Southern Farmer

Published since 1986

SEPTEMBER, 2020

Hampers making impact

www.farmernews.com.au

Online marketing working PAGES 2-3

New flu strain found PAGE 7

PAGE 10

SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE THE 2021 release of the Halliday Wine Companion has provided local growers with a reason to celebrate in a year that has dealt up more than its fair share of setbacks. Despite concern generated by potential smoke taint, numerous vineyards have been lauded with high praise and accolades.

Viticulturist John Day (left) and winemaker Nina Stocker from Brave Goose Vineyard in Whiteheads Creek with their children Ellie and Max Day, are just one of the local vineyards recognised for their quality wine making.

Turn to page 11 to read their story.

Border closures hurting Farmer groups call on national COVID-19 code for domestic border movements HE National Farmers Federation, along with state farming groups and associations, has presented a unified front calling for immediate resolution to issues caused by recent border closures.

With the introduction of the Highly Specialised Critical Services (Agriculture) Permit, the New

South Wales government has made some headway towards addressing issues, allowing Victorian farmers and agricultural workers to enter NSW as long as they comply with conditions including self-isolating when not at work.

The current permit allows farmers and workers to travel into

NSW as long as it is within 100 kilometres of the border, under the condition that these farmers and workers have not travelled further than 100 kilometres from the border into Victoria in the last fortnight.

Advocacy efforts are also under way to support agricultural workers that need to travel further than the

100 kilometres from the border to undertake work, with the Victorian Government seeking exemptions.

Meanwhile the Victorian Government is also identifying cases where NSW agricultural experts are needed to travel into Victoria to perform important and necessary work.

“It is vital for our food supply chains, for animal welfare, and for communities recovering from this summer’s bushfires that workers in these critical industries can continue to do their job,” Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said.

■ Continued page 8

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Page 2 - Southern Farmer

September 2020

Leaf, Twig & Stick Rake For Ride on Mowers - Over 4,100 sold

Hampers that help

By EMMA OLIVER

I Rake up those leaves

1800 819 493 sales@stumpmansales.com

www.stumpmansales.com 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.

YOUR

ON THE

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Michael Kidman ADVERTISING MANAGER

Jarrah Loh EDITORIAL

Noelene Allan PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Emma Oliver SENIOR JOURNALIST

t started off with a collection of items hastily put together, placed in an Australia Post box and posted to a friend who was struggling.

It was the first round of lockdowns and border closures, and this mate had 100,000 acres of crops on the New South Wales and Queensland border, and was just going into harvest when everything shut down.

His market was solely export and suddenly this no longer existed, and with bills everywhere, he felt very close to the edge.

With distance and restrictions making a visit impossible, Carly Noble sent the hamper of gifts as an immediate gesture, an acknowledgement that things were tough but that there were people out there listening and caring.

There’s something about a box of goodies that uplifts the soul even if it is for a moment, a present received when you were expecting nothing.

And in recounting his struggle to a neighbouring farmer, the community rallied around Carly’s friend and found him a domestic client for his crop, and with it came the life-affirming realisation that sometimes as hard as it may be, it is best to reach out - that there is hope and help available.

It was not long after these events, that Carly learnt of another farmer closer to home that was doing it tough, and another hamper was duly posted out.

And before long that’s what Carly was doing, she was sending out hampers just wanting to help and trying to make a difference.

It was not an unusual action for a woman who has spent the last six years championing her fellow farmers, and devoting any available time and energy into promoting and marketing their businesses.

Initially a labour of love, Carly had worked for many years in advertising and marketing, before she returned to farming in 2007 to work alongside her husband.

It was her astute understanding of the importance of building a brand and the benefits of product diversification that saw her

The Agri-Food Network with its initiative to target the stigma surrounding mental health

LOCAL FACES: Justin Rorke delivers throughout Bendigo. effectively working free of charge as a consultant to her agricultural community.

“Many farmers only have one avenue of income, so if there is a problem with that market, it’s a real struggle,” Carly said.

“I believe firmly in diversification and building a brand so that there are numerous products - this ensures that there is always something to get you through.

“Sometimes it may not be much, but if it can pay the bills then you’re already ahead.”

It is a policy that Carly and her husband Darren have always employed at their 220 acre farm in Arnold, central Victoria.

Mixed-purpose, the Nobles use organic methods and breed Jersey, Dexter and Murray Grey cattle, as well as run Polwarth and White Suffolk sheep on Parkside Run Farm, their Loddon Shire property.

They also grow fruit, vegetables and table grapes.

“We’ve got four real income streams on our farm,” Carly said.

“We run wool sheep, but if the wool market goes down the gurgler we’ve got fat lambs.

“We already have a contract with a butcher and so if there is a problem with lamb, we also

CHAMPION OF THE CAUSE: Ruth Barkla, rural outreach officer for the Salvation Army, has been a strong advocate from the start.

have beef cattle that we can sell.

“If that’s an issue, then in the past we’ve run some of the cattle as dairy and could do that again, or we’ve got lucerne and hay that we can market.”

It is how her grandparents, and great grandparents before them, ran their farm and Carly as a sixth generation farmer is inordinately proud of her heritage and loves that she is keeping the family tradition alive.

Carly’s mother was a Parks and the name Parkside comes from the family farm at Lancefield, the name being retained when the property was sold.

W

ith the name comes a timeline that stretches back to the early 1800s, and it is this rich agricultural history that gives Carly such a keen understanding and awareness of the challenges farming represents.

It drives her advocacy, and was the initial inspiration behind her small business the Agri-Food Network, born from the years of donating her time and experience to assist other farmers to grow and develop their business.

Launched on January 1,

2020, the Agri-Food Network was set-up as a marketing and advertising service aimed at farmers, food businesses and primary producers.

However, with the impact of COVID-19, Carly’s fledgling business was immediately hit and her client base dried up overnight affected by the uncertainty of the situation.

Into this void, Carly began reaching out to her compatriots and fellow farmers - very much aware of the stress and pressure the COVID-19 outbreak was causing - and the idea of ‘Mental Health Gift Hampers’ was born.

At first it was just Carly putting together the hampers and sending them out to local families and individuals in need of assistance, however, demand soon out-stretched the resources of the Noble family and what initially had begun as a service to residents of Loddon Shire and Central Goldfields, soon spread to encompass Mt Alexander Shire, the City of Greater Bendigo, Macedon Ranges and Campaspe Shire.

“There were people dropping into the house with boxes of donations, and a list of people that would benefit from a hamper,” Carly said.

September 2020

Southern Farmer - Page 3

W I

t was Darren, Carly’s husband, who encouraged her to think about the process and work out a way to provide the best service without running herself into the ground.

In 2019, Carly was awarded a scholarship by the Victorian Rural Women’s Network to take part in the Lead Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program, and this had provided part of the incentive to start up her own business.

In operation for over 21 years, the leadership program has a strong community emphasis with participants expected to spend the year after the program involved and volunteering in service to the community.

With everything derailed or cancelled due to COVID-19, it was not only Carly who found herself displaced, but all her fellow members of the leadership program, and it was to this group of people that she reached out.

The response was heartwarming, with a number of the participants jumping on-board straight away.

Vanessa Parker, Suzie Jacobs, Helen O’Donoghue, Harrison Godfrey, Justin Rorke, Jane

Worthington, Sarah Haney, Joseph Holloway and Emma Embrey all got behind the initiative, volunteering their time, energy and belief in the project - packing, delivering and spreading the word.

With the support of Beyond Blue and Head-Space - who also provide mental health information that is included with every hamper - the group have sent out more than 318 free hampers, each valued at over $50 worth of donated items.

The City of Greater Bendigo and Loddon Shire Council also provide a flyer, along with Murray PHN Talk It Out pamphlets, ensuring that information is accessible to those who need it.

“We have 67 businesses and 16 stakeholders involved with the hampers, and for everyone who donates products to the program, we promote and advertise their brand,” Carly said.

“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’s a strong affinity with the rural community.

“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 are doing what they can to make a difference.”

With many of the supporting businesses also under financial pressure, the Agri-Food Network with their ‘Mental Health Gift Hampers’ represents an opportunity for these companies to engage their local community.

And the response has been a positive one, with consumers looking to support the local companies that are giving back to the region.

Whether it’s people driving further afield to purchase from the Fat Butcher in Inglewood to show their appreciation for meat voucher donations, or it’s now adding kefir to the shopping list, after the Fermentary in Daylesford supplied gut health packs for one of the hamper drives, the program is one of positive actions with supporting local the underlying drive.

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MENTAL HEALTH HAMPERS: Suzie Jacobs and Helen O’Donoghue who deliver to Loddon Shire and Campaspe Shire areas.

ith the program continuing to grow in momentum, big players like radio station Triple M have got behind the initiative, partnering with the Agri-Food Network to distribute their own mental health packs.

The Salvation Army has also been involved from the project’s very inception, with the AgriFood Network recently joining with Food Share reaching out to low socio-economic groups in the region and complementing the Food Share parcels with tailormade mental health hampers.

“Ruth Barkla, who is the rural outreach officer for the Salvation Army, has been an absolute trooper right from the beginning,” Carly said.

“She helps both with the program and delivering hampers.”

And then there are the hampers in production for year 12 students at Bendigo Senior Secondary College who are struggling with home schooling and the challenges of VCE. It is a massive project, and wherever Carly Noble and the Agri-Food Network see a need they find a means, helping in a way that is immediate and personal, filling the gaps where they can.

“It’s okay to not be okay,” Carly said.

“It’s not an indication of weakness.

“We just really want people to put their hand up if they’re not coping, and that gets the ball rolling.

“There is help available, and there are people who care.”

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Future bake; chickpea puffs from the crew at Get Farmed and the impact of this gesture, these donations, cannot be underestimated.

“There was a testimonial from a lady the other day, and after receiving her hamper she said she just sat down at the table and wept,” Carly said.

“Wept because she felt like a failure - that she couldn’t put red meat on the table for her kids, and was struggling to make ends meet.

“And she gets the hamper, and there’s a voucher from the Fat Butcher in it among other things, and it just made her stop and take a breath and realise that there were people out there who actually cared.”

This significance has not been lost, with the Agri-Food Network team nominated for a Victorian Community Award.

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Page 4 - Southern Farmer

African Swine Fever sees a resurgence

By EMMA OLIVER CHINA’S push to restore the country’s lost pork production after the decimation caused by African Swine Fever in 2019, has hit a hurdle after recent heavy rains and flooding in parts of Southern China have triggered a wave of fresh cases.

With farmers typically burying infected pigs, the resurgence of the disease has been attributed to groundwater contaminated with African Swine Fever.

However, there were reported outbreaks of the fever in March and April before the rains, which indicates that though declining in number of cases, the disease still remains an obstacle to herd recovery.

After losing more than 40 per cent of China’s entire hog herd – a staggering 180 million pigs – the incurable disease has been managed by widespread culling and disposal of infected swines, with better hygiene and sterilisation practices implemented, along with smaller herd numbers.

Challenging weather conditions throughout June and July though, have resulted in a resurgence of the disease, leaving many farmers who are not equipped to deal with the impact of flooding, nervous as to how their restocked farms may fare.

September 2020

Special offers feature in Silvan’s catalogue

DON’T MISS OUT: The Silvan AgriPower Spring Catalogue for 2020 is jam-packed full of tempting deals and unbeatable bargains.

JUST in time for spring, Silvan has released an eight page spraying catalogue which also features a 12 page farm equipment guide inside.

The catalogue is packed with special offers on the sprayers and farm equipment featured, which are valid from August 15 to October 31.

The new products in the spraying catalogue are a SuperPak sprayer with 400 and 600 litre capacity tanks and a 1100 litre Front Linkage Tank.

The SuperPak sprayer is equipped with a diaphragm pump which can deliver 58 litres per minute.

It has a six metre galvanised boom with an independent hydraulic folding mechanism to save time.

Other features include air induction nozzles, nozzle protection, manual onand-off controls and pressure adjustment.

An electric controller for full in-cab spray control is also available for an extra $660 - down from $1320, both GST inclusive.

The 400 litre sprayer retails for $7810, and $7991.50 for the 600 litre model, both including GST. The Front Linkage Tank comes with a 12 volt, 20 litre per minute transfer/ agitation pump, a 5 centimetre bottom fill, 86 centimetre light bar and a Cat ll linkage.

The tank is priced at $7975 including GST. When combined with a Silvan 800 or

1100 litre three-point-linkage sprayer this allows for the overall tank capacity to be more than doubled.

The spring spraying catalogue features a wide range of Silvan linkage, airassist, turbomiser sprayers and trailed pasture sprayers.

It also contains lifestyle products, such as a Redlink sprayer with discounted 1.2m carryall option, and a Poly Hopper spreader suitable for small to medium spreading applications and capable of spreading a wide variety of products including fertiliser and seed.

The back page Lifestyle Products section of the catalogue also includes Silvan’s Australian-made 102 Series GP (general purpose) slasher suited to clearing paddocks, fields and private roadsides.

Special pricing applies to many upgrades for example on control and boom upgrades for 800/1100 litre Super series TPL and hydraulic boom packages.

The 12-page Spraying and Farm Equipment Guide also lists a wide range of Italian-made Nobili mulchers and Breviglieri rotary hoes, Australian manufactured Silvan slashers and Sitrex hayrakes.

DCM horticulture and broadacre twin disc fertiliser spreaders as well as oscillating and single disc fertiliser spreaders are also featured.

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September 2020

Southern Farmer - Page 5

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Improved aerobic stability and reduced heating is relative to untreated silage. Actual results may vary. The effect of any silage inoculant is dependent upon management at harvest, storage and feedout. Factors such as moisture, maturity, chop length and compaction will determine inoculant efficacy. Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labelling documents. ®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Dow AgroSciences or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. © 2020 GenTech Seeds Pty Ltd. No part of this publication can be reproduced without prior written consent from GenTech Seeds Pty Ltd.

Page 6 - Southern Farmer

“The people coughing, the people gasping for air - it was terrifying.”

Sam was admitted to the COVID ward, struggling to breathe, to the sound of others around him coughing and gasping for air. One by one, he watched patients get taken into negative pressure rooms, sealed off by multiple doors, with no support network.

As a healthcare worker who’s now recovering at home, Sam’s hope is that in this fight against coronavirus, we all understand that we are the front line.

We all have a part to play by staying home to help stop the spread of the virus. If you have symptoms - please get tested. Payments of $450 are available to help you stay home and wait for your test result.

To learn more of Sam’s story go to vic.gov.au/CORONAVIRUS Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

September 2020

September 2020

Southern Farmer - Page 7

BUY ONLINE: With current challenges making business difficult for primary producers the government is building resilience by providing grants for producers to expand their customer base by facilitating online markets.

Help for Victorian farmers and producers to sell online

VICTORIAN farmers and producers will be helped to expand their customer base by facilitating online markets and building business resilience and skills thanks to support from the Victorian Government.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes announced the $1.5 million E-Commerce and New Marketplace Transition Package, part of the Agriculture Workforce Plan which is helping the agriculture sector through the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Online farmers markets or marketplaces primarily selling Victorian agricultural produce will be able to apply for grants to help new and existing producers with the cost

of on-boarding, online marketing and registration fees.

Marketplaces can also apply for funding to help cover the costs of freight and logistics, reducing delivery fees for consumers buying Victorian fresh food and goods online.

A training program will also be provided to help farmers and producers with their e-commerce skills, supporting them to implement an effective e-commerce strategy as part of their ongoing operations.

Boosting accessibility to online markets for Victoria’s farmers and producers is crucial due to the pandemic limiting sales to the hospitality sector, reduced numbers of people able to visit farmers

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markets as well as less tourists travelling in the state.

Key online marketplaces that sell Victorian produce and agricultural products will be contacted directly by Agriculture Victoria about the package to make sure they know what help is available.

The E-Commerce and New Marketplace Transition Package complements Visit Victoria’s “Click for Vic” campaign, encouraging Victorians to support local producers and food by buying online.

Businesses can find out more about the funding and other support available through the Agriculture Workforce Plan at agriculture.vic.gov.au/agworkforceplan.

Page 8 - Southern Farmer

September 2020

Border closures hurting From page 1 These reasons have also been cited by the NFF in their correspondence with the Prime Minister and ■

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With agriculture workers previously absent from the list of essential workers, the toll on the agricultural

industry has been and continues to grow in significance, with supply chains hampered, seasonal operations directly impacted and

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animal welfare jeopardised.

Restrictions on crossborder movement for agricultural producers and workers is in direct contradiction to exemptions made for essential services, and farming groups from around Australia are calling for food producers - as a critical service - to also be listed as essential workers with border clearance.

Improved border conditions between Victoria and New South Wales have gone some way towards rectifying the situation, however, there are issues that still need to addressed.

With the seasonal and time sensitive nature of farming, the NFF along with the Victorian Farmers Federation and its state counterparts have drafted a letter calling for the urgent need to develop a national code to enable safe movement of agricultural workers between the states.

The letter was drafted on August 19, and reads as follows: “Dear Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers, A National COVID-19 Agricultural Worker Code for Domestic Border Movements We write on behalf of farmers, agricultural contractors and technical specialists located across Australia to seek your urgent commitment to develop a national code to enable the safe movement of agricultural workers, similar to that agreed for the freight sector.

The varying approach to border restrictions by state and territory governments is unworkable and having a significant and detrimental impact on primary producers and regional communities.

We acknowledge the priority of governments is to maintain the general health of residents by imposing measures to supress the spread of this insidious virus.

However, all indications

are that this virus will be with us for an extended period and additional strategies beyond domestic border closures must be considered, enabling us all to equally contribute to, and take responsibility for, the health and safety of the diverse agricultural workforce.

The operation of farms and food processors is dynamic and time sensitive.

The uncertainty as a consequence of border closures has meant that the farming and agri-business services sectors have faced further and unacceptable challenges after years of drought, catastrophic bushfires and for some, severe flooding.

The recent widespread rainfall has meant that onfarm activity could re-commence.

The COVID-19 response to close domestic borders is now placing significant emotional, well-being and financial challenges for farmers on top of what they have faced in recent years.

Essential primary production activities must be maintained.

Beyond COVID-19 the ongoing health of Australians and the welfare of our animals must be prioritised.

Daily monitoring of livestock is essential for animal welfare.

Cows must be milked, sheep must be shorn, lambs and calves will be born and must be monitored, produce must be picked, and the diverse grain crops must be harvested.

These activities, by their very nature are time sensitive, requiring an additional short-term workforce, and timely access to specialist providers and contractors.

The grain harvest season is looming.

As well as the important on-farm preparation, specialist contract harvesters will need to move from Queensland through to the southern states.

Fruit, vegetable and nut growers rely on a seasonal

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workforce that will move north as the weather warms and the produce ripens.

The majority of these specialist service providers do not live in the tight border areas as currently defined.

We are also concerned about the low number of personnel available to monitor borders to aid in agriculture-related movements.

The identification of a postcode to determine permit eligibility is a blunt instrument that does not recognise or provide an adequate response to the requirements of primary producers, nor does it recognise the ability and intent of employers (farmers, processors and contractors) to keep their workforce safe.

We strongly urge you, through the National Cabinet, to develop an agricultural worker permit similar to that developed for the freight industry to enable the critical movement of agriculture workers so that Australian farmers can continue to feed us all and ensure that all Australians are safe, healthy and economically secure into the future.

We offer the ongoing support of each of our organisations in the development of such a permit.”

Yours sincerely, FIONA SIMSON President National Farmers’ Federation JAMES JACKSON President NSW Farmers DAVID JOCHINKE President Victorian Farmers’ Federation GEORGIE SOMERSET AM General President AgForce QLD ROB KERIN Executive Chairman Primary Producers SA MARCUS MCSHANE President Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association CHRIS NOTT President Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association RHYS TURTON President WA Farmers SIMON SMITH President NT Farmer

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September 2020

Southern Farmer - Page 9

The bacterial infection effecting lambing percentages

By EMMA OLIVER REPORTED in all states and territories of Australia, Campylobacter is a common bacteria with devastating results, capable of causing abortions in pregnant ewes and in some cases death of the ewe itself.

Compared to other countries which practice more intensive systems of lamb management, abortion is an uncommon cause for reproductive waste in Australia, and so when a problem presents itself in a flock further investigation is warranted.

A bacterial infection, Campylobacter is the leading cause of infectious late-term abortions and still births in ewes, and with 95 per cent of Australian farms testing positive to at least one strain of the bacteria, vaccination is recommended for ewes prior to joining.

Best practice is a primer and booster vaccination - three to six weeks apart - preceding joining, with the vaccination effective against both strains of the organism, Campylobacter fetus fetus and Campylobacter jejuni.

Should this not prove practical, vaccination is also effective on ewes during the standard five to six week joining period, when the ram is first introduced to the flock and then again when the ram is removed.

The risk of Campylobacteria Ovine does vary from year to year, and property to property, however, the devastating impact of the disease both in financial and emotional terms cannot be underestimated, with ‘abortion storms’ wreaking havoc on lambing percentages and productivity.

“Campylobacter is an underlining issue greatly impacting farmers’ bottom line which they aren’t usually aware of,” said Dr Andrew Whale, senior veterinarian and clinical lead at Livestock Logic in Hamilton.

“I would classify it as an endemic issue with research showing that nearly all Australian farms have the bacteria, and as a result, I strongly believe most maiden ewes need to be vaccinated against it.”

Transmitted by ingestion, Campylobacter survives in the gall bladder and gut of infected sheep, with the bacteria shed in faeces and urine, contaminating pasture and water sources.

As well as the gastrointestinal tract of sheep, other wild and domesticated animals are potential carriers, with crows and foxes in particular prone to shedding the organism for several weeks following ingestion of infected lambs or placenta.

As aborted foetuses, placenta and any afterbirth and uterine fluids are all contaminants, strict hygiene is essential when quickly removing these by-products from the environment.

Burning of aborted lambs and stillbirths along with placental membranes is recommended to avoid further contamination, with appropriate measures taken to avoid spread of this zoonotic disease.

With the bacteria prevalent in the ecosystem, there are other factors that contribute to outbreaks of the infection with cell grazing, containment feeding and trail feeding of pregnant ewes all increasing risk, due to high levels of exposure to faecal transmission.

Introducing new ewes which may potentially be carriers also represents a problem.

As does joining of maiden or ewe lambs with no previous exposure to the organism, with foetal gestation another factor determining abortion rate.

Immunity can be established through natural exposure, however, this level is variable in the flock, and can decrease over time, with environmental stress and recently undertaken management practices contributing to risk and triggering shedding.

An annual booster is therefore recommended to safeguard the flock from future outbreaks.

With abortions, stillbirths and weak nonviable lambs the direct result of this debilitating infection, the cost to the agricultural industry goes beyond lost revenue and missed opportunity, when considering the emotional impact of an abortion storm on a sheep farmer.

If running a breeding operation, vaccination against Campylobacter should be considered an essential part of the program, and ongoing operation of the farm.

VACCINATE: Russell Mawson after completing his scanning program, was terribly disappointed that not only were their ewes not in lamb, but there was a large percentage carrying dead foetuses.

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Page 10 - Southern Farmer

September 2020

Low pathogenic type of avian influenza detected in Victoria AGRICULTURE Victoria has confirmed a second strain of avian influenza virus in Victoria, with turkeys at a property within the existing Restricted Area at Lethbridge, and another near Bairnsdale, testing positive to low pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza virus.

Low pathogenic avian influenza has a much lower effect on poultry than high pathogenic avian influenza, but both affect chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants and ostriches.

Many species of wild birds, including waterfowl and seabirds, can also carry the virus without any symptoms.

Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Dr Graeme Cooke explained that “avian influenza virus strains are classified into two categories according to the severity of the disease in poultry”.

“Highly pathogenic strains, like the H7N7 that was recently detected in Golden Plains Shire, cause severe clinical signs and high death rates among poultry,” Dr Cooke said.

“However, we have now also detected a low pathogenic H5N2 strain.

“This typically causes much reduced clinical signs in comparison.

“This low pathogenic H5N2 was detected in a turkey flock within the recently established Lethbridge Restricted Area where poultry premises are being tested.

“Biosecurity officers then linked this premises with another poultry premises near Bairnsdale, where testing also found low pathogenic H5N2.”

The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that neither viruses are a risk to the public, as these strains rarely affect humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds.

Workers and biosecurity officers at the affected properties are taking all necessary precautions, including wearing protective personal equipment.

There are no food safety issues identified - properly cooked poultry meat and eggs are safe to eat.

Dr Cooke said regardless of this being low pathogenic avian influenza, as a precaution movement controls have been put in place within a 2km Control Area near Bairnsdale, a Restricted Area buffer zone established within a radius of 1km from the infected premises and both affected properties have been placed under quarantine.

A Restricted Area near Lethbridge, and the Golden Plains Shire Control Area, remains in place also.

Dr Cooke said the detections of H5N2 were made as a result of Agriculture Victoria’s surveillance activities within the Golden Plains Shire Control Area, established following the presence of high pathogenic H7N7 avian influenza virus at two free-range egg farms near Lethbridge in the last fortnight.

“Agriculture Victoria is actively investigating the connection between the two premises and further surveillance activities may be required,” he said.

“These controls prohibit the movement of birds, related equipment and products within and out of the designated Control Area unless a permit for movement has been granted by Agriculture Victoria until further notice.”

Dr Cooke said that the outbreaks were a reminder to all bird owners, however many birds they have, to always practice good biosecurity, whether at home, sales, bird shows or race events; and especially taking small but important measures to discourage wild birds mixing with domestic birds, such as ensuring no access to the domestic birds’ food.

TURKEY CULL: 4000 turkeys were euthanased at a Bairnsdale property mid-August in an attempt to curb the spread.

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September 2020

Southern Farmer - Page 11

Strathbogie wineries viewed as a real corker

WORKING HARD: Jenny Houghton working here on her vines at Maygar’s Hill Winery said the result show that there are passionate female winemakers leading the way in the region.

By PHILIPPE PEREZ A NUMBER of local wineries have received stellar accolades from one of the country’s most respected wine critics.

James Halliday has annually released his wine companion book, with his 2021 book giving a number of locally grown wines a rating of 94 or more.

These included a 96 rating for Maygar’s Hill Winery’s Longwood-based winery, which 2017 Reserve Shiraz which was described by Mr Halliday as a brilliant vintage with a balance that is “exemplary”.

It was a triple win for Nagambie’s Tar & Roses, whose 2019 Lewis Riesling, 2018 Rose Heathcote Shiraz and 2018 Heathcote Tempranillo all received a rating of 95.

Narelle King from Tar & Roses said it was incredibly satisfying to also receive a five star rating for her winery in the companion and the endorsement was fantastic for the region.

“Although we try to make the best possible wine with every parcel we handle, we’ve had this goal in the background for a number of years,” Ms King said.

“Last year we crept up from four to 4.5 and this year we’ve gone that one better to five stars.”

Wines from the Box Grove Vineyard based in Tabilk, and the Brave Goose Vineyard based in Whiteheads Creek also received high praise, which Brave Goose winemaker Nina Stocker said will mean exciting times for good wine produced in the region.

“It’s such an honour to receive recognition in the Halliday Wine Companion for our wines, along with many of our likeminded local producers,” Ms Stocker said.

“What we have to offer is a vibrant, diverse, innovative, and ‘off the beaten track’ food and wine experience, and notice from publications like Halliday’s really helps spread the message that there are high quality hidden gems all around Central Victoria.

Jenny Houghton from Maygar’s Hill Winery said the four wineries, commonly known as “the Avenel bunch” is all led by passionate female winemakers producing great product and is an example of what women can achieve in local viticulture.

“The Strathbogie wine region body here showcases wines that are wonderful but also have a great value for money to them too,” she said.

“This reflects that we put in a lot of labour into our work which we don’t attribute to anything, but we also have been having wonderful conditions lately.

“And even though we may sook about not having rain, if you are a relatively small winery, you can be really nimble, so that if we don’t have any rain while facing drought, you take off perfect fruit, so you don’t need as much water.”

Ms Houghten said that while many vines are dormant right now, recent rains will be going down into the sub-soil which could mean good wine product in the future.

She also acknowledged efforts from other local wine outlets like Fowles Wine and Wine x Sam - who also received five star reviews for their wineries.

We’re extending financial support The Australian Government is extending JobKeeper until 28 March 2021 and the temporary Coronavirus Supplement for those on income support until 31 December 2020, after which income support will continue.

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Page 12 - Southern Farmer

September 2020

Victorian Water Accounts available IN a time of more extreme weather events and extended periods of water scarcity, regular and comprehensive public water reporting has never been more important.

This report is the 16th in the annual series and summarises Victoria’s water availability, distribution and use for the 201819 year.

In a time of more extreme weather events and extended periods of water scarcity, regular and comprehensive public water

reporting has never been more important.

Conditions in 2018-19 were even drier than in the previous year, with below-average rainfall across most of Victoria throughout the year.

The decreased rainfall and hot conditions meant that there was less surface water available in 2018-19, compared to previous years.

Consequently, there was an increase in the number of Victorian towns on water restric-

tions and an increase in restrictions on the volume that licensed landholders were allowed to divert from streams.

These accounts show the total volume of surface water, groundwater and recycled water available in 2018-19 was 12,073 GL, compared to 15,375 GL in the previous year.

Of the water available, 3976 GL was taken for consumptive purposes, compared to 4087 GL taken in 2017-18.

The way this informa-

tion is being provided to Victorians has changed.

For the first year - the Victorian Water Accounts (VWA) team will now have two digital reporting offerings.

The ‘Highlights’ explain Victoria’s Water Entitlement and Management Frameworks and shows how water trends are changing over time.

Recently released the VWA Online will move the VWA into the digital space - it will provide detailed information at

a catchment scale about the availability and use of water in Victoria each year.

The platform has also enhanced and updated the Highlights released last year with 2018-19 data.

This digital resource complements the written and online report, providing a contemporary way to engage with water data and learn more about how water resources are managed in Victoria.

A new online platform

will cover the surface water and distribution systems chapters of the Victorian Water Accounts.

People will be able to use the website to find out where water is sourced through to where it is used by customers.

These combined products will provide a new way to engage with water data and learn more about how water is managed.

You can explore these resources and more via water.vic.gov.au.

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Annual Whittlesea Show cancelled for 2020 THE Whittlesea Agricultural Society Inc has, after much consideration, decided to cancel the 2020 Annual Whittlesea Show.

The continuing restrictions associated with COVID-19, especially the management of socialdistancing and the possible risk to public health during large events were the major factors for the decision.

The uncertainty of know-

ing when these restrictions would be lifted made it very difficult for the committee to forward plan for the annual show.

The Whittlesea Agricultural Society would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who have been involved with the show including the many supporters, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, local community groups, stall holders and entertainers.

For some of these groups the Annual Whittlesea Show provides a major contribution to their fundraising and annual income, and the committee is saddened that this year the Whittlesea Agricultural Society will be unable to assist by providing an event.

The Whittlesea Agricultural Society looks forward to next year providing the 161st Whittlesea Show on November 6 and 7, 2021.

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Southern Farmer - Page 13

Steps to superior silage SILAGE is increasingly used in dairy feed regimes, providing an efficient and nutritionally available source of energy and fibre to lactating cows, and supplying the required nutritional plane for good overall herd health.

Jason Scott, national corn and microbial lead for Pioneer® Seeds in Australia, works closely with silage contractors and the dairy industry to help them deliver maximum silage quality from corn crops grown for livestock feed.

“Everyone is looking for two things; quality and quantity of the silage produced,” Mr Scott said.

“The goal of ensiling is to stabilise the harvested crop yield and nutritional value via the action of the Lactic Acid Bacterial growth in an anaerobic environment.

“This reduces the pH through the efficient conversion of sugars to lactic acid, and halts the effect of the epiphytic (natural microbial population) populations that exist on the crop which can spoil some or all of the plant matter being stored.

“The best silage will always be made with good quality crops, free of weed and other contaminants, and supplies with enough water and nutrition to maximise yield potential.”

BASIC GUIDELINES FOR QUALITY SILAGE: z start with a quality hybrid with excellent agronomics; z follow the recipe with water and nutrients available to the crop at key times; z harvest at the correct time; z use a quality inoculant with an applicator that delivers accurate application; z compact silage by stacking and spreading into 100-150mm layers and compact; z cover with good quality plastic, tyres touching and sealed edges; z store carefully and avoid puncturing plastic.

MAN IN THE KNOW: Jason Scott, national corn and microbial lead for Pioneer® Seeds in Australia, works alongside silage contractors and the dairy industry.

He then advised growers to determine the correct cutting stage of the silage by following the guidelines for that crop, the targeted quantity and quality of the silage required.

“Additional to agronomic factors, growers should not forget the importance of selecting the right bacteria in

inoculant to apply at the harvest stage,” Mr Scott said.

Pioneer® Brand Products has been researching and identifying safe and effective bacterial strains to be used in silage additives and inoculants since 1978 and has developed a wide-ranging portfolio of crop specific inoculants.

“A properly inoculated

and ensiled silage pit will have minimal activity on the face of the silage at feed out, reducing risk of spoilage losses and herd health issues,” Mr Scott said.

Pioneer commercialised the first proprietary inoculant containing L. buchneri, the main bacterial strain of choice to ensure silage pits

remain cool and to prevent feed losses due to the growth of yeasts and moulds in 2000.

“Pioneer has been making advances ever since,” Mr Scott said.

“We know that an inoculant that reduces pH to below 4.5 in a fast and efficient action will have reduced risk of spoilage through a slow

fermentation.

“So in 2016, we introduced our Rapid React technology products which contain a new L. buchneri strain that works to produce stable silage in just seven days.

“With the trait characteristics of a quick season corn hybrid like Pioneer P9911 coupled with Pioneer brand inoculant 11C33 with Rapid React, dairy farmers are able to harvest and ensile for maximum energy and maximum milk production.”

Pioneer has also supported the advancement in inoculant technology with the development of an application system designed and calibrated specifically for Pioneer® brand inoculant products.

“The unique design of the Appli-Pro application system reduces water requirements and offers a high level of application precision and convenience,” Mr Scott said.

The Appli-Pro has been designed to work with all major brands of forage harvesting equipment, and allows the operator to use the cab-mounted control panel to turn the applicator on and off to precisely control the application rate.

More information can be found at https://www. pioneerseeds.com.au/inoculants/.

Page 14 - Southern Farmer

September 2020

Scientific report finds living turf provides bushfire protection BUSHFIRES in Australia are common.

The Black Summer fires of 2019/2020 are fresh in our minds and their devastating effects are still being felt.

Hort Innovation recently completed research on the benefits of living turf and the protection it can provide from bushfires.

The project - Conveying the benefits of living turf - a bushfire retardant - delivered valuable information for the turf industry to promote the use of living turf as a bushfire retardant and to support activities in bushfire planning and preparation.

Hort Innovation’s head of research and development Byron De Kock said: “This research is very timely following on from Australia’s fires this summer. “Knowing that living turf can be used effectively to help defend Australian homes from fire and having this proven by science is paramount as we look to the next fire season.�

Turf Australia’s Jenny Zadro said: “Put simply, this is one of the most important pieces of research that the

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turf industry has invested in. “To uncover the scientific proof that our product can help protect homes is game changing.�

The research included a literature review into the benefits and maintenance requirements needed to maximise the capacity of living turf to reduce fire spread.

The review combined existing information about Australia’s living turf industries with the principles of landscaping for bushfire protection and technical knowledge of firefighting practices.

The project team also performed tests to assess the bushfire protection benefits of buffalo, kikuyu and couch.

Grass samples were tested using attempted ignitions of the turf types at varying fuel moisture levels and at various lengths.

The research found that these turf varieties are highly resistant to ignition from fire, cementing the important role that turf can play in halting the spread of bushfires in peri-urban environ-

ments.

Paul de Mar, from research company, GHD, said: “The research tells us that watered and mowed lawns are not combustible under any conditions associated with bushfires unless they are completely dead and have extremely low moisture contents. “Watered and mowed lawns provide a healthy and clean environment which can make an important contribution to creating a defendable space around homes and infrastructure in bushfire prone areas.�

This research backs up what fire agencies have known internally for some time, that live turf is known operationally to both mitigate fire spread and is a favoured means of providing defendable space near houses, to allow safe defence of properties.

Lawns are a form of firebreak, which interrupt the path of surface fire spread - they can’t stop airborne embers but they can provide defendable space from where such embers can be safely put out.

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Southern Farmer - Page 15

ANZ grains report calls for industry planning ahead of bumper crop

Improve the quality and weight of your hay and silage OVER the last 12 to 18 months Goode Organics have given readers an insight into their approach to soil nutrition through the use of trace elements, minerals and rare earths sourced from the sea and activated volcanic rock.

Given September’s special on hay and silage, Goode Organics thought it was a good time to lay out how to apply these elements to your soil and foliage from a pasture perspective.

The first step is always a soil test.

Ideally this would have been completed in the last two years, however, Goode Organics are happy to organise one for you through SWEP Analytical.

Once the team have the results, Goode Organics provides recommendations using appropriate products from their

‘HealthyEarth’ range of 16.

Yes, that’s right Goode Organics have 16 products that are specific to agricultural needs.

The majority of these products contain trace elements which will help silage last longer as the bacteria applied also is fed by these products.

The second step is preparing the soil to rectify acidity, low calcium and trace element deficiencies.

Apply the ‘Healthy Earth’ liquid calcium product “N:Cal� or calcium magnesium “Cal/Mag 5:1� at two litres (foliar) - 60 litres (remediator) per hectare for a low cost immediately available calcium.

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with a trace element liquid fertiser added to the mix, and have a low cost, concentrated trace element application.

The final step is maintaining improved yields with foliar spraying.

A few days before grazing, foliar spray with Goode Organics’ liquid NPK LeafSpray.

Also add “N:Cal� and “Cal/ Mag 5:1� at one to two litres per hectare.

This application supercharges the pasture for livestock to receive an immediate hit of vitamins and minerals.

To receive a copy of Goode Organics’ pasture program, fact sheets on any of their 16 products, articles on soil nutrition,or a price list with a helpful cost per hectare breakdown, give Goode Organics a call on 0420 946 156 or email Bayley@goodeorganics.com.au.

production and exports would be among the largest year-onyear rises in over 50 years.

Importantly, these forecasts would spell great news for growers, many of who are coming off the back of two tough drought years.

Clearly, some of these forecasts may still be impacted in coming months by possible economic effects of COVID-19 on some export markets, as well as the dynamics of other major global grain exporters.

It is vital that all stakeholders along the grain supply chain ensure they are well-prepared for the coming harvest and that transport, storage and export processes run as efficiently as possible.

These preparations should also see growers ensure their infrastructure and materials including silos, bunkers, coverings and grain bags are all in adequate supply. “Growers, contractors and traders will also be looking to

ensure adequate availability of harvesting and transport machinery, including headers, trucks, and train capacity,� Mr Whitehead said. “While the COVID-19 situation in Australia later this year is difficult to predict, it would be wise to factor in any implications from possible continuing restrictions on cross-border movements between states.�

The ANZ report also looked at the global grain export landscape, including the challenges from factors such as China’s barley tariffs, Black Sea Region competition and US agri policy which has been impacted by the looming election.

Despite these factors, the report highlighted the positive outlook for Australian grain to supply the fundamental bread and noodle needs of markets across Asia, and the boost to grain from the free trade agreement with Indonesia.

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AS Australia heads for one of its biggest ever grain crops a major challenge will be to make sure the industry is ready to handle the massive volume, according to the latest ANZ grains report.

The report looks at the challenges facing growers and companies right through the grain supply chain, with harvest now within sight.

ANZ agri research director Michael Whitehead said despite a recent dry period in a number of grain regions, the cautiously optimistic outlook for the national wheat crop this year remains at 26 million tonnes. “After last year’s drought-hit low of 15.2 million tonnes, this would be an increase of 71 per cent,� Mr Whitehead said. “In addition, on some current estimates, wheat exports are currently forecast to jump by around 90 per cent to 17.5 million tonnes.�

The forecast increases in

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September 2020

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CATTLE Council of Australia has welcomed fresh international debate on the best method for measuring the global warming impact of animal agriculture.

The European Union is being lobbied by independent climate scientists to consider alternative models to make sure meat producers are treated fairly.

Cattle Council president Tony Hegarty said it was reassuring to see the issues Australia’s beef industry faces are shared by producers around the world.

“It doesn’t matter where they are, producers just want the best science to make sure the job is done

well,” Mr Hegarty said.

“In Europe this campaign is being led by eminent climate scientist Professor Myles Allen and his team from Oxford University.

“We’re all asking our governments the same question - is the current model fair and accurate?

“Livestock emissions break down in around 12 years, while emissions from fossil fuel industries can take thousands of years to deplete - it’s a big difference.

“If animal agriculture is lumped with an unfair burden it will impact food production when we need to feed a growing population.

“Beef is dense in nutrients

and the only product we can sustainably mass-produce in many parts of this country.

“Governments around the world should be having a good, long look at the agreed Global Warming Potential-100 (GWP100) model, and alternatives such as Global Warming Potential star (GWP*).

“This follows on from agricultural movements in New Zealand and the United Kingdom for their governments to consider GWP*.

“In Australia the red meat industry is already striving for carbon neutrality by 2030.

“We’ve made great progress, having cut our emission by 56.7 per cent since 2005.”

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September 2020

Southern Farmer - Page 17 THE SOUTHERN

Covering Central South Victoria and West Gippsland

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IT’S A KNOCKOUT: Progeny from premium quality sire Karoo Knockout NENK176 will be a huge drawcard at the Alpine Angus Spring Bull Sale.

Alpine Angus will run its 2020 Spring Bull Sale in full compliance with COVID-19 public health orders ALPINE Angus will run its 2020 Spring Bull Sale on Wednesday, September 23 commencing at 1pm at the Alpine Sales Complex at Rosewhite.

The Alpine Sales Complex is a large well-ventilated shed with the sale bulls on display in the pens outside the shed from 10am on sale day.

A total of 45 HBR and APR registered bulls will be for sale by auction.

Pre-sale inspection of the sale bulls will also be available at the Alpine Sales Complex at Rosewhite on Sunday, September 20 from 10am - 4 pm.

If this is not convenient another suitable time can be arranged by calling Chris Oswin on 0427 562 254.

An excellent autumn has allowed Alpine to present with this Spring Bull Sale line up a very even draft of well grown, well fleshed bulls with a great temperament.

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Karoo Knockout K176 - renowned for his thickness, muscling and docility.

In addition Knockout’s pedigree is stacked with maternal quality.

The sale also features five sons by Baldridge Beast Mode B074 - number seven for calf registrations for the past two years.

On sale day, AuctionsPlus will livestream the audio to enable online bidding.

If intending to bid via AuctionsPlus buyers need to register at least 24 hours prior to the sale.

It is a good idea for those who are not familiar with online bidding to view the video on line to be comfortable with how online bidding works at www.auctionsplus. com.au.

A phone bidding option is also available upon request.

Quality assurance with independent structural and semen quality assessment is further backed up by Alpine’s 3 Year Guarantee (conditions apply) and is all designed to give buyers great

confidence when purchasing an Alpine bull.

2020 is destined to go down as one of the most challenging years in recent history.

The swing from a bushfire scenario to the COVID epidemic has required many adjustments as to how we all do business.

The next phase of COVID restrictions will not be in place until September 13.

Visitors to Alpine Angus can be confident all COVID guidelines will be complied with both for the pre sale inspection and for sale day.

Currently these measures include visitor registration, a minimum 1.5 metre social distancing, the compulsory wearing of masks, and the provision of hand sanitiser.

Please note that any changes to the COVID measures referred to above will be updated on the Alpine website by September 14 www.alpineangus.com.au.

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Page 18 - Southern Farmer

September 2020

Funding boost for local fishing projects

FUNDING FOR FISHING: $1 million in funding has been allocated for fish habitat projects and important infrastructure work to make fishing safer and more accessible. digested by hundreds of people every year at the Murray Codference.

Other grants awarded include: z $39,000 for the North East Catchment Management Authority to install fish habitat at Katie Peters Reserve, near Eskdale; z $23,000 to help OzFish Unlimited build shellfish reefs in the Tambo Bay area of the Gippsland Lakes; z $22,000 for solar lighting along the St Helens rock wall in Geelong; z $25,000 for the

Hindmarsh Shire Council to create pedestrian and vehicle access to a new lake in Rainbow; z $15,000 to realign and secure instream logs through Rochester to enable safe and open passage for fishers in boats; z $60,000 for Fishcare school visits and fishing workshops; z $24,000 for the North Central Catchment Management Authority to build more native fish habitat in Box-Pyramid Creek.

The funding will also go to-

wards the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s 2021 Recreational Fishing Guide, as well as fish length rulers and measures for rock lobsters and spiny crayfish. “This investment will provide a significant boost for local communities to build infrastructure and create programs which make fishing safer and more enjoyable, “ Ms Horne said.

The grants are funded by recreational fishing licence fees, and more information on recipients and their projects can be found at vfa.vic.gov.au.

FARMERS and producers across Victoria will get better access to markets and communities thanks to funding from the Victorian Government to improve the vital network of local roads and infrastructure.

Rural, regional and interface councils will be able to apply for funding under the $20 million AgriLinks Upgrade Program to get on with important road upgrades such as fixing intersections, widening and sealing roads, and strengthening bridges to carry heavier loads.

Eligible councils can apply for up to $350,000 with no co-contribution required, with additional funding available on a co-contribution basis for councils wanting to complete bigger projects.

These important road infrastructure upgrades will increase productivity and reduce travel times, allowing businesses across the state to grow and reach more customers.

The agriculture industry is an important driver of jobs and growth in regional communities, with this investment in road upgrades seeing more people get back to work on projects that benefit all road users.

The program compliments funding provided to councils for road upgrades through the previous Local Roads to Market Program, which supported 78 local projects, such as the Glendhu Creek Bridge widening and Joel Joel Road upgrade in North Grampians Shire Council which enabled the byway to accommodate two-way heavy vehicle traffic. “This program is another part of our strong investment in improving regional Victorian roads - it’s about improving productivity, mobility and safety for country communities,� Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said.

Councils eligible to apply for funding will be contacted directly by Agriculture Victoria for assistance with guidelines and applications.

The AgriLinks Upgrade Program is part of the government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package that is getting thousands of Victorians back to work on crucial infrastructure projects around the state.

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FISHERS in communities around the state will benefit from a dozen different recreational fishing projects thanks to a round of grants worth more than $1 million.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the grants will fund fish habitat projects and important infrastructure work to make fishing safer and more accessible.

The Gippsland Lakes will receive a major boost, with the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority granted $110,000 to place woody habitat into lakes, which will provide more shelter and feeding sites for black bream, estuary perch and Australian bass.

The Australian Trout Foundation will receive $110,000 to deliver another year of the Victorian Trout Fisheries Management Program, which includes vital monitoring of river populations in the North East and Gippsland.

A further $163,000 will be used to monitor fishers’ catches in Port Phillip, Western Port, Corner Inlet and the Gippsland Lakes.

Report cards for 10 key native fisheries will continue for two more years thanks to a $120,000 grant.

This information is keenly

Boosting agriculture supply chains and local jobs

September 2020

Southern Farmer - Page 19

NSW Deputy Premier calls for a return to High Country grazing THE Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria (MCAV) have thrown their weight behind a recent recommendation from across the border, calling on the NSW Government to reintroduce grazing on crown land and in national parks.

Earlier this month NSW Farmers Association recommended to the NSW Independent Bushfire Inquiry that it was time to reintroduce grazing cattle to reduce fuel loads.

The association suggested numbers be limited to 100 and only include a landholder’s breeding cows.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro made a similar request, saying there were “clear reasons for exploring reintroduction of grazing to minimise fuel loads”.

Down in Victoria, the same cry is being issued forth from MCAV president, Bruce McCormack.

“We want cattle grazing re-examined as a fire management tool,” Mr McCormack said.

LISTEN UP: The NSW Deputy Premier has backed a call from farmers in his state to use cattle as a bushfire mitigation tool - Bruce McCormack (pictured) wants the same to happen in Victoria.

Along with the NSW inquiry, hearings are currently under way for the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.

“We keep saying to the government, over and over, that we are here and we want to help make the High Country a better place, a safer place,” Mr McCormack said.

TIMBER: Identifying potential timber harvesting areas for the upcoming years.

“We have knowledge that stretches back to when Victoria was first settled Mountain Cattlemen were here from the beginning, and we like to think we have something to offer for the future.”

What they have to offer, Mr McCormack said, was knowledge learnt from onthe-ground experience.

“Grazing anywhere whether it is on your farm at home or in the High Country - reduces fire fuel loads; it’s as simple as that,” he said.

“In the state forest and Alpine National Parks, where fire fuel loads are out of control, this can only be a good thing.

“All we can hope is this bushfire enquiry might give us some recommendations based on common sense, rather than academic diatribe learnt from behind a desk and not in the bush.”

To read more about the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria, head to their website at www.mcav. com.au.

Community feedback sought on updates to Timber Release and Timber Utilisation plans VICFORESTS is seeking stakeholder and community comment on its proposed Timber Release Plan (TRP) and Timber Utilisation Plan (TUP) changes.

The TRP and TUP identify potential timber harvesting areas for the coming years and are being prepared as part of VicForests’ regular planning process.

The proposed changes to the plans include the addition of new coupes including access roads, removal of unharvested coupes, and amendments to coupes already part of the plans.

The TRP covers seven forest management areas in the east of the state while the TUP is related to community forestry operations, predominately occurring in the west of the state.

These plans are separate

LAND

to the TRP changes made in July 2020 which focused on post-fire recovery.

Public and stakeholder feedback on the proposed TRP and TUP is open from August 7 to September 14.

The standard consultation period has been extended in acknowledgment of the disruption to people’s schedules caused by coronavirus.

In launching the consultation process, VicForests’ chief executive officer Monique Dawson said: “The plans support ongoing responsible timber supply to local customers and contractors in accordance with Victorian Government policy.”

VicForests’ harvesting and regeneration techniques focus on the protection of high conservation values.

Following the consultation period,

VicForests’ TRP and TUP will be submitted to its board for consideration and approval.

All operations are required to comply with the detailed regulations that relate to responsible timber harvesting in Victoria, and subject to oversight by an independent regulator.

A schedule of proposed timber harvesting areas, maps indicating approximate locations and a feedback form for public comment are available at https://www.vicforests. com.au/proposed-timberrelease-plan-august-2020 and https://www.vicforests. com.au/proposedtup.

Submissions can also be provided via email to vfs.trp@vicforests.com. au or made in writing and sent to: VicForests, GPO Box 191, Melbourne, 3001 from August 7 until 5pm on September 14.

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Page 20 - Southern Farmer

September 2020

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