North East & Goulburn Murray Farmer

Page 1

PLEASANT HILLS HENTY CULCAIRN WALLA HOLBROOK WALLA GEROGERY COBRAM TABLE TOP COROWA MULWALA ALBURY

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Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1984

FEBRUARY, 2014

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PAGE 18

PM cans SPC cash February 18 deadline for company move

By JAMIE KRONBORG

HIGH CALIBRE HEIFER: Young Riverina Holstein breeder Meg Campbell took out the

coveted International Dairy Week grand champion heifer with an outstanding Holstein female See page 4 for full story. at this year’s Tatura event.

ANXIETY in the Goulburn Valley – one of Australia’s oldest, most productive and vibrant horticultural communities – will be stretched yet again as fruitgrowers, manufacturing staff and their families wait for SPC Ardmona to decide its future in the fruit processing and canning business. The federal government at the end of January told the Shepparton-based firm to rely on its cash-rich parent, Coca-Cola Amatil, to fund its redevelopment. Cabinet rejected a request for a one-off $25 million Commonwealth investment in the company’s on-going restructuring – giving Australians ringside experience of the competition of ideas in which a rural community and its corporate partner seeking funds from the public purse to enhance the viability of Australia’s last deciduous fruit cannery came up against a new government that supports the force of the market. It was – Prime Minister Tony Abbott told a media conference on January 30 – an “important marker” that is to define his

approach to industry requests for economic assistance. “This is a government that will make sure that the restructuring that some Australian businesses need, some Australian sectors need, is led by business, as it should be,” Mr Abbott said. Coca-Cola Amatil was already supporting SPC Ardmonda in a comprehensive review and redesign of the business and had agreed to commit a fresh $90 million if the canner secured federal assistance of $25m. Agreement to make the federal contribution would have triggered another $25m in support from the Victorian government. Fruit Growers Victoria general manager and Canned Fruit Industry Council secretary John Wilson told North East Farmer as it was about to go to press that Federal Cabinet’s rejection of SPC Ardmonda’s submission was also a rejection of a positive recommendation from the government’s own industry panel that the company’s request be supported. “That’s the thing that sticks in our craw,” Mr Wilson said. “The rejection of that recom-

mendation has the potential to ‘beach’ an industry. “Federal Cabinet today has smashed the ball back into Coca-Cola Amatil’s court.” Mr Wilson said that the industry had proved that it remained viable despite a loss of orchardists caused by a combination of a sustained high exchange rate, international market recession that led to a supply surplus, and Coles’ and Woolworths’ price war. That corporate battle for consumer hearts had fuelled supermarket demand for cheaper processed food imports. “’Down, down, prices are down’ has done no service to the fruit industry,” Mr Wilson said, pointing to one of the slogans of the supermarket war. But SPC Ardmona’s call to the supermarket duopoly to change tack and buy Australian fruit first as a matter of principle had contributed to the company’s positive prospects. “The plan is working,” Mr Wilson said. “But the poor people at the end of the line now are the poor people who supply the fruit to SPC. Continued page 3

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NEWS

Page 2, North East Farmer

February 2014

Upcoming events, shows, field days MEMBERS of the Warrangong Heritage Collection Inc are staging a vintage harvest day on-farm on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Pleasant Hills.

The vintage harvest day will feature an array of restored and working harvesters, winnowers, threshers, strippers, binders, chaff cutters and tractors.

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

THE Australian Grains Industry Conference is expanding offshore and will be holding its first overseas event in Singapore on Monday, March 10 2014. AGIC Singapore 2014 will be held in addition to the annual conference

37 Rowan St., Wangaratta Postal Address: P.O. Box 221, Wangaratta 3676 Phone (03) 5723 0100 Fax (03) 5721 9447 Email: nefarmer@nenews.com.au Website: www.nenews.com.au/nefarmer

Regional Manager:

Trevor Morris

Group Editor:

Jeff Zeuschner

Advertising:

Bill Michalowski Phone (03) 5723 0134 Fax (03) 5722 9778 bmichalowski@nenews.com.au

Editorial:

Jodie Fleming Phone (03) 5723 0129 Fax (03) 5722 9778 jfleming@nenews.com.au

Pre-Press Coordinator

Noelene Allan Phone (03) 5723 0142 Fax (03) 5722 9778 nallan@nenews.com.au

The collection ranges from a horse-drawn 1907 Sunshine harvester with a six foot comb to a CLAAS 79 and a fully restored US manufactured Cockshutt. Gates open at 8am and entry is $15 for adults, $5 for secondary school children or $40 for a family. Stalls, souvenirs, food and drink will be available. For more information contact Jan Pietsch on (02) 6929 6431.

in Australia and will be a one-day seminar with presentations from high calibre presenters and interactive panel sessions, followed by a cocktail networking function. The Singapore program will have a focus on wheat, feed grains and canola, providing access to the latest information on crop outlooks, quality profiles, innovations and trends. For more information and to register visit www. ausgrainsconf.com/ singapore. MURRAY Dairy Australia is holding its business forum on Wednesday, February 12 at the Moama Bowling Club.

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NOTE: All advertising and editorial content in this issue is the copyright of North East Newspapers Pty. Ltd., and cannot be used without the company’s permission. The group editor, Jeff Zeuschner, accepts responsibility for election comment. Printed and published by Brian Hartley Higgins for North East Newspapers Pty. Ltd. (ACN 006 238 277) at the registered office, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, Victoria 3677.

The theme for this year’s forum is Leading Dairy Farm Business Success and will focus on building the capacity of dairy farm businesses across the region. A strong line-up of industry speakers will provoke insightful discussions and debate throughout the course of the day. To register or for more information visit www. murraydairy.com.au. THE Department of Environment and Primary Industries in partnership with GOTAFE are offering a PROGRAZE course to be conducted in the Broadford and Seymour areas starting in February. The focus is on getting the most out of your pastures and livestock, plus understanding your soil and land capability. The course consists of eight sessions over eight months and costs $220 to $330 depending on participants’ existing levels of qualification. Session topics, locations, times and dates will be determined according to each group’s needs, which provide flexibility to fit into the farming year. THE inaugural Australian

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DEADLINES: Please contact the NE Farmer ofďŹ ce

ȞʑȡĘ‘QWÉĄ $Ęœɨ ʣɔɇÉ? – Ę‹Ęœɨ ČžHĘĄĘŚĘ– É“ É­Ę™ȲĘ‘Qɢ DÉ­ É H IĘ? &XVWĘ?É™ Ę?ʌɾɸɢ

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THE 19th Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show will take place from Wednesday, March 26 to Sunday, March 30, 2014 at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in Melbourne. The five day event will feature world class landscape designs and floral exhibits and tickets can be purchased through the RACV at www.racv. com.au/travel or RACV HolidayLine on 131329. THE Department of Environment and Primary Industries is holding a soil matters symposium in Bendigo at the Capital Theatre from Monday, March 24 to Thursday, March 27, 2014. The symposium will focus on delivering knowledge, information and technology to end users including farmers, land managers and planting authorities. I will include presentations on soil biology, carbon, soil fertility and the application of innovative technology. The symposium will start at 9.30am to 5.30pm, followed by a free soil matters public lecture at 7pm. For more information visit www.soilmatters.org.

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THE Rural Press Club of Victoria (RPCV) is hosting lunch with Federal Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce on Thursday, March 13 at CQ Functions in Melbourne. General admission to hear about Mr Joyce’s vision for agricultural policy is $65 or $55 for RPCV financial members. The lunch begins at 12.30pm and finishes at 2pm, with RSVP due by Tuesday, March 11. For more information visit www.ruralpressclub. com.

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Š 2003 PP34662600022 The North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer takes all care in compiling specifications, prices and details but cannot accept responsibility for any errors. All prices are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. No material, artwork or photos may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers. Letters to the editor may be shortened because of space considerations. Every effort is made to preserve the context of letters.

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Dairy Farmers (ADF) National Dairy Farmers’ Summit will be held on Thursday, March 13 at the Grand Hotel Rendezvous in Melbourne. Hosted by the ADF in conjunction with the Australian Dairy Industry Council and Dairy Australia the summit is brought to you by Coles. The event aims to shape a future vision for the dairy industry and identify the key steps for the industry by getting people’s thoughts, ideas and suggestions. The summit is free to attend, however, places will be limited therefore registrations are essential. For more information visit www.australiandairyfarmers. com.au.

February 12-14: Sungold Field Days, Allansford 14-16: Seymour Alternative Farming Expo, Seymour 19: Meat Profit Day, Hamilton 21-23: Royal Canberra Show 22-23: Rochester Agricultural Show, Rochester 28-March 1: Deniliquin Show March 1: Corryong & Upper Murray Show 8: Tallangatta Agricultural Show 22: Tatura & Goulburn Valley Show 29: Wodonga Annual Show April 10-23: Sydney Royal Easter Show For more information on country shows visit www.vicagshows.com. au or www.countryshows. com.au.

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NEWS

February 2014

North East Farmer, Page 3

High Country grazing: Senator wants stability By SIMON CRASE CREATING a political environment whereby incoming governments won’t feel the pressure to act on cattle grazing in the High Country is vital if the practice is to be reintroduced and continue as a traditional and cultural way of raising cattle, according to Nationals’ Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie. Senator McKenzie attended the recent Mountain Cattlemen’s Association Annual Festival in Omeo and again made public her support for the State Government’s application for a cattle grazing trial in the Victorian Alpine National Park. Describing the proposed government-backed trial in the Wonnangatta as a positive ďŹ rst step, Senator McKenzie said she was conďŹ dent that the state was committed to “getting it goingâ€?. She would be doing everything she could with the Federal Government to ensure that the trail went

POLITICAL SUPPORT: Bill Sykes (MLA, Benalla) with Nationals’ Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie and Victorian Agriculture, Food Security and Water Minister Peter Walsh at the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association Annual Festival.

ahead. The Senator has more than a passing interest in what transpires with the cattle grazing issue as her family migrated from Denmark to Australia in the 1850s, eventually overseeing 24,300 hectares of leases from Victoria Falls to Dinner Plain. The family sold the

leases in the 1930s and then farmed on Cassilis Road, Omeo. Senator McKenzie’s childhood memories are blended with a strong connection to, and deep appreciation for, the land and its ruggedness. “(My grandfather), being a cattleman, was reected in the photo al-

bums with the Herefords and Alpine landscape in the background,� Senator McKenzie said. “He would test out the horses before we bought them and make them turn on a 20-cent piece.� So, from what the Senator’s seen and heard about cattle grazing in national parks, she believes there

PM upends cannery plan „ From page 1

“Growers have to make longterm investment decisions about a market they know not where it goes. “A peach tree takes ďŹ ve years to grow and bear productively but to achieve that a grower has to invest between $20,000 and $30,000 per hectare for stone fruit and pears and up to $40,000 per hectare for apples. “It’s a long wait and costly for a return in what now has become a period of great uncertainty.â€? Mr Wilson also said that the industry, Goulburn Valley community and company partnership that led to the Cabinet submission was one that – from early disconnection

between the two – had brought country and city closer together. “We’ve had very strong support and feedback from consumers through the journey and we forced Coles and Woolworths to back Australian product,� he said. Producers also better understood changes in consumer habits. “Fresh food has become a smaller proportion of the consumer spend over years and fruit has become a smaller proportion of that smaller spend,� Mr Wilson said. “Not many of us any longer sit down to dessert at home, let alone a dessert of icecream and canned peaches. “We know that there are a lot of

alternatives in supermarket fridges and freezers. “But ours is still a viable industry and fruit (production and processing) is still worth ‘doing’. “Product quality and presentation are the keys.� SPC Ardmona managing director Peter Kelly said that Cabinet’s decision would shock Australian food manufacturers. “This is an unexpected and extremely disappointing decision by the Coalition government, particularly after the enormous support we have received,� Mr Kelly said. Coca-Cola Amatil will announce its next move with its annual results on February 18.

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are strong reasons why it should be continued and why cattlemen should be able to use the high country for agricultural or eco-tourism ventures. “This would mean connecting not just international tourists but our own community with the high country and the animals (it supports), and I can see huge beneďŹ ts for that re-connection,â€? Senator McKenzie said. “For me it is about cultural and traditional beneďŹ ts, it’s about getting the balance right between managing and using our natural resources and the environment for future generations, and that doesn’t mean just the environment.â€? But putting in a mountain of work to re-introduce the practice only to see it once again banned would be “a travestyâ€?, Senator McKenzie said. She’s proposing a twofold solution. “The ďŹ rst is educative, so the political pressure that was on Labor to hold the seat of Melbourne against the Greens won’t be there,â€? she said. “Secondly, it’s about making sure when we make the decision, the evidence that comes before the commonwealth minister is robust and he can make a decision on the science that will stand a change of government.â€?

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NEWS

Page 4, North East Farmer

February 2014

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THE opening of the 22nd International Dairy Week was conducted by Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh who reinforced the State Government’s commitment to boosting the dairy industry. Mr Walsh said dairy was a vital part of Victoria and the Goulburn Valley’s economy, with 65.6 per cent of Australia’s milk production coming from Victoria. Speaking at the opening of the largest annual dairy expo event in Australia – International Dairy Week (IDW) – Mr Walsh listed off the many projects that are currently under way to secure Australia’s spot as a leading exporter of dairy. “Thanks to Victoria’s world leading on-farm practices, quality assurance programs and food safety standards, our dairy producers are well-placed to capitalise on increasing demand,â€? Mr Walsh said. Established in 1990, IDW began as a Holstein show and sale and an all-breeds youth show that included international speakers invited to discuss global dairy trends. IDW is now the largest annual dairy expo event in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, rating among the top ďŹ ve dairy cattle shows in the world. Held in Tatura at Tatura Park, it is indisputably the most prestigious event in the Australian dairy industry, displaying the best of the industry. Across ďŹ ve days, more than 1150 head of ďŹ rst class Australian dairy cattle and 180 dairy breeders competed for prestigious awards. More than 100 dairy companies and businesses made up a large dairy focused trade exhibition, displaying the

latest in products and technologies. A series of seminars allowed industry professionals to provide up-to-date information on the Australian and global dairy industry, with progeny tours held on-site at IDW and to local dairy farms in the region. IDW is self-funded through the support of a number of sponsors who display their latest innovations and services to the Australian dairy industry. Naming right sponsors are Semex, Ruralco Holdings and The City of Greater Shepparton, with ABS Australia and Ridley Dairy Products the sponsors of the National All Breeds Youth Show. Meg Campbell, who works full time on her family’s 300-cow dairy at Blighty emerged from 190 entries to win the grand champion title in the ABS Australia/Ridley Dairy Feeds All Breeds National Youth Show. The July 2011 drop heifer was an embryo transfer calf out of Ruann Lassiter Dorinda and owned by John Gardiner of Avonlea Holsteins in Cardinia. Miss Campbell never intended to compete at IDW until she received a phone call from Mr Gardiner convincing her to lead the heifer. Although having been showing dairy cattle for about six years, Miss Campbell had never won a major title at IDW. IDW director Brian Leslie said the national youth show had drawn young cattle handlers and heifers of a high calibre from all over the country. “It’s all about giving young people a chance to be involved in the dairy industry,� Mr Leslie said.

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INSIDE THE FENCE

February 2014

North East Farmer, Page 5

Preparation to be done for next season’s sowing program MURRAY GILBY, with wife Denise and son Colin, farm a 700 hectare cropping property at Kotupna, 30 kilometres east of Echuca. The farming enterprise includes cropping canola, barley and wheat, along with an agricultural contracting business, supplying customers with all their cropping needs. two weeks there, we were bitterly disappointed in the results. Work not done, shoddy work and basically just a botched job. The insurance company have been very supportive and the trailer is now still in dry dock being repaired properly. A very disappointing result when there is no care and job satisfaction shown in a job that is so important – firstly for our own safety, but also vital for the safety of other road users. With time on our hands, we have been catching up with header and tractor maintenance and fortunately we had most of

the spare parts already in stock. The week of very hot weather we have just experienced had us working until about 1pm and then retiring to the cool breeze of the air conditioner. During the afternoons, the metal of the machinery and tools was hot enough to burn your hands. As soon as the trailer is back behind the prime mover, we will start unloading wheat from the grain bags and grade seed for this next season’s sowing program. There is also some paddock work to be done. Denise and I spent a night in Melbourne recently.

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WE had a relatively quiet Christmas Day recently, but all the kids and their kids descended on the Sunday after Christmas for another eating fest. As usual we all ate too much. I have never seen any of our family functions where there is a shortage of food. There has not been much going on around the farm since the festive season. I had a couple of busy weeks with truck work prior to Christmas with farmers stocking up on feed in case they ran short during the holidays, but since then we have had to put the trailer back into a repair shop in Shepparton to repair the repairs the manufacturers attempted to do immediately after the accident. Following the mishap, we had returned the trailer to its manufacturing origins, but after

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The minister said that it was to farming’s detriment that, in his view, this was no longer the case. But VFF president Peter Tuohey said agri-politics had changed since Mr Walsh’s day. The farm lobby now tried to offer solutions to issues and challenges, rather than “just complaining�. Mr Tuohey said that

although the minister’s December comments had not included the VFF, the farm organisation believed it important to defend 10,000 farmers operating 6500 family businesses. “I challenge anyone in the media or agri-political arena to have a good hard look at the VFF’s efforts and then measure themselves against what we’ve done,� Mr Tuohey said.

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INSIDE THE FENCE Seymour Expo 2014 info and prices

February 2014

Page 6, North East Farmer

TICKETS for the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo 2014 can be purchased online at www.seymour-expo.com or can be purchased at the gate on the day. Multiple day passes are also available. Ticket Prices: One day passes

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Partners In Recovery is an exciting new initiative of the Commonwealth Department of Health. It aims to better support people with severe and persistent mental illness and their carers and families by getting services and supports to work in a more collaborative, coordinated, and integrated way. Invitation to apply Partners In Recovery is seeking interest from people with a mental health issue, and for carers of people with a mental health issue, to join the Partners In Recovery Consortium which oversees the delivery of the program in the Hume Medicare Local area. The following two positions are available: Mental Health Carers Representative People with experience as a carer, or family members, of people with a mental illness Mental Health Consumer Representative People with lived experience of mental illness

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Cows tested by extreme heat

CHRISTMAS has come and gone for another year and it has again reminded us how fortunate we are to be able to access and enjoy wonderful food and wine that is produced by our farmers. With our warm climate I also particularly enjoy the fruits of Australia’s fishermen and women. It was also nice to be able to get down to the MCG and witness the success that our cricketers are enjoying at present. The Christmas New Year period has been quiet from a council point of view however, that will all change as we head into Australia Day. Six communities within my ward had activities planned and unfortunately timing clashes prevented me from being able to attend them all. Australia Day is a great opportunity to get together and celebrate all that is great about our country, to recognise the past and to acknowledge those that have made and continue to make signifi-

NEIL PANKHURST, together with his wife, Tamar, farm 200 hectares at Tongala milking a herd of predominantly jersey cows. Neil is an active member of the community and is a director of Goulburn-Murray Water, Tongala’s Community Bank and a councillor on the shire of Campaspe.

cant contributions to our communities. We should be proud of our country and all that we have achieved. We were left in little doubt that summer had arrived recently with a string of days over 40. I recorded a sequence of 41 degrees, 45 degrees, 46 degrees and 45 degrees before a change, which had the next day being just 38 degrees. It certainly tested the cows out. They were spending little more than an hour grazing in the paddock before seeking shelter among the trees. Production has dropped as a result, particularly with the autumn calvers that are nearing the end of lactation. While the hot weather

played havoc with the stock we were very fortunate in the northern part of the state not to have many fires during that week. The risk is certainly not over. Our brigade has been to a number of smaller fires in recent weeks, many of which were avoidable. In one instance the fire was caused by a farmer doing some maintenance on yards and a spark igniting dry grass. Another was spontaneous combustion of hay. Both cases were in close proximity to state parks so the consequences could have been quite serious and both cases could have been avoided with some common sense. In the coming weeks we will be beginning to prepare for the autumn.

It is always a bit of a balancing act kicking the pastures off. I’m hoping that it won’t be too hot so as we don’t risk burning the young growth, but we are getting it going so we have feed for the freshly calved cows. The price of temporary water is also going to play its part as well. I would certainly be hoping that it doesn’t rise much further. I have been spending some time improving the circuitry of the electric fences on the farm with the inclusion of additional cut-out switches and replacing under-gate cables. It will assist in locating and repairing faults in the system as well as allowing for the isolation of sections of the farm not being grazed by stock. With the amalgamation of two farms and individual circuits it is important that there is a logical sequence and delineation between the two. Until next month, keep cool.

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INSIDE THE FENCE

February 2014

North East Farmer, Page 7

/RFDO FRQVLGHUDWLRQ IRU SODQQLQJ ¿ UH FRQWUROV BRIAN FRASER lives on the 2500ha family farm in Tallangatta Valley, managed by his son Mac and other family members, growing wool, fat lambs, beef cattle and crops.

The crops were reasonably good, but some wheat was frosted. The recent spate of extreme weather temperatures over 40 degrees for five days was testing for all concerned. Fortunately, several fires close to us that started near the end of that period were dealt with quite quickly. Over the period of some 24 years I was a group officer for the Country Fire Authority (CFA). I noticed, with the exception of only a couple of years, the middle week of January would always experience very dry conditions with very strong winds and often dry thunderstorms. One of my great concerns is the use of the word “evacuation” where one size does not fit all and never will. People living in the Dandenongs are in a very different situation to those living in the Benalla area. There is an urgent need to consider local conditions and local knowledge

when introducing planning controls. Planning authorities and unions have a lot to answer for in dealing with the problems experienced now. It’s all very well living in natural surroundings etc., but the conditions that exist in doing so must be considered and it should not be expected that the community bear the brunt. I think the slogan “leave and live” is the worst slogan that could be introduced. History has shown it creates more problems than it overcomes. Emergency management is most successful when it is managed and operated by local people who have experience and the confidence of their community, with some outside help, but not control. You would not get things like sandwiches for firefighters being rejected because they were not made in an approved kitchen. Over the period since the start of the CFA (before ridiculous and new requirements were introduced) the

local brigade catering officers, as far as I know, didn’t poison any firefighters. It must be remembered that the CFA was a volunteer organisation made up of volunteers and very few paid officers. Now there seems to be an inordinate number of paid personnel and the volunteers, who do such a magnificent job, are diminishing in number. A local brigade I know has a number of members in their late sixties and seventies, this is not exclusive to our area, and the government needs to look at where these fire fighters in the future will come from. As I enter the area of reduced, hands-on farming I would like to pursue the impact of the outside influence on farms and the effect it has. The introduction inApril 2014 of the requirement to let working dogs off the chain for half an hour, twice a day with a penalty of $35,000 or 10 years of not being able to look after animals is not practical and can’t be policed. Most working dogs are off the chain every day and responsible owners always make sure their dogs, which are very valuable to them, are given a run every day anyhow.

GOT NEWS TO SHARE? Call journalist Jodie Fleming at North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer on (03) 57230129 or email jfleming@nenews.com.au.

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WE are now into 2014 and I think a lot of people are wondering what it is going to bring for us. Weather is the topic on top of the list at present. I would like to quote from a Meat and Livestock report from July 25, 2013: “According to the Bureau of Meteorology, well-above average rainfall is forecast for eastern Australia from August to October.” Our rainfall for August last year was 128 millimetres (mm), September was 53mm and October was 65mm, which is well-below average and the following months haven’t improved. The total rainfall from October 27, 2013 to January 23, 2014 was only 142mm and only recorded on five occasions. The problem is not only the reduced rainfall, but the dry periods in between. The ground now is extremely dry, but until midto-late February rain will not help pastures - it is only good to replenish water supplies. If it does rain heavily, it does destroy what dry feed is left, and it is too early for new growth, unless it is lucerne or phalaris. We are feeding lucerne hay and grain for some lambs to keep them in good condition, and the cattle are looking good.

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Page 8, North East Farmer

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So what factors do you take into consideration when choosing pasture varieties to sow? Key traits include yield, seasonal growth pattern, tiller density, heading date and the endophyte they contain. There are big differences in the yield capacity of varieties, and their seasonal growth. Always ask for trial data when buying grass seed. Check for high yield performance and that they produce feed when you need it most – generally winter, early spring growth is an important trait. Heading date is important. Later heading varieties are preferred as they maintain pasture quality for longer into spring, enabling higher livestock performance at that time. Coupled with heading date is ‘aftermath heading’. Varieties with low aftermath heading are preferred as they return quickly to vegetative state after heading, with corresponding improved pasture quality and less topping. Tiller density is an important trait. Varieties with high tiller density will generally have higher productive capacity and better persistence. Perennial ryegrasses can contain endophytes. Endophytes can offer varying degrees of animal safety and tolerance to insect pests. Choose an endophyte appropriate for the livestock being farmed and the insect pests present on your property. Finally, don’t buy varieties on cheapest price – unless you want cheapest quality. Your farm productivity will suffer.

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learning that occurs during the training. “Our strong relationships with organisations such as the Victorian Farmers Federation, AgriFood Skills, Dairy Australia and the DEPI ensure we offer a diverse range of short courses linked to industry outcomes,â€? Mr Carkeek said. “GOTAFE’s training has been developed alongside industry, and therefore promotes and encourages leadership and best practice in agribusiness management. Training and education plays a pivotal role in the future of agriculture which is why our focus is on highly relevant, industryspeciďŹ c short courses designed to increase on-farm proďŹ tability and improve employability skills,â€? he said. GOTAFE delivers train-

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How to get the best out of your advisor THERE is a huge variety of different advisors available to farmers across Australia, from accountants and bankers to agronomists, solicitors and other farm consultants. Different advisors offer different services and it’s important you understand how to get the maximum value from their engagement. There are a number of key building blocks that will lead to a successful client/advisor relationship. Your advisor should have technical qualifications and consistent professional development, a supportive network of experts, empathy (find someone with a genuine affinity for the rural sector), and they should have a co-operative and respectful relationship with you to understand their role in your business plan. According to RSM Bird Cameron Albury senior accountant Maxine Vale, there are a number of pre-requisites you should follow.

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is allowed between points. As Nadal says, if you are putting on a 100 per cent performance, ďŹ ve seconds is not going to make any difference to the show at 40 degree Celsius temperatures. Personally, I think the Australian Open ofďŹ cials should keep the old rule and let the show go on. Now what this all has to do with water will be revealed below. Last month I wrote asking people to reect on rules for water storage management in Victoria. The Federal Government has put 10,000 megalitres of Gwydir River allocation up for tender as announced by director of the Water Trade Commonwealth EnvironmentalWater Holder Jessica Hartmann. Note that this is a ďŹ rst and is only available to that zone. “As you are aware, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder

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(CEWH) has just announced the intention to undertake the first trade of Commonwealth environmental water,â€? Dr Hartmann said. “This ďŹ rst trade will be via a tender for sale of up to 10 gigalitres of regulated water allocation in the Gwydir. “The CEW office has informed me that, although this ďŹ rst trade is via a tender, they have not ruled out the option of using water market intermediaries to undertake trade of Commonwealth environmental water in the future. “Further to this, the CEW ofďŹ ce informed me that at this stage they have only announced an intention to trade in the Gwydir. “However, this does not rule out trade in other catchments in the future. “The CEW Office is constantly reviewing its portfolio management options in other catchments. For further information on the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder’s proposal to trade water in the Gwydir visit www. environment.gov.au/topics/water/commonwealthenvironmental-water. While this is welcomed, there are a lot of issues regarding the way the Federal Government wants to trade allocation water. Firstly, most clients want the water approved in a short timeframe (a maximum of 10 working days). This is achievable within

By BRUCE DIFFEY Waterwheel Traders Victoria and Victoria to SouthAustralia, butVictoria to NSW struggles. However, the point is that to tender for allocation with the Federal Government will be subject to a time delay, as we know the water market temporary may move up or down $10 or more in one day. Is this the best way to trade? Like Nadal says, time will not make better performance in his profession. I say that time will not lead to best performance with the Federal Government. Tender will lead to speculators buying and on-trading. The Victorian water industry is being hobbled by the Murray Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) lack of policy on allocation management. Spill policy by the State Government has to be questioned as to who beneďŹ ts this plus the loss factors for delivery to South Australia. Are the three most signiďŹ cant rule changes to impede an efďŹ cient delivery of water to the customer farm, bulk and environment? Victoria must act to return to rules that worked in the past and will provide the

most reliable delivery. Consideration should be given to delivery from Menindee for South Australia. All water losses from Lake Hume to SouthAustralia are currently calculated as a worst-case scenario. Spill is a policy that beneďŹ ts the Federal Government water holder by locking up capacity in storages, reducing the allocation to all. The MBDA is struggling to form regulation around allocation grade as the Federal Government has bought water for the environment, but they have to show a beneďŹ t. There is also the issue of how you meet federal requirements for selling a federal asset. Farmers should be aware that allocation trade in the southern Murray Darling Basin is not likely during this water year. So to all those who phoned for some cheaper water for temporary trade, I regret to say that the federal water is yet to be made available. On an environmental point, why are the storages in Ovens being kept at such low ows when it is near full? Surely history would show that since Ovens and King water was regulated in 1970, the current management needs to be looked at. The water temperature would be causing ora and fauna damage.

COME IN AND SEE US FOR A GREAT DEAL ON BALE FEEDERS

Women need to be a bit more sheepish STUDIES indicate that women’s participation rates in the wool industry lag behind that of the beef and cropping industry. Women play an integral role in the farming process and involvement in a farm management team can be beneďŹ cial on all levels of a wool growing business. Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) is committed to encouraging greater participation of women in the wool/sheep industry by establishing a project focusing on building women’s capacity in the wool industry. AWI have provided four small local grants to initiate this change. Ovens Landcare Networks’ successful application for one of the available grants has provided funds to enable a farm tour for women. The tour on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 will showcase two Benalla

wool and sheep farming enterprises and their approach to farming with positive environmental outcomes. Host farms for the tour include Deb and Bill Hill’s farm at Warrenbayne, where they have farmed ďŹ ne Merino sheep, fat lambs and Angus cattle for almost 40 years. In the afternoon, grazing native pastures will be the topic of interest when the tour visits Cath Marriott’s Yarallah property. Cath is a strong advocate for women in agriculture and has been hands on involved with growing food and ďŹ bre for more than 30 years. This informative, interactive and informal day tour is available to all interested farming women. For more information contact Gayle on (03) 5751 1184 or email donttellmeicant@hotmail.com.

Date:

Íť ^ĞůĞÄ?Ćš Ä?Ä‚ĆŠĹŻÄž ƚŚĂƚ Ä?ŽŜĨŽĆŒĹľ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ requirements of the breeding strategy.

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in

and

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Mon 3rd & Tues 4th March From 9.30am - 3.30pm

Phone

Kevin White kewhite@gotafe.vic.edu.au 0428 574 777 William Orr campus, Shepparton

The training involves indoor discussion Ć?ÄžĆ?Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜĆ?Í• Ä?ŽžĆ‰ĹŻÄžĹľÄžĹśĆšÄžÄš Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ Ć‰ĆŒÄ‚Ä?Ć&#x;Ä‚ĹŻ Ć?ÄžĆ?Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜĆ? Ĺ?Ĺś Ä?Ä‚ĆŠĹŻÄž Ç‡Ä‚ĆŒÄšĆ? Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ Ć‰ÄžĆŒĨŽĆŒĹľÄ‚ĹśÄ?Äž tested beef bulls. GOTAFE (a registered training Ĺ˝ĆŒĹ?Ä‚ĹśĹ?Ć?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜͿ Ĺ?Ć? Ä?ŽžžĹ?ƚĞĚ ƚŽ ŽčÄžĆŒĹ?ĹśĹ? producers a series of accredited industry workshops aimed at providing the skills required to run their business more ÄžĸÄ?Ĺ?ÄžĹśĆšĹŻÇ‡Í˜

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding GOTAFE is the trading name of Goulburn Ovens /ĹśĆ?Ć&#x;ƚƾƚĞ ŽĨ d & ͞ϯϏϾϰͿ

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ALBURY Greens Garden & Ag P/l, 520 Dallinger Road ................................... (02) 6025 5390 COBRAM Cobram Farm Equipment, Lot 3 Murray Valley Highway.................. (03) 58 72 1722 CORRYONG Roger C. Brown P/L, Hanson Street ................................................. (02) 6076 1788 ECHUCA Agpower Echuca P/L, 140 Ogilvie Avenue........................................ (03) 5482 2264 KYABRAM Albion (Kyabram) Motors P/L, 149-153 Albion St ............................ (03) 5852 1977 NAGAMBIE John Sanderson Machinery P/L, 36-38 Industrial Crescent ............. (03) 5794 2272 SHEPPARTON Bertoli Farm Machinery, 198-200 Numurkah Road ......................... (03) 5821 3299

gotafe.vic.edu.au | 1300 GOTAFE (1300 468233)

WORKING DOG FOOD

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St Arnaud (03) 5495 1455

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Alpine Angus 1060 Happy Valley Rd Rosewhite, VIC, 3737

Íť /ĚĞŜĆ&#x;ĨLJ ƚŚŽĆ?Äž Ä?Ä‚ĆŠĹŻÄž ƚŽ Ä?Äž ĆŒÄžĆšÄ‚Ĺ?ŜĞĚ ĨŽĆŒ Name Email breeding

1(: PRGHO 2Q )DUP 7LSSLQJ 7UDLOHU WR EH UHOHDVHG DW WKH 6H\PRXU $OWHUQDWLYH )DUP ([SR

TWIN BINS

This two day workshop is delivered by Competencies industry expert Brian Cumming on behalf Code Unit of Competence ŽĨ 'Kd & Ĺ?Ĺś Ä‚Ć?Ć?Ĺ˝Ä?Ĺ?Ä‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ ůƉĹ?ŜĞ AHCLSK416A Angus. The course content is designed breeding ƚŽ ĞŜĂÄ?ĹŻÄž Ć‰Ä‚ĆŒĆ&#x;Ä?Ĺ?ƉĂŜƚĆ? ƚŽ Ĺ?ĚĞŜĆ&#x;LJ ĂŜĚ Ć?ĞůĞÄ?Ćš Ä?ĞĞĨ Ä?Ä‚ĆŠĹŻÄž Ć?ĆľĹ?ƚĂÄ?ĹŻÄž ƚŽ ƚŚĞĹ?ĆŒ ĹšÄžĆŒÄšÍ›Ć? Cost: $100 eligible, $125 if ineligible breeding plan. Catering and course materials provided

Íť ÄžĆšÄžĆŒĹľĹ?ŜĞ ƚŚĞ Ć?ĞůĞÄ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ä?ĆŒĹ?ÄžĆŒĹ?Ä‚ ŽĨ Ä?ĆŒÄžÄžÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä?Ä‚ĆŠĹŻÄž ƚŽ žĞĞƚ ƚŚĞ Ä?ĆŒÄžÄžÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? plan

ED PRIC L AT L E S TO

PORTABLE FIELD BINS

Bull Selection Workshop

Íť ƾůů Ä?ĆŒÄžÄžÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä?Ä‚ĆŠĹŻÄž Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä?ŽŜĨŽĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ defects and poor performance

‡ +HDY\ 'XW\ ‡ PP )ORRU ‡ PP ; PP 6ROLG $[HOV ‡ +RW *DO 'LSSHG

North East Farmer, Page 11

XX,XXX The training aims to meet the standards to:

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FOR those lucky enough to see Rafael Nadal’s tennis ability in the run up to the Australian Open ďŹ nals saw

NEWS

February 2014

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NEWS

Page 10, North East Farmer

CopRice Natural Dog Food Range

* with added vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients

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BEEF

Page 12, North East Farmer

Help for full-time farmers

February 2014

Cattle sale, festival and workshops all on offer at Alpine Angus

FARMER TO FARMER

THE Federal Government is committed to helping any full-time farmers facing difficult times by offering financial assistance and counselling via a number of initiatives. The Federal Government is providing financial help and services through the farm financial concessional loans initiative, with up to $650,000 for debt restructuring. The loans are at a rate of 4.5 per cent, with Transitional Farm Family Payments also available. For more information visit www.daff.gov.au/assistance.

Bob Andrews

New lifestyle choice proves successful for Londrigan farmer

ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY TESTING SERVICES FOR CATTLE

GIVE our readers a quick snapshot of your farm at Londrigan. Old Kentucky consists of three farms between Londrigan and Eldorado, consisting of 1100 acres. We run two small studs (Blonde d’Aquitaine and Angus) with the aim of breeding quality, not quantity. We also run 150 to 200 commercial breeders all mated to our Blonde bulls. The meat is marketed as Londrigan Beef through local butcher Dan Wallace at his butchery Your Everyday

Beef & Dairy Cattle

0411 482 747 www.ultrastock.com.au

t/12d11936-v2/36-13

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Gourmet in Rowan Street, Wangaratta. We are about to hold our fourth annual bull sale on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 1pm. How long have you been a farmer? Only four years, but I was raised on a dairy farm on the north coast of New South Wales. Tell us about your family. My wife Jan and I have been married for 43 years. We have two children, Daniel and Cynthia and four grandchildren. Best advice or farming

tip you have received? There is more money in mud than dust. Describe your perfect day. Any day when all the plans fall into place with no hidden surprises. What is the best thing about being a farmer? The lifestyle. What is the worst thing about being a farmer? Uncertainty. If you could be someone else for a day, who would that be and why? A V8 super car driver because I love speed.

OLD KENTUCKY BULL & FEMALE SALE WEDNESDAY March 5 2014 at 1pm INSPECTIONS ON DAY OF SALE FROM 9am or PRIOR BY APPOINTMENT

FOR SALE:

Lot 24

Lot 2

‡ %ORQGH G Âś$TXLWDLQH VWXG EXOOV ‡ $QJXV VWXG EXOOV ‡ /RQGULJDQ %ODFN %XOOV ‡ \HDUOLQJ %ORQGH G¡$TXLWDLQH EXOOV ‡ $QJXV +HLIHUV 37,& ‡ %ORQGH G¡$TXLWDLQH +HLIHUV 37,& SALE DAY - Please join us for a great luncheon on sale day - don’t miss out on our famous beef rolls.

WELCOME SWALLOW

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Catalogues are available by contacting %RE $QGUHZV or 5725 1340 /RQGULJDQ 7DUUDZLQJHH 5RDG /RQGULJDQ 9LF ( ERE#ROGNHQWXFN\EORQGHV FRP DX ZZZ ROGNHQWXFN\EORQGHV FRP DX ZZZ ORQGULJDQEHHIDQGODPE FRP DX

ON WEBSITE

Monday 17 March approx. 12pm welcomeswallowangus.com.au 20 SONS OF TE MANIA BERKLEY B1

18 SONS OF TC ABERDEEN 759

Monday 17 March at 11am

BULL SALE

DATE 200

400

600

SS

CWT

+3.3 +55 +101 +124 +2.6 +76

EMA

IMF%

LONG F/ HEAVY CAAB GRASS FD

SHORT FD

+6.7 +2.8 $142 $117 $101

60 Angus HBR & APR Bulls 16 –18 mths; 8 Charolais Registered Bulls by LT Rio Bravo & Lt Western Edge Jim & Suzy; Brett: Phone 61 3 5767 2244

PART DISPERSAL: ALL AUTUMN CALVING COWS

NEW

BW

BW

200

+2.6 +48

400

600

SS

CWT

EMA

IMF%

LONG F/ HEAVY CAAB GRASS FD

Myrtleford Festival, Alpine Angus will also host an open day and barbecue at ‘Rosewhite’ on Friday, March 7, 2014 immediately following the Myrtleford calf sale. Refreshments, including a complimentary selection of local wines, will be provided. “The open day provides an opportunity to view the sale offering in a relaxed and friendly environment,� Mr Oswin said. “Whether you want to come and pick through this year’s offering, meet the people involved in Alpine Angus or simply wind down on a Friday afternoon, all are invited.� The calf sale will feature a number of calves from local herds by Alpine Angus bulls. The presence of Alpine Angus genetics continues at the mountain calf sales that start at Omeo the following week. “These weaner sales are renowned for the quality of cattle presented and have long been regarded as a premium supplier of replacement females and steers,� Mr Oswin said. On Sunday, March 2 and Monday, March 3 the stud will also host a two-day cattle assessment workshop on the ‘Rosewhite’ property. This event will be conducted by GOTAFE in conjunction with TAFCO and is open to everybody, both Angus breeders and non-Angus breeders alike. For more information contact Chris Oswin on 0427 562 254.

68 BULLS

VIDEO

PREVIEWS

OUTCROSS AUTUMN BULL SALE

THIS is the busiest time of year for most cattle breeders as they ready themselves for Beef Week and their own annual bull sales, but for the team at Alpine Angus they are not only at out with preparations for these events, but also throw in a local festival and on-farm workshops and it’s no wonder they don’t have any down time. In the lead up to the stud’s annual on-farm sale at ‘Rosewhite’ on Thursday, March 27, 2014, Alpine Angus will have 60 quality bulls and 12 stud females up for sale, all of which have been bred in alpine conditions from selected female families. Alpine Angus stud principal Chris Oswin said the sale last year represented excellent value for quality genetics. The bulls to be sold this year include 10 sons of the $90,000 Te Mania Emperor , 12 sons of Ardrossan Casino and a selection of quality low birth weight, high growth rate bulls with the strong maternal and carcase traits that Alpine Angus are well known for. “All bulls are checked for fertility, vaccinated against vibriosis and pestivirus and are fully guaranteed,â€? Mr Oswin said. “They are backed by Alpine Angus’ commitment to providing quality support and service. “The Alpine Angus team will make sure all the bulls are presented in working condition, ready to go,â€? he said. As part of the

SHORT FD

+94 +113 +1.0 +68 +11.6 +1.5 $139 $116 $108

60 HBR, APR & RECIPIENTS PTIC to KC Haas GPS, AAAR Ten X 7008, Connealy Earnen, Werner Westward 357, LCC New Standard and BPF Special Focus 504

Breeding Excellence

MICHAEL GLASSER m 0403 526 702

MICK CURTIS 0428 953 222

JUSTIN WAY 0429 625 313 j/12d12292/06-14

BEEF

February 2014

Prime yearlings for auction at Prime Angus “All bulls are HBR, structurally assessed by Ian Moreland of Studcare Genetics and Ultrasound scanned by Liam Cardile of Beefxcel. “They are vaccinated with 5 in 1, Pestigard, Piligard and Vibrovax,” she said. All bulls will be offered free from all four known genetic defects including developmental duplication. Opening bids on all bulls will be $1750. The feature bull this year will be a Regent son, Prime Juggernaut J15. Of the 2034 Angus bulls listed for sale this autumn, J15 is currently ranked number 1 on the long fed index. Prospective buyers are encouraged to contact principals, Peter and Annick Butterfield, for a sale catalogue or to discuss using yearling bulls. For more information visit www. primeangus.com.au.

THE 2014 Welcome Swallow Outcross bull sale to be held on Monday, March 17 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Welcome Swallow herd. This is the stud’s 14th on-farm bull sale to be held at ‘Illalangi’ (20 kilometres south east of Benalla). The Angus sale line up offers a very even line of bulls with excellent phenotype with EBVs to match. In all 60 HBR and APR Angus bulls will be offered. The sale features large sire lines full of Outcross genetics, with 20 sons of Te Mania Berkley, 18 sons of TC Aberdeen, six sons of Mohnen Long Distance and seven sons of Booroomooka On Time D105. A key focus for Welcome Swallow has always been to increase growth spread.

Beef Week field day Tuesday 4th February 2014 Inspections any time by appointment

STL1334779

Peter Allen M 0427 992 082 P 03 5599 2082 E southboorook@bigpond.com www.southboorook.com.au

8th Annual on Property Yearling Bull Sale Sires Include; Tuwharetoa Regent Te Mania Emperor Te Mania Africa Lawsons Nadal Booroomooka Inspired CXB J17 EMPEROR SON @ 8 Mths

Peter & Annick Butterfield

Mob: 0428 306 729

To demonstrate this, two thirds of the bulls offered are suitable to use over heifers. There will be eight registered Charolais bulls up for sale with

SALE

B O EE R A J

March 20 2014 1.30pm

QUALITY GENETICS FOR COMMECIAL IMPACT

ENQUIRIES WELCOME Alan & Jan Robinson Ph/Fax: (02) 6032 4124 Mob: 0429 324 124 Email: jarobee@bigpond.com

c12d12169/0614

150 Selected Females

SIRE LINES: Welcome Swallow bulls are in the top five per cent for both the domestic and export indexes.

tremendous calving ease, growth, fat cover and carcase quality. Preparation at Welcome Swallow includes a full vaccination program, an independent structural assessment, service testing, with all sale cattle undergoing a pre-sale vet check. Welcome Swallow offers a threeyear guarantee for feet and fertility on all sale bulls. The sale will commence at 12 noon immediately after the part dispersal of all autumn calving cow PTIC which begins at 11am. Sale bulls will be yarded by 9am for inspection on the day of the sale. Morning and afternoon tea will be offered, as well as the delicious beef lunch that Welcome Swallow is renowned for. For more information visit www. welcomeswallowangus.com.au.

AUTUMN BULL

n12D12297/0614

Friday 28th February 2014, 11.00am

Welcome Swallow continues to increase growth spread

AW1134590

AUCTIONEER Michael Glasser 0403 526 702

Brett Shea 0428 691 489

Prime Angus Stud YEARLING BULL SALE 11.30am, Friday February 28th 1174 BENALLA/WARRENBAYNE ROAD, WARRENBAYNE

Ph (03) 5763 2341

0447 600 825

ALL FREE X 4 GENETIC DEFECTS Bulls to top 1% Long Fed Index Huge growth with Calving ease T/12D12135/02-14

ANGUS producers looking to invest in top genetics at affordable prices might like to consider Prime Angus’ yearling bull sale on Friday, February 28, 2014. Thirty 12 -13 month old bulls will be offered for sale in the stud’s eighth annual on-property Helmsman auction starting at 11.30am. Sires represented in the offering include sons of angus supersire Tuwharetoa Regent. Other notable sires will be Te Mania Emperor, Te Mania Africa, Booroomooka Inspired and Lawsons Nadal. According to one of Prime Angus’ principals Annick Butterfield, last year’s sale averaged $2775 totally clearing all bulls, with an average sale day weight of 582kg. “This represents exceptional value for sires of this quality and potential greater longevity,” Mrs Butterfield said.

North East Farmer, Page 13

Value + Quality Opening Bids $1750

Web: www.primeangusstud.com.au

CXB J15 REGENT SON @ 8 Mths

Email: annick@skymesh.com.au

ALPINE ANGUS 11TH ANNUAL BULL & FEMALE SALE Thursday 27 Mar 2014 1pm at Rosewhite

60 BULLS 10 HBR FEMALES

14

OPEN DAY

PER FO RM

7th Mar 2014 After Myrtleford Calf Sales

Jim Bruce: 0419 600 355 Brett Shea: 0428 691 489 Dan Ivone: 0427 480 548 Stephen Paull: 0409 578 283

20

WER PO CE AN

POWER CE N A RM

Chris Oswin: 0427 562 254 Jim Delaney: 0408 535 658 Happy Valley Road Rosewhite 3737

BULLS

Page 14, North East Farmer

February 2014

Big butt bulls up for sale Le Martres Limousin using objective measurement as breeding selection tool THE Martin family is very excited about their new draft of ‘big butt’ bulls that will be up for sale at their on-farm annual bull sale on Friday, February 28, 2014. For the past 15 years, the Martin family has been using objective measurement under the guidance of the National Ecosystems Group (NEG) as a breeding and selection tool for their Limousin stud. Leon Martin, principal of the Le Martres Limousin stud, located at Table Top in NSW, together with stud manager Ron Leary have successfully been able to produce beef cattle with dressing percentage of up to 68 per cent, based on a curfewed LWT. Mr Martin said that by using the NEG selection program it utilises objective measurement including weighing, live scanning and indexing technology to identify meat yield and quality and variable fat content of livestock. “Last year we debuted at the Royal Melbourne Show to see how our cattle measured up against the domestic beef industry,” Mr Martin said. “Our purebred steer absolutely excelled in the meat/EMA department - a clear winner by eight per cent individually and by 28 per cent against the average. “Importantly this validates the history of objective measurement work undertaken within the stud,” he said. While the steers did not win their Heavy

Domestic class, the Martin family and Mr Leary were delighted with how the steers met the carcase standards set internally for the Le Martres Limousin Stud. The Martin family once operated a dairy farm at Staghorn Flat (via Wodonga) for 40 years before they converted to operating a beef herd involving dairy beef crossbred cows, purchasing their first Limousin bulls for vealer production. The Le Martres Limousin Stud was founded in 1988, with the Martin family purchasing ‘Rosemount Hill’ at Table Top in 1994, where they relocated the stud. At this time the stud acquired an additional selection of older apricot and black Limousin cows and bulls to expand their herd size. Older cattle were selected as proven breeders and as having been proven to be structurally correct “by time”. Le Martres Limousin now breed French and Australian purebred Limousin cattle with exceptional quality carcases, various coat colors (apricot, black, blues and strawberry) and homed or pooled. All cattle are selected for natural temperament, performance and muscling off grass. The stud’s on-farm sale will be held on Friday, February 28 at Rosemount Farm, Table Top, New South Wales. For more information visit www.lemartreslimousins.com.

STRUCTURALLY CORRECT: Le Martres Limousin breed French and Australian purebred Limousin cattle with various coat colors including apricot, black, blues and strawberry.

On Property Sale Friday 28th Feb. 2014 @ 1 pm 44 Limousin bulls, both mature & yearling and, with 'big butts'. Le Martres Daley - herd sires like these...

breed bulls like these for your benefit.

'Rosemont Farm', 136 Rosemont Rd, Table Top NSW. Www.lemartreslimousins.com Leon Martin 0428 577 138 Ron Leary 0417 506 745

Michael Glasser 0403 526 702

Mike Scollard 0408 578 059

John Lang 0408 576 446 j/12d12310/06-14

O VIDE N IO T C AU ranganpark@gmail.com

c/12D12163/0514

ON PROPERTY SALE - 14TH MARCH 2014

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NEWS

Page 16, North East Farmer

February 2014

Sykes MP to retire, to family farm BILL Sykes (MLA, Benalla) and parliamentary secretary for primary industries, will reconnect with family and friends and enjoy his cattle farm when he steps down from

ON THE LAND: Bill Sykes (MLA, Benalla).

his 12-year Victorian parliamentary career. The 65-year-old qualiďŹ ed veterinarian recently announced his decision not to contest the upcoming 2014 state election on

Everythin g you need to know ab out how to make your property productive , sustainab le, and enjoya ble

the

and the

November 29. Mr Sykes’ Benalla electorate – to which he was elected in 2002 – was abolished in last year’s Victorian boundary redistribution.

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WODONGA SHOW

Saturday, 29 March 2014

12D12346/0614

Wodonga Show Grounds

Returning this year, the Wodonga Show is presenting the

Rural Lifestyle Fair as a one-stop shop for the hobby farmer.

Crocs n Cri tters

With a comprehensive line-up of experts and workshops, the Rural Lifestyle Fair will help those starting out on their rural property, looking to expand into new interests.

œŒŠ— Industry £’Š¥“š‘ ¤Â’Ž“¥ –šexperts Šš£ªŽ¥“š‘ ­ÂœÂŚÂĄ ÂœÂŞÂ—ÂŽÂ‘ÂŽá€‘ Â&#x;ÂŚÂŽ£¤Â“ÂœÂšÂŁ

Everything you need to know: advice on weed management, fruit tree pruning, water management, dog training, building compost and fencing. Plus information for those buying and VHOOLQJ VWRFN IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH

Exhibitor applications available

Workshops ‹­ ÂŁÂŚÂ?Â?Âœ¥¤Â“š‘

Â?Š¥¤ÂšÂŽÂĄá€‘ ÂœÂ?œš‘Š ထ ÂŽÂ?Š¥¤Â˜ÂŽÂš¤ ÂœÂ? Â‘ÂĄÂ“ÂŒÂŚÂ—¤Œ¥ÂŽá€ł Âœ¥¤Â“ÂŒÂŚÂ—¤Œ¥ÂŽ ŠšÂ?ထ Œ“—¤ š¨Â“ÂĄÂœÂšÂ˜ÂŽÂš¤ ŠšÂ? Œ£¤ÂŠÂ“šŠ‹“—“¤­

ဝ Š˜“—­ š¤ÂŽ¥¤ÂŠÂ“š˜Žš¤ ‹­ Â’ÂŽ ¤ÂœÂŒÂ–­ÂŠÂĄÂ? ŠšÂ? ÂĄÂœÂŒÂŁ š ¥“ŴŽ¥£ ဝ “‘‘Ž£¤ Šš“˜Š— šŒ¥£Ž¥­ “š န န “Œ¤ÂœÂĄÂ“Šဘ ဝ Š–Ž Ĺƒ Œœ˜Â?ÂŽ¤Â“¤Â“œš Visit: www.wodongashow.org.au for events and exhibitor information

Former journalist and current senior political advisor Stephanie Ryan will contest pre-selection for The Nationals in the seat of Euroa. She will be up against Marty Corboy of Oxley who will also be seeking pre-selection. Mr Sykes said he will continue to serve the people of the Benalla electorate until the election. “I will also support the Nationals’ candidate for Euroa to the hilt and parliamentarians who are assuming responsibility for other parts of Benalla,â€? Mr Sykes said. The one-time veterinarian said that water is an element that will remain significant in his post-political career choice of “family, friends and farmingâ€? as it has been one of the deďŹ ning elements of his career. He is pragmatic about losing the fight that would have transformed Lake Mokoan as an irrigation water source and a conservation wetland. Describing the Brumby Labor government’s decision in 2010 to go ahead with decommissioning the lake and returning it to wetlands as one of the biggest disappointments, Mr Sykes conversely is proud of his role in

the community battle that helped to “plug the pipe� – the north-south pipeline. He helped to stop the diversion by the same government of 75 billion litres of Goulburn River catchment water to Melbourne during the worst drought in eastern Australia’s recorded history. He said that he is currently working with the committee and getting on with the basic housekeeping of what was once Lake Mokoan, now called Winton Wetlands. “It needs work on infrastructure, such as access roads, and I’m very supportive of the next steps.� But he looks forward to the next chapter of his life that involves farming, family and travel. “I love farming,� Mr Sykes said. “It gives me a great sense of satisfaction. “One of the highlights for me is the resurgence of nature that I have seen and see on our property after 12 tough years of drought (1999-2012). “To hear nature bounce back, to hear frogs croaking – it makes me feel very pleased,� he said. Mr Sykes also wants to revisit with Sally, his wife, more of the world’s developing countries.

e are Maryvale Lim alers e d r fo g in k loo

so contact us today

Maryvale Lime is renowned for being one of the highest quality Ag Limes in Victoria. Originating from the Australian Paper Manufacturing in Maryvale, its production process allows for repeatable and predictable high quality ďŹ ne ground limestone for years to come.

TYPICAL ANALYSIS Calcium Carbonate Equivalent Calcium Magnesium Carbonate Equivalent

CaCo3

102.75%

Ca

41.1%

MgCo3

0.89%

Neutralising Value NV Calculated

103.8%

Effective Neutralising Value - ENV

98.82%

Moisture

12%

Nitrogen

ppm

448

Phosphorus

ppm

4840

Potassium

Due to its high level of calcium and superior neutralising value, this quality lime is a perfect soil conditioner that will help reduce your soil acidity and will provide your soil with the calcium that it requires.

Sulphur

By applying Maryvale Lime, availability of essential plant nutrients is increased and improvements in plant health and growth are continually achieved.

>, (9, /,9,

0.0619% ppm

Sodium

0.104 0.834%

Manganese

ppm

65

Zinc

ppm

8.69

Copper

ppm

2.22

Cobalt

ppm

0.3

Boron

ppm

4.37

Molybdenum

ppm

Magnesium

0.138 0.253%

Cadmium

ppm

Nill

Lead

ppm

Nill

Mercury

ppm

Nill

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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Healthy, happy and odour free in 3 easy steps Ecocare Activator is the one product you can rely on to cut your cleaning time down to the bare minimum and keep your house, septic system and Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS) clean and healthy. “I have recommended Ecocare Activator regularly and have seen even the most neglected system turned around… within as little as one month,” said Senior Service Technician Michael Goddard from Wastewater Consultants Pty Ltd. Use to clean all hard surfaces and kill odours on contact, then simply rinse your surfaces and pour any remaining mixture straight down the drain. As it moves into your septic system it continues working, clearing blockages and conditioning your system. You do the first part, leave it to do the rest.

Expert advice that won’t leave you stranded Competent, experienced and highly knowledgeable in our field of expertise, we are also friendly and down-toearth and here to make your life easier. Ecocare Activator will solve your wastewater problems and prevent them coming back. Read what Michelle Lavinge from Victoria had to say about our service:

“I had been told by 3 plumbers there was nothing they could do to help me with the terrible odour…Your team worked with me over several months to clean out the waste through the various areas of the house… Thank you for all the times you called me to check and confirm how our problem was going – I didn’t have to call you. Fantastic work – it’s rare to see such great customer service when things get tough. “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.”

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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enquiries@insightenvironmental.com.au

1 2 3

Cleans

SEPTICS SORTED, SMELLS DESTROYED

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NEF1

Page 18, North East Farmer

FIRE AWARENESS & PREVENTION

February 2014

Save livestock - be prepared MAJOR fire pump manufacturer Australian Pump Industries (Aussie Pumps) is stressing the need for graziers and primary producers to implement a fire ready plan to ensure the safety of their livestock. Aussie Pumps product manager Brad Farrugia said grass fires can advance at a terrifying pace, trapping livestock and catching farmers by surprise. “Too often, cattle, sheep, prize stud animals and their irreplaceable genetics are lost through lack of planning,” Mr Farrugia said. “We have developed the Aussie Fire Chief for applications like this,” he said. The “big belly” design and massive impeller gives flows of up to 450 litres per minute at pressure of up to 100 psi. The Fire Chief is powered by a genuine Honda petrol engine and comes standard with heavy duty steel skids and anti-vibration mounts. “Many farmers are changing over to the big Yanmar diesels because of the inherent fire safety,

lower running costs and overall reliability,” Mr Farrugia said. The following are guidelines for livestock protection that have been developed by Aussie Pumps in conjunction with government departments and fire authorities. Plan Ahead Implement a summer cropping plan. If possible, coordinate with neighbors to plant similar lush paddocks, like lucerne, to create a firebreak. Identify Safe Havens This area needs to be centrally located, easily accessible and strategically placed. Avoid adjoining timbered or brushy areas. There are several important factors to consider including: Grass type: A paddock containing green summer crops will offer good protection as it will not burn as readily as a paddock that had dry, long grass. The NSW Department of Primary Industries suggests keeping paddock and laneways ‘chewed out’and bare to reduce dry feed. Bear in mind that grass

PUMP PROTECTION: Maitland resident Tillie Angel has geared up with an Aussie Fire Chief to protect her family’s livestock.

in higher areas, such as ridges, will brown off quicker than in lower, moister areas. Sufficient drinking water: Animals are susceptible to radiant heat, stress and dehydration. Ensure there is sufficient drinking water, like a dam or stream to enable stock to remain in the area during periods

of high to extreme temperatures. Consider fire proofing your watering system. Poly delivery pipes should be buried. Keep tankers filled up and ready to go. Adequate amount of feed: Large numbers of livestock may need to be kept in a safe haven for an extended period of time.

GRASSFIRES

CAN SURGE UP TO

25

Make sure you have adequate feed to ensure health and maintain condition. Fire break: A low risk area needs at least a 20 metre wide cleared or ploughed perimeter. Consider co-operating with neighbors for longer, more effective fire breaks. Ensure that the area is clear of fuel, that is leaves, bark, branches, etc. Accessibility On fire danger days plan to carry out tasks that can be done close to the house and vehicles. Make sure tracks are maintained and accessible. Ensure any cattle grids and bridges can take the weight of a fire truck. If you have planted dense strands of trees make

sure there is access either through or around them. Speed is of the essence Under some circumstances it may be necessary to move stock early on high fire danger days. Make your plans well ahead and let everyone know what they are responsible for. You may need to herd your stock closer together towards a dam or other water source. Minimise risk Keep farm machinery like tractors, slashers and harvesters well maintained. Mechanical defects can cause sparks. Machinery should be kept clean and free from grease build up. A steam cleaner, like the Aussie Super Indy, is invaluable as it melts off grease and muck. Machinery and vehicles should be equipped with a fire extinguisher. If possible, turn off electric fences. On days of high fire danger, do not carry out welding or grinding. Sufficient firefighting equipment Be prepared to put out spot fires and wet down danger areas. A trailer or ute-mounted fire pump and tank will provide a mobile option. Make sure the pump is capable of delivering sufficient water. For more information, including a free ‘Fire Ready Survival Plan’ visit www.aussiepumps.com. au.

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Farm insurance and you YOU may have heard other farmers talking about farm liability insurance, but might not be exactly sure what it covers, or why you need it. According to John Houghton of Elders Insurance Wangaratta, farm liability insurance is “the base of all insurance”. “It basically covers you in the event that a third-party holds you responsible for injuring them or damaging their property,” Mr Houghton said. “Elders Insurance can provide you with cover for personal injury and property damage, which means that if and when a claim is made against you, we can help you provide the third party with compensation. “A bad liability claim can break your business. “If there’s bodily injury involved, the claim could run into the millions of dollars,” he said. By organising farm liability insurance with Elders Insurance, you will also be covered for a number of costs associated with the claim. These include any legal fees incurred when the case is being settled, either in court or through some other means of negotiation. “You should also be aware that there are different liability laws in different states,” Mr Houghton said. “Rules and regulations concerning who is responsible when livestock and vehicles collide on the road are different in Queensland and New South Wales. “Elders Insurance has agents located all over Australia. “This means you will be dealing with someone who is familiar with the liability laws in your area, so the advice you receive will be relevant to your unique situation,” he said. For more information contact John Houghton at Elders Insurance Wangaratta on (03) 5722 1400.

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February 2014

North East Farmer, Page 19

CAMPBELL FARMS ANGUS

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heat. Lactating cattle can drink in excess of 150L per day in extreme heat conditions. Transport should be avoided on days of extreme heat, or performed early in the morning with reduced stocking density. Owners and managers have a moral and legal responsibility to care for animals under their control, and provide shelter and water in extreme heat conditions. NEWSLETTERS ONLINE

Would you like to receive our quarterly newsletter via email? If so, fill out the form below and drop it in to us at Warby Street (or fill out one at reception). Name: .................................................................................................... Postal Address:....................................................................................... .............................................................................................................. Email: ....................................................................................................

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REDUCE YOUR VETERINARY TRAVEL COSTS

The recent heat waves we have been experiencing in North East Victoria have taken their toll on livestock. It is important to plan ahead for hot weather to ensure adequate shelter and water is provided to livestock, as it can have a profound effect on productivity. Extreme heat will reduce daily weight gain, appetite, calf birth weight, milk yield (dairy cows) and reproductive efficiency. Shelter in the form of shelter belts, large shady trees or man-made shelters can reduce the heat stress on an animal (particularly the ones with dark coats) by 50%. Cattle prefer shade to being close to a water source in hot conditions, and spend more time resting and not chewing cud. Ideally shade and water should be located close together so animals have easy access to both. Clean fresh water is important, and livestock should be familiar with the water source before the extreme

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