Queensland Farmer Today - June 2023

Perfect land sales storm

With 20 years’ experience in rural property sales in the South Burnett region, James Bredhauer has experienced the usual fluctuations synonymous with his industry.

But, what surprises the managing director of Aussie Land & Livestock most is that since drought broke in 2020 the farmland market has been so consistent across all sectors.

The reason? A once in 30-year collision of high commodity prices, low interest rates and a cracking season in most areas. Add in a lack of listings, which is causing demand to outstrip supply, and you have the perfect sales storm.

STORY PAGE 4

College sale at $12.4m

The state government will split the 17,511-hectare Longreach Pastoral College between three separate tenderers for a combined sale price of $12.4 million, with the high-profile bid from AAM Investment Group (AAM) missing out.

The former Queensland Agriculture Training Colleges (QATC) property at Longreach had trained agricultural leaders for more than 50 years before being closed in 2019. The state government approached Longreach Regional Council about a sale in 2021 before last year launching a tender process.

AAM lodged a tender on behalf of a consortium of Australian agribusinesses for the full 17,511 hectares of land, which includes Rosebank Station, the college site, modern classroom facilities and agricultural infrastructure.

STORY PAGE 8

Family owned

Hot price for dog

A new record auction price helped make this year’s Ray White Livestock Rockhampton Dog Trial and Working Dog Sale one of the biggest sales in the Southern Hemisphere.

The annual event held from 21 to 23 of April has significantly grown since it first began in 2015, going from just eight lots to 119 in 2023, with the main breed Border Collies.

The top-priced dog over 11 months old accomplished a record price of $33,000 from vendor Joseph Leven from Casino, NSW, sold to James and Helen Parker from Monto.

STORY PAGE 14

Cotton rally

By

Fiona

Gowers

Picking is progressing in southern Queensland cotton growing regions with positive signs flood and farm damage late last year may have caused less devastation to crops than initially feared.

Dry, warm conditions since Christmaswith no significant in-crop rainfall or heat

waves - has helped produce high grade, high quality cotton consistent with Australia’s global reputation.

“As we know, last year we had a very wet pick, which impacted our colour grade significantly,” said Queensland Cotton manager northern NSW and cotton pricing Jess Strauch.

“With some good weather fortune so far, it would be fair to say that this year’s crop appears to be of a high standard, which Australian cotton is renowned for. Only a small portion of the crop is ginned but, from what has been classed, we have seen results of about 80 per cent strict middling and 20pc middling, which refers to the colour grade of a piece of cotton.”

STORY PAGE 3

Joe Leven, owner of the toppriced dog sold, with buyer Helen Parker and daughter Macey from Monto.

INSIDE

BEEF 2024 ...........................pages 18-19

FOOD FOR THOUGHT ...................page 21

FROM THE MLA ...........................page 21

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE .....pages 22-23

BREAKING GROUND ...................page 24

QCWA RECIPES ...........................page 28

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

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

SPORT .................................pages 31-32

DAM LEVELS

Beardmore ........................................22%

Bjelke-Petersen .................................91%

Borumba .......................................95.8%

Boondoomba ...............................86.79%

Cedar Pocket ....................................78%

Chinchilla Weir ...........................100.32%

Coolmunda ..................................99.04%

Cunnamulla (Alan Tannock Weir) .....97.19%

Leslie ..........................................93.86%

Paradise ......................................92.32%

Somerset ......................................79.7%

Wivenhoe.......................................73.7%

CONTACT US

New carcass class

Beef Australia is presenting Australian farmers with another one of their nationally recognised carcass competitions with a new class entering in 2024.

The new class requires beasts of any breed to 360kg or over with no restricted feeding leaving producers with 400-day-fed cattle to participate.

The pen will include three heavy export chiller steers or heifers leaving the competition with a new variety of nominations.

The competition was utilised and specially designed for all applicants to meet both export and domestic requirements.

The new class was created by the National Beef Carcase Competition of Beef Australia 2024 and was developed from the Australian Beef Carcase Appraisal System (ABCAS).

The CEO of the National Beef Carcase competition Simon Irwin said why they decided to

add a new class to the competition.

“Beef Australia’s National Carcass Competition has participating processors in every state with nominations coming in from producers across Australia making this a truly national competition,” Mr Irwin said.

“This will allow for Australian beef producers who target long-fed markets to nominate into the new class, allowing for healthier competition in 2024.”

Nominations for the competition opened in March on the Beef Australia website and will close the month before leaving the last slaughter date on 29 Feburuary 2024.

Pen winners will receive a cash prize of $1,200 for first place, $800 for second place, and $600 for third place, with ribbons being distributed from first place to sixth.

An achievement award will be awarded for the individual carcasses and will be prized as

the overall Champion carcass and Reserve Champion carcass.This is then followed by the MSA Index award given to the winning individual carcass with the highest MSA score.

The winners will be announced at the 2024 National Beef Carcase Awards Dinner on 7 May at Beef Week.

Australias National Beef Carcase Competition Committee Chair, David Hill said why Aussie graziers should enter the event.

“If you have not entered Beef Australia’s National Carcase Competition before, I strongly encourage you to consider nominating for 2024,” he said.

“Not only will entrants have the chance to be recognised as producing Australia’s best carcass, but will receive valuable insights into their animals so they can implement better business processes based off their results.”

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Since drought broke in southern Queensland in 2020, the farmland market has shown remarkable resilience and stability.

Last year, for example, Queensland land prices rose 20 per cent, with a 10pc increase predicted in 2023, according to a report from agribusiness lender Rabobank.

Indeed, sales have been so consistent across all sectors, it has surprised even the most perennially positive real estate agent.

The reason, they say, is a once in 30year collision of high commodity prices, low interest rates and a cracking season in most areas.

Add in a lack of listings, which is causing demand to outstrip supply, and you have the perfect sales storm.

“I can’t see it slowing,” said Aussie Land & Livestock managing director James Bredhauer. “And, it is so widespread.

“Grazing land is possibly selling faster than mixed farms due to activity in the cattle market, absolutely. But, yes, both are very strong.”

Due to its fertile soil, favorable climate and proximity to major markets, farmland in southern Queensland has always been keenly sought.

Further enhancing its attractiveness to investors and aspiring farmers has been the region’s resilience in bouncing back from drought.

Since rainfall finally arrived in 2020, farmland prices in southern Queensland have defied initial concerns and remained consistent, reflecting the enduring strength and sustainability of the region’s agricultural industry.

- Fiona Gowers

An independent expert group, chaired by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), has created a new document that explains common terms to describe livestock for the Australian beef industry.

The National Bovine Livestock Language Guidelines combine - for the first time - a common set of descriptive words for beef cattle in a way that also aligns industry terminology with consumer terminology.

They were initiated through recommendations provided in the Beef Language Review White Paper, published in 2017, which the Australian cattle industry endorsed.

The Australian Meat Industry Language and Standards Committee have now endorsed the guidelines. The document intends to define terminology of a broad range of production topics, including physical descriptions, fat score, muscle score,

breed descriptions, coats and hides.

MLA group manager, commercialisation and adoption Sarah Strachan said that the guidelines were developed following extensive industry consultation along the whole supply chain and across northern and southern production systems.

“This document will help achieve that and helps define a common language for the Australian beef industry.

“It will be a valuable resource for cattle breeders, backgrounders and finishers, seedstock producers, stock agents, lotfeeders, supply chain managers, transport operators and processors.

“The guidelines will evolve as technology evolves, allowing industry to accelerate the potential for herd improvements and efficiencies through improvements in livestock descriptions.”

Carcase cattle inside a chilled room.

Picture: SUPPLIED

By Fiona Gowers

Picking is progressing in southern Queensland cotton growing regions with positive signs flood and farm damage late last year may have caused less devastation to crops than initially feared.

Dry, warm conditions since Christmaswith no significant in-crop rainfall or heat waves - has helped produce high grade, high quality cotton consistent with Australia’s global reputation.

“As we know, last year we had a very wet pick, which impacted our colour grade significantly,” said Queensland Cotton manager northern NSW and cotton pricing Jess Strauch.

“With some good weather fortune so far, it would be fair to say that this year’s crop appears to be of a high standard, which Australian cotton is renowned for.

“Only a small portion of the crop is ginned but, from what has been classed, we have seen results of about 80 per cent strict middling and 20pc middling, which refers to the colour grade of a piece of cotton.

“The other fibre characteristics length, strength and Micronaire have, generally speaking, been based grade or better in our irrigated cotton, which has been a welcomed result.

“And crop yields should, in most instances, exceed grower expectations, with south west Queensland and northern NSW in particular producing some incredible yields, given the cooler wet start to the season.”

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said with favourable conditions across most of the 65plus local government cotton growing areas this year, growers were assessing yield and quality.

“To appreciate where we are now you first have to acknowledge where we were,” Mr Kay said.

“Last November every inland river catchment was full or flooded from the Queensland

border to Victoria and about 100 active warnings were in place.”

In the Macintyre Valley, which covers both sides of the border around Goondiwindi, 44,000-hectares of irrigated cotton and 8000ha of dryland has been planted.

Picking is also in full swing in St George, Dirranbandi and Mungindi.

Growers report good yields and quality and, while early indications are decent, it is too early for ginners to verify the optimistic outlook with a comprehensive data sample.

On the Darling Downs, larger than average areas were planted - about 75pc irrigated fields and 25pc rain-fed – attributed to full storages and full water allocations at the beginning of the season.

In the Lockyer Valley, 10 growers have planted about 1500ha of cotton, which is up from previous years driven by price, crop rotation practices and growing conditions.

At Maryborough three growers planted 500ha.

In the Central Highlands both gins are op-

erational and have praised the clean condition in which cotton has been picked. Early crops are reporting up to 13 bales/ha irrigated but further ginning is once again required to verify valley estimates.

Many growers are still irrigating in the Central Highlands and will push the crop through until June before picking.

Mr Kay said Cotton Australia was forecasting a crop of about 5.2 million bales for 2023.

“This will result in around 1.2 million tonnes of fibre and 1.4 million tonnes of cottonseed,“ he said.

“Every bale of cotton and every tonne of seed will be sold, given the demand for the Australian grown product.“

Jess Strauch said since the introduction of China’s soft ban on Australian cotton, the industry had worked hard to find and develop demand across other markets.

In the 2022 season, 40pc of Australian cotton moved into Veitman, about 30pc into Far East Asia and a further 23pc into the Indian subcontinent.

Ms Strauch said lint prices had been relatively “range bound“ since the retreat of the ICE Futures market in November last year.

“We haven’t seen the large fluctuations in price that we experienced in 2022,” she said.

“Australian cotton continues to hold its reputation in the global market as a premium growth, however consumption throughout the textile value chain has slowed year on year.”

She said the market had been significantly influenced by macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions.

“The impacts of reduced consumer spending have been affecting the speed of our export market trade for Australian cotton in 2023.

“Cotton has therefore, and quite comfortably, traded either side of $620 a bale - give or take $25 - over the past four months.“

Queensland Cotton manager northern NSW and cotton pricing Jess Strauch.

Qld farmland prices settle

By Fiona Gowers

Queensland land prices rose 20 per cent last year, with a 10pc increase predicted in 2023.

Growth, however, will fail to reach the 30 per cent surge recorded in 2021 and 2022, according to a new report from agribusiness lender Rabobank.

After Australia’s farm sector recorded three strong financial seasons – underpinned by high commodity prices and good weather conditions - the bank is forecasting “low doubledigit” percentage growth in agricultural land prices for the year ahead.

Rabobank said in its latest Australian Agricultural Land Price Outlook that a significant slowdown in the “pace of price growth” was expected from 2024, potentially through to 2028.

Farmers’ reduced appetite to buy land is due, it says, to already sky-high farmland prices, higher interest rates and the predicted onset of an El Nino dry period, which may reduce agricultural yields.

“Commodity prices are likely to remain at good levels for farmers for the next one to two years,” said RaboResearch agriculture analyst Vitor Pistoia.

“However, the drier forecast may result in lower yields and reduced margins, while rising interest rates will curtail long-term investment plans.

“Currently, cash already available in the system and stocks of grains and livestock ready to enter the market remain the key factors driving land price growth.”

Rabobank concludes that the boom in land prices, which exploded in 2020 when the drought ended, has likely run its course.

Although, it doubts prices will drop, as they have in the residential and office markets.

Rabobank’s latest land price outlook report - supported by farmland sales data from Digital Agricultural Services and excluding lifestyle

rural property sales - shows agricultural land prices across the country rose by 29 per cent (median price per hectare) in 2022.

Cropping land increased by 29pc, livestock grazing land by 26pc and dairy by 29pc.

In other states, NSW recorded a year-onyear increase of 19pc, lifting the average price per hectare there to $9401.

Median land prices in Victoria jumped 28pc in 2022 after a massive 40pc increase the year prior.

South Australia recorded the highest growth in agricultural land prices of all states, a gain of 34pc.

In Western Australia, prices paid for farmland reached a record high of $6000/ha last year, after a 22.5pc increase.

Market’s post-drought consistency surprises farmers

By Fiona Gowers

With 20 years’ experience in rural property sales in the South Burnett region, James Bredhauer has experienced the usual fluctuations synonymous with his industry.

But, what surprises the managing director of Aussie Land & Livestock most is that since drought broke in 2020 the farmland market has been so consistent across all sectors.

The reason? A once in 30-year collision of high commodity prices, low interest rates and a cracking season in most areas.

Add in a lack of listings, which is causing demand to outstrip supply, and you have the perfect sales storm.

“I can’t see it slowing,” Mr Bredhauer said. “And, it is so widespread.

“Grazing land is possibly selling faster than mixed farms due to activity in the cattle market, absolutely. But, yes, both are very strong.”

Mr Bredhauer said local families seeking

to expand existing holdings were underpinning the sales momentum and “they’re unconcerned if properties don’t adjoin. They just want more land”.

“How quickly farmland sells is pretty much based on the merit of the property, the pricing and what returns you can draw from it.”

Mr Bredhauer said vendors’ prime reasons for selling were retirement, fulfilling their role in succession planning and relocating to bigger operations.

Meanwhile, in the neighbouring Gympie region, 30 farms sold between June and December 2022, with RP Data showing sales of land totalled $39.2 million, with a median price of $1.86m.

The majority of sales comprised cattle farms, with several orchards and a pineapple property also offloaded.

The most expensive rural property sold was located in Murgon and achieved $8.52m.

Aussie Land & Livestock managing director James Bredhauer inspects a rural property in the South Burnett region.

Aussie Land & Livestock managing director James Bredhauer has 20 years’ experience in rural property sales in the South Burnett region.

Spring sales to stay strong

By Fiona Gowers

A pricing correction in the commercial cattle market will have “some relevance” to the spring seedstock selling season, according to Elders stud stock specialist Andrew Meara, Toowoomba.

While Mr Meara expects domestic demand for quality bulls - which in 2021 and 2022 smashed benchmarks across the breed spectrum - to stay strong, prices may soften.

“Bull sales start earlier in the south (of the country), with ours around June/ July and the job down there has been good, which does tend to continue through to us,” Mr Meara said.

“I’d like to think prices will stay steady.

“Maybe, you know, there has been a correction commercially so it might affect the bull job. You would think it would have a little bit of relevance.

“The market has eased a little bit for commercial (cattle) and you’d think there would be a little bit of softening in stud stock sales as well.

“But I would like to think prices will be good across the board. Some breeds will outaverage others but on a similar path to where they’ve been sitting over the past few years.”

Mr Meara said a stagnant export trade through 2022 had caused an “overall correction” through commercial markets, with cattle instead flowing down to the south and affecting market prices.

“The boats in the north are gaining momentum now so, I think, with the export trade kicking in, the northern boat job will take a lot of the cattle numbers.

“With the boat trade - the live export jobbeing more active this year so far, it takes a lot of pressure off the southern markets.

“I think we’ve seen the bottom of the commercial job and that it will only lift from now on.”

Aside from the Maranoa, which is “quite dry”, Mr Meara said a favourable season through southern Queensland is motivating producers to replace herd bulls and rebuild.

He said picky breeders were becoming more discerning about the genetics infused through their herds, preferring quality over quantity, to boost productivity through their breeding programs.

Meanwhile, hot on the heels of the successful BLING sale in April, stud stock representa-

tive Georgie Connor, GDL Rockhampton said she was optimistic about the impending seedstock selling season in September.

Held at Paradise Lagoons, the inaugural Brangus Ladies Invitational Notable Genetics sale achieved a top price of $32,500.

In all, 12 studs combined to sell all 25 lots for 100 per cent clearance and an average of $15,060, grossing $376,500 at the black-tie affair.

Ms Connor said the results from the eve-

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ning were “overwhelming”.

“Good quality cattle will always sell, yes,“ she said.

“The theme over the past couple of years has been that people have been willing, I guess underpinned by that strong commercial sector, to spend good money on good genetics.

“And yes, commercial prices have checked themselves a little but they’re going to rise again. So, I can’t see that there won’t be a strong season through central Queensland in spring.”

Stud stock representative Georgie Connor, GDL Rockhampton.Elders stud stock specialist Andrew Meara, Toowoomba.

Brilliant display of heifers

By Breanna Lloyd

After selling every single lot from their 24 herd and one flush the Grant Daniel Long (GDL) Brangus Ladies Invitational Notable Genetics sale (BLING) started and finished the night with tremendous success.

All in a cocktail dress, GDL agents, vendors and guests all came together on 27 April to enjoy the canapes, bar and live music offered, ready for the auction to begin.

Triple B Omina from Barlows Cattle Co claimed the top-priced heifer selling for $32,500 to Catherine MacKenzie from Coolmaringa Dingo.

Triple B Omina is sired to the top seller 2019 and 2022 Barlows sale, has dam line traces to Texas Omina X046 and was the only sire Triple B Networth daughter to be sold.

Triple B Nerida also owned by Barlows Cattle Co, claimed the second-top-priced heifer

selling for $32,000.

The sale attracted many buyers from across the state, and many joined in online including NSW and Argentina, as Oaklands Crystal (lot13) was bought for $22,000 by Moonbi NSW.

Telpara Hills Miss Foundation previously owned by vendors Yaraandoo Brangus Stud in Gogango offered the multi-award-winning beast throughout Queensland and was crowned Brangus Senior and Grand Champion Cow at Beef 2021.

This female sold for $23,000.

The day before on 26 April, the females were used to help draw the barriers for the Archer horse race, taking place on 30 April.

The led heifers were each allocated a number and were then the barrier number for the slot holder in the race.

Lex Kunst Past President of Life Member

from 1982 to 1987, said how he felt about the sale.

“What a brilliant display of heifers and I would like to wish the bidders and vendors well,” he said.

“I am so grateful to be here after all of these years and with that note I thank you all for being here.”

GDL branch manager Josh Heck said how the sale come about.

“The sale came into concept a bit over 12 months ago and I tell you Georgie Connor has run with the bit that she does with everything she puts her hands to,” he said.

“Its an absolute credit for GDL and everyone in the Brangus society to be here tonight,” he said.

“The heifers look absolutely amazing its great to see some glitter back which we haven’t seen since the 80s.”

The herd being used for the barrier draw for the Archer horse race.

GDL team all dolled-up in their bling.

Dave and Kay Franks.

Lex Kunst opening the sale.

Amanda Salisbury and Georgie Connor. Foz Bradford and Kent Ward.

Truro is back with a bang

By Fiona Gowers

It’s fair to say that Truro Whiteface has re-entered the showring in 2023 with a big bang after an extended break.

And, the star of the show has been Truro Sherlock S188 (P), with multiple judges across all breeds describing the Hereford bull as a “game-changer”.

“It was time for us to start marketing again and we knew we had a very good article to show,” said Scott Hann, Truro Whiteface, Bellata, NSW.

“You can’t sell a secret!”

Since Sherlock’s debut at Glenn Innes in January, he has dominated the showring, culminating in a stunning victory at Taroom in May against 242 head across all breeds.

The 960-kilogram 20-month-old bull is the son of Yalgoo Peacemaker P034 (PP), a sire Truro bought with the first sons sold in the stud’s autumn sale topping at $22,000.

His dam Truro Daffodil M066 is one of the stud’s best performing cow families.

“She is a beautiful, moderate-framed, perfectly-uddered cow who came out of the drought and is certainly performing now,” Mr Hann said.

While the bull had potential at weaningand was picked early for the show team - Sherlock shone once he hit the showring.

“He is a calf that just seems to keep getting better and better as he gets older,” Mr Hann said.

Professional fitters Steve Hayward and Kellie Smith, Allora, have prepared the bull throughout his show career and both rate Sherlock among the top six bulls they have ever worked with.

At Glen Innes, the 16-month-old was reserve champion junior Hereford bull and won the interbreed sweepstakes bull of the show.

While at Inverell in February, he won grand

champion Hereford bull, supreme champion interbreed bull and supreme beast of show against 75 Hereford cattle exhibited.

With Scott Hann on the halter, the bull stormed through Sydney Royal taking junior and grand champion Hereford bull and supreme Hereford exhibit, under

judge Alastair Day.

Sherlock weighed 898kg then and scanned with a raw eye muscle area of 131sqcm.

It was Truro’s first grand champion bull at Sydney after previously winning champion female with cows there and in Brisbane.

Sherlock was also called forward into the top five in the interbreed bull of the show.

“The number one thing when we are breeding cattle is structure and balance,” Mr Hann said.

“And this bull has carcase, thickness and roundness yet maintains softness.

“On BREEDPLAN, he is of moderate birth, high growth, positive calving ease, over +6.0 for eye muscle area and +1.0 for intramuscular fat.

“When we bought Yalgoo Peacemaker (PP) he had good solid data and now has all four indexes in the top one per cent of the breed.”

Taroom judge Andrew Bassingthwaighte, Yarrawonga Cattle Co, described Sherlock as a “breed changer” and gave him the nod from 242 head, along with fellow judges Kirrily Johnson-Iseppi, GK Livestock and Scott Waldron, AA Company.

Sherlock was the junior bull challenge winner, Bos taurus and interbreed grand champion bull before claiming the 2023 Super Bull Challenge, nudging out the Charolais, Brahman and Simmental champions.

Sherlock was the first bull to win all three major categories at the Taroom Show.

The Hann family has collected semen from Sherlock, selling some to show steer producers to cross with various European and British breeds and will flush selected Truro donors to the bull.

“Judges have said it doesn’t matter what colour you paint this bull, he is a good one,” Mr Hann said. “He is without doubt the best bull we have ever bred.

“It was amazing to win at Taroom as it was a Charolais feature show – I’m still pinching myself.

“The road ahead is Sherlock will be rested before going to Brisbane Royal as his swansong and then sold in our on-property sale on August 28.”

Scott Hann, Truro Whiteface says Truro Sherlock S188 (P) is “without doubt” the best bull the Hereford stud has bred.

Longreach Pastoral College sells for $12.4m, but...

Consortium misses

By Fiona Gowers

The state government will split the 17,511-hectare Longreach Pastoral College between three separate tenderers for a combined sale price of $12.4 million, with the high-profile bid from AAM Investment Group (AAM) missing out.

The former Queensland Agriculture Training Colleges (QATC) property at Longreach had trained agricultural leaders for more than 50 years before being closed in 2019.

The state government approached Longreach Regional Council about a sale in 2021 before last year launching a tender process.

AAM lodged a tender on behalf of a consortium of Australian agribusinesses for the full 17,511 hectares of land, which includes Rosebank Station, the college site, modern classroom facilities and agricultural infrastructure.

The consortium included Australian Country Choice, Cleveland Ag, Consolidated Pastoral Company, the Curr family, Georgina Pastoral, Hewitt Cattle Australia, McDonald Holdings, Mort & Co and the North Australian Pastoral Company.

Its proposal included a “commitment to explore all options to ensure the college facilities and associated assets … became a trusted source of knowledge sharing and education services to the northern Australian farm sector and one that enriched local communities”.

Longreach is the last one of five Queensland agricultural colleges the government has closed.

Currently, it has no plans to open a new training college, instead splitting the land into three configurations:

1) All land south of the Landsborough Highway (campus and grazing land).

2) Grazing land north of the Landsborough Highway.

3) Improved farming land adjacent to the Thomson River.

A Department of Agriculture and Fisheries spokesperson said the combined sale price of $12.4 million exceeded independent market valuations.

They said 17 tenders were received, with “a number“ failing to conform with requirements.

“The buyers and prices paid for the individual parcels of land remain commercial-inconfidence until expected settlement in late May,” the spokesperson said.

“The Queensland Government made a commitment that the tender process would consider both the price offered and the proposed community benefit for Longreach and the wider region.

“The exact nature of the proposed com-

munity benefits is still subject to commercialin-confidence requirements until settlement, however the Government expects the successful bidders will deliver on the commitments to the community that they have made through the tender process, including increased jobs and economic activity through tourism, horticulture, education and training, and livestock production activities.”

AAM was the most outspoken of the 17 tenderers and expressed its “deep disappointment“ at missing out.

Through a statement, AAM managing director and CEO, Garry Edwards said the Queensland government’s decision was an “opportunity lost”.

“In preparation of the tender options direct consultation was undertaken with a broad demographic of stakeholders to ensure what was being proposed would meet the needs of industry and the local community,“ he said.

“Additionally, (more than) 3300 individuals and organisations signed a letter of support of our proposal showing the importance of this opportunity.

“While we respect the government’s right to make this decision as the owner of the asset, it is tremendously disappointing that no one assessing the tenders reached out or engaged in a single discussion or meeting relating to

the consortium’s multiple concepts for highly effective and beneficial ways the site could be utilised.

“I personally think it was incredibly poor judgement they could not find the time to meet and hold any form of discussion when this is such an important issue for the agricultural industry and regional Queensland.”

AAM representatives held community consultation sessions in Longreach and widespread discussions with parties keen to be involved in the project.

Mr Edwards said the workforce needs of agriculture were evolving as industry became more focused on precision management and understanding and communicating sustainability outcomes and regenerative agriculture.

“This was a generationally significant opportunity for the Queensland government to meet the growing requirements to support career development, research and the future prosperity of our industry, as well as improving the economic resilience of regional communities,“ he said.

“It is my sincere hope that the successful tender applicants will be motivated to deliver such positive results for regional Queensland and we wish them all the best in delivering outcomes with greater community benefit than those proposed by this consortium.”

AgForce calls for urgent education change

AgForce is calling for an urgent “step change“ in ag education, following the controversial sale of Longreach Pastoral College.

As industry and rural communities wait to find out who has acquired the State Government facility, the organisation is pushing for greater emphasis on industry education.

Tenders for the Longreach Pastoral College were awarded on Friday.

A consortium of 10 large pastoral companies, led by AAM, missed out and the facility has been divided between three separate bids – yet to be announced.

AgForce CEO Michael Guerin said he remained hopeful that the successful bidders would work with industry to deliver the training so desperately needed.

“Existing ag education in this country is simply not adequate or fit for purpose,“ he said.

“As technology and innovation continue to drive broader and different career pathways for young people into the industry, a contemporary training infrastructure sits central to delivering that opportunity and allowing those young people clear pathways and support.

“It is critical to underpinning the social, environmental and economic benefits industry can and does bring to Australia.”

In coming weeks, AgForce will finalise its new joint training venture with Response - an

enterprise that will look for partnerships, collaboration and co-design opportunities.

Mr Guerin said he hoped there would be an opportunity to work with the new owners of Longreach Pastoral College.

“We are optimistic that the successful bid-

ders will be open to collaboration with industry,” he added.

“Agriculture is an essential industry and providing industry-relevant training is vital to ensuring the current and future workforce is ‘job ready’ with the skills needed.”

Exciting opportunity to rethink

By Tony Rayner, Longreach Mayor

The sale of the Longreach Pastoral College was inevitable once the decision to close the college was made in 2019. It is an exciting time to repurpose the college over the next few years.

The new owners will have a mix of business development, which should include using the college for its original purpose of training students for the agricultural sector. It is fit for function and can also be used for training in all sectors where there is demand, specifically hospitality and tourism. There are multiple other uses for the college, including commercial development for accommodation and industrial uses. A fully-operating small abattoir is in place to provide fresh sheep and beef to local outlets and restaurants. This facility also has the capability to be expanded.

The Longreach Pastoral College opened in 1967 and provided practical training for young students interested in a career in the livestock sector. The demand for this training has resurfaced due to a critical shortage of skilled workers and there is a genuine demand for short-course training, which could develop into longer accredited courses in both agriculture and hospitality, as well as other sectors.

The five agricultural colleges in Queensland all had reduced enrolments over the past 20 years due to a mix of reasons, including fewer sheep numbers and long-term drought. Some large pastoral companies now do their own training. The best outcome was repurposing the college through private commercial acquisition to allow the opportunity to use the asset for multiple purposes.

The closure of the colleges did contribute to a shortage of training venues for the agricultural sector, as well as a lack of skilled workers and an economic loss for each community where the colleges were located.

Longreach reluctantly understood the necessity of the sale but wanted it to be conditional to the successful tenderer including community benefits in multiple uses of the college including training and education, as well as other community benefits.

The potential is there for the new owners to deliver on their stated proposals in their submissions for the benefit of the town, region and state, as well as creating a modern business model that is both sustainable and beneficial for our agricultural and tourism sectors.

Tony Rayner, Longreach mayor. Picture: SUPPLIED

AgForce CEO Michael Guerin remains hopeful the successful bidders of Longreach Pastoral College will work with industry to deliver the training so desperately needed.

An aerial view of the Longreach Pastoral College.

Pupils are the pump-kings

Students from Downlands College in Toowoomba have become the new kings and queens of the veggie patch.

Their 202-kilogram pumpkin won the Royal Queensland Show’s (Ekka) iconic giant pumpkin competition by 6kg at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

The school beat three veteran growers to score $1450 in prize money and claim the sought-after Pillow Talk Champion Heaviest Pumpkin of Show title, along with first place in the Youth Class.

It’s the first time in the competition’s history a school has taken top honours over an Open Class competitor.

Student Patrick Edwards said their secret was a bit of “love and care“ for the pumpkin.

“We watered it and put fertiliser near its roots, but I honestly didn’t think it would be above 175kg,” he said.

Downlands College agricultural teacher Dr Jeff Buchanan said there was also some science involved from their plant science studies.

“We use technology to measure ground water levels, so we had sensors under our pumpkins to try to optimise the ground water levels to get the maximum growth out of them,” he said.

“This is the third time we’ve been involved in the competition and we’ve had a few wins in the Youth Class before, but we’ve never grown anything close to this.

“We actually thought we were on track for a record earlier in the year as we had a 212kg pumpkin, but it rotted.”

It was a close competition this year, with Geoff Frohloff, who holds the Ekka record of 261.5kg, winning first place in the Open Class with a 196kg pumpkin.

The Frohloff family had three generations competing, with Geoff’s son Tony winning second place with a 132kg gourd and grandson’s Riley and Dylan also putting their green

thumbs on and submitting entries in the Youth Class.

Some of the giant pumpkins will roll back into the Brisbane Showgrounds in August, to be displayed in the Agricultural Hall during Ekka.

Those keen to enter next year, can sign up for their free Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds at the show.

The crowning of the Ekka’s first Grand Champion for 2023 signals the official countdown to Queensland’s largest and most loved annual event, which is now less than 100 days away.

2023 GIANT PUMPKIN COMPETITION

RESULTS:

· Pillow Talk Champion Heaviest Pumpkin of Show – Downlands College – 202kg.

Pillow Talk Heaviest Pumpkin – Open Class:

· 1st Geoff Frohloff – 196kg.

· 2nd Tony Frohloff – 132kg.

· 3rd Jim Baxter 129.5kg.

Pillow Talk Heaviest Pumpkin – Youth Class:

· 1st Downlands College – 202kg.

· 2nd Downlands College – 51kg.

· 3rd Wilsonton Agricultural Field Centre –42.5kg.

$2000 worth of free accessories*

Toowoomba’s Downland College students, who won the 2023 Ekka Grand Champion Pumpkin.

Growing boutique farm life

By Breanna Lloyd

The Meat the Market Forum on 6 May welcomed small and boutique animal producers, distributors, and interested persons to the CQLX Saleyards in Gracemere.

Many guest speakers came to the event, discussing natural disaster topics (bushfires and flooding) and the pandemic restrictions and how these events have restrained Queensland’s food supply chain.

Attendees not only heard from experts/ leaders in the industries but also had the opportunity to meet other producers and establish strategies to grow their economies.

“The Meating the Market Forum and survey was initiated to empower local communities and enhance the economic sustainability and resilience of Central Queensland in the face of changing climate conditions,” said Mayor Andy Ireland.

“The meat industry plays a crucial role in our food chain, and promoting locally grown, sustainably produced, and humanely processed meat and value-added products is a logical step towards meeting this challenge.

“As a result of the forum, a reference and action group will be established to provide industry and community advice and input into the development of a feasibility study.”

Mr Ireland believes these goals will help the state secure a more efficient way towards Queensland’s food supply.

The Meating the Market Forum group plans to create more jobs, and infrastructure, and will bring targeted investments to regional communities.

“We are committed to exploring all opportunities to achieve these goals, including attracting investment in the establishment of a processing facility,” said Mr Ireland.

“The reference and action group will play a key role in this process.

“The Meating the Market Forum and survey

were both great opportunities for local producers to share their ideas and experiences.

“By working together, we can increase the chances of success and build a better future for our communities.“

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said how important the agricultural industry is to Queensland and how the Meating the Market Forum would help the region.

“Agriculture has been a big contributor to our region and a sector where we see real growth opportunities going forward,” he said.

“We want to see more investment and jobs across the agriculture sector and we are proud to support events like this that bring together landowners and producers to discuss small animal supply chains, their benefits, challenges and opportunities.”

Guests at the Meat Market Forum. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Open day for relaxed look

Take the time to ask questions and view the cattle up close before sale day.

AAA Speckle Park’s Inaugural Bull and Female Sale will be held on 17 June at their IvyHome 1243 Haly Creek property.

However, there will be three open days on 4, 9 and 10 June at the property for prospective buyers before the sale.

The later open days align with the last day of the 2023 Elders Farm Fest in Toowoomba to allow people a chance to pop over to the open day afterwards.

AAA Speckle Park owner Denis Roberts said that often sale days are just a ‘quick look over the fence’.

“[An open day] gives time for people to take a relaxed opportunity to look at the animals thoroughly,” he said.

“At a sale you’ve got no opportunity to chat to the owner -a look over the fences isn’t going to do it.”

The open days will be a relaxed chance to gain an insight into the unique qualities of the AAA Speckle Park breed, including their latest breeding program.

“We’re happy to share the whole breeding program… usually there’s no opportunity to look at the dam and sire on sale days,” Mr Roberts said.

The AAA Speckle Park breed is proudly born and bred in Queensland, with the animals a little bigger and with extra length to cater to Queensland conditions.

“They do survive in harsh conditions -these animals are able to handle a range of temperatures,” he said.

The meat quality is notably sweet with high marbling and the breed yields ‘very well’.

Perhaps the biggest value add for the AAA Speckle Park breed is the fact that it is very fertile.

“There’s a number of breeders that use it,” Mr Roberts said.

Another trait is that it is very good at converting feed into weight gain.

“Higher fertility, heavier carcass it just makes dollars,” he said.

It is also noted the docility of the animals is between 1 and 2 temperament.

All of the animals are vaccinated for three germ, 7:1 three day and pestiguard, bulls are semen tested and scanned and 90 percent of the animals are blooded for ticks.

Call Denis Roberts on 0423 868 351 for more information about the open and sale days.

South Burnett farmers Theresa and Denis Roberts will be hosting open days ahead of their AAA Speckle Park ‘Inaugural Bull and Female Sale’. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

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Upgrades create local jobs

By Fiona Gowers

A small family-owned Kurrimine Beach business has doubled the supply of its fresh reef fish and bait to some of Australia’s finest restaurants and tackle stores.

Chris Bolton Fishing is feeding the growing appetite for its premium quality coral trout and bait, with a sustainability loan from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) allowing it to buy bigger and better equipment.

Sparking interest in their produce from chefs and fishers across the country, Chris said their wild-catch fishing business was struggling to fulfil demand.

“With our smaller vessel and fewer dinghies, we didn’t have the capacity to reach our full fishing quota, so we decided to take the plunge and purchase another three dinghies and a new 14-metre vessel,” Chris said.

“Our new boat is built for speed and it allows us to more easily navigate and return home quicker, ensuring the produce is as fresh as possible.

“The boat also has electronic anchors, which uses GPS coordinates to keep it in the right place, meaning we don’t have to throw an anchor onto the reef, which could cause considerable damage.

“Having another three dinghies allows us to reach shallow waters and we can supply twice as many fish within our total yearly quota as we were previously, which is such a gamechanger.”

The upgrades are a win for the commercial fishing business and also for the local economy.

“We’ve employed four extra fishermen and we’re teaching them new skills and knowledge, which is all about sustainability and sourcing premium quality produce,” he said.

“The vessel also has really good living quarters for the whole crew so they’re comfortable

when out at sea.”

Chris said the process of applying for a sustainability loan from QRIDA was “straightforward“ and QRIDA’s Far North regional area manager Sam Spina answered all his questions with local knowledge and agribusiness expertise.

“Dealing with Sam was a pleasure because of his farming background,” he said.

“Sam knows how primary industries work, he knows everyone’s business is different and he carefully looks at what our business does and how we do it.”

QRIDA Far North regional area manager Sam Spina said Chris Bolton Fishing was a great example of an economically- and environmentally-sustainable wild-catch fishing business.

“QRIDA’s sustainability loan allowed Chris and his team to increase productivity, while introducing new technology, particularly with the electronic anchors,” he said.

“The Bolton family is helping put the Innisfail region on the map as a viable place for commercial fishing.”

Setting sail for the future, Chris hopes sea-

food lovers around the world will one day also enjoy his reef fish.

“I’d love to get our own export business happening so we can expand our markets even further,” he said.

“I also want to look into running more solar power on the boat and further develop the marketing of our business.”

QRIDA’s sustainability loans of up to $1.3 million can help primary production and wild-catch fishing businesses improve their productivity and long-term profitability.

Chris and Kim Bolton of Chris Bolton Fishing supply premium quality coral trout and bait to some of Australia’s finest restaurants and tackle stores.

New $33,000 record price

By Breanna Lloyd

A new record auction price helped make this year’s Ray White Livestock Rockhampton Dog Trial and Working Dog Sale one of the biggest sales in the Southern Hemisphere.

The annual event held from 21 to 23 of April has significantly grown since it first began in 2015, going from just eight lots to 119 in 2023, with the main breed Border Collies.

The top-priced dog over 11 months old accomplished a record price of $33,000 from vendor Joseph Leven from Casino, NSW, sold to James and Helen Parker from Monto.

Mr Leven who participates in the sale every year said how he views the working dog.

“The working dog really stands alone because of the value they offer to our industry,” he said.

“Agriculture really recognises and values them as an employee and is investing a lot of time and money into these working dogs because they are quite literally supreme athletes.

“With a labour shortage of urban employees, graziers have to be more innovative and are branching back to the old, smart working dog who has probably been forgotten about for a few generations.

“The dogs have become quite the man of the moment.”

The over-11-month-old dogs averaged $7500 with the under-10-month pups averaging $4025. Two pups (under 10 months old) from Marty Addy and Emma Sutherland sold for $16,000 each with lot 66 Addy’s Jazz bought by Rick and Sally Seeds and lot 83 Addy’s Hope to Peter Bauer.

The winners of the Ray White 2023 Working Dog Trial were Dan Killey and Nadnat Percy with 283 points, with a close runner-up of 282.5 points to Paul Wroe and Carrascot Spot.

The 2023 sire shootout winner went to Jamie Sturrock and Craiglea Seth.

Ray White Rural Gracemere principal

Gary Wendt said the shootout, sponsored by Queensland Veterinary Specialists from Stafford Queensland, was a trial to promote working dog sires, allowing buyers the chance to purchase new blood and put it across their breed of dogs.

Buyers and vendors travelled from NSW, Melbourne, and Victoria, throughout Queensland, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory (NT).

Mr Wendt said there was a quality line-up of dogs put together in one place where people could come and look at the dog’s work.

“It’s all in one place so it makes it easier for people, instead of them having to look through the internet or going to a bunch of different sales,” he said.

Days one and two presented guests with three rounds of the working dog trial competition where five rotations of 105 lots were sorted through by Stephen Biles and Glen Dickson.

In order to complete the trial, the dogs had to chase the cattle through a series of courses in a certain amount of time with little to no errors.

The weaners for the dog trials were supplied from a cattle station north of Rockhampton.

Having just freshly come off the farm, the herd had to be trained and sorted to be suited to the obstacle course and to be familiar with working dogs. On day two, the contestants were narrowed down to just 30 lots, with Jamie Sturrock and Craiglea Seth and Andrew Jansen and Riverside Buck both tying for first place.

Day three kicked off with 119 lots going under the hammer with buyers grabbing up 112 lots. Livestock trader, first-time breeder and vendor of working dogs Bobby Rowe said what he thought about the sale.

“It was interesting to see how everything went and I think the dogs are of value lately with the shortage of skilled stock people,” he said.

“The main reason I come here was to just put my dogs out and see how they went, and we have plenty at home coming along.”

Bobby Rowe from Biloela with his two-year-old female Border Collie Electra Please.

Ray Schmidt from Mitchell, Roma.Nathan Carr with his two working dogs Lawgi Dawers and Tanderra from Biloela.

Prue Howard and Alasdair and Dianne Read.

Family at Ray White dog trials.Blue and Sheryl Robson.

To keep dogs fit and healthy, Frank Finger - winner of the ABC’s Muster Dog program - feeds his dogs once a day on a diet of bones, boiled meat, rice and vegetables.

Without a healthy dog, you don’t have a dog, so it’s important to...

Look after your best friend

Frank Finger - winner of the ABC’s Muster Dog program - knows a thing or two about training working dogs and preparing them for farm life.

The Clermont, Queensland cattle farmer transitioned to using working dogs on his property outside of Emerald in 1996 and hasn’t looked back.

He has been training working dogs for years and ensures the health and well-being of all his working dogs, declaring “without a healthy dog, you don’t have a dog.”

Frank shares his tops tips below to keep working dogs healthy.

Diet

To keep dogs fit and healthy, Frank feeds his dogs once a day on a diet of bones, boiled meat, rice and vegetables.

“I also use dry pellets as a back-up but too much of this gets boring for dogs and is akin to a person eating dry Weet-Bix for breakfast each day.”

Overweight dogs have a shorter lifespan and Frank notes overfeeding is an issue all dog owners should be aware of.

“Feeding dogs once a day is more than enough to keep them healthy.”

Importantly, regular monthly tape-worming and removal of raw sheep meat and offal from a dog’s diet can control tapeworms.

Sleep

Removing potential distractions is key to ensuring dogs get a good night’s sleep.

Frank’s dog kennels are divided so the dogs can’t see each other and any view of cattle,

the house, or wildlife from the kennels is also blocked to remove distractions.

“This ensures the dogs get a good night sleep. If the dogs see cattle or other animals, they immediately start thinking about working, which is what you don’t want in the evening.”

Illness prevention

With research showing there is a one in 11 chance a dog has worms[1], investing time, guidance and care into a working dog to ensure their well-trained and healthy is all about looking after a mate.

Frank uses Simparica Trio®, a once a month tasty chew, to protect his dogs against deadly heartworm and treat and control fleas, ticks and intestinal worms.

“Simparica Trio is a very convenient once-amonth treatment. I give it to them just before

they’re fed and the dogs don’t mind it at all.”

Barking

Minimising distractions is also important to reduce dogs’ barking, both in the evening and during the day.

One of Frank’s tips is to keep the radio on.

“I let them listen to music, the dogs love it, it’s just enough to keep their attention and makes any slight commotion, which may cause them to bark not as appealing.”

Communication

Communication is also key to rearing healthy, well-trained working dogs.

“Speaking as softly and calmly as possible will ensure happy dogs,” says Frank.

“They’ve got a good sense of hearing and owners and trainers don’t need to shout.”

Communication is key to rearing healthy, well-trained working dogs, says Clermont cattle farmer Frank Finger.

Day1

Tuesday 25th July

Tummel Herefords

45 Bulls (Horn & Poll) Sale @ 1pm

Chris Lisle, Walcha NSW

Ph: 02 6777 2810 M: 0459 772 810

www.tummelherefords.com.au

Day2

Wednesday 26th July

Glenwarrah Herefords

30 Bulls (Horn & Poll) Sale @ 11.30am

David & Kate Collins, Bundarra NSW Ph: 0497 270 455 E: glenwarrahbrooksby@gmail.com

www.glenwarrah.com.au

Day2

Wednesday 26th July

Glen Innes Bull Sale (Horn & Poll)

69 Bulls & 16 Females Sale @ 2:30pm Catalogue Online at: www.herefordsaustralia.com.au Or from Elders – Glen Innes: 02 6739 7300

Day3

Thursday 27th July

Lotus Herefords

45 Hereford Bulls Sale @ 11.30am

Holliss Family, Glen Innes NSW

M: 0418 655 009

E: info@lotusherefords.com.au

www.lotusherefords.com.au

Day3

Thursday 27th July

Amos Vale Herefords

35 Hereford Bulls Sale @ 1:45pm

Mark & Wendy Campion

M: 0428 334 626

E: amosvaleherefords@gmail.com

www.amosvaleherefords.com.au

Saleyards back in business

By Breanna Lloyd

Joint funding from the Australian and state government and the Central Highlands Regional Council has led to more than $3 million in repairs and improvements towards the Emerald Saleyards.

The project supported eight jobs since the commencement date in 2019, and improvements focus on prioritising cattle production and safety and reducing feed losses and truck waiting times.

Central Queensland holding both the largest cattle herd in Australia and the most important livestock exchanges, the government thought it was time for a change.

Twenty new spelling paddocks, new lighting and roofing over the scale house, a new hay storage shed and a second double-decker dump ramp were installed in the area.

Emerald Mayor Kerry Hayes, Central Highlands Regional Council, said why Emerald Saleyards is important to Central Queensland.

“Central Highlands is home to the largest beef cattle population in Australia and the Emerald Saleyards is critical infrastructure in providing a marketplace for the livestock,” he said.

“It is the fourth largest genuine livestock selling center in Queensland and its market signalisation is key for the 2,500 agricultural businesses operating in the LGA.

“These upgrades create a genuine return on investment for the funding parties and underpin intergenerational support for our key rural industry.”

Mr Hayes ensured buyers and sellers the improvements are beneficial and will improve the cattle’s conditions.

“The upgrades provide a secure, safe environment for livestock and those workers that are around them,” he said.

“Producers have access to a range of options including quick unload/reload, spelling, feeding and tick treatments in an all-weather environment.

“This improves animal welfare, limits losses, and improves access to more market options.

“Market options give producers greater flexibility in herd management and pasture control and reliable, connected saleyards with regular sales are integral to a broad range of

benefits to producers.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm said why this project is beneficial to the Emerald community.

“This redevelopment is a game changer for the local economy in Emerald and the wider Central Highlands, improving safety and cattle throughout while boosting yard capacity,” he said.

“Reducing truck wait times and feed losses will have huge benefits for cattle buyers, sellers and agents.”

Queensland Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said why the funding was necessary.

“The Emerald sale yards are a pillar of the community out here in Central Queensland, so it’s fantastic to be here to see this funding producing tangible results,” she said.

Aussie beef on the menu with UK free trade agreement

The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement offers access to the UK market that Australian agricultural producers have not seen in generations.

Cattle Australia has welcomed the decision to enter into force a free trade agreement between our two countries.

The landmark trade deal is to come into effect by the end of May, removing barriers for Australian beef producers trading with the UK.

The agreement will enable up to 35,000 tariff-free tonnes of eligible Australian beef in the UK market in year one, rising in equal instalments to 110,000 tonnes in year 10, until the trade is fully liberalised in 2038.

Cattle Australia chair David Foote said the deal was a credit to all involved.

“I want to recognise the work of the Australian Government over many years for their commitment to make this a reality,” Mr Foote said.

“This has also taken considerable work from industry, with Cattle Australia and MLA working through the UK Red Meat Industry Access Taskforce to make sure this deal delivers further opportunities for Australian beef producers.

“Australia remains a world leader in producing high-quality, healthy and sustainable beef, underpinned by our world-leading traceability systems to achieve our customers’ expectations.

“As such, Cattle Australia is urging the UK government to recognise Australia’s highly developed industry systems in managing and tracking HGP treatments in cattle.

“This agreement will see much more Australian beef on the menu in the UK.

“The free trade agreement will also help to further diversify our export markets and a growing list of countries with which we enjoy free trade access.”

Mayor Kerry Hayes, Senator Anthony Chisholm, Manager Saleyards Timothy Maguire and Assistant Minister Nikki Boyd.

Mayor Kerry Hayes, Manager Saleyards Timothy Maguire and Senator Anthony Chisholm. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Countdown on to Beef ‘24

The official countdown to Beef 2024 is underway, marking 12 months to go to the country’s largest beef industry exposition.

Beef Australia Chairman Bryce Camm said with the event taking place between the 5th and 11th May 2024, anticipation is building for what promises to be a spectacular showcase of the Australian beef industry.

“It’s hard to believe that we’re here today, celebrating the event being just 12 months away”, Mr Camm said.

“Since its inception in 1988, the event has grown and evolved to become the flagship event in the Australian beef community that provides the opportunity for industry leaders, farmers, producers, consumers and everyone else in between to connect, share ideas, and showcase the very best of the Australian beef industry to the world, and the 2024 event will be no exception.

“Over the course of the week, we’re expecting to meet over 115,000 visitors from across the country and 10,000 international delegates back to the gates or online via our new Beef TV program.

“The program is shaping up to be one of the best yet, with more beef, more trade, more tech, more education, and more entertainment across a brand-new precinct-based program.

“On behalf of the Beef Australia Board of Directors, we look forward to welcoming you to the 2024 event and together, showcasing the diversity of the Australian beef industry to the world and its contribution to the national economy”.

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt joined the Beef Australia Board in Rockhampton to mark the start of the official countdown.

“Beef is a massive event on the ag calendar, and has huge benefits for Central Queensland and the whole nation,” Minister Watt said.

“I’ve been to Beef twice before and I’m look-

SouthMadeinAustralia

ing forward to returning, to spruik the industry as Agriculture Minister.

“The Albanese Government has contributed $6 million to Beef 2024 because we believe

in the beef industry’s future. The impact this event has on the local economy and the trade deals it attracts for Aussie farmers last well beyond the event itself.

“With this extra funding, we’ll be able to see even more commercial exhibitors get a shot on the international stage and I’m confident Beef 2024 will be bigger and better than ever.”

Beef CEO Simon Irwin, Owner of Kenrol Brahman Stud Wendy Cole, MP for Keppel Brittany Lauga, Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, Beef Aus Vice Chair Grant Cassidy, MP for Rocky Barry O’Rourke, Rocky Mayor Tony Williams and Beef Chairman Bryce Camm.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Wendy Cole, owner of Kenrol Brahmans was talking to Murray Watt, Federal Agricultural Minister.

Murray Watt with Rocky Mayor Tony Williams and Beef Chairman Bryce Camm.

Welcoming back international visitors and handshakes

Beef Australia’s reputation is inherently linked to their ability to engage with stakeholders across the entire beef supply chain to create long lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.

The Beef Australia International Program and Handshakes Program play vital roles in expanding these relationships on a global scale.

Beef Australia CEO Simon Irwin said the organisation is looking forward to welcoming back international delegates through their highly anticipated International Program and 2024 Handshakes Program.

“While the 2021 event was hailed an enormous success, one thing was missing – our international visitors and our ever-successful Handshakes Program”, Mr Irwin said.

“In 2018, we saw 1,200 international delegates from across 43 countries participate in the International Program and close to 700 Handshakes registrations.

“At its core, the International Program provides a platform for global industry leaders, producers, and stakeholders to come together, exchange knowledge, and explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing the industry.

“The Handshakes Program, on the other hand, enables participants to engage in face-

to-face business matching meetings, discussions, and negotiations, promoting collaboration, understanding, and cooperation among stakeholders.

“In 2024, we’ve set out to welcome 10,000 international visitors back at the gates, participating across our International Program and 2024 Handshakes Program in person or engaging online via our new Beef TV program.

“For the first time, Handshakes participants, particularly those new to, or thinking about readying their business for international trade and investment opportunities, will also receive free online pitch readiness training provided by Trade and Investment Queensland, giving them the best possible chance of securing funding, sourcing new clients and building strong business partnerships.

“The International Program, driven by our International Committee and Chaired by Greg Pankhurst, will play a large role in steering the activity of the Program and work closely with key international stakeholders to enhance trade and investment outcomes in the Australian beef supply chain”.

International Committee Chair Greg Pankhurst said he’s proud to be working with such a high calibre group of individuals in delivering the Beef Australia International

Program and 2024 Handshakes Program.

“The committee has many years’ combined experience in the beef industry, particularly in trade and investment, and with this experience I am confident that we can deliver a highly successful program in 2024”, Mr Pankhurst said.

“By connecting our international community, we can build a stronger, more sustainable future for beef production and consumption.

“Program participants can expect to network with key beef industry personnel, join in on the conversation around sustainability, climate change and trade issues, partake in facilitated trade meetings, property tours, educational seminars, be updated on the latest in Agri Tech, witness firsthand Australia’s top genetics, with almost 5,000 stud cattle on site, and of course taste and eat some of Australia’s best beef.

“We’re also looking forward to Beef Australia’s Beef TV program launch, which we know will be a great platform for our international guests to participate in should they not be able to travel to Rockhampton to join in the activities.

“I encourage all interested parties to jump online to find out more, download our brochure which is now available in 10 different

languages, and register today”.

The Beef Australia 2024 International Program is supported by the Australian and Queensland Governments, Trade and Investment Queensland, Meat & Livestock Australia and various industry organisations.

The 2024 Beef Australia International Committee includes:

· Greg Pankhurst, Committee Chairman

· Fleur Anderson, Department of Agriculture & Fisheries

· Andrew Cox, Meat & Livestock Australia

· Will Evans, Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association

· Michael Finucan, JBS Australia

· Denise Kreymborg, Trade and Investment Queensland

· Terry Nolan, Nolan Meats

· Vic O’Keefe, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

· Kate Power, Kilcoy Global Foods

· Jennifer Wainwright, Aux Venture

· Richard Brosnan, Beef Australia Board Director

· Jackie Kyte, Beef Australia International Coordinator

· Registrations are open now for both the Beef Australia International Program and 2024 Handshakes Program.

The group admires the Kenrol Brahman bull.

Beef executives at the Beef 2024 presentation.

Beef Chairman Bryce Camm, MP Barry O’Rourke, MP Michelle Landry, Mayor Tony Williams and Beef CEO Simon Irwin. Mayor Tony Williams, Barry O’Rourke, Minister Watt, Bryce Camm, Brittany Lauga.

Key to going carbon-neutral

For producers looking to reduce the methane output of their livestock, Performance Feeds’ organic nutritional supplement OrganiPro contains key ingredients that aid in the reduction of methane emissions, while also creating more productive feed utlisation.

With the Australian Red Meat and Livestock Industry’s Carbon Neutral target set for 2030, it’s becoming increasingly important for producers to implement practices into their livestock program that will help to reduce methane emissions. One of the first steps producers can take to reduce their livestock’s methane emissions is through the introduction of nutritional supplements to the feed programs of their livestock. This is where producers are turning to OrganiPro.

“We’ve seen fantastic results since OrganiPro was released onto the market, and we’re pleased to offer supplements that aid in the reduction of methane emissions, while also improving production and profitability for producers,” says Performance Feeds National Sales Manager, Peter Cush.

“It’s important for producers to know that they can continue to work towards carbon neutral targets, without compromising on peak livestock productivity and performance.”

For Performance Feeds, their goal is to ensure they produce quality, nutritional supplements that suit the needs of any operation. OrganiPro is a key example of this.

Certified by Australian Organic, OrganiPro is a highly palatable, loose lick nutritional supplement that has been designed to boost livestock production systems and contains key ingredients to achieve this.

OrganiPro has been formulated to promote frame growth in cattle, by maintaining their

intake of phosphorous for energy metabolism.

OrganiPro contains phosphorous, calcium and magnesium, critical macro minerals that will promote frame and bone growth. Supporting the macro minerals are trace vitamins and minerals that will boost productivity and reproduction.

Another key ingredient, Agolin, has been included in the OrganiPro formula to aid in the reduction of methane output in grazing cattle year-round by optimising the function of the rumen. University trial data has found that Agolin will also improve feed efficiency, weight gain and cow milk output, while also reducing methane output by about 10-14%.

According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), methane emissions in livestock represent a gross energy loss from feed intake of about 10%. Based on this, the implementation of quality nutritional supplementation not only improves farm sustainability, but overall livestock productivity.

Incorporating Performance Feeds nutritional supplements into the year-round nutrition program of livestock ensures producers can meet carbon neutral targets without sacrificing the productivity of their stock.

Australian Organic has certified OrganiPro as a ‘Certified Allowed Input’ that can be used on properties certified to the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce Standards. OrganiPro has also been assessed and found compliant with the USDA National Organic Program and NOP. To learn more about how Performance Feeds’ organic nutrition supplement can help improve your livestock program, speak to your local Territory Manager, or find out more via www.performancefeeds.com.au

Boost Livestock Performance

Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

Clear danger of bushfires

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

TOM MARLAND

It’s been three long years since the 2019-2020 mega fires incinerated 3500 homes and took the lives of 34 innocent people. It destroyed 60 million acres of native eucalypt forests - three times the area of the whole state of Tasmania. Three billion native wildlife where annihilated in three short months with the fires tipping many endangered species towards extinction. Economists have estimated that the fires cost over $80 billion in damage to property and economic loses.

The smoke plume stretched over 11,000 kilometers across the South Pacific Ocean to Chile and Argentina. Scientists have now linked the megafires to the “triple dip” la nina which has caused widespread flooding across eastern Australia. Modelling from scientists at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research has found that smoke aerosols from the bushfires interacted with clouds to cool surface waters over the south-eastern subtropical Pacific Ocean. It has also been estimated that smoke from the megafires depleted the ozone layer by up to 5% in 2020 alone.

The carbon emissions from November 2019 to January 2020 are estimated to have been over 700 million tonnes of carbon dioxide – almost double Australia’s entire annual carbon emissions – in three catastrophic months.

So called academics, conservationists and opportunistic politicians put the blame of these fires on climate change. But bushfires aren’t new in Australia – in fact fire has helped shaped this continent since the last ice age 20,000 years ago. Whether by indigenous land management practices or naturally occurring fire by lightning strike – our environment – or more importantly our vegetation - has evolved to adapt to and flourish in fire dominated ecosystems. Australia is also the second driest continent on earth and has always experi-

enced periods of hot and dry conditions which is ideal for large scale bushfires.

But given the scale of the 2020 bushfires, one would have thought that Australia would be forced to have a complete rethink about the way we manage our landscape and adapt to bushfires. But then a global pandemic hit and it started to rain and our minds where

distracted by more shinier things.

Instead of actually getting their hands dirty or stepping out of an airconditioned office, our elected officials have decided to fight bushfires with solar panels and wind turbines while at the same time exporting record volumes of iron ore, coal and gas to be burned on some other foreign shore.

The majority of the east coast of Australia has had three high rainfall seasons and like floods follow drought, bushfires will once again be raging this summer. It’s depressing to think that for the all the effort and money we are spending to combat climate change by completely decarbonising our electricity grid –the next bushfire will make all of those savings redundant – in fact they will actually increase our carbon emissions over time.

While a warming climate creates increased conditions for large scale bushfires – its actually our land management practices over the last 250 years which are the true culprit. Since European settlement in Australia – we have sought to exclude fire from the landscape which has allowed fire dominant and highly flammable eucalypt forests to proliferate.

While it is a sensible solution to increase the rate of “cultural” or “cool burning to reduce bushfire risk – the scale and density of many of our native forests dictates that these traditional methods will not be effective alone.

Unfortunately, our land and vegetation management policies across Australia make it virtually impossible to reduce bushfire risk and to take common sense preventative action to protect properties and communities. Many of these policies are focused on “protecting” the environment but what they are actually doing is increasing the risk of these areas being decimated by future bushfires.

The problem is that those developing the policy and implementing our laws know as much about bushfires and managing the environment as they have common sense – which is limited.

Those that actually live and work in the bush – namely farmers – are always the last ones to be asked about how to manage the environment or reduce fire risk. But they always seem to be the first ones called when a bushfire starts and have to try and put it out before it destroys their homes.

We need to get back to practical land management policy and principles and start listening to those who are actually on the ground and who are most at risk. Sadly, we appear to be repeating the same mistakes we have made over and over again and unlike the weather patterns – they appear even harder to change.

Free trade agreement a winner for Queensland’s beef

Just prior to the Coronation of King Charles III, Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced that the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UK FTA) will enter into force at midnight on 31 May.

The A-UK FTA, which was agreed in principle in June 2021 and signed on 17 December 2021, will see Australian beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat access to the UK liberalised over a transition period of 10 years.

In 2022 the UK was Australia’s 15th-largest goods trading partner, with two-way goods trade valued at $10 billion.

FROM THE MLA

JASON STRONG

However, prior to the signing of this agreement, Australian beef exports to the UK were restricted by a post-Brexit quota of only 3,761 tonnes (at 20% in-quota duty), with tariffs above the quota as high as 12 per cent plus

254 Great Britain Pounds per 100kg.

As part of the agreement, 35,000 tonnes of Australian beef can enter the UK duty free in year 1 - with the volume increasing year by year. After ten years, Australian beef will enter the UK without any volume restriction at all.

This significantly improved market access will provide new export opportunities for Australian beef producers and exporters. While British consumers will be able to finally experience more of the very best of Australian beef.

Stakeholder feedback has been very posi-

tive, with MLA now gearing up to provide technical expertise to both the trade and potential British end users in order to capitalise on the new access.

Australia remains a world leader in producing high-quality, healthy, and sustainable red meat, underpinned by our world-leading traceability systems to achieve our customers’ expectations.

We’re confident that when more Australian red meat hits the plates in the UK under the FTA, UK consumers will be impressed by the amazing quality and how great it tastes.

Life-changing riding lessons

By Fiona Gowers

Overlooking the Lockyer Valley in Preston, Splendacrest Stables is changing lives - both young and old.

Jay Randle owns and operates the horse riding school, which specialises in beginner lessons for those aged five to 105 but also caters for disabled children and aspiring endurance riders.

Ms Randle also trains Arabian racehorses on the 16-hectare working horse farm south of Toowoomba.

Her passion is teaching children how to ride correctly, of course, but also how to catch the horse and apply the saddle and bridle, mount and dismount correctly, walk, trot and canter, as well as grooming.

Ms Randle told Queensland Farmer Today she draws “so much” satisfaction seeing her clients’ happy on horseback.

“Oh, absolutely. Oh my gosh, yes. Yes, absolutely. They really are a different person once they mount a horse,” Jay said.

“You know, they might be having difficulties at school or with exams or with boys or whatever.

“But once they are on a horse, they’re a totally different person, you know and even their parents say that.

“They look at home, they look natural. They’re not being forced or fake.”

Over the past six years, Splendacrest Stables has expanded into disability services with stunning results.

Ms Randle said while her riding-fordisabled program attracted children of diverse backgrounds and abilities, focuses and dreams, one common theme bound them all - their love of riding.

She said children with muscular dystrophytype medical conditions such as cerebral palsy had particularly positive outcomes.

“They all just love to get on the horses, groom them and lead them around,” Jay said. “Or even pick up poo!

“One boy was only here six months but, in that time, developed his core strength through riding to the point where he was able to ride his bicycle around the block

“It was such a quick transition for him to get so physically strong because he was focused on something that was new and different. That really was an unbelievable outcome.

“I’ve got another little one who’s got cerebral palsy and she’s only five, yeah, and she’s been coming for a couple of years and her mum says it’s absolutely the best of all of her therapies.

“With horse riding she has to sit up straight and work different muscles and now she’s walking. She couldn’t walk when she arrived. You know, it’s amazing.”

Jay’s parents bought “Splendacrest”, a former dairy farm, in 1988.

Her father Ken Randle was an amateur racehorse trainer and loved the spider web of bush tracks ideal for riding that surrounded the property.

Sadly, he passed away in 1993, leaving her mother Carmel by herself who, too, was in poor health, prompting Ms Randle to quit her travel agency job and move home in 2000.

“I looked around and thought, ‘well hang on, this place was set up for horses. It has become a little bit run down in the interim. But, you know, maybe I could train some horses out of here’.

“I knew I could do it and succeed.

“So, I started talking to my hairdresser and it went from there.”

News soon spread that Ms Randle required help working her six horses and, soon, she had seven regular riders

“The girls would come and help me train these endurance horses because that’s what I’m into,” Jay said.

“Endurance is long-distance riding - you know, reasonably long trail rides of 30 kilometres to keep the horses fit - so I needed people who were fairly capable.

‘It was just a mutually-beneficial thing. They get a horse once a week and I’d get some

horses worked, you know, So, it worked out really well.”

Before too long, Ms Randle was receiving inquiries from girls as young as 12 eager to ride and thought, ‘OK, if I want these kids to ride, they have to learn to ride properly’.

So, Splendacrest Stables horse riding school was born.

Ms Randle prefers to use the medium-sized Arabian horses to ensure children aren’t overwhelmed by their size.

“The Arabian breed also tends to be very friendly, seeks attention and loves children,” she said. “They’re always interested in seeing what this little person is doing.”

“If you approach a horse with an open mind and a happy face and they’re going to go, ‘Oh, that’s cool, you know, I like this person’.”

Splendacrest Stables streams students and clients into levels of achievement then promotes them as they progress.

Riders who successfully conquer blue, green and black levels are invited to join the gold level, which brings additional benefits, including membership of the endurance competition squad.

“Endurance riding, I believe, teaches people more about the care and welfare of the horse than any other sport,” Ms Randle said.

“You are on the horse’s back for up to 12 hours so you get to know the animal well and it gets to know you and the bond is very strong.

“You have to be able to detect minor lameness or to notice ‘Oh, this horse isn’t eating like he normally does or his temperature is 2.2 degrees higher than normal.

“The health and welfare of the horse is the prime basis of endurance riding because you don’t want to ride a sick horse.

“The kids learn so much more than if they were jumping over a pole at pony club.”

Over the past 20 years, many alumni from Splendacrest stables have competed internationally for Australia.

“I often think, ‘Dad would be so happy we’re using his much-loved tracks’,” Ms Randle said.

“My sister rides with me often and we say it all the time, ‘Wouldn’t Dad have loved this?

“When we were young, he ran pony club camps.

“And, he always said, ‘If you keep the kids happy, the parents will be happy’.”

Continued page 23

Jay Randle owns and operates Splendacrest Stables, which specialises in beginner lessons for those aged five to 105 and also caters for disabled children and aspiring endurance riders.

Ms Randle uses the medium-sized Arabian horses at Splendacrest Stables to ensure children aren’t overwhelmed by the horse’s size.

Fellowship ray of sunshine

Come rain or shine, Australia’s producers are always hard at work, cultivating and harvesting products to support the country’s domestic markets.

But, with climate change and the country’s shifting weather patterns, there is an urgent need to protect our producers and food supply chains from inclement conditions.

This will be the focus of University of Southern Queensland’s Dr Jenny Wang, who has been awarded a $431,000 Australian Research Council ECR industry fellowship to help lead a team in customising the country’s weather index insurance offerings.

The project is a partnership between the University and climate risk insurtech company CelsiusPro.

“The use of weather index insurance is fast becoming a staple in agricultural production and research like this will help to provide a much-needed scientific footprint,” CelsiusPro CEO Jonathan Barratt said.

Weather index insurance (WII), which provides agribusinesses with coverage against weather-related risks, is an increasingly important strategy to mitigate loss, however, more can be done increase its uptake, says Dr Wang.

Currently, WII policies use data from local weather stations, providing a payout when the weather parameter moves beyond a pre-specified point.

“Because of the placement of the weather stations, these parameters often cover large areas,” Dr Wang said.

“If you live close to the weather station, the parameters can be quite accurate.

“But, if you move further away, these parameters become less precise, which leads some to forgo purchasing the product, which is a phenomenon known as spatial basis risk.

“The purpose of our project is to overcome this key disadvantage and help satisfy changing demand.”

To do this, Dr Wang will use a multi-pronged approach to help customise the WII system.

Alongside a team of scientists and industry experts, Dr Wang aims to identify a machine learning algorithm that can detect drought events using satellite image data.

And, then use this to develop location-specific drought indicators, which can be used to provide more accurate WII coverage.

This project is based on her previous work, where she observed the advantages and limitations of WII uptake in developing countries.

“In the future, with climate change going the way it is, we expect extreme weather events to occur more frequently,” Dr Wang said.

“If farmers don’t purchase this insurance and they are not protected against weatherrelated loss, an extreme weather event will impact not only their income and yield for that year, but also the years following.

“If we can create better-tailored products, which also speeds up the payout process, we can support them to continue their practices, which ultimately protects the country’s food supply.”

Dr Wang said she was thrilled to have received one of the coveted Australian Research Council ECR industry fellowships, which has an overall success rate less than 14 per cent.

“This definitely was a big surprise and I’m very excited,” she said.

“While there are some challenges in the progress of the project, I will take advantage of this excellent opportunity, working together with our industry partners and other researchers to help improve the WII design to meet specific demands of Australian farmers and agribusinesses.”

Life-changing riding lessons: ‘They look at home’

From page 22

University of Southern Queensland’s Dr Jenny Wang.

Jay Randle’s passion is teaching children how to ride correctly, of course, but also how to catch the horse, apply the saddle and bridle, mount and dismount correctly, walk, trot and canter.

Jay Randle said her riding-for-disabled program attracted children of diverse backgrounds and abilities, focuses and dreams but one common theme bound them all - their love of riding.

Connectivity key on farms

BREAKING GROUND WITH THOMAS HALL

When it comes to growing Australia’s agricultural sector in an increasingly digitalised world, connectivity is key.

Our farmers are on track to have their most valuable year yet, with agricultural production expected to hit a record $90 billion this financial year.

It’s an impressive figure, one that’s expected to grow to $100 billion by 2030. However, connectivity issues are casting a cloud over this forecast.

As many industry bodies have flagged, the reality is many farmers have only limited connectivity, which prevents them from adopting technologies that can drive substantial gains in productivity and profitability.

In Queensland, for example, internet speeds in urban areas are typically fast and reliable, while connectivity in remote and regional parts of the state is often much slower and much less reliable.

To improve the situation, several initiatives have been introduced, such as the Mobile Black Spot Program, focused on providing mobile phone coverage to places that have little or none, and the National Broadband Network’s Sky Muster satellite service, which delivers the NBN network across regional and remote Australia.

5G networks, which will be rolled out to more cities and regional areas over the next few years, are also expected to increase farmers’ access to faster and more reliable internet.

The importance of farmers being connected

cannot be understated. The adoption of digital technologies on-farm, which requires reliable and fast internet, can create a raft of benefits including supply chain improvements, cost and time savings, improved precision, business growth and improved sustainability.

For example, a reliable internet connection

is needed to power AI technologies analysing large volumes of data that can predict the best time for seed planting to achieve optimal yields.

The consequences of not being connected are huge. It robs farmers of access to digital technologies that can help tackle rising pro-

duction costs and operational changes required due to climate change. There’s also the risk our agricultural sector will become less competitive internationally, not to mention the possibility the costs of food and fibre will rise, hurting consumers and the economy.

There’s a lot at stake. That’s why connectivity is a major focus of the Agtech and Logistics Hub.

The Hub has been a game-changer for many farmers, bringing them connectivity solutions tailored to their operations.

We know everyone can be connected. The challenge is to understand why farmers want and need to be connected, and what role connectivity solutions will play in their operations.

The Hub presents verified solutions, ensuring they are tailored to each farmers’ specific needs.

So far, our team has connected more than 1300 sites, including farms, agricultural businesses and communities.

This has meant farmers have been able to access a range of previously unavailable services, such as weather forecasting and remote monitoring of crops and livestock.

Importantly, the Hub has also helped farmers connect with one another so they can share knowledge and collaborate.

We are excited by the Queensland Government’s upcoming Agtech Roadmap, which will outline a path for the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies.

This roadmap will have a major focus on remote and regional productivity, with strategies to improve access to fast and reliable internet, including investment in infrastructure and the development of new solutions.

We are looking forward to working with the Queensland Government as it rolls out the agtech roadmap and implements connectivity solutions across the state.

Ripper rodeo in Mount Isa

By Breanna Lloyd

In the heart of Outback Queensland (QLD) on 7 May, was the nation’s largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere with epic rodeo competitions and exhilarating performances from legendary Australian artists.

The Mount Isa (MI) Road to Rodeo at the Buchanan Park Events Complex saw visitors and participants of all ages venture from various parts of Queensland and New South Wales including, Charters Towers, Winton, Leeton in NSW, Taroom, Newcastle and MI locals.

Having just celebrated 100 years of MI, the town is a part of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association’s national circuit.

The Isa Rodeo Limited organisation launches a new destination for the Road to Rodeo each year, with Longreach being their 2022 location for a two-day event.

The competitions include bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, rope and tie race, breakaway roping and poddy calf events and a crowd favourite, the op shop barrel race.

CEO of Isa Rodeo Limited Natalie Flecker said why it was decided to hold the Road to Rodeo in MI.

“We staged the Rodeo in MI this year because we wanted to give back to the local community, to create something just for the region, and to celebrate 100 years of Isa,” she said.

“The result was a fantastic hometown rodeo, where we saw a great crowd and also gave our competitors from across the region another opportunity to compete in the famous red dirt arena.

“The event generates a significant iconic injection to the MI region of some $6 million and puts the spotlight on the town around the world, but it’s so much more – there’s an incredible social impact and where people connect.”

After the rodeo and competitions, Cold Chisel member Ian Moss, Shannon Noll and Luke Geiger all performed into the night with their best hits.

Natalie explains the excitement around the overall night.

“The atmosphere of camaraderie between riders, and ticket holders was fantastic,” she said. Results

Cloncurry cowboy Darcy Harrison-Douglas was crowned champion of the open bull ride with 78 points, along with Gracemere farm boy Tyler Chong taking home his own champion medal, winning the Saddle Bronc with 66 points and Deon Lane from Richmond claimed the Bare Back Bronc champion title with 75.5 points.

Campbell Hodson from Charters Towers claimed his second Road to Rodeo Rope and Tie title (22.65 points) as he previously won in Longreach at the Road to Rodeo 2022.

The steer wrestling champion was Brian Lovett (21 points), and Andrew Forster and Daniel Guilford took the team roping win (30.5 points).

Open barrel racing participant Kylee Ferguson scored 38 points taking the win and the Breakaway roping champion went to Tatum Kersh with 7.65 points.

Josh Alexander scored top place in the sec-

ond division bull ride, scoring 71 points with Cloncurry rider Jarrod Hall taking the Saddle Bronc Sash at 56 points.

In the junior divisions, Cloncurry local Cade Ferguson won two out of his five events, the junior steer (124) and junior barrel race (38.845 points).

Cade also managed to buck his way to second place in the bull and saddle bronc and the poddy calf ride was won by Junior Ashley Murphy.

What’s next for Mount Isa?

In August, MI is holding a nine-day festival hosting a country-themed arena ball (5th), a special screening of the Angels movie (6th), a Hall of Fame Barbeque dinner and Darryl Braithwaite takes the stage (8th), a street festival (9th), Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships featuring Jessica Mauboy (10th) and the Mount Isa Rodeo followed by cracker performances of the Screaming Jets, O’SHEA, Luke Geiger and the Angels (11th13th).

“The Isa Rodeo Rock Concerts is now a festival that major artists want to play at – it’s on their bucket list! And this is because of both the experience and the exposure they receive,” said Natalie.

“Jess Mauboy played in MI for the Street Festival in 2017, and she had such a great time, she can’t wait to return in 2023!”

Rodeo is a go.

Kylee Ferguson won the open barrel race (38 points).

Pody calf ride winner Ashley Murphy.

Tyler Chong won the saddle bronc (66 points).

Opening to the rodeo.

Cloncurry cowboy Darcy Harrison-Douglas won the opens bull ride.

Kylie Coates.

Road to Rodeo Mount Isa 2023 helpers.

Gene McDonlad.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Darcy Harrison-Douglas holding onto the ripper bull in the opens bull ride.

Fierce competitors in the Poddy Calf Ride.

Thousands flock to festival

By Breanna Lloyd

Lighthouse Country Festival was a huge hit with more than 9000 people who attended the Burnett Heads Lighthouse field on 29 and 30 April.

The spectacular weekend saw multi-awardwinning country artists take to the stage followed by rodeos, food stalls, an operational bar and helicopter joy flights.

The festival featured a series of artists including Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand, Adam Harvey, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Casey Barnes, Jayne Denham, McAlister Kemp, Duncan Toombs and many more.

Festival director and promoter, Gavin Hales said how spectacular this event was to hold and to organise this event.

“Means the world to me that have the opportunity to showcase these great events,” he said.

“We have the confidence to do it all again thanks to all of the support we have gotten.

“Festivals like these bring such joy to people and to have so many people visit our wonderful town is awesome and this is our opportunity to showcase this to the world.”

Gavin describes the atmosphere of the festival and thanks everyone for their support.

“The atmosphere was electric and such a pleasure to be a part of, you will have to come to the next one to experience it yourself, words can only express so much,” he said.

“Thank you to all the crowd that attended, sponsors, management and staff, volunteers, security, vendors, contractors, artist and production and anyone else that I haven’t mentioned that made all this possible.”

Most of the visitors came from all over Australia including Queensland, Perth and Tasmania.

After finishing the concert at 10pm on both nights the crowd finished off their music festivities at the after-party at the Lighthouse Ho-

tel featuring Mark Lavender.

Gavin also believes this will be an annual event and plans are already underway for next 2024’s festival.

Adam Brand is the most commercially popular and successful recording artist in Australia and has won 12 Golden Guitars, achieved eighth place in ARIA albums, and sold more than 600,000 albums in two decades.

“Some huge names, heaps of incredible country music… it doesn’t get any

better,” Adam said.

“The feeling on stage here was like the festival had been going for 10 years: it had that really solid, strong, well-organised feel, and the crowd was so pumped from the first act, right through to the end.

“I believe that Lighthouse has made a statement here.”

After the hit of their first festival for 2023, another has emerged to the surface, Lighthouse Rock.

With a lineup of numerous artists to take the stage on 14 October, at Burnett Heads. Icehouse, the Living End, Baby Animals, The Screaming Jets, Mason Rack Band, Abby Skye and hard rock artist Evergreen Aus, will take to the stage, competing in the Battle of the Bands competition, made by Triple M Bundy and the Lighthouse.

Tickets are available now on the Lighthouse website.

Crowd enjoying the performances.Adam Brand performing at the festival.

Casey Barnes performing. Pictures: SUPPLIED

country k tchens recipes

Trinidadian Callaloo

Serves: 8

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 20 minutes

2 serves per portion

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 large bunch coriander, roots and stems finely chopped

• 1 large red or green chilli, deseeded and chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup butternut pumpkin, peeled and diced

• 1 small sweet potato, diced

• 400ml coconut milk, reduced fat

• 200g spinach leaves, roughly chopped

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 3 cups brown basmati rice

Method:

• HEAT olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• SAUTÉ onion, coriander roots and stems, chilli and garlic for 3 minutes.

• ADD pumpkin, sweet potato, coconut milk and 400ml water to the pot.

• SIMMER for 15 minutes until vegetables soften.

• ADD spinach and coriander leaves, thyme and pepper. Wilt for 5 minutes.

• COOL mixture for one hour. Take off heat or separate into smaller bowls to cool.

• BLEND contents of pot with a stick mixer. The callaloo should be thick and slimy.

• SERVE with cooked brown basmati rice or wholemeal bread. Season to taste.

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023 Country of Study Recipe Collection – Trinidad and Tobago

White Bean and Garlic Soup

Serves: 6

Ever yday Everyday Food

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

2 serves per portion

Ingredients:

• 3 x 400g cans cannellini or lima beans, drained and rinsed

• 300mL water

• 10 sage leaves or 3 teaspoons dried sage

• 6 cloves garlic, peeled

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 6 shallots, chopped

• 1L vegetable stock, salt reduced

• 1 bunch silverbeet or 200g spinach leaves, chopped into 2cm strips

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Lemon wedges, to serve

• Parmesan cheese, shaved to serve

Method:

• PLACE beans in a large pot.

• ADD water, sage and garlic cloves and bring to the boil.

• REDUCE heat to very low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavours to develop. Set aside half of the beans in a bowl.

• HEAT oil in frypan over medium heat. Add shallots, stirring until golden brown and tender, about 10-15 minutes.

• BLEND together half the beans, caramelised shallots and 500mL of vegetable stock using a stick blender until smooth and creamy.

• ADD the puree to the remaining beans in the pot.

• ADD remaining stock and greens. Simmer soup until the greens are tender, about 5 minutes.

• SERVE with black pepper, lemon and shaved parmesan.

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

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens team

Regional market round-up

Cattle Report

Report Date: 17/05/2023

Saleyard: Casino

A combination of good falls of rain throughout the supply area, large numbers of cattle being sold off in recent weeks and continuing low prices, saw a big reduction of 566 head yarded. Young cattle and cows were well supplied in a mixed quality line up of cattle. The largest percentage of young cattle consisted mainly of vealers and weaners.

Most of the young cattle went to restockers in a market that was firm to a cheaper trend, depending on quality and breed. Restocker weaner steers sold from 250c to 394c, while there was a wide range in prices for restocker weaner heifers, selling from 130c to 326c/kg. The few vealers that went to the trade sold from 200c to 240c and trade yearling heifers ranged from 216c to 286c/kg.

The yarding of export cattle consisted mainly of cows, however there was a few pens of heavy bullocks that sold from 260c to 280c/ kg. The mixed yarding of cows saw prices vary considerably to be 15c to 20c cheaper with 2 scores selling from 158c to 193c, medium weight 3 scores averaged 190c and 4 score cows sold from 200c to 225c/kg.

Reporter, Doug Robson

Report Date: 17/05/2023

Saleyard: Dalby

A combination of rain across parts of the supply area and the decline in prices the previous week reduced the supply of stock down to half of the last sale to 2,266 head. All the regular buyers were in attendance and operating. Light weight yearling steers and heifers returning to the paddock were firm. Yearling steers to feed averaged 12c to 20c/kg less. Heavy weight yearling heifers experience very little change. Cows fell in price by a further 20c to 29c/kg.

Light weight yearling steers to restockers made to 396c to average 368c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market made to 376c with most from 354c to 362c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed averaged 331c and made to 365c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock made to 292c to average 265c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed made to 290c to average from 271c to 274c and poor-quality lines to restockers at 215c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers made to the occasional 314c with most from 280c to 285c/kg.

Heavy grown steers to feed made to 321c to average 303c/kg. Bullocks to export processors made to 319c to average 317c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 165c and made to 170c with some to restockers at 192c/kg. Heavy weight 3 score cows made to 198c to average 191c/kg. The best of the good heavy weight cows made to the occasional 221c to average 203c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 270c/kg.

Market Reporter, Trevor Hess

Report Date: 11/05/2023

Saleyard: Emerald

1155 head of cattle, 115 less than last week,

were penned at Emerald Cattle sale. The yarding featured a large draft of weaner steers and heifers from Georgetown and another draft from Bowen along with local cattle. Quality was good with condition variable depending on the location cattle were drawn from. The regular processors and feeders were present although only operating selectively.

Yearling steers in light weight pens sold to a top of 489c/kg to average from 350c to 489c/ kg. Medium weight pens averaged 336c to 355c/kg. Yearling heifers sold to 265c/kg for light weights, returning averages from 226c to 247c/kg. Medium weights averaged 211c to 259c/kg.

Bullocks to processors topped at 287c/kg to average 237c to 282c/kg. Those to feed topped at 325c to average 251c to 323c/kg. Grown heifers sold to trade buyers to average 217c to 247c/kg.

Heavy cows eased again to average 223c/ kg and top at 238c/kg. Heavy bulls went to processors to 249c/kg and averaged 246c/kg, whilst those to livex averaged 256c/kg with sales to 265c/kg.

Reporter, Richard Thomson

Report Date: 16/05/2023

Saleyard: Roma

Local rain saw numbers drop to 4,915 at Roma, down 2,800 on last week. Cattle were drawn from the local catchment and southwest Queensland, and included some exceptional lines of vendor bred restocker yearlings. Prices for restocker steers and heifers improved across the board with increased competition from the western downs and local backrounders. Restockers out competed feeders on medium weight steers however heavy feeder steers slipped 5c/kg. Prime cattle continued to ease with the average price for heavy cows back a further 16c/kg.

Light weight restocker steers saw improvements of up to 10c with the top price to 438.2c with most around 405c/kg. Feature pens of restocker steers were rewarded selling to an isolated 464.2c with most around 400c, up 21c/ kg. Retsockers paid up to 464.2c for medium

weight steer averaging 364c, while feeders paid up to 400c/kg. A limited number of good quality heavy feeders sold to 358.2c to average 338c/kg.

Prices improved by 13c for light weight restocker heifers with a top of 312.2c to average around 288c and restockers heifers 280 to 330kg made to 316.2c averaging 284c/kg. Feeder buyers paid to a top of 292c to average 264c/kg. Heavy heifers to feed over 400kg sold to 304.2c/ kg.

Store cows saw a improvement of 11c to a top of 188.2c to average 167c/kg. Medium cows to the processor sold to 211.2c while good heavy 3 score cows over 520kg sold to 225c/kg to average 211c, back 16c/kg.

Market reporter, Sam Hart

Report Date: 15/05/2023

Saleyard: Toowoomba

Numbers reduced by close half of the previous week’s level down to 298 head at the Toowoomba cattle sale. Overall quality was very mixed with only a small sample of well-bred lines penned. Export buyer attendance was not as good as the previous week however the regular feed and restockers buyers were present and operating. Prices continued to decline across most classes.

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to a top of 396c to average 314c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market averaged 303c with sales to 328c/ kg. Restockers lines in the same weight range made 304c to average 289c/kg. A small selection of heavy weight yearling steers to feed averaged 303c and made to 304c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers to restockers made to 252c to average 239c and processor lines averaged 220c and made to 226c/kg. A handful of yearling heifers to feed made to 236c to average 223c and restockers lines averaged 227c/kg.

Heavy grown steers to feed made to 276c to average 272c/kg. The best of the cows made to 212c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 224c/kg. Steer calves sold open auction made to $430/ head. Cows and calves made to $1,420/unit.

Market Reporter, Trevor Hess

Report Date: 16/05/2023

Saleyard: Warwick

The widespread rain across the local supply area and with more predicted numbers at Warwick reduced by 460 head to 730. All the regular processors along with the usual wholesale and feeder buyers attended plus local restockers. With steady rain falling during the sale prices remained firm for most of the restocker and feeder lines with the lesser quality lines receiving the least competition. Young bullocks and heifers sold to strong prices however cows followed the trend of other selling centres and lost 7c to 20c/kg.

Light weight steers to restockers made 398c to average 397c with those over 200kg making 390c to average 351c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to background made 351c to average 338c with heavy feeder steers to 367c and averaging 333c and 374c to the wholesale meat trade. Yearling heifers over 200kg to restockers made 328c to average 284c with the plainer lines at 234c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to the local wholesale meat trade made 342c to average 331c/kg. Heavy yearling heifers to feed averaged 274c and sold to 288c/kg.

Bullocks to processors made 321c to average 304c/kg. Grown heifers to processors sold to 299c and averaged 287c/kg. Light weight cows to restockers made 174c to average 168c/ kg. Heavy score 2 cows to processors made 219c to average 196c with score 4 cows at 234c and averaging 225c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors made 253c to average 243c/kg.

Market Reporter, Errol Luck

Sheep Report Report Date: 17/05/2023

Saleyard: Warwick

Useful falls of rain across the supply area reduced numbers to 1,695 at Warwick with 1,332 lambs and 363 mutton penned. All the regular buyers were in attendance and operating on firm to stronger prices for all trade and heavy weight lambs which lifted from $8 to $11/ head. The mutton penned lifted in price up to $30/head in places. Light lambs to restockers were back by $9/head and feeder lambs firm on last week’s prices.

Light weight young lambs to the wholesale meat trade made $96 to average $93 and those to restockers at $90 to average $79/head. Light lambs to feeder operators sold from $117 to $138/head. Light trade weight lambs to wholesales made $159 to average $153/head. Trade weight lambs to processors made $169 to average $161 with heavy lambs to processors at $178 to average $172/head.

Hoggets to processors lifted in price and sold to $133 to average $108/head. Ewes to processors sold from $100 to $120 and averaged $103/head. Merino wethers with skin to processors averaged $69 and sold to $87/head. Dorper rams to restockers made $210 to average $124/head.

Market Reporter, Errol Luck

Youth under the spotlight

Nominations are now open for the Queensland Rural Ambassador Award for nominees 20 to 30 years old who are very interested and involved in the agricultural industry.

The participants must be strongly committed and involved in the agricultural industry, strive with passion for the agricultural show movement and know about current rural matters.

Prizemoney for the winner of the rural ambassador award is $1,000 and the runner-up will receive $500.

At the Rockhampton show from 14 to 16 June, participants will meet and create relationships with other persons in the agricultural network, will be judged based on their knowledge of the different sections of the rural show, and are to participate in the 150-year

Grand Parade Celebration.

On the cocktail night contributors will be judged on their ability to sell raffle tickets and have three minutes to present on how they are actively participating in today’s industry, followed by three questions from the judges.

The reasoning behind the award is to put young people in rural and regional Queensland situations under the spotlight and to highlight the importance they hold in the community and to the Agricultural Show.

This award allows them to be recognised for their effects and their involvement in the industry.

For more information about the award or what to expect, please visit https://www.rockyshow.com.au/

Karl Milde claimed the 2021 title for National Rural Ambassador.

Dione Howard was the National Rural Ambassador for 2022.

Racing to repair facilities

Racing Queensland has committed to funding more than $3 million per year for Country Racing Clubs across the state for successful applicants.

Racing Minister Grace Grace announced the new Country Club Asset Funding Program (CCAF) is set to replace the Country Raging Program (CRP) at the Gordonvale Turf Club.

The grants will help country racing clubs with infrastructure repairs, as well as maintenance and asset replenishment as assessed on

a needs basis.

The CRP organisation supported more than 300 projects in 2018, where CCAF is set to a $400,000 increase for the former program.

Half-million-dollar renovations were installed into over 30 racing clubs in Northern Queensland approved under the old CRP organisation.

The new progression from both the CRP and CCAF leads to the introduction of the Palaszczuk government which reinvests 80 percent of

Betting Tax revenue back into the industry and guarantees higher minimum funding support for country racing.

Racing minister Grace Grace said her thoughts on the new program.

“The Palaszczuk Government backs country racing because we know how much it contributes to the social and economic life of so many regional communities in Queensland,” she said.

“Since 2018 our previous Country Racing

Program has supported over 300 infrastructure projects at clubs in every corner of the state.

“I am delighted that the new Country Club Asset Funding available will provide greater support for clubs to meet their needs going forward and continue to support hundreds of jobs across regional Queensland.“

Applications for the new program close on 5 June.

For more information go to https://www. racingqueensland.com.au/

& North Burnett Today

• Warwick Today

• Stanthorpe Today

• Leader Today

• Jimboomba Today

• Beaudesert Times

• Emerald Today

• CQ Today

• Goondiwindi Argus

Also available from the follow outlets:

• Hartleys Newsexpress Toowoomba

• Roma Sale Yards

• Warwick Sale Yards

• Highfields News & Post

• Pittsworth Newsagency

• News Extra Central City

Racing at the Emerald Jockey Club.

First blood to Queensland

The official state-of-origin series for the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) has bucked off to a ripper start as Queensland held its way to the finish line.

Team Queensland scored 921.5 points in total and qualified 11 rides leaving New South Wales with 650.5 points and six qualified rides.

Team Queensland captain Aaron Kleier, who set the standard early on in the night with an 81.5 point effort on Rip Slinger (Keliher Bucking Bulls) in the first round, said his team was excited to have kicked off the opening Origin event with a win.

“It was good to come back to the team format. It’s always good riding for Queensland because you’re riding for your state and all the boys get behind each other and it’s always a really good atmosphere,” said Kleier.

“It’s unreal watching all those young boys come through and ride good and it just pumps everyone up more.”

Team Queensland rider and 2021 Rookie of the Year, Macaulie Leather, had a stellar performance as he knocked down qualified rides, securing 87 points onboard After Dark (Troy Keliher) during the first round.

The 21-year-old sensation, who originates from Calliope, Queensland, was the event leader, and has since catapulted to the number one position in the Australian National Standings, knocking out Victorian rider Sam Woodall, who previously held the top spot ahead of the Newcastle event.

Mr Leather has started the 2023 season off strong, with the Origin I event in Newcastle

marking his second event win in a row, and his fifth top 5 event placement this year.

“It feels good to back it up. I’m just trying to cover all my bulls and build on that, so it is always good to get them rode,” said Leather.

“I just want to keep riding my bulls and keep staying consistent.

“It’s really good this year having these new kids ride with us. It’s unreal to see the sport growing so much and to see the kids coming up and doing it so well.”

Some other highlights for Team Queensland included Mount Isa rider Jack Curr, who secured a mammoth 86-point effort in Round 2 on Canadian Club (Maynes Bucking Bulls), marking an Origin career high for the Queensland cowboy.

Curr is currently ranked number four on the Australian National Standings, trailing Aaron Kleier in the number three spot.

For the bovine athletes, it was Wetzel from TNR Bucking Bulls who secured the highest point bull of the night with a 43.5 point ride score.

PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young said it was great to see some of the “young guns” step up to the plate on Saturday night, with their being a total of eight riders across both teams who made their PBR Origin debut.

“The Origin series is different from any normal individual event. It’s great to see riders from New South Wales and from Queensland come together in a team sport and rally each other on,” said Mr Young.

Queensland team taking the first origin series win.

Aaron Kleier.

NSW team Capitan Cody Heffernan and QLD team Capitan Aaron Kleier. Pictures: SUPPLIED

Kurt Shephard.Zane Hall.Jake Curr coming off a wild bull.