24 minute read
NEWS / NOTES
Oakey Creek Speckle Parks
Oakey Creek Speckle Parks prides itself on honesty and integrity and producing superior breeding stock.
Being third generation beef producers, Dennis and Lou Saint were constantly looking for an edge to improve returns. After noticing the breed early on, we began using AI in our 250 head commercial Angus herd. It quickly became evident after experiencing outstanding results and returns that further commitment in the breed was required. Shortly thereafter quality stud stock from around Australia were sourced and purchased. Hence, the beginning of Oakey Creek Speckle Parks in 2011. With a strong focus on producing quality breeding stock, the stud has grown rapidly.
We use AI and ET to maximise the genetic potential from the best Canadian sires and females in our Speckle Park herd and cross breed with our Angus females to produce outstanding F1 and F2 calves for the feedlot and supermarket trades.
You may not fi nd us in the show ring but that does not lessen the commitment to producing quality stock for stud breeders and the commercial cattleman.
We strive to produce cattle that will widen the genetic base of the breed through sourcing the latest genetics from around the world that will result in an animal that will provide a carcass of outstanding quality.
We believe Speckle Park cattle have a big future in Australia as purebreds and off er great options and premiums in any crossbreeding program. In 2019, Oakey Creek Speckle Parks announced the arrival of their fi rst 100% Legacy Speckle Park Canadian embryo calves, following the purchase of the last two sons from the legendary Legacy Brute Force 61Y, Legacy Cliff Hanger 65D & Legacy Revere 110D, and after a collection of these two total outcross sires, a fl ushing program was initiated with the infamous Legacy herd using both of these sires. October 2018 saw the fi rst embryos arrive in Australia and these were implanted into recipient cows. A further two outcross Legacy Sires, Pason 158F & Seminole Wind 31F were purchased in 2020.
The Legacy herd has been virtually closed for many years whilst they concentrated on breeding the truest and correct examples of the Speckle Park breed. We are now well on the way towards replicating this superior genetic herd based in Australia that has taken 18 years of dedication to perfect in Canada. This importation of new Outcross Sire and Dam lines will see 100% Legacy bred calves being available here for many years to come. It is important to note that these animals will not be just called “Legacy” by name or contain 25% to 50% Legacy blood, they are full blood descendants of the Canadian Legacy Herd.
Since 2013 Oakey Creek Speckle Parks have been implanting embryos from Codiak Acres in Canada and have replicated the Codiak bloodlines into our herd. Now with the introduction of Legacy Speckle Park embryos, we will be replicating that herd as well. It is widely known that these two studs are without a doubt the best two herds in the Speckle Park world. They have taken the breed from its beginnings and created the example that it is today.
Oakey Creek Speckle Parks is all about introducing the absolute best genetics in the world into their programs here to give their clients a choice that is unrivalled in Australia today.
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To fi nd out more, give us a call or head to www.oakeycreekspeckleparks.com.au.
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New upgrades for Ryan-NT’s no-till disc conversions & coil wheels
The well-known and trusted Ryan brand has been developing innovative farm machinery for over 50 years, starting from its humble beginnings with renowned inventor Austin Ryan OAM. The brand is currently trading under the name Ryan NT.
Sales have soared in the last two years due to the highly sought-after upgrades implemented by Paul Ryan, the managing director. The recent innovations include: ground following double disc; double chute double disc; outside disc scrapers; adjustable fl exible rubber and closing bar; shorter disc legs for combines with limited road clearance; and new robust press wheel option with stronger coils and coil support bars.
NEW DISCS UPGRADES WITH NEW BENEFITS Paul has developed a new model rubber boot with a closing tool for his retrofi t double-disc system that can ground follow when either single or double chuting. He has also created an outside scraper to combat challenging conditions. "These two options are very valuable after extensive trial work,” Paul said.
“The fl exible rubber boot can be adjusted to set the seed depth. This means you can confi dently double chute or plant small seeds separately away from fertiliser, ideal when planting canola.”
Paul has been working closely with farmers planting in red clay. “We received feedback that farmers could get more time in the fi eld by reducing mud build-up on the outside of discs”, Paul explains.
He responded by developing an outside scraper that works well in sticky and trash conditions and eliminates unnecessary widening of the furrow.
“In addition, we have now developed shorter disc leg models to suit combine drills with limited road clearance and reshaped seed boots for ease of grain and fertiliser fl ow.”
SELF-CLEANING COIL WHEEL IMPROVEMENTS Ryan NT’s coil press wheel range has grown. Paul realised that farmers who were moisture seeking needed more support.
“We have released a new coil press wheel, designed with more support to handle the roughest and most challenging conditions. We have not only upgraded the press wheel wire but have made the coil more robust”, Paul said.
The coil press wheels are available in 2 or 3 coils and can retrofi t most press wheel models on the market. RYAN-NT also off ers its own coil press wheel assembly.
“We continue to improve our successful coil gauge wheels and closing wheels, with new models being released this planting season.”
Get in touch with Paul Ryan on 0417 354 617 or paul@ryannt. com.au or visit ryannt.com.au.
Grain investments boost benefi ts for growers
Grain growers will reap the benefi ts of signifi cant investments at high-capacity grain storage sites at Grong Grong and Bogan Gate, in the heart of the New South Wales wheatbelt.
Leading the project, Manildra Group Head Grain Buyer Peter Sloan said he was looking forward to the opportunities that these sites will provide for Manildra Group’s fl our milling operations and thousands of Australian wheat farming families.
“These high-capacity storage sites are a long-term investment in one of the world’s best wheat growing regions,” said Mr Sloan.
As a major fl our miller producing premium food and industrial products since 1952, the 100 per cent Australian family-owned Manildra Group has grown to become the largest user of high-quality wheat in Australia.
Operating directly out of regional areas, “our industry knowledge and investment in regional Australia means Manildra Group is equally invested in the prosperity of Australian farming,” said Mr Sloan.
“This additional storage, on top of our existing capacity at our other grain storage sites and state-of-the-art fl our mills in Manildra, Narrandera, Gunnedah and Nowra, cements our footprint in regional New South Wales and commitment to a sustainable grains industry,” he said.
Mr Sloan said that the company remained focused on exploring all opportunities to make the grain buying process as streamlined as possible for local growers – servicing to accommodate and improve existing and future delivery, payment, and logistical requirements.
Manildra Group will own and operate six grain storage sites in New South Wales from Stockinbingal and Grong Grong in the south west slopes and the Riverina, to Manildra and Bogan Gate in the central west, and north to Moree and Bellata in the state’s central north.
Advertiser note
Phone 1300 MANILDRA to contact Manildra Group’s local wheat grain specialists.
Polled to perfection
Rosedale is a family run business and has the largest Polled Charolais herd in Australia. Having commenced in 1970 Rosedale is one of Australia’s foundation Charolais studs and is the longest running Stud in NSW today. Today we sell over 150 bulls a year both privately and through our two annual sales. We off er Pure Charolais Bulls as well as Charolais Composite bulls comprising Charolais/Angus and Charolais/Shorthorn.
Since it’s foundation in 1970 the breeding objectives of Rosedale Charolais Stud have remained the same, which is to be “commercially orientated”. Our cattle have always been produced with the commercial end user in mind, we focus on producing the highest quality cattle to maximise returns for producers targeting both the Australian domestic and export commercial markets.
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For more information visit www.rosedalecharolais.com.au.
Hydrosmart: helping farmers make the most of their water
Hydrosmart’s Australian-made water conditioning systems signifi cantly increase the utility of highly mineralised water.
Water is a high-value asset to farmers – but its value depends on its quality. Substandard water can cause big problems for crops and stock, not to mention irrigation infrastructure. Anything that can improve the quality of the water we draw from bores, wells, dams, and rivers, then, is great news for Aussie agriculture.
Adelaide-based water conditioning company Hydrosmart, has been working at the forefront of the water treatment space for almost 25 years, with CEO Paul Pearce at the helm. The company’s core technology is a computerised, chemical- and fi lter-free water conditioning system that softens hard water that’s high in salt, iron, calcium, and other minerals. A microprocessor unit is attached to the outside of a pipe and directs resonance frequencies onto the water inside, breaking down the bonds in its minerals and in any existing deposits in the pipe.
That sounds complex – but the devices are easy to install, don’t require maintenance, and only cost around $10 per year to run. The benefi ts they can bring include improved growth rates, reduced scale layers and corrosion in pipes and troughs, decreased water use, and stock that fatten more quickly.
Hydrosmart found early working with winemakers, and has helped everyone from strawberry, olive, and citrus growers to broadacre and livestock farmers – even large-scale commercial miners.
The results speak for themselves. In trials on lemon trees in California, for example, Hydrosmart-treated water increased growth by 30 per cent over the fi rst year.
With water security being a key challenge of our time, we need to make the most of every drop of our water supply – and an investment in a Hydrosmart conditioning system is a step in the right direction.
Advertiser note
For more information visit www. hydrosmart.com.au or call 1300 138 223.
Advertiser note
Power Hound attachments
Power Hound was established in the market place to provide great priced attachments for skid steers, tractors and mini excavators and supply to the tradesman, farmer, hobby farmer, landscaper, machinery dealers, or anyone who needs tough, reliable and guaranteed attachments.
The small family owned company design and manufacture in Australia and specialise in specifi c needs for the agricultural and earthmoving industries within Australia. They work with past customers to engineer and make the best attachments for tractors, skid steers, excavators and mini loaders for Australian conditions.
You can multi purpose your existing plant with their attachments. They make log splitters for your existing plant like tractors, skid steers, excavators and mini loaders. They also specialise in fi ve fi nger grabs for your tractors and skid steers, with a custom-designed bolt on hitch system that enables you to use your existing plant with new attachments.
They also provide Australia-wide freight, great after sales service and guaranteed satisfaction.
Visit www.powerhoundaustralia. com.au or call 0488 200 205 for more information.
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Rose Hill Speckle Park Stud
Rose Hill Speckle Park Stud is located near Rylstone in the Central Tablelands of NSW. Cattle are raised in commercial conditions to ensure that they are fi t for purpose in all settings. Since it’s inception in 2011, Rose Hill has gathered exception genetics from Canada and Australia to produce high quality seedstock for the beef industry.
We chose Speckle Park because of their ability to produce and fi nish a marbled, high yielding quality carcass that is tender and tastes fantastic at an age of 14 months. The ability of the Speckle Park to produce this carcass at a younger age also means a smaller carbon footprint. As consumer behaviours change towards sustainable eco-friendly beef Speckle Park is a breed that ticks all the boxes.
Rose Hill has Stud Speckle Park bulls and Females for sale as well as Speckle Park Genetics for sale at the Annual Scone Speckle Park Sale, the Speckles in the Capital Sale in Yass and on property throughout the year. Rose Hill also presents an Open Day on the last Saturday of August each year where a limited number of cattle are also available for the astute buyer. Herd tours are welcome any time by appointment.
As breeders of Speckle Park in Australia for over 10 years, Alex and Natalie have a wealth of experience in navigating through Speckle Park genetics, the show ring and the running of Speckle Park sales. Natalie and Alex are always happy to share what they can with the Speckle Park community to further the breed and build strong relationships.
To fi nd out more, give us a call or visit us at www.rosehillspecklepark.com.
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Australian designed, made & manufactured pig traps
Trackers Traps is a 100% indigenous owned and operated family business located in Central Queensland, that produces unique collapsable pig traps. These are backed by decades of experience and knowledge in the fi eld, research, development, trials and innovation. The patented design has been proven to be more eff ective and much easier to use than conventional styles of pig traps.
Tyrone who designed the trap, grew up in rural NSW running about 40 pig traps at any one time. When it came time to move these traps to another location, a diff erent property, or another area, moving the traps around due to their bulky size and weight was always a challenge. This lead Tyrone to come up with the collapsible trap design which can fold fl at to 15cm and once deployed can be folded out and set within 2 minutes.
With a quiet close, the traps provide an environmentally friendly and humane method of feral pig control which is stress free for the targeted animals and safe for non-targeted species.
The trap allows greater success of capturing more pigs with a 2-way repetitive entry door – as opposed to one set only. You can cover more area with more traps in half the time and the traps have capacity to capture 20+ pigs at one time. Traps can also be placed on sand and beaches.
The collapsable traps take much of the manual labour, time consuming hassle out of storage, freighting, relocating and set up and can be shipped Australia wide.
TRACKER TRAP TRAILER The trailer unit makes transportation, deployment and placement of the traps even easier. Ideal for organisations and customers that are constantly required to relocate and deploy pig traps, covering large areas or long distances. Implementing the unit eliminates any heavy lifting and maximises time effi ciency. The trailer comes with a 500kg Maxilift Crane, a quality made tandem axle trailer, fi ve collapsible traps an two built in toolboxes. Trailers have capacity to carry 10 collapsible traps and can even be customised.
COLLAPSIBLE TRAPS Trackers patented Collapsible Pig Trap is the only design of its kind worldwide. Developed to deliver a time effi cient, stress free, easy solution for setting a pig trap, boasting a 2-minute set up.
TRACKERS FLAT PACK KIT TRAPS The kit traps off er the same innovative features as, but with lighter panels in a DIY easy to assemble kit. Assembly takes around 15-20 minutes.
TRAPPERS MIX – 20KG BAG Trackers Traps special blend of Trappers Mix is designed to lure and attract feral pigs in a variety of locations. It is livestock friendly.
For more information visit www.trackerstraps. com or call 0459 483 309.
Barko RVT security and management system
Designed and manufactured in Australia specifi cally for remote farmers and landowners; the Barko RVT system uses rugged, but superb quality camera and connectivity technologies to help tip the scales in the fi ght against farm crime and overcome issues in remote property management.
Farm theft across all sectors including livestock, plant and equipment and consumables like fuel and chemicals is huge growing business. Rural Crime Taskforce conservatively estimate the value of loss to Australian Farmers last year was close to $70million, up 100% on previous years, which may be much higher, as 50% is not reported, due to the fact that many farmers don’t realise for weeks that things are missing. A recent survey by University of New England (UNE) concluded over 80% of farmers are victims of crime and 88% of those surveyed, more than once. Currently due to the huge social upheaval caused by COVID-19 farms are prime and easy targets for theft.
One of the most potent, practical and cost-effi cient tools in the fi ght against farm crime is a camera system that provides 24-hour video footage sent back to a mobile device, computer or tablet. The Barko RVT is a multipurpose management and security standalone camera solution with eff ective connectivity options for remote areas. The complete package comes with a 5-meter tower, solar panel, and long-lasting AGM battery, that can be located anywhere. When positioned in the ideal location, the fully selfcontained system stands guard and records everything, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Our state-of-the-art PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) camera is the heart of the Barko RVT. Video can be viewed directly from your mobile phone with perfect HD clarity over a 360-degree view radius and up to 36 x zoom capability. The camera allows you to track unknown vehicles and intruders or check water assets and mobs of cattle from up to 2km away. Barko’s advanced vision technology enables crystal clear images in any conditions, day, or night. The Barko RVT will alert you whenever there is movement in the view range, wherever you are in the world. Simple, sophisticated, and highly eff ective.
Advertiser note
For more information visit www.barko.com.au or call 1300 BARKO1 (1300 227 561).
Electric Off Road Bikes
The company was started in 2018 in a quest to fi nd safe, economical, effi cient personal transport for around the farm and for mustering.
Quad bikes were in decline for safety reasons and Side by Side’s are even bigger, unable to transverse timbered or rocky country and are very expensive to run. Two wheeled electric bikes only weighed 50kg to 80kg, limiting the crush injury risk compared to a 300kg Quad bike or 700kg SXS. (Side by Side’s operated without using seatbelts, have statistically been as deadly as Quad bikes)
An electric bike has a lifetime cost of ownership, that is half that of a Quad bike and a third the cost of a Side by Side. Solar panels vs increasing petrol prices would widen this cost gap.
Electric Bikes were sourced from France, New Zealand, and China, to be put through real world testing on farm. Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and The Kondinin Group came onboard to take the bikes around to farmers to gauge their opinion.
Farmers were overwhelmingly impressed by how quiet, light, and easy the bikes were to operate, the minimal maintenance and low cost of ownership.
Mustering operation can now be conducted for up to 8 hours on a single battery charge, with some bikes having removable batteries that can be hot swapped. Signifi cant battery charge could be done over lunch for the afternoons riding. Full charging taking around 3 hrs, costing less than $1.50.
Livestock appreciate the quiet nature of electric bikes, lambs stay with their mothers, allowing stock to move paddocks in a low stress manner.
Electric bikes are ridable by people not able to use conventional, heavy petrol Ag-bikes with a clutch and gears. Light weight, low seat height, low centre of gravity, low gyroscopic eff ect, smooth throttle operation, regenerative braking and power modes all add to easy, quiet fun operation.
Advertiser note
For more information visit www.electricoff roadbikes.com.au.
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Are you a dairy farmer?
Have you been thinking about ways to improve your milk yield? Have you considered adding a compost-bedded loafi ng barn?
A loafi ng barn or loafi ng shed’s primary purpose is to give your cows somewhere that is dry, protected from the elements and has space to lie down. Dairy farmers that we’ve worked with have told us that loafi ng barns have improved cleanliness, improved foot & leg health, reduced the instances of infections, and led to improved milk production. One dairy farmer we worked with saw an estimated 20% increase in milk yield once they started using the loafi ng barn. The composting bedding helps the material stay dry, reduces smell, and is easier to maintain than alternative bedding options.
There are a few key design considerations to keep in mind when planning your compost-bedded loafi ng barn. You’ll need to consider the site for the shed and make sure you leave enough space between the new shed site and any existing infrastructure to ensure good ventilation, and that the site and base for the bedding minimise the environmental risk of any potential seepage and meets local requirements. It’s generally best practice to position your loafi ng shed with an east-west orientation to take advantage of the prevailing winds and avoid the late afternoon sun shining in your barn.
Next, you’ll need to calculate the size you need. To estimate the size you’ll need, it’s a good idea to allow for a 13-metre square area per cow. This would mean for a comfortable barn for 200 cows, you’ll need 2600 metres square fl oor area, or a 26 x 100 m shed.
In terms of the shed height, having the largest sidewall opening possible (the space between the ground or retaining wall and the eaves) will assist in providing ventilation. As a minimum, you’ll likely need a 3.6m sidewall opening, increasing to 4m if your loafi ng shed has a width of more than 12m. Further ventilation can be achieved using ridge vents and large ventilation fans.
Because of the corrosive environment created by animal waste, TechSpan recommends that the columns of your structure are hot-dip galvanised structural steel to ensure longevity.
The expert team of design consultants at TechSpan have experience working closely with dairy farmers to ensure their loafi ng barns (and other farm buildings) are structured to work.
If you’d like to discuss your dairy shed needs, you can book a design consultation at www.techspanrural.com or give the team a call on 1800 350 450.
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Livestock funding for Growing Businesses
Agrifunder Livestock Finishing Finance has been designed to help producers profi t from the increasing global demand for protein, providing 100% funding for the purchase price of livestock for operators who are fi nishing cattle and/or sheep for domestic and export markets. Security is taken over the livestock rather than land and the livestock trade is repaid once the livestock are sold.
Business Development Manager, Dee Commins explains ‘we provide an alternative funding solution to traditional bank fi nance. Our specialist livestock funding product has been designed to work alongside producer’s existing bank facilities. We provide growing businesses with a source of funding for livestock so that their bank fi nance can be used for other farm expenses.’
‘Supporting producers with speed to market is also critical. When there is an opportunity, you need to be able to go for it – you shouldn’t have to wait 6-8 weeks for approval for fi nance.’
‘We provide competitive market rates with no hidden costs or fees. Producers also gain access to an online account that provides transparency and is simple to use.’
‘Many of our team are from rural Australia. We understand country needs, and quality relationships with our customers is a priority for us.’
To fi nd out more call 1800 247 438 or visit www.agrifunder.com.au.
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The evolution of renewable energy
There’s a town in the north east of Iran called Nashtifan. Once known as Nish Toofan, or “storm’s sting”, the area experiences strong winds of over 100 kilometres per hour all year round and is home to what may be the oldest windmills in the world.
Thought to have been created between 500-900AD, there are around 30 windmills up to 20 metres tall standing sentinel on a hill overlooking the village, protecting it from those strong winds while at the same time using that wind to provide power.
Agrarian ingenuity once again showed why it is a cornerstone of establishing and advancing civilisations: the energy generated by the windmills was used to grind grains to produce fl our; a thousand years on, they’re still working.
Conversation around renewable energy has been loud recently, but in the simplest of terms, it is not a new thing - we are merely evolving a principle and technology to harness energy from wind, water, and the sun which has been in place across various cultures and civilisations right around the world for thousands of years.
Even while naysayers are tilting at windmills – or wind turbines – it’s pertinent to remember that farms and landscapes right around the world have been using them for generations, and we are building on existing systems, just as those who will follow up will continue to build on what we create today.
Right now, we’re at a stage of evolution where we can manufacture eff ective and reliable ways to store harnessed energy to use later, thus stabilising supply so energy is available even if the original power source is fl uctuating.
And once again, agriculture can benefi t.
A TRANSITION TO ENERGY STORAGE Given the challenges of grid connectivity to rural areas, it’s unsurprising that renewable energy generation and battery storage is increasingly popular in the agricultural sector. Retrofi tting existing assets is becoming common, new buildings are designed with renewables in mind, and some farms have even started going 100% renewable.
The sense can be seen in the dollars – as well as cutting emissions, the move to renewables also cuts operational costs.
Compared to a diesel generator, using a hybrid solar/wind and battery energy storage system could cut emissions by 90%, and decrease energy costs substantially.
With space for solar and large storage systems often available in abundance, powering an entire rural property that includes a full farm operation and a homestead is not only possible, but also fi nancially feasible. There are even opportunities for neighbouring properties to share in the power generated.
Of course, if farm vehicles are also electric, there’s the additional benefi t of avoiding supply chain issues such as the recent urea shortage.
Australian-made solutions for Australian conditions, RedEarth is a Brisbane-based battery energy storage systems manufacturer off ering fully integrated systems and batteries to suit the most demanding conditions found in Australia.
Applying a unique, modular design philosophy, RedEarth’s systems off er a single platform that can be customised to deliver a solution suitable for anything from small applications to large-scale sites.
With scalability being a core principle, systems can be expanded in the future to meet changing demands, giving full fl exibility and a guarantee that assets will be used to their full potential.
Battery technology is combined with utility-scale control equipment to create unparalleled reliability and capability. Batteries are fi tted with numerous failsafe features, self-optimisation protocols, and advanced cooling systems. All can be monitored and controlled through energy management systems and site control mechanisms. Operator control is fully automated, yet still off ers full and detailed manual control over every aspect.
Every system is subjected to rigorous testing by RedEarth’s engineers and electricians at its factory in Brisbane before it is installed.
MAGPIE Magpie is the smallest of RedEarth commercial and industrial complete turn-key systems. Off ered in 50 kVA or 100kVA power output options, the system off ers fl exible battery storage sizes from 80kWh and upwards. With an integrated solar MPPT input, diesel generator autostart, and RedEarth’s own system controller, this solution is widely used in small to medium size applications where reliability and effi ciency are required.
KOOKABURRA The Kookaburra is the next level up in energy storage systems. True fl exibility is provided by the ability to use 62.5kVA inverter building blocks to create systems with up to 3MW in power output. The battery bank starts from 200kWh but can easily be increased up to several MWh. Supplied in purpose-built enclosures, Kookaburra is made to withstand all Australian climatic conditions.
For more information visit redearth.energy or call 1800 733 637.
