Published since 1986
AUGUST, 2021
www.farmernews.com.au
Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th 4FQUFNCFS t BN QN
PAGES 11-18
Korumburra Showgrounds
Cnr South Gippsland Highway & Charles Streets, Korumburra
Put Murrindindi on your table
YOUNG GUNS WITH a skill level matched by her enthusiasm, Erin Douglas from the Mornington Peninsula is just one of Victoria’s finalists in the national finals for young judges competitions. A Corriedale breeder, Erin is also a strong advocate for encouraging youth to embrace agriculture as a career option. Read about Erin (page 4) along with Ben Hartwich from Ballyrogan (page 2) and Sarah Sutton from Sulky (page 20), who have all been awarded the state title in their fields of expertise. PHOTO: Heather Runting from Seawind Studios
WITH the launch of a new online campaign, Murrindindi Food and Wine Group is encouraging all local and regional residents, chefs and cooks to put Murrindindi on their table. President of the group, local blueberry grower and co-owner of Sassy Sister Liqueur, Rob Mitchell, said “the campaign in the lead up to Christmas is to encourage everyone to support local producers”. “To achieve this objective, we have secured a Community Projects and Events Grant via Murrindindi Shire Council enabling us to produce an online campaign,” Rob said. “The Murrindindi Food and Wine Group’s objectives for this campaign are to raise awareness of who we are, our trademark and our producers. “And in the spirit of reciprocal promotional activities, it will be a collaboration
with Murrindindi Shire Council, our producers and the Murrindindi Winemakers, with who we have a Memorandum of Understanding.” The project, co-ordinated by secretary Sam Hicks, will see the Murrindindi Suppliers Guide updated and available on the website: murrindindifoodandwine. org.au. The guide will be in a flipbook style and downloadable format. There are a series of online videos created to highlight regional champions and photos used to create ongoing producer highlights. “We’re recognising our 20 year history with snippets and flashbacks, our amazing Murrindindi Food and Wine story and highlighting our members, producers and our comprehensive Suppliers Guide,” Sam said. “As our producers are
Pre-purchase online tickets
SEE Over $100 million in machinery DON’T MISS Australia’s biggest agribusiness supermarket
boutique, many have been affected by slowing or complete stopping of trade due to COVID and this will provide a boost and turn our attention to supporting local, reinforcing every purchase with even a share on social media helping.” The project planning came together earlier in the year and once funding was secured allowed the group to obtain the services of James “Turbo” Anderson from Turbo 360. James’s role is to create a group of videos and images that can be utilised both on the website and within the group’s up-and-coming social media campaign. This will be underpinned with a local community radio campaign in the immediate lead up to Christmas. “We chose James for this project as we had seen his video work before,” Sam said. ■ Continued page 10
Ɣ Over 850 exhibitors on 1200 sites Ɣ Fashion parades, cooking demos Ɣ Dog trials Ɣ Machinery award winners Visit www.hmfd.com.au for full details
BYPY TRANSMISSIONS
BONDIOLI & PAVESI and BIMA, PTO Shafts and Gearboxes
For all your agricultural power transmission requirements Call us for all your PTO Shafts, Gearboxes and Spare Parts
farming community since 1950
1800 932 113
Call Toll Free Fact 3, 16-20 Dingley Ave, Dandenong 3175 bypy@bypy.com.au www.bypy.com.au
37d07301/3219
Proudly supporting the
Page 2 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
Leaf, Twig & Stick Rake For Ride on Mowers - Over 4,100 sold
Rake up those leaves
1800 819 493 sales@stumpmansales.com
www.stumpmansales.com THE SOUTHERN
When Merinos are in your blood
FAMILY ENTERPRISE: Ben, Chris, Phil and Tim Hartwich at the Ballarat sheep show in early July with their award winning ewes.
Est. 1986
Covering Central South Victoria and West Gippsland 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta Victoria, 3677
(03) 5723 0125 sfarmer@nemedia.com.au farmernews.com.au Advertising:
Michael Kidman Phone (03) 5731 3306 mkidman@nemedia.com.au
Editorial:
Jarrah Loh Phone (03) 5723 0129 jloh@nemedia.com.au
New , s ownerreat g e sam uct prod
Cattle Grids, 3 sizes available 10, 13 & 16ft
SENIOR Emma Oliver JOURNALIST Phone 0433 267 203 eoliver@nemedia.com.au Pre-Press Coordinator
Ben Hartwich of Mt Challicum Merino stud competes for national title
Noelene Allan Phone (03) 5723 0110 nallan@nemedia.com.au
Cattle Ramps Our concrete cattle ramps are manufactured using a minimum of 40mpa concrete and using quality reinforcing.
Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.
YOUR
ON THE
SPOT
Round & rectangle stock troughs. Cylindrical: 2,3,4,5,7,9ft, 9ft deep variety & 11ft6` diameter. Rectangular 8ft x 4ft, 7ft x 2ft.
TEAM
Michael Kidman ADVERTISING MANAGER
Jarrah Loh EDITORIAL
Emma Oliver SENIOR JOURNALIST
Noelene Allan PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR
We also manufacture water tanks up to the capacity of 21,500ltr.
info@statewideconcreteproducts.com.au www.statewideconcreteproducts.com.au
STATEWIDE CONCRETE PRODUCTS 22 Kanowna St, Hastings 3915. Ph.(03) 5979 3349.
t/30d03281/0221
By EMMA OLIVER BEN Hartwich from Ballyrogan near Ararat will be representing Victoria in the upcoming national finals of the annual Merino sheep judging competition, which is a separate competition from the Merino fleece judging. The national competition is usually held in a different location each year to promote livestock judging, parading and the industry overall, however, under the current climate the nationals have been postponed and will no longer be happening as part of the Royal Queensland Show, which was scheduled for August 7, 8 and 9. Agricultural Shows Australia have yet to announce in what format the competition will go ahead. With positions at the nationals keenly contested, competitors in the young judging awards were looking forward to representing their state and to grow both personally and professionally honing their skills in the arena. Though the event will happen in some capacity, the young judges may not get that hands-on experience until a much later date in the calendar. When the nationals go ahead, Ben Hartwich will be competing against finalists from each state in what will be tough competition from
OUR MOST POWERFUL TRACTOR
px1153
115 HP
FREE TOPCON GPS
CAB & 4IN1 LOADER
FREE GPS
built with more
bite
what is considered to be the best new talent in judging livestock nationwide. Ben grew up on the family farm - the Mt Challicum Merino stud - which was established in 1928, by Ben’s great grandfather Alvin. A fourth generation sheep breeder, Ben attended school in Hamilton, before committing to the family farm on completing year 12. “I went straight back to the farm with Dad - as did my older brother - and have learnt everything I know onfarm and from Dad,” Ben said. It was during his schooling years in 2009 that the Hartwichs started showing their sheep, introducing a 10 year old Ben to the world of junior judging as it was something to do during lunch at the show. Ben showed a keen ability in judging, where young judges assess four ewes and four rams against the standard of what is considered a good Merino sheep. At just 15 or 16, he was already competing at the state final, almost securing the win, coming in as runner up. Coming from such an established stud which has been breeding Merinos for close to a century, Ben has a fair idea of what constitutes a good sheep. The family run close to 12,000 sheep in total, over 1500 acres of their own land
X25 8” DISPLAY
included with Kioti PX1153 purchase between July 1st - August 31st or while stocks last.
AUTO STEERING OPTION FOR ONLY
$
4 YEAR WARRANTY°
6,000 EXTRA
(PACKAGE VALUED AT $ 15,000)
FINANCE FROM
0.00%PA^
1800 186 866 www.kioti.com.au * ° ^SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
$ PX1153 CAB MODEL WITH OPTIONAL FRONT FENDERS PICTURED
115 HP Perkins diesel engine 32 x 32 manual transmission Wet clutch forward/reverse shuttle Electronic linkage Declutch button Large hydraulic oil flow Air suspension seat
82,723 $
90,995
EX GST
INC GST
INC LU D E S 4IN1 LOA D ER. D EL I V ERY F EE M AY A P P LY.
as well as leased land. Mt Challicum boasts around 800 stud ewes, with the majority of their Merino flock commercial stock, with a few fat lambs thrown into the equation. “I do the sheep judging as a bit of entertainment,” Ben said. “Career-wise, I want to continue breeding super fine Merinos, with an emphasis on premium quality wool on ewes that cut a decent amount of fleece.” At Mt Challicum the aim is to breed sheep with white, bright, good crimping wool, and recent wins at the Victorian Sheep Show on July 4 prove they’re right on the money. The whole family know their sheep, with recent awards adding to what is already an extensive list of accolades. Taking out Champion Ultrafine Ewe, Champion Superfine Ewe and Champion Ewe of the show, the Hartwich family are dedicated Merino wool growers, with the passion not lost across the generations. It will be a passion that Ben takes to Brisbane when he competes at the state’s 143rd Royal Queensland Show, hoping to bring home the national title of Merino sheep young judge to Victoria and to Mt Challicum, where the appreciation for the breed is strong.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL KIOTI DEALER AGPOWER 465 Maroondah Highway LILYDALE 03 9739 5006 www.agpower.com.au GEELONG RURAL 145 Hamilton Highway, FYANSFORD 03 5222 4733 www.geelongrural.com.au THE TRACTOR COMPANY 14 Bormar Drive PAKENHAM (03) 5940 7033 www.thetractorcompany.com.au
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 3
First commercial crop for Five Groves Olive By CLEMENCE CARAYOL SOME may call it a labour of love for Andrea Powley the owner and grower at a thriving olive grove nestled in the Strathbogie Ranges, where she and her partner Paul tend to 2000 olive trees across five groves on the 26 acre farm, in the North East Victoria. “Our olive trees grow in harmony with nature, we let the rain, sun and wind of each changing season set the intensity and flavour of the olives for the harvest ahead,” Ms Powley said. “We use organic based grove management, to ensure the true and pure elements of the Strathbogie Ranges are the only things you’ll taste in our extra virgin olive oil. “The grove is self pol-
linating, but gets helped along in the spring by the bees buzzing from our lavender and rosemary bushes; It’s no coincidence that the tasting experts identified these flavours in our oil this year.” This year is the first commercial harvest of their olive oil. “We weren’t planning on being growers originally, but we became growers by a happy accident,” Ms Powley said. “Being blessed with a Mediterranean like climate, the granite hills of the Strathbogie Ranges is the perfect place for the thriving grove. “There is an old European saying that a bird must be able to fly through the centre of an olive tree in order for it to bear the most fruit, and
we have an intense pruning season ahead of us to live up to that saying. “Our grove specialises in the Frantoio variety of olive, which originates in Tuscany, Italy, and is grown and renowned for its superior and bold olive oil.” This year’s harvest “displays intense notes of green almonds followed by herb and floral aromas of rosemary and lavender”. “I think it’s just really exciting to be part of the food movement in the district and, being one of the small producers that are producing good quality product in the region and supporting restaurants and local foodstores,” she said. “It’s an exciting time for this region and Victoria as a whole.”
FOOD MOVEMENT: Andrea Powley is the owner and grower at Five Groves Olive. PHOTO: Clemence Carayol
Australia’s newest flexible, passive Operator Protective Device(OPD). Prevents the Quad Bike Smashing into you, and reduces the risk of being pinned under the Quad Bike following a rollover. Lightweight, 7.2kg, Australia’s lightest, flexible and newest OPD ready for 2021 new legislation. No moving part, simple to attach to any Quad Bike with a steel framed rack.
Order online or contact your local Quad Bike Dealer or Ag Warehouse Store
In 2020 Australia there were 58 Farm related deaths, 23 of these were Quad Bike Related (Ag Health Australia)- don’t be a part of the 2021 statistics.
OPERATOR PROTECTIVE DEVICES save life’s, fit one today!
$788 + GST ( $866.80) www.quadguards.com 0427 378 040 / 0409 864 075
NEW
FOR 2 021
Page 4 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
A passion for wool is Erin Douglas’s purpose RECENTLY selected as the Youth Ambassador for WoolProducers Australia for 2021 to 2022, 17 year old Erin Douglas is particularly passionate about wool, it is the fibre of the future as far as she is concerned. “I’m not entirely sure exactly what career path I would like to follow, but I do know I want to work with wool,” Erin said. “It’s fire proof, renewable, sustainable and biodegradable, and I just love it as a fibre. “And I think that especially with the attention on climate change action no matter where you stand on the political side of things - the next 10 to 20 years will herald in a massive change from plastics to renewables. “Wool is already in the limelight, and I see it continuing its ascendance, opening up lots of jobs in the industry. “So I’m undecided as to whether I go into research or education. “I do know I definitely want to become a teacher down the line - after I’ve had years of industry experience - and for me a driving force is to bring youth into agriculture.” Erin is just as passionate about wool, as she is about encouraging school leavers to follow a career in agriculture. In 2020, at the height of the state’s lockdown, she organised the Rona Youth Sheep Expo, while also
BY EMMA OLIVER eoliver@ nemedia.com.au
completing her VCE. “It was an online event, which had never been done before, and quite honestly I was expecting a small turnout of local participants,” Erin said. “What I did end up with was thousands of supporters from not only all over Australia, but across the world. “There were participants from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the United States and South America. “They came from everywhere to be a part of this little thing I planned. “And it ended up generating thousands of dollars in sponsorship, allowing me to create educational ‘awards’ in the form of things like work placement at Fox and Lillie’s wool production and export team. “I really enjoyed it, and it was amazing to see all of these young people from all over the world come together, keen to expand their knowledge, build skill development and foster networking connections. “It was incredibly heartening to see this groundswell of international youth interested in sheep farming, during a time when shows were off the calendar.” Another initiative Erin is working on is setting up
I really enjoyed it, and it was amazing to see all of these young people from all over the world come together, keen to expand their knowledge, build skill development and foster networking connections.
- ERIN DOUGLAS
ABOUT THE FLEECE: Though Erin can judge meat sheep, she does not want to own them as they don’t produce wool. exchanges between the United States and Australia for 16 to 18 year olds involved in agriculture. Exchanges will initially be between the two countries, with Erin hoping that the program will prove successful and she can expand it globally. “My intention is to keep youth in the industry, to really hook them at school level,” she said. “I do believe a big thing for the rest of my life will be continuing to bring youth into agriculture, and education into Australia.” These are massive goals for a girl who grew up in
the city, attending primary school in Balwyn. “My dad’s parents do have a beef cattle farm in North East Victoria, and I did grow up visiting them on holidays,” Erin said. “But I was a dancer, attending the Victorian Ballet School, and it was not until I moved to the Peninsula in high school, studied agriculture and joined the sheep team that I really found this passion for the industry. “Studying agriculture at high school level is one of the most amazing things. “And quite a few of these kids who are going around
Australia winning these agricultural competitions are not from farms. “They haven’t come from a farming background, and have gone on to get agricultural degrees and work in the industry. “It’s great to be able to bring people into agriculture even though they were raised in the city.” Erin herself is the perfect case in example, for not only is she studying a Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of New England in Armidale, she is also involved with the Moralla Corriedale stud in Baxter, which she joined at
the tender age of 14. “My friend Tess Runting started the stud when she was in year 10 as part of the livestock program at Woodleigh in Langwarrin South,” Erin said. “In year 11 she was the captain of my livestock team, and that’s how I got to meet her as I was only in year 7 at the time. “When Woodleigh disbanded its sheep program, I bought a couple of their stud sheep with the help of my mum. “I put them into Tess’s stud, and we’ve been running Moralla together since then.
THE FIRST CHOICE OF MORE AUSTRALIAN FARMERS ALL MAJOR REPORTING SXS BRAND SALES JAN – JUNE 2021*
46.9%
WHY IS POLARIS #1? 16.0% 13.7%
POLARIS
COMPETITOR 1
COMPETITOR 2
12.3%
COMPETITOR 3
11.1%
COMPETITOR 4
*SxS market share data sourced from the FCAI and their authorized data providers.
In 2021 there have been more Utility Side x Side vehicles sold than ever before. When it comes to which brand is the most popular there is one clear leader. ƥ Polaris is the number 1 selling brand of Utility Side x Side vehicles and by a long way. ƥ Polaris offers the largest range with over ůŬ ³ ¨Ã ïÈÈ Ü È ÀÈ ï L³¨¨ ?Û À IÀ³È È ³® OÈÀË ÈËÀ à ƪL?IOƫƛ
ƥ Best value for money. We have the best vÈËÀ à v® ý ï vÈ ³®Ã Ü È Èܳ à vÈ Side x Sides starting at under $13,500. ƥ Whatever your power source is – Petrol, Diesel or Electric, Polaris has a vehicle to suit in single & crew cabs with 2, 3, 4 & 6 Seat models available. ƥ Polaris also has an authorised network of over 83 fully trained Polaris Dealers across È ³Ë®ÈÀâ ȳ Ã˽½³ÀÈ v¨¨ ³ â³ËÀ ?L_ ® Ãƛ
WHO WILL YOU TRUST? 1300 654 142 | www.polarisaustralia.com |
/PolarisAustralia |
/polarisorv_aus
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 5
ERIN Douglas is the state finalist in two national competitions, competing in the young meat sheep judging as well as the Merino fleece judging. A regular on the judging circuit, Erin won her first blue ribbon in Corriedale junior judging at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, when she was only in year 8. And she accredits the daunting experience of junior judging with its public speaking, as being great for her confidence - turning from a previously shy child, to somebody able to address thousands of people in a world summit for the Global Table event.
ETHICALLY DRIVEN: Erin has a stake in the Moralla Corriedale Stud which was started by her friend Tess Runting, who’s vision was to successfully promote and advocate for cruelty-free living through producing high quality Corriedale sheep while upholding all aspects of the 5 freedoms. PHOTO: Helen Runting from Seawind Studios. “Part of studying ag at high school is completing a six month project where you have to commit to some sort of production, whether that is livestock or cropping,” she said. “You have to keep
whatever you are doing alive for six months and then do a write-up about the process. “Lots of small studs have started up this way.” Perhaps an indication of the jump in popularity of small studs started
by school leavers is the recent formation of the Australian Stud Sheep Breeders Association youth committee, of which Erin is a member. Established to encourage the involvement of young
FSA/DET0016-09
“We now have over 150 Corriedales combined, agisted on a nearby property.” Erin doesn’t find it unusual that at 17 she already has a significant holding in a sheep stud.
Give your kids the best start. Enrol in Three-Year-Old Kindergarten now. In 2022, children across Victoria will have access to at least five hours a week of funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten. Find your local services at vic.gov.au/kinder
members of the sheep industry, Erin admits that it is a big undertaking to start a stud in the first place, and ongoing costs are significant. “There is a massive generational gap as we have this new breed of stud owners coming through from high school who are in their late teens and early 20s, and then the demographic becomes farmers who are predominantly in their 50s and 60s,” Erin said. “I really hope that all the 20 year olds will continue with their studs, but as they are the first generation who went through school and did this, we don’t have anything to gauge the success and retention rate on.” Erin does see tertiary education as being a limiting factor on these small startup studs, and admits that if she didn’t have Tess’s assistance she would have had to sell all her sheep. “Tess deferred from her university degree to concentrate on Moralla as she found the stud so demanding and that was her priority,” Erin said. Erin feels incredibly lucky that she hasn’t had to sell off her prize Corriedales. “We had the breed at high school and I fell in love with them,” she said. “Our priority at Moralla is wool, even though Corriedales are dual purpose. “The fleece is considered
to be the spinner’s choice fleece, and it is really soft and beautiful. “It’s white, bright and lustrous. “And Corriedales aren’t as frail as Merinos, that seem determined to die on you. “They’re just a hardier sheep, and have these characteristics that make sense, like black noses that stop them from getting sunburnt, and black feet which are less prone to footrot, which is necessary in wet areas like the Peninsula. “They are also a broad framed sheep which equates to easy lambing, more fleece and makes them a good choice for meat sheep. “Not that that’s my passion. “I’m not really interested in owning meat sheep, as they don’t have wool. “Wool to me is one of the most important factors in our industry at the moment. “Being part of a stud that breeds dual purpose sheep, we do have to focus on the meat side of things so that the animals perform well in the show ring. “But our perspective is that we will generate a lot more money keeping the animal alive and producing wool every year, than selling it once for meat. “And that’s my passion, the long term sustainability of wool and the opportunity it represents, not just for me but all our current and future farmers.”
Page 6 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
Low Cost NLIS Approved Ear Tags
Order at www.aaatags.com or Phone 0419 608 570
St Leger Machinery Specialists in Second Hand Farm Machinery PRESTON RD, RIPPLEBROOK (via Drouin) Ph 5627 6317 Fax 5627 6385
SET TO BENEFIT: Raffa Fields in Tooradin is looking to boost its seasonal workforce in time for the spring to ensure their asparagus is harvested.
stlegermachinery.com TRACTORS
Cat Challenger MT445B 4wd, a/c cab, FEL Cat Challenger MT445B 4wd a/c cab. Cat Challenger MT465B 4wd, a/c cab, FEL ex. cond. Deutz 3006, 2wd, rops, 3pl. David Brown 880, rops, 3pl, reco motor, as traded. Deutz 5206, 2wd, rops, 1800 gen hrs, one owner. Deutz 140 hp, 2wd, a/c cab, 3pl, rem. Tidy unit Fiat 82-66, fwa, rops, 3700 hrs Ford 4000, pwr steer, rops, 3pl, remotes. As traded. Ford 6600, rops, canopy, only 2800 hrs Ford TW15, fwa, a/c cab, 3pl, rem, new clutch, 143hp. International B275, rops, 3pl. John Deere 2140, SG2 cab,3pl, pwr steer. John Deere, fwa, a/c cab, articulated, 275hp, 3pl. Massey Ferguson 35x, rops, 3cyl dsl, tidy. Registered, as traded. Massey Ferguson 135, square guards, rops, reco engine, excellent condition Massey Ferguson 135, FEL, rops Massey Ferguson 165, pwr steer, MP, 3pl. Massey Ferguson 240, rops, pwr steer, tidy. Massey 355 turbo, a/c cab, p/steer, d/bar, remotes New Holland TS125 4wd, a/c cab, ex. cond.
DAIRY
Frigrite Auto Wash vat, 3000 ltrs, excellent condition.
TILLAGE
Chisel plough, Jarrett 3 tyne. Chisel plough, Yeomans, 9 tyne. Discs, Connor Shea 16 pl trailing. Discs, Connor Shea 24 pl trailing. Power Harrows, TerraNova, 5ft, with crumble roller. Scarifier, 17 tyne.
FARM IMPLEMENTS
8ft Port Multi grader blade, 12ft stick rake, heavy duty, suit 3pl or fel, 9ft – 12 ft smudgers. Cranvel trailing pto driven backhoe. 3pl aerator. Landaco LS2000 3pl spreader, 2018. New Holland Roll-Belt 150 Superfeed baler, as new, 2020. 600 lt boom spray, vg cond. 3pl wick wiper Channel cleaner, Drain diggers, 6ft - 8ft grader blades, Harrows, Mulchers.... 7ft, 8ft Sylvan with hyd side shift, Post hole diggers 6” to 18”, Post rammers ....Lyco with auger, Massey, Aussie Driver with hyd side shift. Slashers
TYRES
NEW 16.9x28, 6.50x 16, 7.50x 16, 6.50x 18, 7.00 x 18, 7.50x 18, 7.50x 20, 11.2x28, 12.4x28, 13.6x28, 14.9x28, 13.6x32, 24.5x32, 13.6x38, 300/90R46, (14.9x46).
Trade-ins accepted. Delivery and finance easily arranged.
Solar Powered
Automatic
Gate Openers ~ Remote Controlled ~
6RODU RU YROW +HDY\ 'XW\ YROW '& (OLWH 6ZLQJ *DWH 'URYH 8QLW WKDW RSHQV FORVHV JDWH LQ DSSUR[ VHFRQGV 3RVLWLYH *DWH 6HOI ORFNLQJ V\VWHP *DWH FDQQRW EH SXVKHG RSHQ ZKHQ FORVHG 6ZLWFK RQ FRQWURO ER[ HQDEOHV JDWH WR UHPDLQ RSHQ RU DXWRPDWLFDOO\ FORVH [ %DWWHULHV WKDW ZKHQ IXOO\ FKDUJHG ZLOO RSHQ FORVH WKH JDWH WR WLPHV ZLWKRXW DQ\ VXQ WR UH FKDUJH EDWWHULHV ZDWW RI 3RO\FU\VWDOOLQH 6RODU SDQHOV JDXUDQWHHG IRU \HDUV [ 5HPRWH FRQWUROV IRU YHKLFOHV
“Have G at We’ll op e? en”
~ Many other options including ~ 9LVLWRU EXWWRQV :LUHOHVV RU +DUG ZLUHG :LUHOHVV NH\SDGV 9HKLFOH ORRSV WKDW RSHQ JDWH ZKHQ GULYHQ RYHU 5HPRWH FRQWUROOHG JDWH ORFN GLVDEOHV DOO YLVLWRU EXWWRQV IURP \RXU YHKLFOH UHPRWH 3KRWR (OHFWULF VHQVRUV 6WRSV JDWH FORVLQJ RQ VORZ PRYLQJ YHKLFOHV 5HPRWH FRQWUROV WKDW FRQWURO JDWH IURP XS WR NP DZD\ *DWH RSHQLQJ DODUP WKDW ZDUQV JDWH LV RSHQLQJ XS WR NPV DZD\
SOLARTRONICS 1800 141 555
www.solartronics.com.au
t/37d06971-v3/1020
Freecall
Extra support for farmers to build harvest workforce
THE State Government is backing key horticulture regions through a program designed to help farmers attract and retain workers they need for the coming harvest season. Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas met with members from Food and Fibre Gippsland who have received a $49,500 grant to help connect jobseekers to employment opportunities with local growers, and improve communication with culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the region. “We recognise farm businesses and employers face continuing labour challenges and we are working closely with the industry as it develops a more sustainable seasonal workforce for this harvest and seasons to come,” Ms Thomas said. The grant will also be used to help farmers understand transport requirements for
workers - a common barrier that prevents people from taking on horticulture work. Third-generation asparagus producer Adrian Raffa is one of Australia’s biggest producers and exporters of asparagus at his farm at Tooradin in South Gippsland. At peak harvest Raffa Fields employs more than 200 workers each year. Raffa Fields is one of the many farms in the region’s $1 billion horticulture industry that will benefit from Food and Fibre Gippsland’s project, with a greater understanding of the needs of local jobseekers as it looks to boost its seasonal workforce for this season and for seasons ahead. The grant is part of the Labor Government’s $1 million Seasonal Workforce Industry Support Program (SWISP), which provides support for industry groups to employ additional staff
NEW HOLLAND GENUINE SERVICE.
and deliver new initiatives that assist farm businesses in priority harvest regions to recruit and retain seasonal workers. Under the program, Agribusiness Yarra Valley also received $100,000 to develop a seasonal workforce hub to connect employers with workers, as well as a targeted campaign to entice jobseekers to horticulture work. Cobram and District Fruit Growers received $51,000 to connect more young workers to horticulture jobs, and Ausveg Vic received $56,700 to produce videos in multiple languages to highlight the COVIDSafe protocols of Victorian vegetable farms. The program is part of a $76 million support package to assist the industry to address the workforce challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, and to develop targeted solutions driven by local communities.
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 7
P R O T E C T I O N
NEW APP: My Game Licence (MyGL), is now available to all new, existing and prospective game hunters in Victoria.
Game licences go digital VICTORIA’S new online game licensing system, My Game Licence (MyGL), is now available to all new, existing and prospective game hunters in Victoria. MyGL is compatible with mobile devices, allowing people to easily apply for a game licence, update personal details, renew their game licence, book hound hunting and waterfowl identification tests, apply for Hog Deer tags, and transfer hound ownership. Victoria has recently recorded more than 60,000 game licence holders, up from nearly 52,000 this time last year. Game Management Authority (GMA) chief execu-
tive officer Graeme Ford said all of Victoria’s game licence holders will benefit from the new online system, which provides education materials including eLearning modules for hunters, helping to ensure game hunting is conducted in a safe and sustainable way. “MyGL will also be used to communicate important information to licensed hunters on changes to game hunting laws and regulations, including season arrangements,” Mr Ford said. “The new online game licensing system is a modern approach to game licensing in Victoria, replacing the previous system where hunt-
ers were required to mail in their licence application and renewal requests.” The new online game licensing system is a key deliverable in the Victorian Government’s $5.3 million Sustainable Hunting Action Plan 2016-2020, which aims for all Victorians to gain from growing the economic, environmental and social benefits of responsible, sustainable and safe hunting, now and into the future. MyGL has been developed by the GMA, which works with the community as an independent regulator overseeing game hunting in Victoria through education, research and enforcement.
Workplace stresses can weigh us down. Help lighten the load and build a mentally healthy workplace with the WorkWell Toolkit. The WorkWell Toolkit is tailored for farm managers in agriculture and covers topics like fatigue, trauma and working in isolation. Get free access and step-by-step advice with resources from trusted organisations such as Beyond Blue, RUOK and Black Dog Institute. Sign up by visiting workwell.vic.gov.au/toolkit
W E A R Australian Owned
Page 8 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
Australian biosecurity’s most interesting finds A MUMMIFIED pig foetus, live squirrels, deer genitalia and freeze-dried quails—these are just a few of the interesting items intercepted by Australian biosecurity officers over the years. Head of Biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Dr Chris Parker, said the department went into the archives to find the strangest items intercepted at the border. “Our work at airports and mail centres help protect Australia from biosecurity risks that might arrive with
THE EFFECTIVE & PROVEN ANIMAL & BIRD REPELLENT YOU CAN RELY ON
REGISTERED FOR USE AGAINST ALL ANIMALS & BIRDS t Protects herbs, vegetables, trees and shrubs from possums, kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits, hares, bandicoots, deer, foxes and other wildlife. t Protects vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, seedlings and buildings from cockatoos, crows, ducks, pigeons, rosellas, starlings, swallows, other birds, fruit bats and microbats in building cavities. t Protects homes, gardens and patios from dogs and cats or rats and mice. t Protects one plant or a whole area — perimeter &/or band sprays t Repels — without harming animals or humans. t Not considered a poison — no withholding period. t (DV\ WR XVH VSUD\ RQ (ႇHFWLYH ZKHQ GU\ t 6DIH 3URYHQ DQG (ႇHFWLYH t Available in 100g, 1kg & 4kg Sizes. is unique. Reject products said to be "just as good", nothing is at all "like it". For more specific information send 2x$1 stamps, please mention your problem, post to: D-TER, Dept. SF, PO Box 3, Oyster Bay, NSW 2225. Enquiries: Phone (02) 9589 0703. Fax (02) 9589 0147.
passengers or mail parcels,” Dr Parker said. “While COVID has impacted on the number of passengers arriving, we have continued to intercept food, meat and seeds.” In 2020 alone, more than 60,000 parcels that were a potential biosecurity risk were intercepted at Australia’s international mail centres. This includes 55,000 parcels containing seeds and 3000 containing pork products. And in 2021 to date, 3D x-rays at Australia’s inter-
national mail centres have intercepted 380 kilograms of meat items in mail parcels, including 41kg of pork. “These are some of the more common risk items we intercept at airports and mail centres, but we have also seen our fair share of interesting finds,” Dr Parker said. “Recently officers at the mail centres came across a mummified pig foetus and freeze-dried quails, which could both pose an animal health risk. ■ Continued page 9
30d03087
®
ILLEGAL IMPORT: A taxidermied alligator was one of numerous biosecurity infringements intercepted by customs.
N.D.E. VERTICAL FEEDMIXERS Exceptional performance. Reliability & Value. Single or Twin Augers. Front or Side doors Large curved carbide–insert knives. 10 to 32 cubic metre models available
Australian Distributor
ROLLER MILLS * Dynamically Balanced Rolls * Folding Auger Discharge * Chill Cast Rolls * Up to 54 t/hr Capacity * Dry and High Moisture Rolling * PTO or Electric
16” Roller Diameter
12”, 24”, 30” & 36” Roller Widths
MARSHALL MULTISPREAD The ideal spreader for all types of granular fertilizers, lime, gypsum and manures. Spare Parts and Workshop Service available. New Marshall i4M Control App to calibrate and control applications on the go.
2.5 to 16 Tonne models in stock
SITREX HAY RAKES
Roller type weed wiper that targets the weeds, not your pasture. No problem with over spray.
Get ready for hay season now
BOOMERANG TWIN BALE FEEDERS
BARE-CO PRODUCTS FABER HEAVY DUTY TOOLBOXES YEOMANS PLOWS KELTEC BALE SLICE JOHN BERENDS IMPLEMENTS
Agents for:
Contact the Distributors:
EASTERN SPREADERS PTY LTD
9508 Murray Valley Highway, Kerang, Vic. 3579
9, 12, 18 Tonne models
Ph: 03
5450 3077
Self-loading. Suits all round & square large bales
MUCK SPREADERS
Mobile: 0409 691 226 sales@easternspreaders.com.au
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 9
Australian biosecurity’s most interesting finds ■
PROTECTING LOCAL INDUSTRY: Alive or dead, quails and other poultry can carry Avian Influenza, which is a serious disease of poultry.
Farmer disqualified from owning livestock and handed a $25,000 fine A SPRINGBANK farmer, Peter Toohey, received a lifetime disqualification order from being the owner or person in charge of any farm animal following a guilty plea in the Ballarat Magistrates Court recently. Mr Toohey pleaded guilty to two charges of animal cruelty and a charge of aggravated cruelty leading to the serious disablement of two cows. The accused owned five cattle confined to yards on his property, which were observed in poor condition and without access to water or adequate food which resulted in dehydration. The accused also failed to obtain veterinary care for two sick cows. Mr Toohey had been subject to criminal proceedings previously for very similar offending, at which time he had a conditional Control Order imposed for a period of two years under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. In addition to the lifetime disqualification order, Mr Toohey was fined $25,000 and costs were awarded to the department for the amount of $149. The magistrate said as a repeat offender for similar offences in the past and in respect to this offending that a term of imprisonment must be considered. He further said if Mr Toohey had not pleaded guilty, he would have imposed a term of imprisonment. The magistrate said the sentence must reflect to the accused and the whole community that animals are to be protected in our justice system and those who put animals at risk must face serious consequences. Agriculture Victoria compliance manager, Daniel Bode, said the importance of a lifetime disqualification order is significant and will ensure that animals are protected from further pain and suffering at the hand of the accused. “It sends a very clear message that those who continually commit offences against animals should not have the privilege and opportunity to care for them in the future,” Mr Bode said. Mr Bode added that apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can in turn affect all producers. “This is a reminder to all livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or the community,” he said.
From page 8 “Quails and other poultry can carry Avian Influenza, which is a serious disease of poultry and can cause high mortality in production birds. “A few years back we also intercepted deer genitalia at Cairns Airport, which could carry animal biosecurity risks, including foot and mouth disease. “One of the more surprising and serious cases at our airports was back in 2018, when an Australian resident arrived from Bali with live squirrels concealed on their body. “Squirrels can carry rabies—which is present in Bali—and if this disease was to arrive here the toll on
human and animal health would be huge.” Other notable interceptions over the years have included: z Succulents concealed in soft toys z Taxidermy black bear, baboon, alligator, and marmoset z Taxidermy rear end of a rat with a modelled mouth with prosthetic teeth z Dead bats and bat bones z Roasted otter z Ducks tongue z Chicken feet z Dead King Cobra z Dried frogs and dried rat z Goat foetus z Skinned frogs z Monkey bones
z Pigs hoof z Tarantulas z Horse dung “The volume of mail arriving in Australia is increasing and we will see passenger numbers grow,” Dr Parker said. “This means the biosecurity risks facing Australia will also increase.” People found to breach Australia’s biosecurity conditions, may receive infringement notices and potentially face prosecution, while international travellers can have their visas cancelled for more serious biosecurity-related offences. Since October 2019, 14 visas have been cancelled on biosecurity-related grounds.
ARM AGAINST COVID-19 A COVID-19 vaccine is your best defence and our only way forward. Now’s the time to arm yourself, your family, your friends, your work mates, your community – someone you love. Book your vaccination online or call 1800 020 080.
Find out when you can get vaccinated australia.gov.au Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
Page 10 - Southern Farmer
Planning continues for Henty Machinery Field Days PLANNING for the 2021 Henty Machinery Field Days is continuing while the team continually monitors the COVID-19 situation and New South Wales restrictions for outdoor events. HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the 2021 field days would proceed on September 21-23 unless otherwise advised by NSW Health. “Agriculture is an important and essential industry and farmers and agri-businesses need to be networking, researching and buying,” Mrs Anderson said. “Henty Machinery Field Days will provide a safe environment for that to occur.” She said public entry would operate predominantly on a contactless system with patrons strongly encouraged to pre-purchase tickets on-line and will be required to scan a QR code at the entrance gates, while exhibitors would be encouraged to provide EFTPOS facilities for their customers. Mrs Anderson said there would be an additional level of sanitation of amenities and COVID marshals to monitor social distancing in order to protect the health of patrons, exhibitors, volunteers and staff.
August 2021
Put Murrindindi on your table ■
BOUNTIFUL: Grant Street Grocers in Alexandra was the scene for the promotional photo shoot and video recording, with the table veritably groaning under an array of quality Murrindindi produce.
From page 1 “He is highly professional and passionate about the whole North East region and had worked with many of our members and producers. Local winery producers Christine and Phil Challen from Little River Wines in Taggerty came on board, as many of our producers did, for the initial photo shoot and video recording at Grant Street Grocers in Alexandra in late May this year. Both Phil and Christine noted that the venue’s long table was the perfect spot for the grazing table set up. “There were well over 20 producers showcased including wine, beer, ciders, food and even locally grown flowers,” said Phil. “Sam worked with venue owner Lisa to round up our producers in winter time - which is no mean feat - and received a huge amount of support to get products on site for the shoot.” Christine added: “Chef Alan Harding cooked up local fare that showcased our meat and vegetable producers with the table gloriously brimming with all things local.” The campaign will ramp up from August 2021, calling on all residents, chefs, cooks, and everyone who’s interested to download the Suppliers Guide from the website and buy local food and beverages, thereby supporting local businesses and producers. Group president Rob extended his thanks to everyone who’s been involved, along with funding partners Murrindindi Shire Council and local producers. “Put Murrindindi on your table this year - especially in the lead up to Christmas - and support local,” Rob said.
INVEST IN QUALITY HAY MAKING EQUIPMENT. PROUDLY MADE IN ITALY
Suited to farmers and contractors, discover how Enorossi hay making equipment could benefit your land today.
www.clarkfarmequipment.com.au
Clark Farm Equipment
sales@clarkfarmequipment.com.au
clarkfarmequipment
1800 648 384
Clark Farm Equipment
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 11
Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th 4FQUFNCFS t BN QN
Korumburra Showgrounds Cnr South Gippsland Highway & Charles Streets, Korumburra
From London to Ecklin and a life in dairy
CHOSEN PROFESSION: Londoner Lillie Smith has found her calling in life on a dairy farm at Ecklin South. of Agronomy and Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management from Longerenong Agricultural College, supported by a DemoDAIRY Foundation scholarship. She completed the courses alongside Ethan. She and Ethan are also
making a move in their careers, progressing to a management role on a farm at Nullawarre as they continue their campaign to become permanent residents. With moos in the background as Lillie goes about her daily calf-raising duties,
she says the dairy industry is full of opportunity. “It’s hard work but the rewards you get from it are worth it,” she said. “You know you’re working towards something and you’re helping to feed the world. “It’s hard to explain but
when you’ve pulled a calf out of a cow and two years later you see her in the dairy, it makes it all worthwhile. “The winter is the only negative but I really love the south-west. “It reminds me of England a little bit and we want this
to be our home.” Her parents were initially a bit unsure about their daughter relocating to Australia, but they visited early on and share Lillie’s enthusiasm. “Now they both want to move here,” she said. Lillie said their diploma courses had added to their on-farm experiences. “Although it wasn’t dairy focused, it was a good allround course with valuable information about use of chemicals, weed control, animal health and soil health,” she said. “There was a lot of information that I didn’t know if I would need it, but I actually did.” The DemoDAIRY Foundation scholarship made it possible. “Every weekend we would drive two and a half hours to and from college to work at the dairy,” Lillie said. “The scholarship really helped out with fuel costs and we also put it towards the course costs because it’s more expensive for international students.”
LAND S P IP
SOUTH
G
THERE aren’t many dairy cows on the streets of London but former Londoner Lillie Smith has found her calling in life on a dairy farm at Ecklin South in south-west Victoria. Lillie, 26, arrived in Australia on a backpacking holiday five years ago with partner Ethan Brown. Working on a banana farm at Cairns was their first taste of the country’s farming system, but Lillie wanted to give dairy farming a go. “The banana farm was very different and we came to love the farming lifestyle,” she said. But she wanted more. “I don’t know what it was, but something in me wanted to try dairy farming,” Lillie said. “We eventually ended up on a dairy farm and fell in love with it and haven’t changed since.” Neither Lillie nor Ethan had any connection to dairy farming back in London, where Lillie worked as a swimming teacher, but they are making up for lost time. Lillie is now progressing in the industry with a Diploma
Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th September 2021 • 10am - 3pm www.dairyexpo.org.au
Korumburra Showgrounds
Cnr South Gippsland Highway & Charles Streets, Korumburra
Come and visit our fabulous sponsors at the Dairy Expo in Korumburra PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
Page 12 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
Applications sought for Marcus Oldham Dairy Farm Managers program 2022 PEOPLE seeking to build a career in dairy farm business management are encouraged to apply for the Dairy Farm Managers program at Marcus Oldham College in Victoria. The program aims to develop business management capabilities in the next generation of dairy farm managers. A Dairy Learning Plan is provided as part of the college’s Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) course, enabling students in the program to develop dairy specific business management skills. An 11-month practical placement on a working dairy farm is a core component of the course, alongside two years of study at the college campus near Geelong. Marcus Oldham College principal, Dr Simon Livingstone, said: “The Dairy Farm Managers program is designed to develop skills and knowledge needed to manage a successful dairy farm operation. “By learning first-hand from experts across the industry, students develop critical thinking and business planning skills while having their eyes opened to new ideas and technologies for the future.” Current student Kyella
McKenna enrolled in the course to help set her up for her future career. “The whole experience with Marcus Oldham has been amazing,” she said. “It’s probably the best opportunity for young people wanting to get a head start in the dairy farming industry. “It’s allowing me to attain key knowledge about farm business performance and analyse specific areas within a business. “It’s also providing general knowledge about our industry and what it has to offer and helping me develop lifelong contacts. “The course is something that will really take me and my career to the next level.” Dairy Australia managing director, David Nation, said the course was designed to build management capabilities in dairy. “Business management skills have never been more important, and this program provides a unique opportunity for people to develop the skills, capability and professional networks for a career in dairy farm management,” Mr Nation said. “These students will be well positioned to make a significant contribution to the industry once they graduate.”
South Gippsland THE Strzelecki Lions Club is pleased to announce that they will be hosting the South Gippsland Dairy Expo in Korumburra on Wednesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 9. This year, they will celebrate over 20â€years of providing the local dairying community with an event that showcases the latest in innovation, products, and services available to the dairy industry. Be sure not to miss your chance to win $5000 in the Udder Truth Showbag competition, which is proudly brought to you by South East Organic Fertiliser. The rules are simple, collect a showbag at the gate, answer 17 out of the 20 questions and request your card to be stamped by the corresponding exhibitor. The first card drawn with 17 correct answers, with the exhibitor stamps, will win the $5000. Participants must be farmers and over 18 years of age with the winner announced at 2.30pm on the Thursday of the expo. With only 200 showbags available during the event’s two days, the odds are good. And how many farmers will complete the card? Your guess is as good as ours.
STALLS APLENTY: The expo is also a great opportunity to catch up with fellow dairy farmers and industry professionals. But you have to be in it to win it. Companies participating in the draw include Boehringer Ingelheim, Zoetis, Elders Insurance, Ridley, Jantec Systems, Victorian Hoofcare Services, GippsDairy, Farm Mapping Services, Pioneer Brand Products, Easy Dairy Automation Systems, Reid Stockfeeds, Lely Centre Gippsland, TAFE Gippsland, HiTech, Rural Financial Counselling Service Gippsland, Nutrien Harcourts, ProDairy,
GEA Farm Technologies Australia Pty Ltd, MaxCare and Tallahesse Pty Ltd. Funds raised from the Dairy Expo have assisted the Strzelecki Lions Club in distributing over $600,000 back into the community over the last 22 years. Planning for the Dairy Expo starts in January each year, and the committee meets monthly until the last week before the event to ensure everything is in place. Matt Harms, from On-
EPRINEX.® THE POWER TO PRODUCE YOUR BEST. Eprinex provides sustained activity to kill more species of worms for longer than any other pour-on. Eprinex is completely weather proof, not just rainfast - and has no milk or meat withholding period and no ESI. For more information, cRQWDFW 6DUDK 5DPDJH 7HUULWRU\ 0DQDJHU %RHKULQJHU ,QJHOKHLP RQ or visit your local store.
eprinex.com.au See product label for full claim details and directions for use. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia Pty. Ltd., Level 1, 78 Waterloo Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113 Australia. ®EPRINEX is a registered trademark of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group. AUS/IVEP-181003
Injectable Trace Mineral with Vitamin B12 for cattle in a convenient single dose marksmin.com.au )RU IXUWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW 6DUDK 5DPDJH 7HUULWRU\ 0DQDJHU %RHKULQJHU ,QJHOKHLP See product label for full claim details and directions for use. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia Pty. Ltd., Level 1, 78 Waterloo Road, North Ryde NSW 2113 Australia. ABN 53 071 187 285. ®Marks-Min is a registered trademark of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group. AU-BOV-0008-2020
Farm, is hosting a session called ‘Is your farm of FORMULA ONE standard? ‘ Matt is back by popular demand on the Wednesday at 11am. Panel members participating in the session include dairy farmers Michelle Axford and Andrew Perry, Emily Pendlebury who is a dairy farmer trainee, Rhys Farrelly who is a farmworker and Lachlan Harms, a farm manager. ■ Continued page 13
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 13
Dairy Expo back in 2021
ENTERTAINMENT: Numerous sessions will be held over the three days of the expo, along with a little bit of musical entertainment. ■
From page 12 We know the formula to what makes a great employee, come along to learn the formula that makes you an employer of choice. Let these young people working in the industry share their ideas on what makes a great employer and what they seek from a career in the dairy industry. South Gippsland Shire Council are the proud sponsors of this session. At this year’s expo, there will also be a Free Skin Cancer Screening Bus, which is a joint project between the Lions Club of Strzelecki and
the Lions V Districts Cancer Foundation Inc. You can book in for your free skin check now by phoning 0418 500 520 or emailing dairyexpo@jaydee. net.au. There will also be a keynote presentation on the Thursday at 11am, by Nathan Burke, former champion for the St Kilda Football Club and current coach of the AFL Women’s Western Bulldogs team. He will visit and share his experiences on “Achieving your goals and relying on other people to deliver.”. Reid Stockfeeds and
National Australia Bank are the proud sponsors of this session. There is something for everyone at the 2021 Dairy Expo. So bring the kids along and enjoy the opportunity for both young and old to get up close, pat, feed and hold some calm and well looked after animals. Poowong Dairy and Hardware are the proud sponsors of this activity. On Wednesday at 1pm, the prestigious 120â€metre gumboot footrace, The Gumboot Gift, will take place. It is a mustâ€see and do event with both male and female sections with a prize pool of $4000. The event is proudly sponsored by Countrywide Clothing, Jefferis Livestock Transport Pty Ltd, Farm Depot Warragul, Agent and Walker Trading Pty Ltd, Korumburra Plumbers and Pumps, Walker Electrical, Lardner Cattle Scales, Levey Engineering, Agâ€Crete Industries, Nacas Truck N’Ag, Devin Hance and Carringtons Loch. The choice of days is up to you, but make sure you visit the South Gippsland Dairy Expo either on Wednesday, September 8 or Thursday, September 9 at the Korumburra Show-
Your local dairy equipment specialists
True technical expertise from an award-winning team The team behind Eli Innovation has expanded to bring you a bigger range of dairy equipment brands. The same great service from the same team of product engineers, industrial electricians and trained technicians now extends to Waikato and more under Gippy Dairy Centre.
SERVICE & SUPPORT
Center Gippsland
Proven success on local pasture-based farms Dedicated service and support centre in Warragul Cost now comparitive to traditional rotary installs
Now is the time to think about robots!
24-HOUR CALL-OUT
2021
42 Number of Lely robots operating by June 2022
28 2020
Number of Lely robots in Gippsland 2018
OFFICIAL DEALER OF
please phone Deanne Kennedy on 0419 878 055 or email dairyexpo@jaydee. net.au.
Lely milking robots KDYH WDNHQ Rƪ in Gippsland!
SALES INSTALLATIONS
children under 16 years old free. For exhibitors or patrons who have any questions,
grounds, Korumburra. Opening hours are 10am to 3.30pm daily, and the cost is $15 per person with
14
2019
20
16
Visit us at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo and see our Lely A5 Astronaut robot Gippy Dairy Centre
3 Lindy Court Warragul VIC 3820
03 5622 0388 gippydairycentre.com.au
Lely Center Gippsland
3 Lindy Court Warragul VIC 3820
03 5622 0845 lelygippsland.com.au
Page 14 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
Nuffield scholarship helps to build a resilient dairy business
LONGTIME DAIRY: To be a successful dairy farmer you have to be resilient and focused on the big picture, Fish Creek dairy farmer Graeme Nicoll believes.
SOUTH Gippsland dairy farmer Graeme Nicoll has learnt a lot about resilience in his 25 years in the industry. Graeme, who farms in partnership with his wife Gillian at Fish Creek, has had good times and tough seasons but is celebrating his silver anniversary with a positive outlook. With a good year under his belt and strong opening milk prices, Graeme says things are looking bright. However, he’s been through enough to know you have to be ready for the hard times. He’s also learnt the benefits of being open to change and new ideas. Much of his knowledge was gained from undertaking a Nuffield Scholarship sponsored by Gardiner Dairy Foundation in 2010 where he studied ways to enhance the resilience of high rainfall dairy systems. The experiences continue to influence his operation and his attitude towards agriculture. “If farmers farmed today the same as they did 25 years ago, they probably wouldn’t be profitable,” he admits.
benefits no other From fertiliser can offer! $25 per hectare
Bio-Boost delivers systemic NPK & Trace Elements economically! Bio-Boost Cal/Mag is specially formulated for low Calcium/Magnesium soils to increase leaf size and productivity. Using a highly soluble source of calcium like Cal/Mag 5:1 can quickly remove harmful sodium salts from the root zone, establish valuable calcium, magnesium and nitrogen levels, provide proper nutrition for rapid recovery and vegetative regrowth. An excellent natural agent for fast pasture recovery. recovery.
Bio-Boost NPK Foliage Spray is high in energy, with premium levels of Phosphorous, Nitrogen, Potassium and trace elements for good pasture or crop nutrition. Within seconds of application the spray starts to work systemically, helping to correct deficiencies and improve the health of pasture. Reduces the need for supplements, helps with weight gain and productivity. Bio-Boost NPK Foliage Spray travels right to the roots to compensate soil ‘lock-up’ and deficiencies in pasture pasture and and crops. crops. in
Call 1800 809 229 for more info or visit gfssolutions.com.au
August 2021 “To be a successful farmer, you need to continue to change and evolve.” Graeme and Gillian run a pasture-focused crossbred herd along with dairy beef as a sideline. The 250-hectare property includes the farm where Graeme grew up. Graeme is interested in the bigger picture of dairy farming and agriculture more broadly. He recently returned to the Dairy Australia Board to fill a casual vacancy after retiring at the last election, and is a former chair of the GippsDairy Board. The Nuffield Scholarship further opened his horizons. “It helped me think more broadly about how I approach our agricultural business,” he said. “Once you’ve seen a lot of different businesses and how they operate, you see opportunities that you may not have seen before and recognise the need to keep moving and evolving the business.” His key study areas were cross breeding, pasture management and farmer learning development. “The opportunity to visit a diverse range of agricultural systems, not just dairy systems, really opened my mind to different concepts and the potential of agriculture,” Graeme said. His investigation into cross breeding exposed a variety of systems in New Zealand, Europe and North America.
Southern Farmer - Page 15 Graeme crosses between Holsteins, Jerseys and Red dairy breeds, with Monbéliardes to a small degree. While seeing the systems at work on farms, he also wanted to understand the science behind them and his scholarship took him to universities, departments of agriculture and research farms. “A lot of my learnings confirmed the practices we already had in place in Victoria,” he said. “The data behind the longterm profitability of threeway crossbreeding systems was strong then and it remains that way today.” He also looked at the science behind resilience, a popular buzz word at the time that continues to appeal to government funding bodies. “I looked at the concept of resilience and how it applies to productive agriculture and is challenged by our inputs and outputs,” Graeme said. “I think we all have a good understanding of what a resilient farm is but it’s a bit like sustainability; it’s a term that’s very hard to tightly define. “For me, the basic concept is the ability to adapt to change and thrive. “We’re constantly adjusting to different pressures, probably more to external pressures now than in the past, but that’s part of the evolution of agriculture.” Along with validating his
successful three-way cross breeding, Graeme says the scholarship created a helpful network of connections that continues to provide diverse input into his thinking about farming. “To have connections with people farming in low rainfall areas to growing barramundi in tropical zones and all systems in between is invaluable,” he said. Graeme says farmers with an eye to the future should consider applying for sponsorship from Gardiner Dairy Foundation for a Nuffield Scholarship. “I really value the role Gardiner plays in developing people in the industry,” he said. “The outcomes can be seen in so many people.” A decade after his study, Graeme believes Victoria’s dairy farmers remain resilient, adaptive and poised for a strong future. “The dairy industry is a changing environment but there are some really good opportunities,” he said. “The current aggressive opening milk prices show there is strong demand for dairy products from processors, but we’ve got to keep working at it. “To be a successful dairy farmer you have to be resilient and focused on the big picture. “It can be challenging at times but those attributes are what make successful dairy businesses and why we have so many of them in Victoria.”
The world’s most popular hoof treatment crush Available from Victorian Hoofcare Services
See it n in actio at Site 47
For more information call Brian on
0419 305 363 or visit
www.victorianhoofcareservices.com.au GP1629996
Australia’s best value hoof blocks and adhesives Professional products at trade prices
See tUs a Site 47
For more information call Brian on
0419 305 363 or visit
www.victorianhoofcareservices.com.au
GP1629996 GP1629997
<RX ZRXOGQŔW QHJOHFW \RXU JXW ZK\ QHJOHFW WKHLUV" (VWDEOLVKLQJ JXW KHDOWK DQG GHYHORSPHQW LQ FDOYHV LV HVVHQWLDO IRU EXLOGLQJ D IRXQGDWLRQ RI SHUIRUPDQFH DQG SURILWDELOLW\ LQ WKH IXWXUH KHUG $&7,*(1Ũ IRFXVHV RQ VXSSRUWLQJ DQLPDO SHUIRUPDQFH E\ SURPRWLQJ JRRG EDFWHULD EXLOGLQJ GHIHQFHV DQG PD[LPLVLQJ JURZWK DQG HIILFLHQF\
GUT HEALTH PLATFORM
YOU SEE OUTSIDE WE SEE IN )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW 'RQDO %ODFNZHOO GEODFNZHOO#DOOWHFK FRP
DlltechOLHQHUW FRP DX
Alltech/LHQHUW
Page 16 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
Boost your survival rates with ICU Small Animal Rugs
&DOI 5XJV
3 Perfect for premature and unwell calves 3 100% water/wind proof 100% breathable
ECONOMY OF MOTION: Ben and Melissa Holloway have found they can step back a little from their dairy thanks to the Allflex dairy monitoring system.
3 Safe to place on newborns still wet and covered with amniotic fluid 3 Heat pad pocket option
Allflex animal monitoring provides lifestyle benefits for dairy farmers
:RUOG¶V ILUVW 'XDO &DQYDV &RZ 'RZQ &RZ 5XJ 3 Perfect for down cows 3 12% canvas with the liner being 80% wool 3 A great barrier against the cold and moisture rising upwards from the ground keeping your cows dry and warm.
$XVWUDOLDQ PDGH DQG RZQHG For more information call Margaret on 0408 342 426 or visit the website www.icusmallanimalrugs.com.au
GP1629659
BEN and Melissa Holloway, who run the 370-hectare Gillear View dairy farm in southern Victoria have been using the Allflex dairy monitoring system for several years and have found multiple benefits. “We were basically looking for another set of eyes,” said Ben, “and we wanted more usable information that would allow us to take a break during joining. “The reports give us an optimum time to AI, which results in a significant increase in conception. “We also use it for metri-checking, for catching non-cycling cows and
those with irregular heat. “Cows that had no visual signs or no rubs on the old heat detection systems can now be picked up and I estimate we’re getting an extra 15 per cent conception just by picking up those silent heats. “Catching the cows one cycle earlier equates to another 40 kilogram of milk solids or over $200 in increased production per cow.” The Allflex system can also detect suspected abortions meaning the Holloways have significantly reduced costs associated with pregnancy-testing. The early detection and
treatment of illness is another benefit, which the Holloways said has allowed them to be proactive with their treatments rather than reactive and save costs overall by using cheaper preventative drugs. “Before we got the Allflex system I would need to be in the dairy every day for 10 weeks during joining,” said Ben. “Now I can leave the staff to the milking and because heat detection is now automated I don’t need to be there at all. “Having the monitoring system is like having that extra pair of eyes.”
W H AT S E T S A L L F L E X D A I R Y C O W M O N I TO R I N G A PA R T ? - C U S TO M A L E R T S TO M O B I L E P H O N E S - SERVICE & SUPPORT - A D VA N C E D H E AT D E T E C T I O N
“We are seeing an increase in conception rates because we know right when cows are ready for AI, including seeing silent heats that we would have missed.” B E N H O L LO WAY GI L L E AR V I E W, AL L AN S F O R D V I C
- D R A F T I N G C A PA B I L I T I E S - C A LV I N G D I S T R E S S A L E R T S - E A S Y TO R E A D R E P O R T S CALL
OU
R
LO
CA
L
EX PE
RT
C O M E S E E U S AT THE SOUTH GIPPSLAND DAIRY EXPO!
P H I L J O H N S TO N E Territory Sales Manager, SE Vic & Tas PH 0439 275 086
www.allflex.com.au
SEPTEMBER 8TH & 9TH KO R U M B U R R A S H O W G R O U N D S
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 17
BEFORE: The shed before the conversion.
AFTER: The Joyce Family in Strzelecki recently converted their herringbone shed into a Lely robot dairy, pictured here before and after the conversion.
Milking robots going gangbusters JUST three years ago the number of Lely milking robots on Gippsland farms (the most popular brand locally) stood at 14. But in the last 12-18 months the technology has seen huge growth thanks to a number of factors - a dedicated installation and service centre in Warragul, small-scale robot farms taking off locally in addition to the bigger variety, and farmers achieving great success with robots on pasturebased systems. “We’ve got 22 Lely milking robots working on Gippsland farms now, another six currently being installed, and 13 more on their way from the Netherlands,” said Greg Cole, owner of Lely Centre Gippsland. “Many of our customers only run two robots, servicing 130-140 cows. “Herringbone conversions have really taken off because they’re such an easy changeover. “They require very little infrastructure change. “And robots continue to
be popular on large farms for easing the larger labour burden.” Gordie and Marg Lockett in Neerim North were Greg’s very first robot customers, installing two Lely Astronaut robots in their old herringbone shed. “We mounted the robots where the cows used to walk up into the platforms of the herringbone,” said Gordie. “The cows come exactly the same way as they did with the herringbone, except now they come up into the individual robots. “We only A and B graze, so we basically left the system, the yards and everything as they were. “We even use the same auger to go in to feed the two robots.” Gordie has seen a 10 per cent increase in production since installing the robots and believes his conception rate has gone up as well with the Lely collars picking up when cows are on heat. Greg says this type of result is typical for his local customers, due in part
to cows spending less time standing in concrete yards and more time grazing in the paddock, as well as generally improved cow health. “This isn’t experimental technology anymore, not with a brand like Lely,” Greg said. “Farmers have been installing these Astronaut robots for over 25 years and there’s 30,000 of them working worldwide. “Now they’ve proven themselves on pasture in Gippsland, we’ve got the know-how to get great results here too. “Farmers are interested in what other farmers are doing. “The more robots we install the more people see for themselves how well they can work and it just grows from there. “Robots are well and truly part of the landscape now.” The Lely Centre Gippsland team will be exhibiting one of their A5 Astronaut robots at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo from September 8-9.
PARTNER WITH THE DAIRY COMPANY COMMITTED TO GIPPSLAND
Burra Foods are one of Australia’s premier dairy companies with products sold in over 30 countries and trusted by some of the world’s biggest and well-known brands. Demand for our high value dairy products continues to grow and with our focus set firmly on a sustainable Gippsland supply chain we are striving to bring continued growth and economic development to the local Gippsland region. As demand for our high quality dairy ingredients continues, so too does our need for quality raw milk and we have a limited number of places available for local Gippsland based Milk Supply Partners to join us. If you want to be part of a growing local dairy business that values a sustainable supply chain and offers the following benefits: * Milk payment systems to suit your farm’s production * Transparent and reliable cashflow estimates * 24/7 support from a dedicated Milk Supply Team * Honest and responsive communication * Milk price range of $6.60-$7.00/kgMS for season 21/22 CONTACT us now to see where your farm sits in our price range. Peter Fort 0417 332 141 Clint Newcombe 0429 626 330 Jamie Serong 0477 992 274 Email milksupply@burrafoods.com.au
Visit us at South Gippsland Dairy Expo
Mainstar is the versatile and highly palatable forage brassica. Available at your local reseller today or contact Stephen Pasture Seeds
ausweststephenseeds.com.au
GS OLD PONSO R
Page 18 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
TLG sales manager predicts shift to sexed semen NEW Total Livestock Genetics (TLG) sales manager Darren Fletcher is predicting a big shift to sexed semen and more beef sires in dairy enterprises. Mr Fletcher said that within the next few years, more than 50 per cent of semen sales are likely to be sexed. “It could even go further than that if we follow the trends in Scandinavia, especially with the Jersey breed where 70 to 80 per cent of farmers are using sexed semen,” he said. “It’s already a hot market and going to get hotter.” Mr Fletcher said farmers were wanting to move away from bobby calves. “The main driver behind sexed semen is that you can get out of the bobby calf market,” he said. “You get heifers earlier and can then incorporate dairy beef to add more value to your business.” While conventional semen will continue to play a role in Australian genetics, Mr Fletcher said more farmers are seeing the benefits of investing in sexed semen. “The price difference will mean some farmers will al-
ways use conventional semen but sexed is definitely a good investment,” he said. “You’re 90 per cent guaranteed a heifer calf.” Mr Fletcher added that health traits are also a strong focus for farmers. “For a long time, the focus was on production but the last five years the AI industry has been big on fertility, health traits and longevity,” he said. Mr Fletcher comes to the role with a strong background in dairy farming, and breeding and genetics. The former dairy farm owner has most recently worked as breeding advisor account manager for Viking Genetics. “I was a typical dairy farmer’s kid who left school and went out in the world to work for a few years,” he said. It took a “city girl” to lure him back to dairy farming. “I met my wife Nicole who was a city girl but she wanted to try dairy farming,” he said. “At the time we owned a motel in Yarram but she had a friend who was a dairy farmer and they taught her to milk.
“She said let’s sell the motel and go dairy farming and the rest is history.” They started managing a farm and progressed to share farming before buying their own property at Bena in Gippsland. As TLG sales manager based at Leongatha, Mr Fletcher will mostly be responsible for semen sales but also genomic testing and assisting clients with their embryo transfer requirements. “I want to make sure we supply a good range of bulls to suit all types of dairy farming,” he said. Mr Fletcher said cattle breeding was his passion. “Being a dairy farmer, you tend to have a part of the business that interests you; some are grass, some are machinery, some are breeding,” he said. “I loved the breeding; watching the heifers come through from calves and seeing them raised and joined and then standing in the dairy in front of you.” TLG was recently purchased by Genetics Australia but continues to operate as a stand-alone business.
LOVING THE JOB: Darren Fletcher is responsible for semen sales but also genomic testing and assisting clients with their embryo transfer requirements at Total Livestock Genetics.
Melina BATH STATE MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA
Shop 2, 181 Franklin Street, Traralgon VIC 3844 (03) 5174 7066 melina.bath@parliament.vic.gov.au melinabath.com.au
Danny O’BRIEN
STATE MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND SOUTH
54B Cunninghame St, Sale VIC 3850 (03) 5144 1987 danny.obrien@parliament.vic.gov.au dannyobrienmp.com.au
for Regional Victoria
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 19
Polaris takes trail riding to the next level
OUT FOR A SPIN: If you’re looking for that new toy its hard to look past the RZR Trail 900 Premium.
National young judges, paraders and rural ambassadors finals postponed AGRICULTURAL Shows of Australia regrets to inform that the national finals for young judges, young paraders and rural ambassadors will be postponed, and will not be held at the upcoming Royal Queensland Show in August as planned. Following a meeting of the working groups and organising committees of Agricultural Shows of Australia and the host body Queensland Ag Shows, the unanimous decision was made that the national finals for 2021 would not be conducted in conjunction with the 2021 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka). “The increasing uncertainty around the ability of interstate competitors and officials was the major consideration,” chairman of Agricultural Shows of Australia Rob Wilson said. “With that in mind, the joint committee decided that it was not possible to proceed with the 2021 campaign in the current location. “Given our duty of care when conducting these competitions, the uncertainty around border restrictions and quarantine requirements, and the possible adverse impacts to finances and the wellbeing of competitors, supporters and organising committees were catalysts for this decision.” Queensland Ag Shows confirmed that the Queensland State Young Judges and Paraders, Rural Ambassador and Showgirl competitions will continue as normal at the Ekka this year. “The enormous amount of preparation has gone into these national finals - and the achievements of those 63 eligible national competitors across the nine competitions will not go to waste,” Mr Wilson said. “We have every intention of staging these important competitions in the future.” This announcement affects the state winners who were eligible as national competitors in the young judges competitions for poultry, alpacas, Merino sheep, Merino fleece, meat sheep breeds, dairy and beef cattle, paraders in dairy and beef cattle competitions, and rural ambassadors. The joint committees will reconvene on August 6 to consider the options and communicate to finalists and officials thereafter.
POLARIS Off-Road is proud to announce the arrival of the next evolution in trail adventure in Australia with the RZR Trail S 1000 Premium and RZR Trail Premium. Offering all-new styling, leading trail capability, and improved rider comfort in both models, Polaris has made the industry’s undisputed leader in trail riding even better. These two new models add to Polaris’ extensive line-up of recreational SxS vehicles, the largest in Australia with over 15 models. In 2007, Polaris started a recreation sport side-by-side market with the launch of the
Polaris RANGER RZR 800. Since then, Polaris has led the way in trail performance and remained the market leader of the trail segment. With the all-new RZR Trail line up, Polaris demonstrates that its commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of riders is stronger than ever. “The RZR Trail was already an incredible, purpose-built machine, however, with the feedback of our owners we’ve refined and elevated the experience, with an emphasis on comfort and ergonomics,” said Steven Menneto, president of Polaris Off-Road.
“The RZR Trail and Trail S offer unmatched trail agility to give customers more value for a better ride experience.” The RZR Trail and Trail S models feature all-new styling and have a narrow stance and the shortest wheelbase, making it easier for riders to manoeuvre on twisting trails and windy routes. Combine that with class-leading power-to-weight, turning radius, and fast engaging allwheel-drive, riders will be able to quickly accelerate between corners and choose their line around obstacles for the most agile trail ride ever.
On top of designing one of the most capable trail vehicles, Polaris Off-Road has further refined rider comfort with a new adjustable steering wheel position that repositions rider posture to have shoulders comfortably back against the seat. Keep trail debris out of the cab with new, sturdy full doors and receive more rear coverage from the factory with the new wraparound roll cage. Add best-in-class suspension travel and ground clearance to soak up the bumps for a plush ride, and RZR Trail and Trail S make the last kilometre feel as comfortable as the first.
Page 20 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
It’s all about the cattle for IN a competition designed to recognise the best new talent in livestock judging, Sarah Sutton is at the top of her game. Representing Victoria at the nationals in beef cattle judging, Sarah will be competing in an event that hasn’t been won by a Victorian since 2010. Sarah is hoping to change this. Sarah grew up on a mixed farming operation in Manangatang, a tiny town in remote north west Victoria, near Mildura. Just over 1000 hectares, the operation was primarily cattle and lamb, with a bit of cropping, and as she enjoyed working with livestock Sarah planned to study veterinary science on finishing school. It looked like Sarah was well on her way to achieving her goal receiving an academic scholarship to Ballarat Grammar when she was 15 years old, however, her plans would get sidetracked when she enrolled in the school’s agricultural program. She hasn’t looked back since. “It was a really great program and the school had these cattle and sheep show teams, so that was my first taste of showing
BY EMMA OLIVER
eoliver@ nemedia.com.au
cattle,” Sarah said. “I loved it so much, that I decided I wanted to do more of an agricultural based degree. “I’m now completing my final year in a bachelor of agribusiness at Marcus Oldham, and I also have a small stud.” For Sarah is not content to just concentrate on her studies, about 18 months ago she began leasing 100 acres at Sulky near Ballarat, and started up her own shorthorn stud. “I also have a commercial herd as well that I run, which I use for my embryo program, as well as selling on the steers,” Sarah said. “I have eight registered cows at the moment, but as I’m currently in the process of running my embryo program, I’m hoping that number will increase rapidly shortly.” At 21, Sarah has worked incredibly hard to get to this point. “As well as studying fulltime I do have a few jobs,” Sarah said. “I work as a stud groom at lots of the Royal shows for other studs.
It’s a real privilege to represent your state, and with COVID restrictions last year, my qualification has been two years in the making. With the nationals currently postponed - it might even stretch out to three years. - SARAH SUTTON “In one of my busier years I did a total of 25 shows. “I also have a small contracting business, and also work in thoroughbred racing. “It’s completely immersive. “I don’t go out. “I don’t go on holidays. “But all my friends are exactly the same, this is what we do and it’s just really, really good. “It’s 100 per cent cattle, and I love it.” It’s also shorthorns all the way according to Sarah. “They’re the breed to be
in,” she said with a laugh. On finishing high school, Sarah took a job at the Roly Park Beef Shorthorn and Australian Shorthorn stud, at Lake Boga, which is located within the rural city of Swan Hill. As well as really appreciating the easy doing, great maternal breed, with high quality carcasses that were really marketable, she found the community of shorthorn breeders really supportive and encouraging of her youth and enthusiasm. It would cement her
CHAINSAWS FROM
$
20” Bar - 3/8 Chain – 60.3cc – 5.8kg
249
^Refers model 120 Mark II
565 AT
20” Bar – 3/8 Chain – 70.6cc – 6.5kg
1,605 RRP
$
1,399 RRP
395XP
24” Bar – 3/8 Chain – 94cc – 7.9kg
2,415 RRP
$
$
TS142TXD
TS248TXD
Z248F
Ideal for homeowners & landowners with larger gardens who need a durable and comfortable tractor with high manoeuvrability.
A powerful, comfortable side discharge tractor with sturdy ClearCut™ deck and smart, user-friendly design for medium to large sized gardens.
High performance mower with a ClearCut™ fabricated cutting deck designed for durability, performance and an even cut.
Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin - 21.5hp - 42" Cutting Width
5,669 RRP
Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin - 23.0hp - 48" Cutting Width
7,245 RRP
$
$
5 YEAR DOMESTIC WARRANTY* Purchase genuine Husqvarna oil with your new Husqvarna petrol products to extend the standard 2 year domestic warranty period to 5 years.
Terms and Conditions apply, see HUSQVARNA.COM for details.
*
throughout the year in order to compete so that she can qualify for state. “This is the first time I’ve qualified for nationals, but I have been competing in the junior judging for the last seven years,” Sarah said. “It’s a real privilege to represent your state, and with COVID restrictions last year, my qualification has been two years in the making. “With the nationals currently postponed - it might even stretch out to three years. “I have competed at state level before, and made it through to the top half, so it was nice to finally get the win. “It’s definitely been a goal of mine - and for quite some time - so I’m thrilled that I have managed to achieve it. “It’s a great opportunity to get into judging in your own right, which is something I would like to do in the future. “I’ve held a few small judging positions, and I have to say that the cattle community is a fantastic one for mentoring you and giving you their time. “I’ve found the industry to be incredibly supportive, and just feel really lucky that I have found a career that I’m passionate about.
460 RANCHER
^
120 Mark II 14” - 38.2cc - 4.85kg
passion for these distinctive red cattle, and decide on the direction that her new venture would take. “My favourite bull of all time would have to be Roly Park Mr Tasmania,” Sarah said. “He’s a pretty special animal. “I was also fortunate enough to show his dam who was a brilliant heifer in her own right, before becoming a great cow with Mr Tasmania at foot. “He would go onto win many country and Royal supremes, before securing for Roly Park their first Royal interbreed ribbon in Melbourne. “He really put the stud on the map, and I’m lucky enough to have some semen out of him. “My stud also has some foundation cows that are his, which is great that I have his genetics and progeny, and it’s nice to see the babies coming through. “I’d shown him since he was a calf, and when he finally got sold to a stud down Horsham way, I cried like a baby. “I still go and visit him occasionally.” When she has the time, for Sarah’s a bit short on spare time, she travels to various ag shows
Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin - 23.0hp 48" Cutting Width - 2.5 Acres/hr
$
8,399 RRP
Darmac Ag 249 - 251 Monbulk Road, SILVAN Ph: 9737 9255
Your local authorised Husqvarna Dealer:
*Offers valid until 30/09/21 at participating Husqvarna Dealers only, while stocks last. T&C’s apply.
WWW.HUSQVARNA.COM
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 21
Sarah Sutton “My dad, Bill Sutton, was also incredibly passionate about farming, and I feel blessed that I grew up with this as my background and my parents’ encouragement to go as far as I want in whatever I choose to do. “I’ve named my stud in his memory. “It’s called Double S, as in two generations of Suttons. “He was probably my biggest influence in my love for agriculture, particularly cattle. “It’s the direction I want my life to take - the beef cattle sector. “Not sure whether that will be genetics or nutrition or processing or even marketing. “There are so many options, and I keep on meeting the most inspirational people. “It’s an exciting place to be.”
FAVOURITE BULL: Among numerous accolades Sarah Sutton has also won Champion Open Parader at Sydney Royal on the halter of Roly Park Mr Tasmania. This was her first big Royal ribbon, made even more special as it was for Roly Park Shorthorns, who have mentored, guided and inspired Sarah in her career.
$73,900 +GST $64,900.00 +GST AL400 13T ARTICULATED WHEEL LOADER NEW ACE AL400 13T Articulated Wheel Loader The MOST POWERFUL Wheel Loader in its class. t GENUINE Cummins 6BTA5.9-C180 - 180HP 750nm t 4000kg Capacity t 13000kg Operating Weight t Joystick Pilot Control t Full Hydraulic Quick-Hitch t A/C & Heated ROPS Safety Cab t Premium Stereo System t Reverse Camera t 2.0m3 GP Bucket t FREE fork attachment t FREE Spare Wheel & Tyre t Extended loadframe - NN -JGU height t Auto Level & Auto Float system t Fitted with Remote 3rd valve E-Stops and Full Mine Spec inc Suppression & Emission Systems available on request. 3 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY AUSTRALIAWIDE. 5&"34 )0634 &/(*/& 8"33"/5:
FINANCE AVAILABLE **TO APPROVED PURCHASES
New ACE AL350 11T Articulated Wheel Loader t Extended )J -JGU Load-Frame t GENUINE Cummins 6BT3.9-C130 t 3500kg Lift Capacity t t 4 00mm -JGU Height t 11000kg Operating Weight t Joystick Pilot Control t 1SFNJVN Pumps & Valves t Joystick $POUSPMMFE Transmission t Full Hydraulic Quick-Hitch, t A/C & Heated ROPS,FOPS,TOPS Cab. t AM/FM Stereo with USB. t Reverse Camera with LED’s, t 1.6m3 GP Bucket t FREE Quick-Hitch t FREE 4 in 1 bucket t FREE fork attachment t FREE Spare Wheel & Tyre. Fitted with Remote Hydraulic 3rd valve - FULL FLOW
:&"34 1"354 -"#063 8"33"/5: "6453"-*" 8*%& 5&"34 )0634 &/(*/& 8"33"/5:
MARK@ACEMH.COM.AU WWW.ACEMH.COM.AU 11 ROYAN PLACE BAYSWATER NORTH VIC 3153 ABN:13147978097
.00 $25,900+GST +GST $29,900
.00 $35,900+GST +GST $43,900
.00 $53,900+GST +GST $59,900
AL270 6.9T ARTICULATED WHEEL LOADER
AL200 5.2T ARTICULATED WHEEL LOADER
NEW ACE AL270 6.9T Articulated Wheel Loader
NEW ACE AL200 5.2T Articulated Wheel Loader
t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t
GENUINE Cummins 4BT3.9-C100 2700kg Capacity 6900kg Operating Weight Joystick Pilot Control 1SFNJVN Pumps & Valves Joystick $POUSPMMFE Transmission Full Hydraulic Quick-Hitch A/C & Heated ROPS,FOPS, Cab AM/FM Stereo with USB Reverse Camera with LED’s 1.4m3 GP Bucket FREE 4 in 1 bucket FREE fork attachment FREE Spare Wheel & Tyre Fitted with Remote Hydraulic 3rd valve - FULL FLOW
t t t t t t t t t t t t t t
Joystick $POUSPMMFETransmission 2000kg Capacity 5200kg Operating Weight Joystick Pilot Control 8 HP Turbo Diesel Full Hydraulic Quick-Hitch A/C & Heated ROPS Safety Cab. AM/FM Stereo System with USB Reverse Camera 1.0m3 GP Bucket FREE 4 in 1 bucket FREE fork attachment FREE Spare Wheel & Tyre Fitted with Remote Hydraulic 3rd valve.
Digital Scales also available. 3 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY AUSTRALIAWIDE.
3 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY AUSTRALIAWIDE.
:&"34 )0634 &/(*/& 8"33"/5:
BETTER QUALITY, BETTER VALUE, BETTER SUPPORT
t/12d13713-v21/32-19
*/ 450$, '03 *..&%*"5& %&-*7&3: "6453"-*"ɤ8*%&
CALL MARK "$& ."$)*/&3: )064& 15: -5% PH: 0410 059 136 PH: (03) 9761 7882
Page 22 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
Lavender industry to benefit from nation-wide research LA Trobe University agribusiness experts are teaming up with AgriFutures Australia for nation-wide research aimed at maximising Australia’s emerging lavender industry’s long-term future. In partnership with AgriFutures Australia, researchers at the La Trobe Institute for Agriculture and Food (LIAF) will investigate how the fragrant crop is grown, marketed and sold, and will conduct industry-wide consultations to inform a comprehensive long-term research, development and extension plan for the budding industry. The work will identify opportunities for investment and growth across the full range of lavender products, including cosmetics, cut flowers, aromatherapy and agritourism. Lead investigator and LIAF research director, Professor Jim Whelan, said the research will provide, for the first time, a holistic understanding of Australia’s lavender industry. “There is a significant unmet local and export demand for quality Australian lavender oil and hydrosol, with millions of dollars of potential revenue for the industry lost each year,” Professor Whelan said.
“This research will identify growth opportunities and provide the Australian lavender industry with a muchneeded plan to grow, meet market demands and identify opportunities for business expansion. “The potential benefits will be huge for lavender growers, producers, manufacturers and service providers.” The plan will provide new information for farmers already growing lavender as well as those who are seeking the benefits of a new diversified crop and wider business investment opportunities. Project partner and producer Clive Larkman said lavender grown in Australia has many strengths. “It is hardy, does not need pesticides, has low water needs, and can be used for diversification by supplementing crops to better manage risk on farms where climatic conditions may reduce other farm outputs,” said Mr Larkman. The plan will be informed by research conducted with the Australian lavender industry and provide insight into current and future practices and standards.
It builds on the AgriFutures Australia funded project Optimisation of Lavender Oil, which sees LIAF report on growth and extraction techniques, to maximise the quantity and quality of lavender oil. AgriFutures Australia manager, emerging industries Laura Skipworth said she was looking forward to working with LIAF as they develop the plan. “We are pleased to once again partner with LIAF to deliver an industry research, development and extension (RD&E) plan informed by extensive engagement with industry, including growers and manufacturers,” Ms Skipworth said. “This plan will deliver a road map for identifying the areas of RD&E investment that would see the largest impact for industry and build confidence in the future of the industry.” The RD&E plan is a partnership project delivered in association with lavender producer Larkman Nurseries, essential oil distiller and exporter Golden Grove Naturals and The Australian Lavender Industry Growers Association (TALGA).
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL: The emerging lavender industry is set to grow with research determining the best conditions and farming methods for this fragrant purple flower.
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 23
Build plant immunity and stock health with mineral fertilisers
SOUND ADVICE: Bayley Goode from Goode Organics is the man to talk to about applying essential minerals into the soil for improved production and quality produce.
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, becoming issues that many farmers now 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 or 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 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. The results flow through the entire farm system, benefiting the farm with 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.
Agricultural machinery industry unites on ‘Right to Repair’ MEMBERS of the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) have released the first Statement of Principles outlining their support for farmers to repair their own machinery. The Statement of Principles clearly sets out agricultural manufacturers and importers’ support for Australian farmers’ ability to maintain and repair their own machinery. “Our members are committed to supporting farmers through provision of high quality and safe agricultural machinery that re-
duces downtime, maximises productivity and minimises environmental impact,” said executive director of the TMA, Gary Northover. “That includes providing farmers and repairers with training, diagnostic information and support, plus information on service, parts, operation and safety. “The Statement of Principles reinforces the industry’s commitment to industry changes that improve machinery without adding additional cost or putting safety, performance or environmental standards at risk.
ACTIVATED VOLCANIC MINERALS!
“However, recent inquiries into the agricultural machinery market and ‘right to repair’ have made recommendations that will have far-reaching unintended consequences for the industry and more particularly for rural and regional Australia.” On May 4, the ACCC released its report into the agricultural machinery market, and following that the Productivity Commission released its draft report into Right to Repair. “Agricultural machinery is often highly complex and
Good for Australian Farming and the Environment
requires extensive training and experience to repair or service,” Mr Northover said. “These recommendations will have unintended consequences for the Australian agriculture industry by creating safety, warranty, and environmental concerns that will affect dealers and their customers. “We support the right for farmers to carry out their own repairs or maintenance, but that does not mean a right to modify. “These machines are often complex and set up to operate safely while optimis-
ing performance. “Modifying them creates significant safety risks. “In addition, agricultural machinery and tractor dealerships operate all over Australia, largely in rural, regional and remote areas. “These dealerships are a crucial part of their local economies, as employers, providers of traineeships and education, and supporters of community initiatives. “If the recommendations from the ACCC and Productivity Commission are implemented in their current form, we are concerned re-
pairs will be made by people who don’t have the required training and may result in machines not being fixed correctly the first time. “That can in turn lead to increased downtime and other breakdowns, which create knock on effects that can be expensive to remedy. “We urge the ACCC and Productivity Commission to work with our industry to develop workable solutions that won’t create safety, warranty or environmental issues, or adversely affect rural communities.”
DELLAVEDOVA FERTILISERice,SERVICES large or small
Best prices and adv
3 MIXES AVAILABLE!! INCLUDING A CUSTOM FARM MIX
LITY, A U Q H IG H S E T O M O PR OM R F K C O T S E IV L R IE HEALTH URE! T S A P D E IS L A R E IN M CONTACT - BAYLEY GOODE b 0420 946 156 E bayley@goodeorganics.com.au S goodeorganics.com.au 69@goodeorganics
FERTILISER SUPPLY AND SPREADING SPECIALISTS SOIL AND PLANT TISSUE TESTING
“Prescription blends. GPS Variable Application Rates available for all fertilisers using accredited spreading equipment”
* Super * Lime * Gypsum* Bulk * Bagged * Spread Maryborough 5461 2888
Ballarat 5338 1522
Shane 0427 349 088, Barry 0438 349 077
Dean 0418 525 587
Page 24 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
Crown land backflip causing confusion
Efforts to combat small but ‘ravenous’ worm ramp up
River frontage controversy continues as conflicting reports roll in
THE nation’s top scientists and biosecurity experts have joined forces with growers around the country to fight one of the nation’s newest and most prolific pests. Fall armyworm larvae can be less than half a centimetre in size with an appetite for more than 350 plant species. Since it was first spotted on mainland Australia in January last year, the pest has travelled to every state except South Australia. The nation’s horticulture research and development corporation, Hort Innovation, is delivering a suite of targeted defence measures against the pest. Research to identify natural predators, deliver rapid diagnostic tools and education measures are just some of the projects in the RDC’s armoury. Hort Innovation general manager of research and development Dr Alison Anderson said the pest has caused significant damage in parts of the country where some sweetcorn growers have lost entire crops. “Fall armyworm moves fast,” Dr Anderson said. “It’s good at developing resistance to insecticides, and it’s ravenous - it completely devours crops. “The pest was only recently detected in Australia early last year and immediately affected grain crops. We’re working with growers and the nation’s leading researchers to give the horticulture industry the tools it needs to help manage this prolific pest.” Funded through Hort Innovation, projects are being delivered with the
By EMMA OLIVER THERE is uncertainty over an announcement in the Weekly Times on Friday, July 18 that reported the State Government will be backing down on its bid to allow camping on crown river frontage. The article stated that the government will be opening up about ‘25 pilot sites’ to campers from September onwards, with the government assessing how the sites are managed and the impact on waterways, vegetation and neighbouring landholders, before potentially opening up more locations to campers. However, statements both from the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish) and the State Government seek to discredit the article. The response by VRFish was to call on the State Government to publicly clarify its position immediately. “The Weekly Times has published an article asserting a government backdown on an election commitment to millions of Victorians,” said VR Fish chair Rob Loats. “This is extremely concerning to the peak body and hundreds of thousands of recreational fishers and boaters. “Breaking access improvement promises is not something any government should entertain.” A spokesperson from the Premier’s office said that they were delivering on their 2018 election commitment to open up crown land on river frontages to campers. “The draft regulations - including how they are going to be enforced - are still being finalised, and we will have more to say soon,” the Premier’s office said. “The Weekly Times article is misleading. “The government is delivering on its commitment to
PILOT SITE UNCERTAINTY: State member for Eildon Cindy McLeish believes that regulations are still dogged by a lack of consultation and relevant assessments. make more water frontage land available for all to enjoy through fishing and camping. “And though the public consultation period has finished, we are continuing to engage with a number of key stakeholders, including fishing, agriculture, environmental and traditional owner groups.” Deputy leader of the Liber-
al Party and state member for Eildon Cindy McLeish, however, has raised her concerns. Ms McLeish said that it is unclear whether the State Government has actually backflipped on the contentious issue, with the Premier failing to release an official statement. “There are still lots of unanswered questions sur-
rounding the possible 25 pilot sites,” Ms McLeish said. “Landowners, farmers and Landcare groups need transparency around the selection of pilot sites. “With little over a month until the pilot sites are set to open in September, it doesn’t leave a lot of time to undergo thorough biodiversity assessments.”
expertise of researchers around the country. Led by Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Agriculture Victoria and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CDRC), this work is already seeing results. Dr Anderson said one of the research projects has provided early insights into the Bowen area of Queensland: “We’ve seen that fall armyworm has spread beyond sweetcorn in northern Australia and into other horticultural crops, such as capsicum, leaving between 10 to 30 per cent loss of saleable product for some growers there,” she said. “Collaboration with growers has been critical. “They have provided access to their properties and have shared information on growing practices and many photos with the researchers, and this really helps us understand fall armyworm more.” Initiatives include a fall armyworm podcast series available online now (CDRC), the development of a rapid field-based test for fall armyworm (Agriculture Victoria); the identification of potential fall armyworm predators and the risk to Australian horticulture (DAF), and the development of extension programs to effectively fight fall armyworm (DAF). DAF senior entomologist Siva Subramaniam said “Hort Innovation’s investment has made possible a national research and development effort into fall armyworm, including horticultural crop risk analysis and crop surveys to identify parasitoids and predators”.
Castleton 8030 WOOD STOVE Hearthstone wood stoves provide exceptional heat retention
Looking for Specialised Garage and Barn experts? Call Aussie Made Garages & Barns TODAY 03 9739 6999
Hearthstone wood stoves are made with soapstone a natural material that absorbs the heat of a fire, then radiates a gentle heat into the room. This means your home stays at a comfortable temperature - the Soapstone Comfort Zone.
480°C
Steel
430°C
370°C
Cast Iron
316°C
260°C
Soapstone Comfort Zone
205°C
150°C
95°C
38°C
0 0
www.aussiemade.com.au
1hr
2hr
3hr
4hr
5hr
6hr
7hr
8hr
9hr
10hr
11hr
12hr
www.castworks.com.au
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 25
Melbourne student helps dairy industry address water issues MONASH university student Tom Stevenson has been playing an important role in improving the Victorian dairy industry’s use of wastewater. As part of the Monash Industry Team Initiative (MITI) Dairy Program, Tom has helped both Burra Foods and Agriculture Victoria to investigate more efficient use of water and re-use of wastewater. For someone with no previous connection to the dairy industry, Tom has relished both opportunities and will seek work in the field after completing his chemical engineering degree. Tom said the program, which is a collaboration between Gardiner Dairy Foundation and Monash University, opened his eyes to opportunities in dairy and the benefits of living in the country. “I’ve got no background in dairy farming in my family and I’ve lived my whole life in Melbourne, but I definitely learnt a lot from both experiences,” he said. While at Burra Foods, Tom assisted with a water resource strategy which aimed to improve efficiency, detail water usage in each department, and ensure precise monitoring of re-used water. More recently at Agriculture Victoria’s Ellinbank research farm, Tom joined a team trialling different chemicals to separate solid manure from liquids in washdown water to improve the quality of water for re-use. The team also looked at developing biogas opportunities from manure on farms by combining it with other waste streams from the Gippsland area to improve biogas generation. Tom said the research could have lasting benefits for farmers and the environment. “Advancing these techniques would mean benefits for farmers because they can re-use water and potentially create a source
of energy,” he said. Tom added that the team found several promising chemical treatment options and the biogas preliminary results were also promising. “Preliminary research shows it’s feasible but more research is required on a bigger scale,” he added. While farmers and the environment stand to benefit from the research, Tom has no doubt the placements have benefited him as well. “I made the most of it,” he said. “I’m now working at Monash University in the chemical engineering department during the last year of my course, and the MITI experience definitely helped me to get that role.” It also gave him an insight into the joys of country living. “I went hiking in the fresh air and got to relax a lot,” Tom said. “There’s a bit more freedom out there and it was only 10 minutes to get to work, from Warragul to Ellinbank.”
Tom is now looking to apply for graduate programs in the dairy industry. “I felt a bit out of my depth when I first got there but I learnt fairly quickly,” he said. “I learnt a lot about the dairy industry and a broader overview of agriculture, and what we learnt about water could be applicable to other industries. “From these experiences, I’m much more likely to want to get involved in the industry and I thank Gardiner Dairy Foundation for making that possible.” Senior research scientist and Ellinbank site leader, Dr Sharon Aarons, said MITI students were involved in research that explored new opportunities for the dairy industry. “We give them tasks that extend the work we do,” she said. “In this case they tested a range of chemicals to separate solid material out of manure and dairy factory
wastewater to assist in improving management. “We also asked them to measure biogas production from manure and manure mixed with other waste streams, such as dairy factory waste.” The research could lead to a range of benefits such as preventing manure ending up in the environment, preventing loss of green-
house gases and ammonia to the atmosphere and giving farmers and industry the opportunity to generate energy through anerobic digestion. Dr Aarons said the MITI team had produced useful data that is supporting further work in the area. “Part of the program is to encourage students to consider working in the dairy
industry and at least one of our students went on to work with Burra Foods,” Dr Aarons said. “It’s a mutually beneficial program; it provides us an opportunity to dig a little deeper into an area we want to explore; it gives students a chance to learn about the dairy industry and it gives the industry a potential source of employees.”
North West Drilling Your local drillers with extensive experience in all ground conditions. Family owned business established since 1976.
”Pete and Andy after another successful day constructing a water bore”
For quotes and advice call Graham or Andy Brennan 0409362289 / 0409362291 northwest.drilling@bigpond.com northwestdrilling.com.au PO BOX. 254 Diamond Creek, Vic 3089
POLY WATER TANKS REPAIRS Including 3RO\ ZDWHU WDQNV DQG WURXJKV &DOI IHHGHUV DQG ERRPVSUD\ WDQNV 7UDFWRU IXHO WDQNV :DWHU DQG GLHVHO WUDQVSRUW WDQNV PRQWKV ZDUUDQW\ RQ UHSDLUV
WE ARE A MOBILE SERVICE FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE: University student Tom Stevenson has been exploring options on how to improve the Victorian dairy industry’s use of wastewater.
ZZZ SODVWLFIXVLRQ FRP DX
Fix your water today Î Soften hard water for decades on $10 power yearly Î Clear out scaled pipes, increase flows Î More effective than magnets by design Î Salinity, scale, iron and hardwater solution
Î Î Î Î
Grow Healthy Plants Using Saline Water
Healthy stock using hard water No waste streams or decreases in flow Used by farmers, stations, councils, mining companies Scientifically tested and proven technology
Call 1300 138 223
www.hydrosmart.com.au
Page 26 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
‘Home-grown’ bulls on offer at Riddellvue Angus ON-FARM: (Left to right) Stud principal Ian Bates with Merv Steer, Healesville and Willie Milne, stud stock consultant, discussing the outstanding genetics of Riddellvue’s spring offering. SSBAN0070621
SPRING SALE - 40 BULLS
FRIDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 11.00AM AT WVLX MORTLAKE, VICTORIA
IT’S a home-grown affair at this year’s second annual spring on-property bull sale at Riddellvue Angus. All 30 bulls up for auction on September 8 at the Whanregarwen property near Alexandra are sired by the stud’s very own walking bulls with not one AI sire in the sale line-up. Stud principal Ian Bates anticipates the spring sale to match prior sale results with the solid range of bulls being offered in a strong market. Ongoing border closures are not expected to impact the sale with most bulls selling to clients throughout Victoria. “I think we are all getting very familiar with buying online so this will help our interstate buyers,” Mr Bates said. Mr Bates said there is great consistency in line-up of sale bulls who are by seven different sire groups. Many of the bulls being offered are from Riddellvue Angus’s own walking bull sires including Bannaby Reality K63 and Te Mania Melfin. “They’re both good female and bull producers,” Mr Bates said.
“I feel we have a really strong cow herd with a lot of influence from North and South Dakota. “The strength of the cows behind the bulls can’t be overlooked.” Mr Bates said the sale group of bulls’ maternal lines proves the power of great genetics the stud has invested in. “We are extremely lucky to have a huge influence from the Anvil herd which was heavily built from USA genetics,” he said. Sons of sires include Merlewood Jarcevo M127, who is a Regent and A241 grandson, and last of the Anvil bloodline sires, Anvil N347 and Anvil Nox N392, along with Bellaspur Hallmark M83 and Riddellvue N329 are also featured throughout the catalogue. Mr Bates said the 30 18-month bulls in the sale offered good value buying and ensures clients get good value for money. “They have a great conformation, good feet and great structure,” he said. “What makes these bulls on offer in September so
good is that they are bred to breed good females and add depth to our clients’ herds.” Investing in genomics and DNA verification of parents is under way for the spring sale. “We have submitted DNA samples on all females and sale bulls,” Mr Bates said. “We are hoping the results will be available before the catalogue goes to print so clients can view the bulls’ genomic data and parent verification. “It’s been good to see repeat buyers coming back knowing that the bulls we sell stand up to all conditions, and if there is a problem they know that I’ll try my hardest to get the problem solved.” The auction will be conducted by Nutrien Livestock and Elders, and online via AuctionsPlus. Riddellvue Angus Spring Bull Sale - Wednesday ,September 8, - on-property in Whanregarwen, near Alexandra and online via AuctionsPlus. Visit riddellvue.com.au or their Facebook page for the latest sale updates.
NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY PIC: 3MYNL043
STEPHEN BRANSON Mob 0419 884 839 NOELEEN BRANSON Mob 0437 029 992 EMAIL banquetangus@westvic.com.au
www.banquetangus.com.au ANGUS ŇWHITE SUFFOLKS ŇSUFFOLKS ŇSOUTHDOWN COMPOSITES
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria
digital edition
out now
Read it all online
www.farmernews.com.au
August 2021
Southern Farmer - Page 27
Premium prices for Banquet genetics PRODUCERS using Banquet bulls are consistently rewarded with premium prices. Grass finishers, feed-lotters and re-stockers alike target progeny of Banquet bulls for their improved performance, temperament and structure. However, the most important premium is the continual improvement of their breeding herd by retaining heifers sired by Banquet bulls. Banquet’s after sale service is well known in the industry. In the unlikely and unfortunate
event that a bull fails to adequately perform the Branson family stand ready to assist in getting your cows in calf. The level of quality assurance that a Banquet bull carries make any failure unlikely. These bulls are bred from a herd that has been meticulously screened with structural soundness being a top priority for over 30 years. Prior to sale these bulls are subjected to extensive vet checking. This includes examination
of sexual organs and testing of both semen motility and semen morphology. The vaccination program includes 7 in 1, for leptospirosis, pestiguard and vibriovax. The Banquet herd maintains the highest level of assurance with Johnes Disease, J Bas 8. The 40 bulls on offer on Friday, September 3 represent bloodlines that have dominated recent sales together with new sire lines. Banquet offers generous delivery options.
BANQUET GUARANTEE: The stud offers quality assurance for every Banquet bull, with livestock extensively tested and screened to make it to sale.
Alpine Angus 2021 spring bull sale line-up promises explosive growth THE 2021 Alpine Angus spring bull sale offering 60 HBR and APR Bulls will be held at the Alpine Sales Complex, Rosewhite on Wednesday, September 22 at 1pm. Alpine principal Jim Delany said that this represents a 50 per cent increase on last year and has been years in the making. “We have always been committed to ensuring quality is maintained with the hope that this bigger draft will deliver value to our clients,” Mr Delany said. For many years now the Alpine Angus program has been consistently investing in genetics that push the boundaries with growth spread and calving ease as these traits are the most important to put extra dollars in Alpine’s clients’ pockets. “Of course we use Breedplan as a selection tool but we also put as great an emphasis on getting length, capacity and growth,” Alpine manager Chris Oswin said. “We try to use genetics we know can breed true to type and deliver calving ease and a big growth spread from moderate birth to 600 day.” This upcoming Alpine spring bull sale line up is a direct reflection of the Alpine breeding philosophy - with sale average EBVs delivering breed average birth to 400 and 600 day weights
FIRST RATE SIRES: The Alpine Angus program has been consistently investing in premium genetics, with the current sales draft a direct reflection on the stud’s breeding philosophy. in the top 25 per cent for the Angus breed. The sale line up features sons of AI star sires Baldridge Beast Mode B074 and Baldridge 38 Special both AI sires from US out of one of the USA’s most famous and productive females. They also deliver stellar EBVs and Indexes alongside their outstanding phenotype.
Similarly with feature outcross sire G A R Ashland with his low birth to explosive growth in the top one to three per cent for 200, 400 and 600 day weights plus EMA in the top one per cent plus IMF. Also in the line up are the sons of Karoo Main Event M367 the sire of Alpine’s own home bred AI sire Alpine Main Event Q192 sold to
GENEX at the autumn 2021 bull sale. Alpine continue their close association with WA Angus stud Coonamble offering the first draft of Coonamble Navigator N435 sons in the sale displaying their sire’s dense and heavy muscled body type. “These are exciting times for the beef industry - the market and seasonal condi-
tions of the last year have seen record prices for many Alpine clients in the sale yards,” Mr Delany said. “Our clients have also observed how investing in the right genetics really does pay off as backgrounders return and pay a premium to source their progeny due to their performance. “ And Mr Oswin said “every effort is made to ensure Al-
pine Bulls go to work in peak working condition”. “Both physically through semen testing pre-sale as well as being independently structurally assessed,” he said. “In addition all sale bulls have been parent verified and have been genomic tested to verify their EBVs. “The fall of the hammer at our sales represents the beginning of a relationship with our clients - a comprehensive after sale guarantee plus our ‘can do’ attitude means we have our clients’ backs should something go awry.” Anyone wishing to inspect the Alpine sale line up pre-sale day can do so on Sunday, September 19 at the Alpine Sales Complex Rosewhite. All sale bulls will be yarded from 11am - 3pm with a delicious barbecue beef lunch and refreshments available. If this is not convenient pre-sale inspections can be arranged by appointment with Mr Oswin. This affords those who cannot be there sale day to make their selections and either bid themselves on line via Auctions Plus or via their agent or by arrangement with Alpine’s sale agents Dan Ivone of Paull & Scollard, Myrtleford or Mick Curtis of Rodwells, Euroa.
2021 ALPINE SPRING BULL SALE
60 ANGUS BULLS
VOLUME. VALUE. VELOCITY. WEDNESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2021 AT 1 PM HBR & APR Registered Bulls Backed by a comprehensive QA Program & 3 Year Guarantee* FREE DELIVERY* Conditions apply. Refer to Sale Catalogue.
*
alpineangus.com.au
PREVIEW SALE BULLS SUNDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER
11AM - 3PM
3ALHS048
Chris Oswin: 0427 562 254 Suzy Martin: 0418 577 627 Jim Delany: 0408 535 658
RM6797589
Page 28 - Southern Farmer
August 2021
*
0% FINANCE
ZERO IN ON A GREAT TRACTOR AT A GREAT INTEREST RATE. MF GLOBAL SERIES MF 4700, MF 5700 AND MF 6700 I 74 – 132 HP Get it done with a super versatile Massey Ferguson Global Series tractor at a super low 0% interest rate.* These range of tractors are purpose built in the latest state-of-the-art facilities, combining the very best of today’s technologies with comfort, simplicity, reliability and quality. With up to 5,200 kg 3-point lift capacity, reliable AGCO Power engines and high capacity hydraulics with up to 98 l/min flow, now is the time to secure a tractor that is out of this world with the MF Global Series.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER TODAY Dandenong
Small Horse Tractors
18 Lonsdale Street
(03) 9791 6414
Kyneton
L & G Sheppard and Sons
120-122 Piper Street
(03) 5422 1821
Nagambie
John Sanderson Machinery
36-38 Industrial Crescent
(03) 5794 2272
Silvan
Darmac Ag Sales & Service
249-251 Monbulk Road
(03) 9737 9255
*Finance available with an interest rate of 0% p.a. available on a Chattel Mortgage agreement minimum 30% cash deposit, the GST component repaid in the fourth month and monthly repayments in arrears over a 36 months term. Offer ends September 30th, 2021, while stocks last to approved purchasers for chattel mortgage finance who use the equipment for business purposes only. Subject to terms and conditions and credit approval by AGCO Finance Pty Ltd, ABN number 42 107 653 878. Fees and charges may apply.
MASSEYFERGUSON.COM.AU
A world of experience. Working with you.