AgLife Digital – June 30, 2021 edition by The Weekly Advertiser

June 30, 2021

National boost Dimboola consultant and agricultural extension specialist Prudence Cook is taking on a national leadership program this year. Story, page 35 Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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BY DYLAN DE JONG

immera-Mallee farmers have been blessed with rain across the region in the past month, but mixed and uncertain conditions continue.

Gorst Rural agronomist Rhys Cottam-Starkey, who works with farmers across the Ararat municipality, said farmer confidence was high with wet, consistent weather since Christmas last year. Mr Cottam-Starkey said his coverage area, which included locations such as Maroona, Tatyoon and Lake Bolac, had a positive start to cropping, with crops germinating. “We’re tracking very well where we’ve had a fair bit of rain since Christmas,” he said. “As soon you get south of the Glenelg Highway, it’s really wet, but everything north of Willaura has been a little drier.” The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 60 millimetres of rain at Ararat, Stawell 76mm, Horsham 61.88mm and Edenhope 41mm this month. Nhill received 17.6mm and Hopetoun in the southern Mallee, 22.2 mm. Mr Cottam-Starkey said the mixed results across the region meant farmers would be approaching their fertilising and spraying routines differently. “Canola spraying is mostly done and the first lot of urea is going out now for a lot of farmers in my area,” he said. “However, when times have been drier like further northwest, it would

WET CONDITIONS: Gorst Rural agronomist Rhys Cottam-Starkey has seen mixed cropping conditions across Ararat district throughout the year. Picture: DYLAN DE JONG be time to change your fertiliser regime based on the potential rain you’re predicted to get.” Mr Cottam-Starkey said regular rain intervals throughout winter and spring would be ideal for crop development. “In my area, I’m looking at the longterm forecast and the closer we get to spring the better idea we’ll have of what the outcome of cropping will be this year,” he said.

“The climate forecast is predicting a pretty standard spring, which is what we want. “We don’t want a wet winter and a wet spring.” The bureau predicts rainfall is likely to be average to above average in most cropping regions in Victoria throughout winter, from June to August. It stated higher than average rain was more likely in June and most

cropping regions would face less favourable conditions for the remainder of winter. Conditions for farmers further west in locations such as Horsham, Warracknabeal, Edenhope and Nhill had been dry up until the June break. Dry conditions in the Wimmera-Mallee led to some farmers having to dry sow their crops, which failed to germinate until the recent break.

Wimmera grain farmer David Drage, who operates a grain and sheep farm near Warracknabeal, said he was forced to sell some of his sheep to mitigate the lack of crop growth on his farm. “I sold a mob of ewes and lambs earlier this month just because it was going to be too long before any feed would emerge for them,” he said. “I just made the call while prices were high to sell them.” Mr Drage said the June break came as a relief after he dry sowed his wheat, barley and canola crops earlier this year. “A lot of my crops that I sowed only germinated on the rain we had last week,” he said. “I’m still in a position where about only 50 percent of what I’ve planted has emerged.” Mr Drage said despite the mixed conditions he was staying positive for an average cropping season this year after his crops were devastated by a severe frost last season. “We were differing between some of the best yields I’ve ever seen dispersed with well-below average yields due to frost damage last harvest,” he said. “However, there’s still potential for an average production and return this year. “There are regular rain events coming through. At least it is raining and we’re not stuck in a permanent drought cycle.”

Grain, wine growers in expansion talks GrainGrowers and Wine Australia representatives have appeared at a public hearing as part of an Australian parliamentary inquiry into the merits of expanding a major international trade partnership. They joined the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment hearing at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday last week. The inquiry looked at membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, signed in 2018. The CPTPP agreement is a trade

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bloc of 11 countries that includes Australia and is an export market of 500-million consumers valued at almost $14-trillion. The parliamentary inquiry is examining the scope of expanding the TPP beyond the membership of Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia and Peru. GrainGrowers represents the interests of 17,000 broadacre grain farmers across Australia. Its membership includes industry leaders and growers from across

the Wimmera-Mallee. The Wimmera, which includes much of the grape-growing region surrounding the Grampians ranges, also plays a significant role in Australia and Victoria’s wine industry. Wine Australia is a federal statutory authority with a charter to foster and encourage profitable, resilient and sustainable wine-grape and wine businesses. It does this by building markets, disseminating market information and knowledge and investing in research and development and promoting the

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sale and consumption of wine in Australia and overseas. Trade sub-committee chair of Australia’s Joint Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee Ted O’Brien welcomed an opportunity to investigate the views of grain and wine sectors. “As we examine the merits of expanding the CPTPP trade pact to include other economies, it is important we understand what trade obligations potential members should satisfy,” he said.

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“I plan to live in the Wimmera for a very long time and I want it to be a great place for my daughter to grow up in”

BY DYLAN DE JONG

imboola resident Prudence Cook is hoping to use her background as an emerging leader in the agriculture industry to inspire women and make positive change in the Wimmera.

Ms Cook was one of 12 women across Australia accepted into a National Farmers Federation 2021 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program. Ms Cook, 35, said she met with NFF and prospective leaders in Canberra earlier this month for the program’s official launch. “I was really impressed, not just by the program, but also the willingness of people we met in helping women get to where they want to be in their leadership,” she said. “There were a lot of women who were part of this course who I look up to and respect enormously.” The program will team Ms Cook up with a mentor who will help her work towards her leadership goals. Ms Cook said the short six-month duration of the course would allow her to continue to focus on running her own business and raising her daughter Millie, 17 months. “The NFF program is short, and not a huge time commitment, which makes it a lot more accessible for women with young families,” she said.

STRONG VOICE: Dimboola consultant and agricultural extension specialist Prudence Cook is taking on a national leadership program this year. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER “It’s important that women with young families are in leadership roles and be a representative of the issues they face, while seizing the opportunities they see.” Ms Cook said the diversity of the program was crucial to support more women into leadership positions. “Females make up about 50 percent of the population, therefore 50 percent of representative roles should include

female experiences and opinion,” she said. “We should be supporting more women into leadership roles, whether it be the local school council or the head of a national company.” Ms Cook launched her agricultural extension business Nine Creeks Consulting during the COVID-19 lockdowns last year. Her business uses research to help

farmers change their practices to make their farm systems more profitable, productive and sustainable. “I started my businesses 12 months ago, just after having my daughter,” Ms Cook said. “It’s all about project development and management and community consultation.” With a background in agricultural science and growing up on a family

– Prudence Cook

farm in Diapur, between Nhill and Kaniva, it is safe to say agriculture runs through Ms Cook’s veins. She also holds a leadership position with Grains Research and Development Corporation, where she sits on a Southern Panel to be a voice for grain growers across Victoria. Ms Cook said after completing the leadership program she was keen to become a key representative for the Wimmera and its agricultural sector. “I would like to continue to sit on boards or panels or representative organisations, where I can ensure farmers’ voices, Wimmera voices and country voices can be heard,” she said.” “I realise that for ag to thrive, our local communities need to thrive, and I know in the Wimmera we’re facing some social and housing issues. “I plan to live in the Wimmera for a very long time and I want it to be a great place for my daughter to grow up in. “I would love to make sure the Wimmera is a good place to live for everyone.”

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here is nothing quite as satisfying for a government than an ineffective opposition.

Think about it for a moment. When in government, you are vulnerable to the smallest mistake. When in opposition, your sole purpose is to deliver lasting body blows to the government to make sure you are next in line. Correct me if I am wrong, but I cannot remember the Federal Opposition hitting a home run in the game with the Morrison government for quite some time. Far more troubling to Scott Morrison right now is Barnaby Joyce. His mission, now that he has be re-elected as Leader of the Nationals and Deputy Prime Minister, is to show the government that the Nationals are no longer going to take it on the chin and tow the Liberal line. That was what drove the Nationals to dump Michael McCormack – no doubt a nice enough bloke – but lacking charisma and not putting up the good fight. I am pinching myself now for thinking the Nationals would not be so reckless as to re-elect Barnaby Joyce. But with hindsight, it is not surprising. His ‘shoot-from-the-hip style’ is what made him so popular in the first place.

Country Today with Libby Price

He is not the first politician to be shamed into resigning as leader, only to rise from the ashes. But does that make it okay? And should he come out all guns blazing within hours of being re-elected to heighten tensions with his Coalition partner by proclaiming he won’t support zero net emissions by 2050 until he ‘sees the detail’ and declaring his support for coal-fired power? I am pretty sure ‘ScoMo’ would have had steam coming out his ears. There is and has been for some time, little love lost between the Liberals and the Nationals, both at federal and state level. It has long been an uncomfortable marriage, a bit like staying together for ‘the kids’, but more so, staying together for power. But to expose so blatantly the vulnerability of this government is what the Opposition has failed to do. As is said, ‘who needs enemies?’ It would seem there is not just a

Canberra bubble, but a Queensland bubble. Pretty much all farmer organisations have come up with a zero-net carbon emissions target by 2050. The Australian Farm Institute chief executive Richard Heath told me on Country Today, that every keynote speaker at the AFI annual conference two weeks ago – from the Reserve Bank Governor Dr Phillip Lowe to former chief executive of the National Farmers Federation and former Liberal Trade Minister Andrew Robb – that our trading partners are crying out for the government to come up with a clear framework for measuring carbon-reduction strategies. Even Victorian National leader Peter Walsh told Country Today farmers were looking for national leadership on climate change, and on coal-fired power stations. “Science will evolve very fast around renewable energy and I just think if we keep saying no, we’ll deal outside out of the discussion,” Mr Walsh said. “I think there’s some real opportunities with green hydrogen… let’s look to the future rather than look to the past.”

VALUE-ADDING WITH ENERGY: From left, Ararat Rural City Council’s Tim McDougall, Lake Fyans farmer Lachie Green and Pacific Heat and Power managing director Dr Scott Grierson discuss a proposed Ararat multi-milliondollar bioenergy project. Pacific Heat and Power is working with the Ararat council to develop a Grampians Gas plant that would generate energy from waste straw and stubble supplied from farms across the region. The project is set to shift from a desktop concept into an engineering phase. Dr Grierson led community question-and-answer sessions last week at Tatyoon, Lake Bolac and Stawell. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Money to prioritise farm safety The Federal Government has opened applications for up to $1.6-million in grants for activities that improve farm safety outcomes across Australia. Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said increasing safety awareness and training to save lives on farms was a critical national issue. “Unfortunately, one in five workplace fatalities happens on a farm,” he said. “Finding ways to get safety messaging out there on to farms is paramount to sav-

ing lives and improving health and safety.” Mr Littleproud said grants would go to well-designed, fit-for-purpose and adaptable safety training and education projects. “They will be a game changer, not just for this generation of farmers, but the next one to come,” he said. For eligibility, terms and conditions, guidelines and application forms, people can visit website communitygrants.gov. au/grants/national-farm-safety-educationfund. Applications close July 28.

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dog in Horsham has tested positive for ehrlichiosis – the first detection of this tick-borne disease for an Australian-born dog in Victoria.

The dog came from the Northern Territory where the disease is established. Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Dr Graeme Cooke urged all Victorian dog owners and veterinarians to be on the lookout for this new dog disease that is spread by brown dog ticks. Dr Cooke said common signs of ehrlichiosis could include fever; lethargy; eye changes such as conjunctivitis, cloudy or red eyes; abnormal bleeding and swellings, small spots or bruising; and swellings on the body and limbs. “When detected early, antibiotics may be used to treat the disease,” he said. “Prevention is crucial because there is no vaccine for the disease. Protect your dogs from ehrlichiosis by regularly checking them for ticks, using effective tick control and seeking veterinary advice promptly if they become unwell. “You should regularly check your dog for ticks by running your fingers through their coat, on the skin, paying attention to the head, neck, ears, chest, between their toes and around their mouth and gums. “Be particularly vigilant if you’re taking your dog out bush and travelling interstate.” Ehrlichiosis appeared for the first time

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A brown dog tick

in an Australian dog in the Kimberley region in mid-2020. It has since spread across the country and now occurs in most states and territories. Ehrlichiosis is caused by tick-borne bacteria Ehrlichia canis. The brown dog tick from northern Australia is the main carrier of this disease. Transmission only occurs through infected ticks. Infected dogs do not directly transmit the disease to other dogs. “This is a notifiable disease in Victoria, which means it must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 when suspected,” Dr Cooke said. “If your dog is unwell or you find any abnormal bumps or ticks, make sure you promptly arrange to take your dog

to your vet. Discuss with your vet the testing system in place for ehrlichiosis in Victoria. “Put a tick in a clean resealable bag and take it to your local veterinarian to submit for identification. Freeze the bag with the tick first if you cannot take it to a vet immediately. If you are unsure about what is an appropriate tick control product to use, then consult your veterinary advisor.” On rare occasions humans can become infected through the bite of an infected tick. People should seek medical advice if they feel unwell after being exposed to ticks. More information on ehrlichiosis, or e-canis is available on an Agriculture Victoria website agriculture.vic.gov.au or by calling 136 186.

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Education in spotlight A former Ararat sheep grazier turned politician is at the helm of a State Government review investigating the viability of agriculture-related TAFE programs. Member for Buningyong Michaela Settle, who owned and operated a family sheep enterprise in the Wimmera for more than a decade, will lead the government’s The Future of Agriculture Training in Victoria Review. The review aims to understand how TAFE training can continue to attract and prepare students for the demand of an evolving agriculture industry. Ms Settle said the government wanted to ensure agriculture training remained innovative and relevant and understood the factors involved in students’ choices. “As a former farm owner and TAFE student, this is a really exciting opportunity to use my experience to help shape the future of an industry that means so much to our community and to our whole state,” she said. The review also aims to ensure TAFE and Learn Local providers can continue to be at the centre of agricultural training and explores how training can continue to meet the needs of employers and students. It will involve extensive consultation with industry, employers,

Michaela Settle TAFE and other training providers and students to develop a series of key recommendations to ensure the sector has the training needed to grow the agricultural industry. Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the review would also support a $50-million Agricultural College Modernisation Fund in the Victorian Budget 2020-21. “We are positioning our agriculture sector as a career of choice and giving the next generation of farmers the skills they need to tackle challenges of the future,” she said. People can find more information about the review online at www.education.vic.gov.au/about/ department/Pages/agriculturereview.aspx.

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Record-breaking kelpie sale BY DYLAN DE JONG

denhope sheep farmers who sold their working dog for a national record price at an auction earlier this month labelled ‘love and patience’ as key to his training.

Husband and wife livestock farmers David and Sarah Lee sold their kelpie Eulooka Hoover for $35,200 in a Casterton Kelpie Association Annual Working Dog Auction. The figure added an additional $10,000 onto the previous national record that was set at Jerilderie in 2019. The family sold Hoover, a male kelpie aged two years and four months, to an anonymous sheep and cattle farmer in north-east Victoria. Mr Lee, who trained Hoover, said he could see the potential in the kelpie when he was a pup. “I knew I could see something in him,” he said. “He was calm minded and had a special twinkle in his eyes.” Mr Lee said market demand coupled with Hoover’s extensive training led to the record sale price. “It’s never been better seasons in sheep, cattle and goat,” he said. “Now that stock is worth money, farmers don’t want to knock their stock around, so a good working dog is crucial. “Hoover was also unique in that there were no other dogs that had the correct amount of training he’s had. If you

have a dog like Hoover, you’re running one dog instead of needing to run two dogs.” Mr Lee said training a working dog was a meticulous process that required utmost patience. “You have to find out their strengths and weaknesses then work on their weaknesses while creating a good bond so they want to be with you and help you,” he said. “That’s how you build a solid foundation. We try to keep it simple and not overcomplicate things. Less is always more.” Mr Lee compared training a good working dog to a child’s education. “We think of it like they’re our children and we put a good foundation on them for when it’s time for them to go into the real world,” he said. “It’s like a kid going to school. They’ve got to go to prep, grade one, two and three. “If you skip any stages, they fall behind somewhere else. “We try to put them in a positive work environment and build their confidence.” Mr Lee said his method of training was key to their farming operation, where the family had raised many working dogs in the past. “We get working dogs here all the time who start off with all sorts of baggage that we have to straighten out,” he said.

LOVE AND PATIENCE: Edenhope livestock farmer David Lee sold his kelpie Eulooka Hoover for a national record price at an auction in Casterton earlier this month. Picture: NICOLE CLEARY “If there weren’t people like us doing what we’re doing, the poor old working dog would be left behind.” Mr Lee said although it was hard to part ways with his best mate, he had confidence the new owners would provide a happy home for Hoover.

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Victorian Farmers Federation has welcomed an Environment Protection Authority determination regarding management of the use of animal manure on farms. VFF president Emma Germano said the determination came after constructive negotiations between various industry bodies. “Animal manure is an important part of many of our farming systems and farmers are experienced at managing its use and application,” she said. “The determination means that if you are doing the right thing on farm when receiving and using animal manure, you do not have to change your practices and you do not have to complete any additional paperwork.” The determination applies to the use of animal manure as a ‘soil amendment’ and ‘for irrigation’ when the manure is transferred between properties. While the determination ensures farmers are free of any new regulatory obligations, the debate over the classification of animal manure as industrial waste continues. “The VFF has made clear to the Victorian government the classification of manure as industrial waste is inappropriate and does not respect the role of manure in modern farming systems and carbon cycling,” Ms Germano said.

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Invite to Defying the Drift

oung people from western Victoria including the Wimmera have an invitation to discover agricultural pathways through a long-running Defying the Drift program.

The program is aimed at encouraging youth to pursue agricultural careers on farm or in research or agribusiness. Defying the Drift, which started in 2010, is a unique program run by Longerenong College and Rotary District 9780 that includes 60 western Victorian Rotary clubs. The program is available to year10 and 11 students. Due to the cancellation of Defying the Drift in 2020, students who missed out on the opportunity last year are invited to apply. The program is centred on a three-day residential course at Longerenong Agricultural College from September 20 to 22 this year. Program committee chair Dale McIntyre said Defying the Drift helped participants to develop skills and exposed them to a variety of agricultural enterprises at different stages from research and agribusiness to the farm. “While traditional family farm successions are giving away to corporate-style farming and various leasing arrangements, and land prices

OPPORTUNITY: From left, Longerenong College business development officer Donna Winfield, Rotary Club of Horsham East member Geoff Eagle and former program participant Will Gulline are calling on students to put their hands up to take part in a Defying the Drift program. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER seem prohibitive for new entrants, there are great opportunities for careers in agriculture across a broad range of skills,” he said. “Participants are exposed to these opportunities by visiting a range of workplaces including research insti-

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Wimmera-Mallee residents can nominate individuals and businesses that have contributed to the protection of Australia’s $66-billion agricultural industry as part of 2021 Australian Biosecurity Awards. Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment secretary and biosecurity director Andrew Metcalfe said the awards highlighted the important role Australians played in keeping the country safe from biosecurity risks. “Australia’s strong biosecurity system protects $42-billion in inbound tourism, $53- billion in agricultural exports and 1.6-million Australian jobs across the supply chain,” he said. “It safeguards our human, animal and plant health against potentially devastating exotic pests and diseases like African Swine Fever, foot-and-mouth disease and Khapra beetle, among many others. “That is why it is important to acknowledge and recognise individuals and groups that show a commitment to supporting and promoting Australia’s biosecurity and the systems upholding it.” There will be eight award categories, including the Dr David Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation, Farm Biosecurity Producer of The Year Award, Industry Award, Government Award, Environmental Biosecurity Award, Community Award and an Education Award. Nominations are open until July 30 and forms are available at www.awe.gov.au/ABA.

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ing downloadable application forms and costs were available on website www.defyingtherdrift.org or by emailing enquires@defyingthedrift. org. He said students could approach their school or district Rotary club.

tutions, agribusinesses and different farm enterprises. “They are exposed to a variety of business sizes and approaches to modern day agriculture.” Mr McIntyre said more information about Defying the Drift includ-

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Walsh: Crime still on rise

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ictorian opposition agriculture spokesman Peter Walsh believes latest Crime Statistics Agency Data shows State Government has the formula for its ‘specialised farm-crime unit’ wrong.

The government announced a specialised farm-crime unit in September 2019. Mr Walsh said the CSA data showed thieves stole 257 livestock, valued at more than $1.9-million, across the state in the 12 months to March this year – up from 234 the year before. He said there were four arrests, meaning 82 percent went unsolved and cattle theft reached a 15-year high with 90 stolen in the year to March 2021. “A lot of rural crime goes unreported because farmers and rural landholders just accept that it will be difficult to get investigators out to help them,” Mr Walsh said. “It’s a direct result of there being too few frontline police dedicated to solving rural crime and to provide an active and visible police presence in the community. “The Labor government likes to snag a cheap headline but goes to ground when it fails to deliver. “At a time when we’ve endured four lockdowns, rural crime has continued to rise, but the Labor government still refuses to appoint the dedicated squad that’s needed to better protect our farmers.”

Mr Walsh said farm crime continued to rise almost two years since the government promised a crackdown on livestock and equipment theft from Victorian farms. He said the data confirmed a nine percent increase in livestock stolen in the past 12 months and despite the crackdown most crimes went unsolved. “Instead of appointing extra police dedicated to solving farm crime, Labor shuffled the deckchairs with a rebrand of the existing Agricultural Liaison Officers,” Mr Walsh said. “Our police work hard with the resources they have to keep us safe, but Labor’s failure to appoint dedicated officers means rural crimes are getting worse – not better – and offenders are walking free. “The Liberal-Nationals have long supported farmers’ calls for a dedicated, rural-crime squad with the time and resources needed to make sure criminals face the consequences.”

PROTECTING THE LANDSCAPE: Fletcher Greene and his grandfather Michael Greene during a Project Platypus plantout last year.

Annual Landcare plantout returns An area east of Great Western off the Western Highway will be subject to a Project Platypus Landcare plantout next month. Volunteers will plant more than 14,000 trees during the July 18 revegetation project at ‘Alanvale’ property. Project Platypus manager Allistair Stephens said planting thousands of trees would be impossible without the help of volunteers and encouraged people across the Wimmera’s upper catchment to get involved. “Many people assume that tree planting is hard physical work, which isn’t true,” he said. “After many years of tree planting, we have streamlined the process and use great equipment that

makes tree planting quick and easy. It’s recommended that people wear sturdy footwear, bring clothing appropriate for the weather and a pair of gardening gloves.” Project Platypus Upper Wimmera Landcare Network is a not-for-profit community-based organisation supporting Landcare groups and landholders to improve catchment health in the upper Wimmera catchment. Mr Stephens said plantouts provided a ‘rewarding and entertaining’ day in beautiful regional landscapes. “This is your opportunity to help improve the environment and put back the trees that have been removed from our landscape over

the past 150 years or so,” he said. “Plantouts are fully catered and there are jobs for all age groups and abilities.” Mr Stephens said plantouts were designed to improve ecological connectivity between the Grampians and Pyrenees ranges. “Sites have been carefully selected to ensure there is a win-win for both the environment and for farming productivity,” he said. Project Platypus leaders have planned only one plantout this year and capped volunteer numbers at 50. People can register on a Project Platypus website, www.platypus. org.au.

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Mix and match in species protection 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

ogs and sheep are rarely part of a formula when considering critically endangered native wildlife, but both are playing a major role in efforts to look after a unique marsupial.

Researchers are investigating whether the combination can protect a population of eastern-barred bandicoots released into woodland on the Grampians’ southern fringe. The trial involves specially trained maremma guardian sheep dogs considering bandicoots ‘part of the flock’ and to inadvertently watch over them while protecting sheep. Eastern-barred bandicoots previously roamed grassland across much of south-western Victoria including Hamilton district in Southern Grampians Shire. But a loss of habitat and a vulnerability of this gentle and shy animal to predation from introduced foxes and cats led to a dramatic decline. An Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery Team formed in the late 1980s, but the species became extinct in the wild on the mainland and has for decades been the subject of dedicated protection and breeding programs managed by Zoos Victoria. In a collaborative trial involving Zoos Victoria, through its Guardian Dog Project and the University of Tasmania, researchers translocated the bandicoots from Phillip Island Nature

Parks’ wild population and from captive breeding programs at Werribee Open Range Zoo, Melbourne Zoo and Serendip Sanctuary. They have released the animals in a Dunkeld Pastoral Company-owned reserve, where the guardian dogs had been living alongside the sheep flock. They are now trying to determine whether the bandicoots can return to their natural mainland range, free of vermin-proof fences or sea barriers. The dog-sheep combination comes from understanding that eastern-barred bandicoots, apart from being a curious nocturnal animal, are relatively solitary and territorial. Maremma sheep dogs, meanwhile, are bred to protect flocks, so sheep became part of the reserve mix to establish a ‘community’ that the dogs protect overall. The process has involved years of training to adapt the dogs to the circumstances and species involved and to specifically guard against foxes. Zoos Victoria Guardian Dog Program co-ordinator David Williams said the trials were the culmination of four years of training the dogs to ignore eastern-barred bandicoots at Werribee Open Range Zoo. “We’ve trained the dogs to leave the bandicoots alone and, instead, bonded the dogs to protect a flock of sheep,” he said. “The dogs are not bonded directly

GUARDIANS: In a new trial, specially trained maremma guardian sheep dogs will protect a population of easternbarred bandicoots released into woodland on the Grampians’ southern fringe. to the bandicoots because they are foxes at Skipton. “As the bandicoots solitary and nocturnal – so they do not are going back into natural habitat flock. However, sheep do flock, and on the mainland, we anticipated that in the Dunkeld reserve the sheep can some might not make it through the eat grass, bandicoots can live in the journey,” he said. grassland, and all three species can “However, two months after the share the same habitat.” Skipton release, 10 of the 20 bandiThe southern Grampians release of coots were found to be in good condi20 bandicoots is the second in Victoria tion and had gained weight. Four also involving maremma guard dogs. had pouch-young, demonstrating that A similar release involving eastern- breeding is successfully occurring – barred bandicoots occurred at Skipton which is very positive.” last year with promising results. Mr Williams said the research trial’s Mr Williams said conservation key measure of success would be scientists were thrilled to start the the establishment of self-sustaining Dunkeld trial, following evidence of bandicoot populations on Victoria’s bandicoot breeding and data that in- mainland. dicated the presence of the dogs was “We are excited to see the results altering the behaviour of predatory from these two trials to inform what

the future might hold for the guardian dog program,” he said. “The research trial at Dunkeld will run for two years, and if a population of bandicoots has established at that time, the guardian dogs might stay on site indefinitely. Following this, an expansion of the program to additional trial sites will be considered.” Eastern-barred bandicoots by nature are also a beneficial soil-management ally. Soil health is linked to the animals’ habit of extensively turning over the soil daily, a process that improves nutrient value, moisture levels and structure. The 50-hectare conservation reserve at Dunkeld is equipped with 60 remote wildlife cameras and both guardian dogs are fitted with GPS trackers. All bandicoots are fitted with tiny radio transmitters weighing just over one gram, and researchers will use a drone to closely track bandicoot activity. The Zoos Victoria Guardian Dog Project is modelled on the successful Middle Island Maremma Project, where maremma dogs are trained to protect penguins. This is the first time the method is being applied to an endangered marsupial and in an open landscape. Dunkeld Pastoral Company, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Parks Victoria have also been key project contributors.

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Tax benefits may apply, see ATO Tax Ruling PR2019/3* The Commissioner of Taxation (Commissioner) does not sanction, endorse or guarantee this product. Further, the Commissioner gives no assurance that the product is commercially viable, that charges are reasonable, appropriate or represent industry norms, or that projected returns will be achieved or are reasonably based. Potential participants must form their own view about the commercial and financial viability of the product. The Commissioner recommends you consult an independent financial (or other) adviser for such information.

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Wednesday, June 30, 2021

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National sheep flock to grow

alf-yearly sheep projection updates from Meat and Livestock Australia show favourable seasonal conditions for the first half of 2021 coupled with a positive outlook will result in a faster national flock rebuild.

Projections show a national sheep flock continuing a significant rebuilding phase with predictions it will grow by 6.3 percent to 68.1-million head. This follows the flock falling to its lowest level on record in 2020, at 64-million head, after years of drought. MLA market information manager Stephen Bignel said the speed of the rebuild was also a result of lower than previously expected sheep and lamb slaughter in 2021. “Lower slaughter numbers for sheep and lamb, which MLA is now forecasting to be 6.1-million head and 20.3-million head respectively, are being driven by continued good weather in key sheep-producing regions. These strong seasonal conditions are encouraging producers to retain more ewes and ewe lambs for breeding purposes,” he said. “Despite being revised down from February projections, lamb slaughter is still expected to be above levels from last year, when 20-million head were slaughtered. “In 2020, lamb-processing capacity in Victoria was impacted by

COVID-19 social-distancing measures in the latter half of the year. Therefore, it is expected that lamb slaughter could accelerate in the second half of 2021 and exceed 2020 levels.” Mr Bignell said improved seasonal conditions across key sheep regions and relatively high prices in the first quarter of 2021, that were providing producers with an incentive to add additional kilograms to animals, would continue to underpin average national lamb-carcase weights. “Better-conditioned lambs will see average national lamb-carcase weights for 2021 lift marginally to 24.4kg, up 0.4kg a head on 2020 levels. MLA has not predicted significantly increased weights in 2021, given 2020 was also a year with abundant feed that assisted good lamb growth,” he said. “Continued feed availability is underpinning average sheep-carcase weights which are expected to remain in line with 2020 weights at 25.8kg a head. Greater investments into sheep lot and containment feeding during the 201819 drought supported carcase weights in periods of pasture shortfalls.” Saleyard prices in 2021 are expected to remain high, though slightly lower than the records set in 2020 and 2019, indicative of a maturing flock rebuild.

Wool

Regarding wool prices, an Eastern Market Indicator sat at 1320 cents at the end of May.

STRONG: Projections show a national sheep flock continuing a significant rebuilding phase with predictions it will grow by 6.3 percent to 68.1-million head. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER This was 53.7 percent or 461 cents a kilogram, above the 858¢/kg recorded in September 2020 when the price of wool was at a 10-year low. The EMI price was in line with an ABARES forecast from March this year, which predicted the EMI would average 1300¢/kg for the 2021-22 financial year. Continued demand for raw wool from China, Czechia, Italy and India wereunderpinning a wool-price recovery. Projection showed end-consumer de-

mand for woollen garments, suits and activewear was expected to continually improve as the world recovered from COVID-19 and retail sales began to increase. The rebound in wool prices would encourage the retention of Merino ewes that made up 76 percent of all Australian breeding ewes. The climbing EMI and sheep prices were likely to fuel confidence in the Australian sheep industry and help support the flock rebuild.

VFF praise for ag visa 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

Victorian Farmers Federation has welcomed reports the Federal Government will introduce an agriculture specific visa. The visa will provide Australian farms access to workers from the UK in addition to the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, nations. VFF president Emma Germano said farmers had called for and been promised such a visa for too long. “This has been a long time coming and is a huge breakthrough for the industry,” she said. “The labour shortages we have faced in the past 18 months are well known, but broader issues with labour supply and quality have been ongoing without a solution for years.” The Federal Government is yet to release details on how the visa will work. Ms Germano said industry must be consulted to ensure it was fitfor-purpose. She said the visa would need to address labour shortages in the horticulture industry and skilled and unskilled shortages across the agricultural industry. “Right now, we need smart policy solutions for a wicked human capital problem and I hope this decision opens the door to a resolution,” she said.

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Young Merrett aims to educate 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

“It’s much more than that, growing crops and managing livestock is a science”

BY DYLAN DE JONG

immera farmer Mark Merrett is using his social media following to entertain and educate Australians about the agriculture sector.

The sixth-generation farmer has grabbed the attention of regional media this year after filming a series of on-farm videos about his life as an agricultural contractor. Mr Merrett, 23, lives and works on his family farm, a 7000-acre property in the Dinyarrack and Telopea Downs area north of Kaniva, with his wife Chelsey and daughter Alexandra. He films, edits and uploads to his YouTube channel ‘Merrett Contracting – Australian Farm’. He said his channel’s popularity had skyrocketed since the start of the year, growing to more than 4000 subscribers. His most popular video attracted more than 20,000 views. “I didn’t think it would take off like this. My goal was to get to 100 subscribers,” he said. “It’s well and truly blown my expectations out of the water.” Mr Merrett started making videos in 2016 to show his nieces and nephews in Melbourne what life was like on the farm. In 2019, his wife bought him a GoPro for his birthday after seeing his passion for film-making.

– Mark Merrett

DIVERSE INDUSTRY: Wimmera farmer Mark Merrett, left, is hoping his YouTube videos will educate and inform people about the agriculture industry. Mr Merrett said he wanted to push into an untapped market and he could see there were few other Australian’s making YouTube videos about agriculture. “In 2019, I started watching American farmers doing what I’m doing now and I wanted to see some Australian farmers doing the same thing,” he said. Mr Merrett said his channel started gaining attention when Australians

went into a panic-buying frenzy at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. “The channel started slowly, but last year when all the panic buying was happening it really started taking off,” he said. “It seemed like a lot of people didn’t understand where their food was coming from, which I wanted to highlight in my videos. “I also realised the videos were an

entertaining and educational way to reach an audience.” The channel has about 80 videos aimed at educating people about agriculture’s important role in society. Mr Merrett said he wanted to share his passion for the industry with others. “Farming is in my blood. Growing up, it’s all I wanted to do,” he said. “It really is such a diverse job. You’re doing so many different things

and also the end product that you get is something someone eats to survive.” Mr Merrett said he hoped his videos would reach a younger demographic to encourage more people into agriculture. “I really want kids to consider farming as a career,” he said. “From my experience, farming wasn’t promoted as a career when I was going to school. “There’s so many different career paths in farming from mechanics, merchant managers, stock management and the list goes on.” Mr Merrett said he wanted to show people farming was far more than just planting a crop in the ground. “What people might not be aware of is how technologically advanced farming is nowadays,” he said. “Quite often it is pictured as you driving your open-cabin tractor, wearing overalls and planting your crops in the ground. You wait and then harvest them. “It’s much more than that, growing crops and managing livestock is a science.”

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