AIRR Independent Spring 14 by AIRR

SPRING 2014

WHAT'S INSIDE The Resurgence Of 2,4 D Premium Nutrition For Broodmares & Young Growing Horses Get Your Calves Off To A Flying Start! Vigilant: A New Easy Way To Control HardTo-Kill Weeds Gallagher Behind Precise Animal Management Plan Now For Cattle Tick Control This Summer A Tale Of Wire & Chocolate

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220 stores. 100% Independent. National Strength

SA ICON OPENS 6TH BRANCH IN JAMESTOWN Cox Rural, a name synonymous with South Australian agriculture, has bought its know-how and service to the Mid North with the opening of its 6th branch – all of which are independently owned, to Jamestown. Cox Rural’s primary focus is to provide farmers in the Jamestown region with the best service and advice in the industry complemented by carrying a great range of all leading brands at the right time of year so their customers get the best returns from their farming operations. The business was started by Ian, Andrew, and Lachlan Cox in 2002, growing to six branches across the South East and Mid North SA. “Like all independents, Cox Rural prides itself in the relationships and trust it builds with its customers, and on going the extra mile.” Lachlan said. If you can’t see it, ask Jack and Emma. There is not much they cannot source for their customers’ needs. As a member of the Australian Independent Rural Resellers group, AIRR gives Cox Rural the buying power with much lower overheads, which puts them in front of all their competitors, provides access to unique brands not found in corporate competitors; all of which helps you to maximise your returns by offering you a great range of products; all the while maintaining their independence. Lachlan added “Our independence gives us an edge as it gives us flexibility to deliver exactly what our customers want when it comes to service and range, and our buying power ensures at all times our pricing is right.”

a commitment to providing excellent service. He began his working life with a local stock firm, before going into partnership with his brother as Jack Redden Real Estate for 25 years, where he gained an insider’s understanding of rural business and property. Three years ago Jack was ready for a change, and moved back into agricultural merchandise. As the Branch Manager of Cox Rural Jamestown, fronting the local team and supported by the experienced Cox Rural team located in Clare, Jack oversees the Jamestown business, bringing all together. “It is nice being back in rural merchandising, and working for a family business again with a very passionate team of staff after a couple of years in the corporate world. It has been refreshing and our team are having a ball.”

One stop shop Come into Cox Rural Jamestown, where you will find everything you need to run your rural enterprise. From animal health, irrigation, agricultural chemicals, spray equipment, shearing supplies, fencing, fodder lines and general merchandise, Cox Rural has got you covered. Jack and Emma look forward to seeing you when next in store.

SPRING 2014

CONTENTS YOUR CALVES OFF TO A 4 GET FLYING START! A NEW EASY WAY 7 VIGILANT: TO CONTROL HARD-TO-KILL WEEDS POWER TO PRODUCE 8 THE YOUR BEST LINKING 13 PHILMAC MERCHANTS & LOCAL COMMUNITIES BEHIND PRECISE 16 GALLAGHER ANIMAL MANAGEMENT NOW FOR CATTLE TICK 18 PLAN CONTROL THIS SUMMER

A TALE OF WIRE & CHOCOLATE

THE RESURGENCE OF 2,4 D

NUTRITION FOR 31 PREMIUM BROODMARES & YOUNG GROWING HORSES BEST WETTER FOR GOLD 34 THE AG CHEM PERFORMANCE

Jack brings knowledge Jack Redden, Branch Manager of Cox Rural Jamestown, is as iconic to locals as Cox Rural is to South Australian agriculture. Born and bred in Jamestown, Jack has a wealth of local knowledge and 3

Member

CALF FEEDING FROM BIRTH TO WEANING GET YOUR CALVES OFF TO A FLYING START! Tim Harrington, Ruminant Technical Manager, Ridley AgriProducts Calves are the future “moneymakers” on your farm. A good rearing system leads to: • Calves meeting weight and size targets on time • Reduced disease risks • Reduced rearing costs

Key components of the rearing system include: • Good dry cow management • Suitable facilities for calf rearing • Well managed feeding regime • Disease prevention programme Ensure the dry cow gets adequate vitamin, mineral and trace element supplementation throughout the dry period to maintain the status of both the cow and developing calf. Pay particular attention to the calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iodine and vitamin E status of dry cows. This will depend on the status of your farm, but check to make sure you are aware of any deficiencies. The newborn calf has no active immunity and is vulnerable to infection. Initial protection comes from colostrum so make sure the calf drinks about 10% of its body weight of colostrum within the first six hours after birth.

Early feeding of colostrum is essential as the calf is unable to absorb antibodies from the intestine after 24 – 36 hours. Colostrum is produced by the cow before and shortly after the birth of the calf. It is rich in energy, protein and vitamins A, D3 and E and contains immunoglobulins (antibodies) that provide the calf with immunity from infection. Frozen colostrum can be used if need be. The number of pregnancies that the cow has had affects colostrum quality. Older cows have been exposed to more infections than first calved heifers and have higher concentrations of antibodies in their colostrum. Ensure the cow’s udder and teats are clean before the first feeding as colostrum quality is reduced by dirt or other contaminants.

Key steps in rearing calves up to weaning are: • Establish a routine with calves fed at regular times each day • The calf must receive adequate colostrum; 10% of its body weight (3 – 4 litres) in first 6 hours after birth and then 3 to 5 litres for the next 3 days • Ensure milk or milk replacer is fed at a consistent temperature; 36 - 42oC (warm) or 15 - 20oC (cool)

• Provide fresh dry feed such as Barastoc Calf Meal or Barastoc Calf Rearer Pellets from day one to help develop the internal surface of the rumen. Remove any leftovers to prevent stale feed building up in the trough or feed buckets • Provide clean, dry forage and water from day one to help rumen muscle development • Calves must have access to fresh, clean water • Age must not be the sole criteria for weaning. Take into account calf health, age and size and ensure the calf is eating at least 1 kg concentrate feed each day for 3 days • The Palastart range of milk replacers and whole milk supplements include both nonmedicated and medicated products. When using a milk replacer follow the mixing and feeding instructions. At the wrong water temperature the replacer may not mix properly, causing fat breakdown, reduced protein quality and reduced palatability. • Make sure you have a good calf-rearing programme in place. This will lay the foundation for well-grown heifers resulting in greater performance in terms of higher feed intake, better milk yields, improved fertility and increased longevity.

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References 1. Kills > 99.9% of barbers pole, small brown stomach and black scour worms. A pooled analysis of the efficacy of monepantel, an amino-acetonitrile derivative against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. Hosking et al., Parasitol Res (2010), 106: 529-532. 2. The production costs of anthelmintic resistance in sheep managed within a monthly preventive drench programme. Sutherland et al., Vet Para(2010), 171:300-304. 3. Minimising the development of anthelmintic resistance, and optimising the use of the novel anthelmintic monepantel, for the sustainable control of nematode parasites in Australian sheep grazing systems. R.J. Dobson et al., AVJ (2011), Vol. 89, No 5. ZOLVIX® contains 25 g/L monepantel, a member of the Amino-Acetonitrile Derivatives (AADs) class of anthelmintics. For full product details contact NOVARTIS CUSTOMER ADVISORY LINE on 1800 633 768 TOLL FREE between 8.30am and 5.30pm E.S.T. Monday to Friday. Novartis Animal Health Australasia Pty Limited, ACN 076 745 198, 54 Waterloo Road, North Ryde NSW 2113. ®Registered trademark of Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland. ZOLAU761XAV0814.

Easy-to-Use on Hard-To-Kill weeds

ARE YOUR RAMS READY? Good ram management is critical to a successful mating season. Susan Swaney, Technical Services Manager for Virbac Australia, explains the key animal management steps to consider when preparing rams for joining. Preparing for joining should ideally begin three months prior to putting rams in with the ewes because sperm production takes six to eight weeks. Rams should be shorn, drenched if required following an FEC, given their yearly booster vaccine and provided with adequate nutrition, vitamin supplements and top up trace-minerals prior to the joining season. Also performing a ram health check three months in advance gives you time to purchase in any new rams required.

Health checks should cover the 5 Ts of ram health: Torso Check for injuries or wounds on the torso and ensure their legs, hips and backs are free of injury or degenerative disease.

Teeth When rams have all of their teeth, and when their teeth are in good condition, they’re more likely to eat well and maintain good body condition. Toes Footrot or foot abscesses could hamper ram mobility and serving capacity and sperm quality. Check the toes and feet, and also observe the rams to ensure they’re walking properly and have full mobility. Testes Feel the testicles to make sure there are no lumps or bumps and check the epididymis for abnormalities. Check for scrotal hernias. Assess the texture of testicles to ensure they’re not too firm or too soft. Ideally, the scrotal circumference should be at least 30cm. Tossle Check for any injuries or infections that could affect the ram’s ability to join. Ensure the prepuce and penis have no adhesions. Animal health management and nutrition The following critical animal health measures should also be considered three months prior to joining Rams.

Trace minerals: These are important for sperm production and hoof health and an excellent source of these trace minerals is Multimin from Virbac. Vitamin B12: In cobalt deficient areas improves appetite and fertility. Vitamin A, D & E: May be required if rams have had no access to green feed for a number of months Flystrike preventative: A jetting of poll and breech is valuable to prevent fly strike affecting fertility Drench: Rams should be monitored, and if required, drenched twice per year as they are more susceptible to worms than dry stock Feed: Supplement paddock feed with lupins at least two months prior to joining to increase testicular size and sperm production. If ewes are on supplementary feed, ensure rams are adjusted to this prior to introduction. Visit the Virbac website to download a free pre-joining checklist: virbac.com.au/ sheep_pre-joining

VIGILANT™ II HERBICIDE A NEW EASY WAY TO CONTROL HARD-TO-KILL WEEDS Formulated as a gel, Vigilant II is ready to use straight out of the pack. No messy chemicals and limited user exposure. Vigilant II comes in an easy to use, re-fillable and re-useable 240 mL brush applicator bottle. The powerful active ingredients aminopyralid and picloram deliver fast brownout and knockdown of target plants with a wide range of weeds controlled. The brush bottle of Vigilant II can treat approximately 120 stems (average stem diameter of 25 mm applied as a 5 mm dollop of gel).

Dow AgroSciences, the Woody Weed Specialists, are proud to add this latest innovation to their suite of woody weed solutions which includes Access™, Garlon™, Graslan™, Grazon Extra™, Hotshot™, Starane™ Advanced, Tordon™ Granules and Tordon™ RegrowthMaster™.

Vigilant II has shown good activity on: African boxthorn

African olive

Balloon vine

Bitou/boneseed

Vigilant II can be used year round, although effectiveness may decrease slightly in colder months and cooler climates. Vigilant II can be used via a number of different application techniques including cut stump, paint and scrape and drill and fill. Vigilant II is the new convenient way of controlling noxious and environmental weeds. Weed management professionals ranging from Councils/Weeds Authorities through to Bushcare/Landcare groups will find Vigilant II a useful tool for those hard-to-kill species. ™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow.

Blackberry

Broadleaf pepper

Camphor laurel

Canna lily

Cape broom

Cape ivy

Castor oil plant

Cats claw creeper

Cherry guava

Chinese celtis

Chinese tallow

Cockspur

Coral tree

Cotoneaster

Gorse

Greencestrum

Groundsel bush

Honey locust

Japanese sunflower

Lantana

Ludwigia

Madeira vine

Mesquite

Miconia

Morning glory

Moth vine

Murraya

Mysore thorn

Ochna

Oleander

Parkinsonia

Prickly acacia

Privet

Rhus tree

Scotch/English broom

Senna

Siam weed

Sweet briar

Sweet pittosporum

Tiger lily

Tree of heaven

Umbrella tree

Wandering Jew

Wild tobacco tree

For more information, visit www.dowagrosciences.com.au or call Toll free 1800 700 096

EPRINEX速: THE POWER TO PRODUCE YOUR BEST Most cattle producers are well aware that milder temperatures and moisture following a hot dry summer are ideal conditions for worms. These conditions allow for hatching of worm eggs on the pasture and increased larvae survival, with early winter conditions typically providing an ideal environment for the contamination of pasture with eggs and larvae. This has implications for the rest of the year on the pasture. Over winter, worm eggs and larvae contaminating the pasture can survive for long enough to provide on-going challenge for cattle through winter whilst also maintaining high paddock contamination levels until spring comes. The worms in your cattle will not only affect their productivity, but will also be putting more worm eggs back onto the pasture. So it is essential to make sure that your cattle are protected over winter and into spring. Most producers appreciate the productivity benefits available from the effective control of parasites, and as cattle usually have mixed worm infections, it is important to use the most effective and persistent broad-spectrum drench available. EPRINEX contains the most potent ML pour-on active, eprinomectin,1 which was specifically designed and developed for rapid and persistent efficacy.

Clinical trials have shown that EPRINEX kills worms faster3,4 and for longer* than any other ML Pour-On. When it comes to productivity, every day lost when controlling parasites counts; EPRINEX can deliver significantly lower egg counts sooner than those seen after treatment with other ML pour-ons.3,4

More productivity Killing more worms for longer keeps the total worm burden down in cattle and ensures healthier and more productive cattle as well as cleaner pastures. And because there are fewer worms, producers can expect better production outcomes. EPRINEX is proven across Australia, and the world, with studies demonstrating marked improvements in productivity with improved appetite5,6 increased weight gains,7,8 increased milk production (with increased milk protein and milk fat)2, and improved

reproductive performance with shorter calving to conception intervals.9

More Flexibility Eprinomectin was designed to partition away from milk, keeping residues very low. EPRINEX has a Nil milk, Nil meat and Nil ESI, allowing it to be used at any stage of lactation and at any stage of production. EPRINEX is formulated to cope with the widest array of weather and coat situations. EPRINEX is weatherproof, not just rainfast like most of the other pour-on endectocide products, so it works whatever the weather. EPRINEX gives you the flexibility to design parasite control programs to treat any cattle, at any time, in any weather; and gives you the flexibility to take advantage of changing market conditions, without having to worry about treatment times.

Who can put equipment within easy reach? CommBank Can. We’re in the Can Business, which means when you’re ready to buy, our equipment finance process is fast and simple. CommBank’s award-winning SmartSign® technology lets you review and sign your finance agreements anywhere, anytime. With the ease of online access, there’s no need to print contracts, obtain a witness signature or even pick up a pen. Keep your business moving with a comprehensive range of products from your Equipment Finance and Leasing Bank of the Year. Visit commbank.com.au/assetfinance Finance equipment over $50,000 and receive a $250 Caltex fuel card.* Contact Karl Ferguson on 0434 238 676 and quote AIRR14.

Things to know before you Can: The access of funds through SmartSign® capability will be available up to four business hours after electronic acceptance of loan has been completed. *This offer is available until 31 December 2014. Limit of one (1) fuel card per customer. Applications for finance are subject to credit approval and the suitability of the asset. We reserve the right to require finance arrangements be made with any Bank subsidiary. Full terms and conditions will be included on our documentation. Fees and charges may apply. The complimentary fuel card will be provided by your Banker after settlement occurs and its use will be subject to any terms and conditions 10issued by Caltex. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.

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SPELL OPPORTUNITY FOR VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT UPGRADES The right machinery, equipment and vehicles can boost productivity and profitability, if you plan wisely, says Geoff Wearne, Executive General Manager Regional and Agribusiness Banking for Commonwealth Bank. CommBank’s recently released Asset Financing Australia report found that many businesses across all industries will be looking to invest in new equipment while interest rates remain low and the Australian dollar is strong. In particular, businesses are interested in equipment which will improve energy efficiency. Mr Wearne says farming business operators need to keep their business goals in mind when considering what equipment to buy, when to buy it and how to finance it. “Equipment and technology are income producing assets and the purchase decisions that farmers make need to be guided by business factors. Getting the purchase cycle timing right is vital to maximising return on investment. The goal must always be to take advantage of the productivity gains that new equipment can offer, and optimising the value of new purchases,” Mr Wearne said. “This means thinking about your interest rates, which are currently attractive, as well as considering business cash flow and the depreciation rates of equipment you might want to sell or trade in. Depending on the equipment you’re thinking about, it can make better sense to update more rather than less often to maintain better resale values, and of course this also allows you to keep up with the latest innovations and features that can help you improve profitability. We’re seeing a lot of interest in things like dairy automation, on farm storage systems as well as a considerable trend towards farm machinery that offers GPS guidance and fuel saving features.”

The Asset Financing Australia Report follows CommBank’s Agri Insights research that questioned 1400 Australian farmers about their plans for the year ahead. Agri Insights conducted earlier this year, found that a significant number of farmers planned to increase their investment in equipment over the coming 12 months. It found 31 per cent of farmers will increase investment in fixed infrastructure and 11 percent in plant and equipment, while 14 per cent will invest more in farm technology and innovation. Mr Wearne said the results indicate farmers are focused on improving operations to increase productivity and profitability. “Australian farmers are optimising their operations by upgrading infrastructure and equipment, and adopting new farm technologies to increase production efficiencies. The overall trend indicates farmers are investing on-farm to improve sustainability and drive growth,” he said. “As skilled labour becomes more expensive, farmers are turning to new technology and equipment to increase enterprise productivity. This includes larger capacity farm machinery, remote water monitoring, livestock identification systems and dairy automation.” Mr Wearne said farmers and business operators should think about not only the right equipment but the right finance options. “The best way to finance new equipment purchases will depend on your business structure, your cash flow position and your plans for your business. Many businesses

choose to purchase vehicles or equipment without having to find capital upfront, so they can get their new equipment to work and pay them off over time from the income they help to generate. “Other options include hire purchases or finance leases which can have different tax and cash flow implications. “Ideally, businesses should be working with their tax and finance advisers to develop an equipment purchase strategy that helps them maximise productivity and minimise costs.”

Tips for purchasing equipment, vehicles and technology:

• Look for good interest rates on finance • Choose finance options that work with your business approach and ensure you can continue to address finance needs in your day to day operations • Consider the resale value of equipment and the potential income generation of new purchases to help you choose the right time to buy • Consider equipment, technology and vehicles as part of your overall business strategy • Seek input from your tax and finance advisers before finalising purchase plans

For further information on CommBank’s Asset Finance offerings please contact the team on 1800 277 387. As the information in this editorial has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL and Australian Credit License 234945

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saving for a community water project? The Philmac project can help.

If your local community needs help with a water-related project, enter online today! Philmac has been designing, manufacturing and distributing fittings and valves for polyethylene pipes for more than 80 years - providing secure connections to manage our most precious natural resource, water. Launched in 2012, the Philmac Project is our way of giving something back to the regional Australians who support us. This exciting funding initiative offers $30,000* in cash grants per year to help community groups – such as schools, sports clubs, landcare groups and show societies – roll out water-related community projects. So if you have a great idea, like a new bore, a rehabilitation site or a better use for rainwater, we’d love to know. It’s easy to enter. Just fill in the brief form online, then rally your local community to drum up votes. Connecting Communities through Water – it’s what we’re all about!

Submissions and voting close December 12, 2014. 12

www.philmacproject.com.au

*A maximum of $5000 per region and $5000 per submission. Refer to the Terms & Conditions online.

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LINKS MERCHANTS & LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Philmac retailers across regional Australia are being given the opportunity to become involved in an initiative that will provide cash grants to community groups with water on their minds. Now in its third year, The Philmac Project has opened a new round of cash grants for local organisations wanting to carry out waterrelated projects that benefit rural and regional communities. The funding scheme is the initiative of leading Australian manufacturer Philmac, which has been designing, manufacturing and distributing fittings and valves for polyethylene pipes in Australia for more than 80 years. “We launched The Philmac Project in 2012 as a way of giving something back to the rural communities that have stood by us over the years, despite challenging times for rural merchants, rural water users and local manufacturers,” said Philmac Managing Director, Mark Nykiel. “Judging by the extraordinary response, stretching from outback Queensland and the Northern Territory to southern Tasmania, it is meeting a significant need, particularly in smaller communities, so we have decided to offer another round,” Mr Nykiel said. “If you’re a Philmac stockist and know of a school or any other sort of community organisation in

your area with a project that involves water and would benefit the local community, then we would very much like to hear from you. “Past recipients have included school and community kitchen gardens, environmental rehabilitation projects and landcare groups, show societies and sports clubs, kindergartens and childcare centres,’ he said. Previous grants have helped do everything from installing new bores and watering systems, to rehabilitating natural watercourses and setting up plumbing to make better use of rainwater. A total of $30,000 in cash grants and $5000 worth of product is being offered, with individual submissions able to apply for up to $5000 in cash. Each applicant is required to nominate the local retailer they wish to spend their grant funds with, providing opportunities for retailers to increase sales and strengthen business relationships with community organisations. “We have produced a marketing kit to help our retailers, and we are encouraging them to pro-actively approach community groups and encourage them to enter,” Mr Nykiel said.

Philmac Managing Director, Mark Nykiel.

Applying for a grant is easy. Submissions are made online via www.philmacproject.com.au using a simple application form that asks a few basic questions about the intended project. The submissions will then be posted on the website so that people can show support for the projects by voting. The five projects in each region that attract the most votes will be shortlisted for final judging by an expert panel. To qualify a project must be located in a regional area, and the work has to be completed within 12 months of the start date. Applicants can lodge submissions until December 12, 2014, however the sooner the application is made the more time they have to generate votes. “Ultimately, the funding will be allocated to projects that make a genuine difference to their local rural community, and have the potential to reduce water use, improve water quality or benefit the environment in some way,” Mr Nykiel said.

For more information contact your local Philmac territory manager by calling 1800 755 899, or visit www.philmacproject.com.au

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IT STILL PAYS TO USE A published report detailed the case of a property near Young which suffered a significant increase in wether mortality due to OJD after stopping the use of Gudair in their wether mob. The owner of the property had been vaccinating stock with Gudair since 2002, but had only vaccinated the wether lambs up until 2004, with these mobs now sold. Replacement ewe lambs continued to be vaccinated. The owner contacted vets after losing 13% of 21 month old wethers in a mixed mob, with a similar number showing signs of ill thrift. The mortality rate in the ewe proportion of the same mob was decidedly lower, being within the normal range for sheep in drought conditions. By May 2007, 31% of wethers had died, with post-mortems confirming the losses were due 14

GUDAIR®! “ So if your flock is infected, or at risk of being infected with OJD,make sure you conduct a whole lamb flock vaccination program with Gudair at marking, to minimise losses now and in the future.” to OJD. Losses among the ewe portion of the mob remained negligible. The early age of OJD mortality in this

situation is due to heavy exposure as lambs to the bacteria on pasture. This case study highlights the importance of a complete Gudair vaccination program in flocks (ewes and wethers) to reduce pasture bacterial contamination and exposure to subsequent generations. It also challenges the theory of intermittent flock vaccination as a cost-cutting measure when flock mortality declines. Financial modelling conducted by Bush et al (2008) showed that vaccination break-even points are achieved within only 2 to 3 years for breeding enterprises if OJD mortalities are high, rising towards 7 years for a Merino ewe enterprise with low OJD mortalities.

For further advice, please contact Zoetis on 1800 814 883.

SUSTAINABLE PARASITE CONTROL FOR YOUR FLOCK WITH TRIGUARD® Sheep drench resistance is well established throughout Australia, and is considered one of the key concerns for producers needing to both control parasites and maximise productivity. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that drench resistance can cost farmers significant production and profitability losses, with anthelmintic resistance resulting in a reduction in lamb growth rates of up to 24%. Your choice of drench is an important factor affecting how you manage the development of drench resistance on your property. Technical experts agree that the most sustainable way

of achieving consistently high drench efficacy is by combining drench actives rather than relying on a single drench active. It is now well recognised by veterinarians and parasitologists that effective triple-combinations can significantly delay the development of drench resistance. TRIGUARD is a powerful triple-combination drench formulation for sheep, providing sheep producers with a potent weapon for controlling worms and managing the development of drench resistance in sheep.

The key to the effectiveness of TRIGUARD is its combination of three different drench actives in a single, stable formulation. The three actives are short-acting drenches that are absorbed quickly, combine three separate methods of killing parasites and are then eliminated quickly, reducing the risk of resistance development.

TRIGUARD kills worms that have single or dual resistance to white, clear, or ML drenches, including moxidectin resistant strains, ensuring high efficacy even when resistance is already present.* Ongoing trial work continues to show TRIGUARD can deliver highly effective worm control across Australia, even in the face of significant resistance. In addition, when

TRIGUARD is formulated to reliably deliver the right levels of actives in each dose and to avoid the potential for inaccuracies that can be associated with the mixing of chemicals on-farm. The stable, multi-active TRIGUARD formulation ensures consistent and reliable dosing to Every Sheep, Every Dose, Every Time.

Looking for Australia’s No#1 Selling Triple Active Drench? Protect your sheep with the Triple Drench Power of TRIGUARD. Providing a potent triple active combination, with the power of Abamectin, for reliable broad-spectrum parasite control. TRIGUARD has a proven and stable formulation, and provides a full dose of 3 short-acting ingredients to every sheep, with every dose, every time – to help delay resistance.

used in a well-devised worm control program, multi-active TRIGUARD acts as an essential tool for managing drench resistance and maintaining productivity.

Merial Australia Pty Ltd, Building D, 12-24 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. ABN 53 071 187 285. ®TRIGUARD is a registered trademark of Merial Limited. ©2012 Merial Limited. All rights reserved. TRIG-12-000

VACCINATION VACCINATIONWITH WITH ®® GUDAIR GUDAIR HAS HASBEEN BEENHIGHLY HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSFULININPROTECTING PROTECTING YOUR YOURFLOCKS, FLOCKS,BUT BUTOVINE OVINE JOHNE’S JOHNE’SDISEASE DISEASEISISSTILL STILL THREATENING THREATENINGPROPERTIES PROPERTIES ACROSS ACROSSAUSTRALIA. AUSTRALIA. Give one dose toto lambs atat 4-16 weeks Give one dose lambs 4-16 weeks and protect them for life. and protect them for life.

For more information onon how toto protect your flock, talk toto your Zoetis Sheep Product Specialist onon 1800 963 847. For more information how protect your flock, talk your Zoetis Sheep Product Specialist 1800 963 847. Zoetis Australia PtyPty Ltd. ABN 9494 156156 476 425. Level 6, 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. Zoetis Australia Ltd. ABN 476 425. Level 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. © 2014 Zoetis Inc.Inc. AllAll rights reserved. ZL0003 08/14 © 2014 Zoetis rights reserved. ZL0003 08/14

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BEHIND PRECISE ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Having the right weighing equipment or data collector is important. But it’s really only half the equation, says Gallagher’s Business Development Manager for Weighing and Electronic Identification (EID) Systems, Mike Hemsley. “Of course it’s valuable to collect the information, but then what you do with it is just as significant. Having software that can record information on individual animals or groups of animals, and then be easily retrievable, makes animal management that much easier and far more precise. “Trawling through records — even electronic ones say in a spreadsheet — takes time. And mistakes can occur with misreading tags or numbers or if a spreadsheet is missing.

Image: Gallagher is all about increasing farm productivity; whether it’s being able to record detailed data on animals, streamlining time in the yards or minimising office work on animal databases. It all makes a difference. That’s why every model of Gallagher’s weighing and data-collection equipment , inclduing the just-released TSi2, come standard with Animal Performance Systems software (APS) already loaded.

“Gallagher is all about increasing your farm productivity; whether it’s being able to record detailed data on animals, streamlining your time in the yards or minimising office work on your animal databases. It all makes a difference.”

Software comes standard Every model of Gallagher’s weighing and data-collection equipment come standard with

➤ Continues pg 17

➤ Continued from pg 16 Animal Performance Systems software (APS) already loaded.

workbook. Neither do you need to match up tag numbers across different spreadsheets.

Weighscales and the HR series of EID readers come with APS Standard, while the TSi comes with APS Professional.

“Single animal and mob data — however you want to look at it — is very easy to find, and very easy to read. And, APS crunches the numbers for you, you don’t need to manually do it, or set up formulas or virtual lookup tables in a spreadsheet.

“Both versions use the same database, APS Professional just allows farmers to do even more in terms of reports, pedigrees trees, and so on. “We’ve set it up this way because it meets most farmers’ needs. But of course, if someone wants to upgrade to APS Professional on their HR EID, they can.”

Number ‘crunching’ automatic

NLIS Exchange – in an instant Mike says the APS software also saves time when transferring stock. NLIS Exchange is an add-on to APS, and freely downloadable from Gallagher’s website.

“Using any piece of Gallagher recording equipment, you simply put in your NLIS logon username and password, choose the animals “Naturally when you’re weighing animals you you want, choose what you want to do — say transfer — then press a button and that data is automatically “ You don’t need to go out and buy another bit of sent off to the NLIS database. software, there’s no third party systems, you don’t You don’t need to get onto the need to set up a spreadsheet or create a new database NLIS database or spend any more time on it. It’s that simple. … the equipment is already set to go. Open the box

and you’re ready. And, APS crunches the numbers for “Often agents do that, but in you, you don’t need to manually do it, or set up formulas the cases where people do Mike Hemsley says, “You don’t their own transfers, it saves or virtual lookup tables in a spreadsheet.” — Mike need to go out and buy another a heck of a lot of mucking bit of software, there’s no third Hemsley, Business Development Manager for Weighing around.” party systems, you don’t need to and EID Systems, Gallagher Animal Management set up a spreadsheet or create a Focus on productivity new database … the equipment is The current APS version is 2.21, can see the weight, but even on our simplest already set to go. Open the box and you’re but as with all its products, Gallagher’s focus is weighing equipment and EID indicators, ready. on improvements, updating APS as necessary. because they have APS, you can see that “And because the APS software keeps the Update downloads are free from Gallagher’s animal’s history on screen. Just go into the APS database on your computer, you can easily website to all exisiting APS owners. software, double click on the animal, and there add data to it. are not only all of its weights, but overall daily Mike Hemsley says, “We have farm gain and average daily gain. You don’t need “When you want to look at animals, in mobs or productivity covered: our hardware lets farmers to write anything down on pieces of paper in singularly, and analyse data you’ve collected collect detailed data about their livestock, the yards, and don’t have to stop what you’re to make some decisions, with APS it’s all there. while our software allows them to easily doing and duck back to the office to find the You don’t need to then go and download manage it to make informed decisions. It’s record book.” the data you’ve collected into an Excel file or quite a powerful combination.”

PLAN NOW FOR CATTLE TICK CONTROL THIS SUMMER Lee Taylor, Senior Veterinary Technical Mgr, Livestock, Zoetis Many producers in south-east Queensland and the Burnett region faced major issues with cattle tick last autumn. Why did this happen? Are chemicals not working any more or is there a simpler explanation? Why were ticks so bad this autumn?

Control ticks with Dectomax®

A relatively hot, dry summer meant many producers did not apply early tick treatments to their cattle last spring. When summer rains finally did arrive in March, cattle tick numbers exploded as earlier storm rain had allowed a steady buildup of tick larvae on pastures. Response to treatments in many cases appeared poor due to rapid re-infestation of cattle from these accumulated larvae. The late frosts allowed ticks to breed well into winter. Recent frosts and dry winter conditions have stopped ticks from breeding. However, tick larvae can survive for 6 or more months on pasture, so those paddocks that have housed ticky cattle will need to be managed during the coming spring to avoid production losses and large treatment bills.

Dectomax® Injectable provides rapid tick control, with knockdown within 3 days and subsequent persistent activity, which prevents development of viable egg laying ticks on cattle for 28 days after treatment. This leads to less larval contamination of pasture and prolonged control.

Strategic Management Programmes A strategic tick control programme over the ‘spring rise’ will provide the best opportunity for long-term management and suppression of tick numbers this summer. The attached figure shows what would happen normally without treatment in south-east Qld and the Burnett. Strategic treatments in the spring will stop this build-up over the subsequent summer months.

Producers can re-apply Dectomax injectable 28 days after the previous treatment. This re-treatment interval does not impact on WHP or ESI. This is in line with the persistency claim of the chemical, thus breaking the cattle tick lifecycle. Another option for more prolonged control is to also apply fluazuron based tick growth inhibitors within the spring rise. Dectomax Injectable may also be used with OP/SP based dips and sprays like Barricade S® or Amitraz based dips or sprays as Dectomax Injectable is in a totally different chemical class to these compounds and interaction between these chemicals has not been documented.

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INCORPORATE ZOLVIX®

INTO YOUR DRENCH ROTATION NOW Internal parasites cost the Australian sheep industry AU$369 million per annum – significantly more than any other disease of sheep. AU$59 million is attributable to the increased expense associated with control measures, but the vast majority (AU$310 million) is due directly to reduction in income. It is clearly worth getting worm control right. Resistance to drenches is one of the biggest challenges to effective worm control, with the potential for ineffective drenches to result in significant loss of income by impacting on production. For the first time in nearly 20 years, a national survey of drench resistance has been conducted and indicates how serious and widespread drench resistance has become – not just to the older single actives, but also to combination treatments and even to the most potent macrocyclic lactone (ML) drenches such as moxidectin. Brown stomach worm % Properties

Black scour worm % Properties

Barber’s pole worm % Properties

Any worm* % Properties

LEV

Active Ingredient

NAP

IVM

ABA

MOX

BZ/LEV

BZ/LEV/NAP

BZ/LEV/ABA

MPL

*Any worm = One or more of the following: Brown stomach worm, Black scour worm or Barber’s pole worm. BZ=Benzimidazole; LEV=Levamisole; NAP=Naphthalophos; IVM=Ivermectin; ABA=Abamectin; MOX=Moxidectin; MPL=Monepantel Table 1 shows that 96% of properties had evidence of resistance to the white (BZ) and clear (LEV) drench groups. On only 4% of survey properties would BZ or LEV be effective drenches against all three of the major sheep parasites! Even more alarming was that 30% of survey properties had resistance to LEV in Barber’s pole worm, when this has traditionally been regarded as an effective drench against this life-threatening worm species. The prevalence of resistance to the MLs was also dramatic, as shown. Ivermectin resistance was widespread at 87% of survey properties, but 19

this was not entirely surprising as ivermectin is the least potent of the MLs. However, abamectin was not far behind at 77% of survey properties and resistance to moxidectin was evident on 54% of survey properties – over half of the survey properties that tested moxidectin had resistance to what is the most potent of the MLs on the market for sheep! Combination treatments have been widely advocated to slow the development of drench resistance and have been useful in maintaining the useful life of many of the older actives on some properties through additive efficacy. However, resistance was also widely evident to all combinations as shown. 81% of survey properties had resistance to the traditional BZ/LEV combination and resistance was evident even to the abamectin-based triples, on 28% of survey properties. The best option of all is to perform a drench resistance test (WECRT) on your own property and seek appropriate advice on drench selection. The drench resistance survey highlights the widespread nature of resistance, but there is no substitute for data from your own farm. Zolvix® (monepantel) is from a completely novel drench class and is 99.9% effective against Brown stomach worm, Black scour worm and Barber’s pole worm. As there is no known resistance to Zolvix in sheep in Australia, you can be entirely confident in using Zolvix – even if the resistance status of other drench classes is unknown or if resistance to other actives is already severe. It is likely that we will need to continue to rely on the older drench classes for some time to come, so incorporating Zolvix into withinseason rotation with the older drench classes now will help protect these actives, slow the development of resistance and ensure they remain useful on your farm in the years ahead.

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Extinosad® Pour-On delivers four important benefits for Australian sheep and wool producers. Its unique knockdown chemistry is ideal for rotation programs. It can be used off-shears, on unshorn lambs and long wool sheep. It has no wool withholding period and minimal ESI. And best of all, it’s a convenient water-based formulation. For more information about why Extinosad Pour-On is the dead fast, dead easy way to control sheep lice, contact your local rural store, call Elanco Animal Health on 1800 226 324 or visit extinosad.com.au 20

*Elanco®, Extinosad® and the diagonal colour bar are trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. EAH13438A4

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Co-owner of Australian Chocolate Pty Ltd Chris Jahnke explaining to a farm tourgroup the principles and benefits of trellising.

For the co-owner of Australian Chocolate Pty Ltd, Chris Jahnke, it has meant that investing in quality trellising sits at the top of his list of must-haves in setting up the first stage of his Mission Beach cocoa plantation. “For horticulturalists, the concept of trellising has gained significant popularity in coastal areas of north Queensland affected by cyclones,” Mr Jahnke said. “This is not your everyday run of the mill project, we have investors in the company that expect ‘world’s best practise’ so I needed to do the research to find the most suitable products available.” Mr Jahnke last year installed 12 kilometres of trellis wire on a one hectare trial plot to provide protection for the chocolate-producing trees, knowing high winds will be an issue at some stage. He was first introduced to the idea of trellising by fellow horticulturalists in the region. “Firstly, the trellising needs to be highly durable and able to withstand significant pressure from wind, but secondly it needs to lend itself to ease

of management,” he said. “The trellises not only protect the trees, but make them more productive, much easier to manage and (hopefully) harvest. RRP - SPOT-5W “In fact we are already seeing the trellised trees outperforming the freestanding ‘control’ trees by a significant margin.”

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After making inquiries, Mr Jahnke discovered Waratah’s Longlife Blue Growire and Jumbo Gripples. “We need to adjust the tension of the strain on a regular basis, and the Gripples enable us to do that,” he said. The use of barbed staples and some clever innovation on the part of Mr Jahnke has also enabled extra strength for the trellising. “We’ve applied the staples in an inverted T, one horizontal and one vertical, which we’ve discovered provides extra strength to the Growire on the treated pine posts,” he said. The next eighteen months will see a three million dollar investment which, according to Mr Jahnke, is a first of its kind for Australia.

Available from your local AIRR dealer “Our business plan is to develop the plantation, chocolate factory and visitor centre and so create a unique tourist attraction, The Australian Chocolate Centre,” he said. “It’s a fully integrated business model – we’ll grow the cocoa trees, then harvest the product, turn it into chocolate and sell it on site and also online.” Another 10 hectares of ground has been prepared for cocoa trees, with planting due to happen in the second

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half of this year. Mr Jahnke also runs 150 Brahmans in a self-replacing herd on the 400 hectare property. With 60 more hectares of country to be prepared for the cocoa plantation, Mr Jahnke is confident that he will be calling on the support of Waratah for more trellising. “I need a versatile and durable product, and Waratah seems to have all the answers,” he said.

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KELPIE STUD HAS FOUND THE

FORMULA FOR SUCCESS Working dogs require specific nutrition to ensure they maintain strength and power and stay in peak condition, which is why Simon and Melissa male of Marabou Kelpies have a long association with PEDIGREE® Working Dog Formula. “We believe the Pedigree product is the best on the market as our dogs do so well on it and they are alert and ready for work each day,” Simon said. “Our kelpies are healthy with shiny coats and are always full of energy to meet their working requirements. “PEDIGREE has been a valuable sponsor to Marabou Kelpies for a decade and we are very proud to recommend PEDIGREE Working Dog Formula as we had been using it for many years before the stud was established in 1990.” Many of the Henty based stud’s dogs have also featured in PEDIGREE promotional campaigns. After leaving school and working on the family farm, one of Simon’s main tasks was stock work, mainly with sheep, where he quickly appreciated the importance of owning reliable and well-trained working dogs. Marabou Kelpie Stud was founded on a dog from Jerraluen Kelpie Stud, influenced by Glenlogie and Glenville bloodlines. For more than 20 years the stud has worked hard on breeding kelpies to the standard required by the modern stockman. This derives from the dog’s characteristics, genetics and/or hereditary factors. “The main traits we look for in a well bred working dog are eye, back and bark, and heading,” Simon explained. He said that the eye is important for keeping control of sheep with anticipation and balance; the back and bark determine the dog’s ability to force sheep against their will; and heading relates to the dog’s desire to run or cast to the head of the sheep. “We aim to breed dual-purpose dogs which can cast well and have good eye in the paddock, while still maintaining plenty of force and bark in the yards,” he said. “We breed up to three litters per year and most of these are sold to stock carriers, jackaroos/jillaroos and farmers.” Some of Australia’s renowned dog trialists and kelpie stud owners are also currently using Marabou bloodlines in their trialling and breeding programs ■ Melissa and Simon Mate with their children Lara, 2, Jonathan, 12, Hannah, 6, Samuel, 9 and pups.

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THE RESURGENCE OF 2,4 D The broad-leafed herbicide 2,4-D was developed in the US in 1941 and registered for sale in the US in 1948 by the American Chemical Paint Company. Today, after a colourful history of 70+ years, 2,4-D remains the third most popular herbicide in Australia after Glyphosate and Trifluralin, as evidenced by the fact that there are now 212 registered 2,4-D labels in the Australian market. During this period there has been no evidence of any weed resistance to 2,4-D and, apart from its price and effectiveness, this is one of the major reasons for its popularity. According to Australian Customs the majority of 2,4-D sold in Australia is imported from China and India. There have been a few negatives along the way, the most notable being spray-drift and the dioxin issue. The herbicide is prone to spray-drift (a major problem when spraying close to crops such as cotton or vineyards), but thanks to new technology this problem will soon be in the past. The dioxin issue which, in older plants is resolved by distillation and destruction of chlorophenols in the manufacturing process, is now managed in modern 2,4-D plants by preventing the formation of dioxins in the first place. Contrary to the widely-held belief, 2,4-D was not the chemical which accounted for the high dioxin levels in “Agent Orange”. On its part, the APVMA does not regard dioxins as a critical issue for 2,4-D or, at least, has not established any standard for the same. Earlier this year we reported that our own source of 2,4-D reported a “barely detectable” dioxin level of less than one part per trillion – well below the US standard.

Because of recent developments in the US, 2,4-D is soon to resurge and possibly even threaten Glyphosate for leadership of the herbicide market segment. Glyphosate is, of course, under attack from both Glufosinate and Paraquat which, to date, it has successfully thwarted, but 2,4-D promises to be a greater threat. With weeds becoming increasingly resistant to the glyphosate-based herbicides – and the emergence of so-called “super-weeds” - there

is a growing need for a more effective, low-cost herbicide-tolerant weed control system in order to sustain and further enhance crop yields. According to research conducted in the US, crop-land with weeds resistant to the glyphosatebased herbicides increased around 50% in 2012 alone and around 80% over the last two years, to reach over 26 million hectares (Forbes 6/2/2014). In Australia, according to the University of Queensland Glyphosate Sustainability Group, five weed species are resistant to Glyphosate including the flax-leaf fleabane (NSW and Queensland). Control of the flax-leaf fleabane is of critical importance because of its presence in conservation tillage situations. If Glyphosate is to succeed against this challenge the herbicide may have to be mixed with another herbicide – and why not 2,4-D? One reason might be that 2,4-D is basically antagonistic to Glyphosate, that is, they are difficult to mix, but more about this subject below. One of the major R&D MNCs recently developed a new, patented 2,4-D formulation (known as “2,4D Choline”) in combination with several other features to make the product more acceptable to the larger market. The company has already

received preliminary approval of the technology from the US EPA. Some of the ancillary features include minimisation of wind-drift, ultra-violet volatility and reduced odour. This product has been designed for use on 2,4-D tolerant GM corn and soybean crops, principally in the US and Brazil. However, the pièce de résistance is a combination and fully-compatible 2,4-D + Glyphosate herbicide which may be used on 2,4-D and Glyphosate tolerant GM crops. One forecaster has suggested that this innovation will see the 2,4-D market in the US surge from an estimated 20,000 MT per annum by 2020 to 80,000 MT (Forbes 6/2/2014). Meanwhile, the MNC which started the GM crop revolution in 1996 has itself responded to the Glyphosate resistance problem by developing a combination and fully compatible Glyphosate + Dicamba herbicide (Forbes 6/2/2014). The essence of these two developments is the introduction of a second mode of action which will either prevent resistance or make resistance less likely. Both of these MNCs are essentially transforming themselves into seed companies and the majority of their profits will probably be derived from the sale of GM seed. However, a third MNC – not engaged in the seed business – has developed

➤ Please continue reading on page 26

GROWERS THE KEY TO PRESERVING

FARMLAND FERTILITY Northern farming systems are becoming increasingly reliant on grain growers to assume the role of ‘soil custodians’ to preserve farmland productivity. More than 100 growers and advisors attended a recent More Profit from Crop Nutrition (MPCN) workshop near Kingaroy to learn about soil nutrient management and its critical function in a healthy and profitable farming system.

maximum soil depth is advised.

The workshop was a collaborative effort between the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) MPCN initiative and the Inland Burnett Grower solution group and provided growers with best practice advice on nutrient removals, soil testing and fertiliser placement as well as research findings from local trials.

Workshop attendees were advised that nutrient testing needed to be conducted separately at appropriate frequencies – N testing should be carried out on a crop-by-crop basis, K and S levels should be checked regularly while P levels can be checked at 3 to 5 year intervals as long as the deeper layer is checked and growers use the Colwell and BSES methods.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) researcher and project leader, Dr Kaara Klepper said the workshops reinforced that an “out of sight, out of mind” approach to soil management challenges had the potential to significantly impact the sustainability and profitability of farming, forage and livestock farming systems.

Other topics discussed included the application of nutrients and in particular the widespread suitability of bagged fertiliser where growers have checked the analysis of nutrients and calculated the quantity required to correct any deficiencies indicated by soil tests.

“Many growers are now realising that we have to replace nutrients that we have taken or are taking out,” Dr Klepper said. “So it is extremely important to regularly measure existing soil nutrient levels and ensure that adequate amounts are being supplied to maintain production.” Dr Klepper said many northern soils were depleted in phosphorus (P) in the 10 to 30cm layer even if starter fertilisers have routinely been applied with the seed. “This occurs because the roots forage moisture and nutrients at depth and unlike nitrogen (N), nutrients like P and K don’t move in the soil profile,” she said. “Testing has shown that Potassium (K) reserves are very low in some cases and perhaps fertiliser application required. “Sulfur (S) on the other hand can move like nitrogen in the soil and thus sampling to

“It is critical for growers to remember that all nutrients need to be well supplied - if one nutrient is deficient money can be wasted applying other nutrients because there will be no yield increase.”

The N benefits of rotating legume and cereal crops were covered during the workshops and growers were alerted to the fact that much of the N produced by the legume is removed in the grain. “There can be some contribution from the left-over stubble however the key is to grow the biggest plant possible which will probably mean the application of P, K, S or zinc fertilisers but not N,” Dr Klepper said. “Taking care with the seed inoculant is the key to helping the legume produce the ‘free’ nitrogen. “Building the organic matter of the soil was also agreed to be a very valuable aim and practices that are beneficial to maintaining soil organic matter include the incorporation of a grasslegume pasture rotation into the cropping system, growing a large amount of stubble and retaining it, minimum or zero tillage, and adding manure or other organic materials.”

More information on any of these topics is available from the GRDC website www.grdc.com.au

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➤ Continuing from page 23

THE RESURGENCE OF 2,4 D similar 2,4-D technology not linked to GM crops and therefore products which will be available to the broader market, especially the important conservation tillage segment. One of the draw-backs to 2,4-D in certain situations is the fact that it is only a broad-leaf herbicide, that is, it cannot be used to control grass weeds. However, Glyphosate as a “knockdown” herbicide can control grass weeds and if it has any weaknesses it is in the control of challenging broad-leaf weeds. Hence there is a high level of compatibility in terms of target weeds. While there is still opposition to GM crops globally, notably in the EU, it should be noted that GM technology has successfully penetrated the global crop market. Between 1996 and 2013, the total surface area of land cultivated with GM crops increased from 168,000 ha 175.2 million ha. In 2013, 10% of the world’s crop lands were planted with GM crops. Approximately 60% of the world’s population lives in the 27 countries planting GM crops (Forbes 6/2/2014). The five dominant countries were the US (70 million hectares or 40 per cent of the global total), Brazil (40 million hectares), Argentina (24 million hectares), India (11 million hectares) and Canada (11 million hectares). In Australia, approximately 175,000 ha of GM canola and 975,000 ha of GM cotton were under cultivation in 2013 (ABCA).

While the Australian figures are relatively small compared with the foregoing, Australian scientists are close to finalising GM wheat. http://www.csiro. au/Outcomes/Food-and-Agriculture/GM-OGTRprojects.aspx While the Australian GM wheat has largely been developed to increase yields during drought conditions, there is no reason why a tolerant herbicide trait could not be added to the mix, which includes other traits such as frost tolerance and resistance to various disease. The inclusion of GM wheat with existing GM crops could transform Australia into a major player in the GM market. As a reseller you might ask, “What is the benefit to me of the new 2,4-D technology, especially as conventional corn and soybean are not important crops in Australia, let alone the GM versions – and GM wheat may be some years away?” The answer is that there is a third technology not linked to GM crops. However, even if this was not the case, there will be a flow-on benefit from the new 2,4-D technology to conventional crops once the products are registered in Australia, notably because of the following features/benefits: The new formulation will be more effective than the amine or ester formulations. The drift-proof property will give the grower far more flexibility on where and how he/she may use the product.

✔ Reduced volatility ✔ Reduced odour ✔ Complete compatibility with Glyphosate. In addition the new 2,4-D formulation will enable the molecule to retain its position as a low cost solution to broad-leaf weed control and, when used with Glyphosate, will significantly reduce the risk of resistance to the latter.

We see the future of these two molecules as follows: ✔ Conventional use of the new 2,4-D formulation with the “no-drift” feature as a selective herbicide to control broad-leaf weeds. ✔ Phasing-out existing formulations of 2,4-D. ✔ Conventional use of existing Glyphosate formulations, but with a shift to the ammonium salt. ✔ Combination of new 2,4-D formulation with Glyphosate in conservation tillage situations and on tolerant GM crops. APPARENT is already well positioned to supply you with the new 2,4-D technology following regulatory approval and further announcements are likely in this regard.

FARMERS DICTATE WEIGH SCALE

DESIGN EVOLUTION Tru-Test Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of livestock scales and weigh scale indicators has unveiled a new series of livestock weigh scales designed with the help of over 700 farmers worldwide. Launched at the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural show-case at Mystery Creek in New Zealand this month, the new 5000 series weigh scale indicators are expected to overtake the stunning worldwide reputation of their predecessor, the Tru-Test 3000 series. The seven hundred farmers worldwide that fed into the series’ design and development called unequivocally to retain the speed, accuracy and rugged reliability of Tru-Test’s 3000-series (originally launched in 2001). They clearly voiced the need for more intuitive usability; to see, set up, navigate and find information more easily and quickly, and to have more onboard storage capacity as well as options for transferring data easily, especially from the yards.

And the response? The 5000 series offers unprecedented levels of carefully considered and crafted user interface. A 7” ground-breaking transflective colour screen, means that data can be viewed easily from almost anywhere in the yards, even in the harshest sunlight. In fact, the screen arguably works BEST in harsh light.

Tru-Test Group Managing Director Greg Muir says “When farmers are putting large numbers of animals through the yards to extract a wide range of information they need a smooth process from the moment they start right through to emailing off data at the end of the day,”

“This new screen technology actually changes the way we think about using technology outside” claims Neil Silvester, National Marketing and Account Manager Tru-Test Pty Ltd.

“Farmers have been with us every step of the way in this development and it’s their input that has determined the key features and performance criteria of this new range. We are very excited by this next generation technology and the benefits it will bring to our farmer customers,” Mr Muir says.

Predefined setups and the ability to create favourites enable farmers to quickly set up and switch between jobs. With a capacity to store up to 1 million records on the XR model and 250,000 on the ID, the data storage needs for every farming operation are catered for. Teamed with options for transferring data on and off the indicator including data transfer apps for Android and Apple smart phones and by USB flash drive, farmers can be confident that they can get their data to where it needs to go from the yards or the office.

Both the XR and ID models in the 5000 series are based on Tru-Test’s unique New Zealanddeveloped Superdamp™III technology that locks on to the weight of a moving animal faster than any other indicator on the market. Tru-Test has improved the rugged casing, adding rubber corner buffers, internal shock absorbers and durable push button technology to deliver the latest in rugged design, making the 5000 series even tougher for the harsh farming environment.

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The crop packaging specialist

WATER STORE WaterStore Poly Tanks is a privately owned company that has been making water storage tanks and water troughs for over 28 years. Based in Marong in Central Victoria, we manufacture several thousand plastic water tanks annually, so we were looking for an opportunity to recycle our scrap plastic, to reduce landfill and waste emissions in general. We have developed new recycling technologies to take on the challenge.

As such, the EcoTrough was developed. The EcoTrough range is produced from 100% guaranteed fully recycled plastic tank material that is as strong as normal tank material and is fully U.V stabilised. After a specialised cleaning and reformatting process, the plastic is then re-moulded into the wide range of EcoTroughs and feeders, in designs that suit most animal applications and requirements. Available in a range of sizes, EcoTrough is the ideal choice for everyone, from the hobby farmer through to extensive feedlot operations.

With a proven long term history in the field, perhaps now is the time to retire that old bath tub down the back paddock and replace it with a reliable and functional EcoTrough that will provide clean fresh drinking water for your animals… while helping the environment at the same time. Compare our prices and be pleasantly surprised… Contact your local AIRR supplier for more details or check out the range at http://www.waterstore.com. au/waterstore-poly-tanks-troughs

ONGA FIRE POD A SELF CONTAINED FIRE FIGHTING RESOURCE OR WATER TRANSFER AID The Onga Fire Pod is a fully portable and completely self-contained four stroke petrol engine and pump combination. The Onga Fire Pod includes an Onga pump + 6.5HP engine combination (available in either Honda or Briggs & Stratton petrol engines) mounted on a 400 liltre PVC moulded water supply tank. Fitted with both suction and discharge hoses, it provides a valuable fire protection resource to control ember attacks or spot fire outbreaks. Its 400 litre capacity allows the flexibility to use it as a mobile water supply for all those jobs around a property like tree line or landscape watering, topping up tank supplies or watering points for livestock.

The dimensions of 670 high x 930mm wide x 1060mm deep allow it to be easily carried on the tray of a utility vehicle or attached to a trailer for use as a mobile water transfer unit. The large screw cap allows for fast filling while moulded channels in the tank profile enable mounting or tie down straps to be used to secure the complete unit. The Onga Blazemaster pump is a high quality powder coated marine grade alloy pump casing and yoke making it a highly durable combination. The pump has a Quick Fill port for rapid priming and a twenty metre length x 20 mm diameter PVC discharge hose that is AS 1221 rated complete with all threaded fittings and an adjustable barrel

fire nozzle. There are also two hose hooks fitted that enable the delivery hose to be coiled up out of the way for transport or convenience if the Fire Pod needs to be stored. Pentair’s Business Development Manager, Darryn Tucker says “Pentair identified the demand for a fully equipped engine, pump and water source combination that would aid property owners as a first line defence unit in a fire situation. The Onga Blazemaster pumps are efficient quick to start and prime and powered by world class Honda and Briggs & Stratton engines.” Contact your local AIRR or Onga dealer to discuss your requirements today.

More information: Contact Pentair on 1300 137 344 or visit their website www.pentair.com.au

TAPEX OFFERING NEW TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS FOR THIS BALING SEASON Hercules HD Baling Twine for High Density Balers Hercules was launched in Australia last season with excellent results. Over three years Tapex trialled this high density twine to establish the correct weight to strength ratio for the new high density square balers and this product was used extensively in Australia in all brands of High Density balers during the 2013 / 2014 season. The weight of the twine allows smooth running through the bill hooks and knotters resulting in minimal miss ties, so no down time for the operators. It is also a very soft twine when compared to others in the market resulting in minimal wear to the knotters bill hooks and guides. In addition to the Hercules, Tapex has the renown tried and proven brands of Tapex and Kinnears, Trojan, Titan and Supreme for large square balers plus Premium Blue and Contractor pink for small square balers and Big Roll Round bale twine. Tama 4500 Metre Net – Also available in Pink to Support McGrath Breast Cancer Nurses Recent advances in the manufacture of bale net wrap mean Tama “Edge to Edge” “Bale + Technology” is now available in even longer 4500 metre length rolls of New Concept netwrap. This new generation of net wrap technology has a higher strength to weight ratios and the rolls are no heavier than traditional white nets. The net is

stronger, longer and gives full Edge to Edge bale coverage. Tapex is proud to announce Tama has launched a limited edition of Pink TamaNet 4500 metre rolls and these will attract a $18 per roll donation to supporting the McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses. O2 Barrier 2 in I Silage Covers This is the first combination silage cover with a vacuum film. A new unique product which is a three layer black / white silage cover with the addition of a barrier film on the underside providing up to a 10 times more effective oxygen barrier than conventional polythene films. The barrier layer (vacuum) film separates from the top cover once in place on the stack. The separation is instigated by moisture from the silage. This revolutionary new product provides all of the characteristics of the normal three layer black / white cover, but has the real added value of an oxygen barrier providing the best possible environment for high quality silage with minimal dry matter, nutrient and feed value loss. Because it is one cover, it is far easier to install than a two cover system. Also in the Tapex range is the Silacover™ branded pit and bunker covers in 12 to 18 metre widths with gauge ranges from 150um to 200um. These covers are tried and tested in Australia, having been sold in this market over the last 14 years.

Silotite Pro – 1900 metre length 5 layer Balewrap This is the latest technology balewrap which has been developed after extensive testing over the last five years and commercial sales throughout Europe and New Zealand over the last two years. The bale-wrap is a five layer film manufactured with Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) technology providing all the benefits of the five layer technology, plus extra length rolls with exceptionally high puncture resistance for higher dry matter crops and grass silage. The film is designed to be stretched at 70% and provides an excellent oxygen barrier for your baled silage. The product provides greater efficiency for the operators through less rolls changes and resultant down time plus gives the farmers the best chance of achieving the highest quality silage from the ensiled crop. The excellent sealing characteristics results in less wastage, greater nutrient retention and the best feed value. Please visit the makingbettersilage.com web site for further information on making good silage using the latest technology products. In addition to the Silotite Pro, Tapex have an extensive range of five layer balewraps, all of which can be stretched to 70% providing greater efficiency and better sealing characteristics.

For information on the complete range of Tapex products, please visit our web site on Tapex.com.au

Our performance is measured by your success.

• • • •

Enhanced oxygen barrier. 26% more bales per reel. 26% more film per reel. 5 layer technology.

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70% stretch. New and improved packaging. 1900m length. Time saving.

Calculate the savings. tapex.com.au 29 9361 8100 03

The crop packaging specialist

Laminitis Laminitis Management Management Spring can be a challenging time for ponies prone to laminitis Spring can be a challenging time for ponies prone to laminitis

Establishing a feeding and management plan that reduces the risk of Laminitis makes good sense for you and Establishing Establishing aa feeding feeding and and management management plan plan that that reduces reduces the the risk risk of of Laminitis Laminitis makes makes good good sense sense for for you you and and your horse or pony. your your horse horse or or pony. pony. Spring grass, with its high fructan (sugar) levels, can upset the delicate balance of gut microbes and before Spring Spring grass, grass, with with its its is high high fructan (sugar) levels, levels, can can upset upset the the delicate delicate balance balance of of gut gut microbes microbes and and before before you know it your pony on fructan its way (sugar) to foundering. you you know know itit your your pony pony is is on on its its way way to to foundering. foundering. Key points for Laminitis management To read more about Key Key points points for for Laminitis Laminitis management management • Restrict access to pasture and if possible graze in the morning when Munga To To read read more moreand about about how • • Restrict access to pasture and if possible graze in the morning when Restrict access to pasture and if possible graze in the morning when Munga pasture sugars are at lower levels. how how Munga and Speedi-Beet canand help pasture sugars are at lower levels. pasture sugars are at lower levels. • Provide adlib hay/fibre when no access to pasture Speedi-Beet Speedi-Beet can can help help

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• Provide adlib hay/fibre when no access to pasture Provide adlib hay/fibre when no access to pasture • • Exercise is important to control weight • Exercise is important to control weight Exercise is important to control weight • • Feed low starch feeds with adequate vitamins and minerals

• • Feed low starch feeds with adequate vitamins and minerals Feed low starch feeds with adequate vitamins and minerals • Use a good source of super fibres to support gut health. • • Use a good source of super fibres to support gut health. Use a good source of super fibres to support gut health. mitavite’s simpLe 2 step feeding pLan mitavite’s mitavite’s simpLe simpLe 22 step step feeding feeding pLan pLan 1. A concentrate with no added grains that is fed in small amounts to make sure 1 Colour: Embroidered Colour 1. 1. your horse or pony is not deficient in vitamins, minerals and protein. A concentrate with no added grains that is fed in small amounts to make sure A concentrate with no added grains that is fed in small amounts to make sure 1 Colour: Embroidered Colour your horse or pony is not deficient in vitamins, minerals and protein. your horse or pony is not deficient in vitamins, minerals and protein. as T-Shirt 2. Same A super fibre that provides much-needed, highly digestible roughage in

Same as T-Shirt 2. 2. the gentlest way possible. A super fibre that provides much-needed, highly digestible roughage in A super fibre that provides much-needed, highly digestible roughage in the gentlest way possible. the gentlest way possible.

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Premium Nutrition – It’s a matter of trust Premium Nutrition – It’s a matter of trust To learn more about Laminitis management visit our informative new website

To learn more about Laminitis management visit our informative new website

www.mitavite.com or give Mitavite a call on 1800 025 487. www.mitavite.com or give Mitavite a call on 1800 025 487. 30

Find Us Find Find Us Us

PREMIUM NUTRITION

FOR BROODMARES & YOUNG GROWING HORSES Gail Sramek BApplSc Agr – Consulting Nutritionist to Mitavite The aim for all horse owners and stud managers is to produce a sound, healthy foal that is then grown out into a well-developed sound athlete. Correct care, management and feeding practices during pregnancy and foaling should be incorporated into a breeding program to ensure the young growing horse that is produced is in good health, is sound, is well developed and grown to reach its genetic potential. In addition to ensuring the health of the mare is maintained through all phases of pregnancy and her ability to care for her new foal and to be put back in foal in a timely manner after foaling are addressed.

Young Growing Horses To produce a well-developed horse there is a balancing act between optimal growth and minimising skeletal problems that could affect the athletic ability and appearance of the horse. Poor management, genetics, exercise, hormones, conformation, growth and nutrition can interact together to contribute to developmental orthopedic disease (DOD), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), physitis and angular limb deformities. We cannot help the horse if it has poor conformation or genetics, but it is imperative that a balanced feeding regime is provided to young growing horses to minimise growth related disorders to produce a sound elite athlete.

Contributing Factors to Bone Diseases in Young Horses The energy a young growing horse receives contributes to the growth rate of that horse. It is important that optimal growth rates are obtained, not maximum when growing out young growing horses. Maximum growth rate will only give the most rapid rate of gain. Feeding excess energy levels above 129% of maintenance have been shown to induce skeletal abnormalities in some horses. Ideally, optimal growth rate should be encouraged to contribute to athletic performance, longevity and soundness.

A young horse will attain 90% of its estimated mature height by the time it’s a yearling. Providing a ‘Good Quality Protein’ and the correct levels and ratios of minerals will support optimal skeletal development. A ‘Good Quality Protein’ will have the correct amount of protein, will contain the correct amount and level of amino acids and is well digested. Good Quality Protein needs to be provided in the diet for the skeletal muscle and bone to be correctly built and formed. Bone diseases can affect the future career of young growing horses. If nutrition is compromised during the growth of the young horse or during pregnancy the strength and integrity of bone development can be reduced. It is important that the correct level of minerals are fed, not too much and not too little. Deficiencies in bone building minerals such as Vitamin K1, Calcium, Phosphorus, Copper and Zinc can contribute to bone diseases. Deficiencies in Copper can affect normal cartilage development, yet excess levels of Zinc affect Copper absorption and high levels of phosphorus can affect Calcium absorption. Too little Vitamin K1, Zinc, Calcium, Phosphorous and Copper or incorrect ratios of some minerals can cause poor bone development. New research on the function of Vitamin K1 has found it has an integral role in the formation of strong, dense bone. A protein in the bone called oestocalcin needs Vitamin K1 to stick the major components of bone together, Collagen and Hydroxyapatite. Without adequate levels of Vitamin K1 the oestocalcin cannot bind the major components of the bone together to build bone with good structure and density. Research by Ray Biffin and his associates have shown that there has been a reduction in the incidence of bone diseases in young growing horses supplemented with Vitamin K1. The bone density of these trial horses has improved over the period of supplementation. We would strongly suggest that any diet for a young growing horse or pregnant mare should contain Vitamin K1 to ensure good bone density and geometry.

The best way to ensure your young growing horses are obtaining the nutrients they need at the correct levels is by feeding a highly digestible, well profiled, well formulated feed, such as Mitavite Breeda or Mitavite Promita. Nutrition of the breeding mare is paramount to ensure she is healthy, has a good pregnancy rate, maintains her pregnancy, produces a strong, viable foal and can get back in foal in a timely manner.

Maximise Pregnancy Rates The ability of the mare to ‘cycle’ greatly affects her reproductive performance. Cycling is affected by increased day length, a rise in temperature and the condition of the mare. Ideally mares should be on an increased plane of nutrition, making spring the ideal time for conception. If the mare is thin or overweight fertility can be affected. Mares that are maintained in a moderate to fleshy condition i.e condition score 6 (on a scale of 1-9) cycle earlier in the year, need fewer cycles to conceive, have a higher rate of pregnancy and have a higher likelihood to maintain pregnancy than thin mares. A difficult foaling can affect the ability of the mare to conceive within the first two cycles after pregnancy, delaying the foaling date the following year.

Early Pregnancy During early pregnancy, the mare has nutritional needs that are comparable to a spelling horse. Pasture alone will not meet the mares requirements so a well formulated concentrate such as Mitavite Breeda or if pastures are good, Mitavite Promita, should be fed depending on the pasture quality and quantity available.

Late Pregnancy By the 7-8th month of pregnancy the foal has only grown to approximately 17% of its birth weight. In the last 3 months of pregnancy, over 75% of the growth of the foetus occurs and the nutritional demands in protein, macro minerals, micro minerals, energy and vitamins increase as foal can

➤ Please continue reading on page 32

grow as much as 0.4-0.5kg per day. Ideally the pregnant mare should be kept in a moderate condition. The ribs should be covered but easily felt. Overweight and obese mares can have more complications during foaling and produce a lesser volume of milk after foaling. The foal has certain developmental periods of growth. The major periods for bone growth start to occur during the last trimester of pregnancy and it is important that all of the bone building nutrients such as Vitamin K1, Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc and Manganese are available for optimal growth. During the last trimester the appetite of the mare increases which is stimulated by the increased needs of the growing foetus for protein, vitamins, minerals and energy. As the foal grows it is taking up more room in the mare’s abdomen, restricting the digestive capacity of the mare. This coupled with the increased incidence of abdominal rupture and colics during the peri-foaling period increases the need to feed a well digested, steam-extruded, high nutrient dense feed to ensure the mare is obtaining optimal nutrients without overloading her digestive tract. The mare’s milk is very low in trace minerals such as copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, iodine and iron. It is imperative that during late pregnancy the unborn foal has access to adequate levels of minerals, vitamins and protein so they can be used for bone growth and joint development. These nutrients need to be fed to the late pregnant mare so the foal can store them in his/ her liver for use during the first three months of

lactation, when the foal only has access to the mares milk.

One Month Before Foaling Mares should be taken to the location of foaling and given a booster injection of tetanus toxoid four weeks before foaling. The injection allows the mare to be protected against tetanus, if tearing occurs during foaling, and the foal will receive colostrum that contains a source of antitoxin. By accustoming the mare to her foaling environment, she produces antibodies to fight the bacteria in the local environment, transferring her immunity in her colostrum to the newborn foal.

Pre-Lactation During the last month of pregnancy the mares udder will begin to swell and is given the term ‘bagging up’. Some mares can pre-lactate or ‘run their milk’, depleting precious supplies of colostrum that contain the protective antibodies foals need in their first milk. If the mare has large amounts of white, sticky milk down the sides of her hind legs there may be a need to give the foal a full dose of colostrum at birth. Your equine veterinarian will be able to suggest if this is needed and provide you with colostrum or a concentrated antibody drench.

Lactation During lactation the mare literally needs to eat enough for two. She needs to be fed a ration that will meet the protein, mineral and energy demands placed on her and produce enough milk to correctly feed her foal. The total milk yield is determined by the makeup of

the mare, her condition and the consumption of energy, protein, nutrients and water during lactation. Therefore, the quality of the ration is paramount during lactation, ensuring it contains well digested energy sources, the best quality protein, amino acids and those all important bone building nutrients in a bioavailable form. Studies on protein levels have revealed a correlation between the quality of the protein and the growth rate of foals and the quantity of milk produced during the lactation. Lactating mares fed a diet low in minerals such as Calcium intensified bone demineralization, affecting the mares wellbeing. Alternatively, over feeding of nutrients to the mare may not flow through to the milk. Research in this area found over feeding of copper, zinc, calcium and phosphorous to the mare did not affect the concentrations of these nutrients in the milk. It is therefore important to get the balance right and minimise wastage by feeding a well profiled concentrate that will provide all the nutrients at the correct levels. Pregnancy, foaling and lactation are an exciting time for stud managers and owners. Feeding pregnant and lactating mares and young growing horses a well formulated, highly digestible concentrate that contains the right amount of nutrients will ensure both the mare and the young growing horse are receiving premium nutrition to optimize the growth of the young horse and wellbeing and health of the mare.

For more information on feeding breeding mares and young growing horses contact Mitavite on 1800-025-487.

For more information on feeding breeding mares and young growing horses contact Mitavite on 1800-025-487

The complete CopRice Animal Feed range is available through your local AIRR or Tuckers store, or call us on 1800 029 901. CopRice is a division of Ricegrowers Limited, trading as SunRice. CR0593AICR.

AUSTRALIA’S BEST WETTER AUSTRALIA’S BEST PERFORMANCE A wetter is essential for most agricultural chemicals to work efficiently. A wetter is typically used to reduce the surface tension and this is best illustrated by pouring a small amount of water on a horizontal sheet of glass. The water will form beads which invariably run-off the edge of the glass. However, if you add a minute quantity of a household detergent to one of the beads you see it immediately flatten-out and “wet” the glass. This is exactly what happens when you spray herbicide on to a weed, especially weeds which have shiny and hairy leaves. The herbicide will simply form beads and roll-off the leaves. Therefore it is essential for the herbicide to wet the leaves of weeds and serve the purpose for which it is used. Wetting may be accomplished in one of two ways: (1) a wetter (which is a form of detergent) may be included with the herbicide as an ingredient and/or (2) a wetter may be added to the spray tank, in most cases to supplement the wetter in the formulation. In some cases, especially with herbicides which have a very high active loading, there is no room for a wetter in the drum and therefore it must be added later. However, many cheap herbicides on the market often contain insufficient wetter or even a poor performing wetter and therefore supplementation by an added wetter is necessary. We wish to emphasise at this juncture that all APPARENT products contain the highest quality wetters (and other adjuvants) as required under the APVMA-approved specifications. However, added wetters may be necessary in certain conditions such as very dry weather or when spraying difficult weeds. The original wetter was an Alcohol Alkoxylate produced by companies which specialised in this field and simply re-packed by crop protection companies who invariably used

the words “Wetter 1000” to describe the product. However, in order to achieve a lower cost of production for “Wetter 1000” several companies have since modified the formula using different raw materials (TERIC N8/9 & Butyl Di Glysolv) and finished up with a product which does not perform as well as the Alcohol Ethoxylate. Unfortunately both the APVMA and the end-user were unaware that this transformation had occurred. Even more unfortunate is the fact that the new formula may be diluted to achieve the required price-point, but with a lower performance level. APPARENT has been forced to follow the TERIC N8/9 & Butyl Di Glysolv path to compete (APPARENT Wetter 1000), but we also offer the premium APPARENT GOLD Wetter 1000 which uses the conventional Alcohol Alkoxylate. Of course, buying on price is a poor investment when it comes to crop protection because a poor wetter means poor performance (as much as -30% in Glyphosate alone) and reduced yields.

Rainfast: What does that mean? However, the tide turned recently when Monsanto commenced marketing “rainfast” Glyphosate. The term “rainfast” has many

different meanings and does not even exist if the rainfall is very heavy. One may also improve rainfastness by simply increasing the rate at which Glyphosate is used. In the case of APPARENT Glyphosate 450, the tallow amine wetter we use is also a humectant, that is, it will absorb moderate rainfall and remain on the leaf with the Glyphosate. Trials in the USA show that virtually any Glyphosate is rainfast to 82% after four hours at normal application rates, but this may be increased to 89% if a non-ionic surfactant is added. The same trials also demonstrated that there is no difference between “rainfast” and normal Glyphosate after 30 minutes. The good news is that if you are seeking a rainfast Glyphosate that matches other products claiming this feature then APPARENT GOLD Wetter 1000 plus APPARENT Glyphosate 450 will meet your requirements - and provide you with vastly improved wetting at the same time. Simply use at the rate of 2%, for example, a 20-L drum of APPARENT GOLD Wetter 1000 for a shuttle of Glyphosate 450. You will also have the flexibility using a rainfast product when rainfall is likely rather than wasting the additional cost of a non-anionic surfactant when no rainfall occurs.

NEW PRODUCT RELEASE

SILVAN 100 LITRE REDLINE SPOTPAK SPRAYER NOW HAS TRAILER OPTION Silvan Australia has released a new Trailer Kit that enables its popular 100 Litre capacity Silvan Redline Spotpak sprayer to be easily converted into a trailable unit capable of being towed behind a range of vehicles including a ride on mower, all terrain vehicles or similar mobile machines. The 100 litre Silvan Redline Spotpak sprayer was originally conceived as a completely portable spray unit able to be carried on the tray of a utility or even a carry all. Silvan spokesperson Michael Frost says “we then received calls from farmers, grounds manager and maintenance teams who requested a completely portable unit that they could tow behind a ride-on mover, all terrain vehicle or similar mobile vehicle for tasks like spot spraying of larger areas, or for weed control spraying along boundaries, fence lines and plantations.

So the new release is a trailer unit that is specially designed to carry the 100 litre capacity Spotpak Redline Spray unit. It has a powder coated steel frame with a double tongue hitch for ready attachment to the tow vehicle. It has a low centre of gravity with large pneumatic tyre wheels of 6.5 by 8 (or sixteen inches) in diameter). The trailer is sold in kit form and is quickly assembled using only a handful of bolts. The Silvan 100 litre Redline Spotpak unit has a 100 litre capacity UV stabilised Polytuff tank with dimensions of 470 mm by 885 mm and an overall height of 435 mm and weighs only 9 kg empty. It is a complete ready for use unit supplied with a Pakpump 12 volt self priming pump that delivers 5.3 litres per minute open flow at five bar or 60 psi.

The standard fitting is a six metre length of hose fitted with a 550mm stainless steel spray lance with the nozzle having an easily adjustable spray pattern. The unit comes complete with a chemical measuring jug which stows away under the filler cap of the tank. For more information contact a Silvan Selecta reseller, visit the online shop at www.silvan.com. au/selectashop or contact Silvan Australia on 1300 SILVAN (1300 745 826), email info@silvanaust.com or visit www.silvan.com.au Image (Above left): Now offered as a completely portable unit able to be towed behind a ride on mower, all terrain vehicle or similar the Silvan 100 litre Redline Spotpak sprayer now has an optional trailer unit with large sixteen inch diameter pneumatic tyre wheels.

Contact Silvan Australia on 1300 SILVAN (1300 745 826), email info@silvanaust.com or visit www.silvan.com.au

Apparent Gold Wetter 1000: No better wetter New to our renowned

Herbicide Arsenal for Spring '14

BROADBLADE

TRALKOXYDIM

800 g/L FLUMETSULAM

400 g/kg TRALKOXYDIM

TIGHT-ROPE 750 g/kg ISOXAFLUTOLE

•

The king of woody weed control

AXEMAN

600 g/L TRICLOPYR

SLASHER 200 g/L TRICLOPYR present as the triethylamine salt. 100 g/L PICLORAM present as the triisopropanolamine salt.

WRENCH 26 g/l PICLORAM present as the potassium salt 420 g/l MCPA present as the potassium salt

Visit our all new website Apparentag.com.au 35

✔ All new search function; by products and comparables. ✔ Find your nearest stockist by postcode

✔ Improved product information flow (MSDS, label and instruction)

BEST IN CLASS WIN 5 days’ worth of wool classing – worth $1,250!*

Enter at www.avenge.com.au STARTS 1 August 2014. ENDS 31 October 2014.

Around the farm you want to do a job once and do it right. With 100% knockdown and four weeks residual killing power, AVENGE is lice control that works for you. Now it’s working even harder with a chance to win five days’ worth of wool classing in AVENGE’s Best in Class competition.

DO IT ONCE. DO IT RIGHT. © Bayer Australia Limited. 875 Pacific Highway Pymble NSW 2073 ACN 000 138 714. AVENGE® is a registered trademark of Bayer AG Leverkusen, Germany. Call 1800 678 368 for information. *Conditions apply. See www.avenge.com.au. Only open to Aust. residents 18+. Starts 1/8/14. Ends 11:59pm AEDST 31/10/14. Retain receipt/s. Limits: 1 entry form submission per transaction/receipt; 1 entry per eligible product purchased; 1 prize per person (excl. SA). Draw: U6/106 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale, NSW at 10am AEDST on 4/11/14. Prizes: 30 x week of wool classing, awarded as $1,250 cheque (1 per winner). Wool classing must be organised bywinner with cheque provided. Winners at www.farmadvisor.com.au from 11/11/14. Promoter: Bayer Australia Ltd (ABN 22 000 138 714), 875 Pacific Hwy, Pymble, NSW 2073. Permits: NSW 2073. Permits: NSW LTPS/14/04370, ACT TP14/01878, VIC 14/4321, SA T14/982.