Southern Farmer

THE SOUTHERN

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

JANUARY, 2018

JERSEY BOY WINS CHALLENGE

www.farmernews.com.au

BEEF WEEK

PAGE 7

FIRE AWARENESS

PAGES 10-16

PAGES 20-21

Alpaca on the menu Alpaca meat looks similar to lamb when processed, but offers a milder-flavour. Ű

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

rmccormack@ nemedia.com.au

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

In February this year, the Hydes launched Tallarook Meat Co – a business that revolved around not only selling alpaca meat, but also in changing the public perception.

“The biggest barrier, without a doubt, has been customers who can’t get past the idea that they are eating something cute,” Ms Hyde said.

“Those that do try it have been really positive – we have a number of recipe cards we hand out, and that helps people feel confident in the product they are taking home.”

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

Continued page 4

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

Based out of Tallarook, the drought had hit hard.

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

Felicia and Andrew Hyde, who started off with four alpacas as paddock pets, were caught.

“We had spent years growing our flock, had poured so much time and effort into breeding show animals, and then we had the drought and we had no way of feeding them,” Ms Hyde said.

“All the mainstream farmers – beef and sheep – could de-stock; but no one wanted alpacas in a drought.”

Looking for ways to manage the problem, the Hydes found an abattoir in Western Victoria that would process alpacas for meat.

“We were at a stage where we had to sell them and get out, or we had to find an alternative way to use them.

“So, 18 months ago, we decided to give it a go and market them for consumption.”

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NEWS

Page 2, Southern Farmer

January 2018

Gippsland Jersey wins Supreme Champion A GIPPSLAND dairy cow has taken out the Supreme Champion in the 2017 Jersey Australia Semex Great Southern Challenge.

Araluen Park Sega Ebony, bred by Trevor Saunders and Anthea Day at Shady Creek, took home the award.

The Jersey Australia Semex Great Australian Challenge is the largest judging competition for Jersey cattle in the southern hemisphere.

Members from the 20 Jersey Australia clubs across Australia held On Farm Challenge competitions late last year to find the best cows across five age groups.

The final 100 cows were then judged on 22 individual traits.

Great Southern Challenge judge, Luke Wallace, said the overall quality of all finalists was excellent – with Araluen Park Sega Ebony being the most correct cow through all body traits.

“She’s powerful all-over and has width and capacity from head to tail,” Mr Wallace said.

“She has extreme chest and udder width, and strong ligaments through her udder - she achieved close to the maximum points.”

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THE SOUTHERN

Covering Central South Victoria and West Gippsland 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta Victoria, 3677

Phone (03) 5723 0125 Email: sfarmer@nemedia.com.au Website: farmernews.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

Juliette Mellon Phone (03) 5733 1109 jmellon@nemedia.com.au

Editorial:

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

Senior Journalist

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

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

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

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NEWS

January 2018

Southern Farmer, Page 3

Wool prices smash records in 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Producers still looking for more rain FARMERS in North East Victoria received up to 200ml at the start of last month.

Scrambling to harvest crops before the deluge, flooding was recorded in Euroa, Benalla and up into the Buckland Valley.

Just four hours away, it was a completely different story.

Rather than ducking for cover, producers from west of Geelong were left looking for more – rather than less – rainfall.

Stewart Mathieson runs sheep from his property South of Winchelsea.

Despite some parts of the state setting rainfall

DEPUTY: Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie will replace Fiona Nash as the deputy leader of the Nationals, after Ms Nash faced dual citizenship issues.

records, the coastal shires received less than an inch.

“It was an insignificant event for us,” Mr Mathieson said.

“If anything, we were probably looking for a little bit more.”

Mr Mathieson is the secretary for the Winchelsea branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation.

Although he said cropping farmers west of Geelong had felt some impact, the overall rain event had not been worth the worry.

“I only recorded 18ml at home – it was of very little effect to us overall.”

NO SOUTHERN RECORDS BROKEN: Producers in southern Victoria were left looking for more rain last month, despite some areas of Victoria smashing rainfall records during the December deluge.

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Page 4, Southern Farmer

January 2018

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

Alpaca on the menu

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

Each alpaca has a gestation period of 11 months, with the animals not processed until 36 months – a total turnaround time of almost four years.

“We are trying out different rates of turn-off – if we send them to the abattoir at two years of age, instead of three, there is around a 20 per cent reduction in the carcass,” Ms Hyde said.

“But we have to weigh that up against the extra 12 months of feeding.”

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

The Hydes are changing their breeding focus as well – gravitating away from fibre selection and instead trying to develop an animal that is heavier-set with a quicker maturation.

“We still get three wool clips from each animal, which is great, but the quality of the fibre is no longer our driving focus.”

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

Retailing starts at $20 per kilo – a small price, Ms Hyde explained, for an animal that takes almost four years to make it onto the table.

“As a commercial proposition, alpacas can’t compete with sheep or cattle,” she said.

“They only have one cria each year, are slow to mature and require specialised handling and shearing.

“Despite that, the price per kilo is similar to lamb.

“We are mindful of the fact that this is a niche product within an already niche market,” Ms Hyde said.

“At the end of the day, we breed sheep and cattle for meat; why wouldn’t we do it with alpaca?”

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“There are a lot of health benefits to eating alpaca, similar to kangaroo,” Ms Hyde said.

“It is very lean, high in iron and protein but doesn’t have the gamey flavour.”

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

Selling only at farmers markets across Victoria, Tallarook Meat Co is slowly making in-roads with their increased product range.

“It’s a lovely tasting meat, with a lot to offer – I think it’s about educating the public,” Ms Hyde said.

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

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NEWS

January 2018

Southern Farmer, Page 5

MLA elects new directors

WORST IN A DECADE: ABARES has predicted this year’s Australian wheat harvest will be the worst in a decade.

Wheat crop worst in a decade according to ABARES report

A NEW report has predicted that Australia will produce its smallest wheat crop in a decade.

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

In Victoria, the report predicts: z Wheat production will decrease by 32 per cent to 3.6 mil-

lion tonnes in 2017–18, driven by a significant fall in the average yield.

Planted area is estimated to be unchanged from the previous year. z Barley production is forecast to fall by 36 per cent to around 2.1 million tonnes in 2017–18.

Planted area is estimated to have decreased by 4 per cent and the average yield is forecast to fall by 33 per cent. z Canola production is forecast

to fall by 6 per cent in 2017–18 to 660,000 tonnes. An estimated 18 per cent increase in area planted is expected to be more than offset by a 20 per cent fall in the average yield.

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

“Total winter crop production in

2017–18 is forecast to fall by 32 per cent to around 7.0 million tonnes, reflecting a fall in average yields following the exceptional yields of 2016–17,” the report reads.

“This forecast production is 13 per cent above the 10 year average to 2016–17.”

If realised, this season’s wheat crop will be the worst since the 0708 harvest, when just 13.6 million tonnes were cut.

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

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

These are: z Victorian cattle producer and professional services expert in audit, corporate services and risk management, Alan Beckett; z Northern cattle production systems specialist and Queensland cattle producer, Russell Lethbridge; and z South Australian sheep-meat and wool producer, who specialises in sheep and cattle breeding techniques, Andrew Michael.

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

MLA members also voted on the election of three producer representatives to the MLA Board Selection Committee – one grass-fed cattle representative, one grain-fed cattle representative and one sheepmeat representative.

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

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 – one sheepmeat, one grain-fed cattle and two grass-fed cattle representatives.

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NEWS

Page 6, Southern Farmer

January 2018

MANAGING RISKS: Olivia Lineham started off as a potato and beef farmer, but diversified into dairy to help manage the familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; income risks.

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A LITTLE over a year and a half ago, Gippsland potato farmers Olivia and George Lineham took 10 cows, and a 50-year-old dairy, and started to branch out into a new farming venture.

Today, with 110 cows and more on the way, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re relishing being part of the dairy industry.

Their farm at Cora Lynn, near Pakenham, is 70 per cent potatoes and 30 per cent dairy.

The mix gives the Linehams a sense of security, something that was heightened to them after unpredictable weather patterns. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were flooded in 2011 which made us realise how vulnerable we were by relying on one source of income,â&#x20AC;? Olivia said.

The Linehams had previously run beef cattle, but not enough to survive on, and embarking on another horticulture industry presented a similar risk to potatoes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you plant potatoes and they all die, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have anything to sell,â&#x20AC;? Olivia said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dairy is a different type of farming and mitigates our

risk through diversification.â&#x20AC;?

After selling their beef cows, enjoying record high prices, Olivia and George purchased 10 dairy heifers - and later 20 heifer calves - to rear from nearby farms.

When the price crashed, they had built their herd to 50 animals.

It was a scary time, but the potatoes were being harvested; so Olivia and George persisted with dairy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was an unsure time for everybody, we were still finding our feet in the industry and we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ready to give up just yet,â&#x20AC;? Olivia said.

The Linehams had retrofitted a 50-year-old back-out dairy that was on their property; utilising what they could of the old shed, upgraded as required and fitted-out with a second-hand, 15 a side swingover herringbone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very modest, but it does what we need,â&#x20AC;? Olivia said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Part of our risk management strategy is to remain small, while developing the necessary skills to expand.â&#x20AC;?

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With â&#x20AC;&#x153;bloody good landâ&#x20AC;? ideal for both horticulture and dairying, Olivia and George have embraced their new careers.

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NEWS

January 2018

Southern Farmer, Page 7

Seven-year-old wins On-Farm Challenge COHEN Harrison might be only seven years old, but he’s already making a big mark in Jersey breeding circles.

From Nerrena near Leongatha, Cohen recently became the youngest person to win a class in the Jersey Australia Semex Great Southern Challenge.

His cow, Krishlaye Topeka Belle 2, was named the threeyear-old champion.

For Cohen, enjoying the wide open spaces of the farm and working with cows is part of his life; winning the title is an unexpected bonus.

“I like cows because they’re nice and quiet,” he said.

“I like Jerseys the most and wanted my dad to get some.”

It is because of Cohen’s interest that his father, Ash, had to bring in Jerseys to his predominately Holstein herd.

“We have about 220 cows, 90 per cent Holsteins,” Ash said.

“The Jerseys are only here because Cohen wanted a Jersey calf.”

Young Cohen’s interest started in 2012, when he was just three years old.

“He was interested from a very young age,” Ash said.

“I really don’t know why, but we had a friend who had both breeds and he saw them and wanted one.”

Cohen has told his family that if he takes over the farm, the Holsteins will be gone - but in the meantime he’s not going to convince the family to make a change.

“It doesn’t matter what colour they are; if they’re a good cow, they’re a good cow - and if they pay their way they’re fine, but we’ve always had Hol-

steins and I’m happy with my production,” Ash said.

When introducing Jerseys to the farm, the Harrisons decided to get genetically similar cows.

“We look for type,” Ash said.

Both breeds are predominantly put to a Semex bull, but “if there’s a good bull with any company we’ll use it”, Ash said.

Ash has taken part in onfarm Holstein challenges for many years, including winning a state two-year-old title and other successes.

He works alongside Cohen to make sure he’s on the right track.

“We’re pretty proud of what he’s done,” Ash said.

“He’s too young to know the prestige in winning, but we do.”

While enjoying Cohen’s interest and success, his parents won’t force him into farming – saying it was more important to let him find his own way.

“We encourage him, and then he can make up his mind down the track whether it leads him on to the farm or he wants to go in a different field,” proud mum, Jane, said.

Great Southern Challenge judge Luke Wallace said Cohen’s winning cow was well presented and a deserving age group winner.

“Cohen is a mad keen Jersey breeder and knows all the details about his cows,” Mr Wallace said.

“It’s nice to see someone so young have success and be so passionate about it.”

The Jersey Australia Semex Great Australian Challenge is the largest judging competition for Jersey cattle in the southern hemisphere.

WHAT A CHAMP: Cohen Harrison is not only the youngest Jersey breeder, but is possibly the cutest.

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NEWS

Page 8, Southern Farmer

January 2018

Innovative farmer app launches this month

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

She is pictured with Hugh Landale.

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

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

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

“It became clear that there’s a giant

gap in knowledge-sharing; farmers simply didn’t have an easy, accessible way to ask questions, or seek crowdfund-sourcing advice.

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

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

The Farmer eXchange will be ac-

cessible to farmers signed up to the free Farm Table - www.farmtable.com. au - from early April, following a national road show to promote the idea.

The project was given $168,700 by the government funded Farming Together program, with AgriFutures Australia also supporting the initiative.

“The online landscape is the future for farmer discussion groups, and we are pleased to see this initiative generated by young farmers,” Farming Together program director, Lorraine Gordon, said.

The Farm Co-operative and Col-

laboration Program (known as Farming Together) is a two-year, $13.8m initiative from the Federal Government, designed to help agricultural groups value-add, secure premium pricing, scale-up production, attract capital investment, earn new markets or secure lower input costs.

The program has launched a free online co-op builder for groups considering forming themselves into these tax-effective structures.

The simple, DIY template is available at www.farmingtogether.com.au.

Keep your cattle worm free

By MATT MAHONEY, Dynamic Ag North East

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

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

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

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

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

Young cattle are susceptible to two types of disease caused by Ostertagia:

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

Type 2: Refers to the disease caused when the ingested larvae become inhibited in their development, usually occurring from August to December. These larvae burrow into the stomach lining and can remain dormant for between 3-8 months. It’s not until early autumn that these larvae resume their development, and it’s this massive influx of larvae into the abomasum that causes severe damage to the lining causing scouring and weight loss. Two year old heifers,

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

Response to treatment is often poor.

Drenching cattle: Although not as widespread as sheep, drench resistance in cattle has been identified in Australia and therefore careful consideration of the need to drench and the type of drench to be used must be given.

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

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

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

The last class of drenches the clear drenches - are not ef-

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

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

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

Oral drenching of cattle is often seen as a time consuming process, requiring crushes with head bales and extra labour.

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

Furthermore, with the exception of Eclipse, all backline and injectable products

are single actives and recent published data has demonstrated that there is serious Ostertagia resistance to the white, clear and ML drenches and Cooperia resistance to the ML drenches.

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

Unfortunately at this time, the only registered oral triple combination for cattle is Trifecta.

So what should you do?

Oral drenching with Trifecta is the gold standard.

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

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

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

Worm Egg Counts: Worm egg counts are a cheap and effective way of

knowing whether your livestock require drenching.

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

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

Need more help?

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

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

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BEEF WEEK

Page 10, Southern Farmer

January 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are long established

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

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

gus, Simangus and Speckleline.

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

Stud breeders will be on

hand at host properties to explain the attributes of the various breeds and advise and discuss the needs of stud and commercial producers.

Livestock agents and breed society staff use Beef Week to visit clients and members to gain first-hand

knowledge of the latest industry trends.

Beef Week opens on Monday, January 29 in the northeast Riverina and progresses through nine days until it concludes in North East Victoria on Day 9, Tuesday, February 6.

16 SOUTHERN th

CHAROLAIS BREEDERS GROUP SALE 12 NOON, WEDNESDAY 7th MARCH 2018 YEA SALEYARDS ON OFFER: Annual drafts of Registered Bulls & Registered Females from leading Southern Charolais breeders.

Contact : Ken Manton 0437 585 605 Colin Pickering 0429 822 936

www.charolais.com.au Ray Attwell 0428 836 136 Chris Pollard 0428 993 860

4% Outside Agent Rebate available

BEEF WEEK

January 2018

Southern Farmer, Page 11

High Spa Angus

BEEF WEEK BEECHWORTH

- performing where it counts

HIGH Spa Angus has a pertinent slogan concerning their cattle breeding - “performing where it counts”.

Breeders and Angus enthusiasts who come along to Daylesford to view High Spa’s performance recorded working age and yearling bulls on Saturday, February 3 (Day 6 of Beef Week 2018) will see firsthand how that slogan reflects in the animals.

“Performing where it counts” is not merely about thumping out cattle with inflated estimated breeding values, in the opinion of Brian and Wayne Mobbs at High Spa. “Performance recording is only a tool to provide information that is not so easily seen, and it is very useful to assist breeders to compare animals and to source those suited to various markets,” stud principal, Brian Mobbs, said.

“To have super performing bulls and females for ourselves and for our clients, things like structure, conformation, fertility and temperament are vital considerations for us.”

Over the years High Spa and High Spa clients have had plenty of industry awards to indicate the excellent performance and commercial viability of the stud’s cattle.

Over a period of five years, when the Certified Australian Angus Beef™ Quality Awards were measuring performance of cattle carcases submitted into that program, High Spa

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

Enquiries welcome.

Alan & Jan Robinson

BIG BOYS: High Spa Angus will have a number of impressive bulls on display as part of this year’s Stock & Land Beef Week.

and High Spa genetics secured 14 major awards.

High Spa has also achieved two Beef Improvement Association Seedstock Producer of the Year and Certificates of Excellence awards from the same.

“Feedback from clients and hearing about their successes - is one of the biggest measures of how High Spa cattle are performing,” Mr Mobbs said.

“We are also keen about exploring the performance of bulls that we believe show a lot of promise and we now have our third young bull, High Spa M8, taking part in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program.”

One of the major objectives of the ASBP includes “generating progeny test data on modern Angus bulls, particularly for hard to measure

traits such as feed efficiency, abattoir carcase measurement, meat quality attributes and female reproduction”.

“This is the sort of performance we are keen to assess in our herd,” Mr Mobbs said.

“At High Spa Angus, every bull has to live up to his EBVs to ultimately benefit his progeny.”

Brian and Wayne Mobbs and their families are renowned for having a big Beef Week display, with ease of cattle inspection and comprehensive information on each animal available.

For 2018, the focus is on bulls - with sale opportunities on the day and free delivery later within Victoria in time for May/June joining.

Details on all sale bulls will be listed on High Spa’s regularly updated website at www.highspa.com.au.

Hazel Dell Simmentals Hazel Dell Simmentals have been selling bulls for nearly 30 years.

We have 40 traditional Simmental cows and around 60 Black Simmental breeding cows plus a commercial herd using all our own bulls .

Our Black Simmental bulls have been very popular and we sold all bulls we displayed at last years open day.

Visit us during Beef Week, DAY 7, Sunday February 4th, 2018 The open day is at: John Langley's South Kolora Hereford stud, Inverloch - which we also manage.

Contact - Scott Andersen 0409 785 846

Beef Week 2018

j/37d06575/01-18

Saturday 3rd February (Day 6)

K/37D06043-V2/0118

SALE PERFORMANCE RECORDED WORKING AGE AND YEARLING BULLS FROM TOP SIRES

P/12d12167-V6/5016

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

Beechworth

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD DAY 6 BEEF WEEK 2018

Phone Brian or Wayne (03) 5348 2357

Details on www.highspa.com.au t/37d06062/0117

At the cutting edge...

www.stockandland.com.au Official Guide

www.beefweek.com.au

Mildura

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

Wangaratta

Shepparton

Benalla Bendigo

Ararat

DAY 5

Hamilton

Mt Gambier

Colac

Portland

Seymour

Avoca

Warrnambool

Ballarat

Melbourne

Geelong

DAY 2

Corryong

Wodonga

St Arnaud

Stawell

Canberra

Holbrook Albury

Echuca Charlton

Horsham

DAY 4

DAY 1 Monday January 29 2018

Goulburn

Yass

Tumut

Kerang

Warracknabeal

DAY 1

Finley

DAY 6 DAY 7

Mansfield

Warragul

Eildon

Cooma

DAY 9 Mt Buller

Bega

DAY 2 Tuesday January 30 2018

DAY 3 Wednesday January 31 2018

DAY 4 Thursday February 1 2018

DAY 5 Friday February 2 2018

DAY 6 Saturday February 3 2018

DAY 7 Sunday February 4 2018

DAY 8 Monday February 5 2018

DAY 9 Tuesday February 6 2018

Plan your visits today

Omeo

DAY 8

Orbost

Bairnsdale

Morwell

VR4133260

RALIA SOUTH AUST

DAY 3

Swan Hill

Over 200 Studs representing 30 breeds

AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST BEEF

FIELD DAYS.

www.beefweek.com.au

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BEEF WEEK

Page 12, Southern Farmer

January 2018

Let Marschay Shorthorns shape your future MARSCHAY Shorthorns are once again excited to be involved in the Stock and Land Beef Week for 2018.

Marschay are committed to offering premium beef through their commercially orientated stud, capping off another successful show year with the closing of 2017.

At the Sydney Royal Show, Marschay Shorthorns were awarded a Gold Medal for their 91 point steer; the highest scoring Shorthorn steer at the competition.

Then, at the Royal Melbourne Show, Marschay was a member of the backto-back Borthwick winning team - bred with Marschay genetics, the 91.13 point steer was awarded the highest scoring Shorthorn steer and Champion Export Carcass, placing second overall in the entire competition.

Over the past 42 years, Marschay have proudly helped shape the beef consumer market.

Shorthorns are renowned for their high marbling, large eye muscle, docile temperament, good milk supply and ability to turn off vealers at 10 months.

The unique array of colours: red, white and roan mean that clients have the ability to selectively purchase an animal to suit - and further compliment - their breeding requirements.

In more recent times, Marschay have been actively

involved in the ‘JBS Thousand Guineas’ program.

The branded beef guide has been quoted as a tremendous step forward for the Shorthorn breed, and Marschay are excited to be part of the innovation; sending two consignments of steers annually has given the stud the opportunity to showcase their quality beef in top restaurants across Australia.

After a magnificent spring, the grazing conditions at Marschay couldn’t be better – with all stock in peak condition.

The McKay family warmly welcomes all interested parties to their property, located out of Daylesford, on day six of this year’s Beef Week program – February 3.

On display will be spring and autumn calving Marschay herds, and young bulls ready to sire.

Marschay have also entered the annual Beef Week Heifer Challenge with a pen of top 10 heifers, some of which will be available on the day for viewing – with other heifers also on-site for sale.

As part of Beef Week, Marschay will also present their five month old calves sired by Futurity Keg - who are showing enormous growth and structure for age.

They will also present the 10 month old Futurity Juggernaut calves, with good fleshing and eye muscle.

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

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

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

The entries are each on display during Beef Week.

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

The champion pen of 10

wins a $3000 cash prize, and the reserve receives $1500.

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

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

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

“In a year with such high quality entries, to be the first

Hereford stud to take home the title of champion in the six years of the RASV Heifer Challenge is a testament to Tarcombe Herefords,” Mr McDonald said at the time.

As one of the many programs RASV conducts throughout the year to highlight quality production in agrifood and fibre, the Heifer Challenge recognises excellence in herd replacement females in seed stock operation throughout Victoria and into NSW. RASV CEO, Mark O’Sullivan, said the Heifer Challenge was

an integral opportunity for beef producers to showcase, market and develop their breeding operation.

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

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

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

ADDRESS OF SALE:

Millennium M156 (P) - Lot 37

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

T/37D06143/0617

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

Milwaukee M019 (P) - Lot 4

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

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

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

Kevin Sanderson 0418 574 237 Justin Keane 0427 927 500

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

Manager: Ian Peake 0419 111 936 E/12D12844-V36/4917

ANGUS

BEEF WEEK

January 2018

Southern Farmer, Page 13

The best on display

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

Gubbins of Coolana still supplying top bulls

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

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

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

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

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

The next sale is the Coolana autumn bull sale, to be held on Thursday March 1 at the Chats-

worth wetlands sale complex, where some 140 outstanding Angus bulls will be offered.

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

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

The Coolana bulls to be

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

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

It will be comforting for many beef producers to know that they can still count

on Coolana for the next 12 months - for those who haven’t utilised the outstanding performance genetics, it is not too late.

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

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

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

Make sure you check out: z High Spa Angus – Daylesford; z Marschay Shorthorns – Daylesford; z Hazel Dell Simmental – Inverloch; z Jarobee Angus – Beechworth; z Glendan Park Herefords – Kyneton; z Witherswood Angus – Taminick; z Coolana Angus – Chatsworth; z Woonallee Simmentals – Millicent; z Mount Ararat Simmentals – Nar Nar Goon; z Te Mania Angus – Mortlake; z Heatherington Park Herefords – Daylesford; z Prime Angus – Warrenbayne; z Murdeduke Angus – Winchelsea; z Jade Park Angus – Wangaratta; z Rangan Park Charolais – Kiewa; z Riga Angus – Nillahcootie; z Chateau Limousin – Boralma; z Alpine Angus – Rosewhite; z Mistletow Limousin – Greta South; z Limstow Limousin – Warrenbayne; z Rosstulla Herefords – Beechworth; z Mystical Murray Greys – Tatura South; z John Brian Angus and South Devon – Tongala; z Brenton Sessions Bellaspur – Balmuttum.

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

LIMSTOW LIMOUSINS

Autumn Bull Sale Ƈ 140 Outstanding Angus Bulls

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

SSCOL0151217

Thursday 1st March - 1.29pm

Scott and Tessa

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

Our focus is on quiet, early maturing well muscled grass feed bulls for producers wanting heavy vealers at 9-10 mths

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

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

z/12D12881-V4/5317

www.coolana.com or

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

LIMSTOW LIMOUSIN

Limstow@activ8.net.au

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

BEEF WEEK

Page 14, Southern Farmer

January 2018

Woonallee woo-ing the crowds WOONALLEE offers the very best in Simmental, whatever the requirements.

Traditional, solid red and black will all feature at the stud’s upcoming Elite Production Sale, where some 110 bulls will be offered on Thursday, February 8 at 1pm.

It has been well documented that Tom and Lizzy Baker have searched the world for Simmental genetics that will perform above most breeders’ expectations.

The Bakers, who run Woonallee Stud, have found them; mainly in South Africa, the USA and Canada.

The stud has heavily invested in bringing Australian producers the highly productive and profitable Simmental beef genetics since then.

The genetic infusions into the Woonallee breeding program have had a commercial focus, with their commercial herd being a great measuring stick in assessing the merits of any new genetics.

Woonallee consistently turns off outstanding young weaner cattle at 10 months of age - even in tight years.

However, the stud’s latest infusion brings these outstanding results closer to home; with the purchase of GK Que Sera from the Isseppi family, Dalby, Qld. The bull was purchased at just 12 months of age after he was supreme exhibit at the 2015 Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Beside his obvious impressive phenotype, GK Que Sera offered the Bakers outcross genetics, as well as a link to proven breeding perfor-

STUD SUCCESS: Woonallee’s breeding objectives are clearly focused on commercial productivity, tested in their own highly productive commercial herd.

Regular sale topping results from their commercial steers and heifers is evidence of the quality their bulls produce, like these 10-11 month-old sale topping heifers from last February. Weighing 390kg, they sold to Russ Bradley, Leongatha for $1815/head - $4.65/kg.

mance - with his dam being a full sister to Woonallee Humdinger, who was already performing well within the stud program.

The GK Que Sera progeny dominated at the last Adelaide Royal, taking out most of the major Simmental breed awards.

“They have great calving

ease, length and performance and are extremely attractive, easy to keep functional cattle,” stud principal, Tom Baker, said at the time.

If breed show ring ribbons don’t convince you of the Woonallee quality, consider their steer results.

Woonallee won the champion and reserve champion

For the very best in Simmental ........ ......... whatever the requirement!

World best Simmental genetics for commercial productivity

heavyweight steer awards at Adelaide, while Burra School won the Champion Lightweight Domestic Carcase on Hook with Woonallee Casper.

Besides the Baker family’s usual impeccable presentation, the bulls on offer at their 11th Annual Elite Production Sale have benefited from ideal growing conditions.

They have the embedded genetic capacity for explosive growth, excellent carcase traits, increased fat cover for earlier finish - and all off grass.

Add balance, mobility, calving ease and docility to their easy doing capacity and you have the perfect package.

It is expected there will be

approximately 40 traditional or solid red bulls, plus 70 blacks - including an impressive line of SimAngus; a vast majority of the offering will be polled.

The sale team will be available for inspection at the Woonallee field day on Monday, February 5, or at other times by arrangement.

Mt Ararat Simmentals 126 Mt Ararat North Road, Nar Nar Goon, VIC 3812

Woonallee Major League (P)

Come see us for Beef Week 2018 Day 7 Sunday, February 4th Woonallee Humdinger (P)

Dates for your diary! ◆ SA Beef Week Field Day - Monday 5th February, On-property, Furner, SA

11th Annual Elite Production Sale ◆ Thursday 8th February - 1pm ◆ 110 bulls - Traditional, Black & SimAngus Check out our website: www.woonalleesimmentals.com Contact: Tom & Lizzy Baker 0428 475 066

“For the Commercial Edge”

Australia’s best breeding can be viewed and purchased

Bulls, cows and calves, embryo and semen available.

Inspections Welcome O Gates open at 8.00am O Light lunch & refreshments provided from 12.00pm O 2 Amazing guest speakers all with a lifetime in the industry O Enjoy our magnificent cattle all within a short walk of each other & all under a marque Contact John Leek for more details

BULLS

0409 537 445

ELITE FEMALES

37D06063/0117

SSWON0161217

Woonallee Muscle Man (P)

BEEF WEEK

January 2018

Southern Farmer, Page 15

TE MANIA ANGUS

AUTUMN BULL SALE

ON DISPLAY: Progeny by Te Mania Garth G67, one of Australia’s top 10 Angus sires, will be a feature of the upcoming open day, to be held on February 2 as part of Beef Week.

Single step to more predictability

BEEF Week visitors will have the opportunity to preview Te Mania Angus’ largest ever sale offering - 180 bulls - on Friday, February 2 ahead of their March sale.

The bulls will be yarded and available to walk through, without the pressure of sale day - particularly ideal for AuctionsPlus users.

Selecting the right genetics for your herd, and its profitability, has never been more important than in the current market where high quality Angus cattle continue to attract premium prices.

All Te Mania bulls have undergone “single step” genetic evaluation, incorporating genomic, or DNA, information into the calculation of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).

Through performance testing, submitting data and its analysis, Te Mania Angus is able to provide the highest level of information to buyers.

Tom Gubbins, co-principal at Te Mania Angus, said

the single step evaluation made buying bulls an easier process.

“Single step improves the accuracy of EBVs and spreads out the range of EBVs, widening the bell curve,” Mr Gubbins said.

“More extreme, high performing animals at the ends of the bell curve are highlighted, and their numbers are more likely to remain constant.

“This gives beef producers, and Te Mania Angus, the opportunity to accelerate genetic gain even further, because the predictions of how progeny will perform (EBVs) will be closer to what we see on the ground.”

The bulls to be offered in the March 7 bull sale have data recorded for gestation length, calving ease, birth weight, 200D weight, 400D weight and scrotal size.

Scanning data has also been submitted for rib and rump fat, eye muscle area and intra muscular fat.

The depth of the data collection of Te Mania cattle extends through Team Te

MORTL AKE

Mania Progeny Test herds, where data collected on farm, in feedlots, and from processors is submitted to the same Breedplan data base for analysis.

Progeny from the Te Mania feature sire, Te Mania Garth G67, will be a highlight during the Beef Week open day, and the sale in March.

Te Mania Garth G67 is in the top 10 for Angus sires with the most recorded progeny in Australia in the last two years.

Te Mania Garth G67 has had 1844 progeny analysed throughout 32 herds, which builds the accuracy of his EBVs. For more information, or to view the quality produced at Te Mania, head to Mortlake for day five of Beef Week – the gates will be open from 9am.

Tours of the property and cattle yards will be run throughout the day, with stud staff available to answer any questions.

For more information, go to www.temania.com.au.

180 BULLS

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

Theses bulls have set weight-gain records at Heatherington Park.

At the time of weaning on January 9, 2017, they averaged 454kgs to a top of 495kgs, while their sisters averaged 400kgs. These are the heaviest calves ever weaned at Heatherington Park.

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

Days Brigadier G.101 was

Reserve Senior Champion at Dubbo 2013, behind the record-breaking $90,000 Senior and Grand Champion, and sold for $40,000.

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

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

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

Established in 1991 in North East Victoria, Heatherington Park was combined with a com-

mercial operation and foundation females were purchased from Studbrook, Margfred Park, Polaris and Wolbull.

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

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

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

All are welcome to attend.

BEEF WEEK PREVIEW

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND FROM 9AM

AUTUMN BULL SALE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7TH 12 NOON

Proven Profitability for Commercial Producers

First Sons of

DAYS BRIGADIER

G.101

are for sale during Beef Week H. Brigadier M.018

H. Brigadier M.024

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

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

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

Hamish McFarlane 0427 641 606 Tom Gubbins 0429 952 197

www.temania.com.au

BEEF WEEK

Page 16, Southern Farmer

January 2018

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

Accredited MN1 Johne’s Free | Tested Pesti Free | All Structural Assessments 6 or better

Visit us at Beef Week Day 4 Hamilton 1st Feb and Day 5 Winchelsea 2nd Feb 2018 Contact Simon Falkiner 0407 319 967 or visit murdeduke.com.au

Dougal McIntyre 0439 575 612

Andrew Sloan 0408 297 368

37D06069/0117

Inspections & Sale enquiries welcome

~ PRIME ANGUS ~

Breeding Powerful Cow Bulls Safe to start on Heifers

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

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

Peter & Annick Butterfield Mob: 0428 306 729

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

Prime Juggernaut J15.

Web: www.primeangusstud.com.au

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

Email: annick@skymesh.com.au

z/12d13491-v6/5317

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

NEWS

January 2018

Southern Farmer, Page 17

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NEWS

Page 18, Southern Farmer

January 2018

Holiday with the family on a Coral Expedition

AS the saying goes: it’s not the destination that matters, it’s the journey that counts – and nowhere is that truer than on a Coral Expedition small cruise ship on the Great Barrier Reef.

With breathtaking scenery, easy access at exclusive reef mooring spots with just a maximum of 42 guests, there are varied excursions which are pre-organised.

Whether you’re an avid snorkeller or prefer an ‘arm chair’ view, there is something for everyone with Coral Expeditions.

With more than 34 years in the industry, Coral Expeditions are recognised as Australia’s longest established and most awarded expedition cruise operator.

Starting with environmentally-sensitive cruises on the Great Barrier Reef, the fleet has grown to three Australian-flagged ships that include two ocean-going catamarans - Coral Expeditions I and Coral Expeditions II - and the 63m Coral Discoverer.

All ships are purposebuilt for expedition cruising, with shallow draught, high manoeuvrability and dynamic shore tender capabilities.

Headquartered in Cairns, Coral Expeditions offers expedition cruises to largely unseen parts of the Great Barrier Reef, the Kimberley region, Cape York and Arnhem Land,

HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME: Coral Expeditions offer a variety of cruises to some of Australia’s best locations, including the Great Barrier Reef. Surprise your family this summer with the holiday of a lifetime.

Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Islands of the South Pacific, Tasmania, and now South East Asia.

Recently, Coral Expeditions announced the build of a new vessel, Coral Adventurer, to be delivered in time for her maiden voyage in April 2019.

She will be the largest vessel in the fleet, with space for 120 guests, and will enable Coral Expeditions to take more journeys into the remote coastal regions of South East Asia and Papua New Guinea.

See www.coralexpeditions. com for more.

5 Reasons to surprise your family with a holiday on the Great Barrier Reef; let Coral Expeditions plan an adventure your family will never forget.

1. Have a stay-cation at the world’s best bucket list destination. No need for passports, visas or pricey international travel insurance to visit one of the most popular destinations in the world.

2. No pressure to plan. Instead of frantically planning your day at breakfast or wading through online advice, sit back and trust the expedition team to show you the absolute best the reef has to offer. From snorkelling and scuba diving, to glass bottom boat trips and basking on the beach, there is plenty to do, or not do – the choice is yours.

3. Have a break from your four-legged livestock. Here you can get up close with some of the most amazing aquatic creatures on the

planet from whales, dolphins, turtles and mesmerising tropical fish that weave in and out of brilliant coral gardens.

4. No shopping or cooking. Leave your marathon sessions of meal prep at home. Small-batch meals prepared freshly onboard by expert chefs enjoyed with unparalleled views of the ocean are the order of the day with Coral Expeditions.

5. How’s the serenity? There is nothing more relaxing than waking up surrounded by the ocean at one of Coral Expeditions’ exclusive mooring sites, far from the day tripping crowds or larger ships. Think private tropical islands and snorkelling sessions where human encounters are rare.

Deadly plant being investigated

by MLA A PREVENTATIVE probiotic, designed to mitigate the poisoning effects of the Pimelea plant, is currently being investigated by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

The Improving Beef Production Through Management of Plant Toxins project will be led by Associate Professor Mary Fletcher, of The University of Queensland’s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI).

Pimelea are small native herbs that are mainly found in inland areas of Australia, below the Tropic of Capricorn, with livestock poisoning primarily associated with native riceflower (Pimelea simplex), and flaxweed (Pimelea trichostachya).

Pimelea poisoning affects cattle, sheep and infrequently horses, however, it is potentially fatal for cattle.

It can be caused by ongoing, accidental consumption of toxic plants or inhalation of dry plant dust and is most common in south-west Queensland, north-west New South Wales and northern South Australia.

It is also known as St George disease, Marree disease, and flaxweed poisoning.

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NEWS

January 2018

Southern Farmer, Page 19

Drone pasture trials, and heat tolerant cows

Eating quality Aussie beef THE eating quality of Aussie beef has increased yet again, following a new MLA report, 2017 Australian Beef Eating Quality Insights, released last month.

The report aims to help beef producers optimise the eating quality of cattle by demonstrating the impact production factors have on the MSA average.

The MSA Index is a single number between 30 and 80, and is the standard national measure of the predicted eating quality potential of a whole carcase.

The report analysed carcase grading data from 5.5 million MSA-compliant cattle processed in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 financial years, and examined compliance and eating quality performance by production categories including feed types, use of Hormonal Growth Promotants (HGPs) and gender.

MSA program manager, Sarah Strachan, said the report highlighted the traits of carcases in the top 1 per cent through to the bottom 1 per cent of the MSA Index scale, to identify the areas producers can focus on to improve their own index results.

“The report showed the top 1 per cent of producers have an average index of 66.19, and those in the top 25 per cent are averaging an index of 60.61.

“Producers in the bottom 10 per cent had an average index of about 52.17,” Ms Strachan said.

Producers can use the benchmarking tool and view their average MSA Index at www.mymsa.com. au.

The 2017 Australian Beef Eating Quality Insights report can be downloaded from www. mla.com.au/msa.

It’s been a busy month at Agriculture Victoria Ű

BY Dr Martin Auldist, Senior Research Scientist, Agriculture Victoria, Ellinbank IN November, four Agriculture Victoria researchers from Ellinbank travelled to Hamilton to undertake a three-day, CASA-accredited training course in the flight and use of unmanned aerial vehicles (otherwise known as UAVs or drones).

As part of a new research program, remote sensors and cameras attached to UAVs and ground vehicles will be used to measure pasture mass much more quickly than is currently possible, with a view to being able to allocate pasture to cows more efficiently - watch this space on that one.

Also in the planning stages is an experiment scheduled for February, in which different diets will be tested for their capacity to keep cows cooler during summer.

The experiment is the first in a series that will investigate different feed additives, forages and concentrates for their capacity to lower the heat of fermentation within the rumen and/or reduce the drop in feed intake and therefore milk production that commonly occurs during hot weather.

These experiments will be led by Agriculture researchers Dr Leah Marett, Dr Peter

NEW TECHNOLOGY: Researchers at Agriculture Victoria have been conducting a training course that looks at using drones to measure pasture mass.

Moate and Josie Garner, and will complement previous research conducted at Ellinbank that identified genetic markers for heat tolerance and also shed light on the mechanisms by which heat tolerant cows were able to keep their core body temperature around half a degree cooler - I’ll have more on the heat tolerance work next month.

Elsewhere, there has been a winding down of most of the current experiments during late November and December, in line with a reduction in available pasture for grazing trials.

For example, all of the cows in the “First 100 days” early lactation nutrition experiment have now finished their experimental diets and are being managed as a single herd of 80 cows consuming a common diet of pasture supplemented with

cereal grain and pasture hay.

In that experiment, on average, the 40 cows that had been offered one of the two supplement mixes containing canola meal finished the 100-day experimental period producing between 2 and 3kg/cow per day more milk than the 40 cows without canola.

The canola cows also appeared in slightly better condition at the end of the 100 days.

The milk production of all cows in the experiment will now be measured every day for the remainder of lactation to see how long the canola cows can maintain their milk production advantage.

Overseas experiments using total mixed rations have shown “carry over” milk production benefits associated with an increased peak milk yield, irrespective of postpeak diet - it will be interest-

ing to see if this occurs in our pasture-based systems.

Another experiment that finished in early December had the aim of looking for genetic markers for methane emissions.

This experiment, led by Agriculture Victoria researchers Dr Leah Marett and Dr Peter Moate, was scheduled for late spring and early summer partly because the base diet of the cows was pressed cubes of lucerne and grain rather than pasture.

This diet is being fed through automatic feeders, which weigh the feed every second for the duration of the 35-day experiment, thus enabling very accurate measurement of feed intake and feed conversion efficiency for each cow.

During the experiment, the methane emissions of each cow were measured using the “SF6 technique”.

The technique involves placing a bolus into the rumen of the cows, which emits a marker gas (sulphur hexafluoride; SF6) at a known rate.

Samples of the cows’ breath were then captured over five days and concentrations of methane and SF6 in the samples were used to calculate total methane emissions from each cow.

Early results show a large variation in methane emissions between cows, with a range of 14 to 28g of methane per kg of feed.

The next step is to examine the genotypes of low and high emitters with a view to identifying gene markers for methane emissions.

Ultimately the aim is to develop a breeding value for methane that will fit into the current breeding indices.

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FIRE WARENESS AND PREVENTION

Page 20, Southern Farmer

January 2018

Prepare your property for ďŹ re season 0 Have water, ďŹ re extinguishers

The Fire Danger Period is upon us and preventing ďŹ re is a shared responsibility across the community.

The Shire relies on farmers to assist in preventing ďŹ re through effective property preparation and limiting high-risk activities on days of bad ďŹ re conditions.

While undertaking your farming activities it is important to have a heightened awareness of the ďŹ re risk: 0 Check spark arrestors and ensure chainsaws are free from faults 0 Make sure hay is fully cured before bailing

or knapsack spray pumps (minimum 9 litres) available that can be carried when using farm equipment or machinery 0 Be conscious of hot exhaust in contact with long, dry grass 0 Reduce fuel loads around assets and create strategic fuel breaks to reduce the run of a grassďŹ re 0 Have a plan in place for horses and livestock. Consider creating a heavily grazed or slashed area where stock can be moved during a bushďŹ re situation For more information: cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/farms

During the Fire Danger Period all open air burning off is banned unless a written permit is issued by the Shire or CFA. Further strict restrictions on open air ďŹ res and certain farming activities apply on days of Total Fire Ban. See CFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website for further information: cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can

To speak to the Shireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Municipal Fire Prevention OfďŹ cer, contact: ďŹ rehazardmanagement@mornpen.vic.gov.au 5950 10 0

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The most common type of fire break is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;reduced fuel zoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fire break.

This type has vegetation present, but it is required to be no higher than 50mm.

These fire breaks provide access for people and vehicles by clearing the underbrush and saplings.

They do not stop a fire, but slow it down and allow more time to combat it and reduce

the intensity of the blaze, thus protecting any property in the path of the fire.

They also make an area look more aesthetically appealing and help keep erosion under control.

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FIRE WARENESS AND PREVENTION

January 2018

Southern Farmer, Page 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Identifying a ‘safe haven’ is also important.

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

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

Only perform tasks close to the house or vehicles.

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

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

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

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

4. Maintain machinery and minimise risk: Keep farm machinery tractors, slashers and harvesters - well maintained and

free from grease build up.

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

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

Machinery and vehicles should be equipped with a fire extinguisher.

If possible, turn off electric fences.

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

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

A trailer or ute mounted

fire pump and tank will provide a mobile option.

Aussie Pumps have been there for farmers in every season, but are particularly useful when there is a real threat of bushfire.

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

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

The Fire Chief is powered by a genuine Honda petrol engine and comes standard

with heavy duty steel skids and anti-vibration mounts.

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

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

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

Aussie pumps also offers big Yanmar and Hatz diesel drive engines.

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

“The diesel option increas-

es fire safety, lowers running costs and boosts overall reliability.”

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

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

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

Australian Pump offers a unique five year warranty on all of their Aussie Quik Prime product range, a sure sign that the company believes in the quality and reliability of their product.

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It’s your responsibility to be fire ready this summer, so prepare your property, fire plan and emergency kit now.

When hot, dry, windy days are forecast, check Fire Danger Ratings in your district daily and monitor conditions via local radio, the VicEmergency website and app. On high-risk fire days, leaving early, before a fire starts, is always the safest option.

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WATER MANAGEMENT / IRRIGATION

Page 22, Southern Farmer

January 2018

Treated water helps solve animal weight struggles

FARMING RESULTS: Craig Osborne breeds horses, but has struggled to maintain their weight until an innovative product turned his water problems around.

CRAIG Osborne raises horses in the Australian outback.

He started treating his water with Hydrosmart water conditioners in the middle of August, and observed impressive results within the first few weeks.

Mr Osborne had trouble getting his horses to put on weight, despite ample feed available in the paddock.

Mr Osborne treated his horses for stomach sand problems and performed blood tests, but couldn’t explain why his horses did well when off-site at competition, but not at home.

Eventually, Mr Osborne concluded that the weight issue

came down to the water his horses were drinking – and the alkaline elements in his bore interfering with the way the acids in the horses’ stomach worked; preventing them from processing carbohydrates correctly and benefiting from the nutrients.

Hydrosmart offers water conditioner technology, using electromagnetic waves to break up large mineral bonds that cause build-up and prevent nutrients from being available to plants and animals.

Hydrosmart is safe for livestock, as it doesn’t use chemicals to treat the water.

Mr Osborne installed the unit himself – and almost im-

mediately noticed a difference in his animals.

The horses were more relaxed, were gaining weight and generally looked better – promising, considering the Hydrosmart unit was installed in winter.

“The results are really good,” Mr Osborne said.

“I think in the future I’ll have some really big results and terrific differences with livestock.”

Although Mr Osborne was initially drawn to Hydrosmart to help his horses put on weight, the results didn’t end there.

He tested the effects of the technology by using the water

on areas of his lawn and around the family home.

Even with just a few waterings, plants and grass started to perk up.

In the house, the scale and iron deposits that once had to be scrubbed off surfaces are already starting to reduce.

From animals’ health to crop growth, having soft water can make a difference where other approaches fall short.

An easy, long-term solution, Hydrosmart is easy to install and is backed by helpful sales staff and service.

For more information, contact the Hydrosmart team.

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Ensuring the accurate monitoring and management of water tanks helps prevent water shortages before they occur, safeguarding the welfare of your livestock.

Technology surrounding water and tank management has advanced significantly in recent years - gone are the days of manually checking tanks for water levels and leaks.

Now, the efficient farmer uses cuttingedge wireless water level monitoring systems.

A complete, simple, automated solution for monitoring and managing tank water and other fluids, is available from Gallagher with the Wireless Water Level Monitoring System.

This system provides peace-of-mind and mitigates risk by showing the exact water storage status of up to nine different tank units around the property at any one time - via a small touchscreen monitor that can be kept at home or in the farm office.

Dramatic changes in water usage can be detected easily, enabling the forward planning of water supply requirements before any stock water outage problems are caused.

Gallagher’s Wireless Water Monitoring System can also be easily connected to water pumps, automatically turning the pump on and off to refill tanks based on pre-set trigger levels.

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Add a Gallagher Active Repeater to improve your system’s signal in difficult terrain.

Call 1800 GALLAGHER or contact your local rural reseller for more information.

WATER SMART: Gallagher’s new range of Wireless Water Monitoring Systems allows you to remotely check water levels from home or the office.

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MACHINERY

January 2018

Southern Farmer, Page 23

A summer season of hay making

BY Frank McRae, Australian Fodder Industry Association SEASONAL conditions are variable across the fodder producing regions of Australia, making it a difficult time for many fodder producers, contractors and industry suppliers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEWS

Page 24, Southern Farmer

January 2018

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