Hands up for award
Fifth-generation beef producer Angie Nisbet who co-founded FarmHer Hands - a business that produces UPF50+ sun protection gloves - is one of three finalists in the Queensland Rural Women’s Award. Libby Cook-Black and Nicole McNaughton are also vying to represent Queensland at the national awards in Canberra later this year.
PAGE 5
FarmHer Hands co-founder Angie Nisbet.
‘Whiz’ tribute
The one and only ‘Winton Whiz’, the world’s most idolised saddle bronc ridder Ray Hermann, will be honoured for his incredible career with a lifesized bronze statue.
The $135,000 statue weighing approximately 500kg will be unveiled during the Winton 150th Anniversary celebration in April.
The statue was taken from a photo captured by Darryl Doyle, of Ray riding the late Peter Gills buckjumper named Brock at Dingo Rodeo in 1985. Ray is known as the world’s most successful saddle bronc rider champion, after winning numerous prestigious titles, including seven Australian saddle bronc titles (1980-1985, 1987), and two world titles (1978, 1981).
STORY PAGE 4
Arrow bends
A group of courageous Darling Downs farmers are celebrating after scoring a major win against multinational gas company Arrow Energy.
Arrow Energy, a joint venture between Shell and PetroChina, recently wrote to the “Springvale Four” landholders, confirming it had withdrawn plans to drill 14 gas wells on the farmers’ properties.
“Arrow has updated our development plans and the initially proposed well path trajectories underneath your property will not proceed,” the Arrow Energy letter read.
Arrow has withdrawn a second application, also on the Darling Downs.
PAGE 7
Working smarter
By Fiona Gowers
INSIDE
SHEDS FEATURE pages 12-13
WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE pages 16-17
FLOOD RELIEF pages 20-21
BUSHFIRE HELP page 22
TAMWORTH SUCCESS pages 24, 26
SOCIAL SCENE pages 28, 34
CLASSIFIEDS pages 30-31
MARKET ROUND-UP page 33
SPORT pages 35-36
CONTACT US
Recruitment challenges
By Fiona Gowers
Central Highlands cropper Matt Anning currently manages “Denlo Park” at Springsure where he annually grows between 240 and 720 hectares of dryland cotton, depending on seasonal conditions and water availability.
Address: 154-156 Haly Street
Kingaroy 4610
Telephone: 07 4182 0450
Website: QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
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Mr Anning was last year a panelist for the SHIFT Virtual Farm Catchups and has worked with the research team over the course of the codesign project.
He spoke with Queensland Farmer Today about his experience in recruiting and retaining staff and how both have evolved over the years ... How long have you grown cotton for Matt?
Twenty years.
Have you seen much change in attitudes within the cotton industry towards employees over that time?
We know that good staff are essential for our operation. I can’t speak for everyone but what’s changed for me from going through the Australian Future Cotton Leaders program - and now being a part of SHIFT - is making sure I’m working with our team and thinking about what they need for me to get the best performance from them. There’s a lot of competition in the market to attract and retain employees, people are integral to keeping a large operation going, we know we have to look after people.
How have your recruitment strategies changed over time, if at all?
People are harder to find. We still try to recruit through word-of-mouth, looking for that right attitude, knowing we can train people in their roles on-farm, but it is tough these days.
Do you have an employee “blueprint“ you follow to ensure staff retention? Or is it gut feel according to the individual?
There is no blueprint. Each team member is a bit different and, working it out, talking with each employee, keeping them in the loop on why decisions are made and having that clear two-way communication, is how we try and make sure they’re happy and productive at work
What are the biggest challenges you face in recruiting and retaining employees?
We’re trying to think outside the box and broaden our horizons when we’re finding new team members. The challenge is to bring them along on the journey and help them see the bigger picture that we’re working towards and how we need to work to keep going.
What advice would you give to other cotton growers struggling to recruit/ retain suitable employees?
Look after the team you have, they are your biggest asset, they’ll help that attraction when you get someone new in the door.
Queensland’s trivia signs keep drivers alert
Our family holiday road trip through central and north Queensland delivered many Christmas surprises.
As we drove through tiny towns such as Owanyilla in the Fraser Coast region (population 245), Raglan in the Gladstone region (population 143) and Yaamba in the Livingstone Shire (population 51) we were so impressed with their perfect presentation, friendly feel and country hospitality. Also, the further north we travelled the cheaper petrol prices became, with Marlborough in the Livingstone Shire (population 154) the cheapest fuel we bought at $1.54 cents per litre for Unleaded 91.
Another highlight was Queensland’s unique roadside quiz, with yellow and white question and answer signs placed five kilometres apart between Maryborough and Bundaberg in a bid to keep drivers alert and awake.
Signs are placed in known crash zones to improve driver awareness on long journeys across the state, which is more than seven times the size of the United Kingdom.
Questions we passed included, who was the first premier of Queensland? (Sir Robert George Wyndham Herbert).
What is the official bird emblem of Queensland? (The brolga) and where is the town Captain Cook first landed? (The town of 1770).
Apparently, trivia signs have been installed on the state’s highways since 2012 to “help drivers remain alert by keeping their mind active with questions rotated at varying intervals“.
In 2024, however, fatigue and distraction contributed to 23 per cent of Queensland’s 302 road deaths, the highest since 2009, according to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
So, quiz questions or not, please drive carefully!
- Fiona Gowers
Central Highlands cropper Matt Anning currently manages “Denlo Park” at Springsure. (Supplied)
Retention in the workforce
By Fiona Gowers
“Don’t come home until you’re finished. We work from sun up to sun down. If your hands are soft, you haven’t worked hard enough. We don’t stop for breaks here. One more run and then you can knock off ...”
Farmers have long been represented as a tough breed who work around the clock - and expect their workers to do the same.
But now, with labour shortages at an all-time high, the industry is changing tack, preferring a human-centred, psychological approach to attract and retain workers.
Leading the charge is the Australian cotton industry.
First-of-its-kind research from rural psychologists has found cotton farmers and their staff are moving away from the stereotype of agriculture being a “tough“ industry by focussing on a human-centred approach.
Rural psychologist Chantal Corish lives on a cotton farm with her husband and, thanks to support from the Cotton Research Development Corporation (CRDC), is undertaking a PhD research project with Central Queensland University.
She is exploring the effect psychological safety has on team learning, performance and wellbeing among cotton farming employees, as a step towards achieving a positive workforce culture.
Alongside work from Dr Nicole McDonald and leadership expert Jo Eady, this team is using 10 years of cotton industry workforce research and collaborating with cotton growers to investigate evidence-based solutions to current workforce challenges.
Its findings will form an integral part of the larger CRDC project SHIFT: Delivering Best Practice to Manage Future Workforce Skills.
Dr McDonald, an organisational psychology researcher within the Australian cotton industry, said as investments in social science and workforce research had been vast, it was essential the transferable lessons gained from this “brilliant“ knowledge were understood.
“We wanted to amplify examples of the process and normalise sharing this kind of information as we move along to ensure it’s a two-way flow of information,“ she said.
“So, with the SHIFT project, you’ll see we’ve strongly co-designed everything. It’s not asking cotton growers to make big changes. It’s asking them to make small shifts on some new things to start to move towards better, healthier, safer workplaces.
“And, I guess as a researcher, one of the greatest things about working in agriculture is you are pushed, unlike any other person who may be doing more theoretical kind of research, to ask, ’What’s the return on investment here?’ As you’re essentially using money farmers have paid through levies on crops they’ve grown.
“So, the aim of this project was to translate that into something that was a return on investment from the research.“
While it’s typically rare for people in agriculture to talk about work, health, safety and social psychology, CRDC is leading these discussions to help cotton growers identify and implement practical tools to better attract, develop and retain their workforce.
The SHIFT project team is chatting with growers and farm managers to practically work on the ‘people’ part of their businesses.
Here’s what they found:
• Recruitment is harder than it has ever been.
• New team members are ‘greener’ than they have ever been.
• Technical and non-technical skills need development.
• Psychosocial wellbeing is a challenge.
By better understanding the problem, they can create targeted solutions that will help make agriculture the employers of choice and the industry of choice.
About SHIFT:
• A framework that takes a bottom-up approach, with growers and researchers coming together to discuss and workshop what they can do to secure an engaged and adaptable workforce.
• The goal is to make agriculture the employers of choice and the industry of choice.
• It contributes to a program of work being led by the cotton industry that focuses on creating careers in agriculture from “K to grey”, meaning from a young age (kindergarten) right through to the old age (retirement).
• This program of work is about professionalising agriculture and ensuring those employed onfarm have safe and satisfying careers.
• It’s also busting myths that a career in the industry means only out in the field. It’s about creating accessible pathways so people know the diversity of jobs on offer and what a long-
term career pathway can look like.
Workforce stats:
• The agricultural industry is worth an estimated $78 billion to the Australian economy each year and that’s expected to grow to $100 billion by 2030.
• Worker shortage, however, is an ongoing challenge across the industry.
• The number of agricultural workers has decreased in recent years, from above 300,000 people during 2020 to 271,500 in February
2024, according to latest ABARES stats.
• The number of working holiday makers declined steeply from more than 141,000 visa holders to less than 19,000 visa holders between the closure of Australia’s borders due to COVID-19 and their reopening.
• Their number has since increased to more than 181,000 as of February 2024. The expansion of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme has been the big driver used to tackle the labour crisis.
Dr Nicole McDonald, an organisational psychology researcher within the Australian cotton industry and rural psychologist Chantal Corish are investigating evidence-based solutions to current workforce challenges. (Supplied)
Over the past 10 years, Dr Nicole McDonald has pioneered cotton social science projects, culminating in a research project called SHIFT: Delivering Best Practice for Management of Future Workforce Skills.
Idolising the ‘Winton Whiz’
By Breanna Lloyd
The one and only ‘Winton Whiz’, the world’s most idolised saddle bronc ridder Ray Hermann, will be honoured for his incredible career with a lifesized bronze statue.
The $135,000 statue weighing approximately 500kg will be unveiled during the Winton 150th Anniversary celebration in April.
The statue was taken from a photo captured by Darryl Doyle, of Ray riding the late Peter Gills buckjumper named Brock at Dingo Rodeo in 1985.
Ray is known as the world’s most successful saddle bronc rider champion, after winning numerous prestigious titles, including seven Australian saddle bronc titles (1980-1985, 1987), and two world titles (1978, 1981).
Ray is the three-time winner of the most saddle bronc titles in the world and holds the record of competing in 96 rodeos in one year (1987), winning 40 of them.
Ray shared how delighted he was with the result.
“I’m happy with the outcome,” he said.
“Now people can remember someone from a rural town like Winton, has made worldwide headlines for bronc riding.
“I think it’s also important for people to recognise and remember the sport. Hopefully, it will encourage more people to give it a go.”
Diamantina Rodeo and Campdraft Association secretary Patrice Elliott said preparations for the statue have been in the ‘works’ for some time.
“Our committee have talked about doing this for a long time but we couldn’t find enough funding,” she said.
“My husband Mike didn’t give up and asked for help from the Winton Shire Council to get it off the ground.
“People from all walks of life look up to those around them who have achieved outstanding results in their chosen sport, but opportunities for a small community to lay claim to someone who has achieved as much as Ray Hermann are few and far between.”
The Winton Campdraft Association now hopes to raise the remaining $33,000 to fund the statue.
“It’s an incredible milestone for Ray and the community and we want to ensure Ray’s story is never forgotten,” Patrice said.
“If anyone is interested in donating please
contact us today.”
Since a young age, Ray idolised the thought of being a cowboy when he was older.
When he was old enough to walk, he lived and breathed among horses, helping on his Winton family farm to then drop out of school and work in mustering camps at the age of 14.
“When I was 15 I began riding bulls and broncs at rodeos and found a real passion for it,” Ray said.
“From there the rest is history.
“Although I can’t read or write, I’m impressed with how well I organised everything back then. It
was challenging but I got the job done.”
Thanks to Ray’s unique riding style and unbreakable determination, he quickly became a jaw-dropping phenomenon after winning his first World Saddle Bronc Championship at 19 years old in 1978.
“I’ve always had a special ‘nack’ where other people couldn’t win on a horse, but I could,” Ray said.
“You have to move with the horse and make them buck.
“Due to my style of holding the rains, my fast
feet and the way I spurred them, it helped push me over the line.”
After his very successful career, numerous broken bones, and too many ‘close calls’, Ray in his early 50s retired from his once beloved sport in 2013.
Now 66 years old, the retired champion resides with his partner Sonia on their 22-acre property outside Winton.
Although his bronc riding chapter has closed, Ray is still heavily involved with horses, now training race horses in his spare time.
Ray Hermann on Gill Bros’ horse ‘Brock’, during his winning bronc ride in Dingo in 1985. (Darryl Doyle)
Australian Bronc Riding Champion Ray Hermann.Diamantina
Women working wonders
By Fiona Gowers
Fifth-generation beef producer Angie Nisbet who co-founded FarmHer Hands - a business that produces UPF50+ sun protection gloves - is one of three finalists in the Queensland Rural Women’s Award.
Libby Cook-Black and Nicole McNaughton are also vying to represent Queensland at the national awards in Canberra later this year.
Libby Cook-Black is a proud Zenadth Kes woman from Erub Island in the Torres Strait and the founder of The Female Co, an organisation that helps rural, regional and remote Indigenous women access high-performance leadership programs.
Nicole McNaughton, meanwhile, is the CEO of Food and Agribusiness Network, one of Australia’s leading food and industry clusters, which has more than 420 members in the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions.
The vast expanse of north west Queensland is home for Angie Nisbet and Shona Larkin of FarmHer Hands who both live near Hughenden.
During a coffee catch-up in early 2023 after a morning out in the paddock, Shona expressed a desire for more stylish, durable gloves for her outdoor work, prompting Angie to say, “Well, why don’t we make our own“?
From there, they channelled their passion for agriculture and skin protection into a business venture, designing and launching a line of fashionable UPF50+ gloves, driven by their personal stories linked to melanoma.
“We are two country women who have dedicated ourselves to creating a solution that celebrates our way of life and helps protect the hands of hardworking women and farming families all over Australia,“ Angie said.
“We work seamlessly together on ideas, design inspiration and, importantly, continue to work on our vision and business mission; to ‘glove up’ 15,000 women, men and children across Australia and protect, safeguard and empower them
with confidence, without compromising on comfort, safety and style.“
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett congratulated the finalists, paying tribute to their achievements and their positive contribution to rural Queensland.
“Rural Queensland simply wouldn’t operate
without the vital contribution of country women who carry out a myriad of many crucial roles, often behind the scenes,” he said.
“As a husband and father of capable country women, I know how much of women’s contributions go unacknowledged, which is why awards like this are cause for celebration.
“I take my hat off to this year’s finalists Angie, Nicole and Libby, and recognise their success in three very different but valuable endeavors.”
The Queensland winner of the Rural Women’s Award will receive a $15,000 grant to further their work and represent Queensland at the national awards in Canberra later this year.
The Department of Primary Industries has supported the Rural Women’s Award since 2000, and it is a collaboration with AgriFutures Australia and supported by the Queensland Country Women’s Association and Westpac.
Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the finalists were contributing a great deal to Queensland’s rural communities.
“From beef producing to agriculture and providing leadership programs for indigenous women in rural, regional and remote areas – each of these three female finalists has excelled in their field,” she said.
“Women are a leading force in keeping Queensland’s regional and rural communities thriving and I applaud not only Libby, Nicole and Angie, but all women who continue to support their communities, and make achievements in their everyday lives.”
Belinda Allitt, chief operating officer of AgriFutures Australia, thanked the three finalists for their commitment to Australia’s rural industries.
“This award not only recognises the innovative contributions that these three women are making to their communities and Australia’s rural industries, but also acknowledges the grit, determination and dedication that is required to get to this point,“ she said.
“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides our state and territory winners a platform to build on their leadership skills to drive change, building towards a stronger rural and regional Australia.
“Congratulations to the three Queensland finalists.”
The Queensland winner will be announced at a ceremony in Brisbane on Thursday 20 March 2025.
Nicole McNaughton. (Supplied)
Libby Cook-Black.
Paramagh one in a melon
By Gladys Barreta
With the warm weather and the sun shining, the watermelon harvest is well underway at one of the region’s melon farms.
About 23km north-east of Chinchilla, Paramagh Farming has been hard at work harvesting melons for the past two months.
Owners Terry and Aja O’Leary run the 1000ha watermelon farm, one of the only three melon farms in the region.
The first patch of seeded watermelons was planted back in 1986 by Terry’s parents, Darryl and Janet O’Leary, who still helps out on the farm.
Darryl and his wife Janet started Paramagh Farming, with Darryl having picked melons since he was 12.
Darryl remembers being one of the first melon growers in the region, with many others following.
He was one of the first to plant the seedless variety of melons in Australia with his first crop harvested in 1993.
“A lot of blokes tried planting the seedless watermelons, but a lot of their crops failed because no one knew much about them back then,” Darryl said.
“People were standoffish with the seedless when they first came out but once they saw the product they got around it.“
Having pioneered melon growing in the region, Darryl maintains his involvement in the industry by being one of the founding organisers of the famed Chinchilla Melon Festival.
Although retired and with the farm sold to Terry and Aja, Darryl and Janet still help at Paramagh.
The current harvest started last year on 10 December and is expected to run until the end of March.
Darryl said there was poor quality fruit early in the harvest in December due to the weather conditions.
Watermelons, especially of the seedless variety, don’t set fruit in cold weather.
Darryl said with a lot of rain and cold weather late last year played havoc with the growing process.
“The pollens aren’t as strong with cold weather,” Darryl said.
“We didn’t harvest as much earlier on in the harvest this season because there was a lot of rain and cold weather which caused the fruits to crack internally.
“The first couple of blocks we harvested, we left about 60 per cent of the fruits behind and only picked about 40 per cent of what the crop should’ve been.”
Darryl said the fruit had now improved and the harvesting this month had yielded some really good quality fruit.
“This week we’re loading more than 90 per cent of the crop now.
“Last year (2023) was beautiful with no extreme weather conditions and good melon growing weather.
“But this year we’ve had hot days and it was cold until end of November with heaps of rain and cloudy weather.”
Paramagh Farming employs more than 10 pickers and packers each season, including the family members who are involved in the operation.
“We’ve got some backpackers and locals pick-
ing and packing each season,” Darryl said.
“It’s hard to get good pickers because it takes a lot of work to train them, especially when you have quality problems and it’s about knowing what’s a good fruit and what’s not.”
Being a small family farm, Terry and Aja rely on family members to help run the operation.
“Not many people get the privilege of keeping a business and farm in the family,” Darryl said.
“It’s a very stressful game to be in with a lot of money going into it and you can get wiped out with a hailstorm in a second.
“Terry is doing a very good job of running Paramagh, we are lucky to be able to keep it in the family.“
Back in late ’80s and ’90s there were more than 20 growers in Chinchilla, with three rockmelon growers.
Now there are only three watermelon growers in the region.
Darryl said the drop in melon growers over the years was an indication of how tough farming melons is.
“Anybody in horticulture would know it’s a pretty tough fruit to grow with lots of hard work and regulations,” he said.
“I don’t think anybody else will join the game of growing melons in the region.
“I’d give any young fella a hand if they wanted to have a crack at it but I can’t see anybody wanting to do it or start it.
Paramagh’s watermelons are distributed by Select Melons Australia, which works with growers Australia-wide.
Most of their fruits are sold to big corporations such as Woolworth and Coles and the central market.
The melon harvest will be celebrated with the upcoming biennial event, the Chinchilla Melon Festival from 13-16 February.
In about a week, Paramagh will be picking watermelons of the long-seeded variety for watermelon skiing at the festival and will also be supplying seedless watermelons for festival goers to feast on.
Check out the free festival on their website: melonfestival.com.au/
Some of the melon growers of the region, owners of Paramagh Farming, Aja and Terry O’Leary and father and founder of the farm, Darryl O’Leary.
Paramagh Farming distributes its melons all around Australia.
Owners of Paramagh Farming, north east of Chinchilla, Terry and Aja O’Leary are well into their harvest for the season.
Kirsten McCann from Scotland and local Alyssa Harrap-Coleman are both part of the harvesting team this season.
About 90 per cent of the crops are being picked and packed, with good weather conditions meaning good quality watermelons.
Alyssa Harrap-Coleman assessing the quality of the fruits after they’ve been picked.
The pickers at Paramagh Farming are hard at work this week with harvest in full swing.
Major win against Arrow
By Sarah Dimond
A group of courageous Darling Downs farmers are celebrating after scoring a major win against multinational gas company Arrow Energy.
Arrow Energy, a joint venture between Shell and PetroChina, recently wrote to the “Springvale Four” landholders, confirming it had withdrawn plans to drill 14 gas wells on the farmers’ properties.
“Arrow has updated our development plans and the initially proposed well path trajectories underneath your property will not proceed,” the Arrow Energy letter read.
Arrow has withdrawn a second application, also on the Darling Downs.
Together, these encompassed 25 coal seam gas wells/pathways and 13km of gathering lines.
The win was nearly two years in the making. The Springvale farmers were among the first to launch a challenge against what’s known as a Regional Interests Development Approval (RIDA) application - essentially a plan by a gas or coal company to destroy farmland identified by the Queensland Government as some of the best in the state.
This is believed to be the first time a gas company has withdrawn such an application in response to farmer opposition.
While Arrow said it might resubmit an application for six wells that would be drilled diagonally from surrounding areas at a later date, this is a major victory for a small group of farmers who stood up to a multinational oil and gas giant.
Farmers say it’s now time for the LNP to make good on its pre-election commitment to protect the Condamine Alluvium - the vital groundwater source these farmers rely on - from any new coal seam gas drilling.
The promise was made in response to a fierce campaign by local farming group Save Our Darling Downs to protect the Condamine Alluvium, which underpins food and fibre production in the district.
In the leadup to the state election, Condamine MP Pat Weir promised an LNP Government would not allow new gas development that threatened the aquifer.
Since March last year, farmers in the district have declared more than 50,000ha “gasfield free”.
’Springvale Four’ farmer Doug Browne said, “I’ve farmed this land all my life. It’s been in my family for generations. There was no way I was ever going to let Arrow Energy onto my land.
“But we weren’t just doing this for our farms. We did it to protect the groundwater that sustains this district.
“Water is life.
“And we did this to show farmers all over Australia that even a small group of people can stand up to giant gas companies.”
Dr Shay Dougall is a Chinchilla-based consultant who works with farmers required to host coal seam gas.
She said her PhD research findings reflected and validated the experience of the Springvale Four.
“Queensland law allows coal seam gas companies to sideline the very farmers who are directly impacted by the drilling of expanding coal seam gas fields,” Dr Dougall said.
“Yet, as this example shows, it is farmers who hold the expert knowledge of their own agricultural land that is so vital when dealing with an industry as risky as coal seam gas.
“These farmers challenged Arrow’s attempts to drill, forcing the company to submit a development application under the Regional Planning Interests Act, and then used their own expert knowledge to highlight Arrow’s lack of consideration for the sustainability of their farms.
“The farmers’ win vindicates their own expert knowledge and concerns.
“This win proves existing gas fields have not
been subject to proper scrutiny. Queensland’s planning laws are failing our agricultural industry and communities.
“This shows the government must stop allowing coal seam gas companies to do their own impact assessments over whether or not an application under the RPIA Act is required. All future gas activity in the district must undergo the same level of rigorous scrutiny as the Springvale RIDA.”
Queensland Lock the Gate Alliance spokesperson Nick Holliday said: “This is a significant win and goes to show what can be achieved when communities, even a very small group of people, work together.
“Governments must do more to support Australian farmers under threat from coal seam gas. The Springfield Four have achieved a serious blow against Arrow, but it’s a fight they shouldn’t have to have.
“It’s more important than ever that the changes promised by the Queensland LNP Government to protect the Condamine Alluvium are now implemented thoroughly so that Arrow does not come back in a few years and try to access these farms again.”
The planned gas wells were to be part of Arrow Energy’s Surat Gas Project - a much larger project involving the drilling of more than 6000 gas wells between just west of Toowoomba and Wandoana distance of more than 200km.
/ 9.5 under hammer
Springvale Four farmer Doug Browne is one of four farmers who campaigned against Arrow Energy’s plans to drill 14 gaswells on farms in Springvale. (Lock the Gate)
Coal seam gas wells in the Darling Downs.
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Farming under pressure
By Julian Lehnert
A panel of four experts at a recent Bundaberg agriculture forum outlined the threats to farming in the Wide Bay-Burnett caused by ’overeager’ policies, ignorant locals and aggressive zoning laws.
The 2025 Bundaberg Ag Forum, held by the Bundaberg Ag-Food and Fibre Alliance on 3 February, featured a panel session on the ’right to farm’. The panellists included Bundaberg mayor Helen Blackburn, solicitor Chris Cooper, Australian Macadamia Society chief executive Clare Hamilton-Bate and Bundaberg farmer Peter McLennan.
The four speakers talked at length about the main threats to farming in the region: the rapid expansion of cities into the ’backyard’ of farmers, and the ever-increasing number of state and federal laws ostensibly limiting the ability of agriculturalists to work efficiently.
Mr Cooper, a solicitor for C. J. Cooper and Associates, who boasts experience in providing legal services to Wide Bay canegrowers, said government overreach into the ag sector was at an all-time high.
“We’ve seen (...) in the recent past an appetite in governments to stick their nose in a bit too far in terms of what you want to do on your farm,“ he said.
Other ’sticky beaks’, the solicitor said, came in the form of locals, with neighbours complaining about the noise, odour and operations of farms reportedly getting louder, better-funded and -organised in recent years.
He called for the Queensland Government to follow in the footsteps of the New South Wales and Tasmanian governments in enshrining a ’right to farm’ in the legal code, which would protect farmers from legal challenges.
Mr Cooper also called on local governments to clearly outline to new citizens that farms are a natural part of rural life.
“We can continue to work (...) and ensure that the rights of growers are protected and allowed to develop,“ he said.
Bundaberg’s mayor Helen Blackburn said her council had taken a number of steps in the past nine months to keep up its commitment to the region’s farmers.
She pledged that the Bundaberg council will become a “more active listener and facilitator“ for farmers, with a policy on the ’right to farm’ currently in the works and expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“Right to farm in our region needs to be embedded so that the community understands what that means,“ Ms Blackburn said, adding that people coming to Bundaberg from outside the region need to “adapt to our culture“ around farming.
Clare Hamilton-Bate, who represented the region’s macadamia sector - which produces close to half of the national crop - said positive change must come soon if the farming industry was to survive. She drew on her own experience living and working on farms in the United Kingdom, which, she claimed, were closed and removed to make way for residential developments through government intervention.
“Once it’s gone, it’s gone,“ she warned.
Residential-zoned land was already encroaching on formerly rural blocks in the Bundaberg area, the CEO claimed, bringing with it a swathe of new locals ignorant of the ins and outs of a farm.
“It’s more challenging than it’s ever been,“ Ms Hamilton-Bate said.
“It’s easy to be demonised by maybe small, factional groups, but they have a large voice. Social media allows us all to be experts in pretty much everything.“
The CEO of the Australian Macadamia Society said industry and the public needed to work “symbiotically“ to keep farmers farming.
“The industry supports a growing populationand a growing population supports the industry,“ she said.
As a farmer himself, Bundaberg grower Peter McLennan weighed in by claiming growing ’green tape’ had made his work harder than ever.
He said he had “seen a lot of changes since [his] grandfather’s time“, with compliance laws around vegetation management, reef safety, human resources, taxation and licensing being just some of the ways that modern governments have encroached on the daily work of farmers.
Mr McLennan said that small, family farms like his often struggle under the weight of staying compliant with the list of requirements, causing farmers to more frequently step away from the paddock and into their office for fear “someone with a stick“ will come and reprimand them
should they fall foul of the law.
He observed a drop in new farmers coming into the industry, which he attributed to the
change in the legal landscape.
“Increasing levels of regulation hurt margins [and] productivity and [don’t] necessarily come
with environmental benefit,“ Mr McLennan said. “It certainly doesn’t help food security in a very uncertain world.“
Phase out of live sheep exports by sea – transition assistance
The Australian Parliament has passed laws to end live sheep exports by sea by 1 May 2028.
There’s a $139 million package for sheep producers and supply chain businesses to help transition away from the export of live sheep by sea.
Joint design of programs with industry will make sure the right programs are available in the right areas, to support decisions for your business.
We encourage you to prepare, so you are ready when the trade ends in 2028.
To find out more about the program roll out, visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/2028
Helen Blackburn, Chris Cooper, Clare Hamilton-Bate and Peter McLennan spoke at a Bundaberg ag forum panel on the ‘right to farm’. MC Janette Young presided over the session. (Supplied)
Bull-tastic display at CQLX
By Breanna Lloyd
Rockhampton scrap metal artist Andrea Farrow has left people stunned by her artistic talent after displaying her latest work, Scrub Bull, at CQLX Saleyards in Gracemere.
Standing 1.8 metres tall in CQLX’s undercover cafe seating area, the Scrub Bull is accompanied by a cattle dog at its side.
The sculpture captures the powerful, dynamic stance of a dominant bull.
Throughout months of construction, Andrea utilised recycled and repurposed mechanical parts, including conrods, clutch and brake drums, lawnmower blades, and more.
The three-dimensional piece is available for purchase at $17,000, and Andrea hopes it will find a home with someone who appreciates her craftsmanship.
“I love what I do, and I hope someone who loves it will give it a good home,” Andrea said.
“I have been rewarded by witnessing the interaction of children and people of all ages with the pieces I have made.
“Seeing them run excitedly and be drawn in to touch the piece gives the character life, and that is what I am looking for.
“I am very grateful to have been so kindly and enthusiastically supported by the team at CQLX in displaying my piece.”
CQLX rural events coordinator Chelsea Pender said the team was excited when the artwork arrived.
“We are very appreciative of the opportunity Andrea has given us to showcase her artwork,” she said.
“The intricacy of the piece is incredible.
“It’s been great to see our team stop by on their travels to admire the sculpture. Overall, I think it is fantastic.”
Thanks to the February All Breeds Bull and Female Sale held on 10 and 11 February, Chelsea said it was the perfect time for people to view the sculpture.
“We’d love to represent more rural artists in the future,“ she said.
“We have some great spaces on-site that could be utilised for this.”
The piece was originally crafted for the 2024 Sculptures Outback competition at the Roma Saleyards, which ran from July to September.
During the construction process, Andrea found herself drawn to the many recognisable machinery parts she incorporated.
“Many of those from the land will recognise the majority of the recycled parts I have used to sculpt it,” she said.
“From this, I can connect on a deeper level with more people.”
Sourcing her materials from family, friends, and local businesses, Andrea said she wouldn’t be able to do what she does without their support.
“My family and partner are my biggest supporters. Without their kind and encouraging words, I wouldn’t be here,” she said.
“My family and close friends have been amazing in donating and sourcing rusted scrap treasures for my work. I love them all.”
Andrea’s passion for agriculture and animals stems from growing up on her family’s farm on the outskirts of Rockhampton.
While she has always loved art, drawing, and painting, she quickly transitioned to creating three-dimensional artwork.
For the past 10 years, Andrea has used her passion to transform scrap metal and machinery parts into lifelike sculptures of farm animals.
Although she enjoys traditional art forms, she said she always wanted to create three-dimensional pieces.
“It feels like it was only recently that I stumbled into welding, but it has actually been a long time,” she said.
“I never planned to get into metal sculpture, but now that I’m here, I can’t get enough.”
Top goats, sheep on offer
The Yarrabee Boer Goat and Dorper Stud operates as a professional, family-owned enterprise focused on producing high-quality Boer goats and Dorper sheep in the Goombungee district of Queensland.
The operation is led by Helen Darlington, who brings a wealth of experience in livestock production, management and Boer goat judging.
Her background, combined with the involvement of family and staff in various roles, ensures that the stud’s operations are effectively managed, particularly in the areas of goat management and marketing.
The stud part of the farm spans 243 hectares of diverse terrain, ranging from hilly to undulating landscapes, with a mix of native grasses and improved pastures.
This land is used for breeding both Boer goats and Dorper sheep, with forage crops being grown on flatter areas when rainfall permits. The strategic management of land and resources allows the stud to offer a range of quality livestock suited for various markets.
A beef cattle herd is run on additional country alongside the small ruminants.
Yarrabee Boer Goat & Dorper Sheep Stud primarily focuses on producing fullblood Boer goats, including Red Fullblood Boers, Standard Fullblood Boers and Purebred (Upgraded) Boers, with a limited selection of Polled types, alongside the Dorper flock, comprising mainly
fullblood Registered stock and some crossbred sheep.
This variety caters to a broad spectrum of clients, including stud breeders, export buyers and commercial meat goat/ sheep producers. The stud’s commitment to producing structurally-sound, easy-care goats and sheep, raised entirely in a paddock environment, ensures that the stock can perform well in both extensive and intensive settings.
With a foundation of sound breeding principles and a long-standing reputation for quality, Yarrabee Boer Goat Stud remains one of the largest and most established studs in Queensland, while the more recently established Dorper Stud is a smaller operation.
About 100 goats and 30 sheep will be for sale, at Goombungee Showgrounds, on Friday, 4 April, via both live auction and online bidding on Auctions Plus.
The sale stock will mainly comprise 18-month-old breeding stock (red and standard types), including registered and commercial does and bucks and registered and commercial joined ewes and rams.
There will also be some proven adult does available.
Visitors, by appointment, are always welcome; a visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about the stud’s management practices and livestock offerings.
Yarrabee Boer goats preparing for sale day. (Supplied)
CQLX business unit manager Tammy Lackner with scrap metal artist Andrea Farrow. (Supplied)Andrea Farrow is displaying her latest piece at CQLX Saleyards.
Andrea Farrow’s Scrub Bull piece is available for purchase at $17,000.
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Lockyer Sheds is your one-stop shop for all your steel building needs, from initial concept to final completion. (Supplied)
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True Blue Sheds is a leading Australian-owned business specialising in Australian-made sheds. (Supplied)
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Dam talk leaves questions
By Julian Lehnert
A Sunwater executive has shared designs for a new Paradise Dam wall with attendees of a Bundaberg agriculture forum - but could not commit to a timeline or cost for the project, warning that completing the dam will be “challenging.”
Cameron Milliner, Sunwater’s executive general manager for customer and stakeholder relations, spoke at the 2025 Bundaberg Ag Forum hosted by the Bundaberg Ag-Food and Fibre Alliance on 3 February.
The water service company’s exec presented design drawings of a proposed new Paradise Dam wall, pitched by Sunwater at the start of 2024 after its investigations found the original structure’s concrete was damaged beyond repair.
According to Mr Milliner, Sunwater aims to widen the dam’s primary spillway - its main wall - as well as lengthen and enlarge the structure’s secondary spillway.
Other changes to Paradise Dam shown in the design drawings include the left bank abutment pushing “more significantly” into the bank of the Burnett River, the dam wall’s apron extending further downstream, and the replacement of existing irrigation- and environmental outlets.
Mr Milliner said Sunwater was again considering using roller-compacted concrete for the new dam - the same material the Burnett Water Alliance used to make the now-condemned original structure.
However, the company’s executive assured the Bundaberg forum that, this time, Sunwater was committed to extensively researching and supervising the project site, quality of material used, and process of laying down the concrete.
“The challenge here is twofold: the first one is, obviously, managing the deconstruction - the cost of that - and making sure that we understand the hydrology and the interaction between the two structures that will then sit within the river,” Mr Milliner said.
Burnett irrigators looking for greater clarity
around when they can expect a new dam by left the presentation disappointed, with Sunwater blaming the presence of endangered animals in the river catchment as the source of potential delays.
“We are yet to commit to a timeline in terms of when we will be able to start the project, because we need to understand the environmental approvals process that we have to go through in order to get our regulatory approvals in place, to then undertake in-river work,” the Sunwater executive explained.
throated snapping turtle and the lungfish.”
Sunwater was reportedly in talks with the Commonwealth Government on whether the Paradise Dam rebuild will require a referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
“We understand the difficulties this project has caused for the community,” Mr Milliner said.
“We understand the desire for our customers to be able to get on and plan their businesses.”
CHALLAMBI
“We know there are two species of national environmental significance in the river - the white-
The forum’s attendees were also left in the dark on whether the Paradise Dam project’s recently increased price estimate of $4.4 billion - up from the $1.2 billion quoted to restore the nowcondemned original wall - might undergo another budget blowout in the future.
Mr Milliner explained that the works to build a brand-new wall were an “order of relativity” larger than Sunwater’s initial task: the company believes it will require 1.5 million cubic metres of concrete for a new dam wall, up from the originally estimated 370,000 cubic metres for the restoration job.
Other factors involved in the project’s larger scope like design work, demolitions planning and site enabling efforts had also cast doubts on the costs of the venture at Paradise Dam.
“We will be looking to update cost estimates and work with government as that work goes through,” Mr Milliner told the forum.
“I can’t tell you right now what that will be, but we are very conscious of the fact that we need to deliver this project as efficiently and effectively as possible - and that means making sure we are delivering the most cost-effective plan that we can.”
An attendee asked whether the Commonwealth Government would commit further funding to the project after it initially set aside $600 million for the restoration of the now-obsolete original wall.
Sunwater’s executive said the company was hopeful - but unsure - if they could continue to
rely on the substantial funding contribtion.
“Our expectation is that that funding remains available,” Mr Milliner said.
“As we see new project costs come through that will be a matter of negotiation.”
With the design stage of the Paradise Dam project now well underway, Sunwater has turned its attention on a range of site enabling works, investigations and road upgrades to ensure construction on the new dam wall can begin smoothly.
The forum heard Sunwater is currently working on a 10-kilometre upgrade to Paradise Dam Road including bitumen surfacing, widening, drainage and new signs expected to be completed by April this year.
Other access ways to the project site like the low-level crossing over Degilbo Creek on Grills Road and the intersection of Booyal Dallarnil Road and the Bruce Highway are also due to receive attention, with Sunwater yet to announce completion dates for either works.
The water services company was also looking into the logistics of housing its up to 500 staff required for the project on-site, planning to build a worker village on the property at Paradise Dam.
Quality breeds quality
ADVERTORIAL
Challambi Charolais owner and founder Nigel Spink prides himself on his passion for producing stud Charolais cattle with a keen sense, and knowledge, of genetics and breeding.
This is a testament to the Spink family legacy and motto, “quality breeds quality”.
2025 brings new and exciting opportunities for their clients to purchase Challambi Charolais cattle. Available on offer at their sale, online on AuctionsPlus, on Saturday, 12 April will be bulls ranging from dark red, red and white all with exceptional genetics.
Challambi Charolais bulls have been carefully selected to target the buyers’ needs and believe they will have a positive impact in any herd. All Challambi Charolais cattle are birthweight 200d, 400d, fat and EMA recorded with Breedplan.
As all full figures are available, this aids in
the selection process.
These bulls are 100 per cent polled and include genetics from around the world.
Included in this sale are three bulls from the renowned Tri-N Prairie Rose, the highest milking EBV cow family in Canada and are the only progeny in Australia sired by Tri-N Captain Morgan.
Nigel encourages breeders to have a good look at their statistics. Nigel welcomes visits to his property in the foothills of Mount Kosciusko Mountain Range.
The team at Challambi invite you to assess the sale bulls at their on-property open days Wednesday, 12 March and Saturday, 5 April. AuctionsPlus will have photos and videos available for all lots. More information available on their website at www.challambicharolais@gmail.com or Facebook @ChallambiCharolais.
Sunwater executive Cameron Milliner shared design drawings of the new Paradise Dam wall with a Bundaberg agriculture forum - but warned that construction will potentially be slow and costly. (Supplied)
Sunwater’s designs for the new dam wall compared to the current construction (in red).
66 year ‘rein’ of Arab horses
By Jessica Mcgrath
More than six decades of breeding Arabian horses started with savings from needlework and a Corn Flakes competition.
Phyllis Hopf has just finished up 66 years of breeding Arabian horses with her stud Farleigh, in December 2024.
“I love my horses, it’s an interest,” she said.
On 26 January 2025, Mrs Hopf was honored with an Order of Australia award for her service to the Goomeri community, a Gympie-South Burnett border town.
The 89-and-a-half-year-old woman’s sitting room is filled with awards from her days of horse breeding and racing, stitchwork and even a few mementos from her dog racing.
Each item tells part of the story of the respected lady she is today.
Mrs Hopf grew up on a dairy farm at South Nanango, learning how to do hard farm work from a young age.
Inheriting her mother’s love for the show society, Mrs Hopf started volunteering with the Nanango Show Society before she was 17.
She took on roles such as needlework Chief Steward, and entered into cooking and needlework sections.
“I did a lot of show cooking, all these cake stands and fruit stands and a lot of the trophies around [my home] are all cooking trophies for prize money,” Mrs Hopf said.
She eagerly saved up this prize money and her earnings from her needlework with one goal in mind -Arabian horses.
“I put everything I earnt away to buy horses,” she said.
During the late 1950s in a Women’s Weekly, Mrs Hopf discovered a big needlework competition run by Kelloggs’ Corn Flakes.
She entered six pieces and came home with five prizes. Her prize-winning needlework pieces were included in a year-long exhibition tour around Australia to different art galleries
By 1958, when she was living with her first husband Don on another Nanango farm, Mrs Hopf bought her first purebred mare for 300 pounds, naming her Darribee Blue Diamond.
She later moved from Nanango to a property at Cinnabar, outside of Goomeri, when she married her second husband Alan Hopf.
Mrs Hopf moved her horse stud over from Nanango, which included about eight stud-worthy horses.
“That’s where the horse stud really flourished, I was allowed to bring my horses with me and we bred Farleigh Stud Arabian horses,” she said.
Mrs Hopf looked after her own horses in between her farm and house duties.
She became enthralled by the beauty of the ‘absolutely magnificent’ Arabian breed.
“My idea was to set out to breed the Arabian horse like they should be,” she said.
“The confirmation is that it has a beautiful, strong hind quarter -that’s what my horses ended up with.”
She spent decades patiently breeding the best out of her horses, building a strong confirmation.
“They are beautiful horses to look at, mine in particular have wonderful temperament… I bred especially for temperament,” she said.
Her original mare became the core of many generations of Arabian horses over 66 years.
“The whole of my stud -every horse that I bred through were either her sons or her daughters, every one of these goes back to her,” she said.
She only introduced new stallions to her breeding program.
“I’d say I was the only one in Australia, probably in the world, that has done that,” she said.
“I’ve bred a few hundred pure-bred Arabians,
I’ve got horses all over the world.”
She now has friends taking care of her horses. Her stallion has been showing for five years in a row now and has not lost in a show.
“He’s kept himself in dust rugs -every year when he wins he gets a rug,” she said.
When she retired from the land in 2004 after her second husband Alan’s death, Mrs Hopf made a conscious decision to be actively involved in her community.
She moved from the big property to a townhouse in Goomeri and spent a few tough months adjusting to town life.
Mrs Hopf did not want to be like her father who quickly ‘deteriorated’ sitting in his chair after he retired, and forced herself to get involved in town.
“The more I joined in, the more pleasure I got out of it,” she said.
“At one stage I was involved in about 16 organ-
isations and president of about seven.”
The OAM award recognised Mrs Hopf’s time volunteering in Goomeri with one of many community organisations from the Goomeri Show Society and SES, to the RSL, garden club, Goomeri Hall of Memory and the Anglican Ladies Guild.
She has also been the beloved patron of the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival for close to a decade now, has given generously as a volunteer since 1997, a former committee member and an annual sponsor.
Mrs Hopf also helps organise lunches at the Goomeri Hall of Memory for the over 50s.
“It gets them out among people and that’s my idea of living a bit longer, because that’s what I’ve had to do for myself to get myself out of a rut,” she said.
Over the coming months Mrs Hopf will travel to Queensland’s Government House to officially receive her OAM award.
Phyllis Hopf with one of her Arabian horses that she has bred. (Supplied)
A dedicated festival supporter, Phyllis Hopf (left) assisted with cattle rides at past Goomeri Pumpkin Festivals. (Supplied)
Goomeri’s Phyllis Hopf, pictured with her two dogs Chloe and Missy Moo, has been honoured with an OAM this year. (Jessica McGrath: 456101)
Rural mothers all together
By Fiona Gowers
Queensland has won the bid to host a major national conference for rural women, helping mothers on the land to connect, combat isolation and improve mental health outcomes.
Dubbed Australia’s biggest rural mother’s group, Motherland - Australia’s first national charity for rural mums - last week announced Toowoomba will host its biennial two-day conference in early 2026.
The event will see hundreds of rural women from all corners of the country converge on The Garden City to celebrate rural motherhood, hear from an incredible lineup of star-studded speakers and focus on their emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Motherland’s inaugural National Conference was held in Tasmania in 2024 to a sell-out crowd.
The news comes as Motherland bolsters its presence across Queensland, calling on local rural mums to participate in a national survey into rural motherhood to help address gaps, identify pain points and enable impactful solutions, which the charity will take to decision makers across all levels of government.
Motherland Queensland ambassador Melanie McNaughton, who lives and farms at the foot of the Bunya Mountains, said it was exciting to see Queensland selected to host the next conference.
“Joining Motherland Village changed my life and I am so thrilled that more Queensland women can learn about the game-changing work of Motherland through our conference, because every mum needs a village during the good times and the bad,” Mel said.
“We also need Queenslanders to have their say in Motherland’s national survey, to ensure we bring local issues from across the state to light and give Queensland rural mums the support they deserve.”
Motherland founder, CEO and 2024 Australian of the Year for Tasmania Stephanie Trethewey said today’s announcement built on Motherland’s recent expansion into Queensland, following support and funding from the Queensland Government.
“Mums are the beating heart of Queensland’s bush communities, wearing many hats and juggling many balls, so it’s critical they can access the support they need,” Stephanie said.
“Over 90 per cent of farms in Australia are family-owned or operated but, unfortunately, despite being the glue holding rural households together, rural mothers are under-represented when it comes to having their say on a national scale, which is why our survey is so important.“
Motherland’s National Survey will address the gap in reporting of rural mothers to identify their
key concerns, uncover mental health trends, unlock insights into their emotional wellbeing and assist Motherland in advocating and providing improved and additional support services for rural mothers and their families.
“Queensland is such a vital part of the Australian agriculture industry, and we are so incredibly excited to increase our footprint across the state, ensuring more rural women are seen and heard through projects including our conference in Toowoomba, our national survey and our continued advocacy,” Stephanie said.
Motherland will release further details on its national conference in the coming months.
Motherland’s national survey on Rural Motherhood is now open to all rural mums nationally - with the charity planning to take the findings all the way to Parliament House in Canberra.
• Queensland mums can learn more about Motherland via motherlandaustralia.com.au
The inaugural Motherland National Conference in Tasmania in 2024. (Amber Thomas Photography.)
Bibbenluke podcast guests Brodie Game, Bronnie Taylor, Gracey Perry, Kate Brow. Bottom row Mei Li, Motherland founder and CEO Stepanie Trethewey. (www.kallarroocaptures.com.au)
Motherland founder and CEO Stephanie Trethewey. (Ness Vanderburgh)
Motherland founder and CEO Stephanie Trethewey and Motherland marketing manager Jane McAlpine in Toowoomba. (Eleanor Byrne Photographer)
Patchwork in the Pasture
By Fiona Gowers
In isolated rural communities, friendships and solidarity often underpin emotional happiness.
As such, Julie Nixon, a Gelbvieh cattle farmer in Dulacca, hopes a unique initiative she has launched will unite rural women through their passion for sewing.
She is optimistic her Patchwork in the Pasture workshops will provide a space for women to stitch beautiful quilts while forming friendships and finding solace in one another’s company.
Julie’s inspiration came from the slow and steady art of quilt making. Quilt making is a soothing process, one that allows for deep reflection, creativity and connection.
In January, over two weekends, the first patchwork workshop was held at Julie’s Henderson House B’n’B in Dulacca, where four women turned 60-degree triangles into quilts.
It was a huge success.
“The weekend was like a big sleepover with other like-minded ladies,” Julie said. “We had lots of laughs plus lots of sewing.
“Everybody brought food and alcohol and fun. It was just an old-fashioned girls’ weekend and laughter really is the best medicine.
“I think it’s coming back to that old-fashioned quality time. You need good friendships and you need to be surrounded by like-minded people. The workshop was just so good.
“And you know, they’d achieved something by the end of the weekend. They started with some scraps of material and ended up with beautiful quilts and learnt so much.
“It has always been a dream of mine to do this.”
Julie has sewn her entire life, making all the family’s clothes, but began quilting “by accident” 25 years ago when she bought a house in Injune next to a patchworker.
“She saw my massive amounts of fabric and said, ‘You’ve got to start patchworking’. And I went, ‘Never, never, never patchwork’.
“Anyway, she got me started. And, yeah. I’ve never stopped.
“And now I teach others how to do it. So, yeah, it’s funny how it turned out. She always laughs at me and says, ‘Never starting patchworking, hey?!’
“I just enjoy doing it, I like designing the quilts.”
Reflecting the fast-paced world we live in, Julie prefers to teach her students the “easy way” on a sewing machine rather than the traditional and
“In my workshops, quality quilts are completed in a few days and are ready to use and wash,” she said. “I’m not a big fan of quilts that just sit on a bed.”
Julie Nixon was born in Coonabarabran, NSW and raised on a mixed farm in the middle of that state between Coolah and Binnaway.
After marrying Aderian in 1999, she moved to Queensland and now runs 100 Weetalabah Gelb-
Having lived her life on the land, Julie is confident Patchwork in the Pasture workshops will fill an important void for rural women.
That through quilting, they will find a way to unify and support each other, turning a quiet tradition into a lifeline that helps them weather both personal and professional storms.
• For more information on Patchwork in the Pasture workshops, please contact Julie Nixon on: 0414 253 936.
• Julie will cater to the level of experience and area of interest such as quilt making, table runners and basic sewing.
• Henderson House B’n’B can sleep 10 and, as such, birthday party and bridal shower bookings are welcome.
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Next Edition out on March 27th 2025
intricate hand-sewn method.
vieh females across 570 hectares.
Julie Nixon (left) with Sharon, Lyn, Kim and Ruth at the first Patchwork in the Pasture workshop in January. (Supplied)
Julie Nixon helps Ruth at the sewing machine, while Sharon works to the right at the first Patchwork in the Pasture workshop in January.
Youngest show president
By Maddison Richards
Murgon Show Society has turned over a new leaf, as its youngest show society president takes charge.
At just 19 years of age - and having graduated from Murgon State High School in 2023 - Josh Steinhardt is set to bring a new era to the show.
With knowledge from working at the local Murgon saleyards, participating in the art of trading cattle, buying and selling, volunteering his spare time to do cultivation work for a couple local farmers and volunteering for a couple other show societies, Mr Steinhardt displays all the characteristics the local agricultural show focuses on.
After spending the past two years as the chief steward of the Murgon stud cattle section, Mr Steinhardt set his sights higher, with the aim of bringing the younger generation into the show society.
“I guess it was just the fact that we were lacking in the younger generation,” he said, explaining his motivation for becoming show society president.
“I’ve always loved being involved with the shows and I just wanted to give back to the community and keep the Murgon Show going,” he said.
With a love for the livestock events and having the ability to exhibit farm produce in the pavilion, Mr Steinhardt intends to keep the good, friendly and overall great country show on the up, as he brings younger, fresh ideas to the table on how the Murgon Show can be improved and make it a better day out for the general public.
Mr Steinhardt’s vision for the show society is to keep it going strong and to keep improving, bringing in new attractions that the show has not seen before.
Some ideas Mr Steinhardt has brought forward is to involve the new South Burnett Quarter Horse Cutters club with demonstrations and a competition on the day and to bring post ripping back to the show.
He also has plans to hold a Show and Shine for vintage cars, hoping to have a ‘machinery alley’ where these vintage beauties and antique tractors can be proudly displayed.
The South Burnett Quarter Horse Cutters approached the Murgon Show Society at the end of last year, asking to make use of their facilities. The show society agreed, thinking it was a good idea.
To keep the show community oriented, Mr Steinhardt intends to take on board feedback from the community.
“I just love people’s suggestions, thoughts and ideas,” he said. “We want to get more community involvement. Any ideas and thoughts are considered.”
With his goal to bring the younger generation to the show society, Mr Steinhardt aims to make it a welcoming environment, showing it in a light to potential members that the show is something that needs to be continued.
“A lot of younger people in the area, they need to get involved a bit because the older generation is starting to not be as active as they used to be,” he said.
“We just need to make it feel welcoming, make it something that gives back to the community.”
The biggest challenge facing many of the rural show societies is the lack of volunteers, the Murgon Show Society included.
As the new president, Mr Steinhardt aims to tackle this challenge by putting it out there to the community, inviting them to come and help.
“Even if it’s just in the kitchen, or sitting at the gate on the day of the show for a couple hours.
“Make it so that they might not have to do much, but they’re still giving something back to the community and enjoying themselves at the same time.”
The most enjoyable part of being a member of
the show society? “I guess it’s just to see the Show Day happen”.
“You work for 12 months to make a really good show day,” Mr Steinhardt said, “And, on show day, the best feeling is seeing the show all unfold and see how good it is.”
It isn’t just seeing the show come together that is rewarding, as the fresh president states that it was also seeing all the generous sponsors, as “without sponsors we can’t run a show at all.”
“At the end of the day, when you sit down and look at your sponsor list and see people that actually want to keep the show going, that’s really rewarding,” he said, “To know that there’s a lot of people out there that want to contribute to a successful show.”
The Murgon Show is set to happen on Friday, 14 March and Saturday, 15 March, with plenty of things to see and do, including the rodeo on Saturday evening.
Josh Steinhardt is the youngest Murgon Show Society president to date.
Josh is ready to bring new ideas to the Murgon Show Society. (Supplied)
Supports for those affected
Agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank has advised of a range of support measures that will be offered to its farming clients adversely impacted by floods and extreme rainfall in northern Queensland.
Rabobank acting state manager for Queensland Brad James said that while the situation was evolving and the full impact of the floods and prolonged heavy rainfall on agriculture would take time to assess – affected primary producers are already dealing with damage to crops, pastures, livestock and infrastructure, including sheds and fencing.
Mr James said “it is very early days”, with flood water still extremely high in some of those impacted regions.
“The current priority is on the safety and wellbeing of people in affected districts, as well as addressing concerns about loss of homes and businesses.
“As people start the monumental task of recovery and rebuilding from the devastating floods in the coming weeks, the full extent of the damage will become clearer,” he said.
For the agricultural sector, Mr James said there would be significant concern among producers regarding the loss of crops, pasture and topsoil, as well as the impact on livestock and damage to stored inputs and machinery.
Additional concerns include potential damage, or loss of access, to road and rail networks, which could affect the movement of goods into and out of the region.
“This flood disaster is among the worst in northern Queensland’s recent history and agriculture has undoubtedly borne a significant portion of the damage,“ Mr James said.
“However, I want to reassure affected clients that, as a bank focused on agriculture, Rabobank
considers it a normal part of our business to support primary producers affected by weather conditions – even extreme events like these,” he said.
“This is as we have done following previous floods and other severe climatic conditions – to ensure our clients are well-positioned to rebuild
production and financial positions when conditions improve.”
Mr James said as a global specialist in agribusiness, Rabobank took a long-term view on its clients’ businesses and understood dealing with periods of extreme weather was part of being in the agricultural sector.
“It is our standard practice to support our clients during adverse conditions beyond their control, working with them individually to address these challenges,” he said.
Mr James said Rabobank’s staff would be contacting farming clients in impacted areas to offer support and assess the extent of any damage they have sustained.
He said the bank would work directly with individual clients whose farms or agribusinesses had been affected to provide support and offer a range of assistance measures in applicable circumstances.
These included:
• “Carry on“ finance to keep viable operations running,
• waiver of break costs on early redemption of Farm Management Deposits to allow access to needed funds,
• deferral of scheduled loan payments, and
• waiver of fees on loan increases necessary for rebuilding operations.
Any farming clients who had been adversely impacted by the floods and had not yet spoken to the bank should contact their local branch or phone Rabobank on 1800 025 484.
Disaster assistance grants available for flooded areas
By Fiona Gowers
Support is pouring into north Queensland, with more than $100 million in extraordinary grants now available for flood-affected primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit agencies across flood affected areas.
The Albanese and Crisafulli governments have activated the next round of disaster assistance grants to support recovery and resilience for communities impacted by recent flooding.
The package includes:
• $72.7 million grants package for flood-affected primary producers in north Queensland.
• $25 million grants package for small businesses and not for profit agencies impacted by the north Queensland floods.
• $2.4 million Rural Landholder Grants for owners or lessees of at least 10 hectares of flood affected land.
• $1 million Emergency Fodder Support for eligible primary producers.
• Grants of up to $25,000 are available to floodaffected primary producers, small businesses and not for profit agencies impacted by the north Queensland floods.
Also, grants of up to $10,000 are available to rural landholders or lessees of at least 10 hectares who sustained direct damage but are not eligible for other DRFA primary producer assistance.
This assistance is available to eligible applicants in the local government areas of Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah.
Primary producers in the Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah local government areas will have access to an Emergency Fodder Support Package, with up to $1 million available for the purchase and transportation of fodder to sustain livestock and mitigate the impacts of flooding.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“These are tough times, but north Queenslanders are tougher. My Government is making sure we’re providing whatever resources are required, right now and into the future as these communities recover.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli:
“Our focus is getting north Queensland back on its feet – fast. We’re standing shoulder-toshoulder with those affected by the disaster to ensure they can recover quickly and come back stronger than ever.”
Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins:
“These grants will help reduce clean up and recovery costs for north Queensland small busi-
nesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations who were impacted by recent flooding. Grants like this can make all the difference in helping to ensure impacted north Queensland farmers and small businesses can get back on their feet faster. Farmers and small businesses are at the heart of local communities so this funding is critical.”
Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:
“Farmers,businessesandnot-for-profitorganisations are central to the north Queensland community and we know that heavy rainfall and severe flooding has made operations very difficult. The grants activated today will support businesses and farmers as the region moves to recovery, it will help farmers feed stock, and repair damage.
Recovery can take time. Our government is here for the long haul. The Albanese Government will continue working hand in glove with the Queensland Government to support communities in Far North and north Queensland.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy:
“Small rural landholders in north Queensland would not be left to fend for themselves on the road to recovery. Rural Landholders that have suffered direct damage from the event can also access grants of up to $10,000 to speed up their recovery.“
Queensland Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last:
“The Queensland Rural and Industry Develop-
ment Authority is well prepared, with staff on the ground ready to assist. These grants are being administered by QRIDA who have dedicated people ready to speak to primary producers, small businesses, not for profits and rural landholders about their applications and provide help where needed.”
• For grant applications, contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au.
• Primary producers wishing to access the Emergency Fodder Support Package should contact the Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23.
• More on DRFA assistance is available at www. disasterassist.gov.au or www.qra.qld.gov.au.
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy. (Supplied)
Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister. (Supplied)
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli inspects flood waters over Cardwell. (Supplied)
Queensland Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last. (Supplied)
Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins. (Supplied)
Pace Farming Pty Ltd farm supervisor Rian Pace, Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister and Senator Nita Green inspect flood waters on Pace Farms in Rollingstone, North Queensland. (Supplied)
Rabobank acting state manager for Queensland, Brad James. (Supplied)
Time to help
Australia is currently facing extreme weather events at opposite ends of the country.
While flood-affected parts of Queensland begin to clean up, bushfires are affecting parts of Victoria and Western Australia. Concurrently, South Australia and western Victoria are enduring drought.
Rural Aid is working hard to respond to the growing needs of farmers, though its resources are stretched across the country.
The immediate impact of the floods requires urgent relief, including financial support and counselling, while drought-affected regions need ongoing assistance with hay, water and long-term mental health services.
These events require both immediate attention and sustained efforts to help communities recover and rebuild.
“Weareseeingcommunitiesunderimmense pressure,” said Rural Aid CEO Mr John Warlters.
“The impact of the floods is being felt by farmers and their resilience is being tested. At the same time, the drought continues to challenge farmers and small businesses, with many needing support to continue their work.”
Rural Aid is here to offer critical support to farmers affected by these events.
For those in flooded areas, we provide immediate relief, including financial aid, counselling and hay.
For farmers in drought-impacted regions, we offer ongoing assistance such as hay, water and important mental health services to help them manage and rebuild.
Rural Aid is committed to being there for the long haul to support farmers and their livelihoods.
Farmers — including cane, fruit and vegetable growers — are encouraged to register with us to access the help they need. Registration is the first step in receiving the vital resources and
For farmers in drought-impacted regions, Rural Aid offers ongoing assistance such as hay, water and important mental health services to help them manage and rebuild. (Supplied)
assistance required to recover after these challenging times.
Rural Aid’s ability to continue providing support also relies on the generosity of the public.
As Mr Warlters emphasised: “Thanks to donations, Rural Aid can deliver essential support year-round, ensuring that communities across Australia have the help they need during times of hardship.”
Rural Aid is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to adapt its response as the weather patterns evolve. We remain dedicated to supporting farmers and rural communities through these difficult times.
* Farmers can register for assistance by visiting www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/
Bendigo Bank activates assistance package
Bendigo Bank customers in north Queensland affected by recent flooding events are being offered financial relief with a range of measures now available to eligible customers.
The announcement of the bank’s assistance package comes as Bendigo Bank’s charitablearm,CommunityEnterpriseFoundation launched its 2025 north Queensland Flood Appeal.
All contributions will provide support in the recovery efforts in the immediateaftermathandinthemediumand long-term.
In line with recent government announcements, affected customers in the local government areas of Hinchinbrook (Ingham area), Townsville, Palm Island and Burdekin will be eligible for the assistance package.
Bendigo Bank chief customer officer for Consumer Banking Taso Corolis said the bank would always support customers in times of need.
“We know the recent flooding has heavily impacted our customers and many communities in the affected areas,“ Mr Corolis said.
“As always, we’re here to help in any way we can.
“We have today activated our natural disaster assistance package and want those impacted to know we are here to support them, over the phone, online or of course, in branch. All our branches in the affected areas are currently open for business.”
Bendigo Bank’s Assistance Package features for flood-affected customers ...
2025 WORLD ANGUS FORUM
• Customers can apply for relief on their home, personal and business loans for up to three months
• Bendigo Bank agribusiness customers can applyforreliefonloansforuptosixmonths
• Discounted interest rates on new personal loans taken out by existing Bendigo Bank customers
• Credit cards and business credit cards can apply for deferral of repayments for up to three months
• Waiver of interest rate reduction for early withdrawals on term deposits prior to maturity
• No ’loan break’ costs for customers with a fixedratewhouseaninsurancepaymentto pay out their loan
• Merchant rental fees may be waived for impacted businesses.
Concerned customers are advised to speak with their local branch manager, business banking manager or agribusiness relationship manager when it’s safe to do so or visit bendigobank.com.au/support.
How to donate to the 2025 north Queensland Flood Appeal: Monetary donations are quicker, more effective and logistically provide far more flexibility than donations of material items or preloved goods.
Donations can be made at any time via: https://www.bendigobank.com.au/ northqldfloodappeal or at your local Bendigo Bank branch. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Graziers rise from ashes
By Fiona Gowers
It’s more than a year since the 2023 bushfires and Barry and Donna Aitken are now rebuilding their cattle operation and preparing for the possibility of future disasters.
During a week they’ll always remember, an orange haze blanketing neighbouring properties swept closer to their cattle station.
The extent of the bushfire threat wasn’t clear, however, until a flurry of orange uniforms arrived at their door.
“When the Rural Fire Brigade started convening here on my patio - and had all their laptops out and were radioing - I thought it must be bad up the back of the property in the Carnarvon Ranges,” Donna said.
The 2023 northern and southern Queensland bushfires burned across more than 750,000 hectares from the Cook Shire to the Southern Downs, impacting agricultural operations such as the Aitken’s cattle station “Boxvale“ on the Upper Dawson.
“We just hoped it would burn itself out, but it just wasn’t going to do that,“ Barry said. “There was too much fuel … I think it’d been three years since the previous fire and we’d had a lot of rain in those three years.
“We hadn’t burnt any country at all in the two or three years prior to that.”
Once firefighters contained the blaze, the Aitkens surveyed the damage, anxious to find out the impact to their livestock and infrastructure.
“We found some dead cows and then we ran into the problem of cows in areas where there was nothing to eat at all,” Barry said.
“The difficulty is a lot of those areas you can’t get to. There were probably 20 kilometres from the nearest road in a lot of places where the cattle were.
“The fence that was burnt was really burnt completely and probably 80 per cent of the timber posts were burnt.”
The Aitkens accessed an Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant and Disaster Assistance Loan from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) to buy hay, rebuild their herd and replace damaged fencing.
“We were calling our QRIDA representative about another matter we already had with QRIDA and we were telling her about our predicament,” Donna said.
“She asked us if we knew there was assistance available from QRIDA, which we didn’t, so she was really helpful and told us how to apply, what the criteria was and sent us all the forms.”
Donna said QRIDA’s disaster financial assistance application processes were easy to navigate.
“When we were applying, we took photos of the burnt out fences and burnt out posts and where the fence had all fallen down,” Donna said.
“We’ve had nothing but support from QRIDA, like 110 per cent support.”
Twelve months on from the bushfires, lush greenery has re-emerged at Boxvale with im-
proved weather conditions as Barry and Donna now focus on rebuilding their herd.
“We’re lucky, we’ve had rain early this year,” Barry said.
“We’ve increased our cows a lot and we did that by reducing our sales earlier in the year, so we’ve got a lot more breeding females that were retained.”
The Aitkens have also employed more stock people to help at the station.
“We have put on a fabulous young couple who we are training up and Barry loves to mentor people so he’s loving that and they’re sucking it up like a sponge,” Donna said.
This time around, Barry and Donna are feeling much more prepared for what the disaster season may bring, after carrying out climate resilience activities on their property.
“Just by having a little more manpower, we were able to grade and clear our tracks right around our property and internal roads that we were never able to do,” Barry said.
“It’s not the first fire we’ve had and it won’t be the last.
“We had a huge expense losing cows and losing infrastructure, so it’s whether you spend your money beforehand and benefit out the other side.”
Supporting bushfire preparedness with donation
Dalby-based natural gas company Arrow Energy has donated a slip-on firefighting unit to the Kowguran Rural Fire Brigade, north of Miles, to help protect the surrounding region from bushfires.
The portable unit, comprising a large water tank and hose, can be mounted onto a ute, truck or trailer and is designed for rapid deployment in rural and remote environments.
Arrow Energy senior land liaison officer Brock Jephcote said the donation was made to bolster bushfire preparedness in the region.
“Our early engagement with stakeholders in the Miles area highlighted bushfire preparedness as an area of key importance,” Brock said.
“We wanted to support the community by equipping local brigades with the tools they need to respond effectively in emergencies.
“This slip-on unit will enable the Kowguran Brigade to respond quickly to spot fires and manage larger outbreaks safely and effectively.”
Brock said community investments like this were an important part of Arrow’s operations in the region.
“With our Surat Gas Project (SGP) North commencing this year, we’re focused on being good neighbours and making meaningful contributions to the community,” he said.
“This donation is another example of how
we’re helping to support and protect the communities where we operate.
“We also encourage our employees to get involved in firefighting efforts, offering up to five days of paid leave annually for our regional staff who volunteer as emergency service workers.”
Rural Fire Service Queensland area manager inspector Ross Stacey said the Western Downs had faced several severe bushfires in recent years.
“Fire is a very real threat here and this donation from Arrow enhances the Kowguran Brigade’s ability to respond quickly and effectively.
“We thank Arrow for their generous support.”
The slip-on firefighting unit that Arrow Energy donated to the Kowguran Rural Fire Brigade.
Drone view of the slip-on firefighting unit donated to the Kowguran Rural Fire Brigade by Arrow Energy.
Arrow Energy’s Brock Jephcote with local Rural Fire Service members and the donated firefighting unit. (Supplied)
Barry and Donna Aitken, who run the cattle station “Boxvale” on the Upper Dawson. (Supplied)
Barry Aitken runs “Boxvale” cattle station on the Upper Dawson.
Donna Aitken of “Boxvale” on the Upper Dawson.
RELIABLE PRODUCTS ...
RELIABLE PEOPLE
Aussie’s crop success
By Aussie Pumps
Australian farmers should be congratulated on crop values predicted by ABARE. With production values expected to rise 2.2 Billion higher, reflects the expected crop production volumes (up by 7%). It should be noted that improved seasonal conditions, relative to last year from Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, supported winter crop production.
One Australian company that appreciates the huge contribution Australian farmers make to the economy, is Australian Pump Industries. Just a little over 30 years old, they’ve already stamped their identity with a great range of Australian designed and built products that out-do competitors from the USA or Europe.
THREE ESSENTIALS
It’s obvious that the three essentials for successful cropping are soil, sun and water. This is not news to any farmer but city folk don’t necessarily relate to the conditions, challenges and hazards that farmers have to deal with. Apart from huge costs of diesel fuel, seeds and fertiliser, the weather is a major factor.
Australian Pump, recognise this issue and have come up with a range of liquid fertiliser handling pumps that can tolerate the corrosive nature of these essential ingredients.
“Whether it’s nitrogen based, phosphate or potassium, our ‘Smart Pumps’ can deal with the liquid fertiliser and ‘fast fill’ sprayers at amazing rates”, said Aussie Pumps Product Manager, Sam Loria.
The pump bodies and key internal components are manufactured from injection moulded 30% glass filled polyester. That material, designed originally by NASSA has proved to be impervious to the effects of corrosive liquid fertilisers.
CHOICE OF PUMPS
Aussie’s ‘Smart Pumps’ can be close coupled to Honda petrol engines, providing a good combination of performance and reliability.
“We choose Honda because of their terrific support program they have, not just in Australia, but also for the export market”, said Loria. “Recoil start is standard but Aussie also offer electric start versions”.
The pumps, available in 2” or 3” are self priming and are simple to maintain and repair. The 2” pump is designed for pumping up to 835 litres per minute. That translates to being able to fill a 5,000 litre tank in around six minutes.
The big 3” pump, is able to deal with bigger flows, up to 1010 lpm! Those pumps are extremely popular for fast filling sprayers, providing a fast fill function to save time and improve spraying efficiency.
“We heard stories about one farmer down in the Esperance region who had a big 5,000 litre tank on his sprayer that was followed by a truck in the paddock with an 8,000 litre fertiliser refill tank. It was it’s own Aussie Smart Pump. As the sprayer ran out of fertiliser, the ‘Mother Ship’ would come along side and fast fill so that efficiency levels could stay at maximum”.
The Aussie Smart Pumps are available in two different impeller/volute configurations.
OPTIONAL ELASTOMERS
Having the right elastomers for the job is impor-
tant. The most popular elastomers for fertiliser are EPDM and Viton. EPDM is less expensive and handles liquid fertilisers with ease. Viton elastomers are more expensive but can handle a huge range of liquid including diesel fuel, seawater, even acids of various types.
A third option, Buna N, is suitable for diesel fuel, seawater, cooking oils and even gear oil. The range of combinations of components, high pressure low pressure impeller and volute, coupled to the elastomer of choice, makes for an exceptionally versatile product range.
“We have even heard of farmers use them as firefighting pumps because in the high pressure version, they can deliver a 37 m head, which amounts to around 52 psi pressure. It may not have the huge amount of ‘throw’ as traditional fire pumps but will push a huge amount of water at the fire”, said Loria.
Aussie Smart Pumps are also available in polypropylene. That is a big success for Ad Blue pumping and is available only in the 2” x 2” configuration. In some cases Halar siliconized graphite mechanical seals are available for corrosion and chemical resistance.
The pumps all come as standard with Honda engine drive. Those Honda driven 2” and 3” pumps are all mounted on powder coated steel skid bases with anti vibration mounts.
Alternatively, they can also be supplied in stainless steel frames, mounted on stainless steel base, with anti vibration mounts.
BIGGER PUMPS ON THE WAY
Aussie Pumps engineers are working on a big 3” pump that will deliver 1800 lpm. The new pumps are expected to be out before the end of the year.
They know there is a requirement for batching and have worked with specialist sprayer compa-
nies like Goldacres on the best solutions for the process. Most use Aussie’s 3” Smart Pump with Honda engine or alternatively with hydraulic motor drive.
“The existing 3” pump with Honda 6.5hp GX200 engine is perfectly matched and produces great performance. The new pump will be even better”, he said.
BIG VOLUME TRANSFER
Aussie recently brought out a range of electric motor drive cast 316 stainless steel self priming pumps that deliver flows up to 2,000 lpm. The big pumps, part of the Aussie GMP range, are also popular in sewage handling, acid and solvent pumping, industrial food waste and even mine tailings dam pump-out.
“They’ve been a huge success with the whole pump end being 316 stainless steel, mounted with Viton seals as an option. They are easy to service and much simpler to operate than submersibles”, said Loria.
SURPLUS GRAIN
With the ABARE report projecting wheat up by $1 Billion this season and pulses also up $1B, seasonal conditions seem to be very positive. Horticultural values are projected by ABARE to be up $860M. These are all positive and may compensate to some extent by the issues with sugar cane reduction from the recent Queensland floods.
AUSSIE PUMP SUPPORTS REGIONAL
AUSTRALIA
Australian Pump understand the essential nature of agriculture. Overlooked by most city people, the value of Australia’s agriculture has the potential to generate as much income for this country as Australia’s mining results.
“The problem is water security”, said Loria. Legendary prospector, journalist and light
horseman, Ion Idriess, wrote in 1956, after seeing what was called the “Great Floods”. This was when we had an inland sea that flooded towns from Menindee to the Murray. Even in Mannum, floodwaters swirled through the main street.
Here’s his insightful words;
“Pause, and if only for a moment, try to imagine the unimaginable volume of freshwater that has rushed away to sea during these last few years alone. Then, imagine the broken hearts that would not break, the homes we would save, the jobs we should keep, the individual and national wealth we should retain. Imagine what we could do with that water in drought times.
Flood and irrigation control of our river systems, the conservation, control and use of flood waters. These are far more important to Australia than the making of atomic bombs!”
Idriess knew what he was talking about. For further information or “Ion Idriess comments on the floods” is readily available from contacting Australian Pump Industries at aussiepumps. com.au
The Aussie Smart Pump production line in Sydney’s Norwest.Product Manager, Sam Loria is proud of Aussie Smart Pump 5 year pump end warranty.
Goldacres Batchmate with 3” Aussie Smart Pump. (Supplied)
Aussie’s essential Smart Pump is fert friendly.
Dean’s sixth golden guitar
By Maddison Richards
Australia’s country music held its night of nights with the Golden Guitar Awards.
The Golden Guitar Awards have been running for 53 years and are all about rewarding and celebrating excellence in recorded songs for the year.
The Country Music Association of Australia Golden Guitar Awards were held on Saturday 25 January at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre and is described as the climax of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Dean Perrett, a country singer who calls the South Burnett home, attended the 2025 Golden Guitar Awards where he had the opportunity to walk the red carpet.
Walking the red carpet, like at many big awards nights, provides the fans with an opportunity to view their favourite artists and personalities arriving for the awards evening.
“That’s an occasion when we scrub up, dust off my hat, polish my boots and get to walk the red carpet with my beautiful wife Camille,” Mr Perrett said. “The television cameras and interviews are always a bit daunting.”
Mr Perrett is a veteran of the red carpet, having been blessed to have received many nominations since 2012, including six Golden Guitar award wins.
“It was wonderful to have this year’s nomination and get to share it with my mate Paul Ricketts as well as Lachie McLaine,” he said.
“When I was a child, my family would tune in and listen to the radio broadcast of the Awards night,” Mr Perrett said. “I would hear legendary country music artists such as Slim Dusty, Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson receiving their awards . . . I could never dream that one day I would have six of my own.”
Mr Perrett said that each nomination is special, “as just to be in the five finalists of your category is a huge achievement and an acknowledgement of the hard work and passion we put into recording our songs.”
This year saw ‘A Big Thing in a Small Town’ re-
ceive Bush Ballad song of the year.
“A lot of great songs are written and recorded each year so the field was very tough indeed,” Mr Perrett said.
The song is about industry in Australia’s rural communities, both big and small.
“It is about the effects on those towns as what was once a mainstay industry for a community comes to an end and the effects that go with that,” Mr Perrett said. “The song then describes the flow of benefits as a new industry flourishes to take its place.”
The song was a team effort, as Mr Perrett worked with Paul Ricketts to equally contribute to writing the song.
Mr Perrett said that Lachie McLaine, a young rural worker from Victoria, suggested the title to him a few years back, so he finally sat down with his mate, Paul Ricketts, to write the song at last.
“We had plenty of fun doing so,” Mr Perrett said.
While at the Tamworth Music Festival, Mr Perrett performed his current number one charting single ‘Slim’s Guitar’ to a crowd of 4000 people, which Mr Perret said was a personal highlight for him.
“I was given one of Slim Dusty’s famous Martin D28 guitars to play as I performed the song,” he said. “Slim Dusty is my biggest musical inspiration, so for me to be able to be playing that instrument while performing the song was a very special moment I will not forget.”
“I could feel Slim there with me,” Mr Perrett said.
Mr Perrett would like to congratulate his fellow South Burnett artists who shone their talent at Tamworth.
With the year 2025 only just getting started, Mr Perrett is looking forward to releasing his forthcomingalbum,whichherecordedatLWMHOUSE STUDIO on the Gold Coast.
The album will be titled ‘Bush Troubadour’ and is planned for a release during May. This release will be Mr Perrett’s 19th studio album.
Academy inspires Kingaroy musician Paul Ricketts
By Jessica Mcgrath
Three weeks of Tamworth country music golden moments has left Paul Ricketts inspired. The Academy
In the lead-up to the iconic festival, the Kingaroy musician attended The Academy of Country Music Senior Course from 6 to 17 January.
The Academy had students from as far as Nashville, New Zealand and Tasmania attend with a large range of country music styles.
“They were really supportive of how I was as an artist, it was really fulfilling,” Mr Ricketts said.
“The educators pointed out the differences -a couple of us sing with broad Australian accents.”
They also noted his tendency to be a storyteller, balladeer and Aussie larrikin.
The students attended workshops covering everything from vocal coaching and song writing to the business side of music.
A highlight for Mr Ricketts was writing a song with Matt Scullion, and meeting Academy mentor Casey Chambers.
The students were put in different teams, and Mr Ricketts was grateful for the wisdom shared by his leader 2024 The Voice Australia star Duncan Toombs.
“His advice was to be respected and trusted in the long game,” Mr Ricketts said.
“Music is an energy, not a competition, and everyone has something unique to offer.”
Mr Ricketts enjoyed learning about songwriting formulas, and tools to work through challenging vocals.
At the academy, he was pushed out of his comfort zone from a ‘flash mob’ performance of the students at the shopping centre, to doing backing vocals for a group performance at the graduation ceremony.
Mr Ricketts was encouraged to perform an original song at The Academy graduation ceremony, which his fellow students did back-up choreography to.
He performed a yet-to-be-released single named Baby Goanna, which is about a South Burnett fighter named Darcy Pocock whose
fighting name was baby goanna. Tamworth Country Music Festival
Mr Ricketts performed 17 times over the 10-day Tamworth Country Music Festival from 16 to 25 January.
He was honoured to perform two songs at the opening ceremony as part of the Academy.
“Lots of artists hadn’t been before [on the main stage] so it was special to do it with them,” he said.
“I loved it.”
Mr Ricketts enjoyed playing on the main stage for the Back to the Bush Spectacular, as well as the Big Golden Guitar stage and the Balladeers Homestead.
It was also a big week of accolades for the South Burnett country singer.
Mr Ricketts had co-written a song with fellow South Burnett musician Dean Perrett and another musician Lachie McLaine titled ‘It’s a Big Thing In a Small Town’ -this was nominated as a finalist for the Golden Guitar award.
“We got to walk the red carpet,” Mr Ricketts
said as he recounted the special night.
The Golden Guitar ‘Bush Ballad of the Year’, which the South Burnett tune was nominated for, went to Colin Buchanan and his Laura and Giselle song.
However, It’s a Big Thing In A Small Town later won a TSA award for the Bush Ballad of the Year.
‘It’s A Big Thing’ has done well, staying at number 1 on Campfire for two weeks.
“It’s about how things change in small towns,” Mr Ricketts said.
He shared how the first verse is about Murgon Meatworks, where he used to work, and the impact on the town when it closed down.
“The last half [of the song] talks about the positive impacts of being in a small town,” he said.
Mr Ricketts was also recognised for his tune ‘Just Like My Old Man’ which won the 2025 Traditional Country Song of the Year at the A.B.A.A. (Australian Bush Balladeers Association) Music Excellence Awards.
The song was produced with Lindsay Waddington and Angus Gill and tells the story about a horse in Mr Rickett’s team that he grew to love.
“I wrote it from the heart,” he said.
These Tamworth accolades give Mr Ricketts the drive to keep improving his music.
“It gives you confirmation and motivation, and a chance to reflect that you are on the right track,” he said.
The 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival marks 12 months since he was awarded the CMAA Thornton Young initiative.
He is grateful for the chances he has been given and the generous mentors he has had, especially Lindsay Waddington and Dean Perrett.
“Lindsay and Dean played a big role in my music career,” he said.
“Theygivemehonesty,theytellmestraight… it’s a great friendship.”
Mr Ricketts’ year ahead has plans to record new music, more festival appearances and a special performance playing lead guitar for Dean Perrett at the Gympie Muster.
Paul Ricketts’ core cohort at the 2025 Senior Academy of Country Music. (Supplied)
Paul Ricketts enjoyed learning about songwriting at the Academy.
Paul Ricketts in his element on stage, and was honoured to perform 17 times at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Dean performs at the Golden Guitar Awards.
Dean accepts the golden guitar. (Supplied)
Dean stands with fellow South Burnett musician Paul Ricketts with their shared award for their ballad -A Big Thing in a Small Town.
Top honours at Beef 2024
Meldon Park’s continued success from Beef Australia 2024 and the growing demand for quality bulls
Meldon Park has once again proven its position at the forefront of the cattle breeding industry, achieving remarkable success at Beef Australia 2024. This year, the Skene family celebrated not one but four Grand Championships, marking their fourth consecutive win. Additionally, they earned top spots in the Interbreed competition, securing a place in the top seven — a testament to their dedication and the high-quality genetics they produce.
A legacy of excellence in genetics
At the heart of Meldon Park’s success is its commitment to producing cattle with genetics that cater to multiple markets.
As Mrs Lis Skene explains: “We produce a bull that can target a vealer market if needed but can continue on to the Jap Ox market.”
This flexibility in breeding has made their bulls sought-after by clients across Queensland and New South Wales, with strong support from the central and north western regions, as well as coastal areas from Sarina to Casino.
The sale and demand for quality bulls
Meldon Park now offers an impressive 100 bulls for sale annually, with upcoming sales including the Black Stump Sale at Blackall in March 2025 and their Invitational sale at Rolleston in September.
This year’s bulls stand out for their exceptional growth and finishing ability, making them wellsuited for various markets. Whether clients sell weaners to backgrounders, send cattle to feedlots or finish them on grass, the Skene family’s genetics deliver results.
“The Meldon Park bulls are bred to meet a range of markets, from those selling directly to
butcher shops and supermarkets to custom-feeding operations,” said Mrs Skene.
“Our bulls offer the right combination of growth, muscle, softness and the ability to lay fat at all ages.”
Strengthening the industry with feedlot operations
Beyond their breeding program, the Skene family also operates the Fed-Up Feedlot, which provides custom feeding services for clients targeting di-
verse markets.
The feedlot benefits from access to irrigated corn silage and expert nutrition advice from Dr Robert Lawrence, a highly qualified nutritionist with a PhD in ruminant nutrition.
This commitment to feeding and finishing cattle to their full potential ensures that the bulls sold by Meldon Park are not only genetically superior but also well-prepared for the demands of the market.
Looking ahead
As the industry continues to evolve, Meldon Park remainsdedicatedtoproducingtop-tierbullsthat meet the needs of every segment of the beef market. The family’s ongoing success at Beef Australia and its growing reputation across Queensland and New South Wales underscore their expertise and unwavering commitment to quality.
Rod and Lis Skene invite you to visit them at Rolleston, where their bulls are available for sale and they look forward to continuing their partnerships with clients across the region. Upcoming sales
• Meldon Park will offer 20 bulls at the Black Stump sale on 18 March, as lots 64 to 83.
• Meldon Park will then host its female sale - 35 pure registered females and two pens of five unregistered heifers - on 29 March.
• On 23 September, Meldon Park will offer 80 bulls at its annual Meldon Park invitational bull sale at Rolleston.
Lot 3 in the heifer sale, Meldon Park U47. (Supplied)
Lot 22 in the heifer sale, Meldon Park U246.
Triple the honour for Lloyd
By Jessica McGrath
Winning three awards over the Tamworth week has given Lloyd Back a strong start to 2025.
The Nanango country musician made two quick trips to the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January, once at the beginning and the other at the end of the festival week.
“It was very rushed and tiring, but it was worthwhile,” he said.
“I was lucky enough to win awards on both occasions and it was very rewarding and satisfying -I got to catch-up with, and meet other artists for the first time.”
The Australian Independent Country Music Brumby Awards were held on 16 January and Mr Back’s song ‘The Voice’ won the Best Male Gospel Song of the Year.
He was invited to perform at the awards night, and knowing he had won ahead of the ceremony, played the winning song in his set.
“I was very excited, I was quite surprised to be nominated for any award,” he said.
“It’s an honour because you know how many artists are out there… it’s really exciting to know you’ve won, it is a huge honour.”
The Voice was written when Mr Back was enjoying a quiet moment at his Nanango property.
“It occurred to me how grateful I am to live in a beautiful part of the world – you can easily go out in nature, where there’s animals and birds,” he said.
“I love the quietness and serenity, that’s when you are more likely to hear that still, small voice inside.”
Unlike the Brumby awards, the A.B.A.A. (Australian Bush Balladeers Association) Music Excellence Awards announced the winners on the night.
Mr Back’s song ‘Rolling Thunder’ won both the Australian Bush Ballad Contemporary Song of the Year and the Open Section Video Clip of the Year
“I was very surprised… it was a tough contest… to be there with them is an honour and to
be lucky enough to win it was quite amazing,” he said.
“It really is an honour to be a finalist, let alone win it.”
The Voice was also a finalist for the A.B.A.A. Traditional Country Bluegrass Song of the Year.
The feedback from his older peers in the bush music industry made it even more worth it.
“When they talk about you deserving that
[award], that it’s a good song… the peers you look up to,” he said.
“That meant a lot.”
Mr Back said his tune Rolling Thunder would be relatable for anyone who knows what it is like on the land.
“There’s a saying I’ve heard from old farmers that says every drought ends with a flood -I think there’s a lot of truth to that,” he said.
South Burnett musician claims gold
By Julian Lehnert
Cowboy country crooner Larry Cann has scored big during Tamworth’s ‘week of weeks’, receiving an award for a single immortalising the country capital’s spirit and being placed on the industry’s wall of honour.
The South Burnett musician travelled to New South Wales in late January, where he received the Male Single of the Year award at the 2024 Traditional Country Music Awards of Australia for his song Tamworth Gold.
Mr Cann said the now award-winning song, which he released in late 2023, captures the essence of Tamworth’s rodeo stars and musicians ‘going for gold’.
“The ‘night of nights’ for country music is the Golden Guitar Awards,” Mr Cann said.
“Well, on the same night in the same town -
just at a different venue - the cowboys and cowgirls of the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association are going for gold buckles for the national championships in rodeo.
“It’s two major ways of life and dreams that are chasing gold at the very same time!” he explained.
Both the local country music and rodeo scenes appeared to enjoy the song’s message: besides earning a music award, Mr Cann’s track was also played during the junior national rodeo finals at Tamworth.
During his time in Tamworth, Mr Cann was also invited to etch his name into the Australian Country Music Wall of Honour.
The South Burnett-based performing artist said he was recognised for his long-standing service to country music - as a singer, but also as
Rolling Thunder was written in the middle of the night as thunder was rolling on the horizon after a big wet season.
He reflected on the countless times he wished the storm would stay, but this time with so much recent flooding, he wished it would move on.
“The song strikes a chord with people -they love it, love the feel of it and love what it says,” Mr Back said.
The Video Clip of the Year for Rolling Thunder was made by Nanango filmmaker Charlie Spagalli.
“I’m really pleased for both of us when we won video clip of the year,” Mr Back said.
“For rolling thunder, it’s a song looking at the cycle of the seasons from drought to flood and back again -it’s a really country song about the bush and close to my own experience of growing up on the land.”
Mr Spagalli was excited about the song topic and already had footage of storms around the South Burnett.
“All the stuff is filmed locally, there’s so much great countryside and scenery and natural places to use for great videos,” Mr Back said.
“It was right up Charlie’s alley -the song starts being in the middle of drought in the blink of the eye and turns into floods… It really suited him down to the ground.”
These winning songs are all featured on Mr Back’s February 2024 album Three Words.
A year on from its release, the artist said the feedback and awards have been fantastic.
“It really does put a bit of a spring in your step and wind in your sails to win some awards,” he said.
“You plug away at it for years, when you write your own songs, you invest a lot of yourself into your writing and recording.”
This year Mr Back looks forward to releasing some new singles, writing more songs and performing at upcoming gigs.
a radio host and show producer bringing country to the people.
“To be able to feel like you’ve done a good job and to be recognised by your peers, it’s been something special and and that’s why I hold dear the fact that I was invited to add my name to the Wall of Honour,” he said.
Now back in the Burnett, Mr Cann is busy preparing for the launch of his latest single, Craven Country, due to come out on 28 February.
The prolific artist also has plans to put out another album this year, looking for the first time to take centre-stage as a songwriter.
South Burnett country music singer and radio show host, Larry Cann, was honoured for his music and service to the industry in Tamworth this year. (Julian Lehnert: 457588)
Lloyd Back with his wife Susan Back and his A.B.B.A. awards for his song Rolling Thunder. (Supplied)
over 51 years of history, Glenlea Beef has become synonymous with genetic excellence, adaptability, and client service.
Plenty of options coming up
Glenlea Beef is offering 10 powerful Charolais sires at the Elders Invitation Sale in Longreach on 25 March.
Later in the year, two annual bull sales, one in July at Winton, offering 60 bulls, and another in September at Roma, featuring 70 Charolais sires.
“We also have paddock bulls available for immediate delivery, fully performance recorded and registered, so buyers know exactly the genetics they’re investing in,” Roderick said.
“The market for Charolais bulls has never been stronger, with commercial breeders driving demand and premiums for Charolais-cross weaners and feeders. This is why so many records and averages were broken at most of last year’s sales - the demand is there.”
A legacy of excellence
With over 51 years of history, Glenlea Beef has become synonymous with genetic excellence, adaptability, and client service. Founded in Tasmania and now operating
across Queensland and New South Wales, the enterprise manages over 1000 breeders, producing more than 300 bulls annually.
Roderick has refined Glenlea’s herd to deliver medium-framed, well-muscled cattle with early gestation and exceptional finishing ability.
Red factor genetics are a standout feature, producing polled apricot bulls from white cows, suited to diverse markets.
“Our commitment to client support sets us apart,” Roderick said.
“From breeding advice to marketing strategies, we pride ourselves on helping new and experienced breeders succeed.”
Recognized in the 2024 Bush AgriBusiness Top Studs publication, Glenlea Beef remains at the forefront of Australia’s Charolais industry.
The 2025 “Heart of the Herd” sale is an unmissable opportunity for breeders to access some of the country’s finest Charolais females.
For more information, visit Glenlea Beef’s website or contact Roderick directly.
Glenlea Beef will offer 10 Charolais bulls at the Elders Invitation Sale in Longreach. (Supplied)With
Importance of local content
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) hosted 250 locals and industry leaders for its first Enterprise Evening of the year in Civic Square, Toowoomba.
A highlight was Toowoomba’s own David Janetzki, Treasurer, Minister for Energy, Minister for Home Ownership, and Member for Toowoomba South, making his first hometown address since his appointment to Cabinet in 2024.
His speech reaffirmed TSBE’s key advocacy priorities, emphasising the support for critical regional infrastructure and the importance of ensuring local content and community benefits from major projects.
TSBE executive director Dr John McVeigh, echoed these sentiments by underscoring the significance of the region speaking with a unified voice to secure its fair share of opportunities.
“Queensland is open for business and our region is open and ready for business,” he said.
TSBE has long championed the concept of local content, which demands providing local businesses and services the opportunity to tender and secure work on major projects within their communities.
This approach not only supports local enterprises but also ensures that the economic benefits flow through the towns, strengthening the regional economy.
With a diverse energy landscape and billions of dollars worth of projects in various stages, the construction phase offers a quick boost to our region.
Small to medium-sized businesses across Toowoomba and the Surat Basin excel in this phase, offering services such as excavation, drainage works, civil engineering and the supply of goods and services to construction sites.
This creates local jobs and stimulates economic activity.
TSBE’s hosts a Major Projects Round Table, which highlights the immense potential within the region, with $10 billion in projects and about 7450 jobs at peak construction represented around the table.
Dr McVeigh said the project was a testament to the region’s capability.
“We know we can achieve local content outcomes. Look at what we achieved with the build of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, where 80 per cent of contracts were awarded to local businesses.”
One of the promising projects on the horizon for our region is the proposed Equestrian Centre at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, with a build estimated to be worth approximately $60 million.
Achieving similar levels of local content on this project would translate into tens of millions of dollars worth of work for local businesses.
Outside of the build, equestrian events at the Olympic and Paralympic Games pose unique challenges, but they also offer substantial rewards.
The region has the capability and capacity to support athletes and horses through quarantine, training and competition stages.
Michael O’Rourke, Stanwell Corporation, David Smith, Cubico Sustainable Investments, Chris Peet, Stanwell Corporation.
Claire Wang, Arrow Energy, Mayor Andrew Smith, Western Downs Regional Council, Wendy Agar, Engaged Outcomes, councillor Kylie Bourne, Jodie Taylor, Western Downs Regional Council and Zhengxin Peng, Arrow Energy. (Supplied)
Bill Armagnacq, Energy Queensland, Belinda Driscoll and Jeff Green, Ergon Energy and David Janetski, Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Home Ownership, Member for South Toowoomba.
TSBE executive director Dr John McVeigh, councillor Rebecca Vonhoff, Toowoomba Regional Council, mayor Andrew Smith, Western Downs Regional Council.
TSBE executive director Dr John McVeigh, Kate Farrar and Brendan Nerdal, Brighter Super.
David Janetski, Treasurer and Minister for Energy, Home Ownership and Member for South Toowoomba.
Maranoa mayor Wendy Taylor, TSBE chair April Cavanagh, David Janetski, Western Downs mayor Andrew Smith, Toowoomba Regional councillor Rebecca Vonhoff and TSBE executive director Dr John McVeigh.
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise last month hosted a crowd of almost 250 locals and industry leaders in Civic Square for its first Enterprise Evening of the year.
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The Round Trough produced by Heritage Precast and Westerham Concrete products. (Supplied)
Dan Rhode installs a retaining panel from Heritage Precast.Heritage and Westerham Feed Bunk that is in its completion stage.
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Varroa Mite destruction
By Sarah Murphy
The questions and concerns surrounding the destructive, hive-destroying Varroa Mite has become very real for Queensland beekeepers and Darling Downs beekeepers have become the first in line to bear the brunt of the mite, with Varroa Mite detected just over the border in Boggabilla.
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Varroa Mite has wreaked havoc for apiarists across Victoria and New South Wales, slowly making its way north and after the mite was detected in three hives located just three kilometres south of Goondiwindi on 23 January, Queenslander apiarists fear they are next.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries held a Varroa Mite information session in Goondiwindi on Wednesday, 19 February, educating local beekeepers on signs of a Varroa Mite contamination in their hives, on detecting the presence of Varroa Mite using alcohol washes and what to do if they find mites in their hive.
Goondiwindi beekeeper Terry Fairbanks loves his bees and is very concerned about Varroa Mite being found just over the border in Boggabilla, where people regularly go back and forth between Goondiwindi and the small border community.
“Even after all this time we still don’t know much about Varroa Mite. We know they have been found just three kilometres away in Boggabilla and that is very concerning,” Mr Fairbanks said.
“We’ve already been working with the Department of Primary Industries for a few months in preparation for Varroa Mite entering Queensland and they have provided up with sticky pads and the equipment to do alcohol washes to detect the presence of Varroa Mite.
“We have been testing out hives regularly for the last couple of months and we haven’t, as of yet, found any mites, but we are prepared for if and when that happens.”
Mr Fairbanks is urging everyone who has bees, even if it’s just one hive as hobby, to get educated on Varroa Mite and help stop the spread when it does reach Goondiwindi.
“We have trained almost 1,000 beekeepers across 12 workshops since last September, our network of varroa development officers and training workshops will continue to support our beekeepers with ways to conduct surveillance, monitoring and management of varroa mite in hives.”
“We really need to get the message out about Varroa Mite. Even if you think you only have one hive in the backyard and it won’t impact me, please start checking because the mites will wipe your hive out and will then continue to spread to contaminate other people’s hives and these people might have more than one hive.”
One Varroa Mite lays 700 eggs and these Varroa Mites lay 700 eggs within a fortnight and an entire hive of over 50,000 bees will be wiped out in 66 days if no action is taken.
The Department of Primary Industries was in Goondiwindi recently, and a biosecurity spokesperson is urging any beekeepers to get up-to-date on the most recent Varroa Mite research and start monitoring for the presence of Varroa Mite in their hives.
“We detected the presence of Varroa Mite in Boggabilla in January and it is only a matter of time before Queensland sees its first detection, and we have been working with the bee industry to ensure we are well prepared,” the Biosecurity Queensland spokesperson said.
Biosecurity Queensland and local beekeepers like Terry Fairbanks are hopeful that with the more information available about Varroa Mite and knowledge from infestations in Victoria and New South, beekeepers and the Biosecurity Queensland officers will be able to work together to mitigate the risk of Varroa Mite.
“We hope the DPI will help up identify what we are looking for and help us mitigate the impact. We hope because we know more than when they first infected NSW, we can mitigate the problem,” Mr Fairbanks said.
Biosecurity Queensland is urging anyone with a hive to undertake the following actions:
• monitor hives for Varroa Mite using alcohol washes and watching for signs including deformed bees and brood deaths
• report hive checks whether Varroa Mite was detected or not
• come clean and go clean, especially between apiaries
• follow movement restrictions, including the movement control order for carriers coming from the
Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
A hive in Goondiwindi at risk from Varroa Mite.
The lives of these amazing honey bees is threatened with Varroa Mite being found just across the border in Boggabilla.
Here are two of Terry Fairbanks nine hives in Goondiwindi. Terry is very worried about the spread of Varroa Mite. (Supplied)
Program earns wraps
By Breanna Lloyd
Over 60 attendees journeyed from across Australia to complete the 2025 Yeppoon Grazing for Profit School program.
Hosted by Resource Consulting Services (RCS), the seven-day program held at the Keppel Bay Sailing Club presented regenerative farming, grazing and business solutions.
RCS chief of delivery, David McLean ran the program in which the attendees mastered essential skills in finance and business, grass budgeting and grazing charts, unlock the secrets of healthy soil, and maximise every drop of rainfall.
David and co-teachers Andrew Zerner and Terry McCosker, shared their principle based management tips and tricks for the trade and to create a mindset shift, fuelling success and lasting change. RCS general manager Trevor Crook shared the background of the program.
“It’s an intensive program that stitches together the four pillars of successful regenerative grazing, business and farming practices,” he said.
“The four pillars are the landscape, production, business and sitting on top is our farmers.
“All of these aspects need to progress together in order to have an impactful and lasting change.
“Our reason for these programs is to show people how they can positively make an impact for their business, their environment and families and communities.”
Day five of the event allowed participants to attend a field day on Lake Learmoth, Yaamba, owned by Neal and Clare Farmer.
While on the trip, attendees aged from 18 years to over 70 years assessed certain aspects of the property, including the landscape, operation and feed availability and heard from Neal who shared his experience with regenerative agriculture.
“The field trip was very effective because it got attendees into practical situations and gave them a closer look into the landscape and health of the pasture,” Trevor said.
ParticipantsMembersfromRCS. travellednationwidetoattendthe annualprogram. Theseven-dayprogramcateredtoover60 participants.
benchmark stocking capacity twice since he completed the Grazing for Profit program.
agriculture, Trevor believes the program is extremely beneficial.
“Neal told them how he has now doubled his
“He believes that doubling his capacity again is a realistic goal.”
Having a rich and extensive background in
infrastructure and operation. Once you master regenerative farming, grazing and business techniques, you will see a huge return on investment.”
“Although it is an intense program, you gain so much out of it,” he said.
“It’s an investment in yourself, your skills,
The next RCS Grazing Clinic will be its threeday Emerald program held on 27 May.
Cattle sales across region
Report Date: 19/2/2025
Saleyard: Casino
Cow numbers doubled and there was a larger penning of young cattle in a yarding of 1,700 head, which was a increase of 510. The yarding of young cattle consisted mainly of vealers and weaners, along with a few pens of yearlings offered. Quality was mixed with several pens of well bred steers and heifers, however there was also a fair number of plainer type cattle through the sale. Prices varied considerably depending on weight and breed, with increaded weight in manny of the young cattle this week. The market regained most of last weeks loss with restocker weaner steers selling from 268c to 410c, with the medium weight steers averaging 363c/kg. Restocker weaner heifers sold from 220c to 354c/kg. Yearling steers to restock and background sold from 270c to 400c, while yearling heifers ranged from 266c to 298c/kg. Trade yearling heifers reached a top price of 376c/kg.
The good yarding of heavy grown steers were 10c to 15c dearer selling from 316c to 356c/kg. The run of grown heifers sold to a strong market ranging from 270c to 317c/kg. The larger yarding of cows consisted of several consignments of high yielding heavy weights which attracted keen demand from processors to be 10c to 15c/kg dearer in places. Medium weight 2 score cows sold from 210c to 265c, while 3 score medium weights averaged 273c and heavy cows ranged from 280c to 310c/kg. Heavy bulls also sold to a dearer market reaching a top price of 296c/kg. Report compiled by Doug Robson.
Report Date: 19/2/2025
Saleyard: CQLX Gracemere
CQLX vendors penned an increased yarding of 2775 head- 619 more than last sale with cattle coming to hand from local areas south to Gin Gin and west to Bauhinia Downs and Theodore. Quality was variable and condition also varied, with some good quality, plain conditioned yearling cattle out of rain affected areas very light on. The usual field of buyers was present throughout the sale with the better-bred cattle a little stronger in places.
Good quality vealer steers averaged 425c/kg and sold to 455c/kg.
Well bred light weight yearling steers sold to 459c/kg, to average 364c to 395c/kg. Medium weights made to 427c/kg, averaging 367c to 389c/ kg for the better-bred pens. Light weight yearling heifers sold to 315c/kg, returning averages from 264c to 301c/kg. Medium and heavy pens sold to top at 325c/kg, averaging 295c to 315c/kg for better, flat back drafts.
There were only a few pens of bullocks suitable for slaughter on offer - these made to 341c/ kg to average 324c to 340c/kg. Feeder weight steers averaged 328c to 366c/kg for the best bred pens. Trade weight grown heifers topped at 308c/ kg to average 265c to 298c/kg.
Heavy, four score cows reached a top of 300c/ kg, returning averages slightly improved average of 291c/kg. Only a few heavy bulls were on offer with those to processors averaging 262c/kg and livex bulls averaging288c/kg. A larger than usual yarding of cows and calves were mostly only plain quality and light in condition. Better conditioned
units in strong to forward condition made from $1,400 to $1,800 per unit whilst the lighter conditioned units sold from $1,000 to $1,300 per unit.
Reporter: Richard Thomson
Report Date: 19/2/2025
Saleyard: Dalby
The trend of increased numbers experienced at other selling centres continued on at Dalby with agents penning 4,988 head an increase of 751. A consignment of 109 head from Victoria was also included in the lineup. Export and feeder buyer plus restocker attendance continues to be good and all were active in a firm to dearer market.
Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock were firm to 10c/kg better. Medium and heavy weight yearling steers to feed were also firm to 4c/kg dearer. Light weight yearling heifers to restockers lifted in price by 6c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed improved in price by 11c to 13c/kg and heavy weight yearling heifers to feed sold to a very solid market. Heavy grown steers and bullocks were firm to marginally dearer. All classes of cows experienced some improvements of 4c to 8c/kg.
Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to a top of 448c with a good sample averaging from 402c to 406c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to feed averaged 389c and made to 408c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed made to 403c to average 380c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers to restockers averaged 315c with the occasional sale to 350c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed averaged from 318c to 337c and sold to 358c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers to feed also made to 358c to average 325c/kg.
Bullocks made to 359c to average 350c and the
heifer portion made to 340c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows made to 276c to average 267c/ kg. Heavy weight 3 score cows averaged 280c and the best of the heavy weight cows averaged 299c and made to 310c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 318c/kg. Market Reporter, Trevor Hess. Report Date: 18/02/2025
Saleyard: Roma Store
An increase in numbers saw Roma Agents yard 7,468 head. Once again cattle were drawn from NSW as well as the normal supply district of QLD. All the regular processors feedlotters and backgrounders present and active on the better lines with the market slightly dearer for all descriptions especially the heifers and cows.
Yearling steers under 200kg made from 300c to 496c/kg. Yearling steers 200 to 280kg sold from 340c to 470c/kg. Yearling steers 280 to 330kg made to 452c/kg. Yearling steers 330 to 400kg also improved and sold from 326c to 432/kg back to restockers. Yearling steers 400 to 480kg with the majority selling from 308c to 388c/kg for the better pens. Yearling steers over 480kg made to 385c/ kg.
Yearling heifers 200 to 280kg sold to 360c/kg. Yearling heifers 280 to 330kg topped 352c/kg. Yearling heifers 330 to 400kg with the majority selling from 340c to 352c/kg for the better lines. Yearling heifers 400 to 480kg topped 346c/kg to processors. Yearling heifers over 480kg made to 346c/kg to processors and 362c/kg to feed.
Grown steers 400 to 500kg made to 386c/kg to restockers. Grown steers 500 to 600kg sold mainly from 300c to 366c/kg to processors. Bullocks over 600kg also sold from 300c to 348c/kg to processors. Heifers over 540kg sold to 362c/kg to feed. Approx 1561 cows penned and sold to a stronger market. The 2 score cows 400 to 520kg made from
Market Reporter David Friend Report Date: 18/02/2025
Saleyard: Warwick
The supply of stock lifted by 443 head to 1,443 at Warwick. All the regular export processors attended along with wholesalers and feeder buyers plus restockers. Export lines lifted in price from 4c/kg for cows and 25c/kg for bullocks with heavy feeder yearlings firm to dearer depending on the quality offered with restocker lines following a similar trend.
Light weight yearling steers to restockers sold to 416c with those over 280kg at 414c to average 365c/kg.Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market made 390c to average 365c with restockers paying to 394c/kg. Heavy yearling steers to the wholesale meat trade made 372c to average 350c with those to feed at 382c to average from 338c to 357c/kg. Yearling heifers in the 200-280kg range to background sold to 348c/kg. Yearling heifers over 280kg to feed sold to 350c and averaged 316c/kg.Medium weight heifers to feed made 346c to average 310c with butchers paying to 388c/kg.Heavy yearling heifers to feed made 340c with those to the wholesale meat trade at 366c to average 357c/kg.
Bullocks to processors sold to 360c and averaged from 347c to 350c/kg. Grown heifers to processors made 330c to average 314c/kg. Light weight plain cows to processors made 263c to average 235c/kg. Heavy score 3 cows to processors made 279c to average 274c with the best heavy cows selling to a top of 295c and averaging 287c/ kg. Heavy bulls to processors sold to 318c and averaged 293c/kg. Market Reporter Errol Luck.
grown
190c to 270c/kg. The 3 score cows over 520kg topped 316c and sold from 268c/kg. Bulls over 600kg topped 322c/kg. bulls 450 to 600kg topped 326c/kg.
The pens are full at Roma.
Bumper crowd for the rodeo
ASHJO Photography saw around 1500 people enjoying their day at the Calliope Rodeo on Sunday, 26 January.
Check out who was spotted.
Kelly, Charlie, Lee, Ella, Piper and Jim Huxley. (ASHJO Photography)
Paul, Trish, Brianna and Abbey McConochie.The local police.Kiesha Willis and Travis Taylor.
Blake Croydon.
Sophie, Melia and Ryan Matheson.
Sarah and Gavin Rogers.Pippa and Olivia Kaufman.
Issy and Bianca Doblo.
Craig Hyde and Sandy Manitzky.
Riders buckle up in Calliope
By Liam Emerton
A packed house at the Calliope Rodeo Association’s Australia Day event enjoyed a full evening of primetime entertainment.
Around 1500 spectators travelled to Calliope Rodeo Grounds for the association’s annual event held on Sunday, 26 January.
With senior and junior competitors taking on barrel races, as well as steer and bull rides, the 2025 edition of the event was incredibly strong.
“We truly love holding an event that the whole family can enjoy regardless of age, as a not-forprofit organisation, that’s what it’s all about,” Calliope Rodeo Association treasurer Amanda Weston said.
“Every year that we are able to keep the love of rodeo alive is a success.
“We are truly grateful for all the support we received from our local community groups such as SES, Rotary, Scouts, Calliope Pony Club, Calliope Campdraft and Mt Larcom Show Society.
“Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to run such a smooth rodeo.”
One of the highlights of the event was the Under-12 poddy competition, which saw a long list of competitors.
Both locals and travelling juniors showcased their talents on the back of some kicking calves, much to the appreciation of the bumper crowd.
Linkyn Harrison would take out that hotly contested program with Hunter Dagan and Clayton Walker rounding off the podium in second and third respectively.
In the senior Open Bull competition Wesley McDonald and Lucas Taylor were the separate victors of the two rounds with Trent Pointon taking out the senior bull competition.
In the open barrel event, Kate Batts stole the show after just taking out the top buckle ahead of Breanna Bauman and Clare Perry.
And it was certainly a weekend to celebrate for the Burgess family after Teneeka (local open),
Teah (Under-12s) and Jade (Under-18s) all secured the top position in their respective barrel racing events.
The full list of results are as follows:
• Open Barrel
• Winner: Kate Batts
• Second: Breanna Bauman
• Third: Clara Perry
• Fourth: Maddison Caban
Local Barrel Under-18s
• Winner: Jade Burgess
• Second: Billie Paish
• Third: Drew Christensen
• Fourth: Gian Pizzy
Local Barrel Under-12
• Winner: Teah Burgess
• Second: Chloe Woodard
• Third: Grace Masters
Local Barrel open
• Winner: Taneeka Burgess
• Second: Catherine Stewart
• Third: Brooke Read
• Fourth: Jade Burgess Under-15s Junior Steer
• Winner: Cooper McConnell
• Second: Cooper Bennett
• Third: Ebbet Walker
• Fourth: Billy Cook and Chase Wieland. Under-18s Junior Bull
• Winner: Blake Croydon
• Second: Sebastian Asquith
• Third: Matty Ahern
• Fourth: Noah West
Round One Open Bull
• Winner: Wesley McDonald
• Second: Daniel Hafey
Round Two Open Bull
• Winner: Lucas Taylor
• Second: Hank Woodard
• Third: Billy Goetsch
Novice Bull
• Winner: Taj Everingham
• Second: Innes Fraser
• Third: Trent Pointon
• Fourth: Blake Croydon
Senior Bull
• Winner: Trent Pointon
• Second: Sonny Pearse
Chute Out
• Winner: Daniel Hafey.
Blake Croydon captured in action at the Calliope Rodeo. (ASHJO Photography)
Kai Everingham.
Festival of Rugby returns
By Fiona Gowers
The Santos Festival of Rugby will return to Narrabri in 2025.
The two-day event is one of the biggest annual football and community gatherings in regional Australia and has driven millions of dollars in economic benefit for both Narrabri and Roma over the four editions to date.
The fifth staging, on the 20-21 September weekend, will again see the rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland as the centrepiece, with the Santos Cup at stake.
Queensland Rugby Union and the NSW Waratahs last month announced the return of the popular festival in Narrabri, alongside representatives of Santos.
The Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs teams will clash in both men’s and women’s matches at Dangar Park, home of the Narrabri Blue Boars.
The multi-day formula has proved enormously popular with the Santos Festival of Rugby alternating between Narrabri (2021, 2023 and 2025) and Roma (2022 and 2024).
Eager fans should stay tuned over coming months for the full rollout of community events, country clashes, sevens rugby and family entertainment that will pack the two days.
“The Santos Festival of Rugby has truly carved out a place with the way it has brought top-tier rugby and the grassroots game to regional centres,” said Queensland Rugby Union chief executive David Hanham.
“We are proud to be delivering this unique event alongside Santos. The commitment to develop the game for rugby fans and families in the bush so they can enjoy it on and off the field is something we both strongly believe in.
“To have Australian rugby’s oldest rivalry between Queensland and NSW underpinning it is something all sports lovers can relate to.
“We are grateful to Santos for their ongoing support of a wonderful event.”
Santos executive vice president – eastern Australia and Papua New Guina Brett Darley said he was immensely proud of the festival for its impact drawing families and communities, valuable economic activity and first-rate rugby to Narrabri and the northern NSW region.
“Preparations are well underway to once again make Narrabri the rugby capital as we host the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs for a showdown in ‘Tahs Territory,” Mr Darley said.
“It’s one of the biggest events of the year in Narrabri – not just for rugby fans – but for businesses and tourism. The Festival of Rugby injects up to a million dollars into the local economy during each event so it’s a significant boost to the community.”
James Durbin, Rugby Australia director commercial and marketing, lauded the Santos Festival of Rugby as having an important impact on community values.
“Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs are committed to taking the game beyond the major cities of Australia and to the nation’s regional and rural centres,” Mr Durbin said.
“The Santos Festival of Rugby is an example of how the Waratahs are approaching this responsibility, as well as its continuing support for men’s
and women’s rugby.
“The Festival not only presents two great games between two major States for the many rugby fans in Narrabri and its surrounds to watch.
“It will also do what rugby does so well ... unite those communities as they cheer for one or the other of the sides but in a convivial and social environment.
“Rugby’s influence as a force of unity in rural Australia cannot be underestimated. The Festival champions the game’s core values.“
Queensland Reds flyhalf Jude Gibbs and Queensland Next Gen 7s player Emmisyn Wynyard joined NSW Waratahs players Fergus-Lee Warner and Brianna Hoy at Narrabri’s Dangar Park for the announcement.
The economic and wellbeing benefits to the communities hosting the Santos Festival of Rugby have been welcomed since the Narrabri Shire hosted the first event in 2021.
Each Festival is estimated to deliver an economic impact to the host region of more than $1 million.
Economic modelling from the inaugural 2021 Festival in Narrabri shows an economic impact of $1 million, including more than $375,000 in indirect spend to the town, another $375,000 spent on local suppliers for field works and festival-related products and services and an additional $200,000 on infrastructure upgrades.
The two previous festivals held in Roma, in Queensland’s Maranoa region, are estimated
to have injected almost $2 million into the local economy.
They have drawn to Roma more than 6000 visitors who have made significant contributions by spending on food, beverages, accommodation and fuel.
On the field, the Reds claimed the Santos Cup with a 32-7 pre-season win over the Waratahs in Roma last year after coming off second best at the three previous festivals.
It was a rousing welcome to country rugby for Les Kiss as the new Reds coach.
“From the moment we arrived in Roma, we enjoyed wonderful hospitality and a show of what country rugby is all about. We are expecting the same welcome in Narrabri,” Kiss said.
NSW Waratahs women’s team celebrates its win at the 2024 Santos Festival of Rugby. They are pictured with Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher and State Member for Warrego Anne Leahy. (Daniel Pelcl)
Queensland Reds reach high during their clash with the NSW Waratahs in last year’s Super Rugby Pacific Trial in Roma.