Gippsland Farmer June 2023

ANC Forestry, Morwell managing director Daryl Hutton says the state government’s decision to end native timber harvesting will spell the beginning of the end for many small regional timber towns.

Counting down the days

Liam DURKIN

SHOCKWAVES reverberated around the community on Tuesday, May 23, after the state government announced native timber harvestinginVictoria would cometoaclose at the end of the year

The closuredate is now January 1, 2024six years ahead of the original 2030 closure date announced four years ago Timbertownssuch as Heyfield are remaining defiantafter being blindsided by the announcement.

Minister for Agriculture, Gayle Tierney broke the news at asombremedia conference in Morwell on the Tuesday.

“Todayisavery difficult day,it’savery difficult day for the timber industry,” she said.

“Thegovernmenthas needed to make adecisionand thatdecisionisabout the cessation of nativetimber from our state forests as of the 1st of January, 2024.”

The state government pointed to ongoing litigation and bushfires for the early closure, claiming therewas noalternative timber supply.

Native timber harvesting was put on hold in November lastyear afteraSupreme Court ruling against VicForests.

The court ruledVicForests did not do enough to protecttwo possum speciesgreater and yellow-bellied gliders.

Tuesday’s announcementwas metwith condemnation by local Nationals MPs, as well as Wellington ShireMayor,Ian Bye.

“Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has devastated the futures of over 650 timber workers throughout Wellington Shire,” Cr Bye said.

“I write today in responseto the Premier’s budget announcement, marking the final nail in the coffin for the state’s native timber industry, one that feeds the families of hundreds of local timber workers.

“Devastation was felt instantly yesterday, after months living in fear of the worst possible outcome. An outcome that has turned into anightmarefor timber workers local to Wellington Shire.”

Federal Memberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester labelled it the most outrageous decision by agovernment in his morethan decade-long career in politics.

“In my 15 years as aMember of Parliament, I’ve never been moredisgusted with agovernment decision than today’s announcementthat Victoriawill banall native timber harvesting from January 1 next year,” he said.

“People and wildlife die in poorly managed forests and Victorian Premier Dan Andrews’ plan to shutdown the native timber industry in 2024 is aplan to kill country towns, kill wildlife, and kill Australian jobs.

“This is aDan-made disaster which will devastate Gippsland communities and take

us ageneration to recover from.”

Fellow Nationals MPs wereequally scathing in response to the announcement.

“Today is agrim day for timber workers and their families who have been callously ignored -the Andrews Government has flatly refused to sit at the table and negotiate,” Member for EasternVictoria Region, Melina Bath said.

“This government and the Greens, who areinunity on this, have never been able to explainwhereour hardwood timber-that is increasing in consumer demand -is going to come from,” Member for Gippsland East, TimBull added.

“This announcement willnot only destroy the native timber industrybut be devastating for many local communities and the families within them as well,” Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said in Parliament.

Continued Page 3

The end of native timber harvesting

From Page 1

MR O’Brien called on the state government to explain what action it will take to replace the thousands of jobs cut from local communities by the decision.

“Gippslanders arealready facing job lossesfromHazelwood,with Yallourn to come,we’ve struggledthroughthe shutdownofwhite paper manufacturing at Maryvale and now thetimber industry will be shut down in less than six months,” he said.

“What afarce. What adisgrace. And what better evidence that the Labor Party has turned its back on blue-collar workers in favour of inner-city green votes.”

The state government has announced a $200million support package,aimedat helping timber workerstransitionout of the industry.

The commitment brings the state government’s support for forestry transition to morethan $877 million.

At Tuesday’s press conference, Minister Tierney said the decision would provide certainty to workers who havebeen off work since the Supreme Court ruling.

“Our focus is on workers and their families,” she said.

“Weabsolutely do not take this lightly, but the uncertainty cannot continue.

“Wewill back local communities with the financialsupport, securejobs and training, and one-on-one case management they need.”

Specifically, thestate government has announcedaSupplyChainResilience package to support business continuity, and will deliveraprogramofland management work to manage 1.8 millionhectares of publicland currentlysubject to the timber harvesting allocation order

In addition,anadvisorypanel will be established to consider and make recommendations to governmentonthe areas of forests that qualify for protection as NationalParks, the areas of forests that would be suitable for recreation opportunities -including camping, hunting, hiking, mountainbiking and four-wheel driving -and opportunitiesfor managementof public land by Traditional Owners.

Minister for Regional Development and Memberfor EasternVictoria, Harriet Shing was joined byfellow Memberfor EasternVictoria, TomMcIntosh in Morwell at Tuesday’s announcement, flanking Minister Tierney.

Ms Shing acknowledged the mental toll of the decision would be widespread.

“Today’s announcement will be incredibly distressing and upsetting for many, many people acrossrural and regional Victoria,” she said.

“Over the coming days we will be providing

really intensive mentalhealthsupport, and support for peoplethat have been affected.

“Wedon’t underestimatethe impactthat thiswill have on communities, from Swifts Creek out to Beaufort (near Ballarat).

“Wedon’t underestimate the challenges that this will create for workers, for their families, businesses and communities who for generations have relied on timber harvestingto make aliving and to craft their own identities.

“We’renot under any illusions about how difficult this will be but, ongoing litigation and the impactofbushfires which decimated morethan1.5 million hectares aroundthe state,haveleftus with no choice, and it would be irresponsible,disrespectful of us not to actually provide communities withthe certainty they deserve.”

The stategovernmentwillbeworking withRegional DevelopmentVictoria and the Latrobe Valley Authority as part of the transition, to look at ways to provide skills and traininginother spaces fortimber workers.

Redeployment into public land management has been identified as themost likely space.

Those most closely affected aretrying to remain positive.

Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), Heyfield and RadialTimber, Yarram are both looking at ways to innovate, all the while tryingtokeepmorale high among the workforce.

ASHs plans for the 2030 closurehave now beenaccelerated from six years to seven months.

In apossible silverlining, it is understood both mills aredetermined not to make any redundancies.

ANC Forestry managing director Daryl Hutton believed the decision would spell the end of many smalltowns.

“We’ve probably known this has been coming for awhile because it seems to be theway DanielAndrews wants to run this state,”hesaid.

“It seems to be all about the cities, what it is going to do to rural Victoria, all the little towns that revolve around sawmills is just going to close those towns and give those people no security over their future.

“Theytalk aboutretraining,but these people are passionate about the timber industry, and it’s what they grew up to do and what they wanted to do, and now they have to up-school to go and do something they won’t enjoy doing quite so much.”

Heyfieldreactstotimber axe

Zoe ASKEW

HEYFIELD is rife with anger,uncertainty, distrust, and sadness in the aftermath of the state government's shock announcement last week to bring forwardthe cessation of native timber harvesting.

But thereisalso hope.

Over the last decade,the Victorian timber industry has been met with persistent hindrances, from bushfires and environmental no-logging zones to aSupreme Court ruling againstVicForests' nativeforest logging program, limiting the supply available for harvesting every year

In 2019, the state government announced nativeforestlogging would be gradually phased out by 2030, immediately ceasing logging of old-growth forests under the plan to transition Victoria's timber industry to plantation-based supply.

Despite aslew of obstacles, Heyfield's mill, Australia's largest hardwood sawmill, and the mill's operator,Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), has endured.

ASH managingdirector,Vince Hurley was blindsidedwhen the state government announced they werebringing forward the cessation of native timber logging to January 1, 2024, six years earlier than initially planned.

"In 2017, we hadquitea large volume reduction, andwhatwedid,the larger shareholder he left and we took over,and we'vereally beenconcentrating on four main things, that is people, really important, diversify our fibreinput, diversify our manufacturingcapabilityand diversify markets and we've been really successful in doing that," Mr Hurley said.

"In November 2019, the government announcedthe progressive transitionto close the industry, to close native forestry

by 2030, and so we really ramped up our process, and until yesterday (Tuesday, May 23) we wereworkingtowards their plan, therewas no indication the plan was going to change, that was the plan."

When the state government announced the phasing outof native forest logging in 2019, they extendedexisting forestry agreements until July 2024, after which nativetimber supplywouldbereduced beforeending in 2030.

"Wethought, 'Okay, that's okay, we've got time to work progressively through to find replacements for that fibre', and that's what

we weredoing," Mr Hurley said.

"Webought asawmill in Tasmania;we aretaking alot of plantation hardwood out of the Strzelecki's and out of Tasmania as well, and we arealso one of the largest importers of American Oak into the country as araw product because our main game hereismanufacturing.

"Effectively logs turned into slabs turned into feedstock turned into amanufactured finished product, that's wheremost of our employment is, including alot of women in manufacturing."

The accelerated cessation of native timber

logginghas been yet another hardpill to swallow for Mr Hurley.

"I did put anotice out to our employees on Monday to let them know we've got this," he said.

"We've gottocontrol what we can control, and what that means is we've got to try to find morealternative fibre, that we intended to, morequickly.

"My objective is to keep people's morale up and keep people focused on what we aredoing. Hope is an incredibly powerful thing, and we all have hope."

Mr Hurley is looking beyond the anger and frustrationand focusingonthe future, identifying the silver lining in this time of hardship and uncertainty.

Still, even the most optimistic perspectives can't shakethe hurtfeltbythose in the state's timber industry.

"Wesaved the business, really, by doing whatwedid, by taking control, andour whole strategyhas been incredibly successful, [this is] just another kick in the guts, but you can't lay down too long; you've just got to get up and go," Mr Hurley said.

"Ifwehadn't had our big issue in 2017 and we werestill 100 per cent relianton VicForests wood, you wouldn't be speaking with me today; we'd be dead in the water

"Wehad afortunate misfortune, and we always look for that silver cloud, but this is arealkick in the guts; Imean, if they said you've got ayear,wecould've, we really could've tried, like okay, we've got ayear, lets really work hardaroundthat, lets really work around that.

"It's notevensix months; it's today.I have spoken with VicForests this morning (Tuesday, May 24); they don't have anywheretogobecause of the litigation."

Among the pallet of emotions, for Mr

Heyfield Timber Festival organiser and life-long resident Felicia Stevenson.

Hurley, it always comes back to hope.

"One of the things we haven't done is really talk to the community yet, but there are190 people who work here, most of who live in and around Heyfield," Mr Hurley said.

"Wesent an SMSgateway to all the employees, so everyone got an SMS gateway on Monday about what my response was,and it was reallyabout hope, you know, 'Okay, this is areally bad decision, it's not justifiable but let's continue on our path, we'll just have to speed it up'.

"We'vedoneitbefore; we've absolutely proven that we arecommitted."

The anger felt by those working in the timber industry has reverberated throughout the local community.

Heyfield Timber Festival organiser and lifetime resident Felicia Stevenson, was out of town when she received news of the government's shock decision to bring forwardthe cessation of native timber logging.

"I was at my grandson's school sports, and my husbandrang me and told me, thenit was emailafter emailcoming through," Ms Stevenson said.

"I was just dumbfounded like he's [Daniel Andrews] is putting himself up on apedal stool like 'I'm doing this, I'm taking pressureoff thesefamilies', but he's putting morepressureonfamilies.

"It's not just guys and women in the [timber] industry; it's their partners, it's' their kids that aresuffering, not just financially, but it's amental strain on them, and it's just wrong.

"Kids here[in Heyfieldand surrounds] their dads work inthe bush, drive log trucks, work up at the timber mill, that all goes, they'regoing to have to rip them out of this school and take them somewhere else, what to New South Wales, take them away from their grandparents. It's wrong and he [Daniel Andrews] doesn't see that. None of the greenies sees that."

One Heyfield resident who works within the community emphasised the rippling

effectsoflastweek'stimberindustry announcement.

"It's not just the timber mill that is going to be affected; it is the butcher,the baker, the candlestick maker,theirkids, their grandkids in small towns, and some small towns are going just todisappear,"they said.

For many Heyfield residents, including Ms Stevenson, thereisshared fear for when the next major fireengulfs the region.

"Who is goingtofightour fires?" Ms Stevenson said.

"Thereisgoing to be another big fire; the questioniswhen and where, and we aren't going to have the dozers and the machinery and the knowledge of these guys to go and help put it out and put the road lines in.

"We'rescrewed."

"One thingthat worries the hell out of all of us is when we have next big bushfire," another Heyfield resident said.

"All those businesses who have been put out of business, they'rethe ones who went and fought the fires, who had the machinery, they'renot going to have the machinery.

"They [the state government] talk about professional firefighters, our CFAguys here, they fight the fires because they want the fires to stop, but they'renot professional firefighters, they'revolunteers, and Melbourne is saying this is what you havetobe, you have to be professional firefighters.

"It's achanging world, and Ican't see it's changing in the right direction."

Whilethereisnodenying the anger uncertainty, distrust, and sadness within Heyfield following the state government's shock announcementlastweekto bring forwardthe cessation of native timber harvesting, theresilientcommunityof Heyfield remain hopeful.

"Wemake thingshappen in Heyfield," one resident said.

"We'renot going to fold up and die; neither is the timber mill; we arenot going to let it."

ASH managing director Vince Hurley.

Photos: Zoe Askew

My objective is to keep people’smorale up and keep peoplefocused on what we aredoing. Hope is an incredibly powerful thing, and we all have hope.

Chester kicked out after taking PM to task

FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester caused astir in Parliament on Thursday, May 25 via afierce exchange with the Prime Minister

Mr Chester usedQuestion Time to raise the issue of Victoria's native timber industry, during which time he accused the Prime Minister,Anthony Albanese of "hating" forestry workers.

In his original question, Mr Chester referred to astatement made by Mr Albanese beforethe 2022 federal election wherehe said: "Labor supports your industry, your family and your community."

"PrimeMinister,given the VictorianLabor government'sdecisiontoban all native harvesting of timber in just six months, sacking thousands of workers, what support has the Prime Ministerand his government actually provided for timber workers across Australia, oris thisjust anotherbroken promise?" Mr Chester asked in Parliament.

Mr Albanese responded by saying: "The Victorian government has a $200 million

structural adjustment package in its budget …and Icertainly do support timber workers."

Mr Chesterinterjectedduringthis response,resultinginaformal warning from the Speakerofthe House,Dick Milton

Mr Albanese continued: "Andthrough the regionalforestry agreements process, we work with states and territories to support Australia's forestry industry to operate under high standards for environmental management and sustainable harvesting."

"We need timber products and we want sustainableforestryjobs," MrAlbanese said.

"And that's why we areinvesting …$300 million to grow plantations, modernise our timber manufacturing infrastructureand build the skills of our forestry workforce.

"I note that through the National Reconstruction Fund we specifically set aside fundingto support the forestry industry, butthe Memberfor Gippsland voted against it, and (the opposition) voted

against it as well."

Mr Albanese concluded his question, and Mr Chester rose to make apoint of order

Mr Chesterthen asked the Prime Minister directly, "Why do you hate timber workers so much?" resulting in jeers from the benches and the scornofthe Speaker

"The Member for Gippsland knows what he's just done there, which is completely unparliamentary," Mr Milton said.

Immediately after asking his question, Mr Chester proceeded to leave the chamber, but was motioned back to the despatch box by Mr Milton to formally withdraw his question, to which Mr Chester obliged.

Mr Chester's outburst comes after the state government brought forward the end of native timber harvesting in the state by six years to January 1, 2024.

Mr Chester,who represents the National Party,had voiced his criticism of the measureinthe Houseof Representatives on Tuesday, May 23.

Mr Chester is currently on the opposition

Announcement amassive blowtoVictorianfamiliesand workers

STRATFORD singer-songwriter and Forest &Wood CommunitiesAustralia director Mick Harrington has lashed out at the state government's decision to cease native timber harvesting by the end of the year MrHarrington, who is also alocal timber worker and was a finalist on TV show The Voice said the announcement came as a crippling blow to the industry.

"Wehave people already on the edge thanks to the 2019 announcement and the relentless assault on sustainable native forestry since then," he said.

"These arepeople who have been caring forour forests and ensuring they continue

to provide arenewable resource, but are now wondering how to feed their families and keep their homes.

"Therehas been zerocrediblescientific evidence to supportthis decision which comes when we need to embrace renewable resources.

"Internationally forestry is heralded as a climate change solution. But in Australia, wherewehave the strictest policies governing native timber harvesting, it is derided by unaccountableactivism which exists in our universities, media and Labor governments.

"This Andrews government has caved into extremism and academic activism with no

thought for people who just want to work hardand support their families."

It is estimated that nativeforestry provides 5000 direct jobs and many moreindirect jobsproviding the lifeblood for regional communities such as Orbost, which stands to lose 37 per cent of its workers.

Forest &Wood Communities Australiais anot-for-profit association representing timber communities and supporters of sustainable, world-certified timber sector

Mr Harrington also ran for the Nationals in thesenate at last year's federal election.

frontbench, handling the shadow portfolios of Local Government and Territories, Regional Education and Regional Development.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester wasbooted from Parliament last month.

Photo: File

Gippsland singer-songwriter and timber worker Mick Hartington.

Photo: File

VicKoala Alliance

KOALA advocates, volunteers and carers have launched Koala Alliance Victoria, an alliance founded to save Victoria's koalas, on Wednesday, May 3, Wild Koala Day.

Janine Duffy, from Koala Clancy, is one of the members of the new Koala Alliance Victoria.

"Weformed this alliancebecausewe couldn't stand it any longer: therehas to be agroup to investigate and rebut Victorian government misinformation about koalas," Ms Duffy said.

"A koala living in the YouYangs is likely to die from drought or aheatwave, or starvation as her trees die due to climate change.

“A koala living in Mallacoota is lucky to havesurvived the 2019-2020 mega-fires and is likely to face anotherone in her lifetime.

"Our koalas arevanishing, and the government is not doing enough. They areeven dragging their heels and areyet to release theirmuchheralded Koala Management Strategy, which is years overdue,” she added.

According to Melinda Darerof Friends of Alberton West, koala numbersin the region arewaning.

"Wehave less than two thousand koalas left in our region," Ms Darer said.

"On the Mornington Peninsula, akoala is likely to die from starvation as her trees arecut down due to lax planning laws.

"Nobody at the local or state government level seems to be concerned, but there should be alarms going offeverywhere."

The state government reports Victoriahas arelatively high koala populationcompared to otherregions like Queensland,New South Wales and the AustralianCapital Territory.

Here, koala populations arelisted as vulnerable to extinctionunder the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Jessica Robertson from Ballarat Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservationhas questioned the government's sources, claiming Victoria's koala population is not large and thriving.

"We'd like to know why the government says koalas are'abundant'; whereisthis data coming from?" Ms Robertson said.

"I know that in my area, therehas not been any research or monitoring on koala abundance for many decades. Itpuzzles me why moredonot question this claim of 'abundance' when everyone Ispeak to says the same thing, wherehave all the koalas gone?

"Koalas in this state arenot 'abundant' at all," she said.

"Theyare being forced to crowd intoever smaller,shrinking fragments of habitat This is not an abundance of koalas; it is pressure from habitat loss. This is leading to starvation and disease on top of all the other threats they face.

"Calls on the government from koala carers and rescuers, researchers and citizen science groups to investigate shocking koala declinesgounanswered, while more koalas disappear every year."

To learn more about the Koala Alliance Victoriaand the work they do head to koalaclancyfoundation.org.au/ koala-alliance-victoria/

An East Gippsland koala. Photo: Contributed

Flora and fauna community education

GELLIONDALE Wind Farmheld aflora and fauna community information session to detail recent ecological studies undertaken on the site.

It was heldonThursday, May 18 from 1pm to 5pm at the Gelliondale Wind Farm informationcentreat310 Commercial Road, Yarram.

The sessionwas presentedby Nature Advisory director Inga Kulik.

NatureAdvisory is ahighly credentialed ecological assessment consultancy that has completed studies on morethan 60 wind energy projects nationally, while Ms Kulik has morethan 20 years' experience in managing ecological investigations for large projects within the renewable energy sector Ms Kulik was available throughout the four-hour session to discuss the flora and fauna of the Gelliondale area, potential impacts of the wind farmonspecific species and the impact avoidance and mitigation methods that can be deployed. She will also address vegetationremoval and offset requirements.

The Gelliondale Wind Farmproject is being developed by SynergyWind with support from RWE Renewables Australia, one of the largest renewable energy generators in the world with 9.5 gigawatts of renewable energy assets worldwide.

“Planning and technical investigations have now been completed along with targeted flora and fauna surveys and detailed environmental assessments,” Synergy Wind managing director Adam Gray said.

“Engagement withneighbouring properties has been ongoing and abroader community engagement program implemented.”

As part of the community engagement program, Synergy Wind and RWEplayed amajor role as a‘platinum sponsor’ of the recent Tarra Festival.

Synergy Wind sponsoredthe Easter Carnival, while RWEsponsored the Tarra Festival and Saturday market, and attended the Lions Club Market on Easter Monday.

The sponsorship provided an opportunity to set-up information andprovide the community with details of the wind farm.

“Wehad about 150 individual discussions with people from the local area over the Easter weekend and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” Mr Gray said.

“Wealso had an opportunity to outline details of the Community Benefit Program that will distribute between $160,000 and $240,000 annually. Theweekend provided valuablefeedback to help shapethe development of the program.”

Responses to arecent community survey have shown that developing local industry and employment is a“high priority” for 65 per cent of residents. Other significant prioritiesinclude upgrade of local infrastructureand support for environmental programs.

For further information about Gelliondale Wind Farmortomake contact visit gelliondalewind.com

Online carbon abatement

IN anationalfirst,the Victorian Government has worked with CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, to become the first state to include plantation and farmforestry methods in their onlinecarbonabatement calculator “LOOC-C” (‘look see’).

The calculator will help Victorian landowners to learnabout opportunities for plantation and farmforestry activities to sequester carbon and generate revenue on their land. It will also link landownersto Victorian Government grant programs to grow trees on their properties.

LOOC-C directs users to select an area of land via amap, and then estimates the total carbon abatementinAustralian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) potentially availableunder arange of methodologiesthrough the Commonwealth Government’s EmissionsReduction Fund (ERF) endorsed by the Clean Energy Regulator.LOOC-C is available at looc-c.farm.

In arelated development, the Victorian Governmentisseekingexpressions of interest (EOI) from experienced

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tree-growing businesses to help regional landowners plant trees and reduce Victoria’s carbon emissions.

EOIs areopen for established plantation/vegetation management businesses to become registeredproject advisers for the VictorianCarbon Farming Program and help landowners plant trees on their properties.

Registered projectadviserswill be able to apply for sponsorship funding to undertake outreach activities to engage with landownersonthe potential benefits of growing trees on farms.

The program’s pilot will run in the North Central Catchment Management Authority region. The project aimsto incentivise rural landowners to establish shelterbelts and woodlots that will bring arange of on-farmbenefits and sequester carbon to assist meeting the state’s emissions reduction targets.

Grantswillopen up for landowners in July 2023. For interested landowners, EOI applicants and to sign up for updates moreinformation is available looc-c.farm

An artist’s impression of the proposed Gelliondale

Wind Farm Photo: File

RuralRomance

Farmersonnet zero study

Advertising in theFarmer gets ou you results! i

Butdon’t just take ourwordfor it...

THE National Farmers’ Federation(NFF)

welcomes the Net ZeroAustralia study report, whichrecognisesthe needfor a fair transition to acarbon neutral future –and not at the expense of agricultureor farmers.

The NFF was on the report’s advisory group and President Fiona Simson said agriculturehad been listened to, but it was important this was sustained as Australia progresses its economy-wide 2050 target. “It is crucial any work towards net zero includes afarmer voice and we believe our input has been understood and incorporated intothe modelling, which is the most comprehensive analysis we have seen for Australia,” Ms Simson said.

“We’ve called for afair and plannedtransition to Australia’s 2050 goaland this report delivers on this.”

The reportoutlines exclusion areas to reduce the likelihood ofsolar andwind developmentsonproductivefarmland, while water reliant industries like hydrogen will use desalinised water rather than tapping into Australia’s limited fresh water supplies.

“While this doesn’t run alegislated red line through thesepotential renewable developments, it is reassuring the transition will be cautious and considerate,” Ms Simson said.

“A carbonneutral futuremust not be at the detriment of valuable food and fibre producing land.

“Australian farmers have been punching above their weight towards net zero, consistently reducing emissions, setting their own ambitious commodity driven targets and supporting this economy-wide goal.”

Ms Simson said it was reassuring to see the report acknowledge to reach net zero, Australia must ‘invest in our people and land to reduce impactsand sharebenefits’ and weneedto‘carefully manage major land use changes, including the Indigenous Estate, ecosystems and agriculture’.

“Wenow have aplan but there’s stillplenty morework ahead of us. We welcome the opportunitytobeatthe tableinthese discussions and be involved in the next phase.”

The Gippsland Farmer newspaper has played apivotal role in the success of TTMI across Gippsland. As atrusted dealer of tractors and farm machinery, we have come to rely on the newspaper’s extensive reach, professional services, and exceptional customer careto effectively promote our products and connect with the Gippsland farming community.

The Gippsland Farmer has been instrumental in helping us showcaseour offerings into our key market demographic. With their comprehensive coverage of all things agricultural, the newspaperhas provided us with apowerful platform to reach farmers, growers, and industry professionals throughout the region. Their commitment to delivering high-qualitycontent and relevant news hascreated areceptive and informed readership, giving our advertising efforts even more impact Paula, our advertising consultant and remarkable member of The Gippsland Farmer team, has been an invaluable asset in our advertising journey.Paula’s exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and regular reminders about advertising deadlines have ensured all our promotional campaigns run seamlessly.Her dedication to providing a personalised experience and exceptional customer service has made everyinteraction with The Gippsland Farmer an absolute pleasure.

Moreover,I am grateful for Paula’s consideration of TTMI for special advertising features and promotions. Shehas gone aboveand beyond to provide us with opportunities to highlight our business and offerings in unique and creative ways. Her keen understanding of ourindustry and unwaveringsupport have truly made a difference in the visibilityand success of our advertising efforts.

Iwould highly recommend The Gippsland Farmer newspaper to any business in the agricultural sector seeking effective advertising solutions. The newspaper’s wide readership, informative content,and exceptional customer caremakeitanideal platform to connect with the farming communitythroughout Gippsland. We look forwardtoacontinued partnership p p with The Gippsland Farmer,confident in the knowledge that our advertising needsare in the best of hands.

National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson.

Photo: File

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CFAcelebrate selfless volunteers

Zoe ASKEW

WITH 54,000volunteers spread over more than 1200 brigades across Victoria, CFA is one of the world's largest volunteer emergency organisations.

From Monday, May 16, until Sunday, May 21, CFAcelebrated the tens of thousands of Victorians who have selflessly committed to protecting lives and property, asking for nothing in return.

District 10 CFACaptains Paula Grosveld, Esther Dekkers, Fiona Quinlan, Karen Whitehurst and Dawn Wood areamong the locals who volunteer their time and, at times, risk their lives for the greater good of the community.

Together these five female CFADistrict 10 captains have served their communities in times of need, from the Black Saturday bushfiresin 2009and the 2019-20 Australian bushfireseason to being the first respondents at car accidents and locating missing people in local bushland.

Grosveld, Dekkers, Quinlan, Whitehurt and Wood haveset aprecedent within local CFAbrigades which fosters equality regardless of gender

While each captain has their own story, their own experience, at their core, they all sharethe desiretohelp others.

Having servedasthe Golden Beach brigadecaptainonand off for23and a volunteer for 36 years, it is hardtobelieve Ms Grosfeld had never considered joining the CFAprior to 1987.

"I hadn't even thought aboutit until a couple of friends that were in the Golden Beach brigade came and said to me they werelooking for radio operators or someone to be trainedas aradio operatorattheir group base," Ms Grosfeld said.

"That's how it started, and Ineeded to get ontoa tanker to listen to what the radio traffic was, and that was it; Iwas hooked; you couldn't get me out."

Throughout her36years asaCFA volunteer,MsGrosfeld has held positions as Brigade Comms Officer,3rd DGO, 2nd DGO, Brigade Training, Group Health & Safety,Chair-DSAT and is currently in her final termasGroup Secretary.

"During the 2019-2020 bushfires, Iwas the leader of astriketeam," Ms Grosfeld said.

"A strike team isfive tankers, fiveultra lights, or they'rein groups of five, so Iwas the leader of that.

"Wewent up to Tubbut; the next one was in Buchan,and we got stuckin Buchan because the firecame in on top.

"Wegot stuck therefor alittle bit, radio communications weredown, and it was my job to look after my crew and fight the fires, so that is the role of astrike team leader; you mighthave25peopleunderneath you, or you might have 40."

As onewould assume, in almostfour decades with the CFA, Ms Grosfeld has encountered horrificscenes, asymptom of the natureof her role, but no matter

how confronting or hard times may be, the thoughtofleaving hasnot oncecrossed her mind.

"I think they'll have to cart me out in a box," Ms Grosfeld laughed.

Ms Grosfeld's passion for helping others and the supportive CFAcommunity, which she calls her CFAfamily, have kept her adevoted volunteer for 37 years and will continue to do so.

"I probably sound abit selfish, but Iget a heap of satisfaction out of helping others; it doesn't matter in what role," Ms Grosfeld said.

"Sometimes we areappreciated,other times werenot, and that's okay, as long as we'reokay with whatwe'redoing and why we aredoing it, Iwouldn't keep doing it if Ididn't have that self-satisfaction of knowing that Iamhelping.

"I really try to instil, no matter what Iam doing, that we areateam," she said.

"Whether it'sstriketeams,orbrigades, or sectors, or what have you, that we are ateam, and it's the samewith [the District 10] female captains getting together; we have now formed quite afriendship, abond, but it's that team that has us all together

"Thereare challenges that we have all been through, each one of the five of us has had challenges different to one of the others, but we support each other through all of that, and we may get alittle ridiculous with pizzas and donuts and what have you, but thereisthis real camaraderie."

Ms Grosfeld will be stepping down from her post as Golden Beach brigade captain at the end of 2024, hoping to leave alasting legacy of trust and camaraderie.

"In this business, you can get killed quite easilyifyour not aunit that is willing to work as ateam, so I've got to instil it," Ms Grosfeld said.

Ms Dekkers has been MunroFireBrigade captainsince 2017, joining as aCFA volunteer in the summer of 1993-1994.

"The secretary came to sign up my little brother,and he saidtomylittle brother "Do you know any other young people who

wouldn't mind joining", and Isaid "Yeah, I'll join", so that was it," Ms Dekkers said.

"[My favourite things about being aCFA volunteerare]helping the community because ifyou'rejumping on afiretruck, somebody else is having aworse day than you are.

"I like the camaraderie of the CFA, the teamwork of the CFA; Ilike going away on strike teams with the CFA; thereisa whole lot of things to like, there's not just one thing in particular."

Ms Dekkershas mademanymemories and had many experiencesinher 30 years as aCFA volunteer,one of which hasstuck with her in particular

"It was alittle car accident afew years ago," Ms Dekkers explained.

"A family werecoming home from Eden, towingthe boat after beingaway on holidays.

"Theystopped in Bairnsdale for lunch, wife says to husband, do you want to swap over,husband said nah, nah, I'm good, we'll swap over in Stratford.

"Didn't quite make Stratford, come offthe road, went over one of those lovely roadside barriers -obviously therehavinga s*** day

"Wegoand help, get them all sorted out, but one of the small young children there actually wrote athank you letter to the CFA cause we made their parents have abit of alaugh even though they'd had as*** day.

"Wemadesurethey had bottles of water cause it was ahot summer’s day and "don't sit near the bullants nest kidsbecause that's going to hurt", and it was just areally lovely little thank you letter from asmall child goingyou made our parentslaugh on abad day.

"This little nine-year-old kid wrote this letter,itended up at thedistrict office, and eventually it was forwarded on to all of us, butitwas just areally nice little gesture that brought asmile to my face that day when Igot it."

In 2017, Ms Quinlan was elected as the Woodside FireBrigadecaptainand has been aCFAvolunteer for 10 years.

"I moved up from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne just before the 2009 fires, and they were very scary, so I thought I better do something and learn something about bushfires, so Ijoined the CFAatWoodside," Ms Quinlan said.

Ms Quinlan's enthusiasm for volunteering with the CFA, like Dekkers', is fueled by a combination of factors, with the Woodside captainhavinga particular fondnessfor the small human connections it brings.

"CFA, we aresaving life and property; that's our mandate to save life and property," Ms Quinlan said.

"Toactually save somebody's house for them, if ahouse is burning, to actually then retrieve say their photo albums and give that to aperson, Igot this one woman's handbag once,anelderly couple, Iwas able to go and get her handbag, and she was so grateful, even though all the outside was singed, just things like that, small human things.

"The little human elements to bring a smile when their house has burned down, or their hayshed has burned down."

Ms Wood has been the captainofthe Willung South FireBrigade since December 2021, joining as aCFA volunteer in 1995.

"Iwantedtodosomething for thecommunity," Ms Wood said.

"I didn't like the idea that when my husbandwas outfirefighting,Ididn't know wherehewas, what was goingon, and I wanted to be apart of it.

"The CFA has always been a family and still is to meand to alot of members in there.

"They werethe main reasons, one doing something for the community and one to protect,aswesay to protect livesand property."

Ms Wood has held positions as brigade commsofficer, group secretary,junior leader,brigadecomm safety, brigade training, as well as captain and is avaluable CFAstaffmember of District 10.

Ms Whitehurst is a volunteer at the CFA and captain of the Newry FireBrigade.

Ms Whitehurst has alsoheldpositions of brigade commsofficer,group comms officer,group treasurer,and brigadecomm Ed and has alsoworked with CFAasa casual communityliaison officer,vegetation management officer and project officer

There is not enough room inanentire Gippsland Times issue to do thesefive women justice;whatyou have read is barely ascratchofthe surface of what these women do for the CFA.

These women protect our homes, our lives, and the lives of their teams and do so willingly, asking for nothing in return.

We thank Ms Grosveld, Ms Dekkers, Ms Quinlan, Ms Whitehurst and Ms Wood for their service to the community, not just during National Volunteer Week but each and every day.

District 10 CFAcaptainsPaula Grosveld, Esther Dekkers, Fiona Quinlan,Karen Whitehurst and Dawn Wood.

Photo: Contributed

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Getting educated at Maffra farm conference

Rural property price rise

Katrina BRANDON

THE 2023 Rural Bank Australian Farmland Values Reporttracksevery farmland sale for almost three decades and provides detailed market information from anational to alocal level.

The report, supplementedbyfarmland sales data from DAS (Digital Agriculture Services), recorded a20per cent rise in growth for 2022, it is the first time in the last 28 years that growth of more than 15 per cent was recorded across all states and territories.

growth rates seen in recent years have lifted thenational 20-yearCAGR to 8.5 per cent, but factoring in thenew level of interest rates,downturnsincommodity prices and the potential for adrier finish to 2023, we see indicators pointing to farmland values reaching an inflection point," Mr Smith said.

"While growth in farmland values is still expected in 2023, this will likely be at aslower ratethan the previous two years.

ON Thursday, May25 RuralBankhad a conferenceabout farmland values across Victoriain Maffra.Theytalked about the overall interest rates per hectare by properties larger than 30 hectares, livestock and food during the conference in Maffco Brewery.

The conference was led by Rural Bank Head of Agricultural Development, Andrew Smith who talked about land values going up per hectare, cattle and lamb prices coming down and the rates eveningout for milk rates.

“It’s been rising really quite strongly in the last 5 years so the long terms over the last 10 years the average growth rates have been running about 8and ahalf percent per annumNationally.But in the last5 years it's been running at about 11 and a half percent,” Andrew stated.

“So for East Gippsland that’s what we are looking at and South and West Gippsland that in our in last year's report we have just on 22% growth across the region which is really quite strong and the national average is 20%, so just abit higher than the national average.’

Andrew explained that due to tighter supply, people have been less keen to sell

and commodity prices have dropped in particular for beef, cattle and lamb and interest rates have risen, some quite strongly have had 11 rate rises in arow.

‘’We have had quite a lot of rainfall in the last 3 years but the outlook is a bit dryer this year but the longer term forecasts are for El Nino to start to present itself again later in the year which would possibly make adry finish and adry Spring.

“They were seeing interest rates come up with alow post-COVID of 0.1 per cent rising up to 3.85 per cent and expectations are that rates probably won't go much higher withmosteconomiesaroundthe world starting to see it easing in interest rates and outlooks.

“Weare seeing dairy in particular reduction in supply in the long termreductionin supplyover 20 years and we areseeing that milkpricesare quitestrongdomestically but the world markets have dropped away.”

Further into the conference, Andrewstated that he doesn’t think cattle prices aregoing to keep falling; rathermost thingsare going to stabilise over the next few years, but land prices have raised 20 per cent in 2021 and 2022 which indicates that property prices may keep rising due to high demand.

Australian Rural Bank head of Agribusiness Development, Andrew Smith, saidprices arecontinuing to rise.

"This is the ninth consecutive year that the national median price per hectare of Australian farmland has increased, lifting the 20-year compound annual growth rate(CAGR) to 8.5 percent and with the national median price rising by 167 per cent at aCAGR of 11.5 per cent over those nine years," Mr Smith said.

"Farmland values maintained strong growth momentum in 2022 as the nationalmedianpriceper hectare increased by 20 per cent to $8,506 per hectare.

“The key drivers of farmland values areset to remain in favour of demand exceeding supply through 2023, driving a10thconsecutiveyearofgrowthin the national median price per hectare.”

In other regions like Victoria, South Australia and WesternAustralia, they all recorded growth of morethan 20 per cent, followed by Queensland and New South Wales, with increases of 15.9 per cent and 18.9 per cent, respectively.

"As an asset class, the exceptional

“Farmlandtransactions in 2022 equated to atotal of 8.8 million hectares of land traded at acombined value of $11.7 billion.”

Mr Smith said the amount of land sold in Australia in 2022 could make up a whole European Country.

"Toput this market activity into perspective, the total number of hectares of Australianfarmlandsold in 2022 equates to an area similar in size to thatofa European country, such as Hungary," he said.

KathrynDaviesfromthe Rural Bank, Victoria, said Victoria's farmland values continued to break records again in 2022, following ayear of growth in 2021.

"The slowdown in transactions numbers reflects buyer caution and deeper business consideration offthe back of rising interest rates and input costs," Ms Davies said.

"With good growing conditions, an easing in some commodity prices from recordhighs and continuedhigher interest rates, purchasers areconducting deeper analysis to ensurethat higher purchase prices don't harmthe overall returns that can be generated.

Photo: File

The power of precision agriculture

WIMMERA farmer TimRethus describes precision agricultureasa‘really powerful’ tool for his family’s 5000-hectarebroadacre cropping operation,one thattakesthe guesswork out of farming and provides the data to ground-truth decisions.

“There is still room for gut feel in farming but precision agricultureputs the numbers around that,” Mr Rethus said.

“Having digital tools and data takes the subjectivity out of decisions and helps us to manage proactively.

“Wecan do analysis quite quickly on the phone, tablet or at home on the computer and make decisions as though we’reactually standing on every hectare.”

Trading as Rethus Broadacre, Tim, his brother Luke and father GeoffRethus and their families grow dryland wheat, barley, canola, lentils, faba beans and oaten hay crops in westernVictoria.

The family has found precision agriculture systems also provide flexibility in directing theirworkforce, and employees are attracted by the opportunity to work with the latest technology.

“One of our challenges is getting skilled labour to do farmactivities and the digital toolshelp workerstobecome familiar with theirroles alot moreeasily and quickly,” Mr Rethus said.

“Wecan support them by using John DeereOperations Center™ to log in remotely and give them directions, as well as simplify their tasks.

Mr Rethus advises farmers to ‘take small steps’ when starting out on the precision agriculturejourney, and begin with the ‘low hanging fruit’.

“These tools have been developed by John Deeretofix farmers’ problems,” he said. “Have avisionofwhatyou want to fix and findthe tool thatwill help you achieve that. Everything builds on that first small thing.

Once you pick the first apple, reach up the tree for the next one.

“OperationsCenter is agreat platformto start with, it’s free and is very user friendly, so get alog in and start using it by putting your paddocks in and recording and capturing data. Thereare some easy wins to be had.”

Mr Rethus said variable rate lime applications had been a‘no brainer’.

“Wewould normally do ablanketrate application of lime across the field to raise any areas with low pH towards neutrality, but by grid samplingour field in two hectare grids,and usingOperations Center to build aprescription map, we actually ended up applying40per cent less lime,” Mr Rethus explained.

“The savingiseasy to see –you areliterally delivering less truckloadsof lime to the

paddock, so the pile of lime is less. And it’s better for the environment, because we’re only applying fertiliser whereit’s needed.”

Rethus Broadacrehas applied the same principle to the use of gypsum and phosphorus. Soil testing revealed that phosphorus in one paddock varied from as low as nine ppm to as high as 66 ppm –and averaged 33.

“Precision agriculture showed that we’re putting the right amount of phosphorus on the crop but just not in the right places, so it’s making the application of fertiliser moreefficient,” Mr Rethus said.

“With nitrogen it’s abit trickier,but the new John Deereprotein sensorisfantastic

“It allows us to analyse whether we’re harvestinghigh protein or low protein, in other words, whether the crop has respondedtonitrogen applications or if it’s

actually missing some other trace element that needsinvestigating.

“This willeventually lead to maps which can telluswhich areas ofthe paddock are moreprofitable, by identifying crop quality and yield.

“Then we can start saying yes, we should spend money on nitrogen to lift yields overall.

“It’s really, really powerful data.”

Mr Rethus saidprecision agriculturehas ironed out another challenge on the farm –decision making by family consensus.

“Truescience-based data takes the subjectivityout of decisions,which reduces conflict because you can’t argue with data,” he said.

“Andrather than tryingtomake decisions when you’rephysically exhausted after sweating it out in the paddockall day you can use digitaltools to make them thereand then.

TheRethusfamilysaidtheysee each advancement in machinery and every new technology launchedby John Deereas a series of steps towards the full automation of farming, making the adoption of precision agricultureessential for the sustainability of their business.

“Weneed precision agriculturetobeat the cost price squeeze that is reducing our profit margins in farming,” Mr Rethus said.

“We’relucky to have agood working relationship with our local dealer’s Precision AgricultureManager.He knows we’reup for trialling anything new.

“The technology has become very user friendly and you don’t have to do it alone. JohnDeerewill walk with you to getthe most benefit out of these tools.”

Learnmoreabout how the Rethus family has embraced precision agricultureto optimise their farmbusinessatjohndeere. com.au/gotwhatittakes

Western Victorian farmers Tim, Luke and Geoff Rethus.

Photo: Contributed

Pipeline project giving back to region

SOUTHERN Rural Water’s Newry pipeline project is securing benefits for the local economy and community inGippsland’s Macalister Irrigation District.

Thereare 25 peopledirectly employedon the NewryPipeline project, and90per cent of those people live locally.

The pipeline is being built by Southern Rural Water’s construction partner Jaydo as part ofPhase 2ofthe $159.7 million Macalister Irrigation District modernisation program.

ManagingDirector Cameron FitzGerald said SouthernRuralWater’s investment would boost the local economy.

“Weare delighted to be employing local people and using local suppliers on our project,” Mr FitzGerald said.

“Thereare also 35 subcontractors employedby theproject and 90per cent of them arelocal businesses.”

Maffra local Julie Foat is also benefitting from the Newry Pipeline, and is proud to work for aprojectthat will help local farmersbemoreresilienttothe impacts of climate change.

“My family is directly involved in agricultureasbeef producers and this pipeline is essential to future proof farms like ours,” Ms Foat said.

“I have aprofessionalbackground in health, safetyand compliance and love applying these skills on ajob that’s going to leave such apositive legacy in my community.”

Jaydo’s Kayla Aucote, abarista-turnedlabourer, said the project helpedher switch industries and beginher Certificate3in Civil Construction.

“I’vealwayswantedtowork in construction.Jaydohas takenme on as an apprentice forthis projectand is supporting my education with formal training and onthe-job learning,” Ms Aucote said.

“There’s so much infrastructureinvestment happening in Victoria.Ifeel this project is setting me up to make the most of the career opportunities in the region and across the state.”

Melbourne-based project engineerJaydon McLeod proactively asked to live and work in the region during the week because he’s passionate about supporting the local community.

“I’ve gotto know alot of localsand it’s rewarding to know they support the work I’m doing,” Mr McLeod said.

“This project is so important to the economic and social fabric of the community.I know most of theteamvalue doingrewarding work that’s on their doorstep.”

Mr FitzGerald said irrigation water is critical for food production and entireregions aresupported by this infrastructure.

“This once-in-a-generationinvestment in modernising infrastructurewill support the region’s agricultural businesses to become moreefficient, productive and resilient,” he said.

“Weare proud to be investing in local skills and people who aredirectly employed on this project will leave the community with apositive lasting legacy.”

The modernisation of theMacalister

Irrigation District is jointly funded by the state government, federal government through the National Water Grid Fund, and is delivered in partnership with Southern Rural Water

Season five of the AGVIC talk podcast

AGVIC Talk podcast is back for season five, this time talking about the future of Agricultural Technologies (AgTech) and Energy.

From solar-powered poultry farms to on-farm drone trials and the difficulties of connectivity in rural and remote areas, this season covers everything farmers need to further understand the evolving world of AgTechand Energy.

The series will help farmers learn what AgTech is, what energy solutions areavailable and how theycan use them to improve productivity and efficiency on-farm.

These 14 episodes arethe latest in the AgVic Talk series, which began as apilot in August 2020 to cover contemporary commentary on how members of the agricultural community recover,grow, modernise, protect, and promote Victorian agriculture.

Farmers can subscribe and listen to AgVic Talk wherever they get their podcasts. Subscribe to AgVic Talk on Spotify. Subscribe to Apple podcasts.

Workers from Jaydo helping with construction of Southern Rural Water’s Newry pipeline.

Photo: Contributed

Call for state governmenttohelp plan

Zoe ASKEW

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has called on the StateGovernment to step in and take over theplanningofthe state's transmission network.

Following aconsultation period in which morethan 500 submissions werereceived, the AustralianEnergyMarketOperator (AEMO) formally endorsed Option 5of the VNI West transmission line project, which wouldinvolve the construction of 500-kilovolt powerlines through farming land from Bulgana, near Ararat, to near Moama in New South Wales.

VFF PresidentEmmaGermano said the AustralianEnergyMarketOperator (AEMO) had failed to consider the impact on agricultural production in planning for transmission on behalf of the state government and that the governmentneedsto take back control.

"Farmers have had agutful over the disrespectful way in which these projects arebeing planned," Ms Germano said.

"AEMOis not up to the task of taking into account the impact of these projects on Victoria'sfood and fibreproduction It is an unelected agency which seems to answer to no one.

"Ultimately,the VictorianGovernment

is responsible for delivering this public infrastructure. The governmentshould take fullcontrol of planning the shift to renewable energy across the state to ensure the impactsonagricultureand regional communities is understood and mitigated."

As part of the VFF submission to AEMO's consultation on the VNI West project, Ms Germano said planningfor the VNI West and WesternRenewables Link(WRL)projects shouldbepaused, with the government needing to undertake astate-wide plan.

"The VFF believesthat an immediate halt to all planning for the VNI West and WRL projects must be undertaken," Ms Germano said.

"The powers for all transmission network planning must be vested in and executed directly by the Victorian Government. In addition, theremust be astate-wide plan for renewable energy and transmission that accounts for issues of agricultural production."

Ms Germano said farmers werebeing forced tobearthe cost of transmission infrastructurebecauseAEMOisonly considering the cost of powerlines in terms of the cost to consumers' electricity bills.

"It is clear that AEMO's view on transmissionplanningiscompletely blinkered by the requirements it has to place energy consumers at the centreofinvestment decisions," Ms Germano said.

"Thisview hasnoregardfor the interests of communities, landholders, businesses and families that aredirectly impacted by the construction and operation of transmission towers and who bear costs that arenot accountedfor under the existing cost-benefit arrangements.

"Most concerning to the VFF,our members and all Victorians who valuefood and fibre production, AEMO's actions to date take no account of agricultural production

and its importance to Victoria's economy."

Ms Germano said the government needed to look at the submission put forwardby ProfessorsBruce Mountain and Simon Bartlett, stating that the decision to commit to WRL-VNI is adecision to roughly triple charges for transmission services in Victoria and seriously consider its conclusions.

"Their submission highlights the reasons why AEMO is not suitable to be planning Victoria's transmission network and that it seems to be motivated by wanting to build atransmissionlink along the eastern coast of Australia," Ms Germano said.

"These aregraveconcerns that the Minister for Energy has aduty to investigate immediately."

According to the State Government, the WesternRenewable Link is subject to a comprehensive EES,whichconsiders impacts onthe environment, including agriculture, and provides the opportunity for morecommunity and stakeholder feedback through the consultation process.

VNI West is in the early stages of development, with ongoing opportunities for engagementwithTraditionalOwners, stakeholders andcommunitiesasit progresses.

"The independent AEMO is ensuring the national electricity system and markets generate and supply enough power to meet demand across Australia through critical transmission lines - and importantly help protect consumers from price increases," a Victorian Government spokesperson said. "Weknow that transmission is key to delivering affordable and reliablerenewable energy and storage capacity in Victoria.

"AEMO is properly assessing any issues and concerns raised through their community engagement process and will continue to do so as these projects progress."

The NationalParty is also calling for a

Senate inquiry into theVNI West renewable energy project, with MalleeNationals MP Anne Webster issuinga joint statement with federal party leader David Littleproud on Monday, May 1, calling for aSenate inquiry to ensure renewable projects in Victoria have adequate social licence.

FROM cattle to cropping, Gippsland to theMallee, andeverything in between, the hunt is on for this year's Footy's Favourite Farmer

Last year,Ricky Allan was aworthy winner,displaying leadership in multiple roles at the Wycheproof Narraport Football Club, such as the presidency, seniorand juniors' coach andmore, all while supporting his family and the community as afarmer

Who do you think deserves the 2023 title as Footy's Favourite Farmer?

Thereismorethan $20,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for the farmer and their local footy club, with the chance for those nominating afarmer to win aspot prize.

Nominate your favourite farmer today at countryclubhub.com.au/

Get your entries in beforeWednesday, July 26, to be in the running for this year's Footy's Favourite Farmer

Photo: File

Improving herd genetics through AI

THERE’Spotentialfor Australian beef producers to acceleratethe genetic improvement of their herds and boost production bybreedingexclusively with artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET) systems, according to the AustralianIntercollegiate MeatJudging Association (ICMJ).

ICMJ team member Austin Smith toured the United States in January for aseries of training events and competitions, and also spent time investigating breeding technologies at the Gardiner Angus Ranch (GAR) in Kansas, which has phased out natural breeding in favour of AI and ET.

While relatively unique in being 100 per cent AI and ET,MrSmith saidthe Gardiner Angus Ranch breeding system generated huge opportunities to access superior geneticsand accelerateon-farm genetic improvements.

“In atraditional extensive management system, an average cow will produce one calf per year,equating to 10 calves in her lifetime,” Mr Smith said.

“Embryo transfer technologies allow producers to select agenetically superior female, generate mass ovulation through hormone therapy and collect multipleeggs per cycle.”

Mr Smithsaid the fertilised eggs were then transferred into surrogates to produce multiple offspring of agenetically desirable cow to assist in rapid advancements in a herd’s genetic gain.

Other benefits of artificial insemination breeding systemsinclude synchronisation of oestrus, shortercalvingwindows and little to no management of bulls, with the advantage of sourcing semen from genetically superior bullswithout thembeing on-farm.

Mr Smith said GAR transfers approximately 2,000 embryos ayear with a successrateofmorethan60per cent, and recipient cows that don’t accept the embryos areartificially inseminated -usually with semen from the same bulls.

“GAR rely on genetic predictors for sire and embryo donor selection for on-farm use,aswell as provide EPDs (expected progeny differences) onall animalssold from the ranch,” he said.

EPDs arethe US equivalent of an estimated breeding value (EBV) and have been usedinthe US industry formorethan 40 years with continual additions of new production traits,updated values and increased accuracy, providingproducers with moreoptionstoselect from.

Mr Smithsaid while the use of AI and genomic evaluation is commonplace among Australian producers, commercial bulls werestill widelyincorporated intoAI programs as “follow-up” bulls.

This was likely due to limitations such as cost and managementofAIand ET technologies, especially for smaller scale producers.

“The ability to identify and select animals based on genetic merit specific to the desired trait has seena rapid increase in geneticgain across the industry,” Mr Smith said.

“These improvements have allowed the US beef industry to grow to the scale it is today, which is an ambitionthe Australian industry strives to achieve.”

However,MrSmith said Australia’s key success remains its exportmarket,with one of the highestglobal reputations for consistent quality beef.

“Continuingtoincrease production quality throughgeneticimprovements, strengtheningmarketaccessand maintaining quality assurance is key to ensuring the futuresuccess of the Australian beef industry,” he said.

This year’s ICMJ US tour -conducted in January 2023 -spanned three weeks, seven states, two inter-collegiate competitions and more than40industry experiences, exposing participants to the broad spectrum of the US redmeat supply chain.

Sponsored by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC), morethan 130 studentsover 29 years have taken part in the ICMJ US Tour

Since returning from the US, Mr Smith -a Murdoch University agricultural science graduate- has embarkedona master’s degree in meat science.

“The ICMJ program has really broadened my understandingofthe supply chain and how decisionsmade on farmcan affect the quality and price of the end product,” Mr Smith said.

“The US tour really highlighted to me the differences betweenthe Australian and US redmeat industries, and how global dynamics can affect Australian producers and processors.

“ICMJ also opened my eyes to the range of career paths and opportunities within the redmeat industry and the networks created through ICMJ have been extremely helpful for my current role.”

Austin Smith (second from left) with the Australian ICMJ team on the visit to Gardiner Angus Ranch in Kansas, USA.

Photo: Contributed

Awarded for excellence

TomHAYES

CROWN Hotel, Traralgon has had a night out at theAustralian Hotel Association (AHA) 2023 State Awards for Excellence.

At theCrown Palladium in Melbourne, around 1200 people gathered for the awards night which would see anumber of awards handed out.

The AHA approached the Crown Hotel and recommended that they nominate for the Best Regional Pub Bar

"Once you nominate, two mystery shops happen …and they judge you, they judge the presentation of the bar,varietyof drinks, the service, placing of the bar," managing shareholder Brett Melbourne said.

"And from there, best scorewins."

When they heardtheir name called out, their table erupted into cheers and screams.

That wasn't the only thing that the Crown Hotel group took from the night, as their 'parma' was recognised within the top 10 in Victoria.

"The uniquething about the parma is we took the punt doing smoked pork instead of ham, which is abit of agamble on a parma," Mr Melbourne said.

Locally, the Crown Hotel areknown for the size of their parma, and how tricky it is to finish it.

"And it's funny, we thoughtabout reducing it but it creates conversation …that's why we've just kept it,"MrMelbourne explained.

The recognition was welcomedby the group, as the pub has only been open for around 12 months, proving how quickly things have grown.

"It's been apretty big renovation …but worth it," Mr Melbourne said.

Beforethe Crown Hotel landed in Traralgon, the old site was originally an older pub that was then out-popularised by growing bars and pubs in the area, so

the updated sports pub has only added to the Traralgon night life.

"So Brett Nielson, he bought the building back in 2021, and spent 12 months renovating and reopened in March 2022," Mr Melbourne explained.

Mr Melbourne spoke on the lack of sports bars in the area and how it helped with the Crown Hotel's popularity.

"Traralgon needed one (sports bar), Traralgon needed somethinglikethis," he said.

"Weknew, especially with the tank beer that it would take off."

The Crown Hotel invested in tank beer, whichisunpasteurisedunlike normal beer,which goes through aheatexchange program beforebeing stored in barrels, preserving it for longer

"Thistankbeer doesn't go throughthe heat program, or doesn't have any gas," Mr Melbourne said.

"We've only got 14 days to get rid of it we've never thrown any out yet!

"I'd rather run out beforeIthrow it out."

The Crown Hotel is in the process of adding afunction room upstairs, which will include abar and kitchen, and an elevator upstairs,with hopefullyenough room to hold 100-200 people.

They plan to commencerenovations upstairs and hope tostartaroundlateJuly, early-August,with the doorsset to open in October

Crown Hotel is excited to see whatthe next 12 months can bring, with plenty of additions to be made over that time.

The Crown Hotel isopenfrom11am every day, closing at 10pm on Sunday to Wednesday, 11pmonThursdays, 12am on Fridays(Saturday morning)and 1am on Saturdays (Sundaymorning).

Localproduct used at champs

GABREL Tan, Head Barista for Veneziano Richmond, recentlycompeted in the ASCA Australian Coffee Championships, where he used non-otherthanGippslandJersey milk.

For months Gab has been fine-tuning his competition routine with Steve and Sallie Ronalds from Gippsland Jersey.

While doing so they’ve been getting an intimate run-through of his complex and incredibly rehearsed 15-minute routine on Friday, May 5.

Gab has done his research down to the smallestdetail -including the milk he has selected.

Working at afarmlevel with Luke Wallace and alongside theirfactory team, Gippsland

Jerseyhas produced custommilkwith the perfect amount of fat and protein to suit Gab's milky coffee.

The ASCA AustralianCof fee Championships involves presenting three sets of drinks in front of ajudging panel; four sensory judges and ahead judge. The sets include:

1. Espresso;

2. Milk-based, and;

3. Signaturecoffee beverage

Together with coach Pete Licata (World BaristaChampion 2013), Gab has perfected aroast profilethat will bringout interesting tropical and chocolate flavour notes that evolve based on thetype of drink presented.

CrownHotel, Traralgon group poses with the awardatCrown Palladium.

Photo: Contributed

&Wellbeing

Keeping yourlivestock warm this winter

While winter in Australia may not be as harsh as winter in other countries, it can still be pretty challenging for livestock.

Snow, sleet, rain and cold winds forma pretty nasty combination of conditions for livestock.

If you run asheep enterprise you know these conditions can be fatal, particularly for lambs or for sheep off shears.

The Bureau of Meteorology provides an excellent warning system for these weather events.

Sheep graziers’ alertsare critical in preparing to manage cold spells.

But these warnings are not just for sheep graziers!

If you have livestock, you should act accordingly.

In conditions such as these, cattle can suffer just as badly as sheep.

If you have an early calving herd, or cows in Fat Score 2orbelow, your cows are just as much at risk as your sheep.

Wind chill can particularly effect your cattle and cows without sufficient body condition can struggle to cope with conditions.

To manage these conditions, you need to plan early.

Moving cows to more sheltered paddocks

will limit the wind chill effect and help them avoid the worst of the weather

It’soften afew degrees warmer in shelter, particularly if cows can keep out of the wind

It’salsoimportant to assess your feed options.

If cows have access to plenty of roughage or dry standing feed, thiswill be agreathelp

The process of digestionon roughage

releases alot of heat, and that helps cows see out the worst of thecold.

If you have been feeding your cows, hay is the bestoptiontomanage the cold snaps

As with paddock roughage,the digestion of hayreleases plentyofheat.

Hay is a much better option to feed your cows during snow, or wet cold conditions than many people may realise.

Fortunately formost graziers the snow won’t last weeks!

However if you are unprepared asnow event, or even avery cold wet and windy period can result in livestock losses.

Planning ahead by providing plenty of hay and shelter will help your animals cope with conditions much better

Drouin Veterinary Clinic Preventative foot

Drouin VeterinaryClinic is alocally owned, mixed species veterinary practice

They offeralarge range of services to help supportyour production animal business

They also attend to horses on farm and other hobbyfarmanimals such as sheep, goats and alpacas

Servicing Drouin,Neerim South,Warragul and surrounds

These services include:

•Adviceonmastitis,dry cowtherapy, reproduction programs fordairy cattle

•In-house mastitis milk cultures fordairy cattle

•Parasitemanagement plans,with in-house faecal egg counts

•Onfarmassessmentsand husbandry advice

•On-farm surgery(castration, stitch-ups, caesarean, LDAsurgery)

•Cattle and alpaca ultrasound pregnancy testing

•Portable X-ray machine

•Onfarm emergency care

•Bullsemen collection and evaluation

Reproductiveservices forall equine breeds including:

•Artificialinsemination using fresh, frozen andchilled semen

•Thoroughbred reproduction management

•Stud reproduction packages available

•Workup and managementofproblem mares

Other equine services:

•Equine stud book accredited

•Digital portable x-ray equipment

•AQIS accredited forexportwork

•Inhouse microbiology forquick turnaround of maresamples

•On-property surgery(castration,stitch-ups)

•Equinedentistry using the latest equipment

•Annual health checks including vaccination programs

•Parasitemanagementand advice

•In-house faecal egg counts

•Emergency consultations

•After hoursveterinarycareavailablefor clients

Please contact DrouinVeterinaryClinic on 5625 2002 or email clinic@drouinvets.com.

au to discuss your veterinaryrequirements

Why is hoof trimming important? Hoof trimming plays alarge role in preventing lameness in dairyand beef cattle

Naturally,this is crucial to thehealth and well-being of your cattle,but there’salso a financial benefit.

Cows who sufferfromlameness require immediateattention and along recovery, thus reducing milk production.

Happycowsmakefor ahappyfarmer,so there aremanybenefits to ensuringyour cow’shoovesare well maintained.

By maintaining aregular schedule of hoof trimming,you can ensureyour cows stay healthyand happyall year round.

APAINLESS SOLUTION

Thewhole idea behind hoof trimming is to give your cows aflat,evensurface for weight bearing

As the hoovesgrow, theybecome less stable, and this is what youwant to avoid.

Theprocess itself is painless,and essentially involves reshaping the hoovesto provide alevel surface forcomfortable walking

Annual hoof trimming,isrecommended because prevention is farbetter than the cure.

LAMENESS

Lameness in cattle can be caused by a number of factors

Manyofthose areenvironmental, such as the condition of the land, the weather and the distance your cows walk. However, thereare other factors such as cows getting aforeign body in the foot, such as rocks,nails,screwsorother debris

This can lead to pain, cracked hooves and infections

Overgrownclawscan alsoresult in lameness

Gippsland Hoof Careoffer acomprehensiveservice forboth the treatment and prevention of lameness in your herd.

It’sall about keeping your cows healthy, happyand productive.

EXPERIENCE YOUCAN TRUST

When it comes to livestock health, you want to knowthat your cattle areinsafe hands

Dean has over25yearsofexperience in the dairy industry, with 15 of those years spent learning the craft of trimming and dealing with lameness

Dean grew up on dairyfarms,and has spent his lifededicated to helping farmers and livestock owners maintain healthy cattle

Dean learnt his trade from alocal large animal veterinaryexpert, and has also spenttime with international cowhealth specialist Karl Burgi.

Along with his ownlifespent in the dairy industry, Dean certainly has the expertise youcan rely on.

Money inmineral boost for cattle

Cattle producers are reaping the benefits of improved herdfertility, increased weight gainand fewer stock losses thanks to the strategic use of atrace mineral injection.

Marks-Min optimises trace mineral and vitamin B12 levels in asingledose, delivering vital time and laboursavings on farms.

David Wells

Ballarat, Victoria cattle producer David Wellsnow sells heavier steers and heifers after optimising trace minerals and B12 with Marks-Min.

Atotal of 280 animals benefited from receiving four trace minerals and B12 in one dose.

“Weweighedthem at marking and recorded theirweights over nine months,” David said.

“The heifers increased by 11.6 kilos over that time period and the steers increased 8.6 kilos.”

David sells all his steers and excess heifers as weaners, so maximising weight gain improves his bottom line.

“Getting the growth rates up quicker and finishing them quicker reduces our costs and increases our production income,” he said.

TomBaker

WoonalleeSimmentals and Baker Group DirectorTom Baker at Furner,uses Marks-Min to save time without compromising animal health outcomes.

“Combining trace minerals with B12 in asingledose allowed us to reduce an injection while getting the same benefit,” he said.

“Wewere giving multiple needles for other treatments, so

reducing an injection means we can save on labour and time, making ituser friendly and cost effective.”

Marks-Min is Australia’s only injectable for cattle that includes vitamin B12 plus four trace minerals –copper manganese, zinc and selenium –inasingle dose.

Tomsaidsupplementing his cattle’scopperand zinc was crucial because the region’s soil is deficient in these trace minerals.

And he’s noted the improvement in cattle health.

“Wehave noticed the cleaning-up of the coat and the orange tip in the coat of our black and red cattle darkening,” he said

“With this overall improved calf health, we areseeing less respiratory issues andless scours.”

Brad Creek

Getting the most out of feeder cattle in the cold Mount Gambier winter has been apriority for Benara Pastoral Company FarmManager,Brad Creek.

He uses Marks-Min to boost minerals important for the immune system of these animals to maximise per hectare production– evenwhen there’slimitedpasture available.

It’s the same situation for the company’sbreeders.

Treatingcows oncea year,pre-joining,has improved pregnancy rates and enabled the females to thrive –regardless of seasonal conditions.

“Weare finding our preg-test numbers havebeen up since doing apre-joining treatment,” he said.

“At joining time –early autumn –the feedisshort, and the cows are doing it tough, Ifeel they really get abenefit from the trace minerals.”

SteercalvesatBenara Pastoral receive aMarks-Min

injection and vitamin A, Dand Eattheir second vaccination and another Marks-Min at weaning.

Heifers receive the same treatment and an additional Marks-Min pre-joining.

Bulls aretreated withMarks-Min 60 daysbefore the beginning of joining.

Dr Garth Kelly

Boehringer IngelheimLivestock Technical Services Manager Dr Gareth Kelly, said an animal’s need for trace minerals and vitamin B12 can be intensified at times of rapid growth, reproduction,orstress–such as feed restriction, transport, or entry into afeedlot.

And in some cases, the trace minerals in soil consumed via direct grazing aren’t enough to optimise productivity, and supplementing through feed or orally isn’t always efficient or accurate

“There’s variation in individual intake, low absorptionfrom the digestive system and competition with other dietary components,limiting the successofasupplementation program,” Gareth said.

“Using injectablemineral supplementation can avoid these variables by being rapidly absorbed into the bloodstreamand made readily availabletosupport optimal health and production

Minerals not immediately required are stored in the liver and mobilised as required.”

For more information, pleasecontact Dr Gareth Kelly on 0417 291 803 or Customer Services on 1800 808 691 (option 3) or customerservices.australia@boehringer-ingelheim.com. *Seeproduct label for full claim detailsand directions for use.

DAVID WELLS TOM BAKER

BRAD CREEK

Bettersafethansorry-minimising the riskofmycotoxins

There is no silver bullettotackle the threat of mycotoxins.

To reduce the risktobothanimal health and business profitability,atargeted approach is needed, consisting of different tools to evaluate the mycotoxinrisk.

Effects of Mycotoxins on Livestock Production

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic compoundsthat cancause avariety of adverse health effects to your livestock. The three most commonly seen mycotoxins in livestock production are Aflatoxin (Afla), Zearalenone (Zea) and Deoxynivalenol (DON).

Aflatoxins are notably the most common mycotoxin in Australia.

While young animals are most susceptible to the effects of aflatoxins, all ages can be affected

In all livestock species, aflatoxins cause liver damage, gastrointestinal dysfunction, reduced productivity, decreased feed utilisation and efficiency, decreased reproductive performance, reduced milk or egg production, embryonic death,birth defects,tumours and suppressed immune system function.

Zearalenone mimics the effectsofthe female hormone, oestrogen.

At high concentrations,itcan interfere with ovulation, conception, pregnancy implantation and foetal development.

In pregnant animals,itcan increase the risk of abortions and still births.

Enlarged swollen red vulvas and possible irregular heats have been seen in pigs and ruminant animals.

Deoxynivalenol can cause acute nausea resulting feed refusal, causing reduced growth rates,diarrhoea and digestive dysfunction (e.g. gastroenteritis).

“Tocombat the threat of these mycotoxins, Alltech Lienert has amycotoxin managementtoolbox, focusing on the preservation of feed and raw materials, as well as helping to monitor contamination levels and help protect your livestock” says Alltech Lienert Nutritionist Gabby Brooke.

Grain treatment for storage

Tacklethe cause of the problem witha preservative which inhibits the mould growth and lowers the risk of mycotoxins.

While crops are growing, mould presence is hardtocontrol and highly variable due to seasonal weather conditions.

Alltech’s Mold-Zapisapowerful mould inhibitor,comprised of buffered propionic acid and is blended into animal feed and stored grain.

The propionicacid in Mold-Zap is buffered with ammonia through aprocess that yields ammonium dipropionate, resulting in a lower pungency.

Testing Programs

It is important to do routine mycotoxin tests to evaluate their prevalence in your feed.

Alltech Lienert has aservice to help maintain feed quality and safety.

Theycan offer routine mycotoxin analysis,

using Alltech Rapiread™, whichcan determine the level of four key mycotoxins Afla, DON, Zea and Fumonisin.

Amore in-depth evaluation can be undertaken using the Alltech 37+ system where over 50 different mycotoxins can be tested.

These tests provide an insight intothe presence and levels of mycotoxins as apossible reason for on-farmproduction issues.

Protect the animal with amycotoxin

binder

Abinder consists of absorbent ingredients ensuring abroad-spectrumbinding efficacy.

Not all toxin binders are created equal.

It is important to selecta binder that will cover arange of toxinsincluding Zearalenone whichcan have substantial reproductive effects, as mentioned above.

It is also prudent to selectabinder that has minimal negative interactions with dietingredients whichare required for the animal’s growth, reproduction and maintenance.

Alltech’s Mycosorb A+ is the next generation of mycotoxin binders.

MycosorbA+includes acarbohydrate network from aspecific yeast cell wall, plus aspecific heterotrophic algae.

Aproven broad spectrum mycotoxin

binder, which tackles mycotoxinchallenges as awhole, rather than dealing with individual mycotoxins.

Alltech’s continueddrive for product and researchdevelopment has identified this new approach to mycotoxin binding.

This has helped determine the precise ingredientsneededtoexpand the binding capabilities of Mycosorb A+.

Prevention is key for optimum health Whilstindividual mycotoxins present athreat the synergistic effects of multiple occurring mycotoxinsand their interactions become very criticaltothe health of your livestock.

“Prevention of such amycotoxinchallenge is key for the optimum health of your livestock and the long-termprofitability of your operation” concludes Ms Brooke.

Alltech Lienert offers tailor-made mycotoxin management programs to assist you with prevention and mitigation of mycotoxin challenges and incorporates the product and managementsolutions discussed above.

Contact your local Alltech Lienert nutritionist or representative or call 1800 649 231 for more information on how they canhelp ease your mycotoxin worries!

Request an AlltechRAPTORtest at:https:// www.alltechlienert.com.au/our-solutions/ mycotoxin-management/

The Alltech RAPIREADRaptor device can provide mycotoxin results in minutes.

Alltech RAPIREAD can be used to test for 4 commonly seen mycotoxins - DON Aflatoxin Fumonisin and Zearalenone

Gippsland Veterinary Hospital

GippslandVeterinary Hospitals, at Maffra and Sale, and Gippsland Equine Hospital encompass teams of highly skilled professionals and staff who are committed to the health and welfare of their patients and the prosperity of their clients.

Constantly rising to the challenge of a continually changing environment, they care about you, your animals and your future.

Theirteams are highly trained and regularly attend continuing education courses and conferences,ensuring their advice and treatmentsare basedonthe latest scientifically accepted evidence.

Their professional skills are backed by the excellent facilities and equipment at all of their clinics.

Equine Veterinary Services

Gippsland Equine Hospitalhas purpose built surgery facilities, and two experienced equine surgeons available for both emergency and elective surgery.

The digitalx-ray equipment is portable allowing for on farmand in clinic diagnosis.

Thereare five stables, all lined with padded rubber to make acomfortable stay for patients. There is also adouble sized stable perfect for amareand foal.

Equine Ambulatory Services

The veterinary team offer acomprehensive range of equine health services from vaccinations, general health checks, gelding, and nutrition advice, routine and emergency care.

Equine Dentals

Equine dental services are performed by experienced vets with Powerfloat for

optimum assessment, diagnosis and treatment including sedation and pain relief as required.

They also performadvanced dental procedures such as tooth extractions and x-rays.

Gastroscopy and Endoscopy

State of the art diagnostics for assessment of upper respiratory conditions and inflammatoryconditionsaswell as gastroscopy for assessment of gastric ulcers are available.

Reproduction

The facility includes adummy for training and collecting stallions forfresh, chilledand

frozen Artificial Insemination (AI).

Mares can be prepared and inseminated with fresh, chilled and frozen semen.

They also offer embryo transfer and have arecipientmareherd.

ProDairy

Gippsland veterinary hospital is now enrolling clients in this innovative program.

Designed for dairy farmers and delivered by dairy vets, ProDairy promotes cow health, welfare and production.

Their proactive approach to dairy systems with a focus on preventative health allows monitoring of disease status withinaherd.

Early identificationofanimal health issues provides the best opportunity for treatment with minimal impact on profitability.

ProDairy treatment protocols guide the usage of all prescription medicines under the supervision of your herdveterinarian.

ProDairy can provideyou with competitively priced products due to the scale of the business and national network of clinics.

Finally, the service programs have been designed with farmers in mind.

They have beenextensively road-tested to deliver valueand improved efficiency on-farm.

Candle business an instant hit

By ZOE ASKEW

HANDCRAFTED on a 16-acre property in Callignee comes the aromatic bliss of The Gay Farmer Candles.

Sheep farmer Timothy Bye fell in love with candle making after learningthe craft from his niece in WesternAustralia last year

In less than 12 months, Timothy has founded asuccessfulbusiness,The Gay Farmer Candles; his candles fast becoming asought-afterhomewarewith market, event, and online sales skyrocketing.

"In about August last year,Idid acandle for afriend who is atriathlete, Molly Irvine from Traralgon, she went to worlds, world championships, and she had to pay her way, so Idid acandle for her to help raise money for it," he said.

"Then it just turned into this gigantic business that Iam now just trying to handle."

The Gay Farmer Candles, 100 per cent soy candles in reusable glasswareindividually handcrafted and packed by Timothy, are for the lovers of alit candle, with an array of incredible scents from Comfort Linen and Relaxation,base notes of musk, white cedar,vetiver and soothing Tonka, and top notes of lemon, white ginger and bergamot to Morning Latte and Almond Milk Caramel.

"I'm aone-man band," Timothy said.

"Everything is done by me, and it's a process.

"Some days you wake up, and you'relike, 'I really don't want to do this today', but you have to because if Idon't do it, no one else is going to do it.

"There arenosick days,there is no nothing, it's just get up and do it, but Ilove it."

From meltingthe wax on hisstovetop, stirring frequently, adding in selected fragrance oils for The Gay Farmers Candles' popular Monkey Farts, this includes base notes of vanilla, mid-notes of maple and top notes of butter and sugar cane, then hand pouring the melted mixtureinto glass jars and leaving to set, Timothy can produce about 24 candles an hour

"It's quite aprocess; once they've set, then you've got to label and box," Timothy said.

"My best is about 50 aday; from start to finish, it takes about 10 hours."

Timothy's establishment of The Gay Farmer Candles has introduced him to a whole new world of travelling local businesses, the sheepfarmerturned candle maker revealing he loves events like East Gippsland Field Days.

"I love coming to all these events, it is so much fun, and you meet some really cool people," he said.

"I've got alot of market friends; it's really cool that we'relike areal community that kind of gets around.

"Weall talk about which market or event we aregoing to and wherewe should go, there's alittle group of us, and we'reall swapping which events have been really good for us."

While unexpected,Timothywarmly

received becomingpart of anew welcoming, and supportive community.

"I startedatWarragul Arts Market and met some really cool people there, and through that, I've met alot of others and did different events," Timothy said.

"So it is abig perk, getting to know other marketers, not only being apartofthe community but you can find out what is working at the time; I've noticed some of themarkets areslowing down, just with financial stuffatthe moment it's slowing down,but the big events, like thetwo three-day events aredoing really well so Ihaveswapped my strategy from doing local markets to the bigger events like East Gippsland Field Days.

"Thereare some big one-offevents like I did Coongulla their Paddy Market, which was amazing, and Iwent to Foster for their Easter Market, and FarmWorld (at Lardner Park), that was massive."

Through The Gay FarmerCandles, Timothyisactively supporting the Black Dog Institute.

Originating in 1985 as the 'MoodDisorders Unit' at Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, theBlack Dog Institutewas founded in 2002 and has since been at the forefront of mental health research.

Today the Black Dog Institute addresses

new challenges and opportunities in mental health,including suicide prevention,digital innovation, lived experience, youth and workplace mental health.

"Black Dog Institute did alot of work down in Gippsland with Warragul Football Club losingalot of players to suicide, same with Traralgon, they came down and did alot of work with the clubs," Timothy said.

"So when Istarted this, Iwas like,alright, I've got to get to the point whereIcan do acandle to donate."

The Gay Farmer Candlescollaborated with the Black Dog Institute to develop a one-of-a-kind candle, with $10 from each sale donated to the non-profit facility.

"They created it; they picked the scent, they picked the glassware, everything," Timothy said.

"I was emailing with their marketing team, and Iasked 'what do you want'; Isent the samples up, and they absolutely loved it, so it went into production.

"At the moment, it's $10, but Iwant to get the business to apoint wherethat is afull $45 to Black Dog Institute, so that's the next goal.

"They (Black Dog Institute) areincredible, and theydoitoff very little donationsat the moment."

The Gay Farmer Candles is abusiness

that reflects its founder in all aspects,from the love of art and candles to supporting and promoting mental health and mental health research to the vibrant, eye-catching logo which screams,

"I'm here, I'm gay, so deal with it".

"Stags areleaders,and they'realways the one in the pack that's always in front," Timothy said.

"The Gay Farmer started as aYouTube channel, and Iwanted adeer head, Ilove deer heads, Ilove antlers; it's just athing.

"Plus all the meaning behind it as well."

Nothing could captureTimothy and his businessmorethanthe rainbow watercolour stag head.

"So many people arelike, 'thank you for being your authentic self', but there is no point having abusiness whereIam pretending to be something else," he said.

"Being at and going to rural events shows younger country people they can be their authentic selves too; if Ican express myself, why can't they."

Follow The Gay Farmer Candles on socials for updates and appearances at upcoming events.

Founder of The GayFarmer Candles Timothy Bye.

Photo: Zoe Askew

Whats on this month across Gippsland

Zoe ASKEW

THERE areseveral events for everyone this month throughout Gippsland, ranging from demonstrations to forums and even workshops across the region.

GippsDairy Muster

PLACES arefilling fast; pleaseregister for this event by Wednesday, May 31, hereat trybooking.com/events/ landing/1005180?eid=1005180&

When: Wednesday, June 7.

Time: 9.30 am to 3pm.

Where: The Regent Theatre, 210Commercial Road, Yarram.

The Human Agronomy of Farming

Anetworkingdinner at Yarram Football Netball Club, discussing the topic of 'The Human Agronomy of Farming'.

Apre-conference dinner will take place on Monday, June 19, at the All Seasons Resort Hotel in Bendigo to celebrate 25 years of the BestWool/BestLamb program, with guest speaker Mark Wales, former SAS and winner of Australian Survivor

The line-up of conference speakers is sure to inform, challenge and excite participants withthe mostup-to-date sheep industry research and information.

For theconference programand registration, go to trybooking.com/events/ landing/1050797?eid=1050797&

For more information,contact Lyndon Kubeilat0418 532 085orlyndon.kubeil@ agriculture.vic.gov.au

When: Tuesday, June 20. Where: Bendigo Showgrounds.

Future Drought Fund Science to Practice Forum

REGISTRATIONS arenow open for the FutureDrought Fund’s 2023 Science to Practice Forum, June 6to8,2023.

The annual forum is ashowcase of the innovative tools and practiceshelping Australian farmers and communities respond to achangingclimate and prepare for futuredrought.

Award-winning television journalist and presenterofABC's television program Landline,Pip Courtney, will hostthis year'sonline forum and facilitateengaging discussions, with each day focusing on a particular theme:

Tuesday, June 6: Research and Development: Data-driven projects, stories around research trials and outcomes, future-driven content and content relevant to opportunitiesunderthe Future Drought Fund for Natural Resource Management, farming systems groups and research bodies.

policy discussions and input from FDF network partners.

The forum connectsparticipants to research and activities building the sustainability of Australian agricultureand is an opportunity to collaborate and network with like-minded people.

Register for the 2023 Science to Practice Forum here: eventbrite. com/e/2023-science-to-practice-forumtickets-596424209867

When: Tuesday, June 6toThursday, June 8. Where: Online.

Ellinbank SmartFarm Energy Demonstrations

AGRICULTURE Victoria is presenting atour of the on-farmenergy demonstrations at the Ellinbank SmartFarmonWednesday, June 14.

This tour will showcase renewable energy technologieswith learnings that apply to allfarming sectors

Apresentation on energy upgrades in the dairy is offered as an optional extra.

Joinother industry stakeholdersand farmersto see how these energy technologies work and hear about the issues experienced, the real costs and the savings achieved.

RSVP by June 10 to agriculture.policy@ vic.gov.au

When: Wednesday, June 14,10am until 1pm. Where: 2460 Hazeldean Rd, Ellinbank, Victoria.

Carbon, Farming and Productivity Workshop

THIS field day will comprise presentations at the Mudgegonga Hall and an afternoon in the paddock, designed to examine what farmemissions look like and the options for reducing them.

When: Wednesday, June 7, from 9.30am until 4pm.

Where: Mudgegonga Public Hall, 1395 Myrtleford-Yackandandah Road, Mudgegonga, Victoria.

Pasture Management Workshop

THE PastureManagement Workshop delivers the latest information on grazing guidelines for main pastureand crop types, providingapractical approach to managing grazing rotation length and daily pasture allocation.

Therewill be afocus on farmlayout and paddock size required for profitable grazing control and consistent feedallocation, and the ‘peg’ system is explained.

The workshop is free and open to all farmers. Whether you arenew to the industry andlooking for the latest approach to gain key skills and tools to optimize homegrown feed and feed cows profitably or an experienced farmer looking to confirmyour current approach is on track and take the opportunity toexplorenew approaches, then this program is for you.

To register for the PastureManagement Workshop event or for moreinformation, email Tanya Dobrijevic at Tanya. Dobrijevic@agriculture.vic.gov.au or call 0484 620 029.

When: Tuesday, June 13,from9.30 am until 3.30pm.

Where: 89 SydneyRd, Benalla, Victoria.

Food &Fibre Industry Networking Lunch

When: Wednesday, June 7from 6.30pm until late.

Where: Yarram Football Netball Club Rooms, RailwayReserve, Yarram.

2023 BestWool/ BestLamb Conference

THE Ag Vic2023 BestWool/BestLamb Conference will be hosted at the Bendigo Showgrounds on Tuesday, June 20.

Wednesday, June 7: Farmers, Producers and Agricultural Advisors: Storiesof drought and preparing for it, ‘call-toaction’ presentations, content relevant to opportunities under the FDF for producers and their communities, farmer and farmadvisor delivered stories.

Thursday, June 8: Community and Policy: Community and social projects, including presentations on farmer wellbeingand community resilience in the contextofdrought,

Some case studies and practical information will be supplied so you can go away andconsider some of these opportunities in your operation.

The Carbon, Farming and Productivity Workshop will discuss the reality of farms and emissions andprovide achance to understand some of the main themes around the topic.

Price $30.

For moreinformation,email Lachlan Campbell at lachlan.campbell@necma.vic. gov.au or call 0400 852 482.

MEMBERS and guests areinvited to join in anetworking lunchopportunity at Narkoojee Winery in Glengarry North with others from the food and fibreindustry in the Latrobe Valley.

To register,gotofoodandfibregippsland. com.au/events#!event/register/2023/6/1/ food-fibre-industry-networking-eventlatrobe-valley

When: Thursday, June 1, from 12.30pm until 2pm.

Where: Narkoojee Winery,220 Francis Rd, Glengarry North, Victoria.

Photo:File

SMARTPUMPS FOR SMARTFARMERS

AUSTRALIAN Pump Industries is famous for its rangeof Aussie FireChief pumps.

That pump hasraised the barfor highpressure firefighting equipment,outperforming andproviding better value formoneythanany of the oldguard,Davey and Onga

The pumps arenow applaudedbydealersand users aroundAustraliawiththe Aussie FireChiefwell on its waytobecomingAustralia’smost popular lightweight, portablefirepump.

Selling theworld’sbestpump with afiveyearwarranty has changedthe way people thinkaboutHonda powered firepumps.

The Fire Chiefis also now gaining ground in theexport market, proving to be just as popular outsideAustralia as it is right hereathome.

THERE’S MORE TO AUSSIE

Our preoccupation is Regional Australiaand Australia’s farmingcommunity.

We knowthatwith$90Binproduction we’reseeing only the beginning of what Australia’s agriculture could do provided government take watersecurity seriously and actuallydosomething about it

Aussieis busydeveloping new productsfor farmersall the time.

Here’sa selection of someofthe most innovative new products under development, and in some cases already on themarket.

AG CHEM PUMPS …AUSSIE GETS SMART

Aussie introduced their 2” and 3” SmartPumps justas liquid fertilisers begantoreally take off.

The pump end wasmade from 30 percentglass filled polyestermaterial developed forNASA.

To use it for injection moulded pumps wasa newidea. The pumps were corrosion resistantand handle virtually allagricultural chemicalsfromweedicidesand pesticidestoliquid fertilisers.

“Welearnt alot from working with Goldacres

Their team werebusydesigningthe innovativeBatchmateasanadjuncttotheir terrificsprayerproduction.

To think that we can workwithacompanyoftheir calibre andquality was agreat stimulus to us” said John Hales Aussie Pumps ChiefEngineer

AussieSmartPumps’uniqueconfiguration reallysuited whatGoldacres weresetting out to do.

Theyneeded apump that wouldhandle liquid fertiliser, throughthe batchingprocess,aswell as being capable of fast filling big sprayers in thefield

“A hydraulic drivepump wasuseful formobileplant applications(sprayers)

We knowthatfarmers wereusingaluminiumfire-fighting pumps,orsometimes end suctioncast iron pumpsto handle aggressive liquid fertilisers.

Those pumps didn’tlast long and were horrifically inefficient”, said Hales

Aussie introduced theSmartPump to provide not only asolution that would handlearange of liquids but,also provide real efficiencies.

The 2” pumpisavailable withtwo different impeller options.

One is ahigh flow impeller that delivers up to 835litres perminute.

It offersa maximum head of 25 metres(approximately 35 psiinpressure).

Thehigh head impellerdeliversless flow,only720 litres perminutebut hasamaximum head of 37 metres,that’s approximately 52 psi.

Both configurationsuse aHonda GX200 6.5HP recoil start engine and will drawwaterthroughavertical lift of 6metres!

Threedifferent elastomer optionsgiveusers theability to handle arange of chemicals.

Forexample, EPDMelastomers arecompatiblewith mostagricultural chemicals andliquid fertilisers Viton elastomers suit awider range thatincludes diesel fuel, seawater,and some other chemicals.

“Viton is agreat synthetic material notnatural rubber, but can be lessflexibleand harder than EPDM or our thirdoption,Buna N”, said Hales.

The BunaN versionsare compatible with dieselfuel, oils,even seawater

The “N”standsfor Nitrile

It’s aflexible elastomer but, not what we recommend for agriculturechemicalsorfertilisers”,saidHales

VERSATILEDRIVESYSTEM

Thecompanyhas found wide applicationsfor boththe 2” pump and morerecently introduced a3”version for applicationsrequiring fasterfill times forbig sprayers

The3”pumps arenow becoming really popular

The3”high flowversion,willdeliver up to 1010 litres per minute and amaximum 25 metreheadusing the same engine, GX200 6.5hp Honda.

Thehighheadversion of the3”pump will producea maximum head of 37 metres and deliver aflow up to 870litres per minute.

Both great performances, bothshowing exceptionally high efficiencylevels.

Aussie Pumpsnow offer the Aussie SmartPumps in 2” in singlephase or 3phase configuration

The3”pump is supplied withabig 4KW415 volt heavy dutymotor

AUSSIE GMP THECAST IRON OPTION

Aussie’sGMP cast iron pump range areall self-priming andprovide anew convenience forany agricultural pumpingapplication

Whether it’sfor ariver pump installationoryardwash down in adairy, theyfeatureheavydutycastiron bodies that arerobustand durable

The Aussie GMPrange is also available in cast nickel aluminiumbronzeor cast316 stainless steel

“Our 316 stainless steel pumps aremuchcheaper than youwould think and areidealfor pumping caustics, chemicals and even whey”, said Hales.

Pumps arealsoavailablewith arange of drive configurations includingelectricand hydraulic motors, Honda engines, Yanmar diesels andevenasbareshaft pumps

WHERE AUSSIE IS HEADING

Aussie’s exportbusinessisgrowing all thetime. What they learnt from working withAustralian farmers is nowapplied in theUSA, Canada,and through South East Asia.

“Recentlywewereabletoprovide valuable support during theflooding of Juba, in South Sudan, by supplyingbig 6” self-primingheavyduty trashpumps, all built right here in Australia”, saidHales.

Further informationisavailable from Aussie Pumps’ website (aussiepumps.com.au) and throughtheirGold Distributornetwork.

Aussie Smart Pumps offer asafer option for handling corrosive Ag chemicals including liquid fertilisers.

Aussie GMP cast iron pumps arerobust and simple to service. Available with Yanmar diesel engines as well as Honda petrol, electric motors or hydraulic drive.

Well deserved retirement for Doc

ONE of AgricultureVictoria's most respected researchers, Dr Joe Panozzo, recentlyretired after morethan 35 years of service.

In the eyes of his former colleagues,Dr Joe Panozzoremains an incredibly humble and approachable persondespite all of his achievements in agricultural research.

Commencing with grower-funded Victorian WheatInstitute as awheat quality scientist in the 1980s, Dr Panozzo worked closely with three wheat breeding programs to determine quality traits in the early generations of the breeds.

Afriendand mentor to many, he has supervised 11 PhD students during their studies at Horsham and continues to instil his passion for agricultural research as

an honorarysupervisor at the University of Melbourne.

Dr SimoneWarner,head of Agriculture Victoria Research thanked Dr Panozzo for his service to Victorian agriculture.

"Dr Panozzo is recognised globallyfor his vast experienceingrains research," Dr Warner said.

"He has led research and development projects in wheat breeding, pulses, oilseeds and ruminant feednutrition thatmany organisations have benefitted from.

"The significance of his scientific contributions is evident in the140-plus publications that bearhis name, and histeam'sresearch findings have been cited morethan 4,300 times.

"AgricultureVictoria is very thankful to

Joe for his contributionsthat have been such abenefit to our organisation and Victoria."

Acting Research Director and Horsham SmartFarmSite Manager,DrGarry Rosewarne,said Dr Panozzo hasbeen a great colleague and friend to many.

"I worked with Joe first-hand in our pulse breedingprograms, and he has revolutionised how we assess quality in such away that it goes hand in hand with our genomics capabilities," Dr Rosewarne said.

"His wealth of knowledge and experience will be sorely missed."

Dr Panozzo saidhewould look back at his time at AgricultureVictoria with fondness, and the Horsham site as atruly wonderful place to undertake agricultural-based research that had clear economic benefits for Victoria.

At theheight ofhis career,DrPanozzo was awarded the Farrer Medal, which perpetuatesthe achievements of Australia's first wheat breeder,William Farrer and the prestigiousAustralasian Grain Science Association FB Guthrie Medal for 'outstanding scientific achievement and contribution to knowledge in the field of grain science.

Free Trade Agreement

THE Australia-United KingdomFree Trade Agreement offers accessto the UK market that Australian agricultural producers have not seen in generations.

Cattle Australia has welcomed the decision to enter into force afreetrade agreement between our two countries.

The landmark trade deal will come into effect by the end of May, removing barriers for Australian beef producers trading with the UK.

The agreement will enable up to 35,000 tariff-free tonnesof eligible Australian beef in the UK market in year one, rising in equal instalments to 110,000 tonnes in year 10 until the trade is fully liberalised in 2038.

Cattle AustraliaChair David Foote said the deal was acredit to all involved.

“I wanttorecognise the workofthe Australian Government over many years for their commitmenttomake this areality,” Mr Foote said.

ASBESTOS

“This has also taken considerable work from industry, with Cattle Australia and MLA working through the UK Red Meat Industry Access Taskforcetomake sure this deal delivers further opportunities forAustralian beef producers.

“Australia remains aworld leader in producing high-quality, healthy, and sustainable beef, underpinned by our world-leading traceability systemsto achieve our customers’ expectations.

“As such, Cattle Australia is urging the UK government to recognise Australia’s highly developed industry systems in managing and tracking HGP treatments in cattle.

“This agreement will see much more Australian beef on the menu in the UK.

“The free trade agreement will also help to further diversify our export markets and agrowing list of countries with which we enjoy free trade access.”

Dr Joe Panozzo recently retiredafter morethan35years of service with AgricultureVictoria.

Photo: Contributed

Conservation calls to protect environment

THE Federal Government is setting up the framework for betterenvironmental protection, but it's not enough.

According to the Australian Marine Conservation Society(AMCS), significantly more funding is urgently needed to protect and restorenature, including our coasts, oceans and marine life, after adecade of neglect.

WhileAMCScampaigns director Tooni Mahtosaysfundingis welcomed, more is needed.

"Wewelcomefundingcommitments to establishanew nationalenvironmental protection agency,Environment Protection Australia, and anew environmental data division, EnvironmentInformation Australia,to improve transparency and decision making," Mr Mahto said.

"Establishing anew framework for nature protection is important,but morefunding is required to repair the monumental damage that has been done to this continent and our marineenvironment and tackle the extinction crisis.

"Experts say we need $2 billiona year to address the environmental damage in Australia, adropinthe ocean compared to what has been committed in this budget.

"The$1billion funding over the next five years for species protection and environmental restorationunder the National Heritage Trust is welcome, but it is simply not at the scale needed to reverse the extinction crisis, or meet community expectations for natureprotection and restoration.

"Wehope that this budgetlays the groundwork for much more spending on environmental protection and restoration in futureyears, including immediate

threats to the Great Barrier Reef and our marine environment," he said.

"The Albanesegovernment's continued funding of the clean energy transition will help reduce theimpacts of climate change and the burningoffossil fuels, butthe National ClimateRiskAssessment and Adaptation Plan is urgently needed and must apply to assessing risk and funding for natureadaptation around Australian coasts and oceans.

"With aglobal plasticpollution crisis a major concernfor Australians, it's disappointing that thereis no new investment for recycling and driving the transition to acircular economy, especially in light of thefailureofREDcycle."

Mr Mahto said plastics disproportionately impact our ocean and marine life and has called on the Australian Government to step up and address the issue.

"Australia has set anational target to recover70per cent of plastic packaging by 2025, butplasticrecycling rates are unlikely to exceed46 per cent by 2025 with no new investment," Mr Mahto said.

"Wewelcomethe $355 millionfunding boost for existing national parks, including marine parks, which arevital for building resilience into the oceans.

"Australia has committed internationally to protect 30 per cent of our land and 30 per cent of our sea, and the Budget investment needs to match that commitment.

"Weacknowledge the already announced increased $163 million funding for the Australian Institute of Marine Science, whose work is so important in protecting the Great Barrier Reef."

Jersey cows: hot property

JERSEY Australia’s Dairy’s Finest showcase saleatCoffs Harbour is expected to reflect the strong standing of the breed.

Joint sale manager Danial Bacon says therehas never been abetter time to market Australian Jersey cows and genetics.

Jersey Australia’s Dairy’s Finest showcase sale will be on Wednesday, May 24, as part of the annual conference at Coffs Harbour.

The auction will be online in person and conducted by Dairy Livestock Services (DLS) auctioneer Brian Leslie.

Mr Bacon, who is organising the sale withMitchell Flemming, said the catalogue would featurehigh-quality, all-round depth.

“We’ve got exceptional lots from most states, from really nice milking cows out of big-time pedigrees to calves with highgenomics. There’s somethingfor everybody.

“It’s set to be our biggest Dairy’s Finest sale which is offthe back of successful sales the last two years,” Mr Bacon

said. “The marketability of Jerseysis continuing to grow. Most breeders have put their best foot forwardbecause the results over the past few years have been exceptional so they arekeen to be involved.”

Lightning Ridge RK Bashful Lovelies willbeone of theattractions in the catalogue after her dam, Brookbora Chrome Lovelies, achieved the top price of $20,000 at the inaugural Jersey’s Finest sale in 2021.

Mr Bacon saidthe salehad terrific all-round depth and was likely to attract astrong sale average.

“It’s avery high-end catalogue with a lot to interest buyers,” he said. “We’ve got daughtersofshowchampions,high BPI animals and imported pedigrees and the daughter of the recordprice animal from 2021,” he said.

“The market is as hot as ever which hasbeenproven at the Royal Sydney Show. It’s agreat time to be marketing Jerseys.”

Keep your pets healthy at home

ONE in 10 Australianpet ownersprioritise regular at-home pet health checks or routines, according to new research from Australia's leading pet insurance underwriter,PetSure.

Aussie pet owners aremissing atrick to ensurethe health and happiness of their furry lovedones, as new research from PetSure, released alongside PetSure's Pet Health Monitor 2023 report, revealsjust one in 10 prioritise regular at-home pet health checks or routines.

With the data presenting aworrying view of the current landscape, with pet parents prioritising pampering over proactive pet health checks, PetSureis callingonpet parents to do their due diligence -not just for theirpets, but for vetsacross Australia.

Pet owners don't hold back on splashing the cash when it comes to their furry friends, with $3 billionspent everyyear on pet toys and accessories in Australia.

Eighty-two per cent of owners spoil their pets with human food, gifts, clothes and toys each month, while athirdofthose who pamper their pets with spa or beauty spend up to $500 monthly.

Of those who pamper their pets, one in five devote up to five hours aweek to pampering, while 65 per cent of pet parents that have an at-home health routineonly spend up to an hour aweek on pet health checks.

Dr Betty Chan, VetAdvisor at PetSure, said, like many pet owners, vets areanimal loverswho want the best for your fur baby, but pet parents must do their due diligence.

"While pampering can provide enrichment for pets, it'ssimplethings like regularly brushing your dog's teeth or checking for fleas and ticksthat pet parents should prioritise," Dr Chan said.

"Being proactive with a regular at-home

health routine could help detect and address issues early on, resulting in better pet healthcare outcomes. In some cases, this could mean ahealth condition is less complex and costly to treat -leading to amorepositiveexperience for pets, their owners and vets.

"Beingfinanciallyprepared for pet healthcarecosts, suchashaving apet insurance policyor savingscan be importanttoo, as it means you'll be empowered to follow the recommended course of treatment and manage veterinaryexpenses next time you'reatthe clinic."

The Pet Health Monitor 2023report analyses PetSureclaims data to reveal key pet health trends, including insights from the veterinary field, common health conditions for dogs and cats, and tips for proactive pet healthcare.

According tothe PetHealthMonitor 2023 report, research shows just athird of respondents can spot signs of stomach or gut issues in their pets, despite gastrointestinal tract infections being cited as one of the top five health conditions for both cats and dogs.

Less than athirdof pet parents brush their pet's teeth each week, despite it being an important way to avoid dental disease and only 36 per cent clean their pets' ears.

Dr Chan urges pet parents to remember MEOWS -Mishaps, Ears, Oral Hygiene, Weight and Skin.

Mishapscan includebrokenlegs-in 2022, the average cost of abroken rear leg for acat was $3,805.

To prevent mishaps, ensureyour pet is socialised from an early age to prevent fights and bite injuries, secureyour property to avoid escapes and securebalconies and windows to avoid any accidental falls.

Ear infections wereone of the top five health conditions experienced by dogs in 2022.

To prevent ear infections, clean the ears every week and keep an eye out for signs of an ear infection -ifyou see your dog shaking their head, scratching their ears, or if you notice any discharge, seek advice from your local veterinarian.

For cats aged three years,the average claimed amount per case for dental disease was $833.

Regularly brush your pet's teeth to ensureyouranimalismaintaining good oral hygiene, and consider feeding your pet dental chews, as these can help prevent a build-up of plaque and help keep healthy teeth and gums.

Being overweight can predispose pets to avariety ofdiseases,including arthritis, cruciate disease and diabetes.In2022, the averageclaim cost for cruciate ligament disease was $2,408.

Keep up daily exercise, including walks and at-homeplay, to help maintaina healthy weight and feed your pet abalanced breed-specific diet -followthe feeding guidelines on the packaging.

Skin allergies werethe top health condition for 2022 experienced by dogs, with an averagecostof$520 for treatment. Keep your pet's skin healthy by staying up to date with flea and tick prevention, regularly brushing your pet's coat and checking their skin to identify problems early.

Experts urge Aussie pet owners to prioritise at-home pet health checks.

Photo: Contributed

The Aussie Beef Mates delegation

THE world is watching Australian beef this week as international chefs descend on Sydneyand regionalNSW aspart of the Aussie Beef Mates delegation.

Organised by Meat &Livestock Australia (MLA) in collaboration with Investment NSW,the Aussie Beef Mates delegation from May 28 to June 2immerses international visitors in all things beef from the paddock to the plate.

Sixteen chefs and food professionals will visit NSW from countries including China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, theUKand the US as part of the inaugural program.

They will visit afarm, processing plant, and restaurants in the state'sNorthern Rivers region and participate in an Australianbeefmasterclass in Sydney, exploring topics including butchery, Meat Standards Australia, food safety, integrity systems, and more.

Global Business Manager at MLA, Josh Anderson, said Australian beef is enjoyed in over 100countries around the world and is renowned for being ahigh-quality and sustainable product.

"Through the AussieBeef Mates program international chefs and food professionals learnand sharethe Australian beef story to their global network, driving international demand for this premium product," Mr Anderson said.

"Thereisnobetter way to learnabout the Australian beef industry than by spending time with producers and food professionals that arepassionateabout Australian beef.

"The program alsoleverages offthe global recognitionofSydney and NSW,helping put NSW and Australia in the spotlight. The program will help to grow global exports by boosting the profile and understanding of beefin key overseas markets. It also

shines aspotlight on NSW's agricultural, food production,and tradeand investment sectors.

"Following the event, MLA's international marketing team will launch several global activations with the Aussie Beef Mates, providingaplatform for themtoshare their experiences and influence within their network to promote Australian beef and NSW produce."

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack

Chanthivong said the AussieBeefMates program gives the MinnsGovernment a chance to help sell Australia's world-class products to the world.

"This event willshowcase the high-quality beefproductsavailableacross NSW and drawattentiontoour state's thriving beefindustry on theglobalstage," Mr Chanthivong said.

"Welookforward to supportingthis importantinitiativeand highlightingthe fantasticbeef productsthat NSW has to offer."

Throughout the week, the AussieBeef Mates will also shareideas on innovative beef uses and network with stakeholders within the supply chain. Importantly,they will learnfromeach other as theycreate beef dishes inspiredbyregional flavours.

Chef Roy Villacrusis is from Asiatic Culinary Services in the United States. He said that he had been working with MLA for the last decade, learning about Australian grass-fed beef andpasture-raised lamb and its versatile application.

"I am nowanofficial Aussie Beef Mate and am super excited to be part of the US delegation for this year's trip to Australia," Mr Villacrusis said.

"I can't wait to have hands-on experience on how these amazing animals arecared for and prepared for shipping to our kitchens across the world.

"These products have been agreat compliment to my style of cooking. Icall it Asiatic Cuisine and Ican't wait to learnmoreof how they get to this level of consistency and continueto achievetheir goal to carbon neutrality in the next few years. Ican't wait."

The AussieBeefMates delegation2023

is atestament to MLA's commitment to promoting Australian beefonthe global stage and the NSW Government's support of the local industry.

Through this program, MLA hopes to continue to strengthen relationships with key international markets and drive demand for Australian beef.

Register for aproperty ID code

VICTORIAN horse owners arebeing asked to take a simple step for a special friend andregister for aProperty Identification Code (PIC).

AgricultureVictoria Manager Livestock Traceability Ben Fahy said PICs provided horse owners an extra level of protection during emergencies.

"If there’s aflood, fireordiseaseoutbreak,we may need toreach out with concerns specifictoyour animals, or for emergency relief and recovery activities withinanimpacted area," Mr Fahy said.

"Getting aPIC is quick, easy, and free via the AgricultureVictoria website –all that’srequiredisyourcontact details, the numberof horses and the parcels of land wherethey’rekept."

All Victorian properties with livestock, including horses,are requiredbylaw to have aPIC, an eight-character code essential for contactand traceability purposes.

"PICsare required whether you keep a horse for recreational, agricultural or competitive purposes –even for your broodmareinthe paddock," Mr Fahy said.

"When horses are on agistment away from home, it’s essential that those propertieshave PICs, which can be applied for by the horse owner or service provider."

BasedinWarrnambool,Katrina Routson is one of Australia’s largest Friesian horse breeders and said that PICs provided peace of mind in case of emergency.

"If abushfirecomes through someone would know that we have animals," Ms Routson said.

"PICs also provide an excellent way to receive key updates from Agriculture Victoria to horse owners."

Livestock ownersshould regularly review theirPIC details, and update any changes that have occurredsuch as changeinpropertyaddress, species of livestock or changes to personal details.

Whenlivestock areoffered for sale, given away or bartered via online or print media, the PIC of the property at which the livestock are kept must be included in the advertisement.

Register for aProperty Identification Code today at agriculture.vic.gov.au/ horsepic or call 1800 678 779

U UNBEATEN ST STILL

“I TRULYbelieve I’m better than Max, and Ibelieve I’m going to get through Max”; swallow your words, Jayde Mitchell.

Super middleweight boxer Max Reeves remains unbeaten and moves to number two in Australia after ending seasoned opponent Jayde Mitchell with aRound 2TKO (technical knockout) at Margaret Court Arena on Wednesday night.

Mitchell was aclear favourite ahead of last week’s fight, boasting21wins, and two losses with 10 KOs (knockouts), while Statford’s 22-year-old boxing sensation, Mad Max Reeves, entered the ring with a recordofseven wins, one draw and five KOs.

Reeves, atrue vision of coach Paul ‘’Turk’’ Carroland RUFit gym’s motto “be humble and let your hands do the talking” was tight-lipped in the lead-up to the fight, unlike 37-year-old Mitchell, who was brazen in revealing he believed the Stratfordboxer was beneath him.

“Weare all on the same page [at RUFit] that Australia needs some humble sporting stars to look up to and role models,” Turk said.

Turk has no doubt that Max Reeves embodies those values.

“Max is just adriven, quiet, humble kid,” he said.

“He is family-orientated and honestasthe day; he’s got alot of good people around him too, which Ireckon help keep him that way.

“His parents arebrilliant; they’ve always

been supportive. It’s not easy to come to Bairnsdale and train from Stratty when you’reakid, especially if you aredoing it afew times aweek.

“Now he’s got the support of his boss, who is really good at working around and giving him the time to go and spar; we wereinSydney sparring withTim Tyzu and Nakita Tyzu prior to last week’s fight.”

In an unprofessional chain of events, Mitchell failed to make weight, initially set for 76.2 kilograms.

“They came back and said he [Mitchell] can’t make it, so we said we would agree to 77.5 kilograms,” Turk said.

“They said he wouldn’t take it, so we went to 78.5 kilograms catchweight, and he agreed to that, and he weighed in at 79.55 kilograms.”

In Round One, the fighters wereneck and neck, with Reeves proving himself a worthy challenger contrary to Mitchell’s preconceptions.

Beforethe conclusion of Round Two, Reeves’ hands wereraised, winner by TKO. Mitchell’s vociferous social media presence continued following last week’s fight, with the 37-year-old claiming an accidental headclashcaused the bleeding cut, which rendered him unable to see, ultimately ending the bout.

Reeves’ coachremains unconvinced, saying he believed Mitchell was looking for away out.

“I said to the boys in the corner,Isaid “He’s cut, Mitchell’s cut on the eye, so we need to work on that”, and then Max hit him with another two left hooks right on

exactly the same spot and that’s where the blood was coming from into his eye,” Turk said.

“He was just looking for an out; Ireckon he quit.

“If the boot wereonthe other foot, Max would have said “I’m fine, I’m good to go” and would have got to the corner and tried to get patched up and go again.”

While Reeves was admittedly nervous in the lead-up to his fight against Mitchell on May 24, the local boxer was eager to make his opponent swallow his words.

“With all the stuffhe[Mitchell] was saying, put abit of extra fireinthe belly,” Reeves said.

“I really wanted to shut him up.

“He’s even still vocalnow, tryingtoget it overruled and whatnot, but Ireckon he quit in the ring.

“I don’t think he even wanted to be there, really, and everyone else thinks the same thing unlesstheir mates withhim; they say different.”

For Reeves, enteringthe ringasthe underdog and putting his opponent in his place after weeks of slander was not as satisfying as he had hoped.

“I was satisfiedalittle bit, but Iwas disappointed by the way it hadtoend cause Iwas sort of just getting started,” Reeves said.

“Obviously, it was just super early, and Ihave trainedsohard, and you want to get rounds out if you can, but sometimes it just goes that way.”

While both fighter and trainerwould have preferredmoretime in the ring,Turk

couldn’t be prouder of 22-year-old Max Reeves.

“His composurewas unbelievable,” Turk said.

“He was nervous during the day, but once he got into the actual venue and his feet hit the ground, he was really calm and ready to go, so his composure was brilliant, considering it was such abig stage.

“I’m super proud; he is just adedicated kid who hasn’t changed abit, and I’m super excited for what his next adventureis, but we arenot going to overshoot it.

“Toget into No Limit Boxing, they arethe biggest promoters in Australia, so we will continue to work with them; they want to work with Max, and they weredelighted with how we handledourselves as agroup.” Reeves will take afew weeks offafter defeating Mitchell in less than two rounds, retaining his undefeatedtitle, and earning Australia’s number two super middleweight ranking.

Max Reeves is on his way to becoming Australia’s next most coveted boxer,with the unwavering support of those around him and Turk in his corner,who believes that the young talented fighter has the ability and attitudetoascend to thetop of the international ranks.

“Thereare big plans for him [Reeves],” Turk said.

“He is 22; if he wantstostay in it and continue to work and develop, he is going to reach his peak later on, afair few years down the track.

“Max has the potential to be aworld champion.”

Making their mark in the US basketball scene

BASKETBALL

By TOMHAYES

TWO locals aremaking their mark in the world ofbasketballoverinthe United States, as the NBA reaches the finals and the WNBA season begins.

Traralgon’sJadeMelbourne recently made her WNBA debut for the Seattle Storm,featuringin their opening game against the Las Vegas Aces.

It was atough game for the Storm, going up against what is predicted to be atop Aces side in 2023.

The Stormwent down by 41 points, but Melbourne made her debut offthe bench.

As she begins to find her feet, she played six minutes, scoring two points and providing an assist.

Her dad, Brett Melbourne, spoke on how it feltto see her debut in the topleague, but believes it was moreexciting seeing her play in the first preseason game.

“It wasagainst Phoenix(Mercury),she went on and hadtoguard Diana Taurasi, as she’s bouncing the ball down she thought at onestage she should give her the ball

and say ‘Can you sign this?’,” Brett said.

Taurasi is one of the most decorated women’s basketball players on the planet, boasting five Olympic gold medals, numerous championships, MVPs, you name it.

Nonetheless,Jade appears to be determined to earnher spot on the Stormroster

“It’s pretty good, she’s not really nervous

anymore, she actually wants to get on there and getupthe roster, she’s just gotta be patient,her time will come,” Brettsaid.

“She’s pretty dedicated,but she svery young, it’s just amatter of holding onto your spot, it’s very cut-throat.

“She just loves the game, she’s areal basketball nerd, Idon’tknowwhereshe gets it from.”

Jade has been playing basketball since under 10s and has always shown aliking to it, despite playing other sports.

“She played AFL (Aussie Rules) until about under 13s, but she had to pickone because she started to repVic Country in basketball and trainings in Shepparton and Bendigo,” Brett said.

For those that don’t know Jade, her dad described her mentality as she hopes to develop aWNBA career

“She’ll never give up, she wants to play for Australia, she wants to go to the Olympics,” Brett said.

Thereare currently eight Aussies in the WNBA system for 2023, giving Jade agood chance to prove her worth and earnherself

atrip to Paris in 2024 for the Olympics.

Brett and the family hope to go and watch her play during theyear,and also celebrate her 21st birthday.

“She turns 21 in August, we’replanning to leave on the 3rd(of August),” Brett said In the men’s code,the NBA,Traralgon’s JackWhite also now hasa chance of a championshipring, after the Denver Nuggets advanced to the NBA Finals.

White is on atwo-way contract with the Nuggets, representingtheir G-League side, the Grand Rapids Gold, too.

Denver swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference finals to reserve themselves aspot in the NBA finals, wherethey will face the Miami Heat.

Although White hasn’t played any finals games, he has featured throughout 17 games during the regular season.

Despite this, he is still achance to collect an NBA chip, but it ultimately comes down to the owner In the past at other franchises, rings can be given out to players, coaches, trainers and even cheerleaders.

Zoe Askew

Big time: Traralgon’s Jade Melbourne made her WNBAdebut recently Photo: Contributed

Max Reeves overcame the odds to defeatthe highly-fancied Jayde Mitchell at Margaret Court Arena last Wednesday.

Reeves’ win against Mitchell hasearned him the number two rank in Australia’s Super Middleweight division.

Youngster to travel to Europe

TRAP SHOOTING

By TOM HAYES

IMAGINE doing what you love, while travelling the world in the meantime.

Traralgon’s Lucas Furlan is set to jet over to Europe to take part in World Universal Trap Championships.

And it won’t be his first time.

Lastyear, Lucaswas fortunate enough to be part of the Australian trap shooting team that travelled to Italy to compete in front of the world stage.

Australia,and Lucas claimed gold on that trip.

“Italywas definitely an eye-openerfor me, bit different to back home,” he said.

“I definitely took alot of out of it.

“I was fortunate enough to win the gold medal with my team, but that was just a bonus for me over there, the main thing was the experience and what Itookout of it.”

He is set to do it all again, this time spending around amonth in the summer of Spain.

Lucas shoots out of the Morwell Shooting Club, and has climbed the ranks at astonishing pace since learning the sport in 2019.

Whiledoing his schoolingatLavalla Catholic College, Lucas put his name down to join the shooting team, and became hooked.

“I didn’t shoot my best, but Ienjoyed it a lot, Itook alot out of it,” he said.

Since then, it has been onwards and upwards, to the point wherehenow holds the title of current AustraliaUnder21 champion at the age of just 16.

“I’m happy with my progress so far there’s afew obstacles I’ve had to overcome, but I’ve managed them quite well,” Lucas said.

“I shot at the last round of the selection series in Melbourne, which Ishot ascore of 192/200, whichwon me thejuniors’ and allowed me to get enough points to …make the [Australian national] team.”

Now, Lucashas his eyes set on Spain, and competing on the world stage once again, he must prepareasbest as he can for the championships.

“I’m definitely trying to get on the range at least once aweek minimum …just doing other stuffathome and going to the gym and sort of just preparingmyself mentally,” he explained.

The sky is the limit for Lucas.

Especially as trap shooting can be taken as far as the Olympics, the ultimate sports stage.

But for now Lucas is taking things one step at atime, trying to improve each and every week leading up to his Spain trip in August, although he admits he is well awareofthe Olympic possibility.

“Just trying to stay consistent, that’s one of my main goals,” he said.

Thereis no lack ofsupport for Lucas, that’s for sure.

The ISSF Junior World Championships run from July 18 to 26.

Lucas will travel overseas for the Universal Trench World Championships, with competition running from August 3to7

McQualter takes the reins of the Tigers

FOOTBALL

By TOM HAYES AND LIAM DURKIN

TRARALGON’S Andrew McQualter coached his first gameas an AFLheadcoachat the weekend.

McQualter took the reins at Richmond following the immediate and unexpected departure of long-termsenior coach, Damien Hardwick. Hardwick joined Richmond in the middle of the 2009 AFL season, taking over from Terry Wallace.

It tookhim four yearstoget the Tigers to theirfirst finals series since 2001, doing so in 2013.

Hardwickled the Tigers to their first premiership in 37 yearsin2017,when Richmond defeatedAdelaide by 48 points. He would win two moreflags, in 2019 and 2020, to cap offhis 14-year coaching stint as the longest-servingcoach in Richmond history.

McQualter’s debut in the headcoaching chair cameatthe weekend, when the Tigers tookonthe in-formPort Adelaideatthe MCG.

Fittingly, at the 17-minute mark of the first quarter,Richmond fans stood and gave an applause to Hardwick as athank-you. McQualter,who will coach the Tigers in the interim until afull-time appointment is made, started his head coaching career with a10-point loss.

Speaking post-match, the Traralgon local said it was agood experience.

“It was fun, Ithink if Idoitfor too long Iwon’t keep this thick, luscious hair that I’ve got, that might get challenged, but it was good fun,” he said.

“It’s amazing how as an assistant coach how much you don’t see.”

McQualter spoke on how theplayers reacted to the news, and how they prepared for the match.

“It has been atough week, an emotional week for the club, Dimma has been such an influence on so many people’s lives at the club, it was achallenging fewdays, no one saw it coming,” he said.

“Wespoke about it pre-match, we spoke about honouring Dimma and what he’s given the club over along period of time.

“Wedidn’t playour best game of footy, but the fight they showed they never gave up.”

McQualter is expected to remain in charge of the Tigers until the end of the season.

“I think the main aim for us is to remain really connected, we’reon the same page, we’reonthis journey for the next 12 weeks together.”

McQualter played 94 games in his AFL career at St Kilda and Gold Coast, between 2005 and 2012,playinginthree Grand Finals -2009, 2010 and the 2010 replay.

After his playing days,hejoined theTigers as aVFL playerand developmentcoach in 2014.

Two years later he became an assistant and midfield coach for the senior side.

McQualter has somewhatrecent local ties, despite his origin, playing in Rosedale’s premiership winning team of 2015.

Thereisnow three head coaches in the AFL with ties to Gippsland.

Carlton coach Michael Voss was bornin Traralgon, and West Coast coach Adam Simpson played in an junior premiership with Sale City.

Pressureremains on premiership-winning coach Simpson to remain at the helm of the Eagles, who arelanguishingatthe foot of the AFL ladder

LucasFurlan is itching to get to Spain for the WorldUniversal Trap Championships.

Photograph: TomHayes