THE SOUTHERN
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1986
MAY, 2016
486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, 3127
FARMER TO FARMER
PASTURE PAGES 6-7
WINTER WARMTH PAGE 10
PAGE 13
Truck tribunal dumped by parliament
SHEEDY’S RURAL SUPPORT WELL-known for his support of the farming industry, Kevin Sheedy will shed light on his vision for rural Australia at the gala dinner, which celebrates Victoria’s $12 billion agricultural industry, showcasing locally grown produce and the people who produce it. Now in its fourth year, the Agriculture: The Heart of Victoria dinner is the premier event on the Victorian agriculture social calendar and will be held on Thursday, June 9 at Central Pier, Docklands. Tickets for the dinner, presented by the Victorian Farmers Federation and The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, can be purchased online at www.bit.ly/Heartof Victix2016.
Controversial Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal scrapped by House and Senate
FARMING ADVOCATE: AFL legend Kevin Sheedy is the key note speaker at the 2016 Agriculture: The Heart of Victoria gala dinner which will be held at Melbourne’s Docklands next month.
FARMERS and mum-anddad owner operators of small trucking businesses that would have been hit hard by the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) are breathing a sigh of relief after the controversial order was abolished in Parliament. The RSRT was scrapped after the Senate voted 36 to 32 in favour of getting rid of the body. The Victorian Farmers’ Federation (VFF) welcomed the decision with vice-president David Jochinke having said that the tribunal and its order was “ridiculous” in its decision to set minimum payment rates for contractors placing a huge burden on farmers and small truck owner-drivers. “Our farmers faced the real risk of having fewer, more expensive options of transporting their produce to market
BY JODIE FLEMING
jfleming@ nemedia.com.au
because the small owner operators looked like being priced right out of the market,” he said. Legislation to repeal the Road Safety Remuneration Act 2012 was passed with the support of seven crossbench senators, some of whom had reversed their original position. Repealing the act will abolish the RSRT and invalidate both the Road Transport and Distribution and Long Distance Operations Road Safety Remuneration Order 2014 and Contractor Driver Minimum Payments Order 2016 (2016 Order), which were enforced under the tribunal. The controversial Contractor Driver Minimum
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Payments Order 2016, which stipulates new minimum prices for contracted transport services, had been in force since early April despite efforts by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and Australian Trucking Association to have it delayed. “This has been a great result for both the agriculture sector and small transport operators because the tribunal was trying to enforce an order on small businesses, many of them families, that they didn’t understand, with little effort being made to help them understand,” Mr Jochinke said. “It’s a complex issue that many people had trouble understanding, so it’s comforting to see politicians in Canberra make a decision that benefited people already doing it tough.”
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NEWS
Page 2, Southern Farmer
May 2016
What’s on for southern Victorian farmers *IRRIGATION Australia Limited is holding a three-day conference and exhibition on Tuesday, May 24 to Thursday, May 26 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The conference will feature separate streams covering irrigation, agriculture, horticulture and open space presented by international and Australian industry leaders and authorities. An evening social program on Tuesday, May 24 will include networking drinks and industry Gala Dinner, with technical tours presented on day three of the conference program. For more information www. irrigationaustralia.com.au. *Applications 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
COUNTRY SHOWS AND REGIONAL FIELD DAYS
FINE FLEECE: For three days every July, Bendigo becomes the epicentre of woollen fashion, fine food and beautiful fibre. More than 5000 farmers, the best fleeces in the country and 28 different breeds of sheep make their way to Bendigo each year for the Sheep Show. media awareness. The program is cost-free 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. *REGISTRATIONS are now open for the Australian Farm Institute Conference titled ‘Digital Disruption in Agriculture’ to be held on Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3 at the Stamford Plaza in Sydney. The conference will provide the opportunity for a very detailed look at the possibilities that are being provided by digital technologies and pose questions about how to ensure that those possibilities can be realised. For more information contact the Australian Farm Institute on (02) 9690 1388.
May 20-21: Mildura Horticulture Field Days. July: 15-17: Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo For more information on country shows visit www. vicagshows.com.au or www. countryshows.com.au. *THE AgriVictoria-State of Opportunity Summit will take place on Thursday, June 9 in Melbourne at the Park Hyatt. The Summit, which is a partnership between the Victorian Farmers Federation, The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, ANZ and PwC, will be followed by the Agriculture: The Heart of Victoria gala dinner. The gala dinner celebrates the vital role Victoria’s agricultural industry plays in the state’s economy, showcasing the best of the best in local produce. The dinner will be held at Central Pier, Docklands. For more information contact Sally Edgar on 0425 247 133. *THE Mornington Peninsula Winter & Wine 2016 festival will take place on Saturday, June 11 at Red Hill Showgrounds. The event will include cellar door activities and events throughout the weekend at
THE SOUTHERN
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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Pre-Press Coordinator
Noelene Allan Phone (03) 5723 0110 Fax (03) 5722 9778 nallan@nemedia.com.au
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David Rizzoli Phone (03) 9888 4822 Fax (03) 9888 4840
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.
YOUR
ON THE SPOT
Calvin PURSS
Advertising Manager
Jodie FLEMING Editorial
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Noelene ALLAN
*THE 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.
*FARM inventors, backyard tinkerers and students are being sought to display their innovative ideas at the AgriInnovators site at the 2016 Henty Machinery Field Days. Entries must have a practical on-farm application, be based on an original idea and not be in full scale production at the time of entry. A small entry fee to cover ticket costs will be charged, but entrants will receive a listing in the official guide, exposure to the agricultural market place and the opportunity to network with potential manufacturers.
*THIS year’s LambEx 2016 will take place in Albury, NSW from Wednesday, August 10 to Friday, August 12. Futurist Paul Higgins is this year’s keynote speaker and will discuss lamb’s realistic future, bringing together consumer trends, technology trends and producer trends to arrive at a compelling case for what lamb looks like in 20 years time. For more information visit www.lambex.com.au.
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The convention will conclude on Sunday, June 26 with the Horticulture Field Day, which this year celebrates the innovation and adaption in the industry. The event is free to those who have registered for the convention. For more information contact Shaun Lindhe on (03) 9882 0277.
*THE Grains Research & Development Corporation is holding its Australian Grains Industry Conference on Monday, July 25 to Wednesday, July 27 at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne. The conference is run by the industry for the industry and provides a one-stop opportunity to meet with clients, catch up with friends and colleagues and hear the latest developments in the industry. It also offers unparalleled networking opportunities with delegates, speakers and trade exhibitors. The conference starts at 8.30am and ends at 10pm and costs $1100 ($970 early bird). For more information visit www.ausgrainsconf.com/ australia/registration.
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Entries close on Thursday, June 30, 2016, with this year’s Henty Machinery Field Days to be held in September. For more information phone (02) 6929 3305.
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NEWS
May 2016
FEDERAL Government reforms to country-of-origin labelling for food come into effect on July 1 after a long campaign by farming groups and primary producers to make labelling information clearer and more transparent for consumers. Minister for Agriculture and Water Barnaby Joyce said the reforms were a win for both consumers and businesses. “Labelling reforms to our food products have been a long time coming,” he said. “We expect Australians will welcome the labelling changes which make good sense and that will give the community the information they have been seeking,” Mr Joyce said. Under the changes, all food that currently needs to be labelled with a country of origin will continue to do so. Most food that is made, produced or grown in Australia will need to carry a label that also includes a kangaroo symbol, as well as text and a bar chart indicating the percentage of Australian ingredients. Labels for most products packed in Australia that contain imported foods which have undergone no or only minor processing in Australia will carry a ‘packed’ statement, as well as text and a bar chart indicating the percentage of Australian ingredients. They will not carry the identify-
ing Australian kangaroo symbol. Imported food will continue to show where it was grown, produced and made. If the food was not grown, produced or made in a single country it will need to indicate where it was packed and that it is of multiple origins or comprises important ingredients. Minister of Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne said that businesses could start using the new labels now if they wanted to. “We are providing Australians with the information they have been calling for without imposing an unnecessary burden on business,” he said. “The registration of the information standard ahead of it July 1 start date will give businesses some certainty, so they can start to get the new labels on their food products and onto shelves as soon as possible. “However, businesses that need more time to implement their labelling changes have two years after the July 1 start date before the changes become mandatory. “This means that any food labelled under the current rules before July 1, 2018 can still be sold and allowed to see out its shelf life,” Mr Pyne added. The National Farmers’ Federation welcomed the reforms with
the federation’s chief executive Tony Mahar having said they will improve the clarity of information available to consumers in what was a complex policy area. “This is an incredibly complicated and difficult issue given these rules apply not only to simple, single ingredient products, but also to more constructed products like pizzas and yogurt,” he said. “These changes follow what has been a long and open consultation process run by the government to improve the policy surrounding what we know seems simple but is much more difficult to apply.” However, Mr Mahar said some measures would be required to support transition to the new rules. “There is a need for an education campaign to inform consumers of the changes and to explain how various words and phrases, for example ‘made in’ and ‘product of’, are now used while a transition period of two years would ease implementation for manufacturers in some industries,” Mr Mahar said. The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has backed most of the reforms which it believes will deliver a more level playing field for Australian farmers. VFF president Peter Tuohey said the changes will help rid supermarket shelves of vague and confusing labelling and replace them with
clearer country of origin standards. “This means consumers can trust that what they’re buying is genuinely Australian and not something made here with who knows what produce.” However, the VFF is opposed to the use of the kangaroo logo on products which may contain as little as 10 per cent Australian ingredients. Under the labelling changes, products such as Canadian pork could be sold in Australia with the kangaroo logo because it may contain as little as 10 per cent brine and other additives. According to VFF pig group president John Bourke the kangaroo logo shouldn’t be anywhere near those products. “Meat is either grown in Australia or overseas and if it’s not grown here, then we shouldn’t be giving consumers the impression that it is by using the kangaroo logo,” he said. He added that the government decision makers didn’t understand the seriousness of the issue. “The problem is that the people making these rules are too far removed from farmers,” Mr Bourke said. The VFF policy remains firm that any product containing less than a majority of Australian ingredients should not carry the kangaroo logo.
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INDUSTRY groups have voiced mixed reactions to a recent decision by Australian consumer affairs ministers on a national information standard for free range eggs. Victoria’s peak farmer group, the Victorian Farmers’ Federation (VFF), welcomed the decision with VFF egg group president Brian Ahmed having said that the decision clearly to define the term ‘free range’ would give shoppers greater choice and end past confusion. “We now have a formal definition for the term ‘free range’ – free range hens are free from cages, free to move about inside the barn and free to go outside if they choose,” he said. “Now, when people see egg products labelled ‘free range’ there won’t be any confusion over what that means and consumers are free to make the choice they want. “It’s great to see common sense prevail in a debate that has been largely emotional and not based on evidence,” Mr Ahmed said. Egg Farmers’ Australia spokesperson John Coward said it is a common sense resolution to what has been “an unnecessarily complicated issue” with the decision now providing certainty for industry. “The debate on free range has delayed investment in new farms and has placed a handbrake on innovation and productivity,” he said. Not all stakeholders were happy with the ministers’ standard with RSPCA Australia stating that the definition may have been “a waste of time”. RSPCA Australia’s senior policy officer Jed Goodfellow said a stocking rate of up to 10,000 hens per hectare failed to provide the animal welfare assurances consumers were seeking. “RSPCA Australia believes free range hens should be stocked at a maximum rate of 1,500 hens per hectare or up to 2,500 if a regular rotation system is in place,” he said. “In genuine free range farms, all hens are able to access an outdoor range where they feel safe and protected and can express essential behaviours such as dust bathing and foraging,” Mr Goodfellow said. Aussie Farmers Direct spokesperson Jim Cooper is calling for an end to the “free range egg rip off” and said that large commercial egg producers and supermarkets have gotten their way at the expense of genuine free range egg farmers. “Allowing eggs from farms stocked with one bird per square metre to be labelled free range is a slap in the face for those farmers and retailers who are trying to give consumers a true free range egg,” he said. “These farmers will continue to be caught on an uneven playing field, competing with industrial egg operations who are offering free range eggs at prices far below what’s sustainable for true free range egg production. “Aussie Farmers Direct will continue to support farmers who are running free range egg farms that meet the model code of practice, stocking to a maximum of 1500 birds per hectare. “We would encourage all consumers to consider their egg choices, and buy real free range eggs from real free range farmers,” Mr Cooper said.
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Southern Farmer, Page 3
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NEWS
Page 4, Southern Farmer
May 2016
Sigh of relief as truck tribunal abolished From page 1
Smaller hirers such as farmers stood to be hit hard by the order, with freight rates for smaller jobs normally undertaken by owner drivers expected to skyrocket, while farmers who also drive trucks to supplement their income faced the possibility of no longer being able to source work. “The trucking industry now has a more level playing field and we’ve been able to keep agricultural transport costs from a steep increase,” Mr Jochinke said. Bayles-based truck driver John Bethune said while he would have loved the money the Order 2016 would have delivered to him he knew that he would never have received that amount. “My biggest fear is that both the Labour Government and the Trade Workers’ Union reckon that if they win the upcoming election they will bring it back in, so there is still a fair amount of uncertainty to whether it has actually been abolished,” he said. “So I don’t really feel very relieved, because if they do win the election and bring it back in most of us will get sacked. “I have driven trucks for the past 30 years and what will I do as I have only ever worked for myself,” Mr Bethune said. The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA), the NFF and the Council of Small BusinessAsso-
TRUCK DRIVERS UNITED: (From left) Transport Minister Darren Chester, Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce, Nationals senator John Williams, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Liberal candidate for Indi Sophie Mirabella, truck rally organiser Gordon McKinley and Employment Minister Michaelia Cash address the 220 protesting truck drivers in Canberra.
ciations (COSBOA) welcomed the decision, with ALTRA national president Kevin Keenan having said that the 2016 Order had caused widespread damage in just one week of operation and that the Federal Government and cross bench senators had acted responsibly in supporting its removal. “TheALRTA has been calling for the abolition of this tribunal for years and I am relieved that
the Australian Parliament has acted decisively to prevent the ruin of 35,000 mum and dad trucking companies right around Australia,” he said. The tribunal showed us time and time again that it would not listen to the very owner drivers it was meant to protect. “We told the tribunal about the damage that would flow from its 2016 Order in our formal submissions.
“Despite the very public pleas of over 800 industry participants, the tribunal showed no compassion, refusing any form of delay and dismissing all of the problems we had identified. “As soon as the 2016 Order came into effect I was inundated with calls telling me that hirers had stopped using owner drivers and that finance companies were turning them away. “Very good businesses came
to a complete standstill overnight,” Mr Keenan said. NFF president Brent Finlay said that abolition would immediately restore confidence in the supply chain. “The 2016 Order drove up freight rates by as much as 350 per cent and exposed farmers to longer working hours, fewer transport options, new red tape and hefty fines,” he said. “We can’t forget the huge
flow on effects the 2016 Order would have had on small rural businesses around the country. “At the end of the day, the tribunal had to go. “Having achieved that certainty in the Senate, farmers can once again be confident that safe and affordable transport arrangements of longstanding can continue,” Mr Finlay said. COSBOA chief executive officer Peter Strong said that the tribunal was a mechanism to extend union control and political influence under the false pretence of improving safety. “I am still outraged that a government tribunal could be so dismissive of the interests of small owner drivers and deliver outcomes that clearly favoured the larger, more unionised transport companies,” he said. “The tribunal’s true colours were on show when it entertained a TWU proposal to delay the 2016 Order, after angrily refusing to consider a similar proposal from industry and on the same day that the repeal Bill was scheduled to be heard in Parliament. “I sincerely thank the Coalition Government and cross bench Senators who took the time to listen to the facts and urgently acted to repeal this flawed system. “It has undoubtedly saved family businesses and saved lives,” Mr Strong said.
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May 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 5
Fertility protocol to assist with success and profit By JOHN LYNE Dairytech dairy production specialist FERTILITY is perhaps the most vexing problem dairy farmers face, and for many, possibly the most costly. It is vexing because it is the most multifaceted issue in dairy production and it is ranked equal with feed intake as a driver of profit. So where does good fertility start? Answer: day of birth. Colostrum is now known to contain substances that ‘switch’ genes on. Poor quality colostrum will leave a heifer calf with a lifelong legacy on many fronts – growth, immunity, production and fertility. Early nutrition follows, as our calf article for May highlights “Negative energy balance in new born calves”. Next is consistent nutrition through all seasons, especially summer, to ensure consistent weight gain, and well-fortified with supplementary mineral nutrition. For maiden heifers, nutrition is the major influence to fertility. Shifting now to lactating cows, the first step is dry cow nutrition, particularly calcium intakes. Dry cow nutrition too often is survival in the back paddock or out-block, with no supervision of energy, fibre or protein intakes, let alone minerals. As above, calcium intakes (especially during the dry phase) are hopelessly inadequate in a ryegrass-based diet. The calcium deficiency in dry cow nutrition we are addressing with a high calcium inclusion, self-feed loose-lick preparation based on our heifer loose-lick mineral mix. Blood testing we’ve done on dry cows has revealed not just
MULTIFACETED ISSUE: Adequate energy, fibre and protein rations are essential at a time the cow is preparing for the most traumatic event in her yearly cycle.
low blood calcium, but even sub-clinical ketosis from an inadequate energy diet. This can be partially from a low energy diet, but often more so from low protein diets and the unborn, late gestation calf’s high demand for protein. The dam must convert her inadequate energy intake to protein for the calf and/or cannibalise body tissue to supply this protein. Transition is where the work starts, and is often lacking. Adequate energy, fibre and protein rations are essential at a time the cow is preparing for the most traumatic event in her yearly cycle. The DCAD of this ration must be right. Too higher DCAD will cause milk fever and ketosis, too lower DCAD will knock cows down before they calve and it is most likely to never rise again. There is a very simple way to manage DCAD – weekly checking the pH in a random selection of springer cows’ urine.
I said this is where the work starts; however, you will never earn more money than from this and the following activities. When the nutrient profile and DCAD of the springer ration is correct, apart from breach presentations, twins etc., the remaining cows should calve effortlessly. Administering calcium immediately after calving by either drench or boluses will help replace the enormous amount of calcium in the first bucket of colostrum – this first milking of colostrum contains nine times the cow’s whole calcium pool. Calcium is imperative to immunity, and mastitis ‘kills’ pregnancies. Checking for sub-clinical ketosis using a milk keto test strip on day three after calving and drenching with 300 ml of propylene glycol, as required, will eliminate early ketosis issues. Recheck several days later to ensure a zero HBHA reading on the test strip.
Drench again with propylene glycol if necessary. The fresh cow will be mobilising body fat frantically in these early days of lactation, and frequently, even before she calves. This causes fatty liver syndrome and a dysfunctional liver. Propylene Glycol will get the liver working again. In the 1980s our herd was on a Herd Health Program, resulting in healthy, productive and fertile cows. With the high value of cows calving annually, there are sound economic reasons to follow this program with your vet. Following is the procedure: 1) Every fresh cow is checked internally within a week of calving to ensure she has cleaned and has no uterine infection. 2) Every cow that does not have a heat recorded by day 20 post-calving is checked for corpus luteum activity. We aimed for three recorded heats prior to insemination.
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FARMERS that are about to spend hours in their tractor sowing this year’s winter crop are able to listen to podcasts inside their cabins providing them with information from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) while they work. The GRDC is producing a range of podcasts aimed at bringing the latest research results to growers in an easyto-listen-to format. Several podcasts are hosted by presenter Chris Brown including the weekly five minute GRDC Driving Agronomy which focuses on research of national relevance. The weekly regional update podcasts bring the latest news and information from each of the three GRDC growing regions, with each program lasting between 10 to 20 minutes. You can also tune into Ground Cover Radio which covers the top 30 stories in the company’s magazine. Once you subscribe to the podcasts you are notified when a new podcast becomes available. Some of the recent stories featured look at using preemergent herbicides effectively and there is a series of four interviews based on a GRDCfunded workshop on soil behaviour when using preemergent herbicides. Also featured are interviews with Australia’s leading researchers following their presentations to GRDC Grain Research Updates around the country on diverse topics including micro-nutrients to east-west sowing and the new frost ranking information. Growers can subscribe to the podcasts by going to the iTunes store on their iPhone or iPad and searching the word ‘GRDC’. Those with an android phone or tablet can visit www.grdc. com.au/podcasts.
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Research has highlighted the lowest period of conception is between 60 to 80 days due to negative energy balance immediately after calving producing poor quality eggs. 3) Every cow that did not return to service was pregnancy tested at five weeks post-insemination. This is paramount for two reasons: obviously to be sure she is pregnant and not anoestrus, but also so we have accurate calving dates from which dry-off dates can be calculated, and to be sure she is on a transition/lead feed diet for a minimum of 21 days before calving next year. Failure in adequate dry period and transition is very common, and will severely handicap the new lactation, or worse, cow survival. 4) Wisdom says pregnancy test again mid-gestation and prior to dry-off to ensure we still have a pregnant cow. Contrary to popular belief, carry-over cows are significant liabilities to farm profit and should be culled. I am suspicious that late 2015 we had high levels of fungal growth on pasture possibly causing abortions. My concern of the presence of mycotoxin issues was from a significant increase in loose manure at that time and well into early 2016 in many herds. 5) Lameness is major legacy to fertility. Lame cows do not stand when on heat. Apart from mineral nutrition and avoidance of acidosis, Shoof mats using copper sulphate/zinc sulphate regimes are excellent for hardening soles against stone damage and ensuing hoof infections. 6) Finally, insemination technique. This is an area where unnoticed ‘sloppiness’ can creep in. A client attended a fertility course in the US last year and was shocked by data connected to various aspects of insemination technique inadequacy.
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PASTURE
Page 6, Southern Farmer
May 2016
New project aimed at reducing the cost of weed control THE Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) has been granted $6.2 million from the Federal Government to fund a four-year research and development project to find biocontrol solutions for 10 of Australia’s most invasive weeds. The project aims to improve the long-term profitability of primary producers by developing biocontrol solutions that will reduce the ongoing costs of weed control. The biocontrol project will focus on 10 highly invasive and damaging weeds including
African boxthorn, cabomba, prickly acacia, sagittaira, silverleaf nightshade, fleabane, sowthistle, mother-of-millions, giant rat’s tail grass and ox-eye daisy. RIRDC’s acting managing director Christine Quick said managing the threats that weeds pose to soil, water and natural resources is a key challenge to Australia’s agricultural sector. “These weeds impact vast areas of agricultural and pastoral lands and their significant impacts conservatively cost Australia around $4 million each year,� she said.
“Biocontrol is the most costeffective solution for landscape scale management of these weeds, with historical benefits outweighing R&D costs. “Biocontrol is a sustainable approach that requires little ongoing investment once biocontrol agents are established, and this will help to enhance Australia’s agricultural competitiveness,� Ms Quick said. Significant in-kind contributions are being made by state primary industry departments, regional councils, local land services and irrigation companies.
FROST FACTOR: Tim March (left) and Ben Diddulph from the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia sitting in the GRDC frost screening nursery in Loxton, South Australia.
Frost susceptibility rankings welcomed by grains industry GRAIN growers in Victoria will be able to factor frost susceptibility of wheat and barley varieties into their cropping programs thanks to a new National Frost Initiative by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Through the initiative, most commercial wheat and barley varieties have been ranked for their relative susceptibility to spring radiation or reproductive frost, which occurs in late winter to early spring. With frost costing the Australian grains industry about $400 million annually in direct and indirect yield losses, development of the rankings has been welcomed by growers and the broader industry. The rankings for frost susceptibility are being made available to growers and their advisers through the use of an interactive tool on the National Variety Trials website at www.nvtonline.com.au. Speaking at recent
GRDC Grains Research Updates, Tim March from the University of Adelaide said benchmarking current wheat and barley varieties for sterility at flowering under frost conditions in trials over recent years had enabled researchers to develop a ranking system in which varieties can be compared for their susceptibility to frost during the reproductive phase of development. Dr March said the new rankings were based on sterility measurements and not yield loss. “It is important to note that no varieties are completely frost tolerant,� he said. “So until we can get that data you should first select varieties for local adaption, yield, optimal flowering time and other key target traits and criteria important for your farming system, and then use the frost rankings to fine tune your risk management of the selected varieties. “In some cases, it may be that the more frost
susceptible varieties are your best option. “You don’t want to be on the back foot with yield before you get hit by frost,� Dr March said. He also pointed out that the data used to determine the rankings was based on each variety’s relative susceptibility to reproductive frost at flowering, and not stem frost which occurs early in the growing season. Breeding new cereal varieties with improved frost tolerance will be one of the solutions to minimising the economic losses resulting from frost, and ongoing research was focused on this goal. Dr March said it was important to combine genetic, management and environment strategies to overall reduce risk to frost. For more information on GRDC’s National Frost Initiative and the new frost susceptibility rankings visit www.grdc.com.au/GCTV15FrostRatings.
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PASTURE
May 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 7
Silverado and Silverosa GT – the type of lucerne Aussie farmers want
WINTER ACTIVE: Experienced agronomist Don Kirkpatrick firmly believes Silverado is the best lucerne he’s ever seen as he sits in a field of dryland lucerne with his trusty assistant Jo Jo.
THE two lucernes, Silverado and Silverosa GT, continue to build their reputations and shine in the field as premium lucernes for both irrigated and dryland use in Gippsland, northern and southern Victoria, and the Riverina. According to Upper Murray Seeds senior agronomist Don Kirkpatrick, who has more than 30 years of experience in pasture production, Silverado is the best, highly winter-active lucerne he has ever seen. The breeder of Silverado, Ian Kaehne, who formerly bred Sceptre, Eureka and Hunterfield lucernes, said the aim in breeding Silverado was to add persistence, high forage quality, maintenance of high yield and tolerance to prolonged periods of set stocking to the very winter-active type of lucerne. Or in other words, breed the type of winter-active lucerne Australian farmers want. “This objective has been well and truly achieved,” Dr Kaehne said. “There are now many persistent dryland stands, some up to seven years old, which have maintained high production, even when under a prolonged set stocking and hay cutting regime. “Under irrigation, Silverado is maintaining high levels of forage
yield after five years. “Some seed production stands, which combine irrigated seed and hay production with dryland prolonged set stocking, are up to 11 years old. “The new benchmark in very winter-active lucerne performance has been set by Silverado,” he said. Silverosa GT was bred by crossing patented salt-tolerant lucerne, which is also extremely tolerant to continuous grazing, with Silverado. “The aim in breeding Silverosa GT was to combine salt tolerance and additional grazing tolerance with the well-established performance of Silverado. “After only three years on farm, Silverosa GT is earning a reputation for high performance. “It has excellent seedling growth leading quickly to high yield, high forage quality and suitability to prolonged intensive grazing. “Its salt tolerance permits the extension of lucerne growing from sites equivalent to 5000ppm to near 10,000ppm,” he added. Silverado and Silverosa GT are marketed nationally by Alburybased seed wholesaler Upper Murray Seeds and are available through your local retailer. For more information visit www. uppermurrayseeds.com.au.
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NEWS
Page 8, Southern Farmer
May 2016
Dairy farm in harmony with natural surroundings earns Landcare award TREVOR and Anne-Marie Mills’ definition of being a dairy farmer means being a responsible custodian of the land that has been home to his family for more than half a century. And their responsibility to the land has earned them a Victorian Landcare Award for Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Taking their cue from the past, the Mills expanded a small patch of remnant vegetation by strategically planting out their farm with more than 30,000 native trees on their property in Drouin in West Gippsland. While they have turned back the clock to create significant bushland reserves on their 122 hectares, they have been looking towards the future in the dairy shed, where a high-tech robotic milker has transformed their lives. “We’ve had the robotic dairy up and running for about 18 months now,” Mr Mills said. “Prior to that we were milking in a herringbone dairy but the workload was just getting too great.” With his 50th birthday
behind him, Mr Mills was looking at various ways to ease back on the demanding workload of a dairy farmer. “Crunch-time came and we had to make a decision on our future. “Do we stay on the farm through share-farming or leasing or go with the third option of putting in a robotic dairy?” Almost two years down the track, the robotic dairy has transformed the farm. The 177 Holsteins and Jerseys happily wander into the milking booths where a precision-guided robotic arm cleans their teats and attaches cups – all while the cows receive a customised meal. The streamlined milking system allows Mr Mills to pursue his long-term passion for transforming his farm into an efficient dairy business that exists in harmony with the natural surroundings. “I’ve done it because I look upon it as a bit of a hobby and an interest,” he said. “When you have a hobby you put a lot of time and effort into it.
“Early on, family members were helping me plant trees and in later years local Landcare groups came out to help, along with local school kids.” The prestigious Landcare award was well deserved recognition of the efforts of the couple, their children Andrew and Kelly, as well the wider community members who pitched in to help. “It’s certainly nice to get a pat on the back. “It’s not something I set out to achieve, but it’s good to be recognised for the work that we’ve done. “I just hope that other farmers can look at what we have done here and replicate the results that we have achieved,” Mr Mills said. When the Mills family arrived in 1952, attitudes to land stewardship were very different to what they are today. “We’re only here for a short time and it’s my responsibility to look after the land, waterways and those sorts of things and hopefully leave it in a much, much better condition to when I took it over,” he said.
LEGENDAIRY COUPLE: Trevor and Anne-Marie Mills and their dog Ollie enjoy some of the 30,000 plus trees that have been planted on their dairy farm over 30 years.
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NEWS
May 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 9
Local butcher turns to Murray Greys to win over consumers
MURRAY MAGIC: Melinda Kent of Labertouche with the heifer displayed at this year’s recent Farm World Field Days.
CUSTOMER feedback relating to the eating quality, tenderness and flavour of grass-fed Murray Grey beef has encouraged one butcher to use the breed to ensure his retail outlet stands out from the crowd. Butcher Ben Kurrle who owns The Meat Safe in Longwarry turns over three Murray Greys per week processed by Sales’ Gordyn Abattoir and sourced directly from local producers. He requires the Murray Greys to be grass-fed or grain assisted carcasses that are between 200kg to 220kg, with a yield up to 70 per cent and fat cover of five to six mm. “I never set out to be a specific Murray Grey shop, it has evolved that way,” he said. “It helps us provide something different outside of Angus and Wagyu.” Mr Kurrle said he is impressed with the improvements in carcase quality, softness and temperament of Murray Greys over the past decade and added that a large number of his customers were young families wanting secondary cuts for convenience meals. “There has been a shift away from primals to mince, stewing steak and sausages. “The arrival of the slow cooker has been the biggest thing to happen to the retail trade in the decade with valueadded casserole cuts in high demand for curries or meatballs. “I’m always chasing secondary cuts like bolar blade, oyster blade and mince trim,” Mr Kurrle said. He ages the Murray Grey carcasses for a minimum of 10 days and prides
himself on quality not quantity when it comes to the primal cuts such as porterhouse and eye fillet. “When the hide is taken off, the butcher is driven by yield, but for the consumer it all comes down to flavour and tenderness. “If a steak is tough (the consumer) will never get to the flavour conversation as they won’t buy it again. “I don’t have that problem with Murray Grey beef,” he said. For the past two years, Mr Kurrle has worked closely with the Gippsland Murray Grey Breeders Group at the Farm World Field Days that is held each year at Lardner Park in Warragul. This year he donated 1500 sausages to the field days to raise funds for the Murray Grey Breeders Group’s activities. Group members Melinda Kent and Chris Siekman of Labertouche have been supplying steers and heifers to the butcher shop for the past 18 months. Their cattle are finished on ryegrass, clover and native grasses to 400 to 420kg liveweight at 14 to 15 months of age. The carcasses dress, on average at 56 per cent and weigh 220kg, with an average rump fat depth of four to five millimetres. The autumn and spring calving herd is run across two properties at Labertouche and Pakenham. In the past, the family supplied steers to small lot owners who sought the Murray Greys for their quiet temperament and ability to finish to
bullock weights off grass. A 16-month old purebred heifer weighing 430kg was displayed at this year’s Farm World Field Days, then processed and sold through The Meat Safe. Ms Kent said that each year they have small lot farmers wanting information at the field days on raising Murray Greys. “We provide social media, an email and phone contact network and written information on such topics as calving, genetic selection, drenching, castrating, vaccinating, weaning and joining,” she said. “Murray Greys were the first cattle breed to exhibit at Farm World in the 1970s. “We are only one hour from Melbourne, so we tend to find Murray Greys have won a reputation as the quiet, gently breed among the small lot owners.” Ms Kent said direct feedback from the butcher enabled her to fine tune genetic selection for carcass yield, eye muscle area and fat depth. “I am now breeding for compact cattle which finish quickly, are structurally correct and can handle the soft country. “Consumer feedback tells me the beef has the right meat and fat colour, has eye appeal, eatability and flavour, with customers continuing to come back. “Providing he beef meets the specifications required by the butcher and is to my expectations, then I’m happy,” Ms Kent added.
3% of Victorians work on farms.
Almost 30% of workplace deaths occur on them. While Victorian workplaces have never been safer, Victorian farms remain the most dangerous. It’s up to every man and woman working on the land to stop and think about safety. Because those few seconds could save your life. And your livelihood. visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/farmsafety
Farm deaths are preventable.
NEWS
Page 10, Southern Farmer FINE FLEECE: For three days every July, Bendigo becomes the epicentre of woollen fashion, fine food and beautiful fibre. More than 5000 farmers, the best fleeces in the country and 28 different breeds of sheep make their way to Bendigo each year for the Sheep Show.
COUNTRY SHOWS AND REGIONAL FIELD DAYS May 20-21: Mildura Horticulture Field Days. July: 15-17: Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo. For more information on country shows visit www.vicagshows.com.au or www.countryshows.com.au.
May 2016
FARMER TO FARMER David and Marion Carmichael
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Give our readers a quick snapshot of your farm at Thornton. Our farm is located in the hills near Frazer Park, Eildon where we grow olives. Whilst our holding is just 17 acres, we are surrounded by larger farms and out of sight from any neighbours, who are at least one kilometre away. We are off the grid and are stand alone solar and we have no fixed phone line. The land is north facing, with soil being a gravelly clay loam. These conditions are ideal for olives. How long have you been a farmer? We brought the land in 1999 and established the grove, commuting
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smaller crops we hand harvest with the help of family and friends. Tell us about your family. David is 66 years old and Marion is 65. We will have been married 44 years later this year and we have three children and five grandchildren. We decided to make a tree change in 2010 and have downscaled our work life and are both working in much less stressful jobs and less hours; David from a role as a business development manager and Marion as a charge nurse. We are both still working off the farm. Best advice or farming tip you have received? The easiest part is to grow/ produce your product. Describe your perfect day. The day after harvesting when we go to the processor and pick up our drums of oil and know that the year’s work is secure. What is the best thing about being a farmer?
No boss, working in such a pretty location and the rural lifestyle, working together, the community life and people we meet through growing olives. And also having family and friends coming to stay with us and share this beautiful area. What is the worst thing about being a farmer? The uncertainty. A whole year’s work can be lost in a single hail storm at the time the trees are in blossom, or an early frost can ruin the fruit when it is ready for harvest. We have even had deer eat our trees when they were younger. If you could be someone else for a day, who would that be and why? We feel we are happy being who we are. We have a great relationship with good health at our age. We are on good terms with our children and grandchildren and they also are in good health and are nice people.
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NEWS
Page 12, Southern Farmer
May 2016
Department warns horse neglect will not be tolerated THE Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) is warning horse owners acrossVictoria to make sure they have sufficient feed in store in readiness for the colder months ahead after the recent horse welfare case at Bulla, north of Melbourne where an owner of a number of horses was charged for neglect. The DEDJTR is advising horse owners to make alternative arrangements such as selling or agisting horses if they do not have enough feed as inspectors are seeing increasing numbers of horse welfare complaints. Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Charles Milne said horse
owners need to ensure they always have sufficient water and fodder for the number and class of the animals they keep. “Mistreatment of animals is totally unacceptable,” he said. “There can be no excuse for horse owners who do not care for their animals properly, even if they are faced with other challenges including drought.” There are serious penalties under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 including fines of up to $75,800 or two years jail. Penalties can also include orders banning animal ownership for up to 10 years, or lifetime bans for repeat offenders. “As a horse owner it is your responsibility to ensure regular
supervision, supply of feed and water, appropriate parasite control and other health care,” Dr Milne said. “If you’re struggling to feed or care for your horses you are advised that you must actively seek alternative arrangements which might be to put them up for sale or to make arrangements for someone else to care for them on their property. “If agisting, ensure you have a written contract in place that set out responsibilities of the owner and the person who will be responsible for their care.” Dr Milne said that dry conditions are no excuse for the mistreatment of animals. “Owners also need to be aware that horses may suc-
cumb to the cold, wet, windy weather expected over the next few months, especially if they are in poor condition, carrying worm burdens or aged. “Those with a responsibility for the care of any animal must continue to ensure they are looked after properly and act immediately if their animal’s welfare is compromised,” he said. There are services available for horse owners who may be under stress or in crisis including information on the department website for rural landowners which can be found at www. agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought. For more information on caring for horses visit www. agriculture.vic.gov.au/horses.
ANIMAL CARE: Horse owners need to make alternative arrangements for their animals if they do not have enough feed.
Applications for Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships 2017 now open APPLICATIONS are now open for the Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships for 2017, with a record number of 30 scholarships on offer. Nuffield Australia chief executive officer Jim Geltch said the large number of scholarships is a clear sign of the importance of the program in Australian agriculture. “Nuffield is the leading program for primary producers in Australia, identifying new
leaders in industry and the community, and continuing to drive excellence in our agricultural industry,” he said. “In these times of global communities it provides a global network of over 1600 scholars from many other countries, as well as the support of industry groups and contemporaries across all sectors of agriculture. “Even more than that is the lifelong friendships which are made between scholars all over
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the world, an aspect which is consistently voted as a massive highlight of a scholarship,” Mr Geltch said. Nuffield Australia provides opportunities to Australian primary producers and managers to travel the globe investigating a research topic important to them and Australian agriculture. Scholars are provided with a $30,000 bursary to embark on a 16-week program consisting of
both group and individual travel over a two-year period. Successful scholars take part in the annual Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference as well as one of six Global Focus Programs featuring a six-week intensive itinerary of international travel with fellow scholars to look at international trade, marketing and environmental issues. “The Nuffield Australia National Conference features a
unique mix of returning scholar presentations featuring cutting edge research outcomes, highly regarded national and international speakers covering hot industry topics and a wide range of networking functions,” Mr Geltch said. “Most significantly though is perhaps the opportunity to select an individual study program through countries of the scholars’ own choice, tracking down innovation
and ideas to inform their own business, industry and communities. “I strongly urge anyone who may have ever considered the need for better understanding of global agriculture, or a desire to gain more research into an industry issue to consider applying,” he said. Applications close Thursday, June 30, 2016. For more information visit www.nuffield.com.au.
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WINTER WARMTH AND HEATING
May 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 13
FASHIONABLE FIREPLACES: Lopi’s contemporary fireplaces provide sleek, slimline design with large glass viewing area, convenient, easy operation, and a wide range of options to match any interior.
Hottest fireplace trends for contemporary design CLEAN, unadorned interiors are at the heart of contemporary design, creating smooth lines with a less is more attitude defining the mindset of the 21st century designer. This changing mindset had come much to the dismay of lovers of the classic fireplace. Bulky looking and without much design flexibility, the classic fireplace did not fit the vision for these designers. Fortunately, along with contemporary design ideals, contemporary gas fireplaces have now been developed. These fireplaces provide
sleek, slimline design with large glass viewing area, convenient, easy operation, and a wide range of options to match any interior. Central to this evolution in fireplaces is the ‘clean face’ design. According to Lopi sales manager Chris Kent, these innovative new fireplaces are designed so non-combustible wall sheeting, or other noncombustibles such as tiles, can be finished straight to the edge of the glass frame. Lopi are leaders in slow combustion wood and gas
fireplaces, with the company distributing fireplace products throughout Australia. “Unlike other fireplaces, no frills or vents are seen, meaning the glass frame containing log and fire blends seamlessly into its surroundings,” Mr Kent said. “The design still allows convection heat to exit the fireplace, so heating ability is not affected. “This clean design perfectly complements the most indemand heating trend going around - the linear gas fireplace. “With wide landscape viewing area and smooth lines these fireplaces provide a unique cen-
trepiece to any room without taking away from the original design and décor,” he said. Lopi fireplaces offer a range of linear and traditional direct vent gas fireplaces to the Australian market. These fireplaces provide the beauty of fire with a large viewing area, adding to the aesthetics of a room without the distraction of grills or vents. The Lopi range of linear fireplaces are available in sizes from 950mm wide, for smaller rooms or walls, through to a massive 1550mm, for a fireplace that is guaranteed
to make a statement, with the entire linear range providing the sought after clean style. In addition to the linear style, Lopi has also just introduced two traditional style gas fireplaces with a clean face style - the 564 GS2 and the 864 GS2. The 564 GS2 is ideal for smaller enclosed rooms such as bedrooms and dens and for those not needing a large amount of heat, but still wanting to enjoy a beautiful fire all year-round. The 864 GS2 is perfect for bigger rooms, with a large 864 square inches of viewing
area, guaranteeing to be the centrepiece of any living area. The entire range of Lopi gas fireplaces features GreenSmart 2 technology, which includes comfort control, accent lighting, invisible safety screens and smart thermostat remote controls as standard. “The clean minimalist lines of Lopi gas fireplaces are the ideal addition to any contemporary living area, with a sleekness and style to complement even the most modern of design,” Mr Kent said. For more information visit www.lopi.com.au.
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NEWS
Page 14, Southern Farmer
May 2016
Neal Menzies appointed as agricultural deans’ council leader NEAL Menzies from the University of Queensland is the new president of The Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture (ACDA). Mr Menzies has taken over from Holger Meinke
after his two-year term ended. Richard Harper from Murdoch University is the new vice president. Professor Menzies said the recovery of agricultural
education continued strongly under Professor Meinke’s watch and that he ensured the ACDA was at the forefront of discussions on education and research. He also indicated that he
considered the innovation agenda to be the major focus of his term in office. “It’s incredibly important that agriculture engages with, and benefits from, the government initiative on
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related agricultural areas. In Australia, there are currently 15 such universities, spread across every state and located in both metropolitan and rural locations.
Ag white paper must be part of Federal budget says National Farmers’ Federation
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innovation,” he said. “The role of universities will be critical.” The ACDA is made up of those universities in Australia that offer a degree course in agriculture or
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on the Federal Government to deliver the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper in full as part of the upcoming 2016-2017 Federal Budget. Australia’s farming lobby group said the government must also commit to arrange of longer-term bipartisan measures, so as to allow the Australian rural sector to perform to its full ability on the global market stage. NFF president Brent Finlay said while industry was aware there were limited additional funds available from government coffers, a commitment to delivery of the White Paper with no cost-reductions was crucial. “We understand there will be limited short-term cash to put on the table and that $4 billion was allocated to develop the White Paper but the roadmap
of practical actions to grow the agriculture industry must be rolled out in full,” he said. “To not follow through with delivery would be a wasted opportunity to drive growth in the agriculture sector.” Mr Finlay said there must also be commitments that stand the bipartisan test and contribute to the long-term robustness and profitability of the sector, including trade, workforce, research and development (R&D), innovation and climate change. Specific measures sought by the NFF include: Additional agricultural counsellors in key markets to help overcome trade barriers; Commitment to the Inland Rail and a strategic infrastructure projects fund; No change to the fuel tax excise scheme; Extension of the Mobile Blackspot Program;
Reform of the ‘backpacker tax’ and the Seasonal Worker Program; Advancing on-farm energy efficiency through rebates for audits, upgrades and online energy use calculators; Ongoing funding for the National Farm Injury Data Centre; and Facilitation of public private sector partnerships to boost investment in agriculture. “Agriculture is one of the drivers of the Australian economy with potential to significantly increase this contribution as demand for our product grows, but to do this we must be able to maintain and build our competitive advantage. “We look to government to make sensible, measured investments that can lift agricultural productivity and enhance the long-term resilience of the sector,” Mr Finlay said.
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NEWS
May 2016
Take advantage of drumMUSTER program to satisfy QA auditors NATIONAL drumMUSTER program manager Allan McGann believes chemical users should take advantage of both the drumMUSTER and ChemClear programs to satisfy their QA auditors. “drumMUSTER offers the tools to help growers fulďŹ l the requirements of domestic and overseas markets,â€? he said. “By utilising the services of each initiative, chemical users are provided with documentation that demonstrates they are meeting their responsibilities for on-farm waste management of chemicals and used containers.â€? For the past 16 years, thousands of chemical users have relied on drumMUSTER to dispose of their empty agvet chemical containers. During this time the program, which is run by
Agsafe, has recycled more than 27.3 million drums and continues to be the most successful agvet container recycling program in Australia. In addition to drumMUSTER, the ChemClear program provides Australian agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a collection and disposal pathway for their unwanted chemicals. Since entering the agricultural waste sector in 2003, the program has collected more than 500,000 litres of hazardous chemicals. ChemClear collections are scheduled on a state-wide basis when enough people register to make the service feasible. Clients are advised to keep an eye on their chemical storages and be proactive in
registering eligible chemicals for safe collection and disposal. ChemClear sends information to waste holders after they have registered, enabling them to segregate and continue to store their surplus chemicals in a secure and safe location, while awaiting collection from our retrieval team. To ďŹ nd your nearest site, simply enter your postcode and state under ‘collection locations’ on the drumMUSTER website. A map will appear marked with the closest site in your area. All containers presented at the collection site must meet the program’s cleanliness standards. Containers must be free of any chemical residue. For more information visit www.drummuster.com.au.
Southern Farmer, Page 15
Appointment of Candy Broad keeps meat regulator in safe hands FORMER State Government minister Candy Broad has been appointed as the new chair of Victoria’s meat industry regulator PrimeSafe. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) livestock president Ian Feldtmann said he hoped the new appointment would continue to maintain the strong safety standards expected of the meat industry supply chain. “PrimeSafe performs a very important role in ensuring food safety
standards are at the highest level,� he said. “Victorian livestock producers have maintained excellent credibility in providing a safe product, thanks to the tough regulations imposed by PrimeSafe. “Our reputation is always at risk and PrimeSafe has an integral role in helping to ensure that we do not lose consumer trust,� Mr Feldtmann said. He also congratulated outgoing PrimeSafe chair
Leonard Vallance on his performance during the three years he headed the organisation. “I would like to thank Mr Vallance for the time and commitment he has put into his role while being the chair. “The PrimeSafe board has at times had to make hard decisions and the new board will no doubt continue the high standard set under the previous leadership of Mr Vallance,� he said.
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NEWS
Page 16, Southern Farmer
May 2016
Milking machinery study reveals that bigger is not always better
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RECENT energy audits conducted on equipment in robotic dairies revealed that bigger is not always better. AgVet Projects’ Gabriel Hakim undertook energy assessments on 10 farms with automatic milking systems (AMS) and one of his key findings was that most dairies were operating with equipment that was oversized for the needs of automatic milking, resulting in unnecessary electricity consumption. “When building an AMS it can be tempting to repurpose equipment from the existing dairy but automatic milking can place quite different demands on equipment to conventional milking,” he said. For example, the milking equipment on AMS farms operating with voluntary cow movement operates at a low capacity for up to 20 hours a day, compared with conventional milking which usually occurs in two intensive milking sessions a day. “Operating equipment that is not sized correctly runs a real risk of loss in energy efficiency and excessive energy use.” He found that may of the AMS dairies in the study have
UNNECESSARY EXPENSE: In an audit of the energy use in 10 robotic milking farms, AgVet Projects’ Gabriel Hakim said most were operating with equipment that was oversized for the needs of automatic milking, resulting in unnecessary electricity consumption.
an oversized compressor. Some also had vacuum pumps that were much bigger than required and most had hot water systems suitable for a conventional dairy which was bigger than needed for an AMS. “Operating oversize or overcapacity equipment wastes a considerable amount of energy. “For example, if you are running a grossly oversized vacuum pump a significant proportion of the energy can be used just driving the pump. “The same is likely for compressors.
“Studies in other industries where compressed air is used have shown that as much as 30 per cent to 50 per cent of energy consumption was used to service leaks, artificial demand and system inefficiencies. “This warrants further investigation for AMS dairies,” Mr Hakim said. FutureDairy project leader Kendra Kerrisk said that although energy consumption was higher inAMS than conventional milking systems, energy consumption was a relatively small part of the overall economics of robotic milking. “Higher energy costs certainly don’t mean that AMS is uneconomic,” she said. “In fact, although shed running costs are commonly reported to be higher, animal health and labour costs are significantly lower on many AMS farms resulting in a favourable bottom line.” The AMS energy study was funded through Dairy Australia’s project Smarter Energy Use on Australian Dairy Farms, funded by the Department of Industry and Science as part of the Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program.
Joyce strengthens agricultural ties with Germany AGRICULTURAL ties between Australia and Germany have been strengthened after Federal Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce was in discussions with Germany’s Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture Christian Schmidt regarding the agricultural engagement between the two countries. Minister Joyce said that both nations shared a positive and productive relationship on agricultural issues and Minister Schmidt’s recent visit was invaluable in further strengthening ties between the countries. “Germany is an important trading partner for Australia, with total two-way trade valued at more than $16.7 billion in 2014, and total bilateral agricultural trade valued at
$886 million,” he said. “We share a strong and collaborative relationship with Germany and the broader European Union on trade and biosecurity issues, working together to promote positive global outcomes for animal and plant health. “Minister Schmidt’s visit provides a great opportunity for us to share insights into major issues in agriculture, including research, development and new technologies, and to help build understanding of Australia’s production and export capabilities,” Minister Joyce said. Australia exports canola, almonds and wine to Germany, while we enjoy quality German products in return such as beer and coffee. Minister Schmidt visited the
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NEWS
May 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 17
Energetic Shorthorn beef producer turns his hand to milling By DAVID RIZZOLI FEBRUARY 12, 1977 was the day that a major grass fire raged out of control on the vast Yalla-Y-Poora soldier settlement estate and almost totally devastated the tiny hamlet of Streatham on the Glenelg Highway, half way between Ballarat and Hamilton. That fateful day was also the day that Bill and Mary Harwood moved onto their newly purchased farm of 720 acres, Hillview, at Streatham which was only a handful of kilometres to the east of the fire. Bill Harwood is not very tall in stature, but what he lacks in height is more than made up in boundless energy and willingness to “have a go”. He also has the uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time. Mr Harwood left school at the age of 14 and became an apprentice welder at 16. A fully qualified welder at 19 he set up his own business and at 21 travelled the countryside using an engine driven portable welder. The one thing that can be said about Mr Harwood is that he has never been afraid to accept a challenge and when an accident at work at the age of 21 resulted in a serious back injury followed by a near-death experience with peritonitis, he had ample time to consider his options for the future. After marrying, Mr and Mrs Harwood leased various blocks of land around the Ballarat district to run sheep and crop as well as leasing property at Western Lands Lease at Hay, New South Wales, which turned out to be one of Mr Harwood’s rare down turns when he had to sell 4500 sheep at a serious loss. The initial farming on Hillview was cropping and Merino sheep; however, as if Mrs Harwood didn’t have enough on her plate raising a family and keeping track of her husband, she was keen to run some beef cattle, so Mr Harwood bought her a handful of Shorthorns to raise. As the couple’s farming operations grew, so did their family resulting in Tom, an auto-electrician by trade looking after the transport side of the business, Dennis a qualified nurse, but now running the farming operations growing grain, most of which goes to Harwood Grains mill, two more nurses; Patricia, now farming at Stawell and Joanne, and lastly Paul who is managing director of Harwood Grains at Ballarat. Hillview Beef Shorthorn Stud was established in 1998 with the purchase of 16 heifers from the Swanlea Beef Shorthorn Stud at Swan Hill. These were mated by AI to the famous Beef Shorthorn
FAMILY AFFAIR: Harwood Grains managing director Paul Harwood (left) with Bill and Dennis Harwood.
Bull, Sudden Impact, from David Spencer’s Spencer Family Shorthorn Stud at Yuroke, resulting in 14 calves, but only one heifer calf. That calf has gone on to be the matron of the Hillview Stud, being not only a supreme champion in her own right, but the foundation female of the stud. Other females were introduced from George Crawford’s Windoora Stud at Apsley and David Ashley’s Morningtime Beef Shorthorns formerly at Cobden, but now at Tylden. Hillview Beef Shorthorns regularly stands Supreme Exhibits, Grand Champions and Champions at Royal Shows of Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Geelong as well as numerous regional shows around Victoria. This story now brings us to Mr Harwood’s latest successful venture, Harwood Grains. About 16 years ago, after a bumper growing season, Mr Harwood found himself with 400 tonne of oats which he could not sell, even at the upset price of $60 per tonne. He soon discovered that one or two large producers in Melbourne were using bare (hulled) oats for bird seed and other products. Using his uncanny knack to track down suitable machinery for the job in hand, Mr Harwood found a closed down feed mill near Bendigo that
had a hulling machine for sale, which he promptly purchased and installed in what is now the Streatham mill at Hillview. It is operated by Mr Harwood and mostly supplied with oats by Dennis and transported to the Ballarat mill by Tom. Where previously they were burned, the hulls are now carted to Ballarat and used as bulk filler in the production of pellets. In 2011, the Harwood’s decided to expand their milling operations. After enquiries, Mr Harwood found that the now defunct Joe White Maltings operation in Gregory Street West in Ballarat was on the market and likely to be sold to the developers of the next-door Lake Gardens housing estate and demolished. After much to-ing and froing, the Harwoods bought the property for $1.6 million with most of the machinery and equipment intact, much to the chagrin of the developers and not without a number of concerns from the residents of Lake Gardens about noise, dust and smell. After a number of objections and a trip to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the approval of the planners at the Ballarat City Council was obtained and works on converting a malt house to a feed mill commenced. Much of the existing plant
such as silos, hoppers, elevators and electric motors were still in place although the electricity had been disabled and the main switching area had to be replaced at some expense.
But there was still a lot of non-existent milling equipment still to be obtained and installed. New large, heavy concrete bunkers to house ingredients
had to be built. Again, with his ability to locate equipment, mostly in defunct feed mills, Mr Harwood was able to source, from up and down the eastern seaboard of the country and Tasmania, millers, mixers and pelletisers for a fraction of their new price. Using mostly their own labour to build bunkers and install machinery, the Harwoods were able to build an operation that currently produces about 500 tonne of pelleted stock feed per week. By judicious investment and doing most of the hard work themselves, the family has built their original $1.6 million financial outlay into the multi-million dollar operation which only started production 18 months ago. The Harwood Grains operation employees up to 10 full and part-time staff and a consultant nutritionist, including Paul, Tom, Dennis and Mr Harwood. One could be excused for thinking that with the support of his family Mr Harwood would be seeking the quiet life, but not so. When he is not busy in the Streatham mill hulling the oats he can be found out and about “mucking about ” with his stud cattle, ably assisted by his wife, or he can be found at the mill in Ballarat driving a fork lift and issuing advice (which is largely ignored by Paul and the rest of the staff). But rest assured, this spritely 70 something will still be using his famous nose to sniff out the next challenge in his life.
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NEWS
Page 18, Southern Farmer
May 2016
Bright future for Australian agriculture with the help of McHale
GREEN MACHINE: Martin McHale (left) and PFG Australia Grass & Cultivation Division general manager Graeme Leigh showing off the latest McHale Fusion Vario baler.
IRISH company McHale’s story reflects deep agricultural traditions of selfreliance, curiosity, creativity and common sense. Company owners Martin and Patrick McHale always ask how they can do something, what happens if they do it and how can they make things better, which is why when they test their agricultural products, scoring nine out of 10 is never good enough. McHale has grown from a small machinery dealership to become one of the major suppliers to the European market, with co-founder Martin McHale recently visiting Australia to speak with customers, dealers and distributor PFG Australia about current products and future releases. McHale’s new ProGlide mower range and the new Orbital high-speed bale wrapper were well received by the Australian market. Following rigorous testing in Ireland, PFG Australia
plans a gradual introduction here to ensure they are well suited to the market and Australian conditions. Mr McHale said during his travels he sees many indicators of a bright future for Australian farming. “The way Australian products are rated by the rest of the world is fantastic. “I’ve just come from Japan and Korea and it’s obvious in supermarkets there that Australian beef, for example, is very highly regarded. “For ongoing success, whether it’s beef or balers, we improve efficiency while maintaining the quality and integrity of the products. “If a machine is performing well, if it is simple and strong, efficient and reliable, people want it. “If McHale continues to supply good products that suit the market, at a fair price, our market share will continue to grow,” he said. McHale released its fixed chamber balers in 2005 and the V660 variable chamber
round balers in 2010. Next came the Fusion Vario, and more recently the Fusion 3 Plus. Mr McHale added that farmers and contractors “seem to like our machines” which use top quality, heavy duty components with high specifications. “They are built for a long life and plenty of hard work. “There are Fusion baler wrappers out there with over 150,000 bales on the clock.” McHale now dominated the baler market in Europe and also the baler wrapper market. McHale machines are at work in 50 countries across six continents. “Those sales have been driven by farmers and contractors,” Mr McHale said. “Machines talk and great performance sends the loudest message, and when it comes to McHale machines, it seems just about everyone is listening.” For more information visit www.mchale.com.au.
Best Powered Machine honours for Massey Ferguson 7700 Series MASSEY Ferguson 7700 Series tractor has taken top honours at this year’s Farm World winning Machine of the Year – Best Powered Machine. Winning the award in a competitive field of tractors at the annual field days held at Lardner Park in Warragul, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TMA) awarded the MF7700 Series tractor and described it as highly productive, straightforward and dependable, consisting
of innovative features. TMA judge Jared Hicks said there were a number of factors which gave the MF7700 the edge over the competition. “Overall, the MF7700 Series had a number of features which I thought were pretty good,” he said. “The separate remote bank for the loader frees up the rear remotes for other implements while also allowing priority to the loader. “The rear linkage maximum
lift capacity is really quite good also at 9950 kilograms. “All round visibility for a tractor this size was also a feature that impressed and everything in the cabin is well laid out and comfortable. “The tractor is also at a good price for the horsepower,” Mr Hicks said. Massey Ferguson product manager John Horan, who attended Farm World and accepted the award on behalf of AGCO Australia, said the
series of tractors was a product of years of development at Massey Ferguson’s Beauvais facility in France. “The MF7700 has benefited from a proven pedigree established by the MF7600 Series which won a number of awards including Machine of the Year, Tractor of the Year Golden Design Award as well as Gold Medals and numerous accolades across Europe,” he said. “The MF7700 Series is
quickly earning a reputation for being powerful and versatile tractors that offer customers plenty of options in the mid to high horsepower categories. “Massey Ferguson has further refined this winning design and added new features that boost comfort and control, leading to even greater performance and productivity to further reduce overall ownership costs,” Mr Horan said. The MF7700 Series is packed with small details that
make big differences for operators, with the possibility to set its flashing beacon lights to come on automatically when the tractor is on the road and it is fitted with automatic sensor lights. “When the tractor is finally parked up for the night owners can protect their investment with the option of a unique key – simple, cost-effective crime prevention,” Mr Horan added. For more information visit www.masseyferguson.com.au.
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container after using it for a long time and that’s after giving some to my daughter-in-law and mother-in-law,â€? commented Sandy Miller, New South Wales. “Recently I had to deal with farmhouse ood ravaged to knee height‌.Your (diluted) product was a godsend to me, knowing its worth, knowing it wouldn’t compromise the septic system as bleach does, and if poured onto the garden does no harm. I was also aware of using it myself for several days constantly and felt safe using it,â€? said April Ikinci from Victoria. With so many uses this one product, delivered direct to your door, is putting money back into the pockets of hard working Australians. Call us free on 1800 633 866 and ďŹ nd out more about this safe, cost effective solution celebrated by families across Australia.
Our bacteria stimulant banishes blockages and rebalances your system Septics and treatment systems depend on naturally occurring
waste will create blockages. By contrast, healthy bacteria which
healthy bacteria to break down and consume waste. But harsh chemical cleaners and detergents kill off healthy bacteria,
produce these enzymes consume broken down waste preventing it from becoming a problem.
upsetting the balance within your system. When your population of healthy bacteria dwindles, the efďŹ ciency
Ecocare Activator restores and sustains the right bacterial balance within your system, leading to continuous waste breakdown and
of your system declines. That’s when bad smells begin and blockages become more frequent. Enzymes break down waste but cannot consume it. Over time this
Expert advice that won’t leave you stranded Our friendly, highly knowledgeable team are ready to take your call and answer any questions you may have. We provide ongoing after sales support and will stick with you until the problem is solved. 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back. You won’t be disappointed!
“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 couldn’t be more relieved,� says Michelle Lavinge from Victoria.
the elimination of odours.
Feeding your system with Ecocare Activator will swap your septic system smells for smiles!
SEPTICS SORTED, SMELLS DESTROYED Let one of our consultants solve your wastewater issues
Call us FREE on
1800 633 866
“I have been using your product for over a decade. During that period I have had no occasion to use the services of a plumber. Drains run freely, never is there an offensive odour and the septic system works perfectly. I don’t even have to remember to preorder. Your efficient company ensures I have an adequate supply of your product,� says V. Wright from NSW.
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www.insightenvironmental.com.au enquiries@insightenvironmental.com.au
.%" SF2
UPGRADE TO A
real DEAL
WITH up
$30,
to
000
OF AD DED S PEC*
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CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MF DEALER FOR A REAL DEAL MASSEYFERGUSON.COM.AU
Dandenong
Small Horse Tractors
18 Lonsdale Street
(03) 9791 6414
Geelong
South West Tractor & Turf
Industrial Place
0450 627 739
Kyneton
L & G Sheppard & Sons
88 Piper Street
(03) 5422 1821
Nagambie
John Sanderson Machinery
36-38 Industrial Crescent
(03) 5794 2272
Silvan
Darmac Ag Sales & Service
249-251 Monbulk Road
(03) 9737 9255
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Normanby Street
(03) 5623 1255
* Offer applies to selected MF7700 Series tractors purchased by 31 May 2016, while stock lasts. Specification upgrade value is up to $30,000 maximum and is dependent on model in the range. Contact your local Massey Ferguson dealer for further details and full terms and conditions. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer or discount. j/05d08531-v5/19-16
MASSEY FERGUSON®, MF®, the triple-triangle logo® is a worldwide brand of AGCO. © 2016