Sharna Holman’s passion for agriculture was nurtured in the unlikely location of North Rocks in Sydney.
Sharna, 30, attended Muirfield High School, which has a farm. There, she found herself drawn to subjects with an agricultural science focus and enjoyed all facets of the study, both practical and theoretical.
“I was fortunate to have teachers who encouraged me to pursue ag-focused subjects and explained to me that I could pursue a career in this field,” she said.
And, so she has. Sharna is currently a development extension officer (Cotton) and PhD candidate at the QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Queensland Farmer Today is published monthly and part of the Today News Group. Published by South Burnett Today Pty Ltd ACN 641 796 349.
Publisher: Damian Morgan
Managing Director: Daniel Pelcl.
All material is copyright to South Burnett Today Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. For our terms and conditions please visit QueenslanFarmerToday.com.au/terms-and-conditions/
Efforts to protect threatened plant
Arrow Energy, a Dalby-based natural gas company, is using the latest cloning technology and horticultural techniques to protect the Kogan Waxflower, a threatened shrub found only in a small pocket of theWestern Downs region.
The Kogan Waxflower - or Philotheca sporadica as it’s scientifically known - is native to the Kogan area, about 40 minutes’ drive north west of Dalby.
Preferring rocky, low-quality soil, the small yet hardy plant is classified as a “near threatened species” under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992.
In 2020, Arrow obtained a permit to clear a small number of the plants, under the condition they were reintroduced to the area.
Arrow’s senior environment biodiversity offsets advisor Daniel Potter said to fulfill its commitments, the company embarked on a multi-year propagation trial to regrow the plant in the lab for reintroduction back into its natural environment.
“We started a propagation trial about twoand-a-half years ago,” Daniel said.
“One of the first things we did was engage an independent ecologist, who helped us collect seeds and cuttings from wild populations in the Kogan area.
“From there, they transported the cuttings to a nursery and, using a variety of techniques and technologies, we were able to successfully cultivate 500 plants.”
Daniel said the team explored various propagation techniques, with tissue culture proving to be the most effective, resulting in the creation of several different clones.
“So, you take a piece of another plant, grow a culture of that in a laboratory and grow more plants from that culture and they all have the same genetic sequence as the host plant,” he said.
The next step involved planting the seedlings in two different sites on Arrow’s farm in Theten.
Arrow’s Dalby-based environment advisor Julie Kil was responsible for monitoring and caring for the plants during the field trial stage.
“I would come out every month and monitor how the plants were progressing,” Julie said.
“It can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Some months they were looking great and then other months not so great. But it’s really
rewarding to see what we’ve achieved here in the first year of the field trial.”
GAP Tree Change ecologist Grant Paterson was involved with the project from the start. He said that 12 months into the field trial, the project was already a success.
“At the six-month mark, we were a little disappointed as we’d lost quite a few plants in quick succession,” Grant said.
“But, at the 12-month mark, most of the plants are looking really, really good.We’re very happy with the results, with the plants flowering and setting seeds.”
Daniel said that the project was a wonderful example of Arrow’s commitment to sustainability and mitigating the environmental impacts of its activities.
“To take on board a propagation trial of a plant that’s not well known and not well researched and to invest time and effort into it, is quite a big undertaking,” he said.
Julie agreed.
“It shows that we’re prepared to go the extra mile to show we are a company that doesn’t just talk about sustainability but is committed to making a positive impact,” she said.
Queensland FarmerToday is this month so happy to welcome experienced agricultural advertising sales consultant Jane Lowe to our passionate and professional team. Jane has had 35 years’ experience in the highly-competitive newspaper markets of NSW and Queensland and her passion for agriculture - combined with her marketing expertise - sets her apart as a leader in her field. She is positive, a perfectionist and, most importantly, a problem solver! And, in a lovely “circle of life“ moment I once worked with Jane’s husband Peter at The Land newspaper in Dubbo. Queensland Farmer Today managing director Daniel Pelcl says Jane’s comprehensive understanding of the agricultural sector drives her success.
“Having grown up on a family farm, she possesses first-hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities farmers and agribusinesses face,“ Mr Pelcl said.
“This background allows her to create targeted advertising strategies that resonate with agricultural audiences.“
Additionally, Jane’s strong relationships within the agricultural community have been instrumental to her success in what is a cut-throat industry. She collaborates closely with farmers, cooperatives and agribusinesses to understand their unique needs and objectives. This approach undoubtedly fosters trust and leads to more effective advertising campaigns.
“Getting back amongst my community has been so exciting and I go to work looking forward to chatting to you all someday soon,“ Jane said.
“Feel free to drop me a line on 0408 488 609 anytime to discuss your marketing, I would be more than happy to help.“
Welcome to the team Jane!
- Fiona Gowers
Arrow Energy’s Dalby-based environment advisor Julie Kil and senior environment biodiversity offsets advisor Daniel Potter. (Contributed)
Arrow Energy’s senior environment biodiversity offsets advisor Daniel Potter and Dalby-based environment advisor Julie Kil.
‘Game-changer’ on weeds
By Fiona Gowers
A Queensland agricultural company is leveraging AI, drones and USB sticks to help prevent farmers over-spraying herbicides.
InFarm has developed a drone-to-tractor solution called Fallow Weed, which harnesses technology that gives farmers precise guidance on where to apply herbicide and how much to spray.
The cutting-edge solution also eliminates the need to invest in expensive equipment to target weeds.
Incredibly, it can process data equivalent to three-quarters of the Netflix library without the internet.
The innovative solution is currently being “fast-tracked“ through the 2024 GRDC GroundUp program, which aims to accelerate solutions for Australia’s grains sector.
InFarm CEO Jerome Leray says FallowWeed would be a game-changer for the sector and wider agricultural industry.
“Fallow Weed calculates the exact amount of spray needed, reducing overfilling and, consequently, cutting down herbicide costs,” Mr Leray said.
“When deployed across a 750-hectare pad-
dock in the Goondiwindi region, it resulted in a 97.5 per cent saving in chemical usage.
“It also results in substantial time savings for farmers, with its spot-spraying approach significantly reducing the frequency of tank refills.”
The technology works by using drones to
capture high-definition images of a paddock.
These are then uploaded to InFarm’s processing platform, which applies a unique weed-identifying algorithm.
The result is a tractor-ready file that can be uploaded into a standard variable rate tractor via a USB.
The data then controls the nozzles and sections on existing spraying machinery, turning them on and off depending on the identified presence of weeds.
Mr Leray said this eliminated the need for farmers to invest in expensive target and hardware for spot spraying.
“Through our innovative approach, any farmer can transform their existing machinery into a precision spot sprayer, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs,” he said.
Supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), GroundUp is a 12- week accelerator program run by the Agtech and Logistics Hub, which is powered by AgriBusiness Connect.
It was launched to drive innovation in the Australian grains sector, with a grower-led focus to find real solutions to improve productivity.
AgriBusiness Connect CEO Thomas Hall said the innovators selected for this year’s GroundUp program offered a host of remarkable solutions.
“We are incredibly excited about the 10 innovators in this year’s cohort, who were selected from a large number of quality applicants from Australia and beyond,” he said.
“It’s great to see InFarm focusing on solving a major challenge in the grains industry and the wider agriculture sector – over spraying.
“We look forward to seeing how they progress their solution throughout the program.”
Mr Leray said he joined the GroundUp program to engage and learn from growers about their challenges, with the goal of officially launching and scaling the Fallow Weed platform.
InFarm will be among the participants who will showcase their solutions to potential investors and end-users at the 2024 GRDC GroundUp Showcase Day on 29 August.
Held at the Agtech and Logistics Hub, the event will also feature other leading innovators with technologies to complement supply chains.
* For more information visit infarm.io
InFarm CEO Jerome Leray says Fallow Weed will be a game-changer for the sector and wider agricultural industry. (Contributed)
A Queensland agricultural company is leveraging AI, drones and USB sticks to help prevent farmers over-spraying herbicides. (Contributed)
Live export ban hits hard
By Breanna Lloyd
A Bill to phase out live sheep exports by sea on 1 May 2028 has officially been passed only two months after the Albanese Government proposed it, leaving producers worried and animal welfare advocates celebrating victory.
A Federal transition support package of $107 million will be distributed to the Australian sheep industry in support of the Bill, however many believe it falls millions of dollars short of what is required.
Founding member of the Livestock Collective and Sheep Producers Australia and board member Bindi Murray said farmers would require at least $255 million - $100 million in support for processors, $100 million for the supply chain, $20 million for market development, $15 million for air freight, $10 million for community support and mental health and $10 million for exit payments.
On the contrary, committee chair Meryl Swanson MP said the Bill fulfilled the Albanese government’s election promise to end the live export of sheep by sea while providing time and money for the orderly transition of the industry to new avenues of production and trade.
Farming organisations like AgForce have shared their deep concerns about the Bill and have estimated there will be over 3500 families affected more as a direct result.
Former AgForce sheep and wool president and Longreach sheep and cattle breeder Mike Pratt is disgusted with the government’s decision and claims it is not based on factual evidence. “It is a political decision that will financially and mentally devastate not only sheep producers but everyone involved in the industry,” he said.
“The sheep will be transported to the eastern sale yards and the abattoir from Western Australia which will put pressure on our down-
ward markets.”
According to Meat and Livestock Australia’s 2020 report, 777,798 sheep were exported by sea of which 0.224 per cent died onboard.
This report showcased a 15 per cent decrease in mortality rate since 2019.
“On land, sheep farmers accept a three per cent mortality rate from natural causes,” Mr Pratt said.
“Due to the Australian standards for the export of livestock, the death rate while onboard is lower than when the livestock are on land.
“From an incident in 2018, the livestock now
have 38 per cent more room onboard, decreasing their stress levels, hence acquiring more weight. “The Australian government put an Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) in place to ensure the entire supply chain is monitored until the point of slaughter.”
While the spotlight is on the Australian sheep industry, AgForce chief executive officer Michael Guerin is worried the focus will turn to Australia’s cattle industry.
“The industry has worked extremely hard and has delivered more than what it’s been asked in terms of setting strong animal welfare standards, yet it’s been shut down,” he said.
“It sets a dangerous precedent that essentially says it doesn’t matter if you abide by all the regulations and go above and beyond, political interference overrides everything.”
AgForce Sheep, Wool and Goats president Stephen Tully says the decision shows unjust government processes.
“The Albanese government’s stifled and rushed debate demonstrates Labor’s contempt for farmers and Australia’s agricultural industry,” he said. “The legislation announcement comes after the Keep the Sheep Petition against the legislation hit over 63,000 signatures on Tuesday 2 July.”
Back the Bush: Let’s all unite for Queensland
By Georgie Somerset, Agforce President
With so many difficulties and political crossroads facing us in agriculture right now, its vitally important we gather round and hear the latest developments in our industry and share some good cheer.
The AgForce Queensland Agricultural Industry Conference on 1-2 October 2024 at our familiar mustering spot at the Ekka Showgrounds at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre is the perfect place to do just that.
This conference will bring together stakeholders from across the Queensland agriculture supply chain, including AgForce members, farmers, agribusinesses, government agencies, politicians and industry leaders for discussions about the key issues impacting agriculture. It’s a great opportunity to explore what’s needed to support our continuing growth in the face of trying times.
These are critical conversations to encourage new thinking so our sector continues to thrive, for those who work tirelessly each day producing our high-quality food and fibre.
We hope you’ll join us in embracing the theme ‘Back the bush: Our people, our fu-
ture’, where we salute the unwavering dedication of our farming communities and recognise agriculture’s pivotal role in Queensland’s economy, environment, society, and culture.
The theme aligns with AgForce’s broad-
er state campaign to attract investment and support for the agriculture industry as Queensland approaches a State election later this year.
As challenges intensify, we need stake-
holders from a range of sectors to join forces with our farmers and rural communities to ensure we can continue producing top-tier food and fibre. And this conference will help those vital connections to blossom and grow.
So come and take part in dynamic talks with top minds in finance, sustainability, economics, science, and health. This conference promises bold conversations and groundbreaking ideas.
Let’s ensure our sector not only flourishes but continues to lead the charge in delivering premium food and fibre, enriching lives throughout Queensland and beyond.
The draft program is out now, with an exciting line-up of speakers including Wayne Bennett, Lisa Millar and Ian Macfarlane. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from key Queensland politicians, including Premier Steven Miles and MP Bob Katter.
Early bird registration is open now, with AgForce members able to access tickets to the two-day conference for just $450. If you get in quick.
Have a look for yourself at what’s on offer at the conference website - https://www. qldagindustryconference.com/ - and we hope to see you there.
AgForce president Georgie Somerset. (Contributed)
Shearing at Mike Pratt’s property Ban Ban, located south-east of Longreach.
Rayleen Bowden’s shearing team at Ban Ban.
Former AgForce sheep and goats president and Longreach sheep and cattle producer Mike Pratt. (Supplied)
A rare, ‘bare’ opportunity
By Fiona Gowers
The inclusion of a fully-operational carbon project is expected to help push the price of Queensland cattle breeding enterprise Coralie to about $20 million.
Run by Upscale Funds Management, the 70,500-hectare station near Croydon in the Savannah Gulf is being offered on a “bare basis“, meaning without livestock.
Sales agent JLL Agribusiness senior director Chris Holgar said Coralie’s fully-stratified Human Induced Regeneration (HIR) carbon project – focused on supporting the regeneration of native vegetation - began in 2020 in partnership with the local Tagalaka People. He said the project had been audited by the clean energy regulator.
It is set to generate more than 230,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) during its 25-year term, with the first units due for imminent issue. Uniquely, the credits are transferred to the landowner.
“The benefit of HIR carbon projects such as this within the Gulf region is their complementary purpose with pastoralism,” Mr Holgar said.
“They allow for the preservation of meaningful carrying capacity via rotational grazing across the holding, while preserving its underlying productivity.”
JLL Agribusiness director Clayton Smith said Coralie, located 70 kilometres southwest of Croydon and capable of running 6000 adult equivalents, has little comparable competition in the market.
“With its unique opportunity to acquire an efficient, fully-developed breeding enterprise complemented by a fully registered and unconditional carbon project, Coralie represents a combination seldom seen in the market,” he said.
“We expect to draw strong interest from
both pastoral and carbon industry participants.”
JLL Agribusiness senior director Geoff Warriner said the holding was ideally suited to a stand alone breeder enterprise or as part of a larger supply chain providing cattle to both domestic markets and/or for export through the Port of Townsville.
He noted the significant program of infrastructure investment that had taken place since Upscale acquired the property in 2019, much of it tied to implementation of the car-
bon project.
“The property has been the beneficiary of large-scale capital works, notably the development of 20 large dams and the building of more than 33km of fencing,” he said.
“These have reduced grazing pressure and drawn into play areas that had previously been underutilised.”
CARBON PROJECT INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
Source: Clean Energy Regulator, cer.gov.au
· The Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme encourages projects that reduce emissions or store carbon by, for example, changing the way vegetation is managed.
· Each ACCU represents one tonne of carbon dioxide removed or avoided. ACCUs can be traded or sold on the carbon market.
· The Human Induced Regeneration method is designed to achieve forest cover via eligible activities that encourage regeneration of Australian native tree species indigenous to a project’s local area.
Queensland cattle breeding enterprise Coralie is on the market. (Contributed)
Views from the conference floor: Farmers
Gayle Lee, Glenrowan, Victoria.
Together with my husband, we have a farm at Glenrowan in Victoria and on that farm we have 212 hectares of solar panels. Today’s (conference) has been interesting, particularly the presentation about people being able to respect each other and respect their decisions and think about the community perhaps a bit before we think about ourselves.
Brent Finlay, Southern Downs, Queensland. I farm sheep, cattle and goats on the Southern Downs, about 4000 hectares. I have a large renewable energy project being built on my property as we speak, so it’s important to come to events like today to understand more about the industry and how it’s actually being rolled out across Queensland but also across Australia.
Nikki Thompson, “Echo Hills“, Roma, Queensland.
My husband and I and our young family, we’re at Echo Hills and we’re 18,000 thousand acres (7284ha) and we’re in the Maranoa, so about four and a half hours west of Toowoomba. I think (the conference) is a great thing and then it’s how do we get more farmers to come along because often they’re just too busy farming and it’s often not enough farmers here to be able to tell the story from the grassroots so yeah, and it’s great that someone can create a place where all the different stakeholders can connect and really understand each other.
Sandhya Tewari, Lonsdale Tomato Farm, Point Lonsdale, Victoria.
My name is Sandhya Tewari and I own Lonsdale Tomato Farm. I’ve learnt a lot, I’ve learnt a lot. For a farmer, you know, your day-to-day consumes you and you have little time to think about, you know, where we are going and you know what renewables offer. It forces me to think about what we can do and how we can do more so it’s been very, very inspirational.
Sally Hunter, Narrabri, NSW. I’ve come up from Narrabri in north-west NSW. We run beef cattle. Today I’ve learnt about other businesses and the ways they’ve managed to fully electrify their farms, which has been fascinating. And also ways that they’ve used their waste products in agriculture to produce more energy for their business, which has been really interesting.
The biggest and the best is how last month’s sold out National Renewables in Agriculture Conference in Toowoomba is being described.
In all, 350 farmers and industry stakeholders - a further 30 remained on a waiting listdiscussed and debated renewable energy innovations and the chances and challenges that each present practically.
“I think the conference’s success really came from bringing diverse groups together to ask, ‘How do we find solutions together’?“ said conference founder Karin Stark.
“We had farmers, agricultural researchers, industry stakeholders and government representatives. It was a great mix of people all seeking to find solutions together.
“Everyone had a seat at the table.“
On a large scale, Ms Stark said farmers sought clarity on how better to extend the benefits of solar/ transmission projects beyond the host farmer to the local community.
“There’s a regional development opportunity here from the energy transition and ensuring the coexistence of farming and renewables,“ she said. “We need to ensure everyone benefits, not just the host landowner.“
On a small scale, it was finding the easiest path forward for farmers to actually switch to renewables.
Ms Stark said while“many issues“ remained with the energy transition, the Queensland Govermment was helping landowners more than is the case in other states.
“I actually think the Queensland Government is doing a pretty good job at working
with peak farming groups to ease the transition to renewables,“ she said.
“Their landholder toolkit, which I think is very good, was well-received and mentioned positively at the conference.“
This was the first time in five years Ms Stark had held her conference outside NSW and she is keen to return.
“I will definitely come back to Toowoomba in a few years because the interest was so high and the State Government seems so invested.“
Sharing knowledge
In 2019, Karin Stark launched the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference to provide credible, independent advice to farmers about how they could replace diesel and electricity on their properties with renewables.
“Energy costs were and are increasing for many farmers across Australia putting stressors on profitability,“ she said.
“At the same time, renewables like solar panels were reducing significantly in price.
“This meant the business case for farmers to switch over from diesel or electricity to renewables was becoming stronger but, back in 2019 when the conference started, there weren’t many credible sources of information to support farmers.
“Hence the idea of the conference came about, to share the stories of farmers using renewables, the benefits they’ve gained and what lessons they’ve learnt.“
Karin Stark.
The National Renewables in Agriculture Conference, held in Toowoomba last month, was a sell out. (Contributed)
RELIABLE PRODUCTS ... RELIABLE PEOPLE
Big pumps deliver more
By Aussie Pumps
With Queensland pivoting between severe drought and flooding rain, farmers have to be prepared to make the most of the water resources available. Aussie Pumps is supporting farmers to manage their dam levels with a range of big self-priming pumps that offer excellent performance, longevity and efficiency.
From moving water between dams to maximise water storage or fast filling water carts, Aussie’s QP pumps offer fast self-priming, with vertical lifts from creeks, rivers and dams of up to 8.4 metres!
BIG PUMPS MAKE SENSE
Aussie Pump’s range of high capacity 3” and 4” “Drought Busters” move big volumes fast with minimal cost!
The pumps are powered by a Honda GX390 13HP petrol engine with electric start and 3 year engine warranty. Diesel drive options are also available with both Yanmar 10HP or Kubota 9.5HP air cooled engines.
The pumps feature huge flows with the 4” version delivering a whopping 1,600 lpm and heads of up to 28 metres. That is over 40 psi! Ideal for fast filling water carts or transferring big volumes, the new pumps move more water per litre of fuel.
The 3” model, built around the same basic pump design but with 3” ports, delivers 1,300 lpm matched to a higher head of 30 metres vertical lift, that’s 43 psi. Both the 3” and 4” pumps have been match-tested and approved by the engine manufacturers.
Featuring big, open high SG cast iron impellers, these pumps can pass small solids in suspension. Heavy duty mechanical carbon/ ceramic seals are fitted as standard with Buna N Nitrile elastomers.
Both pumps are backed by Aussie Pumps’ unique 5 year pump end warranty. “Our 5 year guarantee is the only one in the industry and tells consumers about our confidence in our product” said Product Manager, Adrian Duggan. “Dealers that stock these big pumps are showing customers that they have a choice to go bigger and save more,” he said.
WATER CARTS DELIVER
With country towns trucking in water as dams and bores run low, water cart operators are under pressure to increase the number of loads delivered per day. Tank loading times significantly dictate operator efficiency and there is a move to use larger pumps for fast fill applications.
When Australian Pump started, 30 years ago, one of their first products was a Honda powered 3” tanker pump designed for basic water delivery applications. Since then, the world has changed and big 4” & 6” pumps are being used with larger flows and more fuelefficient engines.
Popular for fast filling tankers is Aussie’s heavy duty 6” pump, fitted with a huge open cast iron style impeller. It will move liquids up
to 2,900 litres per minute, that’s 174,000 litres per hour! Called the Aussie QP602, the big selfpriming pump will draught water through a vertical lift of 7.4 metres.
The company says there’s no substitute for big, engineered water passages to move water quickly. The pump’s volute and impeller cavity allow for a superb efficiency that enables the pump to achieve very high flows.
The pump’s open vane impeller will pass solids up to 30mm in suspension. The pump is powered by either a Honda GX390 13HP petrol engine or 10HPYanmar electric start air cooled diesel engine.
FLOOD READY
With weather extremes becoming more common, communities are becoming increasing aware of the need to plan for flash floods and sustained rain events.
Aussie Pumps has experience of supplying 6” self priming pumps big enough to “Move flood waters and redirected them.”
The Aussie MQ600TD 6” Trash pump can deliver flows up to 6,000 lpm. Put three of these in a bank and immediately you have the capability of moving ‘1 million litres of water’ per hour.
The pumps self-prime within a matter of minutes, expelling the water from the pump body and creating a vacuum. That automatically primes the pump, drawing water up as high a 7.9 metre vertical lift.
These trash pumps feature a built in front mounted clean out port that enables the pump internals to be cleared of blockages without the need to disconnect pipework.
The MQ600TD is built on a heavy duty skid. The base also contains a 152 litre fuel tank. This diesel tank allows the pumps to run for up to 11 hours continuously without refuelling.
A heavy duty trailer is also available that makes the machine highly mobile on sites. The trailer is complemented by an integrated lift bar that enables the machine to be craned whether it’s the skid or trailer
mounted version.
One such pump operated by Miller Contracting from Horsham, Victoria, saved the town from floodin! Millers used the 6” pump to divert the flood waters away from the town into a nearby channel.
These big 6” pumps are ideal for Local Government or Emergency Services Departments. “They’re mobile, fast to set up in an emergency and are extremely efficient at moving water,” Duggan said.
LOCAL SUPPORT
Queensland is blessed with ‘Aussie Gold Distributors’ throughout the region like Bundaberg Outdoor Power Centre, who hold stock and sell Aussie Pump products.Their team can assist with selection and advice to ensure customers get the right pump first time.
To locate your nearest Gold Distributor use the details on the full page “Get Set for Spring” ad. Alternatively check out the Aussie Pump website (aussiepumps.com.au) or call them directly on 02 8865 3500.
Keith Iseppi & Maddy from Bundaberg Outdoor Power Centre are primed to assist with Aussie pumps
Aussie tanker pumps deliver both high head and high flow options.Flood water being cleared from a flooded quarry.
Aussie’s Drought Buster 4” transfer pump moving water between dams, maximising water storage
Help in pursuing careers
By Fiona Gowers
The next generation of Western Downs agricultural leaders is turning dreams into reality thanks to a long-standing partnership between Dalby State High School and Dalbybased natural gas company Arrow Energy.
For more than 10 years, Arrow Energy has offered agricultural scholarships to students in years eight to 12 at Dalby State High School.
Each year, up to 10 students are awarded scholarships valued at $5000 to help with tuition and boarding costs at the school’s residential facility Bunya Campus.
Speaking at a presentation ceremony for this year’s scholarship recipients, Arrow Energy’s general manager for reputation Kellie Scheider said the initiative underscored Arrow’s commitment to supporting rural communities and the local agricultural sector.
“Well done to all of the students who received a scholarship this year – the quality of this year’s recipients is outstanding,” she said.
“Since 2011, we’ve been proud to partner with Dalby State High School to offer these scholarships to students from farming or rural backgrounds.
“Not only are we giving these students a head start on pursuing their dream careers, but we’re also contributing to a stronger, more sustainable agricultural community in the Western Downs.”
Kellie said the scholarships were introduced to help reduce the financial burden on rural families, allowing students to focus on their studies and complete their education.
“We recognise the significant cost pressures that many rural families face when it comes to their children’s education,” she said.
“Many families are forced to make difficult decisions on priorities, such as whether to send their children to boarding school.
“These scholarships help ensure financial constraints don’t impede the educational op-
portunities for students from farming or rural backgrounds.”
Head of the Bunya Campus Anne Rathmell said the scholarships built upon the school’s proud history of developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“Agriculture education is a key focus for us at Dalby State High School and we’re incredibly grateful to Arrow Energy for their generous support over the past 14 years,” she said.
“These scholarships make it possible for passionate rural kids to come to school and complete not only their education but pursue their chosen careers in the agricultural sector.”
One of this year’s scholarship recipients, year eight student Layne Millican, said the scholarship would help him pursue his dream
of working on a large cattle station.
“I come from a cattle farm near Durong and work closely with our neighbours and friend’s farm who breed cattle, in particular Angus and Speckle Park breeds,” Layne said.
“This scholarship will enable me to continue to board at Bunya Campus where I can continue to develop my skills and access a good education to further my career in agriculture.
“I get more exposure here to the industry and appreciate the mentorship I get from staff and fellow students who have similar goals.”
Formerly the Dalby Agricultural College, Dalby State High School’s Bunya Campus is a purpose-built residential facility that can cater for up to 116 students.
The 2024 scholarship recipients:
· Jade Akehurst
· Lilly Anderson
· Cassie Cooke
· Johnny Elliott
· Luke Hartley
· Hannah Kelly
· Layne Millican
· Rhiannon Ryan
· Pheebe Usher
· Brianna White
The campus boasts the largest school farm in Queensland, providing students with training in agricultural science and agricultural certificate courses.
Ag scholarship recipients from left to right: Brianna White of Moonie, Luke Hartley of Nutgrove, Lilly Anderson of Nutgrove, Rhiannon Ryan of Upper Cooyar Creek, Cassie Cooke of Tara, Pheebe Usher of Durong, Layne Millican of Durong, Hannah Kelly of Giligulgul (via Miles) and Johnny Elliott of Condamine. Also pictured: Dr Dean Russell, Dalby State High School principal, Kellie Schneider, Arrow Energy general manager, reputation and Jayne Weier, Arrow Energy community Officer. (Contributed)
James new Herefords CEO
By Fiona Gowers
A senior red meat industry leader has been appointed CEO of Herefords Australia Limited (HAL).
Alastair James will finish as chief executive officer of the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) on 2 August and assume his new position on 7 August.
Mr James has worked for RMAC since November 2021 after holding senior roles with the industry representative bodies Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council and CropLife Australia, as well as the former Federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
This followed a career as an agronomist and farmer.
He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science –Agriculture and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
With a family background in stud and commercial cattle breeding, Mr James will be based in Canberra for his new role and is looking to leverage his paddock-to-plate supply chain experience and industry connections.
“I am very excited about taking on the role and am looking forward to meeting the team and finding where we can focus to promote the Hereford breed and achieve results for our members,” he said.
Mr James said maintaining a harmonious membership base and collaboration between diverse sectors in the red meat supply chain was an achievement he was most proud of at RMAC and one he hoped to continue at Herefords Australia.
“Herefords play a critical role in the supply chain, particularly in the commercial sector with the reduced days to slaughter advantage compared to contemporaries, delivering better body condition scores on less feed and improved fertility ...,” he said.
“A focus will be promoting these evidencebased genetic advantages through marketing
to increase awareness, access and understanding.“
Mr James regards Hereford Youth as a rich resource and he is a strong believer in educating future decision-makers on the vital role the livestock industry plays.
“Ensuring a pathway so youth can broaden their horizons with knowledge, leadership skills and become the leaders we need in the future is important,” he said.
Herefords Australia chairman Marc Greening welcomed the appointment, saying securing such a high calibre executive from within the red meat supply chain was a “coup“ for the organisation in taking the breed forward.
“Herefords Australia has a young, vibrant and progressive Board that Alastair will complement perfectly,” Mr Greening said.
“We are tremendously proud of the fact the organisation can attract people of this calibre and his experience in the red meat industry through his role at RMAC will put us in good stead to have a CEO who, not only understands how a member-based organisation and a business should be run, but also have the extensive knowledge and contacts through the red meat industry.
“Alastair will complement all the hard work achieved by the previous two CEOs to really drive the breed forward with a focus on sustainability and positioning Herefords in a changing modern market.
“This is our Angus moment of the 1980s.”
Mr Greening said Alastair’s key role in progressing major outcomes in RMACs strategic plan and delivery of assets would prove valuable in HAL continuing to secure the longterm future of the Hereford breed under its five-year strategic plan.
Alastair James will assume the role of chief executive officer at Herefords Australia Limited on 7 August. (Contributed)
School stronger, better
By Breanna Lloyd
The Valkyrie State School stands stronger and better than ever before after celebrating its 50th milestone with past, present and future students, teachers and its fiercely loyal local community.
Priding themselves on the school’s motto ‘strive to achieve’, the community contributed their heartfelt stories to the 50-year celebration book, artwork, new and old photographs, and memorabilia plastered throughout the school walls.
Principal Jason Butterworth said the anniversary was not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of the community’s commitment to providing a world-class education for its students.
“It’s a celebration of resilience and the spirit of continuous improvement that defines us and our school community,” he said.
“Let us look ahead, let us renew our education to continue nurturing our students and let us continue to hold the values - respect, integrity and compassion.”
Since opening in 1974, the school quickly became the heart of the community where multiple generations have fundraised to better the school’s facilities and supported each other through drought and difficult times.
On the school’s 25th anniversary in 1999, a time capsule containing student letters, an Australian flag and a newspaper was buried and preserved until it was uncovered on Saturday 22 June at the next milestone event.
Major supporters of the school, Hazel and Ken Jones were asked to dig and bury the new capsule that contained more student letters and similar objects.
P and C president Richard Bethel said seeing old and new faces back in the school community was a pleasure.
“For the last 50 years, people have crossed multiple generations of fundraising and com-
mitment to the school,” he said.
“As you look around at the various buildings around you, there is hardly a building or structure that hasn’t had some sort of P and C involvement.
“We consider it our mission to continue this trend in bettering these facilities and our children’s educational experiences.”
The 10th Valkyrie Mini Olympics was named the school’s biggest fundraising event
20TH ANNIVERSARY SALE
SATURDAY 31ST AUGUST 2024
yet, raising $35,000 with the funds put towards the anniversary celebration.
“Our P and C have continuously shown that no job seems to be too big of a challenge,” Mr Butterworth said.
“They have worked tirelessly to get everything organised and running and I couldn’t thank them enough for all they have done.
“Thank you all for the hard work, blood, sweat and tears you have gone through to get
everything done.”
With an enrolment of 14 students, soon to be 16, Mr Bethel said the school and its dedicated P and C had committed to continually improving its infrastructure and education.
Former councillor and a member of one of the region’s original families Geoff Bethel said the tight-knit Valkyrie community had worked collaboratively over the past five decades.
Continued page 16
LOT 8 - CARINYA CANNING
The Chaffey family, formally off Seloh Nolem station. (Gingham and Hide Creative)
Ian Thompson and artist/cattleman Roger Chaffey.
Event organiser Ruth Bethel with Jane Deguara.
COOLABUNIA LIMOUSIN BULL SALE
Highly anticipated sale
The Coolabunia Limousin Bull Sale rolls into its third annual sale in 2024, to be held at the Nanango Showgrounds on Saturday 17 August at 10am.
This year 42 Apricot, Red and Black Bulls have been catalogued from the vendor group. All bulls are fully vaccinated and tested to ensure all requirements by producers are met.
Much excitement is building around the Limousin Breed, gaining recognition throughout the industry for its continued carcass comp dominance, extra yield and the ability to maximise the return by adding extra weight for your targeted markets.
The use of Modern Genetics has allowed vendors in the sale to ensure the bulls sold have adequate fat coverage and IMF figures whilst boosting Solid EMA measurements. The supplementary sheet will be available pre-sale.
Great emphasis has been made on enhancing the breed for its docility, milk and birthweight traits. Now the Limousin sires are being recognised and used as a safe option for joining to heifers.
Vendors for the sale this year are Summit Livestock, Allstar Limousins, McAplin Livestock, Silverleaf Limousins, MK Cattle Co, Provenance Limousins, Fernvale Limousins and Jen-Daview Livestock.
Over the past two years, bulls have been sold into some of the leading commercial operations across QLD and NSW gaining a strong and repeat client base. Very promising feedback has been received from past buyers, commenting on the way bulls have held together while working in their first years and also the quality of the calves that are being born.
The calves sired by bulls from the inaugural sale have already found themselves placing highly in Hoof and Hook competitions with a large number of them to compete at the Ekka
in the start of August this year.
This year the vendors have focused on supplying bulls that will continue to strive in the paddock and put progeny on the ground. All bulls have been prepared for sale with that in mind ensuring fit and active bulls are supplied to you. in 2024 the sale group added in the requirement of including the Vibrio vaccine to its list of requirements, for more peace of mind for producers when they purchase Coolabunia bulls.
Again in 2024 it’s been recognised that customer service and satisfaction is what people remember. The committee will again be providing drinks and dinner for the Bull Walk on Friday afternoon from 3pm, and a full day of hospitality on Saturday at the sale.
The vendors are offering Free Freight to all major Queensland selling centres and locations en route, and promise to work with purchasers outside of this for the best outcome to get your bulls home safe and sound.
Grant Daniel and Long Stud stock will be in charge of the Sale with Mark Duthie auctioneering and is being interfaced Live through the Stocklive Platform.
Pre-sale inspections can be organised by contacting the agents or organising with vendors prior to the sale.
All bulls will be available for viewing at Nanango Showgrounds from 2pm on Thursday 15 August.
Lot 11.
Lot 17.
Lot 32.
The ‘tricks of the trade’
Queensland horticultural growers are being encouraged to ‘gear up’ for the Tricks of the Trade – Negotiation Tactics Masterclass series delivered throughout the state.
This free, two-day Masterclass supports Queensland growers and their staff to build commercial skills with a focus on retailer and agent conversations.
They will ensure they’re better prepared to negotiate more effectively with customers and suppliers to maximise their bottom line.
The in-person events form part of the new Geared Up Growers’ pilot program that Queensland Fruit &Vegetable Growers (QFVG) are hosting with the Queensland Government’s support.
Running until September 2024, this statewide program aims to build the knowledge, skills and confidence of Queensland growers to be the most equipped negotiators in Australia, armed with the best data and cost of production information.
QFVG CEO Rachel Chambers said Queensland growers faced increasing pressure from both ends of their business and that margin squeeze was the number one issue all growers grappled with.
“While some factors remain outside of our control, skilling up Queensland growers to be the most equipped and empowered negotiators in a highly-competitive supply and demand market is well within our control,” Ms Chambers said.
“They know their business better than anyone – now we are just arming them with the knowledge they’ve needed to level the playing field – whether that playing field is with an agent, retailer, energy, fertiliser or any other provider of goods or services.
“We know there is a significant power imbalance when it comes to price negotiations for fresh produce. So, we’ve brought in people who used to work for the other side, those who have been trained in negotiating with growers.
“We are going to use insiders to teach our
growers the tricks of the trade and can almost guarantee each grower will find something in this course that allows them to save a dollar and earn a dollar because, right now, this is what Queensland growers need.
“So, whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or a newcomer looking to sharpen your negotiation skills, this Masterclass is a must-attend event.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts, network with peers (rest assured there’s no ‘actual’ information sharing) and gain insights that will empower you to thrive in the competitive retail landscape.”
Under the program, QFVG has partnered with negotiation training masters NextGen Group.
“There are many ways in which the power balance between buyer and seller can be influenced,“ NextGen group director Neil Rechlin said.
“There is no‘silver bullet’ but there are skills and behaviours that can materially shift the needle in the negotiation process.
“These practical workshops - and the follow-up support provided - will help growers understand how retailers, agents and suppliers think and how to leverage the Grocery Code and Horticulture Code to create a commercial advantage in negotiations.
“As part of ongoing support, growers who attend the Negotiation Tactics Masterclass in their area will also have access to the NextGen Groups online members’ only portal hosting key materials, recordings and templates.”
Confirmed dates and locations include:
· Mareeba: 29 – 30 July
· South Johnstone: 1 – 2 August
· LockyerValley: 6 – 7 August
· Scenic Rim: 8 – 9 August
· To learn more about Geared Up Growers or register for a ‘Tricks of the Trade – Negotiation Tactics Masterclass’, please visit: www. gearedupgrowers.com.au
FARMFORCE Post Driver
Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers CEO Rachel Chambers. (Contributed)
School stronger, better
From page 12
“TheValkyrie Road started off with a narrow gravel road until the community congregated together and got the minister to travel through Middlemount and to the school,” he said.
“Once he travelled on the road, it was at this school that he announced the Beef Road would be upgraded to a two-lane highway within 12 months.”
Assistant director-general and chief information officer and past Valkyrie State School president Michael O’Leary shared his first Valkyrie school experience.
“I remember the first day I arrived around lunchtime, and as I drove through the gates there were cars everywhere,” he said.
“People surrounded a shed-like structure, the power shed, and there were a bunch of mad dogs and Englishmen playing cricket in the heat of the day.
“I came to learn that this was a rotational event that happened between the communities and it wasValkyrie’s turn to host.
“Our financial assistant was a giant cash book with red and black pens and carbon paper, and our phone was hooked up to a backup battery.”
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the opening of the school became a beacon of hope and became the heart of the community, the backbone of education and Valkyrie’s crown jewel of connectedness.
“Through drought, cyclones, bushfires and even a pandemic, this school has maintained its spirit of resilience and humble beginnings,” she said.
“Here’s to 50 more years of resilience and community education and congratulations to everyone who has played a role in preserving the history of this area for future generations and who continues doing this.”
The current Valkyrie school students.
Colin Kime with GDL branch manager Josh Heck and Catie Loch.
The Valkyrie State School celebrated its 50th year on Saturday 22 June.
Sharon Atkinson.
Quality Brahman sires
The seventh annual Woolooga Select Sire Brahman bull sale promises to be a sale not to miss if buyers want to select their new Brahman stud sires early in the season.
With 48 outstanding red and grey bulls - of which 40 per cent are poll - purchasers will be delighted with the quality of entries, which were inspected by agents Sullivans Livestock and Rural Services, Gympie and Aussie Land and Livestock, Kingaroy.
All entries have been semen and morphology tested and vaccinated for tick fever, botulism and seven-in-one.
Bulls will be weighed and scanned to help buyers choose their new bull.
There are 11 vendors in this years’ sale, with both red and grey bulls.
New vendors include long-time breeders Tim and Alison Krause, Malabar Red Brahmans from Marburg and Fiona Skinner, respected stud breeder of NK Brahmans from Theodore.
New Grey vendors include Noni Hare, Wahpunga stud, Kanigan, Glen and Tanya Oppermann, Tango Brahmans, Binjour and Cameron Hawkins and Wendy Ward of Lock Lani Brahmans, Woolooga.
Long-time supporters, Muan stud, Biggenden, Cedar Lane/Ego stud, Cedar Pocket, Gigoomgan Brahmans, Brooweena, Alandan stud, Widgee and Riuna and Berida studs of Bundaberg will also offer some powerful sire prospects.
The catalogue can be viewed on the agent’s websites or online with images at www.brahman.com.au.
The sale catalogue and images/videos can be found at www.auctionsplus.com.au.
* For more information please contact the agents, Sullivans – (07) 5482 9252 or Aussie Land and Livestock (07) 4162 2233. Gigoomgan
Brahman bulls will be offered at the seventh annual Woolooga Select Sire Brahman bull sale. (Contributed)
Breeding cattle for Qld
By Fiona Gowers
Over the past five years, the Ben Nevis Angus stud at Walcha, NSW has sold an increasing number of yearling bulls to Queensland graziers, particularly into Brangus and Santa herds.
When asked why, Ben Nevis Angus stud principal Stuart Halliday explains that these herds are seeking to improve fertility and meat quality, while maintaining easy care cattle.
When selecting bulls, they are choosing the Angus with the slick-coat gene that the Hallidays have bred for, along with bulls who have hit weight and fat targets earlier than their contemporaries.
Graziers transferring these traits into their own herds achieve an earlier puberty onset, with the ability to calve and rebreed quickly.
The bonus, according to Mr Halliday, is to have a flat back and black skin, with both features in demand.
He said these factors could have a huge effect on a business’s bottom line, both in terms of turnover and price.
“Given that Walcha is one of the coldest places in Australia it can be difficult to understand why the breeders would select a slick coat,“ Mr Halliday said.
“However, slick-coated animals have more than enough coat for a Walcha winter, maybe not a Canadian one, but we definitely do not see them adversely affected here.
“They still grow a thicker coat in winter but the key is that, that coat sheds quickly coming into the spring leaving a fine, silky skin.“
In the Halliday’s experience - and now with the latest Angus research EBVs as evidence - they find that those animals that “slick off“ earliest cycle quicker.
Furthermore, they have found those who record with a finer skin type scan higher for ultrasound marbling.
One reason Ben Nevis produces only year-
ling bulls (12 months and 18 months) is that research has proven they have lower incidence of breakdown than those sold and put to work for the first time as two-year-olds.
“Quite simply, this is because they are lighter and more agile when they are learning their trade,“ Mr Halliday said.
“The other bonus is that they adapt easier to differences in environment.“
To help the process further, the Hallidays sell their bulls in spring so the animals move to Queensland and the NT before the heat hits and they have time to acclimatise.
All are blooded and vaccinated for threeday sickness.
Stuart and Erica Halliday sell 120 bulls a year, with 80 to be auctioned on 11 September.
A feature is progeny of Ben Nevis Rambo, a trait leader for both marbling and tenderness
(Shear Force) EBVs and the sire of the $230,000 Banquet Tom Cruise sold earlier this year.
Other sire lines include some of the first sons sold of Alpine Real Deal, a fine-coated, easy-doing, heavy-muscled bull with extra carcase quality under the hide.
Inspections are welcome by appointment and the sale, along with photos and videos, will be interfaced with Auctionsplus.
Ben Nevis Angus stud of Walcha, NSW sells 120 bulls a year, with 80 to be auctioned on 11 September. (Contributed)
Rabo, George still in tandem
Rabobank’s Rabo Community Fund has partnered with the ‘edu-tainment’ brand George the Farmer for the third year to help educate children about where their food and fibre comes from in a fun and engaging way during this year’s National Book Week – August 17 to 23.
The specialist agribusiness bank – in collaboration with George the Farmer – will award 70 educational institutions across Australia with a collection of all 13 Australian-made George the Farmer picture storybooks for their libraries.
Rabobank head of community and client engagement Glenn Wealands said George the Farmer’s authentic approach and grassroots appeal resonate remarkably with young readers in rural areas, while also inspiring urban children to develop a deeper understanding and connection to farming.
“This is now the third year Rabobank has partnered with George the Farmer to celebrate National BookWeek,” MrWealands said.
“Each year we have been overwhelmed with applications from educational institutions –including primary schools, kindergartens, preschools, early learning centres or childcare centres – from across the country.”
“And to meet this demand, we’re excited to be able to boost the number of complete collections of George the Farmer book bundles available up to 70 bundles, from 50 bundles last year.
Mr Wealands said the George the Farmer book sets would contribute to enhancing awareness of food and fibre production in schools, potentially igniting interest among children to pursue careers in agriculture.
George the Farmer began as an interactive
story app in 2015 and founder Simone Kain has since expanded the brand to include virtual reality experiences, music, performances and paddock-to-plate videos available onYouTube and ABC iView, alongside free, curriculum-aligned educational resources.
“These free resources, focusing on STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths), engage children in agricultural education in a dynamic and interactive manner,” Ms Kain said.
To date, Ms Kain said, over 600,000 children aged four to 10 across Australia have benefited from these free educational resources, covering diverse topics such as apples, chickpeas, wheat, wool, farm safety and dairy.
“In a 2024 survey, 100 per cent of George the Farmer users reported that the platform helped children develop a love for reading and learning, while 98 per cent noted an increase in their knowledge about food and fibre,” she said.
Applications for the book sets close on Sunday 21 July.
In 2021, the bank launched the Rabo Community Fund in Australia and New Zealand to invest in the sustainability and vitality of rural communities.
“As a cooperative, Rabobank has a rich history of community engagement and always looks to make an impact across the rural communities in which our clients live and work,” MrWealands said.
“The Rabo Community Fund is driven by the bank’s farming clients, who play a central role in their communities. They support local initiatives with the goal of making a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.”
The KellCo - Monto All Breeds Sale, which also incorporates a working horse and working dog auction, is on Saturday, 14 September.
In all, 106 bulls, 11 horses and 13 dogs will be offered.
Bull breeds featured in 2024 are Charolais, Simmental, Limousin, Angus, Super Black, Speckle Park, Murray Grey, Belmont Red, Santa Gertrudis, Red Brangus, Droughtmaster, Brahman, Charbray, Brangus and Simbrah.
Pre-works for dogs and horses are on Friday, 13 September before the bull sale, which is available online on AuctionsPlus.
The top-priced bull in 2023 was a Shorthorn for $11,000.
The KellCo - Monto All Breeds Sale has been running for more than 20 years, with working horses and dogs added more recently. It remains a successful sale.
Ideally located in Monto to attract not only local buyers, but also drawing buyers from all areas of central Queensland and the Burnettas well as having the online platform via AuctionsPlus - it has attracted buyers from western Qld down to NSW It is a great day out for the family, with en-
tertainment for children and food and drinks sold throughout the day.
KellCo Rural Agencies also offer a complete livestock and property agency business, as well as ownership of the Monto Saleyards where they run fortnightly prime and store cattle sales.
KellCo Rural Agencies is owned and operated by Brendan Kelly and Andrew Cavanagh.
“From central Queensland to the Darling Downs, we are committed to providing the best service and results for all facets of our business from livestock marketing to rural and
residential real estate,“ they said.
“With agents based in Dalby, Monto, Wandoan and Biloela, we are strategically positioned to offer our clients a well-rounded approach to meet all their needs and obtain the best results.
“We offer clients a variety of livestock marketing options while maintaining a strong stock and station agency tradition based on providing superior service.“
* For more information please call KellCo Rural Agencies on: (07) 4166 1662.
The top-priced bull at last year’s Monto All Breeds Sale was Lot one Trojon S27, which sold for $11000. Pictured with Lonnie Stone and KellCo Rural Agencies director Andrew Cavanagh.
The top-priced horse at last year’s Monto All Breeds Sale was Madori, which sold for $13,000. Pictured with KellCo Rural Agencies director Andrew Cavanagh, vendors Kyle Ogle, Bree-Anna Sanne, Grace Ogle and Laurie-Ann Ogle. (Contributed)
Cattle better protected
A vaccine developed at The University of Queensland has proven highly effective in early trials to address one of the country’s top cattle pests.
Dr Hannah Siddle from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation said the cattle tick vaccine was created by the Tabor laboratory at UQ’s Centre for Animal Science after more than 18 years of research.
“Professor Ala Tabor led small trials of the vaccine that have shown promising efficacy and we are now moving to larger trials,” Dr Siddle said.
“The Australian beef industry loses $128 million a year because of cattle ticks, and when you look globally, those costs swell into the many billions.
“The parasite causes loss of condition in the animal and the ticks also carry and transmit potentially fatal diseases.
“The beauty of this vaccine is that it protects the cattle from the effects of tick feeding and breaks the life cycle of any tick that bites a vaccinated animal – they don’t lay as many eggs and those eggs don’t hatch with the same efficiency.”
The existing treatment is to spray or dip cattle with chemical pesticides.
“That’s not a sustainable solution for the industry – we want to reduce the amount of chemicals in the food chain,” Dr Siddle said.
“There are also concerns ticks are develop-
ing resistance to current treatments, which is happening more often in different parts of the world.”
Thanks to an Australian Economic Accelerator Seed Grant awarded to Dr Siddle, the vaccine candidate is being tested on 30 cows in a proof-of-concept trial for commercial adoption.
“This trial will allow us to bridge the gap between the basic research and proving it’s a cost-effective vaccine that works in a larger number of animals, allowing us to get a commercial partner on board,” Dr Siddle said.
Professor Tabor said the process was the culmination of a great deal of work.
“Getting to the commercial phase of any-
thing is like a dream come true because you work on it for so long,” Professor Tabor said.
“It’s really special to be in a translational research space where you work on something that may actually be used in Australia and elsewhere.
“There are other vaccines around the world that people are claiming have good efficacy, but I think we are ahead of the game.
“This grant will allow us to prove it.”
Early work on the vaccine was funded by Meat and Livestock Australia, The University of Queensland, the Beef CRC (2005-2012) and the Queensland Government via the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Qld Smart State Fund.
Sowing seeds of change
Toowoomba in southern Queensland might seem a long way from Hyderabad in India but for University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) student Sandiri Manaswini, both feel like home.
Ms Manaswini moved to the Garden City from Hyderabad in 2022 with one clear goal in mind: to study her Master of Agricultural Science at UniSQ and develop innovative, ecofriendly solutions to take back to India’s agricultural industry.
“India has a large population, which poses significant challenges for food production,” Ms Manaswini said.
“To meet the growing demand, many farmers rely heavily on chemicals and fertilisers, which has led to food adulteration and, in some cases, people becoming sick.
“My goal is to find biological solutions for farming; to promote agriculture that relies on beneficial microorganisms instead of harmful chemicals.”
Ms Manaswini’s research project investigates the capacity for Serendipita mycorrhizal fungi to alleviate drought stress in wheat – the results of which could help solve real-world farming challenges in Australia and around the world.
She is conducting her research project under the supervision of acting Head of School and Dean (Agriculture and Environmental Science) Associate Professor John Dearnaley.
“UniSQ has a strong reputation for agriculture studies and a focus on practical, realworld applications, which really aligns with my goal of finding innovative agricultural solutions that combine traditional methods with modern science,” Ms Manaswini said.
“UniSQ and Associate Professor Dearnaley have provided me with a significant opportunity to showcase my skills and gain practical experience and knowledge and I am deeply grateful for such valuable opportunities.“
While the move from India to Toowoomba
was a significant transition for Ms Manaswini, she said the support offered at UniSQ had made it much easier.
“One of the highlights of my experience at UniSQ has been the support and interaction with academic staff, who have always been re-
markably friendly and kind every time I have had a question,” she said.
“They offer guidance and support whenever I feel confused or stressed and it really has made UniSQ start to feel like home.”
Trample survivor says thanks to LifeFlight rescue crew
A Gympie teenager who was trampled by a cow has visited the Sunshine Coast’s LifeFlight base to say thank you to the aeromedical crew.
Jorja McIntyre, 17, was mustering cattle in her part-time job at a Cinnabar feedlot, west of Kilkivan, when she was knocked over and then trampled.
“I turned my head to look at the cow that had moved past me as I was walking to the fence,” Jorja said.
“And that’s when the other cow came up from behind and knocked me over and then stood on me a few times. I cannot remember the whole thing. But I was in a lot of pain when I came to.”
Jorja’s uncle drove her to Murgon Hospital, before she was transported by Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics to Kingaroy Hospital.
X-rays confirmed the thenYear 11 Gympie High School student had multiple pelvic fractures and extensive internal bleeding.
A LifeFlight aeromedical team was called to fly her to Toowoomba Hospital.
Scans at the Toowoomba Hospital showed not just a fractured pelvis, but a fractured L3, a phase 4 tear in her spleen, kidney and liver tears and a small deflation in a lung.
“I don’t remember much about that day, but I do remember being in safe hands,” she said.
“The LifeFlight team were amazing.
“Not only did they tend to all my injuries and take a few photos for me, but they also kept me calm.
“I had never been in a helicopter before, let alone in one in the dark.
“I didn’t have my parents with me, so the crew were great at keeping me calm and treating me like a ’princess’.
“One of the LifeFlight crew actually told me my pain threshold was incredibly high and that most grown men would be in tears with my injuries.”
Jorja said visiting the LifeFlight base with her parents Barry and Kelly and sister Rhianna, was amazing.
Her family now make an annual donation to LifeFlight and have helped raise awareness in their community about how LifeFlight’s aeromedical teams save and change Queensland lives.
“I will be forever grateful for what LifeFlight did for me that day.”
Kelly said visiting the base with her family and seeing a helicopter fitted out with lifesaving equipment that potentially saved her daughter’s life was ‘emotional’.
“It takes a team to make it all work and had there not been a chopper available, we wouldn’t be in the situation that we’re in today where we get to see her graduate in three months’ time,” she said.
“LifeFlight really are heroes in the skies.”
Jorja, her sister Rhianna, mum Kelly and dad Barry.
UniSQ Master of Agricultural Science student Sandiri Manaswini hopes her research will help solve agricultural challenges in her home country of India. (Contributed)
City-slicker Sharna shines
By Fiona Gowers
Sharna Holman’s passion for agriculture was nurtured in the unlikely location of North Rocks in Sydney.
Sharna, 30, attended Muirfield High School, which has a farm.
There, she found herself drawn to subjects with an agricultural science focus and enjoyed all facets of the study, both practical and theoretical.
“I was fortunate to have teachers who encouraged me to pursue ag-focused subjects and explained to me that I could pursue a career in this field,” she said.
And, so she has. Sharna is currently a development extension officer (Cotton) and PhD candidate at the QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
“I began focusing on cotton in the latter half of my degree and found the industry was incredibly supportive of young people,“ she said. “When I was in my third year, I received a Cotton Australia scholarship to attend their bi-annual conference.
“After that I really knew I wanted to work in
the cotton industry. Everyone was very inclusive and there was this real hunger to adopt research and I knew, ‘This is where I want to be’.
“The hunger for knowledge in the cotton industry transcends regions, ages and technologies, whether it’s water management, nutrition or pest management, people want to find out more.”
Sharna’s journey to the cotton industry began in 2014 when she attended the Australian Cotton Conference as a student scholar while studying a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Sydney.
She subsequently pursued a CRDC Summer Scholarship at the Australian Cotton Research Institute in Narrabri, NSW.
Under Dr Mary Whitehouse, Sharna researched Helicoverpa Bt resistance genetics. After graduating, she then joined Queensland DAF as a development extension officer in Emerald and later assumed CottonInfo’s biosecurity technical lead role, contributing to significant advances like August planting research and boosting crop yields.
Sharna’s current CRDC-supported PhD research focuses on the pest status of cluster
caterpillar in northern Australia, addressing sustainable cotton production challenges.
As such, she is based in Kununurra, WA for three months annually undertaking field research.
“It’s been great collaborating with the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to undertake field work in Kununurra as there is a more reliable caterpillar population,“ Sharna said.
“So, it’s quite exciting as the research that happens in WA has implications for cotton production in Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory.”
Sharna Holman’s burgeoning career was last month recognised when she was named a finalist in the Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year award, alongside Elsie Hudson of Goondiwindi and Alex Trinder of Moree, NSW.
The Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) award recognises emerging cotton growers and industry participants, who bring a fresh wave of enthusiasm, energy and ideas.
“It’s quite nice knowing that other people see the value in what you’re doing,” Sharna said.
“Considering the amount of passionate young people who work in the industry as a whole, I feel very honoured.”
Sharna’s goals are to complete her PhD over the next 12 months and to continue encouraging young people to enter the cotton industry. Especially city-slickers like her who are carving successful careers in agriculture.
“I’m a really big advocate of you can take whatever skill you have and apply it to the cotton industry,“ she said. “It’s great to have young, passionate people in an industry.
“Whether you’ve got a communication degree, for example, I just think there’s so many different ways that you can apply various skills to agriculture.
“So, I think just making sure that there’s people coming into the cotton industry from backgrounds that aren’t necessarily ag-related.”
And, surely, there’s no greater example of that than Sharna herself!
Sharna Holman is currently a development extension officer (Cotton) and PhD candidate at the QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. (Contributed)
Quality draft at bull sale
The third annual Aussie Angus Brangus bull sale will offer a quality draft of 25 Angus bulls and 17 Brangus bulls on Saturday 17 August at 11:30am at the Coolabunia Saleyards in Kingaroy.
The bulls are all Queensland bred and ready for work. They are fully vaccinated with seven-in-one, Vibrio, three-day and three-germ blood. The bulls will be morphology tested and fat-scanned prior to sale day.
The catalogue is now available as a hard copy, which can be posted on request. It is also online via our Facebook page “Aussie Angus Brangus Bull Sale” or by scanning the below QR Code. A supplementary data sheet will be released on Friday, 16 August.
Paddock inspections prior to sale are welcome and bulls will be displayed at Coolabunia Saleyards, also on Friday, 16 August.
The sale committee will again this year offer agent rebates and free delivery on all bulls (terms and conditions apply). Buyers are invited for a complimentary morning tea and Angus rib fillet burger with refreshments for lunch.
This year’s vendors include:
Angus
Darren and Karen Plowman of Ruby Ridge Angus in Kingaroy have 16 bulls in the sale. Mark and Kayleen Freeman of Karnahla Angus in Kingaroy will offer eight bulls. Kingaroy State High School’s Palyah Angus will offer the last of their Angus herd with three bulls.
Brangus
John and Alison Bell, Inavale Brangus, Boonah, have three bulls in the sale. Shane and Linet Pincott, Pineview Brangus, Maidenwell, also have three bulls. David and Robyn Gnech, Miltopp Brangus, Milbong, have five bulls on offer. Dennis and Ryan Jackson of Stutzview Brangus at Owanyilla have two bulls and Ian Francis of Cedar Valley Brangus has four bulls on offer.
We are delighted to share the positive
feedback from our clients who bought bulls from the sales in 2022 and 2023. It was great to hear that the bulls have matured and have held their condition well, with clients receiving quality and docile calves. This docility has been well complimented on the bulls and the
ease of handling them. The Angus bull that headed to Mackay has acclimatised well to the northern environment. Also, that the bulls are eager to work and are keeping the calving window in herds short.
* The selling agent for the third annual Aus-
sie Angus Brangus bull sale is Aussie Land & Livestock. Contact them on (07) 4162 2233 or Midge Thompson on 0427 710 018.
* For those who cannot make it to the sale, it will be simulcasted through StockLive Auctions.
Ruby Ridge Angus bulls before sale day. (Contributed)
RHS - NEAR NEW - TUBE EA/LEN
130 - 2.4M- 40X40X1.6- PTD -$10
700 - 2.4M- 50X50X1.6-PTD -$12
500 -2.4M-50X50X1.6-GALV -$14
29 - 8M -50X50X3-PTD -$100
80 - 8M -75X75X3-GALV -$170
80 - 5.8M-75X75X3-GALV -$120
140 - 3M -75X75X3-GALV -$65
208 - 2.9M-75X75X3-HDG -$65
202 - 2.9M-75X75X4-HDG -$80
116 - 2.9M-89X89X3.5-HDG -$80
215 - 3M -75X75X3BLACK POWDERCOATED -$80
50 - 6M -75X75X3-PTD -$110
123 - 4M -50X25X2-PTD -$25
59 - 6M -100X80X3-PTD -$120
32 - 8M -100X50X2.5-GALV -$140
32 - 8M -100X50X2-PTD -$100
24 - 4.7M-127X51X3PTD -$100 CATTLE PANELS
• 1.8M X 2.1M -6RAIL
• 40 X 40 -GALVRHS
• PINS INCLUDED $75EA GOAT PANELS
• 1.2M X 2.2M
• 8 RAIL -GRADUATED
• 25MM OD -PIPE PINSINCLUDED $90EA
GALV PIPE
• 6.5M - 15NB X 2.6MM WALL $18EA
• 6.5M - 20NB X 2.6MM WALL $20EA GATES - GALV
• 10' -3M -MESH -$120
• 12' -3.6M -MESH -$140
• 14' -4.2M -MESH -$160
• 10' -3M -5BARLIGHT -$140
• 12' -3.6M -5BARLIGHT -$160
• 14' -4.2M -5BARLIGHT -$190
• 12' -3.6M -5BARHEAVY -$180
• 14 -4.2M -5BARHEAVY -$210
RHS NEW NEW - TUBE EA/LEN
22 -8M-89X89X5 -PTD -$200
6 -8M-100X100X3 -PTD -$160
34 -3M-89X89X6 -GALV -$90
28 -8M-125X75X5 -PTD -$300
RHS - 2ND - GRADE - EA/LEN
9-8M-125X125X4 -GALV -$230
9-8M-125X75X4 -GALV -$200
9-8M-100X100X6 -PTD -$240
CATTLE RAIL - GALV
• 115 X 42 X 2 -$65
• 115 X 42 X 2.5 -$75 BUNALES21X6.1MLENS
STRAINER POSTS
• 2.4M - 80NB X 4MM - GALV $75
• 3M -80NBX4MM-GALV $90
• 2.9M - 80NB X 5MM - PTD $80
• 3.0M - 80NB X 5MM - PTD $85
ANGLE PIPE STAYS
• 3.250 5ONB X 3MM - GALV -$44
LARGE DIA. PIPE BLACK EA,
• 6M -273ODX9.2MM -$450
• 6.3M -219ODX4.8MM -$300
• 6M -273ODX6.4MM -$400
• 6M -219ODX4.8MM -$300
• 6M -168ODX6.4MM -$300
BARBED WIRE
• 400M - 2.5MM IOWA -$135
• 500M - 1.8MM HIT -$115
FENCE POST PICKETS
• 165CM(5'6") -BLACKHEAVY -$8
• 180CM (6') -BLACKHEAVY -$9
• 180CM (6') -HDG-GALV -$10
• 240CM (8') -BLACK-MASSIVE -$16
CATTLE CABLE
• 8.2MM X 7 STRAND GALV
• 400M X 150KG $550
HINGEDJOINT/FIELDFENCE/ FIXEDKNOT ALLSIZESAVAILABLE CATTLE GRID HEAVY • 4M X 2M - 800KG -$2700
CONCRETEABUTMENTSPAIR
4M - 3000KG -$1500
Hunger grows for hemp
It’s a source of animal bedding, fire-proof floorboards and mats to soak up spilled oil. Over in America, they’re gearing up to produce a range of products from industrial hemp, but can’t get enough of the high-fibre crop.
“They aren’t producing enough plant fibre to supply those manufacturers. It’s a great opportunity for Australian growers,’ said the CEO of Australia’s largest privately owned industrial hemp seed breeder.
Lauchlan Grout has just returned from a tour ofTexas,Tennessee and Kentucky to study export possibilities.
“US agriculture policy makers are incentivising growers of industrial hemp,” he said. “Kentucky farmers get a US$200/acre (A$755 per ha) subsidy and the Texas looks like it will be offering something similar.”
Mr Grout, CEO of Hemp Farms Australia and vice-chair of the Australian Hemp Council, said US companies are substituting fastgrowing hemp for timber.
“There are plenty of hempwood products; fine timbers for veneers and furniture or construction-grade,” he said.“For example, Nike is using hempwood for its shop fit-outs.”
Non-THC fibre is performing well as a geofabric to prevent sediment run-off while another version absorbs spilled oil from the sur-
face of water within 36 hours, he added.
“The opportunities are mind-blowing. The Americans have all these excellent technologies – but they lack the amount of fibre needed for manufacture,” Mr Grout said.
Hemp Farms Australia’s genetic catalogue is particularly suitable to the southern US states, he said. “For example, our Ruby,Wongarra and King Gee 2.0 varieties are versatile, dependable and high-yielding.
“Hemp is Australia’s most exciting renewable resource,” he said. “While public interest is focused on medicinal use, low-THC hemp’s industrial applications are possibly even more promising.
“This tough, fast-growing plant has multiple uses in food/nutraceuticals, as animal fodder and for renewable building materials.
“It captures atmospheric carbon, stores it in the soil and then recycles it within its cells –making it structurally stronger than steel. It’s a powerhouse of a plant.
“And for growers, it’s the perfect crop for a rotation model, it’s an all-season break crop depending on your location, with the benefit of dollar return and excellent for seed bed preparation. And it’s a superb weed suppressant,” he said.
Considering weather when transporting livestock
With the mercury dropping in parts of the country, sheep and goat producers are urged to consider weather conditions and length of journey when preparing to transport livestock.
Alina Hawkins, Chief Operating Officer at the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria and co-owner of Hawkins Stock Transport, said old ewes and goats are particularly susceptible to cold weather.
“During winter, if goats and old ewes are not taken off water before long journeys, they’re at risk of getting wet and cold,” Hawkins said.
“Sheep and goats should be yarded and fed quality hay, but further considerations of body condition and skin length need to be discussed with your transporter.
“Generally, sheep and goats should be off water for at least 24 hours prior to transport in winter – however it’s most important to discuss the specifics of the trip with the transporter for the best outcome for everyone involved,” she said.
In her 20 years of livestock transport, Hawkins said preparation in the days before loading made all the difference.
“You put all the time and care into breeding and managing your livestock, so it’s important that care continues in the lead-up to transport as well,” Hawkins said.
“If they’re managed well before transporting, it reduces effluent and helps the animals travel better which reduces drama along the way,” she said.
Sharon Dundon, MLA Project Manager for Animal Wellbeing, said MLA’s newly launched Transport Hub has guidelines and
advice specific to the class of animal being moved.
“Weather conditions are one of several things producers, agents and managers should discuss with their transporter when
planning livestock movements,” Dundon said.
“The guidelines on the Transport Hub were developed in consultation with transporters on journey considerations for sheep,
cattle and goa
and
the appropriate time off feed and water prior to transport,” she said.
“The type of feed, the class of livestock you are consigning
the duration of the journey, will all inform
AKentuckyhempwood factory.A
Glenlea toasts 50 years
By Fiona Gowers
Glenlea Beef this year celebrates 50 years of continuous Charolais seedstock production and registration across three states.
The stud was founded in Tasmania in 1973 before Roderick Binny relocated the herd to northern NSW in 2010.
Now numbering 1000 purebred Charolais cows, Glenlea Beef has the scale to provide seedstock to all sectors of the industry.
“We are a growing business, actively seeking new clients across all of eastern Australia,“ said Mr Binny.
“We operate an extensive data-backed program, as well as servicing our clients with marketing opportunities for their progeny.
“Breeding bulls is our core business and we aim to provide exceptional service to our clients, every time.“
Glenlea Beef’s “number one“ goal is natural do-ability; the constitution to hold on in tough times and bounce back quickly in good times, for cows to raise a calf and then become pregnant again, no matter the season.
“We select for high growth rates in an earlyto mid-maturity body type, as much carcase and yield as we can, while maintaining fat cover, sensible birthweights and still being able to have some of the highest performing maternal traits in the breed in Australia.“
Mr Binny said through selection and management, Glenlea Beef had achieved practical full fertility in the herd. In normal seasons pregnancy rates achieve 95 per cent.
“Glenlea-sired Charolais-cross heifers have the maternal traits to be retained in your herd, they are not just a terminal option,“ he said.
Glenlea Beef is the only Charolais herd in Australia to have been selected and managed in three distinct geographical regions and environments; Tasmania, New England /Northern Slopes and northern NSW, as well as the sub-tropical far north coast of NSW.
Cow families that fail to adapt - or sire lines that don’t meet this fundamental requirement - are culled.
“With properties located from Coonabarabran to Coffs harbour and Casino on the north coast our cattle perform in a variety of environments,“ Mr Binny said.
“Glenlea bulls are renowned for their adaptability and currently operate from Cloncurry and Charters Towers in north Queensland down toVictoria.“
Mr Binny said Glenlea Beef had a special focus on red factor Charolais bulls and, as such,
is future focused on breeding most of its bulls with a red coat colour.
“Our calves are born in both the coastal sub-tropical north coast and north west at Coonabarabran and are grown out in the subtropical north coast of NSW,“ he said.
“In that challenging, nutrient-lacking environment our bulls have to be good doers and this sets them up to adapt quickly and thrive in all environments.“
Glenlea Beef offers paddock sales yearround, with free delivery to all major centres.
“We are here to assist our clients with marketing their progeny alongside their preferred agent at above market rates, at no charge,“ Mr Binny said.
“It’s all part of our service.“
Glenlea Beef’s bull sales are at Winton in July, Clermont in August and Roma in September. Females to suit all budgets - from elite to entry level purebred Charolais - are also available for private sale year-round.
* Visit Glenlea Beef’s new site (R29/30) at Agquip 2024. Taste its branded beef and inspect its Red Charolais for sale on-site.
A Glenlea Beef homozygous polled, red factor sale bull, rising two years. (Contributed)
Seven vendors, 60 bulls
By Fiona Gowers
The 12th Coolabunia Classic Charolais sale on 15 August at 11am at Coolabunia Saleyards will feature seven vendors selling 60 bulls.
Charnelle Charolais will offer 16 industryfocused Charolais bulls.
Their draft includes 12 polled bulls, two polled/scurred bulls and two horned. Seven of their polled bulls are homozygous polled, while two are red factor.
“All of our bulls have been full-parent, sireor dam-verified,“ said Charnelle Charolais stud principal Graham Blanch.
“Most of our draft has been DNA-tested, 100K profiled and BPA-tested. All our bulls have tested PI negative.“
Mr Blanch said this year the progeny of two new bulls, Silverstream Padra and Pro-Char Diamondback, will debut.
“Our lot one bull by Silverstream Padra (Terminator) is our standout this year,“ he said. “Terminator is the complete package out of an exceptional Blackjack daughter that is destined for the donor group this year.
“Lot three (Thunder) is by pro-Char Diamondback and has already been used over several of our stud heifers. He is a very good prospect for use over heifers.
“Lot two (Top Gun) is another standout this year by our homebred Panama out of our number one cow C. Elegance 6.“
· Please call Graham on 0427 622 410 to book an inspection.
Fittingly, at its 12th annual Coolabunia Classic, Silverwood Charolais will offer 12 bulls, nine of whom are polled or scurred and three red factor sires.
Ten of the 12 bulls this year are by Charnelle President and, once again, he has left his mark with some exciting young sires that are sure to add quality to your herd.
Indeed, at the recent Callide-Dawson Carcase competition, one of Silverwood’s homebred Charolais-cross steers was crowned Su-
preme Champion carcase from a field of more than 600 head.
· Please call Rodney on 0408 717974 to book an inspection.
River Run Charolais will present 16 quality bulls this year; seven DNA-tested homozygous polled, five polled or polled scurred and four horned bulls.
The line-up of bulls this year are from new sire Ascot Rafferty, as well as River Run Nobleman (P/S), River Run Rocketman (P), River Run Rainman (P), Palgrove Nebraska (P) and LT Authority (P).
Ascot Rafferty is represented by six bulls in the sale, with lots 19 and 21 the standout sires.
River Run Nobleman (P/S) has six sons in the sale. Lots 17 and 21 display the muscle and carcase typical of Nobleman’s sons. This will be the last year Nobleman bulls are available.
River Run Charolais used two yearling bulls in 2021 in RR Rocketman and RR Rainman, with each producing a bull for this year’s sale. Lot 18 River Run T-Rex by Rocketman and Lot 27 River Run Trooper by Rainman are outstanding bulls that ooze quality and substance.
· Please call Tania on 0428 256 558 to book an
inspection.
This year the Lee family’s draft of Diamond L Charolais & Charbrays is dominated by red factor polled bulls. A large portion of the draft is tested to be homozygous polled and BPA-free.
“Our current AI and ET programs are designed to breed polled soft red factor cattle, which is our stud’s future direction,“ said stud principal Greg Lee.
“Our bulls this year have had full access to oats in their preparation. Breeding and preparing bulls with the potential for longevity is an important consideration for our stud.“
· Please call Greg on 0418 622 578 to book an inspection.
Black Duck Charolais has five bulls on offer at its fifth C Classic, four of them being homozygous polled, DNA-tested, parent-verified and BPA-Free.
“All bulls are well handled, quiet and used to dogs,“ said stud principal Greg Nicholson.
“Our herd is based mainly on Charnelle and Palgrove bloodlines. I have also been able to secure semen from some of the most elite Palgrove semen sires over the past couple of years, including Palgrove Pinball.
· Please call Greg on 0418 427 472 to book an inspection.
LHU Agribusiness is honoured and excited to be a vendor at the 2024 Coolabunia Classic.
Located at Wyalla on the banks of Barkers Creek, north of Nanango, LHU Agribusiness has, over the past few years, been selecting correct, maternal and moderate-framed females with an influence of French, Canadian and New Zealand Genetics.
Our female core comprising 30 females also includes genetics from Calmview, Charnelle, DSK, Elridge, Moongool, Palgrove and River Run Charolais.
“We aim to produce high-quality offspring through the use of top-quality AI sires and embryo programs,“ said Sharon of LHU Agribusiness.
“Our AI sires include Elder’s Blackjack, Charnelle Panama and Johnny & Palgrove Queenstown.“
· Please call 0428 915 299 or email lhu2325@ gmail.com to book an inspection.
Clearview Charolais is a family-run operation that began in 2020 with the goal of producing a herd of quiet, functional, fertile calves with plenty of shape and thickness.
These qualities are shown in our founding females that originated from mainly Trevlac and some Palgrove bloodlines.
Through the addition of our herd sire, Brendale Ridley, who was Reserve Calf champion at BEEF 2021 and AI sires, Clearview was able to further strengthen its genetics.
At Beef2024 this year, Clearview Raine was awarded Champion Charolais Female and was in the top five in interbreed females. This was a major achievement as she was the first registered female under the Clearview prefix.
· The Coolabunia Classic Charolais bull sale is on 15 August at 11am at the Coolabunia Saleyards.
Coolabunia Classic
Charnelle
Charnelle
(P)
Charnelle
Leith and Molly Hartwig of Hartwig Pastoral Company, Dalby, Tania Haynes River Run Charolais and lot 18 River Run T-Rex at the River Run open day in July. (Contributed)
Scott
Scratching the surface
Whatisitaboutworms?Thosewriggly,squirmy things that can be found in the garden?
For something so simple there’s a sense of mystery about them – but also a seriousness about the role they play. Children are fascinated by them, yet as adults we are so much in the dark about them; for they are incredibly underrated regarding what they do.
Like bees, like ants, like funghi, they play one of the most significant roles in the health of the planet.
These mysterious invertebrates work continuously to provide a sustainable environment.
Healthy food comes from healthy soil, and that is the right balance of sand, silt, clay and organic matter.
Worm farmer Scott Robinson was at Imbil for GourMay’s Festival Day and his talk about the everyday earthworm was intriguing.
That is why I caught up with him again recently at the Glenview property where he and wife Haidee run Polycultures.
The name comes from two or more useful plants being grown on the same plot, usually at the same time.
From an ecological perspective, they try to mimic natural cycles.
Like natural systems, they offer benefits, including reduced pest damage and soil conservation, even increasing crop yields per area compared to monocultures.
From jackarooing to greenkeeping to cattle farming, Scott is following his passion - assisting farmers in improving soil health.
Earthworms are part of it. So is understanding the difference between soil and dirt, the importance of green cover, soil biology and weed management.
With more than 30 years of self-employment experience, Scott and Haidee have had many opportunities to learn and now guide others to achieve the outcomes they desire on their land.
It’s not just the worms that Scott and Haidee provide but the castings that come from the farm.
“It’s a matter of realising how simple it is to take some worm extract and dilute it with water, then you have got about everything you need for a garden.
“Just make an extract and spray it out there.
“What drains out of the bottom of the worm farm - the castings or compost - we just need to make that extract into a golf ball size and mix it in a bucket of water then spread it with a watering can.’’
Growing up in Brisbane, Scott did work experience as a jackaroo to the north of Longreach.
His mother’s family had land at Bauple and his father was up at Gayndah, where his cousins are still big citrus growers.
“My dad‘s cousin Frankie taught a lot of people how to be a good orchardist - how to manage the trees, how to manage the wild-
It’s a matter of stopping the money thing taking over from land health. You can’t keep pumping chemicals into it because you’re entering pest season.”
life, what you can do without using as many chemicals.
“It’s a matter of stopping the money thing taking over from land health. You can’t keep pumping chemicals into it because you’re entering pest season.
“Open grazing is not good for the land, and while horses are beautiful too many people let them open graze. You need to let the area rest and maintain full green ground cover.
“The cycles can continue but if you leave them grazing over the top of it, they will take the youngest plants because they smell the best and pretty soon you won’t have anything left but bare ground.
“At some point you need some sort of seeding plan in there.
“When I was young and with cattle, the only thing I could afford was wild bird mix which was about $8 for a 20kg bag - it had millet and barley and sunflower and some others.’’
Scott’s journey into soil ecology started at a Brisbane boys school, working as a greenkeeper on cricket wickets and sports grounds.
He had the best of both worlds. One teacher was into composting and the other very chemically-orientated.
“About a year into my work at college I got poisoned by chemicals, so for the past 40-odd
years I’ve studied everything about soil.’’ That saw him discover that an old arsenic dip on a cattle property had killed all the biology in the soil.
“That was the turning point. I figured I had to do more of this to find out why.
“It’s why I do these presentations for free. I’ve made money in cattle and business; now I’m semi-retired with a commercial worm farm.
“I used to supply a lot of biological extract to farmers but then realised if I show them how to do it on the farm, they can make it more economically.
Continued page 30
Scratching the surface
From page 29
“I sell them worm castings now. I do courses for students because they need biology as part of their education.
“Simply make an extract from the castings. That’s where the nutrients are. It’s everything they need.’’
Scott’s working on a shipment of worms as we talk at the Glenview farm.
The tunnel measures about 200sq m and here, in the half-light, there are about two million worms breeding - working their way up through three layers of camel manure and compost to create castings.
“We sell worms but castings is the biggest seller. We sell it by the litre as it’s quite moist.
“There’s a 10-litre bucket that will generally take 1000 worms.
“It’s not just for garden beds. By turning the castings into juice, tea or leachgate, as it is called, farmers can spray it over pastures. We have clients with properties of more than 200,000ha.
“For an orchard, you work out how many square metres to a tree. That’s the area below the branches.
“I tried to keep this process as simple as possible, that way anybody can manage what they’ve got whether it’s 100sq m backyard or 100ha ... they can adjust what they need to do.
“They can be self-sufficient in 12 months.
“Good health starts with good soil, and good soil starts with worms.’’
What do people need for their own worm farm?
The worm beds can be made of things you can buy at a hardware store. Then create a mulch pile with composting bays for big chunky kitchen scraps but worms prefer the carbons - the sticks and leaves.
You have to maintain moisture - but not too
much wet kitchen mulch.
When Scott’s father retired from running a clothing business, he took the role on but also had his polyculture ideas to a point of being able to do consulting.
“That tends to be more just giving good advice on what they need for their land.
“Too many disciplines tell them what they need rather than what soil types they have.
“If you start with a worm farm, compost bins and a mulch heap, well that’s pure g old.’’
Scott and Haidee’s Polyculture business was Landsborough Worms, which Bobby Lewis started and ran for more than 30 years.
He was a chemist at the Nambour sugar mill.
“Bob was a great mentor. I learnt a lot from him but I’ve learnt a lot since and I’ve continued the journey.
“I’ve got to keep that going, especially as there’s a bit more knowledge.’’
At the Glenview farm the worms work their way up through three trays and the castings are harvested from the bottom one.
“We start off with camel manure and a bit of hay. It’s extra organic matter which will have other microbes on it. This gives diversity as it has carbon and nitrogen.
“I don’t have to do anything I can come in here in the middle of summer and it’s like an alien movie - there’s worms everywhere.
“Some times of the year I’ll be harvesting worms every day.’’
As a child I often wondered what happened if you cut them in half while gardening? To this day I still wonder if they divide into two worms or wriggle off and die?
Do you have a story to tell, new projects to talk about or just simply highlight an achievement....
E: sharon.jones@burnetttoday.com.au Next Edition out on August 29, 2024 17,000 copies published. Inserted into the following newspapers: • South Burnett Today • Central & North Burnett Today • Warwick Today • Stanthorpe Today • Leader Today • Jimboomba Today
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The Polyculture worm farm at Glenview. (414002)
Creating a worm tea fertiliser from mixing castings with water. (414002)
“The two will usually survive,’’ Scott said, “but they’ll never breed again.’’
That brings me to another point, apparently there have been worms in space.
Flatworms have been sent up to the International Space Station to see what the impact is on living creatures. What the scientists have found is when the worms come back they have changed not just their physical shape, but their activity.
For many years Scott had breeder cattle dotted around South-east Queensland.
“I leased properties and probably at any time of the year had close to 600 breeders. They were bloodlines. I tried everything.
“Everything that was trendy through the ’90s, I gave it ago - red devon, murray gray.
“On the coast you are always going to have problems with parasites. If you have only got a monoculture of grass, then you’re always going to have troubles keeping stock in good condition and more resistant to pests such as ticks and flies. You’ve gotta be right on top of it.
“Good soil health, good plant health, good human and animal health come from finding that balance, and the key is to have good moist green cover soil. But you need to maintain that.
“Stable climate starts with moist soil. It’s really that simple which is why so many of us now are promoting hydration. It’s the catalyst for everything - the mineral cycle, the biological cycle.
“The biggest problem with tilling soil is you lose the microbiology in it. If you keep green cover it improves the photosynthesis process.
“Healthy living soil means all of the organisms around a tree keep that tree healthy. And that tree helps keep the other organisms healthy and living.
“It takes that whole community dynamicfungi included - for everything to survive.
“This regreening is essentially creating a food forest - it’s been going on for thousands of years and people come up with different names and variations.
“They have found food forests that started around the arid areas of North Africa,’’ Scott said. “The Chinese have been doing it for centuries.
“If you don’t have organic matter, you don’t have soil structure which leads to erosion.
“If moisture can be retained in the soil, plants will send out their roots to attract the nutrients, the minerals they require.
“This will impact rainfall and air temperatures - we’ve worked with people at Quilpie and Augathella and they have increased their ground cover and as a result there has been a lift in the amount of rainfall.’’
Instead of tilling and spraying herbicides on thousands of hectares of land, these farmers seed their crop into the soil, Scott said.
“Bare ground costs money as you have no hydration - you have no biology or fertility because hydration is the key to fertility.
“You’re not trying to feed the plants, you’re trying to feed the soil.
“Biological diversity is the key for the micro-organisms to keep your plants healthy. It’s important to keep mulching, keep adding organic matter to your soil.
“The beneficial funghi feeds the plants, maintains the moisture and installs more carbon which builds soil structure.
“If you have the right soil balance, you don’t need to turn the soil over ... the plant roots do
the work for you.
“It can improve drought and salinity tolerance.’’
Carbon is the building block of life, Scott said, and if the soil is continually opened up it’s mostly the active carbon that is being released.
Passive carbon can last a thousand years in the soil, slow carbon 50 years, but active carbon a few minutes or days.
It’s important not to break the nitrogen cycle because what what we don’t want is nitrous oxide in the atmosphere.
“It’s 300 times more potent in warming the planet than carbon,’’ Scott said.
“There’s more methane produced by fracturing rocks than all of the cows on this planet, and it’s 80 times more potent.
“If we want to reduce the amount of carbon in the air it might take 1000 years to get it back to that balance. It’s really important to understand the balance is the key.’’
Another point to understand is that hydration and irrigation are two different things.
“If we can store more water in the soil then we get better control of the heat dynamic of the plant - if we irrigate we lose 40 percent into the atmosphere.
“Swales are the way to rehydrate and build topsoil. You can do it simply with piling up sticks and branches to slow things down.
“It can make a huge difference.’’
Keyline hydration is the capture of water and using gravitational forces to spread it out into the soil profile.
One percent increase in organic matter per hectare will store water by an extra 200,000 litres, Scott said.
“If you don’t slow the flow, there’s no structure in the soil and temperatures keep getting hotter and hotter every year.’’
Livestockcanbeusedtorepairlandthrough planned grazing, Scott said.
Just by moving them around gets the right animals to the right place at the right time for the right reasons.
“When you graze cattle on open land they will go back and smell the protein on the new grass so they will be eating very short grass.
“You need to get the right mix of protein and carbohydrate, which is just before that grass plant goes to seed.
“It’s good for your livestock. It’s good for your structure. It’s about survival of plants.
“If you have grass and livestock you are going to have issues. You have to decide how to move them around.
“What you are looking for is to break the compaction and rebuild those cycles, you need to change the way you manage the land.
“Fence the dam and then build a swale to take the overflow, and distribute the water.
“There’s moisture in the soil, the cattle go in there and eat, trample it and move on.
“Surely but slowly the number of weeds decline because of the way soil is behaving, how the moisture level is maintained.’’
There’s a lot of different disciplines that are under the regenerative farming umbrella, Scott said, and that goes from natural sequence farming to syntropic, to food forests, to permaculture to polycultures.
“They all fit. You just have to show some respect towards each of them … for they all offer something very special and not every property can be managed the same as even the neighbour.
“You have to show some respect for that to realise there’s no one size that fits all. Look at the benefits of the different disciplines.
“It’s about finding the right discipline for that particular piece of land, if you take into account soil types and the topography.
“A lot of land holders fall into the trap of listening and reading too many different things. You have to be very cautious about the advice you take. You can’t do half of part process and expect results.
“It comes about from learning holistic management: make the best decisions we possibly can, set your goals and ensure that your decisions are leading you towards those goals.
“Always go back to check those decisions. Don’t make decisions on your own.’’
For Scott, it’s a matter of passion that drives him on this educational journey for others.
As well as gardeners and farmers, he hosts school groups or visits the schools.
“They can experience what you’re talking about.
“It’s a matter of interaction - a personalisation of skill, experience, and the testing of ideas.
“Taking a bucket of castings and showing them how to make some extract is much better than taking a microscope.
“They are more interested in the complete holistic approach because there is such a huge community online - we get people from overseas wanting to come to Australia and be part of this.
“This is my purpose in life. More people have to get this knowledge.
“I’ve spent 40 years getting this knowledge and I need to keep passing it on.
“Everyone has to find their purpose in life and I’ve found mine.
“Don’t wait as long as I did, find what you really love and learn everything you can about. Find a way to earn a living from it and go about it.
“Retirement is doing less than what you normally do.
“I’ve done quite a few podcasts and it’s a wonderful medium to link with the younger people especially the twenty-somethings. That’s their medium.
“They can’t afford the chemicals now - they can’t keep spraying.
“The thing people have to ask is if it’s an extract … if they extracted the biology from castings then it’s got value.
“It’s the microorganisms that you need to get into your soil and plants to keep them happy and get the best possible yield.
“It’s interesting to watch farmers do it themselves. They get pretty motivated.
“If you’re happy with what you’re doing you realise that’s your purpose and you get on with it because you enjoy it. You find this enjoyment in finding what you’re here for. Use the skill and when the time is right you pass on the knowledge.’’
From wiggly earthworms, to talk of castings, and finally to philosophy, Scott’s life work continues to have a positive impact on soil health and those that directly benefit from it – all of us.
Earthworms hard at work. (414002)
Earthworms working miracles with soil. (414002)
Earthworms at work. (414002)
Truro Whiteface will host its spring sale on 26 August at “Truro“, Bellata in northern NSW with 32 bulls and 18 stud heifers offered.
Stud principals Scott and Pip Hann operate Truro Whiteface and breed modern, commercially-focussed and progressive Hereford cattle.
Both horned and polled genetics are availabe for purebred or crossbred operations.
“Fertility, feed efficiency and more calves on the ground are a major driver of our operation,“ Mr Hann said.
“Obviously entwined in that is carcase growth and longevity.”
· The engine room – the cornerstone of any beef production system is the cow herd and fertility is the number one profit driver of a successful operation. Calving ease and live calves and, lots of them. Truro genetics will help you.
· Carcase and growth – More carcase, more growth, more yield with IMF. Processors and feedlotters love cattle that will yield with high MSA data. This puts more dollars in their pocket and yours. Truro cattle offer affordable, top-end genetics that will enhance your opportunities.
· Feed efficient – Hereford cattle are very feed efficient both on grass and on grain. Truro bulls with NFI data are all in the top five per cent of the breed and above.This means they eat less feed to put on more weight. Isn’t this what we are all about? Truro is genetically driving this trait in to their herd.
· Meeting bull buyers’ requirements – Truro bulls are vaccinated with three germ blood tick vaccine, thus opening up the tick belt of cattle country and the ability to buy Truro bulls with confidence.
The bulls are vaccinated for vibriosis, pestivirus, have had seven-in-one, semen- and morphology-tested and are ready for your cows. They are also sire-verified, DNA-tested and clear of all recessive genes.
The Hanns welcome visitors throughout the year and invite you to visit, phone for inquiries or follow on Auctions Plus. Catalogues are available to be posted or can be collected from local Elders agents. The website www.truroherefords.com is also kept current, including the spring sale catalogue.
* Truro Whiteface will host its spring sale - both live on-property and on Auctions Plus - on 26 August at “Truro“, Bellata in northern NSW.
Lot one at the Truro Whiteface spring sale on 26 August. (Contributed)
Commonsense approach
By Fiona Gowers
Fairview Black Simmentals will offer 47 Black Simmental composite bulls at its 2024 sale on Wednesday, 21 August, on-property at Fairview, Mungallala, Queensland.
This year’s sale team, according to Tony Horvath, has been produced with Fairview’s trademark “commonsense approach“.
It boasts some influential sires that have the unique genetic combination of maternal and fertility traits, as well as performance that is matched with carcase quality.
“Our profit-driven focus to providing commercial-relevant bulls is evident with 70 per cent of bulls being better than breed average for their All Purpose Index,“ Mr Horvath said.
“In all, 79pc ranked above-average for weaning weight EPD and 77pc catalogued are above breed average for yearling weight.
“Also, demonstrating the versatility of the Black Simmental, 68pc of our sale draft ranked better than breed average for their Terminal Index, providing the cattleman with an option for any commercial joining.“
Mr Horvath said a feature of this year’s sale draft was a large offering by WS Proclamation (26 sons), whom he described as “a truly unique individual“.
“His genetic credentials place him among the most elite sires, proven by his multi-trait top EPD rankings,“ Mr Horvath said.
“His sons have topped sales across the United States and his daughters are the envy of cattlemen for their fertility, quiet temperament, broody phenotype and excellent udders.“
Proclamation (now deceased) consistently sires impressive performance, extra volume, good feet and structure, with his progeny bringing added value to the marketplace.
Meanwhile, Fairview Black Simmentals’ standing sire Woonallee Legacy L183 is represented with 11 sons in the sale team.
“He has been a very successful bull for us with progeny sales to date exceeding $500,000,“ Mr Horvath said.
“A great structured bull, genetically well balanced and the fleshy type that you just can’t get any more meat on.
“He is wide-based, thick, deep and long. Not only has he proven himself with his growth and carcase, but he also has maternal power and is producing some exceptional daughters.“
BBS True Justice B10 is represented by three sons. According to Mr Horvath, he offers calving ease and growth in the one package. A slick-coated, free-moving bull with excellent phenotype that is backed by maternal excellence.
His dam BBS Miss Justice has earned her
cle expression to do their genetics justice.“
Fairview Black Simmentals have undergone extensive measuring and weighing throughout their life, as well as pre-sale semen and morphology testing.
Sale weights and supplementary pre-sale fat and muscle scanning is also done, as well as all bulls undergoing a comprehensive vaccination program.
With the combination of phenotypical raw data, IGS technology and Genomic enhanced EPDs, all coupled with structural soundness, clients are well informed to make selections on sale day, based on their individual breeding programs and target markets.
“At Fairview we understand that our role as a seedstock producer comes with a lot of responsibility,“ Mr Horvath said.
“We have long held the belief that a successful beef breeding operation is built around durable females that have fertility, milking ability, good dispositions and longevity.
“Our females must be able to produce and wean an exceptional calf on an annual basis and to also demonstrate efficiency on grass.
stripes as a prolific donor with high Stayability EPD. She sits in the top one per cent of the breed for her milk and maternal weaning weight EPD.
Other successful sires represented include Woonallee Pharaoh P364 and Woonallee Playboy P234.
Mr Horvath said Fairview’s sale bulls had been prepared with longevity in mind.
After weaning they are grown out on Buffel grass. From 80 days before sale, they are given a meal-based production lick, as well as oaten hay.
“We strive to take the guess work and assumption out of purchasing a Fairview bull,“ Mr Horvath said.
“We present our bulls in ready-to-work condition, showing enough growth and mus-
“It’s these cows that make a positive impact on our breeding program and it’s from these cows that the best new generation heifers and bulls are retained.
“We believe generational turnover is vital to accelerating genetic progress and we expect our heifers to produce right up there with their mothers and to continue to improve as they mature.
“The key to achieving this is getting them mated right and to be using the best predictable sires that are available.“
* Fairview Black Simmentals will offer 47 Black Simmental composite bulls at its 2024 bull sale on Wednesday, 21 August, on-property at Fairview, Mungallala, Queensland.
Tony Horvath and Roslyn Ware with some of their Fairview Black Simmental bulls. (Contributed)
Shaping future of protein
Protein 2024 “Adapting to Change and Shaping the Future of Protein” recently united the beef, pork, poultry and grain industries to explore the future of production through a series of focused panel sessions in Dalby.
Attendees heard from experts discussing sustainable governance, with a particular emphasis on biosecurity and food security, ensuring our agricultural systems are robust and secure.
The conference highlighted innovation and tech advancements that promise a more sustainable future for agriculture.
Future skills and trends in intensive agriculture were key topics, preparing participants for the evolving demands of the industry. Additionally, there were discussions on complementary and emerging proteins, identifying new frontiers in protein sources.
The panels also addressed how to navigate change and adapt to shifting demands and opportunities in the protein sector, equipping attendees with the knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.
Scott Reed, AgFore and Renee King, Western Downs Futures with RSA Contractors at the 2024 Protein Conference in Dalby. (Contributed)
Robert van Barneveld from SunPork Group at the 2024 Protein Conference in Dalby.
David Clothier speaks on the Innovation and Agtech for a Sustainble Future panel at the 2024 Protein Conference in Dalby.
Toowoomba sister city study tour, Whanganui, New Zealand at the 2024 Protein Conference in Dalby.
Leigh Devenish and Anna McDonald from NAB at the 2024 Protein Conference in Dalby.
TSBE chair Dr John McVeigh at the 2024 Protein Conference in Dalby.
Biosecurity and food security panel: Caitlin McConnel, Alecia Olm, Katrina Hobbs and Professor Lyn Alderman at the 2024 Protein Conference in Dalby.
Cr Melissa Hamilton, Southern Downs Region and Katrina Hobbs, Inglewood Poulty chat with a guest (left) at the 2024 Protein Conference in Dalby.
Charlotte Smith, To-Plate Group and Anthony Holzwart, Trade and Investment Queensland chat to a guest (left) at the 2024 Protein Conference in Dalby.
TALBALBA is a family owned business at Millmerran run with passion, integrity and thorough knowledge of our breeding stock for generations.
We source the best genetics we can find within Australia, NewZealandandthe USA using balanced sire selection criteria (both phenotype and data) from herds with similar breeding philosophies.
Fertility is the No. 1 profit driver in any beef herd. Heifers are expected to calve unassisted at 22-24 months to high calving ease, low-mod birth weight sires. Our cows calve in Spring with no excuses and no drift to Autumn for late calvers.
Our herd has been performance recorded since the 1970’s with Breedplan. We collect data honestly and carefully to maintain its integrity and submit TSU’s for genomically enhanced EBV’s.
For the past 12 years we have been genetically dehorning using homozygous polled sires. We apply strict selection pressure to structure and feet and don’t hoof trim any animals.
We utilize sustainable farming practices and take pride in improvements to our soil, pasture, water quality and infrastructure. We have seen significant improvement in our pastures in recent years with advice from consultant Rob Young, following “Grazing Naturally” methodology.
Calves are weighed at birth for solid data to enhance the accuracy of EBVs. This also enables accurate selection of bulls suitable for heifer joining.
bulls
Tackling bad behaviour
A program to support parents of young sporting participants is going national after the Queensland pilot improved parents’ sidelines behaviour and connection to their kids.
And CQUniversity researchers want more parents to participate in a new sporting families study.
Parents of junior rugby league players have found a unique program promoting positive behaviours on sidelines of their kids’ sport is also making a difference to their parenting at home.
The Play Well Triple P program, developed by CQUniversity and University of Queensland with the National Rugby League and Queensland Rugby League, helps ensure children better enjoy and value their participation in the sport.
Offered to junior rugby league parents across the 2021 and 2022 seasons, it’s now set to go national, as the NRL rolls out its interactive online and text message education and support to competitions across Australia.
Program co-developer and CQUniversity Psychology head of course Dr Cassy Dittman has published findings about the program impacts and found clear shifts in how parents approached family sport.
“It was rewarding to see parents report increased positive behaviours and to consciously reduce controlling sports behaviours,” she said.
“Because it’s often those behaviours that create conflict in families and prompt kids to drop out of sport.
“There was also evidence that parents were applying what they were learning in the sports context to their home, with a trend towards a reduction in over-reactive parenting.”
The text messages were personalised and linked to goals that parents had set for their own behaviour in the online program to support their children in sport and engage as helpful and positive spectators of their child’s games.
Dr Dittman said the program’s principles of staying positive on sporting sidelines would be relevant to all parents.
“Although Play Well Triple P was developed as an intervention for junior rugby league, our promising findings from the study show a similar approach could be applied to other team and individual sports, where governing
bodies want to support parents and children to engage positively,” she said.
James Hinchey is general manager, Game Development and Education at the NRL, and said the success of the program had been recognised nationally.
“The importance of a program such as Play Well Triple P has been underscored by the Australian Sports Commission, as one of the successful initiatives to receive funding under the Play Well Participation Grant Program,” he said.
“The funding will support Play Well Triple P expanding delivery throughout Queensland, Victoria, Northern Territory, South Australia andWestern Australian leagues.
“The NRL is excited to have partnered with Triple P on this groundbreaking program and we’re looking forward to the positive impacts the program will have in the sport and for families who form the rugby league community.”
The study featured 101 parents who participated in the program, with ages ranging from 25 to 56 years, both mothers and fathers, from a range of cultural backgrounds.
Dr Dittman said the program offered parents practical ways to think about:
How to take the focus off winning and identify aspects of their child’s performance, mindset or effort on the field that they can praise and encourage.
The best time and way to debrief on a game and its outcome – not straight after the game when the child is probably exhausted, hungry and emotional.
How to act as positive role models when passages of play, referee decisions or game outcomes do not go in the child or their team’s favour.
How to show respect and appreciation for a child’s teammates, coaches, referees and opposition players and find things to compliment for participants other than their own child.
Dr Dittman is extending this work into other junior sports and is looking to hear from Australian parents of a child or children who play sport, aged between eight to 18 years old.
Share your experiences in this anonymous online research survey of parents’ sporting beliefs, behaviours and involvement.
* Please visit cqu.edu.au
Golden goal seals victory
The winter polo season got underway with the 2024 Sapphire Shield, hosted by the Downs Polo Club at the Clifton Recreation Groundsm with a golden goal deciding a thrilling main event.
Nine teams, including six local teams made up of Downs Polo Club members, took part in the competition, with polo played over three grades.
The Colliers C Grade final saw local sides Downs Blue (Erin O’Rourke, Haydn O’Leary, Craig Holman and Shaun O’Rourke) took on Downs Green (Bill Murfit, Chris Slack, Justin Rous and Anthony O’Leary).
The game was hard-fought with both teams giving it their all to take home the silverware. Upon the final whistle the score was level, so it was down to a penalty shootout to decide the winner, with Anthony O’Leary securing the winning penalty shot for the Downs Green side.
The BlackToyota B Grade round robin competition saw two local teams in Downs Hooper Accountants (Richard Marchant, Pip Gilmore, Cameron Byrne and Will Gilmore), Downs Silvershop (Peter Grimes, Katie Porteous, James Reid and Paul MacGinley) and visiting side FH Polo (Steve Kapernick, Jane Ament, Michael Fitzheny and Bingham Fitzheny) fight it out for the top spot in the B grade competition.
All teams gave it their all with Downs Hooper Accountants taking the top spot after two days of polo at the Clifton-based club.
By Sunday it was time for the AEW Horse Walkers A Grade final that saw local side, Downs Pursehouse Rural (Derek Gilmore, Damain Allport, Beau Skerrett and Jack Mantova) take on visiting side Colliers (Simon Beirne, Mark Adamson, Wayne Glennie and Dan O’Leary).
The A grade decider was played over two days, with the score at the end of the first day’s play level at six goals each.
Both teams headed into Sunday’s final with everything to play for.
A nail-biting game ensued with a penalty goal from Jack Mantova for the Downs Pursehouse Rural side levelling the score at 12 goals each with just 20 seconds remaining in the game.
The A Grade final went to extra chukka and golden goal with Derek Gilmore shooting out of the line out and straight to goal to secure the win for the Downs Pursehouse Rural side in the first play of the extra chukka.
The Downs Pursehouse Rural side were crowned the 2024 Sapphire Shield champions. Polo will continue at the Clifton Recreation Grounds.
The Silvershop Bracelet was scheduled for 20-21 July, followed by the Downs Shield on 27-28 July.
The Downs Shield is expected to be the biggest tournament of the season, welcoming an expected 16 teams to the Clifton club.
As part of the Downs Shield festivities, the Downs Polo Club is hosting a Polo by Tailgate event, in conjunction with Black Ram, on Sunday 28 July.
General admission is free.
Downs Pursehouse Rural, AEW Horse Walkers winner and Sapphire Shield Champions 2024. From left: Derek Gilmore, Damian Allport, Beau Skerrett and Jack Mantova.
Downs Hooper Accountants, Black Toyota B Grade winners Sapphire Shield 2024. From left: Will Gilmore, Richard Marchant, Cameron Byrne and Pip Gilmore. (Downs Polo Club)
A Grade winners Downs Pursehouse Rual, from left, Damian Allport, Jack Mantova, Beau Skerrett and Derek Gilmore. Jack Mantova carries the ball from the back line for the Downs Pursehouse Rural side in the A Grade final of the 2024 Sapphire Shield. (The Downs Polo Club)
Downs Pursehouse Rural player, Damian Allport, takes on Colliers opponent Dan O’Leary, in the A Grade final.
Lifestyle and grazing
Whopeminn presents to the market as an enviably positioned and equipped property that offers a lifestyle/grazing asset close to Toowoomba.
The owners have implemented a thorough vegetation and pasture development program to transform this property into a highly-productive lifestyle opportunity.
It boasts a spacious five-bedroom, threebathroom, one-office homestead, which is positioned to enjoy the breathtaking rural views.
It offers peace and tranquillity, while an escarpment provides protection from the elements.
· Location: 13 kilometres to Toowoomba CBD, 10km to Kearney Springs and six kilometres to the New England Highway.
· Area & tenure: 148.49 hectares in one freehold lot under the tenure of Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
· Country: Gently undulating country tucked into the eastern fall of the escarpment with large open areas of flat, highly-developed pastures, which comprise improved legumes and grasses. An extensive vegetation management and seeding program has enhanced the property’s productivity.
Current grass varieties seeded throughout the property are Katambora Rhodes, Reclaimer Rhodes, Digita Grass, Green Panic, Gatton Panic, Lucerne, Burgundy Bean, Bisset Blue
Grass and Purple Pidgeon. Secca Silo is in sandy country at the back of the farm.
Indicative area of developed country:
· 82.3ha of highly-developed pastures.
· 65.9ha of undeveloped country with the potential to continue and improve.
· Two to four hectares currently under development, continuing through the period of sale.
Bushwalking is available at the back of the property in untamed bushland, which features sandstone cliffs, orchids, stag horns, birds and wildlife and the natural springs. There are also opportunities for camping at the original ’Scout Camp’ site.
· Rainfall: Average mean, 735.6 mm.
· Water: One solar-equipped bore 61 meters installed in the centre of the property supplies stock and domestic water throughout and is set at a rate of 1000 litres per hour. Bore supplies a 145,000-litre ring tank. It then pumps to a tank at the yards and then onto a tank at the house. Tanks work on a float system to fill. Tanks supply all troughs on the farm.
· Rainwater storage in place as follows: two x 5000 gallon and one x 6600-gallon tanks around the main residence. There is also a bore water tank for gardens of 6600 gallons. Three large, well-positioned dams are in
place with two holding a good body of water (one is currently under repair).
· Fencing: Property is divided into 10 watered paddocks of various sizes. (Please note: paddock 10s’ boundary is unfenced. The internal and boundary fencing is in stock-proof condition. Most of the fencing is four strand barbs. External fences also have ringlock.
· Yards: A solid set of timber and steel cattle yards are in place in an elevated position at the front of property, undercover processing area with vet crush, race, loading ramp and surrounding holding yards all installed.
· Homestead: The design of the home caters for the large family or professional. The upstairs area features four bedrooms, main with ensuite plus a separate bathroom. The renovated kitchen is in a central position to take advantage of the views and is adjacent to both formal and informal living/dining areas. Downstairs is equipped with the fifth bedroom and renovated ensuite. It is perfect for guests or family.
A large lock-up vehicle/workshop area is adjacent. To complete the package a delightful north/east veranda is ideally positioned to take in the superb views. Air conditioning is in the main living areas and main bedroom and ceiling fans in the rest of the bedrooms.
An established garden and house yard surrounds the home and features numerous flow-
er varieties and fruit trees with the centerpiece being a mature producing banana tree.
· Sheds/Improvements: Steel-framed machinery shed 24 x 8m enclosed on three sides with power in two locations.
A 9m x 9m zincalume shed with half being a lockable room, 240v power and lights. Threephase power is also available in sheds. Solar power connected to the main machinery shed – 12 x 190-watt PV solar panels and 1 x 5.0 kw Growatt Inverter. Solar power is also supplied to the house.
A 30m x 10m x 2 unused but in good clean working condition poultry/multi-purpose sheds that could be utilised for a number of uses.
Remarks:
Wherever buyers’ rural property ventures lie Whopeminn presents an opportunity to acquire a unique parcel of real estate in an ideal position to Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
The owners have found their next venture and it is now time to move on.
We welcome buyers to inspect Whopeminn today.
Inspection by appointment only with the exclusive selling agents.
· Jack Mantova 0477 280 430.
· Trevor Leishman 0427 598 106
Whopeminn is an enviably positioned and equipped property that offers a lifestyle/grazing asset close to Toowoomba. It boasts a spacious five-bedroom, three-bathroom, one-office homestead, which is positioned to enjoy the rural views. (Contributed)
Carbonara Gnocchi Bake
Cook time: 30 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients
· 500ml chicken stock
· 50g butter
· 12 rashers streaky bacon
· 1 large leek, thickly sliced
· 1 brown onion, diced
Method:
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the bacon and fry until it is beginning to get crispy. Use a slotted spoon to lift the bacon out, leaving the butter behind.
2. Add the leeks and fry for 5–6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir the flour and mustard powder into the leeks and keep cooking together for 1 minute. Gradually stir in the milk, followed by 500ml chicken stock and stir to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Once bubbling, cook for 1 minute to thicken.
· 50g plain flour
· 1 tsp English mustard powder
· 500ml milk
· 150g mature cheddar, grated
· 325g gnocchi
· 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan
· 4 egg yolks
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4. Turn off the heat and stir two-thirds of the cheese, and most of the bacon into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Cook the gnocchi according to packet instructions (about 9 minutes) or until al dente, as it will cook more in the oven.
6. Drain thoroughly then combine with the sauce in a large baking dish. Scatter the remaining cheddar, bacon bits and Parmesan over the top.
7. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake for 15 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
8. Finish with the egg yolks and stir through to serve.
Egg
Muffins with Zucchini & Sweet Potato
Cook time: 45 mins
Serves: 6
Ingredients
· 140g raw sweet potato, cut into 5 mm - 1 cm cubes or
Method:
· 1/2 - 2/3 cup cooked sweet potato
· 1 zucchini
· 3 tsp caramelised onion
· 6 eggs
· Salt and pepper, to taste
· Extra virgin olive oil spray
1. Heat oven to 200°C and line a small tray with greaseproof paper.
2. Spread sweet potato pieces over the tray, spray with extra virgin olive oil and bake for 15 minutes.
3. Whilst the sweet potato bakes prep your remaining ingredients. Spiral the zucchini and set aside.
4. Line a muffin tray with patty cake cases or, (as Jaq prefers) use a silicone 6-cup muffin tin. This helps with popping the egg muffins out once cooked (without losing ingredients to the tin).
5. Divide the zucchini noodles between the muffin cups, followed by the caramelised onion.
6. Once the sweet potato is cooked, divide between the muffin cups, spreading around the cup so there is space in the middle to crack the egg in. Crack the eggs slowly into each muffin cup to allow the egg white to move into the ingredients before the yolk finishes (hopefully!) in the centre.
7. Place in oven to bake for 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool in tray and then pop in lunches or breakfasts on the go. You can eat them warm, fresh out of the oven too.
Notes:
· This is a great way to use up some leftover roasted vegetables. If not already cooked look for the ends and nobs of the sad veg left in the crisper as you only need a small amount. If none of these are on hand, fast-cooking vegetables such as red capsicum cut into 5 mm dice will work well also.
· This recipe requires either silicone muffin holders or cupcake liners as the egg will stick to a regular muffin pan, even when sprayed with olive oil.
Recipe courtesy of Australian Eggs
Recipe courtesy of Australian Eggs
Solid market and growing
Report Date: 17/07/2024
Saleyard: Casino
Some fine weather through out the supply area gave producers a chance to move cattle,resulting in a larger yarding of 1,900 head, consisting of increased numbers of vealers and weaners and a good supply of cows. Quality of the young cattle was mixed with several runs of well bred weaners, along with a fair number of plainer type cattle showing the effects of Winter.
Increased buyer competition saw restocker weaners sell 20c to 30c dearer depending on weight and breed. Restocker weaner steers sold from 300c to 400c to average between 365c to 370c, while restocker weaner heifers sold from 220c to 324c/kg. Restocker yearling steers ranged from 252c to 330c and yearling heifers toped at 286c/kg.
The yarding of export cattle consisted mainly of cows along with a few pens of grown steers and heifers. Grown steers were 20c dearer selling from 296c to 320c/ kg. Grown heifers toped at 286c/kg. The cow market improved by 20c to 30c with 2 score medium weights ranging from 222c to 260c, while 3 score medium weights averaged 257c and 4 score cows sold from 260c to 298c/kg. Heavy bulls sold to 258c/kg.
Report compiled by Doug Robson
Report Date: 17/07/2024
Saleyard: Dalby
The supply of stock lifted by 1,109 head to 5,296 at Dalby. The majority of the stock were from the local supply area with 249 from western QLD and a handful from NSW. All the regular processors and feeder buyers attended along with restockers who were very active across the yearling steers and heifers. The return presence of southern processors lifted the prices on all the medium and heavy weight cows.
Yearling steers in the 200-280kg range to background made 410c to average 372c/kg. Yearling steers over 280kg again to restockers sold to 400c and averaged 369c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to feed sold to 402c and averaged 365c with those to restockers at 384c/kg.Heavy yearling steers to feed topped at 390c to average 352c with those over 480kg to feed at 350c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers to background sold to 340c to average 269c/kg.Yearling heifers to feed for the domestic market made 348c to average 307c/kg. Heavy yearling heifers to feed made 352c to average 325c wth those to the wholesale meat trade at 338c/kg.
Grown steers to feed sold to 350c and averaged 325c/kg. Young bullocks to the butcher trade made 356c/kg. Heavy bullocks to processors made 330c to average 313c/kg. Grown heifers to feed sold to 328c and averaged 286c with those over 540kg to processors at 315c to average 285c/kg. Light weight cows to proces-
sors sold from 183c to 260c with those to restockers at 222c to 252c/kg. A large sample of heavy score 3 and 4 cows lifted by 10c to top at 319c and average from 270c to 295c/kg.Heavy bulls sold to 303c and averaged 272c/kg.
Market Reporter, Errol Luck
Report Date: 11/07/2024
Saleyard: Emerald Numbers increased at Emerald Sale, with 1291 head more in the total of 1753 head. Cattle were drawn from local areas, but a large percentage came from Collinsville, Bowen and further north. Quality was variable and this influenced prices throughout. There was limited demand for the light weight, plain yearling classes. Despite this there was a lift in cow prices in keeping with other centres with plain cows showing the biggest increases.
A few vealer steers made to 349c/kg to average 289c/kg. Vealer heifers averaged 210c/ kg for the few offered.
Yearling steers in light weight pens made from 307c/kg average of the best-bred pens to 243c/kg for the worst of the plain lines. Medium weight lines sold 321c, recording averages from 263c to 280c/kg. The best-bred yearling heifers averaged 244c to 247c/kg for light weight pens with medium weights selling to 275c/kg to average 245c to 263c/kg.
Grown steers reached 334c/kg for the best, to average 307c/kg to 324c/kg. Processor bullocks sold to 288c/kg for the best finished lines, averaging 260c to 283c/kg. Trade weight grown heifers, with finish, sold from 263c to 268c/kg average.
Plain cows sold to processors to average 192c to 207c/kg, whilst the best heavy, four score cows reached 275c/kg to average 252c/ kg.Heavybullstoprocessorsaveraged 231c/kg.
Report Date: 16/07/2024
Reporter Richard Thomson
Saleyard: Roma Store
With an increase of 1208 head Roma Agents yarded 7738 head. All the regular processors feedlotters and backgrounders present. The yarding comprised of quality weaners feeders and in excess of 2200 cows. The market continued to rise for all descriptions.
Yearling steers under 200kg topped 400c/ kg.Yearling steers 200 to 280kg sold from 300c to 410c/kg. Yearling steers 280 to 330kg also made to 402c to average 373c/kg. Yearling steers 330 to 400kg with the majority making to 402c and averaged 360c/kg which is a 10c/ kg stronger. Yearling steers 400kg to 480kg improved 34c and sold from 300c to 374c/ kg.Yearling steers over 480kg made from 250c to a top of 372c/kg.
Light weight yearling heifers under 200kg sold to a stronger market and made to 300c/ kg. Yearling heifers 200 to 280kg also improved in price and selling to 304c/kg. Yearling heifers 280 to 330kg sold from 226c to 320c/kg. Yearling heifers 330 to 400kg sold well to 321c/kg. Yearling heifers 400 to 480kg topped 340c to average 325c/kg.Yearling heifers over 480kg sold from 240c to 320c/kg
Grown steers 500 to 600kg topped 360c/kg. Grown steers over 600kg made from 260c to 324c/kg. Grown heifers over 540kg made to 314c/kg. Almost 2200 cows penned and sold to a stronger market with the inclusion of 3 southern processors. The majority of the 2 score cows selling from 160c to 255c/kg. The 3 score topped 324c to average 291c/kg. Bulls under 600kg topped 268c/kg. Bulls over 600kg made to 290c/kg.
Report Date: 16/07/2024
Saleyard: Warwick
Warwick agents penned 997 head a similar supply to last week. The processor buying panel included a southern operator along with regular wholesalers and feeder buyers plus local restockers. The prices for the quality yearling cattle to feed and to background improved in price from 3c to 26c and more in places. The cow and heavy steer lines followed the trend of other sale centres and sold to prices 6c to 27c up on last sale.
Light weight yearling steers to background made 358c to average 354c/kg. Yearling steers over 200kg to restockers sold to 372c/kg. Yearling steers over 280kg to feed made 376c to average 352c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to feed averaged 330c and sold to 353c/ kg. Heavy yearling steers to feed made 340c to average 329c/kg. Well bred yearling heifers in the 200-280kg range to restockers made 334c to average 285c/kg. Yearling heifers in the 280-400kg range to feed sold to 300c and averaged from 270c to 273c/kg with those to the wholesale meat trade averaging 342c and topping at 358c/kg.
Grown steers to the butcher trade made 357c to average 335c/kg. Grown heifers to processors made 298c to average 286c/kg. Light weight score 2 cows to processors sold from 185c to 243c/kg. Good heavy cows to processors sold from 240c to 280c and averaged 261c/kg. Light weight bulls to restockers made 330c to average 304c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors sold to 310c and averaged 278c/ kg.
Market Reporter
Errol Luck Sheep report Report Date: 17/07/2024
Saleyard: Warwick
Warwick sheep sale penned 678 lambs and 600 grown sheep. The lamb offering was mixed mostly of Dorpers with a balance of cross bred lambs. The regular processors attended and there was competition from restockers. Trends for finished lambs was dearer although interest for store lambs was cheaper.
Lambs to restockers $55 to $90/head although a pen of Dorper ewe lambs to a restocker reached $195/head. Light processor lambs to $19/head dearer $138 to $146/head. Trade Dorpers up $5/head $155 to $170/head. Heavy Dorpers much dearer $175 to $212/ head. Heavy cross bred lambs also dearer $173 to $179/head. Dorper lambs in the 26 to 30kg cwt bracket sold to $229/head. Hoggets ranged $125 to $160/head and ram lambs made to $150/head.
Market Reporter, David Friend
Light sheep were dearer $46 to $60/head. Medium ewes were $10/head better however heavy ewes were slightly cheaper $61 to $90/ head. Heavy Merino wethers to $97/head. Stephen Adams MLA
Lucrana Simmentals will this month celebrate its 13th on-property annual sale with its largest catalogue of bulls ever.
On 16 August, the stud will offer 75 rising two-year-olds, comprising 40 traditional, five solid reds and 30 Black Simmentals.
According to stud principal Andrew Moore, bulls have been semen tested including morphology, have had a comprehensive vaccination history and are “ready to work“.
In all, 90 per cent of the draft is polled and “just on“ half the draft is homozygous polled (PP).
Lucrana Simmentals is situated 35 kilometres south east of Texas in Queensland. The property fronts the Dumaresq River, which forms the Queensland/New South Wales border.
After the family operation had used Simmentals in their commercial herd for many years, the Moore family established Lucrana Simmentals in 1986 and it has become one of Australia’s leading studs.
It consists of 300 stud and herd-recorded females.
BREEDING PHILOSOPHY
The Lucrana Simmental herd comprises principally traditional Simmental types, with some Red Simmental also produced.
A new venture for Lucrana in 2016 was the establishment of a Black Simmental herd, with the purchase of foundation females from the St Pauls herd.
Mr Moore said the female breeding herd was run under strictly commercial conditions in the harsh and hillyTraprock region of southern Queensland.
“This geographical region is characterised by rough, hilly terrain and shallow infertile soils,“ he said.
“The climate of the area typically features hot summers and winters, with minimums be-
low freezing.
“Selection pressure for many years under these conditions has resulted in a very functional female herd with outstanding constitution and fertility.“
· The 13th annual Lucrana Simmental onproperty sale will be held on 16 August and interfaced with Stocklive. Bulls and females are also sold privately throughout the year when available.
· The catalogue and videos of sale bulls can be viewed at www.lucrana.com.au
Lucrana Simmentals offers all successful buyers generous freight assistance, with Mr Moore and the selling agents recognising the importance of getting your new bull home in a safe and timely manner. They can coordinate and assist with all post-sale deliveries.
Lucrana Tradesman (PP)
Relationships
By Queensland Rugby Media Unit
The Indigenous programs initiated by the Queensland Reds in 2010 were not about participation but, firstly, building a strong base of relationships.
Improving education outcomes and opportunities for young people to train for jobs were goals.
The Future Indigenous Leadership Program, backed successfully for many years by Rio Tinto, was another vehicle to enable youngsters to reach their full potential.
“Playing the game has only ever been part of the vision across nearly 15 years of growth, respect and understanding for which the QRU feels significant pride,” said David Hanham, the Queensland Rugby Union’s chief executive officer.
Fast forward to 2024 and the benefit of those longstanding relationships have borne fruit in the subtle ways everyone hoped.
At the successful Queensland Country
Championships in Rockhampton, more than 1000 players gathered from around the state for boys and girls competitions.
Of those, 10 per cent identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
At the recent Australian Schools Championships on the Sunshine Coast, three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls from Queensland won nods in Merit teams for their strong futures in sevens.
Taliah Anderson and Aamira Renouf, niece of former Brisbane Broncos star Steve, excelled and were recognised in the Australian Under-16 Merit team. Equally, Aaliyah Sheppard was a Merit high-achiever in the Under-18s.
Seeing those girls shine in the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development teams, “The Lloydies”, with the increased opportunities for teenage girls in sevens was a big plus in Caloundra.
Rhani Hagan, pacy and skilful, is already on her way as a member of the Australia A sevens side which had a successful tour of Japan.
In NAIDOC Week, it’s timely to reflect on the gains.
“The journey didn’t start with playing our game, it started with relationships and demonstrating our values to Indigenous communities in building trust, respect and a willingness to partner,” said Selwyn Button, a proud Indigenous man and QRU Board director.
That’s why wearing an Indigenous jersey is so much more than just manufacturing a jersey.
It’s the engagement with younger members of the community to hear and act on their design ideas from the initial outline to the finishing product that all can be proud of. It’s a collaboration.
“Over time, all these things have led to a significant increase in the number of active Indigenous participants in all areas of our game across all geographic locations,” Button said.
“Seeing the three Oates brothers play for University in the same side and being involved in a try together was fantastic. More club sides
are now creating their own Indigenous jerseys.
“These are among the reasons that 2024 represents a major milestone for Indigenous rugby in Queensland where every representative team from our men’s and women’s Reds through to our Under-16 boys and girls sevens teams all have Indigenous players represented in them.”
Dylan Blackman, the QRU’s indigenous strategies manager, added extra detail.
“It’s not just the opportunities for players. We want to be welcoming to coaches, new officials, volunteers, families and their communities,” he said.
Any organisation’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) adds a level of accountability and goal-setting.
Hanham made the strong point it is an ongoing process.
“Reconciliation is a continuous journey which means the QRU will always pause to examine, reflect and adjust our efforts,” Hanham said.
Cairns livewire Jaeda Morato on the attack during the Australian Schools Championships at Caloundra. (Queensland Rugby Media Unit)
