Country Journal, Week #60 - February 28, 2022

4000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED WEEKLY IN THE SOUTHERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA + DAILY JOURNAL & STANTHORPE RECORD

CountryJournal Week commencing 28th February 2022

The army has arrived

The international borders may be open, but this isn’t the type of guest we were hoping for: the fall armyworm, that threatens industries including vegetable growing, rice, cotton and grain, has been detected on the Southern Downs. Full report, page 3

Ukraine shadow

Strawhouse glasshouse

The breadbasket of Europe has been invaded by Russian forces – what does that mean for the global wheat supply, corn and other grains? In a special report, Editor Elizabeth Voneiff analyses the likely impact on global markets, as we digest the implications for both global shipping, supply of grain, and the impact on energy pricing. With ports closed, commodities bureaus closed, and pipelines switched off, a ‘local’ war in the old Soviet bloc could have domino effects on the global (07) 46 619 835 markets in E warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au coming weeks.

Krista Bjorn experimented with an insulated winter greenhouse made with bales of straw or hay until the drought made it uneconomical. An all-year round of tomatoes and chillies ensued...but also a steady supply of very happy rodents... Now rain has come, and bales are again reasonably priced, and Krista tells us her plans to grow tomatoes this winter. Full details inside of how she goes about it are inside.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Country briefs Regional roaming Food disruptions Queensland councils are to continue urging the Federal

resulting in supply chain issues, labour shortages and leading to increased inflationary pressures

While vaccination programs have been in full swing in the developed According to a Rabobank economies, many governGovernment to immediately commit to a trial of domestic report, food markets are set ments had reinstated containment measures, the mobile roaming during emer- to be “highly dynamic” in gencies, as recommended by the year ahead, as the ongo- report said. And for food ing effects of the global pan- and beverage companies, the Regional demic continue to be felt this had led to higher supply Telecommunications across supply chains and in chain costs and challenges Independent Review consumer behaviour, in keeping product moving Committee. Local Rabobank says in a recent- through to consumers.

Government Association of ly-released report.

Queensland (LGAQ) CEO Alison Smith said councils in In its Australia’s most disasAustralian ter-prone – and decentralised Agribusiness – state have long sought the Outlook for deployment of mobile roam- 2022, the speing to regional areas to cialist global strengthen emergency comagribusiness munications and road safety. bank says the Ms Smith said Queensland rapid emercouncils would be well-placed gence and to assist in the trial of domes- spread of the tic mobile roaming for emer- Omicron variant gency situations given their has had a profrontline role in disaster found impact on response and recovery. local and global food markets, Report co-author Rabobank senior analyst Michael Harvey said these Published, Printed, Designed, Owned, Administered....here supply chain issues Not London. Not New York. look set to continue to disrupt food markets in the first half of 2022.

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• Editor: Elizabeth Voneiff editor@thedailyjournal.ink * Sales: Gordon Bratby 0437 417 736 * Sales: Peter Schmidt 0447 105 846 sales@thedailyjournal.ink A little bit of legals While every care is taken to compile this newspaper accurately, we cannot be held responsible for any errors that may occur with advertisements or articles. All submitted content does not necessarily represent the opinions of The Small Newspaper Company or The Country Journal All art and editorial content remains the property of the relevant copyright holder and may not be reproduced without permission. If we have got something wrong, get in touch, and we will print a correction in our next edition...and apologies in advance!

drones produced by Chinese manufacturer XAG will debut in Australia in the second half of 2022, the company’s local arm has confirmed.

The company says the recent updates to its drone range not only expands XAG’s agriculture product lines, but also builds on previous models in terms of efficiency, precision and safety.

XAG Australia sales manager Bryce Dimec confirmed that the newly launched P100 and V40 agricultural drones, along with the M500 and M2000 remote sensing drones, would both arrive around the third and fourth quarters of 2022.

Do you know Allora?

The Allora Historical Society is on a mission to record the history of houses in Allora or on properties in the district, and they’re looking for contributions from the community.

If you or someone you know has lived in or near Allora and know anything about the history of that “Food companies home, contact the Allora and retailers need to Historical Society at adhsnavigate supply chain sec@gmail.com or visit them vulnerabilities,” he in person at 27 Drayton said. “Meanwhile Street, Allora. consumer movement is voluntarily cautious, leading to Some New Zealand pasreduced foot traffic. sion fruit growers lost up to “Over the course of 80% of crop to Fusarium 2022, the channel Fusarium is a fungus that distortion we have infects plants through the seen should eventu- roots, travels up the plant ally return to stem and cause the leaves to pre-pandemic norms, yellow, killing the plant. but it will clearly not According to NZ Passion be as linear.” fruit Growers Association president Rebekah Vlaanderen, the disease had been more prevalent in the last two years due to warmTwo new agricultur- er weather. al drones and two remote sensing

Loss of passion

New gen drones

Invasion!

COUNTRYJOURNAL

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Fall ArmyWorm detected in Southern Downs

BY: BEN BOLAND STAFF WRITER The Fall ArmyWorm has been detected across the Southern Downs and it may be a prospect worse than drought.

The Fall ArmyWorm (FAW) has the ability to destroy crops almost overnight and devestate pasture. So, the news released on Monday that there are ‘Fall ArmyWorm infestations in crops across some Southern Downs locations’ is a major concern.

Fall ArmyWorm distribution

attempts) has eradicated FAW, they are now considered established in Australia. Indeed, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries informed the Country Journal FAW have been in the Darling Downs since 2020, with crops planted in December 2021 and January 2022 having some level of infestation. Indeed, last year 15% of late maize cobs at the Kingaroy DAF Research station in mid-winter had FAW present which is scary as FAW are most common in late summer and early autumn.

Fall ArmyWorm impact

However, both the Council and DAF are There are a number of FAW species emphatic if you find FAW they need to be which are native to tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas, but only one species reported (to DAF on 13 25 23). Please study has reached Australia, Spodoptera frugiper- the identification photographs and or have a look online. Given the impact of these insects da. The family name frugiperda is indicaearly reporting both by farmers and gardentive of the impact of these insects as it ers is critical. DAF advises particular vigimeans ‘lost fruit’ however, not only are fruit crops impacted. Since 2016 FAW have lance during the emergence and establishment phases of growth as total crop loss is travelled through Africa, the Subcontinent and Asia. In China the FAW spread through most likely if seedlings are eaten off at the base by undetected larvae. Early detection is 26 provinces in 2019 alone and has been also significant as young FAW are easier to described by the Chinese Ministry of kill than older FAWs. The Queensland govAgriculture and Rural Affairs as a "very ernment has also asked people to report any grave" issue. continued next page...

Arriving in Australia via the Torres Strait into North Queensland in January 2020, FAW’s incredibly rapid WARWICK CREDIT UNION spread is not simply due to hitchhiking on freight and vehicles but also because FAWs are a moth and the adults fly at night.

The ‘worm’ refers to the fact that the caterRefer a new home loan customer for pillars are said to resemble worms. purchases, investments, building or Indeed, it is estimated refinancing adults can travel over 480km. Even the cater0.25% discount & $0 application fee pillars are comparativeapplies to the Essential Plus Home Loan! ly mobile as they will march hence the ‘army’ in FAW. Additionally, the FAW life cycle can occur in under a month and females lay up to 1,000 eggs, so population growth can be exponential.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Fall ArmyWorm detected in Southern Downs continued from previous page... insect, fungus or disease which is attacking FAW. The Australian wool industry has also flagged the potential for significant impact for graziers as FAW eat pasture crops such as fescue, rye, kikuyu, lucerne, clovers and forage crops. In the USA FAW have a history of devastating pasture in days with a heavy infestation particularly in rich well irrigated paddocks.

The impact on Australian native species is currently not fully known, but as FAW feed on more than 350 species (including crops such as corn, barley, cotton, sugar cane, rice, sorghum, wheat, fruit crops and grasses). Thankfully thus far damage in Australia has been primarily focused on corn and sorghum, though this is poor consolation for people growing these crops.

Furthermore, we in the Southern Downs can be thankful for our cooler climate and the recent early cool weather as FAW like warm weather.

While our cooler climate is a blessing as FAW are established in the Darling Downs and are highly mobile -a single generation estimated to be able to migrate over 480km- it is likely even the coolest parts of the region we can expect at least migratory incursions of FAW after winter each year.

However more research is needed into best practices as best treatments and indeed treatment thresholds in Australian conditions are currently unknown.

Fall ArmyWorm control

Additionally, FAW’s habit of burrowing into plants gives then a level of protection from pesticides, commercially available Australian nucleopolyhedrovirus do not kill FAW and the pesticides which do work require pesticide permits (permits are available) but also kill predators and parasites of FAW, which take time to build up enough to control the insect, as well as other beneficial insects. In fact, the Queensland Beekeepers’ Association has put out a warning to members to be aware pesticide spraying for FAW

Nutrional workshop The GDRC is offering a free workshop to local growers. on nutritional decision making. The workshop runs on 9:00am–11:25am AEDT (NSW) on March 8th. The program covers range of topics including: : farming system nutrient legacies – impacts on N inputs, cycling and recovery of applied fertilisers (6 years of experiments). (Lindsay Bell, CSIRO and Jon Baird, NSW DPI)

Future hope

In some good news Georgia Rodgers, a Queensland agronomist discovered a pathogenic fungus which literally eats the FAW. Interestingly the fungus is normally found only in the tropics. As the fungus is native to Australia but normally occurs in more tropical areas it has great potential as a biological control option. Additionally, DAF has expressed great hopes for native parasitoidal wasp Colesia which, in 2020 NSW corn crops, infected every FAW specimen researchers could find. Finally, DAF is also field trialling a Spodoptera variant of nucleopolyhedroviruses.

Next week:

The work of DAF will again be highlighted in the next edition of the Country Journal with a focus on DAF’s research into pulses.

Grower, Moree) : panel discussion on N issues and strategies for 2022 after big offtakes in 2021 and high fertiliser prices: How much soil N is there and what are soil tests telling us? Is there inconsistency between N legacy expectation and reality? Issues with crop access to N applied to vertosols late in northern dryland fallows. Discussion of situations and scenarios that growers and agronomists are facing in March 2022. (Chair: Chris Dowling, BackPaddock)

Killarney bushcare

: nitrogen movement, use efficiency and timing of fertiliser application; how much fertiliser are 2022 crops likely to see and utilise? (Richard Daniel, NGA) : optimising rate and timing of N not already applied across crop types. (James Hagan, DAF Qld) : deep P and K – a call to action! Critical soil indicators, costs and benefits of deep P & K and timing. (Mike Bell, UQ & Michael Leddingham,

can cause significant harm to bees and hives. Furthermore, Business Queensland is warning of the potential danger of FAW insecticide resistance.

said.

The Killarney Bushcare group was finally able to get together for the first time in 2022. "We enjoyed a great day at Mt Tabor," the group reported. They spent a day looking at the properties of Greg and Janet Platz and their neighbours, looking at planting opportunities and established areas. "A great start to another exciting year," they

COUNTRYJOURNAL

LOCAL NEWS wrap Council this week was primarily engaged with carpeting Cr Andrew Gale for “inappropriate conduct” last September Australia's Smallest Daily Newspaper resulting in a complaint. From what we understand, Cr Gale before any decision is reached. was in a local eatery/retailer when he spoke There was a disturbing occurrence in the up to staff about what he saw as disrespect- car park of a Warwick supermarket this ful behaviour to a vulnerable member of week. A car which had been parked on the the community. While all was resolved, an premises for some days was finally investiunknown, anonymous complaint was made gated only to find a deceased person inside. which ended up in an investigation by the Turned out to be (possibly) a Gold Coast resimuch-dreaded Office of the Independent As- dent who (probably) had a heart attack in his sessor. Cr Gale wholeheartedly apologised in car. The 40-something year old male has yet chambers last week…… to be identified.

Cr Stephen Tancred is concerned that the Meanwhile, shire police are looking for one Stanthorpe Art Gallery is asking too much of Jackson Watson who they view as a “person Council’s tight budget. The Gallery, which of interest” in the shooting of a Warwick was awarded funding last year for renova- man last week. The shooting took place in tions, is asking Council to foot the bill for the middle of the day and the man was drivtemporary relocation to commercial premis- en to Warwick hospital with a wound to his es. Questions were raised about the possibly abdomen. Inquiries continue. If you know healthy bank account of the gallery. They will the whereabouts of Watson, please contact be asked to make a “presentation” to Council police.

The Daily Journal

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WITH ELIZABETH VONEIFF, EDITOR

StanthorpeRecord BORDER COUNTRY EXPRESS

There’s some fake news doing the social media rounds about a juvenile break-and-enter offender and a gel-blaster being aimed at police. Warwick police sources confirm that no one has been shot by a gel-blaster and the story is erroneous.

Apple and Grape festivities start this week despite the iconic arch being pranged last week. The street décor had to be removed and is currently being repaired. We hear that Governor Jeanette Young will be at the Apple and Grape Ball. Even more fun? Opposition leader David Crisafulli, MP James Lister and Mayor Vic Pennisi will participate in a grape-stomping contest. Or so we’re told….

The next meeting of Council will be in Killarney this week on Wednesday at the Killarney Hotel. For more information visit the SDRC website.

Supply chain continues to undermine food markets Rabobank reports that food markets are set to be “highly dynamic” in the year ahead, as the ongoing effects of the global pandemic continue to be felt across supply chains and in consumer behaviour, Rabobank says in a recently-released report.

In its Australian Agribusiness Outlook for 2022, the specialist global agribusiness bank says the rapid emergence and spread of the Omicron variant has had a profound impact on local and global food markets, resulting in supply chain issues, labour shortages and leading to increased inflationary pressures While vaccination programs have been in full swing in the developed economies, many governments had reinstated containment measures, the report said. And for food and beverage companies, this had led to higher supply chain costs and challenges in keeping product moving through to consumers.

Report co-author Rabobank senior analyst Michael Harvey said these supply chain issues look set to continue to disrupt food markets in the first half of 2022.

“Food companies and retailers need to navigate supply chain vulnerabilities,” he said. “Meanwhile consumer movement is

voluntarily cautious, leading to reduced consumers are facing additional cost-offoot traffic. living pressures and reduced income support.

“Over the course of 2022, the channel distortion we have seen should eventual“The impact of these cost pressures on ly return to pre-pandemic norms, but it consumer food purchases will vary sigwill clearly not be as linear.” nificantly across geographies and categories,” Mr Harvey said, “For those in the Mr Harvey said food and beverages food and agricultural sector, there will companies across all geographies were need to be a keen eye on potential reporting margin pressure stemming from inflation in all parts of the business, demand destruction in emerging marincluding raw materials and distribution. kets.”

“And inflation is expected to remain high through much of 2022,” he said. “As a CHECK OUT ONE OF THE BEST RANGES OF HOME result, comBREWING GOODS ON THE SOUTHERN DOWNS panies are acting on • Home Brew Breweries • Fresh Craft Beer Wort • Kit Beer retail pricing • Craft Beer Pouches • Grain Malt • Yeast and Hops • 310 Essences across a range of conPLUS HARDWARE SUCH AS sumables.”

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Ukraine situation impacts on grain, energy, confidence Elizabeth Voneiff, Editor As we go to press, the situation in the former eastern bloc Soviet republic of Ukraine is rapidly worsening, and it’s going to have implications for us ranging from a threat to fuel prices to implicaitons in the commodities sector. Ukraine is a massive exporter of corn and other grains.

Ukraine's military has suspended commercial shipping after the Russian invasion began, with an adviser to the Ukrainian president's chief of staff using disruption to supply--including a threat that wheat prices will soar--to try and stoke fear and response from western allies. Market analysts beleive that there is a potential beyond wheat and corn, with flow on effects to all grain and oilseed markets as a result of the ‘bread basket of Europe’ being turned into a war zone, and with Russian tanks ploughing across farmland.

Russia (along with Ukraine) are in fact the surprising top two of world wheat exporters--ahead of Australia and the US-so there as early as Thursday last week, fears about global grain supply lead the price of wheat to soar to to its highest levels in a decade.

Russia on its part has ordered the Azov Sea closed to the movement of commercial vessels until further notice, but kept Russian ports in the Black Sea open for navigation. .

Industry estimates currently put Ukraine's grain exports as high as 6 million tonnes a month, with two third corn and the balance wheat and barley.

Ukraine is a large country, and has multiple export ports including Chornomorsk, Mikolayiv, Odessa, Kherson and Yuzhny.

Shipping group Maersk took unilateral action last week calling a halt to all ports in Urkraine until further notice.

Global agricultural commodities traders Bunge Ltd Archer-Daniels Midland Co closed operations in Ukraine.

Global oil prices soared past $100 (US) a barrel in the wake of the invasion. The price of crude reached $104.99 per barrel up $8.15 (+8.42%) in a single day, and the WTI crude oil had reached $100 before falling back to 99.52 up $7.42 per barrel (+8.06%) as a fleet of Russian forces rolled into Ukrainian territory.

There are a couple of reasons this is happening, and happening fast. Firstly, instability is not good for the global economy, full stop.

Secondly, Russia is the world’s third-largest producer of crude oil – the primary raw ingredient used to make petrol and diesel – behind only the USA and Saudi Arabia. To add a twist to the

story, around 2.5 per cent of its total output is transported via Ukrainian pipelines.

And then there is ‘the’ pipeline itself, the unbelievably significant Nord Stream 2 pipeline Germany took early action, halting the Nord Stream 2 project, with Chanclleor Olaf Scholz making the announcement immeidately after Russian incursions began. The huge undersea pipeline, designed to pump natural gas directly from Russia to northern Germany, is owned by a subsidiary of Russia’s state-owned Gazprom. While previous provocations have been largely ignored by western Europe, in particular responses that could damage the west, this is a sign that Germany at least means business. The impact of cutting off that pipeline will be felt in other energy supply industries, if the conflict drags on too long...and meanwhile, the futures market in oil isn’t waiting; it’s reacting now.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

What are your thoughts?

Rabbit Board under review

Southern Downs growers are asked to help shape the future of the Rabbit Board.

A review of the Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board (DDMRB) is underway by the Queesnaldn Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. They are looking at the role, effectiveness and funding arrangements of the organisation.

The Southern Downs Regional Council is inviting rural landholders and agricultural producers to participate.

This collaborative approach between DAF, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), relevant local Councils and DDMRB aims to examine the effectiveness and the future role of DDMRB and the rabbit fence in a modern invasive animal control context.

Southern Downs Councillor Jo McNally said that rabbits can have significant impacts on Have your say about the shape of the Rabbit Board. agricultural producers in southern Queensland.

“DDMRB staff undertake regular patrols The review seeks to understand the role “The fence protects agricultural land in and maintenance of the fence and conduct that DDMRB and the rabbit fence play in southern Queensland from the northern surveillance, property inspections, proproviding protection from the adverse migration of rabbits and is complement- vide rabbit management advice and com- impacts of rabbits and to inform the maged by DDMRB’s monitoring, enforcement pliance activities in the board area which nitude and distribution of the benefits and education activities in the protected is located on the northern side of the that are currently being generated by the area,” Councillor McNally said. rabbit fence. infrastructure.

“The rabbit fence is 555km in length “If you are a rural landholder operating Visit Council’s website at https://www. with approximately 174km of the excluan agricultural enterprise in the DDMRB sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say sion fence running through the Southern area, now is the time to engage and give for more information and to complete Downs Regional Council area.

DAF your valuable feedback.” the survey.

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Krista’s patch....

Straw bale greenhouses A few years ago I decided to see if I could grow tomatoes and chilies all year round by creating an insulated greenhouse with straw bales and old glass windows.

To my utter amazement, it actually worked.

The winter sun would filter down through the glass during the day while the thick, straw walls kept things temperate and cosy through the night. It really was rather wonderful having fresh tomatoes, capsicum, and basil in the dead of winter.

Unfortunately, the straw bale greenhouse also created a lavish hotel for all the neighbouring mice who settled in quite happily and ate the bales from the inside out until they collapsed in on themselves. Humph.

Then the drought hit and bales of any sort were practically worth their weight in gold, so I haven’t tried it since.

This year, however, after glorious rain that has made straw bales plentiful and affordable, I’m giving it another go.

This time we planned ahead by purchasing mouse and rat traps to keep the blighters out of the bales, and I’ll use a mister to keep things well watered inside without having to remove the glass window roof and thereby letting out all that lovely heat and humidity.

I’m also going to put a layer of cardboard and mulch down inside the straw bale greenhouse to ensure the weeds are kept to a minimum.

In addition to the main greenhouse for the tomatoes, capsicum, chilies, and frost-sensitive herbs, I’m going to build a second one for seeds and seedlings to give them a good start for spring.

My second plan for this winter is to use cages for growing brassicas like Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cabbages, and more. I did a trial run with them over the summer and for the first time I didn’t get any cabbage moth damage.

Bear gets all the credit for these cages. He made them out of old metal bed frames, chair frames, and table frames that we

picked up at the tip, covering them carefully with fine mesh large enough for ladybirds to get through but small enough to keep cabbage moths at bay. We have one tall one for the towering brassicas, and three shorter ones for kale and lettuces.

Do you have any tried and true tips for growing things through the winter? I’d love to hear about them.

Drone launch XAG reveals new generation drones for agriculture Two new agricultural drones and two remote sensing drones produced by Chinese manufacturer XAG will debut in Australia in the second half of 2022, the company’s local arm has confirmed. The company says the recent updates to its drone range not only expands XAG’s agriculture product lines, but also builds on previous models in terms of efficiency, precision and safety.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

STANTHORPE

FRESH NEW LOOK

Your new look neighbourhood store

Discover a fresh produce department, bakery, deli and more at your freshly renovated Woolworths Stanthorpe.

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e’re excited to announce our fresh new look store is complete. You’ll find our same friendly team and a large fresh food department offering everything from Australian fruit and veg to The Odd Bunch range.

We have a great, convenient range that is easy to shop. You’ll fall in love with our new deli, with cured meats sliced to order.

We’ve got everything you need for the perfect platter, plus a fantastic selection of Australian and imported cheeses.

Check out what’s on offer inside. Just a small taste of what you’ll discover at our fresh new Woolworths Stanthorpe.

Walk past our in-store bakery and explore the delicious range of bread, including crusty loaves, sliced white and wholemeal rolls. Our artisan-style breads are divine and are made with Australian wheat flour.

You’ll find us located at the corner of Lock & High Streets.

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Save time with our Direct to boot service Order online and have our personal shoppers bring your groceries direct to your boot. Plus, order before 1pm for Pick up that afternoon.~ -> Get started at woolworths.com.au ~See website for full T&Cs

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From the deli

Sensational seafood

We can slice or shave your meats the way you like it – thick, thin or shaved.

Discover your new local seafood market.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

11

E X P LO R E O U R RANGE OF

DELICIOUS

B R EAD

Made with Australian wheat flour

For our bread & pastry fans Our new bakery offers artisanstyle bread and sweet treats for every day of the week.

From the farm to your table Your new local fresh fruit and vegetable market is here bringing you the best of the country.

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hen it comes to fresh, it doesn’t get any fresher than this. We take great pride in partnering with Australian farmers to bring you fruit and veg – fresh, crisp and full of flavour.

You might also notice that one of our sections has fruit and veg that looks a little bit different. We call this range The Odd Bunch. It’s

made up of fresh produce that looks different, but is just as beautiful on the inside, healthy and nutritious and represents great value. Not only does it save you money but it helps our farmers sell more too. There’s nothing odd about that.

Ask any of our friendly experts what’s in season, or if you’d like your heavy fruit or veg cut and wrapped to size, just ask!

Packed with goodness Our new wholefoods market is your destination for all things nourishing.

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n oasis for wholefood lovers, our Macro market has everything you’re looking for. We source simple, wholesome ingredients and you won’t find any artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours or nasties like partially hydrogenated oils in our Macro branded products.

Discover everything from healthier vegetable chips and snacks, to raw ingredients for baking, to cereals and muesli for breakfast. Our certified Macro Organics range has over 100 products to choose from and we also have a variety of loose grains and nuts on offer in the bulk section. Try our quinoa in salads or as a rice replacement, or sprinkle some chia seeds into muesli, yoghurt and stir-fries.

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shining star of our fresh new store, the bakery is your one-stop shop for gourmet loaves, perfect pastries and custom-made cakes. It’s pretty easy to find too, just follow that moreish smell of baked bread.

The team are not just baking the bread but offering to slice it too. If you love a good loaf, you won’t be disappointed. We use only the finest ingredients in our in-store range with Australian wheat flour.

The bakery also has a mouthwatering selection of cakes and pastries. Using decadent recipes and quality ingredients, the custom-made cakes are sure to

impress guests of any age. If you have a celebration coming up (or perhaps just a sweet tooth) you can order a custom-made cake over the counter. Ask our bakers about flavours, sizes, decorations or custom messages.

I’m a fan of our sourdough.

Made daily, it’s perfect cut thick with avo and a good sprinkling of salt and pepper.

Sammie-Jo Team Member

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Indonesian appetites Our neighbors to the north, Indonesia, will be increasing their spend on Australian fruit and vegetables over the next twenty years.

A report released by the Department of Agricuture found that opportunities are arising thanks to Indonesia's growing food consumption with a rising middle class.

They are opening the market to more diverse food types and most will come from imports, as much as three-quarters of supply.

"Changing consumer preferences have led to strong demand growth for importated fresh fruits such as berries, citrus, table grapes and summer fruit," a departmental spokesperson said. "It is reasonable to anticipate these commodities will continue to provide opportunities for Australian exporters."

Tropical fruits are the mainstay of

Indonesian growers but apples, berries and stone fruit are becoming more widely known and sought after. In 2020, Indonesian imported fresh fruits valued at US$1.2 billion, and Australia was the second-largest supplier of fresh fruits to Indonesia, but made up only 8 per cent of imports, behind China, which had a 66 per cent share.

The report found that almost all the expected growth is likely to come from non-staple food products, with the largest absolute increases projected for fruit and vegetables. Growth in fruit consumption in Indonesia is expected to rise by 269 per cent by 2050, while fruit imports are projected to rise by 67 per cent. In terms of vegetables, consumption is tipped to rise by 231 per cent, with imports up by 60 per cent, over the next 28 years.

According to the Australian government, Indonesia is projected to be one of

the fastest-growing countries amongst its trading partners over the coming decades, with GDP growth and income growth projected to exceed even China.

The country also has the 4th largest population in the world, and is undergoing rapid urbanisation - which fuels changes to incomes and diets.

Indonesian diets generally remain focused on staples like rice. But as incomes rise, non-staple foods like fruit and vegetables, dairy and red meat will drive food demand growth.

Australia's proximity to Indonesia means that for any fruit and vegetables with a short shelf life, Australia may have a natural advantage in terms of time to market. However, it is important to know that Australia faces many competitors in Asia, particularly from other nearby horticultural exporters, and these exporters can also benefit from similar geographical advantages.

Wet impacts sheep & lamb sales Contributed by: Ross Ellis McDougall and Sons

51kg to Eversons for $190 to Fletchers International for $170, Dorper ram 4th to restockers for $175 Andy Ferrier sold Dorper x lambs 53.4kg to Leslie Lamb for $199.50 Waren & Wendy Schelbach sold Dorper lambs 43.6kg to GR Prime for $192 Tim Jerrett sold Dorper x lambs 47.35kg Agents today yarded 2062 head for the to Eversons for $188 Richie MC Cowen sold 1st x Border weekly sale. The market was drawn from Leicester x ewe hoggets 49.3kg and 43.2kg our Border regions as well as the New Diana Crumblin sold 52.5kg Dorper x to restockers for $172 and $130, cfa Merino England and our local and Western growlambs to Eversons for $198, ewes to ewes to restockers for $52 ers. The rain around some of the areas also Fletchers International for $155 led to the non attendance of some vendors Von Souvlis sold Dorper x lambs 43.5kg to Phil & Gabe Byrnes sold Dorper x ewes to livestock. Staffing issues still saw one Eversons for $164, 52.5kg hoggets to Fletchers International for $147 exporter sidelined but we still had the main JH & JC Richardson sold Suffolk ewe hog- Eversons for $168 buyers as well as one exporter operating.

Deborah Kelly sold Dorper lambs 55kg to gets 74kg to restockers for $210, 60.8kg to Lambs today topped a $300 to average Take It Easy Meats for $212, 65kg hoggets restockers for $206, ewes to restockers for $169.01($8down), hoggets topped at $220 to Eversons for $220 $190, ewes to to average $161.92($16up), ewes topped at Eversons for $198 to average $116.87(Par ), wethers $ 150 and topped at $190 to average $163.12($8up), $120 rams ram lambs topped at $230 to average to Eversons Office - 4661 1411 Stock and Station Agent $155.68($31down). The sale average even for $140 Dennis Bourke - 0427 031 442 & Licensed Auctioneers with a high of $300 for some pure-bred Ross Ellis - 0419 744 151 John & Southdown ewe lambs was only $155.68 a Regina 141 PALMERIN STREET, WARWICK drop of $15/ head for the week-on-week Henry sold prices.

Dorper x Melissa Ramsay topped the sale with some lambs Southdown ewe lambs 45.4kg selling to 47.5kg to restockers for $300 , 45.3kg wether lambs Eversons for to Tonys Supa Meats and Eversons for $196 $184 and • Cattle Sale - Tuesdays 7.30am Gooroo Grazing sold Dorper lambs 50.5kg 46kg to • Pig and Calf Sales - Wednesdays 10.30am to Leslie Lamb for $199.50, 50.5kg to GR Grants • Sheep and Lamb Sale - Wednesdays 1pm Prime for $192, 45kg to Jock Young for Quality $189, 45kg to GR Prime for $166 • Poultry Sale - Wednesdays 9.30am Meats for Marty & Margie Kerlin sold Suffolk lambs $182, ewes • Sundry Sale - Wednesdays 10.30am

• Direct sales to feedlots & processors weekly

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

18th 19th and 20th March

Entertainment for the whole family!

warwickshowandrodeo.com.au

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is a member of the military class (7) 17 Name the commanderin-chief of a navy (7) 18 Name a well-known Australian Test leg-spin bowler, Bill ... (7) 20 To have brought out is to have done what (6)

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QUICK THINK Solve the crossword.

Each answer has four letters.

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Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

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E-QUATIONS

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See Set Those Toe

Eccentric, dapper Nikola Tesla (18561943) was the superstar of the electrical engineering field. He designed and refined in his mind, so that each invention worked perfectly on its first assembly. Thank Tesla for neon and fluorescent lighting, hydroelectricity, radio and remote control robotics.

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abode called (7) Name a place frequented by holiday-makers (6) Which beans are known as French beans (7) Which term describes that which relates to the side (7) What is an elementary particle of an atom (7) What is a period of armed conflict (7)

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two Melbourne cups (6) What is a reckless proceeding (8) Name another term for a halo (6) What is the Western Hemisphere known as (8) Who was the first to use antiseptics in surgery, Joseph ... (6) Name Dorothy’s dog, in the Wizard of Oz (4) What are written orders issued in connection with judicial proceedings (5) What is the claw of a bird of prey (5) Name an inflammatory facial disease characterised by an eruption of the skin (4) Name an item of bush tucker (6) Which famous town is in central Mali, near the river Niger (8) What are Christmas songs or hymns (6) What is a general slaughter of human beings (8) When one postpones something, one does what (6)

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MINI WORD FIND P I N F E E A Y S E C N O T F A H D B O T U G L U B M U D L

ACROSS 1 Which horse won the first

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2. Turtle front fin moved 3. Turtle tail missing 4. Rabbit ear moved 5. Rabbit foot moved Copyright: Auspac Media.

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mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au Funding for this activity is through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement (2018), a joint arrangement between the Australian and Queensland Governments.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Shipping remains concern in wool markets CONTRIBUTED BY: BRUCE MCLEISH, ELDERS The Australian wool market managed to achieve “not a bad result” given the uneven demand situation, exporter’s cash flow issues and a large supply volume, any of which could have brought things undone. The overall result was a small change of 2 cents down, with various currency movements leading to a 1 US cent decrease, and a 6-euro cent increase in prices. Fremantle got back on track with strong gains of 20 to 25 cents for merino fleece types. The superior Tassie wools selling in Melbourne helped the superfine indicators there jump ahead of the Sydney indicators whilst medium merino indicators were generally just off the boil by a few cents.

Crossbred wools meandered and closed within a few cents of the previous week’s levels, and the carding wool sector eased a smidge.

The New Zealand market continues to climb as widespread global demand - China, India and Europe – saw buyers all competing for a very meagre selection of only 5,000 bales and consequently another 3% increase in prices. In South Africa nothing happened. Simply put, the South African wool trade has a severe case of congestion, with around R500 million (A$46m) worth of greasy wool sitting at the wharf waiting for a ship to take it to China. Shipping services to Europe are functioning okay, but from the previous three services from the Cape to China there is really only one reliable operator servicing the Asian route now. It will take around 3-4 weeks for this backlog of 250 forty-foot containers to be cleared, and so the trade agreed to cancel the current auction, and roll the catalogue over to another week. Although it is a week by week proposition, these non-sale catalogues will be held over to fill some of the blank spots in the roster post Easter.

Having 10,000 bales less available for the global wool market was certainly a positive factor for the oversupplied Australian market, and took some of the pressure off, although undoubtedly added a little more angst to those managing exporter finances here.

Delays in shipping from Australia are severe, but not quite as bad as Port Elizabeth. Anything going into or out of China by plane, train or ship is subject to extra quarantine measurements and paperwork, leading to time delays, staffing issues and extra costs.

Localised Covid outbreaks are still occurring in China and the government’s lockdown response in some cases may mean that wool cannot travel from the scouring mill, located in one town, to the combing factory a few miles away because of quarantine lockdowns.

Even DHL and other courier services

are blocked when such an outbreak occurs, making the transfer of samples and documents impossible. Such is life under the pandemic in China, but it will be interesting to see what the government policy is after the Winter Olympics are over.

From a demand point of view things are good, although stuttering slightly.

European mills continue to be active, but the pressure for prompt or nearly prompt delivery increases every week. Both the global shipping delays, and the ticking calendar are responsible.

With shipping times from Asia or South America blowing out by around four weeks, prompt stock in Europe is becoming a scarcity, at a time when knitting mills and garment factories are in full swing. Only having a handful of early stage processing mills left in Europe leaves the textile chain at the mercy of global shipping flows, and the whole justin-time philosophy has been more or less

thrown out the window as a future management tool. Funding a bit more stock in future seems like a much better prospect, and the cost pales into insignificance compared to the increased cost of buying on the spot market, let alone funding the increased energy costs across Europe this winter. Of course, where the boundaries of Europe will be drawn in future is still a point of conjecture at present with a fair few soldiers lining up to potentially argue about that.

India was reportedly more active again this week, broadening the portfolio of types and destinations for exporters to work with.

Domestic demand in China continues to bubble along, with export knitting orders good, weaving for uniform and brands very good, but the local sweater market said to be somewhat quiet.

The outlook for wool from a customer perspective, at least early stage processors and traders is quite optimistic. Despite the funding and shipping issues there seems to be enough business going around to keep everyone involved active.

Compare to other fibres, merino wool prices are relatively cheap, and crossbred wool extremely so.

According to Andrew Whitelaw of Thomas Elder Markets the price of cotton has increased 44-45% over the past year, with Chinese polyester prices also up by around 17%. Australian wool as measured by the EMI has increased over the past 12 months by 10%, but in USD terms, which is what most of the customer base trades in, the increase over the past 12 months is a meagre 1%. Certainly, the superfine merino categories have performed better than the medium and broad wools, but they are now just close to regaining the price peak reached in Mid-2021, and whilst there is a little muttering about the high superfine merino prices, they still compare very favourably with current cashmere prices. Interestingly, the medium merino segment received a boost on the futures market this week, whereas superfine merino prices were stagnant – perhaps heralding a move to close the basis in coming months. Overall the next month should see some welcome stability in wool prices based on overseas customer indications, however Australian wool dumps are beginning to clog up too…..