Southern Farmer

Page 1

Published since 1986

JANUARY, 2020

Wild dog plan success

Beef Week PAGE 10

www.farmernews.com.au

Fire awareness and prevention PAGES 11-13; 16-18

PAGES 22-25

Black sheep in the Mangione family By EMMA OLIVER

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Murray Van der Drift from Black Diamond Speckle Parks cleaned up at the Royal Geelong Show, taking not only Junior Champion Speckle Park Bull but also Junior Interbreed Champion. With ribbons presented by Jasmine Green and Hayden Green, these accolades are just confirmation that Speckle Parks are a breed for the future. This Beef Week, Murray is encouraging any who are interested in the breed to make the journey to the family farm in Macorna and learn what makes the Speckle Park a great addition to any commercial herd. Turn to page 18 for the story.

MARILYN Mangione’s grandparents on both sides were farmers working the land in the Clyde and Cranbourne region. Marilyn’s mother as a child always had to work on the farm with her older sister, and both declared at coming of age that they would never marry a farmer. Luckily, Marilyn’s father was also suitably disinterested, declaring to his parents that he didn’t want any part of it either. And though other family members did stay on the farm, Marilyn’s parents did not, and Marilyn was raised in a suburban home with her heart, like those of her grandparents, in the country. It was in 1999 that this yearning for a rural lifestyle was realised in the purchase of 66 acres in the lush green tablelands of the Strathbogies. Initially a weekender, Marilyn ran Wiltshire Horns, chosen for the convenience of not having to shear or crutch them. But with plans to retire on the property, she became concerned that they were too

big and strong to handle on her own, and Marilyn began to consider alternatives. An unexpected phone call from the owner of the now dispersed South Windrest Shropshire Stud in Bittern, determined the new direction Marilyn would take. “The gentleman said ‘I have a lady who I sold a ram to, and she’s not well and she needs to sell up’,” Marilyn recounted the conversation. “‘She wants him to go to a good home’ was the explanation.” So Marilyn put her hand up, and picked him up, along with a ewe and a wether, and Clarendon, as was his name, became the foundation ram and the namesake of Clarendon Stud. Six years old when she got him, Clarendon lived to the ripe old age of 11, and facilitated the phasing out of Wiltshire Horns to be replaced with Shropshires. That unexpected phone call was a fortuitous moment, as Marilyn believes she had always had the breed in the back of her mind.

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Continued page 6

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NEWS

Page 2, Southern Farmer

January 2020

Leaf, Twig & Stick Rake

Farmers need to protect their lips

For Ride on Mowers - Over 4,100 sold

Rake up those leaves

1800 819 493 sales@stumpmansales.com

www.stumpmansales.com THE SOUTHERN

Est. 1986

Covering Central South Victoria and West Gippsland 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta Victoria, 3677

(03) 5723 0125 sfarmer@nemedia.com.au farmernews.com.au Advertising:

Michael Kidman Phone (03) 5731 3306 mkidman@nemedia.com.au

Editorial:

Jarrah Loh Phone (03) 5723Â 0129 jloh@nemedia.com.au

SENIOR Emma Oliver JOURNALIST Phone 0433 267 203 eoliver@nemedia.com.au Pre-Press Coordinator

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

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

YOUR

ON THE

SPOT

TEAM

Michael Kidman ADVERTISING MANAGER

Jarrah Loh EDITORIAL

Noelene Allan PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Emma Oliver SENIOR JOURNALIST

ALMONDS: JUST THE BEGINNING: With potential applications across the entire industry, artificial pollination technology represents a massive boost to agriculture.

Technology heralds the possibility of artificial pollination Successful field trials of Edete’s artificial pollination technology advance entry into the huge California almond market ABOUT 75 per cent of the world’s crops rely on insect pollination for yield and quality. Edete’s technology can replace nature’s pollinators like honeybees in order to help produce more food and meet the needs of the world’s growing population The Israeli agritech startup, Edete Precision Technologies for Agriculture established in 2016, has successfully completHG D VHULHV RI o HOG WULDOV IRU SRO len harvest and pollination in almond orchards in Israel using its unique pollen harvesting and mechanical pollination system. 7KH o HOG WULDOV DUH FUXFLDO for advancing the company’s planned entry into the huge almond market in California. The trials resulted in a substantially increased yield in Israel. Additionally, Edete has recently tested its technology in Australia and proved its ability to produce high-quality viable pollen. There has been a decline of nature’s pollinators, namely LQVHFWV DQG VSHFLo FDOO\ KRQH\ bees, that together with some other shortcomings of the good ROG EHH KDV OHG WR DQ LQWHQVLo HG

search for a solution to solve the challenge facing farmers who need to grow more fruits. This challenge must be met in order for more food to be produced to meet the needs of the world’s growing population. Without an alternative pollination solution to reduce the dependency on honeybees in the coming years, food prices might climb sharply, and supply might not meet the growing demand. Larger commercial scale testing of Edete’s new system will continue in Israel and Australia. The company plans to begin a pilot program using the technology in 2022 in California, the world’s largest almond growing region. “We are initially focusing our efforts on almonds, but our game-changing technology has huge potential for a wide range of other crops as well,� said Eylam Ran, chief executive ofo FHU DQG FR IRXQGHU DW (GHWH The list of additional crops is long and includes apples, cherries, pears, blueberries, plums, FRWWRQ UDSHVHHG DQG VXQp RZ ers, to name a few. The global almond market is estimated at over $7 billion annually, while 80 per cent of it is in the US, most of which is in California. Costs are rising, as growers spend on beehive pollination services over $400 million per season.

“We will be targeting top tier producers in California, where seven per cent out of 7400 growers account for more than half of the cultivated area,� Ran said. The market structure is much the same in Australia. Edete’s system is based on the PHFKDQLFDO FROOHFWLRQ RI p RZHUV and extracting pure pollen out of them. The company’s proprietary method enables the maintaining of good germinability rates of pollen stored for over one year. The pollen is applied on the trees using the company’s unique robotic pollination system which utilises a combination of technologies to disperse an optimal dosage of pollen on WKH WDUJHW p RZHUV WR DFKLHYH HI fective pollination. The application units can work during day or night and independent of ambient temperature. Edete’s business model is based on supplying pollination services, like current contracting of beehives, the price of which continues to rise. The service is expected to be competitive with current pollination alternatives but is expected to result in an estimated increase of 10 -20 per cent in yields and with much less volatility from one growing season to the next.

ACTINIC cheilitis is chronic sun damage to the mucous membrane of the lips due to prolonged ultraviolet exposure. It is very common indeed in Australian farmers and outdoor workers. It occurs most often on the lower lip. There is a background of mottled white and red patches on the lip with recurrent ulceration and cracking which are often called ‘cold sores’. In reality these ulcers have nothing to do with cold - they are simply long standing sun damage. Actinic cheilitis is a pre cancer of the lips and can lead to invasive squamous cell cancers which present as rapidly growing bleeding ulcers or lumps. Squamous cell cancers of the lip need prompt surgical excision and have the potential to spread into lymph glands in the neck needing further surgery or radiotherapy. Actinic cheilitis can be kept in check by habitual application of a SPF50+ lip balm such as Cancer Council Ultra. Apply every few hours whenever you are outdoors. If you develop an ulcer or lump on the lip see your doctor as soon as you can.

Coles should now lead the way MINISTER for Drought David Littleproud has slammed Coles for its low act of skimming millions off the top of its 10 cent milk levy. The ACCC has ordered Coles to pay farmers and processor Norco $5.25 million it failed to pass on from its ‘drought levy’. “Coles promised me when I negotiated the deal that all the money would go to farmers,� Minister Littleproud said. “They told their customers they were helping farmers, then tried keeping the money. “Coles has shown its true colours and needs to put things right. “Coles should now lead the way and put at least 20 cents a litre right across its dairy range, not just on milk, to show they really do care about dairy farmers. “They owe it to dairy farmers and the public for failing to live up to their promises and it will allow time for government reforms such as the Dairy Code of Conduct to come into effect. “Australians should show their support for dairy farmers by boycotting Coles until it comes good with this.�

ICARUS SUN SKIN CANCER CLINIC

QUALITY SKIN CANCER CHECKS

EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF SKIN CANCER IS THE KEY /Ä?Ä‚ĆŒĆľĆ? Ĺ?Ć? Ä‚ Ä?ŽžžĹ?ƊĞĚ ^ĹŹĹ?Ĺś Ä‚ĹśÄ?ÄžĆŒ Ä?ĹŻĹ?ĹśĹ?Ä? Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ç€Ĺ?ÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? ƚŚĞ ƾƚžŽĆ?Ćš ƋƾĂůĹ?ƚLJ ŽĨ Ä?Ä‚ĆŒÄž Ĺ?Ĺś ƚŚĞ ÄšĹ?Ä‚Ĺ?ŜŽĆ?Ĺ?Ć?Í• Ć?Ä?ĆŒÄžÄžĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? ĂŜĚ ĆšĆŒÄžÄ‚ĆšĹľÄžĹśĆš ŽĨ ^ĹŹĹ?Ĺś Ä‚ĹśÄ?ÄžĆŒÍ˜ ŽžÄ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? ƚŚĞ ůĂƚĞĆ?Ćš ƚĞÄ?ĹšŜŽůŽĹ?LJ͕ ÄžÇ†Ć‰ÄžĆŒĹ?ĞŜÄ?Äž ĂŜĚ ÄžÇ†Ć‰ÄžĆŒĆ&#x;Ć?Ğ͕ ĆŒ DĹ?ĹŹÄž /ĹśĆ?ĹŹĹ?Ɖ Ĺ?Ć? ŜŽĆšÄžÄš ĨŽĆŒ ĹšĹ?Ć? ĆšĹšĹ˝ĆŒŽƾĹ?ŚŜĞĆ?Ć? Ç ĹšÄžĹś ƾŜÄšÄžĆŒĆšÄ‚ĹŹĹ?ĹśĹ? Ć?ĹŹĹ?Ĺś Ä?ŚĞÄ?ĹŹĆ? ĂŜĚ Ä‚ĹŻÇ Ä‚Ç‡Ć? ĚĞůĹ?Ç€ÄžĆŒĆ? Ä‚ Ć‰ÄžĆŒĆ?ŽŜÄ‚ĹŻ Ä‚Ć‰Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ä‚Ä?Ĺš Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ ĞĂÄ?Ĺš ƉĂĆ&#x;ÄžĹśĆšÍ˜ ϾϹК ŽĨ Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ Ć?ĹŹĹ?Ĺś Ä?Ä‚ĹśÄ?ÄžĆŒĆ? Ä?Ä‚Ĺś Ä?Äž ĆšĆŒÄžÄ‚ĆšÄžÄš Ĺ?Ĺś ƚŚĞ ĆŒŽŽžĆ?͘ DÄ‚ĹŹÄž Ć?ĆľĆŒÄž LJŽƾ ŚĂǀĞ Ä‚ ĆŒÄžĹ?ƾůÄ‚ĆŒ Ć?ĹŹĹ?Ĺś Ä?ŚĞÄ?ĹŹ ƾƉ NO REFERRAL FOR A GP IS NECESSARY

SKIN CANCERS APPEAR ALL YEAR ROUND ĆŒ DĹ?ĹŹÄž /ĹśĆ?ĹŹĹ?Ɖ Ĺ?Ć? ĹśĹ˝Ç ĹŻĹ˝Ä?ĂƚĞĚ Ä‚Ćš ^ĆľĹ?ƚĞ Ď°Í• 'ĆŒŽƾŜÄš &ůŽŽĆŒÍ• ,ŽůůÄ‚ĹśÄšÄžĆŒ ,ŽƾĆ?Ğ͕ ϯϹώ ZŽŽĆ?Ĺ?ĆšÄžĆŒ ZŽĂĚ͕ <ŽŽ tĞĞ ZĆľĆ‰Í˜ dĹ˝ žĂŏĞ Ä‚Ĺś ĂƉƉŽĹ?ŜƚžĞŜƚ ƉůĞĂĆ?Äž Ä?Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ Ď­Ď´ĎŹĎŹ Ď°ĎŽĎŽ ϳϴϳ Ĺ˝ĆŒ Ä?ŽŽŏ ŽŜůĹ?ŜĞ Ä‚Ćš Ĺ?Ä?Ä‚ĆŒĆľĆ?Ć?ĹŹĹ?ĹśÄ?Ä‚ĹśÄ?ÄžĆŒÄ?ĹŻĹ?ĹśĹ?Ä?͘Ä?ŽžÍ˜Ä‚Ćľ

ĆŒ DĹ?ĹŹÄž /ĹśĆ?ĹŹĹ?Ɖ

NEWS

January 2020

Coles to pay Norco dairy farmers around $5.25 million COLES Group Limited (Coles) will pay Norco Cooperative Limited (Norco) around $5.25 million for distribution to its dairy farmer members. The payments follow an ACCC investigation into whether Coles fully passed on to Norco a 10 cents per litre (cpl) price rise it charged consumers for Coles branded fresh milk, as it claimed it would do in Coles’ marketing materials. Coles has committed in writing to the ACCC that it will pay an additional 7cpl for two litre and three litre Coles branded fresh milk, which amounts to around $5.25 million to Norco for milk supplied between April 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020, resolving the ACCC’s investigation. The ACCC had been investigating allegations that, in a media release, social media posts and in-store signage, Coles represented that the full EHQHo W RI WKH FSO UHWDLO SULFH increase of its Coles branded two litre and three litre milk announced on March 19, 2019, would be passed on to farmers. The ACCC’s investigation focused on claims that when an unrelated 6.5cpl increase commenced on April 1, 2019, Coles reduced its payments to Norco under the 10cpl retail price increase from 10cpl to 3.5cpl. “We were fully prepared to take Coles to court over what we believe was an egregious breach of the Australian Consumer Law,” ACCC chair Rod Sims said. “We believe we had a strong case to allege misleading conduct by Coles. “Accepting this commitment means that farmers will receive additional payments from Coles, with the majority of the money to be paid to Norco within seven days. “Court action would also have taken many months if not years, with no guarantee that any money would have been paid to farmers as a result.” Coles’ statements included: ‘An extra 10 cents per litre

HONOURING THE PROMISE: Coles’ advertisements claiming to pass on price increases directly to farmers were cited as evidence.

to Australian Dairy Farmers’, and, ‘Coles will pass the extra 10c per litre to processors who will distribute all of the money to the farmers who supply them with milk for Coles Brand’. “Coles allowed farmers, consumers and the Australian public to believe that its 10cpl price rise would go straight into the pockets of dairy farmers, when the ACCC alleges this was not the case for Norco farmers,” Mr Sims said. “We are pleased that Norco farmers will now receive additional money, commencing within seven days. “We take commitments made to us very seriously. “The ACCC will be keeping a very close eye on Coles to ensure they follow through on this commitment, and we are not ruling out future litigation if necessary,” Mr Sims said. Coles has committed to pay a lump sum to Norco for distribution to farmers within seven days, which represents an additional 7cpl base milk price increase for the period between April 1, 2019 and December 1, 2019. Coles will then also pass on the additional 7cpl to Norco farmers for the period between December 1, 2019 and at least June 30, 2020 by increasing the base milk price paid to Norco for two litre and three litre Coles branded fresh milk by 7cpl. The additional 7cpl is more than the 6.5cpl amount which the ACCC alleges was not passed through to Norco farmers.

Background Coles has committed to providing an independent audit UHSRUW WR WKH $&&& FRQo UPLQJ that it has paid the full 7cpl to Norco on Coles branded two litre and three litre milk from April 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, and has also committed to working with Norco to verify that Norco has passed this through to farmers. Payments from Coles will be paid directly to Norco for distribution to its farmer members. The ACCC understands that Coles did pass on the 10cpl retail price increase to other dairy processors. Coles operates one of the two biggest supermarket chains in Australia, with approximately 821 supermarkets throughout Australia under the Coles brand and approximately 714 under the Coles Express brand. Norco is a milk co-operative with 326 farmer members on 214 dairy farms in northern New South Wales and Queensland. Norco supplies milk to Coles for its Coles branded milk, and also produces milk bearing the Norco brand, which is supplied at several of Coles’ stores.

Southern Farmer, Page 3

Medicinal cannabis industry grows jobs in Gippsland VICTORIA’S first dedicated commercial medicinal cannabis processing facility is open – giving more people access to life-changing treatment and creating local jobs. Premier Daniel Andrews recently joined Jordan Crugnale (MLA, Bass) and representatives from Canadian medicinal cannabis company MediPharm Labs at the grand opening of their new Wonthaggi processing facility. “This is great news for the Bass Coast – supporting jobs here in Wonthaggi and across the state in our agricultural sector,” Mr Crugnale said. “In this watershed moment, MediPharm Labs is proud to be opening the first specialised cannabis manufacturing facility in the state of Victoria setting the gold standard for this new and exciting industry,”

MediPharm Labs Asia Pacific chief executive officer Warren Everitt added. The facility will process up to 75,000 kilograms of medicinal cannabis into resin each year for use in medicinal products – creating up to 60 new jobs in Gippsland, and supporting local agriculture and business. MediPharm Labs is the first independent global manufacturing company to enter Victoria’s medicinal cannabis industry and will partner with more than 50 agricultural growers across Australia – including 30 from Victoria. The medicinal cannabis industry is an emerging industry for Victoria, with opportunities across manufacturing, agriculture and pharmaceutical industries that is attracting investment and creating new high-tech jobs. The State Government’s

Ballarat on Tuesday 4 Feburary Geelong on Wednesday, 5 February Mornington on Tuesday 28 January

flagship Medicinal Cannabis Industry Development Plan aims to see Victoria supplying half of Australia’s medicinal cannabis by 2028 – creating 500 jobs. Victoria has already attracted significant investment from international companies, with The Cronos Group and Canopy Growth Corporation both establishing their Asia-Pacific headquarters and research facilities in Victoria. Victoria was the first state in Australia to legalise access to medicinal cannabis for patients in exceptional circumstances in 2016. The State Government’s lead forced the Commonwealth to act, allowing doctors to prescribe medicinal cannabis for anyone who needs it, with pharmaceutical grade cannabidiol now able to be imported.

NEWS

Page 4, Southern Farmer

January 2020

Horticulture on the Peninsula

TATURA TRELLISING: The technique of espaliering citrus trees avoids issues with disease and pests, and maximising sun exposure for ripening.

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NEWS

January 2020

Southern Farmer, Page 5

Securing Australia’s future agricultural workforce

THE JOB DONE: (From left) Sue Collis was recruited by Colin Freckleton to work alongside Mike Nielsen on this vineyard project.

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A NEW National Agricultural Labour Advisory Committee has been tasked with providing the Federal Government advice on how to secure a sustainable agricultural workforce for the future. Minister for Agriculture, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said Australian agriculture had its best years ahead of it, despite current difficulties caused by drought and bushfires. “Workforce needs is one of the top two issues farmers raise with me no matter where I go, from Darwin to Devonport, or what sector they’re from,� Senator McKenzie said. “If agriculture is to grow to its full potential we need to make sure farmers have access to a fit-for-purpose workforce — that’s the right worker, at the right place, at the right time of the season. “This important taskforce, promised at the election, will provide the government with critical advice about meeting agriculture’s workforce needs now and into the future. “They’ll be looking to give us advice to achieve the best balance of international and national labour and ways to make agriculture a career of choice for our young people. “I want Australians to recognise that they can have a rewarding, fulfilling, high-tech career out in rural and regional Australia working in agriculture. “The industry experts on this

committee will provide our government with advice about the medium and long term ways we can achieve the best possible workforce for Australian agriculture and deliver a second election commitment for us — the $1.9 million National Agricultural Workforce Strategy.� Senator McKenzie said the 11 member committee will be led by chair John Azarias who has a strong background in conducting prominent government reviews. “Mr Azarias also has a sound knowledge of Australia’s migration policy, international trade arrangements, and the agriculture sector,� Senator McKenzie said. “He’ll be supported by deputy chairs Professor Ruth Nettle and John Williams who bring academic and rural education expertise, industry policy and hands on agricultural experience to the committee. “They’ll lead the committee’s work to assess the current state of Australia’s agriculture workforce and make recommendations to ensure the industry’s future international and domestic workforce needs can be met. “Some of that is about showing how rewarding agriculture is — it’s where science meets practice, it’s where computer engineering meets the real world. “Technological developments, our changing climate

and our export focus mean the potential for big changes in the sort of workforce agriculture might need in the next 20 to 30 years — we’ll need people to do jobs we haven’t thought of yet.� Senator McKenzie said the government an ambitious goal to help make Australian agriculture a $100 billion industry by 2030. She also said the work of this committee is a key plank in enabling that vision. “This committee will provide a strategy by July 2020 that identifies tangible actions that should be considered if we’re to ensure the workforce we need for the future,� Senator McKenzie said. “That will include looking at school education, vocational education, and higher education. “It will be important for the committee to hear the views of those in the industry, and the committee will undertake national consultation with a range of stakeholders in the coming months. “I look forward to receiving the strategy next year and seeing how our government can support the agricultural sector to achieve the workforce it needs.� For more information about the committee and its work program go to http://agriculture. gov.au/ag-farm-food/agricultural-workforce.

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NEWS

Page 6, Southern Farmer

January 2020

Black sheep in the Mangione family Ŷ

From page 1

k0\ DQFHVWRUV DUH IURP 6KURSVKLUH (QJODQG near Staffordshire, on the border with Wales, DQG P\ IDWKHU VHUYHG RQ WKH +0$6 6KURSVKLUH LQ :RUOG :DU ,, y VKH VDLG “That ship fought in all the big battles, the 3DFLo F WKH &RUDO 6HD /LQJD\HQ *XOI

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“It was particularly noted for its accuracy and I grew up hearing stories of it, and the sigQLo FDQFH LQ P\ PLQG ZDV QHYHU ORVW y With Shropshire so entrenched in her ancestral history, the heritage breed sheep with LWV JRRG WHPSHUDPHQW HDVH RI KDQGOLQJ DQG VPDOOHU IUDPH VHHPHG WKH REYLRXV FKRLFH IRU KHU VWXG k2ULJLQDOO\ 6KURSVKLUHV ZRXOG KDYH KDG KRUQV y 0DULO\Q VDLG k7KH\ KDYH WKH EODFN HDUV EODFN IDFHV EODFN OHJV DQG LQFUHGLEO\ ZKLWH p HHFH EXW DW VRPH SRLQW LQ WKHLU KLVWRU\ WKH\ ZHUH SROOHG k7KH ZRRO SUHYLRXVO\ KDG EHHQ SUL]HG DQG LV VWLOO ZHOO FRQVLGHUHG IRU VSLQQLQJ DQG NQLW WLQJ EXW LW V QRW D VRIW ZRRO “The New Leicester at one point was put RYHU WKH 6KURSVKLUH WR LQp XHQFH WKH QDWXUH RI WKH ZRRO “And as such the wool is not barbed or KRRNHG DQG LV VXSSRVHG WR KDYH D QRQ LWFK factor, but all this interference with the ShropVKLUH PHDQV WKDW QR RQH NQRZV H[DFWO\ ZKDW WKH RULJLQDO EUHHG DQG LWV p HHFH ZDV OLNH y $QG WKRXJK 0DULO\Q GRHV XVH WKH ZRRO WR PDNH VFDUIV EHDQLHV VRFNV DQG MXPSHUV KHU SULPDU\ EXVLQHVV LV VWXG UDPV DQG VKHHS DQG KHU PRWLYDWLRQ LV HQVXULQJ WKLV UDUH EUHHG FRQ WLQXHV WR H[LVW :LWK ODPEV WKDW JURZ RXW VORZHU DQG ORQJHU EHIRUH WKH\ FDQ JR WR PDUNHW WKH EUHHG FDQ RI WHQ EH RYHUORRNHG +RZHYHU WKH VPDOOHU 6KURSVKLUH RIIHUV

SHROPSHIRE 02: THE HARD YARDS: A receptionist by trade, Marilyn Mangione concentrated her efforts on her Shropshire stud upon retirement, and finds herself very busy with the sheep, covering a great many kilometres by foot.

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NEWS

January 2020

Southern Farmer, Page 7

Wild South Australian Pipis with saffron butter By JACQUI CHALLINOR (@JACQUI_ CHALLINOR, HEAD-CHEF AT NOMAD) THIS quick and easy 20 minute dish is perfect for your holiday party menu. Perfect for a summer lunch or dinner, impress your guests with MSC Certified sustainable pipis from South Australia coated in an indulgent saffron butter. INGREDIENTS (Serves 4) z 500g of MSC Certified South Australian Goolwa Pipis z 2g saffron thread z 100g butter z 1 large clove garlic | finely minced z ¼ teaspoon mild paprika z Zest of 1 lemon z Salt to taste

African swine fever on the doorstep INDONESIA has confirmed that it has detected African swine fever in North Sumatra, and is investigating pig deaths in some other provinces. Minister for Agriculture Bridget McKenzie said the news was concerning, especially as Indonesia — and particularly Bali — was so popular with Australian tourists. “There are about 188 flights a week from Indonesia direct into Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin,” Senator McKenzie said. “African swine fever kills about 80 per cent of the pigs it infects, there’s no cure and no vaccine; and it’s not present in Australia. “Our government has already responded to this global disease threat — to safeguard the 36,000 jobs that rely on our pork industry and to protect Australia’s international trade, built on our reputation for produc-

ing safe food and fibre. “Bali is a favourite holiday destination for Australians and it’s also a region with a lot of pigs. “Our government foresaw the threat this disease posed and just last week I announced an extra $66.6 million to put 130 more biosecurity officers at our airports to do half a million more passenger screenings and deploy an extra six detector dogs. “My department has already raised the risk status of flights from Indonesia and is increasing screening, interventions and scrutiny of travellers in line with the procedures we use to manage flights arriving from other ASF affected countries. “I’d appeal to anyone travelling between Australia and Bali and elsewhere in Indonesia to be extra diligent about declaring what they’re bringing back in — and to clean shoes and any other outdoor equipment. “This virus is exceptional-

ly hardy and can live in frozen meat for up to two years and in things like blood for six years. “It can be spread by people going into an affected area and taking the virus out on their shoes, or through pigs eating scraps that contain affected product. “We have a zero tolerance approach to people who lie about what they have in their luggage and we’ve refused entry to Australia for six people caught with biosecurity risk material. “If returning Australians do the same, they could face criminal prosecution or civil court action, and be ordered to pay up to $420,000 and be sentenced to up to 10 years in jail. “That is how seriously we’re taking this threat. “In less than a year we’ve seized 32 tonnes of pork from air travellers and recent testing showed that about 50 per cent of seized product contained African swine fever.”

METHOD Allow butter to come to room temperature and soften. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Combine softened butter, saffron, garlic, paprika, lemon zest and salt. Mix until well combined. Place pipis in a baking dish large enough to ensure they don’t overlap. This is important to make sure the pipis cook evenly. Place a good spoonful of the saffron butter over the pipis and place the lid on top of the baking dish. Put baking dish into the hot oven for approximately 8 minutes or until just cooked through. Serve with a wedge of lemon and a chunk of good sourdough to soak it all up. Head to the Marine Stewardship Council website for more delicious recipes like this at www.msc.org.

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NEWS

Page 8, Southern Farmer

January 2020

Succession for progression A column provided by Rural Financial Counselling Services in Gippsland Ĺ°

FORGET New Year’s resolutions, it’s a new decade. Time to make big plans for the future and the most important plan of all is retirement and/or succession – otherwise what are you actually working so hard for? Succession is the process of retiring happily while transitioning and progressing the family and farm business to the next generation. Navigating this often very sensitive subject has its complexities, and every plan is as different and diverse as there are family dynamics. 2IWHQ WKH o QDQFLDO DQG HPR tional issues, inter-family relationships, family law implications, potential arguments and personal connection to the land can often mean avoiding it all together. No matter what the family dynamic, planning for succession doesn’t need to be a difo FXOW SURFHVV LI JLYHQ WLPH DQG communicated well. This process should be conducted over many years to be positive and successful, where

everyone has a clear understanding of what is going to happen, feel they have been respected, listened to and have their needs and concerns addressed. 7KHUH DUH EHQHo WV WR VXFFHV sion planning early. Preserving asset value, continued focus on growth, easy transition for stakeholders, minimising tax obligations, transferring skills and knowledge, and being in control of decisions are all important considerations. Furthermore, it allows time to accumulate off-farm assets that will help fund retirement or be distributed to those who do not want to take on the farm business. There are numerous and maMRU o QDQFLDO FRQVLGHUDWLRQV DV farm businesses may be asset rich but cash poor. This is a concern for siblings that do and don’t want to conWLQXH IDUPLQJ UHTXLULQJ IDLU o nancial distribution and acquisition among family members. There are tax consequences of asset transfer including stamp duty, income tax and capital gains which are all costs WKDW VLJQLo FDQWO\ HURGH UHWLUH ment funds and continuation of a farm business. Other tax considerations include estate distribution in death, discretionary trusts experiencing tax or income losses, and assets or operations that are held in various business structures. This is why it is extremely important to start the succession SURFHVV HDUO\ LQYROYH o QDQFLDO professionals to reduce risk(s), VHHN HIo FLHQFLHV DQG FRQFHV

sions including the small business capital gains exemption, the 50 per cent active asset reduction, the $500k retirement tax exemption, as well as life or disability insurance if carrying VLJQLo FDQW GHEWV So, what to do and where to start? First - identify what you need to retire comfortably. This sets a clear objective. However, don’t go straight into organising the transactional processes to achieve this objective. It is important to initially deal with delicate emotional and relationship matters. Great examples of successful succession involve a staged process with ongoing communicaWLRQ DQG p H[LELOLW\ The number one rule is Never assume. z Stage 1: Start conversations with the family to identify everyone’s ambitions, needs and concerns. This is the most important part of the process. Be understanding and considerate of their reasons. Be inclusive of everyone to avoid feelings of exclusion and possible resentment. This doesn’t necessarily mean having everyone in a room at any one time, particu-

larly if it is a sensitive matter. Ask each person to write it down, allowing time to really think it through and communicate their thoughts rather than meeting as a group, where emotional stress or dominant personalities may impact discussions. If needed, a mediator could meet with individuals, facilitating feedback in an objective way. What if the wish is to retire by selling without succession, or there is no successor? This still requires communicating to family, particularly if someone does want a future in farming and needs time to arrange purchasing via vendor DJUHHPHQW VDYLQJV DQG RU o nancing. Only when the negotiation process has addressed everyone’s feelings and concerns can a sound agreement be achieved. This may happen over multiple meetings, possibly with compromise to achieve a satisfactory outcome. z Stage 2: Develop an agreed plan. Start with answering some key questions: Who are all stakeholders involved (including employees, FXVWRPHUV VXSSOLHUV o QDQFL ers)? What will be the roles of each

family member (including multiple successors)? What skills and experience are needed? What is the current value and lifespan of assets? :KDW LV WKH FXUUHQW o QDQFLDO situation? ,V WKH IDUP EXVLQHVV SURo W able with growth potential? How to fairly treat siblings who do not want to continue farming? What should the asset and operational structure(s) be? What is the appetite for risk? Setting a plan should also LQFOXGH WLPH SHULRGV o QDQFLDO and operational goals, responsibilities, skill development, and business progression (growth) activities. z Stage 3: Engage professionals. Seek advice on the drafted SURSRVDO UHJDUGLQJ o QDQFLDO estimates, business plan and structure. ,QYROYH DFFRXQWDQWV o QDQFLDO planners, solicitors, farm advisors and estate planners - professionals that you know and trust. 5XUDO o QDQFLDO FRXQVHOORUV are a great resource and can be utilised from beginning to end. Make the plan clear, transparent and binding. Ensure all parties sign (and date) that they understand and agree. However, everyone must acFHSW WKDW p H[LELOLW\ LV FULWLFDO DV circumstances do change over time. z Stage 4: Ongoing process. The succession plan is a ‘Live Document’. Visit it regularly and adjust

when circumstances change such as industry movements, environment, market opportunities, relationships and health concerns. Have regular meetings. Involve everyone. Allow contributions to short and long-term plans. Be transparent about all busiQHVV RSHUDWLRQV DQG o QDQFHV Discuss operational and asset performance, business growth and potential risks. Keep agreed meeting notes, recording outstanding matters for follow-up. Ensure all parties sign and date any agreed changes to the succession plan. Experts say that succession planning is the art of compromise, communication and managing expectations. ,I LW V GLIo FXOW WR FRPH WR DQ agreement or communicate ZLWKRXW FRQp LFW HQJDJH D SUR fessional mediator. There are family mediation services in Gippsland, alternatively the ATO provide access to ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’. Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) Gippsland have supported many clients plan for succession and retirement. 7KH EHQHo W LV 5)&6 *LSSV land are skilled professionals with a holistic understanding RI o QDQFHV ULVNV RSSRUWXQLWLHV and farm relationships. Arrange an appointment by calling 1300 045 747 or use their succession and retirement checklists on their website at ruUDOo QDQFLDOFRXQVHOOLQJ RUJ DX clientinformation.

January 2020

Southern Farmer, Page 9

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NEWS

Page 10, Southern Farmer

January 2020

Wild Dog Plan proves worth THE National Wild Dog Action Plan, Australia’s blueprint for wild dog management, has added sigQLo FDQW YDOXH WR DJULFXOWXUH DQG communities through increasing FRQo GHQFH OHDGHUVKLS FDSDELOLW\ and investment in wild dog control, according to a recent independent review. Wild dogs are conservatively estimated to cost the Australian economy up to $111 million annually in lost livestock production and control costs, with rural and regional economies impacted even further by loss of enterprise choice (sheep and goats become unviable when wild dog numbers are high), reduced employment and business opportunities, and increased emotional stress. Wild dogs also prey on 39 International Union for Conservation of Nature Red Listed Species of threatened Australian fauna and, in overDEXQGDQFH FDQ VLJQLo FDQWO\ LPSDFW biodiversity. National Wild Dog Management coordinator Greg Mifsud said the plan, implemented in 2014 following industry demand for a national coordinated approach to wild dog management, is the master strategy on which all of Australia’s state, regional and local management plans are based. Industry-driven “Peak farming groups such as WoolProducers Australia, concerned producers and research sciHQWLVWV VDZ WKH EHQHo W RI D QDWLRQ ally-recognised strategy that would ensure wild dog management was carried out in the most ethical, humane way, using evidence-based,

best practice guidelines and tools that would enable effective, targeted broadscale management that transcended title boundaries and jurisdictions,� he said. “Today, the plan is recognised by industry and governments as the primary strategic delivery mechanism.� Greg said the plan’s past performance has seen it become a role model for national pest strategies and a pioneer in invasive multiple pest management as highlighted by the Minister for Agriculture Bridget McKenzie in her recent announcement to establish a national feral pig management coordinator. k,WV NH\ UROH LV WR LQp XHQFH SROLF\ attract funding, promote ethical, humane best practice management, and to ensure continued community support for its programs,� he said. Positive results Greg said the Victorian Wild Dog Program, an early adopter of the plan’s principles and strategies, was a great example of its effectiveness. k'XULQJ WKH SDVW o YH \HDUV WKHUH has been up to a 71 per cent reduction in the number of sheep killed and maimed across the program and, for some Wild Dog Management Zone groups, stock losses have been almost eliminated,� he said. “In future we’ll see the plan play an important role informing and supporting multiple pest management plans as landholders contend with merging threats from other vertebrate pests.� The independent review, conducted by Agtrans Research, assessed the overall impacts of the

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Geoff Power was one of the grassroots agitators for the National Wild Dog Action Plan, which has resulted in significant headway made Australia-wide in addressing the wild dog problem.

plan (2014-2019). .H\ o QGLQJV LQFOXGH z the $2.62 million investment made during 2014-2019 returned HVWLPDWHG WRWDO EHQHo WV RI EHWZHHQ $15.93 million and $43.30 million; z EHQHo WV LQFOXGHG PRUH HIo cient expenditure on wild dog manDJHPHQW PRUH HIo FLHQW UHVHDUFK development and extension investment, and maintained ongoing community support to undertake control; z WKH SODQ FRQWULEXWHG VLJQLo cantly to improved leadership and capacity, increased government and LQGXVWU\ FRQo GHQFH DQG LQFUHDVHG leverage and investment for wild dog management throughout Australia;

z a national reporting system for measuring wild dog impacts and the EHQHo WV RI ZLOG GRJ PDQDJHPHQW programs should be pursued; and, z improved communications would convey more clearly the plan’s purpose and activities. Federal Department of AgriculWXUH VSRNHVSHUVRQ 6KDODQ 6FKROo HOG said the National Wild Dog Action 3ODQ o YH \HDU UHYLHZ KDV VKRZQ KRZ effective collaboration can greatly improve outcomes in managing the negative impacts of established pest animals such as wild dogs. The plan works in conjunction with the Australian Pest Animal Strategy 2017-2027 and has established an overarching national wild dog management framework that

KDV JXLGHG VLJQLo FDQW LQFUHDVHV LQ best practice wild dog management across Australia. The department commends the work done by the National Wild Dog Action Plan and Mr Mifsud as the National Wild Dog Management coordinator, and will continue to work closely with them to develop a new plan for 2020 and beyond. Where it began South Australian wool producer Geoff Power is chair of the National Wild Dog Management Coordination Committee and was one of the grassroots agitators for a National Wild Dog Action Plan. “Ten years ago we had dogs in every mainland state creating havoc, every state’s control approach was ad hoc and areas that were no longer safe to run sheep were getting bigger,� Mr Power said. “We knew we needed a national approach so with the help of industry groups such as WoolProducers Australia, federal and state governments and some key individuals, we drafted a plan. “It took four years but it was an exciting moment when it was launched on NSW’s Monaro Plains. “Looking at what has evolved, it’s been a great achievement. “The plan is one of the few initiatives that has grown out of industry, that has united industry, government and researchers, in a common cause. “There’s been a lot of goodwill from all sectors wanting to do the right thing and without the plan we wouldn’t have all the tools, strategies and coordinated management we have now.�

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Kangaroo grass — the super crop of the future? A BENDIGO-based research team’s work to unlock the potential of Kangaroo grass (Themeda Triandra) as a viable cropping option in the face of climate change is receiving Australian Government backing of $1.82 million. Minister for Agriculture, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said the project could be a game changer for dryland cropping enterprises through the south eastern Australian wheat and sheep belt. “Kangaroo grass has characteristics that make it resilient to prolonged drought and extreme variances in temperature and rainfall,� Senator McKenzie said. “It’s an extremely hardy and durable perennial native grass that is nutritious and palatable to livestock when

it is young — but it is also being recognised as a potential grain crop in its own right. “This project will research and draw heavily on traditional Indigenous knowledge to help farmers develop more of an understanding of factors limiting germination and the establishment success of the species in a commercial cropping situation. “Our government sees JUHDW EHQHo WV LQ WKLV LQQR vative approach by Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation to increase the size of seed production areas by using science-based evidence to select best yielding varieties for application to varying climates and growing conditions. “There’s also a valuable outreach and knowledge sharing component to this

work through the ongoing process of engagement with traditional owners, farmers and Landcare groups. “Workshops, site visits and direct engagement will be undertaken to support the up-skilling of land managers and traditional owner groups to increase the uptake of this novel approach to cereal crop production.� Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation has received a $1.82 million grant for the project under the second round of the $57.5 million Smart Farming Partnerships program. “Our government is ready to help agriculture become a $100 billion industry by 2030 and we’ll do that in part through investing in innovative projects like this,� Senator McKenzie said.

NEWS

January 2020

Southern Farmer, Page 11

New genomic research to future-proof pasture grasses AUSTRALIA’S red meat inGXVWU\ LV VHW WR EHQHoW IURP QHZ SDVWXUH JUDVV UHVHDUFK IRFXVHG on increasing its production and SURoWDELOLW\ DQG KHOSLQJ WR VDIHJXDUG LW LQ D FKDQJLQJ FOLPDWH $JULFXOWXUH 9LFWRULD UHVHDUFK scientists have generated the ZRUOG V oUVW JHQRPLF UHIHUHQFH IRU WKH SDVWXUH JUDVV 3KDODULV D SHUHQQLDO JUDVV FRPPRQO\ XVHG LQ $XVWUDOLD V UHG PHDW LQGXVWU\ because it is persistent and supSRUWV KLJK OHYHOV RI DQLPDO SURGXFWLRQ 8QWLO QRZ YHU\ OLWWOH KDV EHHQ NQRZQ DERXW WKH JHQHWLF PDNHXS RI 3KDODULV SDUWO\ GXH WR LWV FRPSOH[LW\ DQG WKLV KDV OLPLWHG LWV JH-

QHWLF LPSURYHPHQW $JULFXOWXUH 9LFWRULD UHVHDUFK scientists generated DNA seTXHQFHV IRU PRUH WKDQ JHQHV IURP WKH 3KDODULV JHQRPH XVLQJ LWV QH[W JHQHUDWLRQ VHTXHQFLQJ DQG DGYDQFHG VFLHQWLoF FRPSXWLQJ FDSDELOLWLHV :LWKLQ WKH 3KDODULV JHQHV PRUH WKDQ KDOI D PLOOLRQ LQGLYLGXDO '1$ PDUNHUV ZHUH LGHQWLoHG LQFOXGLQJ WKRVH WKDW FRQWURO LPSRUWDQW WUDLWV VXFK DV \LHOG SHUVLVWHQFH DQG VHHG UHWHQWLRQ $JULFXOWXUH 9LFWRULD UHVHDUFK VFLHQWLVW 'U 1RHO &RJDQ VDLG WKH UHVHDUFK HQDEOHG SDVWXUH EUHHGHUV DQG LQGXVWU\ WR GHYHORS HOLWH SDVWXUH YDULHWLHV XVLQJ JHQRPLF VHOHFWLRQ

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DQG DELOLW\ WR DGDSW WR KRWWHU WHPSHUDWXUHV y 'U &RJDQ VDLG k,Q ZKDW LV E\ IDU WKH ODUJest contribution to genomic reVHDUFK LQ 3KDODULV LQ WKH ZRUOG RXU UHVHDUFK KDV VHW WKH EDVLV IRU D PRGHUQ 3KDODULV EUHHGLQJ SURJUDP XVLQJ JHQRPLF VHOHFWLRQ DSSURDFKHV q LW LV QRZ IRU LQGXVWU\ WR WDNH WKH QH[W VWHS y $JULFXOWXUH 9LFWRULD FRQGXFWHG WKLV UHVHDUFK DW $JUL%LR WKH &HQWUH IRU $JUL%LRVFLHQFH LQ 9LFWRULD q $XVWUDOLD V SUHPLHU VWDWH RI WKH DUW DJULELRVFLHQFH IDFLOLW\ 7KLV UHVHDUFK ZDV D FROODERUDWLRQ EHWZHHQ $JULFXOWXUH 9LFWRULD WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 0HOERXUQH DQG WKH &6,52

Alpine Angus open day coming up on January 30 ON Thursday, January 30 Alpine Angus will once again be open for Beef Week from 9am until 4pm at the Alpine Sale Complex, 1138 Happy Valley Road, Rosewhite. On display will be a selection of the 100 HBR and APR sale bulls to be presented at the 2020 Alpine Autumn Bull Sale on Tuesday, March 3 at 1pm. The bulls on offer are the result of a balanced breeding program concentrating on structure, type and temperament with a focus on high 400 day weight and moderate birth figures. Sires are specifically selected to complement the strong Alpine cow herd and add to the female base for the future. Sires featured in the 2020 autumn line-up include sons of Sitz Investment 660Z, Karoo Knockout K176 and sons of Coonamble sires Junior, Hogan and Leader. Over the past few years Alpine has continued to grow and develop their breeding herd. “We have been able to grow our herd without compromising on the consistency and depth of quality which is clearly evident in the lineup of bulls we are offering,� Alpine manager Chris Oswin said. “The addition of Key Welcome Swallow genetics has also added to our ability to achieve this.� Alpine Angus also enjoys a

ALPINE ANGUS: IN DEMAND: Equal top price at the 2019 Alpine Autumn Bull Sale, Alpine Junior N021 who sold for $10,000, is pictured with Geronimo Peralta Martinez, Argentina, Alpine stud principal Jim Delany, Kent Connley, Benambra, and auctioneer Lincoln McKinley. close allegiance with the Western Australian based Coonamble Angus herd, run by the Davis family. “The Davis family’s core values of honesty, integrity and attention to detail is a perfect fit with the ethos we aspire to, and the quality of their cattle is second to none,� Alpine principal Jim Delany said. “They are producing some of the country’s leading sires and their genetics are topping sales Australia wide. “We are incredibly fortunate to have a selection of their genetics throughout our herd including embryo calves from leading Coonamble cows.� Mr Oswin said “in the pursuit of high performance genetics for our

program we refuse to compromise the integrity of our herd and core breeding principles chasing so called latest and greatest sets of EBVs and the prettiest performance graphs�. “We travel extensively throughout Australia and the USA sourcing sires we feel will have a positive impact on our program and multiply genetics that will have a profitable effect on our clients’ herds and businesses by delivering live calves that grow quickly,� he said. The Alpine program is backed by a comprehensive Quality Assurance program both pre and post sale. This involves all bulls having an independent structural assessment, semen test plus vaccinations

for Pesti, Vibrio and Lepto. Post sale all bulls sold are backed up by a comprehensive support and guarantee program. Alpine also deliver bulls free of charge. “We do all in our power to ensure bulls arrive healthy and ready to work, but should problems arise we are always there to help,� Mr Oswin said. With such a premium quality product backed by the Alpine Angus guarantee, and the offer of a delicious beef lunch and refreshments for those who make the journey to Rosewhite on Thursday, January 30, this is one Beef Week event that all prospective buyers should not miss.

Australian red meat the winner from trade trifecta THE ratification of trade deals with three of Australia’s valued existing and emerging trading partners has been welcomed by Australia’s 80,000 red meat exporters, producers, lot feeders, livestock exporters and meat processors. The ratification of the Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA), the IndonesiaAustralia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) and the Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HK FTA) late 2019 received strong endorsement from the Australian red meat and livestock industry. Independent chair of the Red Meat Advisory Council, Australia’s only supply chain and policy leadership organisation, Don Mackay, said the industry applauded the bipartisan support shown ratifying the three trade agreements. “The red meat and livestock industry is a large contributor to jobs in rural and regional Australia, which in turn is largely trade exposed, with six in every 10 jobs relying on our ability to trade with the world,� said Mr Mackay. “This trade trifecta represents real opportunities for the Australian supply chain to develop even closer and more stable economic partnerships with long-term trading partners in Indonesia and Hong Kong, as well as opening up new market opportunities in Peru. “Access to a broad range of markets is integral to ensuring our industry is able to maintain its competitiveness in the challenging global trade environment, as well as maintain profitability particularly when extensive portions of our sector are affected by severe drought conditions.� The Australian red meat and livestock industry released (October 2019) its shared vision and direction for Australia’s red meat businesses – Red Meat 2030 – which identified our markets as one of six major strategic priorities to double the value of the Australian red meat industry by 2030 as the trusted source of highest quality protein. “Trading with the world is a top priority for our industry and core to our economic resilience,� Mr Mackay said. “Implementation of these three trade agreements is perfectly aligned to Red Meat 2030 and is a welcome stimulus in achieving our 2030 ambitions. “Indonesia is a vitally important trading partner for the Australian live cattle and beef industry – along with a steady requirement for sheepmeat. “Combined, the existing trade was worth over $1 billion in 2018. “The benefits of ratifying IA-CEPA and securing more trade certainty with this key export market are unsurpassed – particularly at a time of global trade disruption. “The implementation of the A-HK FTA promotes closer economic relationships between Australia and Hong Kong and will ‘lock in’ Australia’s current duty-free access for red meat products. “PAFTA will offer new export opportunities for Australian beef, goatmeat and sheepmeat with all tariffs being eliminated within five years, in an environment where the consumption of red meat products is forecast to increase substantially in coming years.�

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BEEF WEEK

Page 12, Southern Farmer

CSIRO auctions bull semen for charity ADVANCES in science meant a historic collection of bull semen was no longer required by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, and as a result was auctioned late 2019 to raise money for the charities Drought Angels, the Queensland Country Women’s Association and Beyond Blue. The genetic material from a range of rare cattle breeds, including one named after a former CSIRO site, offered breeding societies and producers the chance to bring back some of the older breeds whose genetic stock isn’t readily available anymore. The samples were gathered in the 1980s and 90s, meaning another generation of Gen X and Gen Y cattle could be born in the next few years. CSIRO began cattle genetics and breeding research in the 1950s for the Australian beef industry, at a time when animals had to be bred to be studied. Now, these studies can take place at the genetic level. Since the completion of the cattle genome sequence in 2009, research into selective breeding and improving cattle herd genetics has moved into the digital age with observational studies, statistical imputation and machine learning replacing the much slower and more expensive traditional methods. CSIRO livestock geneticist Dr Sigrid Lehnert said most of the samples are from hybrid species developed by crossing tropical breeds, known as Bos indicus, with the traditional British Bos taurus breeds. “CSIRO was the first in Australia to blend multiple British and African-sourced cattle breeds to create ‘tropical composite’ cattle that were more heat tolerant and tick resistant and therefore better suited to our climates,� Dr Lehnert said. “With the new genetics we were instrumental in helping the livestock industry improve and diversify the genetic quality of the national herd. “CSIRO works closely with rural communities to build drought resilience, but in addition to our scientific innovation we also wanted to do something to help out charities supporting people on the land during this tough time.� Australia’s first tropical composite breed, the Belmont Red, was bred at - and named after - CSIRO’s former cattle research station at Belmont in Central Queensland. In addition to the Belmont Red, there was semen on offer at the auction from Tuli, Brahman, Adaptaur, Red Angus, Afrikaner, Simbrah, Charbray and other breeds. “We can’t guarantee that the semen is still viable after all this time and unfortunately we have no genetic information on the bulls,� Dr Lehnert said. Nearly 5000 ‘straws’ of semen were on offer, with funds raised donated to charities that help rural communities. Beef Breeding Services, where the semen had been stored for several decades, the online livestock auction house, Auctions Plus, and SBB/GDL, the participating livestock agent, all donated their services to help as much of the funds raised get to charity as possible.

January 2020

Reinforcing the magic of red meat for Australian athletes

RED MEAT: POWER OF PROTEIN: Chef De Mission, 2020 Paralympic team, Kate McLoughlin; Paralympics Australia team dietitian and member of the MLA-SDA Partnership Advisory Group, Siobhan Crawshay; MLA chief marketing and communications officer, Lisa Sharp; Paralympics Australia team dietitians and SDA members, Gaye Rutherford and Kylie Andrew at Paralympics Australia’s Tokyo 2020 Games preparation seminar.

MEAT and Livestock Australia (MLA) and Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA) have entered into a new partnership to develop practical nutrition resources designed to help Australians enjoy red meat as part of a healthy diet. Announcing the partnership yesterday at Paralympics Australia’s Tokyo 2020 Games preparation seminar held in Sydney, MLA chief marketing and FRPPXQLFDWLRQV RIoFHU /LVD 6KDUS said the partnership came about because of the shared goals of both organisations. “With both MLA and SDA dedicated to supporting a healthier Australia, the partnership will work to develop practical nutrition resources and information for active people,� Ms Sharp said. “As part of MLA’s So What’s for Dinner? program, the partnership will support communication activities that provide guidance on meal portion sizes to suit different levels of physical activity, as well as tips on how to get enough protein into meals throughout the day to boost muscle health, which is important for physical performance every day and for those involved in sporting competitions. “This is an exciting partnership that ZLOO oUVW DQG IRUHPRVW SURYLGH SUDFWLcal healthy eating information from

11 MONTHS OLD: Growing and filling out over time, a recent client selling a cull 6 ½ year old Riga bull was amazed at the carcase dressed weight of 756 kilograms. This bull’s pedigree, like all Riga Angus bulls, was stacked with high EMA and C+ muscle.

Riga Angus as first choice

SHOWCASING this year’s sale stock on Sunday, February 2 on their ‘Nillahcootie Park’ property, this year’s offering will further cement Riga Angus’ standing as a stud renowned for quality, consistency and premium genetics. With close to 50 years of proven breeding and maternal performance combined with ongoing selection pressure for sustainable traits in conjunction with the latest technologies, Riga Angus has positioned itself as a stud that consistently breeds true to type with outstanding conception and fertility rates. The unique construction of their herd of 250 registered (HBR and APR) females has ensured generations of cattle have been monitored and recorded, and genetics identified to ensure all progeny meet the stud’s exacting standards. Primarily a closed herd de-

nutrition experts and position the nuWULWLRQDO EHQHoWV RI UHG PHDW ZLWKLQ WKH context of a healthy diet.� The partnership with SDA follows and complements MLA’s announcements to partner with the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams to positively promote Australian Beef’s nutriWLRQDO EHQHoWV WKURXJK LWV DVVRFLDWLRQ with elite sport and Olympians and Paralympians. Paralympics Australia team dietitian and member of the MLA-SDA Partnership Advisory Group, Siobhan Crawshay, said communicating the importance of nutrition for active people was vital. “With the increasing community GLVFRXUVH DURXQG WKH EHQHoWV RI SODQW based diets, sports dietitians have an important role to ensure athletes continue to get enough iron and zinc for good health,� Ms Crawshay said. “We know iron, zinc and protein are critical for active people, with iron being particularly important for female athletes undertaking high impact sports. “This partnership will strengthen awareness around red meat’s place in a balanced diet and help active people ensure their diet is giving them what they need.�

scended from the initial founding females purchased in 1971, the herd has grown only with the occasional introduction of outside females from stud dispersals. Strict parameters set for fertility, calving ease, growth, carcase, structural soundness, doing ability, milk and temperament has guaranteed a premium quality product for their clients, with all requirements and outcomes kept in mind. These generations of females breeding successfully within their no frills environment has also enabled Riga Angus to supply bulls with an inherent ability to transmit productivity over the last

five decades. Genomic testing and extensive raw data collection in the production of the Single Step EBVs for the Riga herd, not only validates their breeding objectives but provides for a very powerful selection tool for their commercial clients. TSU or tissue sampling technology was used to supply the samples for genomic testing and testing for pestivirus for the first time in 2019. Samples were taken simultaneously with ear tagging and birthweights of calves, making for a much more efficient process. Many of the bulls in this year’s catalogue will not only be sire veri-

fied but also parent verified with several generations of genomic measurement, enhancing the accuracy and predictability of performance of the bulls on offer, even though they are yearling bulls. Progeny from Baldridge Beast Mode, Pathfinder General K7, Baldridge Command C36, Pathfinder Komplete K22, Esslement Lotto, Texas Mount K2 and Clunie Range Legend will all be represented at the Yearling Bull Sales, to be held on Wednesday, April 15 at 1pm. With such exciting sire lines for this year’s sale bulls, Riga Angus is the obvious choice for those looking to invest.

QUALITY ASSURED RIGA BULLS

BEEF WEEK SUNDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 9-6PM At Riga Angus, the focus is to produce top quality yearling bulls, to allow for the introduction of superior genetic material into herds a year earlier than normal resulting in more rapid genetic improvement for breeders Ian, Vera or Tim Finger 03 5775 2140 Vera 0429 939 105 Tim 0458 629 689 info@rigaangus.com.au

YEARLING BULL SALE 2020

WEDNESDAY 15TH APRIL ‘NILLAHCOOTIE PARK’ MANSFIELD VIC

www.rigaangus.com.au

BEEF WEEK

January 2020

Southern Farmer, Page 13

KANIMBLA: Kanimbla Manitoba

Private treaty sale planned for Kanimbla BREEDING EXCELLENCE: Keeping only the best females, and focusing on easy calving, Maine Park have ensured sound genetics throughout their entire Maine-Anjou herd.

The Maine Park guarantee MAINE Park has been breeding Maine-Anjou cattle for over 30 years, and in that time there has been extensive culling which has resulted in the sound, moderate-sized, meat producing herd Maine-Park is today. The culling focuses on any issues in hooves, udders, and calving ability, all calves born large are later used in the meat trade and not bred on with. “It doesn’t matter how great an animal looks, if it was too big when it was born, you’ll only pass that trait on and it’s the same with hoof problems,” stud principal Clint Worden said. Focusing on easy calving hasn’t affected Maine Park’s ability to get weight for age in their cattle. With bulls weighing weights of around 625kg at 14 months on grass and hay alone, the breeders are FRQo GHQW LQ WKHLU FDWWOH V ability to compete with other breeds. Weight and quality improve each year with

each new batch of calves, and Clint and Bridgid put that success down to keeping only the best females and using a progressive approach. “We don’t trim hooves,” Clint said. “Using cattle with hoof problems just breeds the problem on and we don’t feed grain as it gives a false result. “Our cattle do well on grass and hay and we cull to breed cattle that are sound and do well in these conditions.” Maine Park’s moderatesized cows produce calves that grow and thrive as soon as they hit the ground and due to the ease in calving and soundness right through the lines Clint and Bridgid offer a three-year structural guarantee on their cattle. The herd is also PestiVirus free, and Maine Park also guarantee a J-Bas of eight and conduct DNA WHVWV IRU SDUHQW YHULo FDWLRQ Maine Park has traditional red and whites as

well as black and polled Maine-Anjou. They have sold bulls as far north as North Queensland and as far south as King Island. Having had interest from overseas Maine Park recently became one of the o UVW 0DLQH $QMRX VWXGV WR export semen to Canada. “Black Moocha has WKH DGYDQWDJH RI WHUULo F hooves, weight for age and has some great offspring on the ground, and with the interest we’ve had from overseas in the reds we are going to put a red and white and a red bull through next year,” Clint said. Maine Park will be open for Beef Week on Day 5, Sunday, February 2 with the Maine Park herd on display along with Maine Park heifers and bulls that will be offered in the Maine-Anjou Beef Australia National Sale on February 23, 2020. Follow Maine Park Maine-Anjou on Facebook and Instagram.

Maine Park Maine-Anjou 30 years of careful breeding, structurally sound, easy calving, quiet cattle that are grass fed and weigh in better at the end of the day! Traditional red and white, black, polled, scurred and horned.

Come see us at Beef Week! Day 5, Sunday February 2nd 2020 Clint Worden and Bridgid Fry 408 Drummonds Lane, Knowsley Victoria 0410 760 862 maineparkmaine-anjou.com | mainepark@bigpond.com

OFFERING an alternative to their annual spring sale, Kanimbla Poll Herefords has responded to client demand and is offering 35 bulls for sale from January 29 onwards, with an Autumn Private Treaty sale planned. Taking into consideration the current drought conditions, Kanimbla are proposing a delayed payment option for prospective clients. “We are giving clients the chance to purchase at the beginning of the year, and then we will hold the bulls free of charge at Kanimbla for them until winter if necessary,” James McWilliam, one of Kanimbla Livestock’s owners, said. “Due to seasonal condi-

tions we will hold them at our Holbrook property, and we will also do a deferred payment option if needed, until people have sold their calves, or are feeling more viable. “We’re happy to do it,” James said. This excellent opportunity to purchase from such a consistently high achieving stud, with its numerous accolades and awards from a multitude of shows, will have clients excited. With four entries in the upcoming Hereford Australia National Show and Sale in Wodonga, Kanimbla is extremely proud of the quality of their bulls for sale. And along with their prizewinning credentials, all bulls

come with complete performance recording, and ultimately the Kanimbla Livestock guarantee of good temperament, sound structure, big carcase weight and capacity. All bulls are vet checked and semen tested, along with all genomic testing ensuring clients can decide on the ideal bull for their situation. And with genetics sourced from around the world, and well known and reliable cow families brought into Kanimbla to augment their already premium quality stock, Kanimbla Poll Herefords are industry leaders for their breed. For more information please contact James McWilliam on 0438 268 406.

‫ݱ‬ ‫ݱ‬ ‫ݱ‬ ‫ݱ‬ ‫ݱ‬

2020

THE SOUTHERN

Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria January

Recycle your eligible agvet containers at your nearest drumMUSTER collection point. Visit the drumMUSTER website to find the nearest collection site to you. Remember, every container counts.

Solar Powered

Automatic Gate Openers Remote Controlled ɍ ɍ

ɍ

ɍ

ɍ

ɍ ɍ

Solar or 240volt or low voltage Heavy Duty, 24volt DC Elite Swing Gate Drove Unit that opens/closes gate, in approx 12/13 seconds Positive Gate Self-locking system. Gate cannot be pushed open when closed Switch on control box enables gate to remain open or automatically close 2 x Batteries that when fully charged will maintain operation of gate for 2-3 weeks, without any sun to re-charge batteries 20 watt of Monocrystalline Solar panels, guaranteed for 10 years 2 x Remore controls for vehicles

Many other options including Visitor buttons - Wireless or Hard wired Wireless keypads Vehicle loops that open gate when driven over Remote controlled gate lock - disables all visitor buttons from your vehicle remote Photo Electric sensors. Stops gate closing on slow moving vehicles. Remote controls that control gate from up to 5km away Gate opening alarm that warns gate is opening up to 5kms away

Freecall 1800 141 555 “Have Gate? We’ll open it”

SOLARTRONICS

www.solartronics.com.au

Su Mo Tu We 1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29

February

Th 2 9 16 23 30

Fr 3 10 17 24 31

Sa 4 11 18 25

March

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Su 1 8 15 22 29

Mo 2 9 16 23 30

Tu 3 10 17 24 31

We 4 11 18 25

Th 5 12 19 26

Fr 6 13 20 27

Rainfall Chart

Sa 7 14 21 28

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1 2 3

April

May

June

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

July

August

September

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

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Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

November

December

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

NOTES: .................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... 2020 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Public Holidays New Year’s Day: Jan 1 Australia Day: Jan 27 Labour Day: Mar 9 Good Friday*: Apr 10 Easter Saturday: Apr 11

Easter Sunday: Apr 12 Easter Monday: Apr 13 ANZAC Day*: Apr 25 Queen’s Birthday: Jun 8 AFL Grand Final Eve: Sep 25 Melbourne Cup: Nov 3

Christmas Day*: Dec 25 Boxing Day: Dec 28^ *Restricted trading days ^ As Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, this is an additional public holiday

4 For more info call 08 8468 4190 or visit johnshearer.com.au

5 6 7 8 9

Leaf, Twig & Stick Rake

For Ride on Mowers - Over 3,700 sold

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

October

EMERGENCY CONTACTS Police, Ambulance, Fire

The Bushfire Enquiry Line

000

1800 240 677

SES (Storm and Emergency)

NURSE-ON-CALL

13 25 00

1300 60 60 24

.com.au

Rake up those leaves

19

sales@stumpmansales.com

20

1800 819 493

www.stumpmansales.com

21 22 23 24

SALES, SPARES & SERVICE

On site servicing and repairs to farm equipment and vehicles in Silvan and surrounding Yarra Valley

25 26 27 28 29 30

makes a difference

249-251 Monbulk Road, Silvan Vic 3795

Phone: (03) 9737 9255

Email: sales@darmacag.com.au

Web: www.darmacag.com.au

31

TOTAL MM PROG TOTAL

BEEF WEEK

Page 16, Southern Farmer

January 2020

Elite cattle to be found at Torr Down 12: LQWR WKHLU UG year of breeding South 'HYRQV 7RUU 'RZQ 6RXWK Devons are more motiYDWHG WKDQ HYHU MXVWLo ably so due to the positive feedback from recent SXUFKDVHUV RI WKHLU EXOOV especially those used in crossbreeding herds. The Torr Down herd is small but elite and the cattle are the best the stud has ever bred. Which is as it should be DFFRUGLQJ WR -RKQ DQG 6XH +DUYH\ RZQHUV RI 7RUU Down. $OO SXUHEUHGV DUH polled and a few bulls will be available for sale from Beef Week onwards. “We have been joining RXU o UVW FDOYLQJ KHLIHUV

WR $NDXVKL 5HG :DJ\X semen for the past three years and are very happy ZLWK WKH SURJHQ\ y -RKQ said. “Very small at birth they have good growth and scan very well. k$OVR DYDLODEOH ZLOO EH one 22 month old poll EXOO LI QRW VROG SULRU “Scanned on SepWHPEHU WKH EXOO UHFRUGHG ZHOO ZLWK )$7 DW (0$ DW DQG ,0) DW SHU FHQW q KH V D JUHDW investment. k$OVR IRU VDOH ZLOO EH WKUHH \RXQJHU 5 : ; 6 ' EXOOV ERUQ 2FWREHU and we will be scanning WKHVH SULRU WR %HHI :HHN so all prospective buyers ZLOO NQRZ H[DFWO\ ZKDW

these great bulls will add to their commercial KHUG y ,Q WKH +DUYH\V \HDUV since emigrating from 6RXWK 'HYRQ 8QLWHG .LQJGRP ZLWK D QX FOHXV RI 3HGLJUHH 6RXWK 'HYRQV WKH\ DUH QRZ o QGLQJ WKH LQWHUHVW LQ WKH breed to be at an all-time high. k,W V LQFUHGLEO\ VSHFLDO and rewarding for us SHUVRQDOO\ LQ WKH WZLOLJKW RI RXU FDUHHU WR VHH WKLV recognition of the South 'HYRQ y -RKQ VDLG f IMPRESSIVE: Demonstrating amazing conformation and scanning extremely well is Torr Down Mikado 1.

China’s pull on Australian red meat THE amount of meat soaked up by China from the global market in the last two years has been unprecedented. 'XULQJ WKH o UVW PRQWKV RI $XVWUDOLDQ EHHI H[ ports have increased 75 per FHQW \HDU RQ \HDU ZKLOH lamb and mutton have jumped 32 per cent and 52 SHU FHQW UHVSHFWLYHO\ &KLQD o QLVKHG DV $XVWUDOLD V ODUJHVW EHHI DQG VKHHSPHDW H[SRUW PDUNHW This growth has been under way for a number of \HDUV DV DQ HPHUJLQJ FODVV RI DIp XHQW FRQVXPHUV LQFUHDV LQJO\ GHPDQG TXDOLW\ PHDW but has been supercharged E\ WKH VLJQLo FDQW KROH $IUL FDQ 6ZLQH )HYHU $6) KDV OHIW LQ &KLQD V GRPHVWLF SRUN production. $XVWUDOLD KDV QRW EHHQ DORQH LQ WKLV SLYRW ZLWK 1HZ Zealand sheepmeat and 6RXWK $PHULFDQ EHHI UHFRUG LQJ HTXDOO\ PDVVLYH H[SRUW growth to China over the last year. +RZHYHU PHDW SURGXFWLRQ systems cannot adapt quickly HQRXJK FRQVWUDLQHG E\ ELRO RJ\ DQG UHVRXUFHV WR NHHS SDFH ZLWK &KLQD V LQVDWLDEOH appetite. +HQFH VRPH H[SRUW PDU

kets have borne the brunt of buying competition from China. $V GLVFXVVHG UHFHQWO\ WKH imported US manufacturing beef market has come under VLJQLo FDQW EX\LQJ SUHVVXUH IURP &KLQD EXW LW KDV QRW been alone. China drawing in range of beef cuts $XVWUDOLDQ EHHI H[SRUWV LQ creased seven per cent yearRQ \HDU LQ WKH o UVW PRQWKV RI VXSSRUWHG E\ HOHYDW ed drought-induced female slaughter and near-record QXPEHUV EHLQJ o QLVKHG RQ grain. +RZHYHU WR DFFRXQW IRU the huge growth in trade to &KLQD D UDQJH RI KLJK DQG low value cuts have also shifted market. ,QWHUHVWLQJO\ PDQXIDFWXU LQJ EHHI H[SRUWV KDYH RQO\ increased one per cent so far this year – at odds with the rest of the trade and the elevated cow slaughter – indicating that many secondary primal cuts are being directed to China instead of ending up in manufacturing combos. :KLOH DQ H[WUD tonnes swt of manufacturing beef has gone to China so far WKLV \HDU KLQGTXDUWHU FXWV

q SDUWLFXODUO\ VKLQ NQXFNOHV DQG RXWVLGHV q KDYH H[SDQG HG E\ WRQQHV VKLSSHG ZHLJKW VZW Much of this growth has come from reduced shipPHQWV WR WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV -D SDQ ,QGRQHVLD DQG &DQDGD which together have received WRQQHV VZW OHVV RI $XV tralian manufacturing beef this year. 0HDQZKLOH -DSDQ PRVWO\ WKLQ p DQN .RUHD VKLQ DQG WRSVLGH DQG WKH 86 WRSVLGH WKLQ p DQN DQG RXWVLGH KDYH UHFHLYHG WRQQHV VZW less of hindquarter cuts between them over the same period. /RLQ DQG IRUHTXDUWHU H[ ports to China have grown EXW WR D OHVVHU H[WHQW WKDQ manufacturing and hindTXDUWHU FXWV UHp HFWLQJ WKH price-sensitive nature of the market and suggesting beef growth is offsetting the disappearance of cheaper pork across some channels. Forequarter cuts to China have mostly been directed from product previously desWLQHG IRU -DSDQ SDUWLFXODUO\ JUDLQIHG EULVNHW DQG .RUHD JUDVVIHG EULVNHW DQG EODGH ZKLFK KDYH UHFHLYHG tonnes swt less of forequarter cuts between them.

Striploins and cube rolls have seen the greatest growth WR &KLQD RI WKH VZHHW FXWV DW WKH H[SHQVH RI UHGXFHG JUDVV fed cube rolls shipped to Taiwan and grassfed striploins to the EU. ([SRUWV WR -DSDQ DQG .RUHD have both registered falls in grainfed striploins and cube rolls. :KLOH -DSDQ DQG .RUHD have seen some cuts bear witness to buying pressure IURP &KLQD WKH\ ERWK UHPDLQ critically valuable markets for $XVWUDOLD -DSDQ LQ SDUWLFXODU LV VWLOO $XVWUDOLD V ODUJHVW JUDLQIHG beef market – twice that of China – with long-established relationships and strong conVXPHU UHFRJQLWLRQ RI $XVWUDO ian beef. 0RUHRYHU ERWK JUDVVIHG DQG JUDLQIHG $XVWUDOLDQ EHHI H[SRUWV WR -DSDQ DUH DERYH where they were just three years ago. 6KLSPHQWV WR .RUHD PHDQZKLOH KDYH EHHQ UH stricted by the triggering of VDIHJXDUGV LQ 2FWREHU ZLWK certain cuts switching across to China primarily from September. Smallstock record big stock shift Lamb has been less af-

IHFWHG E\ WKH GUDZ RI &KLQD ZLWK H[SRUW JURZWK UHFRUGHG DFURVV PRVW PDMRU H[SRUW PDUNHWV VR IDU LQ Iran was the only notable country to record a marked decline in lamb imports from $XVWUDOLD EXW WKDW ZDV GULYHQ by removal of currency subVLGLHV DQG DFFHVV WR o QDQFH q following the reimposition of US sanctions – as opposed to strong demand from China. 0XWWRQ H[SRUWV KRZHYHU have declined across nearly DOO PDUNHWV EDU &KLQD LQFOXG LQJ WKH 86 6DXGL $UDELD WKH 8$( .XZDLW DQG 0DOD\VLD compounded further by reduced sheep slaughter from -XO\ WKURXJK WR 6HSWHPEHU &DUFDVH OHJ EUHDVW DQG p DS UHPDLQ WKH SULPDU\ PXW WRQ LWHPV GHVWLQHG IRU &KLQD with the greatest volume being redirected from frozen mutton carcases previously H[SRUWHG WR WKH 0LGGOH (DVW *RDWPHDW H[SRUWV D QLFKH product targeting the US ethQLF PDUNHW KDV QRW UHJLVWHUHG any trade redirection on account of China. Australia still more diverVLo HG WKDQ PRVW While China has been the largest growth marNHW RI $XVWUDOLD VWLOO maintains a relatively di-

YHUVLILHG H[SRUW SRUWIROLR 6R IDU WKLV \HDU &KLQD KDV accounted for 23 per cent and SHU FHQW RI $XVWUDOLD V EHHI DQG VKHHSPHDW H[SRUWV UH spectively. ,Q WKH 86 DQG -DSDQ both had a slightly higher VKDUH RI EHHI H[SRUWV DW per cent apiece. ,Q FRQWUDVW 1HZ =HDODQG KDV VHQW SHU FHQW DQG per cent of their beef and VKHHSPHDW H[SRUWV UHVSHF WLYHO\ WR &KLQD VR IDU LQ %UD]LO V EHHI H[SRUW VKDUH WR &KLQD LQFOXVLYH RI +RQJ .RQJ VR IDU WKLV \HDU LV SHU FHQW ZKLOH $UJHQWLQD SHU FHQW DQG 8UXJXD\ SHU FHQW DUH HYHQ PRUH KLJKO\ geared towards the market. $XVWUDOLD DW WKH HQG RI WKH GD\ FDQQRW IHHG WKH JURZLQJ DSSHWLWH RI &KLQD DORQH OHW DORQH o OO WKH JDS OHIW LQ WKH ZDNH RI $6) Finding the most suitable customer for each red meat SURGXFW DFURVV D GLYHUVLo HG array of markets will continXH WR GULYH WKH YDOXH RI $XV WUDOLDQ H[SRUWV q QRW VLPSO\ chasing one single market. +RZHYHU WKH EX\LQJ SRZ er of China and the impact of $6) ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR EH D NH\ theme cutting across all globDO PHDW PDUNHWV LQ

BEEF WEEK BEECHWORTH

TORR DOWN SOUTH DEVON'S

Email: jarobee@bigpond.com

DAY 2 THURSDAY 30TH JANUARY 2020 Robinson Rd, Beechworth The Robinson Family invite you to inspect a range of Cattle including Bulls for Sale at our Autumn Bull Sale on FRIDAY 20TH MARCH 2020.

Enquiries welcome.

Alan & Jan Robinson TORR DOWN SOUTH DEVON’S Torr Down Dynamo - aged 2 years A.I. Sire Top U.K. Bloodline www.torrdownsouthdevons.com.au OPEN DAY Sunday February 2nd 2020

Mobile: 0429 324 124

J-BAS 7 Biosecurity Plan

Greg White 0417 215 883 Brett Shea 0428 691 489 Peter Ruaro 0447 600 825

BEEF WEEK

January 2020

Southern Farmer, Page 17

Predicting fertility of dairy cows a game changer

GREAT CREDENTIALS: With strong top lines and good butt shape, Pelican Rise have also bred softness into their breeding program.

The Pelican Rise assurance to meet buyer’s requirements PELICAN Rise is pleased to invite you to view their Limousin bulls and females on Monday, February 3 at their Irrewarra property, 3.2 kilometres north of the Princes Highway on the Colac Ballarat road. ,Q EUHHGLQJ WKHLU FDWWOH WKH oYH key elements Pelican Rise focuses on are: z maximising 200 and 400 day growth indicating early maturing animals suitable for vealer production; z all herd animals must have quiet temperaments and be easy to work with, and pelican Rise guarantees the docility of their animals;

z the animals offered for sale are either homozygous polled, heterozygous polled or scurred; z the structure meets the requirements for a long productive life’ and z ease of calving is catered for ZLWKRXW VDFULoFLQJ JURZWK SRtential. Further to this Pelican Rise breeds to retain good butt shape and strong top lines while delivering softness into the breeding program. They recognise that there needs to be different types of both males and females to cater for the different breeding

programs that they may go into and this is evident in their herd as they have a range of size and styles to meet the buyer’s requirements. Their breeding program includes high use of AI sires plus two very well credentialled herd bulls both of which will have semen available for purchase in 2020. The sale bulls are grass fed and topped up with silage during summer, but they do get a very small amount of grain or pellets during pen weaning. EBVs (expected breeding val-

ues) are available for all sale animals. Prior to sale all Pelican Rise bulls are veterinary checked to ensure they are healthy, fertile and structurally sound. For buyers that prefer black Limousin, Pelican Rise do have two cracking black bulls for sale this year and typically breed a few black bulls and females each year. While their open day for Beef Week is on February 3, if this does not suit your timing please call Chris Meade, owner of Pelican Rise, for an appointment at a mutually acceptable time.

AGRICULTURE Victoria research scientists have developed a model that can predict how likely a dairy cow is to conceive to first insemination with up to 77 per cent accuracy. The world-first research combines midinfrared spectroscopy (MIR) – which shines an infrared light through cows’ milk – with other on-farm data for 3000 dairy cows from 19 herds across Australia. Cow fertility is a key driver of profitability for Australia’s dairy industry but until now there has been little research towards enabling farmers to predict the outcome of insemination. Agriculture Victoria research scientist and leader of this DairyBio initiative, Professor Jennie Pryce, said dairy farmers could use this research to optimise their breeding decisions, increasing farm productivity and profitability. “The expected outcome of this research is a valuable prediction tool for farmers who choose to herd-test in early lactation, before the joining season starts,” she said. “We are now collaborating with DataGene and the herd test centres, working towards implementing the research and providing the best advice for farmers.” Agriculture Victoria research scientist Dr Phuong Ho said farmers could optimise breeding decisions using prior knowledge of how likely an individual cow is to become pregnant after insemination. “Sexed or premium bull semen could be used for cows predicted to have a high likelihood of conception, whereas cows with predicted poor fertility could be mated using semen from beef bulls, multiple doses, or semen from bulls of known high genetic merit for fertility,” Dr Ho said. “Additionally, farmers might adjust feeding or management strategies to help predicted poor cows improve their physiological condition and probability of conception.” The model combines information from milk MIR samples, which farmers routinely collect, with information on fertility genomic breeding values, cow genotype, milk yield, age of cow at lactation and days in milk when the sample was taken, and at insemination. The model is currently undergoing extensive validation using data from New South Wales dairy farms before being made available to dairy farmers. This research is another example of how Agriculture Victoria research scientists are expanding the use of MIR technology to enable farmers to make smarter and more profitable management decisions for their herds. This research is part of the DairyBio initiative between Agriculture Victoria, Dairy Australia and the Gardiner Foundation, in collaboration with DataGene. The paper, Classifying the Fertility of dairy cows using milk mid-infrared spectroscopy, is published in the Journal of Dairy Science.

LIMOUSIN CA R U O arra proper TTL W t y w E o e I V r Irr (Monday, 3rd February 2020)n Da E

ou t a

property with livestock is legally required to have a Property Identification Code (PIC). Live now, the campaign ‘Get your pig a PIC’ is aimed at people who might have a pet pig, or a small herd, through advertising on traditional and social media. Victoria’s acting chief veterinary officer Cameron Bell said PICs were a key part of Victoria’s biosecurity system. Dr Bell said PICs were free and easy to obtain through the Agriculture Victoria website. Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/PIC or call 136 186.

or any other time by appointment.

L I M O U S I N

y8

S T U D

We will have 12 bulls, 2018 born bulls available. For an appointment call Chris on 0418 520 574 or visit on our Beef Week day.

j/30d02911/02-20

ALL ANIMALS NEED A PIC: Agriculture Victoria is reminding pig owners that every

during Beef Week

BEEF WEEK

Page 18, Southern Farmer

January 2020

All about the breed at Black Diamond “I’M farming through and through,� Murray Van der Drift of Black Diamond Speckle Parks and Macorna Limousins said with a laugh. “I can talk cows all day,� he added, his passion evident for Speckle Parks and Limousins which the family specialise in. Murray Van der Drift is third generation farming, working the land of his grandfather in the tiny town of Macorna, 100 kilometres west of Echuca. His grandfather ran a commercial beef operation, however, it was Murray’s father ZKR DW ERXJKW WKH o UVW French Limousins as stud stock and embarked on a new enterprise, building up a stud. It was 25 years later in 2014, that the Speckle Parks were added to the portfolio as the Van der Drifts were looking to add another pure breed to their commercial herd to balance out the muscle in the Limousins. “It’s hard to put fat on a French Limousin,� Murray said. “They’re designed for muscle, and so initially we were putting the Limos over a British bred cow to give the softness, but ultimately we wanted a breed that had the performance in muscle but did not compromise on fat cover. “We did our research and were intrigued by the Speckles which were relatively new to Australia but kept winning the

carcass competitions in Canada where they were developed, so we gave them a go. “And we’ve been impressed ever since. “Initially it was four cows and two bulls and we thought we wanted to try them in the commercial herd with the Angus, which were usually covered by Limos. “Can I say that we were so pleased with the results, that we started Black Diamond Speckle Parks so we could breed our own stud quality bulls.� A multi-purpose breed with a moderate frame, Speckle Parks can meet so many commercial markets with their doing ability on grass and in feed lots. “They have a consistent high quality carcass across the board,� Murray said. “It’s just the breed. “And they’re tough – real tough, surviving in 40 degrees below in Canada and 40 degrees above in Australia. “Adapting to harsh climatic situations they can pretty much survive on the smell of an oily rag. “And then they have that beautiful hide that everyone loves. “They look pretty in a paddock, they just tick so many boxes.� The Van der Drifts have been to Canada three times now, intent on championing this amazing breed down under. “We source our genetics

FAMILY AFFAIR: (Left to right) The Van der Drift siblings with Rebecca at the front, and Emily, Blake and Murray collecting their ribbons for Interbreed Reserve Champions Group of Three at the Royal Geelong Show.

straight from the heartland,� Murray said. “We are going back to the roots of the breed, and strivLQJ WR o QG WKH EHVW JHQHWLFV the breed has to offer. “Our goal has been to increase the genetic diversity of the Speckle Parks in our herd.� And this approach appears to be paying the big dividends, with the Black Diamond progeny enjoying success at local and interstate shows. “We show like crazy,� Mur-

ray said, with obvious enjoyment. “Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, we do the three royal shows and then plenty of others in between. “Three years ago we won Supreme Speckle Park in Adelaide’s Speckle Park Feature Show, and only just recently we won Junior Champion Interbreed Bull at Geelong from an embryo that we had imported.� These are just two of many notable accolades and awards ZRQ E\ D VWXG WKDW DW RQO\ o YH

years old is already kicking VLJQLo FDQW JRDOV “The shows are important as we get to gauge how our cattle are performing against others, and as the breed is relatively new not only in Australia but world-wide, we can benchmark our programs against our peers, and use this knowledge to learn and adapt,� Murray said. “And as every show is different, we never take any two teams the same. “In fact there is little to no cross-over between our au-

tumn and spring show season transition, with our objective being to always showcase our new cattle and what we’re achieving. “The spring shows we broke in 39 head of cattle, and then we turned around and broke in another 31 for the autumn shows, which included calves, steers, heifers, bulls. “It’s important for us to showcase our herd across the board, so that clients see many aspects of our breeding program.� This also applies to the Limousins which the Van der Drifts also show, with the highest accolade they’ve achieved scoring them the title of Grand Champion Female at the 2019 National Show and Sale. With such an impressive line-up of sires and progeny, Beef Week at Black Diamond Speckle Park and Macorna Limousins should not be missed. With over 100 heifers, bulls and upcoming calves on display, in both Speckle Park and Limousin, any prospective clients regardless of their location should make the roadtrip as Murray guarantees they won’t be disappointed. “We’re all for the breeds and showcasing them, I may only be 23 but I already know that I’m going to be in this for a while, and the Speckle Parks have already won me over,� he said.

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January 2020

Southern Farmer, Page 19

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NEWS

Page 20, Southern Farmer

January 2020

Investing in the next generation of Vic farmers THIRTEEN young farmers from across Victoria have received the State Government’s Upskill and Invest Young Farmer Scholarships, supporting the state’s future agriculture leaders to shine. Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes recently announced the winners of the fifth round of scholarships, delivering on the government’s election commitment and celebrating young farmers from around Victoria across diverse agriculture sectors including goat

dairy, cropping, chestnuts and livestock. “Young farmers are crucial to the ongoing success of our $14.9 billion agriculture industry and the innovative work these farmers are doing will help us meet the growing demand for Victoria’s high quality, safe produce from right around the world,� Ms Symes said. Upskill and Invest Young Farmer Scholarships are worth up to $10,000 per farmer – with $5000 to upskill through training and study in areas

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Discover a hands-on degree with a big future ACCOUNTING for over 319,000 Australian jobs, the agriculture industry is providing young people with a range of rewarding career paths across sectors including science, technology, business and policy. Just ask Clare Jensen, Bachelor of Agriculture student at the University of Melbourne. “I know people who have graduated and are now journalists, working in banks or working on-farm,� she said. “There’s no limit to where an agriculture degree can take you.� Beginning her journey in the Diploma in General Studies, which she used as a one-year pathway into her University of Melbourne undergraduate degree, Clare spent her first year at the Dookie campus in the Goulburn Valley region. “I’d recommend spending at least a semester at Dookie campus,� she said. “It’s a wonderful way to experience how a farm is run.� Clare has already found that her studies have opened doors. “I did an industry internship subject, so I did a placement working on-farm during the calving period,� she said. “In another one of my subjects, I ended up being offered summer jobs at two organisations.� For Clare, the practical application of her learning and the network she’s built is key to the success of the program. “I’m a hands-on learner,� she said. “The fact that I can apply my learning at Dookie campus has helped me so much.� Agriculture is an industry where networking and connections are key – Clare believes all the connections she’s made at university will help her secure jobs in the future.

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WATER MANAGEMENT / IRRIGATION

January 2020

Hydrosmart solving hard water issues

HARD bore water brings with it a unique mix of salts, calcium and/or iron. These minerals can cause plants to struggle or die, and result in white or orange crusty build-up occurring inside the pipes, sprays and drip lines of homes, farms and businesses. The team at Hydrosmart have been conducting years RI VFLHQWLo F WULDOV DQG DUH continually solving these hard water issues simply and electronically by using a physical water method far in advance of magnets. The business is based in Adelaide, South Australia from where they manufacture, consult by phone, pack and ship their electronic water appliance all around Australia to help those in need. Hydrosmart is a very simple long-term sustainable techQRORJ\ WKDW XVHV MXVW o YH ZDWWV RI SRZHU WR HOHFWURQLFDOO\ o [ VLJQLo FDQW ZDWHU SUREOHPV Many homestead owners with lawns, gardens, crops and stock who have run out of ‘sweet’ rain and dam water sources are suddenly forced to use a salty, mineralised bore or creek instead. Often, they use it for a while and then begin to notice that it causes damage to plants, which is often caused by mineral salts strangling off water uptake at the root zone. In severe cases it rapidly kills the garden or crop and leaves soil damaged by blocking its pores, causing tightening so that water can no longer penetrate to the plant’s roots. Salty water also causes corrosion, chewing out galYDQLVHG PHWDO SLSHV DQG o W tings, causing them to leak like a sieve. The team at Hydrosmart are very experienced at discussing individual water-related problems.

PROVEN RESULTS: Craig Osborne, a D25 EO user, loves it on his farm for all lawn, garden, horse and house purposes.

Through phone consultations or emails, Hydrosmart supplies accurate information with a simple-to-applyand-run approach so that the client can maximise their water supply’s potential in the situation. Providing free consultation, they assist you to diagQRVH WKH EHVW ORFDWLRQ WR o W a unit and the correct way to apply their unique electronic low frequency approach ZKLFK QHHGV QR o OWHUV FKHP icals or consumables – ever. Hydrosmart is hydrosmart. 7KH WHFKQRORJ\ o WV LQ PLQ utes and lasts for decades using only the tiniest amount of power to run, and can be solar powered if needed. In use on a wide range of water problems around Australia and overseas, Hydrosmart technology is used by the following businesses to create solutions: z BHP and Rio Tinto for water softening; z Adelaide Zoo and Ocean Park-Shark Bay for water clarity and algae improvements;

z the Manly, Bunbury and Cromer Golf Courses for iron removal and prevention; z the Adelaide Oval for salt remediation; z the Katherine Country Club for scale removal and prevention; z Table Grapes Cunnamulla to address salinity; and z the Spirit of Tasmania for scale removal and prevention. For over a decade, Dr Bob Moore led a rigorous research and development program that assisted the FRPSDQ\ WR HYROYH VFLHQWLo F understanding and to improve on outcomes. Australian-made for Australian problems, Hydrosmart technology results in dramatic crop yield improvements in both bad and good water sources and as a result is well on its way to becoming a global leader in the area of frequencies and water treatment. For more information contact Hydrosmart on freecall 1300 138 223, www.hydrosmart.com.au or info@ hydrosmart.com.au.

Southern Farmer, Page 21

Save our soils before it’s too late THE top threats facing Australian soils — erosion, contamination, urban encroachment, salinity and climate change — must be addressed or prevented through a nationally co-ordinated approach before irreversible damage is done according to the national peak body for soils. The inaugural Save our Soils: Australian Soil Snapshot 2020 commissioned by Soil Science Australia, released on December 5 for World Soil Day, suggests protection of Australia’s most valuable natural asset, now worth $1 trillion per year, will demand coordinated education, datasharing, research, policy and on-farm application to achieve sustainable land management on a national scale. “Soil is the living skin of the earth, supporting our food production, economy and health, yet our valuable soils are under increasing attack,� Associate Professor Mosley, president Soil Science Australia, said. “Erosion from wind and water is the most obvious risk to soil. “Everyone understands dust storms, but these can rip a trailer load of fertile topsoil per hour per hectare from an average farm which is terrifying. “What does that mean for

MAJOR THREATS: Better soil management can help farms become more resilient in drought by improving waterretention capacity.

future harvests? “What does it mean for that farming family? “With 10 per cent loss of crop yield forecast by 2050 our ability to sustain livelihoods and our food and fibre production is threatened,� he said. Furthermore, with only around 10 per cent of Australia suitable for crops or improved pasture, the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events are decreasing that parcel every year. “Longer and harsher droughts are sucking the life out of soils and battering too many regional communities as well,� Associate Professor Mosley said. “Our farmers are looking for new answers but there is still a disconnect with the soil science.� The fallout from poor soil management can be felt for generations yet sustainable agricultural practices can dramatically reduce soil damage and improve productivity. The report highlighted other soil issues like urban encroachment onto valuable agricultural land, acidification, salinisation and contamination as common threats that are

increasing across Australia. “On one level, we understand how to fix these problems, but this will require investment and everyone working together on this urgent national priority,� Associate Professor Mosley said. “We need to strike the right balance between growth and land care, and we must reframe our approach to soil management through an integrated strategy that brings soil scientists, researchers, policymakers and farmers together.� Associate Professor Mosley said despite the challenges most landowners wanted to improve their soils. “Information and education is everything,� he said. “Australia has some of the oldest, poorest soils on earth, but we also have some of the most innovative and resilient farmers and communities who really care about their land. “We can sustain our economy, environment and feed the planet if we save our soils. “We need soil security in Australia, it’s not just about water. “A world without soils would be a world without life. “It all begins and ends beneath our feet.�

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FIRE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

Page 22, Southern Farmer

January 2020

PREPARED: Malmsbury firefighters establishing a “wet� control line.

Ecological burn benefits the community and environment AN ecological burn recently conducted in Malmsbury will have a positive impact on the community, Malmsbury Fire Brigade and the environment. The planned burn conducted in a grassland area on the northern boundary of Malmsbury township was organised and led by Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s local bushland contractor Envirotechniques, supported by staff from Southern Ecosystem Management and a crew from Malmsbury Fire Brigade. The weather conditions on the day were considered optimal to undertake an ignition of the 1.9 hectares of grassland which will promote native grassland species and provide a significant break on

the north-west township boundary prior to summer. Malmsbury captain Tony Stephens sees the burn as a win for the community, its fire brigade and the environment. “This is the second planned burn we’ve done with council,� Tony said. “It not only provides protection in an area north of the township, but it also helps establish grasses native to the area. “It was also a fantastic opportunity for our members to get some burn practice and get some skills recorded in their workbooks for crew leader sign-off. “The environmental and fire risk reduction outcomes for the town are great. “It shows when we all work together we can get great results.�

WINNERS: Harold Montgomery, Bryan Suckling, Elaine Hamilton, Michelle McLean and Kerry Laurie accepting the award recently.

A Culture of Fire takes out Innovation Award CFA is the joint winner of the Innovation Award in the Volunteering Victoria State Awards held on December 20. The Volunteering Victoria State Awards provide the opportunity to showcase remarkable leadership and impact of Victoria’s innovative volunteering programs, creative leaders of volunteers and diverse volunteer-involving organisations. ,Q LWV o IWK \HDU 9ROXQWHHU ing Victoria State Awards had some high quality entrants in the Innovation category, including Eastern Palliative Care

and Solve Disability Solutions, and CFA shared the award with Golden Square Pool in Bendigo. CFA’s Koori Inclusion Project, “A Culture of Fire�, involved a team of 30 CFA volunteers, staff and local Traditional Owners, led by District 20, travelling to the Gulf of Carpentaria. The project gave the CFA people an opportunity to learn about traditional burning practices, biodiversity, protection of sacred sites, indigenous culture and ancient ways to care for country. “Our awards are the leading recognition for excellence

in Victoria’s volunteer leaderVKLS y FKLHI H[HFXWLYH RIo FHU Volunteering Victoria Scott Miller said. “Volunteering Victoria congratulates the CFA on winning the Innovation Award for a unique program that created a strong connection between the CFA and Traditional Owners and has enabled volunteers to learn and share vital knowledge with their own communities.� Project coordinator Regional BASO Elaine Hamilton, Commander Bryan Suckling and captain of Wyuna Fire Brigade Har-

old Montgomery were present to accept the award, along with CFA board deputy chair Michelle McLean and CFA volunteer sustainability manager Kerry Laurie. “This award recognises how VLJQLo FDQW LW LV IRU RXU SHRSOH to work closely with our Traditional Owners to carry out initiatives,� Elaine said. “The project was a great learning and relationshipbuilding opportunity for our people, and we’re hoping to further develop our knowledge and relationships in this area in future.�

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FIRE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

January 2020

Southern Farmer, Page 23

Invasion of weeds warning after drought, fire or flood emergency THE risk of weed invasion, and their impact on farms and the environment dramatically increases during and after an emergency such DV GURXJKW o UH RU p RRG The problem is often compounded, as dealing with other pressing emergency response and recovery issues, the spread of weeds can RIWHQ EH RYHUORRNHG It is not until some months after the emergency that it becomes obvious that weed impact may be a most costly OHJDF\ WR WKH IDUPHU To minimise this risk, farmers and land managers can implement some simple actions which may save money, environmental values and avoid future stress while recovering from DQ HPHUJHQF\ The activity that poses the greatest risk of weed invasion during and after an emergency is the movement and importation of hay and grain as stockfeed onto IDUPODQG Be especially careful of feed imported from interstate, which could potentially carry new weeds into 9LFWRULD What can you do? Stockfeed on farm z Check the origin of your hay or grain stockfeed:

Unique blade system

REGROWTH: Pasture after fire can be weed prone and susceptible to invasive species.

f Has it come from a known weed-infested area? f Ask the supplier for ZULWWHQ FHUWLo FDWLRQ RQ DQ\ SRWHQWLDO ZHHG FRQWHQW z Where possible source locally grown feed to reduce the chance of introducing new weeds that are not already present and known LQ \RXU ORFDOLW\ z Keep records of purchased hay or grain stockfeed: f content; f location sourced; f producer; f date purchased; f transporter; and f IHHG RXW DUHD z )HHG RXW LQ D FRQo QHG area away from drainage lines (stock containment

areas) to reduce the likelihood of weeds being spread WKURXJKRXW \RXU SURSHUW\ z Monitor feed-out areas regularly and be suspicious of unfamiliar plants that JHUPLQDWH z 8WLOLVH ZHHG LGHQWLo FD tion skills of Department of Environment and Primary Industry staff to identify VXVSHFW SODQWV Transporting hay or grain stockfeed z Care should be taken to avoid the spread of weeds onto road reserves and adjaFHQW ODQG z Vehicles should be cleaned down after deliverLHV z Vehicle cleaning should occur in a designated area to

prevent weed dispersal and contain new infestations for HDVLHU PDQDJHPHQW z During drought, keep an eye on local roadsides and for 12 months afterwards, to detect new weed infestaWLRQV Stock: z Building up stock numbers when recovering from an emergency is also another high risk activity that can LQWURGXFH ZHHGV z Quarantine new stock for up to 14 days, allowing time for viable seed to pass WKURXJK WKH DQLPDO z Check for weed seed in p HHFH DQG FRQWLQXH WR FKHFN for the weeds in areas with QHZ VWRFN z Where possible, pur-

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z Use contractors that are accredited in vehicle/maFKLQHU\ K\JLHQH Fire: z )LUHo JKWLQJ DFWLYLWLHV may spread weeds – monitor DUHDV EXUQW E\ ZLOGo UH IRU ZHHG JHUPLQDWLRQ z Ensure that vehicles and equipment of contractors/ advisors are clean and free of weeds before entering and leaving your property to replenish water supplies, UHKDELOLWDWH o UH EUHDNV FOHDU fence lines and re-establish YHJHWDWLRQ z Weed seeds can also be HDVLO\ VSUHDG E\ ZDWHU p RZ across bare ground during UDLQ HYHQWV Flood: z Weed propagules can EH GLVSHUVHG LQ p RRG ZDWHUV Monitor areas previously p RRGHG IRU PRQWKV DIWHU wards to detect new weed LQIHVWDWLRQV z Weed propagules can easily attach to vehicles and equipment in muddy conditions and when being moved between properties to repair p RRG GDPDJH DQG DVVLVW ZLWK recovery, they can pose a KLJK ULVN RI ZHHG VSUHDG Ensure that vehicles and equipment of contractors/ advisors are clean and free of weeds before entering and OHDYLQJ \RXU SURSHUW\

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FIRE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

Page 24, Southern Farmer

January 2020

Financial help for those affected by bushfires 7+( 'HSDUWPHQW RI +XPDQ 6HUYLFHV KDV LVVXHG LPSRUWDQW LQIRUPDWLRQ IRU SHRSOH DIIHFWHG E\ WKH )HEUXDU\ DQG 0DUFK 9LFWRULDQ EXVKo UHV 'LVDVWHU 5HFRYHU\ $OORZDQFH LV QRZ DYDLODEOH IRU HOLJLEOH SHRSOH OLYLQJ LQ WKH ORFDO JRYHUQPHQW DUHDV RI $OSLQH %DZ %DZ %HQDOOD &DPSDVSH &DUGLQLD (DVW *LSSVODQG ,QGLJR /DWUREH 0DFHGRQ 5DQJHV 0DQVo HOG 0LWFKHOO 0XUULQGLQGL

6RXWK *LSSVODQG 7RZRQJ :DQJDUDWWD :HOOLQJWRQ DQG <DUUD 5DQJHV $XVWUDOLDQ *RYHUQPHQW 'LVDVWHU 5HFRYHU\ 3D\PHQW LV DOVR DYDLODEOH IRU HOLJLEOH SHRSOH OLYLQJ LQ WKH ORFDO JRYHUQPHQW DUHDV RI %DZ %DZ &DUGLQLD DQG /DWUREH 7KH TXLFNHVW ZD\ WR PDNH D FODLP LV E\ FDOOLQJ 7KH OLQH LV RSHQ IURP DP WR SP 0RQGD\ WR )ULGD\

BE PREPARED THIS FIRE SEASON! 400L SILVAN HONDA DAVEY UNIT / 4 Stroke 5.5HP GX160 Honda Engine, direct coupled Impellor / Fuel capacity 3.6L (Unleaded), 2 hours approx run time / 80psi max pressure or 425L/Min open flow

SQF400D-1

$3,549

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All Silvan FireFighting units come fully assembled and tested ready for use

The Spraying Specialists

Connect with us Call 1300 SILVAN (745 826) or visit silvan.com.au for our full range of firefighters.

VICTORIAN FLEET: Marty is an orange air crane, and one of two used in Victoria as firstresponse aircraft to a fire.

Victoria’s super suite of aircraft set for summer season VICTORIA’S summer aviaWLRQ p HHW ZDV ODXQFKHG LQ 'HFHPEHU PDUNHG ZLWK D p \ RYHU E\ RQH RI WKH QHZHVW PHPEHUV RI WKH p HHW 0DUW\ 0DUW\ DQ RUDQJH DLU FUDQH ZLOO MRLQ 'HOLODK 9LFWRULD V VHFRQG DLU FUDQH DQG +XQWHU DQG +HUFXOHV WKH ODUJH DLU WDQNHUV WR VXSSOHPHQW WKH o UVW UHVSRQVH DLUFUDIW DURXQG WKH VWDWH 7KH VWURQJ p HHW LQ FOXGHV D PL[ RI o UHERPELQJ DLU VXSHUYLVLRQ DQG DHULDO LQ WHOOLJHQFH JDWKHULQJ DLUFUDIW 7ZHQW\ VHYHQ DUH KHOLFRS WHUV DQG DUH o [HG ZLQJ DLU FUDIW 1LJKW RSHUDWLRQV ZLOO FRQ WLQXH RYHU WKH VXPPHU ZLWK WZR KHOLFRSWHUV 7KH WULDO ZLOO EXLOG RQ WKH ZRUN GRQH ODVW \HDU DQG ZLOO VHH DLUFUDIW GHSOR\HG WR WKH ULJKW o UHV DQG LQ WKH ULJKW FLU FXPVWDQFHV (PHUJHQF\ 0DQDJHPHQW &RPPLVVLRQHU $QGUHZ &ULVS VDLG 9LFWRULD V DYLDWLRQ p HHW ZDV D FULWLFDO FRPSRQHQW LQ RXU o UHo JKWLQJ FDSDELOLW\ RYHU VXPPHU WR NHHS WKH 9LF WRULDQ FRPPXQLW\ VDIH

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RI RXU VWDWH y 0U &ULVS VDLG k6XPPHU LQ 9LFWRULD PHDQV ZH ZLOO KDYH KRW GU\ DQG ZLQG\ FRQGLWLRQV DQG WKHUH ZLOO EH o UHV k:H FDQ W FRQWURO ZKHUH o UHV ZLOO KDSSHQ EXW ZH FDQ FRQWURO RXU SUHSDUHGQHVV k,W FDQ EH KDUG WR SODQ IRU o UH ZKHQ \RX KDYHQ W H[SHUL HQFHG LW EXW VWD\LQJ VDIH RYHU VXPPHU LV D VKDUHG UHVSRQVL ELOLW\ ZLWK WKH FRPPXQLW\ k9LFWRULDQV QHHG WR XQGHU VWDQG WKHLU ORFDO ULVN DQG KRZ o UHV PLJKW DIIHFW WKHP WKLV VXPPHU q WKLQN DERXW ZKHUH \RX DUH ZKDW WKH FRQGLWLRQV DUH SUHSDUH \RXU SURSHUW\ DQG PDNH D SODQ k.QRZ KRZ WR DFFHVV JRRG LQIRUPDWLRQ WR PDNH JRRG GHFLVLRQV y 6XSSOHPHQWLQJ 9LFWRULD V FRUH p HHW RI 9LFWRULD FDQ FDOO RQ XS WR RWKHU DLU FUDIW $V SDUW RI WKH QDWLRQDO DLU FUDIW DUUDQJHPHQWV 9LFWRULD FDQ DOVR DFFHVV DLUFUDIW IURP RWKHU VWDWHV ZKHQ UHTXLUHG DQG OLNHZLVH 9LFWRULD V DLU FUDIW FDQ RSHUDWH LQWHUVWDWH LI LW LV UHTXLUHG

Be smart, be safe this season Slip it easily on the back of a ute or into a trailer and be fire ready within minutes. ` ` ` `

450 or 800 litre tank capacity Honda 11/2� Aussie Fire Chief combo 20m of 3/4� fire fighting hose Machined aluminum twist grip nozzle

` 450L - 1000 W x 970 L x 700mm H ` 800L - 1750 W x 950 L x 700mm H

800L GA5021580

3495

$

450L GA4902560

2795

$

goldacres fire fighting

FIRE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

January 2020

ARE YOU BUSHFIRE READY? GET READY

Southern Farmer, Page 25

DAVEY FIRE ACTION PROTECTION PLAN

STICK ME ON THE WALL!

Help protect your property and your family. The best time to get bushfire ready, is now. Make a fire protection action plan, put it up where everyone can see it and ensure family members are well trained. In a fire, you’ll be glad you did. Davey’s recommendations for effective fire pump management and maintenance are an important part of your fire protection action plan. 1. Know the machine: Ensure all members of the household know how to locate and operate attachments like inlet and outlet hoses to the fire pump.

8. General maintenance regime: Regular checks will ensure fuel lines are in good condition and the recoil starter works. A regular service schedule is invaluable.

2. Fuel - Petrol: Petrol has a limited life and can become ‘stale’. Change the fuel every two months by running the pump or draining it of fuel. Better still, use a fuel stabiliser which will dramatically extend the life of the fuel (must be added when new fuel is purchased).

9. Check the plumbing: Investigate and maintain the water system.

3. Fuel - Diesel: Has a longer shelf life but generally needs to be stored at low ambient temperatures. Expect diesel fuel to last 12 months or longer at an ambient temperature of 20ºC, or six months at an ambient temperature of 30ºC. 4. Engine oils: Engine manufacturers offer their own specially branded engine oils to best suit their engines. Synthetic multi-grade engine oil is NOT a suitable alternative. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s engine lubrication recommendations. 5. Run engine regularly to ensure oil is well distributed around the moving parts. This provides best lubrication and a longer working life.

10. Check for leaves, debris and sticks that can impede the inlet system. For permanent installations, a foot valve and strainer at the end of the suction line can overcome obstructions. 11. Checked for air leaks and that all gaskets and seals are in good order. 12. An underground ring main installed around your property with durable hydrant or standpipe outlets can give you much greater coverage. 13. Practice: A well-rehearsed and documented fire plan is critical to personal survival.

Don’t wait for a bushfire, find the Davey pump that’s right for you NOW.

6. Ensure your pump set has adequate clean air access: Check and replace the air cleaner or filter per engine manufacturer recommendations. 7. Keep the engine cool: Ideally protect the pump from radiant heat in a flame proof enclosure, otherwise add a mist spray around the pump or its enclosure to aid cooling and humidify the air.

From L to R: Single Stage Firefighter Twin Stage Firefighter Remote Start Twin Stage Firefighter

daveywater.com | 1300 232 839

PASTURE AND FERTILISER

Page 26, Southern Farmer

January 2020

The right tools for the job offer 2� and 3� self-priming centrifugal engine drive pumps that are cost effecWLYH HIo FLHQW DQG UHOLDEOH Made from a polycarbon material developed in the USA for NASA (30 per cent glass o OOHG SRO\HVWHU WKH SXPS LV virtually corrosion free. The 2� pump will handle up to 720 litres per minute, while the big 3� version will handle up to 1100 litres per PLQXWH RI p RZ Both versions are available with petrol, electric or diesel drive. “Getting nitrogen into the soil now is crucial for maximising yields,� Mr Farrugia said. “Farmers looking to maximise spraying times are FKRRVLQJ WKH KLJK p RZ y YHUVLRQ IRU EHWWHU HIo FLHQF\ “We even make a hydraulic drive version that can be plugged into the sprayer’s K\GUDXOLF V\VWHP IRU IDVW o OO ‘on the go’.� Genuine Honda powered poly pumps are now offered by Australian Pump Industries with a four year engine warranty at no extra charge to clients. “This extra warranty gives added peace of mind to users, and is absolutely free,� said Mr Farrugia.

FARMERS are being urged to check nitrogen levels in soils ahead of sowing. One accepted strategy to FRPEDW D QLWURJHQ GHo FLHQ cy is topdressing with liquid fertilisers soon after sowing, early in the season to maximise yields. Liquid fertilisers have been found to be up to 10 times more effective than common granular fertilisers, greatly improving yields. However, they are corrosive and need to be handled with the right equipment. One Australian company, Australian Pump Industries, has developed a range of pumps for safe, fast and efo FLHQW SXPSLQJ RI OLTXLG fertilisers like Flexi N and Cal X. “We set out to come up with a product that was resistant to corrosion, had the right elastomers to prevent leaks and that wouldn’t react with the chemical being pumped,� said Aussie Pumps’ Brad Farrugia. “Our poly pumps are endorsed by Incitec Pivot for use with their Easy N fertiliser.� The Aussie Poly Pump range, developed for Ag Chem applications like this,

Close coupled electric motor drive versions in either single phase or three phase are also available. All Aussie Pump electric GULYH SRO\ SXPSV DUH o WWHG with a unique Protek device. 7KH 3URWHN V\VWHP o WV between the pump and the motor. In the event of a seal failure, the Protek system traps the liquid to prevent it entering the motor via the shaft. The Viton or EPDM elastomers are compatible with most liquid fertilisers. Chemically resistant stainless steel fasteners are standard. “Farmers are buying these pumps faster than we can build them,� said Mr Farrugia. “And that’s great, because the more we build, the cheaper they become. “It brings our costs right down and we can pass these savings on.� Further information on Aussie poly pumps for liquid fertilisers and agricultural chemicals is available on the Australian Pump website (www.aussiepumps. FRP DX DQG IURP $XVVLH Pump Gold Distributors throughout Australia.

READY TO SOW: Ron and Chris Andrighetto from Griffith with the 3� Aussie poly pump, a low cost, reliable solution for pumping liquid fertiliser.

BioAg fertilisers increasing in popularity

DELLAVEDOVA FERTILISERice,SERVICES large or small T/05D08773-V2/1516

Best prices and adv

FERTILISER SUPPLY AND SPREADING SPECIALISTS SOIL AND PLANT TISSUE TESTING

“Prescription blends. GPS Variable Application Rates available for all fertilisers using accredited spreading equipment�

* Super * Lime * Gypsum* Bulk * Bagged * Spread Maryborough 5461 2888

Ballarat 5338 1522

Shane 0427 349 088, Barry 0438 349 077

Dean 0418 525 587

BioAgPhos P 12.7% | Ca 35% | S 1% BioAg Superb P 8.4% | S 6.8% | Ca 31% BioAgPhos S10 P 11.4% | S 10% | Ca 32% Cost effective. Builds better soils. Book your soil test today to get started.

FARMERS who benefit the most from new approaches to soil fertility are the ones who are prepared to research, talk to other successful farmers, and ask questions about new ways to apply nutrients to their farm. Ross Hanrahan of Gough and Hanrahan Grain and Fertiliser based out of Violet Town in Victoria’s North East has seen a shift in demand. He has recently started spreading BioAg’s solid fertiliser blend Superb in addition to the more traditional fertiliser that has been his stock-in-trade since he started the business. Superb is a blend based on BioAgPhos, a highly reactive, highgrade reactive phosphate rock (RPR) combined with BioAg’s microbial digesting agent and gypsum. Superb is ideal for soils that need sulphur, phosphorus and calcium,

and suited to pastures for grazing, and crops needing extra sulphur (such as canola). Along with BioAg’s other solid fertiliser blends, Superb delivers long lasting, sustained release of nutrient. Depending on requirements, Superb can be applied annually or biennially. Ross operates his business with wife Marlene and son Anthony. They have a solid and growing customer base, and pride themselves on a high level of customer service. “We’ll spread anything our customers want,� says Ross. “We’re seeing more requests come in for alternatives to conventional fertilisers. “We’re happy to do it.� The cost of spreading Superb is no different to the cost of spreading

lime and does not require specialist machinery, making it a cost-effective choice – even more so when spread biennially. Also operating out of the North East of Victoria are Luke and Amy Keam, of Keam Fertiliser in Wangaratta. Theirs is a family business as Luke’s father used to sell fertilisers and Luke has taken on the business, including spreading. For your fertiliser spreading needs, contact Gough and Hanrahan Grain and Fertiliser on 0408 573 780 or Keam Fertilisers on 0408 500 361. For more information about BioAg’s products and to implement a BioAg program on your farm talk to Allan Reid, Southern, Central and SW Victoria on 0448 453 412 or Peter Emerson (NE Victoria) on 0438 269 939.

(02) 6958 9911 sales@bioag.com.au www.bioag.com.au @bioagaustralia @BioAg_AU @bioag

January 2020

Come as you are, leave as you want to be. Shape the world’s future, starting with yours.

CRICOS: 00116K

Contribute to a sustainable world with a secure career in a growing industry. Explore the Bachelor of Agriculture.

Bachelor of Agriculture unimelb.edu.au/cop

Southern Farmer, Page 27

Page 28, Southern Farmer

January 2020

0% FINANCE* EARLY ORDER OFFERS NOW ON

MF RB SERIES FIXED AND VARIABLE ROUND BALERS

ZERO IN ON OUR HUGE HAY RANGE. MF 1840 SMALL SQUARE BALER

MF 2200 SERIES LARGE SQUARE BALERS

MF WR9900 SERIES WINDROWERS

MF TL-V VERTICAL-FOLD MOWERS

MF RK SERIES RAKES

MF TD SERIES TEDDERS

Massey Ferguson hay and forage equipment offers something for everyone; from our range of square and round balers to our extensive offering of mowers, windrowers, tedders and rakes. And with an early order offer from 0% ďŹ nance*, now is the time to zero in on the ultimate solution for all your hay needs.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER TODAY Dandenong

Small Horse Tractors

18 Lonsdale Street

(03) 9791 6414

Kyneton

L & G Sheppard and Sons

88 Piper Street

(03) 5422 1821

Nagambie

John Sanderson Machinery

36-38 Industrial Crescent

(03) 5794 2272

Silvan

Darmac Ag Sales & Service

249-251 Monbulk Road

(03) 9737 9255

*Offer ends February 28, 2020, while stocks last. Finance with an interest rate of 0% p.a. available on Chattel Mortgage agreement based on 1/3 deposit, 1/3 after six months and 1/3 after 12 months, with the GST component repaid after 4 months. Fees and lending conditions apply to approved ABN number holders, who use the equipment for business purposes. Finance is approved by AGCO Finance Pty Ltd, ABN number 42 107 653 878.

MASSEYFERGUSON.COM.AU

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