FARMtalk October 2023

OCTOBER 2023

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Ag education – brick by brick PAGES 4-5

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More pests, but control lacking The third national survey of pests and weeds shows 85 per cent of land managers spent on average around $21,950 in 2022 on pest and weed species management.

E

xecutive Director of ABARES Dr Jared Greenville said the results of the 2022 ABARES pest animal and weed

management land manager survey demonstrates the level of commitment required by land managers to control pests and

March Edition: February 22, 2024

weeds is increasing.

April Edition: March 22, 2024

saying authorities have “dropped the ball”.

May Edition: April 26, 2024

impacts on their properties.

June Edition: May 24, 2024

Foxes, rabbits, rats and mice were the most common species

July Edition: June 22, 2024 August Edition: July 26, 2024 September Edition: August 23, 2024 October Edition: September 25, 2024

His comments come at the same time as NSW Farmers is calling for a crackdown on pest and weed management, Dr Greenville said in the 2022 survey land managers reported that feral animals continue to cause considerable “The survey showed 89 per cent of land managers reported problems due to feral animals, up from 85 per cent in 2019. reported as causing problems.

“There have also been reports of feral animals that are new to properties or have increased in numbers, such as feral pigs and deer, that are causing damage.

“About three-quarters of land managers continue to manage pest animals on their properties through various means.

“Ground shooting was the most common management activity, used by about 75 per cent of land managers.

Pesticide and/or insecticide use and ground baiting were also popular control measures, used by around 50 per cent of land managers,” Dr Greenville said.

There was also a small but meaningful increase in reports of weed related problems on properties since 2019. Around 60 per cent of land managers reported problems with Weeds of National Significance in 2022, up from 58 per cent in 2019.

“The most common weeds that were reported as being new to the property were Fireweed, Feathertop rhodes grass,

“The survey showed 89 per cent of land managers reported problems due to feral animals, up from 85 per cent in 2019.

Foxes, rabbits, rats and mice were the most common species reported as causing problems.”

DR JARED GREENVILLE

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Information contained in this magazine is presented only after being carefully researched. However, there are differences in state and regional regulations and conditions. Farmers are asked to check with their own advisors. FARMtalk can assume no responsibility for the contents.

OCTOBER 2023

FARMtalk • 3

Fleabane, African lovegrass, Thistles and Giant rats tail grass. More than 80 per cent of land managers are actively managing weeds on their properties, with the application of herbicides remaining the most common weed management activity,” Dr Greenville said.

NSW Farmers’ biosecurity chair Ian McColl said pests and weeds are a major issue, and while farmers follow strict rules around controlling pest animals and managing weeds, some public lands are overrun with invasive species., resulting in production losses, wasted time and increased costs for landholders.

“Management of weeds and pests is an increasing burden on farming operations, and it’s frustrating when they keep coming in from the same place,” Mr McColl said.

“We all have obligations to keep these pests and weeds under control, but sadly some public land managers aren’t doing their part and it’s the community who ends up paying the cost.

“The NSW Government needs to ensure ongoing pest and weed management by local authorities, improve

compliance by public land managers, and address the lack of enforcement where these obligations are being ignored.”

Pests and weeds cost the NSW economy $1.8 billion each year, and Mr McColl said simply cracking down on compliance will reduce those losses and the need to control outbreaks.

“While there has been increased funding to weed research and control, and increased awareness of the need to control pest animals, there should be a focus on where achievable gains in the immediate term can ease the pressure of management,” he said.

“It’s clear that the delegation to local government of enforcement is not working, so they need to be trained and funded to do that job. Public land managers have an important job to do, and they need to hold up their end of the bargain when it comes to being good neighbours.”

For more information from the pest animals and weed management survey, visit: https://www.agriculture. gov.au/abares/research-topics/social-sciences/pestanimals-weed-management-survey

“Management of weeds and pests is an increasing burden on farming operations, and it’s frustrating when they keep coming in from the same place.”

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OCTOBER 2023

4 • FARMtalk

Ag education – brick by brick

“Agricultural education is a growing focus area for our industry as we aim to be the next $100 billion industry by 2030. The need to apply an agriculture lens to education has never been stronger.”

T

hat is the view of Tocumwal’s Aimee Snowden, and the basis of her 2023 Nuffield Scholarship

study.

Through Nuffield Aimee is exploring how to raise the profile and awareness of agriculture across the country and the world. It’s a topic she developed a strong passion for after creating the LEGO Farmer concept and Little BRICK Pastoral in 2014. Its aim is to celebrate Australian agriculture through unique photos of a LEGO farmer minifigure across social media.

Her playful photos have grown a wide audience, and it propelled Aimee to be engaged in developing agricultural education programs, resources and events.

Aimee has recently returned from the United States, where she kick started her intensive study by attending teaching conferences, agricultural shows and agritourism businesses.

The study will continue in Europe and the United Kingdom next year, where she will seek out similar experiences and learning opportunities.

“The areas we visited were incredibly diverse and different in agricultural production, but similar in a lot of ways too.”

AIMEE SNOWDEN

The America visit was tacked on to the end of the 2023 Nuffield Scholarship Global Focus Program trip for a group of scholars, which ended in the US and also visited Singapore, India, Qatar and Germany over four weeks. It followed a Nuffield organised trip earlier in the year which visited Canada and New Zealand.

While the first part of the more recent tour was not intended to drill down on her specific area of study, she could not help but take away a few key messages along the way.

Aimee said while we use the term agritourism in Australia, the Americans tend to call it agrientertainment or edu-tainment. Whatever the phrase, she believes it has a key role to play in educating people about the role of farmers in supplying the world with vital resources.

“It’s about looking at what is our potential in resourcing schools, but also what we can be doing as an industry,” she said.

“We can’t put the onus on teachers to do it all for us, so we need to be looking at more ways we can bringing along the whole family for the experience.

“Currently agriculture education in schools relies on teacher knowledge and access to resources often

funded by individual industries, yet research shows that if experiences are further provided, knowledge is more powerful and meaningful.

“An opportunity exists for more engaging experiences for students and teachers showcasing ag tech and modern farming practices and removing industry silos.

“We have a vast array of industry bodies, research development corporations and member organisations with many developing education resources.

“However, we need an all-encompassing ag education experience that allows students to learn about Australian agriculture as one industry in a hands-on manner, and thereby consider a future where they can enjoy a prosperous and meaningful career”.

In America Aimee visited a 36,000 head dairy which is open to the public as an agritourism business.

OCTOBER 2023

FARMtalk • 5

“The areas we visited were incredibly diverse and different in agricultural production, but similar in a lot of ways too.”

AIMEE SNOWDEN

And in Germany she mused as side boxes at farms which give people the opportunity to watch the farming processes without necessarily interrupting the farming operations. These farms with window boxes also have vending machines which allow visitors to purchase produce produced at the farm. This method in Germany is specifically designed to take advantage of the cycling holiday makers.

Aimee learned a lot herself of the Global Focus Program trip about how farming in similar and differs in other parts of the world.

“The areas we visited were incredibly diverse and different in agricultural production, but similar in a lot of ways too.

“We are all experiencing the same issues around food security and attracting labour, for example.

“The other similarities included the use of technology and the scale of farming, which is getting bigger and bigger.

As for the differences, the biggest contract of the places I visited was particularly evident in India and Qatar - with one following the other on the trip.

“In India we visited a 44 cow dairy, which is quite unusual for a country which mainly only has one cow per household.

“But then in Qatar we visited a 24,000 head dairy, where the cows only have access to imported feed because it is a desert and no feed is grown in the country whatsoever.”

Interacting with the other scholars on the trip was also a learning experience for Aimee, with the 11 scholars coming from seven different countries.

The next part of Aimee’s Nuffield journey will take place in May and June next year, when she will embark on her solo trip to Europe and the UK. It will include a visit to Denmark, the home of LEGO, where she will be meeting with some of the LEGO team.

“I am really interested in the theories about learning through play, and to have a conversation with LEGO will be a great experience.”

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OCTOBER 2023

FARMtalk • 7

Scholarship to help female rice leaders Applications are now open for the 2024 Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship.

T

his year is a significant milestone, marking the 10th anniversary of the SunRice program.

The scholarship, in honour of Jan Cathcart’s remarkable 43-year career in the Australian rice industry, aims to empower and nurture the next generation of female leaders in agriculture. It offers an exceptional opportunity for women involved in the Australian rice industry and its related agricultural networks, to advance their education and careers.

The recipient of the 2024 Jan Cathcart Memorial Scholarship will be granted up to $30,000 in financial assistance for tertiary study, alongside invaluable prospects for work experience and employment placement within the rice industry.

SunRice Group chairman Laurie Arthur said the scholarship plays an important role in developing talented women who are passionate about shaping the Australian rice industry.

“Through the scholarship, we continue to pay tribute to Jan’s legacy by nurturing the future of the rice industry. For a decade now, we’ve empowered women with both financial support and industry guidance, supporting their growth along the path Jan once trod,” Mr Arthur said.

“What’s even more remarkable is witnessing how past recipients have flourished within the SunRice Group and the wider industry. They’ve forged a resilient alumnae network, a testament to the power of industry support and shared motivation.”

One of the 2023 recipients, Lily Delves, said the scholarship fosters a sense of community for women in agriculture, and has ensured that young women are supported in their education and endeavours, which they can bring back to rural communities and the industry.

Another recipient, Tiarna Burke, said: “This scholarship represents a remarkable opportunity that

Pictured are the 2023 Jan Cathcart Scholarship recipients, Lily Delves and Tiarna Burke.

empowers women to pursue careers aligned with their passions, irrespective of their chosen field. It serves as a catalyst for women to pursue their aspirations and leave a lasting impact, not only within the rice industry but also within their local communities.”

The scholarship is open to female SunRice Group shareholders, growers, employees and their extended families. Women across the rice industry network are

also encouraged to apply or nominate eligible candidates who would benefit from this program. Eligible students encompass those currently enrolled at a university or embarking on their first year of tertiary studies in 2024.

Applications close on November 10 with the winner to be announced in early 2024.

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Helen Dalton MP INDEPENDENT MEMBER FOR MURRAY

In September, NSW Farmers, farming families and supporters from regional NSW came to Sydney to protest controversial plans by Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek to buy back 450 gigalitres of water from farmers’ struggling to survive in the Murray Darling Basin.

I joined them with Independent Member for Wagga Dr. Joe McGirr as we marched from Central Station to Minister Plibersek’s inner city Sydney office.

Our message was loud and clear. The Federal Environment Minister has come into the Southern Basin like a rural wrecking ball. It is clear that Federal Labor is about to drive up food costs for everyone in Australia while also driving more and more farmers off the land.

Farming families oppose the buyback of 450 gigalitres because the water can’t be taken from food production without devastating regional communities and driving up cost of living pressures across the state.

Despite knowing this, Minister Plibersek is determined to keep pushing for her politically motivated plan.

Federal Labor is trying to look environmentally-friendly, so they don’t lose more votes to the Greens. It’s got nothing to do with rivers and Labor needs to get their politics out of our rivers.

These water buybacks will cut production at a time that a global food shortage is looming.

These buybacks will result in less food and higher inflation.

If you think the food you put on your table is expensive now, wait until we start losing more farmers because of this ridiculous buyback plan.

The government cannot get away with destroying the lives of rural families.

They also mustn’t be allowed to get way with driving up the cost of living for everyone.

Helen Dalton MP for Murray Authorised by Helen Dalton MP, Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.

Griffith 02 6962 6644 | Deniliquin 03 5881 7034 | Buronga 0475 683 288 | murray@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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OCTOBER 2023

FARMtalk • 9

Superb conservation effort Bob and Jenny Congdon on their Berrigan property.

Photo courtesy of Murray Local Land Services.

In an effort to restore superb parrot foraging habitat in the Mulwala-Savernake district, Murray Local Land Services has been working with local landholders to restore foraging habitat and flyways.

F

rom 2020 to 2023, with funding support from the NSW Environmental Trust, Superb Parrot Project participants have: • Established four conservation agreements • Completed 5.6km of fencing

• Planted approximately 50ha of trees, shrubs and groundcovers for Superb Parrot foraging habitat

• Attended two community workshops (82 attendees)

• Supported the ‘Seedlings for Superbs’ giveaways (60 participants).

Volunteering to be part of the project were Hugh and Janette Smith from ‘Wandong’ in Savernake, and Bob and Jenny Congdon from ‘Woodstock’ at Berrigan.

The Smiths jumped on board after seeing superb parrots on a roadside adjoining their property and receiving a letter about a project focused on this bird.

The family has a long connection to the area, and successive generations have a history of protecting and revegetating areas on the farm.

Hugh has even used their own air seeder to have a go at direct seeding into larger fenced-off patches.

The commitment to enhancing their farm to encourage more wildlife to return is now paying off as new species move in and call the farm home.

“It does take a bit of organising and work - particularly if doing it yourself - but now the plants have established, and you see the birds come in, it is really satisfying,” Hugh said.

“It can take a while, but, in the end, it is worth it when it has all come to fruition”.

The work undertaken by the family to support superb parrots focused on fencing off a paper lane through the property that connected two roadsides.

The roadsides have good-quality remnant vegetation and a high diversity of birds.

After fencing, the sites were direct seeded during the autumn and early winter.

The seeding included a mix of species that superb parrots forage. This included local wattles, hopbush ruby saltbush and punty bush.

“We know the parrots are endangered, they don’t nest here, but they do come to forage.”

The Congdon’s property ‘Woodstock’ is nestled next to a state forest, so superb parrots have been regularly seen by generations at the property.

But in more recent years, there have been fewer sightings of the birds.

Before being involved in the superb parrot project, the Congdon’s had created tree breaks around the property as buffers, a requirement for organic certification.

They had also fenced off remnant vegetation and direct seeded into these areas.

When natural regeneration comes up, they have also fenced off these plants.

The superb parrot project allowed Bob and Jenny to fulfil a vision of connecting the state forest to other revegetation they had completed on the property.

The project site is 1600m long and 30m wide. 1,550 trees and shrubs were planted in five rows.

Bob and Jenny prepared the site by deep ripping before planting. Planting was completed by a contractor in the winter months.

Jenny and Bob are proud of the birds that are now visiting their farm and the natural regeneration of the plants from some of the original plantings.

Bob and Jenny’s advice to others is to keep fencing and planting.

“Hopefully, this project site creates a wildlife corridor through the whole property that in the future has large trees and shrubs, grasses on the ground and heaps of birds and wildlife moving through it,” the said.

You can learn more about the Superb Parrot Project, and other Murray LLS projects, by going to www.lls. nsw.gov.au/regions/murray/programs-and-projects.

OCTOBER 2023

10 • FARMtalk

Back-to-Back wins for Maddy Maddy Telford started showing cattle when she was 12 years old.

S

even years later, she’s just taken out her second consecutive Melbourne Royal Show Supreme Exhibit award with a bull from the Barham MGT Cattle stud she co-owns.

The judges’ choice for the prize was her 14 month-old red Angus bull.

“I knew he’d go alright in his class, but I wasn’t too sure how he’d go to take out supreme,” Maddy said.

“We were against a junior heifer to take out supreme.”

The winning bull is the grandson of the cow that Maddy had success with last year.

Maddy’s introduction to cattle showing was through Barham High School.

“We had an ag teacher there that we used to take steers to Melbourne with.

“The networking is insane with the showing of the cattle and the beef industry, it also helps with work.”

Maddy said keeping the feed up to the young bull and having a great structure was key to her success.

“I believe pumping the feed into them to get that weight on. He’s a really big boy for his age and moves really well and free.

“He’s going to grow out and put a lot more weight on.”

Weighing 666kg at the show, the young bull had an eye muscle area (EMA) score of 117.

“It’s the structure and getting the feed on them before the show, really shows off their potential.”

The bull with accolades to its name will now hit the market, with Maddy looking to take his mum, who will be in calf to next year’s show.

Another highlight for Maddy this year was the honour of being asked to be the associate judge for the Simmental breed alongside Scott Myers.

Maddy is also using her ever-growing skillset to work with other studs such as Jackungah Speckle Park, where they looked after 13 Speckle Park cattle for show, and some additional Simmental and Limousin cattle, bringing the total to 20.

Work will now begin on the preparations for the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Maddy Telford of MGT Cattle Co Barham, with her Supreme Exhibit winning 14-month-old bull.

“He’s going to grow out and put a lot more weight on.”

MADDY TELFORD Simmental Beef Supreme Exhibit winner Olivia Baker from Woonale Simmentals, Shannon Lawlor from International Animal Health, associate Judge Maddy Telford and judge Scott Myers.

BOOLIGAL, NSW

OCTOBER 2023

FARMtalk • 11

Booligal comes alive for return of sheep races The village of Booligal was a hive of activity on Saturday, September 30 as one of the regions most unique events, the Booligal Sheep Races, enjoyed a successful relaunch.

M

ore than $20,000 has been raised, with plans for funds to be donated to local charities including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, used to improve local community buildings and to build a bigger and better event next year.

The races have been disrupted in the past few years, cancelled in 2019, 2020 and 2022, but the community pulled together to host a great family day this year, on Saturday September 30.

The population of the sleepy hamlet exploded fourfold over race weekend, with many taking advantage of the free camping sites set up around the racecourse.

The annual gumboot toss competition and egg throwing challenge was held, with full catering on-site and jumping castles for the children.

Sheep race heats ran all afternoon, culminating in a hotly contested final run, won by Earn Ya Keep, raced by Caitlin Langley in a time of eight seconds. Earn Ya Keep also posted the fastest time of the day – 7.4 seconds – in its heat. Caitlin and the extended Hilder family are regular visitors to Booligal and wonderful supporters of the event.

Runner-up was The Thirsty Tru-Man Show raced by Kirsty Skene.

The auction of racing sheep, supplied by Ivan Job, enjoyed spirited bidding, to a top of $460, with more than $3,000 raised.

FARMtalk was a proud sponsor of this year’s races.

Isaac Booth with Caitlyn Langley, who raced the winner, Earn Ya Keep.

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OCTOBER 2023

FARMtalk • 13

What are you preparing for?

As we approach a busy time of year and there is much talk that seasonal conditions are going to get tougher, what are you preparing for on your farm?

H

arvest, sowing, feeding livestock, weaning stock, bushfire season; there are many tasks you might need to consider.

As we are all aware, preparation is key to achieving a desired result and remember, no decision made with the information available at the time is an actively ‘bad’ decision. For any task you have coming up, there are resources available to assist you.

You can prepare with your previous experience, a checklist of items you need or small jobs to be done, discussions with your workers to identify things that may have been missed, consider various commodity markets, run a budget, and prioritise activities to assist yourself.

Below are some considerations and you can also contact your Local Land Services office to speak to a team member who can assist you with resources available.

Sowing: • Fertiliser and chemical requirements • Seed required

• Check machinery – parts required, serviceability, maintenance, adjustments required

Harvesting: • Check machinery – serviceability, parts required, maintenance • Brief staff – safety, expectations, tasks ahead • Storage available and serviceability

Dry conditions:

This is a small list of seasonal activities that you may be preparing for and prompts to assist your thinking.

The overall message is to be prepared, consider what options are available to you, utilise resources to assist your preparation and contact someone for help if you need to.

Additional resources are available on the Local Land Services website.

• Feed on hand & available in paddocks • Stock numbers on farm

• Water resources available

• Planning for what your stock will require • Is confinement feeding an option?

• What is your feed quality like?

Bushfire season: • Fire tracks/ breaks ready • Water on hand

• Plan for movement of livestock to a safe area if required (heavily grazed area, ploughed paddock, stockyards etc)

• Have an emergency kit ready (first aid kit, animal supplies, medications, sharp knife, wire cutters etc) • Emergency contacts and information

Contributed by Rebecca Stacey (pictured), senior local lands officer - mixed farming with Murray Local Land Services.

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OCTOBER 2023

FARMtalk • 15

Early detection saves lives For generations, farmers have been the backbone of rural communities, working under the sun, enduring the elements, and nurturing the very soil that sustains us all.

B

ut in their dedication to the land and their livelihoods, they often at times neglect the most precious asset of all - their health.

With that in mind, Corowa farmer Derek Schoen has opened up about his recent prostate cancer journey, shedding light on the critical importance of early detection, challenging the tendency of rural men to put their health on the backburner.

Six months after his surgery, the 63 year-old mixed cropping and beef farmer says early detection has given him the best possible outcome.

In September last year Mr Schoen began to notice subtle changes in his health, including frequent urination. Concerned about these symptoms, he took the initiative to consult his GP and requested a ProstateSpecific Antigen (PSA) test.

The results revealed a startling revelation - his PSA levels had doubled within just 12 months.

Mr Schoen’s GP promptly referred him to a urologist, who confirmed that such a rapid increase in PSA levels could be a cause for concern. Further diagnostic procedures were undertaken, including an ultrasound that exposed a shadow on his prostate, strongly indicating the presence of a tumour.

A subsequent biopsy, performed under general anaesthesia, ultimately confirmed Mr Schoen’s fears he had prostate cancer.

“I was in denial at first,” Mr Schoen told Farm Talk.

“I really didn’t think it could happen to me. While both of my brothers-in-law have had prostate cancer, I had no family history. So that isn’t always a reliable indicator of risk.

“Fortunately, the cancer was found to be classified as low-grade and slow growing.

“There was no urgency, but I was adamant that I wanted it removed as soon as possible.

“If I was 10 years older, they probably would have recommended to just leave it as I would probably outlive the growth.”

The procedure, carried out on March 20 of this year, proved successful, with the tumour being confined within the prostate, and his erectile nerves spared, preserving his functionality.

Mr Schoen then underwent a six-week recovery period during which he had to exercise caution.

“The first 10 days I had a catheter which I learnt to empty myself. A bit unpleasant but it wasn’t too bad,” he said.

“You just have to be extremely careful. So, no lifting heavy items. Things like sneezing or yelling at the dog were a bit risky too,” he said.

Mr Schoen also engaged in physiotherapy through Albury Wodonga Health to aid his recovery.

Six months after recovering from prostate cancer surgery, Corowa farmer Derek Schoen is urging men over 50 to prioritise their annual prostate screening or get checked if they notice any subtle symptoms.

“I really didn’t think it could happen to me. While both of my brothers-in-law have had prostate cancer, I had no family history.

So that isn’t always a reliable indicator of risk.”

DEREK SCHOEN “Physio has been extremely important for pelvic floor control post op,” he said.

“My physio also recommended some dietary changes, including avoiding caffeine because it’s a diuretic.”

A check up in June revealed an encouraging outcome for Mr Schoen; his PSA levels were at zero, indicating the cancer hadn’t metastasised.

“I’ll have another check-up in the next month and ongoing monitoring every six months after that,” he said.

“All in all, the entire process is straightforward. My biggest message is, if you suspect you have symptoms, ask your GP for a PSA test.

“A lot of men don’t recognise initial symptoms or have none at all.

“That’s why it’s important to have routine check-ups, especially for those over 50.”

Mr Schoen acknowledged the hesitance some men feel towards medical check-ups, addressing the common concern about functionality post-treatment.

“Early detection yields the best possible outcome after surgery,” he said.

“Men might be concerned about erectile dysfunction but there’s plenty of treatment options out there.”

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, there are a range of treatment options such as oral medications, vacuum erection devices, intracavernosal injections and penile implants.

While everyone’s recovery looks different, generally recovery of erectile function from nerve sparing surgery can take between six to 36 months after surgery.

Mr Schoen’s journey highlights the pivotal role early detection plays in ensuring the best possible outcomes for those affected by prostate cancer.

“Men, particularly in our area, often put their health on the backburner, but my message is that if you have concerns just get checked. It’s a fairly simple procedure and it could save your life.”

Contact the TASKERS team today and ask about • low interest rates • 5 year warranty • service plans on selected tractors 77 Davidson Street, Deniliquin.

Phone (03) 5881 2176. www.taskers.net.au

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Contact us to find out more, phone 03 5881 2322 or email farmtalk@denipt.com.au

OCTOBER 2023

FARMtalk • 17

Positive signs for cotton Australia’s 2023-24 cotton crop has been almost entirely ginned and classed, according to Cotton Australia’s Aurthur Spellson.

M

r Spellson said the 2023 ginning season was a welcome change compared to the previous year, which was impacted by prolonged flooding and rainfall.

It hit the Murrumbidgee Valley – including Hay and Balranald - hard.

“They had some significant challenges in the Murrumbidgee,” Mr Spellson said.

“They had trouble getting it planted and then had a cool season.”

The outlook for the 2024 crop is positive despite El Nino being declared, with Australian cotton industry experts currently predicting next year’s crop to be about four million bales.

Although this is a significant drop from the 5.5 million bales achieved this year, he expects the crop will be above average for the industry.

“The reduction comes from the forecast for a lot less dryland,” Mr Spellson said, “then we have some areas like the Murrumbidgee and Macquarie that will grow more than what they did this year.”

Cotton Australia Southern NSW regional manager Tom Mannes said growers in the southern valleys have started planting.

“The weather looks favourable and it is looking like a sizeable crop,” Mr Mannes said.

He said it is estimated that about 75,000 hectares of cotton will be planted in the Murray, Murrumbidgee and Lachlan Valleys.

Vietnam remains Australia’s strongest export market for cotton, followed by India, Indonesia, China, Bangladesh and Turkey.

“The weather looks favourable and it is looking like a sizeable crop.”

TOM MANNES

PRECISION AERIAL APPLICATORS Supporting the Riverina & Northern Victoria since 1973

Contact your local Field Air office DENILIQUIN PH: 03 5881 2667 MOBILE: 0429 935 448 EMAIL: deniops@fieldair.com.au

FINLEY PH: 03 5883 3200 MOBILE: 0417 463 083 EMAIL: finleyworks@fieldair.com.au

HAY PH: 02 6993 4788 MOBILE: 0429 935 448

www.fieldair.com.au

Brian McCleary & Co Accountants 249 – 257 Barham Rd, Deniliquin Contact Les Booth on 5881 2261 or 0428 796 607

FRIENDLY, ACCESSIBLE, CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE, INCLUDING • Income Tax Returns • GST & BAS • Business start up • Audits • Cloud accounting software • Establish a SMSF • Single Touch Payroll ready solutions

Call now and book your pre-harvest check up Wheel alignments and balances Large range of tyre brands available Mobile service, we come to you!

With on farm service and 24/7 call out.

Registered Tax Agents Registered Company Auditors SMSF advisers Offices located in Deni, Barham, Hay, Echuca, and Rochester.

126 End Street, Deniliquin. Phone 5881 7999 admin@brianmccleary.com.au

DENILIQUIN TREE SERVICE - TREE REMOVAL - TREE MAINTENANCE & TRIMMING - STUMP REMOVAL & GRINDING - MULCHING - AERIAL RIGGING / LIMITED ACCESS

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Children’s Books

OCTOBER 2023

FARMtalk • 19

BEING JIMMY BAXTER Fiona Lloyd

It’s not eggsactly easy being Jimmy Baxter’ cause: - The real Jimmy’s hiding inside - Ned Kelly’s giving him the evil eye - Mum’s stopped going to work and stay in bed - There’s no eggs in the fridge - or anything else AND there’s new jobs, bad-atschool brains and a whole lot of trouble called Duke. But then . . . there’s Mac. A gently funny yet powerful coming-of-age middle-grade novel about surviving the odds, unlikely friendships and the magical of Elvis. $16.99

THE STARLIGHT STABLES GANG Esme Higgs

Summer has always loved horses, and she’s longed for the day when she’d be able to ride a pony of her own.

So when Summer meets Jessie and gets a chance to visit the Starlight Stables, she leaps at the chance.

Helping out at the stables is a dream come true, until her favourite dapple-grey pony Luna, gets stolen.

With a thief on the loose, and suspects round every corner, it’s up to Summer and the rest of the Starlight Stables Gang to rescue Luna before it’s too late! $16.99

Apply for ID rebate

WILD ABOUT BABIES Philip Bunting

Producers and agents can now apply for the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Rebate Scheme.

Wild babies come in many different shapes and species.

From pufflings to porcupettes, meet some of our world’s most incredible infants. $22.99

E

ligible primary producers and stock and station agents can apply for a 50 per cent rebate, co-funded by the applicant.

This scheme covers eligible eID-related equipment and infrastructure purchases from 15 December 2022.

Producers can apply for up to $4,000 per applicant for eID readers and related software and up to $11,250 for autodrafters and goat handling equipment that is fitted with a panel reader.

Agents can apply for a rebate on 50 per cent of the cost of eligible electronic identification items up to a maximum of $2,000.

Information about the rebate, including program guidelines is now available on the RAA website: www.raa.nsw.gov.au/grants/eid information on the implementation of eID for sheep and farmed goats in NSW, head to the DPI website: Linda Searle (pictured) is Early applications are encouraged, as funding is limited. a district veterinarian with

IN MY GARDEN Kate Mayes and Tamsin Ainslie

In our gardens are where we belong.

Planting, watching growing, dreaming.

In our gardens something out of nothing comes.

Join children from around the world as they share their gardens, from blossoming flowers in Japan to the waterside of Malawi, the frozen landscape of Iceland to the bush tracks of Australia. These are the places they love and the places they belong. With uplifting lyrical words and stunning detailed pictures from bestselling duo, Kate Mayes and Tamsin Ainslie. $24.99 These great titles and more available instore.

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

Deniliquin Newsagency Office Choice 249 Cressy Street, Deniliquin.

Phone 5881 2080. www.deni.com.au

Murray Local Land Services.

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.

October Specials

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