Southern Farmer

Page 1

Published since 1986

MAY, 2019

www.farmernews.com.au

Mental health project finishes PAGE 8

Scholarship announced

MIXING IT WITH THE BEST:

PAGE 10

COURTNEY Hazeldene was not planning on a life on the land. But, now in her mid 30s, she is one of the biggest beef producers in Bendigo. Read how she grew to be the best in Bendigo on page four and five of this month’s Farmer. PHOTO: RASV

Pasture and fertiliser PAGES 12-14

Season over

BRIAN Mobbs owns and operates High Spa Angus, a breeding operation focused on diverse genetics and quality progeny. Last month, Brian sent 80 weaners to the market - where they were sold for slaughter. Just 12 months earlier, the same quality of animal was held over, to be offered at the annual High Spa Stud Sale. But the season – the lack of rain, of surface water and of grass – has driven Brian to do what every farmer

Ĺ°

Farmers from across the sector looking to survive

rails against; he has been forced to sell his animals for half their value, so that the core herd may continue. “It’s been like this since Christmas,� Brian said. “We’ve got no water, no grass – we are hand feeding just to survive.� Normally, High Spa would have received more than half an inch by now – enough to promote autumn growth and carry stock through the winter.

This year, just 2ml has fallen. “It’s too late now for an autumn break,� Brian said. “We’ve got 12 months of hand feeding in front of us.� Brian, who is desperately holding onto his 300 breeders, has already earmarked the next 80 that will go to market. Although it breaks his heart, he said it was a matter of necessity.

“We will have to sell again at next month’s sale, and then again at the next if it doesn’t rain.� With producers from much of Victoria eligible for some government assistance, Brian is one of the unlucky few who does not farm in a shire considered drought affected. Although he has not contacted Ag Vic about what was on offer, Brian said he felt there was just

not enough support. “We are supposedly in a safe area, from drought,� he said. “All the farmers should get help – it should be on a case by case basis.� Down at Werribee South, Anthony Agosta is a second-generation vegetable farmer. Together with his son and brother, Anthony runs AAA Farm – an operation spanning 240 acres, farming LFHEHUJ OHWWXFH FDXOLp RZHU EURF coli and celery.

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Continued page 2

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NEWS

Page 2, Southern Farmer

May 2019

Doing it tough - This is Tom’s story This story is re-printed from the Gippsland Jersey Calendar as part of the Southern Farmer’s on-going commitment to mental health awareness. TOM knows firsthand that it’s not easy running a family farm, at times the dynamics can get messy and tensions high when members are tired. He says that he and his dad have often argued on the running of the farm. “Something I’m not proud of, but I’ve verbally blasted dad and hosed him out of the dairy with the wash down hose

out of pure frustration,� Tom said. At different points in his life, Tom has needed to walk away and focus on other pursuits. Life on the farm became isolating and at times impossible for Tom, who often put in long days, enduring times without a break from the ups and downs of farm life. “Forget about a holiday, you’d be lucky to get a day off,� he said. “You’ve got to get up each morning and milk the cows and get covered in it (poo).

“It’s nothing glamorous; but it’s a real story.� Tom hit rock bottom just before the dairy crisis, when he found himself shaking uncontrollably in the middle of the night due to burnout and stress. His wife, Mel, rushed him to the emergency room in Sale and Tom was forced to reassess his life. He realised that he’d bottled his pain out of a fear of inflicting it onto his family. He turned his focus to his faith in God and realised that

realising his fears meant looking to a positive future and creating connection with those he loved. Always pushing for success and reward for labour stopped him from pursuing the truly important things in life and family; love, joy and peace. “Our life is often chaotic, but love is covering the whole thing and keeping us all together somehow,� he said. “It’s beautiful disarray at times, but our network of friends help hold it all together. “Love is enough.�

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– that’s really all you can do,� Anthony said. “We have to buy water – 55 per cent of what we need – at $350 a meg.� Like all farmers, Anthony is desperately waiting for rain – hoping his allocation out of the Werribee River might increase. However, like Brian, Anthony feels like there is no point asking for help – with past calls going unaided. “We harvest every week - that’s why we don’t get any assistance from the government, because we have a quick turnover,� he said. “We have asked for help in the past, and was told no. “We would like assistance with water – not money handouts. “We live in hope that it’s going to rain – I would hate to see how we would manage without the recycled water, even if it is poor quality, because without that water Werribee South would not exist.� Kylie Crump owns a lavender farm on the Mornington Peninsula. Unlike beef and vegetables, lavender survives in all but the toughest conditions.

This year, Kylie explained, was the worst they had experienced since planting. “It’s the driest we’ve ever been,â€? she explained. “We’ve only ever pumped water from our lake to irrigate in 2009, ZKHQ ZH o UVW SODQWHG RXU ODYHQGHUV – and we have again this year. “We have them in a weed mat, and have opened the weed mat around the base of the lavender so that any moisture can get into it.â€? The production season for lavender runs for eight weeks around December – so the need for a spring break is not as imperative for Kylie. However, the Agri-tourism – there is a cafĂŠ and farm gate on site – is not faring as well. “We’ve had a really good season q WKH ODYHQGHU LV o QH q EXW HYHU\ thing around it looks dry – it’s not so pretty,â€? she said. “Lavenders adapt to becoming drought tolerant – they are very sturdy in that regard. “We are lucky – but there are issues.â€? A spokesperson from Agriculture Victoria said there was help available for farmers who needed it.

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STRUGGLING ON: Brian Mobbs owns and operates High Spa Angus. The poor season has seen him sell stock that would normally be held for stud purposes, at the local saleyards.

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Anthony has been in the business his whole life, taking over from his father. He is proud of what his family has achieved after being so long on the land – but he worries about the future challenges that will be faced by his son in the years to come. Anthony has access to almost unlimited water – at a cost – but even that comes with a unique set of challenges. Anthony will receive less than half of his allocation out of the Werribee River this year – balanced by his allocation of recycled Class A water from the Melbourne Treatment Plant in Werribee. The recycled water – a seemingly abundant source – leaves Anthony with quality issues. “The thing is, they run on a dilution system – they mix the recycled water with lots of chlorine – that’s not ideal for our veggies,� Anthony said. “And the hotter it is, the more chlorine they use. “We can have a burning effect in the paddock. “That’s the disadvantage of recycled water – one year we only KDG D o YH SHU FHQW DOORFDWLRQ (from the Werribee River) and they gave us the rest recycled – we bought in water to mix with it to water it down; but we had a lot of quality issues that year.� This year, Anthony is facing the same. With a record hot summer, coupled with low rainfall, his recycled water is causing quality issues in the paddock. “You have to use more fertiliser, more soil conditioner, gypsum

The On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Support grant is being provided to shires in north and north west Victoria to encourage increased drought preparedness – those farming in the Alpine, Benalla, Buloke, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Indigo, Loddon, Mildura, Moira, Northern Grampians, Strathbogie, Swan Hill, Towong, Wangaratta, Wodonga and Yarriambiack. “When determining drought support eligibility, we take into account a range of social, economic and climatic conditions, as well as the impact of seasonal conditions on agricultural business and regional communities,� the spokesperson said. “Central and East Gippsland farmers are experiencing a third year of drought conditions, after ‘very much below average’ to ‘lowest on record’ rainfall since late 2016. k$ UDQJH RI WHFKQLFDO o QDQFLDO relief, family and mental health support is targeted to supporting farmers and community in this region - there is a range of ongoing support that is available to all farmers in Victoria, to assist them in preparing for and managing dry conditions – from workshops DQG WHFKQLFDO VXSSRUW WR o QDQFLDO counselling, the Farm Household Allowance, Farm Management Deposits and the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme.� Agriculture Victoria said a range of options were available to those not currently living in areas covered by other grants and schemes. For more information, go to www.agriculture.vic.gov.au.

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

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NEWS

May 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 3

Winter lamb shortage expected

BOUNDARIES EXTENDED: A second detection of phylloxera has been found at a winery in Coldstream, with two current extensions being made to the Maroondah Phylloxera Infest Zone as a result.

Phylloxera detected in Coldstream

Ĺ°

Second outbreak confirmed as G1

A SECOND phylloxera detection has been found at a vineyard in Coldstream, inside the existing Maroondah Phylloxera Infest Zone (PIZ). The detection comes just weeks after a biosecurity alert was issued following a phylloxera outbreak at a winery in St Andrews. The strain of phylloxera GHWHFWHG KDV EHHQ FRQo UPHG as G1; the same as that found at St Andrews. In response to the recent detections, two extensions to the current Maroondah PIZ boundary have been initiated. The process of formally declaring the extended zones is under way, but until then the new areas in the Maroondah PIZ are considered phylloxera

infested zones for the movement of regulated products. Phylloxera is a devastating soft bodied insect pest of grapevines worldwide, affecting Vitis species – found most often in commercial grapevines and ornamental vines. It is a major threat to the majority of Australia’s vineyards that are planted on own roots, which are highly susceptible to attack. American resistant root stock is available for grafting, EXW DW o YH WLPHV WKH SULFH RI non-resistant stocks is a costly swap-out. Recently, Joel Trist from Buttermans Track Winery, said vineyards with phylloxera could expect a gradual spreading of the mite across all vines.

“Once it’s in your soil, you’ve got it,� he said. “The only way to get fruit every year is to replace the vines on American rootstock – at $5.50 a vine. “It can kill the vine eventually – if that happens, there is D PDVVLYH o QDQFLDO ULVN q \RX have to replace the whole vineyard.� Australian grape growing regions are delineated by phylloxera status into three management zones: z Phylloxera Exclusion Zones (PEZ) have been surveyed and found free or are declared free historically; z Phylloxera Risk Zones (PRZ) are of unknown status; z Phylloxera Infested Zones (PIZ) contain vineyards known to be or have been infested.

MEAT and Livestock Australia (MLA) has released its latest Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator (ESTLI), warning that “all major signs point towards an impending lamb shortageâ€? this winter. The ESTLI averaged 708¢/kg carcase weight (cwt) mid last month, up 22 per cent year-on-year. Although it is still below the all-time high reached for lamb – 176c/ kg in August last year – it is expected that the price will continue to rise as numbers tighten, predicted to happen over the coming months. “Considering the recent high sheep slaughter, poor seasonal conditions and reported low marking rates, the supply of lambs has remained surprisingly

reliable throughout 2019,â€? MLA reports. “A look back at 2018 demonstrates just how responsive prices can become when supply levels change.â€? For the month of May 2018, eastern states lamb slaughter averaged in excess of 400,000 head per week, while the ESTLI averaged 604¢/kg cwt. By August, slaughter had fallen 31 per cent to average 280,000 head per week, as deteriorating seasonal conditions hampered the VXSSO\ RI o QLVKHG ODPEV “In response to the shortfall, the ESTLI averaged 815¢/kg cwt in August, which was 35 per cent higher than the May average,â€? MLA found.

As it stands, many national sheep production regions are yet to receive decent rainfall this year. The challenging conditions look increasingly likely to have a strong impact on lamb supply at some point during winter. In contrast, the cattle market has come off the boil as saleyard throughput returned to a level in line with WKH o YH \HDU DYHUDJH q ZLWK most price categories easing after the rise seen in March. Cow prices saw the biggest jump as farmer FRQo GHQFH SDUWLFXODUO\ IRU those north, increased. However, the lack of follow up rain has seen even that market slow as all eyes turn skyward.

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Page 4, Southern Farmer

May 2019

From whoa to go In 15 years, Courtney Hazeldene has made all her dreams come true Ĺ°

on a farm that bred Murray Greys. Fast forward to today and she is not only one of the biggest commercial cattle breeders in the Bendigo region, Courtney also runs one of the most respected Murray Grey studs, Ganado Greys, in the country. In just a few short years she has managed to achieve what thousands dream of. k, ERXJKW P\ o UVW 37,& heifer in 2006, from the premier sale in Wodonga,� Courtney said. And so Ganado Greys was born. Infectious enthusiasm has always worked in Courtney’s favour – whether it be throwing herself wholeheartedly into researching genetics, or FKDWWLQJ DERXW WKH EHQHo WV of breeding a Grey. That same enthusiasm has stood her in good stead with other breeders, who recognise the next generation is in good hands.

LOOKING FORWARD, LOOKING BACK: Courtney Hazeldene runs her commercial and stud beef operation across 2500 acres out of Bendigo.

“I was really lucky to be surrounded by supportive Murray Grey breeders when I o UVW VWDUWHG RXW y VKH VDLG “So much so, that I was able to lease 40 acres for next to nothing from the two women that originally brought Greys to our area. “They wanted to support someone young and enthusiastic coming into the industry.� Along with working full time, looking after her growing number of stud cattle and competing at shows, Courtney also met her future

husband – third generation chicken farmer Adam Hazeldene – and the pair began to look for a property to buy. “That was a really slow process to get something we wanted, in an area we really wanted – we moved in 2012, onto 62 acres.� But in 2015 Courtney went from being a small-time farmer to one of the biggest in her hometown. Almost overnight, she moved into the business of UXQQLQJ FDWWOH IRU SURo W QRW just fun. “The catalyst was when I

entered into a partnership with Adam’s uncle and the Hazeldene family,� Courtney said. “Hazeldenes operate chicken farms, and we run cattle on the surrounding buffer land – it became our commercial cattle operation, and is now spread out across 3500 acres in Lockwood and Newbridge. “Before the joint venture started, I only had a small number of stud animals, and wasn’t even thinking about hitting that local market, selling to butchers or through

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the yards – I just didn’t have the cattle to do that. “But in 2015, we greatly increased our numbers, and by the end of that year we were selling quite heavily, quite often. “It went from whoa to go,� Courtney said. “Initially, we purchased 135 mostly registered cattle from a former Murray Grey stud in Tatura, and those that couldn’t be registered we moved into the commercial herd.� The stepping stone came DW D KXJH o QDQFLDO FRVW

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1

5 YEARS ago, Courtney Hazeldene dreamed of an outback experience; wide brown plains, sunshine, cattle and a score of memories to keep forever. The fact she had no experience as a jillaroo – or more to the point, with cattle – did not deter her at all; she arranged for a station job out of Camooweal, and waited for the country experiences to roll in. With no experience at all in agriculture, Courtney called on a school friend, and asked to volunteer on their family farm – determined to at least know the front from the rear of a steer before she left. Ultimately, the job up north fell through – but in a roundabout way, it proved the turning point in Courtney’s life. There were no outback station experiences; no riding into a blazing sunset - but Courtney found herself

NEWS

May 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 5

ST: Alongside her BREEDING THE BE eration, Courtney runs a op ef be ial commerc g quiet s stud – producin Murray Grey Angu fast on grass. e tur ma t animals tha

AS GOOD AS ANY OTHER: Courtney takes pride in working hard, each and every day.

“If I was doing it on my own there is no way in hell I would have been able to afford it,� she explained. “There is an arrangement between the partners where initial funding was provided, and a portion of the profits are returned to them. “It is a long term plan WKDW SURYLGHV EHQHo W WR DOO parties.� Despite her easy explanation of share farming, there is no doubt it took faith to SOXQJH KHDGo UVW LQWR D ODUJH scale beef operation.

Courtney left her full time job and ploughed her efforts into the new found adventure of large scale cattle farming. That was four years ago. Since then, Courtney has not stopped; she continues to improve her stud genetics as well as the base line of her commercial herd. Turning off Murray Grey and Grey X vealers between 380 - 420kg, Courtney sells direct to butchers, through the Bendigo saleyards or by private treaty. With a number of years

PHOTOS: RASV

of large scale farming now under her belt, Courtney is more passionate than ever about her beloved Greys. And, unlike many other stud breeders, she is well TXDOLo HG WR WDON DERXW SUHIHU ring them. Across the Hazeldene property Courtney and her business partner also run Limousin, Angus/Friesian, Charolais and even Santa Gertrudis. They all offer something unique – hybrid vigour, bigger butts, smaller calves, increased frame size, faster

maturation rates – but none can match the love she feels for the Greys. “I’ll always love the Murray Greys the most,� Courtney said. “They have a lovely temperament, great meat, DQG o QLVK UHDOO\ ZHOO LQ WKH dry conditions we have here – better on grass than any other breed.� Right now, drought conditions at Bendigo are biting hard into the Ganado Greys’ operation. Since Christmas, Courtney sold more than 80 head of

cattle, trying to tighten numbers and retain only the best. She is holding onto weaners that would normally have gone in January, desperately hoping for a rise in the market or rain – preferably both. “This season is terrible - we haven’t had rain in months, our dams are dry,� she said. “I am feeding out hay, and that’s getting more expensive – and meat prices are dropping off. “We’ve culled an awful lot of cattle recently; because of age, performance, not producing fast maturing calves – we have taken the opportunity to hit that hard.� But out of the dark Courtney, with her infectious enthusiasm, has still managed WR o QG WKH OLJKW “It is amazing how well the Greys are doing – we have a lot of cross breeding

here, so I can compare how they are in this dry season – and the Greys are the best,� she said. Of course, her breeder’s conviction strengthening with each sentence, Courtney said there had never been a better time to try a Murray Grey bull. “Put them over cows that are not performing, or a bit stirry, and the resulting calf will be a low birth weight, well natured calf – but with the hybrid vigour and faster maturation rate,� she said. “Anything which has impacts on yield and weaning weights translates into more bang for your buck at the saleyard. “And when the season is tough, that counts,� she said. Looking back on her meteoric rise through the beef ranks, Courtney has come a long way in less than two decades. She has turned into a farmer like all the stereotypes; she is worried about the weather, the lack of rain, of feed, and of how to survive the coming winter. And just like the stereoW\SHV &RXUWQH\ LV o HUFHO\ attached to her animals. Her farm, her stud, and her home are so closely entwined she cannot separate them – and that is exactly the way she likes it. For a girl who never dreamed of life on the land, she has certainly pulled on her boots and achieved exactly that. “I would never have guessed this is where I would end up,� Courtney said. “But now that I’m here, it’s pretty close to perfect.�

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Page 6, Southern Farmer

May 2019

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GOODBYE: Anvil Angus has officially ended its reign as one of the best Angus studs in the region. Pictured is Stephen Handbury, who made the decision to scale back to a commercial operation to spend more time with his family.

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Merino pregnancy can be detected using wool RESEARCHERS have found a new, non-invasive way to detect pregnancy in Merino sheep - through the analysis of reproductive hormones in wool. The study, supervised by Dr Edward Narayan from the University of Western Sydney’s School of Science and Health and Stress Lab, tested wool steroid hormone levels of cortisol and progesterone in a sample of 46 maiden Merino ewes over 2017, and compared their levels during pregnancy to determine how wool derived hormones vary. “The study represents the first long-term assessment

of cortisol and progesterone levels in Merino ewes using wool as a non-invasive hormone assessment tool,� said Dr Narayan. “Pregnancy in merino ewes elicited significant increases in wool progesterone and cortisol levels.� The findings of the study are a positive step towards the introduction of wool-based reproductive testing in ewes on the farm, potentially replacing other invasive and expensive techniques currently used. Australian Wool Innovation, which contributed funding to the project, is Australia’s research and marketing body

for the wool industry. Australian Wool Innovation’s general manager of research Dr Jane Littlejohn outlined the company’s focus is on improving wool sheep health, welfare and productivity, particularly healthy ewes and lambs. “We see potential in this new measurement tool for better research where the measurement of reproduction hormones stored in the wool fibre has less impact on the sheep being studied, can reduce the cost of research and can reduce the complexity of the research,� said Dr Littlejohn.

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�Pete and Andy after another successful day constructing a water bore�

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NEWS

May 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 7

OVERHEAD POWERLINES.

DON’T EXPECT A WARNING.

Whenever you enter a new property, the safest thing to do is assume that there are live powerlines overhead. To stay safe, follow this simple three-step process. Your life could depend on it.

1 2 3

AS SOON AS YOU ENTER A SITE, STOP. GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. LOOK UP AND AROUND. UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE AREA OF WORK. PROCEED ONLY IF SAFE.

For more information visit www.esv.vic.gov.au/look-up-and-live

NEWS

Page 8, Southern Farmer

May 2019

Australia declared Varroa free

NINE months after Victoria’s bee population was threatened by Varroa mite, Agriculture Victoria’s extended surveillance has come to an end. The bee parasite was detected on a ship at the Port of Melbourne in late June 2018. Agriculture Victoria conducted intensive surveillance around the Port of Melbourne, including four rounds of testing at every known hive within a two-kil-

Ĺ°

Bee surveillance comes to an end

ometre radius over six weeks. Since then, Ag Vic has continued to monitor extra sentinel hives and swarm catch boxes strategically placed around the port. Surveillance will now scale back to business as usual, monitoring sentinel hives at high-risk locations at the Port of Melbourne, Geelong, Portland and Hastings for any

sign of unwanted pests that may arrive on ships. Agriculture Victoria leadLQJ DSLDU\ RIoFHU -RH 5Lordan, said the end of the extended surveillance with no further detections was another milestone for the beekeeping industry. “Last year’s detection was a reminder for all beekeepers, that everyone has a role to

play in protecting Victoria’s bee and pollination indusWULHV y 0U 5LRUGDQ VDLG Beekeepers are reminded to be vigilant for unusual signs in their hives, to regularly check for varroa using the sugar shake method, and to follow the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice. “Having good biosecurity

measures in place will aid in preventing pests and diseasHV 0U 5LRUGDQ VDLG “Varroa mite is a very real threat to Australia; Victoria needs to be ready if a similar event occurs in the future.� ,W ZDV WKH oUVW WLPH 9DUURD destructor was detected in Australia. The response saw industry, community and government come together to mount a successful response to this incident.

If you suspect a pest or disease in your hives, take photos for identification, note the location and isolate it where possible and report the sighting to the Emergency Animal Disease (including Bees) Watch Hotline 1800 675 888. For more information about varroa mite, bees in Victoria and best biosecurity practices, visit the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au/bees.

OVER, BUT NOT OUT: The Milking for Mental Health Calendar has run for 12 months in the Southern Farmer, but May marks the final chapter. The project was the brainchild of Sallie Jones (pictured). www.invisiblefarmerproject.net.au.

Mental health project finishes CONGRATULATIONS CLAIRE: Claire Moore, the Kyneton beekeeper featured in the March Southern Farmer, has won the Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. Claire will use the bursary received as first prize to undertake a bee insemination course. One of three Victorian finalists, Claire has spent the last few years balancing her farm life with creating an egg and honey business.

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AFTER 12 months, the final chapter of the Milking For Mental Health Calendar is now complete. Published each month as part of the Southern Farmer’s commitment to mental health awareness, the calendar was the brainchild of Sallie Jones. Sallie, who lost her own father to mental health, is one

of the partners behind Gippsland Jersey – an independent milk label. She said the finishing of the calendar was a sad day – but she hoped the project had shed light on mental illness. “I’ve not been successful in securing funding for this calendar to happen again,� Sallie said.

“I had the farmers and their stories all lined up too maybe there might be some funds that wash up in this latest announcement of more money for support services. “Since Dad’s passing and through the calendar, I’ve had hundreds of conversations and learned a deeper understanding of mental health.�

NEWS

May 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 9

Decades of septic system misery, banished in days. Queensland couple Mike and Rose Maynard talk about their decadeslong battle with septic tank odours and fouling, and the environmentally friendly solution that restored their pride in their home within two weeks.

“Our septic system was put in when we built in 1988,� says Mike Maynard from his rural property in sunny Queensland. “Over the years we have had continuing problems with the system not working properly. The area around the trench would get so wet and boggy that we could not even walk near it, let alone use the mower.� But that wasn’t the worst bit of their dysfunctional septic system. “The smell would become almost overpowering at times,� says Mike, “especially when it rained or when we had visitors to stay, which was quite embarrassing.�

The stink that stuck The problem wouldn’t go away, which is common with septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems. “As time went on, the smell was becoming a constant thing,â€? explains Rose. Septic systems are much like a digestive system for your house. Just as you need healthy bacteria in your body, your septic system needs a healthy balance of good bacteria to process the waste from your home. Otherwise, problems occur and recur. “We were at a loss as to what to do to ďŹ x it, apart from getting the septic pumped out again, digging up and replacing the trench, or even replacing the whole system – all expensive options,â€? says Rose. “But then we read in a magazine about Ecocare Activator.â€?

Cleaners don’t cut it Often confused with traditional septic system cleaning products, Ecocare Activator is much more than a cleaner.

Sound advice about odours “My husband rang and spoke at length to George at Insight Environmental about our problem and, based on that conversation and George’s assurances, we decided to try Ecocare Activator,� says Rose. “We thought, ‘Really, what do we have to lose,’ as it is only a fraction of the cost of the other options we had.� What happened next surprised Mike and Rose, but not George.

Fast forward for the Maynards “We were astounded by the results and how quickly it happened,� says Rose with a smile. “Within a couple of weeks the smell was gone and you could see the area around the trench drying – something that had not happened for twenty years or more.� That was in the winter of 2013. Today, Mike and Rose still have a healthy, odour-free septic system. “We now have a dry paddock,� Mike explains. “We can mow and walk all around the area. “We could not be happier with the results and will continue to use this fabulous product.�

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NEWS

Page 10, Southern Farmer

May 2019

Apply now for Nuffield Scholarship ASPIRING Victorian dairy leaders are being encouraged to make their mark in the industry by applying for the Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s 2020 Nuffield Scholarship. Applications are now open and have the potential to give local farmers the opportunity to study cutting-edge global agriculture, including an opportunity to tour overseas for 16 weeks. Gardiner Dairy Foundation chief executive officer, Dr Clive Noble, said that programs like the Nuffield strengthen the knowledge, experience and networks of current and future dairy leaders. “Gardiner supports the Nuffield Scholarships program to offer positive and progressive dairy farmers an opportunity to explore best practice in agriculture globally and then share their findings with the local industry,” Dr Noble said. “This leads to a stronger and more vibrant dairy industry.” The 2014 recipient of the Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s Nuffield Scholarship, Gipps-

land dairy farmer Aubrey Pellett, said the experience made him reflect on what he does on his farm while learning what he could replicate from other operations. Aubrey, who visited 15 countries as part of his scholarship, said the experience had given him more confidence to look for solutions. “If I’ve got a problem, I think - I’ve been around the world and been stimulated by different types of solutions,” he said. “That makes you think there’s probably another approach you could take rather than do what’s always been done.” Aubrey encouraged all farmers to consider applying for a scholarship. “The scholarship increased my leadership opportunities because of the improved networks I now have,” he said. Applications for the 2020 Nuffield Scholarships close on Friday, June 14. For more information, visit http://nuffield.com.au/.

WINNER ANNOUNCED: Forbes Boydell, a third year ag student at Marcus Oldham College, has been announced as the winner of a $20,000 scholarship. Pictured, from left, are Michael Urban, Forbes Boydell, Darren Maloney and Dean Motram.

Greenham $20k Geelong student announced

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GEELONG based Marcus Oldham Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) student, Forbes Boydell, has been awarded the inaugural 2019 Greenham Agricultural Scholarship worth $20,000. Provided by HW Greenham & Sons, the scholarship is given to a student that is passionate about the Australian beef and dairy industries. “Receiving the Greenham Agricultural Scholarship is wonderful,” Forbes said. “My family have been supporting me financially while I am studying, but with the current tough farming conditions we were not quite sure how it was going to be done. “This certainly takes some pressure off and means we don’t have to worry about that right now - I can now look at finishing through to the full qualification next year.” Forbes’ family breed Wagyu and Angus beef cattle and fatten lambs at Attunga and Yarrowitch in New South Wales. “My aim is to complete the degree, and then ideally head back to my family’s farm to work with my parents and continue

to grow our breeding operations,” he said. Forbes is particularly interested in the adaptation and uptake of new techniques and technologies that help farmers to expand their beef and meat production operations in sustainable ways. “We need to make sure that the Australian beef industry has the skills and capability to adapt with the ever-changing modern-day world,” he said. “As people want to know more about where and how their food and fibre is produced, we as farmers need to make sure that we share information about why the work we do is important. Dr Simon Livingstone, principal at Marcus Oldham, said scholarship support is important to the college’s students. “It helps ensure that our students can complete their studies and get the most out of their time; the additional support means that they can take advantage of experiences that they otherwise may not get the chance to do,” he said. “Around 18 students

applied for the Greenham Agricultural Scholarship from across our Agriculture and Agribusiness Programs - it was a tough decision for the selection panel with many high-calibre submissions. Peter Greenham Jnr, joint managing director of family-run HW Greenham & Sons, said supporting someone like Forbes via the scholarship was an important part of how the company gives back to the industry. “We have been offering a Greenham Scholarship in some way for almost 20 years now,” he said. “It is a commitment that is very important to us we are looking forward to getting to know Forbes and his studies and ambitions; he is an impressive young man who is thinking carefully and consciously about how to help grow his family operation and the industry into the future.” This is the first year Greenham has partnered with Marcus Oldham to offer the scholarship. HW Greenham & Sons is a family owned company with services operating in Tongala, Tasmania and Gippsland.

NEWS

May 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 11

No more QFF detected By BRONWYN KOLL, Agribusiness Yarra Valley Queensland Fruit Fly Regional Coordinator.

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FRUIT FLY: This month’s column from Bronwyn Knoll looks at early detection and the appropriate response to fruit fly.

Page 12, Southern Farmer

May 2019

Seeds, Fertilisers and Pasture

Worm Hit – working when it counts

WORM Hit continues to impress with its combination of being environmentally friendly, cost effectiveness and better crop yields winning it fans across the country. Worm Hit pellets, made from the castings of worms feeding on composted material, are full of a highly active natural biological mix RI EHQHo FLDO VRLO PLFUREHV enzymes and water-soluble plant nutrients, as well as being packed with minerals essential for plant growth. Early trials produce outstanding results with improvements to root growth, while trials on cereal crops proved even more exciting when farmers started returning better yields. They were also seeing changes to the soil structure with less compaction and a more friable soil. Doug and Michelle Brunskill of Brunslea, Forest Hill, have used Worm Hit this year, and are pleased with the results so far. They sowed 40kg/ha of Worm Hit – costing $35/ha, with Moby barley, which they graze through the winter and hopefully cut for silage or hay in the spring, depending on the season.

“At this stage, we are particularly impressed with the barley’s large root mass and growth, even after grazing it three times so far this winter,� Mr Brunskill said. “We sowed the barley and Worm Hit dry in April into a very hard clay-based soil type, which wasn’t ideal, but the plant growth, deep root development and moisture still in the soil at this stage of the current drought has been awesome. The Brunskills also used Worm Hit exclusively with Moby barley on their other property, where they are getting similar results despite the current drought conditions. Worm Hit had humble beginnings when Chris Curran and a couple of farmer mates discussed the possibility of compressing composted green waste into a form that could be spread or sown by farmers using conventional equipment. Chris was already in the recycling business - shredding green waste and other materials for councils around Australia and what he was seeing was vast mountains of composted material building up around the country with very little uptake by farmers.

The reason for this was the cost of moving the compost was cost prohibitive, unless the buyer was located close to the source. Chris decided to work with an organisation that used worms to breakdown the compost, turning it into vermicast (worm poo) – with the idea being then to pelletise the castings. Worm Hit turns a mixture of worm castings and a carbon food source into a pelletised form, creating one of the richest natural fertilisers on the planet. “Our worm cast pellets stimulate plant growth more than any other natural product on the market and comSDUHG WR DUWLo FLDO IHUWLOLVHUV and animal manures,� Chris said. “Our worm cast pellets are absorbed easily, making it plant available immediately.� Worm Hit pellets are safe to use on all plants, pasture and cereal crops. They won’t burn roots, or damage the soil – and are easily dispersed by conventional equipment. Worm Hit is available direct from the manufacturer, their authorised agents, or for more information go to www. wormhit.com.au.

VOLCANIC MINERALS: HealthyEarth active volcanic mineral fertilisers can contain up to 100 minerals that provide benefits to crops and stock.

Looking out for stock during droughts AUSTRALIA has some of WKH PRVW GLIo FXOW FOLPDWHV and lowest fertility soils in the world. After many decades of using chemical fertilisers our farm soils have become unbalanced, demineralised, acidic, have lost carbon values and in many cases struggle to support any form of healthy microbial activity. Because of this, crop and pasture failure is common, especially during severe drought conditions. Sheep and cattle commonly suffer health problems; cancer, nervous system disorders and poor fertility are issues most farmers face. Plants are extremely complex living organisms, the internal chemistry is

very sensitive yet resilient. To grow and perform properly and create all of the enzymes, vitamins, proteins and plant sugars needed for good robust health, they need a rich and extensive supply of minerals. Many minerals are needed to produce strong plants with cell walls resistant to stress damage, heat, drought, frost and fungus. Plants and crops can grow (hydroponically) with just 10-12 minerals. To be healthy, nutritious, tasty, stress and disease resistant, crops need at least 60 or 70 minerals. These minerals are passed to the people or animals eating the crop thus increasing their

ACTIVATED VOLCANIC MINERALS!

health, ability to cope with stresses and increase productivity. Applying essential minerals into the soil at the very beginning ensures their entry into the food chain. 7KH UHVXOWV p RZ WKURXJK the entire farm system, EHQHo WLQJ WKH IDUP ZLWK improved production and quality of produce. HealthyEarth active volcanic mineral fertilisers contain up to 100 minerals including rare earth elements and organic carbons. To learn more about these products and receive information on any of the 16 HealthyEarth products please contact Bayley from Goode Organics on 0420 946 156.

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May 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 13

Seeds, Fertilisers and Pasture

drumMUSTER keeping farms clean and green EVER wondered what happens to used AgVet chemicals and their containers? For many years, farmers and other AgVet chemical users had few options for disposing of used containers. Consequently, they were dumped, buried or burnt. Growers and other users are now aware of the potential uses of recyclable plastics, plus most QA food safety programs require growers to demonstrate their commitment to environmental safety. Enter product stewardship - a whole-of-life-cycle approach to ethical management of products, from the original manufacture though to use and end-of-life disposal. Agsafe’s AgVet chemical product stewardship programs, drumMUSTER and ChemClear, divert used containers and obsolete chemiFDOV IURP ODQGo OO UH URXWLQJ

them into recycling and responsible disposal pathways that assist in keeping land and waterways safe. Since drumMUSTER started operations in 1998, more than 37,000 tonnes of unwanted plastics have been diYHUWHG IURP ODQGo OO VLWHV LQWR recycling programs, which has saved Australian local councils a massive $33 milOLRQ RQ ODQGo OO FRVWV IRU ZDVWH management purposes. There are over 800 collection sites throughout Australia including over 350 local council sites and over 130 community groups participate. The programs are funded by an ACCC authorised levy which will become $0.06 per litre/kg from July 1, 2019 ZKLFK LV WKH o UVW LQFUHDVH LQ 20 years. Plastics make up the majority of AgVet containers, and those displaying the drumMUSTER logo have a

suitable recycling pathway aimed at reducing Australia’s carbon emissions and conserving our resources. Once the stored, empty, clean containers are collected, they are shredded and granulated, processed into pellets via heat extrusion, then re-used to make wheelie bins, fencing, pipes, bollards, road markers and public furniture. “Farm businesses who frequent drumMUSTER sites are setting a good example of how the simple act of recycling can keep land and waterways cleaner and litterfree, and communities safer,� Dominique Doyle, Agsafe general manager, said. 7R o QG RXW PRUH DERXW hosting a drumMUSTER site, local councils and community groups can visit www. drummuster.org.au. To register unwanted chemicals, visit www.chemclear.org.au.

MACHINE OF THE YEAR: Case IH’s Steiger Quadtrac CVT has won the 2019 Machine of the Year title at the biennial SIMA exhibition in Paris.

Case IH wins machine of the year

CASE IH’s Quadtrac CVXDrive, known in Australia as the Steiger Quadtrac CVT, won the 2019 Machine of the Year title in the XL category at the recent biennial SIMA exhibition in Paris. The accolade was given in recognition of the benefits of the proven continuouslyvariable transmission. Case IH Australia/New Zealand product manager for high horsepower tractors, Alyx Selsmeyer, said it was a great endorsement for the tractors. “The Steiger Quadtrac CVT FULL CAPACITY: Mildura landfill (pictured) full of chemical containers.

was released into the Australian market in 2017 and is the world’s first articulated tractor with Continuously Variable Transmission,� Alyx said. “It’s important recognition for the benefits of CVT, with Case IH the only manufacturer to offer it in these types of high horsepower machines. “Customers who’ve invested in one of these tractors notice immediately the fuel efficiency and operating benefits.� As well as targeting fuel efficiency and operator fatigue, the CVT transmission provides

faster acceleration to field or road speed, full power availability at low ground speeds for special applications and implements, and full hydraulic flow availability at low ground speeds, for the likes of direct drilling and planting. “It all adds up to a tractor designed to ensure the most efficient operation at all times, in all conditions, regardless of the task or terrain, with the capacity to reduce engine speed to the minimum required for the tractor’s workload, in order to maximise fuel efficiency,� Alyx said.

Page 14, Southern Farmer

May 2019

Seeds, Fertilisers and Pasture Ryegrass trial showing herd health benefits A TRIAL of a biological soil conditioner has shown increases in herd health on a dairy enterprise at Grassmere, in southern Victoria. Coomarook Dairy is part of the Midfield Group. Manager, Alex Bowman, trialled Great Land biological soil conditioner from Terragen Biotech on 202 hectares of pasture, with applications made via boom spray in autumn and spring. He said the aim of the trial was to compare the treated ryegrass pasture to other pastures on the property using soil and leaf tissue tests as a guide. Great Land is designed to increase plant health and productivity by enhancing the soil characteristics that enable better availability and uptake of soil-bound nutrients. Mr Bowman said while the soil and tissue tests will be of interest, they had already seen massive health benefits through their cow herd with the use of Great Land.

IMPRESSED: Alex Bowman, Coomarook dairy manager from southern Victoria, is looking to improve plant health and productivity with Great Land. “Our cell counts have improved too; farming does have a lot of variables, so we are looking forward to seeing the results over the next three to five years,� he said. “So far, the data has been very good and I’m confident it will stay that way.� The enterprise milked 2000 cows last year and looks to increase that number to around 2500 in 2019. A split calving timeline is used with heifers calving in February and cows from March through until the end of May.

A second calving period commences in the third week of July and continues through until December. Mr Bowman said the main feed sources across autumn, winter and spring were diploid and tetraploid ryegrass pastures, with 80 per cent of the pasture made up of perennial species and 20 per cent Italian. After the Italian pasture is finished for the year, it is power harrowed with a summer crop and then rotated through to a perennial.

SEE WHAT WE CAN DO: Dellavedova Fertiliser Services have been helping farmers get the most from their soil for more than 50 years. Pictured is Shane Dellavedova.

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“Spending $200 on a test is money well spent,� he said. k7KHUH V QR SRLQW XQGHU or over spreading fertiliser as \RX ZRQ W JHW WKH UHVXOWV \RX are after. “A soil test means advice can be tailored to each paddock – so that an optimum result is achieved at the end of the season.� Although Dellavedova Fertiliser Services specialise in applications across central Victoria, they are also able to travel for independent advice and to supply fertiliser products. For more information, contact the team on 5461 2888 or go to the website at http://dellavedovafertilisers. com/.

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Southern Farmer, Page 15

FA R M W O R L D

Wrap-up

LEARN SOMETHING NEW: Alisha Keyzer from Federation Uni.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Berends have been in the industry a long time, and no one knows more than Derick Berends.

BIG BOYS TOYS: Hardwood Mills’ Kerry Moring. READY TO HELP: Clarke Equipment’s David Knoke at the recent Farm World event.

OLD ENGINES: Laurie Hasan, Barney Coates, Merv Wingler and Ian Plant from the historical engine society.

FarmWorld success with thousands through gate SO PROUD: Laurie Hasan with his 1925 Austral Kerosene engine.

LAST month, thousands p RFNHG WR )DUP:RUOG IRU WKH DQQXDO HYHQW DW /DUGQHU 3DUN 'HVSLWH UHSRUWV RI D WHU ULEOH VHDVRQ DQG DOO IDUPHUV

HELPING YOUR PLANTS: Darren Maddock, from Nutrisoil, was all about getting information into the hands of farmers.

11: LOTS TO SEE: Thousands flocked to Lardner Park’s FarmWorld last month, despite the poor seasonal conditions.

GROW BETTER: Alternative Growing Solutions’ Graeme Joyce is all about helping people get more from their soil.

HIT IT WITH WORMS: Chris Curran from Worm Hit.

SO SWEET: Sophie Veenstra with alpaca Kindra Rey, is thought to be the youngest stud master in Australia

BEST THERE IS: Anyone who knows anything about fencing knows Gallagher is one of the best. Pictured is Mike Hemsley.

ZDLWLQJ GHVSHUDWHO\ IRU DQ DXWXPQ EUHDN WKH FURZG ZDV HQWKXVLDVWLF HPEUDFLQJ WKH QHZ WHFKQRORSJ\ DQG LPSOH SOLAR POWERED: Des Ladbrook and Allan Burhop from PHQWV RQ RII Solartronics at Farm World.

NEWS

Page 16, Southern Farmer

May 2019

BIG MACHINES FOR THE BIG JOBS: Eastern Generator Hire have a complete range of mobile generators. Their 220kva Genie is the biggest generator in Melbourne on a trailer.

EGH have your generator needs covered EASTERN Generator Hire have your generator needs covered. Holding a party? Killing a farm animal? Need to run large scale equipment? Lost power? It doesn’t matter what the reason, Eastern Generator Hire have a complete range of large scale generators. Located in the Yarra Valley, the company service all the areas around Coldstream – up to 65 kilometres out. They offer reliable power generation at a competitive price – their 220kva is the biggest rental generator in Melbourne on a trailer. So whatever you need, give Eastern Generators a call on (03) 9739 0938.

POOWONG: Though it is currently overgrown with blackberry and noxious weeds, Landcare are hoping to construct a bush walk along the Bass River.

Plans for Poowong Landcare POOWONG and District Landcare are hoping to construct a bush walk along the Bass River, connecting the camping ground to the Loch Road. Contacting the Southern Farmer direct to plead their case, the group have grand visions for the area – and want to encourage all local readers to get on board and support the Landcare project.

“We have a grand vision for this project – which includes an all-weather walking track, signage introducing native flora and fauna, rustic seating along the way, and hopefully a small parking area near Loch Road,� Wendy Davis, vice president of Poowong and District Landcare, said. “At the moment it is com-

pletely overgrown with blackberry and noxious weeds, and inaccessible by foot due to fallen branches and scrub,� Ms Davis said. “Landcare pay for the annual spraying of noxious weeds at this site, but they grow back quickly so a part of this project will enable easy access for future spraying as necessary, as the walking track

and adjacent area are cleared of rubbish.� Melbourne Water, South Gippsland Landcare and South Gippsland Shire Council have all publicly supported the plan, which would be one of the biggest for the local Poowong group. )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ RU WR o QG out how you can help, head to http://www.sgln.net.au/.

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May 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 17

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NEWS

Page 18, Southern Farmer

May 2019

Tractor Sales holding steady as dealers get creative SALES of agricultural tractors have begun to show signs of steadying across the nation, and while down on the recent record run continue to represent a reasonably healthy level of activity. This of course does exclude those drought affected regions of NSW, Northern Victoria and Southern Queensland. Sales for the month were down 13 per cent against the same month last year, and are now down that amount -13 per cent on a year to date basis. As a result, a forecast sales level of around 10,500 tractors is anticipated this year, down from the 12,500 unit levels of the past few years. Dealers around the country are reporting that inventory levels are plentiful and that now is a great time to buy. We saw slight improvement in the large over 200hp range in the month, leaving the year to date number down nine per cent. The 100hp – 200hp range fell away considerably, down 22 per cent for the month and now 18 per cent behind for the year. At the lower end, the 40 – 100hp range sits 11 per cent behind last year, following a 19 per cent decline in March, and the under 40 hp market has started the year slowly, off another 20 per cent in March and now 13 per cent behind for the year. Around the nation, the New South Wales market continues to struggle with March sales down

Gary Northover is the executive director with the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia.

20 per cent, Victorian sales were again down – 16 per cent for the month - and Queensland saw another dip of 10 per cent. In contrast, WA had a booming month, sales up 23 per cent for the month. Combine harvester sales continue to struggle, with advice from many dealers that the forward ordering of new machines has been less than promising. Baler sales continue to boom after a quite 2018, now 120 per cent up on the same time last year. Finally, sales of out front mowers were down for the month, now sitting around 19 per cent down on a yearly basis. Lastly, planning is well under way for the annual TMA Conference. This year’s event will be held on July 16 at Hyatt Place Melbourne at Essendon Fields, and will present a focus on better understanding the customer of tomorrow. The event is a must for all manufacturers, dealers and suppliers to industry and promises to be a highlight of the year. Ticketing and sponsorship details will be released soon and can be found on the TMA website www.tma.asn. au.

$6000 goat benchmarking opportunity MEAT and Livestock Australia (MLA), together with consultancy business Holmes Sackett, have partnered to offer 60 commercial goat producers the opportunity to have their businesses fully benchmarked against other goat businesses – valued at $6000. Interested producers will be able to have their business benchmarked against the average and top 20 per cent of goat businesses at no cost. Participating producers will receive: z a customised report showLQJ WKH SURGXFWLRQ DQG o QDQFLDO performance of their goat enterprise; z a comparison of their business performance against the pooled average and top 20 per cent performance, and a fresh set of eyes to help identify the opportunities for improvement; and z an idea of how they’re track-

ing against others in the red meat industry through an industry scale comparison of goat enterprise performance against other livestock enterprises over time. MLA goat industry project manager, Julie Petty, said it was a FRQYHQLHQW DQG HIo FLHQW SURFHVV for businesses to gather a great deal of knowledge and information. “Producers will also have access to the knowledge and skills of Holmes Sackett – a great resource to assist with questions or concerns about the business end of your goat business,� Ms Petty said. “Producers will also be able to use the farm visit from the experts to identify ways to improve WKH SURo WDELOLW\ RI WKHLU HQWHU prise.� Two data collection timings have been proposed – one in au-

OPPORTUNITY: Goat businesses can access a benchmarking tool worth $6000 for free.

tumn/winter 2019, and another in 2021. “Given that drought is currentO\ KDYLQJ D VLJQLo FDQW LPSDFW RQ production and is unfortunately not an uncommon part of the industry’s cycle, it’s important to collect data from good as well as poor seasons to better understand the volatility that producers and others in the industry experience,� Ms Petty said. Producers involved in the project will need to: z devote a couple of hours to compile some paperwork prior to a meeting with Holmes Sackett; z provide compliance (tax) or management accounts from 2015-16 to 2017-18; z where possible, provide livestock numbers for all enterprises from 2016 to 2018 including time of kidding/lambing/calving and typical time of sales; z provide number of sales and

value of sales for the goat enterprise; z provide opening and closing goat numbers (managed goat enterprises only); z devote at least three hours of time so that Holmes Sackett can UHFRUG SURGXFWLRQ DQG o QDQFLDO information; and z provide a location on a map or co-ordinates for the best place for a meeting. Holmes Sackett is a consultancy business that benchmarks WKH SURGXFWLRQ DQG o QDQFLDO performance of over 200 farm businesses across south eastern Australia annually. Producers who would like to be involved should contact Prue Francis of Holmes Sackett via email prue@holmessackett.com. au or phone on 0435 052 255 to discuss the project further and establish a suitable time for an on-farm meeting.

RURAL TRADES DIRECTORY POLY WATER TANKS REPAIRS

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May 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 19

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Page 20, Southern Farmer

May 2019

AUSTRALIAN MADE

Buy Aussie Pumps’ Aussie made products for budget cash splash THE recent Federal Government budget included great news for farmers - with a 100 per cent tax depreciation, farmers can increase their water harvesting equipment. The depreciation allowance VFKHPH GXH WR oQLVK RQ -XQH 30 2019, has now been extended and expanded. Farmers with turnovers of up to $50,000,000 can write off DVVHWV SXUFKDVHG WKLV oQDQFLDO year to the individual item value of up to $30,000. The best news is that they are not limited to the number of assets that can be purchased as individual items. Aussie Pumps design, manufacture and distribute Australia’s biggest range of selfpriming centrifugal pumps for farm applications – right here in Australia. Diesel sales are increasing as farmers make fuel savings and EHQHoW IURP ELJJHU HQJLQH OLIH With a higher capital cost than petrol engine drives, the depreciation allowance makes diesel more attractive. The Aussie pump range includes Yanmar, Kubota and now Hatz diesel drive pumps in

sizes from 2� up to 6�. Delivering up to 2600 lpm pRZ WKHVH VHOI SULPLQJ SXPSV move water around a property HIoFLHQWO\ HQDEOLQJ IDUPHUV WR maximise their dam storage and rainfall collection. “We see farmers and contractors wanting to invest in the best gear for their business,� said Aussie Pumps’ Brad Farrugia. “As a pump manufacturer, we supply a huge range of quality pumps that will help them maximise their water management potential.� The Aussie Pump diesel drive units are all built to the highest engineering standards and have been carefully match tested to ensure the engines are not overloaded. The pumps are backed with a oYH \HDU ZDUUDQW\ DQG WKH HQgines are covered by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. Aussie Pumps are urging IDUPHUV WR EX\ EHIRUH WKH -XQH GHDGOLQH WR EHQHoW WKLV \HDU For more information, including Aussies Pumps’ complete range of self-priming trash pumps, contact Aussie Pumps or visit aussiepumps. REAP THE REWARDS: Aussie Pumps are alerting farmers to ensure they get the rewards now of the new tax depreciation com.au. allowance rules, by capitalising on an investment from one of Australia’s most loved companies.

08 8468 4190

May 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 21

AUSTRALIAN MADE Covering Central, South Victoria, and West Gippsland

BERENDS The Largest Range of Australian Made Farm Machinery

Australian made aerators using the Shattertine technology. Great for cracking open hard ground and rejuvenating pastures.

Australia’s No1 locally built mulcher for the last 25 years. Available in Low Body or High Body models in various sizes. Great for clearing up paddocks and bush blocks.

MONEY CAN’T BUY: What most farmers want, money can’t buy. Rain, happiness, a successful season and somebody to love.

Money can’t buy the farm $6 WKH HQG RI WKH o QDQFLDO \HDU EHJLQV WR ORRP DFFRXQWDQWV DUH RIWHQ KHDUG WR WDON DERXW QHHGLQJ WR VSHQG PRQH\ WR VDYH RQ WD[ 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ PDQ\ IDUPHUV QHHG ZKDW PRQH\ FDQ W EX\ +HUH LV WKH 6RXWKHUQ

)DUPHU V WRS HLJKW ZLVKOLVW IRU SURGXFHUV DFURVV WKH UHJLRQ 5DLQ UDLQ DQG PRUH UDLQ $ FDOYLQJ ODPELQJ VHDVRQ ZLWK QR VWRFN ORVVHV 6XFFHVVIXO FURS SURGXFWLRQ %X\HUV ZKR DSSUHFLDWH

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BUY LOCAL, BUY RIGHT: This year, make buying Australian made your priority. From the vegetables you eat to the clothes you wear, every time you buy local, you support locals.

Large range of linkage and trailing disc ploughs to suit all tractors and applications.

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Since 1964, Dumac Pumps have produced quality engineered vertical-column pumps, durable for dairy, pig, wine, abattoir, mining and food processor industries.

Page 22, Southern Farmer

May 2019

END OF FINANCIAL YEAR $$$$ SPECIALS $$$$

Toyota – saving you money at tax time

AUSTRALIAN smallbusiness owners are celebrating the government’s boost to the popular instant asset writeoff scheme – and no one can capitalise on it more than those farming in the local region. Suddenly, farmers are able to purchase equipment worth up to $30,000 – an increase of $5000 – with the

option to use it as a tax write off. With that in mind, there has never been a better time to consider buying a new run-around car for the family, or a ute for work on the farm – and there is no RQH EHWWHU HTXLSSHG WR o QG the best deal than the team at Yarra Valley Toyota. For more than 50 years, the staff at Yarra Valley

SAVING MONEY WHEN IT COUNTS: Yarra Valley Toyota not only offer the best prices, they can also help save you money at tax time. Call in and speak to the team about the cars that fall under the $30,000 tax asset write off scheme.

Yarra Valley Toyota at a glance:

Toyota have been selling and servicing new and used vehicles in two great Locations - Croydon and Lilydale. Their state of the art modern showrooms and large display areas allow customers to casually browse the great range of Toyota vehicles – because, as everyone knows, when you live and work in a regional area, you need a

z are a locally owned business; z stock the full range of Toyota products as well as a great range of quality used vehicles; z have specialised sales staff to assist you with all your vehicle and accessory needs; and z Yarra Valley Toyota actively supports our local community, charities and sporting clubs.

vehicle that is reliable, and there is nothing as reliable as a Toyota. With up to $30,000 DYDLODEOH LQ WKH QHZ WD[ RIo FH write off, Yarra Valley have D QXPEHU RI YHKLFOHV WKDW o W the asset category, including Yaris; Corolla Hatch Petrol and Hybrid; Corolla Sedan; Camry Ascent; CHR 2WD Man and Auto; and Hilux 4x2 Single Cab.

So whether you are looking for a vehicle for the wife or your daughter, or perhaps a new ute for the farm, call into Yarra Valley Toyota and let the team help save you money this tax year. Of course, Yarra Valley Toyota also stock larger vehicles ready to take on whatever the Australian bush has to offer – models such as

Yarra Valley Toyota’s EOFY SPECIALS ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THE INSTANT ASSET TAX WRITE OFF? THESE VEHICLES ARE! CALL US NOW TO FIND OUT MORE‌ Add $1,250 for Hybrid model

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the all new Fortuner, Hilux, Prado, 200 series and the classic workhorse - the LC70. They also offer a large variety of commercial vehicles – whether you need a van to cart your trade supplies, or something a little bigger; whatever you QHHG <DUUD 9DOOH\ FDQ o QG LW So when you’re next in the market for a new Toyota – you know where to go.

LC70 Specialists! Call us to help with your dream build.

Yarra Valley Toyota 0DURRQGDK +LJKZD\ 9,& 3KRQH yarravalleytoyota.com.au /0&7 *The standard Toyota Warranty Advantage period for your new vehicle is 5 years with unlimited kilometres and, if your vehicle is properly maintained, up to 7 Years Engine and Driveline and up to 10 years Hybrid Battery with unlimited kilometres - subject to further terms and FRQGLWLRQV YLVLW KWWSV ZZZ WR\RWD FRP DX RZQHUV ZDUUDQW\ IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ 3ULFH LV PRGHO VSHFLĆŞF 0D[LPXP SD\DEOH IRU VWDQGDUG VFKHGXOHG VHUYLFLQJ QRUPDO RSHUDWLQJ FRQGLWLRQV IRU D QRPLQDWHG QXPEHU RI PRQWKV NLORPHWUHV ZKLFKHYHU RFFXUV ĆŞUVW XS WR D QRPLQDWHG PD[LPXP QXPEHU RI VHUYLFHV ([FOXGHV *RYHUQPHQW 5HQWDO YHKLFOHV &RQWDFW \RXU 7R\RWD 'HDOHU RU YLVLW KWWSV ZZZ WR\RWD FRP DX RZQHUV VHUYLFH IRU HOLJLELOLW\ DQG IXOO GHWDLOV

NEWS

May 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 23

New Massey Ferguson gives big performance in a little package MASSEY Ferguson, a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation, is proud to announce the release of new models to its MF GC1700 Series sub-compact range. Replacing the previous MF GC1705, 1715 and 1720 models, the new MF GC1723E and 1725M models now feature similar styling to the larger tractors under the Massey Ferguson banner. “We’re introducing the new models to the market with redesigned styling, functionality and control placement, which will make the new MF GC Series easy to own and a pleasure to operate,� Simon Van Kruining, product manager for Massey Ferguson compact tractors, said. k7KHUH DUH VSHFLo FDWLRQ options to suit most users which will make them ideal for grounds-care and farm work, whether the job is commercial or residential, ZH UH FRQo GHQW WKH QHZ range will get the job done HIo FLHQWO\ y The GC1700 Series sub-

compact tractors effortlessly undertake a vast number of projects, powered by the IXHO HIo FLHQW WKUHH F\OLQGHU liquid-cooled diesel engine. Both models feature a low-rated engine rpm that reduces vibration and noise, to improve engine life and decrease fuel consumption. Guided by customer input and constant testing, the design of the new GC1700 Series offers improvements that make the tractors more convenient, comfortable and easier to operate. A wide-open, clutter-free SODWIRUP ZLWK DQ DOO QHZ p DW p RRU GHVLJQ DOORZV WKH RSHU ator to move on and off the tractor with ease. A new ergonomically designed seat features arm rests with adjustments to FXVWRP o W HYHU\ERG\ DQG the adjustable tilt steering allows for ideal positioning to match the height and preference of the operator. ,WV UHo QHG OLQNDJH SUR vides smoother operation to reduce the amount of arm movement for the user, while a safety lockout lever

SMALL BUT MIGHTY: The new Massey Ferguson MF GC1700 range offers everything you might find in a big tractor, but in a compact package.

prevents the operator from inadvertently bumping the joystick or operating the hydraulics when in the locked position. The loader quick-attach design allows the operator to effortlessly remove each attachment when necessary. Hydrostatic foot pedals are strategically located on the right side of the platform, while the brake pedal is on the left side. The new models are equipped to handle a wide range of attachments and

accessories, with an optional front loader available WKDW KDV EHHQ VSHFLo FDOO\ tailored to deliver maximum performance and an optional 54� mowing deck delivers WKH o QHVW FXW For extra versatility, the MF GC1725M model can be o WWHG ZLWK D TXLFN DWWDFKHG self-standing backhoe. 7KH ERRP p RDW IHDWXUH makes it easier for the operator to position the bucket; creDWH DQ HYHQ p RRU EHG LQ WKH FXW and provide smooth grading RSHUDWLRQ ZKHQ EDFNo OOLQJ

“Users today are looking for a comfortable tractor that is productive and versatile to tackle a range of tasks and they also expect it to be exceptional value and this is exactly what we are offering with the new MF GC Series,� Simon said. For more information about the Massey Ferguson GC1700 Series sub-compact tractors, contact your local Massey Ferguson dealer or visit www.masseyferguson. com.au.

Federal budget - What it means for farmers THE newly released federal budget has seen an increase of the instant asset write-off, from $25,000 to $30,000. This allows businesses to write off assets - such as tools or equipment - against their taxable income. It will now cover purchases under $30,000, and can be used by businesses with annual turnover of under $50 million, up from a $10 million limit previously. The corporate tax rate for companies with annual turnover of less than $50 million will fall from 27.5 per cent to 26 per cent next year and 25 per cent starting in 2021-22. This is some five years earlier than previously planned, and is expected to benefit around 970,000 companies. NAB Agribusiness customer executive, Neil Findlay, said that the federal budget included a range of key items for Australian agribusiness, which was welcome news for the sector. “Looking toward the longer term, we note the establishment of two new funds around drought and disaster relief,� Mr Findlay said. “This is a positive step towards a more proactive response to natural disaster relief and we look forward to analysing the detail.�

END OF FINANCIAL YEAR $$$$ SPECIALS $$$$ The band saw that will cut any Australian hardwood into practical, usable sizes. (eg 4x4s, 6x4s, 8x2s etc)

Hardwood Mills – the Australian choice WHEN it comes to timber sawmills and cutting equipment, no one knows more than the team at Hardwood Mills. Designed in Australia, by Australians, for Australian Hardwoods – the products are guaranteed to cut all Australian Hardwood. Most recently, the team introduced a new fully portable trailer option.

$EOH WR EH UHWUR o WWHG WR any GT 26 portable band saw sawmill, and supplied with a VIN, mechanical loading brakes and able to carry six metres of track, the trailer is a no-brainer for all those in the industry. For just $2700, the trailer makes your mill totally portable - and quick and easy to level; just pull up, drop the

legs down and you’re ready for action. Designed on a truck chassis, this trailer is built like a tank; very tough, and made to last. They are also the stockists Norwood Portable band saw sawmills. For more information, go to www.norwoodsawmills. com/au.

GT26 trailer now available mechanical loading brakes takes 6m of track VIN supplied

Call us on 0432 221 952 For more information www.hardwoodmills.com.au www.norwoodsawmills.com/au

37D07165

MADE TOUGH FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS: Hardwood Mills make the best sawmill and timber cutting products – including their latest innovation, a $2700 trailer that makes your sawmill portable.

Ironbark? 4x2s? After Sales Service? No Problems!

Page 24, Southern Farmer

May 2019

NEW R A N G E

COMPACT TRACTOR, BIG CAPABILITIES. MF GC1700 COMPACT RANGE 23-25 HP MF GC1700 Series tractors make light work of tough jobs. Their compact size and versatile handling mean they’re ideal for small acreage, commercial and residential owners. Tackle a range of tasks and get the job done with the MF GC1700 Series - the perfect on-ďŹ eld performer with all the best features of a Massey Ferguson tractor rolled into a compact size. #

# " ! " !

#

# ! " " !

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER TODAY Dandenong Kyneton Nagambie Silvan

Small Horse Tractors L & G Sheppard and Sons John Sanderson Machinery Darmac Ag Sales & Service

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A world of experience. Working with you.

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