Your Farm Magazine

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Photo by Jess Plumridge

Welcome to an unusually wet spring for 2016. The region has officially recorded its wettest June ever and the wet has just continued. What a change this has been since our last Farm magazine – in autumn, we were hanging out for rain after the summer had dried the region out. But winter was a wet one – springs have been reactivated and paddocks drenched with the water having nowhere to go on some occasions. The good news is – with the occasional warm

day the grass is growing nicely and pastures are quickly picking up, meaning good feed ahead. Local agronomist Stuart Burge gives a rundown on the state of play in this edition. Also featuring in this edition are previews of upcoming ram sales as our Merino breeders gear up for the annual round of sales. New vet to town, Zach Lederhose has given us some advice on working dogs – their diet, their care and how to help them if they start to show signs of arthritis.

There is also advice from our Local land Service veterinarians, for both sheep and cattle. There is also information on Chilean Needle Grass and advise from our local Rural Fire Services, as the grass growing now will dry out sooner rather than later, making for an interesting fire season. With interesting weather still prevailing as we go to press, the coming spring and summer seasons could bring anything - but such is the Monaro.

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Pigs on the Monaro are a BIG problem Fifth generation farmer Peter Davis is calling for local landholders and Local Land Services to be vigilant about the dangers of feral animals in the region. Peter has just shot a massive boar on his property ‘Yalcowinna’ which was causing damage to the land. He said that pigs can have a devastating effect on properties by damaging fences,

creating disease risk, destruction of lambs and turning over pasture over. Peter had been tracking this particular pig for about a month. He said the pig is biggest he has shot since 1983. “When I first saw him I thought it was a black angus steer. When I got a closer look I could see it was a large pig.

“I had to run 2km to get to a spot to get a shot and by the time I got to him he had moved another kilometre. It was almost pitch dark and I only had a couple of seconds to take the shot,� he said. Peter said that it took all of his strength to winch the pig on to his truck and he guessed that two full grown men would not be able to lift it.

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Common sense prevails for farmers and backpackers they put out seasonal work advertisements. We need a welltargeted plan to reverse the declining trend of incoming working holiday makers,� Mr Schoen said. Other changes announced include:

NSW Farmers is pleased common sense has prevailed with the Federal Government announcing a reduced rate to the Backpacker Tax, set to be implemented on January 1, 2017. Treasurer Scott Morrison has announced working holiday-makers will be taxed at a rate of 19 per cent from the first dollar they earn in Australia, up to $37,000 instead of the proposed 32.5 per cent rate announced in the 2015 Federal Budget. NSW Farmers’ President Derek Schoen said it’s good news for the agriculture industry and working holiday makers. “When the Government first announced the tax rate of 32.5 per cent, it sent shockwaves through the industry. “The initial Backpacker Tax proposal would have significantly reduced the inflow of working holiday makers, decimating the supply of seasonal workers relied on heavily by the farming sector. Working holiday makers also contribute significantly to rural and regional economy. “We are also pleased that $10 million has been allocated for a targeted advertising campaign to potential working holiday makers. The backpacker tax announcement has done its harm to discourage working holiday makers from coming to Australia. Growers have reported reduced rates of response when

• A reduced application charge for working holiday maker visas by $50 to $390 • An extension to the age of applicants from 30 to 35 years of age • Backpackers will now be allowed to work for the same employer for up to 12 months in the same region, instead of the current six month limit • An increase in tax on working holiday makers’ superannuation payments when they leave Australia • A registration scheme for employers of working holiday makers • A $5 increase to the Passenger Movement Charge from July 1 2017 While we have concerns with the announced superannuation arrangement and registration scheme, we are prepared to work through the details with the Government. NSW Farmers is pleased to have collaborated with a number of industry bodies to achieve this reasonable outcome, including the National Farmers Federation and AUSVEG.

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This spring, a joy to be a grazier on the Monaro

The wettest winter in 18 years has set the Monaro up for a stellar spring season. Stuart Burge says that this spring has the potential to be the best he can remember since he started working as an agronomist in the eighties. “There is a wonderful confluence of good conditions and excellent livestock prices at the moment, which is all good news for farmers on the Monaro,” he says, “The greatest challenge will be coping with extraordinary growth rates in pastures, which is a wonderful problem to have.” With utilising feed and getting stock through the winter months being one of the biggest management issues for graziers on the Monaro, this year will see a confidence and an opportunity for farmers to have the freedom to manage their paddocks as they wish. Mr Burge recommends improved pastures for grazing for early to mid spring, and then rotating stock to native pastures for grazing in mid to late spring. “The decision graziers will need to make is which paddocks to prioritise for grazing,” he says, “Some pastures will benefit greatly from having a rest during spring, allowing the regeneration of root reserves

and the plant to become stronger. Spring is the ideal time for this rest period.” “Other pastures however may benefit from high grazing pressure to prevent it getting away and losing its nutritional value.” This year also saw good joining conditions, which has led to a high incidence of multiple births across the district. With conditions such as this it’s not only the pastures that do well, it is the weeds also. However Mr Burge says that pastures should provide them with some serious competition, and that with such good conditions, farmers will hopefully have the resources to put some money into weed control. Footrot is also a concern on the Monaro at the moment that has not been helped by a wetter environment. “Who would have thought that footrot would again be a problem on the Monaro?” he says, “Droughts are so common in this area, that with the last three or four good years we have seen an increase in footrot cases.” “For those handful who have footrot on their property, for now, it will be a continuing challenge for them.”

Pictured on this page: rainbows have been common during the wet winter this year this was a double-bunger; The Inglewood pooches conduct their own “RU OK” day; Multiple births can be expected again this fine spring.

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Adina Merino and Poll Merino Stud FLOCK NO: 4156 (Established 1986) POLL FLOCK NO: 1437 (Established 2011) Stud history Adina Merino Stud was registered in 1986 and breeding quality Merinos is both the business and the passion of long time local family Ray, Margaret and James Barron. Over the years the aim has been to firstly lower and then maintain micron without sacrificing fleece weight or fertility. Adina Merino rams are run on the tough Monaro, they have hardy constitutions with fine-medium wool on large frames. Adina sheep have become renowned for their heavy cutting and superior long wool qualities. Adina Poll Merino Stud was registered in 2011 and as a result of using leading poll sires from around Australia, the polls are going from strength to strength. Ray and James continue to see

the benefits of selective mating, using sires not only from within the stud but also sourcing sires from leading Australian studs to introduce new and desirable genetics to assist in achieving long term goals. 2016 has been another busy year on the showing circuit for Adina Merino Stud, as always entering a show team in the local shows but also Great Southern Supreme Merino, Sydney Royal, The Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, The Rabobank National Merino Show in Dubbo as well as exhibiting at The South West Slopes Stud Merino Field Day in Harden. Part of the sale team this year is again made up of some of the progeny of “Little Fergie” who was Grand Champion Fine Wool Ram of the show at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show for 2013 and Reserve Grand Champion

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Merino Ram at the 2013 Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show. It is exciting for the stud principals to see the genetics coming through, with many of the progeny being kept for showing then used within the stud. In a year that has seen a buoyant wool market, Adina are more thankful than ever to be breeders of heavy cutting, bale filling Merinos, James is well known for saying “We still get paid by the kilo” and with prices the way they have been, wool volume is king for this Monaro stud. It is an indication of the studs standing within the Merino industry that rams and semen have been sold to purchasers in five states of Australia. 2016 SALE DETAILS “Adina Merino Stud” will offer 40 Merino and Poll Merino rams for sale by auction on Monday October 17. Rams will be penned for inspection from

NEW 2016 SAL E VE N

Monday 17th October, 2016 “Overdale” 2120 Peak View Rd, Cooma Inspections from 10am

Inspections prior to sale day are welcome and invited!! Ph: (02) 6454 3149 Fax: (02) 6454 3201 MN3V James & Julie Barron Ph: (02) 6454 3015 Email: jimmyb1@bordernet.com.au

the location. After 15 happy years of selling at the AWH Woolstore, this year for the first time, the annual ram sale will be held where Adina rams are born and bred. This is a big change and one that the Barron family are very excited about. The new sale venue from 2016 onwards will be “Overdale” 2120 Peak Views Rd, Peak View via COOMA. The Barron family invite and welcome you to contact them for inspections prior to the day.

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Annual Ram Sale, 12 noon

Ray & Margaret Barron

10am with the sale commencing at noon. Morning tea and lunch will be provided for your enjoyment. Considering the amount of rain all the Adina sheep have endured this year, James and Ray are more than happy with the line up of rams Adina is offering at the annual sale. The rams are well grown, even, structurally correct and well covered with stylish wool. James believes these rams will only enhance the breeding aims of the purchasers There is one big change to this years annual ram sale and that is

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Cooma

EĞdžƚ ƟŵĞ LJŽƵ ĂƌĞ ƚŚŝŶŬŝŶŐ ĂďŽƵƚ Ă ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ĨĂƌŵŝŶŐ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͕ ƚŚŝŶŬ ůĚĞƌƐ͘ tĞ ŬŶŽǁ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͕ ǁĞ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚ ǁŚĂƚ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ ůŝŬĞ LJŽƵ ŶĞĞĚ ĂŶĚ ǁŚĂƚ LJŽƵƌ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ ǁŝůů ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽŽ͘ tĞ ŽīĞƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ƚĂŝůŽƌĞĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĞĚƐ ŽĨ ƉƌŝŵĂƌLJ ƉƌŽĚƵĐĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ĂůƐŽ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ƚŽ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ĂŐƌŝďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͘ KƵƌ Ăŝŵ ŝƐ ŚĞůƉ ĨĂƌŵĞƌƐ ůŝŬĞ LJŽƵ ŵĂŬĞ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĨĂƌŵŝŶŐ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ďLJ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ŵŽƌĞ ƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ͘ dŚĂƚ͛Ɛ ǁŚLJ ůĚĞƌƐ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ĐŚŽŝĐĞ ŝĨ LJŽƵ ŶĞĞĚ ĞdžƉĞƌƚ ŚĞůƉ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ŽĨ ĨĂƌŵŝŶŐ͘ Livestock/Real Estate Sam Green 0428 973 520 dŝŵ ^ĐŚŽĮĞůĚ ϬϰϮϴ ϱϮϲ ϳϯϯ Wool Sam Green ŶĚƌĞǁ ŽŽŵďĞ ϬϰϮϴ ϱϮϴ ϭϴϮ Farm Supplies WĂƵůŝŶĞ ŽůƚŽŶ ϬϰϭϮ ϭϴϯ ϳϵϯ Elders 71 Massie Street Cooma NSW 2630 P: 02 6455 5500 | F: 02 6455 5555

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MEF investing in the future of our Monaro kids

The Monaro Education Foundation (MEF) was established to provide much needed financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post high school education, training and vocation aspirations. The foundation has been running since 2003 and has provided funding to over 130 kids from the community. This year it has assisted 18 students with around $20,000 worth of funding. Former MEF president Libby Litchfield said the foundation aims to help local kids in the community pursue further education and benefit their careers. “The reason why it’s so successful is its helping kids in our own community. “It’s hard enough for kids in the country to have to leave the community‌ we aim to give kids great support from the community and help them on their way to help their careers. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see kids come back to Cooma, it’s like our motto ‘our kids our future’,â€? she said. Emily Fullick from Jindabyne is one such student who has received assistance from MEF as she studies a Bachelor of Film at SAE Institute, Melbourne. She said the support from the

foundation has been beneficial both financially and as a means of reassurance. “I guess for me it means having the support from your community to strive towards what you want to do and with their assistance it offers a sense of reassurance at times. The assistance from MEF has been greatly beneficial as I was able to use some of the funding to buy a good quality camera. Not only was I able to use the camera for uni assessments, but I have been able to use it to practise and produce my own work outside of uni and this piece of equipment will always be useful and needed even after I finish my studies and begin working in the real world. I am yet to use half of my funding from MEF but it’s a great having it there for reassurance as I finish this year and still need to pay for living costs such as rent and groceries,� she said. The MEF recognises that the cost of rural students pursuing their post high school goals is often much greater than those of their metropolitan counterparts and that sometimes these costs can be prohibitive. With this in mind, the MEF fundraises throughout the year and accepts donations from local residents and

businesses in order to provide financial grants to students who need an extra helping hand. The funds come directly from your local community – none of it is government funded – celebrating the aspirations of local youth and working to help them achieve these aspirations. Grants are available to local youth who have lived and/or attended school in the region for the majority of their high school years. MEF does not focus on applicant’s academic success. The four essential selection criteria are: that you have demonstrated financial need; You are aged 16-25 years; That you have gone to school or currently reside in the region covered by MEF; and That you have shown commitment to achieving your goal. Students who believe they fit the grant criteria can apply by visiting: engage.cef.org.au/ student/apply

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Cecil Brown winner’s The 2015 Cecil Brown Scholarship exchange winner was Ed Thomas, who spent twoweeks in New Zealand. This is his account of the trip Taking it back to the first week of April where I found myself about to board a plane to Christchurch NZ, little did I know how much of an impact the two weeks would

have on me going forward. From seeing thousands of sheep and meeting hundreds of people, the two weeks absolutely flew and it’s hard to comprehend how much I learnt over there. Through my time spent with both commercial and stud breeders I have every confidence that the merino industry is moving forward all around the world.

The two weeks were a blast, and as soon as I had just started to remember the names of my hosts I was shipped off to the next farm. That’s what made the trip an enjoyable one, I was constantly meeting new people, the way people welcomed me and explained their farming practices was admirable, no question was considered stupid and there was always a valuable answer. Over the two week period I mostly covered the central Otago district. After flying in to Christchurch I headed south where I visited and stayed on ten different properties. Six of the places were Merino studs, while one was also a Romni stud. The studs were Glenmore Merinos, Nine Mile Poll Merinos, Moutere Merinos, Matarae (Merinos and Romnis), Armidale Merinos and Stonehenge Stud, and I thought all of their rams were impressive. When I was in New Zealand nearly every property was either crutching, had just finished or were about to start. Due to their climate they are very much dictated when

they can do certain jobs, being there at this time was really good because it meant we were doing sheep work a lot of the time, whether it be penning up or drenching it allowed me to see the sheep up close. Many properties were also commencing the annual autumn muster, where the farmers and Sheppard’s muster the pictures’ mountain country to bring the sheep down to lower country before the snow falls. The sheep dogs (huntaways and heading dogs) quickly become their best mates in this tough terrain. Continued next page

Academic scholarship

Harry Fletcher was a recipient of the Cecil Brown scholarship last year. Harry grew up on a property called ‘Fentonville’ near Eucumbene with parents Timothy and Pamela. Selector of the scholarship, Sam Green, said that Harry was chosen because of his obvious passion for the agricultural industry. Harry is currently studying a double degree at the University of New England in Armidale. At the end of it, he will have a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Bachelor of Law. Harry is aiming to get into a career of exporting Australian products overseas. The Cecil Brown Scholarship of $2,000 went a long way in helping Harry purchase his textbooks for this first year of study, making the financial

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burden of moving away from home to study much lighter. “I am loving my studies here in Armidale,� says Harry, “I live on campus at St Alberts College which is a country college, where I have many friends.� Harry has always wanted to be involved in agriculture. After completing school at St Gregory’s College in Campbelltown, Harry did a gap year at Monbeef and worked for the Department of Agriculture, mainly doing soil sampling for carbon. “I would highly recommend young people looking to pursue agricultural studies to apply for the Cecil Brown scholarship, it made a big difference in helping me in my first year of university.�

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experience of a lifetime

Matarae Stud, Middlemarch NZ professional Rugby Union player. I watched Charles’ son play rugby 7’s one weekend, he was a gun and I’m sure we will hear his name in the future. It was good to meet professional football players who were so down to earth and happy to talk about their experiences in both paddocks. Another highlight was being a part of the Artificial Insemination (AI) program at Armidale stud. I had never been involved in an AI program so it was good to see it firsthand. I could write about my two weeks all day but in short it was an experience that I will never forget, I feel grateful to be the recipient of such a prestigious scholarship. I would like to thank the sponsors for their generous support, which made the experience possible and the organisers, who’s countless phone calls and e-mails made sure the experience was a positive one, and I would also like to thank the judges for selecting me and for encouraging other young people to apply.`

from previous page Although I never got the chance to partake in an autumn muster, I didn’t hear a complaint from anyone and I got the impression they enjoy the job and the time camping out in the huts. The sheep in parts were similar to the typical Monaro merino. Although I think our sheep are a bigger framed animal and a lot bigger and stronger in the leg and hock. The wool types I saw were a nice bright, spinner’s type and I am keen to see the development of the New Zealand Merino over the coming years. Perhaps we will see a heavier skinned wool cutter start to emerge? as some I saw appeared to be light. However I think the future is bright for New Zealand Merinos and I was very impressed with their sheep. As a bit of a rugby fan it was also a great stay at Stonehenge station as I met Andrew Hore and Charlie Hore. Andrew played 83 tests for the All Blacks and won a world cup in 2011. Charles never represented New Zealand at the top level but had a career all over the globe as a

Glenmore Station, Lake Tekapo, NZ

Inspections welcome by appointment Contact Robert Hain: 0403 483 702 / 6452 6445 48th Annual on Property Sale Friday September 1, 2017

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Ashley Park annual ram sale on October 12 Ashley Park was established in 1982 and after 34 years runs over 800 stud ewes of Poll Dorset, White Suffolk and Suffolk ewes. Our main breeding aims are to produce quick growing long lean lambs. Our Poll Dorset stud was established in 1994 on Kurralea and Allendale bloodlines giving both growth and carcase shape from an early stage. Our White Suffolks on Detpa Grove and Kurralea with early maturity and ease of lambing a major priority, our Whites also have maintained a large Suffolk type which helps maintain meat quality. Primescan figures with

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raw data for fat and eye muscle have been used with great effect and in more recent years Lambplan figures have been used to concentrate on growth and meat content. Ashley Park also has a regular commitment to the showring producing many animals of an elite standard; many broad ribbons have been received culminating in Supreme Sheep exhibit Royal Melbourne show 2013 and Supreme White Suffolk at Bendigo national championships. Our annual ram sale on property on October 12 will have plenty of rams to suit your requirements.

ASHLEY PARK RAM SALE Â? ’”‘’‡”–› ’”‘†—…–‹‘Â? •ƒŽ‡ ‘ˆ ‘ŽŽ ‘”•‡–• Č‚ Š‹–‡ —ˆˆ‘ŽÂ? Č‚ —ˆˆ‘ŽÂ? ƒÂ?•

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Contact

Graeme Fullgrabe 0408 516 432

ˆĎ?‹…‡ Ͳ; ͡ͳ͡ʹ ͸͜ͳͳ

Ashley Park’s Champion White Suffolk at Melbourne Royal. Ashley Park is brucellosis accredited free, OJD MN1 accredited free and footrot free.

Angus Stud Established and continuous breeding since 1965 ÂŹĂ›<igh performance herd ÂŹĂ›7][^ZSbSZfĂ›T`SSĂ›]TĂ›\]`bVĂ›5[S`WQO\Ă›PZ]]R ÂŹĂ›?\]d\Ă›T]`Ă›bVSW`Ă›_¡WSbĂ›bS[^S`O[S\b ÂŹĂ›6¡ZZaĂ›\]dĂ›OcOWZOPZSĂ›T]`Ă›5¡b¡[\ۇÛG^`W\UĂ› joinings Stephen Platts: 02 6458 6632 M: 0447583951 Lionel Platts: 02 6458 4623 M: 0429077379 ?SWbVĂ›A¡`R]QVwĂ› nĂ›rpqkĂ›mrrm Email: sparta.angusstud@gmail.com

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One of our promising young sires: ‘SPARTA TANTANGARA� H15 Son of Hingaia 469 (NZ)

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Avonside preparing for another successful sale

Avonside Merino Stud was founded in 1990 at the family property “Avonside� near Berridale. The stud moved to its new home “Muniong� between Cooma and Adaminaby in 2010. Our aim to produce large framed, structurally sound sheep, capable of consistently producing heavy fleeces of fine-medium wool remains unchanged. Over the years we have reduced adult fibre diameter to 18.5-20 micron whilst still making gains in both wool cuts and bodyweights. Emphasis has been placed on wool quality, which must be stylish, well nourished, long stapled with superior handle and

measurements. We believe that this blend of fine-medium wool, combined with high body and fleece weights is consistently the most profitable. Avonside has been able to achieve these aims by accessing some of the industry’s best genetics through AI. Leading sires from both Roseville Park and Wurrook have been used with great success. Our latest AI programs included Roseville Park 1864 in 2011 and Roseville Park 9-14 in 2013 and 2015, as well as Roseville Park 2792 x RP9-14 which sold at Dubbo National Ram sales for $24,000. Roseville Park 14 – 3008 was used in our 2016

AI program and at this early stage, the lambs look very even with great skins and tremendous bone. Recent ram purchases include: 2009 - Tara Park 8024 x TP 4202 for $7,500 2011 - Roseville Park 063 x RP45 syn for $5000 2014 – Tara Park 3100 x TP King for $3200 2015 – Cottage Park 64 x Roseville Park 715 x RP9-14 for $3800 2016 – Roseville Park 442 x RP10-38 for $9000 at Dubbo National Ram Sales

AvonsidE Merino Stud EST. 1990 Ram Sale at “Muniong� Cooma Thursday 20th October 2016

30 Rams offered by Helmsman Auction at 10am IROORZHG E\ SULYDWH WUHDW\ UDPV ,QVSHFWLRQ IURP DP 5HIUHVKPHQWV DYDLODEOH Enquiries Welcome Contact Simon King Ph/Fax: (02) 6453 7199 0RE ‡ PXQLRQJ#DFWLY QHW DX

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Quad Bike Performance Project Since 2001, more than 210 Australians have died in quad-bike incidents. Of the 23 quad-bike deaths recorded in 2011, 18 occurred on farms, making quad bikes the leading cause of injury and death on Australian farms. As a strategy to reduce injuries and fatalities from quad-bike use on farms, the Quad Bike Performance Project conducted by researchers from Transport and Road Safety (TARS) aimed to develop a consumer safety rating system for quad bikes. This strategy is part of a Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA) attempt to reduce the high toll of fatal and serious injuries associated with the use of quad bikes in the farming environment. The results of this project will enable the development of a quad-bike safety

rating system for stability, handling, and crashworthiness. Such a rating system would potentially lead to major improvements in vehicle design and safety, and a likely consequent reduction in the number of on-farm fatalities and injuries, similar to what has been recently achieved by the rating system already used for motor vehicles, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). In fact, safety ratings empower the consumer to make a choice with vehicle safety considerations factored, thus encouraging design change by the manufacturer, which might not otherwise occur. Funding for this major project was provided by the Workcover Authority of

N S W with a contribution from the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC). UNSW TARS lead researcher for The Quad Bike Performance Project (QBPP) is Professor Raphael Grzebieta. The UNSW TARS Project Manager for the QBPP is Associate Professor (Adj.) George Rechnitzer. Subproject leading consultants for the dynamic handling tests and for the analysis of fatality data were Mr. Keith Simmons and Prof. (Adj.) Andrew McIntosh, respectively. All tests were carried out at the

NSW Roads and Maritime Crashlab crash testing facility managed by Mr. Ross dal Nevo. Project Managers for NSW Workcover are Mr. Tony Williams (A/Director, Operations Group, WorkCover NSW Safety, Return to Work and Support) and Ms. Di Vaughan (Principal Project Manager, Work Health and Safety Division). A short video prepared by NSW Workcover summarises the issues concerning quad-bike fatalities, the aims of the Quad Bike Performance Project, what tests and how they were carried out, and an overview of what information consumers in a workplace environment can expect to obtain from the project results.

Leadership program The National Rural Women’s Coalition (NRWC) will take 16 Young Rural Women to Canberra in November for an exciting leadership program. Young women (18-30 years) living in rural, regional or remote (RRR) areas who are interested in leadership and developing

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their community are encouraged to apply. NRWC President Dr Patricia Hamilton says “The NRWC’s Young Rural Women’s Muster will select 16 young women to attend a three-day residential program in Canberra to learn skills to enable them to effectively advocate on issues facing their business, industry and /or community. “It promises to be a very exciting three days for the 16 successful applicants” says Dr Hamilton “Participants will be professionally facilitated through a group learning process of examining the knowledge, skills and capacities required to lead effectively.” Participants will be introduced to and hear from experienced leaders from diverse b a c k g r o u n d s . Participants will implement a leadership project after the residential program within three months and report the outcomes back to the group. The Muster will encompass a range of speakers who will share their personal leadership experience including framing an advocacy issue, bringing an issue to the attention of policy makers, working politically, shaping public opinion, and strategies to have voices heard.

Participants will develop a project that has a positive impact on building capacity of other young rural women. Applicants will be selected upon project merit, which includes the ability to show leadership in primary industry production or involvement building resilient and vibrant rural and regional communities. NRWC President, Dr Patricia Hamilton will host the women in Canberra and the three days of learning will be facilitated by professional coach Meredith Turnbull. Meredith has worked nationally as the Executive Director of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition and Director of GetUp! She has also been the Executive Officer for the state-based Twenty Ten Association in Sydney and began her career in Perth, working as the Executive Officer of the Youth Affairs Council of WA, the Coordinator of the Freedom Centre and a Project Officer with the WA AIDS Council. Information on the Young Rural Women’s Muster can be found on the National Rural Women’s Coalition website www.nrwc.com. au Facebook page and Twitter. Apply online before October 7.

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Spring 2016

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Managing Ill-thrift and Scours in weaner sheep Petrea Wait - District Veterinarian Cooma As many producers will know, balancing the relationship between management, nutrition and disease in the weaner sheep is an ongoing challenge. Conditions throughout winter (on the Monaro) only increase this challenge with minimal pasture growth, poor feed quality, and cold, wet and windy weather. Cold and hungry weaners will quickly lose weight and their resistance to disease will wane making them susceptible to a number of conditions, and one of the most common of these is scouring. Scours may occur for a variety of reasons including internal parasites, mineral deficiencies and infections. Most livestock managers will quickly notice a tail in the mob, dirty breeches, listless animals and sometimes deaths. The tendency is to give them a worm drench and move them to a better paddock, but sometimes the sheep don’t respond and continue to do poorly. A better approach would to be to start by conducting a Worm Test to identify if worms are truly part the problem, and if so the type of worm, so that an appropriate drench is selected. Black Scour Worm (Trichostrongylus), Brown Stomach Worm (Ostertagia) and Thin Necked Intestinal Worm (Nematodirus) are all common worm species in weaners in winter. These worms attach to the gut lining causing damage resulting in reduced nutrient absorption and protein loss, seen in sheep as weight loss and scouring. Barbers Pole Worm (Haemonchus) may also be present during winter causing symptoms of ill-thrift, anaemia (seen as white gums), and sheep going down when driven. Worm tests will also identify if Coccidia are present in high numbers. Coccidia are protozoan parasites which develop in the intestinal tract of sheep. Often these parasites are carried by sheep with no illeffects however stress and conditions which force lambs to graze close to the ground can lead to increased burdens and clinical disease. Affected sheep have brown, liquid, foul smelling diarrhoea, hollow flanks, hunched appearance and are depressed. Sheep will require treatment with an anticoccidial preparation from your veterinarian. If your Worm Test comes back with low worm egg numbers (<150epg) and minimal coccidia then it is time to get your veterinarian involved. Of course if sheep are dying at a rapid rate the vet should be contacted immediately. Worms may still be contributing to the problem, either at a larval stage before egg laying begins, or by causing intestinal damage that allows bacteria to flourish. Several species of bacteria can cause scouring in weaners and samples from sick or dead animals may be required to determine the culprit. Yersiniosis is a bacterial disease of low to moderate prevalence and is marked by persistent, mild, dark green to black diarrhoea with few deaths but noticeable ill thrift. It occurs most commonly in 3 to 18 month old sheep. Sheep are predisposed at the onset of cold windy weather, especially if associated with stressful management events and often occurs in conjunction with other diseases, particularly Nematodirus worm infestation. Treatment with antibiotics is effective, but often lambs are then persistently predisposed and may represent with the disease again. Campylobacteriosis is another disease causing profuse and severe scours, and is caused by strains of bacteria which may also cause late term abortions, stillbirths and weak lambs. The bacteria attach to the bowel lining causing inflammation of the intestines resulting in diarrhoea. Campylobacter associated colitis occurs exclusively in weaners three to nine months of age especially in wet conditions and typically affects about one quarter of a flock at any one time; healthy and unthrifty sheep are equally affected. In stressed sheep, especially in small weaners suffering from malnutrition, higher death rates can occur and the cost and inconvenience of treatment can also be considerable. Treatment requires antibiotic therapy, but some animals may require more intensive treatment with oral rehydration solutions and probiotics. Recovery with immunity to reinfection is typical however sheep can become persistently infected and continue to shed bacteria in the feces. Salmonella is a bacteria normally present in the gut of sheep in low numbers, but in times of stress it may multiply rapidly and cause disease

characterized by fever, dehydration and severe, foul-smelling diarrhoea containing blood or mucus. The disease is exacerbated by sheep congregating around feeders due to fecal contamination of feed, as well as by high parasite burdens, transport and cold, wet, windy weather. Weaner sheep are most commonly affected, but all other ages and classes of sheep are susceptible. The disease generally affects a large proportion of the mob and deaths are common. Affected sheep should be isolated and the rest of the mob placed on fresh pasture. Fluids and good hygiene are essential for recovery, and antibiotics may be prescribed, although some sheep may become carriers of drug resistant bacteria. A number of other disease conditions may also affect weaner sheep resulting in reduced feed intake and mobility, thus increasing their susceptibility to other diseases. This list may include, but is not limited to, scabby mouth, pink-eye, Mycoplasma ovis, lice, bacterial arthritis, footrot, mineral deficiencies including selenium, cobalt and copper, and liver fluke. If you would like more information about diseases in weaner sheep, please contact your Local Land Services District Veterinarian on Ph. 6452 1122). The key to getting your weaners through their first year is to set them up for success early in their life, and this begins with management of their mothers at joining. Ensuring a short joining period (5 weeks) will result in a compressed lambing and less variation in lamb size as they grow. Providing adequate nutrition to ewes during pregnancy to maintain them in condition score of 3/5 throughout pregnancy will ensure lamb birthweights are adequate for survival and that they will continue to grow well in their early months. A tight lambing interval and good growth rates will also ensure that lambs will better cope with the stress of marking which should occur 2 weeks after the last lambing date. Also training lambs to eat by feeding them the supplements they are likely to receive in future while they are with their mothers will make it easier to get them onto feed when they need it later in life. Weaning should occur 13 weeks after the start of lambing, and lambs should be placed onto high quality improved perennial pastures of about 10cm in height. Ideally lambs should be weighed and drafted into weight groups at weaning, and the lightest lambs placed onto the best pasture. Aim to have weaners reach 50% of their mature body weight as soon as possible after weaning, lighter lambs (<22kg) may need to be supplementary fed to achieve this. Expect that you will need to feed some, if not all, of the weaners over the winter months and stock up with supplements in advance. Greatest mortality tends to occur in the first 3 months after lambing with the lightest lambs at most risk. Weaning paddocks need to be planned in advance to ensure that they have been spelled for at least 3 weeks over summer or 6 months over winter to minimize larval worm burdens and maximize pasture growth. Lambs should have received their first vaccination at marking, with a booster given at weaning. An effective drench should be given at weaning and worm egg counts conducted at 6 weekly intervals to ensure levels remain low. Prevent deficiencies of trace elements such as selenium, cobalt and copper by administering bullets or longacting injections in areas with known soil deficiency. Appropriate management of weaners is important to ensure sheep grow into healthy, productive adults. Ill thrift and poor growth of weaner sheep during their first year can reduce wool and meat production as well as the individual’s reproductive performance at first joining. There are a range of potential causes for weaner ill-thrift and the production losses associated with ill-thrift will be affecting you long before there are obvious outward signs of disease. A few simple steps or treatments may make all the difference – prevention is always better than cure. If you would like more information about weaner management please contact your Local Land Services Livestock Officer. More information about parasites in sheep can be found at the WormBoss website: http://www.wormboss.com.au/ More information on management of sheep enterprises can be found at the Making More From Sheep website: http://www. makingmorefromsheep.com.au/

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Be a bull-sheet aficionado before you head to the sales FARM For many beef enterprises, bulls are the only new livestock purchases made and as such, they are one of the biggest biosecurity risks for these enterprises. Replacing your bulls can be an expensive undertaking without the introduction of additional problems in the form of disease, pests or weeds. Your cows will thank you for it. Bulls must be healthy and sound, fit-forpurpose and ready for action (so to speak). There are a number of measures that can be undertaken prior to sale and again after purchase, in preparation for introducing new bulls into your herd. These simple steps

will ensure that you are able to maximise the returns on your bovine investment and mitigate the risks of unwanted passengers. Whenever the vet vaccinates dogs, cats and horses, it is common practice to sign a vaccination certificate. Even children get their vaccination books signed off after the have their needles. We use these documents not only to keep track of what vaccines have been given, but when the next lot of vaccinations are due. When you are buying bulls, you should ask for a National Cattle Health Declaration from the vendor. This document provides not only a vaccination certificate, but information on prior health history, treatments and disease testing that has been undertaken. It is not the same as a National Vendor Declaration (NDV or NVD/Waybill) - which is a tool that underpins Australia’s food safety reputation. Significant losses can occur with the introduction of disease into a herd. These may be losses from reproductive disease that cause abortion and infertility (such as vibrio and pestivirus), or may have longer lasting and detrimental impacts to your enterprise (such as Johnes Disease (JD). Requesting information on the prior health and treatment history of the bull before purchase can help manage this risk. The Cattle Council of Australia recommends the use of the National

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Cattle Health Declaration as a risk management tool to help mitigate the risk of introduction of disease and parasites with new livestock. Here are some suggestions to ensure your newly arriving bulls don’t pose a biosecurity risk for your business: • Ensure your bulls are fully vaccinated for preventable diseases before they arrive on your property. A quarantine period of up to 28 days for all livestock arriving on your premises, can reduce the risk of introducing communicable diseases and parasites into your herd. • When your new bulls arrive on your premises, give them 24-48 hours to settle in and empty out in an area that is close by and easy to monitor. If they are carrying any weed seeds on their coat or in the intestinal tract, these will mostly be dropped during this time. You can observe the bulls up-close during this period for any signs of injury, disease or illeffect post-transport as well. • If the bulls have not already been vaccinated, then they should be vaccinated with a 5-in-1 vaccine (or 7-in-1 vaccine), vibriosis vaccine and, depending on your location, vaccines for other diseases such as three-day sickness, botulism and pestivirus. Most vaccinations will require a follow up booster in four to six weeks if the bull was previously unvaccinated. During this time you may also want to treat the bulls for internal and external parasites. • An emerging problem in the high rainfall

regions is resistance to ‘mectin’ drenches. A simple quarantine drench with a mixture of a white (a Benzimadzole), a clear (levamisole) and a mectin will stop this becoming your problem. And of course, don’t forget the reason you are at the sale to start with – to purchase new genetic material for your herd. Most sale catalogues will give you the Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for the sale stock. These will help you identify and select the performance traits you are seeking from your new bulls. By Sarah-Jane Wilson, Livestock Biosecurity Network National Operations Manager

Side-by-side vehicles fact sheet A side-by-side vehicle (SSV) is different from a quad bike, they are typically sit-in, have a steering wheel, seat belts, rollover protection and have a higher load capacity. Depending on the job, SSVs can be a good alternative to quad bikes. Sixty per cent of the quad bike fatalities examined by the NSW Coroner in 2015 involved a rollover. SSVs are considered to be an effective way of protecting against quad bike related injury and fatalities on-farm. The safest vehicle is the one best suited to the job. Before you purchase a vehicle for your farm, talk to your local dealer about your own farming situation and read the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the vehicle is suitable for the task and circumstance. You can also check out the testing done by the transport and safety researchers from the

University of New South Wales. NEXT STEPS To stay safe while using a SSV, make sure that you: • choose the right vehicle for the task • do a safe riding course • wear a seatbelt if driving or are a passenger • always wear a helmet • consider fitting operator protective devices • use only suitable attachments • don’t carry passengers • maintain vehicles in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions • don’t let kids ride adult-sized quad bikes

Your

FARM

Spring 2016

Greenland Merino Stud sale is not to be missed

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF CHANGE OF DATE FOR GREENLAND MERINO STUD RAM SALE FOR 2016. MONDAY 17 OCTOBER @ 3pm. Greenland Merino Stud is holding their annual On Property Ram Sale on Monday 17th October at 3pm. Inspection of this years’ Greenland Stud team of Merino and Poll Merino Sale Rams will be from 12noon, or anyone wishing to have a preview prior to the sale day are welcome, just phone for an appointment on 6453 6244, 0437 898 982 or Greg 6453 6206. The Greenland Merino Stud Ram Sale will be held at Mountain View, on the Snowy River Way, 50 kms south of Cooma and 50 kms north of Bombala. Greenland Merino Stud has been registered since 1985 and breed Merino sheep that are suited to most environments throughout Australia. This is evidenced by the fact that Greenland Stud Rams are sold to most states of Australia. Greenland Stud has concentrated for 30 years of careful selection through our ewe base. The rams reflect our breeding objectives of merino sheep that are structurally sound, well balanced with good white wool, staple length and most importantly they must have a good constitution, and are highly fertile with very stylish medium and fine-medium wool and flystrike resistant. Greenland Merino Stud benchmark their sheep in wether trials, sire evaluations as well as showing at most local shows and most major Merino sheep shows

having great success with all three, mainly Sydney Royal Easter Show - Supreme Junior Merino Exhibit, The Tom Culley Prize - Junior Champion March shorn Merino Ewe - Reserve Grand Champion Fine/Medium Ewe - Reserve Grand Champion Medium Ewe - Reserve Champion Med/Strong March shorn Poll Ram - Reserve Champion Fine/Medium March shorn Ewe - Reserve Champion Medium March shorn Ewe - Reserve Champion Junior March shorn Poll Ewe - Reserve Champion Med/Strong March shorn Poll Ewe Junior Supreme 1st Objective Measurement Class - Medium 2t Ewe 2nd same Objective Measurement Class Greenland Merino Stud has been performance recording the ewes for 30 years. Greenland Merino Stud has joined Merino Select and all sale rams have ASBVs. Greenland is a family run business with John and Jenny Alcock and Greg and Nikki Alcock, the team to talk to on the day. We provide a free sheep classing service for any clients needing this service and are willing to give any advice on future selection. This is a golden opportunity to purchase top stud rams which are commercially run for commercial conditions. Merino sheep are a most incredible meat and wool factory which is why we have an everlasting passion

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for them. The rams were run on a paddock of oats during the winter. It’s been a good season to test wools to make sure they are waterproof especially as we have grown the rams, for real, in the paddock without any supplementary feed. Come and join us for the sale and a barbecue and other refreshments on the day. The catalogue is available now on www. greenlandmerinos.com.au or like us on facebook , or if you would like to be placed on our mailing list please phone us.

John, Jenny, Greg and Nikki Alcock Flock no 4188 Poll Flock no 1109 J & J 02 6453 6244 J & J 0437 898 982 Greg: 02 6453 6206 Email: alcock@skymesh.com.au www.greenlandmerinos.com.au

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Spring 2016

FARM

Beware of bloat

“Stock that are mildly affected will be required to clear out the District Veterinarian, Braidwood early maturity (i.e. pre-bloom) is the disease in cattle. can be treated orally with an abdominal cavity, clean and stitch “Cattle and sheep with bloat the biggest single risk factor for LLS, Kate Sawford South East Local Land Services is advising Braidwood district land managers to be aware that stock are entering a high-risk period for bloat, with the arrival of spring and the recent high levels of rainfall. District Veterinarian, Kate Sawford explains ruminants produce large volumes of gas during digestion, which is either belched up or passes through the digestive system. “If something interferes with the escape of gas from the rumen bloat will occur,� Ms Sawford said. “Grazing of immature, rapidly growing clover or lucerne in

They may strain to urinate and defecate, breathe rapidly, or stagger. In severe cases they may go down or be found dead. Sometimes finding dead stock is the first sign of the bloat.

anti-bloat preparation such as vegetable or mineral oil, or a commercially available product. Animals need to be kept moving after treatment to ensure the preparation mixes with the rumen contents. “Bloated animals showing signs of distress need immediate veterinary attention so a stomach tube can be passed to remove the excess gas and enable delivery of anti-bloat preparations. In severe cases a trochar and cannula will need to be inserted immediately into the rumen high on the left flank

“High-risk conditions for bloat are the same as those for outbreaks of enterotoxaemia, or pulpy kidney, so make sure cattle and sheep have been vaccinated against clostridial diseases (i.e. with 5-in-1, 6-in-1, 7-in-1 or 8-in-1) according to the manufacturer’s directions prior to putting them out onto lush pasture this spring.

“If a trochar and cannula are not adequate to relieve the pressure, a pointed broad-blade knife can be used to make a stab incision that is then enlarged by turning the knife 90 degrees. After the gas and froth has been removed, an anti-bloat preparation is poured into the rumen to help break down the remaining froth/foam. In such cases there usually isn’t enough time to wait for the vet to administer treatment, but one

bloat in cattle. The reason is that may be distended on the left side foaming agents in rapidly growing of the body, reluctant to move, or legumes, as well as some grasses, in distress,� Ms Sawford said. “They may also cease to graze. cause a stable foam to form in the

“Cattle and sheep with bloat may be distended on the left side of the body, reluctant to move, or in distress,� Ms Sawford said. rumen. Gas gets trapped in the small bubbles in this foam and the animal cannot then belch up the gas. Pressure will build up and cause the rumen to swell.� Bloat does occur in sheep but is generally less severe compared to

the wound, and give antibiotics to prevent infection. “When pasture is considered risky, there are a number of options for bloat prevention that can be used individually or in combination: • restrict pasture intake by limiting grazing time or utilizing strip grazing • feed up animals with hay before turning onto pasture • use a mixture of alcohol ethoxylate and molasses in a licker drum or put out anti-bloat blocks or dry loose licks near stock camps and watering holes. “Slow-release rumen bloat capsules are once again unavailable this year. “As the past winter has been particularly difficult in the Braidwood district, remember not to allow hungry cattle access to legume-rich pasture without first thinking about bloat – feed out hay first and then observe cattle on pasture closely for any signs of bloat.â€?

Sharp Fullgrabe’s local agent Leading livestock specialists with a team servicing Bombala, Monaro and the South Coast Region, East Gippsland, Omeo, Benambra, Dargo, Maffra and surrounds in Victoria. Čˆ Weekly Fat Sales Čˆ Fortnightly Store and Sheep Sales Benambra Mountain Calf Sale - 2nd Tuesday in March

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Contact

Graeme Fullgrabe 0408 516 432

Sharp Fullgrabe’s agent Rob Berry works in the Bombala, Monaro and South Coast region alongside Graeme Fullgrabe. He handles livestock for fat and store cattle and sheep sales in Bairnsdale, Wagga Wagga and Yass centres as well as private and hook movements. Rob has an excellent knowledge and handling ability of livestock and is able to use his horse and dog for mustering if need be. Please feel free to contact Rob to discuss your livestock needs. No matter how big or small, we will look after you all. Sharp Fullgrabe NSW are able to conduct clearing sales and handle real estate enquiries. Rob Berry - 0428 335 607 or 02 6496 7311 Graeme Fullgrabe - 0408 516 432

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Your

FARM Australia’s $6.5 billion sheep industry needs 22 million more sheep just to maintain its current share of global production, according to an agricultural research paper released by ANZ Bank. The paper, titled The Sheep’s Back, paints a positive picture for sheep farming but reveals improved productivity gains - supported by the growth of the national flock number from its near record low – are critical to realising the 21 per cent increase in global demand for meat and nine per cent rise for wool by 2040. “Economic growth in developing nations and consumption patterns give rise to optimism for sheep farming, with forecasts showing the total value of sheep meat produced could increase by 30 per cent by 2040,â€? said Mark Bennett, ANZ’s Head of Agribusiness. But according to ANZ Regional Executive, Adele Fiene, in order to be competitive and take advantage of this growth opportunity, sheep farmers will need to improve productivity. “The report provides an exciting snapshot of the opportunities ahead for both Monaro District producers and those further afield. If we’re going to capitalise though, we need to examine how to make those significant productivity gains – particularly around land use, genetics and onfarm process,â€? Ms Fiene said. The Sheep’s back key findings: • Global demand for sheep meat could increase by 2.8 million cwt, or 21%, by 2040. • In comparison, global demand for beef is forecast to rise by 22 million cwt (33%), 25.6 million cwt (23%) for pork and 15.4 million cwt (15%) for poultry. • If current trends continue, the total value of sheep meat produced globally will increase by 30% by 2040 compared to 34% for beef, 27.5% for pork and 9.8% for chicken. • Demand will grow most strongly in Asia (including the Middle

15

Spring 2016

Monaro District producers shouldn’t be sheepish about opportunity East) and Africa, but will be relatively subdued in developed economies in Europe and America. • Growth in demand for wool is not likely to be as significant, but global demand is still expected to increase by 8.8%. This is substantially less than increases in demand for cotton and synthetics. Regional demand for raw wool for processing is also likely to be concentrated in Asia and weakening in America and Europe. • Sheep farming in Australia is a low cost, low volatility and relatively high return on capital industry. Prices for wool and sheep meat are also less exposed to global markets than Australia’s other main agricultural exports. The paper suggests that while demand for lamb and mutton is not expected to grow at the same volume and value as beef, the percentage growth in value of global demand for sheep meat is expected to outstrip both pork and poultry. “The modelling in the report shows greater demand coming from Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Conversely, we’re expecting demand in other markets like America and Europe to cool,â€? Mr Bennett said. Asia will also continue to be the number one destination for Australian wool and with China transitioning towards a service-based economy it’s expected Vietnam and Indonesia will increase their processing capabilities. “Overall demand for wool is only expected to increase slightly, but the value of global demand could also increase by as much as $1 billion by 2040,â€? Mr Bennett said. Ms Fiene also cited the report’s findings around the role of sheep production in the contemporary Australian agriculture sector. “We’re seeing the benefits that sheep production can bring in risk management. It’s a point that’s not lost on our primary producers with almost 30 per cent of farmers across the nation farming sheep, primarily as

part of a mixed farming operation,� Ms Fiene

said. Mr Bennett says it’s a low cost and low

volatility enterprise, which is less exposed

to an international price than cropping, beef or dairy. “While we’re unlikely to reach the flock numbers and outputs of the 1970s, sheep and wool production still accounts for approximately 11 per cent of Australia’s agricultural production and 14 per cent of agricultural exports. Therefore, the opportunity for expansion is there for sheep farmers with a focus on efficiencies, innovation and valueadding.�

2

Mr Bennett was buoyed by the report concluding that the sheep industry will continue to play an important role in the mix of Australian agriculture. “While we may not return to ‘riding on the sheep’s back’, Australia should take confidence from these future demand forecasts. The case for greater investment in the industry is strong,� Mr Bennett said. A full copy of the release can be downloaded via this link http://anz.co/ A19L304mPxa

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Spring 2016

Chilean Needle Grass - danger to stock

Impact Chilean needle grass is closely related to serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma). Chilean needle grass affects both sown pasture and native grasslands of southeastern Australia. It is relatively unpalatable and reduces farm productivity by displacing more desirable pasture species. Heavy infestations can decrease productivity by as much as 50% during summer. It also causes injury to stock and downgrades wool, skins and hides with its long, sharp seeds. Research on the Northern Tablelands of NSW by the University of New England has shown that the main reason for the success of Chilean needle grass is its large, long-lived reserve of viable seed in the soil seed bank. This seed bank can persist for many years even if further seed input is prevented. It is a prolific seeder, with the potential to produce more than 20,000 seeds per square metre in a good season. It also has hidden seeds under the leaf sheaths at each of the nodes on the flowering stems that mature even if the seed head has been removed. Distribution Chilean needle grass is a serious weed on the Northern Tablelands and north-west slopes of NSW. According to records at the National Herbarium, it was first identified in NSW during the early 1940s in the Glen Innes region. It is thought to have spread very slowly until the late 1970s. Identifications of this species from the Guyra - Glen Innes area since the mid 1970’s have increased indicating its ability to spread. In 1996 a major infestation was identified near Tamworth in the Reedy Creek catchment. Chilean needle grass is also well established on the Southern Tablelands and southwest slopes of NSW and in southern and central Victoria.

Chilean needle grass is a native of South America occurring in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil. It has become naturalised in New Zealand, South Africa and several European countries. In Australia, Chilean needle grass is considered a weed because it is very invasive and is less productive/lower quality than introduced pasture, causing a reduction of carrying capacity. Spread Chilean needle grass germinates in autumn and spring and at other times of the year given adequate moisture and temperature. The seedling grows quite slowly but has a very high survival rate and can produce flowers in the first season. The adult plant is long-lived and very hardy, surviving heavy grazing and drought. Seed heads emerge during late spring, and when mature have a very distinctive purplish colour. The individual seeds are very sharp at the apex (hence the name). By late February, most of the seed has been shed from the plant and can be found on the ground. Wind dispersal of seed appears to be almost negligible. Most of the spread is by attachment to animals (both domestic and wildlife) or machinery, particularly motor vehicles. The backward pointing hairs on the apex of the seed anchor firmly in the wool of sheep. These seeds may fall from the fleece several months later, spreading the seed to new regions. Sometimes, Chilean needle grass seed will penetrate the skin of sheep

reducing their hide value and may irritate individual animals. Description Chilean needle grass appears very similar to the native spear grasses (Austrostipa spp.). The most diagnostic feature of Chilean needle grass (and only found in this species) is the corona — a raised crown of small teeth, at the junction of the seed body and the seed awn. The awn twists when dry and often has two bends in it. Vegetative (green leafy) plants of Chilean needle grass can be mistaken for many other winter green species, especially Danthonia and fescue. Close examination reveals the presence of hairs along the leaf surface of Chilean needle grass by contrast with the hairless leaves of fescue and the much coarser feel of needle grass leaves compared with Danthonia. Chilean needle grass also has a small tuft of hairs at the junction of the leaf blade and the leaf sheath, which most other grasses do not have. Chilean needle grass forms a robust tussock but is variable and not as clumpy as Poa or manyEragrostis species. Habitat The main requirement for establishment of Chilean needle grass is bare ground that can be created by over grazing or indiscriminate herbicide application. Acknowledgements Authors: A. M. Storrie and J. C. Lowien Editor: Bill Noad Technical reviewers: Dr Mark Gardener, M. Duncan and M. Michelmore Control Once established in an area and allowed to set seed, it is unlikely Chilean needle grass can be eradicated. This is because established

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populations have a persistent seed bank that will enable reinfestation even if adult plants have been killed. Small newly establishing infestations may be eradicated with a great deal of persistence. The management options of established Chilean needle grass populations depend on the land use. These options include crop rotation, pasture sowing, herbicide control and grazing management with best results where a combination of options is used. The management goals should aim to reduce the soil seed bank and minimise the Chilean needle grass component of the pasture by creating conditions that hinder its growth. The most important of these conditions is the maintenance of good ground cover through competitive perennial pastures and grazing management. Arable areas On arable lands timely planting of crops can keep Chilean needle grass populations to a minimum. Where ploughing is possible, planting a sequence of fodder crops for two or three years will reduce the weed seed bank. However seeds buried as a result of deep cultivation will remain viable for longer periods than those near the surface. Winter or summer forage cropping or summer grain cropping programs can be used. The important issue with any of the cropping programs is to make sure that any seedlings that germinate and go through winter are prevented from flowering and seeding in late spring/early summer either by chemical, cultivation or very heavy grazing. Following the cropping phase establishment of a perennial pasture will provide competition for remaining Chilean needle grass seedlings. The pasture must be allowed to properly establish and maintain good ground cover all year-round and develop height plus bulk from November to February to have a smothering effect against Chilean needle grass seedlings. In addition, regular paddock inspection and spot spraying to eliminate newly emerged plants is vital to maintain clear areas. Continued on page 20...

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Spring 2016

Cottage Park Merino Stud, 63 years strong

Cottage Park Merino stud celebrates 63 years of merino breeding this year. Cottage Park sheep have been renowned for their large frames and heavy cutting wool qualities, they have proven their ability to contend with the elements and have developed into a leading merino strain. In the latest results of “Merino Bloodline Performance� a comparison based on wether trial results 2006-2016, Cottage Park are in the top three percent for all key production traits, including components of wool type (profit $/hd) and financial performance (profit $/DSE), for the 77 bloodlines involved. These results were backed up with a win in

the Australian National Field days Schute Bell wether trail last year (2012-2015) and is the second consecutive win in this wether trial. Sale team The sale team this year has had a very challenging year. Extremely dry conditions prevailed for the first half of the year, followed by a very difficult, wet overcast winter. We are pleased with the way they have handled the extreme weather. Open day For a preview prior to sale day we extend to you an invitation to join us at our open day on Sunday October 16 from 9.30am to 4pm where

the sale rams will be on display. In case it happens to rain the open day will be held indoors, refreshments and food will be provided and the sheep can be inspected at your leisure. Access is also available via a new lift into the shed for disabled access. Hope you can make it and I look forward to seeing you there. Health All rams have been examined by a local veterinarian to ensure the health and soundness of each animal offered. A separate veterinary certificate can be supplied for each ram if required. All rams are drenched regularly and

vaccinated annually with 6-in-1. All lambs are vaccinated with Gudair vaccine at marking, which also includes the better choices program using the pain relief Trisolfen. The Cottage Park flock is Accredited Brucellosis Free and the New South Wales Stud Merino Breeders Association requirements concerning owner footrot declaration is current No. M2059. We are Monitored Negative 3 Vaccinated (MN3V) for Johnes Disease. A trace element supplement in the form of a Selenium and Cobalt pellet has also been administered.

COTTAGE PARK

MERINO STUD 22nd Annual On-Property Ram Sale Thursday October 20, 2016 Inspection 12pm, Sale 3pm

On Property Open Day 4VOEBZ 0DUPCFS t BN QN Merino Bloodline Performance of Cottage Park in top 1% for profit per ha.

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Spring 2016

FARM New legislation to help farmers Working dogs manage tough times - Boyce Diet and Arthritis

The Coalition Government have passed a new legislation delivering on a key Ag White Paper initiative to strengthen the Farm Management Deposit (FMD) scheme, enabling farmers to better manage during periods of uncertainty. The key changes are: • Double the deposit limit from $400,000 to $800,000 • Allow financial institutions to offset FMDs against other farm debt • Allow early access to the deposit in times of severe drought The FMD scheme is designed to enable eligible primary producers to set aside pre-tax income from primary production in years of high income, which they can draw on in future years when they need it, such as for restocking or replanting when conditions start to improve. The scheme assists primary producers to deal more effectively with fluctuations in cash flows. It is designed to increase the self-reliance of Australian primary producers by helping them manage their financial risk and meet their business costs in low-income years by building up cash reserves. The changes that came into effect on 1 July

2016 will double the deposit limit for FMDs from $400,000 to $800,000, allow financial institutions to offer FMDs as farm business loan offset accounts to primary production businesses carried on either directly as a sole trader or through a partnership (but not for loans through a trust) and re-establish early access provisions in times of severe drought without impacting tax treatment. We are aware that only very few of the financial institutions are providing the ability to offset the FMDs against other farm loans. We are hopeful that more banks will provide this facility in the near future and suggest speaking with your local bank manager to check if your bank provides this facility. Jono Forrest, Director of Boyce Chartered Accountants, said “These amendments, originally announced as part of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, will allow farmers greater flexibility in managing and accessing their own funds when they’re needed, as well as improving cash flows.� If you would like more information on FMDs and how these may assist you and your primary production business, contact Jono on 6452 3344.

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Everybody knows that a good dog makes all the difference with livestock. Making sure your dogs are working at their best makes sense for you, and it means your dog will be healthier and happier to boot. Keeping condition on dogs means that they can work longer and smarter. The energy requirements of working dogs are much higher than the average pet so it’s important that they get fed appropriately. There are two main options when it comes to feeding: manufactured food, or a raw meat based diet. If feeding raw meat, lean cuts are best. Kangaroo is an excellent dog food because of its energy density and low fat content. In periods of high work, the amount of fat in the food can be increased to give extra energy. Make sure that fat is gradually introduced to avoid the risk of pancreatitis. Raw meat alone doesn’t give dogs all the nutrients they need for proper bone maintenance and body function, so we recommend that a complete supplement such as Vet’s All Natural is included in the diet. If feeding a dry dog food then the quality makes a big impact. Brands such as Hills, Royal Canin, and Advance are more expensive than others for a reason. These high-end brands use better ingredients, have more available nutrients for the dogs, have higher energy, and a lot less bulk. The changes that you’ll notice are less faeces and a better coat. The changes we see are better organ function and fewer metabolic diseases. Although these diets are more expensive per bag, the amount

you need to feed is much less, so it ends up being comparable to most other dog foods. The working life of many dogs is cut short by osteoarthritis. Just as in people, arthritis is a painful and progressive condition that severely impacts on mobility. The good news is that often arthritis can be treated and managed. Management can include weight loss, pain relief, supplements such as fish oil and glucosamine, or pentosan injections. Pentosan is a drug which supports the cartilage in joints to keep them cushioned and functioning properly. It is administered over a course of four injections with annual or more frequent boosters. We see fantastic responses to arthritis management and most people see a huge difference in their dog’s agility and activity after treatment. As with all medical conditions, early intervention gives the best results. If you notice your dog slowing down or not working the yards with as much energy then arthritis might be the reason, and treatment will go a long way to extend their working life.

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Spring 2016

The future is in good hands

Congratulations to Florance McGufficke placing second at Zone for the 2016 Merino Sheep Judging competition. Miranda McGufficke also competed in the 2016 Sydney Royal in the RAS/ ASC State Merino Fleece Judging Competition. On Wednesday March 23, Miranda McGufficke (Year 9) Frensham, Mittagong competed in the Merino Fleece Young Judges State Final, judging eight fleeces. She spoke confidently about her choices and was awarded the Reserve Champion (second place) in the competition. As the state finals are open to

anyone aged 15-25 years, Miranda’s achievement was outstanding; she was the youngest in the competition. Judging involved two classes each of four merino fleeces. Fleeces used may, but not necessarily, have been exhibited at the show in which the judging competition is held. Each fleece was judged using the 1995 scale of points as issued by the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia, and placed in order of merit by the competition judge and the competitors used a nonoral classes card for each of the two classes.

Greendale Merinos – Proven profit drivers - Investing in superior genetics Greendale Merinos is a family owned and operated sheep grazing business run on the Monaro. Co Principals Alan and Mark McGufficke of Greendale Merinos are totally focused on producing the most efficient and profitable merino. To do this we use all the technology and tools available to the Merino industry. We have been comparing our genetics for well over 30 years in randomly selected commercially run wether trials across NSW with outstanding results with flocks using Greendale genetics. At the Bookham Wether Trial Greendale genetics were ranked first, second and third, for dollars per head wool return of the 29 teams entered. Our most recent results include; Merino Bloodline Comparison 2006 – 2016, with

the analysis of data collected over 10 years from 22 trial sites across Australia representing 77 bloodlines. Greendale genetics are ranked first overall in profit dollars per DSE. Greendale was a high accuracy bloodline with 15 teams and 473 recorded measurements. This validates the consistent production and profitability results of the Greendale bloodline. Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) have been used for the past 12 years with our genetics well above industry average. With our sale team trait leaders for both the MP+ and FP+ indexes. Greendale has been participating in Sire Evaluations for the past 10 years with all sires entered ranked in the top 50 sires in Australia. Our outstanding performing sire

Greendale 12-12 is currently ranked third in the Merino Super Sires in the Fibre Production Index. Greendale 12-12 is also a link sire at the Elders Balmoral, site in Victoria. Balmoral is a life time productivity site. An outstanding feature of Greendale Merinos is the repeated reliability of results which will continue to make your merino business more sustainable and profitable into the future. The bottom line is about proven performance and profitability – the foundation lies in your genetics. Greendale Merino ram sale will be held on Thursday, 27th October, 2016 at ‘Willarney’, 850 Maffra Road, Cooma NSW 2630. Contact Alan McGufficke mobile 0429 448078.

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Chilean Needle Grass - danger to stock Continued from page 16... Non-arable areas The same principles apply as those for arable areas. The seed bank should be reduced by a succession of short-term pasture or annual fodder crops established by direct drilling. In many locations, steep or stony country causes great difficulty, even for direct drilling. In these areas, aerial application of herbicide, seed and fertiliser would be necessary, but, where possible, ground application of herbicide is preferred to reduce off-target damage. Pasture management of these areas is vital to ensure plenty of competition to needle grass seedlings. Strategic grazing and resting of pasture should aim to maintain comprehensive ground cover, particularly during spring and autumn germination of Chilean needle grass seeds. For specific pasture species and management recommendations for your area refer to the appropriate pasture management guides. Grazing management One inexpensive and adaptable tool available to most landholders is grazing management. Although Chilean needle grass is less palatable than other introduced pasture plants, research has shown that during winter it produces a reasonable quantity of average quality feed (up to 16.6% crude protein and digestibility of approximately 60% — in comparison the temperate pasture grass fescue had crude protein up to 18.8% and digestibility of approx. 65%). In extensive areas of Chilean needle grass where it is uneconomical or impractical to control, consideration should be given to utilisation in winter in combination

with pasture topping or weed wiping in spring. In South America it is considered an important winter growing pasture grass. However, during summer it produces little green leaf and a large amount of unpalatable flower stalk. Because of its lower palatability compared to other pasture species, a high density – short duration strategic grazing management system is preferable. This allows better utilisation of the pasture as well as allowing the faster growing desirable species such as fescue to slow the growth of Chilean needle grass through shading. A heavy grazing with cattle in spring, when the flower heads were developing, reduces the number of flower stalks produced and made the grass more palatable to stock. Landholders have made Chilean needle grass dominated pastures more productive by using heavy stock densities for a short duration during the flowering period. Spraytopping of the pasture in the early flowering period with very low herbicide rates is also said to increase palatability. The most important thing in any system of grazing management is to maintain good ground cover and favourable conditions for the faster growing desirable pasture species. Chemical control In research conducted by NSW DPI

glyphosate gave 90% control at 1.5 L/ha when applied in autumn, but was significantly less effective from a spring application. By contrast fluproponate was equally effective from a spring or autumn application. Chemical control is a useful tool to be used in a management p r o g r a m . H e r b i c i d e application before direct drilling is essential. Later in a program, spot spraying of re-invading seedlings will also be vital to reduce pasture degradation. Glyphosate will generally be preferred to fluproponate for initial boom spraying in autumn where the area is to be resown because of the high cost of fluproponate. Glyphosate is used for or to assist in seedbed preparation prior to direct drilling, conventional preparation or aerial seeding. Fluproponate would be preferred for smaller infestations, spot spraying or removing Chilean needle grass from an established pasture where the infestation is large enough to warrant boom spraying. At registered boom spraying rates fluproponate has reasonable selectivity, leaving behind pasture species such as fescue and cocksfoot. However some pasture species are sensitive to fluproponate depending on timing — for example phalaris is sensitive to autumn applications but has little effect when applied in summer. Label information on selectivity should be carefully read. Manufacturers should be contacted if in doubt. Under some circumstances, usually at flowering, low rates of glyphosate can be added to the slower acting fluproponate to provide a quicker desiccation and reduce seed production.

TUESDAY 18th OCTOBER 2016

MWW MONARO WHITE WOOL Snowy Plain Boudjah Main Range

37TH ANNUAL RAM SALE Cooma Showground 05:7,*;065 HT ŕ Ž :(3, WT

)V\KQHO 9HTZ ŕ Ž 41 .YLLU Snowy Plain 20 Rams Snowy Vale Poll 20 Rams ŕ Ž 4 ( 2 3 /LKNLY Main Range 21 Rams ŕ Ž .> 4; :. ;VaLY

137 RAMS TOP OF THE DROP

FARM

Weed wipers using glyphosate have been used on Chilean needle grass with varying success. If plants are wiped between flowering and milky-dough stage (usually November to early December) panicle seed set is prevented. This overcomes seed problems when grazing (wool vegetable fault and eye/carcass injuries). Wiping to kill plants has not been highly successful, with less than 60% kill. Pasture topping is a useful technique for seed sterilisation in spring/early summer. For sheep producers this allows Chilean needle grass paddocks to be grazed (after complying with chemical withholding periods) without the panicle seed causing significant problems with wool vegetable fault or eye/carcass injuries. It also significantly reduces the amount of seed going to the soil seed bank. Chemical control has its drawbacks. The non-selectivity of most herbicides result in the death of both desirable and target species. Since Chilean needle grass has a large seed bank and a requirement for bare ground to establish, the resulting vegetation after herbicide application may actually have a greater proportion of the weed. Bare ground resulting from herbicide application should be re-seeded to provide the germinating Chilean needle grass with competition. If there are only a few plants it is probably better to remove them by hand than create a bare area with spot spraying. It must be emphasised that chemical application alone will not control Chilean needle grass. Herbicide options WARNING - ALWAYS READ THE LABEL Users of agricultural or veterinary chemical products must always read the label and any permit, before using the product, and strictly comply with the directions on the label and the conditions of any permit. Users are not absolved from compliance with the directions on the label or the conditions of the permit by reason of any statement made or not made in this information. To view permits or product labels go to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority website www. apvma.gov.au

Agricultural Employment Opportunity 2017 Monaro Farming Systems (an established producer group) is seeking expressions of interest from young people looking for a career in Agriculture to spend twelve months training with some of the leading producers on the Monaro. This is a unique opportunity for young people to gain invaluable practical skills in a variety of grazing and cropping disciplines, while also gaining practical “training course� qualifications. What better introduction to start of a long-term career in the Agricultural Industry!

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White Wool sale in its 37th year on the Monaro

Andrew Wishart calls for bids. October 18 will see the 37th annual white wool ram sale take place in the Litchfield Sheep Pavilion at Cooma Showground. This year there will be five studs with rams on offer – Boudjah, Carleon, Main Range, Snowy Plain and Snowy Vale. Lunch and refreshments will be available on the day The sale will be preceded by an open day at the Litchfield Pavilion on

Sunday October 16, from 10am to 3pm. Please bring your own lunch – tea and coffee will be available. Last year’s sale saw 125 rams on offer, selling to a top of $5100 for a Snowy Plain ram which was bought by Michael Green of Boudjah. Snowy Vale sold a poll merino for $4200, Boudjah rams sold to a top of $3200 and Main Range to a top of $2600.

COOMA LIVESTOCK

SELLING CENTRE SHEEP SALES

Fortnightly every 2nd Tuesday in season and special breeder sales

CATTLE SALES

2nd Thursday of every month All sales start at 10am

AUTUMN CALF & BREEDER SALES Contact Council or Agents for dates

FACILITIES AVAILABLE

Catering on-site & Truck wash For enquiries contact the Selling Agents t #PMMFS $P t &MEFST t -BOENBSL t .POBSP -JWFTUPDL 1SPQFSUZ 1-

Snowy Monaro Regional Council (02) 6455 1777

Last year’s top selling ram with Michael Green, Schute Bell’s Rebecca Breust, Michael Hedger and Rick Power.

Spring 2016 22 Lifetime performance flock site AWI’s General Manager of Research, Dr Paul Swan, said “The MLP Project is a great example of passion and commitment of the Australian Merino breeding community, and AWI, for genetic improvement of the Merino sheep which has played such an important role in the development of Australia as a nation, and will continue to provide the cornerstone of the global apparel wool industry. “We are very pleased to be able to add the CSIRO flock at Chiswick as the 4th hub in this important national project - not only does the site complement the other three sites, but it also allows us as an industry to preserve and to utilise the ewes from the AWI Breech Flystrike genetic resource flock, which was based at Chiswick.” Two joinings are now complete at the first site at Balmoral in Victoria with the first ewe lambs classed and extensively measured in what will become an annual activity for these ewes. The 600 ewes from 24 sires will be naturally mated to Merino rams next year. Meanwhile at Pingelly and Temora the first drop of lambs are now on the ground. The opportunity now exists for sire owners to nominate their rams for inclusion at the Armidale Temora and Pingelly sites for the 2017 joining of the MLP project. Entrants at sites receive a full range of visual and objective results including professional classer assessed performance, within site breeding values and ASBVs (Australian Sheep Breeding Values). Nominations close 5pm, Friday October 28. Further details are available from www.wool.com/mlp

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The CSIRO Chiswick Field Station near Armidale in Northern NSW has been announced as the successful candidate site to host the 4th Merino Lifetime Performance (MLP) project flock, following a national expression of interest process. The AWI-funded MLP project is a $4m, 10-year partnership between AWI, the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association, and participating stud Merino breeders and site hosts around Australia, which aims to increase the understanding of the genetic capacity for the Merino ewe to deliver high quality wool, lambs and meat throughout its life. Up to 135 sires are to be joined to 90 ewes to generate the F1 ewe progeny that will form the basis of the project. At the conclusion of the standard sire evaluation at 1.5 to 2 years of age, AWI will support the ongoing measurement and visual classing of all F1 ewe progeny through four to five joinings and annual shearings. By exploring the impact of selecting rams and ewes using early age performance the MLP is finetuning genetic selection processes and providing confidence in breeding and selection approaches. The project is taking place at sites within four significant sheep producing regions: Balmoral in western Victoria, Temora in the Riverina of NSW, Pingelly in the Great Southern region of WA, and the newly announced site near Armidale in the New England region of NSW which offers the combination of summer dominant rainfall environment and superfine Merino base ewes on the worldclass CSIRO sheep research facility at Chiswick Field Station.

O P E N DAY

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Round Plain sale Round Stud

Plain

Merino

PRINCIPALS: Gordon and Jenny Crowe ADDRESS: ‘Cross Roads’ Berridale, NSW 2628 TELEPHONE: (02) 6456 884 FAX: (02) 6456 8884 STUD FOUNDED: 1990 on Merryville Blood RAINFALL: 600mm Round Plain Merino Stud was founded in March 1990 with the purchase of 56 ewes and one ram from Merryuville Stud. Since March 1991, we have purchased top stud ewes from Merrignee Stud and five stud rams from those in the next five years. In 1998 we purchased 11 stud ewes and two rams from Snowy

Plain Stud. In 2003 and 2004 we purchased two stud rams from Wurrook Merino Stud in Victoria, both of which are Merryville blood. We have also purchased eight other Wurrook rams since. In 2013 we purchased one Cottage Park ram, paying $5500. In 2015 we purchased another Wurrook ram, paying $6000 for him. In 2015 we purchased another Cottage Park ram for $4000 and are very pleased with his performance. We have always achieved some of the top prices for our flock sheep at the Cooma commercial sales. The aim at Round Plain is to breed a true fine wool sheep with bright, long-stapled stylish wool

and with good fleece weights. In 2007 our top-priced ram was sold to Grathlyn Merino Stud at Mudgee and they also purchased our top-priced ram in 2008. In the past few years Round Plain has sold rams to Southern tablelands and the South Coast. In 2010 we took John Williams on board as our stud classer. We currently have 250 stud ewes, 500 flock ewes and run approximately 1500 sheep in total, with 50 rams offered annually. Sires in use: Wurook CAN, Wurook Ringo, Round Plain Ben, Wurook Horse, Wurrook Giant, Cottage Park 26, by Roseville Park 14. We are having an open day and private sales on Sunday October 16.

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Sunday October 16, 2016 10am - 5pm On Property “Cross Roads” Berridale ANNUAL RAM SALE ON PROPERETY WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19, 2016 INSPECTION 9 AM SALE 10:30 AM 25 1 YEAR RAMS USING HELMSMAN SELLING SYSTEM CONTACT: Gordon & Jenny Crowe “Cross Roads” Berridale 2628 Ph: (02) 6456 8884

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A low stress sheep dipping solution that comes to ewe Both Kris Mckeahnie and Sarah Davis moved to the Monaro as children. Liking the area so much, they have put down roots here and have made it their home. They have both worked within the rural industry since leaving school over 10 years ago and Kris has been a shearer in the region for the last seven years. He also helps his father run his property. Being a shearer, Kris has seen the effects lice are having on the industry and that there was a need for local producers to have access to a local dipping contractor. The amount of lice in mobs of sheep are increasing dramatically over the last several years, costing producers millions of dollars due to the effects it has to the woolclip and lack of condition in mobs of sheep. Lice are building resistance to some products on the market and some of those products are being used incorrectly. Therefore dipping sheep gives an alternative that is more effective for

prevention and treatment. Kris and Sarah had been working toward KM Dipping services for 12 months but four months ago it became a reality. Their plant, the Double Pumpa, is a unique system where the sheep walk into a V race. The animal stands there whilst water floods in from below their feet, rising to above the wither. A hydraulic head gate ensures the whole of the sheep is wet with solution, and with the sheep standing in the solution; the result is skin-deep saturation. This process is extremely low stress for the stock and for operators. KM Dipping offers a local service so they are more flexible and can fit in with local producers schedules. They also source their chemicals locally as they are passionate about supporting locals. With very competitive pricing, give Kris and Sarah a call for enquiries today.

Bindaree’s first stud sale Melissa and Lawrence Clifford will hold their first Bindaree Merino Stud’s (Flock no: 5098, established 2015) on-property ram sale on Friday October 21, commencing at 11am. The stud is offering 20 one-yearold rams, with 20 grade rams also available for viewing and purchasing after the sale. Sires used in the stud include Cottage Park – CP13 x 1227; Cottage Park – CP2 x TP39 x TP4339; Glen Donald - GLD 2.65 and Bindaree – Y410 x CP13. The average micron of the sale rams is 19.62. They were shorn on February 23 and side samples were taken on August 28.

KM Dipping offers a local service so they are more flexible and can fit in with local producers schedules.

Wool sample testing was done by AWTA. All rams have been examined by a local vet. Bindaree is accredited brucellosis free, OB 15/28 and Gudair vaccinated. Buyers are invited to join Melissa and Lawrence for a barbecue and refreshments on sale day and open day. An open day will be held on Sunday October 16, from 11am to 4pm. The auction will operate under the Helmsman system. Bindaree is located at 1001 Stoney Creek Road, Rocky Plan.

For the prevention and treatment of lice in sheep As part of our service we can provide you with a chemical that is your preference. We are more than happy to help you in making your decision.

1st On Property Ram Sale Friday 21st October 2016, Inspections 9:30am - Sale 11am Agent – Landmark - Helmsmen System

OFFERING - 20 Rams - 1 Year Old

On Property Open Day Sunday 16th October 2016 11am to 4pm BBQ and refreshments on Open day and Sale Day

Our aim is to be efficient and effective. All that is required from the Sheep owner is a tractor to run our PTO driven Pump, and to bring the Sheep to us and keep them coming. As part of our service we have the ability to pump or cart water from town. t %PVCMF 1VNQB JT B VOJRVF POF PG B LJOE EJQQJOH USBJMFS designed for low stress to stock and operators. t .VMUJQMF FòFDUJWF DIFNJDBMT BWBJMBCMF UP FOTVSF OP buildup of resistance. t &òFDUJWF GPS BMM NPC TJ[FT GSPN B GFX IVOESFE VQ UP thousands of sheep t 7 SBDF FOTVSFT NJOJNBM UVSO CBDL BO HPPE øPX t "MMPXT TIFFQ TUBOE JO DIFNJDBM GPS PWFS B NJOVUF guaranteeing skin deep chemical saturation

OB 15/28 Gudair Vaccinated

Lawrence & Melissa Clifford “Bindaree” 1001 Stoney Creek Road Rocky Plain NSW 2628 Flock No 5098 Mobile No 0423 902 561 Est. 2015 Home No 02 6456 8891

We take pride in the fact that this process is low stress to stock as they do not have to deal with huge inclines and declines g g the dip and throughout the process the sheep flow through just following the sheep in front throughout the stages.

Please do not hesitate to call for enquires. Kris 0428 990 766 Located in the Snowy Mountains Sarah 0401 480 466 Email kmdippingservices@gmail.com Servicing New South Wales and ACT

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Spring 2016

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Climate outlook overview

Spring (September to November) rainfall is likely to be above average across parts of northern Australia. Elsewhere, the chances of a wetter or drier spring are roughly equal. Warmer days are likely across much of Australia, except eastern NSW and southern Queensland. Warmer nights are likely for Australia, except southwest Australia, northeast NSW and southeast Queensland. Climate influences include a weakening negative Indian Ocean Dipole, and tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures which may approach—or briefly exceed— La Niña thresholds.

Rainfall Wetter three months likely for parts of northern Australia Spring (September to November) rainfall is likely to be above average across parts of northern Australia. For most of the country, the chances of a wetter or drier three months are roughly

equal. September is likely to be wetter in localised areas over northwest WA, southern NSW and southern Tasmania, but drier in parts of southern WA. The current outlook reflects a weakening negative Indian Ocean

Dipole and tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures that may briefly approach La Niña thresholds. Temperatures Historical outlook accuracy for September to November is Warmer season likely for most of moderate to high over most of Australia, except the east Australia. Spring (September to November) days are likely to be warmer than average for most of Australia. Southern Queensland, eastern NSW, and the far southern coast of WA have roughly equal chances of warmer or cooler spring days. Night-time temperatures are also more likely to be warmer than average for most of Australia. Southwest WA, southeast Queensland and northeast NSW have roughly equal chances of

warmer or cooler spring days. The current outlook reflects a weakening negative Indian Ocean Dipole and tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures that may briefly approach La Niña thresholds. Maximum temperature accuracy is moderate to high over most of Australia, except for some small patches in WA, where accuracy is low to very low. Minimum temperature accuracy is moderate over much of the country but patchy in WA and parts of the northern tropics.

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Spring 2016

Kybeyan expands to protect Koalas More than 1,000 hectares of critical koala habitat will be protected as part of a new land addition to the Kybeyan Nature Reserve west of Cooma, the Member for Monaro John Barilaro announced today. The land addition will increase the size of the reserve by 20 per cent and protect preferred koala tree species, Kybeyan River frontage and endangered plants found only in the Southern Tablelands. “The National Parks and

Wildlife Service has acquired this property as it is home to a well-established and nationally significant koala population,” Mr Barilaro said. “By permanently protecting this area we are securing suitable habitat for resident and breeding koalas and other threatened fauna species such as the spotted-tailed quoll and woodlands birds.” NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman said the property was located within

two critical landscape corridor initiatives, the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative and the Kosciuszko to Coast corridor. “On a landscape scale, these additional 1,013 hectares increase habitat linkages across protected areas on privately owned and other public lands,” Mr Speakman said. “The land addition also secures the protection of 10 kilometres of remote Kybeyan River frontage, providing access to water in dry times

25

and potential refuge against fire for these koalas and other species.” The expanded Kybeyan Nature Reserve protects two of three known NSW populations of the endangered Zieria citriodora. More than seven million hectares in NSW is managed and protected for conservation by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, a network covering close to 9 per cent of the state.

New fly species discovered in Kosciuszko National Park A new species of fly with some very unusual features including a forked penis has accidently been discovered in NSW by an Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) scientist while undertaking routine monitoring in an alpine creek in Kosciuszko National Park. OEH scientist Professor Gunther Theischinger said it is one of the most intriguing species he has ever discovered in a career that spans over 50 years studying aquatic insects. “While its unusual anatomy makes it stand

out from other species, including microscopic wings, very long legs and a forked or ‘double barrelled’ penis, it is also the first micro-winged male crane fly to be found on mainland Australia,” Professor Theischinger said. “The fly has been confirmed as a new genus and species and has been named Minipteryx robusta meaning “tough tiny wings” and is about 1.5 cm in size, about the length of a human fingernail. “The wings are highly unusual, measuring only 1/10th of its body length making them nearly impossible to see without a microscope,” he said. Professor Theischinger believes the hairy long legs, the reduced wings and weakened flight muscles indicate that it has evolved for walking rather than flying in a cold and windy high altitude environment and that the range of its distribution is very small. “Wings are of little use in cold latitudes or high elevations because the rate of vibration required for flight usually cannot be

achieved,” Professor Theischinger added. “Minipteryx robusta’s bizarre shaped penis is also very unusual for a crane fly, although we are still not clear on what advantages this feature might have. “One possibility is that in the various position changes and twists during crane fly copulation the lack of functional wings may be a disadvantage. The ‘double barrelled’ penis could possibly compensate by giving the male additional strength to grasp the female. “While this fly may have some shortcomings, he seems to make up for them in other ways. “This discovery just goes to show how much there is to learn about our environment and that unexpected scientific discoveries can be and are still being made sometimes when you least expect it,” Professor Theischinger said. Professor Theischinger scooped up the fly in a hand net on a wet and very windy day when sampling a small alpine creek as part

of OEH’s ongoing water quality monitoring program in Kosciuszko National Park. Flies play a significant role in the freshwater ecosystem. Crane fly larvae can be important in soil biodiversity, processing organic material and increasing microbial activity. They are also prey for many animals, including insects, spiders, fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals living near freshwater environments.

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Spring 2016

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Monaro Merino Ram sales schedule October 17 • •

12pm Adina Merino stud – ‘Overdale’ 2120 Peak View Road, 3pm Greenland Merino Stud on-property sale

October 18 • •

1pm 37th Annual White Wool Ram Sale, featuring: Boudjah Merino Stud, Snowy Plains Merino Stud, Main Range Merino Stud, Snowy Vale Merino Stud, Carleon Merino Stud, Litchfield Sheep Pavilion, Cooma Showground

October 19 •

Hinesville/West property sale

Plains

on-

October 20 •

10am Avonside on-property sale at Muniong

•

3pm Cottage property sale

Park,

on

October 21 • •

David Goggin P: 0423 360 240 Address: Monaro Hwy, Bredbo, NSW, 2630

Will Goggin P: 0419 615 133 Email: barefoothorses@gmail.com

11am Bindaree Merino Stud on-property sale 2pm Manawa Merino Stud on-property sale

October 27 • •

Greendale Merinos onproperty at Willarney Hazeldean on-property sale

Local shows calendar Local show societies are already planning for their 2017 annualsevents, with annual general meetings held and new executives committees taking the lead. The program for shows in 2017 is as follows:

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Dalgety Show The Dalgety Show is on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at the Dalgety Showground. Executive committee: President – Karen Thompson, Vice President – Julie Hedger, Treasurer – Christie Glasson, and Publicity Officer – Annie O’Keefe.

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The Cooma Show is on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the Cooma Showgrounds. The Show is also sponsoring the Zone 3 Regional Showgirl judging dinner in Cooma on February 18, 2017. Executive committee: President – Gail Eastaway, Vice Presidents – Dave Kelley, Margaret Barron and Winston Phillips OAM, Secretary – Sandy Robinson, and Treasurer – Sammy-Jo Suitor.

Nimmitabel Show The Nimmitabel Show is on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Nimmitabel Showground. Executive committee: President – John Alcock, Vice President – Ben Litchfield, Secretary – Gail Bright, and Treasurer – Fiona Richards.

Delegate Show The Delegate Show is on Saturday, March 4, 2017. The Delegate Pastoral and Agricultural Society is holding their AGM on Wednesday, October 12.

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Spring 2016

Ex-Governor General calls for national action

Major General Michael Jeffery opened National Landcare Conference in Melbourne on September 21. “The declining health of our soil places at serious risk our capacity to feed, clothe and water a rapidly growing population,� according to ex-Governor General and National Soil Advocate, Major General Michael Jeffery, who opened the National Landcare Conference in Melbourne this morning with an inspiring call to action about the importance of soil health. Close to 600 Landcarers from across the country converged on Melbourne for the biennial National Landcare Awards and Conference, as Victoria, the birthplace of Landcare, celebrates 30 years of the community movement, and General Jeffery addressed delegates with an opening speech entitled Save the Soil; Save the Planet, heralding Landcare as “a remarkable story of service to the nation.� Harking back to the very issue that inspired the establishment of Landcare 30 years ago, General Jeffery spoke about his concern for the future and the

importance of healthy soil to ensure a healthy and productive landscape. “Healthy soil is vital for sustainable life and impacts all society. If you eat, you should be involved,� he said, emphasising that improving soil health was not just a responsibility for farmers. According to General Jeffery, “the declining health of our soil should be seen as a responsibility for the whole population.� He discussed the impact poor soil health has had internationally and believes that Australia can help globally by not just exporting food, but exporting expertise. “Even if we doubled our food production, we’d only fed 60 million. If we export knowledge we might help to feed a billion people,� he explained. General Jeffery also called for a garden in every school in Australia to help “reconnect urban Australia to its rural roots.� The National Landcare Conference, hosted by ABC Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis, kicked off with 11 field trips showcasing some of Victoria’s best Landcare projects, including a visit to Main Ridge Dairy on the Mornington

Peninsula, where 180 goats sit on 130 acres, and a visit to Kinglake to learn about fire recovery around the area. It continued with a keynote speech from gardening expert and broadcaster, Don Burke, and was followed by the National Landcare Awards gala dinner. The National Landcare Awards saw 12 awards presented, including the prestigious Bob Hawke Landcare Award, to be presented by Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Luke Hartsuyker MP. Landcare Australia CEO, Tessa Jakszewicz, is delighted to see Melbourne host the event as Victoria celebrates such a significant milestone. “It’s very fitting to be celebrating Landcare at a national level in Melbourne during such a significant year for Victorian Landcare. National Landcare Conferences and Awards provide great opportunities for Landcarers from across the country to share

Major General Michael Jeffery pictured opening the National Landcare Conference in Melbourne on September 21.

knowledge and learn from each other’s experiences, and what better place to do it than the birthplace of Landcare,� she said. The National Landcare Conference, including the National Landcare Awards, took place from September 21-23. A full program can be found on www.nationallandcareconference. org.au.

The National Landcare Conference is organised by Landcare Australia, in collaboration with National Landcare Network and NRM Regions Australia, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and the Victorian Government.

Rural women to keep up with social media trends The National Rural Women’s Coalition (NRWC) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2016 e-Leaders Social Media Program. NRWC is responding to popular demand, running the third social media focussed program since 2014. The learning style incorporating interactive sessions in a virtual classroom is specifically designed for rural, regional and remote (RRR) women. “It has never been harder to get people’s attention and we acknowledge that there is great need to stay updated in the area of social media,� said NRWC President Dr Patricia Hamilton,. “For those living outside urban areas, it can be difficult to access the latest training – we offer a mode of delivery

that breaks down barriers and increases the opportunity to improve primary industry production and business success,� said Dr Hamilton. Applications for the e-Leaders Social Media Program will open on Friday October 7. Social media experts David Pembroke from Canberra and Cathie Denehy from Albany in Western Australia will deliver the program. “The beauty of the technology is that we can beam leading presenters straight into the homes of rural women, without any travel or downtime,� said Dr Hamilton. Past participant, Tarun Richards, together with her husband Dan, is a part owner of Humpty Doo Barramundi,

a barramundi farm half way between Darwin and Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. Tarun said the program offered flexible learning options due to the evening sessions and access to live recordings. “I only applied last minute‌with three kids and a husband who regularly works away, I didn’t think I had time to participate,â€? said Tarun Richards. “Well, I didn’t miss one of the eight weeks - the program showed me how to maximise my posts, gave me the skills to make our social media pages more professional and I’ve come away with some great tips and strategies for managing my time,â€? said Tarun. Apply online at www.nrwc.com.au.

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