North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

Published since 1986

DECEMBER, 2020

www.farmernews.com.au

EVERYTHING IS ROSEY Exciting opportunities for students

DURING harvest season, Samaria Farm’s Vicki Wight rises at dawn to begin picking. With backpackers like Rebecka Stjernkuist providing assistance, Vicki doesn’t really consider the task work, surrounded by the glorious scent of freshly opened rose buds. Due to the limited 30 day flowering season, the remainder of the year is dedicated to pruning, hand weeding and tending the bushes to strict organic principles. The resulting oil and rosewater distilled from the farm’s Damask roses is of such purity, that Samaria Farm now exports to Japan where there is a strong appreciation for the product.

Turn to page 2 for story.

PAGE 7

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Fire awareness PAGE 20

Producers embrace Victorian Country Market

By EMMA OLIVER OFFERING some of the best Victoria has to offer, e-commerce site Victorian Country Market (VCM) promotes an extensive selection of fresh produce and artisan products from across the state.

Set up in a market place format, consumers are able to purchase from a variety of stalls and have the produce delivered as one order.

Initially launched by the State Government during the first lockdown, the initiative was created quickly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and though slow to take on, once the platform partnered with Click for Vic, community support and awareness increased exponentially.

One of numerous initiatives set up this year to provide a platform for Victorian regional producers to market and sell their products in

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an online environment, Victorian Country Market is one of the bigger sites showcasing 12 regions via more than 600 virtual market stalls.

From Buxton all the way up to Wahgunyah and Rutherglen, and across to Tallangatta and Cudgewa, the High Country represents the largest region for market stalls on the platform, promoting over 83 individual enterprises for this region alone.

A number that is indicative of the vibrant and prosperous

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agricultural and artisanal community of the North East, with participating business owners providing positive feedback regarding the initiative, with increased cash sales not necessarily the driving incentive.

With delivery free for all Victorian residents, there is a flat $9.95 delivery rate for the rest of Australia widening exposure for all the producers.

The site under the over-riding banner of the Visit Victoria

campaign, has also served to promote each region creating further opportunities for agritourism and inspiring statewide travel with restrictions lifting.

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■ Continued page 4

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Page 2 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

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NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY

Est. 1984

Covering North East Victoria, Southern New South Wales and Goulburn Murray Valleys

December 2020

North East roses produce supreme quality rosewater S

37 Rowan Street,Wangaratta Victoria, 3677

Phone (03) 5723 0100 Email: nefarmer@nemedia.com.au Website: farmernews.com.au Advertising Manager

Michael Kidman Phone (03) 5731 3306 Mobile 0409 841 954 mkidman@nemedia.com.au

Journalist:

Emma Oliver Mobile 0433 267 203 eoliver@nemedia.com.au

Senior Journalist

Jarrah Loh Phone (03) 5733 1108 jloh@nemedia.com.au

Pre-Press Coordinator

Noelene Allan Phone (03) 5723 0110 nallan@nemedia.com.au

Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.

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Emma Oliver JOURNALIST

Michael Kidman ADVERTISING MANAGER

Jarrah Loh SENIOR EDITORIAL

IT’S THE SEASON: The majority of November is dedicated to harvesting and distilling blooms from Samaria Farms’s 2000 Damask roses for sale and distribution over the coming year.

Noelene ALLAN PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

amaria Farm’s commitment to producing one of the world’s purest rosewaters has been acknowledged with the farm securing a lucrative trade deal exporting into Japan.

With Samaria Farm Damask rose oil commanding $100 per millilitre, establishing an export market for this high-value organicallygrown product was necessary for Vicki and Allan Wight, owners of Samaria Farm, and the recent trade coup is affirmation that the couple are producing a premium quality product with international appeal.

Designed and planted out under permaculture principles, Samaria Farm, located between Moorngag and Samaria, boasts not only a plantation of 2000 grafted Damask roses (rosa x damascene), but an olive grove, citrus orchard, stand of lemon myrtle and thousands of varieties of roses in additional gardens.

Vicki dubs the property her very own Garden of Eden, and it was the extensive and well established gardens that attracted the Wights to

the property, purchasing in 2010 Samaria Farm and its 22 acres of land carved from the original sheep station, with a farmhouse and infrastructure that dates back to the 1880s. “We didn’t buy the farm to do roses though,� said Vicki. “Samaria Farm had been on the market for a couple of years as nobody wanted thousands of roses, but we saw beyond that and fell in love with the property. “For the first two years, I was working in Mansfield, and we were just tidying up the farm as it was a bit over-run. “We did do a bit of distilling - as Allan in his previous life was an engineer and loves tinkering - and gradually we fell in love with the roses and decided to give it a go.�

Producing 100 per cent rosewater, essential oils and the less concentrated ‘flower water’, known as hydrosols, Samaria Farm is the only Damask rose plantation in Australia and Vicki and Allan have worked hard to establish a reputation for supreme quality products. ■Continued page 3

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 3

December 2020 “And this year in particular after all the rain, there are so many roses that we’re not even harvesting the whole lot.”

Roses grow on one-year old branches with the shrub only having a brief flowering period followed by the growth of new branches for the following year.

With a short harvest time, there are 30 days of the year beginning late October when the bushes flower and Samaria Farm embarks on the intensive process of dawn picking and immediate steam distillation of the rose buds.

“Distilling takes between four and six hours, and we distil 20 kilograms at a time,” Vicki said.

Grown in an organic environment, the roses are distilled in a single pass distillation process, with no additives or preservatives, guaranteeing the product is 100 per cent pure.

“For every millilitre of rose oil we require 2000 rose buds, however, the resulting quality is so pure that only a few drops are necessary when using the oil,” she said.

Due to the limited content of essential oil in the petals of all roses and the high volatility of rose oil, flowers must be picked on the first morning that they open, before or at sunrise as that is when the oil content is highest.

“We do wear plastic gloves when harvesting the blooms,” Vicki said.

“This is not for protection against the thorns - which are fairly negligible on Damask roses - but more to maintain the integrity of the rose and the oil content.”

With rose season only lasting for a month each year, Vicki and Allan have also turned their hand to distilling the lemon myrtle, eucalyptus and assorted citrus that all grow on the property.

Supplementing sales of their product range, Vicki and Allan also conduct steam distillation workshops throughout the year, with the type of materials used dependent on seasonal availability.

For Vicki, with a background in hospitality, it is a lovely aside, and the old property - with the distillery housed in part of the old shearing shed - is a glorious environment for the workshops.

Conducting the workshops in her gumboots, Vicki has found the perfect balance and loves the direction the business has taken since they purchased the property a decade ago.

“Nothing is a chore,” said Vicki.

“I truly look forward to rose season coming around every year, and waking at dawn to harvest the flowers just as they are about to bloom.

“I call it my four hours of meditation and aromatherapy.”

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From page 2 “The previous owners had trouble marketing the product and found it a bit soul destroying trying to promote rose oil and rosewater at farmers markets and realising nobody wanted to pay the price they needed to ask,” Vicki said.

“Unfortunately, people didn’t really understand what they were actually purchasing nor how labour intensive the process is to produce it and how many roses are required for each millilitre of the oil.

“We also did the markets for a year at the beginning, and it was terrible promoting what was ultimately an incredibly hard product to sell.

“That’s why - so many years later - it’s so reaffirming to have attracted a distributor in Japan as the Japanese market truly appreciates the product and realises what a good thing it is.”

A deciduous shrub that grows up to 2.2 metres in height, the Damask rose produces relatively small flowers that vary in shade from light to moderate pink and in colour to light red.

Growing in clusters, gathering the flowers is intense manual labour with the job requiring a degree of care to not damage any buds when harvesting the blooms.

“There is a knack, as the more you pick the more they come,” said Vicki.

■

Page 4 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

December 2020

High Country producers embrace Victorian Country Market ■

From page 1 Including both a small organic olive grove located high in the Strathbogie Ranges at Marraweeny as well as 80 acres between the Strathbogie Ranges and Mt Samaria overlooking Lake Nillahcootie, Dijana Cane is busy with her small batch enterprise, also producing a spice range, various dukkahs and flavoured coconut sugar under the Strathbogie Flavours banner.

With the majority of Dijana’s table olives and olive oil sold to cafes and restaurants in Melbourne, restrictions along with the disruption to local markets - hit the business hard.

“The Victorian Country Market has been wonderful during this period,” Dijana said.

“Every week there have been purchases, and some weeks I’ve had a huge amount of sales and then other weeks where it has just slowly ticked along.

“But as the couriers swing by and collect your parcels once a week for distribution, and there are no freight charges that we have to incur or pass on to the consumer, it’s been a great

initiative, and it definitely inspires consumers to trial your product and add it to their cart.

“I do love the concept of Victorian Country Market, as it is like turning up to a farmers market, except that consumers are doing it online.

“It maintains that direct connection to the farmer or producer, and at the same time expands the reach of their marketing without sacrificing that personal element.

“And the VCM online platform has been really successful at strengthening brand awareness and provenance.”

With teams of drivers across Victoria collecting items from stallholders every Monday and Tuesday and taking them to a central depot In Melbourne, orders are then delivered to the client on a Thursday or Friday, using specialist logistics partners Cold Xpress.

And though there is a proliferation of condiments, preserves and artisanal produce made from local ingredients, primary producers selling everything from eggs to saffron to honey, dairy and meat packs have not

been overlooked, with careful consideration taken as to how to best manage the diversity of produce on sale.

Bimbimbi Organic Berries in Barjarg as a result has found the initiative works for perishable produce like organic strawberries.

In their VCM online profile, Bimbimbi states that the platform is a real opportunity for the business to logistically provide customers, direct to their home, genuine, certified organic fruit.

Picked at its peak, carefully packaged and chilled, Bimbimbi assures the consumer that when they open the packaging they will be happy with the quality.

This peace of mind for producers ensures that the platform attracts quality produce, with stall holders confident that their brand will be well represented.

And for many stall holders it’s not necessarily about quantity of sales - which can vary significantly week-toweek - it’s more about getting their product in people’s homes and building that connection direct with the consumer, which is what Country Markets are all about.

STRATHBOGIE FLAVOURS: Dijana Cane has found that though sales fluctuated the platform has been a great initiative and she has enjoyed the convenience of a third party managing freight logistics.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 5

December 2020

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Blueprint for national cooperation on fruit fly released THE path towards a more coordinated and sustainable fruit fly management system to protect the future productivity and profitability of Australia’s horticulture sector is now clearer with the release of the 2020-25 National Fruit Fly Strategy.

The strategy was launched mid November at a meeting of the National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC).

Lloyd Klumpp, chair of the NFFC, said the strategy provides a framework for governments, industry and research funders to advance fruit fly management in Australia.

“It is a blueprint for national co-operation as we seek to both manage our existing pest fruit fly species, Queensland fruit fly and Mediterranean fruit fly, and prevent exotic species like Oriental fruit fly establishing in Australia,” said Dr Klumpp.

Steve Burdette, technical manager at Nutrano Produce Group and member of the NFFC, said a focus of the strategy is to maintain and advance access to domestic and international markets for fruit fly affected industries.

“We have to work together to tackle fruit fly,” said Mr Burdette.

“They are a key barrier to market access for our fruit fly affected industries, which make up about half of Australia’s $13 billon horticulture sector.”

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WORKING TOGETHER: Steve Burdette, technical manager at Nutrano Produce Group and member of the NFFC, said an important part of the strategy was a unified approach.

Sarah Corcoran, chief executive officer of Plant Health Australia (PHA), said the new strategy builds on a draft version released by PHA in 2008 and is the result of a collaborative effort by Australia’s horticultural industries, state governments, the Australian Government, Hort Innovation and various research institutions.

“PHA brought together the contributions of these organisations into a unified national

strategy which can meet the needs of the diverse industries and regions impacted by fruit fly,” Ms Corcoran said.

The actions required to meet these needs have been captured under eight different, yet interdependent, priority areas: market access; management of established fruit fly; prevention, preparedness and response; research; surveillance; diagnostics; communication and engagement; and co-operation.

The NFFC is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the 2020-25 National Fruit Fly Strategy and will be developing annual implementation plans to identify and monitor key activities under the strategy.

“While it is the council which will oversee the implementation of the strategy, our real strength lies in the contribution that every individual and every organisation makes to combating fruit fly,” said Dr Klumpp.

“Effective management of fruit flies relies on cooperation at all levels of government, and between industry bodies, research institutions, regional groups, growers, and community and home gardeners.

“To this end, I encourage you to consider using this strategic framework when planning and executing fruit fly management.”

Download the strategy and 2020-21 implementation plan now at preventfruitfly.com.au/ nffs.

The NFFC was formed in 2015 to bring together industry and government representatives to drive the delivery of a cost-effective and sustainable approach to managing fruit flies across Australia.

It is convened by PHA and funded by Australia’s federal and state governments and Hort Innovation.

December 2020

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 7

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PAID WORK: Having worked on-farm for the past four years, 19-year-old Kyella McKenna is encouraging students who are finishing year 12 this year to take up the opportunity to obtain paid, on-farm experience through a Dairy Australia gap year Dairy Industry Year 12 Dairy Graduate Program.

Exciting opportunity for students finishing year 12 to work on a dairy farm conditions are met.

Having worked on-farm for the past four years, two of those while completing VCE and two further gap years, 19-year-old Kyella McKenna said: “I have been fortunate enough after finishing school to take the steps in following an agriculture career, which will lead me to a successful career in the dairy industry.

“The most enjoyable parts of working on-farm for me are working with animals day-to-day, the rearing of calves as well as animal health and nutrition.

“It is great to have learned about and actively take part in the various aspects to working on a dairy farm such as milking, working with the machinery and tractor work.

“I believe anyone can do what I have done.

“I don’t have a farming background, but took an in-

terest in it and I’m now doing something I love.

“I’d recommend working in the industry to all young people.

“It is hard work but you have fun, work hard and best of all make money.”

In the recent federal budget, it was announced that from November 2020 to December 2021 a person who earns at least $15,000 through employment in the agriculture sector may be considered independent for Youth Allowance (student) or Abstudy purposes, meaning this program will provide a great opportunity for those finishing year 12 this year and looking to further tertiary study in 2022.

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STUDENTS finishing year 12 this year are being offered an opportunity to gain hands-on, paid on-farm work at a local dairy farm next year as part of Dairy Australia’s industry based Dairy Gap Year Program.

The program will match interested students with the opportunity to consider a career in agriculture while undertaking a minimum of 12 months’ paid work on Victorian dairy farms.

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December 2020

Hunters harvest higher number of deer

POPULAR TARGET: An estimated 131,258 Sambar Deer were harvested over 2019 in Victoria, much of which was in our region.

RESEARCH into deer hunting, released by the Game Management Authority (GMA) last month, shows an increase in the number of licensed recreational deer hunters and an increase in the number of deer harvested in 2019.

The estimates of the 2019 deer harvest in Victoria has found that 173,800 deer were harvested in 2019 - a 43 per cent increase on the estimated 121,600 deer harvested in 2018.

Sambar Deer was the most harvested species with an estimated total harvest of 131,258, of which 60 per cent were female.

Fallow Deer was the second most harvested species, with an estimated harvest of 30,307 deer, of which 62 per cent were female.

The number of recreational deer hunters licensed to hunt deer in Victoria peaked at 41,985 by the end of the year.

The research also shows that each active licensed deer hunter harvested an average of 6.8 deer and was active for an average of 13.6 days in 2019.

Licensed deer hunters spent a combined total of 344,604 days hunting - a 45 per cent increase from 2018.

The most popular hunting areas were around the towns of Mansfield, Dargo, Licola, Wodonga and Myrtleford.

The highest number of deer harvested were around Myrtleford, Dargo, Whittlesea and Mansfield.

Most of the deer were taken from public land and the number one town for the total number of reported days spent deer hunting was Mansfield.

GMA chief executive officer Graeme Ford said the 2019 deer hunting season continued the trend of an increasing annual harvest.

“The findings in the report show recreational deer hunting has grown in popularity with more hunters successfully harvesting more deer,” Mr Ford said.

“It is important to collect information about the number of deer harvested by recreational hunters each year.

“This information is used to help inform decisions about deer management and the management of hunting on public and private land in Victoria.

“Thank you to all the hunters who participated in the research.”

Throughout 2019, 2600 licensed deer hunters were surveyed to gather information about their hunting activity, including how many deer they harvested, where they hunted, what hunting methods were used and the species of deer they harvested.

The report is produced by the GMA in collaboration with the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research.

For a full copy of the estimates of the 2019 deer harvest in Victoria visit www.gma.vic. gov.au.

Funding to enhance grey box grassy woodlands LANDHOLDERS in the northern half of the Goulburn Broken Catchment are encouraged to apply for funding through the Linking Landscapes project to improve the condition of threatened grey box grassy woodlands on their properties.

Goulburn Broken CMA’s Janice Mentiplay-Smith said grey box grassy woodlands were an important natural environment.

“The woodlands provide habitat for a variety of species including the nationally threatened swift parrot, regent honeyeater, turnip copper burr and small purple-pea,” Ms Mentiplay-Smith said.

Those who wish to check eligibility criteria and submit an EOI should check the ‘Funding Opportunities” tab at www.gbcma. vic.gov.au Applications close 5pm this Friday and for more information contact Jenny Wilson on 5822 7700 or jennyw@gbcma.vic.gov.au

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 9

December 2020

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NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY

Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria

WŝĐŬ ƵƉ LJŽƵƌ &Z ĐŽƉLJ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶƐ͗ BEECHWORTH Beechworth Machinery 30 High Street

ECHUCA Echuca Rural 37-41 Cornelia Creek Road

WODONGA Cadmac 233 McKoy Street

RUTHERGLEN McNamara’s AGnVET Cnr Murray Valley Highway

Haeusler’s Echuca 2-10 Murray Valley Highway

FarmTech Machinery 30 Moloney Drive

SHEPPARTON Aussie Ag Supplies 6 Sofra Drive

Birallee Newsagency, Shopping Centre, Birallee Place

Bertoli Farm Machinery 198-200 Numurkah Road

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MYRTLEFORD Buffalo Farm Equipment 62-66 Myrtle Road Tafco Rural Supplies 215 Myrtle Street SEYMOUR Seymour Equine & Rural 38 Emily Stree BENDIGO Bush’s Produce Store 94-96 Williamson Street VIOLET TOWN Violet Town Rural & Hardware 31 Cowslip Street

Haeusler’s Shepparton 219 Numurkah Road Konigs Shepparton 355 Midland Highway O’Connor’s Shepparton 212 Numurkah Road Shepparton Rural 21 Telford Drive ALBURY North Albury Newsagency 1082 Mate Street Nth Albury

Irwin Stockfeeds 20 Wood Road Kyabram Motorcycles 121 Albion Street WA N G A R AT TA Elder’s Insurance 24 Rowan Street McGregor Machinery 150 Tone Road Landmark Wangaratta 4 Mason Street

Wangaratta Chronicle 37 Rowan Street Wangaratta Rural Supplies 40 Ryley Street NAGAMBIE John Sanderson Machinery 36-38 Industrial Cres BENALLA Peter Davis Rural 46 Gillies Street Smyth Seeds 35 Gillies Street WAGGA WAGGA Hunters Newspower 68 Fitzmaurice Street Southcity Newsagency Shop 6/1-7 Tanda Place MANSFIELD Mansfield Newsagency 57-59 High Street

Digital editions are also available to download for free. For more information visit farmernews.com.au

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COBRAM Cobram Farm Equipment, Lot 3 Murray Valley Highway CORRYONG Roger C. Brown P/L, Hanson Street ECHUCA McKees Garage & Engineering, 39 McKenzie Road KYABRAM Albion (Kyabram) Motors P/L, 33-39 Albion Street

Page 10 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

December 2020

Noxious weed continues to grow on Balmattum Hill WHILE this season looks to be a bumper one for plant growth throughout the Strathbogie region - weeds are also growing at an increasing rate as well.

The most prominent of these being Paterson’s Curse, which has been seen in abundance through areas of the Strathbogie Tableland, Avenel and towards Violet Town.

Landholders and organisations are all looking to relay a message to ensure that noxious weed, but government bodies, both local and state are also working hard to ensure that it is maintained on public land.

The weed has been seen popping up on these areas including Euroa’s Balmattum Hill.

Strathbogie Shire chief executive officer Julie Salomon said council works with local Landcare groups to ensure the weed is maintained effectively on land that they manage.

“We’re fortunate to enjoy strong working relationships with local Landcare groups, which undertake spraying on roadsides,” Ms Salomon said.

“The groups also receive funding support from the Victorian Government.

Most recently, we sprayed all transfer stations within the Shire.”

Paterson’s Curse contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which cause chronic liver damage and are poisonous mainly to horses and pigs, while sheep or cattle are less impacted because the alkaloids are largely broken down in their rumen.

Ms Salomon also said that while the council under state law were not able to enforce actions regarding weeds growing on private land, there have been occasions that they do receive complaints about weed growth on properties.

“In this case, if it is a low-priority weed, we remind landowners of their obligations to not let it spread beyond the boundaries of their property.

However, if the complaint relates to a high-priority weed, we forward the details to Agriculture Victoria,” Ms Salomon said.

The weed has also recently seen particular growth on Balmattum Hill, where Paterson’s Curse has germinated become the dominant flora species after a major fire earlier this year.

Part of the land on Balmattum is privately owned, while the council manages a small section of the track with Parks Victoria managing the area of the hill directly to the north.

TESTING FOR ACIDITY: Getting a soil texture assessment and measuring organic carbon is important to understanding the soil’s buffering capacity.

Proactive approach needed to soil acidity issues SOIL acidity could be the cause of unexplained yield losses for grain growers, with growers therefore encouraged to soil test.

SA Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) soil consultant, Melissa Fraser, who features in a new Grains Reasearch Development Corporation ‘The lowdown on subsurface acidity’ podcast, says the natural soil acidification process is accelerated by productive modern farming practices, and the problem is occurring deeper in the soil.

Increased use of nitrogen fertiliser, greater removal of grain and stubble for hay, and the inclusion of legumes in a cropping rotation are all factors that have increased soil acidification under modern farming systems.

Root growth and uptake of water and nutrients are reduced under acidic conditions, and low pH also causes toxic levels of aluminium which severely impairs root growth.

“Typically, the topsoil becomes acidified first and if this is not ad-

dressed, the acidic layer spreads down the soil profile over time, retarding root penetration of acidsensitive plants,” Dr Fraser said.

Spreading lime will remediate soils affected by acidity but lime takes many years to move into the subsurface.

The movement of lime into the subsurface can be enhanced through incorporation or strategic tillage.

Pulse crops, such as lentil and faba bean, are more acid sensitive than wheat, so if pulse productivity starts declining, soil acidity could be the cause.

Crop decline is often first noticed on the lighter textured soil types within a paddock where deterioration is evident early, especially in dry years.

This can be easily picked up through NDVI images or yield maps.

By the time this decline is noticed, crop yields may have been restricted for many years and the acidity issue may be quite deep in the soil.

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So, a soil monitoring program is the best way of picking up emerging acidity early and avoiding the development of subsurface acidity.

“Traditional soil sampling of the 0-10 centimetres surface soil isn’t going to accurately identify any deeper acidity issues,” Dr Fraser said.

If subsurface acidity is suspected, Dr Fraser recommends growers and advisers sample in 0-5cm, 5-15cm and 15-25cm increments in good and poor zones across the paddock.

In addition to pH and aluminium, she recommends getting a soil texture assessment and measuring organic carbon to understand the soil’s buffering capacity, which will assist with lime rate decisions.

According to Dr Fraser, the primary issue for many growers looking to address subsurface acidity is the fact that lime moves slowly down the profile in most soils, especially under no-till farming.

“Growers have done a great job of adopting no-till practices, which has helped improve soil health,” she said.

“However, strategic cultivation after topdressing lime really should be considered to mix the lime below the soil surface, thereby speeding up the remediating effect lime has on surface and subsurface acidity.”

Once acidity has been corrected throughout the soil profile, regular topdressings of lime without incorporation can ensure pH in the topsoil is maintained above 5.5 and subsurface acidity should not re-occur.

To understand more about lime movement in soils, liming rates and lime incorporation methods, visit the Acid Soils SA website.

This website and its resources form part of a GRDC investment which aims to improve grower and adviser understanding of the development of topsoil and subsoil acidity, limitations to crop profitability and improved management practices.

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December 2020

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 11

Moderate hay demand tipped to pick up in 2021 AUSTRALIAN hay makers have avoided potential oversupply issues with production lower than previous years and extensive weather damage to crops, according to Feed Central’s latest National Hay Market Report.

However, Feed Central managing director Tim Ford predicts demand will pick-up in autumn-winter 2021 as opportunities emerge.

Mr Ford said that going into harvest 2020 there was a risk of a major overproduction and supply issue. “It is safe to say that this issue has been averted, due to the weather and informed and conscious decisions by growers to make less hay,� he said.

More tonnes per hectare have been produced but there has been a significant reduction of hectares being cut.

Mr Ford said there had been extensive weather damage to hay crops so far this year, especially through NSW and Victoria with cutting and baling being delayed.

Higher moisture levels have been causing downgrades and risk of self-combustion. “Many growers have decided that the risk of making hay this year was too great

HAY PRODUCTION: Australian haymakers have found production lower than previous years due to extensive weather damage to crops in the southern states. and instead have taken most of this year’s cereal crops through to grain,� Mr Ford said. “In response to the wet weather, there has been a swing towards production of silage, especially for own farm use and for sale within the local area.�

Fodder production intended to be sold will be down on last year and the supply of

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better grade hay will also be down significantly.

On the supply side, there is opportunity for some reasonable quality hay to be made, especially through Victoria.

Beef graziers are not actively looking for any prompt new season product, however, they are interested in feeding new season lucerne in winter 2021. “There will be opportunity

to make lucerne hay as the price of some irrigation water drops,� Mr Ford said. “Buyers are eagerly awaiting a re-adjustment of the lucerne price prior to committing.�

There will also be opportunity for dryland lucerne and southern pasture hay due to solid rainfall in southern NSW and Victoria.

Mr Ford said Victorian

dairies are securing new season vetch as low as $190/ tonne ex-farm. “At this price, it appears that dairy farmers in Victoria are once again able to feed for profit,� he said. “The problem remains that very little vetch has been made without water damage.�

NSW dairies are enjoying a positive season and requir-

ing little supplementation, while many dairies in southeast Queensland have missed rains until recently and have been a major consumer of hay and straw over the past six months, particularly FCA quality cereal hay.

With predictions of a La Nina over summer, there will be opportunity for growth in dryland and irrigated lucerne and southern pasture production. “Due to the low volumes of quality cereal hay, we would strongly support this production,� Mr Ford said. “The outlook for beef, in particular, is optimistic and dairy is finally stable; hence, we will see demand for quality feed going forward especially during the traditional autumn and winter selling season. “In these challenging haymaking conditions, growers’ experience and machinery can make a big difference to final hay quality and patience is required in making and marketing hay. “Storage remains key; sheds are always best, especially in a La Nina year. “Good hay always sells first, but even lower quality will find a home over time if you look after it once in the bale.�

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Page 12 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

December 2020

Cattle OTH indicators move into record territory on year ago levels on an upwards trajectory, with fewer available cattle driving up southern prices.

Encouraged feeder and re-stocker buyers continue to maintain strong levels of competition across most categories, with processor grids lifting in response to elevated saleyard indicators.

Southern processors traditionally source supplies from saleyards as they have greater exposure to the physical market, hence stronger price incentives are needed to secure available cattle.

For the week ending November 13, compared to the same week last year: In New South Wales: The Heavy Steer OTH Indicator averaged 622c/kg cwt, up 97c/kg cwt and a record high; The Trade Steer OTH Indicator averaged 614c/kg cwt, up 93c/kg cwt and a record high; The Medium Cow OTH Indicator averaged 534c/kg cwt, up 98c/kg cwt and a record high.

In Victoria: The Heavy Steer OTH Indicator averaged 662c/kg cwt, up 102c/kg cwt; The Trade Steer OTH Indicator averaged 663c/kg cwt, up 111c/kg cwt; The Medium Cow OTH Indicator averaged 512c/kg cwt, up 63c/kg cwt and a record high.

CATTLE over-the-hook (OTH) indicators gained momentum in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria in November, with southern grids edging closer to their northern counterparts.

The lift in processor grids across the eastern states reflects domestic supply pressures and a more positive summer outlook, encouraging producers to hold back cattle.

For the week ending November 13, the Queensland 100 Day Grainfed Steer OTH Indicator moved into record territory at 681c/kg carcase weight (cwt), a 72c spike on year-ago levels.

The Queensland Grassfed Heavy Steer OTH Indicator also reached a record high, reported at 664c/kg cwt, edging closer to the 100 Day Grainfed Steer OTH Indicator.

For the year-to-date, the spread between these indicators has averaged 20c/kg cwt, compared to the same time last year, which was a 40c/kg cwt margin.

A higher portion of grassfed cattle compared to last year has driven this change, while intensifying processor competition has continued to ramp both indicators up to record highs.

Processor grids in NSW and Victoria have also been moving

RECORD HIGHS: A higher portion of grassfed cattle has made its way onto the market this year.

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December 2020

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 13

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Page 14 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

December 2020

Connections Project to deliver 429 gigalitres in water savings THE largest irrigation modernisation project in Australia’s history is now officially complete, with the Australian and Victorian governments announcing the $2 billion Goulburn-Murray Water Connections Project will deliver 429 gigalitres in water savings.

Federal Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, and Victorian Minister for Water, Lisa Neville, said this world-leading irrigation system in Northern Victoria will boost irrigator productivity, help communities and foster healthy waterways.

“This $953 million Australian Government investment is one of the most significant infrastructure projects ever undertaken in this country when it comes to delivering water savings and benefits for farmers, communities and the environment,” Mr Pitt said.

“The modernisation of the irrigation system means more than 7600 irrigators have consistent flow rates, modernised channels and pipelines which improves water efficiency and supports high value crops.

“Reaching the water savings target of 429 gigalitres is crucial to ensure improvements to river health both in Victoria and in the wider Murray Darling Basin without reducing the volume of productive water

MODERNISATION PROJECT: Boosting irrigator productivity in Northern Victoria. available in the district.

“This is the aim of all of our efficiency measures projects, to increase productive water while helping the environmental health of the Murray Darling Basin - as a healthy basin is in everyone’s best interests now and for future generations.

“The Australian Government looks forward to working with Victoria on further projects to reduce the loss of water and improve the productive capabilities of the irrigated agriculture sector.”

A reset of the Connections Project by Ms Neville in 2016 got the project back on track by

bringing a new focus to working with locals to get the best solutions for irrigators in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District.

Ms Neville said since the reset more than 800 local jobs have been created annually resulting in an annual increase of the regional GDP of around $170 million.

“The Connections Project is a huge part of Victoria’s strong track record in delivering environmental outcomes under the Basin Plan in a way that protects irrigators from the negative impacts of buybacks,” Ms Neville said.

“This is about building a

legacy for future generations - saving water for the environment, creating rural jobs and supporting long-term productivity for irrigators in the face of climate change.

“It hasn’t always been easy we’ve had significant hurdles to overcome along the way but we reset the project, stayed the course and have already begun to see the benefits for both irrigators and the environment.

“The Connections Project is a great model for how we can achieve positive social, economic and environmental results through major investment in water infrastructure.”

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The web-based tool, which is also accessible on a mobile phone or tablet, was created and developed by Agriculture Victoria.

Land management extension officer Martin Hamilton said the tool will take a lot of the guesswork out of farm dam water calculations.

“As a mobile-friendly web-based calculator, farmers can drive into their paddock, measure the water currently in their dam and enter the data along with their livestock numbers into the Summer Water Calculator.

“They’ll then know how long their farm dam water will last using this tool.

“It’s that easy,” he said.

Mr Hamilton said the Summer Water Calculator enables farmers to make short-term calculations of current water storages.

A dam will lose up to 40 per cent of its volume over summer through evaporation alone.

While assuming no rainfall or runoff, the tool accurately calculates summer evaporation, livestock drinking requirements and dam volumes to determine how long the water will be available over summer.

Mr Hamilton said the Summer Water Calculator can be used for multiple mobs and multiple water sources.

“I know many farmers who have failed to factor in losses due to evaporation in their water estimations,” he said.

“They have then fallen short on their water supply and been caught out in the peak of summer.

“The tool will assist farmers in making important decisions about water allocations to avoid shortfalls in their water supply.”

The new calculator complements the existing Farm Water Calculator tool which helps farmers calculate their total annual water usage, supply or deficit.

The Summer Water Calculator is now available.

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December 2020

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 15

Bumper harvest leads to increased fire danger

T

HE recent rains have led to excellent farming conditions, but also an increase of the risk of fast-moving grass fires this summer.

Fire authorities have had limited capacity for backburning this winter, and conditions are now heating up leaving many rural areas vulnerable again this year.

After living through last year’s black summer, Aussie Pumps is gearing for what looks like a repeat of the same potential catastrophic fires.

“Who can forget properties lost in Victoria, the thousands of people huddled on the beach at Mallacoota or the 27 million acres of burnt forest,” said Aussie Pumps’ Victorian area manager, Sami Syed.

“Everyone at Aussie Pumps salutes and applauds not only the work done by the CFA volunteers, and professionals, police and ambulance officers but also the public who got involved to support the firies during the season.”

WHAT CAUSES A BUSHFIRE While we all read reports from the Bureau of Meteorology, and bushfire warnings, we must come to terms with the fact that the summers are getting hotter, fire seasons are lasting longer and bushfires more frequent.

We only have to look at California’s situation, where their fire season has lasted as long as ours.

The ingredients of a bad bushfire season are: z low humidity; z high gusty winds; z high levels of undergrowth; and z a succession of high temperature days.

MARK’S SPRAY BARN HERE TO HELP Mark’s Spray Barn at Lavington are experienced in their field and can help with advice when it comes to protecting your property.

Store manager Phil Star said: “With the massive cropping season in some districts, grass and fuel loads will be huge.

“The harvest is well under way in many areas.

“The recent spell of hot weather has brought many crops on quickly and seasonal grass on roadsides and in paddocks that were green three weeks ago, are now drying off quickly.

“These hot spells in the current conditions also means thunder storms.

“While some areas will have reduced risk due to the impact of last summer’s fires, the risk this year will come from grass fires, either by lightning strikes, machinery malfunction, or misadventure such as cigarette butts or worse, arson.

“Recent lifting of COVID restrictions on travel will see many more cars and trailers on the roads, heightening the risk of road side fires.

RIGHT ADVICE: For advice on fire pump selection, contact Tony Martin from Mark’s Spray Barn.

QUALITY: Beth Lewis at Delatite Pumps and Irrigation believes in selling a great pump at a fair price.

significantly more (up to 2½ times) of competitors, providing longer life and better performance. The huge 7½” diameter gives more pressure and more flow at pressure.

3. Fast priming is essential Some third world pumps will only prime from 3 metres.

The average fire pump will prime through a vertical lift of 6m.

The Aussie Fire Chief will prime through a vertical lift of 7.6m depths.

This becomes critical as the water level drops.

4. Warranty Most fire pumps come with a one year pump end warranty.

Aussie gives an exclusive and unique five year warranty with all of its Aussie QP pumps, including the Aussie Fire Chief. Why? Because the pump is simply built better.

5. Price Getting a top quality fire pump like the Aussie Fire Chief means paying a fair price.

The company doesn’t inflate prices in order to give artificial discounts.

Quite the opposite, they believe the user should be able to buy a great pump at a fair price.

WHY BUY AN AUSSIE? ASK DELATITE PUMPS & IRRIGATION Based in Benalla, long term Aussie Pump dealer Delatite Pumps claim Aussie’s pumps are simply better than any other fire pumps of their class.

The evidence is in their performance during the fires last year.

Store manager Nicole Donald says: “We became an Aussie Gold distributor because of the quality of their pumps and the long warranties.”

INCREASED FIRE DANGER: Aussie’s Mr T twin impeller fire pump in action.

“A reliable fire pump is the key to protecting assets until the big guys arrive.”

DEFENDING THE URBAN INTERFACE Statistics indicate that there are hundreds of thousands of homes in what professional firefighters call the “Urban Interface”. Many of these homeowners are unaware of the danger and are simply unprepared.

Depending on national parks or local brigades is potentially a vain hope as we saw last year.

With the fires raging through the state, there simply wasn’t enough capacity in the brigades to fight what was an “apocalyptic” fire.

That puts the onus on homeowners to prepare their properties.

“Fire authorities urge homeowners living in the Urban Interface to be prepared to either fight fire and protect their property or be prepared

to leave early,” said Sami.

“Getting out, if left too late can be lethal.

“If the choice is made to stay and defend the property, it’s not just a matter of filling the gutters with water, moving debris from around the house and hoping to survive.”

The Aussie Pump team promote proper safety including setting up houses, sheds and other important buildings with quality high pressure water pumps and water tanks with sufficient capacity to support them.

“There’s no point having a high pressure fire pump like the Aussie Fire Pump (the best pump of its kind in the world) without the water to support it,” Sami said.

“That pump, with a 75 metre maximum head, can throw water at a fire at a rate of up to 150 lpm at approximately 90 psi. “That’s a lot of capability for one small pump.

“You can also run sprinklers

on a house or building.”

For more capacity, the company has developed a 3” twin impeller fire pump that will produce 200 lpm at 80 metres head, 120 psi.

HOW TO CHOOSE A PUMP “Aussie Pump distributors know the danger of a bad choice of equipment.

“Getting a third world pump, made by people who don’t even understand what a fire pump is supposed to do, is hazardous,” said Sami.

His advice is to follow the “5 principles” as detailed below.

1. Pump Performance Check out the actual pump performance curve before you buy.

The performance is everything and determines how much water you can throw at a fire in the quickest possible time.

2. Quality of components Comparing Aussie Pumps with competitors is chalk and cheese.

Aussie’s impeller weighs

WHAT’S THE AUSSIE ADVANTAGE? Aussie’s design team test criteria are matched by the company’s ISO 9001 quality standards.

“We adopted a policy that we only develop products that we would want to use ourselves,” said Sami.

“The components used in our fire pumps are the highest quality and the engines selected, Honda petrol and Yanmar diesel, are world leaders.

“We take no chances and know that people’s lives are at stake.”

FREE AUSSIE FIRE SURVIVAL GUIDES Aussie Pumps print large quantities of Bushfire Survival Guides every year for Aussie Pump distributors to give away free. The guide can make all the difference between saving property, livestock and maybe lives.

Contact your local Aussie Gold distributor for the best advice on the Aussie Pump fire pump range and for your free Aussie Bushfire Survival Guide.

Buy the right product at the right price, support your local bloke, best of all - be prepared.

Page 16 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

December 2020

Top tips for selling and transporting animals AGRICULTURE Victoria has created a livestock transport checklist to help farmers prepare and plan their trips.

Agriculture Victoria technical specialist Kirstie Anderson said the transport of cattle, sheep or goats involves rules and regulations across a number of agencies.

“The new ‘Transporting livestock responsibilities and recommendations’ webpage provides everything farmers need to be across from market expectations

to curfews, animals being fit to load, planning the journey and getting the paperwork right,” she said.

“If you’re selling livestock, either for slaughter over the hooks, to the saleyard or in a private sale, it’s important to consider whether the stock meet your customers’ requirements.

“Meeting market specifications can lead to higher prices compared to selling stock that is outside the specifications and can help to cre-

ate a good relationship with your supply chain,” Ms Anderson said.

“The page provides a checklist of everything you need to be ready for market, to plan your journey and to get the paperwork right.”

The checklist includes links to resources relating to market specifications such as age or condition, weight, fat or condition scores, withholding periods, Livestock Production Assurance (LPA), Meat Standards Australia (MSA) or other quality assurance program information.

Producers, stock agents and transporters can access curfew advice and information as well as links to MSA handling requirements and standards to better understand specific supply chains.

The page has links to Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines, including the handy and easy to use booklet ‘Is the animal fit to load?’.

“Good preparation can ensure better animal welfare, minimise transport-related losses and can sup-

port better eating quality outcomes,” Ms Anderson said.

“We’ve included reminders about ‘spelling periods’ for livestock if a journey is going to take longer than the maximum time allowed, as well as maximum times off feed and water to help producers put their best plan forward.”

For more information visit the ‘Transporting livestock responsibilities and recommendations’ web page or contact Kirstie Anderson on 0437 990 967.

DO IT RIGHT: Ag Vic have launched a new website to take the hassle out of selling and transporting stock.

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December 2020

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December 2020

ANTIVENOM LIST: z Polyvalent Snake Antivenom z Tiger Snake Antivenom z Brown Snake Antivenom z Black Snake Antivenom z Death Adder Antivenom z Taipan Antivenom z Sea Snake Antivenom z Stonefish Antivenom z Red Back Spider Antivenom z Funnel Web Spider Antivenom z Box Jellyfish Antivenom z Snake Venom Detection Kit

VACCINE PRODUCTION: A new high-tech vaccine manufacturing facility will be developed in Melbourne.

Bush benefits from $1 billion agreement REGIONAL Australians especially those in livestock industries - will benefit from a landmark agreement between the Australian Government and Seqirus to secure the nation’s Q Fever vaccine production.

The government has announced a new high-tech vaccine manufacturing facility will be developed in Melbourne to secure Australia’s long-term critical health products, including Q Fever, and life-saving antivenoms.

Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton (MHR, Parkes) said the new laboratory, which would see local production secured until 2036, helps ensure the safety of some of the nation’s hardest workers.

“Australians who live and work in the bush are well aware of the dangers of Q Fever and today’s announcement is sure to be welcomed far and wide,” Mr Coulton said.

“The potentially-debilitating Q Fever bacterium (Cox-

iella burnetti) can be carried by both domestic and wild animals, which places many of the nation’s hardest workers, from roo shooters to abattoir workers, graziers and even greenkeepers, at risk of contracting the disease with their only real protection coming in the form of a vaccine.

“The risk doesn’t end at the work site either, with winds able to distribute contaminated dust particles far from the source.

“While people across the

globe suffer from Q Fever, Australian company Seqirus is the only producer of the sole existing vaccine, Q Vax, which makes the announcement all the more important as its impact will be felt abroad.”

The announcement followed recent investments by the Australian Government in trials to test a new Q Fever vaccine and to test Q Vax with a younger cohort.

Currently, Q Vax is only available for use by people aged over 15 years and relies on an antibody test prior to applica-

tion. These developments seek to increase the usability and access to protection against Q Fever in the hope of minimising its incidence.

Mr Coulton added the benefit that a strengthened supply of antivenoms also to be produced at the new manufacturing facility will help reduce the chances of regional Australians falling victim to many of the world’s most venomous animals.

“Australia is known for its inhospitable wildlife, and many in the regions live with

the danger they pose every day,” he said.

“Producing antivenoms locally means we have the right antivenom, for the right situation, right here in Australia.

“This investment ensures these life-saving medicines will reach the patient when they’re needed, increasing the likelihood of survival and recovery.

“Without this historic agreement, Australia would need to source these critical products from overseas.”

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December 2020

STICK ME ON THE WALL

Get ready and help protect your property and your family.

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DAVEY FIRE ACTION PROTECTION PLAN

STICK ME ON THE WALL!

THE BEST TIME TO GET BUSHFIRE READY, IS NOW. )HZ SHRSOH DUH HYHU IXOO\ SUHSDUHG IRU DQ HPHUJHQF\ OLNH D EXVKà¢&#x2030;UH RXWEUHDN DQG WKH VSHHG DW ZKLFK WKH à¢&#x2030;UH IURQW FDQ WUDYHO &RQVHTXHQWO\ WKH\ RIWHQ DOORZ OLWWOH WLPH WR LPSOHPHQW DQ Hà¢&#x2020;HFWLYH à¢&#x2030;UH GHIHQFH )ROORZ 'DYH\È&#x2020;V OLVW RI UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV IRU Hà¢&#x2020;HFWLYH PDQDJHPHQW DQG PDLQWHQDQFH DKHDG RI WKH à¢&#x2030;UH VHDVRQ 1.

Know the machine: Ensure all members of the household know how to locate and operate attachments like inlet and RXWOHW KRVHV WR WKH à¢&#x2030;UH SXPS

10. Check for leaves, debris and sticks that can impede the inlet system. For permanent installations, a foot valve and strainer at the end of the suction line can overcome obstructions.

2.

Fuel - Petrol: Petrol has a limited life and can become â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;staleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Change the fuel every two months by running the pump or draining it of fuel. Better still, use a fuel stabiliser which will dramatically extend the life of the fuel (must be added when new fuel is purchased).

11. Checked for air leaks and that all gaskets and seals are in good order.

12. An underground ring main installed around your property with durable hydrant or standpipe outlets can give you much greater coverage.

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Fuel - Diesel: Has a longer shelf life but generally needs to be stored at low ambient temperatures. Expect diesel fuel to last 12 months or longer at an ambient temperature of 20ºC, or six months at an ambient temperature of 30ºC.

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Engine oils: (QJLQH PDQXIDFWXUHUV Rà¢&#x2020;HU WKHLU RZQ VSHFLDOO\ branded engine oils to best suit their engines. Synthetic multigrade engine oil is NOT a suitable alternative. It is important to follow the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engine lubrication recommendations.

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Run engine regularly to ensure oil is well distributed around the moving parts. This provides best lubrication and a longer working life.

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General maintenance regime: Regular checks will ensure fuel lines are in good condition and the recoil starter works. A regular service schedule is invaluable.

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Check the plumbing: Investigate and maintain the water system.

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ARE YOU BUSHFIRE READY?

Page 20 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

December 2020

Private fires a leading cause of bushfire: new data MORE than a quarter (27 per cent) of bushfires are caused by escaped private fires, equating to more than 6100 bushfires over the past 10 bushfire seasons that should never have happened, new CFA data shows.

CFA data shows that of bushfires caused by escaped private fires that brigades responded to between November 1 and March 31 over the past 10 years: z 13 per cent were caused by previous fires re-kindling after not being properly extinguished; z six per cent were caused by in-

adequately controlled fires; z four per cent were caused by high wind; and z three per cent escaped after being left unattended.

CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said it was a timely warning to Victorians to take the utmost care when undertaking burn-offs or enjoying campfires and other recreational fires.

“Unfortunately, many bushfires start from escaped campfires and recreational fires,” Mr Cook said.

“It’s vital to know how to prop-

erly light and maintain a campfire to make sure it doesn’t go bush.

“Before lighting a fire, check fire restrictions and weather conditions - not only the day of your fire but in the following days when a badly extinguished fire can flare up in hot and windy weather.”

Victorians were reminded to never leave a fire unattended, even for a short while, as campfires can spread quickly without supervision.

Campers should extinguish their fire using water, not soil, as fires

can still smoulder under soil for several days and reignite under the right conditions.

If a fire is cool to touch, it is safe to leave.

Burn-offs as part of property preparations are also a significant risk when not done safely.

“With recent warm, windy weather, CFA crews responded to several escaped private burn-offs across the state,” Mr Cook said.

“We urge people to exercise extreme caution when cleaning up properties using private burnoffs and encourage people to visit

our website for tips on how to safely do that.

“It includes advice such as always checking fire restrictions with your local council and registering your burn on 1800 668 511, to check and monitor weather conditions, and having sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.”

Visit cfa.vic.gov.au for further information about Total Fire Bans and Fire Danger Ratings, how to Plan and Prepare, and what you Can and Can’t do during fire restrictions and a Total Fire Ban.

Remembering the 2019/20 bushfires ON November 21, 2019 the first ‘code red’ fire danger rating in almost a decade was declared in the Mallee and Northern Country, and dry lightning strikes in East Gippsland started three fires which grew to a widespread bushfire disaster that burned for months on end.

CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are remembering and honouring everyone impacted by the 2019/20 fires which destroyed hundreds of homes, burnt more than 1.5 million hectares of land and tragically claimed the lives of five people - including three FFMVic firefighters.

CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said the one-year anniversary will be a very difficult time for many Victorians and our emergency responders.

“As we head into another fire season, the next couple of months will no doubt bring back some painful memories for many Victorians,” Mr Cook said.

“I hope this can be a time for solace and reflection for anyone who worked on or was impacted by the fires.

“The Victorian community has been through so much in the past year and I will always be proud of the way our CFA members and their communities have banded together to make it through.

“We have taken many lessons from the fires of 2019/20 as we prepare for this year’s season.

“The community should take comfort in the fact Victoria has some of the best firefighters in the world, ready to protect lives and property.”

FFMVic chief fire officer Chris Hardman said the events one year ago led to a long, difficult and challenging summer which impacted so many Victorians.

“This is a time to reflect on the tragic loss of life, the five Victorians lost and the three FFMVic firefighters who sacrificed everything for their community,” Mr Hardman said.

“We acknowledge the incredible courage and resilience of our fire and emergency workers and our communities who live and work across one of the most fire prone regions of the world.

“As this summer draws near we need to take care of our physical and mental wellbeing, if the approach of a new fireseason is causing considerable distress it is important to reach

out for professional help.”

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said last year’s bushfires saw devastating impact and extensive damage to property, communities and lives.

“It was a challenging year for all Victorians, but one we can now reflect and learn from, and give thanks to all those who worked tirelessly to keep Victorian communities safe,” he said.

“The commitment and dedication of our emergency services workers who assisted with the 2019/20 fires, will not be forgotten.

“This fire season, we remain committed as a sector to continue to ensure the best emergency preparedness and response is once again carried to keep the Victorian community safe.”

SUMMER APPROACHES: FFMVic have taken many lessons from the fires of 2019/20 as they prepare for this year’s season.

Strathbogie CFA won’t take no

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at Currawa, Yarrawonga and Golden Square.

“Currawa, Yarrawonga, Strathbogie and Golden Square are four of many brigades throughout Northern Victoria that require substantial refurbishment or replacement fire stations,” Ms Lovell said.

“The Minister needs to ensure there is sufficient funding in the upcoming State Budget to deliver the proper facilities to these brigades that our dedicated firefighters deserve.”

Ms Lovell said the four f ire stations she

THE call for urgent infrastructure needs for the Strathbogie CFA has once again hit parliament, with Liberal MP Wendy Lovell (MLC, Northern Victoria) calling for urgent action on a refurbishment for the brigade’s shed.

During an adjournment debate this week, Ms Lovell sought a commitment from Minister for Emergency Services Lisa Neville that the upcoming State Budget will specifically include funding for an upgrade at Strathbogie CFA, along with stations

had highlighted are no longer suitable to house the respective brigades, with a lack of changerooms, no space for equipment and an inability to store trucks and tankers a common theme.

Earlier this year deputy leader of the Nationals Steph Ryan (MLA Euroa) tabled a petition of over 2,000 signatures to parliament calling for urgent upgrades at Strathbogie CFA. The State Government will deliver the 2020-21 State Budget on Tuesday November 24.

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December 2020

Six steps to canola success WITH seasonal blackleg pressures affecting many canola crops this season, Pioneer ® Brand Products is urging farmers considering including canola in their crop rotations in 2021, to start planning early to give next year’s crop the best possible chance of success.

Clint Rogers, Canola Lead for Pioneer, said that an integrated strategy planned over a number of years of canola rotations is the best way to assure higher yielding canola for the longer term.

“Managing blackleg is a really complex matter, and is subject to so many controllable and uncontrollable variables, but Pioneer has consulted with a wide network of research and extension experts to develop a set of six key principles to help growers and advisors understand the status, risk and management of blackleg in canola” he said.

‘Firstly, be proactive and develop an integrated multiyear rotation strategy,” said Clint.

“Monitor disease in your current crop, now at windrowing, to make decisions regarding future crops.

“Plan to be diverse in your management practices by not relying on just genetic resistance or fungicide use.

“Consider reducing disease pressure through crop

rotation, distancing from previous crops, sowing earlier for example.”

Secondly, Clint urged growers and advisors to understand that intensive canola cropping cycles will erode genetic blackleg resistance at a faster rate even when best management practices are implemented.

“Simply, do not sow canola into last year’s canola stubble,” said Clint.

“Try also to achieve a physical separation of 500 metres to the nearest canola stubble.

“We know that stubble older than two years produces significantly fewer spores and has substantially reduced risk of blackleg infection.”

The third factor Clint encourages growers and advisors is to ensure that risk gets measured paddock by paddock and to avoid blanket recommendations.

“Local blackleg pathogen populations and cultivar resistance rating may vary between regions and through cropping cycles,” he said, also urging growers and advisors to consult regional information on the NVT Online website www.nvtonline. com.au.

Fourthly Pioneer also advises a ‘combine and rotate’ approach to using plant genetic results.

CANOLA: Pioneer has released an updated set of guidelines for managing blackleg infection in canola. Pictured here are national sales and marketing manager Craig Choice, canola lead Clint Rogers, and Pioneer arm services consultant Dave Hogan from Central Victoria.

“There are three things you can consider regarding genetic resistance to develop a cropping program that reduces resistance risk,” Clint said.

“Rotate different canola cultivars every two to three years, avoid sowing cultivars from the same blackleg resistance group in close proximity for three years or

more, and identify cultivars from different combinations of plant resistance genes, including novel genetic combinations that seed companies bring to the market.

“Decision making regarding sowing cultivars with MR rating or above, and varied GRDC blackleg groupings coupled with sound agronomic decisions, will help

to preserve the effective resistance in canola cultivars.”

Pioneer’s fifth recommendation relates to fungicide use.

“Infections in both canola seedling and the upper canopy can reduce yield, but preventatively spraying or otherwise applying fungicide only when the risk or presence of disease war-

rants it will reduce long term compromised resistance status of active ingredients,” Clint said.

“Fungicide management is really important.

“Rotate and mix modes of action, including those available in new fungicide technologies, and follow professional guidelines for their use each time applied as well as over a number of years.”

The final and most important recommendation is to select proven high yielding hybrids that are regionally adapted and trialled in your local area.

“The profitability of canola is mostly determined by the yield potential of the cultivar grown, and the agronomic management practices to achieve that potential on your farm,” Clint said.

“We know that hybrid canola has that yield potential, and Pioneer’s industry leading breeding and trialling program selects for yield, as we know it’s what farmers are chasing first and foremost.”

Pioneer has published a new technote regarding blackleg management, which is available by contacting your local Pioneer representative, or downloading it at the Pioneer website www.pioneerseeds. com.au.

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December 2020

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Rare Medium Academy to help foodservice with COVID-19 recovery â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consequently, the typical balance of demand for specific Australian red meat cuts has shifted and fluctuated through the different stages of COVID-19 shut downs, causing substantial carcase utilisation challenges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has also impacted processor supply chains through expanding demand in alternate channels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The other major challenge for the foodservice industry is the unknown and unpredictable timeline for recovery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Any escalation of cases within a state is likely to see a re-introduction of restrictions and place many businesses back in a very challenging financial position. â&#x20AC;&#x153;COVID-19 prompted us to re-think our foodservice program delivery to ensure it is relevant and beneficial in the current climate.â&#x20AC;?

Rare Medium Academy had its first live webinar on November 24 , and has a presence on LinkedIn Showcase, the Rare Medium website, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. â&#x20AC;&#x153;MLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foodservice team will be hosting a series of 30-minute, live showcase masterclasses for commercial foodservice teams on themes that will help pivot their menus and guide them to success,â&#x20AC;?

Mr Burke said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;MLA is also creating a library of 30 videos streamed via YouTube, featuring tips, tricks and hacks to mentor foodservice professionals to escalate their menus to the next level while maintaining costs, achieving a balanced meal and a delicious dish for their patrons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The themes will include low and slow barbecue, summer lamb tips and tricks for foodservice, red meat menu solutions for delivery service providers, great steaks and sides, power bowls and salads, grab and go sandwiches, wraps and burgers, wok tossed dishes, curries and braises, and roasts and carveries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;MLA is also producing a series of videos taking commercial foodservice leaders and executive chefs on-farm, straight to the source where they meet Australian producers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The participants learn first-hand how Australia produces the best red meat in the world, then while on location, produce a dish thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s applicable to their business and will inspire others across the commercial foodservice landscape.â&#x20AC;?

For more information visit the Rare Medium Academy website.

LOGO: Ensuring Australian red meat remains a prominent menu fixture is the focus of a new Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) initiative, the Rare Medium Academy.

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WITH the foodservice sector significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring Australian red meat remains a prominent menu fixture is the focus of a new Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) initiative that was launched late November.

MLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foodservice trade team, in consultation with the foodservice industry, has developed the Rare Medium Academy series to educate and inspire foodservice chefs to utilise Australian red meat in commercial kitchens through new product development, cooking techniques and exploring the best cut for cook method.

The domestic foodservice sector is a key channel for Australian red meat, typically sourcing approximately 28 per cent of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s domestic beef supply and 15 per cent of sheep meat supply.

MLA product and business development manager and corporate chef, Samuel Burke, said developing agile and innovative solutions to support the foodservice sector in the current climate is vital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The foodservice sector has experienced wide-scale shutdowns and operation restrictions across almost all states this year as a result of COVID-19,â&#x20AC;? Mr Burke said.

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December 2020

Great honour for Victorian biosecurity leader A VICTORIAN scientist who has dedicated his 35-year career to protecting Australia’s plant industries from pests and diseases has won a national award with significance beyond what he could have imagined.

Agriculture Victoria’s Professor Brendan Rodoni was awarded the inaugural Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation for his contribution to biosecurity research and national leadership.

Dr Kim Ritman, who was Australia’s chief plant protection officer, died earlier this year following an accident in 2019 and was a mentor, colleague and friend to Professor Rodoni.

Professor Rodoni, who leads Agriculture Victoria’s Microbial Sciences, Pests and Diseases research team at the AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience, said it was incredibly sad to lose someone like Dr Ritman and winning an award in his honour meant more than the award itself.

“To win an award in Kim’s name means so much to me; he was a great leader for Australian plant biosecurity and plant sciences,” Professor Rodoni said.

“He was passionate about his work and it was an absolute privilege to have someone like him to look up to and learn so much from.

“I am one of many who re-

spected Kim’s work and attitude.

"He has inspired many of us to continue asking questions and find answers through science to better protect the plants we all rely on in our day-to-day lives.

“We are probably the biggest group now doing research and innovation in plant and animal biosecurity in Australia, and this award recognises the impact of our work at AgriBio and our Horsham research facility.”

While Professor Rodoni’s achievements are vast, he said taking part in the national response to the detection of fire blight in Melbourne in 1997 changed how pests and dis-

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eases were diagnosed and triggered the start of a new era of biosecurity in Australia’s plant industries.

“This was the first major incident of fire blight in Australia, and it was a very big deal for me personally and a turning point for biosecurity and biosecurity research in Victoria,” he said.

“The people and facilities make AgriBio a very special place to work and together through our partnership with La Trobe University we are making a huge difference to how biosecurity is managed in Australia and across the world.

“For that, I consider myself very lucky.”

HUMBLED: National Biosecurity Award winner Professor Brendan Rodoni in the laboratory.

Riverine Plains appoints inaugural chief executive officer CATHERINE Marriott has been appointed as the inaugural chief executive officer (CEO) of farming systems group, Riverine Plains.

Riverine Plains chair, Ian Trevethan, said that in the 21 years since Riverine Plains was first formed, the organisation had become a leader in farmer-driven research and extension and that the decision to appoint a CEO was the next logical step in the group’s growth.

“We are very pleased to appoint Catherine to this new role as she brings a wealth of experience, leadership and engagement skills that will provide a dynamic fresh perspective to the organisation,” he said.

“Importantly, Catherine’s values align with the culture of Riverine Plains and her enthusiasm and passion for agriculture is contagious.

“We are very much looking forward to her leading the organisation, and our existing team, into the future and delivering practical, innovative solutions to help farmers build

profitable businesses.”

Over the last 15 years, Catherine has worked in management, strategic and leadership roles in the agricultural, research and regional development sectors, both in Australia and overseas.

She is also UNE’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award winner, a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program and was the 2012 WA Rural Woman of the Year.

Catherine also brings extensive networks and experience in building and maintaining relationships across the public and private sectors.

Her appointment will help grow the organisation and bolster the group’s ability to attract practical and relevant research for farmers in the Riverine Plains region.

On accepting the role, Catherine said that there has never been a brighter time to be in agriculture.

“To have an opportunity to work with a member based, applied research organisation

across two states is something I’m going to grab with both hands,” she said.

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Catherine will commence as Riverine Plains CEO on November 30, and can be contacted at the Riverine Plains office on (03) 5744 1713.

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This is called failure of passive transfer of immunity.

Horse breeders will often measure the quality of colostrum from their mares (using a colostrometer or similar instrument).

If there is any doubt about the colostrum quality, or about the amount the foal has ingested in the first 12 hours of life, we recommend having the IgG (antibody) levels in the foalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bloodstream tested at 24 hours after birth. This is done via a simple blood test. Serum IgG levels should be over 800 mg/ dl to ensure adequate immunity. If levels are under 800 mg/ dl, and particularly if they are under 400 mg/dl, they need to be supplemented. By this stage it is usually too late for colostrum to be absorbed by the foal, so IgG must be provided intravenously. This is done via a plasma transfusion, which is repeated until levels are adequate.

If you have a newborn foal this season, and are concerned it may not have received adequate colostrum, or just want to check to be sure, call us on 5721 7177 and we can arrange a blood test to check its IgG levels.

Page 28 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

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