Farm Talk September

FARMtalk SEPTEMBER 2020

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Advertising & Editorial Deadlines October Edition: September 30, 2020 November Edition: October 30, 2020 December/January Edition: November 30, 2020 February Edition: January 29, 2021 March Edition: February 26, 2021 April Edition: March 31, 2021 May Edition: April 30, 2021

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Leesa Muir GENERAL MANAGER & ADVERTISING

nd just like that it’s spring and with it comes beautiful warm weather.

If you’ve been out and about lately you too may have noticed the canola crops in full bloom around the region. Our article on page 5 predicts the highest yield ever seen for this popular, spectacularly coloured crop.

Our Southern Riverina news journalist Dan Hughes recently captured a photo of the Canola crop growing on the fringe of Tocumwal. It is great to see such a beautiful blanket of yellow literally on the town’s doorstep.

I encourage our readers to submit their photos for our photo of the month section of the FARMtalk

magazine. With spring comes little bundles of joys as animals expand their brood. I’m sure this will give you all inspiration for the next great photo, just like this month’s photo of the miniature horse.

It can be found on the inside of the back cover.

In this edition we have, canola of course, Boer goats, busy bees, bitterns and so much more. Grab your cuppa, find some sunshine and enjoy your September edition of FARMtalk. And if a digital version is more to your liking, visit our website www.denipt/farm-talk or our socials Facebook @farmtalkmagazine and Instagram @farm.talk for copies of this edition.

Leesa

Sarah Bain

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SEE PAGE 10 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.

SEPTEMBER 2020

FARMtalk • 3

Tracking bitterns with

drones

Monitoring the population of the endangered Australasian bittern may be about to get a whole lot easier thanks to the use of thermal drone technology.

T

hrough funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, a drone-mounted thermal imaging camera may prove to be a game-changer. ‘‘Traditionally, monitoring population numbers of the bittern in the New South Wales Central Murray Ramsar site wetlands has been a bit of an inexact science,’’ explains Jamie Hearn, from Murray Local Land Services. ‘‘Researchers currently venture out to the wetlands at dawn and dusk, listen for the booming call of the male birds, note the time, distance and bearing of the call, and then triangulate the calls to provide a male bittern population figure for that wetland. ‘‘It is then assumed that one male bird can mate with up to three females.’’

Mr Hearn, who manages the Murray Local land Services Central Murray Ramsar project, engaged

“We feel confident that this thermal imaging technology will greatly assist population monitoring of these endangered birds in the future.”

JAMIE HEARN

the Ricegrowers Association of Australia and aerial survey company Wagga Drones to trial monitoring by drone. ‘‘The system had earlier been used to successfully monitor bitterns in Riverina rice crops,’’ he said. ‘‘We wanted to see how it worked in the taller, denser vegetation of our local wetland areas.’’

Mr Hearn said although the data collected by the drone was comparable to the acoustic surveys done at the same time of year, identifying the

bitterns through the vegetation had initially proven challenging. ‘‘However, we believe that ongoing refinement of the flying technique and camera and filtering technology will improve the quality and reliability of the outputs,’’ he said. ‘‘We feel confident that this thermal imaging technology will greatly assist population monitoring of these endangered birds in the future.’’

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SEPTEMBER 2020

FARMtalk • 5

Record prediction Experts are predicting a record year for canola crops in 2020, helped by a good start to the season and steady rainfall throughout winter.

W

hen harvest starts in November, local growers will start to see a return of about $555 per hectare produces, or $500 per hectare for genetically modified varieties.

Finley-based independent agronomist John Lacy said rainfall early in the season, and more during sowing, lead to ‘‘ideal conditions’’.

Some Southern Riverina farmers recorded more than 50cm of sub soil moisture. ‘‘The weather we’ve had this year has made the ideal season for growing canola,’’ Mr Lacy said. ‘‘Since sowing, the region has had steady daylong periods of heavy rain, including during late July and August flowering. ‘‘It is now the optimum time for canola to start flowering and having the rain has helped keep sub soil moisture in good condition.

“The weather we’ve had this year has made the ideal season for growing canola,” JOHN LACY

‘‘Because of the year so far we are looking at what could be the highest yield we’ve ever seen. ‘‘We are also likely to see some more rain in the coming weeks which will help finish off crops. ‘‘Based on previous feedback, flood irrigators who would usually avoid late watering are recommended to water and to not let any paddocks dry out.’’

Mr Lacy said while it is difficult to pre-empt potential yield, he said three tonne per hectare would be ideal from this season.

But he said hot weather before harvest could impact on that return. ‘‘Unlike barley and wheat where you can count the number of heads and predict their yield, there is no easy way of predicting the exact components of canola yield,’’ Mr Lacy said. ‘‘Crops are looking magnificent so far and should have record yields. ‘‘One of the biggest potential challenges ahead of us could be heat that exceeds 28 degrees. ‘‘Anything that exceeds that temperature could prolong flowering and severely hurt farmers. ‘‘Windrowing should start in early November.’’

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SEPTEMBER 2020

FARMtalk • 7

Lambing in a wet year After several years of drought, we now have a wet year on our hands. Linda Searle explains that it’s not all good news.

I

am seeing different issues this year to what we had last year. This is for a few reasons.

New sheep Many producers destocked or reduced numbers during the dry.

To replace numbers, many farmers bought in stock from far and wide.

The disease exposure and vaccination status of these animals is likely different to those animals being replaced.

Getting a good history of the mob, including a Sheep Health Declaration helps.

This allows you to take preventative steps such as vaccination, isolation and monitoring to try and avoid issues.

Stress Sheep can become stressed due to transport, yarding or extremes of weather.

Stress suppresses the immune system, giving infections a foot in the door.

Stressful situations often also have the double whammy of increased time off feed or higher demand for energy.

A heavily pregnant ewe carrying a big set of twins has a huge demand for energy and calcium.

Failing to meet that demand can lead to pregnancy toxaemia (twin lamb disease) and low blood calcium (milk fever).

Cold, wet weather is especially problematic for small, newborn lambs that lose heat quickly.

This can be fatal if they don’t have enough energy reserves to burn to keep warm. Minimising stress and time off feed is crucial, especially in cold, wet weather.

Bulk of feed Isn’t this a good thing?

Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing.

You need to manage a bulk of green feed appropriately. Transition stock on gradually.

Use licks containing salt, limestone and Causmag to ensure ewes have enough calcium and magnesium.

Check that the dry matter content of the pasture isn’t too low.

Think about that pregnant ewe with the big set of twins. There is only so much room in her belly, and most of it is taken up with lambs.

This leaves little room for the rumen, which limits the amount of food she can eat. If most of what she eats is water, she won’t be able to get enough energy to meet her own demands and those of her unborn twins.

Another issue with a bulk of pasture is iodine deficiency.

Iodine in the pasture is at its lowest in winter. In addition to this, sheep obtain a lot of their Iodine from the soil.

When there is a lot of feed, they don’t graze as close to the ground and this limits the amount of soil they eat.

Iodine deficiency in a pregnant ewe can lead to goitre in the newborn lamb. Goitre (the enlargement of the thyroid gland) can sometimes be seen as a swelling around the throat area.

This can cause dystocia as well as leading to the birth of weak lambs that can’t control their body temperature, which makes them more prone to exposure.

Iodine supplementation of the pregnant ewe may be necessary in wet winters (something to consider next year fingers crossed), particularly in areas which are known to have marginal soil iodine.

Build-up of bugs Last but not least is the risk of a build-up of nasties that can cause disease.

Most disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria and protozoa like coccidia, favour wet environments.

The more bugs, the greater the risk of disease.

“My dad always likes to say ‘there is money in mud’.”

LINDA SEARLE

This includes diseases that cause abortions, such as Campylobacter.

Campylobacter bacteria shed in aborted foetuses and, by aborting ewes, can then build up to affect more sheep until an ‘abortion storm’ occurs.

Standing in mud also increases the risk of lameness by softening the feet and disrupting the skin, which allows a point of entry for infection.

This leads to an increase of conditions such as foot abscess and footrot in wet years.

Lambs can also become crook or lame, either through infection of the navel or infected marking or mulesing wounds.

This can lead to an increase in bacterial arthritis and other diseases.

Some diseases can be prevented by vaccination.

You can also try to reduce the exposure of your sheep to disease-causing bugs. This could be by running small mobs, increasing the area ewes have to lamb on, moving mobs from contaminated paddocks or fencing off areas where water is lying on the ground.

My dad always likes to say ‘there is money in mud’. This is true, but it doesn’t mean there are no issues.

Different seasons have different challenges.

Know the risks and preventative strategies to use in a wet year so that you can reap the benefits instead of getting bogged down.

Linda Searle (pictured) is district veterinarian with Murray Local Land Services.

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DENILIQUIN, NSW

Try something new

SEPTEMBER 2020

FARMtalk • 9

New venture: Tim Haines at his Deniliquin-based Boer goat stud.

Tim Haines is a fourth generation dryland and irrigation cropping farmer, but in 2015 took a chance to try something new on the family farm in Deniliquin.

T

im established a Boer goat stud at the Deniliquin property, and shared his time between the stud and his home in Albury.

And while it has been a successful introduction to goat farming, Tim said it has been very difficult in the past couple years just because of increasing work and footy commitments in Albury While the demand for Boers increased in 2020, he will shelve his plans for the stud at the end of this year and wait until there are less time restraints before starting again. ‘‘I wanted to give something new a go and took a keen interest in livestock farming,’’ he said. ‘‘At its peak it was running anywhere between 60 and 80 Boer goats producing close to 140 kids a year. ‘‘I was exporting overseas and selling some to local farmers and others to local abattoirs. ‘‘Although I really enjoyed the genetic side of the breeding, I wanted to try and see whether it

had the potential to outcompete sheep or cropping and I thought having a stud would be the only way as you can produce a higher valued animal for not much more management. ‘‘In the last 12 months it’s become too difficult to run both the stud and work in Albury. I’ve had to sell the goats off and only have five bucks left to sell. ‘‘The export market has suffered since COVID, but I will continue looking for land near Albury and hopefully, one day, I can start a Boer stud again.

Tim forged a love of the agriculture industry growing up working on the family farm on weekends and school holidays.

After graduating from Deniliquin High School, Tim got work with a shearing contractor.

Two years later he embarked on a degree in business agriculture management with Charles Sturt University in Wagga, studying part time so he could continue shearing to earn an income.

Farming enterprise: Boer goats grazing at the Haines’ Deniliquin farm.

“At its peak it was running anywhere between 60 and 80 Boer goats producing close to 140 kids a year” TIM HAINES

It was during this time that Tim decided he wanted to expand his knowledge base. ‘‘During my time shearing in Wagga, I really enjoyed it, it was a really good environment similar to the shearing team in Deniliquin. ‘‘All the shearing team had ambitions to own their own farm or diversify in the ag industry. ‘‘It helped me stay focused on my goals and, in September 2017, I bought a block near The Rock. I have been leasing it out to my brother since January 2018.’’

When he’s not working on his own farming enterprises, Tim is a farm management consultant for Farmanco. ‘‘I really enjoy working as a consultant,’’ he said. ‘‘It has been a tough couple of years for farmers around the district and fingers crossed everyone can capitalise on the good season so far.” ‘‘It’s been an eye opener; in my position I am lucky to work with some very good farmers and I get to help them make the best decisions for the business going forward”

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SEPTEMBER 2020

FARMtalk • 11

Subsoil manuring investigations continuing

Subsoil Manure Rip only

Broadcast Manure Control

Drilling about 20 tonne per hectare of manure into the subsoil has led to substantial yield increases at several locations across the Murray Valley, John Fowler explains.

H

owever, it is a slow and expensive process, so Murray Local Land Services (MLLS) is attempting to determine if: • It is cost-effective • How long the benefit lasts • What soil types benefit from the practice.

MLLS received funding from Catchment Action NSW to undertake subsoil manuring demonstrations. These on-farm demonstrations are located on irrigation properties from Logie Brae in the east to Moulamein in the west. A dryland (i.e. non-irrigated) demonstration is also being conducted near Rand.

What is subsoil manuring?

Subsoil manuring involves drilling about 20t/ ha of manure (usually poultry litter) into the upper subsoil. The manure is usually drilled in lines (‘sausages’) about 25 to 30cm deep and 80cm apart. The aim is to create a favourable zone for root growth in otherwise hostile sodic subsoils.

The subsoils remain sodic, as drilling manure into them doesn’t lower their sodicity. However, the manure lines give the roots a favourable environment in which to grow. They also encourage microbial activity, which helps create better soil structure around the manure lines, further assisting root growth and moisture extraction.

The manure is also a source of organic nitrogen, boosting plant nutrition.

Surface broadcasting of manure Some of the local demonstrations compare the effect of broadcasting manure with drilling it into the subsoil. The surface-applied manure also provides nitrogen to crops and can help improve

“Our demonstrations have shown that subsoil manuring has a greater benefit than broadcast.”

soil surface structure, but it doesn’t improve root growth into the subsoils.

Our demonstrations have shown that subsoil manuring has a greater benefit than broadcast.

Local yield benefits from subsoil manuring In a preliminary trial at Conargo, manure was drilled into the subsoil in 2016. In 2017, the subsoil manuring led to a 25 per cent increase in the yield of Hindmarsh barley. The subsoil manuring area yielded 4.79t/ha, while the untreated area yielded 3.86t/ha (an increase of 0.93t/ha).

Of the seven trials established last year, only two were taken through to grain harvest (due to drought conditions). In both these trials, the yield increase Deniliquin Trial Treatment

Yield (t/ha)

Yield Increase (t/ha)

Control

1.37

-

Broadcast manure

2.35

0.98

Subsoil manure

2.92

1.55

Yield (t/ha)

Yield Increase (t/ha)

Control

5.0

-

Subsoil manure

6.5

1.5

Logie Brae Trial Treatment

JOHN FOWLER

from subsoil manuring was about 1.5t/ha, as shown in Table 1.

How long does the benefit last?

Subsoil manuring is an expensive exercise, so the benefits need to be substantial and longlasting to warrant the expense. The trials reported Increased above show the initial potential benefit from the return practice. However, even if the increase return is ($/ha at $300/t) about $450/ha, it would take at least four years to repay the cost.

Some preliminary trial work has indicated that $294 there is still a benefit from the practice four years after subsoil manuring. However, the magnitude $465 of the benefit needs to be more closely monitored before any conclusions can be made about the cost-benefit of subsoil manuring.

It needs to be stressed that at this stage, Murray Increased Local Land Services is investigating the practice return ($/ha at $300/t) of subsoil manuring, but does not yet have enough data to say if it is economically viable.

John Fowler (pictured) is senior lands services officer – extension agronomist $450 with Murray Local Land Services.

Table 1

SEPTEMBER 2020

12 • FARMtalk

What’s the buzz?

Colligen Creek Honey near Deniliquin started as a small operation, but has quickly expanded into a ‘‘way of life’’ for owners Mark and Janice Behsmann.

A

fter more than a decade shearing, Mr Behsmann established the honey business 10 years ago with 150 hives.

He now travels thousands of kilometres to tend to at least 600 hives a season.

The couple live on a property between Deniliquin and Wakool with their children, but tending to the hives pulled Mr Behsmann to all corners of NSW and sometimes interstate. ‘‘At the moment I have between 500 and 600 active hives, so you’ve got to stay on your toes,’’ he said. ‘‘In a tougher year I have about 400 hives, which still means a lot of travel. ‘‘This will be my eleventh year running Colligen Creek Honey, but back when I started I just wanted to give bee keeping a go. It was something different, and I haven’t looked back since.

‘‘Shearing keeps you fit but bee keeping can be pretty hard work. It was a big learning curve when I first started, and lifting about 20 30kg super boxes about 200 to 300 times a day gets tiring. ‘‘During the year I will travel from the bottom of Hamilton, to the South Australian border and as far up as the Queensland border. At this time of year I’m usually looking to take my bees up to the Queensland border because it’s a lot warmer. ‘‘I have some bees currently pollinating almonds at Swan Hill in Victoria. A purple flower called Paterson’s curse is popping up around Cobar, New South Wales and is good for bees to pollinate too. ‘‘I have most of my hives at Pyangle, New South Wales, and I have some at Kyabram pollinating the stone fruit too.

Louis Behsmann inspecting one of the 600 bee hives.

COLLIGEN CREEK, NSW

‘‘Stone fruit is one of the best things for honey production, and bees are also good for the stone fruit trees as well. ‘‘We always get a better yield when bees are pollinating stone fruit and, at times, I have farmers paying me to bring my boxes to their farms.’’

Mr Behsmann’s passion for the industry has grown alongisde his business, and so too has his knowledge of bees. ‘‘It’s a fascinating job, you get to see what is happening and how honey is made firsthand,’’ Mr Behsmann said. ‘‘It’s very rewarding and interesting to see a heap of bees all together. ‘‘When going through different boxes it’s interesting to see that one hive can be so good and another not so, depending on the queens that live in there.’’

He said the quality and yield of honey he produces each season can vary depending on the flowers and the mating of the bees.

For his bees, it’s all about chasing weather patterns. ‘‘Right now, I’ve got Coney Island, Italian Gold, Black Russians and another Pure Black bee queens.

SEPTEMBER 2020

FARMtalk • 13

Mark Behsmann checks the status of each hive regularly to ensure bees are active and the habitat is safe.

Colligen Creek Honey bee hives situated in Canola paddocks to help with breeding.

‘‘I’m slowly transitioning into bringing in more black bees as they’re a very quiet bee. Gold bees tend to be more active and some can be quite nasty. ‘‘At this time of year, I’m madly cleaning boxes to have them ready for the bees. If their habitat isn’t ready they will go elsewhere. ‘‘There’s a lot to get ready. Bees tend to breed well in canola and there’s a lot starting to flower. ‘‘In a good season my bees can yield about 100 to 120 drums of honey, with each drum containing about 240 litres. ‘‘I send most of my drums to a Melbourne based company via courier, some will also go to Archibald Honey and the rest is sold locally. ‘‘In a lighter year I will only produce about 60 to 70 drums. ‘‘The industry is about following the weather, depending on the year. You need to look out for when it is going to rain and when it will be sunny.’’

Honey for human consumption is a large part of the business, but Colligen Creek Honey also produces a range of health products using their produce. ‘‘I supply some honey around Deniliquin and give some pure honey to locals at the farms I have my boxes at. ‘‘My wife makes four different creams out of honey and bee’s wax, mostly for healing purposes. She also makes a soap too. ‘‘These products are available at the Naponda Community Store in Deniliquin and the Deniliquin Peppin Heritage Centre and Visitor Information Centre. ‘‘We also have a fair bit of honey at the Wakool store since we live halfway between there and Deni.’’

The health properties of honey has been common knowledge for a number of years, but in early September researchers discovered bees can make an even greater contribution to the health of Australians.

The study by Dr Ciara Duffy from Perth’s Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research has demonstrated honeybee venom is found to rapidly kill aggressive and hard-to-treat breast cancer cells, especially when used in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs.

Mr Behsmann’s said apart from the travel, one of the hardest things about managing bees is the need to keep in constant communication with the farmers which house his hives on their properties.

He said some farm activity can be harmful to the insects or jeopardise their production. ‘‘The hardest thing about being in the bee industry is having to combat pesticide spraying,’’ he said. ‘‘I have many of my boxes around farms and all it takes is a phone call from the farmer to let me know to remove the boxes in time for their spraying. ‘‘Last year I lost 96 hives which cost about $400 each to replace. Even in a good year, losing hives can hurt you. It cost me about $100,000 to replace lost hives and product.’’

But the job can’t be too intensive if Mr Behsmann’s wants to enter the new family MARK BEHSMANN business. ‘‘We now have a secondgeneration beekeeper in the family, as my eldest son Louis has started taking an interest recently. ‘‘He helps with everything; he puts on the suit and helps with collection and moving of the hives.

It’s looking like a good year for us.’’

“It’s a fascinating job, you get to see what is happening and how honey is made firsthand.”

SEPTEMBER 2020

14 • FARMtalk

Is your livestock enterprise profitable?

If you are a livestock producer in the Riverina right now, you should be living in the land of milk and honey ... shouldn’t you?, Adrian Smith asks.

I

f we were to take at face value what’s shaping up as a good season, coupled with near record prices (at least for cattle), then we could possibly say there might not be a better time to be a producer of red meat products.

Notwithstanding that drought and bushfires are still fresh in producers’ minds, and now a global pandemic causing disruptions to supply chains,

then yes, as a livestock producer, things aren’t too bad.

Not wanting to ‘rain on the parade’, but as a producer, do you really know how your livestock enterprises are performing?

If we are living in this ‘utopia’ at the moment, we should be doing everything we possibly can to make the most of these good times.

As a livestock producer, there’s no doubt there is a degree of satisfaction and pride in producing quality animals.

And while most producers have a real passion and even ‘love’ for their livestock, at the end of the day, we can’t continue if we are not making a profit.

SEPTEMBER 2020

FARMtalk • 15

What are the drivers of profitable livestock businesses?

Not matter what the enterprise, there are a number of critical things which drive profitable livestock businesses. These mainly revolve around the quantity (and quality) of the product you sell, and what it has cost you to produce it.

Not rocket science by any stretch, but do you know specifically how your business, and the enterprise(s) within it, are performing?

Whilst the price you receive for what you produce is important, it is not the main driver of profitability.

The key factors driving profitable livestock enterprises are: • Stocking rate • Weaning rate • Growth rate • Cost of production These factors are all directly within the remit of each individual producer.

And while there are a range of things beyond our control (such as drought, flood, rainfall etc), it is important not to focus on these – but manage and improve those things that we can control.

The business imperative is to produce as much beef, lamb, wool, goat or whatever from each hectare of your property at the least cost.

And while every business is unique - and varies according to location, natural resources, availability of capital, propensity to take on risk, family issues and the like - it is really important to understand these key drivers of profit are universal.

Do you know how your livestock enterprises stack up?

A really valuable piece of work completed by consultants Holmes and Sackett for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) showed that in 2015/16 the top 20 per cent of prime lamb enterprises

“The business imperative is to produce as much beef, lamb, wool, goat or whatever from each hectare of your property at the least cost.”

ADRIAN SMITH

achieve an average profit of $25/DSE, which was 150 per cent more than the average enterprise.

Where does your business fit?

Are you a top 20 per cent producer? Are you some where in the middle? Or do you (like most of us) not really know?

Whilst your accountants and financial advisors can provide you with valuable insights into how your business(es) are performing, the real value comes when you benchmark yourself against other producers.

This can be challenging (from a range of perspectives) but will ultimately provide you and your business with the information needed to improve profitability.

And the good news for those who aren’t one of the top 20 per cent is that by gaining a better understanding of your business, it can allow you to identify any shortcomings, and importantly implement changes that can take you to the ‘next level’ in terms of your business performance, and enjoy all the benefits that this can bring.

What to do next?

Gaining a greater understanding of how your business performs might sound a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

Once you have developed this sound knowledge of your own business, it can often lead to changes in the way you manage your business, and make it more pleasurable as well as more profitable!

There is a saying; ‘work on your business rather than in your business’. It simply means investing some time and energy understanding what makes your business tick rather than spending more time on the ‘day-to-day’ stuff!

Talk with your accountants and financial planners as a starting point. You will find a lot of the information you need to start analysing your business already exists. You just need to invest some time!

Consider becoming a member of a local group of like-minded producers. This can often take you ‘outside your comfort zone’, but there is nothing more valuable than comparing and seeing how and what other producers are doing better or differently.

And finally, talk to your industry representatives.

Organisations such as MLA have a wealth of information which can assist you to become more profitable and operate a more successful farm business.

That ‘utopia’ mentioned at the outset may be a little outside our grasp, but by gaining a greater insight into how your business and enterprises(s) perform, it can empower you to take your business to the next level, improve its performance and importantly provide the opportunity to maximise the enjoyment you get out of running a successful livestock business.

Adrian Smith is senior lands services officer – mixed farming with Murray Local Land Services.

SEPTEMBER 2020

16 • FARMtalk

DENILIQUIN & FINLEY, NSW

Local schools top Riverina The Deniliquin and Finley high schools have finished one, two in the Riverina section of the NSW School Merino Wether Challenge.

Top in Riverina: Finley students Dakota Cracknell, Hayley Palmer and Caitlin Griffiths with the team one wethers.

B

oth schools also finished in the top five of the state, with one of the two Deniliquin teams finishing second of 100 teams from 50 schools and one of two from Finley finishing fifth.

All participating schools were gifted seven Merino wethers at the start of this year, and the school teams were responsible for their diet and health for six months.

The six best sheep from each school, in two teams of three, were judged in Dubbo last month on three key features — sheep, wool and carcase value.

Deni’s top team recorded $515 (second in the Riverina) in sheep value, $215.93 (third in Riverina) for wool value and $476.33 (second in Riverina) in carcase value.

Their best lamb weighed 69kg had 14mm fat depth, 22 eye muscle depth and produced 8.4kg fleece at 19.6 micron Finley’s top team recorded $525 (first in the state) in sheep value, $174.81 (15th in state) and $478.91 (first in state) in carcase value.

Deniliquin High School agriculture teacher Emily Pearn said the students performed well, raising quality lambs for the challenge.

She said what they learned this year would be put in to practice for next year’s competition, where the school hopes to improve on its results. ‘‘The students were responsible for the health and wellbeing of the wethers, adjusting their diet, monitoring their weight gain and teaching them

“Students learned about current industry practice and got hands on experience drafting and yarding sheep.”

EMILY PEARN

to lead with the aim of producing a commercially productive animal,’’ Mrs Pearn said. ‘‘Students learned about current industry practice and got hands on experience drafting and yarding sheep. ‘‘One of the things we identified was investing in a bigger feeder so there is more room for the sheep to gain better access to the pellets, and we would like to thank the Malin family who have just recently donated a Bromar lickfeeder. ‘‘We also identified inaccuracy in our data collection and shelter as areas of improvement, and are looking to invest in a set of sheep scales and build a new shelter in the paddock.’’

The judging at Dubbo was the culmination of a longer program which saw students participate in independent school lessons with agriculture staff, and various training days earlier this year.

Training was held in Dubbo from March 10 to 12, with 200 students from 32 schools across the

region participating in mini workshops on topics including agricultural careers, sheep selection using measured and visual appraisal, animal husbandry, nutritional requirements, sheep and wool handling and judging, and the profit drivers in Merino sheep production.

In a follow up session, 116 students from 20 schools attended a training day at the Jerilderie Saleyards complex. In Jerilderie students rotated through a series of mini workshops to learn about the sheep and wool industry.

Finley High agriculture teacher Gary Webb said it was a good learning tool for the students. ‘‘The challenge is all about the students and introducing them to the process,’’ he said. ‘‘Each week the students monitored and weighed the Merinos and helped break them in. ‘‘Last year it was a bit unfortunate. We underfed our wethers and while we thought they were a good size, when we got up to Dubbo they were a bit smaller than the top lambs. ‘‘They were judged on a commercial basis and I’m proud of the students and the school for how we’ve done.’’

All wethers were sold after judging. The schools receive the proceeds from the sheep sol, after minus the initial cost of the lamb and the cost of freight.

The annual NSW School Merino Wether Challenge is organised by the NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association, with support from Australian Wool Innovation.

SEPTEMBER 2020

FARMtalk • 17

Good fences make good neighbours Old folk say ‘‘good fences make good neighbours’’, and never has a good neighbour and a good fence been of more relevance than now.

W

e live in times when community and oldfashioned values of quality, integrity and reliability are worth more than the promise of a good deal.

Australian Concrete Posts is a company you can trust.

Its products are manufactured to strict consistent quality.

ACP Directors Richard Mould and Alan Theron say it uses only certified concrete and steel and their products are tried and tested all over Australia. ‘‘ACP make products that will last for generations, that’s just the way we do business — from our family to yours, now and for the future,’’ Richard said. ‘‘We do business with integrity. The best testament to business’ success is the feedback. ‘‘We must be doing something right, our customers often come back as raving fans and order more posts! Plus, they tell their neighbours!’’

Proudly Australian, ACP products are manufactured from locally sourced suppliers, and made by local workers for Australian farmers.

ACP offers a lifetime guarantee of their posts, which they say will not burn. ‘‘They will not rot in damp or acid sulphate soils,’’ Alan said.

‘‘They will not rust and they will never be eaten by termites. ACP can offer this guarantee, because they trust and know the quality of their products.’’

ACP supply rural stores, fencing contractors and farmers with concrete posts and patented fencing systems.

Call the friendly team or explore the website for more. You’ll have peace-of-mind knowing you chose the people and products you can trust.

Fence it once, fence it right with Australian Concrete Posts. Go to www.ConcretePosts.com.au for more details.

“Our customers often come back as raving fans and order more posts! Plus, they tell their neighbours!”

RICHARD MOULD

Murray Local Land Services INVASIVE SPECIES

FOXES in FOCUS Spring is a key time to focus on removing foxes from the landscape. Our group spring baiting program is one of the most effective ways to achieve knockdown of foxes over a wide area.

Foxes are a major predator of lambs, poultry and goat kids. They play a significant role in the decline of native wildlife, including small mammals, turtles, lizards and bird species. Foxes also carry diseases such as mange and tapeworm.

BAITING & COVID-19 As a result of the COVID-10 pandemic, we’ve changed the arrangements for landholders wishing to pick up baits so that appropriate social distancing is observed.

All the same pick-up locations will be used, but collection will be by appointment only. This means that each fox baiting group is still baiting at the same time, but that the contact between the group members is reduced.

All Murray Local Land Services customers have been mailed our spring fox baiting guide, which lists bait drop-off dates and local contacts for ordering and appointments.

Call our Invasive Species team to get involved 03 5881 9900 (Deniliquin) 03 5886 2100 (Jerilderie) 02 6051 2200 (Albury)

For further information: Murray Local Land Services P: 03 5881 9900 (Deniliquin) 03 5886 2100 (Jerilderie) 02 6051 2200 (Albury)

www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/murray

SEPTEMBER 2020

FARMtalk • 19

Use the experts Managing small businesses (farms included) is a huge challenge, Peppin Insurance managing director Justine Keech writes.

A

s the manager of an insurance brokerage I spend a huge amount of time working on the business when I would like to be working in the business.

In the business I have a huge amount of expertise and can rely on my team. When I’m working on the business, my expertise ends and some help is needed!

You can’t be an expert in every field, whether it’s financial, employment practices, OH&S, compliance … the list goes on. It’s the same challenge for every business owner.

When the wheels fall off in areas outside our expertise we need support and assistance that can be relied on, and that’s why it’s vital that if you are employing staff you need to consider Employment Practices (EPL) and Statutory Liability (SL) Insurance.

These insurances may be rolled into a Management Liability product or purchased as stand alone insurances.

What are they?

Not more insurance I hear you say!

Every employer knows that great staff can make a business and bad staff can break one.

If things end badly or get ugly with an employee EPL is your go to. EPL offers cover for professional assistance and costs which may be awarded against you in an employment practices dispute.

Particularly important for employers with hands on employees (farmers, trades, truckers and industrial businesses) is SL insurance. As the name suggests statutory liability covers issues that arise as a result of infringing statutory regulators, in particular WorkCover and the EPA. Should an incident occur that attracts the notice of either of these bodies SL kicks in and provides assistance in much the same way as EPL. Give me some examples?

The Smith family employ Bert on their farm.

Bert’s usual job is with stock but he is pulled in during harvest to assist.

“Finding experts in the field of Statute Law and Employment Practices is not easy, particularly in the bush.”

JUSTINE KEECH

Cleaning out machinery during harvest Bert suffers a serious injury and a claim is lodged with WorkCover. WorkCover investigate.

• Scenario 1: WorkCover find that the Smiths had given adequate training and a plan for cleaning the machinery which Bert had neglected to follow because he was in a hurry. The Smiths have SL cover and they have received advice and legal representation throughout. Because someone else has been managing the claim the Smiths have been able to spend the time working with Bert to get him back to work and there is no ill feeling.

• Scenario 2: WorkCover find that the Smiths had not given adequate training and there was no plan for how machines to be cleaned. The Smiths assumed that Bert knew what to do. The Smiths have no SL cover and have to find advice and legal representation at their own cost. They are fined $50,000 which they also have to find. Total cost to the Smiths is in excess of $100,000. Their relationship with Bert has deteriorated and his ongoing employment is difficult. The Smith’s are having difficulty sleeping and have lost hundreds of hours away from their business trying to deal with the matter themselves.

George is working for a processing company.

He is being bullied due to his ethnic heritage.

He reports it to his boss, Jess, who works with staff to address the problem. The problem persists and George resigns and launches proceedings.

Scenario 1: Jess’s EPL insurer takes over.

Despite her actions Jess is found to be negligent and George is awarded $25,000. Whilst she has

learned from the experience Jess has been able to maintain focus on her business and has experienced little interruption. All her legal costs and expenses are covered.

Scenario 2: With no EPL cover, Jess has to deal with a legal process which is unknown to her. Her choice is to appoint a legal team or do it herself – she decides on the legal team. She is found to have done all the right things but her legal costs are $10,000.

Why take it out?

Whilst cost of litigation and fines is the driving reason to take EPL and SL, there are other motivating factors: • Peace of mind - Giving issues like these over to professionals and the capacity to distance yourself are great incentives.

• Time - Most proprietors don’t have the time to prepare the information or documentation required for issues like this. Let alone the impact being away from your operation has on your business.

• Expertise - Finding experts in the field of Statute Law and Employment Practices is not easy, particularly in the bush.

• Sleep! - I like to sleep and insurance like this helps me do it.

These covers are not for everyone, but at the very least talk to your insurance broker about whether they fit into your risk management program. Then you can get on with driving your business.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

FARMtalk • 21

Notify easily A new online portal gives NSW residents the ability to quickly and easily notify fire services when they’re planning to use fire on their property.

T

he NSW Rural Fire Service portal means residents can use their mobile phone or desktop computer to lodge their notifications about planned hazard reductions or burn offs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Mid Murray Superintendent Tony Whitehorn said by using the new tool, users can help prevent unnecessary emergency calls. ‘‘As we approach the bush fire season, many landholders are taking the opportunity to burn off – but it’s important they do it safely and let us and their neighbours know,’’ he said. ‘‘Landholders need to make sure they’ve obtained any required permits and permissions, as well as notifying neighbours and fire authorities 24 hours before lighting up. ‘‘This tool makes it easier to notify the RFS before conducting your burn. ‘‘If fire services know about it, it can help prevent unnecessary emergency calls and firefighters from needing to respond.’’

By using the new tool, landholders will be notified of any Total Fire Bans and will be advised to not proceed with their burn.

Supt Whitehorn said while landholders are encouraged to reduce fuel loads on their property,

it is imperative that it is done so safely and legally. ‘‘Before lighting any fire you need to have adequately prepared fire breaks and have firefighting equipment on hand to ensure the fire does not escape. ‘‘Every landholder has a responsibility to prevent fire spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences for people who light fires and leave them unattended.’’

To notify of your intent to burn off, use the new online burn notification tool at www. rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify. Landholders can still notify the NSW RFS by contacting their local Fire Control Centre.

“This tool makes it easier to notify the RFS before conducting your burn.”

TONY WHITEHORN

Are you ready?

All Mid Murray Zone farmers are encouraged to ensure they are prepared for the coming fire season.

N

SW RFS Inspector Doug Adamson said landholders should now be implementing their fire protection strategy. ‘‘This includes landholders placing firebreaks around valuable assets on their property and ensuring firefighting equipment is in good working order. ‘‘Loose fuels such as dry grass, fallen leaves and dead branches should be cleared in a wide area around all buildings and fences. ‘‘An effective fuel break can be achieved by grazing, slashing or mowing and by using summer fodder crops, herbicides or burning off.’’

Insp Adamson said landholders who are considering burning off fuel on their property may require a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate.

Landholders must also hold a fire permit before conducting any burn offs during the Bush Fire Danger Period. ‘‘The conditions of the fire permit are basic common sense, which include having a responsible adult present at the fire until it is extinguished. ‘‘Even with a permit, landholders should check if a Total Fire Ban has been declared in their area before lighting a burn off.

“Loose fuels should be cleared around all buildings and fences.”

DOUG ADAMSON

“Your local Rural Fire Brigade station or Fire Control Centre can provide advice and help with fire permit applications.’’

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FARMtalk • 23

Small farms, small grants Farmers, fishers and foresters can now apply for Commonwealth funding of up to $100,000 to support their natural resource management efforts.

Applications for Round 4 of Smart Farms Small Grants opened in August and close on October 9, 2020.

Smart Farms Small Grants support projects that address a range of natural resource management issues including soil health, pest and weed management, farm production efficiency, Indigenous involvement, climate and market risk and use of new technologies to improve sustainable practices.

Projects may be delivered locally, regionally and multi-regionally and must be completed by June 30, 2023.

For more information and to apply, visit the Community Grants Hub at https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/ grants.

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Photo of the Month Deniliquin’s Atkinson family had an extra reason to celebrate on the first day of spring, with their miniature horse Maddie giving birth to an adorable chestnut filly on September 1.

Standing just 48cm (19 inches) tall, Daryl and Glenda Atkinson said she was the first foal for Maddie and stallion Stuart, who they purchased in September 2019.

‘‘She doesn’t have a name yet but I have been calling her a little munchkin,’’ Glenda said.

The filly is expected to reach 85cm in height, similar to her mum.

Farm Talk advertising consultant Kylie Davis snapped this photo on behalf of the family.

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

New Stock Gal Strainers

Extra Heavy Ag Post

100NB X 4.0 MM 2400MM $48.50

XH FENCE POST BLACK 1800 $14.50

80NB X 4.0 MM 2400MM $32.60

XH FENCE POST GAL 1800 $ 17.70

50NB X 3.0 MM 3100MM $25.00

STOCK COMING SOON

Heavy 3way Race

Pre Order Cattle Panels 115 X 42 5 RAIL

$125

80 X 40 6 RAIL

$96.00

1760each

$

Adjustable Cattle Loading Ramp • All Galvanised

Construction • Wooden Floor • Australian Made

Adjustable Sheep Loading Ramp • Fully Galvanised • 3.15m Long x 600mm Wide (Internal) • Walkway & Handrail • Fully Sheeted Sides

1980each

1750each

$

Big Square Bale Feeder

$

Get Into Groove Tube Groove Tube is Galvanised lightweight steel tubing Joining Brackets & Span Tables Available!

100mm x 50mm Available in 6100 mm Lengths 100mm x 50mm Available in 8000 mm Lengths 150mm x 50mm Available in 8000 mm Lengths

575each

$

$42.00 EA $55.00 EA $101.65 EA

Use Groove Tube For: Flooring systems, shed purlins, pergola beams, stock yards, property entrances, fencing of all types, concrete boxing, innovative building

Cnr Wakool Road & Kelly Street

DENILIQUIN

Ph: (03) 5881 5541 Mobile: 0427 203 334 Fax: (03) 5881 6146