NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1986
BEEF AND DAIRY SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
MAY, 2018
SEEDS, FERTILISERS AND PASTURE PAGE 12
Farming for the future
Milawa Organic Beef is about more than making money Ű
NO one has the big picture more in focus than Milawa farmers, Leanne and Alan Wood. Lots of producers talk about habitat, about doing what’s best for the earth, about sustainable living; but the Woods live by their beliefs. Given half a chance, Alan will digress into talk of carbon offsets, melting ice caps and ecological footprints. His devotion is beef, but his passion is the environment. “Farming has to change, because the environment has to – farmers can’t keep doing what they are doing and expect their grandchildren to have a place to live,” Alan said. Alan and Leanne run Milawa Organic Beef – their Angus breeding program is one of the most successful organic branding projects in Victoria. Capitalising on the region’s growing reputation as a gourmet food hotspot, the Woods have been able to commercially validate their organic product. “In October 2009, we commenced the process to become certified with Australian Organics,” Leanne said.
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“After a three year in conversion process, we achieved full certification in December 2012.” The Australian Certified Organic (ACO) certification means Milawa Organic Beef is able to command a premium price, at times up to 30 per cent more than non ACO endorsed meat. “We had been going down the organic path for years,” Leanne said. “But we weren’t necessarily interested in becoming Certified Organic - then we realised we basically were running the farm organically, so why not.” To become recognised as an ACO producer is not quick, or cheap. Initial property examinations, audits, soil tests and interviews are all part of the process before the first year is out, and the costs run at about $2000 per year. Primary producers face a particularly arduous task, with strict on-going rules relating to every aspect of farm life; from the status of trucks carting cattle to the drenches used during the year.
Continued page 3
PAGES 21-23
END OF YEAR MACHINERY DEALS PAGES 25-26
21ST CLYDESDALE AND HEAVY HORSE DRIVING DAY ON SOON: ON Saturday, May 5, driving enthusiasts from across the state will head to Benalla for the 21st Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Driving Day. This annual event is run by the Victorian Branch of the Commonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society, and is aimed at a wide audience of horse enthusiasts; both competitors and spectators. Pictured is Tracey Bowering of Tatong, with 19 year old Clydesdale gelding, Aarunga Image, who has been a star in the beginner and novice rings over many years.