Agriculture Digest Issue 2 – 2023

Agrıculture Dıgest

READY FOR WINTER SEEDING?

Improve your Spring crop success with the AlphaCut.

Slashing your existing stubbles helps to:

• Minimise wind erosion

• Provide ground cover

• Evenly distribute mulch

Effective residue management takes the stress out of seeding and retains muchneeded moisture.

The AusCut Turbo Topper ticks all the boxes:

• Efficient in covering ground

• Effective cutting and mulching

• Excellent spread of residue

CALL 02 6341 3383

www.auscutglobal.com.au

BE TIDY. BE READY. BE SMART. Don’t take unneccesary bushfire risks.

AusCut three point linkage and trailing slashers are ideal for tidying your yard with their compact design and heavy duty construction.

Commander

Bravo

Agrıculture Dıgest

WELCOME TO ISSUE 2, 2023

published by Monachello Publishing

s-1/146 Spit Road Mosman NSW 2088

advertising inquiries ads@agriculturedigest. com.au

editorial inquiries editorial@agriculturedigest. com.au

editorial Antelope Media design

The End Creative Agency

creative director

Melissa Price

As 2023 begins, this second issue of Agriculture Digest showcases the innovation and technology that’s changing our sector by zooming in on the use of drones in agriculture. We investigate how trees can help farmers and potentially the world, as well as taking a look at the important issue of mental health in the bush.

We want this magazine to address useful issues that are close to the heart of rural and regional Australia. Please get in touch with any feedback or ideas.

senior designer

Joana Gala cover

Greg Brave, iStock.com

All content is the property of Agriculture Digest and can be reproduced only with the express permission of Monachello Publishing.

5 AGROFORESTRY

The benefits of agroforestry and planting trees on farms

13 ADVERTISING FEATURE

Soil carbon farming

15 DRONES

Looking to the sky: how unmanned aerial vehicles are revolutionising Australia’s farms

22 WELLBEING Mending minds: the initiatives supporting better mental health in the bush

32 TOWNS Shepparton

35 NEWS / NOTES

disclaimer

This publication is intended as an information source only and is not in any way an endorsement of any product or service mentioned. Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is up to date and correct at time of printing. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. No representation is made as to the quality or suitability for any purpose of any goods or services offered by any organisations in this publication.

News and notes from our advertisers

THE BENEFITS OF AGROFORESTRY AND PLANTING TREES ON FARMS

HOW PLANTING TREES CAN HELP FARMERS INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND CREATE A REVENUE STREAM

w: Emma Sorensen

THE ROLE OF TREES IN AGRICULTURE AND FARMING

There are benefits to planting trees on farms that stretch well beyond economic and environmental, and the fight against climate change is just one of the many motivating factors behind the recent push for ‘agroforestry’.

Planting trees on farms can improve habitats for biodiversity, which adds to natural pest control and helps sustain the ecosystem in which the farm exists. Trees have also been shown to increase productivity by providing shade, shelter and other benefits for stock, crops or pasture. One study from Forest and Wood Products Australia found tree planting had the potential to increase pasture productivity by 30%.

Data from not-for-profit, Soils for Life, shows that trees planted as shelterbelts can reduce wind speeds by up to 50%. Tree planting can also decrease soil erosion and salinity, improving both soil and water quality.

These days, tree planting can also provide a genuine

additional income source, either as a commercial harvest or as a means through which to store carbon, as a 2018 paper from the CSIRO Agroforestry: realising the triple bottom line benefits of trees in the landscape argues. Strong financial incentives exist in the burgeoning area of private forestry. Tree Alliance, a marketing campaign run by Private Forests Tasmania, quotes World Bank data that says global demand for timber is expected to quadruple by 2050, thanks to growing demand from industries as diverse as building, biofuels and biochemicals.

All these positives exist alongside the less tangible, but equally important, social and community benefits of a regenerated landscape. And proponents argue that agroforestry has the potential to help on another level, by addressing big global challenges in food production, environmental protection and climate change.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TREES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

Tree planting is front and centre when it comes to fighting the climate crisi s. As humanitarian organisation World Vision argues, tree planting is one of the simplest and most effective ways of tackling climate change caused by greenhouse gas, because trees are natural carbon capture and storage machines. Through the process of photosynthesis they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) as they grow.

But, as the number of failed afforestation attempts around the world show, it’s not as simple as just popping a seed or seedling into the ground. While many tree-planting initiatives boast large numbers of plantings, what you plant, and where and how you plant it, is just as important –as is maintaining tree health.

In fact, according to Yale Environment 360, scientists argue that: “failed afforestation projects around the world threaten to undermine efforts to make planting a credible means of countering climate change by reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or generating carbon credits for sale to companies to offset their emissions.”

IN 2022, DELEGATES FROM THE NATIONAL FARMERS FEDERATION AND AUSTRALIAN FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION JOINTLY ATTENDED COP27, TO DEMONSTRATE HOW CLIMATE SMART FARMING AND FORESTRY COULD HELP AUSTRALIA REDUCE EMISSIONS, FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE AND INCREASE FOOD, FIBRE AND TIMBER PRODUCTION.

MANILDRA GROUP CELEBRATING SEVEN DECADES PARTNERING WITH WHEAT FARMING FAMILIES

High-capacity grain storage sites in the heart of the New South Wales wheatbelt.

• MOREE • MANILDRA • GRONG GRONG

• BOGAN GATE • BELLATA • STOCKINBINGAL Manildra Group offers competitive prices for wheat at all sites, with reliable, safe, and secure transactions. With safe and efficient delivery points, all wheat delivered to our sites must be Pesticide Residue Free.

MANILDRA GROWERS CONNECT APP

Providing wheat farmers with beneficial real-time information from live cash prices, delivery tracking, grain storage site and payment information, to critical harvest updates.

DOWNLOAD MANILDRA GROWERS CONNECT

1300 MANILDRA / manildra.com.au / @manildra

Manildra Group’s Bellata grain storage site is one of their six grain storage assets located in the heart of the New South Wales wheatbelt. // PHOTO: CHRIS WATSON

CHARLES MASSY

CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN TREES

Charles Massy, regenerative farming advocate, author and fifth generation farmer has planted over 60,000 trees since the 1980's on his sheep farm outside of Cooma, NSW, transforming it in the process.

Made famous with his groundbreaking 2011 book, Breaking the Sheep’s Back, more recently he published a new book which outlines his now successful regenerative, ecological mission.

Keen to hit ESG targets and make a tangible difference, many big name corporations – and individuals – are behind other tree planting and reforestation programs. Australian dairy and grocery producer, Bega Group, has been encouraging dairy farmers to move to sustainable practices, including funding tree planting on farms, since 2014. At last year’s COP27, food giant Nestlé announced that, as a part of a global program, it will plant 10 million trees in Australia by 2025.

CALL OF T HE REED WARBLER: A NEW AGRICULTURE

– A NEW EA RTH

by Charles Massy

Nestlé entered into a 28-year partnership with tree-planting organisations Greening Australia, One Tree Planted and Canopy, to ensure that the carefully chosen biodiverse mix of native plant species will be maintained and cared for as they grow.

At the time of the announcement, Nestlé Oceania CEO Sandra Martinez said: “Our long-term commitment is about more than just planting trees. The reforestation program works to conserve local biodiversity, and advance regenerative food and farming systems – delivering environmental and economic benefits to communities.”

GOVERNMENTS ENCOURAGE TREE GROWTH

In 2020, the World Economic Forum launched One Trillion Trees, which aims to mobilise a global movement to conserve, restore and grow one trillion trees globally by 2030.

Federal, state and local governments across Australia have similarly announced many tree planting initiatives over recent years, not all of which have been fully realised due to issues including bushfires.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, with assistance from Landcare, is behind The 20 Million Trees Program, initiated in 2014 to re-establish green corridors, urban forests and threatened ecological communities.

In mid-2021, a review found the program had regenerated over 30,000 hectares establishing 29,508,062 trees of over two metres.

GET PLANTING

Data shows that over half of Australia’s land is agricultural, so farmers have a critical role to play when it comes to environmental management.

There are many grants available to encourage agroforestry and biodiversity by supporting farmers to plant trees. These range from those encouraging the regeneration of native ecosystems to more economically minded forestry initiatives with the potential to provide an additional income stream.

In 2022, the federal Clean Energy Regulator invited farmers to get involved in its Environmental Plantings Pilot, by establishing a tree planting project and selling Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs) to the Australian Government. There are also several pilots underway across the country, from Queensland to South Australia, through the Australian Government’s Agriculture Biodiversity Stewardship

Package, which encourages private investment in biodiversity and other sustainability opportunities.

Niche organisations such as Bee Friendly Farming also offer tree grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to farmers across the country.

Schemes also exist to connect landowners with trees or tree planting organisations. The University of Melbourne’s Trees on Farms is an online portal connecting landowners with investors to grow timber, carbon or increase biodiversity on their property, for conservation or for profit. And other local organisations, including the Otway Agroforestry Network in Victoria, are helping farmers in a particular region embrace the benefits of increasing tree cover on farms.

There are also forestry initiatives, like the Farm Forestry Assist Grants that are available for Western Australian farmers to plant radiata pine.

“DATA SHOWS THAT OVER HALF OF AUSTRALIA’S LAND IS AGRICULTURAL , SO FARMERS HAVE A CRITICAL ROLE TO PLAY WHEN IT COMES TO ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT.”

SOIL, PASTURE AND CARBON SERVICES

CARBON STARTER REPORT

BASELINE SOIL TESTING

SOIL AND PASTURE TREATMENT PLANS

ON-FARM RESEARCH TRIALS

SOIL CARBON FARMING: A HUGE OPPORTUNITY

Soil carbon farming is a huge opportunity for Australian farmers. That’s the message from Hamish Webb, CEO and executive director of Precision Pastures, an independent soil, pasture and carbon agronomy business based in Armidale, NSW.

Established in 2014, Precision Pastures provides on-the-ground soil testing, data driven agronomic advice and end-to-end soil carbon services to clients all over Australia.

Mr Webb says the market for Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) is following a common trend for Australian agriculture where demand is outpacing supply.

“Turbocharging this demand, are international customers who, without a source of reliable offset credits, are forced to reduce agricultural production to meet net emission targets,” he says.

“The winner from this emerging industry will be the Australian farmer.”

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Australian Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has developed a method for farmers to generate ACCUs by sequestering carbon in their soils.

“Often these activities are existing goals or plans a farmer may have in order to boost production, so there are complementary benefits.”

Precision Pastures have outlined six steps to creating credits

1. Register farm and soil carbon project with the Clean Energy Regulator

2. Undertake baseline sampling and testing

3. Commence eligible activities to improve soil health and sequester carbon

4. Undertake secondary sampling and testing

5. Complete CER audit and receive ACCUs

6. Sell, hold or inset ACCUs

“This method requires farmers to undertake new farm activities to improve soil health such as rectifying poor pH levels or nutrient deficiencies and renovating pastures which increases pasture production and increases soil carbon,” Mr Webb says.

WHAT IS IT WORTH?

Soil carbon is highly transient, Mr Webb says, and sequestration can be highly variable from farm to farm, however recent trials conducted in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia across several pastoral

properties in NSW have shown that where soil health is optimised, soil carbon levels can increase by two per cent. According to Precision Pastures, this increase could generate in excess of 200 ACCUs (worth approximately $6,000 in today’s market) per hectare.

To find out more, register for a Carbon Starter Report with Precision Pastures – a two-part preliminary assessment of a farm’s ability to sustainably and profitably deliver a soil carbon project.

“By highlighting your existing carbon levels and key soil health issues and constraints, we can recommend which eligible activities – required by the regulator to undertake a soil carbon project –will best suit your farm and your production objectives,” Mr Webb says.

“Finally, we’ll provide a detailed cost-benefit analysis and assist you to register your project.”

www.precisionpastures. com.au

“Soil carbon farming is going to lead to an increase in productivity on our farm. That productivity will go to our bottom line.”

Sam White, owner of Bald Blair Angus, Guyra, NSW, and former president of Angus Australia

Canola

Open Pollinated Canola bred for Australian farmers.

Bandit TTP

% Triazine tolerant, open pollinated

% Very quick to flower, similar to ATR StingrayP and HyTTec® Trident

% Market leading profitability under stressed conditions

AGT Growers, have you ordered your FREE CANOLA SEED?

% Best adapted to lower rainfall and lower yield potential environments

% Oil content similar to ATR StingrayP

Renegade TTP

% Triazine tolerant, open pollinated

% Quick to flower, between HyTTec® Trident and HyTTec® Trophy, a little quicker than ATR BonitoP

% Best performance under medium yield potential conditions with competitive profitability

% Oil content higher than ATR StingrayP, similar to HyTTec® Trident

OutlawP

New New New

% Conventional, open pollinated

% Very quick to flower, similar to Nuseed Diamond and quicker than AV GarnetP

% Leading grain yield in conventional OP market

% Excellent oil content, nearly 3% higher than AV GarnetP in AGT trials

More information: agtbreeding.com.au

LOOKING TO THE SKY

HOW UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES ARE REVOLUTIONISING AUSTRALIA’S FARMS

w: Ralph Grayden

From crop planting to pest eradication and from irrigation to 3D modelling, we explore how Australia’s local agricultural industry is already using drones to maximise the profitability and output from the land.

POPULATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH DRIVING A PUSH FOR PRECISION

The number of people on our planet is growing rapidly, with as many as 2.3 billion expected to be added to the world’s population between 2009 and 2050. At the same time, global wealth is also growing, with 700 million additional people likely to obtain ‘middle class’ status (i.e. earning between roughly $6,000 and $60,000 a year) by 2030. As the world’s population gets both bigger and richer, it is creating unprecedented demand for agricultural produce

– something that isn’t likely to slow down anytime soon.

But while this has the potential to be a boon for efficient agricultural producers such as Australia’s, the challenge is that, well, quite simply no one is creating any more land. By and large, any increased capacity will need to come from existing resources.

This is leading to a new emphasis on ‘precision agriculture’, in which farmers use technology to increase crop yields and profitability at the same time as they lower the number of inputs needed to grow those crops.

And that’s exactly where drones come into the picture.

HOW AUSTRALIAN FARMERS ARE ALREADY USING DRONES

Drones have the ability to get into places and perform

Around the world, drones are playing an increasingly vital role in the agricultural sector. The global agricultural drone market is expected to more than quadruple in value between 2020 and 2028 – rising from a $1.9 billion industry to an $8.4 billion one, and many Australian farmers are at the forefront of this important trend.

functions that previously either weren’t possible or weren’t economically viable. They have also become much more affordable and accessible – to the point where owning a drone or two is no longer out of the reach of many Australian farmers.

“We’ve reached this saturation point where drone technology has become safe and cheap,” says Mark Spessot, Operations Manager of XAG Australia, a manufacturer and supplier of drones and dronerelated services.

“Today, a farmer only needs to spend between around $5,000 and $65,000 to acquire their own quality drone – and that can make a real difference to their bottom line. This isn’t too much when compared with tractors, and yet it has the potential to bring even greater efficiencies to their operations.”

As a result, we’re seeing Australian farmers already deploying drones on their properties in several ways.

PEST AND WEED CONTROL

One way drones have been used to date has been in crop spraying and pest eradication. Not only are drones often cheaper and safer than using traditional piloted crop dusters, they can also provide a level of precision that manned aircraft simply aren’t capable of.

Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has been actively helping

the state’s cane farmers utilise drones to carry out precision spraying. Once drones map a cane field, farmers can identify exactly which plants need spraying so that they target only these. This helps farmers cut down on the costs associated with buying and spraying pesticides while simultaneously protecting potential runoff into neighbouring waterways that could end up on the Great Barrier Reef.

“After sending out a small mapping drone to take images, we use a large specialised cop spraying drone that is capable of spraying just those areas that we’ve identified as weeds, so we can use a fraction of the chemical we did previously,” says Marcus Bulstrode, Senior Development Officer with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Bulstrode says that because the machine he uses is distributing registered chemicals, it requires very specific accreditation and licensing. However, he foresees a time in the not-too-distant future when agricultural co-ops and additional contractors become accredited to carry out these activities.

SOIL SAMPLING AND IRRIGATION

Farmers aren’t just using drones to map their land for weeds and pests. They are also using them to capture detailed images of their property with both traditional RGB and thermal

multispectral cameras. Drones can provide extremely highresolution images that form the basis for 2D maps and 3D models of properties, providing a much more detailed view of a farm than satellite imagery can. This detail supports a wider and more informed range of management activities across the farm.

This real-time coverage provides the opportunity to monitor plants and soil better and address issues as they arise. It also lets them see how particular plants are progressing and gives them important data that can be used to forecast future yields.

“Different soil types will affect yield,” Bulstrode says. “Traditionally, farm mapping has been done on artificial boundaries, such as fence lines. A drone has the ability to immediately show zones of difference in growing conditions that may not relate to fence lines or paddock boundaries, so farmers can immediately see zones that can be managed separately to maximise crop yield and optimise inputs such as fertiliser.”

While Australia’s East Coast may have been experiencing too much water over the past few years, similar drone-based mapping can also show farmers which parts of the land need more extensive irrigation. Drones can then be used to continually monitor the land to make sure that irrigation is

working as it should. Again, that’s likely to become more important, with an El Nino event potentially forecast to return towards the end of 2023.

PLANTING

Aerial seeding drones are already commercially available and are being used to plant crops. When teamed up with the right software, these can also give farmers the opportunity to analyse the soil and moisture content and optimise seeding and planting rates to maximise yield.

XAG Australia’s Mark Spessot observes that tree planting is an increasingly important part of sustainable farming. He says that his company has been working with NSW Forestry, using drones both to deforest weed-infested land and then replant it with native trees.

HERDING

Some farmers are using larger drones to herd livestock, with one UNSW study finding that this could be better for the animal, inducing less stress than traditional methods of

herding. Sheep were especially found to respond well to drones if they approached at an appropriate speed and played certain sounds.

WHERE DRONE TECHNOLOGY IS HEADED

Spessot believes, however, that we’re only in the early stages of the drone revolution and that we will see real advances made over the next decade or so.

“There is a tech revolution going on, and the drone is very much a part of it.” He also says that, as drones become even cheaper and more reliable and offer greater capacity, they will combine with other technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to fundamentally transform farming.

“It won’t be long before we see automated drones being used on crops. The software will constantly monitor what’s happening and drones will simply fly out and take the necessary action, without the need for any human intervention,” he says.

GETTING STARTED WITH DRONES

Martin Marcus Bulstrode says that, while drones promise to deliver so much to farmers, that doesn’t mean they will be a ‘cure all’. Before outlaying any money, farmers keen to use drones to improve efficiency on their farms should always have a specific goal in mind.

This should help farmers weigh up whether incorporating drone technology would be a more cost-effective and efficient option than using traditional methods. It should also inform whether to buy your own drone, use the services of a drone company, or use a combination of methods.

“Many broadacre farms, for instance, are geographically too large to map entirely by drone. However, they’re likely to find that using drones to target problem areas is likely to lead to better outcomes.

“The key to doing well is starting with good agronomy and using farming skills to understand what’s needed, and then using drone technology as a tool to support this, rather than the other way around.”

Farmers are also using drones to capture detailed images of their property. Drones can allow farmers to capture highresolution images that can be used to create 3D models of

their properties, even in the most inaccessible places. This real-time coverage provides the opportunity to monitor plants and soil better and address issues as they

arise. It also lets them see how particular plants are progressing and gives them important data that can be used to forecast future yields.

PHOTO CAPTURING AND DATA

MEROM SPECKLE PARK STUD

Pedigree Driven, Performance Focused

Pre-register your interest in Merom Maximum MER R27 Semen

MEROM MAXIMUM MER R27

Ֆ Senior Bull Champion

Speckle Park Adelaide Royal

Ֆ Supreme Exhibit Speckle Park Melbourne Royal

Ֆ Senior Bull Champion Interbreed Melbourne Royal

Merom Pastoral Company is a beef cattle business, owned & operated by John and Nicki Weekley & family, on farms throughout South Eastern Victoria, Australia. We are grass fed and have been breeding commercial Angus for 30 years. More recently, we have developed a seed-stock business in the Speckle Park breed.

meromspecklepark.com.au

Living water found in pristine flowing rivers and streams has a negative electromagnetic charge. This provides endless benefits not found in urban or bottled water, including rapid hydration, increased energy in humans and animals, and increased plant nutrient density and growth.

• Improves animal health

• Increases food yields and rate of seed germination

• Softens hard water and removes pipe scale

• 100% environmentally friendly

• No filters or maintenance required

• Increases the effectiveness of chemical and biological spray applications

• Restores water to a healthy state

NEW Y ARDS?

Galvanised Hi-Tensile PRESTO PANEL

For sheep, cattle horses, pigs, goats deer, property fencing and entrances. Curving and colour available.

The first water conditioning device in Australia to produce water in its natural flowing state for food production.

MENDING MINDS

THE INITIATIVES SUPPORTING BETTER MENTAL HEALTH IN THE BUSH

w: Amber Howison

Country people have had a lot on their plates over the past couple of years thanks to drought, COVID and floods. A range of services and charities are giving people in the bush somewhere to turn to if they need a hand bearing the load.

MENTAL HEALTH IN RURAL AUSTRALIA

There’s a lot to love about living on the land. Nothing beats the wide, open spaces, fresh air, as well as the feeling of being part of a small but connected community. It’s no wonder Australians living in rural areas often record higher levels of life satisfaction and wellbeing than their city cousins. But that doesn’t stop rural people

swept under the rug of stigma and stoicism, but that is starting to change. Across rural and remote areas, initiatives and support services from the grassroots to the government level are tackling mental health stigma and offering a helping hand to those in need.

UNIQUE PRESSURES

Around 20 per cent of Australians living in both urban and rural

arise no matter where you live. However, in the country, people can also find themselves grappling with isolation, financial insecurity, the stress and trauma of natural disasters and extreme climate events, and the long, irregular hours of farming work. And with drought, COVID and floods wreaking havoc across rural Australia in recent years, many country people are dealing with even more than usual.

are less likely to access health care in general and mental health care in particular. Part of the problem is the lack of available services. There are 2.7 times fewer mental health care services in remote areas and 5.6 times fewer in very remote areas than in the major cities. The lack of dedicated clinical mental health support and intervention services in regional and remote Australia discourages many

Designed to help producers manage the risk of mycotoxins on animal health and performance, Mycosorb A+ also helps to support gut health and immune function within the animal. @Alltech

LAGOONA RED POLL STUD

About Lagoona

Lagoona Red Poll Stud is based in the heart of the New England at Armidale Northern NSW where Red Polls are making a difference.

• Gentle Disposition

• Naturally Polled

• Eye & Udder Pigmentation

• Fertility & Mothering Ability

• Cross Breeding Performance

Lagoona Red Poll Stud: Tim Light – 0458 744 552

For many who need intensive psychiatric or addiction help, the only option is to be retrieved by the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS).

Between July 2014 and June 2017, the RFDS picked up 2,257 patients who suffered from mental or behavioural problems. Most lived in rural communities with low levels of mental health support.

The new service Rural Health Connect aims to bridge the gap between rural people and mental health treatment. The social enterprise, which links people living in rural areas with psychologists via video and phone calls, began in Central Queensland

and now services all of rural Australia. Bulk billing and reduced fees are available for those who need them. Meanwhile, in NSW, the government-funded Rural Adversity Mental Health Program sets out to link country people with the mental health services they need. The program also distributes information about mental health and available help throughout rural communities.

CHANGING ATTITUDES

While a shortage of services and distance dissuade many rural Australians from seeking mental health

“THE NEW SERVICE RURAL HEALTH CONNECT AIMS TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN RURAL PEOPLE AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT.”

help, attitudes also play a part. A sense of selfreliance, concerns about privacy, and a lack of confidence that seeking treatment will make a difference continue to discourage country people from accessing mental health help.

Then there is the stigma that still often surrounds mental illness. Despite mental health conditions being illnesses like any other, they continue to be dogged by outdated and incorrect stereotypes that can discourage people from seeking help.

Grassroots organisation, ‘Are You Bogged Mate?’ aims to break down the barriers around seeking help for mental illness for rural men. Agronomist Mary O’Brien founded the charity after her community of Dalby, Queensland, lost two

men to suicide. ‘Are You Bogged Mate?’ connects country men with mental health services and breaks down the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues.

Meanwhile, the not-for-profit group Rural & Remote Mental Health focuses on prevention. By delivering programs and training in mental health literacy and suicide prevention in rural communities across Australia, it is empowering country people to look after their mental health, get help when they need it and assist others to do the same.

BOOZE IN THE BUSH

Alcohol, Australia’s most popular drug, is linked to a range of mental health issues, and alcohol consumption

increases the further you get from the city. People living in regional and remote areas are more likely to drink more often or at more harmful levels than those living in urban centres.

There are many reasons for this, including the social attitudes in the country towards alcohol. Studies have shown that, in rural areas, frequent or heavy drinking is more likely to be seen as acceptable or even as a positive.

likely to suffer from alcohol harm, and only 17 per cent of us will get the help we need.” Her grassroots charity is on a mission to change attitudes to alcohol in the bush and spread the message that it’s okay to say no to a drink. Her efforts were recognised when she won the Local Hero Award at the 2022 Australian of the Year Awards.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

One country woman is trying to change this.

Shanna Whan founded Sober in the Country in 2015 after struggling with her own alcohol addiction. While she was recovering, she found there was a lack of alcohol support services for Rural Australians. She says, “rural people are 150 per cent more

Just like physical illnesses, mental health problems are treatable, and people who experience mental illness can go on to live fulfilling and rewarding lives. As awareness of mental health issues and the help available for them grows, so too will the wellbeing of rural Australians. SUPPORT

OFF GRID POWER

A Stand Alone Power System (SAPS) is a self-contained power station that produces, provides and stores energy for houses, sheds, site offices, factories and more. This solution is completely off grid and designed to suit individual needs.

The fully automated system combines components, including a generator, solar panels and battery storage, to ensure you will never be without power.

It is designed and manufactured in Australia using reputable brands and is backed up by exceptional after sales service.

With optional online 24/7 monitoring available, you can rest assured that your energy is taken care of by specialists.

Perfect for rural and remote areas, the new second edition SAPS is a completely mobile system and can be packed up and set up within an hour.

Biological farming solutions.

Our biostimulants activate beneficial microbes in soil and on foliage.

Mycorrcin enhances root growth, nutrient uptake and crop yields.

Foliacin improves foliar growth and plant resilience.

Digester breaks down plant matter and returns the nutrients to

Our prebiotics increase the beneficial gut biota in livestock.

Calf improves calf health and resilience through better gut biota in the first three weeks of life.

Ruminant increases lambing rates, weaner weights and improves stock resilience through stress.

Our biological preservatives allow bailing at higher moisture levels.

HayKing makes cooler bales of quality hay by reducing decomposition microbes.

SilageKing makes top silage by increasing ensiling bacteria while reducing yeasts and fungi.

Its indigenous name is Kanny Goopna, which depending on the source, could mean “deep waterhole by which people camped” or “place where big fish are caught”.

Either way, Shepparton’s position on the floodplain of the Goulburn River has always been central to its identity and economy. Today, the rich soil provides the nutrients for a thriving dairy industry

and one of the country’s most significant fruit-growing sectors, which means it’s also home to Australia’s largest canned fruit manufacturer, SPC Ardmona.

Despite its location on the floodplain, it doesn’t rain a lot in Shepparton. In fact, the city’s cold, semi-arid climate sees an average of just 431mm of precipitation a year. If you’re considering moving to this part of the world, you’d probably also

want to invest in reverse-cycle air conditioning because this is a climate of extremes, at least compared with coastal areas. The average January high is over 32 degrees, while the annual July low is 3.4 degrees. Brrr.

Shepparton takes its name from Irishman Sherbourne Sheppard, who, in 1843, established a sheep farm, Tallygaroopna, where the city now stands. Sherbourne’s claim to fame was that he married

w: Ralph Grayden

Situated 180km north of Melbourne, Shepparton is on the land of the Kailtheban clan, part of the Yorta Yorta nation.

the daughter of prominent (and wealthy) Victorian J.B. Were. He was also involved in a legal stoush over ownership of the land after a stock agent he owed money illegally sold the 160,000-acre farm while he was out of the country. Sherbourne’s successful quest to re-occupy forcefully became known throughout Victoria as ‘the siege of Tallygaroopna’.

Before Sherbourne owned the land, it was occupied by another Irishman, Paddy McGuire, who was better known for fleecing travellers by overcharging them to travel on his ferry across the Goulburn River and then forcefully encouraging them to stay in his below-par accommodation: a bark hut he optimistically called ‘the inn’.

Shepparton was declared a town in 1860, and its fortunes really took off in the 1880s when

TELLING A FURPHY

For a town of its size (approximately 55,000), Shepparton has made an oversized contribution to Australian culture. Blacksmith John Furphy designed and built the ‘furphy’ water cart in Shepparton – and the brand name became slang for a tall story. They were a productive family. Furphy’s younger brother Joseph penned the novel, ‘Such is Life’, a tale of nineteenth century life in Northern Victoria.

a railway station was built. Paddle steamers also connected Shepparton and the Goulburn River with the Murray. At the time, nearby Echuca was Australia’s fourth busiest port. In the twentieth century, Shepparton’s population began to swell as new migrants arrived from the British Isles, as well as Southern Europe, most notably Italy and Greece.

After the Second World War, Shepparton saw a substantial number of people with German, Dutch and Polish heritage also settle in the area. Today, it is one of Australia’s most multicultural regional centres. It also has the largest Indigenous population of any Victorian centre outside of Melbourne. The most recent Census shows that a quarter of all residents were born overseas, with India and Afghanistan both featuring in the five most likely countries of birth.

Berridale, NSW

Supreme Exhibit at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show and the Rabobank National Merino Show

Grand Champion Fleece at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in 2021

AUSTRALIA N MADE WITHAUSTRALIANSTEEL

News Notes

Advertiser note

have a domino effect on things like cost of production and margin.

Elite Sheep – The Life Cycle

When it comes to sheep nutrition, there are many ways to approach it depending on the livestock operation’s individual needs and required outcomes. It can get overwhelming as there are many different points to consider, and if any of these points are overlooked or compromised in any way, it can have detrimental effects on not only the health and wellbeing of your livestock but can

To help combat the above-mentioned issues, National Feed Solutions has put together an all-in-one guide to your sheep’s nutritional requirements, all year round. The Elite Sheep – The Life Cycle is broken down into the major sections of the production cycle: joining, pregnancy, lambing, weaning, dry and replacement stock, and fi nishing, and discusses key nutritional points that are relevant to the animal at that physical and physiological stage. The cycle is an easy-to-use resource, available on our website or in physical form upon request.

It is vital that the sheep’s nutritional requirements are met throughout the entire cycle, which includes joining preparation and finishing. Preparation should begin immediately after weaning to ensure stock are on a rising plane of

nutrition. It is important to support the nutritional needs of both the ewe and the ram. Rams are often overlooked, however, sperm production commences 6 weeks prior to conception. Maintain an ideal body condition score throughout pregnancy, reduce risks such as heat stress, drops in body weight or body condition, avoid toxins, and avoid unnecessary handling. Establish an appropriate mob size for lambing and maintain mineral nutrition for the ewes during lactation. Weaning is a process not an event and should be done based on weight rather than the age of the lamb. From weaning the cycle will then guide you through the appropriate path for your system, whether that be maintaining dry stock or preparing replacements, or finishing animals for market.

For more information visit our website www.nationalfeedsolutions.com.au.

Pop-up fertilisers offer crop insurance and timing flexibility

Following recent major weather events which have delayed and potentially cut off part of the cotton planting window, resellers and advisers will be eager to help growers across both dryland and irrigated sectors to maximise opportunity while managing the risk around planting in this highly volatile weather environment. Jeff Rohrlach, Managing Director of AgroBest Australia, says pop-up starting fertilisers are an ‘insurance’ policy for growers, significantly boosting the emergence and early start for crops at a relatively low cost.

Jeff says that even in areas that have been treated with urea, a pop-up starter is a valuable investment as the continuing wet weather has impacted nitrogen holding capacity. “Even in very heavy soil, up to 30% of the nitrogen disappears, and crops can struggle in waterlogged soil,” he says.

“A pop-up can be a good option to recommend, especially with some growers having already paid up to $1,200/ tonne for urea, as it can help ensure the sunk costs are not wasted.”

Jeff adds that those growing dryland cotton may fi nd themselves in a position to plant additional areas, cotton or otherwise, with soil moisture in reserve.

“One of the big benefits of a pop-up is that application timing is very flexible. If an adviser is helping a grower to decide whether to plant out country they might not have previously considered, it’s good to know a pop-up can be applied at seeding, so there’s not a long period of preparation and pre-planning required.”

Being locally produced, AgroBest, a renowned Australian manufacturer of crop nutrient products, can respond rapidly.

“Of course, we monitor seasonal conditions so we can forecast product requirements, but every reseller, agronomist and grower knows that sometimes needs change on short notice. We’re happy to support agronomists and resellers to respond to those rapidly changing needs.

“We know that for growers the day is as long as it needs to be – and that’s our philosophy too.”

Jeff says, as a family business, Agrobest has a lot of flexibility. “Recently we took an order on Thursday for 80,000 litres. My team and I worked the weekend to get it ready for delivery on Monday.

“We’re also happy to work directly with the grower, on behalf of the agronomist or reseller, which can make life a lot easier for them.”

AgroBest offers many variants of its Liquid Starters range to meet specific nutrient needs. Popstart NP is specifically formulated as a neutral pH pop-up starting fertiliser blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to improve the establishment and early growth of seedlings. Its variations include the PZ formulation with zinc.

AgroBest also produces Phozzstart ZZ, a soil-applied starter designed for vigorous healthy growth during the establishment phase. Phozstart ZZ is a premium liquid fertiliser formulated to supply crops with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc when planting, which may help growers get a good head start in a delayed planting window.

“It’s been a challenging period, with some growers not getting their entire

off this year, while others, especially dryland growers, are looking at positive conditions heading into the summer planting season. Growers are now making decisions about getting the next crop in to cover losses or capture opportunity, while trying to manage the risks that come with high-cost planting programs,” Jeff says.

“Pop-up fertilisers help ensure plants get out of the ground and, given their relatively low cost, it makes sense to use them to optimise the investment in seed. It’s a critical time for growers who have been exposed to some very high costs recently and will be looking for a bit of insurance for their investment.

“If you’re looking for a reliable, effective pop-up fertiliser that can be at your grower’s gate when they need it, Agrobest can help.”

For further information contact Aleah Corben on 07 5596 0622 marketing@agrobest.com.au.

AgroBest MD Jeff Rorhlach (left) pictured with AgroBest Sales Manager Saxon Rorhlach (right). crop

Electricity harvest in season

Much like the fuel price hikes hitting farmers and households across Australia in the hip pocket, it’s been a remarkable year in the Australian National Electricity Market. A confluence of factors fi rst drove wholesale electricity prices to stratospheric levels due to the reliance on fossil fuel-generated energy. However, the move to renewable energy is looking to reduce these prices, with recent studies

Presto Panel, Built for the Land

Building new stockyards, stock-crates and creating eye-catching property entrances and fences is part and parcel of living on the land. When it comes to designing these jobs you know what you want based on your hands-on experience. All you need now is the right product to give your investment longevity.

Looking for a superior product? Presto Panel is perfect for you! The Hi-Tensile Galvanised materials used in Presto Panel make it the product that will stand the test of time. Built for Australian conditions, its anti-corrosion, impact deflection and shape retention properties make it tough,

Advertiser note

from CSIRO showing that renewable energy is the cheapest form of energy, but it won’t be a quick fi x. The factors leading to Australia’s “energy crisis” are complex. Undoubtably, unplanned coal generator maintenance and early shutdowns, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine driving high oil, coal and gas prices, and insu cient bulk energy supply from renewable energy played a role. Now with the backing of State and Federal Governments, with the Rewiring the Nation project, communication of net zero plans and fast-tracking long duration storage, some Australian farmers are poised to capitalise on this opportunity. These recent market events are set to a broader backdrop of electricity generation change. Australia’s appetite for renewable energy is set to steadily rise over the coming decades. In response to this demand, ACE Power was formed to develop Australian renewable energy

Advertiser note

meaning you’ll only have to buy it once… that is, until you build more yards.

Presto Panel is a quality product that has been used by farmers for 25 years. Presto Panel’s innovative design supports the visual instincts of animals combined with rolled edges for safety, making it an irresistible choice. Presto Panel is 207mm (8¼”) wide, has 2 hills and 3 valleys. The interplay of sunlight or artificial light on the hills and valleys generate highlighted and shaded tonal variations clearly visible to livestock. Who ever knew a product could be so robust and yet at the same time, be so gentle on your prized animals?

Installation is as simple as fastening a screw through each of the three valleys where the Presto Panel contacts a post. Free of charge Presto Rollforming custom cuts to whatever length you want within freighting limits, saving money and making installation a breeze.

Take advantage of Presto Rollforming’s curving service. Revolutionize your yards by incorporating curves into your design. Curves save time by streamlining the flow of animals. Speak with the Presto

projects, and has a team of experts who bring decades of experience in doing so.

ACE Power’s mission is to deliver projects that supply affordable, clean, and reliable energy. Now more than ever we are committed to this mission. But we can’t do it alone; ACE Power is seeking to partner with landowners who have suitable land for wind, solar and battery projects to power Australia into the future. ACE Power offers attractive lease rates, provides infrastructure upgrades, and helps farmers diversify their income. We work closely with landowners to minimise impacts to agricultural production, and we implement comprehensive community engagement to maximise community benefits.

Head to acepower.com.au to find out more or phone 02 9174 5358 to talk to an expert about a renewable energy project on your land.

team to combine your ideas with their 25 years of experience to make your investment count the fi rst time.

For more information visit www.prestorollforming.com.au.

• HEAVY DUTY INDUSTRIAL

• MEDIUM DUTY GENERAL USE

• EASY ASSEMBLY WITH ADJUSTABLE SHELVES

• PICKUP LOCATIONS ALL OVER NSW/QLD OR DELIVERY IS AVAILABLE

• GREAT FOR THE FARM SHED OR GARAGE

• VIEW OUR FULL RANGE ON OUR WEBSITE

• GREAT QUALITY AND VALUE FOR MONEY

CONTACT DETAILS

Dan 0428714946 – CENTRAL NSW

Elliot 0426261307 – SE QLD/NORTHERN NSW

John 0437835712 – SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

Nat 0488527869 – NORTH QUEENSLAND

Yellow Kelpie provide a solution to your livestock feeding needs.

Manufactured in Ballarat from quality components and Australian steel, Yellow Kelpie make a range of trail feeding and self-feeding products.

Yellow Kelpie provide a solution to your livestock feeding needs.

Yellow Kelpie provide a solution to your livestock feeding needs.

Manufactured in Ballarat from quality components and Australian steel, Yellow Kelpie make a range of trail feeding and self-feeding products.

most popular model is the tandem axle 50-Bag Multi-Function grain bin, which has the options of split bin for mixing grain, auger variants for filling self feeders, seeders troughs, electric or hydraulic brakes and programmable scales for precision feeding. This model comes standard roll-tarp, heavy-duty chassis, 4000kg suspension and a compliance plate for primary production registration.

Manufactured in Ballarat from quality components and Australian steel, Yellow Kelpie make a range of trail feeding and self-feeding products.

Yellow Kelpie has been an industry leader in innovation, quality and design for over 20 years, and has been under current ownership of Australian Stockyard Co. since 2006. Many upgrades and design changes have been undertaken over the years, always striving to produce the most reliable and user friendly products on the market.

The most popular model is the tandem axle 50-Bag Multi-Function grain bin, which has the options of split bin for mixing grain, auger variants for filling self feeders, seeders and troughs, electric or hydraulic brakes and programmable weigh scales for precision feeding. This model comes standard with a roll-tarp, heavy-duty chassis, 4000kg suspension and a compliance plate for primary production registration.

more information on our range of feeding equipment, options and pricing, please contact Australian Stockyard Co. on 03-5335-9811 or Email: admin@australianstockyards.com.au

Yellow Kelpie has been an industry leader in innovation, quality and design for over 20 years, and has been under current ownership of Australian Stockyard Co. since 2006. Many upgrades and design changes have been undertaken over the years, always striving to produce the most reliable and user friendly products on the market.

For more information on our range of feeding equipment, options and pricing, please contact Australian Stockyard Co. on 03-5335-9811 or Email: admin@australianstockyards.com.au

facebook.com/australianstockyardsVic

For more information on our range of feeding equipment, options and pricing, please contact

VR4690159

Australian Stockyard Co. 03-5335-9811

admin@australianstockyards.com.au

VR4690159

AGT offers more choice to

growers with new canola varieties

climate,” he says. “We believe that these varieties can play an important role for growers, they help to put flexibility and resilience back in the hands of growers.”

AGT is launching these new seeds in an innovative way, according to Haydn.

“We are doing this a bit differently. Leading in to the 2023 season, if you’re an AGT grower that has planted our wheat, barley, durum or lupin varieties in the past, we will be in touch to offer you free seed of Bandit TT, Renegade TT and Outlaw,” he says. “This seed is our 20th anniversary gift to you to say thanks for supporting the company over the past two decades.”

AGT canola breeder, Sami Ullah, says that the three varieties have been named in line with the rebellious spirit required to enter the hybrid dominated canola market.

Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) have broken new ground with the release of three new Open Pollinated (OP) canola varieties, Bandit TT, Renegade TT and Outlaw.

According to Haydn Kuchel, CEO and head of breeding at AGT, the move reinforces Australian Grain Technologies’ commitment to providing Australian growers with more choice when it comes to canola variety selection.

“OP canola can provide most growers, especially those in the low and medium rainfall zones, a reduced risk and more

Good bacteria at work

Septic Science have harnessed naturally occurring bacteria that thrive in water to control odour, sludge, algae, and floating weed outbreaks.

profitable option. The cost of seed shouldn’t stop you from having better genetics,” he says. “When yields are lower, or opening rains are less certain, OP varieties show their greatest profitability improvement over hybrids.

“Why pay $50-100 upfront to access hybrid seed, if you can get it, without knowing if you will get good establishment, or how the season will fi nish? AGT is passionate about providing Australian farmers with improved genetics in a way that suits Australians and the Australian

Advertiser note

A simple monthly dose of Septic Clean into septics and wastewater systems will keep drain-lines, grease traps and tanks free of odour and sludge.

Or a dose of Septic Science products will make farm dams, ponds and troughs clean again as the microbes outcompete the algae for nutrients in the water. When the algae die of starvation, the bacteria then digest sludge from the bottom of the water body and will eventually break the nutrient cycle.

All safe for livestock and marine life. No chemicals – just nature.

To find out more www.septicscience.com.au.

“Bandit TT is a very quick flowering variety that has shown its best adaptation in quick season environments and lower yield potential areas. Meanwhile Renegade TT is a quick flowering variety and picks up from Bandit TT in environments that are mid-yield potential and appears to have wider adaptation. Finally, Outlaw is a very quick flowering conventional variety with impressive yield. Overall, Outlaw has shown yields 4% higher than AV Garnet, leading the charge in the smaller conventional market segment.

Further details regarding AGT canola varieties can be found at agtbreeding.com.au.

Canola Breeder Sami Ullah inspects the new crop at the AGT Roseworthy trial site

The robust new feed stable probiotic for cattle

BovacillusTM is a new feed stable probiotic for cattle that contains spores of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis. These spores, can withstand high temperatures, different pH conditions and are moisture stable, so it can be included in all types of feedstuff s such as pellets, mineral licks, molasses supplements and blocks.

Recent Australian research conducted at the University of Queensland showed that Bovacillus had a significant effect on the fibre digestibility and the starch digestibility of many common feedstuffs fed to Australian cattle. (Pan et al 2022)

It is important to note that not all strains of probiotic species produce the same results. Just as a Bos taurus beef cow and a dairy cow are very different although they are the same species, so too are different strains of Bacillus species. Chr. Hansen, the manufacturer of Bovacillus, has selected the strains used in the product after considerable testing and research to select the strains that are most beneficial in ruminants.

For more information on Bovacillus, please call the distributor, Nutriment Health, on 1300 815 262.

Second generation biostimulants

Biostart started as a biological company with just one product 28 years ago. Since then, it has evolved into a successful agtech that uses advanced microbial technology to create products that help farmers and growers with productivity and environmental issues.

These days their product range includes animal prebiotics, soil biostimulants, forage preservatives, foliar biostimulants and more. CEO, Dr Jerome Demmer and Head of R&D, Dr Chris Chilcott, are responsible for product development and the team that includes talented ag and hort advisors who work alongside farmers and growers.

“Biostart started with a prebiotic product called BioStart Calf, which was created before prebiotics were even understood, to give good gut health, nutrient uptake and resilience in calves. This was soon joined by Ruminant, a further prebiotic, which is appreciated in the merino industry for lifting lambing rates and weaner weights. Our biological forage preservative product, HayKing, became popular early on in Australia as it was so easy to use and allows farmers and contractors to bale hay at higher moisture levels and keep bales cooler. Silage King soon followed for increased silage quality. Since then, the crop biostimulant products have been developed and are being increasingly widely used,” says Jerome.

The Biostart’s crop biostimulant range is based on fermentation extract technology which combined with GMP manufacturing ensures product consistency. When used in the field the BioStart biostimulants

activate the naturally occuring microbes already present in the soil, plants and animals. The biostimulants target specific microbes that do defi ned jobs and this, followed by extensive trialling, ensures reliable and targeted results.

Jerome explains the one relationship plants have with microbes which Biostart has developed a biostimulant for: “Plants and microbes work together symbiotically to make soil nutrients available to the plant. When fertilisers are applied the nutrients in them get locked up in the soil in chemical forms that are unusable by the plant. Specific soil microbes are essential for converting these soil nutrients into forms that the plant can absorb. Our soil biostimulant, Mycorrcin, activates soil microbes that enhance root growth and branching, activate mycorrhizal fungi association, improve soil structure, nutrient uptake as well as crop yield and quality. In broccoli trials, for one, calcium, magnesium and potassium content was lifted by 40%, 23%, and 18%, respectively, while nitrogen,

sulphur and phosphorous were 19%, 13% and 23% higher. Yield was increased by 15% and the crop was harvested earlier. In other trials we have been able to measure improvements in a wide range of attributes, from fruit skin integrity to plant establisment, carbon levels in soil and even wine fl avour.”

The Biostart team recommends that farmers add the BioStart biostimulant programme to their existing growing systems to lift nutrient uptake, plant performance, crop quality and yield improvements and for long term soil improvements. Biostart is proud to have developed products that, by harnessing naturally occurring microbes, are environmentally friendly at the same time as being highly effective.

Please contact us for further information: Nick Smyth, Agriculture Sales Manager on 0408 122 980 or n.smyth@ biostart.com.au

Tennyson Blake, Horticulture Sales Manager on 455 494 993 or t.blake@biostart.com.au and biostart.com.au.

Optimising profitability for farmers through R&D and innovation

Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) needs no introduction to the experienced members of the Australian Cotton industry. Known as an ‘insecticide synergist’, PBO was commonly used in combination with various synthetic pyrethroids to help improve the control of Cotton Bollworm (Helicoverpa Armigera), given its ability to suppress resistance mechanisms. Imtrade CropScience, an Australian owned and operated crop protection company who specialise in formulation development, introduced Cyborg® Plus in October 2020. Containing a combination of beta-cyfluthrin and PBO, Cyborg® Plus was launched into the Macadamia and Avocado markets for the control of Fruit-Spotting Bug ( Amblypelta nitida) and Macadamia Nut Borer (Cryptophlebia ombrodelta). Imtrade were able to demonstrate gram-for-gram an improvement of up to 5% in yield when comparing Cyborg® Plus to single active beta-cyfluthrin against Fruit-Spotting Bug in their field trials program.

Off the back of the success of Cyborg® Plus, the Resistance Management Regime (RMR®) range was born with the goal

Little seeds doing big things

Williams Seed is a family owned and operated business, trading out of the Tweed Valley since 1935. The seed division is just one of a variety of industries Williams brings years of knowledge and expertise to. Williams, reputation is growing in the supply of bare and organic seed and is leading the industry in our dedication to supporting sustainable and regenerative farming practices.

With the increasing realisation by land managers that our soils are ‘overworked and underpaid’, conventional inputs are

to find the other key actives within the crop protection market that could be formulated successfully with PBO. Patriarch® RMR®, a high-load pyriproxyfen and PBO formulation is the fi rst RMR® registered product, aimed at improving control of Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci ) in Cotton and other pests in various horticultural crops. Outside of the addition of PBO, Imtrade has also focused on providing other benefits with Patriarch® by increasing the active concentration to three times that of any other pyriproxyfen product on the market. This is aimed at helping to reduce transport, storage and packaging costs, whilst also making it a more convenient product for end users to handle with smaller pack sizes.

The 22/23 cotton season will see the introduction of Patriarch® RMR® into the crop protection market and Imtrade say they are excited to see the results of their newest innovative product range. “We specialise in developing formulations that are specific to the challenges faced in Australian agriculture & horticulture, and believe Patriarch® RMR® will offer

Advertiser note

ineffective and uneconomical and prices are too high to keep doing things the same way, Williams Seeds are leading the way within the seed industry in supporting farmers and consultants in their regenerative journeys.

For Emily and Rory Smith of Kyarnee Pastoral (Tenterfield) this journey started after getting sick of seeing the low returns and seemingly endless bills for fertiliser. Until recently, Kyarnee was running a conventional farming system with traditional synthetic inputs and herbicide use. This consisted of growing a monoculture crop of oats every 12-18 months with 160kg/ha of urea and 80kg of superphosphate, getting 1-2 grazings, then leaving it bare to ‘rest’ which resulted in an impressive weed crop that had to be sprayed out before sowing. An examination of the books revealed this was something like $2,500/ month in costs and no profit. Since discovering Rural Boss (a nutritionally balanced microbial biostimulant) 18

our growers a unique way to combat insecticide resistance.” Following the release of Patriarch®, the RMR® range will see the additions will be of Myriad® (high-loading abamectin + PBO), Motto® (etoxazole + PBO) and Media® (hexythiazox + PBO), with registration of these products expected throughout 2023.

For more information on Patriarch® RMR® or any other Imtrade products please get in touch with your local Imtrade sales representative. www.imtrade.com.au

months ago, Emily and Rory have started sowing multispecies pastures, which has resulted in paddocks never being bare as there’s always quality feed growing and to-date eight times more grazings than the monoculture of oats. “Our inputs are completely decreased with only the Boss and a foliar urea application if it needs it. We don’t even use herbicide anymore because if it (the multispecies pasture) gets depleted we just oversow.” When Emily was asked on their reason for diverging from how the family land had always been managed she said, “I got so sick of seeing all the fertiliser bills, I put my foot down and said. That's enough, we need to do something different’. We have and it’s a no-brainer. I wish we started earlier”.

Contact us on 02 6672 9800 or williamsseed.com.au

New South Wales Sales Agronomist Tash

Favaloro: 0419 000 928, Queensland Sales Agronomist Tony Hodges: 0448 891 265.

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 flexible 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 retrofit 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 flexible rubber boot can be adjusted to set the seed depth. This means you can confidently 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 field by reducing mud

New upgrades for RYAN-NT’s no-till disc conversions & coil wheels

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 flow.”

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 retrofit most press wheel models on the market.

RYAN-NT also offers 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.

Why quality agribusiness infrastructure is better for your bottom line

Not only is the Australian Lot Feeders Association advocating for all cattle under the care of feedlots to have access to shade by 2026, but most operators understand the benefits of quality infrastructure to support animal welfare, disease control, operational and layout e ciencies, feed wastage and spoilage reduction – to name a few.

When considering shading options for your feedlot or dairy operation, there are a few options available, but each option also comes with some key considerations.

For example, full cover structural sheds and covers offer the best temperature and moisture ingress control, they are low maintenance and hands down the top pick for stock shading and, therefore, stress minimisation. The payoff for these types of structures though, is that they can be more expensive, require a council approval process and involve more complicated logistics in building these structures over existing yards.

Comparatively, longitudinal panel or slatted steel shading structures are a good shading option when designed

well, are low maintenance and can be more cost effective than structural shed or cover options. Generally, these can be easier to erect over existing yards and whilst they will still likely need council approval, the process can be easier than a structural shed or full cover.

One of the biggest challenges with panel or slatted shading systems is fi nding someone to design and manufacture an engineered solution. Also, due to the panel based cover, rainfall hitting the pen in the same spots over time or under heavy weather conditions, can cause erosion.

Having completed well over 200 agribusiness projects, Techspan understand the demands that the industry operates within and how important quality, practical, e cient and enduring infrastructure is in maximising productivity, safety, security and accessibility. Their reputation is unrivalled when it comes to listening to customer needs, attention to detail throughout every stage of a project and standing by their quality workmanship.

By blending innovative design, quality products, modern engineering and manufacturing process of the highest standard and a passion for good old fashioned personalised service, Techspan Building can help you make the right choice for your agribusiness infrastructure.

At Techspan, customisation comes standard. Your project is tailored to your exact needs. Structural strength is their promise and everything is sourced, designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions. Every project is backed by a 25 year guarantee so you can rest assured that your agribusiness infrastructure is built to last.

Techspan invite our readers to view some of the projects they have completed by visiting the case studies section on their website www.techspanbuilding.com.au.

Why not give Techspan’s Shed Designer Tool a try while you’re on site and see what your new shed could look like in 3D or to find out more contact the friendly team on 1800 350 450.

Trackers Traps is a 100% Indigenous owned and operated family business located in Central QLD. Our pig traps are backed by decades of research, development, trials and innovation. Proven to be more effective than conventional styles of pig traps.

Trackers Traps collapsible and kit pig traps take much of the manual labour, timeconsuming hassle out of storage, freighting, relocating and set up.

Trackers Traps can be shipped Australia wide. Our traps are patented and design registered. Our products were designed through decades of experience and knowledge in the field with over 60 designs tried and tested leading us to our most effective design to date.

We are proud to provide Australian made and owned products and provide an effective solution to our wide range of customers and clients.

TRACKERS TRAPS AT A GLANCE

- Australian owned, patented and manufactured

- Certified Australian Made products

- Supply Nation registered

- An innovative patented design 2-way entry door that allows repetitive entry – as opposed to one set only

- Minimise manual handling

- Environmentally friendly

- Safe for non-target species

Australian Made & Manufactured Pig Traps

- Humane method of feral pig control

- Stress-free trapping for targeted animal

- Innovative door allows for quiet entry

- The collapsible trap offers fast set up or pull down of around 2 minutes

- No extra accessories are required (such as trip wires, steel posts, or remotecontrolled gates etc)

- Cover more area with more traps in half the time

- Increase your capture and success rate – Capacity to capture 20+ pigs per trap

- Traps can be placed on sand and beaches

CLIENTELE

- Traditional owners

- National Parks and Wildlife Groups

- Nature Conservation organisations

- Indigenous Rangers

- Councils

- NRMs

- Farmers and producers

- Land, sea and marine protection

- Water boards

- Mining sector

- Tourism industry

- Horse studs

- Residential customers

TRAP & TRAILER UNIT

A quality custom-built trailer to make the transportation, deployment and placement of the Trackers Traps even easier.

Ideal for organisations and customers that are constantly required to relocate and deploy pig traps, covering large areas, long distances and different properties.

The trailer can also come in handy for a variety of uses once traps are deployed. Implementing the unit eliminates any heavy lifting and maximises time e ciency.

Comes ready to go with:

- 500kg Maxilift Crane

- Quality made Tandem axle trailer

- 5x collapsible traps

- 2x built-in toolboxes

* Your choice of trailer colour. Trailer has capacity to carry 10 collapsible traps.

COLLAPSIBLE PIG TRAPS

Trackers patented Collapsible Pig Trap is the only design of its kind worldwide.

Developed to deliver a time-e cient, stress-free, easy and less-labour intensive solution for setting a pig trap, while also giving you a greater success of capturing more pigs with its also patented 2-way repetitive entry door.

Boasting a 2-minute set up, this trap gives the advantage of covering more area in half the time while drastically reducing trap set up requirements.

Features include:

- 2 minutes set up

- Stacks fl at to 15 cm

- One person operation

- Innovative repetitive 2-way entry door design, allowing continuous entry and a quiet close.

- No extra accessories needed

- Minimise manual handling

- Cover more area, in half the time

- Environmentally friendly

- Humane

- L 2400 W 1800 H 900

KIT – FLAT PACK TRAPS

Trackers Flat Pack Kit Traps offer the same innovative and effective features as the Collapsible Trap, in a DIY easy-to-assemble kit.

Features include:

- Includes easy-to-read step -by-step instructions

- Lighter weight panels

- Approx. 15-20 mins assembly

- L 2400 W 1800 H 900

TRAPPERS MIX

Trackers Traps special blend of Trappers Mix designed to lure and attract feral pigs. The selected blend of ingredients has been formulated to work well among a variety of locations where natural food sources differ. Environmentally, livestock friendly and safe for non-target species. Available in 20kg bags. Bulk orders welcome.

Check out our website for videos of the traps, more information and pricing on www.trackerstraps.com.

Better safe than sorry –minimising the risk of mycotoxins

There is no silver bullet to tackle the threat of mycotoxins. To reduce the risk to both animal health and business profitability, a targeted approach is needed.

EFFECTS ON LIVESTOCK

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic compounds that can cause a variety of adverse health effects to your livestock.

“To combat the threat of these mycotoxins, Alltech Lienert has a

Fly

Gone:

we have your livestock covered

mycotoxin management toolbox, focusing on the preservation of feed and raw materials, as well as helping to monitor contamination levels and help protect your livestock,” says Alltech Lienert Nutritionist Gabby Brooke.

GRAIN TREATMENT FOR STORAGE

Tackle the cause of the problem with a preservative which inhibits the mould growth and lowers the risk of mycotoxins. Alltech’s Mold-Zap is a powerful mould inhibitor, comprised of buffered propionic acid and is blended into animal feed and stored grain.

TESTING PROGRAMS

It is important to do routine mycotoxin tests to evaluate their prevalence in your feed. Alltech Lienert provides this service.

MIXED FEED

Protect the animal with a mycotoxin binder. A binder consists of absorbent ingredients ensuring a broad-spectrum

Advertiser note

our animals jamming up in big mobs, not feeding and cattle affected by 3-day sickness each year was affecting our growth rates and weight gain.

Over the years we tried traditional back rubbers and dunkers with Cattle Coat. These worked to a certain extent but still never helped with the 3-day sickness. We used fly tags but they worked out costly by the time you buy the tags, muster the cattle to put them in the crush to take them out and extra stress on the cattle which then can lead to weight loss and potential injury moving them in a mob through the yards.

binding e cacy. Alltech’s Mycosorb

A+ is the next generation of mycotoxin binders, and is a proven broad spectrum mycotoxin binder, which tackles mycotoxin challenges as a whole.

PREVENTION IS KEY FOR OPTIMUM HEALTH

Whilst individual mycotoxins present a threat, the synergistic effects of multiple occurring mycotoxins and their interactions become very critical to the health of your livestock.

“Prevention of such a mycotoxin challenge is key for the optimum health of your livestock and the long-term profitability of your operation,” concludes Ms Brooke.

Alltech Lienert offers tailor-made mycotoxin management programs to assist you with prevention and mitigation of mycotoxin challenges.

Contact your local Alltech Lienert representative, call 1800 649 231 or visit alltechlienert.com.au for more information.

BENEFITS

- Reduces 3-day sickness in cattle * fl ies, mites, lice, tick reduction

- Pink eye reduction * weight gain * healthier looking coats

- Better coverage * time and money savings costing about $0.50/ head / week, worked on 100 head (1/6/2022)

FLY GONE FRAMES AND TRAILERS

and are long enough to reach down the sides of the animals. Replacement ropes are available.

GRAZE CARRIER OIL

A vegetable oil base, ready to be mixed with a chemical. This product has a licking deterrent and can last up to 8 weeks, much longer in comparison to para n oil.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Our names are Alan and Maree Thomsett. Our livestock business is based on breeding and backgrounding their own calves and buying in cattle to fatten and sell.

Buff alo fly and mosquitos have been a major problem over the past years. Having

We decided to make something with its own canister to hold the oil, that did not need to be quickly refi lled, would give good coverage and and be used time and time again, thus saving money and helping the environment. We developed the design for our Fly Gone Back Rub, and commissioned our own rope that would retain the oil when it rained.

When using Cattle Coat we noticed our fly numbers had dropped, and our 3-day sickness was drastically reduced. We also noticed fewer ticks.

Fly Gone makes a variety of frames to suit all applications, dry lick arms, free-standing frame and a trailer. The fl at pack designs can be assembled by 1 person in around 10 mins. All have winches and are able to be easily fi lled from the ground. The height can be adjusted to suit your animals.

Fly Gone Full Cover Livestock Back Rubs are easy to set up, and can be set up in trees. They are designed to hold the drip for at least 1 min before letting go at the end of rope. By holding the drip for this amount of time the oil will last approximately 6 weeks before refi lling. We recommend refi lling the canister at the end of the month. The ropes are UV treated so they will not rot

Fly Gone has a variety of oil products that come highly recommended. Organica and Graze Organics are made in Brisbane and have been on the market since 1978.

The majority of products are made from essential oils which have no withholding periods and no harmful chemicals. Flies and other pests don’t build up a resistance, saving time and money having to buy different products every few months.

Products available: Cattle Coat, Graze Carrie Oil, Dehorning Balm, Pony Coat, Pony Balm and Wooly Coat Balm

Alan Thomsett 0429176181

Maree Thomsett 0407115722

Flygone81@gmail.com

Turning ‘bad water’ into liquid gold

WITH much-needed precipitation coming from the heavens this week, it’s all too easy to become focused on the quantity sitting in our rain gauges, but have you really thought about the quality of the water you’re using at home or on the land?

While a good soaking can temporarily get things back on track, it’s the ongoing condition of your water (and how it’s delivered to stock and crops via irrigation systems) that’s just as important.

That’s why Hydrosmart is the smart way of solving old water problems with no waste streams, filters, chemicals, or the need for any ongoing consumables.

Hydrosmart has been manufactured in Adelaide for the past 24 years and is used for long term effective treatment of Australia’s diverse, often harsh, water problems.

The company’s ingenious, patented technology provides a simple ‘physical’ solution to many water issues – particularly from highly mineralised, hard, salty, iron or calcium/ gypsum supplies that are traditionally delivered from main, bore, dam or river sources.

All the technical stuff:

Hydrosmart’s physical water conditioning system is a simple, sustainable and effective approach to conditioning water.

By applying it, you get the advantages of using technology that requires no chemicals, no filters and no maintenance. And it’s far more effective than simple magnets and has no waste streams like Reverse Osmosis produces.

The “plug and play” process is based on scientific research which established that scale layers and corrosion problems are related to how well minerals in water are dissolved.

Subsequent application of the technology by crop grow-

ers and stock water users has demonstrated that better dissolved minerals and salts also deliver a distinct growth advantage for living organisms.

Hydrosmart utilises a series of computer generated resonance frequencies (ULF and VLF) to disrupt bonding between minerals and charged compounds.

These frequencies break the mineral bonds – much like sound waves shatter glass.

As well as acting on minerals, the resonance technology also acts on water directly, by affecting the natural dipole of water molecules.

This neutralises mineral precipitation, removes old scale and oxides, and prevents corrosion in pipes and all fittings in the flow.

A Hydrosmart microprocessor unit produces resonance frequencies that are focused on the water flow via antennae wound in tight coils around the pipe.

Most importantly, there are no reject streams, no pressure losses and no flow restrictions. Units last and work the same as day one, for decades.

Frequency effects remain in treated water for up to seven days and progressively break down bonds of any mineral deposits.

Calcium and iron scale in pipes and equipment connected to the treated flow gets leached away within a period of months. These minerals are pulled into suspension (dissolved) and exit the pipe with the water flow, the ionic charge influences elements which can then be better utilised by plants and stock with soil having improved percolation as softer water leaches more easily down via gravity after treatment.

What it means for you:

That’s a lot to take in for you or me, but the bottom line is Hydrosmart softens and re-

moves old mineralised calcium, iron, and magnesium scale build up, keeping it dissolved and in suspension so it’s not forming as scale.

It then runs out through the pipe lines, drippers, sprays, and all things in full time contact with treated water and can be better metabolised by plants.

That means greener lawns and healthier stock and produce (whether you’re on a thousand acres or simply growing some veggies in the back yard).

Happy customer:

One landholder more than impressed by the Hydrosmart system is Malcolm Price who owns 90 acres at Irongate (near Pittsworth).

Having set up a bore and gravity feed tank watering system for his fruit trees, Mr Price found the high level of salt in the irrigation water was causing more harm than good.

“We saw our plants were losing colour in their leaves and the drippers were backing up from the salt content,” Mr

Price said.

“So, we did some research and found how Hydrosmart could quickly counter this and the results have been incredible.

“Our veggie and fruit trees are going great and the cattle are still able to benefit from the sodium levels in their drinking water.

“When we first drilled the bore, the water was terribly salty, way too salty to drink, but I can say now first hand that it’s bloody excellent.

Fix your water today

“The system makes that much of a difference.”

Satisfaction guaranteed: Hydrosmart produces and ships thousands of units around Australia and overseas to a diverse range of clients including landholders, nursing homes, vineyards, factories, councils, hotels and resorts; even high schools.

In fact, Hydrosmart caters for a host of potential uses in domestic, aquatic, agricultural and commercial ventures,

mining and industrial applications, protecting and enhancing Council grounds and infrastructure; as well as offering recognised solutions to turf and irrigation suppliers.

If you’d like to see how the Hydrosmart team can easily fix your water issues, be sure to visit www.hydrosmart.com.au or give them a call on 1300 138 223.

Hydrosmart … better for your crops, better for your livestock and better for your home or business.

SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE: Craig Osborne is just one of the many satisfied customers who have seen incredible results thanks to the Hydrosmart water conditioning system.

Photo: Supplied