Published since 1986
MAY, 2021
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A YEAR IN REVIEW THE Mansfield Farm Project follows life on the Mannings’ property Davilak, for a year. Photographed by Sandra Lording from Sandra Lee Photography, the project is as much about understanding country life as it is about documenting a year on a farm, raising Angus cattle. Pictured is Rod Manning who in 2013 relinquished farm management of Davilak to his son Rodda. Turn to page 2 and 3 for the whole story.
Cattle prices pass peak PAGE 4
Jerseys reign at Easter Show PAGE 12
Dog trials held at Mansfield
Growers thrilled with 2021 harvests
PAGE 19 HARVESTS across the Ovens Valley are coming to an end for some, and just ramping up for other local growers who are set to reap the benefits of a cooler summer. The last hops and pumpkins have recently being picked in the Myrtleford area with both crops yielding well for their respective locally based companies. Hop Products Australia sales and marketing manager, Owen Johnston, said the 2021 hop harvest ran from the start of March to March 30 and was again a good one. “It was a cooler and wetter growing season but the plants looked healthy leading into harvest,” Mr Johnston said. “Harvest was characterised by smooth progress, with only one notable wet patch late in March,
BY JUSTIN JENVEY
jjenvey@ nemedia.com.au
but even with that, the brewing quality from this year’s harvest looks great.” Mr Johnston said pelleting of the dried hops begins this week and is expected to run until mid-June. The Australian Pumpkin Seed Company also wrapped up its harvest recently with owner Sharan Rivett buoyed by a significant increase in the number of farmers growing pumpkins for them. “We’re certain we will meet our yield targets and this is timely as we have seen a significant increase in demand for our products during 2020 and into 2021 right across
Australia,” she said. “Consumers are seeking good quality Australian grown produce that is high in zinc and magnesium to help boost their immune systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In terms of this year’s harvest, we saw some differences between the farms that were planted early in November 2020 and those planted at the beginning of December 2020. “The later planting yielded a bumper crop; this is possibly due to the cooler start to summer and better pollination and mineral translation occurring later in the season.” Ms Rivett said the Ovensbased business has also seen an enormous increase in farm-gate traffic with tourists returning to the region. ■ Continued pages 10-11
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Farming through the lens of a camera By EMMA OLIVER WITH photographs taken by Sandra Lording over a 12 month period from May 2019 to May 2020, the Mansfield Farm Project is a year in review of the Davilak Pastoral Company, a cattle farm in Mansfield, Victoria. Telling the story of farming family the Mannings, the images capture not only farming activities but landscapes and portraits, across the nine farms over which the family run their 1800 head of Angus cattle. A total of 47 images were exhibited in Mansfield over the Easter weekend, as the culmination of this incredible project - a year in the taking and a year in the editing - with the Manning family also presented with an album of a year in the life of their farm. It is Sandra Lording’s first photography exhibition, after a career change that saw her swap her policewoman’s blues for the kit of a professional photographer, in a country town away from her city beat. She now directs her sense of curiosity and willingness to understand a situation, to the subjects she photographs. “When my husband John and I moved to Mansfield in 2017, I realised I knew little about the people and farm life that surrounded me,” Sandra said. “Overnight cattle or sheep appeared in previously empty paddocks, crops sprung from the ground and the landscape was ever-changing. “The idea to photograph a farm over 12 months was born out of a desire to learn about farm life and capture images that represented what it means to be a farmer and share these images with the wider community.” Sandra’s original plan had been to photograph three different farms, showing a cross section of farming in Mansfield. However, the scale of the Davilak operation - generating in excess of 12,000 images, taken over 41 separate visits to the farm - resulted in Sandra scaling back the project to concentrate
A year in review of the Davilak Pastoral Company
BARNAWARTHA AUCTIONS: In January 2020, Davilak took 570 weaner steers and 30 heifers - averaging 320 kilograms - to auction at Barnawartha. With fires impacting the number of calves for sale, reducing the offering from 7000 cattle to 4000, the Mannings have mixed feelings about averaging $1015 per head for their stock, under such challenging circumstances for the farming community. PHOTO: Briony Hardinge Photography and Jason Robins Photography on capturing the Manning family over the period. With 5000 acres under freehold and a further 1000 acres leasehold, the operation is spread over nine farms, running in excess of 1800 head of Angus cattle. Patriarch Rod Manning has spent a lifetime building up the enterprise that is Davilak Pastoral Company, knowing from the tender age of four that he wanted to be a farmer. Graduating with honours in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Melbourne in 1972, Rod worked at large animal practices in both Wangaratta and Seymour, meeting his wife Maryke during this time. However, driven by his desire to farm, Rod saved a deposit and assisted by his grandfather, he purchased 320 acres in Merton at a cost of $33,000.
“At the time, I didn’t think I’d ever pay for it,” Rod said, especially when he then purchased the Mansfield Veterinary Practice putting the family under additional financial pressure. “The vet clinic carried the debt on the land, and I worked seven days a week for a good 10 years to make it work. “We sacrificed everything to accumulate land, and there were times when we didn’t even know how we were going to feed ourselves.” Selling the Merton property in 1975, the family moved to 240 acres in Mansfield, establishing Davilak. Rod then secured close to 1000 acres in Maindample, with the purchase of Woodlands. Purchasing land strategically, Rod has also worked hard to be successful in the agricultural industry, positioning himself as a leader within his field and ul-
timately changing the way beef farming looks. With his background in Veterinary Science, Rod has been responsible for researching and writing the operating manuals for Meat and Livestock Australia, which vets use to this day to inform their practices. “As a beef farmer you need to be not only knowledgeable in Animal Production Science, but you almost need to be a pasture agronomist,” Rod said. “You need to have financial skills; along with an understanding of chemistry and physics; be IT savvy; as well as understand what the profit drivers are.” It’s a huge skill set, and one Rod was mindful of when planning the succession of Davilak to his son Rodda. “I said to my kids, don’t come back home until you’re 30 and have a tertiary degree,” Rod said. ■ Continued page 3 BEST FRIENDS: Rod describes his lifestyle as simple, content with just his motorbike, his 4WD, his dogs and his family.
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TWO GENERATIONS : Rod Manning with son Roderick (known as Rodda). ■
From page 2 “Yet I was also conscious of the number of farms where dad still holds onto the cheque book and doesn’t let go. “When Rodda returned, the first three to four years were difficult. “Everything I’d built up, I just handed over and allowed him to make his own decisions. “And Rodda has put everything into it, so much so that Davilak is in the top 10 to 15 per cent of best practice in return on assets.” Taking over the reins in 2013, Rodda studied Agricultural Science at university for five years, before spending two years in Europe and then four years in Ballarat working in agriculture, returning to Mansfield to work alongside his father before taking over the operation. It was Rodda - though initially sceptical about participating in the Mansfield Farm Project - who became a key player in the success of the project. “Anna - my wife - came home one day and said ‘I’ve responded to an ad on Face-
book from a lady who wants to take photographs around a farm’,” said Rodda. “And I said, no way. “I was worried about gates getting left open, or somebody having an accident driving around the farm. “But Anna organised a meeting with Sandra anyway. “And I thought ‘oh yeah, she probably won’t be too bad’ - which she wasn’t. “She was actually great. “ To start her off, Rodda took Sandra around the farm, showing and explaining everything over all the different properties, and at the end Sandra was relatively self-sufficient. “I would text or ring her - often at very short notice - and say we’re going to be at this particular property tomorrow, and we’re going to be doing this activity, and Sandra would turn up,” Rodda said. “You wouldn’t even know she was there - she would just float around getting all the photos she needed. “And she took some absolutely fabulous photographs. “Sandra did say to me early in the piece, that I should make use of her while we
PHOTO: Sandra Lee Photography
had her, and looking back I really wish I had. “To have everything documented for a year, from the youngest to the oldest generation, in your workplace which is not just a workplace - it’s your everything - has been amazing. “We spend every day in the paddocks, and it’s great to be able to look back at a year on the farm.” Sandra is just thankful that Rodda and Anna took that initial leap of faith and welcomed her into their world, giving her full access to the farm, its operations and the Manning family. It’s answered her questions and created an understanding of her new environment, and also filled more than a notebook with observations on everything from controlling cape weed to economies of scale to trimming bulls’ hooves before joining. “I’m sure there were some reservations as to whether a city girl would be able to cope with all things farming,” Sandra said. “But I entered the project with an open mind and willingness to learn and loved every minute of it.”
BULL PEDICURE: Six weeks prior to joining, the bulls’ hooves are trimmed to minimise injury and ensure good hoof health.
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May 2021
Cattle prices past the peak and now on downhill run AUSTRALIAN cattle prices have been tipped to fall this year by 10-15 per cent but top quality genetics will be sought as the national herd continues to expand to 29.4 million head. Global Agritrends Down Under managing director Simon Quilty said the 20192023 price cycle peaked at 898 cents per kilogram in March and will finish with an Eastern Young Cattle Indicator low of 535 cents per kilogram carcass weight in 2023. This current cycle is 22 per cent higher than the 2014-2018 cycle average of 546 cents per kilogram. Mr Quilty expects feeder steers weighing 380 kilograms to 440 kilograms to be around 400 cents per kilogram by June and fall to 350 cents per kilogram in the last quarter. Factors playing a role in the prices include feedlot demand, COVID-19 restrictions lifting, Chinese New Year demand, tightening South American beef supplies and easing grain prices. Speaking at the Reiland Angus client seminar at Tumut on March 31, Mr Quilty said global meat demand
would place pressure on feeder steer buying before the year is out, with numbers rising on the back of lower grain prices. “The concern now is over fat feeder steers - heavy feeder steers will end up as a Jap ox,” he said. “Grass fed steers have been losing $250-$300 per head at the processor - the only reason they have been paying that money is to get throughput and keep the workers on, and trying to hold a market together. “They are going to pay the cheapest possible money for that Jap ox they can. “Be wary if you produce an animal that misses the grade and ends up as a Jap ox - the price spread will widen and being too fat will be penalised. “Within four to five months, the price spread between feeder and medium steers is likely to balloon out to $1 per kilogram and to $1.50 per kilogram for feeder and heavier steers. “That’s the type of discount we are likely to see in a short space of time.” Mr Quilty expects an abrupt feeder steer price
EXPERT OPINION: Market analyst Simon Quilty recently spoke at the Reiland Angus client seminar at Tumut on March 31, sharing his insights on the current market. correction in June back to 350 cents per kilogram followed by a 12 per cent fall in the last quarter of the year. With vealers (280-330 kilograms) sitting at 505 cents per kilogram, he tips the softest landing for this category with the average price this year around 472 cents per kilogram - up 18 per
cent on last year - and finishing the year at 450 cents per kilogram. “It won’t be until October that most processors start to make money on grass fed animals in Australia,” he said. Cheap South American beef slammed the cow market resulting in a peak of 344 cents per kilogram last
October/November and this category is tipped to fall by 25 per cent to 233 cents per kilogram in June. Re-stocker (200-280kg) steers peaked at 542 cents per kilogram in January and are forecast to fall by 10 per cent to 490 cents per kilogram in July-October, and a further 24 per cent to 410
cents per kilogram in January 2022. “In terms of cattle prices, we are still 13 per cent higher than the US and 46 per cent higher than South America,” Mr Quilty said. “This current price cycle will finish in April 2023 and I expect the low to be 535 cents per kilogram.” Mr Quilty told beef producers US cattle and beef prices will rise, global corn and grains prices will move higher, while Brazil and Argentina will emerge again as commodity beef powerhouses in two to three years time. Over the next four to five years top quality Angus, Hereford and Wagyu genetics will be sought as the national herd expands to 29.4 million head. He said lamb would be the shining light, with prices moving ahead of high-end grainfed beef. Mr Quilty said US sales of the Never Ever grass fed product jumped 75 per cent in 2020 off the back of a push for healthy product during COVID-19 by US consumers while organic food sales were up 52 per cent. ■ Continued page 5
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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 5
May 2021
Cattle prices past the peak and now on downhill run From page 4 “In the US meat sector, there was a genuine push for healthy related food products,” he said. “In January, fresh beef sales in the US were up 19 per cent and fresh lamb up 30 per cent year-on-year despite the cruise line, airline and white tablecloth restaurant industries being shut down. “Beef rallied well - it was up 22 per cent in the third quarter, 18 per cent in the fourth quarter. “The clear message is, with extra discretionary spending, the beef and lamb industry have done exceptionally well in North America. “E-commerce has been critical in showing people how to cook expensive pieces of meat. “It has educated the market place in a way we have never seen before. “It was a revolution in fixing the problem of education and how do we go about it.” Mr Quilty said eating meat remained the norm with 81 per cent of the nation’s population being meat eaters. Vegetarian/vegan have been steady at five per cent for the past 15 years while two per cent are pescatarian (fish only). ■
Flexitarians (diet choice based on food safety issues) comprise 12 per cent but is tipped to grow to 25 per cent in the next five years. “It will grow at the expense of the meat eating category and that is ground for beef and lamb producers to lose as an industry,” Mr Quilty said. “It will require a huge effort to ensure we don’t lose that ground. “There is no doubt alternative meats are out there but let’s put it in perspective - retail meat sales in the US were US$84 billion compared to plant based alternatives at US$0.8 billion, or less than one per cent of total sales.” Coming off the back of the COVID downturn, the International Monetary Fund forecasts GDP growth to be 8.1 per cent for China, 5.1 per cent for the USA, 7 per cent for Malaysia, 4.8 per cent in Indonesia and 3.1 per cent in South Korea. Mr Quilty said beef and lamb demand would be strong in that environment. “Our major markets all look to be having a strong year in terms of GDP and there continues to be strong spending on meat sales in those markets,” he said. “We have had a rising high
end market and collapsing commodity market so the message is the flight to quality in both genetics, expansion of grass fed Never Ever programs and brand promotion. “We have a three year stay of execution until Argentina and Brazil come back in and flood the market with cheap commodity beef.” Japan is set to temporarily impose higher tariffs on US beef with imports for the fiscal year ending this month expected to exceed the maximum amount set under the Japan-US trade. This is the first time the safeguard measure has been imposed on US beef since August 2017. Japan had imported an accumulated 233,112 tonnes of US beef by the end of February, just shy of the maximum 242,000 tonnes agreed for this fiscal year, according to Japanese customs data. The tariff will rise to 38.5 per cent from 25.8 per cent for 30 days. “Donald Trump has given us a comparative advantage in Japan because America is limited on what it can sell there in terms of volume of chilled beef on a regular basis,” Mr Quilty said.
Helping native species bounce back after fires THE North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will continue its work with key partners providing on-ground support for native species and ecological communities impacted by the 2019-20 summer bushfires. The Australian Government has confirmed funding for a new phase of its Bushfire Recovery Program, initiated in response to the bushfires when more than 430,000 hectares of the North East Victoria region was burnt, significantly impacting the environment, wildlife, and communities. The Bushfire Recovery project focuses on resilience building through threat reduction and protection of unburnt areas and refugia to assist the recovery of threatened species and vegetation communities such as the Mountain Pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus) and the Alpine Peatlands (Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens) – both listed as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC 1999). Approximately 36 per cent (5612 ha) of this ecological
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Page 6 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
New fungicides answer grower wish list THE launch of two new, exciting fungicides for use in canola and cereal crops during the 2021 broadacre cropping season is set to tick a lot of boxes for growers across the country. They can look forward to additional options for controlling diseases and assisting disease resistance management; flexibility of treatment timings; and, critically, crop safety in mixes with various other protection and input products, allowing convenient, one-pass applications and further enhancing disease control and
resistance management. ADAMA Australia has introduced both Maxentis® EC and Proviso® fungicides to the local industry for use in canola, wheat, barley and oat crops this season. The two new products add to one of the most extensive fungicide ranges in the industry, tackling diseases in all major broadacre crop types. Maxentis is a unique coformulation of two of the world’s most effective fungicides, prothioconazole and azoxystrobin. As a Group 3 and 11, dual
May 2021
LAUNCHING NEW FUNGICIDES: ADAMA Australia market development manager - Victoria, Alistair Crawford, says the new Maxentis fungicide will help control all major oat diseases, including septoria, leaf rust and crown rust, and it offers a short, three-week withholding period for grazing and cutting.
mode of action fungicide, it provides improved disease control spectrum, efficacy and resistance management, as well as an important rotation option following commonly used in-furrow and seed treatment fungicides. Maxentis can be applied safely at various crop stages and with a range of other crop protection and nutrition products with reduced risk of crop damage. Rapidly absorbed by leaves, it controls key diseases including seedling and upper canopy blackleg and sclerotinia in canola, as well
as rusts, powdery mildew, septoria, yellow leaf spot, scald and ramularia in cereals, while it also features Australia’s first registered claim for control of physiological leaf spot (PLS) in barley. Proviso is a novel prothioconazole fungicide featuring ADAMA’s unique Asorbitalâ„¢ technology, which enables enhanced uptake and systemic activity for improved efficacy, compatibility and crop safety. Prothioconazole has shown to be the most effective demethylation inhibitor
(DMI) fungicide for controlling various diseases, including net blotch populations with low and developing levels of resistance. However, rather than simply introducing another prothioconazole fungicide, ADAMA strived to develop an all-new formulation of the proven active ingredient to ensure real and tangible benefits to growers. Proviso can be used in tank mixes with a range of other crop protection and nutrition products, controlling a broader range of diseases in canola and cereals,
including fusarium head blight in wheat, and to assist disease management. It can be ideally applied as the first foliar application following the use of Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor (SDHI) or strobilurinbased fungicides on seed or in-furrow. ADAMA Australia portfolio manager - fungicides, Matt Sherriff, said the arrival of Maxentis and Proviso fungicides would take the headache out of disease management for many canola and cereal growers. ■ Contoniued page 7
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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 7
From page 6 Matt said research had confirmed Maxentis offered better crop safety than existing benchmark fungicides whether applied alone or in tank mixes, and it was a similar story for Proviso with its unique formulation. “Growers will be aware of crop safety and mixing issues when tank mixing various crop protection and nutrition products,” he said. “Maxentis and Proviso are safer formulations for applications in mixtures, allowing growers to cover their crops in one pass. “Compared with using other fungicides, they will have more flexibility than they have had before to go with various tank mixes from an early stage.’’ He said Maxentis was one of the few fungicides registered for use in canola containing azoxystrobin and it could be included with top-up applications of herbicides like atrazine as early as the four to six-leaf crop growth stage, as could Proviso. “This is when a lot of blackleg is coming in and developing resistance to both seed variety genetics and seed treatment fungicides,” Matt said. Maxentis can be applied through to the flag leaf stage in cereals and Matt said it would be particularly valuable as an alternative mode of action group
in cases where SDHI fungicide already had been applied on seed or in-furrow. In oats, he said the azoxystrobin component could offer potential greening benefits, while the fungicide’s mixing capability and rapid absorption would be strongly welcomed. Matt said Proviso was a more cost-effective and adaptable fungicide, and, to enhance its effectiveness, could be applied with a host of tank mix partners, many of which are conveniently listed on the product label. He said growers could also have confidence in the knowledge that even where resistance may be developing to any triazoles, prothioconazole was the most effective of these fungicides and by using Proviso, they could avoid paying for additional active ingredients that may now be less effective. Maxentis and Proviso fungicides were recently included in 30 trials across the country, where they demonstrated their mixing capability with numerous products, crop safety and effectiveness against all major diseases compared with existing standards. In Victoria, ADAMA Australia market development manager Alistair Crawford said the dual mode of action provided by Maxentis would help control all major oat diseases, including septoria, leaf rust and
crown rust, and it offered a short, three-week withholding period for grazing and cutting. Alistair said the fungicide was highly suited to tank mixtures and in canola would be an ideal rotational alternative to existing standards at the 30 per cent flowering application timing, providing control of sclerotinia and upper canopy blackleg, which was becoming a growing concern in southern areas. In barley, he said it would be excellent for control of scald, with the added benefit of ramularia and PLS control also being on the label. Alistair said Proviso offered the opportunity for affordable early blackleg control in canola at around the four to six-leaf stage, also in mixes with a range of crop protection products including atrazine and clethodim, and as an alternative to existing standards where SDHI seed treatment was used. He said early application in mixtures would also target septoria in oats and scald and net blotches in barley, offering improved control particularly where propiconazole was becoming less effective. For further information on the new Maxentis and Proviso fungicides, growers can contact their local ADAMA Australia representative, sales agent or visit ADAMA.com.
GAME CHANGER: ADAMA Australia portfolio manager - fungicides, Matt Sherriff, says new Maxentis and Proviso fungicides will take the headache out of disease management for many canola and cereal growers.
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AS SOON AS YOU ENTER A SITE, STOP. GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. LOOK UP AND AROUND. UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE AREA OF WORK. PROCEED ONLY IF SAFE.
To find out more, visit esv.vic.gov.au/look-up-and-live
Page 8 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
May 2021
State Government finally delivers seasonal workers after harvest is done IT is too little too late for the State Labor Government to only now provide little more than a handful of seasonal workers to growers and industry, months after they were needed on Victorian farms, according to Liberal MP Cindy McLeish (MLA, Eildon). Ms McLeish says the long overdue arrival of seasonal workers on Victorian farms is too late for many in Victorian horticul-
ture, including vineyards, stone fruit, summer vegetable growers and table grapes. “Horticulture is the backbone of this region,” Ms McLeish said. “We have many orchards and vineyards that rely on backpackers to help harvest the seasonal fruit. “Local vineyard harvests were completed in February and have completely missed out on labour
hire opportunity. “Harvesting provides backpackers with work, brings tourists to the region and profits farmers in return. “Failure to provide seasonal workers during peak harvesting time was a huge missed opportunity by the State Government.” Six months ago, the industry provided a ready-made solution to urgently deliver seasonal
workers into a purpose-built quarantine facility at Mildura, which the State Government refused to adopt. “A lack of workers left too many farmers forced to plough this season’s hard work into the ground or leave fruit to rot on the trees,” Ms McLeish said. “Delays have dragged our farmers’ livelihoods through the dirt.”
TOO LATE: Cindy McLeish laments the long overdue arrival of seasonal workers on Victorian farms.
River frontage camping ignores landholder concerns LANDHOLDERS across North East Victoria continue to raise concerns about the changes to licensed river frontage regulations. Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan today met with Camillo and Kellie-Ann Giannarelli at their Seymour property to see how their quarry and grazing operations stand to be affected by the changes. “The draft regulations raise more questions than answers,” Ms Ryan said. “Landholders were shocked to discover that campers will have the right to remain for up to 28 days on someone’s licensed river frontage. “Questions relating to waste management, water quality, bushfire risk, vulnerable species, biosecurity, public liability and protection of stock have not been addressed.
“On the Goulburn River particularly, the Andrews Government needs to guarantee that public access will not negatively impact on soil erosion, river bank stabilisation, native vegetation regeneration and water quality. “I have also been contacted by people on the Mitta Mitta, the Broken and a number of smaller river frontages who all share environmental concerns. “Currently licence holders are undertaking significant environmental rehabilitation on behalf of the State Government, however, if public access is not adequately managed, important restoration work could be put at risk.” Ms Ryan said farmers are concerned that the draft regulations fail to even mention landholders or issues such as trespass and public liability.
“Allowing public access on licensed river frontages is a complex issue and frustratingly Labor has pushed through the legislation either without understanding or with wilful disregard for the consequences,” she said. “Many fear, in the absence of adequate resourcing including additional authorised officers, farmers will be left to do the policing, in effect becoming park rangers.” Ms Ryan said while she supported public land access, any regulations must be well researched, negotiated and balanced to avoid unnecessary conflicts between interested parties and impacts on sensitive environments. “Many landholders hold a genuine commitment to enhancing dynamic river ecosystems and it is imperative that the Andrews Government gets it right.”
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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 9
May 2021
Farmers fear for livestock after camping election promise FARMING groups fear that a State Government election promise could cause environmental and economic devastation near Victoria’s water systems. Proposed new laws would allow people to camp on Crown land near rivers and access the land through private properties (across Government tracks). For farmers who have licenses to use these waterfronts for livestock grazing, the potential isVXHV DUH VLJQL¿FDQW “Our agribusiness clients are tremendously concerned about the impact of these proposed laws. “There are many environmental, biosecurity and legal liability issues,” said lawyer Andrew Power, Property Principal of marshalls+dent+wilmoth lawyers. “For decades, the waterway ecosystems have EHHQ ¿QHO\ EDODQFHG ZLWK IDUPLQJ DFWLYLWLHV “But the proposed regulations have no practical solution for monitoring, regulating or prosecuting camping activities. ³,W FRXOG EH GLVDVWURXV IRU OLYHVWRFN IDUPHUV ZKHQ WKH\ DOUHDG\ IDFH VLJQL¿FDQW HQYLURQPHQWDO and economic challenges. “Farmers are potentially liable for any damage their livestock causes to humans. “For example, it’s common for calving mothers to protect their young. “Human waste is a threat to livestock because of the high chance of disease. “Then there’s the risk of injury to livestock due to dogs, broken glass or holes dug by campers. ³2Q WRS RI WKDW IDUPHUV PXVW HQGXUH WKH WKUHDW RI ¿UH RXWEUHDN DQG ZDWHU FRQWDPLQDWLRQ ´ Under existing arrangements, farmers must keep licensed Crown land free of pests and weeds, XQGHUWDNH ¿UH SURWHFWLRQ FOHDU UXEELVK SD\ UDWHV DQG WD[HV DQG EXLOG IHQFHV ZKHQ UHTXLUHG ,W¶V IHDUHG WKDW FDPSHUV PD\ FDXVH LVVXHV VXFK DV OLWWHULQJ SURSHUW\ GDPDJH RU ¿UH KD]DUGV ³7KH FXUUHQW OLFHQFH DJUHHPHQWV ZRXOG UHTXLUH IDUPHUV WR FRQWLQXH WR EHDU WKHVH UHVSRQVLELOLWLHV LQFOXGLQJ WKH ¿QDQFLDO FRVW
“We’re lobbying the Government to include key measures in the new regulations which would help protect farmers, their livestock and livelihoods,” said Power. “For example, creating and delineating an increased number of campgrounds throughout Victoria (on a rotating basis) with basic facilities including proper emergency access tracks, VLJQDJH WRLOHWV PRELOH QHWZRUNV FDPS¿UH DUHDV and rubbish bins. “Other measures should include a live phone DSSOLFDWLRQ IRU FKHFN LQ UHTXLUHPHQWV DW FDPSsites, reducing the 28 maximum camping period to seven days, designating camping grounds at least 500 metres away from houses, and comSXOVRU\ FDPSHU WUDLQLQJ LQ ELRVHFXULW\ DQG ¿UH hazards. “We’re also lobbying the Government to build more safe tracks to minimise the risk of campers entering private farming properties to access campsites. “If campers are injured on private property, there’s a risk of escalating insurance premiums, ZKLFK ZLOO VLJQL¿FDQWO\ DGG WR WKH EXUGHQ DOUHDG\ VKRXOGHUHG E\ RXU SULPDU\ SURGXFHUV “We’re asking the Government to address this issue as well.” The consultation period for the proposed regulations ended April 26. 7R ¿QG RXW PRUH RU WR ZRUN ZLWK XV WR GHYHORS \RXU IDUP ULVN SROLF\ SOHDVH FRQWDFW PDUVKDOOV GHQW ZLOPRWK¶V %HQDOOD RU 0HOERXUQH 0RUQLQJWRQ RU :LOOLDPVWRZQ R൶FH RQ 5746 4500 or visit www.mdlaw.com.au.
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Page 10 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
May 2021
Growers thrilled with 2021 harvests ■
From page 1 While most grape growers in the Alpine valleys have completed their picking, Gapsted Wines is finishing off what it said could be one of the best vintages in recent memory. “A spring of abundant rain and warmth resulted in vines that are in supreme good health,” Gapsted Wines chief executive officer and head winemaker, Matt Fawcett, said. “We’re thrilled with the quality of both our King Valley and Alpine valleys fruit. “Our prosecco is looking stunning and I’m really excited by the Tempranillo this year, it’s looking great on the vine and it’s going to be even better in bottle.” Further down the valley in Wandiligong things are about to ramp up for Nightingale Bros Alpine Apples.
“We started about five weeks ago and have about four weeks to go,” Don Nightingale said. “We’re coming into a real busy time with Granny Smith and Pink Lady varieties to pick which are our biggest crops. “It’s been a good growing year, plenty of water and nice cool nights so that’s made it easier, and I reckon we will end up picking about 17,000 to 18,000 bins so that will be up on last year.” Just a couple of kilometres down the road John and Lynne Sgambelloni at Wandi Valley Chestnuts have completed two weeks of the six-week long season. “We’ve just picked our early variety and then the three others all come on together,” Mr Sgambelloni said. “The last few years have been good for chestnuts; the only problem this year is that we’ve
P R O T E C T I O N
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S READY FOR PICKING: Tempranillo grapes grown by Gapsted Wines are looking sensational this year. struggled to find pickers with so many backpackers not here. “This year’s going to be good again, we had a beautiful wet summer with a lot of moisture in the ground which is good for growing chestnuts. “It’s a good crop; the nuts are beautiful and a bit up on last year in terms of size and quantity.” X TOP QUALITY: John Sgambelloni is pleased to see another bumper chestnut crop. PHOTO: Justin Jenvey ■ More photos page 11
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Page 12 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
May 2021
Jerseys reign as queens of Royal Easter Show JERSEYS have lived up to their reputation as dairy’s finest cows by recording a clean sweep of interbreed championships at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Jersey Australia general manager Glen Barrett described Jerseys as “Queens of the Ring” after taking out all four Interbreed Champions. Windy Ways Galaxies Dawn 7 was crowned the Supreme Champion Jersey Cow before taking the Interbreed Supreme Champion Dairy Female for owners Brad and Jess Gavenlock, and Frank Walsh. Brookbora Valentino Sweet Elfa took home the Intermediate Champion Jersey Cow as well as the Supreme Intermediate Champion Dairy Female for the Bacon family’s Brookbora Jerseys at Tennyson, northern Victoria. Lightning Ridge MB VIP Feliz -ET rounded out the Jersey
Northern Victorian breeders take out awards
clean sweep winning Junior Champion Jersey and Supreme Junior Champion Female for D Patten, J Lindsay, C Moscript, and F and D Borba. The Wilson family from Tamworth took home the final interbreed class winning the Supreme Dairy Pen of Three. Jerseys won three of the four interbreed titles in 2019. Mr Barrett said this year’s clean sweep of the Interbreed titles was further proof that Jerseys are dairy’s finest cows. Jersey Australia is running a promotional campaign called ‘Dairy’s Finest’ to highlight the strength of the Jersey cow and milk, and its success in Australian farming conditions. Mr Barrett said the quality of the Australian Jersey cow was certainly on display in Sydney.
“Jersey Australia congratulates all exhibitors on what was a tremendous show, highlighted by the dominance of Jersey cows,” he said. Mr Barrett said Dawn 7 was now the benchmark cow in Australia. “She is a tremendous cow and this win follows her recent Supreme Champion win at the Central Gippsland Jersey Fair in March,” he said. Windy Ways Galaxies Dawn 7 co-owner Brad Gavenlock admits the stud has had a “fairytale run” but every win remains special. Windy Ways Galaxies Dawn 7 was Supreme Intermediate winner in 2019, and earlier Kathleigh Gun Grace, co-owned with Andrew and Cassandra Kath, was Supreme Senior Champion in 2018 and Supreme Intermediate Champion in 2016
Mr Gavenlock said the keys to success included having good cows, a lot of luck and the right management which comes from years of learning what works and what doesn’t work. He said it was hard to fault Windy Ways Galaxies Dawn 7. “There hasn’t been a Jersey cow that has beaten her yet,” he said. “She has very few faults and is so well made. “They haven’t made a perfect cow and she’s not perfect, but I don’t know where I’d change her and she’s got even better with age.” It was the first time Brookbora Jerseys has shown at Sydney, making victory even sweeter. “Sydney was one of the first shows I went to, and we always wanted to show there so we were fairly ecstatic when
CHAMPION DAIRY FEMALE: Supreme Intermediate Champion Dairy Female sashed by RAS councillor Ron Smith with Stacey Leppert and Brookbora Jersey’s Daniel Bacon, at the interbreed championships at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
we won,” Daniel Bacon said. “It was exciting to be part of the overall Jersey success.” Mr Bacon described Brookbora Valentino Sweet Elfa, who was also intermediate champion at the recent Central Gippsland Jersey Fair, as a stand-out cow in the herd. “When she calved in, we thought she looked pretty good and she just kept getting better and better,” Mr Bacon said. “She’s the kind of cow we like to breed; a long flat boned dairy cow with a good udder and a cow that should last a long time.” Lightning Ridge MB VIP Feliz, which is based at Brad Gavenlock’s Cherrylock Cattle Company at Tallygaroopna in northern Victoria, was imported as an embryo from North America and her mother was a Grand Champion at World Dairy Expo.
Co-owner Declan Patten said she had an incredible pedigree from one of the best Jersey cows in the world and was following in her mother’s footsteps. “We were over the moon with the result because the Holstein was also an incredible heifer,” he said. Mr Patten said it was pleasing to see Victorian cows win junior, intermediate and senior interbreed titles. “That shows the level of support from Victorian exhibitors, which is a massive positive,” said Mr Patten. Brian Wilson from Tamworth said the success of Jerseys in the interbreed challenge was a compliment to the breed. “It was a very good showing of Jerseys and that was borne out in the interbreed results, especially when you’ve got all judges involved,” Mr Wilson said.
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May 2021
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 13
Brumbies are back in the gun MP takes aim at plan to kill, rather than remove, iconic horses
HORSING AROUND: MP Bill Tilley said a plan to shoot brumbies is a massive failure by government.
Rain dampens fodder demand RAIN during March has put a sudden halt to demand for fodder around Australia while bringing a positive outlook to agricultural industries. The Feed Central National April Hay Market Report says March began with reasonable volumes of trade, led by high interest in quality lines of product, but as the rain came in, so did a sudden halt in demand. The report by Feed Central general manager Cieran Maxwell and account manager Jock Jackson said the massive rainfall totals in March had brought a sense of positivity to the feeding industry. Mr Maxwell said the continued favourable seasonal conditions had seen some products such as DDG leave the market and the prices of most feed commodities slowly come down. “Demand for hay has backed off considerably, with the only significant movement being local trade in Victoria,” Mr Maxwell said. Demand for hay for the remainder of 2021 is still very variable but what will be purchased first will be the higher quality lines. “In saying that, prices will still need to meet the market,” Mr Maxwell added. Mr Maxwell said that based on levels of quantity versus quality, there may not be room for downward price movement, however, he didn’t expect to see prices increase. “We’re telling buyers to purchase now, despite the rain, fill your sheds, prepare for the next dry and ensure you’ve secured the demand you know you need for this year,” he said.
LIBERAL state MP Bill Tilley (MLC, Northern Victoria) said a plan to shoot brumbies rather than rope or muster the iconic High Country horses is a massive failure by government. The member for Benambra has taken aim at the Alpine National Park Draft Feral Horse Action Plan, which was released by Parks Victoria late last month and is taking public comment up until this Friday. Mr Tilley said the plan claims ground shooting is the most humane, safe and effective method available to remove horses from the park. “The plan also includes aerial shooting but claims roping or mustering is a health and safety risk and won’t be used,” he said.
“Among the action plan is the removal or shooting of all horses near Falls Creek and up to 500 horses a year from the Eastern Alps.” Mr Tilley said the plan was “an echo chamber of emotive rhetoric and unproven science”. “It really is the same old story - where they claim that there are 400,000 wild horses in Australia - the fact is the population in the Eastern Alps might be 2000,” he said. “They want to claim the action is necessary because of the 2020 fires and threat to the environment then use a 2019 desktop calculation to say horse numbers are booming when actual scientific studies in the Kosciusko National Park show more than a third of horses died
in those fires. “They can’t have it both ways - the fires were bad but didn’t affect horse numbers.” Mr Tilley said endless meetings and correspondence arguing to keep a small, sustainable number of brumbies had fallen on deaf ears. “This Labor Government’s ideology is driven by appeasing metropolitan conservation types that lack any credibility and ignore the knowledge and experience of High Country families or independent science,” he said. “They know they can’t control a massive deer population or what I’m hearing increasingly is feral pigs, so let’s pick off some low hanging fruit with horses.”
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Page 14 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
May 2021
Avenel young talent gets award
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YOUNG Achiever of the Year for 2021 is Jock Lawrence, 27, for the category “Qoin Small Business Achiever Award”. Mr Lawrence was born and raised on a sheep family farm in Avenel and he is one of the 13 category winners. Winners each received $2000 in prizes, consisting of a $1000 Coles Group and Myer Gift Card from Wheelton Philanthropy and Budget Rent A Car, plus $500 worth of Qoin and $500 in cash, along with a trophy. The winners were announced on Friday, April 16 during a gala dinner awards presentation, hosted by Melina Sarris, 7NEWS reporter in front of an audience of almost 400 people. The awards night was the culmination of a tremendously successful year with hundreds of nominations received from across Victoria. Mr Lawrence, along with six other team members, created Mobble two and a half years ago. Mobble is a large stock farm management software available on phones through its app and on computers through its website. “Getting this award was a
YOUNG ACHIEVER: Jock Lawrence with his Kelpie. surprise,” Mr Lawrence said. “What an absolute honour to be recognised for the hard work we achieved as a team and for the farmers who supported us. “It’s been very humbling.” Mr Lawrence said Mobble’s aim was to simplify farm management and
make farmers’ lives easier and more successful. Visibility of data helps farmers and employees reach educated decisions when it comes to farming. There are currently 500 properties using Mobble across Australia and New Zealand.
May 2021
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 15
Commonwealth Bank strengthens commitment to agritech
ON-FARM: (Left to right) Tim Harvey (general manager of agribusiness), with Evan and Sheriden Williams, Darryl Mohr (general manager of regional and agribusiness, Victoria) and Grant Cairns (executive general manager of regional and agribusiness). Evan and Sheriden Williams run the Williams-Lowndes dairy farm in Yannathan, West Gippsland, and have recently invested in agricultural robots , creating significant benefits to their business, work-life balance and resulting in the couple falling in love with dairy again.
ON Friday, March 26, the Commonwealth Bank launched a partnership with AusAgriTech, in support of the association’s commitment to fostering a worldclass agriculture technology (agritech) ecosystem on domestic shores, through championing Australian agrifood innovation. Working to connect the community of agritech innovators, farmers, investor groups, government regulators, researchers, industry bodies and interested public, to facilitate profitable innovation, AusAgriTech is also keen to develop new growth opportunities for Australian knowledge-based products and services to a global audience of both consumers and potential investors. With Australian agricultural and food innovation underfunded and overlooked when it comes to international focus and
investment, AusAgriTech is looking to remedy this shortfall and place Australia competitively on the world stage. Tim Harvey, general manager of agribusiness at the Commonwealth Bank Australia, said that the bank’s partnership with AusAgriTech is continuing the Commonwealth’s strong commitment to the agricultural sector. “Australian agribusinesses have always been innovative and the rise in ag-specific technology reflects this,” Mr Harvey said. “We are excited to be able to partner with an association that is focused on growing the value of the Australian food and fibre sector through the development and adoption of this technology. “The growing momentum of agritech is creating unique opportunities for the
agricultural sector, along with producing new commercial results and opening up growth opportunities for farmers and the industry as a whole.” The adoption of technology can not only improve efficiency and result in higher productivity and yields, but can also impact on work-life balance for many primary producers, and allow them access to novel and resilient supply chains, along with opportunities for new revenue streams. “Sharing a common goal of supporting the continued progress of the Ag Industry, the CBA is honoured to be welcomed as a foundation member of AusAgriTech,” Mr Harvey said. “Together we can enable our farmers and growers to deliver more sustainable and profitable outcomes through technological innovation.”
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Page 16 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
May 2021
New indigenous rangers for the Murray-Darling Basin THE Australian Government has opened a new grant opportunity to establish up to four indigenous river ranger groups in the Murray-Darling Basin. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said this ranger program, part of the Murray-Darling Communities Investment Package, will deliver $3.1 million to
allow indigenous organisations to use their knowledge and connection to country to contribute to managing and restoring waterway health. “The Murray-Darling Basin is home to more than 40 Aboriginal nations, with tens of thousands of years of experience managing its resources,” Mr Wyatt said. “This funding will em-
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mental and cultural practices across the basin. “I look forward to seeing the proposals from any indigenous organisation in the region that wants to establish a new river ranger group and take a leadership role in protecting and sustaining Australia’s valuable environmental assets.” Minister for Resources,
Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said the new indigenous river rangers program is part of the government’s commitment to put all communities at the heart of the basin plan. “Improving the health of the Murray-Darling is everyone’s business to strengthen the basin’s ecology and provide more opportunities for all
communities,” Mr Pitt said. “I welcome all input and bringing more indigenous knowledge and experience of water management will assist in that process.” The grant round closes at 8pm (AEDT) on May 18. Details on eligibility and how to apply are on the Grant Connect website, www.grants.gov.au.
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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 17
On-farm emergency water infrastructure rebate scheme extended further 12 months NORTH East Victorian farmers still feeling the impact of drought will have a further 12 months to apply for funding from the Onfarm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme (OFEWIRS) to help build much needed infrastructure to make their properties drought resilient. Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said farmers will now have until June 2022 to utilise the $50 million in funding secured for the EWIRS by the Liberal and Nationals Government in the 2020-21 budget. “This has been a hugely popular program that’s made a real difference for thousands of farmers facing the devastating challenges of drought,” Wodonga-based Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie said. “Recognising this, the government has doubled the federal funding available as well as extending the time frames which is fantastic news as these rebates empower our farmers to take proactive steps in ensuring their properties remain drought resilient. “I’ve heard and seen firsthand how drought affected livestock producers and horticulturalists with permanent
DROUGHT PROOFING: The scheme can be used to fund small scale on-farm drought proofing water projects. plantings have put in bores, dams and pipes - now even more farmers will get this opportunity.” Mr Pitt said that this extension came on the back of the Australian Government’s commitment of another $50 million in October last year - bringing the total fed-
eral contribution to support farmers to $100 million. “The scheme can be used to fund small scale on-farm drought proofing water projects, including buying and laying pipes, installing water storage devices, such as tanks and troughs associated with stock watering and desilting
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May 2021
Justin Dunn, Temora, winner of the 2018 Henty Agri-Innovator of the Year Award with the Shepherd auto sheep feeder.
Calling all those good backyard ideas for Henty field days
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FARM inventors, backyard tinkerers and students are invited to showcase their innovative ideas in the AgriInnovator of the Year Award at the 2021 Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD). The entries must meet the criteria of having a practical on-farm application, be based on an original idea of the entrant and not be in full-scale production at the time of entry. HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said Agri-Innovators was aimed at tertiary and university students, farmers, backyard tinkerers and innovators. “Entries can be any agribusiness invention, ranging
from a mobile phone app or computer software program to the largest tillage machinery,’’ she said. “This year’s entrants will receive exposure to the agricultural market place and the opportunity to network with potential manufacturers.’’ Temora farmer and the 2018 Agri-Innovation winner for an auto sheep feeder (the Shepherd), Justin Dunn, encouraged all aspiring inventors to enter their concept in the Agri-Innovators Award. “At some point you have to take off - it may not be finished or perfect but you will never get to that point until you have it out there commercially,” he said.
The Shepherd received nationwide media coverage from the win at Henty with around 50 units sold after the event and went on to win the NAB Agribusiness Award of Excellence at the Australian National Field Days. At Henty, the Shepherd was a solar-powered new generation smart feeder incorporating automated technologies. The units are now fitted with a 4G remote camera with a 300 degree view, and also a SMS remote controller which sends alerts via text message. People wishing to enter the Agri-Innovators Award can contact the HMFD office on (02) 6929 3305.
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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 19
NO FEAR: The dogs got in there and got the job done, working the cattle through a series of obstacles within a set time frame.
BLOCKING: The event not only demonstrated the skills of the handler and their ability to train their dogs, but the dog’s own ability to read the cattle and maintain control over the livestock.
WORKING HARD: Quite a few of the dogs took advantage of the trough on-hand to cool off after their exertions. PHOTO: Sandra Lee Photography
EAGLE EYE: Sara Lee placed third in the Maiden Cattle Trials on the day.
Cattle dog trials at Davilak test dogs and trainers alike By EMMA OLIVER
DAVILAK Pastoral Company in Mansfield hosted, on Saturday, April 17, the second event in a four part series of cattle dog trials under the auspices of Kelly Country Cattle Dog Trials Incorporated (KCCDI), which encompasses Mansfield, Benalla, Moyhu, Edi and Wangaratta. With the series kicking off in March - as the weather begins to cool in the North East - locations for the event are spread throughout the
region, with participants taking turns to host both cattle dog trials and dog training days, along with providing livestock for the animals to work. With the first event taking place in Edi at the property of Bill and Georgie Wilson, the Manning family hosted the Mansfield event, with the next event taking place in Tatong at Colhurst on May 8. And after a year-long hiatus during COVID-19 that saw all events effectively cancelled, members of the
group have been excited to start-up the series again. With some members taking advantage of the restrictions enforced during COVID-19 to stay at home, and concentrate on training young dogs on how to work livestock in both yard and paddock situations, members are now keen to compete and gauge the results of their labour. Recent results at Davilak saw Steve Arbuthnot place first and second in the Open Cattle Dog Trials with Rod
Manning securing third; while Bill Wilson took out first in the Novice Dog Trials, with Steve Arbuthnot second and David Lee third; and in the Maiden Cattle Trials, David Lee won with Rod Manning placing second and Sara Lee third. “There were around 60 runs for the three main events, with predominantly local competitors from North East Victoria, with a few from the Western District keen to participate,” said Davilak’s Rod Manning.
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“It was a cold start with some frost, but turned into a lovely and warm day, with a strong turn-out.” Beginning at 8am, the working dogs - predominantly Border Collies and Kelpies - were put through their paces, in a format similar to three sheep trials, however, instead of sheep in the arena there were cattle, with dogs expected to work the stock through a series of obstacles. With the Mannings currently running 1800 Angus cattle across nine farms, the
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series is not only an enjoyable outlet, but an important part of their farming operation putting five working dogs to the test. “Without our working dogs we could not function to do the work that we do,” said Rod. “They are an integral part of our farming operation, and the training and trials assist with testing not only the dogs’ abilities but that of the trainer, so we’re getting the best results when working livestock.”
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Page 20 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
May 2021
Table 1. FRUIT RIPENING SEASONS IN THE GMV AND RISK OF INFESTATION BY QFLY* *NOTE: Ripening times for various fruit and fruit cultivars vary from region-to-region.
HOST
Almond/ Chestnut/ Walnut Apple Apricot Avocado Blackberry Blueberry Cherry Citrus mixed Cumquat Eggplant Feijoa Fig Grape Grapefruit Guava (Pineapple, Cherry) Indian fig Kiwifruit Lemon/ Lime Loquat Mandarin Medlar Mulberry Olive Orange summer Orange winter Passionfruit Peach/ Peacharine/ Nectarine Pear Pear Asian Persimmon (astringent) Persimmon (non-astringent) Plum/ Plumcot Pomegranate Prunus street Quince Raspberry Rose hip Strawberry Tangelo Tomato/ Chilli/ Capsicum
Jul
EARLY Aug Sept
Oct
Nov
H
H
MID-SEASON Dec Jan H M
L
L
M
H
H H
L H H
M H H
M L H H
Feb L H
LATE Apr L H
May L M
L-I Jun
L
M
M
H
L
H M
M L
M M
H
L
H
H
H
L
L
L
L
L
H L
H
M M M M
M M M M
H L
H L
H
L H
M H
M H H
M H H
H H
L H H M
L H H M
L M H M
L L
M
L
H L L
L
L
H
M
H
H H
H
H
H
H
H
M H H H
M H H H
H
Adults bred from fruit move to refuges to survive the winter. They leave in spring (early season) and damage fruit in late spring/ early summer.
L-I (LOW IMPACT)
Eggs, larvae in fruit & pupae in soil die out – no damage
Unlikely sources of Qff in the GMV except in localised warm microclimates.
L L
H
H L
L
H
L
H
L H
H
L L
M
LATE
Population consolidation – high levels of Qff damage – base population for next season
L
H
L M
MID-SEASON
Population expansion – medium levels of damage
Hosts for subsequent Qff populations assist in the rapid expansion of Qff damage. The weather at this time of year is optimal for IUXLW À\ VXUYLYDO
EARLY
M L
M L M
Qff build-up commences – some damage to susceptible fruit
Fruit are infested in late winter to early VXPPHU E\ ÀLHV from the previous autumn that have overwintered. These are the sources of population expansion during spring (which often goes unnoticed).
L
M H
L
Mar L H
L
H
H
M
M
H M M
H
H
H
H
H
HIGH INFESTATION RISK
L
LOW INFESTATION RISK
M
MEDIUM INFESTATION RISK
H, M OR L
QFF OVER-WINTERING RISK
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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 21
Increased fruit fly pressure a growing concern for growers THE need for effective and widespread management of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) has reached a critical level with growers across the region bracing for a challenging 2021-22 growing season, as a result of increased fruit fly pressure. Cobram and District Fruit Growers Association president Tony Siciliano said an alarming rise in fruit fly activity was triggered by the lingering effects of La Niña and COVID-19. “There is no doubt that Qfly will be a major problem for Victorian growers along with growers in southern NSW and South Australia in the upcoming season, we are very much aware and bracing for that,” Mr Siciliano said. “The current situation has been exacerbated by weather conditions resulting from La Nina and the fact that COVID-19 has caused serious problems in the harvest of commercial fruit due to travel restrictions for itinerant workers.” Cobram and District Fruit Growers Association general manager Karen Abberfield said the 2020-21 season saw a significant increase in Qfly pressure across the Goulburn Murray Valley (GMV) as conditions were ideal for fruit fly survival and spread, and warned the full effects of this increased activity will be seen next growing season. “We are currently faced with the situation where we have a large volume of ripe, unharvested fruit left hanging on trees and large volumes of fruit will have fallen to the ground or have been dumped after culling in the packing house,” Ms Abberfield said. “Much of this fruit will remain there, untreated and likely to be struck by the higher-than-normal Qfly population on-site at present due to favourable weather conditions.
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AFFECTING THE HARVEST: Cobram and District Fruit Growers Association president Tony Siciliano, with his harvest of nectarines, is concerned that weather conditions along with the impact of COVID-19 on the picking season will create ideal conditions for a Qfly outbreak next harvest season. “There is a very large and persistent Qfly population present all over Victoria and southern NSW and Qfly has also spread into some other regions causing severe concerns regarding exports,” she said. Action now, here in the GMV, is critical to minimising the impact on the upcoming season, according to Ms Abberfield. “All host fruit, on the tree, on the ground or in exposed dumps, should be removed or treated so that adult Qfly cannot access egg-laying sites so eggs and larvae in fruit and pupae in the ground are eradicated,” Ms Abberfield said. Higher than usual March and April rainfalls and minimum temperatures favour fruit set which encourages the ideal fruit for fruit flies to lay their eggs into in addition to the initiation, spread and proliferation of microorganisms that fruit flies feed on - resulting in stronger and more long-lived fruit flies.
More warm autumn evenings allow more fruit flies to mate and produce eggs further into the autumn than usual. These conditions allow more fruit flies to survive from previous infestations and mid-autumn infestations, and move into winter refuges. “As a result of these conditions we know more fruit flies than usual will survive the winter and more flies than usual will emerge from their winter refuges in late August, September and early October, which is cause for concern,” Ms Abberfield said. The accompanying table (Table 1, page 20) lists many of the fruit that are grown commercially, in backyards and as street trees in the GMV along with when they ripen (ie are susceptible to Qfly) and how much of a risk these fruit are to being infested with Qfly. As can be seen, there are many medium to highrisk fruit on the tree during April.
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Page 22 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
May 2021
Australia has a new top Jersey herd AUSTRALIA has a new top Jersey herd after Brookbora Jerseys reached the number one spot in the April 2021 ABV release. It is the first time Brookbora Jerseys, owned by Robert and Sandra Bacon at Tennyson in northern Victoria, has claimed Australia’s number one title. Brookbora rose to the top with a BPI of 191, up 23 from the December 2020 proof where they were in third place. After several years in the top spot, Con and Michelle Glennen’s White Star Jerseys at Noorat in south-west Vic-
toria slipped to number two herd, despite increasing their BPI by 6 to 176. John and Margaret Cockerell at Warrain Jerseys in Numurkah were also big movers, climbing to number three with their herd BPI rising 27 points to 166 BPI. A large proportion of their herd being genomic tested since December 2020 added to their figures. Robert Bacon said it was pleasing to reach the top during a time when the Jersey breed continues to improve. “I think Jerseys in general are getting better and
more consistent,” he said. “We’ve been in the top handful for a few years and were top in the TWI before it ended and top for health traits, but this is our first time to top the BPI.” However, he can’t really explain the huge jump. “We don’t really know why,” he said. “We haven’t changed anything. “Our aim has always been to breed commercially viable, consistent cows with good conformation, to enjoy milking them for a long time.” Jersey Australia general manager Glen Barrett con-
gratulated the Bacon family. “Reaching number one herd is a tremendous achievement that takes many years of committed breeding,” he said. “Be it the top Index herd, breeding quality bulls for AI programs or winning in the show ring, Brookbora is doing it all with distinction.” And this is on top of Brookbora Jerseys entering four cows in the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and winning all four classes highlighted by Interbreed Intermediate Supreme Champion Brookbora Valentino Sweet Elfa and Reserve Senior Jer-
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PAUL WILLIAMS - CHESHIRE & WILLIAMS REPAIRS P/L Ph (03) 5721 4419 mobile 0428 574 195 1 WENHAMS LANE, WANGARATTA
7OV[V! 4PJOHLS (TLUKVSPH
R E S TO R E S IG HT FOR J U ST $ 2 5
SPECIAL PRICES ON MULCHERS BLADES
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1800 352 352
HOLLOWS.ORG.AU
NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria
Make North East & Goulburn Murray Farmer your ‘go-to’ place to reach your customers and that’s ‘No Bull’
Michael today on 03 5731 3306 or email: mkidman@nemedia.com.au
Call
Bartel Firewood needs large amounts Of RED GUM firewood DRY or GREEN PADDOCKS CLEARED Cash Royalties Paid in advance
Ph Garry 0418 600 550
j/34d00211/30-18
ADVERTISEMENT
Rat Bait Poisoning TUESDAY "KING VALLEY RUN"
THURSDAY "BEECHWORTH, MYRTLEFORD RUN" PRE-BOOKED VETERINARY WORK
*FOR REDUCED TRAVEL PRICES*
32 WARBY STREET, WANGARATTA
5721 7177
Rat and mouse baits are very effective in controlling rodent problems. Unfortunately, rodenticides also affect other mammals if ingested. The active chemical in most rat and mice baits is an anticoagulant that stops the blood from clotting and causes death due to internal bleeding. If you see your animal eat rat bait, immediate veterinary attention is ideal so that we can induce vomiting before the poison has been absorbed. If it has been more than two hours since ingestion then the bait has probably passed beyond the stomach and been absorbed into the body, however the good news is that there is an antidote:
vitamin K1. Giving Vitamin K1 at a high dose for several weeks will usually prevent any signs of poisoning from developing. It is always a good idea to bring the packaging from the poison in to the vet clinic so we can see which exact chemical is in the bait and tailor the duration of treatment accordingly. In some cases the owner isn’t aware their animal has eaten a bait and this is when signs of poisoning develop. It is worth noting also that if a dog or cat eats a mouse or rat that has died from the poison they can then be poisoned.
The signs of rat bait poisoning are all related to blood loss. The animal will become lethargic and display pale gums, often to the point they are white. There may also be a bloated belly or cough if there is significant internal bleeding to the chest or abdomen. When this happens it is an emergency and your pet requires immediate attention, which may involve a blood transfusion. Prompt therapy can be life saving. Rat baits are very effective in controlling rodent populations, but their potential hazards for our own animals make the old mousetrap look like a safer option. Tim Craig
Page 24 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
May 2021
TYM TRACTORS ON SPECIAL NEW
NEW
$
Landini Power Farm 110 4WD Power Shuttle CAB FEL 4in1 Bucket
88,000 inc gst
413 40HP FEL Cabin $38,300
23HP FEL 4 in 1 Bucket ROPS $20,600 S/H
Landini Landforce $ 125 Cab Tractor 125 HP 4WD Tractor with reverse power shuttle and FEL
106,000 inc gst
613 60HP ROPS FEL $39,990
1003 100HP FEL Deluxe Model w/clutch $77,000
S/H
$ Landini 6cyl 110hp 4WD CAB with new FEL 4 in1 Bucket and Forks
51,000 inc gst
$ McCormick CX105 4WD CAB FEL Bucket and Forks 3800 hrs
58,850 inc gst
Landini Rex 90F Cab, 90HP, Power Shuttle, 4WD, Orchard Version
$
80,999 inc gst
New seed drills New
New
40,700 21,900
Irtem Double disc 3m $ openers on 5” spacing’s with Harrows
inc gst
$
Abati Titanium, BDS 3000 20 Row, 3m w/w Direct Drill
73,270
inc gst
John Shearer 24 Run, “Airmatic” No Till W/W 5m
87,300
$
inc gst
21 Series Connor Shea $ 3m 16 row spacings, Coulters
52,250 inc gst
Network Seeders 8 row -16 row
$
From
10,340 inc gst
Picture for illustration purposes only.
S/H Tractors S/H
$
Ford 3910 2WD rops 55HP 1677hrs FEL, bucket and forks
25,800 inc gst
Fiat 880D ROPS Tractor $ 88HP, 4WD, Rops with front fork lift and side shift
27,800 inc gst
Kubota M8540 4WD, 85HP, near new condition, 370hrs
$
59,700 inc gst
New Holland TD85 1700 Hours FEL
$
52,700 inc gst
John Deere 4240 CAB 130 hp linkage
$
28,500 inc gst
Cultivators S/H
New
$
Minos 13 Tine cultivator $3,200 Also 11 Tine
2,790
inc gst
Abati 62 plate, folding, 8.8m
S/H
$
45,000 inc gst
New
John Shearer 28 plate new discs Also: Gibbons Rawling 28 plate
13,750
$
inc gst
Grizzly 28 Disc Plow H/D $ Quick adjust gangs, 2.8m transport width
39,600 inc gst
Grizzly 36 Plate Field Master Hydraulic fold 2.5m transport width
$
89,400 inc gst
Seeders S/H
S/H
S/H
$
27 Row, 4 bin, John Shearer Seeder.
49,700 inc gst
John Shearer 21 Row with harrows
$
26,000 inc gst
Connor Shea 14 run Series 2 Disc Seeder
$
13,950 inc gst
Photo for illustration purposes only
14 Tine Linkage Connor Shea Excellent Condition
$
14,600 inc gst
Vertikator 3m small grass $ seeder includes harrows and press wheels
14,700
$
16,440
inc gst
Mulchures New
$
Becchio 4.5m Mulcher. Duel drive, rear wheels.
35,000 inc gst
2.6m Hydraulic Rear Door and Rear Wheels
$
11,300
inc gst
Yeoman 5 Tine Ripper 1.8m with height control wheels
$
5,990
inc gst
Maschio Pinocchio 2.5mt 5 tine double roller
$
11,000
inc gst
Boomarang Mark 6 Feeds out round bales and big square bales
inc gst
Farm Equipment
Abati BDS 8mt, 40 row seeder endtoe
$
132,000 inc gst
Abati 12mt, 36 row on 300mm spacing’s
$
129,200 inc gst
Connor Shea 30 tine, 4mt scarifier
$
4,350
inc gst
Grizzly Baby Banker With duel tool bar, produces bank width 1m-2.2m approx
New
$
8,900
inc gst
Arboss (Goldoni) Orchard Tractor 103 HP CAB
rther u F r a ll o D r u o Y g in Driv 355 Benalla Road Shepparton Phone: (03) 5821 4411. Fax: (03) 5831 2187. A/H Leo 0419 399 109
For more information visit:
LMCT 11745
New
S/H
www.konigs.com.au
$
68,970 inc gst