Grain Producer Winter 2023 Edition

THE CONNECTIVITY DROP-OUT

SWAPPING CITY LIFE FOR HARVEST YP ROAD WRECKAGE

Winter 2023

THINKING

OUTSIDE SILO

Freeling grain producers take diversification to the next level

BROUGHT TO YOU BY GRAIN PRODUCERS SA

We can help YOU get connected and stay connected.

We provide independent, free connectivity advice for anyone living or working rural, regional, and remote Australia.

What we do

Our regionally-based team can provide you with tailored connectivity advice on internet and phone options and troubleshooting issues.

As an Australian Government initiative, we offer a completely free and independent service to help with your choice of digital technologies, applications, and solutions for equipment, setup, and installation. We also help you build skills that give you confidence when using technology. Please reach out to us!

How we have helped

We have helped over 100,000 Australians improve their internet or phone connection, extend or boost their reception, swap plans, resolve connectivity outages, and in some cases reduce costs. We are here to help.

We are an Australian Government initiative run by the National Farmers' Federation since December 2020.

1. Connectivity reports, escalation service and phone support. We provide 1:1 support to understand your best internet and phone options or help you troubleshoot issues.

2. Moderated social media channels so you can connect with us online at a time that suits you.

3. Connectivity Resource Hub provides a wealth of information, resources, tools and troubleshooting advice via our website. www.regionaltechhub.org.au

4. Attending events and engaging with you in your community. This helps spread the word about our services and connect with more people on-theground to help answer your questions.

5. Two-way information exchange with our partners, stakeholders, government, to identify common issues, challenges and outages.

www.regionaltechhub.org.au

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the revamped Grain Producer magazine.

This Winter edition has been months in the making and for grain producers, we hope this is unlike any other material you receive in the post.

Grain Producers SA wanted to bring you a publication that celebrates the grain industry in South Australia and delves into hard hitting topics, whilst also profiling our growers and sharing their stories.

As you will see throughout the magazine, for the first time we’ve sold advertising space. For us to print and post a hard copy of the magazine to every single GPSA member in South Australia, selling ads was the only way that we could make this viable and keep it free.

The magazine provides a nice balance between editorial and product offer-

Contact:

T: 1300 734 884

E: info@grainproducerssa.com.au

A: Level 13, 431 King William street

Adelaide, 5000

Editorial, Design and Published by: Grain Producers SA

Printing:

Terry Howe Printing

Online: www.grainproducerssa.com.au

Interested in Advertising?

Contact Rowan Thomas: rowan@grainproducerssa.com.au

Articles appearing in GRAIN PRODUCER do not necessarily represent the policies or views of Grain Producers SA. Products and services advertised in GRAIN PRODUCER are not necessarily endorsed by Grain Producers SA.

ings that relate to the grain and agriculture sector.

In this edition, we explore the connectivity divide on farms, how a sustainability focus is driving positive change, a Freeling farming family turning to luxury tourism to diversify, a rich history built on lentils on the Yorke Peninsula and the grain freight route putting lives at risk.

The spotlight for the Winter magazine is on biosecurity and grain pests, looking at the Federal Government’s proposed biosecurity levy and the serious threat of Khapra beetle.

You won’t want to miss the story about an Adelaide based chauffeur who has spent most of his life driving politicians but is now driving tractors at a grain farm in the Mallee. Or the inspiring story of a grain producer who has turned adversity into a message of wellbeing and doing what you love.

I’d like to sincerely thank everyone who gave up their time to contribute to the first edition of the revamped Grain Producer magazine – even as we put content together throughout a long harvest and seeding.

If you have any comments on these stories, ideas for features, or you’re a business that wants to advertise, please get in touch with me at: ceo@grainproducerssa.com.au prior to the Summer edition later this year.

But most of all, enjoy hearing about the challenges, opportunities and inspiring people working in the South Australian grain industry.

Brad Perry, GPSA CEO

DISCLAIMER: This publication is published by Grain Producers SA (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owners to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances, and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive, or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arise in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in the publication. Copyright © - Grain Producers SA Copyright (C) All material published in this communiction is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from Grain Producers SA.

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Quick Questions:

Lou Flohr works in the administration of Flohr & Co Farms in the South Australian Mallee. She is currently on the Southern Panel for the Grains Research and Development Corporation, and is raising her three young children, Ivy, Jude and Oliver with her partner Andy.

Name: Lou Flohr

Farm location:

Lameroo

Grows: Wheat, Barley, Oaten Hay, Lentils, Lupins, Beans

How long have you been involved in the grain industry?

Officially employed in the grains industry for 14 years.

What’s your fondest memory on-farm?

I love hay mowing time; in the evenings you have the warmth of the day which you can feel coming off the earth, but the coolness of the air as spring evenings set in.

It’s full of lovely smells and anticipation about the upcoming harvest.

What’s been the biggest challenge farming in the Mallee?

The variability is hard to manage, and all aspects of that; financially, emotionally and it’s tough on relationships. The wins are so sweet though!

How would you describe seeding time at your farm?

Hectic! But amazed at the ability of our family to keep the seeder moving. It takes enormous planning and thought to get the crop in, in a timely manner. Decisions need to be made quickly, and we are pivoting all the time. It is exhausting!

Preference: Day shift or night shift for seeding?

Currently doing both with kids! But if I had a choice, nights; less phone calls, more podcasts and amazing sunrises.

Go-to snack during seeding?

Cheese, meat and salad pack.

What do you love most about living in a small community?

Everyone is watching out for you, and they don’t care when your kids have a tantrum in the IGA.

What type of music are you listening to right now?

I’m loving Arcade Fire. Oldie but a goldie.

Dream job ifyou weren’t on the farm:

Maybe a psychologist?

Hobbies or interests outside ofworking on the farm:

Very few, but I think one day I’d like to take up pottery.

What advice would you give to a grain producer joining the industry?

It’s a small industry; try and maintain relationships everywhere you go. Simply put: don’t S$%t in your own nest!

Best advice your parents gave you:

Hard work gets you everywhere.

Grains Australia manages classification, market access, and market information and education to enhance competitiveness and profitability.

By bringing together critical functions for the Australian grains industry, we service the connection between what the market wants and what the industry can provide.

Grains Australia consults widely across the Australian grains industry and all commodities, and we work collaboratively to establish priorities that ensure net benefit to the overall industry.

grainsaustralia.com.au

Favourite podcast: We Can Do Hard Things - Glennon Doyle

Favourite holiday destination: We loved Kangaroo Island in March!

Last book you read:

Burn Out by Emily Nagoski (pictured right)

CONNECT OR BE CONNECTED

Grain producers are no longer accepting mediocre connectivity and are embracing the multitude of technologies to get them online and in signal. But how do growers navigate the plethora of options?

In today’s day and age, if you’re not connected via a satellite or a phone tower, there is no doubt it impacts the ability to live your life to the fullest.

As a grain producer, a reliable and sound connection for a mobile phone and internet access can be the difference between being productive or not. And there is no doubt, the lack of connection is also a safety issue.

CHATGPT KNOWS BEST?

Over the past two decades alone, the way farmers have adopted technology has been transformative. The parameters of technology are expanding - it’s faster and it’s helping grain producers to be more productive. But as we’ve seen with Artificial Intelligence, most recently through ChatGPT, almost anything is possible. ChatGPT can quickly, and somewhat effectively, access data and cut through to the point, answering often complex questions, for example, around fungicides or soils.

Here’s what ChatGPT told us when we asked what benefits and challenges the technology could have for South Australian grain producers:

“As an AI language model, ChatGPT could provide a range of assistance to

South Australian grain producers, including:

1. Providing information on weather patterns and climate forecasts that could help farmers plan their planting and harvesting schedules.

2. Offering advice on best practices for crop management, including soil preparation, pest and disease control, and fertilization.

3. Sharing insights on market trends and pricing information that could help producers make informed decisions about when to sell their crops and at what price.

4. Providing access to the latest research and innovation in the field ofagriculture,suchasnewcropvarieties and technologies that could increase yields and reduce costs.

5. Offering personalized recommendationsbasedonthespecificneeds and circumstances of each farmer, such as advice on how to optimize irrigation and reduce water usage.

Overall, ChatGPT could help South Australian grain producers improve their productivity, profitability, and sustainability, by providing them with timely and relevant information, insights, and recommendations.”

That’s all well and good, but you can’t access Artificial Intelligence services like ChatGPT if you don’t have reliable internet connectivity. ChatGPT needs data to operate. Farmers need data to operate. Without connectivity, it’s difficult to fully utilise that data.

CONNECTIVITY IS COMPLEX

The Regional Tech Hub, a brainchild of the Federal Government and run by the National Farmers’ Federation, has witnessed the digital divide for farmers firsthand.

General Manager Jennifer Medway says it’s a complex and evolving area for grain producers to navigate.

“Farmers might want to extend their internet to the shearing shed, or machinery shed, and don’t know where to begin,” she said.

“We are often told that very early in the conversation with a provider that the language and terminology is really complex and confusing and so people tend to walk away.

“Extending or improving coverage is a key need for farmers, whether that is in paddock, at the homestead, or in vehicles, for safety and communication. There are a range of options, but they do usually cost money. Finding out

what works best for different situations and getting the confidence to make the investment is not always a straight-forward process.”

Ms Medway said the Hub receives enquiries from farmers about traditional connectivity options such as aerials, antennas, boosters and extenders but there’s been an emerging area of enquiry into LoRaWAN, sensors, Starlink and NBN technology.

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Of the emerging technology solutions, there’s been plenty of discussion about Elon Musk’s Starlink, which from anecdotal evidence, appears very reliable. But there are other solutions out there that are changing the way grain producers in South Australia connect.

Grain Producers SA, with support from AgriFutures Australia, has undertaken a project with rapidly expanding connectivity provider, Zetifi.

Zetifi was founded in 2017 at the back of an electronics store in Wagga Wagga and has since grown exponentially with international recognition of its connectivity solution.

Chief Executive Officer Dan Winson said a small investment in better connectivity is one of the easiest things a producer can do to increase safety and productivity of their operations.

“Our role is extending the range of the traditional phone networks, giving you access to Telstra or Optus via Wi-Fi in areas where your phone can’t connect or extending out a connection from a satellite if you’re really remote

“Some of the benefits are related to the use of modern tools and technology, like access to cloud-based farm management apps or leveraging more capability from modern machinery, but a lot just comes down to being contactable anywhere you are,” he said.

Wi-Fi wherever you need it

“Think of being able to call someone when you’re bogged, call a worker to stop what they’re doing because you need them elsewhere, or get an alert about a leaking tank or dam while you’re halfway across the farm rather than back at the house.

AxisTech Data and Device Specialist Lucas Thornton said as technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative tech solutions that increase efficiency, productivity and profitability.

“To circumnavigate the continued issues with current network infrastructure, Agtech providers are increasingly looking to satellite technology to help provide real-time, high-bandwidth connectivity to farmers, even in remote areas. These satellites could support a range of applications, from precision farming to autonomous vehicles,” he said.

“New technology for expanding network connectivity has allowed Agtech

companies to provide more tailored solutions for extending connectivity across their site/s eg. point to point, Zetifi.”

ZETIFI PILOT PROJECT

The pilot project saw three grain producers across South Australia trial Zetifi connectivity solutions.

Mr Winson said the project has been a great success with the trust in its solutions helping to raise $12 million via a Series A funding round late last year with co-lead investment from GrainCorp and Telstra.

“The products we’ve provided each triallist essentially offer the growers two things; Wi-Fi connectivity around their high-use work areas such as sheds, silos, etc; and roaming connectivity for their farm vehicles and machinery,” he said.

“It’s the roaming connectivity via our ZetiRover that has been the real game-changer.

“One of the triallists is now looking to get two or three more ZetiRovers so all their vehicles and tractors are equipped with them at all times.

“The ZetiRover is our solution to providing roaming connectivity to the second office for grain growers and where they spend a lot of their time, that being their tractor, header, or sprayer.

“The way machinery is being built these days means that they will still work without coverage but you can get a lot more out of the technology that comes with these machines if you have reliable connectivity.

“There are also other options that open up to grain growers if you know you have connectivity right across a paddock, such as autonomous machinery which is starting to become a realistic and commercially attractive option for a lot of growers.

“This project has really reinforced just how poor connectivity is for a lot of growers which presents an opportunity for us to make a difference.”

MORE FRUSTRATING THAN UN-COOPERATIVE SHEEP?

Eyre Peninsula grain producer Dion Woolford was one of the three to take part in the Zetifi pilot project through GPSA and did so out of sheer frustration with the unreliable connection on-farm.

“Our farms are spread out around the Kimba district, and having a team of six or seven people working at any one time, at different properties, communication is imperative not only for efficiency, but also safety,” he said.

“The issue is that the signal is often unreliable or non-existent at a number of our properties.

“I was fortunate enough to be able to test the ZetiRover as a stand-alone unit over harvest. It stuck on the top of the lids on the harvester, plugged into the 12-volt socket and provided a Wi-Fi network in and around the machine. The chaser bin operator was also able to access the connection when close”.

Mr Woolford said the benefits of expanded connectivity on his properties are endless.

“One example might be the ability to price and sell grain, from the header, when ordinarily if I’m in a dead paddock, there’s no chance for this until after I’ve knocked off late at night, when the grain sale ship has sailed, so to speak,” he said.

“Another example is, being a poll merino stud, we need to shift data up and down on a regular basis from the yards. The Rover allowed us to do this with ease, reliability, and speed.

“Without it we are mucking around with hotspot on our phones, and I’d go so far as to say that connectivity in the yards is more frustrating than when the sheep are not feeling cooperative.”

WHAT OTHER SOLUTIONS ARE OUT THERE?

Experienced innovators are looking at how to solve the connectivity problem day in, day out using the latest technologies.

Western Australian based AxisTech is another AgTech business focussed on whole-of business data and Internet of Things device solutions.

AxisTech Data and Device Specialist

Lucas Thornton said poor internet connectivity and limited mobile coverage are the two main areas plaguing farmers.

“Farmers in rural areas quite often struggle with poor internet connectivity due to a lack of broadband infrastructure in their region. Whilst projects like the NBN and those implemented by State Government departments have improved speed and accessibility in some areas, large parts of the country still struggle with consistent speeds and connection,” he said.

CONNECTION: Reliable mobile phone signal is critical to running a farming business.

“High costs arising from the long distances and uneven terrains have made telecommunications providers reluctant to expand their coverage to these areas, forcing farmers to continue to struggle with poor connectivity or seek alternative options.

“Agricultural technology is playing a significant role in bridging the connectivity gap and finding relevant tailored solutions for farmers.

“By providing reliable connectivity solutions to farmers, AgTech companies like AxisTech can help to improve on-farm productivity, reduce waste, and increase profitability.”

Regional Tech Hub General Manager Jennifer Medway said there are many established providers and recent entrants to the market, such as Myriota (established) and Network Hoist (new entrant).

“For farmers, and depending on the need, the opportunity is to find a provider that can offer a bespoke solution that meets the needs of the producer

and doesn’t oversell, overequip or undersell the options,” she said.

“Farmers have to be really clear on what they want to use connectivity for now and over a five-to-seven-year horizon and then look for providers to deliver that.”

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CONNECTIVITY INQUIRY

In May, Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry presented to the Federal House of Representatives ‘Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts’ inquiry into co-investment in multi-carrier regional mobile infrastructure.

ABOVE: The Zetifi Rover attached to a ute. Source: Zetifi.

“GPSA wants to see a collaborative effort to improve connectivity and mobile blackspots for our producers in regional communities. Otherwise, our producers are being held back from important productivity and profitability advantages when competing in a global marketplace,” he told the Committee.

“When a telecommunications company is co-investing with government in what is a very expensive infrastructure project, it comes down to how many customers they can get on that coverage.

“In the end, they are going to get closer to at least a regional or metropolitan centre rather than, say, the 20 grain producers who populate a huge amount of land and contribute highly to the economy. That is not as good a sell for the telecommunications companies, unfortunately.

“For broadacre cropping, reliable connectivity is critical to ensure producers get the most out of their significant investment in digital agricultural machinery. With the high price of inputs, reducing costs through accuracy by utilising precision agricultural equipment is important. To do that, you need full connectivity.

“There have been some concerns from grain producers about that (3G being switched off) and what that will mean. Some of them only get access to 3G

and nothing else. I wonder whether there is an opportunity to utilise that change for greater coverage.”

Primary Producers SA made a submission to the inquiry on behalf of South Australian primary producers and appeared before the hearing in Adelaide.

THE 3G SWITCH OFF

Concerns about the major telecommunications companies switching off the 3G Network over the next 18 months have been voiced by grain producers in South Australia and across the country.

Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all plan to switch off their 3G Network by September 2024. Telstra will pull the plug in June 2024, Optus in September 2024 and Vodafone by the end of 2023.

Kimba grain producer Dion Woolford said he feels like switching off 3G so soon will leave a connectivity gap for farmers.

“Most of the time my phone uses 3G,” he said. “Rarely do I get a 4G or 5G signal unless I’m in town.

“If the 3G signal areas aren’t replaced with similar or better signal when it gets turned off, it will put most of the state back 10 to 15 years, without exaggeration. It’s as simple as that.

The PPSA submission stated: “PPSA observe that there is a need to ensure any investment from non-government sectors is incentivised and delivers commercial return on investment. Promoting commercial returns and competition promotes innovation, and innovation will ultimately benefit South Australian producers.

“PPSA are aware of innovations in multi-carrier infrastructure sharing, particularly in the sharing of passive infrastructure (eg physical towers), with active components (eg transmitters etc) being carrier specific. These arrangements are ultimately of a commercial nature; however, they should be incentivised to avoid unnecessary infrastructure duplication in a local area.”

“I would like some form of assurance that we won’t be worse off than we are now.”

These sentiments were echoed by fellow Eyre Peninsula grain producer and GPSA Director Peta Willmott.

“We are very worried about what’s going to happen next because 3G appears to have been wound down already in our region and you can notice the difference this has made to our connectivity,” she said.

“In a lot of areas, we only get one or two bars of reception on 3G and we could realistically have no reception in some areas once 3G is switched off and even well before that as they wind it down.

Source: McKinsey & Company.

“Turning off 3G, without replacing it with better technology, has the real potential to set us back. It will have a real impact.”

- GPSA Director Peta Willmott

“We stand to lose connectivity, essential for running agricultural technologies, which impacts efficiency and thus the sustainability of our business.

“It also greatly increases the health and safety risks for our team, something which is just not acceptable in this day and age.

“This will also impact major highway service coverage, essential for responses to emergencies.”

Yorke Peninsula grain producer and GPSA Director Chelly Litster, who farms at Curramulka, said reception has been getting worse.

“We end up starting with 4G on one bar and that drops to 3G quite a lot. When 3G is switched off, we are concerned that we will be left with no signal at all,” she said.

“At times we’ve found that we can’t make simple phone calls or play videos because the internet is so slow.

“Out on the tractor there is constantly troubles with phone reception and we regularly run into dead spots.”

Some on-farm technology is only 3G enabled meaning that particular technologies like GPS may need replacing, according to Regional Tech Hub Manager Jennifer Medway.

“The telcos have to prove 4G equivalence to the Australian Government before the 3G network can be shut down. So in theory, there shouldn’t be any challenges,” she said.

“The roll-out of the changes is occurring now, so some farmers may experience short outages while the technology is upgraded.

“However, there are also opportunities for change. Just like 2G and Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) before it, the 3G network is being used for data and other uses it was never designed for. The need to shut down the system enables the growth of alternative systems that are superior to the ones available now over 3G.

AgTech provider AxisTech’s Lucas Thornton said there is no doubt the changeover will provide some challenges.

and scale of the infrastructure required to cover the whole country means that it’s unlikely that this will ever be a viable option for a lot of farmers in remote areas.”

“Telstra’s plan to phase out the 3G network may present some challenges for farmers who rely on cellular connectivity. Although it is ultimately a necessary step to support the growing demand for higher bandwidth and faster data speeds,” he said.

“Farmers may need to invest in new hardware and devices to accommodate the changes.

“Also, 5G may not be readily available in country areas till a future date. Farmers are already looking to options beyond the 3G networks (eg. satellite) for improved stability and bandwidth.

“Continued development of the 4G/5G mobile coverage in Australia across the decade has improved network availability for many farmers, but the size

Leighton Wilksch, whose business Agbyte installs on-farm automated weather stations, said he has more than 300 units on 3G technology which will need to be updated to 4G.

“(I) am wondering how many legacy 3G devices will be left to degrade when the shutoff occurs,” he pondered.

“Having caught the end of the 2G shut off in 2010, I’d suggest there will be thousands of 3G devices that don’t have an upgrade option - flow metres, GPS, ATMs, weather stations, pivot control etc.

“Much of it still works fine. Much will be discarded as the ‘tech’ staff will have no idea about the issue or how to fix it.”

REGIONAL TECH HUB ADVICE ON 3G SWITCH OFF

Currently, there are three phone networks in use across brands – 3G, 4G and 5G. As 3G users are moved across to 4G and 5G with technology improvements, this creates space on the previous 3G spectrum which can be then used for the 5G network and its advanced technology.

This means anyone currently using the 3G network needs to transition across to at least 4G capable devices before the network is switched off. This includes phones, tablets, devices, and equipment that extend mobile reception such as antennas.

Each company or Telco is aware of which of their customers are using 3G enabled devices, which may include some farm machinery, older mobile phones, and some point-ofsale devices. They will contact those customers prior to any changes.

“While there may be some pain in the changeover, we generally think there will be a lot of positives in building a network that is fit for purpose now.”

- Jennifer Medway

Regional Tech Hub Manager

SATELLITE OUTAGE HAS PRODUCERS...

GRINDING TO A HALT

Satellite Inmarsat I-4 F1, which provides services for East Asia and the Pacific regions, abruptly halted seeding preparations in its tracks for some South Australian grain producers in April this year when signal was lost.

Machinery operations, reliant on Global Positioning Service (GPS) for precision farming, experienced a temporary loss of signal from the satellite, which lasted for several hours and threatened to be out of action for much longer.

Northern Mallee based grain producer and Vice-Chair of Grain Producers SA, John Gladigau, was hours away from beginning to seed when he was forced to start planning for planting with pre-technology methods.

“It started with a few people tweeting and posting about their tractor GPS systems being down, which as the day went on led to the realisation it was a global outage,” he said.

“An unexpected outage – and with no known cure. I believe there is a growing understanding that farmers use GPS technology in their machines – but most think this is limited to the ability of the tractor/header/sprayer to steer itself rather than the other benefits.

“It really hit me to see the at-times condescending and insensitive comments from some who suggest farmers today are ‘slack’, ‘have no idea how to be an operator rather than just a monkey on a seat’ and ‘if you just grab that big round thing in front of you and turn it from side to side you won’t even know the GPS is out’.

“But the staggering thing to me was how many of these comments were coming from farmers themselves.

“Autosteer is a 20-year-old plus technology now. It is a part of broadacre agriculture which is accepted as every day and normal. It is a staple, and the basis of other technologies. It is these new technologies which are driving efficiencies, production and effective use of quality data.”

Ramsey Bros Integrated Technologies Manager Michael Hadley explains that although the machinery dealer’s independent network, RAMNet, did not go down, the team took continuous calls for three days straight about the satellite outage.

“We supported our clients over the phone and fed them updates via social media as we heard more. The Satellite Corrected Signals stopped working, but the basic signal was still available, so the customer’s accuracy was no longer repeatable,” he said.

“Steering and flow controls were still operational, so although less accurate, farmers could spray and seed. Fortunately, land based RTK networks were not affected.

“The majority of new machinery today is fitted with technology, which plays a major part in saving time and input costs for grain farmers today. And while hiccups like this can cause major disruption, the gains made possible by technology in modern day farming are phenomenal. Our clients showed great resilience during the outage and we were proud to support them through it.”

Some South Australian grain producers were forced to revert to the Dark Ages when a British satellite lost service in April. It’s got some farmers questioning the reliance on technology operating from a single satellite.

OUTAGE: Tractor GPS signals were impacted when a key satellite lost signal.

EVOKING THE GRAIN INNOVATORS

South

Along with 1,600 innovators, investors, researchers and founders, local grain producers attended the Adelaide Convention Centre for AgriFutures Australia’s evokeAG 2023.

Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry, a member of the evokeAG Steering Committee, said the event canvassed several important topics, including market access, sustainability and biosecurity.

“For the grain producers that had the opportunity to attend evokeAG, they

left feeling inspired and thinking about ways to be more innovative and make their farming business more productive,” he said.

“Over the two-day event, grain producers had many conversations about topics fundamental to our industry and heard from international and national speakers on key topics.”

Eyre Peninsula grain producer and GPSA Grower Director, Peta Willmott, attended evokeAG and said the networking opportunities were enormous.

“It was an eye-opening event that made

you think outside the square and gave you an insight into what’s coming online from a technology point of view in the next five to 10 years,” she said.

“On our farm we are using more and more automation and we are looking seriously at moving towards automated spraying systems.

“The other thing I took away from evokeAg was the raft of communication technologies out there and it was fantastic to be able speak directly to some of the businesses providing solutions in this space.”

Australian grain producers converged on Asia Pacific’s premier agrifood tech event – evokeAG – in Adelaide in February 2023 and left feeling inspired about technology solutions on the horizon.

AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, John Harvey, said evokeAG has once again cemented itself as a world-class event, igniting the agrifood tech innovation ecosystems both at home and abroad.

“If these last two days have shown us anything, it’s how precious time is, and

how important collaboration will be moving forward – to achieve our goals as a nation and as a global food system,” said Mr Harvey.

“We’ve curated an opportunity in the Southern Hemisphere to create these connections face-to-face and to showcase Australian agriculture to the world.”

INTERNATIONAL THOUGHT LEADER ADDRESSES GPSA BOARD

Off the back of speaking at evokeAG, the Grain Producers SA Board invited internationally recognised thought leader and head of global agribusiness advisory The Shelman Group, Mary Shelman, to present.

Ms Shelman spoke about the challenges and opportunities in adopting sustainability initiatives on-farm and talked about her experiences transforming the Irish food system.

GPSA Chair Adrian McCabe said it was an honour and privilege for the Board to hear directly from such an experienced and world-renowned expert in the sustainability field. He said there were many relatable elements in Ms Shelman’s presentation that could be adapted to the grain industry.

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TOP RIGHT: Yorke Peninsula grain producer James Venning asks a question at evokeAg. (ABOVE): Mary Shelman addresses the GPSA Board.

POWER POLES HIT AT SEEDING TIME

South Australia’s electricity distributor issued a warning to grain producers to look out for power poles and lines with 65 on-farm incidents since January, 2021.

Grain producers are being urged to avoid disaster by mapping out electricity poles and wires on their farms.

Figures released by SA Power Networks show that of the 65 incidents with power infrastructure on-farm in South Australia since 2021, the Eyre Peninsula recorded the most with 20, while the Mid North had 13 and the Yorke Peninsula had seven.

Of the incidents, 24 were recorded as directly related to seeding, while there were fewer at harvest – with 11. Between seeding and harvest, there were 15 accidents with power infrastructure while spraying.

The energy distributor said tractors, seeders, harvesters, spray booms and augers are among equipment contacting electricity infrastructure at various times of the year.

“Understandably everyone is keen to get the crops in, but in the rush, they can potentially put themselves and others at life-threatening risk,” said Paul Roberts, Head of Corporate Affairs at SA Power Networks.

“Most of the powerlines on farms are 19,000 Volt SWER (Single Wire Earth Return) powerlines – that is a high voltage that is potentially lethal or that at best will cause significant, long-term injuries.

“Powerlines can be difficult to see, so confirming their location before you start work, could avoid serious injury or even save a life.”

Eyre Peninsula grain producer Andrew Polkinghorne said it is becoming more difficult to navigate power poles and lines on-farm.

“The problem of pole incidents has become more frequent over time due to bigger machines, less skilled operators and more timeliness pressure,” he said.

“Therefore, we are often operating in less-than-ideal conditions with poor visibility, e.g. at night, dry sowing in windy and dusty conditions and GPS drivers are often distracted by mobile phones etc.

“I’d like to see investment in better operator training by supporting a training simulator where people new to the industry could develop their skills prior to operating large airseeders.

POWER POLE FARM INCIDENTS

“There are examples elsewhere in Australia where simulators are used to help upskill operators.

“Quite a high degree of skill is required to manoeuvre an 48-metre boom spray or a 24 metre airseeder around a power pole.”

To help local farmers plan their work, they can access GPS mapping of South Australia’s electricity distribution infrastructure via the Look Up and Live app and website www.lookupandlive.com.au

HIT: The damage from farm machinery hitting a power pole. Source: SAPN

FROM THE DRIVER’S SEAT

In political circles, many would recognise Warren Bartsch.

He’s reserved and polite but if the inside of the vehicle he drove for almost 30 years could talk, it would have some incredible stories to tell.

The ministerial chauffeur has been behind the wheel since 1994, driving a succession of South Australian Premiers, Ministers, and Members of Parliament.

So, Warren could have been forgiven for shrugging off requests from his Mallee farming friends to help out during a record harvest.

But as you’ll find out, swapping the chauffeured car seat for the seat of a tractor was a no-brainer.

PREMIER DRIVER

It was the year 1994. The world’s first smartphone had just been invented and boy bands were taking the music charts by storm.

An advertisement appeared in The Advertiser seeking a ministerial chauffeur for the South Australian Parliament. At the time, Warren was already an experienced driver, working for Hughes Limousines, a company that has been around for nearly 120 years.

“I was told about an ad that appeared in The Advertiser for a ministerial chauffeur and at the time I had my own car working for Hughes Limousines. So I got my resume together and sent it off,” Warren said.

Warren got the job and shortly after was driving some of the state’s most senior people, eventually going on to drive Premiers Dean Brown and Steven Marshall.

HEADING IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION

When Steven Marshall lost his position as Premier in 2022, Warren took leave and planned to put his feet up for a while.

“My wife has been friends with the Heinicke family at Pinnaroo for many years,” Warren said.

“We have spent many weekends and holidays on their farm. We would do odd jobs and assist where we could when we were there.

“They would sometimes ask: when are you coming to help out with harvest?

“So, in 2022 I decided that it was time for a change. I took some leave from my driving job and went up to Pinnaroo to drive the chaser bin for harvest.

“I grew up on a small property in the Barossa Valley. Not crushing grapes but crushing gypsum to be added to cement. So I grew up with trucks and tractors.

“The attraction to the farm was to do something different to help bring in the harvest and be part of feeding the world.”

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF HARVEST

So late last year, Warren made the journey from Adelaide to Pinnaroo to take up residence with the Heinicke family.

The rainfall that year in the typically dry South Australian Mallee was unusual. There was plenty of it. Crops were huge and it became clear early that not only would it be a long harvest but there was a strong chance of getting bogged. Getting bogged in the Mallee is simply not done.

Pinnaroo has long term average rainfall of just over 300 millimetres annually.

In 2022, the Bureau of Meteorology recorded 532.2 millimetres at Pinnaroo – the highest annual total rainfall in the area for at least 20 years.

And if you’re thinking that Warren must have had experience working on a broadacre property, you’re wrong.

The Heinickes, Malcolm, Kerry and son Joel, have a farm at Pinnaroo in South Australia’s Mallee region, cropping wheat, barley, rye and lupins.

Upon agreeing to help out at harvest, there was no way Warren could have understood the extent of the job.

“This was the first time I had worked on a farm,” he said.

The damp soil resulted in an abnormal Mallee experience – getting the header bogged.

“That was an experience,” Warren said, laughing.

“The rain hindered the start of harvest a bit but once they got going it was pretty good.”

As a city dweller for most of his life, Warren enjoyed tackling the farm challenges head on.

When Warren Bartsch was offered the opportunity to swap from driving politicians to driving a tractor, he took it with both hands.

“I saw the opportunity after the election to do something different and go up and help them for the eight to 10 weeks over harvest.”

“My job was the chaser bin driver and I had a go at driving the header. It was challenging, but I think with a little practice I could do it,” he said.

“The biggest challenge was how close you had to drive to the header with the chaser bin. Being a wide front on the header, the auger is only just long enough to reach the chaser bin.

“We put GPS self-steering on in the tractor part of the way through harvest. That helped a lot.

“The long hours and night work didn’t bother me. I am used to that type of working period.

“We didn’t have many breakdowns but when we did, it sometimes was hot. You go from an air-conditioned cab to 38 degrees outside.”

The experience was so rewarding that Warren went back to the Heinicke’s farm for seeding.

“What I enjoyed the most was to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The stresses of driving in traffic,” he said.

“The only thing I had to miss was the front of the header.

“It really was just an enjoyable change from the city to get out in the fresh air and sunshine.

“Someone would bring food out to us, so we didn’t need to stop. I just found that was so enjoyable and the food was delicious.”

ESCAPING CITY LIFE

With a seemingly ongoing shortage of labour in the grain industry, and agriculture more broadly, part of the answer may be to find more people like Warren.

“It makes you think ahead, and prepare yourself, so you pack your lunch in the mornings and everything you need and away you go for the rest of the day. It’s a great difference from the normality of the city.”

DOCUMENTING THE JOURNEY

As part of the entire harvest experience, Warren also documented his journey. He published it on YouTube titled ‘Life on the Farm, Pinnaroo’, and it has since amassed almost 100,000 views, with comments from around the world.

“If someone is looking for a challenge, a bit of physical work and a change in lifestyle, then it’s a great place to go,” he said.

“There is social life at the two pubs in Pinnaroo. There’s football and cricket and other things if you would like to get involved.

“I was starting out documenting my trips away when I’d go on holidays and then when I worked on harvest, I thought I may as well do the same here,” he said.

“While I was waiting for the harvester to fill up, I would set out my next shot.

“After nearly 28 years driving politicians around, I was ready for a change. I really enjoyed my time on the farm and I’m looking forward to going back.”

ABOVE: Warren Bartsch found the job of pulling the chaser bin to be challenging but enjoyable. Top Right: the view from above.

“Most of the video and photos were taken on my phone. I have a DJI mini 2 drone which I love. It does such a great job. I also use a GoPro and sometimes a Nikon camera.

“The normal number of views that I get for my YouTube videos is 20 to 100 and it’s usually family and friends.

“When I got to 200 views it was like ‘that’s a bit’ but it just kept on going and going and going and it was increasing at some stages by 1000 views a day.

“I think it’s great that so many people around the world are interested in farming and like to watch what we do here in South Australia.”

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STUNNING: Warren’s photo of a harvest sunset at Pinnaroo. (Right) Warren helping out with seeding at Pinnaroo.

DON’T BE A DRIFTER

Grain Producers

and CropLife

I’ve taken the Spray Pledge’ corflutes are starting to pop up on farm fences and gates across South Australia as the new initiative gains momentum.

South Australian grain producers are being encouraged to take the voluntary pledge to demonstrate they are using best practice when spraying agrichemicals on-farm by visiting www.spraypledge.com.au.

Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said this national-first initiative is designed to highlight and reward grain producers who are applying agrichemicals responsibly.

“We know that a majority of grain producers using agrichemical are applying it diligently, but we also know that spray drift incidents are occurring in South Australia, particularly where broadacre and horticulture co-exist,” said Mr Perry.

CropLife Australia Chief Executive Officer Matthew Cossey said spray drift not only leads to economic and productivity losses, but the bad practice of a few threatens access to crop protection products through prohibitive regulation for the many who use them.

“Spray drift is the most common cause of off-target chemical movement and a serious issue that the entire production and distribution chain must remain vigilant in preventing,” he said.

“CropLife’s members invest billions of dollars each year into the continual research and development of products that are not only safe for human health and the environment but are formulated to improve application precision to reduce the risk of pesticide drift.

“Ultimately however, best-practice product application is crucial to mitigating spray drift and the best line of defence in maintaining access to current and future chemistries for more productive and profitable farming.

“Maintaining access to crucial technologies and therefore continuing to strive for sustainable agricultural practices is everyone’s responsibility – whether you’re a chemical manufacturer, retailer, agronomist or applicator, you have a role to play when it comes to staying on target.

“Partnerships like the ‘Responsible Spray Applicators Pledge’ provide a way for the agricultural industry to show the broader community that all

of the agriculture sector is on the same page when it comes to best-practice farming and preventing spray drift.

“We can achieve this when combining industry-led best-practice initiatives with the leadership and commitment to being world best as demonstrated by applicators in South Australia who sign up to the Spray Pledge.”

Agronomist Craig Davis, who also has a farm at Salter Springs, said the Spray Pledge is a valuable tool in helping make change.

“The industry needs to work proactively to ensure all members in the supply, advice and application chain act responsibly with regards to many facets, including spray drift,” he said.

“We are vulnerable to regulation changes controlling our activities and need to ensure we all do the right thing.

“I signed up to the Spray Pledge to demonstrate my proactive attitude

SA

Australia’s ‘Responsible Spray Applicators Pledge’ is the first of its kind in Australia and is directly targeting behavioural change for grain producers. What impact is it having? We asked grain producers across the state about why they are signing up.

“We all need to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.”

- Craig Davis, agronomist

to reducing spray drift and to ensure there is peer pressure on others to do the same. This is through my own behaviour with chemical application, but also through the advice I provide to our clients.”

Mr Davis said he has made changes to his farming practice to apply agri-chemical more responsibly.

“We have updated our spray tips (nozzles) to lower drift nozzles that can still provide adequate performance for our needs,” he said.

“Also, I have properly calibrated the boom to ensure accurate application.

“We have installed weather stations to monitor and record weather conditions before and during spraying.

“We also avoid spraying during hazardous inversion conditions that can lead to unpredictable and long-distance spray drift.”

DEDICATED: Melissa and Craig Davis, who farm at Salter Springs, understand the importance of applying agrichemical responsibly and have taken the Spray Pledge.

Name: Andrew Walter

Farm: Melrose

Why did you sign up to the Pledge:

To educate myself and others to be involved and to get exposure and clarity for all to understand our farming industry.

Name: Pat and Mary Connell

Farm: Navan

Why did you sign up to the Pledge:

To show we care about our environment. Chemical spray misuse shouldn’t happen and I want this problem fixed. All chemical users understand inversions and need to ensure they consider inversions carefully.

Name: Alan and Samuel Baker

Farm: Nantawarra

Why did you sign up to the Pledge:

Because doing these things is needed to show others. We tick the box for all criteria to safely use chemicals and this is what we want to show we do. We want the right to farm and need to continue using chemicals, as chemicals and pesticides are vital to producing crops for the good of all.

At the office of Grain Producers SA in November 2022, some of the state’s most experienced professionals on agrichemical application were meeting to discuss the ongoing challenges of a wet grain season. The roundtable resulted in positive changes in the fight against a destructive fungal disease.

ustralian grain producers were provided with approval for chemicals to help manage and control fungicide resistant powdery mildew in wheat following a roundtable on crop disease last year.

The permits are for Proquinazid and Quinoxefen – which are Group 13 fungicides – and Metrafenone which is Group U8 – giving growers an alternative effective mode of action to protect their crops.

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) provides these permits to support growers and industry through the emergency and minor use program managed by

Australia’s federal regulator, the Agricultural Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA).

TACKLING CROP DISEASE HEAD ON A

These emergency and minor use permits support the grains industry’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to manage pests, weeds and crop diseases when needed, in grain producing regions.

GPA acted on a request from Grain Producers SA (GPSA), through its Crop Disease Roundtable, to address this rapidly emerging issue and seek the permits for growers.

GPSA grower Director, Nick Hillier, who chaired the Crop Disease Roundtable, said the process of gaining an

emergency use or minor use permit is an important step in crop protection in Australia.

“This system allows an issue like fungicide resistant disease to be identified and dealt with quickly in order to minimise the loss of crop yield to the Australian grain producer,” he said.

Agronomist Matt Howell, who participated in the Crop Disease Roundtable and raised the issue of wheat powdery mildew resistance with GPSA, said he had been hearing similar concerns from other agronomists in his network.

“I knew that if we didn’t get action while the problem was there and top of mind,

COLLABORATION: The Crop Disease Roundtable met last year.

then by the end of harvest it would become just another minor issue,” he said.

“I knew after speaking within the agronomy network that others were facing the same problem but didn’t know how to go about making noise.

“It was fantastic to have cohesion between researchers, agronomists and industry representatives through the roundtable.

“GPSA pulled together some of the sharpest agronomists I know into one meeting, with pathologists, disease experts and industry representatives, to discuss the possible impacts of what we are seeing, and facilitated a discussion that outlined the problem and showed the potential for a way forward.

“The short-term outcome of permits was achieved, the medium and long-term outcome of more research into powdery environmental conditions, genetic resistance and disease infection modelling should now be well and truly on the radar for the GRDC and other funding bodies/researchers.”

Fellow agronomist Sam Trengove, who also took part in the Roundtable, said trials from resistant mildew had shown yield losses of 10 to 20 per cent (often 0.7t/ha) in SVS wheat varieties under moderate to high disease pressure.

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DISEASES: Permits for agrichemicals were approved in South Australia to fight powdery mildew in wheat. Source: GRDC.

“It will give growers options to control mildew with resistance and/or reduced sensitivity to other modes of action and will aid in the ongoing management of fungicide resistance, providing growers with alternative modes of actions to mix and rotate with.”

“We partner with the relevant industry body, in this case GPA, who hold the permit(s), and make sure that the required work is done to bring these permits to growers.”

GRDC will be investing in the required field studies during 2023 to enable the permit renewals to be submitted to the APVMA.

The Crop Disease Roundtable also discussed faba bean chocolate spot and several other challenging grain diseases and plans to meet again in 2023.

Another participant in the roundtable was Grain Research and Development Corporation’s Manager of Chemical Regulation, Gordon Cumming, who said GRDC invests in bringing minor use permits to fruition for growers.

“GRDC invests in the process, generating the data required for the permits, as well as developing the regulatory submissions that go to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA),” he said.

The supportive efficacy data that underpinned the APVMA application for these three permits has been generated in various GRDC and South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT) investments, to evaluated fungicide control options for Wheat Powdery Mildew.

There is currently an APVMA requirement for additional residue data to be developed to allow for the renewal and continued use of these three permits beyond the 2023 season.

TAKING ACTION: Faba bean chocolate spot was also discussed at the Crop Disease Roundtable. Source: PulseAus.

“Approval of three minor use and emergency use permits will give growers options to achieve high levels of powdery mildew control, if used correctly.”

- Sam Trengove, agronomist

THINKING OUTSIDE THE SILO

Freeling hay and grain producers, the Schusters, weren’t looking to diversify into tourism when they decided to renovate an old barn on their property. What followed next was a leap of faith.

STUNNING: The completed silo accommodation project at Freeling. Source: Ben Huckstepp Photography.

Corbin Schuster, a sixth-generation grain and hay producer at Freeling, grew up on the family farm close to the Freeling township with his parents, Gavin and Sherinne, and brothers Leighton and Harrison.

The farm has been good to the Schusters, with generally consistent rainfall and easy freight access.

“It’s quite a reliable area and a good hay producing area - really good for pulses, cereals and everything,” Corbin says.

“Last year was probably our biggest season ever in terms of production. It was almost a little bit too wet, so everyone was happy, including the fungicide retailers but it just proved what can be done.”

THE BARN IS RE-BORN

For more than 15 years, the Schusters had talked about renovating an old, dilapidated barn on their property.

“We bought the paddock back in the 1980s and the previous owners used the buildings as part of their operating farmyard,” Corbin says.

“In 2017/18, we had a decision to make. The buildings were in a state of disrepair, and we could have either bulldozed them and cropped through it, which would have been a much easier solution, but then we had a builder come out. He said: ‘the buildings can be repaired, what you’ve got here is a fantastic piece of infrastructure, why don’t you put a new roof on it and kick the can down the road a little bit further and if you decide to do something with it in the future, at least it’s been preserved until that decision is made.”

After much contemplation they had architectural drawings done, engaged a builder and the work began. Once the project was finished, they were inundated with enquiries to use the space. That’s how ‘The Barns of Freeling’ was born.

“We put on a new roof on and we shored up the walls, put floors in and put doors

in and we ended up with a function centre which we host weddings and other events, birthdays and we host workshops here as well,” Corbin says.

“With weddings we’ve got people coming from south of Adelaide and people coming from interstate and there weren’t really any local accommodation options for people who are here as guests at the wedding.

“Just to the south of the main barn we had this other barn that was part of the original farmyard back in the early 1920s and we thought that we could possibly turn this into some accommodation as well, so we’ve developed the southern barn into three suites which allows people to stay here for a wedding on a particular weekend.”

With weddings and events booking up ‘The Barns of Freeling’ well in advance, the family began to consider expanding the accommodation offerings.

“We had a family meeting about two years ago to discuss further accommo-

DIVERSIFYING: Freeling farmer Corbin Schuster on the balcony of the family’s luxury silo accommodation.

“We thought, if a vineyard can have a cellar door, then why can’t a grain farm have a barn and use that as a focal point of the farm?”

- Corbin Schuster

dation options and we all arrived on the same page,” Corbin says.

“We did an analysis of the farm and Freeling is not quite as expensive as the Yorke Peninsula, but Freeling’s an expensive area to expand in terms of farming operations but we looked at what strengths we’ve got and what advantages we’ve got.

“We are close to Adelaide and we are close to the Barossa. We did realise a lot of people come from Adelaide to go to cellar doors in the Barossa and we can see the Barossa from some of our paddocks. So, we thought if a vineyard can have a cellar door, then why can’t a grain farm have a barn and use that as a focal point of the farm?

LAYING IN A FLAT BOTTOM SILO

The seed was planted for an idea to expand the Schuster farm accommodation options and build silo accommodation some time before it eventuated.

“We thought three suites isn’t really enough, is there something else we can do?” Corbin says.

“A couple of years ago we were down at Longerenong for the Field Days and we were wandering around there and it was a little bit hot and someone – me - forgot to bring a hat and glasses and water.

“We kind of took a leap of faith.”

UNIQUE: (Top): The inside of the silo accommodation roof. (Bottom): The luxury silo accommodation during construction. (Inset): the Ahrens silo display that Corbin laid in which inspired the silo accommodation idea.

“I walked over to the Ahrens stand where they had all their augers and silos on display and walked in and laid down on the ground directly in the middle of their flat bottom silo display.

“I thought ‘this would be brilliant if you could put a bed in here then you could look straight out through the top where you put the grain in, and it would just be a fantastic little accommodation project’.

“And then the idea didn’t go away. So fast forward a couple of years when we were looking at expanding the accommodation options here at the farm, we thought ‘how hard could it be to transform three silos into some accommodation suites’?

“We ended up partnering with an architect over in the Barossa, JBG Architects and then the builder here, Bishop Building, and they’ve basically turned three flat bottom silos, which are nine and a half metres high and with a nine-metre diameter, into these three accommodation suites.”

LABOUR OF LOVE

The construction of the silo accommodation has been a labour of love for the family with all of them chipping in, whilst also running the grains and hay operation and hosting weddings.

“We need another month or two in the year, 12 months in a year is not quite enough, especially after this harvest just gone,” Corbin jokes.

“We’ve got a really good workforce here on the farm, both family and employees who can operate autonomous almost, and that’s allowed us to pursue things like this.

“We haven’t had a chance to get away to the beach or the Flinders or anything like that but this is our project and we are putting a lot of time, thought and effort into it to make sure it’s successful.

“It’s actually brought the family together. It’s given us an end goal that we can all

see where we need to get to and we can all take our own paths to get there.”

LEAP OF FAITH

The three silo accommodation units tower over the Schuster farm, featuring stunning views over two floors.

For Corbin, the response has been overwhelming and reinforced the family’s ethic to “do it once and do it right”.

“I’ve put a few teaser shots on various bits of social media of the accommodation, including the grain silo accommodation, and the number of people tagging their friends or partners saying, ‘we’ve got to stay here’ has been extremely positive,” he says.

“We were getting out of our comfort zone a lot but you’ve just got to go into it with the best of intentions. Build it once and build it right and we aimed to produce the best quality we could.

“We work these paddocks all the time.

VIEW: Guests staying in the silos get a nice view over the Freeling farm. Source: Ben Huckstepp Photography.

We’ve also seen the build progress from a bare patch of earth to see these silos come out of the ground and then be turned into accommodation but because we’ve been here the whole time, we don’t tend to appreciate the structure, appreciate the views that you can see from the balcony on the second storey where the bedroom is.

tourism accommodation in Australia. Most farmers will diversify with some extra livestock but the ambitions of the Schusters know no bounds.

“We are grain producers, we are hay producers, we wrap dead grass in string, so hosting tourists or hosting weddings is about as far removed as you could possibly be from our core business, but we have learnt through good years and bad years that diversification is key,” Corbin says.

“If you can diversify the farm business with income streams that are independent of how much rain falls from the sky then that can only be good for the business long term, so that’s one thing that was in the back of our mind when we did this.

“It’s a view that we are surrounded with every day in the course of our work here on the farm but for people to come up from Adelaide who just see buildings and traffic and everything during the course of their workday, this is something completely different for them.”

GRAIN AND TOURISM

Corbin admits there were some “uncomfortable conversations” had within the family when the idea was floated to invest in this one-of-a-kind luxury

“Going forward you have to diversify, you have to venture into new enterprises and new markets and the primary thought has to be, ‘I need to do this to the best of my abilities and do this better than anyone else in the market’.

FREELING ON THE MAP

A key goal when developing the stunning accommodation options was to heavily involve the Freeling community and help make the town a must visit destination.

“The first impression for people that come up here is just this ‘wow’ and that’s really important to us that people appreciate the countryside like we do.”

FAMILY EFFORT: (From left to right) Leighton, Corbin, Sherinne and Gavin Schuster at the construction site during the silo accommodation project. Absent: Harrison Schuster.

DESIGN: An impressive floor to ceiling feature in the silos.

“We’ve been here since 1875 and we are always looking for the best way to get the most out of the ground and make the most out of our location where we are now,” Corbin says.

“We’ve been here in Freeling for six generations, we don’t plan on moving for the next six or seven generations, so it’s in our best interests to help turn Freeling into a destination town and we want to try and do as much as we can to add to the town of Freeling as well.

“We want people to come to Freeling, not go through the town as they currently do, and we see the silo accommodation as something to add to the value of the town.

“It’s a farm asset, it’s a diversification of the farm business but it’s also something Freeling can be recognised for as well. We are doing our best to turn it into a luxury stay and something that people can leave here with a good impression and good memory of.

“We’ve tried to include the Freeling community as much as we can and turn this into a real community asset as well, so there’s various businesses that host workshops or forums out here at ‘The Barns.’ We have preferred suppliers, so if there’s a wedding here, we promote and recommend local businesses.

“I didn’t realise how many empty beer and wine bottles and cans there could be after a wedding but we fill a couple of wheelie bins full after every wedding, we take that down to the 10 cent recycling depot and then all that money is donated to the local Country Fire Service and Wheatfields (aged care facility).

“With the accommodation as well, when people are staying here, there’s an option for them to have breakfast dropped off from the local café.

“We’ve realised that in order to get people in the town along with us on this journey, it’s important to include those local businesses and it also gives them exposure.”

With the silo accommodation project finished and guests already staying in them, you could be forgiven for thinking the Schusters might take a break. But Corbin is resisting the urge.

“The agri-tourism is definitely something I want to look at in the future,” he says.

“We want to invite people up to stay here and then we can take them for a tour of the farm, they can come sit and touch a tractor and then we can also do a presentation on the farm and have a bit of a Q and A with the actual farmer who’s farming here.

“I think there’s definitely demand from people to have that and it’s in our best interest as grain producers to have that level of transparency and if people have got questions, not to shun them or ignore them but to answer them and invite people onto the farm to have a look and share what we do.”

THE BARNS: (Left) An old Schuster truck on the farm and (Above): original accommodation at ‘The Barns’.

KEEP THE PESTS OUT AT ALL COSTS $$

Grain producers will reportedly pay an additional $1400 a year on average through the Federal Government’s new biosecurity levy announced in the May Budget.

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt heralded a new era for Australian agriculture with a “Sustainable Biosecurity Funding model, for the very first time in our nation’s history” as part of the 2023-24 Budget.

The Minister’s media release stated that the Budget delivers $1.5 billion in new spending, to help ensure agriculture is protected from short and long-term threats like exotic pests, disease and climate change, as well as helping to grow the industry through access to more workers and overseas trade markets.

“For the first time, an Australian Government is locking in higher, ongoing and more predictable biosecurity funding, from year to year - drawing a line under years of stop gap, temporary funding from Coalition Governments, that placed our agriculture sector at risk,” he said.

“This will result in more than $1 billion of additional funding for biosecurity, including $845 million to support biosecurity operations across the coun-

try, protecting our valuable agricultural industries.

“To address risks from travellers and parcels, funding from an increase to the Passenger Movement Charge will contribute to the cost of biosecurity, and we will expand cost recovery to include the biosecurity clearance of parcels and non-letter mail.

“Importers will contribute more fairly through their clearance costs with increased fees and charges expected to take their total contribution to biosecurity costs to almost $350 million next year.”

However, it appears that grain producers won’t be spared in contributing more through national levies.

“We will also introduce a modest new biosecurity protection levy on agriculture, fisheries and forestry producers –creating a new system that will be more predictable, equitable, transparent and accountable than ever before,” Minister Watt said.

A proposed increase in agricultural levies, “set at a rate equivalent to 10 percent of the 2020-21 industry-led agricultural levies” from July 2024 is expected to raise $153 million over three years.

Federal Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud called the proposed levy “senseless” and warned it would be passed onto consumers.

“It’s unfathomable the Labor Government would ask farmers to pay for the biosecurity costs of importers from other countries,” he said.

Mr Littleproud also lashed out at the Government for “increasing the road user charge on truckies by six per cent, compounding each year”.

SHORT-SIGHTED DECISIONS

GrainGrowers Limited Chief Executive Officer Shona Gawel said the decision to impose a ‘Biosecurity Protection Levy’ on producers was disappointing, as farmers were not risk creators and could now be facing undue costs.

“The Agriculture Minister, Murray Watt only recently endorsed an independent report by the Invasive Species Council that suggested the people who create the biosecurity risks need to pay their fair share,” she said.

“The imposition of what the government believes is a ‘modest levy’ is neither fair or well directed and we would respectfully ask the government to reconsider such a short-sighted decision.”

It is often said biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. And while that is true, it appears the responsibility for the cost of biosecurity is being shifted onto farmers. Grain producers are taking the biggest hit.

CONCERN: Federal Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud has called the new biosecurity levy “senseless”. Source: David Littleproud Facebook.

Grain Producers Australia Chief Executive Colin Bettles said grain producers already pay levies to fund emergency biosecurity management responses.

“GPA has been advocating for a biosecurity levy to be introduced on imported sea containers, to make the system more equitable, but that wasn’t delivered in the Budget,” he said.

“Unlike producers who pay these direct levies, the risk-creators also don’t live with the dire consequences of an incursion such as Khapra beetle, which would be a $15.5 billion hit for the Australian grains industry, our communities and the national economy.”

At a State level, Grain Producers SA Chair Adrian McCabe said the focus on biosecurity is welcome but it’s unfair that grain producers are having to foot a large portion of the bill.

“One billion dollars of additional funding to strengthen biosecurity measures should be a positive but we are concerned that grain producers’ bottom line is being hit by what is effectively cost recovery,” he said.

“The timing of this initiative is also interesting with the Federal Agriculture Department in the red.

“It’s not the farmers that are putting Australia at risk from pests and diseases but yet, we will be paying for it and then in the event of an outbreak, we will no doubt be asked to pay for the response too.”

“It’s unfathomable the Labor Government would ask farmers to pay for the biosecurity costs of importers from other countries,”

- David Littleproud MP

Farmers acknowledge an increase in government biosecurity spending, which extends beyond the forward estimates for the first time, according to National Farmers Federation President Fiona Simson.

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to cement and increase baseline Commonwealth funding into the Budget, including through some increased charges on importers and travellers. It’s important to see that locked in,” Ms Simson said.

“However, farmers hoping to see an increase in biosecurity funding have been dealt a bittersweet hand, with a surprise raid on farmers’ hip pockets set to help bankroll the system.

from around Australia to discuss challenges, opportunities, and innovative approaches for protecting Australia’s biosecurity system.

Federal Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt addressed the forum and told those participating that Australia’s biosecurity system needs strengthening.

“While our biosecurity system has for the most part served us well up until now, and it is worth noting Australia remains free of the type of large-scale outbreak that would bring industry to its knees, over the last few years we have started to see cracks in our biosecurity wall,” said Minister Watt.

“The risks are growing and increasing in complexity, driven by factors such as climate change, increasing trade and travel and changes in land use.

“It is clear to me that our biosecurity system is under more strain than ever.

“We need a biosecurity system that keeps pace with today’s needs and prepares for the threats of tomorrow.”

FUNDING SHORTFALL

“Farmers are already a significant contributor to the system in recognition of the benefits it provides the sector.

“What’s more, we bear the cost of managing historical pest and disease incursions and face the enormous threats posed by pests and diseases on our doorstep.”

The increase is set to be imposed on primary producers from 1 July 2024, after a period of industry consultation.

CRACKS IN AUSTRALIA’S BIOSECURITY WALL

On 5 April 2023, the Federal Government’s Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry held the National Biosecurity Forum. It’s described as an annual national event that brings together a diverse range of industry, government and community stakeholders

It is a critical time for biosecurity; the threats on our borders from exotic pests, weeds and diseases aren’t reducing and growth in trade volumes is putting pressure on the system.

And yet, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, which is responsible for keeping pests and diseases out of Australia, has been in serious financial trouble – reportedly hundreds of millions of dollars in the red prior to the May Federal Budget.

“Unfortunately, over the last few years, the way in which we fund our biosecurity system has not kept pace with these growing threats and costs,” Minister Watt told the National Biosecurity Forum.

“Cost recovery settings for biosecurity operations have not been properly reviewed since 2015, resulting in budget deficits in three of the past four years.

“Rather than passing on increasing costs to industry as has traditionally

occurred under the Australian Government Charging Framework - and as recommended by the 2017 Craik Review - the former government plundered departmental cash reserves and ran up deficits that were hidden within larger departmental structures.

“As a result, the department has needed to fund the shortfall in cost recovery, totalling more than $100 million.”

Former Agriculture Minister and Nationals Leader David Littleproud told media he was unaware the Department was hundreds of millions of dollars in debt.

“[I was] totally surprised considering their financial performance statement for the end of financial year 21-22, just after the election, showed a net profit of over $88 million,” said Mr Littleproud.

“I think in the machinery of government changes [with] agriculture being split up from environment, Murray Watt went to [the] expenditure review committee and lost out to Tanya Plibersek.

“Agriculture has taken the fall for the environment.”

“Farmers will face a bill equivalent to 10 per cent of their industry-led agricultural levies – levies which already fund many biosecurity activities and organisations.”

- Fiona Simson

HIT: Grain Producers SA Chair Adrian McCabe says the new levy is a cost recovery measure.

GRAIN ENEMY NUMBER ONE

Over the past 12 months there has been a lot of discussion about the threat of foot-andmouth disease (FMD), which spread through livestock in Bali and across Indonesia.

Much of the conversation revolved around preparedness and prevention. And while the spotlight continues to be firmly on the threat from FMD, and rightly so, different pests and diseases rampant in other countries remain a serious concern.

The biggest pest threat for the grain industry in South Australia and nationally is Khapra Beetle.

Khapra beetle is Australia’s number two National Priority Plant Pest and the number one Plant Priority Pest for grains. It is not present in Australia, but it is a highly invasive pest that poses a major threat to Australia’s grains industry and is native to India and has spread to many parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

The pest has been recorded infesting more than 100 commodities including most dried plant products, such as wheat, maize, barley, rice, millet, sorghum, pulses, cotton, sunflower, sesame and spice seeds, and some animal products. It can survive as a hitchhiker pest in shipping containers for several years.

The Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) successfully responded to detections of Khapra Beetle in the packaging of imported fridges and highchairs in 2020 at multiple sites across Australia.

Approximately 73 per cent of interceptions in 2020–21 were attributed to imported products arriving by sea to Australia with container contamination.

KEEPING GRAIN PESTS OUT

The constant threat from Khapra Beetle is not lost on South Australian Grains Biosecurity Officer (SAGBO) Shafiya Hussein.

Day in, day out, South Australian grain producers are constantly on the look out for pests and diseases. But the biggest threat doesn’t come from mice, snails or worms – it’s a small but destructive beetle.

The SAGBO plans and manages the Grains Farms Biosecurity Program (GFBP) for South Australian grain producers and industry and knows too well the impact the grain pest could have on the South Australian grains industry if it established in Australia.

Khapra beetle remains enemy number one for the South Australian grain industry.

“South Australia exports 80 per cent of the grain it produces and a large portion of this goes to Khapra beetle sensitive markets,” Shafiya says.

“South Australia is a major producer of malting barley and hard wheat. Khapra beetle originated in India and is a notorious hitchhiker. It is now spread across a number of other counties and can be transported in shipping containers, cardboard boxes, used machinery, and by travellers.

“Khapra beetle is a voracious feeder and it may lie dormant for two to five years without any feed. Khapra beetle is not food selective, it will feed on dried

animal and plant matter, including cereals and pulses.

“There is always an opportunity to do more due to the increased global interactions; trade and travellers. Our borders are constantly being challenged from exotic disease, pests and weeds.”

Shafiya holds many workshops and seminars across the cropping regions of South Australia, so what is the biggest concern she hears from grain producers about biosecurity?

“The possible cost of eradication, how long the eradication process will take and how this will impact the farm operations,” she says.

“There is a legal obligation to report a pest suspected of being an exotic. Early detection means eradication is more likely to be successful, reducing costs and the impact on producers.

“We need to continue to establish ongoing absence of pest and disease to support market access and trade. If you see anything unusual, please report to 1800 084 881.”

ILLEGAL PLANTS SEIZED

As a reminder of the ever-present threat, earlier this year, Australian Government biosecurity officers intercepted 38 tonnes of high-risk foods and plants found in a Sydney warehouse.

Upon further investigation, 116 different types of produce were uncovered among the haul of at risk-produce, including turtle meat, frog meat, pork, beef, geese, duck, raw prawns, soil and plants.

Minister Watt said the seize was significant in not only size, but risk to agriculture.

“The 38-tonne haul of illegally imported meat and plant products (was) one of the biggest seizures of biosecurity risk material in this country’s history,” he said.

“(There has been an) explosion in contaminated cars that are arriving at our ports, with unwelcome passengers like the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, exotic snails and Siam Weed.

PEST: Khapra Beetle could devastate the grain industry,

“Whether it’s at our airports, seaports or mail centres, the risk of a biosecurity incursion is growing.”

On May 5, an Australian passenger was found to be carrying concealed seeds at Brisbane International Airport. The person was the first to be issued with Australia’s new 20-point penalty infringement notice of $5,500 for deliberately concealing biosecurity risk materials.

UNRAVELLING PEST GENETICS

The ways in which governments and biosecurity agencies approach pest and disease threats is also changing. Through technology and research, traceability and detection are becoming much more advanced.

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has embarked on a new project to unravel the genetic blueprints of

Australia’s top pest and invasive species to better enable their management or eradication.

The Australian Pest Genome Partnership (APGP) will generate the genomic data of hundreds of pests and weeds.

The data will assist researchers working on pest and weed species and underpin next generation species-specific solutions.

CRACKDOWN: Australian Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt inspects some of the 38 tonnes of illegal meat and plants intercepted by Australian biosecurity officers. Source: Senator Murray Watt Facebook.

APGP has prepared its first 28 genomic datasets, and with its collaborators, will make public genomic data assets for some of Australia’s top pest and invasive species such as mosquitoes, Khapra beetle, cane toad, fall armyworm, fox, feral pig and cat, as well as weeds such as wild radish, rye and rat’s tail grasses.

Takes

the headache out of foliar disease control.

“As the risk grows so too does the cost of keeping out these exotic pests and diseases.”

- Murray Watt

RESEARCH: Dr Rahul Rane (left) and Dr Tom Walsh will sequence hundreds of genomes for the Australian Pest Genome Project. Source: CSIRO.

NAVIGATING SUCCESSION PLANNING ON-FARM

Top Five Tips for grain producers’ succession planning:

1. Seek professional advice;

Agrain producer can best prepare for succession planning by seeking professional advice, such as their lawyer and accountant, to ensure that their affairs are set up appropriately so there can be a smooth transition of their farming enterprise from one generation to the next when the time comes,” says Mellor Olsson Senior Associate Callen Bubner.

“There are a number of challenges associated with farm succession planning and they can vary depending on your own circumstances and family dynamics.

“I would say that one of the greatest challenges with farm succession planning that our clients face is determining how best to ensure their children

(on-farm and off-farm) are treated ‘fairly’ when the succession plan is enacted, so that there isn’t a dispute or argument later on.

“Farmers will need to consider what provision will need to be made for their off-farm children, but without jeopardising the ongoing operation of the farming enterprise.”

Mr Bubner said farmers are becoming more aware of the potential for large farming disputes, particular in respect of farming land, largely as a result of land prices.

“I believe that primary producers are certainly now more aware about the need to have a succession plan in place, or at least bearing this in mind while building their farming enterprise,” he said.

2. Make sure your enterprise is structured such that control can be transitioned to the next generation without incurring significant Capital Gains Tax or Stamp Duty, and there is flexibility;

3. Don’t bury your head in the sand – if something needs to be fixed and can, then do it;

4. Make sure there is some provision for off-farm children if you can;

5. Don’t set and forget –succession plans do vary over time and need to be continually reviewed.

There is a myriad of challenges when it comes to family farm succession planning for grain producers that need to be carefully navigated.

ROAD TO

RUINS

Grain Producers SA surveyed members to find out which stretch of road was the Worst Grain Road in South Australia. To the surprise of no-one who uses the route, the Upper Yorke Road, from Arthurton to Kulpara, on the Yorke Peninsula, topped the list. BRAD PERRY reports.

As I stand on the Upper Yorke Road, between Arthurton and Kulpara, at the entrance to the Sunnyhill Distillery chatting to local grain producers, a truck drives past with wheels on the dirt to avoid an oncoming car. Rocks flick up, hitting the encroaching vegetation.

This is a typical everyday occurrence for grain producers and the community who live along, or use, Upper Yorke Road.

A grain producer asks what it will take to fix the road and questions whether authorities will wait until there’s a fatal accident. It’s a morbid question but sadly, the Upper Yorke Road, specifically the stretch between Arthurton and Kulpara, is in such a state of disrepair that grain producers are spending additional money on fuel to avoid it. After all, safety for them is paramount.

“Historically the Upper Yorke Road has been our direct route to grain bulk handlers at Mallala, Dublin and Port Adelaide,” local grain producer Chris Moloney tells me.

“However, over the past five years we have chosen to avoid the road and take an alternative route via the Clinton Road, further south, due to safety concerns with the state of the road.”

Chris Moloney is a fifth-generation farmer at Arthurton on the Yorke Peninsula cropping more than 1000 hectares of primarily wheat, lentil rotation with canola and oaten hay as well. He also drives his own trucks, so is well experienced with the Upper Yorke Road.

“Currently the narrow and uneven surface means truck drivers are often having to navigate large bumps and potholes, as well as pulling the vehicle off the road when passing oncoming heavy vehicles, which is an extreme hazard especially when carrying a full payload, all whilst sharing the road with a growing tourist population that is unfamiliar with these challenges until they’re on the road,” Chris says.

“Urgent attention is required to protect the safety of all road users along this stretch.”

This 36-kilometre route is undulating, thin and vegetation hangs over in spots. Taking my life into my own hands, I park the car on the side of the road and inspect the road shoulder. It’s so poorly constructed that large chunks of the surface crumble away in my hands. The faded grey sections of the road look tired and well past their used by date.

Chris says he wasn’t the least bit surprised the Upper Yorke Road, Arthur-

IN FOCUS - WORST GRAIN ROAD

ton to Kulpara, was named the Worst Grain Road in South Australia.

“The Kulpara to Arthurton stretch is well known amongst locals in the farming and wider community, plus any unsuspecting tourists, as unfit for purpose and dangerous in certain areas especially when used by grain trucks and tourist traffic during harvest,” he says.

Third generation grain producer Sam Correll echoes similar sentiments about the notoriety of the Upper Yorke Road.

“The width is extremely inadequate for two heavy vehicles to pass safely or a heavy vehicle and a caravan for that matter,” he says.

“Generally, one of the oncoming vehicles has to move over the verge, creating rock sprays, dust and a bigger lip on the edge of the bitumen. This also puts the drivers at risk of losing control of their trailers, caravans or loads.

“We have experienced broken windscreens on vehicles from oncoming trucks.”

LOSING CONTROL

Sam Correll’s family run farm is situated 10 kilometres north of Arthur-

ton with their broadacre operation focussed on wheat, lentils, canola and barley, based between Paskeville and Petersville, made up of owned/leased and share farmed land.

Like many of the grain producers living in the area, Sam is worried about safety on the Upper Yorke Road.

“My main concerns for Upper Yorke Road are the width and undulation. The undulation is bad, and this concerns me for two reasons - the wear and tear on our heavy vehicle suspension and steering is at capacity and for new drivers experiencing the road to hit some of these bumps when unaware could unfortunately lead to loss of control,” he says.

“We avoid using this road when we can. We always drive it with caution, as most do who are living and using the road often. I have a real concern with the state of the road and our kids’ school bus using the road for roughly 10 kilometres and the danger that poses.

“Upper Yorke Road is a direct route to Adelaide for us. We have alternative routes being a lot more dirt roads or else bitumen detours, which are many kilometres in the wrong direction.

“Upper Yorke Road is not only rough to travel in any type of vehicle but the level of danger it creates from being so narrow is a real concern for me, my family and our business.

“The edge of the roads’ seal is crumbled and the drop to the dirt base on each side is quite scary in places.

“This road has been permitted for a certain number of heavy vehicles with restrictions on speed in place. We are thankful to have received a permit to allow our heavy vehicles along this route as the alternative route to Adelaide would cost our business a lot more time and money.”

Sam is happy to see this stretch getting public attention.

“Upper Yorke Road coming in as number one Worst Grain Road comes as no surprise to me,” he says.

“We speak to people and tourists quite regularly who often say that it’s the worst road they have been on.

“I’m also relieved that it has come in as number one Worst Grain Road as it has been put in the spotlight and hopefully one day receives the attention that it needs.”

CRUMBLING: Upper Yorke Road is breaking apart and grain producers see it as a serious safety hazard.

TOURISTS ON THIN ICE

It’s not only grain that relies on the Upper Yorke Road but the growing level of tourism in the area has increased traffic.

Upon visiting the Sunny Hill Distillery and talking to owners, Sam Colliver and his wife Olivia, it’s clear the safety on this stretch of road has been an ongoing issue for their business.

Sunny Hill Farm was settled in 1872 by the Colliver family and has remained in that name until this day. The farm is a broadacre cereal cropping venture where part of the grain that is produced is then used in the distillery to make quality craft spirits.

When asked to describe the condition of Upper Yorke Road, Sam can only think of one word – atrocious.

“The entire stretch is severely undulated and narrow with poor repairs to the road edge, which just crumbles away,” he says.

“In peak season we can have between 300 to 500 people through the doors in a single day, this can equate to hundreds of cars. This has definitely resulted in the road being busier.

“The width of the road is my main safety concern. The un-

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dulating surface is painful, but the width makes it more dangerous.

“Every time a truck comes towards you, they have no choice other than to drop off the road which covers your vehicle in rocks. Also, the camber off the road in places is quite steep which makes this even more dangerous.

“I always get off the road for trucks coming towards me but most of the time the truck will still drop off the road. When you have to overtake a slow truck it’s even worse as you have to drop off the road to get past.”

Sam’s view echoes the fears from local grain producers: that nothing will be done to fix the road until there is a fatality. It’s a stark reminder from those who know the Upper Yorke Road better than most.

“As I have stated before, unfortunately the government departments seem to be more reactive than proactive when it comes to the safety of country roads,” he says.

“As a result, I don’t see anything seriously happening in regards to upgrading the road until there is a multiple fatality on the road which will no doubt be directly contributed to the state of the road.

“There are dirt roads in much better condition in this area. If they want to save money, just dig up the bitumen and

Top 10 Worst Grain Roads

1. Upper Yorke Road (Arthurton to Kulpara )

2. Nine Mile Road (Malinong)

3. Worlds End Highway (Robertstown to Eudunda)

4. Mallee Highway

5. Flinders Highway

6. Owen Road (Hamley Bridge to Templers)

7. Booleroo Road (Willowie to Booleroo)

8. Templers Road (Freeling to Templers)

9. Frances Road (Frances to Hynam)

10. Barrier Highway (Saddleworth to Burra)

ABOVE: Arthurton grain producers Tom Gardiner and Simon Westbrook inspect the Upper Yorke Road.

MEET: Ministers Scriven and Brock talk to local grain producers before driving in a truck on the Upper Yorke Road.

grade the road flat with some extra resheeting of rock. It would be better than what is currently there.”

MINISTERS RIDING THE BUMPS

The State Government has been warned about the serious condition of the state-owned road. Grain Producers SA invited Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Hon Clare Scriven MLC, and Minister for Regional Roads, Hon Geoff Brock MP, to travel along the Upper Yorke Road in the passenger seat of local grain producers’ trucks and to their credit, they accepted, along with a senior official from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

“The opportunity to demonstrate firsthand the obstacles presented on Upper Yorke Road directly to both Minister Geoff Brock and Minister Clare Scriven was invaluable,” Chris Moloney says, who drove one of the trucks.

“Upper Yorke Road is in a league of its own in terms of its low quality and

danger it presents. The challenges of travelling this stretch, especially in a heavy vehicle, need to be seen to be believed.”

Fellow grain producer Sam Correll agrees. “We feel very humble to see the Ministers showing such interest and I’d also like to give a lot of credit to GPSA for their interest in tabling such information.

their way towards Adelaide now (especially lentils) is hugely significant and a high value to our state’s economy.

“We also have Sunny Hill Distillery placed along Upper Yorke Road which has been hugely successful and has the capacity to be even more so with a decent road to travel on.

I believe first-hand information and seeing something in the flesh is much more of interest than listening to information and advice through other parties, so having the Ministers take a ride in the trucks along Upper Yorke Road was wonderful.

“The area around Upper Yorke Road and surrounds is as agriculturally rich as anywhere in Australia and the amount of commodities that make

“We love where we live and to have the prospect of potentially seeing Upper Yorke Road one day fixed is exciting and would be a win for not just us as local residents but the whole of Yorke Peninsula.”

To read the full GPSA Worst Grain Road Report, visit www. grainproducerssa.com.au

“This visit from the Ministers, to me and our business, meant a lot.” - Sam Correll

RAA: WORST GRAIN ROADS NO SURPRISE

When it comes to passenger road safety, the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) has extensive experience in identifying problem roads.

In fact, seven of the top ten ‘Worst Grain Roads’ recently featured in either the RAA’s Risky Roads Survey or its Regional Road Assessment Programs.

These include Upper Yorke Road (2019), Worlds End Highway (2018), Mallee Highway (2022), Owen Road (2021), Templers Road (2017), Frances Road (2019) and Barrier Highway (which the RAA is currently finalising a report on).

RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matthew Vertudaches said there were no surprises for him when he saw the results of the Worst Grain Roads campaign.

“GPSA’s Worst Grain Roads Campaign has identified roads that are of high concern to the South Australian grain industry. We are not surprised that many of these roads line up with those that we have received regular feedback on from our 800,000 members,” he said.

“Infrastructure SA’s 20-year state infrastructure strategy (2020) indicates an estimated road maintenance backlog of $780 million, expected to grow yearon-year without improved funding, which is why we are continuing to call on the State Government to provide additional road maintenance funding.

“Poorly maintained roads impact industry by reducing safety and efficiency, with the capacity to move product from farm to processing and export facilities diminished.”

Mr Vertudaches said the RAA has had ongoing concerns raised by members about the condition of the Worst Grain Road.

“Each corridor should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and treatments tailored to what will have the most improvement to safety and regular users.

However, the typical concerns that we are aware of with roads on this (Worst Grain Road) list relate to substandard lane and shoulder widths, and insufficient maintenance.

“We were pleased to see recent upgrades between Arthurton and Maitland, however, the narrow and undulating section between Arthurton and Kulpara still requires major work to bring it to a safe standard – particularly for the operation of heavy vehicles.”

“Another key concern on several of these roads is the unforgiving roadside environment, meaning that if a vehicle were to leave the road for any reason, the risk of a serious injury or even loss of life is much higher.”

across the state.

SUPPORT: RAA Traffic Engineer Matthew Vertudaches and Senior Manager of Road Safety Charles Mountain are backing GPSA’s Worst Grain Road campaign.

“Over the years, Upper Yorke Road has been one of the most frequently raised roads by our Yorke Peninsula members.” - Matthew Vertudaches

TARIFF CUTS SPUR SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DAHL IN INDIA

Tariff reductions have boosted South Australian grain trade into India but with a growing middle class, is this just the tip of the iceberg? With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving a rock-star welcome during his visit to Australia in May, we look at what the Indian market offers South Australian grain producers.

As a bulk commodity, it’s easy to forgive grain producers for not worrying about where their grain ends up. The farmers grow the product, they harvest it and transport it to their preferred buyer who then ship it to market. While the process is admittedly a lot more complex, the end destination of the individual grain assignment is mostly unknown by the farmer.

One of the countries that buys South Australian grain is India. India has just overtaken China as the most populous nation on earth, with more than 1.4 billion people, a growing middle class and a largely vegetarian diet.

“Pulses are a very staple diet for vegetarians in India - India consumes substantial amounts,” Australia-India Business Council (AIBC) South Australia President Deepa Mathew says.

“We need to look at how we can increase the Australian pulse exports into India due to population growth and an increase in consumption.

“Meat consumption is limited in India due to cultural and religious beliefs, so the main source of protein is from grains and pulses. Hence, there is a great opportunity for South Australian grain exports into market in India.

India is the state’s fourth largest merchandise export market, worth nearly one billion dollars – and is often referred to as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

FREE TRADE DEAL UNLOCKS POTENTIAL

As 2022 drew to a close, Australia and India announced a “ground-breaking” Free Trade Agreement (FTA)– removing tariffs on a vast majority of local exports and eliminating trade barriers.

The South Australian Government estimated the tariff removal would deliver a billion-dollar boost to South Australian businesses.

The deal immediately cut tariffs on 85 per cent of Australia’s exports to India – including lentils. Through the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) barley, oats (zero percent tariffs) and lentils (tariff cuts up to 150,000 tonnes) emerged the winners.

Through the agreement there is also phasing out of tariffs over seven years for a range of crop products including beans

“The Dhal (curried lentil) consumed in India may well be from a South Australian farm.” - Deepa Mathew

DEMAND: Grain exports to India is seen as a big opportunity for South Australian grain producers.

(broad, adzuki, kidney and split), oils (safflower, sesame, linseed, sunflower, palm and poppy) and crude low acid canola, olive and palm oils.

According to Grain Growers Limited, India is the world’s largest pulse market, and improved access can deliver increased profitability to Australian grain growers as well as sustainability outcomes because of the multiple benefits pulse crops provide, such as disease breaks and improved soil fertility.

At the time of the announcement, Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large said the Government needed to continue pushing to remove trade barriers during negotiations, to ensure Australian grain producers realise the market’s significant potential benefits, given major grains such as chickpeas and wheat missed out in the interim deal.

“Reducing tariffs and other trade barriers for Australian grains such as chickpeas will not only open up better opportunities for Australian growers but can also deliver real benefits for 1.3 billion Indian consumers who can access our high-quality products in their daily diets,” he said.

Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry welcomed any tariff reductions for the grain industry noting the Indian market can be challenging to access for agricultural commodities, particularly pulse legumes, which play a major role in South Australian crop rotations.

“South Australian growers welcome the opportunity to contribute more of our grains to help put food on household tables around the world and further assist with food security,” Mr Perry said.

GROWING MIDDLE CLASS NEEDS PROTEIN

India’s overall food demand is expected to grow at 2 to 3 per cent per annum until 2025 and demand will outpace supply to 2035, even if Indian productivity increases.

Annual food demand in India is expected to increase up to 400 million tonnes per year by 2025, a 37 per cent growth from 2015 levels – primarily in pulses, fruit and vegetables.

Australia exports more than 700,000 tonnes of pulses to India each year, worth more than half a billion dollars per annum. The superior quality of Australian pulses helps ensure strong and resilient demand from Indian buyers.

According to the AIBC, demand for pulses in India is likely to increase from 21.5 million tonnes in 2015 up to 37 million tonnes by 2025 and could reach up to 46 million tonnes by 2035.

India has set a target of producing 28 million tonnes of pulses by 2025 but even if this was achieved, it would need to import five to 10 million tonnes, with Australia potentially able to export four million tonnes of pulses by 2035.

PULSATING OPPORTUNITIES

The AIBC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Pulses and Grains Association to promote bilateral trade.

AIBC SA President Deepa Mathew said the opportunity for more South Australian grain to head to India is endless.

“There’s this huge opportunity over the next 10 years for South Australia to export more grain to India and we are anticipating huge demand,” she says.

“India’s year-on-year consumption of grain has grown three to four per cent even during COVID-19 restrictions because you still must eat, even if the country is shut down.

“You have around 400 million Gen Zs between the age of 10 and 25 and young millennial parents, so that has driven activity and that’s actually driven a lot of trade with India.

“India is looking at AgriTech start-ups in the pulses sector, plant-based protein from pulses, value added products from pulses, investment opportunities in agri-business and the whole sustainability factor has seen a lot invested around sustainable farming and renewables.”

South Australian grain producers also have opportunities to fill market gaps in India, according to Mrs Mathew.

“Some of the challenges India currently is navigating is in grain imports with the Ukraine/Russsia conflict and sanctions. This has created a stock/supply issue and again an opportunity for

South Australian grain producers,” she says.

“Also, the Indian brewing industry has had exponential growth, in fact, craft beer breweries are popping up everywhere and it is sometimes hard to find bottled beer, hence barley imports have increased over the last few years into India. However, barley has been a challenge to navigate due to biosecurity issues with Australia.

“Given a young population of 90 million Gen Y households and almost 400 million Gen Z (9 to 25 year-olds), the population are very conscious the food consumed is from sustainable farming practices. This again, can have an impact on grain exports in the future with the consumers lobbying governments to ensure that sustainability is part of trade negotiations.”

GREATER BRAND RECOGNITION NEEDED

So, what does South Australia need to do to see more of our grain being consumed in India?

“The South Australian brand is limited in markets in India, except for Adelaide Oval,” Mrs Mathew says.

“The Australia-India Business Council, along with the Department of Trade and Investment and the State Government, are looking at how we can achieve increased brand exposure in India for our South Australian products, especially in our Agri sector.”

OPPORTUNITY: Australia India Business Council (AIBC) South Australia President Deepa Mathew believes South Australia can grow its brand in India.

ON THE RISE: India is the world’s largest pulse market, according to GGL.

Paddock Perspective with John Gladigau

Ah – the good old days. When life was simpler, and the Crows knew how to win premierships. But was it really better? Would you really want to go back? Is farming life today a better place to be?

Broadacre agriculture has certainly come a long, long way in the past 20 to 30 years. Who would have thought yield mapping, autosteer and all the practices of precision agriculture would become the norm. Throw in the creature comforts of modern farm equipment with temperature-controlled cabs (and seats!), fridges, ovens and Eighties music cranking the tractor sub woofers on Spotify and it seems farm life today is pretty amazing.

But one question keeps coming to mind. Do we have more time? Does all of the technology, the advances in research, the efficiencies and timeliness we have created mean we don’t have

to work as hard? Does it mean we have more time with our families? Does it mean we get to take more holidays?

It seems this kind of came home to roost for many this year, with a large, late harvest combined with more dry sowing or planting earlier crops meaning a much shorter gap between seeding and harvest. And not to mention the increasing focus on summer weed control and additional operations, such as deep ripping or windrow burning, mean that something has to give.

For some that means time with family and friends. It can mean less time to focus on budgeting and business planning. Maybe it means no time for field days and workshops? It does seem (and maybe this is also Covid influenced) we are all now much more selective about what we attend and why. Loyalty to a group or even to other farmers is now much more stretched as we prioritise our families, our businesses or

even just a quiet night at home over ‘another’ night out.

It is great that we now spend more time talking about mental health and wellbeing. It seems that most farmers recognise that it is okay to spend time away from the farm to invest in themselves and their families. It’s not rocket science to suggest that in order to optimise your farm’s productivity and resilience you first need to look after yourself. You cannot make good decisions when you cannot think clearly. Constant fatigue should not be a virtue.

I once read a book by Robert Kiyosaki called “Rich Dad Poor Dad”. In it he explained how most people never

ABOVE: Northern Mallee grain producer John Gladigau knows that often when it rains, it pours. So it’s important to spend time looking after yourself and your family.

become financially independent because they only invest money which is left over after all the bills are paid – and even then there is always that ‘extra’ thing which becomes the priority.

He spoke of the need to ‘pay yourself first’ – the notion of setting aside an amount each week or month to be invested before paying the necessary bills. If you “pay yourself first’, then if you suddenly find yourself short of cash to pay the non-negotiable electricity bill, you will always find a way.

It might mean you make the old lounge suite last a little longer, or (heaven forbid) you drink some instant Moccona for a while rather than stocking up on the coffee pods. But when looking to only invest whatever money you have left over, it is far easier to say ‘I guess I can’t this week’.

The same can be said with mental health and wellbeing. It is so easy to say “I’ll take a day off when I catch up” or “We would have gone to the beach this year, but there was just too much to do”.

Just like with financial investing, we should consider ‘paying ourselves first’ and invest in our own wellbeing before becoming consumed by our farms. And that may well mean that less important jobs get left, because is there no greater investment than time with our families, our partners and our communities? And how do they feel if we constantly prioritise the workloads on our farms over them?

Yes, it is easy to say. But not quite so easy to do. But while we rightly should focus on creating a productive and prosperous future - investing in yourself first could change the life of your business and your family today. And as part of that investment it would be well worth your while checking out www.ifarmwell.com.au which has some great tools and strategies to help manage your life in a positive way.

And you will be richer for it.

RESEARCH SHAPES INDUSTRY RESPONSE TO WHITE GRAIN

After an unusually wet season for grain producers in South Australia, many were forced to battle disease pressures.

Research is now being undertaken to better understand these diseases and the impact they can have on crops.

The SAGIT funded SARDI and University of Adelaide project titled ‘Improving industry response to white grain disorder and fusarium head blight out-

breaks while protecting export markets’ was one of 28 new grains research projects starting in 2023 through SAGIT’s $2.9 million investment.

Among 2023 SAGIT funded projects are several focussed on maintaining the state’s strong market access. These include minimising market access risks in herbicide tolerant pulses; preparing for a pulse protein market; and the appointment of a research officer to look at vetch production, agronomy, breeding, and market development.

“There is clearly a wealth of passion and enthusiasm for agricultural research in South Australia, and these new projects will help translate that commitment into long-term agronomic, technological and educational benefits for growers,” said SAGIT Chair Max Young.

SARDI Sub-Program Lead for Cereal Pathology Crop Sciences, Tara Garrard, said the white grain disorder project will provide industry with information and tools to aid future responses.

In a field of its own.

Ultro herbicide from ADAMA introduces a new class of chemistry (Group 23) for the pre-emergent control of annual grass weeds in winter pulse crops.

The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), in partnership with the University of Adelaide, has been awarded funding through the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT) to undertake research into white grain disorder.

“By reviewing spore trapping, weather and infection event data from 2022, we can better understand high risk seasons in the future,” she said.

“A rapid diagnostic tool will be developed to confirm the presence of causal pathogens in grain or head samples.

“An industry risk management plan will be developed to guide industry in future white grain outbreaks in South Australia.”

Ms Garrard said they are hoping this project will equip industry with the knowledge required to reduce the economic losses from such diseases.

“We are calling for samples from 2022 affected with white grain for analysis in the project. Grain samples will undergo pathology, DNA and mycotoxin testing during the course of the project.

“Participants will receive their sample results during the course of the project (2023-2025) as we progress through processing.

“If you have a suitable sample to send in, we require 500g sent to: Tara Garrard, SARDI, 2A Hartley Grove, Urrbrae, SA, 5064.”

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CONFIRMATION: SARDI’s Tara Garrard is undertaking research into white grain disorder.

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WHO DOESN’T LOVE A GOOD FARM FEED?

Mallee grain producer Emily Morgan is what some may describe as an all-rounder in her dayjob, where you’ll find her on the tractor, unloading fertiliser or chasing sheep. She also bakes an absolutely mean apple pie.

When harvest finally finished at the Morgan’s farm, where Emily and her husband Daniel crop around 2,500 hectares between Peake and Jabuk, the first thing she did was bake. Well, technically she started with a glass of wine.

And it’s been the love of cooking that helped Emily through long harvests and big days on the property where they crop cereals, legumes, oilseeds, hay, and run sheep and cattle in their spare time.

Emily loves cooking so much that she started her own Facebook page called ‘The Farm Feed’. By visiting the page, you not only get to view some delicious creations, but you get a real glimpse of her sense of humour.

LOTS OF SALT, SUGAR, FAT AND A BIG MESS

However, the origins of the social media page run a lot deeper.

“I have always loved to cook and am interested in promoting the ‘paddock to plate’ philosophy,” Emily says.

“I wish I could say that is why I started ‘The Farm Feed’ Facebook page, to promote farming, but its origins are actually more personal.

“Growing up my father and I were very close, I often described him as my best mate. He loved to watch me cook and ate whatever I made with enthusiasm (whether it was good or not!). Mum reckons I cook just like my grandma (dad’s mum) with lots of salt, sugar, fat and a big mess!

“Dad grew up on a farm on Kangaroo Island and always yearned for a life on the land, choosing vocations that kept him close to the country and working with animals. To say he was happy when I got married, quit the rat race and went farming would be an understatement.

DELICIOUS: Emily’s Banana Bread is always popular.

“A few years ago, Dad was diagnosed with Lewy Bodies Dementia and our farm became his place of solace, somewhere he could potter around and feel useful.

“When the disease became such that he couldn’t live at home or travel, I used to take the farm to him. I’d arrive at his nursing home in Loxton with a big bunch of canola, a soil sample to show him or a cake to share.

“Each week I would print off photos of what we’d been up to on the farm and he would stick them on his wall, sometimes talking to them when we weren’t there. The sharing of photos and stories became even more important during COVID-19 lockdowns, and I would send him daily letters and photos in the post.

“After Dad passed away in 2021, I still found myself documenting everything that was happening inside and outside the kitchen. I found I had thousands of photos on my phone but no outlet.

“That was when a friend encouraged me to start a Facebook page. I called it ‘The Farm Feed’ and I also have a TikTok page by the same name, as well as plans to post on Instagram.”

In many ways, Emily has been able to use social media as a way to engage with other farmers and keep her friends and family up-to-date with her latest cooking and farming exploits.

“I haven’t promoted the page widely yet and as such it is mainly my friends who have joined. They appear to enjoy the photos and storie,” she says.

“I get quite a few messages requesting recipes which is great, and I love the social aspect of sharing food and recipes.”

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

So what does everyone else working on the farm think of Emily’s delicacies?

“On the farm there is me, my husband, an apprentice and a contractor. I haven’t asked them what they think of the Facebook page but judging by their protests at being filmed or photographed I could only guess,” she laughs.

TOP LEFT: Hot Cross Buns fresh out of the oven. (Top RIght): a healthy canola crop on the Morgan property. (Above): Emily’s famous jelly slice.

“Before I started farming myself, I used to send Daniel off with all manner of weird stuff in his lunchbox.

“Now I know what it’s like to try and grab a bite while driving a ute or eating one handed on the tractor, so I have modified things a little.

“Most days our lunchboxes consist of a wrap or a selection of sandwiches (variety is important!), some fruit, yoghurt and some sort of sweet, like a piece of cake or some biscuits.

“A few years ago, I discovered those squeezy yoghurts - they get a good run in the lunch box.

“If we are working after dark, I’ll make something easy to transport and eat on the go like a steak sandwich or egg and bacon roll.”

If you visit Emily’s ‘The Farm Feed’ Facebook page, you’ll see photos of delicious slices, cakes, pies and just about every sweet you could ask for. And mind you, they’ve all been freshly made. But what about the healthy food as well?

Emily says that’s a work in progress.

“I’ll be the first to tell you that I am not the fittest or healthiest person out there, I love food too much,” she says.

“Having said that I’ve made more of an effort to eat healthily this seeding and I have noticed a difference in my concentration and energy levels. I knowsome guys who survive on ice coffee, shapes and lolly snakes.

“Something I have learnt living on a farm and away from the shops is to plan meals and buy the freshest produce possible so that it lasts. Oh, and

ABOVE: Emily’s beloved dog appears regularly on ‘The Farm Feed’. (Top Right) Emily isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty on farm and (Below Right) the Morgan’s stunning Mallee crop.

“I get quite a few messages requesting recipes which is great, and I love the social aspect of sharing food and recipes.”

- Emily Morgan

to also buy bread, milk and toilet paper when passing a shop whether you think you need it or not (because you will).

“I try to do as much preparation as I can by making and freezing sausage rolls, pasties and quiches. My mother-in-law is also really helpful as she drops off the occasional cake or slice.

“Sometimes I feel organised, other times it’s a bit crazy. I try to get into the routine of chopping up salad every couple of days and keep it in a container in the fridge so I can make sandwiches, rolls or wraps quickly.

“Water is also really important. There is usually some form of drink receptacle rolling around in the utes, tractors and truck that never seem to make it back to the house to be refilled.”

SENSE OF COMMUNITY

The Mallee might be home to some of the lowest annual rainfall totals in the state but what it lacks in rain, it makes up for in the spirit of the community and its people. Emily says she’s a terrible gardener so there’s no home-grown fruit and vegetables to use and the foxes keep taking the chickens.

“Thankfully I am surrounded by very clever and generous people who give me their produce, often in return for something baked,” she said.

“In recent times I have been lucky to receive mulberries, apples, peaches, lemons and tomatoes.

“We sometimes kill our own sheep or have been known to barter with the neighbour for a side of lamb or further afield for a few kilos of Coorong Mullet.”

ABOVE: Emily’s delicacies being served up. Below: Apple & mulberry pie ready to eat.

Easy Apple Slice

Emily says “Here’s a really delicious yet simple recipe for apple slice that I saw on the South Australian Country Women’s Association Facebook page. The recipe is attributed to Kay Bottrall of Orroroo. We often have it for smoko and then again for dessert, heated up with far too much cream. It is also a go-to cake for shearers.”

Ingredients:

• 3 apples, peeled, cored and diced into 1cm pieces

• 2 cups of self-raising flour

• 1 cup of sugar (I sometimes use brown sugar for a more “caramelly” flavour)

• 140g butter, melted and cooled slightly

• 1 well beaten egg

• ¼ cup of milk

• I also add a teaspoon each of vanilla essence and cinnamon

Method:

Prepare the apple. Add flour and sugar and mix together. Melt butter, add beaten egg and milk. Add to apple mixture. Place in a greased and lined slice tin. Cook for 25 –30 minutes at 160c (or longer if using a standard cake tin).

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KEEPING PERSPECTIVE: GROWING SA KEYNOTE SPEAKER DR KATE BURKE

With tickets now open for the 2023 Growing SA Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre, GPSA caught up with keynote speaker Dr Kate Burke to get her thoughts on the grain industry in South Australia, challenges, opportunities and future outlook.

Tell us about yourself and your role in the grain and agriculture industry.

I’m farm bred in North Central Victoria, tertiary educated in Ag Science and have worked in the ag industry since 1990. I started in research, then education, then farm consulting focussing on agronomy and planning. I worked for John Stuchbery (who has strong South Australian connections) for 12 years. We mostly serviced the Wimmera and Northern Mallee and Western Districts of Victoria.

I had a stint 10 years ago as Commercial Manager of Warakirri Cropping, overseeing the commercial matters for 78,000 hectares along the east coast and in Western Australia. Since 2015, I’ve operated Think Agri - advising farm businesses and people serving the agriculture industry. I work on strategy at the intersections of the operations, finance, people and science.

History tells us you need to be good at productivity, have a profit focus and be people oriented for a farm business to perform well over a long period of time. I help people nut that puzzle out. We also farm 116 hectares as an interest.

What are you looking forward to most about presenting at Growing SA in August?

I can’t wait to reconnect with the South Australian farming community and meet new people. Many of my early mentors were from the South Australian grains industry and I’m forever thankful.

What is the biggest challenge you see for grain producers currently?

I think it’s keeping perspective. There is so much noise out there, some of it real of course, but there’s always a way to overcome obstacles. We can get paralysed with fear of rising costs, and global things we can’t control. Bringing our minds and actions back to what we can control on our own property and

getting things done on time is where the money comes from.

You previously received the GRDC Southern Region 2021 Seed of Light Award, what did this mean for you to win such a prestigious award?

This was incredibly humbling. I’m still in shock really.

We’ve seen some tough times with drought recently and then a record harvest like we’ve just had in SA. What advice would you give to grain producers on managing the ups and downs and riding the highs and lows?

If you can move past fear of bad times to accepting that bad stuff will happen, then you can move into pragmatic

management. We just have to accept that farming is a mix of good and bad years, and that the world won’t end in the bad times. We have to get better at taking the drama out of drought and put actions into place early. We know there’s a strong chance this year of El Niño and IOD positive, which means dry times and hot springs for some, so it’s worth planning for that possibility now. If it doesn’t happen that’s good, if it does happen, you have a plan. Part of this is separating our achievements from seasonal outcomes. I think we feel like we’ve failed in a bad year, and it doesn’t make sense unless you’re God and forgot to make it rain.

I imagine you would come across a lot of grain businesses dealing with succession planning. Do you find that farmers find this topic difficult to discuss?

Absolutely. It involves humans, money and change - three things that can be tricky. I think the identify thing comes into play here too. If your sense of identity is entrenched in the farm, it’s hard to let go.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give a grain producer?

Get things done on time and be ruthless with your time in the quiet periods, so you get time with family and put time into your working relationships. Prioritising people and yourself, the money aspects and the operational aspects, is what creates a platform for great outcomes.

What’s one thing we don’t know about Dr Kate Burke that you think we should know?

I’m a frustrated St Kilda supporter and an ordinary golfer.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Farming really can be a great life with solid financial rewards and platforms to create wealth. It’s not a simple or easy career but it can be a great one. Don’t waste energy on stuff outside your control.

ADVICE: Dr Kate Burke is the keynote speaker at Growing SA 2023.

Sustaining the future

The word ‘sustainability’ gets thrown around often in agriculture these days but the way grain producers in South Australia are embracing these environmental opportunities is reshaping their productivity and path ahead.

When Millicent grain producer Andrew Skeer talks about sustainability, his family is always in the back of his mind.

“We’ve been here a long time and we want to be here in the future,” he reflects.

“We want to leave our farm in a similar situation to what we received it in. In fact, we always aim for it to be better than when we started.

“We don’t operate the farm like we did 100 years ago; we probably still wouldn’t be farming if we tried to. We had to either expand or increase our production and the only way we can do that is to try to get better (and) smarter.”

Andrew sees sustainability as not about chasing short-term profit but as a long-term measure.

“Our broad beans are grown at harvest to grade the smaller ones, or any damaged grain and we use that with a mix of cereal screenings to make pellets and those pellets are used to value add our livestock on our bean stubbles to essentially get greater return or allow us to run more livestock,” he said.

“Our pastures tend to get run down, and we can use the cropping phase to tidy them up, and the clovers and our pasture phase tend to leave a lot of nitrogen in the soil, so we can utilise and access that.”

HEALTHY CROPS IN HEALTHY SOIL

According to Lucindale grain producer Lachie Seears, taking sustainability into his own hands will help control his destiny.

“I think us as farmers need to demonstrate that we are growing nice healthy crops in nice healthy environments with nice healthy soils (and) healthy plants,” he says.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Andrew Skeer and his family on their property at Millicent.

“If we can show that to our consumers, but also as well to the wider public, that we are doing a good job, we are proud of what we do and we can demonstrate that moving forward year-on-year, I think that consumers will develop a lot of confidence in us to keep doing what we are doing.”

Despite cropping in a high rainfall zone, Lachie says it comes with its own challenges.

“One of our big restrictions with our soils during winter is excess rainfall.

“We live in a high rainfall environment and traditionally in winter these soils would get heavily saturated, so we’ve built an extensive drainage program over the years to cope with those periods of inundation of water,” he says.

“We very much have a whole of system process on this farm, so we’ve

(TOP): Harvesting at Booleroo. (Middle): Lucindale grain producer Lachie Seears inspects his soil with GPSA’s Shane Gale. (Bottom): Belinda and Ben Wundersitz on their property at Maitland.

found that in this growing environment a cereal legume based cropping system works really well and we get huge soil benefits by having that legume as part of our cropping rotation.

“We’ve stopped burning our stubbles now and we’ve got a fully stubble retained system. Where we are incorporating all of that stubble we are keeping and putting that back into our soil to create nice healthy soil, it’s very high in organic carbons. We are talking five to seven per cent organic carbons, we’ve got a lot of earthworm activity within the soil and we’ve just got a really nice healthy environment that allows that crop to grow and flourish to its potential.”

BEST GROWTH IN A DECADE

Bool Lagoon grain producer Bruce McLean is consistently measuring how much moisture is in his crop.

“We have a couple of soil moisture probes, even in this country where you’d think soil moisture is not a limiting factor for us. It’s just nice to know how much is available to the plant at certain critical times of the season and being able to make judgements off that data. It can have a significant impact with what we do with irrigation knowing that information,” he says.

“We are seeing better root mass on a lot of our cereal crops which we haven’t seen in 10 years or so, better earthworm activity, and the soil tests are showing we are seeing a slight increase in organic matter levels so we must be heading along the right track.

“(We’ve been) noticing an increase in those base levels of organic matters and nutrition availability.

“Natural legumes in the system are providing a much better nitrogen base for the crop the following year.”

Technology has allowed Bruce to create significant productivity improvements, as well as having better environmental outcomes on-farm.

“Technology…is allowing us to isolate those inputs in a targeted approach rather than a blanketed operation, zoning those areas that need the application, not the whole field,” he says.

“The main improvements for us have been better selections of the right varieties for the right environment and a good rotation of legumes in the mix, which helps us offset that need for the artificial fertiliser regime.”

GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Fifth generation Yorke Peninsula grain producer Ben Wundersitz knows the importance of looking after the land.

“We farm 10 properties over the central Yorke Peninsula and that includes

“It’s really important that our farm moves and evolves at a pace so that we can be up-to-date with what the markets want and what the consumers want.”

- Jess Koch, Booleroo

some low rainfall country on the coast through to some high rainfall country in the centre with about 500 millimetres of rain,” he says.

“We’re continuous croppers, we grow about 7000 hectares of crop annually and we crop wheat, barley and lentils with an annual production of around 12 to 15,000 tonnes of grain.

“A lot of the land that we farm was moisture limited and now with full stubble retention, with a mulch layer over, we’re able to grow crops in a sustainable fashion in country that would have been traditionally considered too dry.

“We are using a reefinator to break up the limestone, so we can grow crops on areas we traditionally couldn’t farm and we’d have to drive around.

“Our production system, or cropping system, has certainly evolved over time. Traditionally over the years a lot of carbon was exported through burning and tillage. We haven’t burnt any crop residue on our farm for 25 years.

“Now as a farmer, all we aim to do is take the grain and we return all the crop residue back to the soil to create that mulch layer and be efficient as we can. For us, that is sustainability.

“Agriculture today is a very diverse industry and there’s a lot that you’ve got to be across. We have a range of experts - we have precision ag experts, we have our agronomist - and we pull all of those resources together to be as environmentally friendly and sustainable as we can.

“I’ve got a son and a daughter and what’s important to me is that the seventh generation also gets the same opportunity as I had.”

TECHNOLOGY PAYS OFF

The introduction of technology to the Koch’s farm has been a game changer on the path to capitalising on sustainability opportunities.

“My husband Joe and I farm with his parents, Joyleen and Robert, and our three children. We put in about 2,500

hectares of cropping and that’s spread between north of Booleroo Centre and West Bundaleer,” Jess Koch says.

“Joyleen and Robert began farming this property in 1986. In 2000, they noticed there was severe erosion in a lot of our creek lines and they really wanted to develop those creek lines and prevent that erosion.

“Through our sustainable farming practices and through the planting of trees we’ve noticed some massive improvements in the ecology along there - the wildlife has returned.

“Joe and I are very passionate about precision agriculture, not only from a hardware perspective but from a software perspective and trying to use the information that’s being fed in through our machines to make better decisions.

“All our crops are rain fed crops so every millimetre that’s falling out of the sky, we really need to be capturing and capitalising on.

YELLOW FIELDS: Canola growing on the Skeer property at Millicent.

“We are getting rain events during harvest. The last few years have shown that we’ve got to work with what the climate’s dealing us. So, what we’ve been able to do is use satellite mapping to actually pick out parts of the crop that are ripest and harvest those first so that we can be delivering a premium crop before the weather’s coming in.

“It’s really important that our farm moves and evolves at a pace so that we can be up-to-date with what the markets want and what the consumers want.

“If you are burying your head in the sand and you’re not up with what’s going to be asked of you as a grower, then you are going to get left behind, so we are very, very aware of that.

“Economically it pays to look after your farm. If you look after your soils and do everything right around the ecology of your farm and reduce things like erosion and water use efficiency, your farm gives back to you.”

FINANCIERS LOOKING GREEN

Commonwealth Bank General Manager of Agribusiness Natasha Greenwood says the Bank has been incentivising grain producers to undertake sustainability initiatives.

The CommBank is just one of many financiers offering sustainability incentives. NAB has an Agri Green Loan, while ANZ and Westpac also have sustainable/environmental financing options, to name a few.

“Some grain growers will be aiming to steadily reduce emissions over time and move towards a lower carbon future, while others will be aiming for net zero,” Natasha says.

“Conversations around sustainability are becoming more and more commonplace with increasing curiosity from farmers around what transitioning to a lower carbon footprint means, what their baseline might be and what a transition plan could look like on their farm.

“In a number of cases, farmers are moving from curiosity towards intent and from intent to action.

“It’s important to recognise that grain growers have been using sustainable farming practices for generations to ensure the ongoing care and productivity of their land.

“Practices which improve soil health, responsibly manage pests and weeds, and support efficient water use and biodiversity are critical to success. It is however, becoming more important that those practices are communicated and, in some cases, documented as expectations in the broader value chain start to change.

“This change towards valuing a lower carbon footprint is being consumer led, industry led, market led, supply chain led, and producer led. The momentum is building, and we’re excited about the opportunities this transition will present for agriculture.”

“We want to support farmers who are moving towards a lower carbon future by providing a comprehensive suite of sustainable financing solutions. These solutions incentivise growers to undertake sustainability initiatives and includes Australia’s first Agri Green Loan, our energy efficient asset finance options, sustainability linked loans and our carbon financing capability.”

ARE SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS A MARKET REQUIREMENT?

As the biggest grain handler in South Australia, Viterra has seen the market shift with greater demand for accredited and certified sustainable grain.

“Sustainability, traceability, Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions market signals are increasing for international and domestic food and feed grain commodities,” Viterra Australia Chief Operations Officer James Murray says.

“There are some early adopters where it is a mandatory component of the sale, such as Australian canola into the European biodiesel market, and we are being asked by several other end users of commodities and destination markets.

“You can feel that a sustainability measure or reference once seen as a ‘nice to have’, over time will almost certainly become a ‘must have’ for all businesses and trade. It might not be evident in a premium, it might be maintaining access to markets for Australian products, or a discount being applied if the goods don’t include some form of sustainable accreditation.

sea freight, or understanding what sustainability metrics and measures are appropriate and workable.

“There are challenges in understanding emissions – data capture, measurement, analysis, repeatability, verification, and scope – and the many diverse participants in the supply chain. These

“We see a strong focus on sustainability coming through from the global food companies – the initial focus has been looking within their own businesses and understanding and reducing their carbon footprint. Attention is now turning to their suppliers and the commodities they are sourcing, in effect the whole supply chain.

“There is a strong emphasis on working collaboratively with their suppliers. It might be projects with growers (or) the supply chain, for example, land and

challenges will be overcome with greater collaboration across the industry and collectively building knowledge and expertise in this emerging area.”

*The stories of the grain producers featured in this article are told as part ofa GPSAvideo series thanks to funding support from the Limestone Coast Landscape Board and Northern and Yorke Landscape Board.

BENEFICIAL: The Koch family have made significant sustainability improvements to their Booleroo farm.

“The major shift we are witnessing from our end use customers is that sustainability credentials are becoming a required attribute of the commodity we are supplying, much like moisture level, protein level or other quality specifications.”

- James Murray, Viterra COO

DRIVING FORWARD

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SURVEY DEMONSTRATES SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS

More than 85 per cent of South Australian grain producers who took part in Grain Producers

SA’s (GPSA) inaugural Baseline Report are taking action on environmental sustainability.

For the first time, in 2022 grain producers in South Australia were surveyed specifically on environmental sustainability credentials and attitudes at a farmgate level for the ‘South Australian Grain Industry Environmental Sustainability Baseline Report.’

GPSA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said the baselining survey was completed by 120 grain producers across South Australia.

“This initial survey is an important step in looking at how South Australian grain producers are approaching environmental sustainability on-farm,” said Mr Perry.

“Consumers, financiers, and markets through the global supply chain are increasingly demanding more sustainable grain and as the peak representative body for South Australian grain producers, we want to be able to better understand where we can provide education and support for producers to take advantage of these demands.

“Almost half of the respondents believe sustainability will be critical to their market access in the next five years, while more than 50 per cent surveyed want the South Australian grain sector to take the lead on sustainability.

“The survey found that serious challenges remain with carbon farming, with 61 per cent of grain producers surveyed stating that either they weren’t sure or don’t believe carbon farming is an important issue.

“On the flip side, only six per cent of those surveyed are using remote sensing to make application decisions, meaning that this is a big opportunity for more technology adoption to increase productivity.”

As far as practical applications onfarm, the survey found that 44 per cent of respondents believe having access to Genetically Modified (GM) crops is important to achieving sustainability objectives. Furthermore, 55 per cent consider growing legumes to be part of their sustainability practices. When it comes to soil and crop nutrition, 15 per cent of respondents said they are using split nitrogen applications and 12 per cent are using soil analysis to optimise nutrient application.

To read the full report, visit www.grainproducerssa.com.au

LAND OF THE LENTILS

The Yorke Peninsula is renowned as the lentil capital of South Australia and third generation grain producer Dylan Schulz knows all too well the importance of this rich history.

About the time I came home from school was when the lentil industry began, which has really transformed the Yorke Peninsula,” Dylan Schulz says.

The Schulz family farm is about five minutes south of Maitland in a relatively secluded part of the Yorke Peninsula, known as Yorke Valley.

Dylan still remembers the impact from the uptake of lentils across the Yorke Peninsula and the flow on effects many decades later.

“A lot of the reason for the land price and the lease price on the Yorke Peninsula doing what it’s done is directly related to the lentil industry,” he says.

“When I first came home from school there was a few more livestock in the business but cropping has always been the focus and we’ve always had legumes in the mix.

“What happens with the price of lentils going forward will be interesting because the industry has grown and expanded and there’s so many other regions outside of the Yorke Peninsula growing lentils.”

LENTILS ON THE RISE

According to the Grain Research and Development Corporation, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organi-

zation data shows global lentil produc tion increased from 3.5 million tonnes between 2000 and 2010 to 5.4 million tonnes between 2011 and 2018, with annual yield increases of 20 kilograms per hectare.

During the same period, Australian lentil production increased from 150,000 to 360,000 tonnes.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) states that last year’s na tional lentil crop reached 1.41 million tonnes, up from 680,000 tonnes in 2016-17.

In the most recent harvest, the Yorke Peninsula produced 385,000 tonnes of lentils from 527,250 total lentil tonnes in South Australia, contributing to the overall record crop in South Australia of almost 13 million tonnes.

India is Australia’s biggest lentil mar ket and business and industry leaders believe the India-Australia Free Trade Agreement is underpinning confi dence in continuing to have strong growth of lentils.

EXPENSIVE BUT THE BEST

Like many others, the Schulz farming business finished with a big but late harvest.

“For us financially, this season will be the best ever, coming off an excellent

GROWTH: Yorke Peninsula grain producer Dylan Schulz has contributed to the rise of lentil production in the region.

season the one before,” Dylan says. “It’s been one of those seasons where we’ve had exceptional yields and fantastic prices and managed to get it off without too many issues.

“In the last 12 months the cost of growing a crop has nearly doubled. It feels like we are riding the top of the wave at the moment and that’s great – enjoy those good times – but I’m really conscious of the cost of doing business currently.”

So what’s it like working in the South Australian capital of lentils – the Yorke Peninsula?

“It’s very reliable country. It’s got good rainfall, is winter dominant and the soil

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is free draining. It’s a great place to live and farm,” Dylan says.

LENTILS IN SANDY SOILS

A South Australian Grain Industry Trust funded project with two stages, which ran from 2016 to 2021, explored lentils on sandy soils in the Yorke Peninsula, the constraints and opportunities.

It has been estimated that 20 per cent of lentils in the northern Yorke Peninsula alone are grown on sandy soils, amounting to some 4,550 hectares. It was found that lentils used in crop rotation on sandy soils were performing below potential.

When stage one of this project began, a conservative estimate suggested lentils were yielding 0.53 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) below potential. Results from this research indicate that 0.8-1.0 t/ ha is a more accurate estimate of lentil yield gap on these constrained sands.

The project found that new lentil variety trials and agronomy research tends to be focussed on heavier textured soils that favour lentil productivity. Studying several important aspects of lentil agronomy on sandy soils on the northern Yorke Peninsula provided valuable information for the increasing number of South Australian growers seeking to optimise lentil productivity on sandy soils.

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RESEARCH: A trial paddock from the ‘Increasing the reliability of lentil production on sandy soils’ SAGIT project on the Yorke Peninsula. Source: SAGIT.

Paddock surveys conducted in 2016 highlighted that soil compaction was widespread and most severe on the sandier soils in the survey paddocks.

Field trials were conducted in identified problem areas between 2017 and 2018. They were designed to address issues identified in the paddock surveys including soil compaction, nutrition and soil acidity.

The research project found that addressing soil compaction with deep ripping was effective in increasing yields. There were further increases in yield achieved when applying chicken litter, as opposed to synthetic fertiliser. Further investigation aims to understand this difference in response, with molybdenum nutrition implicated. Some herbicide combinations were also shown to have a large negative impact on grain yield.

This project demonstrated that soil amelioration, variety selection, herbicide choice and nutrient management can all improve lentil production on underperforming sandy soils.

To read more about this project, visit: www.sagit.com.au

REWARDING: Yorke Peninsula farmer Dylan Schulz has reaped the benefits of lentil production.

Operating Costs Biggest Barrier in 2022

Grain Producers SA’s (GPSA) Annual Grain Producer Survey Insight Report 2022 of almost 150 grain producers found that operating costs were by far the biggest challenge in 2022, while the adoption of technology stood out as the most important opportunity.

According to the 2022 GPSA Producer Survey, more than 80 per cent of grain producers who participated are positive about the long-term future of the industry.

GPSA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said the annual survey found that operating costs were by far the biggest hurdle in 2022.

“With the high farmgate input costs including fertiliser, fuel and chemicals, it was no surprise input costs were the number one challenge for South Australian grain producers in 2022,” said Mr Perry.

ers in the survey as the single biggest opportunity to enhance their business.

“Forty-six per cent of surveyed grain producers are already investing in onfarm technology and almost 40 per cent plan to do so.

“We also found that 38 per cent described their grain growing business as mature, while 33 per cent are currently going through succession. Only two per cent stated that they were starting out, potentially reflecting the high cost of farming land being a prohibitive barrier to new entrants in the sector.”

Looking ahead, grain producers listed operating costs, local input production, logistics, sustainability, biosecurity and connectivity as areas they would like to see pursued in 2023.

“The survey also showed that ongoing issues such as sustainability, connectivity and workforce access remain issues producers are keen for the grain industry to pursue.”

Mr Perry said it was pleasing to see grain producers surveyed were reporting to be overall profitable.

“On the flip side, the application of technology was seen by grain produc-

“Ninety-eight per cent of grain producers canvassed said they were profitable and sustainable, with more than 25 per cent stating they are profitable but need improvement,” Mr Perry said.

“The results are an encouraging endorsement of areas GPSA has been focusing on in the past 12 months and we are looking to build on that momentum into 2023 in the areas our members have identified,” Mr Perry said.

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HIT FOR SIX: Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg spreading his mental health message at the Eyre Peninsula Field Days last year.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Former Australian Cricket Legend turned mental health ambassador, Brad Hogg, is heading to South Australia in September for the Yorke Peninsula Field Days as part of Grain Producers Australia’s ‘Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative’. Grain Producers SA got an insight from the great man about his passions, the importance of his message and what we can expect from his visit.

Tell us about why you decided to get involved in mental health and telling your story to farmers?

I was born and raised on a wheat and sheep farm in the Western Australian Wheatbelt in the Great Southern region and have never forgotten my grassroots connections. After retiring from professional cricket, I experienced the loss of my identity as a professional cricketer and also had some personal issues with the breakup of my marriage. I wrote openly and honestly about my feelings during that difficult time in my book, which sparked a bit of reaction in the media. One thing led to another and I found myself taking on a role with Lifeline as an ambassador for mental health.

Speaking publicly about my experiences has been a way of not only helping to deal with my situation but also to be able to open up honest conversations that can help others who are struggling. I’m really passionate about this work and what we’re doing to help break down stigmas and increase awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. My role with Grain Producers Australia (GPA) means we can help make a difference in other rural communities throughout Australia –not just in WA – and in particular supporting our farmers more. Being the

National Ambassador of GPA’s ‘Farmer Mates Mental Health’ program means we can now get out and share these really important messages at events in farming communities throughout Australia. GPA is partnering with Nufarm, Rural Aid and Lifeline to co-host events with their state members such as GPSA, and that’s helping make a bigger difference for farmers on the national stage.

This year we’ll be attending more field days in the country regions and our theme will be all about reminding farmers that it’s essential to make the time to down tools and take a break from work. Australian farmers and rural communities are renowned for their resilience, but we also need to remember it’s vitally important to step back from work and take a proper break.

You joined the GPSA tent at the Eyre Peninsula Field Days last year, what did you take from that experience?

Apart from the experience of having a South Australian politician (Hammond MP Adrian Pederick) holding the table steady while I stood on it to give my talk?

What I most recall is everyone’s genuine interest and openness to stop and talk about mental health. Everyone

in South Australia seems to be very keen to talk about cricket too but I also like to ask what’s happening in their life and what’s happening on the farm. Last year it seemed everyone was having a good season and there was no shortage of work to do. In the end I hear it was a big crop for South Australian farmers – a record in fact – so hopefully there’s another one on the way this year.

As I recall, there was a farmer who was in tears hearing you speak as he could relate so closely. To your credit you went and gave him a hug after and had a good chat.

Yes that’s right. You don’t always know how people are going to react. But it’s always good to know the message is being heard and it’s also having an impact.

Being able to connect with someone and to stop and listen to what they’re going through is really important, and to share that empathy.

That’s what the message is all about –why we need to stay connected with family and friends and our communities. Call your mates and see how they’re going and stay in touch. It can be pretty tough out there on the farm at times, especially when you’re dealing with the ups and downs of the

seasons and stressing about whether it’s going to rain or not, or rain too much.

That’s why we all need to stop for a minute and call a mate and just have a chat. It doesn’t have to be about anything in particular, just pick up the phone.

GPA is also partnering with Rural Aid and Lifeline so they’re also a resource that’s out there if you need it, with professional counsellors who are also willing to listen and talk about what’s going on.

How does it feel when you see someone who is experiencing similar to what you went through and how do you respond to that?

It’s all about listening to what’s happening for them and taking the time to share that empathy and understand what they’re going through.

Normalising life’s struggles and encouraging people to be open, makes an impact, and knowing that talking about it openly can help solve our problems.

Many people who watched you speak at the EP Field Days

would have been in awe of your ability to stand on a wobbling table while being so animated. You spoke about growing up on the farm, how often did you get the urge throughout your career just to cash it in and head back to the farm?

My heart was always on the farm and farming will always be in my blood, and I loved my cricketing career too, so it was never about making a choice between the two. I’ve always stayed in touch with my grassroots and returned home to the family farm when I could.

Farmers are often reluctant to seek help if they are feeling down or need support. What’s your one important message to farmers when it comes to mental health?

Last year our theme for the first year of GPA’s ‘Farmer Mates Mental Health’ program was about staying connected with your communities and friends and that’s still a strong message.

This year we’re also talking about the importance of taking a break from work. Australian grain producers produced a record crop of more than 67

million tonnes last year, and that’s on the back of producing huge harvests the previous two seasons.

This year we’re reminding everyone how important it is to step back from work, and refresh. Now is the time to start planning your next holiday – and to make sure you spend time away from the farm.

It’d be good to go on a month’s holiday, but sometimes you don’t have that luxury.

Even if you can have a short break, for a couple of days or a week, to recharge the batteries and forget about everything, you come back more refreshed and ready to get back into what you need to do.

That’s why it’s important to plan for your holiday now and make that time to get away.

Many of us love cricket. Many farmers love cricket. How did you find the resilience and adaptability of cricket relates to life outside of cricket?

There’s a lot of lessons not only in cricket but everything we do, which

Above: Brad Hogg celebrates a wicket for Australia and (Right) as a Mental Health Ambassador chats with GPSA CEO Brad Perry at the Eyre Peninsula FIeld Days at Cleve in 2022.

can teach us how to build more resilience and be adaptable. Maybe it’s something that comes more with age too.

It probably wasn’t one of my strengths during my younger days. You think you’re indestructible and you’re determined to do the best you can every time you take the field and never admit to any of your own mistakes.

But probably like I’ve done with mental health, and how farmers are too, you reflect and start to realise that going through the tough times is also about enjoying the good times.

It’s important to dust yourself off after getting knocked down and get back on with it. But also, we’re not super-human.

We need to stop and talk about what’s going on in the bad times and open-up. And when you do, you start to listen and get creative to find ways of solving problems.

It would be remiss of us not to ask you about your fondest

cricketing memory. What was it and why did this memory stand out in particular?

You’ll have to turn up to the Yorke Peninsula Field Days at Paskeville in September if you want to hear more about that, but let’s just say any team success produces incredible memories.

Winning a couple of World Cups is certainly a great way of creating life-time memories and friendships. Bowling to some of the game’s greats like Brian Lara is also an unforgettable experience or playing alongside legends of the game like Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist or Andrew Symonds.

You’re an ambassador for GPA’s mental health program and you’ll be joining the GPSA tent at the Yorke Peninsula Field Days. What are you most looking forward to about being back at the Field Days in SA?

Talking to people and hearing how their season’s going and sharing a few laughs and connecting. The conver-

sations you have along the way and people you meet are the most important thing.

Hopefully I’ll be able to recommend a few good holiday spots too for some of you South Australians to visit in WA when you take a break.

There’s a rumour that you’re keen to roll the arm over at the Field Days. Should we put the challenge out there to see if any farmers want to come along and face you?

As you know professional sports people aren’t supposed to respond to questions about rumours and speculation.

But let’s just say, if anyone wants to put out the challenge, and it’s for a good cause like mental health for farmers, then I’ll give it a good crack.

Hopefully the deck’s as good for spin bowling as some of the pitches I played on in SA over the years.

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CONFLICT CREATES CHAOS IN GRAIN MARKETS

Market Check’s Tess Walsh takes a look at how global conflicts are impacting South Australia’s international grain markets as we head into growing season.

Ever since Russia crossed the borders of Ukraine, the market has been nothing short of chaotic. Historic levels of price volatility have become the norm, with the outlook going forward not any better as we progress through the seeding window here in Australia.

Since that fateful day back in February 2022, the ongoing crisis in Ukraine remains the big story for grains. That being said, world markets have become a lot more comfortable with the uncertainty, especially since the Grain Corridor Agreement was established allowing Ukraine to resume exports via seaports. Some key dates have come and gone across May of this year; May 18th was the expiration date for the agreement which although looked unlikely for a time was renewed for another 60 days (now expiring mid-July). Another key date was May 14; the Turkish election had the

potential to create volatility, the close relationship between current President Erdogan and Vladimir Putin has been a driver in the ongoing success of the export agreement. Recently, Erdogan was declared the victor, dividing the Turkish people. All this has been set against the backdrop of the Northern Hemisphere growing season, which aside from dry conditions in Kansas and to a lesser extent Spain; is progressing well to date.

In April we had some good news for barley; China will expedite a review into the tariffs on Australian barley in exchange for Australia revoking the complaint lodged with the WTO. The effect on the market was somewhat muted, as prices for exporters who had pinched our market share into China plunged, while we saw a mild rally domestically.

Given the uncertainty, and the time of the year, the impact on old crop is still unknown, while access to Chinese markets at the time of the announcement would have unlocked approx. $20-30/t premium vs other markets (i.e. Saudi Arabia).

Thank you for your support during the 2022/23 harvest

In a season that has broken records, our grower customers: delivered 8.9+ million tonnes to our sites, making it our second largest harvest on record

achieved our biggest ever receival month delivering a record breaking 5+ million tonnes to our sites in December

To move this grain to end users, so far we have: transported 2.6+ million tonnes from upcountry sites to port by truck and train

shipped 4+ million tonnes including 990,000 tonnes in March making it our biggest shipping month ever

accessed

26 buyers who posted prices and/or bought grain in our system and a record

19 exporters with shipping capacity booked

exported to 31 countries including Indonesia, China and Saudi Arabia

Is Your Agribusiness Financially Flexible?

By Deb Purvis

For the most part, it’s been a good season. Have you thought about how you will manage that financially? Are you prepared to respond to a crisis or opportunity?

While there’s no set definition, financial flexibility means you can do what you need to do on your farm when you need to do it without compromising the larger financial picture.

Whether it’s a major machinery breakdown in the middle of harvest, avoiding a risk or accessing funds to take advantage of land purchase or lease opportunity, being financially flexible gives you a solid foundation to build your business on. It means you can plan for the future, while making the best financial choices along the way.

What are the benefits of having a financially flexible agricultural business?

• Respond quickly to change –when you’re financially flexible, you can make quick decisions when situations arise.

• Establish future stability – you might be locked into long-term debt and unable to pursue a new opportunity.

• Adapt quickly – when your finances are flexible, you can pivot, adapt to change or grow easily.

• Focus on running your business –with financial flexibility, you don’t need to waste time thinking about making a change or organising finance. You can simply take the opportunity and get on with running your business.

• Build a more stable business – if you have to juggle the finances every time something needs fixing or you want to start something new, you’re going to be stressed. If you’ve built financial flexibility into your business, you’ll be calmer, and your business will run more smoothly.

AGRIBUSINESS FINANCE

These are all general benefits that apply across most types of business.

There are also several specific benefits of having flexible funding options that can help agribusiness.

Flexible funding:

• helps with operations and cash flow, especially if there are seasonal differences.

• provides for Farm Management Deposits (FMDs)

• supports your retirement and succession plans.

• assists when you need to buy assets at short notice.

• makes it easier to deal with June 30 tax planning.

The path to a more financially flexible future will not be the same for every business. Just as every farming operating is unique, so too are the options available to you.

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THE GREAT GRAIN QUIZ

How much do you know about the South Australian and Australian grain industry? Test your knowledge below.

1. In which South Australian region was the first wheat grown?

2. The first silos for bulk receipt of grain were erected when?

A) 1930s and 40s

B) 1960s and 1970s

C) 1920s and 1930s

D) 1890s and 1900s

3. By 1930, of the nine most important wheats, five originated from where in South Australia?

4. The first tractors arrived in South Australia just after 1900. The tractors were significantly improved by the 1920s following which event that helped shape them?

5. When pastoralists were stricken by drought between 1864 and 1866 the surveyor-general, established a line north of where growers might receive assistance. What is this known as today?

6. Which song was voted number one in GPSA’s Harvest 100 in 2022?

A) Driving Wheels by Jimmy Barnes

B) Thunderstruck – AC/DC

C) Harvest Time – Luke Bryan

D) Lights on the Hill – Slim Dusty

7. Under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification into Europe, which grain varieties are accepted?

8. What is the Australian grain industry’s biggest pest threat?

A) Hessian Fly

B) Rape Stem Weevil

C) Wheat Bug

D) Khapra beetle

9. The European Union (EU) has announced it intends to reduce the maximum residue limit (MRL) for which herbicide?

10. In January 2023, the Australian Government agreed to proceed with an agreement to supply workers under the AAV (agriculture visa) program from which country?

11. GPSA has undertaken a connectivity project with which of the following companies?

A) Zemit

B) Zetifi

C) Telstra

D) Optus

12. Australia’s National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

(NHVR) recently provided a Regulatory Advice Notice NHVR Advice on how to manage the risk of non-compliant heavy vehicles including over-mass vehicles arriving at receival sites. Name something that would make a truck non-compliant.

13. In 2021-22, how many countries was South Australian grain exported to?

A) 80

B) 30

C) 50

D) 60

14. In 2021-22, which country did SA export the most wheat to?

A) Indonesia

B) China

C) Kenya

D) Kazakhstan

15. In 2021-22, which country did SA export the most canola to?

A) Japan

B) Belgium

C) France

D) Netherlands

‘Big enough to deliver, small enough to care’