Southern Farmer

Published since 1986

MARCH, 2019

Claire will breed better queen bees

www.farmernews.com.au

Scholarships for local farmers PAGE 7

Autumn Pasture Improvement PAGE 10

PAGES 17-19

The green fight continues Å°

Mornington VFF renew calls for help to protect their agricultural land

FIGHTING TO STAY ON THE FARM: Pat Carmody replanted Craiglee Vineyard in 1976, and has spent the last 43 years pouring his heart and soul into the property. In the last four decades, he has faced many challenges, including drought, serrated tussock grass, phylloxera outbreaks, urban encroachment – but none has proven as difficult as bureaucratic red tape. Read all about Pat’s fight to farm on pages four and five of this month’s Southern Farmer.

THE Peninsula branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation has UHQHZHG FDOOV IRU WZR DJ RIo FHUV to be employed in planning at the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

Calling for a dedicated agriculturDO RIo FHU ZLWK DQ DJURQRP\ GHJUHH the VFF want the role to be dedicated to planning reviews and applications that fall within the council’s Green Wedge Zone (GWZ).

In a pre-2019/20 budget submisVLRQ WKH 9)) DOVR UHTXHVWHG WKH shire employ a planning enforcePHQW RIo FHU ZKR ZRXOG IRFXV RQ green wedge and farm management plan adherence. *UHHQ ZHGJHV DUH GHo QHG DV being non-urban areas of metropolitan Melbourne that sit outside the urban growth boundary; the Mornington Peninsula Shire generates an estimated billion dollars from agriculture within its GWZ. +RZHYHU 3HQLQVXOD 9)) EUDQFK SUHVLGHQW (GGLH 0DWW VDLG IDUPHUV were constantly under threat from urban encroachment. k,I ZH DV D VKLUH FRPPXQLW\ wish to maintain 70 per cent of the 3HQLQVXOD DV JUHHQ ZHGJH ZH QHHG DQ DFWLYH YLWDO DQG YLDEOH DJULFXO WXUH VHFWRU y 0U 0DWW QRWHV LQ WKH submission. “Planning permits for accommoGDWLRQ VHFWLRQ DJUHHPHQWV DQG farm management plans are being determined by statutory planners without appropriate backup.

Ŷ

Continued page 3

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Page 2, Southern Farmer

March 2019

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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 Advertising:

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

LOVABLE LARRIKIN: Royston has battled mental illness, weighed down by the pressures of providing not just for his family, but also his farm. Today, he emerged all the stronger.

See your doctor, that’s the hard part - This is Royston’s story This story is re-printed from the Gippsland Jersey Calendar as part of the Southern Farmer’s on-going commitment to mental health awareness.

THEY call him Doc at the ORFDO IRRWEDOO o HOG Royston and his wife, Kellie, are so open about Royston’s own struggles with mental illness that he’s decided to spread the message that it’s ok to admit to struggling, and it’s ok to seek help and support from both mates and available health services.

Royston, a second generation dairy farmer, battled his way through the dairy crisis and continues to battle through.

After suffering headaches and chest pain, Royston visited his GP and was told he had stress.

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The responsibility to earn a living that would feed both his cows and his family became overwhelming.

The inconsistency in milk prices and the fact that farmers have no say in this drove Royston into shutdown. “I took myself to the doc, and ended up in hospital,� he said. “Men around here can be seen as having a tough exterior, but it helps to talk to mates about it rather than bottling it up.�

Now, Royston tries to take his doctor’s advice regarding managing his stress levels. “The doc said to have plenty of sex, plenty of holidays and to buy a fast motor-

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bike,� Royston said. “Now I deal with things, rather than stew over them. “Dairy farmers can’t always go on holidays and buy motorbikes, but we can take some advice. “The hardest part is makLQJ WKH o UVW VWHS DQG FDOOLQJ someone, but once you’ve done that, you’ve done the toughest part.�

So Doc continues to inspire the people in his community with his openness, creating a community that is slowly peeling away the stigma of mental illness and having honest chats about it instead.

THERE TO HELP: The Gippsland Jersey Calendar contains real stories of local farmers dealing with heartache, as well as a full list of health professionals. Each month, the Southern Farmer will feature a story from within its pages. For more information, go to www.gippslandjersey. com.au. If you need to speak to someone, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Heart of the community SALLIE Jones is the heart behind the Milking for Mental Health calendar.

Back in June last year, the Southern Farmer ran a feature story on Sallie and her drive to break down stigma associated with mental health.

Since then, a calendar story has been featured in the Farmer every month.

Here, we take a quick look at the woman behind the words.

A chance encounter saw Sallie meet her business partner, dairy farmer Steve Ronald.

With a common desire to help Victorian dairy farmers the pair decided to take on the industry one milk bottle at a time - launching their own brand, Gippsland Jersey, more than two years ago.

But Sallie has always wanted to make a difference, and so she embarked on the ambitious Gippsland Jersey Calendar project – a 12 month look at different farmers who have faced, and beaten, mental illness.

No one knew better the effects of mental illness left unchecked, with Sallie’s own father taking his life in 2016.

But from the darkness came light, and the calendar has helped hundreds of farmers from across

Gippsland; showing that there is no shame in asking for help.

More than that, Sallie has continued to fight; for fair milk prices, for her home town of Gippsland, for women.

Sallie’s life was “already at capacity� when she applied for the six-month Gippsland Community Leadership Program (GCLP), sponsored by the Gardiner Dairy Foundation.

But rallying “a village of helpers� and using technology to multi-task, she joined the 2017 cohort. “It was an incredible opportunity to gain an enhanced understanding of the history, opportunities and challenges facing the Gippsland region,�

Sallie said.

She learnt to understand and enhance her leadership style of influencing employees and community volunteers to step up to the plate, whatever their skills.

Her syndicate project, #ProudGippslandian, helped raise the region’s profile and residents’ pride.

She also started Women in Gippsland - a collaborative of women who “make big and little things happen� – and runs the Warragul Farmers’ Market.

NEWS

March 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 3

Prices holding in Southern region Ĺ°

GREEN ZONE: A map showing the land deemed Green Wedge in the Mornington Shire.

The green fight continues Ĺś

From page 1

“The Green Wedge Zone is a rural zone, not a residential zone.�

Mr Matt has farmed on his property, near Rye, since 1975.

In that time, he has watched the housing developments grow and spread – and with it, house prices skyrocket as more realtors target agriculture land.

Mr Matt said he feared defending local agriculture was at risk of taking a back seat to a booming real estate market. “People want to buy local – to eat where they live – and we are known as Melbourne’s food bowl. “But we can’t farm if we don’t have any land left.�

The Mornington Shire Council has already considered the VFF request – last year, when the same was called for during the 2018/19 budget process, and again in December.

Allan Cowley, manager strategic projects at the Morning Peninsula Council, said there would be no VSHFLDOLVW SODQQLQJ RIo FHUV employed at this time. “Council advised the existing arrangements for assessing proposed farm management plans were satisfactory, and could be complemented by seeking external advice where necessary

Sheep up to $30 dearer at Bendigo sales

SHEEP prices jumped up $30 a head last month at Bendigo, with a smaller yarding resulting in robust competition.

Indicative of the overall market in Southern Victoria, the best heavy lambs made up to $240 a head – up $25 on markets just days earlier – with mutton making up to $30 dearer.

With supplies tightening, it’s not unreasonable to expect a further strengthening in the sheep market, with abattoirs now looking for ways to fill orders.

Kevin Stratton, from Ellis Nuttall & Co in Bendigo, said numbers were running tight. “The sheep and lamb numbers, after this long dry period we’ve had, are fairly

much depleted. “In spring in Bendigo we yarded up to 50,000 – we had 9000 recently. “But it’s the time of year when things are a little bit quieter.�

Cattle numbers in the region are also fairly light, but the result is poorer quality in the saleyards, rather than a price increase. “Like all areas, the prices have not been all that flash, however, we had quite a few vealers made up to $3 a kilo (late Feb), which is pretty good, and better bigger steers up to $2.80,� Mr Stratton said.

Cows, having flooded the market in recent months, have failed to crack $2 a kilo at markets over the last few weeks.

Looking for Trades & Services see page 23 in this edition

WE WILL FIGHT: President of the Mornington Peninsula VFF, Eddie Matt, says the local council need dedicated agricultural officers to help protect local farms.

in relation to very specialised forms of agricultural use,�

Mr Cowley said.

Across the other side of Melbourne and the Hume City Council recently advertised for a rural environPHQW RIo FHU In the job description, the vacancy calls for someone who will “work with the land and biodiversity team to build the capacity of rural landowners to manage their land sustainably,

including supporting both agricultural and environmental assets�.

The ad also talks about the Hume Shire being home to 25,000 acres of green wedge land.

The Hume City Council was contacted numerous times by the Southern Farmer prior to printing asking why they considered their GWZ worthy of an enYLURQPHQW RIo FHU EXW QR comment was received.

“There has been a hell of a lot of cows de-stocked from Queensland, and they find their way down here,�

Mr Stratton said. “Most of the abattoirs have had plenty of numbers, and when there are plenty of numbers around the price drops.�

Saying that, many farmers around Bendigo who had chosen to on-sell temporary water rights to bolster farm finances were now feeling the effects of no pasture, and no way to grow it without rain moving forward.

However, Mr Stratton said he predicted the sheep market would continue to improve - with cattle holding at similar levels to current.

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Page 4, Southern Farmer

March 2019

Fighting to farm

A FARMER AT HEART: Pat Carmody has spent his entire life farming.

ALL PHOTOS THANKS TO: Adrian Lander

Pat Carmody is not giving up his vineyard Ĺ°

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A quietly spoken gentleman - a little rufp HG DURXQG WKH HGJHV ZLWK VQRZ\ ZKLWH KDLU DQG D ZRRO len jumper - all Pat has ever ZDQWHG WR GR LV IDUP 6KHHS FDWWOH JUDSHV LW V about making the most of his land and encouraging it to be plentiful.

(DFK GD\ 3DW FDQ EH IRXQG DW &UDLJOHH 9LQH\DUG D ELJ ROG EOXHVWRQH ZLQHU\ QHVWOHG RQ WKH RXWVNLUWV RI 6XQEXU\ tending vines planted four decades ago.

Cut in half by the Jacksons &UHHN &UDLJOHH KDV VHHQ D ORW in its century and a half of operation.

Horses replaced by WUDFWRUV JUDYLW\ IHG ZDWHUV UHSODFHG ZLWK SXPSV DQG property titles threatened by the government.

7RGD\ 3DW &DUPRG\ LV DV GHWHUPLQHG DV HYHU KH ZLOO o JKW WR IDUP The history: :KHQ IDUPHUV ZHUH o UVW H[SORULQJ WKH ODQG ZHVW RI 0HOERXUQH LQ DQ DUHD QRZ NQRZQ DV 6XQEXU\ D 9LFWRULDQ MP planted Shiraz cuttings in 1863 in a valley nestled EHWZHHQ D FOLII DQG D KLOO (YHQWXDOO\ WKH OLJKW WDEOH VW\OH ZLQHV SURGXFHG SURYHG XQHFRQRPLFDO DQG WKH YLQH\DUG ZDV WXUQHG RYHU WR lucerne. “Back in the late 20s they VWRSSHG PDNLQJ ZLQH KHUH although the vines persisted XQWLO WKH V LW ZDV MXVW HFRQRPLFV y 3DW VDLG “My parents bought the farm in 1960. k:H NQHZ QRWKLQJ DERXW ZLQH DW WKH WLPH q ZH ZHUH QRUWKHUQ 9LFWRULDQ FRFNLHV ORRNLQJ WR VWDUW VRPHZKHUH QHZ y

$ VKHHS IDUPHU 3DW V ID WKHU ZDV DOPRVW UXLQHG ZKHQ domestic dogs killed 150 HZHV RYHU D ZHHNHQG LQ k7KDW EURNH P\ GDG V KHDUW y 3DW VDLG k,W ZDV WKH o UVW WLPH IDUP LQJ RQ WKH HGJH RI WRZQ ZDV D SUREOHP y Pat returned home from $J &ROOHJH WKH VDPH \HDU q UHSODQWLQJ WKH 6KLUD] LQ k'DG ZDV EUDYH UHDOO\ ZKHQ KH OHW PH SODQW WKH o UVW YLQHV y 3DW VDLG k%XW ODWHU KH ZRXOG VD\ WKDQN JRG EHFDXVH LW NHSW the farm going in years the VKHHS GLG QRW y The wines: OWKRXJK KH ZLOO WDON about learning on KLV IHHW DERXW GRLQJ everything on a threadbare EXGJHW 3DW KDV VWLOO PDQ aged to produce consistent DZDUG ZLQQLQJ ZLQHV ZLWK numerous gold medals at the 0HOERXUQH :LQH 6KRZ DQG as an ongoing member of WKH /DQJWRQ V &ODVVLo FDWLRQ of Top 100 Australian Shiraz producers. ,GHDO IRU JURZLQJ FRRO FOLPDWH ZLQHV WKH YLQHV DUH planted in sandy alluvial

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7KH ZLQH SURGXFHG 6KL UD] &KDUGRQQD\ &DEHUQHW DQG 9LRJQLHU q ERDVW KLJK levels of natural acidity and exuberant fruit overtones.

(VWHHPHG ZLQH FULWLF -DPHV +DOOLGD\ UHYLHZV WKH Shiraz as being â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the o QHVW FRRO FOLPDWH 6KLUD] V LQ $XVWUDOLD UHGROHQW RI FKHUU\ liquorice and spice in the EHWWHU ZDUPHU YLQWDJHV lighter-bodied in the cooler RQHVy The red tape challenge: %DFN WKHQ GLYHUVLI\LQJ ZDV QHZ DJH <RX PL[HG VKHHS ZLWK FDW WOH PD\EH JUDLQV ZLWK VWRFN q EXW YLQHV FRPELQHG ZLWK OLYHVWRFN ZDV QHZ 7KH &DUPRG\V ZHUH SUR JUHVVLYH QRW MXVW GLYHUVLI\LQJ EXW UHFRJQLVLQJ 0HOERXUQH V XUEDQ VSUDZO ZRXOG HYHQWX ally reach Sunbury.

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FAMILY RUN: Pat and Dianne Carmody own and operate Craiglee Vineyard, one of the very first wineries to start production in the Sunbury region.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now, we are just vignerons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how much longer I can keep going.â&#x20AC;?

In 2013, without consultation or compensation, the government imposed a restrictive frog conservation overlay (via modelling) across 80 per cent of the property. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know this property

Southern Farmer, Page 5

Sunbury wine and industry: Wines are grown at an altitude of 275 metres, with an average rainfall of 334mm.

A variety of grapes produce fruit-driven wines of honesty, supported by fine tannins and the ability to age gracefully.

Though quite temperate, the climate during the growing season is influenced by the cooling winds that blow over the plain, with the nearby Macedon Ranges and the sea having a cooling influence.

Rainfall is slightly spring-summer dominant.

Soils are typically dark and not particularly fertile, with their depth and structure varying from lower level plains to hillsides - irrigation is essential at most vineyards in the region.

unable to develop, expand or even renovate without permission. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Technically, there should be no tractors, no motorbikes, no domestic animals or pets inside the frog habitat; but the vineyard across the road sits on the same river, and has no frog habitat at all,â&#x20AC;?

Pat spits out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are dealing at e first vines ted Th with idiots.â&#x20AC;?

S: ES N SI an BU pl CENTURY IN planted in 1863, then re e For the last six th e in er w ed e or le st ig is Cra . Today, wine years, Pat has again in 1976 one cellar (pictured). st ue bl ic EHHQ o JKWLQJ WR histor have the buffer zone lifted.

He has met with minisfor nothing, compared to the intimately, and I have never ters, bureaucrats, industry H[SHUW LQ DQ RIo FH y seen nor even heard this representatives and govJacksons Creek, which particular frog,â&#x20AC;? Pat said.

HUQPHQW RIo FLDOV IURP DOO cuts through Craiglee - and â&#x20AC;&#x153;I suspect that this is all departments.

100 metres either side of it about a grubby land grab to Nothing has helped. has been set aside as a frog take over management of a The red tape has tightly buffer zone. river system. woven itself around Craiglee With the historic winery, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As usual, the local knowlâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; and by extension, Pat homes and infrastructure all edge of the farmer who lives Carmody and his family. within the buffer, Pat is now and works the land counts

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m apprehensive about what the future might bring,â&#x20AC;?

Pat said.

Pat has faced many challenges in his time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; drought, serrated tussock grass, phylloxera outbreaks, urban encroachment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of it strengthening his resolve to stay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be surrounded by suburbia in 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time, and all I want is to be a farmer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it comes down to whether I can survive the growth and government,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Looking forward: ack in the 1880s when &UDLJOHH ZDV o UVW planted, Melbourne was a half day horse ride away.

Today, it is bordered almost entirely by housing and urban development. *RQH DUH WKH UROOLQJ o HOGV of sheep, replaced with tin roofs and concrete paths.

But with that development comes tourism dollars, and lots of them.

B

The Goona Warra vineyard, also in Sunbury, sold recently to Chinese investors q FRQo GHQW WKDW SUR[LPLW\ to Melbourne would justify their $45 million wine resort expansion plans.

Even though he is frustrated by the metropolitan onslaught, Pat still greets each day with a smile.

Through the years, he has stayed on the land â&#x20AC;&#x201C; continued to farm as the world around him changed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Things have moved on a lot over the years,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are no gas guns anymore â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we net â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because of the housing estates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Almost no chemicals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have spray drift.â&#x20AC;?

The winery cellar, built 100 years ago, is too low for a forklift.

But rather than lift the ceiling, Pat is happy to do the heavy work by hand.

Rolling barrels around the p RRU KH LV DV PXFK D IDUPHU today as he was decades ago; hands dirty, sweat dripping, back aching - and loving every minute of it.

For Pat, embracing tradition while resisting urban change goes hand in hand.

He just wants to be left alone, to have the red tape unwind its strangle-hold and leave him be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever wanted to do was farm,â&#x20AC;? Pat said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheep, cattle or wine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I love the land, watching it JURZ DQG FKDQJH DQG o QGLQJ ways to help it be productive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all any real farmer wants.â&#x20AC;?

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Page 6, Southern Farmer

March 2019

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NEWS

March 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 7

Ballarat stock reserve upgrade

Kyneton woman to breed genetically diverse bees CLAIRE Moore has had a tough couple of years.

Buying a farm in 2012 in Kyneton, Claire and her partner Paul were on track to becoming commercial bee farmers.

Then, tragedy struck; travelling at 90 kilometres an hour, Paul had DQ HSLOHSWLF oW LQ KLV FDU GULYLQJ through the main street of town. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He almost died,â&#x20AC;? Claire said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He had a gardening and landscaping business, so we had to close that business - I looked after him for the next two years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was the hardest two years of my life.â&#x20AC;? :LWK D oYH ZHHN ROG EDE\ DQG a toddler as well, the bees took a back seat. ,QVWHDG &ODLUH KDG WR oQG DQother way to make a living from their 10 acres. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bees and babies donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mix,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I started raising chickens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the kids could help me with that â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we now have 1500 chickens and sell eggs at the farmers markets.â&#x20AC;?

It has been a slow road back, with long hours spent balancing the home, the farm, the birds and the bees.

But now things have turned around.

Last month, Claire was announced as one of three Victorian oQDOLVWV LQ WKH $JUL)XWXUHV Rural Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Awards.

The winner, which is announced later this month, will receive a $10,000 education bursary.

If successful, Claire wants to use WKH PRQH\ WR FRPSOHWH D EHH DUWLocial insemination course. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new technology â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I want to breed better queen bee stock, stock that could be exported across the world,â&#x20AC;? Claire said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bees globally are declining â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no one really knows why, there is a multitude of reasons, but no one can pinpoint exactly; varroa, disease, climate change.â&#x20AC;?

Bees have always been Claireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion.

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T WORRY, BEE HAPPY: Claire Moore has been announced as one of three 2019 AgriFutures Rural Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awards finalists.

Working as a stock brokerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistant in Melbourne for almost a decade, Claire and Paul set up their suburban backyard as an oasis.

With fruit trees and vegetables, the family quickly outgrew their space. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We bought a beehive for the backyard â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because it was lovely and sustainable and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we wanted â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that was 2007 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and then I ran out of room.â&#x20AC;?

Knowing they needed more space, prices in their home towns â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Great Ocean Road for Claire, and Maffra for Paul â&#x20AC;&#x201C; made them out of the question. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We chose Kyneton because of property prices,â&#x20AC;? Claire said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kyneton isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t great for bees, but in the surrounding areas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Castlemaine, Trentham, there are good trees.â&#x20AC;? %X\LQJ LQ WKH\ oUVW VHW XS the farm through a hive share system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to get more bee hives,

but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really expensive - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard work, heavy work, and the cost of setting up an apiary is huge,â&#x20AC;? she said. )RU IULHQGV CSXUFKDVHG D hive, which Claire ran and organised.

In return, buyers got honey and a hands on farm experience â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and after a year, Claire got the hive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We sold about 20 hives that way, and it was going well.â&#x20AC;?

Moving permanently to Kyneton in 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Claire and Paul built an award winning sustainable home with bees in mind, complete with honey stores and a passive cool room â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but it was not long after that Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health problems brought everything to a halt.

With the tough times now behind them, the family are focused on the future.

And, if this month Claire is not DQQRXQFHG DV D 9LFWRULDQ oQDOLVW she will do whatever it takes to still complete the course.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m working really hard at the moment, selling a lot of eggs, so that I can hopefully pay my way if I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it,â&#x20AC;? she said.

7KH $JUL)XWXUHV 5XUDO Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Awards is designed to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their VNLOOV WR EHQHoW WKHLU LQGXVWULHV and communities.

7KH RWKHU WZR 9LFWRULDQ oQDOLVWV are: z Carly Jordan, from south west Victoria, who wants to continue developing a migrant resettlement model that assists regional towns to boost their populations and economies; and z Odette Suitor, from Sunbury, who wants to continue developing a grains storage concept to LPSURYH WKH HIoFLHQF\ RI JUDLQ harvest by taking the concept to industry.

The national winner will be announced at an award ceremony in Canberra held in September.

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A SMALL community out of Ballarat has been granted almost $35,000 to enlarge their water reservoir on the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travelling stock reserve.

Wattle Flat will receive the grant, which will be used to remove silt, clean out and improve water security at the Wattle Flat Village Reservoir.

The grant has been issued as part of the Tackling Tough Times Together, with more than $1 million to be spent on community projects under the program.

The grants, which are distributed by FRRR, are funded through the collaboration of more than 15 donors from government, philanthropy, business and individuals.

The successful community organisations, ranging from hall associations and local show societies to progress committees and environmental groups, will receive grants for projects that local leaders had identified as being important to help people come together and survive the drought.

FRRR chief executive officer, Natalie Egleton, says the expanded program received more than 200 inquiries, confirming the need for support across the whole country, but especially in smaller communities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nearly two-thirds of the applications came from communities of fewer than 5000 people, with 33 of them from places of fewer than 500 people, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to be able to support community groups in small towns where the opportunity for fundraising locally is limited,â&#x20AC;? Ms Egleton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is also the first time that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve offered three tiers of grants: small; medium sized, and larger grants that can be delivered over multiple years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We received strong requests across all three tiers, but most were for the smaller grants, which reinforces our experience of small grants making a big difference to rural communities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most requests were to support projects that reduce social isolation, build resilience and enhance community health and well-being, with the second most popular purpose being to enhance volunteer and organisational capacity.â&#x20AC;?

A number of the projects referenced the importance of supporting economic activity in their region.

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NEWS

Page 8, Southern Farmer

March 2019

MLA predicts national herd to contract AUSTRALIA’S national beef cattle herd is expected to fall to its lowest level since the mid-1990s as ongoing dry conditions persist across many key cattle production areas, according to Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) 2019 Cattle Industry Projections.

With market action now fully resumed and reports issued weekly, MLA have warned of a tough year ahead for cattle producers across the country.

Cattle slaughter is forecast to drop three per cent, to 7.6

million head, based on the continued reduction in the size of the breeding herd and potential pool of available oQLVKHG FDWWOH In line with the forecast decrease in slaughter, total beef production is projected to decline four per cent, to 2.2 million tonnes carcase weight (cwt) in 2019.

MLA’s market intelligence manager, Scott Tolmie, said drought conditions that have swept across New South Wales and south-west Queensland have undone much of the herd rebuild

achieved since the 2013 2015 drought. k$ VLJQLoFDQW WXUQDURXQG in conditions is needed before rebuilding can recommence,” Mr Tolmie said.

“The prospect of another below average northern wet season, and a largely negative three-month rainfall outlook, will likely mean many producers that retained stock in 2018 will continue or commence destocking in the months ahead.

“Compared to last year, many producers have entered 2019 with depleted feed

Jason Strong to lead MLA as managing director

MEAT and Livestock Australia (MLA), the research, development and marketing service provider for the Australian red meat and livestock industry, has announced the appointment of Jason Strong as managing director.

Mr Strong is a well-recognised and respected senior executive with extensive skills in commercial and industry business management and administration, supply chain development, meat science and grading, genetics and marketing.

Most recently, Mr Strong was chief executive officer of

Smithfield Cattle Company, a leading family owned feedlot and cattle supply business.

Prior to this he was managing director with AA Co during which time he led its evolution into a vertically integrated supply chain company, achieving an impressive increase in beef sales, company revenue and profit margins for the benefit of its shareholders.

Mr Strong has also represented industry as MLA’s regional manager in Europe and Russia.

He made a significant and early contribution to the development of the Meat

Standards Australia (MSA) program and has owned a number of meat retail outlets giving him a unique perspective into consumer demand for high quality and consistent red meat produced in sustainable and high welfare systems.

Mr Strong is also the current chair of the EU and UK Red Meat Market Access Taskforce and is the past chair of the Australian Beef Industry Foundation.

STRONG NEW LEAD: Jason Strong has been appointed as the MLA managing director.

stockpiles and require a turnaround in seasonal conditions to avoid mounting feed costs.

“Carcase weights are expected to drop to an average 289kg/head this year as the female kill remains elevated and the ability and cost to oQLVK FDWWOH UHPDLQV FKDOlenging.

“The number of cattle on feed is expected to ease from the record levels reached in 2018 to around one million head, on average, in 2019.”

Looking at prices, Mr Tolmie said any further destocking would see downward

pressure on cattle prices, particularly for store condition cattle.

“Finished cattle will likely remain supported to some degree, given the tight supply of quality slaughter cattle and strong demand fundamentals in many markets,” Mr Tolmie said.

“If there is a major improvement in seasonal conditions across eastern Australia, supplies will tighten VKDUSO\ DQG oHUFH UH VWRFNHU competition may re-emerge, as was the case in 2016.

“Seasonal conditions will

most likely have the strongest impact on domestic cattle prices, however, exchange rates, production in the United States and South America, market access developments and demand from China will all play an important part.

Total Australian beef exports are forecast to follow production and decline six per cent year-on-year, to 1.06 million tonnes swt in 2019.

To read MLA’s 2019 Cattle Industry Projections go to www.mla.com.au/pricesmarkets/Trends-analysis/ cattle-projections/

NEWS

March 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 9

MerinoLink appoints Jason Letchford LEADING research organisation, MerinoLink, has appointed Jason Letchford as chief executive officer (CEO).

Mr Letchford replaces sheep industry consultant Sally Martin, who has taken on the role of project manager and technical advisor, supporting the current and future MerinoLink projects and trials.

MerinoLink Limited is a notfor-profit company and was instigated by a progressive group of ram and commercial breeders, and service providers in 2012.

Mr Letchford spent his formative years growing up in shearing sheds as the son of a shearing contractor and wool classer.

In 2004, he took on the part-time committee position of secretary-treasurer of the shearing industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peak body, the Shearing Contractors Association of Australia, a position he continues to hold.

Mr Letchford has a busy year ahead with the annual autumn field day on March 15 at Temora, Peter Westblade

Scholarship presentation on April 4, and annual conference and field day at Armidale on June 19 and 20.

NEW FACE: Jason Letchford has been appointed as the new MerinoLink CEO, and aims to drive the group to a sustainable future.

Export demand to support sheepmeat prices as dry bites AUSTRALIAN lamb slaughter is forecast to reach its lowest level since 2012 as poor conditions that impacted 2018 are expected to continue to affect sheepmeat supply this year, according to Meat and Livestock Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (MLA) 2019 Sheep Industry Projections.

Lamb slaughter is forecast to decline seven per cent in 2019 to 21.2 million head, while sheep slaughter is predicted to be down 16 per cent, to eight million head, underpinned by substantial drops in marking rates and the culling of large numbers of ewes and ewe lambs.

7KH QDWLRQDO p RFN LV HVWL mated to have declined by

over four million head, or 6.1 per cent, to mid-2018 and is forecast to experience a further decline of 3.7 per cent by mid-2019 to 65.3 million head, as many producers are forced to continue destocking as they wait for a turnaround in the weather.

7KH VLJQLo FDQWO\ UHGXFHG EUHHGLQJ p RFN DQG ZLGH VSUHDG UDLQIDOO GHo FLHQFLHV suggest fewer joinings than usual and a continuation of below-average lambing rates experienced in 2018.

MLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market intelligence manager, Scott Tolmie, said many producers will be hoping for some consistent rainfall this year to help alleviate some of the pressures associ-

SHEEP INDUSTRY PROJECTIONS AT A GLANCE: z lamb slaughter to fall due to reduced flock and poor lambing rates; z national flock forecast to decline 3.7 per cent to 65.3 million head; z strong demand from international markets, particularly China, to support prices.

ated with high feed costs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, the current Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) three-month outlook does not point to an immediate reprieve from the current hot and dry conditions,â&#x20AC;? Mr Tolmie said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Considering the substanWLDO PRLVWXUH GHo FLHQFLHV DS parent in many regions, particularly New South Wales,

any improvement in conditions would require consistent above-average rainfall over the coming months.â&#x20AC;?

Mr Tolmie said both sheep and lamb carcase weights were impacted by the tough conditions and high cost of feed in 2018, and this is expected to continue in 2019 with feedstocks depleted and feed demand to remain high

until conditions improve. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The average lamb carcase weight is expected to remain around 22.4kg/head in 2019 while the national average sheep carcase weight is expected to stabilise in 2019, at 23.6kg/head,â&#x20AC;? Mr Tolmie said.

Mr Tolmie said looking beyond the current rainfall GHo FLHQFLHV D YDULHW\ RI LQ dicators point towards 2019 continuing to be a positive year for sheepmeat prices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fortunately, robust international demand and a low Australian dollar will continue to support Australian exports and, in turn, domestic saleyard prices,â&#x20AC;? Mr Tolmie said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Records were broken in

2018 as markets around the world competed strongly for Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high quality sheepmeat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The expectation for supply, and consequently exports, to decline in both Australia and New Zealand will likely see global competition for sheepmeat intensify in 2019. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The conditions that drove VWURQJ SULFHV IRU ZHOO o Q ished stock last year look likely to remain in place in 2019, particularly while conditions remain dry.â&#x20AC;?

To read MLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2019 Sheep Industry Projections, visit the MLA website: https://www. mla.com.au/prices-markets/ Trends-analysis/sheep-projections/.

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NEWS

Page 10, Southern Farmer

March 2019

Autumn experiments begin at Ag Vic WITH autumn just around WKH FRUQHU $JULFXOWXUH 9LF toria researchers are preparing for the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second wave of experiments.

2QH RI WKH o UVW FDEV RII WKH rank will be a heat tolerance experiment conducted by Dr Leah Marett, who leads the Cool Cows research project within DairyFeedbase.

In this experiment, different protein supplements will be tested for their effects on body temperature and milk production during an imposed short-term heat event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will test barley grain,

BY DR MARTIN AULDIST

Senior Research Scientist, Agriculture Victoria, Ellinbank

canola meal, whole cottonseed and lupins,â&#x20AC;? said Leah. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is possible some supplements have a lower heat of fermentation in the rumen, which in turn could lead to lower core body temperatures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The oil in the cottonseed may bypass fermentation, for example. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alternatively, some of

these supplements may allow cows to increase intake through effects on the buffering capacity or other mechanisms, thus allowing milk production to be maintained even during a heat event.â&#x20AC;?

The experiment will run from early March until early April, and will use 32 cows offered a protein supplement as

part of a mixed ration.

The Smart Feeding project team will also be busy during autumn.

One of the major goals of this program is to be able to measure pasture intake of grazing cows in near real time.

Accordingly, experiments will be conducted that aim to predict pasture intake us-

ing more easily measurable parameters.

This will include pasture characteristics such as pregrazing mass, density and allowance, species, vegetative stage and crude protein content, along with cow measurements such as time spent grazing and number of bites (measured using on-cow sensors), stage of lactation, milk yield, liveweight, height and muzzle width.

These factors will then be related to actual measurements of pasture intake made using the alkane tech-

nique, an experimental technique for estimating intake via analysis of faeces.

Parallel experiments will measure the variation between cows and within a cow in terms of the mass of grass harvested per bite, and the mass of grass swallowed in each bolus.

Gaining an understanding of these parameters and the factors that affect their variation may also be important in developing a method for measuring pasture intake.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have more on both these research projects next month.

Local farmers win dairy scholarships

WELL DONE: Jasmine McJames-Court is one of seven to receive a tertiary scholarship through the Gardiner Dairy Foundation.

RETURN TO DAIRY: Lauren Brewer, from Warragul, is studying a Bachelor of Para-medicine, with help from the Gardiner Dairy Foundation.

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YOUNG farmers from Pound Creek and Warragul are among the latest round of Gardiner Dairy Foundation tertiary scholarship winners.

The scholarships are awarded to students who have been accepted into a course that will EHQHo W WKH 9LFWRULDQ GDLU\ LQ dustry or dairy communities.

Jasmine McJames-Court and Lauren Brewer will both receive $10,000 a year for three years to help offset study costs.

Jasmine McJames-Court, from Pound Creek, is studying D %DFKHORU RI 1XUVLQJ DW 9LF toria University and is excited by the opportunities that the scholarship can provide. k,W ZRXOG EH YHU\ GLIo FXOW to support myself living away from home without The Gardiner Foundation scholarship, particularly with accommodation,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will allow me to study without having to take a fulltime job as well.

After graduating, Jasmine plans to return to the family farm and to also work in the lo-

cal community as a nurse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mum said to me â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come back on the farm without a degreeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and I agree with her,â&#x20AC;? Jasmine said.

Lauren Brewer, from Warragul, is studying a Bachelor of Para-medicine at Monash Peninsula Campus, and is delighted to have been awarded a Gardiner Dairy Foundation Scholarship. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will help to cover my living away from home expenses and allow me to return home WR NHHS XS ZLWK P\ o UH EULJDGH commitments,â&#x20AC;? she said.

As a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;country girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lauren plans to become a paramedic and to be stationed in a country area when she graduates.

The Gardiner Dairy Foundation encourages students to return to the dairy industry on graduating, or to use their new learned skills to contribute positively to their rural community.

This year, the number of scholarships granted increased from four to seven.

Gardiner Dairy Foundation FKLHI H[HFXWLYH RIo FHU 'U &OLYH

Noble, said a diverse range of skills are needed to ensure the 9LFWRULDQ GDLU\ LQGXVWU\ DQG LWV communities are resilient. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dairy communities need high level skills in all areas of dairying as well as in essential areas such as health, educaWLRQ DQG o QDQFH y 'U QREOH said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, there is a huge cost for students associated with relocating to undertake the higher education and training required to develop these skills. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tertiary Scholarships support the development of young professionals who may not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education and who intend to bring their skills back to a dairy region in the future.â&#x20AC;?

Applications for 2020 Tertiary Scholarships will open in August 2019.

For more information go to: http://www.gardinerfoundation.com.au/current-projectsindustry/ or email richard. meredith@gardinerfoundation.com.au.

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NEWS

Page 12, Southern Farmer

March 2019

Keep the Yarra Valley fruit fly free

By BRONWYN KOLL, Queensland Fruit Fly Regional Coordinator Yarra Valley

transporting infested fruit into the region, reduce available fruit p \ KRVWV DQG UHSRUW VXVSHFW FDVHV HDUO\ ZH KDYH D JRRG FKDQFH RI UHPDLQLQJ IUXLW p \ IUHH 7KH <DUUD 5DQJHV &RXQ cil is carrying out tree-removal ZRUN RQ FRXQFLO ODQG WR UHGXFH the number of host plants that Queensland Fruit Fly could harERXU LQ VKRXOG ZH KDYH VRPH XQ ZHOFRPH IUXLW p \ YLVLWRUV 5HVLGHQWV DUH HQFRXUDJHG WR RQO\ JURZ ZKDW WKH\ QHHG RU FDQ use, prune fruit trees to a manageable size and regularly harvest ripe fruit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; preventing any fruit dropping to the ground.

5HVLGHQWV FDQ UHPRYH XQZDQW ed or unmanaged host fruit trees. %H ZHOO SUHSDUHG WKLV LV D community effort. +HOSLQJ QHLJKERXUV ZKR QHHG D KDQG FRXOG KHOS SUHYHQW IUXLW p \ LQ \RXU RZQ FURS DQG SURWHFW WKH <DUUD 9DOOH\ In south eastern Victorian areas ZKHUH WKHUH DUH 4XHHQVODQG )UXLW Fly, the above prevention and monitoring can be done, complimented by targeted protein baitLQJ LQFUHDVHG WUDSSLQJ DQG ZLGH scale use of male attracting lures ZLWK LQVHFWLFLGH KXQJ LQ WUHHV - best done as a community or large land area.

As some people have proved,

H[FOXVLRQ QHWWLQJ SODFHG RYHU WKH IUXLW ZHOO EHIRUH WKH IUXLW ULSHQV LV WKH ZLQQLQJ DGGLWLRQ WR WKH SUR JUDP WR EHDW IUXLW p \ DWWDFN ,Q FDVHV ZKHUH SHVWLFLGH LV JR ing to be used, careful consideration of other insect pest pressure DQG IDYRXUDEOH EHQHo FLDO LQVHFWV is important, as is respecting harvest date and chemical application regulations. &KHFN ZLWK \RXU ORFDO KRPH garden retailer or agronomist to ensure you have the correct plan DQG SUDFWLFH VDIH H[HFXWLRQ 'LVSRVLQJ RI IUXLW p \ LQIHVWHG fruit correctly is important â&#x20AC;&#x201C; collect infested fruit and place in sealed bag to solarise in the sun or freeze solid in the deep freezer.

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QUEENSLAND Fruit Fly (QFF) KDV RQO\ KLW WKH IUXLW p \ IUHH <DUUD Valley once during this January. $ VLQJOH p \ ZDV GHWHFWHG LQ D trap, and proactive control measures continue to be implemented E\ JURZHUV DQG WKH FRPPXQLW\ WKH <DUUD 9DOOH\ LV EHLQJ H[WUD vigilant, aiming to remain free of Queensland Fruit Fly. $UHD ZLGH PDQDJHPHQW LV EH LQJ SUDFWLVHG LQ WKH UHJLRQ ZLWK D ODUJH QHWZRUN RI WUDSV EHLQJ PRQ LWRUHG ZHHNO\ Early detection can assist in an HDUO\ UHVSRQVH OHDGLQJ WRZDUGV possible eradication.

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NEWS

March 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 13

Merlewood stud talk farming 1

. Give our readers a quick snapshot of your farm: My husband, Daniel, and myself, Anne Marie Barrow, are passionate owner operators of Merlewood Angus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Black Angus stud nestled in the hills of the Strzlecki Ranges in South Gippsland.

We moved to Mirboo North in 2007, and in 2009 ZH SXUFKDVHG RXU o UVW %ODFN Angus stud females from Moodwood at Yinnar, who were dispersing, and Lawsons Angus.

This was the start of Merlewood Angus.

Way back in 2009, with 230 acres, we had a vision of bringing leading industry genetics to Gippsland and a plan to facilitate this expansion and growth.

Fast forward almost a decade later and we have 260 herd book registered Black Angus females and operate over 750 acres.

In addition to my husband and myself, we employ a full time farm manager â&#x20AC;&#x201C; local lad Luke Buchanan and breeding consultant Willie Milne. . Tell us about your family: We are a family of two humans and a menagerie of furry and feathered friends.

I am Scottish, and I lived LQ 6FRWODQG IRU WKH o UVW years of my life and moved to Munich in Germany for my career in the construction

2

rrow Daniel and Anne Ba

5 SMILE EVERY DAY: Merlewood Angus is run by Anne and Daniel Barrow, and is a Black Angus operation based in Gippsland. Here, they talk about their journey.

industry after graduating from university.

After a year in Munich, I met a country boy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a farmer at heart â&#x20AC;&#x201C; travelling around Europe and the rest they say is history.

We met, we fell in love and country boy moved to be with city girl; then after 10 years in Munich we moved to Australia and after a short spell living in Melbourne we purchased and moved to the magical property of Merlewood in Mirboo North.

Six months later Rex the red kelpie joined us, followed the next year by Meg the

black and tan kelpie, then a few years later Jessie James was born to Meg and Rex and last year we completed our kelpie family with Jack the junior red dog.

Like most beef farmers we have cats, chooks, pigs, guinea fowls and the annual hand rear calf. . Best advice you ever received: Not long after we moved here I was talking to an old farmer and he said to me â&#x20AC;&#x153;whatever you decide to farm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; make sure it is something that makes you smile each and every day when you walk

3

ALL DONE FOR ANOTHER YEAR: The Seymour Alternative Farming Expo is done and dusted for another year, with organisers already planning a bigger and better event for 2020.

Seymour expo huge success

IT has been another successful year for the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo, with the event concluding late last month.

A combination of perfect weather, a fantastic line-up of exhibitors and some engaging demonstrations meant that more than 22,000 visited the three day event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every year we have new exhibitors and innovative products as well as many returning favourites,â&#x20AC;? Seymour Alternative Farming Expo events manager, Susie Filleti, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mild weather made it more pleasant for the 500 exhibitors, their animals and the visitors.

Talks in the Learning Hub and farm lectures proved

the box a little to get the best bang for our buck.

Just like you can only eat the same blade of grass once, you can only spend that same dollar once.

We invested in a mulcher as we decided that until such times as we had the resources to apply the natural fertilisers in the quantities required, we would rotationally graze and mulch the weeds using what mother nature provides us with freely.

Our little mulcher is the most used piece of machinery on the farm and 10 years later knocks and all, it is still going strong. . Worst investment you ever made: This is a bit tongue in cheek as I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of anything farm related.

We tend to spend a lot of time and research on our farm investments before ZH PDNH D o QDO GHFLVLRQ and as such I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of anything that we bought / invested in for the farm where I would say that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work or that was a waste of money. However, last month we purchased a Bluetooth barbecue smart meter so we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to keep going out in the cold (winter nights in Gippsland are very cold â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m from Scotland and I am saying this) to check the temperature of the roast or whatever was slow cooking, but as we have two sets of

popular with visitors, as did the demonstrations in the Butcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shop and Country Kitchen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many of our regular visitors flocked to see Bob (the Butcher) Dewarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last appearance at the event after many, many years,â&#x20AC;? Ms Filleti said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bob presented one demonstration each day, showcasing how to turn cheaper cuts of meat into tasty and satisfying meals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Another favourite was James Mele, from The Meatroom, who shared some of the secrets to making sausages and salami.â&#x20AC;?

In the Country Kitchen, Secret Garden chef Adrian Hensley introduced visitors to cooking with hemp flour, which can sometimes be a

suitable alternative for people with gluten intolerance.

There were plenty of options to keep expo-goers entertained including the working dogs, Flipping Disc Dogz, drone racing and whipcracking championships, while others enjoyed learning about the latest farming innovations including the use of hemp products, such as Hempcrete in building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lots of people made the most of an opportunity to learn how to fly a drone and participate in drone racing,â&#x20AC;?

Ms Filleti said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every visitor saw something to interest and entertain them and we look forward to doing it all again next year, even better.â&#x20AC;?

out the back doorâ&#x20AC;?.

I love this advice and think it is priceless.

I think it is a great piece of advice for all aspects of our lives and we try to live by that. . Best investment you ever made: :KHQ ZH o UVW DUULYHG KHUH I read many books including Back from the Brink by Peter Andrews.

We were keen to farm naturally, but like all new start-up businesses our o QDQFLDO UHVRXUFHV ZHUH limited.

As a result we had to really prioritise and think outside

4

double glazing doors between the barbecue and us inside, the smart meter Bluetooth wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pick up and we had to open the doors anyway to get the Bluetooth to kick in. . Best memory: Apart from my wedding day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; right I have to say that, GRQ W , KH KH KH WKH o UVW time that I saw a calf being born.

I was a 37 year old woman who had been living on the land for three years and was rapidly morphing in to this county girl I never knew I could be.

The magic and trust of a cow sharing her birthing experience with me as I sat close by and watched in awe and wonder â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a tear of happiness slid down my cheek.

The next best memory was when one of our home-bred KHLIHUV JDYH ELUWK WR KHU o UVW FDOI Actually there are so many moments like that on the farm that I feel blessed. . How can we get in contact with you and what is your website: You can email us at merlewoodangus@bigpond. com, call 0425 862 941 or drop in.

Our website is www. merlewoodangus.com.au.

Every Tuesday at 10am we broadcast a live video on facebook giving you a glimpse into the weekly goings-on of a seedstock producer.

6

7

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NEWS

Page 14, Southern Farmer

March 2019

Long term cattle, sheep prices look positive NAB releases January report and outlook Ĺ°

LOWER cattle and cotton prices, and a slight easing in the price of wheat, have seen the National Australia Bank (NAB) Rural Commodities Index fall by 1.1 per cent in January, after a 0.5 per cent increase in December.

NAB agribusiness economist, Phin Ziebell, said the hottest January nationally on record and ongoing lack of rain across most of the country had led to a tough start to 2019 for many commodities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lower cattle prices and very high grain prices saw Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales all underperform this month on a state by state basis,â&#x20AC;? Mr Ziebell said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Victoria and Tasmania were the only states to record an increase, rising by 1.4 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively, driven largely by dairyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stronger performance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cotton prices have trended downwards and the latest ABARES forecasts for December points to a 42 per cent decline in lint production to 581kt, owing to a sharp reduction in irrigation water availability. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The national outlook remains hot and mostly dry, which combined with a severe feed shortage and well below average winter

FINAL GOODBYE: The final Sheep CRC conference will be held next month at Dubbo. Keynote speakers will include leading stud Merino breeder, Andrew Michael.

harvest in eastern Australia, is causing grain prices to remain very elevated and placing downward pressure on livestock prices.â&#x20AC;?

In terms of livestock, a hot January and disappointing wet season saw the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) fall around nine per cent from December levels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Intense rainfall in Northern Queensland last month has brought devastation for many graziers,â&#x20AC;? Mr Ziebell said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite this, demand IRU o QLVKHG FDWWOH UHPDLQV relatively strong and global markets are looking healthy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Depending on autumn rainfall, there is likely to be elevated re-stocker demand and upside for the EYCI, which we see sitting around 450c/kg in the coming months. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both lamb and wool have come back from their 2018 rally, but the long-term trends remain positive.â&#x20AC;?

Sheep industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big guns to fire at CRC THE program for the Sheep CRC final conference, being held in Dubbo on March 19-20, has been packed with the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most influential researchers and innovative producers.

The program has been designed to highlight Sheep CRC achievements since commencing operations in 2001, and will feature speakers including: Murdoch Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dave Pethick and JBSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mark Inglis discussing meat science and consumer trends; wool processing expert Dave Tester and Gostwyck Merinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Philip Attard on fabric innovations; University of New England geneticist Julius van der Werf and Neogenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jason Lilly discussing the genomics revolution; and leading producers Andrew Michael, Mark Mortimer, Rob Warburton and Stuart Warner on implementing new technologies on the farm.

With so much material to cover, the program format is high-energy, 10-minute talks designed to keep speakers focused and the audience engaged. k7KH 6KHHS &5& o QDO FRQIHUHQFH will provide a comprehensive overview of sheep industry innovation over the last two decades and will be highly relevant to everyone in the sheep industry,â&#x20AC;? CRC chief executive James Rowe said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not only will it cover the major VFLHQWLo F EUHDNWKURXJKV WKH &5& KDV delivered, it will also feature topical discussions about life after the CRC and how industry is planning to maintain cooperation between the range of producer and industry organisations involved in the Sheep CRC.â&#x20AC;?

The Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC) was established in 2001 and after

two extensions to its research agenda by the Commonwealth in 2007 and LWV o QDO VXLWH RI SURMHFWV ZLOO come to an end in mid 2019.

7KH FRQIHUHQFH ZLOO EH WKH o QDO public event held by the CRC, and will run in conjunction with the Sheep Genetics Leading Breeder Forum, which will immediately follow the event on March 20-21.

7KH &5& V o QDO FRQIHUHQFH ZLOO DOVR feature a number of trade displays from CRC participant organisations to showcase how research has resulted in practical products.

Conference registration fees have been capped at $100 (plus GST) to ensure the event is accessible to as many participants as possible, with the cost including catering.

Program information and registration is available at www.sheepcrc.org. au.

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March 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 15 A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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(Ken and Glenise Outch, Victoria) â&#x20AC;&#x153;We use it in the drains (toilet, shower, spa etc) and it has been great. I have even used it on my stainless steel oven, stove, sinks, benches, laminated benches and they have come up cleaner than any other product I have

Healthy, happy and odour free in 3 easy steps Ecocare Activator is the one product you can rely on to cut your cleaning time down to the bare minimum and keep your house, septic system and Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS) clean and healthy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have recommended Ecocare Activator regularly and have seen even the most neglected system turned aroundâ&#x20AC;Ś within as little as one month,â&#x20AC;? said Senior Service Technician Michael Goddard from Wastewater Consultants Pty Ltd. Use to clean all hard surfaces and kill odours on contact, then simply rinse your surfaces and pour any remaining mixture straight down the drain. As it moves into your septic system it continues working, clearing blockages and conditioning your system. You do the ďŹ rst part, leave it to do the rest.

Expert advice that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave you stranded Competent, experienced and highly knowledgeable in our ďŹ eld of expertise, we are also friendly and down-toearth and here to make your life easier.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had been told by 3 plumbers there was nothing they could do to help me with the terrible odourâ&#x20AC;ŚYour team worked with me over several months to clean out the waste through the various areas of the houseâ&#x20AC;Ś Thank you for all the times you called me to check and confirm how our problem was going â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to call you. Fantastic work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rare to see such great customer service when things get tough. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to thank you for the friendly service, after sales support and excellent result I have received from your company and product Ecocare Activator. Our extremely unpleasant experience with this terrible odour from the drains and septic is now over and we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more relieved.â&#x20AC;?

I had been told by the plumber that it would cost me a fortune to replace my entire system. However, that is no longer necessary as the trench is now dry and running well â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the odours are gone. I could not speak more highly

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of Activator... I am recommending Activator to all my neighbours, and would be happy to speak to anyone who has queries about how well Activator works,â&#x20AC;? said Russell Marsh from New South Wales.

Ecocare Activator destroys odours on contact and, because it works to maintain a healthy level of good bacteria within your septic or wastewater system, it prevents problems from coming back.

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NEWS

Page 16, Southern Farmer

March 2019

Be prepared, the bushfire threat is not over AUSSIE Pumps reports an excellent response from homeowners and farmers to their recently released Busho UH 6XUYLYDO *XLGH Called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aussie Pumpsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fire Readyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the booklet makes it HDV\ WR SUHSDUH D VXUYLYDO SODQ and prepare a property before EXVKo UHV WKUHDWHQ Aussie Pumpsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Victorian regional manager, Craig Bridgement, said the response had EHHQ H[FHSWLRQDOO\ SRVLWLYH â&#x20AC;&#x153;People appreciate the fact that Aussie Pumps has printed tens of thousands of copies of the Fire Ready booklet, and is JLYLQJ WKHP DZD\ DW QR FRVW WR WKH FRPPXQLW\ y KH VDLG k:LWK EUXWDO o UHV DOUHDG\ experienced across the country, we know that the season LV D ORQJ ZD\ IURP EHLQJ RYHU â&#x20AC;&#x153;With this incredible sea-

son of climate extremes, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see more catastrophic months DKHDG y Australian Pumps is a leading supplier of high pressure o UHo JKWLQJ SXPSV It is the only company to RIIHU D o YH \HDU ZDUUDQW\ RQ WKHLU SURGXFWV The Aussie Fire Chief and C0U 7 WZLQ LPSHOOHU o UH pumps produce more water at SUHVVXUH 7KDW SHUIRUPDQFH JLYHV o UHo JKWHUV DQG KRPHRZQ HUV H[WUD o UH SRZHU ZKHQ LW V QHHGHG The Aussie Fire Ready %XVKo UH 6XUYLYDO *XLGH FRY HUV WKH HVVHQWLDOV RI EXVKo UH SURWHFWLRQ EXW DOVR GHOYHV into detailed information; for example, how to select a suitDEOH SXPS DQG HYHQ KRZ WR LQVWDOO D VSULQNOHU V\VWHP

$ TXDOLW\ o UHo JKWLQJ SXPS is key to setting up a protection system â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is its capability WKDW FRXQWV Unfortunately, not all pumps are designed to deOLYHU WRS SHUIRUPDQFH ZLWK Mr Bridgement warning that second rate gear could risk property, crops, stock and HYHQ OLYHV 7KH C6XUYLYDO *XLGH GHDOV with product selection, but stresses the need for an adequate water supply to be DYDLODEOH DQG IRU WKH SURSHUW\ to be fully prepared to be deIHQGHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Homeowners need to be planned, prepared and practised at using the gear,â&#x20AC;? Mr %ULGJHPHQW VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too late to get orJDQLVHG HYHQ LI \RX SODQ WR OHDYH \RX VKRXOG EH SUHSDUHG

to defend yourself in case you DUH SUHYHQWHG IURP HYDFXDW LQJ y 7KH FRPSUHKHQVLYH JXLGH LV XQLTXH LQ WKDW LW FRYHUV how to set up a roof reticulation system and sprinklers for SURSHUW\ GHIHQFH It also includes equipPHQW FKHFNOLVWV o UH GULOOV DQG pump maintenance, as well as last minute checks to do on WKH GD\ RI D o UH Free copies of the Aussie 3XPS %XVKo UH 6XUYLYDO *XLGH DUH DYDLODEOH IURP $XVVLH Pump distributors or online DW ZZZ DXVVLHSXPSV FRP DX BE PREPARED: Craig Bridgement with the Aussie Bushfire Survival Guide, essential reading for property owners on preparing for a bushfire emergency.

Family fun at the Bellarine Ag Show

FUN FOR THE FAMILY: There is something for everyone at the Bellarine Agricultural Show, from horse events to novelties â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there are even sideshow carnivals.

SCHOOLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S back, so that means it is nearly Bellarine Agricultural Show time.

The action will kick off at 9am at the Portarlington Recreation Reserve on the Sunday of the March long weekend.

A couple of highlights featuring at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show will be the Bellarine Vintage Machinery Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s featured display, which includes International harvesters, tractors, farm equipment and chaff cutting.

For the kids, there is the $5 Discovery Trail â&#x20AC;&#x201C; starting at

Leaders in affordable tractors CALL FOR LOWEST MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON ALL MODELS

WHAT: The Bellarine Agricultural Show WHEN: 9am, Sunday, March 10 WHERE: Portarlington Recreation Reserve MORE INFO: www.bellarineshow.com.au the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tent, a special map guides them through the showgrounds; with a treasure at the end; the ever popular George the Farmer will also be in attendance.

George the Farmer is one of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-loved farming characters; first launched in July 2014 and created by friends Simone Kain and

Ben Hood, in regional South Australia, George is playing an extremely important role in educating children about farming practices along with how food and fibre are produced.

There are crowd favourites returning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; novelty events, like the gumboot toss and lace making demonstrations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; along

with the hayroll, nail drive and dog competitions.

The Bellarine Agricultural Show takes great pride in being a traditional country show reflecting old fashioned country values.

For more information about the show go to the website www.bellarineshow.com.au, find them on Facebook or even send an email â&#x20AC;&#x201C; info@bellarineshow.com.au.

So pack the family, the picnic basket and prepare for a great time at the 2019 Bellarine Agricultural Show.

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March 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 17

Pasture n m u t Au Improvement

No-till conference coming up at Shepparton in July THE Victorian No-Till Farmers Association is hosting their Under Cover Down Under â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Getting Fair Dinkum About Soil Health conference in Shepparton in July.

The workshop, which runs across two days, will include presentation from leading no-till farmers, discussion on the latest innovations in regenerative farming systems and a number of keynote speakers, including Joel Williams.

Joel is an independent plant and soil health educator, a healthy soils advocate and presenter on soil biology, plant nutrition and integrated approaches of sustainable farming.

He has presented to producers in Australia, UK,

Ireland, Netherlands, Latvia, South Africa, Kenya, Canada and the US, and is known for his passion for teaching and sharing both scientific and practical knowledge on soil health and agro-ecological practices.

The Victorian No-Till Farmers Association started in 2002 after a small group of Wimmera farmers joined forces to discuss the benefits they were seeing using no till farming techniques.

With the strong philosophy of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;farmers helping farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and a focus on both above and below ground life, the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success quickly spread and Vic No-Till went from strength to strength as more farmers saw the benefits of no-till

and zero-tillage farming.

The no-till farming pioneers in Victoria paved the way for the next generation who have a thirst for knowledge and farm improvement.

Concerned farmers are now implementing soil health principles to build the robustness and resilience of their farming systems.

No-till, retained stubble retention and regenerative farming systems are not only environmentally sustainable, they are profitable and they produce a product that is nutrient dense.

For more information on the free Shepparton event, or to book your spot, go to the Vic No-Till Facebook page and follow the links.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Case IH 140 series Axial-Flow combine has been named the most likely to hold value over a five year period.

Case combine named best for original value IT has been revealed the Case IH 140 series Axial-Flow is the combine most likely to retain its value, according to North Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EquipmentWatch, the world leader in data, software and insights for the heavy equipment industry.

EquipmentWatch identio HG WKH &DVH ,+ VHULHV $[LDO )ORZ FRPELQH VSHFLo cally the Axial-Flow 6140, as retaining the highest percentage of its original value DIWHU D o YH \HDU SHULRG The Axial-Flow 140 series claimed the same award in 2017, and this year came out on top again.

Case IH product manager for hay and harvest, Tim Slater, welcomed the recognition

for the combine harvester. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know the productivity DQG HIo FLHQF\ EHQHo WV RI WKH 140 Series, but this award illustrates the value associated with investing in one of these combines as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fact the 140 Series Axial-Flow has won this award twice in three years is proof of its reliability and superior performance over a long period. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all looking forward to the release of the new 50 Series in Australia this year, but the 140 Series continue to deliver across the board, has all the features you need and represents great value for money.â&#x20AC;?

Features of the Axial-Flow 140 Series include: z Cross Flo cleaning sys-

tem â&#x20AC;&#x201C; allowing the cleaning HIo FLHQF\ RI WKH PDFKLQH WR be maintained even on side slopes; z Residue management system â&#x20AC;&#x201C; giving better control of the residue from the cab (speed and direction); z Style concaves â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more and lighter in weight (6 vâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3); z Clean Out doors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fullwidth sliding doors to make clean-down easier when changing varieties or locations; z Two-speed electronic shift transmission â&#x20AC;&#x201C; better harvesting speeds with less strain; and z Pivoting spout on all Axial-Flow combines â&#x20AC;&#x201C; better control of grain when unloading.

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Page 18, Southern Farmer

March 2019

Pasture n m u t Au Improvement

Worm Hit hits your soil where it counts WORM Hit had humble beginnings when Chris Curran and a couple of farmer mates discussed the possibility of compressing composted green waste into a form that could be spread or sown by farmers using conventional equipment.

Chris was already in the recycling business - shredding green waste and other materials for councils around Australia and what he was seeing was vast mountains of composted material building up around the country with very little uptake by farmers.

The reason for this was the cost of moving the compost was cost prohibitive, unless the buyer was located close to the source.

Chris decided to work with an organisation that used worms to breakdown the compost, turning it into vermicast (â&#x20AC;&#x153;worm pooâ&#x20AC;?).

7KLV SURYHG WR EH EHQHo cial, but still had cost implications.

With a farming background and the sole purpose of improving soils by reducing the use of chemical fertilisers and a reduction of waste to

ODQGo OO &KULV DQG KLV PDWHV investigated the idea of pelletising worm castings.

Early trials produced improvements to the root growth of all plants and crops.

The trials on cereal crops proved even more exciting when farmers started returning better yields.

They were also seeing changes to the soil structure with less compaction and a more friable soil.

Worm Hit turns a mixture of worm castings and a carbon food source into a pelletised form creating one of the richest natural fertilisers on the planet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our worm cast pellets stimulate plant growth more than any other natural product on the market and comSDUHG WR DUWLo FLDO IHUWLOLVHUV and animal manures,â&#x20AC;? Chris said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our worm cast pellets are absorbed easily, making it plant available immediately.â&#x20AC;?

Worm Hit pellets are a natural mix of beneficial soil microbes, enzymes and water-soluble plant nutrients, and are packed with minerals essential for plant

growth and over 50 per cent more humus than topsoil.

It is safe to use on all plants, pasture and cereal crops, wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t burn roots or damage the soil and is easily dispersed by conventional equipment. k:H DUH QRZ FHUWLo HG RU ganic and will become the fertiliser of choice for organic farms,â&#x20AC;? Chris said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Worm Hit pellets will help farmers not only repair their soil, but it will also help to produce better yields which in turn helps to make farming more sustainable.â&#x20AC;?

The rate of use compared to chemical fertilisers is reduced â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a spread of 40100kg per hectare has proven WR EH VXIo FLHQW DQG LV D PRUH cost-effective alternative. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A key issue for farmers is soil health,â&#x20AC;? Chris said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are seeing soil health deteriorate markedly as growers use more and more chemical fertilisers to try and achieve the same yield outcomes.â&#x20AC;?

Worm Hit is available direct from the manufacturer, authorised agents or for more information go to www. wormhit.com.au.

N:CAL, MORE THAN JUST FERTILISER: A 1000ltr shuttle of N:Cal is equal to 45 tonnes of lime.

Save money while improving your soil with liquid calcium

An ARTICLE PROVIDED

BY GOODE ORGANICS MOST farmers are aware they need more calcium in their soils, however, the cost of liming can be prohibitive - and the calcium from lime is not always immediately available.

Think of how long those little lime piles sit there when the spreader hits a bump in the paddock.

Liquid calcium (not powdered liquid lime) is a fast, instantly available form of calcium that farmers can spray directly on bare ground or as a foliar spray.

Research has shown that applying soluble calcium with urea can improve pasture or cropping production.

Calcium increases ammonium, potassium

and phosphorus absorption, stimulates photosynthesis, and increases the size of sellable plant parts.

It also makes the use of QLWURJHQ PRUH HIo FLHQW which improves the economics of production and reduces nitrogen contamination of the environment.

Calcium is the biggest number in any soil test.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good indication of how important it is for soil structure, crop and pasture production.

Goode Organics is a proud supplier of Healthy Earths N:Cal Liquid Calcium to a number of farmers throughout Victoria and Tasmania.

N:Cal does not block up jets, is much more available than lime, cheaper and easier to apply with a much lower freight cost.

Importantly, it works on the crop itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s applied to and returns the investment that season.

A 1000ltr shuttle of N:Cal is equal to 45 tonnes of lime.

N:Cal is completely water soluble and plant available, and can be absorbed through the leaves as a foliar fertiliser - plus it conditions soil while adding instantly available calcium as a soil amendment. *RRGH 2UJDQLFV o UVW step with every customer is the analysis or capture of a soil test as there is no better way to present our productsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; capability.

Please contact Bayley at Goode Organics (see ad) to arrange a soil analysis or to receive a fact sheet on N:Cal, which is only one of the 16 agricultural products available.

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March 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 19

Pasture n m u t Au Improvement Managing soil micronutrients for optimum performance OUT NOW:

WITH sustained growth in demand for agricultural commodities forecast into the next decade, the pressure is on for Australian farmers to achieve maximum productivity from their crops and livestock.

For more than 30 years, Agmin Research Laboratories in Geelong has been at the forefront of research focused on improving nutrient availability through preventing the loss of dietary minerals, choosing the most effective chelating agents to counter the effect of adverse soil reaction, and variable climatic conditions.

Agmin is the expert on the

development, production and application of nutrient drenches and pasture sprays to improve the trace element DQG PLQHUDO SURo OH RI VRLOV plants and animals. ,W LV VFLHQWLo FDOO\ SURYHQ WKDW QXWULHQW GHo FLHQFLHV cause a range of losses in livestock growth and reproductive HIo FLHQF\ DQG WKDW WKH EHVW way for ruminants to access nutrition is through digestion of highly nutritional plants.

The fundamental building block for all agricultural enterprise is the soil; from here the crops and pastures sprout, the livestock feed, grow and reproduce.

It makes sense that if the

soil is of poor quality, then the plants will struggle - and it will be harder to achieve positive results.

Agminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience with many different farmers across Australia has shown that micronutrients play a key role in sustaining plants and achieving optimum animal health and development.

Agminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nutrimin Pasture Spray is designed to correct WUDFH HOHPHQW GHo FLHQFLHV in soils and, as a foliar spray, improve the performance of pastures.

For more information on how Agmin can help you grow more, go to www.agmin.com.au.

The 72nd edition of the Soils Community of Practice Newsletter is now available to read online.

The latest edition covers a range of local, national and international soil stories, including a report from the National Soils Conference in Canberra.

Subscribe to the newsletter via the Agriculture Victoria website - http:// go.vic.gov.au/ dwQU0X.

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APPLICATIONS are now open for three Hort Innovation funded Churchill Fellowships that will enable recipients to travel the world to access industry related knowledge.

Jointly funded under the Hort Innovation Leadership Fund and the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, the Fellowships are available to anyone working in Australian horticulture.

Hort Innovation CEO, Matt Brand, said the Fellowships were designed to drive innovation in the industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Horticulture growers are already some of the most innovative business people,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Churchill Trust CEO, Adam Davey, said it was imperative to invest in growers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are two things every applicant needs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the first is

to present a research project that will benefit the Australian community, the second is to show how all the skills, insights and knowledge they gather from world experts can be shared once they return home,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Trust is excited to see how these Fellowships can impact Australia.â&#x20AC;?

Visit www.churchillfellowships.com.au to apply.

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Farm animals will achieve better results in growth and reproductive health from the digestion of nutrient balanced pastures.

To ďŹ nd out more visit nutrimin.com.au or call us on 1800 154 433.

Animal health through balanced nutrition.

NEWS

Page 20, Southern Farmer

March 2019

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just stack it and burn it - EPA

Another tough year ahead for Tractor Sales WHAT began as a slow down in the market midway through 2018 has now turned into a widespread state of decline for agricultural machinery sales in Australia.

The industry struggled to the 12,000 tractor level last year but early indications are for 2019 to be well down on this amount.

The very hot January has only caused to exacerbate the impact of the drought, and we saw tractor sales down around 12 per cent on the same month last year.

Sales of tractors are typically reported in four (4) categories; under 40 hp, 40 hp to 100 hp, 100 hp to 200 hp and 200 hp and above.

7KH o UVW WKUHH RI WKHVH FDW egories were all down 10 per cent for the month, and the 200 hp and above range was 22 per cent down.

Around the nation the story is pretty grim; sales in Victoria were in line with last year, due mainly to the favourable conditions in the Western District which has experienced a bumper season.

7KLV KDV RIIVHW WKH GLIo FXO ties being felt in the Wimmera and Gippsland districts.

NSW continues to be hard hit, being 21 per cent behind last year.

Gary Northover is the executive director with the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia.

Tasmania is behind a whopping 40 per cent, while the NT posted sales ahead of last year.

Harvester sales remain a problem for dealers, well down in 2018; early signs are for another year of declining sales.

This ought to lead to reasonable parts and service sales maintaining older machines and a backlog of sales opportunities when conditions do improve, but this is cold comfort for now.

Baler sales had a great start in January with double the number sold last January and o QDOO\ VDOHV RI RXW IURQW DQG mowers steadied somewhat,

RELEASED THIS MONTH: Case IH will launch their limitededition Case IH Axial-Flow 150 Series combine as a celebration of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Harvester heritage.

down 10 per cent.

Notwithstanding the climatic conditions being experienced across the country, there are considerable headwinds expected which will KDYH DQ LPSDFW RQ WKH SURo W ability and, indeed the viability of some dealers.

2019 is a federal election year and, if history is any guide, this tends to cause buyers to hesitate when it comes to making purchasing decisions.

We are beginning to see price increases being applied to imported machines both as part of the normal pricing cycle but also due to the increasing cost of inputs such

THE SOUTHERN

digital edition

Covering Central South Victoria and West Gippsland

THE Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) says the hefty fine issued over a burning pile of farm waste at Woolsthorpe, southwest Victoria, should be a warning for rural landholders in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern region.

EPA North East region manager Emma Knights said the fire cost a dairy company more than $8000, after EPA officers found the pile, containing plastic, wire, soil and hay, still burning when they arrived. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pile also included a 20-litre plastic chemical drum, fence posts, ash and baling twine; it was industrial waste and should have been taken for proper disposal,â&#x20AC;? Ms Knights said.

EPA issued the company with a fine of $8060 for permitting the discard of industrial waste through burning, a breach of Section 27 of the Environment Protection Act. The burning pile was approximately four metres square and 1.8 metres high, with grey smoke and flames visible.

Officers were told the fire had started through spontaneous combustion several days before.

A company representative told EPA the local CFA brigade had been called to fight a similar spontaneous fire in a pile of waste at the farm 12 months earlier.

out now

Read it all online Farming news at your ² QJHUWLSV DQ\ZKHUH DQ\WLPHÂ

as steel resulting from the imposition of tariffs in the US. On a positive note, planning is well under way for the annual TMA Conference.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event will be held on Tuesday, July 16 at Hyatt Place Melbourne at Essendon Fields and will present a focus on better understanding the customer of tomorrow.

This event is a must for all manufacturers, dealers and suppliers to industry and promises to be a highlight of the year.

Ticketing and sponsorship details will be released soon and can be found on the TMA website www.tma.asn.au.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Getting rid of mixed piles of farm waste by burning them may have been the practice of previous generations, but it is now recognised that it creates a significant risk to the environment and can impact peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health,â&#x20AC;? Ms Knights said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Materials like these should go to recycling or an appropriate landfill. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The company has now introduced a waste management process to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discarding industrial waste in such a way can cause land pollution and groundwater contamination that affect future generations.â&#x20AC;?

EPA issued a legally enforceable Clean Up Notice requiring the company to remove the remaining waste for proper disposal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is another case where a report from a member of the public made all the difference; EPA officers were able to respond while the fire was still burning and ensure it was extinguished promptly, helping to reduce the amount of damage done to the environment,â&#x20AC;? Ms Knights said.

Members of the public can report all types of pollution to the EPA 24-hour hotline on 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842) or at the EPA website www. epa.vic.gov.au.

Victorian farmers among the best VICTORIAN farmers make up the majority of those selected for the Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year finalists.

With winners announced late last month, the state wide potentials were:

The Blomeley family â&#x20AC;&#x201C; canola and beans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pura Pura.

Luke and Stacey Madden â&#x20AC;&#x201C; dairy farmers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Naringal East.

Scott and Belinda McKillop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; dairy farmers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dederang.

Clint Theodore and Brooke Lane â&#x20AC;&#x201C; dairy farmers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alvie.

Glenn White - sheep â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dunkeld.

Ben and Jane Young â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Angus beef â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Macarthur.

Anita Watts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Glenelg River Herbs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Balmoral.

Rob and Mariske de Wit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunny Hill Flowers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Silvan.

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March 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 21

Animal Farm Services

Why mineral health is important Agmin talks about how to get the most from your herd Ĺ°

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NJ Phillips â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a staple in every farm shed IF a farm has livestock, it almost certainly has at least one NJ Phillips instrument in the shed.

NJ Phillipsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; extensive range of application systems - including injection, drenching, PowerMaster applicators using LPG or compressed air, pour-on and jetting equipment - has been specifically designed for administering animal health pharmaceutical formulations.

The Green Industry offers a range of forestry and horticultural instruments, specifically designed to prevent pest and disease intrusion into trees and horticultural stock.

Almost every local and

international animal health company over the past 80 years has been a customer, commissioning branded ap-

plicators to suit their specific formulations.

The collaborative export activities have contributed significantly to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth since 1953, when the first overseas sales were made in New Zealand and South Africa.

Just over 85 years later, the range is being marketed in more than 50 countries around the world.

Today, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s product range envelops more than 100 different applicators.

For more information or to view the complete product range, visit your local rural store, or head to www.njphillips.com.au.

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Optimise stock performance with Nutrimin Drench.

Nutriminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique formulation overcomes traditional problems in trace element supplementation for ruminants.

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To ďŹ nd out more visit nutrimin.com.au or call us on 1800 154 43

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Animal health through balanced nutrition.

Page 22, Southern Farmer

March 2019

Bull & On Farm Sales

Cross into profit with a Charolais THIS year marks the 17th running of the annual Southern Charolais Breeders Group sale.

To be held at the Yea Saleyards on March 18, the action will kick off at midday.

7KLV \HDU o YH QHZ EUHHG HUV KDYH EHHQ DGGHG WR WKH sale, with some of the best genetics, both new and old, to be offered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The weight gain offered by a Charolais canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be

PDWFKHG WKH\ KDYH DQ DPD] LQJ WHPSHUDPHQW DQG FDOYLQJ ease as well; they really are the perfect cross,â&#x20AC;? Ken Manton, from Clarinda Charolais, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year, the top priced bull was around $7000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a great opportunity for breeders to come together and cross promote.â&#x20AC;?

More than 100 people are expected to attend the sale, with 30 bulls, 16 fe-

PDOHV DQG VHYHQ JHQHWLF packages to go under the hammer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bulls are industry IRFXVHG IRU YHDOHU SURGXF WLRQ VR EX\HUV FDQ YDOXH DGG WR WKH VLOYHU FDOI DG YDQWDJH y &ROLQ 3LFNHULQJ chairman of the Southern Charolais Breeders Group Sale, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Charolais breed has DJDLQ DVVHUWHG LWVHOI o UPO\ as the ultimate cross breed-

LQJ FKRLFH FDOYHV KDYH FRQ sistently weaned early and KHDY\ KLWWLQJ ZHLJKWV DQG UH WXUQLQJ SURo W RQ LQYHVWPHQW for a good bull.â&#x20AC;?

7KH EXOOV RQ RIIHU KDYH DOO been inspected, semen tested and excluded to be persis-

WHQWO\ LQIHFWHG IRU SHVWL YL rus, so buyers can purchase knowing bulls are ready to work and disease free.

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DYDLODEOH IRU RQOLQH ELGGLQJ for those who cannot make it to the sale on the day.

Bulls will be yarded for inspection by 10am.

For more information on the upcoming sale, head to Charolais.com.au.

AUTUMN BULL SALE BEECHWORTH

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ON THE MARKET: One stud participating in the upcoming Southern Charolais Breeders Group Sale is Chenu Charolais, who last year offered this soft, thick well conformed stud sire.

17 SOUTHERN th

CHAROLAIS BREEDERS GROUP SALE

12 NOON, MONDAY: 18th MARCH 2019 YEA SALEYARDS

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33 Bulls 18 Females 7 Genetic Packages

Ray Attwell 0428 836 136 Chris Pollard 0428 993 860

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Sale Day Inspection commencing 10am

32 Poll Bulls

agents introducing approved buyers on their behalf to sale agents prior to the sale and settling on their behalf within 7 days.

www.charolais.com.au

March 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 23

Trades & Services

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Page 24, Southern Farmer

March 2019

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