Queensland Farmer Today - August 2022 by Star News Group

August 2022

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Women in Agriculture

Engineer makes history

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In the family In 1932, Alexander Nixon founded Devon Court Hereford stud at Drillham, with the vision of breeding commercially-affordable bulls that left viable progeny boasting traits suited to the feedlot and finishing markets. Today, Alexander’s legacy lives on through his grandsons, Tom and Alex Nixon - the third generation - who farm alongside their mother Robyn. “Grandad was a big believer in buying the best bulls and using their progeny to breed a consistent cow herd,” Tom said. “Dad was the same. We find the best animal and then figure out how to make it happen.” STORY PAGE 24

Paddock to Palate win Palgrove has won the first of three phases of the prestigious RNA Paddock to Palate competition, which is judged on feedlot performance. STORY PAGE 11

Palgrove general manager Ben Noller with Charolais bulls. 289921

Buoyant demand Surging demand domestically for quality bulls that smashed benchmarks across the breed spectrum in 2021 will continue through this year’s spring seedstock selling season, Nutrien divisional livestock sales coordinator - Southern Q, Colby Ede, said.

Backed by a bullish commercial market, producers remained motivated to replace their herd bulls, Mr Ede added. He said picky breeders were becoming more discerning about the genetics infused through their herds, preferring quality over quantity, to

boost productivity in their breeding programs. “Producers are preferring one perfect bull over many imperfect bulls,” Mr Ede said. “They are carefully fine-tuning their operations and pouring the money they’re making commercially into seedstock, which in turn is

pushing up bull prices. “Everyone is seeking improved performance. The appetite for what they want is high and they are willing to pay for it.” STORY PAGE 8

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INSIDE BREAKING GROUND ...................... page 2 FROM THE MLA ........................... page 18 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE ......pages 19-22 FARMERS’ HEALTH ...................... page 26 FOOD FOR THOUGHT ................... page 30 MARKET REPORTS ................pages 36-37 QCWA RECIPE ............................. page 38

DAM LEVELS Beardmore................................. 101.37% Bjelke-Petersen .......................... 101.08% Borumba ..................................... 100.5% Boondoomba ............................. 100.08% Cedar Pocket ............................... 100.4% Chinchilla Weir ........................... 105.59% The National Farmers Federation launched a campaign last month encouraging people returning from Bali to ditch their thongs. 290129

Coolmunda ................................ 100.66% Cunnamulla (Alan Tannock Weir) .. 102.67% Leslie .......................................... 100.6%

Biosecurity beefed up

Paradise ...................................... 96.72% Somerset ...................................... 82.3% Wivenhoe.......................................... 90%

Food shortages, huge job losses, mass animal slaughters and trade restrictions costing the Australian economy tens of billions of dollars. It’s a scary thought but one that could become a reality with just a single misstep in a dirty shoe as an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) rages in Bali. It’s the closest that the devastating disease has ever been to our shores in 130 years, with a real danger that one of the million Aussie tourists who visit the Indonesian island each year could bring it back with them. FMD spreads between farm animals including cattle, sheep and pigs but can also be present in soil, which means it can be walked straight into our country on the bottom of someone’s shoe. FMD is the most feared livestock disease in the world as it is extremely difficult to control, so biosecurity measures are being beefed up at our borders to keep it out. However, keeping Australia free of pests and diseases, including FMD and others like African Swine Flu that plague other nations, requires a collaborative effort from farm gate to airport security gate. Livestock producers, for instance, must implement on-farm biosecurity systems to minimise the risk of FMD and other infectious diseases, including those that involve the regular inspections of livestock for ill health and keeping records of animal movements. Airport security staff, meanwhile, are on the lookout for banned items that could be infected with the FMD virus. Each year, tens of thousands of dollars of meat products are seized at Australian airports including pork products which are a common carrier.

Address: 154-156 Haly Street Kingaroy 4610 Telephone: 07 4182 0450 Website: QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au CONTACT US Editorial: Email: newsdesk@QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au Advertising: Email: advertising@QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au Classifieds: Phone: 07 4182 0450 or 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au ADVERTISING Annette Weatherstone Account Manager E: annette.weatherstone@QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au Leith Guymer Account Manager E: leith.guymer@QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au Queensland Farmer Today is published monthly and part of the Today News Group. Published by South Burnett Today Pty Ltd ACN 641 796 349. Publisher: Damian Morgan Managing Director: Daniel Pelcl. All material is copyright to South Burnett Today Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. For our terms and conditions please visit QueenslanFarmerToday.com.au/terms-and-conditions/

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WITH THOMAS HALL While strong border controls and the fact that we are an island nation have enabled us to keep FMD out, we shouldn’t count our chickens. We must constantly be looking at ways to strengthen biosecurity to keep our agriculture sector safe from exotic pests and diseases. All it takes is one positive case of FMD in Australia to have overseas countries ban our livestock and livestock products for months, potentially years, until it is eradicated. Agtech and Logistics Hub is talking with producers about biosecurity risks, not only now but also into the future. Data, particularly the sharing of data, will play a big role in future biosecurity. For example, if floods cause the earth to become diseased and animals escape from a truck that rolls on a highway, we can use farm and supply chain data to track the animals and contain the outbreak. Biosecurity is a major industry challenge that the Hub is actively scouting solutions for as outbreaks of disease that threaten the agriculture sector become more prevalent. We need to ensure our biosecurity is as strong as it can be to ensure our farmers remain productive and profitable, while preventing our animals and plants becoming diseased and securing the nation’s food supply.

- Fiona Gowers

OPINION

Bandt should apologise The Leader of the Australian Greens Adam Bandt should apologise for his disrespect of the Australian Flag, where he refused to stand in front of the Australian Flag at a media conference. Soldiers and veterans, died and fought under this flag. The Australian Army is the custodian of the Australian National Flag, and it is draped over the coffins of all Veterans who have died in service to Australia. The behaviour and comments of the Australian Greens Leader are offensive to all Veterans and he should make a public apology. Yours faithfully, Ann Leahy MP, Member for Warrego, Shadow Minister for Local Government, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers

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Positive vibes are building as cattle studs through southern Queensland prepare to host their spring seedstock sales. And, no wonder. Queensland Farmer Today spoke to three agents all of whom are confident prices will match last year’s when surging demand for quality bulls smashed benchmarks across most breeds. All agreed that breeders were becoming more discerning about the genetics infused through their herds, preferring quality over quantity, to boost productivity in their breeding programs. “Producers are preferring one perfect bull over many imperfect bulls,” said Nutrien divisional livestock sales coordinator - Southern Q, Colby Ede said. “They are carefully fine-tuning their operations and pouring the money they’re making commercially into seedstock, which in turn is pushing up bull prices.” Elders stud stock manager Michael Smith, Toowoomba agreed, saying early indications from sales in southern Australia were that prices would hold from last year, if not continue to improve. “Of course, I don’t want to talk it up too much but we are certainly comfortable where we sit now,” he said. Meanwhile, Dalby-based GDL stud stock manager, Harvey Weyman-Jones said one variable “in the back of producers’ minds” was that the beef market had slipped 10 to 20 per cent from its peak in March. “It (the beef market) probably did get a bit high however and, if it stabilises where it is now, we would be very happy with those prices.” Best of luck to all studs hosting sales over the spring and special mention to Devon Court Herefords at Drillham, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.A big achievement indeed.

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Kym and Lance Baker, who are beef and pork producers from Woodmillar, near Gayndah.

On-farm advice welcomed By Fiona Gowers Assuming the family farm is a big step in family succession. Add in astronomical grain prices through drought and a market disruption in pork prices and it is a tricky situation. This is exactly what Kym and Lance Baker, beef and pork producers from Woodmillar, near Gayndah experienced in 2019. Preparing to take over the family farming business from Lance’s father, the Bakers sought expert financial advice on how they could create a financial future. Importantly, they were able to apply through QRIDA’s Farm Business Analysis Assistance (FBAA) program to access independent advice from a panel of consultants, which gave them the confidence to move forward in their rural enterprise. “Dad’s life has been this farm,“ Lance said. “He wanted to hand the farm over but also be involved and see the next generation achieve their goals. “With taking over the farm from Dad, combined with the tough market conditions, we were looking for some independent advice and so we jumped at the FBAA program.” FBAA is a free initiative that gives producers access to independent advice from a consultant to review their business and provide recommendations on how they can strengthen their financial viability. Kym said it was great to explore the financial side of their business in more depth through the program. “As producers we spend a lot of time thinking about nutrition, the weather, the inputs

QRIDA’s Farm Debt Restructure office manager Daniel Elder with Kym and Lance Baker. into our farming operation but a lot of people don’t put enough emphasis on the financial side of the business,” she said. “It’s such an important part to know where

you are and where you’re headed so you have that information to make good business decisions.” Working with Owen, one of the consultants

from QRIDA’s independent panel, Kym and Lance were able to build a strong relationship and show them what was happening on farm and in the books. “It was very important Owen coming out to the farm,” Lance said. “He could see what we do, where we are and have a look around the farm. “He was also able to sit down with us and go through the financial side of things with Kym and it was easy because we had everything here. “With help from Owen, we were able to bed down what we needed to do, to achieve our goals and it was the kind of expertise that we didn’t have.” Kym said having that knowledge and a plan in place was like a weight off their shoulders. She said, in hindsight, if they’d known about the program sooner they would have applied earlier. “We just wished we had done this a little bit earlier but we’re glad now as we’ve had the report and implemented the recommendations. “We’ve got a great future ahead of us and for our boys coming through as the next generation.” Lance encourages other producers seeking independent advice on their business to considering exploring the FBAA program through QRIDA. “From the report, we now have options to take opportunities that might come in front of us. “Don’t hesitate, just do it. Help is not a scary thing.” For more information, visit the Farm Debt Restructure Office webpage at qrida.qld.gov.au

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August 2022 TODAY 3

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Nobody ‘immune’ to FMD By Jessica McGrath and Fiona Gowers “Once it’s come to Australia, we’ve lost.” The worried words of Kingaroy cattle producer Tom Wilson as foot and mouth disease (FMD) lurks just beyond Australian borders. The South Burnett Regional Council supports Mr Wilson - and the region’s agricultural sector - with a strong message: Nobody is “immune” to the disease. “This Foot and Mouth Disease is real, if it comes here, it’s too late,” Cr Scott Henschen said. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences modelling projects a widespread FMD outbreak in Australia would have a direct economic impact of about $80 billion. “FMD affects all cloven foot animals including cattle, sheep and pigs,” Cr Henschen said. “There is no cure, no vaccine. “The only action you can take is to shoot and burn your livestock. This is the greatest threat to our livestock industry that I have seen in my lifetime.” Cr Scott Henschen stressed the importance of keeping this disease out of Australia. “It’s the most dangerous possible catastrophe anyone could face,” he said. “It has the ability to bring this country into the third world.” South Burnett Regional Council is placing signs throughout the region to increase public awareness of the seriousness and indicators of Foot and Mouth Disease. And they encouraged farmers to implement individual biosecurity measures. Meanwhile federally, tough new precautions and emergency funding have been launched to keep FMD away from our shores. Agricultural Minister Murray Watt has praised the work of biosecurity officials. “They are doing everything they possibly can,” he said. “And it’s something that we need the travelling public to really take on board as well. “Pretty much as soon as the outbreak reached Bali, we imposed a number of new measures at Australian airports to protect our country from this outbreak coming in,” Mr Watt said. He described his own experience returning from Indonesia. “My shoes were taken away and cleaned, my bag was examined, detector dogs came and sniffed me and my luggage,” he said. “We are now risk-profiling 100 per cent of passengers that come into Australia from Indonesia.” The federal government also announced a $14 million package to help contain the spread of the disease in Indonesia. The package will also address the escalation of another cattle illness - in that country as well - called lumpy skin disease. The $14 million package includes $5 million in immediate support to Indonesia, TimorLeste and Papua New Guinea. “We are standing side-by-side with those countries in their battle to contain this virus,”

Cr Danita Potter, Cr Kathy Duff, Mayor Brett Otto, Cr Jane Erkens, Cr Scott Henschen and cattle producer Tom Wilson are taking a stand against Foot and Mouth Disease. 290392 Pictures: JESSICA MCGRATH Mr Watt said. The remaining $9 million will go to more biosecurity officers in Australian airports and mail centres. “The highest-risk way of foot and mouth disease coming back in to our country is actually through animal products, meat products and dairy products being brought in, whether by postage or freight or any other means,” Mr Watt said. “It is important we ramp up our staffing at mail centres, as well as at airports.” Mr Watt said he feared infected mosquitoes blowing into Australia from Indonesia could carry lumpy skin disease. He spoke grimly of the potential impact of a disease outbreak. “If foot and mouth disease gets into our country, it will be a devastating blow for our agriculture industry, particularly our livestock industry. “There have been estimates in the order of an $80 billion hit to the national economy if this disease gets in our country. “We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to our farmers and we owe it to all Australians to take this disease seriously.”

Cattle producer Tom Wilson and Cr Scott Henschen explain the dangers of Foot and Mouth Disease. 290392

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August 2022 TODAY 5

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Facts and impacts of FMD Two UNE academics explain Foot and Mouth Disease and its impacts. While Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) doesn’t affect humans, it causes painful blisters on the mouth and feet of cloven-hoofed livestock such as cattle, sheep and pigs. It can be lethal for young animals. With past overseas outbreaks having led to the mass culling of infected in affected zones and non-infected animals in buffer zones, UNE Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Dr Paul McGreevy says if it were to arrive in Australia, there would be devastating impacts. The environmental, human and animal welfare toll “There will be significant animal welfare implications if FMD arrives; a prospect that is truly terrifying,” he says. “There will also be profound implications for veterinary and biosecurity personnel and, with large numbers of carcases to dispose of, there would be environmental impacts. What would it mean for the economy? In addition to the welfare and environmental impacts, economists predict an outbreak would have long-lasting consequences on the economy and the country’s ability to export meat products to certain areas around the globe. “ABARES modelling from several years ago suggests that a large, multi-state outbreak of FMD outbreak in Australia would have an estimated direct economic impact of around $50 billion over 10 years,” says UNE Associate Professor in Biosecurity Economics, Dr Susan Hester. “With rising prices of meat, this has become around $80 billion. “This is estimated to be mainly due to the cost of lost trade, although it does include some costs of responding.” A/Prof Hester, who works in the UNE Business School and the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis at the University of Melbourne, has spent the past two decades researching how to reduce the impacts of biosecurity threats, and says an outbreak would be felt widely. Trade bans and tourism Reduced tourism, mental health impacts for those who administer and witness stock culls and a change in what we pay at the grocery store, are all things to look out for if FMD were to spread. “We would likely lose our access to premium meat export markets and our products would be banned from those countries until FMD can be proven to have been eradicated from Australia,” she says. “Given we export much more meat than we consume, if all the meat that we currently export was to be consumed in the domestic market, then prices would fall although, if large quantities of animals had to be destroyed and did not become part of the supply chain, then prices could eventually rise. “It really does depend on where the outbreak occurs, its size and how quickly it can be contained and eradicated.”

UNE Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Dr Paul McGreevy, says if Foot and Mouth Disease came to Australia, there would be devastating impacts. The road to recovery As for how long it could take for Australia to recover from an FMD outbreak, A/Prof Hester says there are many factors at play. “To regain FMD-free status for trade, a country must wait three to six months after eradication, depending on the eradication strategy used. This comes on top of the time it takes to eradicate, which could be more than a year. “It depends on the size of the outbreak when it is first detected and how many different outbreaks occur. “Recovery would likely take a long time where there are many outbreaks and they are not discovered until they have spread widely.” Australia’s biosecurity measures - our saving grace? While the prospect of an outbreak is troubling, A/Prof Hester says Australia is well-equipped to keep a disease like this off our shores if biosecurity measures are adhered to. “Australia has invested heavily for many decades in activities aimed at preventing FMD from entering and in planning and preparedness activities in the event FMD were detected here,” she says. “We assist our near neighbours in the South-East Asian region to manage FMD, we have strong border risk-mitigation measures and, post-border, we have the ability to respond quickly to control and eradicate the disease. We have livestock tracing systems that would be used in the event of an outbreak and there have also been various ‘practices’ at responding to an outbreak.”

UNE Associate Professor in Biosecurity Economics, Dr Susan Hester says Australia is wellequipped to keep Foot and Mouth Disease off our shores if biosecurity measures are followed. What can be learnt from past threats? As for what can be learnt from other threats we’ve seen in the past, A/Prof Hester says there is a lot to be gained from taking human behaviour into account when developing biosecurity measures. “Human behaviour is crucially important to consider when we design the biosecurity rules and regulations that govern the import of cargo, passengers and mail items and the behaviour of domestic biosecurity

stakeholders (all of us!) - COVID is a case in point. “We need to focus on creating rules that these stakeholders will obey by choice, rather than creating rules that are likely to be circumvented, which will cost a lot of money to monitor and which could make any outbreak worse than it might have been.” *For more information on FMD, visit the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

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NEWS

Plastic wrap alternative By Fiona Gowers

The world’s first environmentally-responsible net wrap, Eco-Net Bale Net, is also reducing silage baling costs. 290715 All product standards are guaranteed with Econet - length, high tensile strength - and they are suitable for all round balers. In addition, the entire packaging of Eco-Net - the material itself and the core - is made from recycled materials. Coming in generous 4000-metre lengths and available in 1.23m and 1.3m widths, Unipak anticipates strong support for its product this season, especially with the price of silage film being driven so high over the past two years.

The price point of this product offers a generous saving to its trade partners “Every little thing adds up,” Mr Reynolds said. “Contractors and farmers are feeling the pinch more than ever, especially after the past two years of price hikes, so we’re happy that this product brings a financial savings benefit as well.” The commercialised bale net proves that recycling is possible with a bit of effort and good social conscience at Unipak.

“Unipak is committed to the environment and listening to customer demand,” Mr Reynolds said. “We are continually asked about how to reduce plastic usage or recycling and the effect plastic can have on regional areas so we see this as a real win for our sector as a whole. “It’s a triple win. A win for the environment, a win for our industry, and a win for our distributors and trade partners Australia-wide.” The company also supplies a big range of silage wrap products, from high-performance European seven-layer films to some cost-effective films for those wanting to cover a bit of grass. It also has an extensive range of net wrap products - from high kilogram-force products to lighter duty, long-length rolls. They also supply silage pit covers, an advanced range of premium HD twines and standard big and small square twines. Eco-Net and its partner products are available now Australia-wide. For more information, purchase or distribution enquiries, please go to unipak.com.au or call (08) 8162 3800.

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Unipak has launched a breakthrough sustainable net wrap that may solve problems with agricultural plastic waste and provide decent savings for the end-user. Unipak managing director Anton Reynolds said the company was committed to reducing plastic waste. So much so that it has developed the world’s first environmentally-responsible net wrap, Eco-Net Bale Net. Made from 100 per cent recycled HDPE resins, the bale net is specially-designed for use with round silage bales. Unipak, which is an Australian-owned company specialising in the crop packaging sector, prides itself on understanding Australia’s unique regional conditions. Mr Reynolds said this knowledge had enabled the company to create agricultural products Australian farmers could always trust. He said the company understood the valuable role plastic played in its sector while still recognising the importance of driving practical solutions to environmental responsibility. “The application of single-use plastics in farming is extensive,” Mr Reynolds said. “It is used to wrap silage, cover crops, bale fodder and, so on. “Unipak is highly conscious of the fact that tonnes of plastic go into regional Australia each year by way of these crop packaging materials. “However, now more than ever, Australian farmers are looking to work cleaner, where possible, in favour of environmentally-friendly alternatives. “Given how these specialist PE materials are required to behave, it’s been difficult to develop a recycled product to fit the criteria. “As a result, it has required virgin polymer materials to manufacture those products up until now.”

August 2022 TODAY 7

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Nutrien divisional livestock sales coordinator - Southern Q, Colby Ede.

Dalby-based GDL stud stock manager, Harvey Weyman-Jones.

Demand for quality bulls By Fiona Gowers Surging domestic demand for quality bulls that smashed benchmarks across the breed spectrum in 2021 will continue through this year’s spring seedstock selling season, according to Nutrien divisional livestock sales coordinator - Southern Q, Colby Ede. Backed by a bullish commercial market, producers remained motivated to replace their herd bulls, Mr Ede added. He said picky breeders were becoming more discerning about the genetics infused through their herds, preferring quality over quantity, to boost productivity in their breeding programs. “Producers are preferring one perfect bull over many imperfect bulls,” Mr Ede said. “They are carefully fine-tuning their operations and pouring the money they’re making commercially into seedstock, which in turn is pushing up bull prices. “Everyone is seeking improved performance. The appetite for what they want is high and they are willing to pay for it.” Mr Ede said “time will tell” where bull sale averages settle this year. “Overall, if we can just maintain the averages set in 2021 - a record-breaking year in Queensland across many breeds - I think we’ll be doing well,” he said. Dalby-based GDL stud stock manager, Harvey Weyman-Jones agreed, saying he felt positive about the impending spring bull sales and predicted prices would match last year’s. He said record rainfall along Australia’s east coast and a slipping beef market were variables “in the back of producers’ minds”. “One consideration is the oversupply of moisture,” Mr Weyman-Jones said.

Elders stud stock manager Michael Smith, Toowoomba.

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“You don’t like to complain about too much rain, of course, but we’ve had three flooding events in six months on the eastern side of Australia, which could lead to loss of cattle, loss of feed. “The other consideration - and the other thing that may affect prices - is that the beef market has slipped 10 to 20 per cent from its peak in March. “It (the beef market) probably did get a bit high and, if it stabilises where it is now, we would be very happy with those prices. “But, unfortunately, I don’t have a crystal ball as to what will happen in September/ October.” Elders stud stock manager Michael Smith, Toowoomba said early indications from sales in southern Australia were that prices would hold, if not continue to improve. He said seasonal conditions through Queensland were “much better” than where they were this time last year, which could keep prices buoyant. “Of course, I don’t want to talk it up too much but we are certainly comfortable where we sit now,” Mr Smith said. “The western parts of Queensland have had a terrific Autumn break and will have an early Spring, which augurs well for confidence in the rebuilding process.” Mr Smith said a buoyant beef market was underpinning buyers’ confidence to spend big money on quality genetics. “The article they are buying needs to be up there and to tick all of the boxes,” he said. “But producers are certainly more comfortable spending their money when the beef market is robust and strong.”

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

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Wind farm guide launched A report released by Cubico Sustainable Investments (Cubico) and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) shows there is many businesses with experience to work on wind farms in the Western Downs. The Wind Farm Capability Assessment Mapping Study is the “Ultimate Guide” to more than 160 businesses that have expressed interest in working on Cubico’s Wambo Wind Farm and shown their capability to work on others in southern Queensland. Construction of Wambo Wind Farm, in the heart of Queensland’s energy capital – the Western Downs – is due to start later this year. The Jandowae-based project will create up to 200 jobs during construction phase and up to 20 staff will be needed once it is operational, with owner Cubico focusing on local labour. Cubico’s head of Australia David Smith said: “Cubico is committed to maximising the opportunities for workers and companies in the local area to supply goods and services to, and direct employment with, the wind farm during construction and operation. “I am pleased to say that this commitment is also shared by our potential co-owner Stanwell, with which we are working closely to develop the construction arrangements. “We are very excited to be working with TSBE to understand how best to make this happen.” Stage one of the major project will deliver around 250MW of renewable wind energy from 42 turbines into the national grid and contribute to the Queensland Government’s target of 50 per cent renewable generation by 2030. Wambo Wind Farm is expected to operate and produce clean power in late 2023. Once complete, it will produce enough energy to power approximately 170,500 houses per year and prevent emissions of more than 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually.

The study’s goal is to maximise the relevant opportunities for local companies and the community by making the supply chain more visible to wind farm project buyers. The study identifies the typical contracting model for wind farm projects, which includes tendering to the original equipment manufacturer and principal contractors that balance plants for electrical and civil works. Local businesses were encouraged to complete a capability questionnaire to map the region’s potential supply chain capacity. TSBE’s general manager of Energy and Infrastructure Lance MacManus said it had been great to work with Cubico to engage local businesses in its project. “Wambo Wind Farm is an extraordinary project for our region, not only contributing to renewable energy targets but also creating great supply chain opportunities,” Mr MacManus said. “We have partnered with Cubico to carry out a supply chain mapping exercise to navigate buyers to businesses in the region. “This study we have compiled identified businesses with significant pre-qualification experience, very established in civil construction, earthwork, local roads, transport, electrical contracting and engineering. “They have background from other work in development from concept to design, construction, operations and maintenance. “This study will also identify upskilling opportunities for the supply chain.” The capability questionnaire received nominations from local, state and national businesses highlighting the interest in southern Queensland’s renewable sector. This report is made available to developers, EPCs, contractors and sub-contractors and business groups to highlight regional capability. Find the report at tsbe.com.au/wind-farmcapability

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Engineer makes history By Fiona Gowers One of Australia’s top agricultural engineers has made history, becoming the University of Southern Queensland’s first Head of School and Dean for Agriculture and Environmental Science. Professor Craig Baillie - an internationally-renowned researcher and experienced academic leader - boasts an impressive career spanning more than two decades. His focus on precision agriculture, energy conservation and irrigation modernisation has earned him many accolades, including the prestigious Fulbright Scholar award. Born and raised on a cotton property in Central Queensland, Professor Baillie’s childhood fuelled his passion for improving farming operations. “Growing up in Emerald, I understand firsthand the need for improved farming technologies,” he said. “Whether it’s driverless tractors or automated irrigation, ag tech is the way of the future for Australian farmers.” Early in his career, Professor Baillie moved to Bundaberg where he worked for Bundaberg Sugar Ltd after studying Agricultural Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland. “Providing technical support to a large corporate farming operation really set me on my path,” Professor Baillie said.

“I’ve come full circle and I’m so excited about it. “Building new technologies for the people who need it most, our farmers, is one of the most important things a researcher can do. “This connection between research and people will be central to the school.” The School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences was unveiled early this year, providing leadership to a suite of academic endeavours from undergraduate to higher degree research training. Disciplines include Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Science, Animal Science, Climate Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Food Science and Wine Science. “The University of Southern Queensland is the only university in Australia that offers Agricultural Engineering,” Professor Baillie said. “We also have new degrees including the Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Management, the Bachelor of Environmental Science and a new major in Wildlife Management, which is really exciting coming into this role. “This is what sets us apart and makes our School a leader in agriculture and environmental science.” Internationally-renowned researcher and experienced academic leader Professor Craig Baillie.

Finalists announced for Queensland’s Export Awards Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick have announced the finalists for the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards 2022. In all, 34 companies will compete across 13 categories with the top exporter to be named Exporter of the Year. All winners then represent Queensland at the Australian Export Awards in Canberra in November. Ms Palaszczuk said that each year she was impressed and humbled by the quality of the entries. “No matter where they are located or what product, the innovation, dedication and tenacity of these Queensland success stories are on show, contributing to good jobs and our great Queensland lifestyle,” she said. The awards will be presented at a gala event at the Royal International Convention Centre at the RNA Showgrounds on 5 October. Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said despite tough trading conditions through the ongoing impact of the pandemic, the companies nominated had achieved global success. “Queensland is an export-driven economy,” he said. “The value of our exports has almost dou-

bled in the year to May 2022, to a remarkable $115 billion. “These businesses are part of that and their drive and ambition showcase how Queensland succeeds in business around the world every day. “I’m looking forward to seeing which of these great Queensland success stories triumphs on the night and then takes the next step[ to the national finals.” The finalists were announced at an event at Riviera Australia at Coomera. The company won the Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Award in the Australian Export and Investment Awards in 2021 after taking out the manufacturing category at the Premier of Queensland Export Awards last year. Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst said his company had a team of more than 900 people onsite at Coomera and exports of their luxury motor yachts continue to grow. “These awards are an important part of the Queensland Government’s support for exporters and their recognition of our team and the great work they are doing is really appreciated, it also helps us grow our business profile internationally,” Mr Longhurst said. “Being named a Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards winner is recognition we are very proud of.

“We compete with the best boat builders in the world and we compare very favourably with the premium quality and design of our motor yachts.” Minister for Environment and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the presence of so many Gold Coast companies among the finalists was a tribute to the region’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. “The Gold Coast is setting the gold standard when it comes to exports, good jobs and great lifestyle,” Mr Scanlon said. “The Palaszczuk Government’s record infrastructure investment on the coast and our support for trade and business has helped to foster a strong, export-drive economy in our city. “Whether it’s our advanced manufacturing facility, M1 upgrades, the Coomera Connector or our announcement for a new hospital on the Northern Gold Coast – the Gold Coast and Queensland are fast-becoming the choice for business. “And it means more good jobs for a city that’ll be approaching 800,000 residents in coming years.” In 2021, Gold Coast-based Next Level Racing was named Queensland’s Exporter of the Year at the awards. Exporting to more than 50 countries, Next Level Racing exemplifies the industry-lead-

ing talent and innovation that is present in Queensland. The company supplies racing simulators that are also sought after by elite racers as a training tool to enhance their ‘on the road’ performance. Hess Ghah, the CEO and founder of Southport-based Next Level Racing said the award had assisted his company’s growth strategy. “Our company has been kicking some big export goals and winning the award was great public recognition, which has served to reinforce our credentials as we continue to grow our business internationally.” The full list of finalists is below. Advanced Technologies Award Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment (Sunshine Coast). Next Level Racing (Gold Coast). One Model (Brisbane). VALD Performance (Brisbane). Agribusiness, Food and Beverages Award Bundaberg Brewed Drinks (Bundaberg). Mort & Co (Toowoomba). Plasvacc (Scenic Rim). Creative Industries Award ABI Interiors (Gold Coast). Bureau.

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A Paddock to Palate win By Fiona Gowers

Palgrove’s Charolais-cross Ultrablack and Angus Steers, which won the weight gain section in Class 40 (non-hormone growth promotant) of the 2022 RNA Paddock to Palate competition. Palgrove Ultrablack bulls. ation allowing the stud to breed and select bulls best suited to diverse needs and target markets. “Our breeding focus has always been about the key profit drivers for a commercial beef operation and that is fertility, performance and early turn-off,” Mr Noller said. “So, the cow has a calf every year, the progeny grow fast, fatten easily and they’re high yielding.” With $54,000 in prize money on offer, the Paddock to Palate competition, now in its 25th year, attracted a total of 756 entries, with weight gains in 2022, on average, higher than last year. RNA Beef Committee chair Gary Noller paid tribute to the exhibitors for supporting the competition considering the challenges this year’s floods had on the industry. “We had some long-term exhibitors who were unable to enter due to the widespread impacts the February floods and subsequent severe wet weather events had caused to our sector,’’ he said. “We also welcomed some new exhibitors for the first time and our entry numbers, despite the challenges, were encouraging and

showcased just how commercially relevant this competition is for the beef industry.’’ Mr Noller said producers who placed in the competition greatly valued the promotional benefits, using the data to validate their genetics and benchmark against their industry peers. “Seedstock producers who win classes have been getting the highest prices and breaking records within their breeds,’’ Mr Noller said. “The commercial operators have been topping commercial sales across the country as well.’’ Mr Noller said producers sold their product more easily because they had done well in this competition. “For consumers, the Royal 100 brand comes from the competition and it offers the public the chance to consume grain-fed beef of the highest quality,’’ he said. “Importantly, our competition is all about provenance, consumers know who is behind the product and where it comes from.” Presented by JBS Australia, the Paddock to Palate competition has now moved into the

Ben Noller and Michael Walker with winners of the weight gain section of Class 40 in the 2022 RNA Paddock to Palate competition. second phase, which is carcase judging. Competition classes 37, 38 and 40 are threephased, comprising best aggregate weight gain, carcase and MSA eating quality, while the Wagyu Challenge is four-phased, finishing in a beef taste-off judged by some of Queensland’s top chefs. Exhibitors who poll the highest aggregate scores across all phases of the four classes will be announced on Wednesday 3 August at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

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Palgrove has won the first of three phases of the prestigious RNA Paddock to Palate competition, which is judged on feedlot performance. The nation’s largest Charolais breeders scooped the pool in class 40A, winning pen of six (100-day HGP free) with their Charolais pen with an ADG of 2.557 kilograms. They also won the highest individual weight gain for Class 40A (100-day HGP free) recording an ADG of 2.91kg. Aside from feedlot performance, the competition measures carcase quality and eating quality in phases two and three through Meat Standards Australia (MSA) grading. For the past four years, Palgrove has topped the overall competition, reinforcing its profitfocused breeding philosophy, stud general manager Ben Noller said. Mr Noller said the first phase of the competition represented a benchmark on the stud’s genetics as it measured all cattle sent through the feedlot at one particular time. “We firmly believe the consistency of these results doesn’t come from selecting the right steers for the competition,” he said. “It’s from decades of strict selection for efficient cattle with superior performance that is now firmly entrenched in the Palgrove DNA.” Indeed, Palgrove has earned its reputation as a leader in the beef industry, breeding high performing, profitable seedstock and commercial cattle for more than 50 years. The business, based in the Southern Downs region, operates Charolais and Ultrablack herds, with more than 7000 registered cattle across properties in Queensland and northern NSW. Mr Noller said Palgrove’s focus had always been to add profit along all points of the supply chain – for the breeder, the backgrounder, the lotfeeder and the processor. He said some 1000 bulls were sold annually throughout Australia, with the scale of the oper-

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Sarah Stirling and David Bongiorno with Adam West of Mountaintop Mushrooms and Falls Farm. 286894

Pedro Ramos and Ajuna Bahloo. 286894

Pairing local food with live performance provides a template for rural and regional communities to brush off Covid blues, as ERLE LEVEY reports.

Eat Art: A winning recipe Food and the arts are two industries that were heavily impacted during Covid. Now a small group of inspired individuals from the food and performing arts industries have started on the road to navigate out of this challenging period. By utilising produce from Gympie and the Mary Valley to Maleny and the Glasshouse Mountains, calling on local artists and acclaimed culinary professionals - it’s a recipe that could be rolled out in many rural and regional communities. The project Eat Art has been launched to provide a program of nourishing experiences encompassing local food producers and performing arts professionals. The selection of the foods to be used in the menu, the pairing with performing artists and the choice of an intimate setting are the key to future events. The inaugural dinner and performing arts event - Winter Solstice Feast - was held at the Old Witta School Hall on the longest night of the year and proved to be a resounding success. The high level of conviviality marked this

revolutionary look into the way forward for rural and regional communities to celebrate sustainable living. At the sell-out event, people engaged in animated conversation in an inspiring atmosphere that embraced the best of the region. All food was sourced locally following regenerative farming processes. It brought back remembrances of how food was prepared in farming communities in the past. The shared plates passed down the table reflected the long Sunday lunches of family gatherings. Locally sourced butter and sourdough bread were placed on the tables. Simple things done well, and quite honestly they had us at the first bite. Introducing the evening were directors Kat Atkinson and Fiona Jopp. “The concept for Eat Art is a desire to amalgamate our passions - food and art of the highest quality,” they said in the welcoming. “A food and art pairing. “It is a concept that isn’t bound to any format or formula and something we are keen to

explore and experiment with. “The only constant elements are food, art and sustainability.” Katrina is an agribusiness entrepreneur who has travelled throughout Australia, South America and Europe, discovering her interest and passion for food systems, plants and fungi. As a producer, she said the eat element of the concept was about connecting people to the source of their food while bringing them together. “We have spent far too much time apart in the past two years. “Here is the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the incredible flavours as well as the many other benefits inherent in small scale, sustainable and conscious farming. “It’s bringing people and community together in order to shake hands and talk with the person who either grew or made what you are eating. “It’s also about the chefs, cooks and food artisans who are also inspired by these producers, and who are bringing it all together so that it inspires the guests also.” Contemporary dancer Fiona Jopp said the

life of the performing artist over the past two years has been frought with uncertainty and impossibility. “We moved on-line and created and shared work but I hope what has happened is that we have fully realised that the experience and the magic of a live performance is something that cannot be replicated on a screen. “We wanted to create an intimate, one-off, site-specific event bringing exceptional performance art into our region.” The bread was by the Wonky Loaf, Kuluin - a traditional sourdough, crusty and wholesome. The butter was from the acclaimed Cedar Street Cheeserie - purposefully wrapped in rounded pats to share among two, four, six or eight ... for however many needed it. And then to come back for more. The shared, three-course dinner was prepared by distinguished chef Cameron Matthews, with the evening accompanied by acclaimed classical contemporary musician Tobias Merz. The producers showcased in this sharing dinner were some of the best in South East Queensland and leaders in sustainable and quality food production.

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Tobias Merz performs at the Old Witta School Hall. 286894

Winter Feast chef Cameron Matthews checks the roast pumpkin and garden vegetables. 286894 The Falls Farm, Tin Shed Farm, Cedar Street Cheeserie and Mountaintop Mushrooms were just some of the producers represented. The crusty bread was put to good use with the entree, this time to mop up the sauces of the pork rillett from Forage Farm at Kybong, the mushrooms from Mountaintop Mushrooms and pickled vegetables from Falls Farm. The taste and texture of the pork was attributed to the fact the animals are constantly moved onto fresh pasture. The mushrooms were quite extraordinary.

Caron and Carl Von Bardeleben from Tin Shed Farm. 286894

Fresh, nutritious and flavoursome - which reminded me of our time growing up on a farm and waiting for mushroom season. Chicken from Tin Shed Farm was the main course - the chickens moved onto fresh pastures every day, marinated in black garlic teriyaki miso and served with winter vegetables from Falls Farm. Dessert was Mt Mellum vanilla rice pudding with local banana, honey and macadamias. For the evening, singer and composer Tobias Merz reimagined and rearranged a selection of songs from Schubert’s Winterreise (Winter

Journey) based on poems by Wilhelm Müller. These evocative songs follow a traveller’s story of love and loss journeying through the harsh winter landscape. Being sung on the longest night of the year it was an appropriate selection. It evoked the feeling of wood fires, clear night skies and frost on the ground. Since relocating to the Sunshine Coast nearly six years ago, Katrina and her partner Dan Tibbett, studied permaculture and started a gourmet mushroom farm, Mountaintop Mushrooms.

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While this project was in development, she worked at Green Harvest Organic Gardening Supplies, learning the importance of the seed industry and its role in our food systems. Katrina’s own personal exploration of the provenance of her food led to visiting farms farmer’s markets - thereby connecting with a diverse range of growers. Other interests include having worked at Barung Landcare, as a farm hand at the Falls Farm, and an active member of Young Farmers Connect. Continued page 16

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Kat Atkinson with Dan Tibbett of Mountaintop Mushrooms celebrate the launch of Eat Art. 286894

Singer Tobias Merz with Kieran Schulz, Bernhard Knauer and Matty Johnston. 286894

Guests hung on every word, every note and every bite at the inaugural Eat Art event. 286894 From page 15 Fiona has danced extensively in both Australia and internationally across many disciplines. She performed in Disney’s The Lion King for seasons in Sydney, Melbourne and Shanghai and spent her years as a company dancer at The Sydney Dance Company. Cameron Matthews was an early advocate of the Slow Food movement, having been introduced to it in the early 2000s during his travels in Italy. The Slow Food philosophy is one of clean, fair and sustainable produce. The emphasis is local, seasonal food from regenerative practises that formed the basis of the Eat Art evening. The idea is that food should not just look good but be good for you, and that came through with the selection of produce, the

quality, how it was prepared and presented. In 2009 Cameron became the executive chef of The Long Apron Restaurant at Spicers Clovelly Estate Montville. Teaching at Spicer’s Cooking School, other independent schools, and events has also been a passion of Cameron’s which allows him to share the art of cooking and showcase local sustainable produce. In 2014 he also accepted the role as general manager of the Spicers Clovelly Estate which allowed him to introduce additional environmentally-friendly practices and extend the ground’s horticultural projects. His individual flair and innovation are an integral part of his ever evolving, intriguing and original take on fine dining which is sometimes playful and quirky, and often with a thought-provoking inspirational story or message, but always skilful; a style largely self-

Jenny Rathborne and Jon Dickins. 286894 taught that delivers a menu of local seasonal sustainable produce created by a passion for his craft. Cameron is now bringing the Slow Food concept to the menu at Mapleton Tavern, which has been re-branded as the Mapleton Public House to present fresh food from the Blackall Range and Glasshouse Mountains, to Noosa hinterland and the Mary Valley. Tobias is a singer and composer. He discovered his love of music in his native New Zealand as a boy soprano and in the family jazz band before moving to The Netherlands to study classical singing at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. His career has seen him performing in some of the world’s best known Opera Houses throughout the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, France, Greece, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

He has performed with Opera Australia, English National Opera, Opera North (UK), Scottish Opera, Grange Park Opera (UK), Opera Della Luna (UK), Carl Rosa Company (UK), The International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival Company, Buxton, Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra, The Resident Orchestra of The Hague, Sydney Symphony, The Ereprijs Orchestra (NL), Melbourne Philharmonic, Waikato Symphony (NZ) amongst others. Fiona and Kat met at the Witta Market, while Fiona was working with Trevor Hart at the Cedar Street Cheeserie, and Kat was the market manager. Fiona, Kat and Tobias had a similar dream to run an event about gathering people together, sharing great food and enjoying this in the company of world-class artists. “Tobias and I have performed and worked all over the world, and wanted to share as much as we can with the local community.

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Mitch Collins and Cameron Matthews plate up the food to be presented at the Winter Solstice Feast. 286894

The setting for Eat Art’s Winter Solstice Feast at Witta. 286894 “The idea is do something site-specific ... we will be seeking interesting architectural buildings our outdoor spaces to fill with outstanding food and performing art. “We want to really inspire people.” Katrina was really happy with how the in-

The table setting for the Eat Art Winter Solstice Feast at Witta. 286894

augural dinner went and is looking forward to seasonal events. “It was so cosy,” she said, “ ... the feeling was very intimate, like a living room. “We are already brainstorming something for later in the year.

“One of the main concepts is we are not bound by anything - except the quality food, performance art and sustainability. “The feedback has been fantastic, especially the importance of consumers reconnecting with the food.

“It’s so important to where we need to go. “We need to look at what is in our backyard and reward it fairly.” That’s exactly what Eat Art has done - made me aware of what is around us and how supporting the local community benefits us all.

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Two devastating diseases FROM THE MLA JASON STRONG In July, the Australian Government confirmed cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) had been detected in Bali, Indonesia. Earlier this year, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) was also detected in Indonesia. Australia is currently free from both FMD and LSD, and our priority is to keep it that way. At the same time, while we are confident in Australia’s strong biosecurity measures, we aren’t taking anything for granted. It’s the Australian Government’s responsibility to protect Australia from these diseases, and the industry is doing everything we can to support their work. The Australian Government has announced a range of new measures for travellers from Bali into Australia. These include biosecurity detector dogs at airports, additional signage and information about FMD for travellers and staff, as well as biosecurity officers present on all flights from Indonesia to Australia. The risk of these diseases is at the forefront of industry priorities. There is a very clear and robust plan in place. It’s known as the AUSVETPAN and you can read more about it online at animalhealthaustralia.com.au/emergencyresponse-arrangements MLA, in conjunction with the Australian Government, is working closely with the Indonesian Government and Industry via a biosecurity support program to help control the spread of FMD in Indonesia. Should the disease arrive in Australia, it would be devastating to our livestock and associated industries through international

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) causes blisters on the mouth, snout, tongue, lips and between and above the hooves on the feet. 290826 trade losses, market disruptions, animal health impacts and production losses. Even prior to the detection of FMD in Indonesia in May 2022, a joint industry taskforce was established to ensure coordination and collaboration across all affected industry sectors. This taskforce is comprised of the Red Meat Advisory Council, National Farmers’ Federation, Australian Dairy Farmers’ and their respective industry service providers, including MLA. Four skills-based committees have been set up by the taskforce covering overseas in-country support; trade and protocols; diagnostic capability and vaccine development; and domestic containment strategies. MLA’s role as the marketing and research

service provider for the red meat industry, is to support the industry taskforce, Federal and State governments with technical expertise and investment in potential prevention and treatment solutions against both diseases, including mRNA vaccines It should be noted that Indonesia is one of our closest neighbours with whom we share an incredibly important bilateral trading partnership. Our best chance at keeping these diseases out of Australia is by working with our international neighbours to bring any outbreaks under control, helping to restore our biosecurity buffer. In addition, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt announced a $1.5 million support pack-

age for Indonesia, including an initial $500,000 to MLA. We are responsible for coordinating support from Australian industry for the Indonesian feedlot sector’s emergency response to these diseases. Livestock producers are strongly encouraged to be prepared, vigilant and on the lookout. Good biosecurity practices and early detection will be essential to reduce the potential impact of FMD, should it arrive in Australia. Producers can help by: Making sure you are aware of the symptoms of LSD and FMD at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website at agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pestsdiseases-weeds/animal/fmd If you suspect LSD or FMD in your livestock, immediately calling the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888. Adhering to all traceability obligations, including ensuring all documentation is correctly completed. Go to integritysystems. com.au/on-farm-assurance/livestockmovements Reviewing your on-farm biosecurity plan.

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Some members of the AgForce Young Producers Council: James Henderson, Bec McKeering, Helen Woodland, Henry Roellgen, Emma Knight, Scott Muller, Ben Somerset and Tamara Finger.

AgForce Young Producers’ Council (YPC) chairwoman Helen Woodland.

Sharing the farm passion Accessing finance and building capacity to buy a profitable property is one of the biggest challenges facing prospective farmers today. And, AgForce Young Producers’ Council (YPC) chairwoman Helen Woodland has rare insight into both sides of the fence. Through her career in agribusiness banking and economic development, Ms Woodland has helped farming businesses survive and thrive, while her husband is also chasing the land ownership dream. Ms Woodland said significant capital was needed to buy a commercially-viable farm. “It isn’t easy because if you’re a young person and you’re like, ‘I want to be a farmer’, you’ve got to be in it for the long haul. It is a long road.” Formed in January 2021, the YPC aims to raise awareness about what matters to young producers, the challenges they face and to deliver positive outcomes for those striving to succeed in agriculture. It is an energetic, forward-thinking and commercially-minded group of 18 to 40-yearolds passionate about the rural industry in Queensland. Ms Woodland, who holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, was raised in a family who farmed dairy and lucerne across two properties in the Lockyer Valley. “I have always loved farming and agriculture and being an advocate,” she said. “I’m re-

AgForce Young Producers’ Council (YPC) chairwoman Helen Woodland has a small commercial beef herd, running the cattle on agistment. ally passionate about primary industries and supporting farmers.” So, when AgForce proposed the establishment of the YPC in late 2020, Ms Woodland applied immediately. “I thought it was a fantastic initiative,” she said. “And also another way to meet driven

young people who are trying to get ahead and make their mark going forward. “As we know, farmers are getting older and it is hard to get young people onto properties. There are a number of factors for that including financial, social and economic reasons. “However, there are many young people who have always been interested in farming,

but haven’t really fully been across the opportunities that come from being in primary production. “The YPC talks about this and says, ‘Well, you could still add value and contribute to the field of agriculture in a role such as agronomy, for example, but you may not be managing your own property, per se’.” YPC members, who are located in North Queensland, Central Queensland, South West, Southern Inland and Southeast Queensland, represent AgForce’s four commodities: cattle, sheep, grain and cane. “You’ve got a nice mix of people - six women and five men - who own properties, manage farms, are in agribusiness like me or, in some other way, shape or form, are in the supply chain,” Ms Woodland said. “Everybody contributes equally and all opinions are valued.” Being an advocacy body, the YPC works with State and Federal Governments and industry to improve outcomes for young farmers. And, from this year, the council has a seat at the table of the National Farmers’ Federation. “The YPC is in a unique position where it can provide feedback and be part of the conversations that are impacting young people, both here and now and also into the future.” Ms Woodland has a keen interest in beef and grain and has a small commercial beef herd, running the cattle on agistment. “We keep chipping away, building our numbers,” she said. “We really enjoy it.”

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By Fiona Gowers

August 2022 TODAY 19

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Quiet achiever impresses

Felicity Taylor’s career trajectory with Rabobank - including a big stint on the Darling Downs - has been meteoric. “I’m excited to be something different in this role, something you don’t always see, but I’ve never felt disadvantaged, the groundwork was done for me by so many inspiring, capable women who have led the agricultural space over many years. “I feel like the door has always been open.” When probed on female role models, her response is unlikely – but one reflective of Felicity’s ease in constructing a highly consid-

ered, yet practical opinion, all while looking beyond the box. “I often look to one of my colleagues, Rabobank’s own Clare Merrifield, who is a constant source of inspiration. “She’s had an incredibly impressive career – from grain trading to banking – and has never let these traditionally male-dominated roles get in the way of her femininity. “To see her dealing with clients and be able

to maintain the emotional intelligence and compassion that women tend to have was enlightening.” On a broader scale, she has great respect for National Farmers Federation’s Fiona Simson, who has been a stalwart of industry representation for many years. “It’s such an exciting time for not just women, but all young people in our rural communities, the opportunities are unlimited.”

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Felicity Taylor has a quiet confidence, but one backed by a knowledge, insight and quick wit that belie her youth. And, be it in casual conversation or negotiating the most sensitive of business dealings, her engaging appeal is broad. So, it comes as little surprise that her career trajectory with Rabobank - including a big stint on the Darling Downs - has been meteoric, with the impressive young professional recently announced as an area manager. At the age of 26 she was the youngest in Rabobank Australia’s history to hold this senior title. Suggesting her career path evolved organically, Felicity, now 27, reflects she has always taken on roles she genuinely enjoyed and grabbed opportunity as it presented. In her five short years since embarking on a Rabobank internship while completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics, Felicity has worked in the RaboResearch and Country Banking team, spent two months in mergers and acquisitions at Rabobank’s global head office in Utrecht, the Netherlands and experienced working across a number of branches, including in Toowoomba. She’s enjoyed a global training ground in an organisation she had long admired. “I was familiar with the company – my parents are clients – and I found Rabobank’s strong rural and regional focus appealing,” Felicity said. “The fact the bank is ingrained in the community while maintaining a much larger network with links to global knowledge and expertise seemed really unique and I like this big picture thinking while keeping the focus local.” Her time in Utrecht, while she admits was challenging - “I have a new found appreciation for anyone working in investment banking, those guys never stop” - was equally enriching, providing her with context around Rabobank’s rich European culture. “There is a Rabobank branch on every corner, it’s an organisation so embedded in the economic and social wellbeing of the Netherlands and, given we’re a lot quieter in our street presence here in Australia, it made me really proud.” Growing up on a broadacre cropping property 35 kilometres north of Moree, Felicity feels privileged to have been raised in a farming culture and enjoyed working with her parents and grandfather. “I always wanted to do something ag-related and tried to look at different ways to apply my ag background, even looking into the agricultural political advisory space. But, in the end, I just couldn’t go past Rabobank.” Throughout her career, youth nor gender has ever been an issue, and now – as she takes on the hot seat as area manager – she thanks the many female professionals paving the way before her.

20 TODAY August 2022

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Online benefits realised Agricultural businesses across the Darling Downs have taken advantage of the opportunity to expand their online presence through a new Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) E-Ag program. As part of this program, Molly Wagner, TSBE’s export officer, has worked with local businesses to develop new skills for food and agricultural businesses across the region, helping to grow their online sales. Ms Wagner said the E-Ag program was designed to demystify the challenges around online sales for participants. “This program has helped align internal processes to meet buyer demands and assist commercialising their e-commerce product offering,” she said. “As part of the program, we work with each business to understand their current position, look at how they could expand their online presence or focus their e-commerce journey on a targeted range of products that offer the greatest potential for success.” Ms Wagner has recently worked with Victoria Hill Lamb who launched a new website to showcases their passion for the land, their

core principles of animal welfare and the value happy sheep. She said that the launch of Victoria Hill Lamb’s new website was an exciting step for them and helped to promote their product to more consumers around the country. In fact, after the E-Ag program Victoria Hill Lamb decided to employ a representative dedicated to their sales and marketing effort, Charlotte Smith. “I am passionate about helping regional Queensland agri-food companies such as Victoria Hill Lamb develop their story and connect with consumers,” Ms Wagner said. “This program is one way of enabling producers to create a true paddock to plate experience for consumers and capitalise on the growing e-commerce trend for fresh food.” Ms Wagner graduated from the University of Queensland, with a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Business, International Relations, Journalism and Mass Communications. Born and raised in Toowoomba, she is passionate about regional Queensland accessing international opportunities.

Charlotte Smith, Victoria Hill Lamb and Molly Wagner, TSBE.

Molly Wagner, TSBE’s export officer, is working with local businesses to develop new skills for food and agricultural firms across the region.

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August 2022 TODAY 21

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Carla Pidgeon secured a spot with her photo taken in Allora.

Neil Kendall’s photo, taken in Warwick, will be featured in the calendar.

Jasmine Newton’s photo, taken in Mitchell on the Western Downs.

Showcasing our rural life By Dominique Tassell

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Three Queensland photographers have secured a spot in Rural Aid’s new calendar, showcasing the beauty of rural life. Allora-based Carla Pidgeon won a spot in the calendar for a photo taken on her farm. Carla said finding out she had been included in the calendar was exciting. “I had to pinch myself,” she joked. She said it was “very cool” to think her photo would be admired around the country and described the other entries as “just brilliant”. “They have a good lineup,” she said. Carla said she saw the competition on social media and decided to enter. “I’ve just started using social media to post photos of the farm,” she said. Carla’s family farms sheep, cattle and grain. You can find her on Instagram @arolla4362 or Allora spelt backwards with the postcode. “I just take photos for a hobby, just taking photos along the way,” she said. Carla said while she has had limited association with Rural Aid in the past, she thought

22 TODAY August 2022

they were “a great organisation”. “What they do for people on the land is great,” she said. “They’re a great organisation to support.” When asked what she would do with her $250 in prize money, Carla said she has “no idea”. “I might splurge on myself,” she joked. “I haven’t thought that far ahead.” Of the other 12 calendar spots, two more were secured by Queenslanders. Brisbane photographer Neil Kendall will have a photo featured, taken in Warwick. His photo was taken at the Warwick Rodeo during the Ladies Silver Cup Campdraft. “In extremely wet conditions,” he joked. While previously Neil has travelled around the world taking photos, the Covid pandemic forced him to look within his home state. “It’s amazing how much goes on in rural Queensland when you go looking for it,” he said. Wanting to keep his skills sharp, he had to go find photo opportunities. Neil has previously been featured by Canon and has taken photos at the Boonah Show

and Millmerran Show. He said he’ll travel anywhere within a few hours of Brisbane. “I enjoy the nature and life in country Queensland,” he said. “It’s pretty lively, there’s lots going on.” Neil would love to get in contact with the woman in the photo, as he was unable to at the event. You can find Neil on Instagram @bucketlisttravelphotos. Jasmine Newton’s photo, taken in Mitchell on the Western Downs, will also be featured in the calendar. More than 1100 photographic entries were received from farms right across the country, a record for the Spirt of the Bush competition. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said it was heartening to see so many quality captures. “The Spirit of the Bush competition attracts photos from every corner of the country and reflects every part of life on the land,” Mr Warlters said. “It’s mesmerising to see the highs and lows of farm life reflected in action shots, sweeping horizons and moments of quiet reflection. “It’s great to see a theme of hope emerge

from our images this year. “The winning photos tell a story of both work and play. Events like harvest and planting are featured, as well as moments of rest, relaxation, and recreation. “It’s fantastic to see so many jaw-dropping entries from West Australia in particular. Queensland and New South Wales’ snappers also feature heavily in the winners’ circle. “A huge congratulations to our talented winners who will now have their photos used in Rural Aid’s 2023 calendar.” Mr Warlters also reflected on the huge jump in entries from last year. “It gets harder to pick the winners every year!” he said. “Last year, Rural Aid received 720 entries. This year, more than 1100 were submitted!” The Rural Aid 2023 calendar will be available for purchase and pre-order later this year. Supporters are encouraged to keep an eye on the Rural Aid social media pages for more information. Proceeds will directly support Rural Aid’s range of programs to help farmers and their families.

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Why temperament counts While quality and performance have driven success in the 75-year history of the Ben Nevis Angus Stud in Walcha NSW in the Northern Tablelands, a good temperament is non-negotiable. It’s been 22 years since Bruce Steel was viciously and repeatedly attacked by a commercial cow in open country. At the time, he was left with multiple injuries including a flailed lung, 22 breaks to his ribs, an amputated left ear as well as multiple lacerations and massive bruising. If not for the quick thinking and bravery of his son-in-law Stuart Halliday, who put the cow in a head lock and wrestled her away, he would most likely have been killed. An autopsy of the cow revealed she had a brain tumour, but the incident sent a power-

ful message to Bruce and his family to make temperament one of the top priorities in their breeding objective. Today, Ben Nevis Angus is run by Bruce’s daughter Erica and her husband Stu who are now fourth-generation. Temperament is still a priority and Erica explains that “apart from the obvious dangers and stress associated with working with bad tempered cattle, research tells us that they have poorer growth rates and a higher incidence of being dark cutters”. According to Erica, while animals are animals and never completely predictable, they wanted to take as much temperament risk out of the equation. “This is so that our clients would be as safe as we could make them from our end and their

experience working our bulls as enjoyable as we could make it. “This also included employing low stress stock-handling techniques and ensuring the bulls were ‘horse, dog, ute, bike, calm man and mad woman trained,” she said laughing. “While temperament is the priority, it is either acceptable or unacceptable with the second most important trait being quality and after that performance,” noted Stu Halliday. “We have spent many years ensuring our clients have access to the premium markets like the Japanese B3 and branded beef trades. If you do something, we believe in doing it well. “The Angus breed has given us these opportunities by its unique ability to combine maternal and carcase attributes with a rock solid genetic and recording system to enable us to

S I V E N N E B

LS L U B S U CTIONSPLUS G N A 0 0 1 E AT AU 2 N I 2 L 0 N O R 2PROPERTY AND E B M E T ON 7 SEP

make good decisions.” Ben Nevis Angus celebrates their 75-year anniversary this year. The Sale will be held on September 7 at Walcha NSW with 100 top-quality and docile Angus Bulls that are vaccinated for 3-Day, Vibrio, and Tick Fever. All bulls are guaranteed with free delivery to major centres. Sires include Ben Nevis Metamorphic, Ben Nevis Monarch, Te Mania Pythagoras, Baldridge Forecaster, Baldridge Beast Mode, GB Fireball and Musgrave Exclusive. Inspections are welcome and for any enquiries call Erica Halliday 0427 780154 or Stu Halliday 0417 674 412. The sale is interfaced with Auctionsplus.

LOT 3. BEN NEVIS S424

ID NBN21S424

Ben Nevis Newsflash EBV

600

EMA

IMF

2.8

112

8.8

0.3

2.0

Lot 10. BEN NEVIS S428

ID NBN21S428

Banquet Nixon EBV

600

EMA

IMF

3.8

116

6.6

0.5

1.7

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Lot 17. BEN NEVIS S146

ID NBN21 S146

GB Fireball

Lot 4. BEN NEVIS S425 ID NBN21S425

VACCINATED FOR 3 DAY AND TICK FEVER

EBV

600

EMA

IMF

-0.2

118

7.3

-0.6

3.3

Erica Halliday 0427 780 154 or email bennevisangus@bigpond.com

www.bennevisangus.com.au August 2022 TODAY 23

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Keen to give back to industry By Fiona Gowers Tom Nixon applied for the Advancing Beef Leaders (ABL) program to facilitate his goal of one day representing the industry he is so passionate about. Mr Nixon, Devon Court Herefords, Drillham, who is one of 20 participants chosen in the 2022/23 program, said it would enable him to make a “bigger contribution to our breed”. “I feel I can make a difference to the industry and that not everyone is in a position to give something back,” he said. “Also, it will provide great connections with other like-minded producers and I’m sure I’ll learn as much from them as I do from the course. “It’s really an opportunity to continue learning and to give something back to the Hereford breed.” The ABL is a tailored leadership and professional development program for emerging producer and community leaders, delivered through a partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries extension staff and private consultants. It aims to skill and enthuse those who wish to become more involved in community and industry organisations. ABL overlays relevant technical skills with appropriate self-development; encouraging participants to build stronger networks and spark the confidence needed to contribute and influence. The program offers participants personalised training, peer and industry networking and a rare opportunity for mentoring from the program’s pool of ABL alumni, current leaders and guest speakers. The ABL program modules include: understanding self and others, spheres of influence, technical foundations, economic and financial fundamentals, business and succession planning, governance and communications. In all, 10 participants have been selected from the Maranoa and 10 from Far North Queensland. They are Allison Becker, Tim Clay, Cody Close, Samantha Curran, Elsie Dodd, Leanne Hardwick, Sophie Hartley, Ann-Maree Johnson, Mitch Koster, Tom Nixon and John Syme from the Maranoa. The Far North Queenslanders are Kasmin Brotherton, Cailan Byrnes, Bill Bjurstrom, Lara Conaghan, Emily Corbett, Kate Hams, Ian Masterson, Mandy Pickering, Brandy-lee Shannon, Dan Slaney and Keerah Steele. The program was launched in 2020.

Devon Court Alice S054, a heifer out of US sire NJW Endure 173D.

Devon Court Advance R081 is Lot 9 at the Devon Court Hereford stud sale on Tuesday 6 September.

Three generations By Fiona Gowers In 1932, Alexander Nixon founded Devon Court Hereford stud at Drillham, with the vision of breeding commercially-affordable bulls that left viable progeny boasting traits suited to the feedlot and finishing markets. Today, Alexander’s legacy lives on through his grandsons, Tom and Alex Nixon - the third generation - who farm alongside their mother Robyn. “Grandad was a big believer in buying the best bulls and using their progeny to breed a consistent cow herd,” Tom said. “Dad was the same. “We find the best animal and then figure out how to make it happen. “The saying, ‘there is no substitute for quality’ has been passed down through the generations.” The main bloodlines Alexander introduced - Ennis View, Guyra, Tocal and Mascotte - are still directly linked to the current generation of Devon Court stud bulls. The family-owned business continues to breed Hereford bulls, of course, integrated with a large commercial herd and grain growing ability on Queensland’s Western Downs. Devon Court now boasts 157 registered cows and 70 replacement heifers, while the 600-head commercial herd includes a mob of 300 Angus and 200 Hereford cows. The balance are F1 Black Baldy cows. Tom said non-negotiable traits he sought in sire selection were structure, sound muzzle and head and length of body/ thickness. “The main thing I learned from my Dad was that bulls need to be able to walk, eat and have somewhere to hang it,” he said. “In saying all of that, in these modern times, we have the added bonus of BREEDPLAN. “So, as long as the first three things are considered, we must select based on solid Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) across the board. “We are pursuing the top 10 per cent for growth and carcase traits, for example eye muscle area, fat and IMF, 200-, 400- and 600day weight.” Heavy consideration is given to maternal

To celebrate its 90th birthday, Devon Court stud will, for the first time, offer its best 90 straight Hereford commercial heifers for sale. traits such as moderate birthweight, calving ease, days to calving and short gestation. “But, I’d give those up before structure, sound muzzle and head and length of body/ thickness.” For the past two years, Tom has used US sire NJW Endure 173D. “I’ve said it so many times but I think Endure, with his eye appeal, powerful performance and breed-leading EBVs, is currently one of the most influential bulls in the breed,” Tom said. “We followed his progress and Devon Court has since bought three sons, two of which are full ET (embryo transfer) brothers. “When you see a bull that is used widely and has bred consistently, it was an easy decision to want more of his genetics.” Joining, which in the commercial herd this year will rely entirely on AI to grow numbers, starts at Devon Court on November 23 to allow a six-week calving window to open on 1 September. Tom said the tight time frame was to facilitate maximum weight gain. “A six-week calving period also benefits labour,” he said. “And it confines the intensity of weighing and testing every calf at birth, information from which guides our decision making on joinings.” Seasons permitting, Devon Court grows

weaner steers out to 500 kilograms then sells direct to feedlots. This year, to celebrate its 90th birthday, the stud will, for the first time offer its best 90 straight Hereford commercial heifers for sale. Tom said while he would prefer to retain the females, adding them to the catalogue was a gesture of appreciation. “We want to keep our best females, we don’t want to sell them,” he said. “We might be 90-years-old, but we’re not going anywhere. We’re trying to gain in numbers and pick up our quality. “But, our commercial buyers are more likely to be able to put their best foot forward on some of our best commercial heifers than they would be stepping into our stud heifers. “We’re a stud based on selling commercially-focused bulls with a few top-end stud sales as a bonus. “Giving back to our commercial clients is a far better decision.” At its 90th anniversary on-property sale on Tuesday 6 September, Devon Court Herefords at Drillham will offer 34 bulls, of which 18 are polled, as well as the 90 females. Please contact Tom Nixon on... Mobile: 0427 276 182 Email: tom@devoncourt.com.au Website: devoncourt.com.au

· · ·

BRAFORD SALE Saturday 27th August 2022 | 18th Annual Sale Bell Showgrounds - commencing at 11.00am 23 Registered Bulls and 48 Registered Females Bell is located in a tick free area so cattle are clear to travel on sale day

Elite Auctions will be covering the sale with live Online Simulcast Bidding and Live Video/Live audio streaming. To register visit www.elitelivestockaustions.com.au

For further information contact | Elders Dalby 07 4596 9300 | Ashley Loveday 0429 970 044 | Sale Secretary - Kerrie Donovan 0428 122 518 12559413-AV30-22

24 TODAY August 2022

90 BULL SALE

th ANNIVERSARY

TUESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2022 • 1pm

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August 2022 TODAY 25

OPINION QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Be well, be happy, be rural FARMERS’ HEALTH WITH DR TOBY FORD Welcome back to this month’s health column. Firstly, congratulations on the team who, with Damian Morgan, have launched Maranoa Today (out this week). Now, if this is your first time reading this column, a quick recap about this column and what we are talking about. Over the years, since leaving the bush to go to boarding school in western Queensland, I have remained very keen on how we can improve health in the bush. So with Damian’s encouragement through this column, we have set about spreading some ideas to hopefully get some traction with you all and get buy-in. Be well, be happy, be rural. The question is, can you be well and live in the country? The answer is yes. The trick is to find good local role models who are willing to demonstrate how they take the time to eat properly, exercise, sleep well, watch their weight, and take holidays when possible. Look for the ones who approach their mental well-being always on the lookout to obtain new skills to manage new challenges. I recommend Joy McClymont as a leader in this idea. You can find her at offthetracktraining. com.au I said in a recent column about mental wellbeing that the best people who are succeeding at avoiding mental ill-health and falling down are those who keep finding, adding, and collecting new tools to cope with the challenges of life. If you think you’ve got every tool for coping in life and you don’t need any more, then you reduce your scope to cope, because life will always be changing and skills to manage new things are vital. Stop collecting mental health tools, you stop growing as a person. Coping with life is a bit like shopping at Bunnings. All sorts of people go there to get stuff. Some people just plain don’t like the place and they are like people who reckon DYI is not for them. They are not willing to even look at change. Some people go straight in and find the tool and walk back out. These people will often seek advice about mental health, but assume the job at hand needs only one tool. Others who walk in and buy a bunch of tools are the type who are willing to try out new ideas and see what might be the best tool for the job, keeping the rest they bought for a rainy day. The last group just like going to Bunnings for the outing. In this group it’s like learning, browsing, thinking, selecting from the “specials” bins, or even leaving with stuff they would never know why they bought it, but it could come in handy one day. So I think a smart person who goes to Bunnings regularly is a person who is trying to learn something to better their mental wellbeing every week. Now don’t take the recommendation literally and tell your partner the doctor said you had to go to Bunning’s, it’s good for my mental health, they might be suspicious. Back to the next idea to ponder. It remains an anomaly that in a country like Australia the further you live from a capital city the shorter your lifespan and that we spend $86,000/ adult person on treatment and care of illness and a paltry $86/per person on prevention. (Source: Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing). Are people in the bush of lesser genetic stock? No there is no difference in this feature of the city versus the country. What is different can be lifestyles. Lifestyle choices are sometimes made on the hop or under assumptions you can’t get everything in the bush you can get in the city so that’s why it is different. Well, you can get a latte in Winton, iPods in Birdsville, running shoes in Mt Isa, sunscreen in Miles, and for newly arrived Maranoa Today readers you can get gym classes in Roma. You might have seen some mates who have 26 TODAY August 2022

You might have seen some mates who have been riding their bikes out to Longreach to celebrate fitness in old age for the last five or so years. They like to engage local people to start exercising more or to reinforce the good stories of locals being healthy. Look up ridewest.com.au

The Australian Outback Rowing Regatta is a two-day festival of VIIIs racing in the Australian Outback to be held over the October long weekend 2022. been riding their bikes out to Longreach to celebrate fitness in old age for the last five or so years. They like to engage local people to start exercising more or to reinforce the good stories of locals being healthy. Look up ridewest. com.au To be healthy, it’s good to belong to something bigger than yourself. At the end of last year, I drove with a group of city mates from Brisbane to Longreach and back to check out the rivers and watercourses of our inland. Most are now full and overflowing. On the way, we wanted to scope out how we might start one small influence over health in the bush. We recognise that to exercise many adults need incentives and one incentive is to be part of a team. So we are keen to start a new rowing event in Longreach and Barcaldine and to build some rowing clubs. Our ambition is to build rowing clubs all over the bush and get people rowing. Pretty much anyone of any age can learn to row. It’s non-contact and uses all parts of your body. Rowing for the first time on the magnificent Barcaldine Artesian Lake was very exciting. It signalled that age-old call to arms of building it and they will come. The lake has triggered many new sports in this dry arid neck of our outback. From this trip Dave Counsell one of our Viking members and a long-time grazier in

the Barcaldine District has struck out to start the Barcy Rowing Club. Rowing is a sport for all ages. It is safe, noncontact and uses all parts of the body. In Longreach, a different resource is the mighty Thomson River and the body of water stretching beyond the weir. This is an ancient resource and is available on which to exercise. If you want to see what can happen when a bunch of people help each other to remain well, come to both towns 2-3 October, for Queens Birthday

weekend and see some older Australians competing. Go to outbackrowing.com So the bush can do it. We can turn back the troublesome statistic of isolation shortening life. If you are a good role model step up and get your mates out and going. Dr Toby Ford is CEO and founder of Ford Health Group an organisation providing health and wellbeing services around Australia. Go to fordhealth.com.au

SPRING SALE MONDAY 29 AUGUST

rurO TWHITEFACE Herefords + Poll Herefords

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Truro ready for sale day Truro Whiteface is looking forward to their 14th On-Property Sale and with a good season the sale bulls are now on oats crop, and will look terrific on sale day, Monday 29 August. The Hann family held its first Autumn Sale this year in February, which was a great success! Producers found this sale an opportunity to replace bulls, rather than waiting until later in the year, and took the opportunity to gain new genetics. Truro is joining twice a year following the drought, hence the need for two bull sales each year. In 2022 Truro has purchased four new stud bulls and some great heifers. They purchased two top line bulls at Yavenvale Herefords at Adelong. “Real Deal” (PP), a homozygous poll, was purchased for $74,000, and really is true to his name. The other purchase, Yavenvale Ripcord (PP), another homozygous poll bull, to use over stud poll heifers. A stylish bull that is built to be a heifer bull – great front end, length of neck and terrific inlay of shoulders. Scott says they use Breedplan figures but a bull has to also be built correctly. Truro also purchased a terrific horn bull, Karoonda Yackandandah (H) for $32,000, from Gelantipy in Victoria. A “mountain bred bull” with overall thickness and do-ability. Warwick Court Roma, a horned bull, was also purchased, and his first calves will be arriving in the spring. The Hanns also purchased the best two Warwick Court stud heifers (in their opinion) from the Warwick Court Dispersal sale. Another terrific opportunity was to be able

Lot 24 Truro Scandal S059 as a calf on his mum

Lot 5 Truro Show Pony S014 to purchase eight top-notch yearling heifers from Teeny and Kelly Runzer, of Tenaru Poll Hereford Stud. These heifers are all from one drop by Mawarra Realtime, a son of Koanui Techno. The Hann family’s 14th Truro Spring Sale is fast approaching – on Monday 29 August – at “Truro” Bellata. On offer are a great selection of 40 yearling bulls that are comprised of 22 poll bulls and 18 horn bulls. The herd is run in two breeding herds – poll and horn. Truro realise that most people are either a “horned or polled” person and therefore have only purchased homozygous poll bulls and straight bred horned genetics. The sale bulls on offer will be 18 to 21 months of age on sale day, and will be semen

and morphology tested, DNA tested, parent verified, recessive gene tested, poll genetic tested, fully vaccinated (5in1, Vibrio, Pestigard) and scanned prior to sale day. The sale will be on property and will also be interfaced with AuctionsPlus. They all have a great temperament and are easy to handle. The bull draft includes the last son’s of Centennial Anzac L055 – a terrific poll bull that has added thickness and cosmetics with his progeny , and leaving Truro with wonderful females. Scott Hann states that Anzac’s progeny are very structurally correct, with great feet and the females having terrific udders. Other sires represented in the sale draft are: Kylandee Niangala (H), Ashmar Peter Pan (H), Truro Powder Monkey and Truro Pistol Pete (both ET sons of Churchill Gunpowder,

flushed from Truro’s very best Days Blackberry female – both PP), Truro Poncho (H) (used over heifers) and Truro Prankster (P) – purchased by Glenwarrah Herefords at the 2021 Truro sale, top price. Truro are also offering five stud females. Scott Hann said they like to spread the “Truro maternal qualities around” and know they always breed well for others, as they have done for Truro. The horned and polled “girls” to be offered are all very sound and are great breeders. They hope they go well and settle in at their new homes. Scott and Pip Hann invite visitors to drop in anytime and see their stud operation – sires, cows and calves, and sale cattle. They would love to catch up and show you around at any time convenient for you. Please feel free to give them a ring (Ph: 0427 937 839) and have a chat as to how your herd is travelling, what goals you wish to achieve and how Truro can assist you to make your cattle even better, at an affordable price. For any other information about the sale, you can also contact Elders Gunnedah or Ray White Rural Bingara, or your preferred agent.

14th ANNUAL

SPRING TrurO BULL SALE

Look to the future!

WHITEFACE

Herefords + Poll Herefords

MONDAY 29 AUGUST 2022

• 18 – 21 months old • • 22 polled and 18 horned bulls • • Vaccinated for vibrio, pestigard, 5in1, semen and morphology tested, genomics and DNA tested • • Affordable top-end bulls • • 5 females •

SCOTT & PIP HANN • ‘TRURO’ BELLATA NSW 2397

www.truroherefords.com

0427 937 839 or 0428 937 839

2nd Annual Autumn

trurowhiteface@bigpond.com

ONLINE

SALE • February 17th 2023 • 25 Bulls 12558103-JW30-22

August 2022 TODAY 27

12559205-JW30-22

ADVERTORIAL

Coolabunia Classic Charolais Bull Sale 11th August 2022

A quality line-up of bulls RIVER RUN CHAROLAIS We are pleased to present a draft of 21 quality bulls this year. In 2022, we will be leading the sale with Lots 1 – 13 and our second run at Lots 44 – 51. Seventeen out of the 21 bulls in the draft are polled or polled scurred with three being homozygous polled. The line-up of bulls this year are from our new sire battery of Palgrove Nebraska (P), River Run Nobleman (P/S) and River Run Pacman as well as some AI sires. Palgrove Nebraska (P) was purchased from the 2019 Palgrove sale for $26,000. A tremendous son of Winn Mann Skaggs with natural thickness, softness, and amazing doing ability. He is a Breedplan trait leader for 200-day growth. He is represented by seven sons in the sale. River Run Nobleman (P/S) has proven himself to breed those thick, very commercially focused bulls with great structure and muscle and should breed plenty of milk into his females. He has eight sons in the sale. River Run Pacman is a moderately framed bull that sired two calves at the age of 10 months that are in the sale this year; in particular, Lot 1 River Run Rainman (P) is a standout - don’t miss him at the start of the sale. We also have an impressive bull from LT Authority (P) (sold in USA for $160,000) a homozygous polled son in Lot 8 River Run Rock (P). LT Venture (P) and OW Lead Time (P) (true calving ease) roll out the balance of our line-up. Our bulls are breedplan recorded, fully vaccinated, and semen and morphology tested, and we are tested as a JBAS 7 herd. Our bulls are handled with dogs, horses, utes and buggies. Please check out our Facebook page – River Run Charolais – for videos and photos online.

Vendors, from left, taken at the 2021 Coolabunia Classic, Graham Blanch (Charnelle), Tania Haynes (River Run), Rodney Blanch (Silverwood) and Greg Lee (Diamond L). Should you wish to pre-inspect the bulls or require any further information on the bulls, please call Tania on 0428 256 558. DIAMOND L CHAROLAIS & CHARBRAYS Once again, it’s bull sale time. This year it is our 10th sale which is a major achievement. Many thanks go out to Graham who organises our sale as well as our other fellow vendors Tania, Rod and Lindsay. Aussie Land and Livestock - especially Midge, James and Corey - also need a big thank you, over those 10 years they have become major agents in Queensland livestock. This year we have a draft of 10 bulls for your competition consisting of four red factor, five polled and five older bulls (the younger brothers of last year’s draft). Sires of this year’s draft includes Tanic Nardo who is a son of Ascot Juggernaut, Advance Domino, Pinay and Ascot Juggernaut. Two very special bulls of our draft are lots

14 and 17. Lot 14 is a big upstanding red factor polled bull with many great qualities and lot 17 is the same style as lot 15 but younger. Both bulls are worth a detailed inspection. We look forward to seeing you all at Coolabunia on 11 August. CHARNELLE CHAROLAIS Charnelle Charolais is delighted to offer 22 industry-focused Charolais bulls for sale this year at the “Classic”. The draft includes 15 polled bulls, three polled/scurred bulls and four horned. One of the horned bulls is Full French. Five of the polled bulls are Homozygous Polled; five of this year’s draft are red factor. Most of our bulls have been full Parent, Sire, or Dam verified. Fourteen of our draft have been DNA tested, 100K profiled, and are PI negative. We begin our draft with a Mac 2244 son (lot 20) out of a great Fernvale female with an exceptional depth of breeding.

This year we again feature three impressive sons of Elder’s Blackjack including lot 21 Blackjack Rain, a homozygous sire prospect. Elder’s Blackjack is proving to be a true impact sire with a whopping ten traits now ranked in the top 2 per cent of the breed including all growth traits and scrotal size which he is now a trait leader, and EMA and fat cover. Normally you sacrifice fat for muscle or muscle for fat, but he is top of the tree on both accounts. This year we feature the first two sons of our homegrown sire Charnelle Panama. We wish you well with your purchases, and welcome presale inspections and enquiries. Call Graham on 0427 622 410. SILVERWOOD CHAROLAIS Welcome once again to our 10th annual Coolabunia Classic bull sale. It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years already but here we are! Every stud breeder will tell you that they always hope to be improving on the cattle they offer each year and through the years we believe we have achieved that at Silverwood. 2022 has been another exciting year in the cattle industry with some real confidence in the market on the back of plenty of rainfall and a world desire for beef protein. With daily talk of world food shortages, we believe the Australian beef industry will become even more crucial in the time to come and it will become even more vital to maximise our breeding potential within our herds. We are confident that we are presenting bulls this year that are serious herd improvers and will help to maximise your profits. This year’s line-up of 12 bulls includes eight polled, two scurred and two horned in which six of those are red/cream in colour. As always, we encourage any prior inspections to help you with your decision on sale day and arrangements can be made via Rodney on 0408 717 974.

COOLABUNIA CLASSIC

MOXIMAX POUR-ON 5 Litre to the Buyer of the Highest Priced Bull. MOXIMAX POUR-ON 5 Litre to the Highest Volume Bull Buyer.

10th Annual Charolais Bull Sale Coolabunia Sale Complex Thursday 11th August 2022 at 11:00 AM 65 Charolais Bulls 12558496-HC30-22

28 TODAY August 2022

Woolooga Select Sire Brahman Sale AUGUST 27TH 10AM ADVERTORIAL

‘Organizers are excited that this will be their 5th Annual Woolooga Select Sire Brahman Bull Sale. The Sale will commence at 10 am on Saturday 27th August, 2022. Bulls may be inspected on Friday 26th at the Saleyards, Woolooga from 12 noon. With vendors happy to have prospective buyers inspect bulls on property prior to sale day. 61 Lots will be sold with 15 Poll Bulls in the line-up. There are 30 Red Brahman Bulls and 31 Grey Brahman Bulls. All bulls are vet checked and semen tested. Each year the Sale has steadily increased it’s following with last year’s Sale seeing five bulls transported to New South Wales. “Online bidding is becoming increasingly popular with videography giving the buyer better knowledge, being able to watch

the movement and walking ability of prospective sires” said Felicity Rockemer, Co-ordinator of the Sale. “Our daughter Corinne Whip and Davina Corfield do an amazing job, which requires incredible patience filming and photographing the bulls for our catalogue and flyer.” “This year has been even more challenging with the continual wet weather”. “We have a fantastic line up of Bulls this year. We are proud that our vendors understand that we need to improve the quality each year and we have proved that coastal bulls go on to do a great job with many positive comments coming back to vendors with how pleased purchasers are with the progeny of their Woolooga Sires” said Les Rockemer, owner of

Gigoomgan Brahmans. “The Bulls sold will go out there and do the job, improving your cow herd, with progeny meeting any market specification. We like to think we are supplying the market that meets the needs of the everyday Beef Producer”. Woolooga Brahman Sale has a reputation for selling quality bulls at very affordable prices with last years’ bulls averaging $6337. The organizers are very grateful to the sponsors of the catalogue who help to make the Sale happen. The Woolooga Hall Committee will supply full catering on the day. Each year a painting is donated by Felicity Rockemer. Buyers of bulls on the day will be in the draw for a beautiful pastel, titled “Please come play” featuring two grey calves. This has become a highlight of the day. “It’s a pretty amazing raffle with a one in 61 chance to win such a valuable original artwork.” said Felicity. This year’s Lots will be auctioned by Dan Sullivan and his team from Sullivan’s Livestock, Gympie. Please contact them if you require a catalogue. Prospective buyers can also view photographs and the catalogue on the Australian Brahman Breeders site at www.brahman.com.au or Elite Livestock Auctions at www. elitelivestockauctions.com.au 12555666-AI30-22

Lot 2

Lot 14

Lot 26

Lot 20

Lot 22

Lot 3

Lot 12

Lot 35

WWW.BRAHMAN.COM.AU & ELITE LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS

Dan Sullivan - 0408 883 921 12555663-AV30-22

August 2022 TODAY 29

OPINION QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

In the eye of the beholder FOOD FOR THOUGHT TOM MARLAND The Federal Labor Government have this week released the State of the Environment Report 2021. If you had never lived in Australia and all you had to go off was the 2000 page SOE report - you’d be forgiven for thinking our entire country was just a smouldering, lifeless desert devoid of any living thing or anything of worth. The SOE 2021 basically claims that the entire Australian continent is on the brink of collapse. The report states that Australia is in “poor” environmental condition and declining. Species loss are increasing, habitat is being lost, climate change is driving the continent to an early extinction and bushfires ravage everything else worth saving. I actually live in the “environment” and while we have been battling drought, fires and floods over the last few years - I didn’t realise things were so bad. After a bit of rain the grass is green, the trees are thickening, the river and streams are clear and flowing, the birds are chirping and the cattle are fat for a change. The problem is what one scientist sees as a “degraded landscape” a farmer might see as a “productive paddock”. A scientist might opine that there should be more trees - a farmer might say there needs to be a tree-grass density balance to remain economic and viable. But the SOE Report paints the entire Australian continent as an environmental disaster zone. It also points to greater Federal oversight on matters of not just national environmental significance but anything that grows, croaks, flows or flys. This of course will open the door for Federal Labor to establish a federally funded bloated bureaucracy of environmental overlords to sit above the already bloated State based bureaucracies of environmental overlords which are already doing their darnedest to turn everything outside of our metropolitan areas into a National park. Plibersek has already committed to converting 30 per cent of the Australian Landmass into a National Park and 30 per cent of our oceans into a no go zone. Meanwhile, 40 per cent (or 1,400,000 hectares) of the Great Barrier Reef is already protected from commercial fishing. I guess we can lock up a bit more and just import our seafood from other more highly degraded areas so we can tick a box and still eat our body weight in lower quality imported prawns on Boxing Day. Australia already has 3,500,000 hectares of National Park which is larger than the area of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Estonia combined or just a bit more than the area of Italy. Australia already has the second largest

The State of the Environment Report, among other points, looks at the impact of bushfires in recent years. amount of area protected as national parks in world behind Canada. Add in the 137 million hectares of desert (18 per cent of the continent) and the 260 million hectares (35 per cent) of the Australian continent which receives so little rain it is effectively desert. Queensland for example has 134 million hectares of “remnant vegetation” or 80 per cent out of a total area of 185 million hectares. These areas are what are termed “private national parks” where the farmer still pays the rates, sprays the weeds, fights the bushfires but cant claim the carbon credits. The other 20 per cent of the state is mainly used to grow food that we eat or export so we can pay for things like the State of Environment reports. The report also highlights that 7.7 million hectares of land has been “cleared” between 2000 and 2017 of which 93 per cent was not referred for assessment under the Federal EPBC Act. There is a foot note that says that this is mainly in previously cleared areas but no mention that these areas are used to grow and

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graze the food we eat. There is a mention of the massive impacts from the 2019-20 bushfires that burnt more than “8 million hectares” of native vegetation which may leave ecosystems more susceptible to collapse. The fires actually burnt 17 million hectares across NSW, Victoria, ACT and South Australia on top of the 5 million hectares burnt in Queensland in 2018 but whose counting. It is estimated over 3 billion animals were burnt to a crisp in a short few first months in 2020 and this will no doubt lead to further endangered species listings and help further perpetuate the myth that bushfires are caused by climate change and not state government incompetence. Add another layer of Federal Government incompetence and all our problems will be solved. There is no recognition of the great work and huge investment Australians and Australian land managers have made to protect and preserve our environment and that we actually lead the world in habitat preservation, endan-

gered species protection and land management systems. All the while supporting 25 million people with one of highest standards of living in the world and exporting the cleanest and most sustainable food and fibre in the world on the driest continent on earth. I am the first to agree that there is more that needs to be done to protect this special part of the world we all today call our home. But we will achieve nothing, in fact we will cause more harm, if we allow ideology and woke politics to override facts-based science, basic economics and practical common sense when it comes to managing, maintaining, protecting and preserving our precious landscapes. And if you are an farmer or land manager in Australia - one of less than 1 per cent of the population who lives, manages and actually cares for 90 per cent of the Australian continent - don’t think that just because you feed the nation that there aren’t many who want to close you and your communities down all on the auspices of “saving the environment”.

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30 TODAY August 2022

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Inaugural Sale 13th August 2022 12558624-DL30-22

Lot 6 - Wahroonga Reggie R1114.

Lot 9 - Provenance Rainin Whiskey.

New bull sale established By Jessica Mcgrath The limousin breed is increasing in popularity, leading to a new bull sale being established. To meet a growing demand, the first ever Coolabunia Limousin Bull Sale will be held on Saturday, 13 August from 10am. The Grant Daniel Long Stud Stock team has led the charge as the agent for the inaugural sale, with Elite Livestock Auction coordinating an opportunity for bidders to watch and bid on the auction online. There will be 42 lots in total with 37 young, fit bulls and five females at the sale. Sale Coordinator Brent Evans said this was good numbers for their first year. “There’s always been an avenue locally for a limousin bull sale, there’s a good demand for bulls,” he said. Mr Evans explained the demand for the limousin breed is growing, with lots of members increasing their herds. “There was almost a need for a new sale,” he said. “Coolabunia is a good central location for all of our vendors and buyers.” Mr Evans is expecting a lot of interest for the sale with people from central and north Queensland, Roma, New South Wales and Victoria requesting catalogues for the sale. “It’s a new sale - people show a bit of excitement for a new sale,” he said. “There’s a good range of genetics - everyone is offering the best bulls they’ve got, that’s why people will come. “The bulls that’ve been catalogued look re-

Lot 1 - Mervale Blueprint R1.

This Bull is Lot 12 - Jen-Daview Rukus R4.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

ally good, they look great -it’s an exciting catalogue with plenty of depth of quality.” The Coolabunia Limousin Bull Sale auction will take place from 10am on Saturday 13 August.

Bidders can join in at the Coolabunia Saleyards or via the live broadcast of the auction with Elite Livestock Auctions. The online auction has allowed the stud stock industry to continue despite the covid-19

pandemic and travel restrictions. “If they can’t make the sale day, they can still purchase their bulls online,” Mr Evans said. Anyone wanting to connect with the live broadcast will need to sign-up and pre-register with Elite Livestock Auctions at elitelivestockauctions.com.au The limousin bulls will be on display at the Coolabunia Saleyards from Thursday night, from 8am on Friday and again on Saturday morning for people to come along and have a look before the auction. A happy hour and bull walk from 3pm on Friday afternoon at the saleyards will be followed by a barbecue. “If anyone wants to come and have a look at the bulls, please come and say g’day to us,” Mr Evans said. “Everyone is welcome to come and have a look.”

Inaugural Sale 10am - Saturday 13th August - 2022

Coolabunia Saleyards - GLD MARK DUTHIE PH: 0448 016 950

CHRIS NORRIS PH: 0447 711 505

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Brent Evans: 0447 440 477

37 Bulls 5 Females 12558620-AV29-22

August 2022 TODAY 31

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Bulliac Angus Bull Sale

18th August 2022

Lot 22 sired by Musgrave Avenger and out of GDAR Leupol 298 daughter.

Lot 11 sired by GB Fireball 672.

Job done without any fuss This year we will have 100 bulls on offer, conditioned to go out and get the job done without any fuss. There will be sons of Baldridge Beast Mode B074, Yon Full Force C398, LT Drifter 4073, LD Capitalist 316, GB Fireball 672, Sydgen Fate 2800, Musgrave Avenger, B/C Blair Badger 5023, Quaker Hill Columbus 6V48, Ardcairne P92 (Jim), Bulliac Negotiator N70 & Bulliac Narbethong N63.

All sale bulls have been Genomics tested including red gene and defects. While we use Breedplan as a breeding tool, we prefer to allow the environment to tell us which cattle are performing the best in it. Anyone can do paint by numbers, but it doesn’t mean you’re an artist. You will notice that we have quite a selection of sires represented in the sale - this a conscious practice which we have employed

for many years, to spread risk and offer repeat client’s genetic diversity in their subsequent purchases. We back our judgement and use a lot of young and new sires to maintain a herd focused on moving forward. These bulls are consistent in type and adhere to our core principle of breeding proper beef bulls. Broad muzzles, strong heads and jaws, with

inbuilt doing ability and muscle on sound feet and legs are key to our program. These factors are why we have cows up to 19 years of age still wandering the paddocks producing calves. If you would like to see the bulls prior to the sale date, please call and make arrangements to come and visit. 2022 Bull Sale 18 August at 1pm on property “Wandaloo” Miles, Qld.

IA C A NG

U – YOUR G

12559568-JC30-22

NTEE

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• BU

RA OUR B

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August 2022 TODAY 33

SOCIAL SCENE QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Advanced farm solutions Innovative ideas and world-leading technology were shared at a Toowoomba conference last month cementing the region as an Agtech powerhouse. Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) hosted the 400M Agrifood Innovation Forum, which brought together more than 200 of the region’s brightest innovators to help drive the adoption of Agtech. TSBE’s forum highlighted how to turn innovative ideas into reality and showcased some of 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. Stephen Dummett, TSBE’s Agtech and Innovation manager said 400M - now in its sixth year - was one of Australia’s leading forums of its kind. “The forum was a huge success and a wonderful opportunity to highlight the future of agriculture and food supply chains innovation here within Australia,” Mr Dummett said. “It was great to showcase how industry adopts innovation and how they are working with new entrepreneurs to get the solutions to solve their biggest problems. “This event gave our agribusiness sector a chance to come together to collaborate.” Matthew Pryor, Tenacious Ventures cofounder and managing partner was one of the keynote speakers. He spoke about Future Forces: A ten year horizon for Australian agriculture. Mr Pryor said all farmers should consider embracing new technology. “Do not be afraid of new innovation as we are the ones who can pick it up and decide how we want to use it on our farm,” he said. The issue of worker shortages was a big topic, which investors said could be solved by

Phill Livingstone, Artem Kulakov and Joern Haake from Agbot. 290066 the adoption of Agtech such as autonomous vehicles and robots. Other major topics discussed included supply chain challenges and foot and mouth disease. Local grain farmer Clay Wolfenden-Fisher said technologies could make a big difference

SAVE DATE THE

to the agriculture industry. “The efficiencies and gains in production are up to 20 to 50 per cent of our bottom line,” he said. “To be able to make those live decisions constantly, evolving with what is happening on the ground, is very handy as mother nature

can be pretty tough sometimes.“ The event is in partnership with the Agtech and Logistics Hub. Other sponsors were Queensland Farmer Today, ITrazo TraceTech, SQNNSWHub, AgriFutures Australia, NBN Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia and AgBot.

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34 TODAY August 2022

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QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

SOCIAL SCENE

Ben Tarrant from Ag Leader. 290066

Amy Buckingham, Molly Wagner, Anna Louise Murphy and Kristy Hayes from TSBE. 290066

Coenraad Brand from agtech360. 290066

Dr Kyle Holmes and Julie Gerlach from Tracknact. 290066

Daniela Buys, Brock Walls and Steve Dudgeon Yabby Sensors and Consulting. 290066

Hon Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries. 290066

Rod McShannon and Gerry Amos from TAFE Queensland. 290066

Luke Kenealy from Frontier. 290066

17th September 123 Warfields Rd Allora QLD 10am-3pm

Sherrill Stivano from MLA and Leia Grimsey from SQNNSW Innovation Hub. 290066

SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2022 3PM TOOWOOMBA SHOWGROUNDS QLD Dale: 0429 360 419 | info@wattlegrovespecklepark.com.au www. wattlegrovespecklepark.com.au

12557976-DL30-22

August 2022 TODAY 35

Monthly market report brought to you by Herefords Australia. 12535648-BL08-22

Cattle and sheep reports Cattle Physical Report Report Date: 14/07/2022 Saleyard: Blackall The supply of cattle lifted to 2,700 head at Blackall in a yarding that was dominated by high content yearling steers from the northwest and Alice Springs alongside some good pens of prime cows and heifers. The noticeable absence of one major export processor saw prices for prime cattle ease by 20 to 30c on previous weeks and a mixed quality yarding of yearlings saw restockers operate selectively. An increased supply of light weight restocker mickey bulls made to 564.2 to average around 463c/kg. Light weight restocker steers sold to 602.2c, medium weight ‘C’ muscle steers to the restocker sold to 520.2c to average 463c/kg, however ‘D’ muscle lines mostly sold around 415c/kg. Heavy yearling steers over 400kg returning to the paddock made to 448.2c with high content steers averaging 416c/kg. ‘D’ muscle light weight restocker heifers sold to 398.2c to average 356c while heifers over 400kg to feed sold to 382.2c/kg. Heavy heifers to the processor sold to 350.2c to average 332c while those returning to the paddock made to 398c/kg. Medium weight 3 score cows sold to 298.2c averaging 283c and good heavy 3 score cows over 520kg made to 315.2c averaging 303c/kg. Best of the cows and calves sold to $2750/unit. Market reporter, Sam Hart Report Date: 13/07/2022 Saleyard: Casino Numbers were down by 343 for a yarding of 1,143 head. The yarding consisted of a good

supply of young cattle while there was a fair penning of cows. The yarding of young cattle consisted mainly of weaners and a small offering of yearlings. Quality of the young cattle was plain, although there were several pens of well-bred cattle through the sale. There were increased numbers of light weight weaners offered in plain condition.

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36 TODAY August 2022

The market varied according to quality with the well-bred weaner steers selling 10c dearer, however, the cross bred plain steers lost ground, prices ranged from 364c to 710c/kg. Restocker weaner heifers were slightly cheaper selling from 354c to 568c/kg. Restocker yearling steers topped at 564c to be 8c easier and yearling heifers sold to 488c/kg. The yarding of export cattle consisted mainly of cows, along with a few pens of bullocks and steers and a few grown heifers. There were several pens of well finished 3 and 4 score cows, however there was also increased numbers of plain conditioned cows coming to market.There was limited processor participation resulting in a cheaper market with grown steers selling to a top of 374c/kg. The cow market was 10c cheaper in places with 3 score medium weights averaging 310c and heavy cows sold to a top price of 342c/kg. Market Reporter, Doug Robson Report Date: 13/07/2022 Saleyard: Dalby Agents penned 4,529 head up by 2,277 at Dalby with 1,105 from far Western Queensland and 150 from NSW, with the balance from the usual supply areas. The penning contained quality runs of well finished cows and bulls with lines of heavy and light weight yearling feeder and restocker steers and heifers with any price variations, mainly quality related. All the usual export processors were present and operating along with a large panel of feeder buyers and restockers. Light weight yearling steers to restockers made 620c to average 602c/kg. A large sample of yearling steers in the 200-280kg range returned to the paddock at 648c to average 555c/kg. Yearling steers over 280kg to background made 570c to average 548c/kg. Yearling steers in the 330-400kg range returning to the paddock sold to 564c and averaged 523c firm on last week. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market made 562c to average 519c/kg. Heavy yearling steers to feed sold to 522c and averaged 489c/ kg. A large sample of yearling heifers to background made 550c to average 461c/kg. Yearling heifers to feed made 470c to average 441c/kg. Heavy yearling heifers to feed sold to 476c/kg. Bullocks to processors sold to 383c and averaged 352c back by 25c/kg. Well finished grown steers to the wholesale meat trade sold to 498c and averaged 416c/kg. Grown heifers to feed made 420c/kg. Light weight cows to restockers sold to 334c/kg. Good western score 3 cows held firm selling to 340c and averaging 321c/kg. Light weight bulls to restockers averaged 475c and sold to 498c/kg. Heavy bulls in large numbers fell by 30c and sold to 331c/kg. Cows and calves sold from $1,200 to $2,350/unit. Market Reporter, Errol Luck

Report Date: 14/07/2022 Saleyard: Emerald Emerald vendors penned 1700 head an increase of 320 on the last sale held two weeks ago due to rain in the region last week. Cattle were drawn from all local areas and as far away as Moura. Quality and condition were both generally good. Competition came from local restockers mostly along with three local processors and the regular feeder panel. Light weight yearling steers went to restockers to a top of 674c/kg to deliver averages of 617c for the better-bred pens. A few plain runs made from 436c to 470c/kg. Medium weight pens averaged 393c/kg to 474c/kg. Restockers also purchased light weight yearling heifers to a top of 536.2c/kg and averages from 445c to 500c/kg. Medium weight pens averaged 381c to 426c/kg relative to breeding. Grown steers were well supplied, although mixed in quality and reached a top of 450c/kg to record averages from 336c to 399c/kg again relative to the quality of stock presented. Most went to feed, however finished bullocks to processors averaged 360c/kg. Grown heifers to the trade topped at 360c/kg to average 338c to 351c/kg. Feeders averaged 334c to 366c/kg for their grown heifers. Restocker cows made to 296c/kg, whilst the best finished, 4 score cows sold to 358c/kg to average 339c/kg. Heavy bulls sold to average 268c/kg to processors. Market reporter, Richard Thomson Report Date: 19/07/2022 Saleyard: Roma Numbers continued to rise at the Roma Store Sale with a total yarding of 9751 head, up by 2451. Cattle were again mostly drawn from the local supply area in a good quality yarding that included several runs of very good quality single vendor local lines. A large buying panel was present including all regular processors, however one processor did not operate. Steers continued to account for over half of the yarding, while cow numbers increased. Competition was strong across the steers and heifers, with steers improving across most weight brackets, while heifers saw improvements in places. Light weight steers improved by 2c to 13c, medium weight steers improved by 5c to 32c, however heavy feeder steers fell by 2c/kg. Light weight heifers to restockers fell by 7c while medium weight heifers under 330kg to feed improved by 7c/kg. Medium weight heifers under 400kg fell by 3c to 21c/kg. Reduced processor competition saw cows ease with heavy weight cows down by 44c to 46c/kg.

Monthly market report brought to you by Herefords Australia. 12535648-BL08-22

bulls made 280c to average 257c/kg. Cows and calves sold to $2,225/unit. Market Reporter, Errol Luck Sheep Physical Report Report Date: 13/07/2022 Saleyard: Warwick The supply of stock at the Warwick sheep sale rose to 1,047 with 757 lambs and 290 grown sheep. wThe usual wholesalers, butchers and processors were present along with local restockers. The overall yarding was showing the effects of the prolonged wet weather with only a small penning of suitable trade and butcher lambs and mutton on offer. Young lambs to restockers made $136 to average $90/head. Butcher weight lambs sold to $189 and averaged $185/head. Lambs to the local meat trade averaged $185 and sold to $198/head. Lambs to the wholesale meat trade made $202 to average $190/head. Hoggets to processors averaged $121 and sold to $170/head. Ewes to the wholesale market sold from $140 to $164/head. Wethers to processors averaged $136 and sold to $150 with a line of merino wethers returning to the paddock at $116/head. Several dorper rams to restockers made $290 to average $222/head. Market Reporter, Errol Luck Please note this report was compiled remotely

Light weight steers under 200kg made to 670.2c to average 627c/kg. A run of quality EU Angus steers saw light weight yearling steers under 280kg to restockers make to 668.2c to average 606c/kg and medium weight yearling steers under 330kg to restockers reach to 664.2c to average 572c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers under 400kg to restockers made to 618.2c to average 535c/kg while heavy weight yearling steers to feed reached a top of 592.2c to average 491c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers under 200kg made to 560.2c to average 506c/kg while light weight yearling heifers under 280kg to restockers made to 564.2c to average 515c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers under 330kg to restockers sold to 538.2c to average 480c/kg while medium weight yearling heifers under 400kg to restockers reached a top of 510.2c to average 461c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers to feed made to 456.2c to average 456c/kg. The largest sample of grown steers sold to 398.2c to average 393c/kg. The best of the grown heifers made to 364.2c to average 363c/kg. Heavy weight prime cows reached a top of 330c to average 301c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 250.2c to average 232.2c/kg. The largest pen of cows and calves sold to $1,720/unit. Market Reporter, Sherrill Stivano Report Date: 18/07/2022 Saleyard: Toowoomba The supply of stock improved by 106 head

to 346 at Toowoomba. All the usual processors were present along with a full panel of feeder buyers and wholesalers with a large line up of restockers and onlookers. The penning was dominated by quality yearling steers and heifers with only a very small sample of bullocks and heavy cows. Prices for light weight yearling steers to feed sold to rates the same as last week with those returning to the paddock improving by 6c/kg. Yearling steers to feed eased slightly. Yearling heifers to feed maintained prices similar to the previous sale. Bullocks and cows were in numbers to small to reliably quote. Yearling steers in the 200-280kg range to feed for the domestic market made 548c to average 527c with restockers paying to 560c for an average of 495c/kg. Yearling steers over 330kg to feed averaged 471c and sold to 508c/kg. Yearling heifers in the 200-280kg range to background made 470c to average 428c/kg. Yearling heifers to feed for the domestic market averaged 456c and sold to 462c/kg. Heavy yearling heifers to feed made 478c to average 453c/ kg. Grown steers to feed averaged 351c and sold to 364c/kg. Full mouth bullocks made 333c/kg. The best heavy score 4 cows made 324c/kg. Light weight bulls to restockers averaged 439c and made to 468c/kg. Market Reporter, Errol Luck

Report Date: 19/07/2022 Saleyard: Warwick Agents penned 729 head at Warwick up by 188. The regular processors were present along with the usual wholesale and feeder buyers and a small panel of local restockers. The yarding contained a mixed selection of yearling cattle with buyers selective in their purchases and only the strong quality lines held firm in price while all other lines sold to cheaper prices with the lesser quality pens receiving limited competition. A smaller number of heavy cows eased in price by 17c. Yearling steers in the 200-280kg range to restockers made 545c to average 505c with one outstanding yearling steer with showring potential making 805c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market eased in price selling to 550c and averaging 485c with yearling steers in the same weight range returning to the paddock going against the trend and improving in price selling to 560c to average 517c/kg.Heavy yearling steers to feed made 566c to average 488c with those to the local wholesale meat trade making 486c to average 455c/kg. Yearling heifers to feed made 452c to average 439c with those to background making 482c/kg. Heavy yearling heifers to feed made 456c to average 408c/kg with the wholesale meat trade paying 548c to average 526c/kg. Grown steers to feed averaged 455c and sold to 460c/kg. Heavy score 3 cows to processors averaged 301c and sold to 328c/kg. Heavy

Report Date: 18/07/2022 Saleyard: TRLX Tamworth There was a lift in both lamb supply to 4,000 head and sheep numbers to 1,300 at Tamworth. The quality of the lambs were mixed although at the start of each agents run saw some well finished heavy weight lambs. All the usual buyers attended in a market that did see less demand for lambs and sheep. Most sales were of a cheaper trend with the restockers creating some competition at times. Prices generally from $5 to $10 cheaper for the light to medium weights with some of the heavier lamb sales back further. Light weight 2 score lambs sold from $70 to $110/head to sell at 565c/kg cwt. The medium trade weight lambs sold from $145 to $165, heavy trade weight pens from $149 to $182/ head as they averaged close to 712c/kg cwt. Heavy lambs sold from $175 to $210/head as their costs varied from 710c to 725c/kg cwt. Extra heavy lambs made from $210 to $230/ head at 650c/kg cwt and hoggets reached $155/head. The sheep market which consisted of most weights and grades was also of a weaker trend. Medium to heavy weight crossbred ewes sold from $120 to $160/head. A pen of medium weight Merino wethers sold for $130 and a crossbred reached $190/ head. Merino ewes with cover made from $120 to $150/head. Rams of all breeds sold from $104 to $170/head helped by some restocker activity. Market Reporter, Tim Delany The physical market reports were the latest reports compiled prior to newspaper deadline

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country k tchens recipes Mediterranean Chicken Bowl Everyday Food

Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes 2 ½ serves per portion

• • • • • •

2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 medium onion, diced 1 cup pearl couscous ½ cup feta, reduced fat

Ingredients: • 1 zucchini, diced, 1cm • 1 red capsicum, diced, 1cm • 1 eggplant, diced, 1cm • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 300g chicken breast, diced, 1cm

Tzatziki: • ½ cucumber, finely chopped • 1 cup natural yoghurt, reduced fat • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method: • PREHEAT oven to 180°C. • ADD zucchini, capsicum and eggplant to large roasting pan and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil. Roast in oven for 20 minutes. • HEAT another tablespoon of oil over medium heat in a large frypan. Add chicken slices, half the garlic, cumin and oregano, stirring until chicken is cooked through. Remove from pan. • ADD remaining oil over medium heat in pan. Add onions and sauté

for 2 minutes. Add in couscous and ½ cup of water. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes until water is absorbed. Use fork to fluff up couscous. • SQUEEZE juice from cucumber with hands. • ADD yoghurt, splash of oil, lemon juice and remaining garlic in small bowl and mix through cucumber. • LAYER couscous, vegetables and chicken in bowl. Drizzle tzatziki dressing and garnish with feta.

*Recipe courtesy of Lindsey Nash, Country Kitchens team

Moroccan Lamb Soup Serves: 6 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 2 ½ hours 2 ½ serves per portion

Ingredients: • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil • 2 lamb shanks, fat trimmed • 1 brown onion, finely chopped • 1 carrot, finely chopped • 2 celery sticks, finely chopped Method: • HEAT oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add lamb and cook, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a plate. • ADD onion, carrot, celery and garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion softens. Add the Moroccan seasoning and stir for 1 minute or until fragrant. • RETURN lamb to pan and add tomato, stock and barley. Bring to the boil.

• • • • • • • •

2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tablespoon Moroccan seasoning 400g can diced tomatoes 1L chicken stock, reduced salt 180g barley 50g brown rice 1 cup frozen broad beans, thawed 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed • Black pepper, to taste • Fresh coriander, to serve • REDUCE heat to low and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours or until lamb is falling off the bone. • TRANSFER lamb to heatproof bowl. Add rice to the soup. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. • SHRED the lamb using two forks, discarding the bones. • ADD lamb, broad beans and chickpeas to the soup. Cook for 2 minutes or until heated through. Add pepper to taste. • SERVE with coriander.

Everyday Food

*Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens team

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/. 38 TODAY August 2022

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Ryan Aldridge, 14, will compete in the under 18 championships at the EKKA.

Ryan Aldridge was the first family member to contest a woodchop competition when he was eight.

No chop out for Aldridges By Fiona Gowers The Aldridge family is synonymous with the Woodchopping and Sawing competition at the Ekka, with three generations again involved in 2022. Ryan, 14, is competing, his dad, Brett is stewarding and judging, while grandfather, Mike is an honorary council steward. “We really enjoy the Ekka,” Brett said. “It’s a special competition for us all.” The Aldridge family’s involvement in the sport actually began in the back bar of a pub on the NSW north coast. Mike was visiting during the Fish and Chip Festival in 1992 when a few “old timers”, Noel McGregor, Cole Watson and Stewy Coles asked if he could help in the log yard the following day. “Before dad had received his beer he said, ‘Sure, no worries, what time?’ “The rest is history. Over the years he has been a log steward, assistant handicapper, committee member judge. “He has designed and built equipment and, really, helped to develop the sport.

“Some would say woodchoping is a bit like a crab pot, once you’re in you’re not going anywhere!” Ryan was the first family member to contest a woodchop competition at Blackbutt Show when he was eight in 2017. He had first watched the axemen compete at the Fish and Chip Festival in Brunswick Heads and was “instantly hooked”. “He was also playing football at the time, which was hard because they are basically the same season and he would always want to ditch footy to go to a chop,” Brett said. “Once he got his five-year medal playing foootball he then went 100 per cent chopping. “This would have been his prime time as an under 13s entrant but, it wasn’t to be, as COVID shut the shows down for the year. “He now has to compete in the under 18s and novice events, which is hard as you are up against much bigger kids.” At the Ekka, Ryan will compete in the under 18 championships. The Aldridges attend about 20 woodchop competitions per year, all within a four-hour radius of southeast Queensland.

“We did travel to the Sydney Royal Easter show this year as Ryan made the Queensland under 21 team. “Queensland had a very young team but it was a great experience for them.” Brett said Ryan trains for 1.5 hours before school daily and also practises chopping and sawing with Jamie Head, a current Stihl timber sports competitor, in Burpengary each Tuesday. He said his axes range in size depending on the wood hardness but normally about 165 millimetres (6.5 inches) wide and 2.6 kilograms. “We have many different types of axes to suit each type of wood and size block your cutting,” Brett said. “Don’t tell the wife but I think Ryan has about 12 axes currently each worth about $600 to $800.” Ryan chops mainly 250mm (10-inch) blocks in the under 18s but also does the 275mm (11inch) and 300mm (12-inch) blocks. “He has also started climbing the tree poles. He loves the tree event and hopes to be a champion tree climber in the future.

“And, like me, he has recently started to show an interest in crosscut sawing - both single-handed and double-handed sawing - with a mate. “The two boys are going really well so, hopefully, they keep it up so they can be world champions one day!” Taking Ryan to so many shows allowed Brett to meet other axemen who finally convinced him to try competitive sawing, which he now loves. And for years he has stewarded and judged on the Queensland Axeman’s Associaton at local shows, the Ekka and, most recently, on the Stihl timber sports. “I do enjoy it as you get to see the best of the best up close and be a critical part of the sport - if there are no judges there isn’t a chop,” Ryan said. Asked what the Aldridge family loved most about woodchopping, the answer was easy. “The competition, the friends and the lifestyle,” Brett said. “For us, woodchoping is all about the people and the social aspect and, as they say, the good old country hospitality.”

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