NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1984
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
APRIL, 2015
$1 at newsagents PAGES 18-20
Wodonga Beef Breeds Sale
PAGE 9
Productive Pastures
PAGES 12-16
Tallangatta Expo
Senate dices meat business Committee to examine the effect of market consolidation in red meat processing sector
EARLY YIELD: Stanley chestnut growers Dave and Helen McIntyre are early into harvest this season. Dave said at the end of March that they had picked and graded 2.5 tonnes of nuts from their ‘in-conversion’ organic orchard east of Stanley. They produce nine varieties, including ‘de Coppi Marone’, ‘April Gold’, ‘Bouche de Bétizac’, ‘Colossal’, ‘MP1’ and ‘Red Spanish’. At this stage of the season they usually have only harvested about 1.25 tonnes using their Tonutti vacuum harvester behind a Ferrari RS 75 tractor. “Everything’s earlier this year,” said Dave. Nuts from the McIntyres’ ‘Garden in the Forest’ orchard are traditionally sold in the major wholesale market but this season includes the launch of a new website for the McIntyre orchard with on-line sales capacity. The McIntyres will achieve full certification from the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia this year. They expect to produce between 11 and 15 tonnes of chestnuts this season. PHOTO: Jamie Kronborg
THE growing disparity between the farm-gate price of beef and the retail price has been referred to in a Senate inquiry after a motion successfully put by Nationals’ Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie. The move – following intensive lobbying by the Victorian Farmers’ Federation (VFF) and the NSW Farmers’ Federation (NSW Farmers) – authorises the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee to investigate the effect of market consolidation in the red meat processing sector. It was made in response to the alleged buyer boycott of the new Northern Victorian Livestock Exchange at Barnawartha, angering local producers about the ever-increasing market power of meat processors. According to Senator McKenzie, many local producers have been too afraid to speak out about what is happening in their sector through fear of reprisals from processors. “This inquiry will provide an open forum where we can have the discussion, where all
the issues can be thoroughly investigated and both producers and processors can have their say,” Senator McKenzie said. “We currently have a situation where processors and supermarkets continue to receive record prices for local beef, yet the producers’ returns are diminishing – this needs to be thoroughly looked at.” Australia’s largest farm lobby groups, the VFF and NSW Farmers, have been asking the Senate to fast-track the inquiry following Treasurer Joe Hockey’s decision to approve a takeover of Primo smallgoods by Brazilian agri-giant JBS for $1.45 billion. VFF livestock president Ian Feldtmann said that farmers were losing out as global meat processing giants take control of an ever-greater share of the industry. “The price gap is widening,” he said. “You only have to look at the massive growth in processor margins versus the almost stagnant pricing we face in the saleyards.”
Continued page 4
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NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
Covering North East Victoria, Southern New South Wales and Goulburn Murray Valleys 37 Rowan St., Wangaratta, 3677 Phone (03) 5723 0100 Fax (03) 5721 9447
Jodie Fleming Phone (03) 5723 0129 Fax (03) 5722 9778 jfleming@nemedia.com.au
Pre-Press Coordinator
Noelene Allan Phone (03) 5723 0110 Fax (03) 5722 9778 nallan@nemedia.com.au
Jodie FLEMING Editorial
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Noelene ALLAN
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DEADLINES: Please contact the NE Farmer office
APRIL: March 26-April 8: Sydney Royal Easter Show; 14-15: Victorian Pig Fair, Bendigo; 23: Tallangatta Farm and Water Expo. MAY: 3: Strong Wool Sheep and Wool Fair, Benalla; 22-23: Mildura Horticultural Field Days, Mildura For more information visit www.vicagshows.com.au or www.countryshows.com.au. Australia’s national beef exposition is one of the world’s great beef cattle events and is held once every three years as a celebration of all facets of the Australian beef industry. It will facilitate new trade and export opportunities by exposing the local supply chain to the international industry leaders. The expo will feature more than 4500 cattle from more than 30 breeds, a trade fair promoting more than 500 businesses, a conference, seminars and property tours to deliver new research information to producers and there will be restaurants and cooking demonstrations for visitors to appreciate
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the quality and flavor of Australian beef. For more information phone (07) 4922 2989. *TICKETS are now on sale for the inaugural AgriVictoria – State of Opportunity summit on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne. The summit will explore vital domestic and international connections, new innovations and provide real business solutions for Victorian farmers, producers and industry professionals from across food and fibre value chains. AgriVictoria is being delivered in collaboration with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, Victorian Farmers Federation, ANZ, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Victorian Agribusiness Council and the Global Foundation. The summit will be followed by Victoria’s
premier agricultural event, Agriculter: The Heard of Victoria dinner which will be held at Central Pier, Docklands. For more information contact Sheryn Cooper on 0438 953 732. *APPLICATIONS are now open to enter this year’s 12th annual Henty Natural Fibre Fashion Awards. The competition is free and open to all designers, however the fabric in the garment must be at least 70 per cent natural fibre such as wool, cotton, alpaca, silk, linen or combinations. This year’s entries will be paraded in the Country Lifestyle marquee at the Henty Machinery Field Days on September 22 to 25 at 1pm each day. The winner will be announced on the final day of the Field Days, with the winner receiving $2000, with $500 awarded to each of the winners of the best knitted or
*THIS year’s Deniliquin Ute Muster will be held on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, 2015 with an all-Australian lineup of artists to take place centre stage. Birds of Tokyo, Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand, The McClymonts, Morgan Evans, Sunny Cowgirls, The Wolfe Brothers, Adam Eckersley Band and The Pigs are now confirmed as some of the entertainment for the iconic event. For more information visit www.deniutemuster. com.au.
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*BEEF Australia 2015 will be held on Monday, May 4 to Saturday, May 9 in Rockhampton, Queensland.
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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 ial content of this issue is the d and cannot be used us without copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd the company’s permission.
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*THE third Murmungee Giant Pumpkin Competition and Harvest Festival is on Saturday, April 18 starting at 10am at the BowmansMurmungee Hall, Murmungee. Pumpkins entering the competition need to be delivered by 9am with weigh in at 10am. The judging will be done in two age groups under 13s and adults. There will be plenty of children’s activities, competitions and food galore. For more information visit www.facebook.com/ GiantPumpkin Competition.
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*THE Victorian Farmers Federation is running policy forums around the state to discuss local issues and seek member feedback on its White Paper on tax reform. Thursday, April 16, 4.30pm-9.30pm, Ararat Tuesday, April 21, Dinner, Swan Hill Wednesday, April 22, Dinner, Mildura Tuesday, April 28, 4.30pm-9.30pm, Yarra Valley Wednesday, May 6, 7pm, Bairnsdale Wednesday, May 13, 7pm, Leongatha For more information visit www.vff.org.au/ taxreform.
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Page 4, North East Farmer
Senate inquiry to take place
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NSW Farmers’ cattle committee chairman Derek Schoen said the Federal Government and competition watchdog seemed either to be powerless or unwilling to block larger processors’ creeping acquisitions of smaller players. The JBS takeover of Primo, which the Treasurer approved, is an example of a major meat processor consuming yet another small competitor. “We’re now at the stage where the Brazilian meat processing giant JBS and the joint-venture operation between US agri-giant Cargill and Teys (Australian) control half the meat processing in Australia,â€? Mr Schoen said. “If we don’t act now, we’ll wake up one day to ďŹ nd these creeping acquisitions have left us with a couple of meat processors dominating the red-meat market and running regional monopolies.â€? Both the VFF and NSW Farmers have put together draft terms of reference for the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee. At a recent meeting hosted by Wangaratta’s branch of the VFF the terms of reference were discussed at great length. Meat and Livestock Australia’s chief executive Richard Norton spoke about the current state of the beef industry, referring to higher global demand, shortage of processor capacity and a ďŹ nite supply in Australia affected by drought conditions in Northern Australia.
What the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee will investigate: the potential for misuse of market power through buyer collusion and the resultant impact on producer returns; the impact of the red meat processor consolidation on market competition, creation of regional monopolies and returns to farm gate; the existing selling structures and processes at saleyards; particularly pre and post-sale weighing, as well as direct sales and online auctions, and whether they remain relevant, the regulatory environment covering livestock, livestock agents, buyers and meat processors; and any related matter.
VFF branch president Greg Mirabella pointed out that it was precisely these factors which bear scrutiny. “At the heart of this matter is the disparity of growth rates in revenues between farmers and processors,� Mr Mirabella said. “By most measures, revenue increases to beef producers over
the last decade have been negligible, while returns to processors and meat sellers have increased markedly. “If global demand is high, supply is ďŹ nite and processing capacity is inadequate, basic economics say that prices should be driven even higher. “Well, so they are, but it’s only
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owing as far as processors and meat retailers. “It follows therefore that the market mechanism is not operating properly. “There is clearly some dampening mechanism at work.â€? Mr Mirabella said that about 70 per cent of beef nationally was sold direct by farmers to processors and about 30 per cent through the saleyard system. “The big players operate in both systems, and use saleyard prices for a benchmark for buying direct – an iterative process,â€? he said. “Given business takeovers and less processors, this state of affairs makes possible the manipulation of the saleyard system to keep prices lower. “This is the most fundamental question the Senate inquiry must investigate.â€? Local beef producer Bob Andrews tabled a series of calculations demonstrating an indicative margin on a beef carcase to a supermarket. According to Mr Andrews, a supermarket should be realising an operating margin of about $1200 per head on about $3000 worth of retail sales. “This is a 40 per cent margin – a long way from the few per cent proďŹ t claimed by a supermarket,â€? Mr Andrews said. Submissions to the inquiry should be received by May 15 and the reporting date will be August 12. To make a submission call the VFF hotline 1300 882 833.
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PARLIAMENTARY secretary to the Minister for Agriculture Richard Colbeck has welcomed the announcement of a $1.5 million bushfire prevention trial that will help reduce the impact of bushfires in Australia. The mechanical fuel reduction trial was announced by Prime Minister Tony Abbot at the recent Forest Industry Gala Dinner at Parliament House. “We are allocating funds for this trial as part of our $15 million national Bushfire Mitigation Program, which aims to implement long-term bushfire mitigation strategies and better fuel reduction programs,� Senator Colbeck said. “The trail will examine the effectiveness of mechanical fuel removal
in forests that are close to town or where conservation values could be compromised by fuel reduction burning.� Senator Colbeck said mechanical fuel reduction is a relatively new concept in Australia despite being widely adopted in the United States and Canada. “There are a number of benefits from this practice as an alternative to controlled burning, including community concerns over air quality, not being limited by weather conditions and managing fuel loads that are close to built-up areas,� he said. The trial will be run over three years and coordinated by forestry agencies around Australia and the Australian Forest Products Association.
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NEWS
April 2015
North East Farmer, Page 5
Paddocks prepared and ready for sowing Stored wheat heading out the farm gate for a little less MURRAY GILBY, with wife
Denise and son Colin, farm a 700 hectare cropping property at Kotupna, 30 kilometres east of Echuca. The farming enterprise includes cropping canola, barley and wheat, along with an agricultural contracting business, supplying customers with all their cropping needs.
wise is in now in readiness for sowing, but there is still a little maintenance to be done on some of the machinery. We will now pull the air seeder up to the workshop and give it the once over. This will involve replacing most of the delivery hoses, cleaning the
towers of fertiliser build up, checking the bearings and all of the little odd jobs that will crop up. Seed grading the grain we have kept on-farm and it has now been completed, but we still have some barley and faba bean seed to be picked up after Easter.
Victoria wins bid for international nitrogen conference research and development at the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources Greg Harper said that between 500 and 600 delegates will concentrate on developing practical management strategies that increase agricultural production while reducing ecosystem impacts. “We are proud to be supporting this important conference as it provides an international platform to showcase our research and extension activities. “We have world-class research groups studying nitrogen dynamics, efficiency and emissions for a range of agricultural industries and at a range of scales. “Importantly, the strong links the department has with industry for all our major agricultural sectors will ensure efficient nitrogen use will be delivered to farmers, with important economic and environmental benefits to the entire Victorian community,� Mr Harper said. The University of Melbourne, International Plant Nutrition Institute and Soil Science Australia are also partners in the event.
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MELBOURNE will host the 2016 prestigious International Nitrogen Initiative Conference. The conference, which has previously been held in the Netherlands, US, China, Brazil, India and Uganda, will focus on managing nitrogen in increasing world food production, with a smaller environmental footprint. Senior research scientist at Ellinbank and conference secretary Cameron Gourley said the invitation to submit a bid to host the conference was recognition of Australia’s leadership and track record in this field. “Australian agriculture has rapidly increased the use of nitrogen fertiliser since the 1990s, and now uses around one million tonnes of nitrogen fertiliser every year, but this is only one per cent of the nitrogen fertiliser used globally. “A 10 per cent increase in nitrogen fertiliser efficiency will save Victorian grain producers $17 million per year, while a three per cent increase in nitrogen efficiency would be valued at $24,000 per dairy farm and $9.6 million for Victoria a year,� Dr Gourley said. Executive director of agricultural
Fertiliser has now been delivered and once all the above is completed, we should be right to start sowing in mid-April. I have delivered about 50 per cent of the harvested safower to Rutherglen, while the wheat in storage has slowly been making its way out of the farm gate. The price has eased back a little to be about what harvest prices were, but I guess the difference is that we are now being paid for delivering it,
whereas at harvest, we would have had to pay to have it transported. Having our own weighbridge has certainly made life a little easier when I am delivering to certain areas. An added benefit is that it can be available seven days a week – not that I am encouraging weekend deliveries - but it has happened a couple of times and I have been able to oblige. Easter was spent with family at Barnawartha and even though the weather hasn’t spelt out football, the local competition started on the last weekend of March. A couple of home games to start the season have seen all hands on deck and a good social start to the season 2015.
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WE have ďŹ nally ďŹ nished disc chaining most of our paddocks and have used the grader board on about 160 hectares of ground that was worked up with offset discs to control heavy hogweed issues. The disc chain has also covered quite a few other paddocks for neighboring growers around the district. The headers are still to be cleaned following harvesting the safower, but we would like to think that this can be completed before we start sowing. Everything paddock
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Page 6, North East Farmer
April 2015
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MANY agricultural industry groups, leaders and advocates have welcomed the new prescribed food and grocery code of conduct however, they are not convinced that the voluntary sign up will go far enough to protect suppliers. The prescribed code - Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes – Food and Grocery) Regulation 2015 - which has been developed by
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Agricultural stakeholders hope for a fairer relationship across grocery supply chain major retailers, Coles and Woolworths, and the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) aims to build and sustain trust and cooperation throughout the grocery supply chain, ensure transparency in commercial transactions and promote and support good faith in commercial dealings between retailers, wholesalers and suppliers. According to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chairman Rod Sims, Woolworths has one of the highest profit margins of any large supermarket chain in the world, and now armed with the new code of conduct, the ACCC will be closely monitoring the market through audits and demand documents that have been prepared with the support of both Woolworths and Coles. Mr Sims said that the two big chains have become too powerful and a duopoly has formed over
the past few decades, despite the success of German discount chain Aldi that has now started to make a difference in terms of market share. The chief executive officer of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Simon Talbot cautiously welcomed the code of conduct and said the “proof of this pudding will be in the eating”. “We will be monitoring how the initiative will work in practice. “The key issue for farmers is ensuring that there is transparency and equity right across the agricultural supply chain from saleyards to supermarkets. “The development of this code is one component in addressing these concerns. “Another is the government’s review of competition legislation (the Harper Review), where the farm sector has outlined its views on misuse of market power and anti-competitive behavior
across the supply chain,” he said. Mr Talbot added that to be effective the code must include a commitment from all major retailers and the NFF looks forward to the code’s review in three years. “Clearly, if a voluntary prescribed code is going to work, it needs to have support from across the retail sector, and we hope that support will be forthcoming. “If that review finds that there are some concerns, or if it is not working as it is expected, the NFF will be demanding that a mandatory code be put in place. “We support a review that will look at the need for additional measures such as including civil penalties and other improvements to ensure that the code is meeting its objective of improving standards of business conduct in the food and grocery sector. Continued page 7
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NEWS
April 2015
North East Farmer, Page 7
conduct pudding will be in the eating From page 6
tion to act in good faith and a prohibition against threatening suppliers with business disruption or termination without reasonable grounds and dispute resolution mechanisms to help suppliers in resolving disputes,” Dr Stone said. NSW Farmers has also welcomed the introduction of the code, but also cautioned that more work is still needed to ensure agricultural markets work competitively to distribute value back to the farm gate. NSW Farmers’ spokesperson and dairy producer Rob McIntosh said he welcomed the key role the ACCC will have in enforcing the code on supermarkets and wholesalers, but the lobby group’s ongoing concerns mean it still believes a mandatory code should be adopted in Australia. “Important protections include limits on participating supermarkets’ ability to change contracts with suppliers and a duty to act in good faith which should help balance disparity in market power,” he said. But NSW Farmers is disappointed that modern compliance tools were not incorporated within
the code, however, it also looks forward to the threeyear review required by the code. Mr McIntosh said it was imperative the distortions created in agricultural markets was managed to ensure the market operated for the benefit of the Australian economy. “The new code needs our attention particularly the proportion of the sector that subjects itself to the code, the impact of the duties and the ability of the ACCC to monitor and enforce compliance. “The ACCC needs a specialist agricultural advisory unit to ensure it understands the complexities of agricultural markets. “In the long term, we encourage the Competition Policy Review Panel and the Federal Government to adopt important reforms to competition policy proposed by the National Farmers’ Federation,” he said. Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) welcomed the announcement with ADF president Noel Campbell stating that it is a positive first step toward addressing the imbalance of market power between retailers and suppliers.
Mr Campbell said he was pleased that many aspects of the draft Mandatory Code of Conduct, which was developed in 2011 by the ADF together with Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation, had been adopted. “The prescribed code of conduct is not perfect, but it does address several key imbalances with regards to major retailer power over suppliers,” Mr Campbell said. “We will be watching the implementation of this code carefully over the next three years, with a view to seek the strengthening of regulations if necessary. “We will continue to work with the government to strengthen competition policy through submissions to the Harper Review of Competition Law and Policy, discussions on the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, as well as the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.” The ADF has long advocated for a Code of Conduct to foster a fairer supply sector and thanked the government for working persistently with retailers to achieve the code.
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“The NFF will continue to work with the relevant stakeholders to make this happen. “The government has made a start on fixing the issues in the supply chain, but the work is not done yet,” Mr Talbot said. Sharman Stone (MHR, Murray) said that although the code does not override the existing Competition and Consumer laws, it should improve the transparency of commercial dealings in the sector. “Australian suppliers need fairer play to be profitable at the farm gate. “This should help prevent instances of unconscionable conduct, and enhance the ACCC’s capacity to take action against misleading or deceptive conduct and misuse of market power. “The code should stop the bullying some of the large retailers have been prosecuted for. “The code applies to retailers and wholesalers and covers a number of supply chain features such as an obligation to enter into grocery supply agreements in writing, minimum standards of behavior in dealings with suppliers, an obliga-
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Page 8, North East Farmer
April 2015
On-farm injuries costing the industry millions
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INJURIES sustained in the farm sector over a four-year period have cost the industry more than $300 million. An analysis of injuries in the farm sector conducted by the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety and commissioned by Primary Industries Health and Safety Partnership (PIHSP) shows an incredible 193,632 working weeks were lost across the cotton, grain, mixed farming, sugar, marine and aquaculture industries over a time frame of four years. Data was drawn from coronial information, workers compensation data and self-reported near-miss incidents from 2008 to 2009 and 2011 to 2012. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety researcher Tony Lower said that while there had been signiďŹ cant improvements in
workplace health and safety (WHS) in primary production over the past 20 years, there is still a lot of work to be done. “On average, there were almost 50,000 weeks of work lost each year across the included industries. This means about 930 people were off work due to injury every week,â€? he said. “It’s important to remember that workers compensation data signiďŹ cantly underestimates the burden of injuries – in fact probably only 50 per cent to 60 per cent of the true cost – due to people who don’t report incidents or make a claim. “On top of that, it doesn’t capture any injuries to non-workers like children or visitors to a farm or boat.â€? Mr Lower said the analysis indicates that the ďŹ ve leading types of injuries consistently accounted for approximately 75 per cent of
all claims, illustrating the importance of developing and targeting cost-effective approaches to assist farmers and ďŹ shers in addressing these core issues. “As always, quad bikes and vehicles featured consistently as a danger across land-based industries,â€? Mr Lower said. “Being able to go to work and come home to family and friends in a safe and injury-free capacity is an ideal that everyone supports. “This research pinpoints the major risks in each of the sectors, which will help businesses in preparing their own WHS action plans and more generally ensure that pro-active strategies are put in place to manage and control those risks. “This will lead to a genuinely safer workplace,â€? he said. For more information visit www. rirdc.gov.au/PIHSP.
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WODONGA BEEF BREEDS SALE
April 2015
Wodonga’s multibreed bull sale set to be strong According to sale organiser John Atkins who runs the event in conjunction with Corcoran Parker, there is still a need for this type of sale as it caters for the smaller breeders who may not have large enough enterprises to host their own on-farm sales. “We get really good coverage from those smaller breeders that don’t have the numbers or the proďŹ le to have their own farm sale,â€? he said. “We have had a few vendors come back in again this year on the back of a successful year last year. “People do travel to the sale as vendors, agents and buyers as
it is the largest, multibreed bull sale in the southern part of NSW and Victoria.� In its heyday in the 80s, the bull sale had about 800 bulls to sell, but with many breeders now having enough stock to run their own on-farm sales, those numbers are no longer a reality. During this time, Herefords were the prominent breed – the mantle now taken over by Angus, which is nearly half this year’s catalogue. “The type of breed that is popular goes in cycles and runs a bit with the industry,� Mr Atkins said. “Bull numbers have really
TwoTrees Charolais Stud will be offering 2 Charolais bulls sired by LT Easyblend at the Wodonga Beef Breeds
BULL SALE on 24.4.15
crept up over the years and they are sold at a reasonable price. “We are hoping for a good sale as everything indicates that it should be if you look at the physical market and the outlook for beef, which is strong around the world. “This sale is really for those who don’t attend the on-farm property sales. “They can come to this sale and pick up some good blood lines from smaller breeders. “Our sale has really launched a lot of well-known studs, like Rangan Charolais,� he said. For more information contact John Atkins on 0428 690 267.
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AFTER what has been rated as the best Beef Week yet, the dates for next year’s event have been set. Beef Week 2016 will run from Wednesday, January 27 to Thursday, February 4. According to Beef Week director Geoff Phillips, announcing the dates early gives participating studs the opportunity to consider their sale dates and make arrangements for their 2016 bull selling program. “This year we had many visitors travelling through all the days, which indicates the importance of the event,â€? Mr Phillips said. “We had reports of outstanding bull sales during Beef Week, but we estimate another 4000 bulls were on display to be sold at the autumn bull sales, which are now in full swing.â€? Beef Week 2016 marks 25 years since the event began, with 50 studs having taken part in 1992. Today, the event now has 200 studs participating, with most using it as their major marketing exercise. The event will open on January 27, 2016 in the north-east Riverina then move to the south-east Riverina the following day and then cross the Murray for day three in North East Victoria. Days four and ďŹ ve will be in Melbourne and the surrounding area, before heading off to East Gippsland for day six on February 1. The event then heads over to the busy two days in the Western District, ďŹ nishing up on Day nine on February 4 covering the Goulburn Valley and the western Riverina. The RASV Beef Week Heifer Challenge, which involves the judging of pens of 10 registered
t/12d12977/15-15
WITH a strong outlook for the beef industry, the organisers of Wodonga’s premier multibreed bull sale are expecting good results for this year’s 37th annual sale. This year’s Wodonga Beef Breeds Sale will be held on Friday, April 24, starting at 11am at the new saleyards at Barnarwartha, with approximately 26 vendors bringing along their bulls to sell. A number of breeds will be featured including 55 Angus bulls (three red), 23 Limousins (black and red), 14 Charolais, 11 Simmental (black and red) and four Poll Herefords.
North East Farmer, Page 9
NEWS
Page 10, North East Farmer
April 2015
Tradition of grazing lost after bill passed
STANDING PROUD: Mountain cattlemen and women stand proud despite their disappointment that cattle grazing in the alpine region has been dumped.
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VICTORIAN mountain cattlemen, together with the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) are devastated that the Labor government has dumped alpine grazing after the National Parks Amendment (Prohibiting Cattle Grazing) Bill 2015 was recently passed in the Victorian parliament. The bill amends the National Parks Act 1975 and not only bans grazing in the Alpine National Park but also in the River Red Gum National Park. Bobinawarrah farrier Neville Wright, a member of the Alpine Advisory Committee, slammed the decision accusing the government of chasing votes rather than taking into consideration scientific evidence and practical experience from people who have lived and worked in the areas for generations. “It’s all about gaining Green votes in Melbourne,” Mr Wright said. “They know they will never get more than a few votes up here so they don’t worry about what the locals think. “They just seem to be locking up more land each year.” He added that an extension of the ban into other areas was also a concern. “It could have ramifications for grazing in other national parks, which is a real worry with the River Red Gums. “If they get a fire in that river country it will just go up.” Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) executive director Matt Ruchel enthusiastically welcomed the legislation and said that cattle grazing is not appropriate in national parks as they are parks and not paddocks. “Attempts by the former Baillieu and then Napthine governments to get cattle grazing trials up in the Alpine National Park in 2010, 2011 and 2014 lacked scientific merit.
“They were fundamentally an attempt to turn back the clock on park management. “Hundreds of scientific studies going back many decades have proved beyond any doubt that cattle grazing damages our water catchments, spreads weeds and brings some species close to extinction,” Mr Ruchel said. According to Mr Ruchel cattle grazing in alpine areas is more extensively studied than any other land management issue in Victoria. “Now that the cattle have gone it is time to focus on the resources and expertise needed to protect Victoria’s remarkable Alpine National Park and our other national parks well into the future,” he said. W h i l e t h e V N PA praised legislation ending cattle grazing, the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria (MCAV) is declaring that the decision makes no sense. Merrijig cattleman and president of the MCAV Charlie Lovick said that it is not the cattle that are ruining the alpine environment but the poor management by successive governments, which has seen feral animals and plants run wild. “Alpine cattle grazing has become a political fight that has gone beyond all reasonable sense, while the thousands of deer munch on happily, what hypocrisy,” Mr Lovick said. “At a political level, it is obvious that the mountain cattlemen have been a thorn in Labor’s side since the Nunawading by-election in 1985. “As a result, the government has decided to bury them. “For more than 30 years the cattlemen have kept promoting the value of alpine grazing and the value of their culture and heritage to Australia, and yet Labor has been deter-
mined to destroy both. “It is political payback, writ large,” he said. Mr Lovick believes the Andrews Government is hiding behind the “science”. “They are misrepresenting what the science actually says because only a very small amount of scientific work on the relationship between alpine grazing and fuel has been completed. “What has been looked at was carried out in a very small area of the huge Alpine National Park and is far from complete. “The downside and long-term ramifications of this legislation are profound,” Mr Lovick said. He pointed out that throughout the world, cattle grazing is used by authorities in alpine areas and national parks to manage the land. Overseas low land farmers move their cattle to the higher areas in summer, with their culture and heritage protected by law and celebrated. The VFF has expressed deep concerns with the Labor government’s permanent dumping of alpine grazing. VFF Omeo branch president Simon Turner said in December last year the lobby group called on the newly elected government to at least consult with mountain cattlemen before rushing into a “hasty decision”. “We knew the Labor party were calling for a ban, but by making this law, it means grazing will be lost from the high country forever. “Cattle grazing in the high country of Victoria is a 200-year tradition that was almost lost with a ban in 2005. “It looks like we are going back down this path. “It’s disappointing that not only the trial has ended, but a mountain cattlemen tradition is at stake,” Mr Turner said.
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Page 12, North East Farmer
PASTURE & FERTILISER
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April 2015
FLANIGAN CONTRACTING
WE’VE all seen the television shows, read the news reports, or heard the stories. Some lucky person buys a painting at a rummage sale that turns out to be a lost work by an old world master, and his pocket change purchase ends up netting millions in a private sale at Sotheby’s. Or someone else ďŹ nds out the ugly piece of furniture her dotty aunt left her is actually a rare specimen and it sells for hundreds of thousands at a collector’s auction. These stories of hidden riches send us to our garages and attics, searching for value among our everyday surroundings. While you might not have a Rembrandt in the barn, take a closer look
at your ďŹ elds when you start searching for hidden value. Why there? Because, according to K-Line Agriculture’s marketing coordinator Olivia Truswell, even after the crops are harvested, you may be leaving untapped wealth behind. “Think about it as a series of steps. “A harvest is only as good as the crop, a crop is only as good as the seed, a seed is only as good as the start it gets from the soil and the soil is only as good as the nutrients and matrix that comprise its proďŹ le. “Building a valuable soil proďŹ le is the cornerstone to harvesting a good crop, and utilising crop residues and stubbles as a
way to improve your soils helps you reap rewards in many seasons to come,� Ms Truswell said. Ms Truswell said that using the K-Line SpeedtillerŽ, you can integrate your stubble back into the soil matrix, unlocking macro-and micronutrients that help save you input costs while simultaneously building soil quality. “How do you monetise the value of these residues to your farming operation? “Macronutrients with known economic values are a good place to start. “Soil additives like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (potash) are the inputs most commonly purchased on the open market as inorganic fertilisers.
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STAY INFORMED .Z XFCTJUF XXX DBUIZNDHPXBO DPN BV JT B HSFBU place to find out what’s happening. You’ll find: t 1BSMJBNFOUBSZ TQFFDIFT t )PX * WPUF t 7PMVOUFFSJOH t BOE FWFOUT 7JEFPT You can: -JLF $BUIZ .D(PXBO'PS *OEJ 'BDFCPPL QBHF 4IBSF QPTUT XJUI ZPVS 'BDFCPPL DPNNVOJUZ Comment on issues Get the Indi Weekly Scoop for the weekly update, contact simon.crase@aph.gov.au. You can also subscribe to the Scoop via RSS feed at Cathy’s website.
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“By understanding which of those macronutrients are found in your crop stubbles and utilised by subsequent crops in your rotations, you can use market values to determine savings values,â€? she said. Ms Truswell added that plants that are known nitrogen ďŹ xers (meaning they lock nitrogen into the soil during their growth and respiration cycles) create stubbles that are also higher in nitrogen. N-fixers include forage crops like clover and alfalfa and legumes like soybeans and peanuts. “Nitrogen-rich stubbles can decrease the need for inorganic nitrogen additive fertilisers like diammonium phosphate (DAP) by three per cent to ďŹ ve per cent in most situations. “In a soil that takes 150 kilograms per hectare (kg/ ha) of inorganic fertilisers, the savings on a 200 hectare ďŹ eld can translate into one to two metric tons of excess fertiliser. “Organic stubbles also promote decomposition, which adds carbon back into the soil proďŹ le,â€? she said. K-Line Agriculture is an Australian owned, family run business dedicated to the manufacture and supply of quality agricultural machinery. With a focus on research and product development, K-Line has established a reputation for producing efďŹ cient, reliable and high quality farm machinery. “The incremental benefits of stubble incorporation – reduced fertiliser needs and associated costs, control of soil erosion, and better quality soil proďŹ les – all serve to promote stubble incorporation as an agricultural best practice for your farm,â€? Ms Truswell said. For more information phone K-Line Ag on 1800 194 131.
PASTURE & FERTILISER
April 2015
North East Farmer, Page 13
Upper Murray Seeds sweetening the deal for lamb producers AS the exclusive Australian distributor of internationally renowned Germinal Seeds’ high sugar grasses, Upper Murray Seeds offers farmers a wide range of premium proprietary products. High sugar grasses (HSG) are showing promise as a forage crop for finishing lambs faster and to higher carcase specifications than those grazing standard ryegrass (SRG) pastures. Supermarkets in the United Kingdom have been encouraging farmers to use HSG because they believe this variety of grass offers improvements in lamb growth rates and carbon efficiency. In response, the Alliance Group, a leading producer of lamb-based meat products and Germinal Seeds collaborated to assess the potential of HSG in a lamb finishing system. Trials were carried out on three properties over two seasons. They demonstrated that lambs being finished on HSG grew an average of 31 grams per day faster than those on SRG pastures. Their carcase weight was 400 grams heavier at slaughter and there was a 200 gram advantage in meat yield as measured by Viascan. This represented a 17 per cent improvement in liveweight gain and the estimated carcase weight gain was 19 per cent greater in the lambs
grazing HSG. A greater proportion of lambs were finished on HSG over the trial period – 75 per cent versus 62 per cent on SRG. The trial, which was conducted by a New Zealand consulting company, AbacusBio, was carried out over the 2012-2013 and 2013 - 2014 seasons on three different properties. Pasture growth rates for both the HSG and SRG ranged between 28 kilograms -25 kilograms (kg) drymatter (DM) per hectare, per day and there was no significant difference in drymatter production between the two grasses throughout the trial period. This means that the differences in lamb performance could not be attributed to the differences in drymatter yield. HSG cultivars have been selectively bred for higher water soluble carbohydrate concentration. It is thought this increases the palatability of the grass and improves growth rates in livestock. Research suggests that higher water soluble carbohydrate levels lead to higher rates of nitrogen retention. This suggests that HSG could offer improvements in carbon efficiency or a reduced carbon footprint. During the course of the trial, 350-450 lambs were grazed on both the HSG and SRG pastures. Both swards included 2kg per hectare each of small- and mediumleafed white clover. These pastures were grazed by various classes of stock lead-
ing up to the trial. They were then allowed to recover to 1800kg DM per hectare before the introduction of the trial lambs. All the paddocks were initially stocked at 30 to35 lambs per hectare. Throughout the trial every effort was made to maintain pasture covers at 1800kg to 2000kg DM per hectare. A number of additional lambs were added or removed to retain pasture covers at a consistent level. The lambs were a mix of Texel, Coopdale and Romney genetics and were randomly selected
from commercial flocks and electronically tagged before the onset of the trial. The pastures were all established in 2012 and HSG used were AberMagic and AberDart, both with AR1 endophyte. The perennial ryegrass sown was Ceres One50, also with AR1endophyte. All were sown at a rate of 22kg per hectare. Pasture cages on all the trial paddocks allowed pasture cuts to be taken periodically and herbage samples taken. In its project report, AbacusBio recommends farmers consider using HSG in their
farming systems. However, it did note that comparisons of other cultivars of both HSG and SRG may produce different results. While this study has looked specifically at lamb finishing, they suggest a further understanding of the impact of HSG on the whole farm system would be of value. For more information visit www.uppermurrayseeds.com.au. FAT LAMB: Trials undertaken have shown that lambs being finished on HSG grew an average of 31 grams per day faster than those on SRG pastures.
Mitey resistant. Mitey vigorous. Mitey yields. RLEM don’t like our sub clovers, but you will. As the main legume component in southern Australian pastures, sub clover delivers nitrogen to drive grass growth and produce high quality feed. However, Red Legged Earth Mite (RLEM) damage at establishment stage can cost you up to 50% of your winter feed. So why risk losing feed when you need it most? Make sure you choose RLEM resistant varieties from Seed Force. By including sub clover in your pasture mix that’s RLEM resistant to cotyledon damage, your sub clover establishes strongly to provide the feed you need, and offer a long term solution to worrying about RLEM infestation and spraying at a busy time.
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April 2015
Page 14, North East Farmer
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PASTURE & FERTILISER
April 2015
North East Farmer, Page 15
Recycling reaches 25 million Grow much more with Upper Murray Seeds.
COLLECTION SITE: There are 25 drumMUSTER community groups in Victoria that have collected more than 426,000 drums and raised $111,000 since the program began.
others are operated by community groups and charities. “drumMUSTER continues to support various community groups across Australia as they bring about environmental change in rural regions,” Mr McGann said. “We have seen a noteworthy increase in participation over the past few years with 119 community groups now involved in the program. “They have collected an impressive 3.5 million drums and raised $880,000 between them.” In Victoria alone, there are 25 drumMUSTER community groups that have collected more than 426,000 drums and raised $111,000. Since the inception of the program, Victorian chemical users have returned close to 4.9 million containers. The new milestone comes less
than two years after drumMUSTER received the 20 millionth drum in NSW, signifying the incredible growth the program has experienced. “drumMUSTER is leading the way in product stewardship. “We thank agvet chemical manufacturers, local government and program users for their commitment to sharing in the responsibility for a sustainable future in Australian agriculture,” Mr McGann said. All containers presented at the collection must meet the program’s cleanliness standards. Containers must be triple rinsed and free of any chemical residue. There are more than 796 collection sites operating around Australia for chemical users to dispose of their eligible agvet containers. For more information visit www. drummuster.com.au.
Exceptionally fast out of the ground. Prolific winter growth with late maturity. Produces good quality hay and silage. A variety you can trust and rely on year after year.
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FOR the past 16 years, thousands of chemical users have relied on drumMUSTER to regularly dispose of their empty agvet chemical containers. During this time, the program has grown to become the most successful agvet container recycling program in Australia. On Wednesday, March 25, 2015, farmer Nathan Davey delivered drumMUSTER’s 25 millionth drum to the Goomalling collection site in Western Australia. drumMUSTER national program manager Allan McGann said the program has come a long way since its first collection in early 1999. “The program has gone from strength to strength. “We started with yearly collections of around one million containers, but are now edging towards two million containers per annum. “This goes to show the growing support drumMUSTER has garnered. “We’ve established ourselves as a valuable program for farmers and growers and we’re here to stay,” Mr McGann said. Twenty-five million containers represent more than 30,000 tonnes of materials that have avoided landfill. Once collected, the containers are shredded or granulated and transformed into new products like plastic cable covers, wheelie bins, road signs and bollards. While most compounds are managed by local councils at waste management sites and transfer stations,
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Page 16, North East Farmer
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NEWS
April 2015
Liverfluke costs Australian farmers $90 million each year “However, we have now found several cases on farms where liver fluke shows total resistance to triclabendazole and we expect to find more farms with this problem,� he said. Dr Rawlin said one of the new tests analyses cattle faecal samples to identify the relative infection intensity, allowing an estimate of the approximate number of adult fluke in the animal – something which could only previously be done during post-mortem examinations. “These faecal samples can be analysed and then compared to cattle milk production which previous studies have shown that just 40 adult fluke can result in a decrease in overall milk production of up to 10 per cent,� he said. La Trobe University professor Terry Spithill said AgriBio and La Trobe scientists created a second test to detect the presence of metacercaria, the infective stage of liver fluke, in water and on pasture. This new test is to be deployed in the field this year to help to define the ecology of fluke infections in the environment near infected farms. “Results from both tests will be used to develop effective parasite management plans that aim to decrease adult fluke numbers below the threshold of 40 to reduce the loss of milk production,� Professor Spithill said.
“This research will provide the key baseline knowledge of the extent of the liver fluke problem in Victorian dairy cattle and the farm environment.� Dr Rawlin stressed the importance of developing new control strategies as recent research has found that liver fluke are becoming increasingly resistant to the commonly used drug treatments. “A recent survey of dairy farms across Gippsland, the Goulburn Valley and Upper Murray found that economically significant burdens of fluke were common,� Dr Rawlin said. “The new tests will enable researchers to measure the distribution of liver fluke in cattle and the farm environment and this will help us to evaluate how effective new control strategies are towards reducing liver fluke infections. “Instead of striving for eradication, which is very difficult, we can now strive to push more cattle below the threshold of 40 adult liver fluke, where significant milk production losses begin to occur,� he said. AgriBio is a joint venture between the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, and La Trobe University. It brings together leading scientists for agriculture bioscience research and development.
Murray farmers can now access drought loans from government
FARMERS in the Murray electorate now have access to a slice of the $30 million Federal Government Drought Concessional loan that has been made available for eligible farmers affected by the drought in northern Victoria. The loans will be available for five years and can help cover up to 50 per cent of farm debts. The maximum amount of money available for each farmer is $1 million, with the concessional interest rate starting at 3.84 per cent. Sharman Stone (MHR, Murray) said the loans are to help with debt restructuring, operating costs or to help with drought preparedness or recovery
for their farm. “Farmers in the west of the electorate on the fringe of the Mallee have been experiencing drought for the last few years. “With the cost of stock water transport some farmers have had no other choice but to go deeper into debt. “The Wedderburn area locals believe a pipeline from the Wimmera-Mallee or Goulburn Murray system could help by creating a permanent stock and domestic water supply. “It could also serve local small towns,� she said. Eligibility criteria and more information can be found at www.agriculture.gov.au/ assistance.
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COLLABORATION between Victoria’s Economic Development Department (DEDJTR) and La Trobe University scientists has led to breakthrough tests to identify and control liver fluke parasites in Victorian dairy cattle. The infestations cost dairy farmers an average of $28,000 per year in lost production according to last year’s early figures from the latest research. It is estimated that fluke infestation in the national dairy herd costs about $90 million per year. Biosciences Research Division veterinary patho-biologist Grant Rawlin, based at the collaborative AgriBio centre in Bundoora, said one of the two tests identifies the threshold at which liver fluke is likely to cause significant production losses. The other test detects the parasite in water and potentially on pasture. “Liver flukes are flatworm parasites that most commonly live in wet grass near streams or ponds,� Dr Rawlin said. “They infect cattle grazing on contaminated grass resulting in liver damage which has subsequent effects on milk production.� Dr Rawlin said that liver fluke had been present in irrigated dairy areas of Victoria for many years and had been managed through the use of a particular drug treatment since the 1980s.
North East Farmer, Page 17
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TALLANGATTA EXPO
Page 18, North East Farmer NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
April 2015
Whitlands Engineering’s Superaxe turns 20
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BOG & CONCRETE versus HOOF CARE: Who Wins?
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of common sense, Mr Burder set about designing the first pivoting blade, vertical, hydraulic wood splitter in the country. His design featured a vertical configuration, meaning that the operator could stand up straight while working. Mr Burder started attending the local field days to showcase the machine and slowly momentum began to grow. “Back then there were no glossy brochures, no Internet and no email,” Mr Burder said. “Business was done via phone and fax and in person and through this we steadily built the company a solid reputation for providing great service and building tough machinery.” Manufacturing locally is of great importance to Mr Burder who wants to keep money in the local economy, while supporting local employees and their families, and while keeping integrity in the manufacturing process. “The imported machines may be cheaper, but they certainly don’t last very long,” he said. “To say we areAustralian Made means more than anything.” In 2015, Whitlands Engineering is stronger than ever, with three brands and more than a dozen different models – all of which are leaders in their product category. “Whitlands Engineering has overcome increasing competition from imports, increasing steel prices, drought and the GFC. “Every machine is still built from scratch in the Whitlands workshop and shipped directly to the buyer. “All machines are still grounded in the company design philosophy: ergonomic, built to last, productive, safe and efficient,” Mr Burder said. For more information visit www.superaxe.com.au.
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TALLANGATTA EXPO
April 2015
North East Farmer, Page 19
Tribute to Anzacs at 2015 Tallangatta Expo IF water is your business or affects your business then you should attend the Farm and Water Expo at Tallangatta on Thursday, April 23 where a large number of exhibitors will be present to help you with every type of water query you might have. Now in its 22nd year, the expo will showcase new farming technologies, water themes, the ever-popular women’s shed and other general farming exhibits at the Tallangatta Showgrounds and is expected to attract more than 200 trade stalls, life-
style exhibits, tractor and machinery, farm vehicles, stock handling equipment alongside great food and entertainment. Tallangatta Farm and Water Expo’s event co-ordinator Charlie Trenchard said the diverse range of products and specialist advice makes the Farm and Water Expo a great place for everyone to learn and to enjoy a great day out. “We have a few new exhibitors this year and the women’s shed is taking a bit of a different tack. “It is based on the theme of ‘Party Plan’.
“And in line with it being the special centenary year of the Anzac’s landing at Gallipoli, we will be running an Anzac biscuit competition,” Mr Trenchard said. He added that the expo
is always well supported by both visitors and exhibitors who often comment that it is always a successful event for them as they get genuine enquiries. The expo organisers
are very excited about the new farming generation who they feel will encourage producers to work more effectively together to create, evaluate and test new ideas and techniques in response to the chal-
lenges of climate change. “The Farm and Water Expo at Tallangatta is an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people, network, grow and develop your business ideas and explore the
many exciting and newly developing possibilities of the future - a sustainable farming future,” Mr Trenchard said. For more information contact Charlie Trenchard on 0409 448 950.
Farm and Water Expo Tallangatta Showgrounds April 23rd New innovations Plant & Equipment Over 100 Exhibitors 5 Lucky Gate Prizes are 5 Dairy packs valued at $50 courtesy of Murray Goulburn
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tallangattafarmandwaterexpo@gmail.com or phone 0409 448 950 or 0427 712 561 Sponsors: Towong Shire Council, Rotary Club Tallangatta, Tas Villas Group, The Border Mail, Barlens Events Hire, Paull & Scollard, Cleanaway, Tasco Inland your Caltex distributor.
DIVERSE RANGE: The 22nd Tallangatta Expo will showcase plenty of new farming technology.
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NEWS
April 2015
North East Farmer, Page 21
Local, retired Merino breeder honored BREEDING a champion Merino sheep is somewhat harder than training a Melbourne Cup winner according to retired Merino breeder Graham Wells who is being recognised in this year’s Parade of Champions at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Selected by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW for their commitment and long service to show life, the ‘champions’ were recognised in a prestigious parade on ‘Excellence in Agriculture Day’ held at the end of March. In its fourth year, the Parade of Champions is a chance to honor those who make the Sydney Royal Show the success it is today. Having competed in the show for almost 40 years and having been part of the sub-committee within the NSW sheep breeders that helped organise the Merino entries, Mr Wells said it was a great honor to take part in the parade. “It’s a great honor and
BY JODIE FLEMING
jfleming@ nemedia.com.au
humbling to be recognised for the small contribution I have made to the show. “I was just one of many people that helped with the running of the Merinos at the show and as I have just retired I guess they have decided to recognise that,� Mr Wells said. President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, Robert Ryan, said that Mr Wells epitomises everything the show is about: Australia’s biggest celebration of our country’s people, practices and produce. “The Parade of Champions honors those who go beyond winning the ribbons and trophies. “Some have been part of the show community for a large part of their lives, and between them, have clocked up hundreds of shows in Sydney.
FIRST CLASS HONORS: Retired Merino breeder Graham Wells said it is a great honor to be recognised for the “small contribution� he has made to the Royal Sydney Show.
“The show would not be the world class event it is today without the dedication and tireless commitment from our exhibitors who are represented by the 2015 crop of champions,� Mr Ryan said. Graham Wells grew up on a sheep stud at Wedderburn in central Victoria where his father was a
sheep and cropping farmer. In 1955 he purchased his ďŹ rst property at Jerilderie along with some stud ewes and moved across the border as a newlywed with his wife Mary who was a school teacher at the time, where they both lived and worked until their retirement in October 2014. “I have been a farmer
my whole life ever since I left school. “In the early days my father was involved and at one point I had three registered studs. “At our peak we ran up to 6000 breeders. “When we dispersed the stud last year I divided up the stock and gave a portion to my son who runs his own stud,� he said. Mr and Mrs Wells have four children - one boy and three girls – their son has followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a farmer, the eldest daughter married a farmer, one daughter is a lawyer and the other is a nurse. “All we needed was an accountant and we would have had all bases covered,� laughed Mr Wells. His passion for Merino sheep was ignited when he saw Sir Walter Merriman take out Supreme Ram at the 1958 Sydney Royal Sheep and Fleece Show. He became part of the show circuit as he felt it was a way to evaluate how well his breeding program was working. “In the early days the only way to evaluate stock was to show them, but there are now many different ways to evaluate genetics. “I continued with show-
ing because I thought it was more of a level playing ďŹ eld and I feel that other ways have their problems when trying to compare sheep evenly. “We got around a fair bit showing the sheep, but I am now going to be doing judging jobs now that I have given up the showing,â€? Mr Wells said. As well as participating in the Royal Sydney Show each year, Mr and Mrs Wells have shown their sheep at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, “on and offâ€? at the state show in Queensland, Hay Show, Dubbo Show and would sell their sheep at Sheepvention in Hamilton. Today, Mr Wells is a highly respected exhibitor at the Royal Sydney Show having taken out multiple Champion, Supreme and Group titles over the years. “I have always liked the Royal Sydney Show. “I went there to mainly keep the Merino industry going and to interact with the city people so they could experience Merino sheep. “That is what the show is about – comradeship, learning from other respected exhibitors and breeders in the industry
and celebrating the quality and attributes of Merino sheep. “What I have loved about sheep breeding is the interaction with other breeders and like-minded people in Australia and around the world. “I loved encouraging people to be the best they could be and I love that those involved always wanted to excel, not only in breeding their own sheep, but in servicing their clients. “It is often said among us breeders that the challenge of breeding a Merino sheep is harder than winning a Melbourne cup – there are so many different varieties and factors to consider to get it right,â€? Mr Wells said. The decision to retire came as Mr Wells felt that he could not keep up the pace of what the job required and both he and his wife felt that while they could still perform their jobs efďŹ ciently they had enjoyed every aspect of what they had done and it was time to move on and “get on with another part of my lifeâ€?. Mr and Mrs Wells now live in Smoko on what Mr Wells describes as his “retirement blockâ€? where he runs a few cattle.
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NEWS
Page 22, North East Farmer
April 2015
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NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
IMPROVED seasonal conditions and the falling Australian dollar (AUD) have driven a rebound in confidence for the post-farmgate agribusiness sector. According to the latest National Australia Bank (NAB) quarterly post-farmgate agribusiness survey, business conditions rebounded in the December 2014 quarter to +1, up from -6 in the previous survey. General manager of NAB Agribusiness Khan Horne said that confidence in the sector had been boosted by a number of factors. “We expect the AUD to continue to fall and, combined with a stabilisation in international dairy prices and continued demand for Australian beef, this may lead to further improvement in conditions.
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria
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“The outlook for conditions over the next three months improved significantly, with the index rising to +6 from the previous measure of -1. “Expectations are even higher for the next 12 months, with the index up from +5 to +12. “This wasn’t mirrored in overall business expectations and shows that agribusiness is more optimistic than the broader Australian economy,� Mr Horne said. Confidence across individual commodities in the December quarter was mixed. The index showing the level of confidence in protein was a standout in the survey. “Beef was up considerably to +33 with the beginning of encouraging rains in Queensland, while confidence
in sheep meat was down slightly to a still very optimistic +31,� he said. “Similarly, confidence in dairy jumped from +23 to +32. “This may reflect the first signs of an increase in international dairy prices, but more likely reflects stronger seasonal conditions.� Confidence in fibres was mixed. Cotton was up sharply to +5 from -22, despite lower domestic planting on account of lower irrigation water availability. Confidence in wool fell to -7 despite prices remaining relatively stable. “Agribusiness capital expenditure expectations for the coming year also increased from +21 to +28 -more confident than overall business expectations of +21 across other sectors,� Mr Horne said.
t $BMMJOH PO (PWFSONFOU UP QSJPSJUJTF SFHJPOBM VOJWFSTJUJFT BOE 5"'&T t 8PSLJOH XJUI $46 -B 5SPCF (05BGF BOE 8PEPOHB 5"'& UP EFWFMPQ QPMJDZ
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Authorised by Cathy McGowan AO MP, Member for Indi - 117 Murphy St, Wangaratta, Vic, 3677
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SMALL business owners have a wide range of obligations, but perhaps one of the most important is making sure their premises are as fire safe as possible. According to Elders Insurance Wangaratta agent John Houghton it is your legal duty to protect staff from the risk of fire therefore it does make a difference to pay attention to every little detail at your place of work. “By following some simple steps outlined below, it could help you avoid making a claim on your business interruption insurance and may even save lives in the process,� Mr Houghton said. Regular servicing Should your business regularly use large machinery, it is essential to get it serviced on a regular basis.
“The older equipment gets, the more hazardous it becomes, so having a licensed electrician take a look on at least an annual basis will give peace of mind, while also enhancing your safety,� he said. Smoke alarms “You’ll also need to ensure all smoke alarms in your business premises are in full working order. “Press the test button at least once a week to be certain,� Mr Houghton said. It is also important to have the right number of working smoke alarms in place for the size of your premises to ensure they work as they should. Storage of dangerous goods Some substances you have on your business premises, like farm chemicals, can prove especially
dangerous, so it is important they are stored correctly. Ensure all substances are out of the way of your workers and any equipment that has the potential to start a fire. Be water aware “Water and electricity don’t mix, which is an important mantra to remember when you’re a small business owner trying to keep everyone safe,� Mr Houghton said. “Keep any connections away from water and you can help reduce the likelihood of an electrical fire, which has the potential to cause widespread problems for your company.� For more information contact John Houghton at Elders Insurance Wangaratta on (03) 5722 1400.
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North East Farmer, Page 23
April 2015
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NEWS
Page 24, North East Farmer
GRAZIERS WANTED HEIFERLINK is market leader, performance driven, professional, total management and care. HEIFERLINK is seeking graziers to agist dairy heifers to start in 2015. HEIFERLINK pays the grazier so you deal with one entity. Graziers receive high rates and regular income based solely on weight gain, so there are excellent rewards for good management. HEIFERLINK has stood the test of time (est. 1989). Its time you rewarded yourself for your hard work Join the Heiferlink program – call now to enquire
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Father of four enjoys life in the great outdoors Give our readers a quick snapshot of your farm at Springhurst. In 2002 we purchased our property of 166 acres in Springhurst. We currently run 30 commercial Limousin cattle supplying yearling Limousin to Keystone Limousin. We recently purchased some well-bred Charolais cows and heifers, and started our own stud ‘Two Trees Charolais’. We currently operate as a mirco-stud with the goal to produce quiet-natured, muscular animals, predominantly polled, suitable for the local market. I have tried to adopt a holistic approach to farming, with rotational grazing a big part of our operation. I believe this leads to good stock health and minimal feed costs. How long have you been a farmer? I grew up on my parents’ farm property in
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Sandy Creek. They owned 200 acres and ran cross-bred cows, predominantly Friesian Angus. Dad worked part-time as a high school teacher. Thirty years ago my family moved to Springhurst. In 1993 we started a pure Limousin herd – ‘Keystone Limousins’ as we were using Limousin over our cross-bred cows with successful vealers. My brother Tim now operates as ‘Keystone Limousins’. Tell us about your family. I married my wife Emma almost 15 years ago, who I meat while studying at Wollongong
University obtaining a civil engineering degree. We have four adorable kids, Jesher, 9, Eli, 7, Juniper, 4 and Esther, 2. I also currently work fulltime as a civil engineer in land development based in Albury. Somehow we operate the farm, work full time in land development, raise four kids and are active in our local church, Grace Community Church in Wangaratta. Best advice or farming tip you have received? To be your own person. It’s something my father always used to say to me growing up. It doesn’t matter what everyone around you is doing, we are to make our
own choices and try to do our best in what we do. Describe your perfect day. Start the morning with cattle work before organising a day out with family. Taking the family to Yarrawonga is one destination we love where the kids and Dad go on the waterslide, go for a motor boat ride on the lake, then finish the day with fish and chips on the lake with the kids playing in the park and scooter riding. Then leaving for home with the kids worn out. What is the best thing about being a farmer? The opportunity to be out in the open air and being able to clear your mind from the busy work life as a development engineer. What is the worst thing about being a farmer? Drought. We lack a permanent water supply and carting water was extremely taxing on the family for the few years when the dams dried up. If you could be someone else, who would that be and why? Roger Federer, rather than being a hack on the tennis court.
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NEWS
April 2015
North East Farmer, Page 25 NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria
www.nemedia.com.au
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NEWS
Page 26, North East Farmer
April 2015
Chief scientist asks are we all prepared to face our water challenges? By BRUCE DIFFEY Waterwheel Traders
THIS month I would like to print an excerpt from the address that chief scientist for Australia Ian Chubb gave to the National Water Association recently. It is no secret to those working in the water sector that water and its
management are of critical importance today and into the future. As Jack Beale, Australia’s first environment minister said, “Australia is the lowest, flattest, hottest and driest continent on the earth and we have to manage it accordingly�. It is a grand challenge.
In fact, as I will discuss later, the use of soil and water are one of the eight science and research priority areas being considered by the government. So is Australia ready to face its water challenge? Within Australia, attention is divided between
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managing existing water resources and seeking alternative water supplies to the already over-exploited river systems. Groundwater is now supplying a rapidly growing share of the water Australia uses, estimated to be as much as a third. The system that delivers rain to south-western Australia during winter has moved towards the South Pole, resulting in Perth now relying on desalination and groundwater for 69 per cent of its water needs. In many parts of Australia, combinations of drought and flood conditions have caused havoc with agriculture, industry and basic living conditions. It is clear that Australia needs a long-term, strategic approach to this problem. On a global scale, The World Health Organisation estimates that over one billion people of the world’s population of seven billion people do not have access to a safe source of drinking water. Rising demand, a growing population, and uncontrollable weather events mean that threats to both national and global water security will only increase in the future. As a resource, we cannot consider water in isolation. As an article published on World Water Day last year stated, “Water and energy are intrinsically linked. “We need energy production to access, supply and treat water, and we require water for the production of energy. “Food production requires the availability of both, completing the most crucial resources interaction required for human growth�. Historically, the water and energy sectors have been managed and regulated separately, a
circumstance that defies logic when we consider their interdependency and the critical nature of the availability of both. The challenges of managing Australia’s water system are obviously diverse and intricate. Challenges that include animal habitats, soil salinity, bushfire and drought. But chief among them, and high on the radar of policy makers, must be how best to share available water resources, how to reduce consumption of water and energy and how to access alternative sources. I would argue that addressing these challenges, as with most of the global challenges we face today, requires two specific ingredients; evidence-based, scientific solutions and a strategic plan to realise them. Water is a divisive issue. Stakeholders in the Murray Darling Basin have faced considerable difficulty in reaching consensus on the issues surrounding water use – environmental flows versus economic activity – that run through communities in three states. The role of science is to provide evidence to help find the best way forward. And to carefully and clearly explain it to their stakeholders. As a nation, Australia’s role should be to effectively manage our own water assets, and to contribute to the global water security effort. And it is all very well to say that science should underpin that effort. That doesn’t mean the Australian community has uniformly welcomed the suggestion; or that the resources have been there to ensure that the necessary science is done. Despite increasing droughts and declining rain in eastern, southern and south western Australia, public investment in water
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research and management is close to a 30-year low. And investment in water research is just the beginning. Indeed, I am confidently informed that we can and should start turning our rivers inland and converting our desert centre into a garden paradise. As the people the nation relies on to actually do these remarkable things, you understand that the ambition alone is not enough. A skilled scientific researcher has a background in relevant research, has completed a valuable degree, or two, and arrived at university with a school education where science and mathematics were studied under teachers qualified to teach those subjects. So for Australia to generate the kind of research that will assist in managing our water security, we need to begin by maintaining interest in school science. We need to have systems in place to support primary and secondary teachers that are teaching science and mathematics and work to improve the current situation where a third (34 per cent) of year seven and eight students are taught mathematics by teachers without a major in either mathematics or mathematics education. We need to attract students to tertiary degrees that incorporate studies of water and water system management such as agriculture, civil engineering, earth sciences and biological science. We need to look at the numbers of graduates from these degrees as we see a future where water, among other resources, will become increasingly complex to manage. They will be essential to increase the capacity of not just the research sector, but also the business workforce. And while addressing the workforce issue, we also need to be investing strategically in science and innovation – for the long haul. So as part of my call for a national strategic plan, I have proposed science and research priorities to the Government. The priorities take into account our areas of research excellence, industrial strength, global trends, comparative advantage and Australia’s interests and needs. Setting priorities is simply a way of ensuring that a proportion of our R&D investment is directed to areas that we need to make sure we have some focus on – and pay attention to – in the national interest. Ensuring we are investing in these areas is the smart way to use our limited resources.
April 2015
North East Farmer, Page 27
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- Free of all 4 genetic defects (is your current bull supplier?) - Fully registered with Angus Australia with EBV’s, ensuring Russian eligibility - Tested negative for pestivirus - Vaccinated, drenched bulls ready for work from $2000. Bulls availaBULL for inspection by appointment
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0411 890 925
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40hp Electric Motor, 3� Harland pump. $1200. Ph 5721 8417 or 0417 525 618.
1800 146 892
dipping@electrodip.co.nz - www.electrodip.com
MARSHALL 2 TONNE MULTISPREADER BT2 model. Immaculate condition, operators manual available, $14,000 Phone 0428 413 634
WHEELER STREET
TIMBER & STEEL
SHEPPARTON (03) 5821 3122.
My experience includes breeding and showing stud and commercial cattle and sheep, growing wheat, sunflowers, canola, and potatoes, operating nearly everything from dozers to planes and being workshop proficient. David Palmer, Benalla, 5762 4468, 0408 470 468, Email: dizpalmer1@exemail.com.au
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I am a retired farmer who can fill in for you when you take an off farm break.
DAVID BROWN TRACTOR,1968 Model 990 12speed, in very good working order, with front blade , ( low hours ) brand new battery and tyres 70%, $6,900 Phone 0412 981 956
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The lameness work up – what does it entail?
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lameness under saddle so are examined ridden. The type of surface they are examined on can make a difference and help in the work-up process – we use everything from hard sand, soft sand, grass, gravel and concrete in the examination. These observations can be very useful in gaining an understanding of the painful area, for example a horse whose right fore lameness became worse on a left lunge circle would suggest the problem may be on the medial side (inside) of the right fore, as this area bears more weight on a left circle. 3. Diagnostic analgesia Depending on the findings in the clinical examination and lameness assessment, local analgesia (‘nerve blocks’) may be required to localise the area of the pain. These work by using a local anaesthetic to block the pain, which results in an improvement or ideally resolution of the lameness when the horse is trotted up again. The most common types of diagnostic analgesia used are peripheral nerve blocks and joint blocks. Peripheral nerve blocks involve infusing local anaesthesia around peripheral nerves in the lower limb to block the limb distal (below) this. The local anaesthesia lasts for 20mins to 4hrs depending on the drug used, so for this reason we generally start at the foot block and then work our way up the leg if the lameness does not improve. These lameness workups can consume quite a bit of time, as we may need to allow one block to completely wear off before performing another block. For example a horse may become sound after a ‘high four point’ block, which blocks the fetlock and below, and we may wish to let this wear off and block the fetlock joint itself more specifically. Regional infusion may be used in areas such as the proximal suspensory ligament where injury is suspected. Blocking the joint can be very useful and specific. It can identify an area that requires further diagnostic imaging, and be an indication that medication in the joint will improve the inflammation and lameness. 4. Diagnostic imaging Once an area of interest has been identified, it may require diagnostic imaging to assess the problem, and need for medication or surgery. Diagnostic imaging commonly includes ultrasound and/or radiographs. More specialised imaging such as MRI or scintigraphy (bone scan) may need to be performed in complex cases. Dr Sarah Cavill BVSc (Hons)
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Dr. Graeme S. Blanch B.Ag.Sc., B.V.Sc. (Hons) M.A.C.V.Sc. Dr. Andrew Bett B.Ag. Sc. (Hons) B.V.Sc. Dr. Richard Evans B.V.Sc. M.R.C.V.S. Dr. Rena Geroe B.V.Sc. Dr. Tim Craig B.V.Sc. (Hons) Dr. Sarah Cavill, B.V.Sc. (Hons)
The diagnosis of a condition causing lameness in a horse can range from very simple to quite complicated. A veterinarian will begin with a physical examination and lameness assessment of the horse, and decide from there which diagnostic pathways are suitable and required. We call it a lameness ‘work-up’ as it does involve decisions based on findings at each subsequent point of the examination 1. The physical exam. The cause of lameness may be quite obvious, such as a laceration over a leg or heel. Palpation is a useful tool, and requires methodical touch and palpation of the structures in the lower limb - such as tendons, ligaments, tendon sheaths and joints for evidence of pain reaction, heat and/or swelling. Flexion of a joint causing lameness may elicit a pain response, and a ‘flexion test’ may be used to confirm this soreness. Palpation of the non-lame opposite leg may be performed for comparison, as some horses will vary in their pain response and normal anatomy. Hoof testers may be used to examine the foot for pain, which may be quite localised such as occurs with a hoof abscess. What is a flexion test? A flexion test involves holding the whole leg or joint of interest in gentle flexion non weight bearing for 45-60 seconds, and then trotting the horse up immediately on a loose lead. A joint with inflammation in it will be more painful and the horse show some lameness for the trot up that is worse than before the flexion test. These are interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and diagnostic tests, as some older performance horses may have slightly positive flexion tests with wear and tear on the joints. It can be a very useful tool in identifying which joint is the cause of the lameness and requires further attention. An area of pain and swelling such as occurs with a bowed tendon can then be further examined with diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound. 2. The lameness examination This involves walking, trotting, and sometimes cantering the horse to identify the lame leg and the type of lameness. The ‘phase’ of the horses stride that is altered can often give us an indication of the painful area, for example a horse with painful foot swings its leg and places the foot quite differently to a horse with a shoulder problem. The horse may be examined on a straight line, and also on a circle. Some horses only show the
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Picture for illustration purposes
Picture for illustration purposes
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t/12d12209-v14/10-15