MAG - Queensland Farmer Today - 26th May 2022

June 2022

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Women In Agriculture LIFTOUT FEATURE, PAGES 17-20

Family affair The Hacker family’s Merino sheep heritage shone at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2022 where fourth generation breeders Phillipa and William placed in judging competitions.

Phillipa, 25, came third in Merino sheep and fleece this year, while William, 23, placed fourth in the same categories for last year.

Due to Covid cancellations, Sydney hosted Merino judging for the 2022 and 2021 finalists.

Both siblings were raised on the family’s Roselea Merino stud in Muckadilla, Queensland.

STORY PAGE 2

The hot topics

Great show Taroom

Three questions raised repeatedly at farmer forums in Cecil Plains and Moonie last month reflect the current mood of southern Queensland croppers, according to senior commodity analyst Cheryl Kalisch Gordon.

Rabobank’s Dr Kalisch Gordon headlined both meetings that featured the Rabotruck a mobile knowledge and networking venue - and the Heart of Australia truck, which provided free health screens throughout the day.

It was supported by Rabobank’s Community Fund initiative. In all, 90 people attended both events that also featured sessions by Murdoch Lawyers director Tony Randall and Rabobank Sustainability and Community general manager Marc Oostdijk.

Record attendance, strong competition through all agricultural classes and fine weather underpinned the success of the Taroom Show in 2022.

“It was exceptionally successful,” said Taroom Show Society president Christie McLennan of the two-day event held on 2-3 May. One of the oldest running agricultural shows in Queensland, Taroom this year gained from nearby towns’ misfortune.

STORY AND PICTURES PAGES 12-13

Taroom Show Society life member Deborah Swain, with Val Wilson of Taroom at the local show.

STORY PAGE 3

Star steals show Tom Nixon, Devon Court, Drillham, west of Miles, paid an eye-watering $130,000 for a Hereford bull at the Herefords Australia National Show and Sale in Wodonga on Thursday.

Mawarra Ultra Star R182 was sold for a sale

purchase completed his “strategic plan” after buying the bull’s brother for $35,000 at Mawarra’s on-property sale in March.

“It was phenotype and pedigree first with Ultra Star,” he said.

“Breed-leading data sets with top one percent most of the way through with moderate birthweight, calving ease, eye muscle area, fat and intramuscular fat.”

STORY PAGE 5

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record a day after being sashed grand champion bull.

The Sykes family, Mawarra Genetics, Longford, Victoria sold the 24-month-old future sire to Mr Nixon, a return client. Mr Nixon said the

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

INSIDE TAROOM SHOW ....................pages 12-13 FARMERS’HEALTH ....................... page 16 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE .....pages 17-20 FOOD FOR THOUGHT .................. page 21 FROM THE MLA .......................... page 22 FROM THE MINISTER .................. page 22 GRAINGROWERS ..................pages 14-15 MARKET ROUND-UP ..............pages 32-33 QCWA RECIPE ............................ page 34

DAM LEVELS Beardmore................................. 101.37% Bjelke-Petersen ............................ 105.6% Borumba ........................................ 102% Boondoomba ............................. 102.02% Cedar Pocket ............................... 104.4% Chinchilla Weir ........................... 156.46% Coolmunda .................................. 98.51% Cunnamulla (Alan Tannock Weir) .... 103.8% Leslie .......................................... 99.99% Paradise .................................... 106.59% Somerset ......................................... 79% Wivenhoe..................................... 101.1%

CONTACT US 2021 Merino judging winner Ben Hartwich, left, with runner-up Campbell Rubie, third placegetter Sym Hood and fourth placegetter Will Hacker.

Address: 154-156 Haly Street Kingaroy 4610 Telephone: 07 4182 0450 Website: QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Fine family tradition

CONTACT US

By Fiona Gowers

Editorial: Email: newsdesk@QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

The Hacker family’s Merino sheep heritage shone at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2022 where fourth generation breeders Phillipa and William placed in judging competitions.

Phillipa, 25, came third in Merino sheep and fleece this year, while William, 23, placed fourth in the same categories for last year.

Due to Covid cancellations, Sydney hosted Merino judging for the 2022 and 2021 finalists.

Both siblings were raised on the family’s Roselea Merino stud in Muckadilla, Queensland.

In her first Merino judging competition at the Longreach State Sheep Show in 2021, Phillipa beat five other entrants to qualify for this year’s “nationals” in Sydney.

She joked that Lorraine Crothers, a Queensland Ag Shows board member “dragged me into” competing.

“I wasn’t very confident at all,” Phillipa said.

“I surprised myself and a few other people, I think.

“I have always really enjoyed the Merino sheep and must have absorbed a lot more information over the years than I thought.

“I am very proud to come from a long line of Merino breeders and I was so proud to represent our family.”

Phillipa, a first year primary school teacher in St George, said she loved heading home and helping during the school holidays.

She said she had met a “really great mix of people” through the competition including many women competitors, high school and agricultural college students.

Her brother, William, meanwhile, earned his place at nationals - also for Merino sheep and fleece judging - at the Roma State Sheep Show in 2019.

He runs Womba Contracting through southern and central Queensland and placed fourth in Merino sheep and fleece competitions.

“It’s really your opinion on the day and justifying why you have put something where it is, justifying why you have made a certain decision,” he said.

“It’s always interesting to meet like-minded people (through the competition) and see what they’re up to.”

Ben Hartwich, 22, from Bullygrogran near Ararat in Victoria is Australia’s best young Merino sheep judge for 2021. The 2022 winner

Advertising: Email: advertising@QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au Classifieds: Phone: 07 4182 0450 or 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au ADVERTISING Annette Weatherstone Account Manager E: annette.weatherstone@QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au Queensland Farmer Today is published monthly and part of the Today News Group. Published by South Burnett Today Pty Ltd ACN 641 796 349.

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is Patrick Davis, 18, from Harden, New South Wales.

Runner-up for the 2021 Merino judging is Campbell Rubie, 18, from Forbes, NSW and third is Sym Hood, 19, from Longford, Tasmania.

The 2022 runner-up is Ashley Meaburn, 20, from Runnymede in Tasmania, with Ms Hacker third.

Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) stages the national championships of young judges and paraders competitions with finalists from each state of Australia and New Zealand.

The ASA holds the national championships in a different location each year.

Although Merino judging is subjective, the ASA said the competition judges paid close attention to how clearly competitors expressed their decision and how they validated it.

A competitor’s appearance is also important and judges can mark down for poor presentation, ASA said.

ASA chairman Dr Rob Wilson said the peak body oversaw 572 agricultural shows in Australia, which attract six million visitors annually and contribute nearly $1 billion to the national economy.

He said the competition was designed to recognise the best new talent in livestock judging nationwide.

“It’s an extremely prestigious event and positions at the nationals are keenly contested,” he said.

“These young people are the future of agricultural show competitions which are crucial to the continual improvement of Australia’s food and fibre.

“The national competition is a coveted opportunity to grow personally and professionally by practising skills against the cream of the crop.”

Sydney Royal Show Honour Roll

· Horse

Adam Oliver, Guanaba QLD Australian National Champion Gentleman Rider

· Beef Cattle

Elite Cattle Co, Meandarra QLD Best Simmental Exhibit

· Young Farmer Challenge

QLD Team Winner of Young Farmer Challenge National Final.

It would be fair to say that the road to recognition for women in agriculture has been rocky.

Until 1994, women were not legally recognised as “farmers”. Instead, they were officially defined as silent partners, “domestics”, “helpmates” or “farmers’ wives”. I kid you not!

Their contribution to the household domestic income and to the country’s agriculture sector has historically been pushed to the periphery.

However, a gender balance in agriculture is slowly forming, with women set to play an even bigger role in the future.

Females currently comprise 55 percent of all students studying agricultural science at university, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics and Sciences.

And, careers in agriculture have moved beyond traditional farming to varied professions from engineering and programming to food innovation, science, entrepreneurialism and finance.

Many businesses in agriculture are thriving under female leadership.

While sheep, beef and grain farming still account for more than half of the industry’s employment, other sub sectors such as fruit and nut growing, dairy and bees are expanding.

“The business model of farming is constantly evolving and this provides opportunities for women to think differently,” AgriFutures’ Belinda Allitt once said.

“Women bring resilience and adaptability in an evolving landscape.”

This month, Queensland Farmer Today is excited to launch its Women In Agriculture feature.

Fittingly, the first edition profiles Bassingthwaighte family matriarch, Louise who, alongside her husband, Alastair has created an industry-leading, multi-generation Santa Gertrudis stud.

Asked about opportunities in the agricultural sector for women of all ages, she said that all it took was a “go-getter attitude”.

“Women can get very involved in agriculture, particularly when it comes to tasks such as recordkeeping. But, whatever has to be done, can be done by women.

“The only thing I haven’t done a lot of,” she says laughing, “is fencing!”

- Fiona Gowers

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Analyst covers hot topics

By Fiona Gowers Three questions raised repeatedly at farmer forums in Cecil Plains and Moonie last month reflect the current mood of southern Queensland croppers, according to senior commodity analyst Cheryl Kalisch Gordon.

Rabobank’s Dr Kalisch Gordon headlined both meetings that featured the Rabotruck a mobile knowledge and networking venue - and the Heart of Australia truck, which provided free health screens throughout the day.

It was supported by Rabobank’s Community Fund initiative.

In all, 90 people attended both events that also featured sessions by Murdoch Lawyers director Tony Randall and Rabobank Sustainability and Community general manager Marc Oostdijk.

“It was a great mix of knowledge for the brain and support for the body, together with networking, which is good for the soul,” Dr Kalisch Gordon said.

The Hot Topics were: How long do we expect cotton prices to be at the levels we’re seeing this month and last?

Cheryl Kalisch Gordon There is a lot of speculative interest in the market at the moment, ahead of there being a large volume of outstanding mill contracts expiring in July. This means there is a lot of physical cotton that needs to be fixed against those contracts.

In the lead up to that time, we’re seeing speculators come to the market because there is the opportunity for profits. Once we move towards the expiration of those contracts, I am expecting a drop in the market.

However, we’re still in a tight and uncertain market and there are questions about the outlook for the US crop, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma where conditions haven’t so far been conducive for an impressive crop due to drought.

We’re also watching for growing dryness in Brazil.

So, those production threats plus the incoming lower stocks globally, as well as the renewed interest in commodities in an inflationary environment, means we think prices will soften but not dramatically.

At the moment, we’re trading in the 900s.

The question for farmers, who are currently harvesting their crops, is, ‘Can we go higher?’

I think with volatility, we could potentially go a bit higher but sustained higher? No. What is happening with chickpea pricing?

Cheryl Kalisch Gordon Chickpeas are a beneficial part of crop rotations and most farmers will keep them despite their pricing not enjoying the upside that we’ve seen on wheat, barley and oilseeds.

So, farmers will ask, ‘Can I afford to move out of my rotation? Is there an upside that makes me feel comfortable keeping them? Or is there another pulse that might be performing better?’

So, when it comes to chickpeas, my expectation is that we won’t see any lifts this calendar year because India has had an improved yearon-year crop, after a favourable year last year.

For us to see sustained and significant up-

Andrew Apelt, “Lyndell”, Tummaville with Rabobank’s Pedr Harvey, Cheryl Kalisch Gordon and Mal Porter. side in prices for chickpeas in Australia, we need India to have a deficit in production but this will be their second year in a row of recording a pulse surplus.

So, when you add that with the challenges of getting containers, both in terms of high costs, availability and delays, especially to the subcontinent region, the pricing outlook is challenged.

In addition, and even if there was upside in Indian domestic pricing, you would need to overcome the tariff, which remains in place.

And then, on top of that, there are a lot of chickpeas in storage in Australia. So, as soon as we do see some price uplift here, we’re likely to see sales that will keep much upward price pressure from developing and keep them stable at current levels.

When do we expect farm inputs prices to fall?

Cheryl Kalisch Gordon We’ve had prices on inputs growing for quite some time.

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If we look at something like agrichemical, we think we’re probably past the highs but we also don’t think that we’re going to return to the average pricing we saw pre-Covid.

Because energy prices and other costs of production are higher - and there is strong demand because you’ve got a lot of people wanting to grow crops to take advantage of the high prices - it will keep prices from completely correcting.

So, on that front, we’re not going to go back to the heights of the cost but neither do we expect a return to average pricing that we’ve been used to.

If we consider fertilisers, there are a couple of different elements there.

Urea has got a more diverse supply base internationally so it may soften in the second half of the year as we pass through the northern hemisphere winter cropping planting program.

Again, we don’t think it drops back too much

and the fact that Europe is considering cutting gas from Russia is something that would keep prices high, as well as deliver additional price volatility again. And, that is because they’re pretty reliant on Russia for gas. And, the cost of the gas component is 85 per cent so it is really just going to move with the gas prices.

With something like potash, meanwhile, of which some 40pc is sourced from the Black Sea region, so Russia and Belarus, we’re not seeing any foreseeable decline in the pricing of potash.

What would be the game-changer there would be some additional capacity coming on board from Canada. So, that’s what we’ll be looking for.

My advice to farmers is to keep assessing their margins and be aware of the difference in costs. High prices are great, of course, but it’s all again just about your margins.

Precision application of inputs will really pay off in the 2022/23 cropping year.

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By Julian Lehnert Queensland has put up a formidable fight at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show woodchop event circuit, taking home more than 20 pole-position finishes and many more podium placements across the competition’s 12 days.

Axemen and axewomen from across the state competed at Sydney between 8-19 April in a range of events, cementing Queensland’s dominant position in Australia’s woodchopping scene.

Among the state’s most successful competitors were young chopper Hayden Hewitt from Wamuran, who racked up four first-place finishes - the 325mm Underhand, 300mm Standing Block and 275mm Tree Felling handicap events, as well as being crowned the Most Successful Competitor for tree felling events.

Anne Paterson from Merrimac, who was awarded the 300mm Ladies Single Handed Sawing championship, as well as announced Most Successful in ladies’ events.

And, North Burnett star Jake Dingle, who won the 300mm Standing Block Championship Hard-hitting Contest and the Endurance Event.

Other stand-out performances from Queensland woodchoppers include Woodford local Josh Adamson’s victory in the 375mm World Championship Standing Block event and Jamie Head from Burpengary East winning the 600mm World Championship double-handed Sawing Contest.

Queensland’s Axemen Association also beat teams from New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania to take home the title in the Interstate Teams Relay.

A list of Queensland’s first-place winners and their respective categories: Most Successful Competitor In The Ladies Events Anne Paterson, Merrimac Most Successful Competitor In Tree Felling Events Hayden Hewitt, Wamuran

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Jake Dingle was crowned the winner of this year’s Endurance Event woodchop at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show. 281545 300mm Underhand Handicap Jack Stratton, Mudgeeraba 325mm Underhand Handicap Hayden Hewitt, Wamuran 300mm Standing Block Handicap Hayden Hewitt, Wamuran 375mm World Championship Standing Block Josh Adamson, Woodford 250mm Standing Block Handicap Bradley Read, Boondall

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275mm Standing Block Open Handicap Campbell Newman, Bonogin 300mm Standing Block - Restricted Lindsay Hewitt, Wamuran 300mm Handicap Tree Felling Contest Campbell Newman, Bonogin 275mm Tree Felling Handicap Contest Hayden Hewitt, Wamuran The Interstate Teams Relay (NSW, QLD, TAS & VIC) Queensland Axemens Association

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Radobank extends support for flood-hit farmers Rabobank has announced extended support measures for farming and agribusiness clients continuing to be adversely affected by ongoing heavy rainfall and impacts of the earlier floods in Queensland’s south east.

Rabobank regional manager for southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, Brad James said farmers in Queensland’s south east are still “getting back on their feet” following the significant flooding in February and the extreme rain events in recent days will have extended this recovery timeline.

“This recent rain event, following so soon after the disastrous flooding in February, which was amongst the worst in recent history in these regions, has seen agriculture bear a major part of the brunt of the damage,” he said.

“The full effects of this prolonged rainfall on agriculture won’t be clear for some time, however impacted producers are dealing with damage to pasture, crops, livestock and infrastructure, including sheds and fencing.”

Mr James said as a bank which has a primary focus on agriculture, Rabobank considered it “a normal part of our business to work with and support farmers who are affected by weather conditions, particularly extreme weather events such as these”.

He encouraged farming clients impacted by the recent rainfalls to contact their local manager to discuss how Rabobank can support them.

Mr James said the bank would work directly with individual clients whose farms or agribusinesses have been affected to provide

support and assistance by offering a range of tailored measures in applicable circumstances.

These measures include: deferral of scheduled loan payments; waiver of break costs on early redemption of farm management deposits; waiver of fees on loan increases necessary for rebuilding operations; waiver of fees for equipment finance contract variations.

Rabobank encourages any farming and agribusiness clients who have been adversely impacted by the rain events to contact their local branch or phone Rabobank on 1800 025 484.

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NEWS

Ultra Star steals the show

By Fiona Gowers What a way to celebrate your Hereford stud’s 90th birthday?

Tom Nixon, Devon Court, Drillham, west of Miles, paid an eye-watering $130,000 for a Hereford bull at the Herefords Australia National Show and Sale in Wodonga on Thursday.

Mawarra Ultra Star R182 was sold for a sale record a day after being sashed grand champion bull.

The Sykes family, Mawarra Genetics, Longford, Victoria sold the 24-month-old future sire to Mr Nixon, a return client.

Mr Nixon said the purchase completed his “strategic plan” after buying the bull’s brother for $35,000 at Mawarra’s on-property sale in March.

“It was phenotype and pedigree first with Ultra Star,” he said.

“Breed-leading data sets with top one percent most of the way through with moderate birthweight, calving ease, eye muscle area, fat and intramuscular fat.”

According to Herefords Australia, Ultra Star has BREEDPLAN figures of +123 kilograms for 600-day weight, +27kg for milk, +82kg for carcase weight and +8.6 square centimetres for eye muscle area.

He weighs 1004 kilograms.

“I like this bull because his US sire (Endure 173D) is, I believe, currently one of the best in the world,” Mr Nixon said.

“I’m hanging my hat on the fact that he will give us what we need to breed magnificent front paddock cattle.

“We want muscle, of course, we want fat and carcase weight with big red eyes and good colour.

“He has everything that everyone wants.

“Both Mawarra bulls we bought this year have hit it out of the park with several EBVs

Peter and Logan Sykes, Mawarra Genetics, Longford, Vic, buyer Tom Nixon, Devon Court Herefords, Drillham and Peter Godbolt, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Albury, with the $130,000 Mawarra Ultra Star R182.

Picture: HEREFORDS AUSTRALIA (estimated breeding values) in the top five per cent.”

Mr Nixon confirmed the New Zealand semen rights had been sold to the Robbie family, Otapawa Herefords, NZ. Billed as one of the largest multi-vendor sales in southern Australia, the National Sale catered for 34 vendors from NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, and Queensland.

In all, 102 bulls sold from the 106 offered for a 96pc clearance, gross of $1,611,000 and a re-

cord average of $15,794.

In the sale breakdown, a total of 59 junior bulls sold to a top of $35,000 and average of $12,847 while 43 senior bulls sold to a top of $130,000 and average of $19,837.

Stud stock agent Peter Godbolt, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Albury said commercial producers paid $25,000 to $30,000 for bulls while studs operated at the top end.

“Off the back of the weaner sales through January - and in the mountains in March -

buyers were getting good money for their calves and were willing to invest in the genetics,” he said.

“It was a credit to the breeders and what they are doing for their commercial clients.

“With a new record top price for Wodonga, it was good to see the breeders getting rewarded for what they do and the Hereford breed getting recognised within the industry.”

Mr Godbolt said online buyers bid on around half the catalogue.

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Blueboys have your back

By Fiona Gowers A late night emergency call to the “middle of nowhere” to change a diesel truck’s coupling connection inspired Darren Dillon to invent, patent and manufacture PT Blueboys.

PT Blueboys is a coupling connection cover made of a high-grade silicon for hydraulic and air fittings for trucks, road trains and trailers.

It is designed to seal out dirt, moisture and protect air-hose connectors from the elements Anna Dillion said on the way home from the “quick and simple” after-hours job, Darren, her husband, thought, ‘there must be something on the market to solve this problem’ which is costing big companies time, equipment, wear, tear and money.

He created PT Blueboys to solve an ongoing problem in the transport industry – difficulty in undoing the coupling connections, leading to downtime and inefficient use of driver time.

“He (Mr Dillon) is a heavy diesel mechanic who saves people money, rather than costing people money,” Mrs Dillon said.

“If he can solve something to make it easier for somebody else or cost them less money then that’s what he would do.

“So, anyway, he searched for months and months and couldn’t find anything and then came up with this idea.

“And, as it’s gone along, I’ve said to him, ‘well, we’ll just have a go, you never know’!”

Mr Dillon designed the first sample PT Blueboys out of silicone and ensured it worked before sharing his knowledge with a manufacturer.

The original product is patented for pneu-

matic, electric and hydraulic.

“So, it will eventually cover a lot of things,” Mrs Dillon said.

“And basically, it prevents everyday elements such as road tar, road water, mud and dirt building up in the fitting to actually stop the fitting from hooking and unhooking.

“So, sometimes you’ll come along and the truck might even be on fire and they haven’t been able to unhook the trailers because they’re seized up.

“Or, some people leave them connected for ages too and they don’t unhook and they seize up.”

The Dillons began marketing PT Bluleboys in 2017 and Mrs Dillon said it had grown “quite rapidly”.

“First of all we just started contacting different companies and letting them know about our product,” she said.

“But, once wholesalers took it on, it basically sold itself. And, during Covid, we went bigger into online and it really kicked off.

“I now get calls from wholesalers wanting to join in because they’ve seen a truck come in for a service or it’s gone past and someone has seen the product and they’re like, ‘what is this?

This is great.’ And they get on board.

“If they see it. They like it.”

Mrs Dillon said between this financial year and last, when it was launched, sales have grown by 100 per cent.

Mr Dillon has been a heavy diesel mechanic in Goondiwindi for more than 20 years and has owned/ operated Dillon Mechanical for more than 12 years.

PT Blueboys is a coupling connection cover made of a high-grade silicon for hydraulic and air fittings for trucks, road trains and trailers.

Anna and Darren Dillon with their PT Blueboys invention.

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June 2022 TODAY 7

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Helping shape ag’s future Innovative ideas and world-leading technology will take centre stage for a major industry forum in July, as Queensland cements itself as an Agtech powerhouse.

One of the new technologies set to feature at the 400M Agrifood Innovation Forum is ‘Agbot.’

Agbot is a new product about to hit the market which will monitor near real-time liquid levels with cow troughs, water tanks, irrigation dams and trenches, diesel tanks and fertiliser tanks.

The solution is designed and manufactured in Australia and is one of the most versatile and low-cost technology in the market and will allow producers to maximise their onfarm operations in a world of industry labour shortages.

Chief Technology Officer of Gasbot, which owns Agbot, Artem Kulakov said the cuttingedge technology is unlocking the power of remote monitoring at a price and scale not previously experienced within the Australian agriculture sector.

“At Gasbot we give our customers choices with regard to how they use their data and they are at the centre of everything we do.”

“We have created Agbot to provide an easy to use user interface but also provide the option to port their data through third party analytics packages for greater insight,” said Mr Kulakov.

Agbot, a revolutionary new technology, will make a real difference to anyone in agriculture and offers economic and animal welfare advantages.

Bruce McConnel and Artem Kulakov.

Bruce McConnel, TSBE Food Leaders Australia (FLA) General Manager said Agbot is a great example of some of the innovative solutions coming from our region.

“We’re excited to showcase Agbot, and a number of other cutting-edge technologies at our 400M Forum in Toowoomba on July 13.”

“Now in its sixth year, 400M is one of Aus-

tralia’s leading forums of its kind and designed to highlight the future of agriculture.”

“We’re also excited to showcase how industry adopts innovation and how they work with new entrepreneurs to get the solutions that they want to solve their biggest problems,” said Mr McConnel.

‘400M’ describes the 400 million hectares of farming land in Australia that needs to play its role in feeding the 400 million emerging middle-income earners in Asia.

The event is in partnership with the Agtech and Logistics Hub and will bring together some world class leaders around the future of digitising our agriculture supply chains.

TSBE Innovation Manager Stephen Dummett said this year’s topics will be delivered by global leaders in innovation.

“Delegates will hear about Queensland’s Agtech opportunity, the growth of Artificial Intelligence and success stories from agrifood supply chain innovation.”

“These will spark some very topical conversations, because we know farmers are becoming extremely tech savvy and looking to use data to get every ounce of productivity they can out of their business.”

“It’s exciting to showcase how the sector adopts innovation, giving attendees a real sense of how to turn some of these fantastic concepts into reality,” said Mr Dummett.

This year’s 400M forum on 13 July in Toowoomba and to purchase tickets visit www. tsbe.com.au/400m

Know your enemy: test weeds for resistance

By Paul Mcintosh

Herbicide has been applied, so why are the weeds or plants not controlled? Time to get testing.

Picture: PAUL MCINTOSH

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Herbicide has been applied, so why are the weeds or plants not controlled?

The photo attached is one from a few years ago - in a much dryer time - yet the question is still very pertinent: why were these obvious weeds not controlled by the herbicide applied?

Before I accepted that this phenomenon called ’herbicide resistance’ was upon us in the northern part of Australia, I would have been questioning issues that can complicate and decrease herbicide efficacy such as poor water quality, spraying conditions being too hot, too little humidity, wind, or herbicide rates being too low.

Even now, all of those parameters - plus too low of a volume sprayed per hectare - can still lead to a poor result. Now in this case, with no herbicide resistance testing done on these spraying survivors, my final assumption was that the plants were too big, conditions were too hot and that the chemical rate was probably not high enough.

However, no one should ever assume in this day and age that they do not have any herbicide-resistant plants in their paddocks or even their pasture blocks.

My thoughts are that maybe we should be

doing more herbicide testing for resistance.

Yes, there are some smart folks in parts of Australia who can test for resistance to specific herbicides.

Does that sound like a good idea?

It certainly does to me - to really knuckle down on knowing which plant species is resistant to which herbicide in your farming systems. It can be done by sending mature weed seeds away for testing with a range of herbicides you want to know the levels of resistance of. The second option is the quick test, which is best done on broadleaf and grass-type plants in the very early stages of growth. That way, changes can be implemented to your choice of knockdown or incrop herbicide, which you may need to apply given the resistance knowledge you’ll have.

Sending mature seeds away in a paper envelope is fairly easy, however this requires you to be proactive on your part.

The quick test certainly also needs some alacrity to enact change in your herbicide programme. Either pathway is a good idea in your farming system.

So, please consider testing of pesky weed plants, as it will bring a far better outcome in your herbicide applications, plus also reduce that big developing issue called herbicide resistance.

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8 TODAY June 2022

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June 2022 TODAY 9

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Dr Kirsty Owen from the Centre for Crop Health explains the app to farmers and agronomist’s at a recent workshop hosted at the University of Southern Queensland.

Director of the Centre for Crop Health Professor Levente Kiss (right) shows Matthew Skerman from Nutrien AgSolutions the new app at a recent workshop hosted at the University of Southern Queensland.

Research blow to mildew The ongoing, unseasonable wet has delivered an additional headache in the form of powdery mildew for mungbean farmers in Queensland and New South Wales.

A disease that impacts mungbean crops annually, powdery mildew, thrives in milder temperatures and high humidity - and can lead to yield losses of up to 40 per cent if left unmanaged.

With little genetic resistance in current mungbean varieties, management of the disease relies heavily on the application of fungicides.

Now, a project co-funded by the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) and the University of Southern Queensland,

is working to make management easier and minimise the impact of powdery mildew on the mungbean industry through the use of a recently developed app.

Director of the University’s Centre for Crop Health, Professor Levente Kiss, said the PowderyMildewMBM app supported farmers’ fungicide application decisions.

“Using tools like this app also helps mungbean growers to make assessments on a paddock by paddock basis and and predict the likely economic returns from the sprays,” he said.

“The University of Southern Queensland is really proud to be assisting GRDC in helping growers realise the benefits of the app and

supporting them to lower the impact of powdery mildew which is a significant issue.“ Professor Kiss is also leading another project investigating the same issue that is looking at the possible development of resistance to fungicides in crop pathogens.

With the support of the Broad Acre Cropping Initiative - a co-investment of the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the University of Southern Queensland - the research team has for the first time recently detected the DNA marker of resistance to a fungicide used to control mungbean powdery mildew.

“There is mutation in the DNA of the pathogenic fungi that causes this crop dis-

ease,“ Professor Kiss said.

“We have found this in the Darling Downs region and that’s a mjaor red flag,” he said.

“Through our work with the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network, another GRDC-supported project, we hope growers take notice of this finding and make the most of the useful guidelines developed by the Network to apply fungicides more strategically to preserve their effectiveness for many years to come.

“These chemistries are still the best, and sometimes they are the only tools we have, to control some of the most significant crop diseases.”

BMO Business Centre shortlisted for accounting title BMO Business Centre has been named as a finalist in the Australian Accounting Awards.

They will vie for national Regional/Suburban Firm of the Year.

The Australian Accounting Awards recognises and acknowledges the achievements of individuals and firms.

It rewards them with a prestigious and highly sought-after accolade and national exposure for their contributions.

“The Accountants Daily Australian Accounting Awards night is renowned as the premier event each year when the profession recognises and celebrates those right at the top of their game,” said Accountants Daily editor Philip King.

“The 2022 awards dinner in June offers the whole industry a chance to come together

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The BMO Business Centre team will vie for national Regional/Suburban Firm of the Year in the Australian Accounting Awards. and mark its exceptional contributions to the national wellbeing through the trials of the pandemic and testing natural disasters.

“Under such difficult circumstances, to be shortlisted from among the hundreds of high-quality entries, is a mark of high

achievement - one that echoes throughout the profession.”

Adrian Rasmussen, partner at BMO Business Centre, said he was humbled and proud to be recognised as a finalist.

“This recognition for BMO is thanks to the efforts and dedication of the entire BMO team,” he said. “Each and every one of our team can share in this achievement.

“We have been assessed against other regional and suburban accounting firms in Australia for our professional excellence, our professional development program and how we contribute to the community.

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Wednesday 27th July Glenwarrah Herefords 30 Bulls (Horn & Poll) Sale @ 11.30am

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June 2022 TODAY 11

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Rabobank’s Michael Fletcher, Rockhampton with Terri Boyce, Taroom.

Geoff Tyrrell, Rabobank Toowoomba with Margie Joyce, Taroom.

Taroom Show big success

By Fiona Gowers Record attendance, strong competition through all agricultural classes and fine weather underpinned the success of the Taroom Show in 2022.

“It was exceptionally successful,” said Taroom Show Society president Christie McLennan of the two-day event held on May 2 and 3.

One of the oldest running agricultural shows in Queensland, Taroom this year gained from nearby towns’ misfortune.

When Theodore cancelled its show due to damage to its main pavilion, a Facebook poll determined whether to move the town’s public holiday to the Biloela or Taroom show date.

The latter won hands-down and Ms McLennan said this result, combined with Wandoan having to cancel due to covid-related issues, boosted patron and competitor numbers.

She said the horse classes boasted record entries, including 35 in kids’ pony classes, more than 30 stock horses and show jumpers from Victoria and NSW. A brand new prime cattle facility saw 260head through and 149 stud cattle entries, which without a feature breed, Ms McLennan said was “amazing”.

She added that the Rabotruck – a multipurpose vehicle designed for sharing knowledge and building networks - added a “very professional” edge to the on-stage element.

The show society used the stage to present the Taroom Showgirl and Rural Ambassador awards.

And, the Taroom Kindergarten Association used the truck’s kitchen to provide catering during the show and raise funds for the community organisation.

“The kinder was very happy with the money they made,” Ms McLennan said.

Meanwhile, Rabobank senior protein analyst Angus Gidley-Baird led a discussion at the show on the outlook for the beef sector.

Hosted at the Rabotruck, the discussion provided local beef producers with an opportunity to gain insights into local and global markets.

Taroom Show Society president, Christie McLennan with judges Rabobank’s Mal Porter and Anita Lethbridge with Taroom’s Miss Showgirl finalists, Ash-Lee Snow, Taroom, Julie Pribbenow, Taroom and zone winner for South West QLD 2021, Cheneya Vetter, Charleville.

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12 TODAY June 2022

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Rabobank’s Mal Porter, Toowoomba with Ally and Jack Becker, Taroom.

Troy Frizzell, Rabobank Dalby with Paul and Majella Erbacher.

Rabobank’s senior protein analyst Angus Gidley-Baird presenting on the RaboTruck stage.

Rabobank’s James Carter, Dalby and Angus Gidley-Baird, Sydney with Marina and Paul Wright, Taroom.

Mat Durkan, Kylie Graham and Rob Lethbridge, Taroom.

NEWS

Garth Christiansen, Trent Radel with Reade and Jill Radel, all of Taroom.

Helen McKemey, Guyra, NSW with Anita Lethbridge, Taroom.

Raising funds for the Taroom Kindergarten, with homemade cakes and barista coffee with Sandra, Renee, Margo and Eri.

Tim Wright, Taroom, Craig Baker, Wandoan and Shane Westman, Wandoan.

Rabobank’s Troy Frizzell (second from left) presenting the Ziesemer family, Beaumont Grazing, with its champion pen ribbon in the Rabobank-sponsored prime cattle competition With judge Amy Bolton.

We can’t wait to see you at

FARMFEST 7th - 9th June 2022

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June 2022 TODAY 13

12548362-HC21-22

THE NATIONAL VOICE FOR AUSTRALIAN GRAIN FARMERS

Mark Merrett 24-year-old grower from Western Victoria. 281720

The innovation generation Farming is about long-term vision, challenging the status quo and building towards a brighter future. Now in its 15th year, the threeday conference for young farmers–Innovation Generation– will give young farmers, students, and agriculture professionals the chance to collaborate and learn alongside likeminded individuals.

Award-winning speakers, innovators, and industry professionals from across the sector will come together to reflect on this year’s theme ‘Emerging Ag’; the latest and new approaches across all elements of farming.

Whether that’s creative ways Aussie growers are connecting with the community or looking at innovative ways to create additional rev-

enue streams on-farm, there is a great line up of speakers ready to share new ideas and information that will help your journey in ag.

Mark Merrett is a 24-year-old grower from western Victoria who will be speaking at Innovation Generation about his journey to becoming a viral farm vlogger and emerging influencer. Since starting out, Mark has uploaded nearly 150 YouTube vlogs and has also branched out to TikTok. Featuring spectacular drone shots and detailed commentary, Mark’s farm vlogs are designed to show the day-today of running a farming operation in Victoria.

“Promoting Aussie agriculture is so important because everyone plays a role in keeping

our businesses thriving,” says Mark.

In addition to educational sessions run by industry leaders, Innovation Generation attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to attend an off-site tour. You could visit the Batch Brewing Co in Sydney’s Inner West, an Australian craft brewery with a focus on unique, handcrafted, small batch beers with deep connection to the community. FMC will also be hosting a tour of their herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide manufacturing facility on the Central Coast, for those wanting to learn about the formulation and packaging process, logistics and the wider supply chain. Or, you may be excited for the Australian Export Grains In-

novation Centre’s hands-on workshop, where participants will mix bread dough, sample some steamed noodles, and learn about the science of baking. The choice is yours.

Innovation Generation is an affordable conference with a program tailored for young farmers. It is a great chance to come together and build personal networks in the sector and explore what is happening in Australian agriculture.

Young ag professionals, students and farmers are invited to join us on 18-20 July in Sydney for Innovation Generation 2022. Book your ticket today and use code FARMTODAY for 10 per cent off all tickets.

Join us for EMERGING AG Innovation Generation is a conference for young ag professionals that brings together the brightest and best speakers with real-world experience.

Join the discussions around farms of the future, collaboration, entrepreneurship and maximising innovation.

Challenge the status quo and help build the future of grains in 2022!

18–20 JULY 2022 SYDNEY innovationgeneration.com.au 12548477-NG21-22

14 TODAY June 2022

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THE NATIONAL VOICE FOR AUSTRALIAN GRAIN FARMERS Meet GrainGrowers’ Grower Engagement Officer (QLD), MEG KUMMEROW.

Grower involvement vital Meg Kummerow lives and works on a grains farm on the Darling Downs with her family.

She’s passionate about ensuring grower voices are heard in policy discussions, and that strong personal development pathways are in place to support farmers.

In addition to Meg’s direct connection with cropping, she is also a graduate of GrainGrowers’ flagship initiative the ‘Grains Social Leadership Program.’ The ‘GSLP’ equips those who are keen to tell and share positive stories about grain farming in Australia with practical tools and skills.

“As a farmer, it is very important to make sure you are involved in these areas to ensure a sound future for our industry,” says Meg. “We all understand the increasing pressures on our businesses, however, we can’t leave it up to someone else to make important decisions for us.”

Much of the work GrainGrowers does is quiet, behind the scenes policy development which is critical to support work taking place on farm. These policies are informed through various channels, including the National Policy Group (NPG) which is comprised of 15 grain growers from across Australia. GrainGrowers’ NPG provide input into, review and approval of GrainGrowers’ national policy positions which are developed on behalf of all Australian grain farmers.

Queensland has three representatives on GrainGrowers’ NPG: Luke Bradley – Springsure & Boyne Valley Ben Taylor – Condamine Stuart McIntyre – West Prairie (Darling Downs) GrainGrowers’ Board Director Nigel Corish is also from QLD and works tirelessly to repre-

· · ·

Grower Engagement Officer (QLD), Meg Kummerow. 281720 sent growers on national issues.

“Being a part of GrainGrowers means we continue to have a sound understanding of the issues impacting you,” says Meg. “This ensures policy development has focus where we need it.”

GrainGrowers’ membership is free for growers. There is also a supporter network for those not growing grain but wanting to stay abreast with industry updates. Meg is keen to connect with growers from across QLD and

encourages members and would-be members to get in touch.

For more information and to become a free GrainGrowers member visit graingrowers. com.au

JOIN GROWERS

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www.graingrowers.com.au/membership Please contact 1800 620 519 or membership@graingrowers.com.au 12548481-JW21-22

June 2022 TODAY 15

OPINION QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Burning down the house FARMERS’ HEALTH WITH DR TOBY FORD Welcome to the sixth edition of my column. By now you’ve joined in and are following instalments, chewing it over as you go up the paddock or drive somewhere.

If you are a first-time visitor then the mission behind this column is to raise awareness for wellbeing and resilience. This time I thought I’d tell you a story about a great bloke I met through our work in a program we are running in country NSW. It’s about coping with adversity.

I’m asked sometimes what is resilience. Is it an experience we had, a genetic trait, an outcome, or a process we have used to cope with adversity?

My feeling is that it is a combination of all of these, but what I think is unique about resilience is this. I don’t think resilience is your ability to prepare for something in your life that might happen to you, nor is it necessarily how you handled it at the time of something happening to you, rather it is what you do to heal yourself after something has happened to you.

So here is my story about resilience. I will call my patient Jack.

Jack had an old dairy farm he bought with his wife in some hilly country somewhere around Port Macquarie. A funny sort of farmhouse, I saw a photo of it. A bit rabbit warren style, built in local timber before the era of large pane windows, sliding glass doors, or cavernous kitchens.

It was a solid house with great hardwood timber floors and an Arger stove for heating.

As Jack said it was hot and pokey in summer, draughty in winter. However, it was their home and in it, they raised their kids, enough said.

In 2019, a bush fire started and a devastating large front rapidly spread. He described it coming up his valley from an unexpected direction. It swept and skipped savagely about three kilometers in five minutes, flicking and igniting the eucalypt forest canopy as it came, exploding dry grass before its terrifying heat scorched their lungs. He said they just escaped with nothing but themselves.

They returned a few days later to decimation. He and his family were stunned, cried, wrenched fists, dirty, burnt, and forlorn. Not long afterwards I was visiting our local clinic and had a chance to see him. I asked some of the many questions we are trained to gently use to pry open the slammed doors of hearts and souls.

What will you do? We will go as far away as we can he muttered. I said could you rebuild, he said unlikely. But perhaps a little blunt in hindsight, I said tell me what your house and what it was like. He said they never really loved the house for all its shortcomings, but it was their home. It was his son who said can we stay dad, it’s all I know.

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Rising above the dark clouds.

He took his son’s advice, crushed but not broken, I didn’t see him for two months.

When I saw him again, I said what is happening? He said my wife and I sat on the top of our burnt hill and we discovered that unbeknown to us we can see the ocean. Because of the forest and the prevailing winds which always blew up from that eastern direction, the old dairy farmer had done a wombat job and built his house facing down into the hollow where the wind never came from and the rain could beat on a flat eastern wall with no windows to let storms in.

Jack dismissively said the dairy farmer had built a small unimaginative house, but it was still Jacks’ family’s home.

So Jack said with his children’s advice they were designing a new home closer to the top with a big glass cathedral window facing the ocean and a large open fireplace on the opposing side. He said his family and he was going to sit in their living room and watch the ocean under the rising sun and moon until they got old.

I praised his courage and poked deeper by asking what really happened to his family’s thinking.

He said they would never have had the guts to build a home of their choice and design.

They would never have seen the new view if the trees had not been incinerated. So I said out of something terrible you have fashioned something good. He agreed and pointed out his son’s advice that gave them the courage to

rebuild and stay, furthermore his daughter had designed the big window.

The fire led her to decide to go to university to do architecture to design fireproof dwellings. He never knew she had it in her. I again complimented him on his extraordinary strength for I could see they had already commenced healing themselves.

So here is what I think about Jacks’ story.

It was he and his family who had to create something positive out of something tragic and that is a resilience lesson that is based on physics. For every force in life, there is an equal and opposite force. With experiences and events in life for every negative force, there is an equal and opposite positive force and until such time as one can find the other force, the first force will rule and ruin your life.

This equilibrium theory of life may not be a conventional counselling technique, but I have used it a lot to help people find their way. They can help themselves to find a new position and view, which can then help to move themselves forward. The alternative is to remain bogged and dogged unforgiving and gaged in negativity. This latter response is misinterpreted in Australian folklore as resilience.

I think it is dogged and stoic, unbending and self-damaging because the driver of such behaviour may be either pride or shame creating inertia to change.

So Jack healed himself after calamity and he did this by finding the equal and opposite force. The new home was the gift of adversity.

His daughter’s desire for architecture was hidden until then.

The second part of this story is what I think has even more value for flexible resilient families and that is this. Ask yourself how many times your father asked your advice and took your advice when you were growing up. If you can’t think of many times and you can only remember it was always his way or he had little regard for your opinion, then it is possible that you will have struggled to make good decisions because you were always dismissed or not trusted to have an opinion of value.

However, if your father took your advice and acted on your advice and he had the flexibility to see your opinion through with the humility to acknowledge if it was right and the compassion to share constructive feedback if it was wrong, then you might have seen the vestiges of resilience being embedded intergenerationally into what I call flexible adaptiveness. Jack taught his son and daughter to trust their own judgment by taking their advice and acting on it. He also praised them for their decisions.

Our role as parents is to give our children safe passage to adulthood physically, mentally and emotionally. It is also to give them decision-making strength. If we do that we know our kids will be okay when we are gone. That is passing on adaptiveness and resilience.

Why don’t you send me an email and tell me what you think is resilience? health@fordhealth.com.au

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Grant help ‘life changing’

By Fiona Gowers “Life changing” is how Patricia Eats from The University of Queensland’s School of Veterinary Science describes winning an AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant.

The grant is an AgriFutures Australia program, developed to foster growth and development in women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.

Ms Eats of Gatton won the bursary for developing a social initiative that will champion animal-empathetic workers passionate about working in Australian livestock industries.

“I was very, very lucky to be a person who was successful,” she said. “It has given me a massive push in the right direction.

“It was such an incredible experience receiving that call and having that sense of reinforcement of the things I am trying to achieve.

“It was amazing to know that the AgriFutures team saw the value and importance in my idea and that they were willing to support such an important cause.

“I was aware of the poor emotional and mental well-being across animal agriculture industries throughout my earlier life and career and recognised the need to do something about that.”

To combat ongoing labour shortages, Ms Eats seeks to improve the capacity of young agricultural animal care workers for lifelong wellbeing and long-term career satisfaction.

“My social initiative will use existing networks to identify candidates who would most benefit from the services offered through a nomination process, including self-nomination,” she said.

“Ideal candidates are those who demonstrate passion for and conviction to their agricultural animal care roles and who would stay in the industry permanently or long-term if they could.

“Often we lose good animal people to jobs that offer more recognition and reward, with more secure, stable or sociable hours, and which offer better workplace conditions.”

Ms Eats said the goals, ambitions, skills and interests of each candidate would be used to create a strategy of personal and professional development.

“We’ll do this by using resources, a community of allied technical and professional mentors and other training options to best facilitate the selected candidates’ ideal vision of their career.

“We will use a holistic approach.

“So, if it is animal health, I will partner them with a vet or a training program to develop that aspect of their knowledge and professional skills.

“If personal relationships are problematic, I may introduce psychological or counselling services to help them to master that.

Patricia Eats has won an AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration grant. She will develop a social initiative that will champion animal-empathetic workers passionate about working in Australian livestock industries.

Picture: MICHELE HAMILTON “Or, connection to financial management services to help people to budget their money and be able to benefit from that.”

The goal of this ambitious project is to retain the best animal care professionals within the industry by keeping them in good health, with a clear view of where their careers are heading.

“This will demonstrate the ethic and value that we, as a society, place in having the right people doing animal care work in animal production systems,” Ms Eats said.

“Broad, positive ripple effects will follow.”

Ms Eats will continue to promote her social initiative to wider markets, with a book proposal for a broad, consumer audience under development and set for release this year.

“I intend for my social initiative to start in the dairy industry and grow to include all agricultural animal industries, should it become a viable and popularly supported enterprise,” she said.

“My dream is that my initiative will grow and expand beyond Australia.

Continued page 18

Patricia Eats aged four was raised on a mixed-enterprise farm on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.

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Working towards safety

By Fiona Gowers Goondiwindi cotton grower and practising psychologist Chantal Corish is aiming to create safer working environments on cotton farms.

Ms Corish has recently received a scholarship to undertake a PhD with Central Queensland University (CQU) and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC).

Her PhD project is a vital part of ensuring resources and outcomes are evidence-based and lead to improved practical outcomes for the cotton industry workforce.

Ms Corish will explore the effect of psychological safety on team learning, performance and wellbeing among cotton farming employees to achieve optimal positive workforce culture and workplace sustainability.

“I have worked as a psychologist in rural Australia for more than 15 years and I am also a partner in a cotton farming enterprise,” she said.

“I am very keen to use my reasonably unique position to help further the knowledge and understanding of farm worker needs in the cotton industry and more broadly across Australian agriculture.”

Further research on the topic of psychological safety and learning in the workplace was a recommendation that came from the CRDCfunded Understanding and Planning for the Future Cotton Industry Workforce project.

Principal supervisor Nicole McDonald said there was growing interest in the utility of psychological safety in modern workplaces.

And, the belief that individuals could engage in interpersonal risk-taking at work without negative consequences such as ridicule or rejection.

Chantal Corish has worked as a psychologist in rural Australia for more than 15 years and is a partner in a Goondiwindi cotton farming enterprise.

“This factor is associated with improved team learning and performance and wellbeing in the workplace,” she said.

Dr McDonald said much of the workforce development happened “on the job“ and when formal training occurred but this didn’t always translate to improved job performance on the farm.

“It is therefore vital that we explore ways to unlock the workforce potential to develop their skills as cotton industry businesses adapt and change into the future,” she said.

“Investigating psychological safety in the farm work context may be one way to do that.

“With this in mind, we were on the hunt for a candidate for whom this topic was of interest, who would be able to come in and take ownership of exploring this within

the cotton industry.

“When Chantal applied for the PhD position, it was clear we’d found someone who had already been looking into workplace culture, wellbeing and positive psychology concepts within agricultural communities and was looking to answer her own questions on the topic too.”

The Australian cotton industry employs more than 12,000 people across 1500 farms each property directly creating jobs for an average of nine people.

Ms Corish said despite a significant contribution to employment in Australia, the cotton industry had conducted limited research into best practice workplace culture and employee wellbeing – factors that significantly impact productivity and production in

other researched industries.

“My research proposal seeks to better understand the factors that lead to a psychologically safe workplace,” she said “And, how psychological safety, which is a factor significantly associated with workplace wellbeing, team learning and performance, can be utilised within cotton farm work environments to enhance the employment experience for cotton farm employees.

“Attraction and retention of staff is a major issue for agriculture generally and is very much an issue for cotton growers.

“I am motivated to find solutions for the industry through this PhD.” The research, which will take three years to complete, is funded by the CRDC and CQUniversity’s Elevate Scholarship.

AgriFutures acceleration grant ‘life changing’ From page 17 “That we will see many deserving people and communities flourish through the cultural embracement of the meaningfulness of the good work of amazing production animal carers.”

Ms Eats comes from a mixed-enterprise farm on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia with cereal cropping, hay, floriculture, meat and wool sheep, beef and dairying enterprises.

After share-farming the family dairy for years, Ms Eats did an Animal Science degree with Honours and raised her son in SA before moving to Queensland to take up PhD candidature.

Recognising academic misunderstand-

ing of animal agriculture people, Ms Eats’ PhD researches occupational wellbeing in subtropical dairy. Her Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Health and Medicine studies confirmed the current policies and practices were inadequate to protect the health and wellbeing of best-fit workers.

“At an academic level, I felt like there were grave misunderstandings of the motivations and purpose of people pursuing agricultural careers,” Ms Eats said.

“Through observing people we employed on our family farm and while working in subsequent roles, I’ve seen broad variability of engagement of employees in their animal care roles.”

Ms Eats said “usually” the degree of per-

sonal investment in animal care suggested suitability to a permanent or long-term career in livestock care.

“But, this can be unrecognised and unrewarded in real terms.

“For some employees, their job was really just an exchange of hours for money, rather than an investment of self into that role.

“But I observed that those who fully engaged themselves in their animal care roles still struggled to find stable hours and financial security.

“They’re often under-employed, engaged on a casual basis and with significant seasonal fluctuations to navigate. It seemed unfair.”

Ms Eats said winning the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant has

changed her life.

“And, I needed it,” she said. “I was at a really dark moment in my life, questioning my direction a little bit and it kind of just . . .

“It’s amazing the way the world turns sometimes. The right thing at the right time can make a massive difference.

“I had a child of my own when I was 19 and very soon after became a single Mum, when he was 8-weeks-old. I think that was actually the making of me.

“I was really determined to succeed and had ambitions that I wanted to fulfill.

“It has been a hard road for me to get to this point, but no more than for many other people, and we got there in the end. Or, I’m getting there in the end!”

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Igniting an idea for support

QLD AgriFutures Rural Women’s award winner 2022 Rebecca Bradshaw.

Picture: JESSICA HOWARD

Nurse’s drive for change recognised A Jackson child health nurse has been named the 2022 Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s award winner at a ceremony in Brisbane.

Rebecca Bradshaw was recognised for her drive to make positive change for rural/ remote families after establishing the first private, child health nurse-led service delivered online in Queensland.

The award comes with a $15,000 grant to further her work and Ms Bradshaw will represent Queensland at the national awards in October for the chance to win an additional $20,000 grant.

She was joined as a finalist alongside Dalby businesswoman Jilly Tyler, Innisfail AgTech entrepreneur Jennifer McKee and Townsville photographer and AgTech champion Fiona Lake.

Ms Bradshaw said it was exciting to be part of such an amazing network of strong and powerful women.

“It (this award) means more access and more availability of child health nurse centres to all our amazing, resilient rural mums who

we know are the backbone to our agricultural industry,” she said.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said Ms Bradshaw was a worthy winner of the award.

“Congratulations to Rebecca whose amazing work to deliver online child health support for rural communities is both a wonderful example of the spirit of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and an inspiration for all women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities,” Mr Furner said.

“Her passion to address the challenges of accessible child and family health services has resulted in Queensland’s first private, child health nurse-led service to be delivered online.”

Managing director of AgriFutures Australia John Harvey said the Rural Women’s award was Australia’s leader in acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural industries and communities.

“The state announcement is an important step in acknowledging the contribution of these outstanding women, as well as shining a spotlight on role models for the next generation of rural leaders,” he said.

Seven exceptional women have been recognised for their contribution to Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities by being named national finalists of the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s award.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s award is the leading award empowering and celebrating the inclusive and courageous leadership of rural women across Australia.

The seven national finalists were announced at events in capital cities across Australia over the last three months, after a highly competitive selection process.

Women from all over Australia were encouraged to apply with a project, business or program having a positive impact on rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities.

North Queensland-based business Grower Support has been granted funds from the Queensland Government to commercialise a new agtech product aiming to make life easier for fresh produce growers required to keep up to date with an increasing amount of regulation.

The announcement of the latest recipients of Advance Queensland’s Ignite Ideas Fund was made recently by the Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport.

Grower Support has developed an innovative, yet simple, all-in-one compliance management platform for the agriculture industry.

Farm businesses will save valuable time by using in-built digital forms, removing duplication of required records across multiple regulations, programs and schemes and reducing internal audit preparation time from days to minutes.

The Ignite Ideas funds will contribute to commercialising the platform, taking Grower Support from a tested minimum viable product with first customers to scaling the technology within domestic and global markets.

Grower Support founder Jennifer McKee was thrilled to receive the news of the grant, saying: “The funds will really give this project the boost it needs to get in front of the right people and change the way farm businesses have been spending their time keeping records to demonstrate compliance with regulations,” she said.

“I am very grateful for the farmers who have assisted in the development of the project and the early adopters who have started using the platform.”

Grower Support aims to include every feature a farm business needs to manage their records without being unnecessarily complicated.

“To date we have included more than 60 regulations and the relevant forms and checklists that growers might need to comply with. It’s an astounding number of requirements to keep on top of.”

Ms McKee said she hoped the success of the project would lead to continual improvement of the platform based on farmer feedback, partnership opportunities with regulators and expansion of the business through the employment of more people in the North Queensland region.

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Generations of opportunity

By Julian Lehnert For decades, Bassingthwaighte family matriarch Louise has seen her children and grandchildren thrive and prosper in various Santa Gertrudis stud cattle businesses - and she could not be happier with her legacy.

The long-time cattle owner, who lives on a property at Wallumbilla east of Roma with her husband Alastair, married into what has now grown to be a multi-generational family business, immediately taking on responsibilities and helping the farm grow.

“I’ve been very fortunate - not many wives have the opportunity to work with their husbands this closely,” Louise said.

Louise began her work on husband Alastair’s stud farm Yarrawonga by organising business records and looking after the cattle.

When asked about the available opportunities in the agribusiness sector for women like her and her many successful daughters and granddaughters, Louise explained that all it takes is a go-getter attitude.

“Women can get very involved in agribusiness, particularly when it comes to tasks like recordkeeping, but whatever has to be done can be done by women,” she said.

“The only thing I haven’t done a lot of is fencing,” she laughed.

Her efforts on and off the farm have borne fruit time and time again, with her sons and daughters taking over the farms of older family members or starting their own studs.

The Bassingthwaighte family’s involvement in Santa Gertrudis stud cattle began in the 1950s, with Brahman farmer Dave introducing one of the then very first bulls of its kind into his herd - a decision which would quickly grow into his main business, a stud farm named “Yarrawonga”.

Dave’s son Alastair continued his father’s legacy, helping out at Yarrawonga and receiving a few heifers of his own as a reward over the years, which led him to establish the Santa Gertrudis stud farm Waco at Taroom in the Banana Shire. Both Yarrawonga and Waco are now run by Louise’s sons, with David and his wife Suzanne taking over the legacy of Waco, which has since moved west of Roma, while Andrew and wife Fiona operate Yarrawonga.

Wendy, one of Louise’s daughters who married into the Ferguson family - another prominent name in Santa Gertrudis studs - also took on responsibilities in stud farming, running Glenn Oaks Santa Gertrudis near Toowoomba with husband Scott.

The Bassingthwaighte family’s success does not end there, however, as Louise’s granddaughters Phoebe (22), Sophie (21) and Lilly (18) are determined to break sales records and carve out a name for themselves in the Queensland stud farming scene. The three girls recently made headlines by paying the top price - an impressive $24,000 - at the Santa Central female sale at Headingly sale complex.

Phoebe, Sophie and Lilly Ferguson (pictured with Warenda stud owner Sylvia Kirkby) are poised to be the latest in a line of proud, successful and promising stud farmers.

Picture: CHRIS TODD “As they were growing up, my granddaughters got involved with what their parents did - they loved the cattle and liked the people involved in the business,” Louise explained.

“They’re very much involved because their parents have a good stud as well - now they’re the ones who are doing all the preparation.

“They were dragged along by their parents

to all the country shows, and it just went from there,” she said.

Proud parents, grandparents and stud farmers, Louise and Alastair Bassingthwaighte may no longer do all the herding, breeding and fencing themselves, but their connection to the business - and their family’s legacy - has not waned over the years.

“My husband and I still live on Yarrawonga,” Louise explained.

“I have continued on with the cattle side of the business. My greatest love is going down to the yards and spending time with the cattle and the breeders,” she added.

“I’m very happy with how lucky I’ve been, being involved in my husband’s work.”

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20 TODAY June 2022

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

OPINION

Australia is an emissions minnow compared to other countries.

Benefit’s just four days We are continually told by the media, inner city greens and millionaires, opportunist politicians and so called “scientists” that Australia “must” reduce our carbon emissions to prevent “catastrophic” climate change.

Climate change has become a central plank during this year’s Federal Election with both political parties, “teal” Independents and the Greens all falling over themselves to see who can cut Australia’s economic throat the fastest with carbon emission reduction targets.

The aim is to keep global temperatures below 1.5 degree Celsius by 2100 - after that who knows. We are continually lectured that we must wean ourselves off inexpensive and reliable fossil fuels and replace them with expensive, unreliable shiny things like wind turbines and solar panels.

Despite the urgency of this impending climate catastrophe - when it comes to paying for these new carbon neutral shiny things most Australians point anywhere other than their own pockets. In fact, the ones that preach the loudest are usually the ones with the deepest pockets but seem to go missing every time it’s their carbon neutral shout.

The trade-off for completely decarbonizing our economy is that we won’t have any more cyclones, bushfires, floods and droughts. Actually, that’s not right - it means that the cyclones, bushfires, floods and droughts that try to wipe us off the face of the planet with the change of seasons today won’t get worse tomorrow.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT TOM MARLAND If Australia operated in a large bubble - we might be able to control our own weather.

But the reality is we are part of a much larger global carbon cycle and even if Australia switched off all the lights and went Net Zero tomorrow - no one would really notice.

In fact, if Australia completely disappeared today - the total global carbon dioxide savings would last less than Burke and Wills lost in the desert - approximately four days.

In 2021, Australia emitted 386 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2E) which was a 5.3 per cent or a 27.8 million tonne reduction from the previous year.

Australia emits about 1.3 per cent of global emissions and this will be well below 1 per cent by 2030.

Australia is one of only a hand full of countries that are actually meeting our 2005 Paris Agreement targets by reducing our emissions by 20 per cent since 2005.

Over the same period, China’s emissions have increased by 50 per cent from around 5000 million tonnes CO2E in 2005 to 11,680

million tonnes CO2E in 2021 - which now equates to 33 per cent of global emissions.

It is predicted that Chinas emissions will increase to 14,500 million tonnes CO2E by 2030 - around 40 times more than Australia per year.

If this doesn’t already make you feel small - China has several state-owned companies which emit more carbon dioxide than some countries combined.

For example, China Baowu - the world’s largest steel maker emits more CO2E (200 million tonnes) than Pakistan with a population 220 million people.

China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation contributes more to global warming than Germany - which is ranked sixth on the global emissions list at 702 million tonnes CO2E. Petrochina Company Limited has a bigger carbon footprint than Vietnam (305 MtCO2E) and South Korea (651 MtCO2E) combined.

SAIC Motor Corp emits more carbon than Argentina (359 MtCO2E per year).

China National Building Material Group has the same emissions as France (314 MtCO2E per year).

GD Power Development Co outstrips Malaysia at 255 million tonnes CO2E. Huaneng Power International is a bigger emitter than the UK at 364 million.

Like a racehorse that has thrown his jockey and races to the lead - there will be no prize for Australia or anyone else if they are first over

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the finishing line to meet Net Zero Targets.

Despite the fairly obvious maths on carbon emissions, this has not stopped countries and governments all over the world getting themselves into a hot sweaty mess over trying to reduce their carbon footprints.

All the while China is increasing its output and picking up the profits at the same time.

China’s output of greenhouse gas will do more than almost anything else anyone could conceivably do to decide the fate of the planet.

But China with 1,448,471,400 mouths to feed and India quickly catching them with 1,406,631,776 - I wouldn’t hold your breath for too long waiting.

Our best bet is to stop trying to change the weather and start working out how to live in it - especially if it’s about to get worse.

This includes by improving our land and forest management practices to reduce the impacts of bushfires, improving building design and resilience against cyclones, implementing flood protection and mitigation measures and building dams and water conservation projects.

There are lots of things that we can do today that will help us adapt to climate change tomorrow that are far easier and more effective than just reducing our carbon emissions.

But these options aren’t as sexy and sensational and politically appealing as fighting a carbon crusade that is already doomed to fail with China soaking up all of the savings.

Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority

Grow your farm business with QRIDA See QRIDA at FarmFest to talk with us about our range of grants and low interest loans for primary producers, including*: Sustainability Loans to help you invest in new and emerging on-farm technologies, improve irrigation systems, establish renewable energy systems, increase on-farm storage or purchase or upgrade plant and machinery • First Start Loans to help you establish your first primary production enterprise • Drought loans and grants available to help you prepare, manage, recover and mitigate the impacts of drought To find out more, talk with our Regional Area Managers at FarmFest (site PAV/25), contact us on Freecall 1800 623 946 or visit qrida.qld.gov.au •

*The information contained herein is for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon this information as a basis for making any business, legal or any other decisions.

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Authorised by the Queensland Government, Turbot St, Brisbane June 2022 TODAY 21

OPINION QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

New live export indicator The Queensland beef industry has a new market indicator, providing even better market signals to the live export sector.

Queensland alone accounts for 45 per cent or 10.5m head of the national herd and is a key component of the live export industry.

With the live cattle export industry worth $1.35b, and the northern live cattle export market contributing 12 per cent of the total red meat production value in Australia, there was demand to develop an independent price indicator to better inform the northern Australian live export supply chain.

Last month, through close consultation with industry and the Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association (NTLEA), MLA launched the Live Export Price Indicator (LEPI).

The LEPI is the first new indicator we have introduced in seven years, with the last one being the Western Young Cattle Indicator (WYCI) which was launched in June 2015.

The new LEPI will provide relevant, timely and independent information to support the live export industry to make more informed business decisions through connected data.

The LEPI is the average sale price of male feeder cattle purchased by exporters for shipment via Darwin to Indonesia. It is released every second Tuesday for the previous fortnight.

All data shown in the LEPI has been provided by livestock export companies active in the feeder cattle trade to Indonesia.

It is generated on the sale price of male feeder cattle, both castrated (steers) and entire (bulls), shipped for export from Darwin to Indonesia, weighing 280-380kg liveweight (lwt). The indicator price will be reported on a

FROM THE MLA JASON STRONG cents-per-kilogram lwt basis and in Australian dollars (AUD), in line with established terms of the trade.

Everyone in the supply chain, from producers in Northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, right through to customers in Indonesia, will be supported with timely and reliable market price reporting. Given the heightened interest in our market due to unheralded prices and reduced supplies, we are thrilled to be investing in this much needed initiative.

The LEPI is initially analysing cattle exported through Darwin because of the low numbers of live cattle currently being shipped out of Townsville and Broome. This is due to the ongoing herd rebuild and producers adjusting to sell stock into the southern markets.

Indonesian feeder male cattle that exit through Darwin are recognised among industry as the barometer in terms of pricing performance, so North Queensland producers will now be able to recognise where their cattle are priced relative to the Darwin Indonesian feeder male market. MLA in consultation with industry will review the LEPI’s performance in six months and has intentions to expand the indicator’s scope to include other ports, categories, or markets of live export cattle.

Managing Director of Meat and Livestock Australia Jason Strong addresses a Farm Writers’ Lunch in April.

Picture: AAP IMAGE/LIV CASBEN

Ag industry worth $81 billion this financial year The agriculture industry is worth a record $81 billion this financial year with exports to peak at $64 billion. Only the Liberal National Government has a plan to help our primary industries achieve their goal of reaching $100 billion output by 2030. $75 MILLION TO ASSIST FARMERS INTO OWNERSHIP The Liberals and Nationals Government is committed to supporting the long-term economic future of our regions, which is why we will pilot an 18-month $75 million Future Farmer Guarantee Scheme to support farmers into first time ownership. Under the scheme, the Government will guarantee 40% of an eligible new farmer’s commercial loan up to a maximum value of $1 million.

The scheme will assist experienced farmers to address the number one barrier to establishing their own farm business – access to capital.

With existing landholders ageing – the average broadacre farmer is 62 years old, with only 10 per cent aged under 47. Rising land values and the typical 40 to 60% equity deposit required by commercial banks without this Government guarantee mean that getting access to a bank loan to start a viable

FROM THE MINISTER AGRICULTURE MINISTER DAVID LITTLEPROUD business is very difficult.

It’s not a free for all – applicants will need to have on-farm experience, a minimum deposit and be a sound lending prospect from the bank’s perspective. The farmer is still on the hook for their loan. $1.45 million will be provided to the Regional Investment Corporation to administer the program which would open 1 January 2023, and funding for the $75 million guarantee will come from existing RIC appropriations. $10.9 MILLION FOR HORTICULTURAL NETTING PROGRAM – TRIAL More horticulture producers across Queensland will benefit from the expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program - Trial following the signing of the $10.9 million

funding agreement between the Liberal National and Queensland Governments.

The program will allow horticulture growers to access 50 per cent of the cost of purchasing and installing protective netting.

Horticulture producers are expected to be able to apply to Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority for grants by end of May. This is about improved productivity and farm gate returns for even more horticulture producers in Queensland. Properly installed netting can seriously improve both the quality and quantity of fresh food crops, while reducing water usage by up to 30 per cent.

More information about the Horticultural Netting Program – Trial Expansion in Queensland can be found at: www.business. qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/crop-growing/apple-pearnetting WILD GAME A re-elected Liberal National Government will commit up to $1.3 million to Western Game Processing Pty Ltd (WGP) to help expand its business further into north western Queensland.

Based in Longreach, WGP currently has 11 chiller box sites in north Queensland including near Hughenden, Eromanga and Barcaldine. The expansion will support WGP’s significant growth since starting in 2018 and will see another 12 chiller boxes placed across six sites including Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Boulia, Julia Creek and Middleton. The business estimates that each chiller box has the capacity, depending on the number of licensed harvesters, to inject between $350,000 and $2 million directly into a community per annum.

The project will also include the purchase of a prime mover and trailers, the construction of a ‘fit for purpose’ solar powered preparation shed, an accommodation hub to offer workers short and long-term accommodation and an office and staff amenities block that caters to the needs of the expanding administration role of the business.

Our contribution to the project, worth approximately $2.5 million in total, will deliver an economic injection into remote communities with direct and indirect business and employment opportunities.

Until next time.

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Keeping Your Business Moving

Parts buying made easy Every farmer knows how hard it can be to buy parts.

When you work seven days a week, and often early in the morning or late at night, your local parts shop is simply not open. Now there is an alternative to writing notes in your pocket notepad – its called TranzMate!

TranzMate is a free App that makes buying parts or just sending queries simple, fast and efficient.

After all we are almost never without our phone, so with the TranzMate App installed on your phone, you can send through your parts queries and orders 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. As every query is 100 per cent tracked, you can then get back to work knowing that your parts enquiry will be sorted shortly.

Best of all when the Tranzmile team come online (from 7am during the week and 8am – 12 midday on Saturdays) the moment they respond you will get an alert on your phone, keeping you in the loop and enabling you to track everything.

Nothing is ever lost, and you can see and track everything.

With the TranzMate App you don’t need to know part numbers. You simply take a photo of what is broken, add a short note on what you need, and how many, and ideally link it to a Vehicle or Asset that you have set up in the App. This is another super powerful feature of the App. You can create a register of all assets on your farm and record essential informa-

tion against it. This is Unit #, Rego and Vin of course, but also service schedules, parts listings, photo’s and much more. In fact you can use the TranzMate App even for breakdowns, quickly emailing to a mechanic full details on any asset you have added.

The TranzMate App is very easy to use and is 100% free thanks to Tranzmile. You can simply go to the Google or Apple App Stores and download it. Once an account has been set up for you you can use the App or the Website to order parts, manage your fleet and track invoices, manage your service schedules and much more.

To start using TranzMate follow these 3 easy steps: 1. Download the App on your phone from the Google or Apple App store.

2. Call or email TranzMile to get your 100 per cent free account up and running.

3. Add your farm asset list to the Vehicle database.

You are now ready to go. Start making free queries, orders, price quotes and more 24 hrs a day seven days a week. It is that easy.

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June 2022 TODAY 23

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Whether it’s flood, fire or drought, volunteers are a vital part of Australia’s road to disaster recovery, as ERLE LEVEY discovers.

Rolling up their sleeves BlazeAid. There is so much behind this name - yet few people are aware of the phenomenal work this organisation undertakes.

Those who have experienced BlazeAid’s assistance talk of their valuable work in fixing broken fences and farm structures after floods and bushfires.

Yet Blaze Aid is also about fixing broken people.

What started out as a desperate call for help from a farmer impacted by the devastating Victorian bushfires in 2009 has turned into a nationwide volunteer organisation.

People donate their time, their skills, equipment, food and a place to camp.

Not only do they lend a hand but they lend an ear … someone there to listen and talk to when their world seems so dark.

The loss of stock, of feed, of houses, sheds and fences has left them wondering how they will recover.

That’s where BlazeAid steps in.

The idea came about after Kilmore East farmers, Kevin and Rhonda Butler, were devastated by the Black Saturday bushfires that swept across Victoria.

Since then, BlazeAid volunteers have stepped in for all sorts of disaster relief.

More than 15,000km of fencing has been repaired - that’s more than the distance around Australia.

I recently caught up with some volunteers at the Woolooga BlazeAid base camp at Brooyar Station.

Sitting there in the early morning light, over a cup of coffee, you soon become aware of the many facets the organisation - indeed, volunteering itself - can take.

The longest journey of recovery starts with the first step. So it is with Blaze Aid - making that call for help.

When the Blaze Aid volunteers turn up, they start the massive task of clearing up the fence lines and building not only new fences but hopes and dreams.

Clearing the fence lines can be a giant undertaking. There can be tons and tons of silt covering the posts and wires. Otherwise massive amounts of trees and branches washed down by the flooding rains.

Woolooga BlazeAid co-ordinator Kerrie Bennett is at the camp, along with Margi Buckley who is doing the cooking.

They have just set volunteers John and Jenny Baker up for the day - the ute and the trailer are packed, breakfast is finished and lunch has been prepared for them to have on the farm.

They will be working at Scotchy Pocket with two other volunteers from from Gympie. Dinner will be ready at the end of the day.

The camp is based at Brooyar Station and Tony Dingle, an owner of grazing property, will be down to talk when he has fed the calves.

Woolooga BlazeAid has been helping farmers from Murgon to Gympie. Now there are

Fences filled with branches and grass after the floods. 277623 plans to start one at Imbil to serve the Mary Valley.

Kerrie is from Redcliffe and been based at Woolooga for six weeks.

She reaches for her phones to make sure they are both in her pockets.

“I’m just putting the guns in,’’ she laughs.

“I’d be lost without them.’’

It’s this infectious personality that tells you Kerrie would be handy to have in any situation - from managing work rosters to arranging a campfire get-together at the end of a big day.

“The team members come down to the camp kitchen of the morning.

“I have the paperwork ready and break them into teams, tell them where they’re going and give them a safety tour on what they should be looking out for - look out for each other, drink plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and anything that’s relevant to the property they’re going to that day.

“Once breakfast is done I go up and check the trailers, check the vehicles and then we’ll head off.

“John and Jenny are going to Scotchy Pocket today - that’s about a 35-40 minute drive and

the two people that drive out from Gympie will meet them at the farm gate.

“The farmer will show them where they’re going to work, what needs to be done and any particular ways they want it completed.’’

Volunteers come from all areas and backgrounds. A lot are grey nomads travelling around Australia, others are simply from nearby towns.

Margi Buckley is a retired teacher from Brisbane and has been helping for a couple of weeks before setting off on a road trip down through central New South Wales.

A couple were arriving at Woolooga on Anzac Day and another from Cowra.

John Baker is a retired newspaper production worker from Maryborough.

They stay in their own caravan and have been doing BlazeAid since 2019.

“We started at a property west of Winton,’’ John tells me. “We did three weeks out there after the big floods in the February, I think it was.

“A lot of cattle died and a lot of fencing was lost.

“We did eight weeks last year at the Texas camp, doing flood repair work. This is our third

BlazeAid and we’ve been here for two weeks.

“We put a lot of hard work into it but what we get out of it is to see the smile on the farmer’s face at the end of the day.

“When he sees a bloody nice straight, clean fence, that’s all we need.

“We heard about BlazeAid while listening to Macca on radio one Sunday morning .

“I’ve always been pretty handy - I can fix most things and love working with my hands, so a lot of it came naturally to me but a lot of it is just observing and watching.

“It’s a matter of asking the farmer how he wants things done, bearing in mind every farm is different ... you have just got to be careful when you go into a property and check.’’

Another benefit is being out in the fresh air all day and the satisfaction of completing a hard day’s work.

“We spend a lot of time not only fixing the fence but talking to the farmer.

“A lot of them are down in the dumps after the flood or other disasters, and need a bit of a pick-me-up.

“We can talk, let them get it off their shoulders.

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Morning at BlazeAid Woolooga base camp at Brooyar Station. 277623

“Sometimes that’s a lot healthier than actually fixing the fence.

“They might say they’ll be fine, but we found in drought it was important just to just get them away from the farm for a week - to say someone cares.

“The disaster here has been so great that they go out and look at it and just shake their head. They don’t know where to start. That’s where we come in.

“The truth is just get into it straight away and then by the end of the day their spirits have been lifted.

“There is actually an end in sight.’’

The amount of fencing that can be repaired

in a day varies according to the damage and the terrain.

It depends on the amount of plant debris that needs removing and whether the fence has been buried in silt.

Some days a team can navigate 100m to 200m but if the fence line is clean they can manage 500m.

The barbed wire needs to be dragged out of the dirt, the posts straightened up and wire restrained.

For Kerrie Bennett the decision to pitch in with BlazeAid was easy: “After a lifetime of work in retail I wanted to give back ... and I don’t do retirement very well.

“I heard a lot about BlazeAid when the Black Summer bush fires were on in 2019.

“I would’ve liked to have gone down to New South Wales to help but Covid stopped me doing that.

“Now I live permanently in my motorhome and I was going to travel around Australia but I saw that they needed help here at Woolooga.’’

Kerrie rang and asked what she could do to help and was told to simply come on up.

After a few days working in the field, they asked if she would help with the administration.’’

“I’ve been organising the farmers and the actual volunteers … matching them and mak-

ing teams, and sending them out to farms.

“So, there’s a lot of paperwork involved - it’s a big thing to match them up with the farmers, matching the different personalities and teams.

“It is fun but I worked in retail for 40-50 years in Brisbane - all over actually.

“My last job was with RSEA, a safety company, and I did that for 15 years. It was a very interesting but mentally demanding job because there were always so many rules changing.

“You had to keep on top of that to actually help advise customers - that’s what I loved about it the most.

Continued pages 26-27

12549735-SN21-22

The BlazeAid base camp at Brooyar. 277623

We put a lot of hard work into it but what we get out of it is to see the smile on the farmer’s face at the end of the day.”

June 2022 TODAY 25

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

BlazeAid volunteers at work at Brooyar. 277623 From page 25 “That I could learn something every single day, and the people you’re meeting.

“I love working with people and that’s one reason I’m doing this job - I don’t feel like I’m actually retired any more.

“The farmers are just amazing. You get a broad spectrum - from small farms to large grazing properties.

“One gentleman was so amazing. He had been given some pretty devastating news while we were there helping him.

“But he is resilient and will just keep going.

“He told the most incredible story of finding a carpet snake in his Landcruiser.

“They encouraged the snake to leave the vehicle and it went up a tree for a few days.

“Then it disappeared so after he checked all the vehicles he drove into Gympie to pick up some feed for his sheep.

“But at a big set of traffic lights he was about to turn right, glanced sideways and coming in the window at eye level was the snake.

“By the time he got to the produce store it was wrapped around the rear-vision mirror.

“They asked if he needed any help.

“He told them they could help get the snake off the ute.

“It was the funniest thing. We were all in stitches.

“So that’s taught me something about people getting on with life, and the admiration that I have for them.’’

It’s amazing to watch farmers when BlazeAid volunteers go out to a property, and see the devastation, Kerrie said.

“They just don’t know where to start. I do not know where to start either because it’s just so much, and then to see them when you’ve been out there for a few days. The gratitude that they show.

“I’ve had handwritten cards just to say ’thank you.’

“So many times they are unaware of what BlazeAid can do.’’

The organisation is always on the lookout for extra volunteers, preferably those with some work skills and who won’t tend to sit around and do nothing.

Sometimes both volunteers go out in the

John Baker from Maryborough gets the trailer ready for a day of fencing at Brooyar. 277623

BlazeAid Woolooga camp administrator Kerrie Bennett at Brooyar. 277623

field but quite often one will help with the cleaning or the cooking at the camp.

“The farmer will tell them exactly where the fences go, and how they want the wire done.

“But the troops will also offer suggestions ... because they’ve done so many, they can actually offer a lot of assistance and give them new ideas.

“There’s quite a few women on the land in this area, and they work just as hard alongside the volunteers.’’

Among the volunteers Kerrie has met, was a man who brought his 15-year-old son with him, and they drove from Victoria towing a bobcat.

It took them two days to drive up and they were at Woolooga for eight or nine days.

“They were just absolutely amazing.

“The son was a bit of a troubled teen and yet he could work like a full adult male.

“Getting away from the life he was leading was so uplifting ... he was offered three jobs while he was here.

“So I would not be surprised to see them come back.’’

Brooyar Station owner Tony Dingle said making the property available was the least they could do.

His family originated from Mount Perry and he has been working properties out at Roma.

Two years ago he decided to semi-retire.

“I was going to live on the Gold Coast but saw this place and my life changed.

“I’ve always been a person that loves helping, so that’s why it was so easy for me to give support to BlazeAid. “It’s a great organisation. There are so many young retirees that just want to go out and help.

“They are getting food and a place to stay.

That’s saving them money and they’re contributing in a variety of ways to the community.

“There are so many old landowners around here, and with the two floods this year they were just knocked around so much ... they are just not knowing what to do.

“They find it very hard to do something and don’t really have enough money to go and employ people to do the job - then they’ll be waiting 18 months to get the work done.

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New fencing wire finds a strong anchor on the Wide Bay Creek. 277623

New fencing stretches down and across the Wide Bay Creek. 277623

NEWS

Former teacher Margi Buckley has taken on the role of camp cook for BlazeAid at Woolooga.

277623

“With BlazeAid, if a farmer wants to have a talk, they will sit down with him. I think that’s very important.

“So that’s that’s the main reason why I gave my place.

“There’s nothing like security and there are people that help from the goodness of their heart, I think that’s fantastic.’’

Margi Buckley was born in Sydney but has lived in Brisbane for close to 50 years.

The retired high school teacher loves being outside and keeping busy.

“When I discovered BlazeAid back in 2019, after the bushfires, I was pretty interested in what they were doing so I went and worked at a few camps.

“There were fires all around - they were pretty terrible times.’’

The first BlazeAid camp Margi worked at was Ewing, west of Casino, then at Nymboida, west of Grafton, and at Ebor, up near Dorrigo.

There was terrible damage after those fires and much of her time was spent working in the field, pulling down the fences and supporting the farmers.

“They definitely needed a lot of support,’’ she said.

“There were farmers who when you talk to them they cry ... they had no-one who could come and help until BlazeAid arrived.

“So it’s really wonderful work to do - very satisfying in the way that you can see that you’re helping people.

“We pull the fences down and then rebuild them. I knew nothing about building fences before I started.’’

This is Margi’s first stint with the floods but she has been doing kitchen mostly at Woolooga.

It’s still satisfying but in a different way tangible is the word that comes to mind.

“There is the real satisfaction in that you can see reward for your effort, and I see the reward in a couple of ways.

“I see a personal reward - that feeling of doing something that really benefits someone else - but also I see that with cooking I’m feeding those who are going out to do a pretty hard day‘s work.

“There’s nothing quite like a hard day‘s work, good food and sleep.’’

Kerrie said there are still a number of farmers who don’t know about BlazeAid and that the service can give them a much-needed hand.

“They have experienced so much damage all they have to do is call in and we will register them, and go out.

“So, it’s not hard. There’s no contract.

“It is all voluntary work, it doesn’t cost them anything. We just go out and at least give them a start on what they’re doing.

“Then they can see there actually will be an end, and that’s the whole thing. That makes a huge difference.

“Anyone who needs help, all they’ve got to do is ring BlazeAid and we will certainly put them on the list.

“Then we get out and help them as soon as we can.’’

Giving back to the community and meeting people is a huge buzz, Kerrie admits.

“I suppose you get the adrenaline junkie that jumps off mountains or whatever - but this is how I get that.

“It’s a bigger benefit to me - I feel as if I’m a drop in an ocean - but if that little drop helps someone out there, then I’m doing something towards society.

“I suppose that’s why I keep doing this.’’

For further information search: https:// blazeaid.com.au/

Making friends: BlazeAid volunteer Jenny Baker of Maryborough. 277623

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Saving planet and pocket

By Leith Guymer When scientist Mark Rowen saw the amount of wastage involved in automotive paint application from business interests in the industry, he realised there had to be a way to repurpose this waste paint product that was largely ending up in landfill.

After much trial and tribulation in the development of processes, procedures and equipment, Planet Paints was born in 2005 and today sells its unique range of paint products locally, nationally and even internationally until Mark’s cancer diagnosis in 2014 put the international push on hold.

Using its unique technologies, Mark and his team have been turning all kinds of industrial and automotive paint-related waste into a variety of quality paint products at their distillation and paint-making operations at 7 Allen Court Torrington, on the outskirts of Toowoomba.

“Automotive paint is of such high quality,” explains Julie Herridge general manager of Planet Paints and Mark Rowen’s sister.

“Our recycled paints and products are exceptional quality and extremely durable with many of our clients often commenting the Planet Paints product they used years ago are as fresh as if they were only applied last week.

“And, because we are collecting recycling, we can offer our products at extremely low, extremely competitive prices despite the time and money Planet Paints puts into refining the products and giving them a second life.”

The Planet Paints range of products include exterior and interior water-based paints and these paints represent massive savings when compared to buying new paint.

As an example of their price points, Planet Paints currently offer 10 litres of their Interior white for $44, which is about a third of the price you can pay for a brand name.

And, while Planet Paints does not offer the colour range of the long-established brands because its range is dependent largely on the colours of paint waste collected, the range is extensive enough even if you are painting your own home.

These water-based paints have been used for countless jobs locally and nationally including full house paints, room makeovers, offices and workshop renovations, farm cottages and shearer’s quarters.

“With such low price points, Planet Paints are used by many tradies but also by investors refurbishing investment properties,” Julie said.

Planet Paints’ other popular range is its patented concrete coatings with both an exterior and interior variety available.

These paints are made from solvent-based waste generated by the panel trade.

The exterior range Versacoat is perfect for any concrete exposed to the sun from paths and driveways to garden edging, concrete tanks and even silos, while the interior range Maintain adorns many workshop and shed floors across the country.

“Maintain is very quick drying so many paint

An office renovation with all Planet Paints recycled water-based paints used. on a Friday afternoon and are walking and driving forklifts on it by Monday,” Julie said.

Bolide Black is Planet Paints’ flat black paint and as a one component paint it is easy to apply and has many applications from industrial to DIY, as a fence paint and even proving popular as a finish to update and modernise wicker and cane.

“Bolide Black has been used by many industries,” Julie explains. “We’ve sold it to farmers who have painted machinery and fencing and the exteriors of troughs, mining companies for machinery like forklifts and work items like springs and drill bits, and have even sold it back to the automotive industry for radiators, chassis, and painting the inside of bumpers and guards.”

But Planet Paints have taken its commit-

ment to the environment a step further and established a retail shop on premises simply called “The Shop”.

Julie explains: “The Shop is where we sell all the off ones we collect. As you can imagine, every garage or shed in Australia probably has up to four cans of paint sitting inside that eventually gets dumped during that big shed clean up we all do every few years.

“The Shop is where we sell these products whether it’s automotive paint, blackboard paint, timber treatments and primers. Some have never been opened or are at least half full and perfect for all those one off small and sometimes big jobs at a bargain basement price.”

At The Shop you can also buy all you need to paint with including brushes and rollers and

paint trays plus handy hints cards and guides while a visit to the Planet Paints website shows you the many different jobs Planet Paints products have been used for over the years and includes many before and after photos. Fully accredited, you will also find paint data sheets and videos.

Waste paint product is either burnt or buried as landfill impacting on the environment.

Planet Paints is the perfect example of a small family-owned and operated business doing big things for the environment and in the process, limiting the damage to your wallet while still having to pay hefty government licence fees as a waste collector.

“Our profits might be small but we truly accept Planet Paints is positively impacting the environment,“ Julie said.

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QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Little school’s big results

By Fiona Gowers The athletically-blessed gene pool that has swirled through North Star Public School for generations has once again left others in its wake.

Boasting just 20 students - and situated in a town in North West NSW without a pool - a relay team from the big-hearted small school has won gold at the state swimming titles.

Indya Doolin, Annabel McMaster, Sophie McMaster and Thomas Crichlow clocked a blistering time of 2:35.33 to clinch the Earl McGee trophy at the NSWPSSA hosted at SOPAC in Sydney.

Schools with less than 25 students compete in the relay, with qualification gained through wins at the North Star Public School carnival, McIntyre district, Moree zone and, finally, Armidale regionals.

“We thought, ‘Are they as good as we think?’,” said long-time North Star Public School PE teacher and sports organiser Sue Nixon.

“And, then they went down to Sydney and we said, ‘Yep! They’re as good as we think’!

“They pulled it off and the whole community, right up through Goondiwindi, is so proud.”

“It’s a very big honour to be in the North Star relay team.”

The school previously won gold in 2001 and 2013 but claimed the Peter Dobson trophy then, a bigger division for 55 students or less.

Ms Nixon, who has been at North Star Public School for 35 years, said it had long won district athletics and swimming carnivals, and the handicap category at bigger events, such as Moree.

“We do face the tall poppy syndrome here,” she said. “People will say, ‘argh, not North Star again!’ We are a fairly big step ahead of the other small schools.

“I credit the students’ gene pool - they are all so athletic - and just their love of all sports.

Annabel McMaster, Thomas Crichlow, Sophie McMaster and Indya Doolin won gold at the state swimming titles.

Also, the amazing parents who are willing to drive the miles.”

Pre-Covid, the swimmers travelled 45 minutes to Goondiwindi to train in a squad twice a week.

But, due to pandemic border bubble restrictions, they pivoted and drove 1 hour and 15 minutes to Warialda, on the NSW

north west slopes.

And, in the lead up to Sydney, Hamish and Karen Backus of “Gunnamatta”, North Star allowed the children to practice their changeover technique in their 25-metre lap pool.

“We don’t get to train morning and afternoon like the Sydney kids do,” Ms Nixon said.

“So, twice a week is a long way behind 10.”

North Star Public School parent Camilla Doolin, Myall Downs, North Star said winning the Earl McGee Small Schools Relay was an unforgettable moment.

“It was such a thrill for the kids and, yes, a huge eye-opener. You know, it’s just exciting to be in Sydney and making memories that will last a lifetime.”

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Stephanie Denman at the Farm Field School graduation in Thnal Keng, Cambodia. 280210

Stephanie and Mark Denman and their two sons. 280210

Transplanting rice in Cambodia. 280210

Talking drought relief in a time of flood, Stephanie Denman is ahead of the game, as ERLE LEVEY discovers.

The brave new world It’s strange to be talking about drought while much of southern Queensland has been in the grip of floods.

Yet that’s what Stephanie Denman is ready to do.

As Department of Agriculture and Fisheries officer for the Wide Bay Burnett, Stephanie wants farmers to be ready for all types of disasters - as everyone expects in Australia, flood follows drought and bushfire follows flood.

It’s a bit like Dorothea Mackellar’s famous work, My Country, in which she writes about her love of “a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, of ragged mountain ranges, of drought and flooding rains.’’

Now based in Gympie after relocating from Kingaroy with her family, Stephanie is in her element listening, helping and advising those on the land with the challenges they face and the changes ahead.

As southern region principal agri-business development officer, she is involved in agri-tourism work, and that has some exciting developments taking place right across Queensland.

“It’s a beautiful, wonderful journey that I’m on, learning about what you do here,’’ Steph-

Princess Dianna was involved with Halo Trust, which was clearing the land mines in that area.

We worked in conjunction with Halo Trust ... they would go into a community and clear the mines in the areas that we nominated.” anie told a Cooloola Farm Trail meeting at Goomboorian recently.

And it’s timely to be talking about drought in the time flood because of that drought, flood, fire cycle.

“It’s about preparing yourself. Yes, it seems counter-intuitive to talk about drought in times of flood but, honestly, preparing for drought is no different as to preparing for any disaster, regardless of what that might be.’’

Yet Stephanie has a remarkable story of her own to tell, which is why I was sharing a coffee on the back verandah of their house in Gympie recently.

It was a public holiday so the benefits of working from home were evident, with both of

her and husband Mark’s boys looking after the family dog - a spanador named Ruby.

Ruby is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a labrador.

“She is fully grown but looks like a puppy,’’ Stephanie said, “... so she gets away with a lot of stuff.’’

Not only is Stephanie enthusiastic about her Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) role but heavily involved in the Queensland Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network (QRRRWN).

After joining the network in the mid ’90s she has been Barambah branch vice president for more than 20 years, while working in the South Burnett.

“QRRRWN offers access to community networks,’’ Stephanie said, “... so it’s connect, develop and inspire.

“For me, it connects like-minded women throughout the state to opportunities and to people.

“People who might not have those opportunities in their local rural community, so they offer training, they offer advocacy … it’s about getting people together.’’

Getting people together is something Stephanie is good at.

Apart from working closely with the poultry, pig and horticulture industries in Queensland, she has been involved in international development.

This was while living and working in rural Cambodia.

Born in Ipswich, Stephanie grew up on a string of RAAF bases. Her father was an instrument fitter and, for a time, was based at Amberley.

Through the University of Queensland, Stephanie gained a Bachelor of Applied Science (Rural Technology) with Honours in Animal Production (Monogastrics).

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“We always had family in the South Burnett so when Dad retired he eventually moved up to there.

“I was studying agricultural science through UQ at Gatton, and then moved into my first job in the agriculture department. That was in 1998 - it seems like a lifetime ago now.

“I worked in the pig industry for a few years and moved across into the poultry, then I went to Cambodia.’’

That was a big step but for someone who had moved around with RAAF bases, it was just a matter of needing a change.

“You get to a point in your life where you need to just change stuff up, and I needed to do that “I took on a youth ambassador role in a land mine action program in North Cambodia.

“It was in the K Belt for land mines on the Thai border, so we did a multi-faceted project.

“The K belt ... it’s a major land mine belt that goes along the border of Cambodia and Thailand.

“Princess Dianna was involved with Halo Trust, which was clearing the land mines in that area.

“We worked in conjunction with Halo Trust ... they would go into a community and clear the mines in the areas that we nominated.

“Then I went through with an agricultural training program, to work with people to utilise their newly-cleared land more efficiently and effectively.

“We also had a literacy program, a water sanitation program and a school program tied into it for the community development side.

“But I was more focused on the rural development side.’’

Stephanie came back to Queensland in the mid-2000s and has been in DAF ever since.

“Cambodia is a beautiful country,’’ she said.

“I’m biased but it’s my favourite Asian country because of the people.

“It’s not as in-your-face as Thailand, not as aggressive as Vietnam. Laos is very equivalent to Cambodia ... they’re both very laid-back populations and very open and friendly.’’

While Stephanie was assisting the Cambodian people in many ways, she was learning the importance of acknowledging the experience and knowledge of those working in the field.

“On the ground, content knowledge is so important when making big decisions for a community.

“We worked with communities to identify their needs rather than provide off-the-shelf, non-targeted interventions.’’

Stephanie considers herself lucky to have experienced rural life there, because there are very few foreigners in Cambodia.

“It was a very rural region, so this proved a beautiful experience to be able to live and work in that environment for a couple years.

“You either have a midlife crisis or you do something crazy, and that was my ’doing something crazy.’

“Apart from regaining some sort of balance in my life I got so much out of it, so much. I can’t even begin to share a real appreciation for how to work with different people.

“I have a different appreciation - there was something on Facebook today that mentioned a gentle person has generally had to overcome a lot of trauma.

“I wouldn’t say gentler, I would say I am

not as presumptive.’’

A prime example was someone telling Stephanie a story about how they took a group of Cambodian farmers to India to look at some of the first biodiesel generators in the world.

Yet by the time they imported one into Cambodia, the farmers had already built their own out of bits and pieces they found within the community.

“I think it gave me an appreciation for just how adaptable farmers are, not just there but here in Australia - they don’t take a lot of things for granted, and they just get in and get things done.

“They are always can-do people and, if they are no longer on the land, they think about what skills they have got.

“When you look at farmers, they have skills and knowledge in management, engineering, dealing with animals, welding, mechanics and logistics - supply chain management is massive.

“It’s quite unbelievable when you actually take into account the aspects that farmers have to deal with every day.

“The old saying jack of all trades is so very much a part of agriculture.’’

On her return to Queensland, Stephanie worked in Brisbane with DAF. While she had known Mark since the age of 17, it was not until Brisbane that they started dating.

“We were in our 30s but he went through a career change, and decided to move from property valuation to podiatry.

“Once he qualified for that - and we had kids - we realised there was more to life than just going to work and not seeing the boys much.

“We fell on our feet. Mark got an opportunity for him to move to Kingaroy Hospital as a podiatrist.

“So we upped and moved, with the intent of staying there a couple of years - but it ended up six.’’

Stephanie was really lucky as her roles in the department have always been fairly transferable.

A proposition was put to the department that she would do her Brisbane job from Kingaroy.

“This was years before Covid and telecommuting became popular.

“I was doing a policy role and worked remotely for a number of years until becoming more focused on the region I was living.

“That was really awesome as I was able to take my job in DAF with me.’’

Working remotely has resonated with country people, and at the same time given the wider community a different perspective.

“They can be more productive and have a better work-life balance - so, honestly, it never would’ve been thought of that someone could work from home with the kids in the school holidays like I’m doing at the moment.

“I think people are appreciating that now as we move towards post-Covid. Hopefully, people are actually appreciating that there is that ability in flexibility.’’

While working in Kingaroy, Stephanie’s role evolved to have a Wide Bay Burnett responsibility.

That allowed her to move to Gympie in a role that allows her to service the South Burnett and North Burnett quite successfully.

NEWS

Pigeon pea trials on the South Burnett. 280210

Stephanie Denman at water and sanitation project monitoring facility in Cambodia. 280210

Insect identification programs at Tuol Prech in Cambodia. 280210

Mark was able to move too, and it has given the boys a little bit more opportunity for different things - all those activities that kids want to get into but don’t necessarily have access to in a small town.

“We just moved here for the kids, and they’ve flourished,’’ Stephanie said, “... they have absolutely hit their stride here.’’

The impact of Covid on country areas has been a blessing as well as an issue.

“I think that Covid actually gave people in rural and regional Australia opportunity. I’ve got friends now who are working remotely in regional communities.

“The number of professional people who moved to regional Queensland during Covid, and are able to work remotely, is massive.

“In places such as Gympie and Bundaberg, people are coming - but the towns need to make sure they get the services - teachers and schools, health workers and hospitals.

“Kingaroy and Gympie are similar in that they are two hours from everywhere.

“Kingaroy is two hours from Toowoomba, two hours from the coast and three hours to Brisbane. Gympie is the same - so we’re able to service a wide area.

“I’m able to service from Gympie, inland to the Burnett, all the way up to Bundaberg or we can go through to Monto.

“Then we go south to Nambour.’’

It is network groups such as QRRRWN that come into their own as a support during drought and periods of difficulty.

“The Burnett was has been drought declared since 2017 - Gympie only for the past couple of years - and when you have drought communities, that impacts not just the farms but all of the businesses.

“Everything basically stops - the car dealer,

the kids going to school and away to boarding school. Children will get brought home because of lack of funds.

“There’s always been a response to drought the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS).

“They did a drought review a couple years ago now - it was pre-Covid.

“Goodness, it is all pre-Covid and post Covid now, I don’t even go by years any more.

“But they did a drought reform and a majority of the changes that have come through in this new drought structure are a result of that review.

“Now it’s very much about preparing rather than responding.

“They’re asking farmers to take the time to actually assess and develop a farm management plan.

“I think that’s integral to any farm business - they should have a farm business management plan regardless.

“It helps when you’re discussing things with the bank, it helps when you’re going for grants, it helps in every way you can imagine.

“To me, it’s starting with the end in mind.

Just develop a farm business management plan so that you actually identify what aspects of your business need to change or need to be looked into in terms of if you’re in a drought situation.

“That could be identifying water efficiency measures, identifying supplementary feeding mechanisms - how you are going to respond.

Like any disaster management plan.

“You need to actually identify what structures, what capital expenses, you need to get you ready for the next drought.

“It’s not if, but when - we’re always going to have drought cycles, that’s how things work.’’

Continued page 35

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Monthly market report brought to you by Herefords Australia.

12535648-BL08-22

Regional market round-up

By Meat & Livestock Australia Blackall 12 May The continuing wet weather led to a reduced yarding of 920 head at Blackall today. The majority of the yarding were cattle from Northwest Queensland and one large consignment from the Norther Territory. Overall quality was mixed with most cattle in the D muscle category. Despite very wet selling conditions all the usual buyers were present and operating in a dearer market. Prime cattle lifted 10c to 30c dearer while feeder and restocker steers lifted by 15c to 50c/kg compared to the sale 3 weeks ago.

Light weight restocker steers were in short supply with most ’D’ muscle lines averaging 575c to a top of 600.2c/kg. Restockers were active on the medium weight steers with those returning to the paddock reaching to 544.2c averaging 474c/kg. Heavy ‘C’ muscle feeder steers over 400kgs sold to solid demand selling to 526.2c averaging 513c while secondary lines averaged 464c/kg.

Heavy ‘C’ muscle heifers to kill lifted on previous weeks selling to 406.2c, heavy bullocks were up 27c selling to 416.2c, while a limited number of cows were penned selling to a top of 372.2c for medium weights to average 358c, up 25c/kg. Heavy cows over 500kgs also saw

strong gains selling to 374.2c/kg.

Market Reporter, Sam Hart Charters Towers 11 May Widespread rain across much of the north and west resulted in a large decrease in supply with 1869 cattle penned, 1251 fewer than last sale. Quality was mixed with fewer prime cattle -mostly consisting of one large line of northern cows, along with some good quality store steers and heifers. A major road closure prevented one processor and opportunity restockers from attending, however there was strong competition for lighter cattle. Value changes were reflective of quality, with light steers improving by 30c to 40c, heifers increased by up to 30c while heavy cows to processors averaged 4c/kg higher. Cattle were predominantly drawn from Normanton, Croydon, Cloncurry, Greenvale.

Light steer calves to restockers sold to 738.2c while a good sample of vealer steers topped at 624.2c to average 602c/kg. Good quality vealer heifers to restockers sold to 580.2c to average 520c/kg. Yearling steers above 280kg to restockers reached 492.2c to average 423c to 492c and heavy yearling steers above 400kg to feed sold to and averaged 414c/ kg. Mixed quality yearling heifers above 280kg to feed reached 402.2c to average 384c/kg.

25 Hereford 2yr old Bulls

There were insufficient grown steers and heifers to reliably quote. Medium weight 2 score cows to processors reached 304.2c to average the same, while 3 scores topped at 354.2c to average 325c/kg. A small sample of heavy bulls to feed destined for live export sold to 370.2c to average 323 to 362c/kg. A large sample of young males returning to grass sold to 680.2c to average 608c/kg.

Market Reporter, Mick Kingham Dalby 18 May Continuing widespread rain across the state cancelled a number of cattle sales. and reduced the supply of stock at Dalby to 1,935 head. Included in the smaller lineup was 463 head from Birdsville with the remaining 1,472 from the limited local supply areas. Export buyer attendance was good however not all were operating.

The usual feed and trade buyers plus restockers were in attendance and active in the market. Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock averaged 20c/kg better.

Yearling steers to feed sold to strong demand for the quality penned. Most classes of light and medium weight yearling heifers receive strong support, however heavy weight yearling heifers to feed improved in price. Heavy grown steers and bullocks generally sold to firm demand.

The small yarding of cows sold within a few

cents of the previous weeks level.

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to a top of 760c with a good sample averaging 690c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market averaged from 572c to 607c with sales to 688c, with some in the same weight range returning to the paddock making to 760c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed averaged 524c and made to 548c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock made to a top of 672c with a good sample averaging 603c/kg. Yearling heifers to feed averaged from 479c to 571c with sales to 654c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers to feed made to 518c to average 501c/kg.

A fair sample of heavy grown steers and bullocks averaged 421c and 424c respectively with some to the wholesale meat trade reaching 470c/kg. Full mouth bullocks from far Western districts averaged 407c and made to 412c/kg. Medium weight plain condition cows returning to the paddock made to 370c to average 352c/kg. Good heavy weight cows to export processors averaged 370c with some to 376c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 346c/kg.

Cows and calves made to $3,800/unit.

Please note that this market was reported remotely without the physical presence of the MLA Livestock Market Reporter.

Market Reporter, Trevor Hess

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32 TODAY June 2022

Monthly market report brought to you by Herefords Australia.

12535648-BL08-22

Emerald 5 May With no market last week Emerald vendors penned an increased yarding of 2910 head up 1,430 head on the sale of 21st April 2022.

Quality was very mixed in the smaller yearling classes, however grown cattle included some well finished bullocks and cows. Cattle came mostly from local areas. The usual panel of feeders and processors were operating with values improving for the majority of the yard.

Light weight yearling steers topped at 778c/ kg to record averages from 681c to 737c/kg for well bred lines. Medium and heavy pens averaged 520c to 610c/kg again for well bred pens. Yearling heifers also improved with sales to 654c/kg for light pens which averaged 484c to 598c/kg. The medium and heavy lines averaged 469c to 569c/kg relative to the breeding and types on offer.

Grown steers selling to feedlots averaged 434c to 495c/kg with sales topping at 550c/ kg. Processors purchased bullocks to a top of 428c/kg to average 426c/kg. A few grown heifers went to feed to average 426c to 430c/ kg. Grown heifers sold to the trade to a top of 448c/kg and average 408c to 423c/kg with restockers paying to 534c/kg.

Cows to restockers topped at 316c/kg whilst heavy four score cows averaged 362c/kg. Most heavy bulls went to live export to average 368c/kg. Cows and calves sold for $2,800 to $2,900 per unit.

Market Reporter, Richard Thomson Roma 10 May Numbers held steady at 2,815 at the Roma Store with the smaller yarding attributed to the widespread rain across the supply area.

Cattle were drawn from a wide supply area, with limited numbers of local cattle yarded, and the overall quality varied. A smaller buying panel was present and operating, including all regular processors. Overall the market varied with price fluctuations reflective of quality variations, however restocker competition remained strong on quality lines of light weight steers which saw top end prices improve but overall averages ease in places, while processor competition improved for cows. Medium weight feeder steers rose by 1c to 12c, while heavy feeders fell by 6c/kg. Heifers mostly eased with medium weight heifers to feed down by 32c/kg. Cows experienced gains with heavy weight prime cows up by 9c/kg.

The continued limited numbers of light weight yearling steers under 200kg sold to a top of 788.2c to average 642c/kg. Yearling steers under 280kg to restockers made to 770.2c to average 672c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers under 330kg to restockers sold to 716.2c to average 640c/kg. Yearling steers under 400kg to restockers made to 648.2c to average 601c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed reached a top of 544.2c to average 513c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers under 200kg to restockers were also in limited supply and made to 662.2c to average 560c/kg. Yearling heifers under 280kg to restockers made to 656.2c to average 569c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers under 330kg to restockers sold to 626.2c to average 583c/kg. Yearling heifers under 400kg to feed reached a top of 584.2c to average 528c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers to restockers made to 518.2c to average 463/c/ kg.

Grown steers reached 430.2c to average 421c/kg. The largest sample of grown heifers

under 540kg made to 418.2c to average 400c/ kg. Quality Angus red tag PTIC cows to restockers sold at open auction to a top of $2,725/ head. Medium weight prime cows made to 374.2c to average 368c/kg. Heavy weight prime cows reached a top of 386.2c to average 376c/ kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 388.2c to average 363c/kg. The small number of cows and calves yarded sold to a top of $2,900/unit.

Market Reporter, Sherrill Stivano Toowoomba 9 May Within no sales for three weeks due to the public holidays, and with rain across the supply area and more heavy rain forecast reduced numbers to 308 head at the Toowoomba cattle sale. The regular feed and trade buyers were in attendance and operating plus a good lineup of restockers. Young cattle dominated the selling pens, with only a handful of grown cattle penned. Restockers and feeder buyers provided very strong support across all classes of suitable stock. Grown cattle were to small in numbers to reliably quote.

Light weight yearling steers under 200kg made to 702c to average 694c/kg. Yearling steers under 280kg averaged 652c and made to 670c/kg. Yearling steers in the 280 to 330kg range returning to the paddock made to 644c to average 641c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market made to 622c a good sample averaging 557c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed made to 558c to average 522c/ kg. Light weight yearling heifers to restockers made to the occasional 600c to average 560c/ kg. Yearling heifers to feed averaged from 531c to 536c, with some to restockers making to 598c/kg.

A couple of bullocks to export processors made to 434c/kg. A handful of cows made to 328c/kg. Light weight steers sold open auction made to $1,240/head. Cows and calves made to $3,300/unit.

Market Reporter, Trevor Hess Warwick Sheep Sales 18 May Numbers remained the same as last week at the Warwick sheep sale with 859 total which included 693 lambs and 166 grown sheep.

The quality and finish of the trade and heavy weight lambs improved which saw prices lift on these lines. Light weight ewe lambs again meet very strong competition from the large panel of restockers present. The regular processors, wholesalers and butchers were present and operating along with several feeder operators.

Light weight lambs to restockers averaged $138 and sold to $141/head. Ewe lambs in the 18-20kg range made $207 with the wether portion selling to feeder operators at $165 to average $158/head. Butcher weight lambs averaged $182 and sold to $199/head. Trade weight lambs to the wholesale meat market made $214 to average $210/head. Heavy lambs to processors sold to $250 and averaged $219/ head.

Well presented heavy hoggets to processors averaged $213 and made to $219/head.

Light conditioned ewes sold for $127 to average $103/head. Good young wethers averaged $161 and sold to $186/head. Full mouth dorper rams to restockers made $300/head. Ewes and lambs sold for $242/unit.

Market Reporter, Errol Luck

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June 2022 TODAY 33

country k tchens recipes Healthy Sausage Rolls Discretionary Food

Serves: 12 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-30 minutes ½ serve per portion

Ingredients: • 1 small carrot, grated • ¼ butternut pumpkin, peeled and grated • 1 small zucchini, grated • ½ small brown onion, finely diced • 3 cloves garlic, crushed • ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped • 500g lean beef mince • Cracked pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons Italian herbs • 3 sheets puff pastry, reduced fat • Milk, to brush • Sesame seeds

Note: These work well as meatballs too! Simply add an egg to the mixture then roll into balls. Either bake in the oven until golden and cooked through, or fry with some olive oil in a pan.

Method: • PREHEAT oven to 180ºC. • SQUEEZE excess liquid out of carrot, pumpkin and zucchini and add to a large bowl.

• ADD onion, garlic, walnuts, lean mince, pepper and herbs to the vegetable mix and combine well.

• CUT the three sheets of pastry down the centre to make 6 pieces.

• PLACE a lengthwise sausage shape of mixture in the centre of each piece of pastry. Roll the pastry over meat and use the milk to stick edges together.

• BRUSH milk over the pastry and sprinkle with sesame seeds on top.

• CUT each sausage roll into bite sized portions and place on a baking tray, lined with baking paper.

• BAKE for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown and mince is cooked through. * Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens team

Lemon Myrtle and Macadamia Dukkah Makes: 5 small jars Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes

Everyday Food

Ingredients • ½ cup macadamias, roughly chopped • ¼ cup sunflower seeds • 1/3 cup sesame seeds • ¼ cup cumin seeds • 2 tablespoons ground coriander • 2 teaspoons ground lemon myrtle • ½ teaspoon vegetable stock powder

Method: • PREHEAT frypan over medium heat.

• TOAST macadamias, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds for approximately 5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

• TRANSFER to a plate to cool.

• COMBINE all ingredients in large bowl and mix well.

• STORE in an airtight container. * Recipe courtesy of Meg O’Donnell, Country Kitchens team

Empowering women through education and health is a priority for the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA). The QCWA Country Kitchens program, funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supports Queenslanders to adopt healthier lifestyles. To find out more about the program visit https://qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/.

34 TODAY June 2022

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

networkclassifieds.com.au

Trades & Services V Water Solutions 12536796-AV08-22

WATER BORE DRILLING 4TH GENERATION DRILLERS

Professional service | Specialists in irrigation & stock bores

From page 31 The new drought program homes in on understanding a business and understanding what can be changed, adapted, or put in place - so that the next drought doesn’t have as big an impact as the previous An initial grant is to give the growers and graziers the skills, or the people they need, to implement that.

Once the farm business management plan is approved through Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) they get access to a $50,000 co-funded package from the State and Federal governments.

That helps the farmers implement the actions they identified to assist in droughtproofing their property.

“If they still haven’t implemented all the actions they wanted, they have access to a loan system - again through QRIDA - that can assist them to top up that grant.

“But that’s a loan that does need to be repaid.’’

To Stephanie, it just makes good business sense to prepare for a rainy day, but also that we need to prepare for the non-rainy days.

Apart from natural disasters, staffing and labour is a massive issue in rural communities.

“Actually it’s everywhere, and it’s across the whole eastern seaboard pretty much, the housing crisis has been exacerbated in this region with the flooding and all of the capital works taking place.

“That impacts agri-business which is trying to attract workers to their properties.

“The whole backpacker market pre-Covid - they are quite happy to stay in tents, in the local caravan park or rough it because that’s all part of the adventure.

“But workers who want to live in a rural community, and want be part of the community, aren’t necessarily happy with staying in a tent.

“The shortfalls in regional housing has been exacerbated by those professionals who are looking for homes for their families as well.

“I think it’s a multi-pronged issue, and it’s something that Local, State and Federal government need to be looking at.’’

Stefanie also shared some of the department’s current opportunities for farmers seeking to venture into new territory.

She said the department was looking for anyone with a broadacre operation and willing to try growing pigeon peas.

Once harvested, they are used for such things as making dahl bread, but the peas can also be good for crop rotation.

As the world moves to a more consumerdriven food market, the need for ethical and sustainable production methods will come into play.

“There are a whole lot of changes in crops that Covid has brought - we are seeing a consumer-driven market changing market preferences.

“They change the way we cook, we shop and we grow.

“Tastes have changed, people are cooking at home more and there are these new

home delivery businesses.’’

Traceability of produce is another factor coming in with the whole farm-to-home or farm-to-direct marketing model.

The origin of the product will become something the Wide Bay Burnett can sell.

It’s telling the story of the farm, the family and the background behind that - you think about it, years ago everyone had a connection to a farm whether it be the grandparents or family.

You don’t have that connection to the farm any more, but a video that introduces you to the farmer and shows you around - things like that will potentially come into prominence.

Consumer demand will become more and more of an issue, especially with re-certifications and environmentally sustainable production methodologies.

Best management programs will be incredibly astute, as well as the need to document the procedures and production systems.

Having processes like this in place legitimises what they’re doing and how they’ve been operating.

Other changes in agriculture include low food miles from farms to markets, fair treatment of animals, erosion control and watercourse protection, and not over-fertilising the land.

Carbon farming is only in its infancy so there’s a long way to go before it becomes common practice or implemented on a wide scale.

The rise in popularity of community and farmer markets has highlighted the need to be less reliant on national distribution.

“Look what happened with Covid - and then the floods hit.

“When you have centralised distribution it does not take much to break down. It shows where the weaknesses are.’’

Stephanie considers her role to be a gatekeeper for the department and for growers.

“Like anything in business, no-one knows it all, and I don’t either by any means.

“But in running any business, there’s so many aspects that you need to be on top of.

“Whether it be workforce planning, farm business management, production technologies, admin tech - there are so many different aspects.

“My role is to help ease the burden of finding out where to get the information from, but also just talking to people.

“If they’ve found a pinch-point in their business that they’re not quite sure how to work through, they can sit down with me and we can go through it.

“We assess what the possible options might be for them to deal with it.

“If it’s a staffing issue, we can work through the different options that might be out there to recruit and retain staff.

“If it’s a tech or production issue, we’ll find professionals or specialists in that field to help work through that problem.

“You don’t know what you don’t know. But you can come and ask me and we can work through it together.’’

General Classifieds

Employment

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General Manager Saleyards (1063) About: • Roma, QLD • Fixed-term (3 year) Contract • Performance based contract to achieve key performance indicators (KPI) in accordance with the Performance Plan and as directed by Council’s CEO • Create and implement commercial business opportunities • Executive leadership position which contributes to strategic and corporate planning • Operate in a context that is subject to constant regulatory, economic, and social change • Build stakeholder relationships within and beyond the Maranoa Region.

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Context: As a member of the Office of the CEO, the successful incumbent will form constructive and productive relationships within and outside the Commercial Business team, including internal executives, to make sure that commercial business opportunities and concerns are raised appropriately for sound decision making by Council.

To view the Application Package and Position Description visit: www.maranoa.qld.gov.au/careers More information about the Roma Saleyards: The Roma Saleyards is the largest cattle selling centre in Australia, with 275,258 cattle sold through the yards in the 2019/20 financial year.

Motoring V Caravans & Trailers

The saleyards, which are known for their record breaking sales, are the number one choice for many graziers in Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

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Being both National Saleyard Quality Assurance (NSQA) and European Union (EU) accredited, Roma Saleyards offer a modern, safe and fully maintained facility situated on almost 50 hectares.

To apply: Upload your application (including Covering letter & Resume) to Council website www.maranoa.qld.gov.au/careers by closing date.

Closing date: 5:00pm Monday, 6 June 2022 (Unless otherwise extended) For more information: Website: www.maranoa.qld.gov.au Telephone: 1300 007 662

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Employment section of Network Classifieds. networkclassifieds.com.au June 2022 TODAY 35

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

William Bannister, 12, this year qualified to compete in all four strokes at both state school and state sprint championships in Brisbane.

William Bannister of Chinchilla made the South West regional team to compete at the state school swimming championships in Brisbane.

Impressive pool of talent

By Fiona Gowers Superior facilities and a full-time coach has helped shine the spotlight on the Chinchilla “Sharks” Swimming Club, with 15 of its members this year making the state school championships in Brisbane.

To progress to the “pinnacle of the season” each had to qualify at a school, district and regional level, as well as meet tough-as-nails qualifying times.

Club president Julieanne Bannister also credits Swimming Australia’s Junior Excellence (JX) program.

The JX was established in 2007 to recognise, reward and incentivise junior swimmers on their swimming journey, learning and refining as they developed into senior swimmers.

Each year, Swimming Australia releases the JX criteria and standards for the upcoming

season, which swimmers, parents and coaches can use as targets throughout the year.

Swimmers aged from nine to 13 years, who achieve times set by Swimming Australia, qualify at gold, silver, bronze or blue standard, depending on their best performance/s during the season.

“This year, our club had the most members make the South West regional team to compete at the state school swimming championships,“ Mrs Bannister said.

“So I was anticipating we would do quite well with our state qualifiers based on the JX information.”

Mrs Bannister said the electronic timing systems now available at regional pools and the increased training sessions offered had leveled the city/ country playing field “as such”.

“We always tell our kids, ‘the city kids,

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they’ve got the nutritionist, the physiotherapists and the psychologist and all they’re doing is the sport of swimming’,” she said.

“With my son Will, he finished at the state championships at 11am and was playing touch at 6pm that night.

“I don’t think many elite (junior) swimmers would have been doing that.”

All three of Mrs Bannister’s boys have made finals at the state school championships, with the eldest two, now aged 19 and 21, retiring from the sport when they left school.

This year, William, 12, qualified to compete in all four strokes at both state school and state sprint championships.

He achieved personal best times in backstroke, breastroke and butterfly.

“It’s a nice reward for a season of training and dedication,” Mrs Bannister said. “The goal

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“When you see the hurdles put in place to get there, to be determined enough to not say, ‘oh well, stuff it’ I think shows strength of character.

“It certainly takes a village at a country swimming club to get your junior members to a state qualifying point. But, I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for our country swimmers to get.”

Chinchilla’s swimming coach Michael Steepe offers training each day - morning and afternoon - through three tiers, gold, silver and bronze.

“And, being country kids, they’ve got other sports on, they’re doing everything,” Mrs Bannister said.

“I am so proud of our junior swimmers and of our supportive little club.”

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36 TODAY June 2022