Southern Farmer

THE SOUTHERN

Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1986

JULY, 2016

PAGE 10

486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, 3127

139th Australian Sheep & Wool Show

SHIFTING THE VALUE OF BUTTERFAT

PAGES 11-14

PAGE 19

Thorpdale spud farmers spitting cash crisis chips Local potato growers owed thousands after Oakville Produce goes into receivership

LEARNING ABOUT DAIRY: Students at Korumburra Primary School are taking part in Dairy Australia’s Picasso Cows

Makeover Program. The tasks challenges primary school students to decorate a fibreglass cast of a dairy cow as part of a curriculum program that helps them learn about the significance of the Australian dairy industry.

See page 21 for full story.

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LOCAL Thorpdale potato farmers who supplied Oakville Produce may not ever receive the hundreds of thousands of dollars they are owed for supplying the fresh produce organisation with their potatoes after the company went into receivership.

Seed potato grower Des Jennings, who has 62 hectares of potatoes growing on his 330ha Thorpdale farm said he has “a hell of a shortage in cash flow” as a result of Oakville Produce’s downfall in which he has been supplying potatoes to for the past seven years.

“There was a period of time before they went into receivership where we were supplying potatoes to them that we have not yet been paid for and we may never be paid for,” he said.

“The administrators have told us we are guaranteed to be paid after they took over, but the six weeks prior to that we won’t get paid...until maybe it is all wound up, but we don’t know.

“We haven’t had any sizeable income since January and we still have to now run a

BY JODIE FLEMING

jfleming@ nemedia.com.au

business with 10 wages to pay, electricity and fuel bills that come in monthly, and we have to pay the fertiliser and chemical bills that are outstanding,” Mr Jennings added.

Alongside growing commercial potatoes for Oakville Produce, the second generation farmer grows carrots and runs Border Leicester Merino cross ewes and Dorset meat lambs alongside his predominately Angus cows and Limousin bull in order to “utilise his land in other ways”.

“If it wasn’t for the sheep and cattle we would be in a worse position.

“I mean, we are behind the eight ball now and we just can’t pay those people we owe money to.

“You only make a little bit of money anyway growing potatoes, so we have done other things,” he said.

Continued page 8

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NEWS

Page 2, Southern Farmer

EEZEE SHELTERS & STABLES

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*THE Grains Research & Development Corporation is holding its Australian Grains Industry Conference on Monday, July 25 to Wednesday, July 27 at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne.

The conference is run by the industry for the industry and provides a one-stop opportunity to meet with clients, catch up with friends and colleagues and hear the latest developments in the industry.

It also offers unparalleled networking opportunities with delegates, speakers and trade exhibitors.

The conference starts at 8.30am and ends at 10pm and costs $1100 ($970 early bird).

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(03) 9716 2459 THE SOUTHERN

Covering Central South Victoria and West Gippsland Level 1, Suite 103, 486 Whitehorse Road, Surry Hill, North VIC 3127

Phone (03) 9888 4822 Fax (03) 9888 4840 Email: sfarmer@nemedia.com.au Website: www.nemedia.com.au

Calvin Purss Phone (03) 5723 0125 Fax (03) 5721 9447 cpurss@nemedia.com.au

Editorial:

Jodie Fleming Phone (03) 5723 0129 Fax (03) 5721 9447 jfleming@nemedia.com.au

Livestock Coordinator:

David Rizzoli Phone (03) 9888 4822 Fax (03) 9888 4840

Pre-Press Coordinator

Noelene Allan Phone (03) 5723 0110 Fax (03) 5722 9778 nallan@nemedia.com.au

ON THE SPOT

*APPLICATIONS are now open for the 2016 Growing Leaders - National Vegetable Industry Leadership Program.

Growing Leaders is a highly regarded program designed to develop personal, business and industry skills.

The program was designed in

JULY: 15-17: Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo AUGUST: 1-2: Sheepvention, Hamilton; 3-4: Mallee Machinery Field Days, Speed; 5-14: Royal Queensland Show, Brisbane

SHEEP SHOW: Sheepvention is Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society’s biggest farming event with a mix of competitions including the Ram Sale, Sheep Show, Victorian Farm Dogs Competition, Inventions Competition, and Wool Fashion Parade. This year’s feature breed is Corriedale. consultation with vegetable industry people with their specific needs in mind.

The program encourages all sectors of the industry including growing, harvesting, processing, extension, exporters, importers, marketing and employees to register interest.

The program ensures that participants develop effective ways of handling conflict, improve communication, manage efficient meetings, build high performance teams, manage change and media awareness.

The program is cost-free to The Vegetable Growers’ Association of Victoria levy payers and includes dinners with guest speakers, tours, industry functions and three residential For more information contact Jill Briggs on (02) 6035 7284 or 0409 455 710. *THIS year’s LambEx 2016 will take place in Albury, NSW from Wednesday, August 10 to Friday, August 12.

Futurist Paul Higgins is this year’s keynote speaker and will discuss lamb’s realistic future, bringing together consumer trends, technology trends and producer trends to arrive at a compelling case for what lamb looks like in 20 years’ time.

For more information visit www. lambex.com.au. *THE Port Philip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority is looking for interested women to take part in a women’s sustainable agriculture discussion group that will run for two years and includes a two-day workshop in September.

The group will focus on developing confidence, developing broader networks and building capacity in public speaking outside local communities about views on sustainable agriculture and opportunities for sustainable food production.

It is a free program facilitated

by Jenny O’Sullivan of Linking Environment, Agriculture and People.

The two-day workshop will be followed by a series of workshops, farm walks and other activities as determined by the group at the retreat.

For expressions of interest contact Sarah Halligan on 8781 7908. *LIVESTOCK producers across Victoria who are looking to make strategic changes to their operation are encouraged to participate in a new training program that takes a bigpicture approach to improving profitability and sustainability.

SEPTEMBER: 2-11: Royal Adelaide Show, Adelaide; 1727: Royal; Melbourne Show, Flemington; 20-22: Henty Machinery Field Days, Henty; 28-29: South Gippsland Dairy Expo, Korumburra For more information on country shows visit www.vicagshows.com.au or www.countryshows.com.au.

The course takes a new approach to extension and adoption, and will be conducted by an approved trainer over two years, in six or seven one-day sessions each year.

The Whole Farm Grazing Strategies program has been developed by Meat & Livestock Australia, Australian Wool Innovation and Victoria’s Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.

The sessions are structured around the following seven themes: Pastures for extensive livestock Soils and landclass Livestock: Strategies to address production, environmental and lifestyle requirements The nuts and bolts of grazing management Tactical management to balance feed demand and supply Making on-farm strategic change Producer presentations of change on-farm.

Courses will be delivered in Casterton, Hamilton, Pigeon Ponds, Beechworth, Werribee and Leongatha and Rutherglen.

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Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner.

Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.

YOUR

*NOMINATIONS are now open for the 2016 Rabobank Leadership Awards, including the Emerging Leader Award.

The Rabobank Leadership Award goes to an outstanding senior leader in the food, agribusiness and related industries in Australia and New Zealand.

This year’s winner of the Emerging Leader Award will receive a prize of an international educational farm visit to a country relevant to their agricultural sector, as well as business mentoring sessions with the senior industry leader who receives the 2016 Rabobank Leadership Award.

Award nominations close on Sunday, July 31, with the winners to be announced at the annual Rabobank Leadership Award dinner to be held in Sydney at Doltone House on Thursday, October 6.

For more information visit www. rabobankleadershipawards.com/ nominations.

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NEWS

July 2016

Southern Farmer, Page 3

Cattle Council welcomes Vietnam live export market inquiry CATTLE Council ofAustralia has thrown its full support behind the independent inquiry into the Vietnamese live export market.

The inquiry, announced by the Australian Livestock Exporters Council (ALEC), is one of many additional measures in light of new animal cruelty allegations from Animals Australia.

Graphic video footage of allegedly Australian cattle being killed with sledgehammers in Vietnam was broadcast by the ABC. President of Cattle Council of Australia Howard Smith said the footage highlighted the vulnerabilities of the trade.

“The practices being used in

this footage were completely unacceptable and in violation of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) standards,” he said.

“Animal welfare is of the highest importance to beef producers within any sector of the beef supply chain.

“If grass fed producers can’t

have reasonable confidence that their cattle will be looked after once they enter the supply chain, then there needs to be an independent review of that supply chain to ensure the welfare of cattle,” Mr Smith said.

The Cattle Council remains supportive of ESCAS but has emphasised the importance

of ensuring full traceability of Australian livestock and preventing leakage into nonapproved facilities.

In January 2015 the Federal Government released a report into ESCAS stating that in the years since its implementation in 2011, the industry has continually improved the

welfare of exported Australian livestock.

“The situation in Vietnam isn’t representative of the entire system, but with a failure such as this it is essential to review that specific market to ensure the welfare of the animals in that supply chain,” Mr Smith said.

For more information on country shows visit www.vicagshows.com.au or www.countryshows.com.au SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND HAVE THE SOUTHERN

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Horticulture wins feasibility cash to secure water in Casey “This work is a key part of the process, detailing the feasibility, economic returns and sustainability of these projects, as we identify the best sites to deliver new water infrastructure,” he said.

Minister Joyce committed $300,000 to fast-track a feasibility study into developing the Coldstream Recycled-water Pipeline for high-value horticultural production in the Yarra Valley and Lilydale and $91,500 to develop a water plan for south east Melbourne.

Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith said the Coldstream Pipeline study will investigate

the feasibility of a recycled water pipeline for prime agricultural land, supplying and extra billion litres of recycled water from the Yarra Valley Water’s treatment plant at Lilydale.

“Following this study, the project could be close to shovel-ready in 2017,” he said.

“Water security for this region could lead to more jobs and wider economic benefits from primary production, wine and food processing, agri-tourism and recreation.

“In addition, a feasibility study on establishing a polishing plant to provide fit-for-purpose recycled water to strawberry growers

is part of this assessment.

“Without being exposed to seasonal variability this project will promote exports to global markets, as growers will have confidence to sign long-term contracts,” Mr Smith said.

He added that the $91,500 grant will enable the development of a plan to use non-potable water to support intensive horticulture and associated employment and investment across south east Melbourne.

“The study will assess the likely water supply over the next 20 years, including investigating putting recycled water to productive use,” Mr Smith said.

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THE Federal Government is giving $391,500 to fast track feasibility studies to improve water security for the horticulture industry in Casey.

In announcing the funding, which is part of the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce said that the government were expediating the planning work required to get water infrastructure projects “shovel-ready” because they were “serious about ensuring water infrastructure gets built as quickly as possible”.

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WATER STUDY: The Coldstream Pipeline study will investigate the feasibility of a recycled water pipeline for prime agricultural land that will supply an extra billion litres of recycled water from the Yarra Valley Water’s treatment plant at Lilydale.

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NEWS

Page 4, Southern Farmer

July 2016

Farmer saving thousands by making SUSTAINABLE farm advocate and Murrindindi farmer Wayne Lording is actively spreading the word about how farmers can save thousands of dollars each and every year by investing in technology and the sustainability of their farms in quite a simple way.

Mr Lording has invested in a sustainable future for his farm by installing a geothermal system on one of his properties saving his farm business from exorbitant bills on electricity, LPG gas and fertiliser each year.

Using his smallest Murrindindi property of 50 acres, where he runs 26 pedigree, all in calf Blonde d’ Aquitaine cattle and an olive grove with 500 trees, as a “test case” Mr Lording installed his geothermal system himself after developing an interest in “the sustainability side of things”.

An engineer by trade, he spent many years travelling the world working in information technology when he started to look around for technology he could invest in and that could really grow in Australia.

Having grown up on a farm in the Riverina district near Albury and having run his own farm his entire life he was keen to find something that could help him sustain his farm and “be green”.

“The geothermal system is one of the most efficient systems out in the market to-

BY JODIE FLEMING

jfleming@ nemedia.com.au

day, but it all comes down to return on investment and cost savings,” he said.

“Farmers are finding it harder and harder to make money nowadays, so why not just invest in some technologies that can really reduce your costs massively?

“I said to my dad; let’s put it (geothermal system) onto the farm as a case study for other farmers.”

There are a number of technologies that Mr Lording has set up on the farm that helps reduce costs and that makes sustainable farming more possible.

He has installed LED lighting in the house, reducing the cost of electricity, a black and grey water system on the farm that fertilisers the olive grove and the geothermal system which heats and cools the house and provides potable hot water.

A four kilowatt solar system has also been installed on the roof of one of his farm sheds to offset the electricity draw throughout the day for running appliances, reducing his electricity costs by about 60 per cent.

“We are burning about an average of 25 kilowatts per

EASY EXCAVATION: An aerial view of Wayne Lording’s Murrindindi ‘test property’ showing where trenches have been dug to install the geothermal piping system.

day, so therefore it’s quite a fair expense in electricity,” he explained.

“The electricity we run here is the geothermal and heating and cooling for the house, plus some pumps and the septic system and general use of appliances.

“Any farm can put a solar system on and you are looking at cost savings.

“On average we have had about a 60 per cent to 70 per cent decrease on electricity usage per day, so solar saves me about $1200 per year.

“In Victoria you generally

generate about 3.5 hours of electricity across the 365 days a year, so therefore we also time the appliances.

“So putting large appliances on like dishwashers and washing machines and vacuum cleaners…well we do that in that peak time when the sun’s

Factory 17/25 Bald Hill Rd Pakenham

out and again it’s another smart way of reducing electricity costs on your farm,” he said.

Mr Lording added that the geothermal system is particularly useful for piggeries or chicken farms where you use a lot of electricity and hot water.

Continued page 5

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July 2016

Southern Farmer, Page 5

KLV IDUP VXVWDLQDEOH DQG FRVW HI¿ FLHQW So for cost savings, particularly if you are using LPG where natural gas is not available for heating you can have a payback in about six to 12 months by putting a geothermal system in, again making your farm sustainable using technologies that are out there.

- WAYNE LORDING

PIPE SYSTEM: Class 12 poly pipe circulates water via a closed loop system buried between four trenches that are about 1.8 metres deep.

From page 4

geothermal system in, again making your farm sustainable using technologies that are out there,” he said.

Mr Lording himself now saves $5200 in LPG per year.

The heart of the geothermal system lies in the valley of Mr Lording’s property where Class 12 poly pipe

can drop pipe into trenches and do it yourself or you can use the dam that is already on your property.

“So for cost savings, particularly if you are using LPG where natural gas is not available for heating you can have a payback in about six to 12 months by putting a

“I’ve heard of some piggeries getting charged around $300,000 per year in LPG. “Now this system is so easy to install.

“It’s just basically an excavator and if you’re a farmer that has an excavator and you haven’t got too much rock you

circulates water via a closed loop system buried between four trenches that are about 1.8 metres deep.

The water runs through the pipes and returns the water to the house at a constant 16 degrees Celsius.

“So it actually runs the hot and cold water through the ground for the heat and cooling transfer.

“The geothermal system has a pipe that comes down the valley and the closed loop water system actually ends up transferring the heat – or the hot and cold water is thermally conducted into the dam.

and it is pumped out through a drip system and a sprinkler system to actually naturally fertilise the olives.

“The olive trees are actually thriving because of the natural fertiliser. “So it’s just another way of using waste and helping the farm to become more sustainable and again using waste as a natural fertiliser.”

He now saves $2600 per year on fertiliser.

Mr Lording believes that the only reason geothermal hasn’t really taken off in Australia is because of a lack of education which is why he is now travelling around Victoria and the country explaining how it works to other farmers and local councils.

“There is a lot more interest in it now, but one of the main issues is that people have no idea how to install it.

“I now have people begging me for information and I am more than happy to help them.

“This is not about making money for myself, this is about giving back to the world.

“The payback and total cost of ownership for putting geothermal in is about one year, even less.

“Why not make your farm more sustainable and use things such as waste and blackwater to actually fertilise your crops.

It’s that simple, so go and do it,” he said.

“We aren’t actually using water at all, but we are just using the dam as a thermal transfer to make the geothermal system so much more affordable and effective as a heating and cooling system,” he said.

The geothermal system is also used for cooling and heating the house as well as heating the potable hot water which Mr Lording describes as a bi-product of the system which is “virtually free” and can be used for all your hot water needs.

There are also many other applications that can use this geothermal system.

By using a duct air ducting system, you are able to heat and cool the house as well as pumping hot and cold water out of the system to actually use hydronics to heat and cool your dwelling.

To add to his sustainable farming, Mr Lording also uses his black and grey septic system to fertilise his olive grove.

“The septic system basically works like a little treatment plant.

“We have an olive grove here, so why not use the waste that comes from the house where there is the sewer waste, the shower waste and the sink waste and use it to actually feed the olives.

“All the waste comes down from the house and gets delivered into the treatment plant

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Page 6, Southern Farmer

July 2016

Is it a craws bred?

By DAVID RIZZOLI

CHAMPION CORRIEDALE: The Supreme Corriedale Exhibit at the 2015 ASBA Sheep and Wool Show from the Tasmanian stud, Quamby Plains of Compton Archer and Son, Hagley Tas. with the perpetual Wettenhall Trophy held by stud principal, Richard Archer.

“IS it a ‘craws’ bred?

This was the question asked of the late Guy Wettenhall by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, on the occasion of her visit to the Geelong Wool Museum in the late 1980s.

All protocol instructions flew out the window with young Guy’s reply - “No”, he emphatically replied, “It’s a Corriedale!”

Guy and his magnificent sheep from the renowned Stanbury Corriedale Stud at Ceres were part of a display for Her Majesty, organised by the writer of the farming side of wool production that included a working sheep dog, machine shearers, male and female, with an 82 year old blade shearer and an array of Australian sheep the Merino, Corriedale, Polwarth, Poll Dorset and Carpetmaster.

These were all displayed outdoors in a very crowded Moorabool Street.

Today that ‘craws’ bred is numerically, second only to the Merino in the world, established not only in Australia and New Zealand, but in North and South America.

And the Corriedale is the Feature Breed in this year’s round of major sheep shows.

The New Zealand Sheep Breeders Association puts the number of Corriedales worldwide today at exceeding 100,000,000.

Breeding of the Corriedale started in New Zealand around 1863 when Scottish immigrant James Little began experimenting with Dr Webster’s Corriedale and a lesser known Balruddery breed in the North Otargo area of the South Island, crossing Romney with Merino ewes.

Little soon abandoned the Romney Merino cross and started working with Lincoln Merino cross which proved more successful due to the sparser pasture growth of the light rainfall areas of the Otargo region.

These heavier rainfall conditions also suited the Merino, as did the richer pastures further south, which suited the Lincoln.

But the Little flock was subsequently dispersed and played no further part in the breed’s development.

The breeding of the Corriedale was taken up in 1874

by W.S. Davidson, general manager of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company at the company’s Levels Estate near Timaru.

Davidson mated a flock of 1000 highly bred Merinos to Lincoln rams to produce the first half bred animals.

Very heavy culling and strict selection guidelines in the ewe portion of the crossbred flock, which were subsequently mated to rams of the same breeding, began 125 years of line breeding to present the large bodied heavy

fleeced sheep today.

(Cynics will say that if this kind of breeding works it is line - breeding, if it doesn’t it is in-breeding).

The Corriedale has long been recognised as a pure breed in its own right with a closed stud book, meaning that any Lincoln Merino cross cannot be registered or recognised as a Corriedale.

The first Corriedale stud in Australia was established in 1882 when Mr H.J.C Forbett of Port Fairy mated 400 Lincoln ewes with Merino rams from C.L. Currie’s Larra Station at Camperdown.

In 1884 a further 200 Lincoln ewes were purchased from J.F. Rutlidge’s Farnham property in Victoria and joined with Larra rams.

Culling and selective mating to rams of the same cross breeding was carried out by Mr Corbett for the next 30 years until he left to take up residence in South Africa.

In 1888 a Mr A.M. McKinnon of Longford, Tasmania established a flock by mating Lincoln rams with Merino ewes.

The Australian Corriedale Sheep Breeders’ Association was founded at a meeting convened by James Francis Guthrie in Melbourne on July 28, 1914 with the first Flock Book published in 1922 containing the histories of 63 registered flocks.

Continued page 7

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July 2016

Southern Farmer, Page 7

No it’s Corriedale!

From page 6

The 2010 Flock Register showed that only three of those flocks still existed at that time.

The name of the association was changed to The Australian Corriedale Association on July 31, 1946.

Corriedales are run in a vast range of climates and conditions.

In Australia they are found mainly in the temperate zone of south eastern Australia.

In New Zealand they may be found from the temperate North Island to the rugged bottom of the South Island.

In South America, where Corriedales make up some 70 per cent of the sheep population, they graze from the heat of the equator to the cold and rugged Tierra del Fuego.

Which brings us to the 2016 round of major sheep shows, the Australian Sheep Breeders Association Sheep and Wool Show at Bendigo, The Ballarat A & P Society Sheep and Alpaca Show and The Hamilton P & A Society’s Hamilton and District Sheep Show, which is incorporated in Sheepvention.

The Corriedale has the distinction of being the feature breed at each of these sheep shows, which also feature a major Merino Ram Sale.

The Australian Sheep Breeders Association Sheep and Wool Show at Bendigo will be held at the Prince of Wales

Showgrounds on Friday, July 15 to Monday, July 18.

Features, together with the sheep show include The National Fleece Show with the world’s greatest presentation of fleece wool; Women in Wool, the Australian Wool Fashion Parade, Australia’s Largest Wool Fibre Market, Sheep Dog Trials, Shearing and Wool Handling, Ag Careers Forum- ‘Soils Make Sense’.

For the first time the show will feature the cattle precinct, showcasing a range of breeds from studs across Victoria and southern New Southern Wales.

The annual Merino Ram Sale is associated with the show.

The Ballarat A & P Society Sheep and Alpaca Show will be held at the Ballarat Showgrounds on Sunday, July 24.

The sheep show features sheep of all breeds including many of the oldest and most prestigious Merino studs in Victoria.

Other breeds represented are the Corriedale, Polwarth, Poll Dorset, Suffolk, White Suffolk and Texel, together with the Heritage Breeds, Dorset Horn, Dorset Down, Southdown, and Shropshire.

The Merino Ram Sale to be held on Monday, July 25 will feature rams from Victorian studs such as Worrook, Glenpaen, Melrose, Toland, Kamarooka Park and Kevlyn,

together with NSW studs Merryville, Glanna and Demondrille.

The associated alpaca show features a high-quality display of these animals from stud breeders across Victoria and the Southern Riverina.

The Hamilton P & A Society’s Hamilton and District Sheep Show, held in conjunction with Sheepvention, will be held on Monday, August 1, with the ram sale taking place on Tuesday, August Associated with the sheep show is Australia’s largest Merino Ram sale featuring more than 400 rams in pens of five from breeders all over the eastern seaboard of Australia and South Australia.

Other parades and demonstrations include Wool Fashion parades, the Australasian Young Designer Awards, the Producers Pavilion with a variety of interactive exhibitions, the Grain Discovery Centre, the Bubble Muffin Cookery School and a Demonstration Kitchen with cooking demonstrations.

There are a number of marquees with trade demonstrations and retail stalls, and a vast outdoor array of agricultural machinery on display.

And don’t forget the inventors’ marquee featuring farmers’ innovative inventions of many sorts to make life a little easier on the farm.

SALES & SERVICE

TALKING TACTICS: ‘Taking Stock’ is a program offering dairy farmers free access to one-on-one advice from experienced business and financial farm advisors.

Help is on hand for dairy farmers DAIRY Australia’s ‘Tactics for Tight Times’ initiative has released a range of budgeting tools and resources as the industry prepares itself for the new season’s milk price announcements and financial year.

According to Dairy Australia’s Neil Webster, ‘Taking Stock’ is a tried and true program that offers dairy farmers free access to one-on-one advice from experienced business and financial farm advisors.

“Taking Stock is a vital opportunity for dairy farmers to plan their business and set their budgets for the new financial year,” he said.

“All the indications are that milk prices will remain low this year.

“Budgeting is therefore critically important.

“Having an experienced advisor to guide you and

to bounce ideas off will not only ensure your planning is realistic, it will also give you another trusted person to resolve the difficult questions that come up when budgets are being done,” Mr Webster said.

DairyBase has a cash report that will enable farmers to start working on their annual cash budget in preparation for the 2016/2017 milk price announcements.

The Dairy Cash Management Planner is a shorter term planning tool that allows dairy farmers to stay on top of their income and expenses on a monthby-month basis.

Another major budgeting factor is feed, which is the biggest input cost on farm.

With the feed budgeting tool dairy farmers can estimate the amount of pasture and supplementary feed they will need to feed

milking cows and other stock.

Dairy Australia has also produced a video and a fact sheet on feed budgeting.

While budgeting is the priority for dairy farmers at this time, the winter Tactics for Tight Times checklist guides dairy farmers to a range of resources like staffing, herd health and welfare and many more.

The winter Quarterly Update is available on the Tactics checklist for the first time.

It has three short videos led by Dairy Australia managing director Ian Halliday and covers the benefits of joining a discussion group; what’s happening at the RDPs; and more on the budgeting tool, DairyBase.

For more information visit www.tftt.dairyaustralia. com.au.

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NEWS

Page 8, Southern Farmer

July 2016

Thorpdale spud farmers face cash crisis From page 1

It is estimated that about $1.5 million is owed to growers in the Thorpdale area alone.

It is unknown how much is owed in the three other major potato growing regions in NSW and Queensland.

Formerly the Moraitis Group, Oakville Produce was one of Australia’s longest standing, vertically-integrated fresh produce organisations, supplying potatoes and onions.

Oakville Produce supplied approximately 250,000 tonnes of fresh produce every year from its farms and network of growers across the country to some of Australia’s major supermarkets.

It has been a dominant force in the Australian potato industry, supplying about threequarters of all the potatoes sold in Woolworths supermarkets.

The company entered voluntary administration on May 11.

National vegetable industry body AUSVEG has voiced its concerns that Australian potato growers will be left out of pocket as a result of the company entering into receivership.

AUSVEG is concerned that growers’ debt are considered a priority as creditors are repaid, and is calling for support from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and receiver and manager

POTATO PROBLEM: Oakville Produce supplied approximately 250,000 tonnes of fresh produce every year from its farms and network of growers across the country to some of Australia’s major supermarkets.

Deloitte to ensure that small farmers are not disadvantaged in the repayment of creditors.

AUSVEG spokesperson Jordan Brooke-Barnett said the rationalisation of the potato industry and its supply chain is increasingly requiring Australian growers, many of who are operating farms that have been in their family for generations, to rely on large packhouses to stay in business.

“Unfortunately, this means that if these companies suffer financial misfortune, Australian growers can bear the brunt of the damage and are often

the last in a long line of creditors to receive payment due to having less resources to pursue recourse when compared to larger companies,” he said.

“We’d like to see more protections to ensure that our hard-working growers are fully compensated for any debts that exist in this sort of situation, and we’ve made representations to the ACCC asking for their support in ensuring that growers have their debts fully serviced.”

Mr Brooke-Barnett said that the industry body also wants to see further scrutiny

of potential buyers that are looking to take ownership of Oakville to ensure that they have a long-term plan for the ongoing success of the company and that they understand the trading environment of the Australian potato industry and the dominant market forces at play.

“We don’t want to see ongoing turmoil with continued turnover of these major players which can leave Australian growers out of pocket,” he said.

“Australian potato growers operate on tight margins and have to deal with extreme price

pressure from their buyers.

“The ongoing issues in the dairy industry offer the perfect example of what could happen if there isn’t an active effort to provide relief for our growers.

“We want to see a fair go for farmers from all links in the supply chain, including supermarkets and packhouses,” Mr Brooke-Barnett added.

Mr Jennings said that he hoped that in the sale of the company that it would be broken up and not end up in the same hands.

“We just want operators that operate more fairly.

4

15 th - 17th JULY 2016 BENDIGO, VICTORIA RAM SALE 18 th JULY

“It’s not that fair of a system the way it currently is and the way it has been developed for a number of years.

“It has just got worse and worse, particularly with the changes to the PBRs (plant breeders’ rights) which are all locked up the way they are.

“If I buy something it should be mine and not controlled by other people,” Mr Jennings said.

He added that, just like the recent dairy industry crisis, the flow on effect for those not being paid what they are owed hits the entire community hard.

“If we don’t get paid, suppliers don’t get paid, and then the whole community doesn’t get paid.

“We haven’t been paid for 12 months of work if you add up the growing time of the potatoes, so we have worked for nothing.

“All those people we owe money to can’t get paid until we do,” he added.

A statement on financial consultants, Deloitte website reads; “The Receivers have taken control of the business and operations and are continuing to trade Oakville on a business as usual basis whilst they undertake an urgent assessment of the financial position of the companies and undertake a sale of the business process, seeking offers for a sale as a going concern.”

HUGE DAYS of events!

WOMEN OF WOOL FESTIVAL OF LAMB shearing events breeders’ dinner merino ram sale dorper ram & ewe sale sheepdog trials australian fleece competition woolcraft & fashion YOUNG STUD MASTERS’ MUSTER Over 2500 sheep on display featuring 25+ breeds

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ASWS1606

Decades of septic system misery, banished in days.

Queensland couple Mike and Rose Maynard talk about their decadeslong battle with septic tank odours and fouling, and the environmentally friendly solution that restored their pride in their home within two weeks.

“Our septic system was put in when we built in 1988,� says Mike Maynard from his rural property in sunny Queensland. “Over the years we have had continuing problems with the system not working properly. The area around the trench would get so wet and boggy that we could not even walk near it, let alone use the mower.�

But that wasn’t the worst bit of their dysfunctional septic system. “The smell would become almost overpowering at times,� says Mike, “especially when it rained or when we had visitors to stay, which was quite embarrassing.�

The stink that stuck The problem wouldn’t go away, which is common with septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems. “As time went on, the smell was becoming a constant thing,� explains Rose.

Septic systems are much like a digestive system for your house. Just as you need healthy bacteria in your body, your septic system needs a healthy balance of good bacteria to process the waste from your home.

Otherwise, problems occur and recur. “We were at a loss as to what to do to ďŹ x it, apart from getting the septic pumped out again, digging up and replacing the trench, or even replacing the whole system – all expensive options,â€? says Rose. “But then we read in a magazine about Ecocare Activator.â€?

Cleaners don’t cut it Often confused with traditional septic system cleaning products, Ecocare Activator is much more than a cleaner.

Sound advice about odours “My husband rang and spoke at length to George at Insight Environmental about our problem and, based on that conversation and George’s assurances, we decided to try Ecocare Activator,� says Rose. “We thought, ‘Really, what do we have to lose,’ as it is only a fraction of the cost of the other options we had.�

What happened next surprised Mike and Rose, but not George.

Fast forward for the Maynards “We were astounded by the results and how quickly it happened,� says Rose with a smile. “Within a couple of weeks the smell was gone and you could see the area around the trench drying – something that had not happened for twenty years or more.�

That was in the winter of 2013. Today, Mike and Rose still have a healthy, odour-free septic system. “We now have a dry paddock,� Mike explains. “We can mow and walk all around the area. “We could not be happier with the results and will continue to use this fabulous product.�

It’s an easy-to-use, environmentally friendly, septicsafe solution that activates and conditions your septic system. It gets the ‘digestive system’ healthy again, which, in turn, clears the blockages that cause bad odours and keeps the entire septic system clean.

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NEWS

Page 10, Southern Farmer

July 2016

All invited to 135th Ballarat Sheep Show and Merino Ram Sale COMMITTEE members of the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Association are extending an invitation to all to their 135th Ballarat Sheep Show and Merino Ram Sale to take place on Sunday, July 24 and Monday, July 25 at the Ballarat Showgrounds.

World class sheep, lambs, fleece and several rare breeds will be on show for the 2016 event with committee chairman John Harbour having said the show is “going to be big”.

“This year our feature breed is the Corriedale – a great dual purpose animal that produces both wool and meat,” he said.

“We are expecting some outstanding animals in this class this year.

“I invite everyone to come down and meet a sheep and see how great this agricultural industry is,” Mr Harbour added.

The committee have continued to support many heritage sheep breeds over the years including the Lincoln, Hampshire Downs, Dorset Horn and Wiltipol.

Another highlight at this year’s show is the iconic Merino sheep that produces beautiful fleece and is sought the world over.

Ram Sale chairman Ross Dickinson said to win the Supreme Champion Merino Exhibit is an aim of many a Merino breeder.

“We get the best of the best at our show and many then stay on to sell rams the

next day at our Ram Sale,” Mr Dickinson said.

“Buyers attend from across the country to purchase new rams for the coming season and it’s sensational.”

Ballarat Grammar School students, starting from grade four, will be showing their champion Corriedales, father and son team of Peter and Daniel Rogers will be judging the medium wool breeds and the 2015 Corriedale Young Ambassador Grace Calder will be present at the event.

Entry to the show is free and via the Trash and Treasure Market, with catering provided by the Ladies Committee.

Entries for show are now open and can be found at www.ballaratshow.org.au.

1

. In 1892 John “Jackie” Howe (of blue singlet fame) shore how many sheep in eight hours 40 minutes? (a) 301, (b) 321, (c) 341?

2

. Where is the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market? (a) Craigieburn, (b) Footscray, (c) Epping.

3

DAVID RIZZOLI

4

. What infamous import was released at Winchelsea near Geelong in 1859?

7

. The name A.T.Pugsley is widely associated with the development of which grain crop?

. From 1853 to around 1863 what surpassed wool as Australia’s major export?

5

8

11

. In which year was the Victorian Department of Agriculture established and who is the current Minister for Agriculture, even though the Department no longer exists in its own right?

6

. In what month of the year is the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo usually held?

. What began in Queensland in January 1891 and lasted until August of the same year and was part of a movement to establish a major political party?

9

. When did Country of Origin food labelling become compulsory in Australia?

10

. What faculties were established at Sydney and Melbourne Universities in 1909?

12

. The crossing of the cattle breeds Sahiwal and Red Sindhi with Jerseys resulted in what new breed for the tropics?

ANSWERS: 1. (b) 321 (A figure that remains a record for Merinos to this day); 2. (c) Epping; 3 (b) Budgerigars; 4. Rabbits; 5. 1872, Jaala Pulford; 6. February; 7. Wheat; 8.

The Great Shearers Strike; 9. July 1, 2016; 10. Gold; 11. Faculties of Veterinary Science; 12. The Australian Milking Zebu.

Compiled by

. What, in 1840, were the first livestock exported from the colony of New South Wales to Great Britain? (a) Goats, (b) Budgerigars, (c) Kangaroos.

SHOWING SHEEP: World class sheep, lambs, fleece and several rare breeds will be on show at the 2016 Ballarat Sheep Show.

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139TH AUSTRALIAN SHEEP & WOOL SHOW

July 2016

139th

Southern Farmer, Page 11

15th-17th July, 2016, Bendigo, Victoria

Australian Sheep & Wool Show

THE SOUTHERN

Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria

NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY

Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria

proudly present this special feature

Let the 2016 Australian Sheep & Wool Show begin THE best of the best Australian sheep breeders are about to hit Bendigo to compete at the 139th Australian Sheep & Wool Show joining some of the nation’s most passionate food, fashion and fibre lovers to celebrate the mighty Australian sheep across the three days of the annual event.

Starting on Friday, July 15 and finishing up on Sunday, July 17, 2016, with the Merino Ram Sale taking place on Monday, July 18, there is plenty on offer across the entire weekend including sheep competitions, young stud masters’ muster, annual breeders’ dinner, Australia’s largest fibre market, working dogs, food, ram sales, shearing, Australian wool fashion parades, global Dohne conference, cattle precinct, 2016 feature breed – Corriedale, national fleece competition, woolcraft, women of wool, Bendigo festival of lamb, Merino national pairs, supreme Dorper sales, future of farming, sheep club and Ag careers forum with ‘Soils make sense’ as the theme.

All taking place at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo and spreading out into the regional centre, show

j/12d13365-v3/28-16

president Malcolm Starritt said those who put the annual event together can “pat themselves on the back” for the work they have done over the years creating the largest show of its kind in the world.

“However, along with the self-congratulations goes the reality that over those years and today, it is a volunteer committee drawn from our own ranks that travel the untold kilometres and invests enormous hours of their own time to bring it about,” he said.

“For 2016, there are 22 sub events under our valuable umbrella and together they put the broadest possible spotlight on all aspects of our industry for a growing local, regional, national and international audience.

“Each of these events represents an industry community in itself, but bring them together and we have a powerful, concentrated presence.

“We are no longer simply preaching to the converted, but educating a wider audience on where their food and fibre comes from and the important contribution agriculture makes to our economy,” Mr Starritt said.

This year the event will see

Australia’s largest fibre market in full swing with a huge retail precinct and national woolcraft competitions.

Competition arenas will be alive with national benchmarking activities across the generations, with a celebration of the Corriedale as the feature breed.

“The festival of lamb is attracting a more diverse, multi-cultural take on our prime lamb and the Women of Wool lunch will provide inspiration,” Mr Starritt said.

“Our best and brightest young farmers will come together and vital components such as shearing and dog trials will attract the crowds.

“Important industry networking and platforming events, such as the breeders’ dinner will continue to draw together all of our members and breed societies to build on the strength of a consolidated industry community.

“We are also continuing to grow the careers component that will attract young people to the industry, to ensure we have the skills and dedication to meet our future needs,” he added.

For more information visit www.sheepshow.com.

ASWS1613

139TH AUSTRALIAN SHEEP & WOOL SHOW

Page 12, Southern Farmer

For more information on country shows visit www.vicagshows.com.au or www.countryshows.com.au

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Aussie Wool Quilts manufacture 100 per cent Australian wool bedding on the Lanyonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm at Boort in North Central Victoria.

The company make doona style quilts, under-blankets, pillows and woolly warmers (therapeutic heat pads) in all the standard sizes, with all products individually handmade, allowing for true customised quilts to suit a range of needs.

The business has been in operation for 19 years and was purchased in 2009 by the couple who have been farming for many generations, growing cereal crops alongside their green tomatoes for the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other manufacturing operation, Simply Tomatoes.

Supporting their local region is a big priority for the Lanyonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who employ a number of people from their local Boort community to work in their business enterprises.

The wool used in Aussie Wool Quilts is from Dorset sheep; used due to its strength and springy texture. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I liken the wool to putting Merino sheep wool in a press, releasing it and watching it spring back and pop back up,â&#x20AC;? Mrs Lanyon said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The wool in all our products is grown on local farms on local sheep and then sent to Geelong for cleaning and carding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The dry clean only range is washed, carded, and naturally chemical free;

SHIRALL

making it ideal for allergy sufferers and people with chemical sensitivity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The washable range goes through an extra process, a hot water wash, to pre-shrink the wool and is processed with a small amount of peroxide and chlorine, but doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel any different to you and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any chemical smell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After cleaning, the wool is then brought back to the factory on the farm where our fabulous team of machinists craft it into our soft and fluffy bedding,â&#x20AC;? she explained.

Carding is a mechanical process that disentangles, cleans and intermixes fibres to produce a continuous web or sliver suitable for subsequent processing.

As all the quilts are handmade, about three to four are completed each day, depending on the sizes that have been ordered which range from cot to super king, as well as a duo quilt which has different blanket warmth on each side of the quilt.

The Lanyonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are also branching out into providing under-blankets for caravans, campers and swags.

The cost for quilts ranges from $170 to $395 depending on the size and blanket warmth required. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best part is that the wool inside the quilt will never deteriorate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will always pop up and fluff up, so the quilt will last until the cotton fabric falls apart,â&#x20AC;? Mrs Lanyon added.

Ian and Marilyn Lanyon will be exhibiting at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo on a double stand in the Noble Pavilion.

For more information visit www. aussiewoolquilts.com.au.

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July 2016

COMFORTABLE SLEEP: The wool used in Aussie Wool Quilts-Boort is from Dorset sheep, with all quilts handmade.

Impressive women of wool event series

THERE is a very good reason why some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading fashion houses are the first in line when it comes to buying our finest fleece and fibre.

But, since we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all make it to Paris or Milan to view the end results, we bring the best of our homegrown wool fashion to Bendigo.

The Australian Wool Fashion Parades will be held twice a day over the three days of the Sheep Show and are always attended by ever growing crowds each year.

Well-known Melbourne fashion show producer Alida Milani brings passion and creativity to the Sheep Showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wool fashion parades and the Women of Wool event series.

Parades include the Fashion

Partner Parades, Australian Wool Innovation Parades featuring Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best designers, WoolCraft â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wearable Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Parades, WoolCraft Winners Parades and Top Wool Retailers Parades.

The parade times are Friday at 11am and 3pm, Saturday at 11am and 2pm and Sunday at 11am and at 2pm, all taking place in the Noble Pavilion.

Those interested can go along and be inspired at the Women of Wool lunch by the innovative women of the industry as they share their journey.

Enjoy a delicious two course lunch ($99), featuring our finest prime lamb.

The Woolcraft national competition attracts 300 exhibitors in 60 classes. The

sharing of these skills not only inspires woolcrafters across the generations, but has seen an important showcase for design talent emerge. The winning designs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from stunning felted gowns and garments to highly contemporary wearable art - are featured in their own dedicated fashion parade at 11am each day of the show.

Another aspect of the show is visiting Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest fibre market.

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a stunning pashmina, finest Merino knit, the woolliest of socks or the best bespoke yarns for the avid crafter, the Australian Sheep & Wool Show is a fibre shopping paradise.

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139TH AUSTRALIAN SHEEP & WOOL SHOW

July 2016

Southern Farmer, Page 13

Breeding Poll Merinos with vision and passion at Ridgway Advance

INDUSTRY OWNED SPECIALISING IN SHEARER, WOOLHANDLER AND WOOLCLASSER TRAINING Íť EĹ˝Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?Ä?Ä&#x17E; Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; /ĹľĆ&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; ^Ä?Ĺ&#x161;ŽŽůĆ? Íť tĹ˝Ć&#x152;ĹŹĆ?Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ˝Ć&#x2030;Ć? Íť KŜͲĆ&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ͳ:Ĺ˝Ä? dĆ&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? Íť dĆ&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;Ć?Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?Ć&#x2030;Ć? Ĺ?Ĺś ^Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Í&#x2022; tŽŽůĹ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161;ĹŻĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; tŽŽůÄ?ĹŻÄ&#x201A;Ć?Ć?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝Ć?Ć? sĹ?Ä?Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x201A;

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QUALITY SEED STOCK: Ridgway Advance stud principle David Ridgway showing a sample of his rams to be offered at the studâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual on-property ram sale on Wednesday, August 10, 2016.

South Australian and Victorian renowned ewe sales and lambs processed over hooks that have achieved outstanding prices.

Ridgway Advance Studâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on-property ram sale will take place on Wednesday, August 10 with 180 Poll Merino sale rams available.

All rams to be displayed are with current wool, weight and EMD tests. Morning tea and ram inspection begins at 9.30am, with the sale starting at 1pm.

For more information visit www.ridgwayadvancemerinos. com.au.

The Advance sheep display great shape, correct structure with impressive meat traits complemented with white, deepcrimped, wellaligned fibre that grows at a rapid rate.

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RIDGWAY Advance Stud owners David and Karen Ridgway, with son Devon have tremendous faith in the Merino industry and with their vision and passion; believe in the quality of their studâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seed stock.

The Merino stud is situated in the south east of South Australia, 20 to 30 kilometres north of Bordertown, neighbouring the Victorian border with an annual rainfall of 450mm.

The stud has been developing over the past three decades and has been accredited for Brucellosis and OJD since 2002.

A Gudair vaccination program commenced in 2012 and the entire Ridgway Advance flock is now fully vaccinated.

According to stud principle David Ridgway, the studâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-term strategy is to breed towards the mean and not to use extreme variation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When it comes to Merinos it is a matter of striking the correct balance,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Ridgway Advance genetics will bring this to your flock, with dual-purpose attributes, capable of adapting in all conditions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With properly planned joining programs and pedigree selection we have created a Poll Merino that breeds predictable and of an even type. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Advance sheep display great shape, correct structure with impressive meat traits complemented with white, deep-crimped, well-aligned fibre that grows at a rapid rate,â&#x20AC;?

Mr Ridgway said.

A key component of the Ridgway Advance Merino is the plain supple and highly productive skin that allows for a robust animal with great carcass attributes to produce long, soft white wool.

The studâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sheep are well known for their ability to reproduce at very high rates and with their distinctive carcass conformation, the stock are rewarding commercial clients with their bottom line, which is highlighted in several

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139TH AUSTRALIAN SHEEP & WOOL SHOW

Page 14, Southern Farmer

July 2016

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HAVING grown up on a dairy farm where she was taught to always look after the newborn animals, Margaret Egan took this philosophy one step further and designed a unique animal rug to combat hypothermia in new born lambs and calves.

ICU Small Animal Rugs owner Margaret Egan, together with husband Daryl, started the process of finding an ideal solution to keeping newborn animals warm “quite a few years ago” after purchasing sheep of their own and trying to stop them from developing hypothermia after just being born and when they were very small.

Mrs Egan said instead of throwing the old pallet bag over the newborns she wanted to rectify the problem of removing the animal from its mother to ensure its survival and then breaking the mother-baby bond, risking the infant’s rejection when trying to reunite mother and baby.

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“The rug itself is quite a simple design in that it doesn’t have buckles, Velcro or buttons

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The rug itself is quite a simple design in that it doesn’t have buckles, Velcro or buttons because I really didn’t want to have any of that after having horses my whole life because all those things break.

- MARGARET EGAN because I really didn’t want to have any of that after having horses my whole life because all those things break.

“The fabric for the rug itself took me a long time to source because everything was heavy oil skin, canvas and nonbreathable which wasn’t ideal.

“So the material of the rug we have designed is lightweight, laminated, waterproof, windproof and most importantly it breathes,” she said.

The under liner of the rug is double thermal and if the newborn animals come in from the paddock wet, the material takes the moisture

away from the animal.

“The other good thing with the liner is that it doesn’t contain odours,” she added.

“So you can have it on a dozen calves or lambs and it doesn’t affect the smell of the animal when it goes back to its mother.

“I had the rug tested in England and it has had a huge response over there.”

Another design element is the area around the tail has been shaped so that the mother can have good access to be able to identify her offspring and a pouch has also been incorporated into the rug where a heat pad can be inserted, with the pouch sitting over the animals’ kidneys.

“When animals get hypothermia you have to warm the kidneys because then blood can flow through the animal.

“The heat pad will last 10 to 12 hours of continuous heat, but because of rug’s fabric, when the pad runs out the rug does the rest,” Mrs Egan said.

Margaret and Daryl Egan will be exhibiting at this year’s Australian Sheep & Wool Show and can be found between the two sheep pavilions.

For more information phone Margaret Egan on 0408 342 426.

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Southern Farmer, Page 15

Corriedale sheep breed to headline Sheepvention 2016 NEXT month marks the 38th year of Sheepvention which is part of the two-day Hamilton & Western District Sheep Show to be held at the Hamilton Showgrounds on Monday, August 1 and Tuesday, August 2.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feature breed is the Corriedale, which is described as a truly dual purpose sheep breed, self-replacing and capable of meeting the demands of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wool and meat market.

Convenor of the Corriedale section Shirley Foster said that although the Corriedale has a small show presence at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sheepvention, the calibre, performance and potential of the breed should not be underestimated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is particularly relevant for

those producing prime lambs where the Corriedale ewe has fantastic maternal characteristics,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Corriedales are a versatile breed ideal for use in composite breeds with lower micron wool than most prime lamb breeds on the maternal site, thus being ideal to mate to terminal sires.â&#x20AC;?

A fantastic competition is anticipated for the working dogs and handlers competing in the encourage, novice, open and state championship of the Coprice Victorian Farm Dog Championships.

Organising committee member Ian Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell said he was expecting strong entries at Sheepvention from as far aďŹ eld as Tasmania and Western Australia due to the Australian Yard Dog Championships

being held at West Wyalong two days after Sheepvention. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will be a lot of competitors travelling to West Wyalong who will use Sheepvention as a warm up event for the National Championships,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a result we will have some of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best dogs and their handlers competing at Sheepvention.â&#x20AC;?

The event will culminate with the championship competition with entries closing in early July.

The Coprice Victorian Farm Dog Championships are now afďŹ liated with the VictorianYard Utility Farm Dog Association.

The inventions competition has showcased some brilliant inventions in previous years and is once

again anticipated to include some very exciting inventions that display new technologies.

With more than $6000 in cash and prizes, there is a huge incentive to get inventing.

The Australasian Young Designer Wool Awards, wool handling competitions and a comprehensive range of school-focused competitions provide the opportunity for a wide range of participants to demonstrate their amazing talents with the prospect of winning some great prizes.

All entry and ďŹ eld day information can be downloaded at www. hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au.

For more information visit www. info@sheepvention.com.

Recent rains have given crops a great start to the season TIMELY rainfall and the increased likelihood of a La NiĂąa weather pattern, have farmers across much of the country buoyed by the prospect of a bumper crop.

In its latest Australian Crop Update, agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank said the autumn break had seen the Australian 2016/2017 winter crop planted into a good soil-moisture profile, raising expectations of a 26.7 million tonne wheat crop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; up 10 per cent on last year.

Rabobank grains and oilseeds analyst Ben Larkin said while the

start to the season was â&#x20AC;&#x153;perfectly timedâ&#x20AC;? across much of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cropping belt, there were parts of northern New South Wales and Queensland that remained dry.

Mr Larkin said most of southern New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia had had the rain to facilitate a full planting program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That said, we are not expecting to see an increase in the area planted to wheat this season,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The increase in national production is likely to be driven by yields, which are forecast to average around 2.09 tonnes to the hectare.â&#x20AC;?

According to Mr Larkin, price signals were a key driver of crop rotations, with barley acreage expected to be down by three per cent, while canola was expected to be up by a similar percentage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite favourable conditions in Victoria, many farmers have erred on the side of caution after last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dry spring slashed canola yields.â&#x20AC;?

He added that despite the decline in the area planted to barley, the national crop was expected to be up by four per cent on last year at 8.79 million tonnes, while canola was expected to surge up to 3.28 million

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tonnes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an 11 per cent increase. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are also seeing a swing towards chickpeas and lentils this season, with high prices spurring an increase in planting,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Mr Larkin warned that while current conditions, and the expectation of a wetter-than-average year, underpinned forecasts of an above-average crop, much would depend on follow-up rainfall during spring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are still four to five months out from harvest, so while the season is shaping up well, there is still a long way to go,â&#x20AC;? he said.

For more information on country shows visit www.vicagshows.com.au or www.countryshows.com.au

2016 Sheepvention August 1-2 A day out for the | SHEEPVENTION 2016

The largest Merino Ram Sale in Australia Coprice Victorian Farm Dog Championship Food/Wine/Cooking Demonstrations Cattle Feature/Young Auctioneer Competition Monday Night: Buffet, Bands & Bar Hamilton & Western District Sheep Show Discover Wool Fashion Event Australasian Young Designer Wool Awards & Discover Wool High Tea South West TAFE Producers Pavilion Invention Competition Animal Nursery The Mik Maks Wool Textiles/Arts & Crafts HAMILTON PASTORAL & AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY INC.

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July 2016

NEWS

Page 16, Southern Farmer

July 2016

Langi Kal Kal Angus focuses on the future

BY JODIE FLEMING

jfleming@ nemedia.com.au

FOR an Angus stud to successfully sell its stock via word of mouth only, speaks volumes about the quality of cattle produced by the Langi Kal Kal Angus Stud.

For the first time in the stud’s 35 year history, it offered its bulls for sale through the Helmsman auction system after participating in Beef Week 2016.

Farm supervisor Mark Steele, who has run the stud for the past four years, said he was very pleased with the latest sale results.

“It was a good start for us as we usually sell via private treaty,” he said.

“We cleared 20 out of the 29 we had up for auction, with a top price of $5750.

“As we haven’t advertised much and the majority of our sales are through word of mouth we were pretty pleased,” Mr Steele said.

The Angus stud is located at Trawalla, just east of Beaufort on the 1090 hectares of the minimum security transitional correctional facility, Lang Kal Kal Prison, which has a focus on delivering education and employment to prisoners assisting with

TOP PRICE CATTLE: The Langi Kal Kal Angus stud is focused on research to ensure the stud’s AI program continues to be successful.

their reintegration back into the community.

“They (the prisoners) start off with induction into cattle handling and we have education training suppliers delivering courses in tractor work, frontend loader, fencing, crutching, and chainsaws and in other

areas,” Mr Steele explained.

“We deliver the stock handling skills to ensure the cattle are handled in a particular manner.

“So we have a very strict regime with induction as there can be 30 different prisoners over a 12-month period that

would work with the cattle,” he said.

The branding mark that appears on the cattle is a crown over a bar to represent Her Majesty’s Prison Langi Kal Kal. The foundation of the Langi Kal Kal herd is predominantly based on Lawson’s and Innes-

dale bloodlines.

The stud is made up of 260 APR registered spring calving cows, 45 annual sale bulls, PTIC annual sale heifers, replacement heifers and steers, which run alongside 2300 composite ewes.

Mr Steele said they continu-

ally research and find the best bulls in Australia, New Zealand and the US to use in the stud’s AI program.

Over the last two years 180 cows have been artificially inseminated to leading bulls.

“We are just trying to breed really good cattle that perform for our clients in all areas, which is why we are bringing in the semen from the best bulls in the industry we can.

“We have a lot of repeat clients as our cattle have the reputation for good fertility, doing ability, docility and good confirmation.

“Our PTIC heifers topped the Ballarat female sale in February this year at $2280, which I believe is a new record for Ballarat.

“In fact, eight out of the last 10 years we have managed to top the Ballarat special female sale.

“Our cattle are good, moderate-framed commercial cattle.

“The farm is run on a commercial basis using industry best practice,” Mr Steele added.

The Langi Kal Kal Angus stud will be participating in Beef Week 2017 and on Wednesday, March 1 will hold its annual bull sale.

The stud is hoping to have at least 40 bulls up for sale by leading sires including A241, Emperor, Berkley, Edmund, Galaxy G43 and Merridale G80.

New ways to FRQWURO OLYHU À XNH A $340,000 collaborative research effort between La Trobe University and Agriculture Victoria is developing a new approach to dealing with liver fluke in cattle.

Recent studies by the joint research team found that the liver fluke parasite had developed widespread resistance against triclabendazole, the most common drug used to combat it.

The aim of the project is to trial a fluke control system based on environmentally integrated parasite management on affected farms instead of relying on a chemical drench.

The project follows more than two years’ research by the team into liver fluke in the irrigation zones of Victoria.

The parasitic disease currently reduces productivity of Australian dairy herds by up to 10 per cent.

The work has been funded by the Gardiner Foundation and Dairy Australia.

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NEWS

Page 18, Southern Farmer

July 2016

For more information on country shows visit

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NO-TILL FARMING: Topics such as sowing sunflowers into living cover crop will be discussed at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vic No-Till annual conference.

Find out how the future of your farm is underground at Vic No-Till event THREE leading international farming experts and growers from across Australia will come together this month for Vic NoTillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 14th annual conference in Bendigo on Thursday, July 7.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme is building the future of your farm from under the ground and will explore how to build symbiotic no-till farming systems that manage money, land and people the way farmers want to.

The focus will also be on ensuring farms are in good health ďŹ nancially and continue to be highly productive for future generations.

Speakers include Jonathan Lundgren from South Dakota, Odette Menard from Canada and Joshua Dukart from North Dakota as well as leading Australian grain growers Scott Blurton from Streatham in Victoria and SANTFA president Tom Robinson from Hoyleton in South Australia who will also share their farming journeys.

Jonathan Lundgren from Brookings in South Dakota is an award winning agroecologist specialising in pest management and sustainable food systems and will focus on using insects to your advantage.

Odette Menard from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Quebec, Canada, is a leading agricultural engineer and soil and water conservation specialist.

Her talk, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Getting to the Roots of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, looks at how to improve your soils through no-till, increasing residues, rethinking rotations, earthworms, roots and economics.

Joshua Dukart from Bismarck, North Dakota will speak about ďŹ nding the right balance in your farming system so it is ďŹ nancially healthy and highly productive for future generations.

The following day Vic NoTill will lead a farm tour to the family farm of 2016 Victorian Farmer of the Year, Grant Sims who is described as the face of modern farming due to his commitment to innovative cropping and sharing information.

Mr Sims drives production through improving soil health with plant diversity, companion planting and re-thinking rotations all playing a key role in his farming system.

The tour will also visit Mooroopna-based former dairy farmer-turned-cropper, Fraser

Pogue, who has turned soil diminished by ďŹ&#x201A;ood irrigation and continual cropping into a productive, thriving landscape.

Vic No-Till president Paul Oxbrow said the conference will bring together more than 300 people at the forefront of cropping innovations, soil, water, plants, diversity, people, slugs and insects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Underground conference brings together the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leaders in ag food production systems in a line up never seen before in Australia,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have experts in cropping systems, residue management, soil health, microbiology and pests and insects plus a room full of switched on, likeminded farmers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a must attend event if you are serious about getting the most from your soils and contributing to the long-term future of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grain sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a fabulous networking event that we all look forward to, catching up with old faces and new,â&#x20AC;? Mr Oxbrow said.

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NEWS

July 2016

Southern Farmer, Page 19

Shifting the value of butterfat ALTHOUGH yet to have an impact on Australian milk prices, butter is the new superfood on global markets after about 50 years as the most viliďŹ ed food in history.

US dairymen are capitalising on butterfat component price which is now in excess of milk protein as protein price decreases.

The net outcome is not higher milk price, but a shift in values.

As excited as we get on milk solid percentages, the real issue is kilograms of butterfat and milk protein.

Traditional thinking is that as litres rise solids tests fall.

Historically this does have some merit; certainly the reverse is normally true: as litres decline tests improve, however, the net result almost always is reduced kilograms of milk solids and reduced income per cow.

This does not negate our feverish pursuit of amino acid nutrition aimed at higher MPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s per cent and fertility, as amino acid optimisation is simply reďŹ ned ration balancing for total animal performance/efďŹ cient feed conversion.

However, butterfat production, and more particularly percentage, has tended to fall under the heading of cow health (rumen health) rather than an important income source.

Further, high butterfat percentage (BF percentage) is

By JOHN LYNE Dairytech dairy production specialist usually associated with a high ďŹ bre/low energy diet and low milk production.

Until recent years, we were not that concerned with butterfat production per se.

However, the advent of depressed milk fat production as forage oil (fat) levels increased has become a signiďŹ cant issue when BF percentage falls to the extent of being a signiďŹ cant factor in milk price.

All vegetable fats are unsaturated.

The rumen saturates them by a process called biohydrogenation.

If unsaturated fat intake exceeds the rumenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to saturate them, we see falling MP percentages.

In worst case scenarios, BF percentage can crash to around 2.2 per cent with signiďŹ cant impact on milk price, and worse, can take up to four months to restore normal percentages.

This situation is not entirely due to forage fat levels, although they have increased through breeding of higher energy forages, but biohydrogenation capacity of the rumen is highly related to rumen pH. An acidosis bout, or sim-

ply sub-optimal rumen pH (SARA), can inhibit the saturation of fat process and reduce BF percentage.

Once Australian milk prices begin to reďŹ&#x201A;ect world butter pricing, this will become an important milk pricing issue.

To feed a high ďŹ bre/low quality ration is not the answer as that will drop litres and impact per cow income even more.

Like most things in life; this is a tension.

A tension between high feed intakes of highly digestible rations, rate of passage (time feed is in the rumen) and ďŹ bre quality, and rumen pH. Rumen pH In our work on dietary fats in consultation with Professor Adam Lock (Michigan State University), and from his extensive research into milk fat depression, he advises, most commonly milk fat depression is a result of sub-optimal rumen pH. Certainly adequate â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;effective ďŹ breâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is essential for good rumination/cud chewing and saliva production â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our major rumen buffering agent, however, ďŹ bre can still be good quality in terms of digestibility and milk production, and yet be functional â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;effective ďŹ breâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Under our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;slug feeding systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (grain particularly, but not discounting highly digestible pasture) as opposed to a TMR, the addition of buffering agents

Australian Dairy Farmers CEO resigns THE dairy industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peak farmer body, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) chief executive officer (CEO), Benjamin Stapley has resigned from the top job after nine months at the helm.

Former ADF CEO John McQueen who now works as an industry consultant, will step into the role on an interim basis while the ADF board undertakes the recruitment process to find suitable replacement.

Acting ADF president, David Basham thanked Mr Stapley for his service during a period that has presented unprecedented challenges for

the entire dairy sector.

Mr Basham said the team at ADF remained committed to providing targeted assistance for farmers and would continue to advocate strongly on their behalf.

In a statement released by the group, it said that ADFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immediate and ongoing challenge is to maintain pressure on the Federal Government and opposition to drive policy outcomes that provide dairy farmers with greater certainty about their businesses and the broader sector.

The group also stated that the vacancy created by the

departure of Mr Stapley will be addressed immediatley so that ADF can continue business as usual and meet the demands of the current challenges across the industry.

Mr Basham said the ADF board had already taken steps to ensure that the role of CEO is well served in both the short and long term and that he had every confidence that Mr McQueen would be able to step into the role and there will be a smooth, effective transition to ensure that no time is lost is fulfilling ADFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to lobby for a stronger future for farmers.

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higher the quality, because to get high tonnages we must cut/ graze frequently.

Higher harvest frequency/ increased digestibility/higher milk production.

Digestibility is the key in conserved forages.

Digestibility will determine milk yield from both the perspective of nutrients delivered to the cow and hence milk production, but also the time that forage spends in the rumen.

A long period of forage in the rumen also reduces feed intake and milk again.

Good quality silage can provide adequate effective ďŹ bre without reducing feed passage, especially in combination with quality pasture.

We aim to have at least two or three kilograms DM silage in a ration 12 months of the year.

It will, as above, ensure adequate effective ďŹ bre/rumination/BF per cent, and help to keep the ration stable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no

dramatic feed changes.

In short, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; quality forage will provide both nutrient and physical form for rumen health/function.

Manure stands supreme as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cow-sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; test - structure ďŹ rst, contents second (undigested ďŹ bre and grain).

For the technically minded, take two differing manure samples and wash then in a sieve observing the residues.

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need starch analysis of manure to verify the visible contents in the sieve.

You can actually hear good rumen function/health as manure hits the ground.

Finally; stress.

Stress, particularly of human origin, will reduce butterfat production and a cascade of negative metabolic disorders resulting in both health and production issues.

The rumen is the ďŹ rst site of dysfunction when cows are stressed.

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is essential (yeast, bi-carb etc).

However, ďŹ bre is what I want to focus on here.

As we approach spring and forage harvesting, not only does this period have major impacts on proďŹ t as we grow something like 60 per cent of our yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pasture in six weeks of spring, but how much we actually harvest between grazing and silage will not just determine our feed resources, but the cost of them.

The lower the dry matter harvested through this period, the more expensive it becomes.

Like cowsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ďŹ xed maintenance energy cost, diluted only by increased feed intake/milk production; our land also has ďŹ xed costs in ownership and facilities.

The more we harvest from our land resource, the cheaper the feed becomes.

Further, there is an odd correlation here: the higher the harvested dry matter the

NEWS

Page 20, Southern Farmer

July 2016

Entries for 2016 Royal Melbourne dairy, beef cattle and sheep competitions now open ENTRIES are now open for the 2016 Royal Melbourne Show Dairy Competition, Beef Cattle Competition and Sheep Competition which are all to be held during this year’s Royal Melbourne Show on Saturday, September 17 to Tuesday, September 27 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

The competitions, which are conducted annually by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), offer participants the opportunity to benchmark their livestock, receive invaluable feedback from some of the industry’s most well-respected judges and be exposed to show attendees.

The dairy competition consists of the All Breeds Elite Dairy Heifer Show and the Dairy Youth Handlers Classic.

There is $20,000 in prizes up for grabs and entries close on Friday, July 29.

Entries for the Beef Carcase and Beef Cattle Competitions, with this year’s feature breed the Charolais, close on Friday, July 22 and Friday, July 29, respectively, with winners receiving some of the country’s most prestigious prizes and trophies, culminating in the presentation of the RASV Interbreed Supreme Beef Breed Exhibit.

More than 700 entries are expected to be showcased in the

FEATURE BREED: Southdown sheep are the feature breed at this year’s Royal Melbourne Show Sheep Competition, with 60 to 80 sheep anticipated to compete.

2016 Sheep Competition, with this year’s feature breed the Southdown.

Winners will receive a number of prizes and trophies, with the conclusion of the competition including the presentation of the RASV All Breeds Sheep Interbreed.

Entries for the Sheep Competition close on Monday, August 8.

RASV chief executive officer Mark O’Sullivan said Australia, particularly Victoria, are world renowned for producing superior quality sheep and wool.

“As part of RASV’s focus on driving engagement and participation amongst youth, the Royal Melbourne Show Sheep program also offers an opportunity for students to get involved with the Sheep Schools Competition,” he said.

To enter into any of the competitions visit www.rasv.com.au.

WATER SECURITY: The Eastern Irrigation Scheme delivers five gigalitres per year of Class A recycled water to farming, recreational, industrial and residential customers around Cranbourne in Melbourne.

Coalition commits funds for water plan in south east VICTORIAN vegetable and potato body AUSVEG VIC has welcomed the commitment from the Coalition for funding to fast track feasibility studies that will help improve water security for the vegetable growers in Melbourne’s south-east.

The funding was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce and includes $91,500 to develop a water plan for south east Melbourne.

AUSVEG VIC state manager Kurt Hermann said with water becoming scarcer in Victoria many growers are wondering whether they will have enough to make it through to the next season.

“This scarcity has also driven water prices higher and higher, which is unsustainable for the industry and could see many experienced and hardworking growers pack up and leave the industry,” he said.

“Ensuring growers have access to water that they need to grow their crops is hugely important for the industry, which is worth nearly $1 billion annually to the state economy and provides thousands of jobs, particularly in regional areas.

“This funding announcement is a step in the right direction; however we would like to see significant investment from both State and Federal Governments to ensure that

DOGABAIT

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water infrastructure projects, which are beneficial to growers and do not result in exorbitant water prices, are completed as soon as possible,” Mr Hermann said.

He added that AUSVEG VIC is also working with the Victorian Farmers Federation, the State Government and other parties to ensure planned upgrades to the Eastern Irrigation Scheme achieve the best possible outcomes for the region’s growers without driving the price of water “out of their reach”.

“Water is hugely important to the vegetable industry and our growers need more support to ensure they have access to the water they need to be able to grow their crops,” he said.

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NEWS

July 2016

Southern Farmer, Page 21

Picasso Cows moving back into the classroom DAIRY Australia’s Picasso Cow program has kicked off once again, but this time the students are giving their original cows a makeover.

The colourful fibreglass cows that were originally decorated as part of the Picasso Cows program are now receiving a makeover as Dairy Australia brings the education program back to a new group of students.

The program challenges primary school students to decorate casts of dairy cows as part of a curriculum program that helps them learn about the Australian dairy industry, dairy’s health and nutrition benefits, and the importance of agriculture and food and fibre production, as recommended under the Federal Government’s National Food Plan.

Six ‘GippsDairy’ schools have accepted the makeover challenge to reinvent their Picasso Cows in the hope of becoming the National Makeover Champion and recipient of a $2500 cash prize, with second place awarded $1000 and third place $500.

Each school has 12 weeks to makeover their cow in one of three themes – Unbeatable Bones, Fuel for Life or Farm to Plate, while recording their experiences in a learning journal along the way.

Grade 5 and 6 students at Korumburra Primary School have been making over their

DAIRY DECORATERS: Students at Korumburra Primary School are learning all about the benefits of dairy through the Picasso Cow makeover programme.

original cow after it had been graffitied, using ‘Unbeatable Bones’ as their theme.

Ko r u m b u r r a P r i m a r y School art teacher Rachel Warren who is in charge of the program said that she was “keen to get the message about dairy out there” as she herself lives on a dairy farm.

“I really love doing big, whole school projects like this and my husband and his two brothers milk more than 500 cows on the family farm in Outtrium so it was a perfect project to do,” she said.

“Our music teacher has helped the grade 6 students write a rap song about dairy which they will be performing at assembly and the PE teacher has also been heavily involved in the project.”

Mrs Warren said the focus for the project has been on building strong bones and the importance of consuming three forms of dairy each day which is recommended for the student’s age group.

“We had an osteopath come in and have a talk to the children about how to

build strong bones and teeth and the children have actually surveyed each other and conducted an audit on what they eat at lunchtime.

“I was quite surprised at the results and so were they as they weren’t really having three serves per day, but now that they are focusing on that they have changed their eating habits and they are all now trying to eat the three serves,” she said.

The students decided on decorating their cow to replicate a piece of street art,

with the decorated cow now accompanying them to many places around town.

“The kids decided to take it to places where they use their bones, so the cow has gone to the recreation centre’s basketball court, the skate park, the football oval where they play on the weekends and it has also been to all the school’s sporting events.

“They have even taken it to the local supermarket for a photo shoot with the message on it about building strong bones,” Mrs Warren added.

FOXECUTE

Dairy Australia program manager Emily Barnes said the project is much more than just a new lick of paint as it continues the dairy narrative with a new group of students.

“Each school has participated in the Picasso Cow program before and was selected for their commitment to inspiring future generations with the nuts and bolts of Australia’s dairy industry,” she said.

“Teachers are faced with the same challenges every year explaining how food is made and where it comes from to new classes of students with varying levels of understanding about Australia’s agricultural industry.

“Schools selected for makeover get the best of both worlds – they already trust the program and its learning outcomes but can adapt its interactive resources to suit the needs and interests of each student group.

“Plus the knowledge students gain from the program, including why dairy foods are part of a balanced diet and how agriculture contributes to the Australian economy will help them beyond their school years,” Ms Barnes said.

Sixty-one schools have been selected around the country for the 2016 makeover program which has engaged more than 180 schools since it launched in 2014.

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NEWS

Page 22, Southern Farmer

July 2016

Beware of livestock on roads

More and more businesses making the Agrison choice ACCORDING to the team at Agrison, the company has its customers to thank for making it the number one supplier of wheel loaders, agricultural tractors, farming implements, diesel generators and portable buildings in the Australian market.

Agrison is Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading retailer of farming equipment and has established a documented quality management system complying with the International Standard ISO 9001:2008.

Agrison Australia shares a joint venture with Changlin Detuz-Fahr in Shangdong, consisting of German manufacturing, with the motto â&#x20AC;&#x153;best quality and value without compromiseâ&#x20AC;? and is the only supplier of Agrison tractors in Australia.

A spokesperson for the machinery manufacturer said that Agrison products are of the highest quality and standard and continue to offer the most competitively priced products in the industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our products are truly high in quality, durable, robust and affordable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;More and more businesses are making the Agrison choice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whether you work in agriculture, construction, mining, on the farm or any application that requires dependability then you need to take the time to speak to the Agrison sales team about the TX Series Wheel Loaders. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our range includes internationally renowned Cummins and Deutz

DURABLE AND ROBUST: With the current $20,000 tax break offered to eligible businesses, there has never been a better time to get your hands on a new Agrison TX Wheel loader.

engines and many packages include what others call extras, and that is a general bucket, 4 in 1 bucket, fork and quick hitch,â&#x20AC;? the spokesperson said.

The range is fully articulated, designed to operate under harsh Australian conditions, and contains spacious, approved ROPS/ FOPS cabin, air conditioning, heavy duty rams and a ďŹ ve year warranty.

The TX918-936 starting price is

from $21,990 (including GST). â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the most competitive ďŹ nance rates and the current $20,000 tax break offered to eligible businesses, there has never been a better time to get your hands on a new Agrison TX Wheel loader and put it to work,â&#x20AC;? the spokesperson said.

Offering a large variety in its product range, Agrison is well-resourced to cater for hobby farmers, large acreage

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AGRICULTURE Victoria is urging road users to be vigilant when travelling on roads that are regularly used for grazing or moving stock to ensure the safety of the public, stock and stock handlers.

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NEWS

July 2016

Southern Farmer, Page 23

Students develop a passion for agriculture Give our readers a quick snapshot of Ballarat Grammar School’s farm.

The Mt Rowan farm is 125 acres, just three kilometres from the main campus.

In the past it was run as a dairy farm, before being used to graze cattle and sheep.

With no shedding or other infrastructure, five large paddocks with run down fencing and only a few remnant gums, it was pretty much a blank canvas.

The soils range from rich red volcanic to grey loams in the bottom corner.

How long has the farm been running?

Ballarat Grammar purchased the farm in 2008.

Prior to that, the school had run VCE agriculture classes without a farm for some 20 years.

The school started a Corriedale Sheep Stud and a Lowline Cattle Stud in 2006.

The animals were agisted on other properties and brought onto the main campus for the students to work with.

Once the farm was purchased both stock numbers and the number of students studying ag grew rapidly.

A farm plan was put together and over the past five years we have been working on achieving the original goals of that plan.

The farm has been fenced into smaller paddocks, with a central laneway connecting the entire farm east to west.

This season we have sown a number of paddocks down to a range of perennial pastures, including an equine pasture, oats for hay and a lucerne plot, which we hope to irrigate with B-class water after an arrangement with Central Highlands CMA was organised.

Due to the tough summer, but steady prices at the markets, we have cut stock numbers as much as possible.

We are currently running 60 breeding ewes and 20 breeding

FARMER TO FARMER Ballarat Grammar School

cows, but have a number of young stock coming through, as well as a few extra bulls and rams which make up the show teams.

The school will be introducing an equestrian program at the farm in 2017.

Facilities are being put into place to allow boarders to keep their horse at the farm.

We already have an arena, and four small day paddocks.

Larger paddocks, feed and tack sheds, loose boxes and some stables are currently being organised so they are ready for the start of the next school year.

Tell us about the student’s involvement in the farm.

Three years ago, a new school was built on the farm catering for our year four students.

The three classes spend the 12 months at the Mt Rowan campus.

They are fully immersed into the farm and the wider environment as part of their curriculum.

They have chooks, native animals, various native plants and horticultural plots and, starting earlier this year, access to three ponies as part of an equine familiarisation program.

Students also have the opportunity to work with some of the larger farm animals and can become involved in preparing and showing them at our local show.

Students from year 7 to 9 don’t have any scheduled classes at the farm, but head out there to make the most of the open space and opportunities whenever possible.

Year 10 and 11 students can select from either agriculture as an elective, VET AG Certificate 2 or VCE Unit 1&2.

Each class regularly works out at the farm.

Over the years they have built and maintained a great deal of the infrastructure, carry out numerous weed and pasture management tasks and they are very involved in

the care and management of the stock.

From these two year levels, students who are interested in showing sheep or cattle can elect to attend the various events that Grammar enters each year, regardless of their experience.

Our ag students come from a range of backgrounds and varying levels of experience.

VCE Unit 3&4 students use the farm to enhance their understandings of the curriculum in an authentic setting.

Best advice or farming tip you have received?

Along the way we have used contractors, agronomists, our parents and community members.

All the advice received allows us to make better decisions that suit the unique environment that is the school farm.

Often it is the little things that make the biggest differences.

It’s great when you are working with students and

someone pipes up with, “Why don’t we do it this way?”

Everyone walks away with a sense of ownership and achievement when it works.

Describe a perfect day on the school farm.

A perfect day at the farm usually involves a long list of jobs, lots of students working happily together and happy, healthy animals enjoying the attention and love that is lavished upon them.

What is the best thing about being a farmer?

Personally, it’s all about the space and the time.

I enjoy working with the animals the most.

I try and teach the students about understanding and empathy for all animals.

One of the most rewarding activities is to take a group of students into a paddock and just have them sit down and stay quiet and still.

Invariably, the animal’s natural curiosity gets the better of them and they will walk over for a look and a sniff.

The delight on a kids face as a cow licks them because it wants to is infectious.

Soon everyone starts giggling and the moment is lost, as the animals retreat, but the laughter and memories last much longer.

What is the worst thing about being a farmer?

There is so much about farming and the industry that you can’t control, so I don’t spend a great deal of time worrying about it.

Our focus has to be on youth and education.

Farming needs to attract young people to the industry and I think in the past five years in particular we have seen a dramatic improvement in this regard.

For me, the worst thing about farming is the misunderstanding shown by the wider community.

You only have to go to a show, like Royal Melbourne,

and talk to the public to realise how little they know about where their food and fibre comes from and how it is produced.

Many have said this before, farming has an image problem.

Fortunately there is a growing number of producers who are taking their products and their stories directly to the public via Farmers Markets, Food Festivals and online.

The positive messages they portray are important for the whole industry.

The recent dairy crisis was a great indication of how important public perception and support is.

People everywhere were sharing photos of their local supermarket with shelves stocked with no-name milk while the branded products were sold out.

Do any of the students have aspirations to be farmers after they have finished school?

I take a different approach to teaching ag as opposed to a traditional mathematics, biology or English class, for example.

Whilst they are ‘subjects’, ag is a career.

We try and develop a passion for the industry while we have the chance.

Many of our students, whether from farms or not, leave our ag program and go on to study ag at a tertiary level, before moving into the industry.

It’s fantastic to have past students call in and talk to one of the ag classes about their journey and what they are currently doing.

Shows and Field days are also great places to catch up.

The school farm at Mt Rowan has a big role to play in this regard. *Note, questions were answered by Ballarat Grammar School’s farm manager Matt Dickinson.

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