AgLife – November 25, 2020 edition by The Weekly Advertiser

November 25, 2020

Quality harvest Horsham farmer Jeff Moore is predicting a strong harvest this year, ‘potentially the best lentil crop I’ve ever harvested’. Story, page 25 Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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Quality outweighs expectations 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

BY DYLAN DE JONG

igh-quality produce and promising yields are early indications of what is to come for farmers during western Victorian grain harvest.

Predictions from earlier this year showed grain and pulse farmers were likely to have a favourable season for their winter crops right across Australia’s eastern seaboard. And as harvest 2020 kicks off, southern Mallee and Wimmera farmers are starting to see the results. Southern Mallee farmers are about two weeks into harvest, with many busy harvesting lentils and barley. Meanwhile, Wimmera farmers, who traditionally start later in the season, are picking away at crops as they ripen and seeing early signs of quality produce. Commercial grain company Shannon Bros, which operates grain receival sites at Beulah and Horsham, has reported outstanding quality from growers across the region. Beulah site manager Mikayla George said lentils were coming in by the truck load, while other crops such as barley were slowly trickling into the site. “We started getting busy about 10 days ago – in the past week, we’ve been averaging 2500 tonnes a day in receivals,” she said.

SOLID START: Horsham farmer Jeff Moore is harvesting what he describes as potentially the best lentils he has ever grown. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER “We’ve had a lot from growers up north, in places such as Hopetoun, Rainbow and Jeparit, while farmers in Beulah are still waiting for the crops to ripen.” Ms George said despite farmers contending with ‘harsh’ frosts late in the season, the crop quality outweighed her expectations. She described the lentils as the best quality she had seen in her 10 years of sampling grain. “The quality has been absolutely immaculate so far,” she said.

“The past month of rain really assisted in the ripening of the lentils, with majority of pods quite full on all lentil plants.”

Filling up

The Beulah site has already pumped through 20,000 metrics tonnes of grain since harvest started in the southern Mallee in early November. Ms George said based on the fact the receival site was handling more than 2500 tonnes a day, it was likely to fill up quickly.

“The farmers have been pleasantly surprised with how well they are yielding,” she said. “We’re receiving and exporting at the same time this harvest. “We’re exporting between 15 and 20 shipping containers full of lentils for overseas exports each day.” Ms George attributed ‘timely’ rain to the high quality of crops. “We had great rainfall throughout the season this year, which has probably been better than last year in regard to the timing,” she said.

“Last year we were a little bit slower in the important parts of the season, while this year, when we needed the rain, we got it – that has been a blessing.” Ms George said weather permitting, she expected the harvest season would continue until mid-December for southern Mallee farmers. Meanwhile, Horsham farmer Jeff Moore, who grows barley, canola, lentils, beans and wheat, is seeing promising results from crops he pulled off in the past few weeks. Mr Moore has been busy harvesting his barley crop and started on his lentils in the past week. “This is potentially the best lentil crop I’ve ever harvested,” he said. “I’m predicting it will be a pretty good harvest this year. I’m expecting we’ll do better than last year. “The only downfall is the prices for grain are fairly low, which could make a big difference to returns.” Mr Moore said he was ‘pleasantly’ surprised with his yields so far, considering on-and-off rain during the season. “We’re getting roughly six to seven tonne per hectare from our barley,” he said. “That’s a really good outcome considering how dry it was during the earlier part of the season in June through to August.”

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VFF plaudits for ag-study pledge 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

he Victorian Farmers Federation has welcomed a $50-million State Government investment into improving facilities, teaching and access to courses at regional agricultural colleges and training providers.

next generation of farmers and help position regional Victoria for growth. “Agriculture is the lifeblood of regional Victoria with ample career opportunities for young Victorians,” he said. The government investment includes $30-million for student upgrades and teaching facilities to be shared between agricultural institutions Longerenong College near Horsham, University of Melbourne’s

VFF president David Jochinke said the future of Victorian agriculture was bright and further investment into the sector was crucial to help attract the

Dookie campus and Marcus Oldham College’s Waurn Ponds campus in Geelong. “We need to ensure there are avenues for those interested to learn about agriculture and not have to move out of the country to the city to do so,” Mr Jochinke said. “If we enable more agriculture students to live and study in the country, more than likely they stay to work in the regions.

“It’s a win-win for regional Victoria. There’s also the added ability for rural areas to host events and conferences, which can only be seen as a positive step forward.” Mr Jochinke said the VFF had been calling for investment to meet the growing needs of skilled workers in Victorian agriculture. “The VFF requested the Victorian government invest in certificate-level agriculture and horticulture courses

From Kaniva farmer to Oxford Scholar Kaniva’s Kate Maddern plans to use her scholarship to one of the most prestigious universities in the world to further her studies in sustainable agriculture. Ms Maddern, who grew up on a farm in the Wimmera, has won a 2021 Victoria Rhodes Scholarship into the University of Oxford. Victorian Governor Linda Dessau announced the scholarship at Government House late last month. Ms Maddern said she was a passionate advocate for advancing sustainable food production. She said she was eager to enable agriculture to become a leading force recognised for its sustainability and advances in technology, while continuing to produce food and fibre for all. “Growing up on a sheep and grain farm in the Wimmera, farming with a focus on sustainability is an issue close to my heart,” she said. “With this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity my goal is to apply the education, skills and experiences that come with a Rhodes Scholar towards a more sustainable future for Australia’s agriculture industry.” Ms Maddern plans to travel to Oxford University in September 2021, where she hopes to enrol in a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on philosophy, politics and economics with a senior status. She completed a bachelor degree in advanced science with honours at Monash University in 2019, majoring in ecology and conservation biology. “Learning that I’d won the 2021

WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY: Kaniva-born Kate Maddern has earned a spot at the University of Oxford. Victorian Rhodes Scholarship was incredible,” Ms Maddern said. “It opens up a whole new world of opportunity to better understand how markets and policy influence Australian agriculture and the effects this has on farmers.” Ms Maddern had leadership roles while she studied at Monash and is a

volunteer firefighter in the Sandsmere CFA brigade. She has participated and volunteered in squash and netball clubs while at school, at Monash and in the Kaniva community. Each year, nine Rhodes Scholarships are offered to ‘outstanding’ Australians to study at the University of Oxford.

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Indonesian partnership A virtual seminar on the value and quality of Australian wheat attracted nearly 70 Indonesian flour millers and food manufacturers interested in the advantages of using Australian wheat for noodles, bread and cakes. Hosted by Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre and featuring CBH Grain and breeding company InterGrain, the event was part of an Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, IA-CEPA, Business Connect program. The webinar provided Indonesian wheat users with up-to-date information on the production and quality of Australian wheat for Indonesian wheat-flour-based products, specifically noodles, and the technical aspects of Australian wheat breeding for quality. Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre, AEGIC, chief executive Richard Simonaitis said the centre was proud to support IA-CEPA. “This event is a great example of how the industry can collaborate to deliver value to our Indonesian customers and Australian growers,” he said. “The IA-CEPA will provide significant, lasting benefits to both Indonesia and Australia. It is an enormously important opportunity for the Australian grains industry to build our relationship with Indonesia, and it is great to be part of it.” CBH Grain’s grain quality and sustainability manager Jane Wardle, AEGIC’s Dr Larisa Cato and InterGrain senior wheat breeder Dr Dan Mullan spoke at the seminar.

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“With this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity my goal is to apply the education, skills and experiences that come with a Rhodes Scholar towards a more sustainable future for Australia’s agriculture industry”

in the budget this year and we are pleased to receive news of this significant commitment,” he said. “Agriculture is undoubtedly a growth industry and jobs are in huge demand. This investment is another measure to encourage prospective students into careers in agriculture and the regions to meet this ongoing demand.” • Longerenong College gains $6.5-million for ‘shovel ready’ accommodation project. Story, page 41.

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lans to redevelop accommodation at Longerenong College represent a major opportunity to attract visiting industry professionals, undergraduates and international students to the Wimmera.

Longerenong College will gain $6.5million in State Government money to start a ‘shovel ready’ project to build eight studio apartments capable of accommodating more than 33 people and a communal building for conferences and student gatherings. The apartments will replace seven of 13 existing college houses. Confirmation of the State Government injection comes just weeks after the official opening of a new DATA Farm Innovation Centre at the college. The centre is designed to provide a training hub for future professionals working in agricultural technology. College campus head John Goldsmith said new developments shored up the college’s growing reputation as one of Australia’s most prestigious agricultural education institutions. “We’re just going from strength to strength. These infrastructure developments provide us with the opportunity to grow and develop even further,” he said. “These major developments are stepping stones. With this investment, we’re really becoming one of the main

SHOVEL READY: Longerenong College campus head John Goldsmith, left, and Skillinvest chief executive Darren Webster check plans for new accommodation and a conference centre. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER agriculture colleges in Australia, not just in Victoria.” Mr Goldsmith said the studio apartments, with building set to start in early 2021, would accommodate students and visiting industry professionals as well as allow the college to attract international students beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. “This really complements our existing accommodation,” he said.

“We currently have student dormitories that cater for our full-time students and apprentices – but it can be a little restrictive. “We want to host various groups from around Australia. That could include agribusiness-type organisations that want to do workshops or host conferences.” Mr Goldsmith said the upgrades would expand on the college’s accom-

modation, which can house about 107 full-time students. He said with additional accommodation, the college was exploring opportunities with universities across the country to provide students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience at its modern facilities. “We’ve spoken to universities about bringing their undergrads to the Wimmera to do some block training and

have access to our DATA farm,” he said. “We think it’s a great idea to get students who are studying in the city out into regional Victoria and do some hands-on, practical training.” Mr Goldsmith said the redevelopment represented an opportunity for the college to strengthen its relationship with universities. He also did not rule out the possibility of the college offering undergraduate degrees in the future. “We’re in a niche area at the moment where students can gain an advanced diploma in agriculture and related industries. The next stepping stone would be an undergraduate degree,” he said. “We’re more likely to explore deeper relationships with partnering universities, however you never know what the future holds.” Mr Goldsmith said upgrades to the college were crucial to attract more young people into the agriculture. “The demand across the board for graduates in agriculture is really high and we only see it increasing,” he said. “Ag-tech is a growing area, and we need to be attracting some pretty smart minds, particularly young people, to the industry.” Mr Goldsmith said the college looked forward to working out the finer details of the two-year project.

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BY BRIAN WATTS

hat does the typical Wimmera farm look like financially?

While answering this question is not really possible, we can get fairly close. We all know that farmers are very quick to help out a neighbour in times of need or in times of crisis. This almost goes without saying. However, when it comes down to how they are coping financially, this is a different matter. Farmers will be very open with information about yields and prices, but that is possibly where most will stop. Watts Price Accountants annually assesses the farm industry in the region with its Wimmera Farm Financial Performance study and in the 2019 financial year its study provides an insight into what a ‘typical’ farm looks like. Here are a few key facts from the study – Farm operation costs: 2019, 51 percent; 2015 to 2019, 59 percent. Equity ratio: 2019, 93.9 percent; 2015 to 2019, 94.2 percent. Plant productivity: 2019, 92 percent; 2015 to 2019, 123 percent. Total debt to farmland owned: 2019, 7.4 percent, 2015 to 2019, 8.7 percent. Cash profit before interest costs to

HAPPY HARVESTING: Nhill farmer Brett Wheaton finishes off his canola harvest last week before moving onto barley this week. Mr Wheaton said a good harvest was ‘a good way to finish off a bad year’. Watts Price Accountants produces annual reports assessing the Wimmera’s farming industry based on farmer feedback. interest: 2019, four times; 2015 to 2019, 4.4 times. These five ratios or key performance indicators provide a snapshot of Wimmera farms’ financial performance for the 2019 financial year. Five-year rolling averages are prob-

ably more informative than ratios for one year alone, so they are also listed. Figures for the 2020 financial year – the most recent harvest – will not be available until tax and financial statements are completed well into 2021. So what do these five KPIs really

mean? The numbers are for the median or for the farm in the middle – from lowest to highest – in Watts Price Accountants’ 2019 financial year data base. The median farm will differ for each of these five KPIs.

The median farm in the 2019 financial year – • Spent $51 on fuel, spray, fertilizer and other operating costs out of every $100 of farm income earned. • Of the value of all their farm assets owned, the median farm paid for 94 percent and borrowed six percent. • The current value of farm plant was equal to 94 percent of farm income earned. • All farm loans amounted to 7.4 percent of the value of farmland owned at current farmland value. • Cash profit, before depreciation and finance-interest costs, were 4.4 times the amount paid on interest-finance costs of running the median farm. How can this information be used to help? It provides a start in comparing any Wimmera farm. By knowing how a farm compares against the middle or median farm can start to provide direction on what next to look for and what direction to take if there is a need to improve or the desire to do better. Watts Price Accountants started reporting on a Wimmera Farm Financial Performance study in 1991. Work on the 30th report for the 2020 financial year has already started. Any Wimmera farm can be involved in the study. – Brian Watts is a Watts Price Accountants partner and director

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ictoria’s peak farming group is encouraging its members to follow a due-diligence process in dealing with grain buyers to minimise the potential for nonpayment.

Victorian Farmers Federation Grains Group president Ashley Fraser said it was important farmers minimised the risks of non-payment for

produce. “The VFF has led the campaign to reduce terms for grain sales to help lower the risks of non-payment for growers,” he said. “Faster payments means less risk of being caught by a failing trader. “We have recommended growers ask for payments within two days, rather than the old 30-day terms.” Mr Fraser said the faster growers were paid, the less risk they had of

exposure to a trader defaulting on payment. “A B-double truck of grain each day for a week is worth more than $50,000 and a month of daily loads can total more than $200,000,” he said. “Nobody wants to lose thousands of dollars, so farmers must make sure they sell to a reputable buyer who pays quickly.

“Some growers also look for deferred payment terms to manage their cash flow. “If you do this, make double sure you sell to a reputable buyer as your risk of non-payment is higher. “Remember when looking at prices on offer that a price much higher than everyone else is probably too good to be true.”

Ashley Fraser HANDS ON: Mentone Grammar year-11 students Owen McGindle and Theo Bountroukas test wool with Longerenong College wool instructor Craig Mackley during the school’s annual visit to the college. The State Government has funded an app to address a skills shortage in the wool sector. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Student shearers will be able to get the help they need at the tap of a screen with the launch of a new training app. Victorian Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney visited shearing sheds at Eulong Farm in Southern Grampians last week to launch the Shearing Training App. The government funded creation of the app as part of a $1.2-million package to address the skill shortage in the state’s wool sector. The app is a collaboration between South West TAFE, Shearing Contractors Association Australia, Rural Industry Skills Training and Start Beyond, which brings traditional learning practices into the 21st century and provides a one-stop digital resource for student shearers. The app includes instructional videos on shearing and grinding techniques, shot in VR and compatible with popular Oculus Quest and Go headsets, along with a key knowledge-review feature and questions and answers. The learning upgrade also includes e-learning resources, along with health and safety advice on topics such as how to shear a sheep safely and correctly, how to look after your health as a shearer and understanding best-practice gear

maintenance. The app is designed to be used alongside face-to-face training and is available to all shearing students enrolled in formal training from a registered training provider. Ms Tierney said the app was one of the ways in which the government was supporting the industry to boost the number of highly skilled sheep shearers. She said the $1.2-million investment had been used to support the development of new VET-qualified teachers to provide shearing training, to create an entry-level qualification to attract more participants and to support training at more locations across Victoria. Accredited training is occurring at 14 regional locations in Victoria in 2020. Ms Tierney said Victoria exported $2.1-billion of wool in 2017-18, and this training program would help the industry by creating new jobs and attracting more qualified shearers. “Shearing has been at the heart of so many regional Victorian towns for generations – and this investment will usher in a new generation of shearers and give them the skills they need as the sector continues to boom,” she said.

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Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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Harvest casuals hard at work T

BY DYLAN DE JONG

he Wimmera and southern Mallee grain harvest period is providing a prime opportunity for young people and backpackers to make a reasonable earning during spring and summer. Commercial grain company Shannon Bros, which operates grain receival sites at Beulah and Horsham, has employed more than 30 casual staff to help with harvest. The company is among many in the region to employ casual staff to meet demand for what has been predicted to be a strong harvest. Grain receival company Viterra has employed 50 seasonal casuals at its Dooen site, while GrainCorp employed more than 900 across Victoria. Backpackers Katy Toner, from Ireland, and Paula Gavarro, from Spain, are among those contending with the Wimmera’s rising temperatures to help with harvest operations at Shannon Bros’ Horsham site. The pair travelled south after working in fruit picking jobs at Queensland. “We started here a week ago – we’re going to be here all season,” Ms Toner said. “It’s getting a bit warm, but we’re getting through it okay.” She said the pair hoped to continue travelling the Great Ocean Road after the harvest season was over.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

PRIME TIME: Paul Coffey and backpackers Katy Toner, centre, from Ireland, and Paula Gavarro, from Spain, are working harvest at Shannon Bros in Horsham. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

“We travelled down the east coast and hopefully we will keep travelling along the Great Ocean Road,” she said. Ms Gavarro said she was relieved to be in Australia where the COVID-19 pandemic appeared more under control compared with her home country. “This is the first harvest I’ve worked. I love this country, it’s brilliant,” she said. Beulah site manager Mikayla George said young people and backpackers jumped at the opportunity to work

the busy harvest period. “We have a lot of younger workers in year 11 and 12, returning university students who need work during their off-period and backpackers,” she said. “We have about 15 workers at our Beulah site at the moment.” Ms George said working harvest presented an ‘excellent’ opportunity for people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when people had lost employment or were struggling financially.

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“You have to employ people who are willing to work in a quite strenuous labour environment, but during these times in COVID-19 it’s important to employ anyone who is willing to work or give it a crack,” she said. “You can be working outside for 10-plus hours each day doing bunker work, which includes cleaning up grain, unloading trucks or moving machinery. “It’s not a walk in the park, but it’s certainly rewarding.”

List to help in pest fight 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

A new National Priority List of Exotic Environmental Pests, Weeds and Diseases will help authorities develop national plans to combat invasive threats and problems. The list is the result of a recommendation of a 2017 review of Australia’s biosecurity system. Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said exotic pests represented a major threat. “Species on the list pose a serious risk to Australia’s environment, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, the Australian tourism sector and many also impact on agricultural production,” he said. “The priority list was developed by experts from across the nation and agreed on by state and territory governments. It provides a national level focus to raise awareness, guide surveillance activities, strengthen preparedness and response capabilities and inform research.” Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the list would play a key role in focusing prevention efforts to keep exotic pests out of the country. “Prevention delivers the best outcomes, far more so than eradication, containment or asset protection,” she said. More information is available online at www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/environmental/priority-list.

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Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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Time to shine

here is nothing quite like decades of experience to give one a refined perspective.

That is just what retiring dairy industry consultant, highly regarded John Mulvaney, has developed. While it applies to dairying, having interviewed him, his view resonated for me for all farmers. The headline message is – farming has a cultural problem. Mr Mulvaney gave the example of the respect dairy farmers in New Zealand have in the broader community: “In New Zealand and, in fact, to some extent in Tasmania, if you are a very good dairy farmer who has grown wealth in the industry, you’re put up on a bit of a humble pedestal,” he said. “There is a tendency in Australia if you do that, they’ll cut you down pretty quickly, or they’ll be told to pull their heads in. We don’t want anyone to know we’re doing well.” This is not just an ego issue. It is also possibly slowing down growth. Dairy farmers here, according to Mr Mulvaney, like to hold their cards very close to their chest. “When you do come across highly profitable dairy farmers, they are reluctant to put themselves out there,” he said. Is this sounding at all familiar? The dairy industry needs to shake off its gum-boot wearing, working-seven-days-aweek martyrdom image. It is actually one of the most complex and advanced industries in genetics and productivity gain, still very much family based, with a deep relationship with its animals. And it should be waving its credentials around so

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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consumers take more pride in the industry and are less tempted to find alternative food sources. It’s also giving young people the wrong impression of the industry, discouraging them from a career in agriculture. There is another fundamental problem – equating productivity growth with success and making it the ultimate goal. But that often is not the most profitable path. “Increased production only enhances a business if it’s intrinsically profitable to produce that little bit extra,” Mr Mulvaney said. He has concluded that the most successful businesses have one thing in common, no matter where they are in Australia. “Once we have our production system correct, as in generating a profit, we don’t change much. A really good dairy farmer has the ability to make very complex decisions seem simple.” So here’s the challenge. Be proud of what you do, walk tall and know that you’re doing one of the most important jobs; producing food for a very hungry planet. Share what you have learned and open your mind to others’ ideas. Now is the time to grasp the nettle and sell what we have and gain the respect we deserve.

GOOD ONYA MATE: Wimmera-southern Mallee farmers wear a range of comfortable, hardy options for farm work. Canadian Pat Guay donned fluoro and workboots while on the job at a Lah East farm earlier this year. Rural Aid is encouraging people to ‘dress like a farmer’ for a fundraiser on Saturday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Dress like a farmer for Rural Aid One of Australia’s largest rural charities, Rural Aid, is asking Australians to dress like a farmer for the national ‘Good Onya Mate’ fundraising concert scheduled this Saturday. Rural Aid’s unofficial spokesperson for the event, known as ‘The Ringer’, advised Australians about appropriate headwear for the event. “You want to make sure you’re not wearing your country hat awkwardly like a city politician on a farm visit,” he said from his

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paddock in central Queensland. “Brim size is all important, and don’t go putting a feature in your cap – no one in the bush will take you seriously.” The Ringer’s message is online at https://youtu.be/8x3VV3Q 5sMw. The charity encourages Australians to post a photo of their outfits with the hashtag #goodon yamate as a message of solidarity to farmers across the country. In the past financial year,

Rural Aid provided more than $28-million in financial help to almost 5000 farmers, including more than 20,000 pre-paid gift cards. Rural Aid volunteers travelled across rural Australia to ensure more than $11-million in fodder and more than 50,000 hay bales went to feed hungry stock. There were also almost 3000 water deliveries valued at more than $1-million and about 1300 farmer counselling sessions organised.

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New penalties for biosecurity breaches 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

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It will also expand powers to cancel the visas of people bringing in dangerous goods. From January 1, 2021, biosecurity officers will be able to issue infringement notices up to $2664 where travellers fail to declare potential high-biosecurity risks such as uncanned meat or live plant material when arriving at Australian international air and sea ports. Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said the Biosecurity Amendment – Traveller Declarations and Other Measures – Bill 2020 was about protecting Australia. “Our biosecurity system is critical to supporting the health of Australians, the environment and the competitiveness of our agricultural industries,” he said. “Australia produces the best agricultural products in the world, but we need to be vigilant to protect Australia from an ever-increasing number of pests and diseases that threaten our country and way of life. “Currently all infringement notices issued at first points of entry to Australia are for two penalty units, $444, regardless of the biosecurity risk posed by undeclared goods. “However, under the new legislation the Director of Biosecurity will be able to determine

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which goods or classes of goods pose a high level of biosecurity risk for the purpose of higher infringement notice amounts.” From January 1, infringement notices might be up to 12 penalty units, $2664, depending on the undeclared goods. “By being aware of the risk items, passengers and crew can help keep pests and diseases out of Australia. They can assist Australia maintain its global reputation for producing high quality food and protect our unique environment,” Mr Littleproud said. The powers to cancel visas on biosecurity-related grounds will also be expanded to student and temporary work visa holders from January 1. Currently these powers only apply to visitor visas. Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Acting Minister Alan Tudge said the powers would only be used for serious or deliberate breaches, but would provide another important layer of protection at the border. “Visa cancellation decisions are not taken lightly, but breaches of biosecurity can have serious consequences to Australia, and we need everyone to do the right thing,” he said. “If you really must bring food or any other high-risk goods with you, you must declare them on your incoming passenger card or crew declaration. “If in doubt, just declare it. If you don’t, you could face heavy penalties, have your visa cancelled and be sent home.”

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Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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Farmers vie for VFF presidency 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

BY DYLAN DEJONG

immera-Mallee farmers can expect to see a new face leading representative body Victorian Farmers Federation before the end of the year.

Federation members will decide between Gippsland horticulture and livestock farmer Emma Germano and Mallee grain grower Leonard Vallance, who are vying to be elected the group’s next president. The successful candidate will replace Wimmera grain grower David Jochinke, who has served the past two terms as president. Mr Vallance has served as the VFF’s livestock group president, while Ms Germano has been vice-president for the past two years. If elected, Ms Germano would be the first female VFF president in more than three decades. She said the organisation ‘desperately’ needed to modernise to appeal to young farmers. “The VFF is seen as old school. We need to modernise the way we get policy through the organisation,” she said. “We need to support the young growers and engage on a grassroots level. We need a breath of fresh air in terms of the culture.” Ms Germano said past years had

CONTESTING: Gippsland farmer Emma Germano, left, and Mallee farmer Leonard Vallance, above, will contend for the role of Victorian Farmers Federation president.

shown the group had failed to represent all commodity groups in the agriculture industry. She said the group must ensure it can provide equal representation for all farmers across the state. “It doesn’t matter where people farm or what they farm in the state, they need the same thing from the VFF, which is a cohesive voice of solidarity among all the commodity groups,” she said. “We need to strengthen people’s relationship with the organisation. “The VFF needs to start sowing

back into the community, rising up our farmers, providing professional development, turning everyone into an advocate.” Mr Vallance said his farming background, which crossed over many commodity groups, would serve him well to represent farmers across the state. “In my previous role in Crime Safe I got to know the chicken, dairy and meat industry very well and I already had a background in grain, cattle and sheep,” he said. “Whether it’s people in the high

country who have a constant war with wild dogs, feral pigs and deer, or whether you’re way out west at Nhill or Kaniva and dealing with invasive weeds or animal welfare issues, I’m here. “You have to listen to people from different production systems and environmental conditions, and understand the social pressures they have on them.” Mr Vallance said his focus would be to bridge the connection between ‘paddock to plate’. “Australian farmers produce some magnificent food and pride themselves on the integrity of our prod-

uct,” he said. “But some of the biggest challenges we face is informing consumers of how their food is produced – very few of our consumers have direct access to farmers on a one-onone basis. “There’s been an disconnect for quite some time now.” Mr Vallance said technology could play a major role in connecting consumers with farmers and industry. “It’s up to us to provide the tools to convey our stories to the consumer,” he said. Election results will be announced on December 10.

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95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

ember for Lowan Emma Kealy has joined the state’s peak farmer group in expressing disappointment in the State Parliament’s passing of legislation to change laws surrounding riverfront leases.

Ms Kealy said in the state’s Legislative Council or upper house, Labor representatives and crossbenchers had voted to allow unrestricted camping access to thousands of kilometres of licensed water frontages in Victoria. She said passing of the Parks and Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill meant people could camp on river frontage leased by farmers without gaining permission. “This result is so disappointing for the rights of Lowan farmers,” she said. “Farmers who hold riverfront leases take on the responsibility of a land manager, but they will now get no choice in who camps on that riverfront. “This has the potential to create many problems and it is really going to open a can of worms.” Ms Kealy said the Coalition supported more Victorians enjoying fishing and camping on public land, but also wanted to safeguard native habitats on water frontages and protect farmers, their livestock and crops.

“To that end, the Liberal-Nationals listened to the concerns of farmers and environmental groups and attempted to pass an amendment requiring the legislation be put on hold for six months,” she said. “This was to allow proper community consultation with recreational groups, farmers and environmental groups, and allow for an amendment that would give farmer licensees a say, requiring campers to obtain permission before setting up camp and campfires.”

Lack of consultation

Ms Kealy said her office had received calls from district farmers with riverfront leases, concerned about the impacts of the bill and the government’s lack of consultation on the issue. “Granting permission would have been one simple way of ensuring campers would be respectful of the local farmer, the environment and the ongoing sustainability of river management,” she said. “Those who have supported this bill have ignored the genuine and reasonable concerns from the farming community and environmental groups.” Camping on licensed water frontages can start from September 1, 2021. The issue has left Victorian farmers’ peak body concerned.

VFF president David Jochinke said attention would now turn to negotiating regulations that protected agriculture and the environment. “We are bitterly disappointed that the concerns of farmers have been ignored,” he said. “In consulting, the government must get out and speak to the farmers and landholders that will be impacted. We can’t afford to have confusion about the regulations. “We’ve heard from landholders with legitimate concerns in these areas about how this will impact them, their businesses and their environment.” The VFF wanted regulations to protect licence holders, agriculture and the environment by requiring a system of registration, setbacks from waterways and private land, and limiting camping to areas where toilet and rubbish facilities were available. “There must be a system of registration to ensure accountability, limit the number of campers and duration of stay and allow farmers to adhere to their biosecurity quality assurance scheme obligations,” Mr Jochinke said. “From our point of view, if there’s no registration and no camping infrastructure, there should be no camping. There’s also the threat of fire and the added risks to both people and property, which is just far too great.”

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‘No Show Scarecrow’ Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society members have been busy working on a project to foster community spirit amid the cancellation of shows across the country. The Wimmera society is participating in an Agricultural Societies Council of NSW challenge called ‘No Show Scarecrow’, a symbol of solidarity for cancelled shows. Natimuk society secretary Judith Bysouth said decorated hay bales at the main gate of the town’s showground paid homage to the project. She said the committee had decided to create male and female ‘scarecrows’. “Both are still a work in progress,” she said.

“It has been a bit of fun. Some local lads put the bales in place and donned the hat made from a barn-type door donated by a local police officer. “The male scarecrow was given a heart left over from a past Need to Feed fundraiser. “We are also planning an afternoon to invite local children and their parents to come along and decorate the scarecrows and give them names.” Mrs Bysouth said this might coincide with the Christmas Natimuk Farmers Market Plus, on December 13 from 10am to 1.30pm. She said people could visit www.agshowsnsw.org.au/resources/no-showscarecrow for more information about the scarecrow challenge.

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Wednesday, November 25, 2020

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Honour for biosecurity leader 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

scientist who leads a team of researchers in Horsham has won a national award for his contribution to biosecurity.

Agriculture Victoria professor Brendan Rodoni was awarded the inaugural Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation. Dr Ritman, who was Australia’s chief plant protection officer, died earlier this year following an accident in 2019 and was a mentor, colleague and friend to professor Rodoni. Professor Rodoni said it was ‘deeply’ meaningful to win an award in Dr Ritman’s honour. “To win an award in Kim’s name means so much to me – he was a great leader for Australian plant biosecurity and plant sciences,” he said. “He was passionate about his work and it was an absolute

privilege to have someone like him to look up to and learn so much from. “I am one of many who respected Kim’s work and attitude. “He has inspired many of us to continue asking questions and find answers through science to better protect the plants we all rely on in our day-to-day lives.” Professor Rodoni has dedicated his 35-year career to protecting Australia’s plant industries from pests and diseases. He is based in Melbourne at Agriculture Victoria’s AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience and leads a team of research scientists based at Grains Innovation Park in Horsham. “We are probably the biggest group now doing research and innovation in plant and animal biosecurity in Australia, and this award recognises the impact of our work at AgriBio and

our Horsham research facility,” Professor Rodoni said. He said taking part in the national response to the detection of contagious disease fire blight in Melbourne in 1997 changed how pests and diseases were diagnosed and triggered the start of a new era of biosecurity in Australia’s plant industries. “This was the first major incident of fire blight in Australia, and it was a very big deal for me personally and a turning point for biosecurity and biosecurity research in Victoria,” he said. “The people and facilities make AgriBio a very special place to work and together through our partnership with La Trobe University we are making a huge difference to how biosecurity is managed in Australia and across the world. “For that, I consider myself RESEARCH: Agriculture Victoria Professor Brendan Rodoni, who leads a team of scientists in Horsham, has received a national award. very lucky.”

Keep an eye out for winged assassins Authorities are encouraging Victorians to look for and report Australian plague locusts after sightings of the potentially destructive insect in the west and northwest of the state. Favourable weather conditions in the first weeks of November led to small clusters of locusts sighted in Haven, Hopetoun, Horsham, Jeparit, Lake Hindmarsh, Mockinya, Ouyen, Rainbow, Speed and St Arnaud. Agriculture Victoria plague locust commissioner Dr Kyla Finlay said heavy rain during spring had led to plentiful green feed and ideal conditions for locusts to breed. She said while there was no locust plague or predicted plague in Victoria, conditions had led to higher-than-average sightings of the insects. The Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera, is a native Australian insect but can reach high population levels under ideal conditions and can pose a serious threat to pastures, crops and horticulture. “It’s important to understand where the populations are and what stage of development they are at so government, industry

An adult Australian plague locust and community can work together to effectively treat and curtail the populations,” Dr Finlay said. “Locusts can feed on fresh, green plants and, when present in large numbers, cause damage to pastures, horticultural crops, gardens, parks and sporting grounds.” Dr Finlay said now was a good time to spray young hoppers, about eight to 12millimetres long, because it would limit the population growing further. “If you have locusts on your property, be proactive in carrying out control as that will help reduce the populations for next year,” she said. “It becomes more difficult to manage populations as they become adults.” An Australian plague locust can be iden-

tified by the large dark spot on the tip of the hindwing and the distinctive red shanks on hind legs. Its body colour varies and can be grey, brown or green. Adult males are 25 to 30-millimetres long and females 30 to 45-millimetres long. Agriculture Victoria will undertake targeted surveillance to help landholders in making decisions about controlling locusts and will work with stakeholders to provide relevant and timely information. Various insecticide products are registered for controlling locusts. Landholders should seek expert advice from a chemical reseller or agronomist as to which insecticide best suits their situation. All chemicals must be used in accordance with Victorian legislation. “Safe and responsible use of chemicals is crucial – identify the most appropriate chemical for your situation, read the label on the product you are going to use and comply with the directions on the label,” Dr Finlay said. People can access more information about locusts or report sightings by calling Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 to help with surveillance, or visit website agriculture.vic.gov.au/locusts.

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