Queensland Farmer Today - April 2022

April 2022

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QCWA toasts a century

Meat app game changer

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Show talent The region will be well represented by young talent at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney at Easter.

Jack Williamson from the Somerset region will have the honour of representing Queensland at the national finals of the Young Prime Judges, having won the state crown at Proston in early March.

Moura’s Mackenzie Leeson was at a loss for words when she won the Young Stud Judges state final competition at Proston and will also be heading to Sydney, along with the Young Paraders state champion, 18-year-old Chloe Plowman from Kingaroy. Corey Evans and Simon Kinbacher are also counting down the days until they represent Queensland at the Australia Young Auctioneers’ final.

STORIES PAGES 14-16

Connecting the dream A new e-commerce platform has been launched to connect Victoria Hill Lamb producers straight to customers, following a long-held dream of the owners.

Allora graziers Stephen and Claire

Schmidt, Victoria Hill Lamb, have launched a website that showcases their passion for the land, their core principles of animal welfare and the value of happy sheep.

STORY PAGE 10

Allora grazier Stephen Schmidt, Victoria Hill Lamb, is passionate about the land, the core principles of animal welfare and the value of happy sheep.

Roma Easter Roma’s Easter in the Country, to be held this year from 13-19 April, is considered the premier Easter event in southern Queensland.

A powerful five-day festival that packs a punch locally, it allows businesses the chance to leverage their marketing and to exploit the visitor’s dollar. The aim, according to Easter in the Country committee president Jenny Flynn, is to underpin and drive the local economy.

Australian country pop/rock artist Casey Barnes is a headline act.

LIFTOUT PREVIEW, PAGES 17-20

Beef’s booming Ben Adams, Kingswood, Taroom, remembers a time during drought when he sold a B-Double full of skinny cows for $13,500 gross.

Now, he is receiving $50,000 per deck.

“I certainly have never seen prices like this,”

Mr Adams said.

“Even the generation before me say it’s well and truly the best time they’ve ever seen.

“During the dry days of 2019, which is only three years ago, I would have happily handed

the keys over to someone else for a while as things just felt like they were getting out of control.

“So, it’s a massive change and we need to enjoy the good times now.

“Our family is trying to make the most of it.

Unlike others, we’re not expanding but consolidating and completing improvements to prepare for when the times are not so good.”

STORIES PAGES 3-5

ROMA Easter In the Country • 13 – 18 April 2022 www.easterinthecountry.com.au

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INSIDE INNOVATION FORUM .................... page 11 EASTER IN THE COUNTRY ......pages 17-20 COLUMNS ...........................pages 21-22 QCWA CENTENARY ...............pages 26-27 RECIPE ...................................... page 28 MARKET R0UND-UP ..................... page 31 FLINTON RACES ...................pages 34-35

The editor’s desk

DAM LEVELS Beardmore................................. 100.84% Bjelke Petersen .......................... 100.72% Borumba ..................................... 101.2% Boondoomba ............................... 99.61% Cedar Pocket ............................... 100.9% Chinchilla Weir ................................ 100% Coolmunda .................................. 99.95% Cunnamulla (Alan Tannock Weir) ....... 100% Leslie ........................................ 100.11% Paradise .................................... 98.961% Somerset ...................................... 80.5% Wivenhoe....................................... 89.9% Graham Pickles, Wicus Cronje, and Mal Brady, of Burrawang Dorper and White Dorper Stud, Ootha, with purchasers James and Luke Hardwick, Deepdale, West Toodyay, WA, with $26,000 ram and Picture: KATE LOUDON $62,000 world record breaking ram. 273850

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Dorper ram’s record price

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Fifth generation Victorian sheep and beef industry producers, brothers Luke, James and Patrick Hardwick have paid a record $62,000 for a Dorper ram at the Burrawang ram stud auction on Monday 21 March.

The sale price breaks last year’s ram sale record of $27,000 set at the Burrawang Dorper and White Dorper stud sale, and the Australian record for a Dorper set in 2020 at auction for $50,000.

The Hardwicks sold their interest in the family meat processing business in Kyneton, Victoria, late last year and the three brothers now plan to turn their significant industry expertise to an expanding investment in the sheep-shedding breed market.

James said the highly adaptable Dorpers and white Dorpers are very popular on the east coast of Australia and the brothers have experienced first-hand the quality meat and carcase attributes the Dorper sheep breed offers.

“We are excited about this opportunity and our goal is to be active into the Dorper’s genetic breed at our recently acquired historic Deepdale Farm at Toodyay, north of Perth.

“The Dorpers are an impressive genetic breed due to their high yielding meat quality as well as their low maintenance production and suitability to Australian climate.

“They are extremely durable and tolerant in

marginal rainfall areas which makes them an ideal sheep breed for Western Australia sheep producers.

“Dorpers are also extremely fertile sheep breed that shed their coats and don’t need regular shearing so there is a significant benefit to farm production costs,” James said.

More than 200 rams were presented for market at Burrawang Stud sale, easily topping last October’s sale where 137 rams were presented to market.

Luke said the brothers have admired the quality and product Burrawang Stud progeny has produced and this is the foundations of genetics for their Deepdale Dorper stud.

“Producers are actively seeking to secure the Dorper breed to combat issues surrounding changing climate conditions as well as labour shortages and rising production costs which are associated with other breeds.

“Our family has a long history in farming and producing and our experience in the meat industry gives us great confidence in the genetics of the Dorper breed as we seek to open new channels to supply chains.

“With our own investment in the industry, we see nothing but a strong future for Dorpers in the meat industry,” Luke said.

Marksman Dorper 191354 achieved $26,000 ram, and the $62,000 world record breaking ram was Trump WD 191472.

As a hapless Queensland politician recently learned, it’s never wise to offend a member of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA).

When past state president, Christine King met with the government representative he asked where his plate of freshly-baked scones were?

“Why would you think I cook?” was her swift reply. “I’m not this soft walkover who comes begging with a plate of scones as bribery.”

Indeed.

This year, the QCWA, which was established after a meeting in Brisbane in 1922 as Australia emerged from World War I, celebrates its centenary.

“There were some very wonderful women who came together to form the Queensland Country Women’s Association,” Ms King said.

“They were, I think, fairly educated women for their time.”

Reflecting on the past 100 years, Ms King said the QCWA continued to provide support and friendship for rural and urban women of all ages.

And, crucially, to advocate to improve their conditions.

“It’s so important that we’re not just seen as the people who bring the catering and dont have these lobbying positions,” Ms King said.

“Advocacy underlines all that we do.

That’s really what CWA is all about.” From the team at Queensland Farmer Today, happy birthday to the QCWA!

- Fiona Gowers

Backing Ekka The Federal Government is providing $6.5 million to the Royal Queensland Show (the Ekka) under round two of the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program to support costs incurred from the cancelled 2021 event.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Government was providing show societies and field day organisers with a much-needed cash injection after the disruptions caused by Covid-19 in 2021.

“The Ekka generates over 3500 jobs annually and contributes around $200 million to the Queensland economy. The 2021 Ekka was cancelled at short notice to ensure the health and safety of the public. This was the second year in a row the Ekka was cancelled due to Covid-19. “Continued support for iconic events, such as the Ekka with its 145-year history, will contribute to the sustainability of agricultural show societies and the events they hold in 2022 and beyond. I am looking forward to the Ekka in August, which will be as big, bold and exciting as ever in 2022.”

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MLA market information manager Steve Bignell.

NEWS

Dangarfield Santa Gertrudis stud is spread across six properties around the Taroom/Wandoan areas in the Western Downs and the herd comprises 1200 breeders.

Beef’s ‘never been better’

By Fiona Gowers Ben Adams, Kingswood, Taroom, remembers a time during drought when he sold a B-Double full of skinny cows for $13,500 gross.

Now, he is receiving $50,000 per deck.

“I certainly have never seen prices like this,” Mr Adams said.

“Even the generation before me say it’s well and truly the best time they’ve ever seen.

“During the dry days of 2019, which is only three years ago, I would have happily handed the keys over to someone else for a while as things just felt like they were getting out of control.

“So, it’s a massive change and we need to enjoy the good times now.

“Our family is trying to make the most of it.

Unlike others, we’re not expanding but consolidating and completing improvements to prepare for when the times are not so good.”

Mr Adams is the fourth generation to run Dangarfield Santa Gertrudis, a family-operated seedstock operation founded in 1983.

The stud is spread across six properties around the Taroom/Wandoan areas in the Western Downs and the herd comprises 1200 breeders.

Mr Adams said while he was of course grateful for “historically high” prices received, they were offset by ever-increasing input costs.

“As a beef breeder, it’s all pretty good in general, it just feels a bit uncertain and we would all like some stability and sustainability,” he said.

“We’re at a stage where we are keen for it to even out and plateau, so everyone in the beef industry knows where they stand”.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), beef production will top record volumes - even above the highs set during the drought-induced turnoff of 2019 - by 2024.

MLA cattle industry projections for 2022 say production will lift 12 per cent this year to 2.08 million tonnes and will reach 2.44m tonnes by 2024.

Ben Adams, Kingswood, Taroom is the fourth generation to run Dangarfield Santa Gertrudis, a family-operated seedstock operation founded in 1983.

If so, that is 32pc above last year’s production that will also equate to record export levels. In 2022, more than one million tonnes are expected to be exported.

MLA’s herd projection of 4pc growth this year to 27.2m head is a slight reduction on what it predicted last year. Due, in part, to conception and fertility impacts of drought still affecting northern production systems.

MLA’s market information manager Steve Bignell said 80pc of Queensland was forecast to get above average rainfall, which would underpin a strong start to 2022.

“Should the 2022 season not turn out that favourable, we can still rest assured it won’t be

as bad as 2018 or ’19 because that good outlook for the next three months will mean there is water in dams, soil moisture, grass on the ground and grain.”

MLA market information analyst Ripley Atkinson said while the national breeding herd was young due to the turnoff of cows during drought, favourable reproductive conditions for young females were expected to counteract the challenge of joining first and second calving females.

“We are expecting supply to increase in the second half of this year on the back of the numbers of calves born in spring 2020 or autumn 2021,” he said.

“Female calves coming through have grown up under favourable seasonal conditions which will promote branding rates into the future.”

Facts National herd forecast to grow by 1.1 million in 2022 as herd rebuild becomes more pronounced.

Slaughter numbers forecast to rise by 11 per cent in 2022, driven by increased supply.

Production volumes expected to reach 2.08m tonnes, a positive for export markets.

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April 2022 TODAY 3

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Floods to test confidence

By Fiona Gowers Queensland’s agricultural producers have reported strong levels of confidence in the first quarter of 2022, with investment intentions at a record high.

The recent catastrophic flooding in the state’s south east is set to dim the bullish sentiment, however, as farmers in the region count the cost of damage.

The latest Rabobank Rural Confidence survey found Queensland rural confidence had remained at the positive levels recorded at the end of 2021.

Some 90 per cent of the state’s agricultural producers expected agribusiness conditions to either remain stable or improve further in the year ahead.

Along with Tasmania, Queensland had the highest level of farmer confidence in the country.

Investment intentions among Queensland producers were found to be at their highest level in the survey’s 22-year history.

In all, 94 per cent of those surveyed plan to increase or maintain the same level of investment in their business in the coming 12 months.

The survey found strong commodity prices and seasonal conditions were key reasons for optimism within the agricultural sector.

Rabobank regional manager for Northern Queensland and Northern Territory Trent McIndoe said the rain that had fallen in the state’s south east after the survey had significantly impacted some agricultural production in the region.

“The main impacts have been on dairy, horticulture (such as sugar cane and soybeans) and beef operations in the region,” he said.

“With, very sadly, some stock losses and also damage to crops and infrastructure.”

Across the state, the survey found 39pc of farmers had an optimistic outlook on the 12 months ahead, which was unchanged from last quarter.

Just eight per cent expected agribusiness conditions to deteriorate in the year ahead (compared with 10pc previously). A total of 52pc expected conditions to remain stable.

Commodity prices and seasonal conditions were cited, respectively, by 79pc and 48pc as key reasons for Queensland producers’ optimism.

Mr McIndoe said the combination of strong commodity prices, good seasonal conditions across much of the state and low interest rates have contributed to the positive outlook among many producers.

This was being reflected in a strong appetite for property purchase.

“We have never seen the Queensland agricultural property market so strong,” Mr McIndoe said.

“There are not a lot of properties on the market, but when they are available they are well contested and it is not unusual to see 20 registered bidders at auctions.

“Beef is the commodity that is outperforming everything else at present and we are seeing that reflected in the demand for cattle properties.

“Activity for sugar cane farms is increasing, with some converted to beef production and other commodities.”

As well as buying more land, Queensland producers are now also seeking to spend more in their farm businesses.

Half of those planning to increase investment intend to buy new plant and machinery, with 69pc buying new fences, yards and sheds.

Mr McIndoe said investment intentions would have been higher if producers were able to access product, materials and labour, which supply chain issues prevent.

Mr McIndoe attributed widespread rain across much of Queensland during the summer to the positive outlook among many producers.

“There are still some pockets in western Queensland that have missed the rain and parts of south east Queensland that have now received too much in recent weeks.”

Across all commodities, beef producers are the state’s most optimistic sector, with 94pc expecting agribusiness conditions to stay steady in the year ahead.

Producers in the state’s beef sector – buoyed by a continuing good season and strong commodity prices – also reported the strongest investment appetite.

Some 40 per cent intend to spend more on their businesses in the next 12 months.

Of those, 32pc hope to buy property. In line with the positive sentiment, almost half of Queensland’s beef producers, at 49 pc, expect their gross farm income to increase this year.

As for the grain sector, the survey found 74pc of Queensland growers expect farm business conditions to improve or stay the same in the next 12 months.

Mr McIndoe said while grain growers in the state’s south were impacted by recent rain affecting summer crops, grain prices remained strong. Furthermore, the moisture has boosted prospects for the imminent winter crop.

He said the access and cost of crop inputs – both fertilisers and chemicals – was a big concern for grain growers.

“We are seeing producers looking at alternative fertilisers and trialling different products, such as chicken manure, as a way of managing these issues,” Mr McIndoe said.

Queensland sugar cane producers are also concerned about input costs, although remain optimistic about the year ahead. In all, 54pc see farm business conditions improving and 32pc see conditions staying the same.

Of those cane producers with a negative view on the year ahead, 100pc are apprehensive about rising input prices.

A comprehensive monitor of outlook and sentiment in Australian rural industries, the Rabobank Rural Confidence survey questions an average of 1000 primary producers across a wide range of commodities and geographical areas throughout Australia on a quarterly basis.

The most robust study of its type in Australia, the survey has been done since 2000 by an independent research organisation.

The next results are scheduled for release in June 2022.

Rabobank regional manager for Northern Queensland and Northern Territory Trent McIndoe.

Facts Queensland agricultural sentiment is among the strongest in the country, alongside Tasmania.

Queensland producers’ investment intentions at highest level in survey’s history, with 94 per cent looking to increase

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NEWS

Costs challenge demand

By Fiona Gowers Global beef markets remain tight on strong ongoing consumer demand and constrained supply, however headwinds are building, Rabobank says in a newly-released report.

In its Q1 Global Beef Quarterly, the specialist agribusiness bank says while global beef prices remain high – with cattle prices across most key beef-producing regions at their highest levels in five years – cost pressures are building in the supply chain.

And, this will test the willingness of consumers to continue to pay “top dollar” for beef.

“Over the past two years, retail beef prices have been phenomenal,” the report says, largely driven by strong consumer demand and some supply shocks.

“In Q4 2021, beef retail prices in the US were 23 per cent higher than the five-year average and, in China, they were 24pc above the five-year average.”

“Demand pull” has caused much of this increase in prices, according to Rabobank senior animal protein analyst, Angus Gidley-Baird.

He said lockdown restrictions, additional disposable incomes from Covid stimulus packages and, in the case of China and African swine fever in pork, limitations on the availability of alternative proteins had driven increased consumer appetite for beef.

“With beef supply unable to keep up, the increase in demand has created an imbalance in the market and, as a result, beef prices have lifted,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

In many cases, the increase in retail beef prices have been among the largest in history.

And, while beef prices continued to increase through 2021, prices for many other proteins remained stable or contracted.

“While price rises in beef have been dramatic, the fact they have been largely caused by consumer demand has meant they have been accommodated,” Mr Gidley-Baird.

“Demand pull” has caused the increase in beef prices, according to Rabobank senior animal protein analyst, Angus Gidley-Baird.

“That is, consumers have been willing to pay higher prices to continue consuming beef.”

Inflationary pressures are building in the beef supply chain, the report warns, with labour, freight and energy costs among the largest to see increases, along with feed.

Many of these cost increases would be permanent and needed to be “accommodated” and absorbed into retail pricing, Mr GidleyBaird said.

“Some of the cost pressures such as freight, energy and feed are cyclical and, over time, are expected to decline, allowing for some easing in 2022.

“However, a number of cost increases –

those associated with labour and sustainability, for example – will remain and need to be accommodated within the supply chain.

“Further increases in beef prices run the risk of consumers substituting other proteins or reducing their overall consumption.

“And, we are starting to see signs they might be reaching their limit.”

The Q1 report says the Russia Ukraine conflict is unlikely to have a major impact on global beef markets, given Russia has a minor role in markets compared with five years ago.

Russia only accounts for about five per cent of global beef imports, with its major suppliers being Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.

Indirect impacts are possible, however.

“Increased energy, fertiliser and feed costs as a result of the conflict could all impact the beef supply chain and, with Russia and Ukraine accounting for 29pc of global wheat exports, any trade embargoes could pressure feed prices,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

“The uncertainty, along with slower global growth and inflation, could also see an erosion of consumer confidence resulting in an easing of consumer demand for beef.”

For Australia, the report says, “encouraging rains” across central, northern and eastern Australia in the first two months of 2022 will support cattle production in the largest producing states.

“After a number of dry years in northern Australia, we expect these rains to stimulate restocking and herd rebuilding, adding further producer demand to an already strong cattle market,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

“Such restocking will also support increased production in the years to come.”

Australian cattle prices remain strong, supported by ongoing producer demand for restocking, coupled with the limited availability of cattle, the report says.

Cattle processing has had a slow start for the year, with Omicron cases in the community impacting the labour force.

“For the first five weeks of 2022, east coast weekly cattle slaughter in Australia was nine per cent below the same period last year and 40pc below the five-year average,” Mr GidleyBaird said.

Australian beef exports ended 2021 down 15pc on 2020 volumes, the report said.

The largest declines were to the US (down 31pc), China (down 25pc) and Japan (down 13pc). Volumes lifted however to South Korea (up three per cent).

Live exports followed a similar trend – down 27pc overall, with volumes to Indonesia down 13pc and to Vietnam down 44pc.

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April 2022 TODAY 5

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

It’s the future of farming A revolutionary agricultural robot has been launched in the Darling Downs after 20 years of research and development by a Danish company.

‘Robotti’ is an autonomous, multi-purpose machine that was officially launched at the Agtech and Logistics Hub by Agrointelli, Corematic and Formatt Machinery.

Engineering director and co-founder at Corematic Engineering Scott Hansen said Robotti is one of the most advanced and proven autonomous systems.

“Almost anything you can do with an autosteer, you can apply to this machine.

“This can take the monotonous jobs away and we can re-purpose people into roles where they can bring added value,” said Mr Hansen.

Robotti can be used worldwide for seeding, weeding, spraying and fertilisation in conventional or organic farms, with a lower cost per area unit for both investment and operational cost.

Agrointelli product specialist Jens Johnsen travelled from Denmark to Toowoomba to showcase Robotti’s capabilities.

Mr Johnsen said in Europe they were mainly using Robotti for shedding and weeding.

“That’s where we see the most benefit,” he said.

“It’s definitely the future.. I think it’s going to be a huge benefit for the farmer.”

Key account manager at Corematic Engineering Cyril Delorme said the need to bring innovation and automation to farmers was evident, especially with labour shortages.

“Farmers are pressing us more and more to see an autonomous system functional here in Australia.”

“After months of discussions with Formatt Machinery and Agrointelli, we decided to bring a first unit over in spite of all the challenges posed by international shipments and travel restrictions, “Mr Delorme said.

Agtech and Logistics Hub community manager Stephen Dummett, engineering director and co-founder at Corematic Engineering Scott Hansen, Agrointelli product specialist Jens Johnsen and key account manager at Corematic Engineering Cyril Delorme.

The demonstration day at the Agtech and Logistics Hub in Charlton further cements the region as a leading contributor to Queensland’s Agtech industry.

Community manager Stephen Dummett

said it was a great experience seeing the autonomous vehicle in action.

“This is a commercially-ready robot that has already seen significant uptake in Europe,” he said.

“It’s not a concept model, it is paddockready, available to buy now and well suited to the horticulture sector.”

For more information visit: www.corematic. com.au/robotti/

Confirmed human case of Japanese Encephalitis Virus A public health alert was issued in early March following a confirmed human case of Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) in Queensland.

The confirmed case had recent travel in regional southern Queensland and was treated in a Brisbane hospital.

It was the first recorded case in Queensland for almost 25 years - the most recent case before was in 1998.

JEV is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito to people and animals. In animals, it mostly occurs in pigs and horses.

Clinicians at Queensland hospitals have been asked to be alert to the possibility of JEV in people presenting with encephalitis or a similar illness.

Most human infections of JEV cause no symptoms or mild symptoms such as headache or fever. A person with severe disease

may present with inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), characterised by sudden onset of vomiting, high fever and chills, severe headache, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness and nausea/vomiting.

Children aged under five years of age and older people who are infected with JEV are at a higher risk of developing more severe illness.

The Health Department encouraged Queenslanders to take necessary steps to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes, especially given the recent flooding event which may lead to an increase in mosquito numbers.

Measures to prevent mosquito bites include regularly applying insect repellent containing Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; wearing loose, light-coloured clothing to cover up arms, legs

and feet; and using other insecticide-based mosquito control devices where possible when outside.

Mosquito bites can be experienced at any time of day, but some species are most active at dusk and dawn.

Around the home, it was important to inspect for common mosquito breeding sites, clean up debris and make sure to empty, wipe out and store any outdoor containers in a dry place.

It’s also important to ensure flyscreens are in good order so mosquitoes can’t enter the home easily.

JEV is a nationally notifiable disease in both humans and animals.

The human case follows a detection at a piggery in southern Queensland in late February.

There have also been detections in New

South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

There is no risk to humans from consuming pork or pig products. Pork products are safe to eat.

The virus cannot be spread directly from person to person.

Queensland Health is working collaboratively with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and industry, as well as state, territory and national counterparts to discuss a national response.

Support is also being provided to intensive livestock industry workers.

Read more about JEV in humans conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/ condition/14/217/83/japanese-encephalitis and in animals business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/ livestock/animal-welfare/pests-diseasesdisorders/japanese-encephalitis

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April 2022 TODAY 7

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Farewell to ‘last cowboy’

By Jessica McGrath Gary James Callaghan loved his horses and cattle and was known by some as the ‘last cowboy’.

The former Dalby resident passed away on 13 March 2022, aged 69.

Gary was a very kind, giving man who dearly loved his family.

He was a cherished husband of Debbie for nearly 45 years, and was a beloved father and father-in-law of Michael and Jael, and Sam and Kylie.

Gary also enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren Zander, Isla, Fletcher and Elsie.

While Gary had a number of interests, he particularly loved his horses, cattle and of course, his motorbike.

A passion for the land was deep in Gary’s blood with both his parents and grandparents choosing a life on the land.

His brother went on to become an agricultural farmer, while Gary steered towards a passion for livestock.

“A friend of mine called him the ‘last cowboy’ because there were not many others quite like him,” son Michael said.

Gary studied at Gatton’s Queensland Agricultural College in his early 30s.

“He was always proud he went to the Queensland Agricultural College -it was quite an achievement as a mature-aged student (in those days),” wife Debbie said.

After graduating Gary had a year appointment as a junior office at the college. Later returning as the manager of the beef section and working with the Brahman Show team for four years.

With a few years experience working on properties, Gary dedicated much of his life to teaching animal husbandry at several agricultural colleges and was well loved by his students.

Gary taught at the Dalby Agricultural Col-

Gary Callaghan shared his love for horses and cattle with his agricultural students over the years.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED lege for 11 years, and then moved up to teach at the Katharine rural campus of the Charles Darwin University for three years.

Many of his students sought Gary out as a mentor in both ‘animal knowledge’ and ‘life’ and kept in touch long after their graduations.

Over the years his students showed utmost respect for him.

He taught students about the horses and cattle and was known to take them on memo-

rable trips to properties such as the South Burnett’s Di Di Station to learn about life on working stations.

“He was a very good storyteller, Gary always had stories” Debbie said.

“His stories, the way he told them were legendary.”

Some of his most hilarious stories stemmed from his days working with his agricultural students.

When he got the instructing job at Katherine, Gary went up first with plans for his sons to finish their studies before Debbie followed.

Plans changed and his son Sam joined him in the Northern Territory, living on campus. Sam completed a certificate in animal husbandry at the agricultural college.

The father and son bonded over this common interest and treasured this time together, which was beneficial for Gary to settle into the new job and for Sam to become an adult.

His son Michael went on to university to study theatre and was on the ‘behind the scenes’ team for the shows.

“Even though it wasn’t Dad’s cup of tea, they would come to a show in every season -he even came to the opera,” Michael said.

“He was very supportive of us kids.”

After Katharine, Gary did a stint in the oil and gas industry firstly working as a trainer and assessor before moving to the workplace, health and safety department.

In 2014 Gary settled into retirement in Withcott.

One of his greatest achievements was when the Dalby Agricultural College held a contract with Woolworths in the late 1990s.

There was high praise of the school’s quality when Woolworths signed to use Dalby Agricultural College Feedlot beef in their stores.

Gary’s other claim to fame comes from his work driving a concrete truck while the Tarong Power Station was being built in the South Burnett.

“Dad always said his truck poured the first and the last bit of concrete for one of the cooling towers [at Tarong Power Station],” Michael said.

He was well respected by people from all different walks of life and kept in touch with friends from school, former students, Kingaroy Army Reserves, rockabilly dancing and mates from campdrafting.

QFF says farmers need input surety and security Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) led a delegation of members to meet with Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud on 17 March to discuss the sustainability of the agriculture sector in the face of spiraling input costs and concerns regarding input supply security.

With diesel prices hitting record levels and farm input costs across the board rising significantly, QFF and its member organisations were pleased to take the opportunity to meet with the Minister to not only voice their concerns but more importantly to initiate discussions on how industry and government can work closely together to find solutions.

QFF chief executive officer Jo Sheppard said that member feedback clearly demonstrated the growing concern of farmers who cannot continue to bear the brunt of spiralling input costs.

“Fuel, fertiliser, chemicals and many other inputs are sourced from overseas. Over the last two years we have seen the costs of these increase by, in some cases, 150 per cent. Most consumers have not yet seen the impact of this as farmers have absorbed many of these price increases, however this is not sustainable.

“This latest increase in fuel prices will have an impact on every aspect of production and is compounding the problem of already rising input costs. Farmers are concerned with the price hikes but also concerned with the future security of supply of many key farm inputs.

“Over the last few years, we have seen massive increases in the costs of fuel, fertilizers, electricity to name a few with no requisite rise in farmgate prices or retail.

“Our farmers have been absorbing the

bulk of these costs. It’s simply not sustainable.” she said.

“If you accept that ‘Australia runs on trucks’, it’s easy to see how these fuel spikes are going to play out. Every delivery of fertiliser, seed, stock, etc, will increase. On farm, the costs of operating machinery increases.

And, getting produce to retailers and consumer increases too.

“We are all being impacted by the increased cost of fuel.”

QFF is calling on the federal government to work with industry to find and progress ways to provide farmers with surety and security of supply of fuel and other volatile inputs.

“There are many variables in farming, but the sector has been innovating for many years to build its capacity to manage risk. A reliable, cost-effective supply chain is critical to the future of agriculture.” she said.

“We need the federal government to work closely with industry to help shore up the supply of fuel and other key inputs, so that farmers have a secure and stable environment to operate in, costs can be contained, and we can continue to do what our farming sector does best in producing high quality, food, fibre and foliage.

“QFF and its members appreciated the opportunity to meet with Minister Littleproud to raise these concerns and discuss several ways forward. And while it was heartening to hear the federal government believe that fuel supply is secure and prices will stabilise, QFF will be continuing discussions with the minister’s office to progress initiatives that will support the development of input cost management issues and security of input supply security on other items such as fertiliser as a matter of urgency.”

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NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Connecting consumers

By Fiona Gowers A new e-commerce platform has been launched to connect Victoria Hill Lamb producers straight to customers, following a longheld dream of the owners.

Allora graziers Stephen and Claire Schmidt, Victoria Hill Lamb, have launched a website that showcases their passion for the land, their core principles of animal welfare and the value of happy sheep.

The Schmidts are a fifth-generation farming family, passionate about producing flavoursome and nutritious lamb.

“We want to market and sell our own product directly to customers, while sharing its unique back story as to how the lamb was grown,” Mr Schmidt said.

“I think Covid-19 has prompted people to seek local produce and, inherently, they want to know where their food comes from.”

One of the Schmidt’s most valued principles is how they treat their animals.

“We’re passionate about our animals and ensuring they’re ethically raised,” Mrs Schmidt said.

“If there’s one thing we’ve learnt, it’s the value of happy sheep.

“Our sheep are fed a customised highquality mix of barley, corn and molasses under the supervision of an experienced sheep nutritionist.

“All components of the mix are sourced locally, which directly supports Darling Downs farmers.”

To help spread their message, Victoria Hill Lamb participated in Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s (TSBE) E-Ag program, run in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.

The Schmidts applied the knowledge gained from the workshops to develop their domestic brand presence and showcase their passion for delivering great food to customers.

The Schmidts are a fifth-generation farming family marketing and selling their product direct to customers, while sharing how their lamb is grown.

“The E-Ag program gave us the fundamentals and confidence to move forward with connecting to our customers through e-commerce,” Mrs Schmidt said.

“It was the launch pad for us to begin our dream of supplying the Victoria Hill Lamb box direct to consumers from all over the state.

“Our new website is allowing us to reconnect people with their food by sharing our provenance and showcasing our multi-generational story.

“The adoption of e-commerce across ag industries is relatively new, so we hope our customers can share in our story of paddock to plate where animal welfare is our highest priority.”

E-commerce specialist agency Swanky facilitated the E-Ag program and managing director Sean Clanchy said his team was proud to be a part of Victoria Hill Lamb’s ecommerce journey.

“Often people shy away from what they don’t understand but, in Stephen and Claire’s case, they knew what they wanted to achieve and were super eager to learn,” Mr Clanchy said.

“I think it’s fair to say we’re all excited for their future.”

TSBE’s export manager for Food and Agribusiness, Justin Heaven said the launch of Victoria Hill Lamb’s new website was an “exciting step”.

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“TSBE is passionate about helping regional Queensland agri-food companies like Victoria Hill Lamb develop their story and connect with consumers,” Mr Heaven said.

“This program is one way of enabling producers to create a true paddock to plate experience for consumers and capitalise on the growing ecommerce trend for fresh food.”

Victoria Hill Lamb offers an eight-kilogram lamb box with free delivery to the Darling Downs, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and the NSW/QLD border area.

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Advancing tech solutions

TSBE Food Leaders Australia (FLA) general manager Bruce McConnel said 400M was one of Australia’s leading forums of its kind.

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This year’s 400M forum from 23-25 May also includes a field day and site tour as part of the three-day program.

For more information on the forum check out the TSBE website – www.tsbe.com.au.

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o ir fo g

can out of their business.

“It’s exciting to showcase how the sector adopts innovation, giving attendees a real sense of how to turn some of these fantastic concepts into reality.”

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supply chain innovation,” he said.

“These will spark some topical conversations, because we know farmers are becoming extremely tech savvy and looking to use data to get every ounce of productivity they

Tak ing

Innovative ideas and world-leading technology will take centre stage for a major industry forum in May, as Queensland cements itself as an Agtech powerhouse.

Toowoomba will host the agrifood innovation conference, which brings together the region’s brightest innovators to help drive the adoption of Agtech.

TSBE’s 400M Forum will highlight how to turn innovative ideas into reality and showcase the best new technology available to solve industry challenges.

‘400M’ describes the 400 million hectares of farming land in Australia that needs to play its role in feeding the 400 million emerging middle-income earners in Asia.

TSBE Food Leaders Australia (FLA) general manager Bruce McConnel said 400M, now in its sixth year, was one of Australia’s leading forums of its kind.

“It’s designed to highlight the future of agriculture and food supply chain innovation here in Australia,” he said.

“We’re also excited to showcase how industry adopts innovation and how they work with new entrepreneurs to get the solutions that they want to solve their biggest problems.”

Mr McConnel said it was “vitally important” that the agribusiness sector comes together to collaborate.

The event is in partnership with the Agtech and Logistics Hub and will bring together some world-class leaders around the future of digitising our agriculture supply chains.

Agtech and Logistics Hub community manager Stephen Dummett said this year’s topics would be delivered by global thought leaders in innovation.

“Delegates will hear about Queensland’s Agtech opportunity, the growth of artificial intelligence and success stories from agrifood

Toowoomba 23 - 25 May 2022 Find out more at www.tsbe.com.au/400m April 2022 TODAY 11

ADVERTORIAL QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Australian Values Party leader and candidate for the Queensland Senate, Heston Russell.

Retired Major for Senate As leader of the independent, next-generation political party, Australian Values Party (AVP), retired Special Forces Major, Heston Russell, has announced his run for the Queensland Senate this federal election.

He formed the Australian Values Party in 2021 with the core pillars of accountability, excellence and teamwork and aims to bring responsible leadership and balance back into the way Australia is governed.

Mr Russell, a highly decorated combat veteran, envisions a nation that proactively acts on issues to strengthen our “uniquely Australian” way of life and also leads by example within our global community.

Following 16 years in the military with operational service in East Timor, Iraq and four deployments to Afghanistan, he is on a mission to channel his lived leadership experience into bettering Australia.

Mr Russell will focus on reforming layers of government, proactive mental health initiatives, as well as strengthening defence, foreign affairs and disaster relief capabilities.

“Our country is facing a leadership crisis,” he said.

“Australians have had enough of the constant seesawing between the left and right wings of politics – polarising every issue to the extreme and failing to act on the matters important to Australians.

“Governments should make people’s lives easier and more enjoyable, not continuously get in the way.”

Mr Russell’s leadership history extends beyond his extensive military service. He founded the Voice of A Veteran movement, successfully campaigning for a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

He also formed the Veteran Support Force (VSF) charity to help veterans and their families throughout the conduct of the Royal Commission inquiry.

Mr Russell and VSF were also on the ground supporting local communities during the re12 TODAY April 2022

cent floods in northern NSW. While working to harness opportunities for systemic change over the past few years, Mr Russell identified the critical lack of leadership in politics.

He said many figures leveraged political spin and academic accolades to mask gross incompetence – resulting in an overwhelming loss of trust and respect from everyday Australians.

“My passion for serving this country, coupled with my military planning expertise and leadership experience, has equipped me with the tools to serve as Senator,” Mr Russell said.

“As a real person, focused on real Australians, to bring about real change, not the arrogant and veneered version of leaders reliant on authority we have recently endured.

“I know what it takes to build and bring teams together and I plan to bring Australians together as we recover from the pandemic and recent natural disasters.

“We need to invest where it counts most, creating a more enjoyable way of life, building a self-sustainable economy and self-sufficient security within our region.

“Leading by example through our actions and words.”

Having experienced the reality of transitioning out of the military and facing his own suicidal ideations, Mr Russell will also pioneer a stronger focus on mental health.

His emphasis would be on proactive health and wellness initiatives that empower communities and provide national purpose to collectively strengthen our society across all demographics.

“I am committed to breaking down the stigmas surrounding mental health and vulnerability, cutting through many of the conventional barriers to create support systems at the community level and inspiring collective purpose at the national level,” Mr Russell said.

“We need character-based leadership that is willing to step up and change legislation,

working to better empower all Australians to have freedom and control over their own lives, while the government works to provide better support, security and sustainability to all Australians.

“We must become a more connected and cohesive country, united with purpose and leading by example in all that we do.”

The AVP will campaign on three key strategic priorities: A more enjoyable Australian way of life.

A self-sustainable Australian economy.

Self-sufficient security within our region.

The Australian Values Party draws upon seven key values that every Australian can uphold in their own lives and expect to see in return from our government and its representatives.

These values will form the basis for assessing and justifying every piece of legislation considered by the AVP: Respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual.

Commitment to the rule of law.

Equality of opportunity for all people - Regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, or national or ethnic origin.

Freedom of religion - Including the freedom not to follow a particular or any religion, freedom of speech and freedom of association.

Parliamentary democracy - Whereby our laws are determined by parliaments elected by the people, those laws being paramount and overriding any other inconsistent religious or secular “laws”.

Recognising the English language - as our shared national language, as an important unifying element of Australian society, while also recognising and encouraging our diversity of languages.

A “fair go” for all - That embraces mutual respect, tolerance and compassion for those in need.

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NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Young judge’s big success

By Julian Lehnert Moura girl Mackenzie Leeson seemed at a loss for words when she won the Young Stud Judges state final competition at Proston’s annual country show.

The talented young agribusiness student earned the right to represent the state of Queensland at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in April after putting on an impressive performance in Proston on 5 March - all that, at just 20 years old.

Mackenzie, who grew up on a commercial cattle property near Moura in the Shire of Banana, explained that, because of her upbringing, her love for judging and all things country show started at a young age and quickly became a driving force in her life.

“My parents first took my younger brothers and I to the Rockhampton Junior Beef Show when I was eight years old, and we continued to go every year for the next 10 years,” she said.

“I hated judging at first. I remember crying every time I had to get up and speak on the microphone, but everyone was always very patient with us kids, and eventually I got more comfortable with it.

“For me, judging has really helped with my confidence; I was a very shy kid and I think being able to get up in front of a crowd of people and just talk about something that you have knowledge in and are passionate about is a great way to grow and come out of your shell a little bit,” she added.

Mackenzie made her first proper steps into the official show circuit when she reached high school, quickly seeing some success as part of the Rockhampton Grammar School’s show team.

“I was really lucky with our team - we really started to have some success and grow when I was in grade 9 and 10,” she recalled.

“Throughout high school I had a few small wins here and there - mostly in paraders - but for me, showing was more about the cattle and seeing all the hard work we put into them coming out.

“I love working with cattle, and my favourite thing is seeing them learn to trust you, and work with you,” Mackenzie added.

The young judge from Moura explained that there is a lot of difference between the cattle-judging classes most commonly seen at country shows.

For years, Mackenzie thought that she should stick with commercial judging, as that was what she grew up with and was most familiar with - but she developed an interest in stud judging in her early teens.

“For me, it’s fascinating to see the differences in breed traits, and the kinds of things that different breeders prefer in their cattle,” Mackenzie explained.

“Stud genetics and inherited breed traits is something that I am very interested in, and I find that interest really helps - not only in competitive judging, but also in selecting cattle to improve our herds at home.”

After seeing some initial success in judging during her time at school, Mackenzie quickly began to climb through the ranks and com-

Stud Beef Young Judges runner-up Hayden Hanson and winner Mackenzie Leeson. 271306 petitions, eventually finding herself on the big stage at Brisbane’s Ekka.

There, in 2019, it all came together: facing off against some of the best young judges in all of Queensland, took home the victory in the Queensland Country Ag Shows state final - but the encroaching coronavirus pandemic put a stop to the show circuit soon after.

“As the 2019 State Finalist, I was supposed to travel to New Zealand in 2020 to compete at the National Finals in Hawks Bay,” Mackenzie explained.

“Unfortunately, due to Covid, the show went on without us Australian finalists.”

When tasked to judge a selection of Burnett cattle at Proston, Mackenzie faced a tough challenge.

“At Proston, I think the placings could have really gone in any direction,” she explained.

“Being such a small show, there was not a lot of cattle to choose from, and the cattle that we did end up judging were all of fairly high quality.

“In my opinion, the classes were very difficult, and I didn’t have a huge amount of confidence that my placings would be similar to the other judges, however I think it really comes

down to being able to justify your choices.

“I went into the competition with the mindset that I could only do my best, and as long as I had the knowledge to back up my choices, I would be happy with whatever the outcome was.

“That did take a lot of pressure of me, and gave me the ability to speak calmly and clearly, which I do believe really helped my scores,” Mackenzie continued, adding that, going forward, she will keep employing this approach that has gotten her this far already.

“For Sydney, I’ll have to work hard to have the same mindset, but I think accepting that I can’t control the outcome of the competition, only my own performance, is very helpful,” she said.

“It will be very nerve-wracking, being such a huge competition, but having confidence in my own knowledge and abilities is something that I believe will really help take the pressure off.

“I’ll be competing alongside some of the best young judges from all over Australia, and no matter how I place, I can at least know that I will come out of that experience having learnt new things and new ideas from a wide range of people.

When asked about her inspirations and support network, Mackenzie said that the cattle owners she has worked and learned under in her short but already successful career were key in getting her to where she is today.

“Over the years I have been extremely lucky to have worked with and been taught by some of the most knowledgeable cattlemen and -women in the industry, and I know that is not an opportunity that everyone is given,” she said.

“My parents have been so supportive of my showing for years and years, and I am so grateful to them for introducing me to cattle at such a young age; (...) without them, and the opportunities they’ve given me, I very much doubt that I would have made it as far as I have.

“I’m also very grateful for all the friends I’ve made at shows over the years. The CQ show circuit is fairly close-knit, with most of the same people at every show, and I have made some lifelong friends from that,” Mackenzie added.

“In general, I’m just so excited to stay in the cattle industry, and see where it takes me. I still have a lot to learn, a lot of people to meet, and a lot of experiences to have and I’m looking forward to all of it.”

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NEWS

Chloe’s dream comes true

By Jessica McGrath Winning the Young Paraders’ state final was a dream for Chloe Plowman after years of watching her family show cattle.

“It’s pretty cool, it’s all still sinking in,” she said.

“I like working with animals, it’s my passion, it’s what I love.”

The 18-year-old Kingaroy girl won the QCAS Stud Beef Young Paraders’ Queensland Final at the Proston Show on 5 March.

She initially won her section at the 2021 Murgon Show and went on to represent Murgon and win the South Burnett Regional Sub Chamber Final at Nanango.

The state final for the Young Paraders is usually held at the Brisbane Ekka, but when the show was cancelled, the state final was moved to Chloe’s home region at the Proston Show in the South Burnett.

“It was so good we could have it run … being so close to home,” Chloe said.

She is now preparing to head to the Sydney Royal Easter Show to represent Queensland at the national final on 8 April.

Young Paraders is an event that requires the participant to be at least 16 to qualify for states.

Each participant gets an hour to work with a random, balloted animal. Within that hour they have to prepare the animal so it is presentable.

“We have to bond with the animal - one we’ve never led before,” Chloe said.

They then parade around the ring in front of the judges.

“The judge made us switch animals halfway through … you have to be prepared for anything,” Chloe said.

The participants are also required to know names and details about the animal they are parading around and only just met an hour prior.

Chloe Plowman won the QCAS Stud Beef Young Paraders State Final at Proston Show.

“Young Paraders is something you learn, you can’t do much practice … you’ve just got to go with what happens on the day,” she said.

Chloe works with her own cattle regularly and enjoys getting to know their different qualities and personalities.

The Kingaroy State High School graduate works with Aussie Land and Livestock, helping out at the Coolabunia Saleyards, and also works at The Little Butcher.

Showing cattle has become a strong family tradition for Chloe’s mother’s family, with their family’s show team named Ruby Ridge Angus.

Chloe is now the fourth generation in the

family to be showing cattle and after seven years in the game, is strongly following in the footsteps of some of her cousins who have also excelled in the Young Paraders events.

Chloe’s cousin, Corey Evans is a fellow Aussie Land and Livestock employee and will also be heading down to Sydney for the National Competition.

He was named the state’s 2021 ALPA Young Auctioneer of the Year and will represent Queensland in the national final on the same day as Chloe.

“It’s so exciting that we’re both going down there,” Chloe said.

“Our grandfather would definitely be

Picture: CONTRIBUTED proud of us.”

Corey was glad the Young Paraders was judged in the South Burnett so that lots of locals could be there to support Chloe.

“It was really good, she’s been trying hard for a long time and putting in 100 per cent,” he said.

“I saw it [the competition] towards the end of the Grand Parade … that the ribbons were being awarded.”

Corey is excited he gets to share the national finals experience with his cousin.

“It’ll be really exciting, especially with both of our competitions on the same day,” he said.

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NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Jack takes out prime victory

By Jessica McGrath Jack Williamson will have the honour of representing Queensland at the national finals at the Sydney Royal Easter Show this April.

The Young Prime Judges winner from Mount Stanley in the Somerset region took out the state title at the 2022 Proston Show on 5 March.

Jack has worked with the KBV Simmental Stud over the past few years.

“We have had the pleasure of working with this outstanding young gentleman for the last couple of years,“ the Stud wrote on a Facebook announcement.

“We have had the privilege of watching him grow with confidence and develop into quite the astute cattleman.“ Charleigh Tucker from Jandowae was named the runner-up in the prime judging.

ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneer winner Corey Evans and runner-up Simon Kinbacher.

Picture: KATRINA AYERS PHOTOGRAPHY

Young auctioneers off to the nationals

By Jessica McGrath The Burnett may not be known for its cattle saleyards, but the region can claim the best young auctioneers in Queensland.

Corey Evans and Simon Kinbacher are counting down the days until they represent Queensland at the Australia Young Auctioneers’ final.

The national final will be held at the Sydney

Royal Easter Show on 8 April, the same day Mr Evans’ cousin Chloe Plowman will represent the state in the Stud Beef Young Paraders’ national final.

Mr Evans, who represented Kingaroy’s Aussie Land and Livestock, was named the 2021 Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association Ltd Queensland Young Auctioneer winner at the state finals in Roma last October.

He was named the first place winner in

front of his mate and runner-up Mr Kinbacher, an auctioneer who grew up on a cattle property in the North Burnett’s Biggenden and represented Elders Rural Services Rockhampton.

Mr Evans said since he worked as an auctioneer, practice for the nationals was simply what he did at the local saleyards each week.

“It’s what we do on our daily basis, we’ve still got a bit of time. At this stage, I’m just going about day-to-day stuff,“ he said.

Jack Williamson won the Queensland State Final in Prime Judges.

Picture: KBV SIMMENTAL STUD

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ROMA Easter In The Country 13 - 18 April 2022

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Easter cash boost

By Fiona Gowers Roma’s Easter in the Country, to be held this year from 13-19 April, is considered the premier Easter event in southern Queensland.

A powerful five-day festival that packs a punch locally, it allows businesses the chance to leverage their marketing and to exploit the visitor’s dollar.

The aim, according to Easter in the Country committee president Jenny Flynn, is to underpin and drive the local economy.

She said it had a $2 million direct economic value to Roma, as well as many social and health benefits.

“The flow-on effect is powerful, not just via the visitor expenditure but also the event expenditure.”

Mrs Flynn said in her eight years as president she had tried to intsil a family-feel through the event, which consistently records strong return visitation.

“When I hear people say, ‘I’m definitely coming back next year, this event has the best feel’. It makes me happy. You can’t buy that,” she said.

“Many people attending hear of the event through word of mouth … the old bush telegraph.”

Based on Tourism and Events Queensland data, visitors to outback Queensland spend an average of $605 per trip.

And, Mrs Flynn said her committee was expecting somewhere in the vicinity of 12,000 visitors to Roma over the Easter weekend.

“There is something for absolutely everyone,” she said.

From the fast-paced rodeo, MPC Kinetic – Monster Easter Egg Hunt and races to the slower-paced art exhibition and open garden, the festival caters to all ages and interests.

“More than that, the not-for-profit organisations based in town use Easter in the Coun-

The XXXX Pro Rodeo will provide top quality action at Roma’s Easter in the Country. try as their major annual fundraiser,” Mrs Flynn said.

“It’s all about sustainability and viability.”

Roma Commerce and Tourism general manager, Debbie Joppich said Easter in the Country was Roma’s longest running festival.

It began in 1977 with the aim of bringing Roma “to life” at Easter and to raise funds for the local rugby league team to build a club house.

Mrs Joppich commended the committee for pulling the five-day event together and said, uniquely, its success relied on the effort of the community as a whole.

“It showcases our region as a place to visit but also as a great place to live and work,” she said.

“It also brings an injection of money to the region, which is a big boost to our local economy.

“Our businesses generally report an increase in spending, which directly and indirectly benefits the entire community.

“Service clubs such as the Lions, Rotary and sporting groups benefit from it as well.”

Easter in the Country committee president Jenny Flynn.

Proud history

By Jenny Flynn, President Easter In The Country Committee

Lots of family fun at Roma’s Easter in the Country.

Casey Barnes to rock music extravaganza Australian country pop/ rock artist Casey Barnes is the headline act at the APLNG/ Origin Country Music Concert extravaganza at Roma’s Easter in the Country on Sunday, 17 April.

It is Casey’s talent, combined with iconic foot-stomping performances and his happygo-lucky attitude, that have all contributed to his ongoing success in Australia and abroad.

Despite the global pandemic, 2020 was a big year for Casey. He was nominated for ARIA’s Country Album of the Year with his #1 Australian Country Album, Town Of A Million Dreams.

Rolling Stone magazine, Australia, said: “While 2020 served as something of a bleak year for most, Barnes was able to turn musical lemons into lemonade.

“His latest is a masterful piece of country pop/rock, “Come Turn Me On” is exactly the sort of song that the phrase ‘crossover hit’ was made to describe.”

Fans in Roma can expect to see the country luminary’s consistently impressive vitality and killer performance chops on full display, with a massive set including all of his chart-topping hits.

“I can’t wait to add Come Turn Me On into the set for all our upcoming shows,” Casey said.

“We’ve created a brand new live show for 2022 and it’s great to finally see some major festivals and events coming back after the pandemic, which we’re thrilled to be playing at.”

Casey’s 2020 album Town Of A Million Dreams, released in the midst of covid lockdowns, is a much-needed beacon of hope and happiness amidst the global state of affairs.

The album has already had 7.5 million streams since its release and is a glorious collection of 10 superbly crafted tracks that meld slick country, pop and rock production with relatable lyrics.

It enjoyed multiple chart debuts including, ARIA #1 Australian country charts, #2 country charts, #4 Australian albums, #16 all albums

Australian country pop/rock artist Casey Barnes will headline the APLNG/Origin Country Music Concert extravaganza at Roma’s Easter in the Country. and iTunes #1s on the Country and All Genre charts.

Town Of A Million Dreams contains the radio-embraced smash hit Sparks Fly, which dropped and rocketed straight to #1 on the iTunes Country charts.

It then enjoyed eight consecutive weeks at #1 on The Music Network Country Radio charts and has amassed more than eight million streams.

Casey’s follow up radio single ‘We’re Good Together’ had no trouble achieving a similar result, holding #1 for five weeks consecutively.

Casey’s reputation for delivering an electric and entertaining live performance resulted in him winning the People’s Choice award at the Groundwater Festival.

He received double the votes to second place.

Christie Lamb will support Casey Barnes when he performs at Bassett Park, Northern Road, Roma from 8.30pm until late on Sunday, April 17.

Casey Barnes, supported by Christie Lamb, will perform at Bassett Park, Northern Road, Roma from 8.30pm until late on Sunday, April 17.

The Easter in the Country committee values the partnership it has with the festival’s sponsors and is proud of the positive relationship built with them over 46 years.

APLNG/Origin has supported Roma’s Easter in the Country Festival for more than 10 years and, in 2022, is a major sponsor of live entertainment.

The relationship has developed through a high commitment to the community and an understanding of “local” as a driving force behind building economic and social capacity within Roma and the Maranoa.

Workers and families of Origin get involved in the festival and recognise it is a great time to bring the city to the bush and invite family and friends to visit.

The festival would not be possible without sponsors such as APLNG/ Origin, Cement Australia, Rex Regional Express, Valmec, Omni, XXXX. Coates, MPC Kinetic and Santos.

Community Engagement and Partnership: The Roma community is proud to host the southern Queensland premier event at Easter.

There are a number of EITC committee- generated activities, as well as activities hosted by small not-for-profit organisations within the town, which show huge community spirit.

These include the Roma Rednecks who host the mud buggy activity, Ironbark Raceway who host the drag racing, Roma Turf Club, Roma Lions, Rotary and Roma Patchwork and Crafters.

The festival provides a market for these organisations to build on their sustainability. This is an exhibition of community spirit of all groups working together.

Maranoa Regional Council also is a major partner with the EITC committee to support and promote this spirit and the growth and sustainability of the festival.

Country Hospitality and experience: Easter with its autumn weather of much cooler nights and warmer days is perfect for camping.

All activities are within walking distance of camping grounds and there is plenty of outdoor living and country experiences to enjoy.

Take a helicopter ride to view the vast south west or enjoy the relaxed pace being in the country brings.

If you fancy yourself as a fisherman try your hand at some creek fishing with a new activity at the Neil Turner Weir in Mitchell or, if you wish to view the stars, enjoy dinner at The Barn Mt Hope (near Wallumbilla) on Easter Saturday while listening to local music.

The Deadly Way Cultural show is also held at the Yarning Circle and speaks to the traditional lands of the Mandandanji people – elders of the land where Roma was built.

April 2022 TODAY 17

Roma’s Roman partner

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18 TODAY April 2022

s Easter in the Country Committee and the community of n express our sincere appreciation to the following rs, sponsors and supporters of the 2022 event.

April 2022 TODAY 19

ROMA Easter In The Country 13 - 18 April 2022

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Family fun at Roma’s Easter in the Country.

The wife carrying competition has long been a popular event at Roma’s Easter in the Country.

The Easter Bunny will greet the children before the MPC Kinetic – Monster Easter Egg Hunt.

Meet Bluey & Bingo at MPC Kinetic – Monster Easter Egg Hunt.

A full program of events VALMEC’S Outback Tucker Under the Stars Venue: Roma Saleyards, Warrego Highway, Roma.

Time: 5pm for a 5.30pm start.

Cost: Adults $80 (13 years and above)/ children $20 (12 years and under).

Welcome to Roma’s first “Three Chef Dinner” to be held at the Roma Saleyards in 2022.

This is a three-chef dinner and set menu.

Chef Tim Schafer of Roma’s Explorers Inn will prepare the entree.

Chef Matt Golinski is a celebrity and highlyregarded professional chef with a passion for creating cuisine with fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Maranoa Beef is the speciality for the main meal.

Chef Glen Barratt is head chef at Wild Canary in Brisbane and a lover of fresh produce.

Matt and Glen have been generous in their ongoing support of Roma’s Outback Tucker Under the Stars and it is exciting to see them team with Tim from the Explorer’s Inn. BEEF! BEEF! BEEF! From the paddock to plate, “MARANOA BEEF” is the dinner highlight.

The Three Waiters will provide entertainment.

MPC Kinetic – Monster Easter Egg Hunt Venue: Big Rig Parklands, Riggers Rd, Roma.

Cost: Free.

Time: From 2.30pm to 5pm Enjoy an afternoon with the kids, with face painting and activities offered.

2.30pm – Join in egg & spoon races, sack races and three-legged races. They will be in age groups and on the terrace adjacent to the Miniature Train at the Big Rig parklands.

3.20pm – BLUEY and BINGO are coming to Easter in the Country!

4.30 pm – The Easter Bunny arrives to greet the children. Photo opportunities.

5pm – Easter Egg Hunt. This will run in age groups and under the supervision of parents and officials. Children will only get one or two small Easter eggs. Sharing is strongly encouraged to ensure everyone gets to participate. Refreshments available. Bring your own chair/ blanket.

Roma International Motor Speedway Venue: Roma International Speedway, Two Mile Road, Roma.

Time: Gates open at 4pm. Racing starts 6pm Cost: $25 – Adults/ $10 – 13 to 17 years/ Free – Children Under 12/ $10 – Aged Pensioners.

Classes running: Legend cars/ SSA junior sedans/ QSCA super streets.

Legend cars have their short track classic on the Friday night and the QLD title on the Saturday night.

SSA junior sedans will run Round 2 on Friday night and Round 3 Saturday night of the South West triple threat series.

Xtreme Bulls Australia Venue: Bassett Park – Roma Showgrounds, Northern Road, Roma.

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Live entertainment will conclude the 2022 Easter in the Country program.

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20 TODAY April 2022

The children will enjoy sack races at at the Big Rig parklands during Roma’s Easter in the Country.

Roma’s Easter in the Country, to be held this year on April 13 to April 19, is considered the premier Easter event in southern Queensland.

Roma’s first “Three Chef Dinner”, to be held at the Roma Saleyards in 2022, is expected to draw a big crowd.

· Time: 5.30pm to 10pm. · Cost: Adults (12 years and over) $20 each.

road with engines roaring.

Bar and canteen operating. EFTPOS. XXXX Pro-Rodeo Venue: Bassett Park, entry via McPhie Street, Roma.

Time: 9am to 8.30pm.

Cost: Adults: $30 each/ Children: $25 (1217 years)/ Children (Under 12 years) FREE/ Family ticket – Two Adults and Two Children (12-17 years) $110.

Buy a combined pass for entry to the rodeo and the Casey Barnes/ Christie Lamb concert.

The XXXX Pro Rodeo will provide top quality action. A professional rodeo with APRA rules and points allocated to some of the best cowboys/ girls in the business.

Competitors will include Dave Worsfold – Australian Bareback Champion and Jamie Howlett currently ranked in the top four in the US. Jamie (a Roma boy) is traveling home for the Sydney Easter Show and Roma’s XXXX ProRodeo.

APLNG/Origin Country Music Concert Extravaganza!

See Casey Barnes supported by Christie Lamb in Concert ... The Grand Finale!

Origin Energy as Upstream Operator for Australia Pacific LNG are continuing their long relationship with Roma’s Easter in the Country committee and are a major sponsor of this year’s live music.

Venue: Bassett Park, Northern Road, Roma.

Time: 8.30pm till late.

Cost: See below.

Concert: Adult: $60/ Child (12-17 years): $40/ Under 12 years FREE. Family Ticket – Two Adults & two Children (12-17 years): $200.

Rodeo & Concert: Adult: $90.00/ Child: $65 (13-17 years)/ Under 12 years FREE. Family Ticket – Two Adults & two Children (13-17 years): $310.

Children (11 years and under) Free – no tickets required. The original Xtreme Sport is back this year with Cement Australia presenting Xtreme Bulls Roma.

This will be Roma’s fifth Xtreme Bulls event and one not to miss. Featuring Australia’s elite bull riders taking on the Gill Bros Rodeo company’s Xtreme Bulls.

Prize money has increased to $8000, winner takes all!

The event is a classic, so sit back and relax at the alcohol-free, family night. Food vans on site.

Ironbark Raceway Drag Racing Venue: Ironbark Raceway – Kimblers Road (off Warrego Highway), Roma.

Time: Gates Open: 2pm – Racing starts 3pm.

Cost: Adults $15 (15 years and over)/ 14 years and under FREE entry.

Take your seats for the rubber hitting the

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QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

OPINION

Catastrophic floods have plagued Gympie since it became a township in 1867. This was the first recorded flood in Mary Street in 1870.

Focus on facts, not emotion It has been hard to watch areas like Maryborough, Gympie, Brisbane and Northern NSW being impacted by recent flooding events.

It seems like every time there is a flood or a drought or bushfire or cyclone it is “unprecedented” or “record” or “never seen” before and like day follows night somehow each weather event will be linked to climate change.

By calling something “unprecedented” is to shift blame for its management on the basis that it could not have been predicted to have happened.

To blame every natural disaster on climate change is to avoid taking responsibility for investments and management that might reduce or allay some of the impacts or losses. It also places blame onto something that is either expensive or unfeasible or even impossible to fix.

Maryborough for instance has been flooded three times in three months. But the biggest flood in its history was in 1893, the second was in 1955, the third was in 1974 and its fourth was in 2013.

Gympie has also been heavily impacted by flooding events this wet season with rainfall figures that make your eyes water. But Gympie’s biggest flood was also in 1893, its second in 1898 and its third in 1999.

Listening to the Brisbane-based media, the recent floods have once again attracted headlines of “unprecedented” and “biggest on record”. Today’s media and journalists aren’t historians - they are just trying to sell today’s news and the bigger and more spectacular the better.

While these recent floods are horrific and devastating - they are far from the worst Queensland has seen.

Even the Premier stated that “it’s unprecedented” before saying “let’s face it, it is climate change”.

The problem with this statement is - if it is climate change causing all of our headaches what was the caused the 1841 and 1893 floods which were far higher than 2022 when CO2 levels where almost half of what they are today?

There is even references to bigger floods before Brisbane was even settled. John Oxley in 1824 commented that during his explorations he saw evidence of a severe flood in the Brisbane and Bremer rivers which was 16 meters above the normal river height.

In 1825, Major Edmund Lockyer saw evidence of a large flood where today the Mount Crosby pumping station is located which ap-

FOOD FOR THOUGHT TOM MARLAND peared to be 35 metres above river height. The 1893 flood got to 30 metres.

Over the past 200 odd years of European settlement in Brisbane there have been five major floods - 1825, 1841, 1893, 1974 and 2011.

There have also been smaller but still significant floods in 1887, 1889, 1890, 1908, 1931 and 1953.

You would have had to have webbed feet living in Brisbane from 1887 to 1893. It’s amazing they didn’t all pack up and move the states capital to Toowoomba to avoid the bog.

The period between each major flood is on average 37 years - which is the same time period between 1974 and 2011.

Every flood is different and it depends on the volume and duration of large weather events.

But to claim every flood as “unprecedented” or “caused by climate change” is to ignore even a very short historical record of 200 years which has seen bigger and more destructive floods even just in living memory. No doubt that has been bigger or more severe floods over the last 120,000 years since the last ice age.

Ultimately, there is little that can be done when the heavens open and the rain starts but mitigation factors such as dams, improved drainage and sensible urban planning and growth policies can lessen the blow.

One of the main issues with modern development is everyone wants a view of the river until such time as that river decides to flood.

There are billions of dollars of investment in Brisbane and other river side areas which has been spent on building houses and infrastructure which work perfectly fine other than once every 40 years a major flood arrives.

Rather than shaking our fists at the sky or trying to change the weather perhaps we just have to realise that despite all of our advancement, all of our technology and intelligence we just can’t beat Mother Nature and the only option is to clean up the mess and prepare better for next time.

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April 2022 TODAY 21

OPINION QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Negotiating life’s paddock My theme here is “we all need to go to Bunnings”.

The last time I wrote to you, I mentioned a couple of American psychologists called Yerkes and Dodson. They used a bell curve to demonstrate at peak performance we have enough stress to cause tension in our system.

But it’s like a rubber band, when you get it stretched to a certain degree it is still elastic and then beyond a certain stretch, it can break. It can also be said if you twist it up, the more you twist it the less likely the super twisted rubber band can be extended without again breaking it.

So stress tension makes us successful, stress torsion blows a gasket. What I hoped you might have done since last time is to ask a close relative or a loved one if they can guess your blue dot spot which is just before the gasket blows.

Ask them if they can pick this tipping spot and they usually are better at it than we might be.

So put yourself out there and get them to tell you what the blue dot spot is, please. They will know it better than you as your pre-blow-up behaviors. Raising your voice, withdrawing so-

FARMERS’ HEALTH WITH DR TOBY FORD cially, arguing etc.

I’m keen to get you to learn how to pick your blue dot because guess what we can expand this zone and build a more durable self if we try to know the signs and address them quietly before the whole lot blows. Here are five blue dot stretches you can do to improve your resilience. I call them life tools.

1. Claim what’s right in your life rather than always seeing what’s wrong. For example, acknowledge what you have not what you don’t have.

2. Make small changes insignificant at the moment to bring about effective change in your responses. For example, drop one drink or one

cigarette a day, don’t go cold turkey 3. Introduce uplifts. Make a purpose of telling close people something positive they have done or are doing. You like people complimenting you so why don’t you do it more for others? For example, tell whoever does the cooking in your home you like the smell of their food when you come home, you like the lights on when you get home, and you like to hear family making noise in your house because it means there is life there.

4. Seeing familiar things in new ways. For example, take a new perspective on an old problem 5. Eat an elephant in small bites. For example, many problems are best solved by breaking them down into smaller chunks Another thing to consider is this and I’m sorry for not plugging all the other wonderful hardware stores we have everywhere, but this is something we all relate to. When you haven’t got the right tools for a job, go to Bunnings and buy them. Every new problem in life usually needs a new coping tool.

So don’t try to fix a new problem with an old tool. If you, do you might try to use a solution you used to use for something you knew, and now it is not working which is why some people do blow their stack when they have the wrong tool for the job.

So cut yourself some slack and ask someone for a tool to cope with life or maybe go see someone like your doctor or psychologist and ask them to show you a new tool. Every new problem needs a new tool.

I like going to Bunnings. Sometimes I always come home with new tools and mostly I pick the right tools. Either way, I’m always looking for new tools for life. As you know you can never have enough tools. There are about 90 aisles in Bunnings which means there is an aisle for every year of your life. There are at least 100- 200 tools in each aisle so none of us should ever stop looking down a new aisle every year of our lives. See you next time. Regards Toby Ask me a question for next time health@ fordhealth.com.au

Focus on safety, getting back to community life The Coalition Government is looking out for South Burnett families and their safety; keeping biosecurity strong and protecting South Burnett’s industry, economy and environment; and ensuring simple, yet important aspects of community life like sporting events, or just going to the local cinema, remain viable options for residents.

Safer South Burnett Congratulations to South Burnett CTC for their ongoing work across community-led solutions to crime. Their “The best thing that happened today” project has been awarded $709,853 in funding under round six of the highly successful Safer Communities Fund to improve community safety and help divert local at-risk youth from a life of crime.

The project will provide local youth in the South Burnett with the support they need to keep them away from negative influences, ensuring South Burnett residents can go about their daily lives free from violence, harassment and anti-social behaviour.

Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program.

I understand that recovery from bushfires takes time and will continue to support the South Burnett community through their recovery from the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020. I recently announced $1.6 million for the Community Connection - Local Built project to establish a local led economic and social recovery and resilience program to drive greater community resilience from future bushfires and other natural hazards.

Sport Event Grants Sporting events play an increasingly important role in reconnecting and revitalising communities. Funding of up to $50,000 is available to all local governments in Maranoa to partner with their local clubs/associations and sporting event organisers to host sporting events ranging from “come and try days” to elite exhibitions and state level competitions. For more details about the program and closing dates visit www. sportaus.gov.au and funding/regionalsport-event-fund Helping the flicks to stay open Community cinemas generate important social opportunities so it’s great to see Kingaroy’s Satellite Cinema gaining a further $35,000 grant under the Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) Fund, boosting their resurgence from Covid-19 disruption. It’s one of 125 inde22 TODAY April 2022

FROM THE MINISTER AGRICULTURE MINISTER DAVID LITTLEPROUD pendent cinemas across Australia to share in $7.3 million under the latest round of SCREEN Fund grants.

App trialled to help detect stink bug Thanks to the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, working with Microsoft technology, we’re now trialling an app that is designed to tell the difference between a destructive stink bug and a harmless one.

If the app is successful, it will be a huge benefit for biosecurity detections. Brown marmorated stink bug has the potential to destroy more than 300 agricultural and ornamental plant species, including vegetables and fruit, and hammer native ornamental species.

This app is a real-time triage tool that improves surveillance outcomes and whilst it’s still early days, if this app goes to plan, it’s another tool in our arsenal to keep Australia’s biosecurity strong.

Be alert for Japanese Encephalitis Virus If you’re a pig owner, be on the alert for Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), now confirmed at a second piggery in Queensland.

The virus commonly circulates in mosquitos and is transmitted to animals and people through mosquito bites, so people need to be vigilant in protecting themselves and their animals. $54 million to support on-farm soil testing The Australian Government is providing $54.4 million over two years to support farmers and land managers to access lowcost soil sampling and certified testing in exchange for sharing their data under the Pilot Soil Monitoring and Incentives Program. Farmers and land managers may be eligible for benefits of up to $10,000 and receive assistance from Commonwealthfunded soil extension officers to interpret their soil test results.

Southern Cross University has been engaged to deliver the program, including arranging soil sampling and testing for land managers. To request more information or to register: <https://www.scu.edu.au/pilotsoils-program/> Until next month.

Adoption of research and technology remains crucial Meat and Livestock Australia is committed to working with producers around Australia to achieve our industry’s target of doubling the value of red meat sale by 2030.

To do this, we must continue to tackle industry’s biggest challenges, such as low levels of adoption of proven management practices and technology, for which we are starting to see a significant step change.

MLA’s recently released Producer Adoption Outcomes Report has shown that for MLA investments into adoption projects from 2015-21, participating red meat producers will receive an additional $803m net benefits for their businesses by 2045.

This is an increase from the $484m that we reported last year, following the recent completion of a program impact assessment. This assessment has shown the net benefit to 2045 as well as annual impact.

The report shows that, despite the challenges of Covid-19, nearly 8500 red meat producers took part in adoption programs during the past year, with over eight and a half million head of livestock benefiting from practice change programs across 72 million hectares of land.

Northern Australia, especially Queensland, is an area that represents substantial investment and opportunity for creating long-term benefits.

This investment will be centred around MLA’s Northern Breeding Business program known as NB2 - which will address calf loss in northern breeding herds, low profitability of many northern beef enterprises and low adoption of proven management practices and technology.

FROM THE MLA JASON STRONG NB2 has the ambitious target to deliver an estimated $20 million per year in net benefits by 2027 to 250 northern beef enterprises - and we’ve just launched six new producer pilot groups as part of that program.

Elsewhere, 2022 will see MLA’s National Pasture Biomass Project kick into gear. This will provide every MLA member with the opportunity to access a monthly property level estimate of their pasture biomass through a secure and easy-to-use interface integrated into the MyMLA platform.

Providing all Australian red meat producers with the opportunity to routinely access regular, automated, objective satellite derived pasture biomass estimates represents a very significant initiative to create a step change in Australia’s grazing and feedbase management.

This shifts the dial from “early adopters” using the technology to all MLA members being able to access information on the status of their feedbase in much the same way as they do for weather information.

New technology, improved data feedback and adoption of on-farm research outcomes remain a core focus for MLA so that we can continue working with producers to increase the productivity and profitability of the red meat and livestock industry.

SANTA CENTRAL FEMALE SALE 12541353-HC13-22

Santa Central female sale

By Fiona Gowers Insatiable demand for Santa Gertrudis females has spurred seven studs to hold the second Santa Central female sale on 11 April at Headingly Sales Complex, Clifton starting at 12pm.

Glenn Oaks, Bullamakinka, Glenalbyn, Goolagong, Kilcock, Sujo and Warenda will offer 66 females aged from 15 months to 40 months (cows and calves) and three embryo packages.

Scott Ferguson, Glenn Oaks stud, Nobby said the vendors would offer an impressive catalogue for buyers who are expected to attend from southern Queensland and northern NSW. He said given the favourable season, the cows were presenting “beautifully”, straight from the paddock.

“There is huge interest in Santa Gertrudis females at the moment because they are a bit hard to find,” Mr Ferguson said.

“I would expect spirited bidding at our sale in April.”

According to Mr Ferguson, “many domestic variables” are driving the Santa Gertrudis market and he predicts it will continue to rise.

“Everyone is trying to buy back in (to the beef industry) because cattle prices are so high,” he said. “And, there is confidence in the industry moving forward.

“People want quality and are willing to pay for it. Everyone wants better temperament, better fertility, everything to be better.”

At the first Santa Central Female sale in 2020, some 100 buyers registered their interest either online or in person and Mr Ferguson said he expected similar numbers this year.

Breeder units then topped at $11,000, while PTIC females made to $7500. PTIC-joined

Many domestic variables are driving the Santa Gertrudis market, according to Scott Ferguson, Glenn Oaks stud, Nobby and he predicts it will continue to rise. heifers realised $13,000 and their unjoined counterparts topped at $19,500.

Embryos sold for $2500 per zygote.

Market topper at $19,500 was the 15-monthold, unjoined Goolagong Q2 (P), which sold to Norm Black, Ayrdale stud, NSW.

The daughter of the $67,500 Wave Hill Larikan was offered by Heath and Jenna Tiller, Goolagong stud, Warnertown, South Australia.

Mr Ferguson said people were “most welcome” to inspect the females prior to sale. To arrange a time please contact 0407 645 917.

The second Santa Central female sale will be live-streamed on AuctionsPlus, with full live video coverage on sale day.

Videos of every lot will appear on the Santa Central Multi-Vendor sale Facebook page before the sale.

2022 THE 2ND

SANTA CENTRAL FEMALE SALE MONDAY 11th APRIL – 12 noon HEADINGLY SALE COMPLEX, CLIFTON QLD - FEATURING -

66 Females • 3 Flushes INSPECTIONS BEFORE SALE DAY WELCOME!

• Colby Ede

0417 265 980

• Scott Ferguson

0407 645 917 12541419-JC13-22

April 2022 TODAY 23

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Barry Standfield and Mark Emery. 273775

Sarah Strachan and Patrick Hutchinson. 273775

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New global meat industry initiative launched on the Sunshine Coast, as ERLE LEVEY reports.

Meat app a game changer The widely accepted international red meat industries technical manual for trade, AUSMEAT’s Handbook of Australian Meat (HAM) has gone digital following its launch at Kilcoy Global Food’s Innovation Hub on the Sunshine Coast.

Meat is a $34 billion-a-year industry in Australia and employs hundreds of thousands of people throughout the community.

Australia is recognised worldwide for its high quality and being a reliable provider of excellent value products.

Almost 200,000 are directly employed in the industry, while a further 250,000 are in businesses servicing the red meat and livestock industry.

The launch of the app and the innovation hub are seen as a window of opportunity to make impact on the consumer world-wide as well as throughout Australia.

AUS-MEAT is a joint industry initiative from the Meat and Livestock Association (MLA) and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) who have sponsored the new HAM app as well as the Innovation Hub. 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 carcass 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

Matthew Cooper and Ryley Morton. 273775

Bob Barwell, Ben Robinson and Ian King. 273775

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over the three months leading into February, and its launch was widely anticipated by stakeholders.

KGF president Australian division Jiah Falcke said he was pleased that AUS-MEAT has chosen The Innovation Hub on the Sunshine Coast to launch the new HAM app.

“The Innovation Hub was jointly funded by the MLA and AMPC to inspire and support industry innovation so this is the ideal location to launch an app which will fast track market intelligence and new product development capabilities for the red meat industry,” he said.

Mr Falcke praised the functionality of the

HAM app as it provided a number of clear benefits to both importers and exporters.

“We are living in a digital world and it’s great to see our industry at the forefront by having the latest information available for all industry stakeholders at their fingertips regardless of where they are located.

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AUS-MEAT CEO Stephen Crisp speaking at the launch of the HAM app on the Sunshine Coast. 273775

Kilcoy Global Foods group chief executive officer Dean Goode launches AUS-MEAT’s Handbook of Australian Meat (HAM) app at Birtinya. 273775

AUS-MEAT’s Handbook of Australian Meat (HAM) digital app was launched at Kilcoy Global Food’s Innovation Hub on the Sunshine Coast.

AUS-MEAT’s Handbook of Australian Meat (HAM) digital app was launched at Kilcoy Global Food’s Innovation Hub on the Sunshine Coast.

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AUS-MEAT chairman Allan Bloxsom and CEO Stephen Crisp with the new HAM app at the Sunshine Coast launch evening. 273775

AUS-MEAT’s Handbook of Australian Meat (HAM) digital app had a highly-successful launch on the Sunshine Coast. 273775

Chef Andy Hearnden cooks up for the launch of AUS-MEAT’s Handbook of Australian Meat (HAM) digital app on the Sunshine Coast.

Kilcoy Global Foods group chief executive officer Dean Goode launches AUS-MEAT’s Handbook of Australian Meat (HAM) app at Birtinya. 273775

AUS-MEAT’s Handbook of Australian Meat (HAM) digital app was launched with a cocktail party at Kilcoy Global Food’s Innovation Hub on the Sunshine Coast. 273775 “The HAM app’s portability ensures a user can access the latest information all in one place regardless of whether they are in meetings, out on site or travelling and regardless of their role along the supply chain.

“We could be speaking to a customer in Korea from the Sunshine Coast and have 100 percent confidence that we are delivering the exact product that they require,” Mr Falcke added.

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

Kilcoy Global Foods has partnered with Meat & Livestock Australia and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation to launch a stateof-the-art innovation hub, which will enable fast-tracking of their market intelligence and new product development capabilities.

The new facility at Birtinya on the Sunshine Coast will allow KGF to develop, test, evaluate and present new red meat concepts dynamically and interactively with customers and vendors.

The hub is designed to simulate global best practice in food service and retail testing facilities.

It features spaces for casual and boardroom dining, a bar/canape space, butchery facilities with racking and a walk-in cool room, freezer, wash and dry room, and a full theatre kitchen.

Kilcoy Global Foods group chief executive officer Dean Goode said the hub was the realisation of a long-held belief that KGF and the industry deserved a facility showcasing its full capabilities.

“This world-leading innovation hub provides the whole supply chain an opportunity to develop margin growth opportunities that will ensure our industry an exciting and sustainable future,“ Mr Goode said.

“It is no longer acceptable for industry to sit back and do what we have always done - we need to show leadership by taking our product to market in new and innovative ways, meeting challenges head on.“ “The hub will, in a short time, become the centre of excellence our industry so richly deserves.“ Mr Goode said the innovation hub would

allow customers to come and visit, learn about what the facility as well as the meat industry could offer.

“The learning the industry can get from this will be immeasurable.

“Rather than us going to Asia, Europe and North America, we will be learning from people who come here.

“I think we under-estimate the power of that ... that real learning. We are all going to benefit as an industry.’’

This is an opportunity to transcend the narrative from the meat industry to the food industry, Mr Goode said.

The moment the carcass hits the conveyor it become somebody’s food.

The HAM app is an important marketing tool in tracing a particular product.

Mr Goode said it did not matter if industry representatives were in Dubai, Indonesia, Helsinki or Los Angeles, everybody would be able to use it.

“Every meat stand at every trade show in the world will be able to hold that QR code, scan this, and we can show them what they want to know.’’

AUS-MEAT CEO Stephen Crisp said the HAM app was very special - the end-point of the industry.

“The first thing you handle is the Handbook of Australian Meat Industry ... it’s great to be able to bring it up on your phone anywhere in the world.

“This is a real service to the industry. The marketing implications are huge.

“You will be able to talk to your customers in the same language throughout the world.’’

AUS-MEAT chairman Allan Bloxsom said the innovation hub was a world-class facility while the app underpinned the benefit of truth in labelling.

“That is one of the most important things in this industry.

“This cuts to the heart of what AUS-MEAT does on a daily basis. It gives everybody around the world - internationally as well as domestically - the ability to be able to maintain the integrity that’s needed by managing truth in labelling and industry standards.

“This is an important tool for everybody.’’

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Queensland Country Women’s Association Centenary • 1922-2022 • 100 years and beyond

Country life fit for King

By Fiona Gowers Christine King was admittedly ignorant to the strength and resilience of rural women before she joined the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) 30 years ago.

Brisbane born and bred, Ms King relished the chance to travel to regional conferences, where the remoteness of outback Queensland struck her as much as its empowered occupants.

“Absolutely nothing phases them,” she said.

“I arrived at one meeting where we had women coming in from a big area.

“And this woman was a bit late and came bustling in. I said, ‘what happened to you?’ She said, ‘Well, I had to kill a snake in the laundry this morning.

“I’m standing there gobsmacked. You know, it was a King brown.

“Then she said, ‘I got a flat tyre so I had to change the tyre’ and she still arrived looking immaculate.

“I thought, ‘My gosh! We whinge about a traffic jam in Brisbane’.

“And, from that point on, I appreciated those (rural) women so much to put me back into a space where I shouldn’t complain about anything.”

As her youngest child completed year 12 in 1991 - and after years of serving on school committees - Ms King sought to join a community organisation that reflected her interests.

She “rolled up” to join the CWA branch in her neighbouring suburb of Brookfield in 1992 and was later appointed state president for three years from 2018.

Ms King said she was drawn to the association that boasted honest, basic roots, which

for their time and all were given immediate CWA membership and told to return to their area and start a branch.

“Women realised they needed to come together to support each other.

“They drew up a constitution and elected the first QCWA president, Ruth Fairfax, and then they identified what their projects would be.

“And, that’s what has always driven the CWA, having meaningful projects.”

Some significant achievements over the years, according to Ms King, have been: Huts and cottages were built in Townsville, Redcliffe and Sandgate and offered to regional and remote families so they could experience life off-farm.

Rest rooms were established in country towns to allow mothers to rest with their children while their husbands completed jobs.

Mothers’ rest rooms (with bed) were built allowing pregnant women to be closer to medical care while they waited to give birth.

Student hostels were established to allow regional and remote children to attend school. “There was no School of the Air then so they stayed at the hostels during the week and went home on the weekend,” Ms King said.

An emergency housekeeping scheme began where women did mothercraft courses to qualify to live on a property and help families in need. The QCWA paid the wages.

Fundraisers to buy equipment in regional/ remote hospitals.

“We have always been advocates, lobbying the government of the day, as we are a-political,” Ms King said. “In those early days, it was a very different world to what it is now.

·

·

Malanda branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association.

And this woman was a bit late and came bustling in. I said, ‘what happened to you?’ She said, ‘Well, I had to kill a snake in the laundry this morning...

Then she said, ‘I got a flat tyre so I had to change the tyre’ and she still arrived looking immaculate.

I thought, ‘My gosh! We whinge about a traffic jam in Brisbane’.” was established after a meeting in Brisbane in 1922, as Australia emerged from World War I. “There were some very wonderful women

who came together to form the Queensland Country Women’s Association,” she said.

“They were, I think, fairly educated women

·

·

·

·

Commemorative coin marks 100 years of the QCWA The Perth Mint has released a $1 commemorative coin to celebrate the Centenary of the Country Women’s Association in Queensland and New South Wales.

It acknowledges 100 years of service and advocacy for country women and their families.

Centenary team member of the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) Christine King said she thought the coin conveyed a beautiful message.

“It showed the Perth Mint had put a lot of thought into it and been very supportive of what the CWA has meant to the community over the years,” she said.

The QCWA was founded in August 1922 to provide a window of relief from the tyranny of distance for rural women by offering friendship, support and connection. Founding president was the remarkable and quintessential countrywoman Ruth Fairfax.

By 1928 there were 283 branches with 13,000 members spread across Queensland and by 1936 there were branches across the country.

The Country Women’s Association of Australia is now the nation’s largest non-government organisation for women with 44,000 members.

The commemorative coin’s design portrays the association’s ability to uplift women’s spirits, providing them with support and a voice while raising awareness about equality for women living in remote country regions and towns.

The coin features an intricate pattern of a cotton doily in a nod to the CWA’s wellknown skills in crafts and cooking, which are used for fundraising in their support of various causes. Within the doily are abstract female figures holding hands to show the association’s strong network of support, friend-

ship and collaboration.

The inner circle of the design symbolises a hot country sun, which is gold-plated on the SGP version.

Inside the sun is a lone silhouette of a country mother and child, with the space around them illustrating country isolation.

Within her shadow are eight female figures which represent each state/territory that make up the Country Women’s Association of Australia.

The QCWA continues to provide a space for Queensland women to connect, collaborate, and impact communities.

The state currently has more than 200 branches and more than 3500 members.

The CWA coin is available for purchase with a recommended retail price of $12.50.

Additionally, there is a special gold-pated (SGP) commemorative coin with a RRP of $80.

The $1 commemorative coin launched to celebrate the Centenary of the Country Women’s Association in Queensland and New South Wales.

Do you have an opinion on something that you have seen or read?

FarmerToday QUEENSLAND

If so, please email it as a Letter to the Editor on fiona.gowers@queenslandfarmertoday.com.au Or post it to 154 Haly Street, Kingaroy 4610 12540648-JC13-22

26 TODAY April 2022

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Queensland Country Women’s Association Centenary • 1922-2022 • 100 years and beyond

QCWA State President Mrs Fairfax’s visit to Central Council in Rockhampton, circa 1928.

An early meeting of QCWA attended by Queensland Governor Sir Matthew Nathan.

“Councils and governments didn’t provide these facilities. And so the CWA women immediately recognised that they needed to have something to offer.

“Those first few years were of huge movement and achievement.”

Reflecting on the past 100 years, Ms King said the QCWA continued to provide support and friendship for rural and urban women of all ages.

And, crucially, to lobby to improve their conditions.

Time has yet to diminish the caring theme that has underpinned the CWA since 1922, Mrs King said, with its current 220 branches choosing to meet in a “space” rather than a hall or theatre.

“We call it a meeting space like they did in the 1920s, where people are welcome in friendship and can network with local ladies and learn new skills or share their skills with others,” she said.

“And, underlining all of that is advocacy, that’s really what CWA is all about.”

Roma branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association.

The first annual meeting of the Southern Division at Toowoomba in April 1924.

Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) president Christine King.

St George branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association.

THE HON

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

QCWA Summer School, Warwick in January 1954.

MP

YOUR FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MARANOA

Proudly supporting the 100th anniversary of the QCWA 12540988-NG13-22

One of the garden parties at Marinya, the Cambooya home of Mrs Fairfax at the time of council meetings and conferences in April 1927.

P5, 81 Palmerin Street | PO Box 188, Warwick Qld 4370 P: (07) 4661 2494 | E: david.littleproud.mp@aph.gov.au

www.davidlittleproud.com.au Authorised by the Hon David Littleproud MP, Liberal National Party, Dalby Qld

Getting Maranoa’s fair share April 2022 TODAY 27

country k tchens recipes Fruity Oat Parfait Serves: 2 Prep time: 20 minutes + cooling time Cook time: 5 minutes 1 serve per portion

Everyday Food

Ingredients: • 1 cup cooked porridge, cooled • ½ cup natural yoghurt, reduced fat • 2 cups of assorted fruit (e.g. strawberries, sliced banana, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, rockmelon) Method: • COMBINE yoghurt with the cooled porridge and stir to make it creamy.

• LAYER the oats mixture and the fruit in a parfait glass, starting with the oats.

• SERVE chilled.

*Recipe courtesy of May Hampton, Palmwoods Branch

Lamb Kebabs Serves: 4 (makes 8 kebabs) Prep time: 15 minutes + 1hr marinating Cook time: 15 minutes 1 serve per portion

Everyday Food

Ingredients Sauce: • ¼ cup red wine • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary • 500g lamb steak, fat trimmed, cut in 2cm cubes • 1 cup mushrooms, cut in 2cm cubes • ½ red capsicum, cut in 2cm cubes • ½ green capsicum, cut in 2cm cubes • 1 apple, cut in 2cm cubes • 1 pear, cut in 2cm cubes

*Recipe courtesy of Kerry Hampstead, Wallangarra Branch

Mint dressing: • 1 cup mint, chopped • 1 teaspoon white vinegar • 1 teaspoon honey • 2/3 cup boiling water Method: • MIX red wine, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and rosemary in a bowl. Add lamb and marinate for at least one hour.

• THREAD marinated lamb, vegetables and fruit onto skewers, alternating.

• COMBINE mint dressing ingredients in a bowl and drizzle over the kebabs.

• COOK on medium heat on a BBQ or a chargrill pan for 15-20 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.

Rotate occasionally.

• SERVE the kebabs hot with your choice of side salad.

Empowering women through education and health is a priority for the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA). The QCWA Country Kitchens program, funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supports Queenslanders to adopt healthier lifestyles. To find out more about the program visit https://qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/.

28 TODAY April 2022

12541700-JW13-22

Scott MacDougall, Zac Tarrant and Ben Tarrant - AgKnowledge Australia.

Ben Tarrant and Ag Knowledge Australia Director Scott MacDougall.

Business riding the wave Dalby business, Ag Knowledge Australia, has been recognised as one of the country’s leading independent precision agriculture technology providers in the annual Ag Leader Dealer of the Year awards.

One of the most experienced precision agriculture dealerships in the country, the business was recognised for its outstanding sales performance over the past 12 months.

Ag Knowledge Australia was established in 2000 to provide service and technical support for the AutoFarm steering system throughout Queensland, northern NSW, Northern Territory and the Kimberley region.

Following Ag Leader’s acquisition of the GPS Ag dealer network and AutoFarm system in 2014, it became an Ag Leader dealership servicing the Darling Downs.

Ag Leader is a leading provider of precision agriculture technology, including GPS guidance/steering systems; precision planting, spreading and spraying technology; and decision support systems.

Ag Knowledge Australia Director, Scott MacDougall, first became exposed to precision agriculture via his previous role as a regional manager with Queensland Cotton in the late 1990s.

“When GM cotton was first introduced, it was necessary for cotton farmers to have an accurate farm map as part of their licencing agreement,” he says.

“At the time, most farmers had no idea how big their paddocks were and I’d say even the best were out by at least 10 percent, which had big implications for managing application rates.

“I quickly realised the potential of GPS mapping and yield monitoring, and in turn,

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this led to guidance systems.”

Ben Tarrant, a qualified diesel fitter and farm machinery service technician who joined Ag Knowledge Australia in 2015, says the company is now focussing on precision application systems for planting, spraying and spreading.

Ag Knowledge Australia unveiled a new demonstration unit retrofitted to a six-row John Deere MaxEmerge™ XP planter at a field day held on March 16 outside Dalby.

The unit incorporates SureSpeed electronic seed metering and SureForce hydraulic pressure downforce control that instantly responds to changing conditions to ensure accurate planting depth.

“The real benefit is accuracy, which has immediate benefits on emergence, establishment and yield, and operating speed, which is about productivity,” Ben says.

“Ag Leader has tested this system at operating speeds of up to 19 km/h without any loss of accuracy.

“Not everyone wants to go this fast but any improvement over the norm of say 7–8 km/hr is a major step forward in productivity when every hour counts.

“This system works with any guidance system – it’s colour blind – but if you use the Ag Leader system you are going to get guidance and implement control in the one, easy-to-use terminal.

“The sums speak for themselves.

“You can spend about $60,000 to retrofit a 12-row planter or pay about $250,000 for a new one with the same technology.

“Retrofitting an existing planter with SeedCommand technology can easily add another 10 years to its working life if you are willing to continue investing in maintenance – but that’s

the same with any machine.”

Ag Knowledge Australia installed about 10 SeedCommand systems over the past three years.

“It only takes a couple of days on-farm to retrofit your planter and then we’ll do a test, make any adjustments before providing the start-up and training,” Ben says.

“We have had really good feedback on its ease of use and reliability, plus they are reporting a 5 km/h increase in operating speed without any impact on accuracy.

“The most common report we get is that it just works and with machinery, that’s everything.”

Also on display was Ag Leader’s new RightSpot precision spraying system, which was launched in Australia last month, as well as the latest offerings from other precision agriculture and spraying equipment manufacturers, including ARAG, WEED-IT, Harvest International and Homburg.

RightSpot utilises proven pulse width modulation technology to maintain a constant, user-defined boom pressure and application rate, regardless of operating speed, ensuring optimum coverage and droplet size in all operating conditions.

Besides improving efficacy, the technology can also significantly reduce application costs by preventing over or under application during turning.

“This is going to be a great way to reduce operating costs by reducing, if not eliminating, overlapping,” Ben says.

“It maintains a consistent droplet size regardless of operating speed, which means greater coverage and less drift.”

More recently, Ben’s brother Zac has joined

the business as a service technician with lengthy experience in agriculture.

Scott MacDougall says the ‘final frontier’ of precision agriculture will be the widespread adoption of decision support systems that enable collected data to be meaningfully analysed and then used to help plan and grow the following crop.

“I think it’s going to come down to the ease of sharing this data between farmers and agronomists,” he says.

“Ag Leader already offers an advanced analytical program called SMS and a cloud-based file sharing platform called AgFiniti.

“SMS has been around for 20 years and AgFiniti means it’s now even easier to share that information and this is going to make agronomists and farmers want to use it.”

Scott says precision agriculture is rapidly changing as guidance systems become the norm rather than the exception.

“When we started, we were selling $100,000 guidance systems to the top end of town, whereas nowadays a good system is closer to $25,000 and is pretty much stock standard on most new machines,” he says.

“These systems are pretty handy but it doesn’t mean they are the best, nor are they the best for the jobs above and beyond guidance and that’s where the market is heading.

“I can honestly say that there are after-market systems that are better on all levels.

“We’d like to think that specialist dealers like us can offer a better technology backed by better service.

“If you’re interested in getting the most out of your investment in new machinery or keeping your existing machinery up to date, there are alternatives.”

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April 2022 TODAY 29

IN BRIEF

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Regeneration focus

By Fiona Gowers Soaring input costs are sparking renewed interest in regenerative agriculture.

As winter cropping nears, producers are nervously watching compound phosphorus fertiliser costs double last years, urea prices treble and freight and energy costs at record highs.

This, combined with uncertainty about grain prices and seasonal forecasts, has croppers seeking alternative ways to improve profitability and create more sustainable farming systems.

For more than 25 years, agronomist Ian Moss has led innovative farmers in developing economic sustainability through regenerative agronomic practices.

Mr Moss, founder and managing director of Farm Agronomy and Resource Management (FARM), Southbrook said interest in regenerative farming was “certainly growing”.

“There are two main reasons landholders come to us,” he said.

“Either they’ve heard about regenerative ag and what we do or, more often, I’m getting calls from people saying, ‘I don’t know what I need to change but know I need to change something’.

“This is mainly because they’re experiencing increases in farming costs but not seeing this translated into increasing yields.

“Our job at FARM is to help farmers make sustainable farming profitable.

“It is really about the farming system and starting to understand and appreciate the actions we take and how they affect everything else, in terms of the long-term health of our soil.

“Healthy soil is the greatest asset we have that drives profitability for farmers, it’s worth nurturing this resource.”

Mr Moss said the aim was to build the soil’s capacity to improve productivity and prof-

Ian Moss, founder and managing director of Farm Agronomy & Resource Management (FARM), Southbrook says interest in regenerative farming is “certainly growing”. itability by focusing on its quality, namely through increasing soil organic matter levels.

He said multi-species plantings of cover crops were integral to improving soil health

and ground cover and needed to be balanced against rainfall capture and storing soil moisture.

The next big step was looking at soil fertility as a whole and moving to more long-term thinking and planning.

“As agronomists and farmers, we are really good at looking at a paddock and working out how to make the most money from it in the next six months,” Mr Moss said.

“What we aren’t so good at, is understanding the impact of crop sequences, fallows and covers over 10 years. These are things that make a big difference to profitability.

“To determine what is needed long term requires us to look at what is holding back yield – typically we work on improving rainfall capture and access to nutrient pools over time.”

Mr Moss said he advises his cropping clients to keep some of their area for “summer cash cropping even if they have planting moisture for winter crop planting”.

This spreads risks and creates the ability to respond to unexpected rainfall and planting opportunities in a changing climate.

A typical scenario is a farm working towards a five-year rotation of three winter cash crops in a row then a long fallow summer cash crop.

“When switching seasons, we look to fill the spring bare fallow with cover crops allowing us to end summer with more stored moisture and reverse the continual decline of soil carbon levels that are so critical to soil functions and yields,” Mr Moss said.

“The best farmers keep just 23 per cent of summer fallow rainfall to grow a winter crop, leaving a huge opportunity to capture and utilise more rainfall.

“Another advantage is the reduced fallow weed control required when we go into spring with enough cover to out-compete weeds.

“Farmers tell us that the money saved from reduced spraying often pays for the cover crop planting, which is definitely a win-win.”

First crop above 60m tonnes: ABARES Wheat tonnes topped 36.3m tonnes, barley 13.7m tonnes and canola 6.4m tonnes.

While the crop was a record in terms of tonnage, however, there had been issues with quality due to harvest rain.

The silver lining of the winter crop harvest rain was the boost it gave the summer crop.

“It’s also been an extraordinary season for summer crops in Queensland and northern New South Wales,” Dr Greenville said.

“We’ve had well above average rainfall during late spring and summer to support production prospects.

“While there were flooding conditions in November that damaged early plantings of summer crops, overall the conditions have been very favourable.”

At present summer crop production in Australia is forecast to rise by 64pc year on

year in 2021-22 to 5.3 million tonnes, one of the highest on record.

“We also estimate that the area sown for summer crops to have risen by 48pc to 1.5 million hectares, which is 35pc above the 10-year average to 2020-21,” Dr Greenville said.

And he said the optimism continued on to this year’s winter crop.

“For the year ahead, there is a lot to be optimistic about.”

“According to the latest three-month rainfall outlook, issued by the Bureau of Meteorology in February, rainfall during autumn is more likely to be above average in most cropping regions.

“While we know that La Nina can’t last, we can still expect good autumn rains to finish off the summer crops and support winter crop plantings in 2022-23.”

Four community groups in Dalby, Tara and Condamine will receive $125,820 from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).

Member for Warrego Ann Leahy is pleased to announce that: The Dalby and District Silver Band will receive a $34,920 funding grant to upgrade their facility and buy music equipment.

The Dalby Cricket Association will receive $35,000 to buy a ride-on mower and upgrade its irrigation system.

The Condamine Gun Club will build trap houses, level grounds and undertake electrical works with a grant of $35 000 and, Tara and District Historical Society will upgrade its jail building with a grant of $20,900.

The GCBF is a quarterly program providing up to $35 000 to community groups.

In this funding round, $267,524 was given to 10 community groups across the Warrego Electorate, Ms Leahy said.

· · · ·

Windfall for groups Six community groups in Roma, Charleville, Thallon, Eulo and Mungallala will receive $141,694 from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).

Member for Warrego Ann Leahy is pleased to announce that: Roma Bowls Club will buy a ride-on mower with a grant of $8,900.

The Murweh Shire Council will buy a trailer and mower with a grant of $24,800 and the Shire State Emergency Services an all-terrain vehicle and trailer with $34,278.

Thallon Daymar QCWA branch will paint the building exterior, renovate the office and buy a mower with $28,370.

Eulo Gymkhana and Motorbike Club will build a shed with $35,000.

Warrego Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation and Education at Mungallala will buy a ride-on mower, lawn trailer and shed with $10,346.

The GCBF is a quarterly program providing up to $35 000 to community groups.

In this funding round, a total of $267,524 was provided to 10 community groups across the Warrego Electorate.

· · · · ·

ROSI ride ahead The Winton-Jundah Road will receive a $16.2 million road upgrade to increase road safety while supporting quicker and more reliable trips year-round for commuters and freight.

The project will be funded on an 80:20 split between the Australian Government, under its almost $5 billion Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative, and the Winton Shire Council.

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the upgrade of around 37 kilometres of the Winton-Jundah Road complements other safety upgrades currently underway in the region.

Mayor of Winton Shire Council Gavin Baskett said the Winton-Jundah Road upgrade will improve access to the world-famous Dinosaur Stampede National Monument at Lark Quarry.

“Investing in road upgrades equals jobs, more cash flowing across local businesses and a route that will better allow freight and tourist to come through and stop by our towns and attractions.”

12541805-JC13-22

The 2021-22 winter crop broke all- time production records and this summer crop is also set to be among the highest on record when harvest is done.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) upwardly revised the winter crop six per cent to 61.9 million tonnes, up from the December estimate of 58.4m tonnes, the first time the national crop has pushed past the 60m tonne mark.

Summer crops are forecast to be the fourth highest on record.

ABARES executive director Jared Greenville said the forecaster’s expectations had been “smashed”, mostly on the back of better than expected yields in WA and NSW. All three of Australia’s major broadacre crops, wheat, barley and canola posted record production.

Community groups funding boost

30 TODAY April 2022

Monthly market report brought to you by Herefords Australia.

12535648-BL08-22

Regional market round-up Market information provided by MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service Blackall 17 March Numbers halved at Blackall falling to 1,600 head. Quality was again mixed however there was a larger buying panel and prices generally improved on last week. A larger sample of heavy feeder steers were on offer while fewer prime cows and bullocks were yarded.

Light weight restocker steers between 220280kg saw prices to 700c to average 632c/kg for ‘C’ muscle pens while a larger sample of ‘D’ muscle steers averaged 499c/kg.

A larger restocker buying panel saw good quality steers 280-330kg selling to 700c/kg with most around 634c and heavy feeder steers over 400kg lifted 21c topping at 550c to average 522c/kg while a small sample returning to the paddock sold to 560c/kg.

Light weight restocker heifers eased again this week selling to 580c to average 525c/kg however processors were very active on heifers 330-400kg selling to 502c to average 497c/kg.

There was a big rally on prime cattle with heavy heifers to the processor selling to 436c to average 411c/kg, medium cows to kill made to 380c with most selling around 365c/kg and good heavy cows over 520kg topping at 388c to average 383c, up 54c/kg.

Heavy grown steers sold to 450c while those to feed made to 456c/kg.

The best of the cows and calves made to $3,330/unit.

Market reporter, Sam Hart Dalby 16 March Numbers increased by 221 head to 3,524 at Dalby. Cattle were drawn from a wide area with a small consignment from New South Wales, plus 440 head from far Western Queensland, with the remainder from the usual supply areas. A full panel of export buyers was present and operating, plus the regular feed and trade buyers, along with a large line up of restockers. Prices trends varied in places according to quality.

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock experienced some quality related price changes.

Yearling steers to feed could not maintain the levels of the previous week. However yearling heifers returning to the paddock and feed received very strong support.

A relatively small sample of heavy grown steers and bullocks to export processors averaged 5c to 7c/kg less. However, a good sample of cows sold to a dearer trend to average up to 13c/kg better.

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to 850c with a large sample averaging 708c/kg.

Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market averaged from 582c to 644c with the occasional sale to 700c, with some in the same weight range returning to the paddock at 742c/kg.

Heavy weight yearling steers to feed made to 620c with a large sample averaging 547c/kg.

Light weight yearling heifers under 200kg returning to the paddock made to 798c, while the under 280kg lines averaged 640c and made to 742c/kg.

Yearling heifers to feed averaged from 557c to 608c and sold to 624c/kg.

Heavy weight yearling heifers to feed averaged 512c and made to 538c/kg.

Heavy grown steers to export processors made to 450c to average 441c, and the bullock portion made to 443c to average 432c/kg. Full mouth bullocks made to 408c/kg some returning $3,584/head.

Medium weight plain condition cows returning to the paddock made to an isolated 424c to average 359c/kg.

Medium weight 3 score cows to export processors averaged 370c and made to 378c/kg.

A large selection of good heavy weight cows made to 405c to average 393c/kg.

Heavy weight bulls made to 377c/kg. Cows and calves made to $3,975/unit.

Market Reporter, Trevor Hess Emerald 17 March There was a small increase of 50 head in the yarding at Emerald to 1,980 head. Most Cattle were yarded from local and near local areas.

There were good numbers of cows and backgrounder steers and heifers along with well-presented lines of feeder heifers and PTIC heifers.

There were very few feeder steers in comparison to past weeks. Prices eased in many areas, although more relative to quality than a general easing.

Yearling steers sold to 759c for light weight pens to average 623c to 679c/kg.

Medium weight pens averaged 539c to 572c/kg to feed and restocker buyers.

Light weight yearling heifers under 280kg averaged 558c to 628c with a top of 688c/kg.

Medium weight pens averaged from 486c to 620c/kg.

There were too few bullocks offered to reliably quote, however feeders averaged from 425c to 505c/kg for their grown steers relative to weight.

Grown heifers to the trade averaged 424c for the most suitable pens, while feeders averaged from 424c to 494c with sales to 524c/kg.

Processor cows topped at 390c to average 377c/kg for the heavy 4 score pens.

Heavy weight bulls averaged 350c/kg.

Several pens of PTIC heifers sold from $1,850 to $2,800 per head and well-bred cows and calves made $3,900/unit for the best on offer.

Market Reporter, Richard Thomson Roma Store 15 March Numbers eased to 3,432, down by 1,739 at the

Roma Store Sale.

Cattle were drawn from a wide supply area, including New South Wales and the overall quality varied, however light weight steers were present in increased numbers, with a reduction in the number of heavy steers and cows yarded.

A good buying panel was present and operating, including all regular processors.

The market remains firm but did vary with medium weight feeder steers up by 3c to 40c, while medium weight steers to restockers eased 9c to 31c/kg.

Heifers mostly fell with light weight heifers to restockers down by 10c to 28c, while medium weight heifers under 400kg to feed improved by 7c/kg.

Cows experienced improvements with medium weight prime cows up by 3c to 5c, and heavy weight prime cows up by 6c to 9c/kg.

Light weight yearling steers under 200kg sold to a top of 824.2c to average 822c/kg.

Yearling steers under 280kg to restockers made to 816.2c to average 748c/kg.

Medium weight yearling steers under 330kg to feed sold to 726.2c to average 681c/kg.

Yearling steers under 400kg to feed made to 726.2c to average 604c/kg.

Heavy weight yearling steers to restockers reached a top of 608.2c to average 588c/kg.

Light weight yearling heifers under 200kg to restockers made to 760.2c to average 717c/kg.

Yearling heifers under 280 kg to restockers made to 764.2c to average 675c/kg.

Medium weight yearling heifers under 330kg to restockers sold to 670.2c to average 620c/kg. Yearling heifers under 400kg to restockers reached a top of 632.2c to average 615c/kg, while heavy weight yearling heifers to feed made to 510c to average 510c/kg.

The best of the heavy weight grown steers made to 453.2c to average 446c/kg.

Heavy weight grown heifers made to 440c to average 434c/kg.

Medium weight prime cows made to 381.2c to average 381c/kg.

Heavy weight prime cows reached a top of 396.2c to average 389c/kg.

Heavy weight bulls made to 386.2c to average 368c/kg.

Cows and calves sold to a top of $3,100/ unit.

Market Reporter, Sherrill Stivano Warwick 15 March Numbers rose by 184 head to 924 at the Warwick cattle sale. All the regular wholesale and feeder buyers were in attendance along with the return to a full panel of export buyers and a large number of local and interstate restockers. The yarding contained a good mix of well finished export lines, heavy feeder yearling steers and quality light weight weaner cattle with all selling to strong prices.

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock sold to 894c/kg.

Yearling steers in the 200 to 280kg range to background averaged 755c and made to 854c/ kg.

Yearling steers over 280kg to restockers made 738c to average 690c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market averaged 615c and sold to 660c/kg.

Heavy yearling steers to feed made 614c to average 576c/kg.

Yearling heifers over 200kg to restockers averaged 627c and made to 672c/kg.

Yearling heifers to feed for the domestic market made 616c to average 609c/kg.

Heavy yearling heifers to feed averaged 574c and sold to 588c/kg.

Well finished young bullocks to processors made to 460c to average 451c/kg.

Grown heifers to the wholesale meat trade averaged 427c and made to 459c/kg.

Good heavy score 4 cows to export processors made 388c to average 378c/kg.

Light weight bulls to restockers averaged 663c, with one young bull finding a new home at 1,018.2c/kg.

Heavy bulls to processors averaged 352c and sold to 369c/kg. Cows and calves sold to $3000/unit.

Market Reporter, Errol Luck Warwick 16 March Agents penned 2,326 total with 1,637 lambs and 689 grown sheep. All the regular processors, wholesalers and butchers attended along with a large line up of restocker and feeder buyers.

The yarding was dominated by quality store and feeder lambs with only a small penning of well finished trade and heavy lambs the market remained firm across most classes and any price variation was quality related.

Young lambs to restockers averaged $122 and sold to $145/head.

Young sucker lambs to butchers sold for $165 and to feeder operators at $151 to average $148/head.

Light weight ewe lambs to restockers sold to $190 and averaged $171/head.

Butcher weight lambs averaged $187 and sold to $195/head.

Lambs to the wholesale meat trade made $200 to average $199/head.

Heavy lambs to processors averaged $212/ head.

Hoggets to processors sold for $173 to average $171 with one pen of ewe hoggets returning to the paddock at $232/head.

Heavy dorper ewes to processors sold to $166 and averaged $148 with a good sample of cross bred ewes to processors selling to $130 to average $125/head.

Ram lambs in large numbers sold to the wholesale meat trade at $169 to average $166/ head.

Market Reporter, Errol Luck

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New portal hits the gas Queensland’s accelerating hydrogen industry is open for business in Toowoomba and the Western Downs.

CS Energy and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) have launched an online portal for local businesses to sign up for opportunities in the emerging hydrogen supply chain.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the volume of renewables investment required for the green hydrogen industry was estimated to be billions of dollars.

He said ensuring as much of that flowed to local businesses and their workforce was critical.

“Developing Queensland’s hydrogen industry will create demand across a range of local service and manufacturing sectors if we get the supply chain right,” Mr de Brenni said.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Buy Queensland procurement approach applies to renewable energy projects, with a focus on local content, ensuring more jobs in local communities.”

CS Energy’s Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant will take advantage of the portal when construction begins later this

CS Energy’s Emma Roberts and TSBE’s Lance MacManus. year ahead of its first hydrogen production in 2023.

“Procurement officers in the renewable energy sector will use the online portal for everything from metal fabrication and heavy transport to plumbing, fencing and PPE,” Mr de Brenni said.

“That equals more jobs in more regional industry in areas like Toowoomba and

the Western Downs.”

The online Hydrogen Capability Mapping portal is live and ready for businesses to complete a questionnaire about their ability to support the hydrogen industry supply chain.

TSBE general manager for Energy and Infrastructure Lance MacManus said the portal would help local businesses learn how they could exploit opportunities in

upcoming hydrogen projects.

“A component of the partnership is to map and uncover the capability of local businesses to support a hydrogen construction development in design, construction or operations and maintenance,” he said.

“It will help ensure local companies can bring their existing expertise in the industrial sector and are able to understand the opportunities around hydrogen and develop their capability to service this growing market.”

CS Energy CEO Andrew Bills said CS Energy was excited the mapping project was live and ready to help in the hunt for hydrogen skills.

“Upon completion, this mapping process will provide CS Energy with extensive information on regional businesses and their capability,” Mr Bills said.

“Local business ‘intel’ will be invaluable as we progress the Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant.

“This is the next chapter of our energy story in the Surat Basin as we bring hydrogen into our energy mix and create a future energy hub at Kogan Creek Power Station.”

Register your business capability here: https://www.tsbesuppliersportal.com.au/render-page/page-hydrogen-capability-mapping

Businesses keen to register on hydrogen portal IOR is a business that will benefit from using the portal and there are many businesses keen to register their capability on the hydrogen portal, such as Wasco (Australia).

Managing director of Wasco Mel Whyte said she applauded the initiative and leadership TSBE and CS Energy have taken in opening this portal.

She said there were opportunities in production, storage, distribution and end-use for hydrogen as a future fuel that would emerge from capturing capability of local enterprise.

“From continued group discussion and the creation of sensible, sharing partnerships that can go on to develop a sustainable hy-

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32 TODAY April 2022

drogen industry,” Mr Whyte said.

Chinchilla-based business Speciality Services Queensland is also keen to join as CS Energy’s demonstration plant is on their doorstep.

Managing director of Speciality Services Queensland, Declan Cummins said he was excited about the opportunities hydrogen

offered his business.

He said the portal was a great place to register capabilities in working with this future fuel.

“By completing the hydrogen questionnaire we can be more prepared for these upcoming projects and the skills required in my team,” Mr Cummins said.

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NEWS

Hub supports soil capacity A new regional soil coordinator will provide practical assistance to improve soil health and testing across northern New South Wales and southern Queensland.

Announced earlier this month as part of $3 million Australian Government investment, it means the local Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation hub can further its regional activities.

Hub director Professor John McVeigh said the funding from the Building Landcare Community and Capacity Program would support the Hub’s overall goals. Especially, he said, in regards to boosting drought resilience and encouraging on-ground innovation.

“This funding will allow us - and seven

drought and innovation hubs across the country, to provide down to earth support for our primary producers from Longreach to Narrabri,” Professor McVeigh said.

The new hub project will deliver a soil extension plan, including identifying gaps in current services and barriers to the adoption of improved soil practices.

“As with all of the hub activities, we will focus on supporting and bringing together those already working to boost soil conservation efforts in northern NSW and southern Queensland,” Professor McVeigh said.

“This new role will provide leadership, facilitation and support to Smart Farm Soil Extension officers and Soil Extension Activity

grantees to deliver services in the region.

“The new Regional Soil Coordinator will connect those working on soils grants with researchers and key soil projects within our region, helping to drive national priorities and services and reporting to the Australian Government.”

Professor McVeigh said a soil extension network would be established to provide advice, connections, information, tools and other support.

“The sustainability of the soils in southern Queensland and northern NSW is a key factor in the long term viability of not just agriculture, but landscapes and communities as well,” he said.

John McVeigh, Bruce Scott, David Littleproud, Tyson Golder and Lane Brookes open the Drought Hub in Roma.

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Visitors to the Flinton Races are drawn from a large radius, with inquiries about the 2022 event coming from Sydney and Brisbane.

Flinton’s off to the races

By Fiona Gowers A true bush race meeting that offers old-fashioned family fun is the drawcard of Flinton Races on Easter Saturday, 16 April.

A mixed crowd flocks to the Western Downs

region town (population 42) in their hundreds to unplug and unwind over the long weekend and enjoy the five-race program with a $54,500 prize pool offered.

The main race is the Kerwick’s Earthworkssponsored Flinton Cup.

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Flinton Races committee president Wendy Henning said after two years of Covid-induced cancellations, the town was buzzing with excitement.

“Our country races offer safe family fun and cater for young and old,” she said.

“Flinton has been quiet for two years so we are excited to be back holding an event to remember.

“This year the races will be bigger and better than ever. We are keen and enthusiastic to hold the best event possible.”

The local P and C provides all food at the Flinton Races, with a paid champagne lunch offered under the traditional bough shed, made of tree logs covered in gum leaves.

PATONS TRANSPORT

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34 TODAY April 2022

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Flinton Races works coordinator Will Drury, luncheon coordinator, Natalie Slack, life member Tom Hughes and president Wendy Henning.

Mrs Henning expects visitors to be drawn from a large radius, with inquiries coming from Sydney and Brisbane.

She said Flinton offered “quality country hospitality” including free camping, with many choosing to stay on the banks of the Moonie River.

“The Easter long weekend is traditionally a family time before the Easter bunny arrives on Sunday.”

The local P and C provides all food, with a paid champagne lunch offered under the traditional bough shed, made of tree logs covered in gum leaves.

Fashions on the field are hotly contested at Flinton, with $1000 prize money offered. “It’s

dusty but people dress up to the nines,” Mrs Henning said.

And, the foot races at the day’s end are popular and competitive.

Mrs Henning said family time was during the day, with DJ Johnny Mac of Roma providing quality music for dancing until midnight.

“The Flinton race meet is a true bush meet where kids have the freedom to run and enjoy the buzz while guests gather under the gumleaf-covered bough shed to share some prerace drinks, nibblies and a good old country yarn,” she said.

Tickets to enter cost $25 and need to be prepurchased through the Outback Tickets link on the Facebook Events page.

Flinton Races former treasurer Kate Drury, president Wendy Henning and secretary Karen Penfold.

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The legend of Gunsynd

By Leith Guymer Fifty years ago, the legend of Gunsynd - the Goondiwindi Grey - began to take flight.

On 1 April 1972, the gallant grey - under the top weight of 60.5 kilograms - ran down the talented galloper Triton to win the Doncaster Handicap at Royal Randwick racecourse.

Victory at Randwick that day meant the popular galloper had now won all four of Australia’s big mile (1600 metre) races.

The Epsom Handicap, the Toorak Handicap and the George Adams Handicap (now the Kennedy Cantala Stakes run during the Melbourne Cup week carnival) were captured in an outstanding spring campaign of 1971, cementing the then Tommy Smith-trained galloper as one of the best in the land.

A win in the time-honoured W.S. Cox Plate and his memorable dead heat for third in the Melbourne Cup under 60.5kg were still to come in 1972, as was a close second to his foe Triton in the Epsom Handicap under a hefty top weight of 62.5kg.

This close second was the only time Gunsynd was beaten at 1600 metres.

Gunsynd retired in 1973 to Kia Ora stud as the winner of 29 races from 54 starts and a then prize money record of $280,455, or the equivalent of almost $15 million today.

His best progeny was his grey granddaughter, multiple Group 1 winner Emancipation, winner of the 1983 Doncaster Handicap – 11 years after her grandfather - and who was named Australia’s champion racehorse for the 1983-84 racing season.

To win all four big mile handicap races was an outstanding achievement in an era when race weights were not as compressed as they are today.

In the 1972 Melbourne Cup, Gunsynd conceded the winner Piping Lane 12.5kg or approximately two stone!

But this extraordinary achievement is recognised more today by horse racing pundits than it was at the time.

So what really created the legend that is Gunsynd?

How did a top-flight racehorse, a brilliant miler who single-handedly put a town on the map and ended up being immortalised in song, become an icon fondly remembered as much today 50 years after one of his greatest race track achievements?

Affectionately christened the Goondiwindi Grey by the racing world in the season of 1971-72 as his four owners came from the little Queensland border town, his racetrack success made him popular with punters while his grey colouring made him popular as he was easy to see in a race while it was being run.

(Remember, this was a time long before the multi-camera angle television coverage horse racing enjoys today!)

But, more importantly, beyond his looks and tenacity to win, Gunsynd had personality.

The horse was a showman. Gunsynd loved attention.

Whether it was children wanting to pat him or the thunderous applause of racegoers when he won a race, he became the people’s horse.

During Gunsynd’s farewell tour of exhibition gallops, which ended at Doomben racetrack, merchandise including cups sold out.

His popularity grew as everyday people, not just racing lovers, flocked to racetracks to see him. Similar, perhaps, to what we have seen in recent years with Black Caviar and Winx.

And, Gunsynd knew he was loved and admired, often refusing to go onto a racetrack from the saddling enclosure to compete until he thought the applause from his trackside fans was loud enough. And then, seemingly knowing he had won a race, Gunsynd would often stop in front of packed grandstands and lawn greens and bow to the crowds as he returned victorious.

His on-track racing prowess, his willingness to be loved and admired and the star antics he displayed to his fans, saw his popularity soar making the grey galloper as popular an equine in his day as the legendary Phar Lap was during the Great Depression.

Like a rock star, Gunsynd even had a farewell tour of exhibition gallops ending at Doomben racetrack in May 1973 in front of a crowd of more than 25,000 with merchandise including tea towels, cups and trays selling out before he even stepped onto Doomben racecourse.

In 2004, Gunsynd was listed as one of the top 12 Queensland icons and was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2005.

Before this, his legend was immortalised in a statue on the banks of the Macintyre River in Goondiwindi.

And, with the establishment of the nearby Gunsynd Museum, which was officially opened in 2007 when part-owner Bill Bishop cut the purple (his racing colours) entrance ribbon, the full story of this Australasian champion is on display for all to see, meaning the Gunsynd legend will live forever.

The legend lives on at the Gunsynd Museum in Goondiwindi.

Gunsynd’s memory pole at Kia Ora stud in Scone where the Goondiwindi Grey is buried next to his great rival Baguette.

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36 TODAY April 2022