Country Journal, Week #72 - May 22, 2022

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

CountryJournal Week commencing 22nd May 2022

Speckletacular

Vine time...

Pink lady down....

50 lighthorse in Allora Krista Bjorn krista@smallnewspaper.com.au

A

llora has the first Boer War Memorial built in Queensland and on Saturday 28 May, the Warwick Thistle Pipe Band will lead a group of approximately 50 Light Horse to helpe commemorate 120 years since the end of

the war.

The procession will begin at the Darling Street gate and proceed past the ANZAC Memorial Park, into Stuart Henry Park, then through Memorial Park.

“The Thistle Pipe Band will assemble in the Memorial Park,” Ross Neale reported. “The Light Horse will assemble in the Park behind the Memorial Park.

Continued page 5

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

In short....

In the veggie garden consider planting brassicas such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale.

Now is also the time to buy and plant bare root plants (e.g. roses and fruit trees) Consider planting bulbs for a wonderful bright spring.

The cooler weather means animal will benefit from shelter and possibly some supplementary feeding, which also has the benefit of teaching them to come which helps when you need to move or yard them. recovered

Flood losses?

Producers who experience losses or damage to their property are encouraged to fill in our Natural Disaster Impact Survey to help the Queensland Government and industry quickly assess the regions for financial recovery assistance.

Keep records of any impacts, including date-stamped photos. This will inform eligibility for assistance as each natural disaster event is a separate claim. Producers will need to assess and document damages and losses from this event to submit a claim once Disaster Re c ove r y Fu n d i n g Arrangements are activated.

Dairy agreements The ACCC has updated its guidance on some key elements of the Dairy Code, ahead of the new dairy season and the important 1 June deadline for dairy processors to publish their new milk supply agreements.The updates to the ACCC’s Dairy Code guidance, published today, provide more detail on its interpretation of the code’s ‘single document’ requirement, arrangements for cooperatives and collective bargaining groups, what constitutes a ‘material breach’, loyalty payments and other bonuses, and the requirement to publish dispute reports.A new processor checklist summarises processors’ key obligations under the code can be found on the ACCC website.

Learn First Aid The Maryvale Community Hall will host a First Aid Course on Thursday and Friday 23-24 June.

Bookings are essential for the course and the cost is $35 for financial Maryvale Community Hall members, and $135 for non-members.

Enrolment forms will be sent out and all enrolments must be completed and paid in full by

Tuesday 14 June.

Costco discovery Here's a bit of good news for big families living in the shire: you can have Costco products home-delivered - in many cases with no delivery charge.

Costco, the American-based big-box chain, has two locations in Brisbane, both just too far for residents of the Southern Downs to take advantage of on a regular basis. Let's face it, a trip to Costco is exhausting even if you don't drive two hours to get there (as a expatriate yank, I’m afraid I do occasionally yearn for American peanut butter, hence my interest in Costco...)

Now you can order non-food items from Costco and have them delivered. Frankly, the mammoth sized laundry detergent, pet food, toilet paper, kitchen goods, storage items and electronics are the best items to buy from Costco anyway.

While it is great to be able to buy 3 kilo slabs of brie, most of us don't need that very often.

You must take out a yearly membership, which costs around $60, but if you make several purchases throughout the year, the membership is worth it. You can even purchase tyres, patio furniture and a range of appliances from Costco.

Oh, and grog.

I ordered a giant vat of laundry soap, a box of 120 dishwashing tablets, 100 rolls of toilet paper and a bottle of pink gin.

Don't judge. Within three days all had arrived. How good is that?

Go to the Costco Warehouse website for more information.

-Elizabeth Voneiff

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Around the shire....

Elizabeth Voneiff editor@thedailyjournal.ink

By the time you read this column, the election will have concluded and we will either have a new government in Canberra - or not. Who's to say in these crazy times? At the time of writing, MP David Littleproud planned to vote at Warwick East State School, which has been heavily damaged by flood waters. Mr LIttleproud has been often seen on the Southern Downs in recent weeks, handing out funds for much-needed horticulture netting, announcing a Regional Training Hub, giving a hand-up to the John Dee abattoir and various other bits and pieces to show societies and sporting groups. He's an easy fellow to talk to and one

of our journos who attended a dinner with the Member recently even called him "chatty".

Meanwhile, Council grinds on, faced with decimated roads and infrastructure due to the flooding across the shire.

Don't be surprised with a rate rise in line with inflation this year as that is a topic under discussion in chambers.

Speaking of flooding, be aware that if you or your crops or your livestock suffered from recent inundations you may be eligible for State funding.

There are a range of possibilities and it is worth a look.

Since parts of Maranoa are slowly becoming "uninsurable" according to the Climate Council, any extra cash to keep things going is well received.

Sadly, a young man was found drowned in a flooded area near Ballandean late last week. He had been missing since the heavy rains and while his car was found, he was not.

It appears as if he exited his vehicle to walk through flood waters and perhaps lost his footing and succumbed. No need to remind readers to stay away from flood waters. They may look safe enough but they are rarely calm beneath.

Finally, spare a kind thought for Cr Andrew Gale who suffered a heart attack, was evacuated to Toowoomba for a stent, recovered in time to be in the shire for the flooding and then had an episode that took him back to hospital where he remains as of the time of publication. He posted

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photos of himself helping out during the floods and many would agree that maybe that was too much too soon.

Photo of Cr Andrew Gale in hospital after his heart attack.

Pink Lady down The crop forecast completed in February estimated Class 1 Pink Lady apples at approximately 70,000 tonnes, 12 per cent down on 2021. With the Pink Lady apple harvest well underway and complete in many regions, there is a strong sense that Class 1 tonnes of Pink Lady will be significantly less than originally forecast.

While a revised forecast is still being completed, growers and packers are advising that Class 1 tonnes may be more like 20 per cent down on 2021. Based on these estimations, the Class 1 tonnes would be approximately 64,000 tonnes, in line with 2019 (65,000 tonnes) and 2020 (63,000 tonnes).

Growers and packers are still recovering from the disastrous bin returns from 2021 and are looking for improvements in 2022. APAL CEO Phil Turnbull said “The volumes from 2021 are just not there this season so, assuming stable demand, we expect stronger wholesale prices in the market.” The news comes as the man who ‘created’ the pink lady a West Australian John Cripps, passed away at the very ripe age of 95...

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Keep your toes dry with beeswax waterproofing Elizabeth Voneiff editor@thedailyjournal.ink

Tired of wet toes? You can waterproof your canvas and cloth shoes at home yourself and keep them dry and mud resistant. This simple wax method will safeguard your kicks from drips and puddles in under an hour.

1.

Start with a ball of natural beeswax. Beeswax can be found in most hardware stores, or an odorless wax candle (such as a tea light) with NO COLOUR. 2.

Clean the shoes with a damp cloth. For older pairs that have seen a lot of action, it may be necessary to send them through the washer and dryer before you start waxing.

Waxing the shoes without cleaning them first will trap dirt happens to be clinging to them. Make sure the shoes are completely dry before you

proceed.

3.

Test the wax on an inconspicuous part of the shoe. Keep in mind that much of the contrast will be eliminated after the wax melts.

A colourless or offwhite type of wax will be the least conspicuous and blend smoothly.

4.

Rub the wax all over the outside of the shoe to form a thick layer over any part you want to make off-limits to moisture. Pay attention to the areas around the toe, heel, sidewalls, and laces where water tends to seep in. As the wax builds up, it will cause visible discoloration. Don't worry-this will disappear as soon as you apply heat.

5.

Set the hairdryer to high heat. The more intense the temperature, the faster and

more completely the wax will melt. Hold the nozzle close to the surface of the shoe so that the heat is better concentrated.

Go over the shoe slowly. You should notice the wax beginning to fade into the shoe almost instantly. Continue heating until the wax disappears. Wax is naturally water repellent and non-penetrating, even on the most porous materials, so it won't harm the shoes to become part of their construction.

6.

All that's left to do

now is see how well your experiment worked. Pour a cup of water over the toe section of the shoe. The water should bead up and roll right off.

Congrats! You can now go forth fearlessly no matter how soggy it gets outside.

If the water is being absorbed, you may need to apply a second and more thorough layer of wax. Be sure to wait until the shoes have dried before adding more wax.

You won't be able to go swimming in your new-andimproved shoes but getting caught in a light rain or traipsing through a paddock should no longer be a problem.

Picture shows what you will need to keep your toes in dry shoes.

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Vine scrub tour for natives enthusiasts

50 lighthorse in Allora

Krista Bjorn krista@smallnewspaper.com.au

A

nyone wanting to learn more about local vine scrubs will get the chance on Saturday 11 June with the Learning about Vine Scrubs Landcare Bus Tour. "[We'll be] talking about scrub species and biodiversity," Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group Coordinator Tanya Jobling said, "regeneration and management strategies, weed identification and control."

A guest speaker and local Landcare members will also share their knowledge on the tour.

The Learning about Vine Scrubs Landcare Bus tour will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and with seats limited, bookings are required.

Tickets are $20 per person or free for current Landcare members.

Attendees are asked to bring their

COUNTRYJOURNAL

own lunch and drinks, as well as sturdy bush shoes and a hat since walking will be required to reach the scrub areas.

Bookings can be made through the Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group Inc office.

Photo shows a scrambling caper vine. Photo by Tanglewood Natives

continued from front page of Country Journal Stand or sit along the route and watch this spectacular organised by the Allora RSL and the Southern Downs Regional Council.”

There will be a short service at the event, approximately 30 minutes, and afterwards the Thistle Pipe Band will led the Light Hose back the same route to the A l l o r a Showgrounds.

A Traffic Control Plan in place and the cafe and coffee shop will be open at the RSL for attendees to grab a cuppa or nibbles after the ceremony.

“Invite all your friend to join you in Allora,” Neale encouraged.

“Enjoy the morning watching the Light Horse and the Thistle Pipe band at their best, have a coffee, have lunch, enjoy the Best Little Town on the Downs.”

Photo on first page shows the Boer War Memorial in Allora.

Photo by Ross Neale.

Unions pressure Woolies to pressure farmers Elizabeth Voneiff editor@thedailyjournal.ink

One of the two major players in the supermarket game has signed an agreement that inches unions closer to farms.

Woolworths Group has made a deal with the Australian Workers' Union to promote "fair and ethical conditions for pickers, packers and other workers in the supply of fruit and vegetables" in Australia.

The memorandum of understanding signed by Woolworths Group and the Retail Supply Chain Alliance (which includes the AWU) will promote "decent work and gender equality across the industry", according to an announcement made last week.

The move possibly indicates another strategy by the AWU to unionise farm workers across the board.

AWU National Secretary Dan Walton said: "Consumers

want ethically sourced produce, and farm workers want a fair day's pay for a fair day's work.

"This agreement will go a long way to promoting fair and ethical conditions for pickers, packers and other workers in the supply of fruit and vegetables right across Australia."

Woolworths Group's Chief Sustainability Officer Alex Holt said: "This is an important milestone as we endeavour to partner with every level of the horticulture industry to promote fair conditions for the workers our country relies on.

"Australia's farmers work hard to feed families across the country and are valued partners in this work to support the experience of pickers, packers and other workers in the supply of fruit and vegetables.

"We know there's more progress to be made, and under our new partnership

with the Alliance we look forward to deepening our engagement with workers, labour hire providers, farmers and legislators to create better experiences for the people who help deliver great Australian produce."

Photo of Alex Holt of the Woolworths Group

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Speckle Park spectacular coming in June Staff reports editor@thedailyjournal.ink

Wattle Grove Speckle Park will once again take over the Cattle complex at the Toowoomba Showgrounds to present its Fire & Ice Sale.

Offering 60 purebred Speckle Park females from the very best pedigrees, 30 commercial F1 heifers and over 200 exceptional embryos this is a sale not to be missed.

"We pride ourselves on breeding moderate-framed, structurally correct, easy doing and highly maternal females. The strength of our program is in our cow herd and we look forward to sharing their progeny and genetics on the 4th June" Dale

Humphries, Wattle Grove Speckle Park Wattle Grove Speckle Park was established in 2008 in Central west NSW. An initial purchase of a Speckle Park bull, 30 live calves and 100 embryos from Speckle Park Cattle Co set the stud up to expand quickly with the focus being on high quality Canadian genetics.

Extensive embryo transfer programs saw the Stud expand quickly to become one of the largest Speckle Park studs in Australia. Growing from a start-up to now one of the Speckle Park breeds leaders has taken enormous commitment, belief and resilience.

"We liked the breed and knew they had a place in the industry. We also knew it would

take time to be accepted as something other than a boutique breed. In the many years of breeding Speckle Park, the breed has gone from a novelty to a serious contender in the Worldwide beef industry with runs on the board."

Wattle Grove now runs over 250 Purebred breeders across their farms in NSW, QLD, WA and Canada.

Selling an average of 100 purebred bulls and 70 purebred females each year through their sales. They also hold a genetic auction each year showcasing exclusive and elite genetic packages from Canada and Australia.

Speckle Park was chosen because of the Humphries family belief in there always being a better way to do things. They have found Speckle Park cattle do everything just that little bit better.

"Weight gains, doability, finishing and marbling on grass, perfect fat cover, high yield, hardiness and adaptability.

These were all things we knew Speckle Park to do well. It was only a matter of getting enough cattle into the industry to show everyone else what we knew."

The Fire & Ice Sale is the fourth Wattle Grove sale to be held at Toowoomba Showgrounds. "Our cattle are

bred and fed for Queensland conditions. We target slick coated animals that have the ability to walk well and are easy doing. We have had great success with both our bulls and females going into all areas in Queensland and we are happy to support our buyers by bringing the cattle to them." Bin Humphries The Humphries family will also hold their Annual Bull Sale in Toowoomba on the 15th October 2022, with over 60 Purebred bulls on offer.

The Fire & Ice Sale is on the 4th June at Toowoomba Showgrounds with inspections from 12pm. The Female auction will commence at 3pm with the genetic auction to follow at 6pm. Dinner, drinks and entertainment will be provided. Online bidding is available through Elite Livestock Auctions.

Head to www.wattlegrovespecklepark.com.au for more details..

Pictures show Speckle Park cattle.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

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Time for fires Whitefly a new Ben Boland editor@thedailyjournal.ink

While the Granite Belt at least has not yet had a hard frost, it is certainly cool and the smell of wood smoke is common in the evenings. As such it is a good time to refresh our basic fire safety, as fire has destroyed more than one home in the region. While wood fires are a risk, it is critical to remember simply not having a wood heater does not preclude a home from fire risk, indeed most house fires start in the kitchen. So please take time to not simply read this article but to consider and actively manage your fire risk.

For the sake of simplicity, there are two groups of actions we should all be undertaking: preparation and supervision.

Preparation activities include installing, and checking, smoke alarms particularly as smoke will not wake a person who is asleep.

If you have a wood fire it is important to clean your chimney: most years in the region there are multiple chimney fires. Thankfully there are a range of smoke alarms available and best practice is to have one in every room. Kitchen areas should also have a fire blanket. Please be aware fire blankets are disposable, so once they are used they should be replaced.

It is critical to regularly check any electrical appliances, and particularly those we are bringing out of storage for damage, particularly to cords. Electric blankets require especial attention as storage can damage the wiring within the blanket. Additionally, consider clothing and particularly sleep wears combustibility. This is particularly critical for kids, who may not always follow instructions to keep a safe distance, we should all keep at least one metre away from a heat source, particularly if they are cold. Last but by no means least it is critical to not

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clay target Elizabeth Voneiff editor@thedailyjournal.ink

Whitefly is a pesky problem for horticulturists in the Southern Downs but, thanks to the University of Queensland, an environmentally friendly spray that targets and kills one of the world's most damaging agricultural pests is in the testing phase.

The clay-based spray promises to be a gamechanger against whitefly, which causes billions of dollars in losses in agricultural crops. It also promises not to harm stingless bees.

Bioclay was developed over the past decade by Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) and the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and

Nanotechnology (AIBN).

Research team leader Professor Neena Mitter said it was a game-changer for crop protection because it was effective against whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), a small insect responsible for the loss of billions of dollars in agricultural crops around the world.

"Silverleaf whitefly (SLW) is considered an invasive species in the United States, Australia, Africa and several European countries and attacks more than 500 plant species including cotton, pulses, chilli, capsicum, and many other vegetable crops," Professor Mitter said.

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Continued from previous page

the sap from the plant resulting in reduced yields."

In addition, whiteflies also transmit many viruses which pose a threat to healthy crops.

Control of the pest has been difficult due to its ability to quickly develop resistance to traditional chemical pesticides.

The BioClay spray uses degradable clay particles that carry double-stranded RNA which enters the plant and protects it without altering the plant's genome.

"It is the first time the BioClay platform has been used to target sap sucking insect pests," Professor Mitter said.

"When whiteflies try to feed on the sap, they also ingest the dsRNA, which kills the insect by targeting genes essential to its survival.

"The world of RNA is not just responsible for COVID-19 vaccines, it will also revolutionise the agricultural industry by protecting plants from viruses, fungi and insect pests," she said.

To identify suitable gene targets, PhD candidate Ritesh Jain went through the global database of genome sequences.

"Initially, we had to screen hundreds of genes specific to SLW to see which ones would affect their growth," Mr Jain said.

"Importantly, the dsRNA proved harmless when fed to other insects, such as stingless bees and aphids."

The Cotton Research and Development Corporation's Senior Research and Development Manager, Susan Maas says SLW is a major pest of cotton globally

due to its ability to contaminate and downgrade lint quality.

"This innovation will support the industry to maintain Australia's reputation for producing uncontaminated, high-quality cotton in a safe and environmentally friendly way" Ms Maas said.

Hort Innovation research and development manager, Dr Vino Rajandran said the spray could give the industry another tool in

its biosecurity armoury.

"It has the potential to save growers time and money and is a great example of industry levy investment in action," Dr Rajandran said.

The researchers will now work with industry partner Nufarm Limited to test the whitefly BioClay formulation in real-world production systems.

Nufarm's Global Lead for Transformational Projects, Mike Pointon said the company was "proud to be partnering with these world leading scientists to develop cutting-edge technologies that bring new, alternative control options to farmers."

Photo of researcher Ritesh Jain from the University of Queensland.

War in Ukraine impacts local farmers Staff reports editor@thedailyjournal.ink Southern Downs farmers already facing farm labour shortages, flooding and supply chain snarls can now expect hikes in energy costs and fertiliser thanks to the RussiaUkraine War, according to a report released by Rabobank.

In the report, the agribusiness banking specialist says disruptions to trade flows from the two major agricultural powerhouses of Russia and Ukraine have had a major direct impact on global grains markets and will continue to keep global grain and food prices elevated throughout 2022 "and likely beyond".

But it is the war's impact on the key agricultural inputs of fuel and fertiliser - sending prices of both skyrocketing - which will cut into farmer margins in a range of sectors including not just grain, but also livestock and dairy, fresh pro-

duce, tree nuts and sugar, the report says.

Price impact analysis The report says the bank's analysis shows while the European Union's latest sanction plans which entail a move to ban Russian oil imports by late 2022 - will have a relatively small impact on grain and also fertiliser prices, there will be significant increases for energy prices, which are already very high, as a consequence.

Energy prices - both oil and gas - will rise further, and farmers and the food supply chain will have to prepare for continued high and volatile prices, says report author, RaboResearch general manager for Australia and New Zealand Stefan Vogel.

"For the Australian food and agri sector, the implications of the planned next round of EU sanctions on Russia are therefore more negative than positive as prices of farming outputs like grains are expected to move substantially less

upward than those of input costs like energy and, to some degree, fertiliser," he said.

"Farmers and the food supply chain will have to plan for elevated input costs, not only for fertilisers, but also because of strong energy prices."

Heavy trade disruptions for grains and oilseeds Mr Vogel said over the past two decades, Russia and Ukraine had "risen into the ranks of major powerhouses in the food and agri space" to now account for a combined share of 20 to 30 per cent of world exports of several key commodities.

While this year will not see a full loss of grains, oilseeds and fertiliser exports out of the Black Sea, Mr Vogel said, with volumes still flowing from Russia and Belarus - albeit with sanctions making trade more difficult - Ukraine's production and exports in 2022/23 are set to be heavily reduced.

"Ukraine in the 2021/22 season

without the war would have shipped about as much wheat, barley and canola to the world market as Australia in the current record season. In addition, Ukraine's corn export volumes are again about the size of the whole Australian grain and oilseed export volume," he said.

"As the war started in February 2022, Ukraine had already shipped at least half of the season's volumes. Consequently, the world has not yet felt the full impact of the heavy absence of Ukraine's supplies. However, this is about to change from July onward when Ukraine harvests its next crop."

Locally, the report said, Australian grain farmers are benefiting from increased prices, but not as much as in many other parts of the world, as the recent record Australian crop is stretching export logistics to their limits.

"Australia is therefore unable to ship much more this season, and rather is seeing local stocks rising," Mr Vogel said. "Still, for the upcoming season, and potentially seasons beyond, Australian grain and canola farmers will be benefiting from strong prices."

Fertiliser price records Global fertiliser prices reached all-time highs in early April, the report said - and not just due to the elevated grain prices, but also because Russia continued next page...

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

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COUNTRYJOURNAL GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Name a mysterious light of 8 9 10 11 12 13 16 19 21 22 23 24

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the Australian outback (3,3) To deliver a person from evil spirits, is to do what (8) Which musical term describes “having no key” (6) What is a sunroom also known as (8) What is an organism in the earlier stages of its development (6) Name a small semiaquatic salamander (4) What is a sacred song or hymn (5) Which sweet, viscid fluid is produced by bees (5) The Orient is also known as the what (4) What is a national song of patriotism (6) Which figure has seven angles and seven sides (8) Which instrument did George Harrison play (6) Name a type of appliance designed to be worn to support a damaged part of the body (8) To breathe out, is to do what (6)

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Are Big Did Dim Eye

23 24 25

of Mr Mandela (6) 5 Name an alternative term for width (7) 25 6 What is an illicit relationship called (7) DOWN 7 What is Deutschland more 2 What is a narrow strip of commonly known as (7) land bordered on both 13 Which colloquial term implies sides by water (7) that which is the most 3 What is another name for Letters value elegant, luxurious, etc (7) an axle,have spindle, a etcnumber (7)

E-QUATIONS 7

Some values are in the right hand cells.

Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

058

A A E O Y H

Man Mob Mrs Rid Rim

14 What is a large

in coloured races (7) 17 Name a large two-toed, swift-footed, flightless bird (7) 18 To look at, especially to observe closely, is to do what (7) 20 What is another term for a confused jumble (6)

I I I S G S

M E D T U G

Seats She Stems Tan Tie

Tore Tug

048

Aerogel is an ultra light, solid substance that is 99.8% air, feels squishy but retains its shape. Although it’s very strong, it can shatter like glass. Scientists have freeze-dried graphene with aerogel to develop a porous material that is so light it can balance on a dandelion!

BIYWORD

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

048

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.

T

V-G U+V Z÷A D÷D AxA F-U U+U

D T R I T E

CURIO

airfield called (7)

15 Which dark pigment occurs

E-QUATIONS

A F D G U V Z

N M B A R E

048

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally.

Some letters are used more than once.

21

4 What was the given name

MINI WORD FIND

747

CLUES: Bitumen (coll) (3) Body of water (3) Educator (7) Historic anaesthetic (5) Petty quarrels (5) Separate (5) Star sign (5) State Emergency Services (3) Top card (3) Wattles (7)

18

A A A A A A

C C E E E E

H I P R R R

S S S S T T

© Auspac Media - meq0058

B L G X O R C I S E E A R O L A R I U M D S A E W T O N H O N E Y S T S Y A N T H E M O N R B G U I T A R A L C L E X H A L E

6 7

) other term for a confused jumble (6)

5

No. 747

4

Solution CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

4 18

3

M I N M I N S A E A T O N A L H D S E M B R Y O U E N P S A L M O I E A S R L H E P T A G E O N S U R G I C T T N

9

2

BIYWORD

1

1

QUICK THINK ACROSS: 1 Flat, 5 Rare,

3 13 6

Z

GS

D G U V

E T S H E R E S R

F

c22-048

A

DOWN 1 Since 2 Narrow street 3 Field of study 4 Check

A C A C I A S

A:3, F:13, D:6, G:1, U:9, V:4, Z:18

ACROSS 1 Off-pitch 5 Hard to find 6 Singles 7 Butcher’s stock

6 Ones, 7 Meat.

A DOWN: 1 From, 2 Lane, S P © 3 Area, 4 Test.

T E A A R T

Solve the crossword.

Each answer has four letters.

SOLUTIONS

048

E-QUATIONS A:3, F:13, D:6, G:1, U:9, V:4, Z:18

QUICK THINK

M E D T U G

048

MINI WORD FIND M A N D I S A M T I T E B R I E O A I S M Y R T G S H E E S

SUDOKU

COUNTRYJOURNAL continued from previous page... and Belarus are major exporters of various fertiliser types.

"Fertiliser prices elevate with grain prices and the current high price period is not an exception," Mr Vogel said. "And while Australia does not typically import much of its fertiliser needs from the Black Sea region, we are importing most of our needs from the world market and therefore we will still face a tough fertiliser market in the coming months.

"Australia may face some temporary shortages for certain products as key import competitors like Brazil and India will also try to secure their needs in the global market "Given Australia's import dependence for fertiliser, our fertiliser chain is more vulnerable than

usual."

Energy pricing And there is no relief expected 'at the bowser' any time soon, with the bank saying energy prices face a further big price "upside" due to the EU's plan to ban Russian oil imports by late 2022.

"As Australia is a net importer of crude oil, the global energy price volatility will be felt by consumers here," Mr Vogel said. "Crude oil and diesel price increases due to the war will add to costs in farming and the supply chain.

"While crude oil prices above US100 dollars a barrel already feel expensive, a further price increase of more than 50 per cent is possible as a result of those planned EU sanctions, if they come to pass."

Freight logistics The already COVID-stressed

The Long Paddock with Gerard Walsh

Last Votes It always pays to chase the last vote as I found in a Rosenthal Shire Council election in 1979.

I stood at the age of 24 for division 2 in Rosenthal and ended up topping the poll in a field of four. The first three were elected so the order didn’t matter.

But for me, it was nice to be on top. No one else now would remember the order.

I topped the poll by one vote and found out later than two votes came from a couple who had lived in a house at Rodgers Creek and were on the Rosenthal roll but had since moved to Toowoomba.

He was a Warwick State High School teacher called Tom and when I tracked him down, they arranged to get a postal vote. I got their first preference and their next two votes were for the candidates on top of the ballot paper instead of the one at the bottom.

They told me later how they voted which put me on top of the poll.

It didn’t mean anything, not

even favouritism for deputy mayor, as there were three division and nine councillors in all.

The deputy at the time came from another division.

It has often been said that local government is closest to the people and there is no doubt about that.

The old statement about then rural councils was they were all about rates, roads and rubbish.

That has changed down the years with more and more State and Federal Government responsibilities being put on local councils.

I recall in my 12 years on council the move to put more responsibility on councils, at times councils felt they got more responsibilities but no extra funding.

For those new to the area, we have had two council amalgamations down the years.

The first amalgamated Warwick City, Rosenthal, Glengallan and Allora shires into Warwick Shire Council and the second joined Warwick and Stanthorpe councils under the Southern

11

global freight logistics system also faces more pressure from the war, the Rabobank report says.

"Shipping costs will continue to feel the impact of rising energy prices. And especially container freight, not only because of the war but also due to continued COVIDrelated disruptions like lockdowns, especially in China, and continued labour shortages."

The report says container freight prices remain significantly elevated due to the ongoing impacts of COVID, and "it will likely take two or more years to unwind congestion around the world and for freight rates to move back down closer to historic levels".

"Russia's war in Ukraine though has so far not added much to fuel the fire of container freight costs as the region is a rather small shipper

of containerised goods," Mr Vogel said.

Other farm sectors Mr Vogel said Australia's livestock and dairy sectors are also indirectly impacted by the RussiaUkraine war through higher input costs from feed, fertiliser and energy.

"Neither Russia nor Ukraine are major importers or exporters of beef, dairy, pork or poultry though, so global trade flows of animal protein have not been disrupted anywhere close to the magnitude of grain trade disruptions," he said.

Similarly, the report says, Australia's fresh produce and tree nut sectors will feel indirect cost impacts from fertiliser and energy.

Downs Regional Council.

Even though I had no thought of becoming a newspaper reporter at the time, I did stand up for the media once or twice when the reporter was asked to leave the room for a confidential discussion.

There are things that are commercial in confidence which have to be behind closed doors but I have a view that a lot more discussions should be out in the open.

In my first meeting at the council, someone renting a home in the area wrote a letter to the council in which he stated that council was trying to run water uphill.

The council passed the letter around the meeting rather

than read it and I demanded it be read with other correspondence.

The reporter was at the meeting at the time and it ended up in the Daily News next day with a councillor standing up for a resident and his right to be heard.

Less rain Interesting how the major rain event of a week or two ago had less impact in the grazing area west of Warwick.

We had only 29mm at Greymare, 30km west of Warwick, but for once we weren’t complaining we were less than most in the area.

That meant there was no flood and no creek crossings to repair. And it is wet enough.

12

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Wet keeps markets quiet Ross Ellis McDougall and Sons The floods and the access to rural properties saw the decision to cancel the weekly cattle sale with many vendors unable to muster or transport stock. The Sheep & Lamb sale as well as the Pig & Calf and Poultry sales proceeded as normal but again with reduced numbers.

Sheep and Lamb numbers were on a par with last week with 859 head at the sale .

Lambs topping at $250 to average $184.65 a jump of $23/head week on week Hoggets topped at $230 to average $166.53 a drop of $37/ head week on week Ewes topped at $151 to average $98.64 a drop of $22 /head week on week

Wethers topped at $186 to average $177.57 a drop of $13/head week on week Rams topped at $300 to average $188.70 a jump of $7/head week on week Ewe & Lamb units sold to $242 which was par week on week Lamb rams topped at $130 to average $104 a drop of $39 week on week Ewe lambs topped at $207 to

average $202.88 a rise of $20/ head week on week Pig & Poultry numbers were down this week with Boars making to $131, L/Pork to $168, Stores from $ 31 to $138, Guinea Fowl units selling to $20, Pullets selling to $12.50, Roosters selling to $17.50, Hens selling to $20, Geese selling to $22.50 Ducks selling to $12.50, Gander selling to $25

about 20 minutes until grapes have burst their skins. With a potato masher, squish the fruit to extract all the juice, then strain through cheesecloth and let cool to room temperature.

Stir in ½ cup of whey (or ¼ tsp champagne yeast), pour into swing top bottles and leave for 2-3 days until fizzy. Make sure to open the lids at least once a day to prevent explosions.

When fizzy, place in fridge to chill and slow down the fermentation. Drink cold.

Roasted Grape Tart Roasting grapes may seem like a bizarre thing to do, but it really is a wonderful way to use up a lot of grapes or ones that have gone a bit soft. The roasting intensifies their sweetness and makes them a perfect topping for a tart or filling for a pie.

Crust This tart crust is quick and easy.

Simply stir together flour, lemon thyme leaves, brown sugar, and almond extract then pour in melted butter and mix until no flour is visible.

Press evenly into a 23cm tart pan, bake until golden brown then set aside to cool completely.

Almond Cream The cream filling is simply made by softening crème fraiche or mascarpone, stirring in maple syrup and almond extract and spreading it evenly into the cooled tart shell.

Roasted grapes Simply toss fresh, seedless

grapes with a bit of olive oil, sea salt, and raw sugar, maple syrup, or honey until evenly coated. Then pour them in a single layer on a baking sheet, tuck in a few sprigs of lemon thyme and roast a good 20-30 minutes until they've softened beautifully.

Remove from the oven and cool completely before using.

Assembly Once all the components of the tart are cooked and cooled, set the tart shell on a serving platter and fill evenly with the almond cream. Then scoop up roasted grapes with a slotted spoon and place atop the almond cream, reserving the pan juices to serve with the tart.

Just before serving, sprinkle the tart with fresh lemon thyme leaves and edible flowers.

Roasted Grape Tart Ingredients: Crust: 1 cup wholemeal flour 3 Tbsp brown sugar 1/2 tsp lemon thyme leaves ½ tsp salt 1 tsp almond extract ½ cup butter, melted Roasted Grapes 4 cups seedless grapes, washed and stems removed 1 Tbsp olive oil 3 Tbsp raw sugar or honey or maple syrup ¼ tsp salt 1 bunch lemon thyme, broken into branches Almond Cream: 1 cup mascarpone, softened 1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tsp almond extract Directions: Crust: Preheat oven to 190C. In medium bowl, stir together flour, sugar, thyme, lemon pepper, and salt. Add almond extract and melted butter and stir until dough forms.

Press dough evenly into a 9-inch tart shell with removable bottom.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

Set aside to cool completely.

Grapes: Preheat oven to 200C. Spread grapes evenly on baking paper lined baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sugar, salt, and lemon thyme branches.

Roast for 25-30 minutes.

Set aside to cool completely.

Almond Cream: In small bowl, stir together softened mascarpone, maple syrup, and almond extract.

Cover and keep at room temperature while other components cool.

Assembly: When all components are at room temperature, fill the pastry shell with almond cream, top evenly with roasted grapes, and garnish with lemon thyme leaves and flowers.

Chill until ready to serve!

Experimenting with grapes Krista Bjorn

krista@smallnewspaper.com.au

W

henever I'm in Stanthorpe, I make time to stop at local fruit and veg shops to pick up boxes of whatever is in season to take back home.

This week I scored a whole box full of seedless green grapes, brought them home and then wondered how on earth two of us we're going to eat an entire box of grapes before they went off.

So, I brewed a cup of coffee, cosied in to Bear's big, green armchair with my notebook and pen and started scribbling grape-y ideas.

I considered grape jelly, but I already have way too many jars of white peach jam and pear ginger jam to get through.

I thought of juicing the grapes and freezing the juice, but that didn't sound very exciting.

Finally, I landed on two ideas that would use up all the grapes and result in something unique and scrumptious: fermented grape soda and a roasted grape tart.

Fermented Grape Soda I make a fermented lime soda every year that is absolutely delicious, but I've never tried a grape one before and was eager to try. It turned out beautifully.

Light, effervescent and so refreshing. Simply simmer 4 cups of grapes with 2 litres of water and 1 cup of sugar for