THE SOUTHERN
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1986
JUNE, 2017
WINTER WARMTH AND HEATING PAGES 14-15
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Success with the milk of a different kind The 1990 Australian wool crisis certainly threw a spanner in the works for Julie and Sandy Cameron, but it was far from disaster
KIDDING AROUND: Sandy and Julie Cameron have carved out a large niche for themselves at Meredith Dairy.
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IN fact, you could say it was the best thing that ever happened to them. It was just before the crisis that the pair had taken up residence at Mr Cameron’s family farm in Meredith. They arrived to take over the Merino herd that had been established over the last decade, after the farm was converted from a fat lamb and Angus operation that had been running since 1924. Both were brought up from farming roots, and after a meeting in Western Australia 30 years ago, they were married. “Sandy was doing a veterinary PhD at the time, but all he ever really wanted was to be on a farm,” said Mrs Cameron. “And I came off a Merino farm in South Australia, so we both had that farming link.” Once married, the couple
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took over the family farm, only to be greeted by the greatest industry collapse in Australian history. For 150 years, wool was the number-one trade in Australia, but in February 1991, this once mightiest of all industries suffered a near fatal blow. And though there are a myriad of stories of lost farms, suicides, family breakdowns and a generation of kids that didn’t get a decent education fortunately, the Cameron’s faced adversity with diversity. “We could see that our recent move back to the farm was not going to provide us with an income,” said Mrs Cameron. “So, we looked at
alternative ways to make money off the land.” They weren’t the only ones out there trying to survive by moving into a different market, the collapse saw an emergence of alpacas, cashmere goats, angoras, emus, ostriches, venison and various other exotic animals. Everyone was doing their best to fill what was hoped to be future boom markets. Though the Camerons were looking to change things up, it turned out they didn’t need to change animal. It was a chance meeting with a cheese maker that sent them on a path that would direct their business for the next 26 years. “We had some White Suffolk sheep and this cheese maker suggested we milk them and make cheese,” said Mrs Cameron. Continued page 3
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NEWS
Page 2, Southern Farmer
Leaf, Twig & Stick Rake
June 2017
Local roads spend a win for farmers
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SOUTHERN farmers will receive nearly $800,000 in funding to improve local agricultural roads under a State Government scheme that was won by the Victorian Farmers Federation. The Local Roads to Market Program was created out of the Government’s Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund (AIJF), which the VFF pushed as a condition of the farmer group’s support for the sale of the Port of Melbourne lease last year.
The new grant will help fund the sealing and widening of 7km of Labertouche North Road, which is used by dairy and beef producers, emergency services vehicles and agriculture suppliers, and the replacement of the timber bridge over Powneys Road with a 14m concrete bridge. “These upgrades will improve productivity across the agriculture supply chain and improve the country road network for all
users,� VFF president David Jochinke said. “Labertouche North Road in particular is an unsealed gravel road that is a real safety risk for farmers and residents and needs to be upgraded.� The first round of the program will contribute $11.5 million to 30 projects worth $22 million across 27 local government areas in regional and rural Victoria, including sealing dirt roads, widening intersections and
upgrading arterial roads. Mr Jochinke said the number of projects being funded under the program showed there was a need for continued investment in rural road upgrades and encouraged the government to keep investing in the state’s regions. “Farmers always tell me they face freight access problems and the Local Roads to Market Program goes a long way to addressing those issues,� he said.
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While we were prepared for a no-frills budget offering limited spending initiatives, we are pleased the government has delivered on some priorities.� – Interim Australian Dairy Farmers CEO, John McQueen after the 201718 Federal Budget both delivered some important priorities to the dairy industry and other raised concerns. Our communities want peace of mind and an end to this ugly industrial dispute, but most of all they want their CFA to be left alone.� – Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke to Treasurer Tim Pallas over splitting the rural fire service into two separate entities of only volunteers in one organisation and paid firefighters in a new Fire Rescue Brigade. Our farmers manage about 53 per cent of our landmass and with global demand for food and fibre set to double by 2050 it’s important
Government is delivering on its election commitment to establish a Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) to streamline the delivery of up to $4 billion in concessional loans.
that we keep Landcare front and centre to assist them to manage our natural resources.� – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce after the announcement the Coalition Government will be investing more than $1 billion in the National Landcare Program (NLP).
have seen landowners who are approached by these groups become complicit in their activity.� – ATO Deputy Commissioner Michael Cranston after executing three warrants on illegal tobacco plantations in the last month, uncovering and destroying illegal crops with a total estimated excise value of $10.36m.
There has been incredible growth across the eastern states in 2016 - the growth rate is remarkably consistent across the board.� – Rural Bank general manager agribusiness, Andrew Smith after finding Australian farmland values went through the roof in 2016, with the median price in most states recording an average annual growth rate of three per cent over the decade, and more than six per cent for the past 20 years.
This year’s budget includes the $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package to promote Australian wine tourism at home and abroad.� – Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Anne Ruston.
The illicit tobacco trade saps precious community revenue which would otherwise be used to fund schools and hospitals and places it in the hands of criminals. Sadly, we
We’re putting the rubber to the road when it comes to building regional centres of excellence that will boost jobs, demand for skills and create even more vibrant and diverse communities and economies for some of our regional towns and centres.� – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce after announcing the Coalition
Our research shows that changes in climate over the last 20 years have had a significant negative effect on the productivity of Australian cropping farms.� – ABARES executive director, Peter Gooday on a new report from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES). The price bump is good news for beef producers but it’s not clear if it will continue as the gap between US and Australian cattle prices remains well above historic norms and we don’t see much upside in US cattle prices in the near future.� – NAB agribusiness economist Phin Ziebell on finding beef prices were up 6.4 per cent, reversing the downward trend since late last year.
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NEWS
June 2017
Southern Farmer, Page 3
The milk of a different kind From page 1
“He told us that the best cheese in the world was made from sheep’s milk.” He was referring to the famed Roquefort, which is an expensive raw milk blue cheese made in the south of France that is matured in limestone caves. “It was bizarre at first for us to milk a sheep, but that’s how it all started.” The couple put together a five year business plan, and with distributors already lining up to buy future product, it looked like it was a sure thing. But it didn’t go quite that easily. “It was pretty hard going and we didn’t know what we were doing,” said Mrs Cameron. “I was pregnant when we started the dairy and a lot of those buyers didn’t come through in the end.” But they soldiered on and converted an old hayshed into a processing facility. “Fortunately, there was a food explosion in Australia due to our increasing ethnic population, so it came at a good time,” said Mrs Cameron. “A lot of money was floating around in the business sector, so everyone was dining out.” Five years in, they started to get requests for goat milk products. In 1996 they began milking goats as well, and today 90 per cent of their livestock are goats. “We started with goat yoghurt and then went into cheese, which started to get big. “Goat’s cheese was much more
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accepted in Australia than sheep’s cheese.” But goats are a very different beast than sheep. “You treat them completely different, which we learned the hard way,” said Mrs Cameron. The business has grown so much that it’s now more than just a dairy. The cheese making is still done on-site and the 4000 acre farm is not only run by the Camerons, but several other families live on the property in a sharefarming arrangement. “They are milking our goats with our equipment and it is into our production, but each enterprise is independent with their own house and tractors and equipment and everything,” said Mrs Cameron. One of the farmers staking his own claim at Meredith Dairy is 40-year-old New Zealander Nathan Egerton, who brought his wife and children (and parents-in-law) to Australia four years ago to take
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in business with Sandy and Julie.” The Meredith Dairy brand has grown so fast it was almost to the chagrin of the Camerons, who fancy themselves quality food makers, and not necessarily massmarket supermarket suppliers. “We wanted to protect our brand and have a certain kind of consumer,” said Mrs Cameron. “Our distributor started selling into supermarkets without us knowing – much to our horror at the time – but you cannot ignore 80 per cent of the market.” Although reluctant at first, Meredith Dairy has now embraced their newfound popularity. “Our product sold really well and we have found them really good to deal with,” said Mrs Cameron. “We can’t go backwards. “If you decide you can’t grow your business you are opening the door for someone else to take your shelf space.”
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STATE and territory Landcare awards are just around the corner, so now is the time for the Landcare community to submit nominations in the nine different categories. The Landcare awards celebrate the achievements of the core volunteers around the country who dedicate their valuable time and energy into caring for the land and water that sustain us. The categories encompass a number of areas, including sustainable farming, Indigenous land management, young Landcare leaders, Coastcare, innovation, and more. All winners at the state and territory level will go on to be finalists at the 2018 National Landcare Awards. Tessa Jakszewicz, chief executive officer of Landcare Australia , encourages everyone to get involved and nominate deserving Landcarers they know for an award. Anyone interested in finding out more or submitting a nomination can visit landcareaustralia.org.au/landcare-awards. Entries close on Friday, June 23.
his share of the 9000-plus goats roaming the farm. “All the properties are adjoining, but most of it is independent,” said Mr Egerton. With his oldest son now in the mix, and his wife’s parents also on-farm, he has three generations of his own family working on the farm. “There are several generations working in the cheese factory, too,” said Mr Egerton. “Sometimes it seems like half of Meredith works here.” Mr Egerton came from good experience in Blue Ribbon Dairy in New Zealand, where they milked 3500 sheep. But he won’t be looking to return any time soon. “It’s a really good family-based operation, here,” he said “It has been really good for us. “They are willing to help you to get ahead – so in a few years I hope to be on my own farm and
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NEWS
Page 4, Southern Farmer
June 2017
Wineries fall, grape & wine sales rise THE latest annual Australian and New Zealand Wine Industry Directory (WID) reveals positive signs
of industry recovery despite wineries continuing to exit the industry. The 35th edition, published
by Winetitles Media, shows a further decline in the number of Australian wineries to 2394 in 2016 from 2468 in 2015.
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tralia’s Top 20 ranked wine producers was published in The Top 20 Australian Wine Companies report in the April 2017 issue of Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, also published by Winetitles Media. Other industry sources reveal growth in grape prices and wine sales. The Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) calculated an average grape price per tonne purchased was $529, up 14 per cent from $463 in 2015. This figure is the highest since 2009 and above the average price for the past five years of $477 per tonne. Elizabeth Bouzoudis, managing editor said that there are definite signs of an industry recovery. “With prices, production and exports increasing two years in a row, the industry is
showing positive trends,” she said. “While there was consolidation of winery numbers and grape producers, free trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea are contributing factors in increase export sales. “With the price growth per tonne for grapes recording above-average gains for the popular varieties, this may lead to a further shift of plantings away from the less popular varieties that underperformed the average.” The 602 page 2017 Directory includes a comprehensive listing of wine producers, grape growers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, universities, research and education facilities, writers, wine publications, wine blogs, organisations, events and wine shows and industry personnel – updated annually.
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The WID data also shows wine exports increased in 2016, rising by 11.4 per cent to almost $2.11 billion, again led in volume of wine produced by Accolade Wines. Treasury Wine Estates remains top of the list for the value of wine exports. Total revenues of the top 20 wine producers increased by nine per cent, or $345 million, to an estimated $4066 million in the year to June. Growth in revenues was concentrated among the top five – Treasury Wine Estates, Pernod Ricard, Winemakers, Accolade Wines, Casella Wines and Australian Vintage, although 95 per cent of the top 20 reported an increase in sales. The top five ranked companies of branded wine by volume remain unchanged from 2016. Further details on Aus-
RIZZOLI
1
In 1789 Governor Phillip established the first farm in New South Wales – 1.36 hectares which grew to 6.5 hectares by the year’s end. Where was it and what is it now? Which breed of sheep did Henry Corbett establish at Port Fairy in 1882? Where was the, now defunct, Victorian Department of Agriculture’s Tobacco Research Station located? Enzootic ataxia disease in lambs is caused by a deficiency of which mineral in the diet? In 1896 which fruit was produced by C.H.Packham at Molong NSW? What was the Babcock Tester used for? The inaugural staging of which sheep industry event will be held from June 5 to June 9 2017 in Victoria and the Riverina. What is it?
2 3 4 5 6 7
8
11
9 10
12
In 1905 Australia exported 20,808 of which animal, mainly to India, China and Japan? What is an ‘Obligate’ parasite? In which year did bulk handling of wheat from the farm begin in New South Wales, and was adopted later by the other States? (a) 1920 (b) 1930. (c) 1940.
In which decade was aerial agriculture developed using converted Tiger Moth aeroplanes? (a) 1930’s (b) 1940’s (c) 1950’s. In 1976 the Neochetina eichhorniae weevil was introduced into Australia from the USA to control which plant pest?
ANSWERS: 1. Farm Cove, now Sydney Botanical Gardens. 2. Corriedale. 3 Myrtleford, North East Victoria 4. Cobalt. 5. The Packham’s Triumph pear. 6. On-farm measuring the fat content of milk. 7. Sheep Week. 8. Horses. 9. A parasite which is completely dependent on its host animal. 10. (a)1920. 11. (b) 1940’s. 12. Water hyacinth.
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NEWS
June 2017
Southern Farmer, Page 5
The all new inaugural sheep week BY DAVID RIZZOLI IN an innovative move, prime lamb and wool producers in Victoria and the Southern Riverina are taking a leaf out of the beef producers’ book and holding their own Sheep Week. The 2017 Wool Week will run over five days from Monday, June 5 to Friday, June 9 and showcase some 13 sheep breeds. These include the Prime Lamb producers, Australian White, Border Leicester, Dormer, Dorper, Poll Dorset, Southdown, Suffolk, Texel and White Suffolk, Composites, Coopworth and Dohne, together with Merino and Poll Merino. DAY 1 An interesting inclusion is Achieve Ag Solutions and Achieve Livestock Marketing at 103 Falkiner Road, Inverleigh. Achieve Ag Solutions specialises in the delivery of practical agricultural solutions based on the latest science and technology. Achieve Livestock Marketing specialises in working with producers to find the best option for selling each specific consignment of livestock. Visitors can speak to Nathon Scott at the company’s office in Inverleigh. The Mitchell family’s Gemini White Suffolk, Suffolk and Poll Dorset Studs will be on show at Riverview, 610 Urches Road, Werneth, south of Ballarat. This 420 acre property is fully dedicated to the production of modern-day prime lamb sires, with a strong focus on structure, lambing ease, highgrowth rates and high yielding capabilities. Murnong Farming at the corner of Thomas and InverleighWinchelsea Roads Inverleigh is one of Australia’s leading and innovative enterprises, comprising, as it does, cropping, fodder production, an outdoor piggery, Highlander and Focus Prime sheep studs with commercial prime lamb production. The Highlander sheep have efficient ewes that can get in lamb as a ewe lamb at seven
ON THE LAMB: Southdown sheep will feature strongly in the inaugural Sheep Week.
months with a mature weight of 65 to 68 kg, scanning up to 200-212 per cent and weaning an impressive 187 per cent. A BBQ lunch and refreshments will be provided. DAY 2 This day’s studs lie outside our region, but some are of interest. Anthony Cliose’s Kurra Wirra Merino stud is at 770 Mooree-Culla Road, Culla, near Harrow and Peter and Daniel Rogers’ Mount Yulong Poll Merino stud at 226 Telangatuk East-Rocklands Road, Telangatuk East, near Balmoral will both have a pen of five rams at 2017 Sheepvention and Kurra Wirra will hold its on-property ram sale in December. Also of interest to Romney breeders will be the Wairere Romney Stud at Ewan Price’s property at 6865 WoolsthorpeHeywood Road, Heywood. DAY 3 This day’s studs lie outside our region, but some are of interest. The Jorgensen Family, Basil, Heather and Tim, operate Mertex, at Antwerp in the western Wimmera – probably Victoria’s most successful Texel stud in the show ring, carcase competitions and sales. The stud was established in 1996 and this success has resulted in stud ram and semen sales across Australia and semen exports to New Zealand and the United States,
with flock rams sold all over Australia. Pete and Liz Russell’s Tullamore Park Texel Stud in Donald is another outstanding example of the breed. The stud has been breeding Texels for 24 years and has a breeding flock of 250 ewes. Visitors will go in the draw to win a Texel ram. DAY 4 Simon and Ted Beattie’s Derrynock Poll Dorset and Meat Maternal Studs are at East Trentham. The focus of the stud is on increasing the productivity and profitability of the stud’s seedstock, which is passed on to their clients. The Macdonald family, Darryl, Janet and Finlay, operate the Fairburn White Suffolk and Poll Dorset Studs at Porcupine Ridge, north of Daylesford. The studs were founded in 1976 and 1983, respectively. The Fernhill Southdown Stud at 28 Denherts Lane, Ballan is operated by Graeme Denhert and was founded in the early 1930s. Currently some 300 Southdown ewes are in the breeding program for the 2017 drop. Norm Weir’s Kerrilyn Merino and Poll Merino Stud is at 599 Bealiba South Road, Dunluce. The aim of the stud is to breed big framed, fertile sheep, cutting big fleeces of quality wool. The Koole Vale Merino and
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Park, Glenlea Park, Gunaloo, Ridgeway, Forest Springs and Kamarooka Park. DAY 5 This is the biggest of all the days of Sheep Week with 16 studs participating, seven of which are Merino, Poll Merino or both. Some of these studs are well known to Victorian fine wool producers – Marcus and Tom Hooke’s East Loddon Merinos showing at the Jerilderie Showgrounds along with other studs from the Riverina Merino Group – Alistair and Natasha Wells’ One Oak Poll, Poll Merinos, John Sutherland’s Pooginook Merino and Poll Merino, Justin Campbell and Angus Munro’s renowned Wanganella Merinos and Stephen and Carol Huggins’ Woodpark Poll, Poll Merinos. Sheep Week is offering visitors to all studs the opportunity to go in the draw to win a premium Paton 1.5 tonne trail feeder.
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NEWS
Page 6, Southern Farmer
June 2017
Boarding at Wesley College
GROW YOUR OWN: Yarra Valley beef and sheep producer David De Pury and his high-quality perennial ryegrass.
Home grown improves profits HIGH livestock prices coupled with widespread rain have created favourable conditions across much of the country to plant winter pastures to improve profitability. Kelly Burke is the product development manager for PGG Wrightson Seeds and said producing home grown winter feed is a cheaper alternative to buying-in feed. “We have done a lot of work around manipulating the sowing rates of seeds to show return on investment
from sowing rates in annual and Italian ryegrasses,” Mr Burke said. “And home grown pasture is certainly the cheaper option. “If farmers can, they should be looking at growing their own hay or silage.” Mr Burke said a good way to value winter feed is by looking at the cost equivalent of buying in supplementary feed. “Recent trials conducted by PGG Wrightson Seeds at our research farm near Ballarat show that a farmer can increase
their profit with incremental increases in sowing rates from 20kg to 44kg per hectare,” Mr Burke said. “The trial compared the cost of home grown pasture to purchased barley and showed that cumulative additional profit of sowing 44kg of annual ryegrass over a hectare was $96.50 per hectare.” Fourth generation Yarra Valley beef and sheep producer, David De Pury, planted Reward Endo 5 last autumn to maximise the quality of grass
right up to Christmas. “We were looking for a high quality perennial ryegrass that would mature late in the season and also have good vigour in the autumn and the winter, so those key times of the year when we were short of feed,” Mr De Pury said. “We are trying to maximise the profit we get out of every paddock because of the high running costs - if we don’t run the business profitably and sustainably we won’t be here in the long haul.”
Wesley College, learning in residence WESLEY’S new, state-ofthe-art boarding facility offers a contemporary model of Learning in Residence for Senior School students (years 10–12), who come from rural and regional Australia, metropolitan Melbourne and international locations. Full integration into the Senior School Life at the boarding school comprises a schedule of educational programs complemented by cocurricular activities, all fully integrated with the Senior School at our Glen Waverley campus. “The new facilities and curriculum are not only for the residents themselves, but for all Senior School students. “Every part of the program is integrated within the Senior School, so there is a seamless transition of support for all students – there are no divisions between day and residential students, and every member of staff is a point of contact for every student,” said Damon Emtage, Learning in Residence director. The Learning in Residence program recognises that learning is a continuous process that doesn’t stop with the end of the school day at 3.30pm. There is a strong focus on the development of each
individual student, with academic, employment, extension and health and well-being programs to support students’ personal growth. Students in residence have access to the vast array of cocurricular activities available at Wesley, including sport, music and drama, which cater for all interests and needs. Modern and contemporary facilities The Learning in Residence centre is a collection of eight modern architect-designed houses arranged around a landscaped central garden courtyard. Each house has eight twinshare student bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and mentor living quarters. The communal dining room, which comfortably seats up to 240 people, is open to day and boarding students. Enrolments are now open for full-time and weekly boarding options, both of which are well-suited to rural and regional families. Learning in Residence Scholarships are available for students from rural and regional Australia in years 10 and 11. To find out more about 2018 Learning in Residence Scholarships, visit www. wesleycollege.net/scholarships.
Tractor with bucket TG6490 47 HP 4x4 Power Shuttle 4 IN 1 bucket
$34,900 $36,490 INC GST INC GST
ce over 0% Finan ith 3 years w it * s o p e 20% d tion
Tractor with Mower deck GC1705 22.5 HP 4x4 Hydro 60” deck
$15,490 $15,990 INC GST INC GST
d Condi *Terms an t to credit ec bj su y, pl ap approval
Ride-on Mower Tractor
TG6370 HP SF370 3736HP 4x4 4x4 Power Shuttle Hydro FEL 72”optional deck
$22,490 $22,900 INC GST INC GST
Tractor with bucket GC1715 24.5 HP 4x4 Hydro 4 IN 1 bucket
$19,750 $20,490 INC GST INC GST
Offer ends 30th of June 2017 or while stocks last!
SALES, SPARES & SERVICE 249-251 Monbulk Road, Silvan Victoria 3795 Phone: (03) 9737 9255 Email: sales@darmacag.com.au Website: www.darmacag.com.au E/37D06011-V5/1817
DISCOVER BOARDING AT WESLEY At Wesley, we recognise that young people are intellectual, emotional, physical, social, cultural and spiritual human beings. That’s why our new Learning in Residence boarding program is carefully designed to enhance development across each of these dimensions. State-of-the-art boarding facilities are available for Senior School students (Years 10-12) at our Glen Waverley campus. Enrolments are open for full-time and weekly boarding options.
Register for our Learning in Residence Tour When: Saturday 17 June, 9.30am Where: Glen Waverley Campus, 620 High Street Road Email: admissions@wesleycollege.net Call: 03 8102 6508 Book online at www.wesleycollege.net/tours
2018 Learning in Residence Scholarships To apply for Learning in Residence Scholarships go to www.wesleycollege.net/scholarships
NEWS
Page 8, Southern Farmer
June 2017
Fuel your active lifestyle TO support busy lives, people are looking for foods that contain health benefits, are easy to prepare, easy to consume and easy to digest. MyLifestyleProtein is not a meal replacement, but is aimed at increasing protein levels quickly and easily. Recent research on foods that contain high-value protein has shown that there are health benefits, especially as we age. MyLifestyleProtein is a source of protein for individuals of all ages who value a healthy (and busy) lifestyle. These claims are supported through scientific research, but more importantly, through anecdotal evidence of your
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perfectly fine the next day. As a diabetic, it has had no adverse effect on his blood sugar levels. Needless to say, he is delighted. Then there’s Jane, who is 51 years old. She is a mum, a small business owner and hobby farmer. Long days, late nights and ‘plate spinning’ are the norm. Like David, Jane has included it into her existing diet and routines. Where making it to the end of the day was barely possible, after six weeks, she now finds she has more energy to invest in interesting projects. “There’s more juice in the tank at the end of the day,” she said. Contact MLP: 1800 337 955.
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THE Federal Government’s 100 per cent tax depreciation rules for small businesses means many farmers and rural businesses can write off equipment costs against their tax bill with immediate effect. The rules apply to assets up to the value of $20,000, with no limit on the number of assets claimed. Aussie Pumps, one of Australia’s biggest manufacturers of pumps and high pressure cleaners, is being swamped with enquiries from businesses looking to upgrade small engine equipment ahead of the June 30 deadline. “The 100 per cent tax depreciation rule means businesses can benefit by upgrading their pumps or blasters now to maximise their tax deductions for this year,” said Aussie Pumps’ Craig Bridgement.
“We’ve referred a lot of enquiries to our dealers in Victoria who are armed with the stock to assist.” With sowing season in full swing, demand for fertiliser pumps like the Aussie Poly Smart range is peaking. Developed to handle aggressive liquid fertilisers and other ag chemicals, the 2” and 3” self-priming centrifugal engine drive pumps come with either EPDM or Viton seals. “Applying Nitrogen at the right time is crucial for maximising yields,” said Mr Bridgement. “Farmers looking to maximise spraying times are choosing the high flow 3” version for better efficiency. “We even make a hydraulic drive version that can be plugged into the sprayer’s hydraulic system for fast fill
‘on the go’.” The company is also hearing from busy farmers and contractors who want effective, quality blasters to wash down their equipment fast. The Aussie Pump’s Scud 400 industrial engine drive pressure cleaner has proven itself within the farming community and is a choice of cleaning professionals. “Pressure cleaners that only last a few months just waste time and are more bother than they’re worth,” said Mr Bridgement. “We listened to what farmers actually want.” To take advantage of the 100 per cent depreciation allowance, contact Australian Pump Industries, or check out the Aussie Pumps website for local stockists: www.aussiepumps. com.au.
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100% TAX BREAK … BE QUICK* AUSSIE BLASTERS & STEAMERS …. 100% TAX BREAK* POCKET ROCKET
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PSI %70 WITH &2%% TURBO PSI Bertolini PUMP WITH YR WARRANTY Honda (0 WITH YR WARRANTY 1UALITY ACCESSORIES AB30 Blaster only $2,026 with hose reel (as shown) $2,600
NOW
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AUSSIE BUILT
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valued at $382
$3539
$898
ABSC30/GX200HR
NEW
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FKB8.15
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AUSSIE BUILT
ABMONSC200
MOBILE STEAMER…CLEAN SMARTER
STEAM POWER SLASH CLEANING TIMES
NEW AUSSIE HEATWAVE
PSI 3UPER )NDY -K (EAVY DUTY POLE PHASE K7 -ELT AWAY GREASE GRIME NOW $5,888 FREE Grit blast kit valued at $225 SAVE
$8735
3,000 PSI (Monsoon 200) 4HREE PHASE LPM
VALUED AT
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.O OPERATOR CERTIlCATION REQUIREDş 4HE SMART CHOICE FOR PLUMBERSş PSI LPM DESIGNED FOR PLUMBERS BY PLUMBERS
ABBSC400/GX390
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NEW Aussie Class A drain cleaning jetter
!USSIE 3CUD PRO BLASTER PSI %70 WITH FREE turbo 4,000 psi Bertolini PUMP WITH YEAR WARRANTY Honda (0 WITH YEAR WARRANTY %LECTRIC START AND FROM DIESEL OPTIONS
FREE Turbo
$2026
VALUED AT ABCOUGARMK3
s 30kgs of cleaning dynamite s 3,400 psi EWP with turbo s #OMPACT DESIGN s POLE SLOW SPEED s M HOSE PRO ACC Trolley and hose reel kits available
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FREE turbo
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NEW
PSI (ONDA DRIVE MOBILE STEAM CLEANER -ELT AWAY GRAFlTI CLEAN OFF FOOD STAINS
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$9724
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AUSSIE GUSHERS … MOVE WATER FAST … GET YOUR REBATE* 2” & 3” HONDA GUSHERS 2” QP207/GX120 Honda 4HP, LPM ./7 SAVE $125 3” QP303/GX160 Honda 5.5HP, LPM MAX mOW /.,9 ń +LJK ĠRZ SXPS +3 +RQGD, LPM MAX mOW FREE FRAME QP310/GX240 /.,9
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/IL COOLED DIESEL FOR SMOOTHER QUIETER RUNNING LPM MAX mOW M MAX HEAD 6HP Kubota ELECTRIC START NOW $3,692 FREE GAL FRAME BATTERY PACK ONLY SAVE $241
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1”& 1½” ŗ Now with 4 year Honda GX engine warranty s &LOWS TO LPM s Heads to 60m s 3UITS lRE PROTECTION AND DIESEL FUEL TRANSFER vVERSION QP1/GX25 $494 v VERSION QP154SX/GXH50 $768
5HDO FRQYHQLHQFHbbŢŢŢŢŢŢ ŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢŢ Honda (0 M MAX HEAD SELF PRIMES FROM M LPM MAX mOW SAVE &2%% FRAME ANTI VIB MOUNTS NOW $898 $
FROM
189
$494
/UTSTANDING PERFORMANCE x OUTSTANDING VALUE Yanmar (0 DIESEL WITH E S MAX mOW M HEAD LPM mOW FULL FRAME WITH ANTI VIB MOUNTS
10 3 '8 &
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Yanmar (0 DIESEL M HEAD M MAX mOW FULL GAL FRAME %LECTRIC START OPTION AVAILABLE
2” Aussie Smart Pump
Viton seal version
3UITS MOST AGGRESSIVE CHEMICALS ONLY $1337
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New Viton seals SUITS AG CHEMS FERTS DIESEL FUEL (EADS TO M &LOWS TO LPM Honda (0 Yanmar DIESEL ELECTRIC START OPTIONS ALSO AVAILABLE
FROM RSE2BRL/2.2/240
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YEAR WARRANTY K7 V MOTOR mOWS TO LPM CAST IRON &LOAT CONTROL OPTION AVAILABLE
FROM $2064
FROM
$1345 10 3%6 '8
AussiePumps
CUTTER & GRINDER PUMPS Ideal for piggeries, dairies, feedlots, abattoirs, & food processing as well as sewage!
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HYDRAULIC DRIVE POLY
AUSSIE VITON CHIEF
10 3% ,
TSURUMI DEWATERING SUBS
K7 SINGLE PHASE %0$- /2 6ITON LPM MAX mOW PHASE K7 OPTION
$2185
$3179
TSURUMI SUBS …. GET YOUR REBATE*
2” ELECTRIC SMART PUMPS
from
$968
NOW
104 3,4 , %
SMART FERT PUMPS … 100% TAX BREAK* Honda 6.5HP EPDM seals suits most ag chems -AX mOW LPM ONLY $968...Save $232 v OPTION AVAILABLExMOVE FERT FASTş
"59 ./7ş
ONLY
$5962
FROM $389 23% "26 (9$
UT2.4S
AVAILABLE ONLY FROM THE FOLLOWING AUSSIE PUMPS GOLD DISTRIBUTORS PRICES EX SYDNEY WAREHOUSE, GST INCLUDED - SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE
N.B 5 year warranty covers faulty manufacturing or workmanship on QP & poly pump components only
ONLY
$7696
#HOKE FREE PUMPING &LOWS TO LPM Heads to 26m !UTO OPTIONS AVAILABLE 'UIDE RAIL KITS OPTIONAL
3
TSURUMI WATER HARVESTERS 4,850 lpm WITH A 4SURUMI +23 3UPER TOUGH HANDLE SAND SILT YEAR WARRANTY 4SURUMI 2IVER 0UMPS x FULL RANGE HEADS TO M mOWS TO LPM 3END FOR FREE CATALOGUE
FROM $1259
(02) 8865 3500 Email: info@aussiepumps.com.au website: www.aussiepumps.com.au
BACCHUS MARSH ......... Bacchus Marsh Farm Supplies ............... (03) 5366 0600
HASTINGS ..................... Hastings Mowers ................................... (03) 5979 1382
BALLARAT ..................... Deutscher Outdoor Power ...................... (03) 5339 4437
KEILOR ......................... Keilor Mowers........................................ (03) 9336 7727
BAYSWATER .................. Baybury Power Equipment ..................... (03) 9729 1250
PAKENHAM .................. Pakenham Plumbing & Pumps ............... (03) 5941 1810
CASTLEMAIN................. Statewide Irrigation ............................... (03) 5472 1135 DAYLESFORD................. Statewide Irrigation ............................... (03) 5348 2949 GEELONG ...................... Mowers Galore ...................................... (03) 5272 1066 GROVEDALE .................. Mowers Galore....................................... (03) 5244 0620
SEYMOUR ..................... Stihl Shop .............................................. (03) 5799 1215 YARRA GLEN ................. Yarra Glen Mower & Tractor................... (03) 9730 1988 DEALERS WELCOME
Proudly Made in Italy
SMALL SQUARE BALER
PRICE
$39,990
ROUND BALER
PRICE
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- Best Quality Knotter - 180cm Pickup - 36cm x 46cm Chamber - wideangle PTO
- Fixed Chamber - Bale size 120cm x 120cm - Simple operation - Net and Twine - Rotor Feeding
INLINE RAKES
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4,6 & 8 DISC
SINGLE ROTARY RAKE
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CALL YOUR LOCAL BRANCH FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 1800 648 384
03 5443 3009
(03) 6334 2211
These products are available through supporting Daken dealers and Clark Equipment branches.
116 Marong Rd, West Bendigo. VIC 3550
54-56 Forster Street, Invermay. TAS 7248
*All prices include GST. Freight and assembly charges may be applicable. Daken reserves the right to correct any printed error. Pricing subject to change without notice.
Jio® Star®/GalStar Extreme®
TS
10% EXTRA*
BU
RE WI
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visit www.clarkfarmequipment.com.au
Y B OTH
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Jio®/GalStar MaxY®
Purchase #
Cashback
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Cashback
Purchase #
Cashback
400 posts
$120
100 posts
$120
$5,000 worth
$125
800 posts
$320
200 posts
$320
$10,000 worth
$250
1200 posts
$600
300 posts
$600
$15,000 worth
$375
Every additional 400 posts
$200
Every additional 100 posts
$200
Every additional $5,000 0 worth
$125
LIMITEDLY TIME OAYN– 1 M 017 30 JUNE 2
Get cash back on Jio® Starr®, Jio MaxY Y®, GalStar MaxY Y®, GalStar Extreme® posts and/or Longlife Blue® wire. *Must claim cashback on both Waratah posts and Longlife Blue wire to be eligible for 10% extra cash back.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Make bad odours a thing of the past
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Healthy eating advice for your septic system. sinks to drains, relegating smells and blockages to the history books. “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,â€? commented V. Wright from New South Wales. One product – multiple uses. But it doesn’t stop with what you can see. As you ush it down the drain it continues to work unseen within the conďŹ nes of your septic system. Restoring the natural balance of good bacteria and keeping smells and blockages away naturally.
Swap septic system smells for smiles! “With most of our plumbing set under a concrete slab, it really gives us peace of mind.� (Lyndall Sleep, Victoria)
A
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(Ken and Glenise Outch, Victoria) “We use it in the drains (toilet, shower, spa etc) and it has been great. I have even used it on my stainless steel oven, stove, sinks, benches, laminated benches and they have come up cleaner than any other product I have
Healthy, happy and odour free in 3 easy steps Ecocare Activator is the one product you can rely on to cut your cleaning time down to the bare minimum and keep your house, septic system and Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS) clean and healthy. “I have recommended Ecocare Activator regularly and have seen even the most neglected system turned around‌ within as little as one month,â€? said Senior Service Technician Michael Goddard from Wastewater Consultants Pty Ltd. Use to clean all hard surfaces and kill odours on contact, then simply rinse your surfaces and pour any remaining mixture straight down the drain. As it moves into your septic system it continues working, clearing blockages and conditioning your system. You do the ďŹ rst part, leave it to do the rest.
Expert advice that won’t leave you stranded Competent, experienced and highly knowledgeable in our ďŹ eld of expertise, we are also friendly and down-toearth and here to make your life easier. Ecocare Activator will solve your wastewater problems and prevent them coming back. Read what Michelle Lavinge from Victoria had to say about our service:
“I had been told by 3 plumbers there was nothing they could do to help me with the terrible odour‌Your team worked with me over several months to clean out the waste through the various areas of the house‌ Thank you for all the times you called me to check and confirm how our problem was going – I didn’t have to call you. Fantastic work – it’s rare to see such great customer service when things get tough. “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.â€?
of Activator... I am recommending Activator to all my neighbours, and would be happy to speak to anyone who has queries about how well Activator works,� said Russell Marsh from New South Wales. Ecocare Activator destroys odours on contact and, because it works to maintain a healthy level of good bacteria within your septic or wastewater system, it prevents problems from coming back. Dissolving blockages and replacing harsh chemicals, Ecocare Activator is safe to use in greywater systems and all around the house. With so many uses, this one product is putting money back into the pockets of hard working families.
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1 2 3
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NEWS
Page 12, Southern Farmer
Leaders in affordable tractors
NEB, immunity and the domino effect
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THE CHALLENGE
Made in Melbourne USING HIGH-QUALITY WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE
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June 2017
THERE is a direct correlation between Negative Energy Balance (NEB) and immunity, and individual imbalances, around calving. Imbalance in both energy and immune system are inevitable at calving; the degree of severity will determine the domino effect this has. As stated in earlier articles, my definition of transition extends from dry-off to pregnancy. From dry-off, the nutritional issues will determine our success in timely pregnancy. Dry-off BCS has been reducing over the last 10 years as research correlates higher BCS with poor post-calving feed intakes, especially rate of increase. Hormonally driven milk increase, not being met by feed (energy) intake, and the gap widens in over-conditioned dry cows in the first few weeks. Negative energy balance and immune imbalance are intimately related, and our goal as managers is to minimise the severity and duration of both. Immune function is an energy-hungry machine. If cows are quietly fighting sub-infection while dry, then energy becomes a scarce resource immediately at calving, due to a massive increase demanded by the mammary system.
By JOHN LYNE Dairytech dairy production specialist This scenario will only amplify the NEB crisis by reducing feed intake at the most critical time. It is well documented that sick cows lose appetite. To understand the magnitude of the increase in energy demand at the point of calving, researchers have quantified this shift from 680 gm of glucose pre-calving to 1.8 kg immediately post-calving. The liver works overtime converting substrate from rumination to glucose. The lighter cow at calving will increase feed intake more rapidly than the heavier cow and hence reduce her reliance on conversion of body fat and protein to meet the mammary system’s demand as milk production escalates. The immune system is already under pressure simply from the physical stress of calving. Any other physical stress factors will only multiply the demand on the immune system. Management can play a sig-
nificant role here in preparatory minimisation of external stress. Once energy supply becomes an issue, immunity will not cope with normal bacterial exposure at calving, let alone any preconditions, like mastitis. Retained membrane followed by metritis send the immune system into overload and inability to meet infection outbreaks. We have two lines of health issues from here: infection due to compromised immune function, and metabolic disease due to excessive fat mobilisation. Managing energy is the key. There is a crisis where normal negative energy balance passes the point of no return. The mediators sent out by the immune system to fight infection also cause inflammation. Inflammation is crucial in controlling initial bacterial invasion recruiting immune cells to the site of infection. However, imbalance in the immune system will cause excessive inflammation. Inflammation is also very counter to conception. To manage it, we dry-off in lower BCS than has been customary. Keeping cows milking well up to dry-off will enable this. Continued page 13
NEWS
June 2017
Southern Farmer, Page 13
KEEP AN EYE OUT: Controlling energy intake in dry cows once pasture is available requires more monitoring. PHOTO: Matthias Zomer From page 12
It is imperative the dry cow has no weight gain or loss while dry. As discussed in a previous article, 30 per cent to 40 per cent clover must be our pasture goal to meet cow calcium need on top of supplementation in bale feed. Controlling energy intake in dry cows once pasture is available requires more monitoring. Adlib hay rings and strip grazing calculating pasture energy intake by monitoring hay consumption and adjusting strip width, is as close as we can
get in a grazing system. DCAD (Dietary Cation/ Anion Difference) is critical to springer cows. This is easily done by checking urine pH several times each week. A pH of 5.5 to 6.5 with Jerseys at the lower end and Holsteins toward the other end. Drenching cows at calving with propylene glycol is very successful in mitigating ketosis. Ketosis status is easily measured with a milk keto test strip. We encourage all cows be checked at day three for ketosis. Any cow with a reading
above 100, treat with propylene glycol: 200 to 400 ml dependent on the severity of the reading. Recheck three days later and re-treat as above. If we’ve been successful with both dry cow and springer cow nutrition, including mineral supplementation, both trace and macro, we’ll avoid most of the problems. Our cow is now capable of reaching her genetic potential for milk production, and, contrary to popular belief, most likely to become pregnant in a timely manner.
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WINTER WARMTH AND HEATING
Page 14, Southern Farmer
Wood is the greenest heat ACCORDING to the Australian Home Heating Association (AHHA) and CSIRO, wood heaters deliver the least greenhouse emissions and the cheapest running costs for domestic heating in Australia. Contrary to what many people believe, wood heating provides the cheapest form of domestic heating and also delivers the smallest greenhouse footprint. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) system was recently revised to set a lower greenhouse gas emission rating for residential wood-fire heating. The improved rating for wood heaters in the BASIX system follows the results of research conducted by the CSIRO, which found that firewood produces less greenhouse gas than all other domestic heating options. CSIROs finding was backed by accepted national and international protocols for assessing greenhouse gas emissions from biomass. The CSIRO reports have confirmed that wood forms a natural part of the cycle for carbon and therefore is considered renewable. The AHHA recommend consumers use firewood sourced from sustainably managed forests and plantations. When sustainably managed,
THROW A LOG ON THE FIRE: The CSIRO has found that firewood produces less greenhouse gas than all other domestic heating options.
firewood recycles carbon from the atmosphere, leading to zero carbon emissions. Firewood plantations can also serve other ecologically desirable functions such as wastewater treatment, salinity reduction, erosion control, wildlife habitat and aesthetics. It is more energy efficient to use firewood in the home than fuel an electric power station
with biomass and then use the electricity to heat the home. Realising the importance of trees, not only as a fuel source and sink for atmospheric carbon, but also for the wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits they provide, the Australian Home Heating Association is a major financial supporter of Landcare Australia.
The Landcare program aims to revegetate Australia to replace the estimated 20 billion trees removed since European settlement. Landcare groups have planted millions of trees, laid thousands of kilometres of protective fencing, introduced sustainable farming techniques, removed hundreds of thousands of tonnes of weeds and volun-
teered countless hours to the Landcare ethic. The AHHA supports the activities of Landcare Australia by contributing to farm forestry and regeneration projects. Firewood plantations also provide alternative financial opportunities for farmers and local government, with fuel being one of the multi-uses of the tree plantations.
June 2017
Retain warmth with compost COMPOST is a mixture of recycled organic materials that have been processed by natural organisms, breaking down the original materials into a usable form. Compost has many benefits for soil: it can feed plants, stimulate beneficial microbes, improve soil structure and help the soil retain nutrients and water – and keep it warm. While compost is a great natural solution to holding soil warmth, it is also a potential source of microbial, chemical and physical contamination. Human pathogens in manure, heavy metals in sewage sludge and plastics left in green waste bins all have the potential to contaminate growing Dr Doris Blaesing from RMCG has recently released a video about the good, the bad and the ugly of compost use in vegetable production. You can access the video and other useful resources at www. soilwealth.com.au.
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WINTER WARMTH AND HEATING
June 2017
Southern Farmer, Page 15
Right fuel for the right job
BUILD ‘EM UP: Wood stored on pallets or in a crisscrossed fashion allows air to circulate freely.
TO get the best results from your wood heater, always use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer. If your heater meets the national emission standard, it will have a compliance plate which specifies the correct fuel to use. If buying wood, place your orders early with a reputable fuel merchant. Be sure of what you are buying or collecting in firewood. Moisture content should be in the range of 12 to 20 per cent. Hence the need to buy in
summer months and stack in an air-dry place – eg roof cover, open sides. In defined areas, firewood must be sold by weight, so don’t pay for excess weight in water. Elsewhere, firewood is often sold in volume. The association urges consumers to buy from a reputable supplier - a member of Australian Home Heating Association. Establish personal contact. Get to know the facts which affect the quality of the fuel wood.
Order your winter wood early. Store your firewood in a covered stack with plenty of air access. Wood heaters operate best when wood is completely dry and well-seasoned. Store wood under cover in a dry ventilated area. Wood stored on pallets or in a crisscrossed fashion allows air to circulate freely. Getting the best performance from your fuel and appliance will save you money each year as well.
Obtain expert advice on solid fuel appliances. Retailers can provide helpful advice. Make your home more energy efficient by insulating the ceilings and walls. Prevent heat leaks through cracks in doors and windows. Reduce heat loss through windows by drawing heavy curtains at night. Leaving the firebox door open will affect the efficiency and reduce the heat output of your heater.
Servicing solid fuel appliances WHATEVER the age of your solid fuel appliance, use it correctly to reduce the need for repairs and servicing. Always buy the right size heater. A heater that is too large for an area will have to be turned down too often and too small a heater can result in over-firing, shortening the life of the heater. Install all appliances correctly choose a qualified installer. Service your heater during spring or early summer. This minimises the corrosive effects of creosote residue and condensation during the offseason. Check the condition of the heater and flue, door seals and baffles. Check for bird nests in or near the flue system in the roof cavity. If loose insulation has been added to the ceiling, check
carefully that none has built up in the flue cavity clearance area. You should have your flue cleaned regularly by your local chimney sweep. Creosote is a substance formed by solid fuel combustion. Creosote and resin build-up can cause flue fires. Check the flue prior to each winter. Make it a habit to look outside and check your flue for smoke. If it is smoking excessively, you are wasting fuel and heat and may be causing unnecessary emissions. You need to increase the air supply to the fire. A little air avoids a lot of smoke. Allow full air for 15-20 minutes after each refuelling. Do not close down air supply totally overnight.
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Page 16, Southern Farmer
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR MACHINERY BUYERS GUIDE
June 2017
From the heart of Italy to the rest of the world ENOROSSI is an Umbrian company that produces agricultural machines, used by farmers in a vast part of the globe. The corporate mission consists of making their products available for the worldwide market. “The Italian market,” said Alex Carini, group sales and marketing manager of Enorossi, “was good for us in the last years and with a constant growth. “Considering the com-
MOW IT DOWN: Italian haymaking machines are set to hit the world market.
pany has been more and more export-oriented, several products were more suitable for other markets than for the domestic one. “We identify in the internal market a new opportunity and, for this reason, we have made some investments, especially in the release of new products that will lead us to gain market shares where we scarcely are presently. “We know that it is not the best time for the domestic
market, but we strongly believe in our distributors and for this reason we intend to increase our investments in Italy as well. “Italy remains a forefront country in agricultural machines, since the sector employs real professionals with high skills.” The company’s preference sectors are haymaking, seeding and soil preparation, but with a highly-diversified catalogue, able to satisfy all requirements.
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FARM SECURITY
Page 18, Southern Farmer
June 2017
Drones take on motorbikes
LOCK IT UP: Police recommend machinery, tools and other valuable farm equipment should be stored in a secured area, preferably a locked shed.
Farm security tips THE following are some steps recommended by police to help ensure the safety of your farm: Regularly check the condition of boundary fences and gates. Pay attention to slack wiring, investigate the cause, and repair damaged fences as soon as possible. Contact the police if the fences appear to have been deliberately cut or tampered with. Mount gates at entrances to the property and other highrisk areas securely to strong posts, and lock with heavyduty chains and padlocks when not in use. Fencing materials should be securely locked away when not in use. Security lighting should be installed around the homestead and sheds. Consider installing sensorstyle lights, which activate automatically when movement is detected within range. Consider using light timers to automatically turn lights on/
off when not at home. An alarm system and/or surveillance camera/s may enhance the security of the homestead. Research has shown that monitored alarm systems are more effective as they alert you or your security company of intruders. Machinery, tools and equipment, including any removable parts, should be engraved or permanently marked in at least two places. Machinery, tools and other valuable farm equipment should be stored in a secured area, preferably a locked shed or fenced enclosure that can be padlocked. Lockable fuel caps should be used to prevent theft or contamination of fuel. Consider disabling equipment by removing the distributor cap, battery or rotor. When practical, remove hitches from trailers. Tools or other equipment should not be left unsecured in the cab or tray of vehicles All livestock should be
marked with approved permanent identifiers such as earmarks, brands, tattoos and National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). Livestock identification devices (including tags, pliers and branding irons) should be securely locked away when not in use. Missing NLIS devices should be reported to police as soon as possible. Livestock should be regularly checked to ensure that suspected losses are recognised and reported to police as soon as possible. Maintain accurate and up-todate records of individual stock identification numbers and stock totals including purchases, sales, deaths and rations. Stock should not be left in yards or holding paddocks adjacent to stockyards unless they are in sight of the homestead. Stock handling facilities (yards and race) should be kept locked and regularly checked for signs of unexplained activity.
AIRLINE pilot John Davison and airline engineer David Storen teamed up two years ago and founded Airview Drones. They started off doing mostly real estate photography, but have since identified a major opportunity in farming drones. They offer drones for basic trough and gate inspections, through to checking sheep and cattle without the need to go into paddocks, open gates and drive around – which can be especially handy in winter. “You can fly a drone and check out the lambing or calving without disturbing the herd,” said Mr Davison. “And we can scan paddocks with special cameras and tell you how they’re doing.” They can detect soil erosion and perform quantity estimat-
ing, if you need to cut out land for a house or dam. They also can use thermal cameras for pest eradication. “It takes a lot of pressure off the land,” said Mr Davison. He believes drones will soon take the place of motorbikes on farms. “And we price them at the same level,” he said. “You can pick up a bike for around two grand and you can get one of our drones for the same amount.” They also offer solutions for people that need the drones for specific services, and then modify the drones specifically for them. “I come out and demonstrate the drone to the farmer before they outlay any money,” said Mr Davison. “I show them how to fly it, upgrade the software and look
after it all.” He said age is no barrier once he demonstrates how to use the technology. “I have a 74-year-old farmer that struggles with his health, so we set it up so he just has to press play and his drone automatically flies its path, and he sits there with a cup of tea. “It takes a photo of each of his troughs and gates and feeding points, and he can also watch the live video on his iPad while it’s flying on its path. “Then it lands exactly where it took off from.” They are also starting to see a lot of people who are losing a fortune in cattle theft going to drones for security purposes. The company is a registered retailer for DJI Drones and they service all of Victoria.
UP, UP AND AWAY: John Davison from Airview believes drones will soon replace a lot of the jobs a motorbike is needed for on a farm.
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NEWS
June 2017
Southern Farmer, Page 19
Cropping speakers line-up for big PCA THE Apex–Brinkman Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) conference and trade exhibition, to be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, South Australia, from July 9 - 12, 2017, has a huge lineup of speakers specialising in hydroponic, greenhouse, aquaponic and high-tech growing systems. This biennial national industry event, which includes a two-day technical program, a trade expo and farm tours, is a great opportunity to learn about the latest growing technology and management practices. The event is expected to attract growers, industry experts and allied trade suppliers throughout Australasia, Asia, Europe and North America. Speakers include Senator Anne Ruston, the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources in the Coalition Government. Mr Wim van Esch, an international insurance expert from Achmea Australia, will speak on fresh produce product recall in the glasshouse industry. Eminent horticulture researcher Dr Mike Nichols from New Zealand will focus
his presentations on medical marijuana and fruit growing in the future. Jeffery Pouw, from Hermandix (NL), will speak on properties of different grades of whitewash. Marcel Bugter, AkzoNobel Micronutrients (NL) will focus his presentation on how chelates can further boost your yield. Katharina Admaitza is a plant physiologist who has specialised in LED light and photosynthesis in horticultural crops in Europe. Wilson Lennard is one of Australia’s prominent experts on aquaponics technology and as such will focus on combining hydroponics with aquaculture. Sohum Gandhi from Enriva is a recognised expert on energy for greenhouse crop production. His presentation will focus on gas, biomass and CO2. Ian Gesch will speak on emerging opportunities and challenges for CO2 enrichment. Wade Mann, Nuffield Scholar 2015, will focus his presentation on IPM for greenhouse berry crops. Dominic Cavallaro from Stoller Australia will speak
on how nutrients influence the growth of a plant. Dr Sophie Parks, NSW DPI, will focus on thinning flowers to influence berry size and flavour, and consumer preferences for blueberries. Dion Potter, Syngenta, will speak on understanding disease resistance and crop protection, making them work for you. Rick Donnan, Growool, will focus on fundamentals of hydroponic management. Nicky Mann, Nuffield Scholar 2014, will focus on intensive berry production using greenhouses, hydroponics and substrates, along with surviving and thriving in the Australian Flower Industry. Jonathan Lidbetter, NSW DPI, will talk on cucumbers. Mark Massey, Polito Flower Farms, will focus on converting a flower farm from soil to hydroponics. Graeme Smith, Graeme Smith Consulting, will speak on vertical farming and plant factories and artificial lighting reports from recent conferences. Finally, Marcus Van Heijst, will focus on the Priva Deleafing Robot for the tomato industry.
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