Landcare pioneers need next generation helpers

ONE of the Loddon’s first Landcare groups formed 30 years ago and at the forefront of action to combat wheel cactus faces an uncertain future.

Wychitella group has seen membership decline as farms are sold and active volunteers age.

Long-time member David Bird has stepped into the secretary’s position to keep the group running while the next generation of volunteers are recruited.

Janet Richardson, now 85, had been secretary for 15 years but has now retired to Melbourne, he said.

“Over the years farms have become bigger, there are less peo- ple and the ones still in the area are often busy just working their farms,” he said.

Wheat – H1 $370 FIS. H2 $358 FIS. APW1 $348 FIS. ASW $338 FIS. AGP1 $338 FIS. SFW1 $338 FIS. FED1 $315 FI. Barley – PL1 $343 FIS. SP1 $343 FIS. PLX $315 FIS. BAR1 $303 FIS. BAR2 $250 FIS. BAR3 $250 FIS. BAR4 $230 FIS. Faba1 $382 FIS. Faba2 $382 FIS. New season – APW MG $364. ASW $323.. BAR1 MG $290. Non-GM canola $605. GM canola $565.

Mr Bird said the need for vigilance and action against wheel cactus remained important.

“There’s been a lot of work done over the years at Mount Buckranbanyule, Sunday Morning Hills and around Mount Egbert,” he said.

“In the early days, when taking a break we would come across wheel cactus on back roads and spike the plants. If you saw it you hit it (with an injection).

“We had a lot more people in the group at the time.

“It’s a never-ending job. Bush

Sheep Market

THERE was a similar lamb supply to a week ago at Bendigo with 10,500 penned, however sheep numbers more than doubled to 7650.

lambs tracked between 650c to 685c, with patches of selling at 700c to 740c for the neatest trades.

Heritage Australia has been doing a lot of good work at Mount Buckrabanyule.”

Mr Bird said wheel cactus plants were up to two metres high in some areas and had spread across the region.

“We keep patrolling every year ... injecting the plants is not a big burden if everyone chips in,” he said.

Mr Bird said he hoped younger people in the district would join the Wychitella Landcare Group to continue the work of the last 30 years protecting land in the area from the risk of wheel cactus and launching other initiatives.

Stock group wants local input

VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation’s Stock Sense Project wants livestock producers to join the network helping increase engagement in animal health, welfare and biosecurity.

VFF livestock president Scott Young said it remained essential that livestock producers had a say on these important issues for the livestock industry.

“Victoria is a leader in animal health, welfare and biosecurity and we need to ensure we stay ahead of the curve,” he said.

“We’re asking all interested livestock farmers to register their interest to help provide the important feedback needed to shape the future of our local industry.”

“Knowing exactly what is happening in the community will help the team provide targeted resources and solutions,” Mr Young said. Stock Sense has 10 regional network groups.

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Lambs continue on the same trend as previous weeks. Sheep remain strong for consecutive weeks with double the amount coming forward.

Mutton was the positive of the sale, with heavy sheep and good Merino wethers gaining $15 to $25 per head.

But processor demand for lambs retreated, the majority of sales back by $5 to $15.

The two major supermarkets remained absent, while some other key export companies were quiet.

Demand for extra heavy lambs was subdued and there was more lambs over 30kg cwt offered this week.

The strongest inquiry was for neat trade and heavy trade lambs and these held their value the best.

The line-up of light lambs included a lot of secondary types with few decent store lambs available.

Heavy export lambs over 30kg cwt sold from $216 to a top of $250, although sales over $235 were limited.

Heavy lambs, 26-30kg, $182 to $215 for crossbreds, the price spread reflecting how buyers picked through depending on breed quality, shape, finish and skin presentation.

Heavy trade lambs, 24-26kg, $169 to $185 and medium trades $143 to $171.

On a carcass basis a lot of

Trade and light lambs lacking fat cover $110 to $140; small lambs $30 to $90. Heavy sheep were keenly contested.

Big crossbred ewes $146 to $182, and heavy Merino wethers $138 to $175.

More sheep were costing over 500c this week, with the better weights and grades of mutton 450c to 480c. But secondary sheep often cheaper.

Crossbred Lambs

PA Condely Lake Meran (27) $250, GJ & GM Bremner Quambatook (41) $246, Somerville Feeds P/L Tragowel (24) $238, Lyndoch Farming Macorna (48) $237, Peter F Schlitz Quambatook (41) $231, DG & EJ Rathjen Colbinabbin (79) $228, W & H Ladson Mincha West (38) $225, GE , KM & NE Harrop Knowsley (31) $225, A Wright Boort (49) $215, RJ & DM Johnston Family Trust Boort (33) $212, Gredgport Holding Boort (31) $205, D & H McKinley Leichardt (51) $192, C Graham Family Arnold (46) $187.

CROSSBRED EWES

S & R Snelson (86) Tongala $176.

Next week’s order of sales: Nevins, Elders, McKean McGregor, Nuttall, Nutrien.

Supplied By Associated Stock Agents

To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.