Country Journal, Edition #7 - July 26, 2021

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

CountryJournal Week commencing July 26th 2021

Vertical integration

Big wet

Kirsta Bjorn examines a case of farmto-plate co-operatives which could easily be adapted to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt, the Farm 2 Fork Collective in the South Burnett.

‘Slaving’ in the kitchen

In our weather round up on page 15, we report on two good reasons why those wet paddocks are unlikely to dry out soon...

Editor Elizabeth Voneiff draws on her American heritage to reflect on the slave origins of the outdoor kitchen--and how what seems very up-to-date in the kitchen has considerable heritage.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Country briefs Shed fire in Pratten

launched the Plant Habitat-04 (PH-04) experiment, which aims to grow peppers in space for the first time.

A Pratten shed fire saw Queensland Ambuslance attending the Old Thanes Creek Road address last Thursday at about The scientists will conduct a 7:30 pm. No patients required assessment microbial analysis of the plants. at the scene and paramedics remained on They will evaluate the relationship between the texture and the taste standby. of the vegetables with the environment in which they grow and the care received during their development.

Upcoming clinics, Killarney Stanthorpe, Warwick

American astronaut Megan McArthur stated on her Twitter account that growing peppers will be a challenge due to their long Darling Downs Health women’s rural germination and growth cycles. health clinics will be on the Southern She also said she was excited Downs and Granite Belt in August. The about this experiment, as these mobile clinic offers cervical screening tests, breast awareness, sexual health test- fruits are a great source of vitamin ing, advice for issues such as continence, C and contain other nutrients that menopause, family planning, contracep- can help supplement the astronauts’ diet. tion, general wellbeing.

The service is confidential and available The astronauts haven’t disclosed to all women. Appointments required. what type of pepper they planted “ 2 August, Millmerran Hospital, phone as part of the experiment. NASA had stated in April that the pepper seeds would be 4695 3111 sent to the International Space Station on “ 4 August, Warwick Hospital, phone SpaceX’s 22nd Commercial Refueling 4660 3900 “ 12 August, Stanthorpe Hospital, phone Services mission (CRS-22) to be grown in the Advanced Plant Habitat (APH).

4683 3460 The APH is one of three NASA plant “ 19 August, Killarney Medical Centre, growth chambers on the space station. It phone 4664 1488 contains more than 180 sensors and has the ability to regulate humidity levels, temperature, and carbon dioxide concentrations as plants grow inside.

Bangladesh grows world’s most expensive mango

Rosina Darlington and her very wet paddock in Greymare. Photo supplied. outlets. Consumer research showed that if someone has a bad eating experience, it will be 6 weeks before they try again thus improving the consumer experience of apples and pears is critical. Initial QA work is focused on testing Pink Lady quality in Coles, Woolworths and Aldi. Dr Kleiber has undertaken similar research over the past 4 years for the Australian Table Grape Association, with great success -apal.org. au

Corn, soybeans, wheat

A few years back, 75 varieties of mangoes During the experiment, the astronauts Just as rain and a cold front are entering will grow peppers in the APH for about were displayed at the National Fruit the western Corn Belt Tuesday, USDA’s four months and will perform two harExhibition in Dhaka. weekly Crop Progress report, delayed a vests. This will be a challenge that will test day by the July Fourth holiday, shows the Miyazaki is grown in Japan’s Miyazaki the reliability of the various APH systems condition of corn, soybeans, and winter region in the south. The Japanese name because peppers take longer to germinate, wheat little changed from one week earlifor this mango is ‘Taiyo No Tamago’, which grow, and develop than the previous means ‘Egg of the Sun’. It’s very sweet and space crops that NASA has grown, such as er, with spring wheat continuing to deteriorate. the world’s most expensive mango. Now, radishes and leafy overcoming all uncertainties around the greens. feasabililty of growing this mango in Bangladesh, Omar Faruque Bhuiyan, an entrepreneur from Dhaka’s Zafrabad area, has miraculously grown the most expenNatural Products ~ Country Style ~ Simple Living sive mango at his rooftop garden. Back in Dr Andreas Klieber 2010, through one of his friends, he of Quality Associates brought the Miyazaki scion and later on • Handmade Soaps is the head of a new did the grafting to finally get the produc• Natural Body Products research project, tion on his rooftop. Faruque plans for an commissioned by extension of this variety if he’s supported • Soy Candles by the government in leasing lands at the APAL, that looks • Gourmet Foods into ways of making hill tracts region. sure consumers will • Homewares fall in love the apples and pears According to NASA, astronauts aboard 124 PALMERIN ST, WARWICK presented in retail the International Space Station have

Bad taste in the mouth

Plants in space

Natural Country Living

COUNTRYJOURNAL

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Mount Manning sold

EA SY

Trusted by generations of locals The Condamine River runs through the property.

Photo: Allhomes.

Warwick Credit Union Ltd ABN 98 087 651 116. Trading as Warwick Credit Union, Gympie Credit Union and Dalby Credit Union, AFSL and Australian credit licence 240556.

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One of the historic cattle families in the area are officially retiring and selling off their prize herd and picturesque property.

Mount Manning Pastoral in Pratten has sold its 788 hectare property and is holding a herd dispersal sale later this month.

The O'Dwyer family matriarch, Mary Lou O'Dwyer, lost her husband Andy a few years ago, The Daily Journal understands, and has decided to exit the cattle industry. The family once specialised in Santa Gertrudis cattle stud but have in more recent times gone into Angus.

Matt Grayson, agent for GNF Warwick, told The Country Journal that the herd dispersal sale attracted attention from "deep into New South Wales" to across Queensland.

"Herds don't come up like that every day," he said, pointing out the opportunity the sale raises. "Especially after what we've been through."

Mount Manning Pastoral near Pratton was recently sold. Photo: The sale, held July 17, offered 100 angus cows, realcommercial.com.au Wattletop and Bald Blair bloodlines, 15 Angus heifers and two Clunie Range Angus bulls, four years old.

This was an opportunity to "purchase genuine well bred Angus cows" with top genetics as well as five Charolais breedIENDLY BAN FR ers, according to the sales information.

The homestead, located about 20 kilometres from Allora on WARWICK CREDIT UNION the Condamine River, is under contract through agent Simon Cudmore, director of Lawd Brisbane. Details of the sale are not yet available, but the property was on the market a few years ago for $4.5 million and it is expected that it has sold for higher than this amount.

As well as broad river frontage, the mixed farming property has an architecturally-designed homestead built around a colonial core building.There is also a manager's residence, workshop, hayshed, cattle yards, stable, 25 tonne and 50 tonne grain silos.

Mr Cudmore does not think the new owners will raise cattle on the property and was reluctant to give any more information until the sale is finalised. Mt Manning has been under contract for approximately three weeks and attracted more than 75 enquiries and a "fantastic result".

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

FACE TO FACE

Rodeo man, Peel Tribe

with gerard walsh

Peel Tribe loved everything about being a cowboy, now he is retired from competition and is rodeo chairman of the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society.

As a teenager in the Goondiwindi and Boggabilla areas, Peel was one of a number of budding riders who practised at the old rodeo grounds at Boggabilla.

“We had 20 to 30 practice bulls and a dozen broncs and would practise regularly,” he said.

“I worked out pretty quick I was better at riding broncs than bulls.”

After leaving school, he did an apprenticeship as a boilermaker in Goondiwindi and later set up his own business, Absolute Trailer Solutions.

“We work on anything from semi- trailers to box trailers,” he said.

Seventeen years ago, he moved the business to Warwick on Ogilvie Rd, just off the Cunningham Highway north of Warwick.

He and wife Jody have two children, son Jack, who works in Brisbane, and daughter Halle-Belle who is in year 3 at St Mary’s School, Warwick.

In 2016, Peel made the Australian Professsional Rodeo Association National Finals at the Warwick Showgrounds.

He rode time in the first two rounds, was bucked off on the Saturday night and just made time on the Sunday afternoon to finish in the top-five in a field of 15.

“I went to step off my horse after the bell and the rest is history,” he said.

Peel landed heavily and was taken to Warwick Hospital and then transferred to Brisbane and had surgery on a broken C2 in his neck.

“I was in hospital from Sunday afternoon and then came home with a halo and brace on my neck on the

Wednesday and went to Peel Tribe at the Myrtleford Rodeo. Photo: Dave Ethell Photos. work in the office on the Thursday,” Peel said. ing. There is a good crew of He had the halo and brace on there weren’t many people there, having a sleep and wakyoung riders in the sport now. for 13 weeks, all the time being ing up and the place was full.

GW: While there are more hands on with the business.

GW: What about the travel? than 100 volunteers for the Gerard Walsh: Did you plan rodeo and campdraft, how PT: I did a lot of travelling on riding bucking broncs many do you have for the rodeo with Warwick cowboys Mark again? events?

Collins and Michael Maher who Peel Tribe: I did think about were great riders.

Brad Pierce PT: We have around 12 volunit for a while and the doctor and Anthony Caldwell were teers for the rodeo events at said I could but the fire in me two of the best in saddle bronc the rough stock and timed to ride broncs went out and I was quite happy to be at home along with Millmerran cowboy event ends of the arena. The contractors look after the rodeo with my family and not travel- Peter Moffatt. stock and are paid for the use Greg Hamilton from Mitchell ling the rodeo circuit. of the stock. often travelled with us and has GW: Where did you enjoy been one of the best riders for continued on next page... competing the most? many years, he is still competcontinued from previous PT: I enjoyed doing the Christmas Run in Victoria where they are a lot of good rodeos. I also travelled to the March long weekend of Call In and See Our Wide Range of rodeos at Kyabram, Merrijig Winter Warmers and Chiltern in Victoria.

GW: What about your fellow competitors?

PT: I had the utmost respect for my fellow competitors. If you wanted to Sale On Now win, you needed a good ride to beat them.

Throughout zz GW: Is there one rodeo Jumpers & Ja you really remember?

Check us out on Facebook PT: It was Carrieton in South Australia. It is a town with a post office and pub. I Opposite Post Office, Warwick - Ph 0438 615 321 remember driving in when

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER

ROSEWOOL UGGS & RUGS

COUNTRYJOURNAL page...

PT: I have started campdrafting which I prefer? Halle-Belle GW: What about this year’s and I also go in stockman’s national finals rodeo at Warwick? “ I had the utmost respect for PT: I am a great supporter of having my fellow competitors. If you the Australian wanted to win, you needed a Professional Rodeo good ride to beat them.

Association Ariat Peel Tribe National Finals Rodeo at the Warwick Rodeo. It brings the 15 best riders in every event to challenges. the finals as well as the best GW: What about competstock. ing in campdrafting at the Warwick is also where the Warwick Rodeo?

APRA office is situated and is PT: I have to win a campthe Rose and Rodeo city. draft to be eligible for the GW: What rodeo events are Warwick campdrafting. on other than the four rounds GW: Which is your best of the national finals? horse?

PT: We will have second diviPT: Frank Green and I sion and junior events. both ride my stallion GW: Do you expect large Hardwired in campdrafting numbers for the Warwick and we have made nine Rodeo? finals in 15 starts and PT: Yes, entries are up at all secured a number of placevents, it is just like madness ings. with the riders who want to GW: How many horses do compete since rodeos have you have? returned after COVID-19 canPT: We have 15 horses on cellations last year.

GW: You did talk about team our property at Loch Lomond. Our family bred roping as a possible event after you were injured in 2016, horses at Gunnedah in New South Wales, then is that still the case?

Goondiwindi and now we

are breeding horses in the Warwick area. We still have family at Goondiwindi GW: How many employees in your business?

PT: It ranges from eight to 12, depending on the work.

GW: What about your involvement in the Sculpture of the Horse just off the highway in Alice St?

5

PT: John Simpson would drill the silhouettes and I would cut them out by hand. The boys in our business Absolute Trailer Solutions did the rest of the work on the sculpture of the horse. It looks great.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Country briefs

Fee for apiary health certificates From 1 July 2021, a fee for issuing an apiary health certificate (biosecurity certificate) will apply to beekeepers wanting to move their bees, hive products or equipment from Queensland to another Australian state or territory. The issuance of a biosecurity certificate is an important service that will help bee keepers meet the interstate movement requirements, and minimise the spread of pests and diseases across Australia. The payment of biosecurity certificate fees helps share the costs of biosecurity risk management with those who create the risk, and ensures Queensland can continue to fund strong biosecurity. Get your apiary health certificate online or contact your local biosecurity inspector on 13 25 23.

Apple sales decline Apples declined by -10.3% in dollar sales and -6.6% in volume sales. One of the key contributing factors to the decline was due to a drop in volume purchased per occasion. Other apples, consisting of new varieties, such as Envy, Eve, Jazz, Kanzi, etc., saw a decline in both dollar and volume sales in the last 4 weeks compared to the prior yearPears declined by -6.1% in dollar sales while volume sales remained stable at 0.3% vs the same time year ago. The dollar sales decline for pears was driven in part by a decline in average price per kg. Other pears, consisting of varieties, such as Beurre Bosc & Corella pears etc., saw a decline in both dollar and volume sales in the latest 4 weeks. The decline of other pears was driven by a decline in buying households and purchase frequency. -apal

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Hazard reduction burns in Glen Aplin, Fletcher Without wanting to ‘jinx’ things in terms of natural phenomena, the winter rain has put something of a dampener on bushfire controlled burns or ‘hazard reduction’, activities usually carried out over the winter months ahead of the peak bushfire season in spring and summer.

A spokeswoman for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) told The Country Journal some limited National Parks controlled burns have been undertaken so far during winter in the Fletcher and Glen Aplin areas south of Stanthorpe in conjunction with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

She also said Indigenous fire management workshops have been held in the Warwick and Stanthorpe areas with the assistance of the Condamine Headwaters Landholders Group in recent months.

But the spokeswoman said the current “moisture level” in the region virtually rules out hazard reduction burning on both public and private lands for the time being – the situation is however being “monitored”.

Ground and vegetation saturation levels across the region at least look set to reduce the chances of the kind of fire seasons seen over the last few summers – the bigger chance this summer could be a flood.

But let’s not try and look too far ahead…

A hall for all seasons

COUNTRYJOURNAL

7

Gerard Walsh Around the Halls Moves to build a Deuchar Massie Hall started with a meeting on March 7, 1955. The hall is situated at Massie approximately halfway from Warwick to Allora on the back road. The discussions had started five months earlier during the Deuchar State School Golden Jubilee Celebrations on October 16, 1954. The initial donation towards a hall was $266 (133 pounds) from the school jubilee celebrations as well as a few dollars from an earlier attempt to build a hall. The first fundraising was a dance held in Pat Dwyer’s woolshed.

After canvassing for funds in the area, there was a shortfall of $600 (300 pounds) so that amount was borrowed from the National Australia Bank with J. Henry, J. Cantwell, J. Kirkland, A. Kirkland. G. Henry and R Henry each guaranteeing $100. The total cost of the hall was $4000 and it was opened at a Saturday night dance by Mr O. O. Madsen MLA in 1956.

A portion of a hall was bought from the Girl Guides in Brisbane and moved to the site just east of the Massie Aerodrome.

Ian Bradfield is current president and said Massie had been well known down the years for the local dances.

“There were gift evenings for newly-married couples, family reunions at the hall and all types of functions,” he said. “Jim Kelly played the music at a number of country dances at the hall.”

The hall is used as a polling booth for State and Federal elections and down the years many Christmas parties were held for district residents. Before COVID-19 hit last year, the hall committee would meet every month or two but meeting have been less frequent in recent months. Due to the close proximity to Massie Aerodrome, some cadet training has taken place at the hall and it has also been used for graduation ceremonies for pilots.

In 1988, the hall committee contributed to Australia’s Bicentennial Celebrations by constructing a new grid and entrance to the aerodrome. Improvements have been made to the hall down the years.

Ian said this work included lining of the supper room, placing of insulation, construction of a new roof, a kitchen upgrade and ramp for wheelchair access.

Currently, the hall is used by a church group for services each weekend.

“The biggest expense to the hall is insurance by a country mile,” Ian said. There is an honour board inside the hall with the Would you like names of those who helped financially to assist with the construcYOUR local hall tion. The hall is open for hire and featured in the bookings can be made with secreCountry Journal? tary treasurer Frances Rieck on Get in touch at the 0409 496769 editor@thedailyjournal.ink

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

IT is not often we receive beneficial rain, drought feeding.

20mm or greater, on four successive weeks The first was but that is what has happened in recent when the sheep times. weren’t coming There are plenty of stories of farmers get- for their feed of ting vehicles and tractors bogged and there corn and I got are some hoping for a small dry period to out of the ute to get summer crops off and plant some more winter crops.

With so much rain, I will take a look this week on how stock have been fed during some of the droughts down the years.

The first drought feed I can remember is putting out salt, then it was blocks for the cattle with all the protein they needed.

Old bush apple trees, oak and kurrajong trees have also been cut down Water running in the west branch of Lagoon Creek at Greymare. for drought feed and Photo: Gerard Walsh tree pear was used by some for cattle in the call the sheep without making sure the last drought. vehicle was in gear with the hand brake With blocks, there was always a concern on. that the cattle would eat a hole in the midThe sheep came dle of the block which would hold water and could kill cattle if the block had urea as in a rush pushing against the ute for one of the ingredients. the corn and the One drought roller drums were the rage ute headed down with a liquid feed, predominately molasses a hill. Luckily, it and urea. The cattle would lick the drum steered to the left inside a rectangular container and it would and ran over a log be pushed around for more wet supplewhich stopped it. ment.

If the ute had Now supplementary feed is of a loose lice gone straight to or a liquid feed in round drums. The roller the bottom of the drums from an earlier drought were worth hill, there would no more than scrap value at clearing sales I have been major have been at in the last year. damage. I was Corn has always been popular as a feed also lucky that the with sheep producers as well as all types of driverless vehicle fodder hay, grain and silage. had not run over I have two moments I remember about any of the sheep.

The Long Paddock with Gerard Walsh

Blocks have always been a drought feed and at one stage around 30 years ago, many sheep and beef producers would use grain, molasses, urea and plenty of trace elements to make our own blocks in old boxes or plastic containers. I would make 30 to 40 blocks at a time in a cement mixer using a bit of cement to make the blocks dry.

After one block making day, I was washing the molasses out of the mixer and rubbing the molasses off the power cord. For a split second, some water hit a power lead joiner and I received an electric shock.I counted my blessings that day that we got our electrician Doug Campbell to put in safety switches a year or two before. I will never know what would have happened if we didn’t have safety switches, at least I am here to tell the story.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

9

Real Estate

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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

• Aircon, reno 4 bed, built-ins • 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

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VEHICLE ACCESS

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$245,000 Well-maintained home in an estate where comfort is king .

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• Brick 4 built-in bed home • Ceiling fans in all bedrooms • Lounge media off entry hall • Open-plan tiled living has aircon • Kitchen has electric appliances, bench space & pantry • Bath has separate shower, bath, separate toilet • Laundry nook in single lock-up garage • North facing u/cover entertaining • 719m² fenced yard

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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

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LOVELY NATURAL SETTING

$287,000 • 5 bed unit, all built-in, main kingsized/ensuite • Formal lounge • Air-con open-plan family/dining • Outdoor entertaining & landscaped courtyard • Modern kitchen - gas hob, electric oven, dishwasher & pantry • 2nd fenced courtyard - garden shed • Shared communal BBQ, playground, sporting facilities INVESTORS: Renting at $300 per week

LAND • WARWICK - 2851m², high profile Commercial, flat block, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . . . . . .$427,000 • WARWICK - 1330m², near facilities, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$185,000 • WARWICK - 1 .16 Ha on spring fed creek, bitumen frontage, power, fenced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$189,000 • MARYVALE - 2024 m², power nearby, school, VIEWS (2 adjoining blocks) - Under Contract . . . . . . . . . . . . .$45,000 • MARYVALE - 3642m², power available, character with gully, VIEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50,000 • LEYBURN - 2965m², power available, close to school, VIEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50,000 • HENDON - 3819m², adjoining blocks, 2 deeds, power at road, new home area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$80,000 • PRATTEN - 4052 m² x 2, all weather road, water & power available - Under Contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$70,000

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Slaving away in the kitchen?

The surprising history of outdoor kitchens

large fireIt may look modern, but the outdoor kitchen is a very old idea place with a chimney often with an upper level for sleeping or stovepipe, stone baking area, winquarters. dows, large table, and sometimes a After the Depression and even more cupola with a dinner bell. rapidly after World War II, summer The summer kitchen should be interkitchens began to decline in popularity, preted foremost as an expression of because the availability of electricity and increasingly complex and demanding natural gas meant the old wood- or women's productive work resulting in coal-fueled cookstoves were no longer tangible items for the family to conneeded. sume, sell, or trade.

On larger farms outdoor kitchens were designed to be used by slaves (in the USA) or servants,

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Today's outdoor kitchens are hubs for entertaining, allowing the cook to be part of the conversation and enjoy the fun. In the 18th century, though, homeowners began building outdoor kitchens for purely practical reasons.

The 1798 direct tax record lists several exterior kitchens in Pennsylvania, but by the mid-1850s, they were so popular in New England that summer kitchen became part of the vernacular, according to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC).

Around that time in both Australian and the United States, cooking changed with the availability of cookstoves, which took up a lot of room in the kitchen and put off extreme heat, making the entire house even more oppressive in the summer.

Simply not using the stove was not an option, as fruits and vegetables had to be preserved through canning and other methods. The outdoor kitchen allowed this important work to be done without affecting the temperature of the house.

It was also used for butchering and processing meat.

Since the extra heat was welcome in the colder months, stoves were often disassembled in the summer kitchen during the fall and reassembled in the house.

Most summer kitchens were between 150 and 250 square feet and included a

COUNTRYJOURNAL

11

ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL STANTHORPE

Catholic Co-Education from Prep - Year 12

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At St Joseph’s School we offer your child: •Prep–Year 12 Co-education offering an improved and diverse curriculum •An inclusive, faith-based community where all are welcome no matter one’s faith and beliefs (Gospel values permeate all aspects of school life) •Long-term, innovative master plan currently being delivered so that the school’s physical environment continues to offer relevant and contemporary education •A smaller cohort that helps students to integrate quickly (everyone knows each other by name) and enjoy friendships that can last a lifetime •A structured pastoral program dedicated to ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students •Dedicated and experienced staff guiding your child’s educational journey through authentic and innovative learning experiences •A ‘Visible Learning’ school where teachers see learning through the eyes of students, helping them become their own teachers. St Joseph’s has been recognised as the first Visible Learning+ Certified School in Queensland and joins only 2 other schools in Australia with this award •Fun and challenging extra-curricular activities and many opportunities that will help students discover the possibilities of their potential •A modern learning environment where technology is integrated across all year levels ensuring students are prepared for an ever-changing world •Improved and diverse curriculum offerings, connection with the Queensland College of Wine & Tourism and Granite Belt & Border Trade Training Centre and accelerated learning pathways

St Joseph’s School is open between 8am–4pm Monday to Friday and we encourage parents to visit www.stjosephs.qld.edu.au or contact the School on 07 4681 5904 to arrange a tour at a convenient time

12

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Krista’s Country

with Krista Bjorn

An idea we could try here The bounty of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt could be showcased based on the Wooroolin model

After months of planning, building, painting, and networking, the Farm 2 Plate Collective finally opened its doors to a shop in Wooroolin brimming with local produce grown, raised, and made by local producers.

"As a chef, I came to this region wanting to use as much local produce as possible in my business," Farm 2 Fork Collective President Roberta Schablon said. "I thought it would be so easy, but it was the hardest thing."

So, she decided to do something about it and connected with other food-lovers and producers in the region to see what could be done and the Farm 2 Fork Collective was born.

It grew out of a commitment to helping the South Burnett region grow by connecting farmers and consumers and creating a space to make sure all locally grown and made food was easily accessible to everyone using the Locavore structure.

"It's a place to shop, but it's also a place to connect," Schablon said. "In the beginning it was about accessibility and then it became about community due to drought, floods, and Covid. Shopping is when you bump into your community and the Collective is here for community mental health."

Kristy Board joined the Farm 2 Fork Collective Committee as an Economic, Community, and Tourism Developer with the South Burnett Regional Council.

“I want the South Burnett to be on the

The Farm2Fork collective. Photo: Krista Bjorn map as a food destination,” Board said, “so I align myself with projects that will get us there. This is a big one. Consumer trends are shifting. They want to know where their food comes from and the people producing. They want to reduce the food miles and eat locally. People are travelling on their bellies now.”

The shop is a bustling one as locals stop for a visit with friends and neighbours in between filling bags with just-picked avocados and mandarins, glistening jars of caramelised balsamic vinegar, and a sachet filled with Bunya Nut Dukkah. Alongside traditional jams and produce are unique offerings like black garlic, bacon jam, and lemon-infused olive oil.

The success of the venture is due entirely to a merry band of volunteers and a dedicated and passionate committee.

“We are a true collective,” Schablon said.

“We come from all across the region and represent producing, marketing, economics, and more. We're all doing it for the right reason which is to help every little business in the region.”

The shop features a stunning array of local edibles. From seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh eggs, and locally pressed olive oil to delectable preserves and local honey, wines, meats, and cheeses, the shop is bursting with wholesome, delicious, and low food mile items at excellent prices. continued next page, bottom.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Flood recovery funds Primary producers in the Southern Downs Regional Council area can now access ‘Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Grants’ of up to $75,000 “to support their recovery journey from the floods that hit the region in late March”.

Assistance is being provided through Category C of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Minister for Emergency Management Senator Bridget McKenzie this week said the DRFA assistance is in addition to the freight subsidies and concessional loans support already available in the Southern Downs local government area.

“The floods in Southern Queensland in late March had a significant impact on primary producers in the Southern Downs region and we are supporting, individuals, businesses and communities in recovery,” Senator McKenzie said.

“It’s been a challenge for those farmers who have been battling years of drought to then get hit by floods, leading to a significant loss of income for many, as well as stock losses and major damage to infrastructure.

“These extraordinary assistance grants will help those producers most severely impacted get back on their feet.”

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the grants are “a welcome boost for Southern Downs farmers”. “The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries staff worked closely with the primary producers in the area to ensure they were able to access these special disaster assistance grants,” Mr Furner said.

“The activation of the $75,000 grants means Southern Downs joins the neighbouring Goondiwindi local government area in being able to access this funding.”

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au.

An idea we could try here

continued from previous page...

Located at Alexander Street, Wooroolin, the Farm 2 Fork Collective is open Fridays 9 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays 8 am to 2 pm.

The Committee is hopeful that other communities will embrace this idea as well, not only to have easy access to seasonal, local produce, but to invest in their communities, helping them to thrive and be resilient through droughts, floods, and pandemics.

Locally produced honey to entice visitors to the shop. Photo: Krista Bjorn

13

Warwick saleyards Contributed by McDougalls and Sons

Livestock numbers were in short supply last week as only 473 cattle and 612 head of sheep and lambs were yarded by selling agents. The markets were still firm across the categories with the light and replacement end of cattle and sheep still in high demand. Good finished articles either grain or grass finished were still keenly sought by processors.

Feeder steers averaged 473.9c/kg to atop of 562.2c/kg or $1972.46 to a top of $2349.72 Feeder heifers averaged 438c/kg to a top of 474.2c/kg or $1775.28 to a top of $1922.40 Vealer steers averaged 592.4c/kg to a top of 694.2c/kg or $1325.36 to a top of $2040.50 Vealer heifers averaged 510.2c/kg to a top of 556.2c/kg or $1285.79 to a top of $1705.20 Yearling steers averaged 503.1c/kg to a top of 579.2c/kg or $1798.97 to a top of $2222.00 Yearling heifers averaged 437.2c/kg to a top of 490c/kg or $1570.18 to a top of $2365.00 Steers averaged 422.1c/kg to a top of 513.2c/kg or $2021.55 to a top of $2880.00 Heifers averaged 332.8c/kg to a top of 398.2c/kg or $1297.86 to a top of $2340.56 Cows averaged 317.8c/kg to a top of 336.2c/kg or $1774.16 to a top of $2790.46 Bulls averaged 414.2c/kg to a top of 526.2c/kg or $1407.41 to a top of $3248.00 Lambs topped at $225 to average $189.27 a drop of $3 /head Hoggets topped at $195 to average $183 a jump of $39 /head Ewes topped at $188 to average $155.85 a drop of $39 /head Wethers topped at $198 to average $173.37 a drop of $39 /head Ram lambs topped at $205 to average $157.44 a drop of $21 / head

WARWICK SALEYARDS

George & Fuhrmann, Warwick

VENDOR DESCRIPTION - Cents/KG - WEIGHT - $TOTAL BULLS McGahan & Hinder, Swanfels, Charbray Cows, 332.2/637/2,117 GA & KC Brown, Spring Creek, Angus x Cows, 317.2/769/2,438 STORE COWS Mount Manning Pastoral Co., Pratten, Angus Cows, 318.2/540/1,718 BULLOCKS DP & SH Gilmore, Clifton, Angus Bullock (6t), 365.2/670/2,446 EXPORT HEIFERS GA & KC Brown, Spring Creek, Angus Heifer (6t)344.2/680 2/340 HEAVY FEEDER STEERS B & S Hoffman, Killarney, angus Steer (4t). 463.2/475/2,200 JP Wilson, Wildash, Angus Steers (4t) 463.2/470/2,177 DOMESTIC FEEDER STEERS C & K Morgan ,Pilton, Angus Steers, 562.2/337/1,897 JP Wilson, Wildash, Angus Steers, 560.2/362/2,026 DP & SH Gilmore, Clifton, Angus/Simmental x Steers, 554.2/348/1,925 PJ & NK Braithwaite, Tannymorel, Charolais x Steers, 554/329/1,821 FEEDER HEIFERS PJ & NK Braithwaite, Tannymorel , Charolais x Heifers, 493/342/1,689 D Kuhn Clifton, Angus Heifer, 476.2/355/1,690 YEARLINGS TC Hughes, Freestone, Angus/Charolais x Heifers, 490.0/338/1,658 G&L Berry, Mt Molar, Droughtmaster/Hereford Heifers, 485/370/1795 GR Taylor, Warwick, D’master/Limousin Heifers, 478.2/403/1,928 WEANER STEERS OR & CA Hasted, Goomburra, Angus/Santa x Steers, 694.2/202/1,400 Tantoona Pastoral Co., Pittsworth, Angus x Steers, 580/240/1,392 PJ & NK Braithwaite, Tannymorel, Angus x Steers, 569.2/312/1,778 WEANER HEIFERS G & L Berry, Mt Molar, D’master/Hereford Heifers, 512.2/247/1,267 A & V Heasley, Eukey, Angus Heifers, 508.2/250/1,270

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

COUNTRYJOURNAL

weather snapshot You will have heard by now that a negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is officially underway. The IOD refers to the difference in sea surface temperatures between the Arabian Sea (western end of the Indian Ocean) and the eastern end south of Indonesia.

This is hte first time in five years that the IOD is in a negative phase which has big implications well beyond those seaside to the Indian Ocean...in fact it’s impact stretches south and includes Tassie.

What it all means in gross terms is that we are (probably) in for a wetter than normal spring. Maximum temperatures are also more likely to be below average across southern Australia, while maximum and minimum temperatures are more likely to be above average for the northern tropics of Australia.

The most recent weekly IOD index value is −0.62 °C, with the IOD index having been below the negative IOD threshold for eight of the past nine weeks.

That’s negative enough for meteorologists to call it. Most climate models surveyed by the Bureau predict a negative IOD pattern is likely to persist until at least mid-spring.

There is in fact a second indicator that wet weather will persist. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) remains neutral with most oceanic and atmospheric indicators within the neutral range. The past fortnight has seen the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) increase to +13.9 for the 30 days ending 18 July 2021, although this is mostly due to local sea surface pressure variations at Darwin and Tahiti. Additionally, trade winds are stronger than average in the western half of the Pacific, which may encourage some temporary cooling of the ocean surface. Most climate model outlooks indicate the central tropical Pacific Ocean is likely to cool over the coming months, with three of seven models surveyed by the Bureau indicating this cooling will be enough to reach La Niña thresholds in spring, with the remaining four models staying neutral. This forecast cooling may also be contributing to the outlook for above median rainfall for much of Australia in the coming months. Source, BOM, Nature, NOAA.

California drought “The water situation is dire. This one is real,” says Tom Conrado of Classic Fruit Company in Fresno, CA of California’s current drought. Conrado notes there are some smaller, less thought of side effects of the drought on California’s agriculture picture. “It’s promoting larger operations. It’s starting to squeeze out more and more mom-and-pop type growers who don’t have the deeper pockets, unlike larger operations who can go out and drill a million dollar well or pay for higher priced water from other areas,” he says. “There are a lot of effects that these policies around water have that are not being considered. It’s pretty devastating.”

Another effect is on California row crops, such as melons or tomatoes. “I’ve heard of many scenarios this year-whether it’s fallow ground that’s set aside for row crops or tearing out existing orchards,” he says.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Wool report: outlook calm

were mostly stable, with just the odd area adjusting slightly as buyers filled gaps in their inventory, or looked for a bit of cheaper mill The Australian wool market cruised into the fodder to get them through the break. recess with very little fanfare, but there was a Superfine merino types eased slightly, medigeneral feeling of contentment, at least from um merino gained a bit, and crossbred wools those not facing a couple picked themselves up more weeks of home off the floor. schooling. After what has Everyone was very obviously been a very relieved to see the voltumultuous 12 months the ume consumed withwool market finally looks out any major headstable again and if the aches, and a good futures market is as relispread of buying able a guide as usual, the houses stepped up in longer-term outlook is one their area of expertise of contentment and steady to ensure everyone price levels as far as got the finish line Prestige wool: the AWI marketing campaign in China Autumn 2023. The Riemann unscathed. With such Futures prices indicates at a smooth finish, stock values are maintained, present that superfine prices may ease slightand it is feasible that if demand does crop up, ly over the longer term, but medium merino business can be transacted over the break prices will stay around current levels. with the fear of either side being too wrong.

Crossbred prices have just lifted a little, so the At the same point last year, the wool market potential for further upside is certainly still was sitting in a fairly good place too, but then present. The wool industry has been known the proverbial hit the fan when auctions to be a tad volatile at times however, so there resumed after the recess and the market will certainly be the odd surprise in store no dropped by about 3 bucks in the first 6 weeks doubt, but at present everything looks of the new season. Hopefully the currency is remarkably calm and stable. not going to go against us this year, and we Greasy wool prices moving into the recess

Contributed by Bruce McLeish, Elders

do not swamp the market with supply, both of which contributed to the disaster which was the second half of 2020. The uncertainty surrounding the effects of Covid should be less of an issue this year as we now know how bad it is, and generally speaking how to deal with it - until we get enough vaccines into the arms of the population. There is quite a bit of greasy wool backed up in China awaiting processing - not because of stockpiling, or a lack of orders, but more from a lack of processing space with most early stage processing mills still struggling to hit top gear due to a lack of qualified staff. And of course, the Chinese domestic woolclip is beginning to hit the wool stores now having been shorn in the past month or so. Therefore, although the brokers, buyers and exporters will use the recess period to have a breather, and finish off batching and shipping tasks to round out the season, the early stage processors and beyond will be operating as fast as they can. They hope to be in a position to catch any last-minute orders coming back from the retail end of the chain for the coming selling season. The majority of the garments have been made, but there are always going to be last minute change-of-mind things to consider, or when someone gets a glimpse of what a market leader is doing, and then a rush to copy or emulate that style.