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Researchers from La Trobe University in Bendigo have developed an innovative recycling solution for synthetic bale twine, helping to tackle the growing problem of agricultural waste.
In a study published in the journal Recycling, the research team analysed the thermal, physical, and mechanical properties of various plastic waste materials to determine the optimal processing temperature using a groundbreaking, cost-efficient melting machine developed by partner company Ritchie Technology (Rtec).
Bale twine — a strong plastic cord used to bind hay, straw, and other crops — has long posed a recycling challenge due to contamination from soil, animal waste, and other residues. Until now, most twine has ended up in landfill or been burned on farms, contributing to environmental pollution.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Ing Kong (pictured) said the team had developed a closed-loop recycling system to give plastic farm waste a second life.
“We successfully demonstrated that bale twine can be efficiently melted and reformed into useful, durable products such as garden planters, outdoor furniture, and construction materials like decking or fence posts,” Dr Kong said.
“Not only does this work provide an environmentally friendly solution for reducing agricultural plastic waste, but it highlights opportunities to build a sustainable circular economy in Victoria.
“Beyond its direct environmental impact, it could potentially influence industrial practices by providing scalable, low-cost recycling solutions.”
The Rtec melting machine is compact, affordable, and designed for on-farm use — offering a local recycling option that could help reduce plastic waste disposal costs for farmers.
Ritchie Technology founder and chief executive officer William Ritchie said the product was a “triple win” for the agricultural sector, the environment, and the economy.
“This new technology offers a cost-effective economic and environmental solution to tackle mounting piles of agricultural plastic waste,” Dr Ritchie said.
“It will give farmers the tools to reduce their ecological footprint, cut their waste disposal costs, while offering the added benefit of potentially selling recycled plastic material back to manufacturers.”
Globally, the agricultural industry uses millions of kilometres of bale twine annually.
The team hopes to scale up the initiative for broader applications, adapting the process for other plastic waste streams such as silage wrap or irrigation tubing — potentially delivering greater long-term environmental and economic benefits.
The joint project between La Trobe University and Ritchie Technology was supported by a $145,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Circular Economy Markets Fund, delivered through Sustainability Victoria.
La Trobe is committed to sustainability, with Victoria’s largest urban solar farm in Bundoora, north of Melbourne, and an ambitious goal to be carbon neutral by 2029.
As a 16-year-old, Rose Nevinson purchased 30 stud ewes from One Oak Poll Stud, after growing up immersed in the Merino and wool industry, at the family property ‘Parkview’ at Booroorban.
“I’ve always had a love for Merinos and knew from early on I wanted to start my own stud,” Rose said.
“I’ve kept that flock going and now breed my own rams, continuing to learn as I go.”
Since completing her secondary education in 2015, Rose has worked with Merinos in the paddock and enjoyed a stint as a wool buyer.
“I valued my time as a wool buyer, where I was able to gain insight into the other end of the supply chain,” she said.
After travelling around Australia, Rose decided to take a step back from wool buying and return to working on a Merino stud. She now works at East Loddon Merino Stud.
“This is part of the industry I’ve always enjoyed,” she said.
The Future Merino Breeder Scholarship is a partnership between rural education program Hay Inc and the NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association, with scholarship winners selected from the Hay Inc alumni.
Hay Inc Program Manager Sandra Ireson said Rose, who completed the program in 2017, is a worthy winner.
“The scholarship program aims to recognise and support members of the Hay Inc alumni who exhibit passion for the Merino industry and show potential for contributing to its future,” Ms Ireson said.
“The NSW Stud Merino Breeders Trust recognises the importance of investing in the future of the industry by supporting individuals like Rose. Through the scholarship, Rose will have the opportunity to increase her knowledge and networks within the Merino sheep breeding industry.”
Rose herself is excited for the future.
“This scholarship will allow me to continue developing my career in the Merino industry, and I truly appreciate
the opportunity to learn from those who share the same commitment and passion,” she said.
“I’m hardworking and always willing to learn from those around me. I appreciate the value and mentorship the Hay Inc Rural Education program brings to young people starting out in agriculture.”
The Future Merino Breeder Scholarship provides financial assistance and industry experience to young individuals passionate about pursuing a career in the Merino sheep and wool industry.
The scholarship covers expenses for attending Merino shows and sales, and work placements with professional wool classers, a Merino stud, and renowned wool broker Mark Bazeley.
Some of the old red gums have been estimated to be over 500 years old.
Peter and Wendy McDonald used the Millennium Drought as an opportunity to focus on establishing a wetland on their lower Thule property.
Twenty years later, it changed the direction and operation of their 420 hectare farm, which includes 80ha of lagoon country and remnant red gum forest.
Some of the big old majestic red gums in the lagoon country are estimated to be over 500 years old, making it a significant and amazing site.
Mrs McDonald said from that very first watering, she watched the wetland come to life.
“It was pretty dry and degraded before and the moment water hit, the flora and fauna came back, and now it is functioning as part of the natural system it has been part of for thousands of years,” Mrs McDonald said.
Part of the rehabilitation of this area in the early years included some direct seeding of native species surrounding the wetland, while the wetland itself has regenerated naturally over time.
“It has been interesting to watch the revegetation process,” she said.
“Some species have just sat there, and even now all these years later, different species are popping up in the tree lines as they have waited for the right conditions to grow.
“The threatened southern bell frog has also been found on the site in previous years.”
The wetland is watered every three years or so, although it is dependent on seasonal conditions and advice from ecologists.
“We work with advice from the Murray Darling Working Wetland Group as we try to mimic natural conditions,” Mrs McDonald said.
“We believe our lagoon system used to fill every three or so years.”
She said under a big watering event, the wetland would use around 40-45 megalitres of water.
Water is delivered via existing irrigation infrastructure.
“Our wetland doesn’t take a lot of water, and it is really heartening to see the sort of environmental outcomes that can be achieved using smaller, targeted volumes.
“This just shows how partnering with farmers and landholders is a very efficient use of environmental water.”
She said the whole project had helped the family look at their farm as part of the landscape in a different way.
“Fencing off our wetland and a sandhill which we have also regenerated has been incredible and really bought
our farm to life, and we are looking forward to expanding our revegetation and native pasture system in the future,” Mrs McDonald said.
The McDonalds run a self-replacing Merino flock which enables them to manage their farm to fit in with their environmental goals.
Mrs McDonald also runs on-farm art residencies which enables her to connect and educate the wider urban community with the importance of family farms, while Mr McDonald runs Murray Darling Scenic Flights — sharing his knowledge and experience of the basins, rivers and wetlands.
“We have spoken with and hosted many visitors and bureaucrats over the years,” she said.
“We always stress how landscapes need care from people living in the community and this is one of the reasons why we need viable family run farming businesses.
“Family farms have the capacity to care and they bring their kids up the same, something that is far removed from the corporate farming model.”
23rd – 25th September 2025
In the heart of Hay, NSW, a young regional entrepreneur is bringing a fresh approach to livestock services and sharing the highs and lows of getting a business off the ground.
Atjust 22 years old, Digby Lilburne has launched DRL Livestock Services, a business offering mustering, husbandry and, most recently, cattle scanning — a point of difference he hopes will build stronger outcomes for producers and a sustainable future for himself in the livestock industry.
Raised on the Hay Plains and immersed in the livestock world through his father, Ed Lilburne — a Level One AuctionsPlus Assessor for both sheep and cattle, and the driving force behind Hay Plains Livestock — Mr Lilburne said agriculture has always been part of his life, but finding his own niche took time.
“I grew up around Dad’s agency work and both sides of the family are heavily involved in livestock,” he said.
“The Camerons, on Mum’s side, run The Yanko Merino Stud, and on Dad’s side, there’s a long history through my grandfather at Uardry and family working as sheep classers.
“That heritage gave me a really strong grounding — but I always found myself leaning more towards cattle,” Mr Lilburne said.
His passion became clear while working as a contract musterer, alongside exposure to the Te Mania Angus program through his father’s work.
It was during that time that Digby Lilburne was introduced to cattle scanning — and it clicked.
“I had the chance to work with local Hay Plains contractor, Will Nadin, and saw firsthand how useful scanning could be.
“That’s when I realised this could be my point of difference — something that combined my passion for
cattle with the ability to offer real value to producers,” he said.
Determined to do it properly, Mr Lilburne enrolled in a practical three-day course through GOTAFE in Shepparton, which focused on ultrasound scanning and manual palpation.
“It was all live cattle, which was so important — you’re not just reading a screen, you’re understanding the anatomy, the cycle, and learning to spot reproductive issues early,” he said.
“It gave me the confidence to hit the ground running and invest in the right equipment from the start.”
Since then, scanning has become a fast-growing arm of his business, alongside traditional livestock services like mustering and yard work.
Getting a business off the ground hasn’t come without challenges — particularly when it comes to building a client base and managing the logistics of running a solo operation.
“Having that initial connection through Dad’s agency helped, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to earn people’s trust,” he said.
“That takes time. I’ve really focused on being reliable, keeping on top of bookings, and communicating clearly with clients.”
Like many young operators, he’s turned to social media to help grow his brand, using Instagram and Facebook to showcase his work and connect with producers beyond his local area.
“I’ve also just picked up the phone and introduced myself to other agents. It’s a mix of putting yourself out
there and showing that you’re serious about doing the job well.”
While still early days, the response from the local community has been positive — and interest in scanning is steadily building.
“There’s definitely demand — producers are looking for ways to make better breeding decisions, and scanning gives them that information.
“People need to trust you with that kind of job. That trust builds over time, through consistency.”
Long-term, Mr Lilburne hopes to grow DRL Livestock Services into a full-time scanning service operating across southern New South Wales, with plans to expand into areas like Wagga Wagga, Gundagai, Tumut, Yass and Temora.
For other young people thinking about starting their own business in agriculture, Mr Lilburne says getting the right experience — and backing yourself — is key.
“Get trained properly, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make the phone call if something doesn’t make sense,” he said.
“There’s always someone out there willing to help if you show you’re willing to learn.
“And whatever you do, be reliable. If you say you’re going to be somewhere — be there. That’s what people remember.”
~ This article was contributed by Alex McLaughlin and was originally published by AuctionsPlus - Australia’s largest ag marketplace.
This year marks 30 years since Murray Irrigation was privatised from a government owned entity, signalling the birth of the company as we know it today.
Thisarticle looks at the Land and Water Management Plans, which were implemented from 1991 to 2010 and continue to have a positive impact on our landscape today.
The implementation of Land and Water Management Plans (LWMPs) across the Murray region remains one of the most significant integrated initiatives in local irrigation history.
Driven out of a collective desire to ensure agricultural and environmental sustainability in the region, this initiative is regarded as a benchmark in collaboration, with governments at all levels working with farmers to achieve productive and environmental outcomes.
It started more than 30 years ago, in the early 1990s, with the formation of the following four Land and Water Management Plan Working Groups:
• Denimein: 53,927ha across 188 farm holdings
• Berriquin: 339,403ha across 1,521 farm holdings
• Cadell: 322,000 ha across 420 farm holdings
• Wakool: 214,449 ha across 352 farm holdings
These groups were tasked with developing LWMPs within their respective areas, with the key objective of addressing rising groundwater levels and associated salinity.
Funded by landholders, with support from State and Federal Governments, these LWMPs took roughly four years to develop.
Implementing these plans became a major priority for Murray Irrigation (MIL) when the company was privatised in 1995, and assumed the responsibility as the ‘Implementation Authority’ under its new licence arrangements.
Local farmer and current Murray Irrigation Deputy Chair, Geoff McLeod, who served as the company’s Environmental Manager from 1995 to 2001, was heavily involved in the early stages of implementation.
He described the process as “a clear demonstration of how involvement, education and leadership from within can lead to change”.
“MIL supported the LWMP working groups in various ways, including finalisation of the government funding agreement,” Mr McLeod said.
“In the early days of its privatisation, the company prepared all the contractual documentation and accepted responsibility for plan implementation.
“This involved establishing an implementation team comprising landholder support and education officers, engineers, administration and overall management.”
The on-farm works completed under the LWMPs involved a range of activities including drainage and recycling, storage, establishing perennial vegetation and protecting and enhancing native vegetation.
As a result, each farm became more agriculturally and environmentally sustainable, the benefits of which are still being realised to the current day.
This largescale program of on-farm works was completed in 2010. The total project investment was $356 million, which included $112 million in government funding.
Mr McLeod said the plans were highly successful from the perspective of improving farm water use management and managing surface water runoff from both irrigation and rainfall. Areas of channel seepage were identified and remediated, and a significant number of farm level groundwater pumps were installed.
Murray Irrigation kept a close eye on groundwater levels throughout the implementation process, with monitoring undertaken every six months.
The results of this monitoring indicated over time a steady decline in all areas across the region.
“The groundwater levels fell quite dramatically during the Millennium Drought, and have not risen to any significant amount since, due to improved water management,” Mr McLeod said.
“This has underpinned the long-term productive capacity of the region.
“The community-driven approach was a great illustration of how to do business to achieve on-ground works.”
Such was their success of the LWMP program that Murray Irrigation was invited to present to a range of audiences, at both community and government level, on the approach taken and the positive outcomes achieved. The scheme even garnered international interest, with
Mr McLeod invited to present at the World Water Environment Federation Convention held in Denver Colorado in 1998.
In Mr McLeod’s opinion, the success of the LWMP program was underpinned by the following three key factors:
1. Growers understood and acknowledged the importance of the issue being addressed. High groundwater levels posed a significant threat to the productive capacity of the region and hence the profitability and wellbeing of the farming community.
2. Growers were actively involved in developing the plan strategies. Community working groups were established and, with technical support from government agencies (Agriculture and Water), developed the plan detail. Growers were regularly involved via ‘woolshed’ meetings held across the region throughout the four years of plan development.
3. Murray Irrigation brought structure, discipline and strong leadership to the process. As the body responsible for rolling out the program, the company was as equally invested in its success as the community farming groups.
Three decades on, the impact of the hugely successful LWMP initiative is still being felt; and not just in terms of improved water use efficiency.
Funds contributed by landholders that were leftover after the completion of the program are now being used to assist with projects that benefit the community and regional environment, under the guidance of the recently established Riverina Sustainable LWMP. Successful projects will support the vision to secure protection of the environment, sustainable long term agricultural productivity and social wellbeing of the region.
“From a community perspective the Land and Water Management Plans were highly successful,” Mr McLeod summed up.
“They achieved a whole of farming community focus and commitment to implementing improved water management.”
TheAll things sheep — genetics and industry — will be on display for one day at one location when the first Riverina Sheep and Wool Expo is held at Conargo on Wednesday, August 27.
expo will showcase more than 20 sheep studs, with a host of trade and information displays including rural suppliers, chemical companies, and local displays such as Deni Clothing Co.
Sheep studs will include more than 15 Merino studs and multiple studs from other breeds, returning to the region which shaped the modern Merino, as producers welcome a return to strong sheep prices following a tight couple of years.
The event is designed to give sheep breeders the information they need to support their sheep businesses and capitalise on surging sheep prices amidst a changing environment.
The day will also feature former local and retired AFL player, Nutrien’s Tom Hawkins, along with other industry
speakers providing information to help build your sheep business.
Field day co-convenor David Wilson said the group aimed to bring sheep producers, genetics, and industry information together in an environment where genetics and management both have a big impact.
“We want to have plenty of sheep for people to look at and give them a chance to find out more about the information, tools, and equipment that will help them in their sheep businesses,” Mr Wilson said.
“We decided to put the day on to make sure people are in the best position to capitalise on improving industry prospects and bring everything together in one place.”
“The member studs of the Riverina Merino organisation decided to widen the display base to other
“We want to have plenty of sheep for people to look at and give them a chance to find out more about the information, tools, and equipment that will help them in their sheep businesses.”
DAVID WILSON
Merino studs from throughout the region, and Riverina stud breeders of other wool sheep breeds which form the industry underpinned by the Merino.
“This will give local sheep producers the best chance to access the information they need for their businesses, in one place close to home.”
The Riverina Sheep and Wool Expo will be hosted by Riverina Merino, supported by co-hosts Australian Wool Network (AWN), Elders Limited, and Nutrien, who conduct the Riverina Merino member stud ram auctions. Its major sponsor is Lugsdin Toyota. Visit www.riverinasheepandwoolexpo.com or more information.
DATE SALE NAME
Tue July 30 Tue Aug 13
Prime Sheep & Lamb Market
Deniliquin
Tue July 29Prime Sheep & Lamb Sale Deniliquin9.30am
Prime Sheep & Lamb Market
Deniliquin
Tue Aug 12Prime Sheep & Lamb Sale Deniliquin9.30am
Tue Aug 27
Prime Sheep & Lamb Market
Tue Aug 26Prime Sheep & Lamb Sale Deniliquin9.30am
Aug 30
Wanganella & Poll Boonoke Stud Ram preview
Thu Aug 28Wanganella & Poll Boonoke Stud Ram Preview On Property 9,30am
Sept 06
Sept 06
Caroonboon Merino Stud Ram Sale
Feeder Lamb Sale (Interfaced A+ )
Tue Sept 2Feeder Lamb Sale Interfaced A+ Hay Fri Sept 5Caroonboon Merino Stud Ram Sale On Property TBC
Sept 06
Tue Sept 10
Thur Sept 12
Pooginook Merino Stud Open day
Prime Sheep & Lamb Market
Deniliquin On property On property Hay On property
Wed Aug 27Riverina Sheep & Wool ExpoConargo SG 10.00am
Mon Sept 8Pooginook Merino Stud Open Day On Property TBC
Wunnamurra Poll Dorsets
Avenel Merino Stud Open day
Friday September 19, 2025 - 1pm
96 one year old rams Stud and Specially Selected Grade Rams, following week
Tue Sept 9Prime Sheep & Lamb Sale Deniliquin9.30am
Fri Sept 12Avenel Merino Stud Open DayOn Property TBC
Sept 18
Wanganella & Poll Boonoke Stud Merino Ram Sale
Sept 20
Avenel Merino Stud Ram Sale
Thu Sept 18Wunnamurra Poll Dorset SaleOn Property TBC
Store Sheep & Lamb Sale
Fri Sept 19Avenel Merino Stud Ram SaleOn Property 1.00pm
Woodpark Poll Merino Ram Sale
Pooginook Merino Stud Ram Sale
Deniliquin On property On property On property On property Hay Conargo SG On property
Open Day Pre-Sale Inspection Friday, September 12, 2025 on-property 10am to 4pm
Wed Sept 17Wanganella & Poll Boonoke Stud Merino Ram Sale On Property 12.30pm
Fri Sept 19Store Sheep & Lamb Sale Hay 11.00am
Mon Sept 22Woodpark Poll Merino Ram SaleConargo SG 1.30pm
Prime Sheep & Lamb Market
Willandra Merino Stud Ram Sale
Tue Sept 23Prime Sheep & Lamb Sale
The Yanko Merino Stud Ram Sale
Deniliquin9.30am
Wed Sept 24Willandra Merino Stud Ram SaleOn Property 1.00pm
Feeder Lamb Sale (Interfaced A+ )
Tue Sept 23Pooginook Merino Stud Ram SaleOn Property 12.00pm
Thu Sept 25The Yanko Merino Stud Ram SaleOn Property 12.30pm
One Oak Poll Merino Stud Ram Sale
Fri Oct 3Store Sheep & Lamb Sale
Caroonboon Southern Dohne Sale
Fri Sept 26One Oak Poll Merino Stud Ram Sale On Property 1.00pm
Tue Oct 7Prime Sheep & Lamb Sale
Store Sheep & Lamb Sale
Fri Oct 17Store Sheep & Lamb Sale
Prime Sheep & Lamb Market
Tue Oct 21Prime Sheep & Lamb Sale
Store Sheep & Lamb Sale
Tue Nov 4Prime Sheep & Lamb Sale
22
Prime Sheep & Lamb Market
Fri Nov 7Store Sheep & Lamb Sale
Store Sheep & Lamb Sale
Tue Nov 18Prime Sheep & Lamb Sale
Prime Sheep & Lamb Market
Tue Dec 2Prime Sheep & Lamb Sale
Nov 19
Prime Sheep & Lamb Market
Tue Dec 16Prime Sheep & Lamb Sale
Nov 22
Store Sheep & Lamb Sale
Deniliquin On property On property Hay On property On property
Dec 03
Prime Sheep & Lamb Market
Jerilderie11.00am
Jerilderie
Deniliquin9.30am
Deniliquin
Deniliquin9.30am
Deniliquin
Deniliquin9.30am
Deniliquin
Deniliquin11.00am
Jerilderie11.00am
Jerilderie
Deniliquin9.30am
Deniliquin
Deniliquin9.30am
Deniliquin
Deniliquin9.30am
Deniliquin
Fri Jan 16Store Sheep & Lamb Sale Deniliquin11am
Deniliquin
Hay
Tue Dec 17
Prime Sheep & Lamb Market
Andrew Low, 0427 533 377
Hay
Harrison Close 0488789107
Andrew Low, 0427 533 377
Alex Curtis 0417913586
Peter Head, 0417 545 822
Deniliquin
Deniliquin
John Fitzpatrick, 0408 500 182
John Fitzpatrick, 0408 500 182
Jason Andrews, 0428 629 399
Jason Andrews, 0428 629 399
Alex O’Brien, 0437 795 563
Alex O’Brien, 0437 795 563
David Wilson, 0407 644 296
David Wilson, 0407 644 296
Jerilderie
Deniliquin 9:30am
Trevor Basset, 0409 412 713 (Auctions Plus Co-ordinator)
Jerilderie
David Rankin, 0427 938 187
Stud Stock Specialist
Trevor Basset, 0409 412 713 (Auctions Plus Co-ordinator)
David Rankin, 0427 938 187
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Wednesday August 27th 2025, to be held at Conargo Sportsground 10am - 4pm
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Host Studs
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Caroonboon
East Loddon
One Oak Poll
Poll Boonoke
Wanganella Pooginook
The Yanko
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Borambil Merino and Poll
Blue Bush Merino Stud
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Wattle Park
*11.30am - Dean McKenna, General Manager, Midfield Meats
*12.30pm - Jock Laurie, AWI Chairman
*2.00pm - Evan Croake,Tech Wool Trade Manager
*2.30pm - Tom Hawkins, Nutrien Livestock & Marketing
*3.00pm - Tom Hawkins, Charity Auction
*Wool & Sheep Industry Trade Exhibits
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Australia
rides on the sheep’s
back, or so goes the time-worn saying about the worth of the meat and wool industry.
Asustainable fashion project is proving there is also plenty of value in the sheep’s head, legs, belly and even its fluffy bottom.
The short fibres from these parts of a sheep, called locks, are usually considered of very low value and are either used for chunky knit garments or discarded.
In a trial backed by Australian fashion brand Country Road’s Climate Fund, a group of innovators has developed a way to use locks to make a sustainable fine yarn ideal for clothing fabric.
“The same sheep that produces superfine wool used in a nice suit or a jumper ... the bits that they generally can’t use from the belly, the legs and the bottom are able to be used,” said Chris Hurren from Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials.
The Mud to Marle project blended the South Australian locks with Queensland cotton.
Low-value wool has a new purpose in the Mud to Marle project. Photos: AAP/Country Road
The unique mix, which creates a stretch fabric without the need for synthetic fibres, has been used in prototypes for women’s suits, T-shirts, jumpers, pants and skirts.
The method has several sustainability benefits, including the need to dye only the wool threads to create a marle effect. Dyeing the wool rather than the cotton saves on water and energy, as the fleece more readily takes on colour.
The natural fibres are also environmentally friendly, with no synthetics used.
Are you looking to buy in a new mob of sheep or goats? Or are you moving your flock to an agistment property or between lease properties?
Whenlivestock are moved between properties with different Property Identification Codes (PICs), this movement is called a property-to-property (P2P) movement. P2P movements must be recorded in the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database within two days of the movement occurring. This ensures that livestock can be traced in the event of major food safety or disease incidents and to protect our export markets.
If you are buying through a saleyard, the saleyard will upload the movement to the NLIS database for you. However, if you are buying privately through on-farm sales such as ram sales or through online platforms like AuctionsPlus, then you, as the owner or person receiving the stock, are responsible for uploading the movement to the NLIS database. Movements between lease properties and agistment properties are also required to be uploaded to the database by the owner of the stock.
You can ask someone like a stock agent or a knowledgeable friend to record the movement in the NLIS database on your behalf. However, as the owner of the destination property, it is still your responsibility to
check and ensure the movement has been uploaded on the database.
To upload P2P movements to the NLIS database you will need to create an NLIS database account. You can create an account by heading to www.nlis.com.au and clicking on register with NLIS.
While we transition to sheep and goat eIDs in NSW, there are two ways you need to upload the movement to the NLIS database depending on what type of NLIS tag or device the animal has. Currently, all sheep and goats identified with a visual NLIS tag will continue to be moved as a mob-based movement on the NLIS database. Any sheep or goats that have electronic identification devices must also be recorded as an individual movement on the NLIS database. You can upload a P2P transfer in a single movement by recording mob-based and individual devices at once on the NLIS database. From 1st January 2027, mob-based movements will no longer apply and all P2P movements for sheep and goats will need to be uploaded as individual movements on the NLIS database. If you would like further information on P2P transfers in sheep and goats, contact your nearest Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.
“And if they’re uncoloured, or coloured with the right dyestuffs, they would be able to be broken back down into soil at the end of their lifetime,” Chris said. Mud to Marle has also demonstrated that low-impact, end-to-end textile manufacturing is possible in Australia. The yarn spinning, usually done offshore, was completed at Deakin University before it was woven in Geelong and knitted and dyed in Melbourne. The sample clothing, in warm shades of lilac and mango, was made in Sydney and Melbourne.
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Soil acidity is a constraint faced by farmers in the Murray Region and is accelerated by agricultural practices –particularly through the harvesting of plant products, either directly as crops or indirectly as meat, wool, or milk.
These products remove nutrients from the farm, resulting in a charge imbalance within the soil.
Negatively charged nutrients, including phosphate and sulphate, are all replaced in fertiliser, while nitrate is fixed from the atmosphere.
Positively charged nutrients are not replenished over time, and their removal means a positive charge has to be replaced. This occurs through the roots, with hydrogen ions being released to keep the sum of positive and negative nutrients balanced, resulting in soils becoming acidic (pHCaCl <5.2). Higher production levels lead to increased soil acidification due to greater product removal.
Lime contains calcium and carbonate. When applied to soil, the carbonate reacts with excess hydrogen ions, neutralising acidity and helping restore a balanced pH. This enhances nutrient availability and promotes healthier plant growth.
Soil acidity can lead to several limitations in crop and pasture production. These include:
• Reduced Plant Growth: Acidic soils decrease the availability of essential nutrients while increasing the availability of toxic elements. This restricts plant growth and affects crop and pasture yields.
• Aluminium Toxicity: At a pHCaCl <4.5, aluminium becomes soluble and plant-available. Aluminium toxicity restricts root development, inhibiting water and nutrient uptake and severely impacting crop yields.
• Soil Biology Disruption: Beneficial organisms, such as earthworms and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, are essential for maintaining soil fertility. The loss of these organisms can further exacerbate nutrient imbalances and decrease soil health over time.
• Increased Weed Pressure: Some problem weeds perform better in acidic soils, making management harder as they outcompete.
Regular soil testing is a key strategy for managing acidic soils, ensuring that pH levels are effectively monitored over time.
• Ideally, soils should be maintained at a benchmark of pHCaCl >5.5 to support optimal crop growth.
• Soil should be tested at depths of 0–5cm, 5–10cm, 10–20cm, and 20–30cm.
• Frequency of soil testing should be once per rotation, while for pasture, testing every 3–5 years is recommended.
• Use GPS to consistently sample the same locations over time, allowing trends in soil pH to be accurately identified.
• Conduct soil sampling at the same time each year for consistent and reliable results.
Once soil test results are available, applying lime may be necessary to neutralise acidity and maintain optimal soil health. You should be planning to lime when the
pH of your soil drops to pHCaCl> 5.2 – speak with your agronomist to determine the appropriate application rate. Lime should be incorporated into the soil through strategic tillage in order to ameliorate the topsoil.
To reduce costs and maintain cash flow, you can treat lime application like farm management deposits (FMD).
Buy when the price is low, draw down when times are bad, and build up when times are good. Like your FMDs, you will need to track your account balance – this is done through soil testing and accurate record keeping: an ongoing record of your pH levels for each paddock.
The Australian Government is seeking input from community and industry stakeholders on the popular On Farm Connectivity Program to ensure it is delivering the best possible outcomes for primary producers through the upcoming third round.
Through over $30 million in rebates provided over the first two rounds, thousands of primary producers have been able to extend connectivity and take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts has commenced public consultation on design aspects of Round 3, ahead of opening applications later this year.
The department is requesting feedback on options to adjust the Program to ensure opportunities are optimised for primary producers to address connectivity gaps, particularly in light of the unprecedented demand in Round 2.
Proposed changes to the Program including refining the scope of equipment eligible for rebate, and streamlining
processes by providing rebates directly to primary producers.
The public consultation builds on discussions already underway with state and Commonwealth government agencies and industry representatives, including the National Farmers’ Federation, as well as feedback already received following delivery of the first two rounds.
The Government has allocated $53 million across all three rounds of the Program over 2023-24 to 2025-26, as part of the Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. For more information and to have your say on the proposed changes for Round 3, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov. au/have-your-say/farm-connectivityprogram-round-3-consultation Consultation closes on Tuesday, 26 August 2025.
FARMtalk welcomes community contributions from farmers, experts and professionals who make their living and life on the land. If you would like to contribute, there are several ways to do so.
• Get in touch and give us a tip of a great story idea.
• Contribute an article: If you are an expert in your field then contributing once off, or regularly, is a great way to get started in our FARMtalk magazine. Contact Zoe McMaugh at farmtalk@ denipt.com.au or 03 5881 2322.
• Become an author: FARMtalk is open to occasional contributors who are experts in their field or authorities on a subject or area. Once you have contributed an article, and the editorial team have approved you, we can set you up with a regular column to contribute. We would love to hear from you. Contact Zoe McMaugh at farmtalk@ denipt.com.au or 03 5881 2322.
• Have a fascinating farm in mind for us to showcase? Tell us! We would love to hear from you. Contact Zoe McMaugh at farmtalk@ denipt.com.au or 03 5881 2322.
A new handbook empowering landowners and solar developers to harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy is now available.
Anewhandbook empowering landowners and solar developers to harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy is now available.
EnergyCo will launch the Agrivoltaics Handbook, a guide to preserving productive agricultural practices while meeting the state’s growing renewable energy needs. It was developed by Farm Renewables Consulting and Progressive Agriculture, with support from EnergyCo.
The handbook includes:
• information for landowners wanting to graze sheep or cattle within solar farms, and/or grow crops and horticulture under solar panels
• guidelines for how developers can incorporate farming into solar systems
• comprehensive checklists of consideration in planning an agrisolar development.
It expands the information available and guides leading industry practices as we work with regional communities within Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) to deliver a modern electricity grid for NSW.
Benefits for landowners already implementing this two-in-one solution include diversified income streams, shading for stock, heat and hail protection, and vegetation management.
“Farmers that host projects are crucial to the success of our renewable energy zones. Having
more practical information available on the opportunities and benefits empowers host communities and shows compatibility between renewables and our important agricultural industries,” said Hannah McCaughey, EnergyCo CEO.
“Early engagement with landowners is important when shaping how renewable energy projects can coexist with farmland. The Handbook comprehensively guides landowners and developers from planning and design, all the way through to maintenance,” said Karin Stark Farm Renewables Consulting Director. The guide will be available on the https://www. energyco.nsw.gov.au/agrivoltaics-handbook.
Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) group new wind and solar power generation into locations where they can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW. Five zones have been identified and will keep NSW electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations retire, delivering large amounts of new energy to power our regions and cities.
REZs will help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition, while supporting local jobs and business opportunities during construction and operation.
