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CountryJournal Week commencing August 16th 2021

Ancient grain breakthrough

Here come the drones

Here come the drones...playing an increasingly important role in agriculture...particularly during the current wet weather, when you hardly can get a conventional tractor out into the paddock. Page. 6.

Sorghum advances partly leaning on research conducted at the Hermitage Research Station east of Warwcik have lead could lead to grain crops that are more resistant to disease and better able to adapt to stress. Sorghum, a $250 million crop in Queensland alone, is amongst the crops likely to benefit from a pan-genome mapping of ancient cereal grain, in a project run by the University of Queensland and E warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au funded by the Queensland government. Full story, back page of the Country Journal.

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Beyond the gloom & doom

The 6th IPCC report on climate change makes grim reading, and contains more than a hint for what the future holds for Australia and Australian agriculture. Beyond the gloom and doom, what can be done? Inside back page, this edition.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Country briefs Connect with Pacific workers The Queensland government has set up a Pacific Labour Scheme/Seasonal Worker Programme for agriculture "engagement hub" online in order to get the latest information and instructions to growers in the State in a timely fashion.

prospective employers to connect with information, as well as provide information to host community leaders and service providers, share experiences and information with support workers entering Queensland, publicise upcoming events, update COVID information and enable feedback. To access the hub, click on daf.engagementhub.com.au/aglabour.

Foetal blood prices continue to rise due to the low supply of slaughter Meat and Livestock Australia also females with a per litre price increase reports that the sale of “co-products,” of $115, or 27% to currently sit at $530 a litre. “This can be expected to BRING IN THIS AD FOR 30 continue on the domesTHIS SPECIAL PRICE LIMIT 10 PER CUSTOMER tic front” assures the *Offer Voucher redeemable once only. Offer valid until 24/08/2021. peak body.

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The site reports that Queensland Strawberrie’s $100,000 labor lottery initiative has seen more than 4,100 people sign up to work on farms since launching in April. However, Queensland remains at least 1,000 workers short with the unfolding Delta strain situation preventing would-be workers from travelling interstate just before the peak AugustSeptember season. According to QSGA president Adrian Schultz, the success of the lottery campaign has provided farmers with just enough labor to get through the month of June.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

COVID is bad enough, but now residents of the Southern Downs are warned that another virus is stalking the region.

More cattle on feed According to Meat & Livestock Australia, the number of cattle on feed increased in the June quarter to 1,173,652, up 16.2% on year-ago levels with the number of cattle on feed for the June quarter is 11% higher than the five-year quarter average. The peak body reports that feedlots provide production certainty in a disrupted COVID environment. Certainty has been attractive to everyone in the supply chain and has supported domestic and global production. Previous March quarter results reflected that 47% of cattle slaughtered were coming out of feedlots. While these statistics will not be available until Friday 20 August, historically high percentages of grainfed slaughter are excepted to continue, as retention of cattle on grass promotes a significant grainfed proportion.

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Southern Downs residents are reminded to practice good hygiene, after a number of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus cases were reported across the region. To date there have been 10 cases of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus or LCMV, confirmed in the Darling Downs Public Health Unit area. This is significant as previously LCMV was not known to be a problem in Australia with a case being identified in New South Wales in March 2021. LCMV is transmitted by mice and can spread to humans with symptoms including severe headaches and in rare cases meningitis. Meningitis, an inflammation in the brain and spinal cord caused by a virus or bacteria. Viral meningitis may cause headaches, fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Pregnant women are particularly at risk with evidence showing that the virus can affect unborn babies and may cause miscarriage. Public Health Unit Senior Medical Officer Dr Liam Flynn said the recent LCMV cases coincided with an increase in rodent activity in the local area. “We have seen an increase in rodents, particularly mice, in our

rural areas,” Dr Flynn said. “Human infections are usually caused by exposure to an infected animal through the unintentional ingestion or inhalation of its urine or excrement. This includes nesting materials, urine, droppings, and saliva. Dr Flynn said Mice plague in Australia is causing health concerns. the best way to avoid getting LCMV was frequent hand washing, particularly before eating and thorough cleaning of the areas where rodents have been. “Good hygiene practices like washing your hands before eating, discouraging mice from in and around your home, and keeping areas clean, are the best methods of prevention.” LCMV is a virus and usually improves on its own, but it is still important to see a doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13 452 584) if you are feeling unwell.

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Rodent plague causing spike in virus cases

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

FACE TO FACE with gerard walsh

Ross Bell

President of the Condamine Sports Club

ROSS Bell has worked in the fami- our livestock at Yangan. GW: Who are your buyers? ly butchery business at 84A Pratten St for almost 50 years. RB: Rohan Hancock buys

our beef, Brett Shelley sources our lamb and we get pork through Angus Gross. GW: What preferences as to breed? RB: Our preference is for Angus cattle and Dorper lambs. GW: What has been the feature of your business down the years? RB: We get great support from the people of Warwick. We are in a back street and are still in business after more than 40 years so must be doing something right. GW: How did COVID-19 impact on your business? RB: We did more business after the pandemic hit. People seemed to want to buy away from the shopping centre. We deliver all the time to wholesale and retail customers which is an important part of the business. GW: What is your biggest seller? RB: Steak but we also get fresh fish on a Thursday. GW: Have you thought of living anywhere else? Published, Printed, Designed, Owned, Administered....here RB: No, I love Not London. Not New York. Warwick and wouldn’t live anyMain phone number: where else. Everything in 07-4641 7953 Warwick is easy to Head office: 69 Dragon St Warwick get to, I like the idea I A.C.N. 167 171 217 can walk down town

“I started working in the shop when I was 10 and I am almost 60 now,” Ross said. He went to school at St Mary’s, the then Christian Brothers College and finished his education with two years at Warwick State High School. After working for a year at what is now John Dee, Ross started work in the family butchery which his parents Allan and Kath had bought in 1966. Ross and wife Trish (nee Ryan from Clintonvale) bought the business from his parents in 1995 and three months later bought the house next door for their residence. The business is now called R and P Bell Butchers. He played rugby league, squash and is now a regular at the Warwick Golf Club course. Ross is the current president of the Condamine Sports Club and has no intention of moving from Warwick. Gerard Walsh: Where do you source meat for your butchery business? Ross Bell: We buy locally and process

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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!

and people know me and I know them. GW: What about your sport? RB: I played squash for 30 plus years and have been involved in the Warwick Golf Club for more than 30 years. GW: When do you play golf? RB: I play sporters on a Wednesday afternoon and play some Saturdays. Trish and I sometimes play a social round on a Sunday, I got her into the sport two years ago. GW: What is your handicap? RB: My lowest has been eight but I don’t play enough to keep it at eight. My handicap is now 12. I love matchplay and won B-grade a couple of years ago and was runner-up in an A-grade final to Declan Murphy. I lost on the 17th. GW: What about your rugby league? RB: I was a front rower and won a Warwick and District St George Cup premiership one year with Collegians in reserve grade. I played A-grade and reserve grade that year. GW: What was the difference in scrums from the 1970s and 1980s to the present?

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COUNTRYJOURNAL RB: I was a loose head prop and along with the hooker had to win the ball in the scrum in those days. GW: Your father Allan ‘Blondie’ Bell is rated one of the best rugby league players from the area. Did you see your father play footy? RB: I didn’t see Dad play but many people have told me he was a great footballer and in these times would have gone on to bigger and better things. He was modest about his ability. He played in a Queensland Possibles and Probables game and broke his sternum which could have cost him a spot in the Queensland team. GW: What about the transformation of the former Langham Hotel to the Condamine Sports Club? RB: I went to the Langham when I was playing rugby league for Collegians, my Dad also liked a drink at the Langham. GW: What has been your involvement with the Condamine Sports Club? RB: I was the netball representative on the sports club from about 2006 and have been on the executive for around 10 years. GW: As the current chairman, how are things going with the Condamine Sports Club. RB: I enjoy being involved in the club. We

bought two shops to the north of the club for renovation and should have the new area ready by October. We will be able to seat another 100 patrons for dinner. During the COVID-19 lockdown, we had to only use every second poker machine. After the work is finished, we will have the same number of poker machines but there will be more room between machines to facilitate social distancing. We will come through the renovations/ extensions and out the other side in the black. GW: What about the long term? RB: We are putting a slab floor on top of the extensions so a future club committee could put in a second storey. There are provisions for stairs and lifts for any future developments. GW: What about your staff? RB: Ian Skillen was our longest serving general manager. When he started, there was no money for upgrades but he made it work. It is a testament to him, past committee members and staff for the work they have done to grow the club to where it is today. Ian set up the platform for current general manager Stephen Domjahn to continue the work. Stephen is our youngest general manager and he is doing a great

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job. We buy local, support locals and the locals support us back. GW: Tell us about the member clubs? RB: The member clubs are netball, hockey, rugby union, cricket and rugby league and they each have a turn once in five weeks to run Friday night raffles. GW: What is the future of Warwick? RB: I see a strong future for Warwick. It is great to see more of the main street shops filling up and a resurgence in real estate values. GW: Your family grew up in Warwick, how was that? RB: Our kids had great opportunities growing up in Warwick. They played lots of sport and received a great education in Warwick at St Mary’s and Assumption. Steve is a Pharmacist on the Sunshine Coast, Melissa is a Speech Pathologist and moved back to Warwick with her family 12 months ago and Dannica is a Nurse Manager at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. It's great for Trish and I to see our two granddaughters growing up in Warwick too. GW: Was there a chance any of the children would have gone into the business? RB: I told them to study hard, which they did, or they might end up a butcher!

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Drones enter ag workforce

The uptake of drone use in the agriculture sector has taken off in recent years, as primary producers realise the benefits of taking to the skies.

“Drones can do what farmers have been doing for a long time, more efficiently and in environments that are difficult to access,” Drone Commander Australia Chief Remote Pilot Roger Woods said. There are numerous benefits of relying on drone technology, with the ability of drones to cover great distances in a short space of time, as well as to fly over difficult to access terrain and waterways often the first coming to mind. Drones also have the ability to provide a different perspective or view and can easily be used to check assets on your property such as roofs, gutters, sheds, silos, solar panels and property boundaries. In terms of agriculture, drones are opening up new possibilities to increase their crop yield with better farming applications and real time access to information.

Agricultural drones are able to carry loads of pesticides and other liquids and even fly longer and faster, covering at least a hectare in just a minute. Drones have even proved to be effective in herding cattle. Based out of Greenmount, Drone Commander Australia, operated by Chief Remote Pilot Roger Woods, is a specialist in rural drone applications having developed a range of drones, control systems, payloads and training packages for agricultural and other specialist drone use. A former helicopter pilot, Mr Woods, who has seen the unmanned aerial vehicle industry grow extensively over the past decade, said drone technology is the way of the future. “I started out as a helicopter pilot before getting into model aircrafts years ago and from there I could see what drones could potentially do on a farm, and that’s where we went,” Mr Woods said. “We primarily specialise in spreading and spraying operations.

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“In terms of spreading, we can spread seeds and mouse bait. “We can spread both light and heavy seeds, however heavy seeds may require some ground work. “In terms of spraying, we can spray all types of chemicals such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. “Recently our work has consisted of battling the mice plague, planting crops and spraying crops.” Mr Woods, who is also a farmer, has operated in the agricultural space in the past five years. “People tend to be cautious at first, but once they see what the drones can do, they tell their neighbours about it. “While we advertise locally, the majority of our new business comes from word of mouth.” While the vast majority of his work is primarily in South East Queensland and occasionally across the border New South Wales, Mr Woods regularly conducts operations across the Southern Downs. “We are very busy around the local area, we got so much on here.”

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Lifesaving workshops

LifeFlight is offering two "First Minutes Matter" workshops on the Southern Downs, a free safety education program that could save a life. Learn from RACQ LifeFlight rescue critical care doctors and paramedics as they are invaluable knowledge and practical tips for dealing with trauma incidents. We all know accidents are common on farms and rural properties and patient outcomes are dramatically improved by actions taken in the first minutes after a trauma incident, before emergency crews arrive. The workshops will be held in Warwick, on 9 November, at the Warwick Senior Citizens Hall, Albert Street and on 10 November at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre, Marsh and Lock Streets and the Millmerran Cultural Centre on 11 November, the Texas Sports Centre on the 30 November. To register, visit https://www.lifeflight.org. au/first-minutes-matter-workshops#first-minutes-matter-register

NSW harvest in doubt NSW farmers are sitting on fields of broccoli, cauliflower and Romanesco, with nowhere to sell them, as the restaurants they supply in Sydney and the Hunter Valley closed in the recent massive lockdown. Some of the produce is ready to be eaten now and more will be ready for harvest every week for the next two months. If these vegetables cannot be sold to urban restaurants soon, many farmers will be forced to plough all of them into the ground. They've already had to plough some of them in, and with news that the Hunter lockdown is unlikely to end with more cases announced daily, it is doubtful their supply chains will reopen any time soon.

Some farmers are selling their vegetables directly to the public in weekly boxes delivered from the farm and some are being sold through the Slow Food Earth market, but the majority may never be eaten.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Our second load of feedlot pellets has been delivered to our farm at Greymare for the 10 steers we have on grain. With just 10 cattle in a 4-hectare paddock, we don’t need all the special feedlot approvals. We have a second feedlot paddock with about 10 hectares in which we have fed up to 40 cattle. I like seeing the cattle putting on condition and often aim for the feeder market which is pretty hot at present. We get grain in bulk so the main hassles are checking the water and making sure there is some roughage. The first roughage we used was two bales of barley stubble left over from the drought. We have now used some sudan hay which would definitely be better quality than the barley stubble. Most feedlotters will say that you don’t need good quality hay, just something to help the cattle digest the grain. I don’t think we will ever go full scale into putting cattle on grain as we don’t have the type of soil to grow quality grain or have round bales of hay or stubble. The main thing is you don’t have any losses and I can only recall losing one beast on grain. Certainly if you lose one out of a small mob, that is clearly all the profit gone. Things have definitely changed with the growth of the feedlot industry. I once won a class for six-tooth steers in the prime cattle section at the Warwick Show with a Hereford that weighted more than 600 kilometres. I reckoned at the time that keeping the steer for another three months for the show gained us another $300 as the market rose that summer. Now we wouldn’t be a hope in hell of a ribbon with a six-tooth bullock of that weight. We have four show ribbons at our place,

The Long Paddock with Gerard Walsh

three for wool and one for cattle. I had a quick look at the ribbons a few weeks ago and noticed one of the wool ribbons was at the Clifton Show and two were from the Warwick Show. We only ever placed in wool classes so no blue wool ribbons for first. Our most interesting and worrying time feeding cattle on grain was from September, 2019, to March, 2020, which happened to be the worst of the drought and the start of me not having a fulltime job. We had all our cows and a few calves on a grain feeder which was adjusted to change the intake. It was interesting most the cows were getting fat and we did sell the best one but at the same time we lost two cows. My theory was that the bosses in the mob were chasing the two worst cows away from the grain and the roughage that we

were feeding out was no good without the protein in the grain. We had more than 40 cows in a 220-hectare paddock, not the usual size paddock for grain feeding, but it was a case of putting the cattle near water and close enough to the road to have feedlot pellets delivered. I don’t follow grain prices week in, week out, but there seems to be some discussion that the loss in grain crops due to mice will increase the price of grain. The more grain on the market, the lower the price, that is the rationale for the prices of all agricultural commodities. We did travel to Stanthorpe for a sale earlier this year but the market was too hot even for me. Olympics over It was exciting to watch the Australian Boomers win their first Olympic men’s basketball medal, a bronze, at Tokyo. After four fourths, it was time for a medal and what a champion Paddy Mills has become in world basketball. I remember watching the Boomers in a game in Geelong at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006. As for our athletes, great to see Harriet Hudson win bronze and Matthew Denny come fourth in the discus. Both are young enough to compete in more Olympics and the Paris Games are now only three years away. Photo, Gerard Walsh

COUNTRYJOURNAL

It’s Birthday Month Celebrations for Choices Flooring Owners, Duane and Jodie Brown! IN August 2020, Duane and Jodie become proud owners of Choices Flooring in Warwick. Question - What has the past 12 months been like for you as owners? Answer - “It has been amazing! We have been overwhelmed with the incredible support and can’t believe that 12 months have flown by - we are loving the journey we have embarked on together. As a team, we thoroughly enjoy giving customers our thoughts and honest opinions on how to bring their ideas to life and improve their homes. We have tiles, blinds, shutters, curtains, external blinds and all types of soft and hard flooring to choose from. We have a vast range of tiles on display and are constantly adding new tiles with our 15+ suppliers we have to choose from. We can be sure to find the tile you are looking for. Whilst instore, check out our Mood Inspiration Blind display stand for ideas on types of blinds and curtains we have to offer. Choices Flooring as a group are constantly sourcing new products with the latest trends. This month they have launched an awesome magazine to inspire even the most overwhelmed renovator or new build. To celebrate our first birthday, simply spend $250 with us and go into the draw to win a

rug of your Choice to the value of $700. Call in store and say “hi” to one of our friendly staff and pick up your free magazine. We would love to see you. The Choice really is yours!” Duane & Jodie

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Council funding to celebrate local hall events The Dalveen Hall was re-built in 1934 after fire claimed the original. The Freestone Hall (pictured) was originally a School of Arts, built in 1900, and moved to its current location in 1921. Small town halls are part of the heartbeat of regional life and now hall committees across the region can access to funding to bring their local community together. Southern Downs Regional Council has secured $7,500 in funding to support five events and activities at small town community halls across the region. The funding, provided by the Queensland Government’s Community Drought Support Program 2020-21, will support five community hall committees in hosting, in collaboration with Council, a community event to bring the community together to empower and build resilience with the support of others around them.

Southern Downs Councillor Sheryl Windle said Council was looking forward to working in partnership with interested community hall committees to bring their event ideas to life. “The regions’ small towns always relish the opportunity to engage and the local community halls are the hubs that provide the social space and meeting point to con-

nect as a community,” Cr Windle said. “While most rural dams are full thanks to recent rain events, drought recovery is ongoing as the agricultural sectoral rebuilds, and through this grant, small towns will have the opportunity to host inclusive events or activities that enhance their proud and traditional community spirit. “Through this grant, Council will have the support of leading drought agencies who will also attend the events and it is a great chance for our rural residents to interact with relevant support networks in an informal and relaxed, family-friendly environment.” Community hall committees are invited to register their interest by e-mailing Council’s Community Development Officer at dani.kinnear@sdrc.qld.gov.au or by calling 0427 974 283.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Real Estate

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Potential to subdivide 1325m² lot • 1960’s Timber 3 built-in bed home • Window aircons in lounge & main b/rm • Lounge media off entry hall • Open-plan tiled living has aircon • Kitchen has slow combustion + elec . appliances, bench space & pantry • Bath has shower over bath, separate toilet • Laundry utility, ramp to yard • Close to Private schools, golf course & sports fields

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INVESTORS: Renting at $275 per week

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• Reno 4 bed, built-ins, aircon • Good kitchen/ dining • Big lounge living • Hallway storage • Shower over bath, separate toilet • Laundry downstairs • Fenced 647m² yard, new colorbond shed • Front deck with shade-sail • On city bus route, close to schools & shops

INVESTORS: Rent is $280 per week

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INVESTORS: Renting at $300 per week

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• 4 bed brick & tile, all built-in • Main bed has ensuite/walk-in robe • Media off entry • Open plan living with slider to undercover entertaining • Mod con kitchen has electric appliances • Dedicated laundry • Remote double garage • Rain water tank in fully fenced backyard on 820m² in cul-de-sac EXTRA:- Single detached colorbond shed with vehicle access gate

Well-maintained home in an estate where comfort is king . • 3 bedrooms, all built-in • Main bedroom has ensuite • Open-plan living with slider to undercover entertaining • Atrium windows above modern electric kitchen • Laundry in garage • Rain water tank in enclosed courtyard

INVESTORS: Renting at $500 p/w

STOP URGENT!! WE NEED RENTAL PROPERTY IN GOOD REPAIR PRESS Call …Helen Harm Real Estate 4661 3663

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$299,000 • 3 bed, north facing verandah • Main bedroom has built-ins • Separate lounge has wood fire • Modern kitchen dining combo • Split system air-con • Solar hot water • Entertainment area • Double garage • 3 fenced paddocks

INVESTORS: Currently renting at $300 per week

53 FITZROY STREET, WARWICK www.helenharm.com

INVESTORS: Renting at $280 per week

RURAL ACREAGE

$500,000 Set up for horses - dam, bore feeding tanks, water troughs in each paddock • 10 .45 ha fenced to paddocks & laneways • Main sheds - 20m x 8m, 12m x 5m, 4 bay garage/workshop/shed • 3 bed hardiplank – open plan • Electric kitchen, dining & family • Fully screened north facing full length verandah • Large bathroom, separate toilet & laundry

LAND • WARWICK - 2851m², high profile Commercial, flat block, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . . . . . .$427,000 • WARWICK - 1330 m², near facilities, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$185,000 • WARWICK - 1 .16 Ha on spring fed creek, bitumen frontage, power, fenced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$189,000 • MARYVALE - 2023m², power nearby, school, bitumen road frontage, VIEW . . . . - Under Contract . . . . . . .$85,000 • MARYVALE - 3642m², power available, character with gully, VIEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50,000 • LEYBURN - 2965m², power available, close to school, VIEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - SOLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50,000 • HENDON - 3819m², adjoining blocks, 2 deeds, power at road, new home area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$80,000 • PRATTEN - 4047m² (2 available), bitumen road, water & power available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$90,000

See www.helenharm.com for more listings

0408 457 496

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Krista’s Country Tea bombs are the bomb If you've ever wondered how to make tea bombs for your next festive tea event, today's the day we master it together. Tea bombs are simply hard candy shells filled with loose tea leaves that you cover with hot water until the shells melt and the tea infuses the water. They can be coloured in your favourite jewel tones and made in a variety of shapes to suit your décor or party theme. To me they look like crystals, glistening and luminous, especially if your tea party is held outside where the sun can shimmer through the transparent shells. There's nothing unique about the flavor of a tea bomb cuppa since it can easily be achieved by simply adding sugar to your cup of tea, but the fun is in the process and the magic of watching the delicate sugar shells melt, releasing the tea leaves into the water. How to Make Tea Bombs Tea bombs can be made in two ways: super simple or a wee bit harder. The super simple way is by using isomalt. Isomalt is made from beet sugar and melts easily, stays crystal clear after melting, and doesn't require any thermometers or additional ingredients to make the perfect tea bomb shells. The harder way is using sugar mixed with water and glucose (or corn syrup or honey) and heated to a specific temperature so the sugar stays clear and holds its shape. Perhaps one day I'll try the harder way, but for

with Krista Bjorn

my first time, I decided to stick with the isomalt. You can find isomalt online or in party supply stores or hospitality supply shops. It's definitely

more expensive than sugar, but you don't need to use much so, for me, the expense is well worth the ease of use. Preparation Making tea bombs is super quick and easy if you take a few minutes to set out all your tools and ingredients first. You'll need to be close to the stove, so set up just to the side and you'll be good to go. I do recommend wearing gloves while you work. Melted isomalt is very hot and can burn you if you're not careful. I used dish gloves and they worked a treat. They're thick enough to protect from the heat and thin enough to allow me to easily manoeuvre the tea bombs. Making the Shells You can use any shape of silicone moulds to make your tea bombs. From spheres and hearts to flowers and jewels, the options are numerous. I chose a canister shape for mine since that's what I had at home. Just make sure they're big

enough to hold 1 tsp of loose tea leaves. Isomalt cools quickly, so you'll be making 1 shell at a time so the mixture doesn't go stiff before you've spread it around the mould. I used a stainless steel spoon to scoop out one teaspoon of melted isomalt for each mould. I then dipped a skewer in food colouring, swirled it quickly through the melted isomalt to give a swirl of colour instead of solid, then used the skewer to evenly spread the isomalt up the sides of the mould. Repeat this process until the isomalt is used up, then set the mould in the freezer for a few minutes while you clean up. Isomalt is sticky and requires hot, soapy water to remove. You'll be using your saucepan for the next step, so clean it well then return it to the stove top. Remove the shells from the freezer and clean up any rough edges or rims by setting each shell upside down in the warm saucepan to melt and smooth the rough spots. Once they're tidied up, place 1 tsp of loose leaf tea into half of the shells. I used a mixture of tea for my tea bombs, a fruity strawberry tea, banana bread dessert tea, and a coconut chai. Once the shells are filled, take an empty shell and place it upside down in the warm pan just long enough to melt the rim. Then place it atop a filled shell and press gently to seal. Repeat until all shells are topped. If the seams are rough, just place them in the warm pan again and roll along the seam to smooth it out. When you're ready to serve, place one tea bomb into a small teapot, preferably clear glass, and pour over one cup of just boiled water. Watch the tea bomb melt and the tea leaves float to the surface. Steep 3-5 minutes, stir well, then pour through strainer into your tea cup.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL Tea Bombs Recipe Ingredients: ½ cup isomalt food colouring loose leaf tea Tools: small silicone moulds skewer shallow saucepan stainless steel spoon rubber gloves Directions: Place saucepan over medium heat and add isomalt. Stir occasionally until completely melted. Reduce heat to lowest temperature. Place silicone mould on counter and place 1 tsp of melted isomalt in the bottom. Dip skewer in food colouring and swirl into isomalt and use skewer to evenly spread isomalt up the sides of the mould. Repeat until isomalt is used up. Set mould in freezer while you clean out the saucepan with hot water and soap. Return saucepan to burner over lowest heat setting. Remove mould from freezer and carefully remove the tea bomb shells and arrange on a platter. If

the edges are uneven, put on gloves then gently place in warm saucepan upside down until edges melt and smooth, then replace on platter. Repeat until all edges are smooth and even. Place one teaspoon of loose leaf tea into half of the tea bomb shells. Take an empty shell, place upside down in warm saucepan just enough to melt the rim, then place carefully atop a tea-filled shell and press gently to seal. Repeat until all shells are topped. If the seam is rough, carefully place the tea bomb in the warm saucepan and roll along the seam until it is smooth. Repeat until all tea bombs are sealed smoothly. Place one tea bomb into a small teapot, preferably clear glass, and pour over one cup of just boiled water. Watch the tea bomb melt and the tea leaves float to the surface. Steep 3-5 minutes, stir well, then pour through strainer into your tea cup.

Livestock markets

Contributed by Ross Ellis McDougall & Sons

Agents yarded 715 head of cattle and 1122 head of sheep and lambs for the weekly sales. Prices were fully firm to a shade dearer for most ranges, with restockers still pushing the processors for the available stock. Poultry and pig numbers were back with the orders starting to stall after recent lockdowns. Vealer steers averaged 602.3c to a top of 728.2c/kg or $1480.86 to a top of $1930.27 Vealer heifers averaged 502.7c to a top of 596.2c/kg or $1321.07 to a top of $1781.93 Feeder steers averaged 514.10c to a top of 570c/kg or $2104.53 to a top of $2714.61 Feeder heifers averaged 433c to a top of 496.2c/kg or $1672.37 to a top of $2152.75 Yearling steers averaged 569.1c to a top of 630c/kg or $1826.41 to a top of $2298.03 Yearling heifers averaged 477.3c to a top of 540c/kg or $1538.02 to a top of $2127.99 Steers averaged 392.8 to a top of 484.2c/kg or $2225.17 to a top of

$2775.62 Heifers averaged 357.1c to a top of 444.2c/kg or $1569.46 to a top of $2395.26 Cows averaged 318.2c to a top of 370c/kg or $1885.83 to a top of $2893.32 Bulls averaged 415.4c to a top of 770.2c/kg or $2181.99 to a top of $3619.94 Lambs topped at $245 to average $189.45 /head a rise of $18 av week on week Hoggets topped at $220 to average $173.63/head a drop of $9 av week on week Ewes topped at $220 to average $150.29/head a rise of $36 av week on week Wethers topped at $200 to average $$170.71 a rise of $17 av week on week Rams topped at $306 to average $167.68 a rise of $12 av week on week Ram lambs topped at $150 to average $136.67 a drop of $12 av week on week Sale average was $185.70 a rise of $19/ head average week on week Geese sold to $30, Drakes to $25,Ducklings to $27.50, Hens to $25, roosters to $20, Chicks to $30 Sows sold to $336, Gilts to $252, pork to $168, stores from $100 to $131 per head

Who’s on the hook for cost overruns in Emu Swamp Dam? The Federal and State Governments have capped their commitments to the Emu Swamp Dam (see Southern Free Times, 16 October 2019). That leaves local growers and the Southern Downs Regional Council exposed to the considerable risk of cost overruns in constructing the dam. Mayor Pennisi was quoted in Stanthorpe Today on 10/06/2021 saying it was important not to assume there will be cost overruns, as there “may not be”. To see how badly dam costs can blow out on a joint irrigator & Council dam, have a look at the case study of Waimea Community Dam on our website www.powemuswamp.org/our-questions

THAT’S A BIG GAMBLE! The recent draft report from the Australian Productivity Commission cautioned that "the median and mean cost overruns (relative to immediate pre construction estimates) were 49% and 120% respectively for a sample of 40 historical projects.”

If these numbers are applied to Emu Swamp Dam, it would mean the $84M price tag in early feasibility studies could ultimately end up with a final cost of $125M to $185M.

What Can You Do? Contact the Mayor and Councillors and ask them to be open and transparent about the risk and impact this investment will have on your council rates, and to commit to holding public information sessions in both Warwick and Stanthorpe about the dam and the real risk to Council and ratepayers.

Who Are We? We are a group of concerned locals who live in the Granite Belt. We have no political affiliation or agenda. We chipped in to pay for this ad. Contact us via the website if you want more information. For more information, get involved, to read our (un-answered) letters to the SDRC or to find out why this dam should be left to the irrigators and not Council, please go to our website:

www.PowEmuSwamp.org

PROTECT OUR WATER

COUNTRYJOURNAL

weather snapshot The big news in weather this last week was a dire report, the sixth, from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Dig into the detail and Australia gets more than a mention. Australia’s land areas the report notes, have warmed by an absolute average (which doesn’t mean much when it comes to the ‘weather around here’) of around 1.4C since 1910. It warns that (in absolute average terms), that will rise another 1.5 degrees in less than 20 years...which is quick. Yes, that will mean dozens of less frosts in the high country in 2030 than took place 100 years ago, which means interesting things for diseases, mosquitoes and for the quality of our grapes for example, but probably the biggest impact will be the occasional rather than the regular. Increasing the temperature even a little leads to the rocking of the boat... Cyclones, for example, literally drink their energy from the surface temperature of the ocean...a degree here and there can make the difference of more than a few horsepower to the energy of ocean-based storm systems. We’re seeing North American and European heat records that are simply off the scale... not 1.5 degrees here and there, but big fat ‘outliers’ as they are called in statistics, that are well in excess of the boring ‘average temperature increases’ in the IPCC report.

So, enough of the bad news...what can agriculture do? The short answer is that there are probably no short answers, no silver bullets, no snake oil, and no Corporate Responsibility Statements that can wipe away the damage we’ve puffed into the ecosystem with our collection of cars, factories and, dare we say it...cows. The first thing agriculture has to do, of course, is survive... or the whole equation becomes pointless. So adapting to climate change is step one. It’s here.

Second thing is to realise that agriculture is very much part of the solution., and the more it can step into the role of being part of the solution, the more benefits wider society is likely to bestow on the sector. Everything from carbon credits, to competition (which means better margins) for ‘greener’ foods is coming our way. As

COUNTRYJOURNAL

with everything, being an early adopter will put those who pick the winners early, from a climate perspective, will come with leveraged benefits. Mature timber doesn’t grow overnight; one doesn’t master organic farming in one season. We’ve never had more time left to do something than...now.

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Hidden Phrase: “Winnie ended up with tooth decay from all the honey.”

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Spot the 5 Differences: 1. Ear changed 2. Mouth moved 3. Extra claw 4. Flower moved 5. Pot not reversed

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Sorghum breakthrough on Southern Downs A breakthrough for sorghum crop improvement has been made in Queensland, thanks to research at UQ and funding by the Queensland government.

Queensland scientists have developed the world's first pan-genome for the ancient cereal grain which is a breakthrough for improvements to growing and gene discovery. Sorghum is a staple crop in Queensland worth more than $250 million per year. A pan-genome describes all genetic variation within a species which allows scientists to find missing genetic information. Novel genes from wild relatives of cultivated sorghum will be a source of improvement to crop adapta-

Dr Emma Mace of UQ participated in the study. tion, environmental disease and stress. Further understanding of grain colour, weight and seed dormancy is yet to be discovered, lagging behind other crops. Outcomes of the paper, published in the journal Nature Plants recently, found that gene numbers in different sorghum varieties vary much more than thought and that wild relatives of sorghum contain the largest proportion of unique genes. The new data is already being used in breeding efforts to "face mounting challenges to production, including climate change and increased water scarcity," according to a spokesperson for the project.

Sorghum crops at the Heritage research station, Southern Downs. Photo: Ken Laws.

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