Southern Farmer June 2014

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South Central and West Gippsland

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Weekday stud groom, weekend bushranger MATT Aldridge is a thoroughbred groom and farmer by day. But – since March – the 27-year-old from Mangalore has become his “other self� almost every weekend. Matt was chosen earlier this year to play Ned Kelly – horseman, republican and hero, or thief, outlaw and murderer, depending on your view of history – for the Beechworth Re-enactment Group’s annual ‘Kelly Weekend’.

The event commemorates Ned Kelly’s August 1880 murder-charge committal hearing in the GoldďŹ elds town. It led to his Melbourne trial and execution in what is now called the Old Melbourne Gaol three months later. Matt has been at Mangalore’s Limerick Lane thoroughbred stud for a year, horse-handling and foaling down and working on general farm maintenance. “‘Stud groom’ is prob-

ably the ofďŹ cial title,â€? Matt says – though you’d say he’s not much given to titles. Every day at the stud he invariably looks across to Hughes Creek where Ned Kelly, as a 10-year-old, saved the younger Dick Shelton from drowning in 1865. Matt also works on his family’s 530-hectare farm at Northwood. There, two weeks ago, he donned for the ďŹ rst time a replica suit of the armor that Ned Kelly wore at Glenrowan that led to his capture.

TAKING AIM: Matt Aldridge, acting as ‘Ned Kelly’, handles Kelly’s Enfield rifle in Beechworth.

‘Army’ routs Landcare By DAVID PALMER THE 2014-15 federal budget has removed $484 million from Landcare and used this money and more - to pay for a so-called ‘Green Army’ that will perform similar work. The cut removes more than one third of Landcare’s funding. The national land conservation program has also lost a grants program by which private land managers would be paid to do environmental work in the public interest. Treasurer Joe Hockey told federal parliament in his 201415 budget speech two weeks ago that the proposed ‘Green

Army’ would be made up of young people assigned to work in Landcare-type sustainability projects. The government also cut $80m from Co-operative Research Centre funding. CRCs have done valuable agricultural research work for many years but the current funding round will not proceed as planned. The budget papers reported that many of the ‘Green Army’ proposed projects would be similar to Landcare work, including tree-planting, weeding and river improvement. Western District farmer and Charles Darwin University

academic Andrew Campbell, who helped to start prime minister Bob Hawke’s “decade of Landcare� in 1989, said that Landcare was now no more than a “threadbare quilt�. He told ABC Radio National’s ‘Bush Telegraph’ that Landcare was little more than “a threadbare patchwork quilt of tired volunteers, waiting for the next government program with a new website, a new logo, a new department name and less money than it had before�. He said both sides of politics were to blame. “We continue with stop-start, piecemeal, ad hoc, policy amnesia, wheels being reinvented

all over the place and unfortunately we’re just seeing the latest iteration of that,â€? Professor Campbell said. He said that Landcare’s strength was its social network. It had for the ďŹ rst time “connected greenies, hobby farmers, fair dinkum farmers and young peopleâ€?. Professor Campbell said that he would rather see Landcare continue unchecked. One project not threatened is the Western Port Catchment Landcare Network’s sustainable farm practices demonstrations. Pakenham-based network facilitator Peter Ronalds said that the project had received

five years of funding last spring . The money was being used to help farmers to establish demonstration sites on up to 40 farms in the Western Port or Yarra catchments to showcase such practices. One already approved was a dairy farmer’s use of river pebbles instead of sawdust on the oor of his calf-rearing shed to minimise gut infections. The network is promoting the program to farmers who had “great ideas relating to sustainable agricultureâ€? which they would like to test but did not have the resources to try, Mr Ronalds said.

“Don’t be afraid to put your ideas forward no matter how ‘out there’ they may seem to be,â€? he told Southern Farmer. “Innovative ideas will be looked on favorably.â€? For CRCs, the budget proposed that only those continuing would be able to apply for funding. Co-operative Research Centre Association chief executive Tony Peacock said that funding for the following two years of new CRCs would be affected. But the extent of changes that would ow through programs was not yet clear. The future of programs is to be reviewed.

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Page 2, Southern Farmer

June, 2014

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WITH the new lambing season getting into full swing and prime lambs selling at near record prices, it is vitally important that farmers and graziers do all they can to maximise their marking percentages. This is equally important to those breeders who run selfreplacing ewe flocks in order to gain a maximum number of lambs to achieve the best selection rate possible. Perinatal death in lambs refers to deaths at or within three days of birth. In south eastern Australia, while a small number of lambs die due to dystocia (difficult birth) or are stillborn, by far the greatest percentage of deaths is attributed to what is often referred to as the three way syndrome – mismothering, starvation and weather. Each of these contributors on its own can prove fatal to a newborn lamb but in combination of two

or three they are deadly. Mismothering This can occur in a variety of ways. Field observations carried out as early as the 1960s showed

that in the case of twin lambs, it can take a ewe up to three days to properly bond to both. Until the bonding it appears that ewes are satisfied with one

Continued page 8

Drouin dairy focus leads June diary

Level 1, Suite 103, 486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, North VIC 3127 Phone (03) 9888 4822 Fax (03) 9888 4840 Email: sfarmer@nenews.com.au

Managing Editor

Hartley Higgins

Journalist

David Palmer

Advertising Manager

Rod Berryman

Livestock Co-ordinator

David Rizzoli

Accounts/Distribution

Cathy Johnson

The Southern Farmer is published by Hartley Higgins for Reliance Press, a division of North East Newspapers Pty Ltd ACN 006 238 277 and is printed at 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta, 3677.

© 2012

SURVIVAL SUCCESS: In this 1964 photograph, David Rizzoli’s sons Paul (6) and Andrew (4) are with a ewe rearing quintuplets at Werribee.

or other of the lambs. In this situation the lamb must be healthy and active to survive; if one twin is stronger the other may not be able to compete and will starve. Also in these observations it was shown that generally the higher the percentage of British breed and later European breed blood in a flock the quicker the bonding of the ewe and lambs. There are numerous ways in which mis mothering can occur. On a typically fine mid-winter day with a chill wind blowing, a lamb may take shelter in the sun behind a tussock or rock. Meanwhile the ewe with one lamb grazes and moves away for some distance. The sheltering lamb then wakes up and looks for its mother. Alarmed at not finding her the lamb panics and runs, more often than not in the wrong direction.

Print Post PP 3259990028

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

A RELIANCE PRESS PUBLICATION

Covering Central South Victoria and West Gippsland

DROUIN is the place to be between 11am and 12.30pm on June 5 for a dairy farm focus day. Similar events will be held at Loch on June 5 and at Drouin South on June 20. Information: John Gallienne 0407 863 493. NORTH Melbourne’s self styled sausage and salami queen Sara Grazia is for the first time in Australia teaching a suite of exclusive practical prosciutto making master classes in June, July and August. Prosciutto making is regarded as one of the most advanced processes in meat curing, and Ms Grazia has more than 10 years’ experience teaching this heritage food art. Participants will be taught how to successfull produce and cure their own prosciutto using traditional Italian methods and techniques, processes that have been mastered and passed down for generations. On June 10 she will conduct a cured Italian meats master class, on June 11 a fresh sausagemaking class and on June 12 she will disclose salami making secrets.

Information: www.sausagesmadesimple.com.au. MELBOURNE showgrounds will host the 2014 Victorian Agriculture Conference & Expo on June 12 and 13. Information: Tom Whitty (03) 9207 5543 or email twhitty@vff. org.au. GARFIELD’S Agpath Pty Ltd will hold a four day biological farming workshop from Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15. It will involve laboratory and farm investigations at 105 Gunn Road, Garfield. Information: Mary Cole (03) 5629 1253. BALLARAT Lodge will host the 55th Grassland Society of Southern Australia annual conference ‘What’s driving your pasture business?’ from June 17 to 19. The conference is the society’s major event for the year and is expected to attract up to 400 people. Conference presentations start on June 18 and will cover pasture productivity and livestock management drivers. Conference participants can also take part in bus tours to inspect major trials at PGG

Wrightson’s research farm at nearby Leigh Creek, a soil cleaning facility at Smeaton and dairy and daisy farms. A delegates’ breakfast on June 19 will include a presentation from head of agronomy solutions at Incitec Pivot Fertilisers, Phil Hoult, on ‘How the soil test process works from paddock to paper’. Presentations on June 20 include topics related to financial performance drivers and enhancing on-farm efficiencies. The National Centre for Farmer Health will also present on farmer mental and physical maintenance. More information: office@ grasslands.org.au. CAIRNS will be the meeting place for the 2014 national AUSVEG convention, trade show and awards for excellence event from June 19 to 21. Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce and Visy executive chairman Anthony Pratt will be keynote speakers. Information: Lauren Winterbottom (03) 9882 0277 or email lauren.winterbottom@ausveg. com.au.

BENDIGO’S Epsom, home to the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries’ pig health and research unit, is offering graduate veterinarians the opportunity to undertake a refresher course in pigs. This course is relevant to veterinarians who live in the vicinity of pig owners and who wish to up-skill their pig knowledge. It will be held on June 19 and 20 at the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, corner of Midland Hwy and Taylor St, Epsom, followed by a farm visit on day two. There is no charge and accommodation costs will be met by DEPI, but participants will be limited to 10. Information: Trish Holyoake (03) 5430 4412 or 0419 231 534 or email trish.holyoake@depi. vic.gov.au. BENDIGO will again be the venue for the annual Bestwool/ Bestlamb conference at Prince of Wales showground. The conference dinner will be held on June 24 with a full day of proceedings on June 25. Information: www.depi.vic. gov.au.

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Southern Farmer, Page 3

‘Standstill’ tests readiness annoyance and loss to those who imported stock and were forced to keep their animals in quarantine for long periods”, according to Margaret Kiddle in the book Men of Yesterday. Department of Environment and Primary Industries’ principal veterinary officer Dwane O’Brien said if there was another outbreak in Australia “a critical measure in limiting its spread would be to stop the movement of all susceptible livestock, ini-

tially for a period of 72 hours”. “This would allow authorities to conduct surveillance activities and trace the movement of affected livestock,” Dr O’Brien said. “The discussion exercises and field-based activities will help to assess government and industry plans and procedures for implementing a national livestock standstill.” Dr O’Brien said that the exercise was not in response to a real outbreak.

The disease is highly contagious and Australia’s freedom from it underpins access to export markets for many agricultural products. It has been estimated that an outbreak could cost the Australian industry around $50 billion over 10 years as a result of loss in export market access. “We need only look to South Africa where a three-year ban on exporting meat was lifted just (last) month,” Dr O’Brien said.

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FOUR regional Victorian exercises – part of the national foot-and-mouth disease ‘Exercise Odysseus’ in Ballarat, Wodonga, Gippsland and Horsham – will enhance Australia’s arrangements of a national livestock “standstill” in the event of another foot-andmouth disease outbreak, participants say. Outbreaks of the disease thankfully have been few in Australia. One in Victoria’s Western District in 1872 “caused much

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Women rule tools AN apiarist from Ranceby, beef producer from Jindivick, another from Clyde North, a vegetable grower, interior designer and a potential carpentry apprentice took part in a mid-May tools workshop at Cranbourne. The teaching session saw 12 women from Korumburra to Wonga Park get to grips with power and hand tools in a state government-backed program organised by Agribusiness Gippsland. Female trade-trainers led the fourhour Skill Women Trade Workshop at Chisholm TAFE. It was supported by the Department of Human Services and Youth Central. Participants learned safe use of composite saws, jigsaws and impact drivers as well as hand saws and set squares. They made caddies from timber – a take-home souvenir of their lesson. They also heard about career opportunities for women in the trades sector.

Agribusiness Gippsland executive officer Sue Webster said that agriculture needed the know-how of skilled tradespeople both on-farm and in the factory. “Farmers, plumbers, welders, pump technicians, refrigeration mechanics, electricians, diesel and automotive experts…they all contribute to the agricultural output of Gippsland,” Ms Webster said. “There’s no reason why these workers cannot be female.” The group heard about the career paths of the trainers – all members of the NSW-based group Support and Linking Tradeswomen (SALT). Some of the SALT trainers had come to trade careers after university and others in the midst of child-rearing. Some took it on through an interest in renovation and restoration and others for lifestyle and the independence that skills training and knowledge offered. j/05d06109-v12/23-14

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FARM REVIEW

Page 4, Southern Farmer

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A NEED to combat 150 years of tunnel erosion, provide adequate subdivisional fencing and exclude steep gullies prompted Bob and Robyn Gray - first up to fence out gullies and plant trees in them. It worked so well that they took the next step and embraced agro forestry as a third 12.8-hectare enterprise on their 100ha beef and sheep farm Tamaroo at Torwood, just south of Warragul and Drouin. About 100,000 mainly eucalypt trees account for about 20 per cent of the farm for forestry and 20pc in Landcare plantings in

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steep gullies, leaving 60pc of the property in pasture for sheep and cattle. The land was originally settled in the 1860s for dairy cattle and was progressively cleared of blue gums. By 1976, when the Grays bought their first 39ha, it had been steadily run down for more than 20 years. Water and internal fences were practically non-existent. “We started subdividing the farm along the watercourses for better stock management and we needed to get the livestock out of bogs in the gullies,� Mr Gray told a 30-strong group at an April field day to explore sustainable farm practices on steep slopes. The steepest country is tilted to an angle of about 25 degrees and Mr Gray has quite a few times tipped his quad bike over when he was “trying to cut cattle out of places where you’d prefer not to go�. Those accidents too helped them move into fenced gullies and agro forestry. They agisted cattle for a year, but bought c ow s a n d c a l ve s i n the 1977 drought for $17.50, “when someone was in more strife than we were�. In 1983 with one paddock sheep proof, they bought a mob of store lambs “and a mate shore them under a tree�, Mr Gray said. Their second land purchase was 11ha (27 acres) being used by neighbors for spotlighting. “We didn’t want any more steep country but

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FOREST GLADE: Bob Gray (left) explains this agro-forestry plot covering almost 13 hectares which he planted two and a half years ago.

we wanted to stop bullets whistling overhead at night. “It seemed that every time our noses appeared above water level we bought more land and started again,� he said. The following year they bought 10ha next door and expanded sheep numbers following the conversion of cattle yards and a barn to handle and shear sheep. In 1986 the Grays established a five-sow piggery producing about 100 pigs a year which they sold direct to consumers as prepacked pork along with their lamb and beef. In 1996 they bought another 30ha across the road-even steeper than most of the home block. “It was covered in thistles, blackberries and ragwort and 6000 litres of herbicides were spot-sprayed in the first year,� Mr Gray said. In that year they also reduced cattle numbers to run more sheep to reduce the stock impact on the soil. “As we got into agro forestry too we gradually reduced cattle numbers down to 30

crossbred breeders,� Mr Gray said. They also fenced and revegetated steeper gullies and water courses and joined the local Landcare group. Soil The farm’s soil is a 5.3 to 5.5pH fertile heavy grey clay called a Dermasol duplex overlying a pretty impermeable sandstone. Originally it was standard central Gippsland blue gum country cleared from the 1860s for dairying. “But after two or three days of heavy rain it becomes a nightmare, because cattle break through the pasture sod and soil disappears down gullies as goo,� Mr Gray said. Annual rainfall averages about 1040 millimetres. Another problem with the underlying impervious layer is landslips. “But there is very little you can do about them,� Mr Gray said. Tunnel erosion is a major difficulty too but has been largely controlled by fencing tunnel eroded gullies and revegetating 20ha

they cover with 75,000 trees and shrubs. The first evidence of tunnel erosion is holes appearing in paddocks as the tops of the tunnels fall in, perhaps 150 years after tree clearing and dying roots caused the tunnels to start. Because tunnel erosion was starting to move uphill into critically small areas the Grays use to cut hay and silage, they employed an excavator to dig the tunnels out and backfill them. Then they fed hay out on the excavated areas and “the stock did a wonderful job of compacting those areas�. With the sheep enterprise they buy one and a half year old first cross ewes, which they join to Poll Dorset rams to lamb from the start of July. Currently they run about 10 sheep per hectare and about 1.2 cows/ha. “Last year we got them for $100; four years ago they were $260,� Mr Gray said. “That is a big variation but lamb prices drive ewe prices.� „ Continued page 5

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FARM REVIEW

June, 2014

Southern Farmer, Page 5

hillside farming

BARELY COVERED: This replanted gully is typical of Bob Gray’s land reclamation work on Tamaroo. From page 4

Although the gross margin for the cattle at $245/ ha is only 37 percent of the $665/ha gross margin for the sheep, the 30 cross bred females are fixtures on the farm. “There are only so many sheep you can crutch,” Mr Gray said. “(Because of the extra work) I don’t want another 300 sheep to replace the cattle and there is an internal parasite control benefit for the sheep in having sheep graze rotationally behind thecattle”. Projected returns from the agro forestry enterprise suggest that a gross margin of about $20,000 per hectare is possible, which over the 22 to 25 year rotation, means an annual retrospective return of about $800 to $900/ha. “It’s an act of faith that there will be an upside with the trees,” Mr Gray said. Management Sheep production has been dramatically increased with the addition of alpaca guard animals to protect lambs from foxes and dogs. “Before we bought alpacas we had 75 per cent

lambs survive; the year after it climbed to 100 per cent. “Then someone said you need two alpacas in each mob which we did and the lambing percentages since have ranged between 115 and 125 per cent,” he said. Ewes lamb in spring with most lambs sold between Christmas and the end of April. “But hopefully we get the first draft of lambs away before Christmas because there is a spike in the market then to meet the demand for a lot of chops being consumed on beaches,” Mr Gray said. Soil and rainfall allow this somewhat out of season system. “Three years ago we got $165 a head but there is a huge fluctuation and we’ve also gone down to $75 for a budgeted average of about $100,” Mr Gray said. In the cattle enterprise, the Grays buy dairy cross heifers and join them to Angus bulls to calve in spring. That means vealers are ready to market in autumn when prices normally rise. The Grays budget on turning 70 per cent of

them off at 220 to 240kg liveweight to average $1.90 a kilogram. Calves which fail to make vealer quality, about 30 percent, carry over to be sold at about 18 months old the following December. Trees About two and a half years ago the Grays decided to plant 15ha to eucalypts. “I wanted to do it properly because I’d seen first hand the problems that arose from planted agro forestry plots on remote and hilly sites where eventual harvesting would be almost impossible,” Mr Gray said. The Grays consulted Heartwood and entered into an arrangement where it would provide advice and Mr Gray would do most of the establishment and maintenance work. “The first thing he did was spray the 15ha with a herbicide mix devised by Heartwood. “But in spraying that 15ha by hand, there was 54km of tree lines to be covered to accommodate the 17,000 trees. The herbicide was extremely effective.

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FARM REVIEW

Page 6, Southern Farmer

June, 2014

‘Shilling milker’ backs Limousins By DAVID PALMER TEN shillings a week to milk 120 Friesian cows on the family farm near Traralgon in the early 1960s failed to ‘cut the mustard’ for young John Mollard. He felt left behind because his friends all had easier town jobs and money to splash on flashy cars. So the wider world beckoned and in 1961 he joined the Victorian Railways with a view to returning to the farm – eventually. But it took him another four decades before he and his wife, Barbara, finally moved back to the country. In the meantime Mr Mollard worked 19 years with Timber Panel Products and at the end of that time they owned a seven bedroom house in Rosanna and had raised four sons. But Mr Mollard was restless and one day Mrs Mollard said: “let’s go and buy a farm”. As is so often the case, the Yarck farm where they are now is the first one that they inspected. They purchased the property comprising one dam and two large paddocks early in 1999. On the Maroondah

Highway, near its junction with the Goulburn Valley Highway, its 57ha (140ac) was never going to be a living area. So until a couple of months ago, Mr Mollard has been managing another farm for a Melbourne based businessman about 10 minutes’ drive away. Their first cattle venture was with a mob of commercial Herefords and a Limousin bull “because I’d read Limousin carcasses yielded more meat”, Mr Mollard said. It was the first step in a dedicated pursuit to breed top Limousin bulls which they do now as theYarralea Limousin Stud. The commercial venture worked out well but they wanted to do more and bought two French Pure Limousin cows at the 2006 Wodonga National Show and Sale “But we were a bit disappointed with them because all they wanted was to be fed and they wouldn’t leave the gate of their paddock. “Then we bought more French pure cows from Tanholm in Queensland then some from Donna Valley, Holbrook, NSW and from the Broombee stud.”

PEACEFUL CORNER: Barbara and John Mollard in front of an orchid greenhouse near their back door. In Melbourne John raised about 5000 orchids at a time.

They proved much more willing to forage. Since then they have used a lot of imported French pure semen over their females. When the Mollards’ first stud sire was sold at eight years of age to a commercial herd, they

battled on for a few years using their own bulls. But it was too hard to diversify the genes and they bought a bull at the last Donna Valley bull sale whose bloodlines went back to the stud’s top female, Donna Valley Pretty Lady; “she had a

lot of (top Limousin sire) Dauphin in her”, Mr Mollard said. A big advantage with him was that he just happened to be polled and many of Yarralea’s current bulls are polled too. Overall they get about 80 per cent of polled calves

out of horned cows. However, next year they plan to go back to the semen of a straight horned French pure sire. “You’ve got to keep bringing that French blood in, but I’m hoping that because we have the polled gene in our cattle we’ll keep that,” Mr Mollard said. Currently they sell about a dozen bulls a year from the 30 plus female stud. Prices are generally around $3000 although they recently soldYarralea Hogan for $4000 after they showed him at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo in February. The Mollards deliver their bulls free anywhere in Victoria although Gippsland has recently been a popular destination with five going to Heyfield, one to Rosedale and one to Leongatha. They have taken an organic track in managing their farm, particularly after they saw a neighbour’s over enthusiastic aerially applied super kill four trees on their northern boundary. They use a fish and seaweed fertiliser diluted 10:1 and applied it at the rate of 400L/ha. The Mollards were also

planning this autumn to use a ground rock and additive mixture called Munash at about 200kg/ha, but were stymied at the time of writing because of the contractor having spreader problems and the early and definite autumn break. The Mollards inject their cattle twice a year with Multimin, four weeks before joining and four weeks before calving in February. As well they give every cow and calf a dose of probiotics when calves are tagged. Mr Mollard said they had built cattle handling infrastructure for comfort and stress free handling of the cattle; all major facilities like yards are covered for protection from the weather. “Also, we don’t use dogs or prodders or even shout at the cattle; if you do they’ll be different cattle,” Mr Mollard said. At six months of age the Mollards yard-wean calves on pellets for two weeks. But they do not generally molly coddle them. “It’s unforgiving country in summer and we don’t pamper them.” Mr Mollard said. Continued page 7

P/05d06204-V12/2314

FARM REVIEW

June, 2014

Southern Farmer, Page 7

in Yarck’s far hills From page 6

“A roll has to last all of the 34 or so females two for at least two days in summer and autumn so they are more spoon fed,” he said. With only 60 odd hectares at their disposal, the Mollards say they have to be tough and only keep animals which perform. Usually one 14 or 15

month old non performer a year – normaly a lighter or temperamentally difficult animal – is killed on the farm for their own consumption. That works out at about $15 a kilogram for 100kg of beef, Mr Mollard said. The Mollards have not stinted on improvements across the farm.

Extensive fencing is all steel with fence ends based on heavy steel galvanised pipe about 2.1m long and sunk 60cm in the ground. Mr Mollard has fenced more or less along contours across the face of a much steeper part of the farm which is most distant from the Maroondah Highway.

He said it was to limit hill grazing in summer because there was so little pasture there, the hills turned black in the hot months. That limited grazing has helped remnant grey box trees survive on the hill because they are better preserved with limited grazing around them.

WORK READY: Some of this year’s draft of French Pure Yarralea stock.

t/05d06742/49-13

TWO WAY CURIOSITY: Mollard grandchildren Hannah and Emily make the acquaintance of Yarralea Jacko.

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NEWS

Page 8, Southern Farmer

Prime lamb values push survival plan

DELLAVEDOVA FERTILISERice,SERVICES large or small

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From page 2

Pirating can cause mismothering and occurs when a ewe which is on the verge of lambing steals a newborn lamb from another ewe which may be giving birth to a second lamb. When the pirate ewe gives birth she may give her full attention to the newborn at the expense of the pirated lamb or ignore the newborn and concentrate on the pirated lamb; whichever is the case one lamb will die. Pirating more often occurs among those ewes with stronger mothering instincts such as those with a higher percentage of British or European breed blood. Excessive disturbance of lambing ewes should be avoided and a pair of strong binoculars is a handy tool allowing the observer to stand off the flock at some distance and only cause a minimum of upset. Starvation As noted, perinatal death is usually caused by a combination of two or three factors. Starvation is invariably involved with mismothering and occurs over a period of days and is observed on post mortem, as a mobilisation of the lamb’s fat reserves, albeit small, represented by reddening of the fat due to expanding blood vessels. Starvation can also occur due to a ewe’s milk supply being inadequate because of disease or an undeveloped udder. Weather Weather is a key factor in perinatal deaths, particularly in south eastern Australia. Typically in south western Victoria, it can range from bright sunny days with little wind when almost all lambs born that

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day survive, to days of extreme cold with rain and high chilling winds when not only do all lambs born that day die, but those born the previous day die too. However, the most deadly weather pattern for lambs is that where the ambient temperature is very low and periodic rain showers are driven by cold winds. This creates a Coolgardie safe effect on lambs when during the drying off period the lamb’s body is driven down and does not recover fully by the time of the next shower. The result is that the lamb’s body temperature is driven progressively lower with each shower until it becomes moribund and dies. Over many years various sheltered lambing systems have been devised. All have involved using ram harnesses and crayons in a system developed by CSIRO scientists in the 1960s. By using the harnesses and different colored crayons for each week of mating, farmers are able to accurately predict when a ewe is due to lamb. Paddock shelter can range from plantations incorporating low shrubs and medium and tall trees which effectively create a lee of still air up to 50m into a paddock. Other methods have involved sowing rows of pampas grass at intervals across a paddock at right angles to the prevailing wind, paddocks of half pasture and half (not too dense) bush or intensive lambing systems. In intensive lambing systems operators had to develop a high degree of skill in selecting ewes that were right on the point of lambing. These were individually penned overnight or

until they lambed. After a sufficient bonding period ewes and lambs were released to one of four small holding paddocks for three days before they were released to rearing paddocks. Intensive lambing systems were expensive to build and operate as the ewes had to be fed fully in the pens and small paddocks if mismothering was to be avoided on release to the rearing paddock. They were also labor intensive and time consuming. In recent years various experiments to identify those ewes bearing twins have been carried out; once identified they can be given special attention and feeding both pre and post lambing. Probably the most successful of these was a Victorian Department of Agriculture trial on a number of commercial flocks around the state. This involved a mobile field unit fitted with an X ray tube and Odelca camera, similar to those used in detecting TB in humans. The ewes were X rayed at about the end of the second trimester, that is between 90 and 100 days of their pregnancy. The unit was self-contained with a dark room and a viewing room. Sheep were brought up a ramp and restrained at the face of the camera. A brass number was placed on the sheep for

identification and the sheep were branded according to their pregnancy status. However, the high costs involved, coinciding as they did with a downturn in sheep and wool prices, ruled the system out. Another method was to use abdominal scanners to detect the number of lambs a ewe was carrying in a similar manner to those used for human beings. Most recently experiments to detect varying levels of hormones in the blood have proved successful but require specialists to carry out the tests and analyse the results. Feral animals may be the cause of a small number of newborn lamb deaths. Foxes, crows, wild dogs and feral pigs certainly do take newborn lambs. But observations at Minnipa by the South Australian Department of Agriculture showed that at least in the case of fox predation, most of the lambs were unviable and would have died anyway. Also, very few foxes will face up to a ewe protecting her lamb, preferring to scavenge for afterbirth or sick lambs. In all, the most effective way of saving lambs is to provide effective shelter together with maximum attention to ewe husbandry. However, despite all the work carried out over many years far too many new born lambs still die.

Wagyu registrations up WAGYU registrations in Australia continue to grow rapidly with a 26 per cent lift from 2013 to 2014 which followed an 11 per cent jump during the previous 12 months. With 6657 registrations in 2013, Wagyu remains the fastest growing major breed in the nation. It moves to eighth in the registration hierarchy, up from tenth the previous year.

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Selective control of a wide range of broadleaf weeds in sub clover and grass pastures

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Contact and residual activity on redlegged earth mite, blue oat mite, bryobia mite, brown pasture looper, pasture webworm and vegetable weevil

The blackheaded pasture cockchafer specialist. Also targets native budworm, green mirid, redlegged earth mite, blue oat mite, brown pasture looper and wingless grasshopper

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AG BIKES AND ATVS

Page 10, Southern Farmer

June, 2014

SPRAY EASY: Easy, safe and comfortable spraying from the seat of a mobile vehicle or ute is a feature offered by Silvan’s Spotpak sprayer.

ATV demand drives equipment Spraying power is provided by a self priming 12V Pakpump which puts out 5.3L/m open flow at 60 psi. Delivery is provided by a 6m hose fitted with a 550mm stainless steel spray lance with an adjustable pattern nozzle. Another feature is the chemical measuring jug, which fits and is safely stored beneath the screwon lid of the tank.See www.silvan.com.au.

RAPIDLY-growing demand for all terrain, off-road and similar utility vehicles is being matched by a need for complementary equipment. Silvan Australia has responded with the release of a fully equipped spray unit that, while compact enough to fit the available tray space, is also fully equipped for weed control or general spot spraying.

Farmers like CFMoto U8 The pack includes a free ‘first service kit’, an Australian Standardsapproved open-face helmet and a heavy duty ATV cover. CFMoto dealers can be found in Ferntree Gully, Kilmore, Pakenham, Heyfield and Ballarat. Go to the maker’s website for contact details, special offers and product information: www.cfmoto.com.au.

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QUAD Bikes are related to about 28 per cent of all work related farm deaths in New Zealand where Lifeguard roll over bars are made. According to the company, an interesting point is that according to research by the Department of Labor for statistics on quad bike accidents in New Zealand, the most common accident causing serious injury or death, was a slow speed sideways roll on the side of a hill.

This is 75 to 80 per cent of call out accidents, it said. To overcome injury to riders by being struck by the top of a solid roll bar when a quad bike tips over completely, the top bar of the Lifeguard will flex around a fallen driver. After significant research, it has been built of nylon segments, an alloy base, a built in winch, a spring loaded mechanism and a neoprene cover. Essentially it has solid vertical pieces through

which cables pass to support the top of the structure. So when a bike tips and pins a rider under the top lateral bar, it will mould around the rider and the cables give way around his body and should only inflict minor injuries if any at all. As well it is possible to wriggle out from underneath an up-turned lifeguard equipped quad bike. Lifeguard measured the weight applied on an ob-

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ject or person that would be under a Lifeguard® when a 360kg weight was applied. The average results of five tests were that only 33.9kg would be applied. Overall the roll bar will support up to 1200kg. One originally unseen benefit, is that two or three dogs can comfortably ride inside the Lifeguard. “It gives them a support to lean against which helps prevent them being thrown off,” the company says.

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A NEW U8 is set to become what the manufacturer calls “a game changer” for Victorian farmers looking to purchase a side-by-side vehicle before the end of the financial year. Until June 30, local CFMoto dealers across Victoria are offering customers who purchase a CF500 Classic or X5 Farm Spec ATV a free Tax Time Bonuses pack worth $500.

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NEWS

Page 12, Southern Farmer

June, 2014

)HUWLOLVHU SXPS ZLQV FRQ¿ GHQFH

FAST AND FLUID: Aussie Pumps’ Joseph Attard checks out the 50.8mm Aussie fert pump in its new, more convenient configuration.

HANDLING liquid fertilisers safely requires a pump designed to cope with a fluid’s corrosive nature and to do the job fast. One company, Australian Pump Industries, has developed a new 50.8-millimetre (twoinch) fertiliser pump for farmers looking to maximise yields this sowing season. Called the ‘Aussie Poly Smart’, the new poly will not only safely and efficiently handle liquid fertilisers. It has additional features that make it convenient to use and even more versatile. “We have ‘up-spec’d’ our fertiliser pumps to give farmers more convenience and better chemical handling capability,” said Adam Scully, Aussie Pumps’ product manager. “We understand that there’s a wide range of chemicals on farm that need to be pumped. “That’s why we’ve standardised on universal Viton seals. “Viton will generally outlast others’ elastomers and it can withstand higher temperatures without becoming brittle. “That means the pump

needs less maintenance.” The new pump is driven by a genuine 6.5-horsepower Honda engine with electric start convenience. The pump, engine and battery are mounted in a robust steel frame to give them protection. The frame enables the 34kg pump to become an easy two man lift. “The electric start Honda engine is proving extremely popular,” said Mr Scully. “It’s quicker to start the pump and the full frame configuration makes it easy to pick up and throw in the back of a ute when you want.” Aussie Poly Smart offers high flow capability delivering up to 835 litres per minute. This ability cuts the

time taken for chemical transfer and even big sprayers can be filled in a matter of minutes, cutting cycle times. The pump’s unique construction material, glass filled polyester, is impervious to the corrosive nature of nitrogen based liquid fertilisers. Stainless steel fasteners, Viton o-rings and check valves are standard equipment. The Poly Smart has Aussie’s unique five-year pump warranty, an indication of the confidence the company has in the product. Look for new Aussie Poly Smart pumps at your nearest Aussie Pump Gold dealer or find more information online at www. aussiepumps.com.au.

Landcare’s foxy plan THE South Gippsland Landcare Network is seeking interest from three to five landowners in adjoining areas to work together in the next six months to tackle foxes on their properties. The trial involves

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DAIRYING

Page 14, Southern Farmer

June, 2014

Âľ3URÂż W WKLHYHVÂś GHVHUYH VFUXWLQ\ THERE are two major profit thieves in dairy farm systems that simply do not receive sufďŹ cient attention. The industry media seems to address the endless voice of costs and milk price, drowning out the problem of limited cow performance from sub-clinical milk fever/

ketosis, and fertility. In regard to costs, there is another word, investment, that also does not appear on the radar. Milk price is never within our control and will only ever be what milk processors are forced to pay to procure the milk volume they require – supply/demand.

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Rarely is there discussion on the loss of 1000 litres/cow/lactation from sub-clinical milk fever/ ketosis. Certainly fertility gains a hearing, but little else seems to be happening. So I want to address sub-clinical metabolic disease this month and look at fertility next month. Fact: research has shown 51 per cent of ďŹ rst calvers, 61 per cent of second calvers and 67 per cent of third calvers have sub-clinical milk fever. The problem is, this can take up to 150 days to self-correct and in the meantime our cow produces well under her genetic and feed-on-offer potential. Clinical milk fever is estimated to cost $125/case; sub-clinical milk fever is around $500 per case, because, being non-visible, it goes on until the cow manages to increase blood calcium levels to match or better calcium expended in milk production. However, the chilling data shows sub-clinical milk fever is 15 times the rate of clinical. Herein lays the hidden and dramatic cost. She will also have a high infertility cost added to this. Research over 55 herds and 1900 cows showed cows with sub-clinical milk fever (hypocalcaemia – blood calcium concentrations below 8.5mg/100ml) before and after calving have signiďŹ cant negative impacts on milk yield and reproduction. Cows within a week of calving with sub-clinical milk fever produced 3.2L less than higher blood calcium cows over the ďŹ rst four months of lactation (384L).

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Cows in sub-clinical milk fever three weeks after calving produced 7L less milk. Cows with good blood calcium concentrations (9+mg/100ml) were 1.5 times more likely to conceive at ďŹ rst AI. Sub-clinical milk fever cows were also noted as having a higher risk of fever and metritis (immune suppression). A complex and costly problem with a very cheap and simple answer that any dairy farmer can implement: regular urine pH testing of springer cows to ensure the ration DCAD is correct – urine pH, Holstein 6.2 to 6.8 and Jerseys 5.8 to 6.2, and simply adjust anionic lead feed grain to correct any readings outside these parameters. Thief no. 2 – Subclinical ketosis. At calving, a cow’s dry matter intake is at a low point, corresponding to a dramatically increased demand for energy for lactation. This is called negative energy balance and every cow experiences it to some

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degree; degree being the key word. When excessive, body fat mobilised to meet the energy demand builds up in the liver – fatty liver syndrome. Ketones are then released to the blood stream. Sub-clinical ketosis is deďŹ ned as increasing levels of ketones circulating in the blood stream. Cows in sub-clinical ketosis are at a greater risk of displaced abomasum, metritis, clinical ketosis, reduced reproduction performance, milk production by 1.5L/day, 400L/ lactation and mastitis

(immune suppression). Sub-clinical ketosis affects up to 55 per cent of cows. Fresh cows often experience an energy deďŹ cit of 25 per cent of total energy requirement. However, new research has uncovered a deeper and unseen cause: metabolic inammation which is now identiďŹ ed as a precursor to fatty liver. The plot thickens. How do we deal with metabolic inammation? Antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium have shown beneďŹ ts in transition/fresh cows in regard to health and inammation. These are standard ingredients in all our premixes and we always run our dairy premix at 50 per cent in lead feed grain mixes. Research is continuing on the link between inammation and metabolic disease using various antiinammatory substances. Back to the farm: what can we do to minimise ketosis, detect it, sub-clinical especially, and treat it? Firstly, by minimising

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ketosis. Our own research on dry cows has highlighted a major threat with 42 per cent of dry cows entering the lead feed group tested positive for sub-clinical ketosis. Although we formulate dry cow rations, especially for late summer dry cows, to avoid this, energy intakes can be very varied at any time of year. Perhaps a safety net is feeding 2kgs/day of dairy grain mix to dry cows. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the feeding of minerals to dry cows, so feeding dairy grain to dries will help this too. Alternately, a silage only diet will meet the dry cow’s needs for energy and protein without excesses. Secondly, the transition diet: silage adlib and 4kgs of lead feed with appropriate DCAD. There needs to be a high per centage of canola meal (quality protein) in the lead feed grain to drive appetite and intake. Falling intake alone will drop energy intake dramatically and increase body fat mobilisation (heading toward fatty liver) prior to calving. Finally, two tests for detecting sub-clinical ketosis after calving: 1) in a fresh cow dominant herd calculating the BF per cent to MP per cent ratio will tell you of “herd ketosis� status. The threshold ratio for sub-clinical ketosis is 1.4; this, or greater ratio has been proven by comparative blood tests for BHBA to determine sub-clinical ketosis. 2) Milk keto test strips are invaluable in identifying individual cows with sub-clinical ketosis.

Dairying workshop VICTORIAN dairy farmers, or those eyeing a career in the dairy industry, are invited to business workshops at Shepparton RSL on June 3 and Camperdown Golf Club on June 24. The Centre for the Study of Rural Australia at Marcus Oldham College will host the workshops from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Dairy industry consultants John Mulvany and Phill Shannon will facilitate the sessions. The cost is $30 with lunch included. Call MOC on (03) 5243 3533 or email reception@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au.

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WINTER WARMTH AND HEATING

Page 16, Southern Farmer

June, 2014

Trident targets ‘Green’ edge to illegal wood ¿ UHZRRG JXLGH THE Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) has launched a statewide investigation into the illegal commercial sale of firewood sourced from public land. “The aim of Operation Trident is to gather information from the community about the illegal sale of firewood from public land and then prosecute anyone found to have broken the law,” DEPI senior forests investigator Greg Chant said. “DEPI regional authorised officers will be conducting investigations to determine the legality of commercial firewood suppliers across Victoria. “We know that firewood is being illegally removed from public land and sold. This has been an issue for many years. “This activity is making a profit from taking firewood that should be available free of charge to the community during the domestic firewood season. “If you know of anyone who is buying or selling firewood taken from public land illegally we want to know about it. “Your information can be provided anonymously by calling DEPI on 136 186.” Mr Chant said that commercial firewood suppliers needed to have the appropriate licences and permits

to sell firewood obtained from public land. “Commercial firewood suppliers must be able to produce their licence or permit to anyone considering buying firewood from them,” Mr Chant said. “We also want to remind the community that it is illegal to remove firewood from any public land other than a domestic firewood coupe during the designated firewood collection seasons. “These domestic firewood coupes are not available to commercial firewood sellers. “By purchasing firewood from unlicensed suppliers, purchasers are undermining legitimate licensed firewood suppliers resulting in increased prices for firewood.” The illegal sale of firewood is a serious offence. It attracts penalties of up to $7218 or one year imprisonment or both. DEPI manages Victoria’s public land and natural resources with the aim of achieving the best results for the environment and the community. More information about firewood collection and management can be found at the department’s website: www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-andland-use/forest-management/firewood.

A CONSUMER guide aimed at helping Victorians keep warm this winter with a clear conscience is a first for those wishing to buy environmentally sensitive firewood for use at home or in a business. Produced by the Victorian National Parks Association, one of Victoria’s oldest community conservation organisations, The Sustainable Firewood Guide was launched recently. “For the first time, consumers can now make an informed choice for the firewood they burn based on environmental impacts, particularly native habitat,” said VNPA spokesman Nick Roberts. “There is more firewood burnt annually in Victoria than is exported for woodchips. “Most of this wood comes from poorly managed state forests in Victoria and New South Wales.” The consumer guide looked at a number of firewood and firewood alternatives widely avail-

able in Victoria. It scored them against a number of criteria to assess which had the least impacts on forests and wildlife. “Most firewood sourced from native forests comes

from high-conservation value River Red Gum forests in northern Victoria and New South Wales. “Even the very special box-ironbark forests in central Victoria are still used for firewood.

“This wood removal impacts on threatened native mammals and birds such as the Brush-tailed Phascogale and Superb Parrot. “The product that scored the best in our analysis is produced sustainably on farms right here in Victoria. Trees cut down are replaced, and the woodlots are planted in cleared land of low environmental significance.” The Sustainable Firewood Guide was produced following an RMIT research report for the VNPA which found overwhelming support in Melbourne for the use of sustainably produced firewood. “This research found that 80 per cent of pubs, bars and commercial users of firewood were in favor of using sustainable firewood, with 67pc of wood merchants interested in selling a sustainable product,” Mr Roberts said. For a copy of the guide go to www.firewoodguide. vnpa.org.au.

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Cost-saving tips for hiking energy bills Comparisons can help you to keep more money in your pocket during winter’s coldest months RISING energy costs are a major concern for Australians and this is the time of year when power bills often surge to their highest as households battle to keep warm . Website helpmechoose. com.au general manager Julie Ryburn says that during cold winter months people spend more time indoors and turn up house heating. “We use energy hungry appliances like electric heaters to keep warm and less daylight means more use of energy for lighting,” she says. But there are a number of simple steps people can take to reduce their utility bills and ultimately feed some money back into their hip pockets. As a starting point, one of the easiest and most effective ways households can reduce the cost of their energy bills is by ditching their old tariff and switching to a new supplier, Ms Ryburn says. She offers five tips to help people keep energy costs down in their homes. Compare and switch you could save hundreds

KEEP OUT COLD AIR: Blocking draughts can improve heating in older houses.

of dollars through an energy comparison service like HelpMeChoose.com. au, comparing electricity and gas plans and arranging a switch. It’s quick, easy and could save you a lot of money. Dodge the draughts – with the cooler months already upon us, now is the time to seal up those gaps and cracks that let the cold air in. Sealing up gaps around doors and windows using weather stripping or a simple ‘door snake’can go a

long way towards stopping the warmer air escaping. Don’t block the warming sun – with any north facing windows, make sure to open up curtains or pull up blinds when it is sunny to let the sun heat up the house. Watch the temperature – heat the rooms being used to around 20 degrees, a comfortable temperature for most. Each degree on the thermostat costs money so think of putting on a

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jumper before turning up the heat. Turn it off at the wall – a small thing like taking the time to turn appliances off at the wall when they are not being used can have a significant impact on home energy usage and save a lot of money. According to data from the Queensland Government’s Department of Energy and Water Supply, the average household pays around $100 in standby power costs a year.

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Southern Farmer, Page 17

Wood heaters come of age with remote control technology A NEW wood and gas heater range features remote controls which allow the user to run all features from a distance. One of the newest in the range is the Lopi 4412 GS2 marketed by Dragon Wholesaling. It and others come with the GreenSmart 2 remote, which in thermostat mode automatically adjusts heat output based on the chosen temperature. This means the temperature will modulate up and down as opposed to shutting on and off like normal thermostats. This conserves fuel, maximises heating ability and offers more even heat while, as Dragon

with the addition of catalytic assist technology. Primary combustion burn occurs in the firebox with secondary tubes burning gases before they leave the firebox. What remains passes a catalytic combustor leaving virtually no smoke to travel up the chimney. Currently Hybrid Fyre is only available on the Lopi Flush large wood Hybrid-Fyre. It has emissions of just 0.9 grams from every kilogram of hardwood burned. With a reduction in emissions comes almost zero carbon monoxide remaining, Lopi claims.

says, extending the viewing pleasure of the fire. Dragon also markets GreenStart, which enables users to start their wood and gas heaters, with the push of a button on the face of a heater. Lopi claims the device instantly elevates combustion temperatures, establishes a draught and eliminates typically slow and smoky wood heater start-ups. Another new feature from Lopi is HybridFyre Technology, a fusion of known wood combustion (kiln-fired firebricks, stainless steel baffles and stainless steel secondary combustion air tubes)

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ment program, “not just because it sounds really smart, but as a means of describing how to store firewood correctly”. “That means splitting it and getting it out of the rain where it is dry and has airflow to keep it dry.” He related a story about visiting a house in New Zealand and the owner said his stove was caked up with soot. “In his back yard he’d built this mud brick room with a big oak door to match his stunning house and store his firewood. “But when I opened the wood shed there was this overwhelming smell

of mould. “So I went to his garage, got a sledge hammer and smacked two holes in the bottom and two in the top of the mud brick firewood store.” He said he could understand why the wood shed owner was a little upset with him, but in one year, those holes played a significant role in drying the wood from 30 to 15 per cent moisture and there was no longer a soot problem. “So realistically try and dry your wood to between 15 and 20pc moisture. “If you burn wood over 20pc moisture your heater glass will turn black.”

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OPERATING a wood heater efficiently is not realistically about how much wood you burn but how much moisture you burn Pivot Stoves’ Greg Parker Hill, Geelong told a heater efficiency audience at the Seymour Alternative Field Days. “We encourage you, especially if you have a slow combustion stove or wood heater, to know the moisture content of your wood pile. “So if you need a present buy a moisture meter.” He said he saw perfectly round logs stacked up ready to use near many houses. “But wood dries from the outside in so this round wood I am showing you, went overnight from 10 per cent to 22 per cent moisture because of just a shower of rain on it.” Mr Parker Hill said he uses the term fuel manage-

Page 18, Southern Farmer

SUCCESSION PLANNING

June, 2014

Trees can yield retirement cash But farmers should ensure good site selection and plot management By DAVID PALMER

SUCCESS PLANNING: Forester Clinton Tepper (centre right) explains to farmers that for agro forestry to realise maximum returns, often at a time when retirement is imminent, great care must be taken in providing harvest access at planting as well as pruning and thinning routinely throughout the stand’s life.

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Financial planning services are provided by Bendigo Financial Planning Limited, ABN 81 087 585 073. AFSL 237898. 120 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands VIC 3008. A member of the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Group, ABN 11 068 049 178, AFSL 237879, www.bendigobank.com.au or phone 1300 BENDIGO, BFP13 (213913_v5) (14/05/2014).

AGRO forestry has been one long-term investment tool that, properly planned and managed, can yield returns at the time of inter-generational farm succession. Heartwood Plantations’ Clinton Tepper last month told a Landcare farm ďŹ eld day at Tamaroo, Torwood, south of Warragul, that quite a number of plots had been planted with the object of providing superannuation for retiring farmers. But half a century or so of agro forestry in Gippsland had not realised its true potential because many forest plots had been poorly established on nearly inaccessible farm sites. Mr Tepper said that many farm forests had been developed without much consideration given to their ultimate harvestability. “Across Gippsland there are a myriad of inaccessible lots stuck up the back of farms and they become ‘blame games’,â€? Mr Tepper said. Mechanical harvesters could operate on slopes of up to 30 degrees but many sites planted years ago had been poorly chosen. “I probably sound a bit grim but I would hate people to walk away from here and put trees in without being well informed,â€? Mr Tepper said. He advised agro foresters to be passionate “and keep your eye on the prize for good resultsâ€?. Mr Tepper said that growing trees on farm could be a good investment but, because of a minimum 20 to 30-year time frame and work involved, it was vital that farmers were passionate about trees from the beginning. It was then imperative to match species to the site and to apply best practice management over the rotation to realise the trees’ full potential. “We only look at species which meet our durability requirements in Gippsland. “These include yellow stringybark, southern mahogany on the lower slopes and spotted gum/silvertop on more exposed areas,â€? Mr Tepper said. “Matching species to the site is critical and people often make the mistake of say planting blue gums all over a 600mm rainfall site. “Generally those trees will be fantastic

for the ďŹ rst ďŹ ve years, but then they will slow down and perhaps even die. “They won’t have attained the log speciďŹ cations the market desires.â€? But even trees which had reached marketable size could be difďŹ cult to sell proďŹ tably. Mr Tepper said one farmer he worked with “had this great wood but was selling it for a fraction of what it was worthâ€?. The farmer said he took out a loan to buy his property which already had well established wood lots. But as the timber started to be harvested, well after the usual maturity date, the proďŹ tability of the venture was threatened by poor sawlog recovery and marketing. “However, a change in harvesting contractor and marketing strategy has improved returns by more than 40 per cent,â€? Mr Tepper said. “Agro forestry establishment costs are $3500 to $4000 a hectare where all works over the two year establishment period are sub-contracted to a professional forestry company.â€? In addition there were substantial pruning and thinning costs incurred before maturity and harvest at around the 22 to 25 years for eucalypt sawlog production. But Bob Gray, on whose farm the seminar was held, predicted a gross margin of about $20,000 a hectare at maturity, or between $800 and $900 a year. Currently his livestock gross margins are $665/ha for sheep and $245/ha for cattle. Mr Tepper acknowledged though that because Mr Gray was doing much of the work himself, his estimated returns would be higher than those who employed contract labor. Typically that involves pruning up to 6.5m with one non commercial and two commercial thinnings before clear felling between 25 and 30 years. “Look at a return of from six to eight per cent when someone else does all the work,â€? Mr Tepper said. “Bob is doing better than that because he is doing a proportion of the work.â€? Mr Tepper said that harvesting and cartage costs were agro forestry’s biggest. These were typically four times the cost of establishment. „ Continued page 19

We prepare families and family businesses for the next generation.

Isobel Knight: 0419 464 857 Tim Lane: 0401 998 648 Barbara Goldsmith: 0408 238 251 E: info@proagtive.com.au

05d07143/2014

It is about much more than just the balance sheets, it’s about family relationships and a bright and positive future for everyone.

SUCCESSION PLANNING

Maths problematic By DAVID PALMER OFTEN the most superficial means of determining the value of a farm for succession purposes, simply deducting liabilities from assets, can cause enormous problems. Succession planning expert at ProAGtive Pty Ltd, Isobel Knight, said that was because it was unlikely to give a true picture. “Most farms carry debt and the maximum amount they can borrow would be equivalent to one third of the value of the property.” She said the object of succession planning was to ensure the business continued or was structured so the family could exit it in an orderly way.

“Nearly always there have been at least two generations of a family on a farm so there is often a desire to see it continue,” she said. Mrs Knight said the biggest family group she had dealt with in planning succession was a farming couple with 11 children; with their spouses, the total came to 18. “There was a generous spirit there which was important, because there could not be an equal resolution, but there was a fair one.” She said three of the children succeeded to the North Queensland farm while the underlying ideology for the others was to provide for various

opportunities like their education. “At the same time the parents were well provided for,” she said. At the other end of the scale, an only child who was getting married was very upset to find that her parents had without her knowledge, made legal provisions to protect the farm assets should she at some stage be divorced from her husband. Mrs Knight said it was not the fact that her parents did that but they did it without her knowing. “Most parents don’t like to have succession conversations which might end in anger and tears, so they just don’t have them,” Mrs Knight said.

However, conversations are vital and they must not be left until one of the parents dies. “It always works better if those conversations start early, because the whole thing is an educational process and once the family members are involved creative outcomes often come up,” she said.

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found that when you get down to it, a wellstructured approach succession planning can make it fairly easy to work through most concerns. A NAB survey found that 90 per cent of farmers under 40 have a very clear timeframe for retirement.

Talk to Kathryn Davies on 0429 565 944, your Regional Agribusiness Manager, who’s committed to the long-term success of your business.

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succession planning can see many people avoid the process. Succession planning is also often delayed because the next generation is off doing other things, unsure of when - or even if - they may take the reins. However, National Australia Bank has

We see the value in long-term relationships, and we’re committed to agribusiness today and into the future. With more local Agribusiness Managers on the ground, living in our farming communities, there’s always someone to help you navigate the daily business challenges and realise the opportunities.

from 15 to 40 years above ground in the open without preservatives. It is the biggest manager of durable eucalypts in Victoria, “Our typical client is an owner grower who is passionate about trees but does not have the time or expertise to manage the trees themselves,” Mr Tepper said. Heartwood has aligned its domestic marketing of sawlogs to Yarram sawmill Radial Timber. Radial owns more than 500ha of eucalypt plantations itself and is bucking the trend in a tough industry by investing in the development of new sawing technology to improve output and efficiencies in their Yarram sawmill. “Looking into the future, the mill is aiming to be processing the majority of its product from plantation sources,” Mr Tepper said.

Where do you find the Southern Farmer?

SUCCESSION planning is an important activity to include in your regular business planning and invaluable for making sure your family farming business is ready for the future. Unfortunately, concerns over the possibility of disputes during

T/05D07155/23-14

“So you have to know how to get your wood out and how much it is going to cost to do it,” Mr Tepper said. It was difficult to secure quality harvesting and cartage contractors for agro forestry lots because that type of work was less secure, yielded lower margins and was less constant than working for larger companies with big estates in regional Gippsland and particularly the ‘green triangle’. “Woodlot owners pay less for harvesting trees in the green triangle, because the terrain is less steep, more continuous, and easier on men and machines,” he said. Established in 1995, Heartwood Plantations manages about 3000ha. This includes about 2000ha of durable eucalypts, with durable defined as category two timber which survives at

Succession good nous

For our farmers, it’s more than a business, it’s a way of life.

Trees can yield retirement cash

From page 18

Southern Farmer, Page 19

MM UNI TY

June, 2014

Page 20, Southern Farmer

END OF FINANCIAL YEAR MACHINERY BUYING GUIDE

Mahindra revs up

Drum recycling push RURAL recycling program drumMUSTER is calling on Victorian farmers and communities to collect and recycle more empty chemical drums. Program consultant John Knight said the lack of participation

from some farmers has become a big problem in the past few years. Drum returns had started to stagnate. Mr Knight said that farmers were still buying containers ďŹ t for recycling, but were not returning them.

“We have been ďŹ ghting an up-hill battle because we’re still seeing the same people continue to do the wrong thing,â€? he said. Mr Knight works with councils and community groups to recyle drums.

St Leger Machinery Specialists in Second Hand Farm Machinery PRESTON RD, RIPPLEBROOK (via Drouin) Ph 5627 6317 Fax 5627 6385

EXCAVATORS Komatsu, 5 ton, good condition, rubber tracks. Caterpillar E120B , low hours, tidy. RIMS & TYRES New Ferguson 16� and 19� front rims. VINTAGE Peterbro tractor, c.1920. Suitable for restoration. Very rare. MISC. V8 diesel Deutz irrigation motor with 15 KVA generator, and pto. 150hp $8,800 inc. IMPLEMENTS 6ft offset mulcher, 8ft slasher, Sovema 3 mtr power harrows, Lely 2.4 mtr power harrows, Krone 3 mtr rotary harrows, pressure washer, 3.75 kva petrol generator, carryalls, Lely Overum 3 furrow 3pl plough, 3pl 10ft pasture roller aerator, trailing 2 ton super spreader, 3pl rotary drainers, Massey Ferguson FEL, 3pl 7 tyne deep ripper, 3pl toolbar with cultivators, Hardi 1200 ltr trailing spray unit with 10 mtr boom and hand reel, 4ft Howard rotary hoe, 6ft 6 rotary hoe with hyd levellers, 6- 8 ft grader blades, 4 in 1 fel bucket suit 60hp, front end loader suit Ford/Massey, Connor Shea 24 plate hydraulic trailing discs, Grizzly 24 plate hydraulic wheeled offset discs, 8ft bracken roller, 3pl hyd bale grab, assorted tractor weights and weight frames. WANTED Good quality late model tractors.

Trade-ins accepted. Delivery and finance easily arranged.

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TRACTORS David Brown 770, rops, pwr steer, acc client. David Brown 880, good tyres, 3pl, as traded. Ford 550 Industrial FEL, extra high lift, extra large bucket, ideal sawdust chook manure, etc. fwd/rev shuttle Ford 4000, rops, 3pl, runs well. $4,500 Ford 4610, fwa, rops, power steering, front forklift. Ford 5640 2wd, Powerstar SL, Challenge FEL, a/c cab, new clutch, remotes, 3pl, 75 hp. Ford 6700, dual power, a/c cab, 3pl, 77hp, 2wd. Ford 8210, fwa, a/c cab, 3pl, remotes, tidy tractor, 3000 hours,110 hp Fiat 580, 2wd, a/c cab, 3pl, pwr steer, 58hp. Fiat F-100, fwa, a/c cab, good tyres, tidy unit. Grey Ferguson, diesel or petrol, rops, tidy. International B250, very original unit. Acc client. International 454, FEL, 4 post rops, 3pl, power steering, new clutch. International 4230, Fwa, Fel, a/c cab, turbo charged, 93hp, acc client. Iseki 6000, 2wd, rops, low hours. Iseki 6000, fwa, 4 post rops, 3pl, pwr steering. John Deere 1640, 2wd, rops. Leyland 253, pwr steer, rops, 50hp. Massey Ferguson 135, reconditioned, rops and canopy. Massey Ferguson 240, as traded, rops, tidy. Massey Ferguson 265, fel, rops. Same Silver 100.6, Agroshift, fwa, a/c cab, new rear tyres, 103hp. Excellent unit.

June, 2014

WHILE tractor-maker Mahindra’s 9200 might have fashioned a hardearned reputation among Aussie landowners, the new and upgraded 9500 version is set to raise that standard even higher. Mahindra, the world’s number one tractor company by volume, is known for its small to medium capacity range, but its largest capacity tractors have been well received since the brand took root in Australia in 2005. Mahindra Australia marketing manager James Halliwell said the 8000 and 9200 4WD series tractors are famous for reliability and productivity at a super-economical price. “The key has been high performance engines, heavy duty Synchromesh transmissions to match the power and torque characteristics, and toughas-teak housings that provide an overall tractor weight of 3042kgs on the 8000 and 3240kgs on the 9200,� he said. Word of mouth spreads fast in the farming community, and subsequent sales of 8000 and 9200 Mahindra models have exceeded market share expectations in many

FEATURED UP: Improved three-point linkage and dual remotes are key features of the new Mahindra 9500.

regions, Mr Halliwell said. First up of the key 9500 updates is twin remotes instead of the previous single. Linkages are lower and their lift capacity increases by 700kg, from 1.8 to 2.5t. The bottom line is easier implement hook up, bigger loads and bigger implements. Function is just as important as brute strength, however, so buyers will ďŹ nd single lever PTO engagement and easy access to battery and fuel - none

of which requires the need to be a contortionist - and a new upgraded seat. The tractor still features those elements Aussie farmers have come to know and trust with Mahindra - excellent torque from low down (1200rpm) and that inherent tractor weight that provides a stable footing when it is needed most. The starting price is $37,490 including GST (tractor only, ex Brisbane). Mr Halliwell said, “Our biggest models are popu-

lar with cattle farmers and hay and baling contractors.� “Such operators are frequently using an $80,000 cabin tractor, and this is a $46,000 (with loader) alternative for what is a great utility tractor on the farm,� Mr Halliwell said. “With our machine there are no complex electronics and no computers. “It’s fully mechanical. For more information call 1800 459 575 (toll free) or see www.mahindra.com.au/ag.

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F3680 Mower

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END OF FINANCIAL YEAR MACHINERY BUYING GUIDE

Page 22, Southern Farmer

June, 2014

Nyora contractor hooked on Welger Leaders in affordable tractors

RELIABILITY is the key when agricultural contractors are flat out making hay and silage under the most favorable conditions. It was exactly that way for Nyora’s Daniel Custance when it came time to upgrade his round baler last September. He runs his own agricultural contracting, tractor repair and servicing business, having completed a diesel mechanic apprenticeship locally and then worked for neighbor Chris Lancey. He bought one of Mr Lancey’s tractors and sub-contracted for him before going out on his own. Mr Custance says that the move to his own business was not a big step. Dairy farmers are Mr Custance’s main customers and he said that they were very confident at the moment. “There hasn’t been much of a noticeable

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change, except for this year, where demand has been greater because of the amount of feed around,” Mr Custance said. “We’ll start silage again in October depending on the weather.” He said that knowing how to operate is a key part of the contracting business and he is involved in offering advice on timing silage and hay making. He employs his brother Matthew in spring and autumn and other casual workers occasionally. He is thinking about expanding the business with a semi-trailer for hay carting and machinery transport. “I’ve always tried to be a one-man band, but you can’t be everywhere at once. Mr Custance said he bought a Welger RP445 baler in September through Traf Tractors, Trafalgar, the local Lely dealership.

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June, 2014

END OF FINANCIAL YEAR MACHINERY BUYING GUIDE

Southern Farmer, Page 23

Agrison tractors add traction cept of Chinese tractors has naturally taken time for consumers to appreciate, acknowledge and accept. In its early days, they were skeptical of Chinese manufactured products, including tractors. Today, Australia’s major

ONE of Agrison Tractors’ aims is to provide affordable and quality tractors to hobby farms and the agricultural sector in general. As such, it has become one of the largest importers of Chinese tractors. The company says the con-

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bought a 60hp tractor 18 months ago and has been very pleased with its performance�. He was so pleased, that he also bought a 35hp tractor from Agrison and can happily say that he has been pleased with both machines. Colin from Orange, NSW,

and service your machinery it will lastâ€?. As a regional slashing contractor, Tom said he was pleased he chose Agrison and “with a ďŹ ve year parts warranty and back up service second to none, what more could you ask for?â€?. Bob from Narre Warren

import partner is China thereby allowing consumers choice, the choice to own inexpensive and value added tractors. Tom, who owns a slashing business in Geelong, “decided to go with Agrison after talking to a few people who had them�. He said, “If you look after

owns a 50hp Agrison and uses it for vineyard spraying, slashing and loading gravel. He currently has 625 hours up and trouble free usage “other than a bearing in the water pump�. The high degree of engineering in the four in one bucket is a standout feature.

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BCS800 Hill Country model, 69HP, 16F/16R Gears with Shuttle shift, Has Burder Front end loader, 3PL, 2 sp PTO, Remotes, very tidy tractor with only 215 hours, made in Italy, (when new cost around $64,000) $33,000 inc gst

MAHINDRA 3525 35HP 2WD, fitted with self level front end loader, tractor is as new and has only done 230 hours. Comes with 12 months engine and drivetrain warranty ........ $16,5000 MAHINDRA 7520 75HP, 12F/12R Gears with Synchro Shuttle, Self Level Front End Loader with bucket and forks, only done 760 hours, workshop checked................................... $33,000 MASSEY FERGUSON 148 49HP, ROPS, repainted, 3PL, drawbar, pto, remotes good tyres................................. $9,900 MASSEY FERGUSON 399 100HP, Cab, 2WD, Front End Loader, as traded........................................................ $16,500 MASSEY FERGUSON 3435F 80HP, low profile orchard type tractor. FWA, Cab, workshop checked and serviced .... $27,500 SAME EXPLORER II 90 90HP, FWA, Cab, Creeper gears, rowcrop tyres, 3PL, drawbar, as traded...................... $16,500 ZETOR 6245 62HP, FWA, Cab, Burder front end loader with GP bucket, 3010 hours .................................................... $18,700 *All prices inc GST

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BRANSON 6530C 65HP, Cummins engine, 24F/24R gears, synchro shuttle, FWA, A/C Cab, front end loader with bucket and forks, .......................................................$30,800 inc gst DEUTZ DX4.30 2WD 15F/3R Gears, Cab, selling as traded...$9,900 DEUTZ DX4.30 FWA 15F/3R Gears, Cab, front end loader with bucket and hayfork .............................................$20,900 JOHN DEERE 350C Crawler/Dozer , front blade, rear 3PL and PTO, .....................................................................$16,500 JOHN DEERE 2100 60HP, FWA, 10F/2R Gears, A/C Cab, 4000 hours, goes well ...............................................$14,500 JOHN DEERE 6410 105HP, 16F/16R Gears, FWA, A/C Cab, JD640 front end loader with hayforks, workshop checked and serviced................................................................$38,500 KUBOTA L4300 43HP, 8F/2R gears, wide industrial tyres, only done 250 hours,w/shop checked and serviced .......... $14,300 KUBOTA B2410 24HP, HST, FWA, 3PL, PTO, has mid mount mower deck, repainted, low hours ..............................$12,500

John Deere 2040S 75HP, 16F/8R Gears, FWA, Air Con SG2 Cab, Remotes, 2 sp PTO, Drawbar, Challenge Loader with Bucket & Forks, Workshop checked and serviced $25,500 inc gst

Ph: (03) 5964 4649

END OF FINANCIAL YEAR SALE VALID UNTIL THE 30/06/14*

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*Structured Terms, Fees and Lending Conditions Apply. 10% deposit, GST back followed by 24 monthly repayments. Units must be paid for and delivered by 30 June 2014. To Approved ABN Applicants Only. PFG Credit is a division of De Lage Landen Pty Limited ABN 20 101 692 040.

P: (03) 8353 3600

W: www.pfgaustralia.com.au j/05d07133/23-14

. EY S S A M H IT W GET MORE S E T A R S E T MA MEANS HUGEVALUE!

GET MORE MF400 SERIES

MF GC1700 SERIES 22.5 – 24.5 hp

80 or 100 hp Simple and dependable Perkins 1104 engine 12F X 4R transmission with side shift ROPS (Roll Over Protection Structure) or fully enclosed cabin Proven and trusted design bred from unmatched Massey Ferguson heritage 3200 kg three-point linkage lift capacity 540/1000 PTO independent forward speed

For both residential and professional operations 3-cylinder liquid cooled diesel engine 2 range hydrostatic transmission Rear and mid independent PTO Uncluttered operator’s area, with new ergonomic seat Optional 60” mowing deck

FRONT END LOADER AVAILABLE

MF7600 SERIES MF5400 SERIES

140 – 235 hp Fuel efficient and powerful 6 cylinder, 6.6 litre AGCO POWER engine Adaptable class leading Dyna-VT, Continuously Variable Transmission or Dyna-6 Transmission Unique left-hand forward reverse shuttle with speed increase/decrease function Comfortable cabin with right hand armrest controls developed with over 55 years experience

82 – 107 hp Powerful Perkins engine Dyna 4 semi-powershift transmission (16F/16R) Superb power to weight ratio Unique styling enhances visibility for loader work New design delivers exceptional ground clearance

GET MORE TODAY! SEE YOUR NEAREST MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER. Small Horse Tractors

18 Lonsdale St, Dandenong VIC

(03) 9791 6414

Nagambie

John Sanderson Machinery

36-38 Industrial Crescent, Nagambie VIC

(03) 5794 2272

Silvan

Darmac Ag Sales & Service

249-251 Monbulk Rd, Silvan VIC

(03) 9737 9255

Warragul

REN Machinery

Normanby Street, Warragul VIC

(03) 5623 1255

www.masseymatesrates.com.au

Q05d06762-v6/2314

Dandenong

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