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In the heart of the Southern Riverina, golden canola paddocks stretch alongside dense woodlands, a striking reminder that productive farming and thriving nature don’t have to be at odds.
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Herelies Savernake Station, heritage-listed since 2013, and nurtured by the Sloane family since 1862.
Today, the station is home to Ann and Alexander Sloane, who manage 2,020 hectares with a careful balance of Merino sheep grazing and conservation work. Their siblings, David Sloane, living in Corowa, and Helen Huggins (née Sloane) in Jerilderie, remain closely involved, all united in preserving the family’s land and legacy.
“I always come back to Savernake; this is my home,” Helen says, her connection to the land clear in every word.
Now Helen has taken a significant step to protect the property’s endangered ecological communities, entering into an in-perpetuity agreement with the New South Wales Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT). Over decades, she has restored native vegetation, controlled weeds, and managed feral animals, ensuring these precious habitats survive for generations to come.
Alexander and Ann have 400 hectares under BCT protection, while David is also involved, managing his own land, including 50 hectares of carbon planting to create safe havens for wildlife such as brolgas.
The BCT works to support landholders to conserve biodiversity and to promote public understanding and appreciation of the value of this work.
And there are practical benefits too. Landholders receive an average of $217 per hectare annually, with opportunities for carbon credits.
“It’s guaranteed each year, and even in droughts we still get paid,” Alexander said.
For the Sloanes, BCT agreements are more than a financial incentive; they’re a way to safeguard the land, improve soil health, and leave a lasting environmental legacy. Helen has maintained pristine areas, untouched by grazing for more than 40 years. Alexander and Ann plant native shrubs and trees, manage feral animals, and maintain biodiversity corridors. Their dedication keeps the land productive, resilient, and environmentally rich, reflecting a family that genuinely cares for the environment.
Savernake’s flora and fauna are remarkable, with towering Grey Box, Yellow Box, Murray Pine, and She Oaks sheltering native lilies, lomandra, coral lichen, and grasses. Eastern grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies to rare reptiles and frogs thrive. Ann tracks 132 bird species alone.
“Iconic threatened species motivate us,” she said. “If you destroy their habitat, another species becomes extinct. This is a legacy for the future.”
The Sloanes’ conservation ethos is deeply rooted. Settled by Alexander Sloane in 1862, the property has stayed in family hands. Their grandfather, William, preserved forests while complying with land regulations, and their father, Ian, a natural historian, earned the Bicentennial National Tree Farmer Award in 1988. Savernake Station shows that stewardship pays. With the BCT, farmers can secure reliable income, protect biodiversity, and leave a lasting legacy. For those wanting to farm responsibly, make a difference, and keep the land productive for generations, the Sloanes’ story is an inspiring example of how farming and conservation work hand in hand.
The farming education of Mayrung Public School students been expanded to deliver the message of where food comes from.
The ‘Farm to Plate’ program has featured rice field tours in recent years, particularly as they surround the small rural school. On the back of another successful rice program in April this year, an excursion based on the dairy industry was hosted in September. The students enjoyed an engaging and educational visit to Karina Dairy.
A neighbour of the school, it is owned by the Litchfield family.
“During the hands-on tour, students explored modern milking facilities, gained insight into how dairy farming operates today, and even got involved in the traditional craft of butter making,” the school said.
“A highlight of the visit was meeting the poddy calves - and the much-loved Grandma Della.
“A big thank you to Stephen Ball for organising the day and securing a grant from Murray Irrigation Limited for the cost of the bus.
“Thanks also to Rachael Napier from Murray Dairy, and Amy Bunnett and James Peck for their informative and engaging presentations at the dairy.”
Mr Ball launched the ‘Farm to Plate’ program in 2022, then with a focus on food and fibre. Early programs focused on how rice gets from the farm, to the supermarket shelves and part of a staple diet. Mr Ball said each time the program runs, some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry are invited to speak with the students. This includes local growers, representatives of SunRice, Ricegrowers Association of Australia and Murray Irrigation Limited. For the dairy
tour, students and staff were told about all facets of the process of getting milk and milk product to the table by local dairy farmers.
“The school has done dairy visits to nearby properties in the past, but this was the first under the Farm to Plate program we started a few years back,” Mr Ball said.
“James and Amy were great at taking them through what happens at a dairy, and all the processes involved to get them the milk for their Weet-bix.
“It’s the same idea at the rice program - educating children that food does not just come from supermarkets.
“It’s even more important as the school gains more students from ‘in town’, rather than off farms.
“I’ll be talking with other locals about some of the other farms we might be able to visit in the future.”
Ms Napier said an important part of the education program for dairy is to remind people that cow’s milk is not just used in traditional dairy products.
“I took along some of the products I had at home to show them just how many things milk is in, and they could not get over the fact that milk is used in Twisties to help the flavour stick,” she said.
“We need our younger generations to connect with all things agriculture, and to help get them out of the classroom sometimes.
“We sometimes take it for granted that people in a rural community know where their food comes from because it is not always the case.
“Stephen does a really good job, working with the school and other partners, to address that.
“It was good to share the day with the children - you forget how inquiring their minds are.”
Another fun part of the day, led by Ms Napier, was the churning of butter from locally produced cream.
The Starritts from Womboota know a thing or two about breeding Border Leicesters — after all, they have been doing it since 1914.
The family and their breeding lines have weathered market cycles, droughts, and industry changes and challenges for 111 years. This has enabled them to deliver traditional excellence with modern genetic science to create great maternal genetics and productive sheep enterprises.
Womboota Border Leicesters, in southern NSW, is also part of SuperBorder — a group of stud breeders across five states who are committed to striving for genetic gain. To qualify as a SuperBorder, a Border Leicester ram must be above the 50th percentile for the breed based on the BLX cross index.
Some of those SuperBorder genetics went under the hammer on September 25 at the family’s 25th on-farm sale, featuring 80 one-year-old rams and 15 stud-ready ewes. A top price of $2300 was paid twice. Buyers included the Griffin family with Elders Yarrawonga, and Quirk Ag with McKean McGregors from Bendigo. The McGuffick family, Elders clients from Cooma, bought 15 rams.
Matt O’Connor, branch manager and auctioneer from Elders Echuca, said the sale represented where Merino ewe numbers are, both locally and across the eastern seaboard. “There is considerably increased processed mutton in the last two years — we are processing them faster than we can replace them, and that is reflected in this sale,” Mr O’Connor said.
Malcolm Starritt said the sale was heavily supported by repeat buyers and the family were very pleased with the results. “Our rams were very buyable and the current
maternal ewe price makes our Border ram price a very good investment,” Mr Starritt said.
Every year the family strives to breed better seed stock and, with technology and natural progression, their lines are continually improving. “Every year we are incorporating more measurement, and we are now micron testing rams,” Mr Starritt said. “First cross ewes are more
of a comeback type which has more value to industry than strong cross breeds.”
He said passed-in lots from the sale will be available alongside paddock sales between now and January. “There are some really good returns and potential returns for sheep in the future, and now is a great time to get into them — especially if you are looking to reduce risk and diversify your farm operation.”
The bush fire danger period has started in most parts of NSW, and will be in place until March 31.
In the Mid Murray Rural Fire Service Zone, including Jerilderie, the danger period started on October 1.
In the Southern Border District RFS, which incorporates Berrigan Shire, it begins on November 1.
During the bush fire danger period, anyone wishing to light a fire in the open — including hazard reduction burns or stubble burning — must obtain a fire permit online or via their local Fire Control Centre or fire permit officer.
NSW Rural Fire Service operational officer Jodie Graham said it was vital the community followed the rules.
“Fire permits and notifications are there to keep everyone safe,’’ she said.
‘’They provide us with a clear picture of fire activity across the district and help reduce the risk of fire escaping. Even with a permit, people must monitor the weather and be prepared to extinguish their fire if conditions change.”
A permit ensures burning can be carried out safely and under suitable weather conditions, but it is not permission to burn without care. Once a permit is obtained, residents must notify the NSW RFS and their neighbours at least 24 hours before lighting a fire.
Residents are also reminded that total fire bans may be declared on days of high risk and, on these days, no fires may be lit in the open, even with a permit. Doing so could result in fines of up to $5500 and/or 12 months’ imprisonment.
The NSW RFS urges everyone to prepare their properties now and stay alert throughout the fire season. For applications, notification procedures and safety advice, visit rfs.nsw.gov.au. You can also contact the Mid Murray Fire Control Centre on (03) 5898 4100 or the Southern Border District Fire Control Centre on (02) 6051 1511.
As
we are heading into mid- spring with patchy recent rainfall across the region, now is a good time to have a look at your current ground cover in paddocks.
Whatmight this start to look like in the next couple of months heading towards summer?
Minimum ground cover targets have been set across regions based on landscape and other factors.
These targets are to guide the minimum level required to protect soils from erosion (wind and water), in turn assisting to maintain soil health, plant health and longevity of the landscapes.
For ‘rangeland’ landscapes, this minimum level is set at 50 per cent, other landscapes, including hill areas, may have a higher minimum target to reduce risk of erosion from runoff.
Management practices, livestock, seasonal conditions and other factors can all impact the ground cover available.
It is up to managers to monitor what is happening in paddocks and what strategies can be implemented to manage groundcover and take steps to maintain a level that protects the soils.
Maintaining groundcover will not only protect your soils but also support increased water infiltration rather than run-off, and therefore assist plants in response to rainfall.
Monitoring your groundcover is quite simple, take a look at a transect across your paddocks and in a measured approach look at the groundcover level in a set square, calculating the ratio of bare to covered ground.
Do this at regular intervals across the transect to get a gauge of average groundcover for your paddocks.
Then consider what the plan is for those areas in coming months and the seasonal outlook, what will this do to the ground cover levels remaining and impact on your soils.
Intervention steps for maintaining ground cover may include; removing stock while paddocks recover, maintaining standing stubble (rather than grazing, mulching, tilling, burning etc), for heavily bared areas you may consider mulching with other materials if this is an option.
Murray LLS has had long-term involvement with a program ‘DustWatch’, looking to understand the impact and risks of dust storms in southern Australia that are exacerbated by low ground cover.
Costs associated with dust storms include loss of topsoil, damage to infrastructure, impact to plant and soil health and their ability to recover, as well as impacts to human health and more.
The DustWatch program includes weather & dust particle monitoring stations and roadside surveys monitoring ground cover, management practices, plant species and risk of erosion.
Across the Murray LLS region, groundcover in the survey transects has consistently been maintained at greater than 50 per cent for the majority of survey years,
indicating that management practices, even through varying seasons, have been managed well.
Additional satellite monitoring tools can be used to gain early indication of vegetation, ground cover and risk of erosion, assisting landholders in understanding early warning signs on their farms.
For further information, contact me at Murray LLS in Deniliquin on rebecca.stacey@lls.nsw.gov.au.
The wellbeing of students, including ensuring cultural diversity and connection, are key pillars of learning at Deniliquin High School.
They are part of a student learning process that prides itself on providing a broad academic education in a supportive and positive environment.
A recent addition to wellbeing and cultural inclusion is a Harmony Circle, which will celebrate the rich diversity within the school.
Donna Van Lieshout, the school’s Head Teacher Wellbeing and Work Studies teacher, explained the Harmony Circle will be an outdoor meeting space inspired by the concept of an Indigenous Yarning Circle. Its creation is being led by the school’s Year 11/12 Work Studies class.
“This inclusive structure will serve as a place for classes and groups to gather, learn and connect in a culturally respectful setting,” Mrs Van Lieshout explained.
The Harmony Circle will feature 18 individual posts, each representing one of the cultural backgrounds identified in the school community.
These posts will be uniquely presented with culturally significant colours, symbols and artwork, honouring the heritage and stories of each culture.
“It’s a celebration of the rich diversity within our school,” Mrs Van Lieshout said.
The project has received a funding boost through Murray Irrigation’s 2025 Education Sponsorship Program, which the company introduced this year to support school projects and activities that promote student learning, development and wellbeing.
“We needed community funding to help complete the Harmony Circle,” Mrs Van Lieshout said.
“Various businesses have been very generous in their support, providing seating, rock, weed mat and free advice, with steel, oil and other items being purchased from local suppliers.
“The grant from Murray Irrigation, allows us to complete the project.”
The Harmony Circle project is offering students a rich, real-world learning experience that aligns closely with the school’s Work Studies curriculum.
Students have been actively involved in every stage of the process, from concept design and budgeting to sourcing materials, liaising with local businesses, constructing seating, and creating culturally reflective artworks for the posts.
“This hands-on approach fosters essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, project management and communication,” Mrs Van Lieshout said.
“Importantly, the Harmony Circle also promotes student wellbeing by creating a safe and inclusive space that celebrates cultural diversity and connection.
“Through meaningful collaboration and storytelling, students build empathy and mutual respect, strengthening relationships across the school community.
“By combining practical learning with a strong focus on inclusion and belonging, the Harmony Circle supports both the personal development and emotional wellbeing of all involved, while reinforcing the school’s commitment to a culturally safe and respectful environment,” she added.
“Interestingly, when we were applying for funds from the Sponsorship Program, we noted how our Harmony Circle embodies Murray Irrigation’s core values: Wellbeing and Safety, Teamwork, Embrace Change, and Respect.
“This initiative is genuinely collaborative, with students working side by side to bring the project to life. It is more than just a creative endeavour; the Harmony Circle invites meaningful engagement with members of our culturally diverse school community.
“Through the exchange of personal stories and experiences, students are developing artworks that reflect both our differences and similarities.
“By establishing a dedicated gathering space, we aim to foster a strong sense of belonging, promote cultural safety, and enhance the overall wellbeing of our students.
“The Harmony Circle celebrates our rich cultural tapestry, encouraging pride in who we are, individually and collectively, and reinforcing the values we share.”
The project is part of a school that continues to evolve, meeting the needs of its students and the broader community.
Deniliquin High School offers a diverse learning environment and has a proud record of academic achievement.
But, as the Harmony Circle Project highlights, it does not only help students reach high levels in core subjects such as English, Maths, Science and Geography.
Sport is an important part of school activities, with a diverse program on Wednesday afternoons for all students in Years 7 to 10.
Culture classes include exploration of biodiversity and Indigenous practices such as cultural burning and ecosystem management.
The agricultural plot on Wirraway Drive is a popular school asset which, in recent times has been buzzing with activity with the arrival of new lambs. Rainfall has also boosted pasture growth, leading to optimism of a hay harvest later this year.
Year 8 students have been enthusiastically building solar cars, enjoying the hands-on experience while also learning about the vital role of solar energy in sustainable practices.
And the school is eagerly embracing support of the four-legged variety, with the introduction of a School Support Dog Program as part of its broader focus on student wellbeing.
This is just a snapshot of the diverse student learning and growth opportunities presented at Deniliquin High School, a local school with a focus on relevance to life in the 21st century that has developed over seven decades.
In fact, in less than 18 months the school will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its official opening, which
occurred on February 20, 1957, three years after the first official classes began at the Harfleur Street site.
Over these years the school has experienced many changes in the student population, from less than 250 in the late 1950s to record levels of 900 plus during the mid to late 1970s.
Presently there are less than 500 students at the school, but an active program is planned to surpass this mark with a new era of growth.
This has the support of Edward River Council, which understands the importance of education, across all levels, to the region’s future.
Mayor Ashley Hall, a former Deniliquin High School student, advocates at every opportunity for improvements not just at Deni High, but across education more broadly.
It is imperative that we provide quality education for our future leaders … the professional people, tradies and small business operators that will ensure ongoing regional prosperity,” Cr Hall said.
“This is being achieved through the vast range of programs at Deni High.
“I encourage everyone in the Edward River community to learn more about the school and support it whenever possible so we can continue to provide, at a local level, a high standard of education for our young people.”
Focusing on diversity with projects such as the Harmony Circle is seen as a positive step in Deniliquin High School’s journey, ensuring it continues to be a secondary learning centre of which all its students, teachers, parents and the broader regional community can be proud.
Murray Irrigation’s sponsorship activities are made possible through the support of the company’s customers.
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Annual General Meeting Thursday 27 November 2025
Murray Irrigation is hosting its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Thursday 27 November at the Deniliquin RSL.
The meeting will begin at 10.00am (NSW time), with registrations opening at 9.30am.
Similar to previous years, this will be a hybrid meeting which will enable shareholders to attend either in-person or online.
More details, including notice of meeting, agenda, resolutions, voting/proxy instructions and 2025 Annual Report will be made available on the Company website at the end of October.
Australian grain growers and advisers have an improved resource to help safeguard beneficial insects while managing pests with the launch of the latest Beneficials Chemical Toxicity Table (version 4.0).
Thetable provides easy-to-use information on how different insecticides affect beneficial insects.
Foliar insecticides can have off-target effects, inadvertently harming beneficial insects that provide natural services such as pest control and pollination.
The resource is an outcome the Australian Grains and Horticulture Pest Innovation Program - a $24.79 million, five-year Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) investment aimed at transforming pest management in Australian grain and vegetable industries.
The project is led by the University of Melbourne, with contributions from Hort Innovation and Cesar Australia.
Now, in response to industry feedback, the table reports European honeybee (Apis mellifera) toxicity data alongside the existing ratings for beneficial insects. It was developed with input from industry and research partners together with independent laboratory testing to give growers and advisers a clear, single reference to the impact of insecticides on beneficials when making spray decisions.
GRDC manager (pests) Dr Leigh Nelson said the table is a valuable decision-making resource.
“Growers and advisers are already using the table to sharpen spray decisions, and that uptake is setting a new benchmark for best practice across the grains industry,” Dr Nelson said.
“They should continue to use the updated table to compare chemical options, selecting products that effectively target pests while minimising harm to beneficials, supporting natural pest control and protecting pollinator health.”
Cesar Australia director Associate Professor Paul Umina said toxicity ratings for beneficial insects like predators and parasitoids were based on international laboratory testing guidelines using doses similar to those applied in the field.
“Honeybee ratings are based on Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) testing data.
“These use LD50 values – a measure of how toxic a product is to bees.
“This information should be treated as a guide.
“It’s useful for comparing products but needs to be considered alongside local bee activity and how and when chemicals are applied.”
Download a copy of the updated Beneficials Chemical Toxicity Table is available now at cesaraustralia.com/ resources/beneficials-toxicity-table/.
Lying flat out, frothing at the mouth and twitching like they have drunk 12 cups of coffee. You don’t think they have a chance to make it.
However, for lambs suffering from a metabolic imbalance, such as low blood calcium (hypocal/milk fever) and/or low blood magnesium (hypomag/grass tetany), replacing these minerals can literally be lifesaving.
This is normally done with injectable solutions that contain calcium, magnesium, glucose and phosphorus (such as Flopak Plus 4 in 1 or Minbal 4 in 1). However, like most things, prevention is better than cure.
The risk of metabolic diseases is often linked to diet. Grazing cereal crops can have high levels of potassium, which decrease the absorption of calcium and magnesium. Grain-based diets have an incorrect calcium to phosphorus ratio.
To overcome these issues, you can use supplements. Sheep on green feed should have access to a lick containing calcium and magnesium. This can be a commercial block, or you can make a mix containing two parts salt, two parts ag lime and one part causmag.
For grain-based diets, licks of equal parts salt and ag lime should be supplied, or the limestone can be added directly to the grain. Minimise time off feed and stress, particularly when yarding lambs.
Other potential factors which can affect calcium levels include worm burden, oxalate-containing feeds (such as soursob) and cold weather.
By considering the risks of metabolic disease, you should be able to prevent or quickly fix any issues in your lambs.
For more information, speak to your district vet at Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.
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 best management practice guide for phosphine use in stored grain fumigation is now available.
A new best management practice guide for phosphine use in stored grain fumigation is now available.
This new guide offers a comprehensive resource for growers, bulk handlers, researchers and extension specialists across the grain industry.
The guide has been developed by experts with extensive experience in stored grain research, bulk handling and extension.
The guide covers key topics including: phosphine’s mode of action; fumigation practices, formulations and ventilation times; how resistance develops and how to manage it; and operational and regulatory constraints.
It is relevant to anyone involved in managing insect infestations in stored grain, from growers to bulk handlers, and is also a valuable resource for students and researchers.
The BMP guide is available for download in the publications section of the Grains Research and
