August 28, 2019
The real deal Horsham livestock auctioneer Will Schilling is taking his skills to another level at state competition next month. Story, page 47. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Proudly brought to you by:
95 Nelson Street, Nhill
Southern Cross Chaff
CALL 03 5391 2106
This Weeks Special DogPro Working Dog
Don’ t horse around!
$25.00 20kg Bag
“Like” Us On
95 Nelson Street, Nhill
105 River Road, Horsham
CALL 03 5391 2106 Wednesday, August 28, 2019
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Page
45
NEW and USED
FARM MACHINERY DEALS SLASHER 4’6” TTA DS140N
$3850 incl. GST
370kg, 45hp gearbox, gal. body.
Slasher 6’ C/W Rear Wheel TTA DS180N-W/W 650kg, 75hp gearbox, gal. body, with rear wheel.
SLASHER 6’ TTA DS180N
$2550 incl. GST
$3500
18hp Kawasaki FX600v, 48” side discharge.
$10,000 incl. GST
Kawasaki FX651V engine, ZT-3400 transmission with 48” cutting deck.
Walker 21D - High Dump Mower
SN 17000382. 600 pump, 4HP Honda engine, SC-3 controller, 20m hose reel, 60S gun, 15lt hand wash tank.
48”cut, ROPS, flashing light, Grammer suspension seat, height adjuster.
$8800
$19,800
Husqvarna CTH180 XP 2005
Hardi Saritor Series 11
$1500 incl. GST
incl. GST
MB19 – $15,490 incl. GST In stock with 42” mulch deck (Any additional accessories pictured not included)
(Any additional accessories pictured not included)
www.wimmeramalleeag.com.au
Page
46
$4600
Hardi Pick-Up Unit, 600Lt, 6 metre SB Boom
42” cut, Kawasaki FH531v 18hp engine.
$10,990
8 HAMILTON ROAD, HORSHAM
100hp gearbox with safety cover. Unit weight approx 750kg.
incl. GST
incl. GST
Bobcat XRZ 48”
In stock with 42” universal deck
Slasher 7’ DS210N-W/W C/W Rear Wheel
incl. GST
Bobcat Fastcat Pro SE 48
MC19 – $23,490 incl. GST
650kg, 75hp gearbox, gal. body.
All prices are on stocked items only!!
(03) 5382 6103 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
incl. GST
5500 litre, 36m TR5 boom, Norac UC5 height control, HC9500 controller, 1650 hrs, exc. cond.
$302,500 incl. GST
JUST ARRIVED – Residental Walker starting at $8,990 incl. GST
Make your farm run at its best... by choosing the best! Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Proudly brought to you by:
Th
D
Budding auctioneer ready H
BY LOTTE REITER
orsham auctioneer Will Schilling, 24, might have less than two years’ experience in the industry, but he’s already qualified to compete in a state competition.
Hy dr B aul ON ic U Su S spe nsi on
The Driscoll, McIllree and Dickinson stock agent will be among 10 auctioneers competing in a 2019 Victorian Young Auctioneer Competition at Pakenham’s Victorian Livestock Exchange on September 9. He secured his position after attending Australian Livestock and Property Agent’s auctioneers training in Echuca in July, where he was selected from 20 competitors. Mr Schilling, who auctions mutton and lamb at the weekly Horsham Sheep and Lamb Sale, said he started selling about 18 months ago after leaving a seven-year career as a shearer. Still in the process of building clientele, he said he never would have imagined he’d be competing at the event this early in his career. “I started at Driscoll, McIllree Dickinson about 20 months ago, and it wasn’t long after I started that I mentioned to my boss I might be interested in having a go at auctioneering,” he said. “Pakenham wasn’t something I thought I’d be doing when I first
started, but I think you’ve got to be under age 25 to compete, so if I didn’t do it this time, I wouldn’t have another chance. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do”. Mr Schilling said the 10 competing auctioneers would sell three lots of cattle at the event, with first and second-place sellers progressing to the next stage as state representatives. He predicted the winning spots to be in close contention after meeting ‘plenty of good auctioneers’ at the Echuca training. “There were 20 blokes from all across Victoria at Echuca, some who sell dairy cattle, a couple who sell beef cattle every week. There’s a lot of different young blokes from different backgrounds,” he said. “There were also a couple of pretty experienced auctioneers and a few speech pathologists who taught us things like breathing and how to take care of your voice.” Though quick to make his mark in the industry, Mr Schilling said transitioning from being a shearer to an auctioneer was a challenge. “In the shearing industry you are your own boss essentially, you work for yourself five days a week and then go home,” he said. “But when you start auctioneering at the markets, you’re working for
five to six different fellas. So, I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt and had to adjust to is how to deal with people. “In this industry you have to go out and call people, express yourself more, and try and build a relationship with your clientele, which I suppose is my main aim at the moment.” Driscoll, McIllree and Dickinson administration and finance manager Sally Ison said Mr Schilling would be the company’s second young auctioneer to secure a place at the state event. She said the company prided itself
on developing the skills of young industry members, and Mr Schilling’s quick success would be another great representative. “Will hasn’t been with us for long, so we are pleased with where he is at the moment,” she said. “We’re all pretty stoked and pretty proud. He has a real natural auctioneer voice and absolutely loves the industry. “We’d be over the moon if he were to go all the way. But there are a lot of amazing auctioneers competing, which I think is also great for the industry as a whole.”
CALL 03 5391 2106
Wimmera and Mallee growers and consultants have the opportunity to learn about the newest agricultural innovations produced at Longerenong’s Wheat and Oilseed Breeding Centre on Tuesday. Chemical company BASF will host a ‘field walk’ event at its Longerenong Centre from 9am to 12.30pm, followed by a barbeque and networking opportunities. The event will showcase BASF’s pipeline of new herbicides launching for cereals and canola, a new seed treatment, new canola varieties and wheat seed breeding that have been produced through BASF’s work in the region. People interested in attending can reserve a place by calling Madeleine Van on 0447 306 536.
Regional outlook The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics will present its Regional Outlook conference in Mt Gambier on September 25. The event, from 8.30am to 4.30pm at Mt Gambier City Hall, will feature regional producers and industry speakers who will share views and experiences in three sessions. Sessions will focus on themes: Investing in primary industries and growing our future; Overcoming challenges and exploiting opportunities in livestock industries; growing and diversifying cropping and forestry. Pre-conference registration for the free Department of Agriculture event is essential.
Smooth NAVIGATOR
* Offer Terms and Conditions 1.To qualify for the offer, the retail customer must request a quote during the Promotion period ending 31 August 2019. 2. Offer applies to new retail sales only. 3. Offer applies to HARDI NAVIGATOR 5000 and 6000 trailed sprayers only. 4. RRP saving is $3,490+GST. 5. HARDI reserves the right to update or change the Terms at any time. Please check HARDI.com.au/terms for more details.
RECEIVE $3,490(+gst) worth of BONUS hydraulic suspension upgrade when you order a new HARDI NAVIGATOR 5000 or 6000 this month.* Already Australia’s leading trailed sprayer, bonus hydraulic suspension will give your new
T. 03 5382 6103 8 HAMILTON ROAD HORSHAM • 3402 Wednesday, August 28, 2019
STEPPING UP: Driscoll, McIllree Dickinson’s Will Schilling is preparing to compete at a Victorian Young Auctioneer Competition at Pakenham on September 9. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Longerenong discovery day 95 Nelson Street, Nhill
NAVIGATOR an even smoother ride, more accurate boom height control and greater operator comfort. Add an AutoHeight centre, and you’ll have the ideal set-up for spraying uneven paddocks. Talk to the team at Wimmera Malleee Ag today.
Wimmera Mallee Ag PTY LTD
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Page
47
SECONDHAND MACHINERY SALES
D L O
$275,000 inc. GST Challenger Rogator RG1300
$27,000 inc. GST Gold Acres 3018
$99,000 inc. GST Rogator 1286C
$22,000 inc. GST JD946 Moco
$198,000 inc. GST Case 7120
$17,800 inc. GST Massey Ferguson 5435 75hp
$33,000 inc. GST Fendt 411
$14,500 inc. GST Lely Rotary Rake
$22,000 inc. GST Class Quad Rotary Rake
$7,500 inc. GST Petrol Gator
$143,000 inc. GST MF9895 Header
$280,000 inc. GST 2012 JD S690
$341,000 inc. GST JD S680
$99,000 inc. GST New Holland CR 970
$6,600 inc. GST Krone 320 Disc Mower
P.O.A. Case 2152/2162 (Macdon D60/ FD70)
2012 Rogator self-propelled boom spray, 36M, 6300-litre tank. Aims command spray system. Auto height control, Raven auto steer. Aprox 1900 hrs good condition.
Case 7120 with aprox 2000 hours and 40’ macdon draper front and trailer.
Krone quad rotary hay rake.
John Deere S680, 2012 model, 1650 rotor hours with 40ft Macdon D60 front. With full service, harvest ready.
2012 Gold Acres Special evolution 18m trailing Boom Spray with 3000 litre tank. Hydraulic drive & elec over hydraulic boom lift control.
PTO, 3-point linkage shuttle shift, air-conditioned cab, approx. 8400hrs.
Gator JD855. Fuel injected petrol, tilt tray, roof liner.
36m book, approx. 6987 hrs. Comes with X25 auto steer and spray control, Inviro pump, hyd fill pump. Engine overhauled in 2015. GC, still being used. 25cm nozzles. Available for immediate delivery.
Fendt 110hp Vario tractor. Comes with 50 K Vario transmission and full suspension, approx. 7500 hrs.
2009 Massey Ferguson 9895 class 8 header. Comes with straw chopper, spinners, free to air auto steer, with approx. 1500 rotor hours and 45ft Midwest front.
New Holland CR970 class 7 header with 42ft Honey Bee front.
Wrecking for parts.
S
2015 John Deere 946 12ft flail mower conditioner.
8m rotary hay rake.
John Deere S690 class 9 header. 40ft Draper front, approx. 2200 rotor hrs, excellent condition, will be service to make harvest ready. Fronts available.
Both 40ft, excellent condition. We have adapters to suit other brands.
Prices inc. GST Header Fronts
Trailers
New Holland 43’ front, Honey Bee 43ft 94C draper front, with third deck
Tandem Trailer, Jims Mowing tandem trailer ................................. $2,200
windrow option, and U 2 reel........................................................... $53,900 Macdon 40 FD75, Macdon FD 75 flex draper Case adapter............ $77,900 Macdon D60, 2011 Macdon D65/5152 40 ft Draper front ............... $66,000
Boom Sprayers Gold Acres 3018, 2012 Gold Acres Special evolution 18m trailing Boom
40ft Mid west front, Midwest 40’ draper front with JD adapter ... $44,000
Spray with 3000 litre tank. Hydraulic drive & elec over hydraulic boom
Macdon D65, 2011 D65/152, 40ft draper front................................ $49,500
lift control.......................................................................................... $25,000
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Pryors Rd
N
St
RO AD
m Pa l 1 Lo t
Edith
OE
Located at Lot 1 Palm Avenue, off Dooen Road, HORSHAM
Av e
45ft Mid west Front, 2009 45ft Midwest Draper front ................... $66,000
0428 338 998 48
Tri axle drop deck, 45’ tri Axle drop deck, unreg. includes RWC .. $25,000
Macdon D60, Macdon D60 windrower, 30ft front............................ $33,000
KYM GROSSER Page
Tri Axle Tipper A trailer, Aluminium Tri Axle tipper A trailer ....... $42,000
DO
Hay Equipment Howard Slasher, 3PL, 6ft butterfly finishing slasher. Ideal for hobby farmer.................................................................................................. $1,100 Tractors MF5435, Massey Ferguson 80Hp tractor with cab, a/c & approx 8500 hrs............................................................................................. $17,800 ATVs JD Gator, ATV petrol 825cc fuel injected tipper tray. New reco engine................................................................................................ $11,000 Headers Gleaner S77, 2012 Gleaner Class 7 header, auto steer ready, with approx 1500 rotor hours, and 40ft dyna flex front ..................................... $225,000
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Proudly brought to you by:
Th
D
Annual conference at Gum San 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106
P
erennial Pasture Systems, PPS, independent farmer group will present its 11th Annual PPS Conference at Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre in Ararat on September 11.
The Wednesday conference will start at 8.45am. The PPS group provides productive and sustainable pasture research and
extension to the region and the annual conference forms a vital part of the group’s calendar. The theme of this year’s conference is based on risks to farm profitability and called ‘Risk strategies to reap the rewards – Adaptive management to reduce risk’. Group president Tony Roberts said PPS had lined up a range of quality speakers for the day as well as a visit
to a highly productive PPS member farm. This year’s seminar speakers include leading consultant Cam Nicholson, looking at the question of adopting change to deal with risk. Dr Kevin Foster from the University of Western Australia will speak on dealing with risks and opportunities in clover based pastures. Andrew Whitelaw will look at
feed-supply cost management and Mick Taylor from Meat and Livestock Australia will be presenting on risks to the future of the sheep meat industry. “Farmers Tom McGuiness from Bigga, NSW and Jason Pymer, Wonwondah, will also put in plain words how they manage risk in their enterprises,” Mr Roberts said. A farm tour to a PPS member farm
at Great Western will complete the day session. At the end of the conference there will be a dinner at Chalambar Golf Club in Ararat with Les Gason from farm-machinery company A. F. Gason as guest speaker. People can book tickets online at www.trybooking.com/BEFID or by contacting project manager Rob Shea on 0438 521 357.
Sheep industry takes steps The Australian sheep industry is taking steps to demonstrate its credentials in sustainable production by developing a whole-of-industry framework. The Sheep Sustainability Framework will seek to improve transparency and build trust with the Australian community by aligning industry practices and community expectations.
Golden fleece at Marnoo Some of the best examples of Australia’s merino sheep were on display at an inaugural Victorian State Merino Field Day at Marnoo in the Wimmera’s east. Prize sheep, some of them responsible for producing wool rated among the best in the world, were in the spotlight as 28 Victorian studs presented their animals at the showcase competition. Marnoo field days have been running for three decades but this year organisers expanded the attraction into statewide championships. People travelled from across the state and beyond to attend the Friday event. Marnoo Merino Stud Breeders Association organised the field day, which featured thousands of dollars in prizes up for grabs. Ribbons for a Victorian Champion March Shorn Hogget Ram competition went to Robert Harding from Glendonald Merino Stud at Nhill, first, Norm Weir, Kerrilyn Merino Stud, Dunluce, second, and Clarie McGauchie, Terrick West Stud, Prairie, third.
It will define sustainable sheep production and track annual performance using a series of indicators. Sheep Producers Australia and Wool Producers Australia, with support from Meat and Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation, are leading the framework’s development.
You grow wool. We know wool. We work with you to maximise your returns – from a few bales, right up to the main shearing, through the good times and the tough, because with us, quality counts. Paul Cocking Ararat 0417 548 211 Phil Cocking Avoca, St Arnaud, Donald, Ararat 0488 993 755
FOR ALL AGES: Louis Sweeney, 3, above, gains an early understanding of the value of highquality wool at Victorian State Merino Field Day at Marnoo and top, Warren McRae checks the quality of fleece. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
where quality counts
• • • • •
FULL AUCTION SERVICES ON-FARM BUYING CASH PAYMENTS FORWARD CONTRACTS WOOL PICK UPS WITH OUR TRUCKS • SHED CLEAN UPS Ararat 03 5352 4322 Head Office 08 8341 0000 QualityWool.com
Cover Crop & Summer Forage Seed Because good seed doesn’t cost, it pays...
Craig Altmann 0448 863 169
Sales Agronomist - Seed Sales and Marketing
3487 Creswick-Newstead Rd, Smeaton, Vic Phone: 03 5345 6262 Fax: 03 53456442 www.agfseeds.com.au Wednesday, August 28, 2019
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Page
49
STRENGTH AND AGILITY
THE SMARTER, MORE POWERFUL WAY TO BETTER HAY.
WHEN YOU NEED IT
Arriving in stock this week
In stock and ready to go!
WR9980 – 265hp Last unit for 2019
Be quick!
NEW WR9900 SERIES 197 – 265 HP SELF PROPELLED WINDROWER MF TH 7038 TELEHANDLER 130HP More power to handle all crop conditions, a brand-new cab for more comfort and greater hydraulic capacity for increased productivity.
• RearSteerTM option with speeds up to 40km/h
• Quick hydraulic couplers • Powerful hydraulics • Unbeatable lift capacity with 7m high and 3800kg
• Efficient boom suspension and cushion retract • Unbeatable comfort and visibility • New powerful and fuel efficient engines
MF RAKES
0% FINANCE* MF 1840 SMALL SQUARE BALER
*Offer ends October 31, 2019, while stocks last. Finance with an interest rate of 0% p.a. available on Chattel Mortgage agreement based on minimum 30% deposit, the GST component repaid after 4 months and monthly repayments in arrears over a 12 month term. Fees and lending conditions apply to approved ABN number holders, who use the equipment for business purposes. Finance is approved by AGCO Finance Pty Ltd, ABN number 42 107 653 878.
• Working widths from 3.5m to 12.5m • 1, 2 and 4 rotor options • Unique tyne arm mounting for perfect fit and reduced wear • ‘Jet effect’ protects tynes when lowering rotors to the ground • Patented for fully cardanic rotor suspension for optimum ground contouring
•C entre-line design with working pick-up width of 1.9m •E xperience fuss-free baling with a sturdy and reliable baler •L ower power requirement, ensuring years of reliable service •T he wide, heavy-duty pickup is ideal for high usage or contracting •K notter fan for increased reliability •A utomatic hydraulic density control
$250,000 incl. GST
IN STOCK NOW: RK 802 TRC Pro – Twin Rotor Centre Delivery
$248,000 incl. GST
$264,000 incl. GST
P.O.A.
2011 Gleaner S77 Header - Super 7 Tri
2011 Gleaner S77 Combine Harvester
2012 Gleaner S77 Super 78 Tritura
New 2016 MF 9565 Combine Harvester
1700 Engine /1280 Separator hours, 480/80R42 Front Duals. Paddock tested and ready for harvest.
1493/1117 hours, in exc. cond with near new CDF rotor. Fully reco rotor gearbox. Serviced, cleaned & ready for harvest. Ask about our draper and trailer options.
New arrival!! Paddock tested & current software updates completed! Engine hours: 1904. Rotor hours: 1361. In excellent condition.
Axial Rotor, 460HP, 343.03kW @ 2100 rpm, speed ranges 4/4 FWD/Rev.
D
L O S
$60,500 incl. GST
$25,000 incl. GST
$22,000 incl. GST
D
L O S
2010 New Holland BB9080S Large Square Baler
2008 Massey Ferguson 2170S Large Square Baler
2003 Massey Ferguson 187SB Large Square Baler
1995 Case 8580 Heston 4x4 Large Square Baler
2011 Massey Ferguson RK3877 TRC Hay Rake
22,116 Bales, Gazeeka Moisture Meter, 6 String.
60,478 Bales, 1 Local Owner from new, Fully Serviced Ex Cond.
65,150 Bales, 3’ X 4’ Bale size.
Low Bale count 31,500 Bales, Exc Cond used for Lucerne.
2 x 12 arm rotors, 7.6m max raking width, 1 local owner
Big baler accessories available for all brands of balers: • Gazeeka moisture meters and in-paddock weather stations • Hay Boss innoculant applicators and moisture meters • Grevillia Ag low volume, innoculant applicators
• Agco hand-held moisture probes • Palmer Ag innoculant applicators
Have our trained service technicians fit these accessories for you. Locally owned business with a fresh focus and commitment.
Page
50
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Proudly brought to you by:
Th
D
s a crusty old reporter of more than 35 years, one can’t help but become a tad cynical.
I have a very healthy lack of respect for many, if not most politicians. Of course, the feeling is mutual. I’ve been sworn at, belittled, given a lecture on how I’d got it all wrong, laughed at, even told, ‘I feel very sorry for your husband’… the list of condescending behaviour from our supposed champions of democracy goes on. When former Prime Minister Bob Hawke died recently, everyone said what a great bloke he was. I’ll never forget in 1989 in the middle of a media scrum when I asked a very pointed question about the pilots’ strike and Mr Hawke’s relationship with Sir Peter Abeles, then owner of Ansett Airlines. He bent down, pushed right into my face, pointed his finger at me nearly touching my nose and said, ‘You wouldn’t ask such a stupid question if you knew what you were talking about, GIRLIE!’ Not so nice after all. Back then, the notoriously honest and decent politician was the senior Labor Minister, the late John Button. I remember asking him some tough questions which he duly answered and, flabbergasted that he didn’t deliver a whole lot of political spin, I reminded him afterwards that it wasn’t compulsory to answer so frankly. He looked genuinely shocked at the suggestion. That kind of steadfast, unwavering honesty was also Tim Fischer’s trademark. He had an incredibly strong moral compass. As deputy Prime Minister, he, like then Prime Minister John Howard, never forgot your name and always treated you with respect. I was working with ABC TV’s 7.30 Report in 1996 when Martin Bryant slayed 35 people at Port Arthur in Tasmania. I was assigned to report on the subsequent progun rally at Sale in Gippsland.
Country Today with Libby Price
I stood behind Mr Howard as he stood on the podium to address the crowd. He was clearly wearing a bullet-proof vest. I have to admit to also feeling unsafe. The crowd was angry and aggressive. The Howard government had only been in office a couple of months and if it weren’t for the steadfast support of Tim Fischer, the radical gun reforms would not have got through. He was a man who knew when to stand his ground against the groundswell of protest from his fellow Nationals and many of his constituents. Mr Fischer was a man of habit and punctuality was an obsession. I sat next to his wife, Judy, at a lunch function and he insisted on speaking at the exact allotted time even though the main course hadn’t been served. There was no stopping him. She laughed and said, “That’s Tim. Just get on with it.” He used to ring ABC Regional offices very early in the morning or late at night and leave a news story on the answering machine. It would be complete with an introduction, then with the countdown ‘three, two, one …’ and the exact 10-second radio grab, then a cheery farewell, ‘God bless’. I bumped into him just short of 12 months ago when I’d made headlines for all the wrong reasons in a defamation case. I won’t reveal what he said, but he put his arm around me and gave his very forthright view of the situation. Honest and real: a true gentle man. Vale Tim Fischer. If only there were more like him.
Wimmera hay workshops Wimmera farmers and advisers will be able to attend hay workshops in the region next month. Agriculture Victoria and Wimmera Farming Network are running the workshops at Winiam, Wallup, Noradjuha and Navarre. The workshops will feature fodder expert Colin Peace of Jumbuk Consulting, along with Agriculture Victoria’s seasonal risk agronomists Dale Boyd and Dale Grey. Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Heather Drendel said the workshops would give farmers confidence to include hay
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
as a planned enterprise in their crop rotations. Mr Boyd will discuss the latest soil moisture measurements for the region and Mr Grey will provide an update on the spring climate forecast. The workshops will be at Winiam Hall from 2pm to 5pm on September 16; Wallup Hall from 9am to noon and Noradjuha Hall from 2.30pm to 5pm on September 17; and Navarre Recreation Reserve from 9.30am to noon, September 18. People can register online at: wimmera haydays.eventbrite.com.au.
Victoria’s peak farming group is imploring farmers to use extreme care when using quad bikes. Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission had found quad bikes caused an average of six emergency-department visits a day in Australia. “That is an absolutely shocking statistic. Deaths from quad-bike accidents make the news, but what we don’t know about is the huge number of people, many children, being rushed to hospital every day as a result of quad-bike-related injuries,” he said.
“I am appealing to all farmers to review their quad-bike use. Please only allow adults with helmets and proper training to use quad bikes installed with OPDs. Never allow children to ride on or drive quad bikes. If you’re ready to remove the risk of quad-bike accidents entirely, you can transition to using a safer farm vehicle. “There are only five weeks left for Victorian farmers to take advantage of a Quad Bike Safety Rebate Scheme.” Farmers wishing to apply for the $1200 rebate should call the VFF on 1300 882 833 or visit website www.vff.org.au/quadbike before the rebate scheme closes on September 30.
wi th a
A
CALL 03 5391 2106
by o R
n
Vale Tim Fischer
Plea for quad-bike safety on farms 95 Nelson Street, Nhill
A little Robyn adds a lot of magic...
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Y
62a McPherson St, Horsham Phone 5382 4219 Mobile 0429 824 219 www.curtainsbyrobyncreek.com.au
Page
51
Registered builders No: CB-U-4846 EST. 1980
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED FAMILY BUSINESS • Shed Builders and Erectors • Rural, Industrial & Commercial Buildings • Standard designs or fully customized • Hay Sheds • Machinery Sheds • Grain Sheds • Sheep yard covers • All Shed Frames Universal Beam Construction • Using Australian made building products
14B Sloss St, Horsham | (03) 5381 0800 | Fax (03) 5381 0801
Page
52
Lot 5 King Drive • P.O Box 701 Horsham, 3402 Phone: 03 5382 0257 • Fax: 03 5381 1488 Brad Smith: 0417 166 309 • Greg Smith: 0419 896 621 Email: horshamsteel@bigpond.com Website: horshamsteel.com.au
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Proudly brought to you by:
Th
D
GRDC: Look out for Russian aphid 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106
R
esearchers have urged graingrowers to be vigilant in the approaching weeks with the potential of spring and warmer conditions to promote flights of Russian wheat aphid.
Grains Research and Development Corporation has reported that numbers of the pest, RWA, had been minimal so far this season, due largely to low survival rates during a hot and dry 2018-19 summer. It has warned that higher temperatures in spring might lead to an increase in aphid migration. But scientists are saying crops older than ‘growth stage 40’ did not appear to be attractive to migrating RWA, therefore colonisation of such advanced crops during spring was unlikely. Growers and advisers in areas such as the southern Mallee and East Gippsland, as well as NSW’s Riverina, Central West Slopes and Plains and Central Tablelands, have reported rare cases of RWA presence and symptoms, below intervention thresholds, this year. Entomologists involved in GRDC research projects said an economically significant yield impact was more likely from infestations that occurred before stem elongation, but only if these persisted during the later heading and flowering stages.
South Australian Research and Development Institute, SARDI, entomologist Maarten van Helden said detecting RWA in crops was not difficult because infestations were usually obvious. “A tell-tale sign is white or purple leaf streaking in cereal crops. And at late tillering and during stem elongation, leaf rolling might occur,” he said. He said growers should search for aphids by peeling back rolled leaves. Symptomatic tillers did not always contain aphids and therefore treatment might not be required if the aphids had either moved on or died. First identified in Australia in 2016, RWA is now present in many cropping areas of SA, Victoria, Tasmania and NSW. The aphid has not been detected in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. Authorities expect RWA distribution to move northwards again this year to northern NSW and possibly southern Queensland. RWA has only been confirmed in Australia in recent years, which means there has been limited research under ‘local’ agro-climatic conditions and farming systems. In response, a GRDC investment project called ‘Russian wheat aphid risk assessment and regional thresholds’, is investigating regional risks and management tactics. SARDI is leading the research proj-
MONITORING: South Australian Research and Development Institute entomologist Dr Maarten van Helden. Picture: GRDC
ect in partnership with sustainable agriculture research organisation cesar. Field trials involve a variety of farming systems. The investment is based on an investigation into how RWA survives between winter cropping seasons. Scientists consider this knowledge pivotal in determining the risk of infestation and potential damage ahead of each new cropping season, as well as aiding RWA management planning and development of cultural controls.
It is also seeking to determine regional production risks and economic thresholds that will guide growers in effective management. “When the aphid was introduced into the United States in the 1980s, the Americans developed economic thresholds. We are determining whether those same thresholds are valid in Australia,” Dr van Helden said. “Current threshold recommendations for chemical control, based on US research, are more than 20 percent
of seedlings infested with aphids up to the start of tillering and 10 percent of tillers infested thereafter.” Trial sites are in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and NSW to determine scientifically robust thresholds under varying Australian conditions. Dr van Helden said trials had so far shown that a considerable amount of RWA population pressure was required before yield loss was incurred. “Overall, yield loss in our trials has not been as high as expected when aphid numbers have largely been above the overseas threshold,” he said. “It seems that the overseas thresholds are, at this stage, acceptable for affected Australian grain growing regions. “Be aware that RWA seems to develop better on stressed plants, so in very dry conditions the risks might be somewhat higher.” Further information on RWA management is available online at grdc. com.au/rwa-tacticsfuturecontrol. Authorities are encouraging growers to report occurrences of RWA in known areas of distribution to the GRDC’s PestFacts services at bit. ly/2O3hoBj for south-east cropping areas. People can report suspected infestations in previously unaffected regions to an Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
New XE Bredal on display Spreading Urea up to 50m
Increased Capacity and Dual Dynamic Section Control
Trailed spreaders
Next Generation Chaser Bins, and Mother Bins
Deep Rippers
Horsham 150 Golf Course Road Horsham Victoria Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Contact: Heath Miller Regional Sales Manager 0429 773 887
Head Office T 08 8842 1384
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
W techgrow.com.au Page
53
FIND A FINANCE PARTNER WHO UNDERSTANDS YOU
Proudly brought to you by: This Weeks Special DogPro Working Dog
$25.00 20kg Bag
Consider cover crop
with
CROPOPTI SERVICES
CALL 03 5391 2106
CROPOPTI
I
LEADERS IN AGRONOMY
A fully-independent farm consultancy service that provides you with customised solutions to your farms’ specific challenges.
Landmark Crop Finance can help you prepare with confidence and take the pressure off your cash-flow this season.
Over 150 years experience Call your local team... Travis Hair 0437 778 202 Matt Beddison 0429 007 810
“Like” Us On Facebook
95 Nelson Street, Nhill
Stefan Phillips 0400 792 482 Josh Mahoney 0427 748 943
7 Golf Course Road, Horsham 3400 (03) 5382 0088
BY CRAIG ALTMANN
’m looking for a better way to farm so my kids can still farm.
That was the message accompanying a picture tweeted by Wimmera farmer Paul Oxbrow that has created healthy discussion. As part of the message, the photo featured a paddock of wheat, comparing two different rotations side by side. The rotation involved a cover crop looking better than a crop that had been summer fallowed. This sparked my interest considering this season has been generally excellent in the area and the trial being what I’d consider in its early days. Paul Oxbrow remarked in favour of the rotation including the cover crop – • Water infiltration way better. • Penetrometer goes in further and easier. • Could be nitrogen-response carryover from last year or more N and other nutrients more available because of the cover crop or 30 months of growing roots. Given that this is very much an evaluation of two systems for Mr Oxbrow, the positive observations are balanced by the yield and financial side of the equation. He commented that there was a big difference in canola yield last year due to timing of late frost, resulting in the rotation involving chemical fallow was a better gross margin at this stage. I’m positive the passionate desire expressed in the tweet, to leave the land in better condition for the next generation, would resonate strongly with every farmer. Cover crops are a tool that are being used extensively internationally and are gaining interest in Australia in finding a fit, ranging from conventional systems through to regenerative
Craig Altmann inspects a cover crop on the outskirts of Horsham with tillage radish in hand.
agriculture. For instance, at last year’s Australian Biological Farming Conference, I found myself talking to croppers, graziers, cane growers, vignerons and orchardists to mention a few – all using cover crops in their systems. One of the cornerstone varieties in cover cropping is tillage radish. Heralded for its ability to reduce soil compaction with its aggressive tap root, the attributes of tillage radish don’t end there. You might think of tillage radish as a tap root with grazing options with its excellent early vigour and provision of quick-grazing and high-quality feed. The radish tuber is also a big part of the story and is often the part that steals the limelight. The tuber is very effective at cycling nutrients, feeding soil biology and leaving the topsoil open as it decays. It is worth noting the tuber does decay quickly. Whether for grazing, soil health or a combination; going into spring with a good profile of moisture, there is an opportunity to sow something soon to potentially grow out-of-season feed and promote soil health.
Experience the difference, Goldacres self-propelled sprayers with the direct drive system are efficient by design, durable by nature. The drive system operates at lower engine RPM which equates to lower cabin noise, less fuel usage and a less stressed drive line and direct power to the ground. Experience a sprayer built for your farming enterprise.
Mechanical Drive *Average engine RPM G6 Crop Cruiser over 40 hours
1600
*
RPM
Low Fuel Consumption
*Average RPM and fuel usage taken from a G6 Crop Cruiser operating over a 40 hour period.
11.8
*
L/HR
Lowest Cabin Noise
68.5
*
DB
*G8 Super Cruiser
goldacres g6 Page
54
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Wednesday, August 28, 2019