Snowy Monaro Farmer - February 2023

It’s showtime on the Monaro

The 2023 annual agricultural shows start this Saturday, with Nimmitabel the first cab off the rank.

Always well patronised, the Nimmitabel Show has something for everybody and is once again the venue for the Young Judging competition zone finals in Merinos, meat sheep, Merino fleece and beef cattle.

Judging starts at 10am.

Also programmed for the youngsters is the Nimmitabel Bush Kids challenge, which included egg and sack races, apple bobbing and more. The competition starts at 2pm in ring three.

All the normal sections will be there. However the grounds are looking a picture with green grass for a change.

It will be great to see the ring events running normally. A lot of time and expense goes into these great horses that run the show circuit and some finish up at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney.

We are always looking for new volunteers to help run the show, so anyone that can help, would be very welcome.

The show wouldn’t be complete without the old engines from the Bombala Club. The chainsaw events will be running, congratulations to Potter and his team for getting the logs in ready for the show.

On Saturday February 4, Nimmitabel Show is the place to be with all the usual competitions and displays happening around the Showground. This year the Young Woman is Brianna Johnston and the rural Achiever is Jerod Blyton who has made the top eight finalists at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The show will be opened by Duncan Taylor who has done so much work with the Country University Centre.

The next show to be held locally is the Delegate Show. The Delegate P&A Society will celebrate an incredible 114th Show on March 4 and once again a bounty of local livestock, produce and artwork will be on display, served up with plenty of cheerful entertainment.

The horse events will be a highlight of the Delegate Show once again, and riders throughout the entire region will be excited to get into the local ring.

The fabulous Funkhana will add to the already jam packed line up of horse events, giving those young riders who don’t generally compete the chance to get amongst the action.

While everyone will enjoy the horse events, as well as the traditional dog trials and dog jumps, there’ll be lots more to see around the ground, with showgoers casting their eyes over the many

sheep and cattle being exhibited.

The children are always delighted to browse around the animals, but attractions such as the jumping castle, face painting, the magical Zamboni and the Barnyard Nursery will also be parent savers.

Due to popular demand after previous year’s success, the children will also have the chance to decorate a sheep, or even do-up their pushbike to vie for some great cash prizes.

There’ll also be the Billy Boiling Competition and Basketball ShootOut to get stuck into, and everyone loves to have their shot in the Guess the Weight of the Bull contest.

The very next day, Dalgety Show will be held.

Situated on the picturesque banks of the Snowy River, Dalgety’s big day out is always very popular with locals and visitors alike.

On March 11, the 143rd Cooma Show will be held.

This year, the committee has arranged for extra entertainment to be held on Friday night, which

will include sideshow rides and a sausage sizzle.

The final show of the 2023 round is the Bombala Show, held on March 18.

After yet another challenging year for the South East NSW community, the Bombala Exhibition Society is keen to focus on supporting, mentoring and celebrating rural and regional youth at its next annual community show day.

“It’s been a really tough few years for our local youth, for so many reasons,” explains Bombala Exhibition Society President, Sophie Campbell.

“This is why Bombala Exhibition Society’s annual show day - to be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023will be running with the theme of ‘Celebrating Country Kids’.”

The volunteers of Bombala Show are now putting the call out to involve as many local community groups and individuals as possible in this idea.

“The Exhibition Society is hoping to harness our community’s amazing strength, generosity and resilience in 2023, to create an event that deliberately focuses on delivering our region’s youth an event to remember,” Sophie says.

The Bombala Show is planning to create a ‘bigger and better than ever’ Kidszone, combined with a range of innovative ‘kids-safe support space’ experiences at the show.

With support from the local community, sporting clubs and schools, young people will enjoy a range of entertainment, activities and educational experiences, while also having access to a range of mental and physical health support services on the day.

The region’s show season starts at Nimmitabel on Saturday.

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Time remaining for land use feedback

Landholders have less than a month to provide feedback on Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s draft Rural Land Use Strategy and draft Local Environmental Plan (LEP).

The documents are on public exhibition for the second time following an initial round of consultation that saw strong objection to large areas of land proposed to be re-zoned as ‘environmental management’.

The revised Rural Land Use Strategy has removed the proposed environmental management changes and reviewed the approach to minimum lot sizes.

Landholders are encouraged to have their say by midnight Monday February 20 and can do so online at Council’s Your Say website or by writing to Council.

On the Your Say consultation page, landholders can use an interactive map to see if their land is proposed to be re-zoned through the draft strategies.

Why are we seeking feedback from the community on these plans?

Snowy Monaro Regional Council needs to harmonise, review and update the current Bombala, Cooma-Monaro and Snowy River Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) into one comprehensive plan covering the whole Snowy Monaro Local Government Area.

Why are the Land Use Strategy and LEP changing?

The Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020 (LSPS) made clear the Snowy Monaro needs revised plans that: - Encourage environmental sustainability and connection to heritage

- Support growth and change - Protect the capacity of productive rural land

- Provide efficient, safe and sustainable infrastructure

- To create the new LEP that meets all of these objectives, we need to revise the draft Rural Land Use Strategy and the draft Settlements Strategy

Once created, the new LEP will be assessed by the NSW Government, as the set of rules that control all development in the Snowy Monaro region.

What has changed since Council last asked the community about the draft Rural Land Use Strategy?

Issues the community raised:

1. Document is too long and technical

The Rural Land Use Strategy has been re-drafted and is now focused around seven policy positions.

• All of the proposed LEP clauses have been removed and are contained within the full draft of the Snowy Monaro Regional LEP.

• The Policy context has been relocated to an Appendix of the draft Rural Land Use Strategy.

• Ministerial Directions are now contained within the Planning Proposal document.

• Hyperlinks to relevant documents embedded throughout.

2. C3 Environmental Management zoning not appropriate in most areas

• Previous proposed changes to make some rural zoned land Environmental/ Conservation Zone have been removed. The revised proposal makes that land RU1 or RU2.

• The RU2 Rural Landscape Zone benefits from all allowable activities under the Local Land Services Act.

• The change to RU2 reflects the continued agricultural use of the land.

3. Some changes to Minimum Lot Size were not appropriate

• The approach to minimum lot size (MLS) has been reviewed.

Advice from the Community Reference Group (CRG) was that a consistent methodology was necessary (particularly in relation to Zone RU1 Primary Production).

• The majority of land in the Snowy Monaro is unaffected by these changes.

• Some areas have decreased their MLS, typically on rural land around service centres where land fragmentation has occurred.

• Some areas have increased their MLS, typically based on analysis of land capability, existing holding sizes, steep slopes, erodible soils, biodiversity values and bushfire risk.

4. Dual Occupancy in rural areas would be desirable

• Dual Occupancy is proposed to be permissible in RU1 Primary Production, RU2 Rural Landscape, RU4 Primary Production Small Lots, C3 Environmental Management Zones and C4 Environmental Living Zone.

5. Lacks opportunity for diversification of rural and other industries

The RU4 Primary Production Smalls Lots provides opportunities for diversity and innovation on smaller lots. These areas are identified within discrete areas to limit the road impacts, but 40ha is large enough to undertake many boutique or artisan agricultural land uses, and provide for rural infrastructure as well as buffer areas.

Preparing for joining? Don’t forget your rams

With joining just around the corner, many producers are working to get their ewes in the best condition to conceive one or even multiple healthy lambs and lay the foundations for another successful lambing season in 2023.

But what are they doing with their rams?

Rams are a crucial part of any sheep breeding system. They account for 50 percent of the breeding equation, and because there are less rams than ewes (at around three percent of total ewes), each ram must perform at least 33 times to achieve breeding success.

Therefore, having one or more underperforming ram can have a devastating effect on scanning rates.

General Manager of Rural Operations at South East Rural Supplies Cooma, James Waugh, stresses the significance of joining and subsequent scanning rates in a lamb producing operation.

“The importance of a successful joining is huge.

“Joining, measured

by scanning results, sets the ceiling of a breeding operation, and preparing ewes and rams for a successful joining can make a massive difference,” he said.

The ideal joining period is no longer than six weeks. This means, that for best results, rams need to be in peak condition and fully functional from day one to day 42.

To ensure that rams are fit for the task, Technical Manager at AusFarm Nutrition Products (ANP) Micheal Savli, emphasises the importance of performing ram checks.

“Twelve weeks from joining would be the best time to start looking at your rams.

“Get them in the yards and check their teeth, toes, testes, tackle and body condition score,” he said.

“There’s a good chance that they haven’t been looked at properly since last year, so they may need a bit of TLC.

“If they need to put condition on or require

treatment, there is still plenty of time to get them into shape.”

Hoof health was of particular concern last year, as persistent wet conditions saw a marked increase in reports of lameness.

“Lameness can reduce mobility and the inclination to serve ewes,” Mr Savli said.

“On top of this, and less noticeable is the stress effect on the ram, which can significantly reduce fertility.

“However, pairing foot bathing with an effective mineral supplement, like StockMins-Hoof n Horn, has proven to be quick and efficient at controlling lameness and strengthening hooves.”

For both ewes and rams, the ideal time to get on top of lameness is during the drier months when the hooves have a chance to dry out and wounds have a chance to heal.

ANP offer StockMinsHoof n Horn, a high specification, weatherproof, granular

Make

loose-lick supplement designed to be fed to livestock to repair damage, fortify hooves and boost immunity during times of high production and stress. Containing the right levels of organic zinc, elevated levels of vitamins

A, E and Biotin and phosphorus in combination with other essential

minerals, vitamins and trace elements to support fertility, StockMins-Hoof

n Horn is the perfect supplement to support joining preparations this summer.

For more information on how StockMins-Hoof

n Horn can help boost your joining this season, call the team at South East

Rural Supplies Cooma on (02) 6452 3511. Your local supplier of AusFarm Nutrition Products.

ANP is a certified FeedSafe® manufacturer, ensuring that the feed supplements you feed your animals are safe, reliable and of high quality.

Have your say on Snowy Monaro land use.

Fertilising pastures – is it time to get back on the paddock?

Jo PowellsSenior Agricultural AdvisorPastures DRNSW South East Local Land Services

The well above average rainfall received in 2021 and 2022 has thrown many fertiliser plans into disarray. With paddocks waterlogged and too wet to traverse for most farm vehicles, spreading fertiliser has been out of the question for most land managers.

With paddocks now drying out over summer, trafficability has become less of a concern but high fertiliser prices may still cause some to balk at applying fertiliser. Many are questioning the need and value of applying fertiliser under current conditions, especially given the amount of residual pasture in paddocks. This article discusses some of the factors to consider before applying fertiliser in 2023.

What impact is fertiliser price having on my bottom line?

While global fertiliser prices have eased from the all-time highs seen last April/May (Figure 1), fertiliser prices remain very high and an ongoing cause of concern in agricultural production systems. In addition to high fertiliser prices, livestock prices have also continued to soften over the last 12 months. This begs the question - is there still value in applying fertiliser?

One way to assess the impact of fertiliser price is to construct a gross margin and adjust the fertiliser price to see what impact it has on the bottom line. Tables 1 and 2 are an example of a 2023 gross margin for a typical selfreplacing merino flock and a feeder steer breeding operation. In both gross margins we’ve used single superphosphate (SSP) as it is the most common and cost-effective way to apply phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) – two key nutrients that are often most limiting in grazing systems.

Until recent years, SSP was quite stable and for a

long period of time hovered around the $340 - $360/t mark (delivered on-farm excluding GST). So, for comparisons sake the first column in Tables 1 and 2 looks at the economics if SSP was sitting back

SUPER QUIET GENERATORS

at $350/t. At $350/t gross margins for the example sheep and cattle enterprise are $52.80 and $53.66/ha respectively. In the next two columns everything stays the same, but SSP price is increased

to $600/t and $700/t. The good news here is that even though fertiliser price has doubled between the first and last columns, the overall gross margin has only reduced by around 8% or $4.30/ha and both

enterprises are still generating good returns at almost $50/ha. One of the big advantages of strong commodity prices in recent years is they really do help to absorb increasing input costs.

There’s nothing quite like a Honda Generator with its unique Inverter technology. This guarantees smooth, uninterrupted electricity wherever you may be, so you’re safe to plug in your laptop, or any other sensitive electronic equipment. Due to their quiet nature you can use these generators anywhere.

Ideal for caravanning and camping, or out on the job site, they are able to provide clean, reliable electricity in the most extreme locations. We’ve built them out of light materials such as magnesium, so they’re easy to transport meaning you don’t need to waste your own energy carrying them.

Monthly price of Triple Superphosphate, DAP and Urea over the last decade (Jan 2013 to December 2022). Source: indexmundi.com

Aaron joins NKPL

Merino hoggets stolen

Rural Crime Investigators from Monaro Police District are appealing for the public’s help as they investigate the theft of 53 Merino Hogget ewes from a property near the intersection of Avonside and Kosciuszko Road, Avonside.

The sheep are believed to have been stolen between the end of September 2022 to mid-December 2022.

At the time of the theft, the sheep were ear tagged with yellow NLIS tags labelled ‘ROMANI’ and ‘NH630488’ in the left ear

and white management tags in the right ear.

The sheep were branded with a triangle earmark cut out of the bottom of the right ear as depicted in the photos below.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged

to contact Rural Crime Investigator Detective Senior Constable Archie French on 0427 993 314. Alternatively contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Aaron Mackay has joined the team at NICK KIRSHNER Property & Livestock, starting on January 1.

Aaron was born and bred on the Monaro and has been working in the Riverina for the past 26 years as a stock and station agent.

Aaron over the time has worked with various companies – Elders Limited in Wagga Wagga, was a partner in Hamilton Luff & Burton Company which was then sold to Delta Ag where Aaron continued to work, and in the last two years Aaron has worked for Riverina Livestock Agents selling rural property and livestock.

Aaron is excited about joining the team at NICK KIRSHNER Property & Livestock as a partner and director in the business and is looking forward to building new relationships with clients on the Monaro, as well as maintaining current relationships with existing clients. Aaron will be selling rural property & livestock. Aaron is contactable by via mobile 0419 432 728 or email aaron@nickkirshner.com.au

Don’t forget about country roads

The state’s peak farming body has issued a challenge to match a billion-dollar Western Sydney roads pledge across regional NSW.

The Premier announced $1 billion to “upgrade critical roads” in Western Sydney, while the rest of the state was left to make do with a $500 million road repair fund for local roads.

NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said there was an even greater need to fix country roads, and

called for far greater funding – and resources – to tackle the problem properly.

“We’ve seen funding promised to local councils to repair potholes – but the damage is significant – multiple patching of the road surface is not going to increase safety,” Mrs Reardon said.

“Our backroads have become defacto highways over the past year and while there have been some bigticket announcements, there

are no clear plans of how to tackle this very serious issue that’s impacting safety and livelihoods. The farming communities of our state produce the food Sydney needs, it’s only fair we get safe, fit-for-purpose roads.”

There was an estimated 10,000km of flood-damaged roads across the state, and while local councils were doing their best to prioritise works Mrs Reardon said it was clear it was a huge task given the unprecedented damage.

“And while we’re calling for a billion-dollar funding pool, the money must be accompanied by a workforce and access to materials –both are in short supply – and a strategic approach to the road network.

“The damage has led to increased traffic on regional roads at a time when harvest vehicles also need to move safely, and we will continue to raise this issue until we get a solution.”

New fire danger rating system

A new and nationally consistent bush fire danger rating system will provide clearer and more accurate information to communities at risk of bush fire.

The Australian Fire Danger Rating System brings together the latest science and knowledge of fire behaviour, is supported by extensive community research, and is the most significant change to the fire danger rating system in more than 50 years.

NSW and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional the north, Eurobodalla Shire and Bega the east, Victorian border in the south, Valleys Council area in the west. provided to the community

recycling; road, traffic and maintenance; care; youth services; parks and recreation; pools; water supply; wastewater; planning development; cemeteries; bushfire recovery; development; communications; customer community development; sustainability visitor centres and campgrounds.

Under the previous system, fire danger ratings were based on only bush and grass. The new system uses eight different types of vegetation, which have been mapped across the entire country.

The display of daily ratings has been simplified. Now, four levels of fire danger rating will be used, with simple actions for the community to take at each level.

• Moderate (Green) – Plan and prepare

industry sector

• High (Yellow) – Be ready to act

ommodation & food – 16.9%

– 10.7%

State Priority Weeds

State Priority Weed Objective: Prevention

The following Prohibited Matter weeds are from entering have severe consequences with or possess Prohibited Matter weeds. notify Snowy Monaro Regional Council on

Extreme (Orange) – Take action now to protect life ad property

forestry , & fishing – 10.0%

• Catastrophic (Red) – For your survival, leave bush fire risk areas

8.7%

and Social Assistance – 7.7%

National Economics Modelled series (NIEIR) 2021/21

2019/20

Fire danger ratings are used to communicate the consequences of a fire, if one was to start. On days when there is minimal risk, ‘No rating’ will be used.

visitor nights: 249,035

visitor nights: 2,202,855

trips: 396,164

Centre services provided by Council, Snowy Hydro and Wildlife Service

The AFDRS development has been led by the NSW Government through the NSW Rural Fire Service, with the support of AFAC (Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council) and the Bureau of Meteorology. The project was jointly funded by States/Territories and the Commonwealth government.

of the region’s land is used for primary cattle, sheep, timber & small scale producers.

RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the new system will provide clearer advice to the community.

“Across Australia, we have seen the devastating impact that fires can have on communities, and the new fire danger rating system will give people living, working and travelling in bush fire prone areas clearer and more accurate information about the risk they face.

“The new ratings will be displayed in communities across the country such as on websites, smartphone apps, social media and on roadside signs”.

AFAC Chief Executive Officer Rob Webb said the delivery of the AFDRS is the result of extensive collaboration, development and testing.

“The new system is a nationally significant project, using the expertise in fire and emergency services across the country.

“For the community, this collaboration means no matter where you live or travel across Australia, you’ll see and hear the same descriptions around fire risk, and know what to do.”

Director General Emergency Management Australia Joe Buffone said the Australian Government is committed to helping communities to be better prepared for future bushfire emergencies through initiatives like the new AFDRS.

NSW and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional the north, Eurobodalla Shire and Bega the east, Victorian border in the south, Valleys Council area in the west. provided to the community recycling; road, traffic and maintenance; care; youth services; parks and recreation;

Broomrapes

Oxygen weed

Hydrocotyle ranunculoides

Spongeplant

Limnobium

Sticky nightshade

Solanum sisymbriifolium

Other State or Regional priority weeds

The weeds listed below also pose a significant risk to the Snowy Monaro Region and must be eliminated if detected.

These weeds are regulated under various provisions of the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015. There are strict requirements to notify Council of their presence if found or suspected, and to implement the prescribed weed control measures.

If you become aware of or suspect the presence of these weeds you must immediately notify Snowy Monaro Regional Council on 1300 345 345.

For more information and assistance, call Council’s Biosecurity team on 1300 345 345

Holly-leaved senecio Senecio glastifolius

Hieracium species

Photo: NSW DPI © State of NSW

Mexican Feather Grass Nassella tenuissima

Parthenium hysterophorus

Centaurea stoebe subsp. micranthos

Photo: Daderot, WikiMedia Commons

Limnobium laevigatum

Frogbit

Parthenium Weed

Photo: NSW DPI © State of NSW

Photo: Jörg Hempel, WikiMedia Commons

Orobanche species

Photo: Stefan Lefnaer, WikiMedia Commons

Bassia scoparia

Photo: SAplants, WikiMedia Commons

Asparagus declinatus

Bridal Veil Creeper

Photo: NSW DPI © State of NSW Hydrocotyl / Water pennywort

Photo: Dr Mary Gillham, WikiMedia Commons

Lagarosiphon major Acacia Karoo Vachellia karroo

spongia Eurasian Water Milfoil

Photo: AnRo0002, WikiMedia Commons

Myriophyllum spicatum

Photo: Salicyna, WikiMedia Commons

Photo: NSW DPI © State of NSW Equisetum species Horsetails

Photo: NSW DPI © State of NSW

Specialist Application

RIGHT HERE IN COOMA MONARO

With perfect growing conditions, now is the time to book your spring and summer spraying needs.

Finding the right equipment to suit your UTV

If you own a UTV (sometimes known as RTVs or side-by-sides), you’ve probably already started thinking about just how useful your vehicle could be for tackling weed spraying jobs.

Finding the right sprayer for your UTV can be challenging, and that is why Rapid Spray has designed a dedicated range of UTV sprayers.

There are three questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a Rapid Spray UTV sprayer.

1) What am I going to spray - what type of weed?

2) Where am I going to be spraying - what is the terrain like?

3) How often will I be spraying? How big is the job?

If you are going to be spraying dense, heavy, woody weeds (such as blackberries) then you are going to need a higher power spraying pump and motor combination versus light spraying of small weeds may only require

a spot sprayer with a 12V pump.

Terrain of your property can have an impact on the design of sprayer. Rapid Spray have designed a range of sprayers called the Marshals – known for their compact but versatile range. The unique “L” shaped design of the Marshal tank baffles the liquid naturally making them a safer spray unit over undulating terrain. When the Marshals are mounted against the headboard, the centre of gravity is lowered, creating a safer driving experience.

Lastly, depending on your spraying job, in some situations such as occasional, spot spraying applications, the 12V pump models known as the Marshal-Q range would work great. However large spraying jobs with tough weeds, you are better to look at the Marshal-Pro range offering market leading Japanese Maruyama pumps with Honda GX200 motor combinations.

If you’ve answered the questions above, it’s time to start looking at what makes a great UTV sprayer! The Marshal range as designed for the UTV spraying market has a sprayer to suit all applications.

With the new 325L version now available, the very popular Marshal 250 range has expanded with a higher capacity and new Twin Reel version.

With a footprint of only 1000mm wide, 880mm deep and 750m high (excluding the height of reels), the Marshal 325 range will easily fit into the back of most large UTV / side-bysides, leaving in some cases up to 300mm of spare cargo area! Easy to reach tiedown points at the front and rear, be confident of securing your sprayer and driving over uneven terrain safely.

An exciting new addition – a Twin Buddy 325 MarshalPro! Double the spraying power with two 100m Buddy Smart Reels – an auto reel with unique MyPace remote

for controlling the rewind at a speed that suits you! Not previously available on the market – a powerful, high performance twin reel sprayer for the UTV.

UTV’s are fast becoming the vehicle of choice for many people wanting to get around their properties fast and safely, and their

benefits with being able to carry large loads while easily traversing any terrain is unparalleled. With Australia’s propensity towards deep gully’s and hard to reach places, weed control is no easy task. Making sure you have the right sprayer to suit your UTV is paramount.

Want to know more about the Rapid Spray UTV Sprayer range? Go instore to South East Rural Supplies in Cooma and see the full range available.

*Always check your vehicles specifications before purchase. Always follow safe loading and vehicle operation.

Increased risk of grass fires this summer

With the increased risk of grass fires this fire season, a risk that is expected to continue throughout the winter and the year, the NSW Rural Fire Service is reminding farmers of the importance of taking preventative measures as well as preparations for the eventuality of a grass fire.

“Grass fires are our primary concern this fire season. They can start easily and spread quickly and represent a serious threat to life and property,” Monaro RFS Inspector Darren Marks said.

“The higher than average rainfall we’ve seen over the past 12 months has contributed to high levels of growth. The annual grasses have now dried out and we could certainly see a blow-up day where with some really serious and dangerous grass fires.”

The majority of properties devastated by fire never fully recover. With the potential for millions of dollars in loss and damage, you can’t afford not to have a plan. The NSW RFS has worked with farmers to create the Farm Fire Plan to help manage fire risks on your land. You can download

your Farm Fire Plan at www. rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-andprepare/farm-fire-safety.

In terms of the risk for this fire season, there are a number of steps you can make to better prepare for and prevent grass fires on your property.

Preparation

The best defence against grass fires is distance. If possible, keep long dry grass at least 10 metres away from your house, so slash and mow around your house and other

assets, aiming to keep the grass less than 10 centimetres high.

Limit areas where burning grass can lodge or get into your house, such as, broken tiles or bricks, gaps in the walls and around windows and doors, or underfloor areas.

Cut back trees and shrubs overhanging or adjacent to buildings and clean up any fallen leaves, twigs and debris around the property. Keep your gardens well maintained.

It is also important to have hoses long enough to reach

around your entire house and remember never to drive through a grass fire.

Prevention

Of course, the safest fire is the one you don’t have. However, grass fires can be started very easily, so there are a number of things you can do to better avoid an ignition.

Many grass fires are started by machinery, particularly mowers and slashers so avoid slashing on hot, dry, windy days. Consider slashing in the early morning and

avoid afternoons when the humidity is at its lowest.

When mowing and slashing, keep an eye out for old fencing wire or rocks that might spark. Also avoid using spark machinery such as grinders and welders near long grass.

Ensure your machinery used in paddocks is in good condition and has spark arrestors. It is also worth carrying water and/or an extinguisher when mowing and ensuring permanent pumps and generators are surrounded by an area with reduced fuel.

Some of the more obvious things you can do are ensure any fires are completely extinguished, don’t dump ashes in grass or bush areas and observe Total Fire Ban restrictions. Also, make sure to check your property for fires after lightning.

The threat of grass fires is expected to continue right through the winter season as the high grass levels become frost-cured, and this, coupled with the lower than average stocking rates over the past few years, has firefighters worried.

“All it takes is one bad day to see grass fires and potential grass fires travel very quickly and dangerously, impacting lives and doing huge amounts of damage. So, I’d urge everyone to be aware of the risk of grass fires in the coming months and beyond and to take appropriate steps to mitigate potential fire risk on their property.”

To find out more about how you can reduce the risk of fires on your property, contact your local brigade captain or the Monaro Fire Control Centre on (02) 6455 0455, or visit ww.rfs.nsw.gov. au/plan-and-prepare.

We cater to all types of animal industries including:

• Small animal breeders, such as rabbits and cavies

• Stable bedding for the family pony or champion thoroughbred

• Dairy calves

• All forms of barn-raised poultry

Our product is of the highest quality and meets all HACCP standards for use in the poultry and animal industry. Our product is clean and free of contaminates such as CCA, glues and resins.

Grassfires are a constant potential danger as pastures dry out.

While quad bikes are great farming vehicles, farm owners and operators must be aware that quad bikes are high risk vehicles and are not safe for use in all terrains or for all tasks. Pushing a quad bike beyond its limitations could have deadly consequences. To ensure safety:

choose the right vehicle for the job (it might not be a quad bike) install a roll bar / operator protective device

• make sure everyone is trained to safely operate a quad bike – free training is available

• choose the safest route – look out for obstacles protect your head – always wear a helmet regularly check tyre pressure

• no kids under 16 on adult-sized quad bikes

• tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

Quad bikes are the biggest killer on Australian farms.

Since 2001, there have been more than 280 deaths in Australia from quad bike incidents.

The main cause of serious injury and death is from quad bike roll over.

Roll over can occur suddenly, even at low speeds and on flat terrain, putting the operator at risk of injury or death from being thrown from the vehicle, trapped, or crushed beneath it. Protect yourself and your workers from crush related injuries in the event of a roll over – install a roll bar.

An operator protective device (OPD), also referred to as a crush protection device (CPD) or roll bar, is an engineered attachment that is fitted to a quad bike.

They are designed to help protect riders from crush related injuries from the weight of the quad bike in the event of a roll over.

Rebates

If you own or operate a farm in NSW you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $2000. Up to $600 for each OPD is available. There are two OPDs on the Quad Bike Safety Rebate Program. Information courtesy of SafeWork NSW.

Keep safe on quad bikes KEEP SAFE quad bikes

Sheep Sustainability Framework

reporting the industry’s sustainability credentials

The Australian sheep and wool industry in April 2021 launched the world’s first Sheep Sustainability Framework. It was initiated by Australia’s sheep industry leaders to demonstrate the industry’s sustainable practices, identify areas for improvement, and better communicate with customers and consumers. It has recently issued two reports providing updates on progress.

What is the Sheep Sustainability Framework?

The Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) is an industry owned initiative to monitor, measure and report the Australian sheep industry’s performance against sustainability priorities. Sheep Producers Australia and WoolProducers Australia led the development of the SSF with AWI and Meat & Livestock Australia providing funding, together with strategic and secretariat support. The Framework was developed through extensive consultation and launched in April 2021.

The SSF identified 21 priorities relevant to sustainable sheep production in Australia, classed into four themes:

1. Caring for our sheep

2. Enhancing the environment and climate

3. Looking after our people, our customers and the community

4. Ensuring a financially resilient industry. The performance of the sheep industry in these areas, tracked over time, will provide evidence of the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement. It will demonstrate that Australia has a clear path towards sustainably produced sheep meat and wool.

“The significance of the framework is around galvanising industry and telling a great story. We have a consumer base craving the term sustainability, and wondering what it means, and this gives us an opportunity to provide customers globally with the solution to that sustainability question.”

John Roberts, AWI CEO

While the SSF takes an industry-wide perspective and therefore does not require any direct input from producers, individual businesses may use the SSF to understand the industry’s sustainability credentials and consider these in their forward planning.

In July, the SSF launched its first Annual Report which reported data on industry progress against key sustainability priorities.

“We’ve shared very encouraging data to come out of the report, including a 9% reduction in emissions intensity of wool and meat production from 2005 to 2020.”

Dr Scott Williams, Sheep Sustainability Steering Group Chair

While there was data to show a directional improvement, or otherwise, against about half of the 62 indicators, the other half of the indicators in this initial annual report were either provided an initial benchmark, or were marked as a work in progress, or data/metric was still waiting to be identified.

The items marked as work in progress were awaiting the results of a national producer survey, which was underway at the time and results have subsequently been released. The survey was commissioned by AWI and MLA to collect comprehensive data about on-farm production practices, primarily covering animal husbandry practices, but also other topics such as predation, renewable energy use and succession planning.

In October, the SFF issued a standalone report that contained important insights from the national producer survey. The key figures from the survey will be reported as benchmark data in the SSF’s next Annual Report due for release in May 2023.

More information: www.sheepsustainabilityframework.com.au

JTP Machinery your go-to for tractors

For more than 20 years the Bega Valley’s tractors have been supplied and serviced by the JTP Machinery crew. Making sure you get quality service at the most reasonable prices is what they are all about.

JTP Machinery was founded by James Timothy Peel in 1998 when he started servicing machinery out of the back of an old Datsun Ute and has slowly grown into a team of experienced mechanics and salesmen.

In 2009 the Brogo showroom was opened and JTP Machinery became official dealers for Kioti, Deutz–Fahr, John Berends and Hustler.

The store is stocked with the best new and used tractors for anyone to come and check out. They also have a ton of lubricants, hitching parts, implements and general spares in-store to get you out of a bind.

If you need something ordered in they are well connected with every supplier to get you the right parts for your equipment. Additionally, if you aren’t lucky enough to live in around the Bega Valley, they have an eCommerce store so that you can get your hands on quality tractor parts online.

While they do sell machinery, most of the day-to-day is in repairs and servicing, making JTP your one-stop tractor shop.

The knowledgeable team of mechanics has countless years of experience in keeping the machinery

of Australia running so that local businesses can get the most out of their equipment.

Understandably, not every broken tractor can be hauled out to a workshop, which is why JTP have a mobile mechanic who can come out to you to provide regular servicing and repairs.

THE WORKSHOP

The workshop and sales facility is located in Brogo NSW and is a small but modern and dynamic business.

JTP keep up to date with the latest training and techniques and are capable of manufacturing and repairing most machinery related items in house.

They have a talented team with a wealth of knowledge and skills capable of tackling any task presented. They usually maintain around six staff members which includes a receptionist/coordinator, admin and accounts manager, spare parts manager, full time mobile service mechanic with an additional mechanic shared between the field and the workshop. A fitter-welder/ fabricator and a mechanic with hydraulic and electronics and fabrication skills.

Whether it’s a simple oil change, all the way up to a full engine rebuild, JTP can even rebuild tractor transmissions. With the machine shop and welding facilities, they can also

repair or fabricate parts that are no longer available or manufacture and modify all kinds of farm machinery. Combined with their hydraulic hose and pump repair capabilities there isn’t much they can’t do to keep your farm machinery in tip-top shape. JTP also carry some unusual and specialised parts for Chinese tractors and loaders and can manufacture all kinds of fitting solutions if nothing else is available in their fully equipped machine shop. JTP’s fully trained staff have access to the latest technical knowledge and diagnostics equipment for the brands they carry.

BOOK NOW ON

(02) 6492 7151

If you can’t make it out to the workshop they also offer an on-site mechanic service so you can get maintenance and repairs done at your farm in the following areas:

• Bega

• Batemans Bay Mogo

• Bodalla

• Moruya

• Narooma

• Cobargo Wandella

• Yowrie

• Bermagui

• Brogo

• Candelo Bemboka

• Mogilla

• Tathra

• Merimbula

Elite Ram Sale and Woolgrowers Breakfast

Friday 3rd Feburary 2023

Sale will be interfaced with AuctionsPlus

MACHINERY WORKSHOP: JTP Machinery is only a stone’s throw away.

Connor Shea, Series II Trailing 14 Disc Seeder Connor Shea

Silvan 3500L Supa o Airblast Sprayer with Electric Controls & Floatation Wheels

Silvan G2E 400L Air Blast Sprayer with 1M Fan & Electric Controls

Kanga, 3.6M Tri Rotor Slasher, Semi Trailing with Rear Solid Rubber Wheels

Cosmo Bully TFLS145, 1.45M Cut Mulcher with Hammer & Rear Roller

Cosmo Bully TBBM175, Mulcher 1.75M Working Width with Hammers & Rear Roller

Kanga- 3M Trailing Pasture Topper with 200HP Rated Gearboxes

New Holland 411, 2.5M Cut 6 Disc Trailing Mower Conditioner with Rubber Rollers

Sitrex, 2.3M Cut, Finishing Mower, 5 Rotor, Linkage Trailing

Becchio TM 240,High Body Heavy Duty Mulcher, 2.4M Cut Rear Roller, Hydarulic Rear Door

Silvan 1000L Economax Linkage Sprayer with 12M Boom & Hose Reel

New Holland 616, 2.5M Cut, 6 Disc Linkage Mower

Kanga 2.4M Galvanised Pasture Topper