North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

Page 1

Published since 1986

OCTOBER, 2020

Southdowns shine PAGE 3

Broadacre crop seeding boost

www.farmernews.com.au

PAGE 5

Upper Murray fencing project

PAGE 14

HAPPY HENS CASSIE and Ryan Sutcliffe of The Happy Hens Eggs at Jindera, couldn’t be happier with their choice of life on the land. More than comfortable around the hens, three year old daughter Elly is affectionately referred to as the CEO of the enterprise. Turn to page 26 for the story. PHOTO: Willson Mack

Industry looks for solutions to looming labour shortages By EMMA OLIVER FRUIT Growers Victoria, along with the Cobram and District Fruitgrowers Association (CDFGA), have welcomed news that the Victorian Government has approved the Commonwealth’s Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific

Labour Scheme, giving growers and local employers another option to combat looming labour shortages in picking and harvesting brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Mel Floyd, business development officer at Fruit Growers Victoria, confirmed agricultural industry bodies in

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conjunction with local, state and federal governments, are putting in a massive amount of work in the build-up to the season with numerous options being weighed up to address the issue with stakeholders from across the board - from citrus through to livestock - all being consulted.

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The announcement of Business Adaptation Grants - helping workplaces meet health and safety requirements and adapt to distancing changes imposed by the pandemic - has also been met with approval, as growers negotiate new rules and regulations regarding their

seasonal workforce. “It definitely represents a challenge,” said Ms Floyd. “It’s paramount that we keep our workers safe, as the industry certainly doesn’t want to see any outbreaks on farms, and the resulting implications.” ■ Continued page 2

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NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY

Est. 1984

Covering North East Victoria, Southern New South Wales and Goulburn Murray Valleys 37 Rowan Street,Wangaratta Victoria, 3677

Phone (03) 5723 0100

Advertising Manager

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

Journalist:

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

Senior Journalist

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

Pre-Press Coordinator

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

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

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Industry looks for solutions to labour shortages â–

Email: nefarmer@nemedia.com.au Website: farmernews.com.au

YOUR

October 2020

From page 1 With the State Government also calling on farmers to register their workforce needs on the Working for Victoria Platform, Ms Floyd said that an estimated 4500 pickers are required across the entire season for members of Fruit Growers Victoria alone. President of the CDFGA Tony Siciliano said that though worried about the labour shortage and lack of backpackers - which represent a good 85 to 90 per cent of the seasonal workforce in Cobram and surrounds - the association was being proactive and remaining optimistic. The CDFGA has surveyed all its members to determine their labour requirements and estimate that during the peak of the season they will need close to 3000 workers onground, with an average of 1500 available full-time over the entire season. With the CDFGA representing all fruit growers in the region, the requirements are a little diverse and the season protracted, with cherries, apples, pears, persimmon, plums, apricots and everything citrus needing to be harvested. “We’ve provided the figures to the state and federal governments -and we’re not exactly sure how it’s going to work but we’re hoping all these government initiatives join all the dots and we have our workforce for the start of the season,� Mr Siciliano said. “The industry is heavily reliant on a workforce holding seasonal working visas and backpacker labour, and growers

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GREAT CROP: President of the CDFGA, Tony Siciliano, is remaining positive that the labour shortage will be filled as he surveys his orchard.

are definitely concerned they won’t find the workers and there will be a bit of competition, especially during peak periods like December and February,� Ms Floyd said. Mr Siciliano also confirmed that competition for workers might be a concern. “There’s a lot of pressure on the cereal guys as they’ve had a bumper crop this year and are chasing people,� Mr Siciliano said. “For the dairy guys as well, 90 per cent of their staff are usually backpackers. “And the horticultural industry is screaming out for workers. “The labour shortage is across the board, and we’re going into a really busy time of the year.� Ms Floyd confirms that accommodation is another key issue especially in the Goulburn Valley where many members from Fruit Growers Victoria are based. “There just isn’t enough at an appropriate standard under current restrictions to accommodate a workforce coming from other regions,� Ms Floyd said. Part of the State Government’s $17 million package to help address seasonal workforce shortages, allocates $6 million to boost the supply of COVID-safe accommodation for regional seasonal workers, and hopefully will alleviate the problem. It’s a step in the right direction concentrating on the infrastructure to support workers, with the government also employing new seasonal workforce co-ordinators who will link local industry groups, employers, labour hire agencies, local government and other stakeholders. “The challenge,� said Mr Siciliano, “will be to co-ordinate the workforce. “I grow cherries, peaches and nectarines and know that during the peak of the season I will need close to 200 people onfarm picking for two to three weeks, and then the number drops to 30 or 40 for the remainder of the season. “If we’re talking about the Pacific Island scheme, it’s going to require some

overseeing to move the workforce around to meet demand, and effectively chase the harvest.� Industry groups are concentrating as a result on a more localised campaign working in conjunction with community organisations to target youth and the linguistically diverse population in regional Victoria, encouraging growers to think more locally with a more coordinated approach. “Industry has been trying for decades to attract a local workforce onto farm to do the picking and that hasn’t worked,� Ms Floyd said. “It’s been a real struggle and we’ve tried a lot of different approaches - but the local community hasn’t been interested in doing the role. “It’s not a career as such, and quite honestly it’s not suited to everyone. “Working outdoors, it’s quite hard work and there’s actually a bit of an art form to doing it properly. “And due to the timely nature of the business, growers need commitment and people who are happy to do the work. “Unfortunately that hasn’t been Australians in the past. “Many employers have had bad experiences, with farmers reluctant to employ a local workforce that tends to be unreliable and unwilling to work, with many not even applying for jobs in the sector. “That’s why the industry relies so heavily on foreigners, who have come here specifically to work, and make money. “We are, however, optimistic that this season will be different and we will see a different style of job seeker who will be interested in doing the work.� Mr Siciliano reiterates this sentiment, hopeful that students who might have planned an overseas gap year may now be looking for work or that those on jobseeker are keen to get off assistance and move back into the workforce, albeit it for a temporary position.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 3

Fincham’s Burando Southdowns are commercially orientated

BURANDO SOUTHDOWNS: It’s all about the carcase. Two of the stud’s sires with sons available at the upcoming ram sale.

THE breeding program at Fincham’s Burando Southdowns is very commercially orientated. Fincham’s focus on balanced, strong constitution and unassisted, live easy-born lambs on the ground, with a high percentage of twinning. Producing fast growing, heavy carcases and solid hindquarters, Fincham’s Burando Southdowns use balanced figures as a guide. And they are excited to invite all interested parties to their first annual sale of 50 ‘top of the drop’ Southdown rams, with another 30 rams available for private sale. The on-property ram sale will be held Monday, November 9 at 1pm at 68 McLeishs Road, Yea. This year’s sale rams are an outstanding group, with sons of Southdown breed-trait leaders in the top five per cent for growth, eye muscle area, fat and also top five per cent for marbling- essential for eating quality. The Fincham family have been breeding Southdowns since 1955. Starting at Yanakie (near Wilson’s Promontory, South

Gippsland), the businesss moved in 2001 to Winchelsea (located between Geelong and Colac) and then in 2015 moved to Yea, central Victoria. Fincham’s want Southdowns that when crossed with any type of maternal ewe grow quickly, finishing at four to five months with tight Downs type skins. This enables clients to reap the rewards of trade lambs between 22-26kg carcase weight or gives them the ability to go out to export lambs at the 2730kg carcase weight. The modern Southdown has the ability to do this and more, and many ram breeders are selling half-bred Southdown rams to put the real meat sheep back into their programs. The Southdown has the unique factor of tender juicy meat with a naturally finer intramuscular fat (marbling) required for the best eating lamb. Fincham’s Burando Southdowns have a core ewe flock of 250 mature Southdown ewes and this year they have lambed down, tagged and marked 178 per cent of live lambs. The stud’s breeding ewes

REAL MEAT SHEEP: Renowned for their eating quality Southdowns produce tender juicy meat with a naturally finer intramuscular fat (marbling) required for the best eating lamb.

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were founded in 1955 on Vern, Frank and Chris Babcock’s “Fairbank� ewes (Tasmania). During the 1970s, Fincham’s selected and imported ewes from the Punchbowl Dispersal (New Zealand). These sheep had very high lambing percentages, which most of their flock go back to now. Over the years the stud has bought the best rams from leading Australian and New Zealand studs and spared no expense to get the right rams for the breeding program - the aim being to breed the best possible Southdown rams for Fincham’s Prime Lamb clients. It is a closed flock at the stud - Ovine Brucellosis Accredited free, an accreditation that Fincham’s Burando Southdowns has held continuously since 1975. They are also an OJD third generation approved, fully (V) vaccinated flock since 2004, with all of the flock footrot and lice free. For upcoming ram sale enquiries phone Tim on 0427 871 294 or find the stud on Facebook at Finchams Burando Southdowns.

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D O N’T D O I T Y O U R S E L F Always hire a licensed electrician. Doing your own electrical work is extremely dangerous – and it’s illegal.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 5

Broadacre crop seeding boost with new Morris C3 Contour A MONSTER seeding bar arrival that sets new levels of flotation, seed and fertiliser delivery, hydraulics for faster cycle times, and which also suits the most popular controlled traffic farming (CTF) systems adopted by serious broadacre croppers is always going to turn heads. Throw in the fact that it includes another seeding breakthrough - variable pressure packing to create the most ideal seed germination environment possible (first seen on the Morris Quantum air drill) - and it could be considered another revolution is just around the corner for broadacre crop seeding. Some grain growers who already have heard about the new 80-foot (24-metre) and 90ft (27m) Morris C3 Contour drills, complete with upgraded frame, have called it a “logical refinement’’, combining the manufacturer’s popular C2 Contour drills with the technological advances of the Quantum. The introduction of the 80ft and 90ft C3 Contour drills to the Morris precision tillage family complements the 40, 50, 60 and 70ft Quantum drills currently on the market. Duncan Murdoch with national distributor for Morris, McIntosh Distribution, said there were several key focus areas for advancing the C2 Contour with the latest C3 Contour drills: • faster lift and lower cycle times with the independent openers; • the ability to automatically vary packing pressure on the go; • improvement in the performance and reliability of the air kit, particularly with wider drills; and, • the introduction of flotation lug tyres for better flotation, especially on lighter country, and which also reduces the risk of sealing. Duncan said all were now delivered in a machine featuring Morris’ renowned

SEEDING BOOST: John Branton, tillage assembly team leader at McIntosh Distribution, and the company’s Duncan Murdoch busy working on the latest Morris C3 Contour drills. parallel linkage with the 1:1 opener to packer ratio for precise depth control and ground following, and with the option of new single shoot, dual shoot and paired-row independent openers and a full selection of liquid system options. “There has been significant development in hydraulic cycle times, in response to requests from local Australian farmers,” Duncan said. “We have also developed our own in-house testing facility, including undertaking engineering for tine and hose kit tests, to ensure Australian specifications and demands are met.’’ He said new live hydraulics enabled Auto-Lift and Auto-Pack control technology, the latter providing the

variable pressure packing that is also available with the Morris Quantum air drills, but which don’t offer the working widths of the C3 Contour drills. “It’s a new technical attribute that progressive farmers are already adopting. “Most have commented that nothing gets a crop out of the ground like it with virtually no moisture at all. “Morris Auto-Pack enables you to create the most ideal seed germination environment. “When dry sowing heavier country, you can be left with clods and poor seed-tosoil contact. “Capillary action can draw moisture into the clod zone, but pockets of air can see it wastefully evaporate. “Different packing pres-

sures are required in different soil conditions and AutoPack achieves this. “An owner driver sitting on the hydraulics all day can get good packing results, but this is not as achievable with inexperienced or untrained operators. “The market loves AutoLift and Auto-Pack. “If you are seeding an AB line and you go into a headland, it will automatically lift and you don’t have to touch anything. “It’s just one less thing for the operator to do and it takes the strain off them, especially when it may be dusty or they’re tired and it’s the middle of the night. “Unfortunately, AB lines have been done before where the bar hasn’t been put in the ground and the

coverage map still shows it has been sown, but it’s all lying on top of the ground.” A notched cam-and-pin system with the Morris C3 Contour drill adjusts the depth at 6-millimetre intervals. The row unit features a depth shim system to allow deeper digging and/or seeding. A removable shim under the depth cam can also increase seeding depth by a further 25mm. Duncan said the new, Australian-made upright air kits were designed to achieve the best product delivery possible. The high-end kits comprise extensive use of stainless steel, allowing the lowest levels of friction, thereby significantly reducing the

energy requirement to move product through the system. Stainless steel also improves resistance to wear and corrosion. The upright design also has allowed easier configuration with the bars. “When bars fold over, you have to get the heads right,” Duncan said. “Some go up through the frame that folds on top of it, and you need to have high quality brackets to support the heads and risers. “You have to be precise with the mounts too. “We are going to fit the primary kits, including the heads and risers, at McIntosh Distribution, to ensure accuracy and to save dealers this job, which can be very time consuming. “When they are sent out, the wings are folded on top of each other, so all the checks will be done at McIntosh Distribution.” Trelleborg lug tyres on the C3 Contour drills provide the improved flotation and reduced risk of sealing. “At the front, where most of the weight is when you are working, they will give very good flotation, especially on the sandplain, and at the rear there will be less susceptibility to sealing,” Duncan said. “Ribbed tyres are a greater risk of this, but lug tyres just fluff things up and reduce the risk of sealing.” He said for most broadacre CTF systems, multiples of 12m (40ft), and hence aligning with the 80ft (24m) C3 Contour drill, were preferred. The 90ft (27m) C3 Contour was equally suitable considering the largest, popularly used header front was 13.5m (45ft) and spray boom width of 42m (135ft), whereby two passes covered three runs of the 90ft (27m) C3 Contour drill. Growers seeking further information on the new Morris C3 Contour drills can contact their nearest Morris dealership.

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October 2020

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MORE than 60 feral pigs have been trapped and killed as part of a three-year project which aims to reduce the impacts of feral pigs on public land in targeted locations across North East Victoria. Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Hume planning manager invasive species David Pasztaleniec said: “Feral pigs pose a serious threat to agriculture productivity and the environment, so this work is critical in protecting the land. “We have trapped and killed 64 pigs, many of which were pregnant, to reduce the number of feral pigs on public land in state forests and national parks in the Tatong, Samaria and Strathbogie areas.

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“We are also working with landowners, especially those who adjoin public land, to better understand the level of impacts the pigs are having.” Mr Pasztaleniec said the project has used remote cameras and satellite tracking to better pinpoint feral pig movements. “Feral pigs have selective feeding patterns and are omnivores, meaning they eat plants and animals,” he said. “They trample and dig for underground parts of plants and invertebrates, which can have severe consequences on Victoria’s natural environment. “They are also a pest for farmers, because they can

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carry a number of diseases which can kill livestock and their feeding behaviour can heavily degrade agricultural land.” The project, which commenced in January 2019, is funded through the Victorian Government’s Biodiversity Response Planning Program and involves FFMVic, Agriculture Victoria, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Parks Victoria. To report feral pigs in the project area please contact the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) Benalla office on (03) 5761 1611 or email David.Pasztaleniec@ delwp.vic.gov.au.

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October 2020

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Page 8 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2020

Mountain Cattlemen agree with interim observations, but more needs to be done “WE agree.” That’s the word from president of the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria (MCAV), Bruce McCormack. Speaking on the interim observations released by the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangement (the Bushfire Royal Commission), Mr McCormack said he was pleased to note that point 91 included “grazing by animals …. can play an important role in ameliorating bushfire behaviour and increase the potential for suppression”. The same point goes on to note that “these activities will not eliminate bushfire risk”. On this, too, Mr McCormack agrees. “One of the interim observations released out of the Bushfire Royal Commission is something we have been saying for almost 200 years - no, cattle grazing in the High Country will not stop a bushfire - but what it will do is reduce the intensity of it,” Mr McCormack said. Despite the single line acknowledgment in the observations, Mr McCormack said he was disappointed more credit had not been given to grazing as a credible mitigation source. “Grazing anywhere - whether it is on your farm at home or in the High Country - reduces fire

fuel loads; it’s as simple as that,” he said. “In the State Forest and Alpine National Parks, where fire fuel loads are out of control, this can only be a good thing.” Mr McCormack said his organisation also felt the observations had not given enough credence to Indigenous land management. “There is a lot of talk about ‘listening’ to this group and that group,” he said. “There is strong pressure to ‘listen’ to experts both on the ground and scientific based - but none of this seems to translate to a genuine difference in the bush. “We, along with our Indigenous, just want what’s best for the High Country - instead of constantly talking about ‘listening’ perhaps we should actually start practicing it.” The MCAV will be providing a detailed response to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangement interim observations, calling for increased grazing runs in the High Country, a better communication system between tiers of government and those with on-the-ground experience, and an increase in prescribed burning to name a few. To read more about the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria, head to their website at www.mcav.com. au.

RESPONSE: The Mountain Cattlemen’s Association has responded to the Bushfire Royal Commission’s interim report.

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Improved aerobic stability and reduced heating is relative to untreated silage. Actual results may vary. The effect of any silage inoculant is dependent upon management at harvest, storage and feedout. Factors such as moisture, maturity, chop length and compaction will determine inoculant efficacy. Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labelling documents. ®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Dow AgroSciences or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2020 GenTech Seeds Pty Ltd. No part of this publication can be reproduced without prior written consent from GenTech Seeds Pty Ltd.

Page 10 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2020

GET TESTED IF YOU’VE GOT THESE SYMPTOMS If you have any of these symptoms get tested and stay home.

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October 2020

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 11

Seed stewardship harvests sustainability THE Pioneer brand is widely recognised as an industry leader in Australia for reliably supplying quality seed across its product range, but the company also positions itself as a leader to support the industry to further embrace stewardship. Pioneer brand seeds trait commercialisation and stewardship manager Kevin Morthorpe said: “Pioneer is committed to the long term sustainability of farming systems, and the principles of stewardship are key to supporting this. “It’s important that Pioneer walk the walk regarding stewardship, because the strength of the program is only as great as its weakest link.” He said the company is dedicated to upholding the values of stewardship in the grains industry in a number of ways. “Firstly, through Pioneer’s leadership in product integrity and developing novel herbicide tolerance traits, we are bringing our farmer customers greater versatility and options to control weeds in crop rotations. Kevin said this goes hand in hand with their commitment to ongoing hybrid product development. “We are committed to promote the benefits of hybrids over traditional open-pollinated varieties to farmers,” he said.

GOLD: Kevin Morthorpe (L) and Rob Wilson of Pioneer Seeds, inspecting canola with grower Darren Best. “Our hybrid development program goes hand-in-hand with trait innovation, and continues to deliver profound benefits to the industry and our farmer customers.” Another tool in the pursuit of sustainability is the use of

new seed applied chemistry technologies to give crops the best possible start. “Industry-best seed-applied technologies from specialist companies applied to our planting seed using our high quality processing equipment and tested

for seed safety across our hybrids, provides peace of mind and protects seedling health to achieve optimal crop establishment. “Every seed counts. “And at the end of the day, a stronger start increases yield for greater farmer

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Page 12 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

“

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DESPITE the Australian red meat and livestock industry experiencing one of the most challenging years on record in 2019, Australian red meat continues to be recognised as a high quality protein of choice across the globe. That’s according to the Australian red meat and livestock industry State of the Industry Report 2020, produced by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and released last week on behalf of the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) and red meat industry. The report provides an overview of Australia’s red meat and livestock industry, including figures on production, consumption, exports, the economic significance of the industry and key issue snapshots. MLA managing director, Jason Strong, said the report highlights the resilience of Australian red meat producers in the face of both domestic and global challenges. “Drought intensified across the eastern states with the Bureau of

Meteorology officially declaring 2019 as the hottest and driest year on record in Australia,� Mr Strong said. “Cattle and sheep producers were forced to de-stock, driving the national herd and flock to historical lows. “The national bushfire crisis further tested the resilience of many producers.� Mr Strong said despite the challenges, Australia’s red meat industry was in good shape. “We were the largest exporter of sheepmeat and the second largest beef exporter after Brazil in 2019, accounting for nearly a quarter of total red meat traded,� Mr Strong said. “In 2018-19, domestic and export sales of red meat totalled $28.5 billion: red meat exports accounted for $17.2 billion and domestic sales contributed $11.3 billion. “Red meat and livestock exports increased 16 per cent yearon-year and 43 per cent higher than 2013-14 levels.�

China’s position as a key market for Australian red meat has continued to grow, with the outbreak of African Swine Fever driving demand for protein to the market. Mr Strong said Australia remained one of the world’s largest consumers of beef and sheepmeat, with per capita consumption sitting well above the global average, while total global consumption of meat has been steadily increasing over the past 20 years. “In Australia, plant-based protein consumption accounts for 0.3 per cent of fresh meat volume sales, compared to red meat which makes up over a third of total volume of sales,� Mr Strong said. The number of red meat and livestock businesses in Australia has remained relatively stable over the past five years, experiencing a minor decline in 201819 of three per cent to approximately 77,500 businesses. “Despite this, industry turnover of red meat and livestock re-

corded a notable increase over the same period, while industry value add and employment levels in the red meat sector remained stable at a time when the industry was suffering one of the worst droughts on record,� Mr Strong said. Mr Strong said COVID-19 had created heightened uncertainty and volatility in the global marketplace, resulting in a shift in consumer needs and purchasing behaviour throughout 2020. “An increased number of consumers are seeking products that are deemed trustworthy, healthy and of a high quality,� Mr Strong said. “While the long-term economic impact of COVID-19 will no doubt be severe, Australia’s standing as a provider of high quality red meat product, both domestically and globally, has somewhat sheltered the sector from the worst of the economic fallout.� You can read the full report on the MLA website.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 13

Breeding ‘green’ cows for the future AUSTRALIAN farmers are being advised to breed healthy “green” cows to meet community expectations and take a long-term outlook in their breeding program. Genetics Australia chief executive officer Anthony Shelly said that even with the advent of genomics, breeding was still a longterm process. “The results of the sire selection decisions you make today don’t impact on your bottom line for another threefour years,” Mr Shelly said. “If you make a directional change in your breeding and assuming a 20 per cent replacement rate, the transformation of your herd will be at least an eight-year project. “So, when thinking about your breeding for this season, you need to think beyond the here and now.” Breeding healthy cows now and into the future is one area that won’t change. “When thinking about the future, one thing is certain: the need to breed healthy cows that meet broader community expectations will be the order of the day,” Mr Shelly said. The comments reinforce points made by Mr Shelly at the recent GA 2020 online conference series where he spoke about the need to breed “the Green Cow”. “We need to be thinking about healthy cows that

GENETICS: Daughters of bulls like this SINGULAR daughter have an advantage over their herd mates for feed efficiency and heat tolerance. calve easily, are less susceptible to disease, produce less methane, are efficient users of feed, are more comfortable in hot weather and are born without horns,” he said. “We have the ability to breed for most of these things now.” Genetics Australia’s breeding program is designed to

produce bulls that address many of the emerging issues directly related to farming social licence. Mr Shelly said that across the Genetics Australia sire line-up, farmers will find bulls that will enable them to start their journey towards “the Green Cow”. “Genomics and the dominant inheritance of the

polled gene have allowed us to increase the number of high-profit polled sires available today,” he said. Bulls such as the homozygous polled sires, CFP and NIPIT, are among the highest BPI sires that produce 100 per cent polled calves. COLUMBUS, TIRANO and SAMARIA all carry the polled gene and 50 per cent

of the progeny of these high profit sires will be born hornless. Mr Shelly said the introduction of the mastitis resistance ABV by DataGene was a great step towards breeding healthier cows. “By combining a number of traits with Somatic Cell Count, they have created an index that best addresses

both clinical and sub-clinical mastitis at a genetic level,” he said. FRANKLAND, KARAT and AMALFI stand out as options for improving mastitis resistance among Genetics Australia’s genomic line-up, while MAEBULL is a clear leader in the daughter proven world. Australia is a world leader in the field of genetic evaluations for feed efficiency. The feed saved ABV allows us to select bulls whose daughters produce more milk with less feed. MICROCHIP and SINGULAR are great choices for those looking to breed feed efficient cows. Both bulls sire daughters of average stature and size who consume less feed than their herd mates without sacrificing production. Aside from siring efficient daughters, SINGULAR is one of our best bulls for heat tolerance. Others that excel in this space are MAEBULL and the homozygous polled sire VOMEMPHIS. Even farmers in the southern parts of the country can benefit from breeding cows with greater heat tolerance. “We have all the tools and the bulls to help you breed healthy “Green Cows” today”, Mr Shelly said. “It’s time to start thinking about the future.”

Page 14 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2020

Freemasons fund essential reBy EMMA OLIVER THE recent presentation of a cheque from Freemasons Victoria to the Upper Murray Innovation Foundation is a big step towards assisting communities affected by the Upper Murray fires to finalise essential fencing work in a region where many blocks back onto state forest or crown land, and the land is rugged and steep. The Upper Murray fires were caused by lightning strikes on December 29, 2019 and burnt through approximately 226,000 hectares of public and private land, destroying - among other things - essential infrastructure and fencing. However, with the advent of COVID-19, bushfireaffected communities throughout the state have understandably felt forgotten as projects stall and restrictions put a halt to crucial rebuilding. Farmers in Corryong and the surrounding countryside, with its hard and almost inaccessible terrain, have felt the frustration as fencing work has been put on hold, temporarily lumped in the too hard basket. “In the immediate aftermath of the fires, we received a lot of assistance and many farmers in the region got a great deal of

their fencing done through insurance and the invaluable work of Blaze Aid,” said Sara Jenkins from the Upper Murray Innovation Foundation. “The Albury Wodonga Rotary Club, in five weeks at the start of the year, tackled road boundaries and keeping stock off the road, which was absolutely essential. “However, there are all these hilly, rocky gullies in the region and countryside that is steep and difficult - and because we got flooded after the fires we’re also contending with collapsed areas and dangerous landslides - and it is these areas that desperately need re-fencing. “It’s been impossible to get heavy machinery up into the area until recently, and even this has proven to be difficult with machinery not available and the cost untenable for many farmers, being incredibly expensive and often not covered by insurance.” This was an issue recognised by the local chapter of the Freemasons, with members from the Benambra Lodge in Tallangatta approaching the Upper Murray Innovation Foundation, specifying that they wanted to do a project around fencing using money donated to the Freemasons’ Bushfire Recovery Fund.

FIXING FENCING: Sara Jenkins from the Upper Murray Innovation Foundation receives a cheque from members of the local Freemasons to contribute towards re-fencing bushfire affected properties that have been overlooked due to recent challenges and restrictions. L-R : Bob Johnstone, Sara Jenkins, Neville Wiggins and Ernie Cole. Working in collaboration, the Benambra Lodge and the Upper Murray Innovation Foundation - which is an offshoot of the Corryong Neighbourhood Centre - put together a proposal to apply for much needed funding to finalise fencing in the shire.

“Once we started gathering expressions of interest though we realised what a massive undertaking the task was, “Sara said. “Our first application to the Freemasons for funding came in at the best part of a million dollars with over 90

kilometres of fencing that needed to be addressed, and about 45 properties that had registered interest. “These are farmers from all over the Upper Murray - from the Nariel Valley to Mount Alfred and Biggara - who have put their hands up and could

Bushfire recovery assistance for small business To help Victorian small businesses recover from the 2019/20 bushfires, the Victorian and Australian governments are providing the following assistance: •

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really do with some help. “Unfortunately, the figure requested was too high, with the Freemasons wanting to distribute funds throughout all fire-affected regions, and they asked if we could come back with a pared down proposal.”

October 2020

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 15

fencing efforts in Upper Murray

HIGH COUNTRY: Upper Murray fires burnt through approximately 226,000 hectares of public and private land. The proposal which was accepted and awarded a cheque of $99,980 is to facilitate clearing of the existing fence line in areas where the access is difficult and terrain challenging. “Sara Jenkins and the Upper Murray Innovation Foundation have done

a huge amount of work collating information and organising this project, to utilise the money as costeffectively as possible,” said Bob Johnstone,member of the Freemasons’ Benambra Lodge in Tallangatta. “The money is to go towards bull-dozing and

clearing the rugged steep country, so that teams can then be sent in to replace the fencing. “Many farmers in the region are still battling away on their own, and we’ve assessed quite a few of these properties and they are still a hell of a mess with

trees down everywhere and stock still getting out. “This is land that can’t be farmed properly, with areas that need to be grazed as summer approaches and accessibility improved before the upcoming fire season. “The whole job has been broken down into stages

and specific tasks, and hopefully the donation from the Freemasons will make a bit of a dint in the work and provide momentum to tackle the remainder of the project. “The land just needs to be prepared and ready to go, so that the task is not so daunting.” Unfortunately the Victorian Government’s Boundary Fencing Program - which provides eligible landowners with $5000 per kilometre for materials to repair or upgrade fireaffected fences on the public land interface - fails to take into consideration the challenges of different terrain and as a result can be inadequate when faced with the difficulties of fencing rough and dangerous land. “It just doesn’t cut it,” Mr Johnstone said. “I was talking to one farmer, and he’d just had over two kilometres of fence line cleared and it had cost him $20,000. “And that was just to get the dozer through to clear the fence line. “It’s disheartening for the rural community, that after a good season of rain when farming could be getting back on track, fencing is inadequate to run enough stock.”

With the cheque now banked from the Freemasons, Sara Jenkins hopes this issue will be soon be resolved. “These are the last bits of fencing that need to be fixed - the ones that are too hard and that we all just need some help with,” Sara said. “We set the project in motion in May, and now we’re just keen to get out there and get it done. “It’s as much for the mental health of the community as it’s taken us a long time to get to this point, and everybody just wants to get it done, and move on.” With properties blocked into groups, and a schedule that aims to reduce transport costs by tackling valley by valley, the Upper Murray Innovation Foundation is confident the project will deliver strong, tangible results. “We’ve also become aware of another half a dozen properties just recently that are in desperate need of assistance, and so we’re just finalising how much we can and can’t do,” Sara said. “We’re just going to get started, and work hard to achieve as much as is possible.”

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Page 16 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2020

Intersales goes from strength to strength OPERATING for over 50 years, Intersales has stood the testament of time - a thriving business that has gone from strength to strength, expanding to become one of the best farm machinery dealerships servicing New South Wales and northern Victoria, and one of Australia’s largest Case-IH dealers. Dealing in new and used tractors, headers and other farm equipment, Intersales prides itself on its outstanding customer service, reputation and availability, and as a result is recognised as outstanding in its field rating consistently highly for client satisfaction. Locally owned and operated, Intersales began trading as LA Sales in Temora in the 1950s, selling and servicing International Harvester machinery and International trucks. It was in the 1970s that the business became Intersales and moved to its current location at Hoskins Street, Temora, with 2011 seeing the business expand further with the relocation of its header service shed to Hakea Street, Temora. With the team offering sales of and servicing to a wide range of agricultural, recreational and construction machinery, the business has continued to grow driven by reputation and an award-winning formula that

MACHINERY SPECIALIST: Intersales now have has a presence in Temora, Wagga, Griffith, Albury/Wodonga and surrounds, with full workshop facilities in these locations. focuses on the best quality service in all the different facets of the business. “Our commitment to working with our clients to achieve quality outcomes through our vastly experienced workforce, high safety standards and our enthusiasm to get the job done -and done well - is what makes Intersales a stand-out operation today,” managing director Peter Heinrich said. Intersales as a result now

has a presence in Temora, Wagga, Griffith, Albury/Wodonga and surrounds, with full workshop facilities in these locations, a fleet of dedicated service vehicles, highly-trained service staff and the access to a huge variety of parts. With Intersales’ expansion to service much of the Riverina, the company has also consolidated its fabrication, manufacturing and machining arm of the business with the purchase of

Cleverdon’s Steel Constructions on Goldfields Way, Temora. Intersales Comb trailers, which have been manufactured since 1996, have also moved to this new location and silos have been added to the extensive product range. A provider of mine maintenance support specialising in mill relining since 1983, Intersales also has a service team and truck dedicated to the task. The truck loaded with all

the tools required for successful completion of a mill reline is on stand-by 24/7. “At Intersales we are aware that time is money and therefore are committed to ensuring works are completed with a minimum of downtime for our clients,” Mr Heinrich said. This commitment to the agricultural community has resulted in loyal clientele and a customer base that demands nothing less than the Intersales experience, their

local machinery specialist. Intersales also prides itself on supporting the future of farming, and has dedicated GPS and technology trained staff to help customers make the best decisions for their unique operations. New products launching this month from Case IH are the AFS Connect range, which promises to transform the way you farm. For more information, call Intersales today. S

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October 2020

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FARMERS have been out windrowing and cutting hay early before the predicted wet spring. Many farmers are well prepared with new infrastructure and taking advantage of the Federal Government’s instant asset write off incentive that has been extended to the end of the year. Entegra Signature Structures are experts on the shed building front, providing support to access government fodder storage subsidies, as well as taking care of town planning and building permits. Entegra Signature Structures began in Swan Hill in 1986, and has constructed hay sheds since 1991. With two months to go for the calendar year, Entegra had already sold more sheds than the entirety of last year. Entegra general manager, Laurie McCalman, said hay shed construction was the fastest growing business category for Entegra, which manufactures all types of agricultural and industry sheds. “If farmers plan to use their new hay shed for storing farm machinery, we can help because we’re experts in clear-span sheds and make them unobstructed by internal posts,” Mr McCalman said.

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He said the sheds also arrived in kit form which made installation much more efficient. Entegra hay shed options can be discussed directly with the design team, particularly as there is a free site visit by a shed designer. It’s not a bad idea considering the outlook for production. Warracknabeal grower, Travis Penny, has new Entegra sheds ready for the hay season. “Hay’s an important part of our operation now and if you’re going to go to the expense of doing hay, you’ve got to store it well,” he said. “The market price fluctuates and with our latest hay shed, we’ll be able to better maintain the quality of our hay and have more options.” Australian Fodder Industry Association chief executive, John McKew, said generally speaking there was optimism in the fodder market for this time of year, certainly in contrast to more recent years. “Crops in many regions of the country are doing well and starting to grow as some milder weather conditions start to prevail with the onset of spring,” Mr McKew said. “In Victoria we are seeing grazing crops doing well in the area and the prospect of a good silage harvest in six to eight weeks’ time, depending on weather conditions over the next month. “Movement of pre-contracted hay is still happening. “Cereal and vetch hay is coming in from across the state, which still has plenty of hay available and new season crops are looking good but are dependent on continued good rainfall. “Demand is slow but extra rainfall could produce a spike.” He said looking ahead, a traditional season of supply and demand was expected. “Continued great conditions should see plenty of hay produced, especially in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. “Pricing will ease and we won’t see hay travelling the distances it has over the past few years during the drought. “Increasingly, we should see a premium for hay that has been properly stored as this has a very direct correlation on quality and with end-users becoming increasingly discerning on quality, investments in good hay sheds will provide a return on that investment.” Primary Producers are encouraged to take advantage of government incentives, including the instant asset write off which is expected to close on December 31. For further information go to adam@entegra.com.au or call 1300 296 206 or visit www. entegra.com.au. *Information was correct at time of reporting. John McKew has since resigned from his position at AFIA.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 19

It’s time to prepare our crops and pasture for an extreme summer GOODE Organics really hope you and your extended families have coped as well as possible during these times. As paddocks start to dry out from a reasonable winter of rain it’s imperative we make the most of the moisture in the ground. It’s also a great opportunity to prepare your operation for what is clearly going to be a scorching summer.

After many decades of using chemical fertilisers, farm soils have become unbalanced, de-mineralised, acidic, have lost carbon values and in many cases struggle to support any form of healthy microbial activity. Because of this, crop and pasture failure is common, especially during severe drought conditions. Sheep and cattle common-

ly suffer health problems; cancer, nervous system disorders and poor fertility are issues most farmers face. Plants are extremely complex living organisms, the internal chemistry is very sensitive yet resilient. To grow and perform properly and create all of the enzymes, vitamins, proteins and plant sugars needed for good robust health, they

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Page 20 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2020

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THE final numbers are in, and 2019 has proven to be another record-setting calendar year for the National Sheep Health Monitoring Project (NSHMP), with around onethird of all sheep slaughtered in Australia being inspected by a participating abattoir. Run by Animal Health Australia (AHA) with the support of sheep industry organisations Sheep Producers Australia and WoolProducers Australia, the NSHMP is designed to capture information on health conditions which either affect the productivity of the sheep, or cause carcases to be trimmed during processing, both of which impact profitability for the producer. AHA’s senior manager biosecurity, Dr Rob Barwell, says that the NSHMP continues to

For more information and list of regional studs Contact Secretary: Margot Falconer 0419 581 121 Email: secretary@polldorset.org.au Website: www.polldorset.org.au

deliver value to the thousands of properties whose sheep have been inspected over the 12 months. “In 2019 we monitored 9.57 million sheep, across 42,000 separate lines from 9600 individual PICs,� Dr Barwell said. “According to Meat and Livestock Australia, around 29.2 million lambs and sheep were slaughtered in Australia in 2019 - this means our participating plants inspected around one in every three sheep processed last year.� The NSHMP monitors for 19 conditions automatically when sheep are consigned to participating abattoirs, plus Johne’s disease on request by producers. Producers are then able to access the health data of sheep they have consigned to the abattoir through the Livestock Data Link portal - managed by Integrity Systems Company - using their NLIS login details. “The conditions we monitor for are endemic in many regions of Australia and can hit you in the hip pocket, though you might

never see signs or symptoms on the farm,� Dr Barwell explained. “What this means in practice is that carcases and offal must be trimmed or condemned at the plant, meaning less money paid to you. “By knowing when and where these conditions are impacting sheep, and feeding that information back to flock managers, we can improve liveweight gain and limit wastage, which is good for everyone.� Full lists of both conditions monitored and participating abattoirs can be found via the AHA website: www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/nshmp. Producers can find out more about Livestock Data Link via Meat and Livestock Australia. “If you’ve been sending sheep to slaughter, the odds are good that you already have some data available,� Dr Barwell said. “If we can all make a small difference on our own farms, it adds up to a big difference to the industry as a whole.�

FACTS AND FIGURES: One in three sheep are inspected by participating abattoirs under the National Sheep Health Monitoring Project (NSHMP).

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October 2020

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 21

Hydrosmart boosts yields ONCE installed, farmers can expect to pay about $10 a year for electricity to power their Hydrosmart. It’s a small price to run a nifty bit of gear that reduces salinity, protects plumbing equipment, increases crop yields and helps fatten cattle faster. Hydrosmart’s physical water conditioning system is a simple, sustainable and effective approach to conditioning water. By applying it, farmers get the advantages of using a technology to solve water problems which requires no chemicals, no filters and no maintenance. Reflecting back, chief executive officer of Hydrosmart Paul Pearce said they started the company 23 years ago servicing vineyards in South Australia, as the business was surrounded by the many great Australian wine districts. The technology took off, and since then Hydrosmarts have helped growers from a range of farming sectors including strawberries, broccoli, olives, apples, citrus trees right up to broadacre farms and livestock. They have a field trial currently running on young seedless lemon trees in California using EC 1.1 dS/m (630 TDS) water over the last 12 months.

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH: The business was launched 23 years ago servicing initially vineyards in South Australia, with the results so impressive that Hydrosmart technology is now available nationwide. They are measuring tree diameters and heights, and applying regularly measured amounts of fertiliser to the trees planted on coarse sandy soil in the desert. The Hydrosmart treated water increased growth a significant 30 per cent the first year. Hydrosmarts have become a mainstay sustainable water technology on many farms and outback homesteads which, of course, rely on well water.

From go to flow, the installation process doesn’t take longer than a few hours. “We ask that the Hydrosmart is protected, so it may take time to put a small shed or enclosed area around it so it’s safe from the elements and any animals”, Mr Pearce said. “It will keep working for decades of use and there are no running costs other than $10 in power to operate it yearly.” When asked how and why it

works much better than simple static magnets, Mr Pearce replied: “By using a computer program that puts out powerful electromagnetic fields in combination with resonance frequencies that are put into water via coils wrapped around the plastic pipe loop giving over three metres of contact time and oscillating (activating) water molecules as they pass through. “This in turn helps to weaken their bonds and produce a wide range of benefi-

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one, as the flushing away of sodium and chloride in the root zone acts like a rainwater event, and plants pick up rapidly,” he said. “They can absorb more water and nutrients allowing for the growth of longer, stronger canes, a better canopy and an increase in grape quality and yield.” Hydrosmart activated water also provides many benefits for livestock of all types. A beef farmer contacted Hydrosmart when they realised their Poll Hereford stock were unable to gain weight on their regular well water. The well ran water with moderately high TDS (7000 ppm) which the cattle were not enjoying. After learning about this technology, the farm ordered a 50mm Hydrosmart unit to treat the water which was considered low quality for beef cattle. Once installed, the cattle began putting on weight as they drank from the Hydrosmart treated brackish water. “After moving over to Hydrosmart in January, one lamb feedlot in New South Wales observed a 15 per cent weight gain over six weeks,” Mr Pearce said. For more information visit https://www.hydrosmart. com.au.

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Page 22 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2020

Expert advice leads to forage success

IMPRESSED: Chris Hunter (l) and Sam Wright from Valley Seeds (r) in Hobson Rape and Finefeed Annual Ryegrass.

BY his own admission, Chris Hunter has been a ‘perennial pasture man’ for 40 or 50 years. Now, he’s changing his mind. Chris runs an agistment property, providing quality grazing for dairy cattle. In March 2020, Chris sowed four separate areas, using a range of Valley Seeds varieties and blends, including the very successful combination of Hobson Rape and Finefeed Annual Ryegrass. Water allocation and rain at just the right time have ensured good growth and quality. At 10 weeks from sowing, the Hobson Rape and Finefeed plots were knee-deep in great feed. “It’s a fantastic result,� Chris said. “Sam Wright from Valley Seeds and Maurie Finn from Finns Country Supplies worked with me to put a plan in place. “At the time it all seemed very routine.� This was at the start of the COVID-19 situation in Australia. Chemicals and seed were becoming difficult to get, but these guys are experts and it showed. They put everything in place so that when the rain came at just the right time, we were ready. “Fifteen weeks after sowing, agisted stock were grazing on regrowth - and loving it. Chris couldn’t be happier. “I’ve had two lots of 50-60 head of dairy cattle strip grazing,� he said. “Planning got me here.

“My father always listened to experts and I do the same. “I could have gone to the store and just bought whatever was available. “Getting help made sure I had the right variety and the right advice about sowing rates and timing. “Seeing how the Finefeed has gone, I’ve opened up to the possibilities of diploid annual ryegrass. “It’s a fantastic result. “I’m very impressed.� Why Forage Brassicas should be part of your annual pasture plan Heat, dry conditions and limited rainfall make summer in Australia a critical time in pasture production systems. Grasses have a bunch root system with most of their roots growing close to the soil surface. This area dries out in the summer and limits the growth of the grasses, and the production of food for livestock. On the other hand, species with a tap root can extract water lower down the soil profile. Forage brassicas have this kind of root system and are a reliable feed source over the summer period when grasses are not growing. Getting the most from forage brassicas Preparation, planning and management of brassicas vary from the approaches required for grasses. Follow these six steps to harvest the benefits of forage brassicas in your pasture plan: z Select a paddock that needs renovation and spray out with a knock-

down herbicide in early August. z As the seed is small, general practice is to cultivate and then sow. It is possible to direct drill after spraying if soil moisture is limited. Suggested sowing rates for rape is 3-5kg/ha and for turnip 1-2kg/ha). z If broadleaf weeds are not a problem in the paddock think about sowing with a perennial clover such as white or red clover, and then grasses can be oversown into these in the next autumn. z Keep an eye on insect pests such as Red Legged Earth Mite and Diamond Back Moth. If present, spray or graze to control. z Allow stock to adjust to brassicas slowly. Have hay nearby for supplemental feeding. If sowing late, eg December or after a summer storm, consider sowing with some Shirohie Millet, a tropical forage grass that can survive with a minimal amount of rain and can be grazed at any height as it doesn’t have the prussic acid problem that sorghum has. Note that it can only be sown in soil temperatures of greater than 12Ă‚°C and will die with the onset of the first frosts. z Consider strip feeding, for the best utilisation. Valley Seeds’ Annual Open Day is going virtual this year. Register to attend for video and webinar insights into pasture planning, pasture management and information on new Valley Seeds varieties bred and grown for Australian conditions.

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October 2020

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October 2020

Debut bull sale hits the mark it difficult,� he said. “We had several agents representing buyers and one sale on AuctionsPlus so it was a good outcome.� Auctioneer Adam Mountjoy from Nutrien Livestock said it was a great result for a debut sale. “To line up 29 bulls and get a good clearance rate and strong average price is a very satisfactory result for a young stud,� Mr Mountjoy said. He said the bulls were well presented and represented good value for buyers. “There was a very even draft of bulls and they sold accordingly. “They will have successfully built their client book after yesterday and will look for repeat business from them going forward. “It will grow from here and we’re looking forward to a positive sales campaign in autumn next year.� The top priced bull, Riddellvue Quintavius Q75, was bought for $9000 by Geoff and Audrey Kyval from Cooper Cattle, Whanregarwen. Sired by Anvil M035, he presented with positive traits in both BWT and 400WT, and IMF +1.3 per cent, and EMA +4.1. “Ian produces good bulls; he’s been in the area long enough for people to trust

TOP PRICE: Lot 17, Riddellvue Quintavius Q75. him and everyone likes to support local people,� Mr Kyval said. “I was chasing a heifer bull and this one had a good combination of EBVs and structure and good shape and stature.� The Parsons family from Black on Green at Mans-

field purchased three bulls, including the equal secondtop priced Lot 6, Riddellvue Quain Q48 for $8000. Nutrien Mansfield agent, Jamie Beckingsale, who purchased on their behalf, said they were looking for bulls with good growth, milk and IMF figures, especially cow

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RIDDELLVUE Angus’s inaugural spring bull sale at Whanregarwen near Yea, which was held on Wednesday, September 9, was a resounding success, with sales averaging $5809. Twenty two of the 29 bulls offered were sold, with the top-priced 18 month bull, Lot 17, Riddellvue Quintavius Q75, fetching $9000, and two bulls selling for $8000 each. Stud principal Ian Bates was pleased with the result. “For a first sale, we were really happy, especially being so close to Melbourne with the COVID restrictions,� he said. “I didn’t know what to expect. “Being a new kid on the block, it takes a bit to get people to come behind you but it was a good sale and I was happy with the average price. “We’ve had a good season and were able to offer a good selection of bulls.� Mr Bates, who previously managed Anvil Angus for eight years, said he was pleased to see return clients follow his new venture. He added that COVID-19 restrictions and concerns about travel had led to many agents representing buyers. “The northern sales have been so strong but people can’t travel and that makes

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 25

October 2020

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Page 26 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2020

Three year old ‘CEO’ rules the roost in Jindera By BELINDA HARRISON

HAPPY FAMILY: Cassie and Ryan Sutcliffe with children Hugh (two months) and Elly (three years) at their farm in Jindera. PHOTO: Willson Mack

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FARMING often gets a negative reputation and many teenagers leave their family’s farm to pursue other work options having seen the stress their parents and/or grandparents have endured year after year. From droughts to bushfires to seasons that were too hot or too cold, failed crops, animals being mistreated or falling ill, there are so many reasons for people to leave the land. But for Cassie and Ryan Sutcliffe of The Happy Hens Eggs at Jindera, they couldn’t be happier with their choice of life on the land. “I wanted to show people the good side to agriculture and spread a bit of positivity, which is why our business is called The Happy Hens Eggs,” Cassie explained. Cassie grew up in Howlong, her family having a beef and dairy farming background and for as long as she can remember, Cassie was always following her dad around on his cattle work jobs locally and when visiting family in the Laceby, Moyhu, Docker and Wangaratta areas where they had property. “I’ve always been an animal lover and after I finished school, I started a vet nursing traineeship before completing a

Diploma in Vet Nursing,” Cassie said. “I also worked at the Corowa Piggery just for something completely different, and as an embryo technician for a cattle vet.” Similarly, Ryan grew up around the Corowa district where his grandparents had a sheep and cropping property and had connections in the grain storage industry. “My uncle gave me my first job on a grain storage site and now I manage a grain storage company and employ him,” Ryan said. Ryan and Cassie moved to Manangatang in the Mallee district when Ryan landed a traineeship with Graincorp but they always knew they wanted to run their own farm and raise their children in a rural surrounding. “I really wanted to run beef cattle so in 2015, we returned to the North East and bought our 20 acre farm,” Cassie said. “Ryan took on a management role in grain storage operations at Rand and I settled into teaching Veterinary Nursing and Animal Studies at GOTAFE. “We bought and sold some cattle and ran a small group of cows and calves but it wasn’t until our daughter Eloise (Elly) was born in 2017 and I was on maternity leave that I felt like I was ‘living the dream’ -

pottering around outside on the farm and feeding cattle and I was starting to dread returning to my office job.” Cassie knew she couldn’t make a living trading cattle off 20 acres but when she was introduced to a woman who was running free range hens, things fell into place. “I was hooked immediately and started madly researching because I didn’t really know much about chooks, eggs or anything,” she said. “I finally convinced Ryan that we should order a small chicken caravan and 30 hens and just see how we go.” Starting their new venture with Plymouth Rock and Aracuana breeds, Cassie and Ryan sold directly to friends and family but right away, they didn’t have enough eggs to meet the demand. “We chose Plymouth Rocks because I thought they looked nice and the Aracuanas laid blue eggs, which made for very pretty photos and looked great against our pink egg cartons, branding and logo,” Cassie said. “Unfortunately they just didn’t lay enough eggs and they constantly went broody. “We now run between 600 and 800 Isa Brown hens and they can lay around 300 eggs per year,” Cassie said. ■ Continued page 27

October 2020

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 27

SHOWING HIM AROUND: Elly couldn’t wait to get the new apprentice (baby brother Hugh) out into the paddock and show him around. PHOTO: Willson Mack ■

From page 26 “They rarely go broody and they’re also very friendly and easy to handle. “I was sad to see the Aracuanas and Plymouth Rocks go - the Aracuanas were quite flighty and full of attitude while the calmer Plymouths were my favourite and pretty to look at.” By the end of 2018, Cassie had started attending markets and the eggs were being stocked at the Howlong Butcher. “Being a ‘Howlong girl’, it was pretty exciting to have the support of my hometown,” she said.

But Cassie knew that to expand the business even further, and to comply with regulations, they needed to source their hens from hatchery or hen suppliers and have them arrive fully vaccinated. “We purchased a single lot of 300 hens from Corryong and in the middle of a hot summer’s night, drove them from Corryong to Jindera,” she said. “It was a nerve wracking journey, but it all went well and we got them settled into the purpose-built caravan (roost) we had for them.” The caravans were made by Aussie Feeders in South

Australia and Cassie and Ryan have three on their property with each able to hold between 250 and 300 birds. “They’re essentially closed in trailers with two large doors on either side where the hens can jump in and out of when they’re open and there are roosting bars on the inside of the doors where the hens can roost at night when it’s all closed up to keep them safe,” Cassie said. “Down the centre are the nesting boxes and they run on an angle either side of a conveyer belt - the hens lay their eggs in the nesting box

and the eggs roll down to the conveyer belt. “The caravans are solar powered so the nesting boxes are on a timer and close up at night time to prevent the hens from sleeping in them. “They can be towed behind a tractor or ute and moved to fresh ground regularly and this helps to spread the manure evenly around the paddock and stops the hens from digging too many holes in one spot. “At the front of the caravan is the packing room which is where we access the eggs from and the

conveyer belt can be rolled in and we collect the eggs off the belts; time saving is everything when there are 600 hens.” And it’s at the collection point that the CEO of the operation - three and a half year old Elly - does her best work. “She’s a typical three year old - bossy and determined to keep everyone in line and on task so she’s affectionately known as the CEO of Happy Hens,” Cassie laughed. “People often ask ‘how’s the CEO this week?’ which is hilarious. “Elly is equal parts helper and hindrance but she’s always making us laugh … and she’s a handy egg collector even if she gets easily distracted. “From a very young age she learnt that broken eggs are a bad thing and she’s quick to dob her dad in if he breaks any when they’re collecting them together.” Having been around the hens since she was born, Elly is confident handling them and has no fear - she’ll often pick them up and cart them around and when the family recently welcomed a son named Hugh, Elly was desperate to get him out to the paddocks and show him around. Or perhaps she was determined to flex those CEO muscles of hers and show him who was in charge and what she expected him to do in the coming years.

It really is a family affair at the farm and while Cassie’s beloved cattle have been replaced, the hens, children, two Border Collies and a sheep named Mary keep Cassie well occupied. “The Border Collies Rosie and Olly - aren’t a typical choice for guard dogs, but they’re excellent fox chasers and, along with the fencing at the property, keep our hens and lamb safe. “We also have two Scottish Highland steers that are coming to live with us but they’re currently stuck in Victoria and can’t cross the border,” Cassie said. Cassie loves to give an insight into the goingson at the farm via their social media pages with photos of Elly doing her chores getting much of the feedback. “I try and give people a bit of a laugh, often at my own expense,” Cassie said. “Last year I put up a photo of myself face down in the paddock in my Collingwood jumper after Collingwood lost the preliminary final. “That generated a lot of talk for the following weeks while I was out delivering eggs. “I always hope that when people scroll through our Facebook or Instagram they can learn something new, have a laugh and leave feeling happy.” ■ Continued page 28

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Page 28 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2020

New lentil paves the way for higher yielding crops

PROUD FARMER: Elly (with mum Cassie) is an egg-cellent egg collector and knows how precious every one of them is. PHOTO: Willson Mack

Three year old ‘CEO’ rules the roost in Jindera ■

From page 27 Like many other businesses in 2020, Happy Hens Eggs have had to adapt to changing conditions due to COVID-19. “When COVID hit, all the restaurants and cafes just closed overnight and suddenly we had hundreds or thousands of excess eggs,” Cassie said. “A little bit of panic set in and for the first time ever we thought we were going to have to throw out eggs.” Thankfully, that wasn’t the case with the butcher shops going ‘mad’ and needing to triple their egg orders to keep up with the demand from customers. “A lot of people didn’t

want to (or couldn’t) leave their homes so we put up a post letting people know that we had a home delivery service and overnight we were absolutely inundated with orders. “We went from 10 dozen a week for home deliveries to more than 100 dozen a week, which was just amazing. “We suddenly had a place for all our eggs to go while we couldn’t deliver to restaurants and cafes. “There is much more work involved with the home deliveries but on the upside it has allowed us to develop more personal connections with the people who are actually buying the eggs so that’s been a really

positive benefit.” To purchase Happy Hens Eggs for your home cooking, visit Rutherglen Butcher, Chiltern Butcher, Valentine’s Bakehouse Rutherglen or O’Neill’s Butchery at Tangambalanga. Once restrictions have eased, you’ll be able to enjoy them again at Rusty Bike Cafe Yackandandah, Star Hotel Yackandandah, Cafe Corryong Brew, Bird & Bike Cafe and Bar Chiltern, and Little Lane Cafe in Wodonga. While we wait, you can follow the adventures of Cassie, Elly, Hugh and the rest of the Happy Hens Eggs team via Instagram at @thehappyhenseggs or on Facebook.

LENTIL growers will have a new variety option in 2021 with the commercial release of PBA Kelpie XT - Agriculture Victoria’s first large sized herbicide tolerant red lentil variety. Agriculture Victoria research scientist Dr Arun Shunmugam said PBA Kelpie XT was the result of 12 years of research undertaken by Agriculture Victoria’s pulse breeding team at Grains Innovation Park, Horsham. “PBA Kelpie XT is a high yielding, large market class red lentil variety, boasting a six to 29 per cent long-term yield advantage over PBA Hurricane XT,” he said. “It is an early to midflowering and maturity variety with provisional, disease

ratings of moderately resistant/ moderately susceptible to ascochyta and resistant/ moderately resistant to BGM.” Victoria’s lentil industry contributes $120 million to the Victorian economy each year, with 95 per cent of lentils grown in Victoria exported to countries all around the world, including Bangladesh and India. PBA Kelpie XT will be marketed and managed by Seednet, who will produce the variety in commercial quantities for lentil growers. It is adapted to most lentil growing regions in Australia and its herbicide tolerance will help farmers manage weeds efficiently. Developed by conventional plant breeding techniques, PBA Kelpie XT is the fifth herbicide

tolerant lentil variety bred by Agriculture Victoria scientists. It was developed under the Pulse Breeding Australia (PBA) initiative and the suffix XT (for extra tough) denotes its tolerance to group B herbicides. Dr Shunmugam said it was bred with selections developed from a cross between PBA Blitz and an experimental line, and it features a large grey seed coat with red cotyledon. It will also be suitable for export and domestic markets. Agriculture Victoria’s lentil breeding program and Southern Pulse Agronomy team are jointly supported by the Victorian Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer - Page 29

Transporting ON THE ROAD: With decades of experience in livestock handling, clients can always rest assured when the team from Lloyd’s are on the job.

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ence in transportation with over 20 years of livestock handling and other agricultural and farming experience, the team at Lloyd’s understand the industry and bring that knowledge to the task, even providing mobile stock yards for livestock if required. If you’re looking to transport livestock, move hay or wool bales, organise nursery or winery supplies, or organise freight for concrete barriers and other agricultural products - anywhere within Australia - Lloyd’s Livestock Transport have it covered.

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October 2020

Helping farmers access booming Indonesian market THE Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment has welcomed the launch of an Australian Food and Grocery Council export guide for Indonesia produced through the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program. The guide - unveiled at a virtual AusTrade event will help food and beverage exporters learn more about Indonesia’s consumer trends, import compliance requirements and pathways to export. Indonesia is projected to be the world’s fourth largest economy by 2050, with per person consumption of key commodities like cereals and beef predicted to be greater than China.

The Australian Food and Grocery Council received $91,000 in ATMAC funding to support industry engagement and education activities. “Indonesia has the fourth largest packaged food and non-alcoholic beverages market in the Asia-Pacific, recording average growth of 6.5 per cent per annum,” the department’s deputy secretary agricultural trade group David Hazlehurst said. “Increasing demand for healthy, safe, high quality products in Indonesia presents exciting opportunities for our farmers and food and beverage industry. “Given the recent rati-

fication of the Indonesia Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and resulting reduction in tariffs, our exporters need to be ready to make the most of these opportunities.” The Australian Food and Grocery Council also plans to hold free industry forums detailing Indonesian food and beverage export opportunities and its regulatory framework. The guide was developed in cooperation with Indonesia and can be downloaded at http://www. afgc.org.au. For more information about the ATMAC program, visit Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) Program.

BERENDS The Largest Range of Australian Made Farm Machinery

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Biosecurity measures reinforced for brown marmorated stink bug season IN response to the rapid expansion of brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) throughout Europe and North America, the department has retained the seasonal measures to manage the risk of BMSB from arriving in Australia for the 2020-21 BMSB risk season. Head of biosecurity, Andrew Tongue, said the strong measures would help manage the BMSB risk to safeguard Australia’s agricultural industries, environment and exports. “The department uses a range of scientific, intelligence and evidence-based information when setting the measures, including onshore verification activities,” Mr Tongue said. “Measures will again apply to certain goods manufactured in, or shipped from, target risk countries. “They will also apply to vessels that berth at, load or tranship from target risk countries.

“BMSB is rapidly expanding throughout Europe and North America, so the major change for the forthcoming season is the increase in the number of target countries with BMSB.” Ukraine, Portugal, Moldova and Kazakhstan have been added to the list of target risk countries for the 2020-21 season. A further seven countries have been identified as an emerging risk: Belarus, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom and Chile. “The department will continue to monitor emerging risks and conduct random onshore inspections of goods shipped from these countries,” Mr Tongue said. “The department has also worked closely with New Zealand on these measures to ensure consistency as much as possible. “The department will continue to review these measures based on detections of BMSB and the

risk pathways throughout the season and make any necessary adjustments.” For more information on Australia’s BMSB seasonal measures, visit https://www. agriculture.gov.au/bmsb. Fast facts: z BMSB season runs from September through to April each year, so enhanced seasonal measures are implemented to address the biosecurity risk. z The measures apply to goods shipped from September 1, 2020 that arrive in Australian territory by May 31, 2021 (inclusive). z BMSB is a significant threat to Australia’s $12 billion horticulture industries because of the damage it can cause to vegetable crops, fruit and ornamental trees. z BMSB is also considered a social amenity pest due to their habit of seeking shelter in large numbers in houses, factories and machinery over winter.

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The Victorian Government has waived the annual fee to enrol on the Pet Exchange Register for the next year until 1st July 2021. The source number makes pets more traceable and helps the Victorian government track down unethical puppy farmers and brokers, and tackle unscrupulous online sales of animals. It is a positive step in improving the regulation of the pet trade. Up until now the microchip has only been linked to the current owner details, but adding the source number into the microchip information will allow the government to see where animals have come from, rather than just who currently owns them.

Page 32 - North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

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