DESPITE the heat, the annual Merrijig Rodeo held over the Labour Day long weekend drew strong crowd numbers with the Saturday event a favourite in the rodeo calendar.
■ Turn to page 18 for rodeo results.
ALARM has been raised that regional Victoriansand farmers in particular - will be disproportionately impacted by rate increases to the state government’s emergency services fund.
facing additional pressure.
The conversion of the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) is set to come into e ect on July 1, with rural ratepayers to shoulder the lion’s share of the increased tax.
The new levy will fund the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), and for the rst time will now also fund
VICSES, Triple Zero Victoria, the State Control Centre, Emergency Management Victoria, Emergency Recovery Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria, with revenue collected through local councils.
However the VFF, Interface Councils and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria are just some industry and community bodies that are calling for an urgent review of the framework deeming it inequitable and lacking in transparency.
The Fire Services Property
Levy (FSPL) is already at an onerous rate for many regional landowners, and with the re-badged Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) set to triple this annual contribution, food production in these areas is
VFF President Brett Hosking said the levy would place an enormous and unfair nancial burden on those already struggling and farmers who are facing volatile prices, everdecreasing pro t margins and increasing extreme weather events.
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New emergency levy taxing farmers
THE state government’s proposed changes to the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL), which will increase property and farming costs to fund the states emergency services, have been described by the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) as ‘the nail in the coffin’ for some farm businesses.
The government will introduce the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) from 1 July, replacing the FSPL to support a broader range of emergency services, including VICSES, the State Control Centre, Triple Zero Victoria and Emergency Recovery Victoria, aligning Victoria with other states emergency services regimes.
The ESVF will also finance fire service operations of Fire Rescue Victoria, Forest Fire Management, Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria.
The fund will contribute up to 87.5 per cent of Fire Rescue Victoria’s budget, of which the CFA was receiving 77.5 per cent, and up to 95 per cent of several other emergency response budgets.
VFF president Brent
Hoskins said a ‘one size fits all’ approach would not work with some farmers facing a levy hike of up to 400 per cent, instead of placing a blanket levy on all property owners.
The new levy has been described as a tax, to be collected by councils who argue they should not be ‘revenue collectors’ for the state government.
The ‘volunteer’ part in the Act will mean CFA and VICSES active volunteers and life members will be exempt from paying the levy on their primary place of residence, but will have to pay the tax up front and then claim the exemption back.
Some councils say they will face significant challenges administering this exemption as they lack access to data on eligible volunteers.
Primary producers would recall most of the fire services
funding in Victoria was raised by a fire levy on insurance.
The former Victorian Coalition government decided to remove the levy which had grown to an intolerable 70 per cent plus component of premiums for regional ratepayers including farmers.
This was replaced with a nominal fire services levy and collected by councils with municipal rates; councils have stated the new FSPL levy estimates will in some cases be greater than their annual rates.
Volunteer fire brigades have argued the government should be considering a more targeted approach that ensures funds are distributed where they are most needed, citing the FRV brigade fleet is beyond its 15-year service life; they have also asked for a report card on where the new funds are spent.
Regional firefighters have warned for years that Fire Rescue Victoria is underresourced, with trucks breaking down during the summer fires including those in the Grampians and Little Desert, leading to vehicles offline and without replacement at the end of February.
According to the state government every levy dollar raised through the ESVF will go towards vital lifesaving equipment vehicles, staff training for volunteers, community education and recovery support for Victorians needing emergency services.
However, the consensus in regional Victoria is the ESVF represents an expanded property tax, coming on the back of land tax hikes, imposed to fund non-fire related services.
The result will unreasonably impact farmers, small business, and rural land holders without consideration for capacity to pay and other increased operating costs, for what should be majority government funded services.
NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
Commonwealth cozies up with corporates to kill family farms
THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) said the Commonwealth Government announcement to purchase 30,614 megalitres (ML) of water from Duxton Water has sent o alarm bells in Basin communities.
Duxton Water owns and actively manages a diverse portfolio of water assets, primarily located in the Southern Murray Darling Basin region of Australia.
The Murray Darling represents over 70 per cent of the company’s entitlement portfolio.
The portfolio also consists of 40 per cent leased water and 60 per cent unleased, providing a safety net for primary producers in times of drought and low rain to be able to access water for irrigation.
According to Duxton
Water’s own website water entitlement prices have steadily increased following government entitlement buybacks.
Given the expectance of a further decline in entitlements on o er due to government buy backs, a short term shi toward higher margin annual crops and a long term shi towards increased permanent plantings, it is expected that water entitlement prices will continue to rise, the website reads.
VFF President Brett Hosking said the $121.3m water sale would hurt farmers and regional communities the most.
“While the wealthy shareholders of Duxton Water in inner city seats might receive a nancial bene t out of the announcement, it
destroys family farms and their ability to get on with the job of farming and growing food.
“It’s pretty simple, you need water to grow food and without that the Commonwealth is ultimately driving family farms o the land.”
The VFF is concerned the Commonwealth is providing no detail on which irrigation districts the 30,614 ML from Duxton Water will impact and is disappointed the Victorian high reliability has been targeted as it is one of the most secure water products.
The VFF says it’s part of a worrying trend from the Commonwealth to fail to provide any breakdown of what areas they are targeting water for and the environmental outcomes they are hoping to achieve.
While the wealthy shareholders of Duxton Water in inner city seats might receive a financial benefit out of the announcement, it destroys family farms and their ability to get on with the job of farming and growing food.
- VFF PRESIDENT BRETT HOSKING
New levy ‘inequitable’ and ‘lacking
■ From front page
“This tax hike is just another cost farm businesses will be forced to pay and it’s time to go back to the drawing board and nd a better solution,” Mr Hosking said.
“A one-size- ts-all approach clearly doesn’t work when you’ve got some farmers facing a hike of up to 400 per cent.
“There’s no way a rise of that much can be justi ed and for some, it could be the nail in the co n for their farm businesses.”
Mr Hosking added that while levies which fund our re services are critical, the current broad-based tax is un t for use and the government must urgently consider an alternative.
“Instead of placing a blanket levy on all property owners, the government should consider a more targeted approach that ensures the funds are distributed where they’re needed most.”
Alternative solutions have been proposed with the preferred option to deduct the site value from the overall capital improved value of a property before applying the levy. Another option would be to apply the ESVF to the house and curtilage only on farming properties. Whilst a universal levy applied
at a common rate throughout the state would also pass the fairness test.
Cr Ricky Kirkham, Mayor of the City of Whittlesea and Chair of Interface Councils, reiterated that a solution was necessary and backed suggested alternatives.
Cr Kirkham said the consequences of the soon to be relabeled FSPL are unacceptable to the communities the Interface Councils represent.
The Interface Councils is a group of ten municipalities which form a ring around metropolitan Melbourne.
Members include the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire, Hume City, City of Melton, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Mitchell Shire, Nillumbik Shire, Wyndam City, Yarra Ranges Shire and the City of Whittlesea.
Consisting of over 70 per cent rural land it is some of the most productive farming land in the state.
Cr Kirkham raised concerns about the inequity of the levy, with those in Country Fire Authority (CFA) areas – under which Interface communities fall – facing higher levy rates than their metropolitan neighbours.
Another source of consternation is the levy’s relationship with site
value, which the councils perceive as lacking in transparency and patently unfair.
Interface Councils also see a substantial inequity in the relativity of levy rates between di erent property types.
“Compared to the residential levy rate within the CFA area, the levy rate for primary production is more than double,” said Cr Kirkham
This blows out even further for commercial properties and industrial properties sitting respectively at eight times and 12 times the residential rate.
“This disparity creates signi cant barriers to economic development and sustainability,” Cr Kirkham said.
“Interface properties in CFA areas already pay a higher FSPL than properties of a similar capital improved value within metropolitan re brigade areas,” he said.
“Levy rates are generally 60 per cent higher.”
With these rates set to increase further come July 1, regional and Interface councils are worried, and with population dri from rural to metropolitan of further concern, it is envisaged the levy per property will only increase to meet budget shortfalls.
However, while over three mil-
lion Melbournians contribute to funding a total of 47 metropolitan re stations within the Metropolitan Fire District, the balance of the population in Interface and rural Victoria are nancially responsible for around 1200 CFA stations with operational costs higher.
Adam Barnett, CEO of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, has seen the CFA’s base funding substantially decline since 2020 denouncing the “prolonged attack on the authority’s resourcing and support”.
“Despite increased costs and high in ation, government has invested less and less,” he said.
“Which leads us to the Fire Services Property Levy - section 76 of the CFA Act stipulates that government contributions to the CFA are to be sourced 22.5 per cent from consolidated revenue and 77.5 per cent from the FSPL.”
However this 77.5 per cent of funding only equates to 25 per cent of the total revenue generated through the FSPL, with the remainder of the funds directed to the FRV.
“The reason this is such a big deal is due to how the levies are aggregated across the di erent property types,” said Mr Barnett.
“Prior to the state government’s re services reforms in 2020, an
area covered by the CFA would pay the levy required to fund the CFA, and the areas covered by the FRV paid the contribution to the FRV.
“Thus, a er reform, when the CFA’s budget was slashed – these savings (should) have been directly passed onto all residents residing in a CFA area through reduced levy.
“Under the new system however, FRV’s huge cash injections rely on people in CFA areas sending 75 per cent of their levy funds to fund FRV.”
Primary producers are paying an average of $2,500 a year in levies for a service many of them volunteer to provide in the rst place, Mr Barnett said.
“This is set to increase to almost $7,000 under the new hikes just announced.
“These are the people growing our food.
“For farmers to be paying thousands in levies, with only 25 per cent of those funds actually going to the service that protects them is the modern equivalent of highway robbery,” he said.
“For regional and rural communities to be cross subsidising city services is just grossly inequitable and is a slap in the face for these communities.”
Local wineries showcased at French wine trade museum
By ANITA MCPHERSON
TWO local wineries are among a selection of Victorian wineries to be featured at the world’s largest wine museum in France, with the aim of highlighting the state’s reputation as a premium wine producer in an initiative supported by the state government.
Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Danny Pearson, has announced a partnership with the iconic La Cité du Vin trade museum in Bordeaux, France, where Brown Brothers of Milawa and Chambers Rosewood Vineyards of Rutherglen will be joined by Ten Minutes by Tractor, William Downie, Bests Great Western and Yarra Yering at the major tourist attraction, which welcomes more than 400,000 wine lovers every year.
The wineries on show from Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Gippsland, Grampians, Rutherglen and King Valley, were chosen to show the diversity and vibrancy of the wines produced in Victoria’s $9 billion wine industry.
Brown Family Wine Group is showcasing its Innocent Bystander Moscato 2022, Brown Brothers Patricia Ca-
export markets we are focussing on and what opportunities we want to take, so we can support them well and drive some signi cant growth.
“Wine Paris was an opportunity for us to both showcase our wines to the general trade who visit the show, and meet with key distribution partners and contacts to build export growth going forward.
“We had several meetings across three days with key customers and distribution partners in the UK, Canada, broader Europe and Asia, including South Korea.
bernet Sauvignon 2018 and Brown Brothers Patricia Shiraz 2019 at La Cité du Vin.
The wines will be displayed for up to a year, accompanied by brand and product information, and will be periodically used for tastings and events for visitors.
The initiative was launched on February 13 and 14 when global wine industry professionals including buyers, importers, wine merchants
and hotel and catering representatives gathered to learn about the regions and taste the Victorian wines.
The launch followed Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2025 held on February 10 to 12, where Victorian wines were also celebrated on a global stage.
The event brings together about 4500 exhibitors from 50 countries and this year drew record attendance, with over 52,000 people com-
ing through the doors over three days.
Brown Family Wine Group general manager winemaking and supply chain Joel Tilbrook, who attended Wine Paris Vinexpo 2025, said the La Cité du Vin exhibition complemented the group’s growing reach into the European market.
He said while the Brown Brothers brand, its history and reputation enjoyed great
recognition in the domestic market, it was something they wanted to extend into the broader global market.
“We’ve been quite a domestically focussed business over the last 10 years or so, and as we continue to grow over the next ve years within our strategic plan, export plays a fairly signi cant role,” he said.
“We are being quite selective and targeted as to which
“Because it’s a global event, it’s also a really good opportunity to see the world of wine all in one place and to get an idea of what other people are doing from a varietals and an innovation perspective.”
Mr Tilbrook said masterclasses were also run through Wine Australia which included Brown Brothers wines, providing broader education to people at the event.
As part of the two-year partnership between Victorian State Government and La Cité du Vin, other Victorian wineries will have the chance to be displayed in the future.
Myrtleford site set to process hops crops
By PHOEBE MORGAN
THIS March, HOP Products Australia (HPA) brought in the season’s hops harvest and processed it in their state-of-the-art pellet plant, packaging line and cold storage facility in Myrtleford for the very rst time.
A er HPA purchased the former Tobacco Cooperative of Victoria (TVC) property in Myrtleford in August 2022, commissioning HPA Hop Central in time to process the 2025 crop was the nal piece of the puzzle.
The industrial site contains four separate buildings, totaling more than 22,000 square metres.
HPA aims to e ectively double its former processing capacity, with the new facility to support the centralisation of pelleting and packaging hops from HPA’s Victorian and Tasmanian growing regions which will total 900 hectares or an estimated 2400 metric tonnes.
“In January, we successfully concluded the wet commissioning of Hop Central,” an HPA spokesperson told the Myrtleford Times.
“The commissioning process utilised hop bales set aside from crop 2024.
“As we lead up to the rst harvest using our new facility, all major building works are complete.
“[Throughout February], additional signage, landscaping and driveway resurfacing was completed at the site.”
HPA is Australia’s largest hops grower and it said this season has been good so far, with early indications this year’s harvest will meet both yield and quality expectations.
“Last year’s dry and cold winter created the perfect conditions for dormancy, while the wet and hot summer resulted in rapid growth and robust plants with the greatest number of owering sites in recent memory,” the spokesperson said.
HPA said it is committed to being a positive presence in the sustainable development of High Country Victoria, with job creation, skills development and priority purchasing of local products and services “fundamental to our values”.
The facility currently employs around 40 permanent sta , which rises by almost 300 casual sta over harvesting time.
HPA said the design of the new facility was focused on addressing quality concerns associated with operating a small, aging pellet plant.
It said its vision of success for crop 2025 is to deliver the highest possible hop quality, with the lowest possible avour variability.
HPA said its investment in HPA Hop Central will reduce the spread of analytical data across lots, which will translate to more consistent performance in beer, ultimately giving its brewing customers one less production challenge to face.
HPA’s brewing customers include local the High Country brewery system, national cra breweries, as well as international cra breweries.
Approximately 40 per cent of the crop will remain in the domestic market, with the remaining 60 per cent exported to cra beer markets around the world.
HPA invites locals to celebrate the harvest season at Bridge Road Brewers’ ‘High Country Hop’ held from 21 to 23 March and Bright Brewery’s ‘Hop Harvest Celebrations’ throughout the month of March.
HPA’s board members will visit Myrtleford in late April for a scheduled board meeting and hold an o cial opening ceremony for the facility.
APPETITE FOR SUCCESS
Pioneer® Seeds is pleased to bring you our Appetite for Success events this May.
Whether you’re a dairy farmer thinking about introducing maize silage, you’re already using it – or even if you’re yet to be convinced – this is a must-attend event.
Hear from internationally-renowned Dr Bill Mahanna on everything from achieving higher per cow production to actionable advice on increasing maize silage yield and quality. And gain valuable insights from other Australian-based experts on improving dairy farm productivity, sustainability and profitability.
Farmers, dairy consultants, agronomists, animal nutritionists, resellers and contractors are all welcome.
Dr Bill Mahanna
Global Nutritional Sciences Manager, Pioneer. Adjunct Professor, Iowa University USA.
We look forward to seeing you at one of these locations
The Woolshed at Emerald Bank
7719 Goulburn Valley Highway, Shepparton VIC.
Thursday 15 May, 10am-2pm
Laurels Function Centre
Sale Turf Club, 1227 Ma ra-Sale Rd, Sale VIC.
Monday 19 May, 10am-2pm
RACV Inverloch Resort
70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd, Inverloch VIC.
Tuesday 20 May, 10am-2pm
City Memorial Bowls Club
50-58 Cramer St, Warrnambool VIC.
Thursday 22 May, 10am-2pm
RSVP by 30 April 2025
Seats are limited. Please RSVP by clicking here or emailing us at: gentechseeds@gentechseeds.com
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
PHOTO: James Davidson
PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 When one believes in, one does what (6)
8 What is a mathematical formula (8)
9 To impart knowledge, is to do what (6)
10 Name a poisonous evergreen shrub with handsome flowers (8)
11 Name an alternative term for conventional (6)
13 What is something that deceives by producing a false impression (8)
16 To explode, is to do what (8)
19 What are light plain cakes (6)
22 Which level area is used for the operation and maintenance of aircraft (8)
24 Name a bird of the Old World passerine family (6)
25 What is a dressed salad of finely sliced white cabbage (8)
26 XC is the symbol for which number (6)
DOWN
2 Name the drummer for The Beatles, ... Star (5)
3 A Victorian NRL club is known as the Melbourne ... (5)
4 Name the large, hard parts of wheat grains (8)
5 Who accompanied the Australian explorer, William Hovell (4)
6 What are swindles often called (coll) (6)
7 Name a lively Spanish dance in three-four time (6)
12 What, loosely, is ferric oxide (4)
14 When one is tired, one does what (4,4)
15 Which metallic element has the symbol Fe (4)
E-QUATIONS 7
Letters have a number value
17 Who checks material for publication (6)
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
18 To compensate for, is to do what (6)
20 Name a plant having an edible succulent bulb of pungent taste and smell (5)
21 What is ostentatious or elaborate display (5)
23 Name a fashion magazine (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
(a) A church reading desk
(b) A priest or minister in one of the minor orders
(c) An endowed lectureship
2 NEBULA
(a) The sharp point of anything
(b) A fawn skin worn by Bacchus
(c) A cloud of gas and dust in outer space
BIYWORD
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Because (coll) (3)
Collision of pool balls (5)
CTRL key (7)
Elaborate (5)
Fibre optic cable (3)
Ionian island (5)
French: me (3)
Part (7)
Pronoun: second person (3)
Science fiction (abb) (5)
varieties for 2025 identified in Dairy Australia’s Forage
AUSTRALIA’S top performing ryegrass varieties of 2025 have been identi ed with the newly updated release of Dairy Australia’s Forage Value Index (FVI), just in time to help Australian dairy farmers make more informed decisions when choosing ryegrass varieties for sowing this autumn.
Since its introduction in 2017, the FVI has become an invaluable resource for farmers and producers.
The FVI independently ranks perennial, Italian and annual varieties of ryegrass according to their potential contribution to overall farm pro t.
Given seasonal yield di erence between varieties can be signi cant, this can contribute to substantial variation in pro t per hectare each year.
The 2025 FVI has seen the introduction of an expanded number of testing sites to make the information even more accurate for farmers.
Seven new testing sites were added to the FVI in 2025, from trials that were conducted by the Pasture Trial Network (PTN) – a collaboration between seed companies, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), and Dairy Australia.
The PTN conducts inde-
pendent trials across the country every year to evaluate new and existing pasture varieties across several species.
The total number of trial sites across Australia that are included in the 2025 FVI update increased to 37, with new locations added in Wingham (NSW), Tallygaroopna (VIC), Penshurst (VIC), Smeaton (VIC), Bool Lagoon (SA), Natone (TAS) and Frankland River (WA).
Dairy Australia’s National Feedbase & Nutrition Lead, Rodrigo Albornoz, said that the increased number of testing sites means the trial data that underpins the FVI is now more reliable than ever.
“The Pasture Trial Network now uses 37 individual trial sites spread widely across dairying regions in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia,” Albornoz explains.
“The introduction of seven new testing sites this year means that farmers can be more con dent than ever that the FVI rankings will provide accurate information on the likely performance of di erent varieties.”
Albornoz said that the FVI gave farmers the tools to choose the right ryegrass variety for their region.
“By having testing sites spread widely across four
states and in six of the eight dairying regions of Australia, it provides local data to the vast majority of farmers,” said Albornoz.
“Importantly, farmers can look at the data behind the FVI that is collected from the sites near them.
“This allows them to see which ryegrass varietals perform best in similar climatic and geographic regions to where they farm.”
The data used to create the FVI is sourced from the Pasture Trial Network based on the independent trials across the country.
The lists for each species are then generated using robust statistical methodology by DataGene, an independent and industry-owned organisation responsible for driving genetic gain and herd improvement in the Australian dairy industry.
The FVI ratings system is based on global best practice and was developed in close consultation with farmers, the seed industry and qualied internationally recognised experts.
Dairy Australia invests in this innovative resource to provide dairy farmers with access to business planning and risk management tools and insights to support farm decision making and improve pro tability.
Farmers can download the 2025 FVI tables now to plan their autumn pasture sowing at dairyaustralia.com.au/fvi.
The detailed Pasture Trial Network individual trial results from across a broad range of Australian dairy regions are also available on the MLA website for farmers to consider those results in any seed purchasing decisions.
•
Numbers come out to show, despite the dry
By ANDY WILSON
STILL counting up the re-
ceipts, head steward and organiser of the Euroa Autumn Beef Cattle Show Teagan Kubeil looked as exhausted as she was chu ed at having run another successful show in her second year at the helm.
Ms Kubeil said she was pleased with the numbers of entries and visitors to the
burgeoning event, now in its h year, despite the very dry conditions.
“There were lots of spectators coming through the gate which was nice,” Ms Kubeil said.
“And I am absolutely happy with the 85 cattle entries, because of the dry, so you know there are some producers who are no longer showing, so it’s a good eld.”
The event generated a
lively atmosphere with food stalls, face painting, and artwork a hit with the kids.
Collaboration for the day came three weeks ago when Ms Kubeil needed it most, and she praised the team behind the event for ‘jumping on board’.
“They are lovely people and o ered to help in any way they could,” she said.
“It was a last minute rallying of the troops.”
Key to the impetus were three students who made the journey from Yanco Agricultural High School in NSW, including year 12 Dominic Edwards who played the role of MC for the day.
Another student at Yanco, Angus Burton was on the organising committee and invited Dominic down to Euroa for the weekend.
“I thought it was a great opportunity to get involved
with a local show,” Dominic said.
“It gives you a di erent perspective on showing.”
Supreme Exhibit for the show was won from a eld of three exhibits by a Black Angus heifer which judges Gary Turnham and Tom Isedale both praised for its structure.
“She is a very well balanced female,” Mr Turnham said.
“She’s very feminine with
Euroa’s Autumn Beef Cattle Show rallies the troops
a lot of depth that she carries to her back legs.”
The show’s European Grand Champion was a seven-year-old Charolais cow with calf on foot.
“We know cows are the backbone of this industry and she’s doing a real good job and we hope she’ll just keep doing it,” Mr Turnham said.
“You’d love to have a paddock full of them.”
TAKING THEIR SWEET TIME: The show’s MC and Yanco Ag’ College year 12 Dominic Edwards awaits judges Gary Turnham and Tom Isedale to select the day’s Supreme Exhibit winner.
IN IT’S FIFTH YEAR: Teagan Kubeil has visions for the future of the Autumn Beef Cattle Show a er her second year of running the event.
SMILES IN ABUNDANCE: Tom Isedale congratulates Jade Grylls for leading the winner of the Show’s Supreme Exhibit.
A PADDOCK FULL OF THEM: This Charolais cow with a six-month-old calf at foot was one of the three finalists in the Supreme Exhibit. “She’s doing a real good job,” judge Gary Turnham said. PHOTOS: Andy Wilson
Working alone is a contributing factor in the majority of farm workplace deaths.
No matter if it is a perfect day, or a storm is coming and you only have a short window to get the job done. Whatever it is, take a minute to think through what you’re doing. For strategies to stay safe while working alone, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/working-alone-farms
It’s never you, until it is.
Signs are good for exceptional 2025 vintage in King Valley
By ANITA MCPHERSON
WARM days and cool nights in late summer are proving to be ideal conditions for local grape growers, with vintage well underway in the King Valley.
In mid-February, Brown Family Wine Group was about 30 per cent through harvest in their North East Victorian vineyards and general manager winemaking and supply chain, Joel Tilbrook, said it had been a really good start to vintage.
“We’re very happy with the quality,” he said.
“It’s been an early start and reasonably intense in terms of ripening, so we’re probably running a week to 10 days ahead this year, compared to the long-term average.
“The weather has been relatively warm, the fruit condition is really good and yields are in line with our expectations - we’re very happy with the way it’s coming o so far.”
Mr Tilbrook said the optimum conditions - warm days followed by cools nights - were good for all varieties, giving fruit time to ripen completely without ripening too quickly.
He said warm nights,
which accelerated ripening, could cause a few challenges in terms of logistics.
Storms experienced in mid-February caused some power outages in Milawa which Mr Tilbrook described as a nuisance, but they had remained mostly dry, and no damage was experienced.
At Darling Estate Wines in Whit eld, they were about halfway through picking in the last week of February, with teams hand-picking gamay in the morning sunshine.
Winemaker Sophie Darling said three of about 10 varieties were coming into the winery, with the next two weeks expected to be exceptionally busy.
“We kicked o that little bit early - and it doesn’t really matter whether you’re ready or not, because the grapes are,” she said.
“From that initial burst, we had a bit of breathing room, so it’s been a good start to vintage, because now we’re ready to move into top gear.
“We have nebbiolo, cabernet sauvignon and sangiovese still to come in, and the garganega - a late ripening Italian white variety - which will o en come o a er the reds.
“We’re very excited - 2025 is shaping up really nicely.”
At Pizzini Wines, Joel Pizzini said they were also at about the halfway mark as March approached, which was two to three weeks earlier than usual.
He said it had been a wonderful season, with pinot grigio, arneis, prosecco and sangiovese for rosé, among the varieties picked so far.
Mr Pizzini said they’d been really lucky to have avoided recent storms which a ected properties in the King Valley, Edi and Moyhu, but he was well aware that could change at any time.
“We’re making some great wine, and for both whites and reds, it’s been really good,” he said.
“What has been great is that it has actually been a relatively cool summerwhile it feels like it has been really hot because of the hot a ernoons, it’s been relatively cool up until 3pm in the a ernoon, so the vines have had the ideal conditions for optimal ripeness, avour and colour.
“There’s some real hallmarks for a great season - so it’s quite exciting - with yields also better than average.”
TOP SEASON: Optimal conditions in late summer is being reflected in both the quality and flavour of fruit being picked by Grace Darling in the gamay vineyard. PHOTO: Anita McPherson
Nuts about pistachios
By KEITH SMILEY
WAHRINA Pistachios hit the sweet spot, with a thriving business whose owners are held in high esteem, for producing the most soughta er fresh pistachio nuts.
Dave and Jenny Rowe and family, have dedicated their lives to producing natural farming and sustainable practices, using diligent cultivating methods.
Their well-drained orchards ensure a balance of rich avour, texture, and for turning high yields each year.
Bernie O’Dea, the father of Jenny Rowe and Shane O’Dea, was born on the farm which has been in the O’Dea family for at least 150 years, so garnering a very strong spiritual and emotional attachment to the land.
Although Bernie o cially retired at the age of ninety – now in his 94th year – he is still keen to work, and remains passionate and closely involved as their ‘elder statesman of the farm, who allowed us to ful l our crazy, unproven dream’.
The Rowes manage the farm, assisted in marketing and production by Jenny’s brother Shane O’Dea and his wife Anna.
Thanks to CSIRO research back in the seventies, citing the area’s potential for pistachios, the Rowes and O’Deas patiently waited for ve to
ten years for their seeds to become trees.
The naysayers got it wrong: Wahrina Pistachios are living proof that, with 16 acres growing 2,000 trees not far from Seymour in central Victoria, you can produce the nest pistachios.
Just ask their loyal and supportive customers, including Persian devotees
who swear by their pistachios – Persian festivals are replete with Wahrina pistachios.
“We dry our nuts naturally in the sun but if the weather won’t allow us to dry, we bring in the mechanical dryers,” said Dave.
“A er starting the business back in 2010, we realised we couldn’t make an income on
sheep that were on my wife’s family property, so we chose pistachios because they appeared to be vertically integrated.
“We had considered sending our fresh nuts to CMV in Robinvale, one of Australia’s largest growers and processors, but it wasn’t economical so we decided to process them ourselves.
FAMILY PIONEERS: The Seymour farm has been in the O’Dea family for at least 150 years.
“We picked the pistachios by hand for many years before we got the olive shaker.
“It does most of the picking work now, but not most of the work.
“There is still a huge amount of manual labour.
“We prune every year but these plants are tough.
“We do the usual things like fertilise and adapt if it’s
humid and wet.
“No real pests unless it’s the birds during harvest time.
“We chose sirora pistachios seeds, which originate from Syria and kerman, which comes from Iran,” Dave said.
“You can’t import fresh pistachios – only the dried ones - so we’re one of the few available.
RIPE FOR THE PICKING: Fresh pistachios straight from the tree.
IN THE BUSINESS: ANNA O’DEA WORKS IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS ASSISTING IN MARKETING AND PRODUCTION.
“We bought a ‘cracker’ o the Italians, using them to crack the shells of the dried kernel, and from the Greeks, a nut peeling machine.
“CMV showed us the ins and outs, and were extremely helpful.”
The pistachios are ready for harvest when the outer hull, – the so , eshy covering – turns from green to a
for people to come to us.
“We sell to a French man who makes pistachio oils, pastes and spreads.
“I love what I do, but I can’t control the weather –we did not inherit this business; we started it because we wanted to,” Dave said.
BLUE SKIES: David Rowe in the paddock at Wahrinia Pistachios.
reddish or yellowish colour and begins to split.
This causes the nuts to fall onto large nets or catch frames placed beneath the tree, while mechanical tree shakers clamp onto the trunks or branches.
Thought to have originated in ancient Persia, the not-so-humble nut is a powerhouse of nutrition,
ENTRY for Visitors
Gold coin donation with proceeds going to local Rotary
POWERHOUSE: The kernels are highly nutritious rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
containing protein, healthy fats, and bre – great for a balanced diet.
The wonder nut is rich in minerals like phosphorous, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and curative zinc.
The collective is good for bone health, muscle strength and immune system control.
Together with a range of
vitamins which include thiamine, ribo avin, niacin and B6, to demonstrate the nut’s role in the body’s metabolism and brain power.
“In 2023, we didn’t get a crop at all due to the oods,” said Dave.
“The thing with pistachios is that they are pollinated by the wind and it rained during the pollinating season, though
the trees remained intact.
“My wife Jenny, has done as much as I have in the eld, while my brother-in lawShane, handles the sales side of things with his wife, Anna.
“Since Covid, we have been supplying our fresh pistachios nuts into the Melbourne market and supplying kernels to restaurants and bakers – but it’s normal
30th Annual Tallangatta
“I was a builder before that, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
“I love it – being out in the fresh air, producing food for people.
“It’s very rewarding.
“I’m enthusiastic about lots of thing, and I don’t give up – anything worth doing takes e ort.
“In farming, if you can’t take the knocks, you should get into another profession.
“I’ve found my niche –maybe someone will nd my bleached bones out in the paddock one day.
“I’m quite content and it’s not about the money,” said Dave.
The pistachio holds pride of place in the Middle East for its delicious contribution to cooking and table-top aperitifs.
Chefs can create and incorporate their own spices into the freshly picked nut.
Pistachios can be added to rice or salads and baked in the Middle Eastern style. They can be crushed for meat, sprinkled as a seasoning blend, or made into a perfect sauce.
“You can walk through life and pass all these open doors without going through them,” Dave said of his farming journey.
“I guess I’m pretty lucky, really.” we wanted to,” Dave said. up – anything worth doing
ALWAYS A FARMER: Patriarch Bernie O’Dea with Bizzy is still keen to help out on-farm.
Light Horse ride to travel through to Tallangatta
By SIMONE KERWIN
AN event commemorating the courage and sacri ce of those who served in the Australian Light Horse regiments travelled through Wangaratta over the Labour Day long weekend.
The rural city was among the stops on the rst leg of The Australian Light Horse Society’s Chauvel Australian Light Horse Ride, which began in Shepparton on Tuesday March 4.
It is named in honour of General Sir Harry Chauvel, who served in three wars over half a century and led the Australian Army in peacetime.
Among his roles, he commanded the 1st Light Horse Brigade at Gallipoli; for many, hearing the name Harry Chauvel evokes an image of the Light Horse, the slouch hat and the emu plume.
The ride then travelled from Devenish to Thoona Primary School and into the Warby
Range on Friday March 7, before arriving in Wangaratta on the Saturday.
Riders gathered at the Wangaratta RSL in the evening, staying overnight at the Wangaratta Showgrounds before continuing their epic journey moving on to Eldorado, Indigo Creek and Wodonga.
Members of the local 8th Indi Light Horse Troop were also involved in the ride, raising funds for Soldier On, a not-for-pro t organisation which supports current and former Australian Defence Force personnel - and their families - to lead meaningful civilian lives.
The three-week rst leg of the memorial ride visited Light Horse statues, silo art sights, schools and RSLs along the route to Harden in NSW, with the second part of the journey stretching from Young to Tallangatta.
EN ROUTE: The Chauvel memorial ride visited Light Horse statues, silo art sights, schools and RSLs along the route, with riders finishing up in Tallangatta for the expo.
SUPERAXE LOG SPLITTERS
Chauvel Memorial Light Horse Ride to finish at this year’s Tallangatta Expo
THE Chauvel Memorial Light Horse Ride commemorates the courage and sacri ce of those who served in the Australian Light Horse Regiments.
The nishing date of April 16 coincides with the 160th anniversary of the birth of General Sir Harry Chauvel, who was the legendary leader of the Australian Light Horsemen of World War I.
The riding group should arrive at the expo at around 1pm and gives an opportunity to honour the Australian Light Horseman
and/or make a donation to help preserve the legacy of the Australian Light Horsemen
This feature will add to the events highlighted in the previous issue, including the Wild Action Zoo, the Working Dog Clinics and the massive wood ra e as well as the array of exhibits across the farming spectrum.
The Expo date is April 16 falling during the school holidays for both NSW and Victoria, thereby making it easier for visitors to experience the event as families.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER ARE: Gates open at 7am for exhibitors and 9am for visitors. Information on the Chauvel Ride is available at www.talhs.org Information on the Wild Action Zoo is available at www.wildaction.com.au General Information on the Expo is available at www.tallangattaexpo.com or by emailing tallangattaexpo@gmail.com
Supreme Stock Dog Challenge wrapped up for 2025
By LYNN ELDER
TWO lovers of the working dog, Campbell Smedley and Aiodh Doyle took on the mighty task of organising this year’s Cobber Supreme Stock Dog Challenge held during the Labour Day weekend at the Mans eld Showgrounds which attracted competitors from across Victoria and interstate.
The two men from Alexandra, who admitted it was a lot of work were pleased with the success of the weekend despite the hot and dusty conditions.
“The Supreme Stock Dog Challenge now in its fourth year is a standalone event which attracts entries from Victoria and interstate,” said Mr Smedley.
“This year’s event we had around 150 to 160 runs over the weekend,” he said.
The holy grail is winning the $5000 prize for taking out the top prize of the challenge which is based on the best combined scores across the three separate events being the two sheep trials on the Saturday and cattle on the Sunday.
Louis Simpson and Wandabar Gem from Mullengandra, NSW took over the mantle from last year’s winner Aiodh Doyle who cleaned up with Whisper Snip.
“Louis the young fella was hard to beat,” said Mr Smedley.
He added that the winning dog was also bred by judge Ben Coster from NSW.
The event is generously supported by sponsors who provided a total of $15,000 in prize money, he said
“We cannot run this outstand-
ing event without the support of our local shire, sponsors, judges, the generosity of local farmers for stock, and competitors for travelling near and far,” said Mr Smedley
Sheep were provided by Delatite Station and cattle by Emma Tadday and Xavior Fox during the weekend.
The dinner on Saturday night was an opportunity to catch up with mates and other competitors.
The Mans eld Showgrounds are a great venue for the Stock Dog Challenge said Mr Smedley. Results:
The Supreme Stock Dog Challenge - SSD
1. Louis Simpson Wandabar Gem
2nd Roland Pell Buntal Oakey
3rd Bree Cudmore Moana
4th Ben Bowman Baz
5th Ross McIntosh Gogetta
Swagger
6th Brock McCabe Evie
Browns’s Fertilisers Arena
Trial: Judged by Adam James
1st Ryan Ackers Nash – total 130
2nd James Leahy – Glenlyon Flick -total - 125
3rd Rolland Pell – Buntal Oakey - 108
4th Ryan Ackers Meg – total 94
Elders Yard Trial: Judged by Ben Coster
1st Louis Simpson Wandabar Gem - total 166
2nd Ben Bowman - Bowman Baz – total 165
3rd Dale Thompson Gilescreek Clay – total - 163
4th Mitch Jubb Hopkins River Five – total 162
Oakdale Meat Company Cattle
Trial judged by Travis Scott. 1st Ross McIntosh Flirt total 198
2nd Dale Thompson Broken River Jake – total 185
Equal 3rd Mitch Jubb Wodja Cruise - & James Leahy Broken River Rip total score 184
TOP DOG: Organisers Campbell Smedley (le ) and Aoidh Doyle congratulate Louis Simpson on an outstanding performance.
OVERALL TOP DOG: Louis Simpson and Gem outright winners of the challenge with placegetters and organisers. PHOTOS: Danny Rueben
LOCAL: Mansfield’s Emma Tadday and Jill on the job.
Campdraft success at Mansfield
By LYNN ELDER
ONCE again, the annual Mans eld Campdra demonstrated the popularity of one of the fastest growing equine sports as also one of the most family-friendly ones. Competitors took the hot and wet conditions in their stride over the March weekend with organisers from the Mans eld Campdra Club and the Mans eld A&P Society, con rming the event a success with plenty of positive feedback.
“We are really pleased with how the weekend went without any incidents and for all the support we receive to make it such a success,” said Mans eld Campdra Club president John McCormack.
He also noted that there seem to be a lot more spectators this year coming along to support the locals and to nd out what campdra ing was all about.
Strong entries ensured non-stop action throughout the three days with early starts on Saturday and Sunday to get through all the runs.
There were plenty of local riders and horses trying their luck including young Macey Tanner who won the
encouragement award.
Others travelled longer distances from across the state and over the border to compete.
The campdra club was extremely grateful for the generous support of so many sponsors and the extra prizes that riders got to take home.
The Mans eld Shire’s donation of the water truck to keep the dust down during Friday a ernoon and Saturday was much appreciated.
A er two days of hot conditions, on the Sunday the clouds rolled in, but competitors didn’t complain as most were wanting the much-needed downpour back on the farm.
Once again it was an army of volunteers behind the scenes from those down in the cattle yards managing the cattle to catering teams during the day and on the Saturday for the evening meal in the Ed Harris Pavilion.
The cattle donors are crucial too and their contribution much appreciated.
As the rain continued at the end of the dra , the trucks and oats pulled out of the Mans eld Showgrounds with competitors vowing, they would be back next year.
■ Continued page 17
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PHOTO: Dave Cottee Photography
MAIDEN A: Placegetters included a respectable third place for Mansfield Campdra Club president John McCormack riding Vick.
Dave Cottee Photography
Peg James Memorial Ladies - Judge: Ian Laurie - 57 starters
1 Claire Dickenson - John Henry - Andrew & Claire Dickenson - 175
2 Tammy Golf - Buckshot - Tammy Goff - 170
3 Laura Franklin - Tarnished Silva - Robbie Cameron - 110
CAMPDRAFT CROWD: Plenty of locals and visitors took advantage of the shade and seating to follow the action on the sand arena. PHOTO: Lynn Elder
Dickinson riding John Henry. Mansfield’s Jess Andrews also a keen campdra er was honoured to award the prize in honour of her grandmother Peg. PHOTO: Dave Cottee Photography
THE Merrijig Rodeo attracted a capacity crowd to its annual event held on the Labour Day weekend with many saying it was an “awesome” show for all the family with Australia’s top cowboys including local Will Purcell strutting their stu undeterred by the hot dry conditions at McCormack Park.
“In the last two to three years the popularity of the rodeo has really skyrocketed,” said Merrijig Rodeo Association’s secretary Donna Howton.
“The crowds were slightly up reaching our capacity of 4,500 people with the majority of tickets pre-booked,” she said, adding the crowd behaviour was good.
This year the committee organised more buses running to and from Mans eld to Merrijig with all seats quickly sold out.
There was an earlier bus leaving town at 3pm which allowed patrons to get to the rodeo in time to catch some
of the junior competitions including the local steer ride before the main action from 6pm, Ms Howton said.
A keenly contested competition each year is the Jess Hearn Memorial Local Steer Ride which was taken out by Maddy Theobald.
A new initiative this year was to include some extra activities for adults and children for more “crowd engagement” out on the arena.
“Kid’s activities included whip cracking by Riley Hilton from CR Whips at Benalla and roping demonstrations,” she said.
“The number of kids in the arena was double to what we had in 2024, it went o like reworks,” Ms Howton.
The adults who tested their skills in the mechanical bull riding competition which was capped at 20 participants were awarded points with prizes donated by Mans eld Fishing & Hunting.
“We had a full slate of the top competitors from across the country and in every cat-
egory,” said Ms Howton.
“It was really good with all the big names,” she said.
Local Will Purcell who managed a third in the bull ride and north east Victorian bareback bronc rider Jarrod McKane one of the best names going around on the circuit were crowd pleasers
Adding to some of the “best crowd engagement” in ve years Ms Howton said announcer Matt Burns and the audio-visual display from Light and Sound Solutions created a fantastic vibe throughout the rodeo.
As always, a huge thank you to all the sponsors including Trade ex boasting a 28-year commitment to the rodeo she said.
The upgraded sponsors’ area was well received this year.
The rodeo also depends on an army of dedicated volunteers to ensure the success of the day with many community groups also involved in the onsite catering which boosts their fundraising e orts each year.
Ms Howton did admit there was an issue with long queues for the bar especially
Guides on catering duties. Pictured and Jason Learmonth (le ), Maddison Roberts, Tessa and Phobe Learmonth, Olivia Hudson, Chris Roberts and Narelle Stevenson.
PHOTOs: Shaye Hughes
during the busy periods.
Unfortunately, organisers were not made aware of a change to the liquor license until the last minute which required only two alcoholic drinks to be sold to an individual a er 8pm she said.
This will be addressed during a committee debrief.
Once the committee recovers from this year’s event it will be time to commence planning for the 50th anniversary of the Merrijig Rodeo in 2026 with some special additions to celebrate the milestone.
BY
FOR MERRIJIG RODEO: All Round One competition: Junior steer ride: 1 Matty Ahern; 2 Chace Wensley; 2 Dion Flanagan; 4 Joseph Foxlee. Junior barrel race: 1 Brandy Durbidge; 2 Madeline Grosvenor; 3 Olivia Foxlee; 4 Lara Hunter-Boyd Junior breakaway roping: 1 Ethan Michaelis; 2 Kade O’Dea; 2 Dion Flanagan; 4 Madison Harland Saddle bronc ride:1 Callum Clement; 1 David Stacey; 3 Tom Kerr; 4 James Sclanders; 4 Will Crosby; 6 Bailey O’dell Bull ride: 1 Toby Collins; 2 Kyle Horton; 3 Will Purcell Bareback bronc ride: 1 Jarrod McKane; 2 David Stacey; 3 Brock Mulhall Rope and tie: 1 Lochlan Flanagan; 1 Jackson Dixson; 3 Jay R Marsh; 4 Campbell Hodson; 5 Warrick Hale; 6 Shane Kenny Steer wrestling: 1 Jace Land; 2 Gavin Walker; 3 Ryley Gibb; 4 Adam Knowles; 4 Thomas Whitwell; 6 WilliamBilly Guilford; 0 Cooper Roche Team roping: 1 Hayden Litchfield -Open TR - Heeler; 1 Dylan Litchfield - Open TR - Header; 2 Kevin Reynolds Jnr - Open TR - Header; 2 Trent Reynolds - Open TR - Heeler; 3 Tyler Kenny - Open TRHeeler; 3 Ellysa Kenny - Open TR - Header; 4 Darcy Dall’Aglio - Open TR - Header; 4 Ethan Michaelis - Open TR - Header; 5 Aaron Bookluck - Open TRHeeler; 5 Terry Evison - Open TR - Heeler; 6 Scott Shegog - Open TR - Heeler; 6 Gene McDonald - Open TR - Header; Barrel race: 1 Wendy Caban; 2 Anna Hamilton; 3 Cherie O’Donoghue; 4 Tyra Spring; 5 Lyndell Mittelstadt; 6 Olivia Priestley Halliday Breakaway roping: 1 Holly Forster; 2 Sharon McGuire; 3 Jane Ryan; 4 Katie Vohland; 5 Jamie Cottam; 6 Jessica Cottam; Second division bull ride: 1 Matty Ahern; 2 Jesse Pendendergast; 3 Jackson Jefferies
Unworkable Goldfields land now cropable
FARMING couple Stephen Rodger and Tracy Hunt have adopted a regenerative farming approach on family land in Victoria’s Gold elds region, and the use of a machine to transform some of the landscape is helping to achieve it.
The couple are managing about 1400 hectares near Burkes Flat, east of St Arnaud, and their main focus is running about 2500 Merino ewes, including for crossbred lamb production.
They are planning to improve land that previously couldn’t be utilised through activities such as multispecies cropping.
Their farming land predominantly comprises grey box and ironbark country, as well as some tough ironstone ridges, while the land being improved is typical of the Gold elds region, featuring a mix of quartz and shale country.
The area comprises about 330ha and Stephen said they purchased a Rocks Gone H4 Ree nator rock crushing machine to help transform it.
The three-metre wide machine features a levelling blade, four front row and ve rear row hydraulic tines, and a following ribbed drum, all weighing 28-tonne when lled with water and digging up to 600 millimetres deep.
“You certainly couldn’t get over the area with an airseeder.
“You couldn’t even drive over sections before,” Stephen said.
“We are working on three passes with the machine –going to a depth of 10 to 20 centimetres, then to 25cm, and we do a nal roll and use a grader blade to level it.”
He said they already had worked a reasonable amount of the area, including a paddock that had been unusable as a cropping paddock, and are now working towards putting a crop in.
It also has been able to work in steep country, and, as a result, has assisted the construction of some contour banks following a pass with the machine, plus potential for future cropping where it was otherwise not possible.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Goldfields producers Stephen Rodger and Tracy Hunt, Burkes Flat, together with daughter, Emmerson, with their Rocks Gone H4 Reefinator. The rock crushing machine is helping to improve a mix of quartz and shale country.
“We can now get the airseeder across the ground and we can just drop the seed on top and then go over it with a roller,” Stephen said.
“Where we sowed some summer crops (in 2023), it was phenomenal.
“We planted in October and, with the help of a bit of rain, we had some sorghum and summer crops that were eight-foot high.
“A carbon capture company was surprised with the results on the country as well.”
The H4 Ree nator has been pulled by a 410-kilowatt (550-horsepower) Steiger tractor, travelling mainly at around ve to six kilometres per hour, and Stephen said the toughest part of the operation had been the strain on the tractor’s tyres.
Fortunately, new automation technology now available with the Rocks Gone Ree nator machines helps to reduce tyre wear considerably, in addition to providing other signi cant operational bene ts.
Operators have previously had to perform on-the-go depth adjustments according to changes in land and rock conditions, however the Rocks Gone ‘Depth Master’ auto depth and slip control system has largely removed this pressure.
They now set the depth and only make a manual adjustment if desired, thereby better optimising machine and tractor performance and resulting in improved crush-
ing results and operational e ciency.
Suitable for ISOBUS and GPSintegrated tractors, the system calculates speed over ground and tractor load or wheel slip to adjust machine depth up to 50 times per second, as well as the level of its blade.
It also can produce depth maps of worked areas, helping to limit any extra passes to speci c areas.
Stephen and Tracy grew some oats and wheat over the area last season and this year they are planning to produce pastures and grain crops.
“We have millet, corn, sunower, radish and lablab over summer and during winter we plan to grow vetch, oats, radish and quinoa, and we will graze them,” Stephen said.
“Hopefully the di erent crop species can play their part to improve the soil and then, in a few years, we should be right to return to a cropping phase.
“We are looking at nding ways to incorporate regenerative agriculture into our farming.”
In-line with their regenerative farming approach, Stephen and Tracy are following the Natural Sequence Farming land management practice developed by Peter Andrews, which aims to restore natural water cycles in agriculture landscapes.
“It is about rehydrating landscapes and maximising water e ciency to help grow more plants,” Stephen said.
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Effective immediately: new catchment boss begins
A STRONG career in natural resources and leadership has seen the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) Board announce on Thursday the board’s appointment of Carl Walters as new CEO.
Board Chairperson Sarah Parker said that a er a competitive recruitment process, Mr Walters impressed the selection panel with his deep passion, commitment, and strong leadership qualities.
“With more than 17 years of strong leadership in natural resource management, irrigated agriculture, as well as a strong community leadership background, Mr Walters has a genuine connection to the
community and a deep desire to serve,” Ms Parker said.
“Having already built momentum in his role as interim CEO, Mr Walters has re-established the GBCMA as a leader in innovation in the natural resources management sector.
“Mr Walters has well-established and respected relationships with key stakeholders, particularly within irrigation and regional communities, bringing signi cant credibility and reinforcing the authority’s role in sustainable catchment management.”
Ms Parker said that with a strong team-focused approach and a commitment to strategic growth, Mr Walters is committed to guide the
GBCMA into a new era of innovation, strengthened relationships, and community-driven outcomes.
Ms Parker said Mr Walters’ leadership style was grounded in relationships, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the organisation’s culture and impact.
“We are excited to see him continue to build on the strong foundation he has already established.”
Mr Walters steps into the CEO role e ective immediately.
READY TO GO: Carl Walters has been appointed CEO of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
Beyond one million: Storages keep water flowing during dry
By SHANE DOUTHIE
NORTHERN Victoria’s major water storages are proving their value to the agricultural industry during the ongoing dry spell.
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) has now delivered more than a million megalitres of water to irrigators in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District during the 2024/25 irrigation season.
This is more than 200,000ML more than the amount the water corporation had delivered to these
irrigators at the same stage during any of the previous 10 irrigation seasons and is well above the 10year average of 628,000ML for the same stage in the season.
GMW water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said the water kept in GMW’s lakes, dams and reservoirs had helped GMW meet this demand.
“This season has highlighted the importance of our water storages,” he said.
“The water held in them has been a vital safety net for many irrigators
during an incredibly dry period.”
This dryness is highlighted by how little in ows GMW storages have received so far during the 2024/25 water year (1 July to 30 June).
So far, Lake Eildon has received less than half the in ows it usually would have at this stage in the year.
Lake Eppalock has received 14,500 megalitres during the 202425 water year so far.
This is not only 12 per cent of the average in ows it usually receives by this stage of the water year but is less than a 10th of the in ows it
received in one day during the 2022 oods.
The Cairn Curran, Laanecoorie, and Tullaroop storages have only received four to six per cent of their usual in ows.
However, Mr Blyth said water supply is still relatively healthy.
“Some of our larger storages are designed to be ‘multi-year’ storages, meaning that once they are full, they have enough water to supply customers for multiple years, regardless of in ows,” he said.
“The likes of Lake Eildon, Lake
Eppalock and Dartmouth Dam are still between 60-85 per cent full, so despite the dry weather, this will support water availability in the following irrigation season.”
People can learn more about the outlook for the upcoming irrigation season on the Northern Victoria Resource Manager website: https:// nvrm.net.au/outlooks/current-outlook.
People can visit the GMW website to see a list of up-to-date storage levels: www.gmwater.com.au/ storage-levels.
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Risk of Queensland Fruit Fly highlighted in community forum
highlighted in community forum
THE increasing risk of Queensland Fruit Fly (Q y) was highlighted during a community forum held in Shepparton on March 17, delivered by Greater Shepparton City Council in partnership with the Goulburn Murray Valley (GMV) Fruit Fly Program.
More than 50 people attended the forum, designed to both educate and inform local horticulturalists, businesses, volunteers, community and local government.
Attendees heard from internationally renowned fruit y expert, Andrew Jessup, about his expert analysis commissioned by council on the e ectiveness of the GMV Fruit Fly Program and the Q y number forecasts beyond June 2025.
Funding for the GMV Fruit Fly Management Program is set to end on June 30, 2025 with the Victorian Government yet to commit to continuing the funding beyond this date.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said it was important that the community is prepared for the signi cant risk this poses to our region’s horticulture and agriculture industries.
“We are not going to give up advocating to protect the horticultural industry within the Goulburn Murray Valley,” he said at the forum.
“There is too much at stake and it continues to concern me that we are still having this conversation.
“Our region feeds the nation and all we need for our fruit y program to continue successfully is a $1million annual commitment from the Victorian Government.”
Forum attendees also heard from Macquarie University’s Professor Phil Taylor on Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and how e ective this has been, particularly during a trial undertaken in Moira Shire for three years from 2019.
The technique involves disrupting the life cycle of the fruit y by ooding wild pest populations with sterilised insects, reducing the fertility
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT CALLED TO COMMIT TO MANAGEMENT FUNDING
of the eld populations to a point where they die out.
The Moira Shire trial proved the most successful SIT trial that has been undertaken in eastern Australia.
Professor Taylor explained how the trial demonstrated that when coupled with an area wide management program, Q y can be controlled and managed very e ectively.
The GMW Fruit Fly Management Program saw positive results over many years, with Q y numbers reducing by over 95 per cent in 2017 and then a further 60 per cent in 2018.
These positive results suffered post 2020 however, when funding was reduced by over 62.5 per cent resulting in a less intensive area wide management program.
Since this funding cut, Q y
numbers have increased by over 183 per cent since 2021.
During the forum, Mr Jessup explained that forecasts beyond 2026 for Q y within the GMV and broader Victoria were of signi cant concern, without a high input area wide management program needed to sustain fruit y numbers.
As a best case scenario, Mr Jessup is forecasting an increase of over 205 per cent and a worst case scenario of over 600 per cent by 2026, without an e ective area wide management program within the GMV.
It is expected that Q y numbers would then continue to increase.
Attendees also outlined their signi cant concerns regarding the conclusion of the GMV Fruit Fly Management Program should the Victori-
an Government not commit funds.
There was common agreement that this could greatly a ect livelihoods throughout the region and create a dent in horticulture within the GMV.
Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell MP attended the forum.
He said the lack of a rm commitment to fund fruit y control in the Goulburn and Murray valleys poses a significant risk to the $1.6 billion horticulture industry.
“The GMV Fruit Fly Management Program has no funding commitment beyond June 2025, and the fear is that Q y numbers will soar by as much as 600 percent without proper management,” he said.
Australia produces around $6.5 billion worth of crops
susceptible to fruit y and states have historically played a critical role in control programs.
“When he was Minister for Agriculture Nationals leader David Littleproud committed $30 million to build national resilience to manage fruit y,” Mr Birrell said.
“That funding expanded the National Sterile Insect Technique centre in Port Augusta and the Victorian government chipped in $900,000 to the Queensland Fruit Fly rearing facility.
“Victoria should be bene ting from that investment, but that won’t happen if the GMV Fruit Fly Management Program isn’t funded.”
Fruit y expert, Andrew Jessup said the Victorian Government has a great opportunity to fund a program that is already established
within the Goulburn Murray Valley.
“The program has proven that it can e ectively manage and control fruit y numbers when adequately funded,” he said.
“The Victorian Government however seems to be willing to take a big risk by not supporting a management program that will control fruit y within a region as proli c in growing and exporting fruit such as the GMV.
“Supporting a $1million dollar program to protect horticulture valued at over $1.6 billion is incredibly compelling.”
The presentations delivered by both Mr Jessup and Professor Taylor at the forum were recorded and will be made available to the broader community to further educate them on Q y.
NATIONAL CONCERN: Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell MP attended the Queensland fruit fly forum in Shepparton on March 17.
e ectiveness of the GMV Fruit Fly Program.
FULL ROOM: Macquarie University’s Professor Phil Taylor discussed the trial success of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) at the community forum.
Moments of doubt swept aside by determination
By ANDY WILSON
YOUNG women everywhere can take inspiration from others who battle with, and triumph over, the usual gender-based challenges in their eld.
Strathbogie Ranges local Tegan Clydesdale is one such contender and considers her journey to be like a great wine vintage.
“It has been shaped by time, challenges, and the incredible people around me,”
Ms Clydesdale told an International Women’s Day a ernoon tea in Avenel on Friday, 7 March.
Ms Clydesdale is head winemaker at Fowles Wine in the Strathbogie Ranges and was one of three guest speakers at the event which welcomed 120 women to celebrate the world-wide day that recognises women.
Photographer and lm maker Alexandrena Parker and member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland – with young Sigrid on hip – were also speakers at the event, with all three sharing di erent paths in nding a work-life balance in a world that still has gender-based barriers.
Despite motherhood being the most rewarding experi-
ence of Ms Clydesdale’s life, she said it has challenged her to balance her very successful career aspirations – already having won ‘more than a couple of dozen’ medals –with raising two little boys.
Ms Clydesdale began her vocation in oenology in 2008, from which she took a break only three years into, to raise her children before returning full time four years later.
To really ll out her week, she decided in 2017 to enrol in a Bachelor of Wine Science at Charles Sturt University.
Ms Clydesdale was determined to plough her life into the work-study-parenting trifecta she had carved out from a passion that seems to extend outside her vocation and into the rest of her rather full life.
“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” she said.
“Countless late nights, early mornings, and moments of doubt; but I pushed through because I was determined to create a future for myself and my boys.”
That ‘pushing through’ was evident when this correspondent visited the Fowles laboratory on Friday, interrupting the sta ’s late lunch barbecue.
Their chief winemaker, now on the front lines with refractometer in hand to start keeping an eye on the sugar levels in the fattening grapes, is clobbered up more appropriately - boots, hair up, a touch of sun - for a quick tour of the lab with its valley views before she bounds o again to prep’ for this year’s vintage.
As expected, both sons are avid sportsmen, but mum is allowed some time playing
social netball which has just ended its season in time for the upcoming harvest.
“My weekends tend to consist of kid’s sports.”
Her study at Charles Sturt University included up to eight nights in a row on the Wagga Wagga campus for course ‘intensives’ which was another challenge for her parenting that she met admirably.
This lifestyle of her choosing was then topped when ‘in the middle of it all’ she be-
came a single mother.
“There were a lot of tough days, but I kept going because my boys were watching, and I wanted to show them that no matter what life throws at you, you make it work.”
Then COVID came, adding home-schooling to her routine, but as an essential services worker, her boys accompanied her to the lab, with her setting them up with their schoolwork while she got on with hers.
“Between pump-overs (spraying fermented wine back over skins) and lab work, checking on their lessons, helping with maths problems one minute, and jumping back into winemaking the next, we made it work.”
Ms Clydesdale was then promoted to assistant winemaker at Fowles before graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2022.
In an industry where women are still in the minority, her promotion to head winemaker in 2023 was not without its poignancy, and despite the wineglass ceiling having already been broken by pioneering women, she said all of her mentors were male.
“One thing is that there are
actually not that many women in the industry – it is male dominated.
“But over the past 16 years, I’ve watched the number of women steadily grow, and I’d like to think I’ve played a part in that.”
She is not critical of these circumstances, instead focusing on the support she had from the Fowles family in mentorship, care, and with providing income.
“Working for a family in a winery made all the di erence.
“They understood the challenges and supported me through it,” she said.
“The industry has tested me in ways I never expected, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Ms Clydesdale sees the new appointment as profound enough to suggest that leadership in winemaking has nothing to do with gender, having instead everything to do with determined success in front of an audience of two young gentlemen.
“I’ve worked hard to show them that passion and perseverance can go hand-in-hand with family.”
That itself is an achievement well above any collection of medals.
process used in winemaking to determine the sulphur content of wine.
PHOTO: Andy Wilson
Caped crusader saves vineyards $50m
By ANDY WILSON
VICTORIAN winery and sustainability champion
Fowles Wine has shared its promising rst-year ndings of groundbreaking research on micro-bats that promises to revolutionise pest control in vineyards.
The research, done in partnership with the University of New England (UNE), forecasts a future saving of $50 million per year in Australia’s wine industry.
The rst 12 months’ results of the ‘Bats and Wine’ project on the pioneering study of the bats’ feeding habits was released in February.
The study is the most comprehensive of its kind and has investigated whether micro-bats are consuming pests in the Fowles vineyard at the same rate as in previously studied cotton farms, with the potential to increase the use of the natural resource in the broader wine industry.
Fowles Wine owner Matt Fowles said the UNE researchers installed soundrecording devices in the Strathbogie Ranges vineyard in October 2023 to better understand the di erent bat species living there, their feeding habits, and their role in maintaining biodiversity in the local ecosystem.
“The big-picture aim of the ‘Bats and Wine’ program is to look at ways we can farm in nature’s image – that is to work with the power of nature to create a win-win for both winemaking and the environment,” Mr Fowles said.
“The rst year’s results are fascinating, with a total of 172 fauna species recorded on our vineyard, including 12 species of insect-eating bats – among these are two species that are classi ed as critically endangered, one that’s endangered, and four others that are vulnerable under Victoria’s FFG Act.
Two local birds listed as vulnerable, the brown treecreeper (Climacteris picumnus) and Australian pipit (Anthus australis), were also recorded.
UNE ecologist Zenon Czenze said one group of longeared micro-bat which was commonly recorded around vineyards were species of the genus Nyctophilus, and that the results of the study were being shared with producers.
“This work contributes to a new fact sheet that was distributed by the National EcoVineyard Program,” Dr Czenze said.
“Bats are certainly consuming insects in vineyards and hopefully there is more room
BOOSTING NATURAL PEST CONTROL: Matt Fowles and Rocksy at their Strathbogie vineyard which harnesses the land’s ecology to create sustainable farming systems.
BATMAN: Nyctophilus gouldii is just one of the micro-bats studied by the UNE ecology team who have already seen insect control success in the cotton industry.
To enhance habitat connectivity and support threatened species and conservation, the study recommended the following:
revegetate and maintain buffer zones around nearby creeks and tributaries
link existing vegetation to high-value roadside habitat with large hollow-bearing trees
retain isolated paddock trees which serve as vital roosts and foraging sites for bats and birds
maintain long grasses between grapevines to attract beneficial insects and insectivorous birds
install bat boxes near vineyards and water sources to support insect-eating bat populations
engage with conservation organisations to implement best practices
to grow in the coming years.”
The project also joined with Euroa Arboretum to implement insectaria and ‘seed orchards’ to help sustain regenerative and self su cient ecosystems.
Mr Fowles said native conservation was crucial to the success of using micro-bats for insect control.
“An evaluation at the 12-month mark of the concurrent projects has shown that by enhancing habitat connectivity and supporting native fauna, we can create a sustainable vineyard environment while also boosting natural pest control and preserving the biodiversity of the local region,” Mr Fowles said.
The ow-on e ects of the research could bene t other farming sectors in controlling pests, providing a huge economic bene t and allowing the country’s wine producers to save $50 million a year on chemical pest control.
Mr Fowles is widely known for investigating and using other methods of viticulture that use natural ecosystems and said the project subscribed to the winery’s enduring philosophy.
“At Fowles, we harness the land’s ecology to create more sustainable and resilient farming systems.
“We’re de nitely ‘walking the talk’ with our research and practices.”
Comprehensive sire evaluation quantifies the Dohne dual purpose advantage
A COMPREHENSIVE sire
evaluation trial rated as “gold standard” has provided evidence-based data on the Dohne breed’s pro table wool, carcase, reproduction and eating quality traits. Evaluated under the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association (AMSEA), the three-year Dohne trial benchmarked 12 Dohne sires and two Merino link sires across not only wool and carcase traits but also included new traits of udder and teat size, kilograms of lambs weaned per ewe joined, and intramuscular fat as a
component of eating quality.
The sire evaluation was the rst undertaken by the Australian Dohne Breeders Association (ADBA) with funding support received from Australian Wool Innovation, Sheep Genetics, Meat and Livestock Australia and the University of New England.
The site was one of 11 active Merino sire evaluation sites located across Australia and compares the breeding performance of a sire by evaluating his progeny and their expressed traits relative to the progeny of other sires. The trial was hosted by the Holt family, Coonong Station,
Urana, just over the border in New South Wales’ Riverina, with 1300 2017-drop Dohne commercial ewes selected for arti cial joining.
The ewes averaged 20.6 micron, had an average eece weight of six kilograms, were moderate framed and had reproduction rates of 110 per cent lambs weaned.
Two Poll Merino rams were used as link sires (Anderson Poll 160729 and Mumblebone 130850), alongside a Dohne link sire (Glen Holme 141077) and Dohne sires Calga 173301, Chirniminup
Dohne 171069, Glen Holme 172565, Glenaroua 152131, Harewood 173019, Harold Park North 170116, Kardinia 181917, Kintail Park 132345, Macquarie Dohne 162966, Stirling Dohne 180040 and Ulooloo Dohne 170164.
The Dohne link sire was also in the Balmoral Merino Lifetime Productivity trial.
The ewe and wether progeny were shorn and wool traits measured, as well as eye muscle depth, fat and body weight recorded.
The wether progeny
were grain nished in a feedlot and processed at Gundagai Meat Processors, with carcases evaluated for lean meat yield, eye muscle depth, intramuscular fat, carcase weight, rib fat and shearforce (tenderness).
Ewe progeny were rst measured as yearlings for yield, bre diameter, coe cient of variation, bre diameter standard deviation, curvature, comfort factor, staple strength and staple length.
Visual classing was on
eece rot, wool colour, wool character, dust penetration, staple structure, face cover, jaw, legs/feet, dag and classer’s visual grade.
O shears traits of body wrinkle, neck wrinkle, breech cover, breech wrinkle, butt shape and back/shoulders were collated.
The 2021 drop ewes were taken through to adult assessments in 2023 and 2024 with reproductive performance recording, and the trial nished a er weaning in 2024.
ADBA Coonong Sire
Evaluation convenor Don Mills said the Coonong trial site added an important geographical sheep zone evaluation area to the AMSEA portfolio.
and reported as Within Flock Breeding Values.
“Dohne sires have always and will continue to be represented in AMSEA sites across the country in a range of environments.”
EVIDENCE-BASED DATA:
and evaluate pure Dohne progeny.
“The trial benchmarked 12 leading Dohne sires against two of the leading Merino rams in a wool and carcase production system.
“An important outcome was the data going into both the MerinoSelect and Dohne analysis at Sheep Genetics, allowing us to understand how the breeds relate to each other,” Mr Swain said.
“The trial con rmed Dohne’s are a good carcase and reproduction animal, and they do those two traits well.
“The Merinos were in front for eece weight and some of the wool characteristics but when it came to reproduction and other carcase traits, the Dohnes showed their merit.
“If you want a sheep that produces lots of lambs with a good carcase, the Dohne does that really well and it was backed up in this trial.
meat-eating quality. The use of genomics further increased the quality of the results.
“The Australian Dohne Breeders Association has always maintained a focus on measured trait performance coupled with visual assessment for breed improvement,” Mr Mills said.
“Measured trait data is analysed by Sheep Genetics
Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association chief executive o cer Ben Swain rated the trial as a “gold standard” for sire evaluation, with rams drawn from around the nation and progeny assessed for all the regular traits as well as reproduction and
“It is more advanced than most other Merino sire evaluation trials, and it is a real credit to the breed showing the breeders dedication to producing the best animals they can,” Mr Swain said.
He said Dohne rams had participated in Merino sire evaluation trials since it rst began, but this trial was the rst to use pure Dohne ewes
“They are good eating, produce lots of lambs and a quick growing carcase so they are quite the animal when it comes to a dualpurpose production system.
“If you are a Merino producer chasing lambs, carcase and eating quality, Dohnes are a real option and this trial shows that.”
Mr Swain said the new trait of teat and udder scoring was included in the trial to evaluate teat size, teat placement and udder depth, which have a signi cant impact on lamb survival and weaning weight.
“Ewes with negative scores in those traits rear less
lambs and weaning weights are impacted – we look for a score three on udders and teats.
“The Dohnes consistently out-performed the Merinos in respect of getting lambs through to weaning and in the weight of those lambs.”
Across the AMSEA Indexes, Kardinia 181917 was a trait leader for the Dual Purpose Plus, Merino Production Plus and Wool Production Plus indexes and ranked highly on the Dohne Plus.
“It shows the ram is well rounded and has positive traits from bre diameter through to reproduction, carcase and also performed well visually with the highest percentage of tops and least percentage of culls.” Mr Swain said.
“This shows the balance all breeders need to look for - rams that measure and class well.”
Site coordinator Jim Mecki , JM Livestock, Cootamundra, said the commercially relevant trial was unique as it evaluated reproduction, carcase traits and meateating quality along with wool quality traits under a common environment and management system.
“Very rarely do we get the opportunity to see sheep classed four times – post weaning weight, yearling, hogget and adult.
“Some of those sires have really delivered on the tops year in year out – the progeny of the top-ranking ram were big sheep with clean, stylish wool with no
eece rot,” Mr Mecki said.
“High tops and less culls are important and means the engine room of a commercial ock is cutting a good looking stylish wool, they are getting pregnant, producing lambs and staying in the ock, delivering production and pro tability.”
Mr Mecki said trial results showed Dohnes have less breech wrinkle at marking time and the trait remained with them for life.
“Breech wrinkle is important if a producer is aiming for a non-mulesed ock and reduced breech y strike incidence.
“We know people are using Dohnes across Merinos to increase growth and reduce breech wrinkle – it is a big positive for the Dohne breed.
“As dual-purpose sheep, the Dohnes cut us pretty handsome wool and produce good growthy lambs – it’s a nice combination in today’s market to have a wool that pays its way.
“Dohnes are not trying to compete with Merinos, but they do have a productive eece.
“At three to three-anda-half years of age, the Dohne ewe progeny were 18.9 micron and cutting 2.8 kilograms clean.
“In growth rate there was no surprises – if you want fat, muscle and carcase, or early growth get a er some of these Dohne sires as they have it in spades.”
The AMSEA report on the Dohne Sire Evaluation Trial is available on www. merinosupersires.com.au
Flood, fire and drought
CROPPING farmers are busy getting ready for sowing winter crops.
Fertiliser sales are up and Gippsland and Goulburn Valley are still the biggest dairy areas in the country.
What a wonderful country this is!
“Many of our team come from families that have been on the land and have a very strong sense of the importance of Australia’s agricultural industries,” said Aussie Pumps Chief Engineer, John Hales.
“That’s one of the reasons why our philosophy is different to that of other people in our business,” he said.
By that he means that the company’s success is based on the design and building of products that are related to intensive feedback from the users of the equipment.
DAIRY FARMERS
Dairy farmers are a classic example.
Early mornings, dealing with large animals, and all the work that goes with the joy and challenge of being leaders in the milk processing chain.
“It’s not just early mornings, it’s to do with everything from worming livestock to cleaning the bales,” Hales said.
“Even in a modern stainlesssteel dairy, cleanliness is the number one priority.”
Australian Pump have come up with tremendous Australian designed products that all started with ideas from users.
“Our slogan is ‘We design and build machines as if we’re going to use them ourselves’,” said Hales.
AUSSIES HOT WASH SPECIALS
Australian Pump work with the best most advanced steam cleaners and hot wash designers in the world.
Their machines range from single phase hot wash that do 80°C and can provide real cleaning capability.
They protect livestock from infection.
At the other end of the scale, their big 4000 PSI steam cleaner, the Aussie Admiral 400, can run at up to 130°C steam, and is capable of providing enough flow and pressure to clean any dairy easily and safely.
“We design the machines to be efficient because we know every minute of a farmer’s time is valuable.
“It’s like fertiliser,” said Hales.
“You don’t want to waste a drop.
“Well, you don’t want to waste a minute either.” he said.
The company even developed a Honda engine drive steam cleaner that does 4,000 PSI pressure and delivers up to 130°C steam.
The machine can be ute or truck mounted, with a water tank, making it a self-controllable and portable cleaning machine.
The company calls it the Aussie Heatwave and it’s been a huge success, not only with dairies but also earthmoving contractors, mines and quarries and even municipal councils.
“It’s a slick piece of engineering and comes with a diesel fired boiler with high pressure pump and Honda electric start engine as part of the package,” Hales said.
“The machine comes in a heavy-duty stainless-steel frame and offers infinitely variable temperature control, as well as both high- and low-pressure capabilities.”
WASH�DOWN
DAIRY
MADE EASY
Dairy farm effluent is a resource.
Again, Aussie has risen to the occasion producing portable Honda-powered fire pumps that are second to none in the world. They do a great job of cleaning effluent from the yard.
“The Aussie Fire Chief is regarded as being the best lightweight portable fire pump there is,” said Hales.
“It delivers 25 per cent more flow and pressure than competitors, has features that really benefit the user, i.e. steel skids, a flanged suction port that enables you to service the check valve without dismantling the pump and lots more.”
No wonder Aussie exports them all over South-east Asia, to Africa and even Europe.
THE STAINLESS�STEEL REVOLUTION
Aussie Pumps and their great dealer network offer what is surely the country’s largest range of selfpriming, centrifugal pumps.
“We use the same principles here that we use in the design and production of what we believe are the world’s best high-pressure water blasters,” said Hales.
“Our machines are built and designed for professionals, not for amateurs or retirees.
“Being senior citizens ourselves we know from the huge amount of info we get from users what works and what doesn’t.”
Most popular is the two-inch and three-inch range.
The company is very big on tanker pumps as well.
Recently they started supplying big four-inch, 316 stainless-steel pumps for use with retired milk
tankers for pumping whey.
They are even used with aggressive chemicals, and other corrosive liquids.
CLEANING SCUD STYLE
Aussie’s constant policy of product development has led to a lot of embarrassment from multinational competitors.
Smart Pumps are also capable of handling Adblue and are a natural for handling aggressive liquids.
from 2000 PSI all the way through to the big 5000 PSI, and more recently, 7000 PSI machines.
“The 7,000 PSI Raptors are not for use in dairies or washing your tractor with,” said Hales.
“That would really be overkill!” Those bigger machines, now a part of the standard mass production carried out by Aussie’s production team in Sydney’s Norwest boutique business district, are designed for construction, heavy industry, mines and quarries, and of course shipyards and dry docks.
“It’s about saving time,” said Hales.
“Our machines are designed with the concept of safety, efficiency (speed) and of course helping the user to do the job in a ‘smart’ way.”
“When we came up with the Scud cold-water stainless-steel design concept, we had no understanding of just how well accepted this would be, not just in Australia but around the world,” said Hales.
“The machine, with its ‘no sharps’ design, its four big steel wheels with flat free tyres and extra features built in, make the slow-speed gearbox drive pump an absolute winner.”
Aussie uses the ‘Big Berty’ Bertolini pumps with slow-speed gearbox drive machines in a range
More recently the company has developed stainless-steel, high-pressure hose reels up to 5000 PSI capability that provide the cleaning process with a substantially wider range of operation without having to move the machine.
“What we mean by that is that a 30-meter hose on a stainless-steel reel designed into the machine provides 60 meters of range.
“Using that same theory, we can put a bigger reel on with 50 meters of hose, giving the operator a 100-meter range, 50 meters each way,” he said.
PEACE OF MIND: Aussie Pumps build the world’s best portable fire pumps.
SMART PUMPS: Aussie Pumps and their great dealer network offer what is surely the country’s largest range of self-priming, centrifugal pumps.
AUSSIE DOES THE JOB: As a dairy farmer, cleanliness is the number one priority.
Wangaratta Monthly
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Avian in uenza is a highly contagious viral infection of birds. Avian In uenza can result in a variety of symptoms in poultry and wild birds and often can result in sudden death.
Recently several poultry farms in Euroa, Victoria were found to be infected with a high pathogenicity form of avian in uenza, H7N8. Agriculture Victoria has instigated a restricted area around the affected properties.
The most important sign to be aware of and report is sudden death. Other signs that can be associated with bird u can include:
• Nervous signs (twisted neck, inability to stay upright, inability to y, uncoordinated movement, walking or swimming in circles, partial or full paralysis)
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
All bird and poultry owners need to be vigilant and watch for any signs of bird
u within their ocks. Avian in uenza is a noti able disease and therefore any suspicion of infection within a ock must be immediately reported. Reporting can be done by calling any of the following:
• Your local veterinary clinic
• Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (EAD) on 1800 675 888
• VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
For additional information please head to https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/ animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avianin uenza-bird- u/avian-in uenza-factsheet or contact us at
