Trioliet is a total supplier of premium feeding technology. Every day, thousands of cows all over the world are fed with their machines. Over more than 70 years, their family business has grown into a global player. AgTrade has a great range of Trioliet feeders and mixers available, feed mixers, self-loading mixers, self-propelled mixers, all in a range of sizes and styles.
A delegation from the Murray River Group of Councils, led by chair Dan Straub, had a productive meeting with Federal Water Minister Murray Watt in Canberra.
The Cr Straub highlighted the vital role that water played in sustaining northern Victorian communities.
“Across the Murray River Group of Councils region, agriculture and food manufacturing underpin everything,” he said.
“Our region produces more than $8.3 billion in food every year, and around 16,000 local jobs are tied directly to this.
“Our councils and communities are on the front
line of the basin plan’s impacts, and it is vital that our voices are heard; that’s
why we came to Canberra.”
Cr Straub said the meeting was positive and the
discussion open, which was welcome.
“We were able to tell of
our belief that the basin plan is not delivering for our region,” he said.
“We don’t support buybacks, and especially the government’s current, non-strategic programs of open market water purchases, as these put our irrigation districts and our farmers at risk.
“We were happy to hear from Minister Watt that he wants to minimise the negative impacts on our communities while seeing the basin plan delivered.”
MRGC emphasised to the minister the importance of genuine investment to offset the negative impacts of the basin plan.
“We don’t want trinkets
or grant programs,” Cr Straub said.
“We need meaningful funding that unlocks investment to keep jobs in our region and creates new economic activity that brings new permanent jobs to our communities.”
“The other key principle that MRGC has that we made clear to the minister is that new jobs need to be created in the communities where jobs are being lost — moving jobs to regional centres won’t help our towns.
“We thank Minister Watt for hearing us and look forward to working constructively with him and his department.”
By Djembe Archibald
Australian apples are set to make their way to Canada for the first time, following a new trade agreement secured by the Federal Government.
Plunkett Orchards general manager Andrew Plunkett said Plunkett Orchards would look to leverage existing relationships forged through more than 25 years of pear exports.
“We already export pears to Canada, and they are quite a successful program,” Mr Plunkett said.
“What we are hoping is that we will be able to leverage some of the existing relationships we have already through the pear program to send some apples to Canada.”
The journey for fruit to go to Canada was
under 30 days before the COVID-19 pandemic, but has remained 40 to 45 days since.
He said the voyage would restrict which varieties could make the journey in good condition.
“Pink Lady and Granny Smith could be opportunities,” he said.
“Gala is not a long-lasting apple, so it would be difficult for them to make the journey.”
Canada is already the orchard’s number one market for pears, but Mr Plunkett was cautious.
“We don’t necessarily see it as a game changer in terms of selling a lot of fruit because New Zealand already has access,” he said.
“They are generally a little bit cheaper than us, have a higher pack-out, and grow a greater range
of varieties.”
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said the agreement was an important win for the industry, which produces close to 300,000 tonnes of apples annually and is valued at more than $680 million.
“We welcome this improved access to the Canadian market, and the benefits our growers and producers will reap from the agreement,” Ms Collins said.
“This is another example
of the Federal Government continuing to provide new pathways for our produce right around the world.”
Australian apple and pear growers already export to more than 160 markets globally, with over 70 per cent of
agricultural production shipped overseas.
Earlier this year, mainland growers also gained final approval to send apples to China.
Apple and Pear Australia Limited chief executive Philip Turnbull said the Canadian access was another important step forward.
“The Australian apple and pear industry welcomes improved access to Canada, with high-quality Australian apples now joining pears in reaching this premium market,” Mr Turnbull said.
“This milestone opens new export pathways, supports market diversification, and strengthens opportunities to grow Australian pome fruit exports to high-value international markets.”
An ambitious project, largely driven by volunteer farmers, has been recognised by Landcare Australia as worthy of funding to the tune of $75,000.
The Cohuna and District Landcare Group is one of only four Victorian projects to get funding under the Agriculture Biodiversity in Action scheme.
The $75,000 plus in-kind funding initiative is set to roll out across the Cohuna region from September 2025 to November 2028, and aims to reconnect farming practices with ecological restoration — proving that biodiversity is not just compatible with agriculture but critical to its resilience and success.
The project aims to bridge the gap between understanding biodiversity and applying it on-farm, transforming biodiversity from a perceived cost into a clear agricultural asset.
“We believe that thriving biodiversity and profitable agriculture go hand in hand,” project lead and Cohuna and District Landcare Group secretary Andy Jackman said.
“This project will prove that evidence-based actions can improve both ecological and economic
outcomes — all while strengthening community ties to the land.”
The Landcare group has been reinvigorated recently, and the group now hopes to build on the foundational work of those who have gone before in the Cohuna and Leitchville areas.
Biodiversity in Bloom will establish six demonstration sites across a variety of farming operations, including cropping, dairy, grazing and mixed farming within the Torrumbarry Irrigation Region — a landscape of international
environmental significance adjacent to Ramsar-listed wetlands, Gunbower Forest and the Murray River. These on-ground trial
sites will test and implement protective fencing, revegetation and direct seeding, and comprehensive biodiversity monitoring.
By Geoff Adams
Melbourne residents are being urged to conserve water after the city recently experienced abnormally low stream flows into its urban water storages.
Since July, Melbourne residents have been drinking desalinated water, which has been switched on to supplement the diminishing storage levels.
Water-saving measures, such as limiting watering gardens to between 6pm and 10am, are now in force.
The Melbourne storages are holding about 70 per cent of capacity, with the biggest, Sugarloaf, holding only 61 per cent.
Melbourne Water says the storages have experienced the driest January to June streamflows on record, with catchment rainfall down 11.2 per cent on the 30-year (1995-2024) average and streamflow around half of last year’s
Protests dogged the construction of the pipeline.
levels.
This has taken storage volumes to their lowest levels for the end of winter since 2020
Goulburn Valley people may remember that the Bracks-Brumby Labor Government built the northsouth pipeline, connecting the Goulburn River to the Sugarloaf dam, giving Melbourne residents access to Eildon water.
The controversial project was opened in 2010. The sweetener for the worried Goulburn Valley community was the funding of
the Foodbowl Modernisation project, under which $2 billion was ultimately spent upgrading irrigation infrastructure.
But the rain returned, and two years later the desalination plant was completed, thus rendering the pipeline superfluous.
We got to keep the upgrading money, but Melbourne did not get to draw on the 75 gigalitres of water.
But Melbourne Water is now warning that stream flow into the storages has
been low.
So, will Melbourne come looking for water down the north-south pipeline this summer?
Melbourne Water says it has no plans to do that.
We contacted the authority to find out what they were thinking and their executive manager of service delivery, Sue Jackman, said the north-south pipeline was a last resort for human need when Melbourne’s storages were below 30 per cent.
“Our water storages currently stand at over 70 per cent,” she said.
"There are absolutely no current plans for any redistribution of water from Lake Eildon to Melbourne.
“The north-south pipeline is fully functional, and we conduct regular maintenance on the pipeline and related assets.”
The pipeline is kept filled with water in case it is needed for fire suppression.
By Geoff Adams
Young Holstein dairy cows from a top-rated Bunbartha herd sold up to $13,000 in Shepparton on September 11.
The cattle were from the Kaarmona herd of the Sprunt family, which holds the number two-rated herd under the rating, genomic Balanced Performance Index, across Australia.
Kaarmona holds master breeder status for both its Holstein and Jersey herds.
On Thursday, the Sprunts offered up 55 spring-calved Holsteins, which were promptly snapped up by a number of breeders in person and online. All sold.
Dairy Livestock Services auctioneer Brian Leslie said the outstanding offering was purchased by buyers from every part of the Victorian dairy industry for an average of $4315.
More than 50 per cent of the sales went to online buyers.
The top-selling Destiny cow boasted a butterfat test of 5.0 in her first lactation and bought $13,000 from the Shannons at Katunga,
in spirited bidding.
Second highest-selling lot was Kaarmona Dynasty Holly 5, which, despite being offered at the end
of the catalogue, sold for $10,000.
In an earlier Dairy Livestock Services sale, the Meyview commercial
Holstein dispersal sale topped $7250, and averaged $3840.
A large crowd attended the second stage dispersal
of the Meyview Commercial Holstein herd of the Waaia Meyland Family on August 29.
The offering was currently averaging 42 litres with a cc of just 59, sale top of $7250 for the third lact AltaDateline daughter milking 60 litres. The top-selling milking heifer was the two-year-old daughter of Dreambig milking 51 litres selling for $6400. Top selling second lact cow was at $6300 for a three-year-old daughter of Hancock.
Other sales included a Supernatural two-year-old milking 49 litres at $5600, a six-year-old Altaspring daughter milking 58 litres also at $5600, a four-yearold GGIGermanboy daughter milking 54 litres at $5200 and a four-year-old AltaGopro milking 60 litres at $5000.
The 166 Holsteins grossed $637,350 with an average of $3840
Buyers were from all parts of Victoria and Southern NSW.
Agriculture Victoria is urging farmers to be mindful of import requirements and to keep watch for red imported fire ants when sourcing fodder from interstate.
Agriculture Victoria acting chief plant health officer Stephen Dibley said RIFA, or Solenopsis invicta, was one of the worst invasive ant species in Australia.
Native to South America, it was first detected in Brisbane in 2001 and while still largely localised to Greater Brisbane, it has also recently been detected in two separate zones in NSW.
“RIFA is not present in Victoria, and we hope collective efforts continue to ensure that this situation remains unchanged,” Dr Dibley said.
“If RIFA made it into Victoria, it could severely affect the state’s economy, agriculture, the environment and the wellbeing of
people and livestock.
“RIFA is mostly spread when it hitchhikes on material that is transported out of an infested
area.”
Dr Dibley said with drought forcing farmers to source hay and fodder from interstate suppliers
there was a real risk they may inadvertently import RIFA.
“We know current conditions mean farmers are dealing with unfamiliar fodder sellers, but we still want to protect our agricultural industry from biosecurity threats,” he said.
“Hay and straw are ideal host materials for RIFA, providing shelter, temperature regulation and a food source.”
Dr Dibley said farmers should be aware that hay or straw purchased from anywhere outside Victoria must come from a location with an accepted RIFA area freedom certificate.
Fodder purchased from the infested zones must meet inspection and treatment requirements and be certified by an officer
responsible for agriculture in the state or territory of origin.
When coming from these zones, a purchase must also include one of the following types of certificates:
• Plant Health Certificate
• Plant Health Assurance Certificate
• Biosecure HACCP Biosecurity Certificate
• Plant Health Declaration
To further protect Victoria, if you suspect that you have found RIFA, report it immediately via the Agriculture Victoria Public Online Reporting Form at agriculture. vic.gov.au/biosecurity/ pest-insects-and-mites/ report-an-unusualplant-insect-pest-or-disease or by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
By Geoff Adams
Prospects for the approaching season could go either way for dairy farmers, a seasonal planning workshop heard at Rochester last week.
The northern Victorian dairy farm season is facing low water supplies in dams and low fodder reserves.
Seasonal planning workshops are being run in northern Victoria courtesy of funding from Agriculture Victoria.
Farm adviser Tom Farran spoke to about 20 farmers at Rochester about the situation facing dairy farmers.
“Everything is reliant on what happens this spring and what flows into the dams over the next few months,” he said.
“Virtually no fodder is sitting in sheds in south-eastern Australia.”
Mr Farran talked about preparation for dealing with scenarios of a good year if spring happened, with good milk prices, or how it could be a tough one if the season failed and hay and water prices became expensive.
“Southern Victoria has had a tough 18 months or longer and they have been using up fodder reserves to try to get through,” he said.
“It’s almost the flip of what we saw in 2018 when fodder disappeared up north; this time it’s going south.”
Mr Farran has been using two different scenarios depending on what happens.
“The main decision today is whether to buy standing crops to make silage,” he said.
“At the moment there is a big difference between
what growers will sell for compared to what people are prepared to pay.”
His advice was to maximise the home-grown feed.
If you have good quality pasture and crops, irrigation in September and October will still provide a good source of feed.
“That’s the number one thing to do in the short term,” he said.
“And if you have to purchase in feed, grain is probably the best source, having regard to the diet balance.”
Mr Farran suggested farmers think through strategy for the year and be aware of the trigger points as they occurred.
Another workshop is planned to run at Tatura on Tuesday, September 16.
Free to attend – but registration is essential
The workshops are supported by Agriculture Victoria’s Drought Support Package.
▯ For more information, please contact Tom Farran on 0447 377 820.
First it was nine in 10 farmers sounding the alarm, now Country Fire Authority volunteers are sending the same warning to the Labor Government.
Clearly, we have a problem and the city/ regional divide widens.
The CFA volunteer
More than 2000 CFA volunteers took part in the annual Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria survey and the overall response was clear –they feel undervalued and ignored by the Allan Labor Government. It comes hot on the heels of a Victorian Farmers Federation survey which found nine in 10 farmers don’t believe the government understands local issues or has a positive plan to grow the agriculture industry.
slap down of Labor was particularly alarming as it slugs Victorians with a new $3 billion in emergency services tax.
Volunteers clearly don’t believe the government’s rhetoric about supporting appliances and new stations, with the survey recording the worst ever result on that issue.
All the evidence shows that tax is about filling
budget black holes, not supporting our frontline firefighters.
The Nationals and Liberals will scrap it if elected next year, while restoring the independence of the CFA and giving respect back to our volunteers.
Danny O’Brien MP Leader of The Nationals Shadow Minister for Emergency Services
In light of Coles’ decision to delay the phaseout of caged eggs until 2030 citing bird flu-related supply issues, the VFF is calling on retailers and the government to take a realistic approach to guarantee the future supply of eggs for consumers.
VFF Egg Group president Brian Ahmed said recent outbreaks had highlighted the need for all three farming systems (caged, barn and free range) in maintaining food security and food affordability for all Australian families.
“The harsh reality is recent bird flu outbreaks decimated egg supplies across the country and it won’t be for the last time,” Mr Ahmed said.
“Our biosecurity
safety net is good, but due to the nature of migrating wild birds, we can’t stop everything.
“In times of bird flu outbreaks, caged egg systems are vital to ensuring a reliable supply of eggs across Australia. A phase-out of caged eggs only accelerates the uncertainty for farmers, disrupts supplies and puts massive pressure on food affordability for consumers.
“We encourage retailers and policymakers to work closely with farmers to ensure that animal welfare standards improve, without compromising farm viability or consumer access to affordable eggs.”
Mr Ahmed also called on farmers and domestic chicken owners to
remain vigilant as we entered the peak migratory bird season, which traditionally heightens the risk of diseases entering the country.
“Migratory birds from all over the world begin arriving en masse during spring, which increases the risk of foreign diseases such as bird flu landing on our shores,” he said.
“We’ve seen how damaging bird flu can be and I’m encouraging everyone to have a biosecurity plan in place and alert authorities if your birds become sick.
“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility between everyone and is a vital defence to protect both our industry and the natural environment.”
The start of the irrigation season has brought with it great rains across parts of the state.
I’m also happy to see that much of eastern Australia is likely to see above average rainfall to November according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest long-range forecast. Despite these positive signs we know that a number of areas across the state remain particularly dry.
We’re keeping a close eye on these areas as the new irrigation season progresses.
Our teams are already planning and thinking about how we will respond to continued dry conditions and what that will mean for our customers and partner agencies.
As we look ahead and assess what the weather conditions mean, it’s also important to look back at some of our recent achievements. That includes our 2025 Winter Works maintenance program, which was a great showcase of how focused we are on innovation and maintenance cost savings.
Those savings won’t just benefit the work we do — they will directly benefit our customers in a number of ways.
One project that highlights this is the replacement of the Western Waranga Channel Offtake near Fernihurst, which was completed during the winter works. The new regulator combines two different types of gates and is expected to
save us 25 per cent on maintenance costs over 30 years compared to a comparable structure with four flume gates.
Our continued use of
light detection and ranging (LiDAR) enabled drones, including during winter works, is also providing significant cost savings and helping our
teams deliver crucial works. Our staff are also continuing to install telemetry devices and metres across the
Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District to improve water-use data collection. These upgrades will support more efficient water delivery, resource planning and customer service across the region.
If you want to talk to us in-person about these developments, we’ll have a Goulburn-Murray Water team at the Elmore Field Days event from October 7 to 9 to answer all your questions. Our team will also be on hand to talk about other topics, including any questions you have about your account and managing your water allocation through our online and telephone water ordering system, WaterLINE.
Charmaine Quick
G-MW managing director
Australians continue to back the egg industry, with new national benchmarking research revealing trust remains strong, driven by confidence in regulation and reliance on eggs as a source of nutrition.
The 2025 Sustainability Framework Community Survey, conducted by independent social science research agency Voconiq, and commissioned by Australian Eggs, captured the views of more than 5000 Australians.
This research has been conducted since 2017 and benchmarks community sentiment, purchase drivers and trust in the egg industry.
In 2025, for the first time, regulation has overtaken other factors as the leading driver of trust. Biosecurity, food security and traceability are now top-of-mind for consumers.
Australian Eggs managing director Rowan McMonnies said confidence remained strong, despite a challenging period for egg production.
“Through avian influenza
incidents in recent years, Australia’s egg industry has closely followed response protocols to contain the
impact of the disease and limit disruptions for consumers, which we believe the community has
recognised and is reflected in this year’s survey findings” Mr McMonnies said.
“Australian egg farmers
have shown time and again that they are ready to respond to community expectations.
“From strengthening biosecurity and reducing environmental impacts, to improving animal welfare, our industry is committed to delivering on the standards Australians expect, and this year’s findings reflect that dedication.”
The survey also revealed a significant shift in how the community values eggs, with nutrition now ranking above price, convenience and taste as the key factors considered in the value proposition of eggs.
“The importance of eggs in the diet of Australians continues to increase, which is reflected in demand but also in community sentiment captured in the survey, with 86 per cent confirming they rely on eggs as an important staple food,” Mr McMonnies said.
“There are some challenges ahead in keeping up with this demand, but the industry is constantly looking at ways to improve farming practices and invest in innovation to achieve sustainable growth of the industry.”
By Djembe Archibald
Legacy of the Horse is Australia’s premier standalone colt-starting championship, and it’s happening in the Goulburn Valley.
Tatura Park will bring together elite horse trainers from across Australia, New Zealand and the United States for the four-day event, starting Thursday.
Founded by The Australian Cowgirl Co’s Kim Peterson, Legacy of the Horse was born from a passion for celebrating true horsemanship — where trust, timing and connection take centre stage.
Inspired by international events such as Road to the Horse, this competition shines a spotlight on the art of starting young horses with feel, respect and a solid foundation for the future.
The event will showcase a lineup of six highly skilled trainers from various disciplines.
Three selected championship trainers are
joined by three wild card competitors, with the winner of the wild card round advancing to the championship to complete the final four.
Over the course of four days, each trainer works with a two-year-old horse — lightly handled and carefully selected by the official horse supplier, Woodstock Paint Horses.
Trainers will demonstrate their unique methods in building trust, communication and performance potential with each of their young horses.
The event also features:
• Masterclasses and clinics by leading horsemen and women
• Opportunities to engage trainers for ongoing development of their horse
• A focus on education, inspiration and ethical horsemanship
• Entertainment by some of Australia’s talented equine entertainers
• A horse sale, giving spectators the chance to take home one of the started horses
Water for the environment will be released into the Goulburn River this month to stimulate fish movement and promote the growth of native plants to help protect the riverbank.
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority environmental water and wetlands manager
Simon Casanelia said the annual water release was referred to as the Goulburn River spring fresh and was expected to run from about September 13 to October 12.
“Environmental water will greatly benefit native vegetation by wetting the river’s banks and then receding, encouraging new growth,” Mr Casanelia said.
“Establishing the bank vegetation is a high priority. Without this vegetation growth in spring, the bank would stay bare and be more prone to damage.”
This delivery of water for the environment helps long-term stabilisation of the riverbank, as native grasses, sedges, rushes and
flood-tolerant native species will grow and thrive at this time of year. The roots of the plants help stabilise the bank.
The timing of the fresh is similar to last year’s spring fresh, which proved successful for vegetation establishment.
Mr Casanelia said this delivery of water for the environment would also increase habitat and food
resources for native fish such as Murray cod, trout cod and golden perch, platypus and waterbugs.
“Because fish are more actively migrating and spawning in spring, there is great value in the spring fresh, even with the high winter flows we’ve had,” he said.
Water for the environment is water allocated and managed to improve the
health of rivers, wetlands and floodplains. Use is adapted based on climatic conditions, water availability and ecological needs.
Decisions about using water for the environment are based on science, including research by river ecologists and long-term environmental monitoring. Environmental flows are planned by the Goulburn Broken CMA in
consultation with the local community, river ecologists, Goulburn-Murray Water, the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
The spring fresh is expected to benefit the whole length of the Goulburn River downstream of Lake Eildon. Flow will gradually increase to about 9300ML/day at Trawool and Shepparton before slowly dropping back to about 1000ML/day in mid-October.
Peak flows will be well below minor flood levels along the Goulburn River. At Trawool the river will reach 2.3m — the minor flood level is 4m.
At Shepparton the river will reach 5.6m — the minor flood level is 9.5m.
Timing and height of the fresh may vary depending on natural flows in the river. Delivery of water for the environment will reduce or stop if there is any flood risk.
To check how water for
the environment changes flows in the Lower Goulburn, view the hydrograph on Goulburn Broken CMA’s website: fchmccoys. hydronet.com (updated weekly).
The flows are authorised by the VEWH in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan 2025-26. The plan is available for download from vewh.vic.gov.au, with regular watering updates posted on the Goulburn Broken CMA website, gbcma.vic. gov.au
Learn more about about the Goulburn River and Northern Victorian Tributaries at tinyurl.com/ yd676nvv
Up to 125GL of environmental water will be used to deliver the spring fresh. Unregulated flows and irrigation water delivered to the Murray River may contribute to the spring fresh and reduce the volume of environmental water used. The environmental water used to deliver the spring fresh will also be used to meet Gunbower Forest and South Australia environmental water needs.
More than $200 million worth of the latest in agricultural and machinery products will be showcased to the nation in southern Australia’s single biggest agricultural event, the 2025 Henty Machinery Field Days.
The agribusiness super event is scheduled for September 23 to 25 and has evolved into the nation’s agricultural shopfront over its 62-year history, with 14km of outdoor sites.
“The event has a proud heritage and the HMFD Co-operative has never lost sight of the primary reason for its existence — to showcase the agricultural industry, and the very latest in new and
emerging agricultural technology,” HMFD chief executive Belinda Anderson said.
This year’s field days will have all the usual attractions, including the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award, the working sheepdog trials, Country Lifestyle pavilion, Farm Gate, Baker Seeds agronomy trials, helicopter joyrides, live entertainment, the Natural Fibre Fashion Awards and vintage farm machinery display.
A view of the 2024 Henty Machinery Field Days, which drew 55,000 visitors across the three days.
“2025 will further build on the visitor experience achieved with last year’s launch of Agtech Alley, a collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development,” Mrs Anderson said.
The 2025 field days will be officially opened by popular television presenter, wool industry ambassador and fashion designer Catriona Rowntree.
The official opening on Tuesday, September 23 will include the presentation of the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award, while Greater Hume Council will sponsor the
Best Australian Designed and Manufactured Machine to be presented on Wednesday, September 24 at 10.30am.
NSW Governor Margaret Beazley will also visit the field days on Wednesday, September 24.
Farm Gate will be a hive of activity of gourmet products direct from regional producers, while outside on the sound stage is the talented regional duo Happy Hour.
Competition is expected to be intense this year at Henty, as the nation’s best sheepdogs and their handlers gather for the Murray Valley Championship Yard Dog Trial and Henty Three Sheep Trial, which are proudly supported by Hypro.
The display by the Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club members always draws a large crowd of both young and old visitors, and will include machinery commemorating 100 years of Caterpillar.
Ford fans will also be able to mark 100 years of Ford in Australia with a display of vintage and classic cars alongside the latest models at the Biti Motors site.
Henty Machinery Field Days is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
Pre-purchase early bird tickets until September 22 by heading to hmfd.com.au
There are concerns that drivers of utes across Victoria are being hit with disproportionately high toll costs, raising concerns about fairness, cost of living, and the impact on Victorian motorists who rely on these vehicles daily.
“Utes are the backbone of many families, tradies, and
small businesses,” Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party of Victoria member Jeff Bourman said.
“For many people, a ute isn’t a luxury, it’s the sole family vehicle. Yet, ute drivers are being unfairly slugged with toll rates far higher than those applied to standard vehicles.”
In Victoria, utes are classified in the same category as light commercial trucks, which have toll charges that can be up to double or triple the rate for other cars.
“The system is broken. A tradie driving to a job site in Melbourne, or parents taking their kids to a doctor’s appointment,
shouldn’t be forced to pay the same toll as a freight truck hauling goods across the city,” Mr Bourman said.
“These unfair tolls are another example of city-centric policy that ignores the realities faced by families and workers on the ground.”
NSW has a different
tolling classification, where the vast majority of utes are not subject to an increased toll rate and are classed in the same category as sedans or hatchbacks.
“It’s time to stop penalising people for driving the vehicles they need for their livelihood,” Mr Bourman said.
A flow down the Campaspe River in mid-September will be the key ingredient to helping the waterway’s important platypus population avoid a housing crisis of sorts.
Rivers in central and northern Victoria have historically had their highest flows in spring, and animals that rely on these rivers to survive and thrive have evolved accordingly.
That means they rely on natural triggers to set up for breeding season. However, river regulation, historic farming practices, and climate change are making those triggers a bit trickier to understand.
North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Environmental Flows Project Manager Darren White said a Campaspe River flow in mid-September is aimed at triggering those cues for platypus and native fish.
“Native fish have responded really well to the repair work we have done since the 2022 floods, and this flow will tell them the time is right to start looking
for a mate,” he said.
“The increase in flows over a few days will help native fish move up and down the river and find new breeding partners and feeding grounds.”
Mr White said the flow is also important for platypuses as they begin their breeding cycles.
“By raising water levels a little bit, we are giving platypuses the signals they need to build their
burrow,” he said.
“They will note the level this flow gets to and build their homes a little higher up the banks, helping avoid burrow inundation if flows naturally increase later in the season.
“It’s the best indication we can give them of potential higher water levels over the next few months.”
September is platypus month in Victoria, coinciding with the monotreme’s
Corn
Don’t
Contact
Thursday 2nd October
platypus food.
breeding season.
“Pregnant and lactating platypuses can consume 100 per cent or more of their bodyweight daily, which is why this flow is also important,” Mr White said.
“Increasing the health of the river’s aquatic vegetation, as well as encouraging slime growth on rocks and sticks, increases the amount of water bugs, which means more
“The Campaspe River platypus population is really important regionally, as there aren’t too many populations in the Murray River downstream of Echuca.”
Up to 1400ML a day will flow from Lake Eppalock down the Campaspe for three days, from 9 September. Water levels will stay well within the banks.
The flow is authorised by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan.
The Plan is available for download from www. vewh.vic.gov.au, with regular watering updates posted on the North Central CMA website www.nccma. vic.gov.au.
The flow complements activities undertaken over the past decade including delivering stock fencing, off-stream watering, weed control and revegetation incentives to restore high quality riparian vegetation corridors that are resistant to flood-related channel change such as river bed and bank erosion and creation of new flow paths.
Greater Shepparton, the Fruit Capital of Australia, was on show at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong last week, the premier trade event for fresh produce across the Asia-Pacific.
Greater Shepparton City Council, alongside Fruit Growers Victoria, hosted a trade stand at the expo across three days, Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 September 2025, providing an opportunity to support the region’s horticulture industry, showcase Greater Shepparton’s high-quality produce, and promote local export opportunities across the globe.
The region was well represented with the Mayor, Chief Executive Officer, Council’s Manager Economic Development, representatives from Fruit Growers Victoria, and more than 25 local growers and supply-chain representatives ensuring a strong regional delegation.
The visit also included a trip to Shenzhen,
China for the Victorian Fruit Growers Network event, in partnership with Global Victoria. This event provided an opportunity to connect with Chinese representatives to build new trade relationships that could offer export opportunities for the region’s growers.
Michael Crisera from Fruit Growers Victoria said the expo provided a platform to connect with industry leaders and showcase Victoria’s growers on a global scale.
“Fruit Growers Victoria is the peak body for fruit growing, packing and exporting businesses across the region and having a strong presence at Asia Fruit Logistica was the ideal platform as it brought together thousands of fresh produce buyers, growers and industry experts from around the world,” he said.
“The expo provided a valuable platform to showcase the Goulburn Valley’s premium fruit,
promote the region’s strengths, and highlight the quality and dedication of our growers. It was also a fantastic opportunity to develop new business contacts, explore export opportunities and stay up
to date with the latest global market trends and innovations.”
The value of Greater Shepparton’s agricultural output exceeds $729 million annually, with fruit production representing nearly half of that.
“Attending Asia Fruit Logistica once again showed the importance of horticultural in our region. It was a productive three days with dedicated people wanting
to advance positive outcomes for our region,” Mayor, Cr Shane Sali said.
“Greater Shepparton’s presence provided our local growers with credibility and connection in a highly competitive international market, while supporting the ongoing development of trade partnerships across Asia.”
“The visit to Shenzhen, China was an extremely worthwhile addition to the trip, allowing us to connect directly with Chinese representatives in a bid to unlock new trade relationships for our local growers,” Cr Sali said.
The Winton Wetlands is home to birds big and small, from ducks to pelicans.
Photographer Rene Martens has captured the land with a drone, as well as some flightful friends with a camera.
(By Richard Smith, dairy extension officer)
With many farmers purchasing more fodder than usual, it’s a timely reminder about the increased risks of introducing weeds to your property.
There are key steps that farmers should follow to minimise the risk of introducing and spreading unwanted weeds and pests.
To minimise the risk of these weeds and pests establishing across your farm, make sure all purchased fodder is fed in a designated containment area, feedpad or sacrifice paddock, which has been sited to mitigate risks.
Feeding out in restricted areas allows for better observation of any new plants germinating and enables quick eradication and control of any weeds or pests that might emerge, therefore reducing the risk of these weeds and pests becoming
established in the area.
Ongoing drought conditions are creating significant challenges for Victoria’s livestock industry, particularly a critical shortage of fodder, with farmers needing to look interstate to source supply.
Agriculture Victoria is providing a free and tailored service to suppliers, transporters and farmers to help them to efficiently navigate the permit requirements to bring feed into Victoria while managing biosecurity risks.
When purchasing feed, farmers are encouraged to request a Commodity Vendor Declaration with every load. Commodity Vendor Declarations contain background information about the fodder source, including whether it has been sprayed or treated with chemical that is still within a withholding period, export slaughter
interval or export animal feed interval.
Permit applications for fodder are being prioritised by Agriculture Victoria to allow for timely fodder movement. To ensure that fodder movement occurs, once a Plant Biosecurity Permit is applied for, Agriculture Victoria will contact the farmer within two working days to discuss and assess the specifics of their import request.
A plant biosecurity permit will be issued free of charge for fodder movement. If an inspection of fodder by Agriculture Victoria is required on its arrival to Victoria (which will be stipulated as a permit condition), the cost of this inspection will also be waived.
▯ For more information go to agriculture.vic. gov.au/farm-management/drought-support/ moving-hay-and-fodderacross-states
Hay bale
Arenewed focus on grassroots member involvement and supporter engagement has reinvigorated the Australian Fodder Industry Association at a time when demands on meeting the nation’s hay and silage needs have never been more challenging.
The organisation’s 26th Annual National Fodder Conference was held on the Gold Coast, delivering a fodder-focused event for the nation’s hay and silage producers.
It was attended by 180 delegates and sponsors from business leaders, researchers, producers, contractors, machinery and equipment dealers and end-users.
“Producing fodder to feed the nation’s livestock has been very difficult this year with devastating weather conditions impacting production and the ability to meet the needs of customers, many long-term and loyal, across the country,” AFIA industry marketing and engagement manager
Vanessa Curtis said.
“This event represented a fantastic opportunity for our members, and those in the R&D pipeline and the broader supply chain, to stay up to date with the latest hay and silage news, developments and technologies and to check in with each other to refresh before getting stuck into another season.
During the conference, a new board was elected at the annual general meeting, with a record 11 nominations received for the board director roles. There are plenty of new
faces, with Rob Anspach (Western Australia), Darryl Boyd (NSW), Harry Divall (NSW), Mark Green (NSW), Mark Harrison (Queensland) and Gavin Schuster (South Australia) joining former chair Louis Kelly (NSW) on the board for the upcoming year.
“New leadership, strong sponsor support to shape mutual partnerships and member involvement to deliver a range of local and more personalised events across the country have increased the association’s energy and focus,”
AFIA chairman Gavin Schuster said.
“Following a shakeup of the organisation’s priorities at the end of 2024, the AFIA board formally welcomed Vanessa Curtis to the organisation, and she has brought considerable experience and energy to the role.
“The recent formation of a member subcommittee has also tapped into the enormous wealth of knowledge and experience the organisation has across its membership, with the group working closely with the board and
staff to help drive new ideas and opportunities for the organisation.”
As a result, AFIA launched a series of ‘Hay Meetups’ — smaller, targeted regional gatherings, co-organised with locally based AFIA members to include businesses, speakers and machinery dealers relevant to the local farming community.
“I’m excited for what we have planned, and we look forward to further announcements and partnerships which will see AFIA’s network continue to grow,” Gavin said.
Krone’s new Swadro TC1500 four rotor rake features hydropneumatic suspension and integral Soft-Down drop rate control. Look no further than the professional Krone range for the season ahead.
The outlook for Victoria’s hay season is up in the air, with the next six weeks set to determine yields, quality, and prices.
Agriculture Victoria dairy manager Brett Davidson said the late break and patchy rainfall had created significant uncertainty for growers weighing up whether to cut crops for hay or take them through to grain.
“The next six weeks will dictate everything,” Brett said.
“We’re probably two decent rainfalls away from having a decent season, but at the moment we haven’t got them.”
While some paddocks are performing better than others, the state as a whole is tracking behind expectations.
“There are good conditions for growing lucerne as well,” Brett said.
“Some of that gap may be made up by good lucerne crops, but it's still
Rainfall over the weekend in Shepparton offered some hope, but he cautioned it wasn’t enough to turn the season around.
“That wasn't enough, unfortunately,” he said.
“The outlook is pointing in a favourable direction, but we haven't been getting some of the rain predicted. We'll have to see over the next few weeks.”
Pricing remains another point of discussion for growers trying to decide their strategy.
Current indicators suggest grain returns could be steady, while hay
might provide better value depending on yields and quality.
“For a wheat crop, we're looking at probably about $300 a ton for grain,” Brett said.
“To cut that same crop for hay, you'd get twice as many tons per hectare — two tonnes of hay compared to one tonne of grain, as a rough rule.
“It costs more to make hay than it does to harvest the crop, but it gives a starting point of around $200 to $250 a tonne.”
Livestock markets are also influencing demand as some producers have begun destocking, reducing the number of animals to be fed through the season.
“There are less animals about, too. Some sheep and cattle are being sold off. Even though production will be down, the big unknown is how many fewer animals need to be fed.”
The McHale V6750 baler is part of the McHale family of specialist rural machinery developed by two Irish brothers, Padraic and Martin McHale.
Over the past 35 years they have developed a range of specialist farm machinery focusing on balers and bale wrappers for the production of round and square baled silage, and round bales of hay and straw.
The McHale V6750 is a semi-automatic variable chamber baler fitted with a 15-knife chopper unit
and heavy-duty rotor. It is equipped with a double drive system, which allows the machine to operate in the toughest of conditions. The double drive system aids belt rotation and bale formation.
The machine comes with centralised grease blocks as standard. Automatic greasing is available as an option on all V6750 machines. Net and bale density can be adjusted from the cab through the Expert Plus control console.
The V6750 is fitted
with a 15-knife chopper rotor.
The feed rotor or chopping unit boasts a heavy duty rotor and comb.
The flights are welded on both sides for superior strength and, on the drive side, the rotor is fitted with a double row bearing with a long service life.
The star shaped feed rotors ensure a high-capacity flow of grass into the bale chamber.
The flights on the rotors are laid out in a spiral formation to achieve consistent crop flow.
The AFIA September 5 Hay Report highlighted what’s bringing hay prices down, including weather patterns.
With nothing listed as driving prices up, several circumstances are bringing prices down, including recent rain
“Rainfall across southern Australia last week is expected to support spring growth, easing immediate pressure on fodder demand, the report said.
“If follow-up rain arrives, buyers may hold off longer.
“Many domestic buyers are waiting for fresh supply, not realising new-season hay may not hit sheds until mid to late October.”
Specific weather events listed included a series of cold fronts that delivered widespread rainfall to southern Australia.
Elevated parts of Victoria and Tasmania received over 100mm of rainfall.
August rainfall was near average across much of the country, but remained severely low, in the lowest five to 10 per cent across large areas of southern SA and western to central Victoria.
Looking at the Goulburn and Murray valleys, recent rain has improved growing conditions, but a dry autumn set crops
back, and many pastures remain behind typical growth stages.
With cutting likely to be staggered or delayed, there is a chance of shortterm supply tightness as the season progresses, which may place some upward pressure on early hay prices.
Limited hay has been entering the market in
comparison to other hay-growing regions, but shedded oaten hay is selling for between $400 and $450 per tonne online.
After the sharp decline of cereal, lucerne and pasture hay last week, prices this week have fallen only moderately.
Prices decreased in early September.
Looking ahead, the
Bureau of Meteorology’s spring outlook (September to November) shows a 60 to 80 per cent chance of above-median rainfall across the eastern half of Australia.
The weather patterns could help drive spring growth and support later hay cuts in the eastern states, ensuring expected domestic hay demands are met if rainfall lands well.
Above average rainfall is likely for most of Victoria, apart from some eastern parts of the state.
Average spring rainfall in recent decades has been between 100 and 300 mm for most of the state, increasing to 400 mm over the Great Dividing Range.
The bureau says daytime temperatures are very likely to be higher than usual throughout much of Victoria.
Warmer than usual nights are very likely throughout the state.
The bureau says there is an increased risk of flooding during heavy rainfall on the east coast of New South Wales and south east Queensland following a wetter than usual year in these regions.
Keep up to date with the most recent reports at afia.org.au/category/ hay-reports
Victorian farmer and contractor Richard Stecher has been using John Deere lubricants on his fleet of tractors, harvesters and balers — and even his trucks and utes — for more than 20 years and says the value for money has made the decision “a no-brainer”.
“In summer, we’re transiting balers at 50km/h in 40-degree heat,” Mr Stecher said.
“That’s punishing on gearboxes and hydraulics. The fact we’ve never had a failure says it all.”
Operating near Seymour, Richard runs a 4000-hectare broadacre cropping operation, a successful hay and harvesting contracting business, Stecher Ag, and a beef cattle enterprise.
His fleet has grown over the past two decades to include 15 John Deere tractors, two S-Series harvesters and two balers, and has clocked up more than 250,000 machine hours.
He says some tractors are pushing 10,000 to 12,000 hours and still running strong.
“We’ve never had a major transmission failure or tractor split – ever. That’s over a quarter of a million hours,” he said.
Mr Stecher credits much of the reliability to a strict maintenance regime, and the use of premium-quality lubricants including John Deere’s Plus-50 II engine oil, Hy-Gard transmission and hydraulic oil, GL-5 gear oil and Cool-Gard II coolant.
“Twenty years ago, when I bought my first John Deere tractor, the salesman at Haeusler’s had been a well-regarded technician and spoke very highly of the lubricants, so I started using them, and we’ve stuck with them ever since,” Mr Stecher said.
Haeusler’s Group aftermarket manager Jason Hannig said customers could use a simple online calculator to see how Plus50 II engine oil and filters compare to competitors’ products.
“It’s really quick and easy to use, and it gives you a simple number that shows how much you would spend each year on oil and filters in three different combinations — all genuine John Deere oil and filters, all non-John
Richard Stecher credits the reliability of his John Deere machines to a strict maintenance program.
Deere products, or a mixture of the two,” Mr Hannig said.
▯ To try the oil calculator, visithaeuslers.com. au/lubricants
Agriculture Victoria is hosting a workshop at Mansfield to help producers make informed decisions around this season’s fodder production.
Agriculture Victoria meat and wool regional manager Brad Costin is encouraging producers to attend one of the fodder field days to hear from expert Frank Mickan, to help get the most out of their pasture hay or silage this spring.
“Frank Mickan is an industry-renowned specialist in fodder and pasture conservation who will provide insights into producing high-quality hay and silage,” Mr Costin said. All workshops will cover the following topics:
• how to make the best quality hay and silage
• fodder quality influence on livestock production
• understanding the
ensiling process
• storage systems and minimising wastage
• feed testing.
The Mansfield workshop will be held on Wednesday, September 17 at Mansfield Golf Club, 24 Kidston Pde, Mansfield trybooking.com/DFDKX
▯ For further information, contact Toni Dakis, Agricultural Recovery Officer on 0428 975 728 or at toni.dakis@agriculture.vic.gov.au
▯ To find more information about available drought support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/ drought or call 136 186.
Hay sheds are valuable infrastructure, and setting your farm up with on-farm storage ahead of harvest is forward-thinking and a proven way to future-proof your business, providing opportunities regardless of how the season plays out.
New hay shed projects are proving popular in 2025 and look to be smart investments.
The 4000-bale shed recently completed by Action — The Big Shed People is a great example of how to maximise capacity and lower the storage cost per bale.
Besides starting with a tried-and-tested 64m x 24m hay shed kit, the secret to success is a wellplanned project.
While the 64m x 24m hayshed kit is a common choice, it typically has a height of 7.5m, which allows bales to be stacked eight high.
However, for this project, the kit shed design has been tweaked and the height increased to 9m.
This serves two main purposes. Firstly, increasing the height of the shed is a cost-effective way to increase the capacity of the shed, compared to either increasing the length or width of the shed.
Secondly, it is a good idea to increase the height of the shed to provide additional clearance when there is a canopy. This is because a canopy typically decreases the clearance height by about 500mm.
A cantilevered canopy has many benefits, including being a cost-effective way to gain extra storage
space.
For example, the combination of the 24m span and 8m canopy is more cost-effective than a 30m span hay shed.
This hay shed project also uses the popular 8m-wide bay, which allows you to stack three big bales across, between the columns.
This is an efficient use of
space and provides good airflow between the bales.
The building consultants at Action often recommend upsizing the bay spacing to 8.5m wide.
While this doesn’t increase the capacity of the shed, it does provide more “wriggle room” to make loading and unloading the shed easier and less stressful.
Finally, it is hard to go wrong with an open-front shed, and that is certainly true for hay shed projects.
In fact, the open-front shed configuration is the most effective way to protect your hay from weather damage, while still ensuring the hay can be easily accessed and there is good airflow around the bales.
Another advantage of the open-front hay shed is it can be easily customised, such as installing sliding doors in the back wall or gable end, or both, to make it easier to access the hay at the back of the shed.
Farmers are appreciating how IntelliSense can optimise baling efficiency and provide a level of automation and precision not previously available in baling equipment.
McIntosh & Son Narrogin salesperson
Ryan Gault has been at the forefront of testing the IntelliSense technology in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region.
Early trials on demonstration farms are highlighting how automating key baler and tractor functions is delivering greater productivity, bale quality, fuel efficiency and operator comfort.
“IntelliSense uses a LiDAR [Light Detection and Ranging] system, which allows the baler to speed up or slow down the tractor,” he said.
“The system will automatically adjust speed based on different row conditions, even in areas
where the rows aren’t consistently dense.
“IntelliSense will also auto-steer to the windrow, which feeds the baler evenly, reducing blockages and optimising bale quality.”
Mr Gault demonstrated a T8 tractor with IntelliSense paired to a BigBaler 1290 HD for local farmer Craig Cousins, who was baling straw at the time.
Mr Cousins said he couldn’t believe the
improved baling capacity.
“IntelliSense allowed us to push the baler faster and more efficiently than I thought possible, the productivity gains were just unreal,” he said.
“Some of the rows weren’t actually that big, and then some spots were, but this was actually allowing for it and speeding up.”
Class 3 ISOBUS unlocked for steering and speed control.
It is compatible with all New Holland T7 LWB, T7 HD and T8 AutoCommand tractors equipped with
For more information on IntelliSense and 1290HD BigBalers, reach out to your local New Holland dealer.
AGENT: Kevin Hicks Real Estate
CONTACT: Chris Drum 0400 213 223 Melissa Miles 0428 222 611
ADDRESS: 40 Hughes Lane, Katunga
AUCTION: Thursday 9th October 11am onsite
INSPECT: By appointment
ACREAGE: 26.82 hectares (66.27 acres)
Nestled in the heart of the Goulburn Valley, just five minutes from Numurkah, 25 minutes from Cobram, and only 35 minutes to Shepparton, 40 Hughes Lane, Katunga presents an exceptional rural lifestyle opportunity with
boundless potential. Set on approximately 26.82 hectares (66.27 acres), this unique property combines comfortable living with large-scale infrastructure, making it ideal for a range of residential, agricultural, or commercial pursuits.
The main residence is a solid brick home offering three spacious bedrooms; each fitted with built-in robes and ceiling fans. A central bathroom services the home, while the generous open-plan kitchen and dining area create a warm and functional living space suited to family life or entertaining.
A second, weatherboard dwelling also sits on the property. While currently uninhabitable and in need of significant renovation, it offers
exciting scope for future development—perfect for those with vision and ambition.
The property also features extensive shedding, most notably a former chicken hatchery. This expansive facility includes separate male and female toilet and shower amenities, a lunchroom, office space, and a refrigerated cooling system at the west end of the shed. Although currently not connected to power and requiring new wiring, the shed represents substantial infrastructure ready to be reinstated for a wide range of uses.
Water security is well addressed, with a deepwater bore located on-site, along with a dam at the southern end of the property. A drainage channel runs along the northern boundary,
featuring a service point and a 1.1 ML/day delivery share to support irrigation or other water needs.
Currently, the land is sown with a productive blend of Rye Clover, Oats, and Trudy Carly pasture, which is expected to be harvested around late October by the current caretaker (note: this harvest is not included in the sale). Offering a rare combination of location, infrastructure, and versatility, this is a unique chance to secure a rural holding in a tightly held and highly sought-after area. Whether you’re looking to establish a productive farm, pursue a rural business venture, or simply enjoy a peaceful country lifestyle, this property ticks all the boxes.
SHEPPARTON • 226 WYNDHAM ST PH: 03 5821 8388
NUMURKAH • 1–3 MELVILLE ST PH: 03 5862 2611
194 ha – 480 acres (approx.).
• Quality soil type and location
• Currently dairy operation (300-350 cow capacity)
• 24 aside swing over plant with cup removes, 11,000L VAT
• 1 service point, 3.2 delivery shares (economical outgoings)
• Lasered to flood irrigation
• Viable large scale cropping development
• Comfortable 4-bedroom weatherboard home & sheds
• 4 road frontages, 5 minutes north of Tatura
Wednesday, 24th September @ 11:00am at Ballantyne Centre, Tatura
INSPECT: By appointment
• 52.5 hectares (approx. 130 acres), including around 90 acres currently under wheat
• 800m formed trotting track, stables, tack room, and troughs to all paddocks
• Three-bedroom home with home office, three living areas, open-plan kitchen/dining, and large alfresco area
• 13.5m solar-heated inground pool and 7m x 7m firepit pavilion
• 10m x 20m shed/studio with split system A/C, wood heater, stainless steel benches, and dual sink
• Located near the Broken River, suited for farming, equine use, and family living
Friday, 10th October @ 11:00am onsite
INSPECT: By appointment
136. ha – 337 acres – 3 titles
• A quality property with a rich history of stud stock grazing success
• Ideal bitumen road frontage with desirable location central to Katandra, Dookie & Shepparton
• Beautiful mature trees and surrounds with attractive farm cottage, 3-bedroom weatherboard, shearing shed, machinery shed, old machinery shed and livestock stud sales shed.
• Two ‘house paddocks’ with stock troughs and livestock shelter via mature box timber.
• Approx 40 acres laid out to flood irrigation via .40 delivery share (Goulburn system), 1 service point, and D&S security with 2 connection points on the Tungamah Scheme.
• 80% of the farm is now under a cropping programme.
• The property will be sold with vacant possession of the cropping paddock only. The current vendor will lease back the home and house paddocks for 12 months after settlement at market value.
• ‘Morgans’ is a lovely property with opportunity to further enhance the home and farm plan.
Friday, 3rd October @ 1:00pm at Katandra Recreation Reserve
INSPECT: By appointment
CONTACT
• Kevin Hicks 0428 271 270
irrigation farm plan
• Fully operational 22 aside swing over dairy (not in use)
• Directly opposite Lot 1 – bitumen road frontage
• Very complimentary to whole farm options
• Very productive soil type to suit any farming pursuit
Note: To be sold as a whole alongside 2075 Tehan Road
ONSITE: Wednesday 1st October at 10:00am LOCATION: 1453 Larissa Road, Yarroweyah
Tractors/Vehicles: Ford Trader 0509 tipping tray truck (173103kms, reg 60066-F), Steiger Panther ST325 tractor (10420hrs, 3PL, unreg), 2 x McCormick International W6 tractors (suit restoration), Zetor 6211 tractor, Cub Cadet ZTS1 42” mower (as new), 1971 LC Torana (6cyl, suit restoration), Morris Major sedan (suit restoration), 1973 Henley forklift (suit restoration), 2 x Yamaha 200 AG bikes (11689kms + 5496kms), Honda Foreman ES ATV (22005kms), 10’x6’ tandem trailer (stock crate, reg B11-944), 12’x6’ tandem trailer (wood floor, enclosed canopy, unreg), 6’x4’ trailer (unreg), 26’ hay trailer (unreg), International ACCO butterbox cab, International V8 engine and gearbox
Machinery: Connor Shea 8000 series 19 tyne seeder, 30’ boom spray (honda pump), Kverneland UN7655 bale wrapper, Tonutti 12 wheel hay rake, International 45 Vibrashank cultivator, 10’ hydraulic laser bucket, ATV slasher (B&S engine), Mobil-Lift hay elevator, Furphy 8’ land grader, 3.2m tyre roller, 6.4m smudger, Feed out cart, 12’ spike roller, 36’ auger, New Holland 471 bale loader, Trailing hydraulic crane, 3PL EQUIPMENT – Lyco hydraulic post driver, Silvan spreader, Rippers, Rotary drain cleaner, Lightning 18 plate disc, Alston 12” post hole digger, Crowder, Hay forks and spike, Fransgard rotary rake, 7’ Rawling blade, Rear end scoop, Rear end drain cleaner, Qty old hay mowers
Workshop Equipment & Sundries: 40’ container (no leaks, no loading available), 1000 litre Rapidspray diesel pod (12v pump), Qty of petrol and diesel tanks, Laser guidance system, USMig Outback A320T 3 phase mig welder, CIG 100MIG gasless mig welder, HD bench with vice, Power hacksaw, Honda Generator, Assorted power tools, Chainsaws, Qty poly pipe and fittings, Qty Shelving, Qty toolboxes and parts trays, Qty socket sets and spanners, Qty red bricks (some Shepparton), Qty assorted wheels and tyres,
Qty animal feeders, Qty calf bails, 13500 litre ARI Plastank, 2 x stainless steel tanks (3500mm diameter, 3000mm high, no loading available), 13’x7’ stock crate, Cement mixer (electric), 3 x I beam (450x180x6000mm), Qty railway line (up to 32’), Qty 10”x3” timber beams, Shed doors, Wood heater, Qty heavy rubber belting, New tractor tubes, Car ramps, Qty fencing gear
Antiques & Collectables: Furphy round pig trough, Simplex milking machines enamel sign, Swage block, Leg vices, Post mount drills, Blacksmith tools, Qty jacks inc. Trewhella, Huge collection of rocks and fossils, Horse drawn dump rake, Ploughs, 3cyl Lister engine, R&T engine (parts), Qty small air cooled engines, British outboard motor, Electric shearing plant, Oil bottle tops, A L Clarke theatre seats, Robinson wool press, Gold sluice, Cream separator, Hessian bags, Horse harness, Gig steps, Hames, Brands, Pulleys, Gate hinges, Fire dogs, Mont Eltham pot belly stove, Cast iron coppers, Qty of brass taps, Qty spanners and tools, Qty of old bottles, Children’s bike and trike, Cast iron lacework, Claw foot and enamel baths, Sewing machines, Blow lamps, Carmichael gas stove, Mercury Fairbanks and Avery platform scales, Cast iron kettles and pots, Assorted wire strainers, Saws, Qty milk and cream cans, School desks, Qty bedheads, Spinning wheels, Paintings, Mirrors, 2 x Scale model trucks inc. Shell tanker, Qty furniture and household items, Yamaha organ.
Remarks: The property has been sold & all surplus items are going to be sold. All goods for genuine sale
Terms: GST applicable sale on all farm machinery, Payment to be made on the day by eftpos or cash onsite prior to collection of items. No buyer’s premium
‘Carcoar’ Lifestyle, Cropping and Infrastructure
Held in the same family for generations, the sale of this holding marks a rare and special opportunity to secure a productive and well-established farm in this tightly held district.
• Productive mixed farming country suited to cropping or grazing across three certificates of title
• Reliable water – three catchment dams plus creek supply
• Shedding including open bays and enclosed areas, ideal for machinery and general farm use
• Prime location – 25 mins Shepparton, 20 mins Euroa.
Renowned southern riverina pastoral holding.
• Situated 19 km* north of Jerilderie via the Newell Hwy
• 4 Br, 3 Bth brick veneer home, pool and guest cottage
• Extensive shedding, 2 x shearing sheds, 2 x sets outstation sheep yards, 3 x sets cattle yards
• 15 x paddocks, windmill, solar, and electric bores
• Gently undulating Murray Pine country, Red Gum creek flats, Riverina plains country, 12 km* frontage to the Yanco Creek providing stock water, shelter, and lifestyle opportunities.
Auction 8th Oct, 11am
Jerilderie Sports Club, Jerilderie
* Approximately Matt Horne 0409 355 733
Expressions of Interest
Closing Thursday 16th October, 12pm
* Approximately
Established Livestock Enterprise.
After nearly 50 years of family ownership, ‘Oola Park’ presents an outstanding mixed farming opportunity. The 869 ha holding features quality infrastructure, renovated four-bedroom home, capacity for 1,400 ewes plus progeny, and a strong history of cropping and pasture improvement. 350* ha is developed for irrigation with secure Murray Irrigation Limited water entitlements and modern outlets. Ideally located 60 km north of Moama/Echuca, this productive enterprise offers scale, versatility, and growth potential.
Clearing Sale
Account: Bruce Hocking Motors
On-site – 85 Lowry St, Rochester Friday, 19th September 2025 @ 10.00am start
EVERYTHING MUST GO!
Items for Sale:
2015 Powerex 4000kg Wheel Align 4 Post Hoist with Power Jacks3 phase power + BEISSBATH Microline 3000pc Wheel Aligner; 2020 Powerex 2 post 4000kg Hoist - 3 phase power; 2011 Powerex 2 post 4000kg Hoist - 3 phase power; *All hoists regularly serviced, enquiries Hoistworks Engine Crane; Transmission Jacks and much more, check our website or scan the QR Code.
Superb Rich Red Sandy Loam to Grey Mix in Multiple Allotments
85% Arable
Established Native shelter belts
Suiting all forms of agriculture
Lot 3: “Dolmans”
129.0 Ha – 320 Ac
Situated on Tandarra Road
Including 6 paddocks with 4 dams.
Heavy Red Loam soil mix to Mallee stone rises.
Established pasture, suitable to all aspects of agriculture
Lot 4: “Kitchen”
74.6 Ha – 184.353 Ac Rich Red Loam in 3 paddocks with 2 dams & Windmill bore to trough
Lot 5: “Hockings”
161.19 Ha – 400.777 Ac
Offering 5 paddocks with 32.37 Ha Wetland
Water available by Solar pump and Windmill bore to trough and dams.
Red Sandy Loam to Grey Loam mix in excellent heart.
Set of sheep yards
80% Arable
Lot 6: “Hunters”
29.94 Ha – 73.98 Ac
One paddock, Red / Grey Sandy Loam, 1 dam
Terms: 10% deposit on signing, balance 60/90 days or earlier by agreement Working rights apply if requested EOI open 3rd September 2025, closes 29th September 2025
Clearing Sale
Account: Bruce Hocking Motors
On-site – 85 Lowry St, Rochester
Friday, 19th September 2025 @ 10.00am start
EVERYTHING MUST GO!
Items for Sale:
2015 Powerex 4000kg Wheel Align 4 Post Hoist with Power Jacks - 3 phase power + BEISSBATH Microline 3000pc Wheel Aligner ; 2020 Powerex 2 post 4000kg Hoist - 3 phase power; 2011 Powerex 2 post 4000kg Hoist - 3 phase power; *All hoists regularly serviced, enquiries Hoistworks Engine Crane; Transmission Jacks and much more, check our website or scan the QR Code. For
The key ingredient in achieving the best possible price for your home, in the shortest period of time, is attracting a large pool of buyer interest, and newspaper advertising helps you achieve that. Don’t run the risk of missing a potential buyer because you don’t advertise your property in 100% of the media available to you.
Contact our local agents to have your property promoted and featured
TO BE OFFERED ON AUCTIONS PLUS MULTI-VENDOR SALE #126214
THURSDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER TO MONDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER
INSPECTION DATE SATURDAY 20TH BETWEEN 10AM & 12PM @ 3/45 WALLIS ST, SEYMOUR, VIC, 3661 VIEW THE FULL LISTING ON: https://auctionsplus.com.au/auctions/machinery/ auctionsplus-multi-vendor-machinery-auction/126214
Real world industry relevant bulls with calving ease, growth and carcase were in demand from commercial beef producers at the Reiland Angus 2025 Spring bull sale with prices topping at $26,000 twice.
Interfaced with AuctionsPlus, the sale was hosted on September 5 by the Lucas family at Killimicat Station, Tumut, NSW, and drew buyers from NSW and Victoria including several new commercial clients.
A total of 67 bulls sold under the hammer from the 78 offered averaged $10,149. A further five bulls were sold afterwards for a 92 per cent clearance.
Repeat buyer Graham Houston and his son James, Houston Pastoral, Burrowye, Vic, secured the two top price bulls at $26,000.
Reiland V-Mogul V941, a 626kg son of Pine View Mogul G241, ranked top one per cent on BREEDPLAN for Angus breeding indexes, and was a trait leader for calving ease, birthweight, 200- and 400-day weight, milk, days to calving and eye muscle area.
Reiland Angus retained a 50 per cent semen and marketing share in the young sire.
Weighing 752kg, Reiland U-Momentum U776 was sired by The Rock Momentum Q8 and ranked in the top one per cent for IMF (intramuscular fat) at +6.5 per cent, and is a trait leader for calving ease, gestation length, birthweight, milk and carcase weight.
Houston Pastoral invested in a total of 15 bulls for an average of $12,266.
James Houston was impressed with the growth, marbling, calving ease, temperament and
maternal bloodlines of the two top sires.
He said Reiland bulls had proven their longevity and structural soundness within their large commercial herd.
“Industry wise, we are looking to hit 600c/kg for feeder steer prices. Rain in the north and the US indicators supporting the herd rebuild and export market result in a positive time,” James said.
Reiland co-principal Mark Lucas was happy with the sale result, considering the challenging seasonal conditions.
“It’s always hard to forecast where people’s sights
are in terms of spending money on gene stock on top of purchased fodder and agistment,” Mr Lucas said.
“All buyers were 100 per cent committed beef producers and bid freely on the better end of the bulls. They were after calving ease, moderate birthweight, as much growth as possible and with carcase data at the top end bulls.”
Purchasing the second top price bull was repeat client Dougal Kelly, Wallah Pastoral, Rugby, NSW, taking home two bulls to a top of $22,000 for his spring calving 1600 Reiland blood cow herd.
The $22,000 Reiland
U-Quantum U612, weighing 692kg and sired by Lawsons Quantum S5218, ranked top five per cent for eye muscle area at +12.0sqcm and top 10 per cent for calving ease and birthweight.
Volume buyer Matt Reynolds, Mt Hugel, Grahamstown, took home six bulls to a top of $14,000 for Reiland U-Brickyard U631, a son of US sire SS Brickyard and a trait leader for birthweight, growth, milk, days to calving and carcase weight.
Mr Reynolds has moved away from prime lamb production due to the workload to focus on
beef, investing in Reiland commercial heifers to bolster his herd. He selected his new sires on gestation length, calving ease, low birthweight, high growth, eye muscle area and IMF.
Among the other volume buyers were Dick and Jenny Turnbull, Holbrook, with five bulls to a top of $11,000; Simon Locke, Book Book, four bulls to $12,000; Bruce Angel, Tarcutta, three bulls to $12,000; Russell Menzies, Mangoplah, two bulls to $9000; Tom Farley, South Tahara Park, Wagga, two bulls to $8000 and Scott Churchill, Wyangle, two bulls to $8000.
Auctioneer Brian Leslie said there was solid demand at the top end for the Reiland bulls and an outstanding average.
“The bulls presented well with some lots in the top one per cent of the breed and the sale drew new buyers from Victoria. It was a credit to Reiland and a good result overall,” Mr Leslie said.
Selling agents were Elders and Nutrien Ag Solutions with Brian Leslie, DLS Shepparton, as the guest auctioneer.
Reiland is now looking forward to the spring on-line bull sale of 30 lots on October 10.
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Championship judge Ben Davies of Wild Bear Herefords placed Tasmanian competitor Candina Crowden ahead of a strong field of young beef cattle judges at the recent national finals of beef cattle judging at the Royal Adelaide Show.
“The depth of quality across the competition was exceptional,” Mr Davies said.
“A great group of young people, showing passion and ability to explain cattle. If this is the future of the industry, it is in great hands.”
Candina began competing in junior judging in 2018 with her school team, and has loved it ever since.
Runner-up was awarded to Barnawartha’s Matilda Sullivan, who hails from a farming family producing Hereford and Murray Grey cattle, 1500 free-range Isa Brown hens and an olive tree harvest.
She first competed in her local show at age nine with her primary school show team. From there, Matilda took her own Hereford cattle to local shows before progressing to royal shows where she competed individually and for other studs.
At just 16, she’s still exploring the
possibilities for her future.
“I’m really, really happy and didn’t expect it as I’m so young,” Matilda said at the presentation.
“When I saw the cattle, I just judged them and it felt natural.
"In 10 years’ time I hope to have completed my ag science course and either have a job in livestock genetic science or agronomy, and be actively working in the industry."
The competition is sponsored by Cattle Australia.
Tuesday, September 9
Comparison date:
Yarding: 10,100 (+2050), comprising sheep 2700 (+1350) and lambs 7400 (+700) More numbers and excellent quality as Deniliquin starts to hit the peak of its early spring run of new season lambs.
The draw was 7400 lambs in the draw with the majority being young unshorn lambs which ranged from stores through to heavy prime weights.
Extra processors and store buyers were in attendance in a market which was firm to dearer compared to recent markets, noting Deniliquin is a fortnightly market.
All the lead young lambs were well finished and in fresh skins, and it would rate as one of the best line-ups of new season stock seen so far in the south this year.
Prices reached a top of $386/head and prices for the best pens with weight tracked either side of 1200¢/kg cwt in a very strong result.
The estimated rate for the general run of new season trade lambs under 24kg cwt was 1050¢ to 1150¢/kg. Small and lightweight store lambs were well supported by local and outside restockers including some orders from southern Victoria.
There was a consistent run of sales at $310 to $360/head for most heavy young lambs weighing an estimated 26kg cwt and better, with just a few sales higher to a market top of $386/head. Heavy Dorpers to $290/head.
Buyers advised they were now comfortable putting estimated values of $4 to $5 on most clean skins off new season lambs. The middle run of trade lambs mostly sold for $250 to $300/head, the main run of crossbred lambs in the 22-24kg cwt range averaging $268/head. Lighter young lambs still displayed some growth and frame size from $200 to $235/head, restockers and feeders active on these lines.
The more genuine sized crossbred store lambs at 12-16kg cwt to the paddock $139 to $178/head; smallest little lambs $64 to $140/head, but at high carcase cost estimates. There were still some handy heavy shorn lambs in the mix at $270 to a top of $314/head, and while some neater lots held their value at 1100¢/kg plus most old lambs were trading either side of an estimated $10kg cwt.
Feeders stepped into some of the lighter old lambs and kept prices at strong levels at up to $220/head. The sheep run had bigger lines of heavy crossbred ewes and shorn Merino ewes as old breeders are sold post lamb weaning and shearing. It was a strong mutton sale, although prices didn’t move much out of recent ballpark rates of 650¢ to 770¢/kg cwt. In dollars, big crossbred ewes $200 to $250/head; lead Merino ewes $200 to $235/head. General run of leaner trade and light sheep mostly $150 to $200/ head. Lightest ewes down to $114/head.
(by Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer)
If you keep a calendar with key farm management dates, ‘vaccinate stock’ could be a key entry at this time of year.
But why? It’s an annual vaccination after all, isn’t it?
Firstly, with abundant spring growth, losses due to enterotoxaemia, also known as pulpy kidney, become a distinct possibility.
Second, a feature of the enterotoxaemia vaccine is the duration of immunity it provides may be quite short. It may only give three or four months of protection.
Therefore, a booster dose should be given before a high-risk period, such as before the beginning of spring.
Young stock in good condition, up to two years of age, are most affected by enterotoxaemia; however, deaths in older stock may also occur.
Enterotoxaemia is caused by a toxin produced by clostridium bacteria, which is found in the bowel of normal, healthy cattle and sheep.
Enterotoxaemia occurs when a large amount of readily fermentable feed is present in the gut, leading
Agriculture Victoria district veterinary officer Jeff Cave says vaccination is the key to prevent enterotoxaemia in livestock.
to the rapid multiplication of bacteria and a lethal level of toxin production.
Due to the rapid progression of the disease, an animal affected by enterotoxaemia will typically be
found dead in the paddock.
On post-mortem, rapid decomposition of the carcase is seen.
Little can be done to treat an animal affected by enterotoxaemia; therefore, the emphasis should be on prevention.
The key to prevention is to ensure all livestock are adequately protected through vaccination.
As with any vaccination program, adult cows and ewes should be vaccinated approximately one month before giving birth to give their calves and lambs maternal or passive immunity through colostrum.
Passive immunity typically lasts approximately six weeks; after this period, calves and lambs require vaccination to gain active immunity. This is achieved by giving two injections at least four weeks apart. Hopefully, all producers will benefit from the upcoming spring conditions without being troubled by the problems they may bring.
▯ For further advice, please contact your local veterinarian, Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW, your Local Land Services.
With the dry conditions and paddocks looking a bit bare, it’s only natural to start eyeing those unused corners of your property.
Perhaps it’s the area around the old shed, the house paddock that hasn’t seen stock in years, or even that overgrown tree plantation.
Some might even be thinking about letting cattle into places like an old dip site or the farm rubbish tip.
Agriculture Victoria veterinary officer Lydia Nicholson said before farmers swung open the gate, it was worth taking a moment to consider what might be lurking in these spots, and
whether they were really safe for grazing.
“Stock can readily pick up residues if they have access to localised areas of high-level contamination,”
Dr Nicholson said.
“A recent case near Wodonga served as a sobering reminder of how easily well-intentioned actions can pose serious risks to livestock.
“During a disease investigation, several cattle were found dead after displaying severe neurological signs — staggering, blindness and collapse.
“Post-mortem examinations and laboratory testing were conducted, but the key breakthrough came during a discussion with the landholder.
“It was revealed that a bonfire had recently been lit on the property, and the burn pile included treated timber.”
Treated timber — commonly used in fencing, yards, and landscaping — is often preserved with copper chrome arsenate, a chemical that protects
wood from rot and pests.
Dr Nicholson said CCA contained arsenic, which became significantly more toxic when the timber was burnt.
Even small pockets of contamination can lead to fatal consequences when stock gain access.
Meat processors routinely test for chemical residues, and if any carcase exceeds the Australian maximum residue limit , it is condemned for human consumption.
As the vendor, farmers may also be held legally liable.
Common risk areas include:
• Buildings, yards, fences,
National Agriculture Day is a chance to celebrate and learn about Australia’s incredible farm sector.
On this Ag Day, the National Farmers’ Federation are calling on all Australians to Stand with the Land.
Held on the third Friday of November each year, it’s one day to celebrate an industry that’s part of our lives – every single day.
To stay up to date with everything that’s happening to celebrate Australian agriculture – in the lead up to, and on 21 November, head to the NFF website: nff.org.au
Commencing at 9.00am North East Store Sale Centre
Entries Invited | Contact Selling Agents *CURFEW 3.30PM Tuesday* www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/community/pets-and-livestock/euroa-saleyard Further
Monday, September 8
Comparison date: September 1, 2025
Yarding: 9490 (+2175), comprising sheep 3580 (+80) and lambs 5910 (+2095)
Agents penned an additional 2175 sheep and lambs, with 1400 new season lambs on offer. Most of the lambs fell into medium and heavy trade weights and had better finish than previous weeks as the weather warms up across the supply area. Old lamb numbers lifted and additional weight was available. All regular buyers were present and operating and at times
Monday, September 8
Comparison date: September 1, 2025
Yarding: 16,000 (+695), comprising sheep 7000 (+1900) and lambs 9000 (-1205)
Slight drop in lamb numbers down to 9910, while mutton supply increased to keep the overall yarding at 16,000 head.
It was an erratic market, with the buying group making a definite attempt to rein-in prices of old season lambs and one agent did pass in a run fed crossbreds early in the auction.
The sale did settle some-what and overall price outcomes were varied and reflecting quality, with well-presented heavy lambs still selling to the best demand.
New season lambs are now offering the best quality and have become the focus of most buyers. The price trend for heavy new season lambs was $5 to $20/ head easier, but this still kept them at an estimated 1100¢to 1200¢/kg cwt, noting Bendigo was coming off a very strong sale a week ago.
Young lambs to feeders and restockers remained buoyant at firm to dearer carcase price levels. In the old lambs, price results varied from similar to $20 to $30/ head off the pace in a difficult market to get an accurate read on.
Export weight new season lambs sold
the market was erratic with mixed price trends. Domestic processors all took a share of the good quality new season lambs up for grabs.
Despite improved quality, prices slipped $10 to $15 with light and medium trade lambs selling between $220 and $270/head.
Heavy trade sold from $270 to $310/ head to average 1180¢/kg cwt. Old lamb quality continues to be mixed, buyers eager to bid on the freshly shorn types.
from $350 to a top of $395/head for an estimated 34kg cwt. Heavy young trades sold from $282 to $340/head with top end domestic buyers active on the best 26-28kg cwt lots at over $300/head.
|General run of medium young lambs was $230 to $260/head, with feeders putting some pressure on this category as they spent up to $250/head. Young lambs to the paddock sold from $180 to $220/ head for the top end, and from $125 to $185 for smaller types.
The estimated price trend for old season lambs was generally 1000¢ to 1100¢/ kg cwt in a softer market, and there was handy Dorpers and smaller penlots of crossbred lambs which sold below 1000¢/ kg cwt. In dollars, export old lambs were from $326 to a top of $391/had; heavy lambs $260 to $304; and general trades $200 to $250/head.
Light old season lambs were cheaper and there was more opportunity feeding activity as prices lowered. All weights and grades were represented in the 6600 head sheep run.
Again it was a fluctuating sale with heavy mutton showing good fat cover selling to the most consistent demand to be dearer at an estimated 680¢ to 780¢/ kg cwt for most; lighter and leaner sheep
Heavy trade 23 to 26kg slipped $9, making between $257 and $328/head. Heavy lambs were selling between $335 and $354/head.
Strong competition from export processors drove prices up $12 on the extra heavy export types, lambs selling between $355 and $373/head.
Light lambs were shared between restockers and processors with restockers operating between $120 and $170/ head and processors paying up to
sold to more mixed outcomes at 640¢ to 700¢/kg cwt across most pens.
Some exceptionally big meat ewes topped at $294 with most bigger crossbred ewes $210 to $266/head; lead Merino ewes $215 to $271/head. Lighter and leaner sheep sold mainly $125 to $185/head.
AVERAGES SHORN LAMBS
R Carter, (8) Tragowel $348.00
F & M Schmidt, (33) Pyramid Hill $322.00
SUCKER LAMBS
A & C Branson, (79) Colbinabbin $395.00
J & M Macdonald, (45) Woodstock West $340.00
Lislea Lodge, (95) Picola
$339.00
R Carter, (29) Tragowel $334.00
B & M Barlow, (75) Wanalta $330.00
Addlem Farms, Pompapiel $330.00
I & M Palmer, (38) Boort $317.00
Pompapiel Pastoral, (64) Pompapiel $308.00
Womboota Pastoral, (62) Moama $303.00
Merran Park Pastoral, (26) Barham $302.00
J & P Darker, (38) Boort $300.00
J & S George, (26) Girgarre $292.00
CROSSBRED LAMBS
C & D Slatter, (35) Boort $380.00
Donnellon Family Trust, (73) Donald $367.00
Ost, (96) Moama
$336.00
$205/head.
Merino lambs continue to be well supplied and today’s market saw a jump of $9 to $14, with heavy trade selling between $262 and $281/head.
Mutton trends were $5 to $15 dearer with all weights and grades on offer. Heavy and extra heavy Merino ewes sold between $218 and $275/head and extra heavy crossbred ewes reached $260/ head. Trade sheep sold between $158 and $204/head.
C Howell, (23) Molka
C Osborne, (37) Boort
$302.00
$301.00
A & K Ogden, (12) Wanalta $300.00
Nutbyrne P/L, (39) Knowsley
$286.00
K Wilson, (26) Seymour $250.00
MERINO LAMBS
K & E Sait, (136) Nareewillock
CROSSBRED EWES
$226.00
B & W Lawrence, (75) Invergordon $266.00
A & T Cole, (42) Raywood $256.00
Pompapiel Pastoral, (16) Pompapiel $254.00
Derby Downs, (16) Marong $225.00
C Mcgillivray, (16) Mangalore $218.00
K & J Keating, (64) Woodvale $214.00 MERINO EWES
B & J Colvin, (82) Bunnaloo $270.00 Laurel Farms, (13) Boort $268.00
J & D Gibson & Sons, (87) Borung
(60)
(59)
(79)
(76)
Pastoral, (28) Moama $212.00 EXOTIC EWES
(17)
& C Gunther, (33) Pyramid
MERINO RAMS
Pastoral, (17) Fernihurst $200.00
K & E & J Leach, (5) Rheola $190.00
A combination of stronger global beef markets, favourable seasonal conditions in key Australian beef-producing regions and higher local cattle inventory is supporting record-breaking production volumes, according to a new research report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank.
In its third quarter Global Beef Quarterly, the bank’s RaboResearch division says second quarter Australian cattle slaughter numbers were up 10 per cent yearon-year and with heavier carcase weights, this meant production volumes were up 11 per cent YOY for the quarter, setting a new record.
June was a new record volume for Australian beef exports at 134,596 tonnes shipped weight, but volumes in July jumped a further 11 per cent to 150,435 tonnes swt — the highest monthly volume ever recorded.
Report lead author
RaboResearch senior animal proteins analyst Angus Gidley-Baird said export volumes for the year to the end of July were up 17 per cent, with volumes to the United States up 23 per cent, China up 43 per cent and South Korea up nine per cent. Japan was one of the few markets with a contraction, down 14 per cent.
“Given current Australian cattle inventory and seasonal conditions, we believe production volumes will continue at current levels, allowing exports to maintain their strong volumes,” he said.
Mr Gidley-Baird said the Australian market waited to see the impact of additional US tariffs on Brazil and whether that reduced Brazilian exports to the US and resulted in increased demand for Australian product.
The Rabobank report
Production volumes are reaching
said geopolitics and seasonal conditions were shaping global beef trade flows.
“Global cattle prices keep rising as global production volumes are contracting,”
Mr Gidley-Baird said.
“Imports from Brazil into the US were up 107 per cent compared to last year in
the first half of 2025, but higher tariffs will have a material impact on the trade between Brazil and the US.
“In Europe, the tight market is also attracting higher imports.”
Global cattle prices all continued their rise through quarter two, the
report said.
“Northern Hemisphere countries continue to stand out at record prices,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.
“But prices in the US and Canada moderated in July, suggesting some of the heat is going out of the market.”
Meanwhile, he said, prices in Southern Hemisphere countries continued to increase.
“The reduced volumes of beef in the North American market, plus what appears to be a slight improvement in the Chinese market have generated stronger demand for Southern Hemisphere beef suppliers. This demand is now flowing through to cattle prices.”
US tariffs and Brazil’s beef trade
Mr Gidley-Baird said the latest round of US tariffs included an additional 40 per cent on the already existing 10 per cent and
26.4 per cent on Brazilian beef imports.
“Brazil supplied a record volume of beef into the US in the first half of 2025 and RaboResearch believes this additional tariff will have a material impact on the trade between Brazil and the US,” he said.
“But nearly a month after the US began applying further import tariffs on Brazilian beef, shipments to the US have remained relatively stable even after the tariffs have taken effect.
“Projections of rising live cattle prices in Brazil for the second half of the year may explain the current appetite from American importers for Brazilian beef, but RaboResearch believes the volume the US imports from Brazil may drop an estimated 10,000 tonnes to 15,000 tonnes per month as we progress through the remainder of the year.”
Tuesday, September 9
Comparison date: September 2, 2025
Yarding: 1300 (-240)
It was a smaller yarding with 1300 offered, but that failed to deter buyers as more exporters were present, competition lifted and prices across most categories saw a healthy lift of 10¢ to 30¢/kg.
There were a few excellent pens of medium and heavy bullocks that soared to new highs. The trade cattle quality had fewer store conditioned types, and in general, the young cattle had shape and condition.
Restockers and processors both competed fiercely for a share in the numbers. The vealers made to 525¢/kg. The yearling steers ranged from 380¢ to 530¢/kg. The yearling heifer portion made from 430¢ to 514¢/kg.
The grown steers 400 to 500kg made from 450¢ to 505¢/kg. The 600kg plus bullocks ranged from 465¢ to 500¢/kg. Heavy Friesian steers made to 424¢/kg.
The beef and dairy cows took a sharp increase with C4 beef cows making to 436¢/kg and well covered 700kg dairy cows reaching 424¢/kg.
The bulk of the beef cows made from 375¢ to 434¢/kg and dairy portion ranged from 348¢ to 418¢/kg.
A Newton, Wahring, 855 kg
1 I Fox, Corowa, 810 kg
1 A & A McNaughton, Terip Terip, 890 kg
1 Cann Valley Lowline Stud, Tallygaroopna, 655 kg 373.60
1 A & J Stammers, Tatura, 730 kg 370.00 COWS
1 P Ryan, Pyalong, 545 kg 469.60
1 Watermill Charolais, Numurkah, 820 kg 447.60
1 I Fox, Corowa, 710 kg 445.00
1 Invarimba Trust, Kaarimba, 655 kg 442.60
2 Watermill Charolais, Numurkah, 655 kg 441.60
1 Coonette Pastoral CO P/L Yielima, 575 kg 440.00
2 B Kennedy, Arcadia, 545 kg 440.00
1 Coonette Pastoral CO P/L Yielima, 650 kg 436.60
1 N & S Crowther, Yarroweyah, 680 kg 436.60
1 G Hawthorn, Congupna, 680 kg 436.60
3 Lorton Vale Farm, Kanumbra, 667 kg 436.60
1 P Ryan, Pyalong, 615 kg 430.00
12 W & L Hurston, Muckatah, 585 kg 430.00
2 H & J Clohesy, Pine Lodge, 605 kg 429.60
6 A Newton, Wahring, 780 kg 429.60 EX-HEIFERS
15 Westside Farms, Kyabram, 519 kg 484.00
4 R Hindmarsh, Kialla, 545 kg 482.00
10 DF Farms P/L, Girgarre, 585 kg 481.20
H & J Clohesy, Pine Lodge, 611 kg 477.20
Invarimba Trust, Kaarimba, 615 kg 469.60
4 J Wiltshire, 458 kg 468.00
2 J Wiltshire, 480 kg 467.60
5 J Wiltshire, 468 kg 467.60
2 B Kennedy, Arcadia, 423 kg 452.60
1 Stephens Farm Trust, Barooga, 410 kg 452.60
2 I McRobert, Longwood, 500 kg 450.00
2 Lorton Vale Farm, Kanumbra, 428 kg 450.00
6 Waranga Downs P/L, Toolamba, 427 kg 448.60
1 Waranga Downs P/L, Toolamba, 470 kg 445.00
1 A & L Ruggi, Tallygaroopna, 470 kg 445.00 HEIFERS
4 S & J Flynn, Toolamba, 428 kg 522.00
1 P Milne, Murchison, 430 kg 521.60
1 Park Sarsville, 400 kg 517.60
7 NU AG Pastoral Company, Shepparton, 430 kg 514.60
1 M Robertson, Numurkah, 505 kg 510.60
1 J Stammers, Tatura, 480 kg 510.60
15 Dpm P/L, Tatura, 394 kg 500.00
6 M Lawless, Numurkah, 353 kg 496.00
3 G & A Dainton, Cosgrove South, 368 kg 490.00
1 R Hindmarsh, Kialla, 325 kg 490.00
5 R Malcolm & A McDonald, Invergordon, 383 kg 490.00
1 S Baldwin, Tocumwal, 330 kg 490.00
1 G & E Shelton, Kialla, 325 kg 490.00
12 Stephens Farm Trust, Barooga, 372 kg 487.60
1 S & J Flynn, Toolamba, 390 kg 486.00 MIXED
4 B & R King, Waranga, 478 kg 460.00
7 H & J Clohesy, Pine Lodge, 241 kg 457.20
4 G Maclaughlin, Zeerust, 249 kg 399.60
5 Herdstown P/L, Toolamba, 218 kg 270.00
4 Bavich Family Trust, Echuca Village, 220 kg 225.60 OX-BULLOCKS
12 N & T Coldwell, Barooga, 543 kg 500.00
1 N & S Crowther, Yarroweyah, 545 kg 500.00
1 M Robertson, Numurkah, 565 kg 500.00
1 M Robertson, Numurkah, 585 kg 497.60
1 T & J Wood, Euroa, 570 kg 495.00
1 L Cross, 605 kg 490.00
3 M Robertson, Numurkah, 607 kg 490.00
8 T & J Wood, Euroa, 584 kg 480.00
4 N & S Crowther, Yarroweyah, 514 kg 480.00
5 T & J Wood, Euroa, 551 kg 475.00
1 J Wiltshire, 500 kg 474.60
1 M & G Dikkenberg, 510 kg 474.00
1 Stephens Farm Trust, Barooga, 520 kg 473.60
1 Tatura Football Club, 545 kg 473.60
1 Jugiong Farms P/L, Girgarre, 560 kg 469.60 STAG
1 P Milne, Murchison, 430 kg 480.00
1 B Hughes, Tatura, 320 kg 440.00 5
Goulburn-Murray Water will hold online information sessions for community members to learn more about future management options for the Loch Garry flood regulator near Bunbartha
The current infrastructure provides protection to G-MW customers in the Loch Garry Flood Protection District during minor and moderate floods.
The regulator has served the district for over a century but is nearing the end of its expected lifespan within the next 20 years.
G-MW is considering different future management options for the regulator given its age, the growing risks of more frequent and intense floods, and substantial costs associated with a complete upgrade of the site.
G-MW general manager
Loch Garry on the Goulburn River floodplain north of Shepparton is a flood mitigation tool managed by GoulburnMurray Water.
strategy and services planning Steven Abbott said there had been great community attendance at recent in-person drop-in sessions about the options.
“The Nathalia, Wyuna and Undera sessions were very well attended, with community members providing us helpful feedback about the different management options,” he said.
“But we’re eager to hear from those who missed
these in-person sessions and that’s why we have set up several online ones.
“Community feedback from all these sessions will help shape the future management of Loch Garry.”
The online sessions will take place on Friday, September 12 and Monday, September 15 from 1pm to 2pm.
Loch Garry customers can register their interest to join one of the sessions on G-MW’s dedicated engagement platform: yoursay.gmwater.com.au/ loch-garry-FSS
Links to join the sessions can also be found on the above webpage.
▯ Feedback about the management options can also be submitted on the webpage and will close on Friday, September 19.
By Geoff Adams
The Resource Manager for northern Victoria has updated the 2025/26 risk of spill information without major changes for the Murray and Campaspe systems.
Resource Manager Mark Bailey said the risk of spill in the Murray and Campaspe systems had fallen but remained above the 10 per cent threshold needed to make a low risk of spill declaration.
“With below average inflows in Lake Hume and Lake Eppalock during August, the risk of spill has reduced in both the Murray and Campaspe systems,” Dr Bailey said.
“The risk of spill at Lake Hume in the Murray system is now about 25 per cent. The risk of spill from Lake Eppalock in the Campaspe system has decreased to 17 per cent.”
Dr Bailey said the risk of spill assessment did not describe the chances of
flooding this season.
“The risk of spill is a water accounting assessment. It does not refer to flood risks downstream of the storages,” he said.
Meanwhile, allocation trade from NSW to Victoria is limited to the lesser of a net annual volume of 200GL or a volume that keeps the risk of spill in Victoria’s share of both Hume and Dartmouth reservoirs below 50 per cent.
The current risk of spill from Victoria’s share of Hume and Dartmouth allows 200GL of allocation trade from NSW to Victoria. The volume available for trade is updated monthly with each risk of spill announcement.
▯ The risk of spill in the Murray and Campaspe systems for 2025/26 will be updated on Friday, October 10.
Catchments across the Southern Basin are responding to recent rainfall, with increases observed in major storages. Current levels are sitting at 66%, still considerably lower than the 84% recorded this time last year.
In the temporary allocation market, sentiment remains cautious yet optimistic. Many buyers are holding back in anticipation of a significant rain event, which continues to underpin a conservative approach to trading activity
All eyes are now on the mid-September allocation announcements. These will be released on Monday, 15 September (after this update was prepared), with particular attention on the NSW Murray General Security allocation, which remains low at just 5%. Any movement here will be closely watched by irrigators and traders alike.
For tailored advice or to explore current market opportunities, contact your local Ruralco Water Broker today.
