Southern Farmer

Published since 1986

JULY, 2019

Bradley next generation farmer PAGES 4-5

Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show

www.farmernews.com.au

Shannon going it alone

PAGES 11-14

PAGE 15

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING

MATT Taylor has thrown in his suburban lifestyle for duck farming, running 300 Khaki Campbells on 20 acres at Moorooduc, where he runs Heritage Farm with his wife Rachael Koch and son Kingsley.

Read the full story in this month’s Southern Farmer.

On the up and up TEN years ago, goats were considered a pest in Australia – ranked alongside rabbits and foxes.

Today, on a kilo for kilo basis, they are one of the dearest meats going around.

Nearly all of Australia’s goat meat is exported – much of it sourced from Rangeland populations in New South Wales.

Despite this, Victoria

Ĺ°

Goat prices continue to climb

has the highest slaughter numbers across Australia – almost 900,000 in 2018 – and as the market continues to hover at $10 a kilo, there are many considering a foray into the business.

One of those that has already exported goats is Jeff Washusen, who breeds Boers

at his Boho South property.

Mr Washusen is also a director with the Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia. k7KH ELJJHVW GLIo FXOW\ IRU the Boer goat industry in Australia is it’s (the industry) relatively small – and has been ever since they were

introduced,� he said.

Mr Washusen is currently in the process of organising a shipment to the Middle East, with his goats air freighted out as live breeding animals. “There is none of this slow boat to China stuff,� he said. “The air freight costs are horrendous, but the buyers

that are buying these animals are typically using them in breeding programs - they want their goats in prime condition.�

Mr Washusen said most live animals were shipped out at 40kg, less than six months old, but were still commanding around $800 an animal.

The responsibility of

freight and quarantine falls to the purchaser. “Enquiries normally come through the Boer Goat Breeders Association of Australia, and we use exporters to help facilitate the process,� he said.

The industry has benHo WHG IURP ULVLQJ SULFHV EXW Mr Washusen said it was restricted by quality.

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Continued page 2

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Goat prices on the up and up

From page 1 “One of the limitations of extending Boer goats in the Australian industry is that 90 per cent of Australia’s goats are feral or rangeland,� he said. “There are people who say yep this is an opportunity to make a quick buck – but the buyers aren’t silly, they look at the quality of what you are supplying.�

Another breeder who got into goats before the boom is Luke Simeoni – from Melliodora Goat Stud.

Although he specialises in miniature goats, he also breeds Boers and works as a consultant across the industry.

As a professional, Mr Simeoni said Australia still had a long way to go to capitalise on its goat population. “They are very popular as a table animal overseas, but here it is more as a pet market,� he said. “Our meat goat producers are still very reliable on export – we haven’t yet grasped the value of them as a table animal; we are pretty much the only country that hasn’t.�

Despite this, Mr Simeoni said, as a registered breeder, he was often contacted on the internet by those trying to fly under the radar; something he considers to be

threatening the future of sales in the country. “We get approached all the time from those who want to take it away and kill it – but that legally just can’t happen; they come to us because they believe they’ll get the whole animal cheaper,� Mr Simeoni said.

Mr Simeoni said that although goat prices were at an all-time high, those that tried to dodge the laws could endanger the whole industry. “You can’t take home a goat, for a pet or for meat, without a PIC number,� he said. “The under the radar and backyard sales de-values the industry,

but it also discredits the whole NLIS system that we farmers and breeders have to adhere to; it’s also a real potential threat to bio security.�

Goat over-the-hook indicators averaged 583¢ in January; 96.5¢/ kg carcase weight (cwt) above year-ago levels.

The indicator reached 588¢ in February, the highest prices seen since the price correction in July 2017, where prices peaked at 683¢/kg cwt.

Over the course of 2018, prices rose 82¢/kg cwt as the persistent dry conditions saw supplies tighten, tracking above the fiveyear average.

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FREIGHT costs continue to dampen Australia’s competitiveness on the international commodities market, with a new report out last month showing that logistics are the largest single cost item in the production of many agricultural products.

AgriFutures Australia commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to investigate farm transport costs from paddock to port for a sector that sees roughO\ WZR WKLUGV RI IRRG DQG o EUH exported.

John Harvey, AgriFutures Australia managing director, said that freight costs were critical to maintaining Australia’s JOREDO FRPSHWLWLYHQHVV DQG would continue to impact agriculture’s export performance into the future. “In Australia, freight costs are highest for grains at 27.5 per cent of gross income, and fruit DQG YHJHWDEOHV DW SHU FHQW y Mr Harvey said.

-WITHOUT TRUCKS, AUSTRALIA STOPS: Most primary industries rely on some sort of transport, but freight “By comparison, poultry in a costs have been identified as one of the highest for farmers. domestic market has the lowest Tony Mahar, chief executive OHQJHV IDFHG E\ GLIIHUHQW LQGXV The report also shows that Ausrelative farm freight costs, totalling one per cent of gross income. tralia has comparatively higher officer of the National Farm- WULHV y 0U 0DKDU VDLG k,W LV FULWLFDO WR ORRN EH\RQG “Knowing how much farmers freight costs for many of the key ers’ Federation, said the suppay for transporting their pro- commodities compared to inter- ply chain research provides a the ‘now’ to consider future agEHQFKPDUN RI $XVWUDOLD V SHU ricultural freight issues and to duce to consumers is crucial to national competitors.

KLJKOLJKW SRVVLEOH RSWLRQV IRU “Strategic planning and regu- formance. measure the competitiveness of “NFF welcomes AgriFutures potential improvement in trans$XVWUDOLDQ IDUPHUV DQG WR o QG RXW latory framework are required to where the transport of agricultur- HQVXUH LQIUDVWUXFWXUH FDQ EH HI Australia’s work in this space port infrastructure and regulaal goods faces pinch points and o FLHQWO\ XWLOLVHG E\ LQGXVWU\ y 0U DV LW JLYHV XV VROLG GDWD DERXW tion within the agricultural secthe agricultural sector and chal- WRU y Harvey said.

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Southern Farmer, Page 3

Farm confidence rises despite tough conditions

FARMER CONFIDENCE REMAINS STRONG: NAB Agribusiness customer executive, Neil Findlay, talks about farming confidence across the country.

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NEWS

Page 4, Southern Farmer

July 2019

The next generation of farmer Ĺ° DRIVEN BY LOVE: Although Bradley is pleased with the success of his breeding program it all began because, in his own words, “ever since I was a little fella I’ve loved goatsâ€?.

Planning for the future If you haven’t started planning for the year ahead, now is a great time to start.

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Meet Bradley, a goatpreneur

WHEN Bradley Irvine talks about goat breeding, he is across all industry subjects.

He chats about the need for meat with a high muscle thickness, for animals to be bred bigger for a better carcase return and how important it is to use SURo WV WR LPSURYH IDUP infrastructure.

Bradley already has a sponsorship deal with RB Sellars, and is currently investigating new retail opportunities in Melbourne q FRQo GHQW KH FDQ UDPS up kid numbers to meet demand.

All this trade talk, all the QXPEHUV DQG o JXUHV DQG then comes the realisation that Bradley Irvine is just 13 years of age - and he cannot read or write.

He is a shining example that passion and dedication is all that’s needed to make a dream become a reality. “This is all him, he has driven all of this,� proud mum Christina is quick to point out, gesturing across the family property. “Bradley is severely dyslexic – but he is just brilliant with the animals and on the farm; he is proof you don’t always need academics to succeed in life.�

The Irvine family run Murray Grey cattle across 240 acres at Acheron, near Alexandra.

Bradley currently runs 100 breeding nannies on the same property, building up from his original herd of just four. “Ever since I was a little fella I’ve loved goats,�

Bradley said.

Some goes to the city now, but I could do more for distribution if I had the numbers to keep up with it�

- BRADLEY IRVINE “Mum said it was my pocket money, and I could do what I wanted – I don’t think she knew what I had in mind at the time.�

But how could his parents do anything but support their then nine year old son? “So I bought three goats and a billy, and from there I just got heaps of kids and it grew,� he said.

Bradley chose Boer goats because he wanted an animal that had presence, and one that he didn’t have to milk. “No way I wanted to get up early every morning and milk,� he said.

But that doesn’t mean there is a shortage of work on the farm; Bradley feeds out hay each day, has a vaccination, drenching and trimming program and likes to handle the kids as often as he can.

He has culled “rubbish nannies� over successive generations, and believes he is almost at the perfect Boer. “I’ve tried to restrict my herd to only the best,�

Bradley said. “I like big shoulders, a thick neck and rounded rump. “I want a nannie that consistently produces two kids, and meat that has a higher muscle thickness.�

Goat kids are sold off at around 13 months, with the

females going either as pets or joining his heard.

Prime wethers are sent to the Wangaratta abattoir, then processed by Thornton Butcher and Deli – another business venture procured

by Bradley. “I just walked in there one day with a proposal – that I would supply goat meat and he would process it,� Bradley said. “He was all for it – we send about four goats a month there now.�

But that wasn’t enough – Bradley then took his idea to a restaurant in Alexandra, The Grant Street Grocer.

Goat dishes have since become a local staple. “It’s great to walk in and see goat on the menu, knowing it was raised on the farm, butchered locally and is being sold in our home town,� Bradley said.

But Bradley has plans to expand further.

He wants his core nanny herd to hit 200, so that he can expect an annual turn off of 400 kids.

He then intends to send meat to high-end butchers and restaurants in Melbourne – already dabbling in the market. “Some goes to the city now, but I could do more for distribution if I had the numbers to keep up with it,� he said. f

NEWS

July 2019

And what does this young goatpreneur do with his cash?

Reinvests it into the farm of course.

“I use the money to buy in new billies with good bloodlines, and to improve infrastructure on the farm,”

Bradley said.

“New water troughs, I bought a tipper recently; not all of the farm has fencing suitable for goats, so that is what I’m currently working on.”

Last month, Bradley was

DQQRXQFHG DV D o QDOLVW LQ WKH Murrindindi Shire’s Young Business Person of the Year award.

At the time of going to print, results were not yet available – but win, lose or draw, he has already proven

Southern Farmer, Page 5

himself a businessman.

With kids like Bradley in the industry, the future of Ag is in good hands.

To read more about Bradley, or to watch a short video, head to http:// belleridge.com.au.

YOUNG AND ENTHUSIASTIC: Bradley Irvine (above) is just 13 years old and already has his own thriving goat business, having not only established a herd but also arranged a butchering program to meet his restaurant supply contracts.

GOATS A PLENTY: With 100 nanny goats already in his breeding herd, Bradley (left) has plans to double his numbers in the next few years.

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Page 6, Southern Farmer

July 2019

Making small work Duck farm breaking the business mould Ĺ°

DIVERSIFY TO SATISFY: Heritage Farm have diversified income into a number of different streams, spreading risk across duck and chook eggs, farm tours and accommodation.

Pictured is Matt Taylor, with son Kingsley.

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TWENTY acres might not sound like a workable farm, but Matt Taylor and Rachael Koch have managed to make it work.

Last year, both gave up their full time jobs; taking a now or never approach, they have since successfully created a niche market for organic duck eggs.

Charging $15 a dozen, the money seems crazy good – until you factor in just how much work is involved to get them consumer ready. “Ducks aren’t like chooks,�

Matt said. “They love water, mud, and are dirty; they build their own nests instead of using a nest box and don’t return to the shed each night without being herded. “All duck eggs require washing, and then you have to factor in that in Australia, our ducks aren’t bred to lay so there is no such thing as consistent production.�

Despite all that, Matt and Rach love their ducks.

In a way, the birds symbolise the beginning of the couple’s formal relationship. “When we had our engagement party, we were called the night before by family friends who said they hadn’t got us a present yet and could they get us a couple of ducklings,� Matt said. “I said absolutely not - and of course the next day we got two ducklings.�

That was seven years ago.

Those ducklings grew, and eventually inspired Matt and Rach to buy another 20. “We loved their quirky person-

SMALLER INCOME FOR A BIGGER LIFESTYLE: Matt Taylor and Rachael Koch have given away their suburban lives, choosing instead to raise ducks with their young son Kingsley.

alities, and bought a few more as a trial run to see if we could market the eggs,� Matt said.

Choosing Khaki Campbells, the business progressed slowly but steadily.

Duck eggs are used in high-end cooking recipes for their more inWHQVH pDYRXU DQG DUH VRPHWLPHV suitable for those who have an allergy to chicken eggs.

Today, the family have set up an organic operation, Heritage Farm, at Moorooduc, on clay based soils that receive an average rainfall of around 750ml. “We are at a low point in the surrounding area,� Matt said. “While the peninsula has been borderline drought, we tend to get wet because the water pools where we are with all the runoff. “The water kind of gradually seeps across with seasonal creeks that run north to south, so it’s an ideal environment for ducks.�

There are now 300 Khaki Campbells at Heritage Farm, along with chickens, sheep, alpacas and tourists.

“It’s not a money printing machine by any stretch, we have to have a few different things happening to help diversify income,�

Matt said.

The duck eggs are the mainstay of Heritage Farm, with each bird laying around 220 times a year.

Sold at the farmgate, through word of mouth and to local wineries and restaurants, the ducks are re-homed after 12 months of laying. “There are times that the ducks stop laying for no known reason at all,� Matt said. “You can do everything right – feed and house them and look after them – and they just stop.�

To spread production risk, the pair opened their property as farm accommodation and working tours.

Over the summer, Matt and Rach can often be found leading tourists around the paddocks; encouraging them to feed the sheep, pet the alpacas and play with ducklings. “We only feed organic, and we

were just trying to help cover the costs of that initially,� Matt said. “But people kept booking in and it has ended up being a big part of the business.�

Choosing to operate as an organic operation, most who stay or enjoy a tour buy eggs. “We love having people to the farm, seeing what we’ve achieved, and what we’re still working on,� Matt said. “We’re not the cheapest way to buy food, but we believe we’re one of the best.�

Despite a sometimes unreliable egg production, animals that FDQ EH oFNOH DQG HJJV VFDWWHUHG in sheds like an Easter hunt, Matt and Rach have managed to create a business and a lifestyle. “The last year has been a steep learning curve – there’s more to know than we ever imagined,�

Matt said. “But we are living here on the farm, making it work, and that’s something we are very proud of.�

To read more, go to www.heritagefarm.com.au.

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Southern Farmer, Page 7 A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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NEWS

Page 8, Southern Farmer

2020 Future Young Leaders applications open ARE you a young Aussie with an informed opinion on how we need to shape our agriculture sector?

Do you have what it takes to share your views, on stage, to an international audience?

You could be an evokeAG 2020 Future Young Leader.

The evokeAG Future Young Leaders Program is back for the 2020 event. evokeAG is returning to the iconic Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne in February and will again showcase the brightest thoughts, inventions and solutions across the agrifood tech industry.

The Future Young Leaders Program will identify eight emerging thought-leaders within agriculture to attend the event.

Winners will receive return economy airfares, accommodation, airport transfers, a delegate pass to evokeAG as well as a five-minute presentation opportunity across one of the multiple stages at the event.

To be considered, applicants must upload a short video addressing “why should you be selected as a voice of the future at evokeAG?”.

To apply visit https:// evokeag.com.

July 2019

Ag Vic researchers conduct real time experiments

BY DR MARTIN AULDIST

Senior Research Scientist, Agriculture Victoria, Ellinbank

DEVELOPING the ability to measure dry matter intake in grazing cows in near-real time is a major goal of the Smart Feeding project within the DairyFeedbase research program.

“Measuring pasture intake in individual cows has been problematic for farmers and researchers alike for decades,” project leader and Agriculture Victoria researcher, Dr Martin Auldist, said.

“We can do it using synthetic markers of various kinds, including alkanes, but these techniques are labour intensive, time consuming and not practical for making day-to-day decisions on farms and during experiments.

“Knowing how much cows are eating in the paddock would be extremely useful,” Dr Auldist said.

A working example of this would be knowing what nutrients cows are getting from pasture would then allow farmers to formulate the supplement side of the diet more

WHAT’S GOING IN: Researchers from Agriculture Victoria are measuring dry matter in dairy cows’ intake to help farmers better understand nutrient content.

effectively; it would also allow farmers to identify cows WKDW DUH PRUH HIoFLHQW DW FRQverting grass into milk.

“We do know that there is massive variation across the herd when it comes to pasture intake,” Dr Auldist said.

Previous experiments at Ellinbank have shown that some cows eat at least 100 per cent more pasture than others.

As part of the Smart Feeding project Dr Auldist, along with Agriculture Victoria researchers Dr Pablo AlvarezHess and Meaghan Douglas, is conducting a series of experiments aimed at testing whether on-cow jaw movement sensors could be used to help measure pasture intake.

These sensors are sophis-

ticated enough to distinguish between harvesting bites, chewing bites and rumination, and the data is available within 24 hours.

Other researchers have attempted to approximate intake using time spent grazing and number of bites per day, however, this approach doesn’t account for variation in bite size.

“That’s the focus of these experiments,” Dr Auldist said.

“We want to understand the variation in bite size and the main contributing factors.

“Eventually we want to come up with a predictive equation for bite size that incorporates plant factors such as pasture mass and allowance, and cow factors such as milk yield, liveweight, muzzle width and anything else that might be having an influence.

“Then we can use that bite size prediction along with number of bites to calculate pasture intake.”

7KH oUVW H[SHULPHQW VWDUWed in early June, and will calculate bite size by measuring pasture disappearance for cows grazing in individual pasture plots.

Some 24 cows will be used, grazing pastures of different mass and allowance. k7KLV LV RXU oUVW DWWHPSW WR estimate individual bite mass in grazing cows - it’s not an easy thing to do,” Dr Auldist said.

“Hopefully the results will provide an initial understanding of the factors we need to measure to predict pasture intake accurately.”

July 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 9

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Page 10, Southern Farmer

July 2019

Local farmers win scholarships Three chosen from Southern Farmer region Ű

THREE young entrepreneurs from the Southern Farmer region have been selected as recipients of the 2019 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program.

The scholarship provides $10,000 to assist with study and living expenses for the o QDO WZR \HDUV RI WKH VWXGHQWV DJULFXOWXUDO related degree.

On top of the bursary, students also receive professional development workshops and work placements to kick start their career in agriculture, access to industry leaders, and opportunities to network and gain knowledge at a range of industry events.

Kellie Maybery-Reupert, from Oakleigh, took out the GRDC sponsored scholarship.

Tom Grills, from Barwon Heads, also received a GRDC sponsored scholarship, while Harrison Goy, from Harkaway, won the Hort Innovation sponsored scholarship.

AgriFutures Australia managing director, John Harvey, congratulated the students on their success.

“We are thrilled to welcome the 2019 winners, selected from a talented pool of more than 130 applicants,” he said.

“We have hand-picked these young people because of their vision and commitment to the ever changing world of agriculture.”

The winners will begin their journey by attending a four day workshop this month, focused on leadership and personal development.

For more information on the scholarships program, go to www.agrifutures.com. au/horizon.

GLOBAL STAGE: Kellie Maybery-Reupert has big dreams, wanting to look at ways to feed the planet while reducing our carbon footprint.

NAME: Kellie Maybery-Reupert Studying at: Monash University From: Oakleigh, Victoria My vision for the future is based on genetics.

I am a 20-year-old student studying Bachelor of Science Advanced – Global.

Like most people my age, I’m interested in exploring how new technologies can combat climate change.

I’m currently learning how omega 3, which is normally found just in fish, is being genetically added to crops such as canola.

Just imagine the impact of plants rich in omega 3 on nations whose populations suffer from malnutrition.

My course is perfect for me as it tackles some of the big issues when it comes to global warming.

We are looking at how to reduce the footprint of unsustainable energies and how to make farming more sustainable.

We are also considering how we can make resources last for a much longer time.

These are the issues confronting my generation and this is the stuff that keeps me awake at night.

COUNTRY FROM THE START: Harrison Goy cut his teeth raising poddy calves, but would like to further his knowledge in the horticultural industry.

NAME: Harrison Goy Studying at: Melbourne University From: Harkaway, Victoria I have known since I was a kid I was going to study agriculture.

I was always a bit different at school, and for a school project in year 9 I wrote a book about how to rear calves.

As a kid I leased some land and reared poddy calves.

I would buy bull calves off dairy farmers and then sell them onto the market when the time was right: that’s how I made money.

I am currently majoring in economics and in my honours year I’ll specialise in Agri Business, majoring in venture capital investment.

My vision is to finance new start-ups on farms involving horticulture.

Although I have spent a lot of time working with livestock, I am really keen to explore the possibilities in hort.

I did a work placement at a hydroponic tomato farm at Warragul in Victoria and it really opened my eyes and changed my thinking.

I still love livestock but what is exciting for me is the challenges involved in agriculture and the equal amount of opportunities.

HELPING OTHERS: Tom Grills is studying agriculture, but has plans to return to Africa to learn more about food security and trading on a global scale.

NAME: Tom Grills Studying at: Melbourne University From: Barwon Heads, Victoria I am passionate about sustainability and food security.

Having lived in an impoverished rural community within Tanzania through my childhood, I have seen first-hand the impact of food insecurity.

I was shocked to learn that annually the world produces two to three times the amount of food needed to feed the global population.

Thus, if we can develop more effective systems of distribution, we can eliminate hunger.

I am passionate about helping those who need it most, and it is clear to me that agricultural leaders have the opportunity to make life better for the impoverished.

I want to know more about food security and learn about the global systems of commodity trading and distribution.

I am open to living and working anywhere in the future, but I aspire to return to Africa during my career to connect with issues that inspired my connection with agriculture in the first place.

The agricultural industry will be a key driver of prosperity, wellbeing and sustainability throughout the world into the future and I am excited to be a part of this influential space.

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July 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 11

142

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Australian Sheep& Wool Show Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July, 2019

Alpaca Yarn – setting the industry standard THE Alpaca Ultimate Yarn brand is one of the most established brands available in Australia that uses 100 per cent Australian Alpaca o EUH Having commenced production in 2008 as a joint venture between two alpaca studs, one in NSW and one in New Zealand, the business was purchased in 2014 by Graham Lugg and Tim Toshack, who own Lualto Alpaca Stud near Yass in 16: 7KH\ VRXUFH o EUH IURP ZLWKLQ NSW, as well as other states, which must satisfy the strict standards they adhere to in selecting the best o EUH WR SURGXFH WKHLU KLJK TXDOLW\ DOSDFD \DUQ The yarn is produced in New Zealand because of a long standing commitment with a mill there that VXSSOLHV WKH WRS TXDOLW\ SURGXFW There are some exciting advances happening within Australia at the moment that may enable the company to bring back the processing of the yarn to Australian shores, proYLGHG WKH TXDOLW\ FDQ EH JXDUDQWHHG

Australian Alpaca Yarn produces a range of yarn from 1 ply (with 30 per cent Silk), 2 ply, 4 ply and 8 ply, all using 100 per cent Australian AlSDFD DV ZHOO DV D ERXFOH \DUQ Certain lines are available in both JUDP EDOOV DQG RQ FRQHV The yarns are used by knitters, machine knitters and weavers with feedback from these craft people along the lines of “setting the standDUG IRU DOSDFD \DUQ LQ $XVWUDOLDy A machine knitter in Victoria is currently creating some wonderful garments from their yarn to sell at ZRRO HYHQWV Graham and Tim will be attending the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show this month, in the Osborne Pavilion - so get along and feel the TXDOLW\ RI WKHLU \DUQ SURGXFHG IURP $XVWUDOLDQ DOSDFDV Alpaca Ultimate Yarn is also sold WKURXJK WKHLU RQOLQH VKRS ONLY THE BEST: Australian Alpaca Yarn will be at this year’s feature at Bendigo’s Sheep and Wool Show in the Osborne Pavilion.

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Spanning three days, some 350 stall holders, along with 2700 sheep and 5000 farmers, will head to Bendigo for all the latest in the world of sheep and wool.

Each year, the best of the best breeders and fibre producers gather to talk industry – while also celebrating fine food, fibre, fashion and the mighty Australian sheep.

It is a time for the nation’s best farmers to compete for the top championship ribbons; the country’s finest fleeces will be judged; leading wool fashion will be displayed; the growing craft market will form

Australia’s largest onestop fibre market; a major retail shopping precinct comes to life and the excitement of seeing premium stock sales live are all part of the show experience.

This year, Polwarth sheep will be celebrated as the feature breed – a fitting tribute to the animal that was Australia’s first breed, developed in 1880.

Other drawcards at the 2019 event will be shearing displays, the young stud masters muster, the future of farming discussion – along with plenty of sheep and cattle action daily.

So it doesn’t matter what you are interested in, there is something for everyone at the 2019 Australian Sheep and Wool Show.

For more information, or to book tickets, go to www.sheepshow.com.

Page 12, Southern Farmer

July 2019

142

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Prime SAMMs kicking goals for the Fieldings SUNNYBRAE Stud owners Peter and Kirsten Fielding with their son Warren, have been kicking goals with a specialised breed for years.

Known as SAMMs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; South African Meat Merinos â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they are perfectly adapted to the dry Victorian conditions.

Peter started breeding prime SAMMs at Yongala in 1988 because he found they could handle the drier country well and convert feed better.

In South Africa, the breed was to produce a suitable slaughter lamb at an early age while producing good quality wool - of 23 micron or less without the input of additional feeding.

The breed is polled, and the ZRRO FODVVLo HG DV VWURQJ WR PH dium.

In Australia, it offers farmers with an additional source of genetic material to produce sheep meat from a large framed sheep with a long loin.

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The breed is known for its DGDSWDELOLW\ DQG HIo FLHQW IHHG conversion, being popular in South Africa in feedlots.

Its adaptation to a wide variety of climates is a major reason for its success in South Africa, and it is expected that the breed will perform well in a wide variety of climates in Australia.

Lambing percentages of more than 150 per cent are claimed to be common, but it is to be expected that this would be under good grazing conditions.

Ewes have good maternal instinct and high milk production, and when mature will grow to about 75kg and rams to over 100kg.

BREEDING FOR PERFECTION: Peter and Kirsten Fielding breed SAMMs, South African Meat Merinos, who offer an ideal combination of meat and wool producing properties.

Ewes will produce 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms of medium/strong wool.

South African Meat Merinos have been developed as a versatile, hardy dual-purpose breed, which should adapt well to a large number of regions in Victoria.

Across the years, Peter has sold a lot of South African Meat Merino rams to clients ZKR KDYH JRW o UVW FURVV HZHV and after getting a report from D o YH \HDU (ZH 7ULDO LQ 9LFWRULD (Ewes for the future, lambs, ZRRO DQG SURo W q (OPRUH )LHOG Day Ewe Trial 2009 -2014), SAMMs and Border Leicesters FDPH HTXDO o UVW Peter has found crossing Border Leicesters with SAMMs produces animals that offer good doing ability on his country.

It produces a really good maternal mother and a medium to large size frame ewe, ZLWK WKDW o QHU FURVVEUHG ZRRO They have got more of a square rump on them, and more meat going down to the

bottom of the leg.

It also put a bit of that SAMM high-yielding carcase in there as well.

The Border LeicesterSAMMs appear to be handling the country as well as the purebred SAMMs. Sunnybrae is situated in the mid north of South Australia with an annual rainfall of 325mm.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rams have impressive meat traits complimented with white wool.

This year, at the studâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eighth annual ram sale, to be held on Friday, August 16, there will be 20 Border Leicester/SAMM rams and 50 purebred SAMM rams, with impressive meat traits complimented with white wool.

Ram inspection begins at 10am with a superb luncheon, and sale commences at 1pm.

For more information or to inspect rams prior contact Peter on 0428 601 512, or email kfielding67@bigpond.com.au or visit the facebook page or Sunnybrae Samms website.

Sheep supply predicted to tighten

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STRONG prices aside, 2019 has continued to be another extremely challenging year for the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sheep producers.

Drought conditions have persisted in all key sheep production regions, with many producers now running significantly reduced flocks.

The dry conditions have led to sheep slaughter remaining elevated so far in 2019.

However, there has been an easing trend through autumn and a slow-down is expected in the second half of the year as producers look to maintain their core breeding flocks.

Overall, according to Meat and Livestock Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest report, annual sheep slaughter has been revised slightly upwards and is now expected to fall 11 per cent year-on-year, to 8.5 million head.

A reduced breeding flock

and generally poor lambing rates, combined with a poor weather outlook for winter, is expected to disrupt lamb supply in the coming months.

For the first quarter of 2019, lamb slaughter remained close to year-ago levels.

However, supply is expected to tighten for the remainder of the year and, without a turnaround in conditions, producers will face similar challenges to last year in getting lambs to finished weights.

Forecast national lamb slaughter has remained unchanged and is expected to decline seven per cent on 2018, to 21.2 million head.

The aforementioned seasonal challenges will drive a contraction in the national sheep flock, which is expected to fall to 65.8 million head by June 2019, down 6.8 per cent

year-on-year and an 8.7 per cent fall since 2017.

Focusing on demand, the outlook remains positive for the industry.

Both lamb and mutton prices have reached record highs in the last 12 months despite the drought that has gripped the nation.

This has been underpinned by strong demand for Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sheepmeat exports, which continue to push new highs, bolstered by a declining Australian dollar and limited competition.

The growth in demand from China and the US in particular, has translated into strong domestic farm gate prices, with the national mutton indicator breaking through 600¢/kg carcase weight (cwt) in May for the first time and lamb prices now on par with the record highs of August 2018.

July 2019

nd

Australian AUTO RELEASE LAMB MARKING CRADLE Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July, 2019

Sheep& Wool Show Shearwell to be at the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show

SHEARWELL Australia is a leading manufacturer of animal tags and EID Electronic Identification management systems.

More and more farmers are making the switch to Shearwell Australia products for the proven 99.5 per cent retention rates, and one of the fastest turnaround times in Australia.

Shearwell Australia sheep tags are a one piece, NLIS accredited tag.

Both visual and electronic tags are available, are lightweight, durable, Australian made and allow room for growth.

Now with optional wide cradles FEATURES: (\[VTH[PJ YLSLHZL VM SHTIZ ,HZ` SVHKPUN >PKL JYHKSL VW[PVU

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Deluxe illustrated

Both models can be fitted with wide cradles.

QUALITY AT AN AFFORADBLE PRICE: Shearwell are the industry leaders for sheep tags and EID management systems.

Talk to the team at this year’s Sheep & Wool Show and see how they can help make your farm operation more efficient.

Shearwell Australia also supply EID management systems inclusive of stick readers, panel readers and management crates – all of which are compatible with the free Shearwell Australia apps.

The EID stick reader is lightweight and is suitable for sheep and cattle.

It has an easy single button use with a green and red-light function to indicate new and already read tags.

The stick reader will easily scan and record your data making management a simple process.

The panel readers are available in both small and

large versions and suitable for both sheep and cattle.

Moreover, the rugged weigh crates and drafting crates optimise throughput and make for fast and effective animal management.

Shearwell Australia’s EID equipment can also be configured easily for existing setups.

Customers making the switch to Shearwell Australia won’t be disappointed with durability, retention rates, turnaround times and excellent customer service.

New customers will receive a free of charge applicator with all orders over 200 tags.

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Shearwell Panel Readers and Managment Crates • Fast, effortless recording of EID tags • Suitable for both cattle and sheep • Both large and small versions available • Compatible with free Shearwell App

MARK THEM QUICKLY: The Vetmarker makes lambing season a breeze, with its unique easy to use chute. The designer of the Vetmarker, John Fenemor, will be at this year’s Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show.

Marking lambs – use the award winning Vetmarker PREPARING to mark lambs this season?

The Vetmarker is a safe and easy way to do just that, with minimal fuss and low stress handling making for an award winning product.

The product, which is designed as a chute, sees lambs loaded into one end and gently moved along the line for marking using a deep V cono JXUDWLRQ RI UROOHUV WKDW KROG the lambs securely and safely.

The Vetmarker provides easy access to not just the lamb’s ears, but also the belly, testicles and tail.

Coming in two different modes – the Prime Model

and Merino Model – both are designed to handle any sized lamb with ease and efo FLHQF\ The Prime Model Vetmarker is suitable for crossbred sheep, and if required will automatically spray lambs IRU p \VWULNH ZKHQ WKH\ DUH UH leased from the chute.

The Merino Model Vetmarker has leg hooks to present your lambs in position.

The Vetmarker is the only patented system that releases lambs onto their feet, with no manual handling required resulting in minimal animal stress.

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for the animals though – the Vetmarker is height adjustable, so there is no back strain for the user, and as there is no pulling lambs out of the chute it also eases shoulder pain.

John Fenemor, the designer of the Vetmarker, will be at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo this year, demonstrating his innovative and game changing product.

Vetmarker is sold in Rodwells and CRT stores throughout Australia.

For more information, or to watch a video of the Vetmarker in action, head to www.vetmarker.com.au.

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142

Southern Farmer, Page 13

Page 14, Southern Farmer

July 2019

142

nd

Australian Sheep& Wool Show Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July, 2019

Dorpers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when only the best will do NO sheep has had a bigger impact on the recent livestock market in Australia than the Dorper.

Not only has it revolutionised the way we farm, it has also had a VLJQLo FDQW LPSDFW RQ WKH ZD\ we butcher and process.

Dorpers and White Dorpers are Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preeminent low maintenance meat sheep, adapted to a vast range of conditions across the country.

From the hills of Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s North East to the outback plains of Queensland, Dorpers have made themselves successful across the country.

The success of the breed in expanding the prime lamb production in Australia in barely two decades is well recognised.

Dorpers and White Dorpers have also provided the genetic base for a number of new composite â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;breedsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that seek to capitalise on the breedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success, but only Dorpers offer proven performance DQG SURo WDELOLW\ LQ WKH ORQJ term.

The Dorper Sheep Society of Australia Inc (DSSA) was established soon after the introduction of Dorpers to Australia in 1996.

Since that time the DSSA has managed and maintained a registry of pedigree and breeding information for both sires and dams.

DSSA members are supported by regular bulletins that provide direction and focus to ensure the Dorper breeds of sheep are continually increasing

E R! T E A D IM A L C

The 142nd Australian Sheep and Wool Show WHEN: July 19-21.

WHERE: Prince of Wales Showground, 42-72 Holmes Rd, Bendigo.

TICKETS: Single day pass for adults $22, $17 for students/pensioners, family $44. Three day passes available.

MORE INFORMATION: Go to www.sheepshow.com.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Dorper sheep have helped revolutionise the face of the Australian sheep industry.

their performance.

Annual shows and sales are run by the DSSA, bringing Dorpers from all parts of Australia together to be judged by a quality selection of judges while showcasing the best of our breed.

This year, the DSSA will be again conducting the biggest event on the

W y a NS r t us am Ind9 Mo & 1 ed t 20 e r s n B ugu o i A eg th n R y 30 r he a ut Frid o S SA Day S D ion at rm o f In

Southern Region calendar at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show Bendigo, from July 19 to 21, showcasing more than 300 Dorpers and White Dorpers from all over Australia.

Internationally renowned breed inspector and judge, Stephanus Malan, will have the job of selecting the best of the breed at this event.

Judging of the White Dorpers starts at 10am on Friday, July 19, Dorper judging commences 8.30am Saturday, July 20.

The 11th Annual Shearwell Supreme Dorper and White Dorper Sale will be held on Sunday, July 21 in conjunction with the ASWS. There will be 120 high quality rams and ewes

available at auction, contact selling agents Landmark Echuca- Lachlan Collins 0477 325 948.

Inspections at 10am with auctions starting at 1pm.

And the events just keep on coming - mark this date on your calendar, Friday, August 30.

The Southern Region DSSA will be running the

Inaugural Dorper Expo; this is a breed and industry information day - you do not need to be a member of the DSSA to attend.

Many of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate sponsors will be in attendance with information displays, demonstrations and presentations.

This event will be held on the property of Jean and Moozie Van Niekerk in Moama, NSW. For more information contact the EO Sara Winn on (02) 6773 3805.

For all current and up to date information on what the Dorper breed can GR WR LQFUHDVH SURo WV DQG minimise work costs, visit the team during the show.

THE SHEARWELL AUSTRALIA SOUTHERN REGION DSSA 11TH ANNUAL

BENDIGO SUPREME DORPER & WHITE DORPER SALE SALE - 1:00 pm Sunday 21st July 2019 Show will be held Friday 19th - Saturday 20th July ASWS Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Holme Rd, Bendigo, VIC AGENTS: LANDMARK ECHUCA | Lachlan Collins 0477 325 948

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NEWS

July 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 15

Looking to make a dairy profit by improving productivity SOUTH West of Geelong, Shannon Notter runs a dairy farm.

Although she is a native New Zealander, that hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stopped her embracing her picturesque parcel of land, nestled beneath the Otways at Carlisle River.

At just 32, Shannon has big plans.

She aims to improve productivity of her 500 cows, simplify management DQG LPSURYH HIo FLHQFLHV WR FUHDWH D VXVWDLQDEOH DQG SURo WDEOH EXVLQHVV She has also offered her farm as a WestVic Dairy Focus Farm for the next two years.

All of her drive, enthusiasm and passion was recognised recently when Shannon was recognised, and FRPSOHWHG D 1XIo HOG 6FKRODUVKLS - supported by the Gardiner Dairy Foundation.

Shannonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research topic centred on what the dairy industry can do to KHOS IDUPHUV IRFXV RQ SURo WDELOLW\ and the factors affecting farmer uptake of information.

Part of a six-week group trip to USA, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Kenya and South Africa and spending an extra eight weeks in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Ireland and the USA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Shannon absorbed the information like a sponge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully the dairy industry develops a strong strategic direction to help farmers into the future,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As margins are getting smaller, each individual business is having WR IRFXV PRUH RQ SURo WDELOLW\ WR EH viable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The industry has a number of

GOING IT ALONE: Shannon Notter runs a dairy farm at Carlisle River, and is one of the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up and coming ag leaders.

ways they can encourage farmers to lift business acumen, but ultimately it is the decision makers in a business that need to set realistic and achievable goals.â&#x20AC;?

Shannon admits that adding the scholarship and Focus Farm to her already hectic lifestyle has been tiring, but they will ul-

timately help her farming career. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always done things to push myself out of my comfort zone,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I get to the point where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m feeling a bit comfortable, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about challenging myself again. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being the sole decision maker on the farm, my capability is what lim-

its its progress - but there are good opportunities for wealth creation in dairy and opportunities to be taken.â&#x20AC;?

Applications for the 2020 round RI 1XIo HOG VFKRODUV KDV QRZ FORVHG â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with all interested parties waiting anxiously to hear just who will be benHo WLQJ IURP WKH SURJUDP RYHU WKH QH[W 12 months.

Henty machine awards now open ALTHOUGH the Henty Field Days are still two months away, calls have already gone out for entrants to the annual Henty Machine of the Year Award.

Announced on the opening day, this â&#x20AC;&#x153;farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; choiceâ&#x20AC;? award is presented to the most outstanding new piece of agricultural machinery exhibited, judged by an independent panel of regional primary producers.

In many cases the machine has gone on to become a standard piece of equipment on farms.

Judging criteria includes the machineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose and suitability, scope of application, construction, ease of maintenance and service, ease of operation and adjustment, availability of parts and overall value for money.

Last year, entries ranged from an innovative hay rake and wireless remote system for tipping truck hydraulics, to a self-propelled sprayer and the revolutionary Morris Quantum air drill.

The Next F Series V-rake, entered

by Schinckel Hayrakes impressed the judges with its unique folding mechanism.

Simon Schinckel, Schinckel Hayrakes, received nationwide and international coverage with his win with the V-rake, and is planning to enter his latest design, the Schinckle Opener Series, in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People do love the V-rake and our sales have been pretty good in the last nine months since Henty,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rake is so simple and easy to use for people of all ages, and it has been a hassle-free machine.â&#x20AC;?

For further details on the Henty Machine of the Year Award contact (02)6929 3305.

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NEW MODEL

NEWS

Page 16, Southern Farmer

July 2019

Breeding herd further eroded A REPORT FROM MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA NATIONALLY, 2.6 million head of cattle were processed from January to April, up 10 per cent year-on-year.

Add on the 350,000 head of cattle that shipped live over the same period, and the number of cattle that have exited the production system during the first four months of 2019 is only surpassed by the records set in 2014 and 2015, at a time when the national herd was inflated from current levels.

The drought-enforced high turnoff so far this year was largely facilitated by a sustained surge in female slaughter, which in April totalled 58 per cent of total adult cattle slaughter, matching the levels recorded in March.

Consecutive months of record elevated female slaughter signal an additional wave of destocking, eroding the breeding herd and significantly hampering the ability of the herd to rebuild in the short term, once conditions improve.

The impact of the increased proportion of female cattle slaughter is evidenced in an easing trend for adult carcase weights during the first four months of the year, averaging 285kg/head and back five per cent compared to the same period in 2018.

In both March and April, under the weight of higher female slaughter, average monthly carcase weights eased to 280kg/head.

Record numbers of cattle on feed during the first quarter were not able to offset a decline in average carcase weights, due to the sheer volume of destocking witnessed in the breeding herd.

THANKS: Bayer has helped the Yarra Valley Young Farmers Group raise funds for a new set of sheep yards. Pictured, from left, are Sophie Southall, Scarlett Henderson, Danielle Green, Stacey and Nathan Mercuri, president of the Yarra Valley Young Farmers Group Tim Thompson, Landmark Wandin branch manager John Frisina, commercial sales representative from Bayer Alistair Beyer, Molly Henderson and Ember, Ebony and Peter Damen.

Landmark Wandin raises $2000 for Young Farmers group clear aim: to give back to rural causes that matter to Landmark agents.

An initiative of Bayer started in 2018, Grow4Good has been enthusiastically embraced across the country.

The program has supported a wide variety of local causes, providLQJ o QDQFLDO VXSSRUW WR HQVXUH FRP munity access to the latest health and emergency technology, and to

upgrade recreational services and equipment.

By the end of 2019, nearly $200,000 will have been donated to more than 40 local community causes.

“Landmark Wandin are a big supporter of Bayer, and it’s great to partner with them in programs like this and to be able to give back to the local community,” Alistair Beyer, commercial sales

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representative at Bayer, said.

His sentiments were backed by national key account manager at Bayer, Ben Thompson.

“It is clear that our customers are committed to their communities and it’s great that the Grow4Good program has made a major contribution to the already fantastic fundraising efforts of dedicated locals,” Mr Thompson said.

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THERE were plenty of smiles recently when Landmark Wandin raised $2000 through the Bayer and Landmark Grow4Good program.

Bayer supported Landmark Wandin with their quest to raise the funds, which were put towards sheep yards for the local Yarra Valley Young Farmers Group.

The Grow4Good Program has one

NEWS

July 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 17

Energy Assist saving you money ESTABLISHED in 1994, Energy Assist is an Australian owned and operated business with years of experience in the solar power industry.

Focusing on creating high quality energy solutions, Energy Assist engineers the right system for individual needs.

With so many in the community been crippled with ever-rising electricity rates, the right solar power system can save you money now and

safeguard yourself from all future rate rises.

One customer who turned to Energy Assist for complete energy independence installed an off-grid system with a battery bank and generator installed in his shed and panels installed on a ground mount system.

This means there is no need to connect to any power company at all.

With no power bills for the

last two years since installation, this customer sees this investment as one of the best he has ever made.

Another reason why customers are choosing Energy Assist is the widely popular state of the art optimised systems which can produce approximately 10 per cent more power than a traditional system.

It is ideal for properties with shade or properties that

need to use multiple roof spaces: batteries can be added to this system to store excess power during the day for use overnight.

With all systems designed

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For more information call Energy Assist today on (03) 9725 4484 or visit www.solar4you.com.au.

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NEOGEN TAKING OVER: It will be business as usual for sheep breeders ordering DNA tests from July 1, with transition arrangements now in place to transfer the Sheep CRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s genomic testing operations to Neogen Australasia. Sheep CRC has led the development of DNA testing within the Australian sheep industry and has worked in collaboration with Neogen since the start of the Information Nucleus program in 2007. Sheep breeders will continue to order tests online through www.sheepdna.com.au, with their samples processed and analysed at Neogenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Australian laboratories, and results incorporated into the Sheep Genetics databases for assignment of parentage and enhancement of breeding value accuracies. Pictured are Neogen vice president Jason Lilly (left) and Sheep CRC chief executive James Rowe.

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stlegermachinery.com LOADERS Case International 4240, XL cab, fwa, fel, rem, 92hp.

TRACTORS David Brown 880, rops, choice of 2 from $3000.

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Fiat 115-90, fwa, a/c cab, as traded.

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Ford 2600, 2wd, rops, low hours, like new, fel to suit Ford TW15, fwa, a/c cab, 3pl, rem, new clutch, 143hp.

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Massey Ferguson 165, fel to suit Massey Ferguson 265, rops, pwr steer, tidy, 62hp.

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IMPLEMENTS Dalmore 3pl log splitter, Connor Shea 18 row trailing seeder, 14 row c/shea seeder, c/s discs, Connor Shea baby giant discs, Agro Plow seed drill, 3pl Mulcher, 3pl smudger, deep ripper, 5,6, &8ft grader blades, scarifier , power harrows, post rammer, Rotary drainer, 3pl hay spike, hyd bale feeder, Howard soft hands, 3pl log splitter, assorted slashers, Treller 3pl channel cleaner.

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Page 18, Southern Farmer

July 2019

Queensland Fruit Fly Feature

Every season is fruit fly season

By BRONWYN KNOLL, QFF REGIONAL COORDINATOR FOR THE YARRA VALLEY THE Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) does all her egg laying and fruit damage over the warmer months; but what does she do over winter?

Plant Health Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prevent Fruit Fly website VXJJHVWV ZKLOH IUXLW p \ DUH LQ DFWLYH LQ ZLQWHU -XQH WR $X JXVW DFURVV PRVW RI $XVWUDO LD DGXOW p LHV ZLOO RYHU ZLQWHU in sheltered locations. )UXLW p \ UHVHDUFKHU $Q drew Jessup, has studied QFF in northern Victoria and has been able to demonstrate the shelter value of a tree in the middle of winter, as well as the warmth provided by houses, sheds and compost bins in the garden.

7KH VWURQJHVW p LHV DUH more likely to survive the winter, as will those with adequate food, warmth and shelter.

The length and severity of the winter is also another determinate of QFF survival over winter.

The best prevention for 4)) LV WR DSSO\ JRRG PDQ DJHPHQW LQ WKH SUHYLRXV VHD son. <RXU FURS PD\ KDYH o Q

ished, but has next doorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FURS o QLVKHG RU MXVW VWDUWHG" Has there been another host nearby?

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the house yard or on the nature strip?

0DNH VXUH WKHUH LV OLW tle chance of QFF carryover from one fruit season to the next.

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Prevention actions are EHQHo FLDO WR IUXLW p \ IUHH zones and areas where fruit p \ KDYH HVWDEOLVKHG In winter, get organised and get the upper hand on WKH o JKW DJDLQVW WKH 4XHHQV land Fruit Fly. Mr Jessup warns us not to rely on winter frosts to kill out WKH SHVW DV WKH\ DUH LQFRQVLVW ent and non uniform in their severity.

Information about QFF management can be found on these websites: National website: http:// SUHYHQWIUXLWp \ FRP DX $JULFXOWXUH 9LFWRULD ZHE site: http://agriculture.vic.

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Year-round actions for the prevention of QFF:

LAYING LOW OVER WINTER: Although the Queensland Fruit Fly is not as active over winter, precautions should still be taken.

Winter jobs for QFF prevention: Clean up any fruit left hanging in the tree or on the ground. Check late fruit like quince, plums, guavas, feijoas, apples, pears, persimmons and remember to always check citrus trees.

Treat infested fruit (boil or freeze) before disposing of it to kill any larvae. Solarising fruit in a sealed bag is better used in the extreme summer heat.

Prune fruit trees to a manageable height

to ensure all next seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fruit can be easily reached and netted easily.

Remove unintended plants, eg loquats, plums, apples and blackberries. Remove weeds that can provide suitable habitat for QFF. Design and build structures over fruiting plants to hold fruit fly netting off the fruit.

Prepare and service bait application machinery and tools.

Spring: Monitor QFF using traps. Initiate rapid responses if needed.

Summer: Maintain regular monitoring. Suppress population with traps and the weekly application of protein baits. In areas with QFF â&#x20AC;&#x201C; nets can be used to prevent the fly laying eggs in fruit.

Summer and Autumn: Regularly harvest fruit to prevent any fruit fall, clean up any fallen fruit. This prevents the QFF larvae (hidden in the fruit) making it to the next stage of their lifecycle as a pupae in the ground.

Late Autumn and Winter: Cleaning of fallen fruit, pruning of host trees and removal of unwanted host plants; and All year: Consider options for stock and poultry to help manage fruit waste and carefully consider any pesticide use (only use registered products, follow label instructions and precautions, and protect beneficial insects).

PASTURE IMPROVEMENT Making the most of winter with liquid foliar fertiliser However, there are a few ways to stimulate growth in winter, two of which are mentioned below. z Foliar Uptake Foliar versus soil uptake helps plant growth in winter for two reasons.

Firstly, uptake efficiency of soil applied nutrients is much lower than foliar; this is due to a greater dilution of fertiliser in soil as well as slower uptake by the root system due to cold weather.

By BAYLEY GOODE, GOODE ORGANICS WITH hopefully some rain on the way, soil and foliar applications are the only tools available to stimulate pasture and crops in winter where adequate soil moisture is available but the low temperature slows the energy supply.

In general terms, for every 10 degrees Celsius drop of temperature, the rate of biological/ enzymatic reaction is halved.

Secondly, foliar uptake uses less energy than soil uptake per unit of nutrient; this is because when a nutrient is taken from the soil, energy is used on its uptake at two distinct points.

Foliar uptake, in contrast, only uses energy once when ions are taken up from leaf free space into leaf cells. z Phosphate and Nitrogen in foliar spray is essential to benefit from Integrated Fertiliser Management (IFM) It has been shown that when

DELLAVEDOVA FERTILISERice,SERVICES large or small

foliar phosphate is applied especially in sunlight, the root system develops pockets of activity that are otherwise absent, these pockets exude hydrogen ion (by proton pumping) and organic acids to mobilise tied up soil nutrients.

To learn more about foliar feeding and to receive information on the full range of Healthy Earth Foliar applications please contact Bayley on 0420 946 156 or email Bayley@goodeorganics.com.au.

WINTER ON THE FARM: After a slow autumn break, Bayley Goode from Goode Organics has some tips on how to maximise your growth over the colder months.

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July 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 19

Queensland Fruit Fly Feature Environmentally friendly fruit fly management NEWS that the Queensland Fruit Fly has worked its way down to Victoria is enough to strike fear into the strongest heart.

However, there is a simple, non-chemical way to banish fruit fly.

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a single tree, backyard or a commercial orchard, Netpro Exclusion Netting safely eliminates fruit fly and many other insects.

Animal friendly and suitable for organic production systems, there are also some unexpected benefits; not only can netting contribute towards increased sugar concentrations in peach and nectarine, it can also increase your yields by 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 per cent.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never had issues with fruit fly, simply cover the tree and tie it off.

If, however, there have been issues, it would be best to place some sort of barrier around the base of the tree before mulching because the flies live in the ground.

Either way, good garden hygiene is essential with reducing the quantity of fruit fly in the environs.

Collect and destroy any rotting fruit - from the tree or the ground - every season to reduce the risk of maggots developing and ending up in the ground around the tree.

Place it into a plastic bag, seal it and leave in the sun for five to seven days, or the freezer for two.

If you would like any further advice or to discuss your exclusion netting needs, feel free to contact Netpro Group on 1300 638 776.

Based in Stanthorpe, Queensland, Netpro has 26 years of experience in protecting fruit trees across Australia.

Cera Trap helping control fruit fly while benefiting the environment

FRUIT fly traps and baits have a role in perimeter-protection of tree crops and mass trapping and management within orchards.

Cera Trapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protein hydrolysate liquid has proven highly attractive to both female and male fruit fly, with potentially the most powerful protein-attractant for fruit flies on the Australian market.

Female flies are especially attracted due to their need for protein for egg-laying.

As demonstrated in Australian trials, the capture ratio of females - responsible for fruit stinging and damage - to males in Cera Traps was 4:1.

Other benefits of Cera Traps included being insecticide-free, non-toxic to bees and beneficial insects, cost-effective, safe for farm workers, the environment and consumers, ready to use and easy to set up, low evaporation

rates, with 600mls in each trap lasting 60120 days and quick to refill in seconds in the canopy.

Alternatively, Cera Bait is a lure highly attractive to females and is designed to be used with an approved registered insecticide.

Cera Bait can be used as either a band spray or spot spray treatment and is suitable for use in ICA28 and ICA24 preharvest bait spraying programs for citrus and strawberry.

Cera Bait is a salt free lure formulation that will cause less phytotoxicity to crops after application, and is non-toxic to bees while being beneficial to insect populations and safe for farm workers and the environment.

For more information please refer to the website at barmac. com.au or talk to your local Barmac territory manager.

Keep the pressure on fruit fly this winter!

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Where do fruit flies go in winter?

An ARTICLE PROVIDED BY BIOTRAP AUSTRALIA THE Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) is native to Queensland, but has made a home in many regions of southern NSW and Victoria.

It over-winters as an adult, not as an egg or a pupae like some species, so it finds a warm place to survive the winter.

If temperatures during winter exceed 13 degrees it may have an opportunity to feed but it does survive for many months regardless.

It is generally agreed and supported by trapping data that the most likely places for the QFF to over-winter are around urban housing, where there are adequate places for them to survive.

Prior to going into this overwintering state, the flies do stock

up on food reserves and the female if she is carrying eggs may consume these to survive.

As the temperature warms in spring time the fruit flies will become more active, but will not mate until evening temperatures are around 18 degrees.

When conducting a fruit fly management program it is important to consider this information particularly for monitoring and baiting.

A long cold winter will have some impact on over-wintering survival but the QFF is a resilient insect and numbers will recover quickly.

It is essential to have monitoring traps out year around and move them away from deciduous trees into evergreen areas particularly around sheds and housing.

For more information head to biotrap.com.au.

BANISH FRUIT FLY With Wildlife F riendly Netting

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NEWS

Page 20, Southern Farmer

July 2019

Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;farmers helping farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; conference

FARMERS looking to reduce inputs, grow more with less moisture and increase SURo WDELOLW\ ZLOO JHW access to worldEHVW NQRZOHGJH DW Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier

farming conference this month.

One of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading soil researchers and regenerative agriculture advocates, Joel Williams, will headline the 17th an-

The Maintenance Man Kitchen, Bathroom Renoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Laundry, Tiling, Carpentry and all other renoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Please call Godwin on 0403 084 463 Farmers and Pensioners receive a 10% discount

nual Vic No-Till conference in Shepparton RQ -XO\ DQG â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Undercover Downunderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the focus of the conference, which will also feature leading local farmers including Dan Fox from Marrar, who won the innovation award at ODVW \HDU V .RQGLQLQ Farmer of the Year awards.

Other farmer VSHDNHUV DUH 1XIo HOG 6FKRODU Grant Pontifex, ZKRVH IDPLO\ IDUPV on the Yorke Penin-

VXOD DQG .DQJDURR Island in South Australia; Vic No-Till president and Coles :HHNO\ 7LPHV )DUPHU of the Year 2015 Grant Sims from Pine Grove, Victoria; and Wimmera farmer Tim Rethus, whose famLO\ HQWHUSULVH LV ZHOO NQRZQ IRU LWV HDUO\ adoption of farming WHFKQRORJ\ LQFOXGLQJ no-till and controlled WUDIo F IDUPLQJ Dr Ash Martin from 0LFURELRORJ\ /DER ratories AUS will also VSHDN DERXW DSSO\LQJ science to address

Farms, Land Bank and Development Sites Alex Scott Linking Town and Country since 1886

We sell directly into the Asian Market, which has an ever growing appetite for Australian land.

For an obligation free consultation on your property, please call Jacob Koster on 0478 539 343 By having a great depth of knowledge of the properties we are selling, this allows us to highlight the best features of a property and get it to the right buyers.

We specialise in negotiating Joint Ventures, Outright purchases, Terms Contracts and Option contracts to land bankers and developers both domestic and international.

For those looking for discretion we can also sell properties off market.

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SODQW QXWULWLRQ ZLOO EH among the topics up for discussion.

Joel, known for his practical approach and engaging presentations, will present the latest research on WKH OLQN EHWZHHQ SODQW root exudates and soil ELRORJ\ DQG ZKDW WKDW means for farming production. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Research highlights that these exudatePLFURELDO LQWHUDFWLRQV FDQ EH SUH SUHGLFWHG and pre-programmed E\ WKH JHQHWLFV DQG hence, manipulated for RXU EHQHo W YLD SODQW

EUHHGLQJ y KH VDLG â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are all aware of WKH EHQHo WV RI SODQW EUHHGLQJ JHQHUDOO\ EXW QRZ EHLQJ DEOH WR OLQN SODQW EUHHGLQJ WR VRLO PLFURELRPHV opens up a whole host RI QHZ SRVVLELOLWLHV LQ redesigning our proGXFWLRQ V\VWHPV y The Vic No-Till farming group, formed in 2002, is dedicated to helping IDUPHUV DFKLHYH EHW ter results at harvest time, while encouraging greater adopWLRQ RI VXVWDLQDEOH DQG SURo WDEOH IRRG

SURGXFWLRQ V\VWHPV through reduced-tillage and regenerative farming.

With a focus on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;farmers helping farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Vic No-Till is a point of call for farmers around the world looking to know PRUH DERXW EXLOGLQJ VRLO ELRORJ\ DQG KRZ no-till regenerative IDUPLQJ V\VWHPV ZRUN For more informaWLRQ DQG ERRNLQJV contact conference RUJDQLVHU 3HQQ\ Stemp on 0402 216 RU HPDLO SHQQ\# vicnotill.com.au.

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challenges in farming V\VWHPV The event will also include the popular rainfall simulator demonstration, which 9LF 1R 7LOO EURXJKW to Australia for the o UVW WLPH LQ DV D ZD\ RI VKRZLQJ rain impact and soil LQo OWUDWLRQ XQGHU o YH GLIIHUHQW IDUPLQJ V\VWHPV 6RLO ELRORJ\ multi-species covers, integrating livestock into cropping V\VWHPV VWULS CQ GLVF farming, plant nutrition, compost and

ROBERT Sangster transformed the sport of thorRXJKEUHG UDFLQJ 7RGD\ KLV VRQ $GDP LV GR LQJ WKH VDPH QRW RQO\ E\ LP porting genetics to add to his EORRGVWRFN SRZHUKRXVH EXW E\ providing a stallion service to mare owners across Australia.

Swettenham Stud is loFDWHG RQ IHUWLOH DFUHV DW 1DJDPELH :KHQ WKH SURSHUW\ ZDV o UVW LGHQWLo HG DQG SXUFKDVHG E\ WKH 6DQJVWHU IDPLO\ LQ SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK WKH +D\HV IDPLO\ QDPHO\ WKH ODWH &ROLQ +D\HV LW ZDV XVHG DV D SULPH cattle operation.

7RGD\ LQVSLUHG E\ WKH LG\O OLF ORFDWLRQ LGHQWLo HG E\ 6DQJ VWHU DQG +D\HV 1DJDPELH KDV EHFRPH NQRZQ DV WKH WKRU RXJKEUHG EUHHGLQJ FDSLWDO RI WKH FRXQWU\ 6XUURXQGHG E\ VRPH RI WKH premier properties of the region, including Mitchelton :LQHU\ DQG &KDWHDX 7DKELON WKH SURSHUW\ LV WHVWDPHQW WR D IDPLO\ WKDW KDV FDUYHG D UHSXWDWLRQ IRU TXDOLW\ EH\RQG measure.

Paddocks and fencing are RI WKH KLJKHVW VWDQGDUG EH LQJ EXLOW VSHFLo FDOO\ IRU KRUVH VDIHW\ DQG SUDFWLFDOLW\ WKH PDMRULW\ RI ZKLFK DUH GRXEOH fenced.

The stud can accommodate up to eight stallions, ZLWK D EHDXWLIXO YLHZ DORQJ

SUPPORTING NAGAMBIE, SUPPORTING CHAMPIONS: Swettenham Stud offers a full range of stallion, mare and foal services with the best genetics available.

The studâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued success has also helped the local Nagambie community thrive, with strong economic support generated by the property and its employees.

PHOTO: Sarah Ebbett Equine Photography.

WKH *RXOEXUQ 5LYHU RIIHULQJ D tranquil setting for the studâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s star equine residents.

There is a modern well-venWLODWHG EDUQ IRU \HDUOLQJV DQG another for mares and foals. $ YHWHULQDU\ KRVSLWDO DUHD FRPSOHWH ZLWK ER[HV DQG D ODERUDWRU\ KDV EHHQ EXLOW RQ site to help facilitate the work of the resident veterinarian.

A well-lit, state-of-the-art foaling unit is also an integral IHDWXUH RI WKH IDUP q EHWZHHQ WKH PDJQLo FHQW IDFLOLWLHV WKH ULYHU DW WKH EDFNGRRU UROOLQJ paddocks, stunning counWU\VLGH DQG DFFRPPRGDWLRQ right next door; there is nothing Swettenham Stud does not offer.

7KLV \HDU WKH SURSHUW\ ZLOO stand six commercial stallions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including the likes of UHQRZQHG JOREDO VWDUV 7RUR

nado and Highland Reel. ,I \RX DUH ORRNLQJ WR EUHHG D PDUH WR FUHDWH \RXU RZQ champion, or are looking to offer commercial weanlings DQG \HDUOLQJV WR WKH EURDGHU LQGXVWU\ 6ZHWWHQKDP KDV RQH RI WKH EHVW VHOHFWLRQV RI stallions going.

7KH\ DOVR RIIHU D IXOO VHU YLFH IDUP IRU \RXU PDUHV WR UHVLGH IRDO GRZQ DQG p RXULVK DV D EURRGPDUH $QG LI DQ\RQH NQRZV ZKDW LW WDNHV WR EULQJ RQ D FKDP pion racehorse, the Swettenham team do â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Black Caviar was sold through Swettenhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s draft, along with havLQJ EUHG DQG UDFHG RYHU Group 1 winners in 22 countries.

For more information, head to www.swettenham. com.au.

NEWS BE SAFE TO STAY ALIVE: A new safety campaign has been launched, featuring real time stories of farmers who have survived a farm bike accident.

Southern Farmer, Page 21

The band saw that will cut any Australian hardwood into practical, usable sizes. (eg 4x4s, 6x4s, 8x2s etc)

VFF endorses new safety campaign A NEW safety campaign has hopes of reducing quad bike deaths and serious injuries.

A joint initiative between the Victorian Government and Worksafe Victoria, the campaign includes stories from real life farmers who have survived an accident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The real-life stories shared in the new safety campaign are deeply uncomfortable and painful to hear,â&#x20AC;? VFF president David Jochinke said, giving the campaign his support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yet these farmers could be considered the lucky ones because they are still here to tell their stories. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are too many adults and children who never walked away from their quad bike accident.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone who owns a quad bike must implement practical rules about how, when, where and by who the quad bike is used.â&#x20AC;?

According to Safe Work Australia, of the six quad bike IDWDOLWLHV LQ VR IDU o YH happened during non-working activities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you look at the data, rollovers are the most common type of accident,â&#x20AC;?

Mr Jochinke said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Operator protection devices canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prevent rollovers, but they can dramatically reduce the risk of the driver being stuck underneath a rolled quad bike and suffocating to death. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I encourage all Victorian farmers to take advantage of the quad bike safety rebate

scheme.â&#x20AC;?

Under the scheme, each farm business is eligible for a $1200 rebate, which can cover the cost of two protection devices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alternatively, if you want to move away from the use of quad bikes on your property, the $1200 rebate can go towards the cost of buying a side-by-side or small utility vehicle,â&#x20AC;? Mr Jochinke said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In less than three years, the rebate scheme has received over 4500 applications and saved Victorian farmers over $4 million.â&#x20AC;?

Farmers wishing to apply for the rebate should call the VFF on 1300 882 833 or visit https://www.vff.org.au/ quadbike to apply for the rebate immediately.

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Page 22, Southern Farmer

July 2019

Winter Warmth & Heating LOOK AFTER THEM: Here are some winter tips for your four legged friend.

AS the colours of autumn begin to pale into winter, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to think about those beloved four legged friends.

It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if we are talking about your horse, your dog or your cat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; those animals that hold a special place in our heart sometimes do it a little tougher over the colder months.

Here are some basic tips to consider as the winter bite hits home: z keep water under cover â&#x20AC;&#x201C; water in a trough in the open paddock will often freeze over, so erect a simple cover to keep the frost away and the liquid accessible;

z consider their bedding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all but the toughest horses require rugs over winter, and likewise dogs and cats â&#x20AC;&#x201C; particularly those who live outside â&#x20AC;&#x201C; should have access to a safe and warm spot somewhere; z increase food â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because the weather is colder, animals use more energy to stay warm. Take this into account when feeding; z check on your pets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; always make an effort to check on your four legged friends at least once a day; and z look at their feet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; horses are particularly susceptible to hoof problems caused by the wet and muddy ground, so give them the once over every week or so.

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July 2019

Southern Farmer, Page 23

Free financial advice available Rural financial counselling for a better tomorrow Å°

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FREE HELP AND ADVICE: Jane Coots, rural financial counsellor with Jenny Mason, rural financial counsellor coordinator.

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Buy the best with Aussie Made sheds NOTHING quite completes a home like having the right shed.

More than just a storage facility, a shed is somewhere to keep your valuables, somewhere to offer shelter and, more than anything, rounds out a house to a home.

Choosing the right shed is made easier by Aussie Made Garages and Barns, where you can sleep easy knowing the company is proudly Australian made and owned.

Authorised dealers for Fair Dinkum Sheds and SOL (Solutions for Outdoor Living), Aussie Made Garages and Barns do more than just sheds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they can

BUILD THE BEST: Aussie Made Garages and Barns build some of the best in the business. custom design and build American style barns, garages, verandas industrial/commercial sheds, Quaker barns, carports and a full range of farm buildings.

Aussie Made Garages take pride in knowing their products are delivered on time, using only the best quality BlueScope Steel.

The team can help guide you step by step, from size, design and colours to plans and permits, even the concreting and building can be organised all under the one roof.

Best of all, they are registered builders - meaning you are not forced to be an owner builder when applying for a building permit.

Aussie Made Garages and Barns Pty Ltd is family owned and run, and with more than 30 years of experience in the industry, they know what they are talking about.

To find out more, visit the display site at Lilydale, or contact the team on 9739 6999 to discuss how to help make your house a home.

Looking for Specialised Garage and Barn experts?

Call Aussie Made Garages & Barns TODAY 03 9739 6999 www.aussiemade.com.au

100% AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURED. RUFFY Effluent/ Waste Pump

(03) 9761 5115

info@dumacpumps.com.au www.dumacpumps.com.au Dumac Distributors P/L Australian Owned Family Business.

Agents for Teco Motors and Ebara Pumps

j/37D07357/27-19

80% of materials sourced made in Australia.

4140 Steel Impeller

Since 1964, Dumac Pumps have produced quality engineered vertical-column pumps, durable for dairy, pig, wine, abattoir, mining and food processor industries.

Page 24, Southern Farmer

July 2019

BUY THE TRACTOR, * GET A BONUS MOWER .

MF 2600 TRACTOR RANGE 39 - 74 HP W I T H BONUS RIDE ON MOWER The MF 2600 Series is a rugged and versatile range of utility tractors that are built to get the job done. And right now you can get even more jobs done, as they come with a bonus Massey Ferguson Zero Turn Mower.* Hurry into your local Massey Ferguson dealer before this great offer ends on July 31.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER TODAY Dandenong Kyneton Nagambie Silvan

Small Horse Tractors L & G Sheppard and Sons John Sanderson Machinery Darmac Ag Sales & Service

MASSEYFERGUSON.COM.AU

18 Lonsdale Street 88 Piper Street 36-38 Industrial Crescent 249-251 Monbulk Road

(03) (03) (03) (03)

9791 5422 5794 9737

6414 1821 2272 9255

A world of experience. Working with you.

*Offer refers to a bonus MF42-ZT ride on mower valued RRP$4499 with the purchase of an MF 2600 Series tractor. Offer valid to July 31, 2019, while stocks last. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Contact your local Massey Ferguson dealer for full terms & conditions.