North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY

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

OCTOBER, 2017

CANOLA MEAL A VIABLE SUCCESS

www.nemedia.com.au

MINIATURE HEREFORDS PAGES 4-5

HAY AND SILAGE

PAGES 8-9

PAGES 20-21

Farming family’s success through the generations

FIRST FEMALE SALE: Witherswood Angus will hold their first ever female sale on-farm on October 20. The sale will herald a new era in Angus genetics in Victoria, when Witherswood becomes the first to offer yearling bulls with Kingdom and Klooney blood. Pictured (from left) are stud manager Ian Peake, Witherswood owners Joan and John Woodruff, and Andrew McIntyre.

Turn to page 14 for story.

THE Monigatti family are a true example of successful farm diversiďŹ cation.

Dairy farmers for three generations, the family bought a 600 acre dry block at Strathallan, out of Echuca, in the 1980s.

At the time, the Monigattis were open to ideas; keen to start a new chapter in their farming history. “Dad knew nothing about growing tomatoes at the time, but the soil type was perfect for it,�

Paul Monigatti recalled. “But he knew he wanted to break away from dairy farming and try something new. “At the time, we had neighbours coming in to ask if they could lease the land to grow tomatoes, and Dad said yes - as long as he could learn from them.�

Fast forward almost 40 years and the Monigattis are producing 7500 tonnes of processing tomatoes each year.

They have also just successfully canned the ďŹ rst cherry tomatoes for SPC Ardmona. “We have a long relationship with SPC, and they came to us last year and said they

wanted to run a trial on canning cherry tomatoes, because there were none produced in Australia,â€? Paul said. “So, we made a few modiďŹ cations – and that’s what we planted.â€?

Growing 500 tonnes of cherry tomatoes does not come without challenges.

The Monigattis had to adjust their harvesting machine, which is designed to deal with plump processing tomatoes – not the marble sized cherry variety.

There were also adjustments made to the way the crop was planted – with a more intensive style employed across eight hectares. “The end result is that we now have a locally grown, locally owned and locally produced canned cherry tomato available on the supermarket shelves,�

Paul said.

Fred Harrison is the chief executive ofďŹ cer for Ritchie’s Supa IGA. He thinks the introduction of Ardmona Cherry Tomatoes marks a bold new step for the Australian food industry.

Continued page 3

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Page 2, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer Saturday 9&10 November 2013

November 11, 2017

October 2017

Alexandra 130 thAlexandra 134 Annual th

Over-herd: NEWS IN BRIEF

Spring Show

Annual

Australian adult cattle slaughter in July totalled just under 633,000 head – 16 per cent higher than the same time last year (ABS). This took the total for the year-to-date (January-July) to almost 4.14 million head, although remained 5 per cent below year-ago levels. The dry conditions experienced across much of the country over winter have seen producers turn off more stock leading up to spring,” Meat and Livestock Australia, September market news report.

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FEATURES: Ladies pavilion packed full of cooking and craft, Working Dog trials running all day, Display of WOand Products, AYS of OUNTRY HOW Alpacas Dairy Goat Competition and Boer Goat Display, Poultry Competition, Horse Events, Cattle Display. variety of local farmers market stallsenjoy: and guest OverAthe 2 days compete or just speakers. All day Carnival rides and free kids activities. working dogs Closing dates: 0477 002 051 horse events Poultry Sunday 5th November www.alexandrashow.com Dairy dairy Goats goats Tuesday 7th November Working dog trials Monday 30th October poultry Enquiries: horticulture The Secretary, cooking Ms Sara Murray at email handcrafts pna.alexandra@gmail.com Phone:photography 0477 002 051

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WINNERS: Wodonga farmers Ross and Colin Coyle have won the 2017 MSA Excellence in Eating Quality Most Outstanding Beef Producer award.

NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY

Coyles come home with Most Outstanding award

Covering North East Victoria, Southern New South Wales and Goulburn Murray Valleys

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ROSS and Colin Coyle, grassfed beef producers from Wodonga, have taken out the 2017 MSA Excellence in Eating Quality Most Outstanding Beef Producer award for Victoria.

Some 18 years after registering as Meat Standards Australiaaccredited beef producers, the Coyles have narrowed down the two factors they think are key contributors to the eating quality of beef – temperament and handling.

“Getting cattle to grade into the top of the MSA Index bands is 90 per cent about what you put down their throats - and the rest is keeping them quiet through handling,” Ross Coyle said.

“Breeding isn’t everything for us.

“Certainly, the better-bred cattle will get to the standard quicker but by supplying good quality feed and treatment you can get most breeds to grade well – some just take longer than others.”

An added challenge for Ross and his father Colin - is that the steers they turn off annually on 2000 hectares of mixed country are destined for Greenham’s Smithton processing plant, a ferry ride across Bass Strait to north west Tasmania.

“I think it’s testament to our operation that we can load the steers onto trucks at 8am or 9am, drive them down to the Port of Melbourne and onto the ferry and they’re at Smithton for the next morning’s kill, and they grade up there with the best of the MSA beef,” Ross said.

Trading as CW Coyle & Sons, the Coyles registered their farm,

Murray View, as an MSA supplier in 1999.

Fast forward almost two decades and the standards have become “more a matter of common sense”.

“Once you get involved in adhering to the MSA protocols on the farm you start to see the benefits in grading, and that has an impact on things like the number of dark cutters, where the beef shows signs of stress in the cattle,” Ross said.

“We get very few dark cutters, we pride ourselves on that.

“Twelve months ago I went to Smithton to watch the MSA graders working and that helped me to understand the reasoning behind the standards.”

The Coyles buy in steers at 8-12 months old from the nearby Barnawartha North saleyards, one of the biggest in the state, and grow them out to over 600kg.

The pair selects mostly British breeds – Ross saying he liked Angus, but will also buy in Herefords, Shorthorn and Black Baldys from a range of breeders.

“I select more on type, but we recognise good cattle and if they’re at the saleyards next time we’ll go back and buy from the same vendor,” he said.

“We used to select mainly on size, animals with as big a frame as fitted our budget, but now I take temperament into account a lot more and I’ll certainly go past a pen if there are cattle in there that are stirred up and stressed.

“I think the biggest factor in getting cattle to grade well is keeping them quiet, handling

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them and keeping the mobs separated with good nutrition.”

On arrival at Murray View, young cattle are drenched, ear tagged and their individual number recorded, then put out into the family’s hill country kept lightly stocked and growing mainly native pastures such as clovers, ryes and red grass in an annual rainfall zone of 710mm.

“We might take a round bale of lucerne hay up to them to get them coming to us, but otherwise there’s not too much contact, although there are public walking tracks through there so they get quite used to seeing people, which is good,” Ross said.

After six to eight months, the cattle are brought down onto the flatter, more improved country for another six to eight months and handled more often.

“They’re grazing phalaris and clover pastures and are supplemented with some hay or silage, and we’re driving around and through them so they get very quiet,” Ross said.

The MSA Most Outstanding Beef Producer award was open to producers that used any production system to achieve MSA eligible cattle and excluded those cattle that met grain-fed beef specifications.

Two other producers from the North East, M and K Pund from Beechworth and Alloa Pastoral Co from Milawa, were also finalists in the awards – though the latter being in the grain-fed category.

The awards night dinner was held at Lardner Park, in Gippsland, late last month.

GRDC’s national Grain Storage GrowNote is a new and comprehensive digital resource that aims to provide relevant information, links to other resources and contacts to enable a base understanding of how to manage on-farm storage successfully,” Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) grain storage extension project consultant, Chris Warrick.

I’m expecting that as a result of the carp control process we may see increased native fish abundance and diversity, aesthetic improvements associated with clearer waters and that may translate to recreational benefits,” co-investigator Professor Jeff Bennett on work being done by the National Carp Control Plan.

We congratulate the finalists in this year’s awards. It’s a major achievement to be named a finalist, given that more than 14,000 producers throughout Australia consigned almost 5.9 million cattle to the MSA program throughout 2015-17,” Meat Livestock Australian program manager, Sarah Strachan, on the announcement of the MSA state finalists. Finalists from Victoria include CW Coyle from Barnawartha, M and K Pund from Beechworth, Alloa Pastoral from Milawa and Alloa Pastoral Company from Anakie.

Agriculture is definitely the V8 engine powering Australia’s economic growth,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) president, Fiona Simson, on news that agriculture is now the nation’s biggest contributor to gross domestic product (GDP) and the fastest growing sector.

Whether they’re sheep, beef or dairy farmers, it’s the pasture system that drives production and live weight gains in animals - it’s all about getting soil fertility right, growing the grass and then getting good utilisation of that grass,” newly elected Grassland Society of Southern Australia president, Steve Cotton.

The integrity of governance and government agencies associated with the Murray-Darling Basin Plan has been seriously questioned and I have personally written to the Prime Minister, urging him to help restore the confidence of our southern basin communities,” state member for Shepparton, Suzanna Sheed, calling for a government inquiry following news former managing director of Goulburn Murray Water and NSW top water bureaucrat, Gavin Hanlon, had been stood down amid allegations of misconduct.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 3

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IN THE FAMILY: The Monigatti family are the first in Australia to grow a cherry tomato for canning. They have also diversified their farm into an all year round success story. Pictured (from left) are Bryan, John and Paul Monigatti.

Farming family’s success through the generations From page 1

ly planted out hay crops – run on an irrigation bore system.

For years, the family grew hay for their own use, and also to on-sell to chaff mills in the area.

“Back in 2000, an opportunity came up for us to buy a chaff mill out of Deniliquin,” Paul said.

“We wanted to create a market for our own product.”

Looking forward, they could see it made sense to grow hay to supply their own chaff mill, rather than sending it off-site.

Rich River Chaff and Grain now sells 150,000 bags a year to feed-stores across the country.

“It has been a great busi-

ness off-shoot for us,” Paul said.

“In tomatoes, you get an income for a few months of the year – but the chaff allows us to have an income all year round.

“We have 500 acres under lucerne production.”

Sometimes, getting the right mix in farming can take years of trial and error.

For the Monigattis, smart business ideas, coupled with family support, have allowed the company to grow far beyond what was first envisioned.

“Dad would never have suspected, back in the ‘80s, just how far the place would grow,” Paul said.

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“Canned cherry tomatoes from Australia have been missing from shelves until now - we can finally give Australians the option to buy a home-grown product that tastes great and supports local growers,” Mr Harrison said.

“It’s a great sign of SPC’s commitment to supporting the Australian food industry – including growers and retailers.”

Although farming cherry tomatoes is new for the Monigattis, it is not the first time the family has diversified their product.

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Page 4, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2017

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CANOLA meal may soon become an additional staple for beef producers if results from a recent trial are anything to go by.

Although full details won’t be available till later this year, the 60day trial saw 20 steers fed a supplementary ration of canola meal and another 20 steers fed pellets.

Run by Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours) student, Emma Lynch, the study looked at ways for beef producers to capitalise on the cheaper alternative of feeding canola.

“The steers were weighed every 14 days to compare growth rates and we also collected samples to study the fatty acids in the blood, in particular Omega-3,” Ms Lynch said.

“The canola meal we have used is a by-product of oil production and in recent years, it’s been a cheaper option than the pellets producers often use to supplementary feed their cattle.

“There is an increasing demand for grass-fed beef that complies with the Pasture Fed Cattle Assurance System (PCAS) - the advantage of using canola meal, rather than supplementary feeding with a traditional finishing grain diet, is that producers can still meet those PCAS guidelines.”

The steers were fed a supplement of canola meal – sourced from Northern Victoria – at a rate of 2.5kg a day for 60 consecutive days.

Preliminary data showed no weight gain differences between those fed canola meal and those fed a grain based supplement.

Slaughtered last month, Ms

BRIGHT FUTURE: Is canola meal the beef supplement of the future? Advanta Seeds continues to invest money in the crop, and this year released two new varieties. Pictured is Advanta Seeds’ canola manager, Justin Kudnig.

Lynch said she was also happy with the quality of the meat produced.

“There have been no negative impacts on meat or fat colour,” she said.

Feeding canola meal has been fairly standard in the poultry industry for the last 10 years, and many in the pork and dairy industry use supplements based on alternative oils.

Aside from being a cheaper feed, a study by Agriculture Vic-

toria research scientists within the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) found that feeding natural feed additives also helped reduce the carbon footprint of methane emissions, particularly in the dairy industry.

The project, headed by Dr Richard Eckard of the University of Melbourne, investigated several waste products that were high in oil – including canola meal.

“For every one per cent of oil

added to the ruminant’s diet, it translates to a three and a half per cent reduction in methane emissions,” he explained during the time of the study.

Dr Peter Moate is a researcher with Agriculture Victoria research division of DEDJTR, and said while adding fats and oils to the diets of cattle appeared to be a promising way to increase production and reduce methane emissions, its value was limited to when pasture was nutritionally poor.

“In spring, our ryegrass gets up to around 5 per cent oil, so you don’t have as much value (adding oil),” said Dr Moate.

“If you feed a high fat feed, when the pasture already has a high fat percentage, the fats can cause digestion problems; you don’t want it much higher than around 6 per cent.

“But in summer you might have pasture with only 1.5 per cent oil, so that gives you a bigger window.

“In that scenario, adding 5.5 per cent oil could reduce emissions by 15–20 per cent - it would also increase milk production due to the slow-release energy provided by oil.”

The research results could have implications for other livestock producers as well, according to Dr Moate.

“This rate of methane production applies to a wide range of common diets regardless of whether cows are in early or late lactation, and this relationship also applies to beef cattle,” he said.

Continued page 5

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October 2017

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 5

PAVING THE WAY: Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours) student, Emma Lynch, recently finished a trial that looked at ways for beef producers to capitalise on the cheaper alternative of feeding canola, rather than a more traditional grain diet.

From page 4

Dr Martin Auldist is senior research scientist - dairy nutrition with the Agriculture Victoria research division of DEDJTR. He is currently in the middle of an experimental trial that looks at the beneďŹ ts of feeding canola meal to grazing dairy cows. “Overall, we ďŹ nd that the canola increases the inclination of the cows to eat,â€? he said. “Not only do they eat more supplements, but they are more inclined to graze upon returning to the paddock. “We are conďŹ dent that this extra intake is one of the main reasons for the increased milk yield we also see when canola is added to the ration.â€?

In some instances, Dr Auldist said the produced milk had increased substantially, compared to cows fed the same amount of energy

but on a cereal and hay diet. “Other reasons that canola could be having these effects include the possibility that it provides a more balanced supply of amino acids - leading to more milk and an increased appetite,� Dr Auldist said. “(There can be) increased buffering capacity in the rumen, and therefore less variable ruminal pH - leading to improved digestion and/or less interference with milk fat synthesis - and less propionate being produced in the rumen compared to when cereal grain is fed and thus the partial removal of satiety signals.�

Advanta Seeds canola business manager, Justin Kudnig, is responsible for leading the way in canola cropping.

Earlier this year, his company released two new varieties, under its Hyola brand, for the Australian market.

Although Mr Kudnig is not involved in what happens af-

ter canola is grown, his company’s conďŹ dence in developing the crop speaks volumes. “The future of canola both in Victoria and across Australia is looking very strong on the back of solid ongoing commodity pricing leading to optimisation of farm proďŹ tability and the canola crop component being an effective disease and weed break crop for many winter cropping rotations,â€? he said. “I expect the overall canola crop size and importance to Australian growers to remain at a very high level for the foreseeable future.â€?

It is the farmer conďŹ dence in canola crops that will potentially see canola meal production also increase.

If you would like to stay up to date with the beef feeding trial being run by the Charles Sturt University, go to their website at http://news.csu. edu.au.

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Hatz is considered to be pre-eminent in the design and manufacture of high quality air cooled diesel engines.

“We coupled an Aussie Fire Chief Pump to a Hatz 1B20 aircooled diesel engine, and we were impressed by the excellent results we got on the test rig,” Aussie Pumps’ spokesman, Brad Farrugia, said.

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National herd numbers released THE Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the latest livestock numbers, with 25 million cattle recorded in Australia.

The number one area in the country per cattle capita is the Fitzroy region in Queensland, with more than 2.5 million head.

The Northern Territory, which is classified as one giant region, has 2.2 million head and comes in at

number two on the list.

Glenelg Hopkins in Victoria, which butts the South Australian border, is the highest ranking place in Victoria with a herd number of just over 800,000.

For sheep, national herd numbers sit at a whopping 67.5 million, with the Lachlan region in New South Wales the highest per capita area – home to just over six million head.

Again, Glenelg Hopkins is the highest area in Victoria for sheep numbers, with slightly more than five million sheep.

Interestingly, not a single sheep was recorded as being in the Northern Territory.

For the census results, the ABS changed their format for 2015-2016 and excluded any business with an estimated agriculture value of less than $40,000.

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October 2017

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 7

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MINIATURE HEREFORDS

Page 8, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2017 INTRODUCTION: Alison Livermore owns and operates Winswood Miniature Herefords, and has been a fan of the breed for almost a decade. Here, she talks about what got her into the miniature breed in the first place.

Why Miniature Herefords?

By ALISON LIVERMORE

HAPPY: Shady Creek breed quiet, happy Miniature Herefords.

Miniature Herefords make for busy retirement

DIANNE and Brian Shaw were planning on a leisurely retirement.

Buying 40 acres at Nilma, outside of Warragul, the pair were looking to downsize - but at the same time, were chasing a project.

Having been born and bred on a beef property in South Gippsland, Dianne was keen for a farming adventure.

“The property, which we bought in 2010, is wonderful country with good soils – ideal pasture growing,” she said.

“We looked at hazelnuts, sheep, even alpacas.

“We settled on cattle, considered fattening steers or breeding Murray Greys, but decided – because it was a retirement project – we would prefer something a little smaller.”

Miniature Herefords were exactly what the Shaws were looking for.

Exactly the same as their beefier counterparts, Miniature Herefords offer all the versatility, eating quality and easy maintenance as any other breed – just in a little package.

“After a visit to Alison Livermore and John Murphy’s Winswood Miniature Herefords, we were sold,” Ms Shaw said.

“They really are a good looking animal, all a little different with their red and white markings.”

Fast forward seven years and the Shaws have just finished calving down.

In that time, they have come to love the little characters that populate their small farm.

More than just breeders, they have become involved with the Australian Miniature Hereford Breeders Network, and are now devoted enthusiasts.

“We are up to our seventh lot of

spring calves - and over that time we have learnt a lot about handling and managing beef cattle,” Ms Shaw said.

“Smaller cattle are definitely less intimidating and Herefords are well known for their good temperament.

“Most of our cattle are sold privately, whether it is for breeding purposes, grass eaters, pets or paddock-to-plate.”

Although a relaxed retirement hasn’t worked out quite the way the Shaws originally intended, Dianne and Brian wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Our friends thought we were crazy taking on so much more work – they may have been right, but we wouldn’t change a thing,” Ms Shaw said.

For more information on Shady Creek Miniature Herefords, visit the website at shadycreekminis. wordpress.com.

NEARLY 10 years ago I was looking for a project to involve myself in, something to replace the Stock Horse breeding enterprise I had enjoyed for many years.

I saw an advertisement for Miniature Herefords, and felt excited about a new direction.

We researched Miniature Herefords and visited a stud in Tasmania, Boomer Creek Miniature Herefords, owned

by Colin and Joy Walters.

I really liked the direction Joy had taken with her animals and purchased two heifers in calf - later that year, I purchased a further heifer and a young bull.

Since that initial investment, my partner John Murphy and I have enjoyed showing, demonstrating and breeding, and now have a thriving stud of 19 breeders with an additional line of commercial cattle for a paddock to plate business.

Miniature Herefords are perfect for the small acreage farmer, children and teenagers, and older retired farmers who have become concerned about managing large cattle.

They are quiet, gentle and amenable animals, bred with temperament foremost in mind.

That is not to say, however,

that structural quality is sacrificed - we only keep the very best for breeding purposes.

We find we sell all we can breed and now routinely send cattle as far as Qld and Northern NSW. There is a definite market for steers as people who don’t wish to breed enjoy having these wonderful cattle as pets and lawn mowers.

Mini Herefords stand about hip height on the average person.

They weigh between 300 and 500kg and look just the same as the bigger Herefords from a distance.

They are excellent calvers and mums, and incredibly good doers.

Being small, they do minimal damage to your paddocks and are perfect for people with little-to-no cattle experience.

That said, they are still cattle and have to be treated as such - with worming, vaccinating and other routine maintenance, and therefore the facilities required for such are needed.

Stud Miniature Herefords are registered with Herefords Australia and are only classed as Miniatures if they pass the height restrictions.

Further information is available through the Australian Miniature Hereford Breeders Network.

LOVE: Alison Livermore owns Winswood Miniature Herefords.

She is pictured with Winswood Baxter.

Australian Miniature Herefords Breeders Network Julie Stott – President amhnetwork@gmail.com www.amhbn.com

Shady Creek Miniature Herefords

Shady Creek Miniature

Herefords

Dianne & Brian Davey 155 Nilma Shady Creek Rd, Nilma, 3821 Mobile: 0423 425 742 www.shadycreekminis. wordpress.com

Winswood Miniature Herefords

Winswood Alison Livermore 1 Pogues Rd Woodside North 3874 Ph: 03 5189 1238 winswoodminis. wordpress.com

WOODSIDE NORTH

MINIATURE HEREFORDS

October 2017

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 9

Miniature Herefords turn 20 in Australia

GOING DOWN: Meat and Livestock Australia have released their spring market report, recording a decline in the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator.

Spring sees cattle market decline THE start of spring has seen the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) continue its downward trajectory to a level that hasn’t been recorded for almost two years.

This is a contrast to the indicator’s upward trend during spring in 2015 and 2016, the result of low US beef production, a strong global beef market and fierce re-stocker demand.

The EYCI opened the 2017 spring season at 551.50¢/kg cwt and settled on 521.25¢/kg cwt by September 18, down 24.25¢/kg cwt.

Recent years has seen the EYCI exhibit stable or positive growth during the winter months, while some seasonal price discounts

take effect during spring when supplies typically increase.

The EYCI did not find the support during winter this year, however, and is charting new territory – even compared to the years of 2013 and 2002.

Aside from the seasonal similarities of the three years, 2013 and 2002 also represent the years where the EYCI declined significantly over the calendar year.

There are a number of factors underpinning the correction in today’s cattle market - ongoing poor seasonal conditions have driven increased turn-off and impacted buyer dynamic, and deteriorating pasture conditions have damp-

ened re-stocker demand.

The premium typically paid by restockers, over feeder and processor purchases, has narrowed.

In the first two weeks of September, average prices paid for EYCI eligible cattle by the three buying groups differed by a range of 37¢/ kg cwt - this time last year the difference equated to around 60¢/kg cwt.

In line with seasonal trends, the proportion of EYCI eligible cattle sold to restockers during September-to-date lifted on year-ago levels, reaching 36 per cent, but declined from recent months.

This was aided by a decrease in competition from lot feeding on the back of recovering grain prices.

Processors, who historically account for approximately a third of EYCI eligible cattle sales, have seen an ongoing decline throughout 2016 and into 2017.

Looking ahead, a recent seasonal break for parts of Victoria and a fairer three-month rainfall outlook by the Bureau of Meteorology may boost re-stocker demand and provide some support to the market in the short term.

Meanwhile, any widespread seasonal break in the north is likely to have a longer lasting effect on demand due to the hampered rebuilding efforts and lower base from which these production systems are coming from.

Annual Corriedale blue ribbon ram sale coming up THE annual Corriedale Blue Ribbon Multi Vendor Ram Sale will this year be held at the Ballarat Showgrounds on Thursday, November 2, kicking off at 12 noon.

In conjunction with Dohnes

(Australia), the Corriedales will be a Helmsman sale with approximately 50 rams available - Elders and Landmark will be the selling agents on the day.

Seven studs will participate

- Ballarat Grammar, Fairburn, Gambier View, Loddon Park, Rupertswood, Sweetfield and Wattle Glen.

All studs are Brucellosis Accredited and vaccinated for OJD.

Rams will be available for inspection from 10am.

Buyers can be sure of a choice of rams with true Corriedale qualities - most are 1.5 year olds and include the Reserve Junior

Champion at the 2017 ASBA Show.

Lunch will be provided.

For all enquiries, please contact Peter Baker on 0407 843 019 or Darryl MacDonald on (03) 5348 7630.

THIS year marks the 20th birthday of Miniature Herefords in Australia.

The breed has come a long way since it was first started in America

by R. Rust Largent Junior, who bucked the US fad of breeding cattle with extreme frame scores.

Instead, he made the decision in 1970 to continue with the stocky, easy doing small Herefords.

In 1997, the first live shipment and frozen genetics of Miniature Herefords arrived in Australia.

Since that time, the breed has enjoyed a steady increase in numbers – with a recent boom as small acreage landholders look for an easily managed alternative to large cattle.

Miniature Herefords are full blood Herefords and are registered through Herefords Australia, but are sometimes less than 50 per cent the size of their brown and white cousins.

In a judging ring, the cattle are assessed for the same physical characteristics – good bone structure, depth, functionality, soundness and carcass quality – but must be frame score one or less at age three.

Of course, the most notable difference is that adult miniature cows cannot be taller than 119cm at the hip, and a bull not taller than 124cm.

“It has been a bumpy ride with growth in the early years followed by a plateau, and national herd reduction during the drought,” Australian Miniature Hereford Breeders Network (AMHBN) president, Julie Stott, said.

“But, numbers are rebuilding with a growing interest from peri-urban and small lot farmers, especially the baby boomer generation retiring onto acreage.

“Poll genetics are favoured by the small lot farmers for ease of management - we like to think of the cattle as Herefords with all the qualities of the regular cattle, they are just a miniature version.”

Ms Stott was one of the first to jump on board the Miniature Hereford train, importing frozen embryos in 1997.

Commercial animals, particularly steers, are generally sold for the same price, on a per kilo basis, as a large Hereford.

Weaning weights of steers is around 150kg.

AMHBN is a breeding network that wants to encourage as many new members as possible.

With around 300 registered stud cattle, most herds range in numbers up to 30 animals – but there is always room for more.

The AMHBN provides a comprehensive information pack on cattle management, and is happy to advise new owners on how to get the most from their Miniature Hereford.

For more information on Miniature Herefords, contact the AMHBN through their website, or by email at amhnetwork@gmail.com.

Australian Miniature Herefords Breeders Network Julie Stott – President amhnetwork@gmail.com www.amhbn.com

Shady Creek Miniature Herefords

Shady Creek Miniature

Herefords

Dianne & Brian Davey 155 Nilma Shady Creek Rd, Nilma, 3821 Mobile: 0423 425 742 www.shadycreekminis. wordpress.com

Winswood Miniature Herefords

Winswood Alison Livermore 1 Pogues Rd Woodside North 3874 Ph: 03 5189 1238 winswoodminis. wordpress.com

WOODSIDE NORTH

NEWS

Page 10, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2017

Canola growers warned to look for moths CANOLA growers throughout the southern cropping region are advised to keep an eye out for Diamondback Moth (DBM), especially if conditions over the coming weeks are dry with above

average temperatures.

Fortnightly sweep-net monitoring throughout flowering to harvest is the most effective way of determining if DBM are present.

DBM has a high

propensity to develop resistance, with more than 80 insecticides already known to be ineffective.

Further information on DBM management can be found at www.grdc.com.au/ GRDC-FS-DBM.

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ROCHESTER mixed-farmer, Bruce Macague, has seen a lift in his grain and lamb output after adjusting his cropping program on the family property.

Mr Macague runs “Ballinode” with his wife, Lindsey, and son, Hugh, planting about 1600ha of canola, wheat, barley, chickpeas and oaten hay for export each year.

Ballinode is also home to some 4000 crossbred lambs, raised for the export meat market.

The Macague family had been sowing fodder rape and a popular graze and grain wheat for several years, but recently began to revaluate the program.

“We were grazing fodder rape for a while, but we didn’t like the fact that it was single purpose – you couldn’t take it for grain,” Mr Macague said.

“Our Wedgetail wheat has been very good here, but it couldn’t go H2, it was always stuck at APW. “Plus, it was easily weather damaged and had cultivated oats in it, so it was time to upgrade.”

The solution was to introduce Clearfield graze and grain winter canola hybrid Hyola 970CL into the program in 2015, and new dualpurpose Kittyhawk wheat this year.

“We still needed something

else in the rotation other than wheat to keep the weed pressure down, so Clearfield chemistry in the canola fits the bill - with weeds like ryegrass and wild radish,” Mr Macague said.

“Also, Kittyhawk can be taken for high protein wheat, so that was attractive to us.”

The change in program showed promise early, until, like many Victorian farms, the Macagues faced disaster.

“The 2015 season was the worst season we had ever seen,” Mr Macague said.

“We received half the typical growing season rainfall usually 300mm - so our best yields were 300kg/ha.”

Fast forward to the 2016 season and the weather was conducive to bumper crops.

“It was an extreme turnaround - we went from the worst season to the best,” he said.

The Macagues’ 30ha crop of Hyola 970CL yielded a 3t/ha average at harvest in January.

“It took a long time before it could be windrowed due to the moisture, but eventually the contractor could get in the crop at the start of December,” Mr Macague said.

“I put the header through in January and because it was so thick, it was difficult to harvest.”

Mr Macague sowed the canola dry in March 2016

using an Excel single disc seeder at a rate of 3kg/ha on 200mm rows.

He irrigated it on flood irrigation, and as it received good rain through April and for the rest of the season, further irrigation was not needed.

“The crop was not grazed because the season was so favourable and I had an excess of feed, so only the Wedgetail was grazed because of the higher risk of lodging,” Mr Macague said.

Another paddock of 970CL was planted alongside the other mature crop in November 2016, which was grazed for the first time in April.

“The second lot of 970CL was grazed at first node stage, then again, before being locked up in July - we’ll probably harvest it in December,” Mr Macague said.

“The lambs took a few days to get the taste of the canola as usual, but really got stuck into it after a few days.

“I always have some cereal hay in the paddock to provide them with some roughage.”

Their first ever crop of Kittyhawk wheat was planted to 30ha in March.

“We irrigated it up and it looks terrific and has provided terrific quality grazing - it has now been locked up till harvest when I expect it should yield 5-6t/ha.”

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NEWS

October 2017

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 11

Out with RIRDC, in with AgriFutures

Corn - from opportunity crop to regular crop FOR some growers in northern Victoria, corn is an opportunity crop - but for the Evans family, it is finding a regular spot in their program.

The upcoming summer will mark the fourth year in a row the Echuca farmers have grown corn for silage.

Michael Evans, his wife, Jeanette, and son, Nick, run a dryland and irrigated cropping and livestock operation - planting wheat, faba beans and canola in winter, and corn in summer.

Their agronomist, Sam Toulmin from Kober, said the Evans’ initially put corn in the mix to diversify their income and to make use of their full water allocations, but have decided to keep planting 40-60ha even in low allocation seasons due to the high yields, market accessibility and weed control.

“In our area we have fluctuating prices for irrigation water, so when we have access to large amounts of water at a cheap price, many growers will consider a summer crop like corn,” Mr Toulmin said.

“A couple of clients are going with summer crops yearin year-out, but most fluctuate.”

He said in the Echuca area, 85 per cent of crops sown were wheat, barley and canola.

Mr Toulmin said the Evans’ best yield so far was in the 2015-16 season, when they harvested 28 tonnes of dry matter per hectare from a crop of PAC 624.

“We came off an extremely dry winter period, so they were able to get sowable conditions early and establish the plant numbers required for optimum yield,” Mr Toulmin said.

“We generally sow at 100,000 kernels per hectare for silage, and in that season they had an established plant population of 92,000.”

The Evans usually budget on flood irrigation of seven megalitres per season, which worked out to be 4t DM/ML. Last season was not as successful, as the wet winter inhibited seed to soil contact.

“The 2016 -2017 summer came off an extremely wet winter period - established numbers were patchy, ranging from 65,000-90,000 per hectare,” Mr Toulmin said.

The crop was sown on October 30 with a John Deere MaxEmerge planter on 91cm spacing, received 143mm of in-crop rain and was harvested March 14.

Fertiliser consisted of 5t/ha of chicken litter broadcasted, 250kg of MAP plus 250kg urea deep banded prior to seeding, and 300kg of urea applied by aircraft in-crop.

ADVISOR: Kober agronomists Chris Dellavedova (left) and Sam Toulmin advise growers on several crops including corn.

Chemical applications included 3.2L/ha of Primextra Gold plus 900mL Chlorpyrifos PSPE. Along with the potential high yields, the local dairy industry provides a steady market for silage growers, reducing the need for dry down and freight.

“Because we’re in a large dairy region, farmers can grow silage on contract,” Mr Toulmin said.

One advantage of growing silage over grain is the quicker harvest time.

“The issue with growing summer crops here is getting them off in time for winter sowing, but corn can be harvested for silage in March, allowing the next crop to go in on time, whereas grain needs drying down in most cases.

“Most of our clients want to get it into the ground in the first two weeks of October, and something like PAC 624 suits that window well due to its CRM - comparative relative maturity - of 118,” Mr Toulmin said.

“It’s a high yielding variety which enables growers to get it off in March and get the next crop in without too much hassle.

“As you push later into November and early December, CRM will play more of a role, as you need a quick corn.”

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RURAL Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) have changed their name to AgriFutures Australia.

AgriFutures Australia invests in research, leadership, innovation and learning to support industries that do not have their own research and development function, new and emerging industries, and the issues that affect the whole of agriculture.

Changing to AgriFutures Australia, the government department said they felt the name more accurately reflected a new direction and purpose.

Page 12, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2017

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NEWS

October 2017

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 13

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Applications open for Victorian Rural Women’s Award

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WINNERS: Holstein Australia announced the 2017 Master Breeders at its annual awards night, held at Nowra recently. The highly-coveted Master Breeder Award recognises the long-term achievement of herds that have bred at least 300 registered animals over a minimum of 20 years. One of the recipients of the award was Amelia Birute and Athol Hyland – Amelia Park – from Euroa (pictured).

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NEWS

Page 14, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

Farm biosecurity awards open NOMINATIONS are now open for the 2018 Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year.

Do you know a farmer who takes biosecurity seriously – someone who works hard to avoid diseases, pests and weeds coming on to their property.

The Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year Award was established to recognise the contribution of producers who demonstrate outstanding, proactive on-farm biosecurity practices.

“Implementing biosecurity at the farm gate is one of the most important steps in the nation’s biosecurity system, and we are delighted to be partnering with the Australian Government in hosting the Australian Biosecurity Awards,” Animal Health Australia chief executive officer, Kathleen Plowman, said.

“All producers, from hobby farmers to large commercial operators, are eligible for nomination, with the ideal recipient being someone who has successfully integrated essential on-farm biosecurity actions into their everyday farm management strategy.”

The 2018 Australian Biosecurity Awards will be presented at a gala dinner in Canberra in March next year.

Nominations for the awards close on October 20.

For information on the awards, including the nomination form, visit agriculture.gov. au/aba.

October 2017

Witherswood Angus will host first female sale FOR the first time in more than 25 years, Witherswood Angus will host their first ever female sale.

Being held on-farm on October 20, the sale represents some of the finest genetics available in the country.

An accelerated embryo breeding program has resulted in increased numbers, with some 120 females to be offered – a mix of yearling heifers and cows with spring drop calves at foot.

“Over the past 20 years, Witherswood - as part of our highly suc-

cessful breeding program - have included a large amount of the successful NSW Millah Murrah genetics,” stud owner, John Woodruff, said.

“At Witherswood, we have worked extremely hard to breed our unique type of cattle – which we have named, not surprisingly, the Witherswood Type.

“These have not been heavily influenced by the race to EBV figures which are easy to produce, and great to market - but the ability to produce cows with the correct structure, fertil-

ity, longevity, and good milk production.

“That is most important to a sound, long term beef operation.”

Back in September 2015, Witherswood purchased shares in two record breaking Angus bulls - Kingdom K35, and Klooney K42.

Since purchase, the bulls have become pivotal in the continued success of the Witherswood breeding program.

At the October sale, Witherswood will become the first Victorian stud to offer Kingdom and Klooney progeny.

“The recent Millah Murrah Sale, in NSW, saw yearling sons of Kingdom K35 sell up to $20,000, and Klooney K42 sell to $50,000, which is a new record for a yearling Bull,” Mr Woodruff said.

“We are very excited to see how our Witherswood progeny will perform.”

The Witherswood Angus on property sale will be held on October 20, starting at 1pm.

For more information, go to the website at www.witherswoodangus. com.au.

Nothing terrible about hut re-build

REBUILT: The Mt Terrible hut has been officially re-built ahead of the opening of the Alpine National Park. Mt Terrible is located in the hills behind Kevington.

WHEN fire lookout observer Peter McGrath drove to Mt Terrible to commence his fire-watch shift on an early December morning in 2012, he discovered that the Hut had burnt to the ground.

All that remained was a smouldering heap - and the chimney stack.

The original hut was built in 1962 as accommodation for fire lookout staff.

“It was soon discovered that campers had stayed in the hut the previous night, and at around 2am a burning log had rolled out of the fireplace,” DELWP senior forest management and roading officer - Alexandra, James

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Cowell, said.

“Within moments the hut was ablaze.”

Although originally built for lookout staff, the hut later became a visitor attraction and emergency shelter for hikers, horse riders, four wheel drivers and trail bike riders in the area.

“After discussions with the volunteer groups, plans to rebuild the hut were put in place, with works commencing in November 2016,” Mr Cowell said.

“Community volunteers and DELWP staff finished the final touches to the new hut in May of this year.”

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October 2017

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 15 A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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NEWS

Page 16, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2017

Changes afoot for red meat

Senate report recommends study into pre and post-sale weighing at sales Ĺ°

ON OFFER: Days Whiteface will hold their on-farm sale this month. Pictured is a selection of their maternal composite sale rams.

Complete prime lamb package offered by Days Whiteface LACHLAN and Lou Day, of Days Whiteface stud, are offering leading genetics that cover both the terminal and maternal side of the prime lamb industry at their upcoming stud sale on October 6.

An inspection of their outstanding White Suffolk rams and ewes leave no doubt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Days Whiteface quality is unmistakable.

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A STUDY into pre and post-sale weighing to provide an evidence-base on which to consider selling methods at saleyards was one of the key recommendations of a Senate Committee Report into the Red Meat Industry.

The Senate Committee inquiry and report into the red meat industry came following concerns about a culture of collusion at cattle saleyards.

In its report, the committee said it shared the concerns of stakeholders, particularly producers in relation to a number of saleyard practices, including the behaviour of commission buyers.

The purpose of the inquiry was to examine the red meat processing sector in response to meat processorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; boycott of the Barnawartha Saleyards in Victoria in February 2015. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When nine meat processors all decided not to turn up to the Barnawartha Saleyards, it was a watershed moment for producers, prompting me to initiate this Senate inquiry following an outcry from local farmers,â&#x20AC;? Senator Bridget McKenzie said.

Senator McKenzie said the committee inquiry, which received 122 submissions, is a key way forward for the red meat sector to regain the conďŹ dence of processors and farmers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the eighth inquiry into the red meat sector and the time to get it right is now, farmers and others in the sector are relying on us and we will not let them down,â&#x20AC;?

Senator McKenzie said.

Another key recommendation is that the government provides immediate support to the grass fed cattle sector in its efforts to replace the Cattle Council of Australia

TIME FOR CHANGE: A Senate committee report into the red meat industry has just been released. Senator Bridget McKenzie, one of the key players in the inquiry, will be at the Barnawartha saleyards today at midday.

with a transparent and accountable producer-owned body as the sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peak Industry Council.

The committee recommends that a joint industry and government meat and livestock task force be established to conduct a comprehensive review of all aspects of the Red Meat Moratorium of Understanding within the industry to consider options for reform.

Senator McKenzie said this report along with an inquiry by the ACCC calls for urgent changes to the way business is conducted at cattle saleyards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There must be simple, easily interpreted price grids ahead of livestock auctions, post-sale weighing and general transparency across the sector.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is the only way to return conďŹ dence to the red meat industry, a call echoed by the ACCC and supported by the Victorian Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Federation (VFF). â&#x20AC;&#x153;I call on the industry peak bodies in the red meat industry to take up the challenge and support these recommendations to the sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They cannot ignore the evidence to the Senate over the past two years or the recommendations of the corporate regulator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There must be transparency, there must be changes and there must be ownership of these problems to resolve them and move on,â&#x20AC;? Senator McKenzie said.

The Senate committee report is available at: rrat.sen@ aph.gov.au.

NEWS

October 2017

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 17

Ag-tech innovation recognised at 2017 iAwards AN innovative new ag-tech product that tags food from paddock to plate has been recognised with a special merit award at the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) iAward night.

Aimed at reducing the 36 per cent of food wastage that occurs in handling and logistics, the Smart-R-Tags can be attached to a carton, crate or pallet and provide information on location, temperature and handling.

Produced by SensaData, the Smart-R-Tags are smaller than a credit card, low cost, reusable and have a long service life.

The tag system is designed to be used across a variety of industries although is primarily aimed at the vegetable and fruit markets.

If a product is damaged or spoiled in transit, the tag will provide data as to where, when and how the problems occurred.

Smart-R-Tags are currently in the ďŹ nal phase of development, with SensaData seeking commercial partners to help launch the product next year.

The iAwards program aims to discover, recognise and reward technology innovations that have the potential to create a positive impact on the community.

MLA looking for representatives for board selection committee CANDIDATES are currently being sought to fill three producer representative positions on the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Board Selection Committee.

The three candidates will be filled at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual general meeting, to be held as part of Red Meat 2017 in November in Alice Springs.

The role of the selection committee is to call for applications, review, interview and then report to members on the suitability of candidates for election to the MLA board.

The committee is currently made up of two non-voting MLA directors, three representatives nominated by producer peak councils, and four producer members who have been directly elected by MLA members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one sheep-meat, one grain-fed cattle and two grass-fed cattle representatives.

At this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AGM, MLA members have the opportunity to directly elect three producer representatives to the MLA Board Selection Committee for a three-year term, from nominees from three producer categories: * one grass-fed cattle representative; * one sheep-meat representative; and * one grain-fed cattle representative.

All producer nominees are put forward to the AGM for a vote by the producer members in each class.

Members wishing to nominate a person, or wishing to nominate themselves for election by MLA producer members to the MLA Board Selection Committee at the 2017 AGM, must give written notice to MLA.

WINNING TECHNOLOGY: A new tag system that would see the logistical movements, temperature and handling of vegetables recorded has won an iAward.

Pictured is SensaDataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scott McKenzie, Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis and La Trobe Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centre for technology infusion director Aniruddha Desai.

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NEWS

Page 18, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2017

When a fence is not a fence TRADITIONAL fence lines may soon be a thing of the past if a recent trial by Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority river and wetland health manager, Mark Turner, is anything to go by.

Mr Turner has just ďŹ nished a successful trial of virtual fencing, where cattle were kept away from a river thanks to a special GPS collar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that stock causes signiďŹ cant damage to waterways and traditional fencing isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always the answer because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vulnerable to ďŹ re and ďŹ&#x201A;ood,â&#x20AC;?

Mr Turner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to control stock access to rivers, and if we can do that without expensive fencing then thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a win for farmers and a win for the environment.â&#x20AC;?

Virtual fencing is an animalfriendly system which controls the movement of livestock without the need for physical fences.

The farmer is able to create boundaries through a smart phone or computer, and the system uses Global Positioning System (GPS) wireless technology to control the location of the animals.

Cattle are ďŹ tted with a special collar that delivers sounds and

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T FENCE ME IN: Physical fences may soon be a thing of the past after a recent trial showed cattle were receptive to a virtual fence, utilising collars similar to those used to train dogs.

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small electric pulses, as it moves closer to the virtual fence.

Mr Turnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trial was held on a working cattle farm at Tumbarumba, in Southern NSW. Within a few hours of the system being turned on, the cattle learned to recognise the presence of the virtual fence â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and moved away from it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Goulburn Broken CMA was among the earliest investors in the eShepherd technology, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because we really believed it could be a useful tool in our work to protect rivers and riparian areas,â&#x20AC;? Mr Turner said.

Bruce McCormack runs a commercial Angus herd on the banks of the Delatite River, in Merrijig, North East Victoria.

He is also one of the few who still retain a Mountain Cattlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High Country grazing lease, pushing 100 head up into the mountains each summer.

The implications of virtual fences, for someone like Mr McCormack, are far reaching. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We run cattle each summer into the High Country, in the state forest,â&#x20AC;? Mr McCormack said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We check them three to four times each week, and while we have never had a problem in

the past, this kind of technology would allow us to keep tabs on where the cattle were at all times, without the need to physically drive into the bush and sight them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In theory, we could fence them out of areas that might get busy with tourists over a long weekend â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or we could fence them into a spot that was particularly overgrown and needed to be cleared of undergrowth.â&#x20AC;?

Sally Haynes is an animal welfare scientist with agritech startup company, Agersens, and has been involved with the virtual fencing project for some time.

She said the potential beneďŹ ts were not just about creating exclusion zones for cattle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It can be used to protect establishing tree lines, paddock trees and sensitive areas such as hill tops after dry times and lowlying areas after wet periods,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the production beneďŹ ts that might surprise farmers, including automated rotational grazing, reduced fence maintenance and the early detection of missing stock.â&#x20AC;?

The eShepherd technology is scheduled for commercial release in the next six months.

Feral photos for great prizes THE Annual PestSmart Feral Photo and Video Competition is back for its seventh year - with great prizes on offer and new categories to enter.

First begun in 2011, the competition has since received more than 3000 images showcasing the impact of feral animals on the Australian landscape.

Andreas Glanznig, chief executive officer of the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, said he is constantly amazed by the quality of photos and videos which highlight the feral animal problem. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our photo and video competition put feral animals under the spotlight, but why stop at animals?â&#x20AC;? Mr Glanznig said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year, we want to see photos and videos of weed infestations, like the European blackberry, bridle creeper and prickly pear to name a few. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to promote the whole invasive species problem, and

GO FERAL: PestSmart are running their annual feral animal photo competition, with a $300 prize for each category. management at a landscape level, not just one animal or one weed at a time,â&#x20AC;? Mr Glanznig said.

Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winning image was of a fox attacking a native Egret.

Other winning images included feral goats in full fight, a carp egg up close, a feral cat prowling a native Mallee fowl mound and an urban fox with a fast food wrapper in its mouth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The competition really highlights all aspects of the feral story, from rural to urban areas,

encompassing land and water,â&#x20AC;?

Mr Glanznig said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also had some amazing video footage sent in last year, which included the winning footage of a wallowing samba deer in the Victorian Alpine National Park.â&#x20AC;?

There are five categories, each with a prize of $300.

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The competition closes Friday, October 27.

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NEWS

October 2017

North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 19

Omega-3 diet linked to higher male lambing rates SHEEP producers may soon have the ability to influence the sex ratio of lambs by manipulating maternal nutrition around the time of conception, with new research indicating a sheep’s diet may influence the gender of offspring.

The research, conducted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), in collaboration with the Graham Centre at Charles Sturt University, started in 2010 and has involved more than 1500 ewes.

The research examines the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet of ewes and the effect it has on the sex ratio of lambs.

Initial results found that feeding a diet high in omega-3 - such as pasture and silage - to ewes at joining was associated with a higher proportion of male lambs, while a diet high in omega 6 - based on oat grain - produced a higher proportion of female lambs.

On-farm trials are now being carried out by Dr Ed Clayton from the NSW DPI, in conjunction with the Holbrook Landcare Network, to test these findings.

Dr Clayton said work was being undertaken on 11 trial sites over a three year period to test the practicalities of the research on farms near Wagga Wagga and Holbrook.

“We are looking at how the effect of feeding diets to

TRIALS: NSW DPI and Charles Sturt University have been conducting a series of trials that looks at the sex ratio of lambs linking to maternal nutrition. Farming systems project officer with Holbrook Landcare Network, Ashley Paech, is running producer interviews alongside the on-farm trials to seek feedback on the research.

unsynchronised ewes in a paddock feeding situation influences the sex ratio of the lambs, and the best sources of omega-3 and omega-6 to incorporate into practical on-farm rations,” Dr Clayton said.

The first of the on-farm trials began last year and involved five farms with a sam-

ple flock of 500 ewes split into two groups on each farm.

Half the ewes grazed on pasture alone in the lead up to joining and the other half were supplemented with 600 grams of oats per day for four weeks leading up to joining, and during the first two weeks of joining, giving them six weeks of grain.

“At the farm gate, the first year of trials didn’t show a huge difference in the sex ratio of offspring on individual farms,” Dr Clayton said.

“On some farms there was a 4-5 per cent difference in sex ratio, but other producers recorded no change.

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tive sample of ewes from each treatment group found there was a correlation between the fatty acid profile in the blood and the sex ratio of lambs.

“For example, on one property where there was no difference in sex ratio between the treatment groups, there was also no difference recorded in the fatty acids in the

blood between the treatment groups.”

Dr Clayton said the properties where the fatty acid profile was changed saw a difference in the sex ratio of lambs.

“This provides some evidence that if the fatty acid profile can be changed through diet, we can influence the sex ratio of offspring,” he said.

Dr Clayton said the next two years of trial work would address some of the practical challenges of managing the feed-base and conducting un-replicated trials on-farm.

“We’ll be looking at some of the variables which are difficult to manage out in the paddock.

“For example, the right length of feeding leading up to joining, how much grain to feed and what type of grain to feed, as well as how to more accurately account for the normal variation seen in sex ratios between mobs and individual paddocks,” he said.

Farming systems project officer with Holbrook Landcare Network, Ashley Paech, is running producer interviews alongside the on-farm trials to seek feedback on the research and its relevance for farm businesses.

“Commercial producers can definitely see value in the research particularly in a building or rebuilding phase, so after drought for example, when it’s important to build ewe numbers,” Mr Paech said.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 21

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NEWS

Page 22, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

What’s on for farmers

October 2017

A calendar Friday, October 6, Strathbogie covering a variety Acidic soils field day of agriculture Field day dealing with acidic tolerant pasture happenings in the species and different liming rates. See what North East species germinate and persist in highly acidic soils with high aluminium levels. Field day is being run in conjunction with the Gecko Clan Landcare network and Strathbogie Landcare. No cost. 10am – 12pm. Carpenters Lane, Strathbogie. RSVP to Kerri Robson on 0418 140 710 or to email landcare2@iinet. net.au.

Monday, October 9 and October 23, Rutherglen

Farming Smarter Workshop If you are looking for a way to farm smarter – not harder - join Dr Kristy Howard and other like-minded farmers at Rutherglen this October.

The program is part of Meat and Livestock Australia’s new Profitable Grazing Systems and focuses on how to get off the 24/7/365 days a year treadmill to focus on the parts of the business that really matter. For more information call Kristy on 0400 282 222.

Sunday, October 15, Huon

Healthy Habitat on Huon Join Trust for Nature staff and landholders, Greg and Lynda Oates, for a walk and talk on their Huon Creek property.

Learn more about: plant identification; ecological thinning; chainsaw carved tree hollows; nest box design and installation; wildlife surveying using motion activated cameras; the impacts of herbivore browsing on the bush; landholder incentive projects; and conservation covenants. RSVP by October 9, phone (03) 8631 5888.

Tuesday, October 17 – Wangaratta

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Public lecture: How can we safeguard the future of agriculture 5.30pm - 6.30pm The University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health brings you a public lecture with Professor Timothy Reeves.

Prof Reeves will discuss the grand challenges for agriculture and future food and nutritional security in Victoria. Bookings are

WHAT’S ON: Looking for something to do? Take a look at Farmer’s comprehensive ag calendar.

Want to add your event?

Email the details to rmccormack@ nemedia. com.au.

essential for this free public event. Held at The Auditorium, Learning and Teaching Centre, Dixon St, Wangaratta. For more information contact Di Doyle (03) 5823 4512 or ddoyle@ unimelb.edu.au.

Tuesday, October 17, Wangaratta

Online training for beekeepers Workshop to assist with online training to help beekeepers complete the Biosecurity On-line Training (BOLT) pest and disease course. BOLT course is a requirement under the Australian Honey Bee Biosecurity Code of Practice for all beekeepers with more than 50 hives. Workshops will provide assistance to use a computer and complete the online course. 6pm-9pm. No charge for beekeepers with more than 50 hives, $20 fee for hobby beekeepers. More information, contact Jessica Hartland on 0447 245 558 or email jessica.hartland@ ecodev.vic.gov.au.

Wednesday, October 18, Dookie

Open day, Dookie Ag College 10am-4pm Experience the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus and the latest developments in research, learning and teaching in plant and animal health, farming, food and agribusiness. Learn about the courses in agriculture, veterinary medicine and food science on offer. Explore the 2440-hectare agricultural campus and its community.

Dookie is the largest agricultural campus in the southern hemisphere. Meet students based at the campus, from diploma- to PhD-level, sample wine, cheese, beer and more as you explore campus, and participate in interactive displays. Free entry. Dookie campus is located at 940 Dookie-Nalinga Road, Dookie College.

Friday, October 20, Tallangatta

A practical guide to biosecurity 9.30am – 1pm Leading up to the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) changes which come into effect in October - you are invited to a free event to find out about the new LPA program requirements, what you have to do and when. You will also get hands on and start developing your farm biosecurity plan. Hear the latest on the new approach to Johne’s disease in beef cattle and JBAS tool. Where: Tallangatta Memorial Hall.

To register: www.lhbv. eventbrite.com.au or phone 1300 020 163.

October 30 - November 3, Beechworth

Wise Waterways Workshop A comprehensive workshop in rural and urban stream management principles and practices. The course is aimed at people working, studying or who are interested in stream management, particularly those involved in practical natural resource works programs. On completion of the workshop and a short assessment task, students may be eligible to receive subject credits in relevant Charles Sturt University courses. For more information contact Virginia Eckels on 0408 109 707 or email info@wisewaterways. org.au .

Saturday, November 11, Violet Town

Permaculture garden design course Learn to retro-fit or create your own permaculture garden for home or farm.

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North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Page 23

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would require an animal to be ingesting multiple carcasses over a period of days or weeks.

gum colour. There may be bleeding from the nostrils or evidence of blood in feaces or vomit.

Bleeding into the abdomen may cause a ‘potHow does rat bait work? bellied’ appearance or into the chest may cause Rat bait is an anticoagulant which works by breathing difficulties. preventing the production of Vitamin K in the What should I do if I suspect toxicity? body. Vitamin K is an important component of If presented soon after ingestion of the toxin the normal blood clotting process in the body.

Without vitamin K the blood will not clot properly the veterinarian will induce vomiting and start the animal on vitamin K supplements. If clinical and widespread bleeding will occur. signs of toxicity have occurred more intensive What are the clinical signs associated with treatment such as IV fluid therapy or blood rodenticide toxicity? transfusions may be required depending on the Clinical signs associated with ratbait toxicity severity of the case. Rat-bait toxicity can be fatal are due to bleeding and can range from mild to so if suspected early intervention is paramount severe. Lethargy, weakness and a lack of appetite for the best outcome. usually occurs and is often accompanied by pale Dr. Kirri Soly-Slade DVM

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In reality secondary poisoning is unlikely and

Page 24, North East and Goulburn Murray Farmer

October 2017

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