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JULY, 2019
Anna Mosley and her brood
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Sheep and wool show
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DRIVEN BY LOVE BRADLEY Irvine doesn’t just breed goats, at 13 years of age he has arranged his own sponsorship deal with RB Sellars, supplies meat to his local restaurant and has a supply contract with a butcher in Thornton. He also has plans to expand both his breeding herd, and his market share, over the coming months. Read Bradley’s story on page six of this month’s Farmer.
SPC sale confirmed Local growers hopeful of increased oduction
investment house, and The Eights, a private equity firm, paid $40 million at handover. An additional $15 million is to be paid over the next four years, subject to the business performing favourably. Shepparton Partners
Collective have said their main objective will be to restructure and build the business for better returns by improving and adapting the company’s offerings. There has been no comment on what the sale means for growers as yet. Despite the recent sale,
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local growers had still not been contacted by SPC – leaving many to wonder just where their future with the cannery lay. Gary Godwill, who sits on the board of Fruit Growers Victoria, a Mooroopna based group that represents 150 growers in the state, said
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there had been no contact from the new owners. “They have indicated that they will (touch base), but at this stage they haven’t,” he said. “SPC and farmers need to work together - that is the only way to do it.” Like many in the area,
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Mr Godwill runs a diverse farming operation; an orchard, beef and some fodder production included. He knows only too well the importance of good communication between the cannery and growers, and is hopeful the Shepparton Partners Collective will provide direction moving forward.
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NEWS
Page 2, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
Landmark and Ruralco to join Proposed takeover raises flags Ĺ°
WHEELS are in motion for Landmark to take over Ruralco, with the ACCC raising concerns about the proposed takeover. Nutrien, the Canadian owner of Landmark, have made moves to
purchase Ruralco – but the Australian Competition and Consumer &RPPLVVLRQ KDV p DJJHG WKH DFTXL sition, saying it could have a large impact on the rural supplies and merchandise sector.
Mick Keogh, ACCC deputy chairPDQ KDV EHHQ TXRWHG DV VD\LQJ D Landmark-Ruralco joint venture would create “by far the largest retail and wholesale supplier of rural merchandise in Australia�.
SPC sale confirmed
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Alternative legumes put to the growing test
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CAN black gram be grown in the Wimmera? Is adzuki bean a potential crop for southern Victoria? Agriculture Victoria researchers are looking to assess the viability of growing alternative legume crops within the southern region - as both winter and summer crop options - as part of a new Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Agriculture Victoria investment. Dr James Nuttall, the program leader, said that adapted legume crop options are limited within southern region farming systems, particularly relating to summer crop options. “Despite the significant breeding gains made with the major grain legumes including lentil, chickpea, field pea, faba bean and lupin, further opportunities exist for alternative legumes in the system,� he said. The GRDC and Agriculture Victoria are particularly keen to assess these legume crops in terms of their potential to generate farming systems benefits to growers. “New legume crops have the
potential to provide greater flexibility as both grain and fodder options, fix additional nitrogen and, in the case of summer crops, provide opportunity to utilise rainfall in late spring and summer,� Dr Nuttall said. This year trials have been established at Horsham, Dookie, Tempy, Hamilton and Inverleigh. The legume crops being tested include adzuki bean, black gram, black turtle bean, borlotti bean, burgundy bean, cowpea, guar bean, kidney bean, lab lab, lathyrus, messina, moth bean, mungbean, narbon bean, navy bean, pigeon pea and soybean. Many of these crops are traditionally suited to sub-tropical growing conditions. Dr Nuttall said a key consideration to the success of crops tested would be their suitability to the rainfall pattern and temperature in our environment. The program is also tapping into the Australian Grains Genebank (AGG) at Horsham, a vital resource for conserving and supplying genetically diverse germplasm for crop species.
Early sown trials at Horsham have now been established, where 812 different AGG legume lines are being tested. The program also aims to better understand the suitability of a range of alternative legumes to the southern region, taking into consideration agronomy, markets and profitability. GRDC manager, agronomy and farming systems – south, Andrew Etherton, said the findings of this research present a huge opportunity for growers to include an additional crop into rotations that will benefit their entire farming system. Key issues under investigation in this research include optimal time of sowing and opportunities and herbicide options across the Mallee, Wimmera, North East and South West regions. “Ultimately, we are aiming to identify crops and management strategies that can expand the range of legumes available to the grains industry helping to build soil nitrogen, utilise out of season rainfall and improve farm profitability,� Dr Nuttall said.
From page 1
“We’ve had good communication in the past with SPC, and we need the new owners to steer us in the right direction,� he said. “They are not going to run lines that DUH QRW SURo WDEOH VR DOO ZH QHHG WR know is what they want us to continue growing - or say pull this out, plant this and these varieties.� From Mr Godwill’s perspective, SPC’s strength lies in its brand loyalty and eco-friendly image. “The advantage (we have) is it’s clean, green Australian image,� he said. “Clear skies and clean water. k:H JURZ KLJK TXDOLW\ IUXLWV DQG RXU WHFKQLTXHV DUH YHU\ JRRG WKHUH is already a very strong loyalty to SPC, not only in Shepparton, but all over Australia.� However, the Shepparton Partners Collective need to strengthen their export market and brand recognition if the company is going to move into a more economically viable position. Reg Weine, SPC’s current managing director, will be retained to continue SPC’s transformation. Retaining Mr Weine, whose worldclass capability and experience in fruit and vegetable processing is well known, is an indication that the essential character of SPC will be retained. And with the Shepparton Partners Collective offering a huge national and offshore network of investors, it is assumed the main intention will be penetration of global markets. However, the purchase and touted restructure has been met with some trepidation, with concerns the comSDQ\ ZLOO EH OLTXLGDWHG DQG DOO DVVHWV dispersed. Shepparton Partners Collective were contacted by the North East Farmer for comment regarding this, but none was received at the time of going to print. Nonetheless, all available press releases from the company assure the community they are committed to grow the business, and guarantee all SPC’s 375 ‘permanent staff’ will retain their jobs. It is a challenge that Shepparton Partners Collective have taken up, with ideally the goal being to capitalise on the brand, continue to grow the Goulburn Valley range and its overseas market. Going forward, SPC needs to factor in prices that are more sustainable for farmers, they need to communicate with their growers and they need to capitalise on local and international markets. Positioning SPC as a premium branded product is a perfect place to start.
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NEWS
July 2019
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 3
Farm confidence rises despite tough conditions
FARMER CONFIDENCE REMAINS STRONG: NAB Agribusiness customer executive, Neil Findlay, talks about farming confidence across the country.
CONFIDENCE levels of Australian agribusinesses MXPSHG RYHU WKH o UVW TXDUWHU RI 2019, a new report has found, despite persistently challenging conditions across much of the country. The second Agribusiness Banker Survey, released today by the National Australia Bank (NAB), reveals that national DJULEXVLQHVV FRQo GHQFH URVH E\ 20 index points in Q1 2019, on the back of improved seasonal conditions in Queensland and continued positivity in Western Australia following a bumper summer harvest. NAB Agribusiness customer executive, Neil Findlay, said WKDW ZKLOH FRQo GHQFH URVH LQ all states except New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, key indicators of business conditions remained negative. k3URo WDELOLW\ DQG employment both weakened in Q1 2019, while trading conditions improved slightly,” Mr Findlay said. “Seasonal conditions remain a key driver of the survey results, with the impact of
prolonged drought in NSW clearly impacting conditions there.” On an industry basis, conditions were strongest in wool, fisheries and horticulture, and weakest in dairy with high input costs continuing to pose challenges for producers. In terms of industry performance, NAB agribusiness EDQNHUV LGHQWLo HG WKDW WKHLU strongest performing customers were wool, mixed cropping, livestock, lamb and mutton producers. “The strong run of wool prices and strength in the sheep meat market have helped producers in those sectors,” Mr Findlay said. “Dairy remains one of the weakest performers, but we are optimistic that improved export milk prices may boost confidence and conditions in the dairy sector this year.” The survey reveals one in five NAB agribusiness bankers saw weather conditions as having the largest bearing on customer confidence, while
other key issues included government policy and regulation, margin pressure and interest rates. “Rainfall certainly had the biggest impact on conditions and confidence, with Queensland’s confidence indicator surging from -6 in Q4 2018 to +92 after decent rainfall in Q1 2019,” Mr Findlay said. k7KLV FRQo GHQFH KDV D direct correlation with our capital expenditure outlook, with Queensland returning the most optimistic projections for agribusiness capital expenditure in the short term, while Victoria’s outlook remains the weakest. “Nationally, we expect the outlook for capital expenditure to turn positive over the next three to 12-month period.” Agricultural land prices are tipped to increase over the coming 12 months, with a 0-5 per cent increase expected by most agribusiness bankers – a prediction that outpaces house price expectations over the same period.
Widening cattle market tipped to worsen THE price difference between store and finished cattle continues to widen as farmers contemplate feed stocks. Numbers presenting at saleyards have taken a considerable hit, with up to 1000 less presenting at the fortnightly Gippsland sale. As supply continues to tighten good cattle remain
in high supply, with markets tipped to remain firm to dearer over the next few weeks. Farmers from Bendigo have started autumn with a bang, with up to 20ml of rain falling last month. “We’ve had a positive start to the autumn - we are starting to grow a bit of food and are looking at being in a really
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good position,” Alex Collins, stock and station agent with McKean McGregor, said. “Crops are coming out of the ground pretty well autumn lambing ewes started lambing without any feed to speak of, and now it’s a pretty good result for us.” Mr Collins said he expected the local lamb market to
we head into spring before new season lambs become available,” Mr Collins said. The recent rain has also resulted in an increase in producer confidence, with Mr Collins saying there had been some positive movement in the lighter re-stocker market as farmers became more confident in their ability to carry
stock over winter. “The difference between store cattle and finished cattle is ever increasing, but we have had a few clients who are starting to put out cattle now who think they are pretty cheap compared to the feeder markets and they are now willing to take that risk,” Mr Collins said.
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Page 4, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
A cracking good business Anna Mosley on how High Country Eggs was hatched Ĺ°
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By EMMA OLIVER ANNA Mosley has always had chickens. So when Anna decided to leave her career in maternal health behind, she reassessed her options and prioritised what she loved. She knew she always enjoyed being on the farm, and as a single mum, she knew that she could manage chickens on her own, and so in July 2016, High Country Eggs was born. A handmade coop capable of housing 140 chickens was her oUVW VWHS WRZDUGV FRPPHUFLDO HJJ production. And with the arrival of 140 Isa Browns from Strathbogie Free Range Hens, Anna realised she had found her new venture. The Isa Browns were chosen for their laying potential, and the birds from Strathbogie were calm, quiet and healthy. Loving the lifestyle, Anna resigned from her job, and with the resignation came the opportunity to purchase a larger chicken wagon, and the ability to expand. Egg production requires planQLQJ DKHDG XVXDOO\ IRXU WR oYH months - to ensure that there are pullets available for replenishing your brood. Hesitant to invest immediately in the second-hand chicken wagon, Anna rang Strathbogie Hens and tentatively enquired if they had any more chickens available. “Would you believe it?� she said. “I’ve got three hundred pullets available now.� was the reply. Buoyed by the synchronicity of LW DOO $QQD LQFUHDVHG KHU pRFN WR 450 and in September 2016 sold KHU oUVW FDUWRQ RI HJJV WR 0DUNV IGA. Timbertop came on board next and then Lauriston Girls School, with All Things Natural and Organic, and High Country Fresh all supporting her endeavour. On average, production runs at two boxes of eggs a day, with 15 cartons in each box. This outlay requires a commitment of between three to four hours a day, with 30 minutes devoted to egg collection and then an hour and a half to hand cleaning, sorting, grading, labelling and packing. It’s not an early start either, as the hens need that time and space to lay. So between 10am and 11am,
THE CHICKEN WHISPERER: Anna Mosley among her brood.
Anna collects 90 per cent of her eggs. Every third or fourth day, the chicken wagon is moved and the IHHG oOOHG DQG ZDWHU UHSOHQLVKHG And so continues life as an egg producer. At the peak of her business, Anna was running 550 birds. This was manageable for a one-person operation, and Anna believes a sustainable number of chickens to have laying is between 550 and 1000, to make it economically viable. The chickens are kept for one \HDU DQG SHU FHQW RI WKH pRFN is turned over every four months to maintain productivity. She supplements the chickens’ GLHW ZLWK FHUWLoHG RUJDQLF IHHG freighted down from Queensland. In retrospect, Anna thinks a good quality non-organic feed alongside the rotated pasture would also provide an excellent egg. Anna’s market are “people who value quality food and nutrition�, with all her chickens pastureraised and fed exclusively on cerWLoHG RUJDQLF IHHG Pastured birds are completely different from free-range hens, with Anna running 450-500 birds to a hectare.
Ethically, her vent is to respect and care for each and every individual bird. This did initially result in conpLFW ZKHQ LW FDPH WLPH WR PRYH the older chickens on to make room for the new layers. There is a retirement home currently in place at her mum’s house, and many of the chickens have been sold as pets. Some have become compost and there has been the occasional chicken dinner. It is an area in which the business could expand, Anna believes, discussing the possibility of making stock. It is this value-adding that has seen Anna in the past, use eggs that are imperfect or cracked to make dog biscuits. With clever marketing and eyecatching packaging, dog biscuits UHWXUQ DQ H[FHOOHQW SURoW It is this combination of eggs, dog biscuits and pet chickens that have met with great success at the occasional local market. Markets are a rarity, however, as Anna already struggles to keep up with demand. “It’s a great business, with the potential to continue as it is, or
PHOTOS: Emma Oliver
take it as far as it can go,� she said. “It has been a purposeful and enjoyable existence for the last three years.� The farm paddocks have benHoWHG IURP KHU SHUPDFXOWXUH principles, of rotating the wagon WKURXJK WKH SDGGRFNV DIWHU oUVW cattle and then sheep. And due to temporary electric fencing there has been none of the heartbreak attributed to predators decimating her flock. Her chickens have become more like pets, and there is nothLQJ PRUH OLIH DIoUPLQJ DQG FDOPing than watching a paddock of happy chickens go about their business. But sadly, battling challenges to her health, Anna has made WKH GLIoFXOW GHFLVLRQ WR VHOO WKLV unique little business. “It is time for a new chapter, time to travel and spend more time with my son,� she said. “It has been a labour of love, DQG QRZ LW LV WLPH WR oQG D QHZ custodian for High Country Eggs. “Everything is there. “All that needs to be done is lock the chickens up at night, take them wherever, open it up, and sell the eggs.�
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July 2019
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 5
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Page 6, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
The next generation of farmer WHEN Bradley Irvine talks about goat breeding, he is across all industry subjects. He chats about the need for meat with a high muscle thickness, for animals to be bred bigger for a better carcase return and how important it is WR XVH SURo WV WR LPSURYH IDUP infrastructure. Bradley already has a sponsorship deal with RB Sellars, and is currently investigating new retail opportunities in 0HOERXUQH q FRQo GHQW KH FDQ ramp up kid numbers to meet demand. All this trade talk, all the QXPEHUV DQG o JXUHV DQG then comes the realisation that Bradley Irvine is just 13 years of age - and he cannot read or write. He is a shining example that passion and dedication is all that’s needed to make a dream become a reality. “This is all him, he has driven all of this,� proud mum Christina is quick to point out, gesturing across the family property. “Bradley is severely dyslexic – but he is just brilliant with the animals and on the farm: he is proof you don’t always need academics to succeed in life.� The Irvine family run Murray Grey cattle across 240 acres at Acheron, near Alexandra. Bradley currently runs 100 breeding nannies on the same property, building up from his
GOATS APLENTY: With 100 nanny goats already in his breeding herd, Bradley has plans to double his numbers in the next few years.
original herd of just four. “Ever since I was a little fella I’ve loved goats,� Bradley said. “Mum said it was my pocket money, and I could do what I wanted – I don’t think she knew what I had in mind at the time.� But how could his parents do anything but support their then nine year old son? “So I bought three goats and a billy, and from there I just got heaps of kids and it grew,� he said. Bradley chose Boer goats because he wanted an animal that had presence, and one
that he didn’t have to milk. “No way I wanted to get up early every morning and milk,� he said. But that doesn’t mean there is a shortage of work on the farm; Bradley feeds out hay each day, has a vaccination, drenching and trimming program and likes to handle the kids as often as he can. He has culled “rubbish nannies� over successive generations, and believes he is almost at the perfect Boer. “I’ve tried to restrict my herd to only the best,� Bradley said.
“I like big shoulders, a thick neck and rounded rump. “I want a nanny that consistently produces two kids, and meat that has a higher muscle thickness.� Goat kids are sold off at around 13 months, with the females going either as pets or joining his heard. Prime wethers are sent to the Wangaratta abattoir, then processed by Thornton Butcher and Deli – another business venture procured by Bradley. “I just walked in there one day with a proposal – that I would supply goat meat and
he would process it,� Bradley said. “He was all for it – we send about four goats a month there now.� But that wasn’t enough – Bradley then took his idea to a restaurant in Alexandra, The Grant Street Grocer. Goat dishes have since become a local staple. “It’s great to walk in and see goat on the menu, knowing it was raised on the farm, butchered locally and is being sold in our home town,� Bradley said. But Bradley has plans to expand further.
He wants his core nanny herd to hit 200, so that he can expect an annual turn off of 400 kids. He then intends to send meat to high-end butchers and restaurants in Melbourne – already dabbling in the market. “Some goes to the city now, but I could do more for distribution if I had the numbers to keep up with it,� he said. And what does this young goatpreneur do with his cash? Reinvests it into the farm of course. “I use the money to buy in new Billies with good bloodlines, and to improve infrastructure on the farm,� Bradley said. “New water troughs, I bought a tipper recently; not all of the farm has fencing suitable for goats, so that is what I’m currently working on.� Last month, Bradley was DQQRXQFHG DV D o QDOLVW LQ WKH Murrindindi Shire’s Young Business Person of the Year award. At the time of going to print, results were not yet available – but win lose or draw, he has already proven himself a businessman. With kids like Bradley in the industry, the future of Ag is in good hands. To read more about Bradley, or to watch a short video, head to http://belleridge.com. au.
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July 2019
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 7 A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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is now draining freely and no more smells,� said Conrad from Queensland. Ecocare Activator deals with the problem at the source. And by maintaining a healthy environment within your septic or treatment system,
to be versatile. This one product replaces multiple other cleaning products throughout the home, saving you money, giving you back valuable cupboard space and ensuring that your home is kept clean without the need
“ The efuent was pouring out and pooling at the low end of the paddock‌ After using Ecocare Activator for 6-weeks the pool of water had dried up completely and no water was coming out ‌at all. Not only that as a cleaning product it is fantastic.â€? (Debra Mavin, New South Wales) it prevents problems from returning. Also safe for greywater systems and for general cleaning all around the house, Ecocare Activator is designed
for harsh chemical based products. “The best thing about Ecocare [Activator] is its versatility‌[it] is also very economical. I still have half a
container after using it for a long time and that’s after giving some to my daughter-in-law and mother-in-law,â€? commented Sandy Miller, New South Wales. “Recently I had to deal with farmhouse ood ravaged to knee height‌.Your (diluted) product was a godsend to me, knowing its worth, knowing it wouldn’t compromise the septic system as bleach does, and if poured onto the garden does no harm. I was also aware of using it myself for several days constantly and felt safe using it,â€? said April Ikinci from Victoria. With so many uses this one product, delivered direct to your door, is putting money back into the pockets of hard working Australians. Call us free on 1800 633 866 and ďŹ nd out more about this safe, cost effective solution celebrated by families across Australia.
Our bacteria stimulant banishes blockages and rebalances your system Septics and treatment systems depend on naturally occurring healthy bacteria to break down and consume waste. But harsh chemical cleaners and detergents kill off healthy bacteria, upsetting the balance within your system. When your population of healthy bacteria dwindles, the efďŹ ciency of your system declines. That’s when bad smells begin and blockages become more frequent. Enzymes break down waste but cannot consume it. Over time this
Expert advice that won’t leave you stranded Our friendly, highly knowledgeable team are ready to take your call and answer any questions you may have. We provide ongoing after sales support and will stick with you until the problem is solved. 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back. You won’t be disappointed!
“I would like to thank you for the friendly service, after sales support and excellent result I have received from your company and product Ecocare Activator. Our extremely unpleasant experience with this terrible odour from the drains and septic is now over and we couldn’t be more relieved,� says Michelle Lavinge from Victoria.
waste will create blockages. By contrast, healthy bacteria which produce these enzymes consume broken down waste preventing it from becoming a problem. Ecocare Activator restores and sustains the right bacterial balance within your system, leading to continuous waste breakdown and the elimination of odours.
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NEWS
Page 8, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
A way out of the dark Ĺ°
Nick the Greek has faced his demons, and is now back at work
IN 2018, Nick Kyritsis opened a bottle of scotch at 8am in the morning and thought about all the things that had gone wrong in his life. He was in darkness, his mind foggy. By 11am he had drunk a second bottle, and decided there was nothing left. Fast forward to last week and Nick is grateful for each and every day. There is still a darkness that threatens to follow him, still days when it’s hard to get out of bed – but he puts one foot in front of the other. “I realised I had to stop feeling sorry for myself; either I lay down and die or I get up and live,� Nick said. “I chose to live.� Nick’s story is an incredible one – of facing demons, and learning to leave them behind. On the streets of Manso HOG 1LFN LV PRVW FRPPRQO\ known as ‘The Greek’. He is loud, often heard before he is seen; but his character is as endearing as it is honest, a true gentleman in the form of a weathered cowboy. Born in Greece in 51, Nick’s parents were, in his own words, “poor as hell�. “They had 30 acres, a cow
for milk, some sheep and a horse to plough with,� he said. “After the war there was nothing left for them there.� The Kyritsis family moved to Melbourne under the government’s immigration push following World War II and Nick spent his afternoons at the local racing stable. There he learnt to be patient and gentle; to issue a kind word to a softly bent ear. “It’s the smell of horses I love,� Nick said. “They are prey and we are a predator, but once you gain their trust it changes everything.� In 1981 Nick travelled to Merrijig to trail ride with the Lovick family and from the outset, he was hooked. In 1993 he bought Mount View Safaris with his wife Tracey, running the rides for a decade out of Pinnacle Valley Resort. “We got out when insurance costs went crazy,� Nick said. “But there I learned to be a farrier – I picked it up along the way, tacking a shoe on here and there until I was as good as anyone. “When we sold I worked all over Victoria as a farrier and also breaking race-horses.� At his peak Nick was shoe-
ing for all the local horse riding companies in the shire, plus at least 100 private owners. He was, quite simply, one of the best in the state. “No one could make a shoe stay on like I could,� he said. At the age of 62, when most are considering slowing down, Nick purchased a house in Merrijig. More than just a building, it ZDV D SODFH IRU KLP WR o QDOO\ feel at home. “I had worked long and hard and it was a big thing for me to do,� Nick said. “I was really proud; my life was in a good place. “I had 25 acres with a creek, a very good income and a home that I renovated to perfection.� That all changed on April 29, 2016. Nick can still remember every moment. “It was 10.30am on a Friday,� he recalled. “I was cleaning the gutters at home, and instead of moving the ladder I leant to grab a handful of leaves and it gave way.� Nick broke his leg and shattered his ankle. Three operations and six months later, the Royal Melbourne Hospital told Nick
they would have to take his leg. “I was in a fog, I didn’t know what it meant to leave the hospital without a leg,� Nick said. “It was enormous; the pain and shock – you get pains in your leg that you haven’t even got. “You want to scratch toes that aren’t on your body anymore.� After months in rehab, learning to walk with a prosthetic leg, Nick returned to Merrijig. “I came home, but I had no income,� he said. “People did what they could, helped out, even the bank tried, but the house had to go on the market.� Although his house sold within a week, Nick lost more than his place of residence; he lost a part of himself. “I was completely devastated and I lost my mind,� he admits. “I didn’t know what to do; I had money, but no direction. “I couldn’t do what I wanted, be around horses, and I was gambling and drinking.� Nick has no shame in recounting the events of his life, which is as heartbreaking a tale as any. He lost everything in a few
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short months – his family and friends, his money, his will to keep going. He burned bridges he didn’t even know he had crossed. Although he sought help, Nick didn’t know how to move forward. “I hit absolute rock bottom in 2018,� he said. “I drank so much I can’t believe I didn’t die from alcohol poisoning.� The thing about reaching the bottom is the only direction left to go is up. Nick, slowly, began to climb. “I was taken to Wangaratta for two weeks, and then I went to rehab,� he said. “I was listening to the people at rehab talking about why they were there, and the shock of their stories made me sit up. “I thought, I’ve got nothing on these people. “It’s just a leg; ‘toughen up princess Nick’, I told myself.� Last week, Nick was at Buckle Up Bush Rides shoeing horses. His prosthetic leg slows him up, but his determination overcomes any obstacle. “It’s hard, but I keep going,� Nick said. “People have stood by me, and here I am today back
working.� Nick’s latest challenge is breaking in a horse for Buckle Up. He has no interest in returning to commercial breaking, but wants to prove something to himself. “I need to do this, to know that I still can,� he said. “I’m two weeks in, and things are going along; it’s harder, but I can do it. “I have a disability, but I feel stronger.� Along with his own personal challenges, Nick has returned to being a farrier. He is happy to take it easy, and is careful to limit himself to three horses a day. But it is his can-do attitude that makes Nick the Greek a standout; he wants no sympathy, just for people to give him a chance. “The last time I made long term plans, everything broke in half,� he said. “So it’s just one day at a time, and life takes me where it takes me. “I’ve had good times and I’ve had bad times – but I’ve still got my two shoes on, and that’s more than some.� If you would like to speak to Nick about having a horse shod, he can be contacted on 0407 358 483.
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July 2019
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 9
You know farming, we know nutrition.
Let us free you up to focus on what you know best. Optimilk provides more than just a range of high performance dairy feed products. Working with our team of qualified experts, together we will tailor the right nutritional solution to suit your farm and herd’s dietary needs. Allowing you to focus on the most important thing‌ running your business.
Contact the Rivalea Sales Team on 02 6033 8062 or visit optimilk.com.au
NEWS
Page 10, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
Drive it like you own it Ĺ°
OWN THE ROAD: Nothing says high level performance like the Camaro, now available at McRae HSV.
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Price - $4,900,000 - $5,390,000 Call the selling Agent, Joe McKenzie on 0423 655 179 to arrange an inspection.
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Camaro is all about performance
THE 2019 Camaro range represents muscle car mastery in its purest and most exhilarating form. Euphoric power, precision engineering, cutting-edge technology and a striking, iconic design combine to deliver a high-performance sports car range that pushes boundaries and gives new meaning to the word legendary. And Chevrolet’s most powerful performance production Camaro – the ZL1 – heads the 2019 model line-up and is now available at McRae HSV. This is the car every little boy dreamed of owning – the car that dreams are made of. The ZL1 challenges the most advanced sports coupes in the world with unprecedented levHOV RI WHFKQRORJ\ UHoQHPHQW track capability and straightline acceleration. Feature highlights include: * 6.2L LT4 supercharged V8 with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing; * 6-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching and Launch Control functionality or a 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission; z Brembo performance brakes; z Bi-modal performance exhaust system; z 20� 10 split-spoke forged alloy wheels; z Recaro performance seats; z 6XHGHG pDW ERWWRP VSRUWV SURoOH VWHHULQJ ZKHHO DQG JHDU shifter; z Sport alloy pedals. And when it comes to performance, there is no shortage of horses under the hood. The ZL1 is the pinnacle of Camaro performance thanks to its 6.2L LT4 supercharged V8, making it the most powerful production Camaro ever built. The direct injection V8 power-plant, with variable valve timing, features an external heavy-duty oil-to-air cooler that helps the engine generate peak performance. Gear changes on the ZL1 are equally precise thanks to the choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or a
10-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters. The 6-speed manual transmission features a short-throw shifter and Active Rev Matching which anticipates downshifts with throttle blips for smooth, precise shifting. The 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission helps maintain optimum rpm levels with quick, precise shifts and features three exciting technologies; Custom Launch Control, Line-Lock and LiftFoot Gear Hold. Complementing the vehicle’s Independent Rear Suspension is Magnetic Ride Control which reads the road conditions and monitors each wheel independently to change damping in just 10-15 milliseconds. With great power comes the need for equally great stopping power. The ZL1 boasts a track-inspired Brembo brake package with 6-piston monobloc front calipers and 390mm x 36mm two-piece front rotors for superior stopping performance and reduced fade. The vehicle’s Driver Mode Control blends exhilaration with innovation, offering four distinctive drive modes – Tour, Sport, Track and Snow/Ice – that deliver four radically unique driving experiences. Then there’s the vehicle’s Bi-modal performance exhaust which lets you open up the valves, in Sport or Track driving modes, for a richer, full-bodied, more aggressive exhaust note. When it comes to presence on the road, there is just nothing that looks as good as the Camaro. Every surface of the ZL1 is designed for maximum downforce. Massive upper and lower grille openings allow maximum cooling while aerodynamic enhancements like the unique bonnet, with carbonoEUH FRPSRVLWH KRRG DLU H[tractor and wing-style rear spoiler, help reduce lift and increase downforce to keep the ZL1 glued to the tarmac. The high performance
theme is carried over seamlessly to the cockpit of the ZL1. RECAROŽ front bucket performance seats with aggressive EROVWHUV DUH WKH oUVW VLJQ WKDW the ZL1 cockpit has been tailored for the track. The seats are heated, ventilated and power adjustable and feature jet black leather appointments, red accents DQG VXHGHG PLFURoEUH LQVHUWV $ pDW ERWWRP VSRUWV SURoOH VWHHULQJ ZKHHO ZUDSSHG LQ VXHGHG PLFURoEUH GHOLYHUV XOtimate grip and gives the driver more legroom. Entertainment in the ZL1 is delivered by Chevrolet’s next generation Infotainment 3 system which includes an 8� GLDJRQDO KLJK GHoQLWLRQ FROour touch-screen, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for compatible phones, voiceactivated technology for radio and phone, BluetoothŽ audio streaming for two users as well as the ability to create multiple SURoOHV Dual zone automatic climate control, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio and 24 colour Interior Spectrum Lighting enhance interior ambience. From a safety perspective, front, side, curtain and knee airbags come standard in the ZL1 along with a host of proactive safety technologies including Rear Park Assist, rear-view FDPHUD 5HDU &URVV 7UDIoF Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Headup Display. An innovative rear camera mirror is also provided, offering the driver a less obstructed view of the world behind them. When turned on, the mirror provides a wide view without the obstruction of headrests, C-pillars, rear seat passengers or cargo. A camera, tucked away under the rear spoiler, facilitates a real-time display with zoom, vertical tilt and brightness adjustments. Recommended retail pricing of HSV’s MY19 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 starts from $159,990 – contact McRae Holden today to test drive what is sure to become Australia’s next legend of the road.
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NEWS
July 2019
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 11
For more information on country shows visit
www.vicagshows.com.au or www.countryshows.com.au NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria
OUT NOW Read it all online
digital edition
BE SAFE TO STAY ALIVE: A new safety campaign has been launched, featuring real time stories of farmers who have survived a farm bike accident.
VFF endorses new safety campaign A NEW safety campaign has hopes of reducing quad bike deaths and serious injuries. A joint initiative between the Victorian Government and Worksafe Victoria, the campaign includes stories from real life farmers who have survived an accident. “The real-life stories shared in the new safety campaign are deeply uncomfortable and painful to hear,� VFF president David Jochinke said, giving the campaign his support. “Yet these farmers could be considered the lucky ones because they are still here to tell their stories. “There are too many adults and children who never walked away from their quad bike accident.
“Everyone who owns a quad bike must implement practical rules about how, when, where and by who the quad bike is used.� According to Safe Work Australia, of the six quad bike IDWDOLWLHV LQ VR IDU o YH happened during non-working activities. “When you look at the data, rollovers are the most common type of accident,� Mr Jochinke said. “Operator protection devices can’t prevent rollovers, but they can dramatically reduce the risk of the driver being stuck underneath a rolled quad bike and suffocating to death. “I encourage all Victorian farmers to take advantage of the quad bike
Farming news at your ² QJHUWLSV DQ\ZKHUH DQ\WLPHÂ
safety rebate scheme.� Under the scheme, each farm business is eligible for a $1200 rebate, which can cover the cost of two protection devices. “Alternatively, if you want to move away from the use of quad bikes on your property, the $1200 rebate can go towards the cost of buying a side-by-side or small utility vehicle,� Mr Jochinke said. “In less than three years, the rebate scheme has received over 4500 applications and saved Victorian farmers over $4 million.� Farmers wishing to apply for the rebate should call the VFF on 1300 882 833 or visit https://www.vff.org.au/ quadbike to apply for the rebate immediately.
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Page 12, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019 - ADVERTISEMENT -
Banning Electronic Waste From Landfill is Better for Residents in North East Victoria North East Waste and Resource Recovery Group (North East WRRG), is reassuring residents throughout the North East that Councils and Alpine Resorts are doing everything they can to prepare for the upcoming ban on e-waste in any bin or landfill site which comes into effect on 1 July, 2019. E-WASTE refers to any of old electronic items such item with a plug, battery or cord as TVs, phones and laptops that is no longer working or LQWR ODQG¿OO VLWHV To help local residents wanted. It covers a whole range of items such as computers, better prepare for the mobile phones, microwaves, ban, Councils and Alpine printers, televisions, heaters Resorts are teaming up with Sustainability and gaming Victoria and consoles. From North East 1 July, 2019, It will also WRRG as these items help reduce part of its can no longer be placed in the damage Take Your E-waste to a kerbside bins to the Better Place and instead enviroment campaign to must go to a help make designated caused by sure residents e-waste dropthe disposal u n d e r s t a n d R൵ SRLQW of old what e-waste The e-waste is and where WR ODQG¿OO EDQ electronic they can was introduced items dispose of it by the Victorian properly. Government To learn LQ DQ H൵RUW WR recover more of the valuable more about e-waste and materials left inside e-waste ¿QG GHWDLOV RI \RXU QHDUHVW that can be safely recovered H ZDVWH GURS R൵ SRLQW JR and reused. It will also help to ewaste.vic.gov.au or reduce the environmental contact your local Council damage caused by the disposal for more details. DOING THE RIGHT THING: Anthony Nanson at one of Wangaratta’s e-waste drop off points.
WHAT IS E-WASTE? E-waste is any item with a plug, battery or cord that is no longer working or wanted. From your phone to your fridge, your laptop to your electric lawnmower, it covers a whole range of items from work, home and even the garden shed, including:
Where can I take my e-waste? The Victorian Government is committed to making managing our e-waste as easy as possible, with new e-waste drop off points at transfer stations opening all over the state. Visit ewaste.vic.gov.au or contact your local council to find your nearest e-waste drop off point.
Large and small household appliances (fridges, irons, kettles, hair dryers)
From 1 July 2019, e-waste will no longer be accepted in any bin. Visit ewaste.vic.gov.au or contact your local council to find your nearest e-waste drop off point.
IT, telecommunication and TV equipment (computers and their accessories, tablets, mobile phones, TVs) Lighting (LEDs, fluorescent lamps) Electrical and electronic tools (drills, lawnmowers) Toys, leisure and sport equipment (race cars, hand-held video games, musical equipment) Other e-waste (medical devices, thermostats)
j/21d13769/24-19
July 2019
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 13
142
nd
Australian Sheep& Wool Show Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July, 2019
Alpaca Yarn – setting the industry standard THE Alpaca Ultimate Yarn brand is one of the most established brands available in Australia that uses 100 per cent Australian Alpaca o EUH Having commenced production in 2008 as a joint venture between two alpaca studs, one in NSW and one in New Zealand, the business was purchased in 2014 by Graham Lugg and Tim Toshack, who own Lualto Alpaca Stud near Yass in 16: 7KH\ VRXUFH o EUH IURP ZLWKLQ NSW, as well as other states, which must satisfy the strict standards they adhere to in selecting the best o EUH WR SURGXFH WKHLU KLJK TXDOLW\ DOSDFD \DUQ The yarn is produced in New Zealand because of a long standing commitment with a mill there that VXSSOLHV WKH WRS TXDOLW\ SURGXFW There are some exciting advances happening within Australia at the moment that may enable the company to bring back the processing of the yarn to Australian shores, proYLGHG WKH TXDOLW\ FDQ EH JXDUDQWHHG
Australian Alpaca Yarn produces a range of yarn from 1 ply (with 30 per cent Silk), 2 ply, 4 ply and 8 ply, all using 100 per cent Australian AlSDFD DV ZHOO DV D ERXFOH \DUQ Certain lines are available in both JUDP EDOOV DQG RQ FRQHV The yarns are used by knitters, machine knitters and weavers with feedback from these craft people along the lines of “setting the standDUG IRU DOSDFD \DUQ LQ $XVWUDOLDy A machine knitter in Victoria is currently creating some wonderful garments from their yarn to sell at ZRRO HYHQWV Graham and Tim will be attending the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show this month, in the Osborne Pavilion - so get along and feel the TXDOLW\ RI WKHLU \DUQ SURGXFHG IURP $XVWUDOLDQ DOSDFDV Alpaca Ultimate Yarn is also sold WKURXJK WKHLU RQOLQH VKRS ONLY THE BEST: Australian Alpaca Yarn will be at this year’s feature at Bendigo’s Sheep and Wool Show in the Osborne Pavilion.
THIS MONTH: The Australian Sheep and Wool Show is on next month in Bendigo, promising three days of fun and industry talks.
2019 Sheep and Wool Show bigger than ever THE Australian Sheep and Wool Show is the largest show of its type in the world, and this year more than 30,000 visitors are expected to get along to the 142nd running. Spanning three days, some 350 stall holders, along with 2700 sheep and 5000 farmers, will head to Bendigo for all the latest in the world of sheep and wool. Each year, the best of the best breeders and fibre producers gather to talk industry – while also celebrating fine food, fibre, fashion and the mighty Australian sheep. It is a time for the nation’s best farmers to compete for the top championship ribbons; the country’s finest fleeces will be judged; leading wool fashion will be displayed; the growing craft market will form
Australia’s largest onestop fibre market; a major retail shopping precinct comes to life and the excitement of seeing premium stock sales live are all part of the show experience. This year, Polwarth sheep will be celebrated as the feature breed – a fitting tribute to the animal that was Australia’s first breed, developed in 1880. Other drawcards at the 2019 event will be shearing displays, the young stud masters muster, the future of farming discussion – along with plenty of sheep and cattle action daily. So it doesn’t matter what you are interested in, there is something for everyone at the 2019 Australian Sheep and Wool Show. For more information, or to book tickets, go to www.sheepshow.com.
SHEEPVENTION
RURAL EXPO 4th, 5th & 6th August, 2019
NOW OPEN SUNDAY Kids Muster Trail Largest Merino Ram Sale in Australia Fashion Parades Shopping Competitions Sheep Show Food & Wine
* At the gate $20 * Under 15 FREE * Student Card or School Uniform FREE
www.hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au
Page 14, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
142
8 ANNUAL RAM SALE TH
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Prime SAMMs kicking goals for the Fieldings SUNNYBRAE Stud owners Peter and Kirsten Fielding with their son Warren, have been kicking goals with a specialised breed for years. Known as SAMMs – South African Meat Merinos – they are perfectly adapted to the dry Victorian conditions. Peter started breeding prime SAMMs at Yongala in 1988 because he found they could handle the drier country well and convert feed better. In South Africa, the breed was to produce a suitable slaughter lamb at an early age while producing good quality wool - of 23 micron or less without the input of additional feeding. The breed is polled, and the ZRRO FODVVLo HG DV VWURQJ WR PH dium. In Australia, it offers farmers with an additional source of genetic material to produce sheep meat from a large framed sheep with a long loin. The breed could be used as a source for heavier lambs as fat is not laid down in the carcase to a much later age than other sheep breeds. The breed is known for its DGDSWDELOLW\ DQG HIo FLHQW IHHG conversion, being popular in South Africa in feedlots. Its adaptation to a wide variety of climates is a major reason for its success in South Africa, and it is expected that the breed will perform well in a wide variety of climates in Australia. Lambing percentages of more than 150 per cent are claimed to be common, but it is to be expected that this would be under good grazing conditions. Ewes have good maternal instinct and high milk production, and when mature will grow to about 75kg and rams to over 100kg.
BREEDING FOR PERFECTION: Peter and Kirsten Fielding breed SAMMs, South African Meat Merinos, who offer an ideal combination of meat and wool producing properties.
Ewes will produce 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms of medium/strong wool. South African Meat Merinos have been developed as a versatile, hardy dual-purpose breed, which should adapt well to a large number of regions in Victoria. Across the years, Peter has sold a lot of South African Meat Merino rams to clients ZKR KDYH JRW o UVW FURVV HZHV and after getting a report from D o YH \HDU (ZH 7ULDO LQ 9LFWRULD (Ewes for the future, lambs, ZRRO DQG SURo W q (OPRUH )LHOG Day Ewe Trial 2009 -2014), SAMMs and Border Leicesters FDPH HTXDO o UVW Peter has found crossing Border Leicesters with SAMMs produces animals that offer good doing ability on his country. It produces a really good maternal mother and a medium to large size frame ewe, ZLWK WKDW o QHU FURVVEUHG ZRRO They have got more of a square rump on them, and more meat going down to the
bottom of the leg. It also put a bit of that SAMM high-yielding carcase in there as well. The Border LeicesterSAMMs appear to be handling the country as well as the purebred SAMMs. Sunnybrae is situated in the mid north of South Australia with an annual rainfall of 325mm. This year’s rams have impressive meat traits complimented with white wool. This year, at the stud’s eighth annual ram sale, to be held on Friday, August 16, there will be 20 Border Leicester/SAMM rams and 50 purebred SAMM rams, with impressive meat traits complimented with white wool. Ram inspection begins at 10am with a superb luncheon, and sale commences at 1pm. For more information or to inspect rams prior contact Peter on 0428 601 512, or email kfielding67@bigpond.com.au or visit the facebook page or Sunnybrae Samms website.
Sheep supply predicted to tighten
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STRONG prices aside, 2019 has continued to be another extremely challenging year for the nation’s sheep producers. Drought conditions have persisted in all key sheep production regions, with many producers now running significantly reduced flocks. The dry conditions have led to sheep slaughter remaining elevated so far in 2019. However, there has been an easing trend through autumn and a slow-down is expected in the second half of the year as producers look to maintain their core breeding flocks. Overall, according to Meat and Livestock Australia’s latest report, annual sheep slaughter has been revised slightly upwards and is now expected to fall 11 per cent year-on-year, to 8.5 million head. A reduced breeding flock
and generally poor lambing rates, combined with a poor weather outlook for winter, is expected to disrupt lamb supply in the coming months. For the first quarter of 2019, lamb slaughter remained close to year-ago levels. However, supply is expected to tighten for the remainder of the year and, without a turnaround in conditions, producers will face similar challenges to last year in getting lambs to finished weights. Forecast national lamb slaughter has remained unchanged and is expected to decline seven per cent on 2018, to 21.2 million head. The aforementioned seasonal challenges will drive a contraction in the national sheep flock, which is expected to fall to 65.8 million head by June 2019, down 6.8 per cent
year-on-year and an 8.7 per cent fall since 2017. Focusing on demand, the outlook remains positive for the industry. Both lamb and mutton prices have reached record highs in the last 12 months despite the drought that has gripped the nation. This has been underpinned by strong demand for Australia’s sheepmeat exports, which continue to push new highs, bolstered by a declining Australian dollar and limited competition. The growth in demand from China and the US in particular, has translated into strong domestic farm gate prices, with the national mutton indicator breaking through 600¢/kg carcase weight (cwt) in May for the first time and lamb prices now on par with the record highs of August 2018.
July 2019
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 15
Australian Act now to prevent Sheep& Wool Show milk fever in sheep Shearwell to be at the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show
Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July, 2019
SHEARWELL Australia is a leading manufacturer of animal tags and EID Electronic Identification management systems. More and more farmers are making the switch to Shearwell Australia products for the proven 99.5 per cent retention rates, and one of the fastest turnaround times in Australia. Shearwell Australia sheep tags are a one piece, NLIS accredited tag. Both visual and electronic tags are available, are lightweight, durable, Australian made and allow room for growth.
A COLUMN PROVIDED BY AGRICULTURE VICTORIA
QUALITY AT AN AFFORADBLE PRICE: Shearwell are the industry leaders for sheep tags and EID management systems. Talk to the team at this year’s Sheep & Wool Show and see how they can help make your farm operation more efficient. Shearwell Australia also supply EID management systems inclusive of stick readers, panel readers and management crates – all of which are compatible with the free Shearwell Australia apps. The EID stick reader is lightweight and is suitable for sheep and cattle. It has an easy single button use with a green and red-light function to indicate new and already read tags. The stick reader will easily scan and record your data making management a simple process. The panel readers are available in both small and
large versions and suitable for both sheep and cattle. Moreover, the rugged weigh crates and drafting crates optimise throughput and make for fast and effective animal management. Shearwell Australia’s EID equipment can also be configured easily for existing setups. Customers making the switch to Shearwell Australia won’t be disappointed with durability, retention rates, turnaround times and excellent customer service. New customers will receive a free of charge applicator with all orders over 200 tags.
HYPOCALCAEMIA, more commonly known as milk fever, is a deficiency of calcium in the blood, with cases in pregnant ewes expected at this time of year. It may be prevented by adding a calcium supplement, or by giving dry roughage to sheep on lush feed. Milk fever usually occurs in mature, fat ewes during the last six weeks of pregnancy or the first 10 days after lambing, although other classes of sheep may also be affected. Hypocalcaemia often follows time off feed or stressful events such as shearing, crutching,
transport, mustering and yarding. Cases of hypocalcaemia can also occur during exposure to inclement weather. Hypocalcaemia usually occurs on either rapidly growing pasture, green cereal crops, when feeding grain, or on pasture that has oxalate containing plants such as sorrel and soursob. Cases of hypocalcaemia often occur in weak or down ewes and can be confused with pregnancy toxaemia (twin lamb disease). Some notable differences between the two conditions is that hypocalcaemia has: v D UDSLG RQVHW v DIIHFWHG VKHHS UHPDLQ DOHUW v FDVHV RFFXU RQ OXVK
feed rather than lack of IHHG DQG v D JRRG UHVSRQVH WR WKH appropriate treatment is seen. Sheep affected with hypocalcaemia should be treated as a matter of urgency with calcium solution, often known as 4-in-1, given under the skin. Calcium solution is readily available from a veterinary practice or rural merchandiser. For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health staff on 136 186. For more information about managing during drought and dry seasonal conditions go to www. agriculture.vic.gov.au/ dryseasons.
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Working to help the livestock farmer MARK THEM QUICKLY: The Vetmarker makes lambing season a breeze, with its unique easy to use chute. The designer of the Vetmarker, John Fenemor, will be at this year’s Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show.
Marking lambs – use the award winning Vetmarker PREPARING to mark lambs this season? The Vetmarker is a safe and easy way to do just that, with minimal fuss and low stress handling making for an award winning product. The product, which is designed as a chute, sees lambs loaded into one end and gently moved along the line for marking using a deep V cono JXUDWLRQ RI UROOHUV WKDW KROG the lambs securely and safely. The Vetmarker provides easy access to not just the lamb’s ears, but also the belly, testicles and tail. Coming in two different modes – the Prime Model
and Merino Model – both are designed to handle any sized lamb with ease and efo FLHQF\ The Prime Model Vetmarker is suitable for crossbred sheep, and if required will automatically spray lambs IRU p \VWULNH ZKHQ WKH\ DUH UH leased from the chute. The Merino Model Vetmarker has leg hooks to present your lambs in position. The Vetmarker is the only patented system that releases lambs onto their feet, with no manual handling required resulting in minimal animal stress. 7KH EHQHo WV DUH QRW MXVW
for the animals though – the Vetmarker is height adjustable, so there is no back strain for the user, and as there is no pulling lambs out of the chute it also eases shoulder pain. John Fenemor, the designer of the Vetmarker, will be at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo this year, demonstrating his innovative and game changing product. Vetmarker is sold in Rodwells and CRT stores throughout Australia. For more information, or to watch a video of the Vetmarker in action, head to www.vetmarker.com.au.
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Australian Sheep& Wool Show Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July, 2019
Dorpers – when only the best will do NO sheep has had a bigger impact on the recent livestock market in Australia than the Dorper. Not only has it revolutionised the way we farm, it has also had a VLJQLo FDQW LPSDFW RQ WKH ZD\ we butcher and process. Dorpers and White Dorpers are Australia’s preeminent low maintenance meat sheep, adapted to a vast range of conditions across the country. From the hills of Victoria’s North East to the outback plains of Queensland, Dorpers have made themselves successful across the country. The success of the breed in expanding the prime lamb production in Australia in barely two decades is well recognised. Dorpers and White Dorpers have also provided the genetic base for a number of new composite ‘breeds’ that seek to capitalise on the breed’s success, but only Dorpers offer proven performance DQG SURo WDELOLW\ LQ WKH ORQJ term. The Dorper Sheep Society of Australia Inc (DSSA) was established soon after the introduction of Dorpers to Australia in 1996. Since that time the DSSA has managed and maintained a registry of pedigree and breeding information for both sires and dams. DSSA members are supported by regular bulletins that provide direction and focus to ensure the Dorper breeds of sheep are continually increasing
E R! T E A D IM A L C
The 142nd Australian Sheep and Wool Show WHEN: July 19-21. WHERE: Prince of Wales Showground, 42-72 Holmes Rd, Bendigo. TICKETS: Single day pass for adults $22, $17 for students/pensioners, family $44. Three day passes available. MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.sheepshow.com.
BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Dorper sheep have helped revolutionise the face of the Australian sheep industry.
their performance. Annual shows and sales are run by the DSSA, bringing Dorpers from all parts of Australia together to be judged by a quality selection of judges while showcasing the best of our breed. This year, the DSSA will be again conducting the biggest event on the
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Southern Region calendar at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show Bendigo, from July 19 to 21, showcasing more than 300 Dorpers and White Dorpers from all over Australia. Internationally renowned breed inspector and judge, Stephanus Malan, will have the job of selecting the best of the breed at this event.
Judging of the White Dorpers starts at 10am on Friday, July 19, Dorper judging commences 8.30am Saturday, July 20. The 11th Annual Shearwell Supreme Dorper and White Dorper Sale will be held on Sunday, July 21 in conjunction with the ASWS. There will be 120 high quality rams and ewes
available at auction, contact selling agents Landmark Echuca- Lachlan Collins 0477 325 948. Inspections at 10am with auctions starting at 1pm. And the events just keep on coming - mark this date on your calendar, Friday, August 30. The Southern Region DSSA will be running the
Inaugural Dorper Expo; this is a breed and industry information day - you do not need to be a member of the DSSA to attend. Many of the region’s corporate sponsors will be in attendance with information displays, demonstrations and presentations. This event will be held on the property of Jean and Moozie Van Niekerk in Moama, NSW. For more information contact the EO Sara Winn on (02) 6773 3805. For all current and up to date information on what the Dorper breed can GR WR LQFUHDVH SURo WV DQG minimise work costs, visit the team during the show.
THE SHEARWELL AUSTRALIA SOUTHERN REGION DSSA 11TH ANNUAL
BENDIGO SUPREME DORPER & WHITE DORPER SALE SALE - 1:00 pm Sunday 21st July 2019 Show will be held Friday 19th - Saturday 20th July ASWS Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Holme Rd, Bendigo, VIC AGENTS: LANDMARK ECHUCA | Lachlan Collins 0477 325 948
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NEWS
July 2019
Farm inventions showcased at AgriInnovators Awards FARM inventors, backyard tinkerers and students are invited to showcase their innovative ideas in the AgriInnovator of the Year Award at the 2019 Henty Machinery Field Days. The entries must meet the criteria of having a practical on-farm application, be based on an original idea of the entrant and not be in full-scale production at the time entry. The 2018 winner was Justin Dunn, of Temora, for The Shepherd, an automated sheep feeder designed to deliver a controlled maintenance ration at pre-set times and reduce mismothering. The 18m long feeder featured a 1.7 cubic metre grain storage bin and is capable of supporting a density of approximately 200 lambs at the trough. The feeder is equipped with proximity switches to prevent
RYHUo OOLQJ RI WKH IHHG WURXJK and a corrugated roof runs the full length of the tray as weather protection. Since Justin’s win at Henty, he received NSW Government start-up funding to commercialise The Shepherd. “We are now selling units KDQG RYHU o VW q WKH WLPLQJ around a drought has been ideal,� he said. The Shepherd went on from Henty to win the NAB Agribusiness Award of Excellence at the Australian National Field Days in October. “The unit has changed a lot since then with updated technology, it is more robust, and the tray is adjustable for production and induction feeding,� Mr Dunn said. HMFD chief executive ofo FHU %HOLQGD $QGHUVRQ VDLG Agri-Innovators was aimed at tertiary and university students, farmers, backyard tink-
erers and innovators. “Entries can be any agribusiness invention, ranging from a mobile phone app or computer software program to the largest tillage machinery,� she said. “This year’s entrants will receive exposure to the agricultural market place and the opportunity to network with potential manufacturers.� Justin encouraged all aspiring inventors to enter their concept in the Agri-Innovators Award. “At some point you have WR WDNH RII q LW PD\ EH QRW o Q ished or perfect but you will never get to that point until you have it out there commercially,� he said. The closing date for entries is Friday, August 16 with entry forms available from the +0)' RIo FH RQ 3305 or email admin@hmfd. com.au.
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Are your livestock fit for transport? MANSFIELD farmers, stock and station agents and transporters are being reminded that stock must be ‘fit for transport’ in order to be sold. Agriculture Victoria is rolling out new animal welfare signage at all Victorian saleyards and livestock scales reminding producers of just that. Agriculture Victoria livestock welfare compliance program manager, Dr Rachael Holmes, said the signs served as an important reminder to livestock producers, agents and transporters. “Livestock must be inspected prior to being loaded and they must not be suffering from conditions that could cause, or would be likely to cause, increased pain or distress during transport,� Dr
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 17
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ARE THEY TRUCK READY: Agriculture Victoria senior veterinarian, Paul Beltz, is reminding all local producers that livestock must be ‘fit for transport’. Holmes said. “Any person in charge of an animal, which may include producers, farm workers, transporters and livestock agents, must not allow any animal to be loaded that is not fit for the journey ahead. “It is the responsibility of each person in charge of the animal at each step of the supply chain, to make that assessment, and to make
appropriate arrangements for the care, treatment or humane destruction of any animals that are deemed to be unfit for transportation.� The new animal welfare signs, which will be displayed in public locations at sheep and cattle saleyards and at livestock scales across the state, aim to further promote best practice in animal welfare across the livestock industry.
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NEWS
Page 18, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
Freight costs drive global performance FREIGHT costs continue to dampen Australia’s competitiveness on the international commodities market, with a new report out last month showing that logistics are the largest single cost item in the production of many agricultural products. AgriFutures Australia commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to investigate farm transport costs from paddock to port for a sector that sees roughly two-thirds RI IRRG DQG oEUH H[SRUWHG John Harvey, AgriFutures Australia managing director, said that freight costs were critical to maintaining AusWUDOLD V JOREDO FRPSHWLWLYHness - and would continue to LPSDFW DJULFXOWXUH V H[SRUW performance into the future. “In Australia, freight costs are highest for grains at 27.5 per cent of gross income, and IUXLW DQG YHJHWDEOHV DW SHU cent,� Mr Harvey said. “By comparison, poultry in a domestic market has the lowest relative farm freight costs, totalling one per cent of gross income. “Knowing how much farmers pay for transporting their produce to consumers is crucial to measure the competitiveness of Australian IDUPHUV DQG WR oQG RXW ZKHUH
-WITHOUT TRUCKS, AUSTRALIA STOPS: Most primary industries rely on some sort of transport, but freight costs have been identified as one of the highest for farmers.
the transport of agricultural goods faces pinch points and ERWWOHQHFNV y The report also shows that Australia has comparatively higher freight costs for many of the key commodities compared to international competitors.
“Strategic planning and regulatory framework are required to ensure infrastrucWXUH FDQ EH HIoFLHQWO\ XWLOLVHG E\ LQGXVWU\ y 0U +DUYH\ VDLG 7RQ\ 0DKDU FKLHI H[HFXtive officer of the National Farmers’ Federation, said the supply chain research
SURYLGHV D EHQFKPDUN RI Australia’s performance. “NFF welcomes AgriFutures Australia’s work in this space as it gives us solid GDWD DERXW WKH DJULFXOWXUDO sector and challenges faced E\ GLIIHUHQW LQGXVWULHV y 0U Mahar said.
k,W LV FULWLFDO WR ORRN EHyond the ‘now’ to consider future agricultural freight issues and to highlight posVLEOH RSWLRQV IRU SRWHQWLDO improvement in transport infrastructure and regulation within the agricultural sector.�
2020 Future Young Leaders applications open ARE you a young Aussie with an informed opinion on how we need to shape our agriculture sector? Do you have what it takes to share your views, on stage, to an international audience? You could be an evokeAG 2020 Future Young Leader. The evokeAG Future Young Leaders Program is back for the 2020 event. evokeAG is returning to the iconic Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne in February and will again showcase the brightest thoughts, inventions and solutions across the agrifood tech industry. The Future Young Leaders Program will identify eight emerging thought-leaders within agriculture to attend the event. Winners will receive return economy airfares, accommodation, airport transfers, a delegate pass to evokeAG as well as a five-minute presentation opportunity across one of the multiple stages at the event. To be considered, applicants must upload a short video addressing “why should you be selected as a voice of the future at evokeAG?�. To apply visit https:// evokeag.com.
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NEWS
July 2019
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 19
Ag Vic researchers conduct real time experiments BY DR MARTIN AULDIST
Senior Research Scientist, Agriculture Victoria, Ellinbank
massive variation across the herd when it comes to pasture intake,” Dr Auldist said. Previous experiments at Ellinbank have shown that some cows eat at least 100 per cent more pasture than others. As part of the Smart Feeding project Dr Auldist, along with Agriculture Victoria researchers Dr Pablo AlvarezHess and Meaghan Douglas, is conducting a series of experiments aimed at testing whether on-cow jaw movement sensors could be used to help measure pasture intake. These sensors are sophisticated enough to distinguish between harvesting bites, chewing bites and rumination, and the data is available within 24 hours. Other researchers have attempted to approximate intake using time spent grazing and number of bites per day, however, this approach doesn’t account for variation in bite size.
“That’s the focus of these experiments,” Dr Auldist said. “We want to understand the variation in bite size and the main contributing factors. “Eventually we want to come up with a predictive equation for bite size that incorporates plant factors such as pasture mass and allowance, and cow factors such as milk yield, liveweight, muzzle width and anything else that might be having an influence. “Then we can use that bite size prediction along with number of bites to calculate pasture intake.” 7KH o UVW H[SHULPHQW VWDUW ed in early June, and will calculate bite size by measuring pasture disappearance for cows grazing in individual pasture plots. Some 24 cows will be used, grazing pastures of different mass and allowance. k7KLV LV RXU o UVW DWWHPSW WR estimate individual bite mass in grazing cows - it’s not an easy thing to do,” Dr Auldist said. “Hopefully the results will provide an initial understanding of the factors we need to measure to predict pasture intake accurately.”
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DEVELOPING the ability to measure dry matter intake in grazing cows in near-real time is a major goal of the Smart Feeding project within the DairyFeedbase research program. “Measuring pasture intake in individual cows has been problematic for farmers and researchers alike for decades,” project leader and Agriculture Victoria researcher, Dr Martin Auldist, said. “We can do it using synthetic markers of various kinds, including alkanes, but these techniques are labour intensive, time consuming and not practical for making day-to-day decisions on farms and during experiments. “Knowing how much cows are eating in the paddock would be extremely useful,” Dr Auldist said. A working example of this would be knowing what nutrients cows are getting from pasture would then allow farmers to formulate the supplement side of the diet more effectively; it would also allow farmers to identify cows that DUH PRUH HIo FLHQW DW FRQYHUW ing grass into milk. “We do know that there is
WHAT’S GOING IN: Researchers from Agriculture Victoria are measuring dry matter in dairy cows’ intake to help farmers better understand nutrient content.
NEWS
Page 20, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
Swettenham Stud kicking goals ROBERT Sangster transformed the sport of thoroughbred racing. Today, his son Adam is doing the same; not only by importing genetics to add to his bloodstock powerhouse, but by providing a stallion service to mare owners across Australia. Swettenham Stud is located on 900 fertile acres at Nagambie. :KHQ WKH SURSHUW\ ZDV oUVW LGHQWLoHG DQG SXUFKDVHG E\ WKH Sangster family in partnership with the Hayes family, namely the late Colin Hayes, it was used as a prime cattle operation. Today, inspired by the idyllic ORFDWLRQ LGHQWLoHG E\ 6DQJVWHU and Hayes, Nagambie has become known as the thoroughbred breeding capital of the country. Surrounded by some of the premier properties of the region, including Mitchelton Winery and Chateau Tahbilk, the property is testament to a family that has carved a reputation for quality beyond measure. Paddocks and fencing are of the highest standard, being EXLOW VSHFLoFDOO\ IRU KRUVH VDIHty and practicality, the majority of which are double fenced. The stud can accommodate up to eight stallions, with a beautiful view along the Goulburn River offering a tranquil setting for the stud’s star equine residents. There is a modern well-venti-
lated barn for yearlings and another for mares and foals. A veterinary hospital area, complete with boxes and a laboratory, has been built on site to help facilitate the work of the resident veterinarian. A well-lit, state-of-the-art foaling unit is also an integral feature of the farm – between WKH PDJQLoFHQW IDFLOLWLHV WKH river at the backdoor, rolling paddocks, stunning countryside and accommodation right next door; there is nothing Swettenham Stud does not offer. This year, the property will stand six commercial stallions – including the likes of renowned global stars Toronado and Highland Reel. If you are looking to breed a mare to create your own champion, or are looking to offer commercial weanlings and yearlings to the broader industry, Swettenham has one of the best selections of stallions going. They also offer a full-service farm for your mares to reside, IRDO GRZQ DQG pRXULVK DV D broodmare. And if anyone knows what it takes to bring on a champion racehorse, the Swettenham team do – Black Caviar was sold through Swettenham’s draft, along with having bred and raced over 220 Group 1 winners in 22 countries. For more information, head to www.swettenham.com.au.
SUPPORTING NAGAMBIE, SUPPORTING CHAMPIONS: Swettenham Stud offers a full range of stallion, mare and foal services with the best genetics available. The stud’s continued success has also helped the local Nagambie community thrive, with strong economic support generated by the property and its employees. PHOTO: Sarah Ebbett Equine Photography.
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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 21
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NEWS
Page 22, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
INDUSTRY EXPERTS: Gary Surman, sales and marketing manager with Inlon Agrimec Group, Leo Schoonderbeek from Konigs and Filippo Bassoli, area manager export for Argo Tractors at the recent event.
WHAT A SHOW: More than 200 local growers and farmers attended the Konigs Open Day.
Konigs open day launches showroom premises LEADING Goulburn Valley machinery dealership, Konigs of Shepparton, hosted DQ RSHQ GD\ DQG DQ RIo FLDO launch of its showroom premises. Everyone from the GV knows of Konigs – from their extensive range of Silvan products to Argo tractors, Bobcat mowers to Inlon machinery. Silvan Australia took the opportunity to showcase its OLWUH 6XSDp R DQG litre Stiletto airblast sprayers
together with the Silvan range of three-point linkage attachments and products from the extensive Selecta merchandise range. Silvan’s territory manager, Paul Payne, said that the open day was a great success. “Notwithstanding poor local weather conditions on the day, over 200 district growers including representatives of the strong local orchard industry attended,” he said. “There was a considerable degree of interest in the prod-
ucts which Silvan and conjunctional suppliers Landini tractors and Galaxy orchard mowers had on show and with deals to be done. “Konigs principal Leo Schoonderbeek expressed great satisfaction with the support shown by district farmers while speaking on behalf of sponsors.
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Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;farmers helping farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; conference FARMERS looking to reduce inputs, grow more with less PRLVWXUH DQG LQFUHDVH SURoWability will get access to worldbest knowledge at Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier farming conference this month. One of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading soil researchers and regenerative agriculture advocates, Joel Williams, will headline the 17th annual Vic No-Till conference in Shepparton on July 18 and 19. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Undercover Downunderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the focus of the conference, which will also feature leading local farmers including Dan Fox from Marrar, who won the innovation award at last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kondinin Farmer of the Year awards. Other farmer speakers are 1XIoHOG 6FKRODU *UDQW Pontifex, whose family farms on the Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island in South Australia; Vic No-Till president and Coles Weekly Times FarmHU RI WKH <HDU *UDQW 6LPV IURP 3LQH *URYH 9LFWRULD DQG Wimmera farmer Tim Rethus, whose family enterprise is well
known for its early adoption of farming technology including QR WLOO DQG FRQWUROOHG WUDIoF farming. Dr Ash Martin from Microbiology Laboratories AUS will also speak about applying science to address challenges in farming systems. The event will also include the popular rainfall simulator demonstration, which Vic NoTill brought to Australia for the oUVW WLPH LQ DV D ZD\ RI showing rain impact and soil LQoOWUDWLRQ XQGHU oYH GLIIHUHQW farming systems. Soil biology, multi-species covers, integrating livestock into cropping systems, strip â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; disc farming, plant nutrition, compost and plant nutrition will be among the topics up for discussion. Joel, known for his practical approach and engaging presentations, will present the latest research on the link between plant root exudates and soil biology, and what that means for farming production. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Research highlights that these exudate-microbial inter-
actions can be pre-predicted and pre-programmed by the genetics and hence, manipuODWHG IRU RXU EHQHoW YLD SODQW breeding,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are all aware of the benHoWV RI SODQW EUHHGLQJ JHQHUally, but now being able to link plant breeding to soil microbiomes opens up a whole host of new possibilities in redesigning our production systems.â&#x20AC;? The Vic No-Till farming group, formed in 2002, is dedicated to helping farmers achieve better results at harvest time, while encouraging greater adoption of sustainable DQG SURoWDEOH IRRG SURGXFWLRQ systems through reduced-tillage and regenerative farming. With a focus on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;farmers helping farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Vic No-Till is a point of call for farmers around the world looking to know more about building soil biology and how no-till regenerative farming systems work. For more information and bookings contact conference organiser Penny Stemp on 0402 216 267 or email penny@ vicnotill.com.au.
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 23
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Page 24, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
Queensland Fruit Fly Feature
Protecting our horticultural region THE Goulburn Murray Valley (GMV) Regional Fruit Fly Project recently completed its second year of operation, and continues to achieve inroads in the control of Queensland Fruit Fly. The protection of horticulture outputs underpins the project with the GMV region recognised as the largest producer of pears in the southern hemisphere and the Murray Valley the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest producer of stone fruit. The project is overseen by a Governance Group made up of grower, industry, community and government representatives and encompasses an area stretching 16,354sqkm, spanQLQJ WKH o YH ORFDO JRYHUQPHQW areas of Greater Shepparton City Council, Campaspe, Moira, Berrigan and Strathbogie Shires. The GMV Regional Fruit Fly Project aims to:
z Strengthen Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) management through coordination and collaboration between industry, government and community. z Improve QFF management in commercial orchards and community areas. z Support and prioritise QFF research in the GMV region. *09 UHJLRQDO IUXLW p \ FR RUGLQDWRU 5RVV $EEHUo HOG said the strategy for achieving these objectives is fruit p \ $UHD :LGH 0DQDJHPHQW $:0 â&#x20AC;&#x153;This approach necessitates having an intimate knowledge of your particular region, the climate, fruit and vegetable production areas, urban communities, habitat and hosts,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our aim is to create awareness, education and engagement among all stake-
holders, particularly the community, growers and government agencies. Key achievements recorded by the GMV Regional Fruit Fly Project include: z )LHOG RIo FHUV GHSOR\HG across the region have targeted â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hot spotsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and completed o HOG UHSRUWV VLQFH WKH projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception. z ,GHQWLo FDWLRQ RI KD of unmanaged orchards and working with landholders to remove these at no cost to the landholder; z Removal of 2294 urban fruit trees at no cost to owners. z ,GHQWLo FDWLRQ RI feral QFF host plants and removal of 2515 so far. The project monitors beWZHHQ /LQo HOG WUDSV in its regional trapping grid with data collated, analysed and interpreted by an independent researcher who then
provides monthly updates, trends and forecasts which are disseminated to growers and the community. An extensive community education campaign has been a critical aspect to the project and has assisted in achieving a cultural change LQ KRZ ZH PDQDJH IUXLW p \ LQ the region, according to Mr $EEHUo HOG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our stakeholders have actively taken ownership, resulting in increased detection, increased sales of Queensland Fruit Fly control products, increased garden hygiene and a better understanding of best practice,â&#x20AC;? Mr $EEHUo HOG VDLG For more information on what you can do to help in the management and control of QFF, contact the GMV reJLRQDO IUXLW p \ RIo FH RQ RU HPDLO JPYIUXLW p \#PRLUD YLF JRY DX
COMBINED EFFORT: Adrian Conti, from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Conti Orchardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Cobram, spreads the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;No Flies On Usâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; message. Adrian is a member of the Goulburn Murray Valley Regional Fruit Fly Governance Group.
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CONTACT - BAYLEY GOODE b 0420 946 156 E bayley@goodeorganics.com.au S goodeorganics.com.au ;> @goodeorganics
Making the most of winter with liquid foliar fertiliser By BAYLEY GOODE, GOODE ORGANICS WITH hopefully some rain on the way, soil and foliar applications are the only tools available to stimulate pasture and crops in winter where adequate soil moisture is available but the low temperature slows the energy supply. In general terms, for every 10 degrees Celsius drop of temperature, the rate of biological/ enzymatic reaction is halved. However, there are a few ways to stimulate growth in winter, two of which are mentioned below. z Foliar Uptake
Foliar versus soil uptake helps plant growth in winter for two reasons. Firstly, uptake efficiency of soil applied nutrients is much lower than foliar; this is due to a greater dilution of fertiliser in soil as well as slower uptake by the root system due to cold weather. Secondly, foliar uptake uses less energy than soil uptake per unit of nutrient; this is because when a nutrient is taken from the soil, energy is used on its uptake at two distinct points. Foliar uptake, in contrast, only uses energy once when ions are taken up from leaf free space into leaf cells.
z Phosphate and Nitrogen in foliar spray is essential to benefit from Integrated Fertiliser Management (IFM) It has been shown that when foliar phosphate is applied especially in sunlight, the root system develops pockets of activity that are otherwise absent, these pockets exude hydrogen ion (by proton pumping) and organic acids to mobilise tied up soil nutrients. To learn more about foliar feeding and to receive information on the full range of Healthy Earth Foliar applications please contact Bayley on 0420 946 156 or email Bayley@goodeorganics.com.au.
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July 2019
North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 25
Queensland Fruit Fly Feature Environmentally friendly fruit fly management NEWS that the Queensland Fruit Fly has worked its way down to Victoria is enough to strike fear into the strongest heart. However, there is a simple, non-chemical way to banish fruit fly. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a single tree, backyard or a commercial orchard, Netpro Exclusion Netting safely eliminates fruit fly and many other insects. Animal friendly and suitable for organic production systems, there are also some unexpected benefits; not only can netting contribute towards increased sugar concentrations in peach and nectarine, it can also increase your yields by 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 per cent. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never had issues with fruit fly, simply cover the tree and tie it off. If, however, there have been issues, it would be best to place some sort of barrier around the base of the tree before mulching because the flies live in the ground. Either way, good garden hygiene is essential with reducing the quantity of fruit fly in the environs. Collect and destroy any rotting fruit - from the tree or the ground - every season to reduce the risk of maggots developing and ending up in the ground around the tree. Place it into a plastic bag, seal it and leave in the sun for five to seven days, or the freezer for two. If you would like any further advice or to discuss your exclusion netting needs, feel free to contact Netpro Group on 1300 638 776. Based in Stanthorpe, Queensland, Netpro has 26 years of experience in protecting fruit trees across Australia.
Keep the pressure on Cera Trap fruit fly this winter! helping control fruit fly while benefiting the environment
FRUIT fly traps and baits have a role in perimeter-protection of tree crops and mass trapping and management within orchards. Cera Trapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protein hydrolysate liquid has proven highly attractive to both female and male fruit fly, with potentially the most powerful protein-attractant for fruit flies on the Australian market. Female flies are especially attracted due to their need for protein for egg-laying. As demonstrated in Australian trials, the capture ratio of females - responsible for fruit stinging and damage - to males in Cera Traps was 4:1. Other benefits of Cera Traps included being insecticide-free, non-toxic to bees and beneficial insects, cost-effective, safe for farm workers, the environment and consumers, ready to use and easy to set up, low evaporation
rates, with 600mls in each trap lasting 60120 days and quick to refill in seconds in the canopy. Alternatively, Cera Bait is a lure highly attractive to females and is designed to be used with an approved registered insecticide. Cera Bait can be used as either a band spray or spot spray treatment and is suitable for use in ICA28 and ICA24 preharvest bait spraying programs for citrus and strawberry. Cera Bait is a salt free lure formulation that will cause less phytotoxicity to crops after application, and is non-toxic to bees while being beneficial to insect populations and safe for farm workers and the environment. For more information please refer to the website at barmac. com.au or talk to your local Barmac territory manager.
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Where do fruit flies go in winter? An ARTICLE PROVIDED BY BIOTRAP AUSTRALIA THE Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) is native to Queensland, but has made a home in many regions of southern NSW and Victoria. It over-winters as an adult, not as an egg or a pupae like some species, so it finds a warm place to survive the winter. If temperatures during winter exceed 13 degrees it may have an opportunity to feed but it does survive for many months regardless. It is generally agreed and supported by trapping data that the most likely places for the QFF to over-winter are around urban housing, where there are adequate places for them to survive. Prior to going into this overwintering state, the flies do stock
up on food reserves and the female if she is carrying eggs may consume these to survive. As the temperature warms in spring time the fruit flies will become more active, but will not mate until evening temperatures are around 18 degrees. When conducting a fruit fly management program it is important to consider this information particularly for monitoring and baiting. A long cold winter will have some impact on over-wintering survival but the QFF is a resilient insect and numbers will recover quickly. It is essential to have monitoring traps out year around and move them away from deciduous trees into evergreen areas particularly around sheds and housing. For more information head to biotrap.com.au.
BANISH FRUIT FLY With Wildlife F riendly Netting
Big or Small We do it All
Call Netpro for the Solution: 1300 638 776 www.netprocanopies.com
LIVESTOCK
Page 26, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
Breeding herd further eroded NATIONALLY, 2.6 million head of cattle were processed from January to April, up 10 per cent year-on-year. Add on the 350,000 head of cattle that shipped live over the same period, and the number of cattle that have exited the production system during the first four months of 2019 is only surpassed by the records set in 2014 and 2015, at a time when the national herd was inflated from current levels. The drought-enforced high turnoff so far this year was largely facilitated by a sustained surge in female slaughter, which in April totalled 58 per cent of total adult cattle slaughter, matching the levels recorded in March. Consecutive months of record elevated female slaughter
signal an additional wave of destocking, eroding the breeding herd and significantly hampering the ability of the herd to rebuild in the short term, once conditions improve. The impact of the increased proportion of female cattle slaughter is evidenced in an easing trend for adult carcase weights during the first four months of the year, averaging 285kg/head and back five per cent compared to the same period in 2018. In both March and April, under the weight of higher female slaughter, average monthly carcase weights eased to 280kg/head. Record numbers of cattle on feed during the first quarter were not able to offset a decline in average carcase weights, due to the sheer vol-
ume of destocking witnessed in the breeding herd. At a state level, the impact of widespread drought is clear. All states are running depleted herds, as a lack of pasture, high feed costs and severe stock water shortages have accelerated the rate of turnoff. According to MLA’s latest beef industry projections, total beef production in 2019 is expected to post a three per cent year-on-year decline, to 2.2 million tonnes cwt, given the expectation of an easing trend in cattle slaughter during winter and spring. Longer-term, the high destocking rates which have occurred over the past year will hamper Australia’s beef production and export volumes in the years to come.
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GOOD TIMES AHEAD: Meat and livestock analyst Simon Quilty predicts that beef prices are likely to hit record levels about two years after the drought breaks.
Silver lining prediction by Wangaratta meat and livestock analyst AUSTRALIAN farmers might be enduring the worst drought in history but the Grassland Society of Southern Australia’s annual conference in Creswick will hear forecasts of a silver lining on the horizon. Independent meat and livestock analyst Simon Quilty will tell the conference in July that beef prices are likely to hit record levels about two years after the drought breaks. And he predicts southern Australia will emerge from drought this winter and northern Australia will have an extraordinary wet season starting later this year. This spells good news for Australian producers on the WRS RI WKH JOREDO UDPLo FDWLRQV of African swine fever driving up demand for Australian beef. The Grassland Society of Southern Australia’s 60th anniversary conference will be held on July 17 and 18 at WKH 5$&9 *ROGo HOGV 5HVRUW in Creswick with the theme ‘thriving pastures’. Mr Quilty’s predictions at the 2017 Grassland Society conference of a super demand cycle proved to be accurate and he now says the next cattle price cycle “will start when it rains”. “There are various views
2019 ALPINE ANGUS SPRING BULL SALE Wednesday 11th September 2019 at 1pm 45 HBR & APR ANGUS BULLS At the Alpine Sale Complex, Rosewhite
on the drought outlook and I’ve come up with my own analysis predicting southern Australia’s break will be this winter and northern Australia this coming wet season,” he said. This will be good news for farmers, not only for pasture growth but for stock prices. “Once that break occurs, within 24 to 28 months cattle prices will peak again and the next peak will be much higher. The last peak was $7.25 ac/ kg in October 2016, this peak will be well above $8,” Mr Quilty said. “Once we get back to a rebuilding phase, the prices here will come in line with global meat prices and then surpass them. “At the same time stockers and breeders will become enthused about owning females, reversing a trend that has seen record numbers of females killed in recent months, which is an indicator that this might be our worst drought in history.” Mr Quilty said the consequences of this would be felt for many years to come as the impact of the liquidation on herd rebuilding would be sigQLo FDQW The lack of rain in NSW and parts of Queensland and
Victoria has resulted in poor pasture growth, he added, but good rain in Victoria in May indicated long-term drought rainfall patterns had returned. Mr Quilty said that African swine fever was causing an enormous liquidation of hogs in China that was driving protein prices globally. “We’ve had demand for beef skyrocket this year,” he said. k7KDW YRLG LV EHLQJ o OOHG by beef out of Australia, New Zealand and South America. “Global beef prices had been going higher under the super demand cycle and that has been given an extra shot in the arm.” During the conference speakers and researchers will provide an in-depth look at grassland soils and subsoils; constraints that are often overlooked; and how to plan pastures that are a resilient match for ever-increasing climate variability. There will also be a panel discussion on managing risk in a changing climate and the program includes trade displays and a bus tour to visit a local property. Bookings can be made with GSSA on 1300 137 550 or ofo FH#JUDVVODQGV RUJ DX
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July 2019
North East Farmer, Page 27
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This is one of the times of year that we often see cases of colic in horses. Colic simply means abdominal pain. Horses with colic can show a variety of symptoms, ranging from pawing at the ground and watching their flank, to lathering up in a sweat and throwing themselves upon the ground, rolling violently. There are many different causes of colic, which is why it is always best to have a colicy horse examined by a vet as soon as possible in order to differentiate a mild spasmodic colic from a life threatening twisted gut. One of the reasons we seen an increase in colic around now is that the fresh shoots of green grass after the rain are quite attractive
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Page 28, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer
July 2019
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