AgLife - November 29, 2017 edition

November 29, 2017

National champion Glenisla’s Ken French taught himself to blade shear as a teenager but only started to take his talent seriously in his 30s. Mr French, 57, is Australia’s newly crowned National Blade Shearing Champion after an impressive performance at the 2017 National Shearing and Wool Handling Championships in Bendigo.

– Story, page 41 Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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rain growers considering diversifying into pulse crops in non-traditional production areas of Victoria and South Australia have support through a new Grains Research and Development Corporation project.

The Southern Pulse Extension project aims to provide growers and their advisers with information and resources they need to make decisions and maximise production and income potential from pulses.

At the core of the project is the

establishment of nine ‘Pulse Check’ discussion groups across Victoria – Mallee, North Central and North East – and South Australia.

The Pulse Check groups will meet at least four times a year during the next two years to discuss issues relating to pulse production, management and marketing. They are focused on a ‘back to basics’ approach to lentil and chickpea production through practical in-field learning and group discussion.

Each group consists of growers and advisers with varying experience in

production of lentils or chickpeas.

GRDC’s Andrew Etherton said pulse production expansion into non-traditional growing areas necessitated the provision of tailored support for firsttime growers.

“In recent years we have seen more and more cereal growers venture into pulses,” he said.

“Many growers in low rainfall areas and other non-primary areas of production have little or no experience with these crops, so the Southern Pulse Extension project aim is to

equip them and advisers with the regionally-specific agronomic information they need – much of which has been generated out of the Southern Pulse Agronomy program – for informed decision-making.”

Mr Etherton said pulses, especially lentils, were a high-value crop, but financial returns were not the only incentive for novice growers.

“These legumes are valuable break crops for cereal rotations, add nitrogen to the soil, spread production risk, add diversity to a grower’s marketing op-

Sheep-tag subsidies

SHEAR DETERMINATION: A group of Wimmera shearers and roustabouts pooled their talents – and daily paychecks – for a Movember fundraiser in honour of late mate and shearer Garry Hobbs, who died from cancer last year. Organiser Jamie Tippet said the event was a great success. “We’ve raised $2650 so far, which exceeded our expectations,” he said. “We had a lot of visitors on the day and they all donated generously.” Mr Hobbs’ sons Dean, front, second from left, and TJ, second from right, and his wife Vicki, back, third from right, visited the wool shed on Saturday. “It was quite emotional at the end,” Mr Tippet said.

“Hobbsy wanted to do a fundraiser before he died but didn’t get a chance, so it was nice to do this for him.” People can visit au.movember.org and search Garry’s Goats to donate. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

The State Government will continue to subsidise electronic sheep tags in an effort to ensure they remain the cheapest in the country.

Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford, while visiting a farm near Donald, announced ongoing government support for electronic sheep tags to be available from 45 cents in 2018.

All sheep and goats born in Victoria since January 1 require an electronic tag. Ten million tags have been sold so far, the majority from 35 cents.

Farmers have also had access to co-funded grants to buy optional equipment and software.

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tions and drive increased sustainability within farming systems,” he said.

“To ensure growers realise the potential long-term farming system and financial benefits of pulse crops, it is important they have a good grasp of pulse-production fundamentals, including paddock selection, choosing the most suitable varieties to grow, seeding and row spacing, crop nutrition, pest and disease control, weed management, desiccation and harvesting, grain quality, storage and marketing.”

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Ms Pulford also announced $1.47-million from a $17-million sheep and goat transition fund to help meat processors implement electronic identification.

Ms Pulford said introducing this reform to electronically tag sheep and goats and upload the data to the National Livestock Identification System protected market access livestock industries and supported innovation and greater productivity through the supply chain.

She said the program roll-out continued with nine abattoirs already scanning and uploading data to the NLIS and saleyards gearing up to meet their requirements.

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Maturity cuts have been carried out on a range of trials including canola phenology, barley plant growth regulators and barley nitrogen timing.

Maturity cuts are taken to measure the weight of biomass just before harvest. These results can then be used for harvest index, which measures the biomass to grain ratio between individual varieties and different treatments.

Fortunately, the severe frost experienced throughout most of the Wimmera did not affect the Longerenong research trials, although a GRDC-funded managing-early-sown-wheat trial had damage from a previous frost.

The GRDC-funded National Frost Initiative is a five-year project aimed at tackling frost from several angles and delivering growers a combination of genetic and management solutions to mitigate frost, together with tools and information to better predict frost events.

This year, BCG has two trials, at Murtoa and Corack near Donald.

The trial at Corack – frost prone paddock – is a plot sown trial with six wheat, three barley and three oat varieties.

The trial is investigating the effect of different crop types at three sowing times.

The first time of sowing, early, was sown on April 19, second sowing was on May 1 and the last sowing time, late, on June 1.

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dequate rain during the growing season has ensured BCG research trials at Longerenong have ripened well for harvest, which started last week.

The trial encountered several frosts during the grain-filling period in August and September, resulting in severe frost damage in the first and second sowing times. All crop types were affected including the oats, but this was a pre-heading frost at second-third node.

The trial could potentially now look at different crop types compensatory ability – secondary tillering that contributes to yield – after major frost damage.

The other frost trial at Murtoa is a farmer-scale trial sown to Scout wheat, investigating two different seeding rates and three nitrogen strategies.

The trial has only experienced mild frosts leading up to November, so only mild frost damage has been evident.

The trial was sown into lentil stubble and it was observed that where stubble load was high, frost damage was more severe.

Past research has shown high stubble loads increase the severity and duration of frosts.

This is because the stubble reduces the amount of heat captured in the soil and results in the potential for more severe and longer frosts.

Growers should be aware, however, under severe and frequent frost events, the benefits of stubble reduction to mitigate frost could be less because it only influences temperature slightly.

Both trials have had anthesis cuts undertaken and are currently undergoing floret sterility scoring to assess the amount of frost damage present.

For further information on the GRDC National frost trials or other trials, people can call BCG on 5492 2787.

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Aphid biotype revealed A

ustralian scientists have confirmed the Russian wheat aphid, now established throughout parts of the nation’s south-eastern cropping regions, is a single biotype.

This new knowledge, achieved through research investments by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, will underpin ongoing and future research efforts aimed at combating the cereal crop pest first detected in South Australia in 2016.

Now present in areas of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and southern New South Wales, Russian wheat aphid has been the focus of GRDC research, which is providing the Australian grains industry with greater understanding of the pest and its potential impact.

Entomologists Maarten van Helden and Greg Baker from the South Australian Research and Development Institute have led experiments to identify the biotype of the aphid in Australia and possible origin of the incursion.

Their work has concluded the aphids in Australia belong to a single biotype, or have the same genetic make-up, named RWAau1.

Dr van Helden said the virulence profile of RWAau1 was almost

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

INSIGHT: Experiments to identify the biotype of the aphid present in Australia and possible origin of the incursion have been led by SARDI entomologists Maarten van Helden, pictured, and Greg Baker.

identical to the American RWA1 biotype, which suggested the origin of the incursion in Australia was either from the United States or from the same origin as the original RWA1 first detected in Colorado in the States in 1986.

“Not only does this information help to identify the most likely geographical origin of the aphid, and the possible incursion pathway, but it also enables identification of the plant resistance genes – among the many existing overseas

– that could be used by breeders to develop new resistant cereal varieties,” Dr van Helden said.

“While it is still important to know where, when and how this aphid has arrived in Australia to avoid other incursions, it is even more important to know what aphid biotypes have appeared in Australia, to be able to potentially develop sustainable management strategies, which include plant resistance as one tool.”

In addition to experiments to de-

termine aphid biotype, the GRDC has been investing in research to confirm susceptibility of commercial wheat and barley cultivars to Russian wheat aphid; assessing potential sources of plant resistance; Russian wheat aphid biology, ecology and economic thresholds under Australian conditions; an investigation into alternate hosts for Russian wheat aphid; trials looking at insecticide efficacy; and development of practical resources.

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Agricultural recognition 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan has used National Agriculture and Related Industries Day to celebrate agriculture across his electorate.

Mr Tehan thanked farmers for their efforts feeding and clothing Australians and people around the world.

“In Wannon, the agricultural industry is vital to our local economy,” he said.

“The day is about recognising the important role farmers and agricultural industries have played in bringing prosperity to our continent and building a unique Australian culture.

“It is a sector that continues to perform year after year and is one of the cornerstones of the Australian economy, with the value of Australian agricultural production exceeding $60-billion for the first time in 2016-17. Agriculture and affiliated industries also provide jobs to about 12-million Australians.

“Ag Day is about getting much-deserved recognition for our agriculture sector and related industries, such as transport and rural supplies businesses, stock and station agents, and accountants.”

New sheep body Sheep Producers Australia is now officially the peak industry body for the nation’s sheep and lamb industry.

The organisation replaces the former Sheepmeat Council of Australia.

The change to Sheep Producers Australia is designed to modernise operations to better serve Australian sheep producers, as well as continuing to reflect contemporary governance standards.

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esearchers are urging grain growers to remain vigilant with mouse-control during and after harvest.

Mouse populations are at high-tomoderate levels in parts of Victoria and South Australia and efforts to control the amount of food available will be critical in managing an autumn outbreak of the rodents.

Turbulent weather in some areas has knocked grain to the ground, and combined with grain spilt at harvest will provide a food source to maintain mouse populations through summer.

Latest reports from Grains Research and Development Corporation’s regular mouse-monitoring program indicate that despite baiting appearing to be effective, mouse populations in Victoria’s Wimmera and Mallee are high and damage to crops continues.

A moderate likelihood of a mouse outbreak in north-west Victoria in autumn is forecast, but the extent of the outbreak will be dependent on rain for the remainder of 2017.

Higher-than-average rain during the next two months is likely to promote increased mouse numbers.

CSIRO researcher Steve Henry, who has completed another mouse-survey round for the GRDC, has reported mouse numbers in other Victorian cropping regions are moderate but patchy.

The GRDC reminded growers that baiting must not occur within two weeks of harvest, due to a withholding period.

Mice have been a considerable issue for many growers this year, with last year’s bumper harvest supporting sizeable base populations over the summer and into 2017, as modelling predicted.

Paddocks supporting heavy stubble loads, particularly barley, were most notably affected by mice as they offered ideal habitat.

Mr Henry said mouse breeding started again in early spring this year and he expected numbers to increase through summer and into autumn.

The GRDC-supported National Mouse Management Working Group is advising growers to undertake the following to reduce food sources and habitat for mice over the coming months: • Minimise spilled grain in paddocks at harvest. This is key to limiting mouse populations and damage in next year’s crop. Grain affected by frost and drought is often small in size and not captured at harvest, adding to the potential food source for mice.

• Harvest crops before they are overripe to minimise pod shatter or grain loss.

• Be aware that windrowed crops provide mice with a good source of food and shelter. Try to reduce the

STAY VIGILANT: CSIRO researcher Steve Henry checks a trap earlier this year during a round of surveying mouse activity for the GRDC. number of mice in paddocks before windrowing.

• Clean up any concentrated spills of grain around field bins, augers, silo bags and other grain storage.

• Locate bunker storages a considerable distance away from this year’s crops and ensure storage systems are mouse-proof.

• Consider grazing stubbles to help clean up harvest grain losses.

• Remove or reduce cover, including

Headers, Trucks, Windrowers, Chaser Bins

plant material, rubbish and general clutter around buildings, silos and fodder storage as these all provide protection for mice.

• Spray summer weeds and selfsown cereals to reduce summer and early autumn food sources.

Mr Henry encouraged growers and advisers to continue to report and map mouse presence, absence and level of activity using MouseAlert at www. mousealert.org.au.

Quad bike safety up A $6-million State Government scheme, part of a WorkSafe campaign to reduce the number of deaths on Victorian farms, has led to more than 1580 quad bikes being fitted with rollover protection since December, 2016.

The government has also provided 1034 grants to help farmers buy more terrain-appropriate vehicles and has provided more than $2.3-million in rebates since the scheme began.

The rebate scheme has so far proved most popular with beef and sheep farmers, while dairy farmers have accounted for 21 percent of applicants.

The government has encouraged farmers yet to take up the rebate to do so before WorkSafe begins new compliance activities early next year.

The quad-bike rebate scheme announced last year is managed by Victorian Farmers Federation in partnership with WorkSafe.

Eligible farmers are offered $600 to fit a rollover protection device on their existing quad bike, or $1200 towards the cost of buying a more appropriate work vehicle.

People seeking more information on how to apply can visit worksafe. vic.gov.au/farmsafety.

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Long journey to Australian title 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

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BY SARAH SCULLY

lenisla’s Ken French was a teenager in search of pocket money when he first picked up a pair of blade shears.

His father Jack, who ran corriedales on his picturesque property overlooking the Grampians, told Ken he could have the wool off his dead sheep – provided he was willing to shear them.

“I had an old pair of shears and they didn’t cut,” Mr French said.

“My neighbour out the back, Arthur Anderson – who a lot of people around Horsham would remember – was an old-time blade shearer.

“I told him I was having trouble and he got my shears going for me and told me a few things about it.

“That’s how I got started.”

Mr French had no idea his little money-making endeavour would set him on a path to becoming the one of the best in his field.

Late last month he was crowned Australia’s champion blade shearer for 2017 at the National Shearing and Wool Handling Championships in Bendigo.

He defeated eight-time blade shearing champion John Dalla of Warooka, South Australia.

Mr French, 57, was thrilled to win his first championship.

“Johnny has been the Australian champion since he’s been 19 and no one’s got near him,” he said.

“One year he was telling me he was getting a bit sick of it. He wasn’t really enjoying it because he was finishing that far ahead of everyone else.

“I’m a bit uncomfortable talking about it, but I am pretty happy about getting it.

“I only beat him by 0.7 of one point, but I still beat him.”

Mr French and Mr Dalla have competed alongside each other at international competitions as Sports Shear Australia’s blade shearing representatives.

“Johnny has helped me a lot, because I’ve been travelling with him,” Mr French said.

“He’s been to a couple of world championships before the ones I went to, as well as the ones with me.”

Mr French said making the Australian team in 2014 allowed him access to the ‘guns’.

“The best shearers in the world are all New Zealanders and South Africans,” he said.

“They’ve taken me under their wing and they’ve given me lots of coaching.

It’s been unbelievable.

“I’ve actually got a fair bit better in the past three or four years.

“I suppose I have been trying. I’m obliged to now because Sports Shear has invested a bit in me – they sent me to Ireland as well as New Zealand about four times.

“So I’ve been trying and I’ve been learning and it’s been paying off.”

The Bendigo Show also featured a trans-Tasman challenge between Australia and New Zealand’s top shearers and wool handlers.

“New Zealand has always been way, way in front but we’ve been getting closer and closer to them,” Mr French said.

“At Bendigo, we got the closest we’ve ever been.

“They won, but there was only seven points between us.

“They also had an open blade shear-

SHEAR TALENT: Ken French is Australia’s new blade shearing champion. ing competition at Bendigo. Because all the New Zealanders were there they went in it too.”

Mr French added the open title to his national one.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

“Probably no one cares about that competition, but to me it probably means more than the Australian championship because I had to beat the Kiwis as well.”

Juggling act

Mr French fits in competitions around a busy life on the farm, where he runs about 4000 sheep.

He also blade shears stud sheep around the district.

Mr French is a second generation farmer. His father was a builder and, according to Mr French, was ‘no help whatsoever’ when it came to learning to shear.

“Dad gave up building when the metric system came in, about 1974,” he said.

“He said he wasn’t interested in metric measurements, because feet and inches were good enough.

“So, he gave up building and bought a farm here at Glenisla with my grandfather. He knew nothing about farming or about sheep. He had to learn from scratch.

“He would’ve been about 42 or 43 at the time. We learnt to machine shear at the same time.”

Mr French said although he first picked up a pair of blades at 14 or 15, he was 30 before he used them to make a living.

His first foray into competition was the result of a mate coming across an advertisement in a newspaper.

“The ad said prizes would be paid in gold and my mate’s eyes lit up,” Mr French said.

“He rang me up and said, ‘you can blade shear, can’t ya?’ and I said, ‘well I can get it off ’em’ – I wouldn’t call myself a shearer’.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

He said, ‘we’re going to Hay and I’m your manager’.”

Mr French said while the road trip was enjoyable, he suffered food poisoning the morning of the competition.

“I was vomiting away and I was sick as a dog,” he said.

“I only shore one sheep and I gapped my shears. Somehow I still came second. They paid the winner in gold. He got about $900 in one and two-dollar coins – the weight of his fleece. I got silver in fives and tens and I got $100.

“That was my first comp and it’s probably the one I remember most.”

Mr French competed several times, but started taking it ‘half seriously’ at Edenhope Show in 2009.

“I went over to watch John Nicholls, who was in the Australian team at the time,” he said.

“Richie Foster was over there at the same show. Richie was keen as mustard on blade shearing. He said he wanted to organise a heap of comps and have a circuit.

“So I got involved to help Richie’s circuit get going.

“Through that I got into show shearing and ended up getting into all sorts of things without really intending to.”

Following his success in Bendigo, Mr French has won the right to represent Sports Shear Australia for the next 12 months.

The team’s next international event will be the Golden Shears in New Zealand in March.

JAALA PULFORD – Member for Western Victoria

Please feel free to get in touch with my office anytime in relation to any state government issue you might have – Phone: 03 5332 2405 Email: jaala.pulford@parliament.vic.gov.au Website: jaalapulford.com.au

Jaala

Facebook: facebook.com/JaalaPulfordMP Twitter: twitter.com/JaalaPulford Instagram: instagram.com/JaalaPulford

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