AgLife – Wednesday, February 24, 2021

www.aglife.com.au

Planning ahead Businesses across the Wimmera will join ACE Radio Broadcasters in a new campaign designed to fill a trading void left by the cancellation of this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Story, page 3 Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

February 24, 2021

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New platform potential L

BY DYLAN DE JONG

eaders behind a digital event designed to fill the void left by the cancellation of Wimmera Machinery Field Days are confident the idea could be a marketing template to support regional events in 2021 and beyond.

ACE Radio Broadcasters Horsham sales manager Mark Sulic said an AgLife Digital marketing promotion, scheduled from March 1 to 5, would create a platform for farm-industry businesses to promote their products and in-store events.

The promotion combines the network’s radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM, The Weekly Advertiser and online services to promote businesses and business activity across the region.

Wimmera businesses such as McDonald Steel, Wimmera Mallee Ag and Traction Ag have jumped on board with the event and plan to run a series of promotions and comeand-drive machinery opportunities for their customers.

Mr Sulic said COVID-19 restrictions and the cancellation of the field days event presented businesses with major challenges in the past year.

He said the hope was the digital event would generate greater interest in farm-industry businesses and stimulate the regional economy.

“After having conversations with our clients, we wanted to try to emulate the field days with an online event that would be COVID-safe,” he said.

“With not really knowing what the future looked like with lockdowns, this seemed like the safest way to run an event.

“The one thing we’ve learned

UNITED FOR PROMOTION: The Weekly Advertiser journalist Dylan de Jong and MIXX FM radio presenter Kaycee Bould are ready for a big week of AgLife Digital promotion. ACE Radio Broadcasters’ multi-media marketing event will start on Monday, featuring farm-industry businesses across the Wimmera-Mallee. 3WM and MIXX FM radio presenters will be broadcasting live from participating businesses across the five-day showcase. For more information about activities running throughout the event, people can visit website www. aglife.com.au. Cover picture: From left, 3WM radio presenter Adam Roche, Dylan de Jong, ACE Digital representative Bonnie Severin, Kaycee Bould and account managers James Davidson and Lee Meadows.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER through the whole COVID-19 pandemic is you just have to give it a go – that’s the main reason we are trialling this new platform.”

Mr Sulic said the event would hopefully result in customers returning to participating businesses.

“There might not be sales instantly, but businesses are likely to see a surge two or three months down the track,” he said.

“The added benefit is businesses

will be able to host their own comeand-drive days with machinery on site – this is something which was not possible in a traditional field-days setting.

“All participating businesses will also be part of a special directory where they can promote business activities in greater detail. The site launched on Monday.”

Mr Sulic said the AgLife Digital platform could be a template used for other regional events trying to adapt

and capitalise on ‘virtual’ opportunities.

“We hope to do this in co-operation with the field days when it can resume again, running alongside the physical event,” he said.

“We believe the template we’ve created in this development could lead to helping many different types of events reach greater audiences.”

• People can find the directory online at www.aglife.com.au.

Auction result reflects demand A 125.01-hectare parcel of farming land on Bothes Road at Lower Norton west of Horsham sold at public auction for $1,482,864.

Bill Ower from Bill Ower Real Estate in Horsham said the price paid and high level interest shown in the property reflected the strong demand for agricultural land across western areas of Victoria.

Mr Ower reported the successful auction outside Wonwondah Hall for the land, ‘with no buildings, but very well fenced and watered by catchment dams with GWMWater pipeline through the property but not connected’.

He said the property was in two separate titles of about 71 and 237 acres and a crowd of about 80 people in attendance were from the Horsham, Toolondo and Arkona districts.

“Good interest had been shown in the property prior to the auction, with 10 separate parties inspecting the property during previous weeks,” he said.

“The property included Norton Creek flats rising to medium loam soils with some buckshot and was good open farming and grazing country under wheat stubble.”

Mr Ower said advice was that the wheat crop yielded about 2.5 tonnes per hectare and the previous crop had been beans.

“Bidding commenced at $2500 per acre and rose under spirited bidding in $50 increments and finally $25 rises until being sold at $4800 per acre,” he said.

Mr Ower said the eventual buyers were from Lower Norton.

Primary producers to help establish drought tool A drought resilience self-assessment tool is one of eight foundational programs announced under the Federal Government’s $5-billion Future Drought Fund to build drought resilience.

A government tender process completed in December last year led to Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu winning a tender to establish the tool.

A team of leading risk advisory and

IT specialists will now work closely with farmers in its design.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said while farmers were highly skilled at managing climate variability, the intensity and frequency of drought was a challenge that required additional support.

“The tool will enable farmers to self-assess their resilience against a range of environmental, economic and

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social indicators, as well as identify their future risk exposure under climate scenarios,” he said.

“It will assist farmers to make climate-smart business decisions and identify management approaches that can improve their resilience to drought.

“The tool will be delivered through pilots, with a prototype for extensive end user testing expected mid-year.”

Deloitte will work closely with primary producers to co-design the tool to make sure it is fit-for-purpose and delivers actionable insight.

“Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a global leader in climate-risk advisory, scenario analysis, economics and digital innovation, including digital-decision support,” Mr Littleproud said.

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AMONG THE BEST: Will Schilling from DMD Horsham competed in a major auctioneers competition final in Shepparton yesterday. He is pictured at Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange with his dog Paddy.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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D

riscoll, McIllree and Dickinson, DMD, Horsham auctioneer Will Schilling was attempting to win a major statewide competition against leading young industry contemporaries at Shepparton yesterday.

Mr Schilling was one of 10 finalists at Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association, ALPA, Victorian Young Auctioneers final at Shepparton Regional Saleyards yesterday.

He made the top 10 in the state based on an online training assessment carried out by the association in efforts to continue the long-running annual challenge.

ALPA deferred the competition from September last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yesterday’s competition showcased the skills, enthusiasm and talents of young auctioneers in an authentic real-life auction of livestock.

ALPA chief executive Peter Baldwin said one of the association’s main objectives was to provide professional development, leadership and education programs to its members.

He said the longevity of the ALPA young auctioneers competitions, now running for 31 years, was testament to the quality of training and education the association provided as well as the focus it shone on future leaders of the industry.

He added the event gave young professionals, whose ultimate aim was to be a great all-round agent, the chance to showcase the hard work they had put in to developing their auctioneering skills, with encouragement from their employers, across the Victorian rural landscape.

Traditionally, competitors attend an auctioneers school – the selection ground for the competition.

As part of a selection process during the

COVID-19 lockdown, young auctioneers vying to enter the competition had to submit an unedited video of themselves leading an auction of three consecutive pens of cattle in their hometown selling centre.

Online judging from an expert panel then led to selection of the 10 finalists.

Finalists also competed for the Graham Lanyon Shield as part of competition yesterday.

The winner and runner-up have the opportunity to represent Victoria at the 2021 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition in Sydney at the Royal Easter Show on April 1.

“The very thesis of the competition is recognition for the young members of our profession who underpin the future of the industry,” Mr Baldwin said.

“It provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the pride and passion these agents have for their industry, themselves, their employers and families.

“Historically a launching pad for bigger and better things, participation in the competition nourishes their enthusiasm and dedication towards developing their rare talent, in an ethical and businesslike way.”

Other finalists yesterday were Ryan Bajada, Elders Rural Services, Pakenham; Harrison Cozens, Kerr and Co Livestock, Hamilton; Cody Fogarty, AWN Shepparton; Jack Ginnane, Nutrien South Gippsland Livestock, Leongatha; Will Jennings, Paull and Scollard Nutrien, Barnawartha; Reiley Murtagh, Corcoran Parker, Wodonga; Billy Trinder, Nutrien, East Gippsland Livestock, Bairnsdale; James Wilson, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Bendigo; Matthew Wilson, Elders Rural Services, Pakenham.

Clamp down on biosecurity The Federal Government is cracking down further on people who flout biosecurity laws, introducing legislation that gives courts the use of higher penalties to reflect the seriousness of non-compliance.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the Biosecurity Amendment – Strengthening Penalties – Bill 2021 was about sending a message to individuals and companies who put Australia’s $61-billion agriculture industry and more than $1-trillion in environmental assets at risk by contravening the Biosecurity Act 2015.

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Wednesday, March 3 Reps from Peerless, Gentech & BAR with products on display and live demonstrations.

Thursday, March 4 Reps from Kincrome, Bordo, Tridon, Knipex, Sykes-Pickavant and Matson with products on display.

Friday, March 5 Reps from Bullmax, Bossweld, Klingspor, with demonstrations and display of products.

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s an aged rural reporter, I’ve been going to field days since the early 1980s.

I know, that’s a very long time. And it includes field days in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.

I cut my teeth on stud merino field days in the mid north of South Australia, traipsing the long, dusty roads to some of the most famous studs like Collinsville and the Bungaree group.

Ah, those were the days – big, plain-bodied sheep that sold for prices not heard of since.

In more recent times, it’s been Elmore, Sheepvention, Henty and of course, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, which have a permanent place in my work calendar – until last year when I had a leave pass to go to my son’s wedding.

That was the weekend before the first lockdown. My, haven’t things changed since then?

If little else, the pandemic has forced us all to be more resourceful.

Thanks to the internet, livestock sales have been booming through AuctionsPlus and farmers are rethinking how they sell their animals.

Out of adversity comes opportunity. Like the Wimmera field days, Horsham Show had to be cancelled, so, like the field days, they went online and it grew like topsy.

From that has come the 150km Feast, celebrating how agriculture has sustained the

Country Today with Libby Price

Wimmera community through this pandemic.

Of course, most grain growers love to go along to events to catch up and kick a lot of tractor tyres, check out the lastest controlled-traffic technology and ponder if there ever really will be driverless tractors.

But this is the year to be investing with the Federal Government’s 100 percent asset write-off on new and used machinery, so spoil yourself, go online and have a gander.

My household has certainly been doing its bit to support the wine industry during lockdown.

The wine delivery man knows my dogs by their name and plays little tricks on us, like hiding behind the front door and leaping out with a big ‘boo!’ and another carton of fine wine. Life is too short to drink cheap wine.

As agriculture leads Australia out of the economic doldrums, let’s get online, support our local community and instead of walking those 10,000 steps, let’s make 10,000 clicks and browse through businesses in AgLife.

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The Weekly Advertiser – AgLife Digital 2021

www.aglife.com.au

Team ready for showcase

A

n agriculture showcase will provide business Wimmera Mallee Ag with a major marketing opportunity to offer farmers a hands-on come-and-try experience.

The Horsham-based team will join industry experts on March 4 to present machinery demonstrations to farmers.

The concept is designed to provide farmers with a ‘field-days experience’ in one location.

The demonstrations tie in with The Weekly Advertiser’s AgLife Digital event, designed to ‘virtually’ replicate what visitors to Wimmera Machinery Field Days have come to expect.

Field days officials cancelled this year’s event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wimmera Mallee Ag’s full-day event will feature five company representatives on site including HARDI Australia, Walker and Bobcat Mowers, Tillage Tools Australia, Grainline and Gulf Western Oil. Store manager Jodie Eagle said representatives would work with clients to take advantage of their product and machinery expertise and provide farmers with a first-hand experience.

“What better way to experience a product or machine than to drive or operate it alongside its experts?” she said.

“Talk shop, talk timelines, talk oper-

TIME TO TALK SHOP: Wimmera Mallee Ag’s Adam Jackman, Jim Reynen and Peter Hobbs will be on hand to assist clients with ‘hands-on’ machinery demonstrations.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER ations, talk technology, talk the right fit for you.

“This event will attract clients who are genuinely interested in talking to the reps.

“It won’t be quite as busy as the machinery field days, which will allow us to provide our customers with a more personalised experience.”

Ms Eagle said the pre-sowing showcase came at a great time for farmers, businesses and individuals who were looking for a product or machine.

These might include everything from self-propelled boom sprays to small spray units, firefighting tanks to slash-

The Weekly Advertiser – AgLife Digital 2021

ers and mowers, grain feed-out trailers and grain-handling or assessing products.

Ms Eagle said the Wimmera Mallee Ag team would be in store for all its normal services, spare part and accessories needs or just a general face-toface catch up.

“I think people need to get together and support each other,” she said.

“This event will provide a bit of an opportunity to socialise, which most of us have missed out on during the pandemic.”

Wimmera Mallee Ag will also offer exclusive event specials to cli-

www.aglife.com.au

ents on Grainline Poly Products and Gulf Western Oils and the opportunity to win a Kärcher vacuum valued at $1000.

Ms Eagle said morning tea and lunch would be available on the day.

The in-store event will be between 9am and 5pm at Wimmera Mallee Ag headquarters at 8 Hamilton Road.

Ms Eagle said people could find out more by calling the team on 53 826 103, emailing admin@wimmeramalleeag.com.au or by visiting website www.wimmeramalleeag.com.au.

• People can visit www.aglife.com.au for more information about the week.

Boost for workforce The State Government will provide an additional $19.3-million to support Victoria’s horticultural industry workforce.

Jobseekers who take up seasonal work will now be eligible for bonuses of almost $2500, with the government providing more than $10-million to encourage jobseekers to give the work a go and boost workforces.

The government will provide the Seasonal Harvest Sign-on Bonus in two payments, with $810 paid after two weeks of work and a further $1620 paid after an additional six weeks of work.

To be eligible, workers need to complete at least 10 days’ work within a one-month period to receive the first bonus and at least another 30 days within a three-month period for the additional payment.

To maximise take-up of the signon bonus, industry groups that support growers in priority harvest regions will receive funding for additional staff and resources through a new $1-million Seasonal Workforce Industry Support grant program.

People seeking further details about how to apply for the sign-on bonus can visit website agriculture. vic.gov.au/bigharvest.

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WELCOME: From left, Traction Ag sales manager Steve Graetz, general manager Vince Carbone and Dan Kennedy, parts manager, are looking forward to welcoming people to their 2021 Product and Drive Day next week.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Leading the way

T

raction AG is inviting primary producers and contractors to its 2021 Product and Drive Day experience on March 3 and 4.

Business leaders have confirmed an ‘exciting’ showcase featuring new products from Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Gleaner, GSI, Challenger, Rogator, Hansa, Polaris, Cub Cadet and Wimmera GPS. The Traction Ag team will also have other on-site product displays from PBSeeds, Sparex, Primary Sales and more.

General manager Vince Carbone said one of Traction AG’s main feature products this year included a working demonstration of the newly updated and innovative Croplands Weed-it Spray system.

“This machine is the best-selling optical-spot spraying system in Australia,” he said.

“With more than 13,000 optical-spot sensors already in use in Australian agriculture, this technology has opened up new opportunities for Australian farmers to reduce input costs and chemical use.”

Mr Carbone said Traction AG was also launching an exclusive.

“For the first time in Australia, the recently released New Fendt 700 Gen 6 Series Tractor will be showcased and revealed at the Product and Drive Day,” he said.

The team has urged people to avoid missing out on the opportunity and to head along, see the exclusive display and take the tractor for a drive.

“Traction AG’s Rogator 1300C, with its mas-

sive 48-metre boom, will have plenty of room to show customers why it is the best self-propelled sprayer on the market for operation, innovation and comfort,” Mr Carbone said.

“With much excitement, Traction Ag is also proud to be launching a new product range – the Australian-owned-and-made Hansa range of heavy duty trailing and 3PL spreaders.

“With current shortages of high-analysis phosphorous fertilisers, these spreaders will be in strong demand.

“The word is, ‘be quick, talk with a Hansa representative and grab an early-bird special’.”

Traction AG also has an exclusive for Victoria’s adrenaline junkies.

Mr Carbone said all-terrain racing legend Simon Evans would attend with his new Polaris RZR pro XP Ultimate and Traction AG was giving its customers the chance for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

“The team at Traction AG is busy building an on-site race track to match the excitement,” he said.

To win a lap on the race track, people can enter via the business’s Facebook by answering why ‘you need to feel the rush’.

“Traction AG’s innovative and progressive team has guaranteed we will have products on display for visitor enjoyment and hands-on experience,” Mr Carbone said.

“This is a great opportunity to catch up with the Traction AG team and enjoy some great food and refreshments. See you there.”

• People can visit www.aglife.com.au for more information about the event.

Stir continues over basin rail project A Murray Basin Rail Project continues to attract controversy with Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster concerned about reports the State Government might be using ‘inappropriate’ concrete sleepers on Sea Lake line work.

She said reports indicated sleepers being used would only be compatible with broad-gauge rail, meaning ‘any future work to fully standardise the Murray Basin Rail Network will require all new replacement sleepers compatible with standard gauge’.

“Should these reports prove to be true, this is a critical error by the Victorian government, and is another damning indictment on their capacity to deliver this vital infrastructure project,” she said.

“On top of $195-million to revive the stalled project, the Federal Government committed an additional $5-million to allow for a plan for the full standardisation of the network.

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“The Federal Government requested the State Government match this additional commitment, which is yet to take place.

“The move to install sleepers incompatible with standard gauge shows the Andrews government is either not capable of delivering this project efficiently, or they are deliberately trying to prevent the full standardisation of the network.

Frankly, I can’t decide which is worse.”

Dr Webster’s comments came days after the federal and state governments issued a joint statement about how both parties were working together to improve the network.

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack and Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said almost 70,000 new sleepers were being installed between Korong Vale and Sea Lake.

y l n o s ’ Th e re

Schinckel Hayrakes new “Opener Series” has received excellent enquiries and sales according to proprietor, Simon Schinckel.

The revolutionised front mounted rake won several awards at last year’s field days. At the Hamilton Sheepvention, Simon was awarded the “Farm Machinery & Technology” Award along with the “Robert F Stewart” – Best Innovation Award”, a highly sort after award.

At Dowerin in Western Australia, the new “Opener Series” Rake won the “Best New Release Machinery Attachments” Award.

Schinckel Hayrakes have had very positive enquiries from Western Australia through to Goondiwindi in Queensland.

On farm demonstrations with the new “Opener Series” Rake have won lots of support from hay growers from the Henty area in New South Wales through to Wycheproof, Jeparit areas in the Victorian Mallee region to the south of Macarthur.

After seeing the demonstrations of the “Opener Series” and the “Next F Series” Hayrakes an extremely impressed South African distributor has expressed interest in the machines for their market.

Simon has just returned from a trip to America where he attended the “World Ag Expo” at Tulare in California which is the

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largest annual outside agriculture exposition in the US with 1400 exhibitors.

He also attended the “National Farm Machinery Show” in Louisville, Kentucky.

The show is under 3 stadiums covering 27 acres of roof cover, most machinery sitting on carpeted floors with all machines highly polished. Numbers in excess of 300,000 attend the 4 day show, which has approximately 2000 exhibitors from around the world. It was a real “eye opener.”

Sales of rakes this year have been very encouraging, with machines already sold to go to the Wimmera, Lucindale, Speed and Newdegate, WA Field Days.

Schinckel Hayrakes will be releasing a new model V Rake on the market at Wimmera Field Days called “The Wide Rear” Series.

1

R e w y h w n o s a e r

Y S U B Y R VE So call in and have a look at the Schinckel Hayrake stand at the WMFD,

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Schinckel Hayrakes Naracoorte, South Australia Ph. (08) 8762 1935 or Simon on 0428 838 524

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www.aglife.com.au DISAPPOINTED: Vectis farmer Tim Rethus has weighed in on a Nationals’ call to make agriculture exempt from a net-zero emissions target.

Rethus: Ag sector is key A

BY DYLAN DE JONG

Wimmera farmer believes the agricultural sector will continue to play a major role in carbon emissions reduction.

Vectis farmer Tim Rethus made his comment in response to Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack suggesting the industry should be made exempt from Australia’s emissions targets.

Mr McCormack told media earlier this month the agricultural industry should not be ‘hurt’ in meeting international targets to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Mr Rethus said the agriculture sector was already on track to helping Australia achieving net zero, disagreeing with the deputy prime minister’s position.

“We shouldn’t be exempt at all,” he said.

“Mr McCormack has not read the public mood at all and he’s not representing the country. He seems to have a very narrow focus – I was disappointed he said that.”

In 2019, figures showed agriculture produced about 13 percent of Australia’s national emissions.

Mr Rethus said farmers had the ability to store carbon in their soil through sequestration – one method farmers could use to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

However, he said farmers were still struggling to implement carbon sequestration into their farming systems.

“We’re told we can sequester carbon and in theory you can, but it’s not that simple – it requires a lot of money to do it because you have got to fertilise the dirt to make that happen,” he said.

“The perception and hype around what we can do and what is physically achievable are two different things and we’re also dealing with the variability of the climate.”

Mr Rethus said agriculture would only be able to help meet targets if it was it was economically viable for farmers.

“What is really incredible is how many students are going to ag colleges now.

You’ve got so many smart young people taking up a career in ag” – Tim Rethus

“It’s in our best interest to be as sustainable as possible and minimise our costs – and if it provides income that’s even better,” he said “Any new initiatives need to keep us neutral or better than neutral in terms of profit.”

Mr Rethus said government-funded research would be critical to help farmers improve farming techniques that would result in lowered emissions.

“This is where all the research organisations really come into their element to try to develop better farming systems,” he said.

“It opens us up to getting more research dollars because we can’t store more carbon in our soil if we don’t

ONLINE DIRECTORY

know how to do it.” Mr Rethus also highlighted a nationwide surge in young people enrolling into agriculture courses in tertiary institutions.

He said he believed state and federal governments must springboard off greater interest in the industry to help drive a new era of research into sustainable agriculture.

“What is really incredible is how many students are going to ag colleges now. You’ve got so many smart young people taking up a career in ag,” he said.

“This is an opportunity for those students to make their mark on the industry and a great opportunity for the government to really push that and help groom the next wave of brilliant scientists that will solve our problems.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was a priority for Australia to reach net-zero emission by 2050, but has yet to formally commit to any agreement.

Climate and sheep webinar A free webinar from noon to 1pm on March 2 will provide sheep farmers with insight into the impact of climate variability on farming businesses and highlight ways to improve business resilience in a variable environment.

Lambs Alive agricultural consultant Dr Jason Trompf will present the webinar, which people can join via their web browsers, a WebEx app on smartphones, tablets, iPads or by dialling in.

Dr Trompf said farmers had to juggle many factors to make big decisions – decisions that affected not only their livelihoods but the wellbeing of themselves and their families, animals and landscape.

He said the complexity of this ongoing juggling act was exacerbated by a highly variable environment and producers that established flexible business plans and deployed proactive management tactics could adapt most effectively.

“Improving the consistency of profits means that you need a production system that can make money across most years, not just the good ones,” he said.

“This means we need to be proactive and have strategies in place that can quickly adjust to the individual circumstances of a production season.”

Dr Trompf said the webinar would feature producers who had undertaken a review that critiqued the flexibility of their enterprises from an enterprise structure-mix, feed demand to pasture supply, infrastructure, animal management, genotype, business and human-resource management.

Dr Trompf has been an agricultural consultant for more than 20 years.

Working nationally, he has had significant input into the design, delivery and evaluation of a range of farm-management programs widely recognised for lifting onfarm productivity and profitability.

He also has extensive experience in lamb survival, consulting with and presenting to producers across Australia and New Zealand.

He has been associated with BestWool BestLamb and BetterBeef programs since their inception.

People can find out more information and get help joining the webinar by emailing climate.webinars@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

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The Weekly Advertiser – AgLife Digital 2021

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Innovative crop varieties hit market H

company, PBSeeds – which has extensive expertise with lentils – to bring the variety to market.

A group of passionate growers, breeders, agronomists, seed, grain and marketing experts from north-west Victoria, and the mid-north and Yorke Peninsula regions of South Australia, founded the private breeding company in 2013.

With a suite of varieties released or just hitting the market this year, GIA leaders hope growers across Australia will soon benefit from the business’s innovative ideas.

GIA’s Dr Michael Materne said a farm-based team approach had ensured the company was breeding variety solutions that growers wanted and needed for their modern farming practices and systems.

He said the company’s broad expertise and enthusiasm had resulted in a change of focus on lentils to breeding pulses, oats, wheat, barley and canola.

Dr Materne said a key to GIA’s success was ‘working with the best partners to transform each idea into a variety for growers in the most efficient and fastest way possible’.

GIA’s first variety, Kingbale, bred by Dr Materne, is the world’s first IMItolerant oat.

“Kingbale’s IMI tolerance offers new options for weed control and also

PBSeeds commercial manager Janine Sounness said the company had produced ‘quality assured’ Kingbale, Commodus CL and Leader seed.

“Growers have been quick to order Commodus CL seed, which has already sold out, and Kingbale seed looks like it will sell out in the next month,” she said.

“We have been getting increasing orders for Leader over the past month as well.”

South Australian seed partner, AGSchilling Seeds, has also had strong orders for Kingbale.

It also released GIA’s world-first IMI-tolerant field peas, GIA Kastar and GIA Ourstar, to market last year, with seed still available for 2021.

Dr Materne said both varieties had improved tolerance to common incrop and residual IMI herbicides for more effective weed control.

“GIA is proud to have developed varieties of great value to growers, as evident by the demand,” he said.

“We all live and work locally and want to contribute to seeing our farming communities thrive.”

• People can visit www.aglife.com.au for more information.

orsham-based Grains Innovation Australia is starting to make a name for itself in the cropbreeding scene.

PBSeeds

PBSeeds’ Peter Blair is an excellent option where there are residue concerns from imidazolinone use in previous crops,” Dr Materne said.

“It was developed in collaboration with InterGrain and Nufarm. Nufarm recently announced the exclusive registration of Sentry® Herbicide to use on imidazolinone, IMI, tolerant oats, according to their label directions.”

GIA has also released a new barley variety, Commodus CL, which the company bred and developed collaboratively with InterGrain.

“It’s the high yielding, vigorous, IMI-tolerant barley that growers have been wanting for low-medium rainfall areas, and on lighter sandier soils to compete with weeds,” Dr Materne said.

GIA Leader is the company’s first lentil variety and offers growers an imidazolinone-tolerant lentil with the best disease resistance.

“The variety is a mid-late season type so suited to more favourable growing areas and seasons, where its yield is comparable to current IMI lentil varieties,” Dr Materne said.

GIA partnered with Wimmera seed

Join us in talking all things farming and agriculture!

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Jane Bunn, Meteorologist Rohan Clarke, Business Council of Co-Operatives Andrew Smith, Rural Bank Grant Hando, Agri Supply Chain Professional Elle Hentschke, Malteurop Tristan Coram, Australian Grain Technologies Ron Storey, Industry Professional Interactive Panel

Seasonal Outlook & Jane’s new weather app Turning climate change into profit Rising land values - a bankers perspective Understanding the fertiliser market Malt Barley Market Project High Fibre Wheat Market Project Turning data into dollars Farmer Focus Session For full program go to farmtradeaustralia.com.au

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Sowing season on horizon F

BY DYLAN DE JONG

armers across the Wimmera are busy preparing their land for the coming winter-crop season, following a ‘bumper’ harvest in 2020-21.

Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences estimates Victorian winter-crop production will be the highest on record, increasing by 27 percent in 2020-21 to 9.5-million tonnes.

The bureau’s February report shows winter crops in Victoria are almost complete, with the exception of some rain affected areas in the south-west of the state.

Natimuk grain and sheep farmer Brian Klowss is among primary producers across the state who finished the harvest season with ‘well above average’ results.

He said he was now busy preparing his broadacre cropping operation in the lead up to western Victoria’s sowing season.

“We’re undertaking a bit of planning for what our winter cropping system will look like this year and we’ve finished about half of our fertiliser program,” he said.

“We’re still looking fairly tied up in grain marketing at the moment too, because we’ve still got a lot of grain to sell or deliver from harvest.”

Mr Klowss said sowing season would likely start in late March or early April.

“If we could receive some rain soon, then we’d be into sowing all our early

crops for grazing,” he said. “And then when we get into the first week of April, we’ll start with clover, vetch and then closer to Anzac Day will be when we start with crops like canola and wheat.”

Mr Klowss said he was hoping for some early rain before the sowing season started to boost his soil-moisture profile after a dry summer.

“Our sub-soil moisture is at about 20 percent across my property and would be excellent ranging down to poor on some of our heavier country that didn’t get summer rain,” he said.

“We plan to put some moisture probes out in the next week.”

Mr Klowss said he hoped 2021 would continue with favourable cropping conditions his farm had experienced in recent years.

He said yield and quality for his wheat, barley, canola and bean crops after harvest far outweighed his expectations after he finished harvest late last year.

“It was a good, above average season.

Some of our crops got touched up with a late frost, but it wasn’t major. Some of our lighter soil types actually yielded better than what we anticipated,” he said.

“We had a dry July and August in winter – that knocked a bit of the barley around, so it was surprising to see how GOOD TIMES: Natimuk farmer Brian Klowss with dogs Ellie and much we actually yielded in the end.

“However, we had an ideal spring, that Oscar, finished his harvest season with ‘well above average’ Picture: PAUL CARRACHER was the big turnaround for the season.” results.

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Expert speakers at grains update Five Agriculture Victoria researchers are among guests invited to present at a Grains Research Update in Bendigo this week.

The Grains Research Development Corporation event, on today and tomorrow, features Agriculture Victoria senior research scientist Jason Brand, Grant Hollaway, Mark McLean, Roger Armstrong and Josh Fanning.

The Grains Research Update provides agronomists, consultants, researchers and growers with a forum to showcase innovative thinking and latest research outcomes relevant to modern farming systems.

An advisory committee made up of grain-industry leaders has selected topics and speakers.

Topics are – • Nitrogen fertiliser use efficiency ‘rules of thumb’ put to the test and soil amelioration practices to alleviate subsoil constraints – Roger Armstrong, Agriculture Victoria.

• Cereal disease wrap-up – Grant Hollaway and Mark McLean, Agriculture Victoria.

• Faba bean agronomy update – Jason Brand, Agriculture Victoria and James Manson, SFS. • Pulse disease update – Josh Fanning, Agriculture Victoria.

The 2021 update will be a hybrid event, to a limited number in a live audience at All Seasons Bendigo and an interactive livestream.

The event starts at 8.55am today and ends at 4.15pm tomorrow.

People can view a full program and more details online at grdc.com.au/events.

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Opportunities in wool classing D

emand for wool classers is matching a significant shortage of shearers across Australia, opening fresh opportunities for highly paid work across southwest Victoria.

South West TAFE is starting new wool-classing courses at the end of February in Hamilton, Mortlake and Winchelsea and expects demand to be strong as the wool industry seeks skilled workers.

Australian Wool Innovation Wool Harvesting Training and Development program manager Craig French said

wool classing was one of the great in-demand jobs in the wool industry.

“It is a highly sought-after role that is an essential part of the industry,” he said.

Mr French added there would be opportunities for new graduates.

“The Australian wool industry is the lifeblood of many rural towns and communities and has a bright future,” he said.

South West TAFE wool-classing teacher Stuart MacPherson said the entire wool industry was in need of workers, which was opening great opportunities for trained people.

“There has been a lot of focus on the shortage of shearers, but it’s the same for wool handlers and wool classers,” he said.

“Because of the shortages, many farms have had to pay higher than award rates to attract people.”

Wool classing is listed as a Job Trainer course, meaning eligible people can study at low cost.

Certificate IV in Wool Classing graduates can register with the Australian Wool Exchange to receive an Australian classer registration, allowing them to work as registered classers in shearing sheds anywhere in Australia.

Mr MacPherson said the course focused on practical skills, with students working with wool to learn about its characteristics and the requirements for classing following the Australian Wool Exchange code of practice for how the wool clip is to be prepared.

“Another important part of being a wool classer is supervising the other wool handlers in the shed and the management of contamination,” he said.

“It is very much leading a team environment and they take on responsibility to manage and instruct the team so

Top award for research agronomist Agriculture Victoria senior research agronomist Jason Brand is the toast of Mallee Sustainable Farming after winning its 2021 David Roget Award for Excellence.

Mallee Sustainable Farming executive officer Lachie Sutton presented Mr Brand, a familiar figure in the Wimmera-Mallee broadacre farming industry, with his award at a Mildura Mallee Research Update earlier this month.

Mr Sutton said Mr Brand had won recognition for his work leading a Southern Pulse Agronomy Program and providing services to regional growers.

“He has been recognised for approaching this extension work in a balanced way and has developed management packages to help farmers achieve optimal results with what are now key cornerstones of modern farming systems,” he said.

The David Roget Award for Excellence recognises an individual, business or group who has made a significant contribution to dryland-farming production systems in the Mallee Sustainable Farming region.

Mr Brand was nominated for the award for the role he has played in the development and extension of the Australian pulse industry and also for his work in attracting young people into grains research as graduates, PhD students and technical staff.

Mr Brand said he was honoured

HONOURED: Agriculture Victoria senior research agronomist Jason Brand. to receive the award and having the opportunity to work with growers, agronomists and researchers.

“I really enjoy collaborating and sharing knowledge out in the field and working alongside groups like Mallee Sustainable Farming and Michael Moodie from Frontier Farming

Systems to achieve all we have in the pulse industry,” he said.

Mallee Sustainable Farming created the award to celebrate the work of the late David Roget.

Mr Roget was a principal research scientist with CSIRO at the Waite campus, Adelaide, before he retired

in 2005. He was renowned for developing and promoting the concept of farming-systems research by bringing together multiple disciplines and grower input, particularly through the Mallee Sustainable Farming Project.

they need a well-rounded knowledge of the tasks of a wool handler as well as classing.”

WoolProducers Australia chief executive Jo Hall said parts of Australia were experiencing a significant shortage in shearers, which had led to above-award rates being paid.

She said WoolProducers was coordinating efforts with relevant industry stakeholders at a national level and had been working on medium and longer-term plans to address attraction and retention issues in the wool-harvesting sector.

Kangaroo quota rise The State Government will increase the allocation of a Kangaroo Harvesting Program in 2021 to help manage a ‘notable’ increase in the estimated statewide kangaroo population.

A Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning survey in 2020 estimated the kangaroo population is almost two-million across Victoria – up almost 40 percent compared with 2018.

Agriculture minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the program would increase to 95,680 to prevent kangaroos competing with livestock for stock and feed, and damage to crops and fences.

“It’s important that kangaroo numbers are sustainably managed in Victoria to reduce impacts on landholders and the community,” she said.

Ms Thomas said the government would allow the extra meat to be made available for human consumption – not just for pet food – and look for opportunities to export the skins to reduce waste and boost economic opportunities.

“This program provides a service to farmers and an income to trained professional shooters,” she said.

“The changes to how products generated from the Kangaroo Harvesting Program can be used gives more options to harvesters and processors to make use of these animals and reduce waste – and create more jobs in country towns.”

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Leading the way in spreading fertiliser B

ogballe is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fertiliser spreaders. This is because it constantly works on developing better techniques for spreading fertiliser.

With a concentrated focus on a single product line, Bogballe can ensure its customers that they are investing in the best technology that is backed by a true specialist in the field.

Bogballe has just released some new innovations. One of them is the Calibrator Totz, a new controller with a touch panel that uses direct-option keys.

The exceptional design of the Calibrator Totz provides an easy-to-use logical and intuitive interface. This controller will mostly be used in cases where the tractor does not have ISOBUS capabilities.

The two main ranges of Bogballe spreaders are the high-volume M-Line Series and the mid-sized L-Line Series.

The latest Bogballe M-Line spreaders are packed with features that will meet the needs of larger farmers and contractors. They provide higher capacities, greater efficiency and more GPS technology to make spreading easier.

Bogballe has considered every detail when it designed the M-Line spreaders. They have an attractive look with LED lights integrated into the reflector board and lots of other smart features.

The three models in the range are the M35W, M45W and M60W, with carry capacities of 3500kg, 4500kg

SPREADING INNOVATION: A delivery of spreaders heading to our Horsham dealership all ready for instant delivery. and 6000kg respectively. A range of expandable sides is available so all models can be sized-up to suit the requirements of a farming or contracting business.

For M-Line spreaders Bogballe has a designed a flexible outlet that provides application rates up to 650kg/min.

They can also work a micro outlet that can spread seeds from 3kg/ha.

Changing between different settings

has now also been made easier with a specially designed tool that rotates the flow-outlet above each spinner.

The outlet controls the exact rate in conjunction with the fully automated weighing technique and the double shutter on each side of the hopper.

The shutters open asymmetrically to ensure that the drop point stays correct regardless of the forward speed and application rate setting.

L-Line models offer carrying capacities of 500-2050 litres. Like the M-Line, L-Line spreaders deliver reliability and impressive accuracy.

With their advanced features, Bogballe spreaders can help reduce excess nitrogen application on fields and into waterways.

Firstly, all Bogballe spreaders are fitted with a simple border control mechanism. When activated, it chang-

es the spread pattern to place the fertiliser only up to the border.

Secondly, Bogballe electronic controllers with section control. All have GPS compatibility and can be integrated with most GPS systems.

With GPS guidance, the spreader can control the placement of the fertiliser by adjusting the application rate or shutting the spreader off automatically when driving over previously spread areas. It also provides automatic off-on when driving into and out of the headlands. These controllers also help monitor and measure the amount of fertiliser spread in the field with proof of placement.

Thirdly, weigh scales continuously measure the actual fertiliser in the hopper and adjusts the flow rate in relation to any changes in ground speed or the flow of the fertiliser in order to maintain the target quantity – kg/ha.

This system provides more accuracy, and it is easier to operate because the spreader is fully automatic, which includes calibration.

Lastly, Bogballe spreaders use the ‘in-centre’ spreading principle, whereby the spreading discs turn into the centre. With this system, each disc spreads fertiliser a full 180 degrees and the spread patterns overlap each other to create a double overlap in one pass.

The result is in a highly accurate and precise spreading pattern.

The benefits are lower environmental impacts and higher on farm profits, so it is a win-win situation.

Bogballe spreaders are imported to Australia by Techgrow. For more information call (08) 8842 1384.

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Reduce grain loss

R

educed grain loss is the main advantage of Case IH’s AFS Harvest Command automation on his 7250 Axial-Flow Combine Harvester.

That is the assessment of southern Mallee farmer Tim McClelland, who achieved sub two-percent grain loss at harvest in late 2020.

Mr McClelland, a long-time O’Connors customer, bought the new machine in November 2020, just before harvest.

The AFS Harvest Command is designed to improve grain quality and grain savings through sensing and optimising machine settings.

Rotor speed, engine load, federate control and sieve settings are subject to monitoring and adjusted as conditions change, without driver intervention.

The AFS Harvest Command auto-

matically adjusts based on feedback from sensors and targets the maximum ground speed and engine load as set by the operator.

The high level of automation enables less experienced operators to achieve similar levels of productivity and performance to those more experienced.

Mr McClelland had an employee for the 2020 harvest with no experience with combine harvesters.

“The AFS Harvest Command requires much less knowledge about harvesting to achieve great results,” Mr McClelland said.

He said it was helpful to have a moderate level of computer literacy to enable correct set-up to ensure the machine operated efficiently.

O’Connors, the largest Case IH dealer network in Australia, has a focus on staff training to ensure the business is well positioned to help

customers achieve the potential of the technology.

“The O’Connors team are very knowledgeable and helped us set up and understand the new system. We were working with a new machine and new technology and were learning along the way,” Mr McClelland said.

“O’Connors is great to work with, which is why we have done so for many years.”

O’Connors supplies agricultural machinery, parts and precision-farming equipment with specialist knowledge of Case IH machinery.

O’Connors operates across three states, with Case IH dealerships in Horsham, Warracknabeal, Birchip, Bordertown, Condobolin, Corowa, Forbes, Grenfell, Shepparton and West Wyalong.

IMPRESSED: Southern Mallee farmer Tim McClelland in a canola crop.

Moyston sheep dog trials forging ahead Staley kicks The Moyston community is busy planning the longest-running consecutive sheepdog trials in the country, scheduled to take place in a COVID-safe format next month.

Workers and their dogs will travel from across Victoria to be part of the 93rd annual Moyston Sheep Dog Trials at the town’s recreation reserve from March 11 to 13.

Moyston Sheep Dog Club secretary Helen Spencer said she was excited organisers could proceed with the event despite uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are planning to go ahead with this event, subject to government restrictions or changes due to the pandemic,” she said.

“Entries close at the beginning of March and are still flowing in.”

The three-day event, which started in 1928, features predominantly border collies and a few kelpies, which under command from their handlers, direct sheep through a variety of obstacles.

Early last year the competition went ahead within weeks of the first round of Australia-wide COVID-19 lockdowns.

Ms Spencer said more than 90 people entered the competition from across the country.

“We just managed to sneak the event in last year before lockdown – it was really good with good numbers and good weather,” she said.

Ms Spencer said COVID restrictions would make it difficult for the sheep dog club to run the event as a fundraiser as it had in past years.

“Normally a big part of our fundraising and covering costs is meals, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. This is our biggest money spinner for the trial,” she said.

“Each year we put money back into public parks, such as the pavilion or the recreation reserve.

“This year the meals are probably the main thing that will have to go – there’s just too much uncertainty in that space due to the pandemic.”

Ms Spencer said the club would also be seeking volunteers to help with the event.

“The Moyston community generally provides great support for this event, but we’re always seeking more hands to help out,” she said.

– Dylan De Jong

up a stink

GREEN LIGHT: Contestant Mark Fagan and his dog Faith at last year’s Moyston Sheep Dog Trials.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Member for Ripon Louise Staley believes plans to classify animal manure as industrial waste represents a blow for farmers in her electorate.

Ms Staley said news the State Government was proceeding with the plans would impose significant restrictions on where farmers could store, transport and use animal manure.

She said the Environment Protection Authority had decided that from July 1, manure would come under an industrial-waste classification.

“This is extremely disappointing and a massive blow to farmers right across Ripon,” she said.

“This move will whack farmers with another lot of red tape they don’t need, at a time when the burden of red tape needs to ease on farmers.

“Animal manure clearly is not industrial waste. The EPA has been told this time and again by farmers, but from their offices in the middle of Melbourne, the EPA has completely ignored them.

“The re-use of animal manure has been part of farming for centuries and has been done without risk to farmers, communities and consumers.”

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Helping rural communities thrive

BY SARAH MATTHEWS

W

immera-Mallee farmers can hear from industry experts and learn about various projects designed to help rural communities thrive at a free agribusiness forum next week.

The Farm Trade Australia agribusiness forum will be at Horsham Golf Club on March 3 from 8.30am to 3pm.

Rupanyup farmer David Matthews launched the farmer-owned agribusiness last year amid increasing concern about the consolidation of farming enterprises, reduced returns and the flow-on effect to rural communities.

Mr Matthews said he believed the most sustainable way to address social problems communities were facing was to find commercial solutions.

He said Farm Trade Australia would seek to partner with organisations and

companies that added value to farming businesses and rural communities.

“We will look for organisations that feed into our prosperity, not off it,” he said.

“If a market is working effectively, we will work with it. If a market is extracting too much of the value created by our activity, we will find ways to correct this.”

Mr Matthews said Farm Trade Australia aimed to deliver a greater share of returns from agricultural production back to farmers and rural communities.

He said the forum would showcase the type of opportunities Farm Trade Australia was interested in pursuing, along with specific projects.

A range of guest speakers will take to the stage, including meteorologist and television weather presenter Jane Bunn.

“Jane will provide a season outlook, which is always at front of mind for farmers,” Mr Matthews said.

“She will also present her new farmer-focused weather app. We’re really pleased she’s able to come up for the event.”

Business Council of Co-Operatives founder Rohan Clarke will lead a ‘Turning climate change into profit’ presentation.

“Discussion around climate change can be quite polarising but the reality is, whether you believe in climate change or not, there will be increased regulation and societal expectation,” Mr Matthews said.

“Rather than debate climate change itself, we want to take a look at how we can turn changing regulations and expectations into a commercial advantage.”

Mr Clarke’s presentation will look at

energy-production opportunities, such as solar, carbon and hydrogen.

Speakers will also discuss rising land values from a banker’s perspective, ‘turning data into dollars’ and understanding the fertiliser market.

There will also be presentations on malt barley and high-fibre-wheat market projects.

“These are both really interesting projects which have identified business opportunities, focusing on the commercial side of farming,” Mr Matthews said.

He said Farm Trade Australia involved a collective approach, allowing the region’s farmers to become involved in projects they might consider too difficult to pursue individually.

“As individuals we have little power, but, collectively our influence is immense,” he said.

Mr Matthews said he was excited

to host the forum, which represented the first community engagement session following a year hampered by COVID-19 restrictions.

“We decided to hold off our activities last year until restrictions eased,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to our first event, which will provide a bit of context as to what we are about.

“We’ve been without this interaction for a long time, so it will be a great opportunity for farmers to meet up and ask questions.

“There will be a good range of experience and knowledge among our presenters and people will be able to interact with them and each other.”

Mr Matthews encouraged people to register for the forum online at website farmtradeaustralia.com.au.

The event is free of charge and lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Quality guaranteed Many Wimmera-Mallee agricultural businesses have been reaping the rewards of strong harvests in the region throughout the past few years.

This is particularly the case for shed manufacturers and businesses offering a range of storage solutions for grain, hay and machinery.

Brad and Vicki McDonald started McDonald Steel in Horsham in 1998, predominantly selling steel to the public.

Since then, the family business has expanded to two locations and employs 16 people.

Mrs McDonald said the past couple of years had been great for the region’s agricultural sector.

“This in turn has seen an increase in people wanting coverage of their hay and machinery,” she said.

“McDonald Steel is a very progressive company and has always been busy servicing the local region and interstate, which is a testament to the quality and reliability of our sheds.

“If you are requiring a shed for hay season we always recommend to get in early and beat the rush.”

Mrs McDonald said the business’s ability to manufacture its own iron and ‘C’ purlins, which go into the sheds, allowed it to keep jobs and

money in the region. She said McDonald Steel was the only shed fabricator in regional Victoria that rolled its own iron and ‘C’ purlins.

“This means we can make sure all products are freshly rolled and ready to go for the clients,” she said.

“Clients also benefit from us being able to somewhat control the pricing of iron and purlins in an unstable market, where most companies would see bigger-than-normal price increases upon them.”

Mrs McDonald said the business serviced the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians as well as further afield.

“We service both South Australia and New South Wales, along with the odd shed in Queensland,” she said.

“If we can freight it, we can and will service those areas.”

Mrs McDonald said the McDonald Steel team prided itself on the quality of its work.

“We essentially have more steel in our sheds than our competitors,” she said.

“You can see the difference in a McDonald Steel shed – give us a call to find out more.”

The Weekly Advertiser – AgLife Digital 2021

PROGRESSIVE: Brad and Vicki McDonald started McDonald Steel in Horsham in 1998. For more on the business, people can visit website www.aglife.com.au.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

www.aglife.com.au

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The agronomy team at Gorst Rural is the most experienced in the district. We are able to advise on production methods for a wide range of crops and pastures, proving year after year our impact on local growers’ profitability and sustainability.

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If you have any questions about our services, please contact 5350 2440 or gorstrural.com.au

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Gason 1880RT Aircart TBT Twin bin, 8000kg.

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$55,000 inc. GST Bobcat Telehandler T357

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Goodyear’s Spiraflex Air Seeder hose is designed for use in Air Seeding applications where there is a requirement to view the product being conveyed.

This hose is specially formulated with a Clear Thermosplastic Urethane Liner offering superior wear resistance in not only seeding applications, but many other dry bulk material delivery applications.

Goodyear Engineered Products Australia is very pleased to introduced our USA made Spiraflex Air Seeder Hose. It was developed exclusively for use on OEM air seeder applications in the North American market and is now available in Australia.

BIG BUILD: The Wheelhouse Group’s Wes Wheelhouse in front of his 3000-tonne fertiliser shed in Bridgewater.

The ‘great grain shed revival?’

T

BY DANIEL DUGGAN

he 2020-2021 harvest has now solidified itself as a true bin-buster for many parts of the east coast, and will no doubt be reflected on for many years to come.

With receival records tumbling across the supply chain on an almost daily basis through the peak of harvest, we once again saw just how efficient the Aussie grower is in ripping off a huge crop.

This harvest pace, coupled with exceptional yields in most growing regions through the east coast, saw grain-receival sites filling to capacity in many areas, as well as grower on-farm storage bursting at the seams.

The landscape is currently littered with grain bags, and no doubt every silo you see scattered around the country is full to the brim.

All in all, a great result for the grower and a solid advocation for the efficiency of the supply chain.

However, as happens often in big years, the topic of on-farm storage floats to the surface, with one surprising dynamic this year.

The interest in grain sheds as an option for on-farm storage has seemingly found a renewed vigour.

There is no doubt we have seen a huge increase in the level of on-farm storage capacity in the past decade, with silo storage being the preferred option for most growers, and more recently grain bags have captured a large portion of the market.

But what of the long-forgotten grain shed?

As with all storage options there are pros and cons and certainly no ‘one size fits all approach’, but with increased interest in grain sheds as a versatile, long term and cost-effective method of bulk grain storage, it is worth considering in your analysis.

Some of the upsides of having a grain shed as part of your on-farm storage setup include: Capacity – Grain sheds provide an excellent bulk storage option with much larger capacity for storage than individual silos or grain bags.

Efficiency – Given the speed at which crops can be harvested these days, grain sheds can provide a more efficient option than bags and silos in keeping up to harvest pace.

The Weekly Advertiser – AgLife Digital 2021

“As with all storage options there are pros and cons and certainly no ‘one size fits all approach’, but with increased interest in grain sheds as a versatile, long term and cost-effective method of bulk grain storage, it is worth considering in your analysis” Customisation – A grain shed can be built to your individual size, access and operational requirements.

Versatility – When silos are empty, they add little value operationally. Grain sheds can provide alternative storage options for things such as machinery and fertiliser and can be used for a variety of other operational value adds.

Cost – When broken down to a dollar-pertonne cost over time, grain sheds provide an excellent return on investment.

Capital Cost Comparison – On Farm Storage Fixed cost – silos $20,000, grain bag $60,000, grain shed $220,000.

Capacity, mt – silos 100, grain bag 1000, grain shed 3000.

Estimated usable life – silos 25, grain bag 15, grain shed 25.

Dollar per mt – silos $8, grain bag $4, grain shed $2.93.

• Please note, the above does not account for variable or operational costs, or the value add of alternative storage options or use of a shed.

Grain sheds have, over time, fallen out of consideration as a long-term bulk storage option for many growers, however on analysis, prove to be a cost effective and versatile option when considering your storage set-up.

Given the significant increase in interest recently, it would appear many growers are starting to agree.

After all, as a grower who is an advocate of grain sheds said this week: “I’ve never seen a spray rig parked in a silo.”

Daniel Duggan is a consultant for Entegra Signature Structures.

14B Sloss St, Horsham | (03) 5381 0800 | Fax (03) 5381 0801 | sales@wimmerabearings.com.au

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A useful check list

BY CINDY BENJAMIN

W

e all know that old saying – ‘one year seeding, seven years weeding’ – or some variant of it, and know it is true.

But it is easy to overlook just how important weed-seedbank management is, until herbicide resistance begins to reduce the efficacy of previously reliable tools.

For a few decades, herbicides really took the focus away from seedbank management because the chemical options were so effective at killing weeds they appeared to be a complete solution to weed management.

But all along, growers, agronomists and researchers have known it was too good to last.

The WeedSmart Big 6 strategy has struck a chord because it is a useful checklist that can prompt growers to consider using a selection of the many available weed control tools.

No one tool will do the job – just as herbicides alone have failed, so too will harvest weed-seed control or crop competition if they are not part of a planned and multi-pronged assault on the weed seedbank. This is the underlying principle for integrated weed management.

In economic simulations using RIM and WeedRisk models in 2006, agricultural economists Randall Jones

and Marta Monjardino showed that although many things affected on the economic assessment of weed-management practices, there was strong evidence that when seasonal risk was taken into account and the economic assessment was for a period of 20 years, integrated weed management consistently out-performed herbicide-only systems, regardless of the weed in question.

Herbicides provide high-level control and are considered an essential component of broadacre cropping systems, however, other tactics that specifically target weeds that have escaped herbicide control are what make integrated weed-management systems more profitable in the longrun.

For weeds like wild radish, which produce large quantities of seed that can remain viable in the soil for many years, taking a non-integrated approach of using post-emergent herbicide only has the potential to ‘crash the system’, from an economic point of view.

It will always be a numbers game and integrated weed-management consistently wins, usually by a considerable margin, primarily due to lower weed-seedbank numbers and conservation of the highly effective herbicide resource for tactical use over time in integrated weed-management systems.

To develop an integrated weed-management plan, it is useful to collate some historical information about past weed-control activities, test weeds for herbicide resistance and use the WeedSmart Big 6 to match opportunities and weeds with suitable and effective control tactics – remembering there are many weed-control tools at your disposal.

With your agronomist’s assistance, aim to create a plan that maps out when each tactic will be applied.

Ideally, try to include three or more of the Big 6 tactics in each crop, fallow or pasture phase.

Diversity is key. Some people prefer to have a set cropping sequence while others choose the crops in response to seasonal or market conditions, but either way it is important to look for ways to add as much diversity to your farming system as possible and to keep downward pressure on weed numbers at every opportunity.

While preventing weed-seed production completely is unrealistic in the real world, a focus on the weed seedbank will pay dividends in the long run.

For more information about managing herbicide resistance, people can visit the WeedSmart website, www.weedsmart.org.au.

– Weedsmart

BUSINESS BONANZA: Horsham heating and industrial-equipment supply businesses have united with ACE Radio Broadcasters in a digital marketing event aimed at supporting the regional economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Business owners John Aisbett from Horsham Bearings and Greer Dellar from Barbeques Galore have joined the radio network for its AgLife Digital event starting from March 1. ACE designed the virtual marketing promotion to fill a trading void caused by the cancellation of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Barbeques Galore and Horsham Bearings will run their own mini-themed field days events from their showrooms, expanding out into the car parks of their Darlot Street stores. Both businesses, located side by side, will run a range of specials on their products from March 1 to 5. For more information people can visit website www.aglife.com.au.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

DONALD PH. 5497 1203 BALLARAT PH. 5336 4145 MOAMA PH. 5480 0731 The Weekly Advertiser – AgLife Digital 2021

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