Your Farm Magazine

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Spring/Summer 2013

Proudly brought to you by The Monaro Post your local independent paper of the Monaro

Pictured, MMA president Simon King and his three sons, who feature in our heritage farming article on page 6. Photo by Kris King.

Welcome to the October 2013 edition of Your Farm magazine, proudly brought to you by Monaro Media Group P/L. In this edition you will find a preview of the annual Merino ram sales in November, an insight into rural traineeships and the first articles in a series on the Monaro’s farming heritage.

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Cecil Brown Award offers great opportunities

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Nominations are now open for the Cecil Brown Memorial Scholarship and Exchange program for 2014. The scholarship provides the opportunity for Monaro’s younger generation to broaden their knowledge, experience and career prospects in agriculture. The Cecil Brown Memorial Trust offers educational grants for agricultural study scholarships and an exchange program between New Zealand and the Monaro. The recipients of the 2013 Cecil Brown educational grants were Zoe Lynch and Hugh Platts. This year’s exchange program winner, 27-year-old John Murdoch returned from New Zealand in May this year. John describes his experience as being “absolutely amazing�. “The hospitality and warmth shown to me by the entire Otago Merino Association was far beyond expectation! In addition the opportunity to visit the Merino enterprises as part of the tour and to be able to meet with the New Zealand Merino Company gave me unrivalled insight into large scale Merino production through to marketing and sale,� he said. John spent his two weeks visiting many different largescale farms, in different areas of New Zealand. He said techniques there were very different, but there were some ideas he would like to incorporate into his farming practices. “The half-day visit, which commenced the trip, to the New Zealand Merino Company (NZMC) in Christchurch was one of the highlights of the tour, having access to the CEO John Brackenridge and the staff within the genetic research, selling and marketing areas was unique. I could only dream of having such an opportunity with the AWI. NZMC see the future of Merino wool in New Zealand as the 18.5-21 micron bracket, facilitating direct producer contract selling directly to clothing producers such as Ice Breaker. Amazingly, 80% of the New Zealand clip sold through NZMC is sold under contract, and generally at a premium to the market price. NZMC, currently can’t meet the demand for 18.521 Micron wool contracts

and interestingly is trying to source wool from Australia to meet shortfalls. “Through this contract selling system, a market premium has been achieved for un-mueseled wool, at my time of travel producers could achieve a $3NZ per kilo premium. This was motivating a number of producers to cease muesling, and interestingly producers who had ceased muesling said there was no real additional management burden; conversely those who had not ceased stated that it would be not possible for them to stop. “After departing NZMC I commenced my farm visits, starting in the Tekapo area on Grays Hill Station (Poll Merino Stud). I couldn’t get over the geography and barrenness of the land that the majority of Merino enterprises operate, the steepness and dryness make the Monaro look like an oasis. Nor could I get over the labor units invested in some of these operations, Grays Hill, which operates on 20,000 acres with 8,000 breeding ewes had 5 Full Time Labour units, and a cook, AND a full time horse groom. “Irrigation was the must have item on a lot of places I visited, converting 0.5 DSE/HA land to 15 DSE/HA, however the major driver for this investment was the ever increasing dairy industry. Most producers I visited were justifying irrigation expenditure by the ability to take winter dairy grazing agistment. The only farm I visited that had not committed to center pivot irrigation, was Richard ‘Gundie’ Anderson of Bog Roy Station, who was increasing farm production through establishment of Lucerne based pastures and rotational higher density grazing. “The farms that I visited were all major in scale ranging from 6000 – 18,000 breeding ewes, and surprising to me was the diversity of sheep, the typical ewe production was around 80-90% lambing production, from ewes cutting between 5-5.5kg at 18-20 micron. I was most impressed with the sheep at Armadale Merino Stud, operated by the Paterson family. Located west of Alexandria their land was probably more sound then some of the more Northern

James Litchfield with the 2013 Cecil Brown awardees, John Murdoch and Hugh Platts. country I visited, however they had dramatically more productive sheep in my opinion, cutting around 5.5kg – 6kg from their ewes, and lambing at around 100-110% annually. They achieved this through sourcing diverse genetics from Australia and New Zealand. “The movement towards tools such as ASBV’s and genome mapping is not as widespread as it is in Australia, with many stud producers not believing they would create a big enough benefit to justify the additional work. However, the producers that had implemented breeding values, where very committed to their ongoing use and felt that they would become increasingly prevalent, as ram purchasers demanded them. The NZMC and the stud breeders association have committed to use the ASBV data base as their indexing tool, as Australian sires are very prevalent in Australia.� John said he would encourage any young farmer to nominate for the Cecil Brown Award. “This trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, and I feel very privileged to have been able to take part. It was a wonderful learning experience, with something to be gained

on every property visited. The people were amazingly open to what they were trying to achieve in their operations, and were all amazing ambassadors to the New Zealand Merino industry,� he said. The Cecil Brown Memorial scholarship program was established in 1996 in honour of Cecil Brown, a renowned Monaro sheep man who worked at Hazeldean all his working life. The scholarships are offered in conjunction with the Monaro Merino Association and are open to all young people on the Monaro aged 20 to 35, who are involved in agriculture, to broaden their knowledge, experience and career prospects through the educational grant or exchange program. New Zealanders also stay on Monaro properties as part of the exchange program. Anyone with a commitment and passion for agriculture aged between 15 and 35 is encouraged to apply for the educational grant and those aged between 18 to 35 for the New Zealand exchange. Those wishing to apply or know someone who may benefit from the scholarship, can contact Sam Green for an application form on 64526326 (work) or 0428 961 931 or email him at sam@glw.net.au

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On the job training for rural youth on the Monaro As a young person looking for a career in agriculture you probably couldn’t ask for a better first year job than spending it working on a variety of different successful farms. That’s exactly the job that is offered to young people on the Monaro. The Monaro Farming Systems Traineeship is a program that was set up at the beginning of 2012 to address the need to retain and attract local youth in the agricultural industry on the Monaro. Statistics show the number of farmers is declining and the number of people enrolling in agricultural courses at a tertiary level has also significantly reduced. The median age of farmers is going up to 53 years, compared with 39 years for all employed persons. MFS is hoping to address this issue of labour force age structure by continuing to support the MFS trainees. The traineeship enables young people thinking about a career in agriculture the opportunity to spend a year experiencing different farming enterprises and to be approached from MFS producer members. This year MFS had their first successful female applicant, Kristy Wassink, and another successful applicant, Alec Boyd from Sydney. The two trainees have spent their year working across eight main successful properties on the Monaro. They have also nearly completed a Certificate 4 in Agriculture delivered through Cooma TAFE as part of the traineeship. Kristy is a Cooma girl who attended Hurlstone Agricultural High School and has always seen herself having a career in agriculture. She said that she was

thrilled when she was accepted into the traineeship. “I heard about the traineeship from people who had worked with previous trainees and I also saw it advertised in the local papers. Agriculture is through my family so it’s really the only thing I can see myself doing,” she said. Her job varies greatly from day to day but mainly consists of fencing, cleaning troughs and woolsheds, drenching, feeding out and general duties as well as busy days of shearing and lamb marking. “I really enjoy the great variety of work and learning many different ways of doing the same task. It’s great to have a job doing something I enjoy. By working with such different people, I’ve been able to learn that there’s many different ways of doing a task to get to the same result and a result in which benefits that individual. “I would definitely recommend the traineeship to other young people wanting to get into agriculture. It’s a great way for young people to get into the industry, to get the practical experience that’s needed,” explained Kristy. It’s quite obvious that the traineeship has, if anything, enhanced Kristy’s passion for agriculture. In the future she hopes to continue with agriculture and ultimately be able to buy back the land that her grandfather owned and pioneered at Kybeyan. The traineeship will be offered again in 2014 and it is likely the program will move back towards a ‘formal traineeship’ which will include running the program through an ‘employment provider’ like AUSWIDE. Project Leader Craig Mitchell would like to thank all the trainers for the time and effort that they

MFS trainee, Kristy Wassink, and her workmate, Cooper. have put into the two trainees this year. “We realise that it is not always easy to have a young pup about, but MFS and I am sure the trainees appreciate your efforts. “MFS has decided to form a committee to organise the

trainee program for next year. This committee will manage the selection of trainees and specific details of their employment,” he said. Anyone interested in finding out more about the traineeship or about employing one of these

trainees in 2014 is asked to contact either Craig Mitchell, gaerloch@activ8.net.au, (02) 6453 3388 or 0429383 388 or Nancy Spoljaric – MFS Project Officer, nancy@msanda.com.au, 0438066322.

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Monaro Farm Heritage ‘Kia Ora’ – a brief history

Helena Sherlock ‘Kia Ora’ is a large property located 10 Kms North West of Cooma, it is currently owned by Mr. Ross Sherlock, his wife Liz and their daughter Helena and has been in the Sherlock family for the past 109 years. ‘Kia Ora’, partially situated on the

Lambie Street. As well as the 15 room homestead on ‘Kia Ora’, circa 1880. He died at the young age of 52 leaving behind a substantial amount of wealth. The property was then, for a short period, owned by Mrs Harriet Beard and in 1904 it re-entered the market. Some of its most notable selling points, as advertised in the Cooma Monaro Express of 1904, were that of a fully operational telephonic system and the fact that ‘Kia Ora’ is located a mere 5 Miles from the Cooma Railway Station. Thomas Sherlock arrived at this very station from Gunnedah in Northern NSW mid July 1904 with a flock of sheep, his wife and six children who were awed by the severity of the thick early morning fog and heavy frost. Thomas was a bookkeeper by trade and was initially shocked by the dramatic change in lifestyle however he acclimatised quickly and began to love his work while still displaying a passion for the academic side of life. The main focus on ‘Kia Ora’ was, from the very beginning, wool production as well as Monaro Mon naro beef cattle. As Thomas grew older e Tree e Native responsibility fell to Alan, his

Dairyman’s Plain, was initially part of the vast station known as ‘Coolringdon’ until it was sectioned off and acquired by Mr Joseph Hain. Mr Hain had a strong business drive and constructed many buildings including a large number of those that initially occupied

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eldest son, to take over the role of farm manager. When Thomas passed he left the property to his six children which meant that Alan had to undertake the arduous task of buying out his siblings over a period of time. He had a passion for farming and a strong affiliation with livestock. This had been illustrated when, as a teenager, he achieved the phenomenal feat of single-handedly droving a mob of 120 station horses from Gunnedah to a remote property in Central Queensland. When Alan was no longer able to manage the property his son, James (Jim), took over. He continued the tradition of breeding quality sheep and cattle. Jim also had a passion for horses and was rarely seen without one. His commitment and focus leading to the noteworthy event of the horse ‘Mirrabooka’, which had been bred on ‘Kia Ora’, winning a Gold Medal in the thre-day event in the 1960 Rome Olympics. Jim also had the initiative to expand the size of the property by purchasing another 500 acres of Dairymans Plain, owned by the Hain family, bringing the total size to 4,500 acres. In 2004 the Bureau of Meteorology awarded the current occupants of ‘Kia Ora’ for the achievement of being an official rainfall recording site for the past 100 years. The Sherlock’s have aspired to uphold the production of high quality wool and beef throughout the entirety of their time at ‘Kia Ora’ and it is hoped that this shall continue for some years to come.

Ross and Helena Sherlock at Kia-Ora, Cooma.

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Monaro Merino ram sales preparation - MMA president, Simon King Merino Breeders from the Monaro and across Australia will be spoilt for choice over the next month as Monaro Merino Association member studs hold their annual ram sales. The genetics offered by these studs have long held the deserved reputation of being amongst the most productive in the country. They have consistently proven themselves in the show ring, wether trials and on farm as being robust, hardy and productive. Studs from across the Monaro are consistently investing in the improvement of their genetics and producing animals that thrive in a wide range of

environments. The mild winter and favourable season will ensure that all the rams will present well for perspective buyers. Main Range Merino stud will kick off the sales on October 22, followed by a Ram Selection Day on October 26 at Hinesville/ West Plains Stud. “Merino Week� kicks off on Sunday November 10 with Open Days planned for Carleon Park and Cottage Park Merino Studs. Monday November 11 will see both Adina and Greenland Ram sales held and on Tuesday November 12 sales will be conducted for Avonside, Conrayn and Middle View. The week is

rounded out with sales at Cottage Park and Round Plain on the Wednesday followed by Hazeldean on Thursday. I encourage all merino breeders to put aside some time over the next month to visit a few or all of these sales. The versatility of the modern Merino ensures that it is one of the most productive agricultural industries, and recent gains in both the wool and sheep markets indicate a positive outlook. The ram sales over the next month are an excellent opportunity for all Merino producers to satisfy their

breeding objectives and enhance productivity. Full details of times and venues of these sales can be

found at www.monaromerinos. com.au or by calling Simon King on 0414 897 390.

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David Mitchell new LLS local chair Newly appointed chair the South East Local Land Service, David Mitchell, is passionate about making the new system work. A grazier from Delegate, Mr Mitchell was the founding chairman of Monaro Farming Solutions. His appointment was announced on October 3. Mr Mitchell has held various leadership positions across natural resources and agricultural organisations in the South East region, including Landcare, and

was the founding chairman of Monaro Farming Systems. Mr Mitchell said it was “up to myself and other directors to implement a strategy that has its basis in localism�. He said the strategy also has to be based around people, the landholders and the coal-face staff and the interaction between the two. “It is essential that we are able to deliver the services,� he said.

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Monaro farming heritage

On Thursday October 31, Greendale Merinos operated by Alan and Mark McGufficke and families will be offering 100, 14 month old rams at ‘Willarney’ 850 Maffra Road, Cooma under the Helmsman Buying System. The sale commences at 12 noon. Pre-sale inspection 10 am. Greendale Merinos have more than 30 years of independently measured results showing well above average profitability and production in comparison trials across New South Wales benchmarking our performance against major merino industry bloodlines. Highly profitable results of Greendale Merinos is shown in the latest Merino Bloodline www. merinobloodline.com.au. There are three major things that go into the wool cheque, micron, yield and kilos of wool. Greendale Merinos participate in Sire Evaluations as this is another measured comparison. It identifies genetics relevant to the commercial merino sheep producer. At Greendale Merinos, from an extensive ewe base, a comprehensive testing program that measures all traits that affect a their They ffor th i ffuture. t Th all love living on the farm and often help when they can. Time

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Greendale Merinos are proven performers

The King family The King Family owned and operated “Avonside� from 1931 until it was sold in 2010. “Muniong� was purchased in 2002 and is run by Simon, Kristina and their three boys, Thomas, Alistair and Ryan. Norris King was the first to farm on the Monaro when he purchased “Avonside� in 1931. Norris’s only child John took over the farm in 1968 before marrying Rosemary in 1970. They had two children, Jenny and Simon. Simon returned to work on the farm in 1998. Simon married Kristina in 2003 and they have had three children, Thomas, Alistair and Ryan. The property produces stud and commercial Merinos and Angus cattle. The King family’s farming philosophy about farming strives to constantly improve both farm infrastructure and genetics to increase efficiency and productivity. Thomas 8, Alistair 5 and Ryan 3 are all too young to have plans

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merinos profitability (fleece weight, micron, fertility and body weight) is used to select only the highest performing sires and ewes to be retained for the nucleus ram breeding flock. Current success in 2013 have been Monaro Farming Systems Trial – Delegate Profit (Gross Margin/DSE) Greendale Genetics ranked 1st, 4th, 11th and 12th of 24 Teams. The leading Greendale team was 107% ($35.16) more profitable than the lowest ranked team. Bookham Ag Bureau Trial Wool Return $/head McGufficke Partners Ranked 1st of 33 teams 5.8kg 16.9 mic $60.64/head Mayfield Partnership Ranked 6th of 33 teams 5.4kg 17.7 mic $51.95/head The leading Greendale team was 58% ($22.04) more profitable than the lowest ranked team. The continued demand for highly profitable and productive sheep has seen Greendale Merinos dominate the industry.

ffarmers. Pictured, Simon, Thomas, Alastair and Ryan King.

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DO Establish mineral earth containment lines around the entire burn area, minimum of 3m wide. DO Consider compartmenting burn area DO Burn only in winter or obtain the required permits from the RFS DO Consider brigade assistance, contact your local captain. DO Establish 10-20m lovegrass free buffer around property and assets as protection from all fires. DO Develop a Weed Management Plan for your property, as in the long term with no follow up action your African Lovegrass infestation will only become worse. CMSC Weed Management Services may be able to assist you. DO Check weather forecast and observe weather conditions prior to lighting up DO Consider time of day you burn. Late afternoon is best with little to no wind DO Notify your neighbours, brigade and Fire Control before you burn DO Consider your method of burning ie. Burning into the wind, spot ignition vs line ignition DO Ensure you have enough manpower to complete and control your burn.

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You may well have heard about the concerning increase in cases of drug resistance in human medicine and the longterm effects this may have on the effectiveness of antibiotics. While this is relatively rare in the veterinary world, we do have other issues with drug resistance. The area of animal care in which we see the most drug resistance is in the area of intestinal worming, in particular in grazing animals. Picking up worms if you’re a grazing animal is always a problem – you eat where you poo. Now that we have reduced their natural “range” so much with farm fencing, this has only made matters worse. The problem arises with the continued use of a singular drench, which over a period of time will select for resistance. A single chemical, which effectively kills worms that are sensitive to it, means that the majority of remaining worms are naturally resistant to that particular chemical. Repeat that use over time and resistance develops quickly. But to manage resistance, we need to know what is going on in there – how can we best do this? A Faecal Egg Count can tell us a numeric estimate of the eggs in each gram of faeces. The sample can either be from an individual or from a pooled herd sample. A fresh sample is collected and, after careful mixing of a measured amount of faeces in a measured amount of floatation solution, a small but precise volume of the mix is carefully examined under a microscope and a final egg count per gram is known. Knowing the FEC in Eggs Per Gram means we are able to know;

1. If drenching is required, avoiding repetitive drenching if it is unnecessary, and 2. If we repeat a FEC post -drenching we are able to assess the effectiveness of the drench that was given. Remember, small numbers of worms can be tolerated well by most animals, causing no effect on well-being or health but larger worm burdens can cause a range of problems including weight loss or poor growth, diarrhea, colic, anemia and even death. So, let’s come up with a plan… this one is specifically for horse owners out there. · We recommend performing FECs every few months, to know if drenching is needed. · If drenching is required, rotational worming aims to prevent resistance developing in a worm population. We recommend a 2 year drenching cycle in which the 1st Year horses are wormed with a “mectin” based worming product and in the 2nd Year worming is with a Pyrantal based worming product. During the Pyrantal year two doses of a “mectin” drench are required before and after winter to control bots. · A FEC performed post drenching to check a drench was effective. · Break up or remove faeces every 2-3 days to decrease the worm contamination of pasture. · Resting pasture for 30 days in summer or 6 months in winter will also decrease the number of viable eggs and larvae. · Cross grazing pastures; sheep, cattle and horses all have their own worms and most do not cross species. Use sheep to eat horse worm eggs and vice versa. If you have any further questions or want help with a program, please call Snowy Vets.

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QUICK FACTS - BURNING AFRICAN LOVEGRASS

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DON’T DON’T One off burn – follow up action is required. Brigade’s will not burn the same blocks year after year. DON’T Light up and leave – stay onsite of burn until there is no active flame and risk is gone. DON’T complete in isolation – talk to your neighbours, local brigade and Cooma Monaro Shire Council for advice. DON’T Burn under wind – African Lovegrass fires spreads rapidly, even in cool conditions if wind is present you may lose control of the fire. DON’T Ignore your responsibly under legislation. Fines or criminal charges may be the result if your burn escapes your property. DON’T Think burning is your answer to controlling African Lovegrass – Burning enhances the growth of African Lovegrass so consider control method long term. DON’T Burn without water – make sure you have a water source at hand when burning. DON’T Think that burning will kill African Lovegrass – Burning will open up the stand allowing it to become denser. DON’T Spray regrowth with glyphosate while ash remains on the plant, it won’t work. DON’T Think it will burn the same as any other grass fire. African lovegrass fires are unpredictable and dangerous. DON’T Burn large areas without being adequately prepared and consulting the RFS.

Cooma Monaro Shire Council 6450 1777

NSW Rural Fire Service Monaro Team 6455 0455

Enquire at your local LHPA office on the services we provide for our landholders, which include: • 1080/Pindone Courses • Fox/Rabbit Baiting Programs • Livestock Health advice and diagnostic services • Wild Dog & Feral Pig assistance • Advice on NLIS requirements • Processing of Natural Disaster rebate applications • Emergency and exotic disease prevention, preparedness & response BEGA BOMBALA

02 6492 1283 02 6458 3055

www.lhpa.org.au Email: admin.south.east@lhpa.org.au

BRAIDWOOD COOMA

02 4842 2536 02 6452 1122

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Greenland Merinos open day Greenland Merino Stud is holding an open day on Saturday October 19 from 10am to 4pm to view this year’s team of 80 Merino and Poll Merino Sale Rams. The open day will be held at Mountain View, on the Snowy River Way, 50kms south of Cooma and 50kms north of Bombala. Come and view the rams, have a yarn and a cuppa with us, and a bite of lunch. The only on property Merino ram sale auction in the Bombala Shire. Greenland has been registered since 1985 and breeds Merino sheep that are suited to most environments throughout Australia. This is evidenced by the fact that Greenland Rams are sold to most states of Australia. Greenland has concentrated for 27 years of careful selection through our ewe base. The rams reflect our breeding objectives of merino sheep that are structurally sound, well balanced with good white wool, staple length and most importantly they must have a good constitution, and are highly fertile with very stylish medium and fine-medium wool and Flystrike resistant. Greenland benchmark their sheep in wether trials, sire evaluations as well as showing at most local shows and most major Merino Sheep shows having great success with all three, mainly Great Southern Supreme Merino Show in Canberra, The Royal Canberra Show and The Royal Sydney Show, winning the highest point score of the 2012 Royal Easter Sydney Show Objective Measurement

Classes with our Medium wool Ewe. As well, Greenland won the Junior Champion Ewe and the Grand Champion Fleece of the Sydney Royal Easter Show District Exhibits. The Greenland properties are in Cooma Monaro Shire and Bombala Shire. Greenland has been performance recording the ewes for 27 years. All sale rams have been indexed and ranked. On Sale Day they will have their EMD- Eye Muscle Depth and

farm

FAT- Actual Fat depth figures. Greenland is a family run business with John and Jenny Alcock and Greg, Nikki, Tom and Ben Alcock, the team to talk to on the day. Greenland has an on property sale once a year, this year the sale is on Monday November 11 at 3pm, with 80 Merino and Poll Merino Rams, at Mountain View on the Snowy River Way, 50kms south of Cooma and 50 kms north of Bombala. Rams will be available for inspection from 12 noon on sale day or anyone wishing to have a preview prior to the sale is welcome, just phone for an appointment on 64536244, 0437898982 or 64536206. Greenland provides a free sheep classing service for our clients and are willing to give any advice on future selection. This is a golden opportunity to purchase top rams at very affordable prices. Merino Sheep are a most incredible meat and wool factory which is why we have an everlasting passion for them. The past year has been very kind to us with a very good season. The rams have grown well without any supplementary feed. Come and join us for the sale and a barbecue and other refreshments on the day. The catalogue is available now on www.greenlandmerinos.com.au or if you would like to be placed on our mailing list please phone us on the above numbers.

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Farm Spring/Summer 2013 Native vegetation reform Monaro Farm Heritage The first steps on the long road to native vegetation reform have been taken with the publication of the new Native Vegetation Regulation 2013. The new regulations form part of a wider road map to native vegetation change and they precede the NSW Government’s full review of the Native Vegetation Act 2003 which begins in early 2014. The new regulations allow for some new self assessable codes for certain vegetation management activities which are to be drafted and released in the coming months. A NSW Farmers native vegetation taskforce has been working with key representatives from various government departments on drafting codes which are due out for public comment in the next month.

The Barrons of Peak View

NSW Farmers President Fiona Simson said: “It is pleasing to see government and our members working together on this issue. It is recognition that farmers are environmental caretakers of their land and should be listened to when it comes to this reform process. That is the only way that truly balanced and workable outcomes will be achieved and we hope that all their feedback will be incorporated. “So far, a key issue the taskforce has noted is the requirement that activities that take place under a future ‘self assessable code’ be notified before those activities are undertaken. We are concerned about that and believe that it requires more discussion and debate.

What are the plans for the next generation? Ray and his wife Margaret have four children, three of whom chose careers and futures away from farming at Peak View, James has remained working with his parents and can’t imagine living or working anywhere else. The adjoining properties of “Adina� and “Overdale� are run as one enterprise by a business partnership between Ray, Margaret and James which includes the operation of their Merino and Poll Merino “Adina Merino Stud� Ray and Margaret live on “Adina�, with James, his wife Julie and their seven-year-old son Will living next door on “Overdale�. Already Will has his own “jobs� and like most farmers, the family hopes that one day he will continue the family tradition but acknowledge that the choice will be his.

Pictured, James, Will and Ray Barron.

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How long has the family been working the property ? The Barron family has been working the property since 1870 – Two adjoining properties “Adina� and “Overdale� are run as one working property. Who was the first family member and who were his/her descendants ? Michael Barron was the first family member to work the land at Peak view, followed by his son Tom Barron who was Ray’s father. What does the property produce ? The property is a grazing property which produces sheep and wool. Does the family have a special philosophy about farming ? There are many ! “Always do your best�, “Both quality and quantity are important – quality should not be forsaken for the sake of quantity�, “Communication�, “Farming isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life� and when times are a little tough “Tomorrow is another day�.

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Monaro Farm Heritage

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The Litchfields of Hazeldean

Clearing Sales AuctionPlus Accredited Rural Property Sales

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2. Who was the first family member and who were his/ her descendants James Litchfield arrived in 1852 with his wife Ann. They had four sons and three daughters. The four sons inherited a property each. The eldest, Arthur James Litchfield inherited Hazeldean,

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He and his wife Libby 4. Does the family have three children. have a special philosophy about 3. What does the farming property produce The family is Enterprises consist committed to using of Angus bulls and measurement and Merino rams to be scientifically proven used on commercial advances in animal sheep and cattle breeding and genetics operations throughout to maximise genetic Australia. gain. The family also As well as these believes that an two core enterprises animal’s genetic merit the company runs should be accurately commercial sheep for described in terms of wool and meat and actual production so commercial Angus that clients can make cattle for beef. informed choices when More recently selecting rams and Senegus cattle (a cross bulls. between Angus and Senepol, a tropically M YOUR FARM FAR YO UR adapted Bos Taurus breed) are produced for the northern Brought to you by industry in Queensland THE MONARO POST and the Northern Territory. M YOUR FARM FAR YO UR

Livestock Marketing Specialist

Woodstock went to Edwin and Springwell to Owen. The youngest brother Fred inherited Matong at Numbla Vale but this was sold and he and his family moved to Queensland. Until 1910 Hazeldean, Springwell and Woodstock traded together as Litchfield Bros. The eldest son Arthur James remained at Hazeldean. He and wife Maude had two children, James Francis who continued running Hazeldean, and a daughter, Una. JF and wife Janet had two children, James and Ann. James continued the legacy of his forebears. He had four children, Jim being the third child and he now runs Hazeldean.

5. What are the plans for the next generation – and who are they? Each generation must make their own decisions about their life and what they want to do with it. Life is too short to carry on a tradition that doesn’t hold much interest otherwise. At this stage one of our children, Bea, wants to come home and carry on the family business after she finishes university. James is studying law in Melbourne and Iona is studying Arts in Sydney and their future plans are unknown to them and us at this stage!

M YOUR FARM FAR YO UR

1. How long has the family been working the property. Since 1862 or thereabouts so around 150 years

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Farm

11

Spring/Summer 2013

More meat = more money Patrice Ingram, Elders Bombala

As spring is upon us, so too is the offspring of our breeding enterprises. It’s now that we hope we’ve planned and prepared enough feed to grow these animals out, and for plenty of us we want to fatten the young stock and get them to market as timely as possible. The longer the animals take to reach target weights or become a saleable article the more costly it is to the production system. When planning, it’s important to know when you need feed and for what class of stock and the capacities of your individual budget. Like most things in life there are ‘horses for courses’ – there’s feed for different classes of stock to achieve different goals. Having a clear direction can sometimes be the hardest thing of all. On a local level we are restricted by our soil type, rainfall and topography to name a few. With such variables there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ and hence what your neighbour is doing over the fence might not necessarily be the best option for your farm. We can’t fix these natural parameters, so it’s better to focus on what we can achieve with what we have at our disposal. In terms of forage crops on the southern tablelands at present, Lucerne is a perennial used for spring, summer and some autumn feed in areas conducive for growing it being well drained basalt or tending to neutral alluvial red loams. In higher rainfall areas forage brassicas are pivotal to utilise as a short term feed option in the spring, summer and autumn. To an extent annual, biennial and hybrid short rotation ryegrasses are utilised to finish stock. Then in using a tiered analogy, perennial grass pastures are used at the bottom end for the feed of choice for finishing stock. As farmers we are becoming more informed and now start to place more emphasis of not only dry matter production but the nutritional value of feed, particularly the respective protein, metabolised energy and fibre in feed. This brings me to the next point in the utilisation of feed. A wise farmer on the Monaro once said to me that ‘it’s no good having feed and looking at it’. This is very correct and more so it’s about being able to best utilise feed options to optimise efficiency. It’s not about having feed growing over the fence it’s about the animal being able to capitalise on every mouth full, making sure that what goes in stays in the system and isn’t lost out the back end. It’s about investing into your production system to best drive productivity without money being lost in the maintenance of slow growing animals, eating pasture for longer all the while chewing into your hip pocket. Forage herbs are becoming more widely implemented as a forage option which have been proving very efficient in enhancing live weight gain and animal performance. Both chicory and plantain exhibit favourable traits for livestock performance. Ruminant nutritionists are suggesting that the superior livestock performance on these feed types are largely driven by the ease of harvest, nutrient quality and low fibre content. The ease of harvest relates to the animals ability to least exert themselves in order to achieve a mouth full of feed. This means there is less grazing time and

limitations for herbicide options over these species. therefore less energy expanded to achieve satiety. Consider your current operation and the goals you have The ability of these perennial plants to root deep into the soil profile enables it to absorb and provide a large range of and where your shortfalls are surrounding feed options. micro nutrients notably calcium, sodium, copper, selenium, There are numerous options circulating and being practiced zinc and magnesium to the grazing animal. The low fibre on the Monaro including grazing canola’s and winter cereals content in the plant adds to the animal’s rumen functionality. which are proving very profitable and proving a perfect fit in The ease at which both chicory and plantain are broken grazing operations. Although venturing away from common practice seems down in the rumen is efficient and quick. The feed is broken down and absorbed into the animals system with little waste daunting at first you might be pleasantly surprised to see and less time in the rumen allows the animal to graze again how something a little different can achieve a whole lot more. Nothing ventured nothing gained. sooner as the rumen is cleared. Data from Auswest seeds, conducted on the New England tablelands showed the superior performance of a cross bred enterprise using tonic plantain in place of ryegrass and fescue pastures. The weight of ewes and lambs at the point of weaning were 10kg/hd and 5kg/hd respectively heavier for stock grazing the plantain option. Judson et al 2008, 2009 showed across 4 different studies that stock born, grazing and weaned from plantain compared with ryegrass gave 34%, 21%, 10% and 23% increase in live weight. Not to discredit ryegrass completely, it outlines that both chicory and plantain may have a fit in your system. Chicory performance is still being evaluated to an extent with current studies being carried out by Principal Scientist with Dairy Farming Systems Research. The study looks to evaluate the performance of chicory against perennial ryegrass using dry matter intake, nutrient selection, milk production and composition as key indicators. Locally we have pure plantain stands around Bombala and Delegate that are continuing to perform well especially ,QVSHFWLRQV 9LVLWRUV :HOFRPH with lactating ewes with lambs at foot. The pure stands are responding well :LOO -HQQ\ &URZH to rotational grazing as opposed to set stocking and providing year round ´%ULGOHVGDOHÂľ production. The other mix that has been 6ODFNV &UHHN 5RDG &RRPD used locally is plantain, chicory, ryegrass and forage rape. It’s considered a high 3KRQH ‡ 0RELOH performance medium term (4-6 year) (PDLO MZFURZH#ELJSRQG FRP pasture option providing year round high quality feed. The key to a high performing herb stand is the preparation, ensuring the paddock is clean of weeds as there are

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YOUR

12

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Inside our busy shearing sheds...

Helping farmers into the future... We’re here to help you work through the tough times whether it’s ongoing drought, poor production, declining markets or anything else affecting your business and your life. Our Counsellors can identify options and work towards a brighter future for you. We help primary producers, fishermen and small rural businesses. Our service is free and our counsellors and organisation are professional, independent and discreet. Your confidentiality is assured.

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With spring upon us, shearing sheds across the Monaro have kicked into gear The Monaro has a diverse range of sheds, some dating back to the 1880s, others are as modern as can be. Pictured on this page, the interior of the hundred-yearold shed at Fairview, Ando, shearers at work on a raised board shed at

Polygon, Adaminaby, some of the stencils used at Fairview and, now no longer in use, the pens at ‘Lawarra’ show the lanolin stained doors on pens. This shed also dates back more than a century. Your Farm Magzine will bring oy more on our wonderful sheds in editions to come.

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Spring/Summer 2013

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www.monaropost.com.au Monaro seasonal outlook generally positive Doug Alcock of Graz Prophet Consulting presented the spring seasonal outlook analysis to the members of the Monaro Farming Systems group at their AGM last week. The seasonal outlook projections are done using the GrassGro Ž grazing systems simulation model which uses ure growth historical weather data to model pasture mance and subsequent grazing animal performance for a benchmark farm system at Bungarby. k “In the case of the seasonal outlook projections we run the model up to the current date and then project forward using historical weather data for the coming three months� Mr Alcock said. “Essentially we are assuming that the next three months could be like the same three month period from all the years since 94 Old Kybeyan Road, 1960. This creates a probability Numeralla NSW 2630 d distribution which can be compared ee to the long run historical data to see o be whether the season is more likely to roadview&tpg.com.au erage�. better or worse than the long term average�. Current seasonal conditions were "VTUSBMJBO 8PPM 1BTUPSBM "HFODZ -UE characterised and after good rain in T/AS Monaro Wool Services & Schute Bell Badgery Lumby June and a very warm July, pasture conditions were modelled as being above the long term position for the time of year leaving soil moisture low and ongoing growth reliant on 800- ."3,&5*/( /05 +645 800- 4&--*/( the current season’s rainfall. “While Cooma Office & Wool Store pasture conditions should remain above average for the next month 54-56 Polo Flat Road, or so the median pasture availability Cooma NSW 2630 will track around the long term median from then onward,� Mr Alcock said. Call in and see Ross, Ben, Natalee, Brett, Peter and Pat “Importantly the probability of pastures falling to the long term Other wool stores at:

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10th percentile is very low over the next 2 – 3 months, indeed producers for whom the model outputs for the current pasture ring true could consider the opportunity to trade some stock to take advantage of likely surplus feed�. Mr Alcock then showed the August to mo October 3 month outlook from the Bureau Meteo of Meteorology which indicated an ch 80% chance of exceeding median rainfa for the period. “This should rainfall give further confidence that the ou outlook may be more like the to half of GrassGro seasonal top p projections increasing the l likelihood of a better than a average spring� he said. It s should be noted though that in t the updated 3 month outlook fo September to November for th the chance of exceeding me median rainfall is only 60% with tem temperatures around average rather than cooler than average. MFS Chairman Oliver Cay, says GrassG seasonal outlooks are an the GrassGro ongoing commitment comm of the MFS group with the intention that an updated outlook will be done at the start of each season. Members find the information useful as it puts the seasonal risks into context of specific challenges or opportunities they are facing. Doug Alcock is now consulting in his own business Graz Prophet Consulting after leaving his role as livestock officer with NSW DPI during the recent restructure. “I will continue working and living on the Monaro and it has been pleasing to be able maintain a relationship with Monaro Farming Systems in my new capacity� he said. “Having specialist skills in farm systems modelling is generating a steady flow of work but I am relishing the prospect of also running farmer training and involving myself in some MLA funded farm based research. I loved my role in NSW DPI and my goal is to continue to do similar work�.

NFF happy with ministry Prime Minister elect Tony Abbott has announced Australia’s new Government ministry, and the NFF is pleased to welcome Barnaby Joyce to the agriculture portfolio. “The NFF has had a strong and constructive relationship with the Coalition in Opposition, and we will continue that with the Coalition as they form Government,� NFF President Duncan Fraser said. “We look forward to working with Prime Minister elect Tony Abbott, Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce and Parliamentary Secretary Richard Colbeck

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and their Parliamentary colleagues, in ensuring a strong and sustainable future for Australian agriculture. “Reprioritising Australian agriculture in the national agenda has been, and will continue to be, the focus for the NFF – and this will continue to underpin all our work with the new Government, be it on policies affecting farmer productivity, profitability and access to markets, or the agricultural workforce and the natural resources on which our farmers rely. “Agriculture’s importance to Australia’s society, economy and environment is evidenced by the fact that it crosses so many Ministerial portfolios, including Foreign Affairs (Julie Bishop); Trade and Investment (Andrew Robb); Infrastructure and Regional Development (Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss); Environment (Greg Hunt); Treasury (Joe Hockey); Finance (Mathias Cormann); Employment (Eric Abetz); Education (Christopher Pyne); Communications (Malcolm Turnbull); Industry (Ian Macfarlane); Small Business (Bruce Billson); and Immigration and Border Protection (Scott Morrison). “We welcome all Ministers, Assistant Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries to their portfolios, and look forward to working closely with them in securing strong policy outcomes for Australian farmers. “Our immediate priorities are ensuring the Government’s promised commitments to agriculture – including the pledge to cut red and green tape, invest $100 million in agricultural research, development and extension, and reinstate native title funding – are enacted quickly, so that farmers can reap the benefits. “On the many other issues and policy-decisions affecting Australian farmers, we will continue our role as farmer advocate and watchdog: ensuring that the Government and the Opposition are held to account. “It’s on with the job for the nation’s politicians and for agriculture’s peak farm body,� Mr Fraser said.

YOUR

Farm

15

Spring/Summer 2013

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Schol’s boarders head off into a bigger world at year’s end

4LYPUV :[\K ,:; Ram Sale at “Muniong” Cooma Tuesday 12th November

20 Rams offered by Helmsman Auction at 10am followed by private treaty rams. Inspection from 9am. Refreshments available. Enquiries Welcome Contact Simon King Ph/Fax: (02) 6453 7199 Mob: 0414 897 390 muniong@activ8.net.au

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Emma Fitzpatrick from Jugiong is keen to experience another culture where disadvantage is rife to see how she can help in a practical way. Lily Platts from Bombala is aware of the privileges that Australians generally experience and is humbled by the opportunity of participating in this journey which will enable her to learn so much from a different culture. These three idealistic young women are willing to put themselves out of their comfort zone to work in the Good Samaritan Kinder School at Bacolod, spending time in a rural Philippino village. Of course, they will have a chance to spend a few days at the beach on the way home. If you are thinking about the possibility of boarding for your daughter down the track and feel that your daughter might enjoy life at St Scholastica’s, do contact the college to explore the possibilities on 9660 2622 or registrar@scholastica.nsw.edu.au. The next annual open day will be held on Sunday March 16, 2014 when the College will be open between 11am and 3pm.

FARM • YOUR FARM • YOU

A strong commitment to issues of social justice, peace and ecology is a key feature of the ethos of St Scholastica’s College in Glebe, along with the other Benedictine values and traditions of wisdom and learning, compassion, hospitality and stewardship. Boarders at St Scholastica’s enjoy their learning and meeting the challenge of becoming educated, independent and well-connected young women. Three Year 12 boarders have taken up with relish the challenge of participating in the “Alternate Schoolies” trip to the Philippines in November/ December. There are 10 Good Samaritan colleges spread across Queensland, NSW and Victoria and the purpose of the journey is to offer these graduating students from Good Samaritan colleges an opportunity to experience the practical expression of the Good Samaritan ethos in another culture. Terri Carberry from Griffith hopes to become a nurse and wants to see how she can make a difference in the world. She is especially interested in working with young children in need.

MJ & CM French

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by Ablelou

Sired photo www.jensol.net

Chansit Ablelou

Chansit Classact

Federal Park Vision

Chansit Ki-Kiama

Sired

by Vision

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DOB: 22/9/1994

Chansit Classical

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Height: 15hh

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photo Sally Ann Thompson

UBUTEY MAXIMUS

DOB: 5/9/2003

Height: 15.1hh

DOB: 20/10/1995

Height: 15hh

Vision is owned and bred by Ron Kent of Classact is easy to ride, effortless to train Campdrafting ability, stock sense, and Quirindi. He has been campaigned by Matt and has a familiar attitude when it comes to companionship all come in Ablelou's blood & Chrissie French since 2001. Over the reading cattle. He is so quiet – the kids ride Dam: Fieldon Marylou won an impressive years he has proved to be very consistent. him. Sire: Knights Nicholas ASH Star of the 86 campdrafts in only 5 years, Sire: He is extremely soft to ride, easy to educate Year @ 5 yrs, ASH Champion @ Melb & Syd Quidong Able had 98 campdraft wins & and very responsive. He is passing these Royal, Dam: Chansit Classical is an Open was sired by Abdul. Ablelou has won 19 attributes on to his progeny - resulting in Campdraft mare, extremely soft to ride. campdrafts to date. He is always consistent classy stock that are winning open drafts and Grand dam: Cambalong Jazz – has won giving 110%, and can be ridden by the playing A grade polocrosse. Sire: Comara numerous Open Drafts. She placed 2nd whole family. Ablelou’s sired Open Tiger Cat won 33 Campdrafts & was sired by Ladies @ Warwick Draft and has played Campdrafters, A grade Polocrosse horses Abbey. Dam: Federal Park Fancy won or State Polocrosse for NSW & SA. Classact’s & Ponies for the kids at Pony Club. His placed on 5 of her 7 outings before she was 2nd outing he placed 5th in the Open progeny are extremely quiet in all aspects injured. Vision has numerous 3/4 brothers Stockmans Challenge @ Gundagai Giddy and they just love being your mate. and sisters who are excelling in Campdrafting Up 2009 and ran an 86 in the stallion draft. Breed one for the whole family ….. He continues to prove his consistency, he has and have won Polocrosse Horse Awards at the World Cup. a beautiful nature and is a pleasure to own.

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Spring/Summer 2013

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MFS annual meeting

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Monaro Farming Systems recently held its annual general meting at Nimmitabel. Office holders determined at that meeting include: Chairman - Oli Cay, eligible for re-election in 2014 (accepted to hold Chair position for one further year) - Denham Williams – eligible for re-election in The MFS annual meeting at Nimmitabel. 2015 - Angus Hobson – Livestock Health and Pest Authority eligible for re-election in 2016 - Stephen Rolfe – eligible for re- (LHPA). With the merger there have been election in 2016 structural and funding changes that - Chris Blencowe – eligible for rehave directly affected MFS. Most election 2014 - Phil Graham – eligible for re-election notable have been Doug Alcock and Luke Pope leaving DPI and Southern 2014 - Mike Stephens – re-appointed Rivers CMA and DPI being rolled into in 2011 as the MSA Representative LLS. Prior to the restructure MFS was receiving funding for our coordinators Director Outgoing Board members included position from SRCMA and using Doug Alan McGufficke and Ron Horton who and Luke’s expertise free of charge. have both served three year terms on With some strategic input from past and present board members and the interim the Board. LLS, MFS has secured substantial In his chairman’s report, Mr Cay said: “Succession planning is a difficult funding and is well on the way to but essential part of any volunteer delivering improved communication organisation. The time and effort put in whilst not losing sight of our original by the producer board members is at goal “To deliver timely and relevant the heart of what MFS looks and feels information on productive agriculture�. In order to secure the funding MFS like. Alan McGufficke and Ron Horton has taken on a role of productive farm have served their term and over the past three years have helped shape the practice extension for the wider Monaro. In Dec when the current member direction of MFS. “I and the board thank them for this subscription expires there will be two and look forward to their continuing tiers. The current member level will reduce to $350 plus GST and there will input as members. “Alan has been the driving force be a new, free level introduced that will behind the wether trial. Together with be able to gain limited access to our Phil Graham and Doug Alcock they services. With the increased complexity, have secured high accuracy link teams the board has begun the process of from away, made sure profitability improving our communication. This will is being reported in the right format be based around a website that I am and done the hard slog recording the excited about as it will allow easier two information. It is refreshing when people way communication, video recorded high up in the industry say to me, “It is events, easy access to project details good to see a wether trial being run and targeted emails as well as making us look more professional to external properly�. “Ron has been at the helm of one parties. Another exciting development that of our most important projects to date, the Soils Club. Ron, Nancy and has been secured for the coming year is Richard Simpson have designed and member access to the Mecardo market implemented a project that is valuable analysis website. This is the brainchild to every farm business in the group. of Robert Herman and gives excellent Matching feed supply and demand is price advice on all rural commodities, one of the hardest and most profitable specialising in livestock and wool. MFS decisions business managers make residual funds will cover the subscription and Soils Club is going a long way to fee for the first year to give members a chance to judge for themselves the address this. “I am pleased to welcome Angus value to their business. After this we Hobson and Stephen Rolfe who will fill envisage it will be on a user paid basis the outgoing producer positions on the but at a reduced subscription because of a discount to MFS. board. My top picks of our ongoing projects Angus is currently CEO of the Red Meat Advisory Council of Australia that are providing profitable and (RMAC), the peak body representing productive decision support are the the collective interests of the production, GrassGroŽ Seasonal Outlooks, the processing and live export sectors Wether Trial and Soils Club. -The Seasonal Outlooks will continue of Australia’s beef, sheep meat and to be run by Doug in his new private goat meat industries. With his industry connections and the grounding of being capacity. GrassGroŽ has gained further sixth generation family farm business accuracy with Mecardo being used for operator on the Monaro I look forward the economic inputs and with the BOM moving to a dynamic outlook model to his strategic thoughts on MFS. Steve is an ideas man, having once we can hope for an increase in their started a successful garden mulch accuracy. -October is the second shearing for business when the east coast of the wether trial and this means we will Australia was suffering drought. He runs an evidence based farm business to the be able to extrapolate on the information west of Nimmitabel and will keep the as most of the environmental conditions board focused on the things that matter. have evened out. I am looking forward 2012-13 has seen significant external to Doug putting the numbers through funding changes which have challenged GrassGroŽ to examine the profitability the way MFS will deliver its services in of wool genetics. -Nancy has been working with the future. Local Land Services (LLS) Richard Simpson to get a data base of began its roll out from Nov 2012 and will continue the transition until Jan the past soil tests organised. This will 2014. During this process MFS has allow us to give members a paddock negotiated an outcome that I feel will by paddock prescription and a powerful improve our information transfer and overview of Monaro fertility trends. Thank you to the members for your most importantly is sustainable. LLS support and input throughout the year are the amalgamation of Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Catchment and I look forward to a prosperous Management Authority (CMA) and 2013-14.

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