Queensland Farmer Today - April 2024

The path to app-ily ever after

A unique dating and social networking app for rural singles will revolutionise dating in the bush.

Say g’day to Howdy!

Unlike other dating apps, female-founded Howdy is made for country people in mind.

It has an innovative unlimited radius setting allowing farmers, ringers, agronomists, chopper pilots, bush mechanics and flying vets, et al, to match with a special someone from rural or regional Australia.

Founded by Hunter-based entrepreneur Mia Ryan, Howdy is a world-first, tech-savvy dating solution to isolated living. STORY

Hunter-based entrepreneur Mia Ryan founded Howdy, a world-first, tech-savvy dating solution to isolated living. Picture:

Class cotton crop

By Fiona Gowers

Dryland crops have received an A-plus from Cotton Australia’s regional managers as cotton picking progresses through southern Queensland.

Sally Rigney, Cotton Australia regional man-

ager of St George, Dirranbandi and Mungindi said in her region, the dryland cotton from Mungindi to Moree was “fantastic“.

“It has been a textbook season, with rain coming at the right time,“ she said.

“The dryland cotton is looking like an irri-

gated crop. The other day I had a grower there say he had waited his whole life for a crop like this!“

Picking is also underway at St George, with those not picking yet expected to start over the coming weeks. Growers there, as well as Dirranbandi, are reporting reduced hectares

due to rain coming too late.

In Emerald, picking is underway, with most cotton farmers likely to “grow on“ the crop with conditions expected to be favourable over the coming weeks to add extra yield to crops.

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INSIDE

WONDAI GARDEN EXPO ................page 8

BUTCHER SNAGS AWARD .............page 13

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE ......pages 16-17

BEEF AUSTRALIA 2024 ................page 19

BREAKING GROUND ...................page 22

MARKET ROUND-UP ....................page 29

CLASSIFIEDS .............................page 30

DAM LEVELS

Beardmore...................................88.56%

Bjelke-Petersen ............................84.64%

Borumba ....................................100.2%;

Boondoomba ...............................83.03%

Cedar Pocket ...............................102.1%

Chinchilla Weir ................................100%

Coolmunda ..................................72.37%

Cunnamulla (Allan Tannock Weir) 106.7%

Leslie ...............................................99%

Paradise ......................................99.28%

Somerset .........................................79%

Wivenhoe.......................................74.3%

CONTACT US

Underground works

By Sophie Mossman

As Glencore continues to negotiate with the State Government for approval on its latest project, Agforce is taking the dispute to court.

The Great Artesian Basin is the world’s largest underground freshwater source, running under most of Queensland and spanning into parts of New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

After receiving approval from the Federal Environment Department in February 2022, Glencore is currently negotiating with the Queensland Government to get approval for a new trial to inject over 300,000 tonnes of liquid carbon dioxide over three years into the GAB through the Sandstone aquifer in the Darling Downs region.

The Federal Environment Department approved this proposal on the basis that it did not need an assessment as it fell outside the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999).

As of Friday 15 March, Agforce Queensland took the dispute to the Federal Court and had the first directions hearing.

Agforce CEO Micheal Guerin said that if this project got the green light, food security in Australia would be in danger and the potential repercussions if something went wrong would be irreversible.

“The industrial waste could allow lead and arsenic caught in the rock formations in the GAB to be released into the water and that could make its way into the food system over time,” Mr Guerin said.

“The scariest part about this is if they pump these emissions underground, (Glencore) can claim ACCU meaning every Australian taxpayer will be paying Glencore through this scheme to pump that industrial waste into the GAB.”

Given that Australia is not a high-rainfall country, the hundreds of thousands of Australians living further inland, and on large properties, rely solely on the Great Artesian Basin to water their stock and crops.

liquid carbon dioxide into the Great Artesian Basin, potentially putting food security in Australia at risk.

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According to a spokesperson from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, strict regulations will need to be met and a final decision on this is due in May this year.

“A rigorous assessment is being undertaken as part of the Environmental Impact Statement process and will address any environmental concerns associated with the project, including consideration of potential impacts to groundwater and the Great Artesian Basin.”

Many Queensland farmers have expressed their opposition to the carbon capture scheme and are all the while baffled this issue is not getting the publicity that it should be.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said while in Rockhampton recently that he was aware of this proposal as well as the concerns of farmers and environmental groups.

“I think it would be very difficult for (Glencore) to achieve those approvals, but there is a process by which people are allowed to ask and they will be stringently assessed by scientists,” Premier Miles said.

Helping farmers grow healthy relationships

Life on the land can be great, but it can also put a lot of pressure on romantic relationships.

Now, rural health experts from the University of South Australia have launched a new online resource to help farmers build and maintain a healthy relationship with their partner.

The new ‘Building healthy relationships’ module is based on what research shows will help couples stay in successful relationships.

Offered through ifarmwell, the module will help farmers to check in on their relationship, explore how to improve the quality of their relationship and learn how to repair it when things get tough.

UniSA Research Fellow, Dr Chloe Fletcher says maintaining a healthy relationship is incredibly important for farmers and their families.

“When you live on a farm and in a small community, romantic relationships can feel intense, in a way that might not happen for people living in the city,” Dr Fletcher says.

“Farmers tend to be more physically and socially isolated than people in the city. They often spend more time with their partner - not only living and socialising, but often also working together - and share more resources, interests and friends.

“Farmers also work notoriously long hours, often alone, with long workdays leaving little energy to connect meaningfully with their partner; this can put pressure on a relationship and lead to frustration and resentment.

“Sometimes stress within a romantic relationship can even lead to mental health challenges, which is why it is so important for farmers to invest time in the wellbeing of their relationship.”

The new relationship module delivers proactive content that is relatable to farmers and their lives.

Third generation farmer, John Gladigau, has lived and farmed in the Northern Mallee region of South Australia all his life.

Over the past year, he worked with ifarmwell to provide valuable insights from his lived experience to ensure the new relationship content is engaging and relevant to farmers’ lives.

“As with all the material produced by ifarmwell, the new relationship module works through aspects in a down to earth manner with thought provoking examples and a realistic approach.

“It gave me a lot to think about and reflect upon in my own life and relationships.

“There are activities that will help farmers to check in on the quality of their romantic relationship; practical strategies to connect and build closeness with their partner; and tips for managing stress during disagreements or conflicts that will inevitability arise.

“Farmers depend on their partner for support. Having a strong relationship with their partner will help farmers not only take care of their own wellbeing and their partner’s but also the wellbeing of their farm.”

To find out more, visit: ifarmwell.com. au/building-healthy-relationships

For more information about the proposed carbon capture scheme and to help the cause, visit Agforce’s Facebook page to get involved in the conversation or visit their website at agforceqld.org.au to donate funds to the cause.

Research released last month shows, amazingly, daughters are still widely overlooked in family business succession plans due to entrenched cultural attitudes among many fathers.

Indeed, fewer than 10 per cent of daughters are appointed as business successors and heirs, according to Dr Leonnie Blumson, a social psychologist.

#CountHerIn was the theme of International Women’s Day, promoting gender equality through women’s economic inclusion, which is particularly relevant to family farms and businesses.

Apparently, sons continue to enjoy higher family status than wives and daughters when it comes to business, despite a growing field of research showing that women are equally competent business managers as men and, often, have better people skills and a more creative and innovative leadership style.

Dr Blumson says daughters often seek leadership positions outside of the family business due to an established family hierarchy where sons are favoured on biological sex and not necessarily merit.

“This has several implications, including potential drawbacks for the business losing a talented family member,“ she said.

“Excluding daughters and treating children unequally can also lead to family tensions and conflict that can harm relationships across several generations.”

Dr Blumson says despite sex discrimination laws and equal opportunity legislation – where daughters can legally contest employment decisions – many middle-aged businessmen remain socially conservative and prefer a structured hierarchy based on sex and age.

“Business owners should be encouraged to include ALL interested children in the family business, tapping into the individual talents of sons and daughters,” she said..

Common sense … sadly, it’s just not that common!

* Women In Ag is on pages 16 & 17

- Fiona Gowers

Glencore plans to pump

Cotton crop looks superb

By Fiona Gowers

Dryland crops have received an A-plus from Cotton Australia’s regional managers as cotton picking progresses through southern Queensland.

Sally Rigney, Cotton Australia regional manager of St George, Dirranbandi and Mungindi said in her region, the dryland cotton from Mungindi to Moree was “fantastic“.

“It has been a textbook season, with rain coming at the right time,“ she said.

“The dryland cotton is looking like an irrigated crop. The other day I had a grower there say he had waited his whole life for a crop like this!“

Picking is also underway at St George, with those not picking yet expected to start over the coming weeks. Growers there, as well as Dirranbandi, are reporting reduced hectares due to rain coming too late.

In Emerald, picking is underway, with most cotton farmers likely to “grow on“ the crop with conditions expected to be favourable over the coming weeks to add extra yield to crops.

Dryland crops there are also looking “very good“ considering the rain arrived at the right time for those with seed in the ground.

On the Darling Downs, growers started defoliating in mid-March, with picking expected early April. Dryland crops are going well and another 50mm of rain would finish the crop off nicely.

“Last season was wall-to-wall white fluff - a record production year - this year is a lovely average crop,“ Ms Rigney said. “And, with full moisture profiles, we look forward to next season.“

Close to 480,000 green hectares of cotton was planted in 2023/24, predominantly in Queensland and NSW, with the Northern Territory and Western Australia also growing cotton.

Of Australia’s 1500 cotton growers, 90 per cent of them family farmers.

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said the

crop results looked positive considering the predictions last September of an El Nino.

“Our growers were expecting a long hot and dry summer forcing a crop revision below four million bales.

“The rains across our largest growing areas were very welcome and now we are expecting at least 4.5 million bales, which will result in more than $3.6 billion for the Australian economy, much of which will flow back into rural and regional communities.”

In the Macintrye Valley they are expecting average yields with boll size down. Growers haven’t started picking yet and many are looking to the last water and defoliation with picking expected to start in early to mid-April.

In northern New South Wales, it’s a mixed result with average to above average crops expected, depending on the location and picking to start around Easter.

Dryland crops will have benefited from earlier rain, however the weather has been kinder to irrigators and the warm days and nights have helped finish the season well.

Gins are looking to start ginning cotton from mid to late April.

At the other end of the country, Northern Territory growers say their crops are looking “okay“ despite heavy and consistent rain, which has hindered production.

Growers have planted about 12,000ha, similar to last season and growers are hoping for

some sunshine to assist fruit development.

Picking isn’t expected until mid to late June.

In Kununurra there’s a couple of weeks left in the planting window and, given wet weather has kept growers off their paddocks, they are in the middle of planting now.

Some paddocks went in during the first week of February and they are progressing towards picking in August.

Mr Kay said the good season was cause to celebrate in every one of the 249 communities where cotton is being grown across the country.

“It means more than $3.5 billion dollars will filter down through each area and that helps support jobs in regions that need them most.”

Allan Williams appointed new CRDC executive director

Newly appointed executive director of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) Allan Williams has devoted his life’s work to the cotton industry.

Following a thorough selection process, chair Richard Haire last month announced the news at a CRDC Board meeting in Emerald.

“Allan has been an integral member of the CRDC team for 12 years,“ Richard said. “Firstly as a research and development manager, then general manager, Innovation and, most recently as acting executive director.

“Allan is exceptionally well qualified for the role, having dedicated his career to cotton.

“This experience, combined with Allan’s strong leadership, established relationships and sound guidance mean he is the ideal per-

son to lead the CRDC team to deliver against our ambitious new Strategic Plan, Clever Cotton.”

Allan grew up on a cotton farm near Wee Waa and brings more than 30 years’ experience in research and development to the position.

His former roles have included senior agronomic advisor for the global Better Cotton Initiative, executive officer for the Australian Cotton Growers Research Association (ACGRA) and executive officer for the then Cotton Consultants Australia (now Crop Consultants Australia).

During his time with ACGRA, Allan developed the BMP Program – the predecessor to myBMP.

Cotton industry sustainability is a partic-

ular passion of Allan’s – he is co-chair of the Sustainability Working Group, which leads the cotton industry’s PLANET. PEOPLE. PADDOCK Sustainability Framework and, since 2006 has also held the position of chair of the International Cotton Advisory Committee’s (ICAC’s) Expert Panel on the Social, Economic and Environmental Performance of Cotton.

Allan holds Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Law (Hons) degrees from the University of Sydney, is a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program and has been a finalist in both the Australian Cotton Industry’s Researcher of the Year and Service to Industry Awards.

He began in the role of CRDC executive director last month.

A lifelong commitment to the cotton industry has resulted in Allan Williams being appointed the new executive director of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC).

Picture:

Australia’s 1500 cotton growers - 90 per cent of them family farmers - have begun picking their 2024 crop. Picture: SALLY RIGNEY

Top quality dental work

In the vast expanses of Queensland’s countryside, one thing remains constant: the importance of quality in every aspect of life.

At Denture Visage, we know you understand the significance of investing in the best tools and resources to ensure success.

From sturdy machinery to reliable livestock, every detail counts in your daily endeavours.

Amidst the rigours of farm life, there’s one aspect that often gets overlooked: dental health.

The demands of your profession, from early mornings to late nights, can take a toll on your teeth. Whether it’s the efforts of manual labour or the stress of managing a thriving agricultural enterprise, your smile can sometimes bear the brunt of your dedication.

That’s where Denture Visage comes in.

Nestled in the heart of Toowoomba, Denture Visage isn’t just a dental practice—it’s a haven of expertise, care and family values.

As Toowoomba’s only Master Dental Prosthetist, Nathaniel Davies offers a level of skill and craftsmanship that is unparalleled in the region.

What sets the Denture Visage team apart is not just their years of training, teaching and experience, but an unwavering commitment to patient care, support and providing accurate information every step of the way.

In a profession where every moment counts, quality dentures matter more than ever.

Imagine the freedom of being able to enjoy your favorite meals without hesitation, the confidence of flashing a radiant smile

during important meetings or the comfort of knowing that your oral health is in capable hands.

With Denture Visage, these scenarios are not just dreams but tangible realities waiting to be embraced.

The hardest part is making the time to prioritise your dental health. But remembering the ripple effects it can have on your overall well-being can help motivate you.

Good oral health isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about maintaining proper nutrition, preventing discomfort and pain and safeguarding against more serious health issues down the road.

By investing in quality dentures, you’re investing in your longevity, vitality and quality of life.

At Denture Visage, they understand that no two smiles are alike. That’s why they take a personalised approach to every patient, ensuring that your dentures not only fit seamlessly but also reflect your unique personality and lifestyle.

As a family-owned and -operated practice, they treat every individual who walks through their doors with the same level of warmth and respect they would extend to their own loved ones.

When it comes to your dental health, remember: quality dentures matter the most.

Experience the difference that Denture Visage can make in your life.

Visit www.denturevisage.com today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier smile.

Nathaniel Davies of Denture Visage is Toowoomba’s only Master Dental Prosthetist.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

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Power of a simple card

By Fiona Gowers

Rural Aid’s 2024 Mates Day campaign recognises the hard work of Aussie farmers and, sometimes, all that takes is a Christmas card. Bianca Tarrant and Dave McGiveron saved to buy their 519-hectare beef cattle property in Baryulgil, northern NSW and were battling one of the worst droughts in Australian history when a Rural Aid-coordinated delivery gave them a much-needed boost.

“We got a Christmas card in the mail from a group of schoolkids in the city saying how thankful they were for everything we do to produce their food,” Bianca said.

“It doesn’t sound like much but when you’re in the thick of drought and fires and everything else, to receive those messages from kids we’d never met before just blew us away.

“When times are tough it’s easy to think you’re alone and that no one else understands what you’re going through.

“Often people want to support farmers but they don’t know how, so it’s really important that organisations like Rural Aid are bringing awareness of farming and regional Australia to those in the city and giving them ways to help out.”

After almost 10 years of operation, Australia’s most trusted rural charity has launched its major annual fundraiser for 2024, Mates Day, which highlights that ‘Every plate tells a story’.

All donations from the campaign will ensure the ongoing provision of critical economic and empathetic assistance to farmers, including the Rural Aid national mental health and wellbeing program.

Rural Aid chief executive officer John Warlters said it was an important time to celebrate Australian farmers.

“Every plate tells a story because the food on it speaks to us about the freshness, the trust and confidence we can have that the food on our plates is nutritious and healthy – it’s the world’s best,” John said.

“Rural Aid really provides farmers and their families a hand up. We don’t provide them a hand out, as such, but rather a hand up at a moment in time when they really need it.

“It makes a life changing difference for them and gives them the encouragement to continue to do what they do – and we’re all beneficiaries of this amazing work.”

Bianca said understanding where food came from was one of the most impactful ways the wider public could help support farmers.

“Everything that people eat every day has come from a farm somewhere,” she said.

“From the meat to the fruit and the veggies, everything we put on our plate every night is there thanks to a lot of work behind the scenes.

“It’s pretty rewarding being a farmer, but it is very challenging to know that the whole food

system relies on us at the end of the day to be able to continue to produce food.”

While recovering from losing more than 70 per cent of their farmland during 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires, Bianca and Dave decided to start selling their produce over Facebook, which led to the creation of Our Cow – a subscription service that delivers beef, pork, lamb, chicken and seafood direct to households, helping to connect local farms directly with consumers.

Dave said they now had more than 100 farmers from across Australia supplying produce to Our Cow.

“Farmers are really good at banding together. Whether it’s during droughts, floods or fires, or just battling the everyday stressors of

the job, I’m proud to be part of a community of producers who have each other’s backs to get through the challenges.

“Our whole livelihoods depend on the weather, a lot of which is out of our control. You’re always watching the forecasts and making businesses decisions based on that. It’s like playing the stock market but with a force of nature you just can’t predict.”

Dave said Mates Day was a timely reminder for consumers to stop and think about where their food came from.

“Sometimes it can take three years before we make an income out of one animal on our farm,” he said.

“Crop farmers will plant something in the ground and not get any money from it for an-

Vellas snap up ‘once in a lifetime’ sale

By Breanna Lloyd

Third-generation cattle and cane farmers Ray and Leah Vella have made history by completing one of the largest sale agreements made in decades after purchasing all lots from the NCC Brahman herd through a privately negotiated arrangement.

NCC Brahman’s former owner Brett Nobbs decided to disperse his 800-head herd in January this year and planned a dispersal sale on 7 and 8 June at Iverrio Duaringa.

The month-long settlement was facilitated by GDL Rockhampton branch manager Joshua Heck in February when the Vella family queried about an entire herd purchase.

The genetic benefits included are the entire female herd, young sires, breeding sires, imported and frozen embryos and all IVF progeny.

Having previously bought NCC cattle, Ray said they were very excited and humbled by this opportunity.

“I would say he has one of the world’s best genetics and his herd is one of the leading herds in the Brahman breed,” he said.

“Now it’s on our doorstep.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

that we will not put to waste.”

The Vella family owns and operates 10,000 acres of Breadalbane Plains, Proserpine, and runs 3000 commercial Brangus, 150 stud cattle, Vella Brahmans, and farms 8000 tonnes of sugar cane.

“One of the reasons we did this was to invest in Brahman genetics because we have a fair idea about carbon footprints,” Ray said.

“Brahmans are the lowest carbon-producing breed in the cattle industry so we plan to minimise that factor through breeding Brahman cattle.”

Josh Heck said it’s a significant achievement for both parties involved.

“For the Vella family it was a once-in-alifetime opportunity to get in and have a proper crack at the stud game,” he said.

“It was a very pleasant sale, both families were great to deal with.”

Ray said thank you to the GDL team for the initial dealing between both parties.

“It was very professional how everything was handled,” he said.

The Vella family is now preparing for their upcoming annual sale set for spring.

“We are not sure on a date yet, but it looks to be around the October period,” Ray said.

other 12 months. This campaign is about just taking the time to think about the endless dedication and effort that has gone into what’s on your plate.

“There’s so much fluctuation in a farmer’s life, from natural disasters to economic pressures, so we’d love for people to dig deep and get behind Rural Aid because farmers all around Australia need all the support we can get.”

To support Rural Aid’s Mates Day Campaign or to make a donation, visit matesday.ruralaid. org.au

All donations received will contribute to the important work Rural Aid is undertaking in rural and regional communities and supporting Australian farmers.

NCC Brahmans Brett Nobbs, Vella Brahmans Ray Vella and GDL branch manager Joshua Heck.

Picture: KENT B WARD

A wall of fire at Bianca and Dave’s property during the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Bianca Tarrant and Dave McGiveron were grateful to receive a Christmas card from school children in Brisbane when they were experiencing severe drought and bushfires.

While Bianca and Dave’s beef cattle property in Baryulgil in northern NSW is now lush green, in the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires, they lost 70 per cent of their grazing land.

Show’s bigger and better

By Jodi Biltoft, Wondai Garden Expo Secretary

The Wondai Garden Spring Expo is on again and is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever! This event will see such a wide variety of quality stalls for young and old, devoted gardeners or weekend warriors and for all styles and tastes. Over the last few month’s we’ve had some lovely rain and now is definitely the time to dive into the garden before Winter hits! If you’re looking for inspirational garden art, we have it. What about seeds and seedlings for the next round of your vegie garden? It’s here at the Expo! Need help with fertilising the lawn or nourishing those blooms? We got it! Maybe you’re starting from scratch and need a whole mix of plants to create your sanctuary? We definitely got all of that! So this Autumn, the Wondai Garden Expo has you covered with all things gardening to get you out there enjoying your garden each and every day. There will be stalls with garden art, exotic plants, fertilisers, upcycling, fruit and vegie plants, garden ornaments, pots and plant holders, outdoor furniture, botanical products, fire pits, metal signs and just about any type of plant you might want! We will also have competitions, horticultural displays, hot and cold food and drinks, crafts, clothes, local wine, honey and so much more!

This Autumn our Guest Speakers will include Megan Seiler, Felicity Aitken, Sally Moore and Joy Patch. Megan is from Bottle Tree Organics and will be speaking on Saturday morning at 10am and Sunday morning at 11am. Megan owns and runs a 540 acre permacultural farm where one of their core beliefs is in sharing the knowledge they have gathered within the permaculture industry. At Bottle Tree Organics they grow with care to produce ethical food like vegetables, olives, beef, pork and honey all whilst using traditional organic farming practices to regenerate your health, garden and community through permaculture. Then we will have the bright and bubbly Felicity from Bloom into You demonstrating her unique and elegant talent of working with flowers. So if you want to now what to do with your beautiful blooms that you’ve grown with love, come and watch Felicity transform them into wearable art or even a table centrepiece! Felicity will be speaking at 12noon Saturday, and will have workshops throughout the 2 days of the Expo. Then at 1pm we will have the very experienced Sally Moore from JA’s Herbs Nursery. Sally runs a successful Nursery that concentrates on selling high quality medicinal, culinary, Lavenders, Scented Geraniums, Salvia’s and Violet potted plants. So if you’re wanting to know how to not only grow your own very beautiful and useful garden that you can cook from, heal from, attract bees to and have the best flowers in the neighbourhood, then be sure to check out Sally at 1pm on Saturday! On Sunday the wealth of information and fun continues! At 9:30am on Sunday we are pleased to have the lovely Joy Patch from Beauvale Daylillies. What Joy doesn’t know

about daylilies isn’t worth knowing, because Joy knows a lot about daylilies! The colours of daylilies seems endless and very addictive. Joy has been propagating daylilies and other cottage flowers for many years and her gardens are well known and well visited, so be sure to come and listen to Joy on Sunday. Then we’re lucky enough to have Megan from Bottle Tree Organics join us again on Sunday at 11am, so jump in on that talk as well so that you don’t miss a thing!

As I mentioned, we are excited to have the lovely Felicity Aitken from “Bloom into You” back with not only her amazing photo booth for everyone to take their beautiful Instagram photos in, but Felicity will also be hosting her ever popular workshops! The theme for the workshops this Autumn are “Fabulous Floral Fascinators” where anyone can come and cre-

ate their very own show stopping headpiece for the WoW factor to pair with their outfit for the fashion of field, wedding fashion, beach party or for that weekend festival. These fabulous workshops are proudly supported by the SBRC and RADF Regional Arts Development Fund. For booking details just contact Felicity Aitken on 0400050794.

The Wondai Autumn Garden Expo event will be on Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st of April at the Wondai Sportsground, Wondai, with the gates opening at 8am sharp both days. Entry is only $5 each with kids under 15 free and there is plenty of parking and an ATM onsite. If you have a group of 10 or more, then it’s $4 per person prepaid. We have a plant cloakroom with drive through pick up available plus a pick up service throughout the Expo site so that you don’t have to carry your

goodies around.

The Wondai Garden Expo has been running since 1996 and we have 2 events every year to support our local community and local organisations including the Wondai Wolves, Wondai Garden Club, Wondai Art Gallery, South Burnett Orchid Society, Wondai, Proston and Goomeri Lions, Wondai, Hivesville and Proston CWA’s with their stalls and raffles. Once the Expo is finished, we then donate financially to these local Organisations and Clubs. After all, the Expo is all about supporting our Community both financially and through increased tourism to the area. And we enjoy supporting a community that supports us. So discover the diversity of gardening in Qld’s best backyard and see what our locals and fellow gardeners are producing by heading to Wondai, where there’s always something on!

Saturday

Guest

demonstrations.

from JA’s Herbs about all the benefits of growing and using your own herbs Joy Patch from

the benefits of and your own herbs. Joy Patch from Beauville Daylilies speaking a bout the many wonderful daylilies and how Beauville Daylilies about the many wonderful daylilies and how to get the best from your plants to the best from your plants.

Official opening is Saturday 10:30am and Guest Speaker s star t at 9am

Official is 10:30am and Guest Speakers start at 9am.

Secretar y: Secretary: Jodi Biltoft 0413 115 495 | Jodi Biltoft 0413 115 495 Email: info@wondaigardenexpo com info@wondaigardenexpo.com

Hanging baskets and all sorts of pots and planters.

Flowing shrubs and bushes.

An array of flowers for sale and on display.

Keeping an eye on herd

Bundaberg cattle farmer Steve doesn’t have a horse on his property yet there’s one equine product he wouldn’t be without.

A nifty camera that allows him to check in on his cattle via live video from his phone, any time of the day or night.

The “Equine Eye“ 4G camera doesn’t need power or fixed wifi. It works “off grid“ in paddocks and sheds via solar panel.

Setting it up over feed lots, water troughs and livestock pens means Steve can watch the herd remotely.

A set of eyes in the barn during calving time or over expensive farm machinery, the camera can easily be moved from location to location.

With motion detection alerts, Steve can position the camera at a property gate and receive a notification if the camera is triggered.

The camera will automatically record footage that can be played back later, if needed. Along with being a great security tool, motion detection alerts are also useful for welfare checks on livestock who are roaming large paddocks.

Setting up the camera over a water trough means when the stock come in to drink Steve receives a notification on his phone.

He can livestream the animals or watch the recording back later.

From the couch at night, to the other side of the property on a busy work day or the pub on a Saturday afternoon, the video feed can be accessed from anywhere.

The camera can even be used in stock crates and trucks to view livestock in transit.

Being wireless, it is portable.

Fixed and magnetic mounts are avail-

At Home for fields, stables & trailers with motion detection recording, night vision and audio. Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

able separately, so the same camera can easily moved across the property or in trailers as needed.

The camera needs a SIM card to operate (it

uses 4G data only) so the usage location must have a decent 4G signal.

Proudly Australian, the Equine Eye team is committed to supporting farmers in maximis-

ing the benefits of this cutting-edge technology.

*For more information, please visit www. equine-eye.com, email hello@equine-eye.com or call 0459 787 260.

Weatherproof design making it durable to slobbery kisses and and the mount with screws makes it horse-proof for even the most curious horses.

Equine Eye Solar Panel – the eco-friendly way to power your horses paddock or stable camera.

Farmers lettuce all rejoice

By Fiona Gowers

Rural Aid’s Mates Day was celebrated last month and the primary message fourth generation vegetable growers Brendan and Janne Dipple want Australians to understand is that farming is a skilled profession.

“There’s actually a lot that goes into farming,“ Brendan said. “It takes a lot of effort, technical knowledge and ability to be able to do the work at all levels in the farming enterprise.“

Add to that, the need to be agile, to pivot to another product if there’s a glut in the market and to be able find resilience in the face of floods, drought and hailstorms.

Held on 20 March, Mates Day is all about recognising these challenges and the hard work Aussie farmers invest - each day - to put food on Australian tables.

Starting from scratch with $20,000

The Dipples started Bare Essentials Quality Vegetables in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley from scratch with $20,000 in 1998 after moving from Brendan’s great grandfather’s farm at Mitchelton in Brisbane.

On a flat and fertile 28 hectares at Mortonvale - “a big commercial rectangle“ - they began by growing lettuces, before being scaled out by larger operators and branching into bunch lines to fill a new niche producing shallots, spinach, silver beet and fresh herbs.

“We had a dream to have our own farm,” Janne said.

“The great thing about the Lockyer Valley is it’s known as the salad bowl. This region supplies a lot of Australian tables. It’s also close to Brisbane and the Gold Coast where our family and friends are and just far enough out of the city to be in the country.”

Bare Essentials supplies the Brisbane wholesale markets at Rocklea with leafy salad vegetables and herbs that are stocked by local greengrocers, used by restauranteurs or sent to

outlets around the country.

“The market and our customers are always evolving,” Brendan explained.

“Depending on what people want each week, we’re always picking up new lines and dropping stuff while we’re growing, processing and packing.”

Weather affects whole community

The Dipples’ farm has been underwater five times in the past two years and endured ex-

treme heat and hail. But Brendan doesn’t view the weather as only impacting farmers – it’s something that affects the whole community.

“In my head, the weather we have to deal with is the norm and it’s not just the farmer’s problem, it’s a community problem. None of us can get away from that. Lately we’ve had a lot of extreme events, all stacked up behind one another.

“Extreme heat in the 2019 drought meant

it was too hot to grow anything and we had to use salty water, which makes it harder to grow quality vegetables. Then we went straight into heavy rain and lost a lot of topsoil because the soil was loose from the drought.

“We had a good run during 2023 where everything was stable and we worked like mad.

“Then we had a hailstorm in November that took everything, followed by another flood in 2024. We just mop up the mess and try to salvage crops or re-plant but, obviously, it’s financially crippling.”

Rural Aid on hand to help

Rural Aid CEO, John Warlters said the recurring weather events were often behind skyrocketing prices on fresh produce and were having a compounding effect on the frequency and nature of requests for support the charity received from farmers.

“We’ve got families right now who are recovering from multiple events, one after the other and in a very quick time frame,” John said.

“These events are the catalyst for our lettuce to suddenly cost $12 or we can’t get those potato chips on our plate because our potato crops have been wiped out.

“The donations we (received) during Mates Day will be used to help these farming families recover and get back on their feet.”

Both Brendan and Janne can see how necessary Rural Aid is in helping farmers deal with their challenges. For Janne, it’s a case of agriculture – both food and fibre – belonging to everybody.

“People should get behind Mates Day and donate to Rural Aid because it really does support everybody whether you’re a farmer or not and anyone who donates reaps the benefit of it,” she said.

To support Rural Aid’s Mates Day campaign or to make a donation visit matesday.ruralaid. org.au

Brendan and Janne Dipple produce a range of green leafy vegetables and herbs at their farm.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Renewables on the farm

By Jim and Jo, Ag Energy Australia

As a farming family, we wanted our kids to carve their own path in agriculture.

So, we decided to give them a leg up by handing over a starter herd of beef cattle.

It’s been a delight seeing them take charge and grow their business, running operations from our properties near Kilkivan, Queensland, and Warialda, New South Wales.

While they have the advantage of using our properties to keep costs down, they face the same challenges of any farmer - rising expenses for fuel, feed, chemicals, fencing, vehicles and insurance, not to mention the unpredictable nature of livestock markets and the weather.

We’ve taken the leap into a renewable project teaming up with energy experts who are extremely knowledgeable about the renewable energy sector.

After careful consideration, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was determined as the best option for our place.

The location we’ve chosen won’t interfere much with our cattle and farming operations, so it’s a win-win for us and the renewables team.

It just makes good business sense to sustaining and growing the kids’ business.

The renewables team have been incredibly helpful, and their engagement with our kids in the process was really appreciated.

Our experience working with them was really positive, so when they asked if we’d recommend them to other farmers we didn’t hesitate.

Our first challenge was coming up with a name to promote renewable opportunities for farmers.

After some brainstorming, we settled on ‘Ag Energy Australia - Farmers for Farmers’ and we’re excited to share our journey with others in the farming community.

Recent and planned upgrades to energy infrastructure along with favourable wind, sun and other attributes across the Blackall, Barcaldine, Longreach and Hughenden regions present an opportunity for farmers and landholders to consider diversification of their income streams.

We highly recommend that you consider reaching out to Ag Energy Australia, through Jo and I, for a no cost/no obligation desktop review of renewable options for your property.

We’d love to hear from you.

Jim and Jo Schembri.

The farm.

Howdy (future) partner

By Fiona Gowers

A

Say g’day to Howdy!

Unlike other dating apps, female-founded Howdy is made for country people in mind.

It has an innovative unlimited radius setting allowing farmers, ringers, agronomists, chopper pilots, bush mechanics and flying vets, et al, to match with a special someone from rural or regional Australia.

Founded by Hunter-based entrepreneur Mia Ryan, Howdy is a world-first, tech-savvy dating solution to isolated living.

“I’ve lived in regional Australia my whole life and seen first hand how tough it is to find a partner when you live remotely,” Mia said.

“I saw a gap in the market after witnessing how many of my friends and family were struggling with other dating apps because they were maxxing out their radius settings and getting no matches.

“Chances are when you live in the country, your closest neighbour could be hundreds of kilometres away or if you’re in town, you probably already know or are related to everyone on the app.

“I want everyone to experience connection, whether it is romantic or platonic. Just because you call rural or regional Australia home doesn’t mean you should be starved of social connection.”

Scrolling, not swiping - a game changer to true connection

Howdy is equipped with a scrolling function to provide an in-depth profile of a person, rather than a quick swipe of a photo on first appearance.

It allows both males and females to filter preferences by age, gender, sexual orientation, interests, location and whether you are a farmer wanting a farmer or a city slicker

dreaming of life on the land.

Howdy’s unique in-built feature to allow members to connect with matches anywhere in Australia positions the start-up as a leading solution to the current disproportionate gender populations located across metro and rural areas.

“I believe that I am truly filling a much needed gap in the agricultural market by providing a straightforward product for likeminded people to connect,” Mia said.

“Howdy offers a place to combat loneliness in isolated environments – first and foremost - to connect people both platonically and romantically.

“Like many, I know rural and regional Australia is the best place to live and for those living in the city dreaming of a happily ever after away from the bright lights of the big smoke, Howdy is for you.”

Zoe and Caitlin on the journey to app-ily ever after

Name: Caitlin

Age: 33

Location: Brisbane, moved from Dirranbandi, QLD

Occupation: Director, Department of Education

Looking for:

Someone who knows how to have a good laugh, who enjoys life, has career aspirations, values family and friends

About me:

I love following sport and am a big Broncos fan! I spend most of my free time with family and friends - whether it’s mixing a spicy margarita with my girlfriends or on a family water skiing trip. I’m a country girl at heart and want to share my life with someone who has similar values

Biggest date fail on the apps?

I haven’t been on many app dates because I haven’t yet found a genuine country man on there! Hopefully this new app is the solution!

Why are you interested in a new way of dating?

I’m hoping this new app can channel some wholesome ‘Farmer Wants A Wife’ vibes into my life and a little less ‘Love Island’, which I feel like some of the other dating apps were pushing.

Name: Zoe

Age: 33

Location: Brisbane but from country

Queensland

Occupation: Paediatric Physiotherapist

Looking for: A true partnership

About me:

I’ve always been the “I can do it myself” type but really started to crave sharing this wonderful life with someone special over the past few years.

Why are you interested in a new way of dating?

Because they don’t breed them the same in the ’big smoke’. And, whether you crave what you know from your formative years or the examples in your own family, I just find I don’t have anything in common with Mr ’I-grewup-in-Lane-Cove and skateboarded home from high school’ … For me, I want to have

real conversations while driving along, share photos of sunrises and be with someone who rocks my world. I’m not looking for anyone to complete me, but rather someone who

Hunter-based entrepreneur Mia Ryan founded Howdy, a world-first, tech-savvy dating solution to isolated living.

Apprentice

By Breanna Lloyd

Frohlies Meats has been put on the map after its 15-year-old butcher apprentice carved out the Young Butcher of the Year award at the Meatstock Toowoomba 2024 competition.

The first-year butcher apprentice and firsttime competitor Kallum Pearson was crowned champion at the annual event held last month at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

Participants were required to successfully breakdown and bone a side of lamb, middle of pork and display it in under 30 minutes.

Kallum competed against 15 other competitors who were all located throughout Queensland and was the youngest apprentice to compete.

“The judges were looking for someone under 25 who was confident in what they do,” Kallum said.

“I always wanted to find a trade and thought, ‘butchering sounds fun’ so I decided to give it a go.

“I plan to continue and complete my apprenticeship with Frohlies and earn my butchering licence.”

Business manager Mitchell Hawe also competed in the competition and placed sixth.

“All competitors were very good at what they did,” he said.

“It’s great the young fella could do it and get such a great result.

“There are a few young people coming through now and it’s great for all young butchers to be doing this.”

The 21-year-old has been recognised for numerous awards in the past including third place in the National World Skills Competition and Young Butcher of the Year Award in Melbourne and Sydney.

Frohlies Meats and BJF Limousin owner Brad Frohloff said he and his team were “over the moon” and extremely excited about Kallum’s and Mitchell’s achievements.

“It’s an amazing achievement and we as a team are very proud of both boys,” he said.

“This will take Kallum to the next level.

“The experience they have both gained from doing this is incredible.”

Frohlies Meats was established in 1933 and was shut down for three years before Brad purchased it.

“It was completely gutted out and abandoned when I bought it,” Brad said.

“We basically built it up again to where it stands today.”

After being involved in dairy studs when he was younger, Brad said he wanted to re-spark his connection with the beef industry and he did this through Frohlies.

Once everything was rebuilt and restored, Brad said he went around to a few good butchers in the area to see what meat he should sell in the shop.

“A lot of people were saying Hereford meat

big title

but, after using it for a while, I noticed we were wasting a lot of it,” he said.

“A couple of Limousin crosses come in and I was impressed with the meat yield and soft texture of it.”

BJF Limousin is a family-owned stud that

breeds quality Limousin cattle, which are processed through to Frohlies Meats.

On the property located eight kilometres out of Yarraman is approximately 150 Limousins in the stud and 130 commercial head.

“The droughts have made it hard for us

here,” Brad said.

Now preparing for their seventh annual bull sale on Friday 16 August, Brad said 60 bulls would be offered and he hoped to see all attend.

Young Butcher of the Year Kallum Pearson.

Pictures: CONTRIBUTEDKallum and Mitchell at Meatstock Toowoomba.

Mitchell Hawe came in sixth place in the Young Butcher of the Year Competition.

The Frohlies Meats team.

Discover a great school

Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) is a leading Australian boarding school for boys in Years 7 to 12 located on a sprawling 22-hectare campus close to Brisbane’s CBD.

Providing Australia’s rural and regional boys with an excellent education in a nurturing environment has been Churchie’s mission for more than 100 years.

Proud of our heritage and welcoming to all, Churchie is steadfast in its commitment to being a great Australian boarding school.

Churchie offers an immersive seven-day boarding experience, multiple academic pathways, new boarding accommodation and a dedicated team committed to providing the highest level of care for Churchie boarders.

The school’s academic options and tutoring support cater to the needs of a diverse range of students.

Churchie has recently expanded its VET course offerings to include a Certificate II in Rural Operations - in partnership with The University of Queensland Gatton Campusproviding an opportunity for boarders to further develop their agricultural skills.

In recent years, Churchie boarders have been well represented across academic, cultural and sporting domains. All boys, no matter their goals, will find a place to grow at the school.

Churchie will hold its annual Open Day on Wednesday 1 May, providing a wonderful opportunity to explore the school’s beautiful campus and learn about its innovative boyresponsive programs and vibrant academic culture.

Enjoy a delicious morning tea, hear from the Headmaster and heads of schools and tour the school’s world-class facilities with teachers, parents and students available to answer your questions about a Churchie education for your son.

If you can’t make it to Brisbane in May, Churchie will be on the road again in 2024, travelling around Queensland and New South Wales to meet with current and future Churchie families, old boys and friends.

Catch up with Churchie at Beef 2024 in Rockhampton, Muttaburra Stock Show, ICPA

Queensland Conference in Townsville, Roma Rugby Races, Sunshine Coast Education Fair, Moree Boarding Schools Expo, Tamworth Boarding Schools Expo, Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast or the Mount Isa Boarding Schools Expo.

· Visit churchie.com.au/boarding for further

information on Churchie’s boarding program and the school’s ‘on the road’ events.

· To learn more about enrolling at Churchie, please contact our friendly admissions team on 07 3896 2200 or admissions@churchie. com.au.

Churchie’s spacious 22-hectare campus is located minutes from Brisbane’s CBD. Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

Year 7 boarders thrive at Churchie, a great Australian Boarding School in Brisbane.

Churchie’s immersive seven-day boarding experience provides vast recreation opportunities.

Smoothing the transition

By Fairholme Principal Dr Linda Evans

From little things big things grow . . . In recent years, we have visited families in Urandangi, Gregory Springs, Hughenden, Mt Isa, Katherine, Darwin, Moree, Narrabri, Roma, Dalby, Tenterfield, North Star, Goondiwindi, Kowanyama, St George, Bollon, Cherbourg, Cunnamulla, Longreach, Winton, Mungindi, Miles, Boomi, Thallon, Taroom, Charleville, Blackall, Warialda, Munduberra, Gayndah, Condamine and more.

Why do Fairholme staff – boarding, academic and leadership - traverse country roads each year, visiting incoming students, their families and their schools?

Because data tells us that forming relationships prior to school entry reduces the impact of homesickness.

In 2014 Fairholme undertook a two-year research project through Independent Schools Queensland to understand the structures that best support the transition of boarders from their home to Fairholme.

Through this, we came to focus on the transition from home to boarding and to consider this widely across all entry points of the College.

We have not stopped our ponderings as a result and the transition programs that operate across the whole College are under regular review and refinement.

One of the main findings from the Boarder Transition research project was that visits to our incoming boarders’ homes or hometowns in the year prior entry to school, had a powerful and significantly positive impact on our students’ ability to start learning with greater immediacy.

It is a self-evident truth that a student who is settled at home or in boarding is better placed

to approach learning positively and effectively.

Additionally, understanding our student’s background in a real sense, is the first step in establishing a relationship of trust. Whilst one building block does not create a tower, we believe it does provide the firmest of footings.

It nudges us to an understanding of the contrast between the home and the school environment, it introduces us to the significance of pets, the vastness of properties and the im-

portance of family.

It is a lesson in empathy and awareness.

Furthermore, it reminds us all, each time, of distance and not just in a literal sense.

After all, we do have to persevere when travelling distance.

As staff we are enlightened and humbled each time as we calculate the kilometres many of our boarder families undertake to enable a Fairholme education. We have a glimpse of

long, tedious straight roads, often pitted with potholes.

So too, we encounter kangaroos, bush pigs and the occasional guileless emus and road trains that appear endless and impossible to overtake, safely.

Travelling west late in the afternoon means blinding sunlight and it also means vast open plains, mountains that appear blue on the horizon, sorghum crops standing to attention, the fluff of cotton crops caught in road grass and cattle that graze, oblivious to the traffic that passes them.

We all have to travel distance to get anywhere. We have to travel as staff, to gain insight.

Enduring the potholes, persisting through tedious kilometres and negotiating an overtake of too many road trains is a means through which we are actually forging connections.

For each and every country visit to our new families, we are building relationships and nurturing potential in our incoming students.

That’s why we travel north, south and west each year – thousands and thousands and thousands of kilometres. Because we believe, and data confirms, that it makes a difference.

These visits allow our new boarders, leaving home for the first time, to settle faster and to feel a greater sense of belonging.

For their parents, these visits allow the first layer of the fundamental platform of trust to be established.

Without it, the journey ahead will be less fruitful.

Travelling distance, is but a small gesture of commitment to our families, but an important reminder that, in Australian singers/songwriters Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody’s prophetic words – ‘from little things, big things grow.’

A trip worth making ... Head of Senior School Tom McCormick travelled to “Myanga”, Drillham to visit the Nixon family.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Education on a plate

By Fiona Gowers

Former Australian netball captain Laura Geitz is trading sport shoes for farm boots, urging Australians to stop and think about where the food on their dinner plates come from.

Rural Aid last month launched its major annual fundraising campaign – Mates Day.

Under this year’s campaign theme ‘Every plate tells a story’, farmers will share the often challenging and unseen journey behind their produce before it makes its way to consumers’ dinner plates

After spending what Laura describes as an “incredible childhood“ on her family’s 607-hectare cattle and grain property at Allora on Queensland’s Darling Downs, the retired sports star and mum of four said she was grateful to come on board as official Ambassador for Rural Aid’s Mates Day 2024 Campaign.

“I’ve had a connection with Rural Aid in the past and love what they stand for and what they do,” Laura said.

“Supporting farmers in crisis, whether it

be through droughts, floods, bushfires or anything else that happens in the world of agriculture is wonderful and wholesome work to be involved in.

“There are extremes that farmers are constantly battling with and we speak so much about raising awareness of what our farmers do for us. And, for me, this is a perfect way of raising that awareness.”

Each evening Laura, her husband Mark and their four children sit down for the family meal where they each take turns around the table to share the best thing that happened to them during the day.

Laura describes it as wonderful family time, however said she recently thought about changing the format to question the story behind their food on the dinner plate.

“I was thinking the other day, wouldn’t it be amazing to actually sit down and look at your food on your plate and ask, ’where do you think that came from?’

“Wonder what the farmer had to go through to get that steak or sausage or broccoli on the

plate,” she said.

“Let’s start having the conversation around that because none of us do that.

“We take it completely for granted that we can zip down to the shops, grab what we want, get home, dish it out, or we call

Uber Eats, it arrives and we eat these beautiful meals. But let’s strip it back a bit.

“We really need to ask, ‘where does that food come from?’ It comes from these farmers who are absolutely bending over backwards, battling with market prices, battling with the elements to actually dish that up on our plates.

“The majority of us have absolutely no concept of what they’re going through to allow us to sit down and eat a meal.”

Growing up on the farm at Allora, Laura is acutely aware of the challenges farmers face every day and recognises the lifeline Rural Aid offers to farmers and rural communities wasn’t always there.

“Rural Aid is just about helping the farmer, and that’s what I love most about them

– they’re there for a farmer when they need them,” she said.

“I feel like there’s an opportunity to put your hand up and say we need some help and they’re more than happy to be there to help, whether that’s through drought, bushfires, flooding or just having someone to talk to.

“Rural Aid’s Mates Day is a great opportunity to support Aussie farmers and to stop and realise exactly what they do for us.

“If you’ve got ties to agriculture, that’s great. But if you don’t, I think it’s just this opportunity to be able to donate and help our mates in the bush and thank them for what they do for us.

“Because they do something for us every single day by putting food on the table.”

To support Rural Aid’s Mates Day Campaign or to make a donation, visit matesday.ruralaid. org.au

* All donations received will contribute to the important work Rural Aid is doing in rural and regional communities and supporting Australian farmers.

NFF opens ag leadership program for women on IWD

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) launched applications for its flagship Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program for aspiring female leaders in the agriculture industry.

Open to 12 participants nationwide, the program provides a unique opportunity for women to clarify their goals and chart their own pathways toward achieving them

NFF president David Jochinke emphasised the program’s success in elevating women in their careers.

“Mentoring is powerful tool in leadership development and it’s what sets our program apart,” Mr Jochinke said.

“By connecting emerging leaders with industry trailblazers, we’re fostering the exchange of knowledge, experiences and expanding networks.”

With a proud alumni base of 64 graduates, the program has facilitated transformative change within the industry with many graduates stepping into executive level roles, accepting board positions, and being changemakers within their communities.

GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said programs like this were a valuable way of supporting women and delivering even stronger representation in the rural sector.

“Investing in agricultural leadership, by opening a pathway to aspiring leaders not only helps cultivate equality and diversity, but also draws together the widest possible range of opinions and ideas. It significantly benefits the wider agricultural sector.”

2023 alumnus, berry farmer Steph Terry,

said the program came at a valuable time in her career.

“The program supported me in my transition from my independent legal career to becoming a Director and in-house lawyer within our family farming business,” said Ms Terry.

“It also came at a time when I was progressing towards becoming president of Primary Employers Tasmania, an NFF member organisation.

“The opportunities the program presented to me including making strong connections with the cohort of like-minded women,

participating in workshops, networking and mentoring tied together my change in career direction and my new role as President of an agricultural organisation.”

Mr Jochinke said the program was key to supporting the NFF’s goal to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks and to make agriculture an inclusive industry for all by 2030.

“With the program in its seventh year, we’re seeing generational change across industry and partners,” said the NFF President.

“We know that more young women, and culturally diverse people are entering the industry. We also know that agricultural female graduates are earning more than their male counterparts.

“It’s now our job to keep this momentum going as women progress in their careers into leadership positions.”

The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program’s success is made possible through the support of 31 dedicated partners, including multinational corporations, advocacy bodies, and government entities.

For more information about the program, including details on alumni and application procedures, visit nff.org.au/programs/diversity-in-agriculture-leadership/

Tassie berry grower Steph Terry was one of last years alumni of the Diversity in Ag Leadership program. Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

NFF President David Jochinke is a huge supporter of growing the role of women in ag.

CEO John Warlters.

Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

Former Australian netball captain and Commonwealth Games medallist Laura Geitz is supporting farmers as the official Ambassador for Rural Aid’s Mate’s Day Campaign.

Count her in? Not likely!

By Fiona Gowers

With International Women’s Day (IWD) held last month, research shows daughters are still widely overlooked in family business succession plans due to entrenched cultural attitudes among many fathers.

Despite progress towards equality being achieved in other areas of society, change is slow in family businesses and fewer than 10 per cent of daughters in Australia are appointed as business successors and heirs, according to Dr Leonnie Blumson, a social psychologist at the University of South Australia.

#CountHerIn was the theme of this year’s IWD, promoting gender equality through women’s economic inclusion, which is particularly relevant to family farms and businesses in Australia.

Sons are still given higher family status than wives and daughters when it comes to business, despite a growing field of research showing that women are equally competent business managers as men and, often, have better people skills and a more creative and innovative leadership style.

Dr Blumson says daughters often seek leadership positions outside of the family business due to an established family hierarchy where sons are favoured on biological sex and not necessarily merit.

“This has several implications, including potential drawbacks for the business losing a talented family member,“ she said.

“Excluding daughters and treating children unequally can also lead to family tensions and conflict that can harm relationships across several generations.”

Dr Blumson says despite sex discrimination laws and equal opportunity legislation – where daughters can legally contest employment decisions – many middle-aged businessmen remain socially conservative and prefer a structured hierarchy based on sex and age.

“There’s also an old-fashioned expectation that daughters will marry and change their name, focusing on family and child rearing rather than business.”

One well-known South Australian business bucking this trend is Angove Family Winemakers, a fifth-generation family-owned and operated winery and distillery.

Siblings Victoria and Richard Angove are joint managing directors of the company and sister Sophie also works in the historic vineyard as a viticulturist.

Victoria says her father John Angove brought a new approach to the company’s culture, leadership and recruitment strategy when he assumed the reins in 1983, hiring purely on merit.

“Growing up, the focus for Mum and Dad was on our education and we were treated equally,“ she said.

“There was never any question about gender-defined roles; it was all about a love for learning.

“Our family has always had a commitment to equality and opportunity and this underpins the company’s culture.”

Dr Blumson says female leaders generally place more weight on corporate social responsibilities – considering environmental, ethical, philanthropic and economic factors in their

decision making.

“They are also associated with reducing fraud, being more innovative, building harmony in a team and resolving internal conflicts and improving employee welfare and satisfaction.

“It’s important that we address this gender economic inequality in family businesses. Business owners should be encouraged to include ALL interested children in the family business, tapping into the individual talents of sons and daughters.

“Family businesses should also be made aware that it is unlawful under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and the Equal Opportunity Legislation to discriminate against daughters on the basis of sex when employing children in the business.”

University helps Bianca’s nursing dream to come true

By Fiona Gowers

Living on a cattle station in Cheepie, a small town eight hours from the nearest university campus, you could be forgiven for feeling isolated while studying to be a nurse.

But that was never the case for Bianca Bain thanks to a program that brings university education to the bush.

Launched in semester 1, 2022, the University of Southern Queensland-led innovation is growing the pipeline of south west Queensland talent equipped for careers in healthcare.

The program allows students to study a Bachelor of Nursing at Charleville’s SQRH Clinical Training Facility and connect with other students in their cohort.

“Having a study space here at Charleville created a more convenient way to complete my studies and was an amazing help over my two years of study,” Ms Bain said.

“Being able to learn with a small group of fellow students and not study in isolation meant we got to know each other well, formed a great bond and became comfortable working together.

“It was encouraging to see this facility reaching rural areas, making it easier for students to access equipment, tools and academic support.”

In addition to being able to stay in her hometown, Ms Bain didn’t have to worry about the cost of attending a residential school.

“Without the cohort, I would have had to travel 1400km return and take a week off work for residential schools,” she said.

Growing up, Ms Bain’s mother was a registered nurse and midwife.

“My mother had a huge range of knowledge and, after years of hearing her stories and learning more about the profession, I decided that’s what I wanted to do,” she said.

Ms Bain graduated from the University of Southern Queensland last month and is now working as a registered nurse at the Charleville Hospital.

“I have loved working in Charleville. There’s a great team at the hospital and, being a rural hospital, there’s more of a personal side to how things are done,” she said.

Ms Bain, Phillipa Wallace, Em Hall, Shauna Mckinsley, Aly Fitzsimmons and Katie Lark were the first students to complete the program and become registered nurses.

Their achievements were recognised during a recent celebration event at Charleville.

The event was attended by local health officials, community groups, school representatives and Murweh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Shaun Radnedge.

Keynote speakers were Dr Ruth Stewart, National Rural Health Commissioner and Dr Shelley Nowlan, Chief Nursing and Midwife-

ry Officer for Queensland Health and Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner.

“It was a great chance for not just the university but the entire community to celebrate these students’ hard work,” UniSQ nursing lecturer and Charleville coordinator Jessie Elliott said.

“Since their first residential school, I have watched them grow and become registered nurses in their communities. I am proud of their achievements.

“The clinical staff at South West Hospital and Health Service, clinical facilitators, educators and placement officers, many people have been part of these students’ journey.”

While healthcare workers in the cities are being offered cash incentives to move to fill

gaping holes in the regional health workforce, Ms Elliott said UniSQ was expanding and improving its learning environment and practical experiences for nursing students living in rural and remote settings.

“Charleville has seen the impact this program has made in their community and we hope it will inspire many others to study as well,” Ms Elliott said.

“The University of Southern Queensland’s vision is to provide accessible and equitable higher education opportunities that can help create a level playing field for all students, regardless of where they live or the background from which they come.

“We’re committed to providing a supportive environment where students in the bush can live, study and work locally.”

The University of Southern Queensland-led program allows students to study a Bachelor of Nursing at Charleville’s SQRH Clinical Training Facility. Pictured are: Christie-Anne Hunter, SQRH deputy director (South West), graduating student Shauna Mckinsley, Bachelor of Nursing, Charleville, graduating student Aly (Alyson) Fitzsimmons, Bachelor of Nursing, Charleville, Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart, National Rural Health Commissioner, graduating student Bianca Bain, Bachelor of Nursing, Charleville, Adjunct Professor Shelley Nowlan, Chief Nursing Officer for Queensland Health and Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner, Professor Glen Coleman, University of Southern Queensland DVC academic affairs, graduating student Em (Emily) Hall, Bachelor of Nursing, Charleville, Chris Small, executive director: Nursing and Midwifery Services South West Hospital and Health Service and Dr Anthony Brown, Health Service chief executive officer: South West Hospital and Health Service. Front row: Professor Leah East (USQ deputy head of school, School of Nursing and Midwifery) and Jessie Elliott, USQ coordinator Charleville Program and lecturer. Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

Bianca Bain graduated from the University of Southern Queensland last month and is now working as a registered nurse at the Charleville Hospital.

Siblings Sophie, Richard and Victoria Angove enjoy equal roles in their family business, Angove Family Winemakers.

Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

Dr Leonnie Blumson is a social psychologist at the University of South Australia.

Saving the last dairy

By Fiona Gowers

Dayboro’s last dairy farm will remain in the Bradley family for another generation thanks to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

The small town of Dayboro - 45 kilometres north of Brisbane - was once a thriving dairy hub but, as dry conditions and low milk prices set in, dairy farmers quit the industry.

All but one was left.

Joe Bradley grew up watching his parents on their dairy farm and has since dedicated his life’s work to the farm business.

When conditions turned in recent years, he was determined to keep four generations of his family legacy alive.

“It’s been tough to survive getting low milk prices,“ Joe said. “And we’ve also been hit by drought, floods – you name it and we’ve copped it, but we’ve managed to stay in farming.“

Joe’s unwavering resilience is paying off, with the producer - who is also the president of dairy advocacy group eastAUSmilk - enjoying increased milk prices as the dairy industry bounces back.

“I am positive about the future of the dairy industry,“ Joe said. “Prices have improved and, yes, so have input costs but, all in all I’m confident about what’s to come.“

The positive market outlook has given Joe the confidence to buy the family farm he’s managed for more than 30 years with the help of a First Start Loan from the QRIDA.

“I wanted to keep dairying and I am lucky enough that my daughter and two sons-in-law wanted to keep the business going as well,” he said.

“I just love working with animals and being able to supply quality dairy products for the consumer.”

Joe is now focused on growing the family business and ensuring his community of Dayboro has a resilient dairy operation to outlast the good and bad times.

“My goals are to pay off the debt from the First Start Loan and to own my property outright,” Joe said.

“I also want to improve the quality of cattle in our herd and continue building a positive relationship with our regional Queensland milk processor.”

Joe said QRIDA regional area manger for south east Queensland Brian Coe helped him complete his First Start Loan application.

“Brian contacted me and we went through it all together. He has visited my farm a few times and helped me work through some questions I had about the loan initially, which was very, very helpful.

“I would recommend QRIDA to other farmers. QRIDA is only a phone call away and the support they can provide producers with is invaluable.”

Brian said now was the perfect time for dairy farmers to invest in their operation to ensure they remained on top of their game.

“QRIDA’s First Start Loans of up to $2 million can help dairy farmers get started in the industry and rationalise family partnerships,” he said.

“You could also use QRIDA’s First Start Loans and Sustainability Loans to invest in new dairy equipment and machinery, property development works, improve fodder storage facilities, build your dairy cattle herd and purchase additional land.”

Australian milk production firing on all cylinders

More than halfway through the current dairy season, Australian milk production is firing on all cylinders.

Rabobank says widespread growth in milk supply across all dairying regions has been recorded due to favourable seasonal conditions and good farmgate margins.

In its recently-released Q1 Global Dairy Quarterly report, the agribusiness banking specialist said Australian milk production reached 5.35 billion litres from July 2023 to January 2024, 2.5 per cent year-on-year higher.

The bank said summer rainfall had far exceeded expectations across much of Australia’s east coast, providing a good platform for livestock producers.

Report co-author, Rabobank senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey said Australian dairy farmers were expected to enjoy a strong 2024.

“With milk prices remaining elevated, expectations are that new season pricing from July 1 will be margin-supportive,” Mr Harvey said.

“And there is plenty of homegrown feed in storage, and purchased feed is affordable.”

Rabobank forecasts the Australian milk supply to finish the 2023/24 season (ending June 30) 2.6pc higher, with growth to continue into the new season in the range of three to four per cent for 2024/25.

Domestic market

Mr Harvey said the domestic Australian dairy market performance was stuttering, but was expected to improve in 2024.

“Australian household budgets remain strained, driving discretionary spending lower, which is flowing into the food basket,” he said.

“The financial health of Australian consumers is anticipated to improve as the year progresses, wages increase, tax cuts kick in and inflation normalises. And there are also potential interest rate cuts on the horizon.

“However, it is not all smooth sailing for consumers, with domestic economic growth for 2024 revised downward and unemployment revised upwards.”

Mr Harvey said disinflation is visible across Australian dairy grocery aisles.

“Still, consumer prices are 20 per cent higher than before the inflation cycle, resulting in trading down across the main categories,” he said.

Dairy exports

Rabobank said Australian dairy exports had been under pressure in the first six months of the season.

“Volumes were 8.5pc lower than last year, with significant declines for milk, whole milk powder and butteroil,” Mr Harvey said. “As

milk supply grows into the new season, additional milk will be directed to manufacturing and potentially exports.

“Export competitiveness remains, but the gap between local and offshore farmgate milk prices has narrowed as milk prices in competitors’ regions increase on the back of improving commodity markets.”

Rabobank senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey.

Picture:

Joe Bradley of Dayboro has bought the dairy farm he managed for more than 30 years, preserving four generations of family legacy as the dairy industry bounces back. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Countdown

By Matthew Pearce

The countdown is on, with only about a month until Beef Australia 2024.

The triennial event showcasing best of the beef industry will return to Rockhampton from Sunday, 5 May to Saturday, 11 May.

Beef 2024’s parliamentary launch was held at Parliament House in Brisbane on Thursday, 7 March, hosted by Agriculture Minister Mark Furner and attended by Premier Steven Miles and MPs from both sides of the house.

CEO Simon Irwin called the launch a chance to “get together and build some excitement”, with the Premier speaking glowingly about Beef following the last event’s generation of $94 million for the Queensland economy,

“There was a really good vibe in the air - everyone’s starting to get excited about this year’s event.”

On the night, Mr Miles announced that a cabinet meeting would be held in Rockhampton as part of Beef 2024.

Entertainment at the launch event was provided by Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, Camerata, who will be the headline act for Beef Australia’s cultural entertainment program.

Mr Irwin said it was “all hands to the pump” for Beef 2024, which is expected to be bigger than the already successful 2021 event, which operated under Covid restrictions.

Every three years, Beef Australia attracts more than 100,000 people to the Rockhampton Showgrounds, with 2021’s Beef seeing more than 115 000 people in attendance.

“It’s a big big job getting everything ready but it helps to be surrounded by smart people,” he said.

“It’ll be great to get back to people being able to buy a ticket instead of a table - at the last Beef you had to book a table of 10 and know where everyone was sitting.

“Now if you want to see the boys from the

2024

Betoota Advocate, you can just buy a seat.”

Mr Irwin said the entertainment program would have something for everyone, with the line-up including a “couple of sleepers in it”.

The guest speaker at this year’s ANZ dinner will be Belinda Sharpe, the first woman to referee a first-grade match in the NRL.

“Belinda is someone who has done amaz-

ing things in a non-traditional occupation.”

On the Friday night, Beef 2024 will play host to the World Butchers Challenge Dinner.

Described as a “butchery competition of epic proportions” and the “Olympics of meat”, the World Butchers Challenge will see butchers from across the globe battling it out for the title of the world’s best.

Beef Australia guests will witness two teams go head-to-head in preview of this year’s competition in France.

“It’s amazing to see how much entertainment is on offer, with about 200 different things you can do,” Mr Irwin said.

Go to beefaustralia.com.au for a full rundown of the Beef 2024 events calendar.

At the Beef Australia parliamentary launch are, from left, Grant Cassidy OAM, Paul Walmsley, Fleur Anderson, Barry O’Rourke, Tony Williams, Brittany Lauga, Premier Steven Miles and Mark Furner.

A celebration of 20 years

Aussie Land & Livestock has serviced the Burnett region and surrounds in livestock sales, rural and residential sales and commercial sales for 20 years.

Aussie Land & Livestock firmly established itself in 2004, servicing the cattle industry and expanded into real estate incorporating sales, acquisitions and property management.

It has embraced marketing changes since its inception and continues to find the most suitable methods for its clients.

The company’s most recent expansion has been the incorporation of a branch in Mundubbera.

The Mundubbera branch runs in parallel with head office in Kingaroy, servicing livestock and real estate sales and acquisitions, as well as property management in the north and south Burnett.

Aussie Land & Livestock’s sales team has more than 50 years’ experience in the sales industry and more than double that through various sectors of the livestock supply chain.

Currently it sells cattle fortnightly at the SBLX Murgon fat and store sales, monthly at the Coolabunia fat and store sales, as well as specialty sales.

In addition to these, its agents organise direct consignments through the supply chain, as well as being accredited assessors to sell cattle on AuctionsPlus.

Annually, Aussie Land & Livestock conducts and works in conjunction with other agencies across a number of stud sales, including:

· Coolabunia Charolais Classic Bull SaleThursday 15 August

· BJF Invitational Limousin Bull Sale – Friday 16 August

· Aussie Angus Brangus Bull Sale – Saturday 17 August

· Woolooga Select Sires Sale (Brahman) – Saturday 31 August

· JAK Production Sale (South Devon and Belgian Blue) – Monday 2 September

· Bunya Bull Sale (Droughtmaster) – Saturday 7 September

Aussie Land & Livestock managing director James Bredhauer said some of his clients would attend Beef Australia with stud cattle, which presented a great opportunity for those wishing to see what those vendors were breeding.

“Stop in and have a chat with our valued vendors in their breed areas including Angus, Brangus, Brahman, Charolais, Droughtmaster and South Devon.

“We wish all the vendors the best of luck in the stud cattle championship competitions over the week of BEEF,“ Mr Bredhauer said, adding “If you are looking to buy or sell livestock or property - or need some property

“We would like to thank all our clients and

Growing next generation of healthcare professionals

High school students from across the region are being offered a unique insight into a day in the life of a healthcare worker, thanks to the Aspire2Health program.

The program, now in its sixth year, takes rural and regional students out of the classroom and allows them to experience simulated scenarios, participate in hands-on skills stations and meet health professionals.

It provides an invaluable opportunity for aspiring healthcare students to gain a real-world understanding of the profession, helping them make informed career choices.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) Health and Education manager Josh Edwards said it was an exciting opportunity for students interested in entering the health industry.

“The health sector is our region’s largest employer, so the Aspire2Health program is an excellent way to ensure we practically link students to health opportunities,” Mr Edwards said.

The series of workshops will be held in Kingaroy, Chinchilla, Dalby, Goondiwindi, St George, Charleville, Roma, Stanthorpe, and Warwick.

They are designed to take students beyond the classroom, allowing them to engage in simulated scenarios, practise clinical skills

and interact with experienced health professionals.

The Aspire2Health program is a strategic effort to bolster the rural workforce by inspiring today’s youth to consider careers in the health industry, thereby addressing future workforce challenges.

Through hands-on experience and direct exposure to the daily operations of healthcare workers, the program aims to spark interest and passion for healthcare professions among students.

Associate Professor Geoff Argus of Southern Queensland Rural Health said:

“We know that when students from a rural background pursue a career in health, they are more likely to return to a rural area to work.

“The Aspire2Health program is about exposing regional, rural and remote school students to the variety of possible health career pathways to contribute to a homegrown rural health workforce.”

Adjunct Associate Professor Megan

O’Shannessy of Griffith University highlighted the unique benefits of the Aspire2Health program, noting that it offered students a glimpse into the life of a health student at a rural hospital.

“This program gives students encouragement and self-belief to pursue a health career,” said Associate Professor O’Shannessy.

She further emphasised the program’s role in informing students about the various entrance pathways to health studies, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence needed to embark on their healthcare journey.

The Aspire2Health workshops are the result of a collaborative effort among key stakeholders including TSBE, Check-Up, Griffith University, University of Southern Queensland, Darling Downs West Moreton PHN, Rural Medical Education Australia, Southern Queensland Rural Health, Queensland Ambulance Service and the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

This partnership underscores the community’s commitment to nurturing the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.

*For more information about the Aspire2Health program, workshop dates and enrolment details please visit ruralmeded.org.au/ courses/aspire2health/

The Aspire2Health program gives high school students from across the region a unique insight into a day in the life of a healthcare worker.

Picture: CONTRiBUTED

management advice - please give our team a call.

supporters for supporting us over the past 20 years and hope to continue doing business for many years to come.“

Mr Bredhauer said he looked forward to embracing changes in the industry over the next 20 years.

Aussie Land & Livestock agents selling at the monthly Coolabunia fat and store sale.

Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

Top-priced Angus bull at the Aussie Angus Brangus bull sale. From left: Gorgie, Karen and Chloe Plowman, Midge Thompson and James Bredhauer.

The imposing Aussie Land & Livestock office in Kingaroy.

A chance to

Farmers and agriculture industry professionals are invited to grasp a unique opportunity, as Nuffield Australia opens applications for 2025 scholarships.

Successful applicants receive $40,000 to fund 15 weeks of study overseas, across 18 months.

“The scholarships offer a unique opportunity to visit, learn from and collaborate with some of the world’s leading agricultural businesses,” Nuffield Australia CEO and 2013 Nuffield Scholar Jodie Redcliffe said.

“In opening these scholarships, we’re encouraging farmers and other industry participants to think big and see what’s possible for their business and industry in 2025 and beyond.”

Nuffield Australia awards about 20 scholarships annually, with a focus on advancing sustainable and profitable primary production.

The scholarships provide a unique global learning experience, allowing scholars to re-

main competitive and grow their skill sets. Scholarships build capacity for individuals, their businesses and the broader industry.

Ms Redcliffe said Nuffield Australia would again offer up to five drought resilience-specific scholarships this year, supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

“As farmers we know that Australia is prone to drought,“ Ms Redcliffe said. “Of all the climate challenges to affect Australia, drought is one of the most feared and costly in terms of production losses.

“Droughts also bring other emergencies like bushfires and take a toll on the mental health of farmers and their communities.

“Nuffield is proud to partner with the Future Drought Fund to deliver specific drought resilience scholarships and also to weave the topic through our scholarship programs and training.

“This will give all our scholars the knowledge and experiences to understand the topic and

world

make a difference in their communities.”

Claudia Benn of Arcadia Valley, Queensland received a Nuffield scholarship for 2024 to help Australian farmers improve diversity and restore biological relationships in grazing systems.

She said she almost didn’t apply, but is glad she did because her “life has already changed considerably and my Nuffield journey has barely even started”.

“The application process alone is a great learning and growth experience so, really, you’ve got nothing to lose by having a go,” Ms Benn said.

“Once you’ve decided to apply, my advice is to pick a topic you’re passionate about and one that will make a positive contribution to your industry and then stay true to that.

“I am at the very beginning of my Nuffield journey and I can already feel it is shaping me personally and professionally.”

Fellow 2024 scholar Ashley Wiese of Highbury, WA said he now regretted waiting so long to apply for a scholarship.

“I think it is hard to ignore the impact of widening your networks globally,” he said.

“I went into the scholarship thinking it was all about my project but I have realised that Nuffield is focused on supporting my personal growth.

“I have found the whole experience to be really genuine and supportive.”

Nuffield Australia encourages applications for research topics relevant to any or all industries in the Australian agricultural sector. Applications close on Friday, 31 May.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed during June, with a final round of interviews in August.

Successful recipients will be announced at the Nuffield Australia National Conference in Launceston from 2 to 6 September.

Nuffield Australia CEO and 2013 Nuffield Scholar Jodie Redcliffe.

Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

Claudia Benn is pictured on her study travels in northern Tasmania with Mark Lambert, an organic dairy farmer. They’re standing in Mark’s multispecies forage crop with dairy herd in the background.

Impact of climate change

By Warwick Lorenz, Director Of Aussie Pumps

In Australia we see the effects of climate change everyday on the news and at home. We know we should be preparing for future chaos with flood mitigation programs and beefing up our bushfire fighting education and capability levels.

However, there is an even more dire crisis coming that was aired at COP23. This extremely important meeting in Dubai in January showed clearly that the world is in real trouble.

Extreme heat waves, lack of rain and unprecedented wildfires devastated up to a third of cultivable land in Russia, the world’s fourth largest grain exporter.

At the same time, severe droughts in China and Ukraine contributed to a global wheat shortage having a dramatic effect on countries dependent on wheat imports such as the Middle East and North Africa.

Going back a little further, 2022 saw an extended 50-degree heatwave in South Asia that jeopardised India’s wheat supply as crops died in the dry heat. As a result, India banned wheat exports.

To summarise, projections by Chatham House 2021, Climate Risk Assessment found that by 2040, just 16 years from now, the average proportion of global cropland affected by severe drought (less than 50pc normal yield) will rise to 32pc a year, more than three times the historic average.

By 2050 this is projected to rise to almost 40pc. World population growth ... The challenge

At the end of the Second World War the population was three billion. Not only is it rising but the rate of increase is accelerating.

In first world, western countries it is largely dropping however third world countries are seeing major population growth.

By coincidence, those same countries are the chief victims of climate change!

In all, 62pc of employment in Africa is based on food production, either cropping or livestock.

Climate change will drive down food production in these countries, further decreasing their ability to feed people.

The population is projected to reach almost 10 billion within the next 25 years.

How to feed the masses in the face of climate change? That’s the challenge. With millions of people already suffering from food deprivation, in one form or another, you can see that Australia has a part to play.

Food systems … Their vulnerability

A third of the world’s food production is at risk from the climate crisis. At the same time, our food systems are one of the key contributors to climate breakdown.

Greenhouse gas emissions from farm and ‘land use change’ often contribute to that breakdown.

Clearing forest and drying wetlands to make room for crops and livestock, make up more than a fifth of the global carbon output (source Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).

In others words, the world’s food systems are exceptionally vulnerable and, yet, they need to grow more to feed the inevitable world population explosion.

To quote an old saying “something’s got to give!”

Demand for food and climate change

Global food demand is tipped to be up 50pc by the year 2050. Over that time the impacts of climate change on the capacity to feed the global population are projected to increase 20pc over three decades.

This will have a profoundly negative impact on food, human and global security.

Here’s what the COP found:

1. Impacts are likely to be locked in for the period 2040-50 unless something is done about reducing the climate change that is driving the extreme weather events.

2. The average global cropland affected by severe drought will likely rise by 32pc per year (where severe drought is defined as a greater than 50pc yield reduction).

3. By 2040 almost 700 million people a year will likely be exposed to drought of at least six months duration, nearly doubling global historic annual averages.

So we will see the cascading global impact drive political instability and greater national insecurity. This will fuel regional and international conflict.

Australia, what can we do?

The problems outlined above must be faced and dealt with.

Governments that are in power for three

years at a time, will ignore them and we are seeing that every day.

It’ll take education and some real passion to make Australian’s face the fact that we are sitting on a huge island continent that could produce three times more food than it does, if only we had water security inland.

The majority of us live in four cities and we know the inland, by world standards, is empty.

There are some lessons to learn in developing land by providing water security.

One is the way innovative foreign companies are building irrigation channels to move the surplus water from the Ord Dam.

Previously low-grade beef cattle grazing country is now good cropping land, with huge potential for food production for the starving nations of the world.

The Ord Dam is a classic example of an underused and underdeveloped resource.

We could divert the millions of litres of surplus water that currently flow into the sea every day, just like Hammurabi, the King of Babylon, did 3750 years ago.

“We dug channels in the desert and brought water to the land and it flourished. The people were happy,” he tells us. Solutions

1. Governments should win our votes based on their actions rather than procrastination.

2. An education program needs to be rolled out that tells the people, of this wonderful country, what is actually going on with climate change.

Every home needs to understand that ulti-

mately, due to population growth and dropping food production, the looming food shortage will get worse. The instability caused could change everything that we hold dear.

Here at Aussie Pumps we do the best we can by building big flood lifters. You’ve seen the story about how we saved the town of Juba from flooding, in South Sudan, by redirecting the Nile River.

It sounds incredible but the United Nations did it with 23 of these MQ600TDs.

So far as controlling fires is concerned there are bright spots.

We are seeing people like Centric developing sophisticated gear for fast filling aircraft with fire retardant. Remote, hard to reach fires can be put out faster without endangering our brave firefighters.

That’s a very positive thing. Is there more we can do? Hell yes!

You can’t fight fire without water. Having more water resources is essential. We have the capability and yet we are still waiting for somebody to have the guts to put an extra 15 metres on the Warragamba Dam.

Sydney is heading for a population of seven million people and they all consume water.

We hope you get just as mad as we are.

We’d love to hear your ideas, regardless of how preposterous, on how to drought proof Australia, grow more food and fight bushfires, even if it means changing the direction of the Darling River.

We are looking for fellow believers!

Responding to water pressures by tapping technology

Farmers tapping into technology is the key to addressing the critical issue of reducing water usage in agriculture, which accounts for nearly three quarters of Australia’s consumption.

About 20,000 farms across the country use water to grow fresh produce and sustain livestock.

A recent government snapshot of agriculture showed the industry used 9981 gigalitres of water in the 2021-22 financial year, a time when positive weather outlooks encouraged farmers to increase production of water intensive crops, namely cotton and rice production.

But increasingly, as our climate changes and we need to grow more food for our increasing population, the sector will need to become more water efficient.

The good news is that growing investment in agtech, now and in the pipeline, will help farmers get the most out of every drop.

BREAKING GROUND

WITH THOMAS HALL

This includes precision irrigation systems that use sensors, drones and data analytics to monitor weather patterns, soil moisture and crop requirements.

This real-time monitoring lets farmers adjust their irrigation schedules to reduce water wastage.

Farmers are also beginning to use robots and automation for watering to minimise usage, and are looking to AI and machine learning to analyse data and optimise irrigation schedules.

We are also seeing smart water manage-

ment platforms that equip farmers with insights to help make important decisions about how to best use their water resources.

Meanwhile, biotechnology is being used to develop drought-resistant crops, while nanotechnology is improving water retention in soil.

Statistics show within the agricultural sector, most water – 92 per cent – is consumed through irrigation, which is hardly surprising given we live on a dry continent.

N-Drip, our first resident at the Agtech and Logistics Hub, has developed an innovative micro-irrigation system that optimises water usage and enhances productivity.

Their system offers an affordable and much more precise alternative to flood irrigation, a traditional method where water is pumped or drained onto a paddock.

We’ve also had many other innovators through the Hub who have developed watersaving solutions, from water-flow prediction

models to dam surveying platforms.

It’s great to see the development of technology to benefit a sector that is highly dependent on water.

We hope to continue to see heavy investment in water-saving technology, given the great financial and environmental outcomes that flow from it.

Saving water reduces irrigation costs, improving profitability. And conserving water not only preserves natural resources, it also helps farmers mitigate the impacts of our variable climate while further helping them demonstrate their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials.

The bottom line is enhanced water management allows farmers to grow crops and sustain livestock by using the smallest amount of water possible.

I’m sure, as a sector, we can raise our glasses to that.

Ord Dam.

Pictures: CONTRIBUTED Aussie Pumps director Warwick Lorenz.

Wattle Grove Speckle Park is gearing up for their Rockin’ at Rocky Sale at Beef Australia in May.

The Humphries family have a long-held relationship with Beef Australia. They were the first to exhibit and sell Speckle Park cattle in 2012 and have been instrumental in the growth and success of the Speckle Park breed globally.

“It is this consistency and longevity that will be showcased in the sale draft,” Dale Humphries said.

“Structure, consistency, growth, longevity and temperament are all key attributes we look at when assessing cattle for the sale. They have to walk and they have to work.

“The sale draft has been selected to suit central and northern Queensland conditions, focusing on a slicker coat and a touch more frame and bone.

“We know they’ll do the job.”

The sale to be held at 6pm, 8 May at the Wattle Grove Speckle Park site is the fifth sale at Rockhampton for the renowned Speckle Park stud and will include 16 purebred Speckle Park bulls and 12 foundation style females.

The cattle are grown and prepared at Allora, Queensland. All sale animals are blooded, performance-recorded, vet checked and have completed Wattle Grove accreditation to ensure they are ready to work.

“We have a lot of clients in the north and Beef Australia provides a fantastic opportunity for us to bring the cattle to them, get their feedback on previous purchases and learn more about their programs,“ Mr Humphries said.

“They can look through the cattle at their leisure from Monday and then join us for the sale 6pm on Wednesday 8th.”

The sale catalogue will be online from Tuesday, 23 April via www.wattlegrovespecklepark.com.au, while hard copies are available from the Wattle Grove site.

Online bidding is offered through Stocklive Elite for those unable to attend. Transport options are also available for remote buyers.

· For enquiries please contact sales agent

Cyril Close, Top X Roma on 0428 222 308, Dale Humphries on 0429 360 419 or Bin Humphries on 0421 524 856.

· Visit the Wattle Grove team at Beef Australia at sites O92 to O95.

Spectators at the Wattle Grove display at Beef Week 2021.

Speckle Park-cross Droughtmaster females at Middlemount, Queensland. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Farm clean-up made easy

Australia’s leading high pressure water blaster manufacturer, Australian Pump Industries, has increased production of its range of cold and hot water pressure cleaners, ideal for keeping farm equipment clean.

Conceived, designed and built in Australia, the machines offer features that are significantly upgraded from imports from Europe or third world countries.

The range, starting with the 3000 psi Aussie AB30 “Pocket Rocket” offer models that go all the way to 7,000psi (500 bar). Available in both Honda petrol or Yanmar diesel drive engine options, the machines are robust, mobile, and easy to use.

The Heavy Duty range of gearbox drive pressure cleaners are designed for continuous use. Called the Aussie Scud, the machines are a breakthrough in design. Testimonials from our current users say, “works well and is used every day for weeks at a time!”

They offer a unique ergonomic, stainless steel frame with four 13” steel wheel and big flat free tyres. This means the machines are easy to move around and, with a performance range between 3,000 psi and 5,000 psi, there are models available to virtually suit every application. The heart of the system is a “Big Berty” Bertolini pump, gearbox drive running at slow speed (1450 rpm). They are designed for a long and trouble-free life.

A wide range of attachments make clean up faster and more efficient. Extension wands for hard to reach areas and even turbo lances all help to cut cleaning times.

The latest introduction of the Scud is a high flow version suitable for machinery washdown or even moving livestock effluent from dairies, piggeries, or similar applications.

The best news is that Aussie Pumps have increased production volume and moved into a larger facility. But this has not deterred the fact the Aussie Pumps have always been able to keep prices at highly competitive levels.

HOT WATER & STEAM

Cleaning with hot water and steam has several advantages. It’s more efficient, cutting cleaning times by up to 75 per cent using less water and less chemicals. It’s also more hygienic, reducing bacteria.

Aussie’s Sizzler hot wash delivers 1800 psi pressure with a flow of 10 lpm. With a maximum temperature of 80 degrees C, the machine has proven popular for cleaning farm equipment and dairy washdown.

Using hot water to clean away oil and

grease from machinery is not only faster, but it also helps to identify hydraulic leaks prior to service, facilitating less equipment down time.

The Sizzler comes in a stainless steel cover over a four wheel trolley.

The secret of the machine’s success is what is under that cover. It comes with a top quality slow speed First World heavy duty Triplex pump with solid ceramic pistons. It’s driven by a four pole 1450 rpm electric motor and equipped with loads of safety protection gadgets.

Bigger steam cleaners with temperatures up to 130 degrees C capability are also available.

GETTING VALUE FOR MONEY

Because Aussie Pumps is a small Australian company with only 50 employees, they don’t

carry the huge overheads of the big corporations. That independence means that they can pour more money into product development. Their inspiration is feedback from a wide range of customers who use the products that they make.

Their preoccupation is self-priming centrifugal pumps and high pressure water blasters. That may sound simple but the range they have developed over the last 30 years is the most complete and versatile in the industry!

“When doing our design work, we always talk to users to get feedback for what they think the product should be like” said Aussie Pump’s chief engineer, John Hales. “The engineering and design team always want to know what the user thinks because after all, they have more experience on the job than we ever will.”

The result is products that represent real advantages over both local and imported competitors, that are safer and more economical to use and, represent significantly better value for money.

LOCAL SUPPORT

Aussie Pumps realised that having a great product line means having Distributors who carry the stock, know the product and understand how to apply it.

“Queensland is blessed with several professional Aussie “Gold Distributors” throughout the region. Our dealers have confidence in our product line because they know our priority is to deliver top outcomes to the people who use the equipment”.

Production of Aussie’s AB30 3,000 psi Pocket Rocket now at record numbers.Aussie’s Sizzler Hot wash, cuts cleaning times by up to 75 per cent.

Aussie’s unique Scud pressure cleaner now available with stainless steel hose reel and 30 metres of hose. Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

A viable ag

“Timber Creek“ is 320 acres comprising of Yarraman Creek flats rising to undulating Hoop and Bunya Pine slopes and valleys, this property was originally a dairy farm.

It has been divided into 10 paddocks with central laneway system connecting each paddock to the yards facilitating ease of movement for livestock. The fencing is predominantly steel gates with good to very good fencing with some new fencing.

Water is a cornerstone of any successful farming venture and “Timber Creek” is abundantly blessed. The property features a full eastern boundary of the Yarraman Creek, a spring fed water source with large permanent holes.

In addition to this a bore with a capacity of 960 gallons at 96 feet equipped with a solar pump and float system and six dams ensures every paddock is accommodated with water including the yards. The property also has

15,000 gallons of rainwater storage.

“Timber Creek” has a variety of lush pastures including Creeping Blue Grass, Rhodes Grass, Kikuyu, Paspalum, and soft natural grasses.

The property has a solid three-bedroom cottage with tiled floors throughout, three sheds including a large 25mx9m workshop, storage and parking which is all fully powered with a 32-panel solar system (new). The dairy shed has recently been reroofed, stables and a 3-bay shed (12m x 6m). A large set of solid timber yards is a true asset to the property with a five-way draft and vet crush.

With a carrying capacity of 70-80 breeders with progeny, “Timber Creek” presents itself as a viable and sustainable agricultural investment.

This property is situated 4km from a prosperous country town with schools, ambulance, cafes, hotels and all conveniences.

Flavour-filled farm trails

from.

From cuddles with lambs at Towri Sheep Cheeses to fresh produce straight from the paddocks of local farms, picnic selfies with alpacas, incredible Christmas Creek garlic and stocking up on artisan dairy products.

These are just some of the highlights of the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trails and, this year, there are two - one in Autumn on Sunday 28 April and another on 28 July 9am to 3pm.

They are the much-loved and highly-anticipated days when the farmers, growers, producers, winemakers, brewers, distillers and flavour-makers across the famous region open their gates to celebrate where food comes

To beer and ice cream tasting at Scenic Rim Brewery, flower walks at Elderflower Farm, wandering the vines at the region’s vineyards, visitors leave with full stomachs and a love for the Scenic Rim region, its produce and its people.

* Both Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trails will run from 9am to 3pm - follow @destinationscenicrim and on Facebook for more. Barney Creek Cottages and Vineyards.

Overflowing larders on the farm, freshlypicked produce from a paddock, jams and chutneys made with love, olives and cheese, honey and garlic, carrots for days, farm walks, wine tastings, lamb pats, alpaca cuddles and goat giggles.

Mike Tyler, Shelby Ackerman and Miss Tommy at The Overflow Estate.

Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

Towri Sheep Cheeses.

Elise Flipo from the Gold Coast at Tamborine Mountain Distillery for Martinis on the Mountain.

KERRI-LYNN

PEACHEY

is the Farm Safety Research Manager at AgHealth Australia, part of The University of Sydney’s School of Rural Health and, while she’s happy to see the number of on-farm deaths trending in the right direction, she knows there is still much work to be done to protect those working in Australian agriculture. She delves into the issue...

Since 2001, 1742 individuals have tragically lost their lives due to non-intentional incidents on farms in Australia, with 32 deaths reported in 2023 alone.

This figure, though declining, serves as a stern reminder of the inherent risks faced by agricultural workers on a daily basis.

AgHealth Australia’s 2023 Non-intentional farm-related incidents in Australia report plays a pivotal role in understanding and presenting farm-related injuries and fatalities. By leveraging this data, we can work together to create safer and healthier work environments for farmers, workers and visitors.

Although the 2023 results are somewhat positive, with farm-related fatalities having halved since 2018, we still need to be cautious, as we are missing clear evidence to support the decrease. But while there is no definitive factor for the reduction, research and development efforts focusing on safety concerns, regulations and enforcement, economic incentives, awareness campaigns, training, education and a cultural shift have all played an important role. Quad-bikes and tractors leading causes of farm-related deaths

Quad-bikes and tractors continue to be the leading causes of farm-related deaths in Australia. With regard to injuries alone, quad bikes are the leading cause by a significant margin, followed by horses, cattle, motorbikes and tractors. These five agents alone accounted for 72 per cent of all incidents reported in 2023.

To address the dangers or risks posed by quad-bikes and tractors, targeted safety pro-

grams and evidence-based solutions are necessary. These include fitting older quad-bikes with operator protection devices (OPDs), promoting helmet use and implementing rollover protection structures (ROPS) on tractors.

Seatbelt use is also crucial in preventing injuries on farms, serving as a vital safety measure against potential consequences.

In addition to physical safety measures, education and training are also essential components of any farm safety strategy. By providing workers with the knowledge and skills they need to identify and mitigate risks, we can empower them to protect themselves and their colleagues from harm.

While progress has been made, continued investment in research, education and advocacy is essential to identify and address emerging risks in the agriculture sector.

Farm safety is not just a matter of statistics

Farm safety is about protecting the lives and livelihoods of those who work tirelessly to put food on our tables. Despite the progress made in recent years, there is still work to be done to ensure that every farmer returns home safely at the end of the day.

Of course, safety is not just the responsibility of individual workers; it requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders in the agriculture industry, including farmers, industry organisations, government agencies and the wider community.

By working together, we can create a culture of safety that prioritises the wellbeing of agricultural workers and reduces the risk of accidents on farms.

Whether through research, education or advocacy, there is a role for everyone to play to ensure farming remains a safe and sustainable profession for generations to come.

AgHealth Australia Farm Safety research manager Kerri-Lynn Peachey.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

An investment in success

Collecting and recording data for compliance purposes has long been a tedious task for many graziers.

The Stanes family of Lyndavale Cattle Co in the Northern Territory however, has found the secret to fast-tracking the process.

Gone are the days of countless spreadsheets and diary records, with the organic beef producers now using the Black Box Co system to collate individual animal data and provide key insights for use in decision making.

A fourth-generation family-owned and -operated business, Lyndavale Cattle Co produces grass-fed, certified organic and EU-accredited beef spanning three stations and 7250km2 in Central Australia.

They also own and operate several farms in South Australia.

With a strong ethical approach to managing both the land and livestock, the Stanes family focuses on sustainable stocking rates across the three properties - Lyndavale Station, Mount Ebenezer Station and De Rose Hill Station – in such a way that allows their Angus/ Charolais-cross herd to be fattened in an environment with low rainfall.

Maintaining organic certification requires keeping records and data to meet audit requirements, which Lyndavale Cattle Co manager - South Australia Operations, Lily Stanes said was historically tedious.

“In the past we relied mostly on spreadsheets and diary records to satisfy traceability requirements, which was time-consuming to keep updated,” Ms Stanes said.

“We have always been good at collecting livestock data, however, the move to Black Box has certainly saved a lot of time when it comes to preparing for organic audits for each property.”

Gaining insights into productivity and profitability

The benefits of using Black Box is not limited to data inside the farm gate. Producers can access information about their stock through the supply chain, allowing them to gain insights into the production system and make better and more informed decisions.

This means producers can access carcase data on individual animals from processors –data that had not previously been used by the Stanes family.

“For 2.5 years, we have been inducting all our weaner stock into Black Box and are now starting to see carcase results, which is very exciting,” Ms Stanes said.

“While we are a few years away yet, I’m looking forward to the time when our entire herd has been inducted and is active

on Black Box.

“This will allow us to easily track cattle numbers across properties and provides a tool to assist with forecasting income for budgeting purposes.”

The future looks bright with Black Box

Having the records and data readily available for organic certification remains a key motivator for Lyndavale.

Ms Stanes said Black Box was now used to

assist with compliance for all organic certifications and some of its European Union Cattle Accreditation Scheme (EUCAS) certifications, particularly relating to animal traceability requirements.

“I now only need to log into Black Box during an audit and all the records are there, readily available for the auditor to view,” she said.

“The ability to search for individual animals and view their lifetime data has made compliance with traceability requirements very easy and I’m able to demonstrate an animal’s history, from weaning induction data, treatment records and movement and transfers all the way through to carcase results.”

Alleviating decision paralysis

Black Box co-founder and CEO Shannon Speight said Lyndavale Cattle Co was one of many clients who had been able to streamline data utilisation, supercharge their livestock insights and improve decision-making via the cloudbased system.

“Whether you’re a seasoned grazier or just starting in the cattle data game, we believe Black Box can be utilised by every farmer, for every herd,” Mrs Speight said.

“Often, taking that first step into data - or finding a way to elevate your current livestock insights and analysis process - can be stymied by decision paralysis.”

Mrs Speight said investing in the Black Box Co system through their latest innovation, the Data Starter Bundle, would be an investment in your operation’s success.

“The Data Starter Bundle has a number of key inclusions, such as two dashboards, unlimited users, templates and a data consultation,” she said.

“We know increased efficiency, optimised workflows and data-driven decisions lead to healthier herds and a more profitable bottom line.

“The Black Box team is committed to helping Australian beef producers succeed in business and believe optimising raw production data from across the beef supply chain to inform prediction, forecasting and key production insights is a game-changer.”

Lyndavale steers grazing on certified organic pastures.Lyndavale steers in the yards.

Lyndavale Cattle Co manager - South Australia Operations, Lily Stanes collecting data crush-side, which is then uploaded to Black Box.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Regional market round-up

Report Date: 13/03/2024

Saleyard: Dalby

The number of stock penned at Dalby remained virtually unchanged on the previous weeks level at 5,291 head. All the regular buyers were in attendance and operating. The reduction in prices experienced nationwide continued.

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock averaged 50c/kg less. Yearling steers to feed sold to a market 30c to 40c/kg cheaper. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock averaged 22c/kg less. A large lift in the quality of the medium and heavy weight yearling heifers to feed allowed average prices to stabilise however without the better-quality losses would be similar to the steers. Cows sold to a cheaper market with reductions of 15c to 20c/kg fairly common. The occasional light weight yearling steers with show ring potential made to 733.2c/kg. The remainder of the lightweight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to a top of 440c to average 385c and poor-quality lines 280c/kg. Yearling steers under 330kg to restockers made to 408c to average 376c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market averaged from 330c to 351c the occasional sale to 390c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed averaged 310c and made to 345c/ kg. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock made to 278c to average 250c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed averaged from 265c to 294c with sales to 322c/kg. A good quality lineup of heavy weight yearling heifers to feed made to 328c to average 313c/kg.

A good supply of bullocks made to 291c to average 280c/kg with the best returning $2,050/ head. Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 202c and made to 218c/kg. Heavy weight 3 scores averaged 226c and made to 234c/kg. The best of the heavy weight cows averaged 237c and made to 245c/kg some returning $1,629/ head. Heavy weight bulls made to 279c/kg.

Report Date: 14/03/2024

Saleyard: Emerald

Emerald cattle vendors penned 2596 head- an increase of 749 head. Cattle came from local areas along with cattle from the north. Quality was good through most of the yard with condition forward on most cattle. One processor did not operate and prices were back in most sections

Lightweight yearling steers sold to 381c/ kg to average 320c to 341c/kg. Medium weight pens averaged from 292c/kg to 321c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers sold to 291c/kg, averaging 219c/kg to 241c/kg with medium weights selling to 250c//kg to average 217c to 247c/kg. Grown steers sold to feeders at averages from 264c to 295c/kg. Processors averaged 252c to 267c/kg for a few finished bullocks. Local trade heifers averaged 215c to 248c/kg. Grown heifers to feed sold to average 235c to 250c/kg.

Good numbers of heavy, four score cows sold to lack lustre competition with a top of 233c/kg to average 220c/kg. Heavy bulls averaged 248c/ kg to livex and 218c/kg to processors.

Richard Thomson, Reporter

Report Date: 19/03/2024

Saleyard: Roma

Roma Agents yarded reduced numbers penning 6,070 head. Cattle were drawn from N.S.W and the large normal supply districts. Apart from a few pens quality was not up to last week’s standard. All the regular processors feedlotters and backgrounders present however not all operating. Prices eased for all descriptions by as much as 20c to 40c/kg. Light weight yearling steers under 200kg topped at 418c/kg. A large number of yearling steers 200 to 280kg made to 432c and averaged 385c/kg. Yearling steers 330 to 400kg topped at 348c/kg. Yearling steers over 400kg sold to 318c to restockers with a large sample to feed selling to 346c to average 320c/kg. Light weight heifers under 200kg held their value selling to 312c/kg. Yearling heifers 200 to 280kg selling from 206c to 284c/kg. Yearling heifers 280 to 330kg sold to 294c to average 262c/kg. Large numbers in the 330 to 400kg range to feed made to 284c/kg. Yearling heifers 400 to 480kg also to feed topped 270c/kg.

Grown steers 500 to 600kg to processors topped 182c and 220c/kg to feed. Grown steers 600kg plus to processors made to 276c and averaged 263c/kg. Grown heifers over 540kg made to 222c/kg. Large consignments of 2 score cows 400 to 520kg sold to 178c/kg. The 3 score cows sold to 210c to average 192c/kg. There were also large numbers of bulls penned with the 600kg plus selling to 246c/kg.

David Friend, Market Reporter

Report Date: 18/03/2024

Saleyard: Toowoomba

There was a large reduction in supply down to 117 head at the Toowoomba cattle sale. A mixed quality yarding sold to the regular panel of buyers along with a large number of onlookers. Prices for young cattle continued to ease by 4c to 5c/kg. However, in line with the nationwide trend prices for grown cattle lost a further 15c to 20c/kg.

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to 396c to average 345c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to background made to 358c while a handful to feed averaged 324c and made to 330c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers to restockers made to 280c to average 233c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed averaged from 259c to 272c with sales to 290c/kg.

Medium weight plain condition cows made to144c to average 138c and the best of the heavy weight cows made to 208c/kg. The occasional light weight steer sold open auction made to $490/head, and the heifer portion $340/head. Cows and calves made to $1,520/unit.

Trevor Hess, Market Reporter

Report Date: 19/03/2024

Saleyard: Warwick

There was a slight increase in supply to 1,254 cattle at Warwick. All the usual buyers attended and following the trends of other selling centres operated with reduced rates for export classes from 12c to 31c/kg. Yearling cattle to feeder and

restocker buyers also sold to cheaper prices with quality a major factor and the heifers receiving the biggest losses.

Yearling steers 200-280kg to restockers made 398c to average 358c/kg with those over 280kg again to restockers at 346c to average 321c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market made 338c to average 326c back by 3c/kg. Heavy yearling steers to feed lost 7c to average 312c selling to 315c with those to the wholesale meat trade at 376c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers to restockers made 232c to average 228c with the lesser quality lines at 190c/kg. Yearling heifers over 280kg to feed made 296c to average 220c back 12c/kg. Medium weight heifers to feed lost 18c and sold to 270c and averaged 243c/kg. Well, finished medium weight heifers to the wholesale trade made 340c to average 312c/kg.

Bullocks eased by 21c and sold to 278c and averaged 270c/kg. Grown heifers to processors averaged 256c and sold to 270c/kg. Light weight plain cows to processors sold from 161c to 191c with restockers paying to 207c/kg. Plain conditioned heavy cows to processors sold from 170c to 198c with the score 3 cows averaging 213c and selling to 228c down by 27c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors made 240c to average 229c/kg.

Errol Luck, Market Reporter

INCREASE WEIGHT

Gourd Almighty! Giant win

In a battle of super-sized proportions, Toowoomba’s Downlands College smashed the long-standing Ekka record by more than 100kg to clinch top honours at the Royal Queensland Show’s Giant Pumpkin Competition at Brisbane Showgrounds.

The secondary school students also set a Queensland record with its ginormous 368.5kg entry, which beat the Ekka record for heaviest pumpkin of 261.5kg set back in 2015.

More than 10 mega pumpkins were placed on super-sized scales today with Downlands College blitzing the competition by 109.5kg.

The College’s other entry was also enormous, weighing in at 337.5kg – the second heaviest in the competition’s history.

Downlands College collects $2850 in prize money, which includes this year’s new bonus prize of $1000 for the heaviest pumpkin more thaan 350kg.

It’s the second time in the competition’s history that a school has managed to edge out veteran growers in the Open Class category, after Downlands College won the title of Champion Heaviest Pumpkin of Show last year for the first time.

Downlands College Agricultural Science teacher Jeff Buchanan said he felt their competition entry this year was the best they had produced.

“There is so much excitement among the students, as well as a real sense of achievement when they see what they have produced stacking up against other growers and school entries,” Dr Buchanan said.

“The students are excited they have done better than before and they have been putting in the work with 30 barrel-loads of compost and a fertigation program for the pumpkins.

“This comes as part of the process to get the kids interested in plant science.’’

Ekka’s most famous giant pumpkin growing family, the Frohloff’s from Minden took top

honours in the open class.

Geoff’s Frohloff’s 259kg entry won first place, while his son Tony took third place with a 155kg entry.

Judging was held outside of Ekka dates in August again this year to exploit the premium pumpkin growing season.

School students joined `the veteran growers, with the competition curriculum-aligned for Foundation to year 8, planting the seed of knowledge about the importance of agriculture.

Those keen to enter the competition next year, can sign up for their free Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds at the show or visit www.ekka. com.au to secure their seeds.

The crowning of the Ekka’s first Grand Champion for 2024 signals the official countdown to Queensland’s largest and most loved annual event, which is now just ??? days away.

2024 EKKA Giant Pumpkin Competition

Results:

· Champion Heaviest Pumpkin of Show –Downlands College – 368.5kg – NEW EKKA

RECORD!

Heaviest Pumpkin – Open Class:

1. Geoff Frohloff – 259kg

2. Jim Baxter – 164.5kg

3. Tony Frohloff 155kg

Heaviest Pumpkin – Youth Class:

1. Downlands College – 368.5kg

2. Downlands College – 337.5kg

3. Wilsonton Agricultural Field Study Centre –48kg

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Next edition out on the 25th April 2024

Students from Downlands College, Toowoomba and their teacher Dr Jeff Buchanan. The team smashed the long-standing Ekka record by more than 100kg.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Camels shine at show

By Fiona Gowers

Queensland’s Summer Land Camels has won gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2024 Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Show.

It was awarded gold for its Camel Milk, silver for its Camel Milk Persian Feta and bronze for its Camel Milk Powder.

This clean sweep takes the tally for the famous camel dairy based in the Scenic Rim to an incredible 85 since 2018.

Paul Martin, founder and director of Summer Land Camels - Australia’s largest camel dairy and the world’s largest wild camel training centre - was thrilled to be in the leaders’ circle for the seventh year running.

“We take great pride in demonstrating how our regenerative agriculture practices result in superior-quality products,” he said.

“Summer Land Camels has been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to developing new products, with an emphasis on preserving the health benefits of the milk.“

Camel milk is globally-renowned for its health benefits and as a nutritional ’dairy alternative’.

“In Australia, we boast the healthiest camels with superior genetics,“ Mr Martin said. “Rather than culling these incredible creatures, establishing a sustainable industry makes much more sense and we’re actively contributing to that initiative.

“One frequently asked question we field is about the taste of camel milk. While describing it as delicious is one thing, earning a gold medal at the Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Show adds substantial credibility to that claim.

“It’s best to come and try for yourself!”

Mr Martin said there were four words to describe the brand essence of Summer Land Camels – Feel Well, Do Good. Producing camel milk for those who need it for health reasons and saving the wild camels are his top motivators.

“Although camel milk is notoriously difficult to make into cheese, our team has been able to create a nationally award-winning Per-

sian Feta as well as Fromage Blanc, Haloumi and even cheddar,“ he said.

“The unique structure of the milk, with the small fat and protein molecules makes cheeses with a delicate, smooth and creamy mouthfeel.

“And the taste is second to none.“

Perhaps the most surprising thing is that all camel milk dairy products can be consumed by people with dairy sensitivities and lactose issues.

Camel milk is in high demand around the

world – Australian camel milk in particularbut there are challenges in transporting and storing the fresh milk.

“To make our award-winning fresh milk available to more people, we now have our Camel Milk Powder - freeze-dried to lock in the pure goodness,” Mr Martin said.

With a legacy dating back to the 1870s, the Sydney Royal Cheese & Dairy Produce Show is one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions.

“I was very impressed with the turnout of entries this year and the level of quality presented across all classes was really high.

“It’s a reflection of the technical production skills and constant development, resulting in the consistent quality our local producers are striving for.“

Chair of judges Tiffany Beer said the quality of entries this year was outstanding, reflecting the excellence of raw materials and the technical prowess of the Australian dairy industry.

Shelby Ackerman and Paul Martin.

Picture: LUKE MARSDEN

Summer Land Camels won gold, silver and bronze at the 2024 Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Show. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Summer Land Camels CEO Paul Martin. Picture: CONTRIBUTEDThe gold-medal winning Camel Milk.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED