Daniel Young from TREC Environmental did a presentation on rig and backpack spraying at a recent weed management field day hosted on-farm by the Upper Plenty Merri Landcare Group. It is just one on numerous initiatives the local Landcare group is doing to tackle and control invasive weeds and pests in the region.
■ Turn to page 11 for more details.
STATE parliament has resumed after the autumn break, and with it the ongoing debate over the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) bill.
With the debate scheduled for May 13 the bill will be the first order of the day with opponents hoping for a reprieve from the
Scrap the tax
July 1 implementation of the debilitating levy.
Primary producers will be amongst those hit hardest under proposed emergency service levy hikes that stand to triple if legislation passes through the Victorian parliament.
Comparison figures from the existing to the proposed variable
• All tanks are 2.26m (7’6”) in height
• All tanks walls are 130mm (5.2”) thick
rates have primary producers facing cost rises from 28.7 cents per $1000 capital improved value (CIV) to 83 cents.
Under the ESVF, households will see their rates almost double, commercial rates will increase by 100 per cent, industrial rates by 64 per cent, and farmers will face a staggering 189 per cent increase
• All foundations (tank floors) are 250mm (9.8”) thick
compared to what they paid under the previous levy.
According to The Nationals’ Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland despite these major rate increases, the tax is unlikely to see local CFA brigades and SES units receive the additional funding they so badly need.
“Funds raised by the tax are instead set to be shared with core government services such as Triple Zero, Forest Fire Management Victoria, and Emergency Management Victoria – services that are already receiving significant taxpayer funding,” she said.
■ Continued page 3
Farmers and small business overlooked across political horizon
WITH the current federal election likely to be decided in city and suburban electorates, regional and rural Australia, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) including farmers who employ around 70 per cent Australians, have not been centre of mind for the major parties, the Greens, or growing numbers of Independents.
At a time of national headwinds of debt and low productivity, plus international tari s imposed by the Trump administration, our SME owners, families, and sta play a crucial role in the economy, accounting for more than 98 per cent of all businesses and contributing one-third of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
And yet SMEs don’t receive the commensurate recognition or understanding by most political parties who prefer to deal with big business and big unions.
While the major parties claim they will support SMEs - Labor to retain the instant write-o allowance for new plant and equipment, and the Coalition proposing assistance for SME startups – this major sector is poorly understood, particularly by the Labor Party and its ministers, as it su ers record insolvencies and cost of doing business challenges, steep power and insurance increases, sta ng shortages, red and green tape business and planning imposts, and the
superannuation levy increasing to 12 per cent of wages.
As SMEs, farmers are also facing extremes of climate, including record oods in Queensland and severe drought in parts of the south eastern Australia, severely impacting rural and regional communities and businesses.
Labor’s ban on the live sheep trade, proposed biosecurity changes and water buybacks have impacted farmers viability; these cases in point example the lack of awareness and timely responses for producers of food and bre at home, and essential export income.
Farmers as volunteer re ghters are also ghting state Labor government’s slug on re and emergency levies, along with wind and solar installs taking farming land, transmission line impositions, and the poor state of country roads.
But nationally the potential for the Greens, with policies including inheritance taxes to be in coalition with Labor, represents an even greater threat for all SMEs.
SMEs, including farmers across the nation will no doubt be looking for politicians who genuinely comprehend their needs and respond in government with understanding and vision.
BAW BAW LIVESTOCK
Dairy’s Finest sale averages $4850
DEMAND remains strong for Australian Jersey cows with all 23 lots being sold in Dairy’s Finest showcase sale this week.
The sale at Moama on April 14 as part of the Jersey World Conference tour averaged $4,850.
Top lot of the night sale was Attaview Aldrin Inch 4 selling for $7,500 for Reece and Toni Attenborough of Poowong to Lloyd Akers from Loxleigh Jerseys at Tallygaroopna.
Dairy Livestock Services auctioneer Brian Leslie said the catalogue represented the best of Australian Jersey herds.
“Overall, we had a good result, re ecting the dry times in south-
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ern Australia,” Mr Leslie said.
“They all sold and we had a lot of interest, especially online where we had 382 logged on to the Stocklive platform watching the sale.”
Cows were sold to buyers from South Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland.
“The breeders put their best cattle forward and they should be very proud of their o erings.
“The buyers should be happy with what they picked up and the cattle will do a great job for them.
“It was an excellent catalogue and I think we’ll hear a lot more about the cattle sold in the sales.”
Mr Leslie said the top lot was a good buy.
“The Inch family is one of the emerging families in the breed and she attracted strong competition,” he added.
There was also strong demand for semen packages with sexed semen straws selling for up to $350 per straw.
Jersey Australia general manager Glen Barrett thanked vendors for providing quality lots to support the sale.
“Jerseys are a growing breed in Australia and I’m sure the buyers will appreciate the e ciency and pro tability of the modern Jersey cow,” Mr Barrett said.
Travis Sutton | 0438 893 484
Ben Boulton | 0488 445 467
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Jake Abrahall | 0412 964 334
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Michael Kidman Manager Phone (03) 5731 3306 Mobile 0409 841 954 mkidman@nemedia.com.au
Journalist: Emma Oliver Mobile 0433 267 203 eoliver@nemedia.com.au
Pre-Press Kelly Lovell Coordinator Phone (03) 5723 0145 production@nemedia.com.au
INTERNATIONAL EVENT: Attendees at the Jersey World Conference tour in Gippsland.
Scrap the tax: Debate resumes on exorbitant levy
■ From front page “With drought and rising costs already making it harder to stay a oat, this new tax will hit farm businesses and our regional communities hard.”
In response Ms Cleeland alongside her National party colleagues have launched a “Scrap The Tax” campaign aimed at killing o Labor’s emergency services tax – a tax that is set to hurt farmers, property owners, and volunteers across the state.
MPs are urging community members against the tax to send a message to the government and protest its proposed introduction on 1 July this year.
“We will keep up the fight and hope the community can voice their frustrations too through our Scrap the Tax campaign before the next sitting week in
May,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I encourage residents across the state to share their concerns about the tax and send a protest message directly to the Victorian Treasurer.”
Despite the bill passing the Legislative Assembly on 20 March, legislation is yet to pass the Upper House.
The VFF is another body calling on concerned Victorians to contact their local members and crossbench representatives to voice their opposition and demand a vote against the bill.
“This tax has no support, not from the re services, not from local councils, and not from the people who’ll be forced to pay it,” said VFF President Brett Hosking.
With the bill back on the agenda in parliamentary discussions, Mr Hosking believes the Upper
House has the chance to stop it in its tracks, but local members need to hear loud and clear from the people they represent.
Rather than introducing a new layer of tax, the VFF is urging the Victorian Government to focus on xing the current Fire Services Property Levy system by introducing CPI caps, protecting households from levy shock due to in ated land values, and ensuring regional communities aren’t overcharged for the services they provide as volunteers.
“This is a moment for the Victorian community to stand up and say ‘enough is enough’.
“Don’t burn regional Victoria with more taxes.
“We encourage everyone to contact their MPs and make their voice heard,” Mr Hosking said.
Appetite for Success, a must-attend Pioneer® Seeds Australia dairy industry event
DAIRY farmers and those in the associated industries supporting dairy are invited to attend Appetite for Success, a series of events focused on increasing dairy productivity, sustainability and pro tability.
The events, taking place in Sale on 19 May, Inverloch on 20 May, and Warrnambool on 22 May, will see farmers, dairy consultants, agronomists, nutritionists, resellers and contractors come together to hear from keynote speaker Pioneer Global Nutritional Sciences
Manager, Dr. Bill Mahanna Ph.D., Dipl. ACAN.
Supported by the Pioneer Seeds Australia Dairy Specialist team and other well-respected, Australiabased experts, Dr Mahanna will share his wealth of knowledge in dairy nutrition and management, gained from working hands-on with dairy farmers around the world.
“Bill is renowned, and especially regarded for, his ability to provide insights into actionable opportunities and his personal
and thorough approach to the whole dairy farming system,” said Leighton Hart, Dairy Specialist for Pioneer Seeds.
In conjunction with his hands-on work with dairy farming systems, Bill has 38 years of experience at Pioneer and is an adjunct professor in the Animal Science Department at Iowa State University.
Bill has worked with dairy producers throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Ukraine, China, and Japan. Amongst many other accolades,
Bill is a member of the American Dairy Science Association and is a charter diplomate of the ARPAS American College of Animal Nutrition.
The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) awarded Bill the Nutrition Professionals award for signi cant contributions to the eld of applied dairy nutrition in 2014.
Bill will be joined by local dairy experts, including Dr Ian Lean, Founder & Managing Director of Scibus and Adjunct Professor
from the University of Sydney. Ian is an authority in the medicine, nutrition and management of dairy cattle in Australia.
To register to attend these informative events, which includes lunch followed by an informal discussion, and to view the full event schedule and other information including RSVP details, visit www. pioneerseeds.com.au/events/appetite-for-success.
To RSVP, please contact Claudia Meyer at claudia.meyer@gentechseeds.com or phone 04 3680 0931.
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SCRAP THE TAX: The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said regional property owners, many of whom are volunteer firefighters, will face significantly larger bills when the bill comes into e ect.
FARMERS from Gippsland and north-east Victoria have been added to the Jersey Australia (JA) Master Breeder honour board, while the breed’s rst Emerging Breeder has been announced.
Darryn Hourigan’s Darrynvale Jerseys from Milawa in North East Victoria and Trevor Saunders and Anthea Day’s Araluen Park Jerseys from Shady Creek in Gippsland were announced as Jersey Australia’s new Master Breeders at a dinner on April 13 in Melbourne.
Jersey Australia also revealed Rodney and Stephanie
Goode from Boronia Ridge Jerseys at Poowong North in Gippsland as the inaugural Emerging Breeders.
The Master Breeder awards were introduced in 2023 to recognise breeding excellence over the past 20 years and the commitment of farmers to the breed.
The award requires breeders to have been a member of Jersey Australia for at least 20 years and to register 25 animals a year on average across those 20 years along while producing elite brood, type and production cows and elite bulls.
The Emerging Breeder award introduced this year is based on 10 years’ continuous membership, registering at least 100 animals a year under the breeder pre x, breeding two or more cows scoring 90 or more in classication, breeding at least two cows that produce more than 3000 kg/Ms, and the breeder must have started genomic testing.
Jersey Australia board member and chair of promotions, Jane Sykes, said the Emerging Breeder award aimed at encouraging and recognising younger farmers
advancing the breed.
“The greatness of a Master Breeder does not happen overnight; it takes time and patience,” she said.
Mrs Goode said she developed a love of Jerseys from her parents and brought them into Rodney’s herd.
“We will keep on trying and hopefully continue to get better and better,” she said
Darrynvale Jerseys was established in 1970 and is owned and operated by Darryn Hourigan, his partner Rochelle and Darryn’s son Bailey and daughter Ellie are also involved in running the farm.
It has registered 2888 cows and has had 351 classi ed as Excellent.
Darrynvale is a platinum production herd and regularly achieves more than 7,000 litres average, with some cows producing up to 11,000 litres.
In the early 1980s, Darryn’s father Keith invested in Big Hollow and Merriland genetics in New Zealand, including the world-renowned Daisy family which has had an enormous in uence in the herd.
Darryn continues to breed award winning cows with deep pedigrees.
They also incorporated the Stony Run stud pre x into their herd.
Araluen has registered 2757 cows and produced 366 Excellent cows.
It has multi-Australian generationally-bred cow families from America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
•
GREAT HONOUR: Araluen Park’s Trevor Saunders and Anthea Day being presented their Master Breeder award by Brian Leslie (le ) and JA president Geo Akers.
Trevor Saunders and Anthea Day, both fourth generation farmers, purchased their farm at Shady Creek in 2004 and combined the best from their separate herds to move forward as Araluen Park.
Wild dog crisis: Bath pushes for
THE Nationals’ Melina Bath MP has called for comprehensive resourcing to be committed to the state’s rebadged Wild Dog Program a er Gippsland farmers raised concerns about increasing attacks on livestock.
Speaking in state parliament, Ms Bath said the current funding to control wild dogs breeding on public land is woefully inadequate.
“Our controllers are overworked and under resourced, struggling to manage the growing pest problem in the bush and wild dog attacks are escalating as a result.
“The rebranded Vertebrate Species Management Program (VSMP) will expand its focus on a wider range of vertebrate pest species including, foxes, pigs, wild cats, and deer without Labor providing additional funding.
“There are widespread reports and evidence on the butchering of calves and lambs on farms, packattacking family dogs and the tracking of frightened bush walkers and campers on public land.
“The threat of wild dog attacks to our agriculture industry is signi cant, while the threatening behaviour
MORE FUNDING: The Nationals’ Melina Bath MP has labelled current funding to control wild dogs breeding on public land as woefully inadequate. The Gippsland Wild Dog Advisory Group met with the minister to discuss the issue, from le y Barry Taylor (Ma ra), Justin Ross, Melina Bath MP, Brad Leighton and Gordan Moon.
towards humans and domestic pets compounds to the problem.”
Ms Bath said Gippsland’s food and bre industry employs over 15,000 people with a value of around $7 billion.
The livestock industry, being one of our largest economic drivers, requires adequate protections.
“Based on discussion with farmers and controllers, the state government must also extend the physical distance of control from three kilometres to ve kilometres into crown land.
“Areas that have reported
a high number of attacks include Aberfeldy, Licola, Yellingbo, Hey eld, Noojee, and Hill End.
“Wild dog attacks on livestock are incredibly distressing for farmers, who must deal with animals that have been killed or severely injured.
“This also impacts the cost of food production.
“If the Allan Government is going to ask VSMP Controllers to do more, it must fund the program appropriately to minimise attacks and protect primary producers.”
The silence of the lambs
By MIKE SMITH
THE black dog at a crossroads has long been a portent of death.
Folklore paints a frightful image of the beast with slavering jaws, night-black fur and bright hell re eyes.
And it is said, where the black dog goes death follows.
At the corner of Mt Buller Road and Buttercup Road on a warm April a ernoon in High Country, half the world away from the dark and dreary pit and mill villages that conceived such nightmarish things, dogs and death go claw in claw.
The sight of the black dogs lingering there in Merrijig was accompanied by an appalling odour.
The roadside there hums with the foul stench of death and the frenzied droning of a plague of ies that borders upon the biblical.
Five dead canines, strung up from a fence.
Behind them, the paddocks are lled with sheep.
‘Man’s best friend’ is doing his very best to turn Manseld Shire’s sheep farmers into cat lovers.
Caught in an ongoing battle with wild dogs, the farmers say they are being made to ght with their hands tied behind their backs.
Their losses have been so dire, that some are turning their back on the ovine industry altogether.
Mans eld Shire, according to one farmer, is the perfect place to rear sheep but our community is in danger of losing touch with one of the core industries upon which it was built.
“They come at night,” said Paul Diamond.
“They used to move as singles but now they come in twos, threes and even fours.
“They’re coming further and further out of the bush.”
Paul Diamond of Pinnaroo Pastoral has always run merinos for breeding.
In the scenic hills of the hinterlands behind Goughs Bay, his farm was lled with
the bleating of thousands of sheep - ewes and lambs at pasture on some of the best grazing land the High Country has to o er.
But recent changes to the agricultural and political landscapes have ended all of that.
The ewes and the lambs are gone, their bleating silenced.
According to Mr Diamond, sheep farming simply isn’t an option anymore.
The dogs that were previously classi ed as unprotected have now been classi ed as protected, and they are running wild.
“Public land has become a sanctuary for the dogs,” he said.
“Not too long ago a hunter
was rewarded with a $120 dollar bounty when they presented a wild dog’s pelt to the wild dog bounty program.” Today, that same hunter can be ned $46,000 and face two years’ jail time for shooting a wild dog.
Recent research undertaken by the University of Sydney determined that the majority of dogs running wild were in fact pure breed dingoes.
The 2023 study which examined tissue, blood or buccal samples from 307 wild and 84 captive dingoes from locations across Australia is not without its detractors.
■ Continued page 7
to wild dogs in the space of 12 months.
WILD DOGS HAVE LONG BEEN A PROBLEM IN MANSFIELD SHIRE, THE PROBLEM IS ALLEGEDLY WORSENING
SHEEP
NO
OUT OF
VIABLE:
IN
■ From page 6
Paul Diamond, a sheep and cattleman with a background in Animal and Veterinary Biosciences, questions whether the genetic markers the researchers used to identify pure-bred dingos have been in ltrated by feral domestic dogs, rendering the study’s ndings awed.
He points to the fact that these wild dogs can grow to thirty kilograms and that dingoes can’t. Regardless.
Whether these wild dogs are pure-bred dingoes, now feral once domesticated dogs, or hybrids, the decision has been made, what was unprotected is now protected and it is illegal to shoot them on public land.
And that, according to Mr Diamond, has created a safe haven in which they can breed and feed with impunity.
“The aerial culling of deer hasn’t helped,” he said.
“If a pregnant bitch comes across a culled sambar, she will stick around because she can rear a litter of pups from that one big feed.
“They shoot them from their helicopter and just
leave them behind to rot.
“That’s a lot of food le lying around.” If the boom and bust aspect of the natural world has taught us anything, where there is a constant supply of food, there is a constant supply of consumers.
When food is plentiful, consumers ourish and their numbers go up.
What happens when the steady supply of food dries up?
What happens when the bushland that the wild dogs call home is devoid of wallabies, possums, bandicoots and other wildlife?
This situtation is something Merrijig sheep and cattleman, Brendan Mahoney already believes to be the case.
He believes they have already begun widening their hunting grounds because if they don’t, they will become hungry and they will weaken and they will die.
“There’s just no food le in the bush,” Mr Mahoney said The dogs are getting hungrier and more desperate so they’re coming further out into the open.
“They used to keep to the tree line.
“Last week one was spotted crossing Pollards Road, out in the open, no bush for several kilometres.
“They’re coming onto our farms looking for a feed and they’re nding it.
“I’ve lost 35 sheep in the last three or four weeks.
“That’s seven or eight thousand dollars - gone.
“They are costing us our livelihoods.”
Mr Mahoney is not alone in his thinking.
A er losing 300 ewes and 100 lamb between December 2023 and December 2024, Paul Diamond gave up on sheep altogether, deciding instead to focus on cattle.
It would be easy to put it down to money but when Mr Diamond and Mr Mahoney speak, it’s quite clear that they have had a gutful of death.
They walk out of their houses and into their paddocks in the morning to be met by a scene more tting of a 1980s horror lm than a temperate Tuesday morning in the High Country.
“They go a er one sheep but it gets away so they go after another and another and another and then they get the
Not too long ago a hunter was rewarded with a $120 dollar bounty when they presented a wild dog’s pelt to the wild dog bounty program. Today, that same hunter can be fined $46,000 and face two years’ jail time for shooting a wild dog.
sheep that gives them their feed,” Mr Mahoney said.
“That last sheep is eaten alive.
“The rst four die slowly over the next few days a er bacteria in the dogs’ saliva causes an untreatable infection.”
That, Mr Diamond says, is a shortcoming in the views of activists and academics who have pressured politicians into protecting these dogs.
“Activists think farmers are horrible people for wanting these wild dogs controlled,” he said.
“But they haven’t seen the a ermath of a wild dog attack.
“They haven’t seen the ewes and the lambs with their throats torn out or their insides chewed outside from the so spots at their rear and pubic areas.”
Mr Diamond and Mr Mahoney both agree that an apex predator at the top of the food chain is bene cial for the ecosystem but neither man believes the current number of wild dogs, or dingoes, is sustainable.
“To allow these numbers to keep growing is gross negligence and if we don’t take
control, nature will,” Mr Mahoney said.
“The dogs will get hungry, they will weaken and a virus will run through them, killing them.
“We will have lost a whole lot more sheep by the time we get to that point.
“And who knows what damage they will have done beyond sheep.
“These dogs are hurting our environment, not just farmers or ocks, they’re doing damage to our environment.
“There is around 4 million acres of wilderness, forest and bush, in the Great Dividing Range and it’s overrun by dogs.”
And what, Mr Mahoney asks, is being done to protect the farmers who feed the nation, to protect their livestock and to protect native wildlife?
“Why aren’t we baiting in the bush?” he asked.
“Why are we waiting until they are out in the open and it’s too late?
“The Labor government has watered down the control measures over the last six years.
“Measures that have been
in place for 100 years.
“The dogs have free reign in the bush and they are just living to eat and to breed and to eat until there is nothing le .”
“They just did $31m worth of baiting of wild dogs and foxes in the Barry Mountains to protect the potoroos,” he said.
“Who’s baiting to protect the koala population on the Great Dividing Range?”
Mr Diamond suggested that while the local government trapper is sympathetic towards the plight of sheep and cattlemen in High Country and beyond, their hands are tied by changes to regulations.
“He used to set 80 traps when he went out trapping,” Mr Diamond said.
“Now he can only set 20 and it’s just not enough.
“It’s disheartening that the government has made sheep farming impossible in the best sheep farming country you could hope to nd.”
While Mr Diamond’s shi towards cattle diminishes the threat of wild dogs, it doesn’t eradicate it.
“Calves could be a concern,” he said.
“I’ve lost alpacas to wild dogs.
“People will lose domestic dogs to wild dogs.
“I think it’s only a matter of time before a child is attacked near a campground.
“Dingoes are anti-social by nature and they keep their distance, they are more inclined to stick within the bush.
“But these hybrids aren’t as shy, it’s the domestic dog in them.
“They will come out into the open and they will come onto farms and onto campgrounds and that will bring them face to face with livestock and humans.”
While Brendon Mahoney’s fears for a future in which the wild dog situation is le unchecked are just as stark, they di er in how they manifest.
“The dogs are getting hungrier and the farmers are getting more desperate.
“This wild dog problem is 100 per cent a political problem.
“Agricultural minister a er agricultural minister have come from backgrounds with no experience in farming so they do nothing to make life easier for the farmers.”
What can be done?
Something needs to be done.
FARMING
LONGER
FARMERS ARE GETTING
SHEEP,
WHAT ONE FARMER CALLS THE BEST SHEEP FARMING LAND YOU COULD HOPE TO FIND.
Livestock is the second highest killer on farms – we all know cattle can be unpredictable.
So while it may seem like a job that’ll take longer to get the tools out than do, one small repair could save a life.
Understand your responsibilities with safety around cattle at worksafe.vic.gov.au/livestock It’s never you, until it is.
The Australian Carriage Driving Championships come to Longwood
By ANDY WILSON
LONGWOOD rang to the sound of hooves all Easter weekend as they kicked up dust, splashed through water, and courted both obstacles and judges in the 2025 Australian Carriage Driving Championships 2025.
Hosted by Longwood Carriage Driving Club, the three-day event was made up of carriage dressage on Saturday, marathon obstacles on Sunday, and cone obstacle on Monday.
No home ground advantage as two ‘local boys’ win
Marathon obstacles included assorted barriers with gateways which the rider and groom needed to negotiate with their horses to pass through correctly.
The water barrier proved a hit with spectators and was challenging for some horses who needed several attempts to be coaxed into it by their drivers.
Event director Jenny Martin said the competitions attracted over fifty entries from as far as
AUSTRALIAN
CARRIAGE DRIVING CHAMPIONS 2025
Novice Pony 91-124cm Margaret Sperrin
Novice Pony 124-149cm Phil Marshall
Novice Horse over 149cm Jason Mullenger
Intermediate Pony 91-124cm Vicki Stevenson
Intermediate Pony 124-149cm Lorraine Cairns
Intermediate Horse over 149cm David Cockcroft
Open Pony 91-124cm Jessica Meredith
Open Pony 124-149cm Rodney Lane
Open Horse over 149cm Andrew Pollock
Pony Pair 91-149cm Nicole Kimlin
(Time allowance 91-124cm)
Horse Pair over 149cm Ruby Lawrence
Pony Tandem 91-149cm Deb Hoffrichter
(Time allowance 91cm-124cm)
Pony Team 91-149cm Wayne Armstrong
VSE under 91 cm Cheryl Sheddan
(Section B in Marathon)
Western Australia and New Zealand.
“One of the Queensland girls did very well actually, and one from Western Australia,” Ms Martin said.
“And there were terri c spectator crowds as well on all three days.”
Events were divided into the three classes of novice, intermediate, and open, with horses divided into three sizes.
In addition, there were horses
in pairs (side-by-side), tandem (in line), and a team of four, as well as singles.
Two Longwood Carriage Driving Club members Jason Mullinger with his horse Lawson and club president David Cockcro won their individual classes.
Ms Martin sco ed at any notion of a home ground advantage.
“Not at all,” she said.
“It just comes down to hard work.
“But we do in Victoria at the
moment have a slight predominance of lady drivers, so it is good to see the male drivers get up a bit.”
The event was 12 months in the making and the catering was particularly well received.
“It’s nice when we’re all working together,” Ms Martin said.
“The catering was sensational with a massive meal on the Friday night.
“People come from all over just for the dessert table - they really do.”
Pioneer® Seeds is pleased to bring you our Appetite for Success events this May.
Whether you’re a dairy farmer thinking about introducing maize silage, you’re already using it – or even if you’re yet to be convinced – this is a must-attend event.
Hear from internationally-renowned Dr Bill Mahanna on everything from achieving higher per cow production to actionable advice on increasing maize silage yield and quality. And gain valuable insights from other Australian-based experts on improving dairy farm productivity, sustainability and profitability.
Farmers, dairy consultants, agronomists, animal nutritionists, resellers and contractors are all welcome.
Dr Bill Mahanna Global Nutritional Sciences Manager, Pioneer. Adjunct Professor, Iowa University USA.
We look forward to seeing you at one of these locations
The Woolshed at Emerald Bank
7719 Goulburn Valley Highway, Shepparton VIC.
Thursday 15 May, 10am-2pm
Laurels Function Centre
Sale Turf Club, 1227 Ma ra-Sale Rd, Sale VIC.
Monday 19 May, 10am-2pm
RACV Inverloch Resort
70 Cape Paterson-Inverloch Rd, Inverloch VIC.
Tuesday 20 May, 10am-2pm
City Memorial Bowls Club
50-58 Cramer St, Warrnambool VIC.
Thursday 22 May, 10am-2pm
RSVP by 30 April 2025
Seats are limited. Please RSVP by clicking here or emailing us at: gentechseeds@gentechseeds.com
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
obstacle proved a bit daring for some of the competitors during Sunday’s marathon.
MAKING THE ROUNDS: Claire Harris and her groom steer Sven through one of the marathon obstacle on Sunday.
PHOTOS: Andy Wilson
DRESSED TO GO: Jennifer Carew found the dressage event on Easter Saturday a pure delight. PHOTO: Di Boardman
Partnering against pests
By MICHAEL WATSON, Upper Plenty Merri Catchments Landcare Group
THE Upper Plenty Merri Catchments Landcare, is running an 18 month program starting in May 2025, to assist landowners and land managers, not only in our local area but, in the wider rural area in and around Mitchell Shire, with the help from the Victorian State Government’s Partnership against Pests grant funding.
Being in what is called a peri-urban area, between urban and rural zonings, a mix of smaller hobby and lifestyle farmers, absentee landowners, land bankers and full time agricultural enterprises creates challenges in controlling invasive weeds and pests, notably blackberry, gorse and rabbits.
plans for a range of the worst invasive weeds.
and hand weeding.
Static displays at local markets.
management issues through Landcare membership.
It is not always appreciated that weed and pest management is a permanent xture of property management.
They not only degrade the quality of land but also create issues for neighbours, public lands and waterways over time so what may be a small problem easily contained, blows out a er a few seasons into a headache.
Our local council is using local bylaws backed by state legislation to be more proactive in contacting landowners to provide management
To help landowners, the Upper Plenty Merri Catchment Landcare group is running the following independent structured activities which are open to all.
Information sessions in developing a weed management plan as required by council.
Information sessions on weed and rabbit management options delivered by experts.
Field days demonstrating management techniques for both weeds and rabbits, from spraying, chemical and biological control to ripping
Running a subsidised agricultural chemical use (ACUP) course and a separate animal pest bait (1080/ PAP) endorsement.
Including management options for non chemical and biological control where applicable.
Educational activities on repairing the land, managing land sustainably and what Landcare can o er landowners.
We can also arrange inspections to assist landowners in our local area to make use of grants to assist in land
Land management is not intuitive, it takes knowledge, planning and hard work to get to a level requiring minimal oversight.
We also hope that land-
owners consider making room for native vegetation and the wildlife it supports as we hope to demonstrate, reversing the decline in biodiversity.
For more information, please check out our Fa-
cebook page Upper Plenty Merri Catchments Landcare Group https://www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=100087151585037 Or email/text the secretary Michael (secretary.upmclg@ gmail.com or 0412 408 048) to be put on our PAP mailing list for our program as dates become available. For membership enquiries contact membership.upmclg@gmail.com.
BENEFICIAL: Explaining the ecoblade at an UPMC field day.
TECHNOLOGY: Drone demonstration as part of an UPMC field day.
US tariff on beef trade limited concern for local producers
By EMMA OLIVER
TEN per cent tari s on Australian products heading to the United States are disappointing for local producers but will not hurt as much as rst feared, with other countries facing similar penalties.
Dueran Pastoral Company farm manager Matthew Vasey believes the baseline tari with no ban on Australian produce, will have nominal impact.
“All competitors have similar tari s, so US volume changes should be minimal,” he said.
What is of concern is USimposed tari s impacting Australian trade partners like China, along with a mounting geopolitical uncertainty.
The United States is Australia’s largest red meat ex-
port market worth over $6 billion dollars in 2024, and accounting for almost one third of our total global meat exports.
However, China, Japan and South Korea are our next major markets, worth $3.9 billion, $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion respectively.
With the United States government threatening tari s of well over 100 per cent on China, and - until a recent back ip by the US president - of 24 per cent on Japan and 25 per cent on South Korea, Mr Vasey perceives tari s could impact these economies which may result in a ow-on e ect.
There has been speculation that countries may in fact shi away from US beef in retaliation, with Australia already bene tting from an increased demand from the
Chinese market.
However there is no commitment this will be ongoing and with the beef trade sitting within such a highly politicised global environment, market exibility and diplomatic awareness are paramount.
At a local level for livestock producers in the state, any immediate e ect of the tari on pricing will be negated by the ooding in Queensland and a good autumn break in New South Wales, Mr Vasey said.
“Slaughter cows made $3.64 per kilo live weight in North East Victoria rst week of April,” Mr Vasey said.
Considered good to very good - especially given recent market trends - Mr Vasey said there is positive pricing for red meat on the domestic market for both grass and grain-fed cattle.
And with lightweight Angus weaner steers also drawing consistently high prices, there is demonstrated producer con dence in the direction of the market.
“Lamb also looks strong with prices of $8.50 plus expected for winter,” he said.
“This is considered high percentile pricing for winter, regardless of the end market – whether it be in the US or elsewhere.
“As such we have condence that the impact of the 10 per cent US tari should be minimal.”
Michael Whitehead, Executive Director of Food, Beverage and Agribusiness Insights at ANZ, said the 10 per cent tari – which also applies to other major beef suppliers like Brazil, New Zealand and Argentina – is unlikely to immediately dam-
age Australia’s competitive position in the US market.
“Given the tari applies equally to our main export rivals, Australia retains a strong foothold due to our consistent quality, clean production standards and importer preference,” Mr Whitehead said.
It is consumers in the United States who will feel the pinch more than local producers, with the US domestic market still recovering a er years of reduced production and mass de-stocking due to drought.
Drought along with other pressures has caused the US herd to steadily shrink since 2019 and while consumer demand for beef is at a recordhigh in the country, Australian beef has been lling this gap.
“US beef producers can’t meet American domestic
demand and Australia is the preferred supplier to ll the shortfall of high-quality grassfed steaks,” said Cattle Australia Chief Executive, Dr Chris Parker.
“Our lean beef exports are also crucial – it is blended with local fatty trim to create the hamburgers that every American knows and loves.
“Imposing tari s on Australian beef disregards the mutually bene cial role of each country’s supply chain, and the e ects will be most acutely felt by American consumers and industry.
“While we value the US market and our relationship with its beef industry, Australian producers should take comfort from our market diversi cation and the overall global demand outlook which remains very strong for Australian beef.”
Rodeo royalty graces High Country roping clinic
By LYNN ELDER
TWO times APRA (Australian Professional Rodeo Association) breakaway roping champion Sharon McGuire and the 2025 Australian rodeo queen Paris Aldenton graced the Mans eld High Country Arena during a roping clinic held over the rst weekend in April.
Sharon, the daughter of the legendary Queensland-born rough rider Jim McGuire has rodeo in her veins and is passing on her roping skills through schools run through Yass River Roping based in NSW.
The two-day school was organised by Jess Andrews who with the help of fellow local horsewoman and four time Australian barrel rac-
ing champion, Helena Simpkin, managed to lure Sharon to Mans eld to run a roping clinic suitable for beginners.
“I have done barrel racing and saw breakaway roping as another opportunity to learn something new,” said Jess.
Sharon, a friend of Helena’s, was willing to run the school if there was enough interest to make it worthwhile.
There were nine participants, both local and from as far away as the Mornington Peninsula and Kyneton, who with their horses travelled to Mans eld staying at the High Country Arena, next to the zoo, for the weekend.
Rodeo queen Paris Aldenton, from Mount Eliza, was also keen to learn from one of the best ropers around.
The sessions were conducted without livestock and included groundwork with a sled dummy pulled behind a quad bike.
“It is about learning basic skills and building condence,” said Jess.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to Sharon for travelling to Mansfield and running a beginners clinic
over the last two days.
“It was an absolute blast, and everyone had an amazing time learning so much from someone like Sharon with her expertise and knowledge of the sport.
“Everyone improved so much over the weekend and look forward to her coming back in the future for more clinics,” said Jess.
BREAKAWAY: Josie Breasley (le ), Jo Falk, Harper Russell, Paris Aldenton, Jess Andrews, instructor Sharon McGuire, Lil Dean, Erin Lee’Porcher, Leni Defazio and Molly Hearn the roping clinic at the High Country Arena.
PHOTOS: Lynn Elder
WINNING FORM: Mansfield’s Annie Marquison who will be o to the VAS Rural Ambassador state finals at the Royal Melbourne
Entrants shine at group finals in Kyneton
By LYNN ELDER
THE Central & Upper Goulburn Show Societies Group nals on Sunday March 30 at Kyneton attracted strong entries from across its membership with judges commenting on the high standard.
Ten show societies were vying for the opportunity to compete in the VAS (Victorian Agricultural Shows) Ltd state nals at the Melbourne Royal as well as other non-VAS categories.
Several impressive young people representing various shows shared their involvement and enthusiasm for rural communities in their Junior Ambassador presentations.
Bella Gilbert from the Lilydale Agricultural & Horticultural Society a tireless volunteer at her local show will represent the group at the
state nals at the VAS Convention to be held in Bendigo in July.
Mans eld livestock worker for Nutrien Ag Solutions, Annie Marquison will be following in the steps of another local Rural Ambassador winner from 2024, Nicci Teitge, to represent the group at the statenals at the Royal Melbourne later this year.
Annie presented an impromptu three-minute speech over lunch on the topic “Describe the driving factors behind the widening gap between rural and urban communities” which was challenging but she did a really great e ort.
She spoke about city people not understanding where their food comes from and the need for better education about food production.
The Kyneton Agricultural Soci-
ety hosted the nals at the Kyneton Showgrounds for the rst time providing a magni cent luncheon spread for guests and representatives from all the show societies, and display space for entries.
All winners in the VAS competitions will compete in the statenals.
Photography – Open – 1. Nerissa Byrne – Whittlesea, 2. Roxanne LeBlanc – Alexandra
Photography – Junior – 1. Hunter Friedrich – Seymour, 2. Abi Caswell – Alexander
Champion Fleece – 1. Alan Harris – Heathcote, 2. Rob Hayes - Seymour
Waste tyre blitz in the west
EPA Victoria is targeting tyres dumped on farmland, public streets and parks which pose major environmental and human health risks as dumpers choose to shi the cost of disposal onto the community rather than pay it themselves.
On Wednesday 2 April, a team of EPA West Metro Authorised O cers carried out a series of snap inspections on vehicle wreckers, mechanics and tyre retailers in the Sunshine, Braybrook and Hoppers Crossing area.
“These are businesses that o en store waste tyres and hire contractors to dispose of them.
“For many, the deciding factor on who they use is the cost, but they also need to establish that when those tyres are taken, they’re going somewhere appropriate to receive them,” said EPA West Metropolitan Regional Manager Jeremy Settle.
“Businesses need to be using the EPA Waste Tracker system that records movement of waste tyres as they’re generated, transported and disposed of.
“If they can’t show us Waste Tracker has been used either by themselves or their contractor, they are noncompliant and face potential penalties.
“On the day, 19 businesses were inspected and over 57 pieces of formal compliance advice was given covering a range of topics including how and why to use Waste Tracker, managing runo to stormwater drains, stock separation, re risk planning and other areas that needed addressing.
“We also had to issue four notices to businesses that required more than just good advice on what was needed to become compliant,” said Jeremy.
“Waste tyre dumping is a crime.
We will prosecute where we can and force the dumper to pay for their mess because if we can’t nd them, it’s the community that ends up paying.
“Waste Tracker is an important tool in managing this problem, so businesses must use it if they generate waste tyres.”
VAS WINNER: Mansfield’s Carly Marshall took out the Junior Boiled Fruit Cake and a chance to compete at the Royal Melbourne Show state finals.
CROCHET: Bluey was obviously a favourite winning this category.
FOCUS: Judging underway in the VAS Rich Fruit Cake competition at Kyneton.
NATURAL FIBRE: Alan Harris from Heathcote took out the winning fleece at the group finals.
TEAM EFFORT: Volunteers behind the group finals hosted in Kyneton. PHOTOS: Lynn Elder
Show with judges Robert Grieve (le ) and last year’s state winner Caitlyn Grieve.
Aussie’s hot wash bargains
AS A tribute to the work that Victorian dairy farmers do to produce some of the best milk and top-quality processed products, Australian Pump Industries offers a great range of high-pressure hot wash and steam cleaners.
“We’ve got the biggest range of the business, with steam cleaners to suit all applications,” said Aussie’s product manager, Sam Loria.
“That range includes electric drive steam cleaners and Honda petrol engine drive units that go mobile.”
From now until June 30, Aussie is offering the opportunity for dairy farmers and co-ops to buy directly from the Aussie factory and get serious wholesale prices.
AUSSIE’S SIZZLER IS HOT
The product range in single phase starts with the Aussie Sizzler hot wash.
This is a mighty machine designed specifically for Australian conditions.
You’ll find it in hire companies around the country with its stainless steel welded frame for protection in tough environments.
With a heavy-duty high efficiency triplex pump with brass head and independent brass unloader, the pump features solid ceramic pistons and has an adjustable temperature from ambient to 80 degrees celsius.
The motor power comes from a four-pole slow speed air-cooled motor, with thermal cut out, and a cable fitted with a 10-amp plug (240 V, 50 Hz).
The low maintenance stainless steel boiler has a low fuel consumption – only 2.3 kg per hour at full temperature.
The stainless steel cover lifts off easily for maintenance and service while the steel chassis with four large wheels, makes it easy to move around and provides a robust platform.
The diesel fuel tank is 18 litres capacity, and the protection equipment supplied is excellent.
The Multi-Function Safety Control Kit consists of:
1. Delayed total stop – stops the machine 30 seconds after the gun trigger closes which saves fuel.
2. Micro-leak detection – stops the machine in case of leaks in the hydraulic circuit.
3. Nozzle clog control – stops the machine if the nozzle at the end of the lance is blocked.
4. Flooding prevention system –protects fuel system.
5. Intelligent auto switch-off –switches off the machine after 20 minutes of non-use.
6. Dry running protection –stops the machine when no water is supplied.
7. Ignition boiler delay – ensures low fume emissions when the boiler starts.
“The machines are made in Northern Italy to our design,” said Loria.
“We knew that there was a real requirement in Australia for a top quality product loaded with features for dairy applications.”
SUPER INDY
STAINLESS COILS
Super Indys are available in both 240 V and 415 V.
They feature similar protection equipment as “The Sizzler” but have heavy duty slow speed triplex pumps and offer a stainless steel coil with a three-year coil warranty.
“That’s a big thing in applications involving corrosive liquids.
“It can be handy and certainly extends coil life,” said Loria.
The machine also offers detergent injection as system built in, and the motor and heavy duty triplex pump have the feature of flexible coupling that provides both pump and motor with a smoother, cooler drive.
All the usual Aussie protection gear is incorporated including low water cut out, low fuel sensor, timetable stop, micro leak detection, and even a 15 amp plug, fitted to all single phase units.
The machines offer pressures up to 3,000 psi for the three-phase version and 1,500 psi for the single phase.
STAINLESS STEEL OPTIONS
The company also produces a great range of high pressure stainless steel hose reels.
The reels can come with either 30 or 40 metres of high pressure hose.
“We know that dairy farmers hate the idea of having to move the machine numerous times during the bales clean up.
“Depending on the size of the bales, the stainless steel hose reel is very handy,” said Loria.
The stainless steel reels can be mounted on the wall adjacent to the machine or in any other convenient location for the user.
“The is a brand new initiative for Australian Pump.
“We saw a sense of uncertainty with people being confused by the election promises.
“Aussie dairy farmers buy direct.
“It’s our gift for the great work they do.”
For more information, please visit aussiepumps.com.au.
QUALITY PRODUCT: Honda petrol powered Heatwave units also available.
PURPOSE BUILT: Aussie’s Super Indy is available in single and three phase power.
MOBILE: The Aussie Sizzler single phase is a great introductory hot wash machine.
AUSSIE
Supporting timber businesses to explore new ventures
THE state government is helping former timber businesses create new jobs in agriculture, generating employment and delivering a boost to the local economy.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced a $595,312 investment into Turk’s Agricultural Services in Buangor as part of Round 3 of the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund (VTIF) grants program.
Turk’s Agricultural Services was a commercial firewood cutting service.
They have used this funding to move to a new business model, that will focus on providing agricultural contracting and farming services directly to local landowners and primary producers.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to diversify into agricultural contracting,” said Turk’s Agricultural Services owner Xavier ‘Turk’ van Dugteren.
“We have already had great support from some local farmers and look forward to expanding the business over the next few years.”
Standing up for the Colbinabbin community
THE Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, joined representatives from the Colbinabbin Renewable Action Group at the Parliament of Victoria on April 2 as they continue to ght against the proposed Cooba Solar Facility.
The facility, if approved, would see 740,000 eight-meter-tall solar panels installed over a sprawling 665-hectare site, located just 4.5 kilometres from Colbinabbin.
This project threatens a region at the heart of the Heathcote Wine GI, an area renowned for its prime agricultural land and vineyards.
Local farmers, businesses, CFA volunteers, and residents are united in their opposition to the project, which they fear will in ict irreparable harm on the community.
These concerns are also shared
by the Campaspe Shire Council, who have publicly voiced their opposition to the project.
Ms Cleeland said the project was putting the local community at risk.
“This project represents an unacceptable threat to our community, our farmers, local businesses, and the very foundation of the local economy,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We cannot stand by while Colbinabbin’s future, its vital farmland, and its thriving tourism sector are jeopardised.
“From re risks to the destruction of our agricultural land, to the uncertainty of any real bene ts for the local community - there are far too many serious issues to justify allowing this project to proceed.”
~ Remote Controlled ~
Despite widespread opposition from within the community and the local council, under the state government’s new planning laws, the Minister for Planning has the nal decision on whether the project proceeds.
“I have called on the Minister for Planning to categorically reject this proposal and protect our community from this destructive development,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This government must prioritise the concerns of our community and ensure that local voices are not drowned out in favour of overseas corporations.”
Parliamentary contributions about the facility were also made by the Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources, David Davis, and The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad.
“The state government has an important responsibility to oversee future development and ensure that we look a er prime agricultural land,” Ms Broad said.
“Our global population continues to grow and so does our need for food production.
“It is a very large and impactful solar farm that will devastate the local area and cause huge damage in terms of re risk and other matters but also with the visual impacts,” Mr Davis said.
Ms Cleeland has been consistently advocating on behalf of the Colbinabbin community in their ght against the project, writing to the minister on multiple occasions, helping present a petition to parliament, and speaking on the matter in the chambers and with the media.
The types of services the business will provide include preparing paddocks and pastures for growing seasons.
The project will see the retention of three existing full-time staff and the creation of three new full-time positions, with the focus on offering job opportunities for former native timber workers who have transferable skills.
The grant will support the construction of a storage shed and workshop and enable the business to invest in new equipment, including a tractor and double disc air seeder.
Turk’s Agricultural Services have already purchased machinery to prepare paddocks for sowing, as well as a compressor for machinery maintenance.
“The team at Turk’s Agricultural Services have supported our region for many years, and they do great work,” said Member for Ripon Martha Haylett.
“I congratulate them on seeing a gap in the market and pivoting their business to service the needs of local landowners and primary producers.”
To date, a total of $16 million has been invested in 40 new projects through the VTIF grants program, supporting existing forestry businesses to move towards alternative fibre, investigate manufacturing opportunities or transition to other industry sectors.
Round 3 of the grants program is currently open.
For more information, visit vic.gov.au/ forestry or call 1800 318 182.
• Solar or 240volt
• Heavy Duty, 24volt DC Elite Swing Gate Drive Unit that opens/closes gate, in approx 12/13 seconds
• Positive Gate Self-locking system. Gate cannot be pushed open when closed (single gates only).
• Switch on control box enables gate to remain open or automatically close
• 2 x 9Ah 12volt batteries which will open a gates for 2-3 weeks without sun/solar back up, depending on optional extras
• 20 watt of monocrystaline Solar panels, guaranteed for 10 years
• 2 x Remore controls for vehicles
~ Many other options including - Visitor buttons - Wireless or Hard wired - Wireless keypads
- Vehicle loops that open gate when driven over
This scarer will save you money because it only costs $39 and it is guaranteed to work.
“You saved my Roses from parrot and Cockatoo damage”” Wendy Burgin, Riverside Drive, Warburton, Vic..
“I have solved my bird problem” said N. Bond, Braybrook, Vic..
You can protect your stone & pome fruits, nut, berry or broad acre crops on calm or windy days because you suspend your hawk over or near your crop. No power, wind or poison needed which protects the environment.
Your Hawk Bird Scarer
real so it scares all birds including Starlings, Indian Mynahs, Crows, Cockatoos, Galahs,Corellas,Parrots, Jays,Black birds, all Native Birds, Silver Eyes, Lorikeets. Other uses: Stops Pigeons, Swallows, Seagulls, roosting
ON THE STEPS: The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, with members of the Colbinabbin Renewable Action Group at Parliament.
Cuts to Victorian fisheries officers unites conservationists and fishers
VICTORIA’S leading conservation, recreational and commercial shing organisations have united to oppose the state government’s plan to axe sheries o cers.
They are asking for an immediate reconsideration, warning that if they go ahead, the cuts pose signi cant threats to marine health, sustainable sh stocks and public safety on Victorian waters.
The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body (VRFish), Seafood Industry Victoria and the Abalone Council Victoria anticipate devastating consequences if enforcement o cers are reduced by two-thirds in areas like Port Phillip Bay and re-
placed with ‘engagement o cers’.
“It’s unprecedented for our groups to come together, but this alliance demonstrates the seriousness of the situation,” said VNPA Nature
Conservation Campaigner Shannon Hurley.
“We all agree that slashing frontline sheries o cers is a big mistake.
“When conservation groups and shing interests stand together on an issue, the government should take notice.
“There is already a non-compliance rate of more than half in marine protected areas according to a statement released by the Community and Public Sector Union.
“If we cut the number of o cers,
people who sh illegally will likely feel even more con dent breaking the laws without consequences,” Ms Hurley said Ben Scullin, executive o cer from the peak body for Victorian recreational shers, VRFish agrees.
“Further reducing sheries enforcement just undermines sustainable shing practices and will ultimately harm the experiences of over one million recreational shers,” he said.
Representatives from the seafood sector have also voiced concerns.
Seafood Industry Victoria and Abalone Council Victoria say reduced oversight of marine waters would
without commercial licences.
The cuts to sheries o cers follow signi cant reductions across other nature protection agencies.
Parks Victoria faces $95 million in budget cuts and an estimated 100 job losses, while 33 sta have been cut from the O cer of the Conservation Regulator.
“So many people depend on the health of our marine landscapes,”
Ms Hurley said.
“You can’t be serious about looking a er it if you’re cutting the frontline o cers who work hard every day to protect it.”
The groups are calling for an im-
Protecting paddock trees
By CHRIS COBERN, UGLN Landcare faciltator
THE Upper Goulburn Landcare Network recently completed a very successful project to protect isolated trees and groups of paddock trees on farms.
As well as providing shade for stock paddock trees provide important habitat and hollows for wildlife.
The fallen leaf litter and branches also provide habitat for
lizards, frogs and mammals. Unfortunately, stock can a ect the health of these trees and eventually kill them by camping underneath, compaction of the roots and by rubbing and ring-barking the trees.
Funding was provided by the Victorian Landcare Grants program for landholders in the Upper Goulburn to fence o and plant indigenous understorey plants around paddock trees.
Over forty large paddock trees were fenced o , reducing compac-
tion around the trees and preventing ringbarking.
Species included Grey, Red and Yellow Box, Candlebark and some very large old Redgum trees.
Many small-medium trees have also been protected as part of the project.
We also revegetated around the isolated and groups of paddock trees to increase the ‘stepping-stone’ patch of vegetation with added under-storey around each group of trees.
This in turn will encourage small birds to access these trees to provide bene cial ecosystem services such as insect control.
Volunteers from Merton Landcare Group and the ANZ Bank also participated by helping two of the landowners complete the revegetation.
We also held two community engagement events, a ‘Woodland Birds Presentation’ delivered by Birdlife Australia; and a ‘Fencing O Paddock Trees Workshop’.
Benefits of reallocated water to flow across Gippsland
UNUSED water previously set aside for power generation has been reallocated, with the water to be shared between agriculture, Traditional Owners and the environment in the Latrobe Valley.
Minister for Water Gayle Tierney announced the reallocation of 16 gigalitres of water, with the additional water for environmental flows set to improve the health of the Latrobe River as well as the Gippsland Lakes system downstream.
The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation will have access to additional water for self-determined cultural uses.
Southern Rural Water will make additional water available to farmers.
Agriculture supports thousands of jobs in Gippsland, and the availability of more water licences will help boost the local economy.
“Having more water available for farming benefits everyone, from irrigators looking to improve their water security or expand their operations to farmers looking to set up in the region,” said Latrobe River irrigator Angus Zilm.
This water allocation is known as the Latrobe 3-4 Bench Bulk Water Entitlement, it was originally allocated back in 1996 for coal fired power generation.
The decision to reallocate 16 gigalitres of the 25 gigalitre water entitlement was made through the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy.
The remaining 9 gigalitres of the entitlement will be retained by government to provide continued flexibility to respond to emerging needs in Gippsland.
JOB WELL DONE: Forty paddock trees were fenced o as part of the initiative.
REPLANTING: Volunteers from Merton Landcare Group and the ANZ Bank helped with revegetation.
Euroa’s flag waved well at Expo
By ANDY WILSON
THE three-day Seymour Alternative Farming Expo
attracted its usual 20,000 visitors last Friday to Sunday, who enjoyed perusing the more than 400 exhibitors that ranged from chickens and other livestock through to tractors, mohair jumpers, and camel rides.
The popular event is now in its 34th year.
Friday drew a lot of small families and couples enjoying very slow walks as the numbers built up in the a ernoon.
Waving the ag for Euroa was Linda and Colin Green who have run Green eece wool products for thirty years since they rst set up a stall at the Violet Town markets.
They have been selling at the Seymour Expo for a dec ade and said they had started the business to put their kids through university.
“We had ve kids,” Linda said.
“We couldn’t a ord a tel evision.”
Colin listed o their alum ni in order.
“We now have a midwife, a superannuation executive, a boiler maker, a radiologist and a nurse ‘eventually’,” he said.
The Greens said that sales would be more challenging this year due to the dry conditions and ‘everyone doing it tough’.
“She’s busy having her own ve kids,” Linda said.
“There’s no rain and there will probably be a recession,” Linda said.
“In fact we just sold all our cattle because we couldn’t afford to feed them.”
Also exhibiting was Strathbogie Tractors’ Ashley ‘Trac-
BACCHUS MARSH
Bacchus Marsh Farm Supplies
126 Main Street
BALNARRING
Balnarring Produce
2990 Frankston-Flinders Road
BALLARAT
Cervus Equipment
Corner Brewery Tap Road
& Western Highway
Brown Hill
Mega Merch Rural & Pet
151 Learmonth Street
Alfredton
Miners Rest General Store
200-202 Howe Street
Miners Rest
BENDIGO
CEPA Farm Supplies
4-10 Stanley Street
Quarry Hill
Elders VP 109 Midland Highway
Epsom
Eaglehawk Newsagency
27-29 High Street Eaglehawk
COLDSTREAM
Rural Fence & Trade
611 Maroondah Highway
Coldstream LPO
670-672 Maroondah Highway
CRAIGIEBURN
Melbourne Farm Supplies
304 Sydney Road
CRESWICK
Creswick Newsagency
65 Albert Street
DELACOMBE
Westag
12 Wiltshire Lane
WE HAVE GOATS: The Expo is famous for attracting over 400 exhibitors each year, ranging from irrigators to tractors and some of the finest and unusual breeds of livestock.
POLLS APART: Highland Cows are known for their very long horns, but not those from Mayfield Poll Highlands stud where horns have been bred out. It makes them even cuddlier.
SLOVENIAN BUILT: “My name is Tractor,” said (Ashley) Tractor Thompson who enjoyed showing his specialty in tractor maintenance and sales of a Slovenian masterpiece.
tor’ Thompson who is Euroa born and bred and has been running his tractor maintenance business for een years.
He is now in his third year as a seller of three brands and this was his second year at the Expo where he wasted
ible console to send its 50 horsepower in both directions as needed.
“It is really an ‘Agromehanika’ but its easier to say ‘AGT’.”
Crowds at the Expo were also treated to a snake display, aerial motorbike stunts, whip cracking, sheep dog trials, and cooking demonstrations.
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said she enjoyed the ‘privilege’ to spend the weekend at the Expo alongside her Nationals party colleagues, friends, family, and the wider community.
no time getting to the point.
“I love tractors,” Tractor said.
“I love vintage tractor pulling and I love Euroa - I went to school there too.
“My name really is ‘Tractor’ Thompson, that’s what people call me.”
Tractor sells attachments and accessories for (real) tractors made by Wangaratta’s Burder engineers and Woods Tractor Attachments.
He had on display a Slovenian AGT tractor which has a unique revers -
“More than two-anda-half thousand people stopped by my marquee for a yarn, to share feedback, and raise local issues,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Listening to (the electorate) is the most important part of my job as your voice in Parliament.”
Ms Cleeland said Expo was a cornerstone of the local economy which brought people from across the country to experience the best the region has to o er.
“It’s a celebration of the strength and innovation in our agricultural industry, showcasing everything.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our regional economy, and events like this play a vital role in recognising the incredible work our farmers do every day.”
GEELONG
Geelong Farm Supplies
122 Victoria Street East Geelong Newsagency 78a Garden Street
Hewitt & Whitty Geelong 132-136 Furner Avenue
HASTINGS Hastings Produce 2083 Flinders-Frankston Road
HEALESVILLE
HEATHCOTE
Heathcote Rural Merchandise 85 High Street
INVERLEIGH
Inverleigh Farm Supplies 28 High Street
KILMORE
Southside Stockfeeds 108/110 Powlett Street
KOOWEERUP
Kooweerup Newsagency 44-48 Station Street
KORUMBURRA Korumburra Newsagency 27 Commercial Street
KYNETON
R S Perry & Sons 5 Market Street
LEONGATHA
Gendore Tractors & Machinery
82-84 Yarragon Road
Leongatha Newsagency 30 Bair Street
Healesville Stockfeed and Farm 281-283 Maroondah Highway
LILYDALE
Agpower & Transport 465 Maroondah Highway
LITTLE RIVER
Little River General Store 28-32 Little River Road
MELTON
Jon Kay Agri Service 9 Norton Drive
MONBULK
Murphy’s Mitre 10 Corner Main & Silvan Roads
MORNINGTON
Budget Stockfeeds
125 Mornington-Tyabb Road
MT EVELYN
Mt Evelyn Garden & Produce 41 Monbulk Road
PAKENHAM
Elders VP
2 Livestock Way
Glenmac Sales and Service
85 Bald Hill Road
Pakenham Produce 2 Bormar Drive
PANTON HILL
Panton Hill General Store & PO
586 Main Road
RED HILL SOUTH
Peninsula Farm Supplies
79 Arthurs Seat Road
ROCKBANK
Godings
2129 Western Highway
SEVILLE
Seville Tractors
51 Monbulk-Seville Road
SEYMOUR Seymour Equine & Rural
38 Emily Street
Seymour News Express 66 Station Street
SILVAN
Darmac AG Sales & Service
249-251 Monbulk Road
E.E. Muir & Sons 397 Monbulk Road
SMITHS GULLY
Smiths Gully General Store 914 Main Road
SUNBURY
Sunbury Stockfeeds 295 Settlement Road
SUNSHINE
Western Farm Service 588 Ballarat Road
TAGGERTY
Taggerty Store 26 Taggerty-Thornton Road
TOORADIN
Kverneland-Gendore Australia 78-83 South Gippsland Highway
WALLINGTON Wallington’s WRG 370 Grubb Road
WANDIN NORTH
Wesfarmers Landmark Unit 1, 7 George Street
WARRAGUL Farm Depot
183 Queen Street
R.E.N. Machinery Warragul 14-18 Normanby Street
Warragul Newsagency 43 Victoria Street
WERRIBEE E.E. Muir & Sons
879 Duncans Road
WERRIBEE SOUTH Anglers Anchorage 670 O’Connors Road
WHITTLESEA Whittlesea Produce 31 Forest Street
WINCHELSEA Winchelsea Trading 32 Harding Street
WONTHAGGI Wonthaggi Newsagency & Lotto 31 Murray Street
YARRA GLEN
Hoogies of Yarra Glen 9-15 Bell Street
Yarra Glen Mower & Tractor 21 Bell Street
Yarra Glen Stockfeeds 2/1 Armstrong Grove
YARRA JUNCTION
Baroona Produce & Pet Supplies 2434 Warburton Highway
