is passionate about passing on his knowledge to his students and seeing them succeed in the workforce.

“The best thing about being a trainer is leaving a legacy,” he said.

“I want to see students that I’ve taught as industry leaders down the track or managing or owning their own business, that’s the biggest joy you get out of it.”

During the course, students study everything from cropping to sheep farming and beef production, and gain hands-on experience at GOTAFE’s campus farm, setting them up for a successful career in the industry.

“The main thing they learn is OH&S, and from there it’s animal welfare,

animal health and how to look after healthy pastures. Because we haven’t got healthy pastures, you can’t grow healthy animals,” James said.

“So that’s what the course is all about. Teaching them to respect and look

after their animals and their welfare,” he added.

The Certificate II (AHC20116), III (AHC30116) and IV (AHC40116) in Agriculture are currently available under the Free TAFE program for

eligible students.

Speak to the agriculture trainers and Skills & Jobs team at the GOTAFE Mobile Campus at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo. Or visit the GOTAFE website and apply now.

Studying agriculture at GOTAFE opens doors to a range of careers.

Family business backs farmers

This year will see John Sanderson Machinery celebrate a decade of attending the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.

Based in Nagambie, the family owned and operated business has been servicing the north-central Victoria region for the past 30 years, with three generations of Sandersons supporting farmers with all their machinery needs.

“We keep coming back because the expo allows us to get out there and show the people what we have to offer,” Damian Sanderson said.

“If we get a few sales on the day, that’s great. But the expo is not just about one day, it’s about what it can bring us over the next 12 months.

“We’re there to display our products for the customer, whether that be hobby farmers or everyday farmers, and to provide them with a chance to inspect equipment that might be helpful on their property.

“We’ll have tractors, Massey Ferguson tractors, Fendt tractors, Kioti, a couple of sprayers, basically what we can get there.

“Whatever we can get a hold of, we will try to bring. We hope to have something for everyone.”

Sanderson Machinery stocks a range of world-class brands, from Iseki, Massey Ferguson, Hardi and Kverneland, ensuring that every farm — whether it be a small hobby farm, a broadacre cropping property or a high-quality winery — is well equipped to perform any task necessary.

Thirty years of experience allows the staff to provide expert knowledge and service, ensuring all their customers’ business needs, and future needs, are met. Visit the John Sanderson Machinery site at this year’sexpo.

All you need to fit out your trailer And handle your eggs

Nests & Nesting Systems

Feeders & Feeding Systems

Drinkers & Drinking Systems

Egg w ash products

Electric Poultry Nets

Misting Systems

Egg handling and transport

Poultry Transport Crates

Fully Fitted out Mobile Houses

John Sanderson Machinery will showcase its range of equipment, including the Massey Ferguson GC1725 compact tractor.

Poll Highlands in high demand

Highland cattle are one of the oldest registered breeds in the world and have royal connections.

The British royal family runs an impressive fold of Highlands in Scotland, which Queen Elizabeth II started in 1953.

They roam the 20,234 hectares surrounding Balmoral Castle. Some of these cattle’s bloodlines can be traced back to the reign of Queen Victoria, who received cows as a gift in 1871.

The Poll (hornless) Highland was created by a small group of people who loved the horned Highland breed but saw a need for a hornless animal, as the horned version can cause accidental injury when handling. Highlands without horns are safer to handle for owners, vets and in saleyards. The hornless breed made these amazing animals more accessible to many more people.

The Poll Highland Cattle Society was founded in 2015.

The Poll Highland breed has all the characteristics of Horned Highlands but without horns.

They have an unusual double coat of hair. On the outside is the oily outer hair — the longest of any cattle breed — covering a downy undercoat. This makes them well suited to conditions in the Scottish Highlands,

Poll Highland cattle are popular as pets and it’s easy to see why. which have a high annual rainfall and very strong winds.

Highland cattle are great foragers, are known for their great temperament and shed their coat in summer.

Demand for Poll Highlands has lately gone into overdrive. The demand has definitely surpassed supply, especially for heifers.

The society has received much interest since the beginning in 2015, with more and more people wanting to get involved in the hornless breed. Members and breeders include generational farmers and hobby farmers. Most animals are now sold as pets or for breeding. On top of all that demand, breeders are also expanding into miniature Highlands.

Anything under one metre to the top of the hip bone is classed as ‘miniature’.

The society also registers Highlands that are not registered, by inspection.

The Poll Highland Cattle Society will be at the expo to talk all things Poll Highlands in the Cattle Pavilion.

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Ready to catch up for a chat

Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell was elected as one of five upper house members for Northern Victoria at last year’s state election.

She is based at Invergordon, just north of Shepparton. Rikkie-Lee said her family loved regional Victoria and chose to make it her home after living in country NSW, where she worked in the tourism and hospitality sectors as well as a property manager in real estate. She was also a volunteer in the State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service.

A working mum with two school-aged children, RikkieLee used to own a dairy farm in the Murray-Goulburn region with her husband Aaron, a fifth-generation dairy producer.

Unfortunately like many farmers in the region, RikkieLee said she and Aaron were hit with unsustainably high water and feed costs during the drought and they were forced to sell up.

Since then, Rikkie-Lee has been helping out on the farm her husband now manages and working to bring the impacts of Murray-Darling Basin water reform under scrutiny

Rikkie-Lee said her priorities as a member of parliament were to see Australians live their best lives, contributing to their communities and having the freedom to produce what they needed to survive and thrive as a first world nation.

She said she had a passion for people and would prioritise working as a representative to her constituency, Victoria and “having our resources available to us first, enriching our quality of life and sustaining liberty and democracy”.

Rikkie-Lee is looking forward to meeting the community at site E6 at the expo.

Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell during her maiden speech in the Victorian Parliament. Photo: Nico Keenan

Join the boarding community family

The Assumption College boarding community was founded to provide Catholic families living in remote and regional areas with a high-quality schooling and boarding experience for their children.

Over the years, this has remained the college’s commitment, and today the boarding houses serve the families of our region and beyond, with students following their parents and grandparents into the boarding houses.

Students of the boarding community, in their comfortable ‘family-style’ centres, are thriving. There is a palpable sense of young people growing and flourishing in surroundings that challenge and excite them.

Assumption College boarding staff live on site with the students and work to provide a ‘family spirit’ so that both the students and their parents feel welcomed and valued.

This value extends to the connection between boarding and local day students.

Students are connected through multi-age home groups, known as Learning Mentor Groups, and through

the innovative MyMAP curriculum that focuses on ‘stage not age’ learning, offering a vast range of subjects and pathways.

Subjects such as Agriculture and High-Performance Sport are yet another way boarding and day students find connection, along with an extensive co-curricular program and activities.

“There is no other boarding community quite like Assumption College,” principal Kate Fogarty said.

“Our 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 staff.”

To learn more about Assumption College, visit the website or contact the Community Relations team on 5783 5000 or registrar@assumption. vic.edu.au

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Plus Bonus Pack: 2 More Remote Controls, 2 Wireless Keypads Or 2 Wireless Push Buttons Seymour Alternative Farming Expo Sites: B41 & B42

Skip in to transform your four-wheel drive

Refurbished utilities will be on display at this year’s expo thanks to Skippy Automotive’s dynamic and youthful approach to four-wheel drive overhauls.

The Seymour company celebrated its first year of operation last month, and brothers Parth and Param Patel take pride in their contributions to their business, despite their diverse roles.

“I tell Parth, you take care of the marketing and I’ll take care of the cars,” Param said.

The brothers pride themselves on having a dynamic crew of workers behind them and on using Australian products and steel in their overhauls which they call “car cuts”.

“We also employ local kids who all have a passion for cars; we all live and breathe fourwheel drives,” Param said.

Skippy Automotive describes itself as a “onestop shop” for four-wheel drive transformations, which usually involve lifting chassis with new suspension kits and performing car cuts to fit new trays.

Also on offer is internal installation of anything electrical, from fridges to new stereo systems. “We want someone to walk in with a fourwheel drive and say ‘I want this’ and we get them what they want from start to fi nish,” Param said.

The brothers bought 17 ha in Tallarook in 2016 after falling in love with the area, and Param said his passion came from tinkering away on his first car, a LandCruiser. Their display at the expo will include some of the high-quality products they use in their installations, and the crew are planning some surprises on the Friday.

Param Patel is proud he and his brother Parth employ local staff at Skippy Automotive, as well as using Australian-made steel and car accessories.

Specialist courses at GOTAFE

GOTAFE is the only TAFE in Victoria offering qualifications in winemaking and farriery.

These highly sought-after skills play an integral role in the region as the wine and equine industries continue to grow.

With state-of-the-art facilities that replicate industry environments, GOTAFE is the perfect place to gain hands-on experience in these important fields so you can graduate with job-ready skills.

GOTAFE student Glen Pollard enrolled in the Diploma of Wine Technology (11034NAT) after he purchased a hobby vineyard. He wanted to expand his knowledge and learn to properly look after his vineyard.

“Although the course is mostly theory, I’m putting all the theory into practice,” he said.

“All the trainers are in the industry, so they have real-world life experience. You get real experts.”

Glen works full-time, devoting his spare time to his winemaking hobby.

“Because of the flexibility of the course, I’m able to work around everything else I’ve got to make my study fit,” he said.

Patrick Cullen has always been passionate about horses and decided to enrol in the Certificate IV in Farriery

Find out more about GOTAFE’s winemaking course at the expo.

(ACM40818) to gain qualifications so he can look after horses for a living.

“The facilities at GOTAFE are state-ofthe-art. I am excited to have a mixture of horses on-site and brand-new equipment,” he said.

Farriery students learn theoretical knowledge of equine anatomy,

GOTAFE farrier students learn theoretical knowledge of equine anatomy, biomechanics and pathologies.

biomechanics and pathologies, and the ability to apply knowledge to technical solutions for a range of problems.

“The teachers are so knowledgeable and the new facilities give me the best start in the career,” Patrick said. So, whether you’re passionate about taking care of horses or producing

a quality drop, GOTAFE has a qualification to get you where you want to be.

Speak to the GOTAFE Mobile Campus team at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo about how you can kick-start your career in these industries.

‘Seymour

Cattle-sorting has expo debut

Kingsdale Stud will join the Seymour expo to demonstrate its new sport, Ozsort.

Ozsort is a two-rider, cattle-sorting sport, that sees cattle moved, in order, into a separated pen. Each of the 10 cattle are numbered and the riders must sort the cattle in order from their randomised starting number. Cattle must stay in the sorting pen and cannot enter the pen out of ascending order.

The sport has only been around a few years and this will be the first time it has been showcased at the expo.

“We want to expand our sport and show it to more people, so the expo is a great thing for us to do,” Ozsort creator Andrew Nash said.

They have been doing competitions and lessons with varying levels of rider experience and are ready to show the

expo what they can do.

The sport is family friendly and a great watch. Anyone can join the open section on the day.

“It’s great family fun,” Andrew said. “Come along and enjoy the sport, or ask us some questions.”

If you’re interested in the sport and want to learn more, head to their Facebook page ‘Ozsort’.

DEALER

Ozsort is a family friendly sport, says creator Andrew Nash.

Ozsort will be at the expo for the first time this year.

Fencestay triggers strainer revolution

While Trigger Engineering and Consulting can provide a range of products and services to farmers at this year’s expo, their flagship product is Fencestay, a patented strainer assembly system that is long lasting and easy to install.

Company founder Steven Casamento has enjoyed a long history in the engineering industry, starting in 1991 while working for his grandfather, specialising in the manufacture of tube and pipe-bending machinery. Steven’s love of engineering deepened as he began solving problems and finding a better way to do things. Having owned his own rural property and working with friends who have properties, Steven saw a need for an easier way to create a wire fence end assembly.

From this, Fencestay was born at the start of 2020.

The design provides the proven strength and stability of traditional timber and steel fence strainer assemblies.

Advantages include the end of rotting timber, toxic treated pine and overcapitalisation.

Fencestay is also fire-resistant. Trigger Engineering will also have on display an extensive range of engineered and engineering products.

Fencestay is a patented wire fence end assembly, designed and made in Victoria.

Trigger Engineering has expertise in restoration, such as this 1990s pipe bender, which is now in its original condition.

Photo: Trigger Engineering and Consulting

Come and chat to the team

We will be at the Seymour Alternate Farming Expo 31 March to 2 April.

Come down and ask any questions you have on the Shepparton Line Upgrade or the Regional Rail Revival program.

As part of the Regional Rail Revival, we’re upgrading the Shepparton Line. New modern VLocity trains are now running on the line, with 9 weekday daily return services being enabled at the end of Stage 3 of the project.

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We look forward to answering your questions at the expo. For more information

Visit regionalrailrevival.vic. gov.au/shepparton for more information on the project and the March and April disruptions.

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Farm machinery for every job

Machinery is the backbone of modern farming and any decisions you make about the highly specialised equipment could affect your farm for decades.

Therefore, you want to deal with the experts.

Haeusler’s Shepparton has been the Goulburn Valley’s local John Deere dealership for more than 20 years.

The iconic green and yellow of a John Deere is a stamp of quality, but for many experienced farmers it’s the dealership, servicing, spare parts availability and the staff who make or break a purchase.

The team at Haeusler’s have strong connections with the land and enjoy helping new property owners get started on their farming journey.

At Haeusler’s you can find much more than John Deere, with the business also supporting high quality brands like Kuhn (great supply chain), Wacker Neuson (construction machinery), Davimac (chaser bin specialist) and Gason (broadacre tractor attachments) brands.

The Seymour expo is an important date on the calendar for Haeusler’s, as it allows the team to showcase the smaller equipment that suits lifestyle farmers.

The most popular seller for this lifestyle segment is the John Deere 5E range.

5E models range from 50 to 93 horsepower and are great little allrounders able to fit inside sheds and through gates.

These tractors traditionally come equipped with a four-in-one bucket

and hay spikes, with optional extras including slashers, post-hole diggers and tillage equipment.

The 5E is a great tractor option for someone who only needs a helping hand in the hayshed and for odd

jobs, compared to someone who’ll be spending six-days-a-week in the cab. For advice on a range of products, from ride-on lawn mowers to tractors and construction equipment, visit site L67–68.

A John Deere 5E tractor with a four-in-one bucket attachment. The bucket can also be changed for hay spikes.

and meet the nbn® Local Team at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo

Don’t miss a great opportunity to find out how we’re evolving the network in your area, have your questions answered, discuss your connectivity needs and experience the benefits of the nbn® network.

Find us at Site L66

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Aussie products in the spotlight

AG Boss will have a large presence at this year’s expo with three different stands on display.

The Albury-based company will showcase its ride-on, articulated, tipping (RAT) Barrow and its unique irrigation systems.

The RAT Barrow and tipping trailer is designed and made by AG Boss to improve material handling around the home, garden, small farm or stables. Its design is a world-first and gives the user a stable ride with incredible manoeuvrability and is able to carry loads of up to 200 kg in each of the front and trailer tubs.

Tipping large loads is made easy by the balanced-load, free-tip design. Moving lawn clippings, horse manure or garden pruning has never been easier, and the RAT Barrow has no problem with heavier loads such as fi rewood, soil, sand and feed bags.

The RAT Barrow’s frame is made from black hammertone steel and it has UV-resistant poly tubs and guards, completed with stainless steel fittings.

Australian designed and built means the RAT Barrow will handle all of the elements and last a lifetime. Another high-quality product from AG Boss is the range of Vaughan Irrigators equipment, which have been manufactured in Australia since 1992.

Vaughan Irrigators has established itself as the market leader in low-pressure irrigation and has proven itself over time to produce systems that are reliable and extremely easy to use.

The smooth operating and lowpressure Sumpmaster cam allows the irrigator to operate at pressures as low as 70 kpa (10psi), compared with competitor products which go only as low as 125 kpa.

It also has a low infrastructure cost because expensive high-pressure pumps and pipes are not needed. Vaughan Irrigators produces systems that are easily portable and are suitable for properties between 1 ha and 20ha.

The RAT Barrow is proudly Australian made and can carry loads of up to 400 kg.

Vaughan Irrigators produces systems that can operate on very low-water pressures and are proudly Australian owned.

Driving into the future

Seymour and Kilmore Toyota are a mainstay at the expo, but this year they’re driving in with some futuristic news.

The LandCruiser 300 Series has once again raised the bar.

The 300 Series replaces the 15-yearold 200 Series and is powered by a 3.3 litre twin-turbo diesel engine, driving all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Manager Adam Dove said the LandCruiser 300 was the most capable and safest LandCruiser to date. However, he cautioned that the automotive industry was still experiencing long production delays for new vehicles.

“Make sure you don’t leave the purchase of a new car too late,” Adam said.

“Our waiting list is approximately four times longer than usual, but some models are faring quite well with only a one- to two-month wait.”

The Toyota HiLux has had an unbreakable line of production since its first model came out in 1968.

The new 2022 HiLux has a 2.8 litre diesel engine and all the latest technology, including safety features and innovations such as Apple CarPlay and Safety Sense intelligence. In addition to keeping up with the future, Seymour and Kilmore

Toyota continue to deliver what their customers have come to expect.

Hard-working regional clients are big fans of the loan car

service whereby drivers are matched with near identical replacements while their own vehicles get serviced.

“We aim to provide our guests with a suitable loan vehicle to complete their daily tasks seamlessly,” Adam said.

The new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is this year’s bar-raiser on the local car scene, according to Seymour and Kilmore Toyota.

Head into winter with Maison

Maison Fireplaces will showcase a range of highly efficient, cleanburning European cookers, stoves and fireplaces from leading Italian and European manufacturers La Nordica-Extraflame, Thermorossi and Kobok at this year’s expo.

The brands are designed to exceed the highest environmental standards, producing more heat with less wood. They do this by using the latest combustion technology and operating with up to 89 per cent efficiency, which allows the fires to make the best use of wood as a renewable source of energy for home heating.

Maison Fireplaces’ heating systems are unparalleled in design, heating performance, efficiency, ease of operation and product versatility. The comprehensive range of builtin fireplaces use vertical and large horizontal door openings and are available as double sided, corner and large panoramic models.

The free-standing radiant heaters heat in the same way as the sun. Radiant heat, also known as the healthy heat, heats solid objects rather than the air. With radiant heat there is less air movement, which reduces house dust, and  there is less drying of the air.

Radiant heat results in temperature difference from floor to ceiling of 2˚C to 3˚C compared to 12˚C to 15˚C with convection heating. That means less  kW are needed to warm a home and less wood is consumed.

Maison Fireplaces’ John Irwin said customers reported using one third of the wood they had used previously to heat their homes, which resulted in significant dollar savings.

The Maison range also includes traditionally styled and modern wood cookers, with or without hydronic options.

“The new Forno (oven) wood heaters are ideal to enhance your indoor/ outdoor entertaining areas,” John said. Visit Masion Firepalces’ mobile showroom at the expo, their Mansfield and Wodonga showrooms or www.maisonfireplaces.com.au for more information.

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