Farming Extra Spring 2019

Farming

Extra

SPRING 2019

Farming Extra is produced by the Southern Riverina News

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PAGE 2—‘Farming Extra Spring’, 2019

■ Marj Evans, SunRice Chairman Laurie Arthur and Ron and Judy Hemley following the presentation of the SunRice AGM awards.

■ Associate professor Nick Paul shows off the pink seaweed that can be used to help stop greenhouse gas emissions from cows.

Pink seaweed cattle feed Queensland researchers say a pink seaweed that stops cows from burping could help slash Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Asparagopsis grows prolifically off the Queensland coast and a CSIRO study five years ago found it was the only seaweed that stops cows burping methane into the atmosphere.

Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast are now investigating how it might be farmed on a commercial scale and added to cattle feed to slash emissions.

Associate professor Nick Paul said Australia’s emissions could be cut by 10 per cent if every cow in Australia was fed the seaweed. ‘‘Seaweed is something that cows are known to eat,’’ Prof Paul said. ‘‘They will actually wander down to the beach and have a bit of a nibble. ‘‘When added to cow feed, at less than two per cent of the dry matter, this particular seaweed completely knocks out methane production.’’

The seaweed contains chemicals that reduce the microbes in the cow’s stomach that cause them to burp when they eat grass.

Prof Paul said global interest in the seaweed was high and the goal now was to work out how to sustainably farm enough to supplement cattle feed on a national, or even global scale.

Scientist Ana Wegner says efforts are focused on how to produce seaweed with greater concentrations of the chemical that stops cows from producing so much gas.

Ms Wegner said the team’s challenge was to find the perfect growing conditions to

move crops from the laboratory to large outdoor aquaculture tanks. ‘‘We know the chemical composition of Asparagopsis and we know the chemical compounds that actually reduce methane production in cows, so now we want to maximise the concentration of that chemical so we can use less seaweed for the same effect,’’ Ms Wegner said.

Prof Paul added this seaweed has caused a lot of global interest. ‘‘People around the world are working to make sure the cows are healthy, the beef and the milk are good quality,’’ he said. ‘‘That’s all happening right now. ‘‘But the one missing step, the big thing that is going to make sure this works at a global scale, is to make sure we can produce the seaweed sustainably.’’

Prof Paul said agriculture accounted for six per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and methane was a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. ‘‘It has 28 times the heating potential of CO2 and most of that agricultural production of methane is coming from livestock that are ruminants,’’ he said. ‘‘If were able to work out how to scale up the seaweed to a level that can feed all of the cows and the sheep and the goats around the world, then it’s going to have a huge impact on the climate.’’

The USC team is working at the Bribie Island Research Centre in Moreton Bay to learn more about how to grow the seaweed species, with the goal of informing a scaleup of production that could supplement cow feed on a national or even global scale.

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Rice families’ special honour SunRice Chairman Laurie Arthur made a special presentation to two rice growing families at the company’s 2019 annual general meeting to recognise their extraordinary dedication to the Australian rice industry.

Mr Arthur presented service awards to Ron and Judy Hemley for their 72 years of continual growing and delivery of rice and to Marj Evans, and in memory of her late husband Ivor, for their 68 years of continual growing and delivery of rice.

The Hemleys grew their first crop in 1947 and they have not missed a delivery since.

They share-farm with Serg Panazzolo and their legacy is in good hands with their grandson Brett Turner recently winning the highest yield award at the Rice Industry Awards. ‘‘While several growers have grown rice for many years, what sets these two families apart is that they have not missed a year for 72 and 68 years respectively, even when drought threatened to decimate the industry in C08 and just 19,000 tonnes of rice was produced. This is a feat that is unlikely to be repeated,’’ Mr Arthur said.

Thrilled to receive this recognition, Mrs Hemley said farming has been her family’s life. ‘‘We have enjoyed every minute of it. ‘‘The rice industry has always been good to us and we have tried to support the industry when times have been tough. ‘‘Farming as with nature is cyclical.

‘‘We have seen good and challenging times but sticking to what you know and a system that works has done well for us.’’

Marj and Ivor Evans made their first delivery in 1952 and have also not missed a year since.

Mrs Evans, who sharefarms with Dick Thompson, was surprised and equally delighted her family’s support of the industry has been acknowledged in this way, reminiscing about life in the early days of growing rice post World War II. ‘‘I have wonderful memories of the close-knit community around the area,’’ she said. ‘‘Many rice growers were returned soldiers and all had a pioneering spirit and just got on with what needed to be done. ‘‘Rice has always been a wonderful industry to be involved in and those who established it should be proud of the legacy they have left. ‘‘The value adding that the rice industry does and what that means to the community is marvellous, what other agricultural industry achieves that? ‘‘Our research and development is second to none and the new varieties we have are great. ‘‘I would love for the wider community to know just how good we are, particularly with water efficiency. ‘‘We have such a great story to tell and we need to be louder in telling it,’’ Mrs Evans said.

MIL announces five nominees Voting for Murray Irrigation’s three shareholder director vacancies for the organisation’s board of directors will start soon with five nominees announced.

MIL CEO Phil Endley said the successful candidates will join the board’s three existing independent directors and two existing shareholder directors to oversee the strategic direction of the company.

The nominees are as follows: ● Jonathon Gatacre ● Louis Kelly ● Steven Fawns ● Noel Baxter ● Ryan Gleeson Mr Fawns, Mr Baxter and Mr Gleeson are current board members who are seeking reelection. ‘‘The board recently completed the company’s 2025 Strategic Plan and it will be the responsibility of the elected members to oversee the delivery of this,’’ Mr Endley said. ‘‘Importantly, incoming directors must be

prepared to place the company’s interests above their own and make decisions that support the sustainability of the company and the overarching needs of its shareholders.’’

Shareholder voting will be conducted via postal ballot with ballot papers mailed on Tuesday, October 1.

The Australian Election Company, an independent voting and electoral service provider, will conduct the election.

The postal ballot will close at 5pm, Tuesday October 29.

Mr Endley said it was important all votes are received by the Australian Election Company by then. ‘‘We strongly encourage all shareholders to vote to ensure their voice is heard and reflected in Murray Irrigation’s strategic direction,’’ he said.

Murray Irrigation has conducted standard ASIC checks and routine due diligence on each candidate to ensure they are eligible for nomination.

‘Farming Extra Spring’, 2019—PAGE 3

Connectivity inside and out The new Fendt 900 Vario offers full connectivity inside and outside the cab.

The tractor cab with all its controls, is the driver’s workplace.

With the new Fendt 900 Vario comes a new class of cab, the Fendt Life Cab which introduces the latest connectivity to display machine data from the 900 Vario in real time.

The basic ‘ready’ telemetry package has all the hardware you need to capture and send on the data for a variety of new services.

The tractor also features a Smart Connect service for the driver, assisting the driver to show information for control purposes.

The driver connects an iPad to the Fendt 900 Vario via the machine’s internal WiFi. Machine parameters, such as the tractor position, the worked area, speed, fuel consumption and engine load, are sent straight to the tablet during use.

This display can be plotted on a map or as a graphical sequence for the last 60 minutes.

The tablet’s screen also serves as an additional display area for the successful Varioterminal.

The new Fendt 900 Vario was designed for heavy traction work on every field across the world.

With its popular flange or bar axle, it offers a variety of different tyre combinations.

But in order to meet global requirements, there is also a 60 inch track variant for the new series.

This means that the high-power tractor can be used for row-crop applications.

The front axle, designed to fully power the tractor, has been further developed.

Maintenance-free double wishbone axles provide for hydropneumatic single-wheel suspension.

The VarioGrip tyre pressure regulation system is also available as an option for the new 900-series.

What is unique is that you can also adjust the tyre pressure for twin tyres from the comfort of the cab on the row-crop model, by integrating it with the vehicle's valve and air guidance technology, even while driving.

If certain parameters are preset for one type of job, the Fendt Grip Assistant supports the driver in the Varioterminal

■ The Fendt 900 Vario is available from Cobram Farm Equipment. either determining the ideal ballast and the right tyre pressure at a pre-defined speed, or it can determine the best possible working speed and optimal tyre pressure if the ballast on the tractor is already fixed.

To bring the power to the ground, transfer traction and increase the footprint, a new large tyre has been specially developed for the new 900-series, with a maximum diameter of 2.2m (750/70R44).

The new Fendt 900 Vario features more power with a modular hydraulics system.

There are two load-sensing pumps (LS) with 165 or 220 litres of flow capacity.

You can also install an optional highperformance hydraulics of 430l/min with two independent hydraulics circuits.

Two autonomous axial piston pumps meet the requirements of different flow and pressure levels in the two active hydraulics circuits.

The volume flow is 220l/min at control pump one, and 210l/min at control pump two.

With built-in pressure limit valves, the

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pumps always supply the right amount of oil in their active circuits according to the pressure.

The high hydraulic power is aligned with the low-speed concept Fendt iD. In addition to performance and longevity, many 900-series customers are also interested in topics such as safety, comfort or ease of use.

For the first time, an infotainment system is offered as an option, operated on the tractor terminal.

For the new high-end hands-free speaking system, eight inter-communicating microphones were integrated into the sunroof, suppressing interference and making speech clearer.

This provides excellent call quality even during field use.

You can also have a new radio built-in that gives you worldwide reception, as it includes all frequencies and sources.

External audio sources — Bluetooth/USB/ AUX-in — can also be played through the new sound system.

This is available in two different versions, as an infotainment package with four speakers or as a premium version with a 4.1 sound system and subwoofer integrated into the soundbar.

Two antennas are built in at a 90° angle into the side window, ensuring outstanding, reliable reception.

At the customer’s request, a new extendible multi-functional tool compartment was built in on the right side of the new 900 Vario. An individual storage solution for the driver, depending on how you want to use it, provides room for a pull-out toolbox or a washing box with a 12-litre water tank.

ISOBUS attachments are intuitively controlled on the Varioterminal. With the help of TIM (Tractor Implement Management), the settings of the tractor and attachment optimise themselves to increase the productivity of a machine combination.

With TIM-ready attachments, like the Fendt Tigo XR combi wagon, you can control certain tractor functions like the driving speed.

As well as the Fendt 900 Vario, the TIMready option is available on all series with the current Varioterminal 10.4".

The new rear and wide angle mirrors are electrically adjustable. Move the telescopic mirror in and out using the hotkey on the terminal. A mirror heater is also available as an option.

As well as the conventional locking system with conventional key, the new series will also be offered to customers with a safety locking system and combined immobiliser.

This system ensures the highest level of security against machine theft and unauthorised fuel siphoning.

This coded key is for the cab door, ignition lock, bonnet and fuel tank.

For further information on the new Fendt 900 Vario, contact Cobram Farm Equipment on 5872 1722.

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PAGE 4—‘Farming Extra Spring’, 2019

Scientist chooses life in agriculture

By Sophie Baldwin From scientist to farmer has been an interesting transition for Kendra Kerrisk.

Although she had a career in research, farming had always been something she wanted to do.

As a scientist it more than appealed to her curious mind.

It was just working out what to farm that was proving to be the problem she had to solve, but in the end she got there and now she is on the rather unusual journey of establishing niche markets in olive oil and oats.

These two products might have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with each other, except the awards she keeps winning for them.

Originally from New Zealand, Kendra and her husband Brent moved to Sydney around 15 years ago.

Kendra had a job at Sydney University and rather than pay the expensive house prices of inner Sydney they decided to look further afield for some land.

They purchased their first property in 2007, a 640-acre farming block at Coolamon which was cropped for wheat, barley and canola on a share arrangement. ‘‘We knew absolutely nothing about cropping on our own,’’ she said. ‘‘Our extended family were croppers and my husband had spent a bit of time on the header and in the truck, which he loved, so when we moved he really wanted to get some land.’’

Around five years ago another block of land came up for sale down the road.

Similar in size and use to their previous purchase, this one had one major difference in that it was also home to a neglected olive grove on 12 acres.

The family decided they had two

options - bulldoze the grove to grow more crops or leave it and have a go themselves. ‘‘I knew absolutely nothing about growing olives, actually at that point I didn’t even like them,’’ she laughed.

After much deliberation (scientific parlance for having one too many wines) she thought she could have a go at making olive oil and Brushwoods Olive Oil was born.

Kendra gave herself a three-year probationary period and then she would decide the orchard’s fate.

She figured that would give her enough time to develop some knowledge and see if she actually liked growing olives.

A friend was also looking for something to do so she was coopted to the project and although she eventually ended up moving on to try other things Kendra stayed on the job.

Initially they were simply pickers and pruners and they set to work.

And it did take hours and hours of hard work including pruning, watching and waiting to get that very first taste of fresh extra virgin olive oil. ‘‘Our first harvest was just 17 litres, I put it up for an award and was surprised when we won,’’ Kendra said. ‘‘I look back now and think what a waste it would have really been, had we actually gone through and bulldozed the lot.’’

Kendra made the early decision to keep her product seasonal - once it’s gone, it’s gone.

And boy does it go; it walks out the door every year.

The olives are contract harvested because the couple found there was too much waste handpicking and Kendra is passionate about minimising waste.

There was talk of expanding the 800-tree orchard which includes varieties Manzanilla, Frantoio, Wagga Verdale and Hardys Mammoth, but in the end, Kendra

decided to keep things small and seasonal. ‘‘We focus on quality and freshness and watching people experience, and enjoy, such a fresh product is part of what really got us hooked,’’ she said. ‘‘We just knew that we had to continue on the journey of putting high quality and nutritious ingredients in people’s pantries.’’

Adding another line to the Brushwoods’ empire was thus required. ‘‘I couldn’t make a living out of olive oil alone when I retired from being a scientist, so it was logical for us to grow an additional side business.’’

That side business became Brushwoods fresh rolled groats and steel cut oats.

And not the common, every-day dry oats. These are rather fresh oats, something no-one else in Australia produces.

The process of drying is common in oats because it removes the moisture and prevents the drop of oil in each grain from going rancid, which gives them a much longer shelf life.

But fresh oats are a point of difference.

To gauge interest in her planned product, Kendra began madly making porridge for anyone and everyone who walked through her front door. Each sampler was madly quizzed, and the feedback duly taken on board.

It might have been a far cry from the usually disciplined research for which scientists are known - there were no control groups, just visitors press-ganged into cooperation (and a filling meal whether they wanted it or not).

“Dried oats have quite a nutty flavour while fresh oats have a completely different creamy taste and texture,” she said.

The response from family and friends was so positive Kendra purchased her first tonne of fresh oats and away she went.

■ Kendra Kerrisk.

Now she wants to eventually package and sell her own oats, but the quantities she is currently processing are not sustainable on a commercial scale and that is unlikely to happen until she hits around 10 tonnes.

“If we put our own oats through the de-hulling process they wouldn’t even come out the other end of the machine. ‘‘Our aim is to eventually have our own paddock-grown oats in our packages but until then we will buy them in, roll, vacuum seal and package them ourselves.”

Growth has been slow, but production has more then doubled in two years to around 2.5 tonnes.

The fresh rolled oats were recently announced as state winners in the 2019 Delicious Harvey Norman Awards.

Kendra is not ruling out adding other lines to Brushwoods and remains passionate about connecting Australians to healthy, quality products.

“Food used to be sourced directly from the grower and a true appreciation of real food prevailed.

“We really want to help reestablish that connection between the producer and the consumer.”

Kendra might not have had any practical farming or marketing knowledge when she started, but she is proof you can always learn.

“I struggled to find information when I started but I am a big believer in sharing what I have learnt.

“I have helped three other small growers in the area already because I hate to see trees not producing - it’s such a waste.”

Inaugural sale for new online auction app FarmGate Auctions is pleased to announce its inaugural cattle sale on Tuesday, October 8 at 1pm.

Current listings include 100 2017 drop Hereford Heifers joined to calve March/ April to Hereford Bulls. This listing completes the dispersal of the Banoon herd and many years of breeding quality Hereford cattle.

FarmGate Auctions is Australia’s new and easy way to assess, list, buy and sell store and breeding stock online without leaving the paddock. The free app for iPhone and iPad is also available on desktop.

Backed by 50 years of industry knowledge and hands on experience combined with the latest technology, the app was designed to bring choice to the industry. ‘‘Up until now there has only been one system in place to buy and sell livestock online by auction. FarmGate Auctions now gives the industry the advantage of choice where previously there was none and

competition has to be good for everyone,’’ FarmGate Auctions Director Guy Gallen said.

FarmGate Auctions also helps buyers and sellers of livestock to eliminate paperwork by being able to input assessment information on-property with or without an internet connection. ‘‘We have pioneered the technology that allows livestock agents to save information associated with assessing livestock using an iPhone or iPad offline. A great percentage of producers have no internet connection.

Having the ability to enter data and save a lot offline is a huge step forward for buyers and sellers of livestock,’’ Mr Gallen said. ‘‘The way livestock is marketed has changed. Selling livestock online is gathering pace and FarmGate Auctions wants to be part of that space.’’

FarmGate Auctions director Matt Murphie said the business started with a

view to improve on what was currently being offered in the industry. ‘‘We feel what we have developed is not only competitive, but better than what is currently out there,’’ he said.

Listings for FarmGate Auctions inaugural cattle sale open Saturday September 28 at 1pm.

Key features of the FarmGate Auctions mobile app: ● Ability to complete online assessment forms on-property with or without internet connection. ● Sales are made paddock to paddock which in turn reduces stress, time and money when replacing store or breeding stock. ● On property data entry. The livestock’s weight, fat score, dentition, horn status and blemishes are recorded into an iPhone or iPad at the point of weigh. ● Photos and videos can be added to the listing straight from the app without having

to import or export from other sources like YouTube. ● Vendor details are saved to My Favourite PICS so they auto-populate the assessment form each time. ● A digital signature sign off on the farm captures the agreement between the farmer and agent. ● Saves time by eliminating the double handling, double entry and potential error rate of paper forms. ● Bid in faster real-time weekly cattle and sheep auctions. Once the lot is bought or sold, buyers and sellers can walk away and get on with their day. ● On-market lots time out individually. In as little as 40 minutes registered buyers can purchase their livestock requirements. ● Instant sale reports delivered straight to buyers and sellers’ inboxes after each auction with contact information, prices and delivery details.

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‘Farming Extra Spring’, 2019—PAGE 5

School team’s focus on Melbourne After a successful Finley Show, the Finley High School agriculture program is looking to build momentum as its attention turns to the Melbourne Show.

The team wants to improve the fat cover of some of the carcase animals. ‘‘We have been busy trying to improve in this area as we prepare for the show and we have been adjusting rations to try and achieve this,’’ teacher Robyn O’Leary said. ‘‘We have help from our nutritionist from Rex James Stockfeeds, with every animal individually fed.’’

The Stud Beef Classes are also having a dietary change as the school has introduced top quality oaten hay into their diets in attempts to ‘‘bulk them out’’and are able to achieve this with key donations to the school’s program, including from the Snowden family.

While the program is focused on getting the livestock ready for Melbourne, there is also an eye on the future. ‘‘Our calf, FHS Quantum, is booming along, growing so well he now weighs 88kg and is not a month old,’’ Mrs O’Leary said. ‘‘His mum is doing a fantastic job looking after him. ‘‘Gary (Webb) and I are busy planning 2021 exhibits, deciding which cows are joined to which bulls to get the offspring we ■ Morgan Evans and Cassidy Reynolds helping prepare their livestock for the Finley need to progress our herd. importance with as they build their know- ring craft as they continue to build a bond ‘‘Gerald Spry and Peter Falls have helped ledge. with the animals,’’ Mrs O’Leary said. with this aspect of our program.’’ ‘‘The students have been diligent and Finley HS is taking the same 13 beef Student participation in the lead-up to eager to improve their handling abilities and carcase cattle, six Shorthorn stud cattle and Melbourne has also been of paramount

and Melbourne Shows. nine Poll Dorset sheep to the Melbourne Show after all were received well by judges in Finley.

More than 40 Finley students will be attending the Melbourne Show.

Formal attire, and it’s all for FREE It’s time to pick up your formal attire, and it’s all for free thanks to Farmer Wants A Dress.

The organisation is the brainchild of Lynette Smith, 62, who started a tour of the region in Finley last week.

She wants to give local farming families the chance to pick up their formal dress, parents’ attire and all the suits and ties you could need, to help them attend debutante balls and other formal functions. ‘‘When shopping for formal attire for deb balls and end of year formals, it can be quite expensive,’’ she said. ‘‘That’s why I started FWD, to give the farming communities what they need for absolutely nothing. ‘‘Anyone is welcome to come in, look and try on any of the outfits they like. If they find something they want, it’s theirs.’’

The charity was created by the Howlong local to address the simple fact that young adults in rural NSW and Victoria are missing their debutantes and formals, not because they don’t want to go but because their family just can’t afford it.

She believes it’s unfair on parents and children to miss key parts of their lives because limited available money is being spent on feed their livestock or water for their crops.

‘‘FWD was created because of the drought,’’ she said. ‘‘Farmers and those affected by this drought have already been kicked around so much, the last thing they need is for their kids to lose this massive part of their social life due to the cost. ‘‘I started asking for donations about four months ago and have received a huge response from all of Australia. ‘‘Within that time I’ve accumulated over 3500 dresses, 500 suits, about 2000 ties, shoes galore, pamper packs for mothers and daughters, jewellery and clutches to match and even make-up. ‘‘The donations have been so generous that out of our stock, over 90 per cent of outfits are brand new.’’

Ms Smith has been running various fundraisers and raffles while collecting dresses, suits and accessories for young adults.

Her goal is to get as far as Walgett, NSW, and end up in Gippsland.

As her charity is still growing, Ms Smith is relying on traditional media, social media and communication with school communities to help bring people through her doors.

To donate or to keep up to date with where she is visiting next, go to https:/ ■ Lynette Smith loading the dresses onto the truck. /www.facebook.com/farmerwantsadress/ or email formal4drought@gmail.com.

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PAGE 6—‘Farming Extra Spring’, 2019

Thousands flock for Toc. water rally More than 3000 angry farmers and community members called for federal Water Minister David Littleproud to be sacked at a community protest rally in Tocumwal this month.

They also want the Victorian and NSW Governments to withdraw from the MurrayDarling Basin Plan and have called on the Federal Government to immediately pause, review and revise the plan.

There was particular anger directed at Mr Littleproud at the rally, with overwhelming support for a motion that he be immediately removed from his portfolio, as there is ‘‘no confidence or trust in his ability to deliver a Basin Plan on a sound economic, social and environmental footing’’.

The rally called for 1000 gigalitres of conveyance water — which is water allocated against production for losses in transmission — to be re-allocated for productive use in the Southern Basin. This would provide immediate relief, particularly to farmers on their second successive year of zero allocation.

A huge crowd - far greater than organisers expected - vented their anger at Mr Littleproud and Member for Farrer Sussan Ley, who was described as ‘‘missing in action’’.

There was a call for The Nationals’ federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum, from Shepparton, to quit the party and continue as an independent, thus threatening the government’s majority.

Here’s what rally attendees had to say and why they attended the rally and the outcomes they are looking for: Kerry Lunn, Isaac Lunn and Bill Judd Finley Going forward, what would be the biggest outcome of today?

Bill: Hopefully there’s enough here to make a big enough noise to create some action.

What has affected you personally from the basin plan?

Kerry: Having zero water is the big impact. We’ve got crops and pasture at home which in the next week aren’t even going to make hay. We can’t help ourselves for our own livestock let alone produce some to help others that need it as well. That water allocation is what we need.

Going forward are you able to plan what

you’re next crop will be?

Bill: You can’t plan anything.

Kerry: Without water, you can’t plant anything. We have a long standing lucerne paddock which isn’t going to produce anything. It’s something that in the past you continuously irrigate over the summer and use it for grazing or to make hay which we either use ourselves or sell but we’re not even going to get one cut off it. Normally we’d get five to six cuts. Without water our hands are tied, we simply can’t do anything.

It doesn’t only affect us as the farmers, it affects the kids, it affects the school, the businesses, it’s a whole town effect, not just us. At this stage if something changes in the next week it could make a significant difference.

Miriam Crane - Cohuna What brings you here today?

The Murray Darling Basin Plan is ruining the careers of many irrigators in NSW and Victoria and if something’s not done soon, farmers just won’t exist.

Bringing such a large group together today, what are you hoping it’s going to achieve?

We’re hoping we can make Littleproud listen and stop the plan.

June Brookes - Lalalty What brings you here today?

We came to protest, we’ve got no irrigation water in NSW and we have two dairies.

We milk about 800 cows in the two dairies with no water. They’ve got water but they’re not sure how to use it or where to sell it. It’s $700 a Mg/L so it’s pretty hard to make a living out of paying that much for water.

With a day like today, what are you hoping it can bring?

It’s the squeaky wheel that gets somewhere and if you just stay at home and do nothing then you must be happy about the situation. But there’s a lot of townspeople here today who have joined forces; they don’t have anything to do with farming but they read the papers and they’re just here supporting.

Jo Stevens - Kerang Why do you think it’s important to come to an event like today?

Farmers can’t afford the cost of water. On the way here, all the main channels that are not owned by farmers are full to the top.

Their channels and dams, empty, why?

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■ Thousands marching on to Tocumwal Bridge.

Because they can’t afford it. It costs too much, it’s a man made drought.

Going forward from today, do you think there can be anything immediately done from holding this rally?

Let’s hope it does something. All we can do is be here to support them. A lot of people say it’s the government’s fault but who runs the government? The United Nations, they’re the top people that have caused all this to happen. As soon as you start looking at the blame, it’s like a ladder, it just keeps going up and up.

Ben Wilson - Tocumwal What brought you out here today?

Just to try to get it out there to the government that what they’re doing isn’t working. They need to pause and reassess the plan.

What are you hoping a day like today will bring?

It’s more of trying to get it out there into the public space, the news is here, just trying to get the public’s perception that it’s not working and hopefully that way it gets us further along with getting something to happen. There’s a government not really listening so hopefully the people talking will start to get some change.

Gilbert Bain - Blighty What brought you here today?

The lack of water. See that beautiful (Murray) river there, chock a block full going down into South Australia out to the ocean. I’ve got a pet shark down there who keeps texting me saying, “Gilly, tell them I live in salt water not fresh water, stop putting the fresh water in my swimming pool.’’

Coming down today, what you hoping this can achieve?

I hope they pause the plan, sit down around the round table and get talking to people to give us some water back. It’s a drought, well they say it’s a drought but back in the millennium drought we actually had water. Now this is a political drought and sorry, back in the old days you don’t waste water and that’s what they’re doing, they’re flowing it down to South Australia.

Everybody’s got to re-write the Water Act so we can get a fair share of water. We’ve got crops out there dying because of this, and people with mental health problems.

Stephen Ball - Blighty What brought you here today?

We need water for irrigation and I don’t think the MDBA is doing what they should to provide water for us.

What are you hoping to come from the rally?

To get some recognition from the politicians and something will change.

There’s a heap of water flowing out the mouth of the Murray into the ocean. That’s fresh water that could be used for irrigation.

How is this upcoming planting season looking for you?

So far we’ve got 90 megs of water and we’ll irrigate a wheat paddock with some of that and hopefully it rains and we get a bit of allocation, probably get a rice crop out of that hopefully. We do need a couple of hundred megs to put a rice crop in so we’re being as optimistic as we can, just to make sure we’ve got enough water and don’t have to buy any. You’ve got to be optimistic otherwise your thoughts will go downhill from there.

Alan Wragge - Wakool What brought you here today?

We came to protest because of what’s happening with the Murray Darling Basin.

In all its inequities with what’s happening.

We think there are changes to be made so we can get our allocation to produce food and fibre for the nation. We’re impressed by Topher Field and all the other speakers, what he said was very apt. People have committed suicide (over the lack of water).

What is one of the biggest outcomes you’re hoping to come from today?

Awareness is the biggest that I want to highlight; 75 per cent of the population is now aware and supporting us through rallies like this, where it used to be only 25 per cent. A day like this gives us hope that our city friends are starting to realise what we’re going through and how they can help affect change. ● If you, or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call Mental Health Line 1800 011 511, Lifeline 13 11 14, or call 000.

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‘Farming Extra Spring’, 2019—PAGE 7

Rally brings change Small shop, big success Since more than 3000 people gathered on Tocumwal to rally for a change in government position on the Basin Plan, there has been noticeable change in some attitudes, according to Topher Field.

Gathering on the Tocumwal Foreshore were many local and travelling farmers, families and community members, all with one goal, being to raise awareness of issues associated with the plan.

Topher, a farming advocate and filmmaker, was among many key speakers.

He has been a passionate opponent of aspects of the plan and appeared at numerous public awareness events, most recently at the Jerilderie Apex talk night on Monday September 16.

Topher said he has noticed a shift in the paradigm of communication from the media about the issue, with education and events like the rally playing a key role. ‘‘We’ve got a lot of national coverage, we now have a lot of journalists who really do understand the problem and I would say that six months ago we didn’t have that,’’ he said. ‘‘We had a lot of journalists who would report on water and talk only about drought or farmers taking too much water. ‘‘Now we’re seeing a lot of journalists who understand the Basin Plan and the mismanagement of the river system is actually at the heart of the problem; it’s not just the drought, it’s not just over extraction, it’s incompetence and mismanagement.’’

Since speaking at the Tocumwal rally, Topher said he has seen a potential keyhole sized look into the future shifts of the Australian political outlook. ‘‘After the Tocumwal rally we began to see the first signs of political movement,’’ he said. ‘‘First there was a motion moved by Tim Quilty, the Victorian Liberal Democratic Party upper house member, calling on Victoria to withdraw from the Basin Plan.

That motion only got three votes, however it was amended from withdrawing from the plan, to calling for the plan to be redrafted.

By Sophie Baldwin

■ Topher Field speaking at the Tocumwal water rally. ‘‘That was actually supported by the Victorian Liberal and National Parties. ‘‘It is the first time we’ve really seen any of the major parties acknowledge there are some large fundamental flaws within the plan. ‘‘It was a baby step, but a good step forward.’’

There has also been a motion passed by at the federal National Party conference to revisit the 450GL of upwater in the Basin Plan. ‘‘That motion actually passed and put David Littleproud, Barnaby Joyce and others, in the minority within their own party,’’ Topher said. ‘‘We are seeing the first signs that some political sanity might actually be possible. ‘‘There might be some people who are looking at stopping this and fixing it rather than pushing ahead regardless of what happens.’’

Topher is only one voice among many working towards fixing the plan and says he will continue to do so until the farmers can see real change. ‘‘It’s really important that people understand there’s a lot more than just me working on fixing the water issue; I’m just one of many fighting for what’s right,’’ he explained.

A graduate from the school of life, Evan Spence knew nothing about being a butcher or a businessman.

Then he realised he knew nothing about farming either, but he’s pretty good at it all now and he’s not stopping there. ‘‘I did actually put the shop on the market at one point and I had a few tyre kickers come around, but in reality this has developed into a really good little business so I think I might just stick at it a bit longer than originally planned,’’ Evan said.

He owns and runs the butcher shop in Berrigan and also runs a small beef farm that supplies the beef for the butcher shop.

But it is the merging of these two small operations that has been a big success for a genuine vertical integration that has enabled Evan to be a winner on the farm and behind the counter.

Evan, obviously, has never been afraid of hard work. He left school at 16 to take up an apprenticeship as a butcher in May 2000.

Barely three years later he liked the job so much and had saved enough that he bought the shop outright. ‘‘The first day I bought the shop I moved a display cabinet in and would then spend the next two years renovating the business to where I wanted it to be,’’ Evan said.

In 2010 he dug deep and splashed out on a 62-acre farm, with a pipe and riser irrigation system that was easy to use and meant he could irrigate any bay, at any time and do it all on his mobile phone.

Initially his plan was to be a finisher, fattening beef and selling them further along the production chain.

But it didn’t take long for the savvy young entrepreneur to realise there wasn’t all that much of a margin in the fattening business, by the time he added freight costs to his property after he bought the steers, from his property to market plus all the costs in between, from food to healthcare. ‘‘Without initially realising it, I was growing out these quality cattle for someone else’s benefit when in fact they were the perfect quality for what I needed in my shop,’’ Evan explained.

And he was then paying someone else to buy the meat he needed in his shop.

It was a light bulb moment for Evan, an entrepreneurial epiphany.

Why not raise the steers, process the steers and sell the steers?

It cut out all those middlemen, it cut out a lot of costs and double handling and he could guarantee these steers had been raised by the best man available. ‘‘In a country butcher shop the money is in beef, country people eat beef,’’ Evan laughed.

It’s worth noting Evan did not grow up on a farm, nor, before leaving school, did he have a particular interest in butchery.

But this business dynamo did concede it can be hard work trying to run the butcher shop and the farm in tandem.

“I seem to be working all the time, but now I look at the cattle as if they are my hobby, something for fun at the weekend, so they don’t actually feel like work,” he said.

Evan heads to the store sales monthly, where he purchases as many as 30 steers at a time and if he has any excess stock surplus to his needs he happily trades them back through the saleyards after putting a bit more condition on them.

Animal health is also high on the list of priorities for Evan. All his cattle are drenched, vaccinated, tagged and given time to acclimatise before they are moved to the feedlot and finished on grain for 90 days to maximise tenderness and flavor. ‘‘While I am completely neutral when it comes to beef stock, when it comes to the trade game I have learnt the Euro cross cattle are the best for my business and that the Angus have the best meat texture.’’

Evan said there was a point in time where he did try and breed his own stock and started off with a nucleus cowherd with 20 heifers bought specifically for the program.

But like too many farmers, small and big, he has to a degree been a victim of the season and possibly collateral damage from the management (or otherwise, depending on your view) of the Murray Darling Basin system.

“They were great cows and they calved successfully, so I had joined them again, but I had to sell them all last year because I am reliant on irrigated pasture to feed them and there has been no water at all this irrigation season,” he said.

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‘Farming Extra Spring’, 2019—PAGE 9

Politicians are learning about plan’s failings ■ Community leaders from across the Basin discussing challenges and opportunities for local governments in the Basin, earlier this year in Moama.

New MDA program aims to develop basin leadership Leadership in the Murray-Darling Basin is now more important than ever, according to the Murray Darling Association.

The MDA is calling on Basin communities to stand together to build strength and resilience during these difficult times of continuing drought and changing water availability.

Community, councils and even MPs in some parts of the Riverina, the Mid Murray and Goulburn Murray Irrigation District are increasing their opposition to water efficiency measures and wavering in their support of Basin Plan implementation.

While conditions are creating a sense of desperation locally, issues in other areas highlight how dire things can become.

Devastating bushfires have raged in Tenterfield, some towns and cities such as Stanthorpe in Queensland and Dubbo in New South Wales are expected to run out of water by December, preparations continue for further fish deaths in the west of NSW, there are low to zero allocations for irrigators in some communities, and a poor outlook is forecast for further inflows this season.

These challenging times require strong and compassionate leadership.

To support the growth of leadership capacity throughout the Basin, the Murray Darling Association has secured funding through the Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Program to develop and deliver the MDA Basin Communities Leadership Program across 15 communities impacted by water buybacks.

This includes Dirranbandi, St George and Cunnamulla in Queensland, Collarenebri, Warren and Wakool in NSW, Rochester, Merbein, Red Cliffs in Victoria, Colignan in NSW/Vic, and Berri,

Cobdogla-Barmera, Loxton, Swan Reach and Lower Lakes in SA. The program will be available to all communities across the Murray Darling Basin following the initial rollout.

It aims to develop leadership capacity and create regionally driven economic development initiatives. ‘‘Growth of our regional economies, the health of our inland rivers and landscape at a Basin scale, and the wellbeing of our communities requires investment in innovation, diversification in the agriculture sector and most importantly leadership at the local level,’’ CEO Emma Bradbury said. ‘‘These leaders require a deeper understanding of what’s actually happening in towns and communities across the Basin right now, from top to bottom, not only within their own communities.’’

As leaders within the Basin, the MDA believes that we must seek to understand the plights of others in the Basin and show care and compassion in all that we do.

Through education, collaboration and an understanding of the challenges we face at home, and across the Basin, our communities can adapt and not only survive, but thrive.

The MDA invites Basin communities and governments to continue to remain united and strong, working together through and with the MDA to engage and participate in building the future that we want for our children and our nation.

For those interested in applying for the Basin Communities Leadership program, email admin@mda.asn.au for more information.

An increasing number of politicians are learning that the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is a failure.

But unfortunately our Federal Coalition Government, for what appears to be political reasons, refuses to acknowledge the damage it is causing.

This is extremely frustrating for communities which are bearing the brunt of a Coalition which seems happy to sacrifice part of its traditional heartland for some political gain, according to Speak Up chair Shelley Scoullar.

Mrs Scoullar said many Senators, especially from smaller parties, as well as a host of state political representatives had taken the effort to improve their knowledge of the Basin Plan.

“They are learning the plan is a farce. It’s not delivering on the promised outcomes for farmers, communities or the environment.

“But to avoid political controversy we have people like federal Water Minister David Littleproud and our local Environment Minister Sussan Ley who will not admit the plan has failed, let alone take the proactive steps we believe are required to fix it.

“You don’t get 3000 people at a protest rally in a small country town - as we did this month at Tocumwal - unless there is genuine and serious anger.”

Mrs Scoullar said one Victorian politician who has made a huge effort to learn more about water issues is the National Party’s Victorian Shadow Minister for Water Stephanie Ryan.

“Steph Ryan should be congratulated on the strong stance she is taking, which includes standing up to David Littleproud and his ridiculous stance that we have to deliver the plan in full and on time, despite his virtual admission that it is second rate.

“Steph has taken the time to learn and understand about the importance of a reliable water supply for food production, and that this problem needs to be solved for the sake of our nation’s food security.

“She also now accepts the bigger picture, including the inability to deliver the huge quantities of water enacted in the plan to the end of the system. The additional 450 gigalitres which Mr Littleproud insists we must deliver will simply not fit down the river system without flooding private property. That’s basic physics, so it’s hard to figure out how so many people, including Steph Ryan, have worked that out, yet it’s a concept our Water Minister seems unable to grasp.”

At the National Party federal council this month, Steph Ryan successfully passed a motion to strongly oppose the 450GL of up water, which Mrs Scoullar described as a slap in the face to Mr Littleproud who keeps insisting it must be delivered.

Mrs Scoullar said she met with Steph Ryan earlier this year and was buoyed by

her preparedness to meet with locals who understand the system and get a perspective from those who have lived and breathed the rivers, in contrast to many city-based bureaucrats who advise government based on flawed computer modelling.

“Steph even went to South Australia to inspect the Lower Lakes and barrages, where huge quantities of precious water are being wasted through unnecessary evaporation or are poured out to sea.

“This is where the damage is being caused, but the Federal Government won’t address it because of the political sensitivities in South Australia. We believe that is weak and unacceptable.

“Why don’t they show the courage of colleagues like Steph Ryan who can see an injustice and is prepared to stand up and fight for it? Blaming the drought and hoping the issue goes away when it rains is a copout.

“Speak Up would encourage Steph Ryan’s National Party colleagues, especially Mr Littleproud and Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie, to appreciate why so many people are so angry, and do something to fix it.

“We also encourage our local Environment Minister Sussan Ley to stand up to her Cabinet colleagues in the interests of her constituents.

“We do not accept the approach that there’s nothing we can do about this. There are solutions, but we need a Federal Government with the willingness to seek these out and implement them,” Mrs Scoullar said.

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PAGE 10—‘Farming Extra Spring’, 2019

Its not just any bean, it’s an adzuki Agriculture Victoria researchers are assessing the viability of growing alternative legume crops within the southern region as winter and summer crop options, as part of a new Grains Research and Development Corporation and Agriculture Victoria investment Adzuki beans are a potential crop for northern Victoria and southern NSW. Program leader James Nuttall said adapted legume crop options were limited within southern region farming systems, particularly relating to summer crop options. ‘‘Despite the significant breeding gains made with the major grain legumes including lentil, chickpea, field pea, faba bean and lupin, further opportunities exist for alternative legumes in the system,’’ Dr Nuttall said. ‘‘New legume crops have the potential to provide greater flexibility as both grain and fodder options, fix additional nitrogen and, in the case of summer crops, provide opportunity to utilise rainfall in late spring and summer.’’

This year trials have been established at a number of locations, including Dookie.

The legume crops being tested include adzuki bean, black gram, black turtle bean, borlotti bean, burgundy bean, cowpea, guar bean, kidney bean, lab lab, lathyrus, messina, moth bean, mungbean, narbon bean, navy bean, pigeon pea and soybean.

Many of these crops are traditionally suited to sub-tropical growing conditions.

Dr Nuttall said a key consideration to the success of crops tested would be their suitability to the rainfall pattern and temperature in the environment.

The program is also tapping into the

Australian Grains Genebank at Horsham, a resource for conserving and supplying genetically diverse germplasm for crop species where 812 different legume lines are being tested.

Audrey Delahunty, a research agronomist working on the program, said the AGG had provided a supply of germplasm to test for genetic adaptation of these alternative legumes to the southern region. ‘‘In testing a broad range of germplasm from the AGG, within the southern Australia environment, this will also help inform breeding programs of the key traits and genetic potential available to maximise adaptation of alternative legume crops within this region and systems context,’’ Ms Delahunty said.

The program also aims to better understand the suitability of a range of alternative legumes to the southern region, taking into consideration agronomy, markets and profitability.

GRDC southern agronomy and farming systems manager Andrew Etherton said the findings of the research presented a huge opportunity for growers to include an additional crop into rotations that would benefit their entire farming system.

Key issues under investigation in this research include optimal time of sowing and opportunities and herbicide options. ‘‘Ultimately, we are aiming to identify crops and management strategies that can expand the range of legumes available to the grains industry helping to build soil nitrogen, utilise out-of-season rainfall and improve farm profitability,’’ Dr Nuttall said. ■ Dr James Nuttall at his adzuki crops.

Orange persimmon is the new exotic The persimmon, may not be the most common fruit grown in Australia but its popularity is certainly on the rise.

The bright orange exotic has been grown in China for centuries and while the original strain was very astringent in taste, the sweeter variety has proved to be quite popular and far more widely grown.

Chris Stillard grows 6ha of persimmons on his 160ha farm Marboc at Barooga in

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southern NSW and today they account for around 50 per cent of the family business, with the rest coming from a lucerne enterprise.

Enterprises which Chris said combine remarkably well. ‘‘The lucerne and the orchard activities don’t clash by the time I finish cutting and baling, its time to start picking.’’

Chris persimmons mature in late AprilMay, although across Australia the picking season starts anywhere from mid-March and to a finish in the depths of winter around late June. ‘‘They are not hard to grow but the challenge is in getting good quality, commercial sized fruit with no marks or damage from bugs or fruit fly over that long production period,’’ Chris said. ‘‘Consumers don’t like marked fruit and the longer it is left hanging on the tree, the more exposed it is to risk.’’

In Chris’ region the late maturing season for persimmons makes them attractive to other fruit growers, the finish of stone fruit sees the beginning of persimmons.

However, the long maturing season sees the fruit demand more water than stone fruit and Chris estimated in a normal year he poured about 89 Ml/ha onto them. In the current dry season we are experiencing that figure has soared.

Marboc is mostly slightly sodic sandy loam and heavy clay soils with a pH around 5.5 and in a normal year gets around 450 mm of mostly winter rain. ‘‘Our yields this year are looking very good but persimmons, like all crops, prefer natural rainfall to help size the fruit, so there is plenty we will pick that will just be smaller than average,’’ Chris said.

Chris and mainly grows sweet persimmons: jiro, which ripens earlier, late April to mid-May and fuyu, May to June.

He has also been doing trial plantings of an early fuyu, which is a mid-season variety.

Planting distances for persimmons vary.

Dwarf cultivars can be planted at 5 m by 2.5m, or 800 trees per hectare, and semidwarf cultivars such as fuyu at 5m by 3m, or 660t/ha. Trees can reach 15 m but Chris said he keeps his at 4m for easy harvesting. ‘‘We prune twice a year, when the plant is dormant in winter and in January and February, a few months before picking,’’ he added.

Chris irrigates using mini sprinklers, watering mainly from September to May. All his trees are grown on a trellis structure. ‘‘This helps me to generally manage my trees better and it does mean that I can get a commercial crop quicker. I have found the tree structure and the wires help support fruit load,’’ Chris said. ‘‘Trellising might be a lot more expensive to set up, but you do get an earlier return on your money.’’

His orchard yields about 17t/ha on average and persimmons tend to be a biannual bearing crop, which means they crop heavy one year and less the next, which can be frustrating.

The cold finish as the crop is nearing maturity in the southern Riverina, where temperatures can plunge overnight, helps colour and add flavour to the fruit.

Although the cold nights are essential for their ripening and appearance, like most fruits they are at high risk from frosts. ‘‘One year we did lose a lot, maybe 100 tonnes of fruit, when we had an earlyfrost in October, that was a loss of $250,000.’’

That prompted a $60,000 investment on a frost fan, which can protect about 16ha.

Chris’ Barooga-grown fruit is supplied to markets in Sydney and Melbourne, and he also does a limited export run of his production to Singapore and Malaysia.

This season the business has planted another 1500 trees in addition to the 5000 mature trees already established in the orchard. ‘‘I am expanding the business because my eldest daughter is keen on farming,’’ Chris added. ‘‘She is only 17 now, but in five years we should be getting a commercial crop off the new trees as well and I think that number, around 6500, should be sustainable for our family business moving forward.’’

There are about 80 persimmon growers Australia wide and Chris described his business as middle-sized.

But the farm carries a proud and long family history it has been theirs for the past 115 years and it is ideally suited to fruit growing. ‘‘My uncle began growing persimmons after a lot of research around 25 years ago,’’ Chris said. ‘‘When he retired, I leased the place for five years and then took over the management.’’ ‘‘The bulk of lucerne hay I produce is sold to dairy farmers, but I also do a small number of small square bales for he horse market.’’

And as if Chris isnt busy enough he also recently took on the role of president of Persimmons Australia Inc, the peak industry body representing persimmon growers across Australia.

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PAGE 12—‘Farming Extra Spring’, 2019

1.99% FINANCE* BONUS $9,600 TECH PACK^

Proud suppliers of: FOCUSED ON

THE FUTURE FENDT 700 & 800 SERIES | 144 – 287 H P Fendt 700 & 800 Series tractors are superior high-horsepower machines that deliver in terms of compactness, flexibility and performance.

These tractors not only feature smart and efficiency-enhancing technologies, but now come with an impressive 1.99% finance rate* and a bonus technology pack valued at over $9,600^ that includes; Trimble Receiver, VarioTronic TI Auto and Section Control.

There’s never been a better time to step into a Fendt 700 or 800 Series tractor and take your farming operation to new heights. *Offer ends 31 October 2019, while stocks last. Image used for illustration purposes only and available unit may differ in pecification.

Finance with an interest rate of 1.99% p.a. available on Chattel Mortgage agreement based on minimum 30% deposit, the GST component repaid after 4 months and monthly repayments in arrears over a 60 month term. Fees and lending conditions apply to approved ABN number holders who use the equipment for business purposes. Finance is approved by AGCO Finance Pty Ltd, ABN number 42 107 653 878. ^Units must be ordered before 31 October 2019 and installed before 31 December 2019. Indent units and Fendt 700 PowerPlus Series do not qualify for technology package. Contact your local Fendt dealer for full terms and conditions.

For more information contact

Mowers, mower conditioners Tedders, rotary rakes Round balers, square balers Windrowers Combine harvesters Tractors Vario tractors Specialist orchard and vineyard tractors Mower conditioners Tedders, rotary rakes Welger balers roto-cut Tigo loader wagons Silage wrappers Tulip BIGA Vertical Mixer Automatic Steering, Correction Options Spraying and Spreading Controllers Seeder Controllers Cropspec – On-the-Go Crop Sensor GPS Landlevelling/Surveying

Self Propelled, Trailer, Linkage, 12 Volt Sprayers Round balers Combi wrappers Silage handling equipment Mowers, mower conditioners Tedders, rotary rakes Round balers Mowers, mower conditioners Tedders, rotary rakes, silage wrappers

PRECISION, POWER AND PERFECTION.

The spare parts, service and engineering divisions of Cobram Farm Equipment meets the needs of their valued customers by stocking all anticipated replacement machinery parts.

Our after hours numbers are constantly manned by our trained and accredited staff.

MF 8700 S SERIES 300 – 370 HP The MF 8700 Series represents the pinnacle of Massey Ferguson’s engineering achievements. With an enormous appetite for work, the MF 8700 S is built to get it done on the toughest terrain, covering the largest areas of land for longer with low running costs and superb reliability. Featuring an advanced control system for outstanding accuracy along with the class-leading CVT transmission, get the pure torque and rugged capability to get it done in all conditions.

For more information contact

The One Stop Machinery Shop Murray Valley Highway, Cobram Phone: (03) 5872 1722 Fax: (03) 5872 1231 AH: (03) 5865 8262 or (03) 5874 5552