Your Farm Magazine Autumn 2018

FARM YOUR

A U T U M N

Exceptional results from local breeders at the Sydney Royal Easter Show have cemented the Monaro’s spot as one of the country’s leading Merino wool-producing regions.

Conrayn Merino Stud took home the Supreme Merino Exhibit (pictured) and a stack of other broad ribbons to add to their collection.

Greenland and Adina Merino Studs also had their names beside many reserve and grand champion prizes, leaving little room for winners

MAGAZINE

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outside the Monaro borders.

Nimmitabel has once again proved itself to be a town of show-stoppers, with Tim Green named the NSW RAS Rural Ambassador for 2018 and Sarah Blyton Reserve Champion in the Merino Fleece Young Judges Competition.

See inside for more examples of young locals going above and beyond in their field.

Calf sale season is off to a bellowing start, as those living within hearing range of the saleyards

will no doubt know. Prices so far have been solid, despite drought-like conditions in NSW and Victoria.

Sheep meat and wool prices have reached nearrecord-breaking heights and the experts say they’ll stay that way, at least until the rain comes.

The latest Bureau of Meteorology outlook is forecasting a chance of above average rainfall for spring, but do we dare believe them?

2

NFF response to 60 Minutes live export story The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), has expressed distress at footage contained in last Sunday night’s 60 Minutes story. “The footage is disturbing and utterly unacceptable,� NFF President Fiona Simson said. “For farmers, the welfare of our animals is our number one priority. “It is blatantly clear that what we saw this evening does not meet the expectations of Australian farmers, nor the broader community. “We recognise the importance of the live export trade and the significant ongoing investment the industry will make to improve animal welfare. “We must ensure that measures are put in place that prevent these events occurring again. “We support commitments made by Minister Littleproud, and will be working with him and our membership to ensure that the strongest possible action is taken. “Poor animal welfare practices have no place in our industry or our supply chains,�

Ms Simson said.

Your

Autumn 2018

FARM

PM launches national conversation on agriculture’s vision for the future On March 23, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull launched a new initiative by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), which aims to spark a conversation about Australia’s farming future.

The Talking 2030 Discussion Paper, supported

by Telstra and prepared by KPMG, identifies bold ideas needed to propel the farm sector to its goal of $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030.

The Discussion Paper was launched at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

NFF President Fiona Simson said Talking 2030 would form the foundation of a national dialogue on how agriculture can reach its potential. “Talking 2030 will consolidate leading thinking from a range of experts on the future of agriculture and specific ideas to unlock our industry’s $100 billion potential. “Whether it’s attracting people and capital,

harnessing new technology, unlocking global markets, or lightening our environmental footprint – our industry needs to constantly seek out and champion the best new ideas.

That’s what Talking 2030 is all about,� Ms Simson said.

The NFF and Telstra will now hit the road on a 13-stop regional ‘Talking 2030’ tour, where some of farming’s best and brightest will dissect the report and pitch their ideas for the future.

This feedback will inform the development of a final report, which will drive the NFF’s policy and advocacy agenda for the coming decade as we focus on meeting our 2030 target. “It is wonderful to have the Prime Minister’s support for what is an essential partnership to guide Australian agriculture into the next decade,�

Ms Simson said.

Talking 2030, is part of a new strategic partnership

between the NFF and Telstra, designed to boost Australia agriculture’s leadership and technical capacity and overall prosperity.

Ms Simson said Telstra had been a part of rural and regional Australia since telecommunications began, making it a fitting partner for the NFF. “Telstra, in its different guises, has been with farmers since the first dial tone was heard outside the city. “Telstra understands the bush, they are invested in our regional communities, our businesses and our people.�

Telstra Chief Executive Officer Andrew Penn said the NFF’s long history as a champion for regional Australia makes it a logical partner for Telstra. “Digital connectivity is a central part of the modern

farm business, and we are extremely proud to be working with the NFF to support the development of strong and prosperous regions, and a thriving Australian agriculture sector,�

Mr Penn said. “Over the past three financial years, we have invested $2.2 billion in our regional mobile network, connecting farms, shops, doctors, schools and businesses, so more Australians can experience a connected world that supports their way of life. “This commitment is not just about our investment in the mobile network, we are also supporting the development of innovative technologies that will help address some of the challenges Australian farmers face.

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Autumn 2018

Investing in native grasslands management

Member for Monaro John Barilaro has announced a $375,000 funding boost for farmers and landholders in the Monaro to create long-term strategies that will improve productive agricultural land and the environmental landscape of the Monaro plains.

Mr Barilaro said the funding will ensure that future land management practices fit in with the needs of local producers and the land they manage.

Mr Barilaro made the announcement following a meeting in Cooma last Wednesday with local farmers and representatives from the Local Land Services (LLS) including Group Director of Sustainable Land Management, Local Land Services, Kristian Holz.

“Today’s announcement means farmers will have the resources they need to ensure they have profitable and sustainable pastures for generations to come without the need for visually mapping their properties which was previously expected,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Primary producers across the Monaro have told me that using mapping technology is not a good fit for the Monaro plains and will deliver inaccurate results for farmers that manage our unique landscape.

I have made sure that farmers will not be burdened with red tape that will not deliver real results for our

Pictured: Group Director of Sustainable Land Management, Local Land Services Kristian Holz.

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community, primary producers and our environment.

“We are focused on building Monaro-specific solutions - solutions to land management that meet the unique challenges and landscape of the Monaro such as controlling the spread of African Love Grass.

“We are funding practical research that will deliver the best results for landholders, the environment and the community because the practices we run will be tried, tested and delivered in the Monaro,” he said The resources to be developed will include agronomy, biosecurity and weed management advice, and practical land management resources and tools to help farmers with the land management challenges they face.

Mr Barilaro said $75,000 will go directly to supporting the Monaro Farming Systems work with LLS to develop practical on-ground solutions including the management of weeds.

“As part of this funding Monaro agronomist Stuart Burge will take a lead role in developing and helping to implement a wide range of land management practices,” he said. “$300,000 will go towards research, tools and resource development to ensure the regulations and relevant management options are regionally specific and take into account the unique agricultural challenges faced by primary producers in the Monaro.”

The NSW Government has established the Monaro Grassland Landholder Reference Group to guide delivery of the pilot and other

regional grasslands solutions, and employed a dedicated Monaro based officer within the Sustainable Land Management team at Local Land Services, to assist and advise landholders in the Monaro region.

Mr Barilaro said the NSW Government will not be proceeding with the regulatory maps under the Land Management Framework in native grassland dominant landscapes, until they form part of a practical, workable approach for land managers.

Group Director of Sustainable Land Management, Local Land Services, Kristian Holz, said they will work closely with landholders to achieve the best results for them and the community.

“We are making sure we are coming up with solutions that work and we want to road test them first.

This includes benefiting from the extensive amount of landholder knowledge about local conditions and how best to manage them,” Mr Holz said.

The partnerships and projects announced will support Monaro landholders to understand and apply the new land management framework on their properties.

Pictured: Monaro Farming Systems Chair Richard Taylor, Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Group Director of Sustainable Land Management, Local Land Services Kristian Holz, NSW Farmers Cooma Branch Chair Craig Mitchell and South East Local Land Services board member and local agronomist Stuart Burge.

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Autumn 2018

Your

An aerial view of weed management SGE Helicopters is a small, familyrun business based in Barnawatha, north-east Victoria.

We provide precision aerial spraying services to regional Victoria and NSW. Our chief pilot, Stuart has several years experience in the helicopter aerial spraying industry. He was brought up on a farm and realises the importance of delivering the best job possible.

We pride ourselves on exceptional service and also have

options to provide your chemical at competitive rates. We provide maps of your sprayed area for your personal records and have recently added fertiliser/seeding application.

With our own loading system we provide a fast and efficient way to continue application when it is too wet to use other applicators.

Our aim is to effectively and efficiently cover more ground in less time with NO damage to your fields or crops. The unique characteristics of a helicopter can deliver the

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best results, regardless of everchanging soil conditions, fields too wet to drive on and time-sensitive applications imperative to your crop’s yield and your livelihood.

Chief Pilot Stuart Hall Our Chief Pilot Stuart Hall is a highly experienced pilot with over 10 years and 5,000 hours of flight time. He is accredited by AAAA (Aerial Application Association of Australia Ltd.), is certified with an agricultural aircraft operations licence, pilot (chemical rating) licence and state spray licences.

Stuart has worked in various areas including: • Victoria and NSW as an ag pilot and in fire fighting applications.

• Western Australia on aerial surveying duties and slinging heavy machinery for the mining industry.

• Papua New Guinea slinging large machinery and equipment for the mining industry, often in difficult terrain and weather conditions.

Ground support Our professional ground crew provide onsite support for aerial operations including: • On-site mixing and provisioning of chemicals • Onsite refuelling for faster service at lower cost.

• Our load truck is Dangerous Goods certified.

• Our loader driver is qualified with chemical accreditation or a Chemcert and is Dangerous Goods certified.

• Real-time meteorological systems are attached to the truck to reduce the risk of drift and allow us to document weather conditions.

GPS mapping GPS mapping allows us to track our position (using Tracmaps) and record where we have sprayed we can then provide it to our customers.

Specialised spray equipment allows the chemical to be applied with precision by being able to calibrate the flow control valves for variable-rate applications.

Our philosophy With the human population growing every minute, it’s essential that farms produce high yield crops to feed the world. To do this they have to maximize their per-hectare yield and continually come up with new high-tech ways to combat weeds, insects, plant disease and fungi. All of this needs to be done while maintaining good soil health and providing plants with the nourishments they need to produce at the highest level possible.

To obtain the required crop production levels needed, the use of pesticides such as insecticides and herbicides are imperative and cannot be avoided in most environments. Aerially applying these products provides superior coverage versus ground-based application thus decreasing the amount of chemicals needed. Aerial application can be done without workers in the field, greatly reducing the human exposure while doing more in one hour than can be done in a day from the ground.

Founder Stuart Hall and all of SGE Helicopters’ employees share a common commitment to their industry by going above and beyond expectations when it comes to safety, quality and customer service. Everyone at SGE feels safety is an attitude and is an absolute must, not only for the success of SGE but for the industry as a whole.

SGE Helicopters’ commitment level is elevated beyond their client

FARM

and industry needs and is passed on to the generally wellbeing of not only our environment but people of the world. SGE invests in state of the art application equipment, allowing them to accurately and efficiently apply the product needed while making as little negative impact to the environment as possible. By aerially applying pesticides and fertilizers farmers and forest management professionals are able to increase the per-hectare yield of our sustainable natural resources and food needed to feed the world.

The use of GPS guided application systems ensures on target application protecting our wildlife and waterways.

Services Agricultural spraying Using helicopters as pest and weed control is a time efficient and cost effective solution. It allows those tricky to reach spots that ground crews and fixed wing are not able to access. The helicopter is able to fly low to the ground causing a downdraft of the rotor blades which pushes the chemical onto and between crops reducing the risk of drift and improving the success of the application. The helicopter can spray chemical without causing damage to land or crops.

Aerial surveying Aerial surveying is a method of collecting geomatics or other imagery. By utilisation of a helicopter, access is possible to areas that are not accessible by foot or road.

Animal control Culling programs can be implemented utilising helicopters to provide effective animal population control measures. We offer skilled pilots to ensure increased time and cost effectiveness.

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5

Autumn 2018

FARM

Aussie Wool to continue to Ride High: Rural Bank

Australia’s wool growers should continue to enjoy strong prices in 2018 as market fundamentals further boost the sector, according to Rural Bank’s Australian Wool Annual Review.

2018 is already a record breaking year for wool prices, with the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) reaching a nominal all-time high in early March of 1830 c/kg, continuing 2017’s extraordinary streak.

Wool exports rose 20 per cent in value to $3.65 billion and export volumes rose by six per cent, in what can be only regarded as a bumper 2017.

The Australian Wool Annual Review - developed by Rural Bank’s Ag Answers division - clearly indicates a trickle-down effect to farmers, with the average sheep farm cash income expected to be 35 per cent higher than the average for last financial year - a 20 year high.

Farm Management Deposits for sheep businesses have also increased by more than $100 million in the past four years, as wool producers take advantage of successive good seasons.

Simon Dundon, Head of Sales Agribusiness, said these positive outcomes are expected to continue for wool farmers for at least the next 12 months.

“Wool sellers can expect another year of strong prices as international demand continues to grow. Last year, China imported 77 per cent of Australia’s wool with a 24 per cent increase in export value for the year, while export value to Italy also increased by 40 per cent.

“As value growth has been

focused on finer grade wools and our international competitors predominantly supply coarser wool, we expect prices to remain strong for Aussie wool,” Mr Dundon said.

The report also revealed the average number of bales sold at auction has increased to 42,000 per week.

Mr Dundon said this high auction clearance rate combined with a steady supply, increasing consumer demand and a competitive market for other commodities, should further boost wool prices.

“Cotton‘s high price - a potential substitute for wool - has continued to help wool’s competitiveness, as has the relatively low Aussie dollar.

“These unique market conditions have encouraged an increase in production with the wool clip 1.4 per cent larger in 2017/18 - a third successive year of growth - and the flock size now expected to hit 76.6 million sheep in 2018/19.

“With median average rainfall generally forecast across wool growing areas, and the EMI expected to remain above 1800 c/kg for the year, Australia’s wool producers are set for another excellent year. This also appears to mark the beginning of a reversal of the 20-year trend of declining wool production in Australia,” Mr Dundon concluded.

The full Australian Wool Annual Review can be accessed at www. ruralbank.com.au/wool

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Your

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Landmark Bombala has welcomed a new agronomist to the team, with Hugh Platts returning to the area to take up the role.

Hugh grew up in the Bombala district, and with his family farming in Ando as the Dungaree Pastoral Company, he is very familiar with the local agriculture sector.

Going to St Joseph’s Primary School in Bombala and then Lumen Christi down the coast, Hugh worked for a year before moving onto complete a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga.

Becoming part of the Landmark Graduate Program, he worked in some very different rural areas to the Monaro, starting with the rice, cotton, corn and even dairy industries of Deniliquin.

Hugh then spent 18 months working with marginal dry land cropping in West Wyalong, again quite different from farming on the Monaro.

“It has been a big change coming back to the

Bombala area; from doing everything you can to kill ryegrass to working on growing it,” Hugh laughs.

It was while Hugh was still working amongst the wheat, barley and canola of West Wyalong that he received a call from Landmark Bombala.

“Matt said that they were down an agronomist, so I seized the opportunity to come back,” he said.

That was almost six weeks ago now, and Hugh has settled into the agronomist role in the Bombala district easily, knowing a lot of the people and the land that he now works with.

“There’s a lot of forage crops like wheat, oats, triticale and forage brassicas,” he says. “A lot of pasture improvement work.”

And Hugh’s keen to meet more landholders throughout the district interested in learning how an agronomist can benefit their properties, so call in and find him at Landmark Bombala or give him a call on 0488 281 253.

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7

Autumn 2018

FARM The rise and rise of Australian sheep and wool prices Sheep meat and wool prices are projected to continue to rise in 201819, according to the latest Agricultural Commodities report from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES).

The March report contains a fiveyear medium-term outlook of major Australian agricultural commodities and forecasts sheep meat prices will increase by three percent, wool prices will increase by four percent and beef and veal prices will drop by four percent in 2018-19.

Sheep meat

The Agricultural Commodities report forecasts that saleyard prices will rise by six percent to average 625 c/kg for lamb and 440 c/kg for sheep in 2018-19. This reflects strong competition at saleyards from restockers and processors, driven by strong demand in major export markets, particularly China.

Demand for Australian sheep meat exports is expected to remain relatively strong in 2018-19, driven mainly by income growth in China and an assumed lower Australian dollar. Growth in the national sheep flock is expected to slow over the medium term to 2022-23, despite historically high prices, with producers to take advantage of prices through high turnoff rates.

Demand from the United States and the Middle East is expected to slow as income

growth drives increased substitution of sheep meat with beef and chicken. Changing consumer preferences and a projected increase in exportable supplied from Australia and New Zealand are expected to place downward pressure on Australian saleyard prices. Saleyard sheep prices are projected to average 426 c/kg by 2022-23.

Wool

The Australian Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) wool price is forecast to continue rising over the medium term but remain below record levels.

In 2017-18, the Australian EMI wool price is forecast to rise by 15 percent to average 1,630 cents per kilogram. If realised, this would be the highest annual price since the 1989-90 average of 1,955 cents per kilogram (in 2017-18 dollars), but would not be a record in real terms. The 2017-18 forecast

remains 16 percent below the 1,947 c/kg averaged between the 1970s and 1980s.

The forecast rise in the EMI primarily reflects strong demand for superfine wool, but growth in supplied is expected to remain limited.

Over the medium term to 2022-23, demand for superfine wool is expected to remain strong, supported by income growth in major apparel-consuming regions (United States, China and European Union), on the assumption that superfine wool maintains its position as a premium natural fibre.

Increases in world wool supplies is expected to be made up of mostly coarse wool production and growth in superfine production is forecast to be limited.

Over the medium term, the Australian sheep flock is projected to expand modestly, driving wool production to around 456,000 tonnes by 2022-23, eight percent higher than estimated for 2017-18.

The value of Australian wool exports is estimated to increase by around 20 percent to $4.3 billion in 2017-18 as a result of growth in export prices outpacing growth in volume. o Over the medium term to 2022O 23, 2 a larger exportable supply and a increased export prices are projected to increase the value p of o Australian wool exports to

$5.1 billion (in 2017-18 dollars).

The majority of Australia’s wool is expected to be shipped to China, the world’s largest producer and exporter of woollen clothing and textiles. In the five years to 2016-17, China accounted for 78 percent of Australian wool exports.

Beef

Australian beef and veal prices are forecast to drop by 15 percent to average 455 c/kg in 2017-18, reflecting increased supply following improved seasonal conditions and lower prices in major export markets, particularly Japan and the United States.

Between 2018-19 and 2020-21, an expansion in Australian cattle supply is expected to exert downward pressure on Australian saleyard prices. Prices are expected to rise again in 2021-22 and 202223 when growth in world supplies slows.

Over the medium term to 2022-23, the Australian beef cattle herd is projected to expand by four percent to around 25 million head.

Australian live feeder and slaughter cattle exports are forecast to increase by four percent to 910,000 head in 2018-19, following a seven percent increase in 201718. Almost all of the forecast increase is expected to go to Indonesia, Australia’s largest market for live cattle.

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Autumn 2018

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Aerial spraying prime time Whether you need a helicopter to spray your paddocks and hill country, spread seed or conduct aerial fertiliser application, this will not only save you time but money.

The speed and efficiency of a helicopter allows for optimum coverage with targeted application.

What might take you days can be completed in minutes by air. And the only company you need to call is Rotor Solutions Australia.

Experience matters in the agricultural aviation game, the precision and skill required isn’t generated overnight, but you can always be assured using Rotor Solutions you are in safe, expert hands.

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Both pilots, Hugh and Mark, share a huge passion and commitment to aerial agriculture.

They both grew up in full time farming families and understand the needs and wants of famers.

Offering customers their specialist knowledge of aviation, weed management and farming is Rotor Solutions commitment to you.

Now is the time to think about your tussock and African Lovegrass spraying for the season.

The aerial spraying program will commence late April, so don’t miss the season before the cold hits. Aerial spraying of tussock and Lovegrass is a fast, efficient and cost effective way to control your noxious grass problems. The application is direct and quick, and the results speak for themselves.

Rotor Solutions take pride in only using the most superior nozzles to ensure targeted and precise application, as well as advanced mapping systems. At completion of your job, Rotor Solutions can offer you a GPS map print out of exactly where the aircraft has sprayed. This can assist with your ground spraying so you can see exactly where the helicopter has been and reduce overspray. State of the art equipment is used in all services to ensure customer satisfaction, along with meticulously maintained aircraft to guarantee customer safety at all times.

If you want to discuss your tussock or Lovegrass speak to your local Vegetation Management Officer with the Snowy Monaro Regional Council. They can assist with mapping your property, and working out how much spraying you need to have done, or give Rotor Solutions Australia a call.

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9

Autumn 2018

Wool’s journey beyond Australian borders Young wool growers from across Australia have returned from a tour of China with a global perspective of their industry.

In early March, a group of 12 young wool growers visited China’s biggest manufacturers of raw wool and gained a greater understanding of the journey Australian wool takes once exported.

The self-funded trip organised

by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) involved visits to a number of manufacturers within the trade and meet with key AWI/ Woolmark staff based in Asia.

Local representatives, Bea Litchfield (Cooma) and Jackie Chapman (Delegate) were two of the 12 young wool growers who took part in the trip.

Close to 80 per cent of Australia’s raw wool production is exported to China for early stage processing.

Half of this wool is consumed in China at retail, making the Chinese wool processing and retail economy extremely important to Australia’s $3.6 billion wool industry.

The first manufacturer the group visited was an early stage processing operation, Red Sun. Here raw wool is scoured and carded through an automated operation.

The group then visited the spinning processing plant To Xinao, where the AWI/ Woolmark-Xinao Development Centre is located, encouraging innovation in knitwear.

The group also visited the circular knitting mill Mengdi and well-known fully vertically integrated fabric processing operation Nanshan. “The extent to which the Chinese are investing into the wool processing industry is huge,� said Bea Litchfield. “130,000 people are employed by Nanshan and they

are processing seven thousand tons of clean wool - their operation is massive.�

After visiting The Woolmark Resource Centre in Hong Kong, Brent Flood, Stud Manager at Banavie Merino Stud in Victoria said, “as an Australian Merino industry we only make up 0.3 per cent of the global textile market, which throws up some challenges but also opportunities for Woolmark’s marketing and Woolmark is certainly offering solutions to those challenges. “I can’t come away happier knowing that Woolmark are marketing our fibre.�

Encouraging the next generation within the wool industry is critical for its ongoing development.

AWI engages with young people through educational and career initiatives such as Breeding Leadership, the National Merino Challenge, Hay Inc, the AWI Graduate Program and sheep classing workshops.

The 2018 participants were: Nicholas Weeding, Ross, TAS; Felicity Brumpton, Roma, QLD; Alexander Lewis, Bendigo, VIC; Jackie Chapman, Delegate, NSW; Andrew Rintoul, Williams, WA; Bea Litchfield, Cooma, NSW;

Thomas Perkins, Diranbandi, QLD; Amy MacIntosh, Longreach, QLD; William MacAlpine, Brewarrina, NSW; Edith Gregory, Jerilderie, NSW; Brent Flood, Ballarat, VIC; Floyd Legge, Cudal, NSW.

Pictured: the young woolgrower delegation to China, hosted by AWI’s Wendie Ridgley and Stuart Hodgson.

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10

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Autumn 2018

ATO clarifies position on FBT claims by current employees during an FBT year is limited to work-related travel, and other private use that is “minor, infrequent and irregular”.

However, feedback from the industry on the uncertainty around “minor, infrequent and irregular” use has seen the tax office release practical guidance on certain conditions that aims to reduce compliance costs and provide certainty for practitioners.

According to the guidance, employers do not have to keep records about their employee’s use of the vehicle if the travel between their home and their place of work and any diversion adds no more than two kilometres to the ordinary length of that trip; no more than 750 kilometres PLUS SALES OF in total for each FBT year - All steel, alloy, stainless in sheet, plate & for multiple journeys taken tubula incl. cut to length & off cuts. for a wholly private purpose; - High tensile bolts & fasteners.

- General engineering supplies. and no single, return journey - Welding consumables. for a wholly private purpose - Trailer, tray and toolbox components. exceeds 200 kilometres.

Steel farming supplies While still under Strainers, stays, star pickets, hinge / latch kits, development, the ATO has sheep / cattle yard panels plus much more. confirmed the final guidance Pre-Fab sheds & carports.

Supply only or fully erected with concrete slabs included. (Meets all council requirements)

Accountants and tax agents have welcomed the Tax Office’s clarification on its attempt to crack down on a popular fringe benefits tax deduction.

The ATO’s draft guidance clarifying “minor, infrequent and irregular” private travel for work vehicle exemptions for fringe benefits tax has been welcomed

by practitioners as FBT lodgement nears.

It comes after a Brisbane-based tax partner warned that the use of company vehicles would be heavily scrutinised in the forthcoming tax season.

According to the ATO, a fringe benefit is an exempt benefit where the private use of eligible vehicles

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will be published this month and will apply to car and residual benefits provided in the 2018 FBT year and later years.

Nexia senior taxation consultant Dean Birch told My Business’ sister publication Accountants Daily that the new guidance would make it easier to determine if exemptions would apply for eligible vehicles as opposed to previous recordkeeping intensive treatments.

“If it’s a work vehicle, like a ute or panel van that you use predominantly for work and there’s a limitation on private use, they’ve proposed a concession on certain things that you can do,” he said.

“Before, if you made a detour — say, dropping your kids at school, or if you went to a newsagent to pick up the paper, or doing something private, that would knock you out because there’s some private use there but now they are saying you can do that if it’s not more than a two-kilometre detour.

“This is more of a safe harbour that they are proposing to put in there but again it is only a safe harbour, it doesn’t mean that you

FARM won’t get the exemption if you’re outside of these rules, it just means you have to self-assess as you normally would do.”

Speaking on Tax and Super Australia’s podcast, A&A Tax Legal Consulting assistant manager Simon Dorevitch said the guidance has provided much needed clarity on an issue that has tripped up tax practitioners in recent times.

“There hasn’t been a whole lot of guidance on what is minor and infrequent and irregular so people have been unsure whether or not they can apply this exemption,” said Mr Dorevitch.

“I imagine there are many people who are taking a conservative approach.

“The guidance has introduced some safe harbour amounts where the ATO says if the other private use is below these amounts then we’ll accept that private use does meet the definition of minor and infrequent and irregular.

“It’s probably quite easy to go over those amounts but at least people know where they stand now.”

Changes for private Native Forestry Local Land Services (LLS) will be responsible for managing approvals and providing advice to landholders on private native forestry opportunities from late April, Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole said today.

“The NSW Government is committed to enhancing LLS as a one-stop shop for a range of essential services for those on the land,” Mr Toole said.

“With offices and staff across the State, LLS is well-placed to be the place for advice and approvals when it comes to native forestry on private land.”

From April 30, landholders wishing to undertake native forestry operations will need to obtain permits through LLS rather than the NSW Environment Protection Authority, which will maintain responsibility for compliance and

enforcement.

“Private native forestry makes a substantial contribution to the supply mix for the NSW native timber sector and plays an important role in our vision for the NSW forestry industry,” Mr Toole said.

On the North Coast, timber from private native forests accounts for almost half of the overall supply of native timber to the industry, and supports around 100 harvesting and haulage businesses.

“Private native forestry is a sustainable land management practice that provides landholders with an ongoing revenue stream and supports timber milling jobs,” Mr Toole said.

LLS will review the Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice later in 2018 to ensure they continue to support a sustainable and productive industry.

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11

Autumn 2018

Soil Carbon on the Monaro

Stuart Burge, Independent Consulting Agronomist There is a lot of talk about soil carbon in Australian agriculture and throughout the wider community.

For most people, the concept of soil carbon is somewhat foreign, with carbon being “just another plant nutrient...?”

Of course, this is not the case because, unlike phosphorus or nitrogen, you cannot go out and purchase a packet or bag of carbon.

It is far easier to come to terms with the critical importance of soil carbon if we think about soil organic matter, rather than soil carbon.

All of us understand the importance of organic matter in the soil because of the focus on compost in our gardens and vegetable patches.

Soil carbon is of major importance to farmers because of its key role in overall soil fertility and agricultural production.

Typical soil carbon levels in Australian soils are in the range of 0.84.0 percent.

Across Australia, 75 percent of cropping soils have an organic carbon level below 1.75 percent.

This helps to put our levels here on the Monaro into perspective.

Some time ago I randomly selected 45 soil tests from a range of representative

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soil types across the Monaro, from Cooma to Delegate.

The results showed that the majority of soils on the Monaro have moderate to high levels of organic carbon or organic matter.

This can largely be related to soil type with the basalt soils being long recognised as having high organic matter.

There is a clear and predictable relationship between soil texture and the level of organic carbon, with the sandy loams and lighter loams being consistently low due to their lower clay content and inability to hold and retain nutrients.

These are the coarse granite soils predominantly around Berridale and Dalgety, as well as the Tombong area in proximity to the Snowy River.

Most granite soils in the southern, eastern and western edges of the Monaro; Bombala, Delegate, Jerangle, Countegany, Kybeyan, Jindabyne and Adaminaby tend to be heavier loams and have moderate levels of organic carbon (less than two percent), compared to the lighter coarse granites around Berridale and Dalgety.

The basalt soils understandably have consistently high to very high levels of organic carbon (above

three percent).

So, is it possible to build soil organic carbon?

Such a discussion is difficult because there are several factions of organic carbon and while it is possible to measure total carbon, assessing individual components is more challenging.

While it is physically impossible to change your soil texture (that is, the relative proportion of sand, silt and clay), you can attempt to at least modify the amount of organic matter in the soil.

Soil carbon (organic matter) plays a similar role to clay, in terms of being able to hold or retain nutrients and moisture.

This is especially important on lighter textured sandy soils of low clay content.

In a home garden situation this is achieved through the use of compost.

But what about broad acre farming?

Modelling by CSIRO on a Yass soil with an organic carbon level of two percent suggests that to increase the organic carbon content from two to four percent over a 10-year period, you would need to produce 25 t/ha of pasture dry matter per year.

Alternatively, this could be achieved by producing 10 t/ha/year over 200 years.

To put this into perspective, annual pasture dry matter production on the Monaro varies in the range from two to eight t/ha per year.

It would appear, therefore that the chances of significantly increasing the total levels of organic carbon are limited in this environment although some slight improvements are possible.

Fortunately, most of our soils on the Monaro have relatively high levels of organic carbon.

While acknowledging this, one aspect of farm management which Monaro landholders should focus upon is the maintenance of litter on the soil surface.

Build-up of litter is effectively contributing in the medium to long term to increasing the “plant residue”

component of organic carbon (decaying organic matter above 2mm in size) as well as the “particulate organic carbon” (individual pieces of plant debris <2mm but >0.053mm).

This has real benefits in terms of

improvements in soil structure and soil biology which are of critical importance to the overall health of the soil.

This includes such things as water infiltration; nutrient recycling; moisture retention; and

mineralisation of the residues of organic matter into nutrients that the plant can absorb.

For more information about soil carbon levels, contact Stuart Burge, 0438 533 322.

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Autumn 2018

FARM

Anglers to provide direction for NSW Trout Strategy

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is calling on NSW anglers to help guide the future of the state’s recreational trout fishery through a series of workshops.

The workshops, which will be held across NSW in Armidale, Bathurst and Jindabyne, are seeking community input on a range of issues affecting the recreational trout fishery to form the first NSW Trout Strategy.

DPI Senior Fisheries Manager Cameron Westaway said the trout fishery in NSW provides a range of important social, economic and historic values and benefits for regional communities.

“Like many trout fisheries around the world, NSW faces challenges such as environmental and climate change, pest species, access restrictions, habitat degradation and more,” Mr Westaway said.

“To address some of these challenges, DPI is

developing a strategy to futureproof the recreational trout fishery. It will recognise the wide range of issues and opportunities affecting the industry and develop strategic action provided by community engagement.”

Mr Westaway said each workshop will include a local perspective from accomplished fishers, from Reel Action’s Michael Guest in Armidale, The Aussie Fly Fisher’s Josh Hutchins in Bathurst and the The Fly Program’s Matt Tripet in Jindabyne.

“Other presenters will include DPI fisheries researchers, conservation managers and fisheries managers. The workshops will include breakout and question sessions to allow the public to discuss ideas about the fishery going forward,” he said.

“We encourage anyone with an interest in the future of recreational trout fishery in NSW to join us at a workshop near you.”

Workshops will be held in mid-May, from 3:45pm to 8:00pm, at the following locations: • 15 May 2018, Armidale Bowling Club (92-96 Dumaresq Street, Armidale) • 16 May 2018, Panthers Bathurst (132 Piper Street, Bathurst) • 17 May 2018, Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains, Jindabyne (10 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne).

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13

Autumn 2018

BOM climate outlook forecasts warm, wet spring On March 29, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) released climate outlooks for April to June, forecasting a warmer and wetter than average quarter for southeast Australia.

The April to June outlook shows part of the tropical north, eastern Victoria, Tasmania and southeast NSW are likely to be wetter than average. Elsewhere, the chances of a wetter or drier season are roughly equal.

According to the climate outlook, the

Monaro region has a 75 percent chance of receiving between 50mm and 100mm of rainfall between April and June. There is a 50 percent chance of recieving up to 200mm and a 25 percent chance of more than 200mm.

Past accuracy for April to June rainfall is moderate to high over most of Australia and between 65 and 75 percent accurate for the Monaro.

Days and nights are likely to be warmer than average for parts of southeast Australia.

The Monaro has a 50 percent chance of exceeding median maximum temperatures between April and June. Between 1981 and 2010, median maximum temperatures for the Monaro were between nine and 18 degrees Celcius.

Past accuracy for April to June temperature outlooks for the Monaro region are between

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65 and 75 percent consistent.

The BoM climate outlook stated that the La NiĂąa in the tropical Pacific Ocean has ended and ENSO neutral conditions now prevail.

The Indian Ocean is also likely to have neutral conditions for most of the next three months, so there is no strong push towards broad scale wetter or drier conditions for much of the country.

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Your

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This seminar will provide excellent insights for international visitors around the advantages, opportunities and key considerations for Australian beef supply chain investment. Speakers include Tim McGavin – CEO of Laguna Bay and Jock Whittle – CEO of Paraway Pastoral.

Tim McGavin is co-founder and CEO of Laguna Bay, an agricultural fund established in 2010 that now has $700M of committed and managed funds in Australian agriculture. Tim has led some of the largest and most successful agricultural transactions in Australia in recent years, and has investments

in permanent crops, row cropping and livestock across Australia. Tim was raised on a sheep and cattle station in western Queensland that he and his brother still own. He worked in a stock camp in the Kimberley, had an aerial mustering business in western Queensland and has a Diploma of Agribusiness from Marcus Oldham Farm College and an MBA from Macquarie University in Sydney.

Jock Whittle is CEO of Macquarie pastoral fund owned Paraway Pastoral, one of the largest pastoral land owner/operators in Australia, and is responsible for the development and execution of operational strategy. Jock was appointed as CEO in January 2012 and has worked at Paraway Pastoral since January 2008 primarily as head of operations.

Jock’s prior experience includes leading a team providing financial services to farming and post farm gate businesses for National Australia Bank’s Agricultural business. He was also commercial manager for Clyde Agriculture, a subsidiary of the Swire Group, which previously owned and operated approximately $500 million of agricultural assets including 250,000 sheep and 25,000 cattle in New South Wales and Queensland. Jock had specific responsibilities for livestock and cropping systems across 17 properties and whole farm performance as well as allocation of capital to new projects or acquisitions.

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Autumn 2018

Hugh Cooke appointed as new RDA Southern Inland Chair

The Federal Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh, has announced the appointment of Mr Hugh Cooke of Yass as the new Chairman of Regional Development Australia Southern Inland (RDASI).

Dr McVeigh said Mr Cooke would bring valuable experience and knowledge to the role.

“I welcome the appointment of Mr Hugh Cooke as Chair of RDA Southern Inland. Mr Cooke brings with him over 29 years of experience from both the public and private sectors. Mr Cooke’s Agribusiness expertise coupled with his knowledge in the financial and governance areas makes him the perfect candidate to lead RDA Southern Inland” Dr McVeigh said.

“RDAs are key contributors to regional economic development. RDA committees are highly valued facilitators of initiatives that grow local economies, promote opportunities and attract investment; this in turn provides confidence to regional areas.”

Hugh Cooke is a Director with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources having previously worked as a Director and CFO of Wheat Exports Australia. These positions involved communication with Agricultural businesses and producers all over Australia. Mr Cooke has productive experience with property development and the hospitality industry.

Mr Cooke holds a Bachelor of Economics from Sydney University and a Diploma in Financial Services and has had extensive experience in agricultural finance providing advice to cropping and grazing corporates throughout eastern Australia. He is a qualified accountant having trained at Pricewaterhouse and is a member and graduate of the Institute of Directors.

Mr Cooke was born in Temora and now lives at Yass running a cattle, sheep and wool production operation.

He has a passion for rural communities and experience with local councils. Mr Cooke is looking forward to this opportunity

to make a significant contribution to building stronger and offer Australia and the growing Asian market.”

RDASI’s role is to promote economic development in the more prosperous rural and regional businesses.

“It’s a great honour to have been selected to lead such region by attracting investment, supporting local businesses an important group to our region’s economic future,” said to grow and develop, linking businesses and community Mr Cooke, “I’m really looking forward to the challenge and organisations with government grants and programs, creating moving forward under the new charter focussing on growing jobs and encouraging prosperity for the region. strong and confident regional economies.”

Pictured: Mareeca Flannery, CEO and Director of Regional Mr Cooke advised his goal is to ensure all the Southern Development and Hugh Cooke, RDASI Chair.

Inland local government areas take advantage of their competitive advantages and drive economic growth within those areas.

Mr Cooke takes over from Councillor Mark Schweikert of Bungendore who has served for over three years as RDASI’s Chairman.

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He continued to ensure Board members travel the region to meet business owners and members of local government to understand the real issues at hand. As an extension of that policy, RDASI currently has three Board members and its CEO touring China to explore opportunities and FOR ALL YOUR STEEL & FARM SUPPLIES connections for Southern Inland producers.

Mr Cooke praised Cr Schweikert for his dedication and leadership over the three years and putting RDASI into a position where it’s now well known in the region and ready for the next chapter of its future.

Cr Schweikert said “I wish the new Chairman every success and hope he finds this role as interesting, illuminating and 79 Polo Flat Rd, Cooma 2630 F. 02 6452 4953 E. burchall@westnet.com.au rewarding as I have. This region has a lot to

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Your

Autumn 2018

Hazeldean bulls are excellent doers Hazeldean Angus stud will offer 60 high performance bulls at their annual Autumn Bull Sale on May 3.

“We have an outstanding line up of young bulls coming forward this May and look forward to welcoming you,” says Hazeldean principal Jim Litchfield “Although the season is against us right now, the cattle market remains positive and profitability in agriculture overall remains the best it has been in a very long time.”

Hazeldean continues to emphasize in their breeding program those traits that matter most to Angus breeders.

“In seasons like the one we are currently experiencing the trait of doability, or doing ability, obviously takes prominence,” says Jim. “It has been long recognised that doing ability is of vital importance to cattle breeding and it has become fashionable for breeders to use fat measurement EBV’s as a proxy for selecting bulls and females that are good doers. Research at Struan Agricultural Research station in South Australia certainly seemed to confirm this when they compared high fat EBV females with low fat EBV females and found a positive correlation between fat and reproduction.”

“However, we remain unconvinced there are not other factors at play in the whole subject of doing ability in cattle. With some bulls we have used we have seen a very poor correlation between doing ability and fat EBVs. One of the worst sires we have used in recent years, where we seem to regularly note daughters with low body

condition, is +3.2 and +2.5 respectively for rib fat and rump fat which puts him in the top 1% of the breed with an accuracy of 89%.

Conversely, we have noted other bulls with relatively modest fat EBVs that produce very good doing progeny.”

“Is there a difference between animals that can put on a lot of fat when high quality feed is plentiful and those that can hold fat when

things turn tight and feed quality declines?

We are not sure but feel there needs to be more research done in this critically important area.”

Featuring in the sale are sons of Hazeldean Jaipur J140. These young bulls display these traits of low birth high growth, great carcase, and great temperament. He has near perfect structure, with excellent feet and is the

FARM

perfect heifer bull. Jaipur is producing some outstanding calves for us.

Other sires featuring are: Bowmont Jackpot, Plattemerre Weighup, Basin Payweight, Sydgen Black Pearl and other high performing Hazeldean sires. We extend an open welcome to everyone to attend our autumn sale on May 3.

Hazeldean Jaipur J140 – 11 sons sell on May 3rd.

Your

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17

Autumn 2018

Future of agriculture in safe hands

Shannon Payten-McDonald was named Snowy Monaroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Young Woman of the Year and is part of the National Rural Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coalition RRR Leadership program for 2018.

Outstanding results at the Sydney Royal Easter Show have highlighted the calibre of young people we have involved in the agricultural industry on the Monaro. Young people with a passion for innovation, education, equal opportunities and bringing growth to our region are making their mark not only within our communities, but on a state and nation-wide level.

There must be something in the water at Nimmitabel, for the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next generation are proving to be a force to be reckoned with.

Tim Green was named the Royal Agricultural Society NSW Rural Ambassador at Sydney Royal Easter Show and will go on to represent NSW at the national competition in 2019. Tim is currently studying honours at Charles Sturt University in Wagga and working as a technical officer in cereal pathology with the Department of Primary Industries.

Also making waves at the Sydney Royal for Nimmitabel was Sarah Blyton, who was named Reserve Champion in the Merino Fleece Young Judges Competition. Coomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Miranda McGufficke made up more local numbers in the competition, coming in fourth.

The Blytons come from a long line of Merino breeders and the youngest generation certainly have no trouble picking a quality Merino fleece. At last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show, Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother, Jerod won the Young Judges competition and went on to compete at nationals. Not to be outdone by her older siblings, Emily Blyton made her mark by topping the state in Primary Industries in the

Tim Green is the NSW RAS Rural Ambassador for 2018.

2017 HSC and is currently doing a traineeship at Boyce before moving to Wagga to start a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University. From there, Emily hopes to transfer into agronomy.

Having already completed his studies and continued through the Landmark graduate program, Andoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hugh Platts has returned home to work as an agronomist with Landmark Bombala.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local showgirls were Kristen Whiting from Cooma and Annette Fitzgerald from Nimmitabel. Both girls went on to the Zone 3 finals at Bungendore and join the long history of local showgirls who have gone on to achieve great things for our region.

Shannon Payten-McDonald is a great example of this. As the 2017 Nimmitabel Showgirl, Shannon expressed her passion for bringing equal opportunities in tertiary education to rural and regional areas. In her role as coordinator for the Country Universities Centre (CUC), Shannon has played an important part in expanding the CUC to Goulburn, Broken Hill and Young, based on the original Cooma model. She was named Snowy Monaro

Miranda McGufficke (far left) and Sarah Blyton (third from right) in the Merino Fleece Young Judges Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Regional Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 Young Woman of the Year and has recently been accepted into the 2018 e-Leader Rural, Remote and Regional Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leadership program. The program is an initiative of the National Rural Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Coalition and offers 25 places nation-wide for women to improve their leadership and advocacy skills and use these skills to develop a program within their community.

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Emily Blyton topped the state in HSC Primary Industries.

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Your Autumn 2018 18 FARM Farm workforce survey reveals the impact of agriculture’s labour shortfall $37 million in conservation funding for landholders

A national survey has revealed the extent of the challenges agriculture faces when it comes to attracting the people power needed to drive productivity.

The 2018 Farm Workforce Survey was carried out by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF). A key finding was the gravity of the sector’s workforce shortage.

“Most farmers surveyed reported a significant shortfall of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers during both peak and non-peak seasons, and substantial financial and productivity losses as a result of these shortfalls,” NFF Workplace Relations and Legal Affairs Manager Ben Rogers said.

“The results also showed that the workforce needs of farmers can surge by as much as 500 percent during peak periods.”

Almost 90 percent of the respondents said their workforce was made up of permanent Australian residents. A little over 10 percent of farm labour

was reported to be provided by migrant workers, such as ‘backpackers’ and participants of the seasonal worker programs.

Mr Rogers said two thirds of farmers ranked labour concerns as amongst the top three challenges they expected to face in coming years.

“Most farmers reported the shortfall in labour supply, employment costs, and red tape were their most significant labour concerns.

“Perhaps in reflection of the difficulty in attracting suitable workers, almost 70 percent of respondents reported paying above award wages,” Mr Rogers said.

He said farm workforce problems were most often associated with horticulture but the survey demonstrated labour challenges were industry-wide.

“Dairy farmers; pig, beef and sheep producers; and grain growers all confirmed that a shortfall in labour was one of the primary concerns for the year ahead.”

Agriculture is a powerhouse of the Australian economy – contributing on average $60 billion to the nation’s bottom-line each year.

Agriculture is also a significant national employer.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data indicates that the sector created 217,000 full time and 88,000 part time jobs in 2017.

Mr Rogers said the NFF was supported by the Federal Agriculture & Water Resources Minister Hon David Littleproud MP, in its vision for the sector to achieve $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030.

“NFF’s Workforce Survey highlights what needs to be done to provide farmers with the ‘people power’ necessary to drive increases in productivity and deliver on this 2030 vision.

“We will continue to analyse the results of this important survey and discuss the work that needs to be done to overcome the sector’s workforce challenges.”

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) welcomes input from the public on two new regulatory proposals aimed at better managing the biosecurity risks posed by cane toads and new pest animal incursions.

DPI Deputy Director General Biosecurity and Food Safety, Bruce Christie, said recent incursions of non-native pest animal species in NSW, including Asian black-spined toads, hedgehogs, snakes and turtles required prompt management action.

“These non-native animal species have the potential to seriously impact on our environment and can introduce exotic diseases, which could impact on our economy, environment and way of life,” Mr

Christie said.

“We want to ensure that reporting of high-risk exotic animals is made as early as possible so biosecurity risks of new pest animal incursions from intentional trafficking, stowaways, or other means, can be managed efficiently and effectively.”

Discussion papers for public comment on the proposals are available from NSW DPI. The cane toad discussion paper proposes a biosecurity zone, which will help prevent the spread and establishment of cane toads beyond their current distribution.

The proposed cane toad biosecurity zone would include all NSW local government areas, except those that cane toads already infest - Tweed, Byron, Lismore and Ballina LGAs and

eastern parts of Richmond Valley, Kyogle and Clarence Valley LGAs. Proposed regulatory measures which would apply within the biosecurity zone include requirements for landholders to notify authorities of the presence of cane toads, to destroy cane toads on their land and prohibiting people moving, keeping or releasing cane toads.

Current legislation requires that anyone who comes in contact with or otherwise deals with cane toads to ensure biosecurity risks are prevented, eliminated or minimised across NSW. A second discussion paper outlines a proposal to further improve the way NSW manages new pest animal incursions.

Submissions on the discussion papers close Friday 27 April 2018.

Community consultation to reduce risk of introduced species in NSW

The NSW Government has committed $37 million for the opening programs from the new NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton announced 2 March.

“The not-for-profit BCT has offered $37 million in its first round of programs for 2018,” Ms Upton said. “This will deliver major benefits to the environment and support landholders to carry out important conservation management on their properties.”

The NSW Government made an unprecedented investment of $240 million over five years, and $70 million per year ongoing, in private land conservation as part of the land management and biodiversity conservation reforms.

BCT Chairperson Robert Hill AC said the flexible program strategy was key to achieving the BCT’s goals and to meet the targets in the Biodiversity Conservation Investment strategy.

“In the coming two months we will call for up to $16 million in tenders from interested landholders to participate in the Conservation Management Program,” Mr Hill said.

“We will also invite tenders for up to $2 million to protect priority koala habitat, and we have allocated $2 million for fixed rate offers for conservation agreements in high priority investment areas and $2 million for Conservation Partners Grants.”

The BCT has also committed $15 million to its Revolving Fund to purchase high conservation value properties to be resold to landholders committed to NSW’s long tradition of private land conservation.

“The importance of private landholders being supported to conserve and manage biodiversity on their land is being recognised in Australia and internationally.

“This is a major step forward for biodiversity conservation in NSW. I am thrilled the new BCT is open for business,” Ms Upton said.

The BCT has today released its Business Plan and has committed to offering a further $60 million to programs in 2018–19. The Office of Environment and Heritage has released the Biodiversity Conservation Investment Strategy, which guides the BCT’s investment.

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Autumn 2018

FARM MFS Field Day focused on season ahead

Monaro Farming Systems held their Autumn Field Day at the Nimmitabel Community Centre on Friday 6 April.

Doug Alcock kicked off the presentations with a comprehensive seasonal outlook for the next three months in terms of soil moisture, pasture growth and stock performance.

Looking

back at the season since 1 December 2017, the sites at Delegate and Bungarby have seen minimal rainfall. Delegate had 44mm over the last 10 weeks and Bungarby was marginally better with 46mm over the last eight weeks.

Temperatures have been slightly above average and enough to affect

evaporation rates, but not extreme.

Seasonal projections (2 April to 31 August 2018) based on the latest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) data, show a more positive outlook in terms of rainfall, but accuracy for this time of year is lower than other seasons. The outlook for the remainder

of April is not so positive, with a 50/50 chance of exceeding median rainfall (25-50mm) and 50 percent past accuracy.

Median rainfall for Bungarby for the three-month period is 104mm and 125mm for Delegate. For April, Bungarbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s median rainfall is 27mm and Delegate 37mm.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Accuracy levels are low at this time of year, so take the BOM projections with a grain of salt,â&#x20AC;? Doug said.

Slightly warmer temperatures are expected for the threemonth period.

Poor levels of green herbage may sway graziers to destock, but

Doug said destocking makes minimal difference in terms of ewe condition scores. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got one or ten, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all going downhill if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no feed,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Destocking may make a small difference to ground cover if there is still some green pick to

start with.

The outlook is worst for the south-west area of the Monaro and Doug said it would be more economic to feed (30-80kg gain per breeding ewe) in the current circumstances, assuming next year reaches median rainfall.

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Bushfire Research Hub The NSW Government has provided $4 million and launched a new Bushfire Risk Management Research Hub, Minister for the Environment Gabrielle Upton and Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant announced 28 February.

The Hub is part of a five-year research partnership between the University of Wollongong (UoW) and the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Bushfire Risk Management Research Hub will provide the NSW-centred scientific research we need to ensure the safety of our communities, property and the environment,â&#x20AC;? Ms Upton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hub will host a team of world-class experts who will work with the communities most vulnerable to bushfires.â&#x20AC;?

Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant welcomed the partnership and the Hubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specialised focus on NSW bushfires. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each year bushfires pose significant risks to lives and property across our state. This Hub brings together academic expertise and practical knowledge from our firefighters to develop ways we

can mitigate bushfires in the future,â&#x20AC;? Mr Grant said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What works for one area may not work for another, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great that this research will look at local solutions across the state,â&#x20AC;? Mr Grant said.

Led by Professor Ross Bradstock, experts from the UoW, Western Sydney University, the University of NSW and the University of Tasmania will work together with OEH, the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Environment Protection Authority to deliver research to reduce bushfire risk to urban, rural and indigenous communities.

Some of the key research focuses are: - impacts and management of hazard reduction burns - drivers of bushfire frequency and severity - impacts on air quality - impacts on the environment and endangered plants and animals.

The Hub will be located in the Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires at UoW.

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Your

Autumn 2018

FARM

Farmers urged to provide feedback on ACCC’s proposed quad bike regulations Farmers have until May 4 to have their say on proposed changes to quad bike safety regulation.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released a consultation paper outlining a number of different regulatory options to improve the safety of quad bike operation.

Options include some or all of the following elements: applying a mandatory safety standard to quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles (SSVs) – akin to a ‘safety star’ rating; additional warnings on vehicles highlighting rider risks; the requirement to fit operator protection devices and mandatory performance tests for mechanical suspension, stability and dynamic handling.

The ACCC believes the adoption of all recommendations in the consultation paper, is likely to prevent the most deaths and injuries from quad bike incidents.

NFF President Fiona Simson said quad bikes remained the leading cause of death on Australian farms and welcomed the ACCC’s commitment to improving this.

“Quad bikes are a staple piece of equipment for most farming operations.

“But, as we’ve seen, time and time again, if not operated correctly and in line with operation and safety guidelines, tragedy can result.

“Since January 1, 2011, 114 people have died in quad bike-related incidents.

“Too often we’re seeing children riding quad bikes

as passengers and inappropriate loads being carried – which place quad bikes at great risk of roll-over.”

Ms Simson said the NFF believed rider education, regulation and manufacturer changes were the keys to saving lives from quad bike incidents.

“For some time, the NFF has advocated for a star safety rating system to be applied to quad bikes, so farmers and other consumers can make informed buying decisions.

“So far, there has been little enthusiasm from manufacturers.

It’s pleasing to see the ACCC view such an approach as having merit.”

The ACCC’s regulations cannot extend to operator behavior such as the imposition of a

Bush fire danger period wraps up April 1 marked the end of the official Bush Fire Danger Period in NSW. NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said it has been a particularly busy season, with firefighters from all agencies responding to more than 13,000 bush and grass fires since 1 July.

Coming out of one of the driest winters on record, firefighters prepared themselves for a long and challenging season, Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“By October we had already seen properties threatened in the lower and mid north coast, Singleton and Nowra areas.

“Conditions eased in November and early December before fire activity picked up once again around Christmas and early January, with firefighters protecting homes near Mulgoa and Williamtown,” “Significant lightning activity across January saw firefighters deal with more than 500 new fires, many in remote areas including the Wollemi National Park, Putty State Forest and Tamworth areas.

“These fires saw a tremendous combined response from all agencies across the state.

Only two weeks ago crews responded to the most damaging and destructive fire of the season on the far south coast near Tathra.

“While more than 1,390 hectares burnt and 65 homes were tragically destroyed, firefighters managed to

save over 800 homes in the town.

“We must be mindful that despite the significant damaged and destruction in the fire, no lives were lost.”

“This is a testament to the community and to the work of firefighters from all agencies across the state.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons is also reminding people that despite the Bush Fire Period coming to an end, it is important to remain aware of conditions, “With many areas drier than they would normally be at this time of the year, and ongoing warm and windy days, it’s essential that everyone living or travelling in bush fire prone areas remain prepared.

“It’s important that you and your family know what you will do in the event a fire threatens.”

Due to localised weather conditions, three LGAs have extended the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period until 30 April 2018: › Snowy Valleys › Tamworth Regional › Mid Western Regional 2017/18 BFDP facts: › 13,030 bush/grass/scrub fires › 256,526 hectares burnt › 23 days of Total Fire Ban › 74 homes and 58 structures destroyed › 58 homes and 28 structures damaged

ban on children from operating adult quad bikes and SSVs and mandating the use of personal protection equipment, such as helmets, for operators and passengers of quad

bikes and SSVs. However the Commission has encouraged the consideration of such ‘complementary regulatory measures’ by other jurisdictions and

agencies.

Farmers are urged make a submission in response to the ACCC’s the proposed options to improve the safety of quad bikes by Friday May 4.

Find out more here w w w. a c c c . g o v. a u / m e d i a - re l e a s e / a c c c moves-to-improve-quadbike-safety

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