Southern Farmer - December 2021 by Provincial Press Group

Published since 1986

DECEMBER, 2021

www.farmernews.com.au

Daylesford’s Christmas spirit

THREE IN A MANGER CHRISTMAS came early at Mt Ararat Simmentals, with John and Andrea Leek recently welcoming triplets to the herd. Thrilled at these new additions, John and Andrea will be opening the farm up for Beef Week in 2022, with the calves on display. Read the entire story on page 23. PHOTO: Jack Morgan Warragul and Drouin Gazette

PAGE 2

Wine award winners PAGE 8

Rendering the industry less productive WITH the Fair Work Commission looking to amend the Horticultural Award so that all employees receive a minimum of $25.41 per hour on piecework rates, an industry that is already struggling under a critical labour shortage may now have their wage costs pushed to unsustainable levels.

Tony Mahar, chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), said that it is a bitter blow to many farmers who are already doing the right things, but who are right now facing another harvest with a woefully inadequate workforce. “Farmers want to ensure

workers are paid fairly, and they also want to be able to reward their most productive workers,” he said. The removal of piecework rates has the potential to render the industry less productive, and remove the advantage for employees to work at their own pace. The Fair Work

Commission in its findings, however, claimed that current piecework rates are not determined in accordance with the Horticulture Award. Mr Mahar attributes this to the complexity of the formula required to calculate piecework rates, and said that the NFF has been vocal in calling for a

more streamlined and less complex industrial relations system to address this situation. He believes that the wholesale changes the commission is considering will only result in greater complexity, and with a December 16 deadline for the commission’s final determination, no

consideration is being made for seasonal impact. With the floor rate set to be legislated equal to a casual rate, growers will need to keep a record of hours worked, and industry professionals are concerned that this additional reporting will increase overall administrative costs. ■ Continued page 4

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Page 2 - Southern Farmer

December 2021

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

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.

ON THE

YOUR

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TEAM

FAMILY BUSINESS: (Left to right) Aldo and Robert Iuele have been in the Christmas tree business for 40 years, and have seen the industry change significantly over the decades. However, something that doesn’t change is the clientele, who return year after year, with the brothers watching families grow and new generations embracing the tradition.

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Emma Oliver SENIOR JOURNALIST

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Christmas spirit flourishing in Daylesford AS Christmas rolls around for Aldo and Robert Iuele, a year’s-worth of hard yakka comes to fruition as the doors of the Daylesford Christmas Tree Farm crank open to the public. From 9am until 7pm, seven days a week (beginning on November 20 all the way through to December 23) the brothers sell farm direct to their loyal clientele - the families who come year after year to walk the rows and choose the perfect tree to take home with them. “People might be forgiven for thinking that we throw open the gates in December and make our money, and then it’s all over until the following festive season,” said Aldo. However, just like Santa’s elves, Aldo and Robert have been working hard all year in preparation for Christmas. “Christmas only comes around once a year, and we have just three to four weeks to

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BY EMMA OLIVER eoliver@ nemedia.com.au

make our money and then we won’t see any revenue until the following year,” Aldo said. For just when people are pulling down their Christmas trees and thinking about the new year ahead, Aldo and Robert are back at it, trimming their 60,000 trees to get them back into shape after a burst of summer growth. “It’s physically challenging,” said Aldo, who admits he is beginning to notice it after 40 years in the industry. “We could be pruning for two to three months at a time, from 7am to 4pm. “And we do this twice a year for a minimum of four and a half years - swinging a knife, getting the trees into the perfect shape.”

The perfect shape is conical, with foliage that is thick and lush. All Christmas trees in Australia are Radiata pines, and though the trees grow tall and straight, the branches need to be pruned and trained to the required shape. “The difference is purely the hand trimming, however, we can’t use other species as we need a pine that is hardy enough to tolerate the summer heat,” Aldo said. “If you keep fresh water up to the Radiata, the tree will last a good four to five weeks no problem. “At the farm we sell Christmas tree stands which are suited to this purpose, and if you add a little preservative to the water, the tree will stay green well into January.” It’s a world away from the industry Aldo and Robert were introduced to as teenagers. Years ago there were no Christmas tree farms around. ■ Continued page 3 CONTACT YOUR LOCAL KIOTI DEALER

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Southern Farmer - Page 3

Christmas spirit flourishing in Daylesford ■

From pager 2 Their parents used to buy the trees from the Forestry Commission, who would go into the pine forests at the start of summer and thin out every third tree for the timber industry. “My family would then sell them on the side of the road,” said Aldo. However, some enterprising individual started growing and trimming trees for the market, and demand for the free-range alternative waned. “Nobody wanted the trees that were too branchy or had gaps, and so the industry had to adapt,” Aldo said. “Unless the tree was trimmed it wouldn’t sell.” So moving with the times, Aldo and Robert started growing pines in Longford, near Sale, and did this for 15 years. The move to Daylesford was for convenience. “At the time the trees would be sold through green grocers and the fruit and vegetable market, and carting the trees down to Melbourne everyday over the festive season was just not viable,” Aldo said. “We moved the farm to Daylesford about 25 years ago, and though currently we have about 45 hectares under Radiatas, when we first transitioned the enterprise we had a lot more trees. “We’ve slowed down a bit in recent years and scaled it back, and it’s still a full-time job for both of us.” Pruning takes the brothers through to autumn, and then they start on-ground preparation before the rain begins, for June and July planting. With the majority of the Christmas trees harvested at around four to five years old - when they hit the six foot mark - stump removal was somewhat of an undertaking

when the brothers first began the business decades ago. Now they use a huge mulcher on the back of the tractor, which mulches the stump back into the ground. The brothers then mound up the row, and replant everything by hand. Trees are planted at six foot intervals at about 2500 trees to a hectare, with sufficient air flow around the trees integral to their healthy development. Seedlings are bought in at a foot tall, as tube stock from a nursery. Effectively a single leader that needs to be protected for the next six months, without tree guards the brothers would lose 30 to 40 per cent of the crop to rabbits. “Rabbits have a tendency to chop them off at the ground when they are fresh, and we have a lot of rabbits in the area, and they are big,” said Aldo. “We have to take the guards off in January and February as it gets too hot for the trees, but by this stage they have hardened off and rabbits no longer pose a problem. “It’s then we are likely to lose some to cockies, who go in and chop off a dozen at a time.” And that’s when the Iueles are not contending with what nature decides to throw at them. “We’ve noticed a significant change in the climate over the last five to six years,” Aldo said. “This year alone we’ve had two massive storms, with trees down all over the shire, and the wind wreaking havoc in the plantation. “And we’ve had nearly 1100 millimetres of rain where we are. “When the ground is sodden and the ferocious winds come through, the trees are blown on an angle and begin to grow with a bow. ■ Continued page 4

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Page 4 - Southern Farmer

December 2021

Christmas spirit flourishing in Daylesford ■

From page 3 “We have to go in after and physically straighten and stake all the trees. “And as we didn’t have a really hot summer last year, with this year shaping up similarly, growth is impacted. “The trees really need that heat to kick start development, otherwise they don’t grow fast enough.” With the weather increasingly unpredictable, it makes growing Christmas trees a more difficult and risky undertaking. And for the sheer amount of work involved, Aldo concedes that it is not a lucrative enterprise. It is more a labour of love. “The average size we sell is six foot which retails for $70, however, there is also a market for the four or five foot trees and then all the way up to 10 and 11 footers,” Aldo said. “The bigger trees can be anything from eight to 10 years old. “As we sell the trees around them, these are the trees that are left behind. “We keep trimming them up, and it takes a long time. “By continuously pruning the plant we slow its overall growth. “It’s $150 for a 10 foot tree, which is not much at all when you consider the process - working outside through every extreme.” Time is in short supply when it comes to ensuring trees are perfect for the Christmas season. And then there is the Christmas rush to contend with. When the brothers sold their trees into green grocers, demand was consistent in the lead up to Christmas. They would be selling the trees every day, which was ideal when it came to restocking and delivery. However, for the last 15 years, the brothers’ main market is wholesale, to Lions clubs, Scout groups and to Rotary.

Rendering the industry less productive ■

TRIMMED TO PERFECTION: As the weather begins to warm up in September and October, Aldo and Robert give the trees a bit of nitrogen and away they go. The emphasis is now on weekend sales, so come Friday the pressure is on. “We have to cut all these trees to order for our clientele to start selling on the Saturday morning,” Aldo said. “Over Christmas we typically employ four to five staff members to manage the workload, however, in recent years we’ve found it progressively difficult to find the workforce.” Yet despite all the additional pressure, and the significant changes to the industry over the last 40 years, Aldo and Robert always look forward to Christmas. They love the entire season, as their farm fills up with familiar faces who have made the Daylesford Christmas Tree farm part of their annual tradition. “It is such a family event,” said Aldo.

“There are kids everywhere, running around, playing hide and seek among the rows. “We allow people to wander the farm and choose their tree, and if they want to cut it down themselves we provide them with a handsaw. “Last year, we welcomed a whole lot of new customers to the farm. “Their holiday plans had been impacted, and after being locked down for the majority of last year, they just wanted something special and fresh for their festivities. “A significant part of Christmas for our clientele is about enjoying their tree. “It makes all the hard work worthwhile. “And even if we weren’t to make any money, seeing those same smiling faces every year is what makes our Christmas.”

From page 1 Phil Turnbull, Apple and Pear Australia Limited CEO, said: “Members who have been paying hourly rates and piece rates in compliance with the requirements now face the prospect of even more administration, and employees and employers will lose flexibility and incentives. “If, as we fear, the Commission proceeds with its decision, we are also calling on them to adopt an implementation timeline that reflects the significant business impact. “This decision will require orchard businesses to review and revise already compliant labour management policies, practices and systems, to train up orchard leaders, and to find the resources needed for the additional record keeping. APAL is one of numerous industry groups that opposed the application to vary the Horticultural Award, with the Australian Fresh Food Alliance, the Ai Group, Fruit Growers Tasmania along with the NFF, just a few who were voicing concern over the decision. The Australian Workers Union (AWU), however, proceeded with the push to amend the award, concerned that there was no floor wage and that workers were paid solely on the amount of produce they picked. Supporting the application were the Queensland, Victorian and Western Australian Governments, along with the Uniting Church of Australia, the Australian Council of Social Services and 88 Days and Counting, an organisation to support those on working holiday visas. “The changes our union proposed, and that the Fair Work Commission has now accepted, will put a safety net under fruit pickers to ensure they get what every worker in Australia deserves: a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work,” said Daniel Walton, the national secretary for the AWU. Mr Walton believes that fruit pickers have been routinely and systematically exploited and underpaid. However, Mr Turnbull said that this behaviour has never been acceptable in the industry. “If the draft decision goes ahead, the industry will incur a heavy burden for the non-compliance and poor administration practices of a small number of horticultural industry members,” he said.

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December 2021

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Page 6 - Southern Farmer

December 2021

New tax hurts regional Victoria at the worst time THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) said the new Victorian Government’s windfall gains tax which has passed parliament will hurt regional Victoria and farmers. VFF president Emma Germano said that despite the VFF’s best attempts to secure protections for regional communities, the new tax on re-zonings would slow housing development with flow-on effects for farmers. “This tax couldn’t come at a worse time for regional Victoria which is suffering from a housing crisis,” she said. “Across all industries there are job vacancies, because we don’t have enough houses for working families to live in. “This is having a particular impact on farm businesses where we have been feeling the effects of worker shortages since well before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “The tax will hurt regional Victoria because in the attempt to avoid it, developers will look to invest either in outer metropolitan Melbourne or interstate.” Ms Germano also described the new tax as being a tax on farmers who are wanting or may be forced to sell their land. “Farmers who have planned for their retirement, or who have been caught out by urban sprawl and are forced to sell their prop-

LAND USE: The new tax on re-zonings would slow housing development with flow-on effects for farmers. erty will still have to pay this tax. “For a farmer looking to relocate their business, that’s particularly unfair and could lead to them having to leave agriculture altogether.” Ms Germano said the government had also failed to explain how the tax might affect any Commonwealth capital gains liability. “Typically, the Australian Taxation Office allows for land taxes to be added to the cost base of

land, which in turn decreases the amount of capital gains tax paid when the land is sold,” Ms Germano said. “In bringing in a new tax, the Victorian Government had a responsibility to describe how it would interact with capital gains to ensure landowners aren’t being double taxed. “But they refused to give any answers. “That is why I have written to the Federal Assistant Treasurer

THE SOUTHERN

BACCHUS MARSH Bacchus Marsh Farm Supplies 126 Main Street BALNARRING Balnarring Produce 2990 Frankston-Flinders Road BALLARAT Cervus Equipment Corner Brewery Tap Road & Western Highway Brown Hill Mega Merch Rural & Pet 151 Learmonth Street Alfredton Miners Rest General Store 200-202 Howe Street Miners Rest BENDIGO CEPA Farm Supplies 4-10 Stanley Street Quarry Hill Elders VP 109 Midland Highway Epsom Eaglehawk Newsagency 27-29 High Street Eaglehawk COLDSTREAM Rural Fence & Trade 611 Maroondah Highway Coldstream LPO 670-672 Maroondah Highway

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VICTORIANS are being called on to take the lead in strengthening their state’s biosecurity system by nominating to join Victoria’s Biosecurity Reference Group. The Biosecurity Reference Group is being established as part of a Victorian Government $28 million change program to strengthen Victoria’s biosecurity system and better protect Victoria’s economy, environment and people from biosecurity threats such as exotic pests and diseases. Reference group members will play an important role, providing feedback to Agriculture Victoria on proposed investments and activities to help ensure they are practical and relevant to industry and community. “A stronger biosecurity system delivers better outcomes for all Victorians,” said Agriculture Victoria’s biosecurity services executive director Katherine Clift. Dr Clift said while Victoria is lucky to be free from many of the world’s most significant pest and disease threats, as the movement of people and goods from around the globe increased, pressure on Victoria’s existing biosecurity system was increasing. “The system needs to continue to evolve to ensure we can prevent, respond to, and manage increasing biosecurity risks,” she said. As part of Victoria’s Agriculture Strategy, the Victorian Government is committed to ensuring Victorian agriculture is well-placed to respond to pests, weeds and disease, protecting and enhancing the future of the sector. Agriculture Victoria is encouraging industry and community representatives with experience and skills in biosecurity operations, strategy, agricultural policy, engagement and communications to apply to become a Biosecurity Reference Group member.

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and Minister for Housing Michael Sukkar seeking clarification over how this new tax will be treated when calculating capital gains tax liabilities. “We are also asking the Commonwealth Government what action it is proposing to help fix Victoria’s regional housing crisis. “This is a serious issue that requires all governments, communities and industry to work together to find solutions.”

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HASTINGS Hastings Produce 2083 Flinders-Frankston Road

MELTON Jon Kay Agri Service 9 Norton Drive

SILVAN Darmac AG Sales & Service 249-251 Monbulk Road E.E. Muir & Sons 397 Monbulk Road

HEALESVILLE Healesville Stockfeed and Farm 281-283 Maroondah Highway

MONBULK Murphy’s Mitre 10 Corner Main & Silvan Roads

SMITHS GULLY Smiths Gully General Store 914 Main Road

HEATHCOTE Heathcote Rural Merchandise 85 High Street

MORNINGTON Budget Stockfeeds 125 Mornington-Tyabb Road

SUNBURY Sunbury Stockfeeds 295 Settlement Road

INVERLEIGH Inverleigh Farm Supplies 28 High Street

MT EVELYN Mt Evelyn Garden & Produce 41 Monbulk Road

SUNSHINE Western Farm Service 588 Ballarat Road

KILMORE Southside Stockfeeds 108/110 Powlett Street

TAGGERTY Taggerty Store 26 Taggerty-Thornton Road

KOOWEERUP Kooweerup Newsagency 44-48 Station Street

PAKENHAM Elders VP 2 Livestock Way Glenmac Sales and Service 85 Bald Hill Road Pakenham Produce 2 Bormar Drive

KORUMBURRA Korumburra Newsagency 27 Commercial Street

PANTON HILL Panton Hill General Store & PO 586 Main Road

WALLINGTON Wallington’s WRG 370 Grubb Road

KYNETON L & G Sheppard & Sons 88 Piper Street R S Perry & Sons 5 Market Street

RED HILL SOUTH Peninsula Farm Supplies 79 Arthurs Seat Road

WANDIN NORTH Wesfarmers Landmark Unit 1, 7 George Street

ROCKBANK Godings 2129 Western Highway

WARRAGUL Farm Depot 183 Queen Street R.E.N. Machinery Warragul 14-18 Normanby Street Warragul Newsagency 43 Victoria Street

LEONGATHA Gendore Tractors & Machinery 82-84 Yarragon Road Leongatha Newsagency 30 Bair Street

LITTLE RIVER Little River General Store 28-32 Little River Road

SEVILLE Seville Tractors 51 Monbulk-Seville Road

SEYMOUR Seymour Equine & Rural 38 Emily Street Seymour News Express 66 Station Street

TOORADIN Kverneland-Gendore Australia 78-83 South Gippsland Highway

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WERRIBEE E.E. Muir & Sons 879 Duncans Road WERRIBEE SOUTH Anglers Anchorage 670 O’Connors Road WHITTLESEA Whittlesea Produce 31 Forest Street WINCHELSEA Winchelsea Trading 32 Harding Street WONTHAGGI Wonthaggi Newsagency & Lotto 31 Murray Street YARRA GLEN Hoogies of Yarra Glen 9-15 Bell Street Yarra Glen Mower & Tractor 21 Bell Street Yarra Glen Stockfeeds 2/1 Armstrong Grove YARRA JUNCTION Baroona Produce & Pet Supplies 2434 Warburton Highway YARRAGON Graham’s Seeds 98 Waterloo Road YEA Elders VP 4 Station Street Yea Newsagency 74 High Street

Southern Farmer - Page 7

December 2021

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Page 8 - Southern Farmer

December 2021

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INTENSE weather episodes, pandemics, staff shortages and a year of lockdowns could not keep the Mornington Peninsula wine community from coming together on November 12 to celebrate the best wines and wine producers of the year, at the Mornington Peninsula Wine Show lunch. Eight trophies were presented to seven different producers, with the chardonnay and pinot noir wines of provenance impressing on judges the importance of site, season and skill to produce wines of quality and consistency over a span of years. This year Yabby Lake was awarded the Chardonnay Provenance Trophy and Ten Minutes By Tractor the Pinot Noir Provenance Trophy. Chief judge David Bicknell said the Prov-

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Bicknell said of the 2011, 2014 and 2017 Chardonnay wines from Yabby Lake that it was a clever entry as each wine came from cooler growing seasons, reinforcing the sense of place and maker. “The wines were pristine, elegant and complex, with length to burn,” Mr Bicknell said. “Brilliant wines; the essence of cool climate chardonnay. “I think we need to talk more about the expression and reward of older wines in Australia, and the Provenance Awards at this show gave us reason to celebrate and talk about older vintage wines. “The precocious young wines can wait for their turn.” The sparkling wine class was also impressive, with fewer entries but with the trophy going to a standout wine with the 2017 Portsea Estate Traditional Method Sparkling. There was a great spread of trophy winners this year with the 2021 Crittenden Estate Pinot Gris taking the trophy for Best Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris. Best White Varietal or Blend went to the 2018 Foxey’s Hangout Late Harvest Pinot Gris, which the judges noted had a good depth of flavour and was beautifully balanced. The 2019 Montalto, the Eleven Single Vineyard Chardonnay was the winner of the Best Chardonnay which proved a challenging variety with a lot of variation between 2020 and 2019 vintages. The Pinot Noir classes presented the same challenge with Mr Bicknell describing it as the tale of two vintages, with 2020 being a much cooler year to the 2019 vintage. The winner was the 2020 Paringa Estate Robinson Vineyard Pinot Noir. The Best Red Varietal or Blend was awarded to the 2019 Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Shiraz which outclassed the other wines contesting for this trophy due to the notable balance between the fruit, oak and acidity. But it was the 2010, 2012 and 2016 Ten Minutes By Tractor McCutcheon Vineyard which stole the hearts of the judges this year alongside the 2011, 2014 and 2017 Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay wines. Mr Bicknell’s message to wine producers at today’s lunch was the importance of thinking carefully about the expression of site, season and technique to strike the right tone with freshness and balance. If these things are achieved, the wines will age and continue to impress over time as proven by the selection of wines in the Provenance Award classes. Mornington Peninsula Wine chief executive officer Olivia Barrie said it was wonderful to see a room full of joyful faces, and to take time out together after a difficult year. “We haven’t seen each other in so long and we are blessed to have so many amazing people contribute to our industry here on the Mornington Peninsula,” Ms Barrie said.

Southern Farmer - Page 9

December 2021

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Page 10 - Southern Farmer

December 2021

Grow your career in horticulture AUSVEG, the peak industry body for vegetable and potato growers, has launched the Grow your Career in Horticulture video series highlighting the diverse range of careers in the Australian horticulture industry. The release of the videos coincided with National Agriculture Day, with the agriculture industry this year celebrating the many career opportunities in agriculture and asking people to choose their own #AgVenture. The series includes video interviews with employees from different fruit and vegetable industries across Australia to gain an understanding of some of the behind-the-scenes but vital roles in the industry. These videos will show the daily tasks, responsibilities and pathways of current employees on Australian farms. AUSVEG national public affairs manager Tyson Cattle said that the series is designed to highlight the

AUSVEG highlights diverse range of jobs in the sector technical and skilled opportunities that are available on fruit and vegetable farms across Australia. “The horticulture sector is a large, developed and diverse industry that employs a wide range of skilled people,” he said. “While much of the media attention is focused on harvest labour within the sector, it is often forgotten that the industry requires a range of skillsets to manage and operate their farm business. “The horticulture industry has many opportunities for workers to upskill and access on the job training to further their career in horticulture. “While there are many harvesting opportunities on the Harvest Trail, there is also a range of other essential roles to be found on farm and production line.” Many of the roles high-

lighted in the video series are in the highest demand in businesses across the horticulture sector and align with the approved 31 occupations under the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement supporting growers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers from overseas to fill these critical occupations. “Growers’ preference is always to employ locals first where possible, when they have the right skills and attitude,” said Mr Cattle. “These videos aim to showcase the many varied career opportunities for local workers in the exciting $15 billion Australian horticulture industry to entice people to give the industry a go. “Many people we interviewed for these videos did not intend on a career in horticulture, but discovered a passion for it after working on the farm.

“They have each come from various backgrounds and landed in horticulture through different avenues by transferring key skills from seemingly unrelated courses and past

careers to start successful careers in horticulture. “A job in horticulture can be the start of a lifelong, satisfying career with plenty of opportuni-

ties for upward growth. “Putting food on the table for millions of families in Australia and abroad makes it a worthwhile and fulfilling career.”

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December 2021

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Page 12 - Southern Farmer

Floods and fires

December 2021

Climate crisis, the new reality

GOVERNMENTS around the world are scrambling to not +*(5 !2!(+, Ɲ ++ )%0%# 0%+* programs but also to prepare for what appears to be a pattern of 3%( Ɯ .! /! /+*/ 0$ 0 ( /0 (+*#!. than any on record. A classic example is the (%"+.*% * .!#+* Ɯ .!/ %* 0$! United States where, at one stage, :; /0 0!/ 3!.! +* Ɯ .! ! .(%!. 0$%/ year. DEALING WITH FLOOD One Australian company, Australian Pump Industries, is in a unique position to provide support for these emergency situations. The company focused on the development of technologies that were highly specialised but had a degree of synchronicity in their relationship with one another. Setting out to be the country’s leader in development of self priming centrifugal pumps, they also produced Australia’s leading brand of advanced designed high pressure water blasters for professional applications. Aussie Pumps’ range is distributed throughout Victoria through top quality highly professional distributors trading under the ‘Aussie Pump Shop’ banner. TRASH PUMPS ... SAVING HORSHAM The Aussie range of trash pumps were originally developed for construction sites, mines and quarries. Capable of handling large 2+(1)!/ +" Ɲ +3ŀ 0$! ,1),/ .! 2 * ! %* 0$!%. !ƣ %!* 5ŀ ! /5 to maintain, simple to use and !40.!)!(5 !Ƣ ! 0%2!Ł Ranging from two inch portable Honda powered pumps, often being used by plumbers and construction companies, and culminating in big six inch models that can handle up to 6000 litres per minute. “Our big six inch guzzler, model MQ600TD is famous for having saved the town of

+./$ ) ".+) Ɲ ++ %*# 3$!* Millers Contracting, a leading earthmoving contractor, moved swiftly to put a six inch Aussie trash pump into operation, %2!.0%*# Ɲ ++ 3 0!./ * / 2%*# the town,” said Aussie Pumps product manager, Brad Farrugia. “The reason we’re so enthusiastic about this is because these pumps are so easy to service and support. “It’s no wonder our distributors like them because the number of come-backs we get is almost zero. “That’s why we provide longer warranties at no extra charge to the customer on all our centrifugal self priming pump range.”

INVALUABLE: The Aussie Pump that saved the town of Horsham.

h impeller Aussie’s big seven inc MARKET LEADER: lighter competitor brands. outperforms smaller,

FLOOD CLEAN UP 0ƍ/ %ƣ 1(0 0+ +)! 1, 3%0$ Ɯ #1.! 0$ 0 +2!./ 0$! +/0/ +" (! *%*# 1, "0!. ) &+. Ɲ ++ Ł The Fitzroy River in Queensland has seen at least 15 ) &+. Ɲ ++ /Ł * "1(( /0 0!ŀ 0$! Ɲ +3 . 0! %/ estimated at 23,000 cubic metres per second, meaning in six hours %0 +1( Ɯ (( 5 *!5 . +1.Ł All this water was dumped on the Great Barrier Reef on a daily basis. Cleaning up is a massive chore with both Local Government and Emergency Services and volunteers doing amazing things to help those impacted. FIRE HAZARD ... BEWARE The rain events of the last months may prove to be both a blessing and a curse for farmers. Metre high grass is becoming normal. The rain has also brought a $1#! %* .! /! +" Ɯ .! "1!( (+ /Ł To make matters worse, the wet weather has prevented the CFA and national parks from carrying out levels of hazard reduction. That poses serious dangers, not just for farmers but also those living on the ‘urban interface’ sections of towns right through Victoria. Soggy paddocks can turn to a ) &+. Ɯ .! $ 6 . %* &1/0 ) 00!. of days.

QUALITY P production RODUCT: Aussie bee fe to keep up with dema d up nd.

In Australia we are used to 1/$Ɯ .!/ * .!(5 +* 0$! .%((% *0 work done by the volunteers under the leadership of state run 0%+* ( .'/ * %.!Ɯ #$0%*# authorities. The reality is nobody has any real appreciation of what hellish conditions we may be in for as we come towards the end of the calendar year. Again, Aussie Pumps has done a lot to help people prepare, %//1%*# 1/$Ɯ .! 1.2%2 ( 1% ! 0$ 0 /0.!//!/ *+0 &1/0 0$! Ɯ ./0 class equipment they make but also the techniques not just for property protection, but also livestock and crop protection. Aussie Pumps’ Bushire Survival Guide is an indispensable aid to help get prepared. Whether you’re a broadacre farmer, a pig, dairy, sheep or beef 00(! ,.+ 1 !.ŀ #. // Ɯ .!/ * ! &1/0 / (!0$ ( / 0$! Ɲ ++ / ,.+2! to be in Townsville when the Ross River burst its banks. Aussie Pumps distributors actively promote the idea of buying the right equipment, doing the homework and comparing performances, features and warranties as a Ɯ ./0 /0!, !"+.! ) '%*# * acquisition. +. ,. 0% ( ,1.,+/!/ŀ Ɯ .!

pumps are used at high pressure. The amount of pressure produced, combined with the volume of water, normally expressed by pump people on a performance curve, can be the %Ƣ !.!* ! !03!!* / 2%*# /$! ŀ crop, livestock or even human lives. It’s not overly dramatic to say this can be a matter of life and death. FIVE YEAR WARRANTY ... BETTER PRICE Aussie’s Fire Chief, claimed to be the best lightweight, ,+.0 (! Ɯ .! ,1),ŀ +) %*! with a Honda engine, is probably the optimum in terms of performance. Whether it’s Aussie’s single impeller Fire Chief or the mighty performance of their big twin impeller Mr T pumps, producing more water at pressure is the ) &+. " 0+. %* Ɯ #$0%*# Ɯ .! +. putting out spots. The Aussie Fire Chief has a two inch inlet that gets more water into the ‘big belly’ pump body. “We recommend using a one and a half inch delivery hose out +" 0$! Ɯ .!Ɯ #$0%*# 0.!! "+. *5 serious work and only using the two one-inch outlets, with one inch hose and nozzles for spots

or wetting down assets (and livestock),” said Farrugia. A three inch version of the standard Mr T twin impeller pump will produce 200 litres per minute at 70 metre head, astonishing performance for any pump powered by a 13 horsepower Honda engine. That big three inch twin impeller has been a huge asset to farmers wanting to move water at high pressure. Three inches of water ‘in’ (the suction side) and delivering three inches of water ‘out’ of the outlet elbow means minimum !ƣ %!* 5 (+// * 0.!)!* +1/ performance. These big pumps can also be 1/! "+. " /0 0 *' Ɯ ((%*#ŀ (0$+1#$ Aussie also has Australia’s biggest range of transfer pumps that can Ɯ (( 0 *'!./ +. 3 0!. .0/ 0 +2!. 2500 litres per minute. Those big pumps and the Mr T pumps are also available with larger fuel tanks that provide longer run times without refuelling. Apart from that, Aussie has a .!,10 0%+* "+. $ 2%*# Ɯ ./0 ( // . *#! +" Ɯ .!Ɯ #$0%*# ,1),/ * 0$! +*(5 ,.+ 1 !. +Ƣ !.%*# Ɯ 2! year warranty on the pump end, matched by Honda’s three year warranty on the engine. The combination of Aussie and Honda makes them a bargain compared to other similar pumps selling for up to 60 per cent more than Aussie’s retail price. Further information on how Aussie is gearing up with new products for 2022 that will help regional dwellers help contend with the impact of these climate moves is available from Aussie Pumps - aussiepumps.com.au.

Southern Farmer - Page 13

December 2021

Get rid of septic odours and blockages for good Odours or blockages in your septic or aerated wastewater treatment system are a clear sign that something is wrong. Instead of enduring costly callouts and expensive repairs, rural homes across Australia are turning to EcoCare Activator to restore their wastewater systems to peak performance quickly and affordably. Trusted by thousands for decades EcoCare Activator has been used for more than 20 years across Australia to help rural families live odour and blockage free. Households have saved on costly callouts and expensive repairs by starting with a free consultation and then following a tailored treatment plan to solve their issues.

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Page 14 - Southern Farmer

December 2021

Biochar to enrich soil, reduce climate impacts THE Yarra Ranges Council will open a biochar facility by October 2022, producing charcoal by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen. This material can be applied to the soil of farm lands to improve nutrient and moisture availability. Biochar is produced using a proven technology, pyrolysis where the biomass feedstock such as branches are converted to carbon-rich materials (charcoal). The process is carbon positive removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere, playing a key role in mitigating emissions while

assisting farmers adapt to a drier climate. Lyster Ward councillor, Deputy Mayor Johanna Skelton, said that a new facility will be housed at the Lysterfield Waste Transfer Station, processing woody debris from council and local tree contractors. “Our residents will know - particularly after the last year - that we have a lot of woody debris from the many trees lost in recent storms throughout Yarra Ranges,” she said. “Anything council and community members can do to reduce open-air burning

PROVEN TECHNOLOGY: Biochar is charcoal that is produced by pyrolysis of biomass in the absence of oxygen, with the end product applied to soil to improve nutrient and moisture availability.

for the purpose of disposal should be considered. “The open-air burning that is currently used by council to dispose of some woody material is bad for air quality and releases carbon into the atmosphere. We will still use mulch across Council parks and bushland, but we also have to consider that mulch releases carbon dioxide quite quickly into the atmosphere. “Turning some of this material into biochar will create a high-value product that locks up carbon dioxide for thousands of years and will benefit our fragile soil - it

could even potentially be fed to cattle to reduce methane emissions. “Biochar technology has been used by Aboriginal people in this country and elsewhere, and research on ancient sites is benefiting us all today by increasing our understanding about its long-term benefits. “This biochar facility will help us meet our council’s goals of net zero emissions by 2040 and 100 per cent renewable energy use by 2030 - a future upgrade to this facility could see the heat energy produced from making biochar converted into electricity.

“The material produced can be used in council tree planting projects, on local farms and gardens to enhance soil nutrients and moisture, all while removing carbon from the atmosphere. “I’m excited about the possibilities that will open up for us once this facility has been established, and the role that biochar has to play in buying us time during the climate crisis.” The biochar facility has been funded with $500,000 from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, with council providing the remainder of the project costs.

The location of Lysterfield was chosen because of existing waste operations on a council-owned site, with proximity to Knox and Cardinia councils and a threephase electricity supply. The Yarra Ranges Council has awarded a contract to Melbourne based Earth Systems to supply the plant, which is currently under construction in a factory in the northern suburbs. Early 2022 will see the Lysterfield site prepared for the installation of the biochar facility, expected for August, with commissioning by October 2022.

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Polaris knows how important it is for kids to be outside having fun. We also know how important it is for them to be able to enjoy their outdoor adventures safely. The Polaris range of youth off-road vehicles have been developed with both fun and safety in mind. From the engineered roll over protection, seat belts, speed controls and free approved helmets to the Ranger 150’s unique geo fencing and speed limit control app that allows you to control where they go and how fast they get there. It’s all about letting the kids enjoy the outdoors and be safe while doing it.

^ Accessories offer only valid with the purchase of a new RANGER 150. +Finance offer is available on chattel mortgage to approved ABN holders (3+ years ABN Registration and trading). 20% deposit required & a one-off fee ($440.00 establishment fee) terms and conditions and exclusions apply. Polaris Finance is provided by De Lage Landen Pty Limited ABN 20 101 692 040. *Model shown with optional extra accessories.

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Southern Farmer - Page 15

December 2021

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Page 16 - Southern Farmer

December 2021

World-first development in eating quality for the Australian lamb industry

BENCHMARK: Commercial accreditation has been granted to an intramuscular probe that measures intramuscular fat, a key eating quality trait in lamb. ager for objective measurement, Richard Apps, said MLA had invested with industry partners in the research and development of the probe because of its potential to be transformational for the red meat industry. “The commercial reality of the MEQ Probe will ensure Australia maintains

its status as a global leader in red meat innovation and production - no other country is using this technology,” Mr Apps said. “There is also a huge benefit for the lamb supply chain with the technology allowing instant feedback to producers, so they are able to ascertain the IMF within their flock and plan how to

improve or maintain IMF by using tools such as Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) and more targeted nutrition.” The accreditation of the probe also supports the commercialisation of the new Meat Standards Australia (MSA) sheepmeat cutsbased model. Based on over 10 years

of research, this model will revolutionise the sheepmeat industry by enabling producers, processors and brand owners to extract further value across the supply chain through eating quality segregation. The model uses three eating quality measures, including IMF, on each carcase, to predict the eating quality of

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nine cut by cooking method outcomes (grill and roast) for each carcase. MEQ Probe’s chief executive officer Remo Carbone said as the world’s secondlargest producer of lamb, it is fitting that Australia is leading the way in creating new standards for the eating quality of meat. “A certifiable measurement such as those generated by MEQ Probe provides opportunities across the entire lamb supply chain, from producers to retailers - but most importantly it will give assurance to consumers about the quality of the lamb they eat,” Mr Carbone said. “The accreditation of MEQ Probe as the first grading technology to accurately measure lamb’s eating quality is a major milestone not just for us, but for Australia’s entire agtech sector. “We’re excited to be pioneering this vital technology that will help differentiate our meat sector on the global stage. “We’re also hugely grateful for the support of our initial clients, and for the work of industry partners such as MLA, AMPC and of course AUS-MEAT in bringing these new standards to life.”

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LAMB processors and brand owners in Australia will be able to benchmark their product and ensure it meets their customer needs following commercial accreditation of an intramuscular probe that measures a key eating quality trait in lamb. The Australian Meat Industry Language and Standards (AMILS) committee recently approved the accreditation application for the MEQ Probe. Used in abattoirs on hot carcases at line speed, the probe provides real-time information to meat processors on intramuscular fat (IMF), an important eating quality trait. This data can be used across the supply chain to inform branding and alignment to customer specifications, and back on-farm to producers, helping to inform decisions that drive further value in the lamb industry. The hand-held probe has three imaging needles which are inserted into the loin muscle at the 12th-13th rib of hot carcases where it undertakes a spectral analysis to predict IMF. Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) program man-

Southern Farmer - Page 17

December 2021

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Page 18 - Southern Farmer

December 2021

Australian egg farmer industry awards announced TWO Australians who make a significant contribution to egg production have been awarded the inaugural Egg Farmers of Australia industry recognition awards. The winners were Queensland poultry vet Dr Jodi Courtice, who was named the Egg Farmers of Australia Young Egg Industry Achiever of the Year, and NSW egg farming stalwart Franko Pirovic, who received the Egg Farmers of Australia Industry Leader Excellence Award for service to the egg industry. Egg Farmers of Australia chief executive officer Melinda Hashimoto said the two awards were announced at the organisation’s annual general meeting on November 9. “Aussie egg farmers and the people they employ, such as farm staff, hatchery crews and vets, all work very hard to maintain a consistent and clean supply of fresh eggs for Australian families - and the awards aim to recognise this

work,” Ms Hashimoto said. Commercial egg farmers produce 17.9 million eggs daily for domestic consumption. Dr Jodi Courtice is an egg industry vet, employed by McLean Farms at Pittsworth in Queensland. Her skills address the health and production issues of more than a million hens across cage, barn and free range systems, Ms Hashimoto said. “Dr Courtice has been a key contributor in pioneering the world’s first successful Spotty Liver vaccine - including overseeing the commercial application of trials that are currently in their final stages,” she said. Franko Pirovic is the managing director of Pirovic Family Farms in NSW and has been involved in producing eggs for more than 56 years. Under his leadership, Franko has grown Pirovic into a national business and has designed and built

state-of-the-art egg packing facilities. Significantly, Mr Pirovic makes time to engage with other egg farmers across Australia on important agri-political issues. In 2015, when uncertainty gripped the free-range egg industry and threatened to cripple family farms, he led a campaign to fight for farmers through a nationallycoordinated approach. “Many of his egg industry peers say a ‘great debt of gratitude’ is owed Franko for his leadership on that issue,” Ms Hashimoto said. “They say Egg Farmers of Australia (EFA) would not exist as a lobby group in its current form, without him.” Ten finalists from Western Australia, South Australia, NSW, Qld and Victoria were short listed for both awards - judged by Peter Bedwell (Poultry Digest) and Rowan McMonnies (Australian Eggs).

RECOGNISED: Dr Jodi Courtice at McLean Farms in Queensland.

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Southern Farmer - Page 19

December 2021

Built tough for Aussie conditions ARE YOU BUSHFIRE READY? Get ready and help protect your property and your family. THE BEST TIME TO GET BUSHFIRE READY, IS NOW. )HZ SHRSOH DUH HYHU IXOO\ SUHSDUHG IRU DQ HPHUJHQF\ OLNH D EXVKࢉUH RXWEUHDN DQG WKH VSHHG DW ZKLFK WKH ࢉUH IURQW FDQ WUDYHO &RQVHTXHQWO\ WKH\ RIWHQ DOORZ OLWWOH WLPH WR LPSOHPHQW DQ HࢆHFWLYH ࢉUH GHIHQFH )ROORZ 'DYH\ȆV OLVW RI UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV IRU HࢆHFWLYH PDQDJHPHQW DQG PDLQWHQDQFH DKHDG RI WKH ࢉUH VHDVRQ 1. Know the machine: Ensure all members of the household

8. General maintenance regime: Regular checks will ensure

2. Fuel - Petrol: Petrol has a limited life and can become

9. Check the plumbing: Investigate and maintain the water

know how to locate and operate attachments like inlet and RXWOHW KRVHV WR WKH ࢉUH SXPS

‘stale’. Change the fuel every two months by running the pump or draining it of fuel. Better still, use a fuel stabiliser which will dramatically extend the life of the fuel (must be added when new fuel is purchased).

3. Fuel - Diesel: Has a longer shelf life but generally needs to be stored at low ambient temperatures. Expect diesel fuel to last 12 months or longer at an ambient temperature of 20ºC, or six months at an ambient temperature of 30ºC.

4. Engine oils: (QJLQH PDQXIDFWXUHUV RࢆHU WKHLU RZQ VSHFLDOO\ branded engine oils to best suit their engines. Synthetic multi-grade engine oil is NOT a suitable alternative. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s engine lubrication recommendations.

5. Run engine regularly to ensure oil is well distributed

around the moving parts. This provides best lubrication and a longer working life.

6. Ensure your pump set has adequate clean

air access: Check and replace the air cleaner or ࢉOWHU SHU HQJLQH PDQXIDFWXUHU UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV

7. Keep the engine cool: Ideally protect the pump

fuel lines are in good condition and the recoil starter works. A regular service schedule is invaluable. system.

10. Check for leaves, debris and sticks that can impede

the inlet system. For permanent installations, a foot valve and strainer at the end of the suction line can overcome obstructions.

11. Checked for air leaks and that all gaskets and seals are in good order.

12. An underground ring main installed around your

property with durable hydrant or standpipe outlets can give you much greater coverage.

13. Practice: $ ZHOO UHKHDUVHG DQG GRFXPHQWHG ࢉUH SODQ LV critical to personal survival.

6R DV WKH VXPPHU ࢉUH VHDVRQ DSSURDFKHV WKH WUDGLWLRQDO PRWWR RI ȅEH SUHSDUHGȆ DSSOLHV (VWDEOLVK \RXU ࢉUH SODQ HDUO\ Adequately brief and train all family members in its resources and features. )LQDOO\ HQVXUH WKDW DOO \RXU ࢉUH SURWHFWLRQ HTXLSPHQW IURP D 'DYH\ )LUHࢉJKWHU SXPS WR \RXU KRVHV DQG QR]]OHV DUH ZHOO maintained and able to operate without delay.

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Page 20 - Southern Farmer

December 2021

HAVE A GREAT Christmas

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Southern Farmer - Page 21

Recycled water to boost farming on Bellarine Peninsula THE Bellarine Peninsula will have access to high quality recycled water, unlocking new agricultural and horticulture production opportunities including wineries, cellar doors and farm gate tourism. Minister for Water Lisa Neville announced funding towards Barwon Water’s $11.1 million Portarlington water reclamation plant. This new infrastructure will deliver certainty for local farmers and businesses, with a guaranteed high-quality water supply irrespective of seasonal conditions. The project will secure the future of key local industries and create dozens of local jobs, while preserving Bellarine

Peninsula’s unique landscape and reduce reliance on drinking water for agriculture. “We have been working with Bellarine Peninsula farmers and Barwon Water over the past four years to understand the best way to support our businesses, this involved improving the quality of recycled water and making more of it available,” Ms Neville said. “The project will secure year-round access to water for local producers in times of lower than average rainfall, giving them confidence to grow their businesses in the region.” The innovative project involves installing an ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis plant to produce fit-for-purpose re-

cycled water at a significantly lower salinity than the existing high salinity Class C water. The upgrade will improve water quality allowing it to be used for a wider range of agricultural purposes. The upgrade to the recycled water plant supports the draft Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy, which outlines ways to identify and develop a sustainable supply of water in Victoria’s regions. Barwon Water plans to supply 450 million litres of low salinity, fit-for-purpose recycled water per year to new and existing agricultural and horticultural customers, nearly doubling the amount of recycled water used on the Bellarine.

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The upgrade will save more drinking water for Barwon Water customers and allow the Portarlington plant to reuse all of its recycled water and presents opportunities for more farms and businesses to connect to this valuable resource. Managing director Tracey Slatter said: “The project is helping Barwon Water achieve its Strategy 2030 aim to recycle 100 per cent of the wastewater treated at our water reclamation plants.” The Victorian Government is contributing $1.97 million with $5.53 million from the Commonwealth Government and $3.56 million from Barwon Water.

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VICTORIA’S recreational rock lobster tagging program is going digital, making reporting catches even easier for fishers and reducing the environmental footprint of the program by removing plastic tags. Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) chief executive officer Travis Dowling said the program was launched in 2017 to improve understanding of the annual catch and manage stocks sustainably. “The program has been very successful with more than 12,000 fishers registering for rock lobster tagging accounts and information provided on over 23,000 catches since it started,” Mr Dowling said. “In recognising the value of the catch information provided by thousands of fishers, it’s important to keep the program going and make it even more relevant and accessible, so we’re utilising the GoFishVic app to record catch data in the future and streamline the process for fishers by eliminating plastic tags. “GoFishVic features terrific benefits for fishers including the ability to report catch of all species, add photos, share catch information via social media, view personal catch statistics and receive fishing news and updates. “Information collected through the program is building our capacity to maintain a healthy fishery for recreational and commercial fishers, and absolutely vital to the long-term sustainability of stocks. “Reporting is easy and we encourage fishers to get into the habit of reporting their catch as soon as possible. Simply start a new trip in the app, add your catch details, allocate a digital tag, finish your trip and have fun enjoying this brilliant fishery.” Fishers will need to report their rock lobster catch within seven days and register the intent to be active for each season via the GoFishVic app prior to targeting rock lobster. The requirement to tail punch rock lobsters remains unchanged, as do the size limits, bag limits and possession limits. The new reporting platform was made available on September 15, with fishers reporting their catch from the season opening on November 16.

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Page 22 - Southern Farmer

December 2021

Hay demand tipped to fall as much as production AUSTRALIAN hay production is tipped to be down 40-50 per cent, with demand also predicted to fall by at least that much, signalling a return to more normal trading conditions, according to Feed Central. The Feed Central November market report said there isn’t an undersupply of hay

despite the drop in production, but buyers need to secure quality product while it’s available. The report warns that quality is likely to be a concern again this year. Feed Central general manager Cieran Maxwell described the drop in demand as “the elephant in the room”, leading to a possible

return to normality of demand versus supply. “Growers need to show urgency in providing product information so buyers can make decisions on new season purchasing,” Mr Maxwell said. “Good quality hay is around, as we are seeing through our Quality Assurance system, but despite fa-

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vourable grazing conditions buyers are still in the market,” he said. Production has been impacted by extreme weather and continued rain over the past month, with more forecasted. This is very much a ‘watch this space closely’. Mr Maxwell said straw supply is bountiful if producers are willing to accept the prices being offered, but cereal hay supply is down with high grain prices and limited opportuni-

ties to bale due to rain leading to many cereal crops going through to grain. Lucerne is “growing like wildflowers” this season but early Vetch is looking to be as bad if not worse than last season, although those cutting later will bring more quality. Mr Maxwell said demand could be perceived as sluggish, but those who know that quality will be limited are now in the market. “Buyers want high quality product that drives animal

production at competitive prices,” he said. On the lot feeding front alternative by-product roughage such as almond hulls and cotton hulls are firmly in the picture this season, once again placing price competitive pressure on straw. Cereal buyers are “keen on green” new season hay with good fresh aroma, while dairies in Victoria are still dominating demand for protein hay with Lucerne demand lower than previous months.

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Southern Farmer - Page 23

Christmas comes early to Mt Ararat Simmentals

By EMMA OLIVER

AS wild weather whipped the state on a Saturday evening in early November, a Simmental cow called Mt Ararat Hazel went into labour on a farm in Nar Nar Goon. John Leek, principal of Mt Ararat Simmentals, was not long home from hospital after extensive back surgery, and so it was his wife Andrea who had battled the wind and rain to check on the cows. It was a couple of weeks off calving, but the cow was heavy with what the Leeks predicted would be twins. Bailed up recovering, John’s mobile rang. His wife was a bit flustered. She needed their son Mitchell to head down to the paddock straight away. “There are calves everywhere,” she said. And despite his recent operation, John headed down with Mitchell, arriving just in time to see the final calf - a heifer - born, with two little bull calves already on-ground in a tangle of limbs. It is incredibly rare for a cow to give birth to triplets, and when they do many of the babies may end up dying.

For the ones that survive, the mother may not accept and take care of all three as her own. So with this in the forefront of John’s mind, the Leeks piled the three calves into a wheelbarrow and headed up to the yards around the house. “It was absolutely pelting down, and the paddocks were covered in mud,” said John. “The calves were up and about moving, and had all come out naturally. “But they were shivering and cold, so we had to act quickly.” John’s Simmental calves are always born at a low birth weight - around the 35 to 40 kilogram mark. Having popped out three calves weighing in at a healthy 30 kilograms each, the mother seemed in a bit of shock after her recent ordeal. Yet she seemed to understand that the Leeks were there to help, and calmly acquiesced to being milked, and watched on as the calves were given a litre of colostrum each. It was in the yards that she also expelled two afterbirths, with John believing that the bull calves were in one bag

HAPPY FAMILY: John Leek from Mt Ararat Simmentals admits that he loves calving time, and the surprise he gets with every new bundle. However, he wasn’t quite expecting triplets from fiveyear old Mt Ararat Hazel, with all calves healthy, happy and flourishing. RIDING high on the excitement of the triplets, John and Andrea Leek of Mt Ararat Simmentals sold five commercial cows with calves at foot through Auctions Plus on November 12, at a record price of $6050 each. The figures bode well for the stud’s first ever on-farm sale which will be taking place on February 4. On offer will be 40 head of cattle, with 12 magnificent Simmental bulls part of the line-up, along with heifers with calves at foot, and cows scanned in calf with a six to seven month calf at foot. And with further rain buffeting the region, John and Andrea have had to move their pregnant cows to a hillside location for calving. With the calving paddock six inches deep in mud after a 70 millimetre deluge, the couple were concerned for the welfare of arriving newborns. “It’s just a relief that we already had the mum and triplets brought up to the house before all this weather,” said John. and the heifer another. “We have yet to see if the heifer was actually born a hermaphrodite, and whether she is sterile after being affected by the hormones of the bull calves in utero,” said John. “But we’ll address that

NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY

Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria

when we need to, because at the moment we are just so elated to have triplets. “It can be hard enough for some cows to have one, let alone three. “And to have them all so healthy and so similar is absolutely fantastic.”

The mother, Mt Ararat Hazel, is a five year old polled Simmental with a temperament second to none, and John is thrilled that all the calves are also polled and the most glorious shade of tan. “The two bull calves are almost identical, and though

the female is slightly different we have had to put paint markings on them to tell them apart so we can monitor them easily,” said John. “We want them to survive like you wouldn’t believe.” Not that John has much to be concerned about at the moment. The mother has taken to all three calves, and the triplets are absolutely thriving. The Leeks are feeding the mother pellets and oaten hay every day to maintain her condition, and keep up the milk production, and it seems to be working a treat. “We are giving the calves probiotics as an additional supplement for their gut health, but other than that and a bit of iodine on their navels to avoid infections, it’s minimal intervention,” said John. John admits that he is quite content to pull up a bucket and just sit, watching the calves at play in the box. “It’s incredibly heart-warming,” he said. “My dad was a dairy farmer and I’ve been breeding Simmentals for years, and I’ve never experienced triplets in my entire life

THE SOUTHERN

Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria

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Page 24 - Southern Farmer

December 2021

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