The North East Farmer

Page 1

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

PICOLA ECHUCA

KYABRAM SHEPPARTON ROCHESTER MOOROOPNA ELMORE GOORNONG BENDIGO

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Email: nefarmer@nenews.com.au

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

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Pasture and Fertilisers

Education

Ripe future for fruit? Government and industry working together WR ¿ QG D VROXWLRQ WR IUXLW ERZO¶V IXWXUH By JODIE FLEMING

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AS SPC Ardmona meets face to face with all individual fruit growers during the next few weeks to let them know whether the company is able to take on their fruit next season, the rest of the players in the industry are working on solutions at both state and federal Government level to ensure the struggling industry has a future. General manager of Fruit Growers Victoria John Wilson, said there are definitely some tough times ahead for cannery fruit growers in the short term, but many people are working toward a sustainable long-term future. Mr Wilson said that while some growers hadn’t made money over the past few years, there have been a number of factors to take into consideration when viewing the industry’s downturn. Owners of SPC Ardmona, Coca Cola Amatil, said it is the

Australian dollar appreciation that has killed the cannery’s competitive edge because fruit can be imported from Chile and South Africa for half the price of Australian production. There is also an oversupply of canned fruit on the world market and due to orchardists taking on overdrafts to get through the drought years, many are now in a lot of debt and are unable to afford any more overheads to get them through the current crisis of not being able to sell all of their fruit. “In the short-term, those processing fruit won’t be doing anything but marking time for a year or two,” Mr Wilson said. “SPC Ardmona is taking the bare minimum intake for the cannery, with Peter Kelly (SPC Ardmona’s managing director) stating that he wants to convince the supermarket chains to taking Aussie fruit into their homebrands. “If he is successful, it will have a positive effect on the industry

and would help, intermittently. “Tariff protection would also be very meaningful, considering we have about 750 hectares of fruit for production with no more market,” Mr Wilson said. He said that while the shortterm “means difficulty”, in the long term, Australia is a healthy, fruit growing nation, but it needs to change the way it operates to ensure there is optimum production for best productivity which has been successfully done with the apple industry. “We have excellent growing conditions, and plenty of water, but we do not have the infrastructure on the orchards,” Mr Wilson said. “We currently have a high debt ratio, which is why we are talking to the government about a transition package. “All of us in the industry and the government are working together to get a solution in place, which is difficult because one size doesn’t fit all. Continued page 20

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NEWS

May 2013

North East Farmer, Page 3

Elmore Field Days preparing for 50th year

THE 2013 Elmore Field Days is gearing up to be another huge event as the agricultural products and services exhibition reaches its 50th anniversary. The exhibition’s focus for this year, which runs from Tuesday, October 1 to Thursday, October 3, revolves around the interesting and relevant display sites of the exhibitors, the ever-popular General Interest Pavilion and the field machinery demonstration program. There will also be the best practice program for sheep and wool producers operating from the onsite shearing shed on all three days of the exhibition. President of the Elmore Committee David Trewick, said that the prospectus for exhibitors has just been released, with a “very strong uptake” of display sites from previous exhibitors

already occurring. Mr Trewick said the committee has continued to make strong investment in the Elmore Events Centre’s facilities. “We have recently upgraded and installed additional electric power boxes around the site and plans are underway for the replacement of amenities facilities,” Mr Trewick said. “Even the grass underfoot on our site has been receiving increased management, as providing the best possible conditions for our exhibitors and visitors are our strong objective.” After staging its Tillage & Cropping Demonstration Day in March, a celebration dinner was held to start the 50th anniversary celebrations, including elevating four of the committee’s younger workers to Life Governor status.

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NEW LIFE GOVERNORS: From left, Andrew Holmberg, Glenn Trewick, Frank Harney and Darren Trewick have served in multiple roles ranging from car parking stewards to President of the Field Days committee to receive their Life Governor status.

Andrew Holmberg, Glenn Trewick, Frank Harney and Darren Trewick were made Life Governors of the Elmore Field Days. All four men have a multi-generational family

association with the event. Site applications close on Monday, May 13, with new exhibitors interested in taking part encouraged to contact the office on (03) 5432 6176.

Govt to fund career adviser at the VFF “We are thrilled that the minister has answered our calls to increase the commitment of government to work with communities, educators and the agricultural industry to improve the image of

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agriculture as a career,” Mr Sanderson said. “The careers adviser position will guide the next generation of food and fibre professionals, and is a key recommendation in our policy paper,” he said.

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Mr Walsh said. VFF president Peter Tuohey said the careers adviser position was a crucial part of the government and VFF’s campaign to recruit the next generation of food and fibre producers. “We need to do all we can to promote the fact that agriculture delivers profitable, strong and enjoyable careers,” Mr Tuohey said. YAPs chairman and farmer, Aaron Sanderson said the appointment was an important first step in re-building the image of agriculture, which was a hot topic among students, young farmers and other rural professionals who attended the Gen F forums at 10 locations across the state.

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THE State Government is spending $240,000 over the next two years to fund a career adviser’s position in the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF). Announcing the position at the Young Agribusiness Professionals (YAPs) conference last month, Victorian agriculture and food security minister Peter Walsh said the career adviser would work with schools to highlight opportunities for students considering a career in the food and fibre sector. “Last year’s parliamentary inquiry into attracting and retaining young farmers showed we need communities, educators and the agriculture industry to work together to improve the image of agriculture as a career,”

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INSIDE THE FENCE

Page 4, North East Farmer

May 2013

Northern Victoria most productive dairy region

I HAVE had the gumboots on a bit during the last month, however they have only been required when irrigating as we have had no rain despite a number of occasions when it has been forecast. The total volume of water used for irrigation across the system last year has already been exceeded this season, and it was exceeded by midMarch. With significant volumes still being used, it will be interesting to see the final volumes. Goulburn Murray Water has been conducting community

Neil Pankhurst (right), with wife Tamar, farms a 230ha dairy operation at Yambuna, 25km east of Echuca. They milk a predominantly Jersey herd of 190, and carry approximately 80 replacements. The couple have two children.

meetings across its districts to explain its recently released blueprint. The document seeks to outline how the business will drive down operational costs through transformation of the organisational structure, reforming the district pricing and

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collaboratively working with the water service committees. The meetings I have been able to get to have been well attended and some great conversations have occurred. Our next board meeting is at Albury and includes a tour of both Hume and Dartmouth

dams, which I am looking forward to. Murray Goulburn have recently held a series of suppliers’ meetings and given the announcements regarding the 10-year contracts that have just been signed with Coles. These meetings were also well attended. The length of the contracts offers real security for the cooperative to invest in infrastructure that will enable it to participate in the lucrative domestic daily liquid milk market for the benefit of its supplier shareholders.

The whole milk powder price is currently at a seven-year high at a time when the company is writing contracts for the sale of next seasons’ product. This, together with the realised savings in excess of $100 million, augurs well for a strong opening price for the season ahead. Northern Victoria has returned to being Murray Goulburn’s most productive region. This season has seen the intake at the Rochester factory up 10 per cent on last year, which was up 19 per cent on the previous year.

The return of confidence has seen a number of productive farms changing hands as well as properties that have been dormant for a number of years, producing milk once again. However, production costs remain a concern, but it is great for the region that not everyone is being shrouded in a cloud of doom. We have had gravel laid on a new laneway as well as some parts of older lanes where the gravel was wearing thin. This work should prove invaluable when the muchneeded rains arrive.

Irregular rains across the seasons proving tricky THE last month has been one of mixed activity and seasonal adjustment. While we seem to have had some good rains, the country is extremely dry. In the period from November 19 to mid February, we received 44 millimetres (mm), then on February 27 and 28, we received 67mm and only 2mm to mid March. On March 22, we received 75mm, resulting in three inches of deep water on our back room floor. This was followed by 35mm on March 28 and 29. The summary of all this is that in March we received 110mm and only 5mm up until April 17.

BRIAN Fraser (above) lives on the 2500ha family farm in Tallangatta Valley, managed by his son Mac and other family members, running wool sheep, fat lamb, beef cattle and cropping.

The days are quite warm, but we have cool nights. The above is an indication of how irregular the season is.

Fortunately, we did have rain at the right time and the grass is growing and soil moisture good enough to sow the crops, even though there have been long periods of very dry weather. The cropping program is well under way and some high country has been aerial top-dressed. We are still able to spray a few blackberries and from the number of seedlings that have appeared everywhere, spraying will be necessary for a long time to come yet. It is quite clear a biological control must be found as quickly as possible because current methods are not having much effect

in the big picture. The cattle and sheep are doing very well, and paddock feed is coming along quite well. We have a bit of shearing in the next couple of weeks to do. It will be interesting to see what comes out of the amalgamation between the Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Sustainability and Environment. It is hoped that regionalisation will lead to rationalisation. One size does not fit all and local knowledge and local administration, with support, work very well. A system along these lines worked very well

up until the mid eighties when someone, as they do, looked at why it was working so well and proceeded to pull it apart and centralise it. This procedure was also suggested to be the way economists work. Let us hope the move is a great success and everyone is a winner. With things like good neighbour policies, sustainability and preservation (in a rational and practical way) of the environment the way the country and the people in it so richly deserve, it should be possible. Remember, it always rains somewhere on Anzac Day.

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INSIDE THE FENCE

North East Farmer, Page 5

Will it rain or not? Farmers waiting on rain before receiving seed and fertiliser deliveries

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.

the evening, there have been increased inquiries and sales, which are encouraging. I am planning to arrange more of these information sessions throughout the year. I have just spent a week at home by myself, as Denise has spent six days in Swan Hill babysitting three grandchildren and feeding four baby goats; a total of seven kids to handle! Mum and Dad were on a “most

expenses� paid trip to Queenstown, New Zealand, courtesy of a company they deal with in their audiology business. I think Denise was happy to be home for one night before we headed back up to Swan Hill for another night to facilitate a meeting with our accountants. I was also able to catch up with a couple of TM Ag clients before we headed home. We were a little excited to see

Govt delivers crucial farm support THE Federal Government is delivering financial support to farmers by offering concessional loans of up to $650, 000. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president Peter Tuohey, said the financial support is “welcome news� as Australian farmers are struggling with market failure, drought or the impact of the high Australian dollar. “Concessional loans and debt restructure are crucial at a time when so many farm sectors are battling,� Mr Tuohey said. “It’s good to see the government has listened to the concerns raised by the VFF and its dairy arm, the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV). “It was the VFF and UDV that called for concessional loans as part of its dairy

support proposal to Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig earlier this year. “We’ve also called for the off-farm income threshold to be raised on gaining access to Farm Management Deposits, and the Federal Government has delivered. “We asked for additional funding for rural financial counsellors to help our farmers and they have delivered. “It’s great news and we are happy to work with the government on delivering this Farm Finance Package,� he said. Under the package, each state will be responsible for administering the $60 million it receives from the Commonwealth over the next two years. The package will be delivered to farmers who can show they are viable and under financial stress.

some local roads, damaged in the March 2012 oods, starting to be repaired in the weeks prior to Easter, but since then, nothing! We are not sure what is going on as they have mended some sections and left the worst areas, which are just loose rock and gravel, completely untouched. Unmade back roads are still waiting for some attention too, so it would be nice to see a bit of action to complete the jobs. Of course, major roads will be done ďŹ rst, but we are rate payers too and would like to see our vehicles treated to much better conditions than we are experiencing right now. Football is back on the agenda. My, how time ies. Picola United football & netball teams have had a mixed bag of results so far, so it will be interesting to see how the year pans out. There is always so much hope and anticipation at the start of a new season, so hopefully the good results will keep on coming and that the supporters will stick by them.

THE program providing Australian producers with information on protecting their properties from diseases, pests and weeds has a brand new website. The Farm Biosecurity website, www. farmbiosecurity.com.au, is a one-stop shop for all information about on-farm biosecurity, including tips and tools such as videos, records and manuals. Feedback, biosecurity tips, tools and ideas can be emailed to info@farmbiosecurity.com.au.

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ANZAC Day is approaching and we have almost everything ready to start sowing. Will it be a dry start or a wet one? With no rain at all in March, the next downpour must surely be getting closer! Colin has been kept busy boarding fallow in readiness for canola and wheat, while I have been kept on the road delivering stock feed to local farmers. At the time of writing, the freight job has slackened off a little, but this has allowed me to spend some time delivering TM Ag and follow up with some new customers. Sales are moving along steadily considering many farmers are delaying delivery until the rains come. We delivered a very successful evening in late March at the Barmah Hotel where invited local farmers from a 30-kilometre radius were treated to a PowerPoint presentation on TM Ag presented by Barry Trethowan, the Australian Sales Manager of BEST Australia. Following

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NEWS

Page 6, North East Farmer

Farm insurance and you WHEN it comes to insuring your farm business against loss, most people would agree that comprehensive cover is essential. Where opinions may differ however, is in deciding how much coverage is enough. Does it stop at business property insurance or should it include business theft and business liability cover as well, and to what value should cover extend? The answer will be different for every organisation. The key to addressing the question of appropriate coverage lies in knowing the difference between what you have now and what you actually need. Elders Insurance Wangaratta agent John Houghton said that many farm business owners are unaware of what covers they currently have and what these mean in the event something goes wrong. “We have people come in on a daily basis who are confused about their insurance policies with other companies,� Mr Houghton said. “The first thing we do is we look to consolidate all

their insurance under one policy to make it easy for them. “Helping our clients consolidate helps them become more organised, making their insurance both easier to manage and easier to understand.� Mr Houghton said he then goes through a checklist of covers to see what the client has and what they do not. “This is where the individuality of each business comes to the fore. “Spending time with each owner and getting to know their business not only means I can let the client know exactly what covers they need, but it helps build a relationship based on trust,� he said. He added that when a business undertakes improvements they get a call from their insurance agent to let them know they may need to increase their insurance coverage. “This is a level of attention most people find pretty special,� Mr Houghton said. “There are not too many companies that would do that!� For more information visit www.eldersinsurance. com.au.

May 2013

Tax is now a serious business

TAX REVIEW: Nadine Seymour from RSM Bird Cameron said there are a number of steps farmers can take to reduce their tax burden.

THERE are positive times ahead, but beware the tax ofďŹ ce. That’s the message from the region’s accountants RSM Bird Cameron to farmers as the end of the ďŹ nancial year draws near. RSM Bird Cameron CA assistant manager Nadine Seymour said farmers have experienced an average to above-average harvest, with commodity prices also above average. “This has reversed bank accounts from overdrafts to credit and improved farm equity,â€? Ms Cameron said. “Based on what we have seen, many clients have been surprised at how quickly losses incurred in the drought have been used up and tax is now a real issue.

“The key is to make sure producers are proactive in understanding their tax position and determining strategies to be put into place to minimise their tax,â€? she said. Ms Seymour said there are a number of steps that farmers could take to reduce their tax burden. One step is that farming business entities that have a turnover of less than $2 million are eligible for special tax considerations including accelerated depreciation. These businesses are able to write off assets purchased for less than $6500, claim an outright deduction for the ďŹ rst $5000 of a motor vehicle purchased and pre-pay expenses such as interest. These measures can also be used to reduce any tax liability on the

disposal of plant items. “In some circumstances, farming businesses might also be able to bring forward or defer the timing of income and expenses to suit their position,â€? Ms Seymour said. “Another option open to eligible farmers is the use of a farm management deposit to manage the uctuating nature of primary production income. “We strongly urge people to review their position well before June 30, as it will be too late if left to the last minute. “ A failure to plan is planning to fail,â€? she said. For more information contact your advisor or Nadine Seymour at RSM Bird Cameron Albury on (02) 6041 3700.

Diversifying is the way forward for Tungamah farmer

FARMER TO FARMER Josh Buerckner

Give our readers a quick snapshot of your farm at Tungamah. A 1300-hectare mixed farming property, with twothirds devoted to cropping, wheat, canola, barley and oats and one-third to Merino and Samm/Merino cross sheep. We are also running 1300 breeding ewes. How long have you been a farmer? I have been a farmer for 14 years and I am the fourth generation on the property. Prior to returning home to the farm, I completed an Ag Science degree at Dookie

College and worked as an agronomist for I.K Caldwell, where I still do some agronomy for the company. Tell us about your family. I have been married for 10 years to Jen and we have two beautiful girls, Elli, three and Billie-Jo who is nearly two. We also have another one on the way, which is due at the end of this month. Best advice or farming tip you have received. My dad always told me it is a good idea to have some diversification on the property. Describe your perfect day. Anzac Day, Essendon beats

Collingwood by 1 point and we get 50 millimetres of rain. What is the best thing about being a farmer? Being your own boss and doing something different every day. What is the worst thing about being a farmer? Long hours can be draining. If you could be someone else for a day, who would that be and why? Roger Federer. It would be interesting to spend a day in his shoes as I reckon he has a great job. He also seems to be a genuinely nice bloke.

FEEDING FOR EFFICIENCY & PROFIT NUTRITIONAL WORKSHOPS Monday 13th May 10.30am - 2.30pm ‡ <DUURZH\DK )RRWEDOO &OXE <DUURZH\DK Tuesday 14th May 10.30am - 2.30pm ‡ 7RQJDOD )RRWEDOO *URXQG 7RQJDOD KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Janet Kleinschmidt % 6F $*5 0 6F /HDGLQJ *OREDO 5XPLQHQW 1XWULWLRQLVW &DQDGD Marty Philippi ,QWHUQDWLRQDO %XVLQHVV 'HYHORSPHQW 0DQDJHU -D\/RU ,QF &DQDGD To register, please ring:

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NEWS

Page 8, North East Farmer

Local support the key to success

COMFORT, service, safety and durability for the user are the main pillars of agricultural machinery developers, Schuitemaker’s global success. Over the years, Schuitemaker has managed to maintain its top position

by listening to the needs of its customers and by carefully following the latest technological developments. Through AG Machinery Australia, importers of agricultural machinery and products, Schuitemaker has

COME & SEE US FOR YOUR LOG SPLITTER KITS

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j/12d11441-v2/19-13

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become a recognised brand on many Australian farms. The company ensures that they provide the best customer service and support for all clients by placing a technical mechanic at all its dealer sites, giving all areas on-farm, back-

up service. North East Victoria’s Schuitemaker dealer, HS West is able to deliver machinery and spare parts for Schuitemaker, with all spare parts available in Australia. HS West owner, John West,

KING Valley Motorcycles has introduced a second Taiwanese manufactured all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to its range already on offer. The Dinli ATVs have been added to the other Taiwanese built TGB ATVs that King Valley Motorcycles has been selling for the past three years. According to King Valley Motorcycles owner, Dave Suter, the Dinli ATVs are built with exceptional features and quality control. “We believe that the Taiwanese brands are at the top end of quality and have the products and reliability that farmers need,” Mr Suter said. “We also like that both our brands are rego ready, with no more added fees, excluding Vic Roads fees, if you need your bike on the road.”

Interested in shaping future water services in your region? Join your local G-MW customer committee.

BUYERS PARADISE: All motorcycles can be test driven on King Valley Motorcycles’ premises.

Some of the standard features on the new Dinli 600 Centhor include a stainless steel muffler, direct drive shafts without universal joints, diff locks, toe ball, larger front bumper and a 20 litre fuel tank. “Another great point about buying DINLI or TGB ATVS is that they both come with 12-month parts and labour warranty, with their spare parts, on average, about two-thirds the price of their Japanese

rivals,” Mr Suter said. “By adding Dinli to the range, we now also have a superb kids ATV 50cc selling at $1995, ride away. “These little quads are built well and have a remote cut out for the parent, so if the little ones get out of control the bike can be turned off by the parent standing by,” he said. Also added to the company’s 2013 line up are Sherco Enduro bikes. King Valley Motorcycles has been testing the

NEW to King Valley Motor Cycles.

How do I nominate?

Dinli Centhor ATV 600cc 4X4

Information packs, nomination forms, the Code of Conduct and Committee Charter are available at www.g-mwater.com.au or call GMW on1800 013 357.

Taiwanese built

What if there are more people nominated than available positions? GMW will conduct a local ballot to match the number of nominations to the number of available vacancies. All nominations are then submitted to the board for ratification.

All for an introductory price of

How many positions are available? A number of positions are declared vacant each year as members terms expire. This year there are vacancies on 11 of the committees detailed below:

7VZP[PVUZ (]HPSHISL

Shepparton

3

Central Goulburn

3

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4

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3

Murray Valley

3

Torrumbarry

3

6[OLY *VTTP[[LLZ Loch Garry Flood Protection District

5

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5 6

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5

Kiewa/Mitta Mitta/Upper Murray Regional

7

Ph:1800 013 357

Nominations open Monday 13th May through to 5pm Friday 24th May 2013

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50cc

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B/12D11716-v3/19-13

Loddon Campaspe Regional

bike since January, with new models now arriving. “Sherco Enduro bikes are already tried and tested in the European world championships, with a world title under its belt,” Mr Suter said. “The bikes also were part of the Paris to Dakar Rally, with great results on their first year.” All motorcycles can be test driven on the premises, which is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday. For more information phone (03) 5729 8009.

KING VALLEY MOTORCYCLES

As a GMW irrigator or rural water user you can nominate to join one of GMW’s 13 Water Services Committees. Working with fellow committee members, you will be at the forefront of shaping and providing advice to the Board on local services, expenditure, operations and capital.

0YYPNH[PVU (YLH >H[LY :LY]PJLZ *VTTP[[LLZ

said the most important part of Schuitemaker’s business is to provide local service to all its customers. For more information about Schuitemaker in North East Victoria contact John West on 0427 711 486.

King Valley Motorcycles expands its range

& Hydraulic Hose Specialists (Largest range in North East Victoria) Hydraulic Cylinder Repairs Speedflow performance car hose and fittings All hydraulic repairs and modifications Suppliers of all major brand hydraulic components Stockists of Legris pneumatic fittings and air line 24hr 7 days a week on site service Machining engineering facilities Guaranteed to beat any competitors pricing on hose and fittings Stockists of Valvoline hydraulic fluids We can assist in system design and installation

May 2013

SALE

MAY 2013

AUSSIE END OF SEASON

AUSSIE FIRE PUMPS‌. END OF SUMMER SIZZLERS ),5( &+,()

FREE Skids & anti vib mounts 9,(: 9,'(2 21/,1(

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168

$880

Safer to refuel, more economical to run, <DQPDU 4.8HP diesel, 60m head, M MAX m OW full gal frame. normally $3,616

Max head 95m, $ MAX m OW LPM JHQXLQH +RQGD 9HP only $1,894 or 13HP $2,197. Electric start options avail.

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$XVVLH )LUH &KLHI 60m head, ,PM MAX m OW

.XERWD 6HP oil cooled diesel with electric start, 30m max head, ,PM MAX m OW

.XERWD 6HP air cooled diesel engine 6$9( was $4,054 12:

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.XERWD 9.5HP oil cooled diesel with stop/start solenoid, NO FRAME M MAX HEAD ,PM MAX m OW 12:

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was $4,835 12:

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$XVVLH Ĺ„ WDQNHU SXPS VSHFLDO

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QP205SL/AC60 QP303/OC95E

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HONDA BLASTERS ‌. DOWN, DOWN, PRICES DOWN

*HQXLQH +RQGD GC 5HP engine, rugged frame, brass pump, great for a fast clean up. )5(( 785%2 YDOXHG DW

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*HQXLQH +RQGD 2,000 psi Honda blaster, genuine Honda GX200, ful gal frame, Bertolini triplex pump, pro accessories

$200

$792

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6,000 psi EWP with turbo, ful gal frame, genuine GX390 Honda engine, Bertolini triplex pump with 3 year warranty, pro accessories 1(: /2: 35,&( )5(( 785%2 $2838 YDOXHG DW

AUSSIE ELECTRIC BLASTERS...BUILT TOUGH SVL ,QGXVWULDO %ODVWHU

$XVVLH 0RQVRRQ 6HULHV %XOOHW SURRI EODVWHUV LGHDO IRU ZRUNVKRSV )520 Single phase 4 pole, slow speed motor, $ Big Berty Triplex pump 0RQVRRQ $1,868 PSI ,PM m OW

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0RQVRRQ $2,106 2,000 psi, ,PM m OW ABHURRICANESC

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SVL SUR EODVWHU SVL (:3 ZLWK RSWLRQDO WXUER VORZ VSHHG FRQWUDFWRU PDFKLQHV for continuous cleaning applications ‌. SAVE *HQXLQH +RQGD $1158 GX390 13 HP engine, 3,000 psi Bertolini 12: triplex pump, Pro accessories $ PXVW FOHDU ABBSC350/GX390

SVL (:3 ZLWK RSWLRQDO WXUER PRUH SUHVVXUH PHDQV SAVE IDVWHU FOHDQLQJ $1183 *HQXLQH +RQGD GX390 13HP engine, 6/$6+(' 72 Bertolini pump, LPM m OW $ gearbox drive ABBSC400/GX390

3625

2941

AUSSIE FERT PUMPS $XVVLH 3RO\V Ĺ„ Ĺ„ )HUWLOLVHU $J &KHP 3XPSV

2� polys, 6.5HP Honda, EPDM seals, ideal for most ag chemicals. Electric drive option available

12: $998

RSE2BRL/GX200

Aussie Smart Pumps handle a wide range of corrosive liquids including fertilisers, ag chems, diesel, salt water, send for FREE chemical compatibility chart

+<'5$8/,& '5,9( 32/< Ĺ„

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corrosion resistant, portable, single & 3 phase, 1½â€? to 3â€? bore

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t/12d10144-v25/19-13

SVL +RQGD EODVWHU Ä˝ $XVVLH &RXJDU

Email: info@aussiepumps.com.au %TKK OQNCTBS RODBHj B@SHNMR @U@HK@AKD NM VDARHSD VVV @TRRHDOTLOR BNL @T

BENDIGO

Statewide Irrigation

(03) 5441 5977

SHEPPARTON Bertoli Farm Machinery

(03) 5821 3299

ECHUCA

The Stihl Shop

(03) 5480 9566

SWAN HILL

(03) 5032 2116

KYNETON

Bolton Motorcycles

(03) 5422 2255

WANGARATTA Wangaratta Saw & Lawn

NUMURKAH

Peter Hill Honda

(03) 5862 3000

ROCHESTER

Rochester Motorcycles

(03) 5484 1745

Swan Hill Power Products

(03) 5721 3310 Dealer enquiries welcome

DAIRY

Page 10, North East Farmer

News in brief Greencon to design new Dookie College dairy THE University of Melbourne has appointed Greencon Australia Pty Ltd to design and construct the new dairy at the Dookie campus. The facility will include a robotic milking facility and milking shed for 180 cows and feeding systems. The specialist milking facility will be designed by Lely Dairy Equipment. The Dookie dairy operations are being upgraded to pursue research projects that meet the needs of the future dairy industry. All developments are being planned in consultation with the dairy industry and areas of research include optimising animal nutrition, maximising welfare, modifying behavior and stock management, and securing water efficiencies in operations. Completion of the new dairy is expected later in the year.

Research and Industry Tour May 2013 – Closing Soon Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in Murray Dairy’s Young Dairy Network tour. The focus of the tour is research, technology and innovation within the dairy industry with all farmers, both the young and the young at heart are invited. This tour is based in Melbourne and the South East, from Tuesday 28th May to Thursday 30th May. Proposed visits include the Ellinbank Research Institute, where some exciting supplementary feeding trials are taking place, as well as extensive research into methane emissions, soils and nutrient management. The group will visit the Macalister Demonstration Farm and Notman’s Pasture Seeds trial sites in South Gippsland with WKH ÀQDO GHVWLQDWLRQ EHLQJ WKH œ'DLU\ Futures Collaborative Research Centre’ at the newly refurbished, state-of-the-art CRC AgriBiosciences Centre at Bundoora. 7RXU à \HU DQG ERRNLQJ IRUPV DUH DYDLODEOH IURP www.murraydairy.com.au or by contacting the 0XUUD\ 'DLU\ 2IÀFH RQ RU admin@murraydairy.com.au.

S/12d11795/nef1913

May 2013

Minimum effort for maximum results GEA Farm Technologies Australia (GEA FT) has just released its latest development in robotic milking, which will deliver faster milking and increased versatility for dairy farmers in Australia. The company’s managing director Peter Maguire said the WestfaliaSurge MIOne Multibox is a true milking centre, with all features and equipment concentrated in one spot. “The system is individually tailored to each farm’s needs by easily incorporating more modules, from a single milking box up to a maximum of ďŹ ve milking boxes, expanding along with the herd,â€? Mr Maguire said. “With the MIOne, one robotic arm operates with multiple milking boxes.â€? MIOne stands for ‘milking intelligence’, which, according to Mr Maguire is a statement about the entire automated milking concept that is setting a new benchmark in the industry. “GEA FT has always believed in developing the latest state of the art technology and this is the case with our 3D camera system for teat location and attachment on the MIOne,â€? he said. “It took us a bit longer to develop our teat sensing method and we are proud to say that it was time well spent, as we now have the best teat sensing method on the market.â€? When a cow enters the holding area her ID identiďŹ es her, and her personal data is compared with the MIOne database. If the cow is not to be milked, she cannot enter the milking box and is directed back to the paddock or feed pad. If she is to be milked, her milking time feed ration is dispensed as she enters the box, and the robot arm, on which the teat positioning 3D camera is located, moves quickly to the milking stall to apply the clusters. The robot arm picks up the milking rack and teat-cups, moves it under the cow and places the cups onto the teats, one at a time. Mr Maguire said the cups are applied more quickly than other robotic systems, with the robot

AUTOMATED MILKING: The WestfaliaSurge automated milking system uses the latest technology 3D camera system for teat location and attachment. MILKING MAGIC (INSET): The cups are applied quickly with the MIOne robotic milker with the robot arm immediately moving on to the next stall to attach to the next cow.

arm moving immediately on to the next stall after having carried out its task, allowing for higher throughput by immediately attaching to the next cow. “The advantage of this system is that it is faster than other systems, with no delay in attachment time as everything happens in one step,� he said. “There is also no risk of cross-

contamination between cows and teats, and the cups cannot fall onto the oor.� The time for cleaning and premilking can be adjusted individually by the operator, but a complete milking usually takes about six minutes, including teat cleaning. The system has been tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in

the United States. “The milk centre enables the farmer to have optimised herd management with pre and post selection, and a minimum of work effort,â€? Mr Maguire said. “It allows exibility at times where additional capacity is needed.â€? For more information visit www.auft@gea.com.

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Teatseal . Real stories, real savings. Mark Williams – Toolamba West, VICTORIA “The use of Teatseal is now an integral part of my herd management. The initial cost is far outweighed by the time and money saved treating clinical mastitis. Less stress on cows, staff and in particular management.�

Times are tough. Don’t make things tougher by dropping Teatseal from your drying off program. Get real results by treating every cow, every dry off. Zoetis Technical Information: 1800 814 883 www.teatseal.com.au Š 2013 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd ABN 94 156 476 425. 38–42 Wharf Road, West Ryde, NSW, 2114. AM96NE 04/13 PAL0846/NEF.

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DAIRY

May 2013

Agri-Gene leads the way in global genetics By CHRIS MCILROY, Agri-Gene general manager

rankings and the fact that he is also the breed’s number one ligament bull at +123 and in the top one per cent for rear udder width. In second position on the Australian APR lists is elite USA A2/ A2 Sire, Richies Jace Tbone A364. Tbone also has excellent type at +118. In the USA the new number one Sire is Wilsonview Jevon Magnum – ET who is the Jevon son from the famous ‘M’ cow family at Wilsonview Jerseys in the USA. Since receiving his first 19 daughters in August last year, Magnum’s JPI has moved from +109 to now sit at +255 JPI, with 246 daughters. In the same time, his udder index has moved from +0.24 to +1.54. Number two on the JPI list is Sweetie Plus Iatolas Bold who added 224 daughters and made some tremendous improvements for production by increasing more than 600 lbs of milk and 33 lbs of fat and protein on what was already an impressive proof.

Propharma to the rescue when magnesium is low GRASS tetany (cattle), grass staggers (sheep) and hypomagnesaemia are names given to a condition that can affect stock in late autumn, winter and spring. Clinical signs develop when serum magnesium levels fall below a critical level (hypomagnesaemia). This occurs when animals are running on pasture that has low available levels of magnesium or because of increased body demands for magnesium during lactation or late pregnancy. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness, muscular twitching in the flank, wideeyed staring, uncoordinated gait, convulsions and death. Hypomagnesaemia occurs most frequently in the spring, often following cool, rainy weather when grass is growing rapidly, but it also is seen in autumn and winter in animals grazing grass-dominant pasture or lush cereal crops, often without any hay supplementation. Symptoms are often seen five to 10 days after the onset of cold, wet weather. Treatment must be prompt to be effective and an injection of a combined calcium and magnesium solution is the recommended approach. Prevention is preferable to treatment, however as hypomagnesaemia often occurs without warning, the success rate of treatment depends on how quickly it is administered after an affected animal has been identified. Basically,

MA F D I R B U Y NU RO EC AN FA M T T D CT HE SA U VE RE ! R

THE release of the April 2013 Australian and USA Dairy Proofs has once again demonstrated the strength of Agri-Gene’s current sire line up. With four of the top six USA proven TPI sires, CRI have once again dominated the USA Proofs with popular A2/A2 Sire of Sons, Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie who is continuously at the top of the industry for TPI and NM$ with positive and world-renowned fitness traits. Freddie is the number two USA TPI sire and the highest Proven OMan son in the world. He is also the number two LPI Sire in Canada at +2985. Other CRI sires dominating the top daughter-proven TPI rankings include Co-op O-Style Oman JustET who is at number four, and like Freddie, he is another O-Man son who displays breed-leading health and fitness traits.

At number five is Mascol A2/A2 son Co-Op Bosside Massey - ET who has 1700 milking daughters in the USA and has also held the number one position in France during 2012, which explains his world-wide appeal as a Sire of Sons. While rounding out the top six TPI sires, Lotta-Hill Shottle 41 - ET displays tremendous production with outstanding type and udders and is also one of the best for sire fertility and productive life. Agri-Gene now has the number one and two Jersey sires in both the USA and Australia at the same time within four separate bulls. In Australia, the number one APR sire for the fifth consecutive proof run is Australia’s A2/A2 Cream of Crop Specialist, Nowell Sandblast, who has almost 100 daughters in 27 herds. In addition to his number one ranking for APR he is also the number one ASI and protein kgs sire, and with such huge production it is important to rate his excellent type and udder

North East Farmer, Page 11

DR GEOFF IRISH is a nutritionist & technical sales manager for Propharma. Propharma has been manufacturing and providing services to the stockfeed, veterinary, pharmaceutical and food industries for more than 35 years.

prevention involves supplementing the animals with magnesium during the period of greatest risk. One of the simplest ways of supplementing magnesium is using Propharma’s Weather Shield Loose Lick Supplements. Weather Shield Loose Lick Supplements are weatherproof and have been designed to be fed out in self-draining troughs, making it ideal for open grazing situations. Primarily containing essential salt and other vital minerals (including magnesium) and vitamins, they replace the missing nutrients that are crucial to maintaining a healthy animal. The outcome of which is the animal will only take as much as they need according to its individual needs. This means that Weather Shield Loose Lick Supplements provide a very efficient and cost effective form of supplementation. For more information contact Geoff Irish on (03) 9794 7166 or visit www.propharma.com.au.

TM

Loose Lick Mineral & Vitamin Supplement A range of weather-resistant and mineral loose lick supplements specifically formulated for cattle, sheep, horses, alpacas and goats.

WEATHER RESISTANT COST EFFECTIVE SCIENTIFICALLY FORMULATED Supplied in 25kg bags For further information on this or any other Propharma product contact: Dr Geoff Irish, Nutritionist & Technical Sales Manager

PHONE (03) 9794 7166Fax: (03) 9706 7265 Mobile 0428 588 061 E: sales@propharma.com.au Web: www. propharma.com.au

AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

t/12d10763-v2/19-13

Propharma

TM

Page 12, North East Farmer

WATER TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER EXPO - MAY 2013

Walsh to open WTC Expo 2013

List of Exhibitors 2013 1 2 3 4 5 7 9 11 13 14 15 17 19 21 22 23 24 25 27 29 31 32 33 34 35 37 38 39 41 42 43 45

Goulburn Broken CMA G-MWater G-MW Connections Project Department of Primary Industries Main Entry - Exit 6 Waterpool co-op Shepparton Lasers 8 Entry - Exit Mait Industries 10 Entry - Exit Entry - Exit 12 HydroPlan Irrigation Consultants Yarra Australia Pty Ltd Crusader Hose Pty Ltd 16 Entry - Exit Entry - Exit 18 John Deere Water Kilter Rural 20 Reece Civil & Irrigation Entry - Exit Center Irrigation Center Irrigation Farm Tender I K Caldwell 30 Entry - Exit Entry - Exit Greater Shepparton Moira & Campaspe Shire A&A Worm Farm Waste Systems Entry - Exit Riv Poly P/L 36 LINAK Australia LINAK Australia Netafim 40 Entry - Exit Entry - Exit MEA WiSA Irrigation Rob Rye Irrigation

46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 57.5

58 59 60 62 63 64 65 67 68 69 70 71 72 76

Rich River Irrigation CAF Consulting Irrigation Group Australia Rubicon Water - Farm Connect Rubicon Water - Farm Connect Observant AWMA Triangle Waterquip Water Dynamics Bermad Water Technologies Archards Irrigation Archards Irrigation Ruralco Waternet Food Vendor Coffee Seating Food Vendor Coffee Seating Cobram Irrigation G&M Poly Irrigation Pipe Works Riverina Water Engineering Riverina Water Engineering Riverina Water Engineering Noel Simmons Polcon Engineering Polycon Engineering W & P Pumps W & P Pumps Kymco ATV Farm Bikes Senior Steel Padman Stops

May 2013

Expo has all the answers on water HI¿FLHQF\ XQGHU RQH ELJ URRI THE fourth annual Water Technology Cluster Irrigation Expo (WTC Expo) is on again in May under one big roof at the Shepparton Showgrounds. The unique irrigation-focused expo offers farmers the latest in water technology and energy efficiency, showing farmers how they can apply new innovations to improve productivity in their dairy, beef, horticulture and grain enterprises. The WTC Expo facilitates a diverse program of demonstrations and industry speakers, with updates on all rounds of the On-farm Irrigation Efficiency Program and the Modernisation G-M Water Connections project. WTC Expo chairperson, Wendy Buck, said the Expo gives farmers the opportunity to bring their farm plans along and take advantage of the specialist advice on offer. “There will be Government depart-

ments, delivery partners and manufacturers available to advise and answer questions to all attendees,” Ms Buck said. “Farmers who want to participate in either of the On-farm Irrigation Efficiency Program or the Modernisation Water Connections project will find the Expo an invaluable tool, as it really is a one-stop shop for both these programs. “The Expo also gives farmers and their families the opportunity to catch up with their friends and stop for lunch in the cafeteria area,” Ms Buck said. The Expo’s official opening will take place on Wednesday, May 22 at 11am and will be opened by Victoria’s Minister for Agriculture and Food Security and Water, Peter Walsh. The WTC Expo runs until Thursday, May 23, starting at 9am to 4pm daily. For more information visit www. wtcexpo.com.au.

OPEN TO ALL WATER USERS Waterpool Trading Ltd provides a credible brokering service for both high and low reliability water with an evergrowing list of buy and sell offers.

showcasing industry innovation

SHEPPARTON SHOWGROUNDS MULTI-PURPOSE PAVILION

4th A Wednesday & Thursday, May 22 & 23, 2013 ENNUAL VENT 9am to 4pm UNDER ONE BIG ROOF The WTC Expo committee extends a warm welcome to this unique irrigation focused expo. The Expo facilitates a diverse program of demonstrations and industry speakers, with updates on the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program (rounds one, two and three) and the Modernisation G-M Water Connections project. We invite farmers to come and see the latest in water technology and to learn how to apply innovations to improve productivity on their farms. They can bring along their farm plans and take advantage of specialist advice at the Expo. With industry-specific exhibitors and government departments all under one roof – it’s the place to seek advice and ask all of the questions you have in regard to water technology. For further information, please contact Wendy Buck – WTC Expo Chairperson at wendy@wtcexpo.com. au or 0438 052 630.

Operating out of Kyabram, Waterpool is believed to be one of the first of its kind in Australia. Not only does Waterpool offer transparent and ethical water trading for all water users, it is a co-operative whose membership base are the shareholders of the company. In its infancy, Waterpool consisted of a group of like-minded water users seeking to fill a void in the water price discovery. Today, a mere seven months later, it is comprised of 50 foundation members and a list of ordinary members that will soon surpass 400. It has been the investment of these foundation members, and their belief in the primary objectives of Waterpool, together with the ever-growing support of its ordinary members that has guaranteed the success of Waterpool to date. These listings are available to view on our website www.waterpoolcoop.com.au and are updated regularly. Waterpool strives to provide a “start to finish” service for their client’s trading their permanent entitlements and encourages anyone to visit their stand at the WTC Expo, or phone 03 5853 2333 to find out more.

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Page 14, North East Farmer

TEMPORARY WATER AVAILABLE All zones - Victoria/Riverina

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Solar to replace the traditional farm windmill

EVEN though the windmill has been in use for a long time and is a traditional part of the Australian rural landscape, more and more farmers in Australia and other parts of the world are now opting for solar energy to pump water. According to the owner of Glynncorp Electrical Contracting and Consulting John Cochrane, the fact remains that solar offers less moving parts, works without generating any noise and can run throughout the day in a seamless fashion. “We at Glynncorp Electrical understand the essence of water for all life,â€? Mr Cochrane said. “That is why we offer the WATERBOY Solar Pump 4HRSS-H that will help you become highly efďŹ cient. “Whether yours is a commercial or industrial requirement, we can fulďŹ l your bore pumping requirements without any hassles,â€? he said. Solar powered water pumping systems operate similarly to any

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someone to design what you need because it is a very specialised field,� he said. More recently, Glynncorp Electrical have been installing many systems without electricity attached at all, with great cost savings for his clients. “We are replacing windmills because of the mechanical repair and maintenance attached to them,� Mr Cochrane said. “With large scale bores, if people are watering during the day we could save them up to 70 per cent on their current electricity bills. “If they are watering 24 hours a day, we can probably save them about 35 per cent.� Mr Cochrane said that the solarpowered system does require fencing to protect any stock. Glynncorp Electrical will have an exhibit at the year’s Water Technology Cluster Irrigation Expo. For more information visit www. gecc.com.au.

9,& 16: $&7 4/' 6$ 17 National Head OfďŹ ce: Unit 5/2135 Frankston-Flinders Road, Hastings 03 5979 1887 Email: enquiries@wormfarm.com.au Web: www.wormfarm.com.au

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other bore pumping system, with the source of power being solar energy via solar modules photovoltaic (PV). PV technology is effortless, reliable and it reduces your carbon foot print. Mr Cochrane said the pumps utilise a helical rotor wet end, coupled to a brushless DC motor, which is electronically controlled by a fully adjustable controller. “There are two areas we work in, which is small scale and large scale pumps,� Mr Cochrane said. “The small scale type work is where water is traditionally pumped out of the bore into a tank or dam for sheep graziers or used for watering or for stock and domestic. “The larger scale work usually involves submersibles or shaft driven turbines for larger operations. “With these larger type operations we specialise in the electrical side and the solar component only, as you really need to get

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Page 16, North East Farmer

WATER TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER EXPO - MAY 2013

Can the MDBA meet projected targets by 2016?

VFF says water boards to be selected on merit WATER boards should be elected on merit, not direct election according to farming lobby group, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF). VFF president Peter Tuohey, said Victoria’s peak farmer body supports the 50 per cent of the rural water corporation board members to be actual rural customers that are selected on merit. “As we have said before, customers can nominate for these positions, but people on the boards should go through a rigorous assessment process to

ensure they’ve got the governance skills needed to represent our communities,� Mr Tuohey said. “These boards oversee billions of dollars in assets from the state’s vast dams to irrigation and urban delivery networks. Mr Tuohey said the VFF wanted more rural customers on the boards, but did not support the direct elections as the best way to ensure the right mix of skills and experience needed to manage these large and complex water service and asset management businesses.

He said that the appointment process must be “open and transparent� and allow customers to nominate for positions. “The VFF is a democratic organisation that put the issue of direct election of water corporation board members to its water council,� Mr Tuohey said. “The government has given the VFF a position on the candidate’s selection panel to ensure the interests of irrigators and other rural water users are represented on these boards,� he said.

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May 2013

THE market for world grain is on a roller coaster. Several countries in the Northern hemisphere are facing drought and crop failure. The Chicago Commodities grain prices as of April 20, 2013, had wheat up 13.45 per cent per year, oats was up 21.4 per cent per year and corn was 5.2 per year. With the high Australian dollar and international trade written in US dollars, be aware that our 2013 crop will be dearer. In Western Australia, farmers have slowed down and stopped sowing due to dry conditions. In Victoria, the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting below-average winter rain. Be aware and plan your irrigation needs by carrying over part of your high and low watershare capacity (maybe 50 per cent pending allocation in July 2013). Dairy farmers have welcomed Murray Goulburn Co-operative’s involvement in the recent milk deal with Coles, although the new price tag for the factories would have been better linked to some Wesfarmers capital input. The decrease in the status of Rochester and the increase in Kiewa factory projections leaves one questioning the viability of milk production, with high inputs (grain and water) maybe the high country (and rainfall) will be a

some Federal government staff question the ability to achieve projected targets. I would be much more conďŹ dent if these projects were fast tracked with private enterprise. Farmers are facing the dilemma of stability in our Australian economy, after Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan announced a shortfall of $7.5 billion in Federal revenue. We are yet to see the over spend of the budget to add to this, making banks cautious and slowing business decisions. MDBA is yet to ďŹ nalise how they intend to market temporary water not committed to environmental ow. With changing carryover and spill rules for Victoria, the Federal government may be embarrassed by spill losses being reallocated to the irrigation industry. What poetic justice is that? The question is, was this buyback the best bang for your tax dollar? History will show that the political solution was not rationally worked through. Goulburn Murray Water is advising brokers that bundled permanent water trades will now attract a fee per megalitre of water traded (see fees 2012-2013). Previously this fee was covered by the $990 permanent transfer fee, but it will now be an additional fee.

By BRUCE DIFFEY Waterwheel Traders winner in the long term. Land prices are what seems to be the major hurdle, with the required farm size the second. Riverina rice growers are grinning, with excellent crops and yields being recorded. New varieties are making the return on investment more and more attractive, with temporary water priced at $60 per megalitre for 2013. This industry is kicking goals, with yields averaging 10 tonne per hectare and water use back to 8.5 megalitres per hectare. The Federal Government is currently working its way through the environmental projects for Victoria and other states. I am hopeful that commonsense will prevail and we achieve win-win projects for the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA). Victorian Minister for Water Peter Walsh, and Victoria will be vindicated for the stance taken to minimise the buyback. The question is, will the projects approved meet the targets of the MDBA environmental accumulated water by 2016, as

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Waterpool co-op is one of a kind Water traders’ membership continuing to grow SEVEN months ago, a group of Goulburn Valley farmers came together as a cooperative to offer transparent and ethical water trading for all water users. Waterpool was established in August last year as a result of the closure by GoulburnMurray Water of the water trading company, Watermove. It was felt that the water trading industry needed to maintain the transparent form of trading Watermove had originally offered. As a result, a group of Goulburn Valley farmers came together to create what is now known as Waterpool. Operating out of Kyabram, Waterpool is believed to be one of the ďŹ rst of its kind in Australia. According to Waterpool’s chief executive ofďŹ cer Peter Lawford, not only does the co-operative offer transparent and ethical water trading for all water users, it is a cooperative whose membership

WATER WIZARDS: from left, directors of Waterpool Gino D’Augell, Peter Mulcahy, Doug Fehring, Terry Hehir, Peter Lawford ( CEO) and Peter Fitzgerald.

Waterpool to date,â€? he said. Membership consists of a one-off $50 fee, which entitles members to 50 Ordinary Shares and the right to vote whenever a matter is referred to members for decision. The ďŹ rst pool was run on October 18, 2012, trading 420 megalitres at $35 per megalitre. These numbers have continued to rise, with the largest pool to date trading 4211 megalitres at $65 per megalitre. “Each week, we see an evergrowing number of water users anxious to become part of this co-operative and to buy and sell

base are the shareholders of the company. “In its infancy, Waterpool consisted of a group of likeminded water users seeking to ďŹ ll a void in the water price discovery,â€? Mr Lawford said. “Today, it consists of 50 foundation members and a list of ordinary members that will soon surpass 500. “It has been the investment of these foundation members, and their belief in the primary objectives of Waterpool, together with the ever-growing support of its ordinary members that has guaranteed the success of

their water in a fair and ethical trading environment with water prices being driven by the market,â€? Mr Lawford said. “Waterpool aims to service the interests of the smallest to the largest water traders and welcomes all offers. “To further guarantee the transparency of the pool, and to ensure all members are treated equitably, the pool is audited by the Kyabram accounting ďŹ rm, Sheridan Partners. “Waterpool strives to provide a start to finish service for our clients trading their permanent entitlements and encourages anyone to contact us with any queries,â€? he said. Waterpool also provides a credible brokering service for both high and low reliability water, with an ever-growing list of buy and sell offers. These listings are available on the co-operative’s website, which is updated regularly. For more information visit www.waterpoolcoop.com.au.

North East Farmer, Page 17

Water filters to suit all needs IRRIGATORS in the Goulburn Valley insist that they have a reliable, robust and efficient filtration system, supported with back-up service. Regardless of whether people have a drip system, an overhead sprinkler or under tree irrigation system, the team at Triangle Waterquip can assist with any style of system to accommodate its customer’s needs. Established in 1981, Triangle Waterquip (formally Triangle Filtration) specialises in the design and supply of fully automatic, self-cleaning water filtration systems using its FILTAWORX range of filters, which are made in Australia. The company also has a comprehensive range of manual and semi-automatic water filters, hydraulic control valves, agricultural sprinklers, large rain gun sprinklers, injection pumps, water meters and subsurface waste water disposal systems. Triangle Waterquip’s sales manager Gary Horton said the company has more than 30 years’ experience in water filtration, with the latest 3D software and engineering team able to develop, design and build a locally produced, fully automatic, self-cleaning screen filter that will meet the demands of local

conditions. “These filters are used throughout the industrial, irrigation, municipal and mining sectors,� Mr Horton said. “We have the equipment, experience and engineering expertise, which enables us to source and supply suitable filtration equipment to suit a wide range of applications and needs. “We actually consider your pump shed as part of our showroom,� he said. FILTAWORX has a stainless steel body, wetted parts in corrosion resistant materials rated to 10-bar operating pressure, a large filtration area, low pressure loss and, according to Mr Horton, is robust enough to meet the toughest of local conditions. The filters are available in 50 to 300 millimeters, with screen aperture options at 50 to 800 micron. “The filter can be supplied with either hydraulic or electric controls for the automatic backwash cycle, and all filters are supplied with a two-year limited warranty and technical manual,� Mr Horton said. Triangle Waterquip will have a display at the WTC Expo at the Shepparton Showgrounds in May. For more information visit www.trianglewaterquip.com. au.

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Page 18, North East Farmer

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Delivering liquid fertiliser safely FARMERS who are in the middle of sowing will be starting to think about using liquid fertilisers to save time and labor. Using liquid fertilisers minimises down time waiting for the product to dissolve and it eliminates deterioration in storage. However, they are corrosive and need to be handled with suitable equipment that prevents leaks and

removes the potential for ground contamination. Australian Pump Industries (Aussie Pumps) has developed a range of smart pumps for safe, fast and efďŹ cient handling of liquid fertilisers. Aussie Pumps product manager, Dean Fountain said the Aussie smart pump is available in two and three inch conďŹ gurations, offering high ow with

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the capability to move up to 1100 litres per minute. “The high ow on the Aussie smart pump means extra productivity for farmers by cutting sprayer cycle times,â€? Mr Fountain said. “That, combined with its corrosion resistance makes these smart pumps a natural choice for pumping agchems.â€? The pump’s unique construction material, glass-ďŹ lled polyester, is impervious to corrosion generated by liquid fertiliser. Stainless steel fasteners, EPDMo rings and check valves are standard equipment, with Viton seals also available. The Aussie smart pump is driven by a genuine Japanese Honda engine, backed by a three-year warranty. The electric motor drive pumps are all ďŹ tted with the company’s motor protection device, Aussie Protek. The Protek system is a sandwich device installed between the pump and the electric motor. In the event of a seal failure, the Protek system traps the chemical being pumped, preventing it from running down the shaft into the motor. Mr Fountain said the hydraulic option has advantages for operators of self-propelled sprayers including the pump being integrated into the machine and driven by the sprayer’s hydraulic system, with the operator able to control the pump from the cabin of the vehicle. “Many operators prefer the hydraulic drive because it does away with the need for electricity out in the paddock,â€? Mr Fountain said. “The hydraulic drive means the pump system is always out of the weather.â€? For more information visit www.aussiepumps. com.au.

PASTURE & FERTILISER

May 2013

,QFLWHF FRQGXFWV Âż HOG WULDO DW 'RRNLH ACCORDING to new research, applying extra phosphorus to wheat that has followed a crop of canola can help maximise yields. Research conducted by Incitec Pivot Fertilisers at Dookie last year compared a range of phosphorus fertiliser rates in wheat as part of the company’s field trial program. Technical agronomist with Incitec Pivot Fertiliser, Lee Menhenett said that growers were often focused on applying replacement or maintenance rates of phosphorus, but in some situations, this might restrict potential yield. “Even though the trial was conducted in a paddock with good soil phosphorus levels, the maximum yields recorded in the trial occurred where 32 kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) or 40 kg/ ha of phosphorus were applied,â€? Mr Menhenett said. “An analysis of the trial results showed that to achieve 95 per cent of maximum yield, 23 kg/ha of phosphorus needed to be applied. “This is seven kg/ha above the district standard maintenance rate,â€? he said. Yields in the rain-grown crop topped 6.9 tonne per hectare (t/ha) where phosphorus was applied

at a rate of 40 kg/ha. Where a maintenance rate of 16 kg/ha of phosphorus was applied, the yield was 0.59 t/ha lower, even though the lower rate of phosphorus application was appropriate to the Colwell P soil test result of 39. Sufficient nitrogen was applied to all trial crops to support yields of about five t/ha at 12 per cent protein. According to Mr Menhenett, grain protein levels were lower where the highest yields were achieved, indicating that with more nitrogen, the phosphorus responses may have been even greater. He said possible reasons for the crop responses to higher rates of phosphorus were the paddock history of canola and good seasonal conditions. “Having a crop of canola in the previous year appears to provide a disease break, improve soil structure and weed control and can result in potentially greater residual nitrogen levels, helping to set up the crop for high yields,� he said. Incitec Pivot Fertilisers will continue to investigate whether the rotation phase effect of growing wheat on canola stubble has a major bearing on phosphorus responsiveness in future trial work.

North East Farmer, Page 19

Bayer helping to control the weeds IN WHAT has been one of the most challenging years for weed control, a Violet Town farmer has found the answer to integrated weed management that he said has “cleaned up� his land. Andrew Walter runs a cropping enterprise with his parents on their Violet Town farm, ‘Gladalan’. He also has a contracting business where during harvest, he makes use of a bale direct system, which is a large square baler towed behind the header. It bales the material that passes through the header, including the weed seeds. Mr Walter said annual ryegrass thrives in north east Victoria and with his farm having some of its paddocks continuously cropped for 30 years, they are under continual ryegrass pressure. To combat the problem, Mr Walter used Sakura, which was released by Bayer last year. Although 2012 was too wet for ideal crop production, Sakura held up to the task of controlling annual ryegrass and toad rush “impressively�. “Our approach is to use as many different herbicide groups as we can and indeed, as many different control methods as we can in an intense approach to integrated weed management,� Mr Walter said.

PICTURE OF HEALTH: Violet Town farmer Andrew Walter, Wes Amor from Bayer and Scott Bartlett from IK Caldwell discuss how Sakura controlled the ryegrass and toad rush in this wheat crop.

“A double knockdown spray before crop establishment is another important part of the program. “I liked the fact that we can tank mix Sakura with our glyphosate knockdown two to three days prior to sowing. “In this environment where it can be cooler and wetter at sowing, I think it’s really important to give the glyphosate time to translocate down into the root system before the weeds are disturbed with the sowing operation. “Sakura gives you that extra time before sowing and hence more control over the sowing

program,� he said. Bayer CropScience is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of seeds, crop protection and non-agricultural pest control. The company offers a large range of products including high value seeds, innovative crop protection solutions based on chemical and biological modes of actions, as well as an extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture. Mr Walter said he conducted a large-scale replicated trial on his property where he used about 15 treatments on 60 plots with various

6DNXUD KROGV XS to the RQVODXJKW of weeds

products and tank mixing alternatives, one of the treatments being Sakura. “We never knew what the treatments or plots were during the season, but we could view the plots and were asked occasionally to visually assess them,â€? he said. “It wasn’t until the harvest data came back and we found we picked where the Sakura was utilised. “That gave us great conďŹ dence, so we used Sakura in our entire wheat program last year,â€? Mr Walter said. IK Caldwell Senior Broadacre Agronomist in Shepparton Scott Bartlett, said many properties had a lot of weed pressure due to a wet summer in 2011 and 2012. “Many were dealing with high stubble and weed trash loading and considering the soil coverage, Sakura worked very well,â€? Mr Bartlett said. “Its ability to work effectively under high stubble and summer weed trash loads was a highlight. “We were seeing at least 12 weeks residual control on annual ryegrass and toad rush. “Without Sakura controlling the toad rush so well, growers would most likely be forced into going in with an in-crop option,â€? Mr Bartlett said. For more information visit www. bayercropscience.com.au.

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NEWS

Page 20, North East Farmer

May 2013

Secure the food bowl From page 1

“There are people out there at the moment who have debt and no income. “How are we going to manage that? “Where one has debt, another one doesn’t. “One says they want to retire, but then others say they can’t afford to. “Some just want to stay on and work, but they don’t have the money to put the infrastructure in place to see them into the future. “We really want to be able to transition them into something that continues to be productive for them, rather than just giving a hand out. “And among all this there are issues with economic viability. “There were 5000 tonne of peaches with no home this past growing season, and next year it will be 25,000 tonne. “There are far greater

economic issues we need to consider because it all flows into the structure of the economy in the Goulburn Valley,” Mr Wilson said. Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh, said the decline in canned fruit sales is primarily due to changes in consumer preference. “Most consumers, both here and overseas, are buying fresh fruit instead of canned fruit,” Mr Walsh said. “TheVictorian Coalition Government is focussed on finding new ways to increase the productivity and profitability of producers to help them adapt to market changes. “Not only are we exploring new markets for Victorian producers, but we are also doing market research to give them insight into trends in consumption both here and in key export markets so they can deliver

FLAILING FRUIT: SPC Ardmona export market volumes have declined by 90 per cent in the past five years.

what the market wants,” Mr Walsh said. The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) also believes that it is “supermarket disloyalty” to Australian canned-fruit growers which is the main reason for the “gutting” of northern Victorian communities. With SPC Ardmona

forced to cut growers’ quotas by 50 per cent for the 2013-2014 season, the VFF said that cheap imports have forced home-grown peaches and pears off supermarket shelves. VFF horticulture president Sue Finger, said that while Coles and Woolworths were “sidling up

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canned fruit shares declined to 33 per cent. SPC Ardmona export market volumes have declined by 90 per cent in the past five years. The company’s forecasts for the coming seasons indicate that there will be even less demand for canning fruit. This has led to a forecast reduction of up to 50 per cent in intake tonnages for some fruit categories for the 2014 season. SPC Ardmona is currently half way through a three-year business transformation strategy, addressing issues of efficiency and waste reduction throughout the entire business operations. In its fight for support of the local processed fruit industry and its growers, SPC Ardmona is determined to work with key retailers that it believes do want to support Australian fruit growers and seek temporary protection relief from the Federal Government to assist the fruit processing industry during the period of the strong Australian dollar (this would be in the form of a World Trade Organisation safeguards submission that will seek temporary tariff protection). The company also wants to investigate whether it has any recourse to antidumping actions under the Federal Government’s new anti-dumping reforms. “For this turnaround program to be effective we need support from retailers and we need Australian consumers to return to buying branded Australian grown and produced products like SPC, Ardmona and Goulburn Valley,” Mr Kelly said.

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to dairy farmers” they were also outsourcing the cheapest canned produce they can find. The VFF is demanding action from governments to support growers and the cannery. The lobby group said that support is crucial given the wider community’s reliance on growers and the SPC Ardmona cannery for jobs and business income. Ms Finger said the Goulburn and Murray Valleys have been touted by state and federal politicians as Asia’s food bowl, but nothing is being done to secure horticulture’s future. “Time and again we hear the example of governments delivering multi-million dollar support measures to the car industry,” Ms Finger said. “Why are we squandering this money on USowned car makers, while rural industries with a far more viable future are left exposed to subsidised imports and barriers to trade. Many canned fruit growers are questioning how the US is able to impose hefty tariffs on Australian

canned-fruit imports under a supposed free trade agreement, while the US is able to ship canned fruit into Australia tariff free. But Minister Walsh does not agree with restricting imports as he believes it reduces Victoria’s earning potential. “Restricting imports would reduce the earning potential of Victoria’s producers by closing key export markets,” Mr Walsh said. “Victoria is a net exporter of food which means we export more food than we import. “Last financial year, Victorian producers exported a record $9 billion worth of food and fibre, including $1.9 billion worth to China. “In the same period, Victoria imported $4 billion worth of food and fibre,” he said. SPC Ardmona’s managing director Peter Kelly, believes that the industry is not competing on a level playing field against the imported products, as he revealed the implications that the decline in sales of Australian packaged fruit has had on the industry. “We are competing against products from countries that have considerably lower labour and production costs and arguably lower quality standards than we have in Australia,” Mr Kelly said. “A more than 50 per cent appreciation in the Australian dollar in the past four years has made cheap imported food even cheaper and has also severely impacted our export markets.” Market share of imported private label canned fruit has grown to 58 per cent, while SPC Ardmona

NEWS

May 2013

Wine industry’s bible released

GV orchardist says future doesn’t look good

THE 2013 Australian and New Zealand Wine Industry Directory has just been released, which this year includes a new section on Australian grapegrowers. Published by Winetitles, the 31st edition of the directory includes listings that are a result of a national grapegrower survey undertaken last year involving the canvassing of growers from Winetitles’ own databases and engaging the support of a range of grower associations. Publisher of Winetitles, Hartley

By JODIE FLEMING ACCORDING to Invergordon fruit grower Ian Collins, Australia is not on a “level playing field” when it comes to importing foreign food. “Other countries put barriers up to protect their own, but until this government realises it is not a level playing field the future for us does not look very good,” Mr Collins said. With 60 per cent of his costs being spent on labour, together with the cost of water and a cannery that is unable to take large tonnages, he believes the industry is not sustainable. For the 2012-2013 season, Mr Collins had to drop about 250 tonnes of peaches on the ground and mulch it back into the soil. This is a heartbreaking task that many fruit growers in the Goulburn Valley have had to undertake, while they now wait for that dreaded tap on the shoulder from SPC Ardmona that may be telling them they no longer need them to supply the cannery with fruit. Mr Collins, who has been on his orchard with his father since 1962, said that if SPC Ardmona are unable to take his fruit next season, he will have to make the devastating decision to “push the trees out and get a job”. “You can’t knock the cannery as they have been taking more fruit than they can sell to help us out for a while,” Mr Collins said. “They have the hard job at the moment to tell those fruit growers that they are not needed any more. “This has a huge effect on the industry as a whole. “My workers and the pickers will all be out of work if I have to push my trees out,” he said. Mr Collins said that he hopes the government will step in and offer some assistance, but he does not hold out much hope as he believes it means going up against the supermarkets, something he does not feel the government will take on. “All supermarkets care about is making the biggest profit they can.

North East Farmer, Page 21

Higgins said the survey was aimed at assisting in the development of an Australian national vineyard database that is “critical for assisting decision making for medium to long-term industry planning”, and addressing potential biosecurity risks. The 2013 directory lists 2,572 Australian companies that commercially sell their wine, a net gain of 40 producers and growth of 1.6 per cent since the edition in 2012. It includes a listing of wine

producers, grapegrowers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, universities and education facilities, writers, wine publications, organisations, events and wine shows and industry personnel, which is updated annually. The directory costs A$110.55 in Australia, A$112.50 in New Zealand and A$135 overseas. For more information contact Winetitles on (08) 8369 9500, email orders@winetitles.com.au or visit www.winebiz.com.au.

WASTED: Thousands of tonnes of fruit have had to be dropped on the ground, as it has been unable to be sold.

“Supermarkets have too much power and the government won’t step in against them because if the food prices go up, inflation goes up and the public complain about that. “So I guess they (the government) think that about 200 growers and about 500-600 workers being out of work is a small price to pay,” he said. Mr Collins said his biggest concern, however, is the knowledge that will be lost in the industry. “When the dollar goes down or China and South Africa say to us, ‘You can’t have this food because we need this food for our country, unless you pay a high price’, we are going to starve. “It’s not as though you can just quickly grow some fruit all of a sudden. “The difference is a four to five year turnaround before you get any production. “And then there is the issue of the quality that is being imported. “What people don’t understand is that when you buy a can of peaches from China it is in Chinese drinking water. “They don’t have the same quality controls we have. “All that knowledge that orchardists have inherited over the generations and acquired will all be lost,” Mr Collins said.

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EDUCATION

Page 22, North East Farmer

GOTAFE offers free agricultural workshops to secondary students

AGRICULTURE ... GROWING OUR FUTURE

GOULBURN Ovens Institute of TAFE (GOTAFE) is running free agricultural workshops at The University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus for interested secondary school students. This innovative pilot program is facilitated by Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment network with key partners GOTAFE, The University of Melbourne, Charles Sturt University, the Department of Primary Industries, Shepparton Technical Education Centre Rural Skills Australia, National Centre for Dairy Education and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The one-day agriculture and

Do you work in the agricultural industry in Victoria? Are you compliant with the legislative requirements and safe working practices that are compulsory in your workplace? The Agriculture and Horticulture department at Wodonga TAFE can help! AgVet chemical user’s course (level III) units from AHC30110* Dates 4 and 11 June, 6 and 13 August, 8 and 15 October, or 26 November and 3 December AgVet chemical user’s course (level III) re-accreditation units from AHC30110* Date 12 November

Tractor training units from AHC30110* Dates 3 and 4 October Operate and maintain chainsaws units from AHC30110* Dates 21 and 28 June, 20 and 27 September, or 22 and 29 November We also deliver the Certificate II in Agriculture, the Certificate III in Agriculture, and the Certificate IV in Agriculture as traineeships on farms. You may be able to gain higher qualifications through the skills recognition process if you already have skills and knowledge from previous study, training, work, or experience in the agricultural industry.

1741_WT. CRICOS 01961J

For further information and to apply

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) lead to an AQF qualification or a statement of attainment. Courses run subject to minimum enrolments. This training may be delivered with funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth governments.

horticulture careers event is aimed at Year 9 to Year 12 students and teachers offering four workshops relating to beef/dairy, wool/sheep, horticulture/conservation and horticulture/production. There is no cost to attend the workshops, with both food and transport provided for interested attendees. GOTAFE’s commercial manager agriculture education Leigh Kildey, said there will be plenty of handson activities exploring careers in agriculture and horticulture at the workshops, with other young industry professionals on hand to provide information to those interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.

“We are encouraging senior secondary school students to come along to the workshops and discover some exciting and highly rewarding career pathways in agriculture and horticulture,” Mr Kildey said. “There are huge employment opportunities now and in the future in both agriculture and horticulture. “Both industries have an extraordinarily bright and profitable future ahead,” he said. The workshops will be held on Thursday, May 9 at Dookie College from 9am to 3pm. For more information contact Leigh Kildey on 0457 543 622.

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May 2013

J/12D10971 V3/19 13

*27$)( 'XDO TXDOL¿FDWLRQ &HUW ,9 'LSORPD RI $JULFXOWXUH 0LG \HDU ,QWDNH The Dual Qualification in Agriculture offers students:

ALTHOUGH Cathedral College Wangaratta welcomes visitors every day, Principal Adrian Farrer is inviting prospective families to the college’s Open Day on Thursday, May 23 to see the school in action. Over the past 10 years, the college has grown in many ways, now catering for 330 students on its expansive site in Murdoch Road, Wangaratta. Mr Farrer said the college is well positioned to serve the needs of regional students well into the future. “This is a school characterised by a wonderful sense of community and a forward-thinking leadership team that is embracing the opportunities that exist for innovative and exciting learning pathways for our students,” Mr Farrer said. “Our students are part of a school big enough to offer them excellent choice and opportunity, and small enough to know them and their needs well. “Cathedral College Wangaratta students really do “belong” at

SENSE OF COMMUNITY: From left to right, Tori Allen, Matthew Muller, Principal Adrian Farrer, Aiden Vaivads and Thomas Maclean.

their school. “We have a large number of students that travel significant distances to enjoy the education on offer, so we can boast a broad range of people and experiences among our school families,” he said. Mr Farrer said the college values the pursuit of excellence in schooling, and students are able to apply for academic, music or sporting scholarships. “We are in the business of helping all students reach their

potential, regardless of their ability,” Mr Farrer said. “If your child would benefit from a holistic, challenging, inspirational and fulfilling school life, then Cathedral College Wangaratta may well be the place for him or her.” Cathedral College Wangaratta is currently accepting students at all year levels and tours of the school are available. For more information visit www.cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au.

Journey of personal discovery at AVCLP

1. A strong practical focus linked to real farm outcomes 2. An increase in employability skills 3. A flexible delivery model 4. Use of industry specialists recognized as experts in their fields of agriculture 5. Minimal disruption to work commitments 6. Cost effective training 7. A strong articulation pathway into university 8. Quality training resources 9. A strong focus on sustainable farming 10. A blended delivery model

THE Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program (AVCLP) has openings for its 20132014 regional leadership program, offering people the chance to improve their ability to influence the future of the commu-

Learning and assessment activities relating to the dual qualification training are based around real agriculture practices and as such, will allow students to apply these skills in their workplaces.

nities they live in. With 24 places available, participants will experience a journey of personal discovery, while developing an appreciation for the variety and uniqueness of north east Victoria.

Do you have what it takes to make a difference in your community? Explore your potential with the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program Candidates from the North East and border regions are invited to apply. Applications close 3rd June 2013

For further information about the Mid-year Intake, please contact Leigh Kildey on 0457 543 622 or by email: lkildey@gotafe.vic.edu.au j/12d11520-v5/19-13

Scholarships are available for participants from the agribusiness and dairy sectors Visit our website for further details www.avclp.org.au or Contact Executive Officer Kim Scanlon Phone: 0417 348 547 Email: admin@avclp.org.au j/12d11808/19-13

Participants are offered the opportunity to meet a broad range of regional, state and national leaders and to develop their skills and confidence, and expand their networks. Current participant Geraldine Torpy, said the program gave her the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of who she is and what drives her. “It has made me a lot more aware of the wider community that surrounds me,” Ms Torpy said. “It has opened my mind, my eyes and my heart, and I just know that it will have a huge impact on my life, not just in the immediate future, but for many years to come.” As a farm consultant with CRC Agrisolutions and Young Dairy network co-ordinator for the Murray Dairy region, Ms Torpy said her participation

in the program has also helped her professionally. “It has given me a greater level of confidence in my own skill set and my ability to communicate more effectively with my clients,” she said. “My ability to deal with conflict and complaints has improved 10 fold. “I feel that I have a great little toolkit now that helps me through each day.” The AVCLP is delivered over 10 months, with the next program beginning in July this year. A number of scholarships are available for suitable candidates. The program, which was established in 1999, has had more than 250 graduates enter into the communities of north east Victoria and border regions. For more information visit www.avclp.org.au.

EDUCATION

May 2013

North East Farmer, Page 23

Agriculture gaining in popularity ACCORDING to agriculture trainer at Wodonga TAFE Paul O’Reilly, agriculture has gained in popularity in local rural schools as a career to enter with many opportunities. “As a result of extra media promotion, people are starting to realise what is on offer throughout Australian agriculture,” Mr O’Reilly said. “Many farmers in all fields, whether it be dairy, beef or the grain and sheep industry are taking advantage of the services offered

by Wodonga TAFE.” During the past four years, Wodonga TAFE has been developing to become a leader in the industry throughout north east Victoria and southern New South Wales. Traineeships from Certificate II, III and IV are available and delivered on farm, on campus and online. Higher qualifications are delivered by distance education and recognised prior learning is taken into consideration. Courses can be set up to cater

for mixed enterprises, ensuring the required competencies such as quad bike operation, tractor operation and chemical users certificates are completed. These courses can be delivered at the workplace if demand is great enough and sufficient participants are available. “Our trainers have many years of experience in the industry and take a very personal approach toward the delivery of these courses,” Mr O’Reilly said.

FARMING FUTURE: Emily Schultz with some of CSU’s calves, which are used in practical sessions as part of the University’s Bachelor of Agriculture qualifications.

CSU students share love of agriculture and farming knowledge they have learned on the job, Dr Guisard said. “For younger people, an agricultural degree is a chance to advance their career prospects within the industry.” CSU is currently offering two degrees, the Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management and the Bachelor of Agriculture, which are taught via supported distance education in facilities provided on GOTAFE’s Rural Industries Campus in Wangaratta. Construction of a new CSU facility in Wangaratta is due to commence soon, complementing existing facilities on the GOTAFE campus. The new centre will include stateof-the-art interactive video teaching facilities, seminar rooms, a chemistry laboratory, and a learning commons for students. The centre will be made possible through the Federal Government’s structural adjustment fund. Courses in wine business and horticulture are also planned for 2014. For more information visit www.csu. edu.au/wang.

B/12d11786/19-13

CHARLES Sturt University’s (CSU) first crop of students at its Wangaratta campus has attracted participants of all ages who all have the one thing in common - a love of agriculture and farming. CSU, in partnership with Goulburn Ovens TAFE and the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia joined forces to offer students of all ages the opportunity to participate in higher education, locally, in a supported learning environment. Ranging in ages from their twenties to their fifties, the students come from across regional Victoria, including the western districts and Gippsland, and they are from a wide range of agricultural industries including dairy farming, rural merchandising, agricultural education and beef and sheep grazing. CSU’s school of agriculture and wine sciences course director Yann Guisard, said that people young and old were recognising the industry’s demand for more graduates, with up to six jobs per graduate available. “For older people, this is an opportunity to formalise qualifications and extend

B/12d11782/19-13

NEWS

Page 24, North East Farmer

May 2013

COUNTRY SHOWS AND FIELD DAYS

OLDEST GOAT BREED: The Toggenburg is a breed of goat, named after the region in Switzerland where the breed originated, the Toggenburg valley. It is also the oldest registered breed and the oldest known dairy breed of goats. Toggenburgs are arguably the hardiest of all goat breeds; crosses with meat goats (that is Kalahari red, Boer goats) can add better growth rates to their offspring, offering a milking line to the offspring of meat goats.

MAY May 5: Strong Wool Sheep and Wool Fair, Benalla. May 15-19: National Beef Expo, Bendigo. May 24-25: Mildura Horticultural Field Days. JULY July 19-21: Australian Sheep & Wool Show, Bendigo. AUGUST August 5-6: Hamilton Sheepvention, Hamilton. August 16-18: Border RV & Camping Expo, Wodonga. For more information on country shows visit

www.vicagshows.com.au or www.countryshows.com.au.

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*THE 2013 Connecting Rural Business Women conference will be held on Sunday, May 5 and Monday, May 6 at Baarmutha Park in Beechworth. This year’s theme is “Women Using Technology to Improve Business Outcomes” with guest speakers Sylvia Burbury, Susan Bower, Leanne Isaacson and Catherine Marriott. The cost is $380 and includes registration, all sessions and meals and the banquet. For more information visit www. connectingruralbusinesswomen.com.au.

TRADE FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

*TRUFFICULTURE is conducting a seminar and workshop at the Myrtleford offices of the Department of Primary Industries on Saturday, May 18. The seminar will cover growing hazelnuts as a viable horticultural enterprise as well as growing truffles in the Ovens Valley. Guest speakers include pioneer of the hazelnut industry, Bruce West, Colin Carter from Trufficulture and Noel Fitzpatrick, a specialist truffle grower and marketer. A light lunch will be provided. To register and reserve your place contact Jan on (03) 5968 1092.

Trading may bring you flexibility in your life, allow you to spend more time with your family and do the things that are important to you. At TradersCircle we are passionate about trading and have developed a program that can help you achieve your goals.

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*THE Ovens Valley Wether Trial organisers are inviting visitors to attend the last shearing of its three-year competition to be held Tuesday, May 28, with the prize giving taking place between 3pm-3.30pm at Bloomfield Park, 139 Diffey Road, Everton. The Trial is a three-year competition where five wethers (Merino crosses) are put onto a farm and raised.

Each year of the three years the sheep are shorn, with their fleeces weighed and micron tested. In the final year, after shearing, the sheep are then slaughtered and the carcase weight is added to the fleece and micron results to determine the winner. The 25 year old competition is made up of farmers from across Victoria, NSW and South Australia, featuring 26 teams in total. For more information contact Russell Bennett on 0429 955 359. *PGG Wrightson Seeds is throwing open the gates of its Ballarat Research Farm for discussions on topics that will help you get more out of your pasture and pick up some great tips for the coming season. “Getting more out of lucerne with good pasture management” will be held on Wednesday, June 12, starting at 9.30am to 3.30pm at to be held at the company’s Leigh Creek Research Farm. For more information contact James Baird on 0419 158 688. *The annual Border Music Camp is being held in Albury from Sunday, June 30, to Saturday, July 6 at The Scots School Albury. Border Music Camp is a week-long residential camp for about 240 musicians of all ages and all abilities. Musicians play in one of six large ensembles, experiencing rehearsals and tutorials each morning under the guidance of the skilled staff. The camp concludes with public concerts on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6. For more information contact Margie Gleeson on 0412 711 819 (after 6pm).

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THREE generations of experience has ensured that Scandia is at the top of its game in Australia for its design of efficient and environmentally friendly wood heaters. According to Scandia’s chief executive officer Jake Cassar, the company’s mission is to bring wood heating back to the realms of affordability without compromising on quality. “By combining high-tech computer technology and quality materials you can be assured of years of hassle-free heating, with the backing of our 10-year firebox warranty on each of our Premier models,” Mr Cassar said. “All Scandia wood heaters are designed and manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility and are constructed from heavy duty steel and lined with kiln-fired fire bricks.” The Scandia story dates back to just after the Second World War when Vic Cassar was manufacturing and repairing

solid fuel stoves that he sold at Melbourne’s markets. In 1961 he rented three small factories around Fitzroy that he used to make and repair stoves. Stoves were produced for several decades from sheet steel and pig iron to the completed product. As time went on, the lack of skilled workers in the demanding jobs of the foundry forced the closure of the original divisions, with castings sourced from China and Taiwan. “Due to Scandia’s pursuit of supplying first-class products, we have now set up a factory in China to specifically produce products using premium materials,” Mr Cassar said. Scandia has recently released their Premier series of wood heaters, which range from $849 to $1899. For more information visit www. scandiastoves.com.au.

AVOID A HIGH VOLTAGE KICK. REMEMBER TO LOOK UP AND LIVE.

Proud sponsors of AFL Vic Country.

Take extreme caution around powerlines and make sure you stay outside the 3-metre ‘no go zone’. Life is not a game. For further information visit Energy Safe Victoria www.esv.vic.gov.au or call 03 9203 9700.

LIVESTOCK

Page 26, North East Farmer

May 2013

Young beef producers offered internship

______________www.nenews.com.au weareonline

MOBILE VETERINARY SERVICES

Kate Hazeldene works around the Benalla and surrounding area. SERVICES INCLUDE:

Fully mobile service Equine consultation including illness, lameness, pre-purchase exam, geldings and small surgeries, sedation for dental

Cattle consultation including calving, caesarean, herd problems, illness, lameness, calf problems, pregnancy testing

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health checks - vaccinations, micro-chipping, illness, senior care

With full small animal surgical facilities also available

SUCCESSFUL SALE: Buyers of the top-priced bull, John Payne and Gayle Watson of Rosewhite Park (back) with John Woodruff of Witherswood, auctioneer Michael Glasser and Stephen Street of Elders.

Good result in tough climate

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For all your equine dentistry needs Contact Sarah Wynd 0439 827 818 (Euroa and surrounding areas)

WITHERSWOOD Angus Stud principal, John Woodruff was “quite pleased” with the result of his recent annual on-farm bull sale, having sold all 55 bulls at an average of $4180. Mr Woodruff said the 11 progeny of Booroomooka Astron D337 sold well at an average of $4400, with 14 sons of Wattletop Andy C109 auctioned off at an average of $4327.

“The sons of Booroomooka Astron created a lot of interest due to their low birth weight, good marbling and carcasse traits,” Mr Woodruff said. “We actually had strong support from all areas of North East Victoria and the Southern Riverina. “Our local buyers really had the opportunity to buy bulls at reasonable prices, which was great

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because the bulls got very expensive last year, making it hard for people to purchase,” he said. The top price bull from Wattletop Andy earned $8500 for the Taminickbased Angus stud and was purchased by Rosewhite principles John Payne and Gayle Watson. There were quite a few repeat buyers at Witherswood’s sale, with Euroa’s Seven Creeks representatives buying up six of the bulls. Mr Woodruff said overall, he thought the sale was a success considering that weaner prices are down. “The climate is pretty tough everywhere at the moment,” he said. “With weaner prices being down this year, it has a big impact on people buying replacement bulls.

“The bulls all sold and went to good breeders who all do a good job in the marketplace. “Our bulls are suitable for producing steers for local markets and clients to retain replacement heifers. “Our local people supported our sale very well and they got value for money.” Auctioneer Michael Glasser of Glasser Total Sales Management again conducted the auction, which he has done every year for the stud. “Michael was our first auctioneer of our first sale, 10 years ago and has been involved in our program at Witherswood since day one,” Mr Woodruff said. “I give him a bit of a hard time, but he really is a terrific person and does a great job.”

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THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has collaborated with the North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCO) to offer a young Victorian beef cattle producer the chance to work in northern Australia on an internship. The internship, which is also sponsored by Rabobank, offers a member of the beef industry the chance to diversify their skills by gaining experience in large-scale northern operations. VFF Livestock manager Charlotte Fox, who has worked in the beef industry in northern and southern Australia, as well as in the United States said the lobby group is very excited to offer this kind of opportunity. “The greatest strengths in my resume are its diversity,” Ms Fox said. “I’ve had amazing experiences, but more than anything, it has enabled me to have great career development and progression. “At the VFF, we have all the resources and industry contacts to be able to provide someone from the Victorian beef industry with the same kind of experience. “We are really excited to be able to announce this opportunity,” she said. VFF Livestock president Ian Feldtmann emphasised the importance of encouraging young people to stay in the livestock industry. “We need to provide young people with opportunities to keep them excited in the livestock industry. “We not only need to be getting people involved in careers, but keeping them engaged as well,” Mr Feldtmann said. To be eligible for the internship, applicants had to be 35 years or younger, display a dedication to the beef industry, have ambitions of a long-term career with agriculture, be adaptable to changing work conditions and environment and have a willingness to report back to the VFF about their internship. The internship commences at the end of May 2013.

May 2013

North East Farmer, Page 27

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Classifieds

STUD

DIRECTORY

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FOR SALE

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Euroa & District North East Victoria Selected Goulburn Valley 6$86$*(6 &251(' %(() 0,1&(

Wangaratta Monthly Store Cattle Sale Friday, May 17, 2013 (held third Friday of each month)

For further information contact your local representative

LOG SPLITTERS 40 ton 13HP ................................ from $1600.00 14 ton 3 pt. linkage ...................... from $ 800.00 12 ton 6.5HP ................................ from $ 850.00 PETROL ENGINES 5.5HP......................................................$260.00 6.5HP E/Start.........................................$290.00 13HP P/Start...........................................$375.00 13HP E/Start, V-shaft..............................$445.00 25HP E/Start, V-shaft............................$1466.00 WATER TRANSFER PUMPS 3” 6.5HP .................................................$580.00 4” 9HP ..................................................$1190.00

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Ph (03) 5821 4411 www.konigs.com.au

MOBILE REPAIRS

New Holland Baler parts * Tractors * Diesel * Baler * Hay machinery mechanic. Service & repairs all makes of tractors, agricultural, industrial, earthmoving machinery Over 30 years experience, factory trained. Specialising in Ford New Holland

PAUL WILLIAMS - CHESHIRE & WILLIAMS REPAIRS P/L Ph (03) 5721 4419 mobile 0428 574 195 1 WENHAMS LANE, WANGARATTA

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MAY SPECIAL Bring in this complete page to 20 Wood Road Kyabram between 7:00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday and we will give you a $1 discount for every bag you buy of any of our highly acclaimed STOCK FEEDS.

Phone (03) 5853 2440

NATIVE PLANTS & FARM TREES

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HOBBY FARM FOR SALE

110 acres – cleared land, large home, Riverina. 30 mins Albury/Wodonga, 15 mins Corowa, $550,000 ono WIWO – incl. farm equipment and 16 cattle.

Phone 0499 571 016

www.sandycreektrees.com.au

Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah

Manager: Chris Oswin – M. 0427 562 254

AGISTMENT WANTED

Asst Manager: Tim Brown – M. 0428 535 244

For dairy heifers.

web: www.alpineangus.com.au

Happy Valley Road, Rosewhite Owner: Jim Delany – M. 0408 535 658

Long-term References available Phone (03) 5826 0325

QUALITY GENETICS brought to you by

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MACHINERY

MACHINERY AUSTRALIAN MADE

Authorised McCormack Ind. Agent Hay frames .................................................................................from $1061.50 Hay spears from ................................................................................$132 each Tiller ........................................................................................................from $770 Grader 6ft ..................................................................................from $660 Rubber tyred paddock rollers ....................................................from $1650 Slashers ....................................................................................from $1100 Single tyne ripper .......................................................................from $275 Drag Pasture Harrows USED ......................................................from $275 Stick Rakes..................................................................................from $715 Post Hole Borers .........................................................................from $440 Air post driver ..................................................................................... $440 Post, Stump, Tree Puller ..................................................................... $330 PUMPS - NEW Fire fighting and chemical .........................................................from $330 High Pressure 1” Electric .................................................................... $110 1000lt plastic tanks .......................................................................from $66 Tanks on cradles ...............................................................................................from $440 SUNDRIES Electric motors single phase from 1 to 5hp.................................from $220 Petrol engines 5.5 hp (& up) ......................................................from $220 Banner Tarps ................................................................................from $22 Metal garden bridges ......................................................................... $330 Circular Saw Bench - petrol NEW..............................................from $1210 Generator 8 KVA................................................................................. $990 Sawbench mobile 13hp engine......................................................... $2420 Tungsten tip blades .....................................................................from $330 Logsplitters .................................................................................from $770 Woodchipper 13hp ............................................................................ $1100 Tipping Garden trailers ..............................................................from $242 Belting from 150mm to 1600mm wide OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY We have New and Used Stock Available

Phone/Fax Alan or Jan Robinson (03) 5728 1534 or (02) 6032 4124

Private sale working age Charolais bulls available Breedplan, Vet Checked, Breed Leading Genetics Graeme Cook - 0419 429 696 gsc41@harboursat.com.au

*Prices include GST

TOD’S MACHINERY www.todsmachinery.com.au 521 Wagga Road, Lavington 2641 Ph (02) 60400200 Fax (02) 6040 0201

Cheapest prices, huge range Freight, mail or collect. Yackandandah

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CAMPBELL FARMS ANGUS

High profit and easy care cattle Robert, Jacci & Tony Campbell and family Caniambo, Vic (midway between Benalla and Shepparton)

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Ph/Fax 58289274

Mob: 0437 662 177 (Tony)

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If 5ml is good, 20mls must be better right?

Beware the dangers of ‘Bute’ overdose. TUESDAY "KING VALLEY RUN" THURSDAY "BEECHWORTH, MYRTLEFORD RUN" PRE-BOOKED VETERINARY WORK

*FOR REDUCED TRAVEL PRICES* Dr. Graeme S. Blanch B.Ag.Sc., B.V.Sc. (Hons) M.A.C.V.Sc. Dr. Andrew Bett B.Ag. Sc. (Hons) B.V.Sc. Dr. Richard Evans B.V.Sc. M.R.C.V.S. Dr. Rena Geroe B.V.Sc. Dr. Tim Craig B.V.Sc. (Hons) Dr. Sarah Cavill, B.V.Sc. (Hons)

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When a prescription drug is dispensed, by law it must have a label with the clinic and patient name, drug formulation and directions. The directions on this label are there for a reason – the dose and duration of treatment has been tailored to your individual horse, taking into account their age, health status, medical condition and weight. You would be shocked at the incidence of overdosing in the equine world, far too often people tell us ‘it says 4ml on the label, but the horse was still lame so I gave it 15mls’.

Phenylbutazone is in a class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID’s). This is the same class of drugs that human ibuprofen (Nurofen) is in. NSAID’s effect the production of prostaglandins throughout the body. Blocking prostaglandins results in decreased pain, fever and inflammation, which is the desired effect. Unfortunately a side effect of blocking prostaglandins is a decrease in blood flow to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and the kidneys.

Phenylbutazone is generally used at a dose rate of 1.1-4.4mg/kg once to twice daily. We would rarely advise the higher dose more than once or twice as it has a greater risk of side effects. The most common dose is 2.2mg/kg twice daily for 2-4 days, then reduced to once daily dosing. If we look at an example of a 450kg horse given 2.2mg/kg, this equates to 1 gram: 5ml of the oral phenylbutazone paste or 1 sachet of granules. If the horse is given 4 times the prescribed dose, or the dose repeated after 2hrs because it isn’t better yet, the analgesic effect is no greater, but the risk of toxic effects certainly is.

Bute can cause gastrointestinal tract ulceration and renal failure This decrease in blood flow damages tissues – this can result in the death of kidney cells, and the formation of ulcers throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcers can cause reduction in appetite, lethargy, diarrhoea, and sometimes severe colic. If they perforate all the way through the intestine, the horse will develop peritonitis which is often fatal. Renal failure may show similar clinical signs, and the horse will often be affected by ulcers as well. The horse will become dehydrated, which will compound the renal failure. Despite being a prescription drug (Schedule 4), phenylbutazone is often used without the advice of a veterinarian.

Some horses tolerate phenylbutazone much better than others, and the toxic threshold will be different in different horses. Young horses are much more susceptible to side effects, as are dehydrated horses. So please don’t give 20ml of paste to your horse if it is still lame after 5ml, or 5ml to your 150kg minature horse, and no more frequently than 12 hourly. Don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for dosing advice before administering phenylbutazone to a horse. We are quite happy to give this and would certainly rather not see the toxic effects of overdosage. Dr Sarah Cavill

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Phenylbutazone (‘Bute’) would have to be the most common used and misused drug in equine veterinary medicine, particularly in the paste formulation. It is a pleasant shade of green, smells nice, is easy to administer and you have a whole tub of it. If used correctly it is an excellent and potent medication used to treat musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. It does however have very real toxic effects. These can be exacerbated by prolonged usage, and brought on quite suddenly by overdosage.

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