Queensland Farmer Today March 2022

March 2022

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Help at fingertips

Life changing call

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Super crop

Parade comes to Proston

With wide smiles, sorghum growers in southern Queensland are busy harvesting what may be their biggest crop in 10 years.

ABARES’ latest forecast has the national crop pegged at 1.97 million tonnes from 586,000 hectares sown.

AgForce grains president Brendan Taylor said above-average rainfall across southern Queensland in spring had helped establish early-sown sorghum.

“The crop planted across the Darling Downs in late August/ early September is mostly harvested and the results have been sensational, with yields between seven and 8.5 yields,” he said.

“In 2021, the seasonal conditions were near-perfect. Some flooding in November, yes, but it was largely beneficial for sorghum growers in southern Queensland.”

STORY PAGE 3

Paying price of Paradise Columnist Tom Marland says that, since September 2019, Bundaberg farmers have been battling drought conditions, worker shortages, Covid restrictions and also the fear that Paradise Dam would not be reinstated. There has been an enormous amount of heart break, angst and loss that has accumulated over the last two and a half years.

Finally, it appears that common sense has prevailed, with news of Federal and State funding commitments for urgent repairs to Paradise Dam. “But all the announcements and funding commitments won’t return water security overnight,” he writes. “We are still several years away from having the dam rebuilt and back to full capacity. The challenge now is to have the dam restored and refilled in the shortest time possible.”

COLUMN PAGE 16

Two young paraders compete at the Royal Queensland Show (the Ekka) in 2020. Due to the Ekka being cancelled last year, Proston will on 5 March host the state final of the Queensland Ag Shows Cattle Young Judges and Paraders’ competition. Queensland Shows general manager Trevor Beckingham said while it had been a juggling act, he was thrilled Queensland’s youth would now have the opportunity to qualify for the national equivalent at The Sydney Royal Show.

STORY PAGE 5

Shows go on Floods, fire, drought and, of course, Covid, failed to sink the spirit of Queensland agricultural shows last year, with only 13 of 129 cancelled.

For 10 months in 2020, Queensland Shows general manager, Trevor Beckingham, formulated an “industry plan” that Queensland Health approved, allowing the 2021 season to run unabated.

It was the only State to produce such a document - NSW cancelled many shows last year - and not a single positive Covid case was con-

tracted through attendance at an agricultural show.

“It’s a proud record and I’m very proud of the whole show movement,” Mr Beckingham said.

“It humbled me that the people out there in those rural communities did such an amazing job last year, delivering shows despite the adversity being thrown at them.

“And, that’s why I absolutely love working with them because of their resilience and their passion. The passion they have is just

second to none.”

Mr Beckingham said he has worked “hammer and tong” over the past three years to ensure regional and remote communities received the economic and social bonus their show brought.

“And this is what people don’t understand . . . $960 million is spent in these regional communities through the shows happening,” he said.

STORY PAGE 4

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INSIDE

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

HEALTH AT FINGERTIPS ................ page 11 FROM THE MLA ........................... page 12 PROTEIN CONFERENCE ............... page 15 FOOD FOR THOUGHT ................... page 16 FROM THE MINISTER ................... page 17 ERLE LEVEY FEATURE ...........pages 22-24 DISTRICT SALEYARDS ROUND-UP ............................pages 25-26 ROMA RUGBY CARNIVAL ........pages 27-28

Agricultural shows are an integral part of Australian culture.

They galvanise small communities and play a vital role in supporting onfarm innovation, productivity and profitability.

They also help bridge the divide between country and city, with many shows incorporating an educational element.

Among those elements is the junior judging competition, which is surging in interest through rural Queensland.

The competitions give aspiring judges the opportunity to showcase their talents and feature a variety of categories from beef cattle and alpacas to cake decorating and photography.

In what is being described as a Steven Bradbury-esqe moment, Proston has clinched the state final of the Queensland Ag Shows Cattle Young Judges’ and Paraders’ competition.

After the Ekka was cancelled and Stanthorpe’s show was postponed, Proston stood tall and offered to host the contest, giving winners time to qualify for “nationals” at the Sydney Royal Show.

According to Proston Show Society president Mortimer Duff, the entire town in the South Burnett region is buzzing with excitement.

And, good for them.

Thank goodness there is one winner to emerge from this continuing Covid-induced chaos!

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Meat goes digital Widely accepted as the international red meat industries technical manual for trade, the Handbook of Australian Meat (HAM) has gone digital.

In its eighth edition, AUS-MEAT has published the Handbook of Australian Meat, an international red meat manual which facilitates the use of accurate product descriptions in domestic and international trade both as a hard copy, and as an app available from today for smart phones and tablets.

AUS-MEAT has produced the app in conjunction with technical experts to ensure as many people as possible have access to the valuable information contained in the handbook including international and domestic customers of Australian red meat, exporters, processors, trainers and specialist users.

“Converting the hard copy handbook into an app offers significant benefits in its immediacy, portability, ease of use, interactivity, accessibility and enhanced functionality,” said Ben Robinson, AUS-MEAT general manager – meat standards and training services who has overseen the project.

The app also contains interactive 3D car-

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cass models, 3D meat products and anatomical guides. It has a searchable meat product directory and the ability to save specific meat

products for quick reference. More interactive features will be added in future.

It has undergone extensive user-testing over the last three months, and its launch is widely anticipated by stakeholders.

“The Handbook of Australian Meat (HAM) has always been a wonderful reference tool and now with the fantastic new HAM App we have it in the palm of our hands – just brilliant,” Nolan meats director said Terry Nolan said.

Australian Country Choice group manager of research development innovation Paul Gibson said that an app would help to improve efficiency and accuracy.

“The meat industry must embrace digital delivery of information across the supply chain to be more effective and economical.”

The HAM app enables exporters and importers of Australian products to communicate detailed specifications and descriptions of red meat items using a common language.

From today, the HAM app can be easily downloaded via the Apple app store and the Google Play store, available for free for download on both Android and Apple devices.

QFF welcomes new CEO Jo Sheppard has been appointed chief executive officer (CEO) of Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF).

The former Paroo Shire council mayor most recently served as director of stakeholder engagement at the University of Southern Queensland.

Ms Sheppard’s previous roles also include CEO of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and director on the Sunwater board.

“Advocating on behalf of Queensland’s farmers is a significant responsibility and, given the importance of the agriculture sector to the state’s economy and regional communities, effective representation is critical,” she said.

“Despite facing ongoing challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, rising input prices, biosecurity incursions and climate change, Queensland farmers continue to produce world-class food, fibre and foliage.

“I look forward to supporting and striving for a better deal for Queensland’s farmers to strengthen their productivity and profitability into the future.”

QFF president Allan Dingle thanked outgoing CEO Dr Georgina Davis who has moved on to new challenges and welcomed Ms Sheppard to her new role.

“Jo has demonstrated clear leadership and advocacy skills throughout her career and her organisational and stakeholder engagement experience will be crucial assets for QFF our industry members and the state’s farmers.

“Under her direction, QFF will continue to progress a broad range of economic, social, environmental and regional issues of strategic importance to improve the operating environment for Queensland’s farmers.”

Ms Sheppard began working with QFF on 14 February.

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Super sorghum outlook

By Fiona Gowers With wide smiles, sorghum growers in southern Queensland are busy harvesting what may be their biggest crop in 10 years.

ABARES’ latest forecast has the national crop pegged at 1.97 million tonnes from 586,000 hectares sown.

AgForce grains president Brendan Taylor said above-average rainfall across southern Queensland in spring had helped establish early-sown sorghum.

“The crop planted across the Darling Downs in late August/ early September is mostly harvested and the results have been sensational, with yields between seven and 8.5 yields,” he said.

“In 2021, the seasonal conditions were near-perfect. Some flooding in November, yes, but it was largely beneficial for sorghum growers in southern Queensland.”

Mr Taylor said harvest would proceed at pace through February and March and he predicted “heaps of sorghum flowing into bins”.

“The later-sown crops look very good at the moment. Some just need a bit more rain to finish them off but then, of course, we need the rain to stop in time for harvest!

As an “educated guess”, Mr Taylor said growers this year had forward sold up to 30 per cent of their sorghum crop to exploit the premiums offered.

But, he said prices had remained relatively steady, with the market trading at about $290 per tonne due to strong local and international demand.

“It’s the first time in a long time that a bumper summer crop has followed a bumper winter crop, though central Queensland was a bit drier,” Mr Taylor said.

“We managed to string that together and now there is good soil moisture for the following winter crop.”

That is the good news. What is quelling

Sorghum crops are soaring, almost hiding a young James Elliott. growers’ joy, according to Mr Taylor, is soaring input costs, which is making the entire production sector nervous as it enters 2022.

Compound phosphorus fertilisers have more than doubled since last year and urea prices have trebled.

This, combined with uncertainty around grain prices and the seasonal forecast, means farmers have some tough decisions to make in their pre-season planning meetings.

“We’re getting great crops but it’s costing a lot of money to grow them,” Mr Taylor said.

“Cost of production is through the roof. It’s

definitely putting a squeeze on margins.

“And, you can’t not use pesticides and fertiliser because then you cut off your nose to spite your face. Crops need nutrients.

“It’s making growers question what crop to grow next.”

Mr Taylor said while certain crops such as chickpeas don’t require the up-front application of nitrogen, international demand for the legume is low.

“So, there is no point growing a crop no one wants.

“Despite last year’s bumper crop, there is still significant demand for wheat and barley through the feeder section. So, it’s certainly not straightforward for growers.”

Mr Taylor said while the cost of nutrition products remained high, soil preparation was “incredibly important”.

“Hopefully over the next six to 12 months, input costs will ease.”

Mr Taylor said while Covid was impacting prices, it was complicated by factors such as high energy costs, labour problems and international freight fees.

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March 2022 TODAY 3

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Young paraders compete in the Queensland State Finals 2021.

Queensland Shows general manager, Trevor Beckingham.

Proudly, the shows go on

By Fiona Gowers Floods, fire, drought and, of course, Covid, failed to sink the spirit of Queensland agricultural shows last year, with only 13 of 129 cancelled.

For 10 months in 2020, Queensland Shows general manager, Trevor Beckingham, formulated an “industry plan” that Queensland Health approved, allowing the 2021 season to run unabated.

It was the only State to produce such a document - NSW cancelled many shows last year - and not a single positive Covid case was contracted through attendance at an agricultural show.

“It’s a proud record and I’m very proud of the whole show movement,” Mr Beckingham said.

“It humbled me that the people out there in those rural communities did such an amazing job last year, delivering shows despite the adversity being thrown at them.

“And, that’s why I absolutely love working with them because of their resilience and their passion. The passion they have is just second to none.”

Mr Beckingham said he has worked “hammer and tong” over the past three years to ensure regional and remote communities received the economic and social bonus their show brought.

“And this is what people don’t understand . . . $960 million is spent in these regional communities through the shows happening,” he said.

“That is the economic impact of shows in Queensland every year and that’s why I really get upset when the previous (Queensland) chief medical officer says things like, ‘we brought the football up here because of the economic impact it brings’.

“Our economic impact is statewide. It’s not just South East. It is statewide.

“But, it’s also mental welfare. I was at Winton last year, I did the opening of their show and I was talking to a couple of guys and these were farmers who had come in.

“This was their first time off the property in two years and they needed to catch up with people. It’s just that social interaction.”

Mr Beckingham said he had tried his “darndest” to talk to Queensland Health since March 2020.

And, with the “magical” 90 per cent vaccination level reached on February 8, he is now seeking urgent clarity on the restrictions lifted.

“As of right here, right now, Queensland Health has not spoken to us, not one word directly, since the start of the pandemic,” Mr Beckingham said.

“They’re not talking to the people who 4 TODAY March 2022

know what goes on, on showgrounds. Yet they make all of these rules and regulations to cover us but they’re not talking to us.

“And this is what frustrates me, all of the rules and regulations have been promulgated out of George Street, Brisbane and that’s all they know.

“They know an ivory tower, they wouldn’t know a cow if they fell over it, let alone the difference between a beef and a dairy cow.

“But, we’ve got shows that are going ahead and that’s the shining light on the horizon.”

Mr Beckingham said in 2022 only three shows have so far cancelled, with others choosing to postpone as they await brighter days.

He said, however, another nemesis other than the Omicron variant lay in wait for agricultural shows this year … the anti-vaccination movement.

“Anti-vaxxers” are allegedly harassing attendees at events held at showgrounds, with many people preferring to return home rather than run the “gauntlet”.

As the show season starts, Mr Beckingham is holding his breath.

“We’ve got some irresponsible people who are ruining it because they’re not respecting anyone else’s position but they’re prepared to go out and jeopardise events,” he said.

“But, what do you do?

“The bottom line is, we’re not making the rules. The coronavirus is bringing out the best and worst in people and, unfortunately, we’re seeing too much of the worst in people.”

According to Mr Beckingham, most shows in 2021 had record attendance. “There was no reticence last year. We put it on and they turned up.”

This year, the concern is that the “fear cam-

paign” about shows being super-spreader events - combined with anti-vaccination protests - will dramatically impact attendance.

“We’re not a super-spreader event, we proved that last year, but unfortunately, the fear campaigners have been very, very successful.

“I believe shows are of the community, by the community, for the community but the trouble is these communities are now being destroyed.”

Confirmed Show Dates 2022 Bell -26-27 February Proston - 4-5 March Tara - 5 March Inglewood - 12-13 March Warwick - 19-21 March Toowoomba - 25-27 March Stanthorpe -23-24 April Cooya - 28 May

· · · · · · · ·

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Proston hosts state finals

By Fiona Gowers Proston - population 379 - will on 5 March host the state final of the Queensland Ag Shows Cattle Young Judges’ and Paraders’ competition.

It is the first time the prestigious contest will be held outside the Ekka in Brisbane and Proston Show Society president Mortimer Duff is beyond thrilled.

He said it is the most prestigious event to ever grace the Proston show and it has galvanised the community.

“It has definitely brought the whole town together and given them something to be excited for,” Mr Duff said.

“And, the best thing for me has been the feedback from the community of ‘we need more competitions for young people to be involved in our show’.

“Now we are hosting these state competitions for youth, it will bring more young people to the show and give them something to learn from and aspire to.”

Mr Duff said when Queensland Shows general manager, Trevor Beckingham offered the tiny town the opportunity, the small committee quickly met to ratify the decision.

He said knowing the livestock section stewards, Michael and Kathy Duff, Steven Robinson and Richard Grimes he knew that by “hell or high water” the competition would run.

“So many of the opportunities afforded to young people have gone by the wayside over the last two years,” Mr Duff said.

“What we have is an opportunity to provide a platform for young people who want to put themselves out there, who want to find their pathway in the agricultural industry “Our committee, whether they’re cattle stewards, general stewards or volunteers, they’re committed to doing anything they can to provide a platform for these young people to compete and to resume normalcy as quickly as possible.”

Mr Duff stressed that organising the event

Proston Show Society president Mortimer Duff and South Burnett Regional Council mayor Brett Otto.

Livestock section steward Michael Duff at the 2021 proston Show.

Amanda Weber with the Supreme Bull at the 2019 Proston Show, Battalion Speckle Park Stockade. The 2022 Proston Show will include a full Speckle Park feature. of this scale took a team effort.

“Everyone from ladies in the kitchen and the volunteers on the gate have been given an extra workload with the scale of this year’s show - a workload they have taken on without a grumble.

“Brian and Gloria Smith, for example, have tirelessly volunteered their time and resources to find and cart cattle for free for our show.”

Between 10 and 12 competitors - the winners from Queensland’s sub-chambers - will vie for prime beef cattle judge, stud beef cattle judge and stud beef cattle paraders Rob Sinnamon of Kyogle, NSW will judge the state finals.

Mr Duff said for the first time in years, the show would host a feature show, focusing on Speckle Park.

He said this preceded the Toowoomba Royal Show in March, which would promote the same breed.

“This works quite nicely in partnership with that event,” Mr Duff said.

Agricultural exhibitions are free for school teams at the 64th annual Proston Show.

As such, school agricultural teams who exhibit stud or prime cattle are exempt from entry fees “in an effort to foster the rising generation of primary producers and graziers,” Mr Duff said.

Young judges and paraders at the 2021 Proston Show.

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Ian Henderson owns and oprates Australian Vinegar, an innovative vinegar manufacturer in Stanthorpe.

Life-changing phone call

By Fiona Gowers A phone call received “out of the blue” in 2004 changed the course of Ian Henderson’s life.

Busy working through his 10th year as a winemaker, Mr Henderson answered his mobile and heard the voice of a friend in the United States whom he had met through the wine industry.

Bottled vinegar was desperately being sought for a food import business starting in the US and Mr Henderson was asked if he could provide it.

Some 30 Australian wineries canvassed prior had refused, spooked by the stigma attached to the acidic liquid.

Mr Henderson, however, said: “Sure, this looks like a fun project! Let’s give it a go”.

He bought a bucket, a funnel and plastic hose, as well as a guide to vinegar-making written in German (Google helped translate) and so the project began in his parents-inlaw’s tractor shed.

“I literally backed a tractor out of one of the bays, swept the floor, re-purposed some old wine barrels and used vinegar we had stored as a starter,” Mr Henderson said.

“When you talk about rudimentary starts, my capital investment to start with was about $30.

“During my wine science degree, I got an ‘A’ in the subject of ‘how to stop vinegar happening’ so I presumed all I had to do was the reverse.

“But, that won’t work, it’s much more complex and technical than that. In fact, every day 6 TODAY March 2022

I face the stigma that vinegar is just spoiled wine.

“However, we don’t just get wine, leave the lid off and expect vinegar to happen. If it was that easy, everyone would do it. That was the first thing I had to get over.

“One of my mentors, a food provedore in Brisbane, said to me one day, ‘you’re not spoiling wine, you’re making vinegar’. And that was a truly enlightening moment for me.

“So, with a translated book and a changing mindset, I made my first batch of vinegar 18 months later.”

Mr Henderson used a siphon to hand bottle the 50 litres made, bashed caps in using a rubber mallet, stuck a label on and sent it express to the US in a pallet.

It was then exhibited at the San Francisco Fancy Food Show, the largest show of its kind in the world.

“A buyer from a large chain store in the US saw it, liked it and, within 12 months, I was in 700 grocery stores. Within two years I was in 2000 grocery stores.”

Still on a high the next year, Mr Henderson won a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Scholarship, which gave him six weeks to immerse himself in Europe’s vinegar culture.

It was this trip that solidified Mr Henderson’s vision for his future in the industry.

“I came back understanding what our niche would be,” he said. “Most importantly, I was able to teleport into time and see what the Australian vinegar industry would look like in a decade.”

And did it come to fruition, Mr Henderson?

“Yes! I not only saw the future, I was part of making it happen.”

Based in Stanthorpe, Australian Vinegar is now an industrial food manufacturer, with innovation as its point of difference.

Mr Henderson said when he returned from Europe he took time to survey the local landscape and failed to find one innovator.

“Back then, the Australian vinegar industry was a few big plants making plain white vinegar and some apple cider vinegar.

“So, we said, ‘that’s our piece, we’re going to be the innovator of vinegar’. For starters, we made Australian barrel-aged, shiraz vinegar for the US market.

“Who else in the world is going to make an Australian barrel-aged, shiraz vinegar?

“It’s not the Italians, it’s not the Spanish, it’s not the French, it’s not the Austrians, it’s not the Germans, it’s not the Americans.

“So, we innovated a way to be truly unique in the world and that’s the culture that remains today. We are an innovation company. You come to us because we can solve your problems.”

Mr Henderson said the focus over the past two years - the Covid mission - had been to put food on shelves.

“We have said that we will make sure we will not let the Australian food supply chain down,” he said.

“We take our responsibility as part of the food supply chain very seriously, It’s a great privilege and great responsibility.

“We resisted the invitations to make hand sanitiser. We could have but we didn’t. Not

having hand sanitiser won’t kill you. Not having food absolutely will kill you.”

Aside from industrial food manufacture, Australian Vinegar makes products for grocery stores. Half is sold in bulk, the balance in labeled bottles.

Mr Henderson said rather than measure success through profit or litres made, Australian Vinegar counts innovation and culture as its benchmarks.

It has 33 employees, up from five six years ago.

“I love employing people, I really do,” he said. “I love giving people their first job. I love seeing people buy their first house.

“I measure growth not in litres and dollars made but in growth of culture and in improvement in people. The profit is measured by happiness.

“We’re a happiness-driven, results-driven company, we’re not in it for money. We want to change the way Australians think about vinegar.”

Mr Henderson, who also holds a Bachelor of Science (physics, mathematics) often reflects on that prophetic phone call from his friend in the US. “Agreeing to make vinegar was one of the sliding door moments in my life,” he said.

“I could have just hung up and went, ‘Are you crazy? People will think I’m just a bad winemaker’ and I don’t know where I would be today.

“Lesson learnt? Never pass an opportunity that comes by. Always consider it first before you just say no.”

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March 2022 TODAY 7

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Anxious wait for figures

By Fiona Gowers Samantha O’Toole is anxiously awaiting the 2021 census data to be released mid-year.

Acutely aware that population figures underpin financial support for services such as health and education, the Balonne Shire mayor has taken a “holistic approach” to ensuring its growth.

Digital connectivity, exclusion fencing, agtech/innovation, the Country Universities Centre and, crucially, a mentoring program have been among initiatives implemented.

While anecdotally Cr O’Toole can see a population upswing through bustling streets and swelling school numbers, she is looking forward to receiving the official data in June.

“Going back four to five years, the council picked some key projects that we felt were going to be instrumental in changing the projection of our future,” she said.

“The digital connectivity project was essential because we wanted farmers and businesses to have access to high-speed internet.

“Exclusion fencing allowed a return to small stocking and commerciability for some of the producers.

“And, the mentoring program allowed people to adapt but also to look at what are their future opportunities?

“In combination, it has all had a very positive impact for our growers, graziers and producers.”

Balonne Shire chief executive officer Matthew Magin said the mentoring program had been instrumental in improving the region’s economic and social development.

Now in its fourth year, Mr Magin said its aims had shifted over time to reflect the seasonal conditions.

In 2019, through the “worst year of drought in some people’s living memory”, the focus was on diversification through crop varieties, improving water efficiencies and sustainability.

“Farmers were in survival mode,” Mr Magin said.

But, since rain arrived on Australia Day 2020 - with average falls recorded since - the shire has returned to its agricultural prime, which changed the direction of the mentoring program.

Commercialisation, new technologies, succession planning and value-adding became the focus of the 53 participants in 2021, 25 of whom were from the agricultural/ agri-

tourism and horticultural sector.

“An example of value-adding came from one of Australia’s largest garlic farms, which also grows onions and broccoli on their mixedfarming enterprise.

“Last year they came up with the idea of marketing a 100 percent Australian dried garlic product.

“So, it’s really about, what were those opportunities that businesses could see going forward and how we support them through the mentoring program to capitalise on those.

“When you think that 80pc of our economy is agriculture the flow-on effect to the town is this… if the farms are doing well, in theory, everyone else in the community is going to do well.”

In all, 21 participants are confirmed for this year’s program and Cr O’Toole expects the focus to shift once more, with a specialist agricultural advisory project manager engaged.

“If it continues to rain through 2022, now is a great time to consolidate,” she said.

“There is an opportunity to go to the next level or hand over to the kids or to diversify, which you probably have the capital to do at the moment.

“So, it’s a very interesting time to be starting this round because businesses are of a much different mindset than they were last round or even the round before.

“I guess when you’re in survival mode, you’re not necessarily thinking about five years down the track, you’re thinking about the next six months.

“I think that’s where things are going to be a little bit different now. There is that longer term plan. The overall aim though is to ensure people are in a position to make the best decisions.”

Cr O’Toole said the mentoring program had been the shire’s shining light, with many councils querying their secret to success.

“When you think cumulatively over the four rounds of the number of businesses we have been able to assist, I think it’s really fantastic,” she said.

“And, when you look at other government projects, this is not a huge financial injection into Balonne, but the return on investment for the State and federal governments has been massive.

“And, I’m not saying we have the right, complete formula but we’ve been pretty good at it the past couple of years.”

Balonne Shire chief executive officer Matthew Magin.

Getting important farm data on a real-time basis Ian Brimblecombe, Brookglen Farms, St George was a participant in the inaugural Balonne Shire Council mentoring program in 2019/ 2020.

Mr Brimblecombe harvests water onfarm and from peak flows in a tributary of the Balonne River to irrigate 320 hectares of cotton.

Across two dams, he also stores up to 4000ML for local growers.

Funding sourced through the program

allowed Mr Brimblecombe to buy agtech devices and sensors to aid real-time monitoring.

Importantly, it enabled him to track water levels and turn pumps on/off, as needed.

“The mentoring program has allowed me to access important farm data on a realtime basis,” Mr Brimblecombe said.

“And, I will be able to extend the range of ‘things’ I monitor with the knowledge I have gained and as the need arises.”

Ian Briblecombe (right) is pictured with his mentor, Andrew Sevil (left) Whyenbah, Dirranbandi, who designed and implemented the system on Brookglen Farms, St George.

Balonne Shire mayor Samantha O’Toole.

8 TODAY March 2022

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With our new building scheduled to be completed by July, this is an exciting time to join the parts team at Brown and Hurley. With new offices, new systems, new showroom and new franchises you will find every day interesting and rewarding. We offer product training, systems training and a subsidized leisure program.

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A mixed role that is part management, part on the tools and part customer engagement. This is ideal for the manager who still likes to be hands on, but not all the time. In charge of a very diverse workshop you won’t be doing the same thing every day moving between agricultural, trucks, earthmoving and everything in between. You will be offered a very attractive base, plus bonuses plus a fully maintained 4WD vehicle plus a tool allowance plus extensive product training.

We consider our service techs to be the backbone of our business.

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March 2022 TODAY 9

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Taking aim at Arrow The deteriorating situation on the Western Downs concerning Shell-owned Arrow Energy and its attempts to foist dirty and polluting coal seam gas on farmers is further evidence the industry is unable to coexist with agriculture, says Lock the Gate Alliance.

The Queensland Gasfields Commission this month released an unprecedented press release, asking Arrow Energy to voluntarily fall into order after the company was placed under investigation over allegations of illegal horizontal drilling.

The Commission also called on the Queensland Palaszczuk Government to finalise its investigation into the company, which has conducted illegal horizontal drilling beneath farmers’ properties near Dalby.

As well, the Commission took aim at the

government over its failure to improve the Regional Planning Interests Act (RPIA), which the commission said lacked transparency and clarity.

Dalby farmer Zena Ronnfeldt, who has been impacted by Arrow Energy’s illegal drilling, said it was a positive step for the Gasfields Commission to come out publicly, but the Palaszczuk Government was fobbing off the concerns of farmers when it came to compliance enforcement.

“I’m really angry because I have made business investment decisions on my farm, my day to day business, based on the expectations that Arrow Energy would be compliant with the existing laws,” she said.

“Instead, Arrow Energy has put our business and our future at risk by operating unlawfully.”

“It’s a positive step the Gasfields Commission has come out publicly and effectively demanded the government take action and finalise its investigations so landholders in priority agricultural areas know what’s going on.”

“But the Palaszczuk Government is fobbing off landholders with side tracked assurances that will take years to put in place in response to RPIA recommendations, while Arrow is committing unlawful actions right now.”

“We need urgent action on enforcement and we need an urgent independent investigation.”

Lock the Gate Alliance Queensland spokesperson Ellie Smith said “The Gasfields Commission, as a government appointed body, has traditionally sided with industry and the government. For it to issue a public call like this

suggests there has been a breakdown in communications.

“The situation on this prime cropping land near Dalby is so dire, what we need is an independent investigation, and a moratorium on all future gas developments - at least until the Palaszczuk Government gets the rules and regulations in order.

“The government and the Commission need to get tough with Arrow Energy - without serious penalties this recalcitrant company will not improve its behaviour. Voluntary codes have been tried and they have failed.”

“The coal seam gas industry by its very nature divides communities, pitting neighbour against neighbour as it drains aquifers and pollutes water, land, and the atmosphere. It can’t be trusted.”

Welcome funding boost for Maranoa arts initiatives

By Fiona Gowers Tambo Arts Council, which oversees the Grassland Art Gallery, is one of four successful Maranoa groups in the community arts sector to receive a boost.

It has been granted $3000 to stage its inaugural art prize exhibition, Grasslands – View from my window. The Grassland Art Gallery is the only Council-supported, purpose-built, climate controlled facility within a 300km radius, extending from Longreach to Roma.

It has a rotating exhibition program of locally produced and curated displays, regional artists and touring exhibitions.

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council mayor Andrew Martin said $3000 to a town like Tambo was an enormous “shot in the arm”.

He said Tambo was the oldest town in western Queensland - it was gazetted in 1863 - and has a rich cultural heritage and active artistic community.

“The grant will be invaluable for the group and foster more involvement in the arts sector,” Cr Martin said.

“The Tambo artistic community is motivated and productive, holding a wide variety of displays and exhibitions.”

Blackbutt Art Gallery, meanwhile, received $1128 to replace inefficient lighting; Winton District Historical Society & Museum $3000 to digitise photographs, and Sister Kenny Memorial Museum $3000 to repaint its interior. Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said that more than $135,000 will flow to 50 organisations across the country, including $10,128 across the four Maranoa groups.

He encouraged community-run arts, cultural and heritage organisations in Maranoa to apply for a CHART program grant.

“This will help us to continue offering appealing cultural tourism experiences in our regional communities, as well as helping to rebuild local economies,” he said.

Applications are open until April 2022 or until allocated funding is spent.

in ralia e t ad us M A h ut o S

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council mayor Andrew Martin.

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NEWS

Health at your fingertips

By Fiona Gowers As a rural reporter, interviews are rarely quick chats. Tea and coffee are poured, family is met and life stories shared around the kitchen table.

Friendships are formed through the extreme highs and lows that only farm living can produce and, often, the urge to do more for subjects than simply share their stories of survival becomes too strong.

And, so it was for agricultural journalist Megan Gomez who for eight years reported on droughts, floods and fluctuating commodity prices for Victorian publications, the Pakenham Gazette, The Weekly Times and the Herald Sun. Seeing first-hand the mental health impact natural disasters had on individuals and families - and how difficult it was for them to access professional help - sowed the seed for Rural Health Connect.

Rural Health Connect is an online platform that links people in regional Australia with psychologists online using video-conferencing technology and, when needed, telephone.

It originated in central Queensland - where Ms Gomez later moved - in response to an urgent need for better access to mental health services and it has since expanded throughout the country.

“People living in remote areas deal with drought, bushfire, floods and isolation - on top of life’s other pressures - yet access psychologists at a fifth of the rate of city people,” Ms Gomez said.

“The lack of professionals in rural areas, long drives to appointments, lack of privacy in small towns and stigma are all deterrents to seeking help.

“We want everyone, regardless of where they live or their life circumstances, to be able to access the psychologist that is right for them.

“Waiting lists can be months long. If someone puts their hand up and asks for help they should be able to access it then and there. The need is huge.”

Launched in September 2019, Ms Gomez’s first big challenge was to develop software that streamlined the entire process, from appointment booking to consultation delivery.

“This was before Covid and before telehealth, so we were creating what is now commonplace,” she said.

“But, we own the software now, it is unique to us and it is ever-evolving. It allows psychologists to have a profile on our website, which clients can view before they book their appointments.

“I think telehealth has helped enormously in small rural communities where everyone knows everyone.

“People can see whose car is parked outside the one psychologist’s office in town and gossip starts from there. Telehealth offers privacy, which removes that barrier to accessing health services.”

Rural Health Connect now has more than 90 psychologists registered who, combined, complete hundreds of sessions per week.

Former agriculture journalist Megan Gomez came up with the concept of Rural Health Connect.

General practitioners are available for mental health care plans and Ms Gomez has just introduced financial counsellors in the bushfire-ravaged areas of Queensland and Victoria as “a lot of emotional distress comes from financial hardship”.

“The health professionals on our platform are amazing,” she said.

“They have put up their hand because they want to be involved in helping rural communities through mental health challenges.

“They work in private practice and are mostly from rural areas so they have that background and interest and can really connect with those people in need.”

Ms Gomez said referrals to Rural Health Connect are received from “all over rural Australia” including from GPs, bushfire recovery support case workers, allied health agencies and word of mouth.

Bulk billing is available.

“We have high hopes for the growth of Rural Health Connect. It’s getting there now and I’m starting to feel the rewards of helping so many rural people access mental health services.

“Finding a way to pay the bills will be an ongoing challenge but the Queensland and Victorian Governments have been extremely supportive with grants and allowing us to source funds.”

Please visit www.ruralhealthconnect.com. au

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March 2022 TODAY 11

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Showcasing Scenic Rim Twenty-two farms and producers set to open their gates and welcome the city on Super Sunday Mark the diary for Sunday 6 March. You may like to call it Super Sunday.

This is the day a massive 22 farms and producers from across the famous Scenic Rim are opening their gates and welcoming visitors. From fresh produce from the Scenic Rim Farm Shop, cuddles with lambs at Towri Sheep Cheeses, picnics with Alpacas at Mountview Alpaca Farm, stocking up on artisan dairy products at Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, to beer tasting at Scenic Rim Brewery and wine sipping at Sarabah, visitors will leave with full stomachs and a love for the Scenic Rim region.

It’s the most wonderful day, where eskies and hearts are filled and farmers, flavour-makers and producers are the stars of the show.

It all happens in the Scenic Rim, named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions in the world to visit this year.

This community initiative, driven by local tourism association Destination Scenic Rim, will celebrate Queensland agriculture, give visitors a chance to meet and support local farmers directly and is a perfect excuse for a

country drive just over an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It’s the perfect day trip, or weekend away!

Destination Scenic Rim Board Member and Dairy Farmer Kay Tommerup of Tommerup’s Dairy Farm said, “Farm Gate Trail is important to our business because building connections with our customers is at the core of our values.

Farm Gate Trail brings visitors to our farm who love local produce, who value knowing their local farmers, and who are excited to taste their way around the Scenic Rim. It brings a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our product to people who may not have tried our products. We love being able to share our farm story, our produce, and encourage visitors to take the time to visit other amazing producers across the region.”

Destination Scenic Rim CEO, Jessica Greenaway, is excited for visitors to experience the beauty, warmth, and authenticity the region has to offer. “There is no mistaking why the Scenic Rim was named in the top ten regions in the world to visit in 2022, patchwork fields of green, world heritage rainforests and mountain ranges, all provide a world-class backdrop for a Sunday drive in the country, but it is the opportunity to meet our passionate local

farmers and produces that make this event so special.”

Hannah Hughes, Vineyard Manager at Sarabah Estate agrees the Farm Gate Trail is a celebration of local business and their collective passion. “The Farm Gate Trail is so important as it allows us to celebrate not only our own small business but allows us to support and celebrate other local businesses who are passionate in what they do. We love the ability to interact with our customers and share a bit of our story. Visitors can expect to be welcomed into a small family-owned estate that takes pride in grape growing. Enjoy a glass of wine amongst our vines, a wood-fired pizza from our smoke and vine bar or a beautiful meal at our bistro.”

Kate Bennie from Summerland Camels thinks the Farm Gate Trail is a fantastic way to connect with people from all walks of life and to introduce them to their business - Australia’s largest Camel Dairy and the world’s largest Wild Camel Training Facility. “We love to welcome visitors to our farm to share our passion for camels and camel milk. As you learn all about these amazing creatures and get up close and personal with them, you might find yourself falling in love with them too! They get

The Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail on 6 March will be held from 9am-3pm The 22 farmers and small producers opening their gates include Summer Land Camels, Scenic Rim Farm Shop, Coco and Myrtle, Scenic Rim Mushrooms, Scenic Rim Brewery, Running Creek Beef, Olive View Estate, Towri Sheep Cheeses, Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, Bee All Natural Honey, Sarabah Estate Vineyard, O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard, Mountview Alpacas, Pretty Produce, Witches Falls Winery, Oaky Creek Farm & Harvest Cafe, White’s Farm, The Overflow Estate 1895, Ladybrook Farm, Canungra Creek Fingerlimes, Tamborine Mountain Distillery and Cauldron Distillery. a snapshot of some of the amazing things that the Scenic Rim has to offer - and they’ll be sure to want to come back for more!”

The inaugural Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail was first held in 2020, fast forward 2 years and the popular event has now grown to attract over 5000 visitors to the region.

Eating quality awards begin in March Beef producers are being reminded to register for the free producer forums and awards held across the country.

Beef producers who consistently deliver carcases with superior eating quality are set to be recognised when the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) Excellence in Eating Quality Series is held nationally in March 2022.

Hosted by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), the series will travel to six states across the country, with each event featuring an interactive forum centred around the theme of ‘Growing and grading the greatest meat on earth’, followed by the Awards ceremony.

Registrations are now open for the halfday forums, which are designed to equip producers with the tools to make practical on-farm changes to benefit their herd’s eating quality outcomes, the end consumer, and the profitability of the industry.

The biennial series, originally due to be held in September and October this year, was

rescheduled to 2022 due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions.

The Awards are presented to top-performing MSA registered producers and are based on MSA Index results for MSA graded cattle during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 financial years.

Awards will be announced in each state for Most Outstanding MSA Feedlot (with the exception of Tasmania), and two awards for Most Outstanding MSA Beef Producers, to recognise producers of both larger (Band 1) and smaller (Band 2) MSA consignments.

One producer from each state will also win the MSA Excellence in Eating Quality Progress Award for showing the greatest improvement in their MSA results since the last Awards series.

A new award will be presented to one producer in each state for the Champion MSA Index Carcase. This will be presented for an individual carcase that had the highest MSA Index in the state over the two-year period.

MSA was developed by the Australian red meat industry to improve eating quality consistency of beef and sheepmeat. The MSA beef program is based on almost 1.2 million consumer taste tests from more than 171,000 consumers from 11 countries and takes into account the factors that affect eating quality from the paddock to plate.

MSA Program Manager, Dr David Packer, said the forums would provide the opportunity for beef producers and others along the supply chain to hear from the MLA leadership team and industry speakers on how to maximise value using the MSA program.

“The forums will detail the 2021 Australian Beef Eating Quality Insights (ABEQI) report as a tool to benchmark MSA performance against other producers and understand the on-farm production factors that influence beef eating quality,” Dr Packer said.

“Attendees will hear from local producers who are using MSA and carcase feedback to meet their target markets and key industry

advisors providing guidance on management and genetic factors to influence positive MSA outcomes. The audience will also have the unique opportunity to ask questions of local processors and brand owners about the importance of meeting customer requirements.

“The strong eating quality performance of Australian beef over 2019-21 has been supported by participation along the entire Australian red meat supply chain. I hope to see many members of our red meat industry at these events, so we can celebrate these outstanding results together.”

The awards and producer forums are free to attend and registration is essential.

The Queensland event is on Thursday 10 March at the Explorers Inn Function Centre, 44778 Warrego Highway, Roma (moved from 8 March).

Doors open at 12pm with the forum to begin at 2pm. Afternoon tea and a light dinner and drinks will be provided to coincide with the Awards presentations.

A-UK FTA putting runs on the board for Aussie red meat Australia and the United Kingdom share many similarities as countries and as people. In keeping with the sporting theme in this edition of the paper, our mutual love of cricket is one of those, although one country is more skilled than the other if this summer’s Ashes series is anything to go by!

It’s due in part to our shared values and beliefs, that Australia was the first country to sign a free trade deal with the UK post-Brexit.

The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UK FTA) will allow for tarifffree access for a huge range of goods, with some ‘sensitive’ Australian products subject to expanding volume quotas, prior to eliminating the barriers completely over various time frames.

12 TODAY March 2022

FROM THE MLA JASON STRONG For the Australian red meat and livestock industry and our UK customers, the A-UK FTA represents tremendous opportunities. In fact, the red meat industry’s access to the UK from Day one of the FTA will exceed the available annual access we have had to the European Union for the past 50 years.

Under this landmark FTA, future trade will be more streamlined, removing burdensome costs from the supply chain that ultimately disadvantage British consumers and stifle opportunities for Australian red meat producers.

Essentially, the FTA will mean that Australian beef and sheepmeat exports will enter the UK under a tariff rate quota (TRQ) regime, with initial TRQ tonnages gradually increasing over a ten-year transition period. Product within the TRQ amounts will enter the UK tariff free. Whilst there will be no TRQ regime post the tenth year, a volume safeguard provision will apply until the end of the 15th year, beyond which no safeguards will apply. For goatmeat, existing tariffs will be phased out

over eight years.

The FTA with the United Kingdom will also go a long way to helping achieve industry’s goal of doubling the value of Australian red meat sales by 2030, as well as securing increased preferential access to key export markets.

Access to new markets and boosting performance in existing ones like in the UK, will also help ensure the sustainability and resilience of the Australian red meat industry during this decade and beyond.

Just as the Australian cricket team flourished this summer, Australian red meat producers and British consumers who love our product’s taste and quality, will flourish thanks to the A-UK FTA.

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March 2022 TODAY 13

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

The yards will be auctioned to provide the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia with funding for their Future Farm Genebank Programme.

A model of generosity

By Judy Barnet It is not hard to imagine that an awful lot of work went into making this set of miniature cattle yards. Every gate is hinged with minuscule hinges that open and shut with a timber slide just as you would see in a real set of cattle yards.

I can’t trace the origin or maker of these yards however I can imagine they have brought children much joy and entertainment over the years. It gives me immense pleasure to let you know that these yards are now going to continue on that journey of giving someone joy and pleasure thanks to the Stanthorpe Men’s Shed who have helped with the restoration of the yards. The next step in this project will be auctioning the yards on AuctionsPlus and this will provide the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia with some funds to continue on with their Future Farm Genebank Programme. Here is the story of how this came to be.

I purchased this set of yards for the princely sum of $30 in July 2021 for the sole purpose of donating to the RBTA thinking it would be an ideal item to offer in the Trusts 2022 International Heritage Breeds Week Auction which raises funds for their Future Farms Genebank.

I was pleased as punch with my purchase and also felt pleased that something that had had so much work put into building them would continue to be of use hopefully for many

The mini cattle yards. years to come. The only problem being that the base of the yards was chipboard and in need of restoration, not a job that was really up my alley.

After a few months of wondering how I was going to get the yards restored, I happened to read an article about a local Men’s Shed and thought they would be the perfect people to do the job.

Enter Terry and a bit of a funny story. I called Terry and explained I had a set of miniature cattle yards that needed some restoration

work and Terry replied no problems at all. We arranged to meet that Friday Morning, Terry said he would make sure he was there to help unload them. Well, I had not quite explained myself properly as when I arrived at the Men’s Shed Terry was there to greet me along with several other men all ready to unload the yards! - They thought I was bringing a real set of yards but in miniature to hold miniature sheep, goats etc! Not such a big job as they had imagined! The men did an amazing job on restoring the yards for a small donation and I was very grateful indeed.

The yards will be auctioned on Auctionsplus May 15-21 to coincide with International Heritage Breeds Week. I am currently working on seeking donations for the auction which will be the RBTA’s second annual auction, the first being held last year. As the organiser of the auction, I have tended to focus on asking for donations from my contacts in the Southern Downs and Toowoomba areas but many donations last year were made from all parts of Australia, notably the Zoos from every state that came onboard. Our local Darling Downs Zoo pitched in with some passes to the Zoo. Other very generous local sponsors were Kent Saddlery and Riverina Stockfeeds. I donated a two-night stay in the Glenlyon Dam Holiday Cottage and will be doing the same again this year.

I would love to stock the yards with good quality cattle such as Schleich brand breeds which would add to its value, so if anyone has any spare cows, calves or bulls they would like to donate please do not hesitate to contact me.

This story truly is a good news recycle story that has benefited others in so many ways – it is providing two charity organisations with funds and a local club with a project. So next time you go to throw something out that could possibly be of use to someone else – think twice and donate it to reap the benefits of a better future for all Australians and the earth!

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Talking all things protein Southern Queensland’s protein industry will soon meet to share best practice and encourage collaboration across the beef, pork, poultry and dairy sectors.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) is bringing together local producers, business owners and industry representatives at the Protein 2022 conference in Dalby on 1617 March.

TSBE Food Leaders Australia (FLA) general manager Bruce McConnel said he was excited to reveal the four topics of this year’s conference off the back of an unprecedented year.

“Over the past 12 months we’ve seen significant disruptions within the protein sector and, as a result, innovation has thrived and the industry is now harnessing some incredible opportunities,” he said.

“At Protein 2022 we will discuss the industry growth, sustainability, workforce and innovation with some highly regarded expert speakers.

“These sessions will allow us to further drive investment into sectors we know already benefit from our region’s reliable grain production and established infrastructure.”

Mr McConnel said regional Australia now owned the conversation about protein and that the conference aimed to bring business leaders to the region for important discussions.

“World protein is growing and there is room on the plate for everyone including alternative proteins”, Mr McConnel said.

Southern Queensland is the home of intensive animal industries in Australia, with the protein sector being one of its key strengths.

More than 80 per cent of Australia’s egg production is in Queensland, with 42pc of the nation’s feedlot capacity located within a 200-kilometre radius from Dalby.

Mr McConnel encourages anyone who works in the protein sector to attend TSBE’s

TSBE Food Leaders Australia (FLA) general manager Bruce McConnel is looking forward to the Protein 22 conference in Dalby on 16-17 March.

Protein 2022 conference, to ensure the region maintains its strong reputation.

One of this year’s speakers is FIP Group general manager for sales Adrienne Ritchie, who will share her knowledge around staffing and recruitment.

“Finding staff was a struggle before Covid-19 changed the world and now more than ever we are seeing local labour demand far

outstripping supply,” Ms Ritchie said.

“We need to start promoting the protein industry as a whole and not just as ‘Jo Blogs Abattoir’ but the amazing opportunities and exciting careers in protein.

“It won’t yield immediate results, but it will help secure the future staffing needs in this space.”

TSBE will reveal further speakers in the

lead-up to the event, which is expected to attract more than 100 business leaders.

Protein 2022 is playing a major role in helping to facilitate collaborative conversions and is a must-attend event for all industry participants.

For more information or to book a ticket to Protein 2022 visit: www.tsbe.com.au/events/ protein-2022-conference

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March 2022 TODAY 15

OPINION QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Bundy MP Tom Smith and Water Minister Glenn Butcher announce state funding for Paradise Dam. Pictures: AARON GOODWIN

The Feds match the cash, from left, MP’s Colin Boyce and Keith Pitt with Tinaberries owner Tina McPherson and Bree Grima from BFVG.

The price of Paradise It was a big week for Bundaberg farmers and the Bundaberg community as a whole. For the past two and a half years Bundaberg farmers have been holding their breath over the future of Paradise Dam and the community it supports.

On Tuesday 7 February, the Premier announced $600 million in funding as part of a $1.2 billion project to restore Paradise Dam and return water security and investment certainty for the entire Bundaberg region. By Friday, the Federal Government with the help of our local member Keith Pitt announced a matching $600 million commitment to make the project a reality.

Since September 2019, Bundaberg farmers have been battling drought conditions, worker shortages, Covid restrictions and also the fear that Paradise Dam would not be reinstated.

There has been an enormous amount of heart break, angst and loss that has accumulated over the last two and a half years.

Finally, it appears that common sense has prevailed. But all the announcements and funding commitments won’t return water security overnight. We are still several years away from having the dam rebuilt and back to full capacity. The challenge now is to have the dam restored and refilled in the shortest time possible.

There has been a tremendous amount of work that has gone into seeing Paradise Dam restored and the lead up to both the State Government and Federal Government announcements took years of hard work.

Our agricultural farming representative groups worked both independently and collectively to lobby the State Government to restore water security to Bundaberg. Bundaberg Cane Growers, Isis Cane Growers, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Agforce have provided a united front and been resolute in their positions that the only option was to restore Paradise Dam. Individual farmers contributed over $1.2

FOOD FOR THOUGHT TOM MARLAND million to commence a class action to save Paradise Dam. The class action continues although the major milestone of having the State Government agree to restore the dam has been reached. The class action will continue until the dam is fully restored, is full of water like it was in September 2019 and water security is preserved for all allocation holders.

The decision to restore Paradise Dam has been an amazing achievement for the Bundaberg community. The $1.2 billion announcement will return water security, job security and investment security to the entire region. It didn’t just happen by chance but demonstrates what communities can achieve when they put politics and petty differences aside and work together for the common good. It comes with a hefty price tag but is an investment into our region that will pay dividends for decades to come.

But no sooner was the ink dry on the funding commitments and neighbouring electorates were asking for water from Paradise Dam which currently does not exist. Bruce Saunders the Labor Member for Maryborough hardly made a noise when Paradise Dam was lowered but after the hard work was done and commitments were made to have it restored, he had his hand out to build a pipeline to Maryborough.

There is a perfectly good river that runs right through his own electorate called the Mary River and he would be wise to start looking at options in his own backyard before he starts poaching other regions water. He might also want to start talking to his own Govern-

ment about the lack of critical water investment in Queensland.

Queensland has had 30 years out of the last 33 of Labor Governments. In that time they have only built one dam - Paradise Dam in 2005 which they are having to rebuild in 2022.

They are currently constructing Rookwood Weir - that while essential for the region - will only store 86,000 ML. Perhaps it’s time to have a broader discussion about investing in critical and long-term water infrastructure across Queensland. There are already a number of projects that are “shovel ready” but just need State Government and Federal Government support.

Two pieces of critical infrastructure in my region are the Cooranga Weir on the Boyne River near Mundubbera and Barlil Weir on Barambah Creek. These projects would provide water security to one of the largest citrus and small crop regions in the Wide Bay Region

and also open up economic development for Coalston Lakes.

One of the first things that needs to happen is for Australia’s National Water Initiative, which was implemented in 1994 to be amended. The NWI requires that all water storage projects only be developed if they are “fully cost recoverable”. The problem with this approach is that dams or water storages can only be valued on the water stored and sold and no recognition or value is placed on what that water can grow or produce and the jobs and wealth generated.

We need to get our priorities right and invest in the critical infrastructure and industries which underpin our economy and our futures. Placing a “full cost recovery” burden on our most essential resource - water - makes little economic, social and environmental sense. Perhaps the Member for Maryborough could start the conversation.

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16 TODAY March 2022

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

OPINION

Resilience is important The resilience of South Burnett is important to me. Bushfire recovery funding continues to roll out, we’re working to relieve pandemic pressure on our agricultural industries through uptake of Working Holiday Maker visas, and innovation is delivering farmers the best available climate data to help prepare for future drought and climate change. $2m to south burnett under bushfire recovery funding Two key programs will build a stronger South Burnett under the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program - a $1.6 million local led economic and social recovery program and a $300,000 project to build bushfire resilience in Cherbourg and surrounds.

We understand that recovery from bushfires takes time and will continue to support impacted communities through their recovery. Details of funded projects are available at recovery.gov.au/programs/black-summergrants.

Attracting more working holiday makers The pandemic has raised challenges for our agricultural industries and the opening of our international borders gives optimism for our farmers going forward.

A new Work and Play the Aussie Way campaign encourages the uptake of Working Holiday Maker visas in the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan and Republic of Korea, by giving young travellers a glimpse of the adventures that await them while working and travelling Australia. The campaign promotes the recent announcement to refund Visa Application Charges for Working Holiday Maker visa holders (subclasses 417 or 462). These temporary measures aim to provide immediate assistance to Australian businesses that are facing critical workforce shortages.

Practical drought, climate change tools Two digital tools are delivering Australian farmers the best available climate data to

FROM THE MINISTER AGRICULTURE MINISTER DAVID LITTLEPROUD help prepare for future drought and climate change.

The Climate Services for Ag (CSA) platform provides farmers with historical climate data, seasonal forecasts, and future climate projections at a 5km2 resolution across the country.

With the Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool (DR.SAT), farmers can explore their property’s current and past condition through satellite imagery. See the tools at www.drsat. com.au (DRSAT) and climateservicesforag.indraweb.io (CSA).

Planting trees for the jubilee Up to $100,000 will be available in Maranoa to support community tree planting to celebrate Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. The program is a key part of the Australian Government’s celebration of the Jubilee.

Those interested in seeking funding should contact my office ahead of the program application period..

Lifeline’s crisis text services goes 24/7 Lifeline has launched a 24/7 crisis text service to expand its support for Australians struggling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The service is available 24/7 via confidential text message to 0477 13 11 14.

Following a few questions via text, Australians are connected to a trained Lifeline crisis supporter. The expansion of the text service is backed by data showing it is the preferred channel for high-risk community members including young people, those experiencing domestic violence, and Aboriginal and Torres

The power of mother nature in Tansey.

Strait Islander people.

Funding finder Chart funding - Up to $3,000 is available for museums and galleries wanting to stage events or improve facilities. Applications close 29 April 2022 or once funding is expended. Visit www.amaga.org.au/chart.

Saluting their service grants - Hundreds of worthy projects have been funded to help local communities pay tribute to Australians who have served during wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Check the guide-

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

· ·

·

lines and if your organisation has an eligible project, apply. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for community-based commemorative projects. To learn more, visit www. communitygrants.gov.au/grants.

Backing women in stem - Grants of up to $1 million and new scholarships are available to help women and girls secure science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs. For more information, visit www.business.gov.au/WISE. Until next month.

12536753-HC08-22

March 2022 TODAY 17

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Cattle out of Africa

By Judy Barnet I did not realise until recently that the first cattle and sheep into Australia were actually African Cattle. An attempt to bring British Livestock to Australia mostly failed with most livestock perishing before they reached the Cape due to inadequate nutrition. Up until the 1970s Afrikander cattle could be found in Warwick and many were processed at the Warwick Bacon Factory. I believe the Afrikander has all but gone in Australia now, a couple of years ago the CSIRO sold off the last of its Afrikander Semen.

Livestock in Africa The African continent is home to diverse populations of livestock breeds adapted to harsh environmental conditions with more than 70% under traditional systems of management. Animal productivity is less than optimal in most cases and is faced with numerous challenges including limited access to adequate nutrition and disease management, poor institutional capacities and lack of adequate government policies and funding to develop the livestock sector. Africa is home to more than 1.3 billion people and with increasing demand for animal protein by an ever-growing population. The current state of livestock productivity creates a significant yield gap for animal products.

Although a greater section of the population, especially those living in rural areas depend largely on livestock for their livelihood; the potential of the sector remains underutilised and therefore unable to contribute significantly to the economic development and social wellbeing of the people.

With current advances in livestock management and the inclusion of all stakeholders African livestock populations can be sustainably developed to close the animal protein gap that exists in the continent. In particular, advances in gene technologies and the application of genomic breeding in many Western countries has resulted in tremendous gains in traits like milk production with the potential that implementation of genomic selection and other improved practices (nutrition, health care etc) can lead to rapid improvement in traits of economic importance in Africa. The African livestock populations are limited to cattle, goats, pigs, sheep and chickens which are mainly exploited for meat, milk and eggs.

The major breed of cattle in Ghana is the Ghana Sanga, also called Sang, Pseudo-Sanga or Ghanaian Sanga it is the product of interbreeding (composite) between the Ghana Shorethorn (or sometimes the N’Dama) and Zebu (commonly White Fulani, occasionally Sokoto Gudali) in northern Ghana. Sanga is a more recent and specific cross compared to the general cattle group called Sanga, which comprised long-established Zebu x humpless derivatives represented by several breeds in Eastern and Southern Africa. The breed is located in drier areas of Ghana towards the northern border and on the Accra plains extending into Volta Region Physical characteristics: The animals are small and have variegated coat colour. The head has a long straight and convex profile.

Horns are variable in size and slender in shape,

Stone and our dog, Dora. mostly small and U shaped. The neck is short and sturdy. The hump is rudimentary and usually inconspicuous. The back is short and concave with an elevated rump. These cattle are mostly solid black, although black pied and brown pied coats are also common. Height at withers is 110-115 cm.

Judy: Tell me about the plans for your guesthouse in Ghana?

Stone: Together with my Australian wife we have built a guesthouse in Mumford, Ghana.

It is on a surf beach within one of the largest fishing towns in Ghana. The government has recently undertaken to build a harbour in Mumford to allow for the larger fishing vessels to bring their fishing fleets into the harbour to offload their catch. Our guesthouse provides for accommodation in four self-contained units and a 10-bed dormitory. We were set to receive our first group of Americans on tour in April 2021, however, the Covid epidemic disrupted our plans and the tour was cancelled in March 2021 and is on hold until further notice.

We plan on bringing groups to Ghana based in Mumford and conducting cultural tours for Australians, Americans and Europeans.

Judy: What do you like most about Australia?

Stone: I love the sunrise, when the sun is shining, and watching the sunset from our rooftop, penthouse apartment in Golden Beach, Sunshine Coast.

I love the people, Australians are incredibly friendly. The variety of landscapes, gorgeous beaches, the vibrant cities, the slang, the food, the sports. Australia is safe and its beauty is unsurpassed. It’s not hard to see why Australia’s vast wilderness, relieved by a handful of vibrant modern metropolises is one of the world’s great travel destinations, containing an immense diversity of cultures and climates, tastes and terrain for wanderers to explore.

The climate is extraordinary. The people are friendly and accepting. I love Australian wildlife, especially the kangaroos. Australia is one of the best countries that I have lived with access to educational opportunities are amazing.

I feel extremely lucky to be in this beautiful country, Australia is a great place to live!

I was fortunate to be invited to our friend’s 150-acre farm on the lake at Glenlyon for Christmas. It was a wonderful experience to be welcomed into their home and experience real country hospitality during the festive season. It was wonderful to meet the variety the farm animals including sheep, goats, calves,

chickens, ducks and guinea fowls, the birdlife and Dora the adorable Kelpie dog. On the first day we arrived at the farm getting closer to all the animals around us, the moment I saw the guinea fowls my first impression was WOW! I am in Ghana. Guinea fowls are native to Africa and I never expected to see them in Australia.

This is an experience I will never forget and I look forward to returning to this beautiful place.

Judy: How long have you been a Stonemason?

Stone: I have been a professional artist for decades and a Stonemason for more than twenty years. In Ghana as tradespersons, we do not have an apprenticeship system like in Australia and we are basically apprentices for life and do not receive certification qualifications. Shortly after I arrived in Australia on a Resident Visa application I was able to work and received full-time permanent employment with a family stonemason company. I applied for my experience to be assessed through the Recognised Prior Learn process and my employers assisted with providing evidence of my experience. After 6 months I have now been granted my Australian Certificate III as a Monumental Stone Mason, which guarantees my career progression as a Qualified tradesperson.

We Will Deliver To Site With Our Crane Trucks “The Trusted Name For Concrete Products”

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Our Precast Range;

18 TODAY March 2022

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Qld agritourism push The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has partnered with Airbnb and Regionality to design a new regulatory framework for rural land to unlock Queensland’s potential as the nation’s agritourism capital.

A new Discussion Paper proposes a sliding scale of regulation to boost rural economies, and identifies the challenges and opportunities for agritourism as an emerging sector.

The report proposes enabling no-or-lowimpact agritourism activities by ensuring freedom from regulatory burdens and onerous red tape.

QFF warns the state risks falling behind others and losing a competitive tourism edge because of onerous and complex land use regulations.

Airbnb says measures to create more unique stays, and deliver alternative means for farmers to generate income, are crucial to strengthening the bush and building more resilient communities.

The Unlocking Queensland’s Agritourism potential - Discussion paper identifies the challenges and opportunities for agritourism as an emerging sector and proposes to define it by creating a sliding scale of regulation recognising the different ways in which farmers engage with agritourism.

QFF President Allan Dingle said agritourism was an important growth industry in Queensland’s rural and regional areas and is estimated to be worth around $4.5 billion by 2030.

“Agritourism provides opportunities for farmers to expand their businesses and market their produce through alternative channels, while gathering valuable feedback from consumers,” Mr Dinglesaid.

“However, Queensland is at risk of losing market share by falling behind other states because of onerous and complex land use regulations that do not solve the intractable problems that limit the growth of this valuable regional Queensland industry.

Agritourism is opening up another income for Queensland farmers like this Farm Stay cottage at Taabinga Station.

“In order to enable Queensland farmers to innovate, clarity and consistency are required to create a new regulatory framework that is easy for farmers to navigate and opens up the benefits of agritourism.”

“Defining agritourism as an ancillary use, the proposed definition of agritourism seeks to enable no-or low-impact activities free from regulatory burdens and move on a sliding scale towards greater regulatory oversight for higher-impact agritourism activity.

“Creating settings based on the scale and frequency of agritourism accommodation, experiences and activities, produce sales, processing, and events, addresses the need to protect agricultural productivity, while allowing value adding and diversification through agritourism.”

Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia, and Toowoomba native said Queenslanders are always looking to explore their own backyard through unique, authentic experiences that immerse them in regional communities.

“We know that Airbnb allows people options to travel to more places, especially in regional Australia where there is limited tourism infrastructure. What’s needed is a regulatory framework that empowers rural communities and allows the creation of more unique stays that deliver new income streams for farmers and help strengthen and build resilience in the bush,” Ms Wheeldon said.

“As farming evolves, and our populations and cities change, there are untold opportunities to show off the best regional Queensland

Picture: AIR BNB

has to offer, and create a framework that promotes participation and benefits farmers, their communities, tourists, and indeed the entire economy.

“QFF, Airbnb and Regionality are committed to working together with the Queensland Government, rural and regional communities, and other stakeholders to empower farmers to establish or expand into agritourism.

“Through future-focussed regulatory reform, Queensland can unlock the potential of agritourism and foster innovation that helps secure the future of farmers and a diverse and resilient Queensland economy.”

For details, download the discussion paper qff.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Unlocking-Queenslands-agritourism-potentialDiscussion-Paper.pdf

CLEARING SALE A/C AB, HR & RN HIRSCH

SATURDAY 5TH MARCH 2022 | COMMENCING 9AM PROPERTY SOLD Trucks and Tractors Hino 02/93, 6 speed, 24ft tray, 598674kms, not registered. With CIA Leicht stock crate, hoop less adjustable divider, side load with full swing tail gate, Tare 7020, VGM 13900.

Belarus 572 tractor 55hp front end loader forks and bucket, 2152 hrs.

Case 430 bobcat with bucket and loading ramps, 2600hrs Vehicles Landcruiser tray back 2011 model, GXL V8 turbo D4D, Rego and roadworthy, new engine 25000kms, with Lindsell hoist. Can Am 2015 quad bike with 19750kms, Can Am 2012 quad bike with 23114kms Kawasaki 250 ag bike. Nissan Patrol Ute 1999 turbo diesel new tyres, seized motor.

8 x 5 tandem trailer. Hay trailer (homemade).

Farming Equipment 12ft RTU Grader, hydraulic, Miller (bobcat) generator welder 9.5kva 250amp 420hrs petrol motor 7 Pin Wheel, Pederick stick rake hydraulic.

Yeomen’s 7tine 11ft 3-point linkage plough with hard faced boots, with shank pot seeder.

Thompson longhorn stock feeder, approx. 2.4m, 4 ton, Morrisey near side calf cradle. CIA Leichts nearside cattle crush with head bail and super scoop, New Holland hay bale loader, 5ft light duty slasher, 39 x 6 bar cattle panels standard, Cement mixer with Honda 5.5 hp motor, 3 x 2000lt overhead fuel tanks. 1 x 1000lt overhead fuel tank, 1 x Finch stock feeder, approx. 4.8m, 8 ton.

Shed frame 70ft x 35ft x 15ft, Steel heavy duty welding table. Spool cattle cable. Quantity heavy duty steel posts, Silo base. Quantity poly pipe various sizes. Wagon wheels.

Molasses mixer, large quantity steel posts 5.6ft, Coils of high tense barb, Quantity of 2 ½ g barb Ty wire 4 rolls, Quantity of ring lock and hinge joint new, Portable sheep loading ramp Grain Auger (no motor), Southern cross tank stand 30ft, Hay feeder, Poly pipe dispenser 3 x tank stands, Mould board plough x 2, Steel crate suit Ute, Gallagher posthole digger Napier post hole digger, Quantity of windmill parts, Portable weigh platform, Quantity of mesh, Air compressor, Workshop tools and accessories, Branding Furnace, Assortment nuts and bolts, Stihl 012 chainsaw and borer.

Workshop and Plant Quantity of assorted oil tins, Bag trolley, 2 x Netz seed spreader Lawn mower trailer, Quantity of poly pipe fittings various sizes Oxy hoses and gauges, Quantity of vaccine guns and syringes Lincoln PTO welder, Quantity electric fencing accessories Husqvarna chainsaw, Quantity of drums of oil (engine, hydraulic and transmission) Cropland motorbike spray tank, Quantity old fridges, suit storage, old tyres Approx. 20 poly tubs, Saddlery gear, Fire hoses, Wood lathe, Quantity of Beachport dispensers Set of cast iron Numeral brands, Quantity of buffel seed, Industrial shed Air cooler.

Household and Sundry items Quantity of folding tables, Wooden cabinet, Gardening products, 3-seater lounge with sofa bed Garden shed, Various kitchen appliances, Oil heaters, Lead lights,2 x rocking cradles, Cement bird bath, Numerous terracotta garden pots, Crockery and cutlery, Lamp shades, Wood heater, Kitchen cabinets, Spit water vacuum cleaner, Window louvres, Wooden doors.

Bid cards system in Operation. Cash or cheque payments, NO EFTPOS. Catering available on the day. GST will be added to the knock down price on some items.

ALL ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED BY 9TH MARCH 2022.

For further Information please contact your preferred agent: PJH Livestock & Property Pty Ltd Steven Goodhew 0428 305 810 | David Friend 0477 511 296 | Bennett Ladbrook 0400 958 894 Nutrien Livestock Blackall: Jeremy Barron 0448 576 113 12536360-SN08-22

March 2022 TODAY 19

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Indonesia-Australia MoU An Agriculture Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Jakarta on 27 January by the Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud and the Indonesian Minister of Agriculture Dr Syahrul Yasin Limpo.

Minister Littleproud said the MoU was an official recognition of the tangible agricultural trade that flows between our nations and the desire for that trade to grow.

The MoU was a highlight of the three-day visit which saw the Minister meet with key ministers including the Indonesian Minister for Agriculture and the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and the Minister for Manpower, as well as Indonesian agribusiness representatives.

“Indonesia is Australia’s fourth largest agriculture, fisheries and forestry export market, valued at $2.9 billion in the 2020/21 year,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Indonesia is Australia’s largest market for wheat, largest market for live cattle, and fifthlargest market for beef.

“The two-way trade for the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors was $4.07 billion, which shows that Indonesia is not just a respected partner but a valued one as well.

“The MoU signed today has an implementing Work Group with four taskforces which will focus on livestock and animal products, crop and plant products, modern systems and processes, as well as agriculture research and education.

“Under the MoU, our nations will cooperate to facilitate mutually beneficial trade. In simple terms it is a win-win for both our countries.

“Through the three days I was able to raise a number of trade and market access issues of interest to Australia and reiterated my commitment to work with Indonesia to ensure both countries can take full advantage of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud.

“I also welcomed the engagement of Indonesia on the Australian Agriculture Visa and welcomed the progress being made.”

Fast Facts: In 2020/21, Indonesia was Australia’s fourth largest Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry export market by value (approx. $2.9bn) growing from fifth place in 2019/20.

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is Australia’s largest market for · Indonesia wheat ($1.2b in 2020/21), largest market for

live cattle ($584m in 2020/21), and fifth-largest market for beef ($287m in 2020/21).

The itinerary has included: A site visit at Bogasari Flour Mill – the largest integrated flour mill in Indonesia, and one of Australia’s single largest agricultural com-

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modity customers in Indonesia.

of Indonesia’s premier high-end super· One market chains, Ranch Market, where spe-

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cialty Australian produce is sold, including red meat and stonefruit.

Meetings with Indonesian agribusiness; representatives from the horticulture, grains, red meat and live cattle sectors.

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QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Set to make hay in 2022 Australia’s agricultural sector is set for another profitable year ahead, with the gross value of agricultural production on track for a fourth consecutive year of growth in 2021/22, Rabobank says in a newly-released industry report.

In its flagship annual Australian Agribusiness Outlook for 2022, titled ‘Making Hay While the Sun Shines’, the specialist global agribusiness bank says a stellar 2021 – with high to record-high agricultural commodity prices and production volumes reaching record levels in some Australian commodities – represented a continued recovery from the crippling 20172019 drought and had positioned Australian agriculture for a strong year ahead.

“Australia’s second year of great pricing and mostly exceptional production conditions in 2021 means the Australian agriculture industry is well placed to take on the challenges of 2022.

More importantly, it means the industry can prepare for the time when the sun is not shining so brightly in its favour,” the report said.

RaboResearch senior commodities analyst Cheryl Kalisch Gordon said while there will be some pressure on farming margins in 2022 compared with 2021 – with some heat forecast to come out of a range of commodity prices, a mixed production outlook and supply chain challenges – another favourable year was expected for Australian agriculture.

Local macro-economic settings also remain supportive for Australian agriculture, the report said.

“In particular, we expect the Australian dollar to only gain a little over the year and remain near its five-year average,” it said.

‘Blue moon’ year Dr Kalisch Gordon said 2021 had been a “once in a blue moon” year for Australia’s agricultural sector, with very strong prices resulting from “hardship globally”, and with the high pricing coinciding with “favourable to very favourable Australian production conditions again”.

“There was a combination of drought

and adverse weather in key cropping regions around the world, strong stockpiling demand in the face of potential food shortages along with Covid-induced labour shortages which impacted intensively-produced agri products and transport,” she said.

“This delivered clouds to agriculture sectors in many regions of the world and a silver lining for Australian agriculture.

“This second straight year of increasing commodity prices coincided with again favourable to very-favourable Australian production conditions. And for those commodity sectors where production has been lower, high pricing still delivered strongly profitable positions.”

Supply chain and price outlook While the outlook for 2022 is also positive, the bank expects the year ahead will bring “less pronounced opportunities” for Australian agriculture.

“We start 2022 with the Australian food supply chain under unprecedented pressure, supply chain disruption and bottlenecks being felt across the board – from access to inputs at the farm level through to consumers accessing food on supermarket shelves,” Dr Kalisch Gordon said.

And the impacts on supply chains are expected to linger at least through the first quarter of the year.

“We also expect some of the heat to come out of prices for a number of commodities in 2022 as supplies are renewed globally, stock levels are increased and demand tempers,” she said.

“However, we expect prices to remain at levels above the five-year average for our main agricultural commodities.”

The Rabobank Rural Commodity Price Index – which tracks local prices of key commodities in Australian-dollar terms – is forecast to ease from record highs reached in December 2021 over the course of this year, albeit to still sit five per cent above the five-year average

(and 16 per cent above the pre-COVID fiveyear average) by the year’s end.

Production For Australia’s agriculture production, the outlook is mixed, the bank says, coming off the high base of 2021 volumes.

“Very favourable seasonal conditions in 2021 – and in some cases record rainfall – have provided a beneficial start to 2022 for cropping and pasture prospects, due to good soil moisture,” Dr Kalish Gordon said.

“That said, at this point, we can’t expect a repeat of the record grain and oilseed harvest we’ve seen for the 2021/22 season. Although for livestock, we do expect year-on-year lifts in slaughter numbers for both cattle and sheep, given the extended period of good seasonal conditions we’ve seen in most regions that have enabled some rebuilding of stock numbers.”

Milk production was also likely to lift, but only in the second half of the year, the report said, while 2022 cotton production was on track to continue rising, to see an 85 per cent increase on last year.

Global challenges While 2021 had its share of challenges, 2022 will also bring some headwinds for Australia’s agricultural sector, the report says.

This will include the ongoing impacts of Covid, as the world grapples with the Omicron surge and also “the prospect of Rho, Sigma or Tau delivering the next blow”.

On top of this, Dr Kalisch Gordon says, “lies the pervasive challenge of inflation, which continues on one of the steepest rises in 30 years”.

“Additionally, we expect there will be global policy tightening around economic stimulus measures that have been in place during the pandemic, which will be designed to moderate demand,” she said.

“Getting the policy settings on reducing stimulus and managing inflation will be critical to maintaining economic growth and

consumer demand in many economies, and failure to get this right could curb demand in some of our markets for some, especially more discretionary, purchases.”

Ongoing supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions also loom large as challenges for agricultural markets in 2022, the report says.

“Dry bulk freight rates have fallen considerably from their 11-year highs in 2021, but still remain elevated on several routes,” Dr Kalisch Gordon said.

“Container rates remain near their recent record highs and we expect global trade to continue to be impacted by issues, especially relating to boxed freight, in 2022.”

In terms of geopolitical considerations, she said, the tight global market for agricultural commodities had shielded Australia from the impact of losing China as a buyer in 2021.

“However, as markets unwind, we expect Australia may need to work harder on diversifying into alternative destinations,” she said.

Meanwhile, the report said, there is also the potential for market fallout from current tensions between Russia and Ukraine, which could “deliver exaggerated volatility in markets ranging from wheat through to oil and fertiliser”.

Other challenges ahead included still-high farm input prices (albeit easing somewhat in the second half of the year) and ongoing labour shortages.

Ready for what’s next The report says with Australian agriculture positioned for another positive year ahead, it presents an ideal opportunity for the sector to prepare for future times when “the sun is not shining so brightly in its favour”.

This, Dr Kalisch Gordon said, included preparing for an increase in margin pressures (when global prices decline and Australian farm returns come under pressure), diversifying markets and trading relationships, and equipping farm businesses for future droughts and climate change.

The red meat and livestock industry proudly produces nutritious, natural protein; are custodians of the environment; and is increasingly part of the climate solution.

Know your facts. redmeatgreenfacts.com.au 12535469-AV08-22

March 2022 TODAY 21

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Moving the cattle. 268372

Mango Madness: Clara and Annabelle in Darwin.

268372

From wool classing to fire systems, from mangoes to prime cattle, Tim and Jessica Elliott have diversity wrapped up, as ERLE LEVEY discovered.

All about what you put in What you put into life is what you get out of it.

That is the philosophy of Tim and Jessica Elliott, who have settled in the Mary Valley after fitting more into their lives so far than many would dream about.

I know farmers like to diversify … pick up another property in a different region to guard against changing weather and growing conditions.

They can also run different breeds of stock, different crops, and include tourism, hospitality or educational facets.

So how have Tim and Jessica of River Park Farms safeguarded their operations through making strategic decisions around diversification?

In a rather unusual twist, they have mixed raising prime Wagyu and Ultrablack cattle at their Kenilworth property with mango growing and packing in Darwin.

This diversity comes from a business sense, but also the energy, enthusiasm and expertise developed over a lifetime.

Always aim to be the best, Tim tells me as we enjoy a morning coffee with iced bun, and an apple and sultana slice.

We are sitting in the rotunda next to the farmhouse, with some prime river flats unfolding in front of us to the north.

Jessica is going through the breeding program for the IVF treatment of some cows in the early afternoon.

River Park Farms is five properties that form about 600 acres on a bend in the Mary River.

That’s when you begin to understand how much Tim and Jessica have put into not just this property but their lives.

It started when Tim set up a hay-carting contractor business at the age of 14.

That was where he grew up - in the Western District of Victoria.

He would arrange for the farmers to lend him their trucks, employ four men and have them pick him up as he didn’t have a licence to drive.

On the back of that he bought some Southdown sheep and kept them on the family farm.

So began a career that has included wool classing, stock work, bar work, fire safety systems - even dressing as a crocodile in the Northern Territory.

That part of Tim’s life also saw him play didgeridoo at Darwin’s Travelodge Resort during breaks in the floorshow which included Order of Australia recipient, indigenous actor and dancer, David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril.

I comment on the view of the property from the house but Tim tells me, “wait till I take you for a drive.’’

Jessica has an equally interesting life story.

Born at Bundaberg, she grew up on a 300acre small crop property … carrying irrigation pipes, helping to pick the crops.

22 TODAY March 2022

Tim and Jessica Elliott of River Park Farms at Kenilworth. 268372

The value is in what you do... what you do to improve the farming systems and the quality of land.’’

“I’ll never forget the smell of tomato bushes.

“I tried to stay away from farming … but life had other plans.’’

Tim’s interest in farming stemmed from attending ag school at Sunbury, in Melbourne’s north-western fringes ... the site associated with The Ashes tradition in cricket between Australia and England having been perpetuated in the 1882–83 series.

The college was self-sustaining in farm produce but the trade skills learnt there also stood Tim in good stead.

After he left school Tim went to a cattle station near Charters Towers in Northern Queensland. It was a 256 square kilometre holding and all of the stock work was done on horseback.

“I used to love riding,’’ he said, “but this sorted me out after the first week in the saddle.’’

He then went wool classing in South Australia and Victoria but realised hanging out with a bunch of shearer’s was not as romantic as it is made out to be.

That saw him head to Darwin in a HQ Holden station wagon. Much of the way was on a dirt track alongside the new road they wouldn’t let you use.

Darwin opened up so many stories - from bar work at the Nightcliff Hotel to installing fire sprinkler systems.

“You need to have a go,’’ he said, “whether

it’s worthwhile or not.’’

That has seen him come to rely on a business sense learned from experience - of recognising a good idea and then acting on it.

In Darwin, he would dress in a crocodile suit and walk around town to promote the corroboree nights at the Travelodge Resort.

There he would do didgeridoo solos during breaks in the floorshow.

When his father sold the farm in Victoria Tim drove back down and called in at Uluru, but was stuck there for two weeks waiting for the car to be repaired.

His father got into hotels in the Geelong area and then supermarkets.

“I would go to the markets and buy fruit and veg, and that started me in wholesaling,’’ Tim said.

“A mate had a confectionary retail outlet and I realised it was a great game to be in, due to the volume.

“A corner shop doesn’t have that.

“It gave me a customer base.

“My rule of thumb was if I lost one customer, I would go and get two.

“I have stayed with that philosophy. Unfortunately a lot of people wait for business to slow before they respond.’’

A fishing trip back to Darwin resulted in Tim being asked to help a friend pack some mangoes.

Using the business skills learned as a 14-year-old, he approached another farmer to use his shed and equipment to do the packing.

By including other selected growers he built the business up over a number of years under the Blush brand.

“It grew to be one of the biggest in Australia, with 60-odd growers.

“We used to do half a million trays - when the industry was doing three million in the Northern Territory.

“That meant loading six semi-trailers a day.

“Volume and quality are the key. Without either you’ve got nothing.

“We used to market the mangoes as different brands, depending on quality. The Blush brand is still held by us.’’

Jessica started her own adventure when her father sold the farm at Booyal.

He went cane harvesting, so Jessica became involved with packing fruit and vegetables.

“My uncle had an apple farm at Stanthorpe, so I would follow the fruit. That included mangoes at Bundaberg and Bowen.

“Eventually I headed to Darwin … my plan was to go overseas, but I met Tim.’’ By coincidence, her car broke down at Uluru as well.

Jessica had packed R2E2 mangoes in Queensland so knew they had to be handled differently to the Kensington Pride or Bowen as they are also known.

By this time the packing business, WePack, had an export market through Darwin to South-East Asia. This was in addition to being distributed throughout Australia.

“When I met Tim, my theory was he wasn’t a farmer,’’ Jess said, smiling. “He had a packing shed, so he was a businessman.

“That’s what I told myself at the time.’’

Jessica worked in child care in Darwin as well as helping in the business.

While Tim dealt with the farmers and the trucks, she ran the packing shed.

The birth of daughters Clara and Annabelle was a turning point in their life.

James was to come later.

“We came to Noosa on holiday in late 2010,’’ Jessica said. “And absolutely loved it.

“I had been to the Sunshine Coast but had never really been to Noosa.’’

Virtually on the last day of their holiday they bought a house, not at the beach but at Tinbeerwah.

That way they could spend six months of the year here and there, in between mango seasons.

They did that for four years.

“Basically, we came for the children and school,’’ Jessica said. “We were limited by age how long we could do that. We had to make a decision.

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

“I loved Darwin, it’s a different world … even though Tim nearly got taken by a croc in a billabong.’’

That brings us to another twist in their journey.

When Tim started the mango packing business he had to buy the equipment.

He sold his house and bought a mango grader - then lived in a tent at a caravan park for two years.

“My whole life to that stage was either going to go bad or turn around,’’ he said. “I even had to run a lead to a powered site to keep the beer cold.

“However, I managed to buy the farm where I was renting the shed, and expanded the building.’’

The business decision to scale back the mango packing and look to Queensland was based on the stress of dealing with the number of growers.

“Regardless of the money, the passion … the growers relied upon you.

“There is a duty of care. If you missed the mark, if I didn’t get their fruit packed … the shelf life on mangoes is pretty small.

“We’re not talking about a ton, it was 150 ton a day. That’s 300 bins.

“It was not just packing. Some years we worked 20 hours a day, as it’s a short season.’’

The term ’mango madness’ was absolutely fitting … they were sleep deprived, stressed, reliant on box companies, transport companies and labour.

“Once packed, the fruit has to go, we cannot hold it,’’ Tim said. “We would send it straight to Adelaide then Melbourne where it was dispersed Australia wide.’’

Tim and Jessica ran WePack in Berry Springs from 2001-2014. They still own and manage a large mango property on the Darwin River but have chosen to call the Sunshine Coast hinterland home.

They drove through Kenilworth and were taken by how beautiful the River Park property was.

“We both loved it,’’ Jessica said.

“River Park has always been the name of the property and the Wagyu cattle were already here.’’

There were 100 head but Tim and Jessica sold all except 30, as they wanted to keep the full blood cattle with some of the best genetics from Japan.

They are known for their peaceful temperament, and a very tender, very marbled beef carcass.

Wagyu cattle are unusually healthy cattle and readily adapt to a wide range of climatic conditions. They are very fertile and tend to have ease in calving.

Having developed an interest in the genetics and DNA testing available, Tim and Jessica believe they have been able to find the right balance of weight, marbling and milking attributes for their herd.

At the start Tim wanted to develop a new breed that would have appeal for direct marketing - from farm gate to plate.

“Our Wagyu are nearly all above the breed average.

“We purchased our Ultrablack (Tropical Angus) cattle in 2015 from Nindooinbah, who used US Brangus bulls over high quality Angus females.

“With the composite stabilising, River Park Farms are breeding high quality calves from a

NEWS

Clara, James and Annabelle Elliott at the stockyards of River Park Farms. 268372

In the bull paddock at River Park Farm. 268372

The Mary River bank at River Park Farms prior to rehabilitation and stabilisation work. 268372

The new fencing on the Mary River banks.

268372

Clara, James and Annabelle Elliott at the stockyards. 268372

In the bull paddock. 268372

River Park Farm at Kenilworth. 268372

Tome out: Tim Elliott at morning tea. 268372

top-ranking bull purchased from Palgrove in 2017.

“Our new bull, which is called Barronnessa Hollaway, was recently purchased from Barronessa Farming on the Atherton Tablelands.

“Our rule of thumb was to keep 50 percent commercial cattle.

“We now run about 300 head, with a mix 100 Wagyu and 200 Ultrablacks.’’

They chose Ultrablacks because of the exact breeding value (EBV) data that Palgrove has built up over many years at their base on the Darling Downs.

“Technology has made us the money,’’ Tim said.

“In farming - I learnt this with mangoes and probably milk distribution - the recording and display of details is time saving.

“Bar codes mean you can put out volume and at the same time provide traceability.’’

By using genomics for data as well as EVB breed plans, they have been able to create better animals.

With that, Australia has the gene pool and River Park some of the top five percent of Wagyu cattle in the world.

Another side benefit of buying River Park was trialling garlic and having success growing ginger for cash-flow.

While the climate was too humid and damp for garlic, the ginger has been very successful with about 25 ton harvested from an acre last year.

It goes to wholesale markets in Sydney and Melbourne.

“Initially, the main focus was improving the

carrying capacity of the property and the condition of the river,’’ Jessica said.

“The riverbanks had been eroded from cattle over-grazing the grass.

“It’s the artery. Without that you have nothing.’’

In a joint effort with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council the Elliotts set about stopping the degradation of river banks and loss of grazing land.

The next step involved driving pylons into stretches to slow the flow, and for grasses to trap the sediment.

“The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee (MRCCC) has done an amazing job in stabilising and restoring the river,’’ Tim said.

“In some places we’ve gained back 20m.

Continued page 24

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NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Reflections: Part of the herd at River Park Farms. 268372

River Park Farms at Kenilworth. 268372

Pylons have helped in the rehabilitation of the river banks at River Park Farms. 268372

From page 23 “We achieved a metre of fill in the last flood … I could not believe it.’’

The MRCCC has been involved in tree planting and maintenance along the banks, but there are also incentives for bringing fenceline back from the river.

The Elliotts have fenced off the waterways to give better water quality and use of land through strip grazing.

They have sunk some bores and put in water troughs to gravity feed the whole farm.

“We got rid of barbed wire along the river and now have galvanised droppers and steel posts with solar-powered electric fencing,’’ Tim said.

“The steel strainers are 3m and punched in 1.5m, so there is no need for supports.

“Without the MRCCC the river would be nothing like it is today.’’

The Elliotts have trialled new and improved grasses as well as changing the method of grazing and improving the quality of the soil with the help of farm manager Christiaan Van Der Berg.

“On the 300 acres that we strip graze, we run 300 head,’’ Tim said.

“We have doubled the carrying capacity,

the Wagyu cattle to maximise the benefits of the breed.

The Ultrablacks will have high appeal to small pastoralists in the region due to the gentle temperament and being a European type breed.

They are a composite of about 80 percent Angus and 20 percent Brahman to make them much more suitable to the climate in South east Queensland.

The Wagyu are sold interstate at online auctions and through a private company. This has included a 12-month-old bull calf for $50,000 in the Australian Wagyu Association’s elite auction.

“They are all descendants from the original Japanese bloodlines,’’ Tim said.

“If anyone has been to Japan and tasted the meat, it’s incredible. The whole thing about the way it’s prepared, processed and cooked.

“We have gone for the top end. I’ve always gone for the best of the best.

“We believe that supplying grass and grainfed beef to local restaurants will be the future for us.

“As well as selling top-end bulls we will will be selling steers into high-end restaurants on the coast.’’

In such a beautiful setting as the Mary Valley, Tim warns that farming for the future in the region is going to be tough for people who need to borrow.

“Unless you are intense farming, maybe we need to look at what we are going to do with this land.

“What we have issues with is the water security. As the values of land have increased, the reliance on more intense farming and water use will increase and play against urban development in the future.

“There will be a winner and a loser.’’

The river is the asset of the region and the improved quality of the water is reflected in the way the Kenilworth township has flourished in recent years.

“We are interested in the journey. The amount of wildlife in and around the river is incredible.

“The value is in what you do ... what you do to improve the farming systems and the quality of land.’’

To see the Elliotts working together in the yards for the IVF treatment of the cows, and their children helping out, you know that River Park is not short-term.

This is their home and they are investing in the future for other generations.

but it all comes at a labour cost.’’

In their efforts to improve the quality of the soils and grasses, the Elliotts take out obvious weeds prior to strip grazing and rotation of cattle through paddocks.

“We invest heavily in that,’’ Tim said. “Then we graze.

“Next, we go through and do another select on the weeds, then slash.

“The cows take the chocolate - they go for the nutrition and leave the rubbish.

“If it’s not checked it will outgrow the better grasses, especially during seeding times.

“We always allow the grasses to flourish once a year, so you make sure you have a seed bank.

“Seeds, graze, slash ... then you know you only have good grasses to come up. That will continually improve.

“We are slowly getting rid of bladey grass through slashing and mulching.

“Fertiliser is a key element, and we use organic chook and worm pellets. Slower release fertiliser works better.’’

From the gate you realise the beauty here as well as the productivity.

At the moment the Elliotts are developing

Calling all land owners!

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Next edition out on the 31 March 2022

Monthly market report brought to you by Herefords Australia.

12535648-BL08-22

Regional market round-up sale to 732c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed made to 634c with a fair sample averaging 593c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock or background made to 762c to average 680c/kg. Yearling heifers to feed averaged from 595c to 611c with sales to 652c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers to feed made to 558c to average 513c/ kg. Heavy grown steers and bullocks averaged 456c and 459c respectively with sales to 469c/kg. Medium weight 3 score cows to export processors averaged 376c and made to 383c/kg. Good heavy weight cows made to 414c with a good selection averaging 403c/kg.

Heavy weight bulls made to 402c/kg. Cows and calves made to $3,250 per unit. Market Reporter, Trevor Hess.

Roma yarding 2494 on 08/02/2022 Cattle were mostly drawn from the local supply area and steers and heifers were yarded in similar numbers. A large buying panel was present and operating with all regular processors competing. Overall the market mostly improved across the smaller yarding with light weight yearling steers up by 27c to 86c/kg. Medium weight steers under 400kg improved by 31c to 36c// kg. Light weight heifers under 280kg eased by 11c to 34c/kg. However medium weight yearling heifers under 400kg to feed improved by 30c/kg. Heavy weight prime cows improved by 5c to 6c/kg. Light weight yearling steers under 280kg to feed made to 900.2c to average 800c/ kg. Medium weight yearling steers under 330kg to restockers sold to 770.2c to average 703c/kg.

Yearling steers under 400kg to restockers made to 726.2c to average 637c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed reached a top of 598.2c to average 561c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers under 280kg to restockers made to 720.2c to average 669c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers under 330kg to restockers sold to 672.2c to average 661c/kg. Yearling heifers under 400kg to feed reached a top of 618.2c to average 593c/kg.

The best of the grown steers made to 548.2c to average 526c/kg. The best of the grown heifers made to 480.2c to average 416c/kg. PTIC red tag cows sold to 396.2c/kg. Medium weight prime cows made to 392.2c to average 377c/kg. Heavy weight 4 score cows reached a top of 392.2c to average 383c/kg. Heavy weight bulls reached a top of 341.2c to average 330c/kg. Cows and calves made to a top of $3,260/unit. Market Reporter, Sherrill Stivano.

Roma Yarding 5475 on 15/02/2022 Cattle were predominantly drawn from the local supply area and the overall quality was good with increased numbers of heavy steers and prime cows yarded. Steers accounted for half of the yarding. A good buying panel was present and operating with all regular processors active. The market remains firm despite steers mostly easing with light weight steers down by 3c to 35c, and heavy weight steers to feed down by 13c/ kg. Heifers saw improvements with medium weight heifers to feed improving by 3c to 8c/ kg. A quality yarding of prime cows experienced good gains, with medium weight cows to processors up by 3c and heavy weight cows up by

12c to 21c/kg. Light weight yearling steers under 280kg to restockers made to 852.2c to average 752c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers under 330kg to restockers sold to 786.2c to average 699c/kg. Yearling steers under 400kg to feed made to 758.2c to average 635c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed reached a top of 622.2c to average 549c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers under 280kg to restockers made to 740.2c to average 632c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers under 330kg to restockers sold to 686.2c to average 617c/kg. Yearling heifers under 400kg to feed reached a top of 626.2c to average 596c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers to feed made to 576.2 to average 498c/kg. The best of the grown steers made to 518.2c to average 500c/kg. The best of the grown heifers made to 460.2c to average 429c/kg. A quality line of Angus and Angus X PTIC red tag cows sold to $3,275/head at open auction. Medium weight prime cows made to 398.2c to average 395c/ kg. Heavy weight prime cows reached a top of 405.2c to average 397c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 396.2c to average 364c/kg. Restocker demand was strong for the increased numbers of cows and calves resulting in a top of $3,800/ unit. Market Reporter: Sherrill Stivano.w Toowoomba yarded 299 on 07/02/2022 The supply of stock improved slightly at the Toowoomba sale which included a line of light weight calves sold open auction. The regular processors, wholesalers and feeder operators were in attendance and operating along with a large panel of restockers and onlookers. The heavy steers and bullocks sold to a strong market as did the heavy cows and any price variations in the younger cattle was quality related. Yearling steers in the 200-280kg range averaged 704c and sold to 722c/kg. Yearling steers over 330kg to restockers made to 766c and averaged 761c with the feeder buyers paying 666c to average 601c/kg. Heavy yearling steers to feed made 614c to average 582c/ kg. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock sold to 642c and averaged 622c/ kg. Yearling heifers to feed for the domestic market averaged 572c and made to 578c/kg.

Well finished grown steers in the 500-600kg range to processors averaged 460c and made to 466c with steers over 600kg selling to 446c to average 437c/kg. Good heavy cows sold to 384c and averaged 374c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors sold to 342c/kg. Quality cows and calves sold open auction made $3500/unit with light weight yearling steers selling from $1310 to $1600/head and light weight heifers from $900 to $1420/head. Market Reporter, Errol Luck.

Toowoomba yarded 264 on 14/02/2022 There was a small reduction in supply to 264 head at the Toowoomba cattle sale. The usual export feed and trade buyers were in attendance, plus a larger lineup of restockers, and all were very active in the market. Light weight young cattle continued to receive very strong support from restockers. Feeder operators also provided very strong competition, however were pushed on in places by

restocker demand. A handful of heavy grown steers and bullocks to export processors also received strong competition. The small selection of cows sold to good demand for the quality penned. Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to 768c to average 725c/kg. Yearling steers in the 280 to 330kg range also sold to restockers at an average of 634c with sales to 656c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to feed made to 600c to average 593c, with some to restockers making to 640c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed made to 594c to average 542c/kg.

Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock made to 678c to average 615c/kg.

Yearling heifers to feed averaged from 580c to 615c and made to 624c/kg. Heavy grown steers and bullocks made to 446c to average 439c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows to processors averaged 354c/kg. Good heavy weight cows made to 378c, with the occasional cow returning to the paddock at 406c/kg. Light weight bulls to restockers made to 790c/kg.

Light weight steers sold open auction made to $1450/head, and the heifer portion $1400/ head. Cows and calves made to $3760/unit.

Market Reporter; Trevor Hess.

SHEEP 16 February The supply of stock improved to 1,789 at Warwick with 1,475 lambs and 314 grown sheep penned. The overall yarding improved in quality with a good mix of well finished trade lambs, store lambs and mutton. The young lambs improved in price and the trade lambs were firm on last week’s sale. All the regular butchers, wholesalers and processors were present however not all export processors operated alongside a large panel of restockers who were keen to purchase replacement ewe lambs and young rams.

Young lambs to restockers sold to $154 and averaged $149/head. Young lambs to the wholesale meat trade sold to $170/head.

Lambs in the 18-20kg range to feeder operators averaged $171 and sold to $179/head.

Lambs to the local butcher trade averaged $177 and sold to $189/head with the ewe portion selling to $220/head. Lambs to the wholesale meat trade sold to $218 and averaged $210 with the ewes selling for $258/head.

Heavy lambs to processors sold to $232/head.

A good sample of heavy hoggets to processors sold to $209 and averaged $181/head.

Heavy ewes to processors made $142/head.

Young wethers to the wholesale meat trade sold for $160/head. Ram lambs to the wholesale meat trade averaged $177 and sold to $179 with several finding new homes at $590 to average $304/head.

Market Reporter Errol Luck 9 February Agents penned 1,417 total with 1,115 lambs and 302 grown sheep at Warwick with numbers down on last weeks sale. Prices for well finished trade and heavy lambs improved by $9 to $17/head.

Continued page 26

12536536-CG08-22

CATTLE Dalby Yarding 3,197 on 09/02/2022 Included in the lineup were 180 head from NSW, and a small sample from far Western Queensland, with the balance from the usual local supply areas. Export buyer attendance was good with all the regular operators active in the market, along with the usual feed and trade buyers, plus a good lineup of restockers. Prices for young light weight yearling steers and heifers returning to the paddock improved by 12c to 26c/kg.

Medium weight yearling steers to feed sold to a very strong market, and heavy weight yearling steers to feed averaged 10c/kg better. Yearling heifers to feed for the domestic market improved in price by up to 30c/kg. A fair selection of good quality heavy grown steers and bullocks averaged 8c/kg dearer, with the better quality noticeably dearer in places. Cows generally sold to a strong market, with a lift in the standard of the heavy weights improving average prices by 2c/kg. Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to a top of 854c with a large sample averaging 713c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market averaged from 621c to 648c with the occasional sale to 726c, with some returning to the paddock at 760c/ kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed made to 618c with a good sample averaging 577c/kg.

Light weight yearling heifers under 200kg made to 812c to average 770c/kg. Yearling heifers under 280kg were well supplied and made to 760c to average 681c/kg. Yearling heifers to feed averaged from 599c to 625c with sales to 668c/ kg. Heavy grown steers and bullocks to export processors averaged 452c and made to 460c/kg.

Medium weight 2 score cows to export processors averaged 325c and made to 335c/kg. Good heavy weight cows made to 385c with a fair sample averaging 376c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 380c/kg some returning $3785/head.

PTIC cows sold open auction made to $3,700/ head, and cows and calves made to $4,650/unit.

Market Reporter, Trevor Hess.

Dalby Yarding 3,694 on 15/02/2022. Cattle were drawn from a wide area with 223 head from far Western Queensland, with the remainder from the usual supply area. All the major export processors were in attendance along with the usual feed and trade buyers, plus a large line up of restockers. Competition across most classes continued to improve, with light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock averaging 19c/kg better. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market improved in price by 23c to 26c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed averaged 16c/ kg dearer. All classes of yearling heifers were in demand, with strong support from restockers as well as feeder operators. Heavy grown steers and bullocks improved in price by 4c to 7c/kg. However all classes of cows sold to a much dearer trend with improvements of 20c to 27c/kg. Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to a top of 872c with a large sample averaging 732c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market averaged from 644c to 675c with the occasional

BULL LONGEVITY Lower bull cost per calf weaned

ADAPTABILITY Grass or grain finishing ability

INCREASED WEIGHTS At weaning, joining and carcase

HEREFORDSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU March 2022 TODAY 25

Monthly market report brought to you by Herefords Australia.

12535648-BL08-22

Regional market round-up From page 25 Store buyers were very selective in their purchases with some lines easing in price however light weight ewe lambs were went against the trend and improved in price. All the regular processors and butchers were in attendance along with the usual feeder operators.Young lambs under 16kg sold to restockers at $151 to average $126/head. Young lambs to wholesalers sold for $180/head. Light weight ewe lambs returning to the paddock sold to $181 and averaged $157/head. Butcher weight lambs averaged $188 and sold to $190/head with feeder buyers paying to $182 and averaging $160/

head. Lambs to local trade buyers sold to $204 to average $187/head. Lambs to the wholesale meat trade averaged $198 and sold to $213/ head. Heavy lambs to processors sold to $236 and averaged $222/head.

Hoggets to processors made $231 to average $180/head. Ewes to processors sold for $179 to average $172/head. Dorper wethers to processors made $185/head. Heavy rams in pen lots to processors averaged $149 and sold to $152 with one ram finding a new home at $200/head.

Market Reporter Errol Luck 2 February The supply of stock improved on the numbers

of two weeks ago with a total of 3,270 penned with 2,600 lambs and 670 grown sheep. All the regular wholesalers and butchers were present along with the regular export processors who operated on the yarding of heavy lambs and mutton. Increased numbers of quality store lamb meet strong competition from the large panel of restocker and feeder buyers. The prices for trade lambs eased from $5 to $14 with heavy lambs and mutton improving in price by up to $20/head.

Young lambs to restockers averaged $143 and sold to $151/head. Young sucker lambs to butchers sold to $175/head. Light weight

lambs to feeder operators sold to $168 and averaged $154/head. Lambs to butchers sold to $188 and averaged $175/head. Lambs to the wholesale meat trade averaged $194 and sold to $207/head. Heavy lambs to processors averaged $222 and made to $230/head.

Heavy hoggets to processors sold to $205 and averaged $178/head. Ewes to export processors averaged $174 and sold to $180/head.

Wethers sold to $180/head. Heavy rams to the wholesale meat trade made $184 with several ram lambs finding new homes at $210/head.

Market Reporter Errol Luck

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From page 28

Hamish Stewart carries the ball towards the defensive line in the Santos Cup in Roma.

The NSW Waratahs defeated the Queensland Reds 21-14 to retain the Santos Cup in their pre-season game at Gallas Fox Park in Roma.

A lineout during the Santos Cup in Roma.

Spencer Jeans passes during the Santos Cup in Roma.

Filipo Daugunu runs towards NSW defenders during the Santos Cup in Roma.

Ben Donaldson plays for the NSW Waratahs during the Santos Cup in Roma.

The ball boys at the Santos Cup in Roma.

Angus Scott-Young tries to evade defenders during the Santos Cup in Roma.

March 2022 TODAY 27

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Jake Gordon runs towards Queensland defenders during the Santos Cup in Roma.

Fraser McReight is caught by a Waratahs defender during the Santos Cup in Roma.

The NSW Waratahs have defeated the Queensland Reds 21-14 to retain the Santos Cup in their pre-season game at Gallas Fox Park in Roma.

A power outage in the regional community delayed kick-off by more than an hour, but the two sides went on to light-up the country crowd in the centrepiece of the annual Santos Festival of Rugby.

After a slow start, the Reds clicked into gear courtesy of some set-piece dominance with the return of Alex Mafi and Taniela Tupou but Queensland failed to find a third and decisive try to steal a last-minute draw.

Waratahs backrower Lachie Swinton won the Cuppiadge Medal as man of the match in recognition of Dr John Loftus Cuppaidge.

Dr Cuppaidge captained a team of locals from Roma against NSW in their first regional tour game in Queensland in 1883.

The Reds were put under pressure in the opening stages and NSW capitalised with back-to-back tries through Alex Newsome and Ben Donaldson for a 14-0 lead after just 12 minutes.

Things went from bad to worse for Queensland.

A lack of discipline inside their own-22 saw Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Dane Zander sent to the sin-bin in the backend of the first half.

The Reds went to the break trailing by two converted tries.

They needed just two minutes in the second half to open their account, however.

A deft Spencer Jeans short-ball to Harry Wilson saw the rampaging number-eight crash over under the posts to reduce the deficit to seven.

Bringing a bigger playing squad to Roma than the Reds - and in scenes resembling an American football match - the Waratahs replaced most of their XV and, with fresh legs, powered over for their third try of the night in the 56th minute.

lours, Lawson Creighton converted the extras to trail 21-14 inside the final 10 minutes but it was as close as they would get.

New South Wales Waratahs 21 Tries: Newsome, Donaldson, Edmed

Reds get rolled in Roma

Gallas Fox Park in Roma hosted the Santos Cup between the Qld Reds and NSW Waratahs.

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Conversions: Donaldson 2, Edmed Queensland Reds 14 Tries: Wilson, Jeans Conversions: Daugunu, Creighton More pictures on page 27

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After coughing-up the ball over the try line, Spencer Jeans made sure he wasn’t denied a second time when he picked-up the scraps off the base of a ruck to score in the 68th minute.

In his first match playing in Queensland co-

28 TODAY March 2022