Farm Talk February 2020

SOUTHERN RIVERINA & MID MURRAY MONTHLY RURAL MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2020

Strong store sale prices a silver lining for industry PAGE 3

PRE-SEASON DEALS ON THE ENTIRE NEW RANGE OF KUHN HAY EQUIPMENT Lot 129 Tocumwal Rd, Newell Hwy, Finley Ph: 03 5883 4560 Mob: 0427 734 013, Fax: 03 5883 4570 Email: agtrade@bigpond.com

PUBLISHED BY DENILIQUIN PASTORAL TIMES 230 Cressy Street, Deniliquin NSW 2710 Phone (03) 5881 2322

Advertising Leesa Muir

Sarah Bain

Production Ged Munro

Editorial Zoe McMaugh Olivia Duffey

Front Cover Brian Kennaugh from Moama, pictured with Anthony Pogue from Elders Rural Services Echuca, purchased sheep at $276 a head at the Deniliquin Store Sheep Sale in January.

Total sales for the day exceeded $3 million.

March 2020 issue To be published March 2, 2020.

Advertising booking deadline February 21, 2020.

Contact your local advertising representative: Deniliquin Leesa Muir (03) 5881 2322 leesa.muir@denipt.com.au Finley Sarah Bain (03) 5883 1033 sarah.bain@ southernriverinanews.com.au

Information contained in this magazine is presented only after being carefully researched.

However, there are differences in state and regional regulations and conditions. Farmers are asked to check their own advisors. FARMtalk can assume no responsibility for the contents.

■ Grand Champion Beast of the Show 2019 winners (from left) Darcy Kennedy, Jacob Brennan and Jack Nelson from Bellaspur Angus with judge Amanda Watkins.

Milestone agricultural show in Deniliquin this March The 2020 Deniliquin Show will have something everyone will enjoy.

The 140th annual show will be spread over three days with the showgrounds opening from 3pm on Friday, March 6 and all day on the Saturday.

The famed fireworks display will officially close the show on Saturday night, but sideshow alley will remain open until late and horse events will continue at Memorial Park on the Sunday, March 8.

Pastoral & Agricultural Society president Graham Doncon said the show is organised by a community and family based committee which has helped develop a diverse program. ‘‘We do it because we love the area and we are able to create a great family friendly event for the whole town and region,’’ Mr Doncon said. ‘‘Show weekend will include lots of regular favourites including cattle, sheep, horses, dogs, shearing and the pavilion. ‘‘Sideshow Alley is popular with families and teenagers and brings new and returning classic family fun, including the Cha Cha and bumper cars. ‘‘It will also have a range of family friendly rides and games for everyone including laughing clowns, catch a duck and the bungee trampolines. ‘‘Pavilion entries will be on display with winning tickets accompanying the best of

Page 2 — ’Farm Talk’, February 2020

Deniliquin’s craftsmanship.

Celebration themed works will be featured as the show marks 140 years.’’

A special attraction this year will be the demolition derby, which will return to the Deniliquin Show after 11 years.

Up to six drivers can participate in the fun event.

Competition is expected to be entertaining with a $2000 first prize up for grabs.

The event will be located at the back of the showgrounds, near the entry to the Deniliquin Regional Park and entrance to Willoughby’s Beach, and held from 7.30pm on the Saturday.

Miss and Master Pageantry is always a popular part of the Deniliquin Show and this year will be no exception, especially the Tiny Tot category packed full of young beauties ready to strut their stuff.

With a variety of categories, children from eight months to 16 years all have the opportunity to take home a place ribbon and the senior winners go on to represent Deniliquin in the regional finals.

Deniliquin’s Showgirl for 2020 Rose Nevinson is expected to be at the show over the weekend to help the committee and meet patrons as well as cheering on all pageantry entrants.

The show horse events will be held on Saturday and Sunday, extended for a second day due to an increased demand for different events

and categories. To accommodate this demand the show society is putting on an extra, free day on the Sunday.

Livestock competitions and events will be a show feature, despite the impact of drought. ‘‘Local farmers have indicated they will still attend and support rural events for sheep and cattle, which will be complemented by shearing competitions, poultry and a petting zoo to let youngsters get up close and personal with a range of animals,’’ Mr Doncon said.

Tickets for adults are $15 for one day and $20 for both days, children aged five to six are $2 for each day and those under five are free.

A family package of two children and two adults is also being offered for $30 for both days and a firework special is being offered on Saturday only from 6pm for $5 per entry.

Tickets will be available at select Deniliquin businesses from February 25 until the week prior to the show, and then at the gate during show weekend.

For more information about the demolition derby, or to register your interest as a driver or sponsor, contact Peter Caruso on 0427 585 791.

A copy of the show schedule can be found at www.deniliquinshow.com.au/.

■ Andrew Crossley from Deniliquin and Angus Crawford from Clarkefield.

■ Hannah and Adrian Dunmore from Deniliquin.

Strong store sale prices a silver lining for industry Sale total of $3.4 million, the 2019 total was earned from the sale of 30,000 sheep.

At the January 2018 store sale, 35,000 head were sold for a total of $5.8 million. ‘‘The sale went very well overall which probably has to do with a lift in the wool market, mutton market and lamb market at the start of the new year,” Mr Andrews said. ‘‘It was a very different season but I would think in most places it was better and some the same. ‘‘People were keen to pick up some stock before it rained which made a difference as well. ‘‘There was solid competition across all categories, however any lots that had 100 per cent scanned in lambs

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received the best competition.’’

Mr Andrews said given this season’s conditions, the range and quality of sheep on offer was excellent. ‘‘We had a range of sheep including crossbred ewes, Merino wethers, Merino ewes and fat lambs,’’ he said. ‘‘For the season, the sheep presented very well and were in forward to prime condition and very few stock were lacking cover on the day.’’

Going forward, Mr Andrews said reduced numbers could see an price increase in the market. ‘‘The reduced numbers offered at the sale tell me there is less stock around. This suggests prices are going to be similar or higher (in com-

CEL-FI SIGNAL BOOSTER

Friday’s Store Sheep Sale in Deniliquin closed with total sales of more than $3.16 million.

There were 18,000 head expected to be offered at the annual sale, with 17,122 sold by its end.

Deniliquin Elders Rural Services livestock agent Jason Andrews said most pens exceeded expectations, and all involved were happy with the final result.

Scanclear confirmed the total amount sold on the day was $3,162,077.

Mr Andrews did note while numbers were significantly reduced, the market exceeded expectations and there was some healthy competition.

While the sale earned less than the last Store Sheep

ing months), depending on if we get more showers of rain. ‘‘Industry numbers are back dramatically but we could see signs of high prices going in to the middle of the year.’’

Deniliquin farmer Michael Pisasale had the top pen of lambs, selling for $292.50.

The average for lambs was $142.65.

RG Henson had the top priced rams, at $360, with others averaging $183.82.

Barmoal Nominees’ pen of wethers made a top of $136 with other pens averaging $122.87.

Tupra Pastoral Co made top pen in the ewes with $280 a head, other pens averaging at $220.27.

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’Farm Talk’, February 2020 — Page 3

INTERNATIONAL DAIRY WEEK 2020

Ella shows commitment at international comp.

Blighty’s Ella Marshall is the future of dairy industry in the NSW Murray valley.

The 12 year-old competed at the International Dairy Week in Tatura in January, taking after her father Lachlan Marshall.

Mr Marshall said he ‘‘could not be prouder’’ of his daughter. ‘‘We have never pushed our children into dairy, but Ella has just gravitated towards it and has developed a great interest for our stock,’’ he said. ‘‘I jumped in the car and drove to see Ella as she led one of our heifers in the youth competition on the Monday. ‘‘I then had to head back home to milk the cows, but I am just so proud of the person she has become.’’

Ella also led for Kit Davidson who works at the Marshalls’ Blighty farm, and stayed to assist Kit for the rest of the week.

They showed a variety of cattle including Brown Swiss and a Holstein Friesian.

Mr Marshall said he was not only impressed by his daughter’s commitment to the industry.

He said the interest and passion shown by other young people wanting to be a part for the dairy industry was encouraging. ‘‘It was great to see so many young people leading some exceptional cattle

across all of the breeds, and seeing them involved,’’ Mr Marshall said. ‘‘It is an important event to be involved in because it gives the participating youth, our next generation dairy farmers, an experience and an opportunity to handle and work with these animals, feed them and take care of them. ‘‘There is a lot that goes on at the farms to get these cows ready for the show, so it was even better to see young people involved in that process. ‘‘Competitions like these are building blocks for their future in the ag industry.’’

From his own observations, Mr Marshall believes both competitor and entrant numbers were up on last year. ‘‘People committed to showing turned out in good numbers,’’ he said. ‘‘The quality of the cattle were also well classed which was also great to see considering current conditions. ‘‘I think it has been a great opportunity for people to get off their farms, stop talking about water, feed prices and the drought, and come together with like-minded people with a passion for dairy.’’

■ Blighty’s Ella Marshall, 12, leads the Marshall family’s Yurunga Outrageous Rager Red Connie in the International Dairy Week youth competition. Photo courtesy Claire Swale.

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INTERNATIONAL DAIRY WEEK 2020

Industry members flock to Tatura ‘‘There was heaps to do and heaps to see.’’ This year’s IDW attracted 105 people on the Ayrshire World Global Conference Tour from all over the world to Tatura, and the National Ayrshire Show and Sale which was scheduled for January 21.

Ms Barber said other important sales were held throughout the Event manager week, with some benRobyn Barber said this efiting bushfire emeryear there were strong gency relief. entries from across ‘‘Unfortunately, a Australia, and a couple coming from overseas. father and son of one of the dairy families in ‘‘It was amazing — New South Wales (the we had nine seminars, 45 companies with Salway family) were displays, and a whole killed in defending series of networking their properties,� she events and activities said.

Tatura Showgrounds was the temporary home for 800 cows and 175 exhibitors for one week in January for International Dairy Week.

Dairy cows were primped, preened and polished to perfection as they competed for the top spot in the Blackmore and Leslie Complex at Tatura.

for the kids,’’ she said.

■Tahlia Railton from Echuca with Hillview Park Cammotion Eve from GG & JD McPhee in Finley, Sarah Lloyd from Kyabram with reserve senior champion First Choice Galaxie Evening from Foleama Jerseys in Tatura, sponsor Andre Nel, Torrumbarry's Georgia Sieben with her family’s Senior Champion Brindabella Solomon R Midge and Senior Leader class judge Waylon Barron.

a cow from its milking appeal for the Salway herd for auction to family from Cobargo. raise money for the The successful bidMoxey farms offered

der was able to choose any cow from the Goolagong or Coomboona herds.

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P 03 5881 7034 • E murray@parliment.nsw.gov.au • 228 Cressy Street, Deniliquin NSW 2710 ’Farm Talk’, February 2020 — Page 5

How did last season compare?

By JOHN LACY The Finley Discussion Groups met in December to talk about the 2019 season and factors which influenced crop yields.

The following is based on farmer feedback at the meetings.

Higher rainfall groups Blighty and Berrigan ● A lot better than 2018. ● The GSR was 40mm better and whole year to end October 20mm better. ● Cropping was better than 2018 by miles. ● The prices were good and barley yields were good. ● I had a 1t/ha dryland Bonito canola crop at 41 to 42 per cent oil – much higher than last year. ● Any past watering held on better – rice fallow, paddocks spring irrigated last year yielded better. ● Big differences in the early May storms between

biomass resulted in lower grain yield. ● Along Edgecombe Rd there were big yield differences in rain over 1-2km, 10mm v 6mm all season. If we had another 50mm it would have been brilliant. ● Our season was much worse than farmers at Blighty and below the Riverina Hwy. I only had 40mm at the start of May and the extra 20mm they had made a big difference.

■ John Lacy. ● North of Jerilderie a 4km paddocks and farmers ie. 40 block sometimes yielded zero to 70mm led to big differ- wheat bales or lots of bales. ‘‘I have never seen a year ences in yield. where things changed in such Lower rainfall groups East a short distance’’. and West Jerilderie ● This season was slightly better than 2018 but there was more irrigation carryover last year. ● I stripped dryland this year but was not able to in 2018. ● In

general

higher

We need your help is working for our communities We do this on a shoestring budget.

Please consider becoming a member of Speak Up so we can continue to be a voice for rural communities.

For more information and to become a member email: speakup4water@gmail.com or visit www.speakup4water.com and download a membership form.

Speak Up p A Voice for Rural Communities

Page 6 — ’Farm Talk’, February 2020

● Hay yields were higher because of the cool season. ● With crops, if the season starts failing you can graze them or you can cut them for hay or hope for some grain.

With sheep if the season starts failing you can sell a few, shear for the wool and/ or sell a few, still have lambing income, use crops for grazing and sell and buy.

There is much more flexibility with livestock than for cropping. ● The cool finish helped and many crops kept filling. ● Grain was worth more in 2018.

■ John Lacy is an independent agriculture consultant based in Finley.

Production, consumption to increase More than half of Australia’s extra grain production in 2030 will be consumed within Australia, according to new AEGIC analysis.

AEGIC chief economist Professor Ross Kingwell said Australian growers would be producing an additional 5.5 million metric tonnes of grain by 2030.

It would be an increase of more than 11 per cent compared to trend production in 2017.

Only about half of the additional grain will be available for export, with the rest going straight to the domestic market — mostly for animal feed. ‘‘In little over a decade, Australia’s population is projected to reach 30 million, a jump of almost five million people,’’ Professor Kingwell said. ‘‘This will cause a big increase in domestic grain demand for feed and food.

“And with 75 per cent of Australia’s consumers currently living in eastern Australia, almost all the extra

grain produced in the eastern states will be consumed in those eastern states.’’

Professor Kingwell said by 2030 between 2.4 million and 2.8 million metric tonnes of extra grain would be available for export nationwide. ‘‘Most of this will come from the less populous states of Western Australia and South Australia,’’ he said. ‘‘Export demand in key international grain markets is projected to increase, so we expect the extra grain will find a home.’’

Professor Kingwell said Australia’s increased grain production in 2030 would stem from growers successfully increasing their crop yields in a volatile and changing climate. ‘‘The area planted to crops is not likely to increase towards 2030, so yield increases aided by the skill of farmers, researchers and advisers will be crucial,’’ he said.

Membership drive to help Speak Up Campaign The Speak Up Campaign wants to continue its work on behalf of our community in 2020.

But it needs your help.

Chair Shelley Scoullar said a membership campaign is raising funds so Speak Up can be a strong voice for our regions. ‘‘Anyone interested in our future is encouraged to join up. ‘‘Details are available by emailing speakup4water@gmail.com or downloading a membership form from our website, www.speakup4water.com. ‘‘We operate on a shoestring budget, so any form of membership is appreciated,’’ Mrs Scoullar said.

She said 2019 had been a big year for Speak Up. ‘‘We were involved in many events, often working collaboratively with other organisations from southern New South Wales, the Murrumbidgee and northern Victoria to achieve better outcomes for our communities. ‘‘The frustration being felt with the failing Basin Plan continues, so we have to keep fighting until we can bring about change. ‘‘We were part of the organising teams for the Tocumwal rally and the very successful Convoy to Canberra, and if we don’t get action from politicians early this year there are likely to be more rallies seeking our support. ‘‘These all cost money to organise, which is why we need memberships,’’ Mrs Scoullar said.

She added Speak Up had been overwhelmed with the support that had been received not just in our region, but from across the country, with people keen to help highlight the adverse impacts on regional communities and the environment from a Basin Plan that is proving to be an abject failure. ‘‘It is so disappointing that we have a bureaucracy in this nation that will not acknowl-

edge this failure, but that will not stop our determination to bring about change. ‘‘In the past year many politicians have become better informed on issues around the Basin Plan. We have been buoyed by the support, which gives us hope that the necessary changes are not too far away. ‘‘We still have a long way to go, but we feel progress is being made. ‘‘This year provides us with an opportunity to continue being a voice for the grassroots and fighting to stop this voice being watered down in bureaucracy and the corporate world, which has happened far too often. ‘‘But much of the work we do is on a voluntary basis, and we need financial support to employ professionals when needed to complement our efforts. ‘‘Our advocacy efforts, with professional help when required, is where a large portion of membership fees are spent. ‘‘Anyone who takes out a membership will not only help stabilise our income, it also allows us to plan our 2020 events and activities, and lets policy makers know that we have the community behind us. ‘‘We know things are tough and that people throughout the region have been extremely generous with the

bushfire appeal, but we would encourage you to become a member of Speak Up and play a part in our future,’’ Mrs Scoullar said.

■ Thousands of farmers and business owners made their way to Parliament House for the Convoy to Canberra in early December 2019. Photo courtesy David King.

0269 318 522 | 0428 694 608 ’Farm Talk’, February 2020 — Page 7

Local agencies working It’s all hands on deck as bushfires continue to ravage the country.

With blazes of varying severity burning since late September, a number of Murray Local Land Services staff have been deployed over several months to assist in affected areas.

Staff have been deployed from a broad spectrum of LLS services, and working in teams with other experts in their fields from across the country.

District veterinarian Linda Searle returned home at the end of January from where she was based at the Forward Command Post in Albury.

Her four weeks of deployment so far has included a fortnight on the north coast, with a week each in Grafton and Kempsey. ‘‘My main role has been to assess stock to see if they are burnt,’’ Linda said. ‘‘Depending on how burnt they are, I can arrange treatment or euthanise the animal.

I can then arrange for the burial of dead animals. ‘‘We also ask people if they need any emergency fodder or water for their stock. ‘‘I have also helped a few small animals which have either been burnt or isolated by the fires. ‘‘In one instance I helped coordinate a helicopter to deliver food and water to some stranded dogs and air lifted three puppies back to safety. ‘‘Sometimes the most important thing we do is just talk to people. Most affected people want to share their story and are happy that someone has come to help.’’

Linda said while some farmers are assessing and

■ District veterinarian Linda Searle’s assistance has included coordinating helicopter delivery of food and assistance for stranded animals. euthanasing their own stock as required, she said others ‘‘can’t or don’t want to’’. ‘‘Some farmers need assistance identifying the secondary burns that damage the feet or reproductive organs, which can be harder to spot,’’ she said. ‘‘Taking that pressure off the farmers from having to make those decisions can be very helpful. ‘‘Some animals might be able to be salvaged for slaughter, but they will no longer be reproductive units and therefore can’t stay on the farm as part of the breeding program. ‘‘The emergency fodder and water give the farmers

Page 8 — ’Farm Talk’, February 2020

breathing space to be able to figure out if they are going to keep and feed their animals, whether they will sell them or agist them somewhere else.’’

While she has assisted in fire situations before, more commonly with grassfires, Linda said she has never been involved in such a big response to a fire event. ‘‘The fire response has been fairly different in the north versus the south for a number of reasons. ‘‘What has really stood out for me is how people can find the good in the bad situation. ‘‘They are able to recognise and appreciate what is important to them and not dwell on what they have lost.

‘‘The fires are just one part of what is happening to these people, they still have other things going on — fighting illnesses, caring for people, getting on with life. This is often what people are most focused on. ‘‘A lot of communities are really standing together and helping out their neighbours. ‘‘I have seen how strange fire can behave and how preparation helps. Fire can burn a place down completely and have an untouched plastic chair right next to it. ‘‘There is a lot of blackened country and in some places large numbers of affected stock. ~ to next page

to provide vital support ~ from previous page ‘‘I feel glad that I am able to stop suffering of burnt animals and help farmers that have been affected. It is a difficult time for people and hopefully we help to make it a little easier.’’

Murray LLS regional pest coordinator John Nolan was sent on his first deployment for this natural disaster in November, initially to Grafton.

By early December he was in Kempsey and the moved on to Jingellic and now Moruya.

On average he is working 12 hour days in seven day shifts, and at the end of January he said he was not certain when he would be able to stand down. ‘‘I have been involved in site inspections to assist landholders with humane destruction of livestock, emergency burials of livestock, fodder distribution and emergency water distribution,’’ he said. ‘‘We have received excellent support and feedback from landholders and the rural communities for the assistance provided by Local Land Services and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. ‘‘It has been a heartbreaking experience to witness first hand the devastation and impacts these fires have and will continue to have on affected communities. ‘‘Many people have been hand feeding livestock for 12 months during this drought and now it has all been lost by fire.

■ LEFT: Regional pest coordinator John Nolan in the field.

■ BELOW: Murray LLS senior biosecurity officer Sally Osborne assists at a fodder distribution point.

‘‘As a positive people still manage to smile and tell us that their neighbour or friend is doing it tougher than them . . . amazing resilience.’’

Like many of his other ‘‘I have been in other emercolleagues, John said this gency situations in the past, bushfire emergency and the but nothing as devastating or necessary response is unpre- emotional as these fires.’’ cedented.

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■ Mark Robb from Coleambally Irrigation fits a bittern with a satellite tracker to aid research about the bird’s habits.

Incentives for bitterns The Australasian Bittern is facing extinction, but rice growers can help reverse the outcome.

After eight seasons of research in Riverina rice crops, the Bitterns in Rice Project is now able to offer financial incentives to farmers who assist in raising the bittern population.

Incentive options include the growing bittern friendly rice project, which includes early permanent water, weedy banks, and feral animal control. Farmers who provide additional habitat can also access watering of natural wetlands on farm.

There are just 2000 of the birds left world-wide with rice growers custodians to 40 per cent of this population.

Matt Herring, who is a wildlife ecologist with Murray Wildlife, said the incentives are so far only available in the Murrumbidgee Valley.

The group hopes to expand the program’s reach to the Murray Valley area including Deniliquin and Finley in the future. ‘‘It is a desperate situation,’’ he said. ‘‘The consecutive years of drought have really reduced areas where bitterns can live, which has seen a significant drop in their local population. ‘‘There will only be about 5000 hectares of rice for the whole Riverina this season, which represents about 10 per cent of the average crop. ‘‘The bitterns then have a

tighter opportunity for their chicks to fledge and become independent, so we need to make sure those ponding periods are longer so the bitterns can successfully breed before the harvest. ‘‘It is a vital step for this species. ‘‘Given it is such a tough year, we’re pleased to have 277 hectares signed up for incentives this year.’’

Funding for the program is through Australian National Landcare Program, and administered by Riverina Local Land Services. ‘‘All it takes is a bit of tweaking to the way we grow rice, which will better accommodate the bitterns,’’ Mr Herring said. ‘‘The best way to maximise breeding is the get water on the crop as early as October. ‘‘The good news is we are already getting really good numbers in sites where growers have taken up the incentives. ‘‘Just that little bit of tweaking has seen the bitterns respond quickly and very well. ‘‘I encourage rice growers to do their bit to turn things around for this endangered species.’’

For more information about the project visit www.bitternsinrice.com.au.

Phone Riverina LLS on 1300 795 299 for more information about incentives.

Since its beginnings 15 years ago, the Jerilderie Working Dog Auction has grown significantly.

A capacity number of dogs are now demonstrated and sold each year, and on the money side we have seen Australian price records set at both the 2018 and 2019 events.

Organisers say while they think the 2019 record — which still stands — will be hard to beat, they are still hoping for some competitive bidding in 2020.

The Australian record set at the 2019 auction was $25,000, paid by Dwayne Evans from Wilcannia for Shane Maurer’s kelpie ‘Eveready Possum’.

A year earlier Mr Maurer broke the Australian record when ‘Coopendale Charlie’ sold for $14,000, which was beaten at the Casterton Dog Auction which had a top price of $22,000. ‘‘Nothing has come close to that 2019 record yet, and given the conditions I don’t think we’ll get anything higher in 2020,’’ event co-

organiser Warwick Doolan said. ‘‘The only change we’re making to our 15th event this year is the day. ‘‘We normally hold the event on a Sunday, but we’ll be having it on a Saturday for the first time in 2020.’’

The auction will be held Saturday, February 22 at the Jerilderie Racecourse. At least 50 of the best working canines will be offered for sale.

If you can’t be at Jerilderie Racecourse in person to bid, an online option for potential buyers will be hosted by AuctionPlus.

On auction day, demonstrations will begin at 9am for potential buyers to see the dogs in action. Bidding is from 1pm.

All commissions go directly to Jerilderie Apex Club, to be distributed back into the local community.

For more information, go to www.workingdogauction.com.au, or contact Andrew Rutherford on 0427 861 515 or Mr Doolan on 0429 445 964.

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’Farm Talk’, February 2020 — Page 11

Southern Riverina bushfire hay run Feeling helpless as fires ravage the country, Lachlan Crowley wanted to help in a way he knew he could.

What started out as a plan to send his single tray Mack truck loaded with some of his straw to fire ravaged Cudgewa, turned into something he could only dream of.

A few phone calls was all it took for the single voyage to turn into a remarkable convoy of nine trucks, all loaded with fodder from farmers in Finley, Jerilderie and surrounds.

When the trucks left Berrigan early on January 12, everyone was in good spirits.

The weather was in their favour, no wind meant no smoke so it was a pleasant drive.

Rolling through the hills at a slow and steady pace, they wheeled into Sandy Creek Recreation Reserve, a registered VFF feed drop where trucks and fodder were filling the oval.

Three of the trucks in the local convoy decided to unload the fodder here as they were unsure if they could all

■ Convoy members loaded truckloads of feed and fodder before making their way toward fire affected communities in Victoria. make it to the final destination, at Cudgewa.

After a quick debrief and a plan to move the abundance of trucks, a new convoy was formed.

Escorted by CFA vehicles, the six remaining trucks from the Southern Riverina spilt up along the way.

Three turned off to Berringama while the remaining three headed for Cudgewa North.

The appreciation received

from all made it well worth the journey.

It was a tough drive, seeing what has been lost, however the spirit of the community was very optimistic. ‘‘We are simply amazed at the generosity given from within, even when the times are tough here in the Riverina too,’’ Lachlan said. ‘‘We want to thank each and every one who donated their own fodder, time and transport. ‘‘It is so great to see everyone willing to give in one way or another. ‘‘I want to thank Brendan Lawton for getting on board and ringing around for donations, and for taking his truck along. ‘‘John Hatty, Ross Lock-

hart, Matt Ham, Adrian Fisher from Riverluck Transport, Rob Christie, Ben Heaslip, Allen Callaghan also put up their time and transport. ‘‘Thanks also to Rorato Farms and Colin McGilvray from Riverluck Transport for donating a trailer to cart the fodder, and to the generous farmers who donated their own feed, whether it was two bales or a truck load. ‘‘You are all incredible people and this hay drive would not have been made possible without your outstanding donations. ‘‘The people of Cudgewa North and Berringama are immensely thankful for your kindness. It was a long but extremely rewarding day for all involved.’’

Farming families donating the the hay run included Arthur Knight and family, Craig Knight and family, Andrew Gillett, David Marsden, Peter and Renee Burke, Richard and Kate Sleigh, Scott and Anna Jewell, Dennis and Mary Tinkler, Glenn Baxter and family, Billy Arnold and family, Ross Lockhart, Lach and Geoff Mcleod, Ryan, Ian and Cherylin Taig, Ben Everingham and family, John and Fraser Simpson and family, the Simpson family at Nowranie Pastoral, James Chellew and Paul and Ange Bramley.

See more in Seymour 249 – 257 Barham Rd, Deniliquin Contact Les Booth on 5881 2261 or 0428 796 607

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Page 12 — ’Farm Talk’, February 2020

The animals are groomed, the entertainers are at the ready and the gates are about to open for the 28th edition of the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.

Held in the heart of Victoria at Seymour’s Kings Park from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16, event manager Jamie Gilbert said with more than 400 exhibitors the expo had something for everyone. ‘‘Come and explore the latest technology, practises and trends in small and backyard farming, visit the animals and enjoy the market-style shopping, food and entertainment,’’ Mr Gilbert said. ‘‘Every year exhibitors showcase the latest technological advancements, machinery and equipment in the agricultural industry for small acreage farming.

‘‘Over the years the event has grown to incorporate sustainability, including off-thegrid, renewable resources and low-impact living. ‘‘There is also an opportunity to get up close and personal with unique livestock breeds, learn tips on raising unusual paddock pals and get up-to-date on animal health and farm diversity ideas in the Small Farms Learning Hub.’’ Mr Gilbert said the expo was also a great family fun day out, with plenty of starstudded entertainment for all ages. It includes All 4 FMX quad bike demos, the Flipping Disc Dogs, Kids’ Corner and the Country Kitchen and Butcher Shop.

For further information or to buy tickets online and save 15% off the gate price, visit www.seymourexpo.com.au.

Kids given a break from the bush Giz a Break, one of the successful pitches at the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) inaugural Pitch Night, completed its first round of two camping adventures with 17 young people from the drought affected areas of Hay and Hillston.

Over two weekends in November a group of nine young women and eight young men — each aged between 14 and 17 years — travelled to the Victorian High Country on a four wheel driving, fishing and hiking adventure.

One of the Giz a Break founders and leaders on the adventures, Daniel Thomson, said the activities they were partaking in were secondary to the life skills and experiences. ‘‘All the participants did a great job at working out problems, like how to arrange the group so everyone got to do what they most wanted to do, or making up games so everyone was involved. ‘‘One group even had an impromptu lesson in bush mechanics when the suspension on a trailer failed. ‘‘We were amazed by these young adults and their engagement and enthusiasm with the program exceeding all our expectations. ‘‘The opportunity to explore the Australian bush also enabled strong camaraderie and relationship building, and the collaboration and problem solving encountered along the way all aid to build and foster longterm resilience. ‘‘We have had fantastic

■Seventeen young people from the Hay and Hillston areas were offered an adventure in the high country as part of a drought relief program. feedback from both parents and participants, with parents telling us their children are still talking about the fantastic time they had. ‘‘If these young people are our future, we are absolutely certain that we are in excellent hands. ‘‘These opportunities make a huge difference for kids out west, and we are pleased to have been able to provide such trips, thanks to the assistance of our funding from Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network.’’ MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said drought is affecting many of the Murrumbidgee communities, and not just the farmers. ‘‘The recent UNICEF Drought Report highlighted the impacts of prolonged

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drought on young people, often increasing stress levels and other adverse mental health outcomes among young people,’’ Ms Neal said. ‘‘The Giz a Break program does exactly that — it gives our young people a break from the day to day stresses in their lives and offers a unique opportunity to improve their resilience and forget about the drought and how it’s impacting on them and their families. ‘‘I congratulate the Giz a Break team, their volunteers, and the Hay and Hillston communities for getting behind such a worthy program providing meaningful mental health and wellbeing supports for their young people.’’ The camping adventures are conducted by an experi-

enced team over four days in the picturesque Victorian High Country where they hike, learn to fly fish and participate in activities to build their resilience and discuss strategies for helping their communities get through the drought. Two more adventures will be taken in early 2020.

If you would like further information on the adventures, go to www.gizabreak.com.au or follow Giz a Break on Facebook and Instagram. â– Anyone requiring crisis support can contact NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

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Contact Luke Harrington, Soil Health Coach 0427 138 100 Email: luke@re-genfarming.com.au ’Farm Talk’, February 2020 — Page 13

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Page 14 — ’Farm Talk’, February 2020

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PLEASE SPEAK TO OUR FRIENDLY STAFF Ph: (03) 5881 5541 Mobile: 0427 203 334 Fax: (03) 5881 6146 Cnr Wakool Road and Kelly Street, Deniliquin

Page 16 — ’Farm Talk’, February 2020