Australasian Farmers' & Dealers' Journal

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AU ST RALASIA N FA R M E R S’ & D E A LE R S ’

RURAL machinery, implements, parts, vehicles and technology

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Australasian Farmers’ & Dealers’ Journal

A US T R A L A S I A N FA R MER S ’ & D E A L E R S ’

Established 1984 Publisher & Manager Editor Hartley Higgins General Manager Elizabeth Bouzoudis Editorial Andrew Mole (Acting Editor) Journalist Mandy Parry-Jones Email: edit.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Advertising Manager Sheryl Braden Ph: (07) 5523 9771 Mb: 0438 877 072 Email: s.braden@ryanmediapl.com.au Production Nathan Grant Email: prod.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Circulation Email: admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Subscription One year subscription within Australia: $33 (inc GST) for four issues, Overseas: $66 (inc GST) for four issues.

Phone Cathy Johnson (03) 9888 4822 or email to subscribe: admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Printing Lane Print & Post Adelaide, South Australia

If the machinery industry needed a boost the turnout at field days so far this year is exactly what it has been looking for.

And with some major events still on the horizon, from Dowerin in the west to Lardner Park in Victoria, there are still some major opportunities for some serious business to be written.

In this issue Australian Farm Dealer Journal previews these events and more, including Henty in NSW, the Riverland in SA and Heritage Bank Ag Show in Queensland.

So if you can’t track down the principal of your local dealership in the next few weeks, a little understanding will go a long way as many of them will be on the road covering a fair slice of country as they go.

As part of our new dealer focus we have travelled to Esperance on the WA coast where we have discovered a family business which has quietly built itself into one of the biggest players in the nation’s biggest grain state.

It makes for some interesting reading to see how the Staines family took over a small business and developed a multibrand juggernaut which is delivering a steady stream of big-ticket items to its

producer clients at the eastern end of the state’s fabled Wheatbelt.

We also have a wrap from the Irrigation Australia (IA) conference which was held recently on the Gold Coast.

By its own admission IA was looking to pull off something special to demonstrate to its members in particular, and the wider industry in general, its relevance and value as an industry peak body.

Which it did in spades.

So successful was this event that speakers, exhibitors and participants are already talking about the next conference, set down for Melbourne.

The field days, industry conferences and the ongoing research and development in the farm machinery and associated industries are examples of where the business is going.

Of course everyone still faces major challenges, as highlighted in our previous issue. Such as the services dealers will offer in the next decade so they are setting a direction for the industry and not being forced to follow trends.

But as this issue goes to press, those signs are good.

Andrew Mole, acting editor edit.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au

Ryan Media Pty Ltd ABN 85 085 551 980 Suite 103, 486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria 3127 Phone: (03) 9888 4822

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’

RURAL mAchineRy, impLements, pARts, vehicLes And technoLogy

Email: admin.afdj@ryanmediapl.com.au Website: www.afdj.com.au

ISSN 1442-4983

Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor/ publishers; information is published in good faith and we do not accept

Irrigation Australia wrap..................32 NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

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This issue’s cover: Irrigation Australia

Regulars

responsibility for damage which may arise from any possible inaccuracies.

All rights reserved, none of the contents may be used in any other media without prior consent of the publishers.

Published by Ryan Media Pty Ltd.

Ag contracting.................................20

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EXCITING NEW MODELS FOR THE SEASON AHEAD

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Features

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What’s New: Irrigation.....................34 ATVs................................................41 General products.............................43

News......................................4 Law Review..........................14

Hay and silage.................................38

Rural Finance.......................22 Field Day reports..................26

Harvest............................................44

My View................................48 TMA News............................49

Dealer profile...................................46

News

Brute of a backhoe gunning for record THE famous JCB GT Backhoe loader is scheduled to make a rare appearance in Australia this October where it will shoot for the title of world’s fastest earthmover.

The 1000 horsepower JCB GT is a ‘oneoff’ machine powered by a supercharged Chevrolet V8 big block engine, and equipped with a belt driven supercharger and a pair of four barreled Holley carbs.

It exhales via eight, 20 inch straightthrough exhausts and reaches top speeds of almost 200kmh.

“The JCB GT is unofficially known as the world’s fastest backhoe, and this run will finally make it official. We’re excited to see how it performs,” said JCB CEA executive general manager Hylton Taylor.

“More than two years of research and development went into producing the GT, so I’m sure it will exceed expectations,” he said.

Normally housed at JCB headquarters in the UK, the GT will embark on a four-city tour of Australia, beginning with the Deni Ute Muster in NSW on October 3 and 4, where it will make trial runs and put on demonstrations in preparation for the official timed record run.

The JCB GT will continue its tour of Australia through December, performing at a number of events across Queensland and NSW. The first official timed run will be made alongside the V8 supercars at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, where an expert high-speed backhoe driver from the UK will attempt to run the modified unit down a 250m stretch in under four seconds.

This run will be timed and submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records as evidence of the JCB machine’s innovative design and power.

This is the first time the JCB GT has been in Australia since its debut 4

Dig it baby: The JCB GT Backhoe is travelling to Australia to set the world  speed record for the fastest earthmover.

Event Schedule: Event, Location

Dates

Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin NSW

3 – 4 Oct

* Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, Bathurst NSW

9 – 12 Oct

* Gold Coast 600, Gold Coast, QLD

24 – 26 Oct

Australian Nationals, Sydney Dragway NSW

31 Oct – 2 Nov

*Sydney 500, Sydney NSW (final Australian appearance)

5 – 7 Dec

* denotes official timed record attempts.

appearance at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in 1990.

The original GT was built by JCB at the Staffordshire UK factory in the late 1980s and appeared at a number of motor racing circuits such as Brands Hatch and Silverstone.

The current GT now makes regular appearances both in the UK and also motor racing drag strips in the USA. Joining the JCB GT at the Deni Ute Muster and making their debut Australian appearance, will be YouTube sensations the JCB Dancing Diggers, who are sure to wow crowds with their choreographed ‘dance’ moves.

Contact: Julie-Ann Reid P: 02 9609 6033 E: j.reid@jcbcea.com.au

SPECIFICATION Engine: Supercharged Chevrolet big block 454 type engine. Twin four barrelled Holley carburettors. Dry sump lubrication.

Power: 1000 bhp on four-star petrol.

Transmission: Modified General Motors Hydramatic Turbo 400 threespeed manual selector with torque converter.

Capacities: Five gallons petrol. 3.5 gallons oil Suspension: Front: Watts linkage with four Spax gas coil units plus bump rubbers.

Rear: Special low pressure tyres.

Jockey Wheels: Cessna aircraft wheels on modified suspension units.

Maximum at 23 degree wheelie.

Chassis: Welded steel space frame. Body moulded GRP. Laminated front screen. Perspex side windows.

Weight: 3.25 tonnes.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

Davey pumped and ready for fire season – are you?

THE warning signs are all there for a dangerous bushfire season ahead for the coming summer.

And recognising the threat facing rural and outer suburban or hills communities Davey Water Products has pre-planned its production volumes to ensure plenty of its market leading Davey Firefighter® range of engine powered pumps will be available through the Davey dealer network.

Davey’s market development manager Ashley White says before and throughout each fire season, Davey undertakes detailed market forecasting and production planning.

“We also ensure our major petrol and diesel engine suppliers are well aware of our market forecasts so we have surety of supply,” White says.

“We can usually run extra shifts at our own Scoresby headquarters in Victoria to increase our production of the wet ends of our Firefighter series,” he says.

“So we are fairly confident of having an adequate supply of Firefighter’s available in what looks like being a very demanding summer bushfire season.”

The importance of production scheduling and local Australian pump manufacture to ensuring adequate stocks has been demonstrated in previous bad bushfire seasons.

White says often the purchase of a fire pump is left until the very last minute, even as late as a fire storm approaching over an adjacent ridge.

He says Davey has had many experiences where its dealers have opened their stores at exceptional hours, or been faced with

 Another Davey

Firefighter undergoes final testing as it comes off the Davey Water Products production line at its headquarters in Scoresby, Victoria.

Water & Irrigation feature starts page 32.

customers lined up at opening time hoping to secure a Firefighter because their property is under threat or in line with an approaching fire front.

“Having a Firefighter ready, freshly fuelled and connected to a water source decreases the response time and also aids in training family members in its use,” White advises.

“In addition to fire protection by accessing a dam, swimming pool, tanks or other water sources, a Davey Firefighter can handle a host of other tasks from spray irrigation to animal jetting,” he says.

“We always consider the investment in a

Davey Firefighter as sound insurance to protect homes, sheds, buildings and other property assets, particularly in remote locations where fire and emergency services are typically unable to respond in an fire outbreak when their resources are under severe pressure. An engine-powered pump also overcomes failed mains electric power supplies. These are often the first to fail in a firestorm situation.”

Alternatively more information is available at the web site www.davey.com.au or by calling the Davey Customer Service Centre on 1300 367 866.

Philmac lands awards trifecta at national conference IT was an award-winning end to the financial year for Philmac. The specialist pipe fittings and valves manufacturer has won two major national awards and been named runner up in a third, cementing its reputation as a leading supplier.

Philmac was named Supplier of the Year at the annual ProWater National Conference held in June on the Gold Coast.

Philmac also won Trade Supplier of the Year within the plumbing category at the recent 2014 Home Timber and 6

Hardware Group National Trade Awards held in Cairns.

While at the ThinkWater Australia National Supplier of the Year Awards held on the Gold Coast, Philmac was named Runner Up. “Winning these coveted awards run by the leading operators within our industry is a real vote of confidence in the high standards we set for our products and service,” Philmac marketing and product development general manager Jason Mitchell said.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

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AFDJ news feature

Furrow tillage quality proves a new target for no-till researchers Few people have worked more on soil tillage and ground engaging tools in a broadacre Australian cropping context than Jack ‘French’ Desbiolles and the agricultural engineering team at the University of South Australia – and they still see changes happening in the next few years.

One of Australia’s leading authorities on no-tillage seeding believes producing more from less is the next challenging era of Australia broadacre no-till cropping –– and he said everyone needed to get on board to make it a success.

That’s farmers, advisers and researchers, machinery manufacturers and input suppliers.

Dr Jack Desbiolles has been part of the University of South Australia’s (UniSA) agricultural machinery research group since 1995 and in that time has led notill machinery research and extension in Australia – and more recently around the world.

Just before Christmas the agricultural research engineer was in Algeria for two weeks guiding project activities in small-scale machinery for conservation agriculture.

In February and March he worked on the development of small-scale drill

mechanisation for the Cambodian rice fields and provided training in no-till seeder technologies as part of an AusAid funded project in Iraq, in collaboration with the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).

“In these overseas projects, we make good use of the Australian experiences of successful no-till systems and varied seeder technologies,” Desbiolles said.

“It is a great opportunity to both share our knowledge and learn from our local partners.”

Desbiolles and colleagues told the World Congress of Conservation Agriculture last September in Brisbane that narrow point openers to open a furrow and place seed and fertiliser in the soil, followed by press wheels to pack soil over the seeds are commonplace in Australian no-till farming.

“In the Australian no-till farming context, narrow points have been around for a long time and while there are a lot of commercial versions, most fall into a few common categories with no recent major advances in the technology,” he said.

Tungsten turning point

 Bent leg openers are an innovative furrow opener design able to combine significant furrow loosening with minimal or no soil throw at high operating speeds (photograph shows RTBlade original model from Danie Rossouw, South Africa).

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“A key area of development over the years has been wear protection using tungsten carbide tiles added via brazing or as hard-facing welding techniques.

“So much so all no-till openers on the market today are sold with cost-effective wear protection.

“Inverted T points are winged points able to increase furrow disturbance at depth, and exist in various configurations of wing width, lift angle

At a glance: • As a cropping industry in Australia, we are fast travelling on the road to conservation agriculture but that doesn’t mean we have seen the last of significant development in soil loosening technology.

• No-till furrow openers – or narrow points - have been around for a long time and while there are a lot of them on the market, most fall into only a few design categories.

• There have been few significant advances in narrow point technology over the years, but a focus for current development lies in low soil throw and furrow loosening efficient designs.

• Bent leg openers are new to the no-till scene and have the ability to loosen a large size furrow with little or no soil throw, offering potential agronomic benefits similar to low disturbance disc seeders.

• Furrow seedbed quality and seedling development are significantly affected by soil compaction. Controlled traffic is a big step forward in no-till farming. It implies separately managing dedicated compaction zones for efficiency and optimised cropping zones for increased production on an improved soil bed quality.

and position relative to the point leading edge.

“Initially based on the concept of the Baker boot for moisture conservation in pasture sowing, they were later introduced to the broadacre industry under various names as Super Seeder, Wing Seeder, Maxi Seeder, Flexi Plus, Super Sower, or simply Winged Point – but are mostly not marketed on specific design differences.

“Some of the design differences can

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

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 Offset furrow loosening feature of the bent leg opener in field situation (left), showing minimal soil throw interaction with the bevel shank under tillage test track conditions (centre and right).

influence the extent of soil throw, furrow backfill, in-furrow smearing and also affect penetration.

“A deep-slotting point designed at UniSA with back-swept shallow wings designed to backfill the lower furrow as it goes along – was an example of significant development enabling farmers to deep till a furrow (thereby breaking through existing hardpans and facilitating quick root system establishment) and sow shallow using conventional seed boots, without the need for an adjustable seed boot with a closer plate.”

Desbiolles said this point has been marketed as the Armin point by industry over the past 14 years, backed up by research knowledge.

He said there were opportunities to closely involve industry in new research outcome for commercial product development, but most companies are not ready to take on specific R&D investments.

“This results in mostly stagnating industry at that level,” he added.

Industry collaboration

While the agricultural machinery research team at UniSA interacts with many machinery firms, collaborating on no-till cropping research programs, it also worked closely with graingrowers – particularly via farming system groups – in evaluating machinery interactions with cropping system issues.

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“Fundamental tillage research is mostly conducted via postgraduate projects, and our latest focus on narrow point research is on understanding how narrow point design influences soil movement and soil throw characteristics,” Desbiolles said.

“PhD studies by Ali Akbar Solhjou, currently researching no-tillage technologies at his home agricultural engineering institution in Shiraz-Iran, have shed light on the effects of the point angle of approach and leading face geometry on soil movement,” he said.

“For instance, a low angle of approach promotes deeper soil delving while steeper angles can reduce the extent of soil movement out of the furrow.

“Single sided and double sided leading face chamfers are an effective way to minimise lateral soil throw and increase furrow size.”

Desbiolles said understanding how soil was moved by the furrow opener layer by layer can help find ways to improve crop establishment in drying soil conditions.

He said it would also help control crop damage from pre-emergence herbicides, or even reduce specific weed seed germination or the impact of Rhizoctonia root disease on no-till sown crops.”

Desbiolles said with Australia’s growing herbicide resistance the whole approach to weed management is changing.

With a new focus on mechanical weed control options; and that includes looking at opportunities to develop narrow points able to minimise weed seed germination, similarly to lowdisturbance disc seeders.

Herbicide challenge

“Narrow openers can create excessive soil disturbance and soil throw, with the effect of increasing the depth of soil cover on adjacent furrows, increasing stimulation of weed seed germination and enhancing seedbed soil moisture loss,” Desbiolles said.

“In Australian no-till farming systems, pre-emergence herbicides are often mechanically incorporated by the sowing operation. Excessive lateral soil throw at seeding typically occurs at narrow no-till row spacings and can also result in herbicide contaminated soil reaching adjacent seed rows – with the potential for causing crop damage depending on herbicide solubility and absorption pathways,” he said.

The factors affecting soil movement during tillage include soil condition (such as texture, moisture and structure), tool settings (speed and depth) and opener geometry.

Dr Ali-Akbar’s work at UniSA used small aggregate size PVC cubes pre-positioned in a grid pattern over the depth profile and across the path of the opener, acting as tracers to indicate 3D soil movement.

The results highlighted the ability

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

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I have no hesitation in recommending Lowara or Hydrovar as your next pump set.

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of narrow points to clear all of the surface tracers from the centre of the furrow, forming the basis for the high-crop safety observed with knife point press-wheel systems when incorporating pre-emergence herbicides, provided soil throw does not reach the next furrow.

The furrow backfill, defined as the proportion of furrow size filled with loose soil, was measured with a laser scanner and is a good indicator of the suitability of a narrow opener to notill seeding.

Generally, narrower and steeper openers, with a bevelled leading face, operating at lower speeds, are able to

maximise furrow backfill, by reducing the extent of soil thrown to the side.

A low-rake angle, wide opener operating at high speed can result in minimal furrow backfill, and is mostly unsuitable as a no-till seeding tool, unless combined with a harrowstyle furrow closer.

Innovative design

As an innovative design shape considered in Akbar’s work, bent leg style openers showed the majority of loosened soil could be retained within the furrow, even when operating at high speed.

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 No-till seeding with narrow point

openers can create high soil disturbance with agronomic implications of greater seedbed moisture loss, weed seed germination and soil exposure, as well as potential crop damage from pre-emergence herbicides.

This was achieved by the combined use of a bevel edge shank offset to the side of a ground engaging side leg and foot.

In previous studies, the loosened soil impacting the shank was found to be the main cause of lateral soil throw.

With bent leg openers, this soil/shank interaction is reduced to a bare minimum and thereafter does not generate lateral soil throw.

As a result, controlling this key aspect of soil disturbance may have a beneficial effect on reducing weed seed germination. Further research is expected to test this hypothesis.

“As a cropping industry in Australia, we are travelling fast on the road to conservation agriculture,” Desbiolles said.

“But that doesn’t mean we have seen the last of the need for paddocks to receive significant but strategic work involving soil cultivation,” he said.

“Subsoil research suggests the next significant jump in productivity in many soil types may involve the surgical improvement of the 0-50cm soil layer, driving a need for innovative soil engaging technology able to loosen deep soil compaction, mixing deep nutrient and organic matter in low fertility sands, delving clay with effective sub-layer mixing or applying chemical corrections in identified sodic or acidic sub-layers.

“If done correctly, these major tillage operations may be a one-off investment and provide long lasting benefits.”

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

The best way to improve the soil longterm health is to encourage root biomass development into the subsoil.

This aspect is now the focus of the South Australian New Horizons project led by Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), with which UniSA is collaborating on innovative subsoilimproving machinery.

“In the long run I see controlled traffic as a necessary part of improving subsoil health,” Desbiolles said.

“It implies the use of dedicated compaction zones for operational efficiency and optimised cropping zones for increased productivity on a continuously improving soil bed quality,” he said.

“The furrow quality and seeding success can be heavily compromised by soil compaction. Holistically, soil compaction needs to be controlled to access higher efficiency and productivity under a thriving conservation agriculture.”

Contact: Jack Desbiolles.

Phone: (08) 8302 3946 or 0419 752 295.

Email: jack.desbiolles@unisa.edu.au.

 Travelling tiller: Jack Desbiolles addressing farmers and researchers at a notill seeder field day in Setif, Algeria, last December.

References: Derpsch, RW (2005). Situational Analysis of no-tillage systems in WA and recommendations for the way forward. Final report on a consultancy to WA and SA

by Rolf Derpsch for WANTFA, GRDC and DAFF WANTFA New Frontiers in Agriculture, 13(3): 88-92 Desbiolles, J and C Saunders (2006). Soil throw characteristics of no-till furrow openers: a pilot study.

Proceeding of the 17th triennial conference of the International Soil and Tillage Research Organization, Kiel, Germany, 28 Aug-3 Sept 2006.

Chauhan, BS; G Gill and C Preston (2006). Influence of tillage systems on vertical distribution, seeding recruitment and persistence of rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) seed bank. Weed Science, 54, 669-676.

Davenport D (2014). Increasing agricultural production

by alleviating soil constraints in South Australia.

Proceedings South Australian GRDC Update 2014: Share Knowledge, Accelerate Adoption, Adelaide, Convention centre, 25-26 Feb2014, p.253-257.

Desbiolles, J. & Leonard, E. (2008). Points of difference.

In: Conservation Agriculture – the Essential Guide: Moving Beyond Adoption. South Australian No-Till Farmers Association: Clare, South Australia. pp. 27-29.

Solhjou, A. A.; J. Fielke and J. Desbiolles (2012). Soil translocation by narrow openers with various rake angles.

Biosystems Engineering, 112: 65-73.

Solhjou, A. A.; J. Desbiolles and J. Fielke. (2013). Soil translocation by narrow openers with various blade face geometries. Biosystems Engineering, 114: 259-266.

Solhjou, A. A.; J. Fielke; J. Desbiolles and C Saunders (2014). Soil translocation by narrow openers with various bent leg geometries. Biosystems Engineering (In press).

AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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LAW REVIEW Organic farmer vows to continue the fight Jacqui Walker, Turnbull Hill Lawyers, www.turnbullhill.com.au

WEST Australian organic farmer Steve Marsh has appealed a landmark decision by the WA Supreme Court that ruled against him on 28 May 2014 in relation to a dispute between Marsh and his former friend and neighbour Michael Baxter.

Marsh had sued fellow farmer, Baxter, alleging Baxter contaminated his farm with genetically modified canola that drifted onto his land from Baxter’s property.

Marsh claimed that as a result he lost organic certification on more than half his oats, rye and sheep farming property.

After a three-week hearing earlier this year, Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Martin reserved his decision, and finally delivered his findings on 28 May 2014 in favour of Baxter.

Court's decision

The Court concluded that although Marsh and his wife brought an action in common law negligence (involving the breach of a

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duty to ensure there was no escape of GM material) as well as a private nuisance tort claim, they claimed only financial loss and could not prove that the canola swathes were harmful to animals, people or the land.

“They did not claim to have suffered any physical damage or injury to themselves, to their animals or to their land at Eagle Rest,” he said.

Justice Martin said Marsh failed to show that there had been “any reasonable interference” by Baxter, who he said had used wellaccepted harvest methodology.

“Mr Baxter was not to be held responsible as a broadacre farmer merely for growing a lawful GM crop and choosing to adopt a harvest methodology (swathing), which was entirely orthodox in its implementation,” he said.

“Nor could Mr Baxter be held responsible, in law, for the reactions to the incursion of the Marshes’ organic certification body, NCO, which in the circumstances presented to be an unjustifiable reaction to what occurred.”

Marsh, represented pro bono by his law firm, is fighting back.

At the eleventh hour, Marsh has decided to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal.

In a written statement, Mark Walter, lawyer for Marsh, noted the “details of the grounds for appeal will be filed with the Court in due course.”

Stay tuned for further developments on the feuding farmers and the basis of the appeal.

Further information

www.agri.com.au 14

Further information about GM crops and the court case and appeals process can be found on the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator’s website at www.ogtr.gov.au and at www.supremecourt.wa.gov.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

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CNH sinks $100m into a massive Chinese upgrade CNH Industrial late last month inaugurated its new manufacturing complex built in the area of its previous assembly plant in Heilongjiang Province, China.

The biggest agricultural equipment manufacturing facility in Northeast China, the complex extends over a total area of 400,000 square metres – with 116,000 of that under cover.

CNH Industrial chief executive officer Richard Tobin says the vertically integrated manufacturing complex features the latest technology in fabrication and two state-of-the-art painting facilities.

Tobin says Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are being used for the assembly and testing of the finished products to guarantee the highest quality standards.

He says within the complex is a Customer Centre with a spacious showroom to support dealers.

“In addition a research and development centre with a dedicated outdoor test track was opened in September 2013,” Tobin says.

“It houses the engineering team tasked with designing components and adaptations for the domestic market,” he says.

“These facilities are complemented by the nearby spare parts depot and training centre.

“The new manufacturing plant will produce a wide range of product lines: planters, tractors, combine harvesters and corn pickers with their headers, balers and hay tools.

“Its production will include a complete line of equipment for the mechanisation of the full cycle of corn, wheat, soybean and hay production.”

Tobin says amongst its products will be the legendary Case IH Axial-Flow combine range adapted for local conditions and

New $30m round of Farm Finance loans NSW farmers can now access another $30 million under the Farm Finance concessional loans scheme, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce has announced.

“The $40 million first round of the scheme in NSW last financial year was highly successful, and an additional $30 million is now available for the 2014–15 financial year,” Joyce said.

“Farm Finance concessional loans are aimed at supporting farm businesses that are experiencing debt-servicing difficulties, but are considered financially viable in the longer term,” he said.

“Loans of up to $650,000 are available to eligible farm businesses as part of this second round, with a concessional rate of 4.5 per cent.

“The scheme allows eligible farm businesses to restructure existing debt in the form of low-interest loans. The loans are available to refinance up to half of existing commercial borrowings.”

16

Joyce said Farm Finance concessional loans have already been approved for more than 80 farm businesses across NSW under the 2013–14 rounds of the scheme.

“These loans are helping farm businesses experiencing financial hardship,” he added.

“Many of our farmers are still doing it tough following drought conditions and will warmly welcome the opening of this round of funding, which complements a range of other Commonwealth and NSW Government drought support arrangements that are currently available.

Joyce also urged producers not to selfassess but to talk to an expert about their options. There are a range of State and Federal programs available to assist farmers doing it tough.

For more information on eligibility criteria, loans terms and how to apply, visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au or phone 1800 678 593.

Case IH corn pickers entirely developed for the Chinese market.

Along with the award winning New Holland T6000 and T7000 tractor ranges and BC5000 balers.

“CNH Industrial has a strong and longstanding relationship with China,” Tobin adds.

“Through our agricultural equipment brands we have been present in this country for more than a century, supporting the mechanisation of its agriculture,” he says.

“And at the same time gaining leading positions in the market for high horsepower tractors, large combine harvesters, cotton pickers, sugar cane harvesters and balers.

“Our new manufacturing complex here in Harbin represents an investment of more than $US100 million and its commissioning marks an important milestone that confirms our commitment to the development of Chinese agriculture.”

Dow ramps up its wheat campaign Dow AgroSciences has announced it is now the full owner of Advantage Wheats.

In 2011 Dow made a major investment in the company and has now acquired the remaining shares from CSIRO and Landmark Operations Limited.

The acquisition is part of the company’s strategy to become a key player in wheat in Australia and around the world.

Dow AgroSciences will continue to work with CSIRO on breeding and Landmark for seed production and promotion.

“Advantage Wheats will continue to develop and deliver new wheat varieties to meet the needs of Australian farmers while continuing to use the expertise of our collaborators,” said Neil Comben, Advantage Wheats general manager.

He says Dow AgroSciences, based in the US, is committed to discovering, developing, and bringing to market crop protection and plant biotechnology solutions for the growing world.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

Technical Service

Equipment Processing Centre

Our dedicated Australian facilities provide superior quality and on time delivery across the following services: • Product preparation • Accessorising services • Storage and Inventory management • Build planning

• Post production quality inspection • Repairs (paint and mechanical) • Distribution services • Production visibility • Container un-pack services

As a global company we understand the unique logistics need of the industry. Our expertise can be assured as we operate 11 inland terminals handling more than 3.5 million units per annum.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) spcialise in rolling and static equipment including Agricultural product such as combine harvesters, tractors and farming equipment.

For more information visit www.2wglobal.com or call you nearest WWL Equipment Processing Centre: Port Kembla: +61 2 4252 0600

Brendale: +61 7 3881 0377

Laverton: +61 3 8345 8300

Kewdale: +61 8 9353 6000

New 200hp rotary slasher gearbox from Bare-Co THE industry was demanding a heavy-duty gearbox so Bare-Co took up the challenge and has delivered a 200hp unit for a rotary slasher that will stand up to today’s high-powered tractors operating in Australia’s extreme conditions.

Extensive experience has confirmed expensive gearbox failures are generally caused by loss of oil (lower seal failure), excessive tractor input shaft end thrust (inability to grease many PTO shaft telescopic drive tubes), loose lower blade beam hub, excessive gear loading or broken output shafts due to missing or incorrectly adjusted safety clutches.

To eliminate these potential failure points the new gearbox features a double lip internal lower shaft seal.

Fitted below this seal is a unitary shaft seal.

This additional fail safe seal is a pressfit onto the shaft and into the housing with the pre-lubricated double lip seal operating internally within its own housing (no contact with shaft or gearbox).

For further protection, the lower seal is shrouded by the 38mm thick output shaft flange.

Excessive input shaft end thrust is taken care of by thrust plates fitted to both ends of the input shaft.

With Bare-co loose blade beam hubs are a thing of the past with the forged one piece flanged output shaft.

This massive shaft has a lower shaft diameter of 100mm with a 220mm diameter 38mm thick blade mounting flange.

To facilitate retro fitting of the gearbox, Bare-Co has specified flange mounting holes, blade beam mounting holes and shaft heights to be directly interchangeable with similar European gearboxes which feature smaller capacity gear sets.

This season expect to see Australia’s most prestigious slasher manufacturers offering these gearboxes in combination with Bare-Co’s largest 18

W2600 drive shaft featuring externally greasable star profile drive tubes, lever release safety guard and Bare-Co 150/200 H.P combined free wheel safety clutch.

When evaluating your next heavy duty slasher purchase, consider how long your machine will be down if you break a gear in five years’ time.

Gears for 30-year-old Bare-Co gearboxes and all Bare-Co driveline parts are currently readily available from your local farm machinery dealer.

Much more convenient than trying to airfreight a gear from China, the US or Europe.

For further details visit www.bareco.com.au.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

Ag contracting

Ben puts Best's foot forward with bigger fleet for contracting business BEN Thomson started harvesting, and contract harvesting, when he turned 18.

And he’s still doing it even though he’s “bloody nearly 50”.

But make no mistake; Thomson is not your run-of-the-mill contractor.

First and foremost, he is the fifth generation at the helm of Best’s Wines in Great Western.

Perhaps even more importantly, not just for Australia but for the whole winery world, he is a keen, and incredibly hands-on, supporter of Braud grape harvesters out of France.

Not your off-the-shelf stuff either. Our man likes to look at the machinery and then reinvent parts to make it better suited for Australia in particular and the wider world market in general.

Today he runs seven Brauds – four 9090s and three 7090s. He also bought the first Braud de-stemmer and is about to follow that up with the first OptiGrape – the next generation version of the de-stemmer Never one to wait he will be travelling to France in September to see the OptiGrape in action during the northern hemisphere harvest “to see what we need to change, if anything, for our local conditions”.

“The Opti uses an air turbine to blow a controlled current across the intake to the on-board grape storage bins and anything such as bark, botrytis or other rubbish gets blown out the side leaving only the grape berries and any juice to drop into the bins,” Thomson says.

“In France I want to see it working at a premium vineyard so I really understand firsthand how it operates and achieves this,” he says.

“I understand every nut and bolt in these machines and what needs to be modified to make them work more 20

efficiently. I know these harvesters inside and out.

“I have had many discussions with the Braud team in France over the years and we have developed a good working relationship because it’s all about making the machinery even better.”

When he’s not behind a machine with his crew of 10 (during harvesting season) Thomson is also the managing director of Best’s, which has been family run since 1866, enhancing the already strong connection and understanding of his time on the machinery and his time

biosecurity which is not just about his own vineyards.

“It works for everyone and should be something of the highest importance with everyone in the industry,” he adds.

And he should know.

Best’s, along with much of Great Western, escaped the phylloxera outbreak which almost destroyed Australia’s fledgling wine industry in the eastern states in the late 19th century.

But it was an escape, and a lesson, which has never been forgotten at Best’s.

Braud Australia managing director

I have had many discussions with the Braud team in France and Australia over the years and we have developed a good working relationship because it’s all about making the machinery even better in the vineyard and winery.

“One of the main factors behind my decision to adopt Braud’s new technology is because the work the harvesters do in the vineyard minimises the work we need to do in the winery, sometimes cutting out a process altogether,” he says.

“They create a more cost-effective picking process that delivers higher quality fruit into the winery,” Thomson adds.

With biosecurity high on his agenda, Thomson has his own registered heat shed which kills any diseases that might have been picked up in vineyards by his fleet of harvesters.

He says his machines go through it every time they cross the SA-Victorian border, a discipline and commitment to

Angelo Dicesare describes Thomson’s hygiene, cleanliness and maintenance of grape harvesters as “impeccable”.

“It is the best we have ever seen and it is reflected in the condition of the machines which he trades in with us, they are always in amazing shape,” Dicesare says.

“When Ben bought his first Braud about 12 years ago he was already aware of the great industry reception of the brand in France and throughout Europe,” he says.

“But he was still able to initiate many good modifications on the machine such as re-routing the air chutes and adding cane removers.

“Ben was the first in Australia to purchase the Braud de-stemmer grape harvester and has modified that to better suit our conditions. It now removes leaves, sticks

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

 Mr Machinery: Best’s Wines managing director Ben Thomson with a Braud 9090 XA with de-stemmer. It is one of seven Braud’s in his contract harvesting fleet – with Australia’s first Opti-Grape on its way from France to keep his business at the cutting edge.

and 50 per cent of petiole and removes and de-stems any whole bunches which the harvester might pick.

“Now he has his sights on Australia’s first Opti-Grape Braud grape harvester.

“This is a hi-tech progression of the destemmer but has the ability to remove up to 95 per cent of petioles, dried berries and very small pieces of canes and leaves.

“The machine has only been working in France for two years and we see it as the high-quality winemaker’s dream machine.”

Dicesare says the Opti-Grape system is not going to be suitable for all vineyards but targets those who want their premium blocks picked and cleaned in the best possible way.

He says Opti is designed to eliminate contamination caused by leaf/crushed leaf, petioles, botrytis grapes and canes as it is picked so only the perfect, unmacerated, uncontaminated berries go through.

“One of Ben’s best attributes is his genuine knowledge of the full cycle of the industry from vineyard to equipment to winemaking – it’s in his DNA. “Ben is not a self-promoter, he simply is the genuine article,” Dicesare says.

“It takes a brave man to be first to use unproven machinery in Australia of any sort – but Ben has the passion and the ability to succeed with it.”

Thomson says he has stuck with Braud because of both the quality of the machinery and the willingness of the company to listen and act on his suggestions.

The end results of which are seen and tasted, he says, in the wines coming out under the Best’s label, and also other great winery labels “Our winemaker Justin Purser brings extensive international experience and perspective to Best’s Wines.

“Justin has relocated back to Australia from France for his role as our winemaker.”

It’s no small job he has tackled.

Apart from generations of expectation, Best’s also picked up a Jimmy Watson in 2012 – and would not be upset to collect a few more.

Best’s still has vines that were planted as far back as 1867 and others in the nursery block which are yet to be identified from those early plantings.

“Our nursery block is undeniably one of the most significant vineyards in Australia,” Thomson says.

“It’s a living museum and a part of our history, and we’re so very proud to be the custodians of this very important piece of rare earth.”

Thomson would like to talk more, but there is an engine demanding his attention in the workshop and if he doesn’t get to tinker with some sort of machinery every day he starts to get withdrawals.

Contact: Ben Thomson P: 61 418 501 990 E: ben@bestswines.com

AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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What's New - Finance Break free from your income cycle WITH the investment decisions associated with end of financial year now finalised and winter crops up and growing, the focus will be shifting to managing cash flows until harvest or sale of livestock.

At this point in time, Rural Bank senior relationship manager Simon Dundon says the bank will be working with its farming customers to help them maximise production and stay on top of challenges.

Dundon says the bank recognises how much is riding on their financial decisions and how important it is to realise growth opportunities as they appear.

“And while seasons vary across the country and the current focus

differs across farm products, one thing remains the same – there is a common motivation to deliver the best result for the farming business, the family and the rural community,” Dundon says.

“In many cases, the best result requires seasonal inputs to maximise yield, be that fertiliser or weed spray for cropping, or fodder and animal health products for livestock,” he says.

“Short term finance is often required, providing access to daily working capital to cover cash flow requirements or to finance shortrange production costs.

“In a traditional agribusiness banking environment, short term or seasonal

lending is secured by existing assets, such as property.

“But what’s missing in this equation is the element of trust, while consideration is not given to the value of the farm’s performance – at Rural Bank, we’re placing our trust in Australia’s farmers.”

Dundon says with its feet firmly planted in agricultural Australia, the bank “shares your vision for the future of your herd or flock, or the success of your crop” and the bank can use the output of the farm as security, rather than the land it’s produced on.

He says seasonal finance should be easily accessible, flexible and available across sectors.

LuK tractor clutches: Every field should have one.

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With a LuK tractor product you get it all: performance, durability and comfort in all operating conditions.

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S c h a e f f l e r A u s t r a l i a P t y. L t d . | A u t o m o t i v e A f t e r m a r k e t | P O B o x 2 3 4 | F o r e s t v i l l e N S W 2 0 8 7 | A u s t r a l i a

anzeige_austral_halbe_traktoren.1 1

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30.09.2008 12:15:49 Uhr

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

“With a Rural Bank seasonal overdraft there are no fixed or minimum repayments; simply stay within your approved limit,” Dundon adds.

“No other lending facility is required and you can use your stock, crop, wool or land as security,” he says.

“For pastoralists, we understand the view is longer term and a livestock finance facility, such as Rural Bank’s StockBuilder, can help you to invest in your breeding stock while assisting with cash flow.

“And still all using the equity in your livestock as security.

“To invest in your production while getting access to working capital for short term needs, combining products could also be a valuable approach.

“By combining a Rural Bank Seasonal Overdraft with a StockBuilder facility, you may be able to more effectively meet your goals of short

term production and longer term herd or flock improvement.

“This is a time of year when we enjoy talking to farmers as we can sense the feeling of hope for the season ahead.”

Generally speaking, Dundon says there is a mood of confidence in the market place.

He says the medium- to longerterm outlook for agriculture remains positive and that would be supported by favourable commodity prices.

To discuss the most effective finance solution for your farm business, taking into account your circumstances, objectives, financial situation and needs, speak to your local Rural Bank farm finance specialist.

To find your closest Rural Bank relationship manager or for further information about Rural Bank’s specialist farm finance tools, visit www.ruralbank.com.au or phone 1300 660 115.

 Rural Bank senior relationship

manager Simon Dundon says the on-farm focus now will be managing cash flows until harvest or sale of livestock.

Contact: Simon Dundon P: 1300 660 115 E: service@ruralbank.com.au

AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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2014 FIELD DAYS CALENDAR Up-to-date comprehensive Field Days Events Calendar also available at www.afdj.com.au. To lodge your event contact Sheryl Brayden P: (07) 5523 9771 – s.brayden@ryanmediapl.com.au August 4-5 Sheepvention Hamilton Showgrounds, Hamilton, VIC Ph: 03 5572 2563 E: info@hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au W: www.sheepvention.com 6-7 Mallee Machinery Field Days Contact: Andrew McLean 2 km south of Speed Sunraysia Hwy, VIC Ph: 03 5084 1320 E: mmfd@bigpond.com W: www.mmfd.com.au 12-14 Eyre Peninsula Field Days Contact: Kathy Wedding Eyre Peninsula SA Ph: 08 8628 2219 E: secretary@eyrepeninsulafielddays.com.au W: www.eyrepeninsulafielddays.com.au 19-21 Commonwealth Bank AGQUIP Field Days 8 kilometres west of Gunnedah on Blackjack Road, Gunnedah NSW Ph: 02 6768 5800 E: agquip@ruralpress.com.au W: www.agquip.com.au 27-28 Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days Metcalf Road Dowerin, WA Ph: 08 9631 1021 E: info@dowerinfielddays.com.au W: www.dowerinfielddays.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2-4 Heritage Bank Ag Show Contact: Damon Phillips Toowoomba Showgrounds, Toowoomba, QLD Ph: 07 4634 7400 E: admin@agshow.com.au W: www.agshow.com.au

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3-4 Newdegate Machinery Field Days Contact: Anne Bishop Newdegate, WA Ph: 08 9871 1655 E: nfday@westnest.com.au W: www.nfday.com.au 19 Mingenew Expo Contact: Kym McGlinn Midlands Rd, Mingenew, WA Ph: 08 9928 1138 E: secretary@mingenewexpo.com.au W: www.mingenewexpo.com.au 20 Sept - 1 Oct Royal Melbourne Show Melbourne Showgrounds Epsom Road Melbourne. VIC Ph: 03 9281 7444 E: customerservice@rasv.com.au W: www.royalshow.com.au

24-25 South Gippsland Dairy Expo Contact: Deane Kennedy Korumburra Showgrounds, cnr South Gippsland Hway & Charles St, Korumburra VIC Ph: 0419 878 055 W: www.dairyexpo.org.au 27 Sept - 4 Oct Perth Royal Show Contact: Robin Bartlett Perth Showgrounds, Garlands Road, Claremont, WA Ph: 08 6263 3100 E: info@raswa.org.au W: www.perthroyalshow.com.au

OCTOBER 07-09 Elmore Field days 48 Rosaia Road Elmore VIC 3558 Ph: 03 5432 6176 17-18 Wandin/Silvan Field Days Wandin East Recreation Reserve Wandin VIC Contact: Nan Cleven M: 0429 428 537

19-20 Riverland Field Days Contact: Tim Grieger Sturt Highway (Short St) Barmera, SA Ph: 0409 099 122 E: fieldays@riverland.net.au W: www.riverlandfielddays.com.au 23-25 Henty Machinery Field Days Cookardinia Road Henty, NSW Ph: 02 6929 3305 E: admin@hmfd.com.au W: www.hmfd.com.au

23-25 Australian National Field Days 563 Borenore Road Borenore NSW T: 02 6362 1588

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

2014 FIELD DAYS CALENDAR February 2015 11-13 Sungold Field Days Louise Thomas At Allansford, about 12 km east of Warrnambool 03 5565 3142 sungoldfileddays@wcbf.com.au www.sungoldfielddays.com.au 20-22 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo Colin Stray Goulburn Valley Highway, Seymour, Vic 03 5799 1211 admin@seymour-expo.com www.seymour-expo.com

March 2015 3 King Island Show Tanya Arnold Currie Show grounds Currie, Tas 03 6462 1346 tanya_arnold@bigpond.com www.ascti.com.au TBA Tillage & Cropping Demo Day Few minutes drive east from Elmore along the Midland Highway, Vic 03 5432 6176 info@elmorefielddays.com.au www.elmorefielddays.com.au 3-5 Wimmera Machinery Field Days Murray Wilson Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong near Horsham, Vic 03 5384 7210 info@wimmerafielddays.com.au www.wimmerafielddays.com.au 6-7 Wagin Woolorama West Aust 08 9861 2242 tradefair@woolorama.com.au www.woolorama.com.au

– F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

20-21 South East Field Days Lyn Crosby Yakka Park, Lincoln, Sth Aust 08 8766 7001 sefds@bigpond.com www.southeastfielddays.com.au

22-23 Deni Innovations Expo Andrew Richardson Murray Valley Industry Park. Off Todd Road, Deniliquin. NSW 0407 503 978 www.deniinnovationsexpo.org.au

26-29 Farm World Mark Cockerell Burnt Store Road, Lardner Park, Warragul, Vic 03 5626 1373 office@lardnerpark.com.au www.lardnerpark.com.au

1-3 Tocal Field Days Coral Cairney Tocal Road, Tocal, NSW 02 4939 8827 fielddays@tocal.com www.tocalfielddays.com

March / April 2015 26-8 Sydney Royal Easter Show Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, NSW 02 9704 1474 www.eastershow.com.au

8-9 Riverina Field Days Ffiona Beverley Griffiths Showground, Griffiths, NSW 02 6964 8811 riverinafielddays@bigpond.com www.riverinafielddays.com

27-28 Karoonda Farm Fair Karoonda South Australia 08 8538 2860 info@farmfair.com.au www.farmfair.com.au

27-28 Rotary FNQ Field Days Lesa Pershouse Mareeba District Rodeo Assoc, Kerribee Park, Mt Abbott, Qld 0427 998 203 info@fnqfielddays.org.au www.fnqfielddays.org.au

May 2015

June 2015

1-2 East Gippsland Field Days Peter Treasure Bairnsdale Aerodrome, Bairnsdale, Vic 03 5153 1398 0427 878 645 info@egfielddays.com www.egfielddays.com

2-4 Farmfest Field Days Kingsthorpe Park, on the Warrego Highway, 20 kms west of Toowoomba, 02 6768 5800 farmfest@ruralpress.com.au www.farmfest.com.au

7-9 Agfest Field Days Carlee Lee Quercus Rural Youth Park, on Oaks Road between Carrick and Bracknell, TAS 03 6331 6154 admin@agfest.com.au www.agfest.com.au

18-20 Primax Primary Industry Exhibition Bruxner Highway, Casino, NSW 07 5531 4600 info@primex.net.au www.primex.net.au

AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

Henty Field Days are hot to trot New additions set to make Henty 2014 a bumper event TIMELY rain across the mixed farming belt, strong grain and livestock prices will combine with a full house of exhibitors at the 51st annual Henty Machinery Field Days.

The 105ha grounds are filled to capacity with the September 23-25 event expected to draw a crowd of 60,000 visitors keen to inspect more than $100 million worth of machinery onsite.

A total of 800 exhibitors will display their products on more than 1200 sites in what is now the single largest agricultural and open-air event in southern Australia.

Chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the HMFD team would present an event maintaining a focus on agriculture and machinery.

“While last year’s focus was on celebrating our 50th anniversary, this year we look to agriculture in the next 50 years and what lays beyond the horizon technology wise,’’ Anderson said.

“We will officially open our new AgriCentre on the Tuesday – it will feature a program packed full of guest speakers outlining robotic and automated intelligent systems, plus trade exhibitors,” she said.

Riverina company Moane Fitzgerald Constructions are partnering with the HMFD Co-operative to tar seal internal roads, and complete drainage and construction works to create an all-weather site.

Hume Bank is also providing two ATMs for exhibitors and visitors for the first time – one located near the Farm Gate Produce Market and the other at Hume Bank’s site.

In another first, visitors can pre-purchase their tickets on-line this year and become VIP members of Henty.

Simply go to the visitor’s page at www. hmfd.com.au and click on Buy Tickets, and follow the prompts.

A single adult can be purchased for $20 or a family ticket (two adults and two children under 12) for $40.

Tickets are then presented at the gate 26

where visitors can collect their VIP identification and a VIP bag filled with complementary gifts. They can also enjoy a free tea or coffee at the VIP guest lounge in the Essential Energy shed staffed by a HMFD information officer.

Tired legs and heavy shopping bags will be relieved with two free shuttle buses operating around the site, stopping at eight designated points.

The field days will be officially opened by National Farmers Federation president Brent Finlay on Tuesday from 11am at The Stump, in the centre of the field day site.

Also on Tuesday, machines at the cutting edge of tillage, load handling and spraying technology will be showcased in the prestigious Henty Machine of the Year Award.

Finlay will also present the award to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited at the field days.

The Country Lifestyle pavilion is packed with more than 70 exhibitors, arts, crafts, fashion and a full program of speakers and guest demonstrators.

Designers with a flair for converting natural fibres into wearable art will compete for $3500 worth of prizes at this year’s field days.

The Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards showcases designs using at least 70 per cent natural fibres with the winners announced about 1pm Thursday.

The ET (extra tent) will feature exhibitors displaying a range of medical, clothing, education and household products.

A highlight of Country Lifestyle this year will be keynote speaker author Rachael Treasure, of Tasmania.

Cooking demonstrations and talks by celebrity presenters, including My Kitchen Rules contestants and Beechworth baker Tom O’Toole, will take place in the Farm Gate Market Produce Area.

The area will feature bread, cheese and wine to preserves, small goods, pastries, cakes, fruit, vegetables and gourmet meats.

Farm Gate Market Produce area coordinator Jason Crowley encourages visitors to see, hear, taste, touch and smell the Henty experience.

“Whilst Henty originated as an event for farmers showcasing their machinery and agricultural practices, it’s much bigger than that today, and caters for families and the non-farming community,’’ Crowley said.

“There are so many things for families to see and do, smell, touch and just experience.

“With the field days falling in school holidays this year, it’s a great way to spend at least a day immersing yourself in the farming industry that Australia has to thank for our food and culture.’’

Competition is expected to be intense this year at Henty as the nation’s best sheep dogs and their handlers gather for the Pedigree Sheep and Yard Dog Trials.

Natural horsemanship demonstrations will be given daily by Parelli instructor Kaye Thomas, of Howlong, during the lunch break at the Pedigree Pal Yard Dog Trials.

The Henty Machinery Field Days Cooperative closed the runway in 2012, with all planes diverted to Holbrook airport, and a shuttle bus operating on demand.

Visitors will still be able to take a helicopter joy flight with Wagga Air Centre pilot Chris Cabot.

Always drawing a large crowd, the display by the Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery club members is to focus on farm machinery powered by the engines made famous by British manufacturer, Perkins.

Each visitor through the gate will be eligible for the gate prize of a Honda outboard motor and fishing Kayak from Aussie Boat Sales.

Prize packs of fishing lures and tackle from Fishooka, Practackle and White Knight, will be drawn each day at 4pm.

Gates are open from 8am to 5pm, with adult tickets $20, children 12 to 18 years $5, and children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

Farm World figures highly in farmer purchasing decisions IT’S on again – Victoria’s largest regional agricultural event – at Lardner Park near Warragul from March 27-30 next year.

Expected to pull a crowd of more than 50,000 across its four days, Farm World 2015 offers farm machinery manufacturers, suppliers and distributors an effective platform from which to launch new products and generate sales and leads.

Lardner Park Events chief executive officer Mark Cockerell says Australia’s key pasture and fodder field days give fulltime farmers and lifestyle farmers the opportunity to gather the latest information to make important buying decisions.

Cockerell says a survey conducted among exhibitors at the 2014 event showed 19 per cent of them rated Farm World as ‘excellent’ in terms of customer enquiry and leads generated.

Another 46 per cent said ‘very good’ with a

further 32 per cent rating it as ‘good’.

He says Farm World is extensively promoted in Victoria, southern NSW and Tasmania through a strategic and comprehensive promotion on television, radio, press and social media. “The campaign is aimed at attracting target patron groups in the following order of preference: professional farmers, lifestyle/ hobby farmers and the general public,” Cockerell says.

“The theme for Farm World 2015 is ‘Farm Productivity’,” he says.

“This will focus on initiatives farmers can take to improve their own farm productivity and will enable exhibitors who have products or services relating to the theme to expand their opportunities.

“This theme will be extensively promoted in the Farm World pre-event features and the Farm World program.”

Cockerell says a distinctive feature of Farm World 2015 will be the extensive demonstration program, both on individual exhibitor sites and at the Commonwealth Bank demonstration site.

Plus he says a highlight each year is the ‘Farm World – Tractor & Machinery Awards’, which acknowledge significant developments in farm machinery in the two classes – Best Powered Machine and Best Unpowered Machine.

“Farm World is supported by strategic partners including the Commonwealth Bank, Evans Petroleum BP and the Baw Baw Shire Council,” he says.

“Suppliers wishing to exhibit at Farm World 2015 should obtain a prospectus from us at Lardner Park Events.”

Contact: Mark Cockerell P: 03 5626 1373 E: mark@lardnerpark.com.au

gWn7 MaChinery Field days august 27-28 2014

“Celebrating 50 years” 600 exhibitors for the ultimate shopping experience.

Demonstrations, fashion parades, celebrity chefs, kids entertainment and education.

Give your family the raw country experience!

For More inFo 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1965–2014

Visit www.dowerinfielddays.com.au or call (08) 9631 1021

AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

New young blood takes on director’s role at Henty Field Days Walla Walla mixed farmer Shai Feuerherdt was keen to put his mechanical skills to good use at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

Shai went along with his mates to volunteer as a “labourer and gopher’’ in 2004 as a distraction from the drought.

Fast forward a decade and he has been appointed as the newest director of the Henty Machinery Field Days Co-operative Limited board.

The 35-year-old runs the 547ha property, Mountain View, with his wife Simone, son, Harrison, 7, and newborn Eliza Maree.

Shai was raised by his grandparents, Stan and Jean Feuerherdt, who

 Walla Walla mixed farmer Shai Feuerherdt started as a volunteer gopher at Henty and is now event’s newest director.

2014

INERY FIELD DAYS MACH

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N bought Mountain View in 1986. He worked as a motor mechanic in Albury for 10 years before returning to the farm upon Stan’s death in 2001.

The farm business was running 150 Angus cattle, 800 sheep and a small cropping program at the time.

Sheep were phased out, the cowherd built to 200 and cropping increased to 243ha of wheat and triticale.

“Stock numbers dwindled during the drought but we have bounced back in the last two years,’’ Mr Feuerherdt said.

“We have switched to Herefords for their temperament, and turn off the grassfed progeny at 450kg liveweight to feedlots.’’

This year, family has sown 162ha of Gem canola and 162ha of Spitfire and Beaufort wheat on 25cm row spacings.

A flock of 300 Border Leicester-Merino cross ewes are joined to Poll Dorset rams, with the lambs finished on lucerne to 24kg carcass weight and sold over-the-hooks.

Aside from his field day commitment, Mr Feuerherdt is captain of the Walla Walla fire brigade and a member of the local football club.

“I started at Henty driving equipment and unloading trucks using the forklifts – I had been working on the farm with my grandmother during the drought so the field days were a great outlet,’’ he said.

“I love meeting a wide variety of people and have undertaken training in traffic control, front end loader, forklift and first aid, gradually taking on more responsibility over the years.

When long serving director Len Hamson indicated he would retire, Mr Feuerherdt jumped at the opportunity to join the board.

“I see it as a good way to increase my business skills, create networks and challenge myself,’’ he said.

Simone, who has a background in workforce development, enjoys the field days as much as Shai.

“Field days are thriving as people still want that tactile experience of being able to touch and see,’’ she said.

“They enjoy the social aspect – it is as much about the wheeling and dealing as it is about seeing people.’’

Mr Feuerherdt has fond memories attending the field days as a child with his siblings and cousins.

“We used to collect every showbag under the sun containing everything from great stickers to blow-up chainsaws and books of stuff I never read,’’ he said.

“We would unload all the bags on the bed at home and find out what we had.

“These days I can never leave the field days without buying something, even if it’s a syphon hose.

“Usually I’m comparing prices of hay equipment.

“The build up to Henty starts early in our house – Harry begins talking about it in June.’’

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AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

29

F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N

Record exhibitors makes for golden year at Dowerin THE Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days is set to celebrate its 50th event on the 27th and 28th this month.

And celebrate big, with record exhibitor numbers and an encouraging start to the season expected to have a positive impact on the festivities.

Exhibitor numbers will soar beyond 650 this year, an increase of nearly 10pc on last year’s record.

Dowerin events management chairman Ashley Jones said in recent years the Dowerin Field Days had increased the number of sites by introducing new pavilions and small machinery blocks, allowing for more exhibitors to be part of the event.

“We have been overwhelmed by the number of application’s received this year and are absolutely thrilled there will be record numbers for our 50th Anniversary,” Jones said.

“The number of new exhibitors is extremely encouraging and will result in a more diverse and exciting event for 2014.”

Dowerin already had some new developments in store for the anniversary which included site upgrades, additional entertainment and historic displays.

“In celebration of the 50th annivesary, a new entry statement is currently under construction off Memorial Avenue, and will act as a lasting reminder of this momentous occasion,” Jones said.

“We are also upgrading the mall area near the main food court and building a new ablution block in the centre of the site.”

Visitors to the 50th event can expect be thoroughly entertained with live local music, machinery and motoring demonstrations, fashion and Act Belong

Wandin Silvan

Horticultural & Farm Machinery Field Days The Committee would like to welcome all visitors and exhibitors to this years event on the 17th and 18th of October 2014 at Wandin East Recreation Reserve.

Enquiries and New Exhibitors Welcome. Phone: 0429 428 537 info@wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au

w w w. w a n d i n s i l v a n f i e l d d a y s . c o m . a u 30

Commit Ag Art Wear parades, cooking demonstrations and sheep dog trails, among some of the highlights of this year’s event.

“The Sounds of the Wheatbelt CD, featuring a range of Wheatbelt artists, will also be launched at this year’s Field Days,” Jones said.

“And we have a some exciting new entertainment planned for the anniversary, including a 60s style fashion parade, complete with Go Go Dancers.”

“Trac Mach will also be displaying 50 vintage tractors, including a steam tractor, and have invited the Chamberlain 9G Tractor Club of WA to take part in their display,” Jones added.

Contact: Jenna Friend Jenna Freind P: 08 9631 1021 E: info@dowerinfielddays.com.au

Innovation, Asian markets focus in Queensland QUEENSLAND growers and farmers will have an opportunity to explore agricultural marketing opportunities to Asia as part of an innovative initiative at this year’s Heritage Bank Ag Show in Toowoomba.

The new-look Ag Show will be held from September 2-4 and this year will combine traditional industry and trade displays with international social and networking functions, demonstrations, education forums and an innovation precinct.

A section of the complex will also be set aside this year so machinery businesses can offer potential customers the chance to have a go with plant and equipment rather than just looking at static displays.

Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland’s (RASQ) chief executive officer Damon Phillips said the major

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

F I E L D D AY S S E C T I O N changes reflected the fact the annual field days were now industry driven.

Phillips said late last year the RASQ assumed total responsibility for the management of Toowoomba’s Heritage Bank Ag Show making it the only agricultural field days in Australia to be operated by an agricultural society.

“The charter and very existence of the RASQ is the promotion of agricultural excellence through innovation and education and it is with this ethos that we aim to bring a raft of improvements to this unique annual event,” Phillips said.

“We see Heritage Bank Ag Show as being industry rather than bottom line driven.”

For more details about the 2014 Heritage Bank Ag Show go to www. agshow.com.au or contact Damon Phillips on 07 46347 400, 0429 347002 or email rasq-ceo@rasq.com.au.

High fliers head to Riverland THIRTEEN times Australian National Aerobatic Champion Chris Sperou will perform his aerobatic display at the 2014 Riverland Field Days.

And he will be joined by cooking superstar Poh Ling Yeow – not in the air but at the event.

Which will be held at Barmera in SA’s Riverland on September 19 and 20.

Field Days chairman Ashley Chabrel says Sperou will provide “a spectacular show of amazing aerobatics in his bright red Super Pitts Special Bi-Plane”.

“Sperou has established an amazing list of aerobatic achievements in his flying career and we are delighted to have him at the field days,” Chabrel said.

“His amazing aerobatics have delighted crowds all around Australia and we greatly appreciate the support by GB Electrical of Waikerie, which has made this feature possible.”

Poh Ling Yeow first shot to fame on MasterChef and most recently with Poh’s Kitchen on ABC television.

“We are delighted to have such a high profile personality for the Celebrity Chef Cooking Demonstrations at the field days,” Chabrel added.

“Poh will bring a wonderful style, flare and appeal to the field days,” he said.

Poh’s appearance at the field days has been made possible through a major sponsor partnership from local businesses – Riverland Lending Services; GJ Gardner Homes; Nippy’s Fruit Juices, and the Loxton Hotel Motel.

“It is truly wonderful to have this kind of support from businesses in the region,” Chabrel said.

Contact: Ashley Chabrel P: 0409 882 582 E: fieldays@riverland.net.au

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• Generators • Paint • Seat Covers • Grain Feeders • Live Fish sales • Roofing • Windmill Repair • Solar Equipment • No Till Seeding • Grain Agents • Fertilisers • Seed Cleaners • Point Sharpening • ATV’s • Livestock Handlers • Solar Energy • Finance • Banking • Investment

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“Where industry & farmers meet & mingle” AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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CONFERENCE EXHIBITION

Irrigation Australia lands a winner on the Gold Coast IF Irrigation Australia (IAL) was aiming to consolidate its reputation for delivering industry relevant events it hit the jackpot on the Gold Coast with its 2014 exhibition.

IAL chief executive officer Duane Findley says his organisation has been “overwhelmed with the success of the event”.

Findley says one of IAL’s primary objectives was to rebuild IAL’s reputation for delivering excellent events.

And as the new man at the helm he says the success of the 2014 event was critical to place IAL at the centre of the irrigation industry – “where it belongs”.

“It has also given our members the confidence that IAL can deliver on its promises,” Findley says.

“There was a real buzz evident throughout the event and our board members and I certainly received a lot of comments that participants had noticed this as well,” he says.

“A number of people are already talking about 2016 in Melbourne and some have even started to focus on 2018, so I think we have achieved the objectives we set for this one.”

Findley says when the doors closed on the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition on June 5 it brought to an end an event which has since been described as “the best irrigation event in years”.

He says the partnership with Irrigation Australia brought together a diverse range of industry professionals to network, learn and do business.

“A total of 1581 visitors were recorded at the show during the two days, representing 14 countries,” Findley added.

“From the start our event partner Exhibition and Trade Fairs (ETF) adopted a genuine team approach with IAL to build confidence and excitement in the exhibition,” he says.

32

“That also helped attract new exhibitors as well as retaining many of our existing participants and also to offer insightful feedback to IAL. “ETF’s efforts in meeting with industry stakeholders, listening to their suggestions for improving the exhibition, and then acting on those suggestions, made ETF invaluable in linking us with the market.

“And delivering an event that really reflected the needs of the irrigation industry.”

Exhibitor feedback echoes that sentiment.

Bryan Ward, general manager of Think Water said: “On behalf of Think Water I just wanted to congratulate you all on a very well run event. The Trade Show was the best for many years and we found it thoroughly worthwhile and day one in particular was extremely busy.

The attention to detail, planning and hard work that you all put into this has certainly paid off and we look forward to many more successful IAL events in the future”.

As first time exhibitors, the Aqualastic Team were just as happy with their decision to take up an exhibition site.

“As our first experience at the Irrigation Australia show we wanted to give visitors a clear insight into the unique properties

of the AquaLastic canal repair system,” a company spokesman says.

“It was a great opportunity for us to meet so many Australian and New Zealand professionals who clearly feel our product could help them,” he says.

“We look forward to working with those and to meeting other IA members and professionals along the way. Thank you for such an enthusiastic and exciting start.”

The Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition will return to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 23-27 May 2016.

Contact: Duane Findley P: (02) 83354000 E: duane.findley@irrigation.org.au

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

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WHAT'S NEW - Water & Irrigation

Hey Toro, we are looking for versatility INCREASED prices and reduced water allocations are continuing to drive the evolution of irrigation practices among Australia’s farmers and orchardists.

As cheap and plentiful water supplies of the past dry up in the face of rising costs, government regulation and social pressure, landholders are turning to highly efficient watering technologies.

For the majority of irrigators, this choice comes down to mini sprinklers or drippers.

According to Toro Australia’s national technical services manager Robert Aitken both technologies can save significant amounts of water over traditional flood or overhead impact sprinkler systems.

“Drip irrigation is certainly well understood and has strong support at the moment,” Aitken says.

“However, there are many applications where mini

34

sprinklers provide a more appropriate solution and are a better way to deal with particular issues,” he says.

“Examples include plantings on steep terrains or where shallow depth soils are a problem.”

Aitken says on steep terrain many growers liked to grow a cover crop between trees to minimise erosion.

Mini sprinklers enabled these inter-row areas to be watered to maintain ground cover at the same time as the trees are being irrigated.

Similarly, on shallow or very coarse soils, greater benefit is gained by a larger wetted pattern that encourages root development and minimises run-off.

Water quality is another consideration in determining which technique is more appropriate.

“Mini sprinklers generally have larger flow rates than drippers, which means they are less prone to blockages,” Aitken adds.

“In some circumstances this can mean filtration is either simplified or filtration systems don’t need to be as extensive,” he says.

“It’s also far easier to see if a mini sprinkler is damaged or not working, especially if the drippers are covered by leaf litter or hidden by foliage.”

“Growers need to consider the costs involved with the irrigation of mature trees with larger root zones.

“Getting enough water to the roots generally involves multiple drippers per tree and the installation of two laterals, one either side of the trunk.

“A mini-sprinkler would only require one lateral, so there are some cost savings that must be weighed up.

“For example, many citrus growers prefer mini sprinklers.

Other crops where they are also used are stone fruit, apples, pears, nuts and many more.”

Mini sprinklers can also help prevent frost damage, which is an added advantage. Latent heat is released from water when it turns into ice.

By continually spraying water on plants as the temperature approaches freezing, enough heat is generally released to keep plants above their freezing point, except in extreme conditions.

The use of mini sprinklers can protect plants in ambient temperatures as low as about minus 5C. “Always remember what you are trying to achieve with your irrigation system and weigh up the benefits of using mini sprinklers,” Aitken says.

Contact: Robert Aitken P: (08) 8300 3672

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

Queensland water use and government policy is once more awash Kim Bremner works on water policy with AgForce, Queensland’s peak farming body and lobby group, farms on the Darling Downs and has just purchased two more overhead irrigators. After the Irrigation Australia conference on the Gold Coast he took time out to review water policy in his home state.

WATER policy in Queensland has been under a state of constant change despite the push from the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) as far back as 1994 to give farmers certainty in their access to water.

Not the amount of water, as that varies from year to year according the seasons, but the basic legal entitlement to access water.

Before 2000 most of the water in Queensland was accessed under licence.

A licence which can be withdrawn at any time for infringement or any other reason the government of the day saw fit.

The 1994 water reform process was a deal where licence holders were given land title equivalent allocations in return for a certain amount of allocated water.

The Queensland government then brought in Water Act 2000, which amongst other things vested the right for the government to regulate and control the use of all water in Queensland.

This vesting means the government does not own the water so they can’t be sued for flood damage but it does mean where it wants to regulate water it can.

This regulation gave certainty to both sides.

Allocation holders (irrigators) could not have their entitlement taken from them without compensation, the same way as land is resumed for roads etc.

With the introduction of meters, the government also knew how much water was being taken from the environment and managed the total take in any river catchment by putting a sustainable cap in place.

This took many years of negotiation between irrigators and governments at a state level.

Then the complexity of water reform took a leap when Canberra decided it would control the Murray Darling Basin and come up with a plan to “help” irrigators through the millennium drought.

The Federal government is now spending billions of dollars to buy back water allocations from irrigators and let it run out to sea – or it would except the SA government has a barrage in place to block that water to create a couple amenities lakes a little more than 2m deep. These lakes evaporate more water than is used in

Melbourne and Sydney in a year (Jennifer Marohasy and NWC) The Queensland government is again reviewing the water act to streamline some of the regulation and red tape and basically make it simpler to manage water throughout the state.

Most of this is good but rural lobby groups such as AgForce oppose any move to reduce the certainty and reliability of current water allocations and the removal of any current licences held by landholders.

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AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

35

AgForce supports the conversion of licenses to tradable allocations.

The Queensland government also wants to double agricultural production by 2040.

The key to this goal is not genetics or increasing inputs – the key is water.

In Australia less than 1 per cent of the land is irrigated yet it produces 30 per cent of all the produce (irrigation.org.au).

For more than 20 years state and federal governments have been certain they know what is best for irrigators while forgetting the essential efficiency of irrigating. It produces more off a lot less land.

Irrigation is the solution to increasing production in Queensland.

Here is the information about our water supplies: · 159,000 gigalitres of water runs out of Queensland per year. · Of this there is 44,000 GL of available water (DNR). · The Great Artesian Basin contains 6.5 to 8.7 million GL yet total water consumption in Queensland in 2009-10 was only 3088 GL, decreasing by 8 per cent from 3351 GL in 2008-09 (ABS). · Of that amount 364 GL was used by households in Queensland last year. · We also know approximately 140GL of household water was dumped in Moreton Bay as treated sewage.

The above facts show there is no shortage of water in Queensland but most of the water is in the undeveloped north.

There will come a time when that water will be needed for all Australia.

It will take time, investment and research to get the right crops, grown in the right areas and managed by farming professionals.

So what if we started doubling production in existing farming areas?

The knowledge and expertise already exists to create farming produce.

36

The infrastructure and transport facilities ready to take the extra produce to port. All we have to do is add water.

That water could come by recycling the 150,000ML dumped in Moreton Bay, which we could pump over the range and onto the Darling Downs.

The Darling Downs has some of the best soils and farmers to convert that water into export dollars.

There was such a vision held by farmers from the mid ’90s until now. Canberra back then saw part of that vision and spent $2 million on studies which showed the project that took treated sewage water away from a seaside bay and delivered it to existing irrigation storages on the Darling Downs would work.

This project would benefit the environment of the bay by removing the fresh water contaminant.

It would also increase flows in the Murray Darling by 30,000ML every year, saving millions of dollars in water buyback.

We are not sure if the coal seam gas (CSG) industry has already damaged the aquifers but this is a way for the CSG industries have access to “make good” water and supply gas to a gas-fired power station to lift the water.

It would also make use of the white elephant called the WCRWS (Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme).

This $2.5 billion dollars of infrastructure was built by the Bligh government during the millennium drought to take the treated sewage water from Luggage Point to Wivenhoe Dam. It was stopped at the edge of the Lockyer Valley and has not been used since.

This infrastructure is part of the original plan to move water up the hill – and now it is decision time.

Does the Queensland government turn $2.5 billion into $100 million of scrap metal or

does it have the foresight and the vision to finish the job and deliver water to a desperate land, again in the grip of drought?

As an example of what this extra water would do, we only have to look at my own farm on the Darling Downs: · 250ha of irrigated land · 1150ML of storage · 50 per cent reliability We have already invested $1 million in overhead irrigators to improve the use of our limited supplies.

But it is not enough.

We want more water to improve the use of our land and infrastructure.

With 500ML of 100 per cent reliable water we could double production overnight and increase turnover by $1 million using existing crops; probably employ a couple of extra farmhands.

Put this result across 300 farms, add in the multiplier effect and you have 4000 extra jobs and an extra $300 million in export income every year for a very long time.

But it doesn’t end there, with 100 per cent reliable water the possibilities of new crops and new uses are endless.

They range from straight horticulture to tree crops to pharmaceutical crops.

New export opportunities will arise as our customers realise we have reliable and consistent supplies of produce.

Then we see export income and jobs rise significantly.

The new crops will demand highly skilled farmers, agronomists and marketers.

The best technology will be needed to grow and harvest these new crops while new factories will be required to process their products into high demand, high value, consumer driven items.

We know water infrastructure always pays in the long term.

As an example the Fairburn Dam was built in 1974 at a cost of $25 million.

Forty years on and the total tax bill every year out of that area is still approximately $25 million.

It is time John McVeigh (Queensland minister for Agriculture and Forest and Fisheries and Tony Abbott (Prime Minister) – who has been quoted saying he wanted to be known as the infrastructure Prime Minister – put their heads together and built this project.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

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What’s New - Hay and Silage Simon says if the hay rake fits then use it SIMON Schinckel pulls no punches – not when it comes to the hay rake industry and the need for a variety of sizes to fit demand.

From small farmers to heavy duty contractors working around the clock, Schinckel Hayrakes, based at Naracoorte in the heart of South Australia’s Lower SouthEast, has been providing cutting-edge rake technology since 1991.

And been a regular fixture on the field days circuit since 1992, when Schinckel made his first appearance at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Although field days have come and gone over the years he still tries to get to “get in a baker’s dozen” covering major field days from Dowerin in Western Australia to Gunnedah in NSW as well as South Australia and Victoria.

Schinckel said field days such as the Wimmera event were an excellent showcase for his products.

But at the same time he said they were equally valuable to catch up with long-term clients in other states.

“We have clients who are really progressive, and always like to have the latest models on their farms,” Schinckel said.

“I think I could safely say we are now

 Cutting edge: A Schinckel hay rake in action. The company, based at Naracoorte in the heart of South Australia’s Lower South-East, has been providing cutting-edge rake technology since 1991.

the biggest manufacturer of finger reel V Rakes, in both size and units, in Australia today. We produce them in a variety of configurations – the V rakes go from 10 to 28 reels, and inline from 9 to 24 reels.

Larger 24 reel plus rakes are consigned to WA where the croppers will rake large acres of stubble to either burn or bale, so that they have clean ground to plant their new crop on.”

“Every farmer has his own ideas about how to manage his paddocks but if you get through the stubble early with an inline rake I think it can save you a lot of time, headaches and, most importantly, money

by needing only one pass with herbicide.”

At Schinckel Hayrakes a basic V rake costs around $18,000 going up to as much as $70,000 for the customised, top of the range.

Although rake specialists, Schinckel Hayrakes also produces Hot Box wood heaters and is an agent for Faber Tool boxes, Freedom Cartage tanks and Duncan steel stock crates.

“I came off a property at Kybybolite where the Schinckel family has farmed for more than 100 years,” he said.

“My brother Michael is still on the farm but I got into the machinery engineering business with stock crates back in 1975.

“I sold that to Duncan Stock Crates at Forbes back in the early ’90s and then moved into the hayrakes in ’91.”

And with that farming background Schinckel also understands the value of keeping things simple.

His rakes go out preassembled instead of presenting buyers with a flat-pack challenge.

Contact: Schinckel Hayrakes Simon Schinckel P: (08) 8762 1935 E: office@schinckelhayrakes.com.au W: www.schinckelhayrakes.com.au

Do I have enough silage?

WHILE a good autumn break will impact on how well we can feed our herd home-grown pastures, supplements and feed management will also play an important role in filling any feed gaps.

Pasture: Autumn pasture is the best and cheapest option but has to be managed to grow sufficiently to set up a pasture wedge.

Once this wedge is achieved and if maintained through winter, you will be pleasantly surprised by the saving in supplementary or concentrate feed used.

This means that about a month ago the rotation on the grazable milking area should have been about 20 days for 38

about a week, then about 30 days for about 10 days and then slowed to about a 30 day rotation for about two weeks.

If pastures had not reached 2.5-3 green leaves after the month, the rotation needs extending further, possibly to 45 to 60 days.

Ideally, pasture residuals need to be kept to about 4-6cm height so it can recover quickly and persist longer.

To achieve this, cows must be fed enough supplements (e.g. fodder in the paddock or concentrates in the bail).

A pasture wedge can still be achieved now but will take much longer to establish.

Use any remaining high quality silage or hay as this will keep cows milking while the pasture wedge forms. Feed the lower quality hay and silage to dry or late lactation cows.

Short of fodder?

You may not have the reserves of silage you need to get through to spring. If you have no silage then feed home grown hay, hay purchased early or buy hay now at a slightly higher price than it was up until late January.

The severe drought in northern NSW and Queensland reduced the amount of

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fodder from the traditional hay suppliers in western and northern Victoria and pushed prices up somewhat.

If the autumn growth has been good in Victoria then there will be less demand for hay.

However we may also get a wet winter although predictions are suggesting that this is unlikely.

Milkers, calving cows and young stock all require feed of high nutritional value.

This feed should ideally test over 10.5 megajoules of metabolisable energy per kilogram of dry matter (ME/kg DM) and over 16 per cent crude protein (CP %).

If this sounds like swearing to you, this feed will have a lot of leaf, minimal stem and may have good clover content.

If feed is of lower quality, other feeds may be able to improve the ration.

Autumn and winter pasture is high in energy and protein while concentrates help limit the impact on intake of high fibre found in lower quality fodder.

Purchase fodder:

• The opportunity to buy high quality hay will be disappearing rapidly and/ or it may be becoming more expensive as southern Victorian and Gippsland farmers rush to the smiling hay suppliers.

• Before you purchase fodder consider what is happening in the hay market and with autumn pasture growth? How are your stocks of fodder for winter? Will you need to buy hay and concentrates?

• Are you better buying good quality hay and feeding your own lower quality hay to the dries or springers (with a lead feed)?

• Conversely if you have some high quality silage or hay left, are you better off to buy in some poorer quality cheap hay for your dry cows.

• Remember drying of cows early can save some feed but if the cows are down in condition they may be better off in the shed receiving some grain and therefore reducing the need to feed the

diminishing supplies of hay in the dry cow paddock or runoff block.

• However if you consider current feed and milk prices, there should be a good return on purchased milker feed in most situations.

Nitrogen applications:

• Applying nitrogen (N) fertiliser and other required nutrients while pastures are still growing well will result in good responses, reducing the need for some supplementary feeding and less purchased fodder.

• An autumn application of urea will provide early winter feed and this can be followed by a winter application if extra feed is needed.

• Forty kilograms of N can be applied up to 4 days ahead of grazing and allow at least 18-21 days or longer before grazing again to get maximum response from the N and graze at 2.5-3 green leaves.

Nitrogen boosted feed will be cheaper than purchased feed.

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AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

What’s New - ATVs, SSVs, RTVs, Ag Bikes Polaris targets farmers with 400cc deals POLARIS has announced price cuts on its 400 range of ATVs and side x sides as it seeks to establish a market-dominant position in the Australian market.

Buoyed by first half results which saw Polaris post an industry-leading 41 per cent growth over the first half of 2013 – in a market which is up only 2.9 per cent – the US power sports giant says its Sportsman 400 has sold 2400 units since 2006.

The Sportsman 400 comes with independent front and rear suspension, On Demand True All-Wheel Drive, 556kg towing capacity and a combined rack capacity of 122kg.

Polaris Australasian country manager Brad Wolstenholme says until August 31 the Sportsman 400 will sell for $6495 – a saving of $1000.

He says the Hawkeye 400 will also be on offer for another $1000 cut, retailing at $5495.

Powered by the same 455cc engine as the Sportsman 400 but in a two wheel drive variant, the Hawkeye 400 HD includes independent front and rear suspension, a combined 122kg front and rear rack capacity, 556kg towing capacity and disc brakes all around.

“The Hawkeye 400 also comes in Heavy Duty spec with greasable/sealed ball joints, sealed driveshaft splines and sealed suspension bushings to not only provide increased durability in the harsh Australian conditions, but also provide easier ongoing maintenance,” Wolstenholme says.

During June, Polaris grabbed a staggering

83.3 percent share of the 0-500cc side x side market.

Which it is celebrating by extending until September 30 an $11,495 price tag on the Ranger 400 – a reduction of $1000 – plus an additional $1000 worth of genuine Polaris accessories.

The Ranger 400 features a 455cc engine with Polaris Variable Transmission, a tipping rear dump box with 227kg capacity, a towing capacity of 567kg, On Demand True All-Wheel Drive with Turf Mode, and a certified Roll Over Protection Structure.

“It’s all about delivering value,” Wolstenholme added.

“Our products offer unmatched features and unmatched performance, and we’re making sure they also offer unmatched value for Aussie farmers,” he said.

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AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

41

second half of 2014,” he said. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality offroad vehicles (ORVs), including allterrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER ® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.

Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian motorcycle brands.

Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) and Goupil Industrie SA, and internally developed vehicles.

For more information call your nearest dealer or visit www.polarisindustries. com.au.

 On a roll: Polaris is cutting the price of its 400 range of ATVs as it works to consolidate its position in the on-farm market.

“We’ve seen Polaris post phenomenal growth in the side x side market, in the big bore ATV market and in the youth market.

“Mid-size ATVs and side x sides are large and important markets for us and we expect to see outstanding growth in these markets over the

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Power Products

What’s New - General Products Condor Endurance HIGHER yields are needed to feed the world which is why Agrifac says it makes ‘brilliantly simple’ machines.

Machines the company describes as some of the market’s most efficient, economic and ergonomic – and which will be on show at the Dowerin Field Days in WA on August 27.

It says this enables Agrifac to develop according to customer needs and to always stay ahead with innovative solutions.

A strategy which has resulted in the new Agrifac Condor Endurance.

After consultations with farmers, contractors and researchers in various countries, Agrifac felt the market would be ready for a self-propelled sprayer with an 8000-litre tank and the ease and comfort of the Agrifac Condor.

With the design of the Condor Endurance,

Agrifac took the proven parts from the existing Condor and merged them with the latest ideas and technologies.

After a demanding design phase the machine was launched into production.

And like its predecessor, the Agrifac Condor, the proven StabiloPlus chassis is the basis for the Condor Endurance.

An enlarged version provides the wellknown comfort and stability and different variable track widths makes the Condor Endurance suitable for a large range of crops and environments.

The 8000-litre tank also enables the Condor Endurance to spend more time in the field doing what it does best with a significant boost in efficiency and capacity.

The Endurance is equipped with a powerful 320 BHP engine which in combination with the strong J-boom and the StabiloPlus chassis makes it possible to operate at high working speeds.

During demonstrations in Australia the Condor, equipped with a 36m boom, performed working speeds up to 36kmh and still had a stable boom and therefore an accurate application.

The high road speed of 50 kmh contributes as well to the improved capacity, making this machine flexible in use.

Another example of Agrifac’s innovative design and flexibility is GreenFlowPlus, the full circulation system from Agrifac which is standard on all Condors.

The system makes it possible to work without rest liquids, prevents sedimentation of chemicals and creates optimal spray pattern due to the Agrifac pressure regulator.

Altogether this is a machine which will meet the high expectations of its end users.

Agrifac will also be at AG Quip site number U11.

Contact: www.agrifac.com.

THE WORLD NEEDS HIGH YIELDS

CONDOR ENDURANCE

Visit us AG Quip at (U or Doweri11) Machine n Field Dayr y s (175)

The world needs more and more food. More efficient agricultural production and higher yields are needed from less cultivated land to satisfy this growing demand. Therefore Agrifac manufactures “Brilliant Simple” machines. Like the hi-tech self-propelled sprayer Agrifac Condor Endurance. Big tank, high working speed, wide booms. Want to know more? Visit Agrifac at AG Quip (stand number U11) or at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days (stand number 175) Steven Koop T +61 456 173 345 E s.koop@agrifac.com

Mark Slater T +61 407 125 280 E m.slater@agrifac.com

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AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

43

What’s New - Harvesting A strategic mix achieves valuable harvest results Philip Burrell from the Queensland Department of Agriculture writes integrating a strategic mix of good hygiene practices, regular monitoring of grain and aeration cooling is a firm foundation for achieving effective pest control and reliable grain quality outcomes. Always use gas-tight sealable storages when fumigating. And for grain stored in non-sealable storages and where there is no impact on potential grain markets, treatment with a grain protectant insecticide provides valuable storage pest control.

Grain storage A, B, C GRAIN storage systems come in a range of shapes and sizes to meet farm requirements and careful planning is needed to optimise an on-farm grain storage facility investment.

According to the option selected, on-farm grain storage systems can provide a short-term or long-term storage facility.

 Spring clean: Integrating a strategic mix of good hygiene practices, regular monitoring of grain and aeration cooling is a firm foundation for achieving effective pest control and reliable grain quality outcomes.

HARVEST is not far down the track and by now you should be ensuring your on-farm storage is in peak condition to maximise returns on your crops.

When used together, the following components of a strategic mix will provide an effective strategy for controlling pests and maintaining quality in your stored grain.

Hygiene

Regular clean-up of grain residues in empty storages and grain handling equipment significantly reduces the number of breeding sites for insect pests.

For storages and equipment, physically clean and/or water wash out grain residues and dust on a sunny day, then consider a diatomaceous earth (DE) structural treatment.

44

Aeration

Fit aeration fans to storages and use them to reduce grain temperature.

Cooling grain either slows or stops the insects breeding life cycle.

Rust red flour beetle stops breeding at 20C and lesser grain borer stops at 18C. But all insects stop breeding below 15C so grain temperatures of less than 23C in summer and less than 15C in winter are achievable targets.

Aerate grain as soon as it is put into storage. For reliable results use a good quality automatic controller to run fans, as they select the best temperature and humidity air to use.

Monitoring grain

Never ‘store and forget’: Sample, sieve and check insect traps in your grain at least once per month. Identify

Depending on the goal of on-farm storage, whether it be access to improved markets or simply to maximise harvest efficiency, there are a number of options available.

Harvest is the ideal time to plan future grain storage system requirements, as it can help identify issues and opportunities for future harvest operations that may otherwise be forgotten once next year’s crop cycle gets underway.

Costs and storage flexibility can vary between grain storage options as can longevity of the investment.

Some factors to consider when looking at on-farm storage options include: · Pest and insect control options · Size, capacity, construction and access · Lifespan · Capital investment · Health and safety considerations · Preparation required · Proximity to resources, pests and harvest locations · Storage requirements · Sampling options · Cleaning and maintenance

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

pests and keep monthly records, including any grain treatments or fumigations.

Storage choice

Many older silos were not designed to be sealed gas-tight for the purpose of fumigation.

Fit these silos with aeration fans and do a good job with hygiene.

When buying new silos, look for a quality design, easy to clean, sealable and fitted with aeration fans.

Ask the silo manufacturer if it meets the Australian Standard (AS 2628) for sealable silos (i.e. passes a pressure test).

Aim to have at least two sealable, aerated silos on your farm. This allows you to achieve an effective fumigation of any infested grain.

As a general rule, only leave a silo sealed up during the required fumigation period of 7 to 20 days.

Agfest 2014 turns on a ripper in Tassie WHEN it began 32 years ago there were just 111 exhibitors. When the gates opened on Agfest 2014 more than 60,000 visitors poured through the gates to soak up 760 exhibitors.

And it’s all pulled together by an organising committee of volunteers from Rural Youth Tasmania.

While the number of exhibitors and visitors keeps growing, so too does the size of the farm machinery on show.

Greg Cahill of Gaffney Machinery in Somerset and Longford, Tasmania, showed off the huge New Holland Roll-Belt 180 Cropcutter in its first season on the market.

Capable of producing 6x4-foot bales, there are already four in use in Tasmania and 40 Australia-wide.

New Holland has factories across the world with no duplication of product so Greg

also had a 75hp tractor from Turkey in his display.

Gaffney Machinery was a foundation exhibitor and has been at Agfest every year.

At the William Adams stand fullygrown adults of all shapes and sizes were dwarfed by (and climbing children almost lost in) the MT865C 583hp tractor destined for Antarctica.

Agfest media manager Heidi Broun reported most of the exhibitors and sponsors return in subsequent years and “certainly many patrons are repeat visitors”.

She says if nothing else the machinery dealers are probably keen to see just how big those machines can get.

Contact: Heidi Broun P: 1300 AGFEST (1300 243 378) E: admin@agfest.com.au

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AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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DEALER PROFILE

Where the WA Wheatbelt goes to shop One of Australia’s largest single-point farm machinery dealerships, Staines Esperance at the south-eastern end of WA’s massive Wheatbelt is all about service – in the showroom and in the paddock. In this issue AFDJ talks with Simon Staines about the business he and his family have built in the past 20 years.

ESPERANCE might sound out of the way – if you are farming in the eastern states – but it is the southern anchor of Western Australia’s famed Wheatbelt.

And with WA producing the nation’s largest wheat harvest (climate notwithstanding) the croppers in that part of the world need to have the best possible products available from their localdealership.

Enter Simon Staines and the team at Staines Esperance.

They have a list of the usual suspects nailed to the front door – New Holland, Goldacres, JCB, Morris, Trimble, MacDon, Miller Nitro and Morris.

But there’s more to Staines than meets the eye.

For example, they are the nation’s biggest dealer in JCB Fastrac tractors and one of Goldacres biggest movers and shakers.

Simon Staines says his dealership’s focus has always been on maintaining a good balance of equipment, the inventory to back it up and the expertise to help in the showroom and in the paddock.

WA, he says, is a different kettle of fish 46

to the eastern states where for many farmers, and dealers, the capital city and all its resources is an hour or two down the road.

“With the vast distances here, combined with the majority of manufacturers maintaining their head offices and parts stores in the eastern states, the reliance on the local dealer to keep machines up and running is paramount,” he adds.

With the vast distances here … the reliance on the local dealer to keep machines up and running is paramount “When something goes wrong they need to know they have a local face to turn to for support.

“Technology is the keyword in grain farming today, and you don’t just have to keep up, you have to keep in front because that’s what your clients expect,” Simon says.

Farm machinery is in the blood STAINES ESPERANCE started trading in February 1995 when Neil and Sue Staines purchased the existing business of Esperance Farm Machinery.

This was a return to the farm equipment business for the Staines, who had previously operated as Staines Geraldton for 25 years up to 1987. Today their son Simon is at the helm of the business, which quickly expanded under new management to become one of Australia’s largest single-point farm machinery dealerships.

As a result the company has received numerous awards from New Holland, JCB, Morris and MacDon for the level of sales and service provided to the farmers of the South Eastern wheat belt of Western Australia.

Operating from modern purposebuilt premises in Esperance, WA, Staines today specialises in the sales and service of broadacre farm equipment.

As well as its new machinery and technology sales division, it runs a used equipment business with customers Australia wide.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

 On the job: Simon Staines, right,

catching up with good client Chris Hockey on his Wheatbelt property.

“That’s why Staines Esperance is pleased to have Stuart Denham on the team,” he says.

“Stuart comes to us as manager of our precision farming equipment and brought with him more than 30 years of experience in the agricultural industry.

“Better still, the past 10 years have seen him working almost exclusively with GPS products and applications in an on-farm environment.

“So our customers know they can call Stuart on 0427 713 732 to discuss all their precision ag needs.”

To back that up Simon says Staines specialises in the use of Trimble multiplatform products, which have the ability to steer all modern farming equipment using either electric or hydraulic systems.

He says they offer GPS accuracy ranging from free-to-air -sub meter systems to the RTK 2cm base station with a real trend towards the RTX solution, giving 2-3cm accuracy and no need for the upkeep of a base station.

With the current trend to inter-row sowing coupled with variable rate control (VRC) Simon says accessing someone as proven as Denham, who is supported by the company’s own qualified auto electrician, Staines can meet “and often exceed” the client’s expectations in the area of precision agriculture.

Technology is the keyword in grain farming today, and you don’t just have to keep up, you have to keep in front because that’s what your clients expect “Of course then you need the machinery to get this job done and we believe we have the best in both New Holland and JCB, just as an example.

“But Staines Esperance is a genuine multifranchise dealer, which gives us the ability to provide today’s farmer access to the latest modern farm equipment and the farmer the choice to see as a one-stop shop,” Simon adds.

“Staines Esperance even stocks an extensive range of New Holland and JCB scale toys, as well as ride-on tractors, for the farmers of the future,” he laughs.

“So whether you are looking for a big-ticket capital item or only a birthday or Christmas present (or are a closet collector) we have in stock something for you – and if we don’t we can always order it in.

“We can send you out the door with a new New Holland T8 plus a shirt, jacket and cap to match.”

Simon says Staines has a staff of 30 managing everything from new and used machinery sales to specialist precision farming to ensuring the spare parts inventory matches demand from clients.

He says Staines has six mobile service vehicles – as well as Denham and auto electrician who are both mobile – and if the job is too big to handle min the paddock the company has its own truck and drop deck to get the job into town, repaired and back on the job as fast as possible.

“But just as our farmer clients have to keep moving with the times it is perhaps even more important that our own staff stay a step or two ahead of them so we can advise them on the latest developments,” Simon says.

“We are constantly training our sales team and service staff to keep abreast of advances in current technology, new product releases etc,” he says.

“Our farmer clients come in here expecting we know what we are talking about and it’s our job to make sure we do.

“We have been running the business for almost 20 years and I reckon one of the biggest changes we have seen in broadacre farming in recent years has been the swing to controlled traffic farming on 3m track spacing.

“As well as compaction this has a big influence on weed seed and straw management at harvest.

“Chemical resistance is probably the biggest threat our farmers face and placing weed seeds on the tramlines for later treatment has become a real success story.

“Precision ag has been with us for some time and it is more a continual evolution to find best financial return on the technology that is available.

“Esperance has always been at the forefront of the latest trends with auto steer, prescription mapping/variable rate application and GM crops – they are all common practises here now.”

The Esperance region has long been the envy of WA farmers with its coastal micro climate but Simon says this year even they are experiencing a dry start.

Despite that the big trend in the past year has been self-propelled sprayers with large numbers being driven out the door of the Staines’ yard.

Contact: Simon Staines P: 08 9071 1133 E: admin@staines.com.au

AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

47

AFDJ MY VIEW Barnaby Joyce

- Federal Agriculture Minister

Open for business – and farming punches above it weight WHEN this government was elected we made it clear that Australia would be reopening for business.

Australian Agriculture has done more than its fair share since having a clearer run from a more focussed government.

Agricultural production is up 19.3 % since the corresponding March quarter under the previous government. But we must remain aware of our core constituency’s views on our primal asset, the land we stand on, which was fought and paid for by so many before us.

Between September 2013 and July this year we exported over a million head of cattle to international markets, up 87 per cent compared with the same period last year.

On the back of increased demand, average price per kilogram for cattle increased from 276 cents in April 2013 to an average of 316 cents per kilogram in April this year.

And we’re seeing record lamb and beef export levels for 2013-14. The latest figures indicate lamb exports rose by 13 per cent to 226 305 tonnes, with beef and veal export volumes hitting an all-time high of 1.18 million tonnes, up 17 per cent on last year.

Market access is critical to the success of our farmers and since the election the government has set about putting some practical policies and agreements in place and getting out of the way.

Australia and Japan signed the JapanAustralia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA) on 8 July, closely following the signing of the Australia-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) on 7 April 2014.

These are significant agreements with important trading partners that will make a very real difference at the farmgate.

JAEPA is the first trade agreement that Japan has concluded with a major agricultural exporter. I am well aware there were disappointments for some agricultural sectors about the outcomes for them, such as sugar and dairy. But we must recognise that there were also some significant wins. The Australia-Japan Economic 48

Partnership Agreement will eliminate or significantly reduce Japan’s high tariffs on a wide range of Australian agricultural exports including beef, wine, grains, much of horticulture and seafood, and some important dairy products, over timeframes up to 15-18 years.

And the signing of the free trade agreement (FTA) with Korea is equally good news for Australian agricultural industries and will improve export returns in almost every part of the sector.

Australian farmers will enjoy vastly improved access to the Korean market, with 98 per cent of Australia’s agricultural exports facing no tariff on full implementation of the agreement (over 15-20 years).

And Korea will eliminate its 40 per cent tariff on beef products progressively over 15 years, equivalent to the terms the US received under its trade agreement with Korea (which entered into force in March 2012), helping to level the playing field for Australian beef exporters.

So the prospects for Australian produce in a business environment like this are very strong. It’s this kind of commonsense approach that is already delivering dividends for our farmers.

So I think it’s very clear, and I think most people on the land understand, that Australian agribusiness must have good relationships across the global community to truly thrive.

I’m often asked about foreign investment in that context, an issue I’ve looked at very carefully and which I take extremely seriously.

Both domestic and foreign investment are essential to the continuing growth of Australian agriculture and will enable Australia’s agricultural and food industries to better capture the opportunities from the growth in global demand for food and fibre.

But I believe we must have the right checks and balances in place to screen

 Promising outlook: Market access

is critical to the success of our farmers and since the election the government has set about putting some practical policies and agreements in place and getting out of the way.

foreign investment, which is why as a government we are committed to introducing a Foreign Ownership Register for Agricultural Land We welcome foreign investment, particularly in greenfield projects, but we also need transparency and accuracy of information for policy holders and the general public. Most importantly the investment must be in our long term national interest not the short term interest of the commission attained on sale.

We can produce a lot of things, and we can become more productive, but the one thing we cannot create is more land.

I well understand that many people are concerned about the lack of reliable data to give people a clear overview of who owns what around the country.

The future of Australian agriculture will be critical to our success as a nation. And based on the performance of our farming families , that success is looking good.

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

What's New - TMA News Where to next for farm machinery technology?

With Richard Lewis, director TMA

THE advent of affordable GPS solutions for Australian agricultural machinery has advanced the productivity of Australian farmers over the past 20 years more than any other product. The ability to plant, spray and harvest accurately has improved the productivity of growing food and fibre to the point that Australian farmers are among the most productive in the world.

Only 15 years ago, the cost of an accurate GPS system for a tractor was in excess of $100,000, whereas today that same system is under $40,000 due to a broader acceptance and increased competition.

Only 15 years ago the challenge for Australian farmers was interpreting the data collected from these systems, such as yield maps from harvesting equipment, and using this data to better grow the following year’s crop. Today many agronomists are using this data to advance the productivity of a farm using precision agricultural solutions through spray techniques and precision planting to accurately place the seed and fertiliser in and on the ground, reducing waste and increasing yields – ultimately putting more money in the pockets of the farmers.

Much of the machinery sold to farmers today accommodates the use of this technology significantly better and cheaper than in the past using CAN bus systems, allowing the farmer to “plug and play” the systems into the machinery that will automatically talk to the technology, rather than having to rewire the machinery to accommodate the technology.

So where to from here?

What is the next big shift in technology that will further improve the productivity of farm machinery and therefore the farmer?

Australian farmers remain divided on the use of things such as control traffic farming, raised beds and zero till methods, although recently there has been a significant shift towards these practices.

Are all agronomic services up to speed on the use of the data which is produced by the machinery?

Can all this data be productively applied to the science of farming – is the data produced too advanced for the practicalities of farming in Australia?

These are questions that can only be answered by each individual farmer and their agronomist as they look at how this data or information can be used.

There is some thought that many agricultural science businesses may end up with data rooms full of people interpreting the information coming from the machinery in real time, and feeding this back to the farmer while he is on the tractor or sprayer – perhaps this will be the domain of the supplying dealership as they are best equipped to gather the information and feed this to the farmer or agronomist.

Unfortunately there is no clear direction either here or overseers that can shed any light on this shift in information technology, however there are signs that some companies are gearing up for this change.

John Deere recently formed an alliance with DuPont, a global leader in chemical production and supply for agriculture which sheds some light on how important this precision agriculture segment of the market is to machinery manufacturers.

While Agco is heading down the grain handling path with its acquisition of GSI in the US. Both decisions point to a more vertically integrated approach by the manufactures to the overall farming operations, rather than just staying in their traditional sectors.

Stay tuned as we watch dealers and manufacturers look to take a competitive advantage in this precision agriculture space, beyond GPS and the actual tools to make it happen, to processing and interpreting the information from the machinery into value add products to the Australian farmer – very exciting times indeed.

Contact: Richard Lewis T: 61 3 9867 4289 M: 61 (0)421 847 872 E: richard@tracfin.com.au

AUGUST 2014 - AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL

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Advertiser Index Ag Appointments Employment................................................14 www.agri.com.au Agrifac Machinery BV................................................................43 www.agrifac.com Australian Pump Industries.......................................................34 www.aussiepumps.com.au Bare-Co.......................................................................................51 www.bareco.com.au Brown Brothers Engineers Aust. Pty Ltd.................................11 www.brownbros.com.au Burder Industries........................................................................37 www.burder.com.au Case IH..........................................................................................2 www.caseih.com Davey Water Products P/L........................................................33 www.davey.com.au Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days.....................................27 www.dowerinfielddays.com.au Farmworld – Lardner Park.........................................................29 www.lardnerpark.com.au Great Western Tillage................................................................23 www.gwtillage.com.au Honda Power Equipment..........................................................45 www.poweredby.honda.com.au IB International...........................................................................21 www.ibinternational.com.au Krone Australia...........................................................................39 www.kroneaustralia.com.au Kuhn Farm Machinery Pty Ltd........................................... 1 & 40 www.kuhn.com.au

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Ky General Engineering.............................................................35 LK Diesel Service Pty Ltd..........................................................12 www.lkdiesel.com.au Mingenew Lions Midwest Expo...............................................31 www.mingenewexpo.com.au Neil’s Parts....................................................................................5 www.neils.com.au Newdegate Field Days...............................................................28 www.nfday.com.au Parklands Power Products.......................................................42 www.parklands.net Polaris Industries........................................................................41 www.polarisindustries.com.au Power Equipment Pty Ltd.........................................................52 www.powerequipment.com.au Schaeffler Aust. P/L...................................................................20 www.schaeffler.com.au Southcott Hydraulics...................................................................9 www.southcott.com.au Starmaxx.......................................................................................7 Tradefaire International..............................................................19 www.tradefaire.com.au Trailco Irrigation..........................................................................13 www.trailco.com.au Tyremax (for Vredestein)............................................................15 Wandin/Silvan Field Days..........................................................30 www.wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics...............................................17 www.2wglobal.com

AUSTRALASIAN FARMERS’ & DEALERS’ JOURNAL - AUGUST 2014

100% Aust�alian owned Policy of ever� item held in each of 8 Aust�alian dist�ibution cent�es We do manufact�re in Aust�alia Aust�alian desig�, innovation and patents Ex�or�ing worldwide Bare-Co USA sales doubled in last 6 months

Automated online ordering with local sales staff in ever� warehouse

N1355

For more information contact Power Equipment Pty Ltd: e: info@powerequipment.com.au w: www.powerequipment.com.au p: 1800 069 469