North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer by Provincial Press Group

Published since 1986

APRIL, 2021

Shearer shortage

www.farmernews.com.au

Shane’s a mobile butcher PAGE 2

Goat meat on the menu PAGES 12-13

PAGE 19

ON THE MARKET EMERITUS Professor Bob Officer has spent the last 25 years creating a major and successful agribusiness in the North East, with a high value marketing route that has gone from strength to strength since its inception. Representing a lucrative enterprise on prime real estate on a viable scale, this farm specialising in Wagyu cattle is currently on the market, with market interest strong for what represents an incredible opportunity to just walk-in and start farming. Turn to page 6 for the full story.

From farm to fame

Bernie Walker gains accolades for a lifetime in the shearing industry

By PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY IT may be every young shearer’s dream to reach the standard high enough to be nominated for the Australian Shearers Hall of Fame, but there are only a selected few who actually gain that honor. Euroa’s Bernie Walker is one noted shearer who has been selected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame (Hay, NSW) along with four other nominees for 2021; Ray

Anderson (Crookwell NSW dec), Dan Cooper Snr (Perth, NSW/WA dec), Gene Mills (Young NSW) and Cathy Wendelborn (Quilpie SA/ Qld). Usually inductees are inducted at Easter every two years but this year’s selected few will have to wait until Easter 2022 to actually be inducted - all due to COVID-19 restrictions. Bernie has dedicated much of his life to Australian and world

shearing over the past 66 years and has made a unique and outstanding contribution to the industry in Australia, New Zealand and worldwide. He has helped in creating a platform for others to progress their careers within the shearing industry and was instrumental in giving many shearers, wool handlers and judges the chance to represent Australia in competition both here and around the world.

In the nomination for the Hall of Fame Bernie’s background highlights his years as a top shearer who started in the sheds at the age of 16 and initially rode a bicycle to the local sheds, to advancing and promoting shearing and the encouragement of young men (and in later years young women) to take up the profession. He shore an open run around the Euroa district from Violet

Town to Ruffy, until 1968 when he retired from full time shearing to concentrate on farming. He had been shearing up to 18,000 and crutching up to 30,000 each year. Bernie was regarded as an exceptionally clean shearer and set a high standard for himself and others and averaged 160-180 each day - never a big tally shearer but noted for his care. ■ Continued page 4

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Shearer shortage hits home BY CLEMENCE CARAYOL ccarayol@ nemedia.com.au

FARMERS across Australia have been struggling this year to find enough shearers and it’s no different for Nagambie farmer Charles Heal. Like many labour intensive industries there are fewer younger people learning the trade with most farms relying on contract shearing teams from interstate and overseas to get their wool clip off. The Heal family’s 1400 hectare property west of Nagambie stretches as far as the eye can see, some sheds are modern and others are over 50 years old and in dilapidated states with basic workplace safety standards nonexistent. “This job is gruelling, it’s one of the toughest job you could ever imagine, we as wool growers must make the workplace conditions as best we can, otherwise we will be left without a labour force, this will result in our industry ceasing to exist “ Mr Heal said. “To put into perspective, a shearer will burn the same amount of calories as an AFL player does on game day, every single day. Little things, like providing meals, cooler working conditions with adequate ventilation makes a big difference, Mr Heal also said that modern sheep have gotten much bigger over the last few decades. “Growers have pushed for larger framed animals that cut loads of wool and are often suited to a wetter southern climate, this has made the wetter than average 2020 to 2021 season even more challenging, with shearers flat out refusing to shear some types of animals. “You get paid per sheep, and if you can shear 150 a day at one shed and only 120 at another, which would you choose?”

MAN’S BEST FRIEND: Charles Heal and one of his four shepherd dogs in front of the family wool. PHOTO: Clemence Carayol The daily life of a shearer is still quite the same as the one Tom Roberts painted on his “Shearing the rams” canvas more than a century ago. “The industry has tried to mechanise the profession but it is one of these profession where human know-how is indispensable, a robot cannot entirely replace a human,” Mr Heal said. “You cannot fathom how difficult it is until you try it, that’s why people are less attracted to shearing nowadays, you can earn the same money doing other trades for far less physical effort,” he said. Mr Heal’s mother, Sandy, said that usually in shearing season, five other shearers per week will come to help shear the 5000 merinos on the farm. “And this year, we’ve only been able to find two to three shearers to help us, instead of the five we can usually rely on, so our workforce has been divided by two” Ms Heal said. Mr Heal said this was due to an ageing workforce and also due to COVID 19. “Our workforce shortage is due to a combination of rea-

sons, younger people aren’t attracted to the profession anymore and overseas contracting teams, mostly from New Zealand weren’t granted access to the country during the busy spring and summer period,” Mr Heal said. “This has resulted in a large backlog, upwards of five million sheep across the country. “Now the local labour force has to fill this gap and it’s taking its toll I think, this, combined with a wetter than average year can make an already difficult job much more challenging. “They haven’t been able to come because of the pandemic.” Mrs Heal said that was why industry body groups such as Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) are trying to encourage more people to undertake shearing and wool handling training courses by offering and promoting specialised programs of study over two years. The Victorian government also is backing this up with their program going through TAFE.

“In one respect the chances learner shearers are getting this year to get their numbers up on a variety of different types of sheep will be one positive out of this all, it also sends a pretty clear message to growers out there to update their facilities, shearers can pick and choose when and where they shear now, you have to make your workplace and animals the most attractive,” Mr Heal said. The $1.2 million program was funded by the Victorian Government to help address a skills shortage in the state’s growing wool industry by fostering a local pool of highly skilled workers and by providing opportunities to upskill. It was developed in partnership with SW TAFE, the Shearing Contractors Association Australia, Rural Industries Skills Training and the Victorian Farmers Federation. The enrolment target for shearing courses was exceeded in 2020, with nearly 130 students signing-up to the new entry level qualification, Certificate II and Certificate III. “Being a shearer is hard, you can’t become one overnight, you need to learn the profession, you need to have the skills,” Ms Heal said. Mr Heal said you need to shear 1000s sheep before you can get your numbers up to a point where the good money starts coming in. He said it was still very rewarding to work and people should still consider turning to the profession. “When you finish a tough day of work, you feel great, just like when you’ve worked out all day,” he said. “There is a satisfaction about completing this job even if it’s physically exhausting, plus if you’re good at it you can earn up to $600 a day.”

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 3

Alexandra Pro Rodeo, a bucking good event “WE decided in early December of 2020, that we were going to make the full Alexandra Pro Rodeo experience happen, and since then we’ve worked incredibly hard to keep that dream alive, and on the Labour Day long weekend we delivered,” said Andrew Embling, president of the Alexandra Rodeo Committee. With a sell-out crowd, and a total of 4000 in attendance - once volunteers, competitors and support crew were all taken into consideration - the Saturday evening event was a huge success with 267 cowboys and cowgirls, from juniors all the way through, competing on the night. “Stock came from the

McPhee Rodeo Company, and were really fresh and there was some spectacular riding, with the bulls actually winning out on the day,” Andrew said. “Which is what the stock contracting companies want to see - is stock that will put on a show. “The response from the crowd said it all, and the Queensland riders who came down for the event have sworn they’ll be back again next year. “They hadn’t really attended our rodeo before, but due to COVID-19 restrictions forcing the re-scheduling of our event to the long weekend, with Chiltern on the next day, many made the effort to compete at the Alex Rodeo as well.

“The riders were so impressed and loved the arena at the Dame Patty Menzies Centre, where you come straight out of the shoots, look up to the natural amphitheatre of the hill, and the entire crowd is going mad. “They said they’d never seen a crowd like it and absolutely loved the experience, and can’t wait to come back when we return to our usual spot on the calendar, which is normally the second week in January.” With a huge local turn-out of spectators and competitors alike, the atmosphere was electric as everybody was just keen to rodeo after a year without a full event on the Victorian calendar. Understandably there were a couple of upsets as

local favourites who hadn’t competed properly during this timeframe failed to perform to their usual standard. Mansfield resident and former Australia Rodeo Queen Latoya Wards was thrilled to be in the arena again, however, is remaining optimistic after failing to place in the barrel race. “My horse ran to the wrong side of his last barrel which was a bit disappointing, but understandable as we haven’t rodeoed in over one and a half years,” Latoya said. And with over 50 contenders in the open barrel race, and 55 in the juniors, competition was fierce. “I also saw some of the best riding I’ve seen in years, in the saddle bronc

and bareback bronc riding,” Andrew said. “And not only was the event great for riders to get back out there, but the rodeo has benefited the local community.” With organisers handing over $2500 to the local footy club for staffing the bar, $1000 to the Alexandra CFA for manning the carpark, $3000 to lease the land from the Dame Patty Menzies Centre, as well as contributions of $1000 to the local pony club and Rotary club, the Alexandra Rodeo Club committee not only covered all costs but is putting proceeds from the event towards purchasing their own rodeo arena panels. “The plan now is to run jackpot events in team roping, barrel racing and the

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Page 4 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

April 2021

Bernie Walker gains accolades for a lifetime in the shearing industry ■

From page 1 He also shore at Golden Shears in New Zealand and when not shearing, he worked on the family farm which he took over in 1964 and continued to farm until 2006 when he formally retired. In 1971 Bernie was invited by Brian Morrison to join the local Apex Club team which was assisting at the Euroa Show shearing competitions. Apex was then invited to help set up a successful World Shearing Record attempt by Brian in the Euroa RSL Hall from which in turn, in 1974, saw the establishment of the Golden Shears competition in Euroa. To refine this competition for Australian conditions, Bernie travelled to New Zealand on a fact finding mission to see what was required to stage Golden Shears at Euroa. Apex (of which Bernie is a life member) continued to run the Euroa Show competition which attracted up to 160 individual shearers in four classes with a fourstand final for each. In addition, the Apexians provided the bulk of the workforce for Golden Shears when established. During the 11 years of staging the Golden Shears at Euroa, Bernie went to Masterton (NZ) 10 times seeking to further develop the event. Bernie also initiated the

LIFETIME OF SHEARING: Nominated for the Australian Shearers Hall of Fame, Bernie Walker from Euroa has dedicated 66 years to shearing, both in Australia and overseas. Euroa Shearing Association Encouragement Award in 1978 providing international experience for promising young Australian shearers which benefited young shearers including Hall of Fame inductee John Conlan. In 1977 Bernie, along with Colin Gilmour-Wilson (NZ), formalised the links between the two countries - Golden Shears Australia and Golden Shears NZ including the UK who also held a Golden Shears competition which led to the formation of Golden Shears World Council in

Euroa in October 1980. Bernie has attended eight Golden Shears World Championships and was one of the Australian delegates to World Council 1980-2006. For more than 40 years Bernie judged SCFA and SSAA competitions in every state, including 10 Sports Shear National Championships, five Diamond Shears (Qld) and also the Jackie Howe Festival at Jondaryan (Qld), and was also invited to judge at World Championships and other international competitions but declined

in favor of John Hanrahan, Stan Artridge and others to give them experience and a profile. Bernie was also a highly regarded world records society referee. Bernie has other talents than shearing, farming and the encouragement of young shearers. He is well known for his prose writing the profiles and the tribute poem for each induction ceremony for the Hall of Fame at which he presents a framed A3 copy to each inductee, at

no cost to Shear Outback. He loves writing bush poetry, mostly relating to shearers, shearing and the industry, and has produced a CD which includes 15 of his own poems titled ‘The Ringer Remembers’. And in 2016 Bernie wrote and funded a 280 page history of Golden Shears in Australia which features more than 300 photographs and selected poetry - titled ‘A Test for the Best’ it records the true history of Golden Shears in Australia. He also contributed a

9000 word report about the Australian Golden Shears to the book ‘Shear History’ to celebrate the 50th year of golden shears in NZ. With the love of helping others, Bernie has assisted many other authors with their books providing poetry, photos, proof reading and advice including titles such as ‘In the Pursuit of Excellence (the Kevin Sarre story - Margaret O’Brien); ‘Shear Magic’ (the John Allan story - Margaret O’Brien); ‘Top Class Woolcutters’ (Des Williams NZ); ‘Woolsheds’ (Andrew Chapman); and ‘Around the Sheds’ (Andrew Chapman). In recognition of all that Bernie has achieved over his lifetime he has received other accolades including life membership of the Apex Club of Euroa (1979), patron of Sports Shear Australia (1997), life membership of Golden Shears World Council (2003) and an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for ‘Service to Shearing, and to the community of Euroa’ (2016). A worthy recipient of the Hall of Fame nomination and selection, Bernie is looking forward to his trip to Hay in 2022 when he will formally be inducted into this prestigious set, but said recently: “I have written poems for each of the other four inductees, but not myself - that poem I have left to someone else.”

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April 2021

From hobby farm to large scale business ESTABLISHED over the last 25 years by Emeritus Professor Bob Officer, Moyhu Wagyu is on the market with a sale expectation of over $12 million. Located in the Meadow Creek Valley - which runs parallel to the King Valley the agribusiness enterprise is comprised of four farm holdings all within a 10 kilometre radius, covering a total of 847 hectares of both improved and native grass pastures in the foothills of the Victorian Alps. A combination of rye grass, phalaris and clover, the improved pastures stretch over rolling countryside with paddocks designed

to enable high production efficiency for cattle grazing. Initially intended as a hobby farm, Bob’s foray into agriculture began with the purchase of a property in the Moyhu district. “You could say I initially put my foot in the water with my first farm purchase around 25 years ago,” said Bob, who now in his eightieth year embraced agriculture after an extended career in academia. Though graduating with a degree in Agricultural Science complemented by a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of New England, it was roles in finance and

Moyhu Wagyu generates strong interest as major landholding hits the market

business that would define Bob’s career. Including scholarships, visiting professorships, and undertaking more than once the role of university hair, Bob has latterly held the position of Professor of Finance at the University of Melbourne, along with being recognised nationally for his contribution to introducing the systematic study of finance into mainstream teaching and research. Regarded for his role at the forefront of applying

economic principles to financial markets and decisions, Bob has led an exceedingly full life. The last 20 years have been devoted to expanding his investment in a hobby farm into an agribusiness enterprise, as Bob saw the financial potential of the region. “I liked the notion of being able to visit and be actively engaged there for breaks of a few days each time,” Bob said of the original investment. However, on confirming

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the seasonal conditions in the district were uniquely reliable and favourable for a grazing enterprise, with an average yearly rainfall of 950 millimetres, the foray soon became a successful business. Discovering the land was highly productive, Bob began to purchase more proven farming holdings in the region as properties came on the market, and on discovering Wagyu Beef as a specialist animal production enterprise, the landholdings

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were amalgamated to become what is today Moyhu Wagyu. “I found that Wagyu Beef was not a fad, rather a high value enterprise option that served the increasing community demand for quality beef products that are both healthy and with a uniqueness of taste, and thus satisfaction for the consumer,” Bob said. And though at first Bob trialled Wagyu over Angus heifers, with excellent results commanding premium prices for the Wagyu X cattle sold into feedlots, the enterprise soon expanded into primarily breeding full blood Wagyu cattle

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 7 START FARMING: Emeritus Professor Bob Officer has listed Moyhu Wagyu on the market on a walk-in walk-out basis inclusive of all property, livestock and operating assets.

Investing significantly in the best Japanese Wagyu genetics over the last two decades, the process has been long term and costly, however, the endeavor has been rewarded with the results evident in Moyhu Wagyu’s herd of registered full bloods along with stock of noteworthy pedigrees that best suit a breeding program. Consisting of 1300 cattle - 600 of which are full blood Wagyu breeders along with 600 head of weaners, heifers and bulls, with an additional 100 Angus cows for first cross weaner production - the sale of Moyhu Wagyu is inclusive of all livestock, and represents a unique

opportunity to buy into an established Wagyu breeding program 20 years in the making. Around 70 of the Wagyu bulls are of proven and often prime Japanese genetics, with the full blood Wagyu cattle on the property exhibiting a high percentage of Tajima bloodlines. The most famous of all Wagyu bloodlines, Tajima Wagyu originated in the Hyogo prefecture in Japan and is prized for its extremely high degrees of marbling, with excellent meat eating quality and large eye muscle. Tajima Wagyu are generally smaller framed than other bloodlines with slower growth rate, so Moyhu Wagyu have introduced Fujiyoshi (Shimane) and Kedaka blood to the herd to avoid inbreeding and help keep frame size without sacrificing meat quality. Fujiyoshi (Shimane) cattle are well balanced, renowned for their fertility and produce calves with good growth rates and meat quality. Easy handling with strong maternal instincts, the Fujiyoshi blood is a good addition to the herd, along with

GENTLE LANDSCAPE: Moyhu Wagyu is located at ‘Leatarn’ in the Meadow Creek Valley, which is the main property of the four landholdings, and is where all the embryo transfers and artificial inseminations are done. the Kedaka blood characteristic for its overall balance, good growth rate and larger frame type. Grown out on property, cattle are sent to external feedlots for finishing. However, facilities on the three properties owned by Moyhu Wagyu, do include intensive feed pad areas, along with well designed cattle yard infrastructure, extensive hay and machinery shedding, and dams with solar pumping that support the entire holding. It is infrastructure that complements this first-class production enterprise, and with the current high return on cattle, and a market that sees limited numbers of breeding livestock at auction, it is unlikely that Moyhu Wagyu will remain long on the market, representing an amazing investment in an established and successful cattle enterprise. And though Bob has invested considerably in creating this incredible vision that is Moyhu Wagyu, it is time to conclude this chapter in his life - this ‘completely satisfying’ experience in agriculture.

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Page 8 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

April 2021

Quad bikes and side-bysides under the spotlight A FAMILIAR tale sees quad bikes and tractors continue as the leading cause of death and injury on Australian farms, according to annual statistics released by AgriFutures Australia. Despite the increased safety attention on quad bikes last year, the number of deaths continues to rise. Figures collated by AgHealth Australia’s National Farm Injury Coronial Database revealed 58 on-farm deaths were reported in 2020*, the same number of cases reported in 2019. Quad bikes and tractors again reported as the leading causes of injury. AgriFutures Australia funds research to enhance farm health and safety as part of its National Rural Issues Program, working alongside the Rural Safety and Health Alliance (RSHA). The 2020 report Non-intentional Farm Related Incidents in Australia highlights the total on-farm deaths, causes of injury, fatalities by age and gender, as well as the estimated economic impact of fatal injuries.

Using data collated by AgHealth Australia’s National Farm Injury Coronial Database based at the University of Sydney, the report aims to provide comprehensive evidence to build preventative approaches for the safety and wellbeing of people in Australian agriculture. AgriFutures Australia senior manager rural futures Jennifer Medway says that while the statistics show progress is being made in some areas, it’s alarming to see the increase in deaths from quad bikes and side by sides. “Side by sides have long been considered a safer option to quads, but the numbers don’t back that up,” Ms Medway said. “They are only now increasing in popularity and are already making a sizable contribution to the death toll. “In fact, well over a third of on-farm deaths in 2020 are directly attributable to quad bikes and side by sides alone. “If you add tractors into the mix, these three vehicles

SOBERING STATISTICS: Andrew Barrett, RSHA executive officer, believes any deaths incurred in the production of food and fibre is too high. shockingly account for over half of all on-farm deaths.” This is a challenge not lost on the rural Research Development Corporations (RDC) which fund research through the Rural Safety and Health Alliance (RSHA) to review the data and use an evidence-based approach to improve safety across our agricultural, fisheries and

forestry industries. RSHA executive officer Andrew Barrett said the figures are another sobering reminder that the cost of human life incurred in the production of our food and fibre is still too high. “As a sector so proud of innovation and progress, we must be equally concerned and focused on why so little

has changed in our health and safety record over time,” said Mr Barrett. “The commitment to change has already begun with leadership from the minister, government, National Farmers’ Federation, RDCs, and some of our peak bodies.” “Other non-agricultural industries have accepted

that ‘inherently dangerous’ is not a condition of work but a call to action. “Actions that target known and persistent risks, using risk controls proven to reduce the potential for death and serious injury need to be enforced if we are going to see any noticeable change in these statistics.” Fast facts: z research has shown a year-on-year increase in quad bike deaths from 11 to 14; z as the popularity of side-by-side vehicles increase, so has the deaths, rising from 5 to 7, making it one of the top three agents of death within the agricultural sector; z 70 per cent of all reported injuries were via quads, tractors, horses or cattle, with 60 per cent of injuries occurring in Queensland; z 60-74 year old males were the most prevalent age group of fatality (20). *Fatal cases for the reporting period could increase due to a lag in data collection method.

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Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame re-opens THE iconic Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre at Longreach, Queensland will re-open its doors this April providing a swag of new immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. Discover the stories of the lives behind our rugged outback through the spectacular $15 million artistic and interactive transformation of the premier outback heritage centre, designed by leading cultural inventors Art Processors. Featuring the stories of the stockmen and women, the First Nations people, the pioneers and settlers, and the jackaroos and jillaroos, Australia’s only museum dedicated to the unsung heroes of the outback will welcome visitors to experience the big (and little) stories of bush heritage through a brand new, immersive journey across Australia’s rugged landscape. From April, visitors are invited to experience a bold and thought-provoking adventure with unique encounters and cinematic storytelling told through the voices of the people that make the outback real. The centrepiece of the new galleries is a location-aware immersive audio guide integrated with the exhibits to put the visitor in the centre of the story, creating a richer, more personal and meaningful experience. ‘’We wanted to capture the imagination of travellers to central Queensland looking for a more authentic and meaningful outback experience,” Art Processors co-founder and creative director Tony Holzner said. ‘’We have completely transformed the centre’s permanent galleries, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and experiential design to uncover and celebrate the many diverse voices of regional Australia. ‘’This is just the starting point - our technology platform will allow the Hall of Fame to add new voices and perspectives as they continue to reach out to regional communities, making sure there’s always new stories for visitors to come back to.” The new galleries include the Welcome Station, an interactive motion-controlled experience featuring some very excitable kelpies who will greet visitors as they enter the main gallery space - if you’re patient they might even shake your hand. Also included are outback perspectives from the voices of stockmen, stockwomen, drovers, shearers, pioneers, pastoralists, bush poets, hawkers, boxers, flying doctors, inventors and a crazy horse named Curio. A major new exhibit Gone Drovin’ takes visitors down the legendary travelling stock routes that drovers took to get their livestock to market, featuring tales of instinct and skill, grit and determination, mateship and luck. There is an exciting new interactive experience just for kids - a fast-paced treasure hunt game to keep them occupied while mum and dad enjoy the rest of the show at their own pace. Since its opening in 1988, the Stockman’s Hall of Fame has welcomed over one million visitors through its doors. Truly reminiscent of the rugged landscape of the outback, its galleries delve into the stories of Australia’s unsung heroes of the outback - the everyday people who helped create this part of Australia’s history. Art Processors has a strong history of supporting landmark projects in regional and rural areas and is committed to helping bring these stories of Australia’s iconic bush history to visitors.

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 9

ROAD TRIP: New exhibits and immersive experiences at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame make a visit to Longreach an exciting option for 2021.

Page 10 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

April 2021

NBHA Barrel Racing Buckle Series calls Merrijig home By EMMA OLIVER IN a coup for the Mansfield Shire, and a huge win for the sport of barrel racing in the North East, Mansfield locals - and sisters - Latoya and TeAna Wards will be taking over the reins of Victorian District One for the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) of Australia. One of 11 NBHA districts across Australia, McCormack Park, Merrijig will be the new home ground for the only Victorian district, having previously operated out of Bacchus Marsh. Barrel racing is a rodeo event in which the horse and rider attempt to complete in the fastest time - a run in a cloverleaf pattern around barrels in an enclosed ring, with the NBHA running on a divisional concept allowing for riders of all skills a chance to win and compete, with time trials used as the measure for grouping competitors. A non-profit association, the NBHA’s objective is to promote the sport of barrel racing through increasing the number of participants; improving the quality of

shows; and generally enhancing the image of the sport, with association members working as volunteers, inspired purely by their passion for this event. “I started barrel racing when I was 16,” said Latoya Wards who was the Rodeo Queen of Australia for 2016. “It’s one of those horse events where you need an incredibly strong connection with your horse. “You’re riding top speeds, turning in tight circles and one mishap and it could be all over.” Combining the horse’s athletic ability and the rider’s horsemanship skills, Latoya stresses that trust is also an essential part of being able to safely and successfully manoeuvre around the three barrels placed in a triangular pattern. “However, I’ve just fallen in love with it as a sport, and it’s basically my life now,” said Latoya. The sport has taken Latoya to the United States - to Perry, Georgia - to compete at the 2019 National Barrel Horse Association World Finals, and it is this eye-opening experience that inspired

COMPETING IN THE STATES: After the cancellation of the majority of barrel racing events in 2020, Latoya Wards is keen to get back out there and compete. Latoya, along with her sister, to start up the region’s own division in Merrijig. With all events under the NBHA banner run to an international standard which complies with International Barrel Horse Federation rules, competitors each year are given the chance to qualify as a champion to represent their country at

the World Championships. And it is this opportunity that Latoya is wanting barrel racers in the North East to experience, beginning on Sunday, April 11 with round one and two of the 2021 Buckle Series for the Merrijig division. With categories for open, junior and senior barrel racers, there will be 10 rounds

for the year, with entrants given the opportunity to accumulate points at each event, compete for buckles and potentially race at the national finals, with the top five nationwide qualifying for the World Championships. Interest about the event and the ongoing Buckle Series has inspired Latoya and TeAna to offer a barrel rac-

Call now very for early deli on incentives d SuPerfect an spreading

ing clinic on the Saturday before the double-header event on the Sunday, allowing amateurs and newcomers alike the chance to try the sport out. Patterning and basics, along with competition rules, tips on improving turns and gaining speed, along with information about the Buckle Series, are all on the schedule for the day, with a jackpot at the finale for those wanting to try their hand at competing. The local Come and Try Clinic is $20 per rider and is suitable for all levels and ages, with the jackpot adding an additional $10 to the total for those keen to race. A long held dream for both Latoya and TeAna, the sisters are incredibly excited that a Merrijig Buckle Series is now a reality, with a day full of action-packed speed events planned for the opening rounds. “It’s been in the planning stages for so long now, and one of the benefits of COVID-19 last year, was that we got to sit down and make it happen,” Latoya said. “And now we’re keen to race.”

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 11

April 2021

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

Dye Elf Few Hot Oath

3 To have ordained, is to

the Canberra NRL club (7)

E-QUATIONS

14 Reykjavik is the capital of

have done what (7) Name the ancient ruined city in Upper Egypt, on the Nile (6) What is a circular bandstand, especially one with a dome (7) Having two opposite qualities, is to be what (7) Name a game of a chance (7) Which sea lies between PNG and the northern coast of Australia (7)

level of command (7) 17 What is a particular system

of government called (7) 18 What relates to a large

allotment of land, especially in a rural area (7) 20 Name the pathological accumulation of diluted lymph in body tissues and cavities (6)

K+H Q+N K+Q D-H V÷K G-N K×N

SUDOKU

BIYWORD

174

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: ﬁve across and ﬁve down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

CLUES: Biology: ﬂuid-ﬁlled bag (3) Brazilian dance (5) Digit (3) Enumerate (5) Hard dark timber (5) Insect (3) Pig pen (3) Pleasant accord (7) Use public transport (7) Yams (5)

6 10

174

In 1962, a district of Tanzania, Africa, had a spontaneous laughter epidemic that caused an outbreak of mass hysteria. When three pupils at a girls’ boarding school got the giggles, the laughter that spread throughout the school and to outlying villages was soon no joke – 14 high schools had to be temporarily shut down!

184

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

D G H K N Q V

CURIO

which Arctic island republic (7) 15 Which term describes a

QUICK THINK Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters. ACROSS 1 Attention getter 5 Thumbs-up 6 Dip 7 Herb 1

DOWN 1 Groups of whales 2 Sea bird 3 Warbled 4 Youngster 3

A A A B C C

N O O R S S

E E H M M N

T T T U Y Y

SOLUTIONS

174

5 6 7 SUDOKU

7 13

Tow Unique Who Why

CROSSWORD

Sat Saw She Soon The

R B L I R O H I T O T P T E A U F O R T N L E T U D A R A R R A Y A D E C R E G A R D T O I E P A M P A S N S E G Y A N K E E

Off Owl Phoned Rat Raw

C R E D I T A E H C I R C L E D R B R E N E G E R E S A S I D E R C C H A E H F A L S E T U A L R U N D O W A D N

U N I Q U E

BIYWORD

DOWN 2 What is the nickname of

E I O W H Y

QUICK THINK ACROSS: 1 Psst,

P H O N E D

MINI WORD FIND

W T T O F F

E B A O N Y N T Y

459 -174

C O M M U T E

A A A O W L

5 Okay, 6 Dunk, 7 Sage. T DOWN: 1 Pods, 2 Skua, S A © 3 Sang, 4 Tyke. H A R C O S

S O R S H E

E-QUATIONS D:18, G:16, H:14, K:4, N:6, Q:10, V:24

U N I Q U E

E I O W H Y

P H O N E D

W T T O F F

A A A O W L

reputation or trustworthiness (6) Who became Emperor of Japan in 1926 (8) Name the upper section of seats in a theatre (6) Which scale indicates the velocity of the wind (8) To go back on one’s word, is to do what (6) Name an establishment in which horses are kept for breeding (4) What is a remark that is incidental to the main subject (5) What is a regular order or arrangement (5) Name a republic in northern central Africa (4) To think highly of, is to do what (6) What is an unnaturally high-pitched voice, especially in a man (8) Name the vast grassy plains lying in the rain shadow of the Andes (6) What are cursory reviews of points of information (8) What might we call an inhabitant of the US (6)

174

S O R S H E

ACROSS 1 Which term describes

MINI WORD FIND

873

Page 12 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

April 2021

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 13

Demand for mobile butchery in North East continues to grow By EMMA OLIVER

Other sizes available

Wangaratta (03) 5721 4138

BASED in Wangaratta South, but covering the majority of the North East, Shane Williams from Shane’s Mobile Butcher is flat-out. Word-of-mouth referrals regarding Shane’s new business have seen this veteran of 40 years in the butchery industry garner a strong following in a relatively short space of time. “I’ve always been a butcher,” said Shane. “It’s a lifetime thing. “I had my own shops for a long time. “And I’ve worked in the slaughtering trade as well. “I’ve been really fortunate

with my career right through the industry, and know it inside and out. “However, for the last 10 years I’ve been working in a boning room in Melbourne, and contemplating opening my own mobile butcher. “Living in Wangaratta for the last seven years, I commuted to Melbourne for work during that time so travelling significant distances didn’t bother me. “But it took COVID-19 to push me in the direction I’d wanted to take for a long time, and stop being complacent. “So six months ago, I went out on my own.”

FILLING THE FREEZER: Shane is able to butcher and process all livestock on-farm, with cold rooms at his disposal that he leaves onsite so that meat can be hung.

WELL-EARNED THIRST: Shane Williams spends the entire day on location, working steadily to ensure that the beast is butchered humanely and processed properly to get maximum benefit from the carcass.

It’s a decision Shane wished he made a long time ago, as he is thoroughly enjoying the venture, citing the changing nature of his workspace as one of the reasons along with the social aspect of the job. “I’m out and about every day, seeing new places and meeting new people, and I enjoy the company and the stimulation,” he said. “Very rarely do I arrive at a property and the farmer walks away and leaves me to the task.

“I walk them through the whole process, and they want to stick around and see firsthand what they’re achieving with their farming techniques, and how their own beast dresses out.” With a colleague working alongside Shane, the pair spend the whole day onfarm ensuring they get the most out of the beast, with the two capable of processing two to three cattle a day if pushed. “We prioritise getting the most value out of a carcass

and taking the time to do it properly,” Shane said. “After decades in the industry, I know what everything is worth and treat it accordingly. “If the end result is a whole lot of mince and sausages then there’s a problem and whoever is doing the job doesn’t have the necessary expertise.” Shane laments the loss of this expertise in the industry, and believes that what once was a worthwhile occupation and recognised

trade, has been effectively destroyed by a production line mentality and the rise of large supermarket chains that promote a very basic line of meat and cuts. “Unfortunately, many in the trade don’t have the skills that the old butchers had, and those entering the industry now don’t have that guidance and expertise to work under and learn,” Shane said. “Apprentices these days don’t learn many of the specialist cuts and techniques,

and lack the skill level to butcher a full carcass.” The Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations conducted in 2012 a Profile of the Australian Meat Industry and even a decade ago widespread problems within the industry and sector were flagged. Research confirmed a nationwide shortage of skilled butchers - an issue that had been prevalent since early 2000 - with just over a

third of advertised vacancies filled, with employers finding it difficult to recruit qualified and experienced butchers, and retain them. The Australian Meat Industry Council also confirms that the industry struggles to find apprentices and has so for quite a lengthy period of time, with low remuneration and irregular work hours primary reasons for the decline. “It’s a tough gig now,” Shane said. “And even my nephew who trained under me, can’t justify staying in the industry.” The impact of the slow and continual closure of regional abattoirs over the last couple of decades has also directly impacted the workforce, with a centralised meat processing system failing regional communities. The shut-down of processing facilities last year due to outbreaks of coronavirus, highlighted concerns with the over-reliance on this system and generated statewide expressions of interest from farmers in the establishment of small on-farm abattoirs or mobile options - like Shane’s - that work on-site. And with consumers chasing provenance, and expressing interest in how their meat is produced, the demand for on-farm meat processing will only continue to grow. “There is a groundswell towards more independent

suppliers and local produce, and in this current climate I believe we’re only going to get busier,” said Shane. “And though my market is farmers and hobby farmers for their personal consumption, the sentiment is the same. “Farmers don’t want to truck their stock long distances to process. “They’re looking for the most humane option, and they’re looking for somebody to do the job right. “I have a particular work ethic and expectation, and I think my clientele appreciate the respect I have for their produce and what is effectively their livelihood. “I am very much aware that filling up a family’s freezer is a big deal, and that I am effectively harvesting their crop so to speak. “With that in mind, we present everything labelled on trays, so that it does the process justice and it looks like something significant which it is. “The other day, I had a farmer say to me ‘I can get $2800 if I send this one to market’. “I was like yeah, but that doesn’t really go that far. “Spending $100 at the supermarket isn’t going to get you much. “And you’re not necessarily eating what you want to eat. “That’s what I’m about. “I’m about giving back a bit of independence to the producers, and enjoying being good at what I do.”

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Page 14 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

April 2021

Deer fence to protect endangered habitat in North East Victoria

A FENCE to exclude deer and protect an endangered wetland habitat has been

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Flora Reserve near Shelley in the Upper Murray, and will protect the critically endangered Summer (or Shelley) Leek-orchid (Prasophyllum uvidulum) and over 40 other threatened species. “The deer exclusion fence provides long-term protection and security for this sensitive ecosystem,” Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) regional biodiversity recovery coordinator Glen Johnson said. “Deer can overgraze native habitat and their hard hooves damage soil and vegetation in sensitive grassy wetlands and drainage lines. “The fence protects the only known population of the critically endangered Shelley Leek-orchid, which has responded surprisingly

well to the fires - with over 250 individual flowering plants (up from only 30) recorded in the first spring post-fire.” Parks Victoria Ranger John Silins said the fence is designed to exclude introduced deer but allows native animals such as wombats, wallabies, and kangaroos to come and go. “It can also be adapted to exclude feral pigs if they become a problem in the future,” Mr Silins said. “Our deer and weed control programs will continue in the surrounding areas to reduce the pressure on the reserve. “We are working closely with DELWP, Hancock Victorian Plantations (HVP) and community groups to manage these threats and ensure

these endangered species thrive long-term.” The Upper Murray-Walwa fire started by lightning on December 29, 2019 and burnt approximately 226,000 hectares of public and private land. The fence project was delivered by DELWP in partnership with Parks Victoria with support from Koetong Landcare Group, Upper Murray Landcare Network, HVP and North East Catchment Management Authority. This collaborative project is funded by the Victorian Government’s $22.5 million Bushfire Biodiversity Response and Recovery program, which supports on-ground action to help species impacted by last summer’s devastating bushfires.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 15

April 2021

Export lift for Victorian summer fruit growers VICTORIA’S lucrative summer fruit exports to China and Malaysia have been given a significant boost, thanks to a funding initiative from the Andrews Labor Government. A $100,000 Labor Government grant helped industry association Hort Innovation deliver an eCommerce marketing campaign to the two key markets between January and March. “Victoria produces some of the best summer fruit in the world, and we’re making sure that it gets to markets where it can command a top price,” said Minister for Trade, Martin Pakula. The initiative is expected to help increase our summer fruit exports to China by 200 per cent, and increase our reach in Malaysia to more than 1 million consumers.

The grant is part of the government’s $15.7 million Export Recovery Package, which includes funding to support industry initiatives that promote Victorian exports using eCommerce channels. “Our Export Recovery Package is helping exporters find and grow markets, and navigate the challenges of global disruption to flights and logistics,”Mr Pakula said. Victoria exports $100 million of summer fruits annually - 80 per cent of the nation’s total summer fruit exports. China is the biggest market, with Malaysia in the top 10. Hort Innovation is an industry-funded body with a track record of delivering successful international marketing campaigns on behalf of growers under the Taste Australia banner.

The Victorian horticulture sector has more than 3700 businesses with a farm-gate value of around $2.4 billion, making it a major contributor to the Victorian economy - particularly in regional and rural areas. According to the 2019-20 Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance Report, Victoria is on track to reach its target to grow food and fibre exports to $20 billion by 2030. China continues to be Victoria’s highest value market for commodities such as horticulture and dairy, while South East Asia is increasingly important with exports to this market growing by eight per cent last financial year, driven by strong demand from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

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SELLERS AND BUYERS: Chateau principal, Andrew McIntyre, with Michael Glasser from Ray White GTSM and Will Richardson from HF Richardson-Geelong.

P R O T E C T I O N

A DOUBLE polled French pure sire Limousin, Chateau Queenscliff JWMFQ22, weighing in at 958 kilograms, brought in a top price of $14,000 at the recent on-farm sale for Chateau Limousins held on Monday, March 15. The 7th annual sale for the Londrigan based stud, principals John and Bev McIntyre, and Andrew and Jenna McIntyre were pleased with the interest generated by the sale, with a field of 26 registered bidders taking part on the day, with 21 of the 23 bulls selling at an average of $6119.

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Page 16 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

April 2021

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Experience the sheep innovation in Australian Whites at Seymour Expo COME to the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo and see first-hand why there is excitement about this new breed - the Australian White. Rams exhibited by Balmattum Stud will be 11 months old, and weighed to show exact weight. Richard Boadle, Balmattum Stud farm manager, offered up the following example at to why he believes Australian Whites are the breed of the future. “An enterprise running 1000 Dorper ewes needed 20 rams every three years with 100 per cent lambing based on figures obtained from ‘Auction Plus’,” he said. “The purchase price of the rams was $3000 per head. “Comparing the sale of lambs both at 10 months old, the Dorper bred males and females brought in $150 per head whereas the sale of Australian White Dorper cross (ewe lambs) generated $270 per head. “The 500 Australian White Dorper cross ewe lambs made an extra $120 per head. “And even if we factor in the annual cost of rams at $20 per head, it still leaves a larger net profit of $100 per ewe - or $50,000 for 500 ewe weaners per year.

“And the male lambs show an even faster growth rate with proven hybrid vigour. “With the capital outlay on 20 rams sitting at $60,000 over three years, the total return over this period on the sale of 3000 Dorper lambs at $150 per head would be $450,000. “Now let’s look at the Australian White Dorper cross and the extra return over three years. “It would see you banking an additional $150,000 on the sale of Australian White Dorper ewes, effectively giving a return on marginal capital of 250 per cent. “The first time we used an Australian White ram was in 2014 joining him to Dorper ewes. “The lambs showed hybrid vigour reaching a carcass weight of 23 kilograms in five months, which was exciting with exceptional fast growth rate of the lambs definitely attributable to genetics from the Australian White ram. “I have also had the experience of using the traditional Border Leister Merino Cross ewes to produce ‘Prime Lamb’, but I believe the following points are relevant. “The Australian White produces a carcass that is

superior to many breeds because of the excellence of its conformation without excess fat cover. “The breed is high in Omega 3 with a low melting point for the fat between 29 and 34 degrees. “The resulting roast is moist and tender, and I can personally vouch for this. “The fast growth rate in the Australian White lambs is incredibly important particularly in a lean short season, when feed is in short supply and lambs can be sent off to market earlier. “And with first cross ewes making $300 per head - and plenty of empty paddocks around - there are farmers looking to shedding breeds as an alternative to restock after the drought. “They come with far less inputs, and do not require crutching and shearing, and when it comes to Australian Whites they are also renowned as easy-handling. “But come and see for yourself at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo. “I had a gentleman the other day visit Balmattum with the intention of buying two rams. “He walked away with 14 in total, he found the breed that impressive.”

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 17

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Page 18 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

April 2021

Landmark investment to modernise water infrastructure in Victoria’s largest irrigation network THE Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) Water Efficiency Project will receive $177.5 million in Commonwealth funding to modernise and upgrade ageing off-farm water infrastructure in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District while creating hundreds of jobs. Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, and acting Victorian Water Minister, Richard Wynne,

said it was a landmark investment in recovering water through off-farm efficiency and infrastructure projects, preventing the need for water buybacks. Mr Pitt said it demonstrated the Commonwealth’s steadfast commitment to off-farm water recovery. “I am pleased to announce this offfarm funding that will modernise and make Victoria’s largest irrigation system

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more efficient, generating significant water savings without damaging regional economies,” Mr Pitt said. “This is an investment in practical infrastructure upgrades across the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District which accounts for more than 70 per cent of all water stored in Victoria and around 90 per cent of water used for irrigation purposes across that state. “I acknowledge the work of the Victorian Government, especially my colleague Water Minister Lisa Neville, for getting on with the GMW Water Efficiency Project and making sure it is a case-study in thorough community consultation. “Socio-economic considerations have been, and will continue to be front of mind, for Victoria as they work to make sure local communities and businesses benefit.”

Mr Wynne said the project meant local jobs for local communities. “The GMW Water Efficiency Project will provide significant economic stimulus for local and regional communities by creating hundreds of fulltime jobs during the construction phase while delivering significant environmental outcomes,” Mr Wynne said. “The Victorian Government, through our delivery agency Goulburn-Murray Water, will deliver the GMW Water Efficiency Project generating 15GL of environmental water savings by modernising or decommissioning more than 250 kilometres of channels and upgrading more than 1000 outlets by 2023. “We’ve already recovered around 826GL for the environment and we’re ready to start delivering through the GMW Water Efficiency Project as soon as possible.”

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 19

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PROMOTING GOAT: Dr Jarrod Lees, a meat scientist at the University of New England (UNE) is investigating whether something that is currently treated as single product, “goat meat”, can be differentiated in the market.

Giving goat meat a chance EATEN Australian goat recently? Probably not, as 90 per cent of Australian goat meat production is exported. Jarrod Lees would like to change that. Dr Lees, a meat scientist at the University of New England (UNE), is the winner of the Meat and Livestock Australia Award in the 2021 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. He will use his $22,000 award to investigate whether something that is currently treated as single product, “goat meat”, can be differentiated in the market as effectively as beef and lamb. “Goat meat is healthy, delicious and relatively abundant,” Dr Lees says. “There is scope to grow a domestic market for a premium goat

product, but first we need to establish whether untrained consumers can identify correctly cooked premium cuts, versus the undistinguished chunks of meat that goat is often cooked as.” He will test various cuts of goat, using different cooking methods, employing the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) consumer taste-testing methods that Australia has perfected over decades to elevate the eating experience of beef and lamb. “MLA found that ‘cultural familiarity’ is a major barrier to the domestic consumption of goat meat,” Dr Lees says. “I plan to cook goat meat in ways that are familiar to most Australians - grilling, roasting and slow cooking - and then measure what everyday consumers think of the eating experience. “The cuts we use will also be

more familiar, like leg roast or loin steak. “This will give us an idea of how consumers respond to goat meat presented in a similar fashion to lamb, which is culturally very familiar. “It will be a base measurement of eating quality that can only be improved with herbs and spices.” Dr Lees’s taste-testing will be conducted using Boer goats from a goat breeder and branded meat company. Most of Australia’s goat meat production comes from wild feral goats, Dr Lees acknowledges, but if there is potential for premium prices for a premium product, goat producers can justify the investment in a breeding program to lift meat quality. Considerable work will remain to be done to get that product on

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the shelves, but there will at least be a foundation on which to build. For ultimate success, the goat sector will need to do as the beef and lamb industries have done over decades, and establish principles to ensure a consistently reliable eating experience for consumers. Depending on demand for premium goat meat, that might also drive greater participation in KidPlan, the platform for genetic prediction of goat breeding performance. First though, Dr Lees has to establish that goat meat isn’t just goat meat. His own experience as an eater gives him confidence that it isn’t the case, and that there is some truly outstanding goat-based culinary experiences to be had - but that’s now a question for 180 random consumers to determine.

AGRICULTURE Victoria continues to improve its capability to respond to biosecurity and animal welfare threats, with 22 new authorised officers and inspectors trained. The new authorised officers and inspectors cover a wide range of issues including animal biosecurity and animal welfare, plant biosecurity, weeds and pest animals, and agricultural and veterinary chemical use. Of the 22 staff: nine are based in south-west Victoria; five in northern Victoria; six in south-east Victoria; and two staff in statewide roles. Biosecurity operations acting program manager Rachel Cairns said that the new authorised officers and inspectors were an important addition to Agriculture Victoria’s resources to address issues day to day as well as in emergencies. “The training has been a comprehensive program to prepare staff for their roles where they work with industry and community to improve biosecurity and animal welfare outcomes,”Ms Cairns said. “Responsibilities of authorised officers and inspectors include working with livestock owners and landholders to manage weeds and pest animals, tag livestock and inspect saleyards. “They also monitor for pests and diseases, issue certifications for produce, investigate agricultural and veterinary chemical use and alleged animal cruelty, as well as issue fines for non-compliance with laws that protect Victoria’s domestic and export markets. “The program introduces staff to the work of Agriculture Victoria, Victoria’s biosecurity and agriculture-related legislation, their duties and powers as authorised officers and inspectors, safety, as well as other important aspects of operating in the Victorian public service, including human rights and integrity.” The authorised officer training program is usually completed in-person, however, due to restrictions in 2020, all training needed to be completed online, which was a first for the program. The Agriculture Victoria authorised officer training program is supported by the Victorian Government’s $142.5 million investment to strengthen Victoria’s biosecurity system. The program also aligns with the recently released Agriculture Strategy, through protecting and enhancing the future of agriculture by ensuring it is well-placed to respond to climate change, pests, weeds, diseases and increased resource scarcity.

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Page 20 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

April 2021

New tank mix partner a ‘priority’ for broadleaf weeds GRAIN growers will have the option to strengthen and broaden their cereal crop management plans in relation to controlling broadleaf weeds, volunteer pulses and canola in the coming season following the development of a new, more flexible and cost-effective herbicide tank mix partner. Priority, a Group B post-emergent herbicide launched by ADAMA Australia, importantly offers excellent crop safety and allays residue concerns particularly in oaten hay and also following crops. ADAMA Australia portfolio manager - herbicides, Rob Walker, said Priority was an ideal first choice for tank mixtures to broaden the weed spectrum and enhance the performance of tank-mix partners, targeting up to 54 broadleaf weeds, and to control volunteer, non-imidazoline tolerant varieties of canola and pulses. Priority contains florasulam, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor, in a suspension concentrate formulation and once absorbed via weed foliage or roots, it

TRIAL RESULTS: Pictured in a trial at Elmore last season, showing the excellent control of volunteer vetch 49 days after treatment is an application of Triathlon post-emergent herbicide at 750 mL/ha in a tank mix with the new Priority herbicide at 25 mL/ha and wetter (centre right), compared with a stand-alone application of Triathlon at 750 mL/ha (centre left). is translocated to the growing points via the xylem and phloem. “An important benefit of florasulam is that it does not bind to stubble or plant material and has a relatively short half-life in the soil,” Rob said. “Reduced soil residual enables greater flexibility for rotation crop options compared with other Group B

herbicides such as metsulfuron or clopyralid (Group I).” Priority is effective against susceptible weeds from the two to eight-leaf stage, depending on the weed species and/or weed size. It can be applied with registered tank mix partners including LVE MCPA 570, TriathlonÂ®, PicoflexÂ®, MCPA 750, ZuluÂ® XT, 2,4-D Amine,

COMPARISON: Pictured is the uncontrolled volunteer vetch at the Elmore trial site. 2,4-D Ester, FlagshipÂ® 400 and BroncoÂ® MA-X between the three and flag leaf crop stages (GS13-37). “Additional tank-mix options are an ongoing proposition, with extensive research continuing to aim for expanded mixing options into the future,’’ Rob said. ADAMA Australia market development manager - Vic-

toria, Alistair Crawford, said the cost-effectiveness of Priority meant it could be used with several other herbicide modes of action, including Group C, H, I, F and potentially G herbicides. “Growers will be able to use it early, from three-leaf to early tillering, with other modes of action, and later (Z32-37) with 2,4-D Amine or

2,4-D Ester,’’ Alistair said. “Priority is really broad spectrum, so there will be a mix that can control most broadleaf weeds. “It will be a cost-effective tank-mix or spike compared with alternatives, which, when you add other modes of action and oil, can be quite expensive.’’ He said the crop safety and favourable pre-harvest interval and plant-back profile would make it ideal for use in oats in Victoria, as well as cereal crops in the Mallee to control volunteer pulses and wild radish. Alistair said tank mixes with Priority also would be effective for controlling summer weeds including marshmallow, as well as broadleaf weeds in ryegrass pastures. Priority herbicide is pending APVMA registration for post-emergent application in wheat, barley, oats, triticale, established ryegrass pastures and fallow. For further information on the new tank mix partner, growers can contact their local ADAMA Australia representative, sales agent or visit ADAMA.com.

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April 2021

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 21

Improve the quality and weight of your hay and silage By BAYLEY GOODE OVER the last 12 to 18 months we have given readers an insight into our approach to soil nutrition through the use of trace elements, minerals and rare earths sourced from the sea and activated volcanic rock. The first step is always a soil test. Ideally these would have

been completed in the last two years or of course, we can have one completed for you through SWEP Analytical. From there we present you with recommendations using appropriate products from our “HealthyEarth” range of 16. Yes, that’s right we have 16 products that are specific to agricultural needs.

The majority of these products contain trace elements which will help your silage last longer as the bacteria applied will also be fed with our products. Step two is we prepare the soil for acidity, low calcium, trace element deficiencies. Apply our liquid calcium product “N:Cal” or calcium magnesium “Cal/Mag 5:1” at two litres for foliar appli-

cations or up to 60 litres per hectare when using as a remediator, which will provide a low cost immediately available calcium. Step three is directly after haying, grazing or mulching, spray (onto the soil) five to ten litres of “Kickstart” per hectare, add our Liquid NPK and trace element liquid fertiliser to the mix and there you have a low cost,

concentrated trace element application. Step four is maintaining improved yields with foliar spraying. A few days before grazing foliar spray with our liquid NPK LeafSpray. Also add “N:Cal” and “Cal/ Mag 5:1” at one to two litres per hectare. This application supercharges the pasture for

livestock to receive an immediate hit of vitamins and minerals. To receive a copy of our pasture program, fact sheets on any of our 16 products, articles on soil nutrition and of course a price list with a cost per hectare breakdown give Goode Organics a call on 0420 946 156 or email Bayley@goodeorganics.com. au.

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April 2021

More eyes needed to help detect farm crime in area Inspector Peter Koger calling on public to report suspicious activity By PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER: Getting the message across to more than 100 farmers and THEFT of farm stock and residents to make your farm safe and secure were (from left) Senior Constable Elisha Basse machinery is on the rise in (Mitchell CIU), Tori Heaney (Farm Crime Coordination Unit) and Mitchell’s Inspector Peter the Strathbogie Shire and Koger. PHOTO: Pam Zierk-Mahoney police are asking for local knowledge to help them solve the crimes. Victoria Police members from Seymour district, including Violet Town, Euroa and Nagambie, attended a public forum early March to speak to concerned residents. Inspector Peter Koger had a very strong message for the forum made up of more than 100 farmers and residents. “Thieves have become more active in the Strathbogie area over the past two months - 300 sheep stolen last month and more recently 145,” he told the crowd. “It’s all about safety and security, we’re in this together to help solve this growing problem. “We’re (police) here to fix the problem but without you reporting incidents, no matter how small, to us we will not catch these perpetrators. We are here to gather intelligence so we can help the victims of crime and solve the problem. “We need you to report anything that may not seem right, whether it is a strange car parked nearby, people entering your property with no legal reason, drones flying overhead that are not known, anything unusual will help us put a picture together,” Insp Koger said. “We know we have an issue with stock thefts and machinery thefts - it is a big issue and we need to gather intelligence to solve it.” FOR ALL YOUR AERIAL NEEDS Insp Koger said the latest theft of the 145 sheep were valued at an estimated $150,000 - too much for a farmer to lose.

In attendance at the forum were police officers from Seymour Crime Investigation Unit (CIU), and the Farm Crime Unit. The urgent meeting was called in response to a smaller meeting held at Violet Town where a few farmers were concerned about the rising number of sheep being stolen. Insp Koger said police need to know what is going on around the district in order to piece together any pattern that may be occurring. “You, the country people know your area, you know your neighbours, and you know what is happening around your area, but you need to tell us what is going on. “It doesn’t matter how small an incident or what you might think as coincidental, we need to know. “It may be that a drone flew over your property, but you are not to know if it also flew over the next door neighbour and then the next farm again. “All these small incidences can lead to a bigger picture.” Senior Constable Elisha Basse from the Mitchel CIU advised farmers to regularly check their stock, count them to make sure they are all present, check sheds, lock gates, lock machinery parked in paddocks and lock your cars. She was backed up by Tori Heaney from the Farm Crime coordination unit in bringing home the message of safety and security. SC Basse advised that even if the farmhouse is quite a way from the road, thieves will still enter and take items from vehicles and machinery. The Farm Crime Unit was established in 2011 and then extended in 2019 due to the

rise in farm thefts and now has some 70 officers across the state investigating all incidences. Insp Koger advised farmers that there are three ways to help combat this crime rise, first notify your local police station, call Crime Stoppers or call triple 000 for urgent help. Following the story of one farmer who arrived home and found thieves inside his home and asked should he tackle them, Insp Koger said personal safety if paramount - under no circumstances tackle thieves. “Never confront the thieves, get out and call 000. “Get a description of them, get their vehicle number plates, description of type and model of car, get out your phone and take a picture but we don’t want you becoming a victim of serious injury or worse,” he said. “Just make that phone call and stay out of the scene - by calling 000 we will have the nearest police unit to you as soon as we can. “But in saying that, we can’t be everywhere at once, so be patient, we will get to you when we can,” he said. “It’s all about safety and security.” Insp Koger also said there was a Facebook page called ‘eye watch’ set up by the police letting the public know of investigations they are following or need help with. Following question time Insp Koger invited all to remain behind and ‘network’ with them and said anyone with any information they would like to pass they could so then and there. But his strongest message he reiterated was ‘tell us - we need to know so we can catch these thieves.”

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Ehrliciosis Some of you may have heard about the tick-borne disease, Ehrliciosis, which has recently made its way into the north of Australia and is slowly spreading southward. So far it has not reached Victoria, however we do have the type of ticks which carry it here in Wangaratta, so it is likely only a matter of time before we will have to contend with it. Ehrlicia canis is a bacteria carried by the brown dog tick. It

primarily affects dogs, and can result in death if untreated. Symptoms in dogs include fever, lethargy, innappetance, weight loss, swelling of the limbs, cloudy eyes, pain, bleeding and bruising. In very rare cases it may infect people. This happens when infected ticks bite humans. Infected dogs do not spread Ehrliciosis to people. It is recommended that owners have their dogs on tick prevention, and regularly check their dogs’ skin and coat for ticks, especially after they have been in the bush or long grass. The best tick preventions are

those which repel ticks before they get a chance to bite, rather than those which require the tick to bite in order to kill it. Serestro tick collars and Advantix spot-on are currently the only products in Australia recommended in the prevention of Ehrlichiosis. Give us a call if you would like further information on how to protect your dogs

Page 24 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

April 2021

TYM TRACTORS ON SPECIAL 40,700 21,900

Irtem Double disc 3m $ openers on 5” spacing’s with Harrows

inc gst

Abati BDS 8mt, 40 row seeder endtoe

132,000 inc gst

413 40HP FEL Cabin $38,300

23HP FEL 4 in 1 Bucket ROPS $20,600

Vertikator 3m small grass $ seeder includes harrows and press wheels

14,700 inc gst

New

Ford 4110 60HP 4WD with Creeper ONLY 640 hours

23,900 inc gst

70,500 inc gst

2,790

inc gst

S/H

27 Row, 4 bin, John Shearer Seeder.

inc gst

Connor Shea 14 run Series 2 Disc Seeder

13,950 inc gst

Photo for illustration purposes only

S/H

New

Minos 13 Tine cultivator $3,200 Also 11 Tine

73,270

1003 100HP FEL Deluxe Model w/clutch $77,000

From

10,000

Abati 12mt, 36 row on 300mm spacing’s

64,700

Grizzly Wheel Track $ Renovator, 5mt Tracks min 2m to max 4m

29,700

14 Tine Linkage Connor Shea Excellent Condition

New Holland TD85 1700 Hours FEL

inc gst

129,200 inc gst

New

87,300

John Shearer 24 Run, “Airmatic” No Till W/W 5m

Silvan Agrex 6t dual belt spreader

inc gst

John Shearer Tine $ Renovator, 3.3m, 22 run, tines and Coulters

inc gst

28,300 inc gst

S/H

New

John Shearer 3m Double disc openers

Abati Titanium, BDS 3000 20 Row, 3m w/w Direct Drill

Network Seeders 5 Row to 16 Row

613 60HP ROPS FEL $39,990

Abati 62 plate, folding, 8.8m

49,700 inc gst

John Shearer 21 Row with harrows

inc gst

45,000 inc gst

John Shearer 28 plate new discs Also: Gibbons Rawling 28 plate

13,750 inc gst

S/H

23,500

inc gst

John Deere 4640 180HP

inc gst

14,600 inc gst

New

S/H

31,500

$ Yeoman 5 Tine Ripper 1.8m with height control wheels

5,990

inc gst

New

Connor Shea 30 tine, 4mt scarifier

4,350

inc gst

52,700 inc gst

S/H

Grizzly 28 Disc Plow H/D $ Quick adjust gangs, 2.8m transport width

39,600

2.5mt Maschio 5 tine ripper

52,250

Boomarang Mark 6 Feeds out round bales and big square bales

inc gst

11,000

inc gst

New

Becchio 4.5m Mulcher. $ Duel drive, rear wheels.

35,000 inc gst

Landini Power Farm 110 4WD Power Shuttle CAB FEL 4in1 Bucket

89,400 inc gst

88,000 inc gst

Landini Landforce $ 125 Cab Tractor 125 HP 4WD Tractor with reverse power shuttle and FEL

11,300

inc gst

21 Series Connor Shea $ 3m 16 row spacings, Coulters

inc gst

Picture for illustration purposes only.

NEW

2.6m Hydraulic Rear $ Door and Rear Wheels

S/H

106,000 inc gst

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

For more information visit:

inc gst

S/H

$62,000

incgst

Kubota M8540 4WD, 85HP, near new condition, 370hrs

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

16,440

www.konigs.com.au

LMCT 11745

NEW

Grizzly 36 Plate Field Master Hydraulic fold 2.5m transport width

59,700 inc gst