AgLife – June 29, 2022 edition

June 29, 2022

Strong supply While cold conditions are having an impact on the quality of lambs in 2022, numbers continue to grow in the Australian flock. Goldie and Andie Kuhne look after some orphaned lambs at their Bungalally property.

– Story, page 31. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Roadside grain dumping risks W

BY ABBY WALTER

ith mass amounts of grain moved in the 2021-22 harvest and similar tonnes predicted in 2022-23, truck drivers are reminded to accurately weigh loads and avoid roadside dumping of grain.

Agriculture Victoria grains biosecurity officer Jim Moran said dumped grain provided an untreated, unmonitored, unmanaged and attractive site for stored grain insects and disease pests to thrive and spread into neighbouring paddocks and farms, creating a significant biosecurity risk.

“Dumped grain can be a food source for birds and vermin such as mice and wild pigs, which build in number and infest and damage nearby crops and grain storages,” he said.

“Vermin can also carry seed to other areas where it becomes a weed or vector for pests and diseases.

“These illegal grain dumps are often found along transport corridors to and from ports.

They provide an ideal pathway for hitchhiker pests to make their way from an urban port to a farm, where they can become established in the grain production system.”

Mr Moran urged people to undertake some simple actions and reduce the risks of grain being dumped on the roadside.

“To avoid overloading, a more accurate measure of weight is required,” he said.

“This could include installing a permanent or temporary on-farm weighbridge, gaining access to a nearby off-site weighbridge, using an on-board, over the axles or suspension-mounted vehicle scale, or simple visual methods proven to reduce overloading.”

Mr Moran said there should be no residual grain left in the trailer that needed to be dumped before picking up a new delivery.

“While this is an ongoing matter between the grains industry and receival sites, if there is grain left over that needs to be disposed of, do so safely,” he said.

“It can be burned, buried or bagged and reused, perhaps as livestock feed if it is uncontaminated.

“If a truck arrives empty but not clean, it’s possible that residual grain has been dumped.

“Growers should also have a designated clean-down area, which can be monitored regularly for volunteer plants, weeds or pests.

“If you witness roadside grain dumping, you should report it to the Environment Protection Authority using their reporting app.

“It’s considered littering under the Victorian Environment Protection Act 1970, so if you see someone dumping grain from a truck and trailer, provide relevant details and it will be followed up.”

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

CONNECTING: Wimmera Machinery Field Days president Sam Eagle is looking forward to bringing people together for an Innovations Day event.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Agricultural ‘get-together’ Wimmera Machinery Field Days organisers are encouraging farmers to get together for an ‘Innovations Day’ featuring agriculture machinery and technology dealers.

The event is at Moore Exhibition Centre at Longerenong on July 6 from 10am to 3pm.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days president Sam Eagle said it was a good opportunity for Wimmera farmers to engage

with regional dealerships. “It’s a social day for local farmers with local dealerships out there to display their new technology.

We’re making it very local,” he said.

“We will have Emmetts, Goldacres, O’Connors, Agrifac, OzValue AG and Belle-Vue Trading attending.”

Mr Eagle said it was a casual event to catch up with friends, other farmers and the dealers,

with a barbecue lunch available.

“We haven’t had many catchups for the farming community, even now we are allowed to, so this is a good chance to do that,” he said.

“We will have a door prize donated by Horsham Bearings. It’s free entry, so turn up and grab a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Milwaukee four-piece tradie pack valued at about $2000.”

– Abby Walter

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New path to market T

here’s an interesting project underway in the Wimmera this season.

Eleven farmers are growing a new high-fibre wheat for a flour mill in Japan.

This wheat was developed by the CSIRO. Their research indicates improved digestive health, protection against genetic damage that precedes bowel cancer and help in combating type two diabetes as benefits of consuming products made from this wheat.

The flour can be used in all the normal foods – pastas, pizza bases, muffins and chocolate brownies.

It’s likely consumer demand will be strong.

The project stimulates some thoughts around our approach to getting this product to customers.

Wheat exports from Australia are pretty much dominated by the large traders.

They have the capital, multi origin capability and logistics clout to control a large share of commodity exports.

Increasingly, though, it seems their profits are driven by volume of trade, not by maximising the value of the wheat crop – thus the ‘cheapest grain in the world’ tag we’ve been ‘enjoying’ for the last year or so.

The exciting thing about the new

From left field with David Matthews

wheat type is we can build a new path to market.

We can move our thinking from trading to marketing.

We can look to the extra ‘value’ in this product at consumer level and ensure a share of that flows back to growers.

With this project, it’s the growers working directly with the researchers and the flour mill.

We don’t need an extended supply chain that dilutes both information flow and margins.

It’s a collaborative production model where we work together to increase the size of the pie, instead of a more combative trading model where we fight for the biggest slice.

Under the production agreements this season, growers have been able to lock in a base price of $670 per tonne delivered to port for new crop.

The agreements allow for quality issues or tonnage shortfall due to the seasonal factors beyond the control of the grower.

So we’re able to capture the current

high prices without having the worry of production risks – something that’s almost impossible to do in a normal trading transaction.

Current varieties of the high-fibre wheat do suffer a yield penalty when compared with the best mainstream varieties.

A portion of the price premium compensates for this.

But with better varieties available in the next one to two years, that yield gap will be quickly closed.

Consumers in developed countries are increasingly choosing foods that offer either perceived or real health benefits. These consumers are prepared to pay for what they want. It’s a different mindset to commodity consumption, where price is the most important factor.

Demand for the high-fibre wheat will take it well beyond being a niche product.

The Japanese mill expects its consumption to grow from 4000mt this year to 40,000mt in five years’ time – and that’s just one mill.

As new grain technologies are released, more opportunities will emerge for grower groups to have a direct role in the commercialisation process.

The benefits to individual farm businesses, and to the rural economy, can be significant.

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

CARERS: Goldie, 7, and Andie, 4, Kuhne with a couple of orphaned lambs at their Bungalally property.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Lamb supply ‘significant’ Paddocks across the Wimmera are starting to fill with lambs as lambing season begins for sheep farmers.

Meat and Livestock Australia market information analyst Ripley Atkinson said lamb prices were lower now than this time last year.

“There’s an increase in supply at a yarding level and to be processed and slaughter levels are up,” he said.

“Prices are also being impacted by the quality of lambs as the wet conditions are impacting weight gain in lambs and they’re not getting a strong quality finish.”

Mr Atkinson said the supply

of lambs this year was significant.

“There are more lambs available domestically and we’re seeing exports perform better with an increase in the Australian flock due to the growth that occurred from March 2020 in lambing areas,” he said.

“Processors had forward contracts booked out early, which means their demand at the saleyards are softer.

“The national flock has been rebuilding for several years, so we haven’t seen this supply level in the past few years because there were not this many sheep during and immediately after drought in New South Wales.”

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est Wimmera Shire Council will call on the State Government to fulfill its commitment to complete the Murray Basin Rail Project.

Council leaders said the project was critical to the movement of grain from the shire.

The five-stage project, worth $440-million with funding from state and federal governments, was scheduled for completion in 2018.

It aims to standardise 1130 kilometres of the Western Victorian Rail Network and increase the volume of grain transported by up to 500,000 tonnes per year, among other efficiencies.

Stage two of the project is funded, but has stalled midway through its completion.

Council leaders said freight capacity had decreased while transit times had increased, the road network was degrading as rail freight was lost to road, the region was increasingly reliant on high-productivity freight vehicles and a mix of broad and standard rail gauges remained as a result of the status of the project.

The council will write to Premier Daniel Andrews to express concern over the project and request he honour the government’s commitment to complete the project to its original scope.

Cr Tim Meyer said the project’s impact was far-reaching.

“People might wonder why West Wimmera has an interest in this project,” he said.

“It’s a very important thing to get freight back on the rail. We have 100 thousand tonnes of grain sitting out here at Lillimur and that’s all going by trucks and going down the road – and that makes the road dangerous.”

Cr Trevor Domaschenz said the council’s initiative would add weight to a statewide movement calling for the project to continue.

Meanwhile, Member for Mallee Anne Webster and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie have added their voices, saying the Nationals had delivered a $195-million rescue package in 2020 at a federal level.

Dr Webster said industry representatives and producers were becoming increasingly frustrated at the project’s lack of progress.

“The Murray Basin Rail Project will reduce the number of trucks on country and urban roads, reduce emissions, remove inefficiencies and boost economic growth for primary producers,” she said.

“It just makes sense to get the job done. No more excuses and obfuscation.

“The local transport industry is worse off than before the project started because of the mismanagement of the State Government.

“Since the rescue package was put on the table by the Nationals in government, the Andrews government has dragged its feet to make progress of any kind. With a new Federal Labor Government, I am seriously concerned about the future of this project.”

FARMEr

S

BY ABBY WALTER

ome of Brimpaen’s finest merino stock have wowed judges at the Victorian Sheep Show, hosted by Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society, taking home top honours.

LEARNING: Australian plant scientist and national leader of the Australian Grains Genebank, Sally Norton, right, and research scientist Katherine Whitehouse show Horsham West and Haven Primary School students Ryan Dunn, Kobi Fowler, Jett Skiller, Porsha McKenzie and Cheston Morley around the genebank at Horsham’s Grains Innovation Park. The students also toured the glasshouses and viewed the Money Tree artwork during their visit last week.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE

Glenpaen Merino and Poll Merino Stud sheep were showcased at the event, bringing home 17 ribbons for rams and ewes.

Glenpaen stud principal Rod Miller said it was good to be able to get back to showing and to see other sheep.

“It’s always good to win. We won in 2019, there was no show in 2020 and we didn’t get up in 2021, so it was good to be back,” he said.

“We were lucky enough to go all the way with a fine wool horn ram, who was the best sheep of the day. The judges liked him and that’s all you can want.”

Along with winning supreme exhibit, Glenpaen sheep won grand champion merino ram, best Victoria bred ram, highest aggregate fine merino classes, champion March shorn fine wool horn ewe, champion March shorn fine wool poll ewe, champion March shorn medium wool poll ewe, champion March shorn fine wool ram, champion March shorn medium wool poll ram, champion August shorn fine wool ram, reserve champion fine wool ewe, and reserve champion medium wool ram.

Mr Miller said the stud would be taking sheep to the Australian Sheep and Wool Show next month, at Bendigo.

“We had a good run at Ballarat, but Bendigo is the one to win,” he said.

“We last won in Bendigo in 2019 when we were fortunate enough to win best ram and best ewe.

“We’ll see how we go this year with sheep at the show from nearly every state in the country, so we will be up against some very good competition.

“As long as we are competitive, that is what we ask for and to win is a bonus.”

WINNING STUD: Glenpaen Merino and Poll Merino Stud’s Harry Miller with the supreme exhibit, a fine wool horn ram, at the Victorian Sheep Show on Sunday.

FARMEr

Farmer Wants a Healthy Life is about connecting people and has already had a moving impact on listeners from across our region, Victoria and beyond.

There has been a big buzz around the podcast episodes, filled with raw moments, the tough talks and above all, hope.

Topics covered range from farm safety, mental health struggles and supports, to times of change, community and all that comes with a life on the land.

“Farmer Wants a Healthy Life is about hearing stories and sharing your own.

Listening and mulling over how to live a healthy farming life."

The engaging podcast series has been filling the airwaves with genuine stories from local identities for two successful seasons.

Listen to us on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to your podcasts!

You can also tune in on our website www.wwhs.net.au/Farmer-wants-a-healthy-life @FarmerWantsaHealthyLife

@ _FWAHL

My wife and I absolutely loved all these Podcasts. In fact, my wife was moved to tears and we found all the guests incredibly likeable and informed. Brigitte comes across brilliantly, so warm and real.

Aimed at farming families and rural communities, the podcast was inspired by the desire to work with people living in rural settings to start a conversation about a variety of health and wellbeing issues.

Hosted by well-known Wimmera identity, and mountain climber turned storyteller, Brigitte Muir OAM, the podcast series is full of heart.

WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE

- Season One Listener

32

Plans for an East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project are undergoing amendments.

Agribusiness and local government representatives attended a GWMWater briefing on the progress of the project earlier this month.

They heard that detailed design work had resulted in changes to the project – with it now incorporating the Mt Cole Reservoir and Lake Fyans as main supply storages for the network.

Ararat Rural City mayor Jo Armstrong said the council had long advocated for the project, which was vital to providing water security for farmers.

“The pipeline has been designed to create a water grid that delivers water security now and offers opportunities for farm businesses to expand in the future,” she said.

“Agribusinesses in Ararat Rural City are the main beneficiaries of the project, with the original scope offering about 1500 farms and unserviced towns with up to 750 million litres more water each year.

“This is a game-changer, bringing greater opportunity to diversify, value-add and buffer the cycle of good and bad harvest years.

“After working so hard to put ourselves in the box seat and government funding secured in 2019, progress has been slower than we would have liked but it is pleasing to hear the project is moving ahead.”

Prime lamb producer Charlie de Fegely said landowner support was vital to the project in terms of co-contributions from users to help deliver the project and co-operation to see the benefits maximised.

“We’ve been partners in the project since day one and while there have been delays, local agribusinesses have got behind the project with more than 400 heads of agreements now secured,” he said.

Cr Armstrong said the council understood GWMWater was finalising revised project plans.

Something for Everyone

The local podcast for you, from you

Page

CALL 03 5391 2106

A Movement to Spark Change

A P OD C A S T W I T H H E A RT

"The choice you make can change your life"

East Grampians pipeline progress 95 Nelson Street, Nhill

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page

33

Proudly brought to you by:

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Th

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D

$25.00 20kg Bag

Stud bound for nationals

Basin rail project back in spotlight “Like” Us On Facebook

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

W

est Wimmera Shire Council will call on the State Government to fulfill its commitment to complete the Murray Basin Rail Project.

Council leaders said the project was critical to the movement of grain from the shire.

The five-stage project, worth $440-million with funding from state and federal governments, was scheduled for completion in 2018.

It aims to standardise 1130 kilometres of the Western Victorian Rail Network and increase the volume of grain transported by up to 500,000 tonnes per year, among other efficiencies.

Stage two of the project is funded, but has stalled midway through its completion.

Council leaders said freight capacity had decreased while transit times had increased, the road network was degrading as rail freight was lost to road, the region was increasingly reliant on high-productivity freight vehicles and a mix of broad and standard rail gauges remained as a result of the status of the project.

The council will write to Premier Daniel Andrews to express concern over the project and request he honour the government’s commitment to complete the project to its original scope.

Cr Tim Meyer said the project’s impact was far-reaching.

“People might wonder why West Wimmera has an interest in this project,” he said.

“It’s a very important thing to get freight back on the rail. We have 100 thousand tonnes of grain sitting out here at Lillimur and that’s all going by trucks and going down the road – and that makes the road dangerous.”

Cr Trevor Domaschenz said the council’s initiative would add weight to a statewide movement calling for the project to continue.

Meanwhile, Member for Mallee Anne Webster and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie have added their voices, saying the Nationals had delivered a $195-million rescue package in 2020 at a federal level.

Dr Webster said industry representatives and producers were becoming increasingly frustrated at the project’s lack of progress.

“The Murray Basin Rail Project will reduce the number of trucks on country and urban roads, reduce emissions, remove inefficiencies and boost economic growth for primary producers,” she said.

“It just makes sense to get the job done. No more excuses and obfuscation.

“The local transport industry is worse off than before the project started because of the mismanagement of the State Government.

“Since the rescue package was put on the table by the Nationals in government, the Andrews government has dragged its feet to make progress of any kind. With a new Federal Labor Government, I am seriously concerned about the future of this project.”

FARMEr

S

BY ABBY WALTER

ome of Brimpaen’s finest merino stock have wowed judges at the Victorian Sheep Show, hosted by Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society, taking home top honours.

LEARNING: Australian plant scientist and national leader of the Australian Grains Genebank, Sally Norton, right, and research scientist Katherine Whitehouse show Horsham West and Haven Primary School students Ryan Dunn, Kobi Fowler, Jett Skiller, Porsha McKenzie and Cheston Morley around the genebank at Horsham’s Grains Innovation Park. The students also toured the glasshouses and viewed the Money Tree artwork during their visit last week.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE

Glenpaen Merino and Poll Merino Stud sheep were showcased at the event, bringing home 17 ribbons for rams and ewes.

Glenpaen stud principal Rod Miller said it was good to be able to get back to showing and to see other sheep.

“It’s always good to win. We won in 2019, there was no show in 2020 and we didn’t get up in 2021, so it was good to be back,” he said.

“We were lucky enough to go all the way with a fine wool horn ram, who was the best sheep of the day. The judges liked him and that’s all you can want.”

Along with winning supreme exhibit, Glenpaen sheep won grand champion merino ram, best Victoria bred ram, highest aggregate fine merino classes, champion March shorn fine wool horn ewe, champion March shorn fine wool poll ewe, champion March shorn medium wool poll ewe, champion March shorn fine wool ram, champion March shorn medium wool poll ram, champion August shorn fine wool ram, reserve champion fine wool ewe, and reserve champion medium wool ram.

Mr Miller said the stud would be taking sheep to the Australian Sheep and Wool Show next month, at Bendigo.

“We had a good run at Ballarat, but Bendigo is the one to win,” he said.

“We last won in Bendigo in 2019 when we were fortunate enough to win best ram and best ewe.

“We’ll see how we go this year with sheep at the show from nearly every state in the country, so we will be up against some very good competition.

“As long as we are competitive, that is what we ask for and to win is a bonus.”

WINNING STUD: Glenpaen Merino and Poll Merino Stud’s Harry Miller with the supreme exhibit, a fine wool horn ram, at the Victorian Sheep Show on Sunday.

FARMEr

Farmer Wants a Healthy Life is about connecting people and has already had a moving impact on listeners from across our region, Victoria and beyond.

There has been a big buzz around the podcast episodes, filled with raw moments, the tough talks and above all, hope.

Topics covered range from farm safety, mental health struggles and supports, to times of change, community and all that comes with a life on the land.

“Farmer Wants a Healthy Life is about hearing stories and sharing your own.

Listening and mulling over how to live a healthy farming life."

The engaging podcast series has been filling the airwaves with genuine stories from local identities for two successful seasons.

Listen to us on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to your podcasts!

You can also tune in on our website www.wwhs.net.au/Farmer-wants-a-healthy-life @FarmerWantsaHealthyLife

@ _FWAHL

My wife and I absolutely loved all these Podcasts. In fact, my wife was moved to tears and we found all the guests incredibly likeable and informed. Brigitte comes across brilliantly, so warm and real.

Aimed at farming families and rural communities, the podcast was inspired by the desire to work with people living in rural settings to start a conversation about a variety of health and wellbeing issues.

Hosted by well-known Wimmera identity, and mountain climber turned storyteller, Brigitte Muir OAM, the podcast series is full of heart.

WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE

- Season One Listener

32

Plans for an East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project are undergoing amendments.

Agribusiness and local government representatives attended a GWMWater briefing on the progress of the project earlier this month.

They heard that detailed design work had resulted in changes to the project – with it now incorporating the Mt Cole Reservoir and Lake Fyans as main supply storages for the network.

Ararat Rural City mayor Jo Armstrong said the council had long advocated for the project, which was vital to providing water security for farmers.

“The pipeline has been designed to create a water grid that delivers water security now and offers opportunities for farm businesses to expand in the future,” she said.

“Agribusinesses in Ararat Rural City are the main beneficiaries of the project, with the original scope offering about 1500 farms and unserviced towns with up to 750 million litres more water each year.

“This is a game-changer, bringing greater opportunity to diversify, value-add and buffer the cycle of good and bad harvest years.

“After working so hard to put ourselves in the box seat and government funding secured in 2019, progress has been slower than we would have liked but it is pleasing to hear the project is moving ahead.”

Prime lamb producer Charlie de Fegely said landowner support was vital to the project in terms of co-contributions from users to help deliver the project and co-operation to see the benefits maximised.

“We’ve been partners in the project since day one and while there have been delays, local agribusinesses have got behind the project with more than 400 heads of agreements now secured,” he said.

Cr Armstrong said the council understood GWMWater was finalising revised project plans.

Something for Everyone

The local podcast for you, from you

Page

CALL 03 5391 2106

A Movement to Spark Change

A P OD C A S T W I T H H E A RT

"The choice you make can change your life"

East Grampians pipeline progress 95 Nelson Street, Nhill

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page

33

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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Three decades on the job B

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

arry Ray is a familiar face to people who have attended the Wimmera’s agricultural college during the past three decades.

This year marks Mr Ray’s 30th year working at Longerenong College – a career he says he owes to a commitment of helping young people succeed in agriculture.

“That is the reason I have lasted this long,” he said.

“The underlying truth is I love helping young people love agriculture – it is something I am totally committed to and gets me up every morning.”

Mr Ray, originally of Mildura, was a student at the college from 1977 to 1979, and returned to the campus in 1992 as a teacher.

Now the college’s academic programs manager, Mr Ray said his time spent in Longy classrooms meant he better understood his students, and he hoped they better understood him.

“When I do help out in the classroom, as part of my role now, I can relate to the students. It’s an, ‘I have been where you are’ understanding,” he said.

“I had a good time here as a student, but I can also encourage them to get the balance right between having fun and their studies. I think they understand that relationship.

“It is a case of if they are struggling

– that is okay. I was there. I was threeand-a-half hours away from home, managing that separation from home, and I hope it allows me to establish some empathy.”

Mr Ray said many things had changed at the college since he first arrived on staff.

“We used to have 45 homes on site, a primary school, fruit orchard and vegetable garden that supplied the campus. It was a really broad community, but things change and the enterprises we have on the farm have changed, too,” he said “We have enhanced other areas now and we are also in the process of building new accommodation facilities. But really, since 1889, change has been a constant for Longy. The reality is it will continue to evolve.”

Mr Ray said personal connections were a feature of the college and was what drove many people to remain part of its community, as a student or a staff member.

He described working at the college as a ‘lifestyle’.

“It almost is a lifestyle here. Longy is a small organisation as far as tertiary institutions are concerned, and as soon as an organisation gets too big, it is inevitable you’re going to lose some personal connectivity,” he said.

“For the first eight years working here, I lived on site within the community. There were lots of staff living

STUDENT TO TEACHER: Longerenong College academic program manager Barry Ray has been with the institute for 30 years. here then, too. My first role here was managing the piggery, which meant I had to be here to manage the livestock. It is that essence of a small community, while it has changed, that remains part of the college’s community and persona.”

Mr Ray said he was looking forward to the college’s August 14 open day being a face-to-face event again, with pandemic restrictions eased.

“If you are looking for a career in agriculture, the opportunity and breadth of opportunity here is signif-

icant in terms of the technology we have here, but also the opportunity to find a job,” he said.

“Employers are always contacting us looking for staff, so from that point of view, it is an amazing opportunity for our students.

“At Longy we believe in teaching a well-rounded mix of practical agricultural skills, along with the theoretical knowledge to underpin those skills. You will learn what do, but also, why you are doing it.”

• Agricultural careers, page 41.

VFF looks to election 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

Victorian Farmers Federation has launched its state election platform and established its advocacy campaign policy points ahead of the 2022 election.

VFF president Emma Germano said she was proud to present a positive agenda that focused on delivering for farmers and regional communities ahead of November 26.

“The VFF has pulled together a policy platform that doesn’t just speak to the issues farmers are facing; but the issues faced by all regional communities,” she said.

Ms Germano said the commitments being sought as part of the VFF’s Fair Go For Regional Victoria campaign included critical investment into regional road and rail, housing, healthcare, biosecurity, jobs and environmental management, among others.

“Whether it’s how we work together to maintain the profitability of industry, how we deal with a changing climate, or how we continue to sustain thriving communities with a lifestyle envied by those in Melbourne, farmers are well placed to identify the issues that matter to all regional Victorians and to offer solutions,” she said.

Ms Germano said she encouraged farmers to make their voices heard.

“We are committed to ensuring regional Victoria is front and centre at this election, and equally to working with all to deliver a better future,” she said.

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Daniel set for world titles 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

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A

Longerenong College student and third-generation competitive plougher is eyeing a world contest after coming up trumps in Tasmania.

Second-year student Daniel Gladwell, 19, has heard stories about his father competing in world ploughing contests in the 1980s. His grandfather ploughed and coached ploughers at world contests in the 1970s.

Daniel Gladwell took home the Tasmanian State Ploughing Contest this month, and representing his home state at a national contest at the weekend, also in Tasmania, placed fourth.

He said despite competing in his third state-level match this year, he still had a lot to learn.

“This year’s contest went really well, but it definitely was a war of attrition,” he said.

“It became about who made less mistakes. It was about being technically correct and getting it done properly.”

Mr Gladwell said having a world competition-level plougher dad as his coach was a great learning tool.

“It is just like watching your dad play football when you were young.

It is something I have been doing for some time now,” he said.

“Having Dad, arguably one of the best ploughmen in the country, as

TRADITION: Second year Longerenong College student and third-generation plougher Daniel Gladwell continues a family legacy in the national competitive-ploughing community.

Victorian fox and wild dog collections continue in Horsham from July to October.

Acceptable entire fox scalps and wild dog body parts will be collected from eligible members of the community at designated collection centres.

Horsham dates are July 6, August 3, August 31, September 28 and October 26, at 180 Horsham-Noradjuha Road between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Wild dog drop-offs must be made by appointment.

An electronic funds transfer is the preferred method of payment.

People are asked to bring their bank details to the collection centre to assist staff.

Reduce exposure coach is amazing. He was helping me out before the contest last week, practicing with me, getting everything right.

“It takes practice to be a good competition plougher – also patience – but it can be a very hard thing to get your head around if you didn’t grow up around it. It takes time, and that is perhaps why there are fewer young people competing.”

Mr Gladwell said he had previously qualified for the 2022 world championships during the 2021 national contest, with this year’s national event

qualifying him for the 2023 world contest.

“I have already qualified for the 2022 world contest, hosted by Ireland this year, and I head there in September. We qualify for the world events a year in advance,” he said.

“I have been to world contests before with my Dad, so I know what I am in for.

“My first world event was in New Zealand when I was eight, and I have also been to one in Denmark.

“I know what to expect, but obviously this will be my first time

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Mr Gladwell said while the dirt in Europe always looked the best, nothing was better than ploughing at home.

“In Europe it looks really nice, it is really sandy and ploughs really great.

But nothing beats home,” he said.

“I would love to have a world contest on home soil in north-west Tasmania.

“Hopefully we can get some funding and attention and bring the world contest back to Australia for the first time since it was in Geelong in 1997.”

With confirmation of Japanese encephalitis at 23 properties in Victoria confirmed, people are reminded to take measures to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

Japanese encephalitis been confirmed in piggeries at Wangaratta, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, Greater Bendigo and Northern Grampians local government areas.

Infection is not spread directly from pigs to people, and there is no risk to humans from eating pig meat. Only infected mosquitoes can spread infection.

More information about the virus and human health is available by calling 1300 606 024, or visiting website health.vic.gov.au/jev

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Millennials moving to a house near you I

n pride of place on my office noticeboard is pinned a COVID-19 New South Wales border entry permit.

I kept it to show my yet-tobe-born grandchildren about the pandemic that changed our lives.

I was so grateful I’d made the decision, years before, to move from Melbourne to north-east Victoria and to this day, I have somehow avoided catching COVID – touch wood.

How fortuitous it was and little did we know how so many more would choose the tree change.

The latest data from Regional Australia Institute’s Regional Movers Index shows regional migration is at a five-year high and young people are driving growth – in particular the millennials and generation X-ers, that being, people aged 25 to 55 years-old.

RAI economist Kim Houghton told Country Today: “Regional living is attracting more young people and particularly younger families who are looking for bigger living spaces at a cheaper cost.

“Millennials and Gen-Xers are

Country Today with Libby Price

welcome additions to any regional community as they often bring with them business skills to grow the local community, as well as families who integrate into the local school system and community sporting activities.”

With that population growth, though, comes pressure on infrastructure and services.

Let’s hope governments at all levels take heed to the need to provide more to regional areas so people stay and are not frustrated by the lack of schooling and health services close by.

Certainly the Victorian Farmers Federation is rallying to the cause.

Last week at the VFF conference in Ballarat, president Emma Germano released the organisation’s State Election agenda and it doesn’t just focus on agriculture policy.

The big push is for transport infrastructure and education and health services.

Premier Daniel Andrews runs a very tight ship and is quick to shut down criticism.

His government’s broken promise on the Murray Basin Rail Project and the city-centric reforms to fire services won’t be forgotten, though.

As the always forthright Ms Germano said to Country Today: “What we need is genuine consultation. This notion that the government goes off and does whatever it likes, whenever it likes, has to stop.

“I think, to be frank, that there’s a sense that the community has been taken for granted.

“I think everybody is so over politics. If we just look at what happened in the Federal Election, we see an entire community saying, ‘we’re done with this style of politics and the things that matter to us, need to matter to government’.”

I couldn’t have put it better myself.

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

ALL-WEATHER THREAT: Firefighters work to put out a tractor fire at St Helen’s Plains last week.

Picture: PAUL CARRCHER

A timely reminder for all Despite the cool winter weather across the Wimmera, farmers are reminded to take precautions against machinery fire risks.

District 17 assistant chief fire officer Mark Gunning said there were three main causes for machinery fires in winter.

“People should be alert to pests and rodents getting into wiring, which can cause issues,” he said.

“Another cause can be a build-up of grass and straw. If machinery is not cleaned properly it can rest against moving parts or exhausts and ignite.

“Farmers should also ensure their machinery is in good working mechanical condition. Be active about checking equipment.”

Mr Gunning said farmers should not expect machinery to be in the exact con-

dition it was when it was put in the shed.

“Never forget that a few minutes could save a huge inconvenience, damage and having to replace machinery,” he said.

“If something does ignite, treat it seriously. Do not remain in the cab and get to a safe space. Always carry a working fire extinguisher that is suitable for the type of risk.”

Mr Gunning said winter was also the time of year to be vigilant in homes.

“We are starting to see chimney fires where they haven’t been cleaned, as well as carbon monoxide build-up with gas heaters,” he said.

“Make sure smoke detectors in the home are working and that a plumber has checked any gas heaters ahead of the colder months.”

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Broad appeal

BY ABBY WALTER

T

he future of agriculture was a focal point of the Western Victorian Careers Expo at Longerenong last week – from how to gain more skills to the technology that continues to develop.

Students experienced different parts of the agriculture industry first-hand.

Emmetts recruitment advisor Amber Peters said students at the expo were mainly interested in mechanical-based career paths.

“Because we have a lot of technology in what we do, we saw a lot of kids come over because of that side of it, they’re very interested in precision ag and things like that,” she said.

“Being able to interact like this gives students a chance to learn there is more to agriculture than farming.

“We also get the opportunity to talk to them and explain and show them where the future of agriculture is going.”

Ms Peters said she had received a lot of interest regarding apprenticeship programs.

“I think a lot of young people are looking down that path rather than going to university. They want to go into apprenticeships and traineeships,” she said.

“We had quite a lot of young people off farms come through. They’re looking for something else that’s not going straight back to the farm.”

Ms Peters said Emmetts’ main program was an apprenticeship to become a qualified diesel mechanic.

“We’re also going into parts interpreting, so we have apprenticeships in that area as well,” she said.

“We have quite a few options in our company to go into sales, finance, parts, service or other departments.”

Opportunities

O’Connors apprenticeship program co-ordinator Tim Nagorcka said he believed a lot of students did not realise how many careers there were in agriculture.

“I think a lot of students in this area are on farms already and will probably go back on the farm,” he said.

“A career in ag could start

with Longerenong or with us, so they can deal with agriculture in our industry.

“A lot of young people like having that experience and dealing with the machines they are used to being around.”

Mr Nagorcka said he felt a lot of students were unsure of the exact path in agriculture they wanted to pursue.

“For us to explain what we do and provide an insight on a career path with us has been really good,” he said.

“We got to take the names of people who are looking at work experience or a schoolbased apprenticeship.

“We get a lot of inquiries for that sort of pathway.

“We encourage work experience, as many people don’t know what goes on behind the front door, and then to go into a school-based apprenticeship and then into an apprenticeship.

“We were able to explain this career can take you to so many different places.

“We have 15 dealerships in three different states, so there’s potential to work in many places.”

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

SUCCESS: Olivia Limburg shows off her best bantam hardfellow at Wimmera Poultry Club’s open show at Horsham Showground.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Welcome return for poultry lovers Poultry lovers from across Victoria and interstate were in Horsham for the return of a Wimmera poultry exhibition following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Wimmera Poultry Club’s 2022 Open Show welcomed more than 300 birds to Maydale Pavilion at Horsham Showground for the club’s first show in more than two years.

While organisers were hoping for a full shed of birds, clashes with other well-known poultry shows reduced exhibition numbers.

However, club president Brendan Lloyd said the quality of the birds on show was ‘outstanding’ and the opportunity for friends to meet up again after several years made for a great event.

“We have so much variety at our shows, and our open show was no exception,” he said.

“The quality of the birds was very high, and it becomes a matter of what birds are in best condition on the day. But of course, the top birds always stand out and they did again.

Mr Lloyd said it was important for exhibitors

to get together after an easing of pandemic restrictions.

“It was just great to get back together and catch up with everyone. There were people there who haven’t seen each other in two years,” he said.

“We had a big turnout from South Australia and New South Wales, with nearly half the birds in the shed having come from interstate. Word from everyone was the day went really well.

“The judges and exhibitors were all happy with a great show.”

Wimmera Poultry Club’s next show is the 2022 championship show on August 20 at Horsham Showground, where Mr Lloyd said he expected a huge turnout.

Champion bird in show at Wimmera Poultry Club’s Open Show was Laurie Barber’s black red light leg cock old english game cock bantam and junior champion in show went to Olivia Limburg with her modern game PLT pile.

A junior encouragement award to Thomas Rudolph.

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Farming podcast reaches milestone

C

reators of a Wimmera-made podcast series have set eyes on another 12 months of story sharing and open conversations, after reflecting on its first-year success.

Farmer Wants a Healthy Life, a brainchild of West Wimmera Health Service and hosted by Wimmera identity and mountain-climber turned storyteller Brigitte Muir, invites listeners to be part of a conversation about rural-based health and wellbeing issues.

Service health promotions manager Dorothy McLaren said the podcast, which celebrated its first birthday this month, was created as a vehicle for farming and rural communities to listen to and share stories about healthy farming life.

“In the latest season, we heard from a variety of guests, including Justin Knorrp, about how he was helping farmers to be more active in Warracknabeal,” she said.

“He also shared what made him want to start the Active Farmers group, who comes to the group and what they get from it.

“Another popular episode from the

SPECIAL GUEST: Justin Knorrp, founder of Active Farmers, was a guest on the Farmer Wants A Healthy Life Podcast.

first series was an interview with former AFL star John ‘Jumbo’ Sudholz who shared his struggle with depression on returning to the farm after his AFL career.

“In a moving conversation, John talked candidly about the hard times he faced and how he has learned to live with depression.”

Ms Muir said hosting the podcast was a chance to connect with her guests.

“I have ended up loving the peo-

ple I talked to,” she said. “After 12 months of connecting people and making a moving impact on listeners from across the region, this local podcast is set to continue the buzz and hopefully start a movement for farmers from all walks of life to make the choices for a healthy life.”

Farmer Wants a Healthy Life podcast is available on most streaming services including Apple and Spotify.

Shearing donation 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

Stawell Skene Street Specialist School students are excited to soon play on an upgraded basketball court and exercise equipment.

Stawell shearer Corey Mifsud, his brother Brody and their father Roger presented a $23,000 cheque to teachers and students – money they raised from a ‘24-hour Shear Madness’ event.

The three shearers shore 2822 sheep between them in 24 hours and raised almost $80,000 for Stawell’s Skene Street Specialist School and Merri River School, Warrnambool.

Skene Street principal Sandi Slocombe said staff and students were grateful for the support from Corey and his team.

“Initially, when Corey and I first had a conversation about what we would like to put any money raised towards, all we wanted was a basketball ring,” she said.

“It has become a running joke because we can definitely get more than one basketball ring now.

“With the $23,000 we are going to upgrade the basketball courts with two new adjustable basketball rings.

“These type of rings can be moved up or down so students in wheelchairs will also be able to use them. Everybody will be able to access them.”

Mrs Slocombe said the money would also be put towards five outdoors fitness stations.

“We hope to have arm bikes for our

students in wheelchairs as well as strength equipment like pull-up bars,” she said.

“This is all part of the whole outdoor oval area upgrade.

“The students are pretty excited to be updating the outdoor space.”

Mrs Slocombe said the event and lead-up to the event was amazing.

“The students did work around sheep and shearing and we sent two senior classes to the event,” she said.

“Lots of families and staff attended.

It was great to have people supporting the team.”

The fundraiser was in honour of Corey’s four-year-old son Levi, who has autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, and is likely to attend Skene Street school in 2023.

Corey said it was emotional to see the reactions of the teachers and students when the team presented the cheque.

“To see the students smile and some of the teachers with some tears in their eyes was very emotional,” he said.

“It made us feel like the blood, sweat and tears were 100 percent worth it.

“We did not think we would raise anywhere near almost $80,000 and it was awesome to be able to provide a substantial amount to both schools.

“I hope what the students and teachers get with the money makes their experience at school as enjoyable as possible.”

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