FARMtalk magazine - June 2021

JUNE 2021

Magazine

Pistachios

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It may be small, but the pistachio has come a long way from its beginning in the Australian growing scene. In fact, the nut and its growing success has been years in the making.

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SEE PAGE 19 FOR ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL CONTACT DETAILS 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 with their own advisors. FARMtalk can assume no responsibility for the contents.

KYALITE, NSW From the CSIRO’s community research for new crops for the Murray Valley in 1982 came the Australian pistachio variety Sirora. Sirora was selected for its excellent flavour, bright green kernel and white shell, and for its high percentage of wide splits, making it easy to open.

Nut merchant and Kyalite Pistachio Farm owner Chris Joyce was one of the first to grow the Australia variety, soon after its release.

Chris planted his first tree at Kyalite in the Riverina in 1983. The area provides perfect conditions for the nut, which needs specific temperatures to produce well. With its hot summers and cold winters, the region was best, Chris said.

Of course, being in the riverland and watered by the Edward and Wakool rivers was also ideal.

Despite the right conditions and climate, it took some time for growers to master the new nut in new conditions, and for Sirora to thrive. The first 10 years were marked by hardship, with growers uncertain the crop would ever be successful or profitable. It definitely wasn’t an easy feat for Chris and other growers, who were learning the way the best way to work with the variety.

“It would have been the 14th year before it was profitable,” he said.

“It took a lot of time before making a bit of revenue.”

Pistachio trees can take between six and 10 years after being planted to produce their first nuts, with trees reaching maturity in about 12 years.

“You need deep pockets and patience,” Chris said.

Farmers started to see positive yields in the late 1990s.Today, Australian pistachio production is rapidly expanding to meet the demands of the Australian market.

“The industry is expanding and people are planting more domestically — and in to the future, internationally.”

“At our farm we have 200 hectares of nut bearing trees.

“We also have 140 non-bearing trees which are yet to produce nuts. Those trees are between one and five years old, so they are still young.

“That represents a new wave of planting.”

Pistachios are still being produced on those trees planted in 1983 too.

“As far as we are aware, they don’t stop — they keep producing,” Chris said.

“I have seen an orchard started in the 1960s in California that is still going strong, and there’s word of farms overseas that have been going for 100.”

In the Murray region, harvested pistachios are sent to Robinvale for processing. They are then sold at supermarkets for consumers to enjoy.

“We (Pistachio Growers’ Association producers) collectively sell as Australian Pistachios, which can be found in Woolworths, Coles and Aldi.

“Robinvale would process 97 per cent of Australian pistachios.

“They do all the processing hulling, shelling, drying, cleaning, grading, sorting, sizing, and packing on site.”

As for how it gets from our shelves from the tree, Chris says it takes a big team of workers. And for the past 18 months, they have had to rely on a whole new crop of pickers with COVID-19 disrupting their usual plans of utilising backpackers as extra farm hands. A team of 30 is usually employed at the Kyalite farm during harvest, with this year’s harvest in March producing one of the best results in recent history.

“It was a good off crop.

“Pistachios are an alternate growing crop meaning they have a lean year, then (usually) a bumper year.”

JUNE 2021

FARMtalk • 3

“This year we actually had people from Swan Hill (helping) which has been really good, and we look to continue that in the future.”

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4 • FARMtalk

JERILDERIE, NSW

JUNE 2021

FARMtalk • 5

A family’s legacy

When Sergio Rorato and his brothers left Italy in 1961, and settled in regional NSW, Sergio did so with a dream of one day running a farm of his own.

The brothers laboured on various farms across the region after their arrival in Australia. And after he met his soon to be wife Sylvia in Griffith, Sergio’s dream of establishing his own farm came in to clear view.

In 1984, the couple bought a small piece of land in Jerilderie and ‘Rorato Bros’ was born.

Sergio grew grain and vegetable crops on what was predominantly stock land. And that’s when the real hard work began. Sergio would work multiple crops across the farm and would drive 10 hours to Sydney each week to sell his produce.

Rorato Bros initially supplied their tomatoes to Rosella, Ardmona and Cedenco. But Sergio and Sylvia’s daughter Sandra Robinson said their vines were so productive, they were growing above contract and had to plough the excess back into the field. And that’s when a new era for the family farm came about.

“Dad hated that wastage, so he decided to go to Italy and buy a small tomato processing factory.”

In 1994, 10 years on from their humble beginnings, they became Billabong Produce, growing and producing their own products.

Today, the Rorato family makes high quality crushed, chunky, and puree tomato products along with a range of Sylvia’s classic pasta sauce recipes.

Billabong Produce grows 2000 hectares of summer crops and 4500 hectares of winter crops — including corn, canola, cotton, barley and wheat.

Tomatoes make up between 110 and 130 hectares — which equates to about two million plants, according to Sandra.

“We are proud to call our products ‘Australian Italian’ products.”

SANDRA ROBINSON

Sandra says Jerilderie’s soil is the perfect clay loam, and the usually warm summers are ideal for growing fresh tomato products.

“Roratos love farming and producing fine Australian quality tomato products for consumers,” she said.

Loving the job doesn’t mean it’s easy, however, with the mouse plague and other factors regularly challenging their operations. Sandra said enduring high water prices, rising costs of operation, and the struggle to find employees in rural locations are all difficulties for any farmer.

“We are at the mercy of mother nature — drought, floods, hail, frosts and the latest is the mouse plague.”

This summer’s harvest was less predictable because of the cooler weather slowing the ripening process. The 15,000 tonne harvest, which would normally begin in the first week of February, was postponed to March 1.

Once picked, the tomatoes are delivered straight to the factory for processing and canning.

Family members oversee every part of crafting the product, from farming to processing to marketing and beyond.

“We are proud to call our products ‘Australian Italian’ products,” Sandra said.

“We believe that because we control primary production to harvest to packaging, there are no other products more freshly prepared than ours.

“We are fiercely proud of the sauces we produce and maintain the highest standards from field to table.”

The farm and processing plant employ 15 staff in the off season and 40 during the busy season.

Sergio Rorato passed away last year, but Sandra and her brothers Allan and Glenn Rorato — and other family members spanning four generations — “enjoy carrying on dad’s legacy”.

“Dad loved farming, we love farming, and we love planting different types of crops and the satisfaction of watching them grow,” Sandra said.

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JUNE 2021

FARMtalk • 7

Supreme result

Above: The group with the Supreme Exhibit of the Show at Captain Morgan’s Lookout.

Above left: Caitlin Griffith with ‘Roxy’ and her Champion Ewe ribbon.

Finley High School’s strength in the agricultural showing sector has been demonstrated again, with its show team returning from Holbrook Sheep and Wool Fair with the ‘sheep of the show’.

The school’s Poll Dorset ewe named ‘Roxy’ was named Champion Ewe of the Show and Supreme Exhibit of the Show after three days of competition between May 26 and May 28. Teacher Gary Webb said it was a proud moment for the school, and for Roxy’s handler, Year 10 student Caitlin Griffith. The ewe, born April last year, had the look on the day, with judges praising her as a good representation of the breed.

“The judges commented on her style, correct Poll Dorset characteristics, correctness and depth, and width of her muscling,” Mr Webb said.

“She was well put together and had great, soft skin and judge Paul Routley could not speak highly enough about this ewe.”

Mr Webb said Roxy sometimes needs a little extra attention during shows, because she gets a little nervous. But he said Caitlin knows how to relax her, and it paid off at Holbrook.

“Caitlin showed patience and skill in the ring, setting the ewe up to perfection. It paraded beautifully.

“Caitlin has been to a few sheep shows.

“She is an accomplished handler of livestock, particularly sheep and cattle.”

Mr Webb and fellow teacher Robyn O’Leary took 23 students from Year 7 to 10 to enjoy three days of showing, judging and fun. The first day of the fair was Schools’ Day, which is dedicated to educational workshops for participating schools, before they compete with their school sheep in the Schools’ Interbreed Competition. Thursday was the Open Sheep Competitions between the different

breeds and the judging of fleeces. It concluded on the Friday morning with the Open Sheep Interbreed classes and a presentation of trophies.

Various judging competitions were also conducted throughout the event, including novice and senior sections for Merino sheep, meat breed sheep and fleece judging.

“Each student also participated in a junior judging competition,” Mr Webb said.

“Jebidiah Meyervale brought home the silverware, winning both the meat sheep and Merino group finals. This qualifies him to compete at next year’s Royal Easter Show in Sydney.

“Caitlin was second in the merino judging.

“It was a great experience for all the show students.

“They were able to learn a lot and even took initiative getting extra judging tips from Paul Routley, who showed a real enjoyment in judging sheep and working with youth.”

Mr Webb said sheep of the show was one of a few awards the school won at Holbrook. The school also claimed champion Poll Dorset ram and ewe and the group of three Poll Dorset sections.

Each of these also went on to become champion of the short-wool breeds.

Holbrook was the show team’s first multiple day excursion since Melbourne Show 2019, and Mr Webb said they’re now looking forward to the Bendigo Sheep Show in July. In the meantime, he said thanks must go to the locals who supported their trip to Holbrook.

“Thanks must go to Gordon Close for helping prepare the sheep and Ryan McGrath who shore the sheep a few months ago,” he said.

“We are also grateful for the help from Genstock at Jerilderie and the Frost family of Hillden Poll Dorsets for their services and quality genetics to allow us to breed great sheep.”

Holbrook Sheep and Wool Fair: Paul Routley and Hayley Palmer with the Shortwool Champion Ram.

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FARMtalk • 9

Aphids carrying virus Green Peach Aphids have been detected carrying Turnip Yellows Virus in the Deniliquin district since early May. With historically high canola prices and irrigation water right now, canola has been a popular crop choice for growers this season. And growers are warned to be on the lookout.

Green Peach Aphids Green Peach Aphids (Myzus persicae) are widespread across Australia and common in many broadacre crops (canola and pulses), broadleaf pastures and horticultural crops. Adults vary in colour from shiny pale yellow-green, green, orange or pink and are usually found on the underside of leaves. Aphids traditionally move from other brassica and broadleaf weeds in March and April with mild temperatures into young crops.

Green Peach Aphids (GPA) are a small but potent vector that can transmit Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) through large areas of crop within a month or less. Effectively controlling GPA is the key to reducing risk of TuYV infection and subsequent loss of yield and quality. Unfortunately, GPA have evolved resistance to many insecticides.

As GPA can move quickly through crops, timing of foliar insecticides is important — preventing TuYV spreading is the aim. Currently, sulfoxaflor (Transform), flonicamid (MainMan) and afidopyropen (Versys) are the only active ingredients registered for effective control of GPA in canola. Further research is currently underway assessing the efficacy of canola seed treatments to control aphids and TuYV.

Turnip Yellows Virus Turnip Yellows Virus (formerly known as Beet Western Yellows Virus) is primarily spread by aphids and in particular, GPA. The virus is carried within GPAs and transmitted to healthy plants during feeding, leading to reduced biomass, yield and quality. Once plants are infected they remain infected for their entire life cycle.

TuYV is problematic to manage as once the plant is infected there is no cure. Therefore, control of the virus needs to be focused on prevention using integrated strategies. TuYV is a serious problem in canola and caused extensive damage to canola during the 2014 season (in NSW and Victoria), when infection occurred early in the season to seedlings. The virus can also infect mustard, chickpeas, lupin, lentils, faba beans, field peas, lucerne, medic and subterranean clover. TuYV can halve yield and compromise seed quality.

Limiting the time of infection is the key to minimising yield loss. Research has shown increased losses if infections occur during the rosette to stem elongation (GS30) growth stages. TuYV infection causes plant stunting, reddening, yellowing, stiffening of lower leaves and thickening of branches. These symptoms are common to TuYV, but are also common to many nutritional disorders as well, so visual diagnosis is not always a reliable tool. Samples can be sent away for laboratory analysis to confirm presence of TuYV.

system allows for migrating aphids carrying TuYV to be detected prior to commencement of a virus epidemic. Early detection of aphids and presence of TuYV allows growers/consultants/agronomists to make informed, proactive and integrated decisions regarding control of GPA and TuYV. Further information can be found at https://grdc. com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/126511/grdctat-reducingaphidandvirusrisk.pdf.pdf Acknowledgements: Ben Congdon (DPIRD) – https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/canola/turnipyellows-virus-early-warning-system; Lizzy Lowe (Cesar) – https://cesaraustralia.com/pestfacts/ tuyv-early-warning-system/.estfacts/tuyv-earlywarning-system/.

Adam Dellwo is a senior agronomist with Elders Rural Services, Deniliquin.

Early Warning System The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD-Western Australia) and Cesar Australia (Victoria) are currently testing an early warning system, consisting of sticky traps to detect migrating aphids carrying TuYV. Sticky traps from the Deniliquin district are sent to Western Australia and Victoria every three weeks for analysis using RNA, to determine if GPA are detected, and if they are carrying TuYV. Results are returned to participating growers/consultants within a couple of days. This system has been trialled in Western Australia since 2019, and New South Wales and Victoria since last year.

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Turnip Yellows Virus: A crop infested with TuYV.

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JUNE 2021

FARMtalk • 11

Grazing brassicas

If you experience feed gaps over winter and spring, you might want to consider grazing brassicas as a possible solution. They are high in energy (11-14 ME/ KG DM), and protein (15-25 per cent), as well as having good digestibility.

Grazing brassicas can produce weight gains around 150-250g/hd/day in lambs and 0.8-1.2 kg/hd/day in growing cattle. A note of caution, however, must be considered. In some situations, brassicas can impact the health of your livestock if grazing is not well managed.

Grazing immature brassica crops can cause photosensitisation in livestock. Photosensitisation is a condition in which skin is damaged when photodynamic agents found in the diet react to sunlight. Signs of photosensitisation are normally seen around the face and ears. It usually starts with swelling of the ears and/or muzzle, which can then result in blistering and scabs. The condition can also cause death. Young livestock, especially lambs, are prone to photosensitisation, whereas animals with dark pigmented skin or a good wool covering are less susceptible. Of the brassica family, rapes and kales are more commonly associated with photosensitisation, whereas turnips, swedes and hybrids are less likely to cause photosensitisation.

If signs of photosensitisation occur while grazing brassicas, remove the stock from the crop and place them in a well-shaded area. Symptoms should reverse over a couple of weeks. To prevent the condition, graze mature crops and introduce the stock gradually.

Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is a neurological disease in sheep and cattle that results in destruction of brain cells and swelling of the brain. It can be caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1) or excess sulphur. Brassicas can be a source of high dietary sulphur, which can predispose stock to PEM. Signs of PEM in livestock include sudden

onset of blindness, muscle tremors and convulsions, head-pressing, star gazing (opisthotonos), rapid eye movements (nystagmus), incoordination, recumbency and later death. Livestock of any age can be affected, but is more commonly seen in young livestock. Cattle are at risk of sulphur toxicity when their diet comprises more than 40 per cent brassicas, or if their whole diet contains more than 0.5 per cent sulphur. Brassica crops that have been fertilised with sulphur-based fertilisers or crops that are stressed have a higher risk of PEM. If clinical signs are caught early, PEM can be successfully treated with vitamin B1. Prevention can be achieved by gradually introducing the stock to the brassica crop, not grazing the crop while it is stressed and providing access to an alternative grazing source or supplementary feed.

Nitrate toxicity is caused by high nitrate levels in feed and usually occurs in late autumn or winter, particularly during a flush of growth after rain, or when weather is dull and overcast. Brassica crops are naturally high in nitrates and the nitrate level increases in the plant when it flowers or following regrowth. The application of nitrogen fertilisers also elevates the risk of nitrogen concentrations in plants.

Sheep and cattle are usually able to tolerate nitrates in the diet, but poisoning can occur when stock suddenly consume high levels. Following ingestion of high dietary nitrates, a build-up of nitrates in the blood affects the oxygen-carrying capacity which can often result in sudden death.

Other signs of nitrate toxicity in livestock include

scours, salivation, abdominal pain, abortions, staggers, and convulsions.

You can reduce the risk of nitrate toxicity by gradually introducing livestock to grazing brassicas. This can be done by restricting grazing to 1-2 hours during the middle of the day, and slowly increasing to unrestricted access in 7-10 days. You should also avoid introducing hungry stock to brassicas by filling them up with roughage prior to being introduced to the crop.

While grazing brassicas, it is also important to know that they are generally highly digestible and have a low fibre content, so providing continual access to hay may provide a more balanced diet, improve weight gains, and reduce the effects on animal health.

Other potential animal health issues that can occur while grazing brassicas include increased risk of clostridial diseases, especially pulpy kidney, and increased risk of bloat. So, it is important to vaccinate stock at least two weeks before they start grazing the brassica crop, with 5 or 6-in-1, and provide bloat prevention such as bloat blocks and a source of roughage while they are grazing brassicas.

For more information regarding livestock health and grazing brassicas, you can contact your District Vet by calling 1300 795 299 or drop into a nearby Local Land Services office.

Katelyn Braine (pictured) is a district veterinarian with Murray Local Land Services.

JUNE 2021

12 • FARMtalk

Winemakers toast 2021 vintage

This time last year, winemakers across the district were dealing with the effects of drought, heatwaves, smoke taint with the added pressure of the Covid-19 pandemic.

With the 2021 harvest complete, Rutherglen winemakers have had their spirits boosted with exceptional quality and strong yields across the board.

The La Ninã weather pattern provided good rainfall over winter and spring, and a relatively cool summer, setting the scene for a strong vintage.

It’s a stark contrast to last year’s vintage with the effects of drought, heatwaves and bushfire smoke creating many challenges for local grape growers.

This was combined with the added pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wine Australia chief executive officer Andreas Clark said the 2020 crush was the lowest since 2007 at 1.52 million tonnes.

“While quality was generally high in 2020, it was a challenging vintage, with drought conditions affecting much of Australia and bushfires affecting a small number of wine regions,” Mr Clark said.

The total volume of Australian wine sales in 2019–20 was just over 1.2 billion litres (136 million 9-litre cases), of which 40 per cent was sold on the domestic market and 60 per cent was exported.

Domestic sales were down by one per cent, while exports were down nine per cent.

Morris Wines senior winemaker David Morris said he was feeling “pretty confident” with this year’s vintage. The small family-owned winery

located to the east of Rutherglen is famous for producing some of the world’s finest fortified wines and for making rich full-bodied red table wines.

“It is early days still, but the milder conditions this year have provided good tannin and character development. This year we received good quality fruit. The rainfall in the spring was good and we had minimal disease pressure,” the fifth-generation winemaker said.

“If you get it right in the vineyard, it makes the winemaking process much easier. The reds are probably our strongest performers, particular shiraz and durif.”

At All Saints Estate, winemaker and general manager Nick Brown remarked on the incredible 12-month turnaround.

“As I have been bringing in the fruit and sorting through it, my observation is that everything is balanced and happy,” he said.

“Nothing has been rushed by hot weather or rain, so the fruit has ripened happily keeping the flavour in sync. The balance of flavour and acidity in the fruit is exceptional due to the constant temperatures, not too hot and not too wet.

“The slower the ripening occurs the better, and this year has been the best in about seven years.

Expect wines from 2021 to have a concentration in flavour and to be exceptionally balanced. The 2021 vintage will be one for cellaring.”

As with a lot of wineries in the region, finding labour was a challenge at All Saints Estate.

“It’s been a beautiful year as far as growing grapes goes, but labour has been a challenge this year,” Mr Brown said.

“We handpick about 10 per cent of our vineyard because of the age of the vines, and we usually have pickers on tap (so to speak). All of our visa holders had to go home due to COVID. Because of the absence of backpackers, those pickers that are still out there are in higher demand than usual.”

At Pfeiffer Wines in Wahgunyah, this year’s harvest was different to previous years with the milder summer slowing down the ripening process.

It was a welcome change though with senior winemaker Chris Pfeiffer saying that everyone was pleased with the overall vintage, with a total of 667 tonnes crushed this year.

RUTHERGLEN, NSW

“If you get it right in the vineyard, it makes the winemaking process much easier. The reds are probably our strongest performers, particular shiraz and durif.”

NICK BROWN

“We are all feeling really happy because it’s so much better than last year,” he said.

“This year, we didn’t have the contamination issues that we had last year with the smoke. The wet weather did create a few issues with disease pressure during harvest.

“The yields are probably average to slightly above around the area. Overall quality is pretty good. The fruit has some really nice flavours in it so we will see some really nice wines come out of it.”

Like All Saints, a shortage of labour provided a challenge early on, however the Pfeiffer team were fortunate to pull in workers from across the region including an international student from the University of Adelaide.

“Normally we have international people come in and help us with vintage. While there wasn’t quite the pool we normally have with hand picking we eventually got the numbers we needed,” Mr Pfeiffer said.

“It will be interesting to see as we move into pruning, whether the labour will be around for that.”

Above: Fifth generation winemaker David Morris of Morris Wines Rutherglen is pleased with the 2021 vintage which has delivered some high-quality fruit.

JUNE 2021

FARMtalk • 13

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With a range of other benefits, you’ll find a Rural Bank FMD is specifically designed to meet your farm’s needs, now and into the future.

To find out more about our FMD contact Sam or Katherine at Elders Deniliquin on 5890 5100.

This information has been prepared without taking into account your personal circumstances, objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any investment decision you should consider your situation and consult your taxation adviser to ensure that you meet the legislative requirements and read the relevant terms and conditions available at www.ruralbank.com.au. Products are issued by Rural Bank – A Division of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879 and distributed by Elders Rural Services Australia Limited ABN 72 004 045 121 AFSL 237757. Elders Rural Services Australia may receive a commission based on the average account balance. (1589651–1589629) (OUT_2085762) 20/05/2021

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JUNE 2021

FARMtalk • 15

Milk prices up Milk prices have lifted across the board as the major processors filed their opening prices by June 1 under the national Dairy Code of Conduct.

Of the larger companies, Bega Cheese appears to be in front with a volume weighted average opening for southern Victoria and south-east South Australia of $6.80/kg milk solids, and for northern Victoria and the southern Riverina a price of $7/kg MS. Saputo Dairy Australia offered $6.55/kg for suppliers in the Southern Milk Region on June 1 before announcing a step-up on June 4 to $6.85/kg MS. Bega executive chairman Barry Irvin said these opening milk prices represented a welcome increase in milk prices from the 2020-21 average price.

Mr Irvin said traditional Bega suppliers were receiving a strong increase in price and Bega’s new Lions Dairy and Drinks suppliers were getting a modest increase, reflecting improving international and stable domestic market returns.

“Depending on supplier size and supply profile, most of our suppliers will receive an opening milk price in the range of $6.50/kg milk solids to $7.05/kg milk solids for our southern Victoria and south-east South Australian suppliers, and $6.70/kg milk solids to $7.15/kg milk solids for our northern Victoria and Riverina suppliers,” Mr Irvin said.

Fonterra Australia also offered a step-up on June 4 after all the prices were announced. This took its opening price of $6.55/kg MS announced in May to $6.85/kg MS.

Fonterra Australia managing director Rene Dedoncker said the step-up was Fonterra delivering on its promise to revise its early opening price in June.

“We came out with an early price four weeks ago to give our farmers a clear line of sight,” Mr Dedoncker said.

“We’ve now secured favourable outcomes for these contracts, particularly with our Japanese cheese customers.”

See where some processors opened at below: Saputo: $6.65/kg MS, revised to $6.85/kg MS on June 4.

Fonterra: $6.55/kg MS, revised to $6.68/kg MS on June 4.

Bega: Northern Victoria and the Riverina $7/kg MS. Bulla: $6.40 to $6.90/kg MS. Burra: $6.40 to $6.80/kg MS. Coles: $7.19/kg MS. KyValley: 40.7¢/litre (base price).

Lactalis/Pauls: $6.95/kg MS. ACM: $6.85/kg MS, with northern suppliers’ incentive becomes $7/kg MS. Freedom Foods: $6.60/kg MS.

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Improving mental health support in our area is my top priority.

The Murrumbidgee region has a suicide rate more than double that of Sydney. But we have the fewest mental health services in NSW. Not one hospital in my electorate – an area of 107,000 square kilometres – has a mental health unit.

Goolgowi resident Marie Clarke has started a petition to urge the NSW Government to establish mental health services in our hospitals. Please consider printing out, signing and sharing the petition. You can find it online at helendalton.com.au or on my Facebook page Helen Dalton MP. You can return copies to my offices in Griffith, Deniliquin or Wentworth.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been meeting with young people, experts and residents across the region. We will devise an action plan to take to government.

To learn more, offer your ideas and join our fight, email me at murray@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

Together, we will make our region a happier, healthier, well-resourced place to live.

Helen Dalton MP Authorised by Helen Dalton MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

P 03 5881 7034 • E murray@parliament.nsw.gov.au • 228 Cressy Street, Deniliquin NSW 2710

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JUNE 2021

FARMtalk • 17

Is soil acidity affecting your farm production?

Soil acidity continues to be one of the main soil-related challenges faced by producers in southern NSW. Whilst it has been an issue those on the slopes and in the higher rainfall areas have been familiar with for quite some time, highly acidic soils are now becoming more common-place on the plains, and in particular in the irrigation areas.

So what is soil acidity?

Most would be aware that acidity is measured on a (pH) scale of 1-14, with anything below a pH of seven considered acidic, and above a pH of seven is alkaline, with seven being neutral. Soil pH is a measure of the amount (or concentration) of hydrogen (H+) ions in the soil solution. The pH is measured either in a water solution or in a CaCl2 (Calcium Chloride) solution. Generally, the pH values when measured in water are 0.5-1.0 units higher than in CaCl2.

The other important thing to note about the pH scale is that it is logarithmic. A soil with a pH of five has 10 times more acid than a soil with a pH of six, and 100 times more acid than a soil with a pH of seven. This has some really important implications when it comes to managing soil acidity.

Most of our agricultural soils are in the pH 4-9 range, and most plants prefer a pH in the 5-8 range.

Increasingly Acid

Neutral

Increasingly Alkaline

The pH of the soil will be influenced by a number of factors, including the parent material, leaching of nutrients, product removal, breakdown of organic matter and use of synthetic fertilisers (in particular nitrogen-based fertilisers).

As plants grow, they excrete acid into the soil, and the soil becomes more acidic.

The above-ground parts of the plant are generally alkaline, and when we harvest the plants (through grazing, harvesting grain, making hay etc.) and remove the alkaline part of the plant, this further increases the acidity of the soil. Highly productive soils, where we are growing (and removing) a lot of plant material, tend to become more acidic quicker.

As soils become more acidic, we tend to see: • •

•

• •

Acid pH 3.7

Slightly Ideal pH range Slightly acidic for plant growth alkaline

decreased plant growth increased availability of aluminium (Al) — aluminium is not really required by plants, and there is a relationship where as pH decreases (more acidic), Al becomes more and more available to plants, and actually becomes toxic).

Manganese can also become more toxic as pH falls decreases the nodulation of legumes (the rhizobium bacteria which fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil are particularly impacted by acidic soils) may see increased leaching and/or reduced availability of ‘good’ nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and molybdenum Plants tend to be more susceptible to attack by pests and diseases.

Alkaline

Why is soil pH important?

In very broad terms, soil pH will tend to decrease (become more acidic) over time under modern agriculture systems.

Effect of soil pH on growth of subterranean clover.

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JUNE 2021

FARMtalk • 19 From page 17

What is the extent of the problem?

It is estimated that over half of the intensively farmed agricultural soils in NSW have some form of soil acidity problem.

However, even this sobering number may not be revealing the true extent of the soil acidification problem.

Recent work conducted by NSW DPI (https://doi.org/10.1071/SR20079) suggests that our current (and widely accepted) approaches to soil sampling are in fact ‘masking’ or in some cases failing to detect the extent of the acidity problem in our soils.

Typically, most commercial soil sampling assesses topsoil to 10cm. However, the outcomes of this new research suggest there is a high degree of ‘stratification’ of soil acidity, with evidence suggesting that there may be a layer of higher soil acidity in the 5-10cm layer. Simply measuring and aggregating a 0-10cm sampling will ‘average out’ the acidity over the entire 10cm, and not specifically identify the real extent of any acid soil problem.

Further, by not sampling deeper than 10cm, producers and their advisors are not identifying the depth and extent of any soil acidity problem in the deeper layers of their soil. After all, we want our plants to utilise and exploit as much of the soil profile as possible (to make better use of stored soil water, nutrients etc). If we have no idea what the soil properties are at depth, can we be confident plants can take advantage of the moisture and nutrients down there?

Further, once acidification extends deeper into the subsoil, it becomes increasingly difficult (and costly) to ameliorate.

Managing acid soils

Best strategies to manage soil acidification •

• • •

•

Typically, the way we manage soil acidification is by the application of lime.

Applying lime on the surface relies either on rainfall (or irrigation) to get it to move into the soil profile. However, the current research indicates that incorporation of the lime into the soil profile (through the use of discs as opposed to tyned implements) will be a far more effective use of the applied lime.

And not all limes are the same. The quality of lime is measured by it’s ‘neutralising value’ — and is really a measure of the fineness of the lime. The finer the lime, the better the result.

Whilst the application of lime will have immediate impacts on reducing the impacts of soil acidity, there is now plenty of evidence that shows the impacts of lime application will have long-term, lasting impacts on soil health. It appears the application of lime allows the soil to be more resilient, particularly in poorer seasons. Addressing soil pH appears to set the foundation for setting up your production system over the longer term.

In the past, we have tended to apply lime once a problem has been identified.

However, the current thinking is that if we can maintain our soils with a pH above 5.5 (CaCl2), then we are maintaining productivity, and minimising the possibility of the acidity problem moving into the subsoil. It may mean more frequent (but less quantity) lime applications, but the evidence suggests this type of strategy will be far less costly over the long term.

• •

You can’t manage what you don’t measure — sample your soils as part of a regular program, and measure separately the 0-5cm, 5-10cm and even the 10-15 and 15-20cm layers to get a true indication of the extent of soil acidification in your soil.

Maintain soil pH above 5.5 (CaCl2) through regular application of lime.

Incorporation of lime will have both immediate and long-term benefits.

Addressing soil acidification has multiple benefits to your farming business, appears to provide greater resilience, and provides far more options for production.

Addition of organic matter, or increasing soil organic matter (which is low in Nitrogen) can have a beneficial effect by increasing the buffering capacity (the soil’s capacity to resist pH change) of your soil.

Manage nitrogen fertiliser inputs to better match plant needs to reduce nitrate leaching.

There may be some other amendments for treating soil acidification — but lime remains at this stage the most cost-effective method to treat (and maintain) soil acidity.

Adrian Smith (pictured) is senior lands services officer — mixed farming with Murray Local Land Services.

Subscribe Home delivery to your letterbox from $5.50 per edition.

Contact us Leesa Muir, General Manager and Display & Digital Marketing P: 03 5881 2322 E: farmtalk@denipt.com.au Zoe McMaugh, Senior Journalist P: 03 5881 2322 E: farmtalk@denipt.com.au Jenny Binion, Display & Digital Marketing P: 02 6033 1104 E: advertising@corowafreepress.com.au

Find us online www.denipt.com.au/farm-talk or on Facebook

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JUNE 2021

20 • FARMtalk

A sweet life

If you mention the word strawberry to anyone from the Southern Riverina, they will immediately think of Koonoomoo.

The town — nestled almost half way between Tocumwal and Cobram — is renowned for its tourist attraction The Big Strawberry, and boasts one of the largest and most photographed fruits in Australia. It’s a place where you can stop, relax, play and sample and buy a huge array of strawberry flavoured items and other fresh produce. Feeding in to the cafe and store is a Koonoomoo farm, owned and operated by The Big Strawberry owners Darren and Tarn Hayes. At least 14,000 strawberry plants provide the delicious fruit, with 7000 of them planted this June. And there’s another strawberry patch at The Big Strawberry which allows for guests to pick their own when in fruit.

“The plants are replaced every second year, so we’ve just planted 7000 and another 7000 were already in the ground,” Tarn said.

“Those established plants went in the ground about the same time last year, and will be replaced next June.

“Planting took a full day, but the preparation takes place for weeks beforehand to ensure the soil and beds are right.

“Once we have the plants they need to go in the ground quite quickly, so it is all about being organised.

“They were all planted by hand, by a team of six of us.”

Darren and Tarn Hayes in one of the strawberry patches.

Photo: Serena Jane Productions.

KOONOOMOO, VIC

Photo: Serena Jane Productions.

Tarn would normally leave the planting to her husband and his farm workers, but she pitched in this year because of the worker shortage imposed on the region by COVID-19 rules. While backbreaking work, she said she enjoys working on the farm just as much as she loves greeting customers at The Big Strawberry.

The Hayes’ have chosen four varieties of strawberries to grow on the farm — Albion, Cabrillo, Chandler and Monteray.

“We use different varieties as they are all a little different and give different picking options,” Darren said.

“That means we will have continued supply of fruit — one may not be quite ready and another is, so that way we have continuity.

“The average yield is approximately four punnets, or 1kg, per plant.

“We would sell about 20,000 punnets of strawberries each year, not including the pick your own.”

The plants are watered using trickle and overhead irrigation, with use averaging two megalitre per hectare. At the picking patch, misters are also used to prevent the plants from getting to hot, which can impact on quality and yield. Both the new and established plants will lay dormant over the winter, with the chill factor helping the establishment process, and will start to fruit again from September/October.

Everything grown on the farm is used at The Big Strawberry, in a variety of ways which means there is no wastage.

“We sell them fresh by the punnet at the shop, or people can pick their own — which is a big part of our business.

“In the kitchen we use the strawberries for pancakes and other strawberry dishes.

“What is left unused after that is used for jams, toppings, chutney, sauces or in our strawberry wine and liqueurs.

“We make everything on site, and we have a dedicated processing room where people can come and watch as we make the jams or bottle the wines.

“It does not open every day though.”

JUNE 2021

FARMtalk • 21

Photo: Serena Jane Productions.

“We would sell about 20,000 punnets of strawberries each year, not including the pick your own.”

DARREN HAYES

During the dormant phase, strawberries may be brought in from other Australian regions to keep up with demand. When that happens, all fruit on hand is used in the kitchen and not often sold by the punnet.

The strawberry farm and The Big Strawberry is a legacy business for the Hayes family, which was started by Darren’s parents Michael and Lorraine Hayes when they were living in Tocumwal. A mechanic by trade, Michael started growing strawberries on the Smither’s Orchard in Tocumwal in 1969. After a few moves to different farms in Cobram, the family settled at Koonoomoo. The current farm, on Torgannah Rd, Koonoomoo was purchased in 1981.

By 1984, with Darren’s help, Scenic Drive Farm was developed and by 1992 the strawberry wines, jams and liqueurs starting being produced from a small corner in the strawberry packing shed on the property. A purpose built kitchen and retail sales area at the farm followed by 1997, and it soon became clear further development would be required to meet demand for their delicious berries and their by-products.

Construction of The Big Strawberry started in 2004 and opened in 2005, and has been growing in popularity ever since. Further expansion was required in 2018, with a larger eating space, large indoor playground, production viewing area, education area, children’s party room, the Mancave Memorabilia and History Room and the Indoor Beehive and ‘Strawbees’ now featured.

Since then, Darren and Tarn have also purchased

an avocado farm, with its produce also used in The Big Strawberry kitchen. The Hayes’ Torgannah Rd is also home to cattle with part of the farm used to grow lucerne.

“The cattle is a passion for our children,” Tarn said.

“It just goes to show that farming is not just one type of farming.”

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JUNE 2021

Great Winter reads for the whole family.

Beyond Alice – Tanya Heaslip.

In 1975, twelve-year-old Tanya Heaslip leaves her isolated home in outback Australia and is sent sixteen hundred kilometres south to a girls’ boarding school for and education the bush can’t provide.

The freedom of Tanya’s young life gives way to an unfriendly world of stone and concrete, highwalls, small skies, uniforms, harsh words and endless rules that make no sense.

In common with many children of the outback, Tanya struggles to adjust to boarding school. Yet, over time, her fellow boarders become her new family and Tanya survives both by writing and by telling her stories of family, race meetings, gymkhanas, campdrafts and stock camps to her loyal friends.

Warm, humorous and uplifting this is the story of a small girl who triumphs. $32.99 Dark tales from the long river – David Price.

The nine true stories of murder, dispossession, violence and misadventure contained in Dark Tales from the Long River all took place in the Gascoyne region during the thirty-three year tenure of Magistrate C.D.V. Foss, which ended in 1915.

Accounts from a wide array of contemporaneous newspapers illuminate these events and expose the dark side of our colonial history.

They show how policing and the justice system were used not only to track down serial murderers and petty criminals but also to subjugate Aboriginal peoples and persecute migrants from Asia- and how many felt compelled to take the law into their own hands. $32.99 The Under Dogs – Tracey West & Kyla May. Welcome to the town of Barksdale, where every dog wants to be the BEST. Every year, one pup at Barksdale Academy is named Best in Show after the K-9 exams. Nova, Duke, Hartley and Peanut have never won Best in Show.

In fact, they’ve never even passed the exams.

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Will the pups make it to the grade, or are they doomed to be the Underdogs forever? $14.99 These great titles and more available instore.

We post direct to you, contact us today to discuss getting your copies posted* *Postage and Handling fees apply.

Deniliquin Newsagency Office Choice 249 Cressy Street, Deniliquin.

Phone 5881 2080. www.deni.com.au

FARMtalk • 23

Claim your mouse bait rebate

Primary producers experiencing financial hardship due to the mice plague will be able to claim rebates for the purchase of the mouse control chemical zinc phosphide, as part of an extension of the NSW Government’s Mouse Control Program.

It will offer primary producers a rebate of 50 per cent on zinc phosphide purchases, up to $10,000, to provide financial relief, cash flow and confidence to place advance orders on zinc phosphide ahead of spring.

The Department of Regional NSW and the Rural Assistance Authority will develop the zinc phosphide rebate framework, which is in addition to the $50 million package designed for households and small businesses. Primary producers who live where they work can also claim rebates of up to $1,000 for mouse bait, traps and cleaning products used to protect their homes.

Free grain treatment with bromadiolone for perimeter baiting is still awaiting approval.

For more, go to www.nsw.gov.au/mice.

Photo courtesy AAP (Rick Rycroft).

FARM

life

Photo of the Month Cathryn Park snapped this photo of the rice harvest at ‘Warbrass’, Wakool Rd, Deniliquin in May. Across the Riverina 475 rice growers grew a total of 44,000 hectares for the season.

Submit your photo and caption for the FARMlife Photo of the Month via Facebook (@farmtalkmagazine), Instagram (@farm.talk) or email farmtalk@denipt.com.au.

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