North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY

Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1986

JANUARY, 2018

www.farmernews.com.au $QLPDO 7UDLQLQJ 6\VWHPV

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GOULBUR N MURRAY NORTH EAST AND

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OCT NOV DEC JUL AUG SEP APR MAY JUN JAN FEB MAR

Covering Victoria Group Rural Newspapers Part of the Farmer

2018 CALENDAR

2018 School holidays

Public holidays

dates: Victorian Public Holiday January 1 New Year’s Day: Monday, 26 Australia Day: Friday, January 12 Labour Day: Monday, March 30 Good Friday: Friday, March March 31 Easter Saturday: Saturday, April 2 Easter Monday: Monday, April 25 ANZAC Day: Wednesday, June 11 Queen’s Birthday: Monday, September 28 AFL Grand Final Eve: Friday, November 6 Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday, December 25 Christmas Day: Tuesday, December 26 Wednesday, Day: Boxing

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FIVE years ago, the Hyde family owned 30 show alpacas – but, after years with below average rainfall, they no longer had the grass to sustain them.

Based out of Tallarook, the drought had hit hard.

Instead of animals surrounded by lush green growth, the alpacas were living on bought-in feed.

Felicia and Andrew Hyde, who started off with four alpacas as paddock pets, were caught. “We had spent years growing our flock, had poured so much time and effort into breeding show animals, and then we had the drought and we had no way of feeding them,� Ms Hyde said. “All the mainstream farmers – beef and sheep – could de-stock; but no one wanted alpacas in a drought.�

Looking for ways to manage the problem, the Hydes found an abattoir in Western Victoria that would process alpacas for meat. “We were at a stage where we had to sell them and get out, or we had to find an alternative way to use them. “So, 18 months ago, we decided to give it a go and market them for consumption.�

FLEECE TO FORK: Andrew Hyde, together with his wife Felicia, own and operate Tallarook Meat Co – a new business that wants to see alpaca become a staple on the table.

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Alpaca meat has long been a staple in South America, but is largely restricted in Australia by the “cute� marketing that has been part of the hobby farm scene since alpaca breeding boomed in the 1990s.

In February this year, the Hydes launched Tallarook Meat Co – a business that revolved around not only selling alpaca meat, but also in changing the public perception. “The biggest barrier, without a doubt, has been customers who can’t get past the idea that they are eating something cute,� Ms Hyde said. “Those that do try it have been really positive – we have a number of recipe cards we hand out, and that helps people feel confident in the product they are taking home.�

Knowing the health benefits of their product, the Hydes took their meat to DTS Food Laboratories for testing back in January.

Continued page 8

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Page 2, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

NEWS

January 2018

North East Landcare groups get $175,000 in funding NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY

Covering North East Victoria, Southern New South Wales and Goulburn Murray Valleys 37 Rowan Street,Wangaratta Victoria, 3677

Phone (03) 5723 0100 Email: nefarmer@nemedia.com.au Website: farmernews.com.au Advertising:

Nathen Troy Phone (03) 5723 0134 ntroy@nemedia.com.au

Editorial:

Jarrah Loh Phone (03) 5723 0129 jloh@nemedia.com.au

Senior Journalist

Rhyll McCormack Phone 5733 1107 rmccormack@nemedia.com.au

Pre-Press Coordinator

Noelene Allan Phone (03) 5723 0110 nallan@nemedia.com.au

HELPING HANDS: Landcare groups across the North East have received almost $200,000 in funding.

Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.

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We need to work out, together, how we can make the Australian dairy industry more successful, and not just in our own patches - let’s be unapologetic about focusing on outcomes, because we need to compete with the best in the world and we have some work to do – so let’s start today,” David Inall, CEO of Australian Dairy Farmers, talking at the annual Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) Industry Leaders Breakfast.

A lot of the rodeo competitors will do those events and continue on to Euroa,” Euroa Pro Rodeo committee member, Troy Spencer, announcing that Euroa will host a rodeo on March 24.

Over-herd: NEWS IN BRIEF We are not doing enough when it comes to protecting our farmers, farming families, including children, and farm works,” National Farmers Federation president, Fiona Simson, speaking on the record number of farm deaths recorded in over a decade.

With heated bulletproof glass panes and an under-body made of armoured steel, the protective structures qualified to the NATO standard,” spokesman for tractor company Rebo Landmashinen after they unveiled a ‘bulletproof’ tractor for farmers in war zones.

The market is still trying to decipher what sort of quality is out there,” Stuart Tims, after more than 200mm of rain across Victoria and NSW could see a million tonnes of wheat downgraded from milling quality to stock feed.

It is a win for common sense and a win for science as the data shows the product is safe,” AgForce grains section president, Wayne Newton, after the European Union voted to extend the licence of glyphosate for another five years.

MORE than $175,000 in grants has been allocated to local Landcare groups after Labor Upper House member Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) announced funding last month.

As well as local staff support and maintenance, larger grants have been allocated to projects that look to improve biodiversity through revegetation, and remnant vegetation enhancement and protection.

“In Northern Victoria, we have some of the hardest working local environmental groups in the state, and I am pleased that Labor has again supported them to improve our environment,” Ms Symes said.

“We need to take great care of our natural environment and the unique biodiversity of this part of the world.

“Ensuring our volunteers and community groups are well supported in their amazing work is vital and the grants program provides funding for these groups to undertake on-ground works that contribute to the improvement and protection of the region’s natural resources.”

Many farmers held on and sweated through the drought times, including drought, but in the past two seasons we’ve had some recorded production results, and record livestock prices,” Commonwealth Bank Australia regional and agribusiness banking executive, Grant Cairns, speaking on a survey of farmers which found record numbers would spend-up big on farming machinery and infrastructure over the next 12 months.

Helmets should be mandated for all ATV riders,” a recommendation from coroners from Queensland, NSW and Tasmania, urging WorkSafe to further improve the safety of ATV users.

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NEWS

January 2018

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 3

North East growers escape worst wheat crop in a decade A NEW report has predicted that Australia will produce its smallest wheat crop in a decade – but growers in the North East region look set to buck the predictions.

The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) report, released last month, has predicted a 1.3 million tonne drop in the national crop.

However, Aaron Giason, sales and business development manager with the Rutherglen based Baker Seed Co, said the Victorian figures were more a reflection of the bumper harvest experienced last season.

Mr Giason said last year’s harvest “was one out of the box�, meaning it was almost inevitable crop yields would be down for 2017/2018. “In the North East, we have had a reasonably good season – we were originally predicting 98 per cent of last year’s harvest,� Mr Giason said. “Then there was some frost issues in November – but I don’t think this area was too badly affected – and then the rain in December. “Overall, the quality will be affected, but not so much the quantity.�

In Victoria, the ABARES report predicts:

z wheat production will decrease by 32 per cent to 3.6 million tonnes in 2017–18, driven by a significant fall in the average yield. Planted area is estimated to be unchanged from the previous year; z barley production is forecast to fall by 36 per cent to around 2.1 million tonnes in 2017–18. Planted area is estimated to have decreased by 4 per cent and the average yield is forecast to fall by 33 per cent; z canola production is forecast to fall by 6 per cent in 2017–18 to 660,000 tonnes. An estimated 18 per cent increase in area planted is expected to be more than offset by a 20 per cent fall in the average yield.

The news may yet worsen, with the ABARES report released before both the early November frosts, and the December rainfall events.

Fiona Marshall has been farming out of Mulwala for more than two decades, and together with her husband Craig, operates a broadacre, dryland grain and sheep property.

Ms Marshall has a background in applied science, and is also a member of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Southern Regional Panel.

Echoing Mr Giason’s comments, Ms Marshall re-iterated that the 2016/2017 harvest was beyond compare.

“I think we need to remember that ABARE are predicting a slightly below average crop,� she said. “The numbers are well down from last year - which was a bumper crop. “I would say that for our region the figures are as expected, with the dry winter leading into a very dry September we were preparing for very low yields - which were averted with a very good rain early November.�

Ms Marshall said the November rainfall had turned the season, leading to average, and in some cases above average, yields for the North East region. “You don’t have to travel far to the north to see very poor crops due to lack of rain,� she said. “While the frosts have affected yields for some, most crops seem to have weathered the storm and compensated with the spring rainfall.�

Ms Marshall said canola yields appeared to be above average, with good quality grain. “In all, I think we have been very lucky with well-timed rains to grow good quality crops on such a low growing season rainfall,� she said.

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Page 4, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

January 2018 150 YEARS STRONG: The McCormack family have been taking cattle into the High Country for 150 years. This month, cousins Cobie McCormack (left) and Tayla McMillan will carry on the family tradition by competing in the first ever MCAV CattleKids Challenge – a new event debuting at the January 12 MCAV Get Together.

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The tradition continues TAYLA McMillan has been counting down the days until school holidays.

With the arrival of Christmas, she is finally able to head to Merrijig – the home of her grandparents and, more importantly, her horse.

This year, for the first time ever, Tayla will compete in the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria’s (MCAV) CattleKids Challenge.

It is a brand new event, being debuted at the annual MCAV Get Together – held in Omeo from January 12.

An event aimed at encouraging the next generation, all CattleKids competitors must be between 10 – 13 years of age.

“I’m really excited to be able to compete,” Tayla said.

“I’ve never entered an event on my horse before, and I really want to be able to crack a whip while I’m riding.”

The CattleKids Challenge represents a shift in thinking at the MCAV – a group that continues to fight hard to see cattle grazing remain in the High Country.

In years gone by, the Cattlemen’s Cup was a race – but in

the last decade, the MCAV has incorporated more traditional horsemanship skills; stock work, whip cracking, ground tying and bareback ability.

“We want to recognise competitors for their skills; for a horse that is well educated, and a rider that is able to turn their hand to anything,” head of the MCAV Horse Committee, Bruce McCormack, said.

“We still incorporate the race, but we now also include a challenge and stock phase – with only the final ten making it to the final event.”

Mr McCormack is part of the team that wants to see more young riders take part – riders that, until this year, were unable to enter until they were 14.

“This is the first time we have run an event like this,” Mr McCormack said.

“We already have a Junior Cattleman’s Cup, which is an exact mirror of the senior event – but we were finding that a lot of younger kids wanted to compete.”

CattleKids entrants will only compete in a single obstacle challenge, with the

stock work and race stages left for the older competitors.

“A lot of horses get excited in a competition environment, and as some of the CattleKids riders are only young, we made a decision to cut the race and stock phases,” Mr McCormack said.

“We want to encourage the younger riders, but we also need to make sure we don’t ask too much of them.”

For Tayla, the event will be extra special.

Not only is Mr McCormack her grandfather, but her cousin, Cobie McCormack, will be competing alongside.

“I really just want to go and ride around with everyone,” Tayla said.

“That will be the best part.”

The MCAV Get Together is an annual event, held over three days in early January.

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NEWS

January 2018

IT was a year that featured it all for sheep producers – boom wool and lamb prices, markets that continued to remain strong and carcase weights boosting production.

Overall, 2017 represented an unprecedented market, with lamb, mutton and wool prices being supported from both the domestic and global markets.

However, the year was not without challenges.

An extremely dry winter and start to spring deteriorated pastures and crops, particularly across NSW, WA, SA and Tasmania.

As a result, lamb and mutton turn-off increased – but robust domestic and international demand saw the market buck the typical supply/price relationship.

High prices and a return to more favourable seasonal conditions incentivised producers to stay, or move into sheep production.

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 5

Boom year for sheep producers

Encouragingly, industry surveys indicate an increase in producers looking to expand their operations, at a time when farm cash income for Australian lamb producers is projected to be the highest in 20 years (ABARES report).

Ram sales were also exceptionally strong throughout the course of the year.

For the first four months of the year, Australian lamb slaughter tracked well below year-ago levels.

This was largely due to lower marking rates in the second half of 2016, resulting in reduced lamb availability, along with strong lamb, mutton and wool prices encouraging producers to retain ewe lambs for future breeding and Merino wether lambs for wool production.

May was the turning point for lamb and mutton slaughter.

Processing levels moved above year-ago levels, and

have remained higher in the six months following (October is the latest available ABS data).

For the May–September period, many key sheep producing regions across the country experienced below-average rainfall.

Flock rebuilding efforts were slowed as a result, with producers having to turn off stock as the season deteriorated.

A much needed break in the season brought some relief to producers in WA in September, and to those in the east in October – reviving producer sentiment and restocking activity.

For the year-to-October, the national lamb kill was 18.6 million head.

Sheep slaughter was up five per cent year-on-year, at six million head – largely due to the surge in processing in the second half of the year.

Lamb and mutton saleyard price indicators have been

historically high throughout 2017, moving into record territory in June, and wool prices have also experienced unprecedented growth.

The national trade lamb indicator (weekly average) has remained above 600¢/kg cwt for the majority of 2017, dipping below this level for only 10 weeks of this year-to-date.

This year, the lamb market has resisted the seasonal decline in prices which typically coincides with the new season lambs hitting the market in spring.

The strength of the domestic and international markets has provided strong price support and so, while supplies increased during spring this year, so too did prices.

In the final week of November, the national trade lamb indicator averaged 5¢ higher than the opening week of September, at 612¢/kg cwt.

The strength of saleyard lamb

indicators in 2017 has been evident in the eastern states.

For the year-to-date, the eastern states trade lamb indicator averaged 627¢/kg cwt – up 11 per cent, or 60¢/kg, year-on-year.

The national mutton indicator also out-performed 2016 levels, hitting new highs (527¢/kg cwt) at the beginning of June.

Nationally, lamb production for the year-to-October reached 424,365 tonnes cwt – one per cent higher year-on-year, and six per cent above the five-year average.

Lamb slaughter was down one per cent year-on-year at 18.5 million head, so it was not numbers processed that drove the increase in production, but heavier lamb carcases.

As a comparison, in 2015 there were over 19 million lambs processed for the same 10-month period, yet production was 423,870 tonnes cwt - the difference being that lamb carcases

averaged 22.25kg in 2015, and 22.86kg in 2017.

Over the last 10 years, lamb carcase weights have increased 190g/year on average.

While carcase weights are largely influenced by seasonal conditions in the short-term, the long-term growth has been underpinned by several factors; the transition towards meat and dual-purpose breeds, improving genetics and better livestock management.

This year especially, however, high prices being paid at saleyards have incentivised producers to grow lambs to heavier weights.

Mutton production lifted nine per cent from year-ago levels to 150,420 tonnes cwt – although down two per cent on the fiveyear average.

Mutton carcase weights also followed an upwards trend this year, averaging 24.94kg for the year-to-October.

Wool prices smash records in 2017

RECORDS SMASHED: Wool producers are experiencing the best prices in more than a decade, with EMI smashing records in November.

AUTRALIAN wool growers received some of their best returns in decades last year, with the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) hitting an all-time high of 1681 cents per kilogram in November.

The price, combined with a 30 per cent jump in wool prices yearon-year, is the latest good news for wool growers in what has been an exceptional three and a half years of growth for the industry.

Wool production is forecast to remain historically low, at 340 million kilograms in 2017/18, and the slow process of increasing flock sizes will ensure a large wool price drop is unlikely any time soon.

Andrew Smith, general manager agribusiness for Rural Bank, said it was magnificent to see the Australian wool market in such robust health.

“The fundamentals of the wool market remain favourable for our wool producers,” he said.

“Strong export demand from China and Italy - especially for fine Merino wool - combined with declining wool production, has resulted in a record surge in the price of wool, and a windfall for Aussie wool growers.

“All indications are that these market conditions will continue well into the future, as domestic production is not expected to in-

crease enough in volume to significantly affect prices for years to come.”

The increased international demand in 2017 for Australian wool has seen the value of the commodity exported to overseas markets grow by a staggering $355 million year-on-year.

One of the key drivers behind this increased export demand for Australian wool has been China.

With almost 80 per cent of all Australian wool exported to the Chinese market in 2017, this trend looks set to continue as demand in the country for woollen products rises in parallel with incomes.

The new update also highlights how Australia’s wool clip has drifted towards producing finer wool.

“The demand for superfine wool in high quality clothing has been increasing internationally, and this trend has prompted wool growers to target this market segment,” Mr Smith said.

“Aussie growers are taking advantage of clothing manufacturers’ need for superfine wool as well as the demand from China’s burgeoning middle classes for higher end clothing,” Mr Smith said.

To view the full Australian Wool Update, visit www.ruralbank. com.au/wool.

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NEWS

January 2018

Keep your cattle worm free

By MATT MAHONEY, Dynamic Ag North East

WORMS cause major production losses in cattle, leading to significant economic costs.

While there are a number of worm species that affect cattle, the worm of major significance is Ostertagia ostertagi.

In cattle, Ostertagia can become inhibited in their development if they are ingested during spring and early summer, choosing to burrow into the abomasal lining of the animal.

Once conditions are more favourable, they continue their development and emerge in autumn.

Cattle older than 18 months of age develop adequate resistance to worms so do not need regular drenching after their second calf, unless seasonal conditions or animal conditions are at play.

Young cattle are susceptible to two types of disease caused by Ostertagia: Type 1: Develops when young cattle, younger than 18 months, ingest large numbers of larvae over a period of 4-6 weeks during winter and spring. These larvae develop into adult worms in the abomasum over a 3-4 weeks period and severely damage the structure and function of the abomasum, causing scouring and weight loss. Dairy cattle are typically affected at 5-6 months of age, while beef cattle are affected at 15-20 months of age.

Type 2: Refers to the disease caused when the ingested larvae become inhibited in their development, usually occurring from August to De-

WORM EARLY: Matt Mahoney runs Dynamic Ag North East, a new farm service operating across the region and into NSW. Mr Mahoney recommends a comprehensive worming regime, but says cattle older than 18 months develop adequate resistance to worms so may not need regular drenching after their second calf, unless seasonal conditions or animal conditions are at play.

cember. These larvae burrow into the stomach lining and can remain dormant for between 3-8 months.

It’s not until early autumn that these larvae resume their development, and it’s this massive influx of larvae into the abomasum that causes severe damage to the lining causing scouring and weight loss.

Two year old heifers, 4-8 weeks pre-calving are commonly affected although older cows and bulls can be affected throughout autumn and winter.

Response to treatment is often poor.

Drenching cattle: Although not as widespread as sheep, drench resistance in cattle has been identified in Australia and

therefore careful consideration of the need to drench and the type of drench to be used must be given.

There are three groups of drenches available for cattle, and they differ in their activity against the developing and inhibited larval stages.

The mectin drenches are the most effective against the L4 larvae, while the “white” drenches work reasonably well but do not come in pouron formulations and are less convenient to use.

Their effectiveness against arrested Ostertagia larvae is more variable than the mectin group.

The last class of drenches the clear drenches - are not effective against inhibited Oster-

atgia and so should not be used between December and May. Injections, pour-on’s or oral drenching?

There are numerous publications indicating that oral drenching is the most effective option for drenching cattle.

Leathwick and Miller (2012) conducted a trial in NZ using injectable, oral and backline treatments of Cydectin, and from their research concluded that oral administration resulted in higher concentrations of the drench active reaching the worms in the gastrointestinal tract compared to injection or pour-on.

Oral drenching of cattle is often seen as a time consuming process, requiring crushes with

head bales and extra labour.

Backline and injectable drenches are more convenient and can help control ectoparasitic infections, but are often more expensive.

Furthermore, with the exception of Eclipse, all backline and injectable products are single actives and recent published data has demonstrated that there is serious Ostertagia resistance to the white, clear and ML drenches and Cooperia resistance to the ML drenches.

As a result, there is an increasing requirement to use combination drenches in cattle, as is the case with the sheep industry.

Unfortunately at this time, the only registered oral triple combi-

nation for cattle is Trifecta.

So what should you do?

Oral drenching with Trifecta is the gold standard.

Short of this, careful consideration of the use of Eclipse pour-on is warranted.

Although it is a pour-on formulation, it is a combination product.

Limit single active pour-on or injection drenches to once annually and remember, do a worm egg count before drenching.

Worm Egg Counts: Worm egg counts are a cheap and effective way of knowing whether your livestock require drenching.

In cattle, worm egg counts are un-reliable in animals older than 12 months of age because the larvae are inhibited and therefore not producing eggs that are detectable.

Conducting routine testing of weaners can assist in the decision to/not to drench – saving time and money.

Need more help?

Dynamic Ag North East can assist your business with: * conducting routine worm egg count monitoring; * fluke testing; * conducting a drench resistance test; * strategic drenching programs combining smart grazing management; * independent advice on drenches and what products to use.

For enquiries about obtaining test kits, please email the laboratory at DynamicAG North East e:danewec@ gmail.com or for technical enquiries please call Dr Steve Cotton on 0447 352 321.

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Page 8, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

January 2018

TALLAROOK MEAT CO: The Hyde family are proudly taking their alpaca products to five farmer markets each month.

Alpaca on the menu

LOVE YOUR PRODUCT: Even though she concedes alpacas make cute pets, Felicia Hyde knows that every animal must have a financial place on a working farm.

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From page 1

The results were clear: alpaca meat has up to half the saturated fat of beef, and in a 100 gram serve has 474kj, 24.8g of protein, and 1.2g of fat - 0.5g saturated, 0.3 mono unsaturated, 0.4g Polyunsaturated and 0.1g Trans fat. “There are a lot of health benefits to eating alpaca, similar to kangaroo,� Ms Hyde said. “It is very lean, high in iron and protein but doesn’t have the gamey flavour.�

After originally offering traditional meat cuts, the Hydes branched out into smoked ham, sausages and the aptly named alpacabana.

Selling only at farmers markets across Victoria, Tallarook Meat Co is slowly making in-roads with their increased product range. “It’s a lovely tasting meat, with a lot to offer – I think it’s about educating the public,�

Ms Hyde said.

Of course, there is still some tweaking to be done on-farm.

Each alpaca has a gestation period of 11 months, with the animals not processed until 36 months – a total turnaround time of almost four years. “We are trying out different rates of turn-off – if we send them to the abattoir at two years of age, instead of three, there is around a 20 per cent reduction in the carcass,� Ms Hyde said. “But we have to weigh that up against the extra 12 months of feeding.�

At three years old, each alpaca has a carcass weight of 35–40kg – with a 62 per cent return on meat.

The Hydes are changing their breeding focus as well – gravitating away from fibre selection and instead trying to develop an animal that is heavier-set with a quicker maturation. “We still get three wool clips from each animal, which is great, but the quality of the fibre is no longer our driving focus.�

In the spirit of value-adding to their line, Ms Hyde has also started making felt, as well as offering hand-spun fibres.

Retailing starts at $20 per kilo – a small price, Ms Hyde explained, for an animal that takes almost four years to make it onto the table. “As a commercial proposition, alpacas can’t compete with sheep or cattle,� she said. “They only have one cria each year, are slow to mature and require specialised handling and shearing. “Despite that, the price per kilo is similar to lamb. “We are mindful of the fact that this is a niche product within an already niche market,� Ms Hyde said. “At the end of the day, we breed sheep and cattle for meat; why wouldn’t we do it with alpaca?�

For more information, or to find out where you can buy Tallarook Meat Co products, check out their Facebook page of the same name.

NEWS

January 2018

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 9

Innovative farmer app launches

FARMING AHEAD: Airlie Trescowthick is the founder of a new app, the Farmer eXchange project, which will launch in April this year. She is pictured with Hugh Landale.

THE Farmer eXchange project, a collaborative web application boosting knowledge-sharing and best practices in Australian agriculture, will be launched early this year.

The app is designed to be a virtual meeting place that will foster greater farmer-tofarmer collaboration.

“We spent months interviewing our peers, trying to figure out what they needed, and what was missing from their day-today practices,” app founder, Airlie Trescowthick, said.

“It became clear that there’s a giant gap in knowledge-sharing; farmers simply didn’t have an easy, accessible way to ask questions, or seek crowdfund-sourcing advice.

“The Farmer eXchange is our solution to this issue there is no doubt that online methods of communication and information-gathering are increasingly woven into our farming lives.

“We believe the Farmer eXchange app will play a significant role in ensuring the ongoing growth and success of our industry.”

The Farmer eXchange will be accessible to farmers signed up to the free Farm

Meat and Livestock Australia elects new directors MEAT and Livestock Australia (MLA) elected three directors to the MLA board when the group held their annual general meeting late last year.

Wrapping up the annual Red Meat event that was held in Alice Springs, the formal part of the AGM included consideration of MLA accounts, the election of three directors to the board and three producer representatives to the Board Selection Committee.

These are: z Victorian cattle producer and professional services expert in audit, corporate services and risk management, Alan Beckett;

CAR

z Northern cattle production systems specialist and Queensland cattle producer, Russell Lethbridge; and z South Australian sheepmeat and wool producer, who specialises in sheep and cattle breeding techniques, Andrew Michael.

The MLA board is a skillsbased board – meaning directors have complementary skills in order to make important decisions for the long-term benefit of the livestock industry.

MLA members also voted on the election of three producer representatives to the MLA Board Selection Committee – one grass-fed cattle

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representative, one grain-fed cattle representative and one sheep-meat representative.

These are: z Peter Quinn – grass-fed cattle representative; z Tony Fitzgerald – grain-fed cattle representative; and z Jane Kellock – sheepmeat representative.

The committee is currently made up of two nonvoting MLA directors, three representatives nominated by producer peak councils, and four producer members who have been directly elected

by MLA members – one sheep-meat, one grain-fed cattle and two grass-fed cattle representatives.

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NEWS

Page 10, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

January 2018

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BEEF WEEK

January 2018

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 11

More than 5000 bulls on display MORE than 5000 bulls, representing 26 breeds, will be on display during this year’s Stock & Land Beef Week.

Running from January 29 to February 6, 196 studs from throughout Victoria and the Riverina will all participate – with more than $35 million in stock to be available for viewing and sale.

“We expect these studs will display 5000 bulls, and will sell them for $35 million during Beef Week and at annual on-property bull sales during February and March,” Beef Week director, Geoff Phillips, said.

Of the 196 studs in Beef Week, 35 will conduct onproperty bull auctions during the busy autumn bull selling season.

These annual sales have catalogued 2500 bulls, and these will all be on display for potential buyers to inspect during Beef Week.

“The 161 studs in Beef Week that do not have onproperty sales will offer bulls during Beef Week, and will also have on display bulls catalogued for the big multivendor national sales coming up at Wodonga and Dubbo later in the year,” Mr Phillips said.

“We estimate another 2500 bulls will be cleared by these 161 studs.”

Stock & Land Beef Week is the biggest event of its type in Australia and showcases the nation’s leading beef genetics, particularly in the British and European breeds.

The two best represented breeds are Angus - with 58 studs - and Herefords - with 57 studs.

ON DISPLAY: Some 196 studs will take part in this year’s Beef Week – representing everything from the most popular breeds, such as Angus, to those just coming into the Australian mainstream, like the Australis.

There will be 17 Limousin studs, along with 10 Charolais and Simmental studs.

The variety of breeds and genetics available in southeast Australia is on full display, with genetics and breeds to suit every purpose.

There are long established

breeds - such as Shorthorn, South Devon, British White and Belted Galloway, along with some of the newer breeds to Australia - Speckle Park and Wagyu.

There will also be a few lesser known breeds on display, such as Australis, Sene-

gus, Simangus and Speckleline.

“All breeds have a contribution to make to the beef industry, depending on target markets and environment in which they need to operate,” said Mr Phillips.

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knowledge of the latest industry trends.

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BEEF WEEK

Page 12, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

January 2018

JADE PARK ANGUS Alpine performance and growth is the difference

Private sale always available by appointment

Our feature bull will be NMM M257 A Generation 2100 son out of a Millah Murrah Donor.

Also on display will be donors purchased from Wattle Top and Millah Murrah

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THE Alpine autumn bull sale to be held at the Alpine Selling Complex on March 6, 2018, will offer 100 HBR and APR registered bulls for sale by auction.

Alpine has grown substantially over the last few years, particularly following the very successful incorporation of the Welcome Swallow genetics.

Alpine has expanded significantly over the last few years, increasing the number of bulls offered at its autumn sale from 70 to 100 and, in 2016 and 2017, conducting spring sales, selling around 50 bulls in addition to its autumn sales.

This reflects the growth in the Alpine herd which, as manager Chris Oswin reports, has seen over 500 females joined in the 2017 calendar year.

Mr Oswin has overseen the steady expansion of the Alpine herd over the last six years.

“Our growth in bull sales can be attributed to the further improvement of the Alpine herd which has been carefully planned,” he said.

“The incorporation of the top end of Welcome Swallow genetics and the rise in fortunes of the beef industry have also helped immensely.

“The help Jim and Suzie Martin have given us since selling their herd is extraordinary and Suzy is an absolute dynamo when it comes to all things marketing and organising.”

Alpine principal, Jim Delany, said that it has been a privilege and continues to be a great pleasure to work with the Martins whose continued involvement in the Alpine breeding

TOP PRICE: Suzy Martin, Jim Delany, Chris Oswin, buyer Jake Faithfull, and Michael Glasser with one of the two equal top priced bulls at the Alpine 2017 autumn sale. PHOTO: Ken Spence

program is much appreciated, bringing with them great expertise, energy and experience.

Jim and Suzy are also integrally involved in marketing and liaising with clients at Alpine.

“Alpine combines its use of AI and ET programs with quality Alpine owned back up bulls, a number of which are AI sires in their own right,” Mr Oswin said.

“We are very fortunate at the moment having such high calibre bulls running with our cows and heifers at present.

“Karoo Knockout, NENK176, Sterita Park Black Jack, SPLJ231, and Bowmont Jackpot, SRKJ310 are all marketed by major AI companies, while Te Mania Longshot, VTML107, Texas Hold’em, DXTH126 and Hazeldean High Roller, NHZH6, have all seen use in other Angus studs’ AI programs.

“Furthermore we part own Milwillah Gatsby, NJWG279,

and have an outstanding run of bulls again by him this year.”

Another feature of the March 2018 Alpine bull sale will be 10 sons by Coonamble Hector, sire of the record setting $190,000 Millah Murrah Prue M4, and six sons by Coonamble Junior, another outstanding Coonamble sire.

“On top of this we have our first progeny of Texas Mount K2 on offer as well as other low birth, high performance sires such as Deer Valley All In and Plattemere Weigh Up,” Mr Oswin said.

“The future is bright at Alpine.”

Jim and Chris invite you to preview the sale bulls during Beef Week on February 6, 2018 or the Alpine field day on February 21.

On sale day, Tuesday, March 6, the bulls will be on display from 10am.

Morning and afternoon tea plus a delicious beef lunch will also be available.

BEEF WEEK OPEN DAY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 , 2018 On Display Sale Bulls and Females

Manager: Ian Peake 0419 111 936

ON PROPERTY BULL SALE Ray Attwell 0428 836 136 Peter Godbolt 0457 591 929

Stephen Street 0428 579 338 Jennie O’Sullivan 0428 222 080

Kevin Sanderson 0418 574 237 Justin Keane 0427 927 500

TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018 www.witherswoodangus.com.au

E/12D12844-V36/4917

ANGUS

ANNUAL BULL SALE Visit us in Beef Week on DAY 6 Saturday 3rd Feb 2018 DATE: Friday 23rd February 2018 at 1pm Inspections from 10am

ADDRESS OF SALE:

Millennium M156 (P) - Lot 37

Alvio (Herefords) 0419 191 193 Sam (Angus) 0419 191 192

T/37D06143/0617

“Glendan Park” 2090 Kyneton – Heathcote Road, Barfold via Kyneton, Vic, 3444.

Milwaukee M019 (P) - Lot 4

BEEF WEEK

January 2018

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 13

MAP IT OUT: The annual Beef Week on-farm tour kicks off later this month, with more than $35 million worth of bulls to be on display across 196 studs.

The best on display

SOME 196 studs will take part in the 2018 Stock & Land Beef Week.

Make sure you check out: z High Spa Angus – Daylesford; z Marschay Shorthorns – Daylesford; z Hazel Dell Simmental – Inverloch; z Jarobee Angus – Beechworth; z Glendan Park Herefords – Kyneton; z Witherswood Angus – Taminick; z Coolana Angus – Chatsworth; z Woonallee Simmentals – Millicent; z Mount Ararat Simmentals – Nar Nar Goon; z Te Mania Angus – Mortlake; z Heatherington Park

Herefords – Daylesford; z Prime Angus – Warrenbayne; z Murdeduke Angus – Winchelsea; z Jade Park Angus – Wangaratta; z Rangan Park Charolais – Kiewa; z Riga Angus – Nillahcootie; z Chateau Limousin – Boralma; z Alpine Angus – Rosewhite;

z Mistletow Limousin – Greta South; z Limstow Limousin – Warrenbayne; z Rosstulla Herefords – Beechworth; z Mystical Murray Greys – Tatura South; z John Brian Angus and South Devon – Tongala; z Brenton Sessions Bellaspur – Balmuttum.

Read it all online www.farmernews.com.au

NO YOUNG STUDS REQUIRED SO WE SELL THE LOT

The Cook girls & Lucy

RANGAN DOC SILVER M51 (AI) (ET) (P)

RANGAN PINAY M58 (AI) (ET) (P)

RANGAN GRANGE M87 (AI) (P)

BEEF WEEK OPEN DAY FEBRUARY 6TH 50 GRASS FED CHAROLAIS BULLS SELL INCLUDING THE LARGEST RUN OF PINAY BULLS EVER OFFERED IN AUSTRALIA | THURSDAY 8th MARCH 2018 Contact: Graeme Cook | Sandy Creek, VIC | M: 0419 429 696 E: ranganpark@gmail.com | W: www.rangancharolais.com.au

LIKE US ON

NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY

$QLPDO 7UDLQLQJ 6\VWHPV

Rainfall Chart JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria

2018 School holidays

Public holidays

Victorian Public Holiday dates: New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1 Australia Day: Friday, January 26 Labour Day: Monday, March 12 Good Friday: Friday, March 30 Easter Saturday: Saturday, March 31 Easter Monday: Monday, April 2 ANZAC Day: Wednesday, April 25 Queen’s Birthday: Monday, June 11 AFL Grand Final Eve: Friday, September 28 Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday, November 6 Christmas Day: Tuesday, December 25 Boxing Day: Wednesday, December 26 School Terms: Term 1: January 29 (teachers) - March 29 Term 2: April 16 - June 29 Term 3: July 16 - September 21 Term 4: October 8 - December 21

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355 Benalla Road Shepparton Ph: (03) 5821 4411

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Graeme Duncan

26 27

0437 395 270 Bedri Ahmet 0407 217 589

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GH FARM MACHINERY

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Benalla Bulk Fertilizers

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BEEF WEEK

Page 16, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

January 2018

Riga Angus a Beef Week must visit

At Riga Angus, the focus is to produce top quality yearling bulls, to allow for the introduction of superior genetic material in herds a year earlier than normal, resulting in more rapid genetic improvement for breeders.

Beef Week Open Day Saturday 3rd February, 2018

YEARLING BULL SALE Wednesday 11th April, 2018 www.rigaangus.com.au

&+$7($8

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RIGA Angus has a long history with the annual Stock & Land Beef Week program.

Not only have they been a regular patron, the stud finished in the top three, three years running in the Heifer Challenge, and successfully took home the championship in 2013.

The accolades do not stop there.

After last year’s Beef Week, Riga was praised by not only CEO of Angus Australia, Peter Parnell, but also the Stud Beef Week Victoria president at the time, Ross Draper. “Riga has a good breeding program with diversified bloodlines encouraging repeat buying,� Mr Draper said after his visit. “The quality of their herd has been demonstrated in the Beef Week Heifer Challenge where Riga’s team of 10 stud heifers have been finalists in each of the three years they have entered - culminating in the championship in 2013.�

Riga Angus is run by Vera and Ian Finger from their property out of Mansfield.

It has been a busy 12 months for the Riga team.

2017 was the second year the stud opened the farm-gate for their on-farm bull sale.

Impressively, 31 of the 36 twelve month old bulls offered were sold, making an average of $4715 with a sale top $7250.

Bulls were parent verified and genomic i50K tested, giving the 12 month old bulls EBV accuracies of up to 85

TOP PRICE: Riga Moccasin M67 was the top priced bull at the 2017 Riga Angus sale held early last year, and is indicative of the young quality that will again be presented as part of upcoming Beef Week.

per cent of those traits that were measurable - for buyers, this really enhances the decision making considerations when purchasing young genetic packages.

The top priced bull was Riga Moccasin M67.

M67 is a son of Sydgen Black Pearl out of a TC Franklin female, who displayed great softness and curve bending growth with calving ease and had been earmarked early as a superb sire and great example of his breed.

At the time of sale, M67 weighed 686kg and had an

www.stockandland.com.au Official Guide

adjusted daily weight gain from birth of 1.61kg.

His EBVs included top five per cent for 200 day growth, top 10 per cent for calving ease daughters, 400 day growth, 600 day growth, carcase weight and top 15 per cent for heavy grass index.

M67 was a great example of what is produced locally in the North East region – proving yet again that quality animals can be found without the need to travel great distances.

Riga Angus will be open on day six of Beef Week, Saturday, February 3.

www.beefweek.com.au

Mildura

N E W S O U T H W A L E S Narrandera Wagga Wagga

RALIA SOUTH AUST

DAY 3

Swan Hill

Wangaratta

Shepparton

Benalla Bendigo

Ararat

DAY 5

Hamilton

Mt Gambier

Colac

Warrnambool

Ballarat

Melbourne

Geelong

DAY 6 DAY 7

Mansfield

Warragul

Eildon

Cooma

DAY 9 Mt Buller

Bega

DAY 2 Tuesday January 30 2018

DAY 3 Wednesday January 31 2018

DAY 4 Thursday February 1 2018

DAY 5 Friday February 2 2018

DAY 6 Saturday February 3 2018

DAY 7 Sunday February 4 2018

DAY 8 Monday February 5 2018

DAY 9 Tuesday February 6 2018

Plan your visits today

Omeo

DAY 8

Orbost

Bairnsdale

Morwell

VR4133260

Portland

Seymour

Avoca

DAY 2

Corryong

Wodonga

St Arnaud

Stawell

Canberra

Holbrook Albury

Echuca Charlton

Horsham

DAY 4

DAY 1 Monday January 29 2018

Goulburn

Yass

Tumut

Kerang

Warracknabeal

DAY 1

Finley

Over 200 Studs representing 30 breeds

AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST BEEF

FIELD DAYS.

VR4271961

Hay Balranald

Ouyen

www.beefweek.com.au

~ PRIME ANGUS ~

Breeding Powerful Cow Bulls Safe to start on Heifers

BEEF WEEK OPEN DAY TUESDAY FEBRUARY 6 View selection of 2018 sale bulls featuring sons of:

*on display Progeny of Australia’s Number #1 semen sire for Gestation length, Prime Katapault K1.

Peter & Annick ButterďŹ eld Mob: 0428 306 729

*on display Progeny of one of Australia’s most used semen sires. A phenotypic gem.

Prime Juggernaut J15.

Web: www.primeangusstud.com.au

PathďŹ nder Genesis VAR Index EF Complement MM Equator D78 SAV Brulser Matauri Realilty Prime Juggernaut Prime Katapault All bulls have Genomic enhanced EBV’s

Email: annick@skymesh.com.au

z/12d13491-v6/5317

*on display Progeny of Australia’s Number #2 semen sire for 600 day growth, Prime Maximus M7.

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BEEF WEEK

January 2018

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 17

Coolana still supplying top bulls held on Thursday March 1 at the Chatsworth wetlands sale complex, where some 140 outstanding Angus bulls will be offered.

The Coolana seedstock herd has always run under commercial management conditions, working from a base of 2000 cows – with no room for passengers in the breeding herd.

From the beginning, only the highest and most consistent performers were retained - assessed against a stringent quality criteria for structure, mobility, fertility and performance.

The Coolana bulls to be featured at the upcoming March sale have the high quality and performance that a solid breeding philosophy produces - having already passed significant reliability and performance tests before they get to sale age.

All Coolana bulls have an exceptional high-fertility background, and their soundness ensures buyers consistently get extended years of service.

LAST OF THE BEST: Some 140 top quality, paddock raised and high performance Angus bulls will be offered at the upcoming Coolana stud sale, to be held on March 1.

It will be comforting for many beef producers to know that they can still count on Coolana for the next 12 months - for those who haven’t utilised the outstanding performance genetics, it is not too late.

The Coolana Black Simmental bulls will not be auctioned, but rather will be offered privately throughout the year; autumn drops being available immediately and spring 2016 drops for purchase this coming spring.

Check out the Coolana website for further details and the sale catalogue at www.coolana.com.

OPEN FOR BEEF WEEK

Wednesday, 31st January 2018

The cows may be gone but we still have 2 bulls sales to go!

Autumn Bull Sale Ƈ 140 Outstanding Angus Bulls

Thursday 1st March - 1.29pm SSCOL0151217

AFTER staging the largest ever seedstock Angus dispersal sale last autumn, it is easy to presume Coolana Angus and Black Simmental studs are now a closed shop.

However, there is a relatively large lag time in cattle breeding; and while the Coolana Angus and X Simm Black Simmental breeding females were dispersed to herds across the country, the 2016 autumn and spring drop bulls are still at Coolana - and are now being prepared for their regular annual bull sales.

Coolana is run by the Gubbins family – Mark, Anna and Max – across two properties at Chatsworth and Meningie.

2018 is the final year the operation will run as a stud, with the family instead choosing to use their quality genetics to focus on a commercial operation.

As such, this year represents the final year Coolana bloodlines will be offered to the broader public.

The next sale is the Coolana autumn bull sale, to be

PARTICIPANTS IN 2018 HEIFER CHALLENGE

Want to know more, or get updates? Ƈ Check our website

Murray Grey Bulls for sale

www.coolana.com or

Joined Heifers and yearling Heifers.

Robert and Mark Pell. 1335 Toolamba-Rushworth Road, Tatura South Contact: Robert (03) 5878 2214. Mark 0412 901 215 www.murraygreybeef.com.au

k/12d13487-v2/5317

All animals guaranteed structurally sound.

Ƈ Send for a catalogue Ƈ Call to discuss how Coolana can assist your cattle program Mark & Anna Gubbins: 0428 593 913 or 03 5350 5531 Max Gubbins: 0439 593 913 Email: info@coolana.com 1219 Woorndoo-Chatsworth Rd, Chatsworth, Vic, 3379

2018 ALPINE AUTUMN BULL SALE

100 ANGUS BULLS

VOLUME. VALUE. VELOCITY. SALE ON 6 MARCH 2018

HRR & APR Registered Bulls Backed by a Comprehensive

QA Program & 3 Year Guarantee* FREE DELIVERY* *CONDITIONS APPLY. REFER TO SALE CATALGUE.

BEEF

WEEK OPEN DAY

THURSDAY

6 FEB

9AM-5.30PM

alpineangus.com.au

FIELD DAY

WEDNESDAY

21 FEB 10AM-4PM

BEEF WEEK

Page 18, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

January 2018

Beef Week - Day Nine - Tuesday, February 6 Glenpoll breeds cattle that satisfy the discerning cattle breeder.

Females are selected on milking ability, fertility, temperament, structural soundness and the ability to produce highly productive progeny. Glenpoll believes it is achieving this and welcomes you to our Beef Week open day. Males and females for sale.

Glenpoll learns from the past, works in the present, and builds for the future.

HEIFER CHALLENGE ON AGAIN: The Beef Week Heifer Challenge 2017 was won by Tarcombe Herefords – the winners of the 2018 event, who take home a cash prize of $3000, will be announced later this month.

Heifer challenge on again

k/12d12278-v5/0118

Location: 321 Glenrowan-Moyhu Rd, 6k NE of Glenrowan PO, 3.5km from Hume Fwy/Glenrowan ‘on-off ramp’ (northern end of Glenrowan).

Further information contact - Ferruccio Tonini (03) 5766 2417 / 0427 662 417 E: glenpoll@internode.on.net

THE annual Royal Agriculture Society of Victoria (RASV) Heifer Challenge, which is run in conjunction with Beef Week, has attracted some 45 entries for 2018.

Studs display 10 heifers from their 2016 drop, all destined to be replacements in their registered breeding herd.

The entries are each on display during Beef Week.

Malcolm Cock, former Galloway, Angus and Buchan Black breeder, has been selected to judge the 2018 entries.

The champion pen of 10 wins a $3000 cash prize, and the reserve receives $1500.

Last year was the first time a pen of Herefords won the challenge, with Tarcombe Herefords – from near Euroa

Australis cow

South Devon - Angus first cross bull

Recipe to breed Australis Beef Cattle Use a pure South Devon bull on Angus cows.

Mate the resulting heifers to a first cross South Devon - Angus bull.

Keep mating all subsequent generations to a first cross South Devon - Angus bull.

The results here after 25 years are superb steers and magnificent cows.

Pure South Devon young bulls for sale. Order taken for First cross South Devon - Angus bulls.

John Brian - Tongala phone (03) 54845281

– taking home the prize.

The 50-year-old Tarcombe stud is home to 250 registered cows.

Cattle judge for 2017, Alex McDonald, travelled more than 7000km to judge studs on 50 properties across Victoria and into New South Wales.

“In a year with such high quality entries, to be the first Hereford stud to take home the title of champion in the six years of the RASV Heifer Challenge is a testament to Tarcombe Herefords,” Mr McDonald said at the time.

As one of the many programs RASV conducts throughout the year to highlight quality production in agrifood and fibre, the Heifer Challenge recognises excellence in herd replacement

females in seed stock operation throughout Victoria and into NSW. RASV CEO, Mark O’Sullivan, said the Heifer Challenge was an integral opportunity for beef producers to showcase, market and develop their breeding operation.

“The RASV Heifer Challenge offers some of Australia’s best cattle studs the opportunity to benchmark their herd replacement females against a wide variety of breeds and styles, with participants required to display pens of 10 registered heifers for judging.”

Murdeduke Angus of Winchelsea, Victoria, was named 2017 reserve champion.

LIMSTOW LIMOUSINS OPEN FOR BEEF WEEK DAY 9 TUESDAY, FEB. 6, 2018

Scott and Tessa

Welcome you to their property at 31 Davies Road, Warrenbayne, Vic 3670.

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BEEF WEEK 2018 Tuesday, February 6, 2018 OPEN DAY from 8am

IN G LI M

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All visitors welcome

Our focus is on quiet, early maturing well muscled grass feed bulls for producers wanting heavy vealers at 9-10 mths t/12d12286-v4/0117

Denis O’Connor, Stud Principal Mistletoe Limousins 120 Dinnings Lane Greta South, VIC 3675

Phone (03) 5766 6365 Mobile: 0428 279 431 denisoconnor@mistletoelimousin.com

www.mistletoelimousin.com

z/12D12881-V4/5317

PROGENY OF MISTLETOE BULLS ARE REGULAR TOPPERS AT THE WANGARATTA SALES EXCHANGE

Limstow are involved in the “Limousin Assurance program“ We welcome you to come and inspect our cattle on our Beef Week Open day when there will be a good selection of young bulls for sale.

LIMSTOW LIMOUSIN

Limstow@activ8.net.au

Ph 03 5763 2471 M 0437 796 833 31 Davies Road Warrenbayne Vic 3670

BEEF WEEK

January 2018

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 19

Limstow only sells the best

THE BEST: Limstow Limousin heavily cull all stud stock to make sure only the best of the best make it to sale. Pictured is the stud’s premier sire, Graffoe Senator.

ESTABLISHED in 2004, Limstow Limousins has been built around bloodlines based on Willow Park, The Pines, Donna Valley and Graffoe Limousins.

Strong emphasis has been placed on excellent docility, early maturing, muscle growth and structurally correct bulls for the vealer production.

Each year, the stud starts their bull selection process with 25 to 30 of the best bull calves; the ones that are thick and showing good butt type then go through to the next stage of selection.

Docility is continually assessed with the calves while they are still on milk.

At eight months of age, the top 10-12 of bull calves are selected to wean, while the remaining calves that have been marked stay on their mothers until 9-10 months before being sent to market as vealers.

These calves consistently weigh from 380-420kg.

The bull calves selected

to mature are yard weaned for two weeks, where they are reassessed again to make sure they are of a high standard of docility, muscling and structurally correct.

The final 7-8 bulls are guaranteed to be of a high standard for clients – with most Limstow bulls selling between 12 – 16 months of age into commercial vealer herds.

Each year, 10-15 replacement heifers go through the same process as the young bulls – again, with a strong emphasis on docility, type and structure.

The heifers have to be well grown as they are joined at 14 months of age to calve at two years.

Limstow Limousins have high expectations of their stud stock, and take great pride in only selling cattle they would purchase themselves.

Limstow Limousins are open on Day 9 of Beef Week, February 6.

Weight-gain records for Heatherington Park THE first crop of Days Brigadier G.101 sons will be available for sale on Saturday, February 3 at Heatherington Park Poll Herefords as part of Beef Week.

Theses bulls have set weightgain records at Heatherington Park.

At the time of weaning on January 9, 2017, they averaged 454kgs to a top of 495kgs, while their sisters averaged 400kgs.

These are the heaviest calves ever weaned at Heatherington Park.

At 18-19 months on November 13, these bulls averaged 899kgs to a top of 992kgs.

Days Brigadier G.101 was Reserve Senior Champion at Dubbo 2013, behind the recordbreaking $90,000 Senior and Grand Champion, and sold for $40,000.

One of his sons won his class at Wodonga 2016 and sold for $44,000.

All sale bulls have been semen tested and are available on the day.

Also for sale on the day will be a number of Brigadier G.101 weaner heifers while the 2017 drop weaner bulls and heifer calves will be on display along with a selection of stud females.

Established in 1991 in North East Victoria, Heatherington Park was combined with a commercial operation and foundation females were purchased from Studbrook, Margfred Park, Polaris and Wolbull.

The stud moved to its current

BEEF WEEK BEECHWORTH

location in Kingston in 2002 to concentrate on stud operations, running 55 autumn calving stud breeders.

Taking part in the Victorian Beef Week open day gives Heatherington the opportunity to display a selection of its livestock along with sale bulls.

Details of the Heatherington Park Poll Herefords breeding program and photos of the sale bulls can be found at www. heatheringtonpark.com.au.

All are welcome to attend.

RECORD BREAKING STUD: Sons of stud sire Days Brigadier G.101 (pictured) will be on sale this Beef Week at Heatherington Park.

OPEN DAY

TUESDAY 6TH FEBRUARY 2018 DAY 9

DAY 9 - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH 2018 Robinson Rd, Beechworth The Robinson Family invite you to inspect a range of Cattle including Bulls for Sale at our Autumn Bull Sale on FRIDAY 16TH MARCH 2018.

ROSSTULLA Poll Herefords

Enquiries welcome.

Alan & Jan Robinson

P/12d12167-V6/5016

Phone (02) 6032 4124 Mobile: 0429 324 124 Greg White 0417 215 883 Email: jarobee@bigpond.com

Beechworth

Cold Cold country country cattle cattle with with milk milk and and muscle muscle The Forrest Family invite you to join us to see the results of our breeding program

First Sons of

DAYS BRIGADIER

G.101

H. Brigadier M.024

A selection of the herd on display breed plan

AVAILABLE FOR SALE BEEF WEEK - Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 Days Brigadier G.101 was a Dubbo Reserve Senior Champion ( $40,000 ) and is by Allendale Waterhouse D.1. He has excellent breedplan figures with a son selling for $44,000 ( Wodonga 2016 ). His rising two-year old, grass-fed, sons are available for sale on the day. They averaged 454 kgs at weaning and 899 kgs ( top of 992 kgs ) at 18-19 months of age. A son of Yalgoo Boulder Z.250 is also for sale along with a number of weaner heifers by Brigadier.

All visitors are welcome. t/12d12153-v9/5016

H. Brigadier M.005 PHILIP R. GAY, Ph/Fax 03 5345 6167; Mobile 0412 565 292 3832 Creswick-Newstead Road, Kingston 3364 (8.5 kms from Creswick) www.heatheringtonpark.com.au

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Bulls & Females

NEWS

Page 20, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

January 2018

A summer season of hay making

BY Frank McRae, Australian Fodder Industry Association

SEASONAL conditions are variable across the fodder producing regions of Australia, making it a difficult time for many fodder producers, contractors and industry suppliers.

For many affected by the dry conditions, it is not a great time to have new harvesters, balers and other machinery sitting idle for a season.

Associated industries such as chaff mills and businesses supplying the horse industry - are also struggling to supply hay, chaff and grain to customers.

The poor season has also impacted on Australian cattle prices, largely a result of reduced re-stocker demand.

Recent rain across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales in early October has revived the market, with reduced yardings and stronger re-stocker buyer activity lifting prices.

On the back of these rains, and with a positive rainfall outlook for eastern Australia in October, seed sales of summer forages such as millets, sorghums, forage legumes and some lucernes - have increased as producers look for quick dry matter production for grazing, silage and hay making opportunities.

In NSW, areas affected by drought and frost, it has been great to see producers, agronomists, consultants and contractors attending workshops organised by Local Land Services, NSW DPI and industry groups like Farmlink to share information and ideas around managing crops and offering each other support.

National Hay Safe Day has continued to gain momentum and in difficult times it is even more important to make sure all workplaces are safe for all workers/operators and family members.

Southern Australia is faring better as far as seasonal conditions go, although the season is reported to be running a little behind normal due to continuing rains through spring.

Early indications are that quality will be good, but this is largely dependent on when and if further rain occurs.

There has been a noticeable increase in the movement of fodder heading north due to the dry spring conditions which is helping to reduce some of the 2016 surplus domestic supply in the south.

Purchasers and sellers of fodder, grains and other supplementary feed sources are being encouraged to use feed tests and to carefully introduce new feed sources to animals to avoid animal health issues.

HARVEST REVIEW: Frank McRae, Australian Fodder Industry Association, talks here about what is happening in the grain industry.

Maximise profit – store wet grain correctly FARMERS were scrambling to harvest crops before the predicted ‘storm of the century’ arrived at the start of December.

Some areas fared worse than others, but one of the problems now being faced is how best to store wet grain.

Grain storage specialists are warning farmers that particular care is needed to protect the quality of grain going into silos with moderate or high moisture content.

Grain storage specialist, Philip Burrill, said the first two to four weeks of grain storage were critical - and it was imperative growers monitored and managed moisture levels to get it right.

Mr Burrill, a Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) senior development agronomist, has worked on national grains’ storage trials as part of Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) investments for the past decade.

“The unstable weather across much of New South Wales and Victoria as growers start or are in the middle of harvest has been really testing,� he said. “I can understand why growers will take crops off early with a higher moisture content than usual, so they suffer less risk of weather damage, but there are important steps needed to protect this grain in storage.�

Mr Burrill said when it came to grain storage, the valuable early preparation steps were: (l) Storage hygiene: Make sure storages are clean, get rid of old grain residues, wash out silos if needed and use diatomaceous earth (DE) products (eg DryacideŽ), ahead of this season’s crop going into storage. (l) Segregation and sampling: Talk to key buyers so you know their preferred grain quality segregations for this season. Check grain testing equipment. Keep running

samples as you fill each silo.

Once tested, you can confidently discuss the quality of the grain in storage with buyers. z Check maintenance of storage equipment: Silos, augers, aeration fans and grain spray gear. z Storage records: Number each silo clearly and keep upto-date notes - grain quality, grain treatments and fumigations. Check grain in storage monthly and identify and record pests found.

Mr Burrill said aeration was one of growers’ best tools when it came to looking after grain in storage. “Growers need to aim to have the correct aeration equipment that works well for their storage size and grain types and seek good advice,� he said. “In any season, across any paddock, grain moisture content is variable, so aeration of storages allows you to get some moisture uniformity in storage.

“It will also drive down grain temperatures which preserves quality and reduces your insect pest risk.�

When it comes to grain moisture levels at harvest, Mr Burrill said grain storage practices for winter cereals could be put in to three general categories: grain at safe storage moisture levels (under 12.5 per cent for wheat); grain at 13-15 per cent moisture levels; and grain above 15 per cent. “It is vital growers are proactive in the critical first two to four weeks of storage. “Key steps to protect grain quality are aeration management, plus regular checks on grain temperature and smell,�

Mr Burrill said.

As a general guide: Aeration for grain harvested at safe moisture levels (at or below receival standard of 12.5 per cent): z first five days: run aerators continuously, around the clock;

z next seven days: run aerators 9-12 hours per day, mostly the cooler night hours; and z ongoing: run aerators for roughly 100 hours per month, selecting cool and dry air.

For grain harvested at 13-15 per cent moisture content: z this grain can be held safely for 2–4 weeks with aerators running continuously; z within the 2–4 weeks, aim to blend with dry grain and aerate, or dry grain with drying facilities; and z once grain is at ‘safe moisture levels’, go through the three aeration stages listed above.

For grain harvested at 15.5 per cent or more moisture content: z run aerators continuously, around the clock. Grain is at high risk of serious damage with fans off for more then 2-4 hours; z check grain twice a day: use a temperature probe and smell grain at the top of the silo; and

z organise to dry grain within 3–5 days. Hot air (gas/ diesel) dryer, or aeration grain dryer with high air flows of 1525 L/s/tonne.

Mr Burrill said in the case of extended wet or very humid weather for more than half a day, turn off aerators - then immediately restart when dryer conditions return, below 70 per cent relative humidity (RH). “Growers are well aware of the need to pay close attention to grain moisture levels and understand that wet grain will get ‘hot’ quickly, so regular monitoring and management of this grain in storage is critical,� he said. “My other tip is to keep good storage records for each silo, it positions you well as an ‘informed seller’ who manages his storages facilities well.�

For more information go to: How aeration works GRDC Update Advice note on the Stored Grain website.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 21

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Page 22, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

January 2018

Be prepared this bushfire season with Auusie Pumps FIRE authorities across Australia have warned of an active fire season for 2017/2018.

Below average rainfall and above average temperatures this winter has resulted in dry conditions and an increased fire risk.

For farmers who rely on livestock for their living, having a plan in place for their stock is vital.

“Too often cattle, sheep, prize stud animals and their irreplaceable genetics are lost through lack of planning,” said Aussie Pumps’ product manager, Brad Farrugia.

Major fire pump manufacturer, Australian Pump Industries, recommends having a ‘Livestock Fire Plan’ in place to maximise the likelihood of saving animals during an emergency or sudden bushfire.

These include: 1. Plan Ahead: It is wise to implement a summer cropping plan.

If possible, coordinate with neighbours to create a low risk area that can act as a firebreak.

This would ideally be a 20m wide cleared or ploughed perimeter that is clear of fuel, leaves, bark, branches, etc.

Identifying a ‘safe haven’ is also important.

It needs to be centrally located, easily accessible and strategically placed. Ensure there’s sufficient drinking water and an adequate amount of feed nearby as animals may need to remain in the area for long periods.

2. Accessibility: Accessibility on fire danger days is important.

Only perform tasks close to the house or vehicles.

Ensure tracks are maintained, accessible and that any cattle grids and bridges can take the weight of a fire truck.

3. Speed is of the essence: Moving stock on fire danger days may be necessary.

You may need to herd your stock closer together towards a dam or other water source.

Make your plans well ahead of time and let everyone know what they are responsible for.

4. Maintain machinery and minimise risk:

PREPARED: Jason Homan is planning ahead this bushfire season - he has invested in an Aussie Fire Chief to manage spot fires.

Keep farm machinery - tractors, slashers and harvesters - well maintained and free from grease build up.

Mechanical defects can cause sparks which can quickly develop into a fire.

A steam cleaner, like the Aussie Super Indy, is invaluable as it melts off grease and muck.

Machinery and vehicles should be equipped with a fire extinguisher.

If possible, turn off electric fences.

5. Sufficient firefighting equipment: Be prepared to put out spot fires and wet down danger areas.

Having a reliable fire pump that is capable of delivering sufficient water is essential.

A trailer or ute mounted fire pump and tank will provide a mobile option.

Aussie Pumps have been there for farmers in every season, but

are particularly useful when there is a real threat of bushfire.

“We developed the Aussie Fire Chief for Australian firefighting conditions and tough applications like this,” Mr Farrugia said.

“The ‘big belly’ design on the pump and massive impeller give flows of up to 450 litres per minute at pressure of up to 100 psi - that puts the water where it’s needed and fast.”

The Fire Chief is powered by a genuine Honda petrol engine and comes standard with heavy duty steel skids and anti-vibration mounts.

An optional one piece steel roll frame is available for extra stability in the field.

The Chief’s big brother, the Aussie Mr T, is a mighty twin impeller pump that develops pressures of up to 130psi and flows to 550 litres/minute.

It comes with either a Honda 9hp or 13hp petrol engine.

Aussie pumps also offers big

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Want your event added to the list?

Email rmccormack@nemedia.com.au z January 11 – 14, Wodonga The Angus Youth National Roundup The Angus Youth National Roundup is the premier event for young beef cattle enthusiasts within Australia.

The Angus National Roundup program includes a series of educational sessions and competitions, along with many fun activities.

The event is open to experienced and novice competitors alike, aged between 8 and 25 years, and cattle can be provided for those that cannot bring their own.

A huge range of prizes and scholarships are also awarded during the event.

For more information on entries, sponsorship, cattle information, roundup awards and the dinner dance, visit www. angusaustralia.com.au/angusyouth/ roundup/. z Open until February 5, Shepparton Funding grants available The Greater Shepparton City Council is offering funding for projects and events that will assist in promoting sustainability within the community. Grants of up to $2000 per initiative are available. Go to www.greatershepparton.com.au for details on how to apply. z February 27 - 28, Bendigo GRDC Grains Research Update 8:30am - 3:00pm The Grains Research Update will provide agronomists, consultants, researchers and growers with a forum to showcase innovative thinking and the latest research outcomes relevant to the local region. z March 6 – 7, Canberra ABARES Outlook conference Creating value in an increasingly connected world The ABARES Outlook conference is the agriculture sector’s premier information exchange and networking event, connecting leading national and international speakers with the public and private sector decision-makers. Check out the ABARES website for more details. z March 7 – 8, Benalla Course available Alpine Valleys Community Leadership is partnering with the Australian Institute of Company Directors to deliver another of the highly regarded Governance Foundations for Not for Profit Directors courses.

The course will be held in Benalla. Go to eventbrite.com.au to book your seat. z March 16 – 18, Mornington Peninsula Women on farm gathering The theme is “Beach, Hills, Culture, Forage and Farmgates” – with more than 350 women expected to gather to discuss all things agriculture. Go to the website of the same name for more details.

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“These diesel drive engines have proven popular with farmers as diesel fuel is considered safer than petrol due to its lower flash point,” Mr Farrugia said.

“The diesel option increases fire safety, lowers running costs and boosts overall reliability.”

Aussie Pump fire pumps are fast self-priming, and offer a vertical suction lift of up to 7.6 metres.

This enables the operator to draw water from wells, streams or dams when the water level is dropping.

“That’s a major feature and can be a matter of life or death, when a fire is on the move,” Mr Farrugia said.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 23

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SPRAYS AND SPRAYING

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SPRAYS AND SPRAYING

January 2018

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 25

FIRST: The first recorded case of aerial spraying using a bi-plane was in the early 1900s, when two Americans dusted their crop with pesticide.

Helicopter spraying – agriculture’s most effective tool

AIRBORNE: Stuart Hall runs SGE Helicopters, specialists in aerial spraying.

From PNG to Barnawartha - Stuart Hall has flown it all

FOR seven years, Stuart Hall flew in the wilds of Papua New Guinea.

Slinging machinery from his helicopter, Stuart was charged with getting largescale mining equipment in – and out – of remote locations.

Working with the police and military in PNG, flying in dangerous terrain became second nature to Stewart.

“I spent seven years flying overseas, but I wanted to come back to Australia to raise my family,” Stuart said.

“It was an amazing flying experience, but I didn’t want to be away from home any longer.”

Having been raised on a farm himself, Stuart settled his family out of Barna-

wartha – and naturally decided to open his own aerial spraying business.

“I’ve always loved being in the air, always loved the challenge of flying,” Stuart said.

“Before heading overseas, I flew choppers in Queensland on stations, and also in ag services across the eastern states – and having been brought up on a farm, I knew the industry well – so it made sense that I would come home and open an aerial spraying business.”

SGE Helicopters is now a family run operation – the SGE represents the names of the Hall family and their children – and the entire team pride themselves on offering friendly, safe and

reliable service, backed by years of flying experience.

“Given the ever-changing soil conditions you can find in paddocks, helicopters represent an easy and effective way to target farmland for fertiliser application and weed spraying,” Stuart said.

“I have an agriculture background, so understand that paddocks can be too wet to drive on, or that the nature of time-sensitive applications can be imperative to a crop’s yield and, therefore, the farmer’s livelihood.

“My aim is to effectively and efficiently cover more ground in less time with no damage to the fields, the surrounding farmland or any nearby crops.”

Interestingly, Stuart said

application prices started from as low as $27 per hectare – which, considering the precision application, represented a cheap way to cover difficult terrain.

“It’s surprisingly cost effective, when you consider how much time is saved,” he said “A helicopter will go where a plane can’t; and if a farmer tried to cover those same areas they would potentially have to do it with a backpack sprayer, or an ATV – which is not only slow, it exposes the farmer to the chemicals being used.”

Stuart’s ex-Canadian air force Bell OH-58 helicopter can carry up to 400 litres of spray/fertiliser – meaning he can spend more time in the

air, and less time re-loading.

“It’s a great machine for the job – agile, but tough – and very reliable,” Stuart said.

“The Bell, like most helicopters, is able to fly low to the ground, which causes a downdraft of the rotor blades, pushing the chemicals onto and between crops, reducing the risk of drift and improving the success of the application.

“It’s another advantage of using a helicopter in an ag setting.”

Right now, SGE Helicopters are busy spraying for blackberries, burrs and St John’s Wort.

SGE Helicopters also offer aerial spraying services and animal control services.

Family business making a farming difference HUGH Acton-Adams grew up in New Zealand, working on the family sheep farm.

Based in steep country with dense vegetation, Mr Acton-Adams senior was a firm believer in aerial application, utilising the mobility of a helicopter to control weed infestation on the family property.

From the outset, young Hugh was exposed to helicopters and the advantages that came from using them in an agricultural setting.

Moving to Australia, he began work as a ground crew member; driving the helicopter support vehicle across NSW and Victoria.

“I’ve always been around helicopters and we used them on the family property, two of my uncles were pilots and my first job was loading them with fuel and chemicals,” Hugh said.

“It was a natural progression for me to sit for my licence and I’ve been solely in the ag spraying industry since then, almost 15 years now.”

Initially working in aerial

GETTING THE JOB DONE: Rotor Solutions offer a helicopter spraying service.

farm spraying, then gaining some more diverse experience in forestry work, Hugh has spent time flying in Victoria, NSW and Tasmania before settling down with his family in Albury.

Ten years ago, Hugh and his wife Monique began Ro-

tor Solutions.

“We wanted to be able to run our own business, to provide the customer service and quality job that we would expect ourselves.”

Now, Hugh acts as chief pilot, while Monique runs the business side of things.

Hugh’s helicopter experience and passion for what he does, combined with Monique’s business knowledge and commitment to customer service, make for a great team.

Rotor Solutions has two helicopters in their fleet, a

Bell 206Biii Jetranger and the larger Airbus AS350.

Both have been chosen for their ability to get the job done quickly, safely and with minimum fuss.

The Jetranger is known for its workhorse ability and ability to carry four passengers as well as up to 400LT loads of spray and fertiliser.

While the AS350 can lift a larger 600LT load of spray and can seat up to six passengers.

Rotor Solutions prides themselves on their meticulously maintained aircraft and upkeep of the equipment they operate with.

“Customer and staff safety is our number one priority, while ensuring the most precision application possible,” Hugh said.

“Aerial ag spraying can seem daunting for farmers due to a misconception of outrageous cost.

“However, the time saved by using the helicopter, combined with minimal waste and precision application, the results speak for themselves.”

AIR spraying has been around for more than 100 years – the first recorded case was in 1906, when a New Zealand farmer spread seed from his hot-air balloon.

Just seven years later and two Americans used a bi-plane to dust crops – the first known aerial application using a powered motor.

Fast forward 100 years and aerial spraying is common-place across Australia – with some 20 per cent of all crop applications applied from the sky.

The use of helicopter specific spraying in the North East is becoming more popular, as farmers consider the benefits of mobility and precision over the traditional use of fixed wing aeroplane applications.

While all aerial spraying aircraft need to be able to perform efficiently at slow speeds, it has only been in the last few decades that helicopters have earned their place in the sky.

Both types of aircraft – helicopter and fixed wing - have advantages and disadvantages.

Typically, fixed wing crop application is cheaper – this is due largely to the aircraft being cheaper to buy and maintain.

In comparison, helicopter application comes with a heftier price tag; but application is possible in areas that are just not accessible in a fixed wing aircraft.

Helicopters are able to land almost anywhere, making application re-loads faster and cheaper, and meaning the pilot is able to spend more time in the air.

Helicopters typically work better in areas that are heavily treed - thanks to their mobility, and are able to dodge power lines, hills and other difficult terrain.

Unlike a fixed wing, the rotor wash from a helicopter helps spread chemicals on the underside of the plants where bugs, fungus and the other pests are located.

For large crop applications across open terrain that offers a nearby airstrip, a traditional fixed wing plane is hard to beat.

But in areas like the North East, where farmers face hilly country and dense vegetation, helicopters are not only practical, they are often more economical in the long run.

Page 26, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

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January 2018

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 27

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Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (Cushingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disease) in Horses TUESDAY "KING VALLEY RUN"

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Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses occurs due to dysfunction of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland which are located at the base of the brain. Due to this dysfunction an imbalance of three hormones (ACTH, dopamine and cortisol) occur and cause multiple changes throughout the body responsible for the clinical presentation of PPID. The prevalence of PPID in horses over the age of 18 is very high.

What are the Clinical Signs of PPID? The clinical signs associated with cushingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are many and varied and no two cases will present in exactly the same way. Perhaps the most obvious changes are the physical manifestations of the disease. Horses with cushingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often develop a long hairy or abnormally curly hair coat which may not

shed or does so irregularly. Other changes in appearance can include abnormal depositions of fat around the body particularly above the eye or around the abdomen (which can give the animal a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pot belliedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; appearance.) Despite this, overall condition of the horse may decrease and a poorly developed topline and weightloss is common.

Horses or ponies with crushingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s may experience repeat episodes of laminitis or founder and are often more predisposed to developing infections (for example of the respiratory tract or sinuses.)

Their demeanour may be sluggish or lethargic and there may be a decrease in performance abilities.

Despite all these changes appetite remains intact and often increases along with an

excessive water intake and an increase in urination and sweating.

What happens if my horse or pony has Cushings?

Cushingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease is readily diagnosed by a blood test looking for abnormalities in levels of the hormone ACTH. Once a diagnosis is confirmed treatment is commenced with either a liquid formulation or a small tablet that can be added to a horses feed and the results can be quite remarkable.

If you are considering getting your horse tested for cushingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now is a good time to do so as many clinics (including Warby Street Veterinary Hospital and Wangaratta Equine Hospital) will be offering special prices during the months of May and June.

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Page 28, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

NEWS

January 2018