Western downs farmer september 2016 by Chinchilla Newspapers Pty Ltd

FARMER SEPTEMBER 2016

EDITION NO.5

SEEDS OF FORTUNE

ORGANIC WHEAT PRICES GOING GANGBUSTERS. PAGE 3

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Funding for solar farms

WELCOME WELCOME to this edition of Western Downs Farmer. There certainly has been a lot happening across our region lately, from record cattle prices at the saleyards to above-average winter rainfall. Grain growers are looking forward to a bumper wheat harvest this year, especially our front cover man Rob Wilson from Macalister. He planted an organic wheat variety that is achieving a far higher price at market compared to other general varieties. The commercial cattle market has been booming and there has been a number of records set. With spring comes the hustle and bustle of bull sales. A number of local stud breeders have already held sales across the district, many of which have achieved extremely pleasing results. The Western Downs region was well represented at the recent Brisbane Exhibition. We were able to catch up with Lincoln McKinlay, who competed in the ALPA young auctioneer competition, as well as Janine Milne, an agricultural teacher from Dalby State High School. After talking to these two, it’s clear the future of the agricultural industry is in safe hands There has also been a very successful aerial feral pig cull program run by Western Downs Regional Council. More than 11,000 pigs were culled, with 131 landholders involved. So great was the success of the initial program it is now being implemented in other locations. We hope you enjoy this special ARM publication. -ANDREA SCHULZ

Dalby State High School’s winning display in the 2016 youth in agriculture competition.

Dalby dominates youth ag comp STUDENTS FROM DALBY STATE HIGH SCHOOL HAVE WALKED AWAY FROM THE 2016 BRISBANE EXHIBITION WITH TOP HONOURS, AFTER EXHIBITING THE BEST DISPLAY IN THE YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE COMPETITION. The competition requires school students to enter a display made from a combination of grains, fruit and vegetables, dairy products, and plant and animal fibres. Grains are judged on size, colour and appearance, while fruit and vegetables are marked on type, uniformity in shape and colour, and taste. The display is judged on design, theme and arrangement. It is the first year the school has entered the competition and Dalby agriculture subject co-ordinator and teacher Janine Milne said the students were ecstatic with the win. “They didn’t think they would be competitive with schools that have been competing for quite a number of years,” Ms Milne said. “The students involved – Matt Palmer, Jedd Simpson, Luke May, Laine Gemmell, and Matt White – should be commended

for their maturity and teamwork. These five students committed a lot of their own time to this project.” The awards the students won included the Sir Frank and Lady Sharpe Prize for the overall youth district exhibit, the AG&AE Brimblecombe award for the best backdrop, and the Shellmac Distributors and Marsh Pty Ltd award for the most effective arrangement. Ms Milne said students sourced most of the produce from the Darling Downs as well as the Rocklea markets. “The competition provides plenty of benefits to students, including the ability to communicate with peers and older people. Students can also develop other skills such as time management and problem solving,” Ms Milne said. “This competition is another avenue for students to explore agriculture. This is an opportunity where young people can think creatively to express their ideas while at the same time showcase the agricultural products of our region. “As a teacher, what these students have learnt and achieved is something I am very proud of.”

TWO of the nation’s largest solar energy plants will be built on the Darling Downs after securing vital project funding and support. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency will support 12 large-scale solar plants across the country, including the $216.7 million Darling Downs Solar Farm at Kogan and $47.5m Oakey Solar Farm at Oakey. With a 107 MW generation capacity, the Darling Downs Solar Farm will be the largest plant in the country. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the projects would create more than 500 direct jobs and hundreds more indirect jobs in regional Queensland. ARENA chief executive officer Ivor Frischknecht said the company’s support for the projects accelerated the nation’s shift to “a sustainable, affordable and reliable energy future”. “Six plants in Queensland, five plants in New South Wales and one plant in Western Australia are slated for funding in a major milestone that’s expected to triple Australia’s largescale solar capacity,” he said. “They will provide enough energy to power 150,000 average Australian homes and deliver one-tenth of the new capacity required to meet Australia’s 2020 renewable energy target.” State Energy Minister Mark Bailey said ARENA would provide upfront capital grants to support the development of six large-scale solar projects across Queensland, with construction to begin early next year. “The Whitsunday, Kidston, Oakey and Longreach Solar Farms have also been successful in securing State Government support through longterm revenue contracts. “Our long-term financial support ideally complements ARENA’s program by lowering the cost of largescale solar and removing obstacles such as financing and commercial viability,” Mr Bailey said.

EDITOR Andrea Schulz, Phone 07 4672 9900, Email editorial@chinchillanews.com.au ADVERTISING CHINCHILLA NEWS Greg Latta, Phone 07 4672 9927, Email greg.latta@chinchillanews.com.au ADVERTISING (DALBY HERALD) Nicole Boyd-Taylor, Phone 07 4672 5502, Email nicole.boyd-taylor@dalbyherald.com.au All material published in Western Downs Farmer is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission for the publisher. DISCLAIMER: The information contained within Western Downs Farmer is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. The Chinchilla News or Dalby Herald will not be liable for any opinion or advice contained herein.

FREE CSG Negotiation Workshops for Queensland Landholders The AgForce Projects Coal Seam Gas (CSG) Landholder Support Project provides landholders with the opportunity to attend FREE workshops to better understand their rights and responsibilities regarding CSG and mining. AgForce Regional Manager Melissa Nobbs and Brigid Price from ‘Hillyvale’

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“We found it frustrating initially to access the specific information that we needed to educate and inform our decision making. We signed several CCA’s before the AgForce Projects information days and workshops started,” Mrs Price said. “Educating ourselves with regards to our rights and responsibilities meant that we were in a confident position when we instructed our legal team to refuse to accept the CCA that was offered recently.” The workshops provide vital CSG industry information and negotiation support to landholders across the state. For more information about our CSG workshops and to register, please visit www.agforceprojects.org.au or contact AgForce Projects on (07) 3238 6048.

Rob Wilson, Macalister, has planted 120ha of the organic wheat variety Kamut, which is making $900/tonne.

Organic wheat paying $900/tonne WITH A RECORD NUMBER OF ACRES PLANTED IN THE AREA AND PRICES AT AN ALL-TIME LOW, MOST ARE TALKING DOOM AND GLOOM IN THE WHEAT INDUSTRY AT PRESENT. But for Macalister grain grower Rob Wilson, he couldn’t be happier. Mr Wilson has 120ha planted to the organic Kamut wheat variety, which is currently priced at $900 per tonne. He said the price of the organic Kamut was at an unsustainable level, but he’d enjoy it while it lasted. “The price is very good at the moment. We’re looking to harvest at the end of October and we’ve been lucky to have five and a half inches of in-crop rain. We planted on three and a half inches, so it has been a good season,” Mr Wilson said. “We’d like to get around the three-quarters

of a tonne to the acre, but we’ll see how we go.” Mr Wilson is one of only a dozen-odd growers of the Kamut variety in Australia. “It’s a bit of an unknown variety and the seed is very hard to come by. There are also a lot of licences and royalties attached,” Mr Wilson said. “The majority of the wheat is exported to the United States and Europe where there is huge demand for it, and we keep a bit for seed as well. “The one thing I do notice between this variety and a lot of the common wheat is that the Kamut seems to hang on a lot better in a rough season. It seems to be tougher. “Perhaps with other varieties they’ve lost a bit of that resistance as a result of increasing yield.”

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ABOVE: Leon Polzin driving the tractor. RIGHT: Runners-up in the Australian young farmers challenge for 2016 were Bobby Walsh, Samara Hoffmann, Melinda Cann, Leon Polzin.

Photos: Andrea Crothers.

National glory for local young farmers challenge team in Adelaide final THE QUEENSLAND YOUNG FARMERS CHALLENGE TEAM HAVE RECENTLY ENJOYED A COME-FROM-BEHIND SUCCESS STORY TO BE NAMED THE RUNNERS-UP IN THE 2016 NATIONAL COMPETITION. Samara Hoffmann, Melinda Cann, Bobby Walsh and Leon Polzin travelled to Adelaide at the start of September for the national finals. The four represented the Chinchilla Show Society at the South-West Queensland Shows competition, and from there the team went on to win the Queensland state finals at the 2015 Brisbane Exhibition. The young farmers challenge is best

described as an agricultural relay race, and its popularity has gained momentum over the past few years with many country shows now running the competition. Samara Hoffmann said the team was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the national finals in Adelaide, but they certainly never expected to achieve the result they did. “The first challenge of the finals was a questionnaire, and however many questions each team answered wrong was the time penalty that you started with,” Ms Hoffman said. “There were a few questions about sheep and South Australian politics that we didn’t

know, so we ended up with seven questions wrong while the other teams only had two. It’s fair to say we were pretty well behind right from the start. “The other challenges included bobbing for apples, assembling a wool table and then throwing a fleece and packing it, driving a tractor, loading hay and tying it down, and building an electric fence and making it live. By the time we finished the fence challenge, we had managed to catch up a bit of time. “We also had to build a scarecrow which none of us had ever done before. We then had to get dressed into some firefighter gear and someone lit our scarecrows on fire, so we

then had to put them out. “After Bobby completed a lap around the main ring in a ute with a stunt driver behind the wheel, we had to drink milk in a boat race. When we got to this final challenge, we had caught up with the leaders and we were lucky to finish a close second behind Victoria by only a couple of seconds,” Ms Hoffman said. “The competition has been a lot of fun. Adelaide really was a trip of a lifetime and it’s something that none of us will ever forget. “We would really like to thank everyone who has supported us along our journey, and in particular the South-West Queensland Shows committee,” Ms Hoffman said.

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Tougher laws for groundwater extraction RESOURCE COMPANIES WANTING TO TAKE GROUNDWATER FOR MINING ACTIVITIES WILL BE SUBJECT TO TOUGHER ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS UNDER PROPOSED NEW LAWS INTRODUCED BY THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT. Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles, who tabled an amended bill in parliament on September 13, said the new laws would give the department greater power to scrutinise mining companies. “Under the new laws, the environment department will have stronger, clearer powers to assess the potential environmental impacts of groundwater extraction as part of the environmental authority process,” Dr Miles said. “That will mean a rigorous scientific assessment of the impact of mining projects on groundwater would be required before an environmental approval is issued for new mining projects.” Dr Miles said the new laws would also strengthen protection for farmers and other rural landholders by improving the existing make good obligations under the Water Act 2000. “The new laws will help landholders who are affected by gassy bores. Gassy bores can damage farm equipment, can interrupt the flow of water from a bore or can leave water in a condition where it is not fit for use on the farm,” Dr Miles said. “The bill clarifies that make good obligations arise where underground water rights are the likely cause of impairment, even if there is an uncertainty. “Companies would also be required to cover the costs of any alternative dispute resolution process and allow a cooling-off period for make good agreements. The laws will also require resource companies to pay a landholder’s costs in engaging a hydrogeologist for the purposes of negotiating a make good agreement.”

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Cotton field day highlights big grower demand for technology SKYROCKETING ENERGY PRICES HAVE FORCED FARMERS TO STEER AWAY FROM CONVENTIONAL FARMING METHODS IN RECENT YEARS, WITH SOLAR-POWERED PUMPS QUICKLY BECOMING THE TECHNOLOGY OF CHOICE. Queensland Farmers’ Federation Energy Savers Plus Program project manager Andrew Chamberlin said workshops like the one recently held in Cecil Plains were specifically designed to be both hyper-informative and community driven. “There’s a lot of information to cover on these days and you want to engage people and get them involved,” Mr Chamberlin said. Run in conjunction with the Darling Downs Cotton Growers Association, Cotton Australia, Central Downs Irrigators Limited and Cotton-Info, the Cecil Plains Irrigators Field Day allowed for discussion regarding irrigation energy efficiency and solar pumping technologies, with about 50 people attending the event. “People are keen to keep up to date with the current technologies when they’re

Buyers of the record $23,000 Simmental bull are Leon and Sheryl Franz, Manumbar, with GDL agent Mark Duthie, Dalby, and vendor Scott York, Billa Park Simmentals, Dulacca.

Billa Park Simmentals sets Queensland, Australian record circumference and had an IMF percentage of 4.2. His sire is Billa Park Poll Genesis, which had seven sons in the 2016 sale. It was the first draft of Billa Park Poll Genesis calves offered, and all seven sold to average $12,571. Other sale statistics on the day backed the performance of the Billa Park stud. The first 11 sale bulls sired by the Australian record-priced Woonallee Goldrush all sold to average $9182. Overall the Billa Park stud enjoyed a total clearance, and sold 37 bulls for an impressive average of $8824. Some sale highlights included Billa Park Kakadu K90 selling for $14,500 to Bill and Sue Blakeney, Coondoo, and Billa Park Longreach selling for $14,000 to Ingelara Grazing, Rolleston.

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THE YORK FAMILY FROM THE BILLA PARK SIMMENTAL STUD, BASED AT DULACCA, HAS SET A QUEENSLAND RECORD FOR THE SIMMENTAL BREED. Billa Park K60 (P) sold for $23,000 at the Roma Simmental and Simbrah Sale on September 9, which earns him the title of the record top-priced Queensland simmental bull. Billa Park K60 (P) also holds the record for being the top-priced Australian unregistered simmental bull at auction. The 22-month-old bull was purchased by Leon and Sheryl Franz, Yurimbah, Manumbar. Billa Park K60 (P) weighed 874kg, scanned 137 square cm in the EMA, measured 40cm in the scrotal

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struggling to deal with things like power prices – and with certain irrigation and pump applications it can be very worthwhile,” he said. “We were able to show people examples of other farmers who have used this technology and talk about saving money using efficient irrigation systems without making it too long or complex.” Mr Chamberlin said QFF would continue to investigate future case studies in partnership with Ergon Energy to help farmers choose the right production method. “We’re doing a number of on-farm audits with the help of property owners and we’re making these findings available to the public so people can collaborate and see what others in their industry are doing.” Mr Chamberlin said the producers involved were invited to speak at future events and the energy case studies could be viewed via the QFF website link at www.qff.org.au/energysavers . “It’s great to have their peers come along and chat to their fellow farmers about these types of industry developments,” he said.

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Taroom steers achieve 456c/kg record TAROOM CATTLE PRODUCERS EION AND CARLIE ATKINS FROM COORADA PASTORAL CO HAVE SET TWO NEW RECORDS AT THE ROMA SALEYARDS, TOPPING THE STORE SALE AT THE END OF AUGUST WITH BOTH STEERS AND HEIFERS. The couple consigned their weaners through TopX and were delighted when the shorthorn cross steers reached an all-time high of 456c/kg. One pen of steers averaged 199kg to return $909, while the santa gertrudis cross heifers, weighing 189kg, made 427c/kg to return $810. Mr Atkins said he wasn’t expecting such a strong sale but was ecstatic with the results. “We were hoping for good prices but what we got was exceptional prices,” Mr Atkins said. “Cyril Close from TopX took the gamble of giving buyers the option to take three pens of steers at once, and that seemed to kick it off. When people have the opportunity to fill their trucks up with one buy, it certainly helps cattle to sell well.” It’s not the first time Coorada Pastoral Co has topped the Roma store sale. In April this year, the Atkins family sold steers for 339.2c/kg and heifers for 307.2c/kg, both of which were top price for that particular sale. Mr Atkins said the majority of buyers generally liked any cattle that came from the Taroom district. “Taroom is renowned for producing quality cattle. We’re situated on the Beef Road and people know that cattle coming out of this lighter country have weight gains that are right up there. It doesn’t take long to put 100kg on our weaners,” Mr Atkins said.

Eion and Carlie Atkins, Coorada Pastoral Co, Taroom, sold these shorthorn steers for a record 456c/kg at the Roma Saleyards.

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Lincoln McKinlay in running for national youth auctioneer AT THE 2017 SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW, TAROOM AGENT LINCOLN MCKINLAY WILL STAND UP AGAINST SOME OF THE BEST YOUNG AUCTIONEERS FROM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY TO COMPETE FOR THE NATIONAL YOUNG AUCTIONEER TITLE.

Queensland young auctioneer runner-up for 2016 Lincoln McKinlay, TopX Taroom, with Cyril Close, TopX Roma.

Agriculture fertile for growth THE DARLING DOWNS IS LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE SOME OF THE MOST FERTILE SOILS IN THE WORLD, WITH A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF THIS BEING WITHIN THE CONDAMINE ELECTORATE BOUNDARY. Our rich, deep soils and temperate climate enable this area of Queensland to grow most grain, pulse and fibre crops successfully. In the past 12 months, most farmers on the Darling Downs and further to the west have had adequate rainfall to grow profitable winter and summer crops, with the next season looking positive. The commodity prices for mung beans and chickpeas, and to a lesser extent cotton, have been the best seen for a

The competition is run by the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association, with a winner and runner-up from each state competition eligible to compete in Sydney. At this year’s Queensland competition, held at the Brisbane Exhibition in August, Lincoln was awarded runner-up to Roma’s Jake Smith. While the Queensland title would have been nice to claim, Lincoln is excited about the upcoming opportunity all the same. “Auctioneering is something that I am so passionate about and I take a lot of pride in what I do,” Lincoln said. “The auction system in our cattle industry is so powerful and to be able to compete against some very talented auctioneers is pretty unreal.” Lincoln starting working for TopX in 2012. He has spent the majority of his time in Roma but he also completed a six-month stint in Longreach and Richmond in 2015. At the start of this year, though, he made the permanent move to Taroom and he has loved every minute of it. “The people I deal with and the Taroom community itself have been fantastic,” Lincoln said. “In my opinion, this is the best cattle growing area in Queensland and it is a real pleasure to work here.”

The 2016 cotton harvest had record yields.

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decade or more, and to add to this the average yield increased noticeably in most areas. The 2016 cotton harvest had record yields in both irrigation and dryland crops, with the recent winner of the Darling Downs Cotton Grower dryland yield award going to a Bongeen grower with 11.3 bales per hectare – a yield unimaginable 10 years ago and more like what irrigated growers would aim to achieve. Yields like these are only possible with advances in technology, innovative research and the tenacity of our farming community. Investment in agriculture is pivotal to all the progress that is made to achieve the highest yield, improve product quality and increase the gross margin for all farmers. The agricultural industry is a diverse and vibrant one with an optimistic future. Our young people hold the key to the many opportunities agriculture offers. It is great to see third- and fourth-generation farmers operating successful businesses and continuing to invest in agriculture. The innovation demonstrated by the industry and its ability to adapt to ensure long-term profitability are what sets the farming world apart from other sectors. Working with an ever-changing environment is a difficult challenge but one agriculture has embraced and endured for as long as I can remember. – Pat Weir MP Member for Condamine

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Pat Weir MP Member for Condamine

The electorate of Condamine is located in the centre of some of the most highly productive agricultural land in Australia. I am extremely proud of the agricultural heritage of the Darling Downs region and acknowledge the significant contribution that primary production makes to the economy. The outlook for agriculture and the dedicated people employed in this innovative and sustainable industry is optimistic. My best wishes for years of favourable growing conditions.

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Some of the major farm safety issues include motorbikes and quads, machinery, vehicles and drowning.

Make farm safety a top priority mates had revealed farm death and injuries alone in 2015 have cost the agricultural sector more than $250 million. “Having safety as a major aspect of our business will not only reduce risks to those who work and live on our farms, it will also improve our bottom line as safe farms equal profit. We want to see every farm across Australia take steps to improve safety each and every day,” Mr Armstrong said. “Whether you are parents of young children, a grandparent or simply have kids visiting on your property every now and then, a secure play area is a must.” Statistics show the biggest risk to children is drowning, especially for children younger than five years of age. However, other major issues include quads, machinery and vehicles. As many as 30% of the child deaths on

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Australian farms involve farm visitors with Mr Armstrong urging parents of children under 16 not to ride or passenger quad bikes of any size. “Put simply, the risk is not worth it, as kids don’t have the physical size, strength, coordination and emotional maturity to safely operate such a dangerous piece of equipment.” Over the last 20 years there has been a significant reduction in farm fatalities from a yearly average of 146 deaths to 73 in 2015. “We want farming to be both profitable and safe, and we can do this if safety is promoted as a core value for your business,” Mr Armstrong said. “It’s about making sure that everyone involved in the farm gets home safe and sound at the end of each working day. “That’s a good thing not just for our families but also our business and communities.”

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Strong results for local studs SEPTEMBER MEANS ONE THING FOR CATTLE PRODUCERS – BULL SALES. Western Downs stud breeders are enjoying strong results thanks to recent rain and high producer optimism. Highlights include a santa gertrudis bull from Diamond H stud at Wandoan selling for $40,000. The bull was offered by the Hatton family and sold to a partnership of Glen Oaks, Warenda and Wave Hill studs. Fellow santa gertrudis breeders Daniel and Kasey Phillips from the Murgona stud at Wandoan sold 11 bulls at the Heartlands Sale to average $11,772. Their draft topped twice at $17,000. The Nixon family from Wallan Creek Herefords are also celebrating after their sale topped at $29,000. They sold 35 bulls to average $8429 and 15 stud heifers that

topped at $6000. Charolais bulls sold to a top of $18,000 at Andrew and Norah Cass’s on-property sale at Guluguba at the end of August. The ANC stud sold 110 bulls for a total clearance and an average of $5673. Justin and Kate Boshammer from the Glenoch JK Angus stud at Chinchilla sold 112 bulls this year for a top of $20,000 and an average of $8460. Other angus breeders include Brett, Rana and Ashley Haager from the Valorbrook stud at Bell. Their sale topped at $12,000 and they sold all their bulls on offer for a $6400 average. The Hill family from the Bulliac Angus stud at Miles sold to a top of $22,000. The Bulliac average this year was $8800, which was more than double the 2015 average. – Santa Gertrudis Society

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The Hatton family, from the Diamond H santa gertrudis stud at Wandoan, sold a bull for $40,000 at their on-property sale.

It started as an idea and after more than a decade evaluating local demand and considering their options, Graeme Clark and Errol Thomas designed and built the machine themselves. “There’s nothing even close to it out here,” Mr Clark said. Trommel screens are used at recycling plants and industrial processing sites across the world and using one at a feedlot means instant, value-adding fertiliser for Western Downs paddocks. You can visit Dalby Organic Soil Solutions at 69 Loudoun Rd, or phone Graeme on 0427 582 662 or Errol on 0417 617 461.

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Bushman Tanks expands range to cater for all jobs – large and small DALBY-BASED WATER TANK COMPANY BUSHMAN TANKS HAS HAD A MAJOR EXPANSION OF ITS PRODUCT RANGE WITH THE INCORPORATION OF THE AQUALINE STEEL TANK RANGE. Bushman can now provide tanks from 500 litres through to 363,000 litres, which are used in residential, rural, commercial, industrial and mining applications. Bushman Tanks has been manufacturing tanks for water and liquid storage since 1989 and these years of experience has now been applied to the Aqualine tank range to ensure customers get the right water storage solution with the highest quality product. The addition of the Aqualine range adds to Bushman’s offering as the true water tank specialist. The range includes sizes that will suit most applications and Bushman’s specialist advisors can help work out the best size and product for customers’ requirements. Bushman’s Aqualine range of tanks is a modular galvanised steel walled and roofed tank with a poly liner to hold the water. The Aqualine range starts at 15,000 litres and there are 17 sizes up to 363,000 litres. These tanks are generally used when storage for more than 60,000 litres of water is needed. The Aqualine water tank range is manufactured in Bushman’s factory and then transported to the customer’s site where it is installed by Bushman’s trained installation staff. All the customer has to do is prepare the tank base. The Aqualine tank range is engineered to be strong and reliable. Made from galvanised steel, with the walls rolled and fabricated in Bushman’s Dalby plant, the unique corrugation

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design aims to maximise the strength of the wall. The roof trusses and other major components are hot dipped galvanised to maximise corrosion protection. Bushman uses a Polytough tank liner made and designed to hold water in a wide range of conditions. All the processes are focused on quality to ensure the end tank is built to last. Water tanks are an integral part of most farms for both domestic and stock water and are widely used in commercial and industrial operations. Water tanks are also an integral part of mining and oil and gas operations. During periods of wet and dry weather, having sufficient storage capacity for water is very important. Determining what tank size is required is a combination of what amount of water is required and if rainwater is to be harvested, followed

by a calculation of the roof area by the available rainfall and the frequency and intensity of the rain. Bushman’s water tank calculator at www.bushmantanks.com.au is an invaluable tool for calculating what tank size is required. If a tank for storage of water for firefighting is required, then the Aqualine range is the ideal product as the steel wall, combined with the Geotech outer liner, provides maximum protection from fires. Bushman’s customer service staff are based in the Darling Downs, with all ordering, manufacturing and delivery managed and undertaken locally in Dalby. If you need more information on Bushman’s new Aqualine tank range or poly tank range, phone Bushman on 1800 008 888 or visit www.bushmantanks.com.au.

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Look to Landmark Chinchilla for the very best range and service ESTABLISHED MORE THAN 10 YEARS AGO, LANDMARK CHINCHILLA IS CONTINUING TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO ITS CUSTOMERS FROM CHINCHILLA TO DULACCA AND PLACES IN BETWEEN. Located on the Warrego Hwy heading towards Dalby across from the wheat silos, Landmark Chinchilla has a great range of horse, dog and cat food to meet all producer needs. If your pooch, pony or small pet needs a worm treatment, then Landmark has you covered, not to mention a great range of fertiliser for your garden. The team also provides local delivery of feed and supplies to the Chinchilla area at no extra cost to the customer. The company is also the agent for ELGAS, providing household gas bottles to order. Landmark also deals in car trailers, hay feeders, cattle crushes, cattle panels and much more. Landmark Chinchilla stocks a wide variety of horse feed, including Riverina, Mita-vite, Prydes and Hy-Gain. The store is open 8am–5pm Monday to Friday and 8–11am on Saturdays, so come down and see one of the friendly staff or phone (07) 4662 7806.

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Smaller, rural weddings are becoming a popular choice for young couples not wanting the pressure of a big, glitzy event.

Smaller weddings a must for rural couples FAR FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF HIGH-PROFILE COASTAL WEDDINGS COMES A NEW AND INSPIRATIONAL DESTINATION. The humble ‘country’ style wedding is slowly making its mark on the event go-to list for planners and soon-to-be newlyweds alike, with smaller, more intimate ceremonies making a comeback. Recently-wed Carolyn Bell is one such bride who chose to forego the glitz and glam of a big wedding, marrying the love of her life Ashley Herbener at the Inverai Pioneer Memorial Hall. “We wanted a smaller wedding because it’s a bit more intimate having your family and close friends involved,” Carolyn said. The couple sought out a quiet, convenient

location for their respective guests to attend after living in the area for a number of years. They then chose to work with local businesses to make their day as special as possible. “We liked the idea of a small ceremony because you can be a bit more one-on-one with everyone without people missing out, and you don’t have to be rushed off your feet when you’re trying to enjoy yourself,” Carolyn said. Smaller, rural weddings are becoming an increasingly popular choice for young couples who are wanting to take the pressure off having a large gathering. Carolyn and her beau Ashley plan to spend their honeymoon at Crystal Creek.

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Aerial program cleans up 11,000 pigs THE OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE RESULTS OF A RECENT FERAL PIG SHOOT IN THE SOUTH-WEST CORNER OF THE SHIRE HAS LED TO SIMILAR PROGRAMS BEING IMPLEMENTED IN OTHER LOCATIONS, INCLUDING CHINCHILLA, TARA AND PELICAN. Western Downs Regional Council, in partnership with QMDC and landholder groups, implemented two aerial shooting programs for feral pigs across the four targeted regions of Moonie, The Gums, Inglestone and Meandarra/Hannaford/ Condamine. Councillor Andrew Smith, spokesman for planning and environment, said the first aerial shoot was very successful, with 122 landholders involved and 5070 feral pigs eradicated. “Landholders involved began to physically see and then talk about the advantages of running co-ordinated programs. The more people implementing control at once has far greater benefits,” Cr Smith said. “Shortly after the first round, mapped results were provided to landholders, any issues were identified and a second round was proposed. “Some groups were reluctant to run the second shoot so soon after the first, but we knew it was important to continue the ‘knockdown’ of the feral pig population while numbers were low and not to allow them to build up to the high numbers again before implementing further control. “When the second program occurred, it was met with a lot of success. We had an increase in participation, with 131 landholders taking part, and 5958 feral pigs were eradicated. “Throughout the two feral pig programs, over 11,000 pigs were destroyed over an area greater than 350,000ha.” The project was so successful the council is working hard to promote the results and process across the whole of the Western Downs region in an effort to encourage the development of co-ordinated pest management groups. “Council is encouraging the development of such groups and wishes to assist in such development and help co-ordinate pest-control activities,” Cr Smith said. “What is important to note is that all groups and areas are different, therefore each group needs to determine the methods of control they wish to use and of course the most effective timing of implementation. Council, in partnership with NRM bodies, are more than happy to assist.”

A recent feral pig shoot has garnered some positive results.

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ABOVE: The 2016 Miss Wandoan Showgirl Nikki Hoffmann, Hillside, Guluguba. RIGHT: Henry Sinnamon represented the Wandoan Show Society in the state finals in three competitions this year.

Wandoan Show welcomes youth THE FUTURE OF SHOW SOCIETIES LOOKS TO BE IN SAFE HANDS GIVEN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE NOW GETTING INVOLVED WITHIN THEIR LOCAL COMMITTEES. One standout example is Wandoan, which was well represented throughout the state finals campaign for a number of competitions run by Queensland ag shows. Wandoan Show secretary Julie Walz explained the winner of a local competition then progressed to a regional level to compete against other shows within a sub-chamber. The winner of the regional competition then qualified for the state finals, which are held each year at the Brisbane Exhibition. “This year we had four entrants representing the Wandoan Show Society and

the South West Queensland sub-chamber in six competitions,” Mrs Walz said. The state finalists representing Wandoan and the South West included Nikki Hoffmann as the Miss Showgirl entrant, Colin Worsfold as the Rural Ambassador entrant, Tom Stiller as a ute muster finalist, and Henry Sinnamon. Henry Sinnamon competed in the junior paraders, the junior stud judges and the junior prime judges competitions. He is the first person to win all three cattle competitions at a regional level. Mrs Walz said the four had been wonderful ambassadors for the show society and the community. “Each brings their own particular interests to the show agenda, but they were all very vocal in proudly promoting our district, and particularly our annual show.”

Henry Sinnamon.

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Wandoan Showgirl and Rural Ambassador co-ordinator Helen Devlin, Wandoan Show Society president Richard Golden, 2016 Miss South West Showgirl Nikki Hoffmann, Wandoan Show Society secretary Julie Walz, and 2016 South West Rural Ambassador Colin Worsfold.

Miffy Staines, Guluguba, with her daughter Claire, who was awarded the 2016 Miss Wandoan Junior Showgirl. Claire is looking forward to getting more involved with the local Wandoan Show next year.

Colin Worsfold is presented with a medal at the 2016 Brisbane Exhibition for being a state finalist in the Rural Ambassador competition.

Field peas flourish in hay paddock trial GULUGUBA’S MICK HOFFMANN IS ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF HIS MIXED CATTLE, CROPPING AND HAY BUSINESS. THIS YEAR HE PLANTED WHARTON AND MORGAN FIELD PEAS FOR THE FIRST TIME AND HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONALLY PLEASED WITH THE RESULTS. Mr Hoffmann was initially looking for a winter legume crop to help with nitrogen in a 4ha hay paddock, which he has bailed for many years. However, after a good season with plenty of rain, he is now preparing to make the most out of the field pea crop by cutting hay. He said the pea varieties were quite distinct. “We put the seeds on opposite sides of the combine so we could see the difference between the two varieties,” Mr Hoffmann said. “The Wharton pea was our first choice but there wasn’t enough available so we planted the rest with Morgan. “There is definitely a distinct difference between the rows. The Morgan variety flowered first, while the Wharton grew much taller and it’s only just beginning to flower now. “We planted the peas specifically to improve soil but now, due to an optimum season, we will cut it for hay. The peas stand between 80–100cm high. “If we were using it for a green manure we would have cut it earlier. “We don’t feel it is a very good grazing crop as the plant is very tangled and the cattle walking through would tear out the plants. “However, it has done what we wanted it to do. We have dug up some of the pea plants and the root system is full of nitrogen nodules,” Mr Hoffmann said.

Mick Hoffmann from Guluguba has trialled Wharton and Morgan field peas this year with pleasing results.

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The expo offered a dedicated showcase of the very latest products and services needed to produce the very best beef in the world.

Inaugural beef expo makes big splash PUNTERS WERE THRILLED TO BE PART OF THE RECENT QUEENSLAND BEEF EXPO AND FARMING FIELD DAYS IN TOOWOOMBA – THE FIRST EVENT OF ITS KIND IN THE STATE. Created and managed by one of the country’s leading event management companies, Australian Events, the expo offered a dedicated showcase designed to incorporate the very latest products and services needed to produce the very best beef in the world. Organisers partnered with livestock agents from Landmark and Elders to incorporate the annual Spring Classic All Breeds sale into the inaugural program, which was again held at the Toowoomba Showgrounds Equestrian Centre. The sale saw as many as 101 sires from eight breeds sold, with the top-priced bull sold by Durong breeders Rod and Ross Wilson for the second year in a row. Santa gertrudis bull Hayleigh 765 (P)

topped the sale to return $12,000. The Led Steer and Heifer Competition was also highly successful, attracting record entries. Among the festivities, visitors were eager to see the huge variety of stalls incorporating beef-related engineering and technology from Australian businesses. Showcasing the work and wares from more than 90 companies, the Queensland Beef Expo and Farming Field Days was certainly a highlight on the field day calendar, offering everything from agricultural and cattle equipment to earthmoving, tanks, fencing and cattle breeders. Alongside the stalls, producers were able to enjoy new product demonstrations, working dog trials and a host of other informative seminars and displays throughout the three-day event. Australian Events director Bob Carroll has more than 30 years experience in staging and managing field days,

exhibitions, special events and festivals throughout Australia. Mr Carroll said he had always held a keen interest in events for the promotion of farming and felt the time was right to introduce an event specifically dedicated to showcasing the very latest products and services needed to produce the very best beef in the world. “We have high standards in Australia but the key focus right now is on growing more beef and expanding existing herds to meet with the extraordinary demand for Australian beef,” Mr Carroll said. “Combine that with the unfolding success of Wellcamp West International Airport and the looming developments of new abattoirs and an international standard intermodal hub, second range crossing and the inland rail and you have the very best backdrop possible for an event like this to be introduced. “The need is there and the interest from

the beef producers is certainly there too.” The inaugural event kicked off with the 2016 Industry Forum and Dinner on Wednesday, August 31. The function, sponsored by Performance Feeds, featured keynote presenters national sales manager for Performance Feeds Peter Cush, chief executive officer for Food Leaders Australia and TSBE Dr Ben Lyons, and Peter Mowett, senior biosecurity inspector for Animal Biosecurity and Welfare. The respected presenters focused specifically on the beef industry in southern Queensland and the opportunities available to the region, as well as topical issues such as the changing face of biosecurity. The event also incorporated the Women on the Land High Tea, presented by Fairholme College, which was very well attended, with part of the ticket sale proceeds donated to Drought Angels.

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Saints Race Day HORSE RACING, GAMBLING AND HIGH FASHION HAVE MADE THE ANNUAL SAINTS RACE DAY A HUGE SUCCESS. Luke Cook, who won House Rules this year with his brother Cody, announced the Fashions of the Field competition underneath the marquee. The marquee – complemented by

bookies for the first time – was filled with decorations, a bar and well-dressed men and women, and it buzzed with activity well after the last race. The race meet, held on September 3, was the annual fundraiser for Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, a Catholic school in Dalby.

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This year’s Miles and District Beef, Bells and Bottle Tree Festival saw record crowds turn out for many of the festival’s events.

10-day festival wraps up in Miles AFTER 10 FUN-FILLED DAYS, THE MILES AND DISTRICT BEEF, BELLS AND BOTTLE TREE FESTIVAL WOUND UP ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. Despite the rain which affected several festival activities, overall the admittedly exhausted committee was happy with crowd turnout, which hit record numbers at times. Festival committee treasurer George Moore said the festival had been very well-supported by the community. His favourite part of the week was the visit from Australian poet Rupert McCall. “For me, I think the highlight of the festival was the men’s night,” he said.

“It was great to have that calibre of speaker come to Miles and also as a community to sit and reflect on the great community members we have among us.” The ladies’ high tea and visit from Deputy Leader of the Opposition Deb Frecklington attracted similar praise. Last Saturday, it was time for the ever-popular street parade. Excitement mounted as the hour drew near when Edith St was to fill with all manner of colours and cars and trucks and floats. First came the procession of cars, followed by all manner of floats carrying all manner of characters.

Both Miles and Drillham state schools were well-represented, followed by shearers, Vegemite men and women, John Flynn of the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s fame, and many more colourful representations of personages, events, and places that have shaped our Australian way of life. The procession made its way down Edith St, and then it was on to the Miles Historical Village for the museum’s “Anniversary Day”. Crowds of people packed into the village, the Chinchilla Concert Band played, and stall-holders did a thriving trade while the rain held off for most of the afternoon.

On Saturday night the final concert at the Miles Showground featured a fireworks display to cap off the festivities. Mr Moore paid tribute to the efforts of his fellow committee members, namely president Rachel Kerwick, secretary Gayle Guymer, Kylie Bourne, Emily Beutel, Josi Wise, Sharon Cruickshank and helper Anne Croft, who organised the antiques roadshow. Mr Moore made special mention of Australian Pacific LNG who contributed both people power and finances to the event, and the other major sponsors, without whose support the festival would not have been possible.

MLA’s grainfed investment tops $12.7 million MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA WILL INVEST $12.71 MILLION ON BEHALF OF GRAINFED CATTLE PRODUCERS IN 2016–17 FOLLOWING THE RELEASE OF ITS ANNUAL INVESTMENT PLAN FOR THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR. The total comprises $6.94m for research and development, with $3.47m in levies matched by an equivalent amount of Federal Government funds. The remaining $5.77m will be directed to marketing, with a portion allocated to specific grainfed marketing and the remainder contributing to beef marketing in partnership with the grassfed cattle sector. MLA’s annual investment plan for 2016–17 focuses on six strategic pillars the Australian red meat and livestock industry has set itself to achieve by the year 2020. They include consumer and community support, market growth and diversification, supply chain efficiency and integrity, productivity and profitability, leadership and

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collaborative culture, and stakeholder engagement. Grainfed, live export and goat program manager Des Rinehart said investing in research and development was vital, particularly to improve productivity and profitability. “For feedlot operators to remain competitive and sustainable in the long-term, MLA’s research, development and adoption programs need to deliver outcomes that improve their bottom line,” Mr Rinehart said. “The productivity and profitability priority is focused on providing lot feeders and producers with options to improve the efficiency of their operations through programs including genetics and genomics, animal nutrition, compliance to market specifications and feed efficiency. “The consumer and community support pillar invests in R and D to enhance the industry’s animal welfare, disease control and environmental practices, ensuring the community continues to support and trust the industry.”

Scenes from the street parade and Miles Historical Village's anniversary day on the final day of the Miles and District Beef, Bells and Bottle Tree Festival.

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Wizard oats promises higher yield AFTER SEVEN YEARS OF EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, TESTS AND TRIALS, PRODUCERS WILL FINALLY HAVE THE OPTION TO PLANT A NEW VARIETY OF OATS IN 2017. Wizard – the new high-yielding, disease-resistant oats variety – was officially released by Agricultural Minister Leanne Donaldson in Toowoomba several weeks ago. The Minister said the Department of Agriculture has been working with Heritage Seeds to produce a variety that is “completely resistant to all known strains of leaf rust”. “Leaf rust is the most serious disease of forage oats causing high yield loss, so any level of built-in resistance is welcomed by graziers,” the Minister said. “Over four years of trials, Wizard has achieved a nine per cent improvement in total forage yield compared to Aladdin and Genie, which have been the benchmark for growers. “Wizard produces vigorous growth early in the season, and recovers quickly from grazing to produce high forage yield for fattening cattle during the winter months.” Jandowae producer Sam Haig plants oats in his operation to background cattle. He said he will definitely consider the new Wizard variety next year. “If it is going to yield significantly higher than other varieties then it definitely has an advantage, and we will seriously consider planting it,” Mr Haig said. RIGHT: Producers will have the option of planting a new oats variety in 2017.

Bush to benefit from telecommunication investigation consumers as part of its market study into the communications sector, and a new ACCC inquiry to consider declaration of a wholesale domestic roaming service. NFF president Brent Finlay said it was no secret many rural and regional Australians endured sub-standard connectivity and hoped these measures would yield practical actions to help remedy this imbalance. “We know that people, families and businesses in rural and regional areas do not enjoy the same level of service of competition

in the telecommunications markets that metropolitan customers do, and that is for a range of reasons including access to networks and infrastructure,” Mr Finlay said. “This is increasingly unacceptable given the bearing it has on productivity, community prosperity and personal safety, particularly given the growing reliance on technology in commerce, agricultural innovation and health care.” Mr Finlay said the inquiry into wholesale domestic roaming would be helpful to rural

customers given it would investigate if access to roaming across carriers would enable greater competition for mobile services in areas where providers did not have their own network. “This has long been a point of discussion as it is unclear if roaming would be of real assistance or would discourage new investment in telecommunications infrastructure, and we welcome this option being further assessed,” Mr Finlay said.

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ACTIONS BY THE AUSTRALIAN COMPETITION AND CONSUMER COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR HAVE BEEN WELCOMED BY THE NATIONAL FARMERS’ FEDERATION AS THE INDUSTRY BODY CONTINUES TO ADVOCATE FOR ADEQUATE AND FAIR COVERAGE AND CONNECTIVITY IN THE BUSH. The measures include an issues paper to gather feedback from industry and

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Your locally owned Rural Store, proudly supporting the 2016 Chinchilla Grandfather Clock Campdraft “Congratulations on celebrating 120 years of Campdrafting in Chinchilla” Wood Ag will be operating during the up and coming shop renovations. Wood Ag Chinchilla | 50 Chinchilla Street | Phone 07 4669 1133 | E: admin@woodag.com.au

CHINCHILLA

GRANDFATHER CLOCK

CAMPDRAFT

20-23 October 2016

FOUR DAYS

FOUR DAYS OF CAMPDRAFTING ACTION PRIZE MONEY IN EXCESS OF $60,000 OF CAMPDRAFTING ACTION,

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2015 Grandfather Clock Winner: John Mulchay on TKO

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~ Celebrating 120 Years of Drafting in Chinchilla ~ 7pm Saturday 22nd October 2016 in the Marquee by the Bar All Competitors will receive a complimentary Roast Meal & Dessert for themselves and their immediate family, extra tickets can be purchased – see Campdraft central when nominating to RSVP for catering purposes or email the secretary secretary@chinchillacampdraft.com.au by 2/10/2016

Wade McCulloch Go Ye Performance Horses

Stallion Services

SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Finals and Presentations of the Grandfather Clock Open Draft and Restricted Open Draft

Knudsen Family

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Bron nze

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Gold

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A & M McIntyre Rhonda Alexander

Nathan & Sandra Cusack

Cantaur Park Performance Horses Starelle Stock Horses Wes & Vicki Radke Apt Performance Horses

Warregold Stock Horses Donell Park Stud Terry & Chris Hall

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