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Rebates up to $20,000 & eligible activities include grain & fodder storage (eg. Grain & hay sheds)
This makes NOW an Exceptional Time to invest in your next shed.
VERSATILE… This multi purpose shed can be used for storage of Grain, Fertiliser, Hay, Other Fodder, Machinery or Implements. This makes it a truly adaptable item in your farm infrastructure. This shed is owned by David Kumnick at Booleroo Centre, SA. In this photo he has 250 tonnes of fertiliser in it and it’s only one third full. The shed size is 12m x 24m x 5.1m. Many other sizes are available.
What Makes Country Life So Good?
It’s Not Just Shed Structures That Interests Us
McKillops Bridge - Deddick Valley, Vic
In May, we took a short break for a road trip that included crossing McKillops Bridge in north-east Victoria. See back page for more trip info and here’s a bit more about this historic bridge. McKillops Bridge was built in two stages, commencing in 1931, when the Country Roads Board issued the contract to a Melbourne firm to build a high-level bridge over the Snowy River. The bridge was designed to have a clearance of 3 metres over the highest recorded flood peak of the previous 60 years.
The bridge was completed and due to be officially opened on 19th January 1934, but Mother Nature had different ideas (doesn’t she
GRAPHIC
always). On 8th January 1934, a ferocious storm produced a flash flood, which was higher than any ever recorded in the valley. The bridge structure caused debris from upstream to form a dam, with the pressure of this debris tearing the trusses from the top of the piers, sweeping the bridge downstream in a mass of twisted steel and broken timber. The centre concrete pier also collapsed under the pressure.
Work commenced almost immediately on the second (current) bridge. The Country Roads Board re-engineered the design, which included raising the bridge platform 4.5 metres and filling in the open ‘A’ frame structures of the piers to prevent debris being caught in the open structures. The bridge consists of welded-steel trusses seated on tall one-piece reinforced-concrete piers, supporting an elaborate timber stockbridge superstructure. The second bridge was completed and officially opened on 20th December 1936, attended by 250 people.
WARNING!
Yes, this is a gruesome looking photo so I’ve kept it small. But it’s a serious warning. Our friend bumped his leg on something in his workshop. Here’s his story...
“I bumped my leg in the shed last Monday a week ago and although it didn’t cut the skin I developed ‘Cellulitis’ which is a bacteria infection. Went down hill all week with 3 trips to the hospital with no improvement. A wound had developed from inside the leg on Friday. Back to the hospital last arvo and they admitted me, only after I insisted, and I’ve been on an IV antibiotics drip 6 hourly. Yes, it hurt like anything. Doctor coming in today to do an assessment on the wound. Had a CT scan yesterday to see how deep it was and a swab to identify the bacteria. I think the ‘Clean Up’ of the wound will be a ‘general aesthetic’ no way I’m doing it under a local.”
Four days in hospital with daily wound cleaning as well and the infection appears to be finally coming under control.
Advice: Take all bumps & broken skin injuries seriously, disinfect immediately, keep clean and insist on hospitalisation if YOU think it’s needed. And seek a second opinion if you’re not happy with initial assessment(s).
There have been many floods over the years, but the bridge withstood them all. The bridge has remained in service since the opening, with regular repairs and maintenance having been made, including a major restoration of the deck carried out by VicRoads in 2012.
If you feel adventurous (and have a 4WD vehicle) take ‘the long way’ on your road trips, and you’ll be rewarded with many interesting locations.
Yep… that’s Danny, checking the engineering of another structure!
This is yet another packed edition of Farm Gate News.
While the season is still tough, we hope you get some useful information from this edition.
We certainly also hope that we get more rain through the winter and spring months to lift spirits and improve your farming outlook.
We’re with you in this.
All the best
Ali & Danny Halupka Owners - Grant Sheds
You Little Ripper... Grant Sheds
LOCAL AUSSIE LEGENDS
Country Folk Always Try Harder
If It’s To Be, It’s Up To Me
Keeping a Positive Outlook in Difficult Times
Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to speak at many drought seminars on Financial Decision Making and Managing Yourself in Tough Times. The recent rain events since the King’s Birthday weekend in June brought some optimism, but the drought’s impact will be felt for some time. Usually, physical drought lasts one or more years, with the financial impact following. Having farmed through the 1982 drought, I’ve experienced tough times. Since then, I’ve lost my younger brother to Motor Neurone Disease, became a single parent after my wife left, was treated for prostate and facial cancer, and supported parents with Parkinson’s and dementia. Life can be unfair, but it’s still very good. What helped me through was maintaining a positive attitude and learning from each situation. Sometimes I had to fake it until I made it—but I did make it. I refused to feel sorry for myself or take on a victim mentality. That path leads nowhere good.
A hospital ward walk can be a sobering reminder of those worse off. Perspective is powerful.
In June I turned 72. My son Tim texted: “Happy Birthday great man. Thanks for role modelling integrity, honesty and resilience to me over the years.” I share that not to bignote, but to remind you what really matters: your health, your family and then your business, in that order.
When you retire, you don’t take livestock or machinery with you—but you do take your relationships. Choose to be your best self. Victor Frankl was the sole survivor when thousands of other German prisoner of war camp members died. He said, “The one thing no one can take from you is choice.” Choose to live.
Every day is one day closer to a good season.
In Defence of Good Men
When times are tough, it’s easy to feel like we’re not doing enough—or not good enough. But we want you to know: you are good enough. You’re doing your best, and that counts. And despite what some media might say, we reckon this world is full of bloody good men doing a bloody good job. That’s why we’re reprinting a story from 2018 that celebrates just that. If it lifts your spirits even a little, we’re glad. Here goes ...
“When Ali had dental surgery it led to a swollen cheek and eye and some facial
bruising. A common response when people saw her was “What, did your hubby hit you?” or “She needed to be put back in her place did she Danny?”
I know they were only joking but I actually found it offensive. I found myself feeling defensive on behalf of men. Most men would never hit their partners, so why is this a common response to a bruised face? It’s highly disrespectful to the majority who are good men and would never hit their wives.
Of course, I’m also well aware that domestic violence is not uncommon and I urge people in that situation to seek help. But please, leave the DV jokes aside if you see a bruised face and just say, “Oh, what’s happened to you?”
I’m passionate about acknowledging GOOD MEN
“Both goals meant that little bit more.”
Kade Chandler’s first goal for the night, on the Anzac weekend, came with a special tribute … a sign of love to his family who made the trip from Penong, west of Ceduna, to see him play live for the first time this year.
Wow … this makes me feel emotional every time I look at it. Kade’s parents, Tracey & Mildy Chandler must be proud as punch.
Kade is a great country bloke. I did a short inter view with him a couple of years back and he was so well spoken and down to earth. He left home on the family farm in his early teens, to go to boarding school in Adelaide so that he could be closer to high level footy action and coaching so he could follow his dreams of playing AFL football … and look at him now!
Well done Kade Chandler … you’re a great role model for other country youngsters to follow their dreams.
Photo source: Melbourne Football Club facebook page
Author: Ken Solly
Source: Stock Journal
1930 Angorichina Station, handfeeding sheep after 2 years drought.
(Source: State Library SA SRG-488-18-86)
Silence rarely helps anyone, especially in challenging times. By telling stories from around the state we hope to share new learnings, uplift others, and send the message, “you are not alone.”
Sandy & Phil Kernich
“Yarrawin Downs”
Keith SA
Cropping & Livestock,1280ha
Overall, how are you coping with the current drought situation?
Hmmmm?? It’s tough.
What has been the toughest part for you?
WE CHECK IN WITH RESPECTED
De-stocking more than half our breeding ewes and cows. Years of selective breeding gone. Having to organise financing to keep the remaining animals fed and put a crop in.
How has your past farming/drought experience helped you cope through this current drought?
We always keep a good store of hay & grain but this time we’ve had to buy more hay. When we farmed at Yamba, in the mallee near Renmark, we always kept 2 years worth of hay. At Keith, we thought 1 year would suffice but looks like we should keep 2 years worth here too.
Looking ahead, is there anything you’ve learnt recently that you’ll use for future drought management?
To pre-empt a rise in hay prices and to consider purchasing hay before it gets down to critical levels.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention that you feel may be of benefit to others?
Maybe we don’t need to grow all our own hay. Opportunity buy-in may be worth considering so that we don’t have to tie up paddocks with a hay cut.
What are you doing for fun and to stay connected with others? There isn’t much fun. Stock need feeding every 2nd day!! Racking up the k’s with the ute these past 18 months. But … taking our young granddaughter (our first) out in the ute during hay runs, so she can see the cows and sheep, is a pleasure & a blessing.
Here’s what they shared about In
Over generations, the weather cycles that include dry times, are a part of Aussie farming.
Todd & Bec Niejalke
“Yerrinan”
Pinnaroo SA
Cropping only, 2500ha
Overall, how are you coping with the current drought situation?
It’s been tough. And while other areas of the state have now had some rain, we’re still on the low end but grateful because there are other areas like upper mallee that have still had very little.
What has been the toughest part for you?
The unprecedented increases in costs for running a business – insurance, machinery, fuel, fertiliser … everything. We have experienced droughts before but the recent dry year has been extremely tough due to larger financial risk involved in growing a crop.
How has your past farming/drought experience helped you cope through this current drought?
It’s a reminder to try and have drought reserves – both financial and stock fodder (if you have livestock).
Looking ahead, is there anything you’ve learnt recently that you’ll use for future drought management?
Make the most of the good years and have a plan in place long before a poor season arrives.
What are you doing for fun and to stay connected with others?
Make sure to do the things that make you happy. Hobbies, fishing, going to sport etc. even just spending time with mates round a fire.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention that you feel may be of benefit to others?
Farming has a huge reliance on mother nature and sometimes even a well managed business can struggle due extreme weather events.
Generational farming: Todd with dad Jeff & son William (who is 7 years older now).
Feed-lotting sheep at Kernich’s Yamba (mallee) farm before they moved to Keith.
RESPECTED FARMERS
life in the current cycle
Greg & Sarah Klopp
“Noola Farming”
Maitland, Yorke Peninsula
Cropping only, 700ha
Overall, how are you coping with the current drought situation?
Being on YP, it’s an area with generally regular rainfall but we had <20mm between Nov-May which is very dry for here. Since June we’ve had good rains and we’re now hopeful for a reasonable cropping season as the forecast for the rest of the year is promising.
What has been the toughest part for you?
Waiting for the rain. As my father says, “Every day passed is a day closer to rain” because it will rain again, it’s just a matter of when and there’s absolutely nothing you can do to make it rain. Meanwhile it’s making decisions on what we’ll do depending on how long before it rains. I’ve put in more hay than usual for two reasons. (1) There are still areas looking to buy hay so there’s a market for it and (2) it will help with
Sam & Helen Mumford
“Deep Creek” Kangaroo Island Cropping & Livestock 2500ha
Overall, how are you coping with the current drought situation?
We’ve had drought conditions at end 2024 & start 2025 and we’ve also been in the rebuilding process after the devastating ‘Black Summer’ bushfires of 2019-2020. We are glad to have now received some good rain to break this drought.
What has been the toughest part for you?
Making hard decisions on what stock to keep & what puts us in the best position to rebuild later. Then spending the money buying grain to keep that retained stock well fed so we have a better product at seasonal selling time, otherwise we’d have no lambs to sell. The other major issue is the generations of breeding that has been lost. For example, one farmer I know had 2000 ewes and now has only 200. That’s 90 years of breeding lost for them that they can’t get back. There are some who may make the decision to get out of sheep altogether and resort to cropping only in future.
How has your past farming/drought experience helped you cope through this current drought?
You need broad shoulders in this industry. It’s not the first time we’ve been in this situation and it won’t be the last.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention that you feel may be of benefit to others?
We’re in ‘wet’ country now, being on Kangaroo Island but we’re originally from the mid north of SA and we know it won’t always rain. For that reason we always carry 12 months of feed. We always grow our own hay and store enough to last to the start of the following season.
cleaning up a rye grass issue we have. We’re doing a hay & canola rotation for that.
How has your past farming/drought experience helped you cope through this current drought?
Not really a drought issue but I’m grateful to have managed our farming operation such that I’ve been able to buy (with bank part ownership) some additional farming land despite the dry conditions. It can keep me awake at night though, worrying if I’ve done the right thing. But we did multiple what-if scenarios for finances, the bank was happy with that, and that gives me confidence… but I still worry at times, especially since its been dry too. But the opportunity was there and I needed to take it while it was. I’ve got relatively new and reliable equipment so I’ll be aiming to pay off some of the land debt before buying more machinery.
What are you doing for fun and to stay connected with others? Neighbours drop in regularly for a home brew on tap and we get out and play golf together.
What are you doing for fun and to stay connected with others?
We’re currently in Darwin. I like to come up here about every 2 years. It’s far enough away that I cannot go out in the paddocks or do any farm work so I get a total break for a while. We’re away for about 10 days and it’s a real re-set for life and energy. And a big part of the fun is the long drive. The saying that you should enjoy the journey and not just the destination is so true … for holidays and for life … though that journey has been going through the tougher parts of late.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention that you feel may be of benefit to others?
You’re not alone! Everyone in your industry is going through the same thing. Your neighbours too. Don’t keep to yourself. Go out and visit and you’ll see it’s not only you struggling through this.
IMPORTANT: Share How You’re Feeling
Sam Mumford says, “I was in a very bad way once we’d nearly re the KI bushfires and I had some extremely bad stuff going through my mind, to the point of thinking of taking my own life. I was talking to my children and I just had this epiphany. If I’m feeling this way, I hope they’re not too. So I laid my heart out on the table and told the kids exactly what was going on and I had a response from them saying that they were too. That’s something that I’ll never forget and for that one very reason, that was the snap-out. And it’s because of what “Breakthrough” has done for us that we were able to come through the way we have. It was literally that close. I can’t thank these people enough because if it’s not me that they saved, it might have been my family. How do you say thank you to someone that saved your life, and they don’t even know it? We don’t want to leave anyone behind.”
Google ‘Sam Mumford’ to view mental health videos that may help you. *Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation
& Confidential Helplines: If you’re struggling with your mental health, please contact one of the following groups
Fertiliser is to Let it Go Hard Smart Storage Solutions To Keep You Sane At Seeding Time
TOO BLOODY EXPENSIVE
The sun’s shining, the plan’s in place… but the fertiliser? It’s clumped. Solid as concrete. Instead of getting seed in the ground, you’re jabbing a crowbar into a silo or dealing with the airseeder that’s blocked up — again. Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. Farmers are reporting more frequent issues with sticky, oily fertiliser that clumps together in storage, especially when kept in silos.
Once it sets hard, it’s a nightmare to get out — some blokes are even tipping silos over just to access what’s inside. When fertiliser’s worth more than the silo itself, it’s a desperate measure… but understandable.
On top of that, you’ve got serious safety risks — working at heights, using rods or bars at awk ward angles — not to mention the mental frustration of trying to stay on schedule while losing time and money.
Here’s the cost breakdown when fert goes hard:
• You can’t use it, and replacing it isn’t cheap
• Valuable time wasted trying to break it up
• Ruined silos and cost of replacement
• Delayed seeding and lost yield potential
• Strain on your patience, workers, and wellbeing.
The good news? There’s a better way.
A Grain Growers rep recently told the Stock Journal that storing fertiliser in sheds is the best recommended practice.
And more SA farmers are taking that advice seriously — switching to Grant Sheds fertiliser storage sheds, including our popular sliding roof sheds and multi-use grain & fert sheds.
Why Switch To Sheds For Your Fertiliser Storage?
Because they’re:
• Fast and easy to load and unload
• Safer and simpler to access
Combination Fertiliser, Grain, Machinery Shed: The Behn family at Riverton, SA invested in this 12m x 18m x 5.1m multi-purpose shed as a safe option. They experienced the inconvenience of DAP fertiliser hardening in a silo and were concerned about the risk of getting hurt while trying to get it out. “I’m too old to be crawling and poking around in the silos,” Darryl said.
• Ability to divide fertiliser types
• Useful year-round - ideal for hay, grain, or small implements when not holding fertiliser.
And Sliding Roof Sheds Are A Ripper Option
Benefits of Sliding Roof Fertiliser Sheds:
• You can open and close the roof in minutes
• Truck drivers love the fast unloading
• Shed height stays low, saving you serious build costs
• Plus, you can build several of these smaller sheds to use for different purposes or in multiple paddocks or farms, without it costing you an arm and a leg.
If you want to protect your investment — and your sanity — give us a buzz at Grant Sheds on 1800 088 528.
We’ll help you work out a practical shed solution that suits your farm and budget.
We’ve been building “Bloody Good Sheds for Bloody Good Farmers” since 1952 — and we’re proud to help you get the job done right.
Call Now: Freecall 1800 088 528
NOTE: Tax Deductions & Rebates
Available These sheds may also qualify for the *100% instant tax write-off for fodder storage and the *$20,000 SA infrastructure rebate for grain and fodder storage — so it’s worth acting sooner rather than later.
*Conditions apply for the SA Government’s onfarm drought infrastructure rebate scheme. Info available here: https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/funding/ onfarm_drought_infrastructure_rebate_scheme
Shed the Stress, Hit the Road
“Even the hardest-working farmers need to step away from the paddock now and then—here’s how a quick getaway helped us reconnect, unwind and clear the cobwebs.”
Back in May, we took some advice that’s often given to farmers: “Take time out to rest and recharge.” So we hit the road for a quick 10-day break through parts of Victoria and NSW.
We kicked things off with a visit to our accountants in Swan Hill for some yearend planning—then the real holiday began.
First stop was Barraport (south-east of Quambatook) to see the ‘Spanner Man’ Sculpture Garden we mentioned in the May–June Farm Gate News. Well worth a visit!
From there, we headed to Bendigo for a must-do dinner at Danny’s favourite— The Woodhouse Bar & Grill. If you’re a fan of aged meats, it’s a beauty. Book ahead—it’s a popular spot. We then ventured northeast to Beechworth and on through the winding Kosciuszko Ranges and down to Lakes Entrance to catch up with Danny’s cousin over a fish dinner at ‘Sodafish’.
The next day we took on the winding tracks of the Snowy River National Park to reach McKillops Bridge—a long-time bucket list item for Danny. Some parts of the road were barely wide enough for one car. Lucky we didn’t meet anyone coming the other way!
Lois, daughter of a WW1 soldier settler from Monash, who was mates with Ali’s grandfather. We’ve only known Lois a short time, but it feels like an old connection.
In Cobargo, NSW we stayed with Otto & Sally Halupka, who bravely defended their home during the 2019–20 bushfires. Nature has done a remark able job healing the landscape—at least to the eyes of a visitor.
At Batemans Bay, we visited an old family friend Danny met when he was 13. Despite the passing of time (and Danny’s parents), we’ve stayed in touch. On the way home, we stopped in Albury to visit
Travel With Farmers:
You know you’re on a farmer’s holiday when…
You stop to inspect someone else’s haystack more than the tourist attractions.
*Just like Danny inspecting sheds and other structures while we’re on holiday. But … it’s natural to be interested in things similar to our work situations.
We were going to book a resort…
But the sheep started lambing, the tractor died, and so did the dream.
Thought I’d surprise her with a weekend away.
She was hoping for Barossa. I meant the back paddock with no phone reception.
Travel essentials: Toothbrush, jocks, thongs and enough beer to forget I’m still in South Australia.
Why did the sheep cross the road?
To make my day 3 hours longer and 10 decibels louder.
We missed a friend in Wagga who was recovering from chemo—but she’s now received the all-clear, which is wonderful news. After a quick stop at the Pioneer Settlement light show in Swan Hill, we headed home.
Phew, that was a whirlwind trip and a lot of K’s covered but we were glad to have caught up with these people who mean a lot to us and to see areas not visited before.
9 out of 10 times when I lose something... It’s because I put it in a safe place.
A little boy tells his kindergarten teacher that he found a dead cat.
“How did you know it was dead?” asks his teacher.
“Because I pissed in its ear and it didn’t move,” says the boy.
“You did what!?” shrieks the teacher.
“You know,” explains the boy, “I leant over and went ‘Psssst’ and it didn’t move!”
Nothing says “welcome to spring” like...
A magpie swooping you off the motorbike mid-paddock.
Danny at McKillops Bridge, Vic.
At Tumut. Danny inspecting yet another structure … sigh!
