THE SOUTHERN
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1986
FEBRUARY, 2016
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PASTURE
PAGES 14-15
FIRE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION PAGE 18
PAGES 16-17
Growers settled into wholesale market Initial teething problems with the Melbourne Wholesale Market now sorted as growers look to a successful 2016
BIG AND BEAUTIFUL: Many studs are now gearing up for their autumn bull sales and there are plenty of fine animals on offer. Up for sale is Paringa Free Lunch K327 (pictured) from Tom Lawson’s Paringa Livestock stud that will be holding its 12th annual bull sale on its Yea property. See pages 19 to 23 for more information on the season’s upcoming sales.
INITIAL problems that became the focus at the opening of the new Melbourne Wholesale Market have now been rectified as growers settle into making a living at the new site, according to AUSVEG VIC. AUSVEG Victorian state manager Kurt Hermann said that anecdotal feedback received by the representative body indicated that some of the problems relating to access to the site and stand allocations have now been sorted out. “With a project the size of the new market there were always going to be teething issues which you would expect, but the market is now starting to operate more smoothly and effectively and that information is coming from the growers themselves,” he said. “And that information is that it has all improved significantly
over the past few months. The new Melbourne Wholesale Market site at Epping opened on August 31 last year after the original opening date of August 3 was postponed due to incomplete work at the new site. Keilor vegie grower and president of AUSVEG VIC David Wallace, who trades three to four days each week, seven months of the year out of the market selling hydroponic capsicums said that although the new site doesn’t have the atmosphere of the old market, it is cleaner, brighter and quieter to work in. Continued page 5
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Page 2, Southern Farmer
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Covering Central South Victoria and West Gippsland Level 1, Suite 103, 486 Whitehorse Road, Surry Hill, North VIC 3127 Phone (03) 9888 4822 Fax (03) 9888 4840 Email: sfarmer@nemedia.com.au Website: www.nemedia.com.au
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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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February 2016
z THE Grains Research and Development Corporation is holding its Victorian Grains Research and Farm Business Updates for the first half of 2016 at Bendigo on Tuesday, February 23 and Wednesday, February 24, at Bannockburn on Thursday, February 25 and Dimboola on Tuesday, March 22. A Farm Business Update will take place at Bendigo on Thursday, March 10 and Victorian growers are also invited to attend a Grains Research Update at Cowra in NSW on Thursday, February 18. For more information visit www.grdc.com.au/ GRDC-Update-Dates. zYOUNG vegetable levy payers are encouraged to apply for the upcoming 2016 Young Grower Industry Leadership and Development Mission to South America which takes place from Friday, February 26 to Monday, March 14. The mission travels through Peru, Chile and Argentina and is open to vegetable levy payers under the age of 35. The $2,500 cost includes air and land travel, single room accommodation and most meals. Travel insurance and personal expenses are not covered. To register interest email AUSVEG at info@ ausveg.com.au. zTHE inaugural music festival Music in the Vines is set to take place on Saturday, March 5
COUNTRY SHOWS AND REGIONAL FIELD DAYS FEBRUARY 9: Yarra Glen Show 10-12: Sungold Field Days 13-14: Korumburra Show 19-21: Seymour Alternative Farming Expo 26-27: Rochester Show 26-28: Royal Canberra Show 27-28: Berwick Show MARCH 4: Warragul Show 13: Bellarine Show, Port Arlington 19: Apollo Bay/Otway Show 19: Pakenham Show April 2: Bunyip & District Show
PENNED SHEEP: One of the features of the Parklea Pakenham Show is the display of sheep breeds all vying for champion ribbons. Entry to this local agricultural show is free as it continues to go from strength to strength. at Suffoir Vineyard in Macarthur. The event which has headline act Troy CassarDaley will also include other regional artists, local food and wines from the Henty wine region. Other artists include Shane Howard Trio, Phil Holmes, Rhys Crimmin, Nancie Schipper, Kayla Dwyer and Cooper Lower. The Macarthur pub will be providing meal specials on the day and a courtesy bus from all local accommodation spots to the vineyard. For more information visit ww.musicinthevines. com.au. zApplications are now open for the 2016
Growing Leaders National Vegetable Industry Leadership Program. Growing Leaders is a highly regarded program designed to develop personal, business and industry skills. The program was designed in consultation with vegetable industry people with their specific needs in mind. The program encourages all sectors of the industry including growing, harvesting, processing, extension, exporters, importers, marketing and employees to register interest.
The program ensures that participants develop effective ways of handling conflict, improve communication, manage efficient meetings, build high performance teams, manage change and media awareness. The program is costfree to The Vegetable Growers’ Association of Victoria levy payers and includes dinners with guest speakers, tours, industry functions and three residential sessions in May, August and November 2016. For more information contact Jill Briggs on (02) 6035 7284 or 0409 455 710.
For more information on country shows visit www.vicagshows. com.au or www. countryshows.com.au. zThe 2016 National Horticulture Convention will be held from Thursday, June 23 to Saturday, June 25 at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, QLD. Hosted by AUSVEG, Central Markets Association of Australia and Fresh Markets Australia the convention will allow vegetable and potato growers, as well as marketers from across Australia to forge business networks, learn from the world’s leading industry experts and gain priceless industry insights that will strengthen the future of Australian horticulture. For more information contact Shaun Lindhe on (03) 9882 0277.
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NEWS
February 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 3
Boost of $100,000 allocated for stock containment grants and lifted the fund to $600,000. “It’s great news for farmers who can gain up to $2000 from the State Government towards building a stock containment area on their properties. Stock containment areas enable farmers to fence off part of the farm to hold, feed and water livestock in tough conditions such as drought and after a bushfire. “Stock containment areas deliver a range of benefits during drought. “They help minimise soil erosion, enabling faster pasture recovery, limited the spread of weeds and allowing for good stock management,” he added. Currently, the funding is limited to farmers living in the Wimmera, Mallee, North Central
and Goulburn Broken Catchment Management areas. Mr Feldtmann said he also believes that the grants should be extended beyond the four catchment management areas. “Applications shouldn’t be restricted to a line on a map and as such, we have asked the minister to be more flexible when assessing applications,” he said. “Lifting the current grants fund to $600,000 is welcome in helping to meet demand in these four CMAs, but the VFF is very aware of the growing demand for stock containment areas outside these CMAs and will work with the government to address this growing need as the drought continues.” After recently visiting drought-
affected farmers, Minister Pulford witnessed first-hand some of the issues faced by farmers across large areas of the state. “Stock containment area grants have been popular and the initial allocation of funding has been over-subscribed, that’s why we are providing additional funding for more grants to help more farmers,” Minister Pulford said. “The applications have initially been prioritised against criteria that focus on higher stocking levels and those who have not received stock containment area grant funding in the last 10 years.” Information on the grants and other drought support can be found at www.agriculture.vic. gov.au/drought.
Duck season to go ahead, but with limits
DUCK LIMITS: The duck season will last for the full 12 weeks in 2016. data,” he said. “The bag limits imposed last year and again this year is an example, and the evidence indicates that reducing bag limits adversely changes the intended results from the regulation of hunting.” Shooters and Fishers Party member Daniel Young said that while people can now begin preparing for the upcoming season, some of the effects of the “extremely late announcement” can already be felt. “Businesses across the state that provide hunting and camping supplies and those in rural locations that benefit from the season have been under pressure for some time,” he said. “Financial decisions have been gambled on and put off for no other reason than a long, drawn-out and complicated process.”
effects of hunting on duck populations and that can only be achieved by an extended period with no changes,” Mr Young said. Federal Member for Wills Kelvin Thomson had previously called on the State Government to ban this year’s season. Repeated calls to Mr Thomson’s office were not returned.
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our 26,000 licensed hunters to get out into our rural and regional areas as usual,” Minister Pulford said. “Hunters are reminded to act safely and responsible at all times while enjoying their hunting.” Field and Game Australia (FGA) has welcomed the announcement of the fulllength season, however it is disappointed that for the second year in a row there is a reduction in the number of ducks hunters can harvest. According to FGA chairman Bill Paterson a reduced bag limit has little impact on the number of ducks harvested each year which, according to official harvest data, continues to remain steady at about four birds per hunter per day hunted. “It is frustrating that many issues affecting hunting are not based on facts and
Mr Young said that questions needed to be raised regarding the method for determining the parameters of limited bag limits. “No scientific evidence has been produced to suggest that the Victorian duck season has any significant impact on the population of ducks and more importantly, the recovery of those populations in the following years. “Ducks will go to where there is water. “If there is now water here, there’s no ducks. “They will be somewhere else. “I have not seen one piece of evidence to suggest that the number of ducks harvested by hunters have a major impact on their populations of their ability to replenish those populations as water and habitat return,” Mr Young said. He added that Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews has stated that duck shooting is a legitimate activity, therefore the announcement of a modified season “flies in the face of this” while there is no evidence to suggest the need for changes. “Only a consistent set of data can determine the
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DESPITE recent mutterings that this year’s duck season may not go ahead, it has been confirmed that the 2016 season will run from Saturday, March 19 to Monday, June 13. Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford announced that a full-length duck hunting season will take place but due to dry conditions bag and species limits will be modified. Below average rainfall has reduced duck numbers and habitats, therefore the Game Management Authority has recommended that a reduced bag is necessary to ensure the sustainability of duck populations. Once the season commences, the bag limit will be reduced from 10 birds per day to eight birds for the opening day and four birds per day for the remainder of the season. The 2015 duck season also had reduced bag limits, which was cut back to five ducks per day. Due to reduced habitat and low numbers, the hunting of Blue-winged Shovelers will be prohibited. “Duck season is an important economic contributor to the rural economy and I encourage
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AN extra $100,000 has been given to farmers to as part of the State Government’s $500,000 stock containment area grants scheme. Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford announced the second round of funding after Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) livestock president Ian Feldtmann called on the State Government to offer more funds due to the ongoing drought that is affecting Victoria’s livestock producers. “We’d asked Minister Pulford to offer a second round of funding, on top of the $500,000 the government has already delivered,” Mr Feldtmann said. “So we appreciate that the government has listened to that call
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Page 4, Southern Farmer
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FOLLOWING on from the success of Beef Week 2016, where more than 200 beef cattle studs across Victoria and the Riverina opened their gates to offer both stud seedstock and commercial beef production bulls and females, comes the annual on-property autumn bull, and some female, sales. A number of these onproperty sales are either in the Southern Farmer region or of interest to breeders who travel out of the region to purchase animals at other Victorian or south east South Australian studs. These on-property sales are led off by the elite production sale at the Woonallee Simmental Stud of Tom and Lizzie Baker at Millicent, SA on February 11 where 100 bulls consisting of 35 traditional Simmental, ďŹ ve red Simmental, 40 black Simmental and 20 SimAngus will be on offer. On Friday, February 12, the Mount William Charolais Stud, located 15 kilometres north west of Willaura in the lee of the Grampian Ranges will hold its 17th annual production sale, offering 50 rising two year old
bulls and 20 PTIC heifers. Wednesday, February 22 has the sales head back to south east SA when the 11th annual bull sale of Damien Gommer’s Mandayen Limousin Stud will be held at the Eight Mile Sale Complex at Keith, starting at 12.30pm (SA daylight saving time); with 65 Limousin and Limex sires offered. On Thursday, February 25 one of Australia’s leading Angus studs, Banquet Angus, owned by Stephen and Noelene Branson will offer its annual draft of 100 superior Angus bulls. Prior to the sale the stud will parade the bulls at its 2016 ‘Bull Walk’ to be held on Thursday, February 18 from 1pm. Banquet Angus’ bull sale starts at 4pm, where 150 commercial Angus heifers by Banquet sires and mated to Banquet bulls will be up for offer. Friday, February 26 has the annual on-property sale of Sam Trovatello’s Adameluca Angus Stud in Kyneton taking place together with the third annual sale of the Hereford/ Poll Hereford Stud of Alvio Trovatello at Barfold. Adameluca is a young Angus stud having been founded in
2012 on elite Australian and US bloodlines and is now going places after purchasing Ireland’s Galaxy G43 in 2013 for $117,500 – an Australian record at the time. The Glendan Park Hereford/ Poll Hereford Stud at Barfold was established by the Trovatello family in 1989 and currently runs about 180 breeders. It will have 30 whiteface bulls, together with the draft of bulls from Adameluca. On March 1 and March 2, the long awaited Angus sales of the prestigious Te Mania Angus Stud of Tom and Lucy Gubbins and Hamish and Amanda McFarlane located at Mortlake will take place. In a unique innovation, Te Mania will offer more than 500 commercial females for sale online starting at 5pm on March 1. At 12noon the same day, the on-property sale at Mortlake will have more than 10 sires with AuctionPlus up for sale. On March 2, another sale with a difference will take place, with Langi Kal Kal Angus (which is run as part of HM Prison near Ballarat) which will offer 30 18 month old (spring drop) Angus bulls via the Helmsman Auction
System. This will be the ďŹ rst ever bull sale for Langi Kal Kal Angus. On Thursday, March 3, Tom Lawson’s Paringa Livestock stud will hold its annual on-farm sale at Yea where 70 performance recorded bulls from his Angus, Charolais and Stabilizer herds will be offered. The Yancowinna Angus Stud of Dennis Ginn near Cape Paterson in South Gippsland will hold its sale on Monday, March 7. The stud also holds a spring bull sale in September each year. The Murdeduke Angus Stud was founded in 1992 with eight Te Mania females. Today it registers 550 calves annually. This stud’s sale will be held on Wednesday, March 9, with 73, 18 month old (spring drop) bulls for sale. For the last of the region’s annual bull sales, Wednesday, March 30 has the ďŹ rst ever on-farm sale for the combined Welcome Swallow and Alpine Angus Studs. Up for sale will be 120 Angus bulls and ďŹ ve registered Charolais bulls, with the sale to be held at Rosewhite near Myrtleford.
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NEWS
February 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 5
Horticultural body backs ag minister AUSVEG has backed Federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce for standing up for a stronger country of origin labelling system despite political pressure from New Zealand. New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries said that the proposed labelling reforms in
Australia will adversely affect New Zealand’s producers, which supply more than $2.46 billion in imports to Australia. AUSVEG chief executive ofďŹ cer Richard Mulcahy said that Minister Joyce’s comments regarding the minimal level of impact that the proposed changes will have on our trading partners echoes
AUSVEG’s belief that there is no excuse to prevent the development of a robust country of origin labelling system in Australia. “It’s imperative that we move away from the confusing and ambiguous system of the past towards a solution that meets the needs of consumers, who have repeatedly indicated
that they want a clearer indication of where the food they are buying comes from,â€? he said. “While the proposed reforms are a good ďŹ rst step towards a meaningful country of origin labelling system, more work needs to be done to ensure that the information consumers receive on a package leaves no doubt in their
minds of its origin. “A genuine country of origin labelling system must apply equally to all countries, regardless of trading relationships, so that consumers get the information they sorely want and need,� Mr Mulcahy said. He added that AUSVEG will continue to campaign for
effective reform “that eliminates ambiguous and deceptive labelling terminology� to support customers who want to make informed decisions about their food purchases. Australia’s proposed country of origin labelling reforms, revealed in July last year, are currently open for consultation for businesses and the public. continues to play an integral role in the success of AUSVEG VIC�. “AUSVEG VIC will continue to work closely with growers, politicians and members of the supply chain to ensure that our growers have a strong and effective voice. “Given the Victorian vegetable and potato industries grew $974 million worth of produce in 20132014, enhancing the level of representation available to our growers is critical if the industry is to continue to prosper.� He added that AUSVEG VIC representatives will be visiting vegetable and potato growers across the state during 2016 to discuss the key issues affecting them face-to-face. “Grower involvement and engagement will ultimately play a critical role in the successful representation of the industry. “AUSVEG VIC will strive to determine the priorities for representation and service delivery this year and ultimately further the development of the horticulture in the state,� Mr Hermann said.
Growers settle into new market „ From front page “The market is also much easier to get around in,� he said. “I think the biggest improvement is there is now ample parking for retailers and the flow on effect from that is that it is then easier for everyone. “You can get around on forklifts much easier which I find a big improvement and the market is much more organised,� Mr Wallace said. There are four areas all under the one roof at the new site, consisting of a wholesalers trading area, growers trading area, flower trading area and warehousing that is set up all around the market space. Mr Wallace said the most challenging aspect the market will face over the next 12 months will be the cost to retailers.
ISSUES RESOLVED: The new $600 million market at Epping is expected to have an annual turnover of more than $1 billion. “The new market is dearer to trade out of in terms of stamp fees and parking, so that will be the most challenging thing for us retailers. “There are less fruiters here because of these costs and when the new site opened they got frightened because there wasn’t going to be enough undercover parking. “This is an issue when it rains because your product gets wet and ruined and the rain keeps
people away,� Mr Wallace added. The new $600 million market is expected to have an annual turnover of more than $1 billion, with more than 3000 businesses employing 7500 staff at the market, which is spread over a 35 hectare site off Footscray Road. Despite the ongoing challenges facing Australia’s vegetable and potato growers, Mr Hermann is confident that
the resilience and determination of the growing community will ensure any hurdles preventing a successful year of production in 2016 will be overcome. “The recent bushfires and lack of rainfall in the state have undoubtedly presented challenges for many of the state’s vegetable and potato growers, and these severe weather events are also being experienced across the country,� he said.
“The great news is that the resilient nature of our state’s vegetable and potato growers means that the industry has continued to expand and produce some of the best quality vegetables and potatoes in the world through their dedication to the job at hand.� Mr Hermann is encouraging all Victorian growers to actively engage with their state representative throughout the year, “as all involvement
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NEWS
Page 6, Southern Farmer
February 2016
The Basin farmer loves farming BY JODIE FLEMING
jfleming@ nemedia.com.au
HARD WORK: Ashley Swan ploughs his paddock using his Clydesdales named Sunny and Strider so as to keep them fit.
WHILE travelling through The Basin you may be forgiven for thinking that you had stepped backed in time if you have happened to stumble across a farmer using horse and plough to cut hay. Forty-seven year old Ashley Swan has a very good reason for using this out-dated method for harvesting and it is simple – to exercise his beloved Clydesdale horses. His love of the Clydesdale breed began when a mate of his father’s wanted to give away his horse that he used “as a milky” and who couldn’t bear to destroy the animal. Luckily for Mr Swan, at 16 years of age he became the proud owner of his first Clydesdale, which has led to a life-long commitment to the breed. As a member of the Heritage Draught Horse Club, Mr Swan travels around Victoria with his Clydesdales to demonstrate what he describes as these “gentle natured, powerful, crowd stoppers and pleasers” are capable of. Continued page 7
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February 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 7
the old fashioned way „ from page 6
When not attending the Hamilton Pastoral Museum conducting log loading demonstrations, Mr Swan can be found attending wine tours, weddings and even funerals as part of his Swans on Doongalla Horse Drawn Carriages business that he runs with his wife of 21 years, Carolyn. “Our daughter Jaclyn helps me out too sometimes with the braiding of tails and manes, but she is 21 now and at university so she isn’t always around,� Mr Swan said. “Jeremy, who is our 19 year old son doesn’t really have much to do with it though. “People can’t actually believe it takes the horses with the carriage about 10 minutes to walk about one kilometre, so it isn’t a fast ride. “But funerals have now become very popular and people actually gather you all around and take photos. “But I’ll have a go at anything really, I’ll just need to come and have a look at what the horses will be walking on and where to see if they can do it,� Mr Swan said. He also runs two other businesses – Swan Travel Towers, a travel tower service that offers three different sized towers depending on a client’s needs and Branching Out Tree Removals, providing complete tree management solutions which took him to both Marysville and King Lake where he spent a lot of time
cleaning up after the bushďŹ res that ravaged the area. But it’s his Clydesdales and his old fashioned farming ways that gets him out of bed in the morning. “I grew up in Croydon and all I wanted to do was be a farmer, and I only use the old stuff,â€? Mr Swan said. “No tractors or anything. “I have a stationary baler and the ďŹ rst time I used it I had a lot of people willing to come and help me, but then they said they were never coming back again,â€? he laughed. “But by mowing my own hay the way I do keeps the horses trained and ďŹ t.â€? It took three people, three days to get about 25 to 30 acres mowed and raked using his old mower that he “done upâ€? himself. “We would have done it a bit quicker if it wasn’t done between other work commitments. “But I started mowing about an hour before the baler came to rake it, which took about four to ďŹ ve hours. “But the funny thing is a lot of people sit back and watch me do it, then they all have to come and help me pick it all up after it has been out in the paddock for about a month to dry out. “Then I cut it into chaff to feed the horses with,â€? Mr Swan said. He has also been cutting oats with a friend for the past ďŹ ve years which are an old, original breed of
oats that are planted differently, also with old machinery. “The new crop of oats that they plant these days is very leafy and it doesn’t go through the binder very well. “It tends to be more stalky and it doesn’t go through the chaff cutter very well either. “But the way they plant the new oats with the new machinery these days is different. “The weather here also makes it hard to cure hay as it rains all the time, but there is an art to all this and an art to the old way of doing things. “It was deďŹ nitely a harder way to work, that is for sure, and the machinery looks like it is something out of Mad Max. “How they ever thought how to do things was incredible.â€? Mr Swan lives on three acres at The Basin where he moved to 14 years ago. He leases 70 acres from a neighbouring dairy farm that allows him “to have a bit of a play onâ€? and where he keeps his eight Clydesdales. “I’ve got six old ones and two little baby horses. “The latest was born on December 23 last year. “But it’s good having them close by because when the mares are going to foul I pack up my swag and stay with them in the paddock. “The latest one was the fourth birth I have been at, in fact I
haven’t missed one birth yet. “But my mare is getting old at 18, so it’s good to have some new ones coming through so that I can retire some of the others. “They are all bred here and they all stay here until they die. “You just get so attached to them. “They become part of your family and I have even had them inside my house and in the swimming pool with me.� He also runs sheep, goats, 11 Dexter cows and 30 odd chooks alongside his big veggie patch. “I try to do all the ploughing in the veggie patch with the horses too. “I cross graze with the horses in the leased land, so when the sheep are lambing and the goats are kidding I stay out in the swag with them too.� And as if Mr Swan isn’t busy enough, he wants to “get into competition ploughing and help set it up�. “There is a ploughing association that I’m going to make contact with. “Apparently there is going to be a world record attempt for the most horses ploughing in the one paddock at the same time up in Yass in April. “I have already built the plough and it seems to be working well, maybe just a little more tweaking is needed. “That tweaking is actually me learning to use it,� he laughed.
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NEWS
Page 8, Southern Farmer
February 2016
Generosity of local business ensures children’s farm continues to thrive GENEROUS DONATION: A new tractor has been donated to the Collingwood Children’s Farm thanks to the generosity of Massey Ferguson and Small Horse Tractors.
Established 1970
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FARM machinery specialists Massey Ferguson together with local dealer Small Horse Tractors have donated a new tractor to the Collingwood Children’s Farm after having first donated a smaller tractor to the popular farm back in 2013. The latest model 82 horsepower MF4708 global series tractor replaces the 68 horsepower MF3600 series tractor that was first donated to the community farm to assist with the heavy duties around the grounds and paddocks. The team at Dandenong-based Small Horse Tractors helped get the tractor ready and delivered to the farm, with the business continuing to support the farm by including parts and service support. Massey Ferguson Tractors general marketing manager Michael Partridge said the children’s farm was a unique organisation that Massey Ferguson would like to recognise for the shared values of farming and community.
SALES & SERVICE
“We are proud to support the Collingwood Children’s Farm,” he said. “It’s such a valuable community asset that educates city kids about farming practices and is a great family day out. The new tractor will add to the farm experience for the thousands of visitors that came through the gates annually. As we are educating thousands of school kids each year, the farm is open to several disability groups that help out with farm duties. The farm also holds birthday parties, weddings and corporate events. Farm manager Alex Walker said the farm services a range of the community including the more than 10,000 primary school and kindergarten children who participate in farm tours throughout the year. “We are a working farm rather than a petting zoo, so we actually work the farm, so we breed sheep, we breed goats, we milk the cows
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daily, we breed chickens and sell eggs,” he said. “Massey Ferguson gave us a reliable tractor for when we want to do something, whether it’s for a kid, a family day or bringing a bride in as part of a wedding celebration or just carting stuff around. “It gave us real reliability. “I knew I could plan my day knowing that nothing would go wrong and that’s made a huge difference. “It’s just made our planning of what we do so much easier,” Mr Walker said. Collingwood Children’s Farm was established in 1979 and is a not-for-profit organisation providing country experiences for city people. The farm is five kilometres from Melbourne’s city centre, nestled on a bend of the Yarra River. The 10 acre parcel of paddocks, vegetable gardens and hay sheds is the oldest, continually farmed land in Victoria.
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NEWS
Southern Farmer, Page 9
What are our expectations of transition in cows? has a very limited future, but the subclinical ketosis cow will be quietly draining your bank account from low productivity in all its forms: impaired immunity manifesting in mastitis, metritis and other infections; demolishing our fertility goals and as she progresses into mid-lactation and still empty, her feed conversion efficiency plummets – a costly passenger. In many of our clients’ herds, as fertility has improved providing an abundance of replacement heifers, carry-over cows no longer exist. Seasons like this spring/ summer we’ve reduced herd size to match feed
reserves, and in so doing, rid our herds of any underperforming cows. There is a synergetic benefit of a rising herd genetics as progeny outperform their dams in first lactation. A recent USA speaker at the AARN Nutrition Conference last September, while addressing the subject of amino acid nutrition (fractions/types of protein), stressed “the highest producing herds in the USA have the highest milk solids tests and the highest fertility”. His stress was necessary, as common belief is the opposite of this, but possibly created by the above issues.
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Low blood calcium is highly likely to produce impaired immune function, delayed reproduction and bring on other metabolic disorders such as ketosis. We are trialling several methods to lift dry cow calcium intakes this February. The herds in which we are having very good success with, apart from adequate calcium intakes (and other minerals too), have the same forage ration as dry cows as they do as springer cows. The only difference is the addition of three or four kilograms of a good Lead Feed grain mix to increase energy and protein intake, and a correct DCAD (Dietary Cation-Anion Difference) to mobilise calcium/ magnesium reserves from skeletal frame. As we shift our dry cow into the springer cow group, DCAD becomes a major management issue; and it can be managed very effectively without feed testing every feed in the ration. DCAD and cow health and performance are closely intertwined, however, there may be some lack of understanding of this, leading to failure to achieve the best possible results from post-calving feeding. DCAD equation is (sodium plus potassium) – (chlorine plus sulphur). Sodium and potassium are positively charged ions. Conversely, chlorine and sulphur are negative charged ions. Our goal is a negative DCAD for springing cows for 21 days. The negative DCAD ration will cause mild blood acidosis and instigate calcium reabsorption from bones to neutralise blood acidity. This then reduces dramatically the massive
demand for calcium just prior to calving (colostrum contains nine times the cow’s whole calcium pool) and post-calving, avoiding both clinical, and if calcium reserves are adequate, subclinical milk fever and their devastating impacts on lactation/fertility performance and profit. Managing DCAD to ensure it is correct, and it must be correct to be effective, can be done by checking urine pH of a random group of springer cows at least weekly. We want a urine pH of about six for Holsteins and 5.8 for Jerseys. Simply adjust the Lead Feed grain up or down to correct this pH reading. We typically run a three kilogram Lead Feed grain mix at -3200meq. The reward is dramatically reduced milk fever (clinical or subclinical), dystocia (long/ difficult calvings), ketosis and retained placenta. Assuming adequate energy/protein postcalving, we have just set up our cow for high milk production potential, good health and high fertility. A subject virtually unheard of is lactating DCAD; like negative protein balance, they don’t appear on the discussion agenda, yet have significant impacts on all performance parameters. Lactating DCAD should be positive. This is not difficult in our potassium-charged pastures, silages and pasture hays. In fact, it is commonly way too high inducing both calcium and magnesium deficiencies manifesting, at worst, mid-lactation milk fever and hypomag (flightiness in cows). Lactating cows need a positive DCAD at about more than 200/250. Needless to say, any metabolic disruption from excessive DCAD will impinge on all the production goals. The other insidious evil so prevalent in our fresh cows is ketosis. The clinical ketosis cow
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IS it our goal to just get cows through calving without clinical milk fever or ketosis, or do we see it as an opportunity to achieve high milk production, good health and optimal fertility? Needless to say there is a vastly different financial outcome between these two alternatives and we see both every year. Obviously transition management should be aimed at the second of these two goals. There is no other stage in a cow’s yearly cycle than transition to determine financial success. I now count transition as beginning at the day the cow is dried off until three weeks post-calving. My reason is that I’ve become convinced from experience in a number of herds that much of our failings in the above three categories that determine lactation success – milk production, health and fertility, are perpetrated in the dry phase. This is a major problem in Australian dairy production. Last month’s article addressed this subject; especially calcium nutrition, which we’ve learnt is far from adequate. Energy and protein intakes to sustain a stable live-weight go without saying, but we fail our dry cow in these two as well. There are two defining issues: blood calcium (but also general mineral nutrition) and energy/protein intakes in both dry cows and springing cows. Traditionally, dry cows ingest about 25 per cent of their calcium requirement when on ryegrass pasture, silage or hay. Blood samples we’ve taken from dry cows verify this. Our dry cow is most frequently in subclinical milk fever (subclinical hypocalcaemia) and not even milking. Likewise, blood tests would expose negative energy balance (subclinical ketosis) in many dry cows. Our dry cow is already in deep trouble and still may be five or six weeks off calving.
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NEWS
Page 10, Southern Farmer
February 2016
Explore and beat the heat at 2016 Seymour Expo NEW WEBSITE: The new look and revamped website is now more user-friendly and is available on mobile devices.
THIS year’s Seymour Alternative Farming Expo is gearing up with a new look, a new website and some new features as it reaches its 24th year of the event being held. Each year the expo attracts more than 500 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors over the three days of the event starting on Friday, February 19 and running through to Sunday, February 21. The event has returned this year with a new look and a revamped website which is now more user friendly and is available on mobile devices and includes information for visitors that includes attractions, maps and ticket prices. Event manager Kelvin Maude said that as the expo is renowned for showcasing current technology and innovation, he thought the website should reflect that. “We’re sure visitors will be delighted with the easy navigation of information providing everything you need to know about the event, fully optimised for any device,” he said.
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One, two and three day tickets are now available and can be purchased online. From the website you can also keep up to date with event news, coming attractions, entertainment, the exhibitor list, and print a copy of the enhanced site map. Mr Maude said that changes to the map will improve pedestrian flow and details things to explore in all four corners of the site. The gates will be opening an hour earlier in 2016 to allow visitors to beat the heat. Gates will open at 8am and close at 5pm on the Friday and Saturday, with gates closing at 4pm on the Sunday afternoon. The whole family will be entertained with a new free kids zone that will give children a real farm experience. “We have created a kids zone and positioned it in a shady environment with lots to see and do,” Mr Maude said. “It will be a place to have fun or rest and relax. “It will be a hit with the kids and
I’m confident it will be a favourite with the parents as well.” The kids zone provides space for kids to have a meet and greet with main attraction Farmer Darryl and his 100 animals, where he will be shearing his sheep with a hand blade and he will teach everyone about spinning wool. Farmer Darryl will also be teaching the kids how to identify eggs from a variety of different birds and will have a sing-a-long with his famous feathered friend, rainbow lorikeet Polly. Other attractions of the free kids zone include a reptile and native animal show from the snake man, jumping castle and a cup and saucer ride. There will also be camel rides, playground and ice cream to consume (and coffee for parents). Family passes are available and include two adults and up to three children, with children younger than five enter free. For more information visit www.seymourexpo.com.au.
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MACHINERY
Page 14, Southern Farmer
February 2016
Cutting down mowing times EVERYONE dreams of being able to cut down on the time it takes to mow and bale hay, with one Victorian farming family having found the ideal way to give them some of their precious time back. The Field family is cutting down their mowing times with their new Massey Ferguson windrower and they are putting 100kg more in each bale with their new Massey Ferguson 2270XD large square baler. Chris Field and his wife Angela run their own farm, Chrisela Estate, and they also manage and co-ordinate the cropping and baling operation for Christopher’s parents, John and Cheryl Field, on their farm, Garvan Park. In total, Chris and Angela look after a total of 10,000 acres – 4000 acres at Avoca, Victoria and 6000 acres about 90km to the north at Cope Cope, near Donald. They grow oaten hay, lentils, beans, canola, vetch, hay, wheat, barley and oats. “Dad and I combine our resources during the busy sowing and harvesting times but we run two separate farming enterprises,” Chris said. “Dad owns the mower and I own the baler.” John purchased the MF WR9770 windrower with a 16-foot MF 9196 mower con-
EFFICIENT MACHINERY: Chris Field and his dad, John, with their Massey Ferguson swather and large square baler.
ditioner front and 30-foot MF 5200 draper front in September last year. They hadn’t had a Massey Ferguson mower conditioner before and they chose it mainly for its twin max conditioning system. “We did a lot of research and read a lot about people who had bought it and liked it,” Chris said. “The twin max conditioning system is why we went for the
Massey Ferguson and it has hydraulic pressure on the roller. “This is far better than others we looked at, which use springs. “You can alter the pressure quite easily just by turning a dial. “We do a lot of export hay, so it’s also got our curing time down.” Chris added that the new mower is considerably quicker than their previous self-pro-
pelled mower conditioner. “With the twin max conditioning system, I reckon this Massey Ferguson mower makes us at least a week quicker than our previous machine. “I know the season is different this year, but it was a lot quicker. “We’re very happy with it. “It has cab suspension, rear suspension and horsepower and is a great machine. “The auto steer holds re-
ally well. “The auto steer on our old machine was always dropping out, but the Massey Ferguson never drops out and is as straight as a die,” he said. Chris added that the windrower is also comfortable to sit in and quiet. “You don’t have to have the engine revving all the time; you can idle it back a bit. “We were really impressed with the machine and it has
ended up being a lot better than I thought it was going to be. “I got in it and set it up, and the blokes who sit in it love it.” Chris bought the new MF 2270XD large square baler at the same time and is equally as impressed. He’s previously had MF 2170 and MF 187 balers. “I usually keep my balers for about four years and I was looking for another baler. “We liked the high density of the new 2270XD and the speed, which is faster than the 2170. “Compared to the 2170, I’m averaging up to 100kg a bale more with the new baler. “I can’t load the truck up now because it’s overweight,” he added. Chris’s new 2270XD is also fitted with five knives across the chamber for chopping oaten hay. “Oaten hay grows four to six foot high and the dairies want it chopped slightly, so the cows aren’t pulling out big pieces of hay. “I think that’s also probably made a lot better bales, as the shape of the bales in this baler is a lot better than we’ve ever had. It is a very neat-shaped, square bale.” Chris made about 6000 bales last season with the MF 2270XD baler, which he says is simple and easy to operate.
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MACHINERY
February 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 15
Honda Heritage rolls off the production line THE limited release Honda Heritage has now been unveiled, with assembly of the new mower now under way at Honda’s Manufacturing Australia facility in Melbourne. Honda power equipment sales manager Graeme Baynes said the company is “extremely excited� to launch the new
Honda Heritage as “it is the product of tireless engineering and ingenuity�. “The features included on the Honda Heritage have been based on previous Honda attributes which are tried and proven functions,� he said. Perfect for the landscape contractor or the keen gar-
dener, the Honda Heritage is an Australian initiative that pairs Honda’s best advancements in technology and safety with classic design. The mower features a 19 inch lightweight alloy deck and is described as “built to last, yet lightweight enough to push around all day�.
Its large rear chute maximises catching performance in wet and dry conditions. It also features a 54 litre polymer catcher and comes standard with a mulching feature and engine brake technology. The GXV engine with cast iron bore is the most reliable and durable on the market – a
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sales in all areas of the market. This growth has earned Baldwin Australia a place in the top three largest aftermarket distributors in Australia in 2008. With more than 300 distributors, Baldwin Australia is able to cover all regions in Australia and New Zealand and is continuing to focus on providing a superior filtration product to all areas of the world. For more information visit www. baldwinfilters.com.au.
TRACTORS CASE trencher, articulated, 4wd, 40hp diesel. CLAAS Ares 556 RZ ,4wd, Stoll loader, a/c cab, 3pl, rem, tidy unit. DEUTZ DX 90, fwa, a/c cab, loader. DEUTZ DX 110, fwa, a/c cab, loader. FERGUSON TED, diesel, rops. FORDSON Major diesel. FORD 6700, dual power, a/c cab, 3pl, 77hp, 2wd. FORD TW30, reco engine & clutch, fwa, a/c cab, 3pl . FIAT 580, 2wd, a/c cab, 3pl, pwr steer, 58hp. INTER 414, loader, rops canopy, new clutch, 3pl, good tyres. ISEKI 6000, fwa,4 post rops, 3pl, pwr steering. JOHN DEERE 6600, fwa, a/c cab, loader. LEYLAND 253, pwr steer, rops, 50hp. MASSEY FERGUSON 135, rops , tidy. MASSEY FERGUSON 148, rops , like new. MASSEY FERGUSON 240, rops, pwr steer, good tyres. MASSEY FERGUSON 355, a/c cab, pwr steer, 3pl. NUFFIELD 10/60, rops canopy, 3pl, d/bar. Runs well. 60hp.
SAME Silver 100.6 ,Agroshift, fwa, a/c cab, new rear tyres ,103hp. Excellent unit. New loaders available to suit all tractors above. BACKHOE Trailing Cranvel backhoe with 3 buckets, pto driven. RIMS & TYRES New Ferguson 16� and 19� front rims. VINTAGE Vinyard model Lanz Bulldog. 28hp, 3pl. Farmall Cub, reco engine, suit restoration. Porsche 2 cylinder, runs well. V8 diesel Deutz irrigation motor with 15 KVA generator, and pto.150hp‌.$8,800 inc gst. IMPLEMENTS Massey Ferguson post rammer, Front end loader for Massey 35148, 16 plate 3pl discs, soft hands for fel, Connor Shea 14 row tyned 3pl seeder, 2.5 mtr Rau rotary harrows, 6ft Berends grader with rippers, 7ft smudger, 3 furrow disc plow, 3.5 mtr Lely Power Harrows, 5ft - 8ft slashers, 3pl bale forks, grader blades, Howard Paraplow, Krone 2.5 mtr rotary harrows, wick wiper, Hardi 1200 ltr trailing spray unit with 10 mtr boom & hand reel, quick detach front end loader , assorted tractor weights & frames. WANTED Good quality late model tractors. Also Lanz Bulldog any condition.
Trade-ins accepted. Delivery and finance easily arranged.
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heavy duty filter manufacturers that started operating in Australia in 1997. Established more than 15 years ago in a small warehouse in Sunshine Victoria, Baldwin Australia today is housed in a purpose-built, 4600 square metre distribution centre in Derrimut, Victoria. Over the years, Baldwin Australia has actively expanded and includes a full product range
catch your clippings for that superior looking ďŹ nish, a large 54 litre polymer catcher means fewer stops allowing you to ďŹ nish your work sooner. Production of the Honda Heritage is expected to reach about 1000 units per month. For more information visit www.hondaheritage.com.au.
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Local supplier all praise for Baldwin Filters POWER transmission and industrial suppliers BJ Bearings can’t speak highly enough of filter supply company Baldwin Filters Australia which has supplied the company with filters for the past 15 years. According to BJ Bearings branch manager Craig Grayham the team at Baldwin Filters are “very easy to deal with�, always offering great service. “With Baldwin you order what you need and you get it,� he said. “There is nothing hard about it. “They simply offer good products and give you good service,� Mr Grayham said. BJ Bearings is based in Bairnsdale, with seven other branches in Campbellfield, Leongatha, Pakenham, Sale, Traralgon, Wonthaggi and Morwell. Their business is “virtually anything industrial� like filters, bearings, fasteners, welders, hand tools, power tools and anything else industrial you may require. The company has had an ongoing relationship with Baldwin Filters for many years, which are
necessity for mowing contractors that rely on their machines day in and day out. The Honda Heritage comes standard with a mulching plug, meaning that clippings can be recycled onto the lawn; ensuring nutrients are fed back into the soil. However, if you prefer to
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PASTURE
Page 16, Southern Farmer
February 2016
yes we want your news__
Contact journalist Jodie Fleming on (03) 5723 0129
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Ararat farmer manages to harvest top crop in tough season IN what was Ararat’s fourth-driest year on record, farmer Tim Barr was surprised by the high canola yields he harvested in December at family property “Yallgatta” in the Western District of Victoria. His combine harvester showed an average reading of 1.5 tonnes per hectare (ha) across the 520ha oilseed crop, which consisted of two open pollinated triazine varieties (300ha and 212ha), and one hybrid triazine (eight ha). The hybrid – a trial area of Hyola 650TT – was the standout, hitting two tonnes per ha. Mr Barr runs the 2000ha mixed-farm with father Noel and brother Simon, cropping 1600ha of wheat, canola, barley, oats and beans, and running 1600 mixed-breed ewes and 50 Hereford-Angus breeders. He said it was a welcome result given their winter crops received no spring rainfall, putting the results down to a mixture of soil type, geography and varietal choice. “Some of our cereals didn’t do too well but the canola still managed to produce the goods,” he said. “Crops on the heavier black clay soils did a lot better than those on the lighter, grey loam country. “Yields were very patchy throughout the west and the state as a whole. “In one area you’d have decent crops and the neighbouring area would be struggling. “The hybrids have been out-yielding
OPs for some time now, so that’s something we decided to look into. There’s also been a swing to GM canola in parts of the state, so we’re always keen to investigate new options,” Mr Barr said. Ararat received 410 millimetres (mm) for the year compared to the annual median average of 600mm. According to the Bureau of Meteorology it has dropped below the 2015 measurement three times on record — in 1982 (302mm), 1994 (394mm) and 2006 (340mm). Mr Barr seeded the canola on April 21 last year with a John Deere 8410 tractor and Gason air seeder on 30 centimetre row spacings. The hybrid seed was sown at a lower rate of two kilograms per ha, while the OPs were seeded at four kilograms per ha. Using a Case 2388 header, he windrowed the crop in late November before finishing harvest on December 24. According to Mr Barr, the golden crop has grown in popularity due to its ability to slot into a cropping sequence and be beneficial for weed control, making consecutive wheat crops more profitable, and in some cases becoming a cash crop in its own right. “For as long as I can remember we have grown canola. “When I was a kid we only planted one or two paddocks, but as I’ve gotten older we’ve grown a lot more,” he added.
PASTURE
February 2016
Research focus leads to company name change
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perform under real life conditions. “Our goal is to ensure farmers have confidence in any Pasture Genetics product because it has been rigorously tested and proved to be an ideal option for Australian conditions,” Mr Damin said. As well as the umbrella research site at Penfield, Pasture Genetics has numerous demonstration and evaluation sites located across Australia, allowing new and existing varieties to be tested across multiple geographic locations and conditions. Proprietary products available through Pasture Genetics include lucerne, forage barley, forage oats, clover, medic, ryegrass, festulolium, phalaris, cocksfoot, fescue, forage brassicas, plantain, chicory, forage millet, forage sorghum and subtropical grasses. The company also has
put a great deal of research in developing blends suited to different farming operations and conditions. “The SOWsmart range of products are available in autumn, spring and subtropical blends and have been thoroughly tested so farmers can utilise them on their farm with confidence,” Mr Damin said. “We have more than 30 products available through the SOWsmart blends and can also customise blends for individual farmers or regions.” Mr Damin said the company name change was an exciting development and he looked forward to a future of new and even greater technologies to assist their farmer customers. “Our greatest accomplishment is when farmers are able to use the Pasture Genetics products to produce more milk, meat or forage, and ultimately more profit,” he said.
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TO reflect its commitment toward research and development, seed company Seed Distributors has changed its name to Pasture Genetics as it focuses on the best pasture varieties for the Australian market place. General manager Rob Damin said the company had evolved from its inception in 1997 where it was primarily a seed distribution business to one that is now at the cutting edge of research and technology. “The Pasture Genetics name is more in line with where we are as a company and where we are heading to in the future,” he said. “Pasture Genetics is focused on sourcing the best germplasm from local and international sources and breeding pasture species for the Australian market place.” The company also markets a range of DLF Seeds products from New Zealand, with an emphasis on high yielding quality grasses ideal for intensive pasture operations and other uses. Mr Damin said any new material was extensively tested prior to release and that the Penfield Research Station in South Australia played a key role in determining the suitability of new products for Australian farmers. “Penfield is an irrigated and dryland site in which numerous trials are conducted across the seasons,” he said. “While yield trials are important, an emphasis of the facility is to look at a range of traits that are important for Australian livestock producers. “Our grazing tolerance trials are an example of looking at different varieties and seeing how they
Southern Farmer, Page 17
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BACCHUS MARSH Bacchus Marsh Farm Supplies ..... (03) 5366 0600 BALLARAT Agrimac .............................................(03) 5339 3038 BENDIGO KV Equipment.......................................(03) 5448 4455 CRAIGIEBURN Melbourne Farm Supplies .............(03) 8339 7011 HASTINGS Westernport Tractors & Implements ....(03) 5979 2155 KNOXFIELD Glenmac Sales and Service ...............(03) 9763 8255 KYNETON L&G Sheppard & Sons .........................(03) 5422 1821
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FIRE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
Page 18, Southern Farmer
February 2016
Key tips for dairy farmers if FDXJKW LQ D ¿ UH RU RWKHU GLVDVWHUV WITH the heat of summer upon us and fire emergencies already affecting some dairy regions, Dairy Australia is urging people to review their emergency plans and preparations. Dairy Australia has released a short podcast that offers helpful information if you happen to be caught in a fire or in any other emergency. Dairy Australia’s issues manager Julie Iommi said that dairy farmers have plans in place, but it is still worth taking a few minutes to make sure your preparations are still relevant. “Clearly a high risk on a dairy farm is an electricity outage - how will you milk your cows and keep the milk cool if power is knocked out for a prolonged period? “When was the last time you
tested your back-up equipment? “Having a practice run to check firefighting equipment, generators for milking and your water pumps should help if the worst happens. “These are just some of the questions you need to address to respond to a disaster in the most effective way,” Dr Iommi said. The Dairy Australia website has resources available with practical tips (see emergency checklist and Dairy Farm Fire Plan). “The goal is to reduce disruption to your dairy business and keep you, your family, staff and animals safe,” she added. KEY TIPS How can you find out about fires or floods near you? – Who will monitor the Fire Authority
Apps, listen to the ABC, keep a watch on the weather conditions and wind patterns? Have you signed up for the Dairy Australia SMS local heat alerts? How will you milk and cool if the power goes off? Can you test your back-up plan tonight/ tomorrow – just in case? Is your inventory up to date? Take photos of your stored feed and machinery and are chemicals recorded and stored properly and safely? Are all your insurance documents, key contacts list, farm records and laptop together and easy to grab if you need to leave quickly? And remember to keep your mobile phone fully charged. For more information visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au.
FIRE PLAN: Not having a plan for animals during emergencies can prove fatal.
Plan for animals in an emergency
How Fire Ready is your farm? Check all of these important questions EARLY not late. YES /NO
YES /NO
❑ ❑ 1. ❑ ❑ 2.
Do you have well maintained slashed or ploughed fire breaks? Are your farm buildings protected by firebreaks?
❑ ❑ 3.
Do you have a grazing plan to reduce fire risk?
❑ ❑ 21. Are fire fighting hoses long enough, kept in safe locations where they will not melt, and with heavy duty wide spray nozzles?
❑ ❑ 4.
Are your chemicals stored safely according to instructions
❑ ❑ 22. Do you talk about and have a fire prevention plan with neighbors?
on the product?
❑ ❑ 23. Do you have adequate water supplies for firefighting should mains water pressures drop? ❑ ❑ 24. Have you installed sprinkler systems in your garden and on your roofing?
❑ ❑ 5.
Are your fuel tanks bonded and isolated from buildings?
❑ ❑ 6.
Are welding and grinding operations done in isolation from flammable liquids and fuels?
❑ ❑ 7.
Do residential buildings on your farm have smoke alarms?
❑ ❑ 8.
Do your have properly maintained firefighting equipment in the workshop, on tractors and other machinery?
❑ ❑ 9.
Can firefighting vehicles safely access all parts of your property?
❑ ❑ 10. Do you ensure hay is not stacked when it is green? ❑ ❑ 11. Are machinery exhaust systems fitted with spark arresters? ❑ ❑ 12. Do you have a list of emergency numbers beside all phones? ❑ ❑ 13. Is your property’s CFA map reference beside the phone? ❑ ❑ 14. Do you have battery-powered radios handy to aid communications? ❑ ❑ 15. Are your buildings clean of flammable debris and protected from the entry of burning embers? ❑ ❑ 16. Do your buildings provide adequate personal protection against bushfire? ❑ ❑ 17. Is fire prevention part of your whole farm business plan? ❑ ❑ 18. Are you up-to-date with the latest Local and State Government fire restrictions and requirements? ❑ ❑ 19. Do you carefully plan all burning off to minimise the risks?
❑ ❑ 20. Are gas cylinders vented away from buildings?
❑ ❑ 25. Have you gathered metal buckets, mops, spray backpack units, ladders, rakes, shovels in a strategic location for ready access? ❑ ❑ 26. Do you have battery powered torches, radios, medical kits and drinking water available? ❑ ❑ 27. Do you know the radio station to check for the fire’s progress rather than calling emergency services? ❑ ❑ 28. Does each person have suitable clothing, including sturdy leather footwear, fire resistant long pants and long sleeves (wool offers the best protection from sparks and cinders) a broad brimmed hat, goggles for eye protection, handkerchiefs to toe over the nose and mouth, wet towels to drape over the neck, and bottles of water? ❑ ❑ 29. Can you access roof and other building cavities to check frequently for embers or other spot fires? ❑ ❑ 30. Is there a plan for all people on your property to either fight the fire or move to safe locations well before a fire front approaches?
Further information is available from: v/05d08425/45-15
Mornington Peninsula Shire Phone: 1300 850 600 Mail: Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, 3939 Email: customerservice@mornpen.vic.gov.au Web: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Click on ‘Services for You’ then ‘Fire and Emergency Management’
Be Prepared
THE Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) is urging the community to make early decisions regarding their companion animals and horses in the case of a fire emergency. Inadequate planning for the management of animals and their welfare in emergencies can result in poor, lastminute decisions with dangerous or fatal consequences for animals and their owners or carers. DEDJTR chief veterinary officer Charles Milne said procedures and escape routes should be pre-planned, with alternate routes well-known in case the planned route is not accessible. “If possible, prearrange a safe location to take your animals to; this may be family or friends, a boarding establishment or the local evacuation centre,” he said. Ensure all your animals are properly identified, for example, by a collar and tag or microchip. “Keep microchip details current for pets and horses. “Always keep your pet’s immunisation up-to-date, and remember pets need current proof of vaccination to stay at a kennel or cattery,” Dr Milne said. He added that small animals should be contained as early as possible in the day to ensure that they are close at hand
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when you decide to leave. “Don’t tie animals up outside or keep them in a vehicle unattended, leave them in a secure area inside your home. “It is advisable to prepare an animal evacuation kit including food, water, bowls, leads, halters, blankets/bedding, cages, relevant documentation and any medication they might require,” Dr Milne said. If your animals are unable to be evacuated, there are measures you can take to assist their survival. “Horses are likely to receive only minimal burns if kept in grazed down paddocks and given plenty of room to move. “They will gallop through flames or around their edges, and stand on the blackened, previously burnt area and remain there until the fire has passed,” he said. He also said that if you have to leave animals behind, leave out at least 10 days’ supply of water, fill every bowl and container that you have with water, then set them in accessible places; do not leave just one container as it may spill. Ensure your emergency plans also include any livestock you may have. For more information and practical fact sheets to assist people to care for companion animals, livestock and wildlife visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/ care-and-welfare/pets-and-emergencies.
February 2016
BULLS AND FARM SALES
Southern Farmer, Page 19
Drought feed options 14th SOUTHERN CHAROLAIS BREEDERS and advice from GROUP SALE Performance Feeds 2.00 PM, WEDNESDAY
WHAT started as a rainfall shortage becomes an extended dry and then a drought and it creeps up on us. During drought, putting out hay is standard practice. Even if you restrict feed, it will keep cattle alive. But according to advice from Performance Feeds, offering a protein and mineral supplement with the hay will encourage better performance. “Dry feed is tough on cattle,” the company said. “It is coarse and scratches the intestinal wall. “It is hard to digest and doesn’t offer much in the way of vitamins and minerals. “Droughted cattle are usually stressed from heat, dust, nuisance insects as well as lack of feed. “Stress, combined with a poor diet compounds over time and increases susceptibility to illness and disease. “Other things to suffer are reproduction, milk production and, obviously, growth rate,” it said. Performance Feeds is the largest and most recognised supplier of liquid supplements to Australia’s feedlot and grazing sector. The company maintains a leading position in the country’s highly competitive liquid supplement market for grazing livestock. Performance Feeds believes that offering a protein and mineral supplement, like Anipro, achieves three things. “Firstly, it increases rumen activity, making hay easier to digest. “The supplement provides extra vitamin and minerals support immune status, reducing risk of illness.
2nd MARCH 2016 NEW VENUE
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EXTRA SUPPORT: Protein and mineral supplements help with digestion and the overall health of animals. “And thirdly, the extra rumen activity increases rumen bug populations that provide more protein for the animal, which is important.” According to the company the extra protein can be used by the animal for making essential chemicals used to fight stress and infection, build reproductive capacity and channel nutrients for milk production. It also helps rebuild the intestinal wall, making for a happier animal. “The decision to drought feed is often made for us. “How much and how often to feed can be difficult to decide. “It is important that cattle have
something to eat every day. “Eating encourages drinking, which is important.” While offering cattle 100 per cent of their feed requirement is best, Performance Feeds recommends that aiming for 70 per cent to 80 per cent of requirements will be sufficient if things are tough. “Offering a protein and mineral supplement will make cattle stronger and better able to withstand the stress that comes with having less to eat. “If finances allow it, adding in an energy source can also be useful,” the company added. For more information visit www. performancefeeds.com.au or call 1800 300 593.
34 Bulls (inc 23 Polls)
14 Females (inc 9 Polls)
2 Semen Packages
Committee: Warren Miller 0423 396 014 Ken Manton 0437 585 605 www.charolais.com.au k/05d08607/0616
Agents: Ray Attwell 0428 836 136 Chris Pollard 0428 993 860
BULLS AND FARM SALES
Page 20, Southern Farmer
February 2016
Oldest Australian Bazadaise stud has plenty of quality for sale BALEZE BEAUTIES: Bazadaise cattle are excellent foragers and efficient feed converters.
BALEZE BAZADAISE
EST.1992
STUD
Baleze Bazadaise Stud takes great pride in breeding quality quiet cattle and has bulls, females, embryos and semen available for sale at very affordable prices. This year we have a large choice of bulls for sale.
rs, Bulls, HeiSfeemen Embryoss,ale for
Faye Tuchtan
t/05d08613/0616
Please call to arrange an inspection
- FAYE TUCHTAN, STUD PRINCIPAL AT BALEZE BAZADAISE STUD
Phone (03) 5678 8366. Mobile 0411 732 987 Fax (03) 5678 8247 PO Box 54, Grantville 3984
Email: fmt@dcsi.net.au
www.balezebazadaise.com.au
THROUGH careful breeding programs of flushing for embryos and importing embryos and semen from France, Baleze Bazadaise Stud has established itself as the oldest and most respected Bazadaise stud in Australia. Commencing in 1991, the stud was at the forefront of the development of Bazadaise cattle in Australia, and had their first Bazadaise cross calves on the ground in 1992. According to stud principal Faye Tuchtan, Bazadaise cattle are excellent foragers and efficient feed converters and are able to thrive both in the extreme heat of northern Australia to the cold of Tasmania. “Bazadaise cattle are easy calving and are born skinny - muscle development only starts at about three weeks of age,” she said. “Calves are born a wheaten colour, gradually changing to grey after three months. “Generally, as they mature, bulls are a darker colour, even to charcoal,” Ms Tuchtan said. She added that Baleze Bazadaise has outstanding results in all areas of GeneStar genetic markers for tenderness, marbling and feed efficiency. “In finished crossbred
cattle, dressing out is about 60 per cent or better. “Even more outstanding is the saleable meat yield of about 80 per cent of carcase weight. “Butchers are always very impressed with the larger and more valuable primal cuts,” she said. Reinforcing its success with its cross breeding program, Baleze Bazadaise has won both Champion and Reserve Champion Carcass and always scores extremely well in every carcass competition entered. Additionally, Bazadaise cattle have scooped the pool in Queensland, at the CallideDawson, Gympie Classic and Brisbane RNA (The Ekka) competitions over the past years. “Baleze Bazadaise Stud takes great pride in breeding quality quiet cattle and has bulls, females, embryos and semen available for sale at very affordable prices. “This year we have a large choice of bulls for sale. “Our policy is that we will not sell anything that is not good enough for our own use. “We pride ourselves in having many sales to repeat customers,” Ms Tuchtan said. For more information visit www.balezebazadaise.com. au or phone Faye Tuchtan on 0411 732 987.
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2016 Feb bru uar y-Ju une Ev vents
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Feb 26th | Le Martres Bull Sale – on property, offering 30+ bulls with excellent muscle development and our big 'butts'. Feb 27th | Canberra Show – Le Martres will be competing. Cattle exhibited by the St Pauls College Show Team.
BULLS AND FARM SALES
February 2016
Quality bulls and value for money the key to Mandayen’s upcoming bull sale They possess the genetic potential to improve docility, muscling and softness, giving our clients a great opportunity to secure quality bulls at value for money prices.
STRUCTURAL SOUNDNESS: Lot 3 Mandayen King (Homo Poll) is one of four Hunt Mr Jock X Ramornie Abigail U2 sons being offered for sale this year.
11TH ANNUAL BULL SALE
66 BULLS SELL ON WEDNESDAY 24TH OF FEBRUARY ON PROPERTY AT KEITH S.A. 12:30 pm CDST. SA Beef Field Day, Tuesday 9th February 2016.
- DAMIAN GOMMERS, STUD PRINCIPAL AT MANDAYEN LIMOUSIN
genetics and Limflex (Limo X Angus) sires will also be available for private sale at the stud’s field day on Tuesday, February 9. The Angus bulls are sired by Te Mania Emperor E343, Vermillion Dateline VRD, Ardrossan Equator A241 and BT Right Time 24J. “They are out of our foundation Millah Murrah females that we purchased at the record breaking 2013 stud female sale,” Mr Gommers said. For more information visit www.mandayen. com.au.
P05d08653/0616
DAMIAN GOMMERS 0418 824 799
www.mandayen.com.au
Accredited MN1 Johne’s Free | Tested Pesti Free | All Structural Assessments 6 or better
70
18 M T H O L D B U L L S
1PM WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2016
Inspections & Sale S l enquiries welcome
C t t Simon Contact Si Falkiner F lki 0407 319 967 or visit murdeduke.com.au
John J h Thornton Th t 0408 526 367
A d Andrew Sl Sloan 0408 297 368
t/05d08611/0616
AN offering of 65 high performance bulls that have had to perform in large contemporary groups will be up for sale at Mandayen Limousin’s upcoming on-property sale. The stud’s 11th annual bull sale will be held on Wednesday, February 24 starting at 12.30pm at the ‘Eight Mile’ sale complex in Keith, South Australia. According to stud principal Damian Gommers, one of the highlights of this year’s sale will be the offering of four full ET brothers to Mandayen’s successful sire Energizer E1338. “We sell more than 100 bulls each year and place strong selection emphasis on the economic traits, structural soundness, muscle and docility,” he said. “They possess the genetic potential to improve docility, muscling and softness, giving our client’s a great opportunity to secure quality bulls at value for money prices.” The sale bulls will be DNA tested for homozygous polled and homozygous black, vaccinated and ear notch tested for pestivirus. Mandayen is Australia’s largest Limousin cowherd having registered 330 Limousin and Lim-Flex calves in 2015. Sire lines include Wulfs Zander, RUNL Xtra Loyal, WZRK Prime Cut, Wulfs Spring Loaded, Hunt Mr Jock and the homebred sires Duracell D1098, Energizer E1338 and Fat Boy F1596. “The entire bull sale offering will be on display at our 2016 on property field day,” Mr Gommers said. “Once again we will deliver the bulls for free in SA and Victoria.” A draft of Angus sires featuring Millah Murrah
Southern Farmer, Page 21
BULLS AND FARM SALES
Page 22, Southern Farmer
AUTUMN SALE: Paringa Livestock’s on-property sale will be held on Thursday, March 3 at 1pm.
Crystal Clear Choice in Genetics
Selling Bulls & Heifers in 14th Southern Charolais Breeders Group Sale NEW VENUE Yea Saleyards - 2.00 pm, Wednesday 2nd March 2016
contact 0428 605 060 for Catalogue
t/05d08677/0616
DEBORAH HALLIDAY - WATERFORD CHAROLAIS PO BOX 1004, MT MACEDON, VICTORIA 3441
MOBILE 0428 605 060
Email: waterforddowns@bigpond.com
February 2016
Paringa Livestock robust and tough, but with a gentle nature STUD principal Tom Lawson from Paringa Livestock is looking ahead to the stud’s 12th annual autumn bull sale, with 70 performance recorded Charolais, Black Angus and unique black Stabilizer bulls on offer at its Yea property. According to Mr Lawson, the breeding program at Paringa has again accelerated in front of the breed population, as the female herd continues to rank highly within their respective breeds, for the Angus both red and black, Charolais and hybrids. “The commercial orientation of the resulting bulls that are turned out each year from the elite herds exhibit softness, but also have robust and tough performance along with a gentle nature,” he said. This year’s autumn sale will include the first Angus yearling sons of Paringa Judd J5, the top selling bull at Lawsons’ Angus 2014 sale, and Bartel E7 sons, which continually sires progeny of high customer satisfaction. Also featured will be the cow maker bull KCF Absolute - an outcross Angus line offering high feed efficiency and strong maternal traits.
Paringa Charolais are always ahead of the curve with the latest and most proven high ranking genetics for calving ease, with explosive growth and finishing ability
- TOM LAWSON, STUD PRINCIPAL FROM PARINGA LIVESTOCK
To further boost the sale team, there is an offering sired by two of the most proven highest carcase quality bulls; Regent and Gatsby, both more than four per cent for IMF. “Paringa Charolais are always ahead of the curve with latest and most proven high ranking genetics for calving ease, with explosive growth and finishing ability,” Mr Lawson said. “The Free Lunch sons are again a fine example of this, super thick and gentle with phenomenal short gestation. “The sons of both Long Distance and White Gold again offer a great
option to suit all markets. “For clients wanting to push the kilograms into a later, bigger, longer frame size, then Paringa Novotel A100s are your choice,” he said. He added that a highlight of the Stabilizer bulls is the sons of two of the greatest proven multi-breed Stabilizer sires: Hooks Trinity and Leachman Yosemite. “These cattle are super safe with extra muscle and proven high-feed efficiency, and the cattle are some of the gentlest natured cattle you will ever work with. “Having hybrid vigour in bulls and in breeding cows is scientifically recognised to lift production, as proven over many years and through hundreds of research projects. “Because Paringa is production and profit focused, rather than breed focused, it is pleasing to see on farm and on the rail the real benefits of selection pressure and hybrid vigour in the bulls, in the cows, and also in the calves,” he said. Paringa Livestock’s on-property autumn bull sale will be held on Thursday, March 3 at 1pm. For more information contact Tom Lawson on 0434 146795.
Yes - these producers all bought Banquet bulls - & they're still smiling! They all sold sale topping weaner progeny last summer in weaner sales Inspection Day
5 Thursday 18th February
SSBAN0020116
Next Annual Sale Thursday 25th February 2016 4pm Mortlake 100 bulls 3pm - Approx 150 commercial Angus heifers (by Banquet bulls and mated to Banquet bulls)
www.banquetangus.com.au Private Treaty bulls always available: Steve & Noeleen Branson, PO Box 166 Mortlake, Vic 3272 Ph: 0419 884 839 Email: banquetangus@westvic.com.au k/05d08615/0616
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Hereford Stud EUHHGLQJ 4XDOLW\ +HUH LQ &HQWUDO 9LFWRUL
ON FARM SALE DATE: Friday 26th February 2016 at 1pm Inspections from 10am
ADDRESS OF SALE: “Glendan Park” 2090 Kyneton – Heathcote Road, Barfold via Kyneton, Vic, 3444. Adameluca Kingston K23 – LOT 1
k/05d08651/0616
Glendan Park Kerry K036 (H) – LOT 3
BULLS AND FARM SALES
February 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 23
More than 150 quiet achievers on offer at Te Mania Angus ACCORDING to Te Mania Angus stud principal Tom Gubbins, it’s no secret that docile cattle grow faster, have better meat quality, are more fertile and are safer to handle. Mr Gubbins said the benefits of quiet cattle are many, including increased weight gains, more efficient handling in the yards and paddock, less stress to both the stock and handler, decreased weight loss during transit and improved eating quality. “An important part of our focus on high performance and profitability is measuring and testing docility,” Mr Gubbins said. “Testing docility, along with structure and all other measurable traits, is part of getting the end product right – to enable our clients to produce the best beef on offer. “We aim for breed average rib and rump fat for our cattle, with a good variation from lean to fat, so that clients can choose the genetic fatness they require. “Genetically lean cattle generally have high retail beef yield and are better feed converters, whereas genetically fat cattle generally have lower retail beef yield and are poorer feed converters,” he added. Te Mania Angus runs a dedicated progeny testing program that includes measuring, recording, scanning and analysis through Team Te Mania commercial herds in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Through this program and the wider industry, 37,000 Te Mania Angus progeny have been recorded on Angus Group Breedplan over the past two years. “Analysis of this data fine tunes early genetic predictions of sires, and
improves the accuracy of all the sires within the breeding herd,” Mr Gubbins said. At the autumn onproperty bull sale, the average of Te Mania’s sale bulls for the Angus Breeding Index was $121, compared to the Angus breed average of $101. Ninety per cent of the stud’s autumn sale bulls are in the top 30 per cent of the breed for the Heavy Grain $ Index and 80 per cent are in the top 20 per cent of the breed for marbling. The feature sires of these bulls include Te Mania Garth G67, Festivity F327, Gaskin G555, Flame F565 and Tuwharetoa Regent D145. Te Mania Angus will hold its on-farm bull sale on Wednesday, March 2 at 448 Reichmans Lane, Mortlake starting at 12 noon. The stud’s Team Te Mania online commercial female sale will be held the day before on Tuesday, March 1 on Auctions Plus starting at 5pm. “With genetics highly sought after both domestically and internationally, Te Mania Angus bulls provide buyers the opportunity to improve their herds using performance based genetics,” Mr Gubbins said. “Interested breeders are welcome to view the online female sale and to join Team Te Mania members for dinner at the sale complex from 6pm.” The Te Mania autumn bull sale will also be interfaced with Auctions Plus. Videos of each animal appear on Auctions Plus and on the Te Mania Angus website the week prior to the bull sale. For more information visit www.temaniaangus.com.
DOCILE FOCUS: An important focus for Te Mania Angus is measuring and testing docility alongside high performance and profitability.
Quiet Achievers ù
TUES 2 FEB BEEF WEEK FIELD DAY, MORTLAKE Preview Autumn sale bulls
TUES 1 MAR TEAM TE MANIA ONLINE FEMALE SALE 500+ Commercial Females
WED 2 MAR AUTUMN BULL SALE, MORTLAKE 150+ Bulls
TE MANIA ANGUS – YOUR PARTNER IN PROFITABILITY
Enquiries welcome Hamish McFarlane 03 5264 1606 Tom Gubbins 0429 952 197
www.temania.com.au
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