THE SOUTHERN
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1986
OCTOBER, 2017
WANDIN SILVAN FIELD DAYS
MINIATURE HEREFORDS LIFTOUT
www.nemedia.com.au
HAY AND SILAGE
PAGE 33
PAGES 35-41
Babydoll sheep solve vineyard problem PETER Congdon had a problem. He had purchased a small boutique winery on the Bellarine Peninsula, but didn’t want all the inter-row mowing required to keep 3000 grape-vines in check. His answer was as adorable as it was practical – a self-replacing herd of Southdown sheep. Southdowns are credited as being the first recognised breed of British sheep to be introduced into Australia in 1800. Known for their meat properties and small stature, the Southdown remained Australia’s premier terminal sire from colonisation through to the 1950s. Today, the Southdowns have been split into two categories – the modern Southdowns are a commercial based breed with a strong focus on the domestic market trade weight lambs, with mature rams topping out at between 120 – 150kg. The traditional Southdowns are often referred to as Old English Babydoll Southdowns, and are shorter in the leg with thickset bodies and a woollier face. Babydoll Southdowns are bred for a niche market of producers – people like Mr Congdon. “I was raised in regional Victoria, and attended the Dookie Ag College after school,” he said. “Back then, the campus ran a few Southdown sheep – that’s
BRIGHT FUTURE: Is canola meal the beef supplement of the future? Advanta Seeds continues to invest money in the crop, and this year released two new varieties. Pictured is Advanta Seeds’ canola manager, Justin Kudnig. Turn to page 5 for the story.
Ph: 1300 551 099 Mob. 0417 563 955
Stop heat and prevent corrosion
Trust only Bondioli & Pavesi and Bima for
Continued page 2
For more information
Protect your investment Saves you money
how I knew about the breed.” Babydoll Southdowns provided the answer to Mr Congdon’s vineyard problem. “The short stature of Southdowns makes them outstanding weeders between the vines,” he said. “At only 50cm tall, they can’t reach the grapes, but they remove the unwanted shoots from the vine trunks, plus do all my mowing and their relatively light weight doesn’t impact the soil it’s a complimenting system.” Having purchased Ponda Estate Vineyard in 2009, Mr Congdon - and his partner Tracey - approach the farm ecosystem as a whole. “I graduated with a science degree from Dookie, and wanted to put some of my theories to the test,” Mr Congdon said. “The Southdowns are more than just a mower – we took soil tests before we bought the herd in, and again a few years later. “The vines look healthier, they seem more resistant to disease and cope pretty well when it gets dry. “What we have seen is an improvement in the soil structure and nutrient levels – we attribute all that directly to the Southdowns’ grazing habits.” Of course, running a heritage breed does not come without problems.
www.thermoshield.com.au g ting the farmin Proudly suppor nce 1950 community si
“The complete agricultural driveline solution”
PO Box 16, Silvan, VIC 3795 info@thermoshield.com.au FACTORY 3, 16-20 DINGLEY AVE., DANDENONG 3175
PH. (03) 9794 5889 FAX (03) 9794 0272 Email: richard@bypy.com.au Web: www.bypy.com.au For emergency A/H service call (03) 9794 5889
t/37d06015-0117
Call the professionals today for on the spot service, genuine parts and advice PTY LTD