Southern Farmer - October 2021

Published since 1986

OCTOBER, 2021

www.farmernews.com.au

MILKING YARD FARM BRUCE Burton can trace his lineage back about six or seven generations of cattle farmers, however, Bruce farms chickens on his 50 acre farm just outside of Trentham. And they’re not any old chickens, these birds are a very special breed of bird called the Sommerlad.

An Australian-bred chicken destined for the table market, Bruce pasture raises the chickens using sustainable farming practices with the farm certified for its animal welfare standards. But this is not the only aspect of the venture for which he is recognised. The chicken has repeatedly been acknowledged in national awards for its incredible flavour and texture. Read about Milking Yard Farm on page two and three. Pictured are Bruce and Roz Burton with their working dogs, who purportedly run the show.

Labour shortages loom large over start of season FOR many Victorian farmers who are experiencing one of the best years on recent record, the lack of an available workforce has many concerned they will be ploughing produce back into the ground.

“Growing conditions have been favourable for many growing regions, resulting

BY EMMA OLIVER eoliver@ nemedia.com.au

in an optimistic outlook for many growers,” said AUSVEG Victoria president and Victorian vegetable grower Paul Gazzola.

“That said - along with increasing labour shortages

- growers are also facing rising input costs, increased lead times for machinery parts and that’s not taking into account the usual stresses of farming.

“However, our industry is resilient, and we will continue to work hard to supply high quality vegetables for Victorian, Australian and international customers.”

At the moment this commitment is proving to be somewhat of a challenge.

Labour shortages impacted the sector significantly last season, with AUSVEG Victoria hearing reports of producers losing a significant number of crops, with labour-intensive produce like broccoli, cauliflower and leafy vegetable particularly

hard hit by the shortage of harvest workers.

Paul Gazzola is a third generation vegetable grower, owning and operating Mornington Peninsula’s Gazzola Farms alongside family members.

Gazzola Farms grow broccoli, Asian vegetables, lettuce and celery - all labour intensive crops.

He knows first-hand the impact that workforce shortages can have on a business.

“While we don’t have exact figures, we have some smaller farms reporting losses of between $150,000 and $200,000 for crops they couldn’t harvest or pick,” said Mr Gazzola.

■ Continued page 9

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Page 2 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

Covering Central, South Victoria, and West Gippsland

THE SOUTHERN

Est. 1986

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

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

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

Editorial:

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

Milking Yard Farm breeding flavour back into chicken

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

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

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

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Pride of place at the table

Emma Oliver SENIOR JOURNALIST

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By EMMA OLIVER JUST outside Trentham is Milking Yard Farm, a former dairy farm sitting on 50 acres of rich red soil with lush green pastures.

Initially purchased about 13 years ago as a weekender by owners Bruce and Roz Burton, the couple fell in love with the lifestyle and on selling his business in the city Bruce focused his attention on turning Milking Yard Farm into a viable enterprise.

Bruce spent 12 months looking for a market opportunity, and through his research identified high-end meat chicken as a market that had been completely un-addressed.

So he set his mind to rectifying the situation.

The plan was always to grow chickens out slowly and naturally, pasture raised under sustainable farming practices, without using chemicals.

However, it didn’t quite go to plan.

“It was just over seven years ago that we started off with industrially farmed chickens growing them out in the paddock out the back,” Bruce said.

But then the chickens started dying.

Consulting a renowned poultry specialist, Bruce was told what he was trying to do wasn’t possible.

‘You can’t do with those chickens what you are trying to do with them, they are not bred for that purpose’, Bruce was told.

‘They’re grown in a big shed at a constant 21 degrees and fed antibiotics, you will need to find a bird that will suit your purpose, was the advice’.

And so Bruce set about finding that bird.

Now, unfortunately, Australia doesn’t have the genetics or the array of heritage breeds that are available overseas, and unable to import poultry Bruce set

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STRESS FREE: Sommerlad are perfectly suited for foraging, and their environment at Milking Yard Farm reflects this with the pasture rehabilitated to a natural forest habitat, where the birds thrive in small batches grazing on grubs, greens, grits and grains.

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about trawling the internet for locally available heritage meat breeds.

It was then that he chanced upon Michael Sommerlad.

“He was the classic driven inventor meets the chicken fancier, who had been tinkering with chickens since he was five years old,” said Bruce.

“Early on Michael had recognised the market for free-range robust birds bred for Australian conditions that could not only do the job but tasted great as well.

“Concentrating on game birds for their good eating characteristics, Michael set about mixing and matching all of them into different lots, ending up with nine different lines within the breed.”

The resulting breed was duly christened the Sommerlad.

“They all look a bit different,” Bruce said.

“But as with any livestock farming you need to maintain genetic diversity so that the

When we decided on ethically raising chickens, we realised there was absolutely no choice on breeds, it was pretty much industrially farmed chicken breeds or the Sommerlad.

- MICHAEL SOMMERLAD

breed is more resilient.

“We run three separate lines at Milking Yard Farm.

“So there are the reds that are dual purpose, where there is both a male and female line.

“The blues are an only female line, and the whites are males.

“We line breed like cattle farmers to breed the genetics of that particular line, and then cross lines to produce growing birds for the table market.”

The result is a unique, slow growing breed that is rich in old-fashioned flavour, texture and nutrients, reminiscent in flavour to the famous Bresse and Label Rouge chickens from France.

Grown out to between 70 and 120 days, Bruce sells half of all volume through a community supported agriculture scheme, offering customers a choice between four different types of whole chicken.

The Petite Poulette is grown out to at least 80 days, and small and tender this pullet weighs between two and three kilograms.

The Poulette Royale is a larger bird grown to between 100 and 120 days, and at three to four kilograms Bruce recommends this pullet as perfect for roast chicken.

For Bruce it’s all about the eating quality, and that extends to growing out chickens that are purpose specific.

■ Continued page 3

October 2021 From page 2 So the cockerel lends itself to classic dishes like a coq au vin.

Larger, leaner and slightly firmer than a pullet, the bird imparts a wonderful flavour to a more slow cooked dish or casserole.

And when you’re looking for that show-stopping bird for a special occasion, the five kilogram grand rooster with its juicy thick skin that crisps beautifully, is the Milking Yard Farm go-to.

It’s all part of Bruce’s vision to make chicken great again.

“I want to re-invent the model for how chicken is grown and how it is treated, and restore chicken to some pride of place on the table,” Bruce said.

“It’s become this commoditised, tasteless meat that is grown industrially in big sheds with questionable welfare standards, and my goal is to make it great again both in the paddock and on the plate.”

With this goal comes a certain degree of responsibility, for Bruce is one of only three farmers in Australia, who breed Sommerlads.

“Michael Sommerlad sadly went out of business about four years ago, and there was myself, a guy in New South Wales and another in North Queensland, who bought all the genetics when the business closed,” Bruce said.

“We now swap genetics to maintain diversity, and support each other in our endeavours.

“When it’s a cold day, and lay rates are down and fertility has dropped, we swap stories and help each other out.

“And with any meat breed

that has been bred for the table, the husbandry aspect of the Sommerlad has been a bit more challenging with a lay rate of only 50 per cent.

“So as much as I would love to go and change the industry, we have this small sliver of amazing genetics to do that with.

“And like with any heritage breed you’ve got to use them to perpetuate the line.

“When we decided on ethically raising chickens, we realised there was absolutely no choice on breeds, it was pretty much industrially farmed chicken breeds or the Sommerlad.”

However, this doesn’t seem to have been detrimental to achieving Bruce’s original vision.

Under his considered and conscientious approach to farming, his chickens have made it onto the menu at some of the best restaurants in the state, and Milking Yard Farm has been regularly recognised on a national scale both at the Delicious Awards, as well as the Australian Food Awards, with the Sommerlad garnering a following for old-fashioned flavour - chicken like it used to taste.

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■

Southern Farmer - Page 3

Page 4 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

Australia Post will continue to deliver perishable goods FOOD producers across the country are set to benefit, after Australia Post committed that it will continue to deliver perishable goods.

Australia Post announced that due to complex state and territory regulatory requirements, it intended to discontinue the carriage of perishable goods from June 30, 2021.

The announcement to cut the service, which delivers consumable goods such as cheese and meat, was provided with little notice and sparked serious concerns from farmers and small businesses.

Nationals Senate leader and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the decision by Australia Post to continue delivering perishable goods is a win for regional and rural Australia.

“This commitment provides certainty for families and businesses

SERVICE RETAINED: Australia Post has committed to continuing to deliver perishable goods. that rely on Australia Post to deliver their agriculture and food products,” Senator McKenzie said.

“To drop the service would have been absolutely devastating.

“Many of our regional food producers were quite

alarmed and businesses from various sectors in Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and South Australia were going to be impacted.

“This commitment from Australia Post is really going to provide them confidence to continue their operations.”

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MANSFIELD CROPS: Bumper crops of canola are contributing significantly to the Australian agricultural sector, with the industry expected to exceed production value records this year.

Farmers are propelling the sector to $73 billion, indicative of how strong the agriculture is at the moment, despite the uncertainty of a global pandemic.

Sustainability for export LIMITING food waste, packaging, and boosting water and energy efficiency are just some of the opportunities captured in a new Australian-Grown Horticulture Sustainability Framework that has been developed with input from industry.

Created with input from more than 600 industry participants, the framework details 17 focus areas that align with existing business measures and initiatives, as well as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Hort Innovation chief executive Matt Brand said the framework has been developed for Australian horticulture industry participants at a time when consumers and investors are increasingly asking for evidence of ethical and sustainable practices from their food producers.

“The aim of this sustainability framework is to acknowledge the significant contribution Aussie fresh produce growers make to

the nation’s families and environment through the provision of fresh and nutritious food,” he said.

“It also promotes sustainable and responsible care for our natural environment and provides a vital roadmap for a stronger Australian farming future.”

Mr Brand said the initiative aligns with a range of research efforts being delivered by Hort Innovation, in line with the target to grow agriculture to $100 billion by 2030.

Joseph Ebbage, market development manager at the Almond Board of Australia, said sustainability is important to customers both domestically and internationally.

“Our trade partners in Europe and in the UK are looking for suppliers that can meet sustainability metrics.

Our ability to communicate sustainability credentials is vital to maintaining and growing these relationships,” Mr Ebbage said.

“The framework provides an invaluable foundation document for our industry.

“The Australian almond industry is looking to leverage this rich body of insights to create a program specific to growing and processing almonds in Australia.”

The Horticulture Sustainability Framework was developed over more than 12 months and involved input from producers, employees, industry peak bodies, service and input suppliers, and researchers.

Financers and investors, marketers and exporters, retailers, governments and consumers also had input.

Mr Brand said all groups shared very similar sustainability priorities with topics such as limiting produce waste, food safety and energy use being some of the most important issues.

“The next step is to measure the sector’s current performance against each indicator identified in the framework,” he said.

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Southern Farmer - Page 5

October 2021

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Page 6 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

Australian agricultural exports’ value down but set to rebound to record levels THE value of Australian agricultural exports reached $49.6 billion in 2020/21, a decline of 0.8 per cent from 2019/20.

However, agricultural exports are expected to rebound over the year ahead, according to Rural Bank’s Australian Agricultural Trade 2020/21 report.

Following a challenging year marked by year-on-year declines in export prices for many commodities, reduced red meat production and tightening trade restrictions to China, export value of most commodities are expected to bounce back strongly thanks to favourable production and demand outlooks as key export markets recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

Only two commodities experienced an increase in export value - cropping and dairy - with the value of cropping exports increasing by 73.3 per cent at a value of $5.6 billion.

The dairy industry, the only other sector to experience export value growth, saw a 7.3 per cent (+$184 million) increase.

Rural Bank’s Simon Dundon, general manager sales partnerships and marketing, said a bumper year for cropping exports helped to

EXPORT DOLLAR: Agricultural exports are expected to rebound over the year ahead despite being negatively impacted by the pandemic. mitigate a year of downturn for most commodities.

“While most commodities felt the ongoing effects of both weakened demand due to COVID-19 and trade strain, Australian agriculture began to successfully diversify into multiple export markets as it navigated restricted access in varying commodities to China,” Mr Dundon said Exports to countries outside Australia’s top five markets (China, Japan, US,

Indonesia, South Korea) increased by $4.3 billion (+20.8 per cent) in 2020/21.

China remained Australia’s top export market, accounting for 21.8 per cent of total exports, despite a decline of $3.8 billion (-26.2 per cent) over the year.

“The coming year is looking very positive for Australian agriculture,” Mr Dundon said.

“Red meat, dairy, wool, horticulture and wine should grow in overall value, thanks to improved seasonal

conditions across much of the country, which when coupled with rebounding commodity prices, should lead to growth in export value in the coming year - possibly the highest on record.

“In addition, the remarkable diversification of export markets demonstrates the adaptability of Australian agriculture and this trend is expected to continue.

“The past year saw promising growth into Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Indonesia,

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Belgium and Thailand.

“No single market will fill the vacuum created by Australia’s current restricted access to China, but continued growth into a range of other markets and progress toward the implementation of free trade agreements with the European Union and UK should provide Australian farmers with other opportunities for long-term growth.”

New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia were the only three

states to record export growth in 2020/21, thanks to strong performance in the cropping sector.

The remaining states all recorded a decline in export value.

“Victoria remained Australia’s highest value export state at $13.3 billion, followed by New South Wales ($8.9 billion), Queensland ($8.5 billion) and Western Australia ($7.9 billion),” Mr Dundon said.

Due to a variety of factors including labour shortages, trade restrictions and logistical issues, all other commodities experienced a decrease in export value.

Beef and cattle experienced the largest decline in total value at -$3.3 billion (23.4 per cent), while cotton experienced the greatest year-on-year decline in percentage terms at 34.3 per cent (-$330.3 million).

Other industries that experienced a decline included sheep at -$560 million (12.6 per cent), wine at - $273 million (-9.4 per cent), fruit at -$267 million (17.4 per cent), seafood at -$152 million (11.9 per cent), nuts at -$78.6 million (-7.9 per cent), wool at -$47.4 million (-1.9 per cent), sugar at -$8.2 million (-0.5 per cent) and vegetables at -$6.6 million (-2.2 per cent).

Southern Farmer - Page 7

October 2021

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Page 8 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

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October 2021

Southern Farmer - Page 9

Labour shortages loom large over start of season ■

From page 1 “Producers have invested heavily in growing their crop - both financially and emotionally.

“If crops are left unpicked they face not only the financial hit with the reduction in sales and loss of input costs which directly impacts their bottom line, but also the heavy emotional toll of watching their hard work and dedication in growing a high quality crop remain unpicked.

“Crops that have to be typically ploughed back into the ground as soon as possible to minimise the risk of increased pressure from pests and diseases in a crop that is no longer protected, further increasing the workload and financial output for no economic benefit.

“Some growers have responded by altering their planting schedule to reduce the number of crops that they plant, or have included less labour-intensive crops in anticipation of labour shortages continuing past this year.”

While AUSVEG Victoria believe that the Agricultural Visa is a positive step forward for the Victorian vegetable industry, concerns still remain about the ongoing challenge of quarantine capacity, with the number of quarantine spaces not matching the industry’s labour need.

“The initiative currently is allowing up to 1500 workers from the Pacific Islands as part of the Seasonal Workers Program and Pacific Labour Scheme to work on Victorian farms,” said Mr Gazzola.

However, the quarantining pathway arrangement which was announced in January 2021, has already been filled and growers now require an extension of these arrangements to bring in more workers for the upcoming harvest period.

“Victoria’s vegetable growers have planned ahead and lodged their workforce needs early to ensure they have a workforce for their harvest period, but that process has now been delayed as we await sign off from the Victorian Government,” said Mr Gazzola.

“There is a delay in quarantine arrangements which is now creating a backlog of flights, putting more pressure on the system the longer it drags on.

“Industry needs this quarantine program to be approved immediately.”

And with time of the essence as many growers fast approach peak demand period - which ramps up in October - AUSVEG Victoria is calling on state and federal governments to work together to find a solution.

AUSVEG Victoria believes that the continuation of the

READY FOR HARVEST: Paul Gazzola is a Victorian vegetable grower and president of AUSVEG Victoria, the peak Victorian industry body for the vegetable and potato industries.

Victorian and Tasmanian pathway is an important step towards restoring grower confidence to ensure planting levels are maintained to meet demand.

Yet quarantine capacity needs to be significantly increased for Victoria’s horticultural industry to address labour shortages this season.

“Due to the inadequate capacity of our quarantine arrangements we now have a bottleneck of workers coming into the country, and growers need workers

now,” Mr Gazzola said.

“Based on current turnaround times, it will take over five months to get the 1500 workers through quarantine.

“Future consideration must take this into account and offer additional safe quarantine pathways, potentially through pre-departure or alternatively onfarm quarantine, to avoid this situation.”

Mr Gazzola said pilot programs undertaken in South Australia and Queensland have trialled both options,

and though AUSVEG Victoria and other industry groups have suggested alternate quarantine methods to the state government little progress has been made.

Alternative initiatives like the Seasonal Harvest Signon Bonus unfortunately have not been able to address the shortfall either, with data released by Agriculture Victoria suggesting around 1700 Victorians participated in the scheme.

“The scheme which offered new harvest workers a bonus of around $2300

for conducting 40 days of harvest work on Victorian farms, provided some workers for growers, however, many more are required,” Mr Gazzola said.

Hort Innovation contracted Ernst and Young to do a report on the labour requirements of Agriculture over the 2020/2021 and the 2021/2022 seasons.

The upshot of the report is not positive for growers and packing sheds.

According to the report current supply is at least close to demand, however, growers are struggling to get enough pruners.

However, when peak season hits, the industry will be 15,000 workers per month away from demand, and this includes the Australian workers with government provided incentives.

And this is the more optimistic outlook, with estimates that there could be a shortage of up to 24,000 across the country, with Victoria predominantly impacted given the size of the sector.

It is sombre reading, with Mr Gazzola calling for urgent action to address the uncertain situation.

“We need action now from the Victorian government to secure supply of fresh produce for consumers and support local businesses in regional communities,” he said.

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Page 10 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

Blooming beautifully down at Mannerim Stables

By PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY BRIGHTLY coloured fields of flowers have adorned the landscape of Mannerim Stables Co on the Bellarine Peninsula for the past 40 plus years and is a growing concern for the Pullin family.

Mannerim Stables Co and Mannerim Downs is situated at Marcus Hill between Drysdale and Swan Bay, now a fast growing area for families and retirees.

Establishing first as a bulb growing farm in 1980, the Pullins mainly concentrated on bulb production supply to other companies such as Tesselaars of the Dandenongs, but cut flowers for the commercial and domestic markets has become a natural progression over the past five years.

Owners Murray and Berniece Pullin re-

FIELDS OF COLOUR: Up to 10 acres of flowers are grown at any one time at Mannerim Stables Co on the Bellarine Peninsula by the Pullin family - spring is the most colorful time for picking flowers.

alised in more recent times that there was also a market demand for cut flowers - a natural offset to the bulb growing.

“The Mannerim Stables Co concept was inspired from a passion of horses and flowers,” Murray said.

“As flower farmers for 40+ years we now open our farm gate for people to experience this picturesque setting and of course site grown fresh flowers and produce.

“We continue to grow and evolve with this unique attraction in the Bellarine Peninsula.”

Set on 34ha the bulb production side of the business was always marketed under the name Mannerim Downs, the name of the original property.

Mannerim Downs was producing up to four million bulbs each year but has now

cut down on this production to concentrate more on the cut flower side of the business.

The cut flower business is marketed under Mannerim Stables Co providing bunches of flowers at a roadside outlet (which includes a small cool room for longer keeping) and when there is an abundance of blooms ‘pick-your-own’ sales are open to the public.

However, over the past 18 months the COVID-19 restrictions has interrupted the pick-your-own sales with the gates being shut for this activity.

The Pullins also branched out around the time of the cut flowers after travelling overseas and finding the Italian ranunculus - a beautiful big double flowering variety of this popular bloom - producing both cut flowers for the florist markets and bulbs to sell on.

“We decided on going into production of

these for the bulbs but they were also ideal for cut flowers,” Murray said.

“At that time I was looking at semi-retirement, the bulb growing side we have slowly pieced down - we are mainly doing cut flower varieties.”

With the success of the ranunculus, Mannerim Stables Co and Mannerim Downs (producing daffodils, blue bells, tulips, freesias, hydrangeas and dahlias) has more recently branched out in trialling peonies.

“The peonies are a lot harder to grow in this area and they have taken up to four years to produce the blooms that we wanted,” Murray said.

“The ranunculus, daffodils, tulips, freesias and blue bells are mainly set for the spring markets.

■ Continued page 11

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October 2021

Southern Farmer - Page 11

GROWING BUSINESS: The specialty flowers of Mannerim Stables Co are the Italian Double Ranunculus - growing in popularity for local flower lovers and the commercial markets. In summer dahlias become the main flowers available for both the commercial and local buyers.

PICK YOUR OWN: When spring flowering is plentiful Mannerim Stables are open for ‘pick your own’ customers - along with their flower shop and coolroom open when flowers are abundant.

■

From page 10 “On a suggestion from our daughter, Brooklyn, we branched out into the dahlia growing, along with the hydrangea, for the summer market - expanding our production and selling over two seasons and not just the spring,” he said.

“The dahlias are now our main flowers over summer.

“There is a huge difference in supplying the cut flower markets; the spring flowers need to be picked while still in bud but the summer flowers have to be full blown to be able to sell on.

“Brooklyn is financial planner, and while she mainly works from home she enjoys working the fields, just to get her out.

“We usually employ two others on a regular basis and when the flowers are in full bloom we take on up to four more people but this is very seasonal.”

Although Murray and Berniece have been producing bulbs and flowers for the past 40 years, Berniece has a family background in the market as before marriage she is a third generation member of the Dyson family which is well-known in flower growing.

With the easing of COVID restrictions the Pullins are hopeful of rejuvenated spring and summer gate sales.

The bulb production and on-selling has not been greatly affected.

Mannerim Stables Co can be found at 542580 Swan Bay Road, Marcus Hill.

The open farm gate outlet for freshly cut flowers is open 10am to 4pm daily when COVID restrictions allow.

We continue to grow and evolve with this unique attraction in the Bellarine Peninsula.

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Page 12 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

Gardiner Foundation tertiary scholarship applications open for 2022 STUDENTS from Victorian dairy communities who plan to start their tertiary studies in 2022 can now apply for a Gardiner Dairy Foundation scholarship.

Gardiner Dairy Foundation is offering seven tertiary scholarships to students starting full-time study in 2022.

Each scholarship offers $10,000 a year for up to three years of a scholar’s chosen university or TAFE course.

The tertiary scholarships are named in recognition of services to the dairy industry by Niel Black, Shirley Harlock, Jakob Malmo, Bill Pyle and Doug Weir.

Gardiner chief executive officer, Dr Clive Noble, said the scholarships are aimed at students who want to pursue a career that will directly benefit the dairy industry or dairy communities.

“These scholarships invest in the education and training of young people from dairy communities who

have the potential to contribute to a vibrant dairy industry and to dairy communities in the future,” Dr Noble said.

“We encourage students to return to dairy regions with their tertiary qualifications to share their new skills.

“The scholarships help to overcome the financial disadvantage faced by rural students living away from home to study.”

Hannah Thorson, who grew up on the family dairy farm in Dumbalk in South Gippsland, was awarded the Bill Pyle Tertiary Scholarship, which supported her in obtaining a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at La Trobe University in 2020.

“It’s a very generous scholarship, so it was good to study without stressing about money,” she said.

“It was also a great help for my parents.

“Without it, they would have had to help a lot more, so they have been very grateful as well.”

Veterinary graduate Mitchell Dodds received the Jakob Malmo Gardiner Foundation Tertiary Scholarship in 2014 and is now a practicing vet at West Gippsland Vet Care in Warragul.

“From a financial point of view, the Gardiner Dairy Foundation Tertiary Scholarship enabled me to really focus on my degree,” Mitchell said.

“It’s difficult to work while studying veterinary medicine when you have 50 contact hours a week in the first two years of study.”

Tertiary scholarship applications are now open.

To be eligible, students must start their first year of full-time tertiary study in 2022 and due to study commitments need to relocate from home.

To be successful, applicants will need to demonstrate intended future contributions to the dairy industry and communities as well as describe their community involvement and academic achievements to date.

DAIRY FARMING: Hannah Thorson from Dumbalk was the recipient of a Gardiner Dairy Foundation scholarship.

Network sends out final hampers AFTER delivering over 900 Mental Health Gift Hampers to farmers and rural community members across Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales, the Loddonbased program organised by the Agri-Food Network has come to an end.

Carly Noble, the brains behind the initiative, said that what initially begun as a few hampers posted out

to friends and fellow farmers who were struggling, soon developed into a service that expanded from Loddon Shire and Central Goldfields into Mt Alexander, Macedon Ranges, Campaspe Shire, the City of Greater Bendigo and then interstate.

“The program began in central Victoria to support farming communities coping with the long term ef-

fects of drought and the impact of lockdowns and border closures on farmers, caused by the pandemic,” said Carly.

“As primary producers ourselves, we knew firsthand the pressure of stress and demands on our own farm.

“But it was the loss of a great and amazing friend In March 2020 that became the catalyst to reach out to

our community, and ask the question ‘are you okay?’.

Mental Health Gift Hampers - each valued at over $50 worth of donated items - became the means to reach out to people who were doing it tough, and at the same time boosted avenues for local business owners to engage their local community.

“Many of these businesses started off as farmers or

came from farming families, and the products often started off being made on-farm, so there was a strong affinity with the rural community,” Carly said.

“Some of our supporters are personally invested in suicide prevention, or are interested in improving mental health, and all are very much aware of the issues, stress and pressure of the current situation,

and did what they could to make a difference.

“It was all this, along with the support of significant stakeholders like Beyond Blue and HeadSpace - who provided mental health information that was included with every hamper - that enabled us to reach out to so many members of our greater community and hopefully make a small difference in their day.”

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Page 14 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

Upside to storms as seed collection efforts boosted MOUNTAIN Ash trees that fell in the devastating June storms are providing a rare opportunity for seed collection.

The fallen trees have enabled land managers and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning seed collectors to build their stores of Dandenong Ranges Mountain Ash seed, with many fallen trees full of seed following a mass flowering event last year.

The tiny seed capsules are usually found 30 metres up in the tree canopy where they can only be accessed by qualified seed collectors, but with so many trees brought down by the storms land managers have the rare

opportunity to gather seed at ground level.

The Alpine and Mountain Ash forests were severely affected by the 2019/20 bushfires as well as previous fires.

The seed collection is part of a government initiative to collect and store seed to help our forests recover from extreme fire and weather events.

“This is an opportunity for the Mountain Ash seed stores to be boosted so we can continue the work to ensure we maintain these beautiful forests for future generations,” said Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio.

Many of our forests are adapted to regenerate after

fires, but our alpine forests are fire sensitive and may not recover if another fire occurs before the trees can reach maturity and produce their own seed.

In stage one of the Forest Restoration Project the department, with partners VicForests, Parks Victoria and contractors from regional Victoria, aerially seeded about 11,500 hectares of the bushfire affected forest.

Stage two of the project will see VicForests and other contractors continue to deliver this important work, focusing on rebuilding seed stores and putting arrangements in place to more rapidly respond to future events.

Mountain Ash seed crops

take a year to mature after flowering and seeding cycles can be unpredictable.

Seed collection needs to take place to ensure availability of stored seeds for this incredible tree, with the collection relying on suitable conditions for bud, flower and seed maturity over several years.

The state government has invested over $60 million in biodiversity recovery following the 2019/20 bushfires including $7.7 million for the second stage of the restoration project to help gather, replenish and store new seed to replace seed used last year.

This will create a seed bank to buffer against future events.

MAJESTIC TREES: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning seed collectors have been building their stores of Dandenong Ranges Mountain Ash seed after storms this year.

Rural property ripe for picking been growing strongly for a number of years, including throughout the recent drought, and while this has been a boom for farmers, there is some nervousness about what this could mean for the industry,” ANZ head of agribusiness Mark Bennett said.

“Sustained, stellar growth in rural property prices is boosting farmers’ balance sheets and prompting many farmers to expand their operations in light of the low

interest rate environment, however, this also appears to be attracting investment from outside the traditional farm buyers.

“Additional demand is growing from investors and international buyers who are seeing value in rural property, city dwellers looking to purchase their piece of regional lifestyle, and investors looking for environmental driven outcomes.”

The report outlined that, historically, rural land val-

ues have closely tracked commodity prices, with droughts and commodity price slumps translating to lower property values.

Over the past 12 months, farmers have benefited from strong commodity prices and good seasonal conditions, and as a result not many are looking to sell leading many in the industry to believe that the surge in land values is being driven by a lack of properties being offered for sale.

“Rural land values - and land values across all sectors - are driven primarily by supply and demand, as well as the cost and availability of debt and capital,” Mr Bennett said.

“So we currently have high demand, low supply and interest rates at historically low levels.

“The drive for the industry to reach $100 billion in output by 2030 will also continue to impact property prices - and reaching that target could see an almost

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A SURGE in rural land values, driven by low interest rates, strong commodity prices, farm consolidation, and fewer farms for sale, is causing both excitement and nervousness among the industry, according to the latest ANZ Agri Report.

Over the past five years, rural land value growth has outperformed national residential property value growth by an average of three per cent per year.

“Rural land values have

October 2021

Southern Farmer - Page 15

New on-farm accommodation plan to boost workforce

WORKER ACCOMMODATION: To try to address labour shortages exacerbated by reduced accommodation options in regional areas the state government is exempting farms from needing to apply for planning approval.

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FARMERS across Victoria can now invest in worker accommodation on their farms without the need for a planning permit, under a new streamlined planning approval process adopted by the Victorian Government.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas has announced an amendment to the Victoria Planning Provisions that exempts farm businesses from requiring a planning permit for on-farm accommodation for up to 10 people.

“On-farm accommodation will provide more options for farm workers and make it easier for growers to recruit the workers they need for the upcoming harvest,” Ms Thomas said.

“These planning changes are about supporting our agriculture sector to thrive.”

This will help farm businesses provide suitable on-farm accommodation for their vital seasonal workforces, removing one of the common barriers to the attraction and retention of workers for this industry.

On-farm accommodation eliminates the need for seasonal workers to find a place to stay in nearby towns.

It removes the often longdistance travel to and from farms, cuts travel expenses and reduces the impact on rural and regional roads.

The planning permit exemption is available exclusively for accommodation for workers engaged in agriculture and must be on at least 40 hectares of land on a property within the Farming Zone.

It must meet requirements relating to connections to electricity, water and wastewater treatment.

The new planning process will deliver yet another boost for the industry ahead of the peak harvest season and aligns with the government’s comprehensive $84 million package to support the Victorian agriculture industry as it continues to meet seasonal workforce challenges.

This support includes the $6 million Seasonal Workforce Accommodation Program, which has backed 13 projects to boost accommodation options, pastoral care and transport services for 2000 workers in key horticulture areas.

It also includes $5.2 million in grants through the Agriculture Workforce Plan for new and upgraded accommodation to support 80 businesses.

Increased on-farm accommodation may also contribute to improving broader housing supply issues in regional areas by reducing seasonal demand on housing in rural towns.

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Page 16 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

Getting our food to global markets THE $15 million Food to Market program is a state government initiative aimed at supporting agricultural food producers across the state to get food to market sooner growing sales on a global scale, as well as building domestic market capability and managing supply chain risks.

“We are a strong export state and it’s vital that we keep working to deepen our existing relationships and secure new market,” Minister for Trade Martin Pakula said Global Victoria under its Export Recovery Fund along with Agriculture Victoria have partnered with industry on numerous initiatives to provide export recovery support to key industries impacted by disruptions as a result of the pandemic.

The first tranche of funding saw $8.4 million allocated across 13 key industry and regional peak-bodies to support projects designed to deliver whole-of-industry benefits, with Global Victoria investing an additional $2.8 million in the program.

The peak body for Victorian fresh vegetable exporters, AUSVEG, has received $960,000 to commence a pilot in partnership with the Victorian government to investigate and trial alternative packaging and transport options, to enable viable export pathways remain open for broccoli, cauliflowers, asparagus, celery and lettuce crop producers.

“This funding will allow AUSVEG to explore new packaging and export pathways to ensure Victoria’s high-quality vegetables can continue to make their way onto dinner tables around the world,” said AUSVEG chief executive officer Michael Coote.

Citrus Australia and the Australian Table Grape Association received funding to lead two innovative traceability pilots for premium fruit - in order to grow, diversify and protect high-value exports.

Aimed at safeguarding the industry from fraudulent products and ensuring that the integrity of Victorian premium fruit brands and varieties is protected, the pilots will use leading technology along with isotope testing, cool chain tracking to orchard mapping to achieve this objective.

Cherry Growers Australia has received $750,000 to support the development of a ‘Chemical Use for Export Toolkit’, which will provide evidence-based practical advice to growers hoping to export so that they can adhere to international regulations and expectations.

Meat and Livestock Australia has received a $2.5 million grant to promote premium Victorian beef and lamb products in both established and emerging export markets.

The project supports the industry to expand its grass-fed beef promotions in North America and grow the successful ‘Lambassador’ program across a range of international markets.

Dairy Australia received a $2 million grant to build the capability of Victorian exporters to increase the competitiveness of the Australian dairy industry internationally by growing markets in South East Asia, China and Japan.

The funding will also support a targeted in-market campaign and boost market engagement with India.

SAFEGUARDING INDUSTRY: Citrus Australia along with the Australian Table Grape Association received funding to lead two innovative traceability pilots for premium fruit.

Southern Farmer - Page 17

October 2021

The Aussie Fire Chief is in demand for it’s top quality and value.

BLUE SKY FUTURE ….. BUT!

THIS story is contributed by Australian Pump Industries’ Chief Engineer, John Hales, with the support of a range of very competent pump distributors spread throughout greater Victoria. We know that we have seen record agricultural production, spread right across Australia from sugar cane in Queensland to the fabulous looking crops in the Southern Riverina of New South Wales all the way through to Victoria.

We have had lots of rain over winter, Spring is here, cattle are fat, milk prices are up and we’re heading for $73 B in agricultural production. We look like coming out of lockdown in most parts of Australia by the end of October/ November! All this and an Australian summer as well!

10 0$!.! ) 5 ! /!.%+1/ Ɯ.! danger ahead.

FIRE PUMPS … WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN’T Aussie Pumps developed the Aussie Fire Chief around 25 years ago. It was driven by a good quality Japanese engine from Honda, but the secret of the pump’s performance was in its components and absolute fanatical approach to quality.

Our original designs had in mind the user, not dividends for shareholders! We set out to bring a product that delivered more water at pressure in those critical points of 0$! 1.2! 3$!.! Ɯ.!Ɯ#$0%*# %/ +*!Ł What makes the Fire Chief so good is its capacity and perfectly matched components. Here are a few pointers.

The pump is based on a 3” transfer pump design with a big belly body that simply lets more water through the pump, even at high pressure.

The pump’s impeller, a beautifully crafted diecast aluminium closed design, is 7 ½ ” diameter, providing real velocity for the pump. It has substantially more material than competitors.

In fact, it weighs 3 times more than some other impellers (which costs Aussie more but, this pump is designed to work, not to cut costs).

The volute that the impeller runs in is also perfectly designed to produce the absolute maximum performance without overloading the Honda engine. It’s designed to get the best out of the product and provide real longevity.

The Fire Chief pump has a 2” suction port. That is 25% bigger than most of its competitors. It seems obvious that having more water getting into the pump, means more water getting out of it as well! $! /1 0%+* ,+.0 %/ Ɲ *#! mounted to the front of the bowl.

It’s another cost but, it gives the user easy access to the pump bowl and, enables the check valve, the ability to be serviced where required. You don’t have to pull the pump apart!

A three-way head, 2 x 1” and 1 x 9 Ʌ Ɖ +10(!0/ .! Ɲ *#! )+1*0! 0+ the top of the pump body. Those ports are capped with metal caps and chains, like a professional Ɯ.!Ɯ#$0!. 3+1( 1/!ŀ * *+0 plastic caps.

All Aussie Fire Chief pumps, both single and big twin impeller versions are supplied either on steel skids with anti-vibration mounts or, in the Red Brigade Series, supplied in heavy duty welded steel frames with separate bases and anti-vibration mounts.

The Aussie Fire Chief can draught water through a vertical lift of 7.6 metres, based on the inherent design of the pump

dairy yards. They help make the right selection, give the right advice and are happy to provide technical information on the product. ! +*ƍ0 %*Ɲ 0! (%/0 ,.% !/ 0+ gauge customers or give dealers a fake discount.

Aussie Pumps Chief Engineer John Hales compares competitor nylon impeller with Aussie’s impeller, made from marine grade aluminium.

and its impeller and volute combination.

Dealers report replacing other famous brand pumps that can only suck from 6 metres vertical lift with the Aussie Fire Chief or, its big brother the Mr. T twin impeller.

IT’S NOT MAGIC, BUT QUALITY HAS A COST So you see the performance of the pump, its longevity (yes they last decades) is not magic.

We see competitor products with two piece or even plastic nylon impellers that are, in our +,%*%+*ŀ Ɲ 3! (+#% 0+ /0 .0 with. We would never put a plastic impeller in a pump. We know it would be shredded in no time if the pump has to pump any sandy water.

We would never use a two part impeller held together by a bolt or Tek screw. We know what can happen inside a pump in its life and we understand people depend +* ,.+ 1 0/ (%'! Ɯ.! ,1),/ŀ

in what can be truly dreadful emergencies.

FIVE YEAR WARRANTY …

ONLY AUSSIE PUMPS One of the things Aussie Pumps Dealers and Gold Distributors (+2! +10 0$! ,1), %/ %0/ Ɯ2! 5! . warranty. None of our competitors $ 2! .! 0+ +Ƣ!. * !-1%2 (!*0Ł The extended warranty is also +Ƣ!.! +* (( +0$!. 1//%! 1%' Prime wet ends. The engines last longer too because of the perfect balance of performance to horsepower and torque availability.

AUSSIE DEALERS GET IT … NO FAKE PRICES The Aussie Gold Distributors are geared to provide consumers not with just good top quality Aussie product but also advice on pump selection. Whether it’s protecting farm buildings from Ɯ.!ŀ !/0 (%/$%*# / "! .! "+. (%2!/0+ ' +.ŀ &1/0 "+. Ɲ1/$%*# +10

CLIMATE CRISIS – FLOOD OR FIRE Fire Authorities around Australia are all conscious of the fuel build-up over the winter months. The rain we have had has been great for the crops but also has produced potential for massive 1/$Ɯ.!/ 0$%/ /! /+*Ł !%*# prepared means not only buying a pump, tank and hose kit but also !%*# 0. %*! %* %0/ !ƣ %!*0 1/!Ł Here’s 5 handy hints’ Train the family or neighbours on how to use the equipment.

Make sure the pump is primed, 0$ 0 %/ 0$! +3( Ɯ((! 3%0$ 3 0!. and the pump and engine oiled.

Carry out drills on a regular basis Plan ahead of your routes in and out, including an escape route if it becomes necessary Secure your livestock in a safe area, where possible, and give them an escape if things get desperate.

Animals may run, through or in ".+*0 +" Ɯ.!Ł ,!* 0$! # 0!/ŀ (!0 them free, marking big animals, cows and horses with your phone number with livestock crayons on the rear haunches.

Training and preparation is everything! We tell people “Hope For The Best but Prepare For the Worst” Further information on Dealer locations is readily available from Aussie Pumps. Don’t compromise on gear, buy the best, buy products that are designed to work, not merely to be sold.

Page 18 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

WANDIN SILVAN

Special 202ç

FIELD DAYS

print supplement

Wandin Seville Community Bank - a tribute to the local community TWENTY years ago, bank branches in Wandin and Seville were being closed without any thought or consideration of how the communities would be affected.

Looking for a solution, local citizens contacted the Community Bank Network of Bendigo Bank to discuss how a Community Bank would benefit the townships while filling the void that had been left by the major retailers.

Funded by locals, Wandin Seville Financial Services Limited was formed, a board of directors was elected from respected volunteer members of the local community, and Community Bank - Wandin Seville was established.

Community Bank - Wandin Seville provides all the usual banking services and works within a profit-sharing arrangement with Corporate Bendigo Bank, with the share of profits re-invested back into the community.

Since opening the branch, the bank has returned over $1.3 million to the Wandin Seville community.

This is done through sponsorships/grants and has assisted many community groups including local schools, emergency services, sporting clubs, pre-schools, community houses, historic societies, community events, playgrounds, special needs groups, charities and many more.

“The only way that a Community Bank can do this is by having local people bank with us, support us, and refer their friends and families to us,” said manager Jackie Butler.

“We see our business as a partnership with our community, each benefiting the other.

“Our Community Bank staff have connections and relationships with the local community, and we’re proud of the way they cater to our customers’ needs.

“Especially over the past year and a half with difficulties imposed by COVID, our staff have met many challenges and still managed to maintain an extremely high level of friendly, personalised service.

“In March of 2020, we relocat-

ed and refreshed our branch to 386 Warburton Highway, Wandin North, with the aim of making access easier for our customers and giving the branch greater exposure.”

This coincided with COVID restrictions meaning many new adjustments for staff, who all performed magnificently with manager Jackie Butler going above and beyond to make it a smooth and successful transition.

If you have any banking or sponsorship needs, you can contact the friendly staff at the Community Bank - Wandin Silvan who will be more than happy to assist you on (03) 5964 4595.

For sponsorship enquiries, contact the executive officer on (03) 5964 2356.

“We will miss seeing many of you at the cancelled Wandin Silvan Field Days, something we have always enjoyed and supported,” said Ms Butler.

“We wish everyone well through the current crisis and hope to see friendly faces at the Field Days in 2022.”

COMMUNITY BANK: Manager Jackie Butler at the Community Bank - Wandin Seville is excited about the bank’s relocated and refurbished premises which offers easier access to customers.

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October 2021

Southern Farmer - Page 19

WANDIN SILVAN

FIELD DAYS

Wandin-Silvan set for 2022 REGRETTABLY for the second year in a row, the ommittee of the WandinSilvan Field Days had to announce that their 2021 event would not proceed due to the on-going impact of COVID-19.

The Wandin-Silvan Field Days were due to be held on October 15 and 16 but, as with so many other festivals and events, the committee had to take careful consideration of the current situation, the health and wellbeing of all a major priority.

President William Anker emphasised that it had been a very difficult decision for the committee to make.

“A majority of other national field day and regional show committees have also had to contend with such decisions,” said Mr Anker.

The Wandin-Silvan Field Days are considered as the premier event of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges region of Victoria, with a significant value to the local economy.

“We realise the impact

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GREAT DAY OUT: The community is looking forward to the day in 2022 when Wandin Silvan will be again on the calendar. and disappointment for all of our patrons, including members, exhibitors and the numerous local community groups involved, and of course our visitors,” he said.

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Page 20 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

Restore Your Leach Drain, Don’t Rebuild Instead of undertaking expensive physical repairs or replacements, use biological remediation to restore your leach drains for a fraction of the cost.

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“After ten years usage we thought our septic trench had failed… the system appeared totally blocked and overflowed at the inspection pit. We assumed the only solution was to dig a new trench. While contemplating the pros and cons of such a huge job we decided to try EcoCare. Within three months our problems were completely solved. The trench is now draining freely and no more smells,” - Conrad from Queensland.

Stop treating symptoms, get straight to the cure EcoCare LD Kit works by tackling the underlying problems that cause leach drain odours and blockages. Most wastewater additives add bacteria and enzymes which provide a short-term fix; EcoCare LD Kit restores balance to the entire ecosystem within your leach drain and tank so that problems are solved and they don’t return. With the optimal balance within your system, enough bacteria and enzymes are produced naturally so that you live odour and blockage free.

“I have been using your product for over a decade. During that period I have had no occasion to use the services of a plumber. Drains run freely, never is there an offensive odour and the septic system works perfectly,” - V. Wright from NSW. Scientifically developed, non-toxic, environmentally responsible and completely biodegradable, EcoCare LD Kit is the tried, tested and affordable solution to leach drain issues.

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October 2021

Southern Farmer - Page 21

Ecosystem decline attributed to wildfires

BY Philip Hopkins INTENSE wildfires, particularly over the past 20 years, are key factors in ecosystem decline, and result from poor policy and ineffective strategy, according to Latrobe Valley forestry and business consultant John Cameron.

Mr Cameron said six high intensity fires in Victoria over the past 20 years had burnt more than one million hectares of forest and “have had an undesirable impact on Victoria’s biodiversity and ecosystems”, as well as causing billions of dollars in economic loss and 183 lives lost.

He was addressing the Upper House inquiry into ecosystem decline in Victoria, of which Gippsland Nationals MP Melina Bath is a member.

Mr Cameron has a Diploma of Horticulture and an MBA, is a former chairman of Private Forestry Gippsland, and has been involved in tree breeding, forest genetics and the CRC for Forestry and CRC for Pulp and Paper Science Monash.

Mr Cameron said these mega fires were predictable and avoidable, as best practice fire mitigation in West-

ern Australia showed; over 60 years, only two lives had been lost in WA compared to Victoria’s 312 lives.

“Fuel load drives fire intensity more so than the Forest Fire Danger Index or weather,” he said.

Victoria had the chance after the 2009 Bushfire Royal Commission to implement improved fuel reduction but failed.

The ‘Safer Together’ policy had delivered less than two per cent fuel reduction compared to the commission’s recommended annual five per cent.

“There was a two-week window of opportunity to control the 2019-20 bushfires with best practice fire detection, initial attack and suppression, but we failed - potential justification for a coronial inquest and class action,” Mr Cameron said.

Mr Cameron said a single Forest Fire Management organisation was needed that reported to one minister with unfettered control and responsibility over all public forest land.

DELWP had four ministers, with no one fully ‘accountable’.

“Talented people in DEL-

UP IN SMOKE: Bushfires have decimated fragile ecosystems and biodiversity in some regions over the last 20 years.

WP/Parks Victoria could be more efficient and effective if released from the shackles of an unfocused mega department,” he said.

“DELWP is a cumbersome conglomerate embracing too many functions.

“Conglomerates have proved to be ineffective and were discarded by business in the 1980s.”

Mr Cameron said an efficient and effective land manager should have fewer than 52 per cent of staff in Melbourne’s CBD and much more than 11 per cent of field staff that DELWP had.

“DELWP/Parks Victoria should introduce low-cost flight aircraft equipped with heat sensing and retardant, capable of detecting and suppressing fires within minutes or hours from ignition,” he said.

“Fires started by overnight lightning can be attacked be-

fore dawn the next day when easier to control.

“Reliance on expensive large aerial water bombers has not been very cost-effective.”

Mr Cameron said Victoria’s ‘Safer Together’ bushfire policy was flawed, as the Auditor General had shown.

The modelling of residual fire risk meant the policy was not ‘fit for purpose’.

“The target of 70 per cent residual fire risk is far too high and is not supported by any fire behaviour experts

that I am aware of,” he said.

“Achieving 70 per cent residual risk by counting areas burnt by wildfire is a nonsense given that the objective of Safer Together was to substantially reduce wildfire.

“Wildfire subsequently delivers more elevated or ‘ladder’ fuel, resulting postfire fuel conditions that are worse than areas prescribed burnt.”

Mr Cameron said the ‘Forestry Plan’ to close the native forest industry by 2030 should be scrapped.

“Continuation of sustainable harvesting of some native forests will deliver a mix of native forest age classes and genetic recombination, both desirable for adaptive ecosystems,” he said.

“This will provide continued diversified rural employment.

“It will also avoid the adverse impact on scale economies in agriculture under the ‘Forestry Plan’, which is based on converting large areas of farmland to plantations.”

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Page 22 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

Dry fertilisers costing too much?

Liquids are the answer WITH the prices of traditional dry fertilisers skyrocketing in the last six to 12 months farmers are looking for an economical yet highly beneficial alternative.

Liquid soil and foliar applications are the most efficient tools available to stimulate pasture and crops as they give the plant what it needs now.

While liquids will take time to adjust soil element levels Bayley Organics can highlight through tissue testing that their liquids program is giving the plant immediate nutrition.

To explain further please see the following key points: 1. Foliar uptake Foliar versus soil uptake helps plant growth for two reasons.

Firstly, uptake efficiency of soil applied nutrients is much lower than foliar; this is due to a greater dilution of fertiliser in soil as well as slower uptake by the root system.

Secondly, foliar uptake uses less energy than soil uptake per unit of nutrient; this is because when a nutrient is taken from the soil, energy is used on its uptake

at two distinct points.

Foliar uptake in contrast only uses energy once when ions are taken up from leaf free space into leaf cells.

2. Phosphate and nitrogen in foliar spray is essential to benefit from Integrated Fertiliser Management (IFM) It has been shown that when foliar phosphate is applied especially in sunlight, the root system develops

pockets of activity that are otherwise absent; these pockets exude hydrogen ion (by proton pumping) and organic acids to mobilise tied up soil nutrients.

Liquid programs are fantastic for both small and large operations as you the farmer have total control and do not have the need to employ contractors.

In addition with the

majority of our products needing 2 litres to the hectare farmers have a very economical alternative.

To learn more about foliar feeding and to receive information on the full range of our liquids as well as our biological applications please contact Bayley on 0420 946 156 or email Bayley@goodeorganics.com. au.

FIELDS OF GREEN: Liquid programs are fantastic for both small and large operations providing a highly beneficial alternative.

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Southern Farmer - Page 23

JBS’ proposed acquisition of Rivalea raises preliminary competition concerns THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has outlined its preliminary competition concerns about JBS Australia Pty Ltd’s (JBS) proposed acquisition of Rivalea Holdings Pty Ltd and Oxdale Dairy Enterprise Pty Ltd (together, Rivalea) in a statement of issues.

JBS is Australia’s largest meat and food processing company, operating abattoirs, value-added facilities and feedlots for a number of species across Australia’s eastern seaboard.

Rivalea has commercial activities in feedstock production, pig farming, service kills, processing such as boning and value-adding services, and the distribution of fresh pork and value-added pork products to wholesalers and retailers in Australia.

If the acquisition proceeds, JBS will have a significant presence in pig farming, export accredited pig abattoirs, and smallgoods

through its Primo brand.

“The ACCC’s preliminary view is that while JBS and Rivalea do not compete closely, the proposed acquisition may give rise to vertical integration concerns,” ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said.

With a local ownership interest in a Laverton abattoir that supplies slaughter and processing services, concern is more concentrated on Rivalea’s Diamond Valley Pork abattoir which is located in Queensland.

This abattoir currently provides service kills to third parties.

The ACCC is concerned that post-acquisition JBS may have the incentive, particularly due to its ownership of Primo, to frustrate service kills at that abattoir by increasing prices, offering less favourable terms, or foreclosing access.

The ACCC is also concerned that JBS may increase the price of fresh pork or reduce supply to competing

smallgoods producers and pork wholesalers.

The ACCC is considering whether rival smallgoods producers and wholesalers’ reduced access to fresh pork or increased costs may also impact retail supply.

“We are concerned that JBS’ existing interests may give it the incentive to restrict access to service kills at the Diamond Valley Pork abattoir, as well as frustrating access to fresh pork for its downstream rivals in smallgoods production and pork wholesaling,” Mr Keogh said.

“Our concern is not limited to JBS potentially denying access to processing facilities, it’s also about the price and terms on which access would be provided.”

The ACCC believes the proposed acquisition is unlikely to raise horizontal overlap concerns in relation to the acquisition of slaughter weight pigs, supply of service kills or pork processing, as JBS and Rivalea do not compete closely.

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BUMPER CROPS: Canola, wheat and barley have been the dominant crops, recording the largest production volumes ever.

Has Australia hit peak grain acreage?

AS Australia’s grain industry forecasts one of its largest crops on record, a discussion paper released

by ANZ in early September questions whether the nation has finally hit “peak” grain acreage.

According to the report, the Australian grains sector remains on track to record one of its largest production volumes ever, driven by two seasons of optimal weather conditions.

At the same time, strong global demand for Australian grain looks set to continue, driven by poor weather forecasts for some Northern Hemisphere grain producers and strong global demand both for food and animal feed.

“One issue industry stakeholders need to contemplate is whether the industry has reached a point of ‘peak acreage’, meaning Australia’s current cropping area is unlikely to rise much further in future,” ANZ’s head of food, beverage and agribusiness insights, Michael Whitehead said.

“Australia’s cropping acreage has varied considerably over the decades, but it has broadly been on an upward trend.

“To some degree, the growth rates of Australia’s three largest agri sectors cropping, cattle and sheep impact each other, with the major interaction being between cropping and sheep.

“Over the past decade, Australia’s cropping acreage has plateaued to a degree not seen before, and while there was some volatility caused by drought during that period, cropping acreage would appear to have peaked in a band between 20 to 23 million hectares.

“Over the same period, Australia’s sheep numbers have also seen their steadiest period, sitting within a narrow band of 68 to 75 million head.

“Looking ahead, particularly over the next 10 years, the experience of the past decade would suggest that Australia’s main agri sectors are likely to remain at this

level for the medium term and possibly longer.

“Importantly, in contrast to the plateauing of Australian crop acreage, crop production levels show little signs of slowing in their overall growth.”

The paper also explored the increasing diversity of Australia’s cropping breakdown, with wheat’s acreage share dropping from around 80 per cent in the 1960s to around 50 per cent today.

While wheat, barley and canola have been the dominant crops, other varieties such as oats and sorghum may see an increase in production share.

It also forecast an increasing number of larger farms choosing to produce pulses, including chickpeas, lentils and beans.

Domestically, this would be driven by the growth of the plant-based protein market, while the export demand for these is also likely to see strong growth, particularly as COVID disruptions fade.

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Page 24 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

What could be the impact of Victorian abattoir restrictions?

MEAT and Livestock Australia modelling has indicated that the Victorian government’s restrictions on processing capacity, which require metropolitan processors cut their capacity to 80 per cent, could see spring slaughter volumes cut by 250,000 lambs if they extend through until November.

This is assuming only metropolitan processors are affected.

A number of regional plants have metropolitan boning rooms effectively meaning half of operations are at reduced capacity.

A worst-case scenario, which would include all Victorian processors being hit by the restrictions until the end of spring, would reduce the state’s ability to process lambs by 645,000 lambs.

Victoria accounts for almost 50 per cent of lamb slaughter in Australia, drawing lambs from both South Australia and New South Wales as well.

In 2021, lamb numbers in Victoria are expected to be 455,000 more than the five-year average, and 450,000 more than the 10-year average, at approximately five million head.

These lambs above the 10-year average will also be surplus if they can’t be slaughtered.

Furthermore, this year’s spring flush is yet to fully hit its stride and there are still high inventories of 2020 lambs.

Since the start of August, young lamb yardings are back 20 per cent on the same period last year.

This is despite total lamb yardings for both new and old season lambs being up 30 per cent during this period, due to the sheer number of 2020 lambs still around.

Considering the reduction in capacity and a bigger 2021 lamb cohort, this could mean there are over one million excess lambs this year.

At present, lamb prices are elevated, however, supply will be high this year due to the size of the lamb drop.

The Victorian processor issue may also ease demand.

It remains to be seen if these factors will impact saleyard and OTH prices.

At present, the National Trade Lamb Indicator is 241¢/kg cwt higher than last year, appreciating by 26 per cent.

Similarly, the National Heavy Lamb Indicator is 299¢ higher than last year, or 32 per cent.

It’s expected there will be more heavy weight lambs hitting the market this year due to optimal conditions to add weight.

SHEEP RUSTLING: A trend has emerged with stock being stolen from properties that adjoin main roads with a dirt road running parallel along the back.

Sheep rustling season in regional areas POLICE are warning farmers and stock owners to be vigilant for stock theft as the warmer weather approaches, and lambs are weaned and drafted off into paddocks by themselves.

CIU farm crime liaison officers warn that this is the season when police see a rise in reports of stock theft, mainly weaned lambs.

Sometimes reports aren’t made until shearing or crutching time, but this is the time the stock are going missing, in the spring and early summer.

The winter period this year has been fairly quiet with stock theft reports thought to be due to COVID-19 lockdowns restricting the reasons for people to be out and about, also the wet weather has made it harder to get into and around properties particu-

CIU warns producers about stock theft this spring larly on the sides of the roads.

Over the last 10 years a trend has been stock being stolen from properties that adjoin main roads with a dirt road running parallel along the back of the property.

Also lease blocks or paddocks that are not visible from residences.

Farm crime liaison officers have some tips to keep your stock safe and detect trespassers to properties: z make sure gates off main roads are locked and secured from being lifted off the gate posts; z consider investing in a ‘trail cam’, which can be set up covertly on properties to capture any unwanted visitors; z CCTV signage is a great de-

terrent, as is CCTV where able; z consider locking up paddocks for hay that adjoin main roads, and run the stock in the central paddocks. Anyone driving or walking through the hay paddock will leave obvious signs; z tag your lambs at marking with NLIS tags, don’t wait until you sell them to tag them; z consider investing in farm management software which helps record stock numbers and movements; z when picking up dead stock, place the ear tags into a container to keep an accurate record of stock deaths; z report trespassers or suspicious activity immediately via Crime Stoppers, phone 1800 333

000, or via the Crime Stoppers internet page; z obtain registration numbers of any suspicious vehicles, write it down or text it to yourself or a family member and report it to police; z notify police immediately if you think you have had stock stolen.

“We are happy to speak to farmers/stock owners about farm security and any other issues and if we can’t help, we are sure to know someone who can,” they said.

“Unfortunately, we aren’t able to get out to trade shows and field days due to restrictions and cancellations, but we are only a phone call away.”

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Southern Farmer - Page 25

October 2021

Lambing Percentages and Growth rates are Key at “GAMBIER VIEW” Lambing percentages and quick growth rates are a main focus at Gambier View Corriedales.

Gambier View have high lambing percentages; however, it is in the commercial flocks that are sired by Gambier View rams where it counts. High lambing Percentages are not just reliant on high conception rates, which the Corriedale achieves. Survivability, is key as well, achieved by the Corriedales amazing mothering ability, great temperament, and the Corriedale lambs’ instinct to want to live. Gambier View can provide plenty of Testimonial’s to support high lambing percentages and

quick growth rates, when Gambier very profitably as a terminal lamb.

View rams are mated with, Merino, Coopworth, Composite, 1st Cross, The Corriedale was breed 150 years ago as a DUAL-PURPOSE Dohne or Samm ewes. maternal breed, a self-replacing 1st The structure and the constitution cross ewe, and at Gambier View we of the Gambier View sheep, is have kept breeding our sheep as also a main priority. One being big Dual-Purpose. The emphasis on a black feet which enables tolerance self-replacing flock is so important to wet conditions. They have in this day and age with the price plenty of meat[muscle], which is of replacement ewes, as well as also a reason the Gambier View reducing the chances of introducing Corriedales have longevity and the health issues. The resistance to ability to produce lambs till they worm burdens is due to the strong are 7 or 8 years of age. They grow constitution of a Corriedale [less quickly and the ewe portion are maintenance]. able to produce lambs as a 1-yearold, the whether portion can be sold Gambier View Corriedales breed

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Page 26 - Southern Farmer

October 2021

Simpson farmers U-turn from dairy exit plan TWO years ago, Simpson dairy farmers Craig and Sophie Bennett were making plans to leave the industry; today they have plans in place for a long-term future in dairying.

The turnaround has been inspired by Dairy Australia’s Our Farm, Our Plan program, supported

by Gardiner Dairy Foundation, which led Craig and Sophie to make significant changes in their lives and business.

They now follow budgets more closely, have a new bank and accounting system, have bought additional land and secured another lease block, employed a full-time worker and have improved their equity and reduced their risks.

Coupled with successive good seasons, the future is looking bright and Craig says he has overcome his earlier negativity.

“We went into Our Farm Our Plan about two and a half years ago in a negative mindset looking to formulate a plan to exit the industry,” Craig admitted.

“But with the favourable seasons coupled with the changes we’ve made; we see a future again.

“Setting goals has given us clarity.

“We’re working towards having the financial freedom at 50 to have the lifestyle we want.

“That’s 10 years away but we just keep trying to hit our milestones along the way.”

Craig and Sophie milk 340 Holstein cows on about 300 hectares with their four children aged between 10 and 15.

They moved from being employees to leasing to owning the farm, formerly run by Sophie’s parents, quicker than expected.

“We bought the farm before we were 30,” Craig said.

“We were under financial pressure early on but ticked off life goals like buying a farm, building a herd and starting a family.”

But what came next?

“I’d felt for several years that we had been drifting a bit,” Craig said.

“We were going through the motions with no clear direction or strategy, certainly no goals in writing.”

They were keeping their heads above water but needed a purpose.

“We tried consultants looking for a silver bullet but that was never going to happen,” Craig said, “but with Our Farm, Our Plan we both identified our goals and charted a course to achieve them.

“Once we had those goals written down, it has been a lot easier to map the road forward.”

Craig’s goals were mostly business orientated, Sophie’s were more balanced between family, lifestyle and the business.

“Our children didn’t choose to be dairy farmers and we want to make sure they don’t come second to the farm,” Sophie said.

“They shouldn’t have to forego

EMBRACING DAIRY: The Bennett family on their Simpson dairy farm.

We set some bigger goals and then broke them down to bite-sized pieces we can check off.

If we’re achieving those smaller goals, then we are getting closer to the bigger goal of getting ourselves and business into a healthier - DAIRY FARMER CRAIG BENNETT position. sport because of our choice to go into a seven days a week job.”

One goal was to financially support their children’s education and to have time off-farm to share their adolescence.

“We scheduled regular time off that we hadn’t been doing and we put on a full-time employee which has taken the pressure off,” Craig said.

“We get to netball and football and do those important family things.

“At the end of the day, there’s nothing more important than your children.”

Craig and Sophie also set longer term goals around growing equity, consolidating debt and making a profit.

“We had some tough seasons but had been guilty of thinking we’d set a break-even budget and ride the year out,” Craig said.

“Now we have structured our business to make a clear return on assets year-in year-out.”

After tough conversations with the facilitator, they set a hard budget that allowed an employee.

“We had to put on a worker to meet out lifestyle goals and we had to afford it so we had to budget - it flowed on and the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle fell into place,” Craig said.

“We knew we needed an employee but having it written in black and white, showed we could afford it.”

They are making the most of these good years to be better prepared for the bad years.

“That came out in Our Farm Our Plan when we identified our greatest risks and put procedures in place to tackle them,” Craig said.

To address fluctuating milk prices, the Bennetts have paid off additional debt which they can recall if needed.

Uncertainty around their leased blocks was another identified risk; they have now purchased one

block and entered a long-term lease agreement for the other.

They are undertaking due diligence to ensure they have the right processor to match their milk profile, and they use tools such as grain contracts to mitigate risks of larger input costs.

They have a good relationship with their new bank manager and also saved one per cent interest in the transition.

Our Farm Our Plan also helped Craig and Sophie to focus on their communication.

“We now set time on the calendar every month to communicate, assess our goals and review the budget,” Craig said.

“That has been a great benefit and has made sure we’re on the same page.”

A written vision is printed and hangs in the office.

“When we question why we’re doing certain things, we can refer to that vision and goal and it helps with decision making,” Craig said.

“We set some bigger goals and then broke them down to bitesized pieces we can check off.

“If we’re achieving those smaller goals, then we are getting closer to the bigger goal of getting ourselves and business into a healthier position.

“We’re both certain on where we’re going.

“Good communication and planning helps to make the vision clear.”

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Southern Farmer - Page 27

October 2021

New yabby discovered and named

By JARRAH LOH

CHERAX LATIMANUS: The all new Swamp Yabby.

A NEW local species of freshwater crayfish, known as the Swamp Yabby, has been formally named and described after 15 years of rigorous fieldwork from scientists at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and private research firm, Australian Aquatic Biological.

“We’d heard rumours from landholders and river-users that there was a different and larger yabby - little did we know it would take so long to track it down,” said ARI senior scientist - fish ecology, Dr Tarmo Raadik.

“The first step to conserving biodiversity is discovering and

naming new species, as we cannot protect something properly if we don’t know it exists in the environment.”

DELWP executive director biodiversity division James Todd said the exciting discovery of the Swamp Yabby (Cherax latimanus) is a significant biodiversity achievement, which adds to the wealth of important information used to manage and protect Victoria’s waterways and its aquatic creatures that call them home.

“This work demonstrates the commitment of our skilled scientists at DELWP, highlighting how much work can go into locating and then formally

describing a new species - especially one that’s found deep underground,” said Mr Todd.

“By formally describing the Swamp Yabby, governments and land managers are able to make the best management decisions, particularly during drought, to ensure its survival into the future. “ It’s the first time in 80 years that a new yabby species in the Murray-Darling Basin system has been formally described, making the Swamp Yabby only the third species known to naturally occur in the basin.

It’s found in deep clay soil burrows in northern Victoria’s Goulburn, Broken and Ovens River catchments, and as far north as

Deniliquin in New South Wales.

The exciting discovery led by ARI scientist Dr Tarmo Raadik and Robert McCormack from the Australian Aquatic Biological, said the species looks similar to the well-known Common Yabby (Cherax destructor), but is much larger and has uniquely shaped broad claws.

The species is not considered threatened.

Formally describing a new species is critical for researchers to clearly identify and share biological information with the scientific community, as well as governments, agencies and land managers responsible for the protection and care of flora and fauna.

Estimating Australia’s ‘blue carbon’ potential A NEW $3.3 million research program by BHP and CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, will seek to measure and quantify the net emissions reduction potential of Australia’s mangroves, seagrasses and tidal marshes.

The program will also quantify the value of other benefits these ecosystems provide for coastal protection, fisheries and biodiversity.

Mangroves, seagrasses and tidal marshes, also known as ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems, lock up carbon at faster rates than most land ecosystems.

CSIRO research scientist

and project co-leader Dr Andy Steven said the conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems could deliver substantial emissions reductions, while also delivering other important benefits to the environment and local communities.

“Along with their ability to absorb high amounts of carbon dioxide, blue carbon ecosystems can reduce the impact from waves and storm surges, and provide important habitat for many species of plants and animals, including some that support important recreational and commercial fisheries,” Dr Steven said.

“They are natural solutions to some of the most pressing problems the world faces.”

The 30-month project will take advantage of existing knowledge on how much carbon is stored in these ecosystems and the rates at which it is sequestered, as well as satellite-based earth observation technology and computer modelling to estimate their net emissions reduction potential.

The project will build on Australia’s world-leading blue carbon science, bringing together researchers from CSIRO and Australian uni-

versities to apply their combined expertise in two related streams at a national scale.

The first stream will estimate the carbon abatement potential of blue carbon methods that could be implemented through Australia’s Emissions Reduction Fund.

The second stream will develop science to underpin ways of quantifying the additional benefits that accrue to fisheries, biodiversity and coastal risk reduction.

CSIRO research scientist Dr Mat Vanderklift said these additional benefits were becoming increasingly important to

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“Sometimes revenue from carbon offsets isn’t enough to fully fund restoration,” he said.

“Demonstrating the additional benefits that these projects bring can increase their value, helping them to become financially viable.

“That can make the difference between a project proceeding or not.”

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October 2021

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