THE SOUTHERN
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JUNE, 2016
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Stop delaying and axe ‘backpacker tax’ pack Farm organisations unhappy with the coalition’s six-month introduction delay
CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Deputy Prime Minister, Leader of the Nationals and Federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, has been on the campaign trail around Victoria lending his support for Nationals’ candidates while talking to dairy farmers about their recent struggle in the wake of processor cuts to milk pricing.
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THE delayed introduction of the controversial backpacker tax has attracted widespread opposition from the agriculture industry as it provides no certainty to farmers that they will have a workforce to help during the next harvest. The Federal Government announced that any decision on its plan to tax working holiday visa holders as non-residents at 32.5 per cent would be reviewed after the election, with a final decision on whether to enforce it to be delayed until January 1, 2017. During his recent tour around Victoria, Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Barnaby Joyce said that he “quite clearly” stated that the government would have the backpacker tax issue resolved before it came in and he has done “precisely that”. “We have said the conditions that are in place now will continue until the first of January, so if you are intending on coming to Australia and it is in the middle of July then there is absolutely no reason
BY JODIE FLEMING
jfleming@ nemedia.com.au
why you shouldn’t come,” Mr Joyce said. He added that the tax could not be “got rid of” because there are a whole range of issues that may require legislation which cannot be addressed until after the election as the government is currently in a caretaker role. “We aren’t going to get legislation through both houses of Parliament in a caretaker mode. “We have made sure after hearing the concerns of so many people that we have, as we said we would, landed a position before the implementation of a new tax rate which would have happened on the first of July, now we have got that extension to the first of January. “This will allow us time so we can work through an outcome that deals with this over the long term,” Mr Joyce said. Continued page 9
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NEWS
Page 2, Southern Farmer
June 2016
What’s on in southern Victorian region *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 participating cellar doors. The opening event is the Winter Wine Fest starting at 11am to 4pm which is an exhibition and tasting that is held in one place on one day, undercover where you can taste more
than 200 premium wines from about 50 wineries. For more information visit www.mpva.com. au. *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
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Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.
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*THIS year’s LambEx 2016 will take place in Albury, NSW from Wednesday, August 10 MACHINE MAGIC: The Mallee Machinery to Friday, August 12. Field Days is a major event on the Futurist Paul Higgins agricultural calendar with visitors going to is this year’s keynote For more information on country shows seek out and evaluate the equipment on speaker and will discuss visit www.vicagshows.com.au or www. offer, along with the technical information to lamb’s realistic future, aid modern broadacre farming. countryshows.com.au. bringing together consumer trends, awarded a $2000 Entries must have open to all amateurs, For more technology trends and camera equipment a practical on-farm enthusiasts or information phone (02) producer trends to application, be based 6929 3305. voucher. professionals with arrive at a compelling on an original idea Category winners entries allowed in one case for what lamb and not be in full will each be awarded or more of the following *THE Grains looks like in 20 years’ a $500 camera scale production at three categories: Research & time. equipment voucher. the time of entry. Aussie cotton Development For more information A small entry fee Entries close Friday, growers and industry Corporation is holding visit www.lambex.com. to cover ticket costs June 24 and should personnel: capturing its Australian Grains au. *COTTON Australia will be charged, but be emailed to faces@ the character of the Industry Conference has launched the cotton.org.au. entrants will receive industry; on Monday, July 25 to *LIVESTOCK Faces of Australian a listing in the official Wednesday, July 27 For more Aussie cotton producers across Cotton photography guide, exposure information visit www. families: people on the at the Grand Hyatt in Victoria who are competition which to the agricultural cottonaustralia.com.au. land; Melbourne. looking to make showcases the people, market place and Innovation The conference is run strategic changes technology and the opportunity to *FARM inventors, in cotton: people by the industry for the to their operation innovative practices network with potential industry and provides a are encouraged to backyard tinkerers demonstrating the behind the modern manufacturers. latest technologies and and students are one-stop opportunity to participate in a new Australian cotton Entries close on being sought meet with clients, catch training program that industry’s positive story. equipment. Thursday, June 30, to display their The overall first up with friends and takes a big-picture Cotton Australia is 2016, with this year’s innovative ideas at place winner will take colleagues and hear the approach to improving giving away more than Henty Machinery the Agri-Innovators latest developments in profitability and $8000 worth of prizes to home a $4000 camera Field Days to be held the industry. equipment voucher, site at the 2016 Henty sustainability. the winning entrants. in September. Machinery Field Days. with the runner-up It also offers The course takes The competition is unparalleled networking a new approach opportunities with to extension and delegates, speakers adoption, and will and trade exhibitors. be conducted by The conference starts an approved trainer at 8.30am and ends at over two years, in 10pm and costs $1100 six or seven one-day ($970 early bird). sessions each year. For more information The Whole Farm visit www.ausgrainsconf. Grazing Strategies com/australia/ program has been registration. developed by Meat & Livestock Australia, *Applications are Australian Wool now open for the 2016 Innovation and Growing Leaders Victoria’s Department National Vegetable of Economic Industry Leadership Development, Jobs, Program. Transport and Growing Leaders Resources. is a highly regarded The sessions are program designed structured around to develop personal, the following seven business and industry themes: skills. y Pastures for The program extensive livestock was designed in y Soils and consultation with landclass vegetable industry y Livestock: Expert service, honest advice and after sales service people with their Strategies to specific needs in address production, Complete range of rural and residential drilling services mind. environmental and The program lifestyle requirements Drilling from 1 to 2000 metres / 50mm to 1 metre in diameter encourages all y The nuts and sectors of the bolts of grazing All services carried out to Australian standard industry including management growing, harvesting, y Tactical Over 50 years experience! processing, extension, management to exporters, importers, balance feed demand marketing and and supply employees to register y Making on-farm interest. strategic change The program y Producer ensures that presentations of participants change on-farm. 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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. 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.
NEWS
June 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 3
Dairy farmers trying to come to grips with low milk returns BY JODIE FLEMING
jfleming@ nemedia.com.au
and these things will come into play, they will pass through and we will be back with a strong footing. “Dairy does have a strong future. “We have a problem at the moment and in all agricultural sectors you have things that are going very well, record price in cattle, record price in meat sheep, record price in chickpeas, turn around in the bulk wine sales and then you have other problems you have to manage,” Mr Joyce said. The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) welcomed the State Government’s $1.5 million support package for communities affected by the recent dairy crisis, including an additional $940,000 to Lifeline for extra counselling services, $345,000 in grants to encourage affected communities to support each other and $150,000 to train 750 people in mental health and first aid. The ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ program will also receive a $100,000 boost to hold additional community wellbeing workshops and events. The VFF’s dairy arm, the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) president Adam Jenkins said the package would help ease the pain of those who had been hit hardest by the milk price cuts and profit clawbacks by the major processors. “The funding provides an opportunity for people who have been hit by the crises to come together and talk about the issues, because we’re all in this together,” he said. Drouin-based dairy farmer Rose Atherton who owns and leases 500 acres of land, milking 300 cows and calves from April through to December each year said when she heard of the milk price being cut she was in shock.
As a supplier to MG, Mrs Atherton and her husband and their four children aged 14, 13, 11 and eight have had to make significant cut backs to household spending to ensure they are able to ride out another wave that she describes as the cyclical nature of the industry. “When I first heard I was actually in shock. It was like I had a death in the family…that is how it hit me. “It was too hard to comprehend particularly since we had a supplier meeting only three weeks earlier in Warragul and they had confirmed the price, then we got that bad news.” Since the announcement of the cut in the milk price Mrs Atherton has received a milk cheque from MG which she described as “not very nice at all”. “We knew the good prices wouldn’t’ keep up and if you were keeping up with events you would have known next year’s price wasn’t going to be good, but we were hoping that they would sell all the product. “Then we got the news that not only was MG not going to pay what they said, but they informed us that we now have three years to pay the money back that they had already paid us. “The problem is though, we have already spent the money, mainly on seed for feed because we have had that black African beetle. “And we are luckier than others in that we haven’t had to buy feed and I’m not sure if that is good management or good luck,” she added. Mrs Atherton said she spoke with her farm consultant to seek advice on how to survive through the crisis and what the family needed to do going forward. “While it was a shock, you just have to take a deep breath and work out what you have to do. “Basically you have to stay in communication with everyone, mainly your creditors and let them know what is happening. “But it isn’t just us that it affects, it is the outside community
too as all this snowballs. “You have to say to the kids, ‘Hey kids, sorry but there goes our take away we used to have once a month and we can’t give you any money for school lunches’. “So that now means we can’t support the school canteens or our local community like the football
shed for that price”. “You know who I really feel sorry for? Those young farmers trying to come into the industry. “What incentive do they have. It really isn’t enticing for them at all. “It is really hard to see just where this will all end up,” she said.
or netball club because you don’t have the money to spend. “We will get through it. You have to be positive,” she said. Mrs Atherton said that she has heard that some of her neighbours have already stopped supplying their milk to MG and are drying cows off as it is “not worth starting up the
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WHILE the dairy industry is trying to come to terms with the recent cuts to farmgate milk prices made by two ofAustralia’s largest dairy processors, Murray Goulburn (MG) and Fonterra, politicians vying to win rural electorates have been in the firing line as they are questioned about what they intend to do about the current crisis. Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, said that he had already started looking into the issue with the Federal Government providing concessional loans and ensuring farmers have access to rural financial counsellors. “We have already made sure that the farm household allowance, which for a mum and dad on the farm will get them about $1000 a fortnight, is in place,” he said. “We have made the regulatory changes so they get access as this keeps the wolves from the door and the groceries paid for. “We also have made sure that their access to concessional loans is available and rural financial counsellors are in place. “The matter has been referred to the ACCC so that if there has been any maleficence in this it is properly investigated through that purpose and as part of the agricultural white paper,” Mr Joyce said. He added that he would be meeting with dairy farmers across the state while he was on the election campaign trail to hear from them directly as a stronger examination of the wider industry was needed. “In my discussions with the dairy industry it is quite clear that one of the mitigating factors in this has been the growth in dairy exports into east Asia, so in very recent times there has been a cooling in that trajectory which is something we have to manage like everything else,” he said. “My strong belief is that the long-term trajectory of dairy consumption globally is up
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NEWS
Page 4, Southern Farmer
June 2016
Boost to biosecurity in Victoria’s state budget welcomed FARMERS have welcomed the State Government’s decision to step in and stop the ongoing decline in Victoria’s ability to detect and respond to major pest and disease outbreaks by
placing $20.5 million of recurrent funding into biosecurity. Additional funding for vaccine production, biosecurity facilities and other support has also been targeted in the
latest state budget. The State Government has also put greater focus on boosting the stat’s food and fibre exports by injecting $66 million into establishing more Victorian
Government Business Offices overseas and $93 million into the Future Industries Fund. Another $24 million has been committed to trade missions, plus $4 million to assist
businesses develop new Asian export markets. Farmers struggling with drought will also gain further support when dealing with banks with a $4.2 million
investment in the Small Business commissioner’s farm debt mediation process and $5 million over the next four years to employ 35 Rural Financial Officers.
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WATER WISE: Upgrades to irrigation systems and construction of new stock and domestic pipelines will go ahead as part of the State Government’s fiscal commitment in the recent budget.
State budget delivers on its water security promise THE Victorian State Government has committed $74.6 million towards regional water infrastructure programs focused on upgrades to irrigation systems and construction of new stock and domestic pipelines in its recent budget. The $16.3 million investment in Werribee and Bacchus Marsh follows the government’s pre-budget announcements to pump $20 million into the Macalister Irrigation District and $40 million into building the south-west Loddon stock and domestic pipeline network. Funding has also been extended to look at the next wave of stock and domestic water security projects, with $1.2 million put aside for the
development for a business case for the Mitiamo stock and domestic pipeline. The government also committed an additional $44.5 million to help irrigators improve on-farm water use efficiency and for further irrigation upgrades and to manage salinity risks to agriculture and the environment. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) water council chairman Richard Anderson said the lobby group has been putting more effort into calling for greater investment in irrigation systems south of the Great Divide and stock and domestic pipelines and he said it was “great to see the government has listened and delivered”. “Almost every farmer is
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NEWS
June 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 5
Water, innovation and trade get the cash in federal budget The feedback we received clearly showed people in rural areas face grossly inadequate mobile and broadband access compared to their metropolitan counterparts.”
INCREASED LEVIES: An extra $2 million from changes to agricultural levies has allocated in the budget including a mandatory levy of 50 cents per tonne on all hay and straw prepared for export.
also drew criticism because of the importance to the Australian economy. “Each year we see around 40,000 backpackers come to Australia, many of whom work on our farms, and while they’re here they contribute about $3.5 billion to the Australian economy,” Mr Tuohey said. “We can’t afford to lose that labour or that revenue and we need a realistic solution to tackle the problem.” He added that both issues will be hot topics for the upcoming Federal election. According to the Cattle Council of Australia (CCA), the value that beef producers bring to the economy has not been recognised with the beef industry missing out in terms of infrastructure, however, beef businesses will benefit from the 2.5 per cent reduction in the tax rate for small businesses. CCA chief executive officer Jed Matz said that jobs and growth “did not appear to be as relevant” in the rural industries. “The budget seems to have little in it for agriculture but even less focus directly on the beef industry,” he said. “This is disappointing as investing in the beef industry is vital to building the agricultural boom to keep Australia’s economy moving forward as the mining industry falls away.” While Mr Matz said the
A two-year pilot program to improve access for farmers to training and information about co-operatives collective bargaining and innovate business models has also been provided. An extra $2 million annually from changes to agricultural levies has been given including a mandatory levy of 50 cents per tonne on all hay and straw prepared for export (replacing a voluntary levy), an increase in the Emergency Plant Test Response Levy for growth of private plantation logs and in increase in the citrus levy by $1.50 per tonne. However, there is widespread disappointment over the government’s failure to address the destructive backpacker tax and no additional funding to rid rural areas of telecommunications issues. “We have campaigned for more funding to go towards the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, but we have been left frustrated by their failure to acknowledge the needs of rural constituents,” Mr Tuohey said. “The feedback we received clearly showed people in rural areas face grossly inadequate mobile and broadband access compared to their metropolitan counterparts.” The government’s plan to tax working holiday makers as non-residents at 32.5 per cent
additional funding of $15.9 million to develop an advanced analytics capability aimed at better targeting the govern-
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really means due to the lack of detail provided. He added that beef had missed out on the infrastructure front with producers crying out for greater connectivity. “We are disappointed to see no additional allocations to mobile black spot programs. “Further, while improved market access has been delivered in recent years, there is still much work to be done, especially on technical trade barriers. “Australian beef producers are turning more and more to export markets to remain viable and access is vital. “It is unfortunate the government has failed to recognise the value behind these initiatives in this year’s budget,” Mr Matz said.
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THE 2016-2017 federal budget has included a number of measures for the agriculture industry, particularly relating to water and drought, infrastructure, innovation and trade, however, the backpacker tax is still causing headaches for those in the horticulture sector. The $2 billion toward concessional loans to establish the National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility was welcomed by the agricultural industry. Loan recipients will make interest only payments for the first five years and have a further 10 years to repay the principal and additional interest. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president Peter Tuohey praised the government’s commitment to encouraging water infrastructure projects which will improve the water security and boost agricultural opportunities in Victoria as well as giving “full credit” to delivering the much-needed infrastructure projects. “The VFF has campaigned for decades for freight rail upgrades as we are pleased to see this commitment locked into budget papers,” he said. “We welcome the government’s commitment to assisting state governments in commencing investment in these projects.” Free financial advice will be available to farmers in drought affected areas thanks to the $7.1 million to fund additional Rural Financial Counsellors. Up to $593.7 million in additional equity to the Australian Rail Track Corporation for land acquisition and pre-construction works has been provided to the inland rail project. The Australian Grape and Wine Authority has been given $50 million to promote wine tourism and Australian wine overseas and a reduction in the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) rebate cap from $500,000 to $350,000 has also been a win for those in the wine industry.
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NEWS
Page 6, Southern Farmer
June 2016
A handy $50 million injected into wine industry growth and recovery plan THE wine industry has received a major injection of funds as part of the Federal Government’s budget to grow demand and accelerate recovery of the nation’s grape and wine industry. The investment of $50 million over forward estimates was welcomed by the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia and Wine Grape Growers Australia with the Federation’s president Tony D’Aloisio “pleased” that the government listened and responded to the industry’s recovery strategy by making changes to the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) rebate. However, he also highlighted that just as important for the industry as the injection of funds was the need to tighten the WET rebate eligibility criteria.
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industry in its recovery after years of declining profits. “With a more favourable exchange-rate environment and the benefit of Free Trade Agreements with our major trading partners in Asia, the investment of $50 million over the forward estimates to grow markets could have a significant impact on demand,” Mr D’Aloisio said. “However, while we are pleased government has listened and responded to industry’s recovery plan and the need to provide much-needed additional funds for marketing, promotion and regional development, significant questions remain over reducing the rebate cap and the delay in removing eligibility for bulk and unbranded wine.”
“The industry sees removing the claims for bulk and unbranded wine as important drivers to industry’s restructure and we believe these changes need to happen now rather than later to assist in returning the industry to profitability,” Mr D’Aloisio said. The Federal Government has not accepted that the rebate cap remain unchanged, proposing a progressive reduction of $350,000 and then $290,000 from July 1, 2019. The federation believes this reduction will have an economic impact of removing some $300 million over the forward estimates for businesses with significant investment in regional Australia and it does not believe it is clear how the proposed reduction in the cap will aid the
NFF outlines measures needed to stimulate agriculture industry’s competitiveness ACCORDING to the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) the backpacker tax is only one of the important issues requiring commitment from policy makers as the group launches its ‘Accelerate Agriculture’ federal
election 2016 campaign. Highlighting Australia’s agricultural workforce needs as part of the campaign, the NFF has identified a number of key policy reform opportunities to boost the agricultural industry’s
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encourage greater uptake. “Each of these are common sense measures that can be easily implemented to truly help stimulate jobs and growth across what is Australia’s second largest export sector and a key contributor to the national economy,” Mr Finlay said. “Agriculture is already contributing significantly to the nation but has enormous potential to substantially increase this input and be our next $100 billion industry…we cannot emphasise this enough. “We call on our political candidates to commit to playing their role in allowing the industry to thrive by supporting policy that will lead to exceptional results. “But we are also more broadly looking to the next government to put in place sensible and sustainable workforce policies that support industry consolidation and growth over the next decade,” he said.
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NEWS
Page 8, Southern Farmer
June 2016
Let the 2016 season begin for Australia’s sheep and wool industry By DAVID RIZZOLI
M
ID-JULY to early August each year heralds the advent of the annual Victorian premier sheep shows and stud ram sales at Bendigo (Australian Sheep and Wool Show) the Merino Ram sale, Sheep and Alpaca sale and Merino Ram sale at Ballarat and the Hamilton and District Sheep Show, with Australia’s biggest Merino Ram sale taking place in conjunction with Sheepvention. These sales are followed by numerous on-property stud ram sales over the spring. While there are many different breeds of wool and meat producing sheep represented in these sales, it is the wool producers, particularly the Merino which dominate the sales. Therefore, it is fitting to follow the development of the wool industry and with it the Merino sheep from the earliest days in the colony of New South Wales to the present day. In the beginning he first sheep in the colony arrived with the First Fleet, however these animals either died or strayed or were eaten by hungry colonists. On December 11, 1792, following importations from the Cape of Good Hope and Calcutta there were 105 sheep in the colony, but by the following year that number had become so depleted that Captain Waterhouse was sent to the Cape for fresh supplies. By 1797 the industry had made little progress so two sea captains, Waterhouse and Kent were sent to the colony at the Cape of Good Hope and purchased 26 head of Spanish Merinos from the widow of the Governor of the Cape Colony, Colonel Gordon which were part of a flock he had purchased from the Royal Flock at Kew Gardens in England. It is noted that the Reverend Samuel Marsden “bought some” and Captain John Macarthur bought two rams and one ewe.
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Macarthur purchased more Merinos from some of the original buyers and further augmented his flock with the purchase of 1250 – 1350 Bengal sheep from one, Colonel Foveaux. It is interesting to note the role played by Marsden in the earliest days of the development of the industry, as it is somewhat overshadowed by the MacArthur’s, John and Elizabeth. Samuel Marsden was a Church of England minister and missionary to the colony who was granted a small parcel of land at Parramatta, which was then the centre of farming in the colony and expanded with further grants and purchases. In 1800 Governor King sent eight fleeces of Macarthur’s wool to Sir Joseph Banks. But it was Samuel Marsden who sent the first commercial shipment of wool to England aboard the Admiral Gambier on December 2, 1811. The 4000 to 5000 (1800 to 2200 kilogram) shipment was highly praised and sold for an average of 60 pence (compare this with the joint organisation fixed price of 4 shillings and six pence during World War II). In 1807 Marsden took a cask of his crossbred wool to England for testing. He wore a suit made from the wool at an audience with the King and presented His Majesty with a suit length of the material. The following year Macarthur sent a cask for testing. MacArthur’s first commercial shipment to England of 36 bales was shipped on July 6, 1813, together with a further 8000 pounds (3600 kg) from Marsden and an unrecorded quantity from Alexander Riley. It is recorded that Marsden’s wool made only a disappointing 40 pence (33 cents) a pound. Marsden was an important figure in the early wool industry. As early as 1798 he began selective breeding crossing the
Spanish Merino with English breeds such as the Southdown. Despite setbacks like having to go to England for court martial, Macarthur prospered. While in England both manufacturers and the government praised him for his efforts at wool growing and Lord Camden granted him 6000 acres (2024 hectares) in New South Wales. On his return in 1805 he brought with him five Merino rams and one ewe purchased at auction from the King George III’s Royal flock at Kew for up to 29 pounds, seven shillings each ($54.70) (four others died on the voyage and one on landing) and two wool sorters, Thomas and Edward Wood. It is of interest to note that these sheep clipped approximately three pounds and four ounces to seven pounds (1.28kg to 2.75 kg) per head. In 1809 Macarthur returned to England for Governor Bligh’s court marshal and stayed there in self-exile until 1817 studying all aspects of wool preparation and marketing. In his absence Macarthur’s wife, Elizabeth, successfully ran all his properties and breeding flocks together with crops and vineyards. Commercial production ollowing the first commercial exports of wool in 1811, wool exports grew quickly. In 1814, nearly 15,000 kilograms were exported. By 1819 this figure had increased to 33,700 kg. By the mid-1820s when 14,800 kg was exported to the Yorkshire mills the Australian colonies ranked third in the world only behind Spain and Germany, all the while, the expanding wool exports were boosted by increasing wool cuts per head of the sheep. In 1820 the average cut per head was a mere 0.5 kg per head (Macarthur’s sheep averaged 1.1 kg per head). By 1839 the average cut per head had increased to 0.9 kg.
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This steadily increased to 1.4kg in 1860, 2.7kg in 1880 and to 4kg in 1920. Today the average cut per head is about 4.5kg per head. Wool’s dominance as the country’s number one export was sorely tested when it was surpassed by gold as the nation’s leading export. It would be at least another decade before wool resumed its rightful place as the major export commodity. The Merino in Victoria erino sheep were first introduced into Victoria from Tasmania in 1824 by the Henty brothers, with one of the most important early importations being of Saxony blood from Tasmania by Andrew Furlonge who settled of Seven Creeks at Euroa in 1834. Other early Victorian studs of note were Larra at Camperdown (1844) – also the originating Merino blood in the development of the Corriedale; Barunah Plains at Wingeel (1840s), Wurrook at Rokewood (1830s-40s) and Ercildoune(1840s). A 1940 publication by the Victorian Department of Agriculture, ‘The Sheep Industry’ shows a pictorial record of the development of the Merino ram since 1898. The 1898 version shows an animal lacking in depth and underline, weakness in the head and general confirmation. By 1902 the American or Vermont strain had been introduced resulting in the amazingly wrinkled bodied animal, somewhat bigger, but still lacking strength of head and muzzle. By 1910, a totally different animal emerged. The ram was covered in wool from its nostrils to its toes. The Vermont was still visible, but the confirmation very much improved . The head was much stronger, but far too muffled. By 1918 the breeders had been working towards a big plain bodied animal trying to
M
eliminate the Vermont influence in the animals, but in doing so had lost some head and confirmation characteristics. The 1924 model saw breeders still working for big, plain bodied sheep with a strong head and good body folds. By 1940 we saw the present day animal developing – strong head, horn and wide open face, a large, roomy, well-developed body and a heavy, high-quality fleece. The establishment in 1858 of the Peppin Merino Flock saw the foundation of the vast majority of Merino sheep flocks in Australia. Genetic variations of these sheep can be found in the pastoral zones of South Australia, where a strong wool type predominates, Western Australia with a larger bodied animal and Queensland where bare bellies and legs can be found. The Saxon strain, which can be found mostly in Tasmania, commenced with the establishment of the Winton flock of David Taylor with animals imported from Germany and developed by studs such as James Gibson’s Belle Vue (1863) and Thomas Gibson, Esk Vale (1880) and W.Gibson’s Scone flock (1854). To this day, these sheep are generally smaller bodied, lighter cutting but finer wooled animals than the Peppin strains, although numerous breeders are producing sheep other than Saxons that are growing ultra-fine wools down to 13 microns. Harvesting wool rom the earliest beginnings blade shearing was the only method used to shear a sheep, however this was to change in 1877 when Frederick Wolseley took out the first shearing machine patent upon which the modern shearing machine is based. At a demonstration in Melbourne with three sheep in 1885, Australia’s first machine shearing cut one kg more wool than the blades, although the
F
blades were quicker. But in 1887, a competition between six shearers using Wolseley machines and six blade shearers in Queensland was won convincingly by the machines. Around the 1890s a cheap wool press that could be operated by two men was developed by Christian Koerstz. One last gasp victory was achieved for blade shearing in 1892 when John “Jackie” Howe of blue singlet fame, blade shore 321 sheep in eight hours and 40 minutes at Alice Downs Station near Blackall, Queensland. This still stands as a record for shearing Merino sheep. Selling wool elling wool by auction in Australia began in 1843 through Morts in Sydney. In Melbourne, auctions at Goldsborough’s began in 1848. Meanwhile, wool continued to sell by auction in England. Today wool is sold by the major wool brokers Landmark and Elders, together with a number of smaller organisations including WISS and Dalgety Wool and numerous wool-buying firms that mainly handle smaller wool clips. The vast majority of wool is sold by description, with the numerous individual traits described on computer. Wool selling is overseen by the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) which publishes daily Australian Wool Market Indicators that are a series of benchmarked indicators based on a basket of wool types and calculated each day. Currently, the indicators fluctuate about 1200 cents per day. Since the late 1900s other commodities such as coal, gas and iron ore have taken precedence over wool in the Australian export market, however wool remains the predominant natural fibre in the world both for every day garments and in the high fashion industry.
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NEWS
June 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 9
Stop delaying and axe the tax From front page
He added that he understood the concerns of those affected by the tax and that he will do something about it to reach an outcome. “Now I am not going to start declaring what the end of the review is before I have even started it. “If I take charge of this, and I will, we will land at an outcome that deals with concerns that are held by so many people, but I am not going to declare what those concerns are as that would be completely inappropriate because I haven’t talked to them all yet,” he said. However, farming groups do not believe the issue has been resolved at all, just delayed until after the election, with both sides of politics not making any clear commitment to abolishing the controversial tax. The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and its member organisations have been fighting hard on the issue with an online petition opposing the measure attracting almost 48,000 signatures. While NFF president Brent Finlay said he welcomed the government’s acknowledgement that a better long-term agricultural workforce solution is needed, this would not address the short-term workforce crisis facing the farm sector now
because of the backpacker tax. “We have heard stories from farmers across the nation who have found themselves unable to move forward with basic farm management, facing much lower production levels than usual because of the impact this tax will have,” he said. “A six month delay does not alleviate that concern, and for many means that the tax will now take effect half way through their busiest time of the year. “Farmers across the country will be wondering how much area to put under crop, if already dwindling backpacker numbers drop off even further at that time,” Mr Finlay said. He added that an immediate, permanent solution which encourages working holiday makers to travel to Australia and find employment in rural areas must be delivered as a matter of priority. “The last thing we want is to be in the same situation in six months’time, with no workable solution. “If the government is serious about jobs and growth and is really listening to the farm sector, they will deliver a fairer tax rate for backpackers so that farmers have a fighting chance of finding the workers they need, not just next year, but this year as well,” Mr Finlay said.
The Australian Labor Party said it would abolish the backpacker tax if it wins the upcoming federal election with Shadow Minister for Agriculture Joel Fitzgibbon stating that it would “kill this tax and kill it quickly”. However, farmers are confused over Labor’s plans should it win the federal election as the opposition continues to criticise the Coalition’s 32.5 per cent tax without offering a solution of its own. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) horticulture vice president Emma Germano said it was unacceptable that both parties did not year have a clear position. “This is a critical issue for people living in rural areas, and it doesn’t inspire confidence that so close to the election neither side has made a clear commitment to scrap the tax,” she said. “We can’t sit around until after the election before we get a clear signal from either side that there won’t be a backpacker tax, because one of them will be in government. “All sides need to step up and commit to scrapping the tax as an election priority. “The Coalition wants to review the tax and Labor doesn’t know what to do, so what are we supposed to do
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while they struggle to get their act together? “Delaying a decision on the tax will be devastating for farmers who will be harvesting their crops in the New Year, which is when we’ll most need the support of backpacker labour,” Ms Germano said. She added that the tax was a threat to both the agriculture and tourism industries, with more than 40,000 visa holders working in the agriculture industry each year and contributing around $3.5 billion to the Australian economy. “Working holiday makers are a valuable source of shortterm labour for producers and they bring billions in revenue to our national economy. “The lack of certainty around the tax means that we don’t know how to prepare for this year’s season and backpackers won’t visit here, which will be devastating for two vital industries,” Ms Germano said. Otway-based seed potato grower Dean Bone who employees backpackers to work on his 1000 acre property said that while the delay in introducing the increased tax rate is “a good thing” it is the outcome of what the rate will be that is what farmers are concerned about. Mr Bone hires backpackers to work on his farm mainly via word-of-mouth and each
year has workers from all over Europe including Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Israel and currently has a few workers from the UK. “I’ve been talking to my backpackers about the tax and they say they just wouldn’t come if the tax was that high as it wouldn’t be feasible for them to come and do the work. “Basically my phone would stop ringing as it is really, really hard to get local people to do the jobs the backpackers do here like packing in the shed and working on the back of the harvester. “We have accommodation here for them and they come and work for about three to four months which covers the 88 days they need to work to receive a visa for a second year. “A lot of farmers rely on these backpackers who work very hard and we would be lost without them. “The decision to delay the increase in the tax is a good one, but it was a little late coming,” Mr Bone said. AUSVEG deputy chief executive officer Andrew White also expressed his disappointment at the Federal Government’s “lack of action” to eliminate the tax. “Australian vegetable growers rely on backpackers to offset domestic labour shortages
and perform the high amounts of manual labour needed in vegetable production,” he said. “Whether the tax is introduced at the currently proposed level now or in six months, the effect will be the same – it will threaten the availability of this vital labour source and leave growers unable to get crops off the field. “We hope the Federal Government’s review delivers a sensible solution to this issue which acknowledges the unique needs of the Australian vegetable industry and will continue to enable Australian growers to access this important source of labour,” Mr White said. Statistics from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection show that the number of backpackers coming to Australia has dropped repeatedly over the past two years, with more than 34,000 fewer visas granted in 2014/2015 than in 2012/2013. “The ongoing decline in backpackers visiting Australia must be arrested if the Australian vegetable industry is to remain viable, and any further decrease in the number of backpackers visiting Australia could have a crippling impact on the Australian vegetable industry,” Mr White said.
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NEWS
Page 10, Southern Farmer
June 2016
Blondes are proving to be the hidden secret to success using Blonde bulls underline this fact by returning to purchase additional Blonde bulls,” he said. “They are experiencing the Blonde impact with lower production costs combined with increased sale prices both live weight or over the hook.” Calves generally have low birth weights, but muscle up rapidly from two to six weeks of age. Hybrid Vigour and Blonde genetics combine to give exceptional growth under many conditions, with the breed described as having excellent feed conversion. “Their rapid growth flows
a substantial impact in prime cattle and carcase competitions. There are more than 2000 active purebred females spread throughout both Australia and New Zealand, and stud calf registrations have been steadily increasing every year. The Blonde d’Aquitaine Society of Australia and New Zealand describes the breed as easy calving, rapid growing, feed efficient with high yielding carcasses. Spokesperson for the society Ron Radford said that Blondes are the secret for success. “Beef producers currently
on into both the feedlot and grass finishing situations where quiet cattle that take to feed quickly are needed to reduce costs and finishing time,” Mr Radford said. “They have a high retail meat yield, with Blondes typically getting more than 57 per cent to 60 per cent dressing weights and 80 per cent yield of saleable meat from a carcase because of their high meat to bone ratios and minimal fat.” Blondes are a terminal sire best suited to mating with British females like Angus, Murray Grey, Shorthorn or Hereford or their crosses. The resultant calves
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perform well both in the baby beef market as well as the store/feeder market. Blonde-cross heifer calves realise the same dollar return as the steer calves. The Blonde d’Aquitaine breed is involved with the internationally acclaimed BREEDPLAN beef cattle genetic evaluation system which is now used in 10 countries. It covers a wide range of traits including birth weight, calving ease, growth, milking ability, fertility and carcase information. “With a growing number of dedicated stud breeders actively promoting the breed
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View online at blondes.asn.au website also on Facebook Blonde d’Aquitaine Society Beef up your profits by using a blonde bull in your herd. Big Muscle : Big Rumps : Big Bucks Add some quality traits to your herd with a blonde sire. Simply choose a vendor near you BUY NOW with the very best genetics to start your own herd
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NEWS
Page 12, Southern Farmer
June 2016
The importance of amino acid nutrition IN the year 2000 I was withdrawing from the daily running of a dairy farm. I thought I was old enough to avoid learning how to use a computer! I now ďŹ nd myself emerged in amino acid nutrition, which I also thought I could let pass by. After two years of prompting by a nutritionist friend in the US and co-author of the most advanced amino acid optimisation program, one of my sons and I travelled to the US in February for training in this program. That was the easy part. We are now faced with the task of how to utilise this futuristic technology in grazingbased systems? Late last year, Professor Charles Schwab, University of New Hampshire, addressed the Australian Association of Ruminant Nutrition in Melbourne on the subject of amino acid nutrition. Perhaps my most outstanding memory of Dr Chuck’s presentation was when he stopped halfway through, clapped his hands and said “Is everybody listening? “The highest producing herds in the USA have the highest milk solids and the highest fertility.â€? Not a statement we can ignore. Fortunately we have Dr
By JOHN LYNE Dairytech dairy production specialist
Chuck helping us through our dilemma. Firstly, what are amino acids? Amino acids are fractions or types of protein. All feeds contain some mix of amino acids. The challenge is to match the amino acid proďŹ le of the ration with that of milk. Then suddenly all productivity parameters make a very positive jump. We are all familiar with the term crude protein, and the word crude best describes it. In fact, and especially in grazing-based systems, it is a useless ďŹ gure. Why? Because our pastures can contain very high levels of nitrogen (CP percentages of 36 per cent) of which only about 40 per cent of this is ‘true protein’. A cow can utilise ‘some’ soluble protein to produce microbial protein; but our cows are well in excess of that amount. Work Dairytech Nutrition did several years ago with
Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) monitoring bore this fact out all too clearly; and the cost too, of mitigating excess rumen ammonia. We built a new product as a result of this research to eliminate high MUN readings and their legacy to health, production and fertility. Nutritionists are constantly looking for ways to improve performance and proďŹ tability. Amino acid balancing is well documented as having that ability. Field experience in the US has been less than successful at doing this. There are several challenges to amino acid balancing (and dairy productivity in general) that must be addressed ďŹ rst. Challenge 1 - Management We all long for the ‘silver
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of amino acids reaching the duodenum. Rumen health/function plays a major role in utilisation of existing amino acids in feeds. The production of microbial protein, a signiďŹ cant supplier of amino acids to the cow, is directly proportional to rumen bacteria populations. The product developed from MUN research mentioned above, is a combination of a natural plant and yeast culture. The plant addresses excess rumen ammonia from occurring while the yeast component increased rumen bacteria populations, which essentially, become microbial protein when they pass to the lower gut for digestion. For many of our current dairy farmers, my hope of avoiding computers will prevail in regard to amino acid optimisation. For younger farmers and those yet to come, I assure you, amino acid optimisation will be the ‘next big thing’. In the words of my friend and mentor, Dr Richard Ware, “Regardless, the bottom line is that amino acid balancing (as with any other supplementation) should be veriďŹ ed with the only expert that matters... the cow. “And she is never wrong.â€?
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bullet’ feed additive to fit straight into our current ration and ďŹ x all our problems. Today’s dairy rations require signiďŹ cant nutrients and energy to optimise the genetics our herds have. Knowing ration ingredient analysis is critical to this, especially wet feeds such as pasture and silage which can have large variations. Grazing management, silage production and feed-out management, feed sequence to keep a healthy functionally efďŹ cient rumen, all have major impacts on productivity. Stress from poor animal handling at milking and other activities will annihilate the best nutritional strategies, let alone immunity/health. In regard to rations it is the old adage: There are three rations. The one on paper, the one
the cows received, and the one the cows ate. Challenge 2 – Nutritional Status Once all management limitations are addressed, nutritional status of the herd is next. Assessment of lean body tissue (muscle mass) as well as fat coverage needs to be considered. If prior rations have depleted lean body tissue, as with body fat, amino acids will have been mobilised to meet production demand, especially in fresh cows. Depending on the severity of this, supplementation with appropriate amino acids could take 12 weeks to replenish body reserves before production improvement is seen. Challenge 3 – Estimating the Starting Point This is where we stand currently. We have signiďŹ cant work to do to establish a baseline of current ration amino acid content. We have already invested heavily in sending common feed samples to the US for wet chemistry analysis. This will be ongoing in regard to pasture over the growing season. We have purchased software based on the NRC model that has been proven most accurate from research into actual levels
THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has launched a major survey to determine the impact and cost of stock water shortages across the state. According to VFF stock and domestic water taskforce chair Peter Delahunty stock water shortages are costing Victoria’s farmers and rural communities “dearly�. “Whether it is caused by long-term climate change or not, rainfall runoff has been in decline since the early 1990s,� he said. “Water shortages are becoming more frequent, putting the productivity of many
farms and regions at risk. “Less water means less sheep and cattle, means less revenue flowing into towns, fewer processing jobs and less regional growth,� Mr Delahunty said. The farmer lobby group is calling on all farmers to fill in its Stock and Domestic Water Survey to help measure their water access, security and impact of supply. The VFF will use the combined results to add further weight to its argument that governments, state and federal, must make further investments in securing stock and domestic water supplies.
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FARMER TO FARMER
June 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 13
Dairy farmer enjoying her profession of hope Give our readers a quick snapshot of your farm at Poowong North. Our dairy farm at Poowong North is approximately 20 minutes South of Warragul/Drouin, located amongst the beautiful rolling hills of South Gippsland. We milk up to 500 cows which are split between autumn and spring calving. The herd is predominantly Holstein. We milk in a 25 swingover dairy which has recently been renovated to include more automation. The cows are fed a pasture-based diet supplemented by a grain mix along with maize silage, which is grown on the farm. We produce about 3.5 million litres of milk per year, or 250,000kg
milk solids, and this milk is supplied to Murray Goulburn at Leongatha. How long have you been a farmer? I have been a farmer for five years. My husband, Aaron, and I work in partnership with my brother, Rodney and his wife Steph. A large part of the farm is our family farm, which my father set up as a dairy farm 19 years ago (converted from beef). Part of the farm also belonged to my grandfather, so it has been in the family for some time. Tell us about your family. Aaron has worked on the farm with me for the past three
years, prior to which he was driving milk tankers. We have two sons, Logan who is five and Jake who is three. They love to help with the farm jobs – Logan even offered to do some power harrowing if we needed him to – one day in the future we will say ‘yes’. The kids learn so much growing up on a farm. They understand why we do what we do, and how the choices we make in operating our farm are centred on caring for our animals and our environment. Best advice or farming tip you have received? You don’t have to know everything – you just need to have people around you who are
experts in different areas that you can draw information from. Then take the information you receive and apply it to your situation, either theoretically or practically, and use a level head to decide what works and what doesn’t work for your farm business. Describe your perfect day. To see the sun rise, and set, and feel satisfied that in between you have achieved all that you could for the day and then spend some quality time with the family. What is the best thing about being a farmer? Having the privilege of working in the outdoors and being custodians of the land and our animals. I also love seeing our young calves that we have bred, grow and develop into young heifers and then
mature cows in the herd. We look after them, and they look after us. What is the worst thing about being a farmer? Today – the volatility in milk price – but more often than not, it’s the season behaving unseasonably that causes the greatest challenges for our dairy farming business. It is often said that farming is a profession of hope. I think this is absolutely true. If you could be someone else for a day, who would that be and why? Tough question. Perhaps I would like to be my older self for a day, so I can then utilise the benefit of hindsight. Right now, that would be worth a lot.
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NEWS
Page 14, Southern Farmer
June 2016
Farmers to access solar without outlaying for a system
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ENERGY provider Origin has launched a new service allowing farmers and business owners to access solar power at a low rate during the day without capital expenditure in a solar system. ‘Solar as a Service’ allows businesses to save money on their energy bills by providing them access to low-cost solar energy at a lower price than they would be paying for their grid energy. The business also does not
have to pay for the system or pay for ongoing maintenance as Origin owns the system and looks after it. According to Origin solar and emerging business general manager Phil Mackey the option is ideal for companies with unshaded roof space and who plan to be in their premises for the long term and operate during the day. “We know from customers
or they can choose a CPI indexed rate. The amount each business can save will depend on their daytime energy needs, roof space, the size of the system installed and the length of their Solar as a Service agreement.
that being more environmentally friendly is of concern, especially those who use a lot of energy or operate on a 24/7 basis,” he said. “So offering Solar as a Service is enabling companies to cross two things off their list: saving energy bill costs and doing their bit for the environment.” Businesses can also ensure that they keep the same rate for up to 15 years, protecting them against any future electricity price hikes,
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Compiled by DAVID
RIZZOLI
1
Which crop, fairly widely grown in southern Victoria in the 1870s, was replanted, experimentally, in the Ballarat district in 2013?
2 3
What is the RSPCA recommended stocking rate for free range hens? Place in order of the arrival in Australia of these Stud cattle – (a) Hereford, (b) Devon, (c) Red Poll, (d) Shorthorn, (e) Aberdeen Angus.
4 5
For what does the acronym SGCAC stand? In 1890, which dog was established as a stable breed for working livestock?
6
What were the given (first) names of the Chaffey brothers who developed the Mildura irrigation scheme?
7 8 9
Which Royal Agricultural Show is held in October each year?
PICTURE CLUE: This field of opium poppies is a clue to one of the answers in the agtrivia.
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Which event, in November 2013, was acclaimed to be a major boost to Australian primary industries?
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Which beans are canned for Heinz and SPC baked beans in tomato sauce? (a) Haricot, (b) Navy, (c) Mung.
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From where, other than Spain (via South Africa) were Merino sheep imported into Australia?
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What was the original Australian name for canola?
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AGTRIVIA ANSWERS: 1. Opium Poppies; 2. 1500 to 2500 birds; 3. (b)1820; (d)1825; (a)1826; (c)1850; (e) 1880. 4. Sheep and Goat Compensation Advisory Committee. 5. The Blue Speckle Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler); 6. George and William; 7. The Royal Geelong Show; 8. Portland Bay (1834), James Henty. 9. The passing through Parliament of the China Free Trade legislation. 10. (b) Navy. 11. Saxony (Germany) 1836; 12. Oilseed Rape.
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PASTURE IMPROVEMENT
June 2016
Southern Farmer, Page 15
Crop yields on sandy soils boosted by GRDC research
NEW INSIGHTS: Therese McBeath from the CSIRO has been involved in a collaborative research effort that has produced new insights for grain growers in areas of low rainfall and sandy soils.
effort that has produced new insights for grain growers in areas of low rainfall and sandy soils. Dr McBeath and Dr Desbiolles said research at various trial sites in SA and Victoria had shown that sowing strategies can influence soil moisture, nutrition and disease, and ultimately grain yield potential. “For example, field trials to date suggest crop performance in sandy soils improves under paired row seeding systems,” Dr Desbiolles said. “Preference should be given to systems with higher seedbed utilisation using paired row or spreader boot designs to reduce the risk of fertiliser toxicity, secure seed placement onto undisturbed soil moisture, and effectively maximise crop establishment and yield potential.” Dr Desbiolles said sowing into non-wetting sands could
RESEARCH conducted by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has discovered the potential for sowing strategies to improve crop productivity on sandy soils in the southern cropping region. Sandy soils, a dominant feature of the southern region especially in low rainfall zones, are often subject to low productivity due to conditions such as water repellence, low water-holding capacity and low fertility affecting crop emergency and early vigour. However, research partly funded by the GRDC is showing that the choice and operation of seeding system technology can have a positive impact on crop productivity. Therese McBeath from the CSIRO in Adelaide (South Australia) and Jack Desbiolles from the University of SA have been involved in a collaborative research
southern trials, however, this did not translate to grain yield benefits following the dry springs of 2014 and 2015. Dr Desbiolles said the use of in-furrow banding of fungicides in liquid fertilisers consistently boosted control of Rhizoctonia root rot disease and crop response relative to seed treatments alone during the course of a five year research program. Rhizoctonia is one of the major biological constraints to cereal crops on sandy soils in the Mallee region, especially where non-wetting soils are an issue. The combination of seed fungicide treatment and infurrow banding produced the highest levels of protection. Dr McBeath said further work was needed to validate whole-of-paddock approaches integrating the abovementioned early recommendations and to demonstrate best-practice solutions.
significantly benefit from furrow seeding technology that effectively clears the top water-repellent layer away from the seed row and promotes seed placement into moisture. Pilot trials using a proofof-concept scooping share design ahead of a triple disc achieved 90 percent wheat establishment, up from 64 per cent without it. “Furrow sowing can also benefit from wide ‘V’ press wheel profiles to create stable furrows, and also maximise water harvesting potential,” he said. GRDC-funded work in Western Australia has shown that moisture in non-wetting sands tends to be greater directly under last year’s rows where stubble is kept standing. Sowing on or near last year’s standing rows also significantly improved crop establishment and biomass in non-wetting sands during the
Goldacres staying ahead of the field FOR more than 25 years Goldacres has been supplying Australian farmers with quality, innovative and technologically advanced spraying equipment. Ground breaking technology such as Direct Chemical Injection (DCI), Ultraglide, SmartSteer, TriTech boom suspension and aluminium boom wings have changed the way farmers apply chemicals, with these innovations having been introduced in response to the requests of Goldacres’ customers. The company has now designed the 100m Pro-Reel remote auto re-wind hose reel with quality components and compact dimensions. The Pro Reel is a tray mounted sprayer range ideal for high pressure spraying duties. The range comes in tank sizes 200, 300, 400 and 600 litres, with a tank sump for complete tank drain and compact dimensions to suit many tray back applications. Spray control is via a manual regulation valve with manual taps and a suction filter with a shut-off valve fitted across the range.
The 200 litre versions are fitted with the reliable Honda GX100 engine coupled to a 20 litre per minute diaphragm pump (290 PSI). The 300, 400 and 600 litre versions all feature the Honda GX200 with a 40 litre per minute (580 PSI) high pressure diaphragm pump. All units are complemented
by the 100m Pro Reel remote auto re-wind hose reel and fitted with a turbo 400 spray gun with adjustable spray trigger, which is both light weight and capable of dealing with the high pressure spraying duties. A twin reel unit is also available for spraying duties requiring two operators.
These units come in tank sizes 400, 600, 800 and 1000 litre, with a tank sump for complete tank drain and compact dimensions to suit many tray back applications. Spray control is via a manual regulation valve with manual taps and a suction filter, with a shut-off valve fitted across the range.
This range also features the reliable Honda GX200 with a 40 litre per minute high pressure diaphragm pump. All units are complemented by twin 100m Pro Reel remote auto re-wind hose reels and fitted with twin turbo 400 spray guns with adjustable spray trigger. As an added safety feature
all Pro-reel twin units are fitted with a hand wash tank and soap dispenser. According to Goldacres sales and marketing operations manager Stephen Richards the vision of the company has always been to provide its customers with spraying equipment that “allows them to change the way they spray”. “Goldacres not only produce Australia’s finest range of spraying equipment, we also value the relationship with the owners of our equipment,” he said. Goldacres operates two factories in regional Victoria. The St Arnaud facility, 130km north west of Ballarat, is where the company was founded and manufactures the small sprayer range up to 2500 litres. The 13 acre site has undergone a major factory expansion that now includes more than 5000 square metres of production space. The Goldacres sprayer range is sold, serviced and supported nationally by more than 80 dealers. For more information visit www.goldacres.com.au.
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WINTER WARMTH AND HEATING
Page 16, Southern Farmer
June 2016
Illegal sale of firewood targeted “This activity is making a profit from taking firewood that should be available free of charge to the community during the domestic firewood season. “Operation Axe will seek new information and use it to stop these illegal activities,” Ms Moore said. Commercial firewood suppliers must have appropriate licences and permits to sell firewood obtained from public land. The DELWP is reminding the community that it is illegal to remove firewood from any public land other than a domestic firewood coupe during the designated firewood collection seasons. “By purchasing firewood from unlicensed suppliers, purchasers are undermining licensed firewood suppliers resulting in increased prices for firewood. “The illegal sale of firewood is viewed as a serious offence which attracts penalties of up to $7583 or one year imprisonment or both,” Ms Moore said. All information provided will be treated in strictest confidence. For more information contact the DELWP on 136 186.
THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has launched a state-wide operation targeting the illegal commercial sale of firewood sourced from public land. ‘Operation Axe’ has been set up to gather information from the community about the illegal sale of firewood from public land. DELWP senior forests investigator Samantha Moore said that once investigations have been conducted anyone found breaking the law will be prosecuted. “This follows last year’s Operation Chainsaw which resulted in the identification of 121 persons of interest and the prosecution of numerous individuals who were convicted and fined up to $10,000 as well as having items such as chainsaws and trailers seized and forfeited to the Crown,” she said. “DELWP regional authorised officers will be conducting investigations to determine the legality of commercial firewood suppliers across Victoria. “Operation Chainsaw has shown that firewood is still being illegally removed from public land and sold.
Lopi’s GreenSmart system helps to heat your home smarter and more efficiently FROM a traditional fireplace and stove design to modern pebble and driftwood style fireplace designs, Lopi have a fireplace to suit everyone. Lopi are leaders in slow combustion wood and gas fireplaces, with the company distributing fireplace products throughout Australia. The company offer a range of linear and traditional direct vent gas fireplaces, and have also just introduced two traditional style gas fireplaces with a clean face style. Lopi sales manager Chris Kent said all of the company’s gas fireplaces include GreenSmart Direct Vent gas technology making Lopi’s fireplaces exceptionally efficient. “The GreenSmart 2 System is the most innovative collection of components, controls and
technology that when combined, provide and elegant, smarter and greener way to heat your home,” he said. “The features include the GreenSmart 2 remote control, smart thermostat mode, remote blower operation, accent lighting, comfort control, continuous or GreenSmart pilot and drop down or glide-away concealments doors,” Mr Kent said. The GreenSmart 2 remote is a controller that allowing the user to run all features of the fireplace. In ‘smart thermostat mode’ the fire automatically adjusts the heat output based on the temperature setting chosen, meaning the flame will modulate up/down as opposed to instantly shutting off/ on like normal thermostats. “This conserves fuel, maximises heating ability and offers a more
even heat while extending the viewing pleasure of the fire,” Mr Kent said. With the push of a button the system’s comfort control feature will turn off the rear burner while leaving the front burner on for an attractive flame appearance when less heat output is the priority. “This feature not only ensures your comfort, but does not waste energy when less heat is desired. “Also, with simple remote operation the blower can operate from either off to a choice of six speeds,” he added. Accent Lights are standard features in all Lopi gas fireplaces. This feature adds a warm glow to both the logs and optional firebacks and can be used when the fire is on or off. This is perfect as a night light or soft indirect light for the room,
allowing visual enhancement of your fireplace 365 days a year. The continuous or GreenSmart pilot switch allows operation of the fireplace in either continuous (CPI) or GreenSmart (IPI) modes. In continuous pilot mode the pilot stays on and is ideal during winter months when maintaining a warm flue is necessary to ensure reliable operation. In GreenSmart pilot mode the pilot flame ignites via an intermittent (IPI) spark. It does not run continuously therefore conserving energy when the appliance is not being operated in the spring and summer. The GreenSmart system includes an automatic battery back-up, ensuring proper ignition even during power outages. For more information visit www. lopi.com.au.
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Lopi 4415 GS2 - The Latest In Linear Gas Fireplaces
Lopi Flush Wood Large
Lopi Cape Cod
Lopi DVL GS2 - Gas Insert For Existing Fireplaces
SOUTHERN VICTORIAN LOPI OUTLETS Abbotsford Bendigo Cranbourne Epping Ferntree Gully Geelong Moorabbin Mornington Taylors Lakes Warragul Williamstown
Wignell’s of Melbourne BBQ’s Galore Bendigo Climatise NatGas Heating & Cooling Russell’s Heating Cooling BBQ’s Galore Geelong Southside Heating Centre Mr Gas Man Nick Daniels Heating Cosy Heaters Gas Central
(03) 9417 3315 (03) 5443 2434 1300 210 300 (03) 9408 5786 (03) 9758 1900 (03) 5241 1833 (03) 9532 6199 (03) 5976 8049 (03) 9449 1555 (03) 5622 3353 (03) 9397 6234
OTHER VICTORIAN LOPI OUTLETS Ballarat Colac Horsham Robinvale Sale Shepparton Traralgon Warrnambool
BBQ’s Galore Ballarat Walsh ERA Poolside Wimmera Spa & Pools Irribiz Robindale Sale Heating & Leisure BBQ’s Galore Shepparton Traralgon Heating Turland Bros
(03) 5332 3233 (03) 5231 4994 (03) 5382 4443 (03) 5026 3477 (03) 5144 4041 (03) 5821 0550 (03) 5174 7333 (03) 5562 2155
FOR MORE INFORMATION & OTHER AREAS PLEASE CALL 1800 064 234 OR VISIT: www.lopi.com.au
j/05d08829/19-16
June 2016
WINTER WARMTH AND HEATING
Southern Farmer, Page 17
Pivot specialising in heaters that burn clean, efficiently and all night
WITH 140 years of experience manufacturing wood stoves and heating houses it is no wonder Pivot Stove & Heating has become leaders within the heating industry. The family run company has a long history that has been based in Geelong since 1876 on the Moorabool Street hill where now, sixth generation chief executive officer and owner Greg Parker-Hill embraces the newest and the best technology including gas log fires, more than 30 wood heaters and stoves, Kleenmaid, St George, Pacific Energy and Esse products and more. According to Mr ParkerHill, Pivot Stove & Heating maintains its proud Geelongcentric business ethic of sourcing whatever it can locally, helping ensure Pivot supports the local community and vice versa. “Pivot has evolved to be leaders within the heating industry, heating and cooking is in our blood,” he said. Continuing with the Parker family passion and family motto to be fluid, Mr Parker-Hill has a true focus on environmental aspects of fires. “I have a vision for Pivot - a vision for the way consumers will change the way they think about heating and the fuel they use. “A vision on a change of
EFFICIENT USAGE: The Esse wood stove is unique with the Ironheart model offering a cooker that doubles up as a heater with a massive firebox with a glass door. the way consumers will buy heaters based on efficiency and the emissions their heater impacts on our world, not on brand of the heater, but based on the emission impact their
purchase will make on our world. “I believe in making the world better, one person at a time and if everyone made a decision in using less waste,
or using a heating source that can reduce fuel usage and emissions, this will have more impact than a blue chip company reducing their carbon emission by one per
cent in 2080. “I am focused to find the best and most efficient heaters there are like gasification wood heaters and boilers, pellet fires and wood heaters with the
lowest emissions that have over 8o per cent efficiency,” Mr Parker-Hill said. With this vision to change the industry by only supplying high efficient heaters, a new range of wood heaters and gas log fires were sourced from around the world, giving the company the strength to expand the business. The company offers products for wood and pellet heating, gas heating, wood stoves, hydronic boilers, hot water, cooking, outdoor products, reverse cycle air conditioners, spare parts and accessories. “Over the last 10 years I have sourced heaters that outperform branded models - heaters that burn three, four and five tonne a year less wood,” Mr Parker-Hill said. “Heaters that burn so clean, all you see is water vapour from the chimneys. “Our vision is more alive than ever. “We have new wood heaters that outperform, heat more effectively and offer less emission than ever before. “And by doing this, we give the choice to the consumer... a choice to make educated decisions to buy the right heater for their home, and to make a difference,” he added. For more information visit www.pivotstove.com.au.
t/37d05737/2416
Page 18, Southern Farmer
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR MACHINERY BUYING GUIDE
McCormick Tractors designed for comfort and easy use
NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
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BELARUS 572A 4WD TRACTOR FOR SALE Featuring: ‡ +3 ‡ )RUNV EXFNHW ‡ QHZ W\UHV ‡ )URQW HQG ORDGHU ‡ 2QO\ +56 SERVICE BACK UP PROVIDED
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SPLIT YOUR FIREWOOD the FAST and EASY way
June 2016
s seSeee uu sENaTItON V st, 2 EPfe g E A & H S ust 1 sAituge N74
McCORMICK Tractors X50 tractor range that was launched four years ago has just returned to the market with the company’s newly adopted designs that have been incorporated into all its tractors. The all new X5 tractor series offers a fully revamped four-post cab with at-deck platform and rear hinged doors providing ease of access to the driver’s seat and unequalled all-round visibility. Designed with painstaking attention to detail, the cab interior features ergonomically arranged controls for maximum comfort and ease of operation. The telescopic tilt-adjustable steering wheel tilts with the instrument panel, allowing the driver to constantly monitor the tractor operation. The air conditioning with ďŹ lters located in the rear posts for ease of cleaning makes for an ultra-slim roof design that reduces the tractor’s overall height. Other improvements include increased hydraulic ow and a larger fuel tank with a storage capacity of 120 litres. The 12+12 transmission with power shuttle and shuttle modulation control has now been upgraded with the proven 36+12 Xtrashift transmission, with 3-stage powershift providing a top speed of 40 kilometres per hour at reduced engine revolutions per minute. The X5 tractor range consists of four models: the X5.20, X5.30, X.5.40 and X5.50. All models are powered by the new Perkins 854E-E34TA engines. Equipped with two-valve technology, common rail injection system and exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR), these 3.4-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-after cooled engines meet the Tier 4 Interim emission regulations and offer
FULLY REVAMPED: The cab interior on the new X5 tractor series features ergonomically arranged controls for maximum comfort and ease of operation.
power ratings from 88.5 to 113 horsepower. The X5 series has 21 per cent more oil ow – up from 52 litres per minute to 63 litres per minute, plus 30 litres per minute dedicated to steering. There is also an 18 per cent increase in fuel tank capacity giving more work time between ďŹ ll-ups for increased productivity. The engine performance and emissions control technology are unchanged on the Perkins 854E engine, which when introduced, brought an eight per cent increase in the fuel economy of the McCormick tractor range.
The electronic engine management, combined with the Power Plus system, allows the engine to automatically deliver extra power and torque to handle demanding PTO and transport applications. Fully reshaped to reect the new McCormick family styling, the tiltup hood opens wide to provide easy access to the engine compartment for service and maintenance and for easy cleaning of coolers in dusty conditions. McCormick is built on more than 180 years of heritage; from the world’s ďŹ rst practical reaper in 1831, through to the long dis-
tinguished line of tractors that followed. McCormick Tractors are distributed in Australia by Clark Equipment, and are available from a network of dealers across the country. Clark Equipment provides sales and support for the McCormick tractor range, adding to the company’s extensive portfolio of equipment for the construction, infrastructure, agricultural, mining, materials handling and logistics sectors of the economy. For more information visit www.mccormicktractorsaustralia. com.au.
Tractor parts for most and makes and models.
G.W. Tractors ...the parts people
6 Haymer Court Braeside VIC 3195 Phone: Toll Free 1800 062 790 info@gwtractors.com.au
www.gwtractors.com.au
June 2016
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR MACHINERY BUYING GUIDE
Southern Farmer, Page 19
Quality Log Splitters Tas providing highest standards in wood chopping CANADIAN wood chopping masters, Split-Fire is well known for offering the safest and most productive wood splitters on the market, with Hobart-based Quality Log Splitters Tas being the sole agents in Australia that are proud to sell what they describe as the highest standards in wood chopping equipment. Quality Log Splitters Tas manager Philip de la Motte said the company has five different tractor models and five portable models on offer, demonstrating it’s diverse and versatile range that covers “every possible need and land use”. “With the Split-Fire’s unique dual action, splitting on the forward and reverse strokes, effectively doubling splitter efficiency, waiting for that return stroke is a thing of the past,” he said. “Triangular-shaped end stops are another unique feature, allowing logs to hinge around the stop during splitting, using less force. “Tractor models attach easily to three-point linkages, and standard quick connect hose fittings allow for rapid connection tractor hydraulics
EASY SPLITTING: All splitters, whether tractor or portable, are backed with a 12-month warranty and have the option of being fitted with a hydraulic log lifter.
requiring as little as 15 litres per minute oil flow to operate,” Mr de la Motte said. He added that there are models that will suit garden
tractors right through to the largest farm tractors. The portable models use Honda, Subaru or Kohler motors and have matched two-
stage hydraulic pumps with inline filters. Large, solid tables are fitted to both sides of the splitters, giving room for pieces to be
stacked ready to be split again. “All splitters, whether tractor or portable, are backed with a 12-month warranty and have the option of being fitted with
a hydraulic log lifter, enabling up to 250kg of logs to be lifted to the level of the splitter bed, so there is no manual lifting or grubbing around bent over at ground level as one needs to with a vertical/horizontal splitter,” Mr de la Motte said. “This allows the operator to stand upright in a fatigue-free position and eliminates back and arm strain.” The log lifter can also be used as a handy, feed-in table, with smaller logs stacked on in advance, allowing the splitter to run continuously. “One Split-Fire renter group recently split 50 tonnes of firewood in a weekend with our portable model 4490, putting in just over 16 machine hours,” Mr de la Motte added. Quality Log Splitters Tas will be at this year’s Sheepvention in Hamilton on August 1 and 2 and at the Elmore Field Days, site 734 on October 4, 5 and 6. You can like the company at www.facebook.com/ pages/Quality-Log-SplittersTas/697470190285817?ref=hl and see the Split-fire splitters working at www.youtube.com/ channel/UCysq7tO8dAHPkCQwN7uDTBQ.
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- Engine: Perkins Common Rail Power boost 113HP/ 83KW - PTO- 3 speed 540/750/1000 rpm - Hydraulics: 2 Spool valves S/D acting (1 Std + 1 Float) - Premium Operator Cab -Air suspended seat -Passenger seat -Pressurised air conditioning system
$78450 + GST
While stocks last.
+ WITH LOADER *Dealer/feight charges may apply.
www.clarkfarmequipment.com.au I 1300 628 722
T/37D05725/2416
Enrossi Hay Equipment
THE ALL NEW
REAL DEAL
NEW MF5700 SERIES | 92 – 102 HP UNBEATABLE PERFORMANCE EVERY DAY 4 cylinder powerful, reliable and fuel efficient AGCO POWER engines New 12 x 12 fully synchronised transmission for smoother operation with a good selection of gears Power shuttle with adjustable response of shuttle for smooth operation Large 4,000 kg rear 3 point lift capacity to handle big jobs Electronic linkage with draft control offers precise operation of linkage regardless of application 2 auxiliary spool valves with a high hydraulic flow of 98 litres per minute
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
Warragul
REN Machinery
Normanby Street
(03) 5623 1255 v/05d08531-v6/2416
MASSEY FERGUSON®, MF®, the triple-triangle logo® is a worldwide brand of AGCO. © 2016