Snowy Monaro Farmer - October 2023

Saree Border Leicester Stud rams on sale

By LUKE TREADWELL

SAREE Border Leicester Stud has commenced selling their rams on Saturday September 30 by appointment on property in Middle Flat.

Sarah Evans said “we are excited, we look forward to seeing our clients each year, we have a lot of returning clients so it’s always good to catch up with them regarding livestock and how the rams are going.

“We’ve had a lot of positive comments on our genetics, some of the traits that we are

trying to breed into the rams are sought after,” Sarah Evans said.

“We focus a lot on the structure of the rams, we want to make sure they are standing up well and able to feed properly, that they have the correct mouth structure.

“We aim to breed long bodied, well-muscled and structurally sound rams with excellent temperament.

“We also make sure that maternal instincts are present in the ewes. We monitor the lambs and the ewes when they’re lambing, we record the

pedigree, so we know which lamb is from which ewe and which ram.”

Sarah and Matt weigh lambs at birth to make sure they are the correct weight. They also give the ewes a score, a score on their mothering ability.

The Saree Border Leicester Stud was registered in 2011 with one stud ram and 18 stud ewes from the Normanhurst Stud near Boorowa NSW. Later Matt and Sarah introduced bloodlines from Kelso, Ellingerrin, Bauer, Cadell, and Talkook.

Sarah Evans said all sheep

are paddock reared so that they are in sound joining condition for our clients. They are Brucellosis accredited and Gudair vaccinated, and micron results will be available at the time of viewing.

Matt Evans advised the rams will be ready for sale by appointment on property from Saturday September 30 and prospective buyers shouldn’t hesitate to contact Matt or Sarah to arrange a viewing time.

Sarah Evans – 0401448469

Matt Evans - 0419141868

RAM STUD: Matt and Sarah Evans with their children on property.

Save landfill, compost your waste

By TRISTA HEATH

COMPOSTING is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertiliser that can enrich soil and plants.

Anything that grows decomposes eventually and composting simply speeds up the process by providing an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and other decomposing organisms to do their work.

The resulting decomposed matter, which often ends up looking like fertile garden soil, is called compost.

Fondly referred to by farmers as ‘black gold,’ compost is rich in nutrients and can be used for gardening, horticulture, and agriculture.

Composting is a great way to recycle the organic waste generated at home.

According to the Department for Environment and Water, food scraps and garden waste combined make up

more than 28 percent of what we throw away.

Composting is easy and can be done at home and can be done both indoors and outdoors and can be as complicated or as simple as you would like.

There are many methods of composting and the most common for households and businesses is open air composting, in-ground composting, Tumbler composting and worm farm composting.

Open Air Composting is traditionally a pile of green and brown matter in your backyard.

More often than not it is a bay constructed of anything you can get your hands on that is cheap and easy to put together.

In-ground composting is simply digging a hole or trench in the ground and burying your scraps.

It is also probably the oldest and most effective method of composting, but like all other methods of composting it too has its limitations.

The main one being

that it takes a long time to decompose unless you chop everything up.

Tumbler Composting comes in many shapes and sizes of single to double units that you may purchase commercially from your local hardware store or home made.

For many people, this is a great system if you are relatively strong and keen to turn it every day or every few days.

Worm Farm Composting for many, is the most common and preferred choice of composting because of their capabilities to grow worms, produce compost and compost tea and keep rats out of your compost.

The worms produce castings concentrated with nutrients lower in nitrogen compared to other composting methods and can be utilized even if you have no garden.

Visit your local hardware store today and ask the friendly and knowledgeable staff about their in

Nutrien Ag Solutions Cooma hold field day

Pictured: Grand Champion Fine/Medium Wool Ewe – Sydney Royal 2023 23rd Annual Ram Sale

Monday 16th October, 2023

Inspections from 9.30am | Sale commences 12pm Lunch and refreshments provided | Inspections prior to sale day are welcome and invited!

NUTRIEN Ag Solutions in Cooma is holding a ‘Field Day Seminar’ on Tuesday October 17 at Dry Plains, Cooma.

The field day will be on Western Fencing, an effective form of electric fencing whereby the posts in the fence act as the insulator for the electrics.

Tony Clarke of Nutrien Ag Solutions in Cooma explained Western Fencing as an electrified version of a suspension fence.

“Because of the number of wires that are in the

fence it creates quite an effective barrier to feral animals,” Tony said.

“This is because generally feral or domestic animals are not sensitised to magnetic induction, basically static electricity, so they will sense the electricity on the fence from up to a meter away.

“They will be aware that there is something different about the fence and that makes them weary, and if they get too close and touch it, they will get a fair zap.”

Western Fencing is a

form of fencing where you can get a more efficient and higher electrical charge through the fence, therefore trying to keep the animals off the fence which minimises the damage they can cause.

If you wish to attend the field day, please RSVP to Nutrien Ag Solutions Cooma by Friday October 13.

Signage will be posted along Dry Plains to the location of the field day starting at 9.30am to 11.30am on October 17.

WORMS: Compost your household waste through worm farming.

Greendale Merinos: performance bred, with proven profitability

GREENDALE Merinos is a completely commercially focused business, aimed at producing the most ecient, productive, and profitable Merinos under realistic, commercial paddock conditions.

Greendale Merinos measured performance sits at the TOP of various industry comparisonsGreendale genetics can honestly prove these results using measured facts and data.

The 2022 Bookham Ag Bureau Wether Trial concluded that teams using Greendale Genetics have the highest total trial average, making them the most economically superior genetic source for proven, profitable performance. ‘A performance that ensures that our genetic merit is not just proven in an individual animal’s performance but that of the whole flock’, Greendale Principle, Alan McGufficke states. Out of 24 other bloodlines

entered in the trial, teams using Greendale genetics measured up to $27.76 above the trial average for wool dollars per head.

A consistent, recognisable difference for Greendale genetics it’s the retention of profitable productivity all through the animal’s life.

A consistent and recognisable difference of Greendale genetics is the retention of

productivity - reflected in the overall performance and productivity throughout the animals life. At Greendale’s annual ewe shearing all ewes cut 7.3kg on average at 17.2 microns, after rearing 102 percent lambs in the 2022 season.

Greendale have a point of difference genetically with their sheep measuring high ACFW’s, something not

UniSA study checks-in on farmers’ wellbeing post flood disaster

FARMERS rely on good weather to grow crops and sustain livestock, so when the Bureau of Meteorology issues an El Ni√±o warning, it’s a bitter pill to swallow given that so many farmers and rural communities across Australia are still reeling from recent oods.

Now, researchers at the University of South Australia are hoping to connect with farmers who have been affected by the 2022-23 floods to better understand their first-hand experiences and how they would like to be supported to regain optimal wellbeing.

Rural health expert, Clinical Psychologist and founder of farmer-designed ifarmwell, UniSA’s Associate Professor Kate Gunn said the research will explore how farmers have coped during and in the aftermath of the floods and how they would like to be supported in the future.

“Life on the land always has its ups and downs, but in the past 12 months, farmers who have been hit by floods have been dealt a particularly tough hand,” Assoc Prof Gunn says.

“Due to the floods, primary producers have lost crops, livestock and important infrastructure. Of course, this also has significant implications for farmers’ identities and livelihoods.

“When such devastation occurs, it affects everyone. However, farmers are believed to be at increased risk of adverse psychological outcomes, and to face unique challenges, compared to general flood-affected populations.

“This is largely because farmers generally live and work in the same place – to have both your home and business affected in one hit is extra challenging.

“Our research hopes to better understand these experiences from the perspectives of current primary producers, and importantly, how they would like to be supported to improve their wellbeing in their unique settings and situations, so that we can design support strategies that build upon their existing strengths, and coping strategies and fit with their preferences and needs.”

The 2022-23 floods destroyed mass areas across Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, causing losses of $9.6 billion. It is considered the fourth most-expensive natural disaster in the world last year.

UniSA’s research team, which includes Dr Chloe Fletcher, is now looking to connect with farmers who have been affected by the 2022/23 floods and are willing to confidentially talk about their experiences.

“Talking with farmers and asking how they would like to be supported with their wellbeing is crucial to helping them navigate their flood recovery in the best way possible,” Dr Fletcher says.

“The voice of those affected by the floods should be at the heart of any response initiatives designed to support Australian farmers’ wellbeing.”

This study, led by UniSA, is being conducted in partnership with Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland SA and the National Centre for Farmer Health.

seen in many other merino genetics.

Return per hectare on the most commercially viable traits of a merino wool producing enterprise is Greendale’s focus. The current 2023 catalogue demonstrates this with group ASBV averages significantly above industry averages:

Greendale FP+ : 176 (top 5%) , Industry average (145)

Greendale MP+: 185 (top 10%), Industry average (158)

Greendale YCFW: 26.8 (top 20%), Industry average (17.5)

Greendale ACFW: 26.5 (top 10%), Industry average (13.9)

Greendale YFD: -2.7 (top 5%), Industry average (-1.04)

Greendale continues to maintain its focus on continually improving

their genetics through DNA testing to produce the most profitable, productive merinos that produce high fleece weights and low fibre diameters.

Greendale’s Annual ram sale will be held on Saturday October 21. Enquires are always welcome. More information can be found on Sheep genetics and Auction Plus.

SALE

PRODUCTIVITY: Greendale ewes.

Avonside Merino Stud sale

By KRIS KING

AVONSIDE Merino Stud will be holding their 14th annual on property ram sale on Thursday October 19 at 11am.

This sale will be held at “Muniong” with inspections from 9.30am. Forty, oneyear-old rams will be offered at auction followed by private treaty rams.

This sale will also be interfaced with AuctionsPlus, so keep an eye out for photos and videos of every ram in the weeks leading up to the sale. Selling agents are Elders and Monaro Livestock and Property. An Open Day will be held on Sunday

October 15 between 10am and 3pm.

A feature of our 2023 sale team will be the first progeny of Cottage Park 1065, the $20,000 top price ram purchased in 2021. As a group this year’s rams have appreciated the drier season, and will exhibit the same white, bright wools from the productive skins that you have come to expect from Avonside genetics. Feedback from our clients has highlighted the resilience and functionality of the Avonside type through a range of environments and climatic conditions.

The fantastic loyal support from our clients continues

to drive our passion to breed and offer functional and profitable merinos. It gives us the confidence to invest in industry leading genetics, both through AI and the

National farmer survey reveals angst over government agenda

1,600 farmers from across Australia have had their say in the rst National Farmer Priorities Survey.

Industry sentiment is deteriorating with one

in three farmers less positive about the future of farming than they were 12 months ago.

Farmers are worried about a wide range of policy

pressures, with market fairness, environment laws and infrastructure funding topping the list.

A majority of farmers think the Federal

14TH ANNUAL ON PROPERTY RAM SALE

Government’s policies are harming the industry.

Market fairness, environment laws and the state of rural roads have topped the list of concerns in the first National Farmer Priorities Survey conducted by the National Farmers’ Federation in partnership with Seftons.

The survey of more than 1,600 farmers also confirmed falling confidence within the sector, and revealed reservations about the approach of the Albanese Government.

NFF President Fiona Simson said the results should prompt a conversation within government about how it can support the sector’s growth as seasonal and market conditions deteriorate.

“What we’ve heard through this survey is that farmers are feeling frustrated. They’re being squeezed by a lack of government support on a wide range of fronts – whether that’s the unchecked market power of supply chain players, crumbling rural roads, unnecessary green tape, workplace laws… the list

goes on. We’re watching commodity markets fall and seasons dry out. We can’t control the weather, it’s part and parcel of farming. But the policy environment is something the government can control.

The survey found that a majority of farmers (54.3 per cent) thought the Federal Government’s policies were harming the industry, and only 31.2 per cent thought they were doing a good job for farmers.

“This isn’t a stellar report card for the Albanese Government. They need to listen to people on the land and they need to act, because farmers are losing faith.

“Looming policy failures like shutting down the live sheep export trade or shutting down farms in the Murray Darling Basin send a damning message about the government’s priorities. Farmers are getting that message loud and clear,” Ms Simson said.

Managing Director of Seftons, farmer and report co-author Robbie Sefton AM said she hoped the results of the survey could inform smarter policymaking that

recognises the value and contribution of Aussie farmers.

“Australia’s farmers are the best at what they do. They produce incredible products under exceptional circumstances, and they do it with remarkable positivity and resilience,” Ms Sefton explained.

“We need to make sure they’re part of the conversation when decisions that impact their livelihoods are being made.”

The survey found that despite the concerns held by respondents, farmers (70.7 percent) continued to love what they do for a living, and a similar number (67.5 percent) described their local community as a great place to live.

“There is no better and more meaningful lot in life than to produce food and fibre for a living and form part of a farming community,” she said.

“What we want to do is ensure government hears the emerging concerns of our food and fibre producers and acts to secure a prosperous future for them and their communities,” Ms Simson concluded.

2023 White Wool sale

Hazeldean-bred in tough conditions on the Monaro

BREEDING Merinos since 1865, Hazeldean is known for its heavy-cutting, ne wool Merinos, which are a plainer-bodied sheep with excellent early growth and eece performance.

With 24,000 sheep in its total flock, Hazeldean Merinos are bred in tough conditions on the Monaro.

Performance Polls are a plainer-bodied sheep with less breach wrinkle and much easier to handle. And they are shaping up as some of the best polled rams available.

AFTER a wet 2022, Monaro sheep producers have been managing their farms in a climate they are more accustomed to.

The somewhat drier conditions contain their own challenges but generally are more favourable for merino sheep.

The Monaro White Wool ram sale will take place on Tuesday October 17, commencing at 12 noon

at the Cooma Showground with Snowy Plain/ Snow Vale to follow on property, Trappers Run 1239 Eucumbene Road .

The rams will be presented for sale in immaculate condition. The breeding philosophy of the three studs remains focused on white, good testing wools that will handle rain and wetter conditions.

New sires with progeny

represented include Willandra XL and One Oak R9198 at Boudjah, a Tara Park sire at Snowy Plain and a Demondrille and Nerstane poll sire at Main Range.

The three studs would also like to welcome visitors on October 15 for an open day at their respective sites, to view a selection of sale rams and to discuss breeding direction.

This year Jim Litchfield, his wife Libby, daughter Bea and her husband Ed Bradley, will be hosting the Hazeldean ram sale on-property at Cooma, offering 260 magnificent Merino rams.

“We always want to maintain a strong wool focus with Merino’s. The old saying ‘shear fives five times and only kill them once’ has weight when markets turn like they have. The current micron premium is excellent. Hazeldean and our clients are capitalising on it”, Ed said.

“The Hazeldean

“Wool quality is only ever increasing in our flock, as well as production and performance, including fleece weight and fibre diameter,” he said.

“There has been a shift across the industry in trying to breed plainer sheep that are easy care and not mulesed, but in doing so there has been significant sacrifice to performance.

“We are producing plainer-bodied, lower wrinkled-scored sheep without compromising on performance.

“We are offering some of the highest performing sheep in the industry, based on real data.”

And the performance of their flock is undoubtable.

The Hazeldean ewe flock micron is around 18 microns, with the ram team testing around 17.8 micron. Owing to stringent selection they have also minimised age “blow out” with older ewes retaining their fibre diameter well into old age.

He said they were still pushing fleeceweight up and micron down on a low wrinkle sheep and there were no indications they had reached a genetic roadblock with improvement in all three traits still being achieved.

All sale rams will be given structural and wool scores from Allan Casey, as well as a pre-sale fertility assessment by Tom Graham, Coolac Veterinary Services. Hazeldean will be hosting an open day on October 15 from 10am until 2pm before its sale on October 20.

The sale will kick off at midday, and Nutrien will be taking the bids on the day.

16th

Yarns aplenty at Pacawoolly

By LISA ASHURST

THE so est bres in the most delicious colours, that’s what you’ll nd at Pacawoolly, a small alpaca stud farm, which has been resident in Michelago since 2009.

Jo Gaha and Helen Jenkins met at university and their shared interests eventually led them to start a small alpaca stud together. Both loved working with fibre, and a genuine affinity for the appealing, soft-fleeced alpacas just came together to tick all the boxes. “We’ve been farming alpacas for around 20 years now and initially our herd was agisted at a few locations. We had them had Lanyon Homestead for a while, but when Gary (Jo’s husband) and I bought the farm in Michelago, we were able to put many of our plans into practice”, Jo said.

Those plans were to produce the highest quality fibre as naturally as possible, for high quality yarns and knitted items, and to produce it one-hundred-percent here in Australia.

That was 14 years ago, and just a few years after moving onto their farm, their friend Ann Harrison, from a neighbouring property, joined Jo and Helen as a third partner and since then, Ann has utilised her spinning and weaving expertise in specialising in unique, one-off, high quality hand-spun yarn.

So Jo looks after the farm, Helen and Jo knit, Ann spins and weaves, and it all comes together beautifully.

Pacawoolly also sell alpacas as pets, guard animals, and as small groups of animals for those who may be interested in setting up their own stud.

A member of the Australian Alpaca Association, Pacawoolly’s lovely yarns come in a wonderful range of natural colours. “They are the actual colours of the animals and the yarn labels feature the name of animal it came from.” Jo explained.

Yarns are available in 8 and 4 ply and usually in 50 gram balls. It doesn’t contain lanolin and people

are least likely to have an allergic reaction to the yarn, and while they are lighter to wear, alpaca yarn garments are very warm.

The hues range from creamy whites to pale and rose greys, fawns and warm browns through to rich chocolate browns, but they have also experimented with ecologically sound, plant-based dyes on some of their white fibres to produce an attractive range of one-off colours in quality yarn, which are then either knitted or woven into one-off specialty items.

Committed to using the most sustainable, natural and economically viable products and processes, Pacawoolly applies these principles to the care of their flock, their land and their fleeces.

Choosing a very fine 14 micron ensures high comfort factor fleeces to mill into yarns, which delivers a

wonderfully soft and comfortable product that is lovely to the touch, delightful to knit or crochet, and very comfortable to wear. via their website pacawoolly.com. au as well as at various markets.

The Biggest AgriPhoto Competition

THE Biggest AgriPhoto Competition aims to capture big or small moments on the farm

In the lead up to National Ag Day on November 17, has announced the launch of The Biggest AgriPhoto Competition with the aim of celebrating the enormous contribution and importance of our agriculture heroes – farmers and their families.

The photo competition will be launched on Monday October 16 and closes on Sunday November 12 and encourages farmers, growers, their families and even others who are outside of the Ag industry, to capture moments on the farm that celebrate the hard work of farmers and the enduring spirit of all in the Ag industry.

“At BASF, farming is the biggest job on earth, made up of countless activities that everyday Australians don’t see. We want to use the photographic talents of many to showcase the efforts of our farmers and all in the Ag Community – from the

early starts and long hours, to working in the fields and beyond, whilst managing familes,” said Gavin Jackson, Head of Agricultural Solutions in BASF in Australia and New Zealand.

Entrants are encouraged to share their best images for a chance to win a share of the $10,500 prize pool

The Biggest AgriPhoto Competition is an opportunity to drive greater community collaboration while celebrating the unsung heroes who dedicate themselves to providing everyone in Australia with their daily fresh fruits, fibres and food.

Participants are encouraged to enter a photograph for a chance to win a $500 store voucher (GiftPay) and a framed photograph of their image. Two winners will be announced each week via BASF Australia’s social media channels, and will also go in the running for the grand prize – a $2,500 store voucher (GiftPay) announced on National Ag Day (Friday November 17).

Rams available by appointment on property from the 30th of September 2023.

Long bodied, well muscled and structurally sound rams, with excellent temperament. Paddock reared & sound for joining. Brucellosis Accredited & Gudair vaccinated.

Pacawoolly is also selling now at the Bungendore weekly produce market from autumn, through winter and into early spring.

Who wool take top spot? Nation’s best young fleece judges to shine at Launceston Royal Show

AUSTRALIA’S most promising judges of Merino eece have been announced by Agricultural Shows Australia as eligible to compete in the national nals of the prestigious annual competition to be judged next month.

The competition brings together the best young judges and paraders aged from 15 to 25 in each state to compete at the national finals. Qualification is via success in competitive regional and state competitions. One Merino fleece young judge from South Australia, Cody Jones, will be competing in an unprecedented four events; meat sheep breeds, Merino fleece, Merino sheep, and poultry. The national championships are held in a different location each year. This year, the event is being hosted by Tasmanian Ag Shows and held at the Launceston Royal Show. The Merino Fleece Young Judges competition is sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation. The winner of each competition will also take home a pair of boots from Blundstone Australia.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Cody Jones, 19, from Leighton will be representing South Australia in the Merino fleece young judges competition.

Cody will also represent his state in the junior judging for meat sheep breeds, Merino sheep, and poultry, becoming the first person to compete at the national level in so many competitions. A woolbroker at Quality Wool, Cody is looking forward to ticking off a personal bucket list goal.

“It’s definitely been on the bucket list to, not only go to Launceston, but to compete at the nationals. The goal is to try and do my best to represent SA to the best of my abilities in all four events,” he said.

VICTORIA

Tess Runting, 24, from Mount Eliza will be representing Victoria in the Merino fleece young judges competition.

“My journey into agriculture started in high school where I had some great mentors and it’s come full circle as I’m now a farm manager at Flinders

Christian Community College where I’m so lucky to be involved and help students in the same way I was. As a kid, junior judging can seem nerve racking, but I’m able to say to my students, ‘I’ve done it and it’s taken me all over the country and given me amazing opportunities’. It’s also allowed me to bring back ideas that I now use in my local shows, Pakenham and Red Hill,” Tess said.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Monte Barnes, 22, from Hay will be representing New South Wales in the Merino fleece young judges competition.

Monte pinpointed being crowned the champion of the young fleece judges at the 2023 Sydney Royal Easter Show as a highlight.

“I grew up on a sheep property and it was a reward for myself and my father because he’s been my main mentor and it goes to show what he knows goes a long way. It’s not everyday you get to go to nationals and represent your state so I’m very humbled by the experience and getting the opportunity to fly the banner

LIVESTOCK STUD STOCK CALENDAR

high for NSW and network with other competitors from each state,” Monte said.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Libby Hardingham, 16, from Murradup will be representing Western Australia in the Merino fleece young judges competition.

“Winning the young fleece judges at the Perth Royal Show was just incredible and I’m really looking forward to the experience that I know I’ll gain from nationals. I’ve always been in the sheep industry, my dad was a shearer, my mum was a rousie, and my three older sisters all work on farms now so it’s always been a part of my life,” Libby said.

QUEENSLAND

Angus Hacker, 20, from Roma will be representing Queensland in the Merino fleece young judges competition.

“Qualifying for nationals at Cunnamulla was particularly special because both my brother and sister have also done it so it was great to keep flying the flag. I’ve been involved in junior judging for years and it’s so good to see young people in the industry

having a go and learning from the diversity of views and being able to connect with other young sheep breeders from around the country,” Angus said.

TASMANIA

Sym Hood, 20, from Longford will be representing Tasmania in the Merino fleece young judges competition.

“My parents got me two sheep when I was seven and I’ve been sheep crazy ever since. I’ve always had pointers from my father and also everywhere I’ve worked and I guess it’s one of those things if you’re passionate about something you always seem to get good at it. I’m looking forward to bringing home the win for Tasmania,” Sym said.

THE COMPETITIONS

Overall there are nine categories for judging and parading each year under the Agricultural Shows Australia national competition program: beef cattle, dairy cattle, alpaca, poultry, Merino sheep, meat breed sheep and Merino fleece judging, as well as parading competitions in beef and dairy cattle.

The Merino fleece young judges competition is designed to determine who most accurately ranks four fleeces of a similar wool type in order from first to fourth.

Dr Rob Wilson is chairman of Agricultural Shows Australia, the peak body overseeing 572 agricultural shows in Australia which attract six million visitors annually and contribute nearly $1billion to the national economy, and says the competition is designed to recognise the best new talent in livestock judging nationwide.

“It’s an extremely prestigious event and positions at the nationals are keenly contested,” Dr. Wilson explains.

“These young people are the future of agricultural show competitions which are crucial to the continual improvement of Australia’s food and fibre. The national competition is a coveted opportunity to grow personally and professionally by practising skills against the cream of the crop.”

If ordered, 8 week wait

Planning for the unplanned

WITH bush re warnings spreading across Australia as we head into the warmer months, The Salvation Army’s free and con dential nancial counselling service Moneycare is urging people to “plan for the unplanned” with a new resource.

Planning for the Unplanned is a free online book that provides practical and financial advice on how to prepare for the upcoming disaster season and includes

stories of everyday Aussies who have faced and survived the devastation of natural disasters.

This follows recent reports suggesting a hot and dry summer is on the way, with the Australasian Fire Authorities Council predicting an increased risk of bushfire across the country*.

The Salvation Army has had a key presence in disaster zones for over 50 years. Throughout the Black

Summer bushfires alone, the Salvos assisted more than 13,000 people with short and long-term financial, emotional and practical support**.

“The Salvos’ Moneycare service has seen the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on people right around the country. The last few years have been tough, with floods and fires hitting most parts of the country,” said Kristen

Hartnett, Head of The Salvation Army’s Moneycare team.

“This is why we developed this new resource. We want people to be prepared and plan for the unplanned, so they can face anything that is thrown their way. So please access our free book online and utilise our practical tips to protect you and your family.”

The book covers a range of areas that will better equip people for the upcoming fire

season. Some of these tips include:

Understanding insurance

Getting financially prepared with a money plan

Importance of an emergency fund

Creating a “go bag” with essentials for an emergency situation

Understanding your rights.

“Our hope is that this book will reveal things you are already doing well and shine a light on things you

Call to stop rising pest costs

A new survey revealing the rising cost of controlling pests and weeds is concerning as drying conditions worsen, NSW Farmers says.

According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), 85 percent of land managers spent on average of $21,950 on pest and weed species management last year, an increase of more than $6000*.

Problems caused by feral animals such as foxes, mice, pigs and deer had increased,

while there was also a small but meaningful increase in reports of weed related problems on properties since 2019.

Monaro grazier Craig Mitchell, from the NSW Farmers Conservation and Resource Management Committee, said the burden of dealing with pest weeds and animals could be reduced if all landowners and managers did the right thing.

“We’re looking at another shocking summer ahead with hot, dry conditions

already here and a huge amount of weeds drying out on the ground, while feral animals compete with livestock and native animals for food and water,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The frustrating thing for farmers is that we see public lands locked up and mismanaged, or we see absentee landowners fail to control pests and weeds, and it provides these breeding grounds that makes the problem worse every year.

“This puts increasing pressures on the production

of food and fibre while our losses to invasive species are increasing, and that’s ultimately going to have impacts far beyond the farm gate.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns has tasked the Natural Resources Commission to independently review the risks and impacts of pests and weeds in NSW and the effectiveness of current management strategies, prompting a call for landholders to have their say on how pests and weeds can be better managed in NSW.

Mr Mitchell welcomed the review and said it was an important opportunity for farmers to highlight their concerns and challenges.

“This is a vital time to develop comprehensive and effective nil-tenure plans that address not only immediate threats but prevent further losses and waste to invasive species,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The old method of locking up land and not managing it has been an increasing threat to agricultural production, and we

have the power to change. Each person’s financial and physical circumstances are different, so this program is tailored to ensure anyone can feel more able to manage, should they face a disaster,” Ms Hartnett said.

To access a copy of Planning for the Unplanned, or to find out more information about The Salvation Army’s free and confidential Moneycare service, visit salvationarmy.org.au.

strongly believe obligations to control pests and weeds must be better set out and have government investment and commitment.

“Ultimately everyone has a role to play in making sure we control invasive animals and weeds, and hopefully this review will lead to better outcomes in the future.”

Further information on the review is available on the Natural Resources Commission’s website: www. nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/ nsw-invasive-species-management-review

We cater to all types of animal industries including:

• Small animal breeders, such as rabbits and cavies

• Stable bedding for the family pony or champion thoroughbred

• Dairy calves

• All forms of barn-raised poultry

Our product is of the highest quality and meets all HACCP standards for use in the poultry and animal industry. Our product is clean and free of contaminates such as CCA, glues and resins.

NUTRIEN COOMA Contact Tony Clarke (0408 114 812)

Ewe nutrition is key to lamb survival

By Ausfarm Nutrition

THIS time last year, saw the beginning of one of the best spring seasons on record, with above average rainfall recorded across the Snowy Monaro region.

While accompanied by increased worm pressures and hoof issues, early spring rainfall last year provided large amounts of quality feed that boosted spring lambing activities.

However, with tighter seasonal conditions since March this year, and recent forecasts suggesting little chance of a spring break, feed is looking to be a concern for producers during the lambing period.

Although there are many variables that may lead to mortality in pregnant ewes and newborn lambs, birth weight is the largest determinant of lamb survival, and is strongly linked to maternal nutrition.

This view is supported by AusFarm Nutrition Products’ Chief Nutritionist, Dr Paul Meggison, who has been working with producers to improve lamb survival over the past 45 years.

“If we look a er the ewes,

the results will be seen in lamb survival,” Dr Meggison said.

“In order to do this, you should aim for ewes to maintain a stable body condition score of 3 to 3.5 throughout pregnancy.”

However, in many cases this may be easier said than done.

Ewe nutritional requirements increase from day 90 of pregnancy until lambing, around two months later. Interestingly, a condition score change a er day 90 can alter the lamb birth weight by 0.5kg. So it’s important for the ewe to have a rising plane of nutrition to match increasing requirements.

“Essentially, the best feed should be reserved for the lambing paddocks when they need it the most,” he said.

This is especially important, because as the foetus and placenta grow, they take up a large amount of room in the abdomen of the ewe. This can squash the rumen and signi cantly reduce the ewe’s appetite.

Furthermore, e ective pre-lambing worm management can have a huge

impact on lamb survival. Worm burdens can significantly increase the nutritional requirements of the ewe, making it more difcult to maintain a stable condition score, regardless of feed quality.

Ewes have a compromised immune system during pregnancy, so mild worm infections can become a much larger problem in a short period of time.

Commonly overlooked by producers, is the value of supplementing ewes with an e ective lambing supplement that provides essential minerals, vitamins and trace elements.

According to Dr Meggison, macro minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and sodium should not be overlooked.

“Like with energy, between late pregnancy and peak lactation, the out ow of minerals from the ewe into the lamb massively outstrips supply from feed alone,” he said.

“Extreme de ciencies can lead to hypocalcaemia, however, well before they hit critical levels, mineral de ciencies reduce the efciency of essential bodily

NUTRITION ESSENTIAL: Although there are many variables that may lead to mortality in pregnant ewes and newborn lambs, birth weight is the largest determinant of lamb survival, and is strongly linked to maternal nutrition.

and stress.”

“Stressed ewes with poor mineral reserves and low immunity are more likely to lose lambs due to mismothering, starvation, dystocia and stillbirth”, he said.

Minerals can also assist with feed conversion eciency and energy metabolism helping to avoid pregnancy toxaemia. Similarly, trace elements and vitamins are essential for immune function when ewes and lambs are at their most vulnerable.

A one percent, two percent or ve percent increase in the survival rate of lambs can generate thousands of dollars in previously unrealised pro t, and the use of an e ective mineral supplement during lambing can make this happen.

Dr Meggison said not all supplements are equal, and not all supplements generate the same results. The value of an e ective lambing supplement is huge, with a recent study showing returns of almost four to one.

A recent independent trial highlighted the signicant value in supplementing

like StockMins-EweLamLac.

“For 1,000 ewes supplemented the di erence in revenue can be upwards of $16,000,” he said.

Independent Trial: StockMins-EweLamLac HE lambing supplement vs Causmag®, lime and salt

A recent independent study, compared the performance of ewes supplemented with Causmag (magnesium oxide), lime and salt (288 single bearing ewes) with ewes supplemented with StockMins-EweLamLac HE (197 single bearing ewes) over a 98-day period from four weeks pre-lambing until four weeks post-lambing.

The trial group o ered StockMins-EweLamLac HE performed signi cantly better than Causmag, lime and salt, including:

• 3.3 percent more lambs weaned

• An average of 6.1kg heavier lambs at weaning

• An average of 4.8kg heavier ewes at weaning

What does this mean to your bottom line?

For 1,000 single bearing ewes over a 98-day sup-

weeks lambing period and four weeks post-lambing), a sheep breeding operation can realise a $16,569 net income di erence by supplementing with StockMins-EweLamLac HE over Causmag, lime and salt.

StockMins-EweLamLac is a weatherproof, granular, mineral supplement designed to supply pregnant and recently lambed ewes with balanced levels of essential minerals, vitamins and trace elements to assist in correcting de ciencies and boosting reserves during times of high demand.

StockMins-Hoof n Horn is a high speci cation weatherproof, granular supplement designed to be fed to assist in controlling lameness, strengthening hooves and boosting ewe immunity during times of high production stress such as lambing.

Contact AusFarm Nutrition Products on 0412 048 055 or visit www.ausfarmnutrition.com for more information on how StockMins-EweLamLac and StockMins-Hoof n Horn can help boost your lambing results this season.

Supplements for Lambing Success

Maximise Lambing Performance this Season

-EweLamLac Supplement

StockMins-EweLamLac is a weatherproof granular loose lick supplement designed to support ewes under pre and post-partum stress. It focuses on increasing dietary levels of magnesium, calcium and phosphorous to satisfy the demands of a growing foetus.

percentage

Greater performing ewes

Higher weaning weights

maximise your weaning percentage this season lambing supplement to get the most out of your ewes.

and trace element significantly elevated during pregnancy to early post-lambing). These for ewes carrying

StockMins-EweLamLac also boosts feed conversion efficiency and immune function, ultimately supporting ewes and lambs when they are most vulnerable to disease.

StockMins-Hoof n Horn

during this period demands to sustain a foetus and support milk

StockMins-EweLamLac is a weatherproof granular loose lick supplement designed to support ewes under pre and post-partum stress. It focuses on increasing dietary levels of magnesium, calcium and phosphorous to satisfy the demands of a growing foetus

StockMins-EweLamLac also boosts feed conversion efficiency and immune function, ultimately supporting ewes and lambs when they are most vulnerable to disease.

StockMins-Hoof n Horn is a high specification weatherproof granular loose lick supplement designed to be fed to ewes, prior to and during the lambing period, to fortify hooves and chitinous tissue.

of your ewes this lambing season call the team at South East Rural 3511.

The combined power of three active ingredients targeted at hoof growth and repair & integrity, supported by essential minerals, trace elements and elevated levels of vitamin E make StockMins-Hoof n Horn an ideal supplement for highly productive ewes this season.

For more information on how to maximise your lambing performance this season call the team at South East Rural Supplies (02) 6452 3511

Greenland Merino Stud

By JOHN ALCOCK

GREENLAND Merino Stud is located at Bungarby on the Monaro, NSW.

The Monaro is a challenging environment with this year no exception.

Last year there was plenty of rain but this year it is the reverse. This highlights the importance of good quality lustrous white wool with the correct wax to swint ratio ensures a large reduction in dust penetration.

We have a special “church” ram we are selling and donating the proceeds to the Maffra Church to help repair the stained glass windows.

With more chemical resistance to flies, we must breed sheep with superior wools that don’t need as much chemical use.

Greenland has always concentrated on these characters as well as structural correctness.

Good quality white wools always create good competition from the wool trade as they perform well in the textile mills. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a huge difference between

17 to 19 micron wools that highlights the importance of genetic stability with wool that doesn’t blow out too far when the seasons are kind.

We have been using Merino Select for six years to cater for the producers looking for traits that they wish to improve.

Greenland has been pedigreeing their flock since 1986 giving it a great predictability for breeding stable genetics. We have

stud and have always kept them separate so that sheep breeders can purchase with confidence that, that is the wool they will produce. Even though we are using Merino Select, we still place a huge emphasis on visual appraisal, traits that are not measured, such as structural soundness, superior wool quality, correct nourishment, mothering ability, good neck extension, body length,

attributes to keep right so that Merino sheep can be managed easier. We still show sheep, usually only juniors, as I believe they should be in the paddock producing as two-year-olds. It costs a lot of money to show but it is still the best place to

hands off the wheel for a while you will get left behind.

Sire evaluations are also important as you can compare apples with apples under the same environmental conditions providing the ewe base of the trial is suitable for your type of

It is made up of science, visual traits, management, environment and a lot of common sense.

We welcome any inquiries any time. www.greenlandmerinos.com.au or email alcock@skymesh.com.au

Phone John 02 6453 6244 or Greg 0487 857 821.